cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the dynamic structure factor, S(q,ω), of polymers in dilute solution

Abstract In principle, interpretation of dynamic scattering experiments requires theoretical calculation of either intermediate scattering functions S ( q,t ) or dynamic structure factors S ( q, ω). Although dynamic scattering experiments can be interpreted through the use of the ‘characteristic frequency’ (or ‘first cumulant’) Ω( q ). The precision of extracting Ω( q ) is greatly improved by using a normalized shape function. Due to the difficulty in obtaining analytical results, in this paper we present numerical calculations of the normalized shape function in the frequency domain. These results can be used to facilitate the extraction of Ω( q ) from S ( q ,ω) directly both in light and neutron dynamic scattering experiments.
Medical errors education for students of surgery: a pilot study revealing the need for action.

Background Medical errors training is an important yet often overlooked aspect of surgical education. In response to a perceived deficiency in medical errors training at our institution, we implemented an educational session on medical errors concepts for the benefit of rotating medical students. Materials And Methods Medical students completed the same 12-question test before and after the 90-minute educational session. Pretest and posttest scores were compared for evidence of enhanced understanding. No personal identifiers were used, and students were provided unlimited time to complete the tests. Six groups of medical students (who ranged from 5 to 8 students per session) completed the educational session. All sessions were moderated by the same surgical resident and attending surgeon, who used a standard slide presentation. Test scores were analyzed with SPSS statistical software (version 14.0; SPSS Inc., Cary, NC), which employed the paired samples t-test (alpha = 0.05). Results Test scores increased significantly from a pretest mean of 27.3% correct (3.28 of 12 possible, SD = 1.57) to a mean posttest score of 70.1% (8.41, SD = 1.52) (p Conclusions This retrospective pilot study demonstrated that a brief educational intervention led to statistically significant improved performance on a general understanding of medical errors. The study also revealed the dearth of baseline knowledge in our participating medical students on the subject. We believe that these results underscore the need for action in providing improved and ongoing education in medical errors concepts to enhance medical student awareness and proactive handling of medical errors.
Treatment options for chronic idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract The goal of treatment for idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is to prevent serious bleeding. Traditionally, corticosteroids have been used as first-line therapy followed by splenectomy. Experience with splenectomy over 60 years shows that approximately two thirds of patients achieve normal platelet counts during the initial observation, but that thrombocytopenia often recurs with longer follow-up. We know that long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to significant morbidities; there is no consensus regarding the appropriate timing or indications for splenectomy. To address the issue of appropriate use of splenectomy, we designed a multicenter clinical trial that will randomize patients to either standard care, involving prednisone followed by splenectomy, or to a novel regimen of limited prednisone treatment followed by WinRho SDF ™ (Nabi, Boca Raton, FL) (anti-D) therapy to maintain the platelet count in a safe range for 1 year. Anti-D can be administered easily in an outpatient setting with few side effects and can provide predictable, transient increases in platelet count. The hypothesis is that prolonged maintenance therapy with a nontoxic regimen may increase the percentage of patients who will experience a spontaneous remission from thrombocytopenia, thereby avoiding an invasive and permanent surgical procedure, splenectomy, and its potentially life-threatening sequelae.
Roles of psychologic stress and autonomic nervous system changes in provocation of ventricular premature complexes

Neural and psychologic factors have been implicated as risk factors for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in man. However, the relation between these factors and arrhythmia has hitherto not been systematically explored. We examined the effect of psychologic stress testing in 19 patients with advanced grades of ventricular arrhythmias. Psychologic stress consisted of mental arithmetic, reading from colored cards and recounting emotionally charged experiences. Such testing induced a significant increase in ventricular premature beat frequency in 11 of 19 patients (P < 0.05). One patient experienced paroxysms of ventricular tachycardia. In 14 of these 19 patients elicitation of vagal or sympathetic autonomic reflexes failed to induce significant arrhythmia in all but one patient. It is concluded that (1) objective psychologic tests may precipitate ventricular arrhythmia in susceptible patients, and (2) evocation of peripheral autonomie reflexes is an insufficient trigger for enhanced ventricular ectopic activity.
Epidemiologia translacional: algumas considerações

Apos revisitar algumas contribuicoes historicas da epidemiologia translacional (EpiTrans), descreve-se um possivel processo de traducao e implementacao de politicas publicas, programas ou intervencoes baseado em niveis de evidencia. A seguir, discutem-se duas estrategias da EpiTrans - analise de decisao e analise de sensibilidade -, que tem como finalidade apoiar o processo decisorio quando diferentes opcoes programaticas sao consideradas. Conceitos relevantes a EpiTrans sao a seguir discutidos, a saber, o papel na Saude Publica de associacoes resultantes de confundimento, a superioridade do modelo aditivo para a EpiTrans e as interpretacoes possiveis dos conceitos de homogeneidade e heterogeneidade de resultados de estudos epidemiologicos, dos quais depende a traducao de conhecimentos. Finalmente, as principais diferencas entre a EpiTrans e a epidemiologia academica sao sumarizadas.
Parallel computing for solute transport models via alternating direction collocation.

Abstract We examine algorithmic aspects of M. Celia's alternating-direction scheme for finite-element collocation, especially as implemented for the two-dimensional advection-diffusion equation governing solute transport in groundwater. Collocation offers savings over other finite-element techniques by obviating the numerical quadrature and global matrix assembly procedures ordinarily needed in Galerkin formulations. The alternating-direction approach offers further saving in storage and serial runtime and, significantly, yields highly parallel algorithms involving the solution of problems having only one-dimensional structure. We explore this parallelism.
CP asymmetries in (semi-)inclusive $B^0$ decays

It was recently pointed out that inclusive \(B^0(t)\) decays could show mixing-induced CP violation. The totally inclusive asymmetry is expected to be tiny [\({\cal O}(10^{-3})\)] because of large cancellations among the asymmetries in the charmless, single charm and double charm final states. Enriching particular final state configurations could significantly increase the CP-asymmetry and observability. Such studies can extract fundamental CKM (Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa) parameters, and (perhaps) even \(\Delta m(B_s)\). A superb vertex detector could see CP violation with \(10^5 \; (10^6)\) flavor-tagged \(B_s \; (B_d)\) mesons within the CKM model. Because the effects could be significantly larger due to new physics, they should be searched for in existing or soon available data samples.
Ab initio calculation of ε 2 ( ω ) including the electron-hole interaction: Application to GaN and CaF 2

We present a computationally efficient first-principles scheme to calculate ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ for crystalline insulators, including the electron-hole interaction. The effective Hamiltonian for electron-hole pairs contains both the exchange and direct parts of this interaction. An iterative scheme is used in which the $\ensuremath{\omega}$ moments of ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ are computed by repeated action of the Hamiltonian on electron-hole pair states. The scheme is applied to two insulators where there are significant experimental uncertainties in their ultraviolet optical properties: GaN and ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}.$
Sex-role orientation and stereotypes about male-female sexuality

An experiment was conducted to examine the stereotypes about human sexuality held by persons of different sex-role orientations. Sex-typed and androgynous subjects were given bogus information about the sexual experience of another person. This other person was either a male or a female and either high or low in sexual experience. The subjects were then shown some erotic slides and asked to predict how sexually aroused the target person would be by viewing these stimuli. Additionally, the subjects were asked to rate the target person on traits of a sexual and evaluative nature. The results showed, as predicted, that the sexual experience of a female target influences how much sexual arousal is attributed to her. Female targets of high experience were attributed more arousal than inexperienced female targets. For male targets, no such difference was found. Ratings of the targets on an evaluative dimension revealed a double standard: Sexually experienced females were rated lower than were inexperienced females; no difference was found for male targets. In addition, sex-typed subjects tended to express more traditional stereotypes of sexuality than androgynous subjects. The influence that these stereotypes may have in guiding malefemale interactions is discussed.
Slow Heterogeneous Charge Transfer Kinetics for the ClO2-/ClO2 Redox Couple at Platinum, Gold, and Carbon Electrodes. Evidence for Nonadiabatic Electron Transfer

Chlorite (ClO2-) is one of the few simple aqueous anions that forms a stable product on one-electron oxidation. The heterogeneous charge transfer rate constants at E° = 0.700 V vs SCE for the ClO2-...
Experiment and analysis of forced convective heat transport in a packed bed of spheres

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of forced convective heat transport in a packed bed of spheres occupying a heated channel. A parallel plate channel configuration with the channel walls maintained at constant temperature is employed. The experiments document the dependence of the temperature field as well as the heat flux from the wall (represented by the Nusselt number) on the problem parameters, in the thermally developing region. Numerical simulations for the same problem are also performed. A general model for the momentum equation accounting for flow inertia, macroscopic shear and variable porosity is used. The experimental and numerical findings are in good agreement and they predict an overall heat transfer enhancement between the wall and the fluid/porous matrix composite when compared to the predictions of the popular Darcy flow model.
Phase and Curing Behavior of Polybutadiene/Diallyl Phthalate Blends Monitored by FT-IR Imaging Using Focal-Plane Array Detection.

The phase morphology and interfacial regions of cured and uncured polybutadiene/diallyl phthalate (PBD/DAP) blends that exhibit upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior have been characterized using an FT-IR microscopic imaging technique with focal-plane array detection. The observations of domain size and structure were based on monitoring characteristic infrared C−H, CO, and C−O modes of the blend components. The basic phase morphology of the uncured blend was monitored immediately after sample preparation and after 24 h. The average domain sizes of the uncured blend increased with aging by coalescence of smaller particles. The chemical compositions of the separated domains were determined by measuring ratios of integrated intensities and analyzed using a calibration curve. Finally, the blends were cured above the UCST and an apparently homogeneous network was obtained.
The binding of deoxycorticosterone by the AtT-20 cell.

Abstract The AtT-20 cell contains a steroid hormone binding site besides the glucocorticoid receptor. It binds 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) but not glucocorticoids, estrogens, mineralocorticoids, or progestins. Scatchard analyses could not quantitate the number of these sites, but suggested that there are many and that they have a low affinity for DOC. This new site is in the particulate fraction of the cell and at least part of the binding is associated with nuclei. The AtT-20 cell metabolizes DOC; up to 50% of the intracellular steroid is converted into a metabolite. Overall, although this new site could be involveclin mediating antiglucocorticoid hormone action, its “low” binding affinity and location in the particulate fraction suggests that more likely it represents part of a hormone-metabolizing system.
Renal proximal tubular epithelium from patients with nephropathic cystinosis: Immortalized cell lines as in vitro model systems

Renal proximal tubular epithelium from patients with nephropathic cystinosis: Immortalized cell lines as in vitro model systems. The renal proximal tubule is a major site of injury in a variety of congenital/metabolic diseases including nephropathic cystinosis, the most commonly known cause of renal Fanconi's syndrome. In this lysosomal storage disease there are defects in proximal tubule function within the first few months of life. While culture of renal tubular cells from the urine of these patients is possible, development of immortalized cell lines would insure large numbers of homogeneous cells for studies of renal epithelial cell morphology and pathophysiology in this disease. To develop immortalized cells, cystinotic and normal proximal tubular cells in culture were exposed to an immortalizing vector, containing pZiptsU19 with the temperature sensitive SV40 T-antigen allele tsA58U19 and a neomycin resistance gene, and neomycin-resistant tubular cells were selected for propagation. Ten clones from cystinotic patients have been developed and characterized. All clones express T-antigen at permissive temperature (33°C). Immortalized cells have an epithelial morphology and grow to form confluent monolayers; doubling times vary from 31 to 86 hours. Cystinotic clones are keratin, MDR P-glycoprotein, and alpha-95 kD brush-border associated protein positive but Tamm-Horsfall protein negative by immunocytochemistry, as are normal proximal tubule cells immortalized with this vector. This is consistent with a proximal tubule origin of the cystinotic clones. The cystine content of the cystinotic cells is 70 to 160 times that of normal renal proximal tubular cells in culture, with most of the cystine sequestered in cell lysosomes, confirming that these cell lines express the storage defect. Lysosomes from representative cell lines give a dense lysosome fraction upon Percoll gradient centrifugation, making it possible to purify lysosomes from these cells with no significant contamination by other organelles. These immortalized cystinotic human renal tubular epithelial cell lines should serve as a useful in vitro model for the study of tubular epithelial cell and lysosomal abnormalities in cystinosis, enabling definition of pathogenesis of tubular cell dysfunction in this prototypic disease.
The linkage between IOS use and competitive action: a competitive dynamics perspective

The use of interorganizational systems (IOS) for competitive advantage has been the topic of much writing and research. As a successful example, American Airlines’ aggressive use of its computer-based reservation system, SABRE, has often been cited for improving operational efficiency, increasing organizational flexibility, and altering interorganizational relationships. Yet, little attention has been given to a series of competitive actions that were generated through the use of SABRE along this system’s evolutionary trajectory. These competitive actions enabled American to disrupt competitive forces and remain as a market leader in the airline industry for decades. Stimulated by American’s case and today’s widespread use of IOS, this study asks two interesting questions: “Is there a systematic link between IOS use and competitive action?” “If so, how do they relate to each other?” In addressing these questions, we adopt research from the field of competitive dynamics to examine roles of IOS in influencing firm behavior and resultant firm performance. Competitive dynamics research has shown robust relationships between measures of competitive action and firm competitiveness, but technological antecedents of competitive action have been little studied. Collecting and analyzing 12 months of data for the year 2003 from multiple secondary data sources, this study empirically investigates links between IOS uses and competitive actions for nine major sports car makers. Our findings suggest a strong link between IOS uses and competitive actions. Also, there are larger implications for information technology (IT) researchers. The novel adoption of competitive dynamics suggests the development of a new kind of IT value measure, going beyond limitations of traditional measures by recognizing competitive actions as specific moves that are first observed after undertaking initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness. Additional implications for IT research, methodology, and practice are discussed.
Pinnae movement as related to auditory intensity in gerbils

Pinnae movement in response to the onset of a 1500-Hz tone was examined over a 50-dB range of intensity in five gerbils. The quality and frequency of these responses was found to relate directly to intensity. The protective function of these responses was discussed.
POTATO EXTRACTIVES: EFFECT ON FIRMNESS OF PECTIN JELLIES AND VISCOSITY QF POTATO STARCH PASTES

SUMMARY— Pectin jellies and potato starch pastes were prepared with aqueous extracts of potato tissue. All jellies containing potato extractives were weaker than distilled water control jellies. Jellies containing extractives from bud tissue were weaker than those containing extractives from stem tissue. Extractives from tubers stored continuously at 38°F weakened the jellies to a greater extent than those from tubers stored at 38°F and conditioned for 1 wk. Jellies containing extractives from boiled tissue were weaker than those prepared with extractives from blanched or steamed tissue. The most viscous pastes were those made with distilled water. In every case, viscosity of pastes containing extractives from raw tissue was less than half that of distilled water pastes. When extractives from blanched, steamed or boiled tissue were used, the viscosity decreased still further. The rigidity of jellies and the viscosity of pastes prepared with deionized extracts were similar to those of jellies and pastes prepared with distilled water. The data suggest that extractives leached from potato tissue increase sloughing of potato tissue during cooking by weakening the pectic materials in the intercellular cement rather than by enhancing the swelling of starch in the cells.
Functional AP1 and CRE response elements in the human keratinocyte transglutaminase promoter mediating Whn suppression.

Abstract Expression of keratinocyte transglutaminase (TGM1) is critical for maturation of mammalian epidermis and occurs during squamous metaplasia. Examination of the TGM1 5′-flanking region in transient transfections of human epidermal cells revealed an AP1 site ≈1.5 kb upstream from the transcription start site and a CRE site ≈0.5 kb upstream that, combined, accounted for as much as 90% of the transcriptional activity. Upon incubation with nuclear extract, three electrophoretically separable protein complexes were formed by a CRE site oligonucleotide, one of which was competed by an AP1 response element. In super-shift analysis, c-Jun and JunD formed complexes with both the AP1 and CRE sequences. The AP1 and CRE sites were found to mediate the suppressive effects of the Whn transcription factor on the activity of the TGM1 promoter. Similarly, two previously described AP1 sites mediated Whn suppression of involucrin promoter activity.
RENAL FUNCTION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITER AND MYXOEDEMA

The morbid physiology of thyrotoxicosis and myxoedema has been extensively studied, particularly those aspects of it which deal with the cardiovascular system, the blood, and inorganic salt and general metabolism. Very little attention has been paid to the functional activity of the kidneys in these two conditions in spite of the fact that Fenwick (1), who shared with Murray the introduction of thyroid administration in myxoedema, was more impressed with the diuretic than with any other action of the gland substance. On theoretical grounds one would expect a difference in the renal activity of exophthalmic goiter and myxoedema because of a number of circulatory antitheses, namely, the volume flow of blood (2), the circulation rate (3), the pulse rate, the pulse pressure, and the plasma volume (4). All these factors should tend to increase the renal function in exophthalmic goiter and to decrease it in myxoedema. The only data on this subject that we have found in the literature are some average figures by...
Inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Stimulable Adenylyl Cyclase Activity in Rat Luteal Membranes by Nonsteroidal Component(s) in Human Follicular Fluid*

We examined the ability of nonsteroidal components of human follicular fluid (hFF) to alter gonadotropin responsiveness using the LH/hCG-sensitive adenylyl cyclase system of rat luteal membranes. Follicular aspirates were obtained from regularly ovulatory women (n = 10) whose follicles were stimulated by human menopausal gonadotropin and hCG as part of an in vitro fertilization program. hFF from large follicles was pooled and extracted with 10% (wt/vol) activated charcoal. Maximal hCG stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity obtained with 10 μg/ml hCG and 100 μM of the hydrolysisresistant GTP analog guanyl 5 ′-yl-imidodiphosphate was significantly inhibitedby hFF in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of about 500 μg hFF protein caused inhibition of 70% compared to the control value. Fractionations of hFF by ultrafiltration using membranes of precalibrated pore size demonstrated that the inhibitory activity was associated with a less than 10,000 mol wt fraction; 3 μg protein/assay of this fraction resulted ...
RR24. Long-Term Benefit of Open Renal Revascularization for Stent Failure

Objectives: To determine long-term outcomes of patients needing open renal revascularization (ORR) for stent failure. Methods: Retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients operated on for renal stent failure from 1998 to 2013. End points were hypertension, renal function response, primary patency, reintervention, and overall and hemodialysis (HD)-free survival. Results: Of 878 ORR during this time, 37 patients (70% female; mean age, 63 6 10 years) had 41 arteries reconstructed for stent failure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was stage 2 in 8%, stage 3 in 70%, stage 4 in 19%, and stage 5 in 3%. Reconstructions (bypass 84%) were unilateral in 27 (mean glomerular filtration rate [GFR], 39.9 mL) and bilateral in 10 (mean GFR 47.1 mL). Twelve had ORR of a solitary kidney (mean GFR, 34.1 mL). Three procedure-related deaths occurred at 48, 65, and 210 days due to major adverse events. Overall, five patients needed HD (mean preoperative GFR 35.8 mL vs 43.7 mL in those without HD; P 1⁄4 .29), and three were permanent (8%). Over a mean follow-up of 39 months (range, 2-112 months), mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 153.9 to 134.3 mm Hg (P 1⁄4 NS), and there was a significant decrease in BP medications (2.98 before, 2.47 after; P 1⁄4 .042). There was no change in serum creatinine (1.54 mg/dL before; 1.62 mg/dL after), GFR (43.9 mL before; 45.8 mL after), kidney length (10.6 cm before; 11.0 cm after), or CKD stage (3.1 before and after). Two bypass grafts occluded, one at 5 days and the other at 18 months. One of these patients needed HD, but both eventuated in renal transplant at 8 and 34 months, respectively. Three other grafts needed four endovascular interventions for stenosis at 5, 13, 16, and 17 months after operation. Primary patency was 82% at 5 years. Overall and HD-free survival was 85% at 5 years. Conclusions: ORR for stent failure can be done safely, is durable, requires few late interventions, and has excellent freedom from HD. Patients may gain some improvement in hypertension but have little change in renal function.
Sampling Techniques for Data Audits

The data audit is a critical element in any quality assurance program and an area in which considerably more methods development is needed. To assist the QAU in organizing the requirements of the data audit for bioassay data and in developing a more rational and flexible sampling strategy, a decision tree has been designed. Surprisingly few QA auditors are aware of the many options available in performing a data audit. The general rule of thumb is the 10% audit, but other sampling plans may best represent the potential error rate of the whole data set. Presented here is a step-by-step approach to assist the quality assurance unit (QAU) in organizing the requirements of the data audit for bioassay data and in choosing the best available option. Steps in the development of a sampling plan include (1) defining, identifying, and characterizing data, (2) determining what constitutes an error and how errors are categorized, and, if possible, (3) specifying acceptable error rates.
End of Life Intensive Care: Pain and Symptom Management at Home

Symptom management at the end of life can be a challenge for any provider. With careful assessment and tenacity, providers need to determine the cause of any discomfort and determine the best possible treatment. Sometimes the best intervention is presence. Sitting with the patient and family, listening, answering questions, and providing reassurance should not be discounted.
Calendrical calculations, II: three historical calendars

Algorithmic presentations are given for three calendars of historical interest, the Mayan, French Revolutionary, and Old Hindu.
Results of Recent TVA Investigations of Plume Rise

(1972). Results of Recent TVA Investigations of Plume Rise. Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association: Vol. 22, No. 10, pp. 779-784.
Comparison of two estimation methods for surface area concentration using number concentration and mass concentration of combustion-related ultrafine particles

Abstract Recent research has suggested that the adverse health effects caused by nanoparticles are associated with their surface area (SA) concentrations. In this study, SA was estimated in two ways using number and mass concentrations and compared with SA (SAmeas) measured using a diffusion charger (DC). Aerosol measurements were made twice: once starting in October 2002 and again starting in December 2002 in Mysore, India in residences that used kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. Mass, number, and SA concentrations and size distributions by number were measured in each residence. The first estimation method (SAPSD) used the size distribution by number to estimate SA. The second method (SAINV) used a simple inversion scheme that incorporated number and mass concentrations while assuming a lognormal size distribution with a known geometrical standard deviation. SAPSD was, on average, 2.4 times greater (range = 1.6–3.4) than SAmeas while SAINV was, on average, 6.0 times greater (range = 4.6–7.7) than SAmeas. The logarithms of SAPSD and SAINV were found to be statistically significant predictors of the logarithm of SAmeas. The study showed that particle number and mass concentration measurements can be used to estimate SA with a correction factor that ranges between 2 and 6.
Microfluidic elastomer composites with switchable vis-IR transmittance

We demonstrate a class of simple and versatile soft microfluidic materials that can be made optically transparent or coloured on demand. These materials are in the form of flexible sheets containing microchannel networks embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The channels are filled with liquids whose refractive index is matched with the one of the PDMS matrix. By pumping dye solutions into the channel networks and consecutively replacing the medium, we can control the material's colour and light transmittance in the visible and near-infrared regions.
A systems and control theoretic approach to dynamic neurotransmitter balance: Normal, abnormal, and “catastrophic”

We formulated a pharmacological–physiological systems analysis and control theory based on interactive neuronal feedback loops (the effects of endogenous neurochemical diseases and exogenous psychotropic and other CNS drugs on neurotransmitter synthesis and release, reuptake, and metabolism) for normal, abnormal, and catastrophic situations. We were concerned primarily with the problems of stability or instability which might lead the system to exhibit catastrophic behavior. We set up the systems diagrams for the neurotransmitter systems and in that single framework were able to describe endogenous neurochemical disorders, the effect their drug treatment modalities had on the dynamic neurochemical balance, the effect psychotropic or other CNS drugs such as narcotics and narcotic antagonists had on neurotransmitter balance, and the interactive effect that multiple drug administration would have on neurotransmitter balance. Endogenous neurochemical disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, depression, and mania should show up mathematically either as overly damped solutions if there is too little normal neurotransmitter or as catastrophically divergent instabilities if there is too much normal neurotransmitter. Improper mixed drug therapies, as well as the devastating effect of eating foods such as cheese (which contains sympathomimetic amines which potentiate the release of catecholamines from the presynaptic nerve endings) while on MAOI therapy also show up as mathematical, usually catastrophic, instabilities. We also indicated how this systems analysis and control theory could be put on small interactive computer terminals for use in clinical management and proper drug therapy of patients with neurochemical disorders.
Spreading of the giant dipole: A simple estimate☆

Abstract The spreading width of the nuclear giant dipole state is related to the damping width of single-particle states, using the long-wavelength approximation. We find Γ dipole = 4 9 Γ single-particle .
Spin-dependent electron tunneling in superconducting vanadium and vanadium-titanium thin films

Abstract The tunneling conductance dI/dV of junctions between A1 films and thin superconducting films of V or VTi alloys has been measured in magnetic fields up to 6 T applied parallel to the films. The films have small spin-orbit scattering and show Zeeman splitting of the quasi-particle density of states.
Potentiation by Anticholinesterases of the Response of Rat Mesenteric Arteries to Sympathetic Postganglionic Nerve Stimulation

The anticholinesterase agents, physostigmine, neostigmine, and diisopropylfluorophosphonate were studied for their effect on the vasoconstrictor responses of perfused mesenteric arteries of rat produced by stimulation of their sympathetic postganglionic nerves. The experiments were performed at 30°C. All three anticholinesterase drugs greatly potentiated the vasoconstrictor response to nerve stimulation at a frequency of 1/sec, increased it less at a frequency of 2/sec, and still less at a frequency of 3/sec. At a frequency of 6/sec, there was practically no increase. The infusion of physostigmine potentiated slightly the response to injected norepinephrine, whereas the infusion of neostigmine or diisopropylfluorophosphonate did not alter the response to injected norepinephrine. The increase in response to adrenergic nerve stimulation produced by anticholinesterase agents was interpreted to be due to the inactivation of cholinesterase, thereby causing an increased accumulation of acetylcholine which in turn liberated more norepinephrine from the sympathetic postganglionic fibers.
A slot blot immunoassay for quantitative detection of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in mosquito midgut oocyst.

There is still a need for sensitive and reproducible immunoassays for quantitative detection of malarial antigens in preclinical and clinical phases of vaccine development and in epidemiology and surveillance studies, particularly in the vector host. Here we report the results of sensitivity and reproducibility studies for a research-grade, quantitative enhanced chemiluminescent-based slot blot assay (ECL-SB) for detection of both recombinant Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (rPfCSP) and native PfCSP from Oocysts (Pf Oocyst) developing in the midguts of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The ECL-SB detects as little as 1.25 pg of rPfCSP (linear range of quantitation 2.5–20 pg; R2 = 0.9505). We also find the earliest detectable expression of native PfCSP in Pf Oocyst by ECL-SB occurs on day 7 post feeding with infected blood meal. The ECL-SB was able to detect approximately as few as 0.5 day 8 Pf Oocysts (linear quantitation range 1–4, R2 = 0.9795) and determined that one Pf Oocyst expressed approximately 2.0 pg (0.5–3 pg) of native PfCSP, suggesting a similar range of detection for recombinant and native forms of Pf CSP. The ECL-SB is highly reproducible; the Coefficient of Variation (CV) for inter-assay variability for rPf CSP and native PfCSP were 1.74% and 1.32%, respectively. The CVs for intra-assay variability performed on three days for rPf CSP were 2.41%, 0.82% and 2% and for native Pf CSP 1.52%, 0.57%, and 1.86%, respectively. In addition, the ECL-SB was comparable to microscopy in determining the P. falciparum prevalence in mosquito populations that distinctly contained either high and low midgut Pf Oocyst burden. In whole mosquito samples, estimations of positivity for P. falciparum in the high and low burden groups were 83.3% and 23.3% by ECL-SB and 85.7% and 27.6% by microscopy. Based on its performance characteristics, ECL-SB could be valuable in vaccine development and to measure the parasite prevalence in mosquitoes and transmission-blocking interventions in endemic areas.
Problems in water analysis for pesticide residues.

Abstract Organic solvents, glassware, plastic ware, cellulose extraction thimbles, filter paper, and silica gels may contribute contaminants to water samples which may interfere with the subsequent gas chromatographic analysis of the samples for pesticides in the parts per billion range. Prior to their use, heat treatment of the glassware and the silica gels is recommended to eliminate contaminants contributed by these materials. Plastic ware and filter paper should not be included in the analytical procedure.
Determination of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbic acid-2-phosphate in infiltrated apple and potato tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatography procedure for the determination of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (AAP), ascorbic acid (AA), and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in raw apple and potato, treated with AAP and AA to prevent browning, was developed. These compounds were extracted with a mixture of mobile phase and 2.5% metaphosphoric acid and separated on an aminopropyl bonded-phase silica column. DHAA was determined as AA following reduction with dithiothreitol. The method was evaluated with spiked samples and found to be accurate and reproducible at concentrations as high as 0.9 m M AA or AAP.
Enhancing the Water Stress Factors for Simulation of Corn in RZWQM2

Published in Agron. J. 106:81–94 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj2013.0300 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT
Fused piperidines as a novel class of potent and orally available transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) antagonists.

The transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) is a nonselective cation channel primarily expressed in a subpopulation of sensory neurons that can be activated by a wide range of stimuli, including menthol, icilin, and cold temperatures (<25 °C). Antagonism of TRPM8 is currently under investigation as a new approach for the treatment of pain. As a result of our screening efforts, we identified tetrahydrothienopyridine 4 as an inhibitor of icilin-induced calcium influx in CHO cells expressing recombinant rat TRPM8. Exploration of the structure–activity relationships of 4 led to the identification of a potent and orally bioavailable TRPM8 antagonist, tetrahydroisoquinoline 87. Compound 87 demonstrated target coverage in vivo after oral administration in a rat pharmacodynamic model measuring the prevention of icilin-induced wet-dog shakes (WDS).
Manipulation of Ruminal Fermentation IV. Effect of Altering Ruminal pH on Volatile Fatty Acid Production

Abstract The effect of altering ruminal pH on volatile fatty acid production in vitro or volatile acid concentration in vivo was investigated. In Experiment 1 three lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulae were fed a high-concentrate, restricted roughage ration. Continuous infusion of 9 to 12 moles of sodium bicarbonate into the rumen raised ruminal pH from 5.5 to 6.2 and increased the acetate:propionate ratio from 1.1 to 2.8. A series of in vitro incubations with pH controlled at 5.6, 6.2, or 6.8 showed that volatile acid production was largely unaffected between pH 6.2 and 6.8, but between pH 5.6 and 6.2 acetate production was inhibited. Propionate and butyrate production were increased at pH 5.6. In Experiment 2, two nonlactating Jersey cows fitted with ruminal cannulae and fed only alfalfa hay were infused with phosphoric acid to reduce ruminal pH from 6.8 to 6.2. There were no changes in the molar proportions of ruminal acids although total volatile acid concentration was significantly lower during acid infusion. Incubation of ruminal ingesta from these cows at pH 5.6, 6.2, and 6.8 indicated much the same pH effect as in Experiment 1. These experiments suggest that changes in volatile fatty acid production can take place in response to low pH conditions without necessarily changing the rumen microbial population. This would be important in the meal-eating ruminant whose rumen pH may temporarily drop from an otherwise higher prevailing pH. Sodium bentonite was fed with a high-concentrate ration to three ruminally fistulated cows in Experiment 3. In a switchback design with short periods, no difference could be detected between control and bentonite groups in ruminal pH or volatile fatty acid concentration. Dietary bentonite reduced rumination time and had no effect on the distribution of dry matter within the rumen. Incubation of ruminal ingesta with bentonite did not alter pH or production of volatile acid by the ingesta. It appears that the reported effect of bentonite on ruminal acid concentration is not mediated through the influence of pH but through means not readily detected in switchback experiments with cows fed almost continuously.
Modest Improvement in Risk Factor Control After Admission for a Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Background: Although guidelines recommend control of risk factors for secondary stroke prevention, few studies examine the level of risk factor control achieved in a poststroke population. Methods: We examined medical records of 99 consecutive patients admitted for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) West Los Angeles Healthcare Center who were still alive 1 year later. Values for blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index were collected from a time period of up to 6 months before admission and compared with a time period 6 to 13 months after admission. Results: For the entire sample, improvements in risk factor control were detected only in diastolic blood pressure (5 mm Hg) and hemoglobin A1c (0.9%) ( P P Conclusions: Although modest improvements were detected, there remains room for improvement in optimizing control of risk factors after a stroke.
Disk-Integrated Photometry of 433 Eros

Abstract Analysis of the disk-integrated solar phase curve of 433 Eros, as derived from ground-based telescopic and NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft measurements, shows that Eros's surface properties are typical of average S-type asteroids. Eros displays the same single-particle scattering characteristics and porosity vs theoretical grain size relationships as typical S-asteroids, as does Ida. Eros's single-scattering albedo, however, is higher. The geometric albedo at 550 nm derived for Eros (0.29±0.02) is higher than Ida's but is equivalent to Gaspra's within the error bars. The phase integral (0.39±0.02) and Bond albedo (0.12±0.02) for Eros are higher than those estimated for average S-type asteroids but commensurate with the values obtained for Gaspra.
Acute idiopathic maculopathy: report of a bilateral case manifesting a macular hole.

Purpose To report an unusual patient with bilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy that was associated with a macular hole and elevated coxackievirus titers. Design Observational case report. Participant A 30-year-old female. Methods A 30-year-old female with bilateral exudative maculopathy and a macular hole in the left eye was followed up with fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. A possible association with coxackievirus infection was evaluated. Pars plana vitrectomy in an attempt to close the macular hole also was performed. Main Outcome Measures Evolution of the maculopathy process, angiographic and optical coherence tomographic findings, and response of the macular hole to vitrectomy. Results The clinical presentation and evolution of the maculopathy were most compatible with unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy (UAIM), but with bilateral involvement. Moreover, the patient was found to have elevated coxackievirus titers at presentation. The subretinal infiltrates resolved in both eyes, with full recovery of vision in the right eye. In the left eye, the macular hole persisted despite resolution of the exudative process. Vitrectomy failed to seal the hole. We report some atypical features of this patient as they may shed light on the disease pathogenesis. Conclusion We report a patient with UAIM with bilateral involvement, a macular hole in one eye, and elevated coxackievirus titers. Macular hole formation in UAIM has not, to our knowledge, been reported.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome of the contralateral lung after reexpansion pulmonary edema of a collapsed lung

Abstract Study objective To report that leukocyte-mediated acute injury may develop in a nonhypoxic lung after hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of the hypoxic lung and in other systemic organs in patients with reexpansion pulmonary edema. Design Case report analysis with examination of the literature. Setting Intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients Three patients who developed leukocyte-mediated acute lung injury in the contralateral lung and systemic organ injury after ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema of a collapsed lung. Measurements To rule out the possibility that the acute lung injury in the contralateral lung was an extension of the hypoxia-reoxygenation injury, we analyzed changes in leukocyte and platelet count in the peripheral blood in relation to the development of pulmonary edema in each lung. Changes in liver enzymes were also analyzed to detect hepatic dysfunction as evidence of systemic organ injury. Main results Both leukocyte and platelet counts decreased when reexpansion pulmonary edema developed, and decreased further when acute lung injury developed in the contralateral lung (F = 8.42, p=0.037 for leukocytes, and F=17.66, p=0.01 for platelets). Significant hepatic dysfunction developed, as evidenced by increases in both serum bilirubin (p = 0.001) and lactic dehydrogenase, indicating the presence of systemic organ injury. Conclusions The hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of one lung can induce acute lung injury in the other lung and systemic organ injury.
Imagination and the adolescent lifeworld: Possibilities and responsibilities in the national secondary review

Abstract The national secondary review promises new possibilities for innovation in curriculum design and the learner experience in Key Stage Three. With its emphasis on flexible curriculum frameworks and active pupil learning, this may create new avenues for the promotion of a frequently neglected area of the secondary pupil experience—the creative imagination. In the context of these developments, this paper reports the findings of a 12-month study conducted in six secondary schools in the West Midlands as part of a broader inquiry into pupil perceptions of imagination. Using descriptive phenomenological methodology, group discussions were conducted with Year 10 and 11 pupils in a range of secondary school settings. The findings reveal an elaborate and sophisticated account of imagination amongst pupils that does not readily align with the version of entrepreneurial creativity emerging in education policy in England. From the pupil perspective, opportunities for imaginative experience in the official curriculum were facilitated by, and restricted to, the subjects of History and those within the domain of the creative arts.
Mechanisms of transmission of Aujeszky's disease virus originating from feral swine in the USA

To understand the possible mechanisms of transmission of Aujeszky's disease virus (pseudorabies or PRV) from a feral pig reservoir, intranasal infections were initiated in domestic pigs and in pigs from a herd derived from captured feral pigs. Virus strains originating from feral pigs and from domestic pigs were compared. Similar shedding patterns were obtained in both feral-derived and domestic pigs, however, virus strains from feral pigs were markedly attenuated. Virus could be isolated after acute infection from nasal secretions, tonsils and occasionally from genital organs. In studies of transmission of PRV by cannibalism, either latently infected or acutely infected tissue was fed to both domestic and feral-derived pigs. In two similar experiments, latently infected tissue did not transmit virus, but tissues from acutely infected pigs did transmit infection. Cannibalism was observed typically in both types of pigs older than 6 weeks of age. It was concluded that transmission of PRV originating from feral pigs can occur by several mechanisms including the respiratory route and by cannibalism of pigs that die of acute infection. Transmission of PRV from feral swine may, however, result in sub-clinical infection.
MINGL database system for TFTR

The MINGL database system is an integrated set of tools which provides a means of collecting and managing diagnostic data and transport code results from TFTR. An interactive menu‐driven format allows users to collect scalar and profile data from various data sources into shareable INGRES databases. LOCUS and INGRES/QUEL/SQL interfaces make it easy to browse, select, compare, and display the data in one of several formats. Utilities exist for managing the individual data sets and restricting their accessibility, for indexing the tables by author, and for maintaining a table of contents for an entire database. The modularity of the system allows automated database‐server applications for between‐shot analysis and display.