cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of morphine-induced behavioral changes in rodents by D- and L-glucose.

Administration of d-glucose enhances learning and memory in several tasks and also attenuates memory impairments and other behavioral effects of several drugs, including morphine. The present experiment compared the effects of peripherally administered d-glucose with those of l-glucose, a stereoisomer of d-glucose that is not metabolized and does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Like d-glucose, though at somewhat different doses, peripherally administered l-glucose attenuated morphine-induced deficits in spontaneous alternation performance in rats and mice and attenuated morphine-induced hyperactivity in mice. l-Glucose did not raise circulating levels of plasma d-glucose, suggesting that the effects of l-glucose are not secondary to increased availability of d-glucose. Using direct injections of d- and l-glucose and morphine into the medial septum of rats, the findings indicate that d-glucose but not l-glucose attenuated morphine-induced deficits in spontaneous alternation performance; indeed, intraseptal injections of l-glucose alone impaired spontaneous alternation performance. These findings suggest that peripheral l-glucose antagonizes morphine-induced behavioral effects by a peripheral signaling mechanism, one distinct from the mechanisms that mediate at least some of the effects of d-glucose on brain function.
SYNTHETIC VALIDITY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Practitioners in the area of personnel selection can be confronted with situations in which the use of traditional validation strategies is not feasible. This situation can result from small numbers of incumbents, rapidly changing jobs, insufficient resources, or the lack of high-quality criterion data. Although traditional strategies are not possible, a set of techniques falling under the rubric of synthetic validity can be used to estimate predictor validity in these situations. Synthetic validity is a logical process of inferring validity on the basis of the relationships between components of a job and tests of the attributes that are needed to perform the job components. Unfortunately, synthetic validity is infrequently used and not well understood. This article provides an overview and conceptualization of synthetic validity, reviews the historical approaches to synthetic validity, describes the recent developments and trends, and suggests future directions for synthetic validity application and research. The relationship of synthetic validity with other validity concepts, the advantages, the limitations, and the legal issues are considered throughout.
Salt Effects on Ionization Equilibria of Histidines in Myoglobin

The salt dependence of histidine pK(a) values in sperm whale and horse myoglobin and in histidine-containing peptides was measured by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. Structure-based pK(a) calculations were performed with continuum methods to test their ability to capture the effects of solution conditions on pK(a) values. The measured pK(a) of most histidines, whether in the protein or in model compounds, increased by 0.3 pH units or more between 0.02 M and 1.5 M NaCl. In myoglobin two histidines (His(48) and His(36)) exhibited a shallower dependence than the average, and one (His(113)) showed a steeper dependence. The (1)H-NMR data suggested that the salt dependence of histidine pK(a) values in the protein was determined primarily by the preferential stabilization of the charged form of histidine with increasing salt concentrations rather than by screening of electrostatic interactions. The magnitude and salt dependence of interactions between ionizable groups were exaggerated in pK(a) calculations with the finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann method applied to a static structure, even when the protein interior was treated with arbitrarily high dielectric constants. Improvements in continuum methods for calculating salt effects on pK(a) values will require explicit consideration of the salt dependence of model compound pK(a) values used for reference in the calculations.
Protection of hematopoietic stem cells from pemetrexed toxicity by retroviral gene transfer with a mutant dihydrofolate reductase-mutant thymidylate synthase fusion gene

Myelosuppression is one of the major side effects of most anticancer drugs. To confer myeloprotection, our laboratory generated drug-resistant mutants of select target human enzymes for gene transfer to the bone marrow. Mutants of two of these enzymes, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR F/S) and thymidylate synthase (TS G52S), were previously shown to confer resistance to methotrexate and 5-FU, respectively, and recently a fusion cDNA of both mutant enzymes (DHFR F/S-TS G52S) was shown to confer dual resistance to both antimetabolites. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of the DHFR F/S-TS G52S fusion protein to the multitargeted antifolate, pemetrexed (LY231514, Alimta), which targets both DHFR and TS and is currently in phase III trials for the treatment of solid tumors and in combination with cisplatin has been shown to be an advance in the treatment of mesothelioma. The K(i) for the DHFR F/S portion of the purified fusion protein to pemetrexed was increased by greater than 9000-fold when compared to wtDHFR (8000 versus 0.86 nM), while the K(i) for the TS G52S portion of the fusion protein to pemetrexed was similar to that of wtTS (2.8 versus 3.1 nM). When the fusion gene was retrovirally transduced into NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, the IC(50) to pemetrexed was three- to four-fold higher than cells transduced with DHFR F/S or TS G52S alone (163 versus 53 and 45 nM, respectively). Similarly, expression of the DHFR F/S-TS G52S fusion gene in retrovirally transduced mouse marrow cells resulted in an increased survival of CFU-GM colonies when compared to cells transduced with either of the mutants alone. Co-expression of mutant DHFR and TS enzymes has additive effects in conferring resistance to pemetrexed-induced toxicity. This construct may be useful for conferring myeloprotection to patients receiving this drug.
Effects of N-acetylglucosamine and platelet inhibitors on the synergistic interaction of platelets and aggregating agents in the presence of wheat germ agglutinin.

Abstract Low concentrations of wheat germ agglutinin (4 μg/ml) have been shown to act synergistically to induce platelet aggregation with epinephrine, collagen, arachidonate and ionophore A23187. Aggregation ceased on the addition of the haptenic sugar N -acetylglucosamine at any time following the onset of aggregation with these agonists and a small degree of disaggregation was observed during the reversible first wave with the biphasic aggregating agents epinephrine and ADP. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as indomethacin and aspirin blocked the second wave of aggregation with the biphasic aggregating agents epinephrine and ADP but a synergistic response continued to be shown with the first wave in the presence of these inhibitors. Release of [ 14 C]serotonin and the mobilization of [ 3 H]arachidonate by epinephrine and collagen were markedly stimulated in the presence of wheat germ agglutinin but there was no increase of either radiolabel in the case of ADP. Platelet shape change, but not aggregation, occurred with low levels of wheat germ agglutinin and the synergistic response with ADP, collagen or ionophore A23187 occurred without further shape change. Wheat germ agglutinin did not affect the basal or stimulated levels of cyclic AMP. The membrane fluidity of platelets was not affected by the lectin or by thrombin as shown by the lack of change in fluorescence polarization with diphenylhexatriene. It is suggested that the binding of wheat germ agglutinin to the platelet surface induces platelet activation by mechanisms similar to those of other agonists and that it may affect the distribution of membrane-bound Ca 2+ by a reversible perturbation of the platelet membrane.
Insulin release after acute hydrocortisone treatment in mice

This investigation examined a potential mechanism for the inhibition of insulin release following an acute dose of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HC). Hydrocortisone (300 mg/kg intraperitoneally) elevated plasma glucose levels (P less than or equal to 0.05) when administered to male Swiss-Webster mice, without altering plasma insulin levels. This results in a significantly lower insulinogenic index (P less than or equal to 0.05). Hydrocortisone suppressed the glucose-stimulated insulin levels (P less than or equal to 0.05) following an intravenous glucose challenge (2 g/kg) in both fed and fasted mice. Pretreatment with chlorisondamine (EC) and phentolamine (PT) did not alter the HC-induced hyperglycemia but did result in higher plasma insulin levels in response to the higher glucose levels. Adrenalectomy did not prevent the HC-depressed insulin response to hyperglycemia. This is consistent with the hypothesis that an acute dose of HC may be indirectly suppress insulin release by central activation of the sympathetic nerves at the pancreatic islets.
The 3' --> 5' exonuclease of T4 DNA polymerase removes premutagenic alkyl mispairs and contributes to futile cycling at O6-methylguanine lesions

We have studied the processing of O(6)-methylguanine (m6G)-containing oligonucleotides and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-treated DNA templates by the 3' --> 5' exonuclease of T4 DNA polymerase. In vitro biochemical analyses demonstrate that the exonuclease can remove bases opposite a defined m6G lesion. The efficiency of excision of a terminal m6G.T was similar to that of m6G.C, and both were excised as efficiently as a G.T substrate. Partitioning assays between the polymerase and exonuclease activities, performed in the presence of dNTPs, resulted in repeated incorporation and excision events opposite the m6G lesion. This idling produces dramatically less full-length product, relative to natural substrates, indicating that the 3' --> 5' exonuclease may contribute to DNA synthesis inhibition by alkylating agents. Genetic data obtained using an in vitro herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase assay support the inefficiency of the exonuclease as a "proofreading" activity for m6G, since virtually all mutations produced by the native enzyme using MNU-treated templates were G --> A transitions. Comparison of MNU dose-response curves for exonuclease-proficient and -deficient forms of T4 polymerase reveals that the exonuclease efficiently removes 50-86% of total premutagenic alkyl mispairs. We propose that idling of exonuclease-proficient polymerases at m6G lesions during repair DNA synthesis provides the biochemical explanation for cellular cytotoxicity of methylating agents.
Establishment of transgenic lines that report nervous system specific Notch activity based on nort gene regulatory sequence

Notch signaling is important in development of the vertebrate retina. During zebrafish retinal neurogenesis Notch activity is polarized as demonstrated by the Tg(−3.4 kb her4.3:dRFP)knu2 transgenic line (Del Bene, 2008). Destabilized fluorescent protein (FP) expression driven by the her4 regulatory sequence was elevated in retinal progenitors with apical nuclei. We are interested in determining if her4.3 FP expression is unique to this transgene or general to other Notch target genes. To investigate this phenomenon we generated additional Notch reporter lines using the previously characterized Tp1 promoter, which consists of 12 Notch responsive RBP-Jκ binding sites driving FP (Parsons, 2009). In addition, we established other Notch reporter transgenic lines based on regulatory sequence for the notch-regulated transcript (nort) gene. Expression of nort is augmented by Notch and enriched in neural progenitors, including those of the retina (Tsutsmi and Itoh, 2007). We generated a construct in which FP was expressed from 3.5 kb of genomic sequence directly upstream of nort. Expression of FP from the nort transgene overlapped with endogenous nort expression. Like endogenous nort, we found that FP from the −3.5 kb nort transgene was partially dependent on Notch activity, as demonstrated by morpholino knockdown of Notch receptors or RBP-Jκ. Similar to the her4.3:FP transgene, nort:FP and Tp1bglob:FP were elevated in a subset of retinal cells with apical nuclei. Interestingly, while each transgene showed overlapping expression, distinct temporal patterns were noted. We are currently assessing how each expression pattern relates to cell fate within the retina.
European integration and the legacy of the post‐world war II German expulsions in East‐Central Europe

Efforts towards the formal integration of Poland and the Czech Republic into the European Union have opened the Pandora's box of issues concerning the expulsion of Germans and the confiscation of their property after the Second World War. This paper explains why Sudeten German expellees have been at the forefront of the drive for compensation and property restitution and why Czech‐German relations have been significantly more strained after 1989. As Poland and the Czech Republic prepare to join the EU, the potential for controversy over the involvement of European‐wide institutions in lingering disputes concerning the expulsions as well as over Germans acquiring property in areas formerly part of Germany is also a focus of concern.
Reactivity of methanol on TiO2 nanoparticles supported on the Au(111) surface

Abstract The reactivity of methanol on TiO 2 nanoparticles supported on Au(1 1 1) was examined using temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy. Since quantitative analytical techniques have shown that the nanoparticles formed by oxidation of sputtered Ti metal on Au(1 1 1) have TiO 2 stoichiometry, the reactivity of these particles towards methanol was compared to the reactivity of TiO 2 (1 1 0), the most thermodynamically stable single crystal surface. The reactivity of the nanoparticles differed from that of the TiO 2 (1 1 0) stoichiometric surface. Specifically, the nanoparticles produced methane from methanol while the TiO 2 (1 1 0) stoichiometric surface did not. This difference is attributed to under-coordinated titanium cations present on facets of the nanoparticles, such as those found on {0 1 1}-facetted TiO 2 (0 0 1) planes, which lead to methane formation. The differences in reactivity towards methanol between the nanoparticles and the extended TiO 2 (1 1 0) stoichiometric surfaces suggest that the three-dimensional, local structure plays a very significant role in the reactivity of these nanoparticles towards methanol.
Clotting of fibrinogen with aqueous fibrin extract.

IN a previous communication1, a clotting factor was reported to occur in aqueous fibrin extract. Chemically, it appeared to be a steroid glucuronide. It was differentiated from thrombin by greater heat stability, inactivation by oxalate and (β-glucuronidase, by producing urea-insoluble fibrin clots in oxalated plasma without calcium chloride and reacting with C reactive protein antibody.
Multidimensional perceptions regarding actual and potential job-placement success of mentally retarded adults.

-2 investigations were conducted to determine the cognitive criteria used by professional counselors in evaluating actual and potential job-placement success. Ss in Study 1 were 10 instimtionalized male retardates being considered for job placement. Ss in Study I1 were 15 male retardates who were considered successful o n job placement. The judges made similarity estimations for pairs of stimulus-persons (paired comparison technique) where zero indicated no similarity and 100 indicated identity. These iudgrnents were analyzed by MESA, a recently proposed multidimensional scaling methodology. The results scaled actual and potential job placements on a number of meaningful . dimensions and suggested a method to objectively specify clinical-staff consensus.
Affinity labeling of succinyl-CoA synthetase from Escherichia coli by the 2',3'-dialdehyde derivative of adenosine 5'-diphosphate

The 2′,3′-dialdehyde of adenosine 5′-diphosphate, oADP, exhibited the properties of an affinity label with Escherichia coli succinyl-CoA synthetase. Inactivation of this synthetase by oADP followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and was competitively blocked by ADP. The stoichiometry of labeling of the synthetase was 1 mol/mol αβ or, extrapolated, 2 mol/mol inactive α2β2 molecule. oADP also exhibited the properties of a substrate, bringing about rapid dephosphorylation of the enzyme. Further specificity of oADP was demonstrated in partially inactivated succinyl-CoA synthetase by selective inhibition of the succinate succinyl-CoA exchange reaction, in comparison to the CoA succinyl-CoA exchange reaction. Modification of the synthetase by oADP resulted in cross-linking of the enzyme, casting uncertainty over the subunit binding site for ADP. Modification of the synthetase by ADP-2′-semialdehyde occurred at a faster rate than that by oADP but exhibited biphasic inhibitor concentration dependence and did not exhibit saturability.
Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph Observations of Interstellar Neutral Argon and the Implications for Partially Ionized Gas

We use the absorption features from the resonance transitions of neutral argon at 1048 and 1066 A to determine interstellar argon abundances or their lower limits toward nine early-type stars. These features were observed with the interstellar medium absorption profile spectrograph (IMAPS) along sight lines with low reddening and low fractional abundances of molecular hydrogen. Four of the sight lines in our sample have reliably measured interstellar Ar abundances, of which three also have good determinations of N(H I). We find that the interstellar Ar is below its solar and B-star abundance with respect to hydrogen toward ζ Pup, γ2 Vel, and β Cen A with (logarithmic) reduction factors D = -0.37 ± 0.09 dex, D = -0.18 ± 0.10 dex, and D = -0.61 ± 0.12 dex, respectively. While Ar can condense onto the surfaces of dust grains in the interiors of dense clouds, it is unlikely that argon atoms are depleted by this process in the low-density lines of sight considered in this study. Instead, we propose that the relatively large photoionization cross section of Ar makes it much easier to hide in its ionized form than H. In regions that are about half ionized, this effect can lower Ar I/H I by -0.11 to -0.96 dex, depending on the energy of the photoionizing radiation and its intensity divided by the local electron density. We apply this interpretation for the condition of the gas in front of β Cen A, which shows the largest deficiency of Ar. Also, we determine the expected magnitudes of the differential ionizations for He, N, O, Ne, and Ar in the partly ionized, warm gas in the local cloud around our solar system. For the local cloud and others that can be probed by UV studies, the observed Ar I-to-H I ratio may be a good discriminant between two possible alternatives, collisional ionization or photoionization, for explaining the existence of partly ionized regions.
An evaluation of coal preparation technologies for controlling trace element emissions

Abstract Recent studies suggest that low-cost coal preparation technologies can play an important role in reducing the emissions of air toxics at electric utilities. To evaluate this approach, a detailed study was conducted at Virginia Tech to quantify the capabilities of a variety of conventional and advanced precombustion cleaning processes for removing hazardous air pollutant precursors (HAPPs). Characterization data obtained from this study indicate that most HAPPs associate with mineral impurities commonly found in run-of-mine coals. Some elements (e.g., mercury) were found to associate with pyritic sulfur, while others (e.g., manganese) were more closely associated with ash-bearing minerals. Furthermore, pilot-scale tests conducted as part of this work demonstrated that conventional cleaning processes could achieve HAPPs rejections of 50–80%. The use of advanced processes further improved these rejections, particularly for HAPPs associated with pyrite. The data also showed that trace element rejections could be improved by pulverizing the feed coal to liberate mineral matter. However, mathematical simulations indicated that these apparent gains are often not realized in industrial operations due to the lower separation efficiencies of the finer coal cleaning circuits.
A new finite element fatigue modeling approach for life scatter in tensile steel specimens

Abstract This paper presents the results of a finite element model developed to investigate the effects of material microstructure topology on fatigue damage evolution in dog-bone tensile specimens. The Voronoi finite element model (VFEM) developed was used to study fatigue damage evolution in AISI 4142 steel under various loading conditions. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) coupled with an Instron fatigue testing machine was used to determine the strain and fatigue life of the dog-bone 4142 steel specimens at different mean stress levels. The damage variable was obtained using the method of variation of elasticity modulus. The experimental damage versus cycle curve was then used to determine the material properties (i.e. resistance stress σ R and exponent m ) needed for the VFEM fatigue damage model. The VFEM model was used to corroborate the analytical and experimental fatigue results. A comparison of the results obtained from the VFEM model and ESEM indicate that they are in good agreement.
Combination therapy with statin and fibrate in patients with dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: People with insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome (IR/MS) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are at or near target levels. Contributors to this problem are the high triglyceride (TG) levels and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) that are commonly present in this population, even with statin therapy. Areas covered: This review focuses on the use of a combination of statins with fibrates, which lower TG and raise HDLC concentrations and, therefore, have the potential to further lower rates of CVD more in people with IR/MS and/or T2DM. Treatment with this combination is uncommon because doctors and patients are fearful of muscle, liver and renal complications and because the evidence that the combination will actually reduce risk has been lacking. In this review, the authors examine the efficacy and safety of the statin–fibrate combination, particularly fenofibrat...
Intracranial aneurysms: endovascular treatment.

Abstract The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is estimated at 5 to 10 per 100,000 per year. In patients who survive the initial hemorrhage, the repeat hemorrhage rate is 15% to 20% in the first 2 weeks after presentation and is associated with devastating clinical outcomes even graver than the initial rupture. The current options for aneurysm treatment are surgical clipping and, since the mid-1990s, neuroendovascular coil embolization. The former was at one time the gold standard of care, but consistent with the trend in modern medicine toward less-invasive procedures, the latter has steadily gained prominence. Although there is still controversy as to its long-term durability and safety, it is now the preferred procedure. This article describes the procedure's antecedents, rationale, and essential components. Mt Sinai J Med 77:279-285, 2010. (c) 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Altimetry using gnss reflectrometry for L5

GNSS reflectrometry offers a low cost alternative for Earth remote sensing and is used to measure, for example, ocean altimetry, wind speed, wind direction and modeling of the ocean surface state. A bistatic configuration, using one right-handed circular polarized and one left-handed circular polarized antenna, was built for this experiment in order to measure direct and reflected L1 and L5 signals. The direct and reflected signals were compared and the path difference between them calculated, leading to altitude measurements with both L1 and L5 signals. Compared to publicly available signals on L1, the higher code rate of L5 will provide higher measurement sensitivity.
World-sheet supersymmetry.

For the classical nonlinear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model on a general target manifold $M$, the progressive imposition of world-sheet supersymmetry (with torsion) from (1,0) to (2,2) is systematically analyzed and generalized; at each step, implications both for $M$ and for the background gauge connection are stated. Quantum conformal invariance is then imposed. Our analysis applies to superstrings without known space-time supersymmetry.
Sphaerodoridae (Polychaeta: Errantia) from world-wide areas

(1974). Sphaerodoridae (Polychaeta: Errantia) from world-wide areas. Journal of Natural History: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 257-289.
Some universalities in the relaxation of glasses

Universal features of the dielectric relaxation of glasses are derived from new theories of transport in electronic and ionic conducting glasses. The fundamental concept common to both systems is the transition of relaxation processes from local (parallel) processes treatable in a ‘bare’ pair approximation at high frequencies through semi-local (predominantly parallel) processes treatable in a ‘renormalized’ pair approximation at intermediate frequencies to strongly non-local processes (with critical series characteristics) treatable using cluster statistics from percolation theory at low frequencies. The cross-over frequency, ω c , from predominantly local to strongly non-local relaxation is defined by the percolation of relevant pair processes, which defines as well the dc conductivity, σ dc , thus providing the basis for the Barton-Nakajima-Namikawa (B-N-N) relation, σ dc α ω c . The relationship, 1 − s α § −1 c , between the dc conductivity ln σ dc α § c , and the high frequency ac conductivity, σ ( ω )α ω s , is established to result from the proportionality of σ dc and ω c , i.e., the B-N-N relation. Frequency-dependent scaling is then shown to be equivalent to the B-N-N relation, making the well-known B-N-N relation and the role of the percolation of relevant pair processes the fundamental universalities in dielectric relaxation of glasses.
Interpersonal Congruence, Transactive Memory, and Feedback Processes: An Integrative Model of Group Learning

This article presents a multilevel model of group learning that focuses on antecedents and consequences of interpersonal congruence, transactive memory, and feedback processes. The model holds that members’ self-verification motives and situational conditions (e.g., member diversity and task demands) give rise to identity negotiation behaviors (i.e., self-disclosure and feedback sharing). The effects of identity negotiation on interpersonal congruence, the transactive memory system, and ongoing group processes are influenced by team process interventions such as team-level feedback and group facilitation. Situational changes may renew identity negotiation that, in turn, leads to changes in the transactive memory system. Directions for research and practice focus on the use of feedback to facilitate interpersonal congruence and transactive memory and increase goal achievement and continued group development.
Possible relation between the X-ray QPO phenomenon and general relativity

Many bright X-ray sources were recently found to undergo quasi-periodic oscillations1–4. None of the sources is an X-ray pulsar which indicates that the accreting neutron stars have no magnetos-pheres. Most neutron star models have radii smaller than 3 Schwar-zschild radii5, Between 69% and 86% of the accretion energy is liberated when matter falls from the marginally stable orbit with a radius rms = 3rSch onto the neutron star surface6. The accretion flow through rms is known to be complicated, and a steady-state flow may not be possible when the viscosity parameter α > αcr≈ 0.037,8. Here I suggest that the unsteady flow would make the boundary-layer luminosity variable, possibly giving rise to the X-ray quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) phenomenon.
Decay-accelerating factor is expressed in the human endometrium and may serve as the attachment ligand for Dr pili of Escherichia coli.

PROBLEM: We evaluated the hypothesis that different tissue substructures in uteri may express decay accelerating factor (DAF), a complement regulatory protein that also may serve as ligand for bacterial attachment. METHOD: Purified Dr pili, anti-Dr pili IgG, anti-DAF (SCR-3) IgG, and fluoresceinisothiocyanate-conjugated secondary IgG were used for binding and inhibition experiments. RESULT: We observed staining of endometrial glands, spiral arterioles, and myometrial arteries with Dr adhesin (pili) and anti-DAF (SCR-3) IgG, and found variation in distribution and amount of Dr ligands in different individuals. Anti-DAF (SCR-3) IgG blocked the binding of Dr pili to the endometrium. CONCLUSION: Presence of DAF in endometrium may protect tissues from complement-induced damage. Differences between individuals in DAF density in the endometrium may affect sensitivity to attachment of Dr-bearing E. coli and/or complement activation.
Simultaneous detection of atomic and molecular hydrogen using a tunable ArF excimer laser

We report preliminary experiments which demonstrate the simultaneous detection of both atomic and molecular hydrogen using a single tunable ArF laser. The tunable ArF laser was modified to lase simultaneously at two wavelengths by the addition of a second grating to the oscillator stage as in earlier work by Ketterle et al. for KrF operation. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of dual-wavelength capability with a tunable ArF excimer. The H atom diagnostic utilized tunable ArF excimer laser output at 193.29 nm which was Raman shifted in D2 (first Stokes) to generate 205.14 nm radiation which then excited the H atom to its (3s, 3d) states via a two-photon transition. Fluorescence was detected at 656 nm on the (3s, 3d) → 2p transition. The second wavelength from the tunable excimer was used to excite several rovibronic LIF transitions of hydrogen molecule via two-photon absorption on the E1Σg+ ⇐ X1Σg+ (2,0) band. Fluorescence occurs at 750 nm and 830 nm on the (E1Σg+ ⇒ B1Σg+) transitions.
Odds versus evens in Silverman-type games

A class of Silverman-like games is considered where the players need not choose numbers from the same set. The case where Player I chooses from the positive odd integers and Player II from the positive even integers is analyzed for all threshold and penalty values. Optimal strategies, involving only finitely many pure strategies, exist in all cases and are obtained explicitly. The game value is found in all cases. The game never favors the evens, almost always favors the odds, but in a curious sequence of special cases is fair.
Predictors of Influenza Vaccination in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, 2006 Through 2007

Background Influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite this recommendation, no study has been performed to determine factors associated with receipt of influenza vaccination among persons with CF. Methods We conducted a 2-year cohort study from 2006 through 2007 using the CF Foundation (CFF) Patient Registry to assess predictors of influenza vaccination with logistical regression modeling. Results In 2006, the cohort consisted of 16,435 persons with vaccination data seen at CFF care centers. Vaccination rates were high for children aged Conclusions Overall influenza vaccination rates are very high in the US CF population. Knowledge of influenza vaccination predictors among persons with CF may aid clinicians in targeting patients at greater risk for influenza infection. These data may have important implications for the evolving pandemic 2009 influenza A(H1N1).
Pressure Dependence of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Flow Actuators

Single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators were investigated for a range of static pressures from 0.17 to 9.0 bar. The actuatorminimum ionization voltage and static thrust weremeasured and similar data in the literature. The minimum ionization voltage decreased with decreasing pressure; however, at a given pressure, the ionization voltage scaled with the actuator capacitance per unit area. The static thrust was found to have a minimum at a pressure of approximately 2 bar. A narrow local maximum was found near 0.9 bar, below which the thrust decreased. A second broad local maximum occurred near 6 bar. The location of the two local maxima, respectively, moved to lower and higher pressures as the actuator voltage increased. At any pressure, thrust scaledwith voltage to a power. The power-law exponent increased linearly with increasing pressure from the lowest pressure tested to approximately 5 bar. Above 5 bar, the power-law exponent asymptotes to approximately 7.3, which was approximately twice that at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results were evaluated using a space–time lumped-element model for single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators. The overall trends were found to be best modeled through a pressure dependence of the minimum ionization voltage and the electron density.
Reactive hyperemia is not responsible for stimulating muscle protein synthesis following blood flow restriction exercise.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) to contracting skeletal muscle during low-intensity resistance exercise training increases muscle strength and size in humans. However, the mechanism(s) underlying thes...
Anaerobic functionalization of remote unactivated carbon-hydrogen bond by polyoxometalates

Abstract The excited states of a representative heteropolytungstate. α-PW12O403-, and a representative Isopotytungstate, W10O324-, accessible with near UV or blue light, oxidize alkanes and conventionally far more reactive organic molecules including alcohols, alkenes, N-alkylacetamides, and Ketones. at comparable rates. One or more of the latter three types of compounds are produced upon irradiation of acetonitrile solutions containing the polyoxotungstate and alkane substrate under anaerobic conditions. Comparison of alcohol versus alkane reactivities under absolute and competitive kinetic conditions indicates that alcohol- polyoxotungstate preassociation can be important in these processes. Reaction of cis- and trans-2-decalones in these systems indicates that functionalization of unactivated positions (primarily incorporation of the olefiaic unit) remote from the usually activating ketone group can be accomplished.
Contrasting thermal reactions of allylic sulfilimines and phosphinimines

Abstract Allylic sulfilimines and phosphinimines undergo spontaneous but contrasting rearrangements at low temperatures. Whereas a sulfilimine is converted to an isomeric sulfenamide by (2,3)-sigmatropic rearrangement, a structurally analogous phosphinimine undergoes an unusually facile double bond shift to form an isomeric vinylic structure.
Church attendance, meaningfulness of religion, and depressive symptomatology among adolescents

Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 451 adolescents at a public high school in Texas during the spring semester 1989. The instrument used contained the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and items to determine participants' gender, frequency of church attendance, and meaningfulness of one's religion. Based on social support research and the writings of Carl Jung and Viktor Frankl, it was predicted that those who attended church frequently and those who viewed their religions as providing meaning for their lives would have lower BDI scores than their classmates. The findings supported these predictions. Implications and a discussion of the results are included.
Direct-write embedded waveguides and integrated optics in bulk glass by femtosecond laser pulses

Embedded waveguides and integrated optical devices are fabricated from a computer-aided design file by scanning the focus spot in amorphous silica, using femtosecond laser pulses (800 nm, ,125 fs, at 1 kHz). The effect of laser processing conditions on the optical prop- erties of direct-written waveguides and an unusual laser-induced birefrin- gence in an optically isotropic glass are reported. Several integrated optical devices, including Y coupler, directional coupler, and Mach- Zehnder interferometer, are made to demonstrate the simplicity and flex- ibility of this technique in comparison to the conventional waveguide fab- rication processes. © 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Nematic-smectic A-reentrant nematic transitions in 80CB : 60CB mixtures

We have carried out an extensive high resolution x-ray scattering study of the nematic-smectic A (N-S A) and reentrant nematic-smectic A (RN-SA) phase transition behaviour in mixtures of octyloxycyanobiphenyl (8OCB and hexyloxycyanobiphenyl (60CB). The smectic A phase boundary is found to be parabolic in the temperature-concentration plane with a median temperature TM = 38.06 °C and a critical concentration y0 = 0.427; here y is the 60CB :80CB molecular ratio. Detailed studies of the smectic fluctuations in the nematic phase are reported for y = 0.33, 0.413, 0.420, 0.429, 0.440 and 0.443. The first three concentrations exhibit N-SA and RN-SA transitions, whereas in the latter three samples with decreasing temperature the smectic correlation lengths and susceptibility exhibit maxima at TM and then decrease with a further decrease in temperature. The data are analysed using an extension of the Pershan-Prost optimal density theory. All of the data are well-described by the phenomenological theory; the critical exponents so-obtained are v ∥ = 0.76 ± 0.03, v⊥ = 0.62 ± 0.05 and γ = 1.49 ± 0.07. These agree quantitatively with values obtained in single layer materials with comparable nematic ranges; thus the N-SA and RN-SA transitions are identical in character to conventional N-SA transitions provided that one includes the crossover effects inherent in the parabolic phase boundary. Studies of the in-plane fluid structure factor in the N, SA and RN phases show that the mean molecular spacings and positional correlations are closely similar to those in single layer materials; in each phase the structure factor is well described by a circularly-averaged Lorentzian with a correlation length of 6.9 A. These results argue strongly against pairing models for the reentrant behaviour. We conclude with a phenomenological discussion of the optimal density model which is so successful here and models based on competing order parameters which are required to describe the varied behaviour observed in other polar materials.
Influence of naloxone upon motor activity induced by psychomotor stimulant drugs

Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, attenuates a wide range of behavioral effects of d-amphetamine, such as the stimulation of motor activity. To investigate the pharmacological selectivity of the naloxone/amphetamine interaction, we assessed the effects of naloxone (5.0 mg/kg SC) upon motor activity induced in rats by a range of psychomotor stimulant drugs with a mechanism of action either similar to or different from that of d-amphetamine. Each of the drugs tested caused dose-dependent increases in both gross and fine activity. Naloxone attenuated the gross but not the fine activity response to d- and l-amphetamine, but had no influence upon the other catecholamine-releasing drugs, methamphetamine and phendimetrazine. In contrast, naloxone increased the gross but not the fine activity response to the catecholamine uptake inhibitors cocaine and mazindol, but had no effects upon the motor response to methylphenidate. The responses to other stimulant drugs (apomorphine, caffeine, scopolamine) were unaffected by naloxone pretreatment. The present findings extend the range of conditions under which naloxone and, by inference, endogenous opioid systems, modulate the behavioral response to psychomotor stimulants. However, the differential effects of naloxone upon the motor response to individual stimulant drugs support previous suggestions of fundamental differences in mechanisms of action among these compounds.
The hazards of incorporating charcoal filters into domestic water systems

Abstract Charcoal filters used in domestic and commercial applications for the removal of objectionable taste and odor support the growth of bacteria to alarmingly high counts. The charcoal beds concentrate both bacteria and organic nutrients that are present in water at low concentration. This results in marked growth of bacteria during the overnight period when the water is stagnant and in their subsequent release into the morning flow.
Persistence of human herpesvirus 6 according to site and variant: possible greater neurotropism of variant A

Little is known of the persistence and pathogenicity of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) after primary infection, including the role of strain variant. Over 2 to 5 years, 2,716 children and 149 families were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were examined for HHV-6 DNA and variant. Ninety-nine percent of isolates causing primary infection were HHV-6 variant B (HHV-6B), which predominated in 95%-98% of the variants persisting in PBMC and saliva specimens from children and adults. Of 668 CSF samples, 13% contained HHV-6 DNA; of 77 children examined after primary infection, 61% had HHV-6 DNA detected only in their CSF and 39% had HHV-6 DNA in both CSF and PBMCs. HHV-6 variant A (HHV-6A) was detected significantly (P = .0001) more frequently in CSF than in PBMCs or saliva. In children for whom HHV-6 was identified in both CSF and PBMCs, PBMCs contained only HHV-6B, while CSF contained HHV-6A or HHV-6B, not both. Thus, in patients with dual infection, only HHV-6A persisted in CSF, which suggests that HHV-6A has greater neurotropism. Findings for adults indicate that dual infection occurs; variant persistence is similar to that for children. The frequency of HHV-6A infection increased little with age, thereby indicating that HHV-6A infection remains uncommon into adulthood. This study suggests that HHV-6 variants have different immunobiologic courses and neurotropism.
Improved discrete-time, disturbance-accommodating control performance using discrete/continuous control theory. part I. Complete disturbance-cancellation (rejection)

The effective accommodation of immeasurable, persistently-acting, external disturbance-inputs is an important consideration in the design of virtually all control systems. Design methodologies for a broad variety of traditional, zoh-type, multivariable, discrete-time "disturbance-accommodating" (disturbance-rejecting, etc.) controllers have been available in the control literature since 1982. In this part I of a multipart paper, similar multivariable "disturbance-accommodating" controller design methodologies are developed for a new and more-general type of discrete-time controller called a discrete/continuous (D/C) controller. The unique dynamic characteristics of a D/C-type control-input make it possible to design "smart," multivariable, discrete-time controllers that, compared to conventional zoh-type discrete-time controllers, can achieve significant performance improvements in set-point ("pointing") and servo-tracking problems, as well as in cancellation ("rejection"), and other modes of disturbance-accommodation. The paper focuses on the design of D/C discrete-time controllers to achieve complete disturbance-cancellation (complete "rejection" of disturbances).
Poder y beneficio: urbanización y cambio en la historia

Hace algunos meses esta revista publico una interesante discusion sobre historia urbana basada en mi reciente obra, Madrid y la economia espanola, 1560–1850. En su articulo, el profesor Santos Madrazo, al tiempo que formulaba una serie de preguntas acerca de mi utilizacion de las fuentes, aludia tambien a problemas mas interesantes relativos al lugar de la historia urbana en la estructura y en el proceso de cambio historico. En concreto, Madrazo menciona tres cuestiones interrelacionadas: a) la utilidad de los supuestos «smitheanos»; b) la premisa de que las ciudades producen unos fenomenos sociales y culturales unicos o nuevos, y c) el problema de la dependencia de interpretaciones ecologicas. Estos tres temas son los mas interesantes e importantes, ya que tratan del lugar de las fuerzas motrices en la historia y, por lo tanto, mi respuesta a la critica de detalles efectuada por Madrazo la he dejado para el apendice.
Development and validation of a novel earthquake damage estimation scheme based on the continuous wavelet transform of input and output acceleration measurements

Summary This paper presents the development and validation of several novel data-driven damage sensitive features. The proposed features are based on the Continuous Wavelet Transform of both the input acceleration signal to the structure and the output acceleration response. The combination of the input and output wavelet coefficients and the derivation of the features is presented. The features are applied to experimental data obtained from shake table tests on reinforced concrete bridge columns. The results are compared against typically used damage metrics, such as hysteretic energy, and exhibit high correlation with damage. The performance of the features in binary damage detection is evaluated using numerical simulations of reinforced concrete columns under earthquake loading. A damage classification scheme based on the developed features and established damage indices is proposed and validated through Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed features are applied to experimental and simulated data from a multistory frame, illustrating the features' capabilities for damage localization in civil structures. Due to its data-driven nature and use of strong motion recordings, the proposed damage detection scheme can be tailored to a wide variety of applications and deliver damage information immediately after an earthquake. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stability of cylindrin β-barrel amyloid oligomer models—A molecular dynamics study

Small-soluble amyloid oligomers are believed to play a significant role in the pathology of amyloid diseases. Recently, the atomic structure of a toxic oligomer formed by an 11 residue and its tandem repeat was found to have an out-off register antiparallel β-strands in the shape of a β-barrel. In the present article we investigate the effect of mutations in the hydrophobic cores on the structure and dynamic of the β-barrels using all atom multiple molecular dynamics simulations with an explicit solvent. Extending previous experiments with molecular dynamics simulations we systematically test how stability and formation of cylindrin depends on the interplay between hydrophobicity and steric effects of the core residues. We find that strong hydrophobic interactions between geometrically fitting residues keep the strands (both in register and out-off-register interface) in close proximity, which in turn stabilizes the side-chain and main-chain hydrogen bonds, and the salt bridges on the outer surface along the weak out-of-register interface. Our simulations also indicate presence of water molecules in the hydrophobic interior of the cylindrin β-barrel.Proteins 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
dWFS: Distributedwave Field Synthesis

In this paper we consider the problem of using a network of sensor and actuator nodes, to synthesize a given desired wave field in a given medium - we refer to this problem as the distributed Wave Field Synthesis problem (dubbed dWFS). We formulate this problem as one of minimization of a quadratic function, subject to linear (and very sparse) constraints. This formulation results from a finite-element approximation of the underlying wave equation, which constrains the values that a field and the source that induces that field can take. We present a complete solution for a 1D vibration, although our solution method can be readily extended to any number of dimensions. Numerical simulations are included.