cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Chlorophyll

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of chlorophyll. The absorption of visible or ultraviolet light by organic molecules is accompanied by the excitation of valence electrons to higher energy levels. Electronic excitation requires quite high-energy quanta, corresponding to light of relatively short wavelength, that is, in the ultraviolet and visible regions. Electronic transition spectra give information about the presence and nature of unsaturation, particularly conjugated double bonds and aromatic ring systems. The vibrational frequencies of molecules lie in the infrared region, and the absorption of radiation in this frequency range excites higher vibrational states. Infrared spectra yield information about stretching and bending motions of the atoms in a molecule. In theory infrared absorption bands arise from molecular motions of the molecule as a whole, but in practice, the absorption frequencies of many structural units are sufficiently independent of the rest of the molecule in which they occur to have characteristic group frequencies. NMR techniques are useful in the study of many problems. NMR data can be used for the unambiguous detection of certain functional groups and for structure determinations of organic compounds. They provide information about stereo chemical configuration and the conformation of molecules. Because the formation of intermolecular aggregates or coordination with other compounds can change the magnetic environment of a given nucleus, NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the study of coordination and self-aggregation.
In vitro phosphorylation ofEscherichia coli isocitrate lyase

The in vitro phosphorylation of isocitrate lyase was demonstrated in partially purified sonic extracts ofEscherichia coli. Extracts were incubated with [gamma32P]-ATP and subsequently analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Isocitrate lyase was determined to be phosphorylated by autoradiography and Western blot analyses of the gels. Purified isocitrate lyase comigrates with the phosphorylated form of the enzyme; this suggests that the enzyme may become catalytically active concomitant with phosphorylation.
Regenerative Potential of Cord Blood

Regenerative medicine is dedicated to the study of repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function; and it is predicted to develop into numerous applications to treat a wide variety of conditions. Umbilical cord blood (CB) is a relatively safe, easily collected, and readily available source of stem and progenitor cells for regenerative medicine purposes. If it proves to be useful in this regard, there will be significant implications in both the treatment of diseases and the current models of CB collection. This chapter will explore some of the potential regenerative applications for which CB could serve as a valuable source of cells.
The Therapeutic Community Approach to Rehabilitation: Perspective and a Study of Effectiveness

Since the 1960’s the spectrum of drug abusers in America has widened. Opiate abuse and its catalytic effect on crime prevails particularly in the disadvantaged minority subcultures. Marijuana, polydrug, cocaine, and alcohol abuse interact malignantly with the development and health of youth in all classes. Adult misuse of licit and illicit substances is pervasive either for leisure or as aids to living.
Role of Estrogens and Progestins in the Development of Female Sexual Behavior Potential

The demonstration by Phoenix, Goy, Gerall, and Young (1959) that injection of pregnant guinea pigs with testosterone modified the sexual behavior of female offspring has been followed by a multitude of studies attesting to the fact that mammalian sexual behavior observed at maturity is strongly influenced by gonadal hormones present during particular periods of development. Following the models proposed for sexual differentiation of the genital tracts (Jost, 1947,1953), Phoenix et al. (1959) postulated that gonadal hormones act on developing tissues, “organizing” them in a manner such that they mediate reproductive behaviors typical of the male of the species. Tissues mediating female-typical behaviors were hypothesized to develop in the absence of significant gonadal steroid titers. Over the past 25 years much evidence has accumulated that is consistent with this organizational hypothesis. Researchers have repeatedly demonstrated that the presence of gonadal steroids during periods of fetal and/or neonatal life masculinizes and/or defeminizes adult sexual behavior potential, whereas their absence feminizes and/or demasculinizes behavior. These same manipulations modify characteristics of the nervous system that appear to constitute sexually dimorphic substrates that may mediate sex differences in behavior (Arnold & Breedlove, 1985; Gorski, 1985).
Derivatives of Controlled Pore Glass for Affinity Chromatography

Many of the characteristics of controlled pore glass (CPG) that are advantageous for the preparation of immobilized enzymes (1) also are appropriate to carriers for affinity chromatography. We have prepared a series of dibasic acid derivatives of alkylamine CPG and examined several members of the series as carriers for the affinity chromatographic purification of β-galactosidase. The affinity ligand was p-aminophenyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (PAPTG) which is a weak competitive inhibitor for the enzyme and was used by Cuatrecasas (2) in conjunction with several Sepharose derivatives.
Dexamethasone synergistically induces chemotactic peptide receptor expression in HL-60 cells

We have examined the effect of physiologic concentrations of dexamethasone on the induction of differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) and the activity of surface receptors for the f-met-leu-phe chemotactic peptide. Dexamethasone at a concentration of 500 nM was markedly synergistic with dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide, but not with trans-retinoic acid, in inducing f- met-leu-phe binding by HL-60 cells. The increase in peptide binding was due to an increase in the activity of peptide receptors rather than an increase in receptor affinity. The effect of dexamethasone was relatively specific for peptide binding as there was little effect when HL-60 differentiation was assessed by cell morphology or the ability of the cells to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium. Dexamethasone alone had no reproducible effect on HL-60 differentiation as assessed by the three criteria tested. The dexamethasone concentration required for half maximal synergism correlated with the known binding constant of the hormone for steroid receptors in HL-60 cells but the effect of dexamethasone was not blocked with the steroid blocking agents 17 alpha methyltestosterone or progesterone.
White Adipose Tissue

White adipose tissue (WAT) is one of the most abundant tissues in mammals, exhibiting numerous complex functions. The primary purpose of WAT is to store excess energy in the form of fat for future use by other cells of the organism during periods of energy deprivation. In order to do this, white adipocytes acquire the expression of specific enzymes during their differentiation, which enable both the accumulation and mobilization of fat. Fat accumulation is achieved by de novo synthesis of fatty acids (lipogenesis) as well as fatty acid uptake, while fat mobilization is accomplished during lipolysis. Both processes are regulated by various hormones including insulin and catecholamines. In addition, WAT secrete various factors, known as adipokines, which can act locally or distally on other tissues. These adipokines, which include leptin, adiponectin, RBP4, and others, are involved in the regulation of whole body energy homeostasis. In mammals, WAT is distributed throughout the body in two main depots, located subcutaneously and intra-abdominally. In obesity, intra-abdominal fat accumulation is strongly associated with the development of related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, while accumulation of subcutaneous fat exhibits no correlation. This phenomenon is the result of differences in anatomical location and developmental intrinsic properties of subcutaneous and intra-abdominal white adipose depots. In this chapter, we discuss how the developmental origins of fat may play a role in the heterogeneity in WAT distribution and function and the impact of fat distribution on obesity-related diseases.
Umbilical Cord Insertion Abnormalities

The insertion of the umbilical cord can be central, eccentric (or paracentral), marginal, velamentous, interpositional, furcate or tethered. This chapter discusses the clinical associations and risks of each type of insertion.
INNOVATIVE HEMOSTASIS APPROACH TO MALFUNCTIONING AXILLARY INTRAAROTIC BALLOON PUMP

Intraaortic balloon pump balloon pump (IABP) via the axillary approach is an attractive option for circulatory support. The unique access site comes with unique complications and troubleshooting. Our patient is a 48 year old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. He was admitted with cardiogenic
Hemodynamic Improvement with Application of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in a Mock Circulation Loop

Purpose Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a non-obvious therapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) because ventricular systolic function is not reduced. We hypothesize MCS of the left ventricle (LV) or left atrium (LA) can improve the hemodynamics in HFpEF including when pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is present. Methods Hemodynamic conditions of HFpEF ± PH were recreated on a mock circulation loop (MCL) with a tunable resistance, arterial compliance, peripheral resistance, inertance, venous compliance, and replication of the Frank-Starling mechanism. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded, including atrial and ventricular pressures, ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and cardiac output. A HeartWare HVAD™ (Medtronic, MN) was used in two different support configurations: 1) LV to aorta (Ao) and 2) LA to Ao. The pump speed was titrated to achieve systemic flow (Qs) of 4.0 L/min and 4.5 L/min. Results Conditions typically seen in patients with HFpEF ± PH were created in the MCL with complete hemodynamic profiles including HVAD support seen in Table1. In both configurations and regardless of PH status, further Qs augmentation was associated with a reduction in LV end-diastolic pressure, LA pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure. In the LV to Ao configuration, LV volumes decreased, and ejection fraction improved. In the LA to Ao configuration, LV volumes increased. In the LV to Ao configuration, pressure-volume loop (PVL) data show a reduction in pressure-volume area including a decrease in both stroke work and potential energy. In LA to Ao configuration, PVL data show a decrease in stroke work but an increase in potential energy. This study was not designed to evaluate for suction events. Conclusion In HFpEF ± PH, MCS can increase Qs and reduce LA pressure. As compared to LV decompression, LA decompression does not volume unload the LV. This study shows potential for MCS as a therapeutic alternative for HFpEF.
Measurement of Small Absorption Coefficients from Thermally Induced Shifts at the Fundamental Edge

The measurement of small absorption coefficients in transparent infrared materials is currently a subject of considerable interest. The practical motivation for the work arises from the need for evaluating materials for high power laser windows but there is also a more fundamental interest in developing an understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic optical absorption mechanisms which limit material performance. A considerable number of measurement techniques [1] have been developed which utilize a variety of physical indicators for measuring low optical absorption.
The Application of Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering to the Study of Muscular Contraction

In these lectures, our primary focus will be on the phenomena of biological contractility and on how photon correlation spectroscopy can be used to study the basic molecular processes from which these phenomena arise. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) permits the measurement of macromolecular diffusional relaxation times ranging from 10−6 to 102 seconds and these measurements can be made with great accuracy on small quantities of material in solutions, in gels, and in intact cells. Much has been learned about the structural dynamics of contractile proteins and organelles from photon correlation and transient electric birefringence (TEB) studies. The internal structural dynamics of contractile cells have also been successfully studied with PCS. However, the condensed state of the contractile proteins within the cell and the complexity of their interactions makes the interpretation of PCS data singularly difficult. PCS studies by themselves are not sufficient to lead to a solution of the problem of muscular contraction. On the other hand, when combined with time resolved X-ray diffraction studies and nuclear magnetic resonance studies, PCS studies can be highly useful in narrowing the field of possible models for the contractile mechanism.
Characterization of pallidocortical motor network in Parkinson's disease through complex network analysis

OBJECTIVE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been demonstrated by numerous clinical trials to be an advanced therapy for selected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), while its maximal therapeutic effect is capped by the inadequate understanding of the precise neuronal mechanisms underlying PD. Recordings from multichannel electrodes placed in subcortical and cortical regions of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical (BGTC) motor network during DBS surgical procedures can provide rich physiologic information from accessible network nodes. However, most investigations focus on presumed spatio-spectral points of interest, neither fully utilizing the richness of spatial, spectral and temporal aspects of the multivariate signals nor making discoveries in the context of all possible candidates. In addition, aggregated network-level information has been missed out. APPROACH We use complex network analysis to characterize functional network characteristics of the pallidocortical subcircuit of the BGTC motor network in PD at rest and with movement. The network matrix was constructed using distinct frequency bands at each anatomic recording site as virtual nodes and spectral connectivity (through phase-amplitude coupling and coherence) as network edges. MAIN RESULTS We confirm the critical roles of beta bands and provide additional evidence on their differential functional roles in the pallidocortical motor network. Moreover, significant changes (p < 0.05) in network functional segregation and integration between rest and movement conditions are revealed for the first time. More importantly, movement-dependent modulation of these network metrics are significantly correlated with hemibody unified PD rating scales (UPDRS), providing network-level perspectives of the pallidocortical motor network pertaining to PD symptoms (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE Findings in the present study provide network-level understanding of neuronal mechanisms in the pallidocortical motor network underlying PD. It is also highly plausible that the demonstrated approach can be applied in other important subcircuits towards a comprehensive understanding of the BGTC motor network.
COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Performing a Nasal Swab Test on Patients inside a Rapidly Deployable Facility Optimized for Epidemics

While different types of diagnostic tests may be used to detect coronavirus disease, a nasopharyngeal swab test is the most common. The test must be performed by a trained healthcare provider. If cell culture is collected in a wrong manner, the diagnosis obtained may be incorrect. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that providers use a sterile dacron or rayon swab with a flexible, plastic shaft for deep nasal sampling. Cotton, calcium alginate swabs, or swabs with wooden sticks may contain such compounds that can inactivate some viruses and inhibit the diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The following protocol describes the proper procedure for collecting a nasopharyngeal swab sample.
African religions as “parables of the Kingdom”? Karl Barth and Kwame Bediako on revelation and culture

This article engages Swiss theologian Karl Barth’s understanding of true words of revelation coming through cultural media (“parables of the Kingdom” in Church Dogmatics IV/3, §69.2) in juxtaposition with Ghanaian theologian Kwame Bediako’s understanding of African traditional religions as “evangelical preparation” for the Christian faith, claiming that since God has been active among Africans for millennia, Africans have been worshipping the same God as Christians. In contrast, Barth understands Jesus Christ to be prophetically proclaiming a message of good news that opposes many (Western) cultural assumptions. Barth’s understanding of Jesus Christ as the “Light of Life” serves to desacralize the Christian community and the Biblical Scriptures and collapses the categories of “sacred” and “profane.” Eliminating this binary categorization opens the possibility of affirming traditional African religions as media of revelation.
A Social Ecological Approach to Empowering Foster Youth to be Safer Online

Foster teens are some of the most vulnerable youth who are subject to serious online risks, such as sex trafficking. My 2017 IDC literature review paper highlighted the need to develop effective sociotechnical interventions to empower foster youth against becoming victims of sexual predation. To fill this gap, my dissertation is comprised of three studies that will investigate: 1) how foster parents mediate their teens? technology use in the home, 2) how foster youth experience sexual risks online, and 3) working with foster youth to co-design effective socio-technical interventions that can protect them from these online risks. My goal for this research is to understand, design, and develop sociotechnical systems that can help promote more teen-centric approaches to online safety and reduce the digital inequalities experienced by teens in foster care.
Detection of Low Cardiac Index Using a Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Wearable Ring and Convolutional Neural Networks

This study investigated the use of a wearable ring made of polyvinylidene fluoride film to identify a low cardiac index (≤2 L/min). The waveform generated by the ring contains patterns that may be indicative of low blood pressure and/or high vascular resistance, both of which are markers of a low cardiac index. In particular, the waveform contains reflection waves whose timing and amplitude are correlated with pulse travel time and vascular resistance, respectively. Hence, the pattern of the waveform is expected to vary in response to changes in blood pressure and vascular resistance. By analyzing the morphology of the waveform, our aim was to create a tool to identify patients with low cardiac index. This was done using a convolutional neural network which was trained on data from animal models. The model was then tested on waveforms that were collected from patients undergoing pulmonary artery catheterization. The results indicate high accuracy in classifying patients with a low cardiac index, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristics and precision-recall curves of 0.88 and 0.71, respectively.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Plastic Surgery Consultations in the Emergency Department

Stay-at-Home (SAH) orders implemented in the United States to combat COVID-19 had a significant impact on health care delivery for patients with all conditions. In this study, we examined the effect SAH orders had on the Emergency Department (ED) consultation volume, injury patterns, and treatment of patients managed by our plastic surgery service. Methods In Rhode Island, SAH orders were instituted from March 28, 2020, to June 30, 2020. A retrospective chart review of patients presenting to our Level-1 academic medical center was performed. Patient demographics, types of injuries, and need for treatment in the ED or operating room (OR) were collected. Tests of significance were conducted using a comparison group spanning the same time period, in 2019. Results There was a 36% decrease in ED consultations to plastic surgery during SAH orders when compared with those in 2019. No observed differences were noted in patient demographics between time periods. There were significant increases in the proportions of hand injuries secondary to power tools and facial injuries secondary to falls. No observed differences were identified in injury severity and need for either operating-room interventions or ED interventions for patients seen in consultation during SAH orders. Conclusions SAH orders resulted in a decreased volume of plastic surgery consults in the ED but did not alter patient demographics, injury severity, or need for procedural interventions. There was a 2.9% positivity rate for COVID-19 for asymptomatic patients presenting in the ED with primary hand and facial injuries.
Molecular signatures of long-distance oceanic dispersal and the colonization of Pacific islands in Lycium carolinianum

Premise Long-distance dispersal has been important in explaining the present distributions of many plant species. Despite being infrequent, such dispersal events have considerable evolutionary consequences, because bottlenecks during colonization can result in reduced genetic diversity. We examined the phylogeographic history of Lycium carolinianum, a widespread taxon that ranges from southeastern North America to several Pacific islands, with intraspecific diversity in sexual and mating systems. Methods We used Bayesian, likelihood, and coalescent approaches with nuclear and plastid sequence data and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to reconstruct the dispersal history of this species. We also compared patterns of genetic variation in mainland and island populations using single nucleotide polymorphisms and allelic diversity at the S-RNase mating system gene. Results Lycium carolinianum is monophyletic and dispersed once from the North American mainland, colonizing the Pacific islands ca. 40,100 years ago. This dispersal was accompanied by a loss of genetic diversity in SNPs and the S-RNase locus due to a colonization bottleneck and the loss of self-incompatibility. Additionally, we documented at least two independent transitions to gynodioecy: once following the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands and loss of self-incompatibility, and a second time associated with polyploidy in the Yucatan region of Mexico. Conclusions Long-distance dispersal via fleshy, bird dispersed fruits best explains the unusually widespread distribution of L. carolinianum. The collapse of diversity at the S-RNase locus in island populations suggests that self-fertilization may have facilitated the subsequent colonization of Pacific islands following a single dispersal from mainland North America.
What Survivorship Means to Liver Transplant Recipients: Qualitative Groundwork for a Survivorship Conceptual Model.

Background & aims Survivorship is a well-established concept in the cancer care continuum with a focus on disease recurrence, quality of life, and minimizing competing risks for mortality; however, this has not been well studied in liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to investigate what survivorship means to LT patients and identify motivations and coping strategies for overcoming challenges after LT. Approach & results Twenty in-depth home interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Interviews were conducted by trained qualitative research experts, coded and analyzed using an inductive approach. A majority of LT recipients (75%) identified themselves as survivors. Integral to the definition of survivorship was overcoming hardship (including experiences on the waitlist) and the unique experience of being given a "second chance" at life. Motivations to survive included: 1) honoring a new chance at life (55%), 2) family (40%), 3) spirituality/faith (30%), and 4) fear of rejection (15%). LT recipients and caregivers identified multiple strategies to cope with post-LT challenges including relying on a large network of community, spiritual, and virtual support. These findings informed a conceptual model of LT survivorship based on socioecological theory, which identified the following variables influencing survivorship: 1) pre-transplant experiences, 2) individual attributes and challenges, 3) interpersonal relationships with caregivers and other social support, 4) community relationships, and, 5) largescale factors including neighborhood and financial issues. Conclusions LT recipients identify themselves as survivors, and post-LT identities were greatly influenced by pre-LT experiences. These perspectives informed an in depth conceptual model of survivorship after transplantation. We identified sources of motivation and coping strategies used in LT recovery that could be targets of survivorship interventions aimed at improving post-LT outcomes.
Personality and emotion dysregulation profiles predict differential engagement in a wide range of health-risk behaviors.

Objective Health-risk behaviors have an unclear etiology and college students have elevated risk for engagement. Emotion dysregulation and several personality dimensions have been implicated in health-risk behaviors, but these constructs have rarely been studied together. Further, it is unknown if different types of health-risk behaviors have distinct etiologies. Participants 2077 college students completed a cross-sectional survey. Methods Latent profile analysis discerned classes of participants from emotion dysregulation and personality dimensions. Differential engagement in self-injury, suicidality, disordered eating, substance misuse, and unprotected sex was evaluated across classes. Results Three classes were identified, which were primarily distinguished by emotion dysregulation, urgency, and neuroticism. Health-risk behaviors generally increased across classes with increasing emotion-related constructs. Self-injury and suicidality demonstrated different patterns than other health-risk behaviors. Conclusions Results elucidate heterogeneity in health-risk behavior engagement. Focusing on emotional difficulties may be more important for reducing self-injury and suicidality than disordered eating, substance misuse, and risky sex.
Relayfoods.Com: Media Mix

Arnie Katz was thinking about his company's recent expansion into Richmond. It was a different environment than Charlottesville, where the company had started up and experienced its first successes. In a larger, less tight-knit city such as Richmond, he did not believe the company could rely on the same organic word of mouth that had fueled its early growth in Charlottesville. Acquiring new customers in Richmond might require traditional advertising. What kind of mix of the two approaches should he employ? Excerpt UVA-ENT-0177 Rev. Apr. 22, 2019 RelayFoods.com: Media Mix Introduction “Thanks very much for the call, but I will stop you right there,” said Arnie Katz. “The answer is no.” “I appreciate that you aren't sure about the value,” said the caller, who was pitching an ad in her client's telephone directory to Katz, “but the Yellow Pages is an important part of every business's identity and outreach. As you expand into Richmond, you'll need to make sure you have a presence. If people can't find you, think about all the money you're leaving on the table.” . . .
Modern Evolution Strategies for Creativity: Fitting Concrete Images and Abstract Concepts

Evolutionary algorithms have been used in the digital art scene since the 1970s. A popular application of genetic algorithms is to optimize the procedural placement of vector graphic primitives to resemble a given painting. In recent years, deep learning-based approaches have also been proposed to generate procedural drawings, which can be optimized using gradient descent. In this work, we revisit the use of evolutionary algorithms for computational creativity. We find that modern evolution strategies (ES) algorithms, when tasked with the placement of shapes, offer large improvements in both quality and efficiency compared to traditional genetic algorithms, and even comparable to gradient-based methods. We demonstrate that ES is also well suited at optimizing the placement of shapes to fit the CLIP model, and can produce diverse, distinct geometric abstractions that are aligned with human interpretation of language. Videos and demo: this https URL
Racial Politics in Post-Revolutionary Cuba

This book analyzes the triumphs and failures of the Castro regime in the area of race relations. It places the Cuban revolution in a comparative and international framework and challenges arguments that the regime eliminated racial inequality or that it was profoundly racist. Through interviews, historical materials, and survey research, it provides a balanced view. The book maintains that Cuba has not been a racial democracy as some have argued. However, it also argues that Cuba has done more than any other society to eliminate racial inequality. The contemporary outlook of the book demonstrates how much of Cuban racial ideology was unchanged by the revolution. Thus, the current implementation of market reforms and in particular tourism has exacerbated racial inequalities. Finally, it holds that despite these shortcomings, the regime remains popular among blacks because they perceive their alternatives of the US and the Miami Exile community to be far worse.
Standardization in International Marketing: The Latin American Case

Abstract This paper presents the results of a survey on the marketing standardization and adaptation practices of US multinationals operating in Latin America. It expands the literature in two ways. First, previous papers on this subject have a mostly European orientation; this is the first paper to take a comprehensive look at all marketing mix variables in an underdeveloped region. Second, we offer a comparison with a previous study done in Europe. The questionnaire used in this survey replicates that of Picard, Boddewyn, and Soehl (1988). Results show that many of the standardization and adaptation practices of US multinationals operating in Latin America are significantly different from US multinationals operating in Europe.
2-D Visualization of a Hollow-Cone Spray in a Cup-in-Head, Ported, I.C. Engine

This paper describes two dimensional visualization of a pulsating, hollow-cone spray performed in a motored, ported, high swirl, cup-in-head I.C. engine, using exciplex-forming dopants in the fuel, which produced spectrally separated fluorescence from the liquid and vapor phases. Liquid and vapor phase fuel distributions are reported.
Diseased muscles that lack dystrophin or laminin-α2 have altered compositions and proliferation of mononuclear cell populations

Multiple types of mononucleate cells reside among the multinucleate myofibers in skeletal muscles and these mononucleate cells function in muscle maintenance and repair. How neuromuscular disease might affect different types of muscle mononucleate cells had not been determined. In this study, therefore, we examined how two neuromuscular diseases, dystrophin-deficiency and laminin-α2-deficiency, altered the proliferation and composition of different subsets of muscle-derived mononucleate cells. We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting combined with bromodeoxyuridine labeling to examine proliferation rates and compositions of mononuclear cells in diseased and healthy mouse skeletal muscle. We prepared mononucleate cells from muscles of mdx (dystrophin-deficient) or Lama2 -/- (laminin-α2-deficient) mice and compared them to cells from healthy control muscles. We enumerated subsets of resident muscle cells based on Sca-1 and CD45 expression patterns and determined the proliferation of each cell subset in vivo by BrdU incorporation. We found that the proliferation and composition of the mononucleate cells in dystrophin-deficient and laminin-α2-deficient diseased muscles are different than in healthy muscle. The mdx and Lama2 -/- muscles showed similar significant increases in CD45+ cells compared to healthy muscle. Changes in proliferation, however, differed between the two diseases with proliferation increased in mdx and decreased in Lama2 -/- muscles compared to healthy muscles. In particular, the most abundant Sca-1-/CD45- subset, which contains muscle precursor cells, had increased proliferation in mdx muscle but decreased proliferation in Lama2 -/- muscles. The similar increases in CD45+ cells, but opposite changes in proliferation of muscle precursor cells, may underlie aspects of the distinct pathologies in the two diseases.
Studies on aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile. Cerium(IV)/acetaldehyde redox system

The thermal polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by the cerium(IV)/acetaldehyde (A) redox system was carried out at 25°C, and the rate of monomer disappearance, –d[M]/dt, was followed by gravimetry and the rate of cerium(IV) disappearance –d[Ce(IV)]/dt by titrimetry. –d[M]/dt was found to be directly proportionsl to [M]3/2, [A]1/2, and [Ce(IV)]1/2. –d[Ce(IV)]/dt was found to be directly proportional to [Ce(IV)] and [A]. A reaction scheme is given together with the kinetic expressions. The activation energy for the overall rate was found to be 67,24kJ.mol−1 (16,06kcal.mol−1), and the value of the second order rate constant kr, was obtained as 2,481.mol−1s−1.
Differing leukocyte gene expression profiles associated with fatigue in patients with prostate cancer versus chronic fatigue syndrome

Summary Background Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) often worsens fatigue in patients with prostate cancer, producing symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Comparing expression (mRNA) of many fatigue-related genes in patients with ADT-treated prostate cancer versus with CFS versus healthy controls, and correlating mRNA with fatigue severity may clarify the differing pathways underlying fatigue in these conditions. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on leukocytes from 30 fatigued, ADT-treated prostate cancer patients (PCF), 39 patients with CFS and 22 controls aged 40–79, together with ratings of fatigue and pain severity. 46 genes from these pathways were included: (1) adrenergic/monoamine/neuropeptides, (2) immune, (3) metabolite-detecting, (4) mitochondrial/energy, (5) transcription factors. Results PCF patients showed higher expression than controls or CFS of 2 immune transcription genes (NR3C1 and TLR4), chemokine CXCR4, and mitochondrial gene SOD2. They showed lower expression of 2 vasodilation-related genes (ADRB2 and VIPR2), 2 cytokines (TNF and LTA), and 2 metabolite-detecting receptors (ASIC3 and P2RX7). CFS patients showed higher P2RX7 and lower HSPA2 versus controls and PCF. Correlations with fatigue severity were similar in PCF and CFS for only DBI, the GABA-A receptor modulator ( r = −0.50, p r = −0.34, p r = +0.43 and +0.59, p = 0.025 and p = 0.001). Conclusions PCF patients differed from controls and CFS in mean expression of 10 genes from all 5 pathways. Correlations with fatigue severity implicated DBI for both patient groups and P2RY1 for PCF only. These pathways may provide new targets for interventions to reduce fatigue.
REAL‐WORLD DECISION MAKING: THE LIMITS OF TOP MANAGEMENT POWER

Established routines, bureaucratic procedures, and inertia often constrain a firm's strategic behavior. Understanding the strategic decision‐making process can help your company close the gap between what it plans and what it actually does.
Lipid Profile and Bone Paradox: Higher Serum Lipids Are Associated with Higher Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Previous studies suggest a relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis; however, the mechanism of the relationship and whether serum lipids are positively or negatively associated with bone mineral density (BMD) are unclear. Methods: We investigated the relationship among serum lipids, dietary saturated fat, BMD of various skeletal sites, and markers of bone turnover. This was a cross-sectional analysis in 136 Caucasian, healthy, postmenopausal women, who were not taking lipid-lowering medications or drugs affecting bone metabolism. BMD at multiple skeletal sites was assessed by DXA. Concentration of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, osteocalcin (OC), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UOC) and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides were analyzed by routine methods. Saturated fat, total calcium (food and supplements), total vitamin K, alcohol, and energy intake were estimated using 3-day dietary records. Physical activity was assessed and used as a confounder with other ant...
DEMINERALIZATION OF CHEDDAR WHEY ULTRAFILTRATE WITH THERMALLY REGENERABLE ION-EXCHANGE RESINS: IMPROVED YIELD OF α-LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE

Ultrafiltrate derived from Cheddar cheese whey was demineralized first by removal of divalent cations followed by removal of monovalent cations. The yield of α-lactose monohydrate, crystallized from 50% (W/W) aqueous solution, was significantly greater from the completely deionized solution compared with the yields from ultra-filtrate from which only divalent cations had been removed or from ultrafiltrate which did not receive treatment with thermally regenerable ion-exchange resins.
Studies on electric triggering of the metal-insulator transition in VO 2 thin films between 77 K and 300 K

We investigate the electrically triggered metal-insulator transition (E-MIT) in VO2 thin films at temperatures far below the structural phase transition temperature (∼340 K). At 77 K, the maximum current jump observed across the E-MIT is nearly 300×. The threshold voltage for E-MIT decreases slightly from ∼2.0 V at 77 K to ∼1.1 V at 300 K across ∼200 nm thick films, which scales weakly over the temperature range of 77–300 K with an activation energy of ∼5 meV. The phase transition properties are found to be stable after over one thousand scans, indicating reproducible measurements. Analysis of the scaling behavior suggests that the observed weak temperature-dependence of the threshold voltages for E-MIT is smaller than that predicted for a purely current induced Joule heating effect and may include contribution from field effect or carrier injection under applied bias. The results are of potential relevance to the field of phase transition oxide electronics and further understanding of the transition mech...
C-Fos in enteric nerves after extrinsic denervation of guinea pig ileum.

Background.Gastrointestinal function is controlled partly by an interaction between extrinsic (sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory) and intrinsic (enteric) nerves. However, normal gut function occurs in the absence of extrinsic innervation as enteric nerves adapt to the loss of extrinsic nerves from the gut wall. Expression of the proto-oncogene product, c-Fos, is a signal for activity-dependent changes in gene expression and immunocytochemical detection of c-Fos is used as a marker for changes in neuronal activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if enteric neurons in guinea pig ileum respond to loss of extrinsic innervation by expressing c-Fos protein. Materials and methods.Fos protein was localized using immunohistochemical methods and an antiserum raised against synthetic Fos. Segments of ileum were extrinsically denervated by crushing the mesenteric nerves in anesthetized animals or by treating animals with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA) or capsaicin to destroy sympathetic and extrinsic sensory nerves, respectively. Results.One week after surgical extrinsic denervation of loops of ileum, 12 ± 1 nuclei/submucosal ganglion and 114 ± 6 nuclei/myenteric ganglion contained Fos immunoreactivity (ir). These values were greater (P< 0.05) than those from unoperated segments from the same animals (4 ± 1 Fos-ir nuclei/submucosal ganglion and 13 ± 4 Fos-ir nuclei/myenteric ganglion) or from sham-operated segments. Significantly more nuclei contained Fos-ir at 4, 7, 10, and 24 weeks after denervation. Finally, capsaicin or 6-OH-DA treatment increased the number of Fos-ir nuclei in enteric ganglia. Conclusions.These data suggest that Fos expression may be part of the adaptation of enteric nerves to extrinsic denervation.
Electrochemical behavior of decyl mercuric halides at mercury cathodes in dimethylformamide

Abstract Polarograms for decyl mercuric halides in dimethylformamide containing tetraalkylammonium perchlorates exhibit two waves. When large-scale electrolyses of decyl mercuric halides are performed at potentials corresponding to the first polarographic wave, the couldometric n value is unity and didecylmercury is obtained in quantitative yield; electrolyses carried out at potentials on the plateau of the second polarographic wave afford only decane and the n value is essentially 2. Double-potential-step chronocoulometry and staircase voltammetry indicate that, at potentials corresponding to the first polarographic wave, the decyl mercuric halide (which is itself adsorbed onto mercury to the extent of less than a monolayer) undergoes reversible one-electron reduction to adsorbed decyl mercury radicals and to adsorbed decyl mercury radical “polymer”; the adsorbed radicals have a lifetime of approximately 10 −3 s and disproportionate into didecylmercury and elemental mercury. In the presence of electrolytically released halide ion, the adsorbed radicals are reoxidized to the decyl mercuric halide; alternately, the adsorbed species are reoxidized to decyl mercury cations at a potential approximately 600 mV more positive than that required for reoxidation to the decyl mercuric halide. At potentials corresponding to the second polarographic wave, reduction of decyl mercuric halides is an irreversible process producing decyl carbanions which are protonated by traces of water in the solvent to give decane.
Ein System zur interaktiven Bearbeitung umfangreicher Meßdaten

Bei der Bearbeitung von Mesdaten mus man unterscheiden zwischen einer Standardauswertung der Messungen, bei der eine bestimmte Modellvorstellung zugrunde liegt und einer Analyse mit dem Ziel, logische Zusammenhange zu erkennen und ein erklarendes Modell zu finden. Wahrend die Standardauswertung durchaus im Stapelbetrieb ablaufen kann mit einem Datenmodell, das abgestimmt ist auf die im Modell ablesbaren Verknupfungsmoglichkeiten, ist fur die Analyse ein interaktives System wunschenswert mit einem Datenmodell, das beliebige Verknupfungen ermoglicht und mit einer Datenmanipulationssprache, die moglichst deskriptiv sein sollte, aber komplexe Auswahlkriterien erlaubt. Verfugbare Systeme werden den Anforderungen der Analyse nur teilweise gerecht, meist mangelt es der Datenmanipulationssprache an Fahigkeiten zur rechnerischen Datenbearbeitung.
Effect of high doses of morphine on Con-A induced lymphokine production in vitro.

Abstract Morphine, a potent analgesic drug as well as the active metabolite derived from heroin, has been reported to affect a variety of immune functions. In vivo administration of high doses of morphine to animals has been shown to inhibit natural killer (NK) cell activity in the rat (Shavit et al., 1984) and splenic T cell mitogenic response in the mouse (Bryant et al., 1988). We report here on the effect of morphine sulfate (MS) (0.2–1.6 mM) on Concanavalin-A (Con-A) stimulated lymphokine production by mouse splenocytes in vitro. Twenty-four hour incubation of mouse splenocytes with MS, removal of the drug and activation with Con-A resulted in a significant (linear regression, P
Wind-tunnel development and trends in applications to civil engineering

Abstract A review is presented on wind tunnels capable of simulating natural winds, the boundary-layer wind tunnel (BLWT), and trends in their extensive use in civil-engineering practice. BLWTs and data-acquisition systems, as they evolved to meet needs in civil engineering, are described. Advancements are highlighted for the types of wind-load information now available to structural engineers and architects by BLWT tests using the advanced data-acquisition systems–the high-frequency base balance (H-FBB) and the synchronous multi-pressure sensing system (SM-PSS). Trends in applications of BLWT tests to determine wind effects on structures and to investigate wind-related environmental problems are described. Technical details of the BLWT, the H-FBB, the SM-PSS, and their proper use are available in references cited and are not restated in this review.
Inter-Subject Correlation Exists Between Morphological Metrics of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Intracranial Pressure Pulses

Background The prototypical intracranial pressure (ICP) pulse morphology has been well known to be triphasic. Several studies suggest that the morphology of ICP pulse reflects the physiological and pathophysiological conditions of the intracranial dynamics. Recently, there has been a renaissance of studying ICP pulse using new ICP signal processing technologies in various clinical contexts. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) pulse is another important pulsatile signal originated from the complex circulatory systems of cerebral blood flow. However, CBFV pulse morphology has not been well studied mainly due to the noise level and lack of signal processing techniques.
Application of grazing incidence interferometer to rough surface measurement

In practical grazing incidence measurements using a commercial interferometer, repeatability and accuracy suffer from several effects related to part placement. In this paper, the authors analyzed three primary error resources in grazing incidence interferometry: incidence angle error, rotation angle error and included angle. The mathematical foundations of these errors as well as measurement results of several samples are presented showing the effects of each of these errors on. Using the test procedures described in the paper, the errors can be greatly reduced and the repeatability and accuracy increased by 20%.
Methoxylation of magnesium studied by direct recoil spectroscopy, SIMS and XPS: Calibration of relative surface hydrogen concentration

Abstract Chemisorption of methanol on polycrystalline magnesium is studied by time-of-flight analysis of directly recoiled (DR) surface atoms, angular resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The combined measurements show that decomposition occurs to form ∼ 0.14 monolayers of surface hydroxide at methanol exposures
Cannabinoids Inhibit T-cells via Cannabinoid Receptor 2 in an in vitro Assay for Graft Rejection, the Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction

Cannabinoids are known to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is expressed mainly on leukocytes and is the receptor implicated in mediating many of the effects of cannabinoids on immune processes. This study tested the capacity of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) and of two CB2-selective agonists to inhibit the murine Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR), an in vitro correlate of graft rejection following skin and organ transplantation. Both CB2-selective agonists and Δ(9)-THC significantly suppressed the MLR in a dose dependent fashion. The inhibition was via CB2, as suppression could be blocked by pretreatment with a CB2-selective antagonist, but not by a CB1 antagonist, and none of the compounds suppressed the MLR when splenocytes from CB2 deficient mice were used. The CB2 agonists were shown to act directly on T-cells, as exposure of CD3(+) cells to these compounds completely inhibited their action in a reconstituted MLR. Further, the CB2-selective agonists completely inhibited proliferation of purified T-cells activated by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. T-cell function was decreased by the CB2 agonists, as an ELISA of MLR culture supernatants revealed IL-2 release was significantly decreased in the cannabinoid treated cells. Together, these data support the potential of this class of compounds as useful therapies to prolong graft survival in transplant patients.