cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Studies of Intermetallic Hydrides

In recent years a large number of disordered alloy systems have been studied as hydride-formers and hydrogen host materials. These fall into two general categories: (1) substitutional solid solutions, e. g., (Zr, Ti)— Mn2, Zr(Fe, V)2, etc., and (2) non-stoichiometric systems, e. g., ZrMn2Tx where T = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni or Cu. In the latter materials a more accurate representation is as follows: Zr1−yTyMn2−u Tu where y and u are quantities that may depend on the nature of T.
Effective Use of F-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to Rule Out Prosthetic Aortic Valve as the Source of Infection.

Several nuclear imaging techniques can be used to diagnose infectious and inflammatory processes. F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful diagnostic technique to detect inflammation and infection quickly and accurately. We report the case of a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and recurrent bacterial infections where FDG PET/CT was used to identify the source of infection as sternal osteomyelitis and rule out suspected infection of the aortic valve prosthesis.
Correction to: Laparoscopic Duodenojejunostomy for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.

The original version of the article unfortunately contained an error in one of the authors name in the author group.
Adverse Effects Associated with the Use of Electronic Vaping Products on Adolescents and Young Adults

Background/Purpose: Despite the increasing prevalence of the use of electronic vaping products (vapes) among adolescents and young adults, few studies have examined the clinical symptoms associated with vaping. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of vaping, to identify symptoms that may be associated with vaping, and to understand beliefs about vaping that may contribute to its growing prevalence. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of subjects aged 12-23 years presenting for medical care to Penn State …
Hypoxic preconditioning induces epigenetic changes and modifies swine mesenchymal stem cell angiogenesis and senescence in experimental atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a risk factor for ischemic and hypertensive kidney disease (HKD) for which autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) appears to be a promising therapy. However, MSCs from ARAS patients exhibit impaired function, senescence, and DNA damage, possibly due to epigenetic mechanisms. Hypoxia preconditioning (HPC) exerts beneficial effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and gene and protein expression. We hypothesized that HPC could influence MSC function and senescence in ARAS by epigenetic mechanisms and modulating gene expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes. Adipose-derived MSC harvested from healthy control (N = 8) and ARAS (N = 8) pigs were cultured under normoxia (20%O2) or hypoxia (1%O2) conditions. MSC function was assessed by migration, proliferation, and cytokine release in conditioned media. MSC senescence was evaluated by SA-β-gal activity. Specific pro-angiogenic and senescence genes were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Dot blotting was used to measure global genome 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels on DNA and Western blotting of modified histone 3 (H3) proteins to quantify tri-methylated lysine-4 (H3K4me3), lysine-9 (H3K9me3), and lysine-27 (H3K27me3) residues. Specific pro-angiogenic genes in ARAS assessed by RT-PCR were lower at baseline but increased under HPC, while pro-senescence genes were higher in ARAS at baseline as compared healthy MSCs. ARAS MSCs under basal conditions, displayed higher H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and 5hmC levels compared to healthy MSCs. During HPC, global 5hmC levels were decreased while no appreciable changes occurred in histone H3 tri-methylation. ARAS MSCs cultured under HPC had higher migratory and proliferative capacity as well as increased vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor expression compared to normoxia, and SA-β-gal activity decreased in both animal groups. These data demonstrate that swine ARAS MSCs have decreased angiogenesis and increased senescence compared to healthy MSCs and that HPC mitigates MSC dysfunction, senescence, and DNA hydroxymethylation in ARAS MSC. Thus, HPC for MSCs may be considered for their optimization to improve autologous cell therapy in patients with nephropathies.
Refugee Higher Education & Participatory Action Research Methods: Lessons Learned From the Field

Refugee access to higher education is devastatingly low. Recognizing the complex barriers facing refugee learners, global educational initiatives are innovating flexible learning models which promote blended online and in-person learning modalities. This article describes the implementation of a five month, online-based internship pilot offered to 21 refugee participants in qualitative and quantitative research methods, through a participatory action research (PAR) framework in five different countries -- Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, and Lebanon. The internship is part of the Global Education Movement (GEM), which brings refugees accredited online college degree and career development opportunities. Through direct engagement, observation of the internship and feedback from staff and participants, we highlight the ways in which the PAR model can serve as a dynamic learning approach to engage refugees in research practice and an evaluative tool of the GEM program. While the use of online learning presented several clear advantages, such as engaging multiple GEM sites simultaneously or insulating students from delayed studies due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it also revealed variations in student competencies across program sites. In this article, we review the GEM PAR internship, its lessons learned and propose recommendations for future programming.
Towards Satisfiability Modulo Parametric Bit-vectors

Many SMT solvers implement efficient SAT-based procedures for solving fixed-size bit-vector formulas. These techniques, however, cannot be used directly to reason about bit-vectors of symbolic bit-width. To address this shortcoming, we propose a translation from bit-vector formulas with parametric bit-width to formulas in a logic supported by SMT solvers that includes non-linear integer arithmetic, uninterpreted functions, and universal quantification. While this logic is undecidable, our approach can still solve many formulas that arise in practice by capitalizing on advances in SMT solving for non-linear arithmetic and universally quantified formulas. We provide several case studies in which we have applied this approach with promising results, including the bit-width independent verification of invertibility conditions, compiler optimizations, and bit-vector rewrite rules.
A responsive relationship? setting the political agenda in the European Union

Recent research has documented the European Commission's attention to the preferences of the European public and the other EU institutions when formulating policy proposals. This project demonstrat...
Hormonal and generative tunctions of transplanted ovaries in the rabbit and monkey

Abstract After bilateral ovariectomy in adult rabbits, the ovaries were autografted to the: (a) mesentery of the ascending and descending colon, (b) ovarian bursa, or (c) abdominal wall near the fimbriae. In the crab-eating macaque, the right ovary was grafted into the omentum, and the left ovary was grafted into the mesentery of the ascending colon. The right ovary was removed about 14 weeks after grafting. Swelling and coloration of the vulva or sex skin in a monkey, the quantity and properties of cervical mucus, sexual behavior, ovulation, pregnancy, parturition, and serum luteinizing hormone, and progesterone were used as criteria for resumption of ovarian function. Autografting of the ovaries to the mesentery in rabbits resulted in ovarian follicular hyperplasia (formation of luteinized, cystic, and hemorrhagic follicles) associated with high levels of progesterone. Ovarian steroids secreted by the ovaries autografted to the mesentery were inactivated in the liver with subsequent absence of minute stimulation of the reproductive tract. The derangement produced experimentally in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian circuit through excessive secretion of gonadotropins might be responsible for the ovarian follicular hyperplasia. Different results were found in the monkey. Ovaries grafted to the mesentery maintained a normal cyclic function. Sufficient amounts of ovarian steroids may pass through the liver of a monkey to maintain the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and cyclic changes in the reproductive tract. Grafting of the ovary to ovarian bursa or abdominal wall in rabbits resulted in reappecrance of hormonal function and ovulation with subsequent egg pickup and fertilization.
Hematologic Recovery After Liver Transplantation

Abstract Introduction Chronic liver disease is a national problem with over 3 million American suffering from end stage liver disease. The majority of patients with advanced liver disease have pancytopenia due to multiple factors. Hematology consults generated by the hematologic effects of end stage liver disease comprise 10-20% of consults. The majority of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation achieve some degree of partial or complete hematologic recovery. Methods 196 sequential records for patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation were analyzed. Complete data was available for 92 patients. Hematologic parameters were reviewed 1 month prior to transplantation, 1 month post, 1 year and 2 year post transplantation. A statistical analysis was performed using the two tailed t-test method. Results Rapid and sustained hematologic recovery occurred in the majority of patients and was significant except for WBC at 24 months. Conclusions Orthotopic liver transplantation results in rapid sustained hematologic response in the majority of patients. Rapid recovery of platelet counts was most significant and does not reflect Ssplenectomy. Co-morbidity and anti-rejection drugs also may lead to delayed marrow suppression. Further sub-set analysis and measure of additional factors will also be presented. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. Table 1 . CBC Measurements Post Liver Transplantation (months) N=92 0 month 1 month 12 month 24 month Hgb (g/dL) 11.2 10.3 12.1 12.9 (SD)[p] (2.3) (1.4)[0.00] (1.6)[0.00] (3.0)[0.00] HCT (%) 32.4 30.3 35.8 37.7 (SD)[p] (7.1) (4.0)[0.02] (5.0)[0.00] (6.1)[0.00] Platelets(109/L) 87 235 141 148 (SD)[p] (63) (225)[0.00] (55)[0.00] (57)[0.00] WBC(103/cc) 6.4 7.7 5.0 5.7 (SD)[p] (4.1) (3.4)[0.01] (2.2)[0.002] (2.5)[0.12]
Immunological Tolerance of Nonliving Antigens

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on immunological tolerance of nonliving antigens, describes various individual experimental models depending on the mode of induction, including tolerance induced by exposure in prenatal period of life and tolerance induction in mature animals, analyzes the various experimental models, and presents the common features of each model. It is demonstrated that certain features of the various models are consistent for different antigens within the species, for the same antigen in most species studied, and to a lesser extent, for the tolerant state in general. General consistencies justifying an assumption of similar mechanisms are examined. Comparison of the features of the models in which the response to simple antigens has been most extensively investigated shows the evidence of many similarities of the tolerant state once induced . Therefore, it appears that the features of each can, with merit, be examined for tentative generalizations about the tolerant state. The chapter concludes that the data derived primarily from more completely characterized experimental models of tolerance of nonliving antigens appear to provide grounds for some tentative statements regarding the nature of the tolerant state, particularly the role of antigen in its induction and maintenance and the conditions permitting induction of tolerance rather than of an immune response.
A kinase-regulated PDZ-domain interaction controls endocytic sorting of the β2-adrenergic receptor

A fundamental question in cell biology is how membrane proteins are sorted in the endocytic pathway. The sorting of internalized β2-adrenergic receptors between recycling endosomes and lysosomes is responsible for opposite effects on signal transduction and is regulated by physiological stimuli1,2. Here we describe a mechanism that controls this sorting operation, which is mediated by a family of conserved protein-interaction modules called PDZ domains3. The phosphoprotein EBP50 (for ezrin–radixin–moesin(ERM)-binding phosphoprotein-50)4 binds to the cytoplasmic tail of the β2-adrenergic receptor through a PDZ domain and to the cortical actin cytoskeleton through an ERM-binding domain. Disrupting the interaction of EBP50 with either domain or depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton itself causes missorting of endocytosed β2-adrenergic receptors but does not affect the recycling of transferrin receptors. A serine residue at position 411 in the tail of the β2-adrenergic receptor is a substrate for phosphorylation by GRK-5 (for G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase-5) (ref. 5) and is required for interaction with EBP50 and for proper recycling of the receptor. Our results identify a new role for PDZ-domain-mediated protein interactions and for the actin cytoskeleton in endocytic sorting, and suggest a mechanism by which GRK-mediated phosphorylation could regulate membrane trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors after endocytosis.
A user interface for knowledge acquisition from video

In conventional knowledge acquisition, a domain expert interacts with a knowledge engineer, who interviews the expert, and codes knowledge about the domain objects and procedures in a rule-based language, or other textual representation language. This indirect methodology can be tedious and error-prone, since the domain expert's verbal descriptions can be inaccurate or incomplete, and the knowledge engineer may not correctly interpret the expert's intent. We describe a user interface that allows a domain expert who is not a programmer to construct representations of objects and procedures directly from a video of a human performing an example procedure. The domain expert need not be fluent in the underlying representation language, since all interaction is through direct manipulation. Starting from digitized video, the user selects significant frames that illustrate before- and after-states of important operations. Then the user graphically annotates the contents of each selected frame, selecting portions of the image to represent each part, labeling the parts, and indicating part/whole relationships. Finally, programming by demonstration techniques describe the actions that represent the transition between frames. The result is object descriptions for each object in the domain, generalized procedural descriptions, and visual and natural language documentation of the procedure. We illustrate the system in the domain of documentation of operational and maintenance procedures for electrical devices.
Implantable intravascular defibrillator: evaluation of defibrillation waveforms with inferior vena cava electrode system.

Background: A percutaneously placed, totally intravascular defibrillator has been developed that shocks via a right ventricular (RV) single-coil and titanium electrodes in the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). This study evaluated the defibrillation threshold (DFT) with this electrode configuration to determine the effect of different biphasic waveform tilts and second-phase durations as well as the contribution of the IVC electrode. Methods: Eight Bluetick hounds (wt = 30–40 kg) were anesthetized and the RV coil (first-phase anode) was placed in the RV apex. The intravascular defibrillator (PICD®, Model no. IIDM-G, InnerPulse Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) was positioned such that the titanium electrodes were in the SVC and IVC. Ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced and a Bayesian up-down technique was employed to determine DFT with two configurations: RV to SVC + IVC and RV to SVC. Three waveform tilts (65%, 50%, and 42%) and two second-phase durations (equal to the first phase [balanced] and truncated at 3 ms [unbalanced]) were randomly tested. The source capacitance of the defibrillator was 120 μF for all waveforms. Results: DFT with the IVC electrode was significantly lower than without the IVC electrode for all waveforms tested (527 ± 9.3 V [standard error], 14.5 J vs 591 ± 7.4 V, 18.5 J, P < 0.001). Neither waveform tilt nor second-phase duration significantly changed the DFT. Conclusion: In canines, a totally intravascular implantable defibrillator with electrodes in the RV apex, SVC, and IVC had a DFT similar to that of standard nonthoracotomy lead systems. No significant effect was noted with changes in tilt or with balanced or unbalanced waveforms. (PACE 2011; 34:577–583)
Measured correlation between roll-vortex signatures and radar-inferred sea surface roughness

The authors present aircraft measurements of near-surface atmospheric boundary layer roll signatures and radar-derived sea surface roughness. These data are coincident in space and time. This unique feature supports attempts to quantitatively link SAR backscatter signatures to boundary layer roll impacts. The open-ocean data were collected at an altitude of 12-20 m from NOAA's Long-EZ aircraft using its turbulence probe and down-looking Ka-band radar scatterometer. They find marked correlation between measured fluctuations in the along-wind component of the horizontal wind velocity and radar backscatter for the spatial scale of 1 to 1.5 km. Close agreement between normalized modulation amplitudes suggests the surface slope variance is changing linearly with wind speed. These data were collected within thirty minutes of a RADARSAT SAR overpass where apparent boundary layer impacts of the same orientation, spatial dimensions, and amplitude are prevalent in the SAR backscatter image.
Another Week, Another Scandal

Immigration regulations for international students seem to be changing somewhat unpredictably of late, in major receiving countries. In several English-speaking nations, immigration regulation has become a significant policy issue, and international students are the frequent focus of recent crackdowns.
Hospital Safety for Women With Nicotine Addiction

Hospital smoke-free policies are expanding to include all hospital-owned land and property. Because some women will choose to leave the hospital to satisfy nicotine cravings, smoke-free policies should account for this. Components of a policy can include a carefully designed smoking waiver form, nicotine substitution, smoking cessation education, behavioral counseling and supervised transport of women who choose to leave the hospital to smoke. Education of women and their families, awareness by all staff, and clearly defined guidelines can lead to improved safety.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine plus cisplatin in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer

PURPOSE: To assess the activity and toxicity of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic urothelial cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with measurable stage IV carcinoma of the urothelium were enrolled onto this trial. Gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 was administered intravenously for 30 to 60 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Cisplatin was administered after gemcitabine on day 1 of each cycle. The first 11 patients received an initial cisplatin dose of 100 mg/m2. Due to the hematologic toxicity observed in several of these patients, the dose was reduced to 75 mg/m2 in the remaining 35 patients. Patients were treated with six cycles, unless disease progression or severe toxicity necessitated earlier discontinuation. RESULTS: Ten of the 46 patients achieved a complete response and nine showed a partial response. The overall response rate was 41%. The median time to treatment failure was 5.5 months. The median surviva...
Enhancing the Teaching of Evolution in Public Health

Public health courses are emerging as popular undergraduate offerings, especially at universities with schools of public health. It is important to note that evolution has shaped the burden of disease in the modern world in which we practice and educate for public health. Human cultures and technologies have modified life on Planet Earth and have co-evolved with myriad other species, including microorganisms, plant and animal sources of food, invertebrate vectors of disease, and intermediate bird, mammal, and primate hosts. Molecular mechanisms of evolution have produced differential resistance or susceptibility to infectious agents, including malaria, plague, smallpox, TB, measles, and diarrheal and respiratory diseases. The domestication of sheep and cattle led to natural selection in favor of human populations able to digest milk throughout life through persistence into adulthood of lactase enzyme expression in the intestine, a major story of anthropology. The emergence of a “Western diet” of dairy, refined cereal grains, refined sugars, vegetable oils, alcoholic beverages, salt, and omega-6-rich meats has dramatically altered glycemic load, fatty acid composition, macronutrients, acid–base balance, sodium/potassium ratio, and fiber content. This is a major story of nutrition and disease. The results include epidemics of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and bowel, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. Another interesting phenomenon is the selection of excessive hemostatic activity from platelets and the plasma clotting proteins; what was protective against death from bleeding after injuries among hunter–gatherers or from pregnancy-related hemorrhage now contributes to thrombosis underlying heart attacks and strokes. Conversely, there is little pressure against hemostasis and thrombosis since deaths from these causes occur mostly after the reproductive years of life. Learning about evolution over millennia for humans and over hours or days for microbes enlivens the experience of understanding evolutionary biology in public health context.
Wigner crystalline edges in ν≲1 quantum dots

We investigate the edge reconstruction phenomenon believed to occur in quantum dots in the quantum Hall regime when the filling fraction is $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.$ Our approach involves the examination of large dots (\ensuremath{\leqslant} 40 electrons) using a partial diagonalization technique in which the occupancies of the deep interior orbitals are frozen. To interpret the results of this calculation, we evaluate the overlap between the diagonalized ground state and a set of trial wave functions which we call projected necklace (PN) states. A PN state is simply the angular momentum projection of a maximum density droplet surrounded by a ring of localized electrons. Our calculations reveal that PN states have up to 99% overlap with the diagonalized ground states, and are lower in energy than the states identified in Chamon and Wen's study of the edge reconstruction.
Leaving a Community College Presidency: The Inevitable Career Transition

This article provides a succinct synthesis of research about community college presidents who have experienced a crisis or dilemma as leaders and focuses on issues surrounding a sudden and unplanned departure. In addition to describing themes, the authors present implications for leaders and potential areas for future research.
A Newly Cloned Phospholipase A2-Activating Protein Elicits Ca2+ Oscillations and Pancreatic Amylase Secretion via Mediation of G Protein [beta]/Phospholipase A2/Arachidonic Acid Cascades

Recently we have demonstrated that in rat pancreatic acini the high affinity cholecystokinin receptors are coupled to the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)/arachidonic acid (AA) cascades to mediate Ca2+ oscillations and amylase secretion. This intracellular signal transduction system is associated with an unidentified G protein(s) which is neither Gi/Go nor Gq-alpha. Using a newly cloned PLA2-activating protein (PLAP), we further examined the mechanisms by which PLA2 activates Ca2+ oscillation and pancreatic enzyme secretion. In intact acini, 0.1-1 microM PLAP evoked Ca2+ oscillations in a dose-dependent manner (delta [Ca2+]i: 18-121 nM and frequency: 2.3-5.5 cycles/10 min). PLAP elicited a 3-fold increase in monophasic amylase secretion with an EC50 of 0.1 microM. PLAP dose-dependently caused an increase in the AA metabolite 15-HETE. The PLA2 inhibitor, but not inhibitors of lipoxygenase, cytochrome P-450 and cyclooxygenase, inhibited the action of PLAP, suggesting that AA, but not AA metabolites, functions as a signal messenger. In permeabilized acini, a monoclonal antibody of G protein beta subunits inhibited the action of PLAP. Because of the structural similarity between PLAP and Gbeta protein we hypothesize that the PLA2 coupled G protein is Gbeta and it elicits Ca2+ oscillations and monophasic amylase secretion via the AA pathway.
Development of the adaptable, GIS-based, multi-threat detection system

Battelle developed the Adaptable, Geographic Information System (GIS) based, Multi-threat, Detection System (AGMDS) to provide a portable, exterior, full threat spectrum detection system for special events, operations that require a quickly deployable area surveillance system, and mobile applications such as convoys, patrols, or covert operations. The AGMDS increases the user's situational awareness by detecting potential threats and attacks and communicating wirelessly through a mesh network with a central control station that consolidates the data on a unified map display. Development of the AGMDS was part of Project Ancile that Battelle performed for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The goal of the project was to develop cost-effective, integrated solutions for protection against the full range of terrorist threats — i.e. physical; cyber; and chemical biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. This document describes the AGMDS development process, beginning with the technology gap assessment which identified the need for the system development; continuing through requirements analysis, system design and trade studies, integration and test; and culminating in a demonstration at the U.S. Naval Academy. The first phase of Project Ancile was to define technology gaps in active military facilities. Battelle visited three active installations and assessed their current security systems against the full threat spectrum. The gaps identified during the assessment were documented as needs for a potential system. Battelle developed conceptual systems to fill these needs and performed a trade study to determine which system should be developed and demonstrated. The AGMDS was selected as it addresses the majority of the technology gaps identified and had the lowest relative cost and risk associated with development. The AGMDS is modular and portable, consisting of five subsystems: detector subsystem, vehicle subsystem, personnel subsystem, relay subsystem, and a control subsystem. The current configuration includes: • High resolution video surveillance with 180° field of view • Personnel physiology monitoring of heart and breathing rates and position • Concealed object detection using thermal imaging • Chemical detection, biological detection and identification and radiation detection. The detector and vehicle subsystems house the CBRE sensors as well as video and communications equipment. The personnel subsystem provides blue force tracking and physiological monitoring, and the relay subsystems allow expanded network coverage. Together, the subsystems create a network of networks. Each detector and vehicle station houses a local network of sensors. The stations communicate with the control station via an ad-hoc, self-organizing, wireless mesh network; enabling display of sensor locations and alarms on a site map; as well as monitoring of video surveillance data.
Adrenal adenocarcinoma: A review of 53 cases

Problem: Fifty-three patients (30 men, 23 women) with histologically proven adrenal carcinoma were reviewed. Nineteen (36%) had endocrine manifestations from functioning tumors. Arteriography was positive in 95% (19/20), CT scan in 94% (17/18), and ultrasound in 92% (12/13). Seventy-six percent of the patients, at the time of diagnosis, were stage III and IV. Most common metastatic sites were the liver, lymph nodes, bone, and lungs. Local recurrence developed in 39% of cases (15/38). Method: Forty-one patients underwent an operation. Complete surgical removal of all gross tumor was achieved in 24 patients. Result: The overall median survival time was 8 months, and the estimated 5-year survival rate 19%. There were significant differences in survival between the various stages (P = 0.01) and between the group of patients who underwent complete excision of the tumor and those with incomplete resection (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Complete surgical excision offers the best prospect for long-term survival in localized adrenal carcinoma. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Theoretical prediction of vibrational spectra: the harmonic force field and the vibrational spectrum of 4-methylpyridine

Abstract The geometry, complete harmonic force field and dipole moment derivatives have been computed for 4-methylpyridine at the Hartree-Fock level using a 4-21 basis set of Gaussian orbitals. A set of eleven scale factors, six of which were previously derived from benzene and the other five for the vibrational motions of the methyl group from toluene by fitting their computed force fields to their observed vibrational spectra, was used to scale the computed harmonic force constants of 4-methylpyridine. The vibrational frequencies and the associated infrared absorption intensities of 4-methyl -pyridine were then predicted from this scaled force field without any fitting to the experimental data of 4-methylpyridine. Comparison with experimental spectra permitted a few corrections to be made in previous experimental or semiempirical assignments. The mean-deviations between experimental and predicted frequencies was only 5.6 cm-1 for the non-CH stretching frequencies or 8.3 cm-1 overall. Computed intensities are qualitatively m agreement with experiment. The optimization of scale factors for the five methyl vibrational motions produced a trivial improvement in the fit.
QDMR: An efficient QoS dependent multicast routing algorithm

Many distributed real-time applications, such as audio-and video-conferencing and collaborative systems, require multicast support from the underlying network. Multicasting involves the delivery of messages over a tree rooted at the sender and whose paths lead to the various receivers. A major objective of the routing protocol is to build a tree with minimum cost. Finding such a tree is known to be computationally expensive, and many heuristics have been proposed to efficiently find near-optimal trees. Moreover, some heuristics exist to efficiently find multicast trees that are of low cost and satisfy Quality-of-Service (QoS) (e.g., delay) delivery constraints required by real-time applications. However, these heuristics are not fast enough for large-scale networks. In this paper, we present a fast algorithm, called QDMR, for generating delay-constrained low-cost multicast routing trees. A salient feature of QDMR is that it dynamically adjusts its low-cost tree construction policy based on how far the current on-tree node is from violating the QoS delay bound. This QoS dependent (adaptive) tree construction, together with the capability of merging least-delay paths into the low-cost tree in case of stringent delay requirements, lead to the following properties: 1) QDMR guarantees that a feasible multicast tree (that satisfies the requested delay) will be found if such tree exists; 2) this delay-bounded multicast tree is very rapidly generated; and 3) the tree has low cost. Through analysis and extensive simulations, we confirm the premise of QDMR by comparing it to many existing multicast algorithms.
College Students' Attribution of Blame in Father–Daughter Incest

Incest is one of the most repugnant things that can occur. If the educational programs have been effective, it would appear that individuals would not blame the victim. The Jackson Incest Blame Scale was administered to students in marriage and family classes at a midwestern university. Female students strongly supported the concept that women being treated as sex objects and sex and violence in the media influence offenders to commit incest. Discussion raises questions about the potential incongruent treatment of women in university family and consumer sciences departmental curricula.
Maniac: A preliminary machine approach to the ACM CS 3 course

The vast amount of machine-dependent details which must be covered concurrently with general architecture and assembly language concepts often hinder the student from assimilating the main objectives of the ACM CS 3 course. Current instructional strategies are ineffective in building a comprehensive framework of basic concepts from which machine and programming details can be understood. A new approach is required if our students are to complete this course with an understanding of some of the larger issues of computer architecture rather than scattered details of some particular assembly language.In this paper we present both an instructional tool and a corresponding instructional strategy for the CS 3 course. The tool, MANIAC, is a simulated machine which is used to introduce students to the basic concepts of computer architecture and assembly language. The strategy, the preliminary machine approach, is designed to integrate the use of MANIAC with the teaching of the architecture and assembly language of an actual machine such as the PDP-11 or IBM/370.
Loss of the ataxia-telangiectasia gene product causes oxidative damage in target organs.

Ataxia–telangiectasia (A-T) is characterized by a markedly increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation, increased incidence of cancer, and neurodegeneration, especially of the cerebellar Purkinje cells. Ionizing radiation oxidizes macromolecules and causes tissue damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We therefore hypothesized that A-T is due to oxidative damage resulting from loss of function of the A-T gene product. To assess this hypothesis, we employed an animal model of A-T, the mouse with a disrupted Atm gene. We show that organs which develop pathologic changes in the Atm-deficient mice are targets of oxidative damage, and that cerebellar Purkinje cells are particularly affected. These observations provide a mechanistic basis for the A-T phenotype and lay a rational foundation for therapeutic intervention.
Ground reflectance measurement techniques: a comparison

The relative accuracies of reflectance factor measurement methods involving the simultaneous, as compared to the sequential, measurement of irradiance on and radiance reflected from the target are discussed. Data are presented to support a statistical demonstration that the simultaneous measurement technique is the more accurate.
The onset of invasion of bryozoan Pectinatella magnifica in South Bohemia (Czech Republic)

Pectinatella magnifica is an invasive freshwater bryozoan with ability to produce large colonies reaching a capacity of up to several tens dm3. In the Protected Landscape Area and Biosphere reserve Třeboňsko the bryozoan was first found in 2003 in one mesotrophic sandpit. The species gradually spread to many other sites around the Třeboň area and at most of these locations its occurrence has invasion properties. Pectinatella expanded to some other sandpits, fishponds without intensive pisciculture. Pectinatella colonies are found mainly on submerged branches of willow trees. The differences between biomass in transects with the occurrence of shrub willow and biomass in transects without their presence were statistically significant in the total biomass weight and the number of colonies. The average weight of several colonies did not differ. The most important parameter affecting the occurrence was the low trophy of water. The water temperature is evidently an important factor affecting the seasonal dynamics of occurence. Differences in nitrogen and phosphorous content between the water outside and inside the colonies were statistically significant. The colonies also accumulate other elements, including microelements.
Transscaphoid fracture/dislocations treated with open reduction and Herbert screw internal fixation.

Six cases of dorsal transscaphoid perilunate fracture/dislocations and two cases of palmar transscaphoid Innate fracture/dislocations were treated by open reduction and internal fixation of the scaphoid with a Herbert screw. Supplemental Kirschner wire stabilization of the carpus was also used in the two cases of palmar transscaphoid lunate fracture/dislocation. All patients were male, with an average age of 23.6 years. The follow-up averaged 18.9 months. A clinical evaluation scoring system assessing pain, ability to function in an occupation, range of motion, grip strength, and radiographic appearance of the wrist was used. Based on this system the scoring of the six cases of dorsal transscaphoid perilunate fracture/dislocations that were treated was three excellent, one good, and one fair result, while the scoring of both palmar transscaphoid Innate fracture/dislocations showed poor results.
4.5 μm diode laser spectrum of (HI)2

Abstract The 4.5 μm infrared spectrum of (HI) 2 has been recorded using a supersonic jet diode laser spectrometer. The spectrum assigned to the ν 2 + band is interpreted as being associated with a ground state rotational constant, B 0 =378.438(50) MHz, corresponding distortion constant, D J 0 =0.402(20) kHz, band origin, ν 0 ( ν 2 + )=2217.30262(7) cm −1 and a R cm distance of 4.563(2) A. Combination bands originating from the ground state are assigned with ν 0 =2234.75157(6) cm −1 and ν 0 =2233.65326(9) cm −1 respectively. Observed spectra are consistent with the tunneling dynamics for other members of the homologous series (HX) 2 , X=Cl and Br.
EXPERIMENTAL VESICOURETERAL REFLUX IN THE FETUS DEPENDS ON BLADDER FUNCTION AND CAUSES RENAL FIBROSIS

AbstractPurpose: Prenatal diagnosis allows the early detection of vesicoureteral reflux in an increasing number of newborns, some of whom are born with impaired kidney function. This situation challenges our current understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history and, therefore, treatment of reflux. We created a fetal sheep model of vesicoureteral reflux to study the mechanisms of fetal reflux nephropathy.Materials and Methods: Vesicoureteral reflux was induced in fetal sheep at 95 days of gestation (term 140 days) by open bladder incision of the intravesical ureteral tunnel. All animals underwent urachal ligation and in female subjects mild bladder outlet obstruction was created with a gold ring.Results: At term reflux was detected in 18 of 28 renal units by filling cystography. Refluxing kidneys were hydronephrotic and larger than normal. At term mean kidney weight was 21.1 gm. (range 12.2 to 35.0) in male subjects with reflux compared to 8.5 gm. (range 6.5 to 11.3) in normal male subjects (p <0.0...
Model-independent one-dimensional imaging of interfacial structures at <1 Å resolution

The feasibility of model-independent error-correction algorithms is established for imaging buried interfacial structures in one dimension. Using the experimental structure factor modulus from x-ray specular reflectivity data, we directly compare structures derived by a modified Fienup algorithm using a known reference structure and that derived by traditional (model-dependent) least-squares fitting. This demonstrates the utility of this approach for determining one-dimensional interfacial electron density profiles with spatial resolution of <1 Angst . The potential applications and limitations of this approach are discussed.
The Release of Elements of Dental Casting Alloys into Cell-culture Medium

Ten dental casting alloys were tested for alloy-element release into cell-culture medium, and this release was related to alloy composition, alloy microstructure, and alloy cytotoxicity (previously determined). Cell-culture medium was analyzed for alloy elements by flame atomic absorption. Concentrations of elements in the medium were normalized by dividing them by their atomic abundance in the alloy, giving element medium-alloy ratios (EMA ratios). Results showed that Au, In, and Pd generally did not dissolve into the medium, but that Ag, Cd, Cu, Ga, Ni, and Zn frequently dissolved. Comparison of EMA ratios for Ag, Cu, and Zn showed that each element retained a behavioral identity in diverse metallurgical environments, but that these environments influenced the release behavior to some degree. Some EMA ratios in multiphase alloys were greater than those in solid solutions, and EMA ratios showed great diversity within all the alloys. Nominal composition seemed to be of little value in the prediction of me...
Signaling by glutamate dehydrogenase in response to pesticide treatment and nitrogen fertilization of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The responses of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) to NH4+ and herbicides offer a new approach for probing the effects of NH4+−pesticide interactions at the whole-plant level. Although pesticides and fertilizers have greatly enhanced food production, their combined biochemical effects are not known in detail. Peanut plants were treated with different rates of Basagran (3-(1-methylethyl)-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide), Bravo 720 (tetrachloroiso-phthalonitrile), and Sevin XLR Plus (1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate), with and without 25 mM NH4Cl fertilization. Isoelectric focusing, followed by native 7.5% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) fractionated the peanut seed GDH fully to its isoenzyme population patterns. The pesticide treatments induced positive skewing of the GDH isoenzymes, but NH4Cl−pesticide cotreatments induced a negatively skewed distribution. Basagran, Sevin, and Bravo increased the amination activities of GDH from 30.0 ± 2.8 units in the control assay to 479.0 ± 20.7, 63.0 ...
Nonlinear theory of unstable fluid mixing driven by shock wave

A shock driven material interface between two fluids of different density is unstable. This instability is known as Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instability. In this paper, we present a quantitative nonlinear theory of compressible Richtmyer–Meshkov instability in two dimensions. Our nonlinear theory contains no free parameter and provides analytical predictions for the overall growth rate, as well as the growth rates of the bubble and spike, from early to later times for fluids of all density ratios. The theory also includes a general formulation of perturbative nonlinear solutions for incompressible fluids (evaluated explicitly through the fourth order). Our theory shows that the RM unstable system goes through a transition from a compressible and linear one at early times to a nonlinear and incompressible one at later times. Our theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with the results of full numerical simulations from linear to nonlinear regimes.
On the channel capacity of read/write isolated memory

Abstract In this paper, we present two complexity results. The first pertains to the problem of finding Halin subgraphs while the second is a supergraph version which asks if a given graph is a subgraph of any Halin graph. Both of these problems are shown to be hard which, in turn, provides somewhat damaging evidence relative to the veracity of heuristic approaches employing Halin graphs as approximations.
Soliton damping and topological order in quasi-one-dimensional systems

The effects of the soliton damping due to the scattering from impurities or from other thermal solitons on the dynamical correlation functions are considered within a phenomenological model. It is shown that the spin-correlation functions of quasi-one-dimensional magnetic systems like ${(\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{3})}_{4}$NMn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ (TMMC) and CsCo${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ depend strongly on the soliton damping.
Ligand-dependent localization and intracellular stability of sigma-1 receptors in CHO-K1 cells

Sigma-1 receptors are involved in regulation of neuronal activities presumably through regulation of the activity of ion channels. Sigma-1 receptors also play a role in growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. Intracellular distribution of sigma-1 receptors have been linked to sphingolipid-enriched domains. We report that in CHO-K1 cells sigma-1 receptors target to focal adhesion contacts (FAC) where they colocalize with Talin and Kv1.4 potassium channels. The levels of sigma-1 receptors in the FAC were significantly increased by application of sigma-1 receptor ligands and by filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization with phalloidin. The total length of FAC (measured by the focal adhesion marker, talin) was concomitantly increased in the presence of sigma-1 receptors upon phalloidin treatment. Only sigma-1 receptor ligands, however, resulted in an increase of sigma-1 receptors in the FAC, independent of talin. Additionally, a novel approach was utilized to allow an assessment of the half life of endogenous sigma-1 receptors in CHO-K1 cells, which was measured to be at least 72 hours. Ligand activated sigma-1 receptors translocate into FAC from a pool of receptors stored in ER lipid rafts presumably for inhibition of Kv1.4 channels. Stabilization of actin filaments is likely to be important for targeting sigma-1 receptors to Focal Adhesion Contacts in CHO-K1 cells.
Static Design of Transistor Diode Logic

Two techniques for static design of drift-tolerant transistor diode logic are described. As the approaches are applicable to other design problems, the descriptions have been given a rather general form. First, three kinds of drift-tolerant design criteria are discussed: worst-case, statistical design, and multiple worst-case. The criteria illustrate different ways in which the information from the specification sheets may be applied to the design inequalities. Second, the form of the design inequalities is discussed. Substantial simplicity is obtained by giving the inequalities a determinant form. Finally, two ways of solving the design inequalities are demonstrated. Both methods will give the results in terms of available resistor values. The \lambda_s -method will give the set of highest resistor values which satisfies the design inequalities. The useful region method will determine a family of curves, each curve corresponding to a possible load on the circuit. The region which is limited by a curve illustrates all solutions (or all interesting solutions) to the design problem. The method will enable the designer to take into account the unavoidable correlations between the component parameters due to age, temperature, etc. Due to its nature, one such diagram will, in general, suffice for a project. A diagram which illustrates all possible resistor combinations with which a NAND circuit can drive a given load, is derived in Appendix I. The AND or OR load in question determines which member of the family of curves is applicable. The design of an iterative NOR circuit with minimum power dissipation is described in Appendix II.