cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute administration of Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol does not prevent enhancement of sensory gating by clozapine in DBA/2 mice

Despite high rates of marijuana abuse in schizophrenia, the physiological interactions between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and antipsychotic medications are poorly understood. A well-characterized feature of schizophrenia is poor gating of the P50 auditory-evoked potential. This feature has been translationally modeled by the DBA/2 mouse, which exhibits poor suppression of the P20-N40 AEP, the rodent analog of the human P50. Previous work has demonstrated that this deficit is reversed by the antipsychotic clozapine. It is unknown, however, if this effect is altered by THC administration. Using a conditioning-testing paradigm with paired auditory stimuli, the effects of clozapine and dronabinol (a pharmaceutical THC formulation) on inhibitory P20-N40 AEP processing were assessed from in vivo hippocampal CA3 recordings in anesthetized DBA/2 mice. The effects of clozapine (0.33 mg/kg) and dronabinol (10 mg/kg) were assessed alone and in combination (0.33, 1 or 1.83 mg/kg clozapine with 10mg/kg dronabinol). Improved P20-N40 AEP gating was observed after acute administration of 0.33 mg/kg clozapine. Co-injection of 0.33 mg/kg clozapine and 10 mg/kg THC, however, did not improve gating relative to baseline. This effect was overcome by higher doses of clozapine (1 and 1.83 mg/kg), as these doses improved gating relative to baseline in the presence of 10 mg/kg THC. 10 mg/kg THC alone did not affect gating. In conclusion, THC does not prevent improvement of P20-N40 gating by clozapine.
Glutathione peroxidase activity and chemical forms of selenium in tissues of rats given selenite or selenomethionine.

Abstract Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and deposition of selenium (Se) were examined in tissues of rats given dietary Se for 7 wk as either selenite or Selenomethionine (SeMet) with 75 Se radiotracer of the same chemical form. On the basis of Se: 75 Se ratio, all tissues of the rats fed selenite were equilibrated with the dietary source, but tissues of the SeMet fed animals maintained a ratio of Se: 75 Se greater than the dietary ratio. Deposition of dietary Se and 75 Se was higher in most tissues of rats fed SeMet. Muscle 75 Se was the largest single tissue pool of 75 Se in both groups accounting for one-third of recovered 75 Se in the rats fed selenite, and one-half of recovered 75 Se in the rats fed SeMet. Tissue GPx activities were not different between the two dietary groups. The proportion of Se as GPx in tissues was highest in erythrocytes of the rats fed selenite (.81) and lowest in testes and epididymides of the rats fed SeMet (.009). The proportion of Se present in cytosolic GPx was consistently higher in tissues of rats fed selenite. Erythrocytes of the rats fed SeMet had more 75 Se associated with hemoglobin, and muscle cytosols of the rats fed selenite had more 75 Se associated with the G-protein. The proportion of 75 Se as SeMet determined by ion exchange chromatography of tissue hydrolysates was higher in tissues of rats fed SeMet (highest in muscle and hemoglobin, 70%, and lowest in testes, 16%). In contrast, selenocysteine was the predominant form of Se present in tissues of rats given selenite. These results indicate that the form of Se administered will influence the form in the tissues, the percentage of Se with GPx and the body burden of Se.
Self‐limiting oxidation for fabricating sub‐5 nm silicon nanowires

The ability to control structural dimensions below 5 nm is essential for a systematic study of the optical and electrical properties of Si nanostructures. A combination of electron beam lithography, NF3 reactive ion etching, and dry thermal oxidation has been successfully implemented to yield 2‐nm‐wide Si nanowires with aspect ratio of more than 100 to 1. With a sideview transmission electron microscopy technique, the oxidation progression of Si nanowires was characterized over a range of temperature from 800 to 1200 °C. A previously reported self‐limiting oxidation phenomenon was found to occur only for oxidation temperatures below 950 °C. A preliminary model suggests that increase in the activation energy of oxidant diffusivity in a highly stressed oxide may be the main mechanism for slowing down the oxidation rate in the self‐limiting regime.
Anatomy of an introductory computer science course

An introductory computer science course is frequently the most difficult course in the curriculum to teach. Computer science educators must stay abreast of rapidly changing trends, text books, technology and teaching techniques. This paper provides an overview and perspective of introductory computer science courses, surveys some trends, and presents new alternative approaches regarding organization, foundations and material. It is based on the premise that the introductory course should create strong foundations upon which students can build, and that the curriculum should teach students to build software systems which people use and maintain, not just toy computer programs. The paper presents personal views and insights, motivates underlying concepts, and provides many useful suggestions which have been successfully employed in such introductory courses.
The Apexcardiogram in Myocardial Asynergy

The apexcardiogram was analyzed in 41 patients with an altered pattern of left ventricular contraction. Four types were distinguished: type I, an early sustained systolic bulge which occurred in 12 patients, all of whom had large aneurysms and large enddiastolic volumes; type II, a bulge confined to midsystole which occurred in 13 patients, 11 of whom had some form of ventricular asynergy; type III, a late or end-systolic bulge which occurred in 12 patients, seven of whom had ventricular asynergy; type IV, a prominent spike during diastolic filling which occurred in four patients who had large zones of ventricular asynergy.
How Adab Became Literary: Formalism, Orientalism and the Institutions of World Literature

AbstractLamenting that “the concept of literary study is broadened . . . so radically that it becomes identical with the whole history of humanity,” Rene Wellek implores scholars instead to “face the problem of ‘literariness’.” This essay considers Wellek’s formalist conception of literariness alongside what might appear its counterpoint: the historically situated understanding of Adab. Just how universal is Wellek’s concept of literariness? In what ways does Adab reaffirm or undermine its pertinence across textual traditions? Rather than present Wellek’s formalism and Adab as opposites, this essay notes their common grounding in the pedagogical and ethical registers of the term literature—understood less as a canon of texts than as a set of practices and disciplines. Moving between the institutional foundations of modern literary study in Egypt, a footnote from Jirjī Zaydān’s literary history, and reflections on literature by the Orientalist H.A.R. Gibb, the various subsections consider how emergent definitions of literature and Adab turn on assertions of how to read, respond and relate to texts. In the end, this shifted emphasis posits world literature less as an amalgam of particular textual traditions than as the disciplines and practices that inscribe how literature comes to matter.
New Sesquiterpenoids from the Root of Guatteria multivenia

A phytochemical investigation of the CHCl3 fraction of an ethanol extract of the root of Guatteria multivenia furnished nine compounds, of which four are sesquiterpenes (1−4) and five are alkaloids (5−9). Of the four sesquiterpenes, two are new (1, 3), named guatterin A (1) and dihydromadolin-K (3), and two are known (2, 4), identified as madolin-K (2) and madolin-W (4). The five known alkaloids were identified as liriodenine (5), lysicamine (6), lanuginosine (7), guadiscine (8), and O-methylpallidine (9). All the known compounds were isolated from this species for the first time. Structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive NMR studies, including DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY. Compound 7 showed weak inhibitory effect against Candida albicans secreted aspartic proteases (SAP) with IC50 of 45 μg/mL. Compound 5 was found to have antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRS) with IC50/MIC values of 3.5...
Occlusion Reasoning for Object Detectionunder Arbitrary Viewpoint

We present a unified occlusion model for object instance detection under arbitrary viewpoint. Whereas previous approaches primarily modeled local coherency of occlusions or attempted to learn the structure of occlusions from data, we propose to explicitly model occlusions by reasoning about 3D interactions of objects. Our approach accurately represents occlusions under arbitrary viewpoint without requiring additional training data, which can often be difficult to obtain. We validate our model by incorporating occlusion reasoning with the state-of-the-art LINE2D and Gradient Network methods for object instance detection and demonstrate significant improvement in recognizing texture-less objects under severe occlusions.
Nd(3+) beta'' alumina platelet laser.

Pulsed as well as cw laser action has been observed in a new host material for Nd3+ ions, Na+ beta″ alumina. The unusual characteristics of the material and its known physical properties are briefly described. Absorption spectra, fluorescence lifetime, laser-pulse shape, and peak emission wavelength are presented as experimental evidence, and comparisons are made with other Nd3+ host materials. Some exciting new possibilities for integrated-optics applications are explored.
Detoxification of isothiocyanate allelochemicals by glutathione transferase in three lepidopterous species

Glutathione transferase activity towards various plant isothiocyanates was studied in larvae of the two generalists, fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)], and cabbage looper [Trichoplusia ni (Hubner)], and the specialist, velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner) using the midgut soluble fraction as enzyme source. The generalists, but not the specialist, are adapted to feeding on isothiocyanate-containing crucifers. Allyl and benzyl isothiocyanate were found to be metabolized by glutathione transferase from the two generalist species, but no activity was detected with the specialist. The transferase activity towards these allelochemicals in the cabbage looper was two- to sixfold higher than that in the fall armyworm. In all instances, activity was induced by various allelochemicals including indole 3-acetonitrile, indole 3-carbinol, flavone, xanthotoxin, and its own substrates. The induction ranged from 1.3- to 10.1-fold depending on the allelochemical, with the fall armyworm being more inducible. The transferase system of fall armyworm also metabolized another analog, 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate, but activity can only be observed after induction. Bioassay results showed that these isothiocyanates were all toxic to the lepidopterans, causing acute toxicity in neonates and final-instar larvae. The results suggest that glutathione transferase plays an important role in the detoxification of isothiocyanates and hence food-plant adaptation in phytophagous insects.
Acquired coronary artery–pulmonary artery connection

We report a patient who underwent resection of a mediastinal tumor with postoperative irradiation. Cardiac catheterization fifteen years later demonstrated coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistulas from both the right and left coronary arteries. This case report raises the issue of whether external beam irradiation may have been integral in neovascularization and the development of this acquired abnormality.
Linear Equating Models for the Common-item Nonequivalent-Populations Design

The Tucker and Levine equally reliable linear meth ods for test form equating in the common-item non equivalent-populations design are formulated in a way that promotes understanding of the methods. The for mulation emphasizes population notions and is used to draw attention to the practical differences between the methods. It is shown that the Levine method weights group differences more heavily than the Tucker method. A scheme for forming a synthetic population is suggested that is intended to facilitate interpretation of equating results. A procedure for displaying form and group differences is developed that also aids inter pretation.
Results from the Pro-QOL-IV for Substance Abuse Counselors Working with Offenders

This study examines compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction in two groups of counselors who specialize in substance dependency treatment in order to identify the unique features of substance abuse service delivery that may be related to professional quality of life. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 substance abuse counselors working with offenders both in prison and community facilities. In addition, interview subjects completed the ProQOL-IV to assist in exploring the unique challenges that may face the substance abuse treatment field with regards to professional self-care. Two key themes emerged from the examination of the group of interviewees that scored high on the Compassion Fatigue Subscale on the ProQOL-IV, revealing that working with women is more challenging, and substance abuse counselors who have family members with addiction problems or themselves are in recovery may make one more susceptible to compassion fatigue.
A methodology to assess the risk of an existing pesticide and potential future pesticides in regulatory decision-making

Abstract When a pesticide is banned, in an effort to reduce pesticide-related risk to the public, substitute pesticide(s) with different risks would likely replace the risk from the banned pesticide. This paper provides a framework that may be used as a regulatory decision support tool in studying the effect of banning a pesticide at the national level. A risk analysis of the prevailing pesticide and the potential substitute pesticide(s) must be separately performed and compared before a decision to ban the pesticide is adopted. In this study, an ordinal logistic regression model is developed using 21 pesticides and 99 watersheds to relate pesticide distribution in surface waters with chemical property, watershed property, and pesticide use. The model is used to predict substitute pesticide residue distributions in streams for evaluating intermediate drinking water risks before and after a potential ban of atrazine. About 80% of atrazine will likely be replaced by 2,4-D, bromoxynil, dicamba, and nicosulfuron. We found that banning atrazine will increase the risk from these substitute pesticides, but the cumulative risk from atrazine and the substitutes actually decreased slightly after the ban. Atrazine is a potential carcinogenic pesticide and the prospect that its substitutes are non-carcinogenic and pose less threat to the public warrants further attention. This study provides a scientific framework for decision-making and policy implementation related to banning a pesticide of concern.
Neurologic Consequences of the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS)

Although major advancements have been made in the treatment of HIV infection, graft-versus-host reactions, and autoimmune diseases, an unexpected consequence of treatment has been the emergence of a devastating inflammatory syndrome, termed the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The pathophysiology of the syndrome is poorly understood, and the syndrome poses unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. We have reviewed the neurologic manifestations of IRIS in the context of HIV infection as well as in the setting of treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, in which compartmental immune suppression may occur without an obvious underlying immune suppression. The purpose of this review is to identify common themes that may assist in the diagnosis and management of these IRIS syndromes.
Absorbance, Light Intensity, Mass Transfer, and Sampling Time Effects in a Proposed Mechanism for the Photolysis of Phenyl Azide

In the concentrated phenyl azide solutions in which Costantino et al. have reported apparent quantum yields for azide disappearance (φ −PhN3 ) on the order of 1000 and interpreted their results in terms of a branching-chain mechanism, the optical penetration depth is sufficiently small that the proposed chain-initiation reaction is effectively confined to a very thin layer near the front optical window. Simple calculations show that this layer is sufficiently thin that diffusive mass transfer is important on the time scale of the experiments. On the basis of the mechanism of Costantino et al., we develop and investigate a model consisting of three nonlinear integro-partial differential equations accounting for the nonuniform light absorption, photochemical kinetics, and diffusive mass transfer
Self-Ratings in Attitude Measurement: Resistance to Short-Term Recalibration and Contrast:

An extension has been made of past research on the theory of "psychological perspective" (Ostrom and Upshaw, 1968) that emphasizes the concept of rating scale calibration in attitude measurement. Perspective theory may hold implications for attitude surveys in that differences in attitude across groups or individuals may be diluted, exaggerated, or real depending on differences in perspective when completing self-ratings of attitude on a graphic scale. A second implication, however, is that scales may become recalibrated transiently, as in the classic contrast effect. A conservative test of this second implication of the model was provided to investigate whether the use of simple graphic rating scales in attitude measurement may be complicated by this type of transient scale shift. Hypothesized initial shifts and their temporal decay were investigated. However, the data did not support the short term recalibration effect. Overall, the data supplemented past research that supports the use of graphic rating...
Chain elastic modulus of polyethylene: A spectroscopically determined force field (SDFF) study

Our SDFF for linear saturated hydrocarbon chains has been used to calculate the chain modulus of isolated and crystalline chains of n-alkanes of varying lengths. This has been done for static deformations and for the dynamic deformation in the longitudinal acoustic mode (LAM). Extrapolation to infinite chain length gives a common value of the room-temperature crystal modulus of 303 GPa (also obtained in an infinite chain calculation). Experimental Raman LAM measurements, corrected for chain-end interactions, give a modulus of 305 GPa, in excellent agreement. Problems with the experimental values obtained by inelastic neutron scattering and x-ray diffraction are discussed.
Active rosette-forming T cells in the elderly.

The numbers and percentages of active rosette-forming T cells were measured in two age groups, to assess the effects of aging. The study included 21 healthy persons in the 20--40 age group and 25 persons without major disease in the 60--85 age group. In the younger subjects the number of rosette-forming cells (RFC) averaged 1430 +/- 463/cu mm (mean and S.D.), a count not significantly different from that in the older subjects (1443 +/- 398/cu mm). Likewise, the active RFC count in the 20--40 age group (526 +/- 185/cu mm) and that in the 60--85 age group (558 +/- 197/cu mm) were not significantly different. There was no difference for the percentage total RFC (young 78 +/- 4%, elderly 78 +/- 6%) or the percentage active RFC (young 29 +/- 7%, elderly 30 +/- 6%). For the total lymphocyte count or the B lymphocyte count, there was no difference between the two groups of subjects. It is concluded that T lymphocytes, measured as total and active rosette-forming cells, are not decreased in healthy older persons.
In vitro activation of T lymphocytes from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive blood donors. I. Soluble interleukin 2 receptor (IL2R) production parallels cellular IL2R expression and DNA synthesis.

We investigated the relationship of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL2R) production to cellular IL2R expression and DNA synthesis by mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells from blood donors seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). SIL2R was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which employed 2 anti-IL2R monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct IL2R epitopes. Decreased phytohemagglutinin-induced DNA synthesis and cellular IL2R expression were accompanied by decreased levels of sIL2R in cell culture supernatants. Similar findings were observed for pokeweed mitogen-induced responses. There was no detectable spontaneous secretion of sIL2R into culture supernatants by unstimulated mononuclear cells from either HIV-seropositive or control seronegative donors. These findings indicate that thein vitro T-cell activation defects which characterize HIV infection include decreased sIL2R production, as well as decreased cellular IL2R expression and DNA synthesis. Further, they show that assessment of supernatant sIL2R levels can be used as a valid, reliable assay for T-cell activation.
Pharmacologic normal tissue protection in clinical radiation oncology: focus on amifostine.

Background: Radiation toxicity is an important problem that limits treatment intensity and adversely affects patients' quality of life. Amifostine is a cytoprotector that can reduce toxicity and potentially improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy. Objective: To discuss the role of amifostine in modern radiotherapy and compare and contrast with alternative approaches to reducing radiation toxicity. Methods: We conducted a literature search through Medline to identify randomized clinical trials pertaining to keyword ‘amifostine’. We also consulted reviews, book chapters and selected articles regarding amifostine and normal tissue protection. Results/conclusion: Amifostine is an effective normal tissue protector with level I evidence supporting its use in head and neck and gynecologic cancers but studies in other disease sites, although promising, are inconclusive. Further study is needed to demonstrate conclusively the benefits of wider amifostine use.
Correlation of heterogeneity parameters for adsorption of single gases and gas mixtures on solids

Abstract Adsorption isotherms of single hydrocarbons on polystyrene and activated carbon adsorbents are described by an equation, which is an extension of Langmuir isotherm for a quasi-Gaussian energy distribution function. A simple analog of this equation is used to represent adsorption of binary hydrocarbon mixtures on these adsorbents. It is shown that this equation gives a good representation of mixed-gas adsorption isotherms; moreover, the heterogeneity parameters, including the dispersion of the adsorption energy, extracted from mixed-gas isotherms correlate with those obtained from suitable single-gas isotherms. Some suggestions concerning prediction of mixed-gas adsorption equilibria are presented.
La recherche au japon dans le domaine des materiaux composites ceramiques a fibres continues (CMC)

Abstract The scope of this article is to introduce the Japanese research in the field of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Recent advances in ceramic fibre processing are presented. Then, a summary of the main projects, including the potential use of CMCs as a thermal protection barrier of NIPPON HOPE (The Hypersonic Space Plane) are pointed out.
HSF1-TPR Interaction Facilitates Export of Stress-induced HSP70 mRNA

Stress conditions inhibit mRNA export, but mRNAs encoding heat shock proteins continue to be efficiently exported from the nucleus during stress. How HSP mRNAs bypass this stress-associated export inhibition was not known. Here, we show that HSF1, the transcription factor that binds HSP promoters after stress to induce their transcription, interacts with the nuclear pore-associating TPR protein in a stress-responsive manner. TPR is brought into proximity of the HSP70 promoter after stress and preferentially associates with mRNAs transcribed from this promoter. Disruption of the HSF1-TPR interaction inhibits the export of mRNAs expressed from the HSP70 promoter, both endogenous HSP70 mRNA and a luciferase reporter mRNA. These results suggest that HSP mRNA export escapes stress inhibition via HSF1-mediated recruitment of the nuclear pore-associating protein TPR to HSP genes, thereby functionally connecting the first and last nuclear steps of the gene expression pathway, transcription and mRNA export.
Nonlinear optical processing with amorphous silicon, ferrolectric liquid-crystal spatial light modulators

The Navy is currently investigating the possible use of cepstral processing in existing and future fire control subsystems. The cepstruxn is difficult to implement in real time using digital electronics. However, if a real time optical logarithm can be generated, then the optical cepstrum can be implemented in a real time system. A real time optical logarithmic transform has been demonstrated at frame rates of 10 kHz using the thresholding capability of an Amorphous Silicon, Ferroelectric, Liquid Crystal, Spatial Light Modulator (ASFLC-SLM). As such, it is an advance over current systems, which use either photographic film as a thresholding device or a Hughes light valve that operates at frame rates of less than 50 Hz. Using experimental data, the relation between the input and output intensities of the system has been shown to be logarithmic over the input range of three to ten milliwatts. Using characteristics of our halftone screen and ASFLC-SLM, it has been possible to compute theoretical values of the output intensity from this system. These results agree nicely with those obtained experimentally.
Segment distributions in lamellar diblock copolymers

Predictions from a self-consistent-field theory of inhomogeneous polymer systems are compared to results obtained from neutron reflectivity studies fo ordered lamellar diblock copolymers and their blends with homopolymers. Previously measured distributions of chain ends and junction points in neat diblock copolymers, and of homopolymers in diblock copolymer/homopolymer blends, were found to be in quantitative agreement with theory. By extending the theory to more strongly segregated systems, we show that relatively weak centralization of chain ends within the appropriate domain of a lamellar diblock copolymer is expected in all cases
Analysis of the action of propylthiouracil on the pituitary-thyroid axis of rats.

There is no doubt that the primary action of propjdthiouracil (PTU) and other drugs of the thiocarbamide series on the thyroid is an interference with the iodination of tyrosine. It is also well established that the ensuing hypothyroid condition evokes compensatory hypersecretion of thyrotrophin (TSH) resulting in two characteristic effects of enhanced thyrotrophic stimulation of the thyroid: a) hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the thyroid epithelium (Astwood, 1944–45), and b) activation of the thyroidal iodide concentrating mechanism, as shown by an increase in the thyroid: serum iodide gradient (VanderLaan and VanderLaan, 1947; Taurog et al., 1947) and an expanded capacity of the gland for iodide (Halmi, 1954a). In general goitrogenesis and activation of the iodide concentrating mechanism induced by antithyroid agents go hand in hand, but rats bearing hypothalamic lesions and subjected to PTU treatment may display a rise of the iodide gradient without a concomitant goitrous response of the thyroid
Microcirculation in the labyrinth

The inner ear is unique in the number and variety of specialized microvascular networks that furnish blood to its parts. Four distinct capillary networks arranged in parallel supply the structures of the outer wall, and four others those of the spiral lamina. Most of the capillaries are surrounded by pericapillary spaces favoring filtration and reabsorption of fluid. In the guinea pig those of the spiral prominence and outer sulcus show a special pericapillary tissue. The striai capillaries are larger in diameter and are closely invested by striai cells. The blood within them has a higher hematocrit and flows more slowly than elsewhere in the labyrinth. The arcades of the tympanic lip and basilar membrane receive occasional innervation by fine unmyelinated nerve fibers. A possible role of prostaglandins in controlling the tone of the cochlear microvasculature is suggested. Although it appears unlikely that vascular lesions within the labyrinth could be responsible for the hydrops of Meniere's syndrome, devascularization and atrophy of the endolymphatic sac might be contributory factors.
Thermodynamic Studies of Hydride Transfer for a Series of Niobium and Tantalum Compounds

Reported herein are the first thermodynamic hydricities (ΔGM+) for a collection of niobocene and tantalocene compounds (1−13) of general formulas (C5R4R‘)2M(H)(L) (R = H, Me; R‘ = H, Me, SiMe3; L = CO, PEt3, (H)2, PhCCPh, CH2O, O) and (C5H4SiMe3)2Nb(Cl)(L‘) (L‘ = OCCEtPh, OCCEt2). The studies were carried out in acetonitrile solution, and the compounds show hydride transfer free energies ranging from 74 to 95 kcal/mol, as determined by bracketing studies involving a known series of hydride acceptors. The data indicate that the free energies of hydride transfer are heavily influenced by coligands, but less so by 4d vs 5d effects in isostructural niobium or tantalum compounds.
Circadian rest-activity rhythms in demented and nondemented older community residents and their caregivers

OBJECTIVE: Disruptive nocturnal behaviors (DNBs) of older people often threaten the caregiving arrangements on which their community tenure depends. Dementing disorders are especially prone to result in disrupted sleep and agitated behaviors (“sundowning”). The objective here was to develop an objective correlate of DNBs, by which their severity and effects on caregivers can be measured. DESIGN: Quantitative comparison of subjective sleep and motor activity patterns in older people and their caregivers. It was hypothesized that older people with reported DNBs would be more motorically active at night than their caregivers. SETTING: Subjects' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five demented and 18 nondemented older day-care participants and their paired caregivers. MEASUREMENTS: Older subjects and caregivers simultaneously kept daily sleep logs and recorded wrist motor activity every .5 minute for 9 days. A novel method was devised to identify and exclude from analysis periods when the activity monitor was not being worn. Such periods were common. Activity data were analyzed by computing hourly means and by fitting cosine models by least squares. RESULTS: Demented older people were not significantly more active at night than their caregivers, though group differences varied by time of night. They were significantly less active in the daytime than were their caregivers. Nondemented older people were significantly more active at night than their caregivers and were as active by day as their caregivers. The caregivers of demented and nondemented older people had similar rest-activity patterns. The mean amplitudes of cosine models were smaller in the older adults. Acrophases (peaks) fell between 2 and 3 pm and did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of increased nighttime motor activity and decreased daytime activity, rest-activity rhythms were flatter in older adults than in caregivers. This was not explained fully by age and does not necessarily imply that the output of a circadian pacemaker was low. Decreased daytime activity may have resulted from deficient physical stimulation or frailty. Frailty may also explain why nighttime activity was not more elevated in the demented older people. Increased nighttime activity is probably explained by depression, sleep-schedule disturbances, restless legs, or other sleep disorders. Judging by their shared variations of activity, caregivers interacted mainly with the demented older people at bedtime and at rising time in the morning.
Adult Right Lobe Live Donor Liver Transplantation Without Reconstruction of the Middle Hepatic Vein : A Single-Center Study of 109 Cases

We report our experience in adult-to-adult right hepatic lobe living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) using extension of the hepatectomy transection line medially to incorporate the right middle hepatic vein branches into the donor graft. One hundred and nine ALDLT were performed at the University of Colorado from August 1997 to December 2005. Donors were screened preoperatively for hepatic venous anatomy compatible with this technique. Of the 109 ALDLT, the first 10 did not include the right middle hepatic vein branches in the graft. As such, three patients required retransplantation, two from graft loss because of venous congestion. Of the next 99 transplants, only 11 required retransplantation and none because of venous congestion. This approach allows adequate venous outflow through the right hepatic vein more than 1 cm, which is demonstrated by the absence of graft loss from venous congestion and superior graft survival.
Experimental evaluation of a tellurium-123m transmission source to determine attenuation maps for SPECT

We propose to use a tellurium-123m line source to determine attenuation maps reconstruction of technetium-99m images. To experimentally evaluate the performance of the transmission line source for the fast sequential approach for emission and transmission data acquisition, a prototype tellurium-123m line source was designed and manufactured. The line source has a length of 8 cm with total activity of 36-39 mCi at the time of the studies. Phantom and patient studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the line source. The results of this study demonstrate that the tellurium-123m line source can be used to accurately determine attenuation maps for transmission studies with Tc-99m activity in the patient's myocardium. >
Conceptualizing an information commons

Abstract Concepts from Strategic Alignment, a technology management theory, are used to discuss the Information Commons as a new service delivery model in academic libraries. The Information Commons, as a conceptual, physical, and instructional space, involves an organizational realignment from print to the digital environment.
Sources of Anxiety in Laboratory Strangers

IN PREVIOUS laboratory experiments with strangers a procedure created by Rose and Felton 1 was used to discover and explain typical reactions to being in the role of stranger. Nash and Wolfe 2 found that there was a characteristic perceptual response to taking the stranger's role. Their suggestion that it constituted a defense against stranger anxiety seems to have been confirmed by Heiss and Nash 3 who also observed that not all subjects experienced anxiety in the role of stranger. The study which we are reporting here seeks to account for such differences by investigating the sources-both situational and personal-of stranger anxiety. The essential procedure for creating laboratory strangers has involved two four-person groups which meet simultaneously in separate rooms and look at Rorschach card X over three epochs or trials. In each epoch the subjects write down what they see in the card and explain it to their colleagues. At the end of the third epoch one person from each group is switched into the opposite (foreign) group for three more epochs with the same card. This person is the stranger. We know that he may or may not experience anxiety. To understand his particular reaction, we need to know first how he would experience this new situation. When the stranger comes into the foreign or host group he finds three people arranged for exactly the same experimental task which he and his colleagues had performed at home, but the people and their "way" with the task are new to him. The situation, then, would be somewhat problematic for the new arrivals. As Schuetz puts it, "The cultural pattern of the approached group is to the stranger not a shelter but a field of adventure, not a matter of course but a questionable topic of investigation, not an instrument for disentangling problematic situations but a problematic situation in itself and one hard to master." 4 The problematic situation encountered by our laboratory strangers would tend to
Synergic solvent extraction of europium(III) into mixtures of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone with various alkylphosphine oxides

Abstract The synergic solvent extraction of tracer europium(III) from chloride medium into mixtures of thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) with methylenebis(di-n-hexylphosphine oxide), MHDPO; trimethylenebis(di-n-hexylphosphine oxide), PHDPO; tetramethylenebis(di-n-hexylphosphine oxide), BHDPO; or tri-n-octylphosphine oxide, TOPO, in cyclohexane was studied. The europium-containing species in the organic phase were shown to be Eu(TTA)3(TOPO)2, Eu(TTA)3(TOPO)2, Eu(TTA)3(MHDPO), Eu(TTA)3(PHDPO), and Eu(TTA)3(BHDPO). A solvent extraction-molar ration study using an acetate aqueous medium confirmed these stoichiometries and showed the formation of Eu(TTA)3(TOPO). The formation of Eu(TTA)3(TOPO) was confirmed with a loading capacity study. The synergic solvent extraction of tracer europium(III) from perchlorate medium into mixtures of HTTA and TOPO or HTTA and MHDPO in cyclohexane was also studied. The europium-containing species in the organic phase were shown to be Eu(TTA)3(TOPO)2 and Eu(TTA)-(ClO4)2(MHDPO)3. Equilibrium constants for the formation of all of the above complexes were calculated.
A Computer Program for Item Selection Based on Maximum Internal Consistency.

Internal consistency as one rationale for item selection from the universe of possible test items is discussed. Formulae, derived by Lord (1958), are presented which relate the maximum internal consistency of a test to the largest eigenvalue of the interitem correlation matrix. A computationally feasible stepwise procedure is suggested which selects a subset of the original test items that yields maximum internal consistency. The characteristics of a computer program designed to perform these calculations for an input score matrix are described.
Electric dipole moment function of H35Cl

Abstract An anharmonic potential function with 11 parameters was used in numerically solving the radial Schrodinger wave equation to obtain potential constants of hydrogen bromide molecule, H79Br. Vibration–rotation energy states up to the vibrational level v=8 and the corresponding wavefunctions were generated. The dipole moment matrix elements, M 0 v′ (m) , were evaluated using the experimentally determined line strengths. The dipole moment coefficients, M0,M1,…,M8, were then calculated from these matrix elements and wavefunctions.
Variable-Bandwidth Superchannels Using Synchronized Colorless Transceivers

We propose a modular architecture for long-haul optical networks supporting flexible-bandwidth superchannels. Colorless transceivers can be designed to modulate/detect up to $M$ = 4 subcarriers, each at a symbol rate of 12.5 Gbaud, achieving a maximum bit rate of 200 Gbit/s, assuming polarization-multiplexed quadrature phase-shift keying (PM-QPSK). A set of $N$ synchronized transceivers can cooperate to modulate/detect a superchannel comprising N·M subcarriers using no-guard-interval orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, enabling transmission at bit rates beyond 1 Tbit/s. We analyze and simulate the performance of the proposed architecture in the presence of linear fiber impairments and synchronization errors and establish design requirements for practical deployment of the architecture. Simulation results are shown for transmission of a superchannel comprising 24 subcarriers, which conveys approximately 1.1 Tbit/s with a spectral efficiency of 3.5 bits/s/Hz using PM-QPSK.
What do we know about reasoning and proving? Opportunities and missing opportunities from curriculum analyses

Abstract By examining findings and research methodology across studies focused on reasoning-and-proving in mathematics textbooks, this paper provides commentary on the nature of reasoning and proving and curriculum analysis in mathematics education. Large variations across the studies were noted with regard to the framings of reasoning-and-proving as well as the analytic methods used by each authoring team. Working toward achieving greater methodological consistency is a challenging endeavor that could ultimately inform the field about the quantity and quality of students’ opportunities to learn reasoning and proving across the intended mathematics curriculum. We offer suggestions for future research related to better defining and conceptualizing the notions of “reasoning” and “proving”, as well as analyzing student learning opportunities beyond the intended curriculum analysis.
Effect of ozone on ribosomes in pinto bean leaves

Abstract A study was made of cytoplasmic and chloroplast ribosomes in the primary leaves of pinto bean plants exposed to ozone. The isolated ribosomes were analysed by sucrose density gradient. Ozone at the levels of 0·35 ppm for 20–35 min does not change the concentrations of various sedimenting particles of the cytoplasmic ribosomes. Ozone at similar levels, however, specifically decreases the population of chloroplast ribosomes per unit fresh weight of leaves. The distribution pattern of these chloroplast ribosomes is characterized by the low concentration of the fast-sedimenting polysome particles concomitant with the low magnitude of other slow-sedimenting components. The kinetics of ribosome populations during leaf growth demonstrates that ozone does not influence the daily levels of different ribosomal components of cytoplasmic ribosomes. However, ozone prematurely decreases the concentrations of polysomes and other components of chloroplast ribosomes below control level at the early stage of leaf development. These findings are discussed to explain initiation of the premature senescence caused by ozone.
Field Marshall Radetzky's orbital abscess

On October 9, 1840, Field Marshal Radetzky (Fig. 1) supervised the annual fall maneuvers of the Austrian Army in northern Italy (Fig. 2). The maneuvers that year were held in Castiglione delle Stiviere in Lombardy, a small town close to Brescia and the Lago di Garda, only 25 miles northwest of the famous fortress of Mantova. The Field Marshall was at that time 75 years old, but in excellent health. As a lifelong soldier, he was a vigorous man who was in complete control of the situation. He was the commanding general of the relatively recently established Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom, a crownland of Austria governed by Viceroy Archduke Rainer.
Accounting Manipulations and Business Failures: The Case for Effective Financial Disclosure and Corporate Governance

In this study, using accounting performance measures, cash flow performance measures, market based performance measures, and statistical models, we analyze financial and stock market data to determine if there were any early signs of financial distress with Enron and WorldCom, two firms with reported accounting manipulations. We also analyzed two other business failures that were not associated with reported accounting manipulations, United Airlines and Federal Mogul. Our results consistently predict the impending demise of Federal Mogul and United Airlines. With few exceptions, the measures we examine generally failed to foresee the bankruptcies of WorldCom and Enron. The study underscores the need for effective financial disclosure and corporate governance to create a climate of investor confidence in the business community.
The effect of dosage regimen on the efficacy of cambendazole against Trichinella spiralis

Abstract Systematic dose- and time-response trials were first conducted to determine a treatment regimen with cambdendazole (CBZ, 2-[4′-thiazolyl]-5- iso propoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole) that would be therapeutically effective against adult Trichinella spiralis in experimentally-infected mice. CBZ proved to be highly effective against adult Trichinella in a 3-day treatment course during the enterai phase of experimental trichinellosis. When treatment began 72 h after the mice were inoculated with parasites, the number of adult worms recovered from the host intestine was greatly reduced by twice-daily oral doses of CBZ at 25 mg kg −1 body wt. The efficacy of the divided daily oral dosage treatment regimen that was effective against adult T. spiralis during the enteral phase of infection was then tested during the parenteral phases of trichinellosis. Gavage administration of CBZ at 25 mg kg −1 bis m die for 3 consecutive days during the invasive (days 14–16) and encystment (days 28–30) phases of infection significantly reduced (29 and 90 %, respectively) the number of larvae subsequently recovered from the host musculature on day 44 postinoculation.
Alumoxanes as Cocatalysts in the Palladium-Catalyzed Copolymerization of Carbon Monoxide and Ethylene: Genesis of a Structure−Activity Relationship

The palladium-catalyzed copolymerization of carbon monoxide and ethylene to give polyketone polymers, [CH2CH2C(O)]n, has been accomplished by the use of either (dppp)Pd(OAc)2 or (dppp)Pd[C(O)tBu]Cl in the presence of a tert-butyl alumoxane, [(tBu)Al(μ3-O)]n (n = 6, 7, 9) or [(tBu)7Al5(μ3-O)3(μ-OH)2] cocatalyst. The effects on the catalytic activity of the alumoxane and palladium concentrations, the alumoxane structure, and the identity of the phosphine ligands were determined. The function of the alumoxane is shown to depend on the choice of palladium catalyst precursor. With (dppp)Pd[C(O)tBu]Cl the alumoxane abstracts chloride to give a catalytically active cationic palladium complex directly. In contrast, the alumoxane initially alkylates the palladium in (dppp)Pd(OAc)2 and subsequently abstracts the remaining acetate anion, yielding the active cationic palladium complex. The catalytic activity is highly dependent on the structure of the alumoxane. A comparative study indicates the cocatalytic activity ...
Human osteoblast response in vitro to platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-β delivered from controlled-release polymer rods

The purpose of this work was (1) to develop extrudable ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer delivery systems capable of sustained release of bioactive proteins and (2) to determine the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and/or transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) on human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Human osteoblasts were plated in vitro and proliferation and protein synthesis assayed at 48 and 96 h. EVA-PDGF rods releasing about 34 ng per ml PDGF per day produced a dramatic early increase in osteoblast proliferation and no effect on protein synthesis. EVA-TGF-beta2 rods releasing about 23 ng per ml per day increased protein synthesis but had no effect on proliferation. PDGF and TGF-beta2 together resulted in moderate increases in proliferation and a marked increase in protein synthesis. Morphologically, PDGF-treated cells became confluent as early as 48 h, while TGF-beta2-treated cells formed into nodules. This work shows that (1) it is possible to deliver physiological levels of bioactive proteins from an extrudable EVA delivery system, and (2) bone cell response is dependent on the sequence and timing of delivery. Controlled-release delivery systems which mimic injury-induced healing cascades may be useful in evaluating the role of various molecules in osseous repair.