cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin motive forces, “measurements”, and spin-valves

Discussed is the spin motive force (smf) produced by a spin valve, this reflecting its dynamics. Relaxation implies an implicit measurement of the magnetization of the free layer of a valve. It is shown this has implications for the angular dependence of the torque transfer. Some discussion of recent experiments is included.
Computer Simulation at High Pressure

The use of either the Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics method to generate equations-of-state data for various materials at high pressure is discussed. Particular emphasis is given to phase diagrams such as the generation of various types of critical lines for mixtures, melting, structural and electronic transitions in solids, two phase ionic fluid systems of astrophysical interest as well as a brief aside of possible eutectic behavior in the interior of the earth. Then the application of the molecular dynamics method to predict transport coefficients and the neutron scattering function will be discussed with a view as to what special features high pressure brings out. Lastly, an analysis by these computational methods of the measured intensity and frequency spectrum of depolarized light and also of the deviation of the dielectric measurements from the constancy of the Clausius-Mosotti function is given that leads to predictions of how the electronic structure of an atom distorts with pressure.
Estimating the demand for gasoline in developing countries: Senegal

Abstract This paper estimates the aggregate demand for gasoline in Senegal from 1970 to 2008. The long-term and short-term elasticities of demand with respect to gasoline prices and income are of paramount interest in this study. In Senegal, rising food prices, unemployment and shortage of electric supply are always associated with the spiking cost of world oil prices. To understand the external shocks of world oil price and demand for gasoline in Senegal, this study tested a log linear model against the linear model of the demand-for-oil function with lagged dependent variables as an explanatory variable. Here, the linear specification of the demand for oil is rejected in this study in favor of the log linear. The natural log transformation is typical when using high frequency data and significantly reduces skewness and kurtosis. Generally in this study, I found that short run elasticity is smaller than long-run elasticity and gasoline demand is inelastic with respect to both price and income for both the short and long runs in Senegal. This is why researcher like Moosa posits that "this assertion can be rationalised on the grounds that oil is such an important commodity that does not have close substitutes at least for its uses" (1998, p. 3).
CIM in higher education: overview, industry perspective

Abstract The results of this industry/higher education interaction are most positive, providing very significant benefits to both parties. The receptivity and cooperation of higher education to work closely with industry are proving to be an interesting phenomenon. Most significant will be the enhancement of CIM programs now taking place, which have the potential to better prepare individuals to both effect and move into tomorrow's computer-integrated enterprises.
Drospirenone, a New Progestogen, for Postmenopausal Women with Hypertension

The prevalence of hypertension increases in women after the menopause. Associated with the rise in postmenopausal blood pressure (BP) are increased salt sensitivity and imbalance between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and nitric oxide pathways that lead to sodium and water retention. Drospirenone is the first synthetic progestogen with antialdosterone activity similar to natural progesterone. Drospirenone counteracts the salt- and water-retaining effects of estrogen and causes natriuresis, which leads to a reduction in BP. In preclinical studies as well as early efficacy studies (for menopausal symptoms), drospirenone exhibited antihypertensive and natriuretic effects. Subsequent clinical trials in postmenopausal women proved that drospirenone with 17β-estradiol has a significant BP-lowering effect in untreated hypertension and has additive effects when coadministered with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists and thiazide diuretics. The lowest effective dose of drospirenone for reduction in BP is 2mg, a dose that is also protective of the uterus in women treated with estrogen therapy. Additionally, clinical trials have shown that drospirenone up to 3 mg/day has an acceptable safety profile with no clinically significant elevations in plasma potassium in patients with concomitant NSAID use, diabetes mellitus or mild to moderate renal insufficiency. In addition to effectively relieving menopausal symptoms and lowering BP, drospirenone reduces bodyweight and lipoprotein concentrations. Thus, drospirenone is a unique progestogen that confers the additional benefit of BP reduction, an effect that could lead to potential benefit with respect to some cardiovascular risk concerns in women taking hormone therapy.
Methods for documenting antiarrhythmic efficacy

Abstract Methods of documenting the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs are controversial because of wide inter- and intrasubject variability of the arrhythmias treated. In patients with symptomatic arrhythmias, clinical benefit can be inferred when symptoms are reduced or abolished, but the response cannot be quantitated. Multiple ambulatory monitoring periods before and during treatment permit determination of reductions of arrhythmia to levels of statistical significance but are costly and time-consuming. Programmed electrophysiologic induction study may be helpful in determining efficacy of some antiarrhythmic agents because of its high specificity, but its use is limited because of a low sensitivity. Titrating patients with multiple dosing into accepted plasma level therapeutic ranges may be helpful for individual patient care but does not allow quantitation. Recently, a statistical model based on linear regression analysis with established 95 and 99% confidence intervals has been used to compare efficacy of quinidine and encainide with success. Wider application of this model is suggested for determining antiarrhythmic drug efficacy.
Client risk and recent changes in the market for audit services

Abstract Some writers (Berton, 1995, B1; Holland et al., 1993, 76) have suggested that because of increasing litigation costs, public accounting firms are refusing to supply audit services to public companies which are perceived as high-risk. Our paper examines the proportions of certain types of risky clients audited by Big Six and other independent audit firms, and whether the relative proportions have changed during a period of increasing litigation. We examined the audit market for public manufacturing companies with total assets less than $50 million. In the initial period of observation, we found that Big Six audit firms were more likely than small audit firms to have clients who were in financial distress and clients who were in high-tech industries. However, over a period of increasing litigation costs, we observed a significant reduction in the likelihood that Big Six audit firms would audit such clients.
Three-particle Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations

It has been argued by Mermin that agedanken decay of a three-particle system gives a more powerful demonstration of quantum nonlocality than Bell's analysis. It is shown that this claim is premature. Anad hoc model based on local realism is constructed in order to reproduce the quantum mechanical prediction of the three-particlegedanken decay.
School district merger, busing, and the courts: Implications for school administrators

Many city school systems are faced with a situation of declining tax base, declining enrollments, and disproportionate minority ratios. Merger of city with surrounding school systems is one alternative to improve this situation. When city and surrounding systems contain disproportionate minority ratios the question may arise whether busing to achieve racial balance will likely be required by the courts. Review of desegregation litigation indicates that in the absence of intention to discriminate, the courts are not likely to require busing as a desegregation strategy. Further, school systems having achieved unitary status under court-approved desegregation plans may be allowed to adopt neighborhood school policies despite indications such policies would lead to partial resegregation.
Fungal infection in burn patients: Results of using 5-fluorocytosine (flucytosine)

Abstract Fungal infection and use of 5-fluorocytosine were studied prospectively among burn patients receiving multiple antibiotics. From 22 out of 23 patients positive cultures for Candida were obtained. Cultures from the mouth and rectum became positive first. Averaging 6 days later, 16 patients had positive urine cultures. Candida in urine was the best way to detect systemic candidiasis. Nine patients received 5-fluorocytosine. Although this drug did not influence survival among patients with burns of less than 59 per cent of body surface area, it prevented death from disseminated Candida infection among patients with burns of greater than 60 per cent body surface area. Patients with large surface burns receiving multiple antibiotics should have prophylaxis against fungi. If Candida is detected in urine, systemic treatment should be given. 5-Fluorocytosine is a safe and effective systemic drug for this purpose.
Laser Diode Evaluation for Optical Analog Link

This paper reports analytical and experimental work in evaluating AlGaAs heterojunction laser diodes and light-emitting diodes (LED) for utilization in analog optical links (in particular TV channels) employing optical fibers. The analytical work focuses on using the static transfer function to predict distortion, based-on curve fitting (Section C) and calculation of distortion components (Section B). The purpose is to avoid laborious frequency measurements. Also of interest is the determination of channel spacing (Section E) to avoid 2nd and 3rd order interference for devices (lasers and LED's) with rather poor linearity.
Optimization of Sorghum Primary Callus Growth

Summary Growth of primary callus of sorghum ( S. bicolor var. Sart ) was optimized and formation of black growth inhibiting pigment(s) was minimized. Etiolated shoots were cultured on media containing Murashige and Skoog salts as well as 3% (w/v) sucrose, 3 mg/l 2,4-D, and 10% (v/v) coconut water. Carbon source, auxin, and cytokinin were varied singly, while the remaining components were maintained at the above levels. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was the only auxin that enhanced callus growth, especially at 3 mg/l. All of the cytokinins tested - kinetin, N-6-benzyladenine, zeatin, 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine, 6-dimethylaminopurine (0.1 mg/1), and coconut water (10-20%) - promoted equal callus growth. As compared to sucrose- and sorbitol-containing media, greater primary callus growth occurred with 1% glucose or fructose. On sorbitol, there was no callus formation; on sucrose, callus formation occurred only at 3%. None of the media consistently resulted in callus growth without formation of black pigment(s).
Carbaryl decomposition to 1-naphthyl carbamate by Aspergillus terreus

Abstract The metabolic transformation of the insecticide carbaryl (1-naphthyl N -methyl carbamate) by Aspergillus terreus resulted in the formation of several hydroxylated products. Since approximately 20% of carbaryl was hydroxylated at the carbamate N -methyl group, it was attempted to clarify the pathway of the side chain. 1-Naphthyl N -hydroxymethyl carbamate was chemically identified, and its further biological transformation to 1-naphthyl carbamate could be established. This intermediate was further degraded to 1-naphthol, but it is not known if biological or chemical activity is responsible for it. 1-Naphthol was evidently further metabolized by the fungus.
The NLC photon collider option progress and plans

Abstract The idea of producing beams of high energy photons by Compton backscattering of laser photons was proposed over 20 years ago. At that time, producing the required laser pulses was not feasible. However, recent advances in high average power, diode pumped lasers appear to have solved this problem. The US Collaboration is now turning its attention to the engineering requirement of integrating the laser and optics components with the accelerator structures in the confined space of the colliding beam interaction region. The demonstration of a technically feasible interaction region design is planned for the Snowmass Conference in 2001.
NMR studies on single crystals of H 2 . III. Dynamic effects

The time-dependent effects in the NMR spectrum of ortho-H2 impurities in two single crystals of H2 are investigated over the temperature range between 0.02 and 3 K and for an ortho-H2 mole fraction X between 0.1% and 2%. The disappearance of the signal from isolated o-H2 impurities, after cooling the crystals to a given temperature, and the simultaneous increase of the signal from isolated o-H2 pairs indicates a clustering process. The characteristic times from both spectra are comparable and pass over a flat maximum near T = 0.3 K. The clustering process then accelerates drastically as T is decreased below 0.1 K. The characteristic times are only weakly dependent on the concentration X. Furthermore, the subsequent decay of the o-H2 pair signals with time suggests a slow diffusion of pairs and formation of larger clusters. It is found that the period associated with the decay of in-plane pairs (having their axis parallel to the basal plane) is considerably shorter than that for the out-of-plane pairs. The results are discussed in the light of the theory of hopping impurities (resonant ortho-para conversion) and possible coherent tunneling effects at low temperatures. Finally we briefly report some studies of the longitudinal relaxation time for the o-H2 pair NMR lines.
Influence of cross-linker chemistry on release kinetics of PEG-co-PGA hydrogels.

An investigation of encapsulated plasmid DNA release from degradable poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(glycolic acid) hydrogels (PEG-co-PGA) is presented. We determined by varying the chemistry of the cross-linker group, significant variations in hydrogel degradation kinetics could be achieved to control the release profiles of plasmid DNA. We prepared three analogues of PEG-co-PGA hydrogels by a photopolymerization process and measured variation in degradation rates by monitoring mechanical properties and release of plasmid DNA. 1H 1D DOSY NMR (one-dimensional diffusion ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) was used to measure conversion of vinyl groups after photocross-linking. Nearly full vinyl conversion was reached after 10 min exposure under ultraviolet light. Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that plasmid DNA remained structurally intact after photoencapsulation and release from the gels. This approach provides an additional strategy for controlling the release of biologically active compounds from hydrogels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
An electronic gate and modulator

Abstract A simple, inexpensive electronic circuit is described for turning auditory waveforms on and off with an adjustable rise-fall time avoid transients. The device also allows amplitude modulation of the waveform. The major advantages are freedom from transients, a large on-off amplitude ratio, little harmonic distortion, and a wide frequency response.
Exploring the relationship between binding modes of 9-(aminomethyl)-9,10-dihydroanthracene and cyproheptadine analogues at the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor.

Abstract Comparison of the serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor affinities of a parallel series of structural analogues of the novel ligand 9-aminomethyl-9,10-dihydroanthracene (AMDA) and a structurally similar prototypical tricyclic amine cyproheptadine suggests that the two agents bind to the receptor in different fashions. Examination of ligand–receptor model complexes supports the experimental data and suggests a potential origin for the differences in binding modes.
A 37 X 10(3) molecular weight plasmid-encoded protein is required for replication and copy number control in the plasmid pSC101 and its temperature-sensitive derivative pHS1.

Nucleotide sequences were determined for a region essential for autonomous replication and partitioning of pSC101, a plasmid whose replication is dependent on the Escherichia coli dnaA gene product. The essential replication region contains one long coding sequence, rep101 , for a protein composed of 316 amino acids, and a polypeptide approximately 37 X 10(3) Mr in size was identified as the rep101 gene product. rep101 is preceded by two inverted repeat sequences, three directly repeated sequences and a region of high A + T content containing a sequence similar to the E. coli oriC consensus sequence. Because the lesions in seven replication-deficient insertion mutants, four mutants with increased copy number and one temperature-sensitive replication mutant occur within rep101 , the rep101 gene product must control pSC101 replication and copy number. par, a region adjacent to the replication region, which functions in stable plasmid inheritance, contains several inverted repeat sequences.
A Comparison of Glycolysis and Associated Changes in Light and Dark Portions of the Porcine Semitendinosus

SUMMARY Post-mortem glycolysis and related properties in light and dark portions of porcine semitendinosus were studied to determine differences in composition as well as rate and extent of change at two post-mortem holding temperatures. These post-mortem changes in the light and dark portions of the semitendinosus were studied in animals evidencing a death reaction, after insensibilization by a captive-bolt pistol, as well as in animals which were insensibilized by sodium pento-barbital which yielded no evident death reaction. Dark-muscle portions contained higher initial values for pH and glycogen and exhibited a shorter delay phase of rigor mortis. Lowering the post-mortem holding temperatures from 37 to 4°C slowed post-mortem glycolysis and increased the water-binding capacity in both muscle portions. Lactic acid concentrations (24 hr) in both portions were similar at both post-mortem holding temperatures. Insensibilization with sodium pento-barbital slowed post-mortem glyeolysis but increased the accumulation of lactic acid in both portions. The delay phase of rigor mortis from animals injected with sodium pento-barbital was lengthened more in the light portions than in the dark portions. These studies indicate that only light muscle portions have an increased glycolytic rate which may be attributable to the struggle associated with the death reaction upon insensibilization with a captive-bolt pistol.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibits MHC class II antigen processing in murine bone marrow macrophages.

Abstract Infection of murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages with viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Ra inhibited surface expression of MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules and processing of exogenous antigens for presentation to CD4 + T hybridoma cells. The inhibition was not dependent on bacterial viability, since it was also produced by exposure to dead bacilli and MTB cytosol preparations, suggesting that it was initiated by a constitutively expressed bacterial component. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that MTB bacilli or cytosol decreased MHC-II mRNA, and immunoprecipitation of biosynthetically labeled molecules confirmed that MHC-II protein synthesis was diminished. Exposure to MTB or MTB cytosol also decreased expression of H2-DM, but H2-DM expression was still sufficient to catalyze conversion of MHC-II to SDS-stable dimers, a measure of MHC-II peptide loading. Thus, infection with MTB decreased both MHC-II and H2-DM expression, but diminished MHC-II synthesis provided the major limitation to antigen processing.
Influence of Quantity of Lymph–Vascular Space Invasion on the Risk of Nodal Metastases in Women with Early-Stage Squamous Cancer of the Cervix

Abstract Objective. To determine if the quantity of lymph–vascular space invasion influences the risk of pelvic nodal metastases in women with early-stage cervical squamous carcinoma. Methods. Between 1991 and 1997, 105 women with stages IA2, Ib, and IIa squamous carcinoma of the cervix underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. The histopathology slides were prospectively reviewed. If lymph–vascular space invasion (LVSI) was present, the amount was quantified in four ways: percentage of cervical histopathologic sections containing LVSI, percentage of sections with tumor containing LVSI, total number of foci of LVSI, and maximal number of foci of LVSI in 10 high-powered fields. These measures of LVSI were correlated with the risk of nodal metastases. Results. Seventy-three (70%) women had tumors with LVSI. Of these, 23 had pelvic nodal metastases. All women with nodal metastases had tumors with LVSI. Using logistic regession, independent predictors of nodal metastases were depth of cervical stromal invasion ( P = 0.01) and tumor size ( P = 0.04). LVSI was also a significant predictor of nodal metastases based on the Mantel–Haenszel test ( P = 0.01). In women whose tumors contained LVSI, logistic regression identified tumor size ( P = 0.004) and LVSI in >45% of all cervical histopathologic sections ( P = 0.002) as significant predictors of nodal metastases. Conclusion. The quantity of LVSI, as defined by the percentage of all cervical histopathologic sections containing LVSI, correlates significantly with the risk of nodal metastases in women with early-stage squamous carcinoma of the cervix.
Spawning behavior of the pygmy leatherjacket Brachaluteres jacksonianus (Monacanthidae) in southeastern Australia

Spawning behavior of the pygmy leatherjacket Brachaluteres jacksonianus was studied in southeastern Australia. Prespawning females thrust the snout repeatedly into spawning substrata, while males exhibited courtship display and nuzzled the female’s face. The females and males touched their abdomens in pairs and released gametes. No parental egg care was observed after spawning. Fertilized eggs measured 0.74 mm in diameter, and each clutch contained 50–191 eggs. The eggs were attached to filamentous red algae, which were found on the surface of the seagrass and other substrata. Reproductive ecology of B. jacksonianus is similar to that of congeneric Brachaluteres ulvarum, although selection of spawning substrata differed in two species.
Thermosensitive Gold Nanoparticles

Thermosensitive gold nanoparticles were fabricated by conjugating Au with a thiol-terminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) or PPA; this polymer stabilizer exhibits a temperature transition while undergoing a hydrophilic to hydrophobic transformation. The introduction of PPA onto gold nanoparticles has sensitized Au nanoparticles with unique temperature dependence. At low temperature (25 °C), the solutions containing PPA-functionalized gold nanoparticles are transparent, whereas higher temperatures (30 °C) lead to opaque suspensions. The thermosensitive property of PPA-functionalized Au nanoparticles is reversible, and the clear−opaque suspensions can be repeated many times.
Inhibition of Glutamate Carboxypeptidase by Phosphoryl and Thiophosphoryl Derivatives of Glutamic and 2-Hydroxyglutaric Acid

Representative phosphoryl and thiophosphoryl derivatives of ( S )-glutamic or ( S )-2-hydroxyglutaric acid were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potency against the glutamate carboxypeptidase, carboxypeptidase G (CPG). It was observed that the inhibition of CPG was highly sensitive to the individual phosphorus ligands. The most potent inhibitors were the dibasic phosphoryl and thiophosphoryl derivatives of glutamic acid and the monobasic thiophosporyl derivatives of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid.
State of the science: Promoting self-care in persons with heart failure: A scientific statement from the american heart association

Self-care is advocated as a method of improving outcomes from heart failure (HF), the final common pathway for several prevalent illnesses, including hypertension and coronary artery disease. HF is widespread in aging populations across the world.1 The burden of HF is manifested in poor quality of life (QOL)2,3 and early mortality.4 In addition, there are >3 million ambulatory care and emergency department visits5 and well over 1 million hospitalizations for HF in the United States annually,6 which contributes to the exorbitant costs associated with HF. Much of this healthcare utilization is thought to be preventable if patients engage in consistent self-care.7,8 This scientific statement seeks to highlight concepts and evidence important to the understanding and promotion of self-care in persons with HF. Specifically, the document describes what is known about (1) the self-care behaviors required of HF patients, (2) factors that make self-care challenging for patients, (3) interventions that promote self-care, and (4) the effect of self-care on HF outcomes. The review ends with evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and direction for future research. Self-care is defined as a naturalistic decision-making process that patients use in the choice of behaviors that maintain physiological stability (symptom monitoring and treatment adherence) and the response to symptoms when they occur.9 The term naturalistic decision making is used to describe how people make decisions in real-world settings. Naturalistic decision makers focus on process rather than outcomes, make decisions based on the situation, let the context influence their decision-making processes, and base practical decisions on the information available at the moment.10 In HF, self-care maintenance requires following the advice of providers to take medications, eat a low-sodium diet, exercise, engage in preventive behaviors, and actively monitor themselves for signs and symptoms. Self-care management refers to decision making in …
Sickle Cell Disease and the “Difficult Patient” Conundrum

The convergence of sickle cell disease's unique political, historical, cultural, medical, and psychological dimensions begets an especially distressing plight for sufferers of the disease. Too often, this convergence results in sickle cell patients being classified as "difficult." As Autumn Fiester recently argued, traditional understanding of the "difficult" patient warrants reevaluation. By acknowledging the nuanced dimensions of sickle cell disease, we identify barriers to care particular to the disease, which further substantiate the need to redefine orthodox notions of the "difficult" patient. We support development of mechanisms in both health care provider education and third-party consultation support by the Ethics Consultation Service, or by other appropriately designated specialists, to respect the manifold dimensions of sickle cell disease as a necessary step toward the enhancement of clinical care for sickle cell patients.
The von Hippel-Lindau Gene Product Inhibits Vascular Permeability Factor/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Renal Cell Carcinoma by Blocking Protein Kinase C Pathways

Mutation or loss of function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is regularly found in sporadic renal cell carcinomas (RCC), well vascularized malignant tumors that characteristically overexpress vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF). The wild-type VHL (wt-VHL) gene product acts to suppress VPF/VEGF expression, which is overexpressed when wt-VHL is inactive. The present study investigated the pathways by which VHL regulates VPF/VEGF expression. We found that inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) represses VPF/VEGF expression in RCC cells that regularly overexpress VPF/VEGF. The wt-VHL expressed by stably transfected RCC cells forms cytoplasmic complexes with two specific PKC isoforms, zeta and delta, and prevents their translocation to the cell membrane where they otherwise would engage in signaling steps that lead to VPF/VEGF overexpression. Other experiments implicated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation as a downstream step in PKC regulation of VPF/VEGF expression. Taken together, these data demonstrate that wt-VHL, by neutralizing PKC isoforms zeta and delta and thereby inhibiting MAPK activation, plays an important role in preventing aberrant VPF/VEGF overexpression and the angiogenesis that results from such overexpression.
Modulation of cognition and behavior in aged animals: role for antioxidant- and essential fatty acid–rich plant foods

Aging results in the development of cognitive and motor deficits in humans and animals that are evident by midlife. These deficits are thought to stem from neuronal damage and dysfunction as a result of a variety of stressors, including increased oxidative stress and modifications in brain lipid composition. Recent clinical and animal studies have identified nutritional intervention as a viable method to curtail the cognitive aging process. Human studies have been primarily observational and have indicated that inclusion of antioxidant-rich foods in the diet can slow the progression of cognitive decline. Basic science studies investigating nutritional modulation of age-related cognitive decline have focused on foods rich in antioxidants or essential fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent advancements in animal research showing that age-related cognitive and behavioral decline can be ameliorated with nutritional supplementation with polyphenol- or polyunsaturated fatty acid―rich plant foods.
New pathway for metabolism of dopa

L-DOPA (3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) has, since 1967, been used in large doses clinically to lessen the degree of akinesia, rigidity and tremor in Parkinson's disease1. The impetus for dopa therapy came from the discovery of abnormally small concentrations of dopamine in the basal ganglia of patients with Parkinsonism2. Since catecholamines cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, dopa, the immediate metabolic precursor of dopamine, became the logical candidate for clinical trials. Administration of dopa increases dopamine in the basal ganglia3, and this is believed to be the primary mode of action of the drug. Although partially correct, this cannot account for the so-called on–off effect4—the increase in therapeutic benefits derived from prolonged use of dopa5—and side effects such as nausea, vomiting and personality disturbances. The latter are minimised by simultaneous administration of decarboxylase inhibitors which limit peripheral decarboxylation and allow smaller doses of dopa to be effective. Nonetheless it seems that the action of dopa is complex, with several mechanisms operative. It is therefore important to elucidate all possible metabolic fates of dopa and consider their relationship to the various effects of dopa. We report here in vitro evidence for a minor pathway of dopa metabolism resulting in the formation of 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetaldehyde (DHPA) with concomitant inactivation of dopa decarboxylase.
First record of Early Cambrian shelly microfossils from west Africa

Two incomplete specimens of Aldanella attleborensis were recovered from calcareous dolomite of the Walidiala Group, Taoudeni Basin, northern Guinea. This is the first record of Cambrian shelly microfossils from west Africa and the first record of Aldanella from a western Gondwanan continent. These fossils, the regional stratigraphy, and radiometric dating place the dolomite, previously considered to be Late Proterozoic in age, in the Early Cambrian. Proterozoic and lower Paleozoic strata in the Taoudeni Basin are generally unfossiliferous. Hence, A. attleborensis and associated microfossils are biostratigraphic markers of geologic importance in west Africa. The Lower Cambrian dolomite near Walidiala is separated from Precambrian tillite by a previously unrecognized disconformity within the Walidiala Group that represents a hiatus of uncertain duration.
The effect of carbon dioxide on maize seed recovery after flooding

Flooding of recently planted fields of maize (Zea mays L.) in the spring results in poor emergence of some germplasm. Previous studies have shown genetic variation for flooding tolerance of maize inbreds and hybrids. This study was conducted to identify a biochemical basis of reduced germination after flooding and determine differences between tolerant and sensitive inbreds. Seeds soaked in nonaerated water accumulated CO 2 . Reduction of germination after soaking was partially reversed by venting the seed with ambient air after soaking and prior to planting. Respiration was measured immediately after soaking and after venting. Respiration rates of flood tolerant inbreds increased faster and to a higher level after flooding and venting than those of sensitive inbreds. The apparent Michaelis constants for succinate oxidation by isolated intact mitochondria of flood sensitive inbreds were higher than those of tolerant inbreds. Succinate oxidation was competitively inhibited by bicarbonate. As the apparent quantitation of inhibition (Ki) bicarbonate increased, flooding sensitivity decreased. Genetic differences in flooding tolerance of maize inbred seed germination were at least in part influenced by sensitivity of respiration to CO 2 .
Effects of plasma treatments on the nitrogen incorporated nanocrystalline diamond films

Abstract The nitrogen incorporated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were grown on n-silicon (100) substrates by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) using CH4/Ar/N2 gas chemistry. The effect of surface passivation on the properties of NCD films was investigated by hydrogen and nitrogen-plasma treatments. The crystallinity of the NCD films reduced due to the damage induced by the plasma treatments. From the crystallographic data, it was observed that the intensity of (111) peak of the diamond lattice reduced after the films were exposed to the nitrogen plasma. From Raman spectra, it was observed that the relative intensity of the features associated with the transpolyacetylene (TPA) states decreased after hydrogen-plasma treatment, while such change was not observed after nitrogen-plasma treatment. The hydrogen-plasma treatment has reduced the sp2/sp3 ratio due to preferential etching of the graphitic carbon, while this ratio remained same in both as-grown and nitrogen-plasma treated films. The electrical contacts of the as-grown films changed from ohmic to near Schottky after the plasma treatment. The electrical conductivity reduced from ~ 84 ohm– 1 cm− 1 (as-grown) to ~ 10 ohm– 1 cm− 1 after hydrogen-plasma treatment, while the change in the conductivity was insignificant after nitrogen-plasma treatment.
Fat and Water Composition Affects Residual Catalatic Activity in Chicken Breast Heated to Specific End‐point Temperatures

Fat and water contents of meat tissues strongly influence their thermo-physical properties. Seven groups of ground chicken breast meat containing varying amounts of fat and water were prepared for this investigation. Each group was heated to end-point temperatures (EPTs) of 69.0 to 71.0°C at 0.5°C intervals. Severity of heat treatments was evaluated by the total process lethality calculated using the General Method. The fat and water contents affected the heating time to reach specific EPTs and the residual catalatic activity at EPTs of 69.0, 69.5 and 70.0°C, but did not affect total process lethality. The variation of the catalase method for determining EPT was related to the sample composition.
Strategic Computing Computer Vision: Taking Image Understanding To The Next Plateau

The overall objective of the Strategic Computing (SC) Program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is to develop and demonstrate a new generation of machine intelligence technology which can form the basis for more capable military systems in the future and also maintain a position of world leadership for the US in computer technology. Begun in 1983, SC represents a focused research strategy for accelerating the evolution of new technology and its rapid prototyping in realistic military contexts. Among the very ambitious demonstration prototypes being developed within the SC Program are: 1) the Pilot's Associate which will aid the pilot in route planning, aerial target prioritization, evasion of missile threats, and aircraft emergency safety procedures during flight; 2) two battle management projects one for the for the Army, which is just getting started, called the AirLand Battle Management program (ALBM) which will use knowledge-based systems technology to assist in the generation and evaluation of tactical options and plans at the Corps level; 3) the other more established program for the Navy is the Fleet Command Center Battle Management Program (FCCBIVIP) at Pearl Harbor. The FCCBMP is employing knowledge-based systems and natural language technology in a evolutionary testbed situated in an operational command center to demonstrate and evaluate intelligent decision-aids which can assist in the evaluation of fleet readiness and explore alternatives during contingencies; and 4) the Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV) which integrates in a major robotic testbed the technologies for dynamic image understanding, knowledge-based route planning with replanning during execution, hosted on new advanced parallel architectures. The goal of the Strategic Computing computer vision technology base (SCVision) is to develop generic technology that will enable the construction of complete, robust, high performance image understanding systems to support a wide range of DoD applications. Possible applications include autonomous vehicle navigation, photointerpretation, smart weapons, and robotic manipulation. This paper provides an overview of the technical and program management plans being used in evolving this critical national technology.
Communication and Decision Making About Life-Sustaining Treatment: Examining the Experiences of Resident Physicians and Seriously-Ill Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND Despite evidence-based recommendations for communication and decision making about life-sustaining treatment, resident physicians’ actual practice may vary. Few prior studies have examined these conversations qualitatively to uncover why ineffective communication styles may persist.
POSTER: Energy-performance tradeoffs in multilevel checkpoint strategies

Increased complexity of computer architectures, consideration of power constraints, and expected failure rates of hardware components make the design and analysis of energy-efficient fault-tolerance schemes an increasingly challenging and important task. We develop run-time and study FTI, a multilevel checkpoint library, on an IBM Blue Gene/Q. We show that FTI has a low energy footprint and that, consequently optimal checkpoint-interval values with respect to time and energy are similar.
Spectrophotometric determination of bismuth in copper and cartridge brass by the iodide method

Abstract An improved spectrophotometric method is proposed for the determination with iodide of trace amounts of bismuth in copper and cartridge brass. The sample is dissolved in nitric acid and the bismuth is separated from the copper by an ammoniacal precipitation in the presence of iron(III) hydroxide as a gathering agent. The hydroxide precipitate is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid is added, the solution is evaporated to a few ml, hydrobromic acid is added to volatilize the antimony and tin, and the solution is evaporated to fumes of sulfuric acid. The bismuth iodide color is then developed with a composite potassium iodide—sodium hypophosphite reagent. Factors affecting the bismuth iodide color are investigated.
Diltiazem as an Adjunct to Cold Blood Potassium Cardioplegia: A Clinical Assessment of Dose and Prospective Randomization

Abstract Diltiazem was evaluated as an adjunct to cold blood potassium cardioplegia in 63 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. The dual-phase study compared incrementally increasing doses (50, 100, and 150 μg/kg) of diltiazem using a single-blind, randomized schedule with an equivalent volume of placebo added to each of three infusions of cold (10°C ± 2°C) blood containing potassium chloride at 25 mEq/L for the initial infusion (400 ml) and at 12 mEq/L for the next two infusions (300 ml each). Observations included a number of operative variables, creatine kinase (CK)-MB curves, two-dimensional echocardiography, and pulsed Doppler sonography before operation and on postoperative days 1 and 5. Pulmonary artery thermistor catheter responses were observed for 16 hours postoperatively, as were left ventricular micromanometer-tipped catheter responses in 7 patients. As the dose of diltiazem was increased, there was increasing time to atrioventricular node refunction (23.6 to 62.0 minutes). Diltiazem at 100 (μg/kg (D-100) resulted in a significantly lower peak CK-MB activity than its placebo. Peak – dp/dt increased in treated patients and decreased in patients given the placebo. The cardiac index in D-100 patients was greater on the first postoperative day than pre-operatively. The stroke index returned to the control level by the fifth postoperative day in D-50 and D-100 patients only, and it remained depressed in placebo patients. Although few benefits were realized from the addition of diltiazem to cold blood potassium cardioplegia, there was dose-related prolongation of the atrioventricular node recovery time, which required cardiac pacing and thus was associated with its attendant risks.
Image processing algorithm design and implementation for real-time autonomous inspection of mixed waste

The ARIES {number_sign}1 (Autonomous Robotic Inspection Experimental System) vision system is used to acquire drum surface images under controlled conditions and subsequently perform autonomous visual inspection leading to a classification as `acceptable` or `suspect`. Specific topics described include vision system design methodology, algorithmic structure,hardware processing structure, and image acquisition hardware. Most of these capabilities were demonstrated at the ARIES Phase II Demo held on Nov. 30, 1995. Finally, Phase III efforts are briefly addressed.
Marcus Theory of a Parallel Effect on α for Hydride Transfer Reaction between NAD+ Analogues

Rate and equilibrium constants for hydride transfer from a series of 1,3-dimethyl-2-substituted phenylbenzimidazolines to a pyridinium ion, a quinolinium ion, and a phenanthridinium ion have been e...
Spindle activity of the tenotomized gastrocnemius muscle in the cat.

Abstract Tenotomy of the ankle extensors was performed on one leg in 19 cats, and sensory discharge of the medial gastrocnemius compared with that of the opposite intact muscle in terminal experiments made after postoperative periods of 4–321 days. Levels of discharge of single spindle units were reduced at most positions of ankle extension on the tenotomized side as compared with the intact muscle, both when the spindles were acting passively and when under fusimotor activation. Thus the use of tenotomy as a technique for chronically reducing sensory inflow from spindles is justified. In several muscles examined histologically the spindles appeared slack and even contorted, and this might explain reductions in onset of response when the tenotomized muscle was directly pulled and in the magnitude of afferent discharge induced by succinylcholine. Changes in spindle discharge and configuration that occur following tenotomy appear to be attributable to conditions impressed on the spindle by atrophy of surrounding extrafusal tissue, rather than to intrinsic alterations of the spindle itself.
Signals from both sides: Control of cardiac development by the endocardium and epicardium

It is readily apparent that the process of heart development is an intricate one, in which cells derived from many embryonic sources coalesce and coordinate their behaviors and development, resulting in the mature heart. The behaviors and mechanisms of this process are complex, and still incompletely understood. However, it is readily apparent that communication between diverse cell types must be involved in this process. The signaling that emanates from epicardial and endocardial sources is the focus of this review.
Predictors of retirement.

Predictors of retirement among men were analyzed using data from seven longitudinal studies, multiple definitions of retirement, multivariate analyses, and unbiased statistical techniques. Results show that the predictors of retirement vary depending on how retirement is defined. The strongest predictors of objective retirement among men over age 65 (i.e., employed less than full-time and receiving a pension) are structural factors such as socioeconomic status and job characteristics. The strongest predictors of early retirement (i.e., retiring before age 65) and of age at retirement include both structural factors and subjective factors, characteristics are more important predictors than all the others combined.
Phthalate metabolites and bisphenol-A in association with circulating angiogenic biomarkers across pregnancy

Abstract Introduction Phthalates and bisphenol-a (BPA) are endocrine disrupting compounds with widespread exposure that have been linked to adverse birth outcomes and developmental effects. We hypothesized that these associations may be mediated in part through altered placental development and function consequent to exposure. To investigate this question, we examined associations between plasma biomarkers of angiogenesis and urinary biomarkers of exposure to phthalates and bisphenol-a (BPA) measured at repeated time points across pregnancy. Methods We utilized a nested case-control population of 130 mothers who delivered preterm and 352 who delivered term from a prospective birth cohort. Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were measured in plasma samples collected from up to four visits during pregnancy (median 10, 18, 26, and 35 weeks). Phthalate metabolites and BPA were measured in urine samples collected at the same visits as indices of exposure. Results In linear mixed effects models adjusted for urine dilution and gestational age at sample collection, oxidized di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites were associated with decreases in PlGF as well as increases in the sFlt-1 to PlGF ratio. These results were slightly attenuated in fully adjusted models. Other phthalate metabolites did not show consistent relationships with either sFlt-1 or PlGF. BPA, however, was associated with increased sFlt-1 as well as the sFlt-1 to PlGF ratio in both crude and adjusted models. Discussion We observed associations between urinary DEHP metabolites and BPA and biomarkers of angiogenesis during pregnancy that may be indicative of disrupted placental development and/or function during gestation.
Virtual motion camouflage based phantom track generation through cooperative electronic combat air vehicles

As an example of complex cooperative missions, coherent phantom track generation through controlling multiple electronic combat air vehicles is currently an area of great interest to the defense agency for the purpose of deceiving a radar network. However, it has been a challenge to design optimal coherent trajectories for this type of problems due to the high dimensionality and kinematic, dynamics, and geometric constraints. This paper describes how an interesting bio-inspired motion strategy can be used to design real-time trajectories for a (1) feasible constant speed coherent mission, (2) maximum-duration constant speed coherent mission, and (3) optimal trajectory mission for general cases.