cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Inputs on Basolateral Amygdala Neurons

In addition to innervating the cerebral cortex, basal forebrain cholinergic (BFc) neurons send a dense projection to the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). In this study, we investigated the effect of near physiological acetylcholine release on BLA neurons using optogenetic tools and in vitro patch-clamp recordings. Adult transgenic mice expressing cre-recombinase under the choline acetyltransferase promoter were used to selectively transduce BFc neurons with channelrhodopsin-2 and a reporter through the injection of an adeno-associated virus. Light-induced stimulation of BFc axons produced different effects depending on the BLA cell type. In late-firing interneurons, BFc inputs elicited fast nicotinic EPSPs. In contrast, no response could be detected in fast-spiking interneurons. In principal BLA neurons, two different effects were elicited depending on their activity level. When principal BLA neurons were quiescent or made to fire at low rates by depolarizing current injection, light-induced activation of BFc axons elicited muscarinic IPSPs. In contrast, with stronger depolarizing currents, eliciting firing above ∼ 6-8 Hz, these muscarinic IPSPs lost their efficacy because stimulation of BFc inputs prolonged current-evoked afterdepolarizations. All the effects observed in principal neurons were dependent on muscarinic receptors type 1, engaging different intracellular mechanisms in a state-dependent manner. Overall, our results suggest that acetylcholine enhances the signal-to-noise ratio in principal BLA neurons. Moreover, the cholinergic engagement of afterdepolarizations may contribute to the formation of stimulus associations during fear-conditioning tasks where the timing of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli is not optimal for the induction of synaptic plasticity.
The incidence of extraocular muscle and cranial nerve palsy in orbital floor blow-out fractures.

Abstract The frequency of extraocular muscle (EOM) or cranial nerve (CN) palsy as the sole cause of diplopia in orbital floor blow-out fractures has not been previously determined. Of 40 blow-out fracture patients studied prospectively, seven had motility disturbances consistent with palsy of one EOM or CN. All seven patients had negative forced ductions, making entrapment, edema, or orbital hemorrhage unlikely causes of diplopia. The diplopia resolved in four patients in l year. Persistent diplopia is a common indication for repair of such fractures. If, however, diplopia is due only to EOM or CN palsy, orbital surgery should be deferred (in the absence of significant enophthalmos) in favor of observation and/or later strabismus surgery.
Variations in light-harvesting characteristics of the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum: evidence for photoacclimation

Abstract In recent years, there has been some question regarding the biological significance of photoacclimation in Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig. However, aside from a few descriptions of adjustments in pigment content and stoichiometry, little is known about how physiological compensation is achieved in this seagrass. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which T. testudinum is able to compensate for variation in light regime. Adult plants were collected from two sites in South Texas (East Flats: EF; Redfish Bay: RFB) that differed in depth (0.5 and 1.6 m, respectively) and were exposed to different light environments. When measured at ambient seawater temperature, the photosynthetic apparatus exhibited classic photoacclimation responses. Rates of light-saturated photosynthesis ( P max ) were slightly higher in high-light (HL), shallow EF plants than in relatively low-light (LL), deeper growing RFB plants (ca. 290 cf. 230 nmol O 2 cm −2 h −1 ). In contrast, the RFB population exhibited chlorophyll a values that were ca. 1.4 times higher than the EF population (ca. 26 cf. 19 μg cm −2 ). Adjustments in pigment were associated with changes in the photosynthetic unit (PSU) size of PSI. Low-light plants synthesized larger photosynthetic units, presumably to aid light harvesting, while high-light plants synthesized smaller photosynthetic units, presumably to prevent photodamage. Neither photosystem densities (PSII or PSI) nor the size of PSII differed between populations. Changes in chlorophyll were also correlated with fluorescence measurements and maximum photon yield ( φ max : O 2 evolved per absorbed photon). Fluorescence yields ( F v / F m ), thought to be indicative of φ max , were higher in low-light plants than high-light plants; differences in F v / F m ratios were due to differences in initial fluorescence emission ( F 0 ). Since increases in F 0 typically reflect either partial impairment or photodamage at PSII, these observations suggest that T. testudinum may exhibit a trade-off between photosynthetic efficiency and photoprotection; photoprotection was manifested as a down-regulation of photosynthesis. We present clear evidence to indicate this seagrass has the ability to adjust both structure and function of the light-harvesting apparatus in response to changes in irradiance. The ability to photoacclimate is most certainly of benefit to T. testudinum , an organism commonly found to inhabit shallow, potentially damaging, high-light environments.
Laser-based dynamic surface tension detection for liquid chromatography by probing a repeating drop radius

Abstract Modifications to the design of the time-based dynamic surface tension detection (DSTD) system are reported. Both a theoretical and experimental evaluation of the modifications are presented to demonstrate a reduction in flow-rate fluctuation derived systematic noise. The instrument-based limit of detection in relative surface tension change for the improved volume-based DSTD is determined to be 0.15% (3 × root-mean-square noise) as compared to the 0.45% level achieved and previously reported for the time-based method. The radius-based limit of detection for the drop is determined to be 0.5 μm, and may be limited by the vibrational stability of the drop. Detector selectivity is shown to remain unchanged after the modifications as only the observed noise levels are affected. Limits of detection for a variety of commercially available surfactant solutions are presented, along with those for a number of common organic and ionic chromatographic mobile phase modifiers, in order to demonstrate the enhanced selectivity of the DSTD for surface active species. The utility of the volume-based DSTD is demonstrated for the detection of trace intermediate to high molecular mass impurities in a high concentration low molecular mass surface active polymer matrix by comparing the response of refractive index and volume-based dynamic surface tension detection of a Carbowax sample analyzed using size-exclusion chromatography.
Orbital lesions in the Southeastern United States

The authors reviewed 312 orbital lesions accessioned in the Southeastern United States. Biographical data was recorded when available and the histopathology of each specimen was examined. The results were compared to four previous reviews of orbital lesions in Northern North America. No geographical variation in the occurrence of orbital tumors was observed.
The Remainder Estimate in Spectral Accumulation for Degenerating Hyperbolic Surfaces

Abstract For a degenerating family of hyperbolic surfaces Sl (l ≥ 0), the spectrum of Sl, accumulates at every point of the continuous spectrum of S0. We give optimal remainder estimates for the rate of clustering of eigenvalues.
Binding of silver sulfadiazine to the cellular components of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract The mechanism of action of silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by use of the isotopes, 110Ag and 35S. AgSD was found to dissociate and only the silver moiety was bound to the cells; no cellular binding of sulfadiazine was detected. Silver was bound in considerable amounts, mainly in the fraction containing the cell proteins and carbohydrates. The DNA of log phase cells showed a degree of binding of silver which varied with time of incubation. The DNA-bound silver increased to a peak value during inhibition of growth and then declined to a low level. Growth did not occur until the Ag/DNA ratio had fallen below a certain level. The data suggest that inhibition of bacterial growth results from interference of DNA function by binding of silver ions along the helical chain.
Solute-induced effects on the structure and thermodynamics of infinitely dilute mixtures

A general molecular-based formalism developed rigorously establishes microscopic bases of the supercritical solubility enhancement in terms of well-defined molecular correlation function integrals by unambiguously splitting the mixture's properties into short-(finite) and long-range (diverging) contributions. Consequently, the short-range nature of the solute's and solvent's residual chemical potentials is proved and the change of the solvent's local environments around an infinitely dilute solute and its finite contribution to solute mechanical partial molar properties are interpreted in terms of the short-range solute-solvent and solvent-solvent direct correlation function integrals. The solute-induced effect on the system's microstructure and thermodynamics approaches zero as the mixture approaches ideality or the solute becomes an ideal gas particle. At the solvent's critical conditions, the solute-induced effect on the solute's partial molar properties shows no compressibility-driven singularity, though along the critical isotherm it can exhibit a finite extremum or a change of curvature near critical density, depending on the type and strength of solute-solvent interactions. The utility of the proposed solvation formalism is illustrated using statistical mechanical integral equation calculations for three simple models of infinitely dilute near-critical mixtures: pyrene-CO[sub 2], diterbutyl nitroxide-ethane, and Ne-Xe.
Local membrane current in Limulus photoreceptors.

IT has been shown1 that when part of a cell of the ventral photoreceptors of Limulus is illuminated, light adaptation is localised to the region of illumination. Since, in the vertebrate retina, there is a well known component of adaptation that is correlated with pigment concentration2–4, local adaptation in Limulus may similarly be related to pigment bleaching in the illuminated region of the photoreceptor. This has been shown to be improbable, however, by experiments which indicate that adaptation in the photoreceptor is unrelated to the recovery of the visual pigment5,6.
Shedding light on the future of SP for optical recording

Optical recording has lagged behind magnetic recording in two key areas: writable/erasable/rewritable media and density gains from advanced signal processing. While there are some writable optical-disk products available, their writing capability pales in comparison to magnetic recording. A great deal of research and development in writable/erasable/rewritable optical media continues and we address this in the article. Of particular interest is the use of near-field optical approaches to dramatically increase the storage density in both magnetic and optical recording. To a great extent, this article is about the future of signal processing for optical recording, since advanced signal processing has not been applied to any great extent in optical recording. The intention is twofold: (1) to provide a summary of current and existing optical recording technologies, and (2) to encourage and motivate work in advanced signal processing for these and other optical systems. We begin by summarizing the optical recording and readback processes and then describe writable optical channels and the gains associated with using partial-response coding techniques. We then describe nonbinary recording and the potential gains due to signal processing. The digital versatile disc (DVD), multilayer recording, and holographic recording are also discussed.
The magnetic susceptibility of transition-metal A15-type phases

The temperature dependence of the paramagnetic susceptibility was measured for several binary A15-type compounds of transition elements. Measurements were made between room temperature and either 3° K or the superconducting transition temperature, whichever was higher. The susceptibilities were found to have, in most cases, a small linear temperature dependence. Molar susceptibilities x M , superconducting transition temperaturesT c, and electronic specific heat coefficients γ for these compounds, when plotted as a function of the valence-electron concentratione/a, reveal peaks at ane/a of about 6.5 for all three properties. Compounds containing the 4d-series transition-elements molybdenum or niobium have higherT c and lower x M values than compounds containing the 3d transition-element chromium or vanadium. It appears that an increased mixing of atoms on either of the two crystallographic sites in the A15-type structure can be associated with a significant decrease in the paramagnetic susceptibility of the compound.
Cell wall compositions and enzymes of potatoes, jicamas and Chinese water chestnuts

Cell wall compositions and the levels of ten enzymes of potatoes, jicamas and Chinese water chestnuts were determined to explain the differences in thermal softening of these vegetables. Cell walls were prepared from the tissues by sieving of ethanolic homogenates to remove most of the starch and analyzed for neutral sugars and uronic acids. Jicamas and water chestnuts contain less galactose but more arabinose and glucuronic acid and much more xylose than potatoes. Water chestnuts contain less galacturonic acid than jicamas and potatoes and this was confirmed by extraction of pectin under various conditions. The results suggest that resistance to thermal softening may be related to cell wall polysaccharides rich in arabinose, glucuronic acid and xylose rather than to pectic polysaccharides. The major differences in enzyme compositions are much higher β-amylase and exopolygalacturonase in jicamas and water chestnuts than in potatoes. Water chestnut exopolygalacturonase is unusually heat-stable, but the relationship of this enzyme or of β-amylase to thermal softening is not clear.
Risk assessment for ectasia after corneal refractive surgery.

Purpose To analyze the epidemiologic features of ectasia after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery, to identify risk factors for its development, and to devise a screening strategy to minimize its occurrence. Design Retrospective comparative and case–control study. Participants All cases of ectasia after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery published in the English language with adequate information available through December 2005, unpublished cases seeking treatment at the authors' institution from 1998 through 2005, and a contemporaneous control group who underwent uneventful LASIK and experienced a normal postoperative course. Methods Evaluation of preoperative characteristics, including patient age, gender, spherical equivalent refraction, pachymetry, and topographic patterns; perioperative characteristics, including type of surgery performed, flap thickness, ablation depth, and residual stromal bed (RSB) thickness; and postoperative characteristics including time to onset of ectasia. Main Outcome Measures Development of postoperative corneal ectasia. Results There were 171 ectasia cases, including 158 published cases and 13 unpublished cases evaluated at the authors' institution. Ectasia occurred after LASIK in 164 cases (95.9%) and after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in 7 cases (4.1%). Compared with controls, more ectasia cases had abnormal preoperative topographies (35.7% vs. 0%; P −15 ), were significantly younger (34.4 vs. 40.0 years; P −7 ), were more myopic (−8.53 vs. −5.09 diopters; P −7 ), had thinner corneas before surgery (521.0 vs. 546.5 μm; P −7 ), and had less RSB thickness (256.3 vs. 317.3 μm; P −10 ). Based on subgroup logistic regression analysis, abnormal topography was the most significant factor that discriminated cases from controls, followed by RSB thickness, age, and preoperative corneal thickness, in that order. A risk factor stratification scale was created, taking all recognized risk factors into account in a weighted fashion. This model had a specificity of 91% and a sensitivity of 96% in this series. Conclusions A quantitative method can be used to identify eyes at risk for developing ectasia after LASIK that, if validated, represents a significant improvement over current screening strategies.
Transcription From the Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase Promoter Is Negatively Regulated by the Myc Oncoprotein

TRAP, a characteristic marker of osteoclast differentiation, is an enzyme that plays an active role in the process of bone resorption. Despite the importance of TRAP in osteoclast biology, the components involved in the transcriptional regulation of this gene are largely unknown. This study investigated the regulation of TRAP transcription by the Myc oncoprotein in three different cell types. A series of nested TRAP promoter deletion constructs were cotransfected into P388D1 murine macrophages and C3H10T1/2 murine embryonic fibroblasts along with a backbone plasmid control or expression plasmids containing v-Myc, c-Myc, or an inactive v-Myc protein construct (delta84/NLS). Both v-Myc and c-Myc negatively regulated transcription from the TRAP promoter in P388D1 and C3H10T1/2 cells, 90% and 50%, respective to cell type and amount of endogenous Myc protein, and delta84/NLS had no effect. The functional Myc-responsive element(s) within the TRAP promoter was localized to a region between -436 and +1 bp, which contains two putative Myc-inhibitory binding sites coincident with an initiator element (Inr) at -116 bp and -18 bp. Conversely, in the HD-11EM chicken v-Myc transformed preosteoclast cell line, the full-length TRAP promoter transcription was increased when endogenous v-Myc levels were decreased in response to pretreatment of these cells with 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3]. This report provides the first evidence of the specific regulation of TRAP at the transcriptional level by Myc, a transcription factor that is normally expressed at relatively high levels in preosteoclasts and other myelomonocytic cells and suggests that Myc plays an active role in suppressing the transcription of a mature osteoclast selective gene.
A nash equilibrium model of campaign spending

This paper has presented a Nash equilibrium model of campaign spending. The equilibrium is always stable and it possesses sensible comparative static properties. Spending in equilibrium depends on the scale parameter of the vote-share production function and on the intensities of preference for marginal vote share by the two candidates. Thus, campaigns which turn into spending wars are characterized by large values of both candidates' intensities of preference for vote share.
Towards an unified security testbed and security analytics framework

This paper presents the architecture of an end-to-end security testbed and security analytics framework, which aims to: i) understand real-world exploitation of known security vulnerabilities and ii) preemptively detect multi-stage attacks, i.e., before the system misuse. With the increasing number of security vulnerabilities, it is necessary for security researchers and practitioners to understand: i) system and network behaviors under attacks and ii) potential effects of attacks to the target infrastructure. To safely emulate and instrument exploits of known vulnerabilities, we use virtualization techniques to isolate attacks in containers, e.g., Linux-based containers or Virtual Machines, and to deploy monitors, e.g., kernel probes or network packet captures, across a system and network stack. To infer the evolution of attack stages from monitoring data, we use a probabilistic graphical model, namely AttackTagger, that represents learned knowledge of simulated attacks in our security testbed and real-world attacks. Experiments are being run on a real-world deployment of the framework at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Inorganic pyrophosphatase in cultured cells

Abstract 1. 1.|Inorganic pyrophosphatase (pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.1) activity of cultured cells of KB (Eagle)-human carcinoma of nasopharynx was investigated. Enzyme activity of intact, whole cells was compared with that obtained from sonicated preparations. The enzyme was not Mg2+ dependent and displayed Michaelis-Menten type kinetics only in the presence of 2 mM EDTA. Some of the activity was associated with the plasma membrane and appeared to function as an ecto-enzyme. Partial inhibition by equimolar concentrations of adenine nucleotides and NADH indicated that substrate specificity was low. 2. 2.|Inorganic pyrophosphatase of L-929 (Earle) mouse fibroblasts by contrast, was dependent on Mg2+ for activation, and no activity was present in 2 mM EDTA. The pyrophosphatase of mouse fibroblasts depended specifically on Mg2+ since other cations were ineffective. It was found, however, that Ca2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ inhibited the enzyme in KB cells. 3. 3.|In other cell lines investigated, the inorganic pyrophosphatase had the characteristics of the Mg2+ stimulated enzyme of mouse fibroblasts. In all the cell lines studied so far, the total cellular enzyme activity associated with the external aspect of the plasma membrane ranged from 31 to 100%.
Nonlinear effect of waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies on ion temperature gradient drift modes

Abstract A dispersion relation is derived for ion temperature gradient-driven drift waves nonlinearly modified by sideband interactions caused by a power source in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF). Solutions of the dispersion relation show that mode stability characteristics can be significantly affected by moderate ICRF power in low density and temperature tokamak operating regimes using certain short wavelength ion Bernstein waves. Conclusions of this work are compared to those of a previous study of ICRF sideband coupling to tokamak trapped electron modes.
Multiple adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum.

The incidence of multiple primary adenocarcinomas of the colon at Charity Hospital in a 19-year period was 2.1 per cent. The incidence of all multiple colonic and rectal malignancies was 4.1 per cent. Thirteen patients (0.5 per cent) had multiple metachronous adenocarcinomas, and 34 patients (1.6 per cent) had multiple synchronous adenocarcinomas. The possibility of a second carcinoma makes it imperative for the physician to obtain good diagnostic studies, bariumenema studies, and proctoscopy of every patient preoperatively. The resected specimen should be examined by the pathologist at the time of operation. Postoperatively, an annual physical examination, including proctoscopy and barium-enema studies, is necessary.
Becoming a mother versus maternal role attainment

Purpose: To present evidence for replacing the term maternal role attainment (MRA), with becoming a mother (BAM). Methods: A review of the evolution of MRA and a synthesis of research emanating from the theory was done, followed by synthesis of current research on the transition to motherhood. Findings: A woman establishes maternal identity as she becomes a mother through her commitment to and involvement in defining her new self. Maternal identity continues to evolve as the mother acquires new skills to regain her confidence in self as new challenges arise. Conclusions: BAM more accurately encompasses the dynamic transformation and evolution of a woman's persona than does MRA, and the term MRA should be discontinued.
Recent advances in ultrasound: high-resolution imaging of superficial structures.

In the past few years, sophisticated ultrasound systems specifically designed for the evaluation of superficial organs and structures have been developed. These "high-resolution" scanners are particularly well suited to diagnostic imaging in the neck. This review summarizes current clinical applications of this evolving technology and highlights initial experience with a prototype scanner that is now commercially available. Particular attention is directed to high-resolution ultrasonography of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the extracranial carotid arteries, and neoplastic and inflammatory masses of the neck.U
Peroxiredoxin 3 levels regulate a mitochondrial redox setpoint in malignant mesothelioma cells

Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3), a typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin located exclusively in the mitochondrial matrix, is the principal peroxidase responsible for metabolizing mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of cellular respiration originating from the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Mitochondrial oxidants are produced in excess in cancer cells due to oncogenic transformation and metabolic reorganization, and signals through FOXM1 and other redox-responsive factors to support a hyper-proliferative state. Over-expression of PRX3 in cancer cells has been shown to counteract oncogene-induced senescence and support tumor cell growth and survival making PRX3 a credible therapeutic target. Using malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells stably expressing shRNAs to PRX3 we show that decreased expression of PRX3 alters mitochondrial structure, function and cell cycle kinetics. As compared to control cells, knockdown of PRX3 expression increased mitochondrial membrane potential, basal ATP production, oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. shPRX3 MM cells failed to progress through the cell cycle compared to wild type controls, with increased numbers of cells in G2/M phase. Diminished PRX3 expression also induced mitochondrial hyperfusion similar to the DRP1 inhibitor mdivi-1. Cell cycle progression and changes in mitochondrial networking were rescued by transient expression of either catalase or mitochondrial-targeted catalase, indicating high levels of hydrogen peroxide contribute to perturbations in mitochondrial structure and function in shPRX3 MM cells. Our results indicate that PRX3 levels establish a redox set point that permits MM cells to thrive in response to increased levels of mROS, and that perturbing the redox status governed by PRX3 impairs proliferation by altering cell cycle-dependent dynamics between mitochondrial networking and energy metabolism.
An Inverted Straight Line Mechanism for Augmenting Joint Range of Motion in a Humanoid Robot

Many robotic joints powered by linear actuators suffer from a loss of torque towards the limits of the range of motion. This paper presents the design of a fully backdriveable, force controllable rotary actuator package employed on the Tactical Hazardous Operations Robot (THOR). The assembly pairs a ball screw-driven linear Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) with a planar straight line mechanism. The mechanism is a novel inversion of a Hoeken’s four-bar linkage, using the ball screw as a linear input to actuate the rotary joint. Link length ratios of the straight line mechanism have been chosen to optimize constant angular velocity, resulting in a nearly constant mechanical advantage and peak torque of 115 [Nm] throughout the 150° range of motion. Robust force control is accomplished through means of a lookup table, which is accurate to within ±0.62% of the nominal torque profile for any load case.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Fiberoptic Intubation through Adapter Removable Supraglottic Airways; Comparison of the Air-Q ILATM, LMA Classic ExcelTM, and LMA UniqueTM

Study Objective: We studied the overall efficacy of fiberoptic aided intubation using three different supraglottic airways (SGA) as intubation conduits with a standard endotracheal tube (ETT) to determine which, if any, is superior as an intubation conduit. Design: After induction of general anesthesia, subjects were randomized to one of three groups: Air-Q ILATM, LMA Classic ExcelTM, and LMA UniqueTM. Subjects were intubated with a fiberoptic aided technique with continuous ventilation with FiO2 = 1.0 through one of these SGAs. The primary endpoint was the overall efficacy of the intubation procedure. In addition, the following data were collected: demographic data, intubation times, grade of view of the larynx, and a visual analog scale (VAS) score of difficulty as determined by the primary anesthesiologist performing the procedure. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Post hoc analysis was done using Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test. Results: 126 total subjects were studied. Intubation success rates were 100%, 87.8%, and 95% with the Air-Q ILATM, LMA Classic ExcelTM, and LMA UniqueTM respectively. There was no significant difference among the three different SGAs when comparing the times to place the SGA (T1), the true intubating time (T2), the time to remove the SGA (T3), or the total time (T4). Data were also stratified by the grade of view of the larynx; all grade I views, grade II views, and grade III views were grouped together regardless of the type of the SGA used. The grade I view of the larynx group had significantly faster true intubation times (T2 = 75.1 sec, p = 0.01) and significantly lower VAS scores (VAS = 1.9, P = TM provides the best view of the larynx and is the easiest one to use as an intubation conduit.
Testing a Theoretical Model of the Relationship Between Impulsivity, Mediating Variables, and Husband Violence

The present study involved a multimethod assessment of impulsivity among 86 men. Using two questionnaires and four performance-based measures of impulsivity, the factor structure of the impulsivity data was examined. Four constructs that theoretically mediate the relationship between impulsivity and husband violence (i.e., substance abuse, anger/hostility, marital dissatisfaction, and psychological abuse) were assessed to examine a mediational model predictive of husband violence. Substance abuse and marital dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between impulsivity and psychological abuse. Psychological abuse mediated the relationship between substance abuse and marital dissatisfaction and husband violence. Although anger/hostility was not a mediator, there were bivariate associations between anger/hostility and impulsivity, psychological abuse, and husband violence. The results of the regression analyses were virtually identical when controlling for the effect of intelligence on the model variables. The implications of the findings for the assessment of impulsivity and for future husband violence research are discussed.
Planning the Digital Public Library of America

In the past decade, college librarians have quickly learned to take advantage of many Internet resources designed for a general audience as well as those specifically targeting academics. I, for on...
Orientational order in xenon fluid monolayers on single crystals of exfoliated graphite.

The melting transition of Xe monolayers adsorbed on a single-crystal exfoliated graphite substrate has been studied by high-resolution synchrotron x-ray scattering. At temperatures slightly above the melting transition the fluid phase has a high degree of orientational order. The results are discussed in the context of current theories of two-dimensional melting including the effects of the substrate.
Immediate Calibration of Operational Amplifier Gain Error in Pipelined ADCs Using Extended Correlated Double Sampling

This paper introduces extended correlated double sampling (ECDS) as a new gain-calibration technique in pipelined analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The proposed calibration simultaneously improves the effective dc gain and increases the maximum output swing of the opamps with given overdrive voltages. Furthermore, ECDS is immediate, thus avoiding the long convergence time associated with many background calibration schemes. This characteristic makes it desirable for applications where the ADC is on only briefly, such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs). An 11-bit 40-MS/s prototype pipelined ADC has been fabricated in 0.25-μm CMOS to demonstrate the proposed calibration technique. The active die area is 3.8 mm2 , and the analog power dissipation is 85 mW from a 2.5-V supply. With a 72-kHz input frequency, ECDS improves signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio from 40.1 to 63.4 dB and spurious-free dynamic range from 41.8 to 75.7 dB.
FUNCTIONAL TYPE II VIP-PACAP RECEPTORS IN HUMAN AIRWAY EPITHELIAL-LIKE CELLS

Abstract LindEN, A., S. Yoshihara, L.-O. Cardell, T. Kaneko, P. StjARne and J. A. Nadel. Functional type Ii Vip-Pacap receptors in human airway epithelial-like cells. Peptides 18(6) 843–846, 1997.—VIP-PACAP receptors were characterized in a human airway epithelial-like cell line (Calu-3). Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) 1–27, PACAP 1–38, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and the β 1 - and β 2 -adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (3 nM-1 μ M) increased cAMP concentration dependently. The peptides and isoproterenol displayed similar potencies (range of means pEC 50 [M]: 6.5–7.1). The maximum increase in cAMP (E max in % of basal cAMP level) was similar for the peptides (range of means E max : 2500–5100%). Pretreatment with the peptidase inhibitors captopril (10 μ M) and phosphoramidon (1 μ M) significantly increased the cAMP response to PACAP 1–38 (to 480% of control) only.
The sites of action of allopurinol in Crithidia fasciculata.

SYNOPSIS Reversal of the growth inhibition of Crithidia fasciculata by allopurinol requires both a purine and a pyrimidine. Hypoxanthine is the most effective purine in the reversal. Cell-free extracts were prepared which were capable of the decarboxylation of orotidine 5′-phosphate. Other enzyme preparations carried out the phosphoribosylation of allopurinol. By the use of [4-14C] orotidine 5′-phosphate (enzymatically prepared), it was shown that allopurinol ribotide (enzymatically prepared), but not the free base, inhibits orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase.
The effect of a bacterial extract on synovial cells in tissue culture.

The studies reported here were undertaken to determine if Erysipelothrix crude extract (CE) could elicit consistent, detectable alterations in synovial cells in vitro. Synovial cells of rabbits were cultured in vitro and data about normal synovial cells in vitro were presented. Such cells were consistently and characteristically affected by exposure to small amounts of CE; an effect that was neutralized in the presence of specific anti-CE antiserum. With an increase in the amount of CE added to the cells in culture, a decreasing number of cells was formed but protein content remained relatively constant.
Exposures from Indoor Powder Releases: Models and Experiments

Two models of the dispersion of a solid contaminant in a room were compared. The first model was the perfect mixing model, widely used in room air modeling to predict concentration, thus exposure (the integral of concentration over time). The second model was the turbulent puff diffusion model, sometimes used in atmospheric dispersion modeling. The models predicted different consequences from a solid contaminant release in a room, such as from a bulk-loading operation or a spill. The predicted exposures from a release were evaluated for both models. The models also were compared against data from an illustrative set of experimental measurements with the use of powder spill as a source. In the room, the exposures decreased almost inversely with distance, behavior more in accord with the turbulent puff model than with the perfect mixing model.
Lymphatic metastasis in apparently early carcinoma of the ovary

Direct extension of ovarian carcinoma to contiguous structures and intraabdominal involvement via dissemination of exfoliated tumor cells is well recognized. The importance of metastatic spread via abdominal and pelvic lymphatics, especially in the absence of other forms of spread, is less well described. In this report we present two patients with ovarian carcinoma in whom widespread lymphatic metastasis was found to have occurred early in the course of the disease process. Neither of these patients exhibited obvious intraperitoneal spread of their disease at time of initial surgery. Each was, in fact, considered by her referring physician to have stage I disease. Recent literature pertinent to early retroperitoneal spread of ovarian malignancy is discussed, and the importance of thorough systematic evaluation of potential sites of metastasis during surgical staging is stressed.
Do micromorphometric features of metastatic deposits within sentinel nodes predict nonsentinel lymph node involvement in melanoma

Introduction Multiple attempts have been made to identify melanoma patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) who are unlikely to harbor residual disease in the nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN). We examined whether the size and location of the metastases within the SLN may help further stratify the risk of additional positive NSLN.
Respecting the spiritual side of advanced cancer care: a systematic review

Spirituality is among the resources that many turn to as they deal with a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Researchers have made much progress in exploring and understanding spirituality’s complex and multifaceted role in the midst of metastatic disease. As a result, spirituality is seen as an important aspect of a holistic and respectful approach to clinical care for patients and their loved ones. In this article, we provide a systematic review of the literature related to the interface between spirituality and metastatic cancer. We included articles published from January 2013 to June 2014. Twenty-two articles were reviewed, consisting of clinical intervention trials, association studies, surveys, qualitative studies, and review articles. The articles discussed efforts to improve patients’ spiritual well-being, with relevant measurement scales; the associations of spirituality and end of life treatment practices; and efforts to better understand and meet the spiritual needs of patients and caregivers.
The Isotopes of Americium

Three new americium activities (Am{sup 238}?, Am{sup 243}, and Am{sup 244?}, the latter two formed by n,{gamma} reactions) are described and some additional information is given on previously reported americium isotopes.
Distribution of Hydrocarbons and Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Various Phases of the Detroit River

Concentrations of several chlorohydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the Detroit River were measured. For purposes of this study, the river ecosystem was divided into six phases or compartments: sediments, pore water in the sediments, suspended solids, subsurface water, surface microlayer, and air. Significant amounts of the above mentioned compounds occur in all of these compartments except air (for which our detection was relatively insensitive). The sediments contained over 99% of the chlorinated compounds. The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were distributed between the subsurface water and the sediments.
The straw men of primary health care.

The following paper discusses the progress made in providing primary health care (PHC) to the developing world in the 10 years following the joint WHO/UNICEF International Conference on Primary Health Care held at Alma Ata, U.S.S.R., in 1978. UNICEF is now 12 years from the goal to provide Health for All by the Year 2000. In this context, the authors describe UNICEF's 'country programming approach' to PHC as part of the child survival and development revolution (CSDR), articulated by the agency in 1982. A polarization between the two concepts of 'selective' and 'comprehensive' PHC is examined in the light of quotations from the original conference document which set forth strategies and priorities. The authors, a consultant and a staff member of UNICEF, respond to criticism of the agency in this regard by drawing directly on UNICEF's own work in the field and its record of success, even at a time when developing countries are battling severe economic constraints and health budgets are being slashed--a contingency not foreseen at Alma Ata. WHO evaluations of both the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and oral rehydration therapy (ORT) show that accelerated programs develop best when underpinned by a good health infrastructure. The challenge is to develop priority programs in such a way as to build on or strengthen this infrastructure. Flexibility is the key in adapting national priorities to local programs. The point is made that international agencies should be careful to limit themselves to advocacy and support.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
STARTING ON THE ROAD TO REGIONAL POWER: COMMUNITY LABOR UNITED AND THE GREATER BOSTON LABOR COUNCIL

This article examines Community Labor United (CLU), a nonprofit in Boston, Massachusetts that builds a bridge between labor unions and community organizations. Using interviews with key participants, CLU's formation, structure and strategies are revealed. In 2004 the Greater Boston Labor Council, with the help of the national AFL-CIO, launched CLU. The essay demonstrates how the new non-profit organization provides an anchor for ongoing work to build the kinds of alliances between labor and community groups that establish real power for working people in the greater Boston region. To build this power CLU engages in strategic research, leadership development and community organizing. This paper examines how labor and community leaders in Boston have set out on the road for building regional power.
Studies of malformation syndromes of man XXXVIII: The BD syndrome. A "new" multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome with athetoid cerebral palsy.

Two patients with a virtually identical physical examination syndrome are reported. Both had severe microbrachycephaly, profound mental retardation and athetoid cerebral palsy. The anomalies include prominence of forehead, hypoplastic midface, mandibular prognathism, apparent midline “cleft” of mandible with absence of lower central incisors, ear and eye anomalies, growth failure, and various similar secondary anomalies due to hypotonia, cerebral palsy and immobilisation. The patients probably represent a “new” MCA/MR syndrome, the etiology of which is still unknown. A genetic cause, i.e., a gene mutation with pleiotropic effects, is suggested. This may involve an autosomal recessive trait, an autosomal dominant new mutation, or an X-linked dominant-hemizygous lethal trait.
Management of large airway problems

Abstract Endobronchial intervention has an established role in the management of a variety of benign and malignant conditions which lead to large airway compromise. Traditionally, this specialty fell within the remit of thoracic surgery but with increasing awareness and training some physicians are now engaging in this practice. Although patients with large airway compromise can be successfully managed in many instances using fibreoptic bronchoscopy under local anaesthesia, such practice may in part reflect lack of familiarity and training with rigid bronchoscopy. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia in a multidisciplinary setting provides a safe, efficient and controlled environment to successfully manage practically any large airway problem which requires either emergency or semi-elective intervention. With increasing advances in anaesthetic and bronchoscopic techniques there are virtually no contraindications to the procedure, and morbidity and mortality rates are very low. Broadly speaking, endobronchial intervention is indicated for patients with a variety of conditions producing intrinsic or extrinsic airway obstruction or for those with airway defects which may or may not communicate with the oesophagus. Endobronchial techniques are available for foreign body retrieval, dilatation, tissue destruction and for endobronchial stenting. Endobronchial intervention can be curative or palliative, or may complement other treatments. It may be an alternative to formal airway surgery for selected patients, including those with medical comorbidities which contraindicate surgery.
CHEMOTHERAPY OF TRYPANOSOME AND SPIROCHETE INFECTIONS BIOLOGICAL SERIES. IV. THE ACTION OF N-PHENYLGLYCINEAMIDE-p-ARSONIC ACID UPON SPIROCHETE INFECTIONS.

To summarize the results obtained from these experiments, one may say that N-phenylglycineamide-p-arsonic acid is capable of exercising a very definite effect upon the course of infections produced by spirochetes of the recurrens group and by Treponema pallidum. It is more difficult to say, however, just how these effects should be interpreted. In the case of the blood spirochetes, the infection is ameliorated, and even though the spirochetes are not immediately destroyed, the infection is frequently brought to a termination which leaves the animal in a condition not unlike that produced by more powerful spirocheticidal agents. That is, the infecting organisms are either affected in such a way that they eventually die off or are destroyed by the host in such a way that no lasting immunity is developed in consequence of their destruction. Apparently much the same type of reaction occurs in the treatment of rabbits infected with Treponema pallidum. It is possible that when very large doses of the drug are used, these organisms may be completely destroyed, but it is certain that in other cases, where complete healing of the lesions is accomplished as a result of treatment, the organisms are not destroyed. Moreover, it appears that such a result can be accomplished in the presence of numerous actively motile spirochetes, and once the effect of the drug has reached this point, either the capacity of the spirochetes for stimulating reaction on the part of the tissues is lowered or else the reactivity of the tissues is reduced. At any rate., living spirochetes may remain in the tissues for considerable periods of time without giving rise to the usual tissue reaction which characterizes these infections. With either group of organisms, therefore, N-phenylglycineamide-p-arsonic acid appears to act in a manner somewhat different from that of the usual spirocheticidal agents. While it does possess a considerable degree of spirocheticidal action, its chief effect is seen in the peculiar manner in which it modifies or controls the course of these infections. Further than this, we shall not attempt to go at present. As set forth in the literature, the facts and principles upon which such experiments depend are so few as to offer almost no basis for an interpretation of these experiments. When we have had an opportunity of reporting our own experience in dealing with these infections, we may return to a consideration of the facts here reported.
Determination of oxidative stability of oils and fats.

In a new approach to evaluating the oxidative stability of oils and fats, the consumption of oxygen by a sample confined in a reactor of adjustable temperature is monitored with a gas-phase flow in...
Selective antagonism of platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation and secretion in washed rabbit platelets by CV-3988, l-652731, triazolam and alprazolam

Abstract Platelet-activating factor (1-0-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine or AGEPC) is a potent phospholipid mediator elaborated by a variety of mammalian cells. CV-3988 (a unique structural analog of AGEPC), L-652731 (a lignan derivative of a natural product) and two triazolobenzodiazepines (triazolam and alprazolam) were evaluated for their ability to selectively antagonize aggregation and secretion responses in washed,[3h]serotonin-labeled rabbit platelets stimulated with graded doses of AGEPC. When 0.2 nM AGEPC was used as the stimulus, the concentration of antagonist needed for 50% inhibition (IC50) of secretion was obtained at 0.05 uM, 0.15 uM, 0.6 uM and 2.5 uM, for L-652732, CV-3988, triazolam and alprazolam, respectively. The corresponding IC50 values for aggregation were obtained at 0.2 uM, 0.1 uM, 1.5 uM and 6.5 uM, respectively. The inhibitory effects could be overcome by increasing the amount of AGEPC used to stimulate the platelets. Of the four compounds tested, L-652731 was the most potent antagonist of AGEPC-induced activation of washed rabbit platelets.