cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Volatile general anaesthetic actions on recombinant nAChα7, 5‐HT3 and chimeric nAChα7‐5‐HT3 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The effect of halothane and isoflurane was studied on the function of recombinant neurotransmitter receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Both anaesthetics inhibited nicotinic acetylcholine type α7 (nAChα7) receptor-mediated responses, potentiated 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor-mediated responses at low agonist concentrations, and inhibited the function of a chimeric receptor (with the N-terminal domain from the nAChα7 receptor and the transmembrane and C-terminal domains from the 5-HT3 receptor) in a manner similar to that of the nAChα7 receptor. Since the N-terminal domain of the chimeric receptor was from the nAChα7 receptor, the observations suggest that the inhibition involves the N-terminal domain of the receptor.
From Congruent Numbers to Elliptic Curves

The theory of elliptic curves and modular forms is one subject where the most diverse branches of mathematics come together: complex analysis, algebraic geometry, representation theory, number theory. While our point of view will be number theoretic, we shall find ourselves using the type of techniques that one learns in basic courses in complex variables, real variables, and algebra. A well-known feature of number theory is the abundance of conjectures and theorems whose statements are accessible to high school students but whose proofs either are unknown or, in some cases, are the culmination of decades of research using some of the most powerful tools of twentieth century mathematics.
Utility of EEG in differential diagnosis of adults with unexplained acute alteration of mental status.

ABSTRACT.EEG is a safe, inexpensive, mobile test that can be integrated with the neurologic clinical examination and other testing to help physicians move more quickly and accurately to the right b...
Foreword to Scholarly Writing: Ideas, Examples, and Execution

This foreword recommends the forthcoming second edition of Scholarly Writing: Ideas, Examples, and Execution by Jessica L. Clark and Kristen E. Murray. The book, published by Carolina Academic Press, is a welcome tool and useful resource for students embarking on their scholarly writing endeavors. Having supervised hundreds of LL.M. candidates struggling to complete a thesis, J.D. students attempting to fulfill a scholarly note requirement dominating their second-year law journal experience, and J.D. and LL.M. candidates writing seminar papers or independent research and writing projects, the author encourages students to invest in Scholarly Writing as a helpful and instructive lifeline. The author recommends the book not only to students writing scholarly papers, but also to faculty colleagues supervising students’ scholarly writing projects. The book’s companion website provides links to valuable examples, such as the student notes and other resources mentioned throughout the book. The site also provides updated information about scholarly writing developments and resources.
The fetus determines circadian oscillation of myometrial electromyographic activity in the pregnant rhesus monkey

Abstract Uterine electromyographic activity in the pregnant rhesus monkey showed two types of episodic electrical events, defined on the basis of duration of the episodes. One of these (designated type I in this report) was characterized by frequent bursts of electrical activity that lasted from 0.5 to 1.2 minutes (mean duration, 0.64 ± 0.007 [SE] minutes) and occurred at frequencies of 10 to 45 per hour. The other type of electromyographic activity observed (type II) consisted of fragmented series of discharges that lasted 2 to 15 minutes (mean duration, 5.45 ± 0.12 [SE] minutes) and occurred at frequencies of 0 to 6 per hour. The frequency of type I electromyographic events showed a circadian pattern of low amplitude with a maximum at night in animals with minimal uterine manipulation (electrodes only). This daily pattern was amplified during the 8 to 10 days that preceded delivery. Hysterotomy and fetal catheterization induced a circadian increase in the frequency of type I electromyographic events akin to that observed during the predelivery period. Fetal death abolished the high-amplitude circadian variation of type I electromyographic events both postoperatively and in the predelivery period. These data indicate that the fetus plays a role in the regulation of uterine type I electromyographic activity in the rhesus monkey.
Distribution of methamphetamine in the human body: Ethnic effects

325 Objectives Methamphetamine, one of the most addictive and toxic of the drugs of abuse, is abused much less frequently by African Americans than by Caucasians. This study explored the possibility that differences in use could result from differences in drug bioavailability that could either decrease its reinforcing effects or increase its side effects. Methods PET was used to compare the bioavailability of [11C]d-methamphetamine in the organs of the body between Caucasians (n=9) and African Americans (n=10). We quantified peak uptake (% injected dose per cc), rate of clearance (time to reach 50% peak clearance) and organ accumulation (area under the curve) of [11C]d-methamphetamine. Results [11C]d-Methamphetamine distributed throughout the whole body with the highest peak uptake (% Dose/cc) occurring in lungs and kidneys (0.023-0.017) followed by pancreas, spleen, liver and stomach (0.013-0.015) and the lowest uptake occurring in brain and heart (0.006-0.007). The clearance (half-peak clearance) was fastest for heart and lungs (7-16 min) and slowest for brain, liver and stomach (> 75 minutes). Group comparison showed that the accumulation (area under the curve) of [11C]d-methamphetamine in the lungs was 33% higher in African Americans (0.39 ±0.07) than in Caucasians (0.29 ± 0.08, p Conclusions The high accumulation of methamphetamine in the body likely contributes to its high toxicity and mortality. The higher lung accumulation of methamphetamine in African Americans than in Caucasians could result in greater adverse effects, which may contribute to the lower abuse of methamphetamine in this population. Research Support NIH and Department of Energ
Higher-order interaction-induced effects on depolarized light scattering from fluids of optically anisotropic molecules

Abstract The effect of higher-order terms in dipole-induced dipole (DID) interactions on the depolarized light scattering intensity in liquid oxygen is calculated using molecular dynamics computer simulation. The total induced dipole moment in the system is evaluated iteratively. Inclusion of multiple DID interaction terms is found to lead to a non-negligible increase in the depolarized intensity over the first-order result.
Absent without leave; a neuroenergetic theory of mind wandering.

Absent minded people are not under the control of task-relevant stimuli. According to the Neuroenergetics Theory of attention (NeT), this lack of control is often due to fatigue of the relevant processing units in the brain caused by insufficient resupply of the neuron’s preferred fuel, lactate, from nearby astrocytes. A simple drift model of information processing accounts for response-time statistics in a paradigm often used to study inattention, the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). It is suggested that errors and slowing in this fast-paced, response-engaging task may have little to due with inattention. Slower-paced and less response-demanding tasks give greater license for inattention—aka absent-mindedness, mind-wandering. The basic NeT is therefore extended with an ancillary model of attentional drift and recapture. This Markov model, called NEMA, assumes probability λ of lapses of attention from one second to the next, and probability α of drifting back to the attentional state. These parameters measure the strength of attraction back to the task (α), or away to competing mental states or action patterns (λ); their proportion determines the probability of the individual being inattentive at any point in time over the long run. Their values are affected by the fatigue of the brain units they traffic between. The deployment of the model is demonstrated with a data set involving paced responding.
Recent increase in Jupiter's decimetric radio emission

Observations of the linear polarization properties of Jupiter's decimetric radioemission showed the planet's total intensity to increase between late summer 1973 and July 1974. Measurements were made with the NASA 64-m parabolic antenna operating at a wavelength of 13.1 cm. Data were plotted as a function of the longitude of the central meridian. Both data sets showed similar periodic intensity variation with longitude. However, the 1974 data points were consistently above the corresponding 1973 values. The flux density difference was attributed to the increase in the planet's decimetric radio emission. Measured at wavelengths of 21 cm and 11 to 13 cm the average peak flux densities were plotted as a function of the epoch of each observation.
Role of Endothelium and Nitric Oxide in the Response of Equine Colonic Arterial Rings to Vasoconstrictor Agents

Objective- To determine the in vitro contractile responses of equine colonic arteries to angiotensin II, histamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, prostaglandin F2α, vasopressin, and a thromboxane-B2-analogue. Study Design- The tension generated in colonic arterial rings placed in organ baths with oxygenated Tyrode's solution at 37°C after exposure to the previously mentioned chemical agents was measured using force-transducers interfaced with a polygraph. Sample Population- Large colon arterial rings collected from eight horses. Methods- The rings were allowed to equilibrate for 45 minutes after applying 2 g tension. Bath solution was replaced and tension reapplied at 15-minute intervals. Cumulative-concentration-responses were determined for concentrations ranging from 10-8M to 10-4M on three vessel groups namely endothelium intact, endothelium denuded, and L-NAME treated. The maximal response for each vessel was considered as 100%; responses to lower concentrations were calculated as a percentage of the maximum. The EC50 value was determined for each concentration-response relationship of each agent. Results- Vessels with denuded endothelium or those incubated with L-NAME had greater contractile responses. Angiotensin, histamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine produced greater maximal responses than the other agents. Endothelium denuded rings had lower EC50 values. Responses to norepinephrine and serotonin were affected less by denudation. Conclusion- Endothelium plays an important role in modulating responses of colonic arterial rings to contractile agents. Endothelium-derived vasodilators, other than nitric oxide, may modulate contractile responses of equine colonic arteries. Clinical Relevance- Endothelial damage associated with colonic vovulus may be a major factor for sustained reduced perfusion after surgical correction.
KINETICS OF GROWTH AND HYDROGEN UPTAKE BY METHANOBACTERIUM FORMICICUM

Fermentation kinetics for the growth and conversion of H2 and CO2 to CH4 byM. formicicum were modeled by using Monod equations. The maximum specific growth rate and H2 uptake rate μmax and qmax, were found to be 0.053 h−1 and 0.13 mol/hg cell, respectively. The partial pressure of H2 was found not to have a significant effect on either growth or H2 utilization. The yield of CH4 from H2 was calculated as 0.27 mol/mol, which is within 7% of the theoretical value of 0.25.
The Anthropology of Human Residues

Ethnoarchaeology is a new kind of anthropology—the anthropology of human residue formation. Since discard behavior and residue formation, like language, are universal human characteristics, their patterning can be studied in a manner akin to grammar in languages. Consistent observed relationships between human behavior and material residues in contemporary societies may be posited as propositions for cross-cultural testing and comparison with prehistoric human residues. Two aspects of ethnoarchaeology—the derivation of these lawlike propositions and the materialist approach that this effort represents—are demonstrated with data on ethnographic behavior relating to lithic raw materials among the Western Desert aborigines of Australia. In particular, this study examines the amounts of lithic raw material that are selected, used, and ultimately discarded by an aborigine man during an average year and the way in which the presence of raw materials from distant sources (“exotic” stones) in aboriginal habitation campsites can be explained in terms of nonmaterial, i.e., ideational, aspects of behavior. The argument here is that the ethnoarchaeologist is most effective when he uses a materialist approach in studying patterns of human residue formation to discover the totality of behavior that best explains these patterns. [ethnoarchaeology, discard behavior, materialist approach, Australian desert aborigines]
Stochastic SCUC Solution With Variable Wind Energy Using Constrained Ordinal Optimization

This paper proposes a constrained ordinal optimization (COO) based method for solving the scenario-based stochastic security constrained unit commitment problem. The basic idea is to sample a large number of candidate unit commitment (UC) solutions by a crude model and then use an accurate model on a small selected subset to find good enough UC solutions over all scenarios. To facilitate the proposed method, a feasibility model is utilized that applies analytical conditions for identifying the feasibility of UCs. A blind picking approach based on the feasibility model is incorporated in the COO-based method for seeking good enough solutions. Numerical tests are performed on a modified IEEE 118-bus system with a high penetration of wind energy, in which hourly forecast errors of wind speed and loads and random outages of system components are considered. The simulation results show the validity and the effectiveness of the proposed method. Comparative evaluations of the proposed COO-based method with mixed-integer linear programming solvers are considered in this paper.
Design of FPGAs with Area I/O for Field Programmable MCM

Area-IO provide a way to eliminate the IO bottleneck of field programmable logic devices (FPLDs) created the mismatch between the ability of perimeter bonds to provide IO and and the propensity of logic to demand it. Whether the incorporation of area IO into FPLD architectures has undesirable side effects is a question that has not yet been answered. In this paper, we examine the architectural impact of area-IO on FPLDs from a theoretical and experimental standpoint and show that the introduction of area IO generally improves the routability and delay of a set of benchmark circuits.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit changes are associated with lead-induced deficits of long-term potentiation and spatial learning.

The present study demonstrates that impairments of spatial learning and hippocampal long-term potentiation in rats chronically exposed to lead are associated with changes in gene and protein expression of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits. Rats exposed to 750 and 1500 ppm lead acetate were found to exhibit deficits in acquisition of a water maze spatial learning task. Furthermore, lead-exposed rats show dose-dependent reductions in the maintenance of in vivo hippocampal long-term potentiation induced in entorhinal cortex–dentate gyrus synapses. We found an unexpected, but significant (P<0.05), correlation between spatial learning and long-term potentiation when control and lead-exposed rats were analysed as a single, combined population. Dentate gyrus NR1 subunit messenger RNA was reduced 18% and 28% by exposure to 750 and 1500 ppm lead acetate, respectively. NR2A subunit messenger RNA was reduced 18% but only in the dentate gyrus of rats exposed to 1500 ppm lead acetate. No significant changes in dentate NR2B messenger RNA expression were measured in either of the lead-exposed groups. NR1 subunit protein was reduced 24% and 58% in hippocampal homogenates from rats exposed to 750 and 1500 ppm lead acetate. In contrast, no changes in NR2A or NR2B subunit protein were observed in the same hippocampal homogenates. These data show that reductions of specific N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits are associated with deficits of both hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial learning, induced in rats by chronic exposure to environmentally relevant levels of lead. These findings strongly suggest that the effects of lead on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors may be the mechanistic basis for lead-induced deficits in cognitive function.
A New FET-Bipolar Combinational Power Semiconductor Switch

A novel FET-BJT combinational transistor configuration is proposed and demonstrated using discrete devices. This new transistor features fast switching, very simple drive requirement, elimination of reverse bias second breakdown, and good utilization of semiconductor chip area. Initial results indicate that power hybrid construction of the device is essential to enhance the current rating of the device.
Aggregation of steroidal lariat ethers: the first example of nonionic liposomes (niosomes) formed from neutral crown ether compounds

N-(3-Dihydrocholesteryloxycarbonylmethyl)-(1) and N-(3-cholesteryloxycarbonylmethyl)-1-aza-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-cyclopentadecane (2) aggregate in water to from the first examples of niosomes based on amphiphiles having an uncomplexed crown ether residue as the head group.
MYC gene amplification is often acquired in lethal distant breast cancer metastases of unamplified primary tumors

In breast cancer, amplification of MYC is consistently observed in aggressive forms of disease and correlates with poor prognosis and distant metastases. However, to date, a systematic analysis of MYC amplification in metastatic breast cancers has not been reported. Specifically, whether the MYC amplification status may change in metastases in comparison to the corresponding primary breast tumor, and potential variability among different metastases within the same patient have also not been assessed. We generated single patient tissue microarrays consisting of both primary breast carcinomas and multiple matched systemic metastases from 15 patients through our previously described rapid autopsy program. In total, the 15 tissue microarrays contained 145 primary tumor spots and 778 spots derived from 180 different metastases. In addition, two separate tissue microarrays were constructed composed of 10 matched primary breast cancers and corresponding solitary metastases sampled not at autopsy but rather in routine surgical resections. These two tissue microarrays totaled 50 primary tumor spots and 86 metastatic tumor spots. For each case, hormone receptor status, HER2/neu, EGFR and CK5/6 expression were assessed, and the cases were characterized as luminal, basal-like or HER2 based on published criteria. Both fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for MYC was performed on all cases. Of the 25 cases, 24 were evaluable. While 4 of 24 primary tumors (16%) demonstrated MYC amplification, an additional 6 (25% of total evaluable cases) acquired MYC amplification in their systemic metastases. Of note, there was remarkably little heterogeneity in MYC copy number among different metastases from the same patient. MYC immunoreactivity was increased in metastases relative to matched primaries in the surgical cohort, although there was no perfect correlation with MYC amplification. In conclusion, amplification of MYC is a frequent event in breast cancer, but occurs more frequently as a diffuse, acquired event in metastatic disease than in the corresponding primary. These observations underscore the importance of MYC in breast cancer progression/metastasis, as well as its relevance as a potential therapeutic target in otherwise incurable metastatic disease.
Subjects or Objects? Prisoners and Human Experimentation

In 1978, the Department of Health and Human Services passed regulations that limited federally funded research involving prisoners in several ways. Dr. Barron Lerner discusses a recent report by th...
Age- and gender-related differences in cortical geometry and microstructure: Improved sensitivity by regional analysis.

Objective While the importance of cortical structure quantification is increasingly underscored by recent literature, conventional analysis techniques obscure potentially important regional variations in cortical structure. The objective of this study was to characterize the spatial variability in cortical geometry and microstructure at the distal radius and tibia using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). We show that spatially-resolved analysis is able to identify cortical sub-regions with increased sensitivity to the effects of gender and aging.
Seeding of osteosarcoma in the biopsy tract of a patient with multifocal osteosarcoma

We report a case of multifocal osteosarcoma in a 7-year-old boy who developed iatrogenic seeding of tumor along the biopsy tract. The results of the plain radiograph, CT, and histopathological correlation are presented.
Soft x-ray microscopy and microanalysis: Applications in organic geochemistry

Soft x-ray imaging and C-NEXAFS microanalysis have been used to analyze the organic geochemistry of bio/geo-macromolecules (sporopollenin) in-situ and in a rank variable suite of organic rich sediments extending from recent up to the equivalent of medium volatile bituminous rank. The acquisition of images with the monochromator tuned to 285.5 eV, corresponding to the 1s - (pi) * transition of unsaturated carbon, reveals a homogeneous chemical structure in the spore outer wall (exine). Across the rank range absorption at 288.1 eV, corresponding to the 1s - 3p/(sigma) * transition of aliphatic carbon, matches that of the surrounding, matrix, vitrinite suggesting that the aliphatic carbon within the two macerals undergoes a parallel chemical structural evolution over the rank interval analyzed. Carbon near edge absorption fine structure spectroscopic microanalysis reveals clear trends in the chemistry of sporopollenin/sporinite. The most pronounced being an increase in the concentration of sp2 hybridized carbon. The rate of increase exceeds that of similar aromatization trends in the surrounding vitrinite. Increases in the concentration of unsaturated carbon are compensated by losses of aliphatic and alkyl carbon bonded to oxygen. The concentration of COOH,R groups is low and does not change across the rank range analyzed.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Substance P afferent terminals innervate vagal preganglionic neurons projecting to the trachea of the ferret

Abstract Airway disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive bronchitis, are, in part, due to abnormalities in the nervous control of the airways. However, the ultrastructural circuitry and neurochemical anatomy of afferents modulating the output of airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons (VPNs) in the nucleus ambiguus are poorly understood. We have examined the potential role of substance P (SP) immunoreactive afferents in the regulation of anatomically identified airway VPNs. Cholera toxin b-subunit conjugated to horseradish peroxidase was used as a retrograde cell body tracer to identify the central VPNs innervating the extra-thoracic trachea. Immunocytochemistry was employed to identify SP afferents. The external formation of the nucleus ambiguus was examined by electron microscopy using a simultaneous double labeling method. Cell bodies of tracheal VPNs were 31.7±1.18×23.0±1.3 μm (means±S.E.M.) in size, contained abundant endoplasmic reticulum, had a round nucleus with a prominent nucleolus, no satellite body and displayed somatic and dendritic spines. Somato-somatic appositions, somato-dendritic appositions without intervening glial processes and dendritic “bundling” commonly seen in esophageal motoneurons were not observed. The ultrastructural morphology of tracheal VPNs were also clearly distinguishable from pharyngeal and laryngeal motoneurons in other divisions of the nucleus ambiguus which lack somatic spines. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that differences in the ultrastructure and synaptology of the different divisions of the nucleus ambiguus may be associated with specific physiological functions. The mean size (±S.E.M.) of SP nerve terminals was 1.57±0.06×0.79±0.03 μm. SP terminals formed 17.5% of the axo-dendritic and 15.9% of the axo-somatic synapses which were observed upon retrogradely labeled tracheal VPNs. Synaptic contacts observed were both symmetric and asymmetric. These synaptic interactions define, in part, the neurochemical anatomy of neuronal circuits modulating vagal preganglionic control of tracheal functions.
Stop-flow analysis of the axonal transport of dopa decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.26) in rabbit sciatic nerves.

— The axonal transport of DOPA-decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.26) was investigated in rabbit sciatic nerves by means of in vitro stop-flow techniques. Enzyme activity accumulated just proximal to a region that was locally cooled to 5°C in nerves that were elsewhere incubated at 37°C. The accumulation of enzyme activity was linear with time and corresponded to an average orthograde transport velocity of 11 mm/day. Retrograde transport was not detected. When nerves that had been locally cooled for 3 h were rewarmed, the accumulated enzyme activity moved distally along them as a wave with a narrow range of velocities. The front of this wave traveled at a rate of about 150mm/day, and the mean velocity of the wave was about 120 mm/day. These values are much lower than those previously obtained for tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.2), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.2.1) and norepinephrine in similarly designed experiments. Thus DOPA-decarboxylase appeared to be transported at intermediate velocities, and, since the mean velocity of the moving fraction was about 11 times the average velocity, it is ljkely that only 9% of the enzyme was undergoing transport at any given moment.
High-activity, single-site catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide.

Despite recent advances regarding catalysts for CO2/epoxide copolymerization, the development of high-activity catalysts for alternating polymerization of CO2 and commodity epoxides, such as propylene oxide, remains a challenge. A new class of unsymmetrically substituted β-diiminate zinc complexes is reported that exhibits unprecedented activity for CO2/propylene oxide copolymerization. The polymers formed are of high molecular weight (Mn ≈ 35 kg/mol) and have narrow polydispersities (PDI ≈ 1.1), consistent with a living polymerization.
Diagnostic utility of DSM-IV-TR symptoms in the prediction of DSM-IV-TR ADHD subtypes and ODD.

Objective: Examined the diagnostic utility of DSM-IV-TR symptoms in the prediction of DSM-IV-TR ADHD subtypes and ODD to: (a) Assess the relative utility of parent and teacher ratings, and (b) Examine the utility of individual symptoms as inclusion and exclusion criteria.Method: Parent and teacher versions of the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale were completed for 440 children (217 boys; 223 girls) ranging in age from 9 to 13 years and were used to classify children into groups. Individual symptoms were used to compute corrected conditional probability statistics.Results: Corrected positive predictive power (cPPP) statistics indicated that parent and teacher ratings had similar diagnostic utility in the prediction of the presence of ADHD, Inattentive Type and ADHD, Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, and that their combination did not provide incremental utility over either informant alone. However, cPPP statistics for ADHD, Combined Type, and ODD indicated that teacher ratings, and the use of combined ...
Effects of Soil Type and Soil Chemical Composition on Nutrient Content of Annual Ryegrass for Beef and Dairy Cow Nutrition

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is an important crop grown on approximately 1.1 million hectares in the southeastern United States. Used primarily for winter grazing, ryegrass has considerable yield variation among production areas, possibly due to differences in ryegrass response to the range of soil properties encountered in Louisiana. The objectives of this research were: (i) to evaluate variation in soil nutrient status among a range of soil series; and (ii) to compare yield, mineral uptake, and livestock nutritional value of annual ryegrass grown on these soils. Two replicated greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate two cultivars of annual ryegrass, Gulf and Rio, grown in seven distinct soils collected from throughout Louisiana. Soils were unamended and received no additional fertilizer during the studies. Each study was harvested twice for yield and nutrient uptake determinations. Plant tissue samples were analyzed for potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), ...
Effect of dynamical‐photochemical coupling on oxygen airglow emission and implications for daytime ozone retrieved from 1.27 μm emission

[1] A one-dimensional photochemical-diffusive-advective model is used to quantitatively investigate the effects of dynamical-photochemical coupling on the O2(a1Δg) concentration and the derived O3 concentration based on the 1.27-μm airglow emission in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere. We compare the fractional differences of O2(a1Δg) and O3 concentrations between those derived from the coupled model and from a photochemical steady state model that is often used for retrievals by airglow emissions. It is found that the fractional differences resulting from the use of a steady state model have a strong local time dependence when the chemical/radiative lifetime of O2(a1Δg) is comparable to that of diurnal variations and the transport timescale of tidal waves. In the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, especially near the mesopause region, the fractional difference may range from more than 100% in early morning immediately after sunrise to about 10% or less in the later afternoon.
Surface diffusivities from concentration profiles

In diffusion over surfaces, diffusivities are often noticeably dependent upon the concentration of adsorbed material. This effect has made it difficult to derive reliable diffusivities from experiments on macroscopic crystals. A method is proposed for analyzing experiments in which spreading of an adsorbate is observed as a function of position and time. The diffusivity D(c) is represented by a trial function D(c) = D(0)(1 + a1 + a2c2), in which D(0), a1, and a2 are arbitrary fitting pa profiles c1(x,t) for a given choice of fitting parameters, obtained by numerical integration of the diffusion equation, are then compared with the measured profiles. This procedure is repeated with different values of the fitting parameters until the best fit to experiment is obtained. Tests on concentration dependent diffusivities of different types reveal that this procedure is reliable, even when there is some competition between diffusion and desorption.
Identifying patient, community and program specific barriers to free specialty care utilization by uninsured patients in East Baltimore

Uninsured individuals face multiple barriers to accessing specialty care. The Access Partnership (TAP) offers free specialty care and care coordination to qualified uninsured patients at an urban academic medical center for a small program entry fee (waived for financial hardship). In the program's first year, 104 eligible patients (31%) did not enroll. To understand why, we investigated demographic, referral, personal, and program-specific factors. After adjusting for age, gender, and ZIP code, diagnostic and therapeutic referrals were more likely to be completed than ancillary referrals (OR=8.56, p=.001; OR 3.53, p=.03). There was no difference between pain related and ancillary referrals (OR=2.80, p=.139). Eighteen patients were surveyed and reported program and patient-specific barriers. While removing costs is necessary to improve access to specialty care for underserved patients, it is insufficient. Improving communication from program coordinators and enrollment strategies may help to improve utilization of free care programs by the uninsured.
Irritant plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract The spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), with some 300 genera and over 7000 species, is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants. 1 The name "spurge" is derived from Medieval French "epurger," referring to the purgative properties of the seeds of the genus Euphorbia . As we shall see, the chemical compounds in the seeds that are responsible for the purgative effect also (at least in part) produce the caustic effects on human skin, leading to dermatitis. The great majority of Euphorbiaceae are tropical or subtropical, but even in temperate North America there are 27 genera with over 100 native or naturalized species. 2 Although some Euphorbiaceae are tall, rain-forest trees, the majority of taxa in the family are short-lived, understory trees, shrubs, or herbs that grow characteristically in secondary vegetation or open arid regions. Euphorbiaceous flowers are unisexual and mostly small and inconspicuous; the fruit is usually a capsule of three cells (hence the name "Tricoccae" that was earlier given to the family), each chamber with one or two seeds. Biochemically, the Euphorbiaceae are very diversified and are especially rich in alkaloids and terpenoid compounds. 3 Recent studies indicate that this diversity is primarily the result of selection over millions of years for the ability to synthesize compounds that deter attacks by herbivores. 4–6 The Euphorbiaceae that cause dermatitis are those whose antiherbivore defense mechanisms (primarily against insects) incidentally happen to be injurious to humans who come in contact with them. The classification of the Euphorbiaceae is complicated because of the size and diversity of the family; in the past, various conflicting systems have been proposed for grouping the genera into subfamilies and tribes. 7–10 In the most recent general classification, five subfamilies and approximately 50 tribes have been recognized. 11 Some characteristics of the subfamilies are listed in Table 1. Among the major types of dermatitis that have been recognized by medical practitioners, 12,13 Euphorbiaceae are important causal agents in two: pharmacologic injury by stinging (contact urticaria) and primary chemical irritation. Mechanical irritation due to stiff hairs occurs sporadically, but will not be considered in detail. Allergenic reactions, such as those occurring from contact with Toxicodendron and other Anacardiaceae, appear to be uncommon in the Euphorbiaceae. There are several useful summaries of Euphorbiaceae important in dermatitis, including those by Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 14 Mitchell and Rook, 15 Evans and Schmidt, 16 Altschul, 17 and von Reis and Lipp. 18 The genera of subfamilies Acalyphoideae, Crotonoideae, and Euphorbiaceae are implicated in dermatitis; sub-families Phyllanthoideae and Oldfieldioideae include toxic species, but are unimportant as producers of dermatitis.
Hydrosilylation of Allyl Alcohol with [HSiMe2OSiO1.5]8: Octa(3-hydroxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane and Its Octamethacrylate Derivative as Potential Precursors to Hybrid Nanocomposites

Octakis(3-hydroxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (OHPS) can be synthesized by direct hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol with octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane, (HSiMe2O)Si8O12 (Q8M8H), using platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane [Pt(dvs)] as catalyst. Surprisingly, C-hydrosilylation occurs in preference to O-silylation. Hydrosilylation of trimethylsiloxy-2-propene with Q8M8H, followed by desilylation also gives pure OHPS. OHPS reacts with methacryloyl chloride to give octakis(3-methacryloxypropyl-dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (OMPS), a thermal and UV/vis curable precursor to organic/inorganic nanocomposites. Direct hydrosilylation of Q8M8H with 2-allyloxyethanol also proceeds primarily via C- rather than O-silylation. In contrast, compounds such as 1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H), 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) or terminal Si−H functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-H, MW = 400), give significant amounts of O-silylation along with C-silylation. Initial catalyst con...
Impulsive stimulated thermal scattering studies of thermally induced cure in thin films of PMDA/ODA

We use a noncontact laser based method to monitor in real time the viscoelastic and thermal properties of thin (micron) polyamic acid films of PMDA/ODA as thermally induced imidization proceeds. Our measurements indicate that the most rapid thermal and viscoelastic changes coincide with or occur at slightly higher temperatures than the peak imidization rate as determined using a variety of other more conventional analytical techniques. The thermal and viscoelastic properties continue to change at temperatures beyond which imidization is largely completed, but within uncertainties cease to change at temperatures greater than 350°C. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Geographic Information Systems to monitor and predict non-native aquatic plant dispersal through north-eastern North America.

North America has a growing problem with invasive aquatic plants. At every level of the aquatic food web, long-standing checks and balances have become dramatically eroded by the introduction of non-native species. The northeastern United States contains thousands of diverse freshwater habitats, highly heterogeneous in geology and locale, where nuisance aquatic plant growth results in decreased lake water quality, interference with recreational access, degraded flood control structures, and impacts to their aesthetic quality. Early infestation and spread of exotic species is often poorly documented at local and state levels. Consequently, successful management of these species depends on continuous monitoring and definitive identification by both public officials and waterside homeowners. With new mapping capabilities employing software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coupled with the growing computerization of taxonomic records and online availability of regional herbarium records, we have been able to illustrate the temporal and geographic spread of these species, thus enabling aquatic ecologists and managers to make predictions of future infestations. In this paper we evaluate these techniques focusing on three of the most pervasive of exotic aquatic plant species in New York State: Myriophyllum spicatum, Trapa natans and Potamogeton crispus.
Stable isotope tracers: natural and anthropogenic recharge, Orange County, California

Abstract Stable isotopic techniques have been utilized to locate occurrences and trace movements of a variety of naturally and anthropogenically recharged waters in aquifers of Orange County, California. This basin is of particular interest not only because it provides the dominant water supply for the two million residents of this well-populated county, but also because it is representative of a common arid environment where natural recharge is dominated by distant, high-elevation precipitation transported by a major river. Such arid basins are particularly sensitive to climatic and anthropogenic disturbance of their recharge and their subsurface hydrology. In order to identify distinctive waters, oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope ratios from Orange County wells have been compared with a regional database including an array of surface water samples representative of watershed runoff. Four distinctive subsurface water types can be resolved. Waters of “local” rainfall and imported, “Colorado” River aqueduct origins are easily distinguished from dominant, “native” Santa Ana river compositions by use of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope analysis. Recent human interference with Santa Ana river flow and recharge is also marginally resolvable by isotopic techniques. Distinguishable isotopic signatures of “recent” Santa Ana recharge appear to be due to evaporative loss, perhaps during storage in the Prado Reservoir or in percolation ponds, prior to recharge into Orange County aquifers. Characterization of traceable isotopic signatures of distinct natural and anthropogenic recharge components provides a major advance towards use of such techniques for developing a well constrained, three-dimensional hydrologic model for this complex basin.
Amphetamine-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition in mice with reduced NMDA receptor function.

Abstract Genetically altered mice with reductions in the NR1 subunit of the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor have been proposed as a model for the intrinsic NMDA hypofunction hypothesized for schizophrenia. The following study investigated whether NR1-deficient mice have enhanced susceptibility for the effects of amphetamine, similar to the exaggerated responsivity to dopamine agonists observed in many schizophrenia patients. NR1−/− mice and wild-type controls were tested for the effects of amphetamine (2–10 mg/kg) on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle responses. The results showed that mice with reduced NMDA receptor function demonstrated consistent deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI), as well as higher startle response amplitudes. In comparison to normal controls, the NR1−/− mice were more sensitive to the disruptive effects of amphetamine on PPI, but not to the drug effects on startle magnitude without a prepulse stimulus. Wild-type mice only showed decreased PPI at the highest dose of amphetamine tested (10 mg/kg) and demonstrated small increases in PPI at lower amphetamine doses (2 and 6 mg/kg). The NR1−/− mice did not show enhanced PPI in response to amphetamine at low doses, with reductions in PPI apparent at doses of 4–10 mg/kg. Overall, these findings suggest that the NR1−/− mouse may provide a model for enhanced sensitivity to dopamine agonist-induced disruption of PPI.
Comparing non-adequate test suites using coverage criteria

A fundamental question in software testing research is how to compare test suites, often as a means for comparing test-generation techniques. Researchers frequently compare test suites by measuring their coverage. A coverage criterion C provides a set of test requirements and measures how many requirements a given suite satisfies. A suite that satisfies 100% of the (feasible) requirements is C-adequate. Previous rigorous evaluations of coverage criteria mostly focused on such adequate test suites: given criteria C and C′, are C-adequate suites (on average) more effective than C′-adequate suites? However, in many realistic cases producing adequate suites is impractical or even impossible. We present the first extensive study that evaluates coverage criteria for the common case of non-adequate test suites: given criteria C and C′, which one is better to use to compare test suites? Namely, if suites T1, T2 . . . Tn have coverage values c1, c2 . . . cn for C and c′1, c′2 . . . c′n for C′, is it better to compare suites based on c1, c2 . . . cn or based on c′1, c′ 2 . . . c′n? We evaluate a large set of plausible criteria, including statement and branch coverage, as well as stronger criteria used in recent studies. Two criteria perform best: branch coverage and an intra-procedural acyclic path coverage.
Abstract 3256: Investigating the intrinsic signaling differences in MET- and ERBB2-driven breast cancers

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Understanding the signaling pathways that drive aggressive breast cancers is critical to the development of effective therapeutics. Over 20% of breast cancers overexpress ERBB2 and are associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and poor outcome. Patients with ERBB2-positive tumors are often treated with the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, yet the majority of patients develop resistance. Recent studies show that the receptor tyrosine kinase MET is expressed in ERBB2 positive tumors and contributes to trastuzumab resistance in ERBB2-expressing cell lines. Other studies have shown that MET correlates with poor clinical outcome independent of ERBB2. We are utilizing mouse models to examine the intrinsic signaling differences between MET and ERBB2-mediated breast cancers. We have developed a novel mouse model of mutationally activated MET (Metmut) that develops a high incidence of diverse mammary tumors with basal characteristics. Using this mouse model and human breast cancer tissue, we have examined the role of MET in aggressive breast cancers. By gene expression and tissue microarray analysis, we observe that high MET expression in human breast cancers significantly correlates with estrogen receptor negative/ERBB2 negative tumors and with basal breast cancers (Graveel et al., 2009). We performed gene expression analysis on mammary tumors from Metmut mice and activated ErbB2 (Neu-Ndl2-5) mice. Unsupervised hierarchical analysis revealed that solid Metmut tumors clustered separately from Metmut tumors with a mixed pathology and that solid Metmut tumors have expression patterns very similar to ERBB2 tumors. The similarity of solid Metmut tumors to ErbB2 tumors suggests that MET signaling may be influential in ERBB2-driven tumors. To investigate this hypothesis further, we performed a parametric gene set enrichment analysis (PGSEA) and observed that the Ras activation signature was significantly associated with the Metmut mixed tumors. Currently, we are also investigating expression patterns of MET and ERBB2 in human breast cancers by coimmunostaining. Collectively, our studies indicate that MET may play a critical role in the development of the most aggressive breast cancers and may be a rational therapeutic target for trastuzumab-resistant ERBB2 breast cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3256.
Transitioning to Adulthood With Disabilities: A Holistic Approach

To illustrate the application of a holistic approach to transition care for individuals with spinal cord dysfunction, three scenarios are analyzed. Each scenario represents one of the three stages of life when transition care can be applied. Friends and relationships are integrated in the approach and specialized transition methods are discussed. Resources provided demonstrate how to efficiently meet the needs of patients and families.
On the Usefulness of Class Analysis in Research on Social Mobility and Socioeconomic Inequality

The article critically discusses the two main uses of the concept of class in recent stratification research. They are John Goldthorpe's analysis of social mobility from a class formation perspective and Erik O Wright's analysis of income inequality in the labor market. I argue that the main problem with both efforts is the lack of a satisfactory theory of how class generates inequality within the labor market. The logic of Gold thorpe's argument assumes that class causes inequality generating separate class interests in the labor market, but he does not provide such a theory. Wnght provides such a theory. However, his several class schemes either provide explanations for inequality that can be derived from standard internal labor market theory that does not satisfy the requirement of class theory; or, they are based on a concept of exploitation that is unsatisfactory for the identification of class categories within the labor market. I observe that it is not clear why Marxist theory needs a class theory ...
Using Manufacturing Planning to Generate Manufacturability Feedback

This paper describes how manufacturing planning can be used for generating manufacturability feedback for machined parts to be made on a 3-axis machining center. The approach presented in this paper involves systematic exploration of high level machining plans. It is expected that such analysis capabilities will give designers an opportunity to correct manufacturing related problems during the design stage and thereby reduce the number of design iterations.