cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Zirconium Photosensitizer with a Long-Lived Excited State: Mechanistic Insight into Photoinduced Single-Electron Transfer.

Time-resolved emission spectroscopy for the luminescent zirconium complex Zr(MePDP)2 (MePDP = 2,6-bis(5-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) revealed a long-lived excited state with a lifetime τ = 325 ± 10 μs. Computational studies using time-dependent density functional theory were conducted to identify the nature of the luminescent excited state as a mixed triplet intraligand/ligand-to-metal charge-transfer state. Stern–Volmer experiments showed a strong dependence of the quenching rate on the redox potential of the quencher indicating photoinduced single-electron transfer (SET) as the quenching pathway. Mechanistic investigations of the photocatalytic homocoupling of benzyl bromide allowed the detection of organic radical intermediates during turnover and provided further evidence for SET mediated by Zr(MePDP)2. Isolation of the one-electron-reduced form of the photosensitizer, [Zr(MePDP)2]−, enabled studies of its electronic structure by a combination of experimental and computational techniques a...
Historical development of obstetrical anesthesia

Pain is a primary component of normal childbirth as evidenced by the behavior of parturients in primitive societies. Methods of pain relief such as the use of herbs and plant extracts were described in ancient writings. Modern obstetric analgesia employing ether began in 1847, three months after the first successful surgical anesthetic. Administration of chloroform and nitrous oxide followed. Twilight sleep, a combination of morphine and scopolamine, became popular in the beginning of the twentieth century as did regional analgesia, first single injection and later continuous blockade via catheter. Simultaneously, psychologic methods were propagated, but were not uniformly successful. Continuous lumbar extradural analgesia has evolved as the optimal method of bsotetric pain relief, both subjectively and objectively, and its combination with childbirth education is considered to be complementary. The increasing utilization of obstetric analgesia and the recognition of marked physiologic and pharmacologic differences between pregnant and nonpregnant patients has led to the development of the subspecialty of obstetric anesthesia as well as to the foundation of obstetric anesthesia societies.
Human Health and Ecological Effects of Carbon Dioxide Exposure

This chapter focuses on the CO 2 storage in the context of the global carbon cycle, reviews information on human health effects and ecosystem impacts from exposure to high concentrations of CO 2 , and reviews industrial uses of CO 2 and describes the regulations put in place to protect workers and the public. Carbon dioxide is ubiquitous in the natural world. It undergoes an endless cycle of exchange among the atmosphere, living systems, soil, rocks, and water. Volcanic outgassing, the respiration of living things from humans to microbes, mineral weathering, and the combustion or decomposition of organic materials all release CO 2 into the atmosphere. Atmospheric CO 2 is then cycled back into plants, the oceans, and minerals through photosynthesis, dissolution, precipitation, and other chemical processes. Biotic and abiotic processes of the carbon cycle on land, in the atmosphere, and in the sea are connected through the atmospheric reservoir of CO 2 .
Light-evoked activity and BDNF regulate mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial localized translation

Mitochondria coordinate diverse functions within neurites, including signaling events for axonal maintenance, and degeneration. However, less is known about the role of mitochondria in axon development and maturation. Here we find that in maturing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vivo, axonal mitochondria increase in size, number, and total area throughout development. We demonstrate through multiple approaches in vivo that the mechanism underlying these mitochondrial changes are dependent on eye opening and associated neuronal activity, which can be mimicked by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We report downstream gene and protein expression changes consistent with mitochondrial biogenesis and energetics pathways, and present evidence that the associated transcripts are localized and translated at mitochondria within axons in an activity-dependent manner. Together these data support a novel model for mitochondrial-localized translation in support of intra-axonal mitochondrial dynamics and axonal maturation.
Marijuana use and outcomes in adult and pediatric trauma patients after legalization in California.

Abstract Background Marijuana has become legal in eight states since 2012. We hypothesized the incidence of marijuana-positive trauma patients and rate of mortality has increased post-legalization. Methods A single level-I trauma center was used to identify patients screening positive for marijuana on urine-toxicology. Patients in the pre-legalization and post-legalization periods were compared. Results In the pre-legalization cohort 9.4% were marijuana-positive versus 11.0% in the post-legalization cohort (p = 0.001). Marijuana-positive patients post-legalization had higher rates of critical trauma activation (20.0% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.01) and mortality (2.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.03). In the pediatric (age 12–17) subgroup, the incidence of marijuana-positive patients did not change after legalization (pre: 39.3%, post: 46.4%, p = 0.24). Conclusion The incidence of marijuana-positive trauma patients increased post-legalization. Adult marijuana-positive trauma patients post-legalization were more likely to meet criteria for critical trauma activation and have a higher mortality rate. A subgroup of pediatric patients had an alarmingly high rate of marijuana use. Summary The rate of marijuana use among trauma patients increased post-legalization in California. The rate of critical trauma activation also increased as well as the mortality rate.
Biological and therapeutic advances in the pursuit of effective immunotherapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose of reviewThe successful development of effective cancer immunotherapy, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, has changed the treatment paradigm of many tumor types. In light of the limited efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated in recent clinical trials in refractory prostate c
Desirability of others' dark characteristics: The role of perceivers’ dark personality

Abstract Previous research suggests people higher in dark-personality constructs may perceive others’ dark characteristics as less undesirable (“darkness tolerance”). To advance understanding, we examined darkness tolerance in the context of various dark-personality constructs and addressed different explanations for its occurrence. Participants (N = 567) indicated the desirability of dark characteristics in others under conditions where dark characteristics would be either highly or less undesirable; also, participants self-reported possession of these characteristics and completed measures of dark-personality constructs (narcissism constructs, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy). Dark-personality constructs related to enhanced desirability ratings for dark characteristics in ways that generally matched how the constructs related to enhanced self-ratings on the same characteristics; also, dark characteristics were rated less favorably under highly-undesirable vs. less-undesirable conditions, and this effect was not modified by any dark-personality construct. In sum, darkness tolerance occurs across dark-personality constructs; it may result from similarity-liking mechanisms but not from insensitivity to contextual features that make dark characteristics particularly undesirable.
Syndromic Hypoparathyroidism Due to DiGeorge Syndrome

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder most commonly caused by anterior neck surgery. The next most common cause is thought to be autoimmune disorders. After this, less common causes include iron or copper overload, tumor infiltration of the parathyroid glands, or radiation treatment. Rare patients have inherited or genetic forms of hypoparathyroidism, either presenting as isolated hypoparathyroidism or with syndromic features.
Controlling the false discovery rate in GWAS with population structure

Abstract This paper proposes a novel statistical method to address population structure in genome-wide association studies while controlling the false discovery rate, which overcomes some limitations of existing approaches. Our solution accounts for linkage disequilibrium and diverse ancestries by combining conditional testing via knockoffs with hidden Markov models from state-of-the-art phasing methods. Furthermore, we account for familial relatedness by describing the joint distribution of haplotypes sharing long identical-by-descent segments with a generalized hidden Markov model. Extensive simulations affirm the validity of this method, while applications to UK Biobank phenotypes yield many more discoveries compared to BOLT-LMM, most of which are confirmed by the Japan Biobank and FinnGen data.
The Traveling Salesman Problem with Job-times (TSPJ)

Abstract This paper explores a problem related to both the Traveling Salesman Problem and Scheduling Problem where a traveler moves through n locations (nodes), visits all locations and each location exactly once to assign and initiate one of n jobs, and then returns to the first location. After initiation of a job, the traveler moves to the next location immediately and the job continues autonomously. This is representative of many practical scenarios including autonomous robotics, equipment maintenance, highly automated manufacturing, agricultural harvesting, and disaster recovery. The goal is to minimize the time of completion of the last job, i.e. makespan. Although the makespan objective typically is used in scheduling problems, the transportation times can be significant relative to the processing time, and this changes the optimization considerations. We refer to this problem as the Traveling Salesman Problem with Job-times (TSPJ) and present a mathematical formulation and local search improvement heuristics for it. Computational experience in solving the TSPJ using both commercial solvers and heuristics is reported.
US Physicians' Perspective on the Sudden Shift to Telehealth: Survey Study.

Background: Given the sudden shift to telemedicine during the early COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a survey of practicing physicians’ experience with telehealth during the prepandemic and early pandemic periods. Our survey estimates that most patient visits in the United States during the early COVID-19 pandemic period were conducted via telehealth. Given this magnitude and the potential benefits and challenges of telehealth for the US health care system, in this paper, we obtain, summarize, and analyze telehealth views and experiences of US-based practicing-physicians. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the extent of shift toward telehealth training and care provision during the early pandemic from the US-based practicing physicians’ perspective. We also sought to determine the short- and long-term implications of this shift on the quality, access, and mode of US health care delivery. Methods: We conducted a purposive, snowball-sampled survey of US practicing-physicians. A total of 148 physician completed the survey. Data were collected from July 17, 2020, through September 4, 2020. Results: Sample training intensity scaled 21-fold during the early pandemic period, and patient-care visits conducted via telehealth increased, on average, from 13.1% directly before the pandemic to 59.7% during the early pandemic period. Surveyed physician respondents reported that telehealth patient visits and face-to-face patient visits are comparable in quality. The difference was not statistically significant based on a nonparametric sign test (P=.11). Moreover, physicians feel that telehealth care should continue to play a larger role (44.9% of total visits) in postpandemic health care in the United States. Our survey findings suggest a high market concentration in telehealth software, which is a market structural characteristic that may have implications on the cost and access of telehealth. The results varied markedly by physician employer type. Conclusions: During the shift toward telehealth, there has been a considerable discovery among physicians regarding US telehealth physicians. Physicians are now better prepared to undertake telehealth care from a training perspective. They are favorable toward a permanently expanded telehealth role, with potential for enhanced health care access, and the realization of enhanced access may depend on market structural characteristics of telehealth software platforms.
Effect of backwatering a streamgage weir on the passage performance of adult American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)

Streamgage designs often include a full-width artificial hydraulic control (e.g., concrete weir) to aid in the computation of streamflow. While important to water resource managers, these weirs als...
Racialized retellings: (Un)ma(r)king space and place on college campuses

In higher education, the place of the college campus, as a site of experiences, histories, symbols, and encounters, has important implications for student outcomes. However, the place of campus is ...
PSYCHOLOGIC AND NEUROLOGIC STATUS OF DIET-TREATED PHENYLKETONURIC CHILDREN AND THEIR SIBLINGS

The neurologic status and intelligence of 8 phenylketonuric children treated with a phenylalanine-low diet were compared with that of 11 unaffected children and 3 untreated siblings. The mean intelligence of the treated children was significantly higher than that of their untreated siblings. This was true both for the two children given a special diet at 2 years of age and for those treated earlier, but the children treated before 6 months of age were significantly more intelligent than those treated at 2 years. The one child for whom treatment was begun at 1 year had an intelligence level within the range of the five who were treated earlier. Although intelligence was significantly higher in treated than in untreated children, and this was especially marked in the children treated early, all treated children were significantly less intelligent than their unaffected siblings. The loss in intelligence probably cannot be ascribed to poor chemical control, as treated children maintained phenylalanine levels within the normal range throughout treatment, with occasional brief exceptions. Neurologic findings paralleled the results of intelligence testing. There were no suggestive or positive findings among the unaffected children. Children treated early had some relatively minor findings, while children treated late and those who were untreated had a higher percentage and more marked signs of neurologic defect. Results of the present study considered together with results from other investigations, indicate that intelligence level, in phenylketonuric children, is a decelerating function of age. If this is true, the brain may be especially susceptible to damage in the first few weeks and months of life, and treatment should be instituted as early as possible.
Abstract Modular Systems and Solvers

Integrating diverse formalisms into modular knowledge representation systems offers increased expressivity, modeling convenience and computational benefits. We introduce concepts of abstract modules and abstract modular systems to study general principles behind the design and analysis of model-finding programs, or solvers, for integrated heterogeneous multi-logic systems. We show how abstract modules and abstract modular systems give rise to transition systems, which are a natural and convenient representation of solvers pioneered by the SAT community. We illustrate our approach by showing how it applies to answer set programming and propositional logic, and to multi-logic systems based on these two formalisms.
Multi-channel signal processing for data communications in the presence of crosstalk

The authors consider transmission of data over multiple coupled channels, such as bundles of twisted-pair cables in the local subscriber loop, and between central offices in the public switched telephone network. Transceiver designs for such channels typically treat the crosstalk between adjacent cables as random noise uncorrelated with the transmitted signal. A transmitter/receiver pair is proposed which compensated for crosstalk by treating an entire bundle of cables as a single multi-input/multioutput channel with a (slowly varying) matrix transfer function. One attribute of the proposed transceiver is the use of a multichannel adaptive FIR (finite-impulse response) filter to cancel near-end crosstalk. Results of numerical simulations, including plots of mean squared error vs. time, and eye diagrams, are presented assuming a standard transmission line mode for the channel. These results indicate that data rates over coupled channels can be significantly increased by exploiting the multidimensional character of the channel. >
Phase II trial of menogaril as initial chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Eighteen women with metastatic breast cancer previously untreated with chemotherapy were entered on a phase II trial of intravenous menogaril, a new anthracycline derivative. Treatment was given at 140 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 28 day cycle. The most common toxicities were leukopenia in all patients and burning and phlebitis at infusion sites in 72%. Serial assessment of cardiac function by resting and stress gated blood pool scans showed temporary decrements in ejection fraction in only 2 patients (11%). The response rate to the therapy was 19% [95% CI 0–38%] including 1 complete and 2 partial responses. The median time to relapse among responders was 6.5 months. Mean survival in all patients entered was 15.8 months from date of entry. Menogaril at this dose and schedule has modest activity as first line therapy for metastatic breast cancer but also has significant marrow and local toxicity.
Predicting temozolomide resistance with MGMT RNA expression in metastatic melanoma

A2 Introduction: Temozolomide (TMZ) is an effective agent in the treatment of metastatic melanoma whose in-vivo anti-tumor activity correlates directly with O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) activity. In this study, we examined whether MGMT RNA expression could serve as a surrogate marker for MGMT activity. The use of a PCR-based assay could facilitate clinical trials involving TMZ, particularly when only small tumor samples are available.Methods: The in-vitro sensitivities of 40 melanoma cell lines to TMZ was determined using a high-throughput, cytotoxic assay (Promega CellTiter Blue assay). Resistance to TMZ was defined as ≥55% sensitivity index across 0-3mM. MGMT RNA expression and activity were measured using quantitative PCR and HLPC, respectively. High MGMT RNA level was defined as ≥0.15 relative to MGMT expression in HT29 cell line. High MGMT activity was defined as ≥150 fmol/mg. Correlation analyses were performed where Pearson9s correlation coefficients were determined for MGMT expression and activity against TMZ sensitivities. Qualitative analyses were also performed using the criteria outlined above. Mismatch repair status of the cell lines were determined by testing for microsatellite instability using PCR and ABI Genescan 3100 analyzer (Applied Biosystem) with five mononucleotide markers (BAT-25, BAT-26, NR-21, NR-22, and NR-25).Results: There was a strong correlation between MGMT RNA expression and MGMT activity (correlation coefficient 0.84, p-value
A New System C-Based Foundation for the CE Curriculum

A typical graduate of computer engineering (CE) program pursues a career in the computer industry or with a company that integrates computers into complex products. The Bachelor’s degree curriculum in CE needs to focus in the future on system aspects and the integration of the hardware with software. The current curriculum introduces the hardware concepts with courses on processors, computer architecture, VLSI, electronics, and design automation [1]. Similarly, software concepts are addressed with courses on data structures and algorithms, operating systems, and software engineering. Though these courses met the earlier needs of the industry, we need to re-orient the courses based on the current and future industry requirements and job opportunities that are cross-disciplinary: A current embedded system warrants a seamless integration of software and hardware into a system that meets ever expanding functional and quality metrics. Under this notion, a system is more than the sum of its parts, that is, software and hardware. This requires a holistic approach and a constant dialog between software and hardware practitioners.
Shell weights from intermediate depths in the Caribbean Sea

[1] Whole foraminifera shell weights for G. sacculifer and N. dutertrei in Caribbean Sea cores covering a depth range of 680 to 3620 m show a decrease in weight of 3.6 ± 0.4 μg between glacial time and the Holocene. This difference likely reflects a thickening of foraminifera shells as a result of the higher carbonate ion concentration of glacial surface water. The fact that the shells from the core at 680 m depth are considerably lighter than those from the core at 1030 m depth suggests either that there is an up-water column increase in the offset between the pore water and the bottom water carbonate ion concentration or that factors other than surface water carbonate ion concentration influence the initial shell weight. Of particular interest is a strong preservation event corresponding to the deglacial interval at 680 m depth (the present-day core of the intermediate water mass).
Groundwater Dating with H–He

During 1951, it was demonstrated that significant energy is released during hydrogen fusion to provide the basis for developing thermonuclear superbombs. Atmospheric testing (detonation) of these weapons during the next decade resulted in a dramatic increase in atmospheric 3H concentration, until implementation of a Soviet–American atmospheric test ban treaty in 1963 (Fig. 2). Atmospheric thermonuclear weapons testing released vast quantities of high-energy neutrons that interacted with 14N and led to the production of 3H (Eq. 1). The incredible amount of 3H produced in the atmosphere resulted in a distinct precipitation input signal of anthropogenic 3H (Fig. 3), and a notable peak in 1963. The mid-1960s 3H peak has been widely used as a direct time marker to determine groundwater ages. However, because of the relatively short half-life of 3H, this peak has become difficult to differentiate in many systems. This is particularly true in the Southern Hemisphere where the anthropogenic 3H in precipitation was notably lower than in the Northern Hemisphere. However, measurement of both parent 3H and increases in its decay product, 3He, can dramatically increase the sensitivity of the method. Keywords: tritium-helium; groundwater dating; recharge; hydrogeology
Evaluation of a postdischarge coronary artery disease management program

AbstractObjectives:We conducted a demonstration project to assess the value of a nurse practitioner (NP) based coronary artery disease management (CAD-DM) program for patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods:Patients were recruited to attend three
Emphysema induced by intravenously administered endotoxin in an alpha1-antitrypsin-deficient rat model

The effect of repeated intravenous injections of Escherichia coli endotoxin on lung structure and lung parenchymal elastin proportions was studied in rats rendered deficient in alpha, antitrypsin by administration of galactosamine. Within 24 h after endotoxin administration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte sequestration was demonstrable by microscopy and differential cell counts of pulmonary lavage fluid. Measurement of the proportions of elastin in lung parenchyma at 24 h revealed values in the normal range; 10 wk after repeated galactosamine and endotoxin administration, there was a reduction in the proportions of lung parenchymal elastin. At 10 wk, these animals showed a significant increase in the mean linear intercept and pulmonary compliance. Animals treated with endotoxin alone developed some but not all of the changes seen in the animals deficient in alpha1-antitrypsin.
Inhibition of Drug Metabolism: IV. Induction of Drug Metabolism by 2-Diethylaminoethyl 2,2-Diphenylvalerate HCl(SKF 525-A) and 2,4-Dichloro-6-phenylphenoxyethyldiethylamine HBr (Lilly 18947) and the Effect of Induction on the Inhibitory Properties of SKF 525-A Type Compounds

The chronic administration (5 days) of SKF 525-A and Lilly 18947 to rats induced increased microsomal enzyme activity as measured by the N-dealkylation of these compounds themselves as well as that of ethylmorphine. In rats whose rates of hexobarbital metabolism had been increased as a result of the repeated administration of SKF 525-A, hexobarbital metabolism was still inhibited when a final dose of SKF 525-A was given. Similarly, in phenobarbital treated rats, SKF 525-A, its product of N-dealkylation, 2-ethylaminoethyl 2,2-diphenylvalerate HCl (SKF 8742-A), and its primary amine analog, 2-aminoethyl 2,2-diphenylvalerate HBr (AEDV), were all effective inhibitors of the enhanced rate of hexobarbital metabolism. These results are explained on the basis that the inductive process involves the synthesis of new enzymic protein that is as readily inhibited by SKF 525-A type compounds as that which was present before induction. Even though the rate of metabolism of SKF 525-A is increased as a result of induction it continues to exert its effects through its products of N-dealkylation, which are also excellent inhibitors.
Gustave Malécot, 1911-1998. Population genetics founding father.

IN November 1998 we lost one of the most important scientists of this century, Gustave Malecot. He was, in the best sense of the words, a great man. His contributions to science and mathematics began 60 years ago and continued until his death. His contributions to mathematical population genetics
Effect of secretin on parathyroid hormone and calcitonin secretion.

The effect of secretin on secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) was evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo techniques. In in vitro studies with bovine parathyroid tissue, Secretin-Boots caused significant dose-related increases in PTH secretion. In in vitro studies with rat thyroparathyroid tissue, Secretin-Boots caused significant increases in both PTH and CT secretion. Infusion of Secretin-Boots or of synthetic secretin in biologically equivalent doses into rats caused similar increases in secretion of PTH and of CT. Infusion of multiple doses of synthetic secretin revealed a dose-related stimulation of both PTH and CT secretion. Infusion of Secretin-Boots into normal human subjects caused prompt and progressive significant increases in secretion of both PTH and CT, with return to baseline values within 90 min after termination of the infusion. These data suggest that secretin can stimulate hormonal secretion by parathyroid and thyroid C cells and that secretin may play a modulating...
TEL GENE REARRANGEMENTS IN MYELOID MALIGNANCY

The molecular pathogenesis of human myeloid malignancy is being elucidated as the genetic abnormalities that are consistently associated with it are identified. Whereas the lymphoid leukemias are typified by overexpression of structurally normal genes as a result of juxtaposition with highly recombinogenic enhancer elements such as the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus, the myeloid leukemias are more commonly associated with the formation of chimeric proteins as a consequence of chromosomal translocation. It is becoming clear that although there is an expanding list of different chromosomal translocations associated with particular leukemias, a limited number of genes (or pathways) are targeted by these translocations. For example, the t(8;21), t(3;21), and inv(16) translocations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) all disrupt components of the transcription factor complex core binding. 6,21,23,24,26,27 Similarly, while there are over 30 different chromosomal translocations involving chromosome band 11q23, the vast majority of these disrupt a single intron within the MLL gene, suggesting that dysregulation of MLL function is common to all of these rearrangements. 48 A more recently described "promiscuous" gene in both myeloid and lymphoid malignancy is the TEL gene (also known as ETV6 ). As discussed subsequently, the TEL gene is unusual because there may be more than one mechanism by which its rearrangement through chromosomal translocation is leukemogenic.
Superior colliculus cell types and models of saccade generation

Recent experiments on the cat and monkey have revealed several different cell types within the superior colliculus, including fixation, burst, and build up cells. During primate saccades, activity remains fixed at one location in burst cells, but spreads across the colliculus in build up cells. New models based on the activity of these cell types suggest their functional roles in saccade generation.
Vitamin G from Different Sources and Coccidian Infection.

The writers1, 2 have previously shown that a diet deficient in vitamin G has a pronounced limiting effect on the numbers of oocysts discharged by rats infected with the coccidium Eimeria miyairii. The present work was undertaken to ascertain the effect of vitamin G from sources other than yeast.Experiment I. Thirteen rats were kept for 14 days on a balanced growing ration (Steenbock's) containing corn meal, linseed oil meal, casein, alfalfa, skim milk and salt. Subsequent to infection with 1500 oocysts of E. miyairii daily for 5 days this lot eliminated oocysts as follows, in terms of ten millions: 23, 28, 20, 19, 23, 13, 16, 27, 30, 17, 29, 14, 36; mean, 22.69. Thirteen rats were given the basal ration2 made up to 10% with powdered yeast. These eliminated ten millions of oocysts as follows: 14, 24, 32, 18, 14, 12, 22, 34, 31, 23, 32, 17, 18; mean, 22.385. The coccidium-growth promoting factor in yeast is hereby shown to be present likewise in other materials, for the analysis of variance test3 showed the...
Validation and estimation of parameters for a general probabilistic model of the PCR process.

Earlier work rigorously derived a general probabilistic model for the PCR process that includes as a special case the Velikanov-Kapral model where all nucleotide reaction rates are the same. In this model, the probability of binding of deoxy-nucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) molecules with template strands is derived from the microscopic chemical kinetics. A recursive solution for the probability function of binding of dNTPs is developed for a single cycle and is used to calculate expected yield for a multicycle PCR. The model is able to reproduce important features of the PCR amplification process quantitatively.With a set of favorable reaction conditions, the amplification of the target sequence is fast enough to rapidly outnumber all side products. Furthermore, the final yield of the target sequence in a multicycle PCR run always approaches an asymptotic limit that is less than one. The amplification process itself is highly sensitive to initial concentrations and the reaction rates of addition to the tem...
Climate governance, justice, and transnational civil society

Justice dilemmas associated with climate change and the regulatory responses to it pose challenges for global governance, arguably hampering progress and raising concerns over efficacy and relevanc...
Precision atomic mass spectrometry with applications to fundamental constants, neutrino physics, and physical chemistry

We present a summary of precision atomic mass measurements of stable isotopes carried out at Florida State University. These include the alkalis 6Li, 23Na, 39,41K, 85,87Rb, 133Cs; the rare gas isotopes 84,86Kr and 129,130,132,136Xe; 17,18O, 19F, 28Si, 31P, 32S; and various isotope pairs of importance to neutrino physics, namely 74,76Se/74,76Ge, 130Xe/130Te, and 115In/115Sn. We also summarize our Penning trap measurements of the dipole moments of PH + and HCO + .
Successful Transcatheter Closure With the Buttoned Device of Aortopulmonary Window in an Adult

This case report describes a technique to close an intermediate aortopulmonary window with the use of the buttoned device in an adult.
Rapidly Progressive Lung Cysts and Pleural Effusion: A Case Report

Angiosarcoma is a rare but highly malignant tumor arising from vascular endothelial cells. Angiosarcoma commonly arises from the heart, liver, breast, and skin including the scalp. Angiosarcoma metastasizing to the lungs can present as either pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusions. They can rarely present as rapidly enlarging thin-walled pulmonary cysts. A review of the literature is included.
Desilylative condensation reactions of electronegatively substituted 1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropanes1

Abstract The 1-trimethylsilyl derivatives of methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate, cyanocyclopropane, and acetylcyclopropane are readily converted into tetra-alkylammonium salts of the corresponding anions by desilylation. These reactions occur at 0 °C in tetrahydrofuran solution and constitute a preparatively useful method for generating the anions of cyclopropanes containing a conjugative electron-withdrawing group. Benzyltrimethylammonium fluoride has emerged as the promoter of choice in effecting aldol condensations of these reactive intermediates. Extension of this chemistry to more highly delocalized anions such as those derived from 42 and 44 is also detailed.
Sports-related pads.

Knuckle pads, first described by Garrod in 1893, 1 are benign, asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, smooth, firm, skin colored papules, nodules, or plaques. They most commonly occur on the dorsal aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger,2 but also may occur on the dorsal aspects of the foot over joints. 3-5 Knuckle pads may be inherited or acquired. 1 While some authors suggest that trauma is not a significant factor,6 acquired knuckle pads have been associated with repetitive friction and trauma, 2,7 and may resemble athlete's nodules (also referred to as collagenomas). 1 Histologically, knuckle pads are characterized by hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, proliferation of fibroblasts and capillaries, and thickened and irregular collagen bundles. 1 Few cases of knuckle pads involving the lower extremities have been reported. 7 Knuckle pads of the feet have been described in association with inherited syndromes, such as acrokeratoelastoidosis Costa, 3 a syndrome of knuckle pads, leukonychia and deafness, 4 and a syndrome of knuckle pads, leukonychia, deafness and keratosis palmoplantaris. 5 We report a case that illustrates an unusual presentation of acquired knuckle pads of the feet secondary to repetitive friction from athletic gear.
Decidability of the purely existential fragment of the theory of term algebras

This paper is concerned with the question of the decidability and the complexity of the decision problem for certain fragments of the theory of free term algebras. The existential fragment of the theory of term algebras is shown to be decidable through the presentation of a nondeterministic algorithm, which, given a quantifier-free formula P, constructs a solution for P if it has one and indicates failure if there are no solutions. It is shown that the decision problem is in NP by proving that, if a quantifier-free formula P has a solution, then there is one that can be represented as a dag in space at most cubic in the length of P. The decision problem is shown to be complete for NP by reducing 3-SAT to that problem. Thus it is established that the existential fragment of the theory of pure list structures in the language of NIL, CONS, CAR, CDR, =, ≤ (subexpression) is NP-complete. It is further shown that even a slightly more expressive fragment of the theory of term algebras, the one that allows bounded universal quantifiers, is undecidable.
No evidence of association between breast cancer risk and dietary carotenoids, retinols, vitamin C and tocopherols in Southwestern Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women

Objectives The effects of dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins on breast cancer risk are inconclusive. Moreover, little is known as to whether associations differ between non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Hispanic women. We assessed the associations of the dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins commonly found in fruits and vegetables with breast cancer risk and estrogen receptor (ER) status among NHW and Hispanic women living in the Southwestern U.S. Materials and methods Primary breast cancer cases in the 4-Corners region (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah), diagnosed between October 1999 and May 2004, were identified through state cancer registries. Controls were frequency matched by ethnicity and age (±5 years). Information on demographic characteristics and other breast cancer risk factors prior to the referent year were collected by interviewer-administered computerized questionnaire. A modified extensive diet history questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Results We did not find a protective effect of dietary antioxidants, such as α or β-carotene, β -cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, retinol, vitamin C, α, δ, β or γ-tocopherol, on breast cancer risk in populations living in the Southwest. We did not find any consistent associations with multivariate risk of breast cancer or estrogen receptor status. Cigarette smoking was not a significant effect modifier of these associations. Conclusion This case–control study did not find any meaningful association of the dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins with breast cancer risk or ER status.
Structural constraints on organizational change: A longitudinal analysis

Abstract The results of a longitudinal study assessing the impact of internal constraints upon both organizational responsiveness to the environment and efforts to change structures for symbolic signaling of policy are presented. The causal model used is developed from a theoretical elaboration of Williamson, Thompson, and Meyer. The implications of the analysis for the signaling metaphor of organizational change are emphasized. The data indicate (i) that the varying resistance to change observed within core dimensions of organizational structure may be largely due to durable capital investments, (ii) that within capitalized dimensions of organizational structure, the resulting resistance to change leads to a longitudinal persistence of centralized decision making, and (iii) that failure to incorporate such constraints in analyses of organizational change leads to misleading results.
Covalent and ionic nature of the dative bond and account of accurate ammonia borane binding enthalpies.

The inherent difficulty in modeling the energetic character of the B−N dative bond has been investigated utilizing density functional theory and ab initio methods. The underlying influence of basis set size and functions, thermal corrections, and basis set superposition error (BSSE) on the predicted binding enthalpy of ammonia borane (H3B−NH3) and four methyl-substituted ammonia trimethylboranes ((CH3)3B−N(CH3)nH3-n; n = 0−3) has been evaluated and compared with experiment. HF, B3LYP, MPW1K, MP2, QCISD, and QCISD(T) have been utilized with a wide range of Pople and correlation-consistent basis sets, totaling 336 levels of theory. MPW1K, B3LYP, and HF result in less BSSE and converge to binding enthalpies with fewer basis functions than post-SCF techniques; however, the methods fail to model experimental binding enthalpies and trends accurately, producing mean absolute deviations (MADs) of 5.1, 10.8, and 16.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Despite slow convergence, MP2, QCISD, and QCISD(T) using the 6-311++G(3df,...
A transcutaneous wire interface for small mammals using an expanded PTFE patch

The objective of this paper is to provide the reader with a method of surgical implantation of a transcutaneous wire interface for chronic instrumentation of small mammals, utilizing a non-bioreactive expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) material (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ). We describe the implant assembly, as well as details of the surgical implantation, which will facilitate successful data acquisition. EMG signal from the implant is of a high quality during both rest and activity of the animal and the signal quality is maintained up to at least 7 weeks post-implantation without any sign of infection or other adverse reaction. This represents an improvement in the viability of long-term physiological signal collection via a surgically implanted back plug.
Ventricular Septal Defect and Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and Indications for Surgery

As the velocity of a fluid increases a low-pressure zone is created, this is the Venturi effect and it explains the pathogenesis of aortic valve prolapse (AVP) and aortic insufficiency (AI) that is observed in a subset of patients with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The VSDs complicated by AI are restrictive with high velocity shunting through the VSD, creating a low-pressure zone that impacts the adjacent aortic valve cusp resulting in AVP and subsequent AI. AVP and AI are therefore acquired lesions. AI is absent at birth because the forces necessary to create the low-pressure zone within the restrictive VSD do not exist in utero. The risk of development of AI increases during childhood, peaking at 5 to 10 years of age. VSD closure eliminates the low-pressure zone that is the cause of ongoing aortic valve cusp deformity and, if performed early, prevents development of AI. Patients with a subarterial VSD and AVP should undergo surgery to prevent the development of AI because this complicates about half of subarterial VSDs with AVP and spontaneous closure is rare. Patients with perimembranous VSDs with AVP should be followed with serial echocardiography and undergo VSD closure if more than trivial AI develops.
Metal multilayer mirrors for EUV/ultrasoft x-ray wide-field telescopes

Metal multilayer mirrors have been designed for the ALEXIS satellite, which is to carry six wide-field telescopes to perform an all-sky survey in three narrow EUV/ultrasoft x-ray wavelength bands. Comprised of alternating layers of molybdenum and silicon, the mirrors are optimized to provide maximum reflectivity at angles from 12.5 to 17.6° off normal incidence and at wavelengths of 133, 171, or 186 A. Simultaneously, the mirrors use a "wavetrap" to suppress reflectivity at 304 A, where the extremely strong geocoronal line of He II causes severe background problems. Low reflectivity at 304 A is achieved by superposing two layer pairs that provide destructive interference with an effective 2dspacing of 152 A. Calculations predict the 186 A design will have a peak reflectivity at 186 A of 35% and a 304 A reflectivity less than 10 compared to a peak reflectivity at 186 A of 40% and 304 A reflectivity of 3 x 10 without the wavetrap. In the laboratory the 304 A reflectivity on a multilayer sample with a wavetrap has been measured to be as low as i0. We present details of the calculations and laboratory measurements of the reflectivity performance obtained with prototype mirrors.
Regulation of the pyruvate kinase of an established rat liver cell line (RLC) in culture by insulin, glucose and serum.

Summary The PK of RLC cells appears to be under the influence of hormonal and nutritional regulatory mechanisms similar to those modulating the enzyme in rat liver. The insulin effect appears to be dependent upon de novo RNA synthesis, while the serum effect is not. The stimulation of the PK activity by glucose appears to be totally independent of protein synthesis. The addition of glucose or lactic acid to the culture medium inhibited the insulin effect.
Distance-dependent homeostatic synaptic scaling mediated by a-type potassium channels.

Many lines of evidence suggest that the efficacy of synapses on CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites increases as a function of distance from the cell body. The strength of an individual synapse is also dynamically modulated by activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, which raises the question as to how a neuron can reconcile individual synaptic changes with the maintenance of the proximal-to-distal gradient of synaptic strength along the dendrites. As the density of A-type potassium channels exhibits a similar gradient from proximal (low)-to-distal (high) dendrites, the A-current may play a role in coordinating local synaptic changes with the global synaptic strength gradient. Here we describe a form of homeostatic plasticity elicited by conventional activity blockade (with TTX) coupled with a block of the A-type potassium channel. Following A-type potassium channel inhibition for 12 hrs, recordings from CA1 somata revealed a significantly higher miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency, whereas in dendritic recordings, there was no change in mEPSC frequency. Consistent with mEPSC recordings, we observed a significant increase in AMPA receptor density in stratum pyramidale but not stratum radiatum. Based on these data, we propose that the differential distribution of A-type potassium channels along the apical dendrites may create a proximal-to-distal membrane potential gradient. This gradient may regulate AMPA receptor distribution along the same axis. Taken together, our results indicate that A-type potassium channels play an important role in controlling synaptic strength along the dendrites, which may help to maintain the computational capacity of the neuron.
Effects of precursor waves in shock initiation of granular explosives

Abstract The effects of compressive waves propagating ahead of stronger shock waves in a granular explosive have been investigated experimentally. In particular, the propagation and growth of 5.0 GPa shocks preceded by either a 3.2 GPa shock or a 2.0 GPa ramp wave having a 0.6 μs rise time were examined in the low porosity explosive PBX-9404. The evolution of a 3.5 GPa shock preceded by a 0.2 GPa precursor wave was also examined in this explosive. The initial waves were generated using planar impact techniques, and laser velocity interferometry (VISAR) was used to measure particle velocity histories after the waves had propagated through explosive samples having different thicknesses. The recorded waveforms for shocks with precursors were compared with similar measurements obtained for single shocks having the same peak axial stresses. These comparisons confirmed that compression by a precursor wave renders the granular explosive less sensitive to initiation by a subsequent shock. For the 5.0 GPa cases, the ramp wave precursor was more effective in retarding the release of chemical energy than the precursor shock. In both cases the propagation distance required to achieve detonation was extended by an amount that depended on the duration of the precursor. The 0.2 GPa precursor was also found to be quite effective in desensitizing the PBX-9404 to the subsequent 3.5 GPa shock. This suggests that desensitization can result from precursor waves just strong enough to reduce the porous microstructure within the granular material.
legume cover crops as a nitrogen source for no-till corn and grain sorghum

(...) Field experiments were conducted to determine the fertilizer N equivalency of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), biglower vetch (Vicia grandiflora W. Koch var. Kitailbeliana), and rye (Secale cereale L.) to no-tillage corn (Zea mays L.) and grain sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. A fallow treatment, consisting of stalk residue only, was used as a comparison. Fertilizer N rates for corn were 0, 50, or 100 kg N ha -1 for 1980 to 1983 and 0, 85, or 170 kg N ha -1 for 1984 to 1987. (...)