cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tetraethylammonium on Kx Channels and Simulated Light Response in Rod Photoreceptorss

Rod photoreceptors express a unique type of noninactivating potassium channels, Kx channels, which play an important role in setting the dark potential and participate in shaping the light response. Biophysical studies of Kx channels are limited. For example, the effects of a conventional blocker of potassium channels, tetraethylammonium (TEA), on Kx channels have not been extensively studied. Here we demonstrate that TEA blocks Kx channels, one molecule of TEA being sufficient to block the channel. Half of the Kx current was inhibited at K0.5 = 5.6 mM. The TEA-induced block of Kx channels depended on extracellular potassium: the higher the potassium concentration, the stronger the block. Using TEA, we blocked potassium channels to reveal their role in shaping the simulated light response (SLR) of rods. We showed that TEA slowed down SLR and sometimes caused generation of action potentials. We developed a complete computer model of the rod, which accurately reproduced the main features of the light response and allowed us to demonstrate that it was suppression of Kx channels that was essential for slowing SLR and increasing excitability of rods. The results reported in this work further establish the importance of Kx channels in rod photoreceptor function.
Chlordimeform: Plant protection by a sublethal, noncholinergic action on the central nervous system

Abstract The physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which the formamidine pesticide chlordimeform protects plants from lepidopterous larvae were investigated using the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). The lethality of chlordimeform to various life stages of the hornworm was evaluated. Eggs were not highly sensitive (LC50 = 0.1%; dipping), nor were the larvae (second-instar LD50 = 700 μg/g, fifth-instar LD50 = 406 μg/g; injection). Adults were much more sensitive (LD50 = 3.3 μg/g; injection), showing strong symptoms of excitation. However, the larvae showed reversible signs of intoxication (tremors and incoordination) at much lower doses than those needed to cause death (ED50 = 0.24 μg/g for fifth-instar), and chlordimeform sprayed on tomato plants was highly effective in reducing feeding by the larvae (50% reduction at 0.011% solution). Insects were not deterred from feeding, but rapidly showed fine tremors and dropped from the plant at chlordimeform levels much below those needed to cause direct mortality. Neurophysiological studies indicated that 10−7 M chlordimeform stimulated activity in the motor nerves of the isolated abdominal ganglia. A comparison of the potencies of five related formamidines in decreasing plant consumption, initiating tremors after injection, and in stimulating the fourth abdominal ganglion, showed a close correlation in the structural requirements for these three biological actions. Chlordimeform had no potent effect on axonal conduction in Manduca or on cholinergic synapses in the sixth abdominal ganglion of Periplaneta, and chlordimeform-induced excitation of the fourth abdominal ganglion in Manduca was not blocked by nereistoxin. We therefore conclude that this type of plant protection is afforded by a nonlethal mechanism which probably arises from motor stimulation through actions on central noncholinergic synapses.
Sexual behavior of cohabitors: A comparison of three independent samples

I tested the hypothesis that cohabitors, as a component of their lifestyle choice to live together without being married, would be more sexually experienced and sexually active than noncohabitors. Differences between cohabitors and noncohabitors were examined in three independent samples (Ns = 173, 136, and 148). Within each group, differences between cohabitors and noncohabitors were examined in regard to background variables, perceived parent sexual attitudes, sexual behavior, sexual history, sexual satisfaction, orgasmic responsiveness, conception history, social competence, and relationship attachment. In general, the hypothesis was confirmed that cohabitors have greater and earlier sexual experience than noncohabitors. Other findings indicated that cohabitors were more socially competent and had parents with more negative sexual attitudes than noncohabitors. No differences in relationship attachment (love and liking for their partner) were found.
Improved performance of GaInNAs solar cells grown by molecular-beam epitaxy using increased growth rate instead of surfactants

Abstract GaInNAs is potentially useful for increasing the conversion efficiency of multijunction solar cells if low photocurrents and photovoltages can be increased. Wide-depletion width devices generate significant photocurrents using an n–i–p structure grown by molecular-beam epitaxy, but these wide depletion widths are only realized in a region of parameter space that leads to rough surface morphologies. Surfactants are effective at reducing the surface roughness, but lead to increased defect densities and changes in the net acceptor or donor concentration. Here, we show that increasing the growth rate of GaInNAs solar cells leads to smooth surfaces without the use of a surfactant, even at high In compositions and substrate temperatures. No degradation in material quality is observed when increasing the growth rate from 1.5 to 3.0 μm/h, but a shunt resistance does appear for the high-growth-rate samples. This shunt is attributed to increased spitting of the Ga cell, leading to an increase in the oval defect density, at the higher effusion cell temperatures used to achieve high growth rates. As with the case of Bi in GaInNAs, increased growth rates also appear to increase the net donor concentration, but it is not clear if these effects have the same cause.
The Hamiltonian of the General Theory of Relativity with Electromagnetic Field

In this paper we have given a specific example of a Hamiltonian of a non-linear field theory, a Hamiltonian density completely free of time derivatives. In accordance with the general theory developed previously, this Hamiltonian is one of the constraints between the canonical variables and, therefore, vanishes everywhere. To obtain this function, we have developed methods that will also permit the construction of Hamiltonian densities in any field theory in which the Lagrangian density is quadratic in the first derivatives. Our Hamiltonian differs from the one obtained by Schild and Pirani in that they use Dirac's method to derive a Hamiltonian that is invariant but contains velocities, so that their canonical field equations cannot be solved with respect to the time derivatives of all canonical variables. In our formalism, the canonical equations contain no time derivatives on the right-hand sides, but the adoption of a particular Hamiltonian is equivalent to the adoption of a particular coordinate condition and gauge condition. However, once we have obtained any one Hamiltonian density, we can readily obtain any other one (and thus go over to arbitrary coordinate and gauge conditions) by combination with the other constraints of the theory_in question.
The Importance of Worship that Centers on the Ordo

In its constitution, the Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship (ARL&W) declares itself to be “a voluntary association of institutions and persons who aspire to the understanding and practic...
China in Africa: challenging US global hegemony

Abstract In the first decade of the 21st century China has been able to enter political, military and commercial deals with countries of the asean community, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the countries and observers in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (sco). In November 2006 China sealed this circle with a strategic partnership with Africa at a major feast of leaders celebrating the friendship and co-operation between the two. The emergence of China as a force in Africa complicated the tussle between the EU and the USA over the ‘who controls Africa’. The new relations between Africa and China could be described in the words of Gramsci, as, ‘the old is dying yet the new is yet to be born’. Chinese relations with Africa combine elements of the old (extraction of raw materials), yet the experience of transformation in China ensures that there are many positive and negative lessons to be learnt. What is new is the prospect for the consolidation of African independence and the chal...
Validity and Reliability of a Pre-Employment Screening Test: The Counterproductive Behavior Index (CBI)

The Counterproductive Behavior Index (CBI) is a 120-item, true-false questionnaire developed to assess five aspects of counterproductive workplace behavior: Dependability Concerns, Aggression, Substance Abuse, Honesty Concerns, and Computer Abuse, plus an overall measure of Total Concerns. It also yields a Good Impression score. To assess predictive validity, undergraduates with significant work experience simulated persons who had each of the five counterproductive behaviors but were exercising care not to get caught trying to conceal that behavior. All differences between simulated and normative responding were highly significant, with a median sensitivity of .89 for a specificity of .90. For similar participants, construct validity correlations ranged from .37 though .72 with a median of .50, and the correlation of CBI Total Concerns with a Total Validity Index was .66. Test-retest reliabilities of the CBI scales ranged from .79 to .94 with a median correlation of .87. These compare favorably with previously reported internal consistencies (Cronbach alphas). Analysis of the CBI scores of the original normative group at different levels of Good Impression showed that none of the six Concerns scores were affected by attempts to make a good impression until the Good Impression score reached the 90th percentile.
Sample courseware for introductory OO programming

In this paper, we describe a programming assignment for first semester computer science students that requires them to apply object-oriented (OO) programming and design skills in order to successfully complete their work. The students work in an interactive 3D environment that gives them immediate visual feedback.
Anemone Cell Tumor Revisited

(1992). Anemone Cell Tumor Revisited. Ultrastructural Pathology: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. iii-v.
Stem cells in cutaneous wound healing

Treatment of chronic wounds remains difficult, in spite of better understanding of pathophysiologic principles and greater adherence to recognized standards of care. Even with recent advances stemming from breakthroughs in recombinant growth factors and bioengineered skin, up to almost 50% of chronic wounds that have been present for more than a year remain resistant to treatment. Because of these realities, there is excitement in the use of stem cells to offset impaired healing. Early data appear encouraging, but much work remains to be done. Although pilot studies suggest that multipotent adult stem cells can accelerate wound repair or even reconstitute the wound bed, the answers will need to come from randomized clinical trials. Thus far, considerable focus has been placed on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and there are now promising approaches for introducing them into the wound. It might turn out, however, that other types of stem cells will be more effective, including those derived from hair follicles or, perhaps, subsets of bone marrow-derived cultured cells. Still, proper wound care and adherence to basic principles cannot be bypassed, even by the most sophisticated approaches.
Modeling, design, and simulation of a piezoelectrically driven microvalve for high-pressure high-frequency applications

This paper reports the modeling, design, and dynamic simulation of a piezoelectrically-driven microfabricated valve for high frequency regulation of high pressure fluid flows. The enabling concept of the valve is the ability to convert the small displacement of a piezoelectric element into a large valve cap stroke through the use of a hydraulic fluid, while maintaining high force capability. The paper focuses on the development of a sytematic procedure to arrive at a geometric valve design for given performance requirements. Modeling of the non-linear large deflection behavior of the valve membrane and design of this structure to maintain stresses below critical levels are discussed. Design of the piezoelectric material drive portion of the valve to create a stiffness match with the valve membrane and external hydraulic system is detailed. In addition, this paper presents a dynamic simulation of the active valve, including effects such as valve cap dynamics and fluid damping, that allow for understanding and prediction of valve performance under various loading conditions.
Unanticipated toxicities from anticancer therapies: survivors' perspectives.

Context Improved therapies in oncology have resulted in increased survival across numerous malignancies, shifting attention to other aspects of the cancer experience. In particular, the impact of treatment-related toxicities has gained considerable attention, due to their physical and psychosocial effects, and possible impact on clinical outcome. These untoward events have not been examined from the survivors' perspective.
Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale Predicts Physical Fitness Testing Performance

Background An eight-item activity scale was recently developed and validated for use as a prognostic tool in clinical research in children and adolescents. It is unclear, however, if this brief questionnaire is predictive of quantitative metrics of physical activity and fitness.
PEG-ADA replacement therapy for adenosine deaminase deficiency: an update after 8.5 years

Polyethylene glycol-modified adenosine deaminase (PEG-ADA) has now been used for 8.5 years as enzyme replacement therapy for immunodeficiency due to ADA deficiency. PEG-ADA restores a metabolic environment necessary for recovery of immune function. In most cases, the level of function achieved has been sufficient to protect against opportunistic and life-threatening infections. To date, mortality and morbidity with PEG-ADA have been less than for haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. As a true "orphan drug" used to treat a very small patient population, the cost per patient of PEG-ADA is very high, but it has been well tolerated, free of adverse reactions, and effective as an alternative for patients who lack an HLA-identical marrow donor, but are considered too ill to undergo haploidentical marrow transplantation. Concomitant treatment with PEG-ADA has also permitted investigation of gene therapy to be carried out safely.
High resolution spectral analyses of the Jovian decametric radiation. I. Burst morphology and drift rates

Morphological analyses of high-resolution spectral recordings of Jovian decametric radiation show a regime of phenomena not seen at lower resolutions. Observed emissions range from narrow-band (50 kHz) simple quasi-periodic bursts to wide-band emissions (extending over a 500-kHz passband) exhibiting complex structural detail. Assuming gyroemission from electrons in a dipole field for which the magnetic moment is 10 Gauss Jupiter-radius-cubed, drift-rate measurements of the bursts indicate that the source size is of the order of 600 km and its location is near 1.3 Jupiter radii at a colatitude of 27.3 deg. The measurements suggest that the emitting electrons belong to a population having a very specific equatorial pitch angle near 3.5 deg. This study concludes that it may be possible to verify gyroemission as the mechanism responsible for the decametric radiation.
Reentrant phase diagram in the field-induced spin density wave state

The temperature-magnetic field phase diagram is presented for (TMTSF) 2ClO4 from magnetization and magnetotransport measurements for 0.5<T<10K and B<30T. It is shown that the threshold line for the previously established field-induced spin density wave transitions below 10T, and the critical line for the newly discovered very high field transition near 27T, are in fact the same. This implies that the (H-T) phase diagram is reentrant, with the same ‘metallic’ phase occurring at low and high field at low temperatures. It is also shown that the observed magnetization is related to the sign of the critical line slope, ϖT/ϖH, in agreement with thermodynamic considerations.
Optical oscillator strengths for atomic nitrogen based upon an analytic IPM model

Abstract An analytic atomic independent particle model is used to generate optical oscillator strengths for a variety of transitions in atomic nitrogen. The results generally compare favorably with those obtained from Hartree-Fock-Slater calculations and experiment. Where differences arise, it would appear that the parameter adjustment technique of this IPM model insures a closer representation of the properties of excited atomic states.
The gender-specific chest wall thickness prediction equations for routine measurements of 239Pu and 241Am within the lungs using HPGe detectors.

The current chest wall thickness prediction equation is not applicable to use in routine lung counting measurements for detection of low energy photons (17-60 keV) within the lungs of male and female subjects. The current chest wall thickness prediction equation was derived for the NaI-CsI {open_quotes}phoswich{close_quotes} detection system, which is not the routine detection system in use; the subject position was supine, which is not the routine position; the equation did not account for the intercostal tissue thicknesses of muscle and adipose which significantly attenuate low energy photons (17-60 keV); it was derived from male subjects only and is used to predict the chest wall thickness of female subjects for whom it is not applicable. The current chest wall thickness prediction equation yields unacceptable percent errors in the HPGe detection efficiency calibration for {sup 239}Pu and {sup 241}Am (17- and 59.5-keV photons, respectively) relative to the gender-specific HPGe chest wall thickness prediction equations of this paper (+284% to -73% for {sup 239}Pu; +42% to -39% for {sup 241}Am). As a result, use of the current chest wall thickness prediction equation yields unacceptable percent errors (proportional in magnitude to the percent errors in the detection efficiency calibration) in the calculation ofmore » the minimum detectable activity (Bq) or in an initial assessment of a radioactive contamination exposure detected by a routine lung count measurement. 17 refs., 6 figs., 12 tabs.« less
System Health Management Theory and Design Strategies

This paper describes a fundamental theory of System Health Management (SHM), and of its operational subset, Fault Management (FM), along with some ramifications of this theory on the system design process. It defines a set of fundamental principles that define the assumptions of the theory and its relationships to other primary engineering concepts and theories. The paper then describes the functions of Fault Management, which are required for the design of the system's operational failure prediction, detection, and response capabilities. Finally, the authors elaborate the implications of the theory and functions by defining the first steps of the design process required to define the SHM capabilities to be built into a system.
Hepatic Acetyl CoA Links Adipose Tissue Inflammation to Hepatic Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

Impaired insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet the molecular mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Using a novel in vivo metabolomics approach, we show that the major mechanism by which insulin suppresses HGP is through reductions in hepatic acetyl CoA by suppression of lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT) leading to reductions in pyruvate carboxylase flux. This mechanism was confirmed in mice and rats with genetic ablation of insulin signaling and mice lacking adipose triglyceride lipase. Insulin's ability to suppress hepatic acetyl CoA, PC activity, and lipolysis was lost in high-fat-fed rats, a phenomenon reversible by IL-6 neutralization and inducible by IL-6 infusion. Taken together, these data identify WAT-derived hepatic acetyl CoA as the main regulator of HGP by insulin and link it to inflammation-induced hepatic insulin resistance associated with obesity and T2D.
On some topological properties of stable measures

The paper shows that the set of stable probability measures and the set of Rational Beliefs relative to a given stationary measure are closed in the strong topology, but not closed in the topology of weak convergence. However, subsets of the set of stable probability measures which are characterized by uniformity of convergence of the empirical distribution are closed in the topology of weak convergence. It is demonstrated that such subsets exist. In particular, there is an increasing sequence of sets of SIDS measures who's union is the set of all SIDS measures generated by a particular system and such that each subset consists of stable measures. The uniformity requirement has a natural interpretation in terms of plausibility of Rational Beliefs.
Phenylbutyrate-induced apoptosis is associated with inactivation of NF-κB IN HT-29 colon cancer cells

Purpose: Cytotoxic chemotherapy has been used to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with limited success. Therefore novel chemotherapeutic approaches are needed. Based on encouraging preclinical data, there has been an interest in developing derivatives of butyrate as clinically applicable agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of phenylbutyrate (PB), a butyrate analogue, on the cell growth and apoptosis in a colon cancer cell model. Methods: Growth curves, flow cytometric studies, Western blotting, DNA binding assays and transient transfection experiments were performed in vitro using the colon cancer cell line HT-29 after exposure to PB. Results: Exposure of HT-29 colon cancer cells to PB resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis as measured by annexin V staining. This increase in apoptosis was associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, an increase in caspase-3 activity and a decrease in intact PARP protein levels. Since NF-κB plays a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis, we explored the effects of PB on the DNA binding and transcriptional activity of this transcription factor. After PB treatment, NF-κB-DNA binding was markedly decreased and specifically, this decreased DNA binding was observed in the p50:p65 heterodimer. The decreased NF-κB DNA binding was observed as early as 3 h after PB treatment, while no apparent changes in annexin V binding were detected until 12 h after PB treatment. Untreated HT-29 cells transfected with a κB-luciferase reporter plasmid demonstrated significant constitutive activity of the κB binding site, which was markedly decreased after treating the cells with PB. Conclusion: These results suggest that PB-induced apoptosis may be partly regulated through the inactivation of NF-κB. PB, an oral butyrate analogue, may have therapeutic potential in colon cancer.
Residence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis within polymicrobial biofilm promotes antibiotic resistance and bacterial persistence in vivo

Otitis media (OM) is an extremely common pediatric ailment caused by opportunists that reside within the nasopharynx. Inflammation within the upper airway can promote ascension of these opportunists into the middle ear chamber. OM can be chronic/recurrent in nature, and a wealth of data indicates that in these cases, the bacteria persist within biofilms. Epidemiological data demonstrate that most cases of OM are polymicrobial, which may have significant impact on antibiotic resistance. In this study, we used in vitro biofilm assays and rodent infection models to examine the impact of polymicrobial infection with Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) on biofilm resistance to antibiotic treatment and persistence in vivo. Consistent with prior work, M. catarrhalis conferred beta-lactamase-dependent passive protection from beta-lactam killing to pneumococci within polymicrobial biofilms. Moreover, pneumococci increased resistance of M. catarrhalis to macrolide killing in polymicrobial biofilms. However, pneumococci increased colonization in vivo by M. catarrhalis in a quorum signal-dependent manner. We also found that co-infection with M. catarrhalis affects middle ear ascension of pneumococci in both mice and chinchillas. Therefore, we conclude that residence of M. catarrhalis and pneumococci within the same biofilm community significantly impacts resistance to antibiotic treatment and bacterial persistence in vivo.
Evaluation of the Energy Efficiency Effectiveness of Cool Roofs for Residential Applications

This study determines the effects of cool roofs on a home’s energy use, specifically on heating and cooling energy end-uses. Representative cities were chosen for several ASHRAE US climate zones. A series of parametric simulations in EnergyPlus was carried out to assess the performance of cool roofs for selected prototypical residential building models using detailed simulation analysis. The simulation results are then correlated for each climate zone type to give an approximation of the best roof color per climate. The results are given based on total energy used as well as energy cost based on national average electricity and natural gas residential rates. This method allows builders and homeowners the choice between the most cost effective roofing type, and the most energy efficient in the case that they are not the same.Overall, it was found that in hot climates, it is more efficient to have a white roof, while a black roof benefits cooler climates. In mild and mixed climates, the effect of roof color was found rather are different for energy use and energy cost. Therefore the choice is determined by the owner’s requirements. In the cooler and milder climate zones, the analysis shows that the cost excess or savings is fairly small; usually under $10 difference per year. Hotter climates also have a relatively small effect, but more so than the cooler climates, with Phoenix especially showing a savings of $48.60 per year when a white roof is used over a black roof. Energy changes as low as only 4% in the as-built construction style, or as high as nearly 100% change in upgraded envelope cases were found. The study further finds that both the lack of an attic, and high efficiency envelopes increases the magnitude of the percent change in energy requirements.© 2014 ASME
Characterization of the polymer-developer interface in 193-nm photoresist polymers and formulations during dissolution

Investigations of the dissolution behavior of the IBM V2 193 nm methacrylate photoresist polymer and its formulations using the recently developed impedance quartz-crystal microbalance methodology unequivocally confirm the presence of an interfacial gel layer during dissolution. All aspects of V2 dissolution behavior are strong functions of resist formulation, developer concentration, and resist film thermal history. The dissolution process is characterized by (a) a complex gel layer evolution regime; (b) a steady-state dissolution regime; and (c) a final gel layer decay regime upon depletion of solid resist film. The gel layer evolution regime exhibits a linear increase in mass and development of a lossy film component (interfacial gel) associated with developer uptake. The transition from this regime to the steady-state dissolution regime is accompanied by reproducible correlated excursions in frequency shift and film resistance measurements. The steady-state dissolution regime exhibits a linear decrease in mass and fairly constant gel-layer; upon depletion of the solid resist film, the gel layer decays. Absolute and relative metrics for phenomena occurring in these regimes can be extracted from the dissolution data and are useful for analyzing the influences of formulation components on dissolution and gelation behaviors. Formulation components explored include a photoacid generator, bis(t-butylphenyliodonium) perfluorobutanesulfonate, and common dissolution modifiers, t-butyl lithocholate and lithocholic acid. Film thermal history impacts dissolution phenomena strongly and appears to reflect both polymer annealing and residual solvent evaporation effects.
Comparison of four polymerase chain reaction assays for specificity in the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae

We determined the usefulness of 4 conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, lytA, psaA, and two primer sets from the ply gene, for accuracy in the discrimination of nontypeable (NT) Streptococcus pneumoniae from closely related atypical streptococci. The study used 100 strains. We compared the PCR results with laboratory tests that included optochin (ethylhydrocupreine hydrochloride) sensitivity, bile solubility, the Quellung reaction, and AccuProbe (Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego, CA). These latter tests did not discriminate the atypical streptococci from the NT pneumococci. All PCR primer sets amplified the NT pneumococcal isolates in agreement with the other laboratory tests. However, the IA and IB ply primers were positive for 8 of the 16 atypical streptococcal isolates, and the IIA and IIB ply primers amplified all atypical isolates. The psaA primers had only one discrepant result, a positive among the atypical streptococci. The lytA primers were the most specific with 100% specificity for all strains tested.
Desymmetrization and degree of chirality

Chiral objects, viewed as distorted derivatives of achiral ones, may be represented by points in a configuration space that is spanned by a set of symmetry coordinates derived for the symmetry group of the achiral object of highest symmetry. We propose a measure (d) that quantifies the displacement of the representative point for a chiral object away from thenearest point representing an achiral object in such a multi-dimensional configuration space. If the symmetry coordinates are chosen so as to yield a similarity invariant measure, then the valuesd; obtained for a series ofi chiral objects can serve as a basis for comparing the degrees of chirality of these objects. The chirality of triangles inE 2 is studied by this method, and it is shown that the most chiral triangle in terms of this measure corresponds to one that is infinitely flat, and that may be approached but is never attained. This result is compared to others obtained previously for the same system by the use of different measures of chirality.
Revisiting the unmitigated approach model of narcissism: Replication and extension

Foster, Misra, and Reidy (2009) found that general approach motivation mediated the positive relationship between narcissism and two distinct domains: friendship motivation and investment decision-making. Using more sophisticated statistical techniques, we not only replicate Foster et al’s main findings, but extend their model in two ways: uncovering new effects and demonstrating it in a new domain, academic achievement.
High intensity 125-Iodine (1251) plaque treatment of uveal melanoma

Purpose: Episcleral 125I plaque therapy of uveal melanoma is an important treatment modality to control tumor, salvage the globe, and potentially preserve vision. We retrospectively analyzed our experience in 239 patients to assess treatment outcome with this technique. Methods and Materials: Between 1983 and 1990, 239 uveal melanoma patients were treated with 125I plaques at the University of California, San Francisco. High intensity 125I seeds in the range of 3–20 mCi were used to give a minimum tumor dose of 70 Gy in 4 days. Initial mean tumor size was 10.9 mm × 9.2 mm × 5.5 mm with a range in tumor diameter from 4 to 18 mm and tumor height from 1.9 to 11.1 mm. Best corrected pre-treatment visual acuity was 20/200 or better in 92% of patients. Results: Local tumor control was maintained in 91.7% of patients with a mean follow-up of 35.9 months; 19 patients had local tumor progression; mean time to progression was 27.3 mo (1.8 to 60.1 mo). Actuarial local control is 82% at 5 years. Multivariate analysis demonstrates significant correlation of local failure with larger maximum tumor diameter (p = 0.0008), closer proximity to the fovea (p = 0.0001), lower radiation dose (p = 0.0437), and smaller ultrasound height (p = 0.0034). The actuarial incidence of distant metastases is 12% at 5 years with multivariate analysis showing significant correlation only with maximum tumor diameter (p = 0.0064). Visual outcome is 20200 or better in 58% of patients. Conclusion: While the tumor control rates appear favorable, ocular morbidity is significant. A current randomized trial comparing 125I plaque with Helium ion therapy is in progress with specific comparison of tumor control, survival, and visual outcome.
A Simple Procedure for Optimizing the Height Resolution in Spectral Line Inversions

This paper presents a method to determine how much detail of the height stratification of atmospheric parameters can be retrieved from the inversion of spectral lines (and their polarization profiles, when available) via χ2-minimization algorithms. An a priori analysis of the response functions and their correlations permits an evaluation of the optimal number of inversion nodes and their locations. A number of problems of practical interest are studied by applying this method to different photospheric and chromospheric models of quiet Sun and sunspots. As a result of this analysis I obtain the optimal discretization for retrieving the temperature and magnetic field stratifications in such atmospheres. I show that the Fe I lines at 6302 A provide a height resolution for temperature inversions close to Δτ500 0.5 in the middle photosphere. In comparison, the chromospheric Hα line allows for a resolution of Δτ500 1.5 through the chromosphere. This kind of analysis may also be useful in other contexts in which χ2-minimization algorithms are employed.
Olfactory discrimination varies in mice with different levels of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that schizophrenics have decreased expression of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine (α7) receptors in the hippocampus and other brain regions, paranoid delusions, disorganized speech, deficits in auditory gating (i.e., inability to inhibit neuronal responses to repetitive auditory stimuli), and difficulties in odor discrimination and detection. Here we use mice with decreased α7 expression that also show a deficit in auditory gating to determine if these mice have similar deficits in olfaction. In the adult mouse olfactory bulb (OB), α7 expression localizes in the glomerular layer; however, the functional role of α7 is unknown. We show that inbred mouse strains (i.e., C3H and C57) with varying α7 expressions (e.g., α7 wild-type [α7+/+], α7 heterozygous knock-out [α7+/−] and α7 homozygous knock-out mice [α7−/−]) significantly differ in odor discrimination and detection of chemically-related odorant pairs. Using [ 125 I] α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) autoradiography, α7 expression was measured in the OB. As previously demonstrated, α-BGT binding was localized to the glomerular layer. Significantly more expression of α7 was observed in C57 α7+/+ mice compared to C3H α7+/+ mice. Furthermore, C57 α7+/+ mice were able to detect a significantly lower concentration of an odor in a mixture compared to C3H α7+/+ mice. Both C57 and C3H α7+/+ mice discriminated between chemically-related odorants sooner than α7+/− or α7−/− mice. These data suggest that α7-nicotinic-receptors contribute strongly to olfactory discrimination and detection in mice and may be one of the mechanisms producing olfactory dysfunction in schizophrenics.
Computer simulation of cardiac cycle variables and arrhythmias.

Abstract As an intergral part of instruction in the normal and abnormal cardiac cycle, the correspondence between and the form of the cardiac variables is presented. The simulations are developed by an analog-logic computer and include the heart sounds (visually and audibly), the ECG, ventricular, atrial and aortic pressure, aortic flow and ventricular volume. The effects of abnormal states occur automatically as different arrhythmias occur. Rhythms include: normal sinus rhythm, sinus arrhythmia, atrial and ventricular premature beats, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and atrioventricular blocks including the Wenckebach type. The program may be expanded to increase its range and usefulness in both clinical and physiological teaching programs. A description of the variables, logic relations, describing functions and control schemes are presented.
Critical Han studies: the history, representation, and identity of China's majority

Critical Han studies: the history, representation, and identity of China's majority, edited by Thomas S. Mullaney, James Leibold, Stephane Gros, and Eric Vanden Bussche, Berkeley, University of Cal...
36.3: A Faster Switching Regime for Zenithal Bistable Nematic Displays

A simpler and faster switching regime for Zenithal Bistable Nematic displays is reported. A cell, based on homeotropic alignment of nematic liquid crystal over a continuous blazed monograting on one surface, can be switched using bipolar pulses an order of magnitude faster than monopolar pulses of the same voltage. We propose that this regime relies on simple dielectric coupling to drive the cell into a higher energy state with a long pulse time, and the relaxation into a lower energy state after the creation of surface defects from a shorter applied pulse. Although flexoelectric effects are observed, they do not form the basis of state selection as was proposed for the monopolar pulses.
Simultaneous determination of midazolam and flumazenil concentrations in human plasma by gas chromatography

Abstract A gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of midazolam and flumazenil concentrations in human plasma has been developed, using clinazolam as the internal standard. A mixture of chloroform and ethyl acetate (80:20) was used to extract the two compounds. A 2-μl volume of the reconstituted sample was injected using a 1:20 split injection mode. Intra-day coefficients of variation ranged from 2 to 6.9%. The assay was linear over the range 3–1000 ng/ml. This assay was subsequently used to analyze samples from a human pharmacokinetic study.
A study of drug interaction by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry--synergism of chloral hydrate and ethanol.

Abstract During co-administration of chloral hydrate and ethanol-d6 to a rat, 1-deutero-2,2,2-trichloroethanol was detected in the urine by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This confirms an earlier hypothesis that the synergistic effect of chloral hydrate and ethanol is due to their coupled redox reaction in the alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated enzymatic process.
Response of patients with coronary artery disease stratified by ejection fraction following short-term training

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of patients with ischemic heart disease and varied left ventricular function following 6 weeks of exercise training. We studied the oxygen consumption (Vo 2 ), and central hemodynamic and metabolic responses of 14 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). There were two groups of patients: normal EF (NEF), EF=64 ± 9.9 (mean ± S.E.M.); n = 7, and diminished EF (DEF), EF=36 ± 11.6; n = 7. The patients ranged in age from 42 to 72 years (54.9 ± 2.2), and were evaluated prior to and then following training. Measures of Vo 2 , cardiac output (Q t ) stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), exercise duration (XTIME) and intensity (XI), as well as plasma lactate (LA), and the catecholamines epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) were obtained in response to maximal cycle ergometry. Subjects trained three times per week, 30 min per session, at an intensity equal to 70% of their peak oxygen consumption. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no interaction between groups suggesting a similar training response. Significant post-training changes ( P 2 (Vo 2peak ) NEF, 11.8% increase, (16.0 ± 1.3 to 17.9 ± 1.1 ml/kg/min) and DEF, 9.3% increase (15.1 ± 1.6 to 16.5 ± 1.2 ml/kg/min); submaximal HR, 4% decrease in the NEF (95.57 ± 4.58 to 92 ± 4.43 beats/min) and a 6% decrease in the DEF (107.29 ± 7.44 to 101.43 ± 6.77 beats/min); XTIME NEF, 11.2% increase (7.8 ± 0.57 to 8.67 ± 0.61 min) and DEF, 16.6% increase (7.3 ± 0.91 to 8.51 ± 0.69 min); and XI NEF, 19.2% increase (104.3 ± 11.3 to 124.3 ± 12.9 W) DEF, 21.2% increase (94.3 ± 18.5 to 114.3 ± 16.9 W), and a 15% decrease in resting NE (350 ± 26 to 296.9 ± 19 pg/ml). There were no changes in Q t , SV, LA, E, peak NE or peak HR for either group. These findings suggest short-term endurance training at 70% Vo 2peak provide the necessary stimulus for individuals with CAD and NEF or DEF to display an improvement in XI, XTIME, and Vo 2peak . The lack of a significant enhancement in Q t with short-term training may indicate that the mechanism by which both study groups were able to attain significantly higher levels of Vo 2peak may have been attributable to peripheral mechanisms rather than any alterations in Q t , a central mechanism.
Review of thermal-hydraulic calculations for Calvert Cliffs and H.B. Robinson PTS study

Abstract The thermal-hydraulic calculations for the USNRC pressurized thermal shock study, which were performed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory for the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant using the TRAC-PF1/MODI code and by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory for the H.B. Robinson Unit 2 nuclear power plant using the RELAP5/MOD1.6 code, were reviewed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. To quantitatively review these calculations, a simple method based on mass and energy balances was developed at BNL to predict the primary system temperature. In this approach the entire reactor system was lumped into a single volume and the energy balance was applied to that volume. Because significant nonequilibrium effects made it difficult to estimate the pressures, the upper and lower bounds of the pressure were calculated using adiabatic and equilibrium assumptions. In general, the temperatures and pressures of the primary system calculated by both codes were reasonable. The secondary pressures calculated by TRAC indicated it had some difficulty with the condensation model. However, it is not expected that this uncertainty would affect the transient calculations significantly. Review of one typical transient calculation for each plant is discussed in this paper.
Computer analysis of gamma and X-ray spectra

Abstract Modifications are described for the existing code SAMPO which reduce the necessity for the interaction of the user with the computer. New methods were introduced to determine the existence of unresolved doublets and of resolved, but previously ignored doublets. The original program was estimated to require interaction for about 15% of the photopeaks of gamma spectra. No estimate is given for the required interaction for gamma spectra of the revised program. However, it must be very small since with the revised program the required interaction with more poorly resolved X-ray spectra is estimated to be about 3%.
Prevalence of Occult Bacteremia in Children Aged 3 to 36 Months Presenting to the Emergency Department with Fever in the Postpneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era

Objectives: The goal of this study was to identify the prevalence of occult bacteremia (OB) in well-appearing, previously healthy children aged 3 to 36 months who present to the emergency department (ED) with fever without source in the post–pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) era. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of children presenting to an urban pediatric ED between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2007. Children were included if they were aged 3 to 36 months, febrile, and previously healthy; had no source of infection on examination; had a blood culture drawn; and were discharged from the ED. Outcome measures were rates of OB and contaminant rates. Results: A total of 8,408 children met all inclusion criteria. There were 21 true-positives, yielding an OB rate of 0.25% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16% to 0.37%). There were 159 contaminant cultures yielding a contaminant rate of 1.89% (95% CI = 1.61% to 2.19%), or a ratio of 7.6 contaminants for each true-positive. There were 14 included patients who grew Streptococcus pneumoniae from the blood, for a rate of 0.17% (95% CI = 0.09% to 0.27%). Conclusions: Given the current rate of OB in the post-PCV era, it may no longer be cost-effective to send blood cultures on well-appearing, previously healthy children aged 3 to 36 months who have fever without source.
Synergistic interactions between interferon-γ and TRAIL modulate c-FLIP in endothelial cells, mediating their lineage-specific sensitivity to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura plasma-associated apoptosis

Microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) injury coupled to progression of platelet microthrombi facilitated by ADAMTS13 deficiency is characteristic of idiopathic and HIV-linked thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Cytokines capable of inducing MVEC apoptosis in vitro are up-regulated in both TTP and HIV infection. However, the concentrations of these cytokines required to elicit EC apoptosis in vitro are 2- to 3-log–fold greater than present in patient plasmas. We report that clinically relevant levels of tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and interferon (IFN)–γ act in synergy to induce apoptosis in dermal MVECs, but have no effect on large-vessel ECs or pulmonary MVECs. This reflects the tissue distribution of TTP lesions in vivo. Sensitivity to TTP plasma or TRAIL plus IFN-γ is paralleled by enhanced ubiquitination of the caspase-8 regulator cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), targeting it for proteasome degradation. c-FLIP silencing with anti-FLIP short interfering RNA (siRNA) in pulmonary MVECs rendered them susceptible to TTP plasma– and cytokine-mediated apoptosis, while up-regulation of c-FLIP by gene transfer partially protected dermal MVECs from such injury. TTP plasma–mediated apoptosis appears to involve cytokine-induced acceleration of c-FLIP degradation, sensitizing cells to TRAIL-mediated caspase-8 activation and cell death. Suppression of TRAIL or modulation of immunoproteasome activity may have therapeutic relevance in TTP.
Super-Cooled Sports Dirt: Moral Contagion and Super Bowl Commercials in the Shadows of Janet Jackson

This study provides a select thick reading of how the moral contagion that followed the exposure of Janet Jackson's breast during the broadcast of the 2004 Super Bowl moved into the commercial realm. It is framed by an assessment of how the Super Bowl was “super-cooled” by the “moral panic” that followed the Jackson incident. Super Bowl commercials, usually “celebrated” in postmortems of the broadcast, came under closer moral interrogation. To understand the cultural fallout and “cooled environment” that ensued, a critical approach that blends concerns over “communicative dirt,” the characterized reader, and ethical criticism is used in the analysis of four commercials that were “banned” from the 2005 Super Bowl broadcast. Conclusions focus on dynamics of moral contagion in the Jackson incident and its likely impact on moral contours of the public sphere in light of changed notions of “banned” texts in the internet era and selectivity in processes that lead to cooling.
Palatal coverage and parotid flow rate

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to ascertain the effect of palatal coverage on the rate of gustation-induced function of the parotid gland. Subjects were fitted with flexible plastic maxillary mouthguards, and flow rate responses were studied both with and without the mouthguards in place. The presence of the mouthguard produced a highly significant decrease in parotid flow rate. This decrease in function was probably due to a reduction in tactile sensation rather than to an alteration in gustatory reception and response.