cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A performance comparison of select alkylbenzene and detergent based liquid scintillation cocktails.

Abstract Tritium was employed in the evaluation of performance characteristics for six commercially available cocktails represented by the manufacturers to possess favorable disposal characteristics. Unidentified alkylbenzene organic solvents and/or triton-like detergents form the basis for these cocktails, which were evaluated in large (20 mL) and mini (7 mL) glass and polyethylene vials. The cocktails showed higher backgrounds, lower unquenched efficiencies, and greater quench resistance to nitromethane than a reference toluene based preparation. Detergent based cocktails were difficult to dispense accurately, and resisted sample incorporation. One cocktail lacked stability in polyethylene vials.
Sintering of two-dimensional nanoclusters in metal(100) homoepitaxial systems: Deviations from predictions of Mullins continuum theory

We present a comparison of the predictions of atomistic and continuum models for the sintering of pairs of near-square two-dimensional nanoclusters adsorbed on the (100) surface in fcc metal homoepitaxial systems. Mass transport underlying these processes is dominated by periphery diffusion (PD) of adatoms along the edge of the clusters. A Mullins-type continuum model for cluster evolution incorporates anisotropy in the step edge stiffness (reflecting the energetics and adsorption site lattice structure in the atomistic model), and can also account for anisotropy in the step edge mobility (reflecting details of the kinetics). In such continuum treatments, the characteristic time τ e q for relaxation of clusters with linear size of order L satisfies τ e q ∼L 4 . Deviations may generally be expected for small sizes L or low temperatures T. However, for the relaxation of dumbbell-shaped clusters (formed by corner-to-corner coalescence of square clusters), atomistic simulations for PD with no kink rounding barrier (δ=0) reveal that τ e q ∼L 4 always applies. In contrast, atomistic simulations with a large kink rounding barrier (δ>0) reveal distinct scaling with τ e q ∼L 3 , for low T or small L, thus providing an effective way to test for δ>0. For the relaxation of faceted rectangular clusters (formed by side-to-side coalescence of square clusters), atomistic simulations for PD with δ=0 reveal that τ e q ∼L 2 , for low T or small L. This is consistent with a recent proposal by Combe and Larralde. For large δ>0, τ e q has an even weaker dependence on L. We elucidate scaling behavior and the effective activation barrier for relaxation in terms of the individual atomistic PD processes and their barriers.
Interpreting temporal adverbials

We take for granted that sentences describe situations [2, 12]. One of the most important properties of situations are then their temporal locations, which are indicated by tense and aspect and temporal adverbials in the surface form. In [10, 22], we offered a formal theory for English tense and aspect and an algorithm that computes the temporal relationships between the situations implicitly introduced by a text. In the present paper, we propose a systematic approach to temporal adverbials, fully integrated with our tense-aspect theory and the interpretive algorithms, using the Episodic Logic (EL) formalism [9, 11, 12, 21].
Distributed Time-Domain Representations in the Birdsong System

How vocalizations are represented in the auditory system is a long-standing problem. Both gnostic “recognition” neurons and distributed representations have been proposed as possible mechanisms. In the birdsong system, there is evidence for both. Neurons with highly selective auditory properties are commonly observed, with some of these exhibiting among the most complex requirements for temporal sequences of sounds ever reported. The mapping of auditory representations onto motor representations does not appear to be organized in a spatially topographic fashion, with subpopulations of neurons whose firing rate specifies different features of the vocalization, but rather appears to be distributed in space and highly synchronized in time. Synchronous activity has been observed in a number of sensorimotor systems, but its significance is not well understood. The analysis of how birds learn songs may contribute to resolution of this problem.
The newborn piglet: a model of neonatal gastrointestinal motility

Small intestinal myoelectric activity has been studied extensively in adult humans and in many animal models. However, little is known about gut myoelectrical activity in newborns, a population susceptible to primary and secondary motility disorders. We report the development of a chronic neonatal piglet model for assessment of gastric and small intestinal myoelectric activity. Six piglets aged 12 to 27 days and weighing 2.3 to 4 kg underwent laparotomy and implantation of four to six bipolar serosal electrodes along the small intestine; and selectively on the gastric antrum. Myoelectric records were obtained daily after operation in awake animals using low (0.16 Hz) and high (30 Hz) frequency filters. Electrical control activity (ECA) was observed in the stomach (4 to 5 cycles per minute) and in the duodenum (14 to 15 cycles per minute) on postoperative day 1; along with random bursts of spiking activity. The migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) appeared on postoperative day 2 or 3. In piglets followed for a week or more, the MMC cycle duration and phase III duration (period of maximal spiking activity) were longer in the proximal small intestine than at the terminal ileum (80 +/- 5 versus 47 +/- 3 minutes and 5.1 +/- 0.3 versus 3.7 +/- 0.1 minutes, respectively; mean +/- SEM, P less than .005), suggesting that some MMCs arise spontaneously in the distal small bowel without traversing the upper intestine. The antral and duodenal ECA frequencies are similar to values reported in human adults; the MMC cycle duration is slightly shorter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Enzymatic activity of the SARS coronavirus main proteinase dimer

The enzymatic activity of the SARS coronavirus main proteinase dimer was characterized by a sensitive, quantitative assay. The new, fluorogenic substrate, (Ala-Arg-Leu-Gln-NH)2-Rhodamine, contained a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV) main proteinase consensus cleavage sequence and Rhodamine 110, one of the most detectable compounds known, as the reporter group. The gene for the enzyme was cloned in the absence of purification tags, expressed in Escherichia coli and the enzyme purified. Enzyme activity from the SARS CoV main proteinase dimer could readily be detected at low pM concentrations. The enzyme exhibited a high Km, and is unusually sensitive to ionic strength and reducing agents.
Efficient generation of 200-nm light in β-BaB 2 O 4

Efficient generation of 200-nm light is achieved in ..beta..-BaB/sub 2/O/sub 4/ through third harmonic generation of pulsed dye-laser radiation. (AIP)
ASPIRIN, SALICYLATE, SULFITE AND TARTRAZINE INDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTION. SAFE DOSES AND CASE DEFINITION IN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Allergic-like reactions to chemical components of foods and medicines may be common. The prevalence of idiosyncratic reactions to aspirin, salicylate, metabisulfite and tartrazine is not known. We used a tertiary referral clinic population to estimate safe exposure doses for epidemiological studies. A 15% decrease in the amount of air expired in one second was defined a positive response. The median effective molar doses of the agents were remarkably similar: metabisulfite 0.19 mM, 34.4 mg [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14, 0.27 mM]; tartrazine 0.10 M, 55.0 mg (95% CI 0.05, 0.21 mM); aspirin 0.09 mM, 16.5 mg (95% CI 0.04, 0.19 mM); and salicylate 0.11 mM, 15.3 mg (95% CI 0.05, 0.27 mM). Doses to which the most sensitive (5%) and practically all (95%) susceptible persons might respectively respond are: metabisulfite 4.6 mg, 255.8 mg; tartrazine 3.4 mg, 885.6 mg; aspirin 0.8 mg, 332.3 mg; and salicylate 2.6 mg, 89.9 mg. Doses within these ranges can be used in epidemiological studies.
Modular Transport Design for Fnal Antiproton Source to Precooler

An efficient beam collector and transport design is presented which transfers and matches a 4.5 GeV antiproton beam with momentum spread of ±2% into the precooler admittance of 5.0? mm-mr. The limits of the transport are a solid angle acceptance of 5.0 msr and momentum pass band of ±5%. A short focal length pulsed lithium lens serves as the collector. The following beam transport line is composed of: (1) vertical translation section; (2) horizontal translation section; (3) matcher; and (4) injector. Monte-Carlo techniques are utilized to evaluate effects of aberrations and multiple scattering upon the computed particle yields. Estimates are presented of the pion and muon fluxes injected into the precooler.
Evaluation of the Logarithmic Law of the Wall for River Flows

The logarithmic law of the wall is commonly used to determine the shear stress applied to the river bed by the flow field. The shear stress calculation requires a velocity profile at the location of interest—data that can be obtained with a boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). ADCP survey procedures use either a fixed-vessel (FV) or moving-vessel (MV) with each providing different spatial and temporal resolution. MV procedures require significantly less field effort but the data lack the temporal resolution of FV measurements. This fact has motivated investigators to seek MV procedures and analysis techniques that provide equivalent results to FV measurements. This study compares results of the two survey procedures for depth-averaged quantities (velocity and flow direction), mean velocity profiles, shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness. Mean velocity profiles are produced by time averaging for the FV measurements and spatial averaging for the MV measurements. Shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness are determined using simple linear regression applied to the logarithmic law of the wall. These procedures are demonstrated using data obtained during bankfull flow on the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina, USA. The results indicate comparable estimates of depth-averaged quantities from both survey procedures. Estimates of the mean velocity profiles were found to be more variable. The agreement for shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness was generally poor indicating that further work is necessary to produce comparable results with MV survey procedures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Static Anisotropic Elastic Properties of the Aorta in Living Dogs

Static anisotropic elasticity was studied in the middle descending thoracic aorta of 14 living dogs. Special transducers were used to measure radius and longitudinal stress at several pressures in situ in an isolated vessel segment. From these data, moduli describing elastic properties of the vessel wall were calculated. Results indicate that (1) at a physiologic pressure of 154 cm H2O (extension ratio of 1.52 circumferentially) the mean values for the incremental elastic moduli in the radial, circumferential, and longitudinal directions were 5480, 7510, and 10,100 g/cm2, respectively; (2) these moduli increased with an increase in intravascular pressure; and (3) the longitudinal modulus decreased when the vessel was studied in vitro (from the removal of longitudinal tethering).
Molybdenum Kinetics in Men Differ during Molybdenum Depletion and Repletion

In this study we developed an expanded compartmental model of molybdenum (Mo) kinetics to determine rates of molybdenum distribution during molybdenum depletion and repletion. The model was based on a clinical study in which 4 men consumed a low-molybdenum diet of 22 microg/d (0.23 micromol/d) for 102 d, followed by a high molybdenum diet of 467 microg/d (4.9 micromol/d) for 18 d. Stable isotopes 100Mo and 97Mo were administered orally and intravenously, respectively, at several time points during the study, and serial samples of plasma, urine, and feces were analyzed for 100Mo, 97Mo, and total Mo. Based on plasma, urine, and fecal molybdenum levels, kinetic parameters of distribution and elimination were determined. The rates of molybdenum distribution and elimination were different during depletion and repletion. During high intake, urinary molybdenum excretion was greater than during low intake. In addition, fractional tissue storage of molybdenum was lower during high intake than during low intake. This suggests that low intake results in an adaptation to conserve body Mo, and that high intake results in an adaptation to eliminate Mo. The model also suggested that food-bound molybdenum was approximately 16% less bioavailable than purified Mo. Finally, under the conditions of this study, the model suggested that an intake of 43 microg/d (0.45 micromol/d) would be sufficient to maintain plasma molybdenum levels at steady state. This is a minimum estimate because subjects in this study were in a molybdenum-sparing state. These findings provide an understanding of the adaptations in molybdenum metabolism that take place during depletion and repletion.
Application of Conservation Biology Research to Management

We conducted a survey of all primary authors of "Contributed Papers" and "Research Notes" in Conservation Biology from 1987 to 1998 to assess the perceived effectiveness of published management rec- ommendations. No systematic survey has previously assessed the degree to which authors believe that re- source managers are using the growing body of research published in Conservation Biology . In March 1999, we sent surveys to 667 authors of 790 published papers, asking whether their papers included management recommendations, whether such recommendations have been used in practice, and why they believed they have or have not been used. We received completed surveys from 198 authors of 223 papers. The percentage of papers that included management recommendations increased from 1987 to 1991, then stabilized at about 75%. Author perception of the use of management recommendations generally increased over the 5 years from 1994 to 1998. Initiatives of federal, state, and local agencies were the most often-cited cause of successful implementation of management recommendations, accounting for over half of all such cases. Our survey suggests that authors in Conservation Biology have increased the use of explicit management recom- mendations in their papers and that authors believe their recommendations are being used to an increasing degree.
The ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is a critical regulator of long-term memory formation

Numerous studies have suggested a role for ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation in learning-dependent synaptic plasticity; however, very little is known about how protein degradation is regulated at the level of the proteasome during memory formation. The ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is a proteasomal deubiquitinating enzyme that is thought to regulate protein degradation in neurons; however, it is unknown if USP14 is involved in learning-dependent synaptic plasticity. We found that infusion of a USP14 inhibitor into the amygdala impaired long-term memory for a fear conditioning task, suggesting that USP14 is a critical regulator of long-term memory formation in the amygdala.
Metabolic correlates of benzene toxicity.

The basic concept that underlies the work presented in this and the preceding volume of this series (Jollow et al., 1977) is that the toxicity of many chemicals is seen only after metabolic activation of the original chemical to a more toxic form. Several lines of evidence indicate that benzene also must be metabolically activated in order to exert its characteristic toxicity on bone marrow. Most of the hydroxylated benzene metabolites known today had been described earlier by Parke and Williams (1953). These authors found phenol, catechol, hydroquinone, resorcinol and some trihydroxylated derivatives in the urine of rabbits given 14C-benzene; they suggested some of these may be the toxic metabolite(s). Dustin (1950) reported that di- and trihydroxylated benzenes probably act in their quinone forms to inhibit mitosis. Nomiyama (1965) treated rats with phenol, phenylsulfate, pyrocatechol, hydroquinone, hydroxyhydroquinone and other metabolites of benzene and reported that only catechol caused a reduction in circulating leukocytes. He reasoned that catechol was the toxic metabolite. Andrews et al. (1977) found that in mice given benzene by subcutaneous injection the concentrations of benzene metabolites in the bone marrow exceeded those in blood by a factor of ten. This was the highest organ to blood ratio found when comparing other organs with marrow. Similar data demonstrating sequestration of benzene metabolites in bone marrow were obtained by Rickert et al. (1979) who administered the benzene by inhalation. Andrews et al. (1977) also found that toluene inhibited benzene metabolism competitively, reducing benzene metabolite levels in urine and in the bone marrow and protecting the animals against benzene-induced bone marrow depression. It may be concluded on the basis of these and other related observations that benzene toxicity is due to the formation of a toxic metabolite of benzene.
THE EFFECTS OF PRODUCTIVITY, HERBIVORY, AND PLANT SPECIES TURNOVER IN GRASSLAND FOOD WEBS

In order to evaluate the patterns and processes of food web structure in grasslands, we compiled data from published studies on the relationship between precipitation (which is a predictor of primary productivity in grasslands), plant and herbivore standing crop biomass, and the results of large-herbivore exclosure experiments on plant abundance and composition. Three informative patterns emerged: (1) both producer and herbivore biomass increase across a natural precipitation gradient; (2) the relative effect of large herbivores on plant biomass, inferred from exclosure studies, decreases with increasing precipitation; and (3) the effect of herbivores on changes in plant species composition increases with precipitation. Simple resource-controlled and consumer-controlled food chain models can explain different subsets of these patterns. However, models of heterogeneous food webs that incorporate differences among species within trophic levels, and compositional turnover within such trophic levels, are consistent with all of the reviewed patterns. We suggest that this compositional turnover of plant species, combined with the interactive controlling effects of consumers and resources, may help to explain why studies performed in different areas, and with different methodologies, often draw different conclusions about the patterns and structuring processes in grassland ecosystems.
Pluralist discourses of bilingualism and translanguaging talk in classrooms

This paper examines student and teacher talk in a first grade classroom in a two-way immersion school in Central Texas. Drawing on audio and video data from a year-long study in a first grade two-w...
Base dependent DNA-carbon nanotube interactions: activation enthalpies and assembly-disassembly control.

We quantify the base dependent interactions between single stranded DNA and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in solution. DNA/SWNT hybrids hold the promise of applications ranging from nanoscale electronics and assembly of nanotube based materials, to drug delivery and DNA sequencing. These applications require control over the hybrid assembly and disassembly. Our analytical assay reveals the order of nucleobase binding strengths with SWNTs as G > C > A > T. Furthermore, time dependent fixed temperature experiments that probe the kinetics of the dissociation process provide values for the equilibrium constants and dissociation enthalpies that underlie the microscopic interactions. Quantifying the base dependency of hybrid stability shows how insight into the energetics of the component interactions facilitates control over hybrid assembly and disassembly.
The selling of a psychologist: John Broadus Watson and the application of behavioral techniques to advertising

When Watson joined the J. Walter Thompson Advertising Company after leaving Johns Hopkins University, he participated in the development of market research techniques, experiments to determine brand appeal and habit-forming qualities of cigarettes, and developed various advertising campaigns. He was the „organization man,” writing and speaking on the „psychology of salesmanship,” „how to influence the mind of another,” how to fit in successfully with the needs of the organization and the corporate society it served. In the industrial America of the 1920s, technical problems had been solved. Human beings were now the only variable in the production and marketing process. Watson offered his behavioral techniques as a means of providing direct services of social control for an emerging corporate society that sought stability and predictability.
Covalent chemistry of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Despite the extraordinary promise of single-wall carbon nanotubes, their realistic application in materials and devices has been hindered by processing and manipulation difficulties. Now that this unique material is readily available in near kilogram quantities (albeit still at high cost), research into means of chemical alteration is in full swing. The covalent attachment of appropriate moieties is anticipated to facilitate applications development by improving solubility and ease of dispersion, and providing for chemical attachment to surfaces and polymer matrices. While it is clear that more investigation is needed to elucidate the nature and locality of covalently attached moieties, developments to date indicate that carbon nanotubes may indeed be considered a true segment of organic chemistry. In this contribution, we review the current state of carbon nanotube covalent chemistry, and convey our anxious expectation that further developments will follow.
Visual pigment loss after light-induced shedding of rod outer segments.

The amount of visual pigment in the eyes of adult frogs kept in darkness for about 5 weeks increases by approximately one-third. There is a comparable fall in the amount of vitamin A stored in the pigment epithelium (RPE), due to a steep deeline in the all-trans isomer. The proportion in the 11-cis configuration, however, increases from 15% to nearly 50%. Similarly, tadpoles kept in complete darkness for a week have more visual pigment than those exposed to a diurnal 12 hr light/dark cycle. The difference is correlated with rod outer segment (ROS) length which also increases in the dark. When dark animals are exposed to light for 2 hr, massive shedding of fragments from the tips of the ROS results in a decrease in ROS length. The engulfment of these shed ROS fragments results in an increase in the phagosome content of the RPE. After 2·5 hr in darkness the bleached visual pigment in these phagosomes does not regenerate, and any unbleached material present appears to be degraded. Both effects may be attributed to the action of lysosomal enzymes following phagocytosis by the RPE. During the 24 hr after shedding, the ROS elongate at a rate suggesting that renewal has been accelerated by a factor of 3–5 fold. The amount of visual pigment in the dark-adapted eye recovers in parallel with this increase in length.
Assembly with the Kvβ1.3 Subunit Modulates Drug Block of hKv1.5 Channels

The assembly of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels with subunits modifies the electrophysiological characteristics of the subunits. Kv1.3 subunits shift the midpoint of the activation curve toward more negative voltages and slow the deactivation process. In addition, the Kv1.3 subunit converts hKv1.5 from a delayed rectifier with a modest degree of slow inactivation to a channel with both fast and slow components of inactivation. In the present study, we have analyzed the effects of bupivacaine and a permanently charged analog [R()-N-methyl-bupivacaine (RB1C)] on Kv1.5 and Kv1.5Kv1.3 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Block induced by RB1C binding to its external receptor site was not modified by the presence of this subunit. However, hKv1.5Kv1.3 channels were 4-fold less sensitive to bupivacaine than hKv1.5 channels in the absence of subunits (IC50 47.5 5.1 versus 13.1 0.8 M, respectively, p 0.01). Quinidine was also less potent to block Kv1.5Kv1.3 channels than Kv1.5 channels (IC50 49.6 M versus 6.2 M, respectively). These results suggest that the Kv1.3 subunit does not modify the affinity of the charged bupivacaine for its external receptor site but markedly reduces the affinity of bupivacaine and quinidine for their internal receptor site in hKv1.5 channels.
Hypothermia for treatment of stroke

Stroke is a major cause of neurological disability and death in industrialized nations. Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to protect the brain from ischemia, stroke, and other acute neurological insults at the laboratory level. It has been shown to improve neurological outcome in certain clinical settings including anoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest and hypoxic-ischemic neonatal encephalopathy. Hypothermia seems to affect multiple aspects of brain physiology and it is likely that multiple mechanisms underlie its protective effect. Understanding the events that occur in the ischemic brain during hypothermia might help lead to an understanding of how to protect the brain against acute injuries.
Towards defining restlessness in individuals with dementia.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Most individuals with dementia develop significant behavioral problems. Restlessness is a behavioral symptom frequently endorsed by caregivers as distressing, yet is variably defined and measured. Lack of conceptual and operational clarity hinders an understanding of this common behavioral type, its prevalence, and development of effective interventions. We advance a systematic definition and understanding of restlessness from which to enhance reporting and intervention development.Method: We reviewed the literature for existing definitions and measures of restlessness, identified common elements across existing definitions, assessed fit with relevant theoretical frameworks, and explored the relationship between restlessness and other behavioral symptoms in a data set of 272 community-dwelling persons with dementia.Results: Twenty-five scales assessing restlessness were identified. Shared components included motor/neurological, psychiatric, and needs-based features. Exploratory analyse...
Ventilation in Human Populations Native to High Altitude

pulmonary ventilation moves air from the atmosphere into the alveoli, where the oxygen in the air enriches the blood. This ventilation is the first link in the chain of oxygen transport from atmosphere to the tissues and cells of the body. At high altitude, where the pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere is less than at sea level, the body compensates by increasing ventilation. The compensation is greater in some persons than in others. Those who breathe more have more oxygen in the arterial blood and less carbon dioxide and might be expected to fare better at high altitude than those who breathe less. The adaptation (increase) in pulmonary ventilation at high altitude may not be complete in days or even weeks. In fact ventilatory adaptation may continue over many generations.
Sustainable heterologous production of terpene hydrocarbons in cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria can be exploited as photosynthetic platforms for heterologous generation of terpene hydrocarbons with industrial application. However, the slow catalytic activity of terpene synthases (k cat = 4 s−1 or slower) makes them noncompetitive for the pool of available substrate, thereby limiting the rate and yield of product generation. Work in this paper applied transformation technologies in Synechocystis for the heterologous production of β-phellandrene (monoterpene) hydrocarbons. Conditions were defined whereby expression of the β-phellandrene synthase (PHLS), as a CpcB·PHLS fusion protein with the β-subunit of phycocyanin, accounted for up to 20 % of total cellular protein. Moreover, CpcB·PHLS was heterologously co-expressed with enzymes of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and geranyl-diphosphate synthase, increasing carbon flux toward the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway and enhancing substrate availability. These improvements enabled yields of 10 mg of β-phellandrene per g of dry cell weight generated in the course of a 48-h incubation period, or the equivalent of 1 % β-phellandrene:biomass (w:w) carbon-partitioning ratio. The work helped to identify prerequisites for the efficient heterologous production of terpene hydrocarbons in cyanobacteria: (i) requirement for overexpression of the heterologous terpene synthase, so as to compensate for the slow catalytic turnover of the enzyme, and (ii) enhanced endogenous carbon partitioning toward the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, e.g., upon heterologous co-expression of the MVA pathway, thereby supplementing the native metabolic flux toward the universal isopentenyl-diphosphate and dimethylallyl-diphosphate terpenoid precursors. The two prerequisites are shown to be critical determinants of yield in the photosynthetic CO2 to terpene hydrocarbons conversion process.
Vasopressin and oxytocin secretion in chronically hyposmolar rats

Neurohypophysial secretion of vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) was studied in rats maintained under hyposmolar conditions for 10-24 days. Graded intravenous infusions of hypertonic saline solutions had no consistent effect on plasma AVP and OT levels until plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]) exceeded 130 mM, after which levels of both hormones increased as an exponential function of plasma [Na+]. Detectable increases in plasma AVP and OT began at significantly lower plasma [Na+] in hyposmolar rats than in normosmolar control rats (10.8 mM lower for AVP and 18.4 mM lower for OT). AVP and OT secretion in hyposmolar rats was also markedly blunted in response to nonosmotic stimuli, including acute and chronic hypovolemia and systemic administration of cholecystokinin. Cessation of 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin-induced antidiuresis resulted in an appropriately rapid correction of plasma [Na+] to normal levels within 24 h. Consequently, although chronic hyposmolarity caused a moderate downward resetting of the osmotic thresholds for AVP and OT secretion, it did not cause sustained deficits in osmoregulation. These results suggest that osmoreceptor activity is regulated to maintain extracellular fluid and plasma osmolality within narrow absolute ranges rather than responding to relative changes in osmolality.
Pedigree Review for Space Systems

Successful integration of components into a reliable space system begins with a careful review of all procedures, processes, and materials used during each componen'st manufacture. The pedigree review process examines all manufacturing, assembly, material, and test records to assure hardware compliance to a qualified baseline design. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process currently used by the Aerospace Corporation in conducting pedigree reviews. The paper will highlight expected roles and responsibilities of those associated with the flight hardware certification activity. Examples are presented to illustrate where the pedigree process has both succeeded and failed in finding problems with space hardware. Recommendations are offered on ways to enhance the hardware certification process.
Diffuse Near Infrared Spectroscopy Assessment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Human Study

Forty-six human diabetic foot ulcers were measured with Diffuse Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. The weekly change in oxy-hemoglobin concentration could distinguish healing and non-healing ulcers with a sensitivity of 0.9 and specificity of 0.86 (p<0.002)
Weight loss for urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women.

TO THE EDITOR: Subak et al. (Jan. 29 issue) 1 report that weight loss among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence decreased the frequency of incontinence. The mechanism is unclear. It is commonly assumed that reduced intraabdominal pressure is responsible. However, dietary changes independent of weight loss may be overlooked. Sodium intake is particularly important. We estimate that the sodium intake of participants at baseline was 3840 mg per day (167 mmol), on the basis of a sodium intake, adjusted for sex and age, of 1.63 mg per kilocalorie, 2 multiplied by the energy requirement for low-activity women. The energy requirement . . .
Original Research: Sexual Risk in Lesbians and Bisexual Women

Objective: To describe the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) sexual risk behaviors in lesbian and bisexual women. Design: Cross-sectional anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Setting: Women's cultural events; HIV/STD service organizations; women's health collectives. Participants: 504 self-identified lesbian and bisexual women. The sample was composed of predominantly white, well-educated women with a mean age of 35 years. Results: Both lesbian and bisexual women engaged in behaviors that potentially lead to transmission of HIV and other STDs. Lesbians were more likely to have a single sexual partner than were bisexual women. Bisexual women were more likely to report a history of STD. Of those sexually active with male partners, one-third reported multiple male partners in the previous year. Significantly more bisexual women reported condom use. Women with multiple partners were more likely to consider themselves at risk for HIV/STD. Having unprotected sex or male partners was not associated with an increased risk perception. Conclusions: Lesbian and bisexual women are engaging in sexual behaviors that may increase their risk for HIV or STD infection. Culturally sensitive prevention programs are needed.
Sharpening Strategic Intelligence: Why the CIA Gets It Wrong and What Needs to Be Done to Get It Right

This book critically examines the weaknesses of American intelligence led by the Central Intelligence Agency in informing presidential decision making on issues of war and peace. It evaluates the CIA's strategic intelligence performance during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods as a foundation for examining the root causes of intelligence failures surrounding the September 11th attacks and assessments of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs in the run up to the Iraq War. The book probes these intelligence failures, which lie in the CIA's poor human intelligence collection and analysis practices. The book argues that none of the post-9/11 intelligence reforms have squarely addressed these root causes of strategic intelligence failure and it recommends measures for redressing these dangerous vulnerabilities in American security.
A new CMAC neural network algorithm based on association membership

Based on the analysis of the structure parameters of CMAC neural network, the concept of association membership is proposed, and the mapping relation between quantization space and output layer is established. Thus, a novel Association Membership CMAC (AM-CMAC) is designed. According to the fitting and the approximation of nonlinear function and the industrial control that can be solved by data and experience, AM-CMAC identification implement and feedforward controller are also designed. The simulation result shows that the generalization ability and learning accuracy are improved.
5'-terminal nucleotide variations in human cytoplasmic tRNAHisGUG and its 5'-halves

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are fundamental adapter components of translational machinery. tRNAs can further serve as a source of tRNA-derived noncoding RNAs that play important roles in various biological processes beyond translation. Among all species of tRNAs, tRNAHisGUG has been known to uniquely contain an additional guanosine residue at the -1 position (G-1) of its 5'-end. To analyze this -1 nucleotide in detail, we developed a TaqMan qRT-PCR method that can distinctively quantify human mature cytoplasmic tRNAHisGUG containing G-1, U-1, A-1, or C-1 or lacking the -1 nucleotide (starting from G1). Application of this method to the mature tRNA fraction of BT-474 breast cancer cells revealed the presence of tRNAHisGUG containing U-1 as well as the one containing G-1 Moreover, tRNA lacking the -1 nucleotide was also detected, thus indicating the heterogeneous expression of 5'-tRNAHisGUG variants. A sequence library of sex hormone-induced 5'-tRNA halves (5'-SHOT-RNAs), identified via cP-RNA-seq of a BT-474 small RNA fraction, also demonstrated the expression of 5'-tRNAHisGUG halves containing G-1, U-1, or G1 as 5'-terminal nucleotides. Although the detected 5'-nucleotide species were identical, the relative abundances differed widely between mature tRNA and 5'-half from the same BT-474 cells. The majority of mature tRNAs contained the -1 nucleotide, whereas the majority of 5'-halves lacked this nucleotide, which was biochemically confirmed using a primer extension assay. These results reveal the novel identities of tRNAHisGUG molecules and provide insights into tRNAHisGUG maturation and the regulation of tRNA half production.
Gastric blood flow: II. Its distribution during systemic hypothermia

Summary The role of systemic hypothermia in altering blood flow and its distribution within the gastric microcirculation was determined by the radiorubidium clearance technic, Systemic hypothermia produced a selective reduction in blood flow to all tissue layers of the corpus. The perfusion rate of the antrum in the hypothermic animals remained unchanged from the control level. The difference between the response of the corpus and antrum to systemic cooling may reflect disparities in the vascular patterns of these two regions.
Integration of Flexibility and Control in Process Design

Abstract Most design or retrofit focuses on cost savings as the objective. We treat instead two simultaneous incompatible objectives: cost and flexibility, in the design of a process that must be controllable under future uncertainties. By use of an index of operational flexibility and Pareto decision theory, a biobjective problem is solved that yields an economical and flexible design. Evaluation of a sequence of possible critical input variables can be carried out based on a sensitivity analysis of the Lebesgue measure of the feasible region of operation with respect to the input, control, and design variables.
Successful treatment of HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients in the era of direct acting antivirals: is advanced liver disease still a limiting factor?

To the Editor,Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have provided excellent cure rates for hepatitis C (HCV), exceeding 90% for several drug combinations. However, advanced liver disease has historically ...
Speeding up Hyper-parameter Optimization by Extrapolation of Learning Curves Using Previous Builds

Recent work has shown that the usage of extrapolation of learning curves to determine when to terminate a training build has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of epochs of training required for finding a good performing hyper-parameter configuration. However, the current technique uses the information only from the current build to make the prediction. We propose the usage of a simple regression based extrapolation model that uses the trajectories from previous builds to make predictions of new builds. This can be used to terminate poorly performing builds and thus, speed up hyper-parameter search with performance comparable to non-augmented hyper-parameter optimization techniques. We compare the predictions made by our model against that of the existing extrapolation technique in different tasks. We incorporate our approach into a pre-existing termination criterion. We incorporate this termination criterion into an existing hyper-parameter optimization toolkit. We analyze the performance of our approach and contrast it against a baseline in terms of quality of prediction in three different tasks. We show that our approach yields builds with performance comparable to the non-augmented version with fewer epochs, and outperforms an existing parametric extrapolation technique for two out of three tasks in terms of number of required epochs.
Phage and Bacteria in a Chemostat

A mathematical model of bacteriophage predation on bacteria in a chemostat, introduced in Chapter. 1, is studied in detail. The delay arises due to the assumption of a fixed latent period for virus inside the infected cell. The main biological issues addressed are the persistence and extinction of bacteria and of bacteriophage(phage). From a mathematical perspective, we focus on bifurcation of equilibria and Hopf bifurcation from the coexistence equilibrium.
How do family physicians prioritize delivery of multiple preventive services

Background In spite of the recommendations of experts, little is known about the priority that physicians assign to various preventive services provided to patients within the time pressures and competing demands of the office visit. Methods A survey presenting the case of a 53-year-old woman was sent to a national random sample of 480 practicing family physicians. Physicians were asked which items on a list of preventive services they would provide during 5 minutes remaining at the end of an illness visit for sinusitis, and during a visit for a 30-minute physical examination. Descriptive analyses rank ordered the most commonly provided services. Additional analyses using chi-square and analysis of variance were used to characterize physicians who performed high and low levels of services recommended and not recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Results Among 268 responding physicians, more than 50% provided smoking cessation advice, blood pressure, height, and weight measurements, and the scheduling of a return visit during the illness visit. During a physical examination visit, many other services, including breast examination, Papanicolaou test, pelvic examination, and ordering a mammogram were also commonly chosen. Physicians performing a high level of USPSTF-recommended preventive services and a low level of not recommended services were characterized by their young age, residency training, not being in solo practice, and greater experience with USPSTF recommendations. Conclusions Physicians offer more preventive services during patient visits for physical examinations than during visits for illness. Physician characteristics associated with the delivery of recommended levels of preventive services may be useful in identifying interventions that will direct medical resources toward the most effective preventive services.
Second-Generation Antihistamines: The OTC Debate

Objective To demonstrate that the safety profiles of second-generation antihistamines (SGAs) meet the criteria set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for switching these products to over-the-counter (OTC) status. Data Sources MEDLINE search of articles published from 1970 through 2000. Summary Most patients with allergic rhinitis treat their symptoms with first-generation antihistamines (FGAs), which are available over-the-counter (OTC). Yet FGAs are generally considered less safe than the newer drugs. FGAs cause central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects and may increase users' risk for work-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents and, in children, for learning impairment. SGAs cause fewer CNS effects, do not appear to affect learning in children, and do not have significant drug interactions. Several other countries have made SGAs available OTC. Blue Cross of California petitioned FDA in July 1998 to make this class of drugs available OTC in the United States. This petition will finally be heard in May 2001. The 1951 Durham–Humphrey amendment to the original Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 requires that "a drug be made available without a prescription if, by following the labeling, consumers can use it safely and effectively without professional guidance." If judged according to this and other criteria promulgated by FDA, SGAs should be strongly considered for being switched to OTC status. Conclusion The safety and efficacy of SGAs have been adequately established. Consumers should have the option of self-treating mild allergic rhinitis symptoms with these products.
The Pathways Model for Improved Health and Wellness

The Pathways Model was developed by Angele McGrady and Donald Moss (Pathways to illness, pathways to health, Springer, New York, NY, 2013), as an integrative model for improving health and remediating illness. The Pathways Model utilizes a coaching-based approach to assess the individual’s readiness for health-supportive changes and articulates a three-level plan for enhancing health and wellness. The Pathways Model begins with the formation of an “alliance for health” with each prospective patient. The Pathways self-care plan is a personally forged and committed program for self-directed changes, in coordination with professional support.
Quality of care for metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

e18031Background: Many studies have identified shortcomings with the quality of care for early stage breast cancer, but there is minimal research examining the quality of care for MBC. Methods: We ...
Cardiac mesenchymal cells from diabetic mice are ineffective for cell therapy-mediated myocardial repair

Although cell therapy improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction, highly variable results and limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms preclude its clinical translation. Because many heart failure patients are diabetic, we examined how diabetic conditions affect the characteristics of cardiac mesenchymal cells (CMC) and their ability to promote myocardial repair in mice. To examine how diabetes affects CMC function, we isolated CMCs from non-diabetic C57BL/6J (CMCWT) or diabetic B6.BKS(D)-Leprdb/J (CMCdb/db) mice. When CMCs were grown in 17.5 mM glucose, CMCdb/db cells showed > twofold higher glycolytic activity and a threefold higher expression of Pfkfb3 compared with CMCWT cells; however, culture of CMCdb/db cells in 5.5 mM glucose led to metabolic remodeling characterized by normalization of metabolism, a higher NAD+/NADH ratio, and a sixfold upregulation of Sirt1. These changes were associated with altered extracellular vesicle miRNA content as well as proliferation and cytotoxicity parameters comparable to CMCWT cells. To test whether this metabolic improvement of CMCdb/db cells renders them suitable for cell therapy, we cultured CMCWT or CMCdb/db cells in 5.5 mM glucose and then injected them into infarcted hearts of non-diabetic mice (CMCWT, n = 17; CMCdb/db, n = 13; Veh, n = 14). Hemodynamic measurements performed 35 days after transplantation showed that, despite normalization of their properties in vitro, and unlike CMCWT cells, CMCdb/db cells did not improve load-dependent and -independent parameters of left ventricular function. These results suggest that diabetes adversely affects the reparative capacity of CMCs and that modulating CMC characteristics via culture in lower glucose does not render them efficacious for cell therapy.
The Analysis of Influence of HVDC Commutation Failure on Current Differential Protection

The commutation failure is one of the most common faults in HVDC transmission systems. After the commutation failure, the distortion of the fault characteristics has an impact on the current differential protection, which may cause the braking amount in the fault zone to be greater than the action amount, causing the protection rejection. In this paper, a HVDC transmission model is built based on PSCAD/EMTDC as a simulation tool. Simulation verification shows that when high-resistance grounding occurs in the transmission line near the DC inverter station, commutation failure of the inverter side may cause current differential protection rejection. High resistance grounding occurs in the remote area of the inverter station. The DC does not commutation failure. The current differential protection can operate correctly.