cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tunable far-IR laser spectroscopy of jet-cooled carbon clusters: the nu 2 bending vibration of C3.

Seven rovibrational transitions of the (01/1/0)-(00/0/0) fundamental bending band of C3 have been measured with high precision with the use of a tunable far-infrared laser spectrometer. The C3 molecules were produced by laser vaporization of a graphite rod and cooled in a supersonic expansion. The astrophysically important nu-2 fundamental frequency is determined to be 63.416529(40)/cm. These measurements provide the basis for studies of C3 in the interstellar medium with far-infrared astronomy.
The association between Porphyromonas gingivalis-specific maternal serum IgG and low birth weight.

Background: In Alabama, low birth weight (LBW) infants are about 20 times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to normal birth weight infants. While the rate of LBW has been consistently higher among African Americans compared to whites, there has been a gradual increase in LBW for both African Americans and whites over the last 15 years. In an attempt to identify modifiable risk factors for LBW, we have previously reported that a pregnant woman’s poor periodontal health may be an independent risk factor for low birth weight. Methods: A predominantly African American and socioeconomically homogeneous group of 448 women was followed from the second trimester of their first pregnancy. Thirty-nine LBW cases were observed at the end of follow-up. Using 17 preterm LBW cases and 63 randomly selected controls from the above cohort, the periodontal pathogen-specific maternal serum IgG levels during the second trimester of pregnancy were evaluated in relation to birth weight of the infant, while...
Bilateral avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spines in sprinters.

Three cases of bilateral pelvic avulsion fractures in adolescent sprinters are reviewed. Anacute avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) occurred during active running in three teenaged sprinters. Radiography confirmed a healed fracture of the contralateral ASIS. The clinical features and radiologic appearances are characteristic. The pathophysiology of this type of unique pediatric fracture is discussed. Conservative treatment is successful.
Effects of copper and tributyltin on stress protein abundance in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

Abstract 1. Exposure of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis to elevated temperature resulted in the synthesis of a number of proteins, including a prominent one of 58,000 Da (SP58). 2. This protein is immunologically crossreactive with the 65,000 Da heat shock protein of the moth Hehothis virescens, which is a member of a highly conserved family of mitochondrial proteins. 3. Exposure of rotifers to sublethal doses ofCuSO4 leads to a 4–5-fold increase in abundance of SP58, with maximum increase occurring at a dose that is approximately 5% of the lc 50 for that compound. 4. A similar response was seen with tributyl tin (TBT). Kinetics of induction were sigmoidal, with induction occurring in the range of 20–30 μg/l. 5. No response was observed when rotifers were exposed to aluminum chloride, mercury chloride, pentachlorophenol, sodium arsenite, sodium azide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, or zinc chloride. 6. These results indicate that changes in stress protein abundance may prove useful as a biomarker of exposure to particular toxicants.
α,β-Unsaturated Nitriles: Stereoselective Conjugate Addition Reactions

Dithiane anions undergo intramolecular conjugate additions with α,β-unsaturated nitriles when a dithiane anion is tethered to N-1 of the 3-cyano-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine nucleus. 3-Cyano-1-[2-(1,3-dithianyl-2-yl)ethyl]-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (1a) and the one-carbon homologue 1b cyclize in the presence of 12-crown-4 to generate indolizidine 3 and quinolizidine 9, in which the nitrile group exhibits a strong, thermodynamic preference for the axial orientation. Oxidation of 1b provides dithiane S-oxide 10 that undergoes a highly stereoselective conjugate addition to provide crystalline quinolizidine 13. The X-ray structure of 13 is reported and corroborates our “peg-in-a-pocket” principle for stereoselective conjugate additions with α,β-unsaturated nitriles.
The evolution of hindlimb tendons and muscles on the line to crown-group birds.

Abstract The anatomy and functions of muscle–tendon complexes and their bony attachments in birds and their outgroups show how the major pelvic limb muscle groups evolved. Fossils reveal that most changes evolved after the divergence of archosaurs in the Triassic, particularly in the dinosaurian precursors to birds. Three-dimensional limb control became concentrated at the hip joint; more distal joints and muscles were restricted to flexion or extension early in dinosaur evolution. Hip extensors expanded even though the primary femoral retractor M. caudofemoralis longus was reduced. Hip flexors and two-joint ‘hamstring’ muscles were simplified to a few large heads. Knee extensors increased their sizes and moment arms early in bipedal dinosaurs, but the patella and cranial cnemial crest evolved later in birds. Lower limb muscles expanded as ossifications such as the hypotarsus increased their moment arms. The ossification of lower limb tendons, particularly in extensors, is a recent novelty of birds. Muscles and tendons that develop large forces, stresses, and moments to stabilize or move the limbs became increasingly prominent on the line to birds. Locomotion evolved in a stepwise pattern that only recently produced the derived limb control mechanisms of crown-group birds, such as the strongly flexed hip and knee joints.
Formation of Cholesterol-5,6-Epoxides during Spray-drying of Egg Yolk

An indirect heated spray dryer with an evaporative capacity of up to 7 kg H2O/hr was used to identify factors responsible for formation of cholesterol-5,6-epoxides (CEs) in spray-dried egg yolk. CEs were not formed under various operating conditions without addition of H202 to liquid yolk. At 10% H2O2, 90° and 150°C outlet temperatures, concentrations of CEs were 27 and 37 ppm, respectively. At 5% H2O2, 90° and 150°C outlet temperatures, concentrations of CEs were undetected and 16 ppm, respectively. Antioxidants appeared to lower CEs. Small amounts of CEs were formed in products dried in the presence of low concentrations of nitrogen oxide gases (NOx). CEs increased greatly during storage of products dried from liquid yolk containing H2O2.
AGE THRESHOLD FOR THE EXPRESSION OF ALTERED BODY COMPOSITION AND INSULIN LEVELS OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC CHILDREN 424

AGE THRESHOLD FOR THE EXPRESSION OF ALTERED BODY COMPOSITION AND INSULIN LEVELS OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC CHILDREN 424
Calorimetric evidence for polymorphous constraints on metastable Zr-Al phase formation by mechanical alloying

Metastable ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{100\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$ alloys have been formed by ball milling of elemental Zr and Al powders: supersaturated hcp solid solution for x\ensuremath{\le}15, and an amorphous phase for x\ensuremath{\ge}17.5. Enthalpy-composition curves for both phases were determined by measurements of the enthalpy of transformation to equilibrium. A cusp indicating the crossover of these two curves is observed near the critical composition for amorphization. Our results indicate that phase formation by ball milling in Zr-Al is determined by polymorphous constraints and not by nucleation and growth under metastable two-phase equilibrium.
Okadaic acid stimulates the activity of the nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase of PC12 cells

PC12 pheochromocytoma cells contain at least two different and separable kinases that phosphorylate the S6 protein of the ribosomes. The activity of one of these S6 kinases is increased by treatment of the cells with nerve growth factor and of the other by treatment with epidermal growth factor. Okadaic acid increases the activity of the nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase. The data suggest that the nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase is activated by phosphorylation on serine or threonine residues and is inactivated by either phosphatase 1 or phosphatase 2A, probably the latter.
Bohm trajectory and Feynman path approaches to the ``Tunneling time problem''

A comparison is made between the Bohm trajectory and Feynman path approaches to the long-standing problem of determining the average lime taken for a particle described by the Schrodinger wave function ψ to tunnel through a potential barrier. The former approach follows simply and uniquely from the basic postulates of Bohm's causal interpretation of quantum mechanics; the latter is intimately related to the most frequently cited approaches based on conventional interpretations. Emphasis is given to the fact that fundamentally different transmission (T)-reflection (R) decompositions, particlelike and wavelike respectively, are central to the two methods: ¦ψ¦2=[¦ψ¦2]T+[¦ψ¦2]R (Bohm trajectory approach); ψ=ψT+ψR (Feynman path approach).
Ultrastructure of calcite decomposition in vacuo

CALCIUM carbonate decomposes on heating to form calcium oxide—the quicklime or unslaked lime of industry. Because of its commercial significance any information concerning the nature of the CaO phase is important. I report here on the ultrastructure and crystallography of the reaction products obtained by the in situ and in vacuo thermal decomposition of calcite in the transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Low-temperature homoepitaxial growth of Pt(111) in simulated vapor deposition

Several atomic processes enhancing layer-by-layer growth have been identified in simulated deposition of Pt atoms onto Pt(111) at 275 K. After depositing the equivalent of one and two monolayers, only ca. 10% of the atoms sit atop the primary growing layer. Impinging atoms accelerate strongly towards the surface and can displace peripheral island atoms. Excess kinetic energy is generated that can effect annealing, even several atoms away from the impact site. Adatoms can descend at island edges only by an exchange diffusion mechanism, particularly at kink sites and vacancy islands.
Investigation of the interactions of polyhedral borane anions with serum albumins.

Abstract The retention of polyhedral borane anions within tumor cells has been attributed to the possible formation of covalent bonds with nucleophilic protein substituents. In an effort to identify the nature of possible interactions between polyhedral borane anions and proteins, three polyhedral borane anions, [B 20 H 18 ] 2− , [B 20 H 17 OH] 4− , and [B 20 H 17 SH] 4− , were allowed to react with either bovine or human serum albumin. Reaction products were analyzed with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and gel electrophoresis. Evidence of disulfide bond formation was observed with the [B 20 H 17 SH] 4− anion, whereas no evidence of covalent binding was observed with the [B 20 H 18 ] 2− and [B 20 H 17 OH] 4− ions. The potential for disulfide bond formation was confirmed by examining the reactions of the [B 20 H 17 SH] 4− ion with both DTNB and reduced glutathione. An understanding of the nature of the binding will provide a basis for the design and synthesis of boron-containing compounds for application in boron neutron capture therapy.
The Counselor's Use of the Paradoxical Procedure in Family Therapy.

This article describes a systems framework for conceptualizing and delivering paradoxical interventions during family therapy. References are provided to facilitate further understanding of therapeutic paradox. The authors are grateful to Donald L. Bubenzer from whom they continue to learn about family therapy.
DEATH IN ADOLESCENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A COMPARISON OF SEQUENTIAL 10-YEAR COHORTS. † 14

Although cardiovascular disease ranks as the 6th leading cause of mortality in adolescents, the etiology and epidemiology of death has not been evaluated systematically. We studied 100 patients with known congenital or acquired heart disease from a university hospital pediatric cardiology service who died between 11 and 21 years of age during the intervals 1974 to 1984 and 1984 to 1994. Sudden death was defined as unexpected, unpredictable, instantaneous death in non-hospitalized patients of presumed cardiac cause. When the activity level at the time of death was known, < 10% of patients were engaged in moderate or strenuous exercise. Table
Intersection graph method for AGV flow path design

In this paper, we introduce the Intersection Graph Method for solving the AGV Flow Path Optimization Model developed by Kaspi and Tanchoco (1990). A branch-and-bound procedure is described wherein only a reduced subset of all nodes in the flow path network is considered. Only intersection nodes are used to obtain optimal solutions. Two examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.
An Infrared and X-ray Spectroscopic Study of the Reactions of 2-Chlorophenol, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, and Chlorobenzene with Model CuO/Silica Fly Ash Surfaces

The surface-mediated reactions of 2-chlorophenol, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and chlorobenzene were studied using CuO/ SiO2 as a fly ash surrogate. These compounds served as model precursors that have been implicated in the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). With FTIR, we determined that reactions of the model precursors with a substrate composed of CuO dispersed on silica result in the formation of a mixture of surface-bound phenolate and carboxylate partial oxidation products from 200 to 500 degrees C. Chemisorption of 2-chlorophenol and 1,2-dichlorobenzene resulted in the formation of identical surface-bound species. Using X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy, we measured the time- and temperature-dependent reduction of Cu(II) in a fly ash surrogate during reaction with each precursor. It was demonstrated that CuI2O is the major reduction product in each case. The rate of Cu(II) reduction could be described using pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with Arrhenius activation energies for reduction of Cu(II) of 112, 101, and 88 kJ mol(-1) for 2-chlorophenol, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and chlorobenzene, respectively. We demonstrate that chlorinated phenol and chlorinated benzene both chemisorb to form chlorophenolate. Although chlorinated phenols chemisorb at a faster rate, chlorinated benzenes are found at much higher concentrations in incinerator effluents. The implication is that chlorinated benzenes may form 10 times more chlorophenolate precursors to PCDD/Fs than chlorinated phenols in combustion systems.
Cluster size effects upon stability of adenine–methanolanions. Theoretical study

Abstract Rydberg electron transfer spectroscopy (RET) experiments [J. Electr. Spectr. Relat. Phenom. 106 (2000) 141] showed that only after being solvated with three methanol molecules the adenine molecule can form a stable covalent anion. Anions of adenine–methanol complexes (A·M n , n =1–3) are investigated in the present work with the use of quantum mechanical calculations. These complexes are good models to study how solvation affects the stability on the adenine anion. It is shown that among several hydrogen-bonded configurations of the A·M n , n =1−3, complexes there are systems which can form stable dipole-bound (DB) anions. These systems, however, are not the lowest energy structures. The stability of the covalent anion of A·M 3 is also investigated.
Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Vascular Lumen Formation in Three-Dimensional Extracellular Matrices

Considerable progress has been made toward a molecular understanding of how cells form lumen and tube structures in three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices (ECM). This progress has occurred through work performed with endothelial and epithelial cell models using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Despite the apparent similarities between endothelial and epithelial cell lumen and tube formation mechanisms, there are clear distinctions that directly relate to their functional differences. This review will focus on endothelial cell (EC) lumen formation mechanisms which control blood vessel formation during development and postnatal life. Of great interest is that an EC lumen signaling complex has been identified which controls human EC lumen and tube formation in 3D matrices and which coordinates integrin-ECM contacts, cell surface proteolysis, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and cell polarity. This complex consists of the collagen-binding integrin α2β1, the collagen-degrading membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), junction adhesion molecule (Jam)C, JamB, polarity proteins Par3 and Par6b, and the Rho GTPase Cdc42-GTP. These interacting proteins are necessary to stimulate 3D matrix-specific signaling events (including activation of protein kinase cascades that regulate the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons) to control the formation of EC lumens and tube networks. Also, EC lumen formation is directly coupled to the generation of vascular guidance tunnels, enzymatically generated ECM conduits that facilitate EC tube remodeling and maturation. Mural cells such as pericytes are recruited along EC tubes within these tunnel spaces to control ECM remodeling events resulting in vascular basement membrane matrix assembly, a key step in tube maturation and stabilization.
Structural characterization of 1,3-propanedithiols that feature carboxylic acids: Homologues of mercury chelating agents ☆

The molecular structures of a series of 1,3-propanedithiols that contain carboxylic acid groups, namely rac- and meso-2,4-dimercaptoglutaric acid (H4DMGA) and 2-carboxy-1,3-propanedithiol (H3DMCP), have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Each compound exhibits two centrosymmetric intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between pairs of carboxylic acid groups, which result in a dimeric structure for H3DMCP and a polymeric tape-like structure for rac- and meso-H4DMGA. Significantly, the hydrogen bonding motifs observed for rac- and meso-H4DMGA are very different to those observed for the 1,2-dithiol, rac-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (rac-H4DMSA), in which the two oxygen atoms of each carboxylic acid group hydrogen bond to two different carboxylic acid groups, thereby resulting in a hydrogen bonded sheet-like structure rather than a tape. Density functional theory calculations indicate that 1,3-dithiolate coordination to mercury results in larger S–Hg–S bond angles than does 1,2-dithiolate coordination, but these angles are far from linear. As such, κ2-S2 coordination of these dithiolate ligands is expected to be associated with mercury coordination numbers of greater than two. In vivo studies demonstrate that both rac-H4DMGA and H3DMCP reduce the renal burden of mercury in rats, although the compounds are not as effective as either 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (H3DMPS) or meso-H4DMSA.
An empirical method for determining the relative efficiency of a Ge(Li) gamma-ray detector

Abstract An empirical method for determining the full-energy peak efficiency between 0.2 and 3.0 MeV and the two-escape peak efficiency between 2 and 9 MeV of a Ge(Li) gamma-ray detector is described. The full-energy peak efficiency is determined with the use of several nuclides which emit gamma rays with accurately known intensity ratios and a linear least-squares fitting procedure. With the full-energy peak efficiency determined, a number of high and low energy thermal neutron capture gamma ray cascades with known relative intensities are then utilized in the determination of the two-escape peak efficiency.
Effects of a silicon probe on gold nanoparticles on glass under evanescent illumination

We have numerically investigated the influence of a nanoscale silicon tip in proximity to an illuminated gold nanoparticle. We describe how the position of the high-permittivity tip and the size of the nanoparticle impact the absorption, peak electric field and surface plasmon resonance wavelength under different illumination conditions. We detail the finite element method (FEM) approach we have used, whereby we specify a volume excitation field analytically and calculate the difference between this source field and the total field (i.e., scattered-field formulation). We show that a nanoscale tip can locally enhance the absorption of the particle as well as the peak electric field at length scales far smaller than the wavelength of the incident light.
Mechanism of acute hypotension following total body irradiation.

Summary and Conclusions1. The effects of large doses of total body radiation upon the blood pressure, blood volume, and hematocrit of normal adrenalectomized and spinal adult rats have been studied. 2. From the data presented it appears that the cause of the immediate hypotension following such irradiation is depression of the nervous system.
Immunopathologic diagnosis of oral mucosal inflammatory diseases.

Summary We have studied 734 oral mucosal biopsy specimens by the direct immunofluorescence technique in our laboratory at Mayo Clinic over the past 11 1/2 years. The sensitivity of this test was 92% in oral pemphigus, 78% in oral pemphigoid, and 100% in oral lupus erythematosus. The predictive value of a positive test for these diseases was 87%, 88%, and 58%, respectively. For oral lichen planus, sensitivity was poor (37%) but the predictive value of a positive test was good (79%). This paper presents suggestions for use of this test in oral mucosal inflammatory diseases.
Brucella abortus tandem repeated ATP-binding proteins, BapA and BapB, homologs of haemophilus influenzae LktB, are not necessary for intracellular survival.

Brucella abortus actively secretes materials and uptakes nutrients to maintain the survival and multiplication of the bacteria in host cells. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters can uptake or secrete diverse materials across the bacterial membrane, and thus, ABC transporters may be important for survival of the pathogen in the host. In the present study, the B. abortus genes encoding tandem repeated Brucella ATP-binding proteins, BapA and BapB, were identified. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two genes place BapA and BapB into group 6 containing RTX toxin transporters and cyclic beta-1,2-glucan transporters, one of 25 ABC transporter ortholog groups. One of the ortholog group 6 proteins, Haemophilus influenzae LktB, shows the highest similarity and identity with these two Brucella proteins. To test the role of these putative tandem repeated ABC transporters in Brucella pathogenesis, a bap deletion mutant was constructed and used to infect murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and mice. The number of cfu from RAW 264.7 cells and spleens of BALB/c mice infected with wild type or the bap deletion mutant was similar during the course of infection, suggesting the bap genes are not necessary to maintain the pathogenesis of B. abortus, or alternative compensatory mechanisms may exist to permit the intracellular survival of B. abortus in vitro and in vivo. This is the first molecular approach to investigate the role of putative ABC transporters classified into ortholog group 6 in Brucella pathogenesis.
Effect of a checklist on advanced trauma life support task performance during pediatric trauma resuscitation

OBJECTIVES: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) has been shown to improve outcomes related to trauma resuscitation; however, omissions from this protocol persist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a trauma resuscitation checklist on performance of ATLS tasks. METHODS: Video recordings of resuscitations of children sustaining blunt or penetrating injuries at a Level I pediatric trauma center were reviewed for completion and timeliness of ATLS primary and secondary survey tasks, with and without checklist use. Patient and resuscitation characteristics were obtained from the trauma registry. Data were collected during two 4-month periods before (n = 222) and after (n = 213) checklist implementation. The checklist contained 50 items and included four sections: prearrival, primary survey, secondary survey, and departure plan. RESULTS: Five primary survey ATLS tasks (cervical spine immobilization, oxygen administration, palpating pulses, assessing neurologic status, and exposing the patient) and nine secondary survey ATLS tasks were performed more frequently (p ≤ 0.01 for all) and vital sign measurements were obtained faster (p ≤ 0.01 for all) after the checklist was implemented. When controlling for patient and event-specific characteristics, primary and secondary survey tasks overall were more likely to be completed (odds ratio [OR] = 2.66, primary survey; OR = 2.47, secondary survey; p CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a trauma checklist was associated with greater ATLS task performance and with increased frequency and speed of primary and secondary survey task completion. Language: en
The Effect of Doping on the Grain Structure of As-Deposited and High-Temperature Annealed Lpcvd Wsl2 Films on Polysilicon

In this investigation, we report on detailed microstructural characteristics of LPCVD WSi 2 films deposited on doped/undoped polysilicon and subjected to boron and phosphorus implantation and implant activation at temperatures up to 1100° C. The polysilicon films were doped with phosphorus using a POC13 source to obtain a sheet resistance of ∼ 25 Ω/ and the films were coated with about 300nm of Si rich (Si:W atomic ratio 2.6) LPCVD WSi2. The microstructures of as-deposited and high temperature annealed polycide films were studied in detail using TEM. The electrical sheet resistances were measured using four-point probes. The initial polysilicon doping level, silicide annealing conditions, subsequent implant into the polycide, and implant activation all had profound effects on the microstructural characteristics of both the silicide and polysilicon.
Reserpine modulates serotonin transporter mRNA levels in the rat brain.

Despite recent advances in determining central serotonin (5-HT) function, the basic aspects by which serotonin neurotransmission is controlled and regulated are still not understood. Since the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is involved in terminating the action of 5-HT that is released from the presynaptic nerve terminal, the regulation of 5-HTT may be an important step in controlling 5-HT neurotransmission at the synaptic cleft. The present study investigated the effects of reserpine administration on 5-HTT gene expression as well as on tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expression in the rat brain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with reserpine (10 mgkg, i.p.) and sacrificed at 8 h, 3 days, 7 days or 21 days after the injection. Control rats were injected with saline and sacrificed either at 8 h or 21 days after the injection. The midbrain region was dissected, RNA was isolated and probed for 5-HTT expression using Northern Blotting. Data were analyzed using Super-Anova followed by posthoc Dunnett's test. While mRNA levels for 5-HTT were unchanged at 8 h after reserpine, a significant decrease was noted at 3 days and 7 days (F = 10; p < 0.0001). 5-HTT mRNA levels returned to control levels by 21 days. In contrast, TPH expression was unaltered at all time points examined. The results of this study provide useful information regarding the role that the 5-HTT may be playing in the homeostatic control of 5-HT neurotransmission at the synapse.
Comparison of adenosine echocardiography, with and without isometric handgrip, to exercise echocardiography in the detection of ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate whether adenosine echocardiography is comparable to exercise echocardiography in the detection of ischemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and to assess whether the addition of handgrip exercise to adenosine enhances the induction of ischemia in these patients. Accordingly, 67 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease referred for exercise testing underwent adenosine, adenosine with handgrip, and post-treadmill exercise echocardiography. A maximal adenosine infusion dose of 170 μg/kg/min was used. Images at baseline and during each of the three stress modalities were digitized in a quad-screen format, randomized, and blinded as to the stage and mode of intervention for nonbiased interpretation. An ischemic response was defined as a new or worsening wall motion abnormality. Ischemia was detected by exercise echocardiography ( n = 20) more often than by adenosine echocardiography alone ( n = 11; p = 0.039) but similarly to adenosine plus handgrip ( n = 16; difference not significant). Exact agreement in individual response between exercise and adenosine echocardiography was seen in 51 (80%) of 64 patients and increased to 88% between exercise and adenosine plus handgrip. In the patients who underwent angiography ( n = 45), the sensitivity for coronary artery disease ( n = 33) was 87% for adenosine, 91% for adenosine plus handgrip, and 93% for exercise echocardiography. The respective sensitivities decreased to 64%, 81%, and 89% in patients without previous myocardial infarction. Specificity was 91% for adenosine with or without handgrip and 82% for exercise echocardiography. Image quality during adenosine with and without handgrip was superior to that during exercise ( p
Modeling traffic operations at electronic toll collection and traffic management systems

Abstract Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) technology is one possible solution to traffic congestion at existing transportation facilities. This paper presents a mathematical model of traffic conditions for toll plaza facilities that includes AVI toll collection services among other conventional services. Three types of services are available: manual toll service, in which transactions are handled by a toll collector, automatic toll service, in which coin machines are utilized, and AVI toll collection service. In addition, mixed lanes, which provide more than one of the above services, are considered by the model. For a given rush hour, queue lengths and delays can be calculated for different toll plaza configurations. Comparison of their performance may aid operators in the management of the lane configurations until all users of the facility become AVI patrons.
Growth hormone regulates the balance between bone formation and bone marrow adiposity

Cancellous bone decreases and bone marrow fat content increases with age. Osteoblasts and adipocytes are derived from a common precursor, and growth hormone (GH), a key hormone in integration of energy metabolism, regulates the differentiation and function of both cell lineages. Since an age-related decline in GH is associated with bone loss, we investigated the relationship between GH and bone marrow adiposity in hypophysectomized (HYPOX) rats and in mice with defects in GH signaling. HYPOX dramatically reduced body weight gain, bone growth and mineralizing perimeter, serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, and mRNA levels for IGF-1 in liver and bone. Despite reduced body mass and adipocyte precursor pool size, HYPOX resulted in a dramatic increase in bone lipid levels, as reflected by increased bone marrow adiposity and bone triglyceride and cholesterol content. GH replacement normalized bone marrow adiposity and precursor pool size, as well as mineralizing perimeter in HYPOX rats. In contrast, 17β -estradiol, IGF-1, thyroxine, and cortisone were ineffective. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) reversed the inhibitory effects of HYPOX on mineralizing perimeter but had no effect on adiposity. Finally, bone marrow adiposity was increased in mice deficient in GH and IGF-1 but not in mice deficient in serum IGF-1. Taken together, our findings indicate that the reciprocal changes in bone and fat mass in GH signaling-deficient rodents are not directly coupled with one another. Rather, GH enhances adipocyte as well as osteoblast precursor pool size. However, GH increases osteoblast differentiation while suppressing bone marrow lipid accumulation. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Topological dynamics and algebras with an involution

I this paper we extend such dynamical concepts as weak almost periodicity and simple equicontinuity of topological dynamics to the context of groups of *-automorphisms on a C*-algebra with unit. If ( A, G ) is a C* flow and if S ( A ) is the state space of A , we show that ( A, G ) is weakly almost periodic if and only if ( S ( A ), G ) is weakly almost periodic, and that, if A is a von Neumann algebra, then A is G -finite if and only if G is simple equicontinuous on the unit ball of A with respect to the weak *-topology.
Effect of bronchodilator treatment on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective We sought to examine the effects of bronchodilator treatment on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. Methods A cross-sectional design using a retrospective chart review was performed in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Those who had previous atrial fibrillation or preoperative bronchodilator treatment were excluded from the final sample (n = 506). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analyses. Results The incidence of POAF in this study was 27.9%, and was associated with age ( P P P Conclusions Postoperative atrial fibrillation continues to be a common complication after cardiac surgery. Bronchodilator treatment with either albuterol or levalbuterol did not precipitate POAF, unless both agents were given to the same patients postoperatively.
Electron tomography of paranodal septate-like junctions and the associated axonal and glial cytoskeletons in the central nervous system.

The polarized domains of myelinated axons are specifically organized to maximize the efficiency of saltatory conduction. The paranodal region is directly adjacent to the node of Ranvier and contains specialized septate-like junctions that provide adhesion between axons and glial cells and that pose a lateral diffusion barrier for nodal components. To complement and extend earlier studies on the peripheral nervous system, electron tomography was used to image paranodal regions from the central nervous system (CNS). Our three-dimensional reconstructions revealed short filamentous linkers running directly from the paranodal junctions to neurofilaments, micro-filaments and organelles within the axon. The intercellular spacing between axons and glia was measured to be 7.4 ± 0.6 nm, over twice the value previously reported in the literature (2.5–3 nm). Averaging of individual junctions revealed a bifurcated structure in the intercellular space that is consistent with a dimeric complex of cell adhesion molecules composing the paranodal junction. Taken together, these findings provide new insight into the structural organization of CNS paranodes and suggest that in addition to providing axo-glial adhesion, cytoskeletal linkage to the paranode may be required to maintain axonal domains and to regulate organelle transport in myelinated axons.
Examining the Effects of an Electronic Classroom Response System on Student Engagement and Performance.

This experiment examines the causal effect an electronic classroom response system (ECRS) has on students. Previous studies using an ECRS in the classroom indicate improved performance; however, many have confounds typical of classroom studies. To complement these studies, we conducted a laboratory study to minimize these confounds and concentrate on student engagement. We randomly assigned participants (n = 52) to receive a 10–minute lecture either with or without an ECRS. The lecture contained questions to increase student engagement but not provide student and instructor feedback of concept mastery. Afterwards, the lecture participants were given a surprise quiz. Students using the ECRS scored significantly higher. We discuss the implications of this experiment for the ECRS literature.
Yield Recovery of RF Transceiver Systems Using Iterative Tuning-Driven Power-Conscious Performance Optimization

This paper proposes a fast and low-cost method of calibrating RF transceiver systems using on-chip DSP resources and some additional circuit control points. Experimental results on a commercial power amplifier demonstrate significant increases in production yields using the proposed approach.
Dormancy and viability of Phalaris minor seed in a rice–wheat cropping system

Summary Seed placement, soil temperature and soil moisture content influenced the process of after-ripening in Phalaris minor seeds. Seeds of P. minor collected from the soil just after wheat harvesting exhibited higher germination than seeds from P. minor threshed directly. There was a pronounced impact of periodic inhabitation of seed into the soil on germination after its dispersal. Germination was strongly inhibited when the seed was kept in soil at more than field capacity (FC) or in water. Maximum germination of seed incubated in soil at FC occurred at 30°C while a temperature of 40°C favoured after-ripening of seed when mixed with dry soil or kept dry without any medium. Release from conditional dormancy was quicker in the seed retrieved from the soil kept at 20°C than at 10°C. Seed release from conditional dormancy and germination increased with a rise in temperature from 30 to 40°C when the seed was retrieved from incubation in soil at FC for 70 days. The seed kept immersed in water was least responsive to a rise in temperature. Seed recovered from dry soil, or kept without any medium, responded quickly at both temperatures. Light enhanced the germination of Phalaris minor seed. The seedbank subjected to rice (Oryza sativa) field management conditions lost vigour in comparison with the seed stored in laboratory. There was significant variability in seed viability when exposed to differential water management conditions in rice.
Feasibility of Wind Power for Brackish Groundwater Desalination: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus in Texas

With dwindling water supplies and the impacts of climate change, many cities are turning to water sources previously considered unusable. One such source for inland cities is brackish groundwater. With prolonged drought throughout Texas, cities such as El Paso, Lubbock, and San Antonio are desalinating brackish groundwater to supplement existing water sources. Similar projects are under consideration elsewhere in Texas. While brackish groundwater contains fewer total dissolved solids than seawater, desalination of brackish groundwater is still an energy-intensive process. Brackish water desalination using reverse osmosis, the most common desalination membrane treatment process, consumes 20 to 40 times more energy than traditional surface water treatment using local water sources. This additional energy consumption leads to increased carbon emissions when using fossil fuel-generated electricity. As a result of concern over greenhouse gas emissions from additional energy consumption, some desalination plants are powered by wind-generated electricity. West Texas is a prime area for desalination of brackish groundwater using wind power, since both wind and brackish groundwater resources are abundant in the area. Most of the Texas Panhandle and Plains region has wind resource potential classified as Class 3 or higher. Additionally, brackish groundwater is found at depths less than 150 m in most of west Texas. This combination of wind and brackish groundwater resources presents opportunities for the production of alternative drinking water supplies without severe carbon emissions. Additionally, since membrane treatment is not required to operate continuously, desalination matches well with variable wind power. Implementing a brackish groundwater desalination project using wind-generated electricity requires economic feasibility, in addition to the geographic availability of the two resources. Using capital and operating cost data for wind turbines and desalination membranes, we conducted a thermoeconomic analysis for three parameters: 1) transmission and transport, 2) geographic proximity, and 3) aquifer volume. Our first parameter analyzes the cost effectiveness of tradeoffs between building infrastructure to transmit wind-generated electricity to the desalination facility versus pipelines to transport brackish groundwater to the wind turbines. Secondly, we estimate the maximum distance between the wind turbines and brackish groundwater at which desalination using wind power remains economically feasible. Finally, we estimate the minimum available brackish aquifer volume necessary to make such a project profitable. Our analysis illustrates a potential drinking water option for Texas (and other parts of the world with similar conditions) using renewable energy to treat previously unusable water. Harnessing these two resources in an economically efficient manner may help reduce future strain on the energy-water nexus.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Genistein-induced apoptosis and autophagocytosis in ovarian cancer cells

Abstract Objective Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavenoid abundant in soy products, has anti-neoplastic activity in multiple tumor types. There are several mechanisms reported for genistein's anti-neoplastic activity. In the present study, we studied the mechanism of genistein-induced cell death in ovarian cancer cells. Methods The effect of genistein on the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of glucose uptake in ovarian cancer cells was determined. The effect of genistein on the expression of phosphorylated Akt was determined by immunoblotting. Results Genistein is cytotoxic to ovarian cancer cells. The mechanism of genistein-induced cell death includes both apoptosis and autophagy. Because autophagy is typically an adaptive response to nutrient starvation, we hypothesized that genistein could induce a starvation-like signaling response. We show here that genistein treatment results in caspase-independent cell death with hallmarks of autophagy. Genistein treatment dramatically inhibits glucose uptake in ovarian cancer cells, and methyl pyruvate, a cell-permeable 3-carbon substrate for oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid synthesis, rescues cells from genistein-induced autophagy. In addition, genistein treatment results in reduced levels of phosphorylated Akt, which may contribute towards a mechanism to limit glucose utilization. Conclusions Most conventional chemotherapeutic agents induce apoptotic cell death. Because genistein can induce both apoptotic and autophagic cell death, it has the potential to circumvent chemoresistance due to alterations in apoptotic signaling.
Thermal conductivity of UO 2 fuel: Predicting fuel performance from simulation

Recent progress in understanding the thermal-transport properties of UO2 for fission reactors is reviewed from the perspective of computer simulations. A path to incorporating more accurate materials models into fuel performance codes is outlined. In particular, it is argued that a judiciously integrated program of atomic-level simulations and mesoscale simulations offers the possibility of both better predicting the thermal-transport properties of UO2 in light-water reactors and enabling the assessment of the thermal performances of novel fuel systems for which extensive experimental databases are not available.
Fuchsian groups, Schwarzians, and theta functions

Abstract We describe a family of Fuchsian groups of genus zero, for which the Schwarzians of their Hauptmoduls are holomorphic automorphic forms of weight 4, which coincide with theta functions of certain root lattices of rank 8.
Global Meteorological Drought Prediction Using the North American Multi-Model Ensemble

AbstractPrecipitation forecasts from six climate models in the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) are combined with observed precipitation data to generate forecasts of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) for global land areas, and their skill was evaluated over the period 1982–2010. The skill of monthly precipitation forecasts from the NMME is also assessed. The value-added utility in using the NMME models to predict the SPI is identified by comparing the skill of its forecasts with a baseline skill based solely on the inherent persistence characteristics of the SPI itself. As expected, skill of the NMME-generated SPI forecasts depends on the season, location, and specific index considered (the 3- and 6-month SPI were evaluated). In virtually all locations and seasons, statistically significant skill is found at lead times of 1–2 months, although the skill comes largely from initial conditions. Added skill from the NMME is primarily in regions exhibiting El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)...
The Coupling of Particle-Hole States to Vibrations

We wish to consider the two-particle-two hole states of a closed shell nucleus such as 40Ca, in a formalism in which the one- particle one hole vibrational states, e.g., 3-, 5- enter explicitly. The two particles are in the f-p shell (negative parity) the two holes in the s-d shell (positive parity).
Correlations of MMPI Factor Scales With Measures of the Five Factor Model of Personality

Two recent item factor analyses of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) classified the resulting factors according to a conceptual scheme offered by Norman's (1963) five factor model. The present article empirically evaluates those classifications by correlating MMPI factor scales with self-report and peer rating measures of the five factor model in a sample of 153 adult men and women. Both sets of predictions were generally supported, although MMPI factors derived in a normal sample showed closer correspondences with the five normal personality dimensions. MMPI factor scales were also correlated with 18 scales measuring specific traits within the broader domains of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness. The nine Costa, Zonderman, McCrae, and Williams (1985) MMPI factor scales appear to give useful global assessments of four of the five factors; other instruments are needed to provide detailed information on more specific aspects of normal personality. The use of the five factor model in routine clinical assessment is discussed.
Overcoming the Light Scatter of Lipemia in Serum Total Protein Determinations

Abstract The determination of serum total proteins by biuret reaction is subject to severe light-scattering interference in the presence of elevated triglycerides. In addition, the dilution effect due to the voluminous character of certain lipoproteins creates an apparent diminished concentration of the serum proteins. The spectral distortion from turbidity is so dramatic that the sample must be subjected to preliminary treatment in order to remove the interference before the biuret reaction can be attempted. In opposite fashion the negative error caused by the dilution effect tends to counteract the positive error caused by the light scattering. However, these two somewhat compensating errors are not equal and the overall result is invariably a falsely elevated concentration. Ultracentrifugation or extraction with the simultaneous precipitation of all proteins is recommended but both approaches obviously require a separate preliminary treatment prior to carrying out the total protein assay and may be quite clumsy. Another miscellaneous method such as sample blanking appears to be somewhat ineffective when turbidity is severe. In comparison to the other clarifying techniques, a procedure involving removal of the turbidity by lipolytic action with entrapment of the liberated fatty acids as a transparent nonmeasuring complex would appear to be a simpler and more convenient procedure for routine use and that alternative is what is described here. An additional benefit to this modification is the maintenance of essentially the same procedural steps and reagent composition as the recommended candidate reference procedure.
Effects of partial reinforcement (25%) in an autoshaping procedure

For three pigeons exposed to an autoshaping procedure, every signal (9-sec transillumination of the response key) was followed by a 4-sec access to grain. For three other pigeons, only 25% of the signals were paired with food. Total number of signal-food pairings was matched across groups. Relative to 100% reinforcement, 25% reinforcement delayed the development of asymptotic performance, and resulted in lower asymptotic proportions of signals with responses as well as longer response latencies during the signals.