cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cholinomimetic Agents that Inhibit In Vitro Fertilization in the Mouse Evidence for a Sperm‐Specific Binding Site

Spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of the mouse bind 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), a highly specific antagonist of the muscarinic type of acetylcholine receptor; inhibition of in vitro fertilization of mouse eggs parallels this binding. Characterization of 3H-QNB binding to mouse spermatozoa by means of Scatchard and Hill plots showed a single class of non-interacting sites with KD = 5 nM. The stereospecificity of this site was determined by testing the ability of specific probes to displace competitively 3H-QNB bound to spermatozoa. Unlabeled QNB, atropine, and scopolamine, which are antagonists of muscarinic receptors, and carbamylcholine and muscarine, which are agonists, competed with 3H-QNB for the spermatozoon binding site. Propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PrBCM), a specific, irreversible antagonist of muscarinic sites, did not compete for the 3H-QNB binding site. Those compounds that occupied the QNB binding site on mouse spermatozoa also inhibited the fertilization of the zonapellucida-intact mouse eggs in vitro, whereas PrBCM, which did not occupy the binding site, had no effect on fertilization. There was a close correspondence between the affinity of these compounds for the QNB binding site and their ability to inhibit fertilization. This correspondence held for both agonists and antagonists of muscarinic sites. From these results, we conclude that the 3H-QNB binding site of mouse spermatozoa differs from the conventional class of muscarinic sites: while the steric requirements are similar, they are far from identical. This fact suggests that compounds could be synthesized that would be potent inhibitors of fertilization by binding on the sperm surface, but would have no effect on neural tissues. Such compounds would offer a new approach to the design of male fertility control agents.
Online education: a survey of faculty and students.

Objective This study examines faculty and student perspectives related to online learning. Method Baccalaureate-degree radiologic technology students and graduate nursing students were surveyed to determine their support for online education. Additionally, faculty at the same institution who were experienced in online teaching were surveyed. Results The results in this study agreed with some aspects from the body of knowledge on online learning.
Plutonium and Reprocessing of Spent Nuclear Fuel

The May 2001 report of the National Energy Policy Development Group, chaired by Vice President Cheney recommended that the U.S. reexamine its opposition to the reprocessing of spent nuclear-power-reactor fuel. Past opposition has been based on the fear that reprocessing would make it easier for governments or terrorist groups to acquire separated plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons. As described by von Hippel in this Policy Forum, this concern still appears valid. Furthermore, the economic costs of reprocessing are likely to continue to be high and its environmental benefits questionable.
Dyslipidemia in Nephrotic Syndrome

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly prevalent in the general population and is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. There are numerous factors that contribute to this health problem, including hypertension, disordered calcium homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction. Dyslipidemia is another prominent feature of the CKD syndrome that potentiates the development of atherosclerosis and the risk of premature cardiovascular events. The impact of kidney disease on lipid metabolism varies, depending on the underlying renal disorder. Thus, the presence or absence of nephrotic syndrome, the stage of kidney failure, and concomitant medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus yield varying effects on lipid synthesis, degradation, and clearance. This chapter examines the lipid profile, underlying pathophysiological mechanism, and treatment of the dyslipidemia observed in patients with nephrotic syndrome, CKD, and diabetic nephropathy.
Isoxazole Annelation Reaction: 1‐Methyl‐4,4a,5,6,7,8‐Hexahydronaphthalen‐2(3H)‐One

Isoxazole Annelation Reaction: 1-Methyl-4,4a,5,6,7,8-Hexahydronaphthalen-2(3H)-ONE intermediate: 3-ethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-5-methylisoxazole intermediate: 4-chloromethyl-3-ethyl-5-methylisoxazole intermediate: 2-(3-ethyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolylmethyl)cyclohexanone product: 1-methyl-4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalen-2(3H)-one Keywords: alkylation, C-alkylation; annulation, carbocyclic-[6]; cyclization, condensation; decarboxylation; hydrolysis, esters and lactones; hydrolysis, miscellaneous; reduction, miscellaneous; N,N-dimethylformamide; hydrogen, fire hazard; hydrogenation apparatus, parr
Crop Coefficients Derived from Reflected Canopy Radiation: A Concept

ABSTRACT SIMILARITIES between the crop coefficient curve and a vegetation index showed potential for modeling a vegetation index into a crop coefficient. Therefore, the possibility of directly estimating the crop coefficient from measured reflectance properties of a crop/soil scene was investigated. Reflected canopy radiation in the 0.63 to 0.69 jwm and 0.76 to 0.90 jjim band widths was measured normal to and two meters above corn (Zea mays L.), and the normalized difference (ND) vegetation index was computed. The seasonal ND curve was curvilinear and resembled the basal crop coefficient (K^b) curve for corn. Leaf area index and canopy shading were 3.2 and 77.6%, respectively, when the ND reached its maximum valvue. A linear transformation of the ND was developed by equating the ND at effective cover and for dry, bare soil at the experimental site to the K^b at effective cover and for dry soil evaporation, respectively. This transformation produced a seasonal curve very similar to the basal crop coefficient curve and was named the basal spectral crop coefficient (K^J. Crop coefficients derived from spectral measurements are independent of the usual time base parameters, planting date and effective cover date, associated with traditional crop coefficients. Thus, the basal spectral crop coefficient is a real-time crop coefficient that permits the crop to express its response to weather, management practices, and stresses.
Origin of the linear tunneling conductance background.

Tunnel junctions often have conductances that are linear in voltage over wide voltage ranges. Although this linear conductance background has received much attention recently in connection with the high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ superconductors, it is found in many systems. Previous work has shown that the discontinuity in slope of the linear conductance background at zero bias is thermally smeared by \ensuremath{\sim}5kT, consistent with inelastic tunneling from a broad, flat continuum of states. In this paper we concentrate on a particular system, junctions with ${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ in the barrier region, in which the size of the effect can be adjusted by changing the barrier composition. Careful analysis of the Pb strong-coupling phonon structure in Al-${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-Pb junctions is consistent with the inelastic-tunneling hypothesis, and inconsistent with a voltage-dependent matrix-element explanation for this effect. Suppression of the Al gap signature, as well as Zeeman splitting of the conductance background near zero bias, indicates that strong spin interactions occur in the barrier region in these junctions. We present Monte Carlo simulations of multiple-scattering strong inelastic tunneling to explain the very wide voltage range over which the linear background occurs. We argue that the same basic mechanism is probably responsible for the linear background in junctions involving high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ junctions as for the junctions studied in detail here.
The Risk and Complications of Aspiration Following Cricopharyngeal Myotomy

This article reviews a series of patients undergoing cricopharyngeal myotomy and determines whether clinically dangerous aspiration is seen postoperatively. A total of 23 patients underwent myotomy. Indications included Zenker's diverticulum (14), anticipated or real dysphagia from skull base lesions (5), dysphagia from stroke (2), and dysphagia from glossectomy and radiation therapy (2). Surgical procedures, complications, and effectiveness were reviewed. Of patients with Zenker's diverticula, 13 of 14 had clinically useful improvement in dysphagia. Of patients with skull base lesions, all 5 had improvement (4 of these also had thyroplasites and cervical plexus-to-superior laryngeal nerve anastomoses). Of the patients with strokes, neither had significant improvement. Of the patients with glossectomy and radiation, 1 had useful improvement. Complications were seen in 5 patients: 2 had self-limiting pharyngeal leaks, and 3 had pneumonia 1-4 months postoperatively. One patient also had a postoperative ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. There were no postoperative deaths. In conclusion, cricopharyngeal myotomy has definite utility in the management of cervical dysphagia, even though the etiology of the dysphagia can be multifactorial. Risks directly attributable to the procedure are usually self-limiting; serious complications are usually associated with the underlying disease. The addition of adjunctive procedures, such as thyroplasty and superior laryngeal nerve reinnervation, may be of additional benefit to patients with high extracranial vagal injuries.
Structural and orientation effects on electronic energy transfer between silicon quantum dots with dopants and with silver adsorbates.

Starting from the atomic structure of silicon quantum dots (QDs), and utilizing ab initio electronic structure calculations within the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) treatment, a model has been developed to characterize electronic excitation energy transfer between QDs. Electronic energy transfer rates, KEET, between selected identical pairs of crystalline silicon quantum dots systems, either bare, doped with Al or P, or adsorbed with Ag and Ag3, have been calculated and analyzed to extend previous work on light absorption by QDs. The effects of their size and relative orientation on energy transfer rates for each system have also been considered. Using time-dependent density functional theory and the hybrid functional HSE06, the FRET treatment was employed to model electronic energy transfer rates within the dipole-dipole interaction approximation. Calculations with adsorbed Ag show that: (a) addition of Ag increases rates up to 100 times, (b) addition of Ag3 increases rates up to 1000 times, (c) collinear alignment of permanent dipoles increases transfer rates by an order of magnitude compared to parallel orientation, and (d) smaller QD-size increases transfer due to greater electronic orbitals overlap. Calculations with dopants show that: (a) p-type and n-type dopants enhance energy transfer up to two orders of magnitude, (b) surface-doping with P and center-doping with Al show the greatest rates, and (c) KEET is largest for collinear permanent dipoles when the dopant is on the outer surface and for parallel permanent dipoles when the dopant is inside the QD.
Nicotine withdrawal suppresses nicotinic modulation of long‐term potentiation induction in the hippocampal CA1 region

We have previously reported that acute and chronic nicotine exposure lower the threshold for long-term potentiation (LTP) induction in the rat hippocampal CA1 region, and acute application of nicotine in the chronic-nicotine-treated hippocampus further reduces the threshold. However, it is unknown how withdrawal from chronic nicotine exposure affects the induction of LTP. Here, we show that, following nicotine withdrawal, the threshold for LTP induction fluctuates before returning to the basal level and acute nicotine is no longer effective in lowering the threshold at 4 days after withdrawal. Chronic nicotine-induced enhancement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor responses slowly diminishes and returns to the control level by 8 days of withdrawal. In 4-day-withdrawn hippocampi, there is functional up-regulation of postsynaptic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on interneurons in the stratum radiatum, whereas the release of γ-aminobutyric acid from their terminals is reduced. In both control and chronic nicotine-exposed hippocampi, acute nicotine depresses monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded in pyramidal cells but has almost no effect at 4 days of withdrawal. The lack of effect is due, at least in part, to the loss of a presynaptic nicotine effect. These withdrawal-induced changes are accompanied by decreases in normal nicotine-induced enhancement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor responses, which may be responsible for the lack of acute nicotine-mediated facilitation of LTP induction in 4-day-withdrawn hippocampi. These withdrawal-induced changes may contribute to the cellular basis of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and, thus, nicotine dependence.
Determination of Eubacterial and Cyanobacterial Size and Number in Lake Baikal Using Epifluorescence

Chroococcoid cyanobacteria, (mean size = 0.79 μm, likely Synchetocystis limnetica Popovsk) and total eubacteria (mean size = 0.33 μm), from Lake Baikal, USSR, were enumerated using epifluorescence microscopy and sized with image analysis. Bacterial densities ranged from 0.44 · 106 cells ml−1 at 250 m to 2.3 · 106 cells ml−1 at the surface. Mean eubacterial abundance was 1.3 · 106 cells ml−1. Cyanobacterial densities were more variable, ranging from 0.42 · 104 cells ml−1 at 250 m to 9.8 · 104 cells ml−1 at the surface, with a mean abundance of 2.7 · 104 cells ml−1. The cyanobacteria, in particular, occurred in clusters resembling “marine snow”. Our results indicate that Lake Baikal picoplankton size and density are similar to other large lakes but may have a more diverse community structure than in other large oligotrophic lakes.
Predictability of the effects of race or ethnicity on pharmacokinetics of drugs.

The International Conference on Harmonization has put forth a tripartite guideline addressing mechanisms by which regulatory agencies might be able to accept foreign clinical data. A major issue is the effect of ethnicity on the drug's pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and/or safety. The purpose of this review was to determine whether the effects of ethnicity on pharmacokinetics are predictable. We also evaluated whether the premise that only pharmacokinetic processes which are biologically or biochemically mediated are likely to exhibit ethnic differences was supported by the literature. Bioavailability is determined by absorption, gut metabolism/transport and hepatic first pass metabolism. Absorption is usually a passive process and, as would be expected, no examples of ethnic differences in passive absorption were found in the literature. Direct evaluation of ethnic differences in gut metabolism/transport or hepatic first pass metabolism is largely lacking, although some studies suggest such differences exist. These differences would also be expected based on known ethnic differences in hepatic clearance of drugs. Ethnic differences in plasma protein-binding to the two major drug-binding proteins, alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and albumin, have been studied in several populations. Based on these studies, ethnic differences in plasma protein-binding for drugs which bind exclusively to albumin (e.g. acids) are uncommon. Conversely, ethnic differences in plasma protein-binding of drugs to AGP appear to be very common, with the studies consistently showing Caucasians have higher binding (lower plasma free fractions) than other ethnic groups. This difference appears, in all cases, to be explained by racial differences in plasma AGP concentration. Hepatic metabolism is the most common pharmacokinetic parameter for which there are ethnic differences. Differences have been documented in both oxidative and conjugative metabolism. Ethnic differences in hepatic metabolism are unpredictable by race (e.g. one racial group is not consistently higher or lower than another group) and specific enzyme (e.g. studies with different CYP3A4 substrates have yielded different results). Ethnic differences in renal tubular secretion have been documented, but also appear to be unpredictable, while differences in the passive processes of renal elimination, filtration and reabsorption, have not been observed. The literature supports the premise that pharmacokinetic processes which are active (e.g. involve a protein) are the ones with the potential for differences between ethnic groups while passive pharmacokinetic processes do not exhibit such differences. Based on the available literature, the drugs most likely to exhibit ethnic differences in their pharmacokinetics are those that undergo significant gut metabolism/transport and/or hepatic first pass metabolism; are highly bound to plasma proteins (especially AGP); or have hepatic metabolism as a major route of elimination.
Endocrine function in children acutely following severe traumatic brain injury

Despite the prevalence of frontal injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults and children with potentially concomitant hypothalamic and pituitary involvement, endocrine dysfunction acutely following TBI has not been well studied in children. To study the acute pediatric endocrine response after severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8), an endocrine panel, including cortisol, ACTH, TSH, T3, T4, free T4, GH, and prolactin levels, were obtained in 37 children (1–17 years) on the day of injury and post-injury days (PID) 3 and 7. Outcome was determined at 6-month follow-up using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) extended modified for pediatric patients (GOS-E Peds) to compare “good” (GOS-E Peds 1–2) to “poor” (GOS-E Peds 3–5) outcomes. Our results showed that following severe TBI in children, cortisol was significantly elevated (24.46 ± 13.41 μg/dL) on PID 1 along with ACTH but then returned to normal (10.14–19.92 μg/dL) by PID 3; 46% and 14% of children had a low cortisol and ACTH (<10.14 and <2, respectively) in the acute period. In summary, the cortisol response to trauma and stress in the acute period following severe TBI in the majority of children was altered, though seemingly appropriate cortisol was abnormally low in a significant percentage of children. Further study as to the significance of these findings is needed, but this study provides preliminary insight into the potential impact of severe TBI on the acute response of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis in children.
A Fundamental Group for Dynamical Systems III: Simple Compactifications

Abstract This paper continues exploration of a recent homotopy construction for group-sets. It characterizes the fundamental group of the standard one point and two point compactifications of . Each is a free profinite group on two generators. However, the canonical morphism between them does not induce an isomorphism on homotopy groups.
Greening organizations 2000

Environmentalism will be one of the most potent forces of economic, social, and political change in this decade. By the year 2000, organizations and organizational theory will need to transform themselves dramatically to accommodate environmental concerns. Despite the rise of environmentalism over the last two decades, organizations and organizational theories have failed to adequately address environmental concerns. This paper examines this failure and proposes new concepts and a framework for greening organizations.
Sophorolipid Production from Different Lipid Precursors Observed with Lc-ms

Abstract An HPLC-MSn system was used to quantify and identify the structures of individual sophorolipid components produced in Torulopsis bombicola fermentation on glucose with or without hexadecane or soybean oil. With glucose alone, the SL production was minimal and the products were complex mixtures with mainly acidic SLs. The SLs produced with glucose plus soybean oil were also complex, containing both lactonic and acidic SLs with saturated and unsaturated C16 and C18 fatty acid moieties. The glucose plus hexadecane system gave the highest production rate and product selectivity, forming primarily two diacetylated lactonic isomers with palmitate as the fatty acid moiety. A close structure correspondence between the SL’s lipid moiety and the lipid precursor used was observed. The change of the composition of SL mixtures along batch fermentation was further examined. The concentrations of acidic SLs increased very gradually throughout the process. The production of lactonic SLs became appreciable following the addition of hexadecane or soybean oil at 24 h, and increased much more rapidly after the culture reached the stationary phase. The combined percentage of the main lactonic SLs leveled off at ∼ 80% for the hexadecane system and ∼ 50% for the soybean oil system. The yields of crude SLs were 0.84, 0.20, and 0.03 g per gram of hexadecane, soybean oil, and glucose consumed during the SL production phase. Hexadecane is thus a more efficient second C-source for sophorolipid production.
Consequences of diffusion theory for shrinkage of concrete

The paper reviews the known consequences of diffusion theory for the mathematical modelling of shrinkage, including the size dependence of drying half-time, and the initial and final asymptotic shapes of the time curves of total moisture loss, to which shrinkage is proportional. The mathematical arguments are extended and presented with greater rigour and generality than before, taking the non-linearity of the diffusion equation as well as ageing into account.
Spread of prostatic cancer to bone.

Selective metastasis is the formation of secondary tumors in an organ pattern that is peculiar. The reason for specific organ localization has not been established. I Clearly, prostatic carcinoma selectively spreads to bone. The predilection of prostatic cancer to metastasize to bone has been recognized since Thompson’ reported the very first case. In this review., the mechanisms of this metastasis to bone and the response within bone will be emphasized. Staging of carcinoma of the prostate is difficult because of a lack of absoluteness in clinical, surgical, and autopsy staging. Still, the concept is widespread that prostatic carcinoma begins as a small focus (Stage A) which, after some dormant period, enlarges to a palpable nodule (Stage B). After growing through the prostatic capsule (Stage C), the tumor spreads in an orderly manner through the pelvic lymph nodes (Stage :Dl), up the periaortic nodes, and then to bone. Whitmore, however, has pointed out that the natural history of prostatic carcinoma is unpredictable, which certainly confounds treatment regimens. Approximately 40 per cent of patients, hoveever, do present with Stage D disease with most of these having bone metastases. Metastases to bone occurs late in the natural history of each particular tumor, and patients with bone metastases are not expected to survive five years. Yet, 20 per cent of cases of Stage D carcinoma of the prostate do survive five yearse4 Patients with prostatic carcinoma die of their tumor,4.s but it takes them a long time to do so compared with other tumors. This might account for some of the increase in the number of bone metasases; that is patients with other carcinomas may die before clinical bone metastases become apparent. However, prostatic cancer not only metastasizes to and flourishes in bone, but also seems to exclude other sites, at least clinically.
Classification scheme for adiabatic hyperspherical potential curves for dtμ-like systems

A quantum three-body Coulomb system of two heavy and one light particles (m1≫m3,m2≫m3) is considered in the framework of the adiabatic hyperspherical approach. Two sets of approximate quantum numbers are found that specify the adiabatic hyperspherical potential curves at small and large hyperradii. A complete classification scheme is obtained for the potential curves of the mesic moleculedtμ.
How Easily the World May Be Begun: British History, American Newness, and National Identity

Le lien entre identite nationale et histoire collective - une histoire partagee, commune - est une question recurrente dans la litterature sur le nationalisme. L'A. explore la place de l'Amerique et des Americains dans l'histoire britannique, avant la periode de la Revolution, et correlativement le role de cette histoire dans la formation de l'identite nationale britannique. Trois elements contribuent a la reponse a cette question : le role du paysage dans la memoire historique ; les recits de fondation respectifs des deux territoires ; et l'asynchronie des lignes de temps americaine et britannique
The Science of Leading Yourself: A Missing Piece in the Health Care Transformation Puzzle

Personal transformation is a prerequisite for sustainable transformation of our health care system. Integrating research from the language sciences, phenomenology, psychology and neurobiology, this article reviews the science of leading oneself. Because this “inward” journey can be alien and disorienting, the Language Leadership Performance Model is helpful in illustrating the relationship between the circumstances the leader is dealing with (the leadership challenge), the context (point of view) the leader brings to that challenge, and the leader’s way of being and acting (the definitive source of the leader’s performance). Using language, effective leaders reframe their leadership challenges such that their naturally correlated ways of being and acting provide them with new opportunity sets for exercising exemplary leadership. Using a house metaphor (The House of Leadership), a foundation for being a leader and a framework for exercising leadership are constructed. Laying the foundation of the model involves mastering the four pillars of being a leader. Erecting the framework entails building a contextual schema, which, when mastered, becomes a construct that in any leadership situation gives one the power to lead effectively as one’s natural self-expression. Both of these activities—laying the foundation and erecting the framework—involve a deconstruction of one’s existing leadership paradigm. Finally, A Heuristic for Leading Oneself is offered as a useful guide or owner’s manual as one embarks on this inward journey. Leading oneself is a uniquely human activity—studying it and how it works is a vital piece in solving the health care transformation puzzle.
Statistical Model Checking for Markov Decision Processes

Statistical Model Checking (SMC) is a computationally very efficient verification technique based on selective system sampling. One well identified shortcoming of SMC is that, unlike probabilistic model checking, it cannot be applied to systems featuring nondeterminism, such as Markov Decision Processes (MDP). We address this limitation by developing an algorithm that resolves nondeterminism probabilistically, and then uses multiple rounds of sampling and Reinforcement Learning to provably improve resolutions of nondeterminism with respect to satisfying a Bounded Linear Temporal Logic (BLTL) property. Our algorithm thus reduces an MDP to a fully probabilistic Markov chain on which SMC may be applied to give an approximate solution to the problem of checking the probabilistic BLTL property. We integrate our algorithm in a parallelised modification of the PRISM simulation framework. Extensive validation with both new and PRISM benchmarks demonstrates that the approach scales very well in scenarios where symbolic algorithms fail to do so.
Hemoptysis During Sexual Arousal: An Unusual Manifestation of Amyloidosis

Hemoptysis associated with sexual arousal is thought to be secondary to cardiac dysfunction brought on by the physiologic stress of sexual activity. A patient who presented with hemoptysis occurring only during episodes of sexual stimulation was subsequently found to have cardiac amyloidosis.
Dipeptide-metal-nucleoside complexes as models for enzyme-metal-nucleic acid ternary species. Synthesis and molecular structure of the cytidine complex of glycylglycinatocopper(II).

The cytidine complex of glycylglycinatocopper(II) has been synthesized, and its molecular structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21, with a = 4.716(3)A, b = 26.86(6)A, c = 14.761(14)A, β = 90.63(6)°, Z = 4. The two independent complexes in the asymmetric unit have nearly identical molecular conformations. The coordination geometry about the copper is approximately square planar with the tridentate glycylglycine dianion and N(3) of cytidine occupying the four coordination sites. The binding of the nucleoside to the dipeptide complex is further enhanced by a weak, axial Cu⋯O(2)[cytidi
Analysis of Alternative Ductile Fiber-reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bar Concepts

Steel-reinforced concrete structural components are often associated with significant maintenance costs as a result of reinforcement corrosion. To mitigate this problem, fiber-reinforced polymer bars have been used in place of traditional steel-reinforcement for some applications. The non-ductile response of typical fiber-reinforced polymer bars is a concern, however. To overcome this problem, hybrid ductile fiber-reinforced polymer bars have been developed for use in concrete flexural members with resulting ductility indices similar to sections reinforced with steel. In this study, five different hybrid ductile fiber-reinforced polymer bar concepts are analyzed and compared in terms of ductility, stiffness, and relative cost. Of primary interest is the effect that the number of materials used in bar construction has on performance. Reinforced concrete beam and bridge deck applications are considered for analysis. It was found that all hybrid ductile fiber-reinforced polymer-reinforced flexural members cz...
The use of vaccines in pregnancy

Adult immunization rates in the United States lag behind pediatric immunization rates. Healthcare providers in all settings should discuss immunization with their patients. There are concerns regarding the use of vaccine in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This article reviews selected vaccines and the use of vaccines in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Basic principles of vaccine administration are discussed as well as standards for immunization practice. Concerns regarding vaccine safety in any population are reviewed. (authors)
The Effects of Stress on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Healthy Men

Several studies have shown that exposure to acute laboratory stressors produces an immediate change in immune function. We examined the effects of a mild laboratory stressor on natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and on psychological and cardiovascular measures in 24 adult males. Subjects in the experimental condition worked on the Stroop task without interference for 30 min with blood samples drawn at baseline, 10, 20, and 30 min into the task, and 40 min after completing the task. The 30-min stressor produced increases in self-reported stress and tension, and in SBP, DBP, and HR. It was also associated with a decrease in NK cell cytotoxicity 40 min after the stressor. Results are discussed in relation to the effects of mild and intense stressors and future research implications.
A Model Analysis of Strategies for Enhancing Stocking Success of Landlocked Striped Bass Populations

Abstract Poor first-year winter survival of stocked fingerling striped bass Morone saxatilis, resulting from slow summer growth and small body size in the fall, has limited the sport fishery of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. We used an individual-based model to examine different strategies for improving the success of the striped bass stocking program. For two spatially explicit compartments (littoral and pelagic zones) assigned for Smith Mountain Lake, the model simulates daily movement, consumption, growth, and mortality of juvenile striped bass from the time of stocking in early summer until 1 May of the next year. Model predictions of fish prey consumption, predator–prey size relationships, first-year survival, and fall versus spring length-frequency distributions were similar to observed data. Simulations were conducted to examine the effects of fingerling size, stocking density, and day of year at introduction on first-year growth, survival, and recruitment to age 1 and to determine the sensitivity ...
State Infrastructure Banks and Intergovernmental Subsidies for Local Transportation Investment

This study reviews State Infrastructure Banks (SIBs) as an innovative financing mechanism for federal and state governments to support transportation financing for local governments, and determines the cost savings realized by local governments from receiving SIB loans rather than financing through the municipal bond market. The study finds that SIBs provide a mechanism through which local governments receive subsidized loans for their transportation investments. With the Ohio SIB, localities realized average borrowing cost savings between 34 and 184 basis points. Under the worst- and best-case scenarios, 83 and 98 percent of projects, respectively, benefited from lower borrowing costs.
Solving multidimensional knapsack problems with generalized upper bound constraints using critical event tabu search

A critical event tabu search method which navigates both sides of the feasibility boundary has been shown effective for solving the multidimensional knapsack problem. In this paper, we apply the method to the multidimensional knapsack problem with generalized upper bound constraints. This paper also demonstrates the merits of using surrogate constraint information vs. a Lagrangian relaxation scheme as choice rules for the problem class. A constraint normalization method is presented to strengthen the surrogate constraint information and improve the computational results. The advantages of intensifying the search at critical solutions are also demonstrated.
Endoscopic practice at the start of the new millennium.

Progress in the practice of clinical gastroenterology has been made possible, in many respects, by advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy. At the start of the new millennium, unprecedented developments in endoscopic technology suggest that even greater achievements in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders are possible. However, clinically important endoscopic advances are not routinely met with rapid acceptance and utilization by the general endoscopic community. Reasons for this delay include the cost of acquiring new technology, the difficulty in obtaining additional training once one’s clinical practice has become established, and the (at times appropriate) skepticism regarding any new technology. This review focuses on new developments that are likely to change the day-to-day practice of gastroenterology. We begin with an overview of several relevant technologies that form the basis of the studies discussed in later sections, and present a problem-oriented review of several clinical issues for which significant progress has been made over the past few years. We include several topics that, although not directly addressing endoscopic technique, have the potential to impact general endoscopic practice significantly. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the Start of the New Millennium
Determination of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in zooplankton and fish samples by speciated isotopic dilution GC-ICP-MS after alkaline digestion

Species-specific isotope dilution (ID) in combination with gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS) for separation and determination of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (Hg) in fish tissue and zooplankton is described. Samples were digested with methanolic potassium hydroxide. Analytes were derivatized with sodium tetraethylborate and absorbed in an isooctane trap. ID analysis was performed using an enriched spike of 201Hg and a laboratory synthesized enriched spike of Me201Hg. The precision of repeated measurements was always less than 5%. The absolute detection limits obtained with GC-ICP-MS for MeHg and Hg were 2.8 ng and 4.6 ng, respectively. Analytical precision was typically better than 5% over ten repeated measurements. The accuracy of the method has been validated with certified reference materials (DORM-2 and BCR 414). The total mercury concentration results of the real samples as well as the CRM have been compared with those obtained by cold vapor-high resolution ICP-MS using ID approach.
Voluntary running in male S5B/PlRas rats fed high fat or high carbohydrate diets

Abstract Nineteen week-old male S5B/ PIRas (S5B) rats were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups as follows: (a) activity wheel access (running)/high fat diet (RF); (b) no activity wheel access (non-running)/high fat diet (NRF); (c) activity wheel access (running)/high carbohydrate diet (RC); and (d) no activity wheel access (non-running)/high carbohydrate diet (NRC) for the seven weeks duration of the experiment. Throughout the 7 wk of the experiment, rats ran more during subsequent weeks than they did the previous week. RC rats ran more than RF rats as measured by the running slopes. All groups of rats lost weight at the initiation of the experiment but significantly more weight was lost try running rats than their nonrunning counterparts. The inguinal, epididymal and perirenal/retroperitoneal (P/R) fat depots weighed significantly less in the running than in the nonrunning groups. From among the 3 fat depots, the difference was greatest in the P/R depot. There were no diet or voluntary activity effects on plasma corticosterone concentrations except at week 2 when running rats had higher concentrations than nonrunning rats.
Structural and Functional Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for the Regulation of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 2

PDHK2 is a mitochondrial protein kinase that phosphorylates pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, thereby down-regulating the oxidation of pyruvate. Here, we present the crystal structure of PDHK2 bound to the inner lipoyl-bearing domain of dihydrolipoamide transacetylase (L2) determined with or without bound adenylyl imidodiphosphate. Both structures reveal a PDHK2 dimer complexed with two L2 domains. Comparison with apo-PDHK2 shows that L2 binding causes rearrangements in PDHK2 structure that affect the L2- and E1-binding sites. Significant differences are found between PDHK2 and PDHK3 with respect to the structure of their lipoyllysine-binding cavities, providing the first structural support to a number of studies showing that these isozymes are markedly different with respect to their affinity for the L2 domain. Both structures display a novel type II potassium-binding site located on the PDHK2 interface with the L2 domain. Binding of potassium ion at this site rigidifies the interface and appears to be critical in determining the strength of L2 binding. Evidence is also presented that potassium ions are indispensable for the cross-talk between the nucleotide- and L2-binding sites of PDHK2. The latter is believed to be essential for the movement of PDHK2 along the surface of the transacetylase scaffold.
Accumulation of (3H) glycine by cone bipolar neurons in the cat retina

Cone bipolar neurons in the cat retina were studied in serial sections prepared as electron microscope autoradiograms following intravitreal injection of (3H)glycine. The goal was to learn whether the cone bipolar types that accumulate glycine correspond to the types thought on other grounds to be inhibitory. About half of the cone bipolars in a given patch of retina showed specific accumulation of silver grains. The specificity of accumulation was similar to that shown by glycine-accumulating amacrines. All of the cone bipolars arborizing in sublamina b accumulated glycine but none of the cone bipolars arborizing in sublamina a did so. The types of cone bipolars accumulating glycine did not match the types thought to be inhibitory. Cone bipolar types CBb1 and CBb2 both form gap junctions with the glycine-accumulating AII amacrine, thus raising the possibility that glycine might accumulate in these cone bipolars by diffusion from the AII cell or vice versa. Thus it is logically impossible to tell which of these three cells contains a high-affinity uptake mechanism for glycine and consequently which of the three might actually use glycine as a neurotransmitter.
Stability of dangling bonds in amorphous hydrogenated silicon

Abstract Optical bias (illumination intensity) and Staebler-Wronski (illumination history) effects on the paramagnetic defects (dangling bonds) in undoped amorphous hydrogenated silicon are investigated using absorption mode electron spin resonance (ESR). The change in the ESR signature (spectrum and spin relaxation) while under illumination is compared with the absence of significant signature changes in the dark spectrum even following a substantial illumination-induced increase in the defect density.
Comparison of analog and digital integrate-and-dump filters

The performance of the synchronized analog integrate-and-dump filter is compared with an equivalent digital implementation. Degradation in the output SNR of the digital filter due to sampling is computed. A first order prefilter is assumed and quantization noise is neglected.
Resonant frequencies of an electromagnetic cavity in an accelerated system of reference.

The resonant frequencies of an electromagnetic cavity in a nonpermanent gravitational field such as that provided by rotation are considered. The constitutive equations for accelerated macroscopic matter are developed, and it is shown that the electromagnetic-field tensors are related by H/sub xt/ = K/sub e/F/sub xt/ and K/sub m/H/sup xy/ = F/sup xy/, etc. For the special case of angular rotation about the z axis, the constitutive equations are given in terms of noncovariant field vectors B, H, D, E. Maxwell's equations are solved using these constitutive equations and it is shown that the degeneracy between the axially degenerate modes, i.e., clockwise and and counter-clockwise traveling waves, is removed by the rotation. In vacuum a shift in frequency of OMEGA . J/ h or a splitting between traveling wave modes of 2 OMEGA . J/h is predicted from the simflarity between energy flux and momentum. This led to a suggestion of the Coriolis-Zeeman,, effect for photons. Using either the above development or the energy density, it is shown that the effect depends on the moment of the energy flux and is only proportional to the aagular momentum. In the geometrical- optics region an index of refraction valid for accelerated macroscopicmore » matter is developed and is applied to the square FabryPerot cavity rate gyroscope to yield the same result as either of the above methods. An experiment to show the validity of Minkowski's decomposition of the energymomentum tensor is discussed. (auth)« less
Efficacy of integrating biologicals with fungicides for the suppression of Fusarium wilt of cyclamen

Abstract Three series of greenhouse studies were conducted to determine if disease suppression of Fusarium wilt of cyclamen could be enhanced by integrating commercial formulations of beneficial microbes (biologicals) with registered fungicides. When biologicals were used as the first preventative treatment and inoculated a week later, there was no acceptable disease control even when plants were returned to a full conventional chemical fungicide program. However, when biologicals were applied following a fungicide treatment or tank-mixed with a fungicide, there were combinations that yielded significant reductions in the area-under-the-disease-progress-curve. These interactions were specific to certain biologicals and certain fungicides, and no pattern could be discerned from the pairings except that fludioxonil combined with a biological generally resulted in the greatest reductions in disease severity when compared to control treatments. The efficacy of integrating biologicals with fungicides has potential, but more studies are required to identify specific combinations between biologicals and fungicides that improve plant health.
An aluminum nanoparticle–acrylate copolymer nanocomposite as a dielectric elastomer with a high dielectric constant

Dielectric elastomers are useful for large-strain actuation, sensing and energy generation. The low dielectric constants of these elastomers require rather high driving voltages, which has limited their application potential. Various high dielectric constant filler materials have been investigated to increase the dielectric constants and improve the actuation strains, force outputs, and energy densities of the compliant polymer actuators and generators. We report the synthesis of a high dielectric constant elastomer comprising aluminum nanoparticles and an acrylate copolymer. The nanoparticles' surfaces were functionalized with methacrylate groups such that the nanoparticles were copolymerized with the acrylate co-monomers during bulk polymerization to form uniform nanocomposites. The nanocomposite containing 4.0 vol% of aluminum nanoparticles has a measured dielectric constant of 8.4, a dielectric strength of 140 MV m−1 and a maximum actuation area strain of 56%. The leakage current increased by the agglomeration of the nanoparticles is effectively controlled. The nanocomposite exhibits a significantly higher actuation force output than the pure acrylate copolymer.
A Mechanistic Investigation of the Enhanced Cleavage at Histidine in the Gas-Phase Dissociation of Protonated Peptides

Enhanced gas-phase cleavage of peptides adjacent to histidine was investigated. The peptides examined were angiotensins III (RVYIHPF) and IV (VYIHPF) as well as synthetic peptide analogues with altered key residues ((R)VYI-X-Z-F; X ) Fo r Ha nd Z) A, P, or Sar) or a fixed charge M3P+ CH2C(O)-VYIHPF. While all singly protonated peptide ions containing both histidine and arginine fragment nonselectively, the doubly protonated peptide ions with arginine and histidine, and the singly protonated peptides containing histidine but not arginine, cleave in a selective manner. In particular, dominant complementary b+ /y + product ions resulting from cleavage between the HP amide bond are observed. For the fixed-charge derivative, selective cleavage occurs only if a proton is added to produce a doubly charged precursor. The results are consistent with involvement of a protonated histidine in the selective cleavage. The ratio of b+ / y + is determined by the identity of the residue C-terminal to histidine and by the ability of protonated histidine to transfer a proton to the C-terminal leaving fragment. This was probed further by systematically changing the residue C-terminal to histidine and by alkylating histidine. The results indicate that while b+ /y + complementary ion pairs dominate in doubly protonated RVYIHPF, b5 2+ and b6 2+ product ions dominate the spectra of doubly protonated RVYIHAF. Also, dominant b5 2+ product ions are observed when the histidine side chain is alkylated (H*) in doubly protonated RVYIH*PF. Based on all of the results, a selective fragmentation mechanism for enhanced cleavage at histidine involving an atypical b ion structure is proposed.
Micro determination of hydroxyl- and amino groups

A micro method for the determination of hydroxyl- and amino groups according toVerley andBolsing has been developed. It has simplicity of reagents, apparatus and procedure to recommend it for laboratory routine. The reliability has been demonstrated in the analysis of resorcinol, methyl 9, 10 dihydroxystearate, tetramethyl hydroquinone and pseudo cumidine.