cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inorganic materials for transient electronics in biomedical applications

Transient electronic systems represent an emerging class of technology defined by an ability to physically dissolve, sublime, chemically degrade, disintegrate, or transform in a controlled manner, either spontaneously or through a trigger event. Bioresorbable (or, equivalently, bioabsorbable) electronic devices, as a subset of transient technologies, are designed to undergo complete dissolution when immersed in biofluids. Applications include temporary implants and other medical devices that serve important purposes in diagnostics and therapies, but with finite lifetimes matched to those of natural biological processes such as wound healing. Here, transience by bioresorption eliminates the devices without a trace, thereby bypassing the costs, complications, and risks associated with secondary surgical procedures for device retrieval. Such systems demand complete sets of bioresorbable electronic materials, including semiconductors, dielectrics, and conductors, as the fundamental building blocks for functional components. The considerations are not only in electronic performance, but in degradation chemistry and biocompatibility of both the materials and the products of their reactions with biofluids. This article highlights recent progress in this area of materials science and describes some of the most sophisticated bioresorbable electronic systems that combine these materials with bioresorbable polymers, the biomedical applications of these devices, and some directions for future work.
In vivo analysis of γH2AX+ cells in skeletal muscle from aged and obese humans.

Over the past 20 years, various identifiers of cellular senescence have been used to quantify the abundance of these cells in different tissues. These include classic markers such as p16, senescence-associated β-gal, and γH2AX, in addition to more recent markers (Sudan Black B and HMGB1). In vivo data on the usefulness of these markers in skeletal muscle are very limited and inconsistent. In the present study, we attempted to identify senescent cells in frozen human skeletal muscle biopsies using these markers to determine the effects of age and obesity on senescent cell burden; however, we were only able to assess the abundance of DNA-damaged nuclei using γH2AX immunohistochemistry. The abundance of γH2AX+ cells, including satellite cells, was not higher in muscle from old compared to young individuals; however, γH2AX+ cells were higher with obesity. Additionally, terminally differentiated, postmitotic myofiber nuclei from obese individuals had elevated γH2AX abundance compared to muscle from lean individuals. Analyses of gene expression support the conclusion that the elevated DNA damage and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype are preferentially associated with obesity in skeletal muscle. These data implicate obesity as a larger contributor to DNA damage in skeletal muscle than aging; however, more sensitive senescence markers for human skeletal muscle are needed to determine if these cells are in fact senescent.
College Grieving: Normalizing the Pain of Leaving and of Staying Behind:

The transition to college, however enacted, is viewed as a time of joyous discovery and self-exploration for the launched young adult. For the family, this transition may allow for pride in parenta...
Microsurgical Techniques for Exposing the Internal Maxillary Artery in Cerebral Revascularization Surgery: A Comparative Cadaver Study

Background The internal maxillary artery (IMAX) is currently considered one of the main donor vessels in extracranial-to-intracranial bypass surgeries. Four main techniques for harvesting the IMAX have been described: via the anterior medial infratemporal fossa (AMITF), the middle infratemporal fossa (MITF), the anterior lateral middle fossa (ALMF), and the lateral middle fossa (LMF). The advantages and limitations of these techniques have not yet been systematically evaluated and compared. Methods Twenty-five cadaver specimens were used to evaluate the harvesting technique. The length and the caliber of the targeted IMAX segments, as well as the depth from the operating plane to the IMAX, surgical time, and surgical area of exposure, were analyzed. Results The MITF technique provided the greatest operating area of exposure (mean, 3.88 ± 0.97 cm2). The LMF and MITF techniques provided the largest IMAX caliber (mean, 3.1 ± 0.4 mm and 3.0 ± 0.3 mm, respectively). The ALMF technique provided the shallowest operative depth as well as the least time of exposure (21.8 minutes). The MITF technique exposed the longest IMAX segment (mean, 18.8 ± 3.5 mm). Conclusions Advantages of the AMITF and MITF techniques include anatomic simplicity, absence of skull base drilling, and greater discretion in muscle dissection. These properties can simplify the anastomosis procedure compared with the ALMF and LMF techniques. Identification of the IMAX pattern is important before selecting the approach for this bypass operation.
Oxidation behavior of Fe-Cr-2Si alloys in high temperature steam

Abstract FeCrSi alloys have been proposed as alternatives to FeCrAl alloys for accident-tolerant fuel cladding in light water reactors. Experiments on the oxidation resistance of three Fe-Cr-2Si alloys in high-temperature steam, with 12, 16, and 20 wt. % Cr, show that ≥16 % Cr is sufficient to form a thin, passivating, binary oxide layer. At 1200 °C, only Cr2O3 and SiO2 form on Fe16Cr2Si and Fe20Cr2Si, while additional ternary Fe oxides form on Fe12Cr2Si. Decohesion and spalling of oxide were observed on Fe-Cr-Si alloys exposed to steam at 900 °C and above. Fe20Cr2Si exhibits the best oxidation resistance of the three in high-temperature steam.
Switching Colors on Beethoven’s Broadwood Fortepiano: Variation 4 of the Piano Sonata, Opus 111

Despite Heinrich Schenker’s groundbreaking analysis, William Drabkin’s impressive examination of the sketches and recent analytical overviews by William Kinderman, the variation movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 32 in c minor, Opus 111 remains only partially understood. A re-examination of this work in terms of timbral effects audible on the original instrument for which it was composed suggests an overall three-part dramatic division corresponding to the form of a resurrection drama where a theme lives, dies and returns in apotheosis. This conclusion is based upon sound recordings made on Beethoven’s original Broadwood fortepiano located in Budapest and similar instruments in Bonn and California. Research into Beethoven‘s manuscripts and sketches support the conclusions presented in this paper.
Calibration of Electrical Instruments Under Nonsinusoidal Conditions at NRC Canada

The paper describes the recent development of a system for calibration of electrical instruments with harmonics measurement capability, such as revenue meters and power analyzers, under nonsinusoidal test conditions at National Research Council (NRC) Canada. The improvements implemented with respect to an earlier NRC calibration system are aimed at increasing the calibration accuracy in a wider frequency range.
Bias in an Empirical Approach to Determining Bond and Mortgage Risk Premiums

Empirical studies of bond and commercial mortgage performance often quantify a required risk premium by examining the difference between the promised yield and the realized yield as adjusted for default occurrence. These studies omit the effects of various other sources of risk, however, including collateral asset market risk, interest rate risk, and possibly call risk. These omissions downwardly bias the empirical risk premium estimate on the debt. In this paper, we disentangle and quantify the sources of this bias by modeling secured coupon debt (the commercial mortgage) as used in the calculation of a realized investment return. We consider deterministic and stochastic interest rate economies with mortgage contracts that are either noncallable or subject to a temporary prepayment lockout period. Given realistic parameter values associated with the term structure, underlying asset dynamics, and debt contracting, we show that the magnitude of the bias can be significant.
Who Keeps International Commitments and Why? The International Criminal Court and Bilateral Nonsurrender Agreements

What do countries do when they have committed to a treaty, but then find that commitment challenged? After the creation of the International Criminal Court, the United States tried to get countries, regardless of whether they were parties to the Court or not, to sign agreements not to surrender Americans to the Court. Why did some states sign and others not? Given United States power and threats of military sanctions, some states did sign. However, such factors tell only part of the story. When refusing to sign, many states emphasized the moral value of the court. Further, states with a high domestic rule of law emphasized the importance of keeping their commitment. This article therefore advances two classic arguments that typically are difficult to substantiate; namely, state preferences are indeed partly normative, and international commitments do not just screen states; they also constrain.
In vivo targeting of lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with the Tupaia paramyxovirus H glycoprotein bearing a cell-specific ligand

Despite their exceptional capacity for transgene delivery ex vivo, lentiviral (LV) vectors have been slow to demonstrate clinical utility in the context of in vivo applications. Unresolved safety concerns related to broad LV vector tropism have limited LV vectors to ex vivo applications. Here, we report on a novel LV vector-pseudotyping strategy involving envelope glycoproteins of Tupaia paramyxovirus (TPMV) engineered to specifically target human cell-surface receptors. LV vectors pseudotyped with the TPMV hemagglutinin (H) protein bearing the interleukin (IL)-13 ligand in concert with the TPMV fusion (F) protein allowed efficient transduction of cells expressing the human IL-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2). Immunodeficient mice bearing orthotopically implanted human IL-13Rα2 expressing NCI-H1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells were injected intravenously with a single dose of LV vector pseudotyped with the TPMV H-IL-13 glycoprotein. Vector biodistribution was monitored using bioluminescence imaging of firefly luciferase transgene expression, revealing specific transduction of tumor tissue. A quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analysis of lung tissue samples revealed a >15-fold increase in the tumor transduction in mice treated with LV vectors displaying IL-13 relative to those without IL-13. Our results show that TPMV envelope glycoproteins can be equipped with ligands to develop targeted LV vectors for in vivo applications.
Characterization and modeling of the fatigue behavior of 304L stainless steel using the MultiStage Fatigue (MSF) Model

Abstract Experimental and microstructural analyses were used to calibrate a MultiStage Fatigue model that included the number of cycles for incubation, microstructurally small crack growth, and long crack growth of 304L stainless steel. Fully reversed cyclic loading tests at strains of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.0% were used to characterize the material performance of 304L stainless steel. To assess the microstructural characteristics of 304L stainless steel, the fatigued fracture surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy for particles and crack initiation sites, while phases, grain sizes, and grain orientations were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction. Results from both the experimental data and microstructural analysis were then incorporated into the MultiStage Fatigue model to quantify the incubation, small crack regimes, and the total fatigue life of 304L stainless steel. The Multistage Fatigue model captured the fatigue behavior of 304L stainless steel by predicting that fatigue life would be dominated by incubation below 0.5% strain amplitude and by crack growth above 0.5% strain amplitude.
Exploring Spike-Based Learning for Neuromorphic Computing: Prospects and Perspectives

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) operating with sparse binary signals (spikes) implemented on event-driven hardware can potentially be more energy -efficient than traditional artificial neural networks (ANNs). However, SNNs perform computations over time, and the neuron activation function does not have a well-defined derivative leading to unique training challenges. In this paper, we discuss the various spike representations and training mechanisms for deep SNN s. Additionally, we review applications that go beyond classification, like gesture recognition, motion estimation, and sequential learning. The unique features of SNNs, such as high activation sparsity and spike-based computations, can be leveraged in hardware implementations for energy-efficient processing. To that effect, we discuss various SNN implementations, both using digital ASICs as well as analog in-memory computing primitives. Finally, we present an outlook on future applications and open research areas for both SNN algorithms and hardware implementations.
Characterization of laryngeal motor neuron properties in the American bullfrog, Lithobates catesbieanus

Abstract Motor neurons represent the final output from the central respiratory network. American bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbieanus, have provided insight into development and plasticity of the breathing control system, yet cellular aspects of bullfrog motor neurons are not well-described. In this study, we characterized properties of laryngeal motor neurons that produce motor outflow to the glottal dilator, a muscle that gates airflow to the lungs of anurans. To this end, we measured several intrinsic membrane properties of labeled laryngeal motor neurons in brain slices. Using unsupervised clustering analyses, we identified two broad classes of motor neurons: those with high firing rates and strong adaptation (∼70 %), and those with lower firing rates and less adaptation (∼30 %). These results suggest that two neuronal cell types innervate the glottal dilator, roughly aligning with the composition of fast and slower twitch fibers of this muscle. In sum, these data reinforce the need to consider cell-type when assessing motor neuron function in the respiratory network.
A survey of caprine arthritis encephalitis in midwestem goats

CAEV is an incurable disease of goats that has social and economic impacts. Clinical disease includes encephalitis, arthritis, mastitis, and progressive respiratory disease. In the last 25 years there have been significant changes in the US goat industry. Recent prevalence studies are lacking and historic studies may not reflect changes in the industry. The purpose of the study was to establish the prevalence of CAEV in midwestern herds that are not actively controlling for CAEV.
UPTPU: Improving Energy Efficiency of a Tensor Processing Unit through Underutilization Based Power-Gating

The AI boom is bringing a plethora of domain-specific architectures for Neural Network computations. Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), a Deep Neural Network (DNN) accelerator, has replaced the CPUs/GPUs in its data centers, claiming more than 15 × rate of inference. However, the unprecedented growth in DNN workloads with the widespread use of AI services projects an increasing energy consumption of TPU based data centers. In this work, we parametrize the extreme hardware underutilization in TPU systolic array and propose UPTPU: an intelligent, dataflow adaptive power-gating paradigm to provide a staggering 3.5 × – 6.5× energy efficiency to TPU for different input batch sizes.
Social responsibility in events

In recent history, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has come to the forefront of many conversations and surveys in the event industry, yet no study has been completed to determine the feasibility CSR as an event industry initiative. This current study examines the CSR perceptions of 44 corporate event planners and 41 destination management organisation representatives to examine if CSR is currently a major decision-making factor in the event industry. Data were collected and analysed via qualitative methods. The findings indicate there is not one single unifying definition of CSR for the event industry. Instead, definitional groups were created that allowed for themes to be identified. The study also highlighted a disconnection between the desires of the event planners and what the DMO's perceived was being desired. The limitations of this study and future research are also discussed.
How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel

For the past two hundred years biblical scholars have increasingly assumed that the Hebrew Bible was largely written and edited in the Persian and Hellenistic periods. As a result, the written Bible has dwelled in an historical vacuum. Recent archaeological evidence and insights from linguistic anthropology, however, point to the earlier era of the late-Iron Age as the formative period for the writing of biblical literature. How the Bible Became a Book combines these recent archaeological discoveries in the Middle East with insights culled from the history of writing to address how the Bible first came to be written down and then became sacred Scripture. This book provides rich insight into why these texts came to have authority as Scripture and explores why Ancient Israel, an oral culture, began to write literature, challenging the assertion that widespread literacy first arose in Greece during the fifth century BCE.
Lipopolysaccharide Primes the NALP3 Inflammasome by Inhibiting Its Ubiquitination and Degradation Mediated by the SCFFBXL2 E3 Ligase

The inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that augments the proinflammatory response by increasing the generation and cellular release of key cytokines. Specifically, the NALP3 inflammasome requires two-step signaling, priming and activation, to be functional to release the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. The priming process, through unknown mechanisms, increases the protein levels of NALP3 and pro-IL-1β in cells. Here we show that LPS increases the NALP3 protein lifespan without significantly altering steady-state mRNA in human cells. LPS exposure reduces the ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal processing of NALP3 by inducing levels of an E3 ligase component, FBXO3, which targets FBXL2. The latter is an endogenous mediator of NALP3 degradation. FBXL2 recognizes Trp-73 within NALP3 for interaction and targets Lys-689 within NALP3 for ubiquitin ligation and degradation. A unique small molecule inhibitor of FBXO3 restores FBXL2 levels, resulting in decreased NALP3 protein levels in cells and, thereby, reducing the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in human inflammatory cells after NALP3 activation. Our findings uncover NALP3 as a molecular target for FBXL2 and suggest that therapeutic targeting of the inflammasome may serve as a platform for preclinical intervention.
The Determinants of Physician Attitudes and Subjective Norms Toward Drug Information Sources: Modification and Test of the Theory of Reasoned Action

Purpose. To improve upon the theory of reasoned action and apply it to pharmaceutical research, we investigated the effects of relevant appraisals, attributes, and past behavior of physicians on the use of drug information sources. We also examined the moderating effects of practice characteristics. Methods. A mail questionnaire asked HMO physicians to evaluate seven common sources of drug information on general appraisals (degree of usefulness and ease of use), specific attributes (availability, quality of information on harmful effects and on drug efficacy), and past behavior when searching for information on a new, simulated H2 antagonist agent. Semantic differential scales were used to measure each appraisal, attribute and past behavior. Information was also collected on practice characteristics. Results. Findings from 108/200 respondents indicated that appraisals and attributes were useful determinants of attitudes and subjective norms toward use. Degree of usefulness and quality of information on harmful effects were important predictors of attitudes toward use for several sources of information. Ease of use and degree of usefulness were important predictors of subjective norms toward use. In many cases, moderating effects of practice characteristics were in opposing directions. Past behavior had significant direct effects on attitudes toward the PDR. Conclusions. The findings suggest ways to improve the usefulness of the theory of reasoned action as a model of decision-making. We also propose practical guidelines that can be used to improve the types of drug information sources used by physicians.
A method for measuring Cl efflux from dispersed cells of airway epithelium.

This paper describes a method for measuring the increase in halide permeability of isolated airway epithelial cells induced by adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Suspensions of isolated c...
Receiver adaptation and system characterization of an 8Gbps source-synchronous I/O link using on-die circuits in 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS

This paper describes a 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS, 8Gbps I/O receiver that uses on-die circuits for receiver adaptation and system characterization. On-die adaptive control is used to tune a 4-tap receive-side analog equalizer, cancel receiver offsets, and determine optimal sampling phase. Adaptive equalization improves data rates by 1.3/spl times/-2/spl times/ over 2"40" FR4 channels. Noise-margin degradation due to statistical variation in adapted coefficients and offsets is less than 3% of the signal swing. On-die circuits are also used to characterize link performance, channel response, and receiver circuits.
Prevalence, predictors, and perceived effectiveness of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine in adult-onset primary dystonia

Abstract Background Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is on the rise in both the US and Europe, despite questions about its safety and effectiveness, and lack of national standards. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of CAM and integrative medicine use (CAM-I) and perceived effectiveness compared to the standard treatment of botulinum toxin injections in patients with adult-onset primary dystonia. Methods This was a retrospective questionnaire study of 389 dystonia patients examining the effects age, gender, education level and number of affected anatomical regions on botulinum toxin and CAM-I use and their perceived effectiveness. Results 53% (208) of patients reported CAM-I use, while 90% (349) used the standard treatment (botulinum toxin), and 48% used both. Education was the only significant predictor of CAM-I use – individuals with bachelor's degrees were more likely to try CAM-I whereas those with high school diplomas were less likely. The mean effectiveness rate for botulinum toxin injections (59%) significantly exceeded that for CAM-I (28%, p Conclusions Our work highlights the need for scientifically sound studies to determine the safety, effectiveness and expense of CAM-I treatments for dystonia and other neurological disorders given that CAM-I use is steadily increasing, there is great variability in what is classified as CAM-I, and the effectiveness of some modalities may be significantly less than conventional medical treatments.
Punishment and Probability in Crime Reduction Research Needs for Policy Making

Saying that the probability (P) of punishment is more important in reducing crime (C) than severity (S) of punishment is largely meaningless unless one takes into consideration at least eight factors that relate to (1) diminishing returns between S and C, (2) diminishing returns between P and C, (3) the lowness of S in conjunction with P, (4) the lowness of P in conjunction with S, (5) the highness of crime benefits (B) in conjunction with P and S, (6) the dollar cost per unit of P versus S, (7) the non-monetary costs of P versus S, and (8) the liberal versus the conservative interpretation of P and S. One must also consider such relevant matters as (1) the interaction between probability and severity, (2) the feedback effect of crime on both severity and probability, and (3) the role of criminal benefits, which is a key variable in crime-committing decisions, along with punishment and its probability. The analysis lends itself to three equilibrium models regarding the reciprocal causation between severit...
Characteristics of anthracnose resistance induced by localized infection of cucumber with tobacco necrosis virus

Abstract The resistance to anthracnose in cucumber, induced systemically by a localized infection with tobacco necrosis virus (TNV), resembled that induced by Colletotrichum lagenarium and Pseudomonas lachrymans . Systemic resistance to anthracnose was first detectable at the time when symptoms caused by TNV appeared. Increased resistance to anthracnose in the second leaf was detected when eight necrotic lesions were produced on the first leaf by infection with TNV, and increasing the number of TNV lesions on the first leaf increased anthracnose resistance in the second leaf. C. lagenarium penetrated uninfected leaves of TNV-infected plants less frequently than leaves of uninfected plants. Systemic infection of cucumber with tobacco ringspot virus but not with tomato ringspot virus induced resistance to anthracnose. Localized infection of cucumber cotyledons with tobacco mosaic virus did not induce the resistance of true leaves to anthracnose. The resistance induced by C. lagenarium, P. lachrymans resistance of true leaves to anthracnose. The resistance induced by C. lagenarium, P. lachrymans and TNV appears dependent upon the activation of more than one mechanism. It is unlikely to be unique to the infectious agent but rather is dependent upon a common function of the infectious agents.
Fixed‐cost transportation problems

This paper formulates a fixed-cost transportation problem as an integer program, describes some of its special properties, and suggests an approximate method of solution. Examples are given to demonstrate the approximation technique.
Professor Proxemics: Personality and Job Demands As Factors of Faculty Office Arrangement

Investigating the use of office space as a nonverbal message, this study hypothesized that desk placement is used as a corroborating message rather than a predictive message. Measured educational a...
Removal of sulphur from coal by air oxidation at 350–450 °C

Abstract The extent of sulphur removal from seven U.S. coals has been studied by low-temperature oxidation. The total sulphur in these coals varied between 3 and 7% by weight. The pyritic sulphur constituted approximately 50% of the total sulphur. A major part of the study has been carried out at oxidation temperatures of 350, 400 and 450 °C. Temperature, up to 450 °C, is a prime factor determining the extent of desulphurization. The efficiency of removal is controlled by the diffusion of oxygen into coal and its pyrite. More than 90% of the pyritic sulphur can be removed at 450 °C in 10 min in some cases. The rate of removal is unaffected by the build-up of sulphur dioxide concentration in the air stream to at least 10%. That is, the level of sulphur dioxide concentration in the effluent gases can be increased for sulphuric acid manufacture by successive recycling of the effluent gases over fresh charges of coal. The calorific value and the VM decrease during this desulphurization treatment. The importance of the loss can be minimized if the desulphurized coal is fed directly to the boiler while at about 450 °C. The process can be made self-sustaining by proper control of the coal/air ratio.
Alcohol Use as a Marker for Risky Sexual Behaviors and Biologically Confirmed Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adult African-American Women

Abstract Introduction Previous research has primarily focused on the relationship between illicit drug use and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk behavior among African-American women. Very few studies have solely reviewed the role of alcohol use on risky sexual behavior. The present study examined the relationship between alcohol use at non-abuse levels and risky sexual behaviors and STIs among young adult African-American women. Methods Eight hundred forty-eight African American women, ages 18 to 29, participated at baseline, with 669 and 673 women at 6 and 12 months follow-up, respectively. Participants completed an Audio Computer Assisted Survey Interview assessing sociodemographics, alcohol use, and risky sexual behaviors. Subsequently, participants provided two vaginal swab specimens for STIs. Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for cross-sectional analyses, with illicit drug use as a covariate. Women who consumed alcohol were more likely to have multiple partners and risky partners. Binary generalized estimating equation models assessed the impact of alcohol use at baseline on risky sexual behavior and STIs over a 12-month period. Illicit drug use, intervention group, and baseline outcome measures were entered as covariates. Alcohol consumption predicted positive results for chlamydia, positive results for any STI, and never using a condom with a casual partner over a 12-month follow-up period. Discussion Frequency of alcohol use at non-abuse levels was correlated with and predicted risky sexual behaviors and STIs. Prevention programs for African-American women should incorporate education regarding the link between alcohol and HIV/STI risk behaviors and the potential negative health consequences.
3-O-Acetylmorphine-6-O-sulfate: A potent, centrally acting morphine derivative

Abstract In view of the potent analgesia exhibited by the apparent structurally dissimilar morphine-6-O-glucuronide (M6G) and morphine-6-O-sulfate (M6S) conjugates of morphine, we have examined the effect of structural modification of M6S on analgesic activity, using the tail-flick test. Changes in the M6S structure were made that would affect the lipophilicity and polarity of the molecule. Subcutaneous (sc) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of equimolar doses of morphine, M6S, 3-O-acetylmorphine-6-O-sulfate (M3A6S), 3-O-benzoylmorphine-6-O-sulfate (M3B6S), and 3-O-acetyl- N -methylmorphinium-6-O-sulfate (MM3A6S) were employed. M6S and M3A6S exhibited a longer duration of action and greater activity compared to morphine after SC and ICV administration. However, M3B6S and MM3A6S in doses equimolar to that of morphine were found to be inactive after both SC and ICV administration. In addition, M3A6S showed the highest potency in inhibiting electrically stimulated guinea pig ileum followed by M6S and M3B6S. Moreover, both M6S and M3A6S displayed a greater affinity than that of morphine to mu and kappa, receptor sites in guinea pig brain homogenate. In contrast, the nonanalgesic compounds M3B6S and MM3A6S showed weak receptor binding ability compared to morphine. These results indicate that lipophilicity alone is not a determinant of analgesic activity in these novel morphine derivatives. These modified effects of morphine by the conjugations at the 3- and 6-position, appear to be due to their altered interactions with opioid receptors.
Indirect coupling between spins in semiconductor quantum dots

The optically induced indirect exchange interaction between spins in two quantum dots is investigated theoretically. We give a microscopic formulation of the interaction between the localized spin and the itinerant carriers, which is the basis of the indirect coupling, including the effects of correlation using a set of canonical transformations. Correlation effects are found to be of comparable magnitude to the direct exchange. We give quantitative results for the indirect spin-spin coupling for realistic quantum dot geometries and find the largest couplings for one-dimensional systems.
Association and interaction analyses of 5-HT3 receptor and serotonin transporter genes with alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine dependence using the SAGE data.

Previous studies have implicated genes encoding the 5-HT3AB receptors (HTR3A and HTR3B) and the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), both independently and interactively, in alcohol (AD), cocaine (CD), and nicotine dependence (ND). However, whether these genetic effects also exist in subjects with comorbidities remains largely unknown. We used 1,136 African-American (AA) and 2,428 European-American (EA) subjects from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE) to determine associations between 88 genotyped or imputed variants within HTR3A, HTR3B, and SLC6A4 and three types of addictions, which were measured by DSM-IV diagnoses of AD, CD, and ND and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), an independent measure of ND commonly used in tobacco research. Individual SNP-based association analysis revealed a significant association of rs2066713 in SLC6A4 with FTND in AA (β = −1.39; P = 1.6E − 04). Haplotype-based association analysis found one major haplotype formed by SNPs rs3891484 and rs3758987 in HTR3B that was significantly associated with AD in the AA sample, and another major haplotype T–T-G, formed by SNPs rs7118530, rs12221649, and rs2085421 in HTR3A, which showed significant association with FTND in the EA sample. Considering the biologic roles of the three genes and their functional relations, we used the GPU-based Generalized Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (GMDR-GPU) program to test SNP-by-SNP interactions within the three genes and discovered two- to five-variant models that have significant impacts on AD, CD, ND, or FTND. Interestingly, most of the SNPs included in the genetic interaction model(s) for each addictive phenotype are either overlapped or in high linkage disequilibrium for both AA and EA samples, suggesting these detected variants in HTR3A, HTR3B, and SLC6A4 are interactively contributing to etiology of the three addictive phenotypes examined in this study.
Ultrahigh optical Q factors of crystalline resonators in the linear regime

Experimental demonstration of record optical quality factor of $(6.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ corresponding to cavity ring-down time of $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\simeq}36\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ is made possible by avoiding nonlinear effects in a crystalline whispering gallery mode resonator. We discuss various loss mechanisms in $\mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ cavities and ways of achieving higher quality factors. Possible applications in quantum optics and photonics are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Collagen Model δ-O-Phosphohydroxylysine-Containing Peptide

Abstract The existence of δ- O -phosphohydroxylysine (HylP) residues in collagen has been reported. However, such phosphorylated residues have not been isolated nor has their location within the protein sequence been identified. To develop the analytical chemistry necessary for the identification of HylP in proteins, a model HylP-containing peptide, Phe- dl -HylP-Gly-Gln-Pro-Ala-Ile-Gly-Phe (I), was synthesized. The peptide was assembled using 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-based solid-phase synthesis; N α -Fmoc- dl -hydroxy- dl -Lys( N e -tert -butyloxycarbonyl)-OH was used to incorporate Hyl, and global phosphitylation/oxidation was used to introduce the phosphate group. The p K a2 of the phosphate group, as determined using 31 P NMR, was 5.6. Phosphoamino acid analysis of I was performed using either dabsyl chloride or phenylisothiocyanate derivatization followed by microbore reversed-phase HPLC separation of N α,e -didabsyl-HylP or N α,e -diphenylthiocarbamyl-HylP. HylP was found to be relatively resistant to acid hydrolysis, allowing for its quantitation. Solid-phase Edman degradation of I was used for positive identification of N α -phenylthiohydantoin- N e -phenylthiocarbamyl-HylP. The masses of the phenylthiohydantoin and dabsyl derivatives of HylP were confirmed by electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole (ESI-MS). Peptide I was positively identified as a phosphopeptide by ESI-MS/precursor-ion scanning. Low-energy ESI-MS/MS confirmed the position of HylP within the sequence of I. Phosphorylation of Hyl led to complete resistance of I to lysine-specific endopeptidases.
Aeration mass‐transfer related to reynolds number

A study of aeration rate data for streams and laboratory channels shows that the aeration rate can be correlated with Reynolds number and Schmidt number by a suitable dimensionless mass-transfer parameter which varies only slowly over a wide range of Reynolds number. This parameter, analogue to similar correlations in the heat- and mass-transfer fields, has two different near-constant levels, one in the low Reynolds number regime corresponding to molecular diffusivity, and another in the high Reynolds number regime corresponding to eddy diffusivity. The Schmidt number dependence has been found by comparison of gas into water data with vapour into gas data.
Gallbladder cancer: what is an aggressive approach?

intervention was wrong in 62% of their patients. In 50% of the patients, the initial diagnosis was a benign biliary disorder such as biliary colic (24%), acute colicystitis (12%), or choledocholithiasis (5%). In another 12% of patients, the gallbladder cancer was confused with a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. As a result, 31% of the patients underwent a cholecystectomy prior to referral, and of the 51 patients who were explored, 50% had a biliary stent placed prior to surgery. These observations document that gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose and that treatment at a referral center is frequently complicated by prior interventions. Dixon et al 1 achieved their excellent results with the infrequent use (5%) of staging laparoscopy, an aggressive approach to liver (45%) and bile duct (30%) resection, a modest portal lymph node dissection, rare (2%) pancreatoduodenectomy, and the occasional use of primarily palliative chemotherapy (17%) and radiation therapy (5%). While most hepatobiliary surgeons agree with the philosophic concept of an “aggressive approach,” considerable controversy exists with respect to the most appropriate pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. Thus, the remaining question in the management of patients with gallbladder cancer is exactly what constitutes an “aggressive approach”? Ongoing advances in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have helped with preoperative staging and the decision to explore the patient. 2 The presence of major vascular encasement or metastases should lead to a nonoperative approach. However, approximately two thirds of patients with T-3 and 80% of patients with T-4 gallbladder cancers will have liver and/or peritoneal mestastases. 3 Thus, the yield of staging laparoscopy is very high in patients with larger gallbladder cancers, and frequent employment of this procedure will often establish a tissue diagnosis and avoid an unnecessary operation.
Pleural effusion in the neonatal period

One of the most common problems in the neonatal period is that of respiratory distress. A case report of an unusual cause of respiratory distress is presented together with a review of the literature. Although pleural effusion in the neonatal period is uncommon, it is most important that it be kept in mind and recognized because of the dramatic relief afforded by prompt thoracentesis. Attention is called to the generally favorable outcome provided there is early recognition and treatment.
Getting Back Into No Place: On Casey, Deconstruction and the Architecture of Modernity

Sam Shepherd's invocation of a desire for the oblivion of "no place" emblema? tizes the central concern of the following reflections. In attempting to think through a meeting point between Ed Casey's Getting Back into Place and the world of late 20th-century architecture, my thought has been drawn back ever and again to thoughts of no place and desolation. What I want to suggest in the following is that both the greatest merits and the greatest dangers of Casey's book from the viewpoint of architecture derive from the conflict between his topocentrism and an important stream of a-topian or even u-topian thought within architectural modernism and postmodernism. Perhaps I could begin to explain something of why I think that's the case in reference to a pre-war Utopian project by the German architect, Ludwig Hilberseimer (Fig. 1). In his proposal for a Hochhausstadt of late 1924, Hilberseimer projects a world of such stark placelessness that he himself, in later years, feels compelled to distance himself from it?decrying its bleakness as more like a "necropolis" than a "metropolis." To understand more precisely what I mean by "placelessness," I want to detail a little of the thinking behind Hilberseimer's project. First of all the Hochhausstadt is a response to Le Corbusier's own proposal for a high-rise city, the "City for 3 Million Inhabitants" first exhibited in Paris in 1922 (Hilberseimer, 1927: 17) (Fig. 2). Like Hilberseimer, Le Corbusier starts out in that project from the need to rationalize the modern city?to make
Dynamical Aspects of Stratospheric Vacillations in a Highly Truncated Model

The dynamics of stratospheric vacillations in the Holton and Mass (1976) model (HM model) is investigated using an EP flux diagnosis based on the transformed Eulerian-mean equations developed by Andrews and McIntyre (1976). Vacillations in the HM model can be divided into a dynamically active period and an inactive period. It is shown that, during the active period, the mean zonal winds vary vigorously like a stratospheric sudden warming. This variation is mainly due to the wave driving. During the inactive period, the mean zonal wind becomes easterly in the lower layers within 10-30 km. These layers prevent the wave from propagating upward. The mean zonal winds above the layers are accelerated gradually by the Coriolis torque of the 'residual' circulation due to the diabatic heating.
Inflammatory Response in Unstable Angina

I have read with interest the articleby Liuzzo et al1 and their interesting conclusion that “These findings … suggest that the magnitude of the acute-phase response is determined to a greater extent by the individual responsiveness than by the type of provocative stimuli.” I would …
A histological and dynamic study of the gastric region of Discoglossus pictus larvae, cultured with or without thyroxine.

The organotypic culture of the gastric region is carried out on premetamorphic Discoglossus pictus larvae. Adding thyroxine to the culture medium provokes various transformations. On the cytological level, the reactions observed, which are variable depending on the cell category concerned, can be divided into two types of phenomena: histolytic and histogenetic. Auto-phagia linked to lysosome intervention is frequently found among the histolytic processes. Autophagic vacuoles and residual bodies are observed. The gastric lumen is filled with deteriorated cells that probably come from the degeneration of the tadpole epithelium (primary epithelium). The incorporation of tritiated thymidine makes it possible to study the evolution of cell proliferation in the control and in the thyroxinated cultures. After a 1–2 day latency period, possibly due to the adjustment of the tissue to the culture environment, the incorporation of the radioprecursor H3-thymidine into the epithelium and the tunica muscularis of thyroxine-treated gut tissue increased on day 3, reached a maximum on day 5, and then dropped slightly on day 7. In the control cultures H3-thymidine incorporation showed the same pattern but lower levels on the same days. The histolytic phenomena induced by thyroxine in vitro are comparable to those of natural metamorphosis. On the other hand, the histogenetic phenomena are incomplete. Proliferating and transitional phases occur but neoformated (or secondary) epithelium does not replace the degenerated primary epithelium, whatever the culture time.
The role of information systems in total quality management

This paper presents a conceptual model for describing the role of information systems in a Total Quality Management (TQM) organization and contrasts it with one for a traditional business firm. The model, based on systems theory, provides a framework for understanding the principles of TQM and their effects on information systems (IS). This paper suggests that TQM introduces changes in the firm’s feedback loop and creates new requirements for the IS function. The TQM system model is also used for analyzing and comparing TQM with business reengineering.
A dielectric study of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)–poly(vinyl chloride) blends. II. Loss curve broadening and correlation parameters

Normalized dielectric loss curves for blends of PVC with an EVA copolymer containing 70% vinyl acetate showed significant broadening with increasing PVC content. In conjunction with phase separation studies it was concluded that increasing loss curve broadness correlated with increasing tendency toward phase separation. Calculation of correlation parameters for the blends revealed differences in intermolecular correlations with blend composition.
Secondary organic aerosol 3. Urban/regional scale model of size- and composition-resolved aerosols

The California Institute of Technology (CIT) three-dimensional urban/regional atmospheric model is used to perform comprehensive gas- and aerosol-phase simulations of the 8 September 1993 smog episode in the South Coast Air Basin of California (SoCAB) using the atmospheric chemical mechanism of part 1 [Griffin et al., 2002] and the thermodynamic module of part 2 [Pun et al., 2002]. This paper focuses primarily on simulations of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and determination of the species and processes that lead to this SOA. Meteorological data and a gas and particulate emissions inventory for this episode were supplied directly by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. A summer 1993 atmospheric sampling campaign provides data against which the performance of the model is evaluated. Predictions indicate that SOA formation in the SoCAB is dominated by partitioning of hydrophobic secondary products of the oxidation of anthropogenic organics. The biogenic contribution to total SOA increases in the more rural eastern portions of the region, as does the fraction of hydrophilic SOA, the latter reflecting the increasing degree of oxidation of SOA species with atmospheric residence time.
The surface chemistry of the erythrocyte and thrombocyte membrane

The electrokinetic procedures used for investigation of the nature and distribution of cellular surface charge groups are outlined. The application of ion binding studies, the action of enzymes, and the effects of specific functional group reagents are illustrated by discussion of the results obtained for erythrocytes and thrombocytes. The human erythrocyte has been shown to be a macropolyanion possessing about 107 charged groups per cell of which more than 60% are the carboxyl group of N-acetylneuraminic acids; some of the remaining groups at least are the α-carboxyl groups of protein-bound amino acids. The electrokinetic constitution of the human blood platelet is more complex and includes sialic acid carboxyl groups and phosphate groups and at least one other species of unidentified anionogenic groups as well as amino groups. Lastly the effects of neutral and charged polymer adsorption on the electrokinetic properties of blood cells are briefly considered.
Microstructure and Property Characterization of Sintered Si3N4, SiC, and SiAlON

Commercially-produced, pressureless sintered Si3N4, SiC, and SiAlON were characterized with respect to density, phases present, bend strength, and oxidation resistance. The room-temperature bend strengths of sintered Si3N4, SiC, and SiAlON are comparable. However, the room-temperature strengths are much lower (approximately 40 to 50%) than the room-temperature strength of hot-pressed Si3N4 (NC-132). The strength loss in Si3N4 and SiAlON materials at high temperature was attributed to a viscous grain-boundary phase, retained during cooling from the sintering temperature. The oxidation resistance of sintered alpha-SiC was the best of any materials tested.