cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for presynaptic inhibition of the olfactory commissural pathway by cholinergic agonists and stimulation of the nucleus of the diagonal band

We have investigated the role of the projection from the magnocellular basal forebrain to the olfactory bulb in regulating synaptic transmission in the commissural connection between the two olfactory bulbs. Commissural fibers arise in the contralateral anterior olfactory nucleus, travel in the anterior wing of the anterior commissure (AC), and terminate in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb. Electrical stimulation of the commissure causes synaptic activation of granule cells in the granule cell layer of the bulb; the resulting field potential is a reliable indicator of this synaptic current. Microinjections of cholinergic agonists, but not of identical, or larger, quantities of vehicle, reduced the amplitude of this AC field potential. Systemic injection of scopolamine reversed this depression and returned the AC response amplitude to control levels. Irreversible AChE inhibition also reduced the amplitude of the AC response, and muscarinic blockade reversed this effect. Cholinergic terminals in the olfactory bulb arise entirely from the axons of magnocellular basal forebrain neurons in the nucleus of the diagonal band (NDB). Electrical stimulation of NDB, which should release ACh, as well as other transmitters, depressed the AC response. Brief trains of NDB shocks caused a moderate decrease in the AC response that lasted 1–2 sec. Longer shock trains, which caused marked potentiation of the NDB field potential, caused a profound, prolonged (> 20 sec) inhibition of the AC response. Antidromic tests demonstrated that NDB stimulation significantly decreased the excitability of AC terminals. This and other characteristics of the inhibition strongly suggest that the decrease in amplitude of the field potential response to AC stimulation caused by cholinergic agonists and stimulation of NDB is due to presynaptic inhibition leading to reduced release of transmitter from AC terminals. These results suggest that one function of the basal forebrain projection to the olfactory bulb is inhibition of the commissural connection between the two olfactory bulbs. As NDB has been implicated in theta pacemaker input to the olfactory bulb, phasic NDB inhibition of centrifugal afferents to the bulb could function to coordinate signal processing temporally in the olfactory system. Temporal coordination may be particularly important to olfactory circuit function, as this system lacks the point-to-point topographical organization characteristic of other sensory systems.
Families of Functions

Some subsequence {f nk }k∈N converges uniformly on compact subsets of Ω. Thus each of the sequences \(S_p \mathop = \limits^{{\text{def}}} \left\{ {f_{n_k }^{2^p } } \right\}_{k \in {\text{N}}} {\text{,}}\,p \in \mathbb{Z}^ + \) converges on compact subsets of Ω. Furthermore, S p+1 ⊂ S p . The diagonal sequence \(S\mathop = \limits^{{\text{def}}} \left\{ {f_{n_p }^{2^p } } \right\}p \in {\text{N}}\) is a subset of S 0.
Workplace Climate and Peer Support as Determinants of Training Transfer.

Although billions of dollars are spent annually on training and development, much about the transfer processes is not well understood. This study investigated the interaction of workplace climate and peer support on the transfer of learning in a corporate field setting. Supervisor ratings of performance on several skill dimensions were obtained before and after training. Trainees in a division with a more favorable climate and those with greater peer support showed greater improvement. In addition, peer support mitigated the effects of a negative climate. Trainees with peer support in a negative climate achieved the same degree of transfer as trainees in a positive climate. These results suggest that more proximal factors, like peer support, can overcome the effect of more distal factors, like climate, in promoting transfer. This study also advances understanding of the transfer process by assessing workplace environment with the use of measures other than trainee perceptions.
The site of action of inhibitors of initiation of protein synthesis in reticulocytes.

Abstract The inhibitors of initiation pactamycin, cycloheximide, NaF, aurintricarboxylic acid and pederine have been found to inhibit the reaction of initiator tRNA with puromycin, as measured by the formation of N- formyl [ 35 S]methionylpuromycin . None of these inhibitors, with the exception of aurintricarboxylic acid, inhibits, however, the binding of the initiator tRNA to ribosomes, as measured by the binding of [35S]Met-tRNAf to unwashed or washed ribosomes. This binding is stimulated by the codon AUG; the stimulatory activity of this trinucleotide decreases with time even when ribosomes are kept at 0°C. The ribosomal components that bind initiator tRNA have been analyzed by sucrose gradient centrifugation; Met-tRNAf is bound by polyribosomes, 80-S ribosomes and 40-S ribosomal subunit. Those compounds that inhibit elongation as well as initiation, like cycloheximide, pactamycin and pederine, interfere presumably with a biochemical step common to both processes.
The Image of God as Techno Sapiens

Suppose there comes a day when Homo sapiens has evolved into or been overtaken by techno sapiens. Will it then still make sense to speak of human beings as created in the image of God? What is the relevance of asking such a question today? I offer a sketch of the present state of development and discussion in artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial life (AL) and discuss some implications for the human condition. Taking into account both reality and fiction in AI and AL, I hold that, regardless of the degree of realization, issues related to technological evolution inform the cultural agenda-at least the European-American one. I comment on antireductionist arguments and on arguments from philosophy and (history of) culture. I argue in favor of a consonance between neurotechnology and the Christian gospel in terms of realizing the marks of messianic life. However, issues of justice, reason versus nature, and perfection and finitude versus imperfection and immortality call for further illumination. Even though no principal opposition seems to exist between technological evolution and possible interpretations of the concept of the image of God (imago dei), a number of significant dissimilarities need to be addressed, such as the differences between technical improvement and forgiveness or transformation and between immortality and resurrection. The role of irregularity, disturbance, and error or creative processes in nature and culture is an exciting topic in science and technology as well as in theology.
Circadian and seasonal occurrence of subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To determine whether the time of onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a time of day or season of year. Background: Prior studies have suggested that there may be a circadian and seasonal pattern of ischemic stroke occurrence, but this is less certain for hemorrhagic stroke. Population-based data have been unavailable. Methods: All incident ICH and SAH among residents of Rochester, MN, were ascertained. The medical records of patients were reviewed to determine the time of onset and date of occurrence. The day was divided into 8-hour periods, and the year into seasonal quartiles. Each patient was assigned a period based on the time of onset of symptoms. The data were analyzed by χ 2 analysis to determine whether there was a trend toward increased occurrence based on time period or seasonal quartile of onset. Results: From 1960 to 1989, there were 155 cases (48 men, 107 women) of incident SAH. From 1975 to 1989, there were 137 cases (57 men, 80 women) of incident ICH. There was a significant increase in the time of onset for ICH and SAH in the 8 am to 4 pm period ( p = 0.005 and p = 0.03, respectively). The concomitant occurrence of hypertension, gender, and age did not affect the time of day of occurrence. In the analysis of seasonal variation, there was a significant increase in events during December, January, and February in the combined SAH and ICH group ( p = 0.032) and a trend for SAH alone ( p = 0.07) but not for ICH ( p = 0.34). Hypertension and age had no impact on the association between season and the occurrence of SAH and ICH. Conclusion: The occurrence of SAH and ICH is increased from 8 am to 4 pm. The occurrence of hemorrhage is increased during the winter months, but this is likely limited only to SAH.
The physics of vacuum microelectronic devices

Summary form only given. Vacuum microelectronics combines solid-state fabrication and processing with vacuum ballistic electronic transport. The resultant technology promises terahertz power amplifiers and oscillators, radiation hardness, subpicosecond digital switching, and temperature insensitivity in a device as small as, or smaller than, standard solid-state devices. At present vacuum microelectronic devices are based on field-emitter arrays (FEAs), which do not depend on single-crystallinity, material purity, or PN junctions. They do, however, depend on highly controlled three-dimensional nanostructure fabrication and the physics of electron transport and tunneling in those structures. Classical electron field emission has been dominated by a single parameter: the work function. Although field-emitter work functions are important in vacuum microelectronic devices, bulk nonequilibrium electron transport in fields greater than the classical breakdown field may be more important. Furthermore, emission stability might be obtainable if velocity saturation and current crowding can be incorporated into FEAs properly. Monte Carlo scattering calculations suggest a possible cause of the well-known catastrophic FEA breakdown. The same calculations point to a fundamental frequency limit in semiconductor FEA-based vacuum microelectronic devices. >
Iterative RELIEF for feature weighting

We propose a series of new feature weighting algorithms, all stemming from a new interpretation of RELIEF as an online algorithm that solves a convex optimization problem with a margin-based objective function. The new interpretation explains the simplicity and effectiveness of RELIEF, and enables us to identify some of its weaknesses. We offer an analytic solution to mitigate these problems. We extend the newly proposed algorithm to handle multiclass problems by using a new multiclass margin definition. To reduce computational costs, an online learning algorithm is also developed. Convergence theorems of the proposed algorithms are presented. Some experiments based on the UCI and microarray datasets are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Observation of unusual surface defect behavior on single crystal Cr2O3 (1012) under ion bombardment

Abstract Using ultraviolet and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (UPS and XPS) to determine the changes in surface electronic structure that occur as single-crystal transition-metal oxides are bombarded by inert gas ions, we have found that Cr 2 O 3 exhibits a new type of surface defect that has not been previously observed on transition-metal oxides. Whereas other transition-metal-oxide surfaces become reduced under particle bombardment, Cr 2 O 3 surfaces apparently become oxidized . This result has profound implications for the surface electronic structure of Cr 2 O 3 , since the electronic states at such defect sites would be totally different than those on defective surfaces of other transition-metal oxides.
Serum estradiol-17β concentrations during spontaneous silent estrus and after prostaglandin treatment in the mare

Abstract Serum estradiol-17β concentrations were determined during silent estrus in the mare. Relationships between serum estradiol-17β concentration, corpus luteum regression, follicular development, ovulation, prostaglandin treatment and behavioral estrus were investigated. The expression of behavioral estrus was found to be related to the patterns of progesterone and estradiol-17β secretion during the periovulatory period. When compared to normal estrous cycles, silent estrus was accompanied by a significantly lower maximum serum estradiol-17β concentration (47.8 vs 34.6 pg/ml), a significantly longer interval from maximum estradiol-17β concentration to ovulation (1.7 vs 4.0 days), and a significantly shorter interval from corpus luteum regression to ovulation (5.3 vs 2.8 days). Silent estrus following prostaglandin treatment was related to a significantly shorter interval from prostaglandin treatment to ovulation (3.6 ± 0.4 days) than from normal corpus luteum regression to ovulation (5.3 ± 0.3 days). Silent estrus appeared to be related to changes in follicular estradiol-17β secretion and to the pattern of its secretion as related to regression of the corpus luteum. There appeared to be not only less estradiol-17β present, but also less time available after luteal regression for it to interact with the central nervous system to elicit the changes necessary to cause behavioral estrus. There fore, unusual relationships between luteal function and folliculogenesis can result in one type of silent estrus. Significant correlations (P
Data mining and computationally intensive methods: summary of Group 7 contributions to Genetic Analysis Workshop 13.

The Framingham Heart Study data, as well as a related simulated data set, were generously provided to the participants of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 13 in order that newly developed and emerging statistical methodologies could be tested on that well-characterized data set. The impetus driving the development of novel methods is to elucidate the contributions of genes, environment, and interactions between and among them, as well as to allow comparison between and validation of methods. The seven papers that comprise this group used data-mining methodologies (tree-based methods, neural networks, discriminant analysis, and Bayesian variable selection) in an attempt to identify the underlying genetics of cardiovascular disease and related traits in the presence of environmental and genetic covariates. Data-mining strategies are gaining popularity because they are extremely flexible and may have greater efficiency and potential in identifying the factors involved in complex disorders. While the methods grouped together here constitute a diverse collection, some papers asked similar questions with very different methods, while others used the same underlying methodology to ask very different questions. This paper briefly describes the data-mining methodologies applied to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 13 data sets and the results of those investigations.
Electroconvulsive shock induced amnesia and recovery

Recovery from electroconvulsive shock (ECS) induced amnesia in mice did not occur with time alone or with multiple trials in a stepthrough apparatus, although attempts were made to increase the probability of such recovery. Subjects receiving foot shock (FS) and ECS always show significantly higher latencies than unshocked controls and this difference can be increased using a threshold FS after extinction.
Serum biomarkers are similar in Churg-Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Rationale Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) overlap considerably in clinical presentation. A reliable means of distinguishing between these groups of patients is needed, especially in the setting of glucocorticoid therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review of 276 adult subjects referred for evaluation of eosinophilia > 1500/μl was performed, and subjects with a documented secondary cause of eosinophilia or a PDGFR -positive myeloproliferative neoplasm were excluded. The remaining subjects were assessed for the presence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between subjects with biopsy-proven vasculitis (CSS; n = 8), ≥4 ACR criteria (probable CSS; n = 21), HES with asthma and/or sinusitis without other CSS-defining criteria (HESwAS; n = 20), HES without asthma or sinusitis (HES; n = 18), and normal controls (n = 8). Serum biomarkers reported to be associated with CSS were measured using standard techniques. Results There were no differences between the subjects with definite or probable CSS or HES with respect to age, gender, or maintenance steroid dose. Serum CCL17, IL-8, and eotaxin levels were significantly increased in eosinophilic subjects as compared to normal controls, but were similar between the eosinophilic groups. Serum CCL17 correlated with eosinophil count (P < 0.0001, r = 0.73), but not with prednisone dose. Conclusions In patients with a history of asthma and sinusitis, distinguishing between ANCA-negative CSS and PDGFR -ne-gative HES is difficult because of significant overlap in clinical presentation and biomarker profiles.
Surviving blood loss without fluid resuscitation.

Background: Patients with massive blood loss often die before delivery of definitive care, especially in austere environments. Strategies that can maintain life during evacuation and transport to higher levels of care may be lifesaving. We have previously shown that administration of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI) enhance gene transcription through specific modifications of DNA-associated histone proteins. Furthermore, it protects against organ damage when given before hemorrhage. The current experiment was done to test whether administration of HDACI after lethal hemorrhage, without fluid resuscitation, would improve outcome by creating a pro-survival phenotype. Methods: Seventy-two male Wistar-Kyoto rats (n = 12 per group) were subjected to 60% blood volume loss for 1 hour (40% arterial bleed for 10 minutes and 20% venous bleed for 50 minutes). After hemorrhage, animals were randomized to receive one of two HDACI: (1) valproic acid (VPA, 300 mg/kg in 0.25 mL saline), or (2) suberoyanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, 7.5 mg/kg in 0.25 mL saline). Control groups included (3) no hemorrhage (Sham), (4) no resuscitation (NR), (5) 0.9% saline resuscitation, 3 times the volume of shed blood (NS), and (6) vehicle control, 0.25 mL 0.9% saline (VEH). Hemodynamic data were recorded continuously, and physiologic parameters were measured serially. Survival for 3 hours was the primary endpoint for this experiment. Results: Nonresuscitated shock (NR group) was highly lethal and only 25% of the animals survived for 3 hours. Administration of HDACI after hemorrhage (without fluid resuscitation) significantly improved survival (75% and 83% in VPA and SAHA groups, respectively, p < 0.05 vs. NR). Survival was 40%, 100%, and 100% in the VEH, Sham, and NS resuscitation groups, respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that post-shock administration of HDACI can significantly improve early survival in a highly lethal model of hemorrhagic shock, even in the absence of conventional fluid resuscitation. This approach may be especially relevant for austere environments where fluids are in limited supply, such as a battlefield.
Social Assessment Indicators in Water Resource Development

At present, the field of social impact assessment for water resources development contains a proliferation of often divergent listings of indicators for social well-being. One of the major reasons for this is that underlying assumptions concerning the nature of social well-being and its measurement are usually left implicit. This article identifies seven issues and problems relating to SIAs that have contributed to these differing approaches. The seven issues and problems covered are: (1) levels of causation; (2) objective versus subjective conceptualization and measurement; (3) projective versus evaluative assessment; (4) economic versus social and psychological models of motivation; (5) equating microlevel components with macrolevel data; (6) homogeneous versus pluralistic views of American society; and (7) specific phasing. Priorities for future research are also suggested with respect to these issues.
An Elementary Problem in Electrostatics Requiring a Computer Solution

An elementary problem in electrostatics requiring the use of a digital computer is presented. The exercise involves finding the potential at the center of a uniformly charged ellipsoidal shell. The problem is appropriate as a homework assignment for electrical engineering undergraduates.
Synchronous remote usability testing: a new approach facilitated by virtual worlds

This study proposes a new methodology for conducting synchronous remote usability studies using a three-dimensional virtual usability testing laboratory built using the Open Wonderland toolkit. This virtual laboratory method is then compared with two other commonly used synchronous usability test methods: the traditional lab approach and WebEx, a web-based conferencing and screen sharing approach. A study was conducted with 48 participants in total, 36 test participants and 12 test facilitators. The test participants completed 5 tasks on a simulated e-commerce website. The three methodologies were compared with respect to the following dependent variables: the time taken to complete the tasks; the usability defects identified; the severity of these usability defects; and the subjective ratings from NASA-TLX, presence and post-test subjective questionnaires. The three methodologies agreed closely in terms of the total number defects identified, number of high severity defects identified and the time taken to complete the tasks. However, there was a significant difference in the workload experienced by the test participants and facilitators, with the traditional lab condition imposing the least and the virtual lab and the WebEx conditions imposing similar levels. It was also found that the test participants experienced greater involvement and a more immersive experience in the virtual world condition than the WebEx condition. These ratings were not significantly different from those in the traditional lab condition. The results of this study suggest that participants were productive and enjoyed the virtual lab condition, indicating the potential of a virtual world based approach as an alternative to the conventional approaches for synchronous usability testing.
TLR2 and its co-receptors determine responses of macrophages and dendritic cells to lipoproteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) signals through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) to regulate antigen presenting cells (APCs). Mtb lipoproteins, including LpqH, LprA, LprG and PhoS1, are TLR2 agonists, but their co-receptor requirements are unknown. We studied Mtb lipoprotein-induced responses in TLR2−/−, TLR1−/−, TLR6−/−, CD14−/− and CD36−/− macrophages. Responses to LprA, LprG, LpqH and PhoS1 were completely dependent on TLR2. LprG, LpqH, and PhoS1 were dependent on TLR1, but LprA did not require TLR1. None of the lipoproteins required TLR6, although a redundant contribution by TLR6 cannot be excluded. CD14 contributed to detection of LprA, LprG and LpqH, whereas CD36 contributed only to detection of LprA. Studies of lung APC subsets revealed lower TLR2 expression by CD11bhigh/CD11clow lung macrophages than CD11blow/CD11chigh alveolar macrophages, which correlated with hyporesponsiveness of lung macrophages to LpqH. Thus, lung APC subsets differ in TLR expression, which may determine differences in responses to Mtb.
Choosing a beverage: Comparison of preferences and beliefs related to the reported consumption of regular vs. diet sodas

Abstract In a survey conducted among American females ( N = 100, mean age = 20.8 years), consumption of regular and diet sodas and related beliefs and concerns were measured. Based on reported frequencies of consumption, 30 could be classified as users of regular and 44 as users of diet sodas, while 20 subjects did not use either. Both user groups reported liking for their “own” sodas and dislike for the “other” sodas, and non-users did not like either. Beliefs best differentiating among the three groups were: (1) superiority of taste of their “own” sodas, (2) perceived efficiency to quench thirst, and (3) perceived compatibility with other menu items. Users of diet sodas and the non-users were more concerned about weight-related issues than users of regular sodas, who had less concerned attitudes. The users of regular sodas also reported a significantly higher frequency of consumption of several foods high in sugar, fat and/or sodium. Thus, the selection of one's principal soda is not only a choice between two beverages but may be an indication of a particular consumption style and reflect a whole set of attitudes towards one's own body.
Full wave solutions for the scattering of acoustic waves excited by arbitrary source distributions in irregular layered media

Abstract Generalized Fourier transforms for the acoustic pressure and velocity are derived for propagation in irregular layered media. They provide a basis for the complete expansion of three-dimensionalacoustic fields excited by arbitrary source distributions. The height above a reference plane of the interface between two semi-infinite media, the adiabatic bulk modulus, the equilibrium density and the viscosity of the media above and below the interface are assumed to vary along one coordinate variable in the reference plane. The equations of continuity and force in conjunction with the associated boundary conditions at the irregular interface are converted into rigorous first-order coupled differential (telegraphists') equations for the forward-and backward-propagating wave amplitudes. The differential scattering coefficients are shown to satisfy the reciprocity relationships. The telegraphists' equations are solved iteratively to derive closed-form solutions for the singly scattered radiation and surface fields excited by acoustic sources at large distances from the irregular interface. The full wave solutions account for specular-point as well as diffuse scattering in a unified self-consistent manner.
Simulating multi-axis machining using NURBS and quaternions

AbstractThe activities of multi-axis machines, in particular, 5-axis machines are simulated using NURBS and quaternions. The translational activities of 3-axis machines may easily be simulated using NURBS, while the rotational activities are simulated using quaternions.
Tests of the isospin structure of the weak current in neutrino physics

Abstract Most unified gauge theories require that the weak hadron current is not just the Cabibbo current, but contains other terms with different isotopic properties which could contribute significantly to high energy neutrino scattering. Measurements of the four total cross sections (νp, νp, ν p, ν n) may prove that these additional terms are present, and many reveal their isotopic structure. We present tests that depend on the scaling hypothesis, and others that do not.
Novel dicopper(II) catalase-like model complexes: synthesis, crystal structure, properties and kinetic studies

Abstract Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properities and solution chemistry of binuclear copper(II) complexes which functionally mimic the catalase enzyme have been thoroughly investigated. These complexes are formulated as [BDBPH Cu2(II,II)]ClBr (1), [BDBPH Cu2(II,II)(μ-OAC)]Br (2) and [BDBPH Cu2(II,II)(μ-Oxa)] (3) (BDBPH=3,6,9,17,20,23-hexaaza-29,30-dihydroxy-13,27-dimethyl-tricyclo[23,3,1,111,15] triaconta-1(28), 11,13,15 (30),25,26,-hexaene). Elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectra, indicate that these complexes have macrocyclic dinuclear structures with or without additional μ-X bridging ligands. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 , with cell constants a=11.5717(6) A, b=11.6699(6) A, c=13.8053(7) A, α=70.2510(10), β=73.7970(10), γ=65.1111(10), V=1571.09(14) A3 and Z=2. Refinements based on 5397 reflections with I>2.0σ(I) converged with R=0.0824, Rw=0.1721. The Cu(II) ions reside at the N3 (diethylenetriamine) O2 site of pyramidal geometry and are coplanar with each other through the phenol bridge. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibilities of 1 has been studied, giving significant antiferromagnetic spin-exchange in each dicopper(II) unit with J=−210 cm−1, g=1.98. This result is in agreement with the phenol group bridged dicopper structure. Complex 1 was found to be the most active compound for auto-catalytically dismutes H2O2 in aqueous solution with kobs=2.0×10−2. For complex 2 the μ-OAc ligand appears to dissociate and undergoes ligand substitution with H2O. Solution chemistry indicated that in mixed-ligand complex system of BDBPH–Cu(II)-(μ-Oxa) (1:2:1), the effective Cu2(II) concentration decreased significantly compared with simple BDBPHCu2 system. The observed steady-state molecularities for complex 1 showed that the reaction rate is first order in [complex 1] and zero order in [H2O2]. No induction period was needed before vigorous evolution of dioxygen occurred. ESR and UV–Vis spectra studies support a mechanism involving a Cu(I)O2Cu(I) intermediate, which was isolated and verified by IR and element analysis. As a result, a catalytic mechanism of H2O2 dismutation by this complex system was proposed.
Analysis of the [16.0]3Σ−-X3Σ− and [16.0]3Σ−-[4.3]3Πi band systems of the NiO molecule

Abstract The analysis of 13 electronic bands due to the NiO molecule is reported. Much of the visible spectrum of NiO in the 16 000–18 100 cm −1 region is assigned to transitions between the ground X 3 Σ − state and one excited state, which we name [16.0] 3 Σ − . Approximately 250 combination differences were fitted (RMS deviation 0.006 cm −1 ) to determine effective spin-spin and spin-rotation constants for the ground state, λ 0 = 25.113 5(3) cm −1 , γ 0 = −0.243 81(6)cm −1 . An extensive system of strong bands in the near-infrared is assigned as a [16.0] 3 Σ − -[4.3] 3 Π i transition, and a thorough analysis of this low-lying 3 Π state has also been possible. Approximately 300 combination differences were fitted (RMS deviation 0.07 cm −1 ) to determine these principal constants for [4.3] 3 Π i : T 0 = 4 293.78(5) cm −1 , B e = 0.497 1(2) cm −1 , A 0 = −349.21(5) cm −1 , and ω e = 777.10(5).
Back to basics: an introduction to economic evaluation.

The first in a series aimed at demystifying complex subjects in wound-care research. Professor Julian Guest provides an introduction and overview of health economics, and economic evaluation, an area of increasing importance in wound care.
Layered lead zirconate titanate and lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate ceramic thin films

The physical layering of sol-gel-derived lead zirconate titanate (PZT) 52/48 and lanthanum-doped PZT (PLZT) 2/52/48 on platinized silicon substrates was investigated to determine if the ferroelectric properties and fatigue resistance could be influenced by different layering sequences. Monolithic thin films of PZT and PLZT were characterized to determine their ferroelectric properties. Sandwich structures of Pt/PZT/PLZT/PLZT/PZT/Au and Pt/PLZT/PZT/PZT/PLZT/Au and alternating structures of Pt/PZT/PLZT/PZT/PLZT/Au and Pt/PLZT/PZT/PLZT/PZT/Au were then fabricated and characterized. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles revealed that the layering sequence remained intact up to 700 °C for 45 min. It was found that the end layers in the multilayered films had a significant influence on the resulting hysteresis behavior and fatigue resistance. A direct correlation of ferroelectric properties and fatigue resistance can be made between the data obtained from the sandwiched structures and their end-layer monolithic thin film counterparts. Alternating structures also showed an improvement in the fatigue resistance while the polarization values remained between those for PZT and PLZT thin films.
The dual of a certain left quantum group

The second author and his collaborators, Lauve and Rodriguez-Romo (see [A class of left quantum groups modeled after SLq(n), J. Pure Appl. Algebra 208(3) (2007) 797–803; A left quantum group, J. Algebra 286 (2005) 154–160), have constructed left Hopf algebras which are not Hopf algebras modeled after SLq(n). In particular, they constructed the left quantum group SLq(2), along with an epimorphism to the quantum group SLq(2), the latter being a Hopf algebra. The current work began as a search for a left Hopf algebra (which is not a Hopf algebra) containing the quantum group Uq(sl2), the latter being a Hopf algebra. The natural choice was to look for the dual of SLq(2). We show that the Hopf dual of SLq(2) is equal to the Hopf dual of SLq(2), which is of independent interest. Thus the Hopf dual of SLq(2) is a Hopf algebra. The original search of a left Hopf algebra which is not a Hopf algebra, larger than Uq(sl2), is still open.
Reflectance and Unsteady Temperature Distribution of Diffuse Reflectors

The applicability of a previously derived solution of the Kubelka-Munk differential equations for the reflectance of an absorbing and scattering material for the case of a zero absorption coefficient to the description of the reflectance of a weakly absorbing, highly scattering material is examined. A solution for the transient heating of a one-dimensional volume reflector is obtained, and the error incurred in the use of the zero absorption coefficient solution is assessed for early times appropriate to the entry heat protection system application. It is found that the small difference in reflectance causes a significant difference in internal temperature.
Retrieval of aerosol size distribution moments from multiwavelength particulate extinction measurements

Two methods for inferring aerosol size distribution moments from multiwavelength particulate extinction measurements are studied. The methods are an eigenvalue technique that approximates an appropriate moment-weighting function by a linear combination of kernel functions and a conversion ratio approach that uses the ratio of the particulate extinction measurements at two wavelengths to choose a model moment-to-extinction conversion ratio. The techniques are applied to infer the third moment, or volume, of the aerosol size distribution from actual particulate extinction measurements taken as part of the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II during a correlative measurement experiment in Brazil in April 1985.
Influence of Length on Force and Activation-Dependent Changes in Troponin C Structure in Skinned Cardiac and Fast Skeletal Muscle

Linear dichroism of 5' tetramethyl-rhodamine (5'ATR) was measured to monitor the effect of sarcomere length (SL) on troponin C (TnC) structure during Ca2+ activation in single glycerinated rabbit psoas fibers and skinned right ventricular trabeculae from rats. Endogenous TnC was extracted, and the preparations were reconstituted with TnC fluorescently labeled with 5'ATR. In skinned psoas fibers reconstituted with sTnC labeled at Cys 98 with 5'ATR, dichroism was maximal during relaxation (pCa 9.2) and was minimal at pCa 4.0. In skinned cardiac trabeculae reconstituted with a mono-cysteine mutant cTnC (cTnC(C84)), dichroism of the 5'ATR probe attached to Cys 84 increased during Ca2+ activation of force. Force and dichroism-[Ca2+] relations were fit with the Hill equation to determine the pCa50 and slope (n). Increasing SL increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of force in both skinned psoas fibers and trabeculae. However, in skinned psoas fibers, neither SL changes or force inhibition had an effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of dichroism. In contrast, increasing SL increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of both force and dichroism in skinned trabeculae. Furthermore, inhibition of force caused decreased Ca2+ sensitivity of dichroism, decreased dichroism at saturating [Ca2+], and loss of the influence of SL in cardiac muscle. The data indicate that in skeletal fibers SL-dependent shifts in the Ca2+ sensitivity of force are not caused by corresponding changes in Ca2+ binding to TnC and that strong cross-bridge binding has little effect on TnC structure at any SL or level of activation. On the other hand, in cardiac muscle, both force and activation-dependent changes in cTnC structure were influenced by SL. Additionally, the effect of SL on cardiac muscle activation was itself dependent on active, cycling cross-bridges.
Reversal of type 1 diabetes by a new MHC II-peptide chimera: "Single-epitope-mediated suppression" to stabilize a polyclonal autoimmune T-cell process.

Polyclonality of self-reactive CD4+ T cells is the hallmark of several autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. We have previously reported that a soluble dimeric MHC II-peptide chimera prevents and reverses type 1 diabetes induced by a monoclonal diabetogenic T-cell population in double Tg mice [Casares, S. et al., Nat. Immunol. 2002. 3: 383–391]. Since most of the glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65)-specific CD4+ T cells in the NOD mouse are tolerogenic but unable to function in an autoimmune environment, we have activated a silent, monoclonal T-regulatory cell population (GAD65217–230-specific CD4+ T cells) using a soluble I-A/GAD65217–230/Fcγ2a dimer, and measured the effect on the ongoing polyclonal diabetogenic T-cell process. Activated GAD65217–230-specific T cells and a fraction of the diabetogenic (B9–23-specific) T cells were polarized toward the IL-10-secreting T-regulatory type 1-like function in the pancreas of diabetic NOD mice. More importantly, this led to the reversal of hyperglycemia for more than 2 months post-therapy in 80% of mice in the context of stabilization of pancreatic insulitis and improved insulin secretion by the β cells. These findings argue for the stabilization of a polyclonal self-reactive T-cell process by a single epitope-mediated bystander suppression. Dimeric MHC class II-peptide chimeras-like approach may provide rational grounds for the development of more efficient antigen-specific therapies in type 1 diabetes.
The ability of traditional vital signs and shock index to identify ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the correlation between vital signs and hemoperitoneum and the association between abnormal vital signs and tubal rupture. Study design With the use of a retrospective case-control design, the initial heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate/systolic blood pressure were correlated with respect to degree of hemoperitoneum; predictive values were calculated. Results Fifty-two patients were studied (25 ruptured pregnancies and 27 unruptured ectopic pregnancies). Correlation coefficients were heart rate (r = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.68), systolic blood pressure (r = −0.34; 95% CI, −0.56 to −0.08), and heart rate/systolic blood pressure (r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.81). The sensitivity for heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate/systolic blood pressure was 28%, 36%, and 72% respectively; the specificity was 96%, 96%, and 67%, respectively. Conclusion Normal vital signs alone are poor predictors of ruptured ectopic pregnancy; the heart rate/systolic blood pressure correlates best with the quantity of intraperitoneal hemorrhage.
Machine tractable dictionaries as tools and resources for natural language processing

This paper discusses three different but related large-scale computational methods for the transformation of machine readable dictionaries (MRDs) into machine tractable dictionaries, i.e., MRDs converted into a format usable for natural language processing tasks. The MRD used is The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.
Should We Make Less Fuss About Pus

### The study. This study measured 2 known types of unnecessary antibiotic use for inpatient skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs): (1) use of antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity against aerobic Gram-negative pathogens; and (2) total treatment duration >10 days. The study was a planned secondary analysis of pediatric patients in a larger retrospective cohort of patients with SSTIs managed at hospitals in Colorado (84 of the 102 pediatric patients were treated at Children’s Hospital Colorado). ### The key findings. Two-thirds of children were exposed to either unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy, or both. This figure is probably a conservative estimate of inappropriate antibiotic therapy in the setting of an SSTI, as 40% of children in the current study had cutaneous abscesses, a proportion of whom received antibiotics. Other authors have shown that most adequately drained abscesses do not benefit from antibiotic therapy.1 #### Why do we care? Management of the estimated 70 000 children hospitalized annually with SSTIs represents a tremendous antibiotic stewardship opportunity for pediatric hospitalists. The authors of this study have previously demonstrated the …
Fruit and vegetable intake correlates during the transition to young adulthood

Background During the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, the intake of fruit and vegetables tends to decline, and national survey data indicate that few young adults consume the recommended amounts. This study aimed to identify longitudinal correlates of follow-up fruit and vegetable intake in early young adulthood. Methods Surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 1495 adolescent participants in high school classrooms at baseline (in 1998–1999; mean age=15.9 years, SD=0.8) and by mail at follow-up (in 2003–2004; mean age=20.4 years, SD=0.8). In 2007, linear regression methods were used to identify baseline factors associated with follow-up fruit and vegetable intake. Results Baseline taste preferences, perceived benefits of healthy eating, fast-food intake, time spent watching television, family-meal frequency, and home food availability were correlates of both fruit and vegetable intake during young adulthood across gender. After adjusting for baseline intake, the only correlate of both fruit and vegetable intake during young adulthood across gender was taste preferences. Conclusions The findings suggest that nutrition interventions for adolescents should provide opportunities for them to taste more fruit and vegetables, and should address supports for healthy eating both within and outside the home environment.
CLINICAL, CYTOGENETIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL TURNER SYNDROME VARIANT: 45,X/46,X,r(X;Y). † 837

CLINICAL, CYTOGENETIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL TURNER SYNDROME VARIANT: 45,X/46,X,r(X;Y). † 837
Predictors of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate metabolite in the urine of office workers.

Abstract Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is a flame retardant widely used in furniture containing polyurethane foam. It is a carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, and potentially neurotoxic. Our objectives were to characterize exposure of adult office workers (n = 29) to TDCPP by measuring its primary metabolite, bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), in their urine; measuring TDCPP in dust from their homes; offices and vehicles; and assessing possible predictors of exposure. We identified TDCPP in 99% of dust (GM = 4.43 μg/g) and BDCPP in 100% of urine samples (GM = 408 pg/mL). Concentrations of TDCPP were significantly higher in dust from vehicles (GM = 12.5 μg/g) and offices (GM = 6.06 μg/g) than in dust from the main living area (GM = 4.21 μg/g) or bedrooms (GM = 1.40 μg/g) of worker homes. Urinary BDCPP concentrations among participants who worked in a new office building were 26% of those who worked in older buildings (p = 0.01). We found some evidence of a positive trend between urinary BDCPP and TDCPP in office dust that was not observed in the other microenvironments and may be related to the timing of urine sample collection during the afternoon of a workday. Overall our findings suggest that exposure to TDCPP in the work environment is one of the contributors to the personal exposure for office workers. Further research is needed to confirm specific exposure sources (e.g., polyurethane foam), determine the importance of exposure in other microenvironments such as homes and vehicles, and address the inhalation and dermal exposure pathways.
Construction of Linear Polymers, Dendrimers, Networks, and Other Polymeric Architectures by Copper‐Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition “Click” Chemistry

The enrichment of materials synthesis with the diverse chemical building blocks and functional groups of small molecule organic chemistry has been greatly accelerated in recent years by the introduction of the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The efficiency and modular nature of this unique reaction enables materials chemists to prepare novel functional materials of unprecedented complexity. This review summarizes the application of CuAAC to the field of materials construction, defined here as the preparation of materials with architectural integrity dependent upon the triazole linkage. Recent examples, including linear polymers, dendrimers, polymer networks, polymeric nanoparticles, and other polymeric architectures, are described.
Materials Selection-Chaos or Cooperation

Selection and specification of materials is an important part of the design and development process of the simplest component or the most complex system. It also is one of the most difficult and controversial items. The difficulties confronting the people involved in materials selection and specification are numerous, and can be divided into objective and subjective difficulties. The objective difficulties are the staggering and rapidly increasing number of materials available; the broad range of properties of such materials, depending on processing conditions; the numerous factors to consider in selection such as functional performance, manufacturability, availability, and cost, etc. The subjective difficulties center around the problems of information and communication--or, rather, the lack of these items. To avoid chaos that results in less-than-optimum performance, poor reliability, high cost, and further polarization of the people involved, the magnitude of the problem has to be realized. Furthermore, design engineers and materials specialists must be willing to communicate and to utilize the large number of available methods, devices, and vehicles in order to arrive at proper materials selection. This paper describes available sources of materials information, and surveys the communication vehicles between the designer and the materials specialist. It points out the responsibilities of both parties in providing proper input in the materials selection process. It also suggests some organizational approaches to provide optimum materials support for the design engineer.
Hierarchical N-body Simulations with Autotuning for Heterogeneous Systems

Algorithms designed to efficiently solve the classical N-body problem of mechanics fit well on GPU hardware and exhibit excellent scalability on many GPUs. Their computational intensity makes them a promising approach for other applications amenable to an N-body formulation. Adding features such as autotuning makes multipole-type algorithms ideal for heterogeneous computing environments.
The devil (and an active jasmonate hormone) is in the details.

Jasmonates are important in defending plants against pathogens and in reproductive development. New evidence resolves the stereochemistry of the bioactive jasmonate hormone and suggests a chemical mechanism for modulating levels of the bioactive molecule in plants.
Central system nervous tuberculosis in infants.

The lack of specific symptoms and signs in patients with tuberculous meningitis makes early diagnosis difficult. In this report, we reviewed the clinical features and laboratory findings of 6 infants with central system nervous tuberculosis during a 10-year period. One of the patients had multifocal tuberculosis. The mean time to the diagnosis was 32 ± 13.4 days. A contact source was identified in only 2 patients. All 6 patients had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings, less than 500 cells/μL with lymphocytic predominance. Computerized tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hydrocephalus with basal enhancement in 2 patients. One patient developed pontocerebellar and pituitary tuberculomas, which were responsible for compression and diabetes insipidus, 1 year after antituberculous treatment. These localizations are very rare. On the follow-up, 3 patients had hypoacousia and only 1 had severe sequelae, despite a diagnostic delay.