cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Substituent-Dependent Self-Assembling Structural Characterization of Ferrocenyl-Containing Silanediols, Fc(R)Si(OH)2, R = Me, CH2CHCH2, n-Bu, t-Bu, Ph, c-Hx, Including Transformation to a Ferrocenyl Stannasiloxane, [OSiFc(n-Bu)O(t-Bu2)Sn]2

The hydrolysis of ferrocenyldichlorosilanes, Fc(R)SiCl2, Fc = (η5-C5H5)Fe(η5-C5H4), R = methyl (Me), 1a; 2-propenyl (allyl), 1b; n-butyl (n-Bu), 1c; tert-butyl (t-Bu), 1d; phenyl (Ph), 1e; cyclohexyl (c-Hex), 1f, leads to the formation of new ferrocenylsilanediols, Fc(R)Si(OH)2, 2a−f. The diols have been characterized by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR, IR, UV/vis, and elemental analysis and in the case of 2d and 2f by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The latter two compounds reveal a primary double-chain structure of silanediols achieved via intermolecular hydrogen bonding, with further hydrogen bonding resulting in ladder structures. The reactivity of Fc(n-Bu)Si(OH)2 was probed by its reaction with di-tert-butyldichlorostannane to form the distannadisiloxane [OSiFc(n-Bu)OSn(t-Bu)2]2, whose single-crystal structure was shown to be that of the cis isomer, which in solution formed a mixture of the cis and trans isomers.
Novel antithrombotic approaches to coronary artery disease

Abstract Current prevention or treatment of coronary thrombosis relies on antiplatelet agents (aspirin), antithrombin agents (heparin), and plasminogen activators (t-PA). The purpose of this review is to describe novel antithrombotic agents in each of these classes and to discuss recent and future clinical trials with the new agents. Whereas aspirin is a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, the most promising new antiplatelets are directed at an integrin cell surface receptor—glycoprotein (GP) IIb/ IIIa—which represents the final common pathway for platelet aggregation. The monoclonal F(ab) antibody c7E3, a chimeric murine—human immunoglobulin G (IgG) fragment, is the most intensively studied to date. c7E3 was assessed by the Evaluation of Platelet Monoclonal Antibody to Prevent Ischemic Complications (EPIC) trial in which 2,099 high-risk angioplasty patients were randomized to bolus (placebo) plus infusion (placebo), bolus (c7E3, 0.25 mg/kg) plus infusion (placebo), and bolus (c7E3, 0.25 mg/kg) plus infusion (c7E3, 10 μg/min; 12 hours). The overall event rate at 30 days was significantly decreased from 12.8% (placebo) to 8.3% (c7E3), a 36% relative reduction ( p = 0.009). Integrellin is a cyclic heptapeptide with marked specificity for GP IIb/ IIIa integrin. It was studied during the integrelin to Manage Platelet Aggregation to Prevent Coronary Thrombosis (IMPACT) trial, which enrolled 150 routine coronary intervention patients. At endpoint, overall event rate was reduced from 11.9% (placebo) to 5.6% (integrelin). The much larger (4,010 patients) IMPACT-II trial has just completed enrollment to confirm and extend these encouraging results. Hirudin is the prototype of the direct antithrombins; it binds to the active catalytic site and the substrate recognition site (exosite) of thrombin. Hirulog is a dodecapeptide fashioned after hirudin, and binds to the active site via a Phe-Pro-Arg linker molecule; argatroban and efegatran are active-site inhibitors of thrombin. All these direct thrombin inhibitors have a potential mechanistic advantage over heparin in that they inactivate clot-bound thrombin and are not inactivated by platelet factor 4 or heparinase. Large trials of hirudin versus heparin are under way. Two recently evaluated PAs are recombinant PA and prourokinase. Results of clinical trials are encouraging for equivalent or improved infarct vessel patency compared with currently available thrombolytics. Another novel PA is from the vampire bat; it is resistant to PA inhibitor and is highly fibrin selective; clinical trials are imminent.
Pulsed gain and thermal lensing of Nd:LiYF 4

Measurements show that a 1 cm diameter Nd:YLF rod amplifier produces extremely weak thermal lensing when pulse pumped at 3 Hz to a gain of 13 at 1053 nm. Direct comparison with Nd:YAG indicates much weaker thermal lensing effects for both ordinary and extraordinary polarizations in Nd:YLF.
Pathogenic bacteria induce colonic PepT1 expression: an implication in host defense response.

Background & Aims Expression of the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 has been observed in the colon under inflammatory conditions; however, the inducing factors and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we address the effects of pathogenic bacteria on colonic PepT1 expression together with its functional consequences. Methods Human colonic HT29-Cl.19A cells were infected with the attaching and effacing enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Wild-type and PepT1 transgenic mice or cultured colonic tissues derived from these mice were infected with Citrobacter rodentium , a murine attaching and effacing pathogen related to EPEC. Results EPEC induced PepT1 expression and activity in HT29-Cl.19A cells by intimately attaching to host cells through lipid rafts. Induction of PepT1 expression by EPEC required the transcription factor Cdx2. PepT1 expression reduced binding of EPEC to lipid rafts, as well as activation of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase and production of interleukin-8. Accordingly, ex vivo and in vivo experiments revealed that C rodentium induced colonic PepT1 expression and that, compared with their wild-type counterparts, PepT1 transgenic mice infected with C rodentium exhibited decreased bacterial colonization, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and neutrophil infiltration into the colon. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of colonic PepT1 expression under pathologic conditions and reveal a novel role for PepT1 in host defense via its capacity to modulate bacterial-epithelial interactions and intestinal inflammation.
High-Energy Interactions and a Multi-Regge-Pole Hypothesis

It is assumed that in certain well-defined kinematic regions, production amplitudes may be described as due to the exchange of a number of Regge poles, and formulas are given expressing the amplitude in terms of the permitted trajectories. Experimental tests and consequences of the hypothesis are discussed. Tests should be possible at present accelerator energies. The hypothesis leads to strong damping of production cross sections in the invariant momentum transfers, and therefore could serve as the basis for the assumptions of a previous paper.
History of development of polycrystalline optical spinel in the U.S.

Optical quality polycrystalline spinel (MgAl2O4) has been sought as a visible- and infrared-transmitting material since the 1960s because of its potential for transparent armor and durable sensor windows. Its physical properties were known from synthetic crystals available since ~1950 from Linde Air Products. In the late 1960s, methods to process powder into transparent, polycrystalline spinel were investigated at North Carolina State University, General Electric Co., AVCO, and Westinghouse, mainly with Government support. The leading figure in the development of polycrystalline spinel was Don Roy, who began work on spinel at Coors Ceramics around 1970, initially for transparent armor. In the late 1970s, both Coors Ceramics and Raytheon Research Division were funded to make spinel for the infrared dome of the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile, an application that disappeared by 1980. In the late 1980s, there was another burst of activity when spinel was a candidate for the Stinger Missile. By 1990, Raytheon had dropped spinel and the material was spun off by Coors Ceramics to Alpha Optical Systems, whose technical effort was led by Don Roy. With low commercial sales potential for spinel, Alpha was dissolved in 1993. RCS Technologies took over a Government contract seeking 200-mm spinel domes for the Harrier aircraft, but this effort ended in 1996 and RCS was dissolved. In 1998, the Army enlisted TA&T to make spinel for transparent armor. Other potential applications appeared and TA&T received numerous Government development contracts. Demand for the still-unavailable spinel drew Surmet to begin development in 2002. In early 2005, spinel is under active development at TA&T and Surmet.
Rapid prototyping of 5356-aluminum alloy based on variable polarity gas tungsten arc welding: process control and microstructure

This paper concentrates on rapid prototyping of a 5356-aluminum alloy based on a new deposition process of variable polarity gas tungsten arc welding (VPGTAW), and describes the microstructure and ...
Work Rhythm and Breathing Rhythm in a Repetitive Perceptual–Motor Task: The Effects of Synchronization on Performance:

A laboratory investigation was conducted to determine if synchronization between the work rhythm and the respiratory biorhythm benefits perceptual-motor performance. The effect of work-respiratory (W–R) synchronization on reaction time, error rate, and perceived difficulty was evaluated for a visual choice reaction time task. Interstimulus intervals were chosen to induce a work rhythm. Prior to the experiment, the task was performed in a self-paced mode so that a baseline work rate could be identified for each subject. Each subject (N=22) then performed the task at 3 machine-paced work rhythms; 1) equal to the work rhythm of the baseline work rate, 2) 33% faster than the work rhythm of the baseline work rate, and 3) 33% slower than the work rhythm of the baseline work rate. Each condition consisted of two, 4 min trials separated by a brief rest break. Work rate (in responses per minute) was held constant across conditions through adjustments in task structure. Regression analysis revealed that W–R synchro...
Very large common fragile site genes and their potential role in cancer development

Common fragile sites (CFSs) are large chromosomal regions that are hot-spots for alterations especially within cancer cells. The three most frequently expressed CFS regions (FRA3B, FRA16D and FRA6E) contain genes that span extremely large genomic regions (FHIT, WWOX and PARK2, respectively), and these genes were found to function as important tumor suppressors. Many other CFS regions contain extremely large genes that are also targets of alterations in multiple cancers, but none have yet been demonstrated to function as tumor suppressors. The loss of expression of just FHIT or WWOX has been found to be associated with a worse overall clinical outcome. Studies in different cancers have revealed that some cancers have decreased expression of multiple large CFS genes. This loss of expression could have a profound phenotypic effect on these cells. In this review, we will summarize the known large common fragile site genes and discuss their potential relationship to cancer development.
QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR COMPARISON OF SKELETAL MUSCLE ARCHITECTURAL PROPERTIES

A numerical method is presented which calculates the architectural difference index between two muscles. This index is based upon the parameters, identified using statistical discriminant analysis, which best characterize the various muscles. This index can be used to reduce multiple architectural properties into a single value and may be useful in selecting donor muscles which are required to perform a substitute function for another muscle which has been lost or injured.
THE CHRISTIANIZATION OF INTEREST

In his economic history of the Schwarzwald, published in 1891, Eberhard Gothein called attention to the connection between Calvinism and modern capitalism.Thirteen years later, in a series of brilliant essays, Max Weber insisted that Calvinism and capitalism were intimately related and alluded to such Calvinistic virtues as secular asceticism, thrift, and predestination as significant elements in the situation.2
A method of procuring cancellous iliac bone utilizing a trephine needle.

DURING T H E PAST DECADE , more emphasis has been placed on therapeutic procedures which are designed to induce a reconstitution of the supporting structures that have been lost due to chronic periodontal disease. Vari ­ ous reattachment techniques 3 2 have shown favorable results under certain conditions, and recently there seems to be increasing evidence that autogenous he­ matopoietic marrow in cancellous bone may be the im­ plant material of choice for reattachment attempts. ­ 6 The feasibility of utilizing cancellous bone from the iliac crest in attempts to correct osseous defects has been demonstrated. 7 ­ 1 2 The long range clinical and histologic results have yet to be determined and are under study at the University of Washington.
Combinatorial Library Screening for Developing an Improved Split-Firefly Luciferase Fragment-Assisted Complementation System for Studying Protein−Protein Interactions

Split reporter-based bioluminescence imaging is a useful strategy for studying protein-protein as well as other intracellular interactions. We have used a combinatorial strategy to identify a novel split site for firefly luciferase with improved characteristics over previously published split sites. A combination of fragments with greater absolute signal with near-zero background signals was achieved by screening 115 different combinations. The identified fragments were further characterized by using five different interacting protein partners and an intramolecular folding strategy. Cell culture studies and imaging in living mice was performed to validate the new split sites. In addition, the signal generated by the newly identified combination of fragments (Nfluc 398/ Cfluc 394) was compared with different split luciferase fragments currently in use for studying protein-protein interactions and was shown to be markedly superior with a lower self-complementation signal and equal or higher postinteraction absolute signal. This study also identified many different combinations of nonoverlapping and overlapping firefly luciferase fragments that can be used for studying different cellular events such as subcellular localization of proteins, cell-cell fusion, and evaluating cell delivery vehicles, in addition to protein-protein interactions, both in cells and small living animals.
HVDC transmission system architectures and control - A review

High-voltage dc (HVDC) is an attractive alternative to conventional ac transmission for offshore wind farms as well as bulk power transmission application. This paper reviews different HVDC architectures and their control methods for systems based on both conventional line commutated converters (LCC) and new voltage-source converters (VSC). The reviewed system architectures include both point-to-point and multi-terminal connections, such as parallel and series systems. The control methods are introduced in a way that highlights their development and various practical considerations each new method was intended to address. Comparison of the different methods focuses on steady-state characteristics, as dynamic characteristics and stability have been treated separately in the literature for specific systems.
TELOMERASE ACTIVITY, TELOMERE LENGTH, AND DNA PLOIDY IN PROSTATIC INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA (PIN)

AbstractPurpose: To investigate the relationship of telomerase activity, telomere length, and DNA ploidy in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).Materials and Methods: Tissue samples were carefully microdissected to obtain adenocarcinoma or PIN-containing tissue free of cancer. Telomerase activity was measured using the PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). Telomere length was estimated from Southern blots of telomere restriction fragments (TRFs). DNA ploidy of PIN and carcinoma was determined by image analysis of adjacent Feulgen stained tissue sections.Results: Telomerase activity was found in 4 of 25 samples (16%) of high grade PIN. All telomerase positive PIN foci had a diploid DNA content. Although 5 of 25 samples (25%) of high grade PIN foci analyzed were DNA aneuploid, none of these demonstrated telomerase activity. Telomerase positive foci of prostate carcinoma (69% of all cancer foci analyzed) displayed heterogeneity in TRF length, with a mean TRF length two ki...
CT enterography for Crohn's disease: accurate preoperative diagnostic imaging.

CT enterography (CTE) is a technique that provides detailed images of the small bowel by using a low Hounsfield unit oral contrast media. This study was designed to correlate CTE findings with operative findings in patients with Crohn’s disease. We performed a retrospective study of all patients with Crohn’s disease of the small bowel or colon, who had CTE and subsequent small bowel or colon surgery within three months after the CT examination. CTE findings of stricture, fistula, inflammatory mass, abscess, and combinations of these abnormalities were compared with operative findings. Specialist radiologists and fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons participated in the study. The Fisher’s exact test or chi-squared tests were used with respect to categorical data, and the Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test was used for quantitative data. In 36 patients, the presence or absence of stricture, fistula, abscess, or inflammatory mass was correctly determined by CTE in 100, 94, 100, and 97 percent, respectively. The accuracy for stricture or fistula number was 83 and 86 percent, respectively. There were nine patients with multiple disease phenotypes identified on CTE of which eight were confirmed at surgery. CTE overestimated or underestimated the extent of disease in 11 patients (31 percent). CTE is an accurate preoperative diagnostic imaging study for small-bowel Crohn’s disease. The ability of this imaging study to detect both luminal and extraluminal pathology is a distinct advantage of CTE compared with small-bowel contrast studies.
Analysis of xylem exudate by ion chromatography : influence of nitrogen and residue management on corn exudate composition

Abstract Ionic composition of xylem exudate provides valuable information in plant nutrition studies. However it is often difficult to collect a quantity of exudate from field grown plants sufficient for many conventional analytical techniques. This paper describes the use of ion chromatography in analyzing xylem exudate collected from field grown corn. Chloride, nitrate, phosphate, malate and sulfate were simultaneously determined from a single aliquot. The sensitivity of suppressed conductivity permitted a many‐fold dilution of a small volume of exudate. Samples were obtained from a nitrogen and residue management study following either corn or soybean in rotation. Effects of nitrogen and residue management on exudate composition are discussed.
A phase I study of eniluracil/5-FU in combination with radiation therapy for potentially resectable and/or unresectable cancer of the pancreas and distal biliary tract.

Purpose: Eniluracil is an effective inactivator of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). It allows for oral dosing of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which may potentially improve the antitumor activity of 5-FU when delivered concurrently with radiotherapy while avoiding the inconvenience and morbidity of continuous infusion (CI) 5-FU. We addressed the safety of oral eniluracil/5-FU combined with radiation therapy and determined the profile of dose-limiting toxicities and recommended Phase II dose (RPTD) in patients with pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. Methods and Materials: Patients with resectable or locally advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer received eniluracil (starting at 6.0 mg/m2 q12h)/5-FU (starting at 0.6 mg/m2 q12h). Eniluracil/5-FU were given concurrently with preoperative radiation to 4500 cGy followed by 540 cGy by reduced fields. Surgery was considered 4 weeks after completion of therapy. Results: Thirteen patients were enrolled. Chemoradiotherapy was completed in all patients. The MTD was...
A Calcium Bioluminescence Assay for Functional Analysis of Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) G Protein-coupled Receptors

Arthropod hormone receptors are potential targets for novel pesticides as they regulate many essential physiological and behavioral processes. The majority of them belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We have focused on characterizing arthropod kinin receptors from the tick and mosquito. Arthropod kinins are multifunctional neuropeptides with myotropic, diuretic, and neurotransmitter function. Here, a method for systematic analyses of structure-activity relationships of insect kinins on two heterologous kinin receptor-expressing systems is described. We provide important information relevant to the development of biostable kinin analogs with the potential to disrupt the diuretic, myotropic, and/or digestive processes in ticks and mosquitoes. The kinin receptors from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), and the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), were stably expressed in the mammalian cell line CHO-K1. Functional analyses of these receptors were completed using a calcium bioluminescence plate assay that measures intracellular bioluminescence to determine cytoplasmic calcium levels upon peptide application to these recombinant cells. This method takes advantage of the aequorin protein, a photoprotein isolated from luminescent jellyfish. We transiently transfected the aequorin plasmid (mtAEQ/pcDNA1) in cell lines that stably expressed the kinin receptors. These cells were then treated with the cofactor coelenterazine, which complexes with intracellular aequorin. This bond breaks in the presence of calcium, emitting luminescence levels indicative of the calcium concentration. As the kinin receptor signals through the release of intracellular calcium, the intensity of the signal is related to the potency of the peptide. This protocol is a synthesis of several previously described protocols with modifications; it presents step-by-step instructions for the stable expression of GPCRs in a mammalian cell line through functional plate assays (Staubly et al., 2002 and Stables et al., 1997). Using this methodology, we were able to establish stable cell lines expressing the mosquito and the tick kinin receptors, compare the potency of three mosquito kinins, identify critical amino acid positions for the ligand-receptor interaction, and perform semi-throughput screening of a peptide library. Because insect kinins are susceptible to fast enzymatic degradation by endogenous peptidases, they are severely limited in use as tools for pest control or endocrinological studies. Therefore, we also tested kinin analogs containing amino isobutyric acid (Aib) to enhance their potency and biostability. This peptidase-resistant analog represents an important lead in the development of biostable insect kinin analogs and may aid in the development of neuropeptide-based arthropod control strategies.
New Treatment of Enzyme Kinetics Applied to Human Dihydrofolate Reductase

This paper presents a new procedure for the derivation of steady-state rate calculations by computer for enzyme kinetics using data on strains of human dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) reported in the literature. This enzyme continues to command the attention of scientists since its discovery in the late 1950s in connection with applications to cancer therapy. Kinetics of nonhuman strains previously reported (Happel, J.; Sellers, P. H. J. Phys. Chem. 1995, 99, 6595) appears to be much simpler. In the present case it is necessary to introduce the concepts that an elementary step should be treated as a vector possessing the same direction in each submechanism that it occurs.
Patterning of Spinal Cord Oligodendrocyte Development by Dorsally Derived BMP4

Oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) initially arise in the motor neuron domain of the ventral ventricular zone of the developing spinal cord. After dispersal throughout gray and white matter, OPCs differentiate in a characteristic ventral to dorsal sequence. The spatial localization of OPC induction is in part a result of both positive local sonic hedgehog signaling and dorsally derived inhibitory cues. One component of dorsal inhibitory signals seems to be members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) superfamily such as the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We show that during the initial appearance and subsequent maturation of OPCs, BMP4 was expressed specifically in the dorsal midline and its expression was correlated spatially and temporally with phospho-Smad 1+, BMP4-responsive cells. Implantation of sonic hedgehog (Shh)-coated beads adjacent to dorsal spinal cord in Xenopus embryos induced ectopic dorsal OPCs whereas BMP4-coated beads inhibited OPC appearance. More importantly, blocking endogenous dorsal BMP4 with anti-BMP4-coated beads locally induced ectopic OPCs. Similar results were obtained using soluble ligands on slice preparations of rodent spinal cord in vitro. In dissociated cell cultures of embryonic rat spinal cord, Shh and BMP4 had antagonistic effects on OPC development and the sensitivity of oligodendrocyte lineage cells to BMP4 increased with maturation. These data suggest that BMP4 contributes to the pattern of spinal cord oligodendrogenesis by regulating both induction and maturation of spinal cord OPCs.
Diet of Pacific Sleeper Shark, a Potential Steller Sea Lion Predator, in the North-East Pacific Ocean

Pacific sleeper sharks Somniosus pacificus were captured near Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus rookeries during the period when Steller sea lion pups are most vulnerable to Pacific sleeper shark predation (first water entrance and weaning). Analysis of stomach contents revealed that teleosts were the dominant prey in August and cephalopods were the dominant prey in May (n = 198). Marine mammals were found in 15% of stomachs regardless of season, but no Steller sea lion tissues were detected. Molecular genetic analysis identified grey whale Eschrichtius robustus and harbour seal Phoca vitulina remains in some Pacific sleeper shark stomachs. Most mammals were cetacean and at least 70% of the cetaceans were probably scavenged. Although Pacific sleeper shark and Steller sea lion ranges overlapped, so predation could potentially occur, the diet study suggested that predation on Steller sea lions is unlikely, at least when pups first enter the water or during weaning. Harbour seals were infrequent prey and may have been consumed alive. Pacific sleeper sharks consume fast-swimming prey like Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus sp., most likely live animals rather than scavenged animals. Pacific sleeper sharks appeared to be opportunistic consumers of the available prey and carrion, feeding both on the bottom and in the water column, and their diet shifted to teleosts and cetacean carrion as the fish grew larger.
Comparison of the International Index of Erectile Function erectile domain scores and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity measurements: does one predict the other?

Associate Editor Michael G. Wyllie Editorial Board Ian Eardley, UK Jean Fourcroy, USA Sidney Glina, Brazil Julia Heiman, USA Chris McMahon, Australia Bob Millar, UK Alvaro Morales, Canada Michael Perelman, USA Marcel Waldinger, Netherlands OBJECTIVE To describe the relationship between the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile domain score, and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity values measured by RigiScan (Timm Medical Technologies, Eden Prairie, MN). PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 73 men were evaluated with the IIEF and 2 nights of continuous penile monitoring with the RigiScan. Twenty-six men were evaluated before and after prostatectomy, for a total of 99 pairs of data points. We dichotomized the RigiScan results as ‘adequate’ (no erectile dysfunction, ED), or ‘inadequate’ (having ED), based on the ‘best erectile event’ over the 2 nights of monitoring. Two separate criteria for adequate erectile function were used, one of >70% rigidity for ≥10 min, and the other >60% rigidity for ≥10 min. The erectile domain score of the IIEF was calculated in the standard fashion. RESULTS Using both the 70% and the 60% rigidity criteria, there was a statistically significant association between the IIEF erectile domain scores and the RigiScan data (r = 0.27, P = 0.008 and r = 0.29, P = 0.003, respectively). However, the sensitivity of the IIEF to predict ED based on RigiScan results using the 70% rigidity criteria was 68.9%, and the specificity was 57.1%. When the IIEF was used as a continuous predictor of RigiScan results, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.66. Using the 60% criteria, the sensitivity was 55.8% and the specificity was 73.2%; the area under the ROC curve was 0.72. CONCLUSIONS IIEF erectile domain scores and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity measurements are weakly associated, and the clinical utility of one test to predict the other is limited. However, because of the differences in the measured outcomes (perception of erectile function vs physiological capacity), a weak association does not disqualify either test’s individual utility.
Dispersion relations in graphite intercalation compounds: Electronic energy bands

A phenomenological model based on staging periodicity and in-plane superlattice symmetry is developed for the electronic dispersion relations for graphite intercalation compounds. The formalism is applicable to arbitrary stage and intercalant, and is tractable for high-stage compounds where the first-principles calculations are prohibitively complex. In-plane and ${k}_{z}$-axis zone folding of the three-dimensional graphite effective-mass Hamiltonian forms the basis for studying the effect of the intercalant on the graphite host. To calculate energy bands for a stage-$n$ compound, matrix elements for every ($n+1$) st graphite layer are replaced by those for intercalate layers in the Hamiltonian. The minimum number of parameters is used as required by symmetry. Specific application indicates that the transport properties and Fermi-surface topology can be explained approximately on the basis of our model using pristine-graphite parameters. A single additional parameter ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}$ is introduced to account for the shift in potential of the graphite bounding layer, the shift being related to charge transfer to or from the graphite. Additional intercalate-graphite and intercalate-intercalate interaction parameters can serve to fine tune the electronic dispersion relations and to obtain intercalate-dependent properties. The model provides a very simple mathematical form for the calculation of optical properties, Landau-level quantization, and Fermi-surface topology.
Depressed or not depressed? that is the question

Abstract Depression in the elderly is seen as different than the classical depressions which occur in younger individuals. In particular, elderly patients tend not to suffer the loss of self-esteem which is characteristic of depression, presenting rather with symptoms of distress and unhappiness. Data are reviewed which indicate that these depressive-like symptoms have little or no impact on cognitive functions and the suggestion is made that the case for emotional influence on cognitive abilities in the elderly (pseudodementia) is vastly overrated. If elderly patients do present with cognitive difficulties, these are more likely disease-based rather than the result of emotional factors such as depression. To be, or not to be: That is the question; Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep no more; and by a sleep to say we end the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that...
Establishment of a fish community in the hayden-rhodes and salt-gila aqueducts, Arizona

Abstract Fish populations were studied in the Central Arizona Project's canal system during the first 4 years of aqueduct operation (1986–1989). Ichthyoplankton entering the canal from Lake Havasu averaged 1 larva/m3 during April–June 1987 and 1988. Larval fish densities increased significantly in downstream samples, substantiating diver observations that fish were spawning in the canal system. Of the 16 fish species collected, 14 were assumed to have originated from Lake Havasu and 2 were introduced by anglers from their bait buckets. Initially, the fish community was dominated numerically by threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense (>88%), centrarchids (< 10%), cyprinids (<2%), and striped bass Morone saxatilis (<I%). However, as annual water diversions increased from 1.3 × 108 m3 in 1986 to 9.4 × 108 m3 in 1989, community composition shifted from clupeids to centrarchids (70%). Fish densities dropped from an estimated 1,260 fish/ha in 1986 to 17 fish/ha in 1989, and biomass dropped from 116 to 73 kg/ha. Decli...
HYBRIDIZATION PROPERTIES AND POLYMERASE ACCEPTANCE OF NITROPIPERONYL DEOXYRIBOSIDE. PHOTOCHEMICAL DNA BACKBONE CLEAVAGE

A novel C-nucleoside has been developed that can substitute for three of the four heterocyclic bases in double-stranded nucleic acids. It has the further property that it can be activated by light, leading to backbone cleavage and thereby dissociation of longer, double-stranded nucleic acids into shorter, single-stranded nucleic acids.
Speckle-tracking echocardiography correctly identifies segmental left ventricular dysfunction induced by scarring in a rat model of myocardial infarction

Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) uses a two-dimensional echocardiographic image to estimate two orthogonal strain components. The aim of this study was to assess sensitivity of circumferential (S(circ)) and radial (S(rad)) strains to infarct-induced left ventricular (LV) remodeling and scarring of the LV in a rat. To assess the relationship among S(circ), S(rad), and scar size, two-dimensional echocardiographic LV short-axis images (12 MHz transducer, Vivid 7 echo machine) were collected in 34 Lewis rats 4 to 10 wk after ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Percent segmental fibrosis was assessed from histological LV cross sections stained by Masson trichrome. Ten normal rats served as echocardiographic controls. S(circ) and S(rad) were assessed by STE. Histological data showed consistent scarring of anterior and lateral segments with variable extension to posterior and inferior segments. Both S(circ) and S(rad) significantly decreased after myocardial infarction (P<0.0001 for both). As anticipated, S(circ) and S(rad) were lowest in the infarcted segments. Multiple linear regression showed that segmental S(circ) were similarly dependent on segmental fibrosis and end-systolic diameter (P<0.0001 for both), whereas segmental S(rad) measurements were more dependent on end-systolic diameter (P<0.0001) than on percent fibrosis (P<0.002). STE correctly identifies segmental LV dysfunction induced by scarring that follows myocardial infarction in rats.
Doppler-derived preoperative mitral regurgitation volume predicts postoperative left ventricular dysfunction after mitral valve repair.

Background Unexpected postoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after valve repair for mitral regurgitation (MR) occurs in some patients with normal preoperative LV function. Identification of factors that predispose to such LV dysfunction would enhance our understanding of the indications and outcomes of surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed pre- and postoperative (median fourth day) echocardiograms of 174 patients undergoing valve repair for pure and isolated MR. Preoperative MR volume was quantified by the quantitative Doppler and/or proximal isovelocity surface area method. Results There was an incremental predictive value of MR quantification over the current recommendations (global χ 2 from 48.14 to 81.57, P P = .98), for postoperative LV dysfunction, defined as ejection fraction P P = .01, respectively). Sixty-nine patients underwent surgery before development of the current surgical criteria, namely, symptoms, atrial fibrillation, preoperative LV dysfunction, or pulmonary hypertension. Of these, MR volume was the only independent significant predictor ( P Conclusions Doppler-derived preoperative MR volume is a powerful predictor of unexpected postoperative LV dysfunction. Prompt mitral valve repair may be beneficial for patients with high likelihood of successful repair and MR volume ≥80 mL.
End of life management of medium voltage equipments

The degradation of some natural resources and the increasingly strict regulatory constraints have led a large number of manufacturers to modify their approach to production with the aim of minimizing the consumption of rawmaterials and optimizing the recovery of spent products. To date, the issue of recycling is addressed in two different ways: firstly, the integration of eco-design to reduce the consumption of materials at source and improve the recovery of the materials at end of life and secondly, the optimization of the end of life management processes in order to recover maximum material at least cost. Indeed, the recycled material regeneration is generally less polluting than virgin material production. In order to improve the environmental quality of its equipment items, AREVA T&D/DRC has chosen to work in parallel on ecodesign and to develop an approach to the end of life management of medium-voltage equipment.
Efficient retiming of large circuits

Retiming, introduced by Leiserson and Saxe (1983, 1991), is a powerful transformation of circuits that preserves functionality and improves performance. The ASTRA algorithm proposed an alternative view of retiming using the equivalence between retiming and clock skew optimization and also presented a fast algorithm for minimum period (minperiod) retiming. Since minperiod retiming may significantly increase the number of flip-flops in the circuit, minimum area (minarea) retiming is an important problem. Minarea retiming is a much harder problem than minperiod retiming, and previous techniques were not capable of handling large circuits in a reasonable time. This work defines the relationship between the Leiserson-Saxe and the ASTRA approaches and utilizes it for efficient minarea retiming of large circuits. The new algorithm, Minaret, uses the same basis as the Leiserson-Saxe approach. The underlying philosophy of the ASTRA approach is incorporated to reduce the number of variables and constraints generated in the problem. This allows minarea retiming of circuits with over 56 000 gates in under 15 min.
RINGS WHICH ADMIT FAITHFUL TORSION MODULES II

Let R be an associative ring with identity. An (left) R-module M is said to be torsion if for every m ∈ M, there exists a nonzero r ∈ R such that rm = 0, and faithful provided rM = {0} implies r = 0 (r ∈ R). We call R (left) FT if R admits a nontrivial (left) faithful torsion module. In this paper, we continue the study of FT rings initiated in Oman and Schwiebert [Rings which admit faithful torsion modules, to appear in Commun. Algebra]. After presenting several examples, we consider the FT property within several well-studied classes of rings. In particular, we examine direct products of rings, Brown–McCoy semisimple rings, serial rings, and left nonsingular rings. Finally, we close the paper with a list of open problems.
DNA strand break yields after post-high LET irradiation incubation with endonuclease-III and evidence for hydroxyl radical clustering.

Purpose : To determine the increase in single- (SSB) and double-strand break (DSB) yields after post-high LET irradiation incubation of plasmid DNA with the endonuclease-III (endo-III) of Escherichia coli. Materials and methods : Plasmid DNA in aerobic aqueous solution was irradiated with one of five radiation types: 137 Cs γ-rays (LET ~0.3keV μ m -1) , 244 Cm α -particles (140-190 keV μ m -1) , 4 He ions (97 keV μ m -1) , 56 Fe ions (143keV μ m -1) or 197 Au ions (1440keV μ m -1) . The irradiated samples were then incubated with endo-III. SSB and DSB yields were quantified by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results : Endo-III incubation produced an increase in the SSB and DSB yields. The increases were in general lower after the high LET irradiation than after γ-irradiation. This may reflect inhibition of the activity of endo-III by the nearby DNA damage expected from high LET radiation. It can be shown that even if the activity of endo remains unchanged, significantly lower increases in SSB and DSB yields ...
The Impact of Electrode Area and Surface Roughness on the Pulsed Breakdown Strength Water

Experimental results are presented on the degree to which electrode surface area and surface roughness impacts the dielectric strength of water. A 2 mm water gap was tested under pulsed conditions with maximum electric fields in excess of 1 MV/cm and maximum currents of more than 5 kA. Six different pairs of stainless steel electrodes, each having a unique Bruce profile and thus a different effective surface area, were used to achieve a uniform electric field across the gap. The differing electrode pair profiles, with effective areas ranging from 0.5 cm2 to 76 cm2, were designed to minimize the change in gap capacitance. Prior to each test, a different roughness average, ranging from 0.26 mum to 1.96 mum, was applied to the electrodes. Conclusions are made as to the effect both electrode surface area and surface roughness has on the holdoff voltage of water dielectric systems. In addition, shadowgraph images of pre-breakdown events are presented.
Disruptive and Cooperative Interruptions in Prime‐Time Television Fiction: The Role of Gender, Status, and Topic

Speech characteristics of male and female characters in fictional television have received only scant attention in media content research. A content analysis of prime-time television revealed that male characters were more likely to initiate disruptive interruptions than female characters whereas female characters were more likely to use cooperative interruptions than male characters. Such differences, however, were moderated by status differential between interactants and topic of conversation. Significant gender differences persisted only when the interrupters were of higher status than the interrupted and when the topic of the conversation was about work. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Stress and dietary quality in black adolescents in a metropolitan area

Adolescents from families with low socio-economic status (SES) experience more stress and have poorer diets than adolescents from families with high SES. This study investigated whether change in dietary quality among urban, black adolescents related to changes in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Daily Hassles Microsystem Scale (DHMS) while controlling for household income. At two times 1 month apart, 25 adolescents completed a modified Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC), the PSS and the DHMS. Change scores from time 1 to time 2 for each measure were computed. AFHC change and PSS change had a significant, negative correlation (r = −0.458, p < 0.05), even when controlling for income (r = −0.585, p < 0.05). For girls, AFHC change and PSS change had a significant, negative correlation (r = −0.599, p < 0.05), even when controlling for income (r = −0.697, p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed for boys (r = 0.003, p = 0.993), and when controlling for income (r = −0.346, p = 0.448). The correlation between AFHC change and DHMS change was not significant. Black adolescent girls, but not boys, tended to make more unhealthy dietary choices when under increased stress. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using cosmogenic nuclides to contrast rates of erosion and sediment yield in a semi-arid, arroyo- dominated landscape, Rio Puerco Basin, New Mexico

Analysis of in-situ-produced 10 Be and 26 Al in 52 fluvial sediment samples shows that millennialscale rates of erosion vary widely (7 to 366 m Ma −1 ) through the lithologically and topographically complex Rio Puerco Basin of northern New Mexico. Using isotopic analysis of both headwater and downstream samples, we determined that the semi-arid, Rio Puerco Basin is eroding, on average, about 100 m Ma −1 . This rapid rate of erosion is consistent with estimates made using other techniques and is likely to result from a combination of easily eroded lithologies, sparse vegetation, and monsoon-dominated rainfall. Data from 331 stream water samples collected by the US Geological Survey between 1960 and 1995 are consistent with basin-wide, average chemical denudation rates of only about 1·4 m Ma − − − − −1 ; thus, the erosion rates we calculate may be considered rates of sediment generation because physical weathering accounts for almost 99 per cent of mass loss. The isotopic data reveal that sediment is generally well mixed downstream with the areaweighted average sediment generation rate for 16 headwater samples (234 ton km −2 a −1 for
Juno Microwave Radiometer patch array antennas

The requirements, design, and performance of the Juno Microwave Radiometer patch array antennas were discussed. The antennas meet both the electrical performance and environmental requirements. There is generally good agreement between measurements and calculations.
The Nutritive Value of Cassava Leaf Meal

Abstract CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Crantz = M. utilissima Pohl) is grown extensively throughout the tropical world primarily for its starch-bearing roots. However, Jones (1959) reports that in some parts of Africa the leaves of certain varieties of cassava are used regularly as boiled vegetables. Echandi (1952) fed gently heated and powdered cassava leaves to beef heifers and reported them to be a suitable substitute for alfalfa meal. On the other hand, Rogers and Milner (1963) reported that rats rejected rations containing lyophilized cassava leaves that supplied 10 or 15 percent protein in the ration. This report deals with studies designed to evaluate cassava leaf meal as a supplement in chick rations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cassava leaf material used in this study was derived from a sweet clonal variety obtained initially from Central America. 3 The leaf meal used in Experiments 1 and 2 was prepared from leaves collected from 11–15…
Third-party punishment as a costly signal of trustworthiness

Third-party punishment (TPP), in which unaffected observers punish selfishness, promotes cooperation by deterring defection. But why should individuals choose to bear the costs of punishing? We present a game theoretic model of TPP as a costly signal of trustworthiness. Our model is based on individual differences in the costs and/or benefits of being trustworthy. We argue that individuals for whom trustworthiness is payoff-maximizing will find TPP to be less net costly (for example, because mechanisms that incentivize some individuals to be trustworthy also create benefits for deterring selfishness via TPP). We show that because of this relationship, it can be advantageous for individuals to punish selfishness in order to signal that they are not selfish themselves. We then empirically validate our model using economic game experiments. We show that TPP is indeed a signal of trustworthiness: third-party punishers are trusted more, and actually behave in a more trustworthy way, than non-punishers. Furthermore, as predicted by our model, introducing a more informative signal--the opportunity to help directly--attenuates these signalling effects. When potential punishers have the chance to help, they are less likely to punish, and punishment is perceived as, and actually is, a weaker signal of trustworthiness. Costly helping, in contrast, is a strong and highly used signal even when TPP is also possible. Together, our model and experiments provide a formal reputational account of TPP, and demonstrate how the costs of punishing may be recouped by the long-run benefits of signalling one's trustworthiness.
Timing Post-Bloom Sprays for Peach Twig Borer (Lepidoptera: Gelichiidae) and San Jose Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Post-bloom insecticide sprays for control of peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller, and San Jose scale, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock), were timed to larval and crawler emergence using precise day-degree (DD) accumulations after male moth or scale collections in pheromone traps. Optimum timing for peach twig borer treatment was 400 DD after first moth emergence in California; optimum timing for San Jose scale was 600-700 DD after first male scale emergence. These techniques for pest control in commercial orchards may help reduce pesticide usage by avoiding multiple sprays to the same pest generation, and improve coordination of sprays with other orchard operations.