cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared and raman spectra, conformational stability and normal coordinate analysis of ethyldimethylamine-borane

Abstract The IR (3200-80 cm −1 ) spectra have been recorded for gaseous and solid ethyldimethylamine-borane, CH 3 CH 2 (CH 3 ) 2 N(BH 3 ), and its deuterated analogue, CH 3 CH 2 (CH 3 ) 2 N(BD 3 ). Additionally, the Raman (3200-10 cm −1 ) spectra have been recorded for the liquid and solid phases, with qualitative depolarization values being obtained from the liquid. Based on the disappearance of several bands on going from the gas or liquid to the solid, it is concluded that the molecule exists as a mixture of the trans and gauche conformers in the fluid phases, but only the gauche conformer is present in the solid. From a variable temperature Raman study of the liquid the ethalpy difference is estimated to be 113±150 cm −1 (323±429 cal mol −1 ). A complete vibrational assignment is proposed for the gauche conformer based on group frequencies, isotopic shift data, and relative intensities. The assignment is supported by a normal coordinate calculation which was carried out utilizing a modified valence force field to calculate the frequencies of the normal modes and the potential energy distribution. The asymmetric torsion has been assigned to the bands at 130 and 124 cm −1 in the d 0 and d 3 compounds, respectively. These results are compared with corresponding results for several other amine-boranes and phosphine-boranes.
Semi-Fluorinated Trialkyltin Fluorides and Fluorinated Telechelic Ionomers as Viscosity-Enhancing Agents for Carbon Dioxide

Direct thickeners for dense carbon dioxide were designed and synthesized. Each thickener contained “CO2-philic” fluorinated groups to impart solubility in carbon dioxide and “CO2-phobic” functionalities to promote intermolecular associations for viscosity enhancement. Semi-fluorinated trialkyltin fluorides and fluorinated telechelic ionomers were soluble to at least several weight percent in dense liquid carbon dioxide without the use of a cosolvent. Increases in solution viscosity at 297 K were measured using falling cylinder viscometry. The viscosity of liquid carbon dioxide was increased by a factor of 2−3 at thickener concentrations of 2−4 wt %. These results demonstrate that carbon dioxide viscosity enhancement is possible without the need for a cosolvent through the design of compounds with the appropriate balance of CO2-philic groups for solubility and CO2-phobic associating groups for macromolecular, viscosity-enhancing interactions. Neither compound, however, was as effective as the (29% styrene−...
The future of clinical practice: A study

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to determine how BSW and MSW social work students differentially assess the relative prestige and effectiveness of casework, psychotherapy, and private practice in relation to thirteen other social work methods, and to ascertain what methods they would ideally like to practice upon graduation from their respective programs. The results indicate that undergraduate and graduate students view the average prestige and effectiveness of the three clinical methods quite differently. Also, the results reveal a very low correlation between what methods the students would like to practice and how they assess their prestige and effectiveness.
Activation of M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors Stimulates the Formation of a Multiprotein Complex Centered on TRPC6 Channels

In this study we showed that stimulation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) activates endogenous transient receptor potential-canonical, subtype 6 (TRPC6), channels in neuronal PC12D cells. Activation of TRPC6 channels is correlated with the formation of a multiprotein complex containing M1 mAChRs, TRPC6 channels, and protein kinase C (PKC). Formation of the M1 mAChR-TRPC6-PKC complex is transient, with highest levels reached ∼2 min after stimulation of M1 mAChRs. PKC in the complex phosphorylates TRPC6 on a conserved serine residue in the carboxyl-terminal domain (Ser768 in the TRPC6A isoform and Ser714 in the TRPC6B isoform). The immunophilin FKBP12, the phosphatase calcineurin, and Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin are also recruited to the M1 mAChR-TRPC6-PKC complex following activation of M1 mAChRs and remain stably associated with the TRPC6 channels after M1 mAChRs and PKC have disassociated. Binding of FKBP12, calcineurin, and calmodulin to TRPC6 channels is blocked by the following: 1) inhibition of PKC; 2) mutation of the PKC phosphorylation site (Ser7168/714) in the channels; or 3) pretreatment with FK506 or rapamycin, immunosuppressants that directly bind FKBP12. Inhibition of FKBP12 binding blocks the dephosphorylation of TRPC6 channels and the disassociation of M1 mAChRs, without affecting disassociation of PKC. The calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A also blocks the dephosphorylation of TRPC6 and prevents the disassociation of M1 mAChRs. Together, these results show that activated TRPC6 channels form the center of a dynamic multiprotein complex that includes PKC and calcineurin, which respectively phosphorylate and dephosphorylate the channels. Phosphorylation of the TRPC6 channels by PKC is required for the binding of FKBP12, which in turn is required for the binding of calcineurin and calmodulin. Subsequent dephosphorylation of the channels by calcineurin is required for the disassociation of M1 mAChRs.
An Exploratory Study of the Possible Impact of Cerebral Hemisphericity on the Performance of Select Linear, Non-Linear, and Spatial Computer Tasks.

In the present study 160 upper-class (junior and senior) undergraduate journalism students enrolled at two major Southwestern universities volunteered to participate. Each subject was found to fit into one of four groups. It was determined that forty subjects (N = 40) were left-brain dominant (right-handed, right-eyed), forty of them (N = 40) were mixed-brain dominant (right-handed, left-eyed), forty of them were also mixed-brain dominant (left-handed, right-eyed), and the remaining forty (N = 40) subjects were right-brain dominant (left-handed, left-eyed). Handedness was indicated by each subject's preference, while eye preference was determined by a test developed and used in a study by Parish and Huslig [1]. Subsequently, these students were taught how to design/develop projects (referred to as “stacks”) using software called HyperCard used on Macintosh computers. The findings generally supported the notion that right-brain dominant individuals significantly outperformed their left-brain and mixed-brai...
Diffuse reduction of white matter connectivity in cerebral palsy with specific vulnerability of long range fiber tracts

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of non-progressive motor disorders caused by injury to the developing fetal or infant brain. Although the defining feature of CP is motor impairment, numerous other neurodevelopmental disabilities are associated with CP and contribute greatly to its morbidity. The relationship between brain structure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in CP is complex, and current evidence suggests that motor and developmental outcomes are related to the spatial pattern and extent of brain injury. Given that multiple disabilities are frequently associated with CP, and that there is increasing burden of neurodevelopmental disability with increasing motor severity, global white matter (WM) connectivity was examined in a cohort of 17 children with bilateral CP to test the hypothesis that increased global WM damage will be seen in the group of severely affected (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) level of IV) as compared to moderately affected (GMFCS of II or III) individuals. Diffusion tensor tractography was performed and the resulting fibers between anatomically defined brain regions were quantified and analyzed in relation to GMFCS levels. Overall, a reduction in total WM connectivity throughout the brain in severe versus moderate CP was observed, including but not limited to regions associated with the sensorimotor system. Our results also show a diffuse and significant reduction in global inter-regional connectivity between severity groups, represented by inter-regional fiber count, throughout the brain. Furthermore, it was also observed that there is a significant difference (p = 0.02) in long-range connectivity in patients with severe CP as compared to those with moderate CP, whereas short-range connectivity was similar between groups. This new finding, which has not been previously reported in the CP literature, demonstrates that CP may involve distributed, network-level structural disruptions.
Pivotal power brokers: Theory and evidence on political fundraising

This study examines the campaign fundraising success of Senate incumbents that have a unique, pivotal status (legislatively) in the Senate with regards to parliamentary procedures (e.g., the filibuster). Regression estimates place the fundraising advantage, in favor of certain pivotal moderates over all other Senators, at about $2.12 million (in real terms) in total contribution per 2-yr election cycle. Pivotal status is even more significant in explaining variations in PAC contribution in the U.S. Senate, given that individuals who make contributions are not likely to be as interested as PACs in ‘buying policy.’ The results also suggest that Krehbiel’s Pivotal Politics (Krehbiel, K. (1988). Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. lawmaking. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago press.) construct warrants modification, given that it offers prediction about policy outcomes and gridlock intervals without fully incorporating interest group politics of the ‘vote-buying’ or ‘policy-buying’ variety.
From the silent generation to generation x, y and z: strategies for managing the generation mix

Today's workplaces are not only culturally diverse, but also generationally diverse. The Silent generation (pre World War II), the Baby Boom generation (1946-1962), Generation X (1963-1977), and Generation Y (1978-1986), all have different workplace values and needs. This can create a challenge for the manager who works with a generational mix of team members. Today's younger employees have different values and needs than those of their more "traditional" colleagues of the Silent and Baby Boom generations. For example, Generation X and Y employees saw their Baby Boom parents work so much that often family was neglected and, for all of the overtime hours of work, see their parents still struggle with retirement decisions and finances. These were the "latch-key" children and so younger generations want a balance between work and a personal life. They will not give up all of their personal time for the benefit of their employer like their parents. When you examine the various characteristics of each generation and understand their life experiences, you can see what has shaped their roles in today's workplace. Each generation's values are different and understanding these differences, while identifying misconceptions, can lead you to successfully managing this diverse group.
Postmastectomy locoregional radiotherapy: is it here to stay?

Abstract Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) clearly reduces the risk of locoregional recurrence for patients with invasive breast cancer with involved axillary lymph nodes. For many years it has been controversial whether or not it also decreases the risks of distant failure and, ultimately, death due to cancer, especially for patients receiving systemic therapy. There is now clear evidence that PMRT confers such benefits. However, published series vary substantially in describing the incidence of locoregional failure (LRF) following mastectomy with regards to particular patient subsets (such as those defined by the number of involved axillary nodes). Details of surgery and systemic therapy also affect this risk. This chapter will review the available data on these subjects, as well as their interpretation and clinical use. Much remains uncertain with regards to the benefits of PMRT in specific situations. Nonetheless, it appears that PMRT is indeed “here to stay.”
Guaiacyl Lignin Associated with Vessels in Aspen Callus Cultures

Lignin from aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) tissue cultures containing only mature vessels and undifferentiated parenchymatous cells is exclusively of the guaiacyl type normally associated with gymnosperms. This supports the theory that the guaiacyl and syringyl lignin in angiosperm wood is compartmentalized, with guaiacyl lignin in vessels and syringyl lignin in fibers and ray cells.
Endogenous digitalis–like factors in hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency

Endogenous digitalis–like factors in hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency. Endogenous digitalis–like factors have been implicated in the adaptations that accompany renal insufficiency and in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We recently described several fractions of normal human plasma that inhibit NaK-ATPase and exhibit apparent digoxin–like immunoreactivity. To determine if hypertension and/or renal insufficiency affect plasma levels of these factors, we examined four patient groups: normotensive controls; hypertensive subjects with normal renal function; hypertensives with moderate renal insufficiency; and chronic dialysis patients. Plasma levels of digoxin–like immunoreactivity and NaK-ATPase inhibitory activity were significantly increased in hypertensive patients with mild renal failure (7.6 ±1.1 ouabain equivalents, mean ± SEM, N=21 vs 4.1 ± 1.1 in normotensive controls, N=20, P 1 , EI 2 , and EI 3 , we analyzed the plasma of 10 dialysis patients further. The increase in NaK-ATPase inhibitory activity could be attributed to fractions EI 1 and EI 3 . These results suggest that plasma NaK-ATPase inhibitors increase with chronic renal insufficiency, but not hypertension alone. Although hemodialysis may acutely raise plasma levels, long–term dialysis returns them to the normal range.
Growth characteristics of LPE InSb and InGaSb

Growth characteristics of InSb and Inl-xGaxSb (x < 0.09) prepared by infinite solution epitaxy are investigated. Substrate surface contamination is found to be a controlling factor in epitaxial layer continuity and surface morphology; as the degree of contamination decreases, growth varies from discontinuous to terraced continuous to terrace-free continuous. The dependence of layer thickness on growth parameters is consistent with a diffusion-controlled process in which the Sb diffusion coefficient D is given by D = 1.1 × 10−3 exp[(-0.43 eV)/kT] cm2 sec−1. Electron microprobe analysis of the Ga distribution through epitaxial layers indicates that Ga diffuses fast enough in the solution under typical growth conditions to maintain a constant ternary composition.
Coherent backscattering noise in a photonic-bandgap fiber optic gyroscope

Numerical simulations predict that the coherent backscattering noise of a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) interrogated with a laser decreases when the laser's coherence length exceeds the length of the fiber loop. With a sufficiently coherent laser, this noise drops below the excess noise of the same FOG probed with broadband light. This new principle is paramount for the air-core FOG, which has a low sensitivity to the Kerr effect but exhibits stronger backscattering. It is also applicable to a conventional FOG. We provide evidence of this effect in an experimental FOG.
The development of children's perceptions of obstacles in compliance‐gaining interactions

Compliance‐gaining situations vary in the extent to which compliance‐seekers perceive that obstacles will interfere with their ability to induce the target to comply. This article examines developmental trends in young children's ability to identify potential obstacles and to assess relative difficulty in gaining compliance. Results suggest that, with increasing age, children exhibit greater social‐cognitive sophistication and become more accurate and more contextually sensitive in their obstacle assessments. Girls appear to be more accurate and contextually sensitive in their assessments than boys. This pattern of results holds both for scenarios targeting parents and for scenarios targeting friends. Implications for children's message behavior are discussed.
Glycosidic Activities of Pseudomonas fluorescens on Fat-Extracted Skim Milk, Buttermilk, and Milk Fat Globule Membranes

Abstract Crude enzyme of Pseudomonas fluorescens 26, a psychrotrophic microorganism, was incubated at 20°C for 2 days with skim milk, washed-cream buttermilk, and milk fat globule membrane. The first two milk fractions were fat-extracted. Skim milk was the best substrate for glycosidase studies, because it had the highest amount of potentially hydrolyzable carbohydrates. Furthermore, it was the fraction most enzymatically degraded. Galactose was the hexose most readily removed from skim milk, as expressed in units of concentration ( μ /ml). Among all carbohydrates, hydrolysis of fucose was greatest in buttermilk and milk fat globule membrane, but substrate-limitation was possible. Unlike sialic acid, which was hydrolyzed well in all fractions, hexosamines were hydrolyzed poorly, probably due to their putative position in the middle of the oligosaccharide chain or in the carbohydrate-protein linkage of glycoproteins.
Association of drug‐serum protein adducts and anti‐drug antibodies in dogs with sulphonamide hypersensitivity: A naturally occurring model of idiosyncratic drug toxicity

Summary Background Sulphonamide antimicrobials, such as sulphamethoxazole (SMX), provide effective infection prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients, but can lead to drug hypersensitivity (HS) reactions. These reactions also occur in dogs, with a similar time course and clinical presentation as seen in humans. Objectives Drug-serum adducts and anti-drug antibodies have been identified in sulphonamide HS humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether similar markers were present in dogs with sulphonamide HS. Methods Thirty-four privately owned sulphonamide HS dogs, 10 sulphonamide-‘tolerant’ dogs, 18 sulphonamide-naive dogs, and four dogs experimentally dosed with SMX and the oxidative metabolite SMX-nitroso, were tested for drug-serum adducts by immunoblotting, and anti-drug antibodies by ELISA. Results Sulphonamide–serum adducts were found in 10/20 HS dogs tested (50%), but in no tolerant dogs. Anti-sulphonamide IgG antibodies were detected in 17/34 HS dogs (50%), but in only one tolerant dog; antibody absorbance values were significantly higher in HS dogs. There was a significant association between the presence of sulphonamide–serum adducts and anti-sulphonamide antibodies (P=0.009). Anti-drug antibodies were also found in dogs experimentally dosed with SMX-nitroso followed by SMX, but not in a dog dosed with drug vehicle, followed by SMX. Conclusion Similar humoral markers are present in dogs and humans with sulphonamide HS, supporting the use of dogs as a naturally occurring model for this syndrome in humans. These data suggest the potential use of drug-serum adducts and anti-drug antibodies as markers for sulphonamide HS. Preliminary data indicate that anti-sulphonamide antibodies may be triggered by the SMX-nitroso metabolite, not by the parent drug, in dogs.
Enzyme potentiated radioimmunoassay (EPRIA): a sensitive third-generation test for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.

Abstract A sensitive, specific immunoassay for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is described. The assay combines enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and solid-phase radioimmunoassay and is termed enzyme potentiated radioimmunoassay (EPRIA). HBsAg was quantitated by enzymatic conversion of L -[14C]glutamic acid to 14CO2 and gamma-aminobutyric acid by glutamate decarboxylase (GDC) conjugated with goat anti-HBs IgG. Conjugation of IgG and GDC was by a thiol-disulfide bond exchange reaction after reacting N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) with each reagent. A positive/negative ratio of 2.2 was established as significant by examination of 40 normal sera negative for HBsAg. This value was the mean cpm plus 3 standard deviations. By an identical statistical analysis of sensitivity, EPRIA was found to be approximately 100-fold more sensitive than Austria II (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL).
Unfinished Passage: India, Indian Americans, and the U.S. Congress

India's economy, its strategic position, and changes in the Indian American community have recently led to an extraordinary explosion of interest in New Delhi on Capitol Hill. Will that interest le...
Clinical efficacy of concomitant tibial interventions associated with superficial femoral artery interventions in critical limb ischemia

Background Combined superficial femoral artery (SFA) and tibial angioplasty (TA) are a common treatment for critical limb ischemia. Poor tibial runoff significantly compromises durability and clinical effectiveness of SFA interventions. The aim of this study is to determine clinical and anatomic outcomes of SFA interventions in patients with equally compromised runoff, with and without concomitant TA. Methods The database of patients undergoing endovascular treatment of SFA (1999-2009) was retrospectively queried. Patients with poor runoff, scored >10 by modified Society for Vascular Surgery criteria, were selected. Preoperative angiograms were reviewed to assess distal popliteal and tibial runoff. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess time-dependent outcomes. Factor analyses were performed for time-dependent variables. Results A total of 162 limbs with a runoff score >10 (56% men; average age, 69 years) underwent endovascular intervention for symptomatic SFA disease: 61 (54% men) underwent TA but the remaining 101 (57% men) did not. The groups were matched for age, sex, and SFA anatomy (Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C/D lesions: 56% no TA vs 62% TA; P = .5). Presenting symptoms were similar between no TA and TA groups (rest pain: 40% vs 32%; tissue loss: 60% vs 68%; P = .3). Three-year survival favored the TA group (79% ± 5%) vs no TA (68% ± 5%; P = .06). Three-year anatomic outcomes in no TA vs TA group, including primary patency (45% ± 6% vs 63% ± 8%; P = .04), assisted primary patency (55% ± 6% vs 75% ± 7%; P = .03), and secondary patency (57% ± 6% vs 77% ± 7%; P = .03) were all superior in the TA group. Target vessel revascularization in no TA vs TA (61% ± 6% vs 74% ± 8%; P = .002) and target extremity revascularization (42% ± 6% vs 59% ± 8%; P = .06) also favored the TA group. However the comparison of no TA vs TA for clinical success (39% ± 6% vs 47% ± 8%; P = .6), freedom from recurrent symptoms (59% ± 6%vs 60% ± 9%; P = .1), amputation-free survival (46% ± 5% vs 63% ± 7%; P = .06), and limb salvage at 3 years (63% ± 6% vs 74% ± 7%; P = .6) were similar. Conclusions TA in patients with poor runoff has a positive effect on SFA anatomic outcomes. However, clinical success was not affected. Concomitant TA appears not to add clinical benefit to SFA intervention in critical limb ischemia.
New Developments in Cable System Testing

The history of field testing of medium voltage cable systems as a method for improving operation of this sensitive segment is traced from the late 1940's to the present. Concurrent with improvements in cable manufacture and testing methods, the effort of responsible users to improve service reliability through the use of increased test voltages and the development in IEEE-Power Engineering Society (PES)-insulated Conductors Committee (ICC) of a standardized field cable system test procedure are described.
Temperature-related release of serotonin from unrestrained rats' pre-optic area perfused with ethanol

The circumscribed effect of ethyl alcohol on the local efflux of serotonin (5-HT) within the thermosensitive region of the anterior hypothalamic, pre-optic area (AH/POA) of the unrestrained rat was examined in relation to core temperature. A single guide cannula for push-pull perfusion was implanted stereotaxically in the AH/POA within coronal planes AP 7.0-8.2. Following 3-4 push-pull perfusions with control artificial CSF of a site identified as reactive to 5-HT, ethanol in a concentration of 2.75 (471 mM) or 5.5 (942 mM) percent was perfused at the same locus over a 5-10 min interval. Successive samples of perfusate were assayed for their content of 5-HT by high performance liquid chromatography using electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). Within a circumscribed region of the AH/POA of the rat maintained at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C, ethanol induced either an immediate or delayed hypothermia of short latency or a transient decline followed by an immediate increase in core temperature. In each case, the shift in temperature depended on the anatomical site of push-pull perfusion. Overall, the fall in core temperature was accompanied by an inhibition in the efflux of 5-HT. However, the consequent rise in the rat's core temperature was associated with an enhanced release of 5-HT in the samples of perfusate collected from the AH/POA. These results suggest that serotonergic synapses within the AH/POA are apparently involved in the thermolytic effects of ethanol as well as in the thermogenesis following the interval of heat loss.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF PROTEINS OF AVIAN EGG WHITES.

Abstract The immunochemical interactions of the egg white proteins of different avian species were studied with homologous and heterologous antisera. Cross reactions were determined between egg whites of closely and distantly related species by using rabbit antisera to the egg whites of the closely and distantly related species, as well as rabbit antisera to the egg whites of intermediate species. The species studied included several galliformes, two anseriformes, a columbiforme, and several ratites. The interrelationships also were studied by using antisera to the purified conalbumins of two of the more distantly related species, chicken (a galliform), and cassowary (a ratite). The conalbumins gave the most extensive cross reactions of any of the major egg-white components, but a minor constituent gave a more extensive cross reaction than conalbumin.
Ultrastructure of Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii.

Abstract Electron micrographs of freeze-etched, thin-sectioned, shadowed and negatively-stained cells were presented. Fibril-like structures were observed on the outer surface of both organisms in all preparations. Thin sections revealed a layered cell wall in both microbes, but the layering was particularly distinct in A. naeslundii . Freeze-etching of both species demonstrated two layers in the cytoplasmic membrane. The outermost layer of the plasma membrane was shown to have numerous particles, while the second layer had a smooth surface with evenly dispersed dome-like structures. Since plaque organisms have many of the structures described here, they may be members of the genus Actinomyces . The demonstration of fibres on the outer surface of these bacteria provides structural evidence for a potential mechanism of adhesion. These observations are of special interest as both organisms induce experimental periodontal disease in hamsters and gnotobiotic rats.
GROWTH-PROMOTING EFFECT OF A TRANSPLANTABLE PITUITARY TUMOR IN PARAKEETS1

The probable presence of growth hormone in the transplantable parakeet pituitary tumor was indicated by a positive tibia test in hypophysectomized rats. To test for a growth promoting effect in parakeets, 50 birds 2–19 days old were inoculated subcutaneously with the tumor and weighed weekly, 49 nestmates served as controls. Fifteen of the inoculated birds survived 3 months; their average weights and those of the controlwere: body weight–51.8 gms., vs 32.2 gms. for the controls; liver 2.55 gms., vs 0.57 gm.; kidneys 0.59 gm., vs 0.30 gm.; heart 0.59 gm., vs 0.43 gm.; brain 1.12 gm., vs 1.13 gm.; pituitary 1.03 mg., vs 0.68 mg.; adrenals 6.0 mg., vs 3.9 mg.; thyroid 11.4 mg., vs 4.4 mg. Inoculated birds were moderately obese, their liver contained larger stores of fat and glycogen than the controls. However, sample cell counts showed that the greater size of the liver was associated with an increase in cell number as well as with a variable accumulation of fat. All inoculated birds showed the tumorcharacte...
Resilient Modulus of Clay Subgrades Stabilized with Lime, Class C Fly Ash, and Cement Kiln Dust for Pavement Design

The effects of different percentages of one traditional additive—hydrated lime—and two by-products—Class C fly ash (CFA) and cement kiln dust (CKD)—on the resilient modulus (Mr) of four different clay subgrades were investigated. It was found that at lower application rates (3% to 6%), the lime-stabilized soil specimens showed highest enhancement in the Mr values. At higher application rates (10% to 15%), however, CKD treatment provided maximum improvements. Three log-log and one semi-log stress-based models were evaluated. Validation of selected models was conducted by using additional soil data. Overall, a semi-log deviatoric and confining stress model was found to show the best acceptable performance. Additional analyses were performed to develop correlations of Mr with compacted specimen characteristics and soil and additive properties. To illustrate the application of the semi-log model, the AASHTO flexible pavement design methodology was used to design asphalt concrete pavement sections.
Intestinal mast cell levels control severity of oral antigen-induced anaphylaxis in mice.

Food-triggered anaphylaxis can encompass a variety of symptoms that affect multiple organ systems and can be life threatening. The molecular distinction between non-life-threatening and life-threatening modes of such anaphylaxis has not yet been delineated. In this study, we sought to identify the specific immune functions that regulate the severity of oral antigen-induced anaphylaxis. We thus developed an experimental mouse model in which repeated oral challenge of ovalbumin-primed mice induced an FceRI- and IgE-dependent oral antigen-triggered anaphylaxis that involved multiple organ systems. Strikingly, the severity of the systemic symptoms of anaphylaxis (eg, hypothermia) positively correlated with the levels of intestinal mast cells (r = -0.53; P < 0.009). In addition, transgenic mice with both increased intestinal and normal systemic levels of mast cells showed increased severity of both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms of IgE-mediated passive as well as oral antigen- and IgE-triggered anaphylaxis. In conclusion, these observations indicate that the density of intestinal mast cells controls the severity of oral antigen-induced anaphylaxis. Thus, an awareness of intestinal mast cell levels in patients with food allergies may aid in determining their susceptibility to life-threatening anaphylaxis and may eventually aid in the treatment of food-triggered anaphylaxis.
Are the Dressed Gluon and Ghost Propagators in the Landau Gauge presently determined in the confinement regime of QCD

The gluon and ghost propagators in Landau gauge QCD are investigated using the Schwinger-Dyson equation approach. Working in Euclidean spacetime, we solve for these propagators using a selection of vertex inputs, initially for the ghost equation alone and then for both propagators simultaneously. The results are shown to be highly sensitive to the choices of vertices. We favor the infrared finite ghost solution from studying the ghost equation alone where we argue for a specific unique solution. In order to solve this simultaneously with the gluon using a dressed-one-loop truncation, we find that a nontrivial full ghost-gluon vertex is required in the vanishing gluon momentum limit. The self-consistent solutions we obtain correspond to having a masslike term in the gluon propagator dressing, in agreement with similar studies supporting the long-held proposal of Cornwall.
Temporal Allocation of Visual Attention in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In two experiments, we examined the ability of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to process multiple targets appearing in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) stream. Using a standard attentional blink (AB) task, subjects were required to both identify a target in the RSVP stream and detect a probe appearing in one of several posttarget serial positions. In Experiment 1, ADHD adults exhibited a protracted AB compared to controls, in that their probe detection did not improve as a function of increasing probe-to-target intervals (450–720 msec). In Experiment 2, the ADHD group performed as well as controls in detecting probes appearing immediately (i.e., 90 msec) after the target. Taken together, the results demonstrate that adults with ADHD exhibit a selective deficit in rapidly shifting attention between the target and the probe, when the two appear several hundred milliseconds apart. These results suggest that adults with ADHD can use automatic (reflexive) attention to detect items in close temporal proximity in the RSVP stream, but have difficulty allocating controlled attention to multiple stimuli separated by several hundred milliseconds.
Developing Hearts Need Their SPEG

Myocardial formation is a particularly bad time to be missing building blocks and tools essential for myofibrillogenesis. Prenatal development and early postnatal development are characterized by intense cardiomyocyte formation and contractile apparatus assembly critical for normal growth and maturation. In this rapidly evolving milieu of cardiac formation, disturbances of cardiomyocyte organization or contractile performance usually have consequences leading to cardiomyopathic damage or lethality.1,2 Sensitivity of the developing heart to perturbation makes it a fertile playground for genetic engineering to demonstrate phenotypic effects resulting from assembling myocardium with missing or malfunctioning molecular pieces. Deliberate DNA recombination mischief with a knock-in mouse described by Liu et al3 now finds another way to jumble the puzzle by disruption of the striated preferentially expressed gene (SPEG). Loss of SPEG results in a postnatal dilated cardiomyopathic phenotype, combined with neonatal lethality, that indicates that appropriate myocardial development requires SPEG participation. These findings raise questions regarding what role SPEG fills in the construction of healthy myocardium and whether alterations in SPEG are linked to cardiomyopathic remodeling in the mature heart. Article p 261 SPEG is a member of a family of myosin light-chain kinases (MLCKs) that are required for cytoskeletal remodeling in myocytes. The MLCK domains of family members trace their evolutionary origins from mammals all the way back to Unc-89, an obscurin-MLCK found in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans .4 Certain MLCK members are implicated in the regulation of the actin-based cytoskeleton and sarcomeric reorganization via phosphorylation of downstream targets such as myosin light-chain 2V. …
Synchronized adiabatic decoupling.

Abstract A new decoupling scheme termed “synchronized adiabatic decoupling” is developed for use in the indirectly detected dimension. After each increment, the decoupling sequence is replaced by another one with different period T or different initial period T ini so that sampling always occurs at the end of a complete decoupling period. The effects of J coupling are therefore completely averaged out for all data points. As a result, all decoupling sidebands disappear and the center band increases correspondingly. Since the synchronized adiabatic decoupling does not require conventional editing techniques to cancel the sidebands, it is useful in high-field gradient-enhanced multidimensional experiments with only a single scan per increment.
Causal Analysis: Theory and Application

Identified opportunities to make statistical analysis more closely approximate the conceptual issues that are apparent in current research in pediatric psychology. The paper proceeds by explicating the logic of multivariate analysis and its application to causal modeling. Causal modeling techniques are discussed and the ease of employing these techniques is evaluated. Several articles from earlier issues of this journal are reviewed in terms of the application of causal analysis.
A reprogrammable FPGA-based ATM traffic generator

Markov modulated process is widely used to model ATM (Asynchronous Transmission Mode) traffic sources. We develop an approximation algorithm and design an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based circuit to generate cell trigger emulating this process. The design takes advantage of the reprogrammability of SRAM or E/sup 2/PROM FPGA. Instead of storing the process' various parameters in registers, our design "hardwires" these parameters into the circuitry and greatly simplifies the circuit complexity. Our testing circuit can be fitted into a moderate-sized FPGA chip and can generate up to 12 M triggers per second.
Network features suggest new hepatocellular carcinoma treatment strategies

Background Resistance to therapy remains a major cause of the failure of cancer treatment. A major challenge in cancer therapy is to design treatment strategies that circumvent the higher-level homeostatic functions of the robust cellular network that occurs in resistant cells. There is a lack of understanding of mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer and the basis of therapy-resistance mechanisms. Cellular signaling networks have an underlying architecture guided by universal principles. A robust system, such as cancer, has the fundamental ability to survive toxic anticancer drug treatments or a stressful environment mainly due to its mechanisms of redundancy. Consequently, inhibition of a single component/pathway would probably not constitute a successful cancer therapy.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest in an Intubated Premature Infant With Cerebellar and Brainstem Injury: Is There a Link?

The ventilated premature infant frequently exhibits unprovoked desaturation episodes accompanied by bradycardia. In most instances, these episodes are short-lived and recover spontaneously or with minimal interventions. However, in some infants these episodes may be more profound and require substantial interventions to restore cardiorespiratory status. Here we present the case of a ventilated premature infant who had experienced prolonged, multiple daily desaturation episodes accompanied by bradycardia that required significant interventions. Postoperatively, after placement of a tracheotomy and despite a patent airway, the infant developed acute bradycardia that progressed rapidly to sudden death. At autopsy, significant cerebellar and brainstem injury was noted. We hypothesize that the specific cerebellum and brainstem injury may have contributed to autonomic dysfunction and sudden death.
Real-time object detection using segmented and grayscale images

This paper describes an approach that performs visual object detection in real-time by combining the strength of processing the color segmented image along with that of the grayscale image of the same scene. This approach was developed with the annual RoboCup Competition in mind, specifically the 4-Legged League where teams of Sony AIBO robots compete in the game of soccer. The images used for processing were taken from the camera located in the head of the robots, and the objects of interest to be detected were the actual AIBO robots. We use color segmented images for producing initial hypotheses for the location of robots in the image, and grayscale images for final classification purposes. Using both representations to process a scene allows each to make up for the deficiencies of the other, and provides a good balance between fast processing time and high detection accuracy. We present our algorithms and show illustrative examples of their performance
Applying What Works: A Case for Deliberate Psychological Education in Undergraduate Business Ethics

The teaching of business ethics continues to be a topic of great concern as both businesses and business schools seek to develop effective approaches for fostering ethical behavior. Responses to this objective have been varied, and consistent empirical evidence for a particular approach has not emerged. One approach, deliberate psychological education, offers a means for extending and integrating elements of developmental theory and has proven effective in professional settings, with college students, and recently, with undergraduate business students. The authors propose that this model be considered as an effective approach for business education programs and offer suggestions for integrating this model within undergraduate business curricula.
“Talking Through Letters” Collaborative Writing in Early Lithuanian Immigrant Life

The emphasis on the individual in Western culture has blinded us to how social relationships affect literacy acquisition and, conversely, how literacy transforms these relationships. This article deals with the literacy practices, specifically, letter writing, of Lithuanian immigrants who arrived in the United States during the end of the 19th century. For these immigrants, reading and writing were collaborative activities, not the individual, solitary acts that we often assume them naturally to be. Individuals often turned to more literate neighbors for assistance in tasks involving reading and writing, an extension of the concept of talka, the Lithuanian tradition of collective assistance. Parents also frequently engaged the help of sons and, especially, daughters in writing letters to relatives in Lithuania. Letter writing thus not only fostered solidarity between immigrant and their relatives in Lithuania but also between Lithuanian immigrant parents and their increasingly literate, Americanized children.
Throttleless premixed-charge engines: concept and experiment

A method of controlling the brake mean effective pressure (b.m.e.p.) of a premixed-charge engine is proposed which does not require the use of a throttle and does not exhibit significant throttling losses. In this method, a combination of adjustment of the mixture equivalence ratio and preheating of the mixture is used to control the b.m.e.p. The preheating serves two purposes: it reduces the density of the mixture and it broadens the lean misfire limit. Experiments on the performance of engines controlled with this strategy are compared with conventional throttled engines. As much as 16 per cent improvement in thermal efficiency was observed at the same b.m.e.p. The untreated NOx emissions are found to be much lower in the throttleless engine at the same b.m.e.p. while carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions are comparable to but somewhat higher than throttled engines. Practical implementation of the concept is discussed.
How do I implement an automated screen for high-titer ABO antibody as an inventory management tool for ABO plasma–incompatible platelets?

BACKGROUND Plasma volume reduction (PVR) may reduce the risk of hemolysis associated with transfusion of plateletpheresis blood products (PLTs) containing ABO-incompatible plasma. But PVR may delay PLT issue. In collaboration with our blood donor center we evaluated an automated screen of PLT for high-titer ABO antibody and to apply PVR to high-titer PLTs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS At the donor center, plasma from PLT donors was tested using an automated microplate system (PK7300, Beckman). PK settings were set for a detection cutoff equivalent to 1 in 256 using a manual tube method. The donors associated with high-titer PLTs were characterized by sex and age. In the transfusion service, the number of PVR procedures was evaluated before and after implementation of the high-titer screen. RESULTS During validation, 157 of 1008 PLT units (15%) were positive by the automated method versus 121 (12%) by manual method. After implementation, 2112 of 15,240 PLT units were high-titer, with higher frequency in donations from females versus males (18% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001). The PLT PVR rate was reduced by 50%. CONCLUSION Implementation of an automated method to screen PLTs for high-titer ABO antibody at the donor center improves the inventory management of PLTs containing ABO-incompatible plasma at the hospital transfusion service.
Processing Onboard Optical Data for Planetary Approach Navigation

The Mariner 9 spacecraft's science television camera provided an optical navigation experiment with TV pictures containing images of Mars' natural satellites against star backgrounds. Required TV image data and spacecraft engineering data were extracted from the spacecraft telemetry stream in this near-real time experiment designed to validate the navigation content of spacecraft-based optical data. This paper discusses the computer programs developed to prepare optical data for use in a navigation filter. Ground and in-flight calibration allowed pointing knowledge of better than 6 arc seconds. System performance during Mars approach was excellent, leading to extremely accurate trajectory estimates. The experiment provides a basis for the design of equivalent systems for future missions.
Scaling Adult Doses of Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents to Children

My general pharmacokinetic scaling theory is discussed for the important matter of determining pediatric dosing for existing and new therapeutic drugs when optimal, or near-optimal, dosing for adults is known. The basis for the scaling is the requirement of a time-scaled likeness of the free-drug concentration time histories of children and adults. Broad categories of single and periodic dosing are considered. The former involves the scaling of dosage, and the latter involves both the dosage and schedule. The validity of the scaling relations is demonstrated by using measurements from previously reported clinical trials with adults and children (with ages generally 1 year or older) for the relatively new antifungal agent caspofungin and for the relatively new antibacterial agent linezolid. Standard pharmacodynamic effectiveness criteria are shown to be satisfied for the scaled dosage and schedule for children to the same extent that they are for the referenced adult. Consideration of scaling from adults to children is discussed for the case of new agents where no pediatric data are available and needed parameters are determined from in vitro measurements and preclinical animal data. A connection is also made between the allometric representation of clearance data and the dosing formulas. Limitations of the scaling results for infants because of growth and maturational matters are discussed. The general conclusion from this work is that the scaling theory does indeed have application to pediatric dosing for children, for both confirmation and refinement of present practice and guidance in pediatric treatment with new therapeutic agents.
Analysis of the effects of encystment and excystment on incomplete doublets of Oxytricha fallax

Singlet cells of Oxytricha fallax possessing supernumerary rows of dorsally located marginal cirri were encysted, excysted, and observed for retention of the supernumerary rows. Without exception, cells lost the supernumerary rows as a result of cystment processes. (Encystment previously has been shown to result in the total resorption of ciliature.) In contrast, supernumerary dorsally located marginal cirral rows develop true-to-type during prefission morphogenesis and thus are inherited from cell to cell. These (and other) observations suggest that at least two levels of cytotactic control of cell patterning are operative on the ciliate cortex; one is dependent upon visible ciliature whereas the other is dependent upon an as yet ultrastructurally unidentifiable molecular architecture.