cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thrombolytic Therapies: The Current State of Affairs

Thrombotic occlusive diseases are manifested in several disorders that have significant morbidity and mortality, including acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and cerebrovascular accidents. This review summarizes the recently published literature covering thrombolytic therapies in these diseases, with particular attention to comparisons between the fibrin-specific tissue plasminogen activators (alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase) and the nonfibrin-specific activators (streptokinase or urokinase plasminogen activator). These agents act to convert plasminogen to plasmin, which in turn cleaves fibrin as part of the lysis process. Fibrin-specific activators were anticipated to be more efficacious and safer than nonspecific agents in thrombolytic occlusive diseases because of their pathophysiologically restricted mechanism of action. However, the fibrin-specific activators also lyse physiological hemostatic plugs, which can result in costly adverse events. Efficacy of fibrin-specific tissue plasminogen activators has been shown to be generally equivalent, with similar mortality rates compared with nonspecific agents; however, fibrin-specific agents may be associated with an increased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage and with increased costs. Therefore, it appears that given equivalent efficacy, nonfibrin-specific activators, such as streptokinase or urokinase, may be a safer choice in many thrombotic situations.
Resonant x-ray magnetic scattering at nonmagnetic ions

An explanation is given for the resonant x-ray magnetic scattering effects at the K edge of nonmagnetic ions observed by Mannix et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. $86,$ 4128 (2001)]. By using a description that goes beyond the usual fast-collision approximation, we can relate the scattering amplitude to the orbital moments on sites neighboring the nonmagnetic ion where the absorption takes place. The finite scattering amplitude is directly related to the resonant process, which explains the strong enhancement over the nonresonant intensity.
Calcium ‘homeostatic’ effect of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecal-ciferol on young adult mouse calvaria in organ culture

Abstract The effect of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on calcium release from cultured young adult (75-day-old) mouse calvaria in the presence of indomethacin or dexamethasone was studied. Indomethacin (2.8 × 10−7 M) or dexamethasone (10−8 M) abolished or considerably inhibited basal calcium release. At 2.6 × 10−7 M, 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol prevented the effect of either indomethacin or dexamethasone, resulting in higher calcium release levels approximating those observed in cultures containing only 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. We have shown previously that in contrast to its effect on neonatal mouse calvaria in culture, 1α25-dihydroxycholecalciferol either failed to enhance or even inhibited basal calcium release from cultured 75-day-old mouse calvaria. Furthermore, 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol inhibited PTH- or PGE2-enhanced calcium release from such cultures. These studies demonstrated that, at the same concentration, 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol decreases high calcium release due to various bone resorption-stimulating factors and increases low calcium release values due to various bone resorption-inhibiting factors. This suggested that this vitamin D3 metabolite directly regulates the degree of bone resorption at the bone tissue level resulting in a local calcium ‘homeostasis’.
Targeted synthesis of a porous borazine-linked covalent organic framework.

The first microcrystalline borazine-linked polymer, BLP-2(H), has been synthesized. BLP-2(H) crystallizes into 2D sheets that stack in an eclipsed AA fashion, has high thermal stability (∼420 °C) and high porosity (SABET = 1178 m2 g−1) and it can store up to 2.4 wt% of hydrogen at 77 K and 15 bar with isosteric heat of adsorption of 6.8 kJ mol−1.
Adaptation of California’s electricity sector to climate change

Climate change is likely to pose considerable new challenges to California’s electricity sector. This paper primarily focuses on the adaptation challenges of an important component of the energy arena: electricity demand in the residential and commercial sectors and electricity supply. The primary challenge to California’s electricity sector will likely be the increase in demand for air conditioning as a result of rising temperatures. In addition, renewable energy sources, which are an increasing share of the electricity portfolio, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Many of the key players have been actively considering the implications of climate change. Because electricity generation accounts for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, this sector has been a target of the state’s efforts to reduce emissions. Fortunately, many of the same tools can simultaneously improve the sector’s resilience to a changing climate. Demand management strategies and supply diversification are both important strategies. Local governments can play a central role in encouraging the adoption of more energy efficient building codes and the use of more renewable sources, such as solar energy. The positive steps taken by many local governments are encouraging. Steps to increase public awareness are an important, often missing component, however. Increases in research, development, and demonstration to improve system resiliency and develop new energy conservation tools are also needed.
Interrelations between Pain and Alcohol: An Integrative Review

Abstract Pain and alcohol use are both highly prevalent in the general population, and pain–alcohol interrelations are of increasing empirical interest. Previous research has identified associations between pain and alcohol dependence, and the current review provides novel contributions to this emerging domain by incorporating studies that have tested relations between pain and low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, and by identifying potential psychosocial mechanisms of action. Specifically, we sought to integrate evidence of pain–alcohol relations derived from two directions of empirical inquiry (i.e., effects of alcohol on pain and effects of pain on alcohol use ) across psychological, social, and biological literatures. We observed converging evidence that associations between alcohol consumption and pain may be curvilinear in nature. Whereas moderate alcohol use was observed to be associated with positive pain-related outcomes (e.g., greater quality of life), excessive drinking and alcohol use disorder appear to be associated with deleterious pain-related outcomes (e.g., greater pain severity). We also observed evidence that alcohol administration confers acute pain-inhibitory effects, and that situational pain may motivate alcohol consumption (e.g., drinking for pain-coping). Future research can inform theoretical and clinical applications through examination of temporal relations between pain and alcohol consumption, tests of hypothesized mechanisms, and the development of novel interventions.
Corticosterone fails to produce conditioned place preference or conditioned place aversion in rats.

Abstract Rationale In some rats, the hormone corticosterone is reinforcing. High novelty-seeking rats (high responders, HR) self-administered corticosterone at a much higher rate than low novelty-seeking rats (low responders, LR) do [Piazza PV, Deroche V, Deminiere JM, Maccari S, Le Moal M, Simon H, Corticosterone in the range of stress-induced levels possesses reinforcing properties: implications for sensation-seeking behaviors, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1993;90:11738–42]. While previous studies demonstrated that corticosterone reinforces nose poking in a self-administration paradigm, no studies to date have examined whether corticosterone is rewarding. Objective Using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, we examined the rewarding effects of corticosterone in HR and LR rats. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were classified into HR and LR groups based on their locomotor activity in a novel environment. Subsequently, independent groups of HR and LR rats underwent CPP for corticosterone (0, 2.5 or 10 mg/kg; i.p.) or cocaine (12 mg/kg; i.p). CPP for cocaine was used as a positive control. Results While cocaine produced a strong CPP in both HR and LR rats, corticosterone failed to produce either preference or aversion in both phenotypes. Conclusion Corticosterone is neither rewarding nor aversive in either behavioral phenotype.
UNRESTRICTED HARTREE-FOCK METHOD

The unrestricted Hartree-Fock method is based upon the use of a single-determinant total wave function in which orbitals of the same $n$, $l$, and ${m}_{l}$ values but different ${m}_{s}$ values are regarded as being independent. The differences which arise between such orbitals are discussed. It is shown, using the Li atom as an example, that these differences are not merely a result of using a single determinant which has improper symmetry, but arise when the full spin-degeneracy problem is carried through. Conclusions for Li are generalized to more complicated systems. The influence of the unrestricted Hartree-Fock method on the calculation of magnetic form factors, its influence on hyperfine interactions, and its bearing on antiferromagnetism is pointed out.
The Largest Parity Demigenus of a Simple Graph

A graph?isparity embeddedin a surface if a closed path in the graph is orientation preserving or reversing according as its length is even or odd. Theparity demigenusof?is the minimum of 2??(S) (where?is Euler characteristic) over all surfacesSin which?can be parity embedded. We calculate the maximum parity demigenus over all loopless graphs of ordern. As a corollary we strengthen the calculation by Jungerman, Stahl, and White of the genus ofKn,nbsp;nwith a perfect matching removed. We conclude by discussing numerous related problems.
Retinal dystrophy in the RCS rat: in vivo and in vitro studies of phagocytic action of the pigment epithelium on the shed rod outer segments.

Abstract The ability of the pigment epithelium (PE) of dystrophic and control RCS rats to phagocytize rod outer segment (ROS) material was examined in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo studies of animals with fully developed ROS, the number of phagosomes found in the PE increased between 1 and 2 hr after the onset of light in both groups, although at all times the dystrophic animals demonstrated substantially smaller numbers than the controls. During the postnatal development of ROS, the number of phagosomes found at the daily peak increased steadily in the control rats until adult levels were reached at 35 days. In the dystrophic animals the maximum number was observed by 15 days and showed no further increase with age. Organ culture of contro retina-PE explants caused a burst of ROS shedding and phagocytosis, with the maximum number of phagosomes appearing at 2 hr of incubation. The dystrophic retina-PE explants exhibited a very small peak at 4 hr. Recombinations of dystrophic retina with control PE and control retina with dystrophic PE revealed extensive phagocytosis by the control PE but not by the dystrophic PE. These results confirm the previous observation in chimeric rats that the retina of the RCS dystrophic rat is apparently normal while the PE carries the genetic expression of the defect.
Femoral neuropathy following percutaneous nephrolithotomy of a pelvic kidney

Abstract Management of nephrolithiasis within a pelvic kidney presents a novel challenge to the urologist. We report on a patient who underwent ureteral stent placement prior to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Following ESWL, the ureteral stent calcified at the vesical and renal ends, requiring “sandwich therapy” of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, ESWL, and percutaneous nephroscopy. Percutaneous access to the pelvic kidney through a posterior approach was complicated by femoral neuropathy manifested by an inability to walk. With 6 months of aggressive physical therapy, the patient is now able to ambulate with difficulty using a walker.
Data Quality and Knowledge/Information Management in Service Operations Management: Regional Supermarket Case Study

The concepts of managing data quality assurance by promoting proper safeguards to manage data quality, employee buy-in, and support from top management were illustrated in a case study of Giant Eagle, one of the largest, privately owned and family-operated companies in the U.S. and regional headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Specific aspects of data quality assurance, types of access, application examples (especially with its loyalty-card collection and data-mining uses that allow customers to accumulate savings specials and rewards through the fuelperks!â„¢ and foodperks!â„¢ incentive programs), as well as requirements for entry into knowledge-management systems were discussed through the paper. There are significant benefits, costs, and potential risks for maintaining reliable corporate data, and many organizations do not display the appropriate attitude about ensuring high-quality data, as some management may accept data errors as a cost of doing business. This present study documents the success of high volume, low profit margin grocery-based business that hinges on quality driven in product accuracy, data management, and service levels.
Predictors of outcome after anterior temporal lobectomy The intracarotid amobarbital test

The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) examines hemispheric memory and language. We set out to determine whether memory performance on the IAT correlated with seizure relief after anterior temporal lobectomy in 117 patients with refractory epilepsy. The IAT assessed recognition memory performance for nine items with correction for false-positive recognitions. We then compared performance of one hemisphere with that of the other, defining a correctly lateralized memory deficit as worse performance when using the hemisphere containing the operated temporal lobe than when using the other hemisphere. The analysis included concurrent factors that might also affect outcome, such as age at first risk for epilepsy, presence or absence of tumor, and Full Scale IQ. A discriminant function analysis demonstrated that patients with a correctly lateralized memory deficit on the IAT had an increased probability of being seizure-free following surgery after controlling for other predictors. The performance of the nonoperated temporal lobe related to outcome, although less strongly. The magnitude of the difference in performance between the two hemispheres and the performance of the operated hemisphere did not relate to outcome. Patients who became seizure-free had an earlier age at first risk than did those with persistent seizures, and tumor presence weakly correlated with postoperative outcome. IQ did not correlate with outcome. We conclude that the IAT predicts seizure relief after anterior temporal lobectomy independent of other known risk factors we examined.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intranasal Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder

Background The N -methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine, delivered via an intravenous route, has shown rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The current study was designed to test the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intranasal ketamine in patients with depression who had failed at least one prior antidepressant trial. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 20 patients with major depression were randomly assigned, and 18 completed 2 treatment days with intranasal ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg) or saline solution. The primary efficacy outcome measure was change in depression severity 24 hours after ketamine or placebo, measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included persistence of benefit, changes in self-reports of depression, changes in anxiety, and proportion of responders. Potential psychotomimetic, dissociative, hemodynamic, and general adverse effects associated with ketamine were also measured. Results Patients showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms at 24 hours after ketamine compared to placebo ( t = 4.39, p p = .033). Intranasal ketamine was well tolerated with minimal psychotomimetic or dissociative effects and was not associated with clinically significant changes in hemodynamic parameters. Conclusions This study provides the first controlled evidence for the rapid antidepressant effects of intranasal ketamine. Treatment was associated with minimal adverse effects. If replicated, these findings may lead to novel approaches to the pharmacologic treatment of patients with major depression.
Arsenic solid-phase partitioning in reducing sediments of a contaminated wetland

The geochemical partitioning of arsenic in organic-rich sediments from a contaminated wetland is examined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and selective chemical extraction procedures, and evaluated in context to the anoxic diagenesis of iron and sulfur. The interaction between ground water and surface water has a significant influence on iron sulfide formation in the wetland sediments. Ground-water seeps supply concentrations of sulfate, dissolved hydrocarbons, ferrous iron, and arsenic, and sediments located near seeps are anomalously enriched in arsenic, reactive iron, and acid-volatile sulfides. Degree-of-sulfidation (DOS) values are high in sediments adjacent to sites of ground-water discharge, ranging from 0.57 to 1.0. Pyrite (FeS{sub 2}) formation is apparently not limited by the abundance of any one primary reactant, e.g., organic carbon, sulfate, or reactive iron; instead, persistence of precursor iron monosulfides is attributed to slow pyrite formation kinetics due to low concentrations of reactive intermediate sulfur species or possibly due to high concentrations of arsenite, dissolved organic-carbon, or other solutes that adsorb to iron monosulfides surfaces and impede transformation reactions to pyrite. Greigite (Fe{sub 3}S{sub 4}) accounts for > 80% of total reduced sulfur in sediments rich in acid-volatile sulfide and X-ray absorption spectroscopy data for magnetic separates provide direct evidence thatmore » As(III) is, at least in part, associated with reduced sulfur in the form of greigite. However, pyrite can only account for a small percentage, < 20%, of the total arsenic budget in the reduced sediments. Although pyrite is the predicted stable endpoint for reactive iron and sulfur, it appears that within a 30 y time period pyrite is a relatively unimportant host for arsenic in the system investigated here. The abundance of reactive iron in the sediments prevents accumulation of dissolved sulfide and thus prevents formation of soluble thioarsenic species. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy indicates only the presence of As(III) in the reduced sediments. Results of linear combination fitting of reference spectra to sediment spectra are consistent with sulfur- and/or oxygen-coordinated As(III) in association with iron monosulfides and ferrous-bearing carbonates or hydroxides.« less
Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with distal obstruction due to pancreatic head cancer

A total of 77% of pancreatic head cancers manifest with obstructive jaundice. Hyperbilirubinemia impairs immunity and nutrition and is responsible for systemic toxicity. Several studies have attempted to investigate the impact of biliary drainage prior to duodenopancreatectomy (preoperative biliary drainage [PBD]) on jaundice resolution, morbidity, mortality and infectious complications, conferring high controversy. One large randomized controlled trial concluded that PBD should not be recommended in patients with distal obstructive jaundice owing to high infection rates. However, this work has been extensively criticized due to the exclusion of severely jaundiced patients, lack of information regarding antimicrobial agents used and employment of plastic instead of metal stents. However, proponents of PBD favor its application in selected cases. This work aims to review the literature on PBD for jaundice due to pancreatic head malignancy, to outline the controversy pertaining to this modality and to ident...
Characterization of Tricresylphosphate Lubricating Films by Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

The characterization of tricresylphosphate (TCP) lubricating film by use of micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) is reported. The study uses a combination of test methods to establish the qualitative sequence of chemical reactions that result in the formation of the observed anti-wear film. A four-ball wear tester, using a 6 μl test procedure, was used to generate the tribochemical films. A static pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used at several temperatures to obtain TCP-iron reaction products similar to those formed under rubbing conditions. The wear contact temperatures can be estimated by comparison of the μ-FTIR spectra of the static reaction products to the spectra from the wear tests conducted at room temperature. The combination of the FTIR and DSC proved to be a powerful, rapid and reliable analytical tool. The use of DSC as a static reactor and the four-ball wear tester as a sequential test procedure provided the necessary materials for FTIR analyses. The...
Bimanual regrasping from unimanual machine learning

While unimanual regrasping has been studied extensively, either by regrasping in-hand or by placing the object on a surface, bimanual regrasping has seen little attention. The recent popularity of simple end-effectors and dual-manipulator platforms makes bimanual regrasping an important behavior for service robots to possess. We solve the challenge of bimanual regrasping by casting it as an optimization problem, where the objective is to minimize execution time. The optimization problem is supplemented by image processing and a unimanual grasping algorithm based on machine learning that jointly identify two good grasping points on the object and the proper orientations for each end-effector. The optimization algorithm exploits this data by finding the proper regrasp location and orientation to minimize execution time. Influenced by human bimanual manipulation, the algorithm only requires a single stereo image as input. The efficacy of the method we propose is demonstrated on a dual manipulator torso equipped with Barrett WAM arms and Barrett Hands.
Enthalpy of hydrogen bond formation in a protein-ligand binding reaction.

Abstract Parallel measurements of the thermodynamics (free-energy, enthalpy, entropy and heat-capacity changes) of ligand binding to FK506 binding protein (FKBP-12) in H2O and D2O have been performed in an effort to probe the energetic contributions of single protein-ligand hydrogen bonds formed in the binding reactions. Changing tyrosine-82 to phenylalanine in FKBP-12 abolishes protein-ligand hydrogen bond interactions in the FKBP-12 complexes with tacrolimus or rapamycin and leads to a large apparent enthalpic stabilization of binding in both H2O and D2O. High-resolution crystallographic analysis reveals that two water molecules bound to the tyrosine-82 hydroxyl group in unliganded FKBP-12 are displaced upon formation of the protein-ligand complexes. A thermodynamic analysis is presented that suggests that the removal of polar atoms from water contributes a highly unfavorable enthalpy change to the formation of C=O...HO hydrogen bonds as they occur in the processes of protein folding and ligand binding. Despite the less favorable enthalpy change, the entropic advantage of displacing two water molecules upon binding leads to a slightly more favorable free-energy change of binding in the reactions with wild-type FKBP-12.
ASYMMETRIC DISTRIBUTION OF A FLUORESCENT STEROL IN SYNAPTIC PLASMA MEMBRANES : EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ETHANOL CONSUMPTION

Abstract Ethanol-induced structural changes in membranes have in some studies been attributed to an increase in total membrane cholesterol. Consistent changes in cholesterol content, however, have not been observed in membranes of ethanol consuming animals and alcoholic patients. This study examined the hypotheses that cholesterol was asymmetrically distributed in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and that chronic ethanol consumption alters the transbilayer distribution of cholesterol. Dehydroergosterol, a fluorescent cholesterol analogue was used to examine sterol distribution and exchange in chronic ethanol-treated and pair-fed control groups. The cytofacial leaflet was found to have significantly more dehydroergosterol as compared to the exofacial leaflet. This asymmetric distribution was significantly reduced by chronic ethanol consumption as was sterol transport. Total cholesterol content did not differ between the two groups. Chronic ethanol consumption appeared to alter transbilayer sterol distribution as determined by the incorporation and distribution of dehydroergosterol in SPM. The changes in transbilayer sterol distribution are consistent with recent reports on the asymmetric effects of ethanol in vitro ((1988) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 946, 85–94) and in vivo ((1989) J. Neurochem. 52, 1925–1930) on membrane leaflet structure. The results of this study also underscore the importance of examining membrane lipid domains in addition to the total content of different lipids.
Prevalence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the United States.

Background The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), age-gender interaction, and various comorbidities associated with it based on nationwide hospitalization records. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly reported clinical syndrome; however, there are no data on its prevalence in the general US population. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample discharge records were queried for the year 2008 using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 429.83. Results There were 6,837 patients diagnosed with TTC among 33,506,402 hospitalizations in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Women were found to have higher odds of developing TTC (odds ratio 8.8). Women >55 years old had 4.8 times higher odds for developing TTC when compared with women Conclusion Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in about 0.02% of all hospitalizations in the United States, mostly in elderly women with history of smoking, alcohol abuse, anxiety states, and hyperlipidemia.
A cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to promote weight loss improves body composition and blood lipid profiles among overweight breast cancer survivors.

Overweight or obesity is an established negative prognostic factor in breast cancer. Co-morbidities associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), may negatively impact quality of life and survival in this population. Our purpose was to determine the effect of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for weight loss through exercise and diet modification on risk factors for recurrence of breast cancer, and risks for CVD associated with obesity. Eighty-five overweight or obese breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to a once weekly, 16-week intervention or wait-list control group. The intervention incorporated elements of CBT for obesity, addressing a reduction in energy intake, as well exercise, with a goal of an average of 1 h a day of moderate to vigorous activity. Body weight, total and regional body fat (by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), waist and hip circumference, and blood lipids were assessed at baseline and following 16 weeks of intervention. Results: Seventy six women (89.4%) completed the intervention. Independent t-test to evaluate group differences at 16 weeks showed significant differences in weight, body mass index, percent fat, trunk fat, leg fat, as well as waist and hip circumference between intervention and control groups (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also significantly reduced following the intervention. These results indicate that 16 weeks of a CBT program for weight management may reduce obesity and CVD risk in overweight breast cancer survivors.
Computer generation of semi-symbolic thermal network functions of buildings

Abstract A systematic computer method is presented for generating the symbolic transfer functions of buildings, which have several inherent merits in sensitivity analysis, optimum design and control studies. After introducing the concept of a generalized-node admittance matrix, a new formulation particularly suitable for the semi-symbolic (i.e. some of the network parameters being symbols) network analysis of buildings is described. An algorithm based on both the new formulation and an algebraic method is further developed in order to eliminate as many invalid symbol combinations as possible for the efficient generation of semi-symbolic thermal-network functions of buildings. An example demonstrating the application and efficiency of this method is included.
Building an infrastructure to support writing across the computer science curriculum

This paper describes an infrastructure to support efforts to improve communications skills. This infrastructure is designed to support writing throughout the computer science curriculum and the typical deficiencies and attitudes of computer science faculty and majors in the area of interpersonal communications.
Airport Security Screening Privatize or Federalize

The 9/11-inspired airport security screening system has been the center of controversy ever since it was created in 2001. Although the federalized system is held in high esteem by the traveling public, two tests of the system by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 and 2004 to 2005 found significant shortcomings, despite large changes made to the security screening process as a result of the first test. The article identifies other criticisms of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from both an operational and philosophical perspective, and from functions the TSA does do right. Finally, the article identifies why airport security privatization has not progressed and how potential changes to the TSA structure could make it a better functioning entity, including the author’s proposal to transfer TSA oversight responsibility to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Small angle X-ray scattering by spherical particles of Polystyrene and Polyvinyltoluene

The high intensity, high resolution multiple reflection diffractometer has been applied to make accurate measurements of the small angle X-ray scattering of eight different Dow Chemical latexes with stated diameters 2.051, 1.305, 0.814, 0.557, 0.365, 0.264, 0.126, and 0.088 μm.
Oxidative Reactions of the MoIV Dialkyl Complex [{(3‐CF3C6H4NCH2CH2)2NMe}Mo(CH2SiMe3)2]

The structure of [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CH2SiMe3)2] (in which (CF3N2NMe)2- is [(3-CF3C6H4NCH2CH2)2NMe]2-) is approximately trigonal bipyramidal with one axial and one equatorial alkyl ligand. Heating of solutions of [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CH2SiMe3)2] in [D6]benzene in the presence of five equivalents of 2-butyne led to diamagnetic [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CHSiMe3)(eta(2)-MeC[triple bond]CMe)], whose structure is approximately square pyramidal with the alkyne occupying the axial site. Addition of one equivalent of cyclohexene sulfide to [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CH2SiMe3)2] at room temperature produced the diamagnetic, dimeric molybdenum(IV) sulfido complex, [{(CF3N2NMe)MoS}2]. This complex is composed of two approximately trigonal bipyramidal centers, each containing one axial and one equatorial sulfur atom. Oxidation of [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CH2SiMe3)2] with hexachloroethane resulted in formation of tetramethylsilane, HCl, and the sparingly soluble, red alkylidyne complex, [{(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CSiMe3)Cl}2]. This complex forms a dimer through bridging chlorides. The oxidation reactions of [(CF3N2NMe)Mo(CH2SiMe3)2] with 2-butyne, cyclohexene sulfide, or C2Cl6 are all proposed to proceed by alpha-hydrogen abstraction in the Mo(VI) species to yield (initially) the Mo=CHSiMe3 species and tetramethylsilane.
Genomic cloning and restriction site mapping of a porcine adenovirus isolate: demonstration of genomic stability in porcine adenovirus.

Restriction endonuclease maps were constructed for the genome of a porcine adenovirus (PAV), NADC-1, which was isolated in 1972 from an adult swine. Genomic DNA libraries of NADC-1 Bam HI, Eco RI/Bam HI, and Sph I fragments were cloned into pUC-18. Using the cloned NADC-1 Bam HI and Eco RI/Bam HI fragments as probes, Southern blot hybridizations were performed to human adenovirus 2 (Ad-2) restriction fragments to determine the left-to-right orientation of the Bam HI and Eco RI/Bam HI fragments. Genomic NADC-1 DNA was cleaved with ten restriction endonucleases (RE). Using cloned NADC-1 genomic fragments as probes in Southern blot hybridizations, an RE site map was constructed. Nucleotide sequencing of four clones confirmed several RE sites. The size of the NADC-1 genome was determined to be approximately 32 kbp. The size of Hind III, Xba I, Sma I, Eco RI, Bam HI, Bgl II, Pst I, and Sph I RE fragments from NADC-1 was compared to those from the reference strain of PAV serotype 4 (F 618), and to two recent isolates, NADC-2 and NADC-3. For all restriction enzymes examined, the sizes of the NADC-1 fragments were identical to PAV-4, NADC-2, and NADC-3 fragments, indicating that the NADC-1 isolate is very closely related, if not identical, to PAV-4 and two recent isolates. Southern blot hybridizations also indicated that NADC-1, NADC-2, NADC-3, and PAV-4 are very similar and revealed regions of sequence similarity between NADC-1 and human Ad-2 and human Ad-5.
Bioaccumulation and toxicity of selenium in Chironomus decorus larvae fed a diet of seleniferous Selenastrum capricornutum

The bioaccumulation and toxicity of selenium in a simple aquatic food chain was investigated by feeding a diet of seleniferous algae (Selenastrum capricornutum) to fourth instar midge (Chironomus decorus) larvae. Treatment diets consisted of S. capricornutum cultured in three concentrations of selenite (0, 10, and 40 μg Se/L) and four concentrations of selenate (0, 4, 10, and 40 μg Se/L). The seleniferous algae was freeze-dried and utilized as a diet for the midge larvae. The data show that, under laboratory conditions, a 96 h dietary exposure of ⩾2.11 μg Se/g dry weight significantly reduced larval growth at tissue concentrations ⩾2.55 μg Se/g dry weight. The results demonstrate that some invertebrates are very sensitive to dietary selenium exposure. When compared to similar studies with Daphnia magna, the data suggest that invertebrate primary consumers differ in the metabolism of dietary selenium.
Effects of prostaglandins and the autonomic nervous system on the vasodilatory properties of nitroglycerin in conscious dogs

This study was designed to assess the respective roles of prostaglandins and the autonomic nervous system in the responses to nitroglycerin (NTG) in conscious dogs. In vivo, NTG (1, 10, and 100 micrograms/kg i.v.) induced dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure and increases in heart rate and cardiac output. Coronary and carotid blood flows increased simultaneously, whereas responses in renal blood flow were biphasic, i.e., an initial decrease was followed by an increase above control at 10 and 100 micrograms/kg. NTG responses were not changed by indomethacin but were affected by chlorisondamine alone or in combination with indomethacin; tachycardia was abolished, and increases in cardiac output after 10 and 100 micrograms/kg were reduced by 26 and 32%, respectively, after ganglionic blockade and by 19 and 32%, respectively, after chlorisondamine plus indomethacin. In addition, increases in carotid blood flow in doses of 100 micrograms/kg were reduced by 88% after chlorisondamine and 83% after chlorisondamine plus indomethacin. Finally, in the presence of chlorisondamine plus indomethacin, NTG induced a more pronounced hypotension associated with a more pronounced renal vasodilation at the highest dose. Independent of indomethacin pretreatment, NTG in vitro induced a dose-dependent relaxation of the carotid, coronary, and renal arteries. Depending on the vascular bed, the reflex and local controls of circulation are affected differently by NTG.
Deviations from Weibull statistics in brittle porous materials

Abstract Brittle porous materials (BPMs) are used for battery, fuel cell, catalyst, membrane, filter, bone graft and pharmaceutical applications due to the multifunctionality of their underlying porosity. However, in spite of its technological benefits the effects of porosity on BPM fracture strength and Weibull statistics are not fully understood, limiting the wider use of these materials. By combining two-dimensional finite-element simulations and classical fracture mechanics we found that BPM fracture strength decreases at a faster rate under biaxial loading than under uniaxial loading. Three different types of deviation from classic Weibull behavior can be identified: P-type corresponding to a positive lower tail deviation, N-type corresponding to a negative lower tail deviation, and S-type corresponding to both positive upper and lower tail deviations. Pore–pore interactions result in either P-type or N-type deviation in the limit of low porosity, whereas S-type behavior occurs when low and high fracture strengths coexist in a set of fracture data.
Changes in the Fracture Toughness of Bone May Not Be Reflected in Its Mineral Density, Porosity, and Tensile Properties

Abstract Age-related changes in the skeleton often lead to an increase in the susceptibility of bone to fracture. Such changes most likely occur in the constituents of bone, namely, the mineral and organic phases, and in their spatial arrangement manifested as orientation and microstructure. In the past, however, bone loss or decline in bone mineral density has been considered to be the major contributing factor for the increased risk of bone fractures, and elastic modulus and ultimate strength have been commonly used to assess bone quality and strength. However, whether these properties provide sufficient information regarding the likelihood of bone to fracture remains debatable. Using a novel fracture toughness test, which measures the energy or stress intensity required to propagate a crack within a material, the objective of this study was to investigate if the mineral density and mechanical properties of bone can accurately predict bone fragility as measured by fracture toughness. Changes in fracture toughness ( K IC ), bone mineral density (BMD), elastic modulus ( E ), yield and ultimate strength (σ y and σ s ), porosity ( P 0 ), and microhardness ( H v ) of bone were examined as a function of age in a baboon model. With increasing age, the fracture toughness of bone decreased, and its microhardness increased. However, no significant changes were found in BMD, E , P 0 , σ y , and σ s as a function of age. In addition, simple regression analyses revealed no significant correlation between bone fracture toughness and the other parameters, except for microhardness of bone. The results of this study indicate that changes in bone fracture toughness may not be necessarily reflected in its mineral density, porosity, elastic modulus, yield strength, and ultimate strength.
Nelson Spencer (1918–2002)

Nelson Spencer, former chief of the Laboratory for Atmospheres at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, died on 31 August 2002 in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 84 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He had been an AGU member (SPA) since 1950. He was born in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1941 with a degree in electrical engineering. Spencer served as a naval officer during World War II and attended Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while in the service. After the war, he returned to the University of Michigan for graduate studies, earning his master's degree in electrical engineering in 1953. He soon became director of that department's Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL), and later, a full professor. In 1960, Spencer moved to Washington D.C. to lead Goddard's upper atmosphere research effort, serving for many years as chief of the Laboratory for Atmospheres. He retired in 1986.
Acute Upper Airway Obstruction Due to Inflammatory Laryngeal Disease in 5 Cats

Objective: To describe a clinical syndrome of upper airway obstruction in 5 cats due to inflammatory laryngeal disease. Series Summary: Medical records of 5 cats with upper airway obstruction and a histopathologic diagnosis of inflammatory laryngeal disease were reviewed. Historical findings included: dyspnea, anorexia, voice change, and gagging/non-productive retching. Thoracic radiographs revealed a bronchial pattern in 2 cats, with consolidation of the right middle lung lobe in one cats. Laryngeal examinations typically revealed severe swelling and erythema which could not be grossly distinguished from neoplasia. Histopathologic examination of laryngeal biopsies revealed neutrophilic (n=5) and lymphoplasmacytic (n=4) inflammation. All of the cats were treated with corticosteroids and 4 cats received antibiotics. Two cats died while hospitalized, one was discharged and lost to follow-up, and 2 are doing well 7 months and 4 years later, respectively. New information provided: Inflammatory laryngeal disease in cats may present as an acute upper airway obstruction. These cases may respond to corticosteroids and antibiotics, and some cases may have an excellent long-term prognosis.(J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2001; 11(3): 205–211)
Risk of Nursing Home Admission Among Older Americans: Does States' Spending on Home- and Community-Based Services Matter?

Previous research has shown that families play critical roles in the care of frail elderly members as direct care providers and decision makers (Freedman, 1996). However, less is known about how long-term care (LTC) policy contexts affect seniors' LTC service use. In particular, states vary greatly in their public support for home- and community-based services (HCBS), a range of services, such as personal care, adult day care, nutrition, and transportation services, provided in noninstitutional settings that are intended to help disabled older persons live in the community (Muramatsu & Campbell, 2002). This article examines how states' commitment to HCBS affects the risk of nursing home admission among older Americans and how family caregiving resources moderate such effects.
Food intake and meal patterns in rhesus monkeys: Significance of chronic hyperinsulinemia

To investigate the role of plasma insulin on food intake, we have examined the effect of naturally occurring chronic hyperinsulinemia on the feeding behavior of male rhesus monkeys. Two groups of monkeys, a group with normal fasting insulin concentrations (52.4 +/- 2.2 microU/ml) (mean +/- SE) and a hyperinsulinemic group (148.6 +/- 14.5 microU/ml), were selected to be similar in weight, 13.0 +/- 1.0 and 15.3 +/- 0.5 kg, respectively, prior to study. Food intake and feeding patterns were recorded and analyzed. No differences in either daily caloric intake, 815.2 +/- 27.4 versus 890.0 +/- 64.2 kcal (p less than 0.32), or feeding patterns were found. The number of meals taken per day did not differ between the two groups, 8.7 +/- 1.7 versus 6.7 +/- 1.1 (p less than 0.35), nor did meal size differ, 129 +/- 16.5 versus 110.5 +/- 16.3 (p less than 0.45). We conclude that chronic endogenous hyperinsulinemia as it occurs naturally in some obese rhesus monkeys has no significant effect on daily feeding behavior.
Selection of in vitro produced, transgenic embryos by nested PCR for efficient production of transgenic goats.

Abstract The production of valuable pharmaceutical proteins using transgenic animals as bioreactors has become one of the goals of biotechnology. However, the efficiency of producing transgenic animals by means of pronuclear microinjection is low. This may be attributed in part to the low integration rate of foreign DNA. Therefore, a large number of recipients are required to produce transgenic animals. We recently developed a transgenic procedure that combined the techniques of goat oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), microinjection, preimplantation selection of the transgenic embryos with nested PCR and transferring the transgenic embryos into the recipient goat uterus to produce transgenic goats. Thirty-seven transgenic embryos determined by nested PCR were transferred to thirty-two recipient goats. In the end, four live-born kids were produced. As predicted, all the live kids were transgenic as identified by PCR as well as Southern blot hybridization, The integration rate was 100% ( 4 4 ) which was completely in accordance with the results of embryo preimplantation detection. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of recipients required as only 8 recipients ( 32 4 ) were needed to obtain one live transgenic goat. We suggest that the transgenic system described herein may provide an improved way to efficiently produce transgenic goats on a large scale.
Dianion aggregates derived from lithiation of N-silyl allylamine.

Three different N-silyl-protected allylamines, i.e., N-TMS, N-TBDMS, and N-TIPS allylamine, were lihtiated by reaction with excess n-butyllithium. Crystallization of the resulting dianions and X-ray structure determination yields three uniquely different aggregates.
Microcirculatory responses to adenosine in the newborn pig retina.

ABSTRACT: The reactivity of retinal arterioles and ven-ules to exogenous and endogenous adenosine was investigated in the newborn piglet eye in vivo. The retinal micro-circulation of isoflurane-anesthetized newborn pigs was observed at 310× using videomicroscopy, and changes in the diameter of arterioles (50–100 μm in diameter) and venules (150–250 μm in diameter) occurring in response to intravitreal topical microsuffusions of various adenosi-nergic compounds were determined. Dose-dependent dilations of the arterioles and venules resulted from intravitreal adenosine (0.2–200 nmol) and three of its agonists: 5′-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine (0.2–20 pmol), 2-chloroaden-osine (0.2 pmol-2 nmol), and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (0.2 and 2.0 nmol). The resulting order of vasodilatative potency, wherein 5′-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine 2-chloroadenosine > adenosine = N6-cyclohexyladenosine, is indicative of A2 adenosine receptor-mediated vasodilation. Significant arteriolar dilations [24 ± 4% (p = 0.0012) and 35 ± 5% (p = 0.0008), respectively) also resulted from intravitreal application of 0.2 nmol of iodotubercidin, an adenosine kinase inhibitor, and 0.1 nmol of nitrobenzyl-thioinosine, an inhibitor of adenosine reuptake/transport. The dilation induced by nitrobenzylthioinosine was blocked (p < 0.0004) by coadministration of the relatively specific A2 adenosine receptor antagonist l,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine (1 nmol), confirming that nitrobenzylthioinosine induced dilation via potentiation of endogenous adenosine. Administration of 1,3-dipropyl-7-methyIxan-thine alone did not significantly affect arteriolar or venular diameters, suggesting that endogenous adenosine does not contribute to the maintenance of basal tone. Collectively, these results indicate that vascular A2 adenosine receptors mediate retinal arteriolar dilation in response to increases in endogenous adenosine concentrations, consistent with our hypothesis that endogenous interstitial adenosine plays an important role in the metabolic regulation of retinal blood flow.
Polarization-insensitive integrated-optical switches: a new electrode design

The combination of two different types of electrodes in integrated optical switches is shown to permit polarization-insensitive operation. The ability to process arbitrarily polarized light is critical to the use of integrated optical devices with glass fiber transmission lines, due to the rapid changes in polarization state of light propagating in the fibers. We examine the performance of a Δβ reversal switch which uses two different types of electrodes and show that polarization-insensitive operation is readily achievable.