cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ketomethyldipeptides II. Effect of modifications of the α-aminoketone portion on inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme

Results of an investigation aimed at identifying the consequences of chemical modifications of the α-aminoketone moiety of ketomethyldipeptides on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition are reported. These studies lead to the conclusion that within this series, the optimal structural backbone formulation for inhibition of ACE is represented by 1. Introduction of a Sar-Pro C-terminal dipeptide in this system, in contrast to other inhibitor classes, is compatible with potent inhibitory activity. Other structure-activity relationships for ketomethyldipeptides and related derivatives are presented, and speculations on possible modes of binding of these inhibitors to ACE, and on the question of ketone rehybridization are offered.
The numerical calculation of inviscid plume flow fields

A numerical method is presented for the computation of inviscid, axisymmetric, underexpanded plumes. The numerical techniques developed by Moretti (1969, 1971, 1972) are used in conjunction with Abbett's (1970) theory for locating the Mach disk. Abbett's theory and three other prediction methods are compared to experimental results. Results are presented for jets exhausting into static ambients and supersonic free stream. Detailed results from a flow field with multiple Mach disks are also presented. Finally, some problems associated with the computation of very small Mach disks are discussed.
The Spectrophotometry Determination of Mn(III) in the Presence of Mn(IV)

Abstract The spectra of complex of Mn(III) and Mn(IV) with pyrophosphoric acid are investigated. The molar absorption coefficient of the complex of Mn(III) with pyrophosphoric acid is 80.6/Mcm at 510nm which is close to that of Mn(IV), 110/Mcm, however, the molar absorption coefficient of the complex of Mn(HI) with pyrophosphoric acid is only 4.98/Mcm at 398nm which is much less than that of Mn(IV), 390/Mcm. Based on this absorbance difference between Mn(III) and Mn(IV) at wavelength 398nm and 510nm, a procedure of determination of Mn(III) in the presence of Mn(IV) has been developed.
The Impact of Increased Alcohol Production on Agriculture: A Simulation Study

This paper seeks to estimate the upward slope of the supply curve of ethanol by estimating the response of agricultural prices to various levels of corn alcohol production. An alcohol fuel program is, on the other hand, an agricultural policy as well as an energy policy. So a second purpose is to predict the impact of increased alcohol fuel production on important dimensions of US agriculture. The US agricultural economy as modeled in the NIRAP program appears to be capable of adjusting without major difficulties to even high levels of fuel alcohol production. The price of corn and cost of alcohol would rise significantly, but not so high as to rule out the possibility of replacing with alcohol a tenth of current gasoline consumption. This prediction of great responsiveness by American agriculture is not surprising in view of its historical ability to adjust to shocks at least as large as those resulting from high levels of alcohol production. The extensiveness of the relationships modeled in NIRAP not only gives insights into the indirect effects of increased alcohol production but also probably accounts for why the direct effects are so mitigated. 10 references, 1 table.
Specificity domains distinguish the Ras-related GTPases Ypt1 and Sec4

THE essential Ras-related GTPases1–2 Ypt1 and Sec4 act at distinct stages of the secretion pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Ypt1 is required for vesicular transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, whereas Sec4 is required for fusion of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane3–6. Here we use chimaeras of the two proteins to identify a 9-residue segment of Ypt1 that, when substituted for the analogous segment of Sec4, allows the chimaera to perform the minimal functions of both proteins in vivo. This segment corresponds to loop L7 of the p21ras crystal structure7. Substitution of a 24-residue Ypt1 segment, including the residues just mentioned, together with 12 residues of Ypt1 corresponding to the 'effector region' of p21ras (loop L2; refs 7, 8), transforms Sec4 into a fully functional Ypt1 protein without residual Sec4 function.
Achieving User-Level Fairness in Open-Access Femtocell-Based Architecture

Femtocell-based architectures have the potential to position the cellular service providers to compete head-on with the WiFi market. However, significant interference can happen due to unplanned deployments. Current use of hard partitioning approaches for resource allocation, and lack of guidelines for configuring the femtocells, makes it difficult to obtain significant performance gains over traditional cellular networks. In this paper, we study the dynamic OFDMA subchannel assignment problem while jointly considering power assignment and association control to provide maxmin fairness. Toward this objective, we first consider a noninterfering model (NINT model), which disallows interfering femtocells in the solution. A more general interfering model (INT model) is then considered under which the problem is transformed into the partition coloring problem. We then show the NP-hardness of the problems and design centralized approximation algorithms with provable bounds and distributed solutions. Through extensive simulations in realistic settings we show that, compared to previous work, our solutions under the NINT model can achieve two times the minimum throughput, and under the INT model the minimum throughput can be up to three times the baseline algorithms.
Labeling of major plant lipids and jasmonic acid using [1-(14C)] lauric acid.

Abstract A medium chain length fatty acid, [1-14C] lauric acid (12:0) was administered to the detached leaves of Artemisia and was incorporated into major lipids, including phospholipids and galactolipids. [1-14C]12:0 was elongated and desaturated into linolenic acid (18:3). In detached leaves of both Artemisia and Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia, radioactivity from [14C]18:3 was incorporated into jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ). Higher amounts of [14C]JA were measured in Artemisia than Arabidopsis leaves. In Artemisia, [14C]JA was actively metabolized into [14C]MJ. Extracts prepared from the leaves of Artemisia, exhibited higher in vitro JA methyltransferase activity than those from Arabidopsis.
High-dose droperidol protects against experimental coronary thrombosis in dogs and pigs and attenuates aggregation of porcine platelets and Ca2+ mobilization in human platelets.

BACKGROUND Activation of platelets after contact with thrombogenic substrates may be an early factor leading to coronary artery thrombosis and myocardial infarction. Haloperidol, a butyrophenone, possesses weak in vitro platelet inhibitory activity. Experiments were designed to determine whether droperidol, a butyrophenone adjunct to anesthesia, protected against experimental coronary thrombosis in intravenously anesthetized open-chest dogs and pigs, attenuated ex vivo porcine platelet aggregation, and inhibited agonist-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in human platelets. METHODS In dogs and pigs, a lesion consisting of deendothelialization, deep vessel wall injury, and critical stenosis was created in the proximal circumflex arteries, resulting in coronary thrombus formation accompanied by decreased circumflex artery blood flow. Embolization of the thrombus restored flow, but the cycle then repeated, resulting in repetitive cyclical flow reductions (CFRs). These were measured using an electromagnetic flow probe. RESULTS In dogs, droperidol 0.2 mg/kg intravenous rapidly abolished CFRs in all ten animals, with frequency decreasing from 0.22 +/- 0.01 cycles/min to 0. Droperidol 0.8 mg/kg intravenous rapidly abolished CFRs in seven of eight pigs, with frequency decreasing from 0.15 +/- 0.01 to 0.02 cycles/min (P < 0.005). In both species, additional doses of droperidol were effective against CFRs augmented with intravenous epinephrine, a catecholamine that stimulates thrombosis. Ex vivo platelet aggregation studies were performed in platelet-rich plasma obtained from pigs before and after droperidol 0.8 mg/kg intravenous. Pretreatment with the drug resulted in marked inhibition of aggregation evoked by collagen, modest attenuation of that elicited by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), but no effect on that evoked by arachidonic acid. In human platelets, apparent [Ca2+]i was estimated using the fluorescent indicator indo-1 and flow cytometry. Droperidol 10(-7), 10(-6), and 10(-5)M had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the amplitude of increases in [Ca2+]i evoked by 10(-5)M serotonin (plus 10(-7)M epinephrine). The higher droperidol concentration decreased the response to as much as 30% of control (P < 0.001). Droperidol lacked effect on Ca2+ mobilization elicited with 10(-6)M ADP. CONCLUSIONS The results from three experimental models indicate that droperidol attenuates experimental coronary thrombosis in animals and suggest that this inhibition may result, in part, from a direct droperidol depressant effect on platelet activation and aggregation.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion. A biomechanical comparison, including a new threaded cage.

Study Design In vitro biomechanical testing was performed on eight lumbar calf spines. Objectives To compare the initial stiffness of a standard method of posterior lumbar interbody fusion using structural autograft with the same procedure using additional posterior instrumentation. These constructs also were compared to a new titanium implant. Summary of Background Data Posterior lumbar interbody fusion is gaining wide acceptance for the treatment of segmental spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, and discogenic pain. Many methods have been described, including use of autograft or allograft bone, in either structural or nonstructural form, with or without additional fixation. A new threaded titanium interbody implant has been designed to increase initial stability while allowing bony ingrowth for fusion. Methods Eight lumbar calf spines were subjected to axial compression, sagittal moments (flexion-extension), and axial torque while displacement was measured. Stiffness was calculated from the load displacement curves, for each construct under each load pattern. Results The posterior lumbar interbody fusion by bone graft alone was the least stiff construct of all modes tested. In two of eight specimens the bone graft dislodged posteriorly into the canal during torsional testing. The titanium interbody implant was similar in stiffness to the bone graft posterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation group in all three modes. They were both significantly stiffer than the normal spine, the destabilized spine, and the posterior lumbar interbody fusion by bone graft alone (P Conclusions In this model, the posterior lumbar interbody fusion with bone graft alone had less initial stiffness than that of the intact spine. The addition of posterior instrumentation or interbody implants can increase initial stiffness significantly.
New studies of SAGE II and HALOE ozone profile and long-term change comparisons

[1] A comparison of the ozone data sets from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II (SAGE II) (version 6.1) and the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) (version 19) is discussed for the period 1991–2000. A more accurate approach than those used in previous studies is applied for the comparisons, which takes into account measurement uncertainties and produces improved results. This approach gave closer agreement between the two measurement systems in terms of absolute values and differences in long-term changes, that is, trends determined from each data set. In our work the analysis of weighted mean differences in coincident measurements by the two experiments shows approximately a 5% bias over the altitude range 20.5–50.5 km in the majority of latitude bands, with some exceptions. The SAGE II values are typically larger than the HALOE values. We calculate the slopes of the time series of differences between the two instruments and analyze ozone trends. This analysis, which covers a longer time period than was studied before, indicates little to no long-term drift in either measurement system. The improved trend analysis methods used in this study show more statistically significant trends than were reported before. Ozone trend comparisons from these instruments show trend differences on the order of less than 0.3% per year in a majority of latitude bands at 25, 35, 45, and 55 km altitudes. Those differences are smaller than reported in other studies, thus revealing remarkable agreement between SAGE II and HALOE trend results.
3-D DNA methylation phenotypes correlate with cytotoxicity levels in prostate and liver cancer cell models

The spatial organization of the genome is being evaluated as a novel indicator of toxicity in conjunction with drug-induced global DNA hypomethylation and concurrent chromatin reorganization. 3D quantitative DNA methylation imaging (3D-qDMI) was applied as a cell-by-cell high-throughput approach to investigate this matter by assessing genome topology through represented immunofluorescent nuclear distribution patterns of 5-methylcytosine (MeC) and global DNA (4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole = DAPI) in labeled nuclei. Differential progression of global DNA hypomethylation was studied by comparatively dosing zebularine (ZEB) and 5-azacytidine (AZA). Treated and untreated (control) human prostate and liver cancer cells were subjected to confocal scanning microscopy and dedicated 3D image analysis for the following features: differential nuclear MeC/DAPI load and codistribution patterns, cell similarity based on these patterns, and corresponding differences in the topology of low-intensity MeC (LIM) and low in intensity DAPI (LID) sites. Both agents generated a high fraction of similar MeC phenotypes across applied concentrations. ZEB exerted similar effects at 10–100-fold higher drug concentrations than its AZA analogue: concentration-dependent progression of global cytosine demethylation, validated by measuring differential MeC levels in repeat sequences using MethyLight, and the concurrent increase in nuclear LIM densities correlated with cellular growth reduction and cytotoxicity. 3D-qDMI demonstrated the capability of quantitating dose-dependent drug-induced spatial progression of DNA demethylation in cell nuclei, independent from interphase cell-cycle stages and in conjunction with cytotoxicity. The results support the notion of DNA methylation topology being considered as a potential indicator of causal impacts on chromatin distribution with a conceivable application in epigenetic drug toxicology.
Analysis of processing time for conjunctive and disjunctive problem solving.

A comparison of latencies and S-paced postfeedback intervals (PFIs) on positive- and negative-instance trials indicated that neither PFI nor latency varied as a function of the type of instance. However, a comparison of PFIs and latencies on correct and incorrect response trials indicated that both PFIs and latencies were longer on error trials than on correct response trials. Thus, it was concluded that more information processing occurred on error trials. Instructions to focus the Ss on positive, negative, or positive and negative instances had negligible effects on performance.
SU-E-J-196: Evaluation of the Relationship Between Tumor Thickness and Relative Pixel Value in Dual Energy (DE) Imaging

Purpose: To determine the relationship between simulated tumor thickness and signal intensity in a dual energy (DE) subtraction image. Methods: A phantom was constructed using cork (simulating lung), tissue equivalent material, and pork ribs. While keeping the total phantom thickness constant (16 cm), the thickness of cork was varied from 8–12 cm. Simulated tumors with thicknesses ranging from 1–5 cm were placed within inserts inside the cork. Ribs were placed on top of the phantom such that they overlapped the simulated tumor on a planar radiograph. Planar x‐ray images were subsequently acquired using 60 kVp (4 mAs) and 120 kVp (1 mAs) for the various combinations of cork and simulated tumor thicknesses. DE subtraction was performed for each image set to provide rib suppression. Pixel intensity values of the simulated tumor on DE images were obtained and plotted vs. tumor thickness. Results: This study yielded a linear relationship between the simulated tumor thickness and DE pixel value. The relative pixel value increased with increasing tumor thickness. Moreover, the slope was nearly independent of the thickness of cork. The effect of the cork was to shift the intercept, with larger thicknesses of cork resulting in a more negative intercept value. Conclusion: The results of this study illustrate a linear relationship between DE signal intensity and simulated tumor thickness. By demonstrating this relationship, DE imaging may be used as a quantitative means to quickly and efficiently assess 3D tumor response in lung cancer patients. Using this technique, DE imaging may provide a means of screening for patients who are candidates for adaptive radiotherapy. Project supported by a grant from Varian Medical Systems.
Revisiting the picky eater phenomenon: neophobic behaviors of young children.

Objectives: To compare picky eater behaviors (food neophobia) of children as toddlers and at 42 to 84 months of age and to assess their mothers’ neophobic behaviors.Methods: In a follow-up study of toddlers’ picky eater behaviors, trained interviewers conducted four in-home interviews with mothers (n = 71) when their children were 42, 60, 72 and 84 months of age. Mothers reported children’s diets (1 weekend day and 2 week days, 12 days total) and their behaviors; weight and height were measured. An additional interview at 48 months involved only mothers’ behaviors. Nutritionist IV software, correlations, t tests and repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine nutrient intake, behavioral relationships and differences by picky eater status. Mothers’ descriptions of the children’s food neophobia and bothersome behaviors were analyzed by qualitative methods.Results: Mothers reported children’s neophobic behaviors at all ages. Mothers’ and children’s behaviors were significantly and consistently correlated ...
Expansion of the J-EDS Editorial Board

Anyone, anytime, anywhere is the hallmark of OPEN ACCESS publications. This philosophy is serving us well as the IEEE Journal of Electron Devices Society (J-EDS) continues to grow. On January 1st 2013, when J-EDS was launched , I had written to you introducing the five editors constituting the founding editorial board of the nascent J-EDS. At that time, I had also stated that the board will be expanded as the manuscript submission rate climbs. At this time, the editorial board is being doubled in size by adding five additional members. These professionals are established senior researchers in the field of electron devices and widely respected in their areas of specialty. They have been handpicked to reflect the J-EDS editorial culture of proactively helping authors publish their best work in the journal. As mentioned in my January 2013 editorial , “In a sense, the editor is to assume a supportive role in helping the author improve the quality of the manuscript rather than simply passing a judgment.”
Characteristics of the salts secreted by Spartina alterniflora Loisel and their relation to estuarine production

Abstract The secreted salts of Spartina alterniflora plants cultured under greenhouse conditions were collected, analyzed for mineral content and found to be a mixture similar to the salts of seawater. Calcium, magnesium and sulfate ions were present in lesser proportions than in seawater. Although phosphate ions were present in greater proportions than in seawater, the rate of phosphate secretion was determined to be less than one ten-thousandth of the previously reported rate. The salt glands' loading of P to estuaries seems to be much less/m 2 than atmospheric P loading.
Static and dynamic measurements of the pressure-volume relationship in living and dead rabbit eyes.

Measurements of the relationship between intraocular pressure and volume were made in eyes of living and dead rabbits. The measurements were made with a newly developed apparatus that controls intraocular pressure by servo means and meters the volume of fluid passing to or from the eye through a cannula connection to the eye. After establishing steady-state conditions the static pressure-volume relationship was determined by measuring the volume changes resulting from step changes in pressure. The dynamic pressure-volume relationship was determined by measuring the oscillatory volume changes of the eye in response to small sinusoidal pressure variations above and below the selected mean intraocular pressures. The pressure-volume relationship measured by dynamic means differs significantly from that measured by static means, a difference we ascribe to the viscoelastic nature of the eye coats. Using either measurement method, the pressure-volume relationship in the living rabbit eye differs significantly from that in the dead rabbit eye, a difference we attribute to the effect of the intraocular vascular system. Based on these results, we estimated the error that may occur in calculating the facility of outflow from tonographic data when the effects of blood volume and viscoelastic changes are neglected. The error was found to be relatively small.
Challenges in the management of invasive aspergillosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has saved numerous lives, infections, particularly those due to opportunistic fungi and viruses, continue to take a toll among allogeneic recipi...
Mechanism of DI RNA formation in tombusviruses: dissecting the requirement for primer extension by the tombusvirus RNA dependent RNA polymerase in vitro.

Abstract Tombusviruses, which are positive-strand RNA viruses of plants, frequently generate defective interfering (DI) RNAs that consist of three to four noncontiguous segments of the parental RNA. Replicase jumping was postulated to cause multiple deletions leading to the de novo formation of DI RNAs in planta . This model was tested using a partially purified RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) preparation from tombusvirus-infected plants in vitro . The tombusvirus RdRp was capable of primer extension without the need for sequence complementarity between the primer and the acceptor template in vitro , although the most efficient primer extension was obtained with primers forming a 5-bp duplex with the acceptor region. Primers forming 14- to 20-bp duplexes with the acceptor region were used less efficiently by the tombusvirus RdRp in vitro . In addition, primers with 3′ noncomplementary nucleotides were also extended by the tombusvirus RdRp, albeit with a reduced efficiency. The preference of the tombusvirus RdRp for short base-paired primers in vitro is consistent with the lack of extended sequence similarities at the junction sites in the de novo generated tombusvirus-associated DI RNAs. The in vitro experiments also revealed that the acceptor region plays a significant role in primer extension. Comparison of tombusvirus-derived, heterologous and artificial acceptor regions revealed that the conserved regions present in DI RNAs are the best acceptor regions when they are available in the minus-strand orientation. These data suggest that recombination/deletion events may be more frequent at some regions, rather than occurring randomly throughout the parental genome. In addition, these findings support a model that predicts a higher frequency of replicase jumping, i.e., recombination/deletion events, during plus-strand synthesis than during minus-strand synthesis.
Solitary and Social Heavy drinking, Suicidal Ideation, and Drinking Motives in Underage College Drinkers

In college students, solitary heavy drinking (i.e., while alone) is associated with depression and with higher rates of drinking problems than heavy drinking in social contexts. This study explored the relationship among heavy episodic drinking context, suicidal ideation, and drinking motives among underage college drinkers (n = 91) with a history of passive suicidal ideation. Participants completed measures of depression, suicidal ideation, alcohol consumption and problems, and drinking motives. Multiple regression analyses revealed that suicidal ideation, but not depression, was significantly related to solitary heavy drinking. Neither was related to social heavy drinking. Enhancement motives for drinking, but not other drinking motives (i.e., social, conformity, drinking to cope), were significantly associated with social heavy drinking. In contrast, only drinking to cope was associated with solitary heavy drinking. These findings suggest that greater suicidal ideation is associated with greater frequency of becoming intoxicated while alone, and that this drinking is motivated by attempts to cope. Solitary heavy drinking is a potentially dangerous coping strategy for an individual experiencing suicidal ideation.
Grain-size-gradient nickel alloys I: Fabrication and tensile properties

Abstract As an alternative material for enhanced fatigue and/or creep properties, grain-size-gradient nickel alloys are fabricated through thermomechanical processing incorporated with systematic additions of grain growth inhibitors such as Al2O3 and MgO. By varying the grain size spatially within a sample geometry, an optimum combination of conflicting grain size effects is sought. The grain size in such oxide-treated regions shows a reasonable stability against high temperatures. The gradient structure is also found to influence tensile fracture mode and surface roughening, depending on the configuration of the gradient. The tensile behavior of these gradient alloys is examined and discussed in terms of the rule of mixtures.
The traditional toxicologic paradigm is correct: dose influences mechanism.

Dose influences mechanism; and over a wide range of doses, one can envision that mechanism will change with changing dose. This basic concept in toxicology is juxtaposed with the biologic importanc...
HSCs: stressing out over ROS.

In this issue of Blood , Yahata and colleagues demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS)–induced DNA damage impairs the self-renewal capacity of human HSCs, and that oxidative DNA damage repair is less efficient in quiescent stem cells than in progenitor cells.[1][1] HSCs are a rare
The Subcellular Localization of the Long-Acting Thyroid Stimulator Inhibitor in Bovine Thyroid Gland

To characterize further the nature and site of the receptor for the IgG stimulator in Graves' disease, we have developed a preparative scheme to provide a bovine thyroid subfraction rich in plasma membranes. Pellets (800 X g) obtained from bovine thyroid homogenates were layered on a 30-64% continuous sucrose gradient (SG). The centrifuged gradient was divided into four portions (SG1, 2, 3, and 4); and these along with the 800 X g pellet were characterized in terms of their capacity to neutralize (bind) the biological activity of LATS, their specific binding of [125I]TSH, and their subcellular marker content. Subfraction SG1 contained the highest adenyl cyclase specific activity, the highest [125I]TSH binding specific activity, and vied with the 800 X g pellet and SG3 for the highest specific activity of LATS neutralization. Electron microscopy of SG1 showed a predominance of plasma membrane structures contaminated with a modest amount of cellular debris. Adenyl cyclase activity in SG1 was enhanced by TSH, LATS, and sodium fluoride. Although a dose-response curve could be established for TSH, a similar relationship could not be established for LATS. We conclude that activation of plasma membrane-bound adenyl cyclase is associated with neutralization of the biological activity of LATS. Further, the difference between [125I]TSH binding and LATS neutralization activity observed in the various thyroid membrane subfractions suggests that either LATS and TSH interact at different sites or have different mechanisms of binding at a common site.
Mixed-material coating formation on plasma-facing components

Abstract When any plasma confinement device is fabricated from more than a single material which can come into contact with either particle or heat flux, there is the potential for migration of one of these materials to the locations of other materials. This combination of materials, or mixed materials, can have substantially different properties than either of the original materials. The PISCES-B linear plasma device is examining the formation conditions and properties of mixed-material surface layers which can form on plasma-facing components. The PISCES-B device has been modified to incorporate an impurity gas (CD4, CO, O2, etc.) puffing system in the target interaction region. It is, therefore, possible to control the fraction of impurities in the incident plasma and to perform systematic tests on the conditions necessary to form mixed-materials surface layers. The concentration of the species in the plasma column is measured spectroscopically, as well as by a residual gas monitor on the vacuum chamber. Measurements of the rate of growth of the thickness of the mixed material layer are performed. A simple erosion model can adequately describe the growth rate of the mixed-material layer and may allow for growth rate predictions in other plasma environments. It is also important to investigate the role of redeposition of metallic impurities in the formation of mixed material layers. A beryllium evaporator has been independently installed upstream of the target-interaction region to allow seeding of the incident plasma with beryllium. The presence of beryllium on the sample surface is observed to reduce the chemical erosion of the graphite by more than the reduction of the surface carbon concentration. And finally, the hydrogen isotope retention properties of carbon-containing layers on beryllium could have serious implications for tritium accumulation in ITER.
The potential health and economic benefits of preventing recurrent respiratory papillomatosis through quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination.

We estimated the health and economic benefits of preventing recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) through quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. We applied a simple mathematical model to estimate the averted costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) saved by preventing RRP in children whose mothers had been vaccinated at age 12 years. Under base case assumptions, the prevention of RRP would avert an estimated USD 31 (range: USD 2-178) in medical costs (2006 US dollars) and save 0.00016 QALYs (range: 0.00001-0.00152) per 12-year-old girl vaccinated. Including the benefits of RRP reduced the estimated cost per QALY gained by HPV vaccination by roughly 14-21% in the base case and by 100% in the sensitivity analyses. More precise estimates of the incidence of RRP are needed, however, to quantify this impact more reliably.
APPLICATIONS OF THE COMPLEX INTERPOLATION METHOD TO A VON NEUMANN ALGEBRA: NON-COMMUTATIVE LP-SPACES

Non-commutative Lp-spaces, 1 < p < ∞, associated with a von Neumann algebra are considered. The paper consists of two parts. In part I, by making use of the complex interpolation method, non-commutative Lp-spaces are defined as interpolation spaces between the von Neumann algebra in question and its predual. Also, all expected properties (such as duality and uniform convexity) are proved in the frame of interpolaton theory and relative modular theory. In part II, these Lp-spaces are compared with Haagerup's Lp-spaces. Based on this comparison, a non-commutative analogue of the classical Stein-Weiss interpolation theorem is obtained.
Levels of lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes isolated from aging rats fed an antioxidant-free diet

Enzymatically isolated hepatocytes were utilized to evaluate levels of lipid peroxidation in young (3 months), adult (12 months) and aged (25 months) Fisher-344 female rats. Lipid peroxidation was measured by assaying levels of malonaldehyde, a by-product of the peroxidation reaction. Young, adult and aged animals were fed a liquid antioxidant-free diet for 21 days prior to the hepatocyte isolation. Cells isolated from young rats demonstrated the highest levels of lipid peroxidation (microgram of malonaldehyde/10(6) cells). This increase may be a result of the isolation procedure or of metabolic differences found in younger animals. When hepatocytes from aged animals on the antioxidant-free diet were incubated in the presence of lipid peroxidation inducers, such as cumene hydroperoxide or NADPH, significant elevations in lipid peroxidation over comparable adult values were observed. Aged hepatocytes appear to be more susceptible to the peroxidation process than adult hepatocytes, possibly due to defective peroxidation defenses.
Small scale gasification of biomass: The case of corn cob gasifiers☆☆☆

Abstract This paper reports on the operation and general feasibility of gasifiers intended for use on farms to supply a clean gas fuel for on-farm processing of food products. The particular concern is the availability of a gas fuel for grain drying that will be able to utilize existing farm drying and handling systems and relieve the farmer of dependence on potentially uncertain supplies of LP-gas and natural gas. The feasibility of a cob-gasification system is compared with conventional systems through the use of a simulation model of harvesting and drying systems. Timeliness, field losses and harvesting strategy are considered on the basis of 24 years of actual weather data to determine the technical and economic feasibility of cob-gasifier drying-systems. The gasifier system is analyzed as an integrated part of the total farming and harvesting operation, which provides a more realistic appraisal as compared with considering the drying system in isolation. The conclusion is that a cob-gasification system imposes minimal change upon the rest of the grain-drying and handling system, and that the collection of corn cobs for fuel can be integrated into current harvesting operations. From the economic standpoint, it appears that cob-gasification systems are likely to be more economic than solar systems and, under a variety of conditions, only a modest increase in the price of LP-gas would be necessary to make cob-gasification systems competitive with existing conventional systems.
Epizoic zoanthids reduce pumping in two Caribbean vase sponges

Sponges are common sessile benthic suspension feeders that play a critical role in carbon and nitrogen cycling within reef ecosystems via their filtration capabilities. Due to the contribution of sponges in benthic–pelagic coupling, it is critical to assess factors that may affect their role in the healthy function of coral reefs. Several factors can influence the rate at which an individual sponge pumps water, including body size, environmental conditions, mechanical blockage, and reduction of inhalant pores (ostia). Symbiotic zoanthid colonization is a common occurrence on Caribbean sponges, and the presence of zoanthids on the surface of a sponge may occlude or displace the inhalant ostia. We quantified pumping rates of the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta (N = 22 uncolonized, 37 colonized) and the common vase sponge, Niphates digitalis (N = 21 uncolonized, 17 colonized), with and without zoanthid symbionts, Parazoanthus catenularis and Parazoanthus parasiticus, respectively. For X. muta, biovolume-normalized pumping rates of individuals colonized by zoanthids were approximately 75 % lower than those of uncolonized sponges. Moreover, colonization with zoanthids was related to a difference in morphology relative to uncolonized individuals: Colonized sponges exhibited an osculum area to biovolume ratio that was nearly 65 % less than uncolonized sponges. In contrast, the presence of zoanthids on N. digitalis resulted in only a marginal decrease in pumping rates and no detectable difference in morphology. The difference in zoanthid effects between X. muta and N. digitalis is likely due to the differences in wall thickness and architecture between the two species. The probable cause of reduced pumping in affected sponges is occupation of the sponge surface that leads to blockage or displacement of inhalant ostia. To partially test this hypothesis, zoanthid colonization on specimens of X. muta was simulated by wrapping sponges with plastic mesh of varying porosity. Mechanical blockage of ostia resulted in a 20–50 % reduction in pumping rates compared with controls.
Acute bone marrow stromal injury in the dog

A 5-year retrospective study of bone marrow reports was conducted to identify dogs with acute marrow stromal injury. Of 382 reports that were included in the study, acute stromal alterations were identified in 27 (7.1%). Disease conditions associated with these inflammatory changes included nonregenerative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMA), systemic lupus erythematosus, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, infectious diseases, drug treatments, and idiopathic conditions. Pathologic changes associated with acute stromal injury included coagulation-type necrosis, individual cell necrosis, dilated sinusoids, interstitial edema, hemorrhage, multifocal fibrin deposits, and multifocal neutrophilic infiltrates. Nonregenerative IMA tended to be associated with individual cell necrosis and evidence of vascular injury and acute inflammation. Infectious diseases tended to be associated with coagulation-type necrosis vascular injury and acute inflammation. Microabscesses were observed only in dogs with bacterial infections. Acute stromal injury associated with drug treatments were associated with coagulation-type necrosis but not with vascular injury or acute inflammation. The pattern of these changes may be useful in suggesting possible causes.
Phonon and electron anomalies in the perovskite superconductor (La1.85Sr0.15)Cu0.95Sn0.05O4

Abstract Mossbauer measurements have been made at 199Sn in the perovskite superconductors La1.85Sr0.15Cu1−xSnxO4. The Sn valence is 4+ for all concentrations. The temperature dependence of the mean-squared displacement for x=0.05 shows phonon softening near 75 and 170 K; θD=402 K above 180 K, between 77 and 160 K, and θD is temperature dependent below 77 K. Below 250 K the shift indicates electronic structure changes characteristic of a phase transformation.
Electronic double slit interferometers based on carbon nanotubes.

We report the realization of an electronic double slit interferometer based on individual carbon nanotubes (SWNT). By performing transport spectroscopy on two parallel SWNTs in close proximity, we ...
MDCT and MRI evaluation of cervical spine trauma

Cervical spine injuries following major trauma result in significant associated morbidity and mortality. Devastating neurological injury, including complete and incomplete tetraplegia, are common sequelae of cervical spine trauma and cause profound and life-altering medical, financial, and social consequences. Most cervical spine injuries follow motor vehicle accidents, falls, and violence. The proliferation of multidetector computed tomography allows for fast and accurate screening for potential bony and vascular injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for evaluation of the supporting ligaments and the spinal cord after the patient has been stabilised. Cervical spine injuries are approached with much caution by emergency room clinicians. Thus, it is essential that radiologists be able to differentiate between a stable and unstable injury on MDCT, as this information ultimately helps determine the management of such injuries.
Integration questions: considerations that should be made when designing the specification of a software-based integration

Companies often need to share data and communicate due to mutual customers, areas of interest, as well as a variety of other reasons. Whether using SOAP calls to transferring files over an FTP a few basic issues need to be understood and handled. In this paper those issues and possible considerations will be presented. Questions such as the scope of the integration, maintenance viability, data integrity, security, and system complexity will be considered and explained. Once those questions have been answered to satisfaction the best integration can be select and implemented.
Binocular inhibition in the lateral geniculate body.

Abstract Afterpositivity elicited in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body of cats by stimulation of either of the optic nerves was found to be closely associated with depression of the postsynaptic spike and afterpositivity elicited by a test stimulus to the other optic nerve. The radiation spike was found to be more vulnerable to the inhibitory effect of afterpositivity than the postsynaptic spike recorded in the lateral geniculate body (LGD). Anatomical and electrophysiological evidence is adduced in support of the hypothesis that much of the afterpositivity is not a positive afterpotential but a hyperpolarizing postsynaptic potential propagated among principal geniculate neurons by neurons of the short axon type which are activated by recurrent collaterals from radiation axons.
Self-care behaviors of Filipino-American adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Aim To examine the diabetes self-care behaviors of Filipino-American (FA) adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Method The Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities–Revised and Expanded measure was administered to 192 (74 males and 118 females) FA adult immigrants with type 2 DM. Results Older FAs (≥65 years), females, those who were older when they immigrated, and participants diagnosed with type 2 DM longer were more likely to follow recommended medication regimens. Younger FAs ( Conclusion Younger FAs were less likely to perform optimum type 2 DM self-care behaviors pertaining to diet, medication taking, and blood glucose testing compared to their older counterparts. This finding suggests an increased risk for type 2 DM comorbidities and/or complications in younger FAs, which may require more intensive treatments in later years.
Prenatal Drug Use: The Ethics of Testing and Incarcerating Pregnant Women

Abstract It is estimated that every 1½ minutes an infant is born exposed to drugs. Prenatal use of illicit drugs has been associated with negative neonatal outcomes and has led to state mandates that involuntarily commit, and in some cases arrest and prosecute, pregnant women who test positive for drugs during pregnancy. The ethics of drug testing and incarcerating pregnant women has become an issue of much debate among community advocates and health care professionals. This paper discusses the history of the current debate of legal rights related to prenatal drug use and presents the conflicting views of fetal vs maternal rights.
Abortion education in medical schools: a national survey.

Objective This survey was performed to examine the inclusion and extent of abortion education in US medical schools. Study design A 3-item confidential survey requesting information about abortion education throughout the 4 years of medical school was mailed to the OB-GYN clerkship directors of the 126 accredited US medical schools. Results Seventy-eight surveys were returned, for a response rate of 62%. Overall, 17% of clerkship directors reported no formal education about abortion either in the preclinical or clinical years. In the third-year OB-GYN rotation, 23% reported no formal education, whereas 32% offered a lecture specifically about abortion. While 45% of third-year rotations offered a clinical experience, participation was generally low. About half of schools offered a fourth-year reproductive health elective, but few students participated. Conclusion Abortion education is limited in US medical schools. As an integral part of women's reproductive health services, abortion education deserves a place in the curricula of all medical schools.
Why didn't God Create the World Sooner?

The Western monotheisms agree that (1) God has created the universe, and that (2) at some point in the past, the universe began to exist. Thus they believe that (1) and (2) are compatible. Yet one can argue that (1) and (2) are incompatible, so that the Western theistic picture of creation is inconsistent. Augustine's Confessions quotes a famous argument that (1) entails~(2):What was God doing before he made heaven and earth? … if (God) did nothing, why did he not continue in this way … forever …? If any new motion arise in God, or a new will is formed in him, to the end of establishing creation which he had never established previously …, then (God) is not truly … eternal. Yet if it were God's sempiternal will for the creature to exist, why is not the creature sempiternal also?This argument suggests that if God has created the universe, then for any t, God must have been acting before t, and therefore the universe must have existed before t. But if for any t the universe existed before t, then the universe had no first moment of existence, and so (2) is false.
Understanding the Interaction between Packet Forwarding and Channel Access in Multihop Wireless Networks

We proposed an analytical model to study the interplay between medium access control (MAC) and packet forwarding disciplines in multihop wireless networks. The model jointly considers the channel access procedure and the active portions of the topology, which is determined by packet forwarding discipline. The model allows the computation of per-node performance metrics for any given network topology and the combination of specific MAC protocols and packet forwarding methods. As an example of the applicability of our modeling framework, the analytical model is used to study the performance of multihop wireless networks using a contention-based MAC protocol (the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function) and a schedule-based MAC protocol (NAMA), together with different packet forwarding schemes in multihop networks. The analytical results derived from the model are validated with discrete-event simulations in Qualnet; the analytical results are shown to be very close to those attained by simulations.
Torts of wrongful birth and wrongful life: A review

During the past half century reproductive and prenatal technologies have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible to the public. As prospective parents have become more knowledgeable about the various reproductive options available, there has evolved a body of jurisprudence that has defined and defended the exclusive right of individuals to make their own decisions about conceiving and bearing children. This right is now protected under the constitutional umbrella of the right to privacy. If this right is violated through the negligence of one or more health care providers, the allegedly injured parents may sue for the wrongful birth of an unplanned or a defective child. Similarly, a defective child may sue for wrongful life. Both plaintiff parents and plaintiff child seek to recover monetary damages as compensation for their alleged injuries. In wrongful birth cases judicial opinions have moved from an earlier "blessings rationale" through a series of "benefits" cases toward more recent "burdens" decisions. In early suits for wrongful life the courts often held that the child had no valid cause of action and could therefore not be heard in court. More recently, however, some courts have recognized the validity of actions for wrongful life and have decided in favor of the defective children. The most recent judicial decisions suggest that courts may be following a trend to decide in favor of plaintiff parents and children at the expense of the defendant health care providers.