cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A network interdiction model for analyzing the vulnerability of water distribution systems

This article presents a network interdiction model to assess the vulnerabilities of a class of physical flow networks. A flow network is modeled by a potential function defined over the nodes and a flow function defined over arcs (links). In particular, the difference in potential function between two nodes is characterized by a nonlinear flux function of the flow on link between the two nodes. To assess the vulnerability of the network to adversarial attack, the problem is formulated as an attacker-defender network interdiction model. The attacker's objective is to interdict the most valuable links of the network given his resource constraints. The defender's objective is to minimize power loss and the unmet demand in the network. A bi-level approach is explored to identify most critical links for network interdiction. The applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a reference water distribution network, and its utility toward developing mitigation plans is discussed.
Temporal expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 mRNA in murine retina.

Purpose. During maturation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) in infected murine retinal F strain ganglion cells, new viral components are axonally transported in two phases. The viral envelope protein (gD) appears 48 hr before the capsid protein (VP5). Our hypothesis was that delayed appearance of VP5 mRNA in the infected eye causes the delayed expression of the VP5 protein in the axon. Methods. HSV was injected into the ocular posterior chamber. Three to 24 hr later, the mice were euthanized, and the posterior eye was isolated. RNA was extracted, DNAase-treated, and used for amplification by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers specific to gD, VP5 and a tegument protein VP22. Results. VP22 and gD mRNAs are expressed 6 hr and VP5 mRNA is first detected 9 hr after infection. Conclusions. The results establish that delayed transcription does not play a significant role in the 48-hr delay in VP5 apppearance in the retinal axons
Perceptions of breast cancer risk and cancer screening: A qualitative study of Young, female Hodgkin’s Disease survivors

Background. Young female Hodgkins Disease (HD) survivors are at high risk for breast cancer following chest irradiation. We explored health perceptions, screening behaviors, and barriers of this population.Methods. Three focus groups and nine individual interviews (n=22) were conducted.Results. Women expressed significant misperceptions about breast cancer risk and screening. Screening barriers included avoidance, insurance issues, and lack of physician support.Conclusion. Female HD survivors would likely benefit from tailored education that links current beliefs with their previous cancer experience. Education about cancer risk may be more effective if delivered in a health-promoting rather than disease-detection framework.
Total Synthesis of Anhydrolycorinone Utilizing Sequential Intramolecular Diels−Alder Reactions of a 1,3,4-Oxadiazole

A convergent total synthesis of anhydrolycorinone is detailed, enlisting sequential intramolecular Diels−Alder reactions of a suitably substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazole defining a novel oxadiazole → furan → benzene Diels−Alder strategy.
In Situ Investigation of Heterotrimeric G Protein βγ Subunit Binding and Orientation on Membrane Bilayers

This paper investigates the binding and orientation of an important signal transduction membrane protein, Gβ1γ2 , in a membrane bilayer. This is the first time that sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy has been used to deduce the orientation of a peripheral membrane protein in the membrane environment. Wild-type and soluble Gβ1γ2 subunits were studied and the results are compared to evaluate the anchoring role of the geranylgeranyl group. SFG studies show that without the geranylgeranyl group, Gβ1γ2 adsorbs onto the surface with the β−propeller facing the membrane surface. At this orientation the helical domains orient more or less parallel to the surface. In contrast, wild-type Gβ1γ2 is anchored to the membrane via the geranylgeranyl group with the β−propeller more or less perpendicular to the surface. Under this circumstance, the helical domains are no longer parallel to the surface and hence contribute the dominant spectral features. From the measured SFG ppp and ssp intensity ratio,...
Kinetic study of the reactions Sn+N2O→SnO+N2

Abstract The rate constant for the reaction Sn( 3 P 0 ) + N 2 O(X 1 Σ + g ) → SnO(?) + N 2 (X 1 Σ + g ) has been determined using the techniques of flash photolysis and time-resolved atomic absorption analysis. Over the temperature range 341–377 K, this rate constant may be expressed by k T = (5.0 ± 1.0) × 10 −13 exp[−(4000 ± 200)/ RT ] cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . The role of adiabatic and diabatic spin and orbital symmetry correlation in the reaction may be invoked to explain the observed energy. The small magnitude of the rate constant implies that maintenance of a population inversion on the electronic transition from excited SnO would be difficult.
Monitoring liposome-mediated delivery and fate of an antisense drug in cell extracts and in single cells by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence

Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) detection was used for evaluation of the effectiveness of delivery and fate of a model 25-mer DNA-based phosphorothiate antisense drug in cells. The antisense molecule was delivered to the cells through a simple incubation and by using a cationic liposome (Cytofectin GS 3815). The cationic lipid interacted with the negatively charged antisense to form a more positively charged complex. It was observed that uptake of the liposome-antisense complex by the cell was dependent on concentration of lipid, duration of transfection, and the cell type. The antisense drug interacted with intracellular components such as proteins and additional steps were needed to quantify the free antisense. Proteinase-K was able to release antisense from proteins. However, the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the sample or running buffer was more effective than Proteinase-K to release both naked and liposome-bound antisense from the cellular materials. Analysis of single HeLa cells for uptake of the unbound and liposome-complexed antisense revealed averages of 8.9x 1 0 - 1 9 moles and 4.9x10 - 1 8 moles, respectively. The amount of uptake, however, varied greatly among individual cells and depended on the delivery method. With liposome-mediated delivery, the relative standard deviation (RSD) for the amount of antisense in individual cells was 130%, while the variation was much smaller (RSD = 45%) when the cells were incubated with the unbound antisense. These uptake variations agreed with those obtained from flow cytometry analysis.
The Measurement of Porosity in Composite Materials Using Infrared Thermography

The presence of porosity in polymeric matrix composites degrades the en gineering performance, and for many critical applications it is necessary to ensure that the porosity of the as-manufactured composites is minimized. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, such as ultrasonics or X-ray, are often used to inspect composites for porosity and non-conforming parts are rejected. An infrared thermographic technique is described here, which can be used to determine the degree of porosity in polymeric matrix composite materials. The technique consists of heating one face of the part with a high power laser and observing the thermal response on the other face as the heat diffuses through the part. Internal defects such as porosity modify the apparent diffusivity and reduce the rate and quantity of heat transferred to the opposite face. Experiments were conducted on carbon-epoxy samples with a range of known porosities and varying thick nesses and the thermal response was measured. The results show that for...
Gamma-Ray and Neutron Yields from the Proton Bombardment of Boron

Yield curves of the gamma rays and neutrons resulting from the proton bombardment of boron have been measured for proton energies from approximately 2 to 5 Mev. Both the 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} yields for the ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ reaction have been measured for the ground state transition and for the transition to the 4.43-Mev state in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, as has the yield of the 2.14-Mev $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray resulting from the inelastic scattering of protons on ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$. The neutron yield from ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}(p, n){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ is given at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and for almost $2\ensuremath{\pi}$ solid angle in the forward direction. New levels were observed in the ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ compound nucleus at 18.3, 18.39, 18.84, 19.2, 19.41, 19.66, 19.87, 20.25, 20.48, and 20.64 Mev. Preliminary data are given for the ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(p, n){\mathrm{C}}^{10}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ reactions.
Insulin resistance and atherosclerosis

Easy and affordable availability of calorie-dense food substrates and increasing adoption of a sedentary lifestyle sans regular exercise have resulted in an increase in the incidence and prevalence of obesity worldwide. A major consequence is the increase in the number of those with diabetes mellitus (DM), which is projected to reach about 300 million people worldwide by 2020 [1]. Following the discovery of insulin by Banting, McLeod, and Best in 1922, it was widely thought that human diabetes mellitus was largely due to a deficiency in the secretion of the hormone. However, in 1936 Sir Harold Percival Himsworth [2] noted variations in the responses of diabetic patients to insulin and proposed the notion that insulin insensitivity, not insulin deficiency, was the defining biochemical defect in many diabetics. In the spring of 1939, he also delivered the Goulstonian Lectures at the Royal College of Physicians of London, highlighting this new paradigm. These lectures were eventually published in 1939 [3–6]. The discovery of the immunoassay method for quantification of human insulin by Yalow and Berson in 1960 [7] soon led to the realization that in many individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance was often characterized by “compensatory” hyperinsulinemia. This has implications as discussed in subsequent sections.
Evidence for a new 0+ level in 154Gd

Abstract The K electron intensities of the 533.6±0.5, 676.5±0.4, 681.5±0.5 and 692.5±0.3 keV transitions were measured. The 533.6 and 681.5 keV transitions are pure E0.
Creating a Longitudinal Indicator: an Exploratory Analysis of Turbulence

This exploratory paper conceptualizes, develops, and assesses a potential longitudinal indicator of children’s contexts. Three sets of activities are used to create and examine a cumulative, longitudinal measure of turbulence that aggregates children’s experiences with different types of change. The initial step involves conceptualizing a construct based on theory and previous research and distinguishing it from related or similar constructs. A second set of activities involves defining and coding a measure of the construct. A third step involves examining predictive or concurrent validity. Turbulence encompasses varied types of change experienced by a developing child, for example, repeated changes in child care arrangements, family structure, income, residence and schooling. Each has been separately linked to poorer outcomes for children. For this exploratory work, retrospective data collected in Round 1 of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort, were used. A measure was conceptualized and constructed; and the predictive validity of turbulence, over and above background factors, was assessed for a set of adolescent outcomes. Substantively, we conclude that turbulence is an important and measurable construct, but that better data are needed than currently available. The value of the paper is that it illustrates a general approached for conceptualizing, developing, and examining longitudinal, cumulative indicators.
The effect of carboxylic acid anions on the stability of framework mineral grains in petroleum reservoirs

This paper presents experimental and empirical evidence to show that carboxylic acid anions (CAA's) are a major diagenetic control on first-cycle basins in Jurassic-to-Pleistocene reservoirs in the 80-to-120{degrees}C thermal window.
Effects of Managing Citrus Red Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Cultural Practices on Total Yield, Fruit Size, and Crop Value of ‘Navel’ Orange

The value of suppressing spring populations of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citn McGregor, at or below the conventional treatment threshold of two adult females per leaf was determined on ‘Navel’ orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, in the San Joaquin Valley. Mites on untreated trees reached peak populations between five and eight adult females per leaf. These higher mite populations caused significant reductions (∼10%) in yield in only one of three studies. Average fruit size per tree increased with increasing mite-days in all three studies. Fertilization level was the only cultural practice to consistently affect total fruit yield, and yield increased with increasing fertilization level. Increasing irrigation levels also increased fruit size. The rate of fruit ripening was accelerated with increasing fertilization level and delayed by the application of a growth regulator to delay rind senescence. In general, total yield per tree and average fruit size did not differ significantly due to interactions between acaricide treatments and the 36 other combinations of cultural practices. On average, large fruit are more valuable than small fruit, although there is substantial variation in price structure among seasons. Therefore, the slight increases in average fruit size on acaricide-untreated trees compensated economically for slight reductions in total yield. The economic benefit of suppressing citrus red mite populations in these studies depended greatly upon the price structure in effect when the crop was harvested and sold 7-11 mo after treatment decisions had to be made. Often, the increase in crop value did not offset the cost of acaricide application.
High-throughput methodologies for chemicals and materials research and development

This report is a collection point for non-proprietary business and technical information gleaned from industry input, for example as obtained at an Industry Probe Working Group Discussion held in March, 1998, public ATP Workshops held November 18, 1998 in Atlanta, GA, November 16, 1999 in San Jose, CA, as well as ATP's participation in many industrial forums in the last two years. Complete review articles can be found in the references.
Process outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing tailored mammography interventions delivered via telephone vs. DVD

Abstract Objective Tailored, interactive mammography-promotion interventions can increase adherence if women are exposed to and find them usable. We compare exposure to and usability of interventions delivered via telephone vs. DVD. Methods Process evaluation measures from 926 women randomly assigned to telephone or DVD intervention and completing post-intervention surveys. Results ∼83% of each group reported exposure to all content. Partial exposure was higher for DVD (9% vs. 0.4%; p p p Conclusion Both tailored interactive interventions had wide reach and favorable ratings, but DVD recipients had greatest exposure to at least partial content and more favorable ratings, especially among non-white women. Practice implications This first evaluation of a tailored, interactive DVD provides promise for its use in mammography promotion.
SOS processing of unique oxidative DNA damages in Escherichia coli

Abstract φX174 replicative form (RF) I transfecting DNA containing thymine glycols (5,6-dihydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine), urea glycosides or apurinic (AP) sites was used to study SOS processing of unique DNA damages in Escherichia coli . All three lesions can be found in DNA damaged by chemical oxidants or radiation and are representative of several common structural modifications of DNA bases. When φX DNA containing thymine glycols was transfected into host cells that were ultraviolet-irradiated to induce the SOS response, a substantial increase in survival was observed compared to transfection into uninduced hosts. Studies with mutants demonstrated that both the activated form of RecA and UmuDC proteins were required for this reactivation. In contrast, no increase in survival was observed when DNA containing urea glycosides or AP sites was transfected into ultraviolet-induced hosts. These data suggest that SOS-induced reactivation does not reflect a generalized repair system for all replication-blocking, lethal lesions but rather that the efficiency of reactivation is damage dependent. Further, we found that a significant fraction of potentially lethal thymine glycols could be ultraviolet-reactivated in an umuClex A rec A -independent manner, suggesting the existence of an as yet uncharacterized damage-inducible SOS-independent mode of thymine glycol repair.
Is the recall of verbal-spatial information from working memory affected by symptoms of ADHD?

Ojective: The Kulhavy model for text learning using organized spatial displays proposes that learning will be increased when participants view visual images prior to related text. In contrast to previous studies, this study also included students who exhibited symptoms of ADHD. Method: Participants were presented with either a map-text or text-map condition. Results: The map-text condition led to a significantly higher performance than the text-map condition, overall. However, students who endorsed more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity scored more poorly when asked to recall text facts, text features, and map features and were less able to correctly place map features on a reconstructed map than were students who endorsed fewer symptoms. Conclusion: The results of the study support the Kulhavy model for typical students; however, the benefit of viewing a display prior to text was not seen for students with ADHD symptoms, thus supporting previous studies that have demonstrated that ADH...
Using Virtual Worlds to Facilitate the Exploration of Ancient Landscapes

The Land Bridge-Cultural Algorithms Program Simulation L-CAPS system is a functional interface for learning group behavior using Cultural Algorithms CA. It enables the Cultural Algorithms process to implicitly communicate with, modify, and evaluate autonomous game agents restricted to an external virtual world. The L-CAPS system extends the work of Kinnaird-Heether Reynolds & Kinnaird-Heether, 2010, and is able to examine the viability of using CA in learning group behavior in games, as well as the ability for CA to be extended to more general game designs. Here it is applied to the learning of large group movement for the Land Bridge reality game. The goal of the Land Bridge Game is to recreate the virtual world of an ancient land bridge that extended across modern Lake Huron between 10,000 B.C. and 7000 B.C. Here, the authors are trying to predict the location of hunting sites, assuming that the positioning of those sites is related to the distribution of available game. In this paper they use L-CAPS to tune an algorithm to simulate the movement of large herds of caribou. In subsequent work the authors will then generate optimal paths for these herds through the ancient landscape using various path planning algorithms.
A Transcriptional Activator Protein Encoded by the X-lor Region of the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus

Human T-cell leukemia viruses type I and II (HTLV-I and -II) exhibit several features characteristic of this retroviral family: the presence of an x-lor gene encoding a nuclear protein, transformation properties suggesting the involvement of a virus-associated trans-acting factor, and transcriptional trans-activation of the long terminal repeat (LTR) in infected cells. In the study described here the HTL x-lor products, in the absence of other viral proteins, were able to activate gene expression in trans directed by HTLV LTR. The regulation of the expression of particular genes in trans by HTLV x-lor products suggests that they play a role in viral replication and possibly in transformation of T lymphocytes.
Relationship between contact angle and drop size

Abstract Advancing and receding contact angles are given for water on surfaces of poly-(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene, as well as on monolayers of behenic acid and cerotic acid deposited on glass. On every surface, values between the minimum and the maximum could be observed, in the course of drop-size reduction by evaporation. The observed changes in contact angle provide convincing examples of the occurrence of contact-angle hysteresis.
Effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae on survival and growth of perennial grasses in lignite overburden in Texas

Abstract Seedlings of sideoats grama ( Bouteloua curtipendula ), Indiangras ( Sorghastrum nutans ), and kleingrass ( Panicum coloratum ) were inoculated with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi ( Glomus fasciculatum and Gigaspora margarita ) in a containerized system and transplanted into lignite overburden in the Post Oak Savannah region of Texas, U.S.A. After three growing seasons without cultural inputs, plants inoculated with VAM fungi had greater survival percentages, basal diameters, and aboce-ground biomass than noninoculated plants. Inoculated plants had higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in above-ground biomass than noninoculated plants. Root colonization percentages of inoculated plants remained fairly stable while noninoculated plants showed low levels of colonization over the 3-year study period. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae enhanced the survival and growth of the 3 grass species by making effective use of limited resources in the lignite overburden.
A comparison of the primal-simplex and complementary pivot methods for linear programming

A comparison of the complementary pivot method of Lemke-Howson and the more commonly used primal-simplex method for solving linear programming problems in symmetric dual form has been made. In our tests the complementary pivot method shows a definite superiority over the simplex method both with regard to the number of iterations and computation time.
Differential regulation of α-calcitonin gene-related peptide and preprocholecystokinin messenger rna expression in α-motoneurons: Effects of testosterone and inactivity induced factors

alpha-Calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in alpha-motoneurons is regulated by spinal cord transection, axotomy and testosterone, but to date there are no studies which examine the regulation of cholecystokinin expression in motoneurons. In the present study, we compared the regulation of preprocholecystokinin and alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA levels in motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus. Previously, we demonstrated that manipulations which decrease activity in target muscles of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus motoneurons increase alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide message and peptide levels in spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus motoneurons. This muscle-nerve interaction is mediated by a soluble factor which is increased by castration. We now report that decreasing plasma testosterone levels decreased preprocholecystokinin messenger RNA levels. Testosterone replacement at the time of castration restored preprocholecystokinin messenger RNA levels to intact values. Injections of crude extracts prepared from denervated bulbocavernosus/levator ani into the homologous muscles of gonadally intact rats increased the levels of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA in spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus motoneurons. The levels of preprocholecystokinin messenger RNA did not differ in rats injected with denervated bulbocavernosus/levator ani extract or buffer, both of which were significantly higher than in intact, untreated rats. The results of the present experiments imply that levels of preprocholecystokinin and alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger ribonucleic acid are differentially regulated in spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus motoneurons.
The capacity of monotonic functions

We consider the class M of monotonically increasing binary output functions. M has considerable practical significance in machine learning and pattern recognition because prior information often suggests a monotonic relationship between input and output variables. The decision boundaries of monotonic classifiers are compared and contrasted with those of linear classifiers. M is shown to have a VC dimension of ∞, meaning that the VC bounds cannot guarantee generalization independent of input distribution. We demonstrate that when the input distribution is taken into account, however, the VC bounds become useful because the annealed VC entropy of M is modest for many distributions. Techniques for estimating the capacity and bounding the annealed VC entropy of M given the input distribution are presented and implemented.
Characterizing the performance of the nation's hospitals in the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program's imaging efficiency measures.

Abstract Purpose To describe the performance of the nation's hospitals in terms of the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program's imaging efficiency measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Hospital Compare website and reflect outpatient Medicare claims of 4,118 hospitals for 5 imaging efficiency metrics: (1) frequency of combination abdominal CT (performed with and without intravenous contrast); (2) combination chest CT (performed with and without intravenous contrast); (3) simultaneous brain/sinus CT; (4) mammography follow-up (diagnostic imaging after screening mammography); and (5) lumbar spine MRI for low back pain without prior conservative therapy. Metrics were summarized and compared with other hospital characteristics. Results Median frequency was 36.7% for lumbar spine MRI for low back pain and ranged from 1.6% to 7.8% for the remaining measures; however, extreme outliers were observed (maximal frequencies of 79.2%-95.2% for mammography follow-up and combination chest and abdominal CT). Essentially no correlation was found among measures, aside from combination abdominal and chest CT. For some measures, relatively poor performance was more commonly observed among critical access hospitals and physician-owned/proprietary hospitals, and less commonly observed among U.S. News & World Report "best" hospitals and primary residency teaching sites. Frequencies for combination abdominal and chest CT improved from 2013 to 2014 among hospitals with relatively poorer performance. Conclusions Although the imaging efficiency measures help identify individual hospitals and hospital categories with relatively inefficient imaging practices, they do not readily identify distinctly positively performing hospitals. Excess utilization was suggested for lumbar spine MRI. Frequency of combination abdominal and chest CT examinations improved over a short time interval.
BALB/Mtv-Null Mice Responding to Strong Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Superantigens Restrict Mammary Tumorigenesis

The absence of endogenous mouse mammary tumor viruses (MMTVs) in the congenic mouse strain, BALB/Mtv-null, restricts the early steps of exogenous C3H MMTV infection, preventing the superantigen (Sag) response and mammary tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that BALB/Mtv-null mice also resist tumor induction by FM MMTV, which encodes a stronger Sag compared to C3H MMTV. In contrast to infections with C3H MMTV, Mtv-null mice show FM-MMTV Sag-specific responses comparable to those observed in susceptible BALB/c mice. Neither virus shows significant replication in the spleen or mammary gland. Thus, Mtv-null mice restrict MMTV replication and mammary tumorigenesis even after a robust Sag response.
High Density Lipoprotein Binding to Scavenger Receptor, Class B, Type I Activates Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase in a Ceramide-dependent Manner

Recently it has been demonstrated that high density lipoprotein (HDL) binding to scavenger receptors, class B, type I (SR-BI) stimulates endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. In the present studies we used a Chinese hamster ovary cell system and a human microvascular endothelial cell line to confirm that HDL stimulates eNOS activity in a SR-BI-dependent manner. Importantly, we have extended these studies to examine the mechanism whereby HDL binding to SR-BI stimulates eNOS. eNOS can be stimulated by an increase in intracellular calcium, by phosphorylation by Akt kinase, or by an increase in intracellular ceramide. Calcium imagining studies and experiments with the calcium chelator, 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl) ester demonstrated that HDL binding to SR-BI does not induce an increase in intracellular calcium. Antibodies specific for activated Akt kinase demonstrated that HDL binding to SR-BI does not induce Akt kinase activation. However, HDL binding to SR-BI caused a reversible increase in intracellular ceramide levels from 97 ± 14 pmol/mg of protein to 501 ± 21 pmol/mg of protein. In addition, C2-ceramide stimulated eNOS to the same extent as HDL, whereas C2-dihydroceramide did not stimulate eNOS. We conclude that HDL binding to SR-BI stimulates eNOS by increasing intracellular ceramide levels and is independent of an increase in intracellular calcium or Akt kinase phosphorylation.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep

Sleep disturbance is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can be due to the underlying respiratory impairment itself or arise from comorbid obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia or restless legs syndrome. Sleep is associated with several changes in respiratory physiology, including the cessation of behavioral input to respiratory drive, reduction of hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses and decrease in activity of accessory muscles of respiration. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation can develop in persons with moderate-severe COPD.
Neuropsychology of chronic fatigue syndrome: A critical review

This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the neuropsychological and related literature on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Despite the methodological limitations observed in several studies, some consistent findings are noted. The most consistently documented neuropsychological impairments are in the areas of complex information processing speed and efficiency. General intellectual abilities and higher order cognitive skills are intact. Emotional factors influence subjective report of cognitive difficulty, whereas their effect on objective performance remains uncertain. Although the neuropathological processes underlying cognitive dysfunction in CFS are not yet known, preliminary evidence suggests the involvement of cerebral white matter. Directions for future research are outlined.
Postnatal methadone exposure does not prevent prenatal methadone-induced changes in striatal cholinergic neurons

On postnatal day 4, rats exposed to methadone prenatally but fostered to control dams, as well as those fostered to dams treated with methadone, exhibited significant reductions in striatal acetylcholine (ACh) content. This suggests that neonatal withdrawal from methadone is not responsible for the effects of prenatal exposure on cholinergic development in the early perinatal period. The effects of perinatal exposure to methadone on serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) metabolism do not appear to be strictly related to changes in ACh content. Although prenatal exposure reduces 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) content, changes in 5HT content prevent significant changes in the ratio 5HIAA/5HT. Pups exposed to methadone only prenatally (withdrawal group) exhibited a decreased DOPAC/DA ratio, whereas pups in the treatment group exposed to methadone both pre- and postnatally exhibited an increased DOPAC/DA ratio.
The Ethical Dimension of Folk Psychology

Abstract Participants in the debate about the nature of folk psychology tend to share one fundamental assumption: that its primary purpose consists in the prediction and explanation of another person's behavior. The following essay will evaluate recent challenges to this assumption by philosophers such as Joshua Knobe who insist that folk psychology and its concepts are intimately linked to our ethical concerns. I will show how conceiving of folk psychology in an engaged manner enables one to account for the evidence cited in favor of an ethical interpretation of folk psychology, without undermining the claim that it is primarily an explanatory practice. Nevertheless, I will suggest that the basic cognitive stance of folk psychology has ethical implications that have been insufficiently noted in the contemporary context.
MicroRNAs participate in the murine oligodendroglial response to perinatal hypoxia-ischemia

Hypoxic–ischemic injury (HI) to preterm brain results in white matter loss. The endogenous oligodendroglial response to perinatal HI is characterized by increased oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs). MicroRNAs (miRs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and a few miRs have been shown to regulate differentiation of OPCs into mature oligodendroglia. We tested the hypothesis that miRs play a role in the increase in OPCs in response to perinatal HI. We inducibly deleted the miR-processing enzyme Dicer in OPCs using a tamoxifen-inducible NG2CreERT2 transgene in Dicerfl/fl mice. After HI, mice were analyzed for OPC differentiation using immunofluorescence and for white matter formation by Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining. Functional recovery from injury was investigated using digital gait analysis. We also tested whether HI changed miRs known to regulate OPC differentiation using quantitative RT-PCR. Perinatal HI induced significant increases in miR-138 and miR-338, two miRs known to regulate OPC differentiation. Knockdown of Dicer increased myelin basic protein and LFB staining within the corpus callosum after HI. In addition, there was significant improvement in motor function 14 and 24 d post lesion. Changes in specific mature miRs expressed in OPCs following HI may contribute to white matter injury.
Superior d32* and k32* coefficients in 0.955Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.045PbTiO3 and 0.92Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.08PbTiO3 single crystals poled along [011]

Abstract The elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric constants of [011] poled Y cut length extension bars made of 0.955Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –0.045PbTiO 3 (PZN–4.5%PT) and 0.92Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –0.08PbTiO 3 (PZN–8%PT) single crystals were fabricated and measured. The absolute value of piezoelectric coefficient d 32 ∗ of PZN–8%PT crystal poled along [011] reaches as high as 1887 pC/N, which is almost twice as its d 33 ∗ value. The electromechanical coupling coefficient k 32 ∗ of PZN–4.5%PT and PZN–8%PT crystals poled along [011] are 0.73 and 0.86, respectively, showing great application potential for transverse mode sensors, actuators and other electromechanical devices.
A Factor Analysis of the Fear Survey Schedule-III

Abstract Responses to the Fear Survey Schedule-III (Wolpe and Lang, 1964) were factor analyzed and replicated on a second independent sample. Fear factors emerged which were replicated over the two samples: fear of animate non-human organisms, interpersonal events, the unknown, noise and medical-surgical procedures. Factor scores appear to be the most statistically sound criterion for selecting subjects, assessing behavior change and investigating generalization effects in clinical and experimental procedures.
Insulin Syringe Disposal Practices of Pediatric Patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Pediatric patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were surveyed over a 5-month period to determine disposal practices of insulin syringes. Eighty-nine (79.5%) of 112 patients surveyed responded. Thirty-three percent of the responders disposed of syringes in accordance with recommendations of the local health department and the American Diabetes Association, while the remaining patients did not. Fifty-two percent of the patients rendered the syringes useless before disposal. The study revealed a need to educate and inform patients on the proper procedures that should be followed when disposing of syringes in the home.
Induction of T cell activity in athymic (nu/nu) mice infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense

Abstract Infection of C57BL/10 (B1O) 3 nu nu mice with Trypanosoma rhodesiense results in the development of significant T-cell reactivity in spleen and lymph nodes. The proliferative responses to mitogens, such as concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and in mixed-lymphocyte reactions (MLR) to alloantigens are enhanced compared with control uninfected nu/nu mice. These results serve to emphasize the stimulatory nature of trypanosomes on the immune system.
TH‐D‐L100F‐01: Who's Minding the Dose?

This three‐part symposium will provide an update on the important topic of CTradiationdose, which continues to receive increased scrutiny from a growing proportion of the medical field. The first talk is entitled “Radiation dose considerations in pediatric CTimaging,” and will be delivered by Dr. Donald Frush, an eminent expert in pediatric radiology. There are unique considerations when performing CT in infants and children. These considerations include the sensitivity of children to radiation,radiationdose exposure and dose assessment for this technology. The special technical considerations make pediatric CT in many ways more demanding than in adults. Accurate dose assessment is important for determining potential risks essential for the risk‐benefit ratio in this younger population. The second talk is entitled “CT measurements: The good, the bad, and the ugly,” and will be delivered by Dr. John Boone, an esteemed medical physicist. The theory behind the current method for assessing radiationdose in CT (the CTdose index) will be reviewed. This method has many positive features (“the good”), and a growing number of limitations (“the bad”). Several groups have been formed to develop a different approach to assessing CTradiationdose, and many issues must be carefully considered (“the ugly”. Dr. Boone will provide his perspective on these and other interesting developments in the area of CTdose assessment. The third talk is entitled “Custom patient‐based CTradiationdose estimations,” and will be delivered by Dr. Michael McNitt‐Gray, also an esteemed medical physicist. An approach that appears to be gaining in popularity for CT patient dose estimation is the use of computermodels and scan simulations. This type of methodology requires a substantial investment in program development, but can result in a very flexible approach for exploring alternative technique design strategies. The use of computer modeling may find a more widespread role in CTdose assessment in the future, so it is important to understand its limitations in addition to its advantages.
Effect of barrier layers on BaTiO 3 thin film capacitors on Si substrates

The choice of the bottom electrode or barrier layer plays an important role in determining the electrical and structural properties of metal/ferroelectric/metal thin film capacitors. A substantial improvement of the electrical and structural properties of the capacitors was found by using RuO2 as a bottom electrode. Electrical measurement on a capacitor with a structure of BaTiO3(246 nm)/RuO2 (200 nm)/SiO2/Si, where the BaTiO3 thin film was deposited at room temperature, showed a dielectric constant of around 15, leakage current density of 1.6 × 10−7A/cm2 at 4 V, a dc conductivity of 9.8 × 1014S/cm, and a capacitance per unit area of 5.6 × 104pF/cm2. A similar structure but with polycrystalline BaTiO3 (273 nm) as the dielectric deposited at 680°C showed a dielectric constant of 290, leakage current density of 1.7 × 10−3A/cm2 at 4 V, a dc conductivity of 1.2 × 10−8 S/cm, and a capacitance per unit area of 9.4 × 105 pF/cm2. Scanning electron microscopy analysis on the films showed differences in the microstructure due to the use of different bottom electrode materials, such as RuO2 or Pd.
"B"-cell stimulation of allogeneic T-cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte cultures.

CELLULAR immune responses are thought to be mediated by effector cells that result from antigen stimulated proliferation and differentiation of thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells)1. The primary rejection of histo-incompatible grafts is a choice example of this cell-mediated type of immunity. Although bone marrow-derived antibody-producing cells (B cells) may function in secondary or hyperimmune responses, the development of specific effector mechanisms is predominantly thymus dependent2. The proliferative responses to lymphocyte-borne histocompatibility antigens in vitro also involve mainly thymus-dependent cells3,4, although several studies with mixtures of allogeneic lymphocytes in culture (mixed lymphocyte reaction; MLR) have indicated that B cells are also capable of responding3–9. The stimulus to proliferate can be a function of antigenic determinants carried by both T and B cells5,10. One question that arises, then, is whether or not there exists a preferential interaction between T and B cells in allogeneic mixtures. The identity of the predominant cell types from normal peripheral lymphoid tissues that interact to give the proliferative allogeneic response has not been determined. Knowledge of the cell types that are involved in the MLR, may lead to a greater understanding of any immunological implications that this reaction may present.
Observation of superdeformed bands in194Hg

Two rotational bands, with energy spacings characteristic of superdeformed shapes, have been observed following bombardment of150Nd with48Ca. The more intensively populated band consists of 18 transitions and is assigned to194Hg. The depopulation of this band occurs around spin 10. The second band, consisting of at least 16 transitions, was populated less strongly and is tentatively assigned to194Hg also. The lowest level in this band is assigned spin 8. The energy differences between transitions for both bands decrease from ∼40 keV at low rotational frequencies to ∼30 keV at the highest observed frequencies. The moments of inertia of the bands are similar to those of the two previously observed superdeformed bands in191,192Hg. The similarities and differences of the four known bands in the mercury region are discussed.
Inter- and intramolecular interactions of α-lactalbumin VII. The hydrogen ion titration curve of α-lactalbumin

Abstract 1. 1.|Titration of α-lactalbumin in 0.15 M KCl from an initial pH of 5.7–6.1 to pH 2.0 results in a conformational change below pH 4.0 which gives rise to molecular expansion. Exposure of α-lactalbumin to pH values in the range 2.0–3.5 results in a new curve on back titration to higher pH, with time-dependent changes occurring above pH 5.0. The back titration and initial titration curves coincide near pH 6.0, indicating that changes occurring at lower pH are reversible at pH 6.0. 2. 2.|The irreversibility of the initial titration curve in the pH range 3.5 to 6.0 is apparently not the result of irreversibility of the acid conformational change, but rather due to the slow rates of precipitation and solution of precipitated protein in this pH region. The magnitude of the electrostatic factor, w, is consistent with association of the protein at acid pH. 3. 3.|The pKtint values of the carboxyl groups in 0.15 M KCl are somewhat low, and are not “normalized” in the denaturing guanidine urea solvent, indicating the probable presence of cationic groups adjacent to carboxyl groups in the primary structure. 4. 4.|The alkaline portion of the titration curve in 0.15 M KCl is reversible from 5.7–6.1 to pH 12. Above pH 10.5 (25°) and pH 11.2 (10°), a conformational change occurs leading to expansion of the protein. This change appears to be less drastic than that occurring at acid pH.
Interactions between Concrete and Brine at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Site, New Mexico

A concrete liner emplaced in 1984 in a shaft at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant has served as a natural laboratory for observing interactions among concrete, evaporite rocks, and brine. During a routine inspection of the liner in the spring of 1990, discoloration, deposition of secondary salts, wet areas with exposed aggregate grains, softening of paste, surficial spalling, and cracking were observed locally on the concrete surface of the liner. Some construction joints showed apparent leakage of brine from behind the liner, which was nominally 50 cm thick. Seepage brines were nearly saturated relative to CaCl{sub 2} and contained lesser amounts of MgCl{sub 2} and KCl, and minor NaCl. The liner surface was locally altered to a 1--2 cm friable hygroscopic layer containing little cement paste; concrete cores (7 or 10 cm diameter) through the liner at depths of 248, 254, 255, and 271 m showed similar degrees of alteration at the liner/rock interface. The most profound alteration of concrete was developed in a {approximately}7 cm zone subparallel to and straddling the construction joint cored at a depth of {approximately}254.5 m. This zone was extensively microfractured, transected aggregate grains, and contained brucite, gypsum, magnesium hydroxychloride hydrate, and locally calcium chloroaluminatemore » instead of the usual phases of hydrated portland cement. Several mechanisms of chemical degradation have been proposed, the most likely being attack by magnesium ions.« less
Characterization of a stretchable multielectrode array for epimysial recording

Electrical recordings of skeletal muscle activity [i.e., electromyogram (EMG)] provide information that can assist in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases and serve as command sources for prosthetic control. The application of stretchable multielectrode array (sMEA) technology as an epimysial (i.e. on muscle surface) interface provides great promise for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for the treatment of neuromuscular diseases. This paper characterizes the epimysial recording capability of a new type of sMEA developed recently. Specifically, electrode properties are tested; device durability is assessed; and EMG recordings using different electrode configurations are characterized. The findings lay the foundation for future high-density, multichannel epimysial recording studies using this type of sMEA.
The Effects of Inorganic Ions Situated at the Enamel Surface on the Adsorption and Activity of Acid Phosphatase

This study has demonstrated, first, that the affinity of the enamel surface for a biologically active protein-in this case, acid phosphatase-may be modified by first impregnating the mineral with particular inorganic ions. Second, enzymic activity is altered as a function of the inorganic ion incorporated into the enamel surface. Third, strong inhibition of acid phosphatase is demonstrated by ions expected to be released during the carious process which contradicts the postulation that phosphatases are actively hydrolyzing enamel matrix-bound phosphate during the carious attack. Fourth, these results suggest that by incorporating a particular ion into the enamel mineral, a surface with assigned properties may be created which offers some degree of control over subsequent adsorption of organic matter. Thus, it is apparent that by proper selection of inorganic ions and organic macromolecules, both structural properties and biological activities at the enamel-oral fluid interface may be predictably modified.