cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time-resolved spectroscopic studies of B12 coenzymes: comparison of the influence of solvent on the primary photolysis mechanism and geminate recombination of methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, and 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin.

A transient absorption study of the photolysis of methylcobalamin (MeCbl), ethylcobalamin (EtCbl), and n-propylcobalamin (PrCbl) in ethylene glycol spanning six decades in time, from 10 fs to 10 ns, is reported. These measurements probe the influence of solvent on the formation and decay of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) intermediate observed following excitation of MeCbl, the photolysis mechanism in EtCbl and PrCbl, and the rate constants for geminate recombination of the alkyl radicals with cob(II)alamin and for the escape of the alkyl radicals from the initial solvent cage. Earlier investigations probed the dynamics of 5‘-dexoyadenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) in water and ethylene glycol (Yoder, L. M.; Cole, A. G.; Walker, L. A., II; Sension, R. J. J. Phys. Chem. B 2001, 105, 12180−12188) and alkylcobalamins in water (Cole, A. G.; Yoder, L. M.; Shiang, J. J.; Anderson, N. A.; Walker, L. A., II; Banaszak Holl, M. M.; Sension, R. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 434−441). The results of these ...
Breast cancer, menopause, and long-term survivorship: critical issues for the 21st century

Breast cancer accounts for 33% of all incident cancers in women in North America, and there are an estimated >2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. Ovarian hormones are intimately involved in the initiation and promotion of breast cancer development, with targeted endocrine therapies being the most widely used as anticancer treatment. It is not surprising that these treatments frequently cause persistent menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. In addition, adjuvant chemotherapy often induces premature menopause in younger patients with breast cancer. Some women at high risk for the development of breast cancer (e.g., precancerous breast disease, carriers of deleterious hereditary predisposition genes) experience vasomotor symptoms as a result of tamoxifen therapy or preventive oophorectomy. Clinical management of menopausal symptoms in these settings is complicated by the relative prohibition of hormonal therapies and the fact that breast cancer–directed therapies often exacerbate these menopausal symptoms. Thus, this special population of women requires unique management strategies and deserves separate consideration.
A Simple, Efficient Technique for Freezing Tetrahymena thermophila

We have developed a simple, efficient procedure for the long term freezing of Tetrahymena thermophila in liquid nitrogen. This technique yields excellent recovery of viable cells with all strains tested and does not require the use of a controlled rate low temperature freezer. To optimize the freezing technique, we have examined the effects of varying a number of parameters, including the physiological state of the cells prior to freezing, the time of exposure to cryoprotectant, and the rate of freezing and thawing. The frequency of viable cell recovery following freezing using this technique has been tested for a variety of different cell lines.
General relativistic measurements with satellite laser ranging, lunar laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry

After a brief discussion on the experimental tests of general relativity, we describe three new measurements of Einstein theory. The first, already performed, is the test of the De Sitter or geodetic effect, for the Earth-Moon system. The second will be realized with the launch of the laser ranged satellite, LAGEOS III, and will test the existence of the, never measured, gravitomagnetic field. The third, currently being performed, is the measurement of the LAGEOS relativistic perigee advance.
Progression to multi-scale models and the application to food system intervention strategies

Abstract The aim of this article is to discuss how the systems science approach can be used to optimize intervention strategies in food animal systems. It advocates the idea that the challenges of maintaining a safe food supply are best addressed by integrating modeling and mathematics with biological studies critical to formulation of public policy to address these challenges. Much information on the biology and epidemiology of food animal systems has been characterized through single-discipline methods, but until now this information has not been thoroughly utilized in a fully integrated manner. The examples are drawn from our current research. The first, explained in depth, uses clinical mastitis to introduce the concept of dynamic programming to optimize management decisions in dairy cows (also introducing the curse of dimensionality problem). In the second example, a compartmental epidemic model for Johne's disease with different intervention strategies is optimized. The goal of the optimization strategy depends on whether there is a relationship between Johne's and Crohn's disease. If so, optimization is based on eradication of infection; if not, it is based on the cow's performance only (i.e., economic optimization, similar to the mastitis example). The third example focuses on food safety to introduce risk assessment using Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. The last example, practical interventions to effectively manage antibiotic resistance in beef and dairy cattle systems, introduces meta-population modeling that accounts for bacterial growth not only in the host (cow), but also in the cow's feed, drinking water and the housing environment. Each example stresses the need to progress toward multi-scale modeling. The article ends with examples of multi-scale systems, from food supply systems to Johne's disease. Reducing the consequences of foodborne illnesses (i.e., minimizing disease occurrence and associated costs) can only occur through an understanding of the system as a whole, including all its complexities. Thus the goal of future research should be to merge disciplines such as molecular biology, applied mathematics and social sciences to gain a better understanding of complex systems such as the food supply chain.
A simple method for the rapid removal of Bacillus anthracis spores from DNA preparations.

This study establishes a filtration method for the safe removal of Bacillus anthracis spores which may contaminate DNA preparations. Centrifugal filtration with 0.1-μm filter units can be used following extraction of DNA from B. anthracis spores to render samples safe without compromising the sensitivity of diagnostic real-time PCR assays for B. anthracis.
Nonlinear-optical processes in lower-dimensional conjugated structures

Reduced dimensionality and quantum confinement in conjugated organic and polymer structures enhance the effects of electron correlation on virtual electronic excitation processes and nonlinear-optical responses. A microscopic many-electron description of the third-order susceptibilities γijkl(−ω4; ω1, ω2, ω3) of conjugated structures is reviewed for one-dimensional chains and extended to two-dimensional conjugated cyclic structures. Electron correlation effects in effectively reduced dimensions result in highly correlated π-electron virtual excitations that lead to large, ultrafast nonresonant nonlinear-optical responses. The increase of dimensionality from linear to cyclic chains is found to reduce the nonresonant isotropic third-order susceptibility γg. Resonant experimental studies of saturable absorption and optical bistability in ultrathin films of quasi-two-dimensional naphthalocyanine oligomers are also presented. In the saturable-absorption studies, the resonant nonlinear refractive index n2 was measured to be 1 × 10−4 cm2/kW in the wavelength range of operating laser diodes. Based on this result, electronic absorptive optical bistability is observed on a nanosecond time scale in a nonlinear Fabry–Perot interferometer employing the saturably absorbing naphthalocyanine film as the nonlinear-optical medium.
The Crusade Against Evil: Bush's Fundamentalism

This paper deals with some of the religious elements in the responses to the terrorist attacks. It criticises some initial Christian responses (in America) as well as George Bush (Jnr)'s self-asserted Christian credentials. The conjunction between business-friendly forms of religion and the religious cloak over a right-wing political stance is presented as an aspect of Bush's “crusade”. The paper surveys the history of the constitutional separation of church and state and the emergence of a republican tradition which had pretensions to displace the “moral haughtiness” and insolence of American religiosity. But the “faith-based” legislation favoured by Bush has prevailed in the general judgementalism of the administration and in the “security measures” and pro-corporate legislation enacted in 2001 and 2002.
Gender Differences in the Relation Between Neighborhood Quality and Cardiovascular Reactivity in African American Adolescents1

Although research on the influence of neighborhoods on the development of youth is growing, few researchers have examined the impact of neighborhood quality on physiological outcomes or across gender. The present experiment examined gender differences in the association of neighborhood quality and cardiovascular reactivity (increased blood pressure, BP, in response to stress) among 77 healthy African American adolescents (46% male; M age = 14 years). Participants took part in a cold-face stimulus task to determine reactivity scores. After controlling for baseline BP, family income, and parental education, poorer neighborhood quality was associated with increases in both systolic and diastolic BP to the cold-face task for females, and decreases in BP for males. Adolescents’ reports of life stress and support from family members did not explain the differential effect of neighborhood quality across gender. Implications for future research are discussed.
Fracture Toughness of Spray‐Dried Powder Compacts

The strengths and fracture toughness values were measured for alumina powder compacts containing two different binder systems. Diametral compression was used to measure both the tensile strength and the fracture toughness (through-thickness notch). This methodology was very useful in linking processing parameters, such as binder choice and compaction stress, to the quality of the green bodies. Observations of the compact structure before and after fracture showed that the binders segregated to the region between the spray-dried granules. The presence of the excess binder in this region was linked to both the failure mode and the creation of secondary cracks.
Freehand three-dimensional echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular mass : In vivo anatomic validation using explanted human hearts

Abstract Objectives. We sought to validate freehand three-dimensional echocardiography for measuring left ventricular mass and to compare its accuracy and variability with those of conventional echocardiographic methods. Background. Accurate measurement of left ventricular mass is clinically important as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. Freehand three-dimensional echocardiography eliminates geometric assumptions used by conventional methods, minimizes image positioning errors using a line of intersection display and increases sampling of the ventricle. Preliminary studies have shown it to have high accuracy and low variability. Methods. Twenty-eight patients awaiting heart transplantation were examined by conventional and freehand three-dimensional echocardiography. Left ventricular mass was determined by the M-mode (“Penn-cube”) method, the two-dimensional truncated ellipsoid method and three-dimensional surface reconstruction. The ventricles of 20 explanted hearts were obtained, trimmed and weighed. Echocardiographic mass by each method was compared with true mass by linear regression. Accuracy, bias and interobserver variability were calculated. Results. For three-dimensional echocardiography, the correlation coefficient, standard error of the estimate, root mean square percent error (accuracy), bias and interobserver variability were 0.992, 11.9 g, 4.8%, −4.9 g and 11.5%, respectively. For the two-dimensional truncated ellipsoid method they were 0.905, 38.5 g, 15.6%, 15.4 g and 23.3%. For the M-mode (“Penn-cube”) method they were 0.721, 96.9 g, 53.0%, 109.2 g and 19.5%. Conclusions. Freehand three-dimensional echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular mass has high accuracy and low variability and is superior to conventional methods in hearts of abnormal size and geometry.
Absolute geomagnetic paleointensity as recorded by ~1.09 Ga Lake Shore Traps (Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan)

Absolute geomagnetic paleointensity measurements were made on 255 samples from 38 lava flows of the ∼1.09 Ga Lake Shore Traps exposed on the Keweenaw Peninsula (Michigan, USA). Samples from the lava flows yield a well-defined characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) component within a ∼375°C–590°C unblocking temperature range. Detailed rock magnetic analyses indicate that the ChRM is carried by nearly stoichiometric pseudo-single-domain magnetite and/or low-Ti titanomagnetite. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the (titano)magnetite is present in the form of fine intergrowths with ilmenite, formed by oxyexsolution during initial cooling. Paleointensity values were determined using the Thellier double-heating method supplemented by low-temperature demagnetization in order to reduce the effect of magnetic remanence carried by large pseudosingle-domain and multidomain grains. One hundred and two samples from twenty independent cooling units meet our paleointensity reliability criteria and yield consistent paleofield values with a mean value of 26.3 ± 4.7μT, which corresponds to a virtual dipole moment of 5.9 ± 1.1×1022 Am2. The mean and range of paleofield values are similar to those of the recent Earth’s magnetic field and incompatible with a “Proterozoic dipole low”. These results are consistent with a stable compositionally-driven geodynamo operating by the end of Mesoproterozoic.
A side-loading hermetic sample holder for X-ray powder diffraction

This manuscript describes the construction, testing, and use of a simple side-loading air-tight specimen holder for use with Bruker X-ray powder diffractometers.
Unilateral hearing loss in children: an update for the 1990s.

In the 1980s, two studies found that children with unilateral hearing impairment were 10 times more likely to repeat a grade compared to the general school-age population. Since the publication of ...
Diether phosphinate lecithin: chemical synthesis and effects on phospholipase C.

Abstract 1. 1. A diether phosphinate analog of lecithin, dl -2-hexadecoxy-3-octadecoxy-propyl [2′-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]phosphinate, was prepared by the following series of reactions (R C 18 H 37 OCH 2 CH(OC 16 H 33 )CH 2 −; R (CH 3 ) 2 CH−; Ms CH 3 SO 2 -): RI → RP(O) (OR′)CH 2 CH:CH 2 (I) → RP(O) (OR′)CH 2 CHO (II) → RP(O) (OR′)CH 2 CH 2 OH (III) → PR(O)(OR′)CH 2 CH 2 OMs (IV) → RP(O) OR′)CH 2 CH 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 (V) → RP(O) (OR′)CH 2 CH 2 N + (CH 3 ) 3 I − (VI) → RP(O)(O − )CH 2 CH 2 N + (CH 3 ) 3 (VII) Overall yield of pure VII as the monohydrate from I was 31%. 2. 2. The phosphinate lecithin was a good inhibitor of Clostridium welchii phospholipase C, somewhat stronger than 2-hexadecoxy-3-octadecoxypropylphosphonylcholine but weaker than 3,4-dioctadecoxybutylphosphonylcholine. It appeared to act as a simple competitive inhibitor, as do these phosphonate analogs.
The genetic program of hematopoietic stem cells

Blood cell production originates from a rare population of multipotent, self-renewing stem cells. A genome-wide gene expression analysis was performed in order to define regulatory pathways in stem cells as well as their global genetic program. Subtracted complementary DNA libraries from highly purified murine fetal liver stem cells were analyzed with bioinformatic and array hybridization strategies. A large percentage of the several thousand gene products that have been characterized correspond to previously undescribed molecules with properties suggestive of regulatory functions. The complete data, available in a biological process-oriented database, represent the molecular phenotype of the hematopoietic stem cell.
The polymerization of 3-methyl-N-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-aza-1,3-butadiene

A study of the polymerizability of the first crystalline 1-azabutadiene carrying an electron-withdrawing group on nitrogen is described. A convenient one-step synthesis of 3-methyl-N-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-aza-1,3-butadiene (MPAB) from methacrolein and benzenesulfonamide using titanium tetrachloride and triethylamine led to a crystalline azabutadiene monomer in good yield. With anionic initiators the monomer readily oligomerized to materials in which MPAB has reacted in a 4,1-fashion. Under radical conditions the monomer did not homopolymerize, but did copolymerize with styrene monomers to polymers with molecular weights up to 10,000. These radical copolymerizations involved exlusive 4,3-propagation (vinyl) for the azadiene monomer.
Evaluating once- and twice-daily self-monitored blood glucose testing strategies for stable insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes : the diabetes outcomes in veterans study.

OBJECTIVE —To evaluate once- and twice-daily self-monitored blood glucose testing strategies in assessing glycemic control and detecting hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with stable insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Subjects with stable insulin-treated type 2 diabetes monitored blood glucose four times daily (prebreakfast, prelunch, predinner, and bedtime) for 8 weeks. We correlated mean blood glucose values with HbA 1c measured after 8 weeks and determined the number of hypoglycemic (≤3.33 mmol/l) and hyperglycemic (≥22.20 mmol/l) readings captured at the various testing times. RESULTS —A total of 150 subjects completed the monitoring period; their average age was 67 years, 90% were men, and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 8.0 ± 1.8%. The overall correlation of glucose testing and HbA 1c was 0.79 ( P 1c ( r = 0.65–0.70, P r = 0.73–0.75, P CONCLUSIONS —Twice-daily testing strategies, particularly prelunch/predinner, effectively assess glycemic control and capture a substantial proportion of out-of-range readings. However, personal testing strategies will vary depending on an individual’s risk for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Evidence for the absence of the terminal adenine nucleotide at the amino acid-acceptor end of transfer ribonucleic acid in non-lactating bovine mammary gland and its inhibitory effect on the aminoacylation of rat liver transfer ribonucleic acid.

Abstract 1. tRNA isolated from non-lactating bovine mammary gland competitively inhibits the formation of aminoacyl-tRNA in the rat liver system. 2. Non-lactating bovine mammary gland tRNA and twice-pyrophosphorolysed rat liver tRNA are unable to accept amino acids in a reaction catalysed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from either rat liver or bovine mammary gland. Deacylated rat liver tRNA can however be aminoacylated in the presence of either enzyme. 3. Bovine mammary gland tRNA lacks the terminal adenine nucleotide at the 3′-terminus amino acid acceptor end, which can be replaced by incubation in the presence of rat liver nucleotide-incorporating enzyme, ATP and CTP. 4. The enzymically modified bovine tRNA (tRNApCpCpA) can bind labelled amino acids to form aminoacyl-tRNA, which can then transfer its labelled amino acids to growing polypeptide chains on ribosomes. 5. Molecules of rat liver tRNA or bovine mammary gland tRNA that lack the terminal adenine nucleotide or the terminal cytosine and adenine nucleotides inhibit the aminoacylation of normal rat liver tRNA to varying degrees. tRNA molecules lacking the terminal −pCpCpA nucleotide sequence exhibit the major inhibitory effect. 6. The enzyme fraction from bovine mammary gland corresponding to that containing the nucleotide-incorporating enzyme in rat liver is unable to catalyse the incorporation of cytosine and adenine nucleotides in pyrophosphorolysed rat liver tRNA and deacylated bovine tRNA. This fraction also markedly inhibits the action of the rat liver nucleotide-incorporating enzyme.
Monte Carlo Solution of Partial Differential Equations by Special Purpose Digital Computer

The discrete Monte Carlo method for the solution of partial differential equations has been studied theoretically and experimentally. A special purpose digital computer, the PDE machine, was designed and constructed from macromodules, and Monte Carlo solutions for illustrative problems were obtained. Error analysis has been made and experimental outcomes were compared with theoretical results. Using Monte Carlo methods the PDE machine has been proved to be very efficient from the viewpoint of accuracy and speed in comparison to the general purpose digital computer. Speeds of one solution every 2 seconds were obtained for Poisson's equations with a typical accuracy of better than 2 percent of the range of solutions.
The predictive role of markers of Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction on the course of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes.

Abstract Aims This study was undertaken to determine whether levels of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in serum samples collected at baseline in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) cohort could predict the development of retinopathy. Methods Levels of clotting/fibrinolysis, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers were measured in 1391 subjects with type 1 diabetes to determine whether their levels predicted increased risk to develop or accelerate progression of retinopathy during 16 years of follow-up. Results Using regression models adjusted for DCCT treatment group, duration of diabetes, baseline retinopathy scores, HbA1c and albumin excretion rate, the baseline levels of sE-selectin and PAI-1 (active) were significantly associated with increased risk of a 3-step progression in retinopathy score in the primary prevention cohort (PPC). After adjusting for additional covariates (e.g., ACE/ARB and statin therapy), this association persisted. Levels of active and total PAI-1 in the same group were also significantly associated, after similar adjustments, with the time to progress to severe non-proliferative retinopathy during the follow-up period (54 and 29%, respectively of increased risk). No associations were observed in the secondary intervention cohort for any of the outcomes. Conclusions High levels of sE-selectin and PAI-1 are associated with the development of retinopathy in patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.
Sensitivity and specificity of prick and intradermal testing in predicting response to nasal provocation with timothy grass antigen.

Abstract Objective Examine the efficacy of epicutaneous and intradermal testing in predicting response to nasal provocation with timothy antigen. Study design and setting Prospective study. Subjects were tested with Multi-Test II (MT). Subjects with negative wheals were tested with a 1:500 intradermal injection of timothy. They had baseline assessment of nasal cross-sectional area (CSA) using acoustic rhinometry and underwent nasal provocation with increasing timothy concentrations. CSA was assessed and nasal visual analog scale (VAS) completed with each concentration. Results Sensitivity and specificity of MT in predicting nasal response to provocation were 87% and 86%. Intradermal testing increased sensitivity to 93%. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) demonstrated that subjects positive to skin testing had significant reductions in CSA and worsening VAS scores with increasing concentrations of nasally delivered antigen. Conclusion and significance Epicutaneous testing with the Multi-Test II offers 87% sensitivity and 86% specificity in assessing timothy grass reactivity.
2 Cases of Auriculoplasty Using Modified Pocket Method

Laceration and amputation of the auricle due to external injuries are common because of its location. Several choices of reconstructive surgical procedure have been introduced for am-putated auricle until now. Modified pocket method is known as the one of techniques useful for a patient whose auricle was amputated with severe contamination. We report two cases of au-ricular reconstruction using modified pocket method in traumatic auricular amputation with a review of literatures.
Pierre Janet on post-traumatic stress

One hundred years ago, in 1889, Pierre Janet published L'Automatisme Psychologique, his first work to deal with how the mind processes traumatic experiences. Janet claimed that vehement emotions interfere with proper appraisal and appropriate action. Failure to confront the experience fully leads to dissociation of the traumatic memories and their return as fragmentary reliving experiences: feeling states, somatic sensations, visual images, and behavioral reenactments. A century later, Janet still provides an unsurpassed framework for integrating current knowledge about the psychodynamic, cognitive, and biological effects of human traumatization.
A HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE STABILITY OF FREE METHIONINE IN METHIONINE‐FORTIFIED FOOD SYSTEMS

A method based on high pressure liquid chromatography was developed to monitor the stability of free methionine in methionine-fortified food systems. Free amino acids were extracted from a model food system with 10% methanol and were subsequently reacted with dansyl chloride. Reverse phase chromatography was used to separate and quantify the dansyl derivatives of methionine, methionine sulfoxide, and methionine sulfone. In a soy protein-cellulose model system, the stability of added methionine was influenced by heat, added glucose, and moisture. Conversion of methionine to methionine sulfoxide or sulfone did not take place while heating with exposure to air, with added iron, or under conditions that favored Maillard browning and methionine destruction. Extrusion processing of fortified soy flour caused a 12% loss in free methionine. Methionine oxidation occurred under oxidizing conditions imposed by hydrogen peroxide.
A spectral finite-volume method for the shallow water equations

A spectral finite-volume (SFV) method is proposed for the numerical solution of the shallow water equations. This is the first phase in the development of a layered (isopycnal) ocean model. Its target applications include, in particular, the simulation of the wind-driven oceanic circulation in geometrically complex basins where layer outcropping and/or isopycnal‐bathymetry intersection must be handled explicitly. The present formulation is geometrically flexible and can extend accuracy to arbitrary high order with no change to the basic algorithm. A flux-corrected transport (FCT) algorithm ensures the stability of the computations in regions of vanishing layer thickness and in areas where the flow features are underresolved. The spatial discretization is based on a two-level grid: a globally unstructured elemental grid and a locally structured grid consisting of N 3 N quadrilateral cells within each element. The numerical solution is continuous within each element but discontinuous across elements; the discontinuity is resolved by upwinding along characteristics. The accuracy and convergence rate of the SFV method are verified on two linearized problems amenable to analytical solution; the SFV solution exhibits a convergence order of N 1 1 for smooth solutions. The FCT portion of the model is tested by simulating the formation of an oblique hydraulic jump in a supercritical channel flow. The model is then applied to simulate, in reduced-gravity mode, the double-gyre and wind-driven upper-ocean circulations in a square basin. Finally, the previous experiment is repeated in the North Atlantic basin to illustrate the application of the model in a realistic geometry.
The Preparation of Oxidized Derivatives of 1-Ethylsulfonyl-4-ethylpiperazine

N-Substituted derivatives of 1-ethylsulfonylpiperazine have been prepared following the announcement of 1-ethylsulfonyl-4-ethylpiperazine as an antishock agent. Derivatives representing possible oxidation products of the N'-ethyl group were prepared by introducing carboxymethyl and hydroxyethyl groups into 1-ethylsulfonylpiperazine. The latter compound was obtained from 1-benzyloxycarbonylpiperazine, and the benzyloxycarbonyl group was removed by catalytic hydrogenation and by nonhydrolytic cleavage without cleavage of the ethylsulfonyl group.
Improving aluminum particle reactivity by annealing and quenching treatments: Synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of strain

In bulk material processing, annealing and quenching metals such as aluminum (Al) can improve mechanical properties. On a single particle level, affecting mechanical properties may also affect Al particle reactivity. This study examines the effect of annealing and quenching on the strain of Al particles and the corresponding reactivity of aluminum and copper oxide (CuO) composites. Micron-sized Al particles were annealed and quenched according to treatments designed to affect Al mechanical properties. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the particles reveals that thermal treatment increased the dilatational strain of the aluminum-core, alumina-shell particles. Flame propagation experiments also show thermal treatments effect reactivity when combined with CuO. An effective annealing and quenching treatment for increasing aluminum reactivity was identified. These results show that altering the mechanical properties of Al particles affects their reactivity.
A Comparison of Different Assessment Techniques for Measuring Foot and Ankle Volume in Healthy Adults

Background: Foot and ankle volume may be an important measurement for conditions such as lower-extremity trauma or pathologic abnormalities. Water volumetry, often used for this measure, is accurate but not always convenient. We used figure-of-eight tape measurement, prism approximation, foot size measurement (Brannock device), and optoelectric measurement (Perometer) with the standard of water volumetry to compare foot and ankle volumes. Methods: All five techniques were used to measure both the feet and ankles of ten asymptomatic men and women. Reliability was determined by repeating several trials, and validity was determined by comparing all of the techniques with water volumetry (the established standard). Regression equations were found that related each technique to water volumetry. Results: All of the techniques were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient[3,1] = 0.96–0.99). The figure-of-eight technique showed the highest agreement with water volumetry (R2 = 0.96), and the prism method, the ...
Left ventricular pressure effects on right ventricular pressure and volume outflow

Massive destruction of the right ventricular free wall has been shown to cause only mild hemodynamic alterations. Further, the derivative of right ventricular (RV) pressure (P) is broad or double peaked, with one peak occurring coincidentally with peak left ventricular (LV) dP/dt. Both observations suggest a direct LV assistance to RV function. Since the ventricles contract nearly simultaneously, the relative contribution of LV to RV pump function has been difficult to determine. This LV assistance was quantified in six canine experiments using a unique electrically isolated RV preparation. While on total cardiopulmonary bypass, the RV free wall was electrically isolated from the remainder of the heart. This preparation allowed for wide variations in the timing interval between RV and LV contractions. Double-peaked waveforms for RVP and pulmonary flow (RVF) occurred over a wide range (0 to 300 ms) of pacing intervals between the RV and LV. One derivative peak always followed RV contraction for RVP and RVF (r = 0.971 +/- .011, P less than 0.01: r = 0.972 +/- .012, p less than 0.01; respectively). The second derivative peak was unrelated to the RA-RV pacing interval (r = 0.297 +/- .191, P greater than 0.5 RVP; 4 = 0.237 +/- .278, P greater than 0.5 RVF), but corresponded to the maximal LVP rise. Additionally, the magnitude of the two derivative peaks was similar when the ventricles contracted synchronously. When RV contraction preceded or followed LV contraction, the derivative peak associated with LV contraction was significantly greater (P less than 0.05, range 2.1 +/- 0.6 to 6.7 +/- 1.6 for RVP; P less than 0.05 range 1.9 +/- 0.4 to 6.7 +/- 1.5 for RVF) than the derivative associated with RV contraction. These data demonstrate a normally present, large LV assistance to RV contraction and may help to explain the RV response to myocardial infarction.
Calcium channel blocking as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease: the case for isradipine

Alzheimer's disease is the most devastating neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, yet treatment options are severely limited. The drug development effort to modify Alzheimer's disease pathology by intervention at beta amyloid production sites has been largely ineffective or inconclusive. The greatest challenge has been to identify and define downstream mechanisms reliably predictive of clinical symptoms. Beta amyloid accumulation leads to dysregulation of intracellular calcium by plasma membrane L-type calcium channels located on neuronal somatodendrites and axons in the hippocampus and cortex. Paradoxically, L-type calcium channel subtype Ca(v)1.2 also promotes synaptic plasticity and spatial memory. Increased intracellular calcium modulates amyloid precursor protein processing and affects multiple downstream pathways including increased hyperphosphorylated tau and suppression of autophagy. Isradipine is a Federal Drug Administration-approved dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that binds selectively to Ca(v)1.2 in the hippocampus. Our studies have shown that isradipine in vitro attenuates beta amyloid oligomer toxicity by suppressing calcium influx into cytoplasm and by suppressing Ca(v)1.2 expression. We have previously shown that administration of isradipine to triple transgenic animal model for Alzheimer's disease was well-tolerated. Our results further suggest that isradipine became bioavailable, lowered tau burden, and improved autophagy function in the brain. A better understanding of brain pharmacokinetics of calcium channel blockers will be critical for designing new experiments with appropriate drug doses in any future clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. This review highlights the importance of Ca(v)1.2 channel overexpression, the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau and suppression of autophagy in Alzheimer's disease and modulation of this pathway by isradipine.
Medical morbidity, mental illness, and substance use disorders

OBJECTIVE: Previous research on the prevalence of medical disorders among adults with mental illness has been inconclusive. In general, studies have found higher rates among persons with mental illness, but these studies did not account for comorbid substance use disorders. The authors examined whether certain medical disorders are more prevalent among adults with severe mental illness and whether a comorbid substance use disorder increases prevalence beyond the effect of severe mental illness alone. METHODS: Administrative data from the Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance were used in a cross-sectional observational study design. The sample consisted of 26,332 Medicaid beneficiaries 18 to 64 years of age. Of these, 11,185 had been treated for severe mental illness. Twelve-month prevalence rates were computed, and logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of a substance use disorder or another mental illness on the risk of having a medical disorder. RESULTS: Compared with Medicaid benef...
High-resolution A/D conversion in MOS/LSI

A new successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion technique compatible with most MOS process technologies is described. This technique combines a string of equal value diffused resistors and a binary ratioed capacitor array in a unique circuit configuration so that 12-bit monotonicity is achieved with only 8-bit ratio-accurate circuit elements. The comparator is realized by a chopper-stabilized amplifier to reduce the inherently high input offset voltages of MOS amplifiers. Typical performance characteristics taken from a sample of ICs are presented; 12-bit monotonic conversion with differential nonlinearity less than 1/2 LSB is completed in 50 /spl mu/s. The die area, less logic, is 12000 mil/SUP 2/. Because of assured 12-bit monotonicity, this converter should find applications of closed-loop control systems. It seems feasible to extend this technique to 14-bit resolution for use in applications such as digital audio systems.
Reliability analysis of sparse topologies for packet radio networks

Four connectivity measures are used to compare the reliability of various sparse topologies for packet radio networks. Different scenarios, including link failures, node failures, and both types of failures, were simulated for fixed-radius, nearest-neighbor, angle-constrained, degree-constrained, and Delaunay triangulation-based topologies. The simulation results demonstrated that the commonly used fixed-radius topologies were the worst among all topologies tested. Also, the results showed that triangulation-based and angle-constrained topologies maintained high reliability even under component failures. >
Atmospheric effect on spectral signature-measurements and corrections

Measurements of the atmospheric effect on the spectral signature of surface cover were conducted during hazy conditions over the Chesapeake Bay and its eastern shore. In the experiment the upward radiance was measured by an airborne scanning radiometer in nine spectral bands between 465 and 773 nm, above and below the haze layer. Simultaneous measurements of the aerosol optical thickness and its vertical distribution were conducted. The results of the measurements are used to study the spectral dependence of the atmospheric effect on remote sensing of water bodies and vegetated fields (forest, corn field, and pasture), and to verify theoretical predictions. It is suggested that the radiances over dark areas (e.g. water in the near IR and forest in the visible) can be used to derive the aerosol optical thickness as is done over oceans with the CZCS satellite images. >
Barriers to the Delivery of Orthopedic Care

There are enormous differences in the availability of orthopedic services between and within countries, and only a small subset of patients in LMICs will ever have access to trained orthopedic surgeons. Barriers to health care are social, cultural, financial, and structural.
Emotion, voices and musical instruments: Repeated exposure to angry vocal sounds makes instrumental sounds angrier

The perception of emotion is critical for social interactions. Nonlinguistic signals such as those in the human voice and musical instruments are used for communicating emotion. Using an adaptation paradigm, this study examines the extent to which common mental mechanisms are applied for emotion processing of instrumental and vocal sounds. In two experiments we show that prolonged exposure to affective non-linguistic vocalizations elicits auditory after effects when participants are tested on instrumental morphs (Experiment 1a), yet no aftereffects are apparent when participants are exposed to affective instrumental sounds and tested on non-linguistic voices (Experiment 1b). Specifically, results indicate that exposure to angry vocal sounds made participants perceive instrumental sounds as angrier and less fearful, but not vice versa. These findings suggest that there is a directionality for emotion perception in vocal and instrumental sounds. Significantly, this unidirectional relationship reveals that mechanisms used for emotion processing is likely to be shared from vocal sounds to instrumental sounds, but not vice versa.
Properties in Constitutional Systems

Adrian Vermeule’s The System of the Constitution provides the first thoroughgoing application of insights from the burgeoning study of complex systems to core problems in constitutional theory. Complex systems are characterized by system effects — properties of the system that are not properties of any individual system component, as liquidity may be a property of a volume of water while no individual H2O molecule is itself liquid. System effects arise from the complex interactions of system components with each other and exogenous factors. Vermeule maintains that a constitutional order can be described as a complex “system of systems,” with individual agents aggregated into institutions, which are in turn aggregated into the larger system. I argue that this new account advances constitutional theory by suggesting needed analytic connections between individual-level accounts such as attitudinal models of judicial decision-making and institution-level claims about dynamics like the political safeguards of federalism; and by reshaping the research program by motivating new, more nuanced descriptive constitutional theory work that accounts for system effects and their implications. Finally, I explore the exciting possibility that a systems theory account of law may provide new approaches to some of the most basic questions in general jurisprudence — it suggests, among other things, that some legal norms themselves may arise as system effects.
Differences in the Response of Proximal and Distal Rabbit Colonic Muscle After Electrical Field Stimulation

Electrical field stimulation (EFS) was performed on rabbit proximal,and distal circular colonic smooth muscle to study the mechanisms of neural control of the colon. Electrical pulses were applied with parallel silver plate electrodes to muscle that had been stretched to L o . The proximal muscle demonstrated an on-contraction during EFS. In distal muscle, EFS initiated an on-relaxation, followed by an on-contraction and an off-contraction. The time delay for the on-contraction of distal muscle was longer by 2.5 ± 0.5 s than was the delay in proximal muscle (p -6 M tetrodotoxin. Atropine inhibited the distal on-contraction at all EFS frequencies and the proximal on-response at EFS frequencies
Applying a Logic Model to the Evaluation of a Participatory Ergonomics Program

Date Presented 4/16/2015 Despite misperceived beliefs regarding occupational therapists providing services to mechanically ventilated patients, early participation in daily functional activities increases independence while decreasing intensive care–acquired weakness and delirium.
Water relations and growth responses of Uniola paniculata (sea oats) to soil moisture and water-table depth

This study examined the water relations and growth responses of Uniola paniculata (sea oats) to (1) three watering regimes and (2) four controlled water-table depths. Uniola paniculata is frequently the dominant foredune grass along much of the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, but its distribution is limited in Louisiana. Throughout most of its range, U. paniculata tends to dominate and be well adapted to the most exposed areas of the dune where soil moisture is low. Dune elevations in Louisiana, however, rarely exceed 2 m, and as a result the depth to the water table is generally shallow. We hypothesized that if U. paniculata grows very near the water-table, as it may in Louisiana, it will display signs of water-logging stress. This study demonstrated that excessive soil moisture resulting from inundation or shallow water-table depth has a greater negative effect on plant growth than do low soil moisture conditions. Uniola paniculata's initial response to either drought or inundation was a reduction of leaf (stomatal) conductance and a concomitant decrease in leaf elongation. However, plants could recover from drought-induced leaf xylem pressures of less than-3.3 MPa, but prolonged inundation killed the plants. Waterlogging stress (manifested in significantly reduced leaf stomatal conductances and reduced biomass production) was observed in plants grown at 0.3 m above the water table. This stress was relieved, however, at an elevation of 0.9 m above the water table. As the elevation was increased from 0.9 to 2.7 m, there were no signs of drought stress nor a stimulation in growth due to lower soil moisture. We concluded that although U. paniculata's moisture-conserving traits adapt it well to the dune environment, this species can grow very well at an elevation of only 0.9 m above the water table. Field measurements of water-table depth in three Louisiana populations averaged about 1.3 m. Therefore, the observed limited distribution of U. paniculata along the Louisiana coast apparently cannot be explained by water-logging stress induced by the low dune elevations and the corresponding shallow water-table depth.
Fetal sex determination and gendered prenatal consumption

Although expectant mothers have long purchased items in preparation for their baby’s birth, the timing and type of purchases being made have changed in response to pregnant women routinely learning the sex of their fetus through ultrasound. This article examines changes in these consumption patterns through data drawn from personal narratives with 25 women divided between two cohorts—those who gave birth in the 2000s and those who gave birth in the1970s. The routine use of ultrasound has encouraged changes in beliefs about the relationship between a fetus and its mother in younger women, which in turn inspires earlier purchases of baby items than was normative 30 years before. Not enough attention is being paid to the fact that newborn babies are more likely today than three decades ago to spend their first few months wearing gendered clothing and being surrounded by gender-specific furniture and objects, which their mothers are purchasing during pregnancy.
Effect of fecal bacterial activity on rectal temperature of man.

Summary1. Succinylsulfathiazole was administered orally to 5 normal adults and resulted in a marked decrease in the number of bacteria present in their feces. 2. There were no significant changes in the rectal temperatures of the subjects concomitant with the fall in their fecal bacterial content.
MCU-Based System Design and Implement of Inspection

In order to solve the problem of supervising the oil field inspecting personnel's work scientifically and effectively,based on GPS and GSM system and the CPU of low power consumption microprocessor MSP430,Patrolling Hand-hold Terminal which was used in the oilfields was developed.The system gets the workers' current location information and time information through GPS,and sends SMS to the server in the management center through GSM network,which realizes the inspection of personnel's work.The Patrol system has the advantages of low power consumption and small size,which make it easy to carry and suitable for use.
Targeting Molecular Aberrations in Breast Cancer: Is It about Time?

Overview:Breast cancer is not one homogeneous disease; it is a heterogeneous cancer with remarkable genomic variation and variable risk for systemic spread, time to recurrence, and response to trea...
Gel Strength of Starch on the Addition of Soy Protein and Food Oil

食品素材である分離大豆蛋白と澱粉が共存して加熱糊化したときの物性変化を調べた. さらに, 分離大豆蛋白, 大豆油, 水の乳化ゲルに澱粉を添加して加熱処理したゲルについてもその物性を調べ次のことがわかった.1) 4%澱粉濃度のアミログラムでは, 馬鈴薯澱粉は, 分離大豆蛋白の添加により, 糊化, 膨潤が抑制され粘度は低下した. 一方, コーンスターチでは, その影響が少なかった.2) 澱粉濃度12%の懸濁液を80℃で加熱して調製したゲルでは, 分離大豆蛋白の限定的添加により, 馬鈴薯澱粉のゲル強度は低下したが, コーンスターチでは添加量とともに増加した. しかし, 90℃加熱処理では両澱粉とも同様な傾向で分離大豆蛋白添加に伴いゲル強度は増加した.3) 分離大豆蛋白, 大豆油, 水から構成した乳化物中に澱粉を添加した系 (澱粉濃度約30%) では, 澱粉は乳化ゲルの強度を補強することが認められた. また, コーンスターチ添加乳化ゲルでは, 80℃加熱処理よりも120℃加熱処理ゲルの強度は約10%高い値を示した.4) コーンスターチ添加乳化ゲルの120℃加熱処理ゲルの強度が高くなる現象を調べたところ, コーンスターチ単独の濃度とゲル強度の関係から, 澱粉濃度が25%以上になると, 120℃加熱処理ゲルの強度は80℃加熱処理ゲルよりも高くなることがわかった.また, 顕微鏡観察より, 30%濃度のコーンスターチ単独ゲルおよび乳化ゲルとも, 澱粉粒は120℃処理でも膨潤したまま崩壊せずに残っていた. 以上のことから, 糊化, 膨潤の遅れたコーンスターチが充填材として働き, ゲルを補強するものと推定される. この特性は, レトルト食品などの素材として利用しうる可能性を示唆している.