cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glutathione and γ-glutamylcysteine in whole blood, plasma and erythrocytes

Abstract A method for the simultaneous determination of glutathione and γ-glutamyl-cysteine in capillary blood samples is described. The whole blood levels of glutathione and γ-glutamylcysteine are 1.09 ± 0.20 mmol/l and 25 ± 8 μ mol/l (M ± S.D.), respectively. The plasma concentration is approximately 4 μmol/l for both compounds. It is important to treat the blood samples with a reducing agent before protein precipitation to release glutathione and γ-glutamylcysteine from disulfide linkages since, otherwise, 30–40% of the glutathione and 80% of the γ-glutamylcysteine is lost with the protein precipitate. Whole blood is preferable to washed erythrocytes for the analysis since the washing procedure involves losses of, especially, γ-glutamyl-cysteine.
Jet Diffusion Flame Suppression Using Water Sprays—An Interim Report

Abstract The feasibility of using water sprays for the control of offshore oil/gas well blowout fires has been addressed. Considering the sheer scale of the problem, knowledge from a fundamental viewpoint is going to be required in order to extrapolate laboratory-sized flame studies up to full scale. Available data and appropriate literature concerned with the application of water sprays as a jet diffusion flame suppression/extinguishment agent have been reviewed. Small pneumatic atomizing nozzles using H2 gas, both as the flame source as well as the atomizing driver, have been used to scale high momentum jet flames and to study the effect of water on the flame. Thermodynamic equilibrium was shown to be an effective guide in interpretating the results. The effect of flame temperature reduction due to water sprays has been observed to correlate with a single spray parameter—the median drop diameter. Directions for further study have been indicated.
Effect of irrigation and tourniquet application on aminoglycoside antibiotic concentrations in bone.

Preoperative antibiotics are an important measure taken to prevent infection in joint replacement surgery. The local availability of these antibiotics in the operative site is absolutely necessary to ensure adequate prophylaxis against contaminant bacteria. Because pulsatile-lavage rapid-recovery systems have become a routine technique of bone preparation in joint reconstruction, we chose to study the effect of these systems on local antibiotic concentrations. We further investigated the effect of irrigation with and without use of a limb tourniquet. For our study, we obtained 23 bone specimens in 16 patients undergoing joint reconstruction (14) or amputation (2). The patients were classified into one of four groups based on whether a tourniquet was applied during the procedure and whether the bone specimens were irrigated. In addition, matched blood samples were obtained to establish that therapeutic serum levels were achieved. Nine patients contributed 13 bone specimens, which underwent vigorous irrigation in vitro. None of these specimens had detectable levels of antibiotics, regardless of whether a tourniquet was used. Seven patients yielded 10 bone specimens, which were not irrigated. Five of these seven patients had detectable levels of antibiotics. In addition, the specimens from limbs without tourniquets had levels that averaged 0.51 μg/ml while those with tourniquets averaged below 0.2 μg/ml. Therefore, the use of vigorous irrigation in bone preparation has a significant deleterious effect on the local presence of previously administered systemic antibiotics. This effect is compounded if the operative site is isolated from continuous blood flow by use of a tourniquet. We therefore recommend that additional measures be taken to ensure that adequate antibiotic levels are present. Two methods that may have efficacy are application of antibiotic-containing irrigants or antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate.
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Meteorites

Aliphatic hydrocarbons in meteorites, examining distribution of isoprenoid and other compounds via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Lead your ACE: Accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness in technical writing

Accuracy, clarity, and efffectiveness are basic qualities of good technical writing. If there is conflict in accommodating all three simultaneously, or when stylistic choices are being considered, writers should not sacrifice accuracy for clarity nor accuracy and clarity for effectiveness. The priority of accommodation is accuracy, clarity, effectiveness: ACE.
Experimental vascularized bone allografting

Presented here is a compendium of studies investigating the fate of vascularized bone allografts. The first set of experiments employ the posterior rib graft in two canine models. The rib-to-mandible model was used to evaluate the rejection phenomena of vascularized bone allografts in an outbred dog model. This ascertained the time course of rejection and histological characteristics of the grafts. Immunosuppression of the graft recipients was attempted with azathioprine and cyclosporine. The results demonstrated that azathioprine was not an effective immunosuppressant, whereas cyclosporine resulted in survival of cortical osteons. The use of the vascularized rib allograft, with and without azathioprine, to bridge the defect in the dog femur was met with failure. Further studies employed a genetically defined rat model to determine the effect of different histocompatibilities on the survival of vascularized knee allografts. Grafts were transplanted from Lewis rats to syngeneic Lewis rats as isografts and to Fischer-344 rats (F-344) and Brown-Norway rats (BN) as allografts. Grafts across a major histocompatibility barrier to BN were rejected by 7 days, whereas grafts across a weak histocompatibility barrier to F-344 were rejected more slowly. The use of cyclosporine in this model abrogated the rejection response when administered to both groups continuously. However, a short course of cyclosporine was effective in preventing rejection in the F-344 animals. Efforts to induce tolerance by blood transfusions, from the donor strain or from a third-party donor, were not effective in preventing rejection.
Hardness, internal stress and thermal stability of TiB2/TiC multilayer coatings synthesized by magnetron sputtering with and without substrate rotation

Abstract TiB2/TiC multilayer coatings were synthesized in a dual-cathode, non-reactive, unbalanced magnetron sputtering system with stationary and rotating substrates. All coatings are polycrystalline with TiB2(001) preferred orientation and have a multilayer structure. Coatings synthesized with stationary substrates have high compressive stress (4–7 GPa), and their hardness is slightly enhanced (∼25%) over the rule-of-mixture value. Coatings grown with substrate rotation have much lower compressive stress ( 60 GPa). Substrate rotation appears to improve mobility of surface species and allows more time for surface diffusion, thus resulting in denser films with lower void concentration. This may explain the substantial difference in hardness enhancement between these two cases. After being annealed in an inert environment (vacuum or argon) at 1273 K for 1 h, these multilayer coatings retain their layer structure. Moreover, most coatings have improved crystallinity and increased room-temperature hardness after such annealing.
Characterization of Hormonogenic Sites in an N-Terminal, Cyanogen Bromide Fragment of Human Thyroglobullin

We have confirmed the observation of Marriq et al. (FEBS Lett. 207, 302-306, 1986) that substantial thyroxine formation occurs on enzymatic iodination of a 171-residue, N-terminal cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragment of human goiter thyroglobulin. Marriq et al. concluded from their studies that Tyr130 is the donor for the preferential hormonogenic acceptor site Tyr5. However, in the present study we observed that thyroxine formation in the CNBr fragment occurred not at Tyr5, but rather at Tyr130. Moreover, we did not confirm the report of Marriq et al. that formation of thyroxine in the iodinated CNBr fragment involves cleavage of the Val129-Tyr130 bond. Our finding of thyroid hormone at Tyr130 was unexpected, as Tyr5 is known to be the major site of hormone formation in thyroglobulin isolated from the thyroids of humans and other mammals. In the CNBr fragment, however, Tyr5 appeared to act as a donor rather than an acceptor. Thus, while we have confirmed the finding that the N-terminal CNBr fragment of human goiter thyroglobulin is by itself capable of efficient thyroxine formation when enzymatically iodinated in vitro, we observed that the role of specific tyrosines in the hormone-forming process was different from that in intact thyroglobulin. We question, therefore, whether the CNBr fragment is a valid model for defining the role and location of hormonogenic sites in intact thyroglobulin.
Mouse microsomal triglyceride transfer protein large subunit: cDNA cloning, tissue-specific expression, and chromosomal localization

Abstract Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) catalyzes the transfer of triglyceride, cholesteryl ester, and phospholipid between membranes. It is essential for the secretion of apolipoprotein B from the cell. Mutations in MTP are a major cause of abetalipoproteinemia. The mouse is a popular animal model for lipoprotein metabolism. We have cloned and sequenced mouse MTP cDNA. The DNA-deduced amino acid sequence indicates that mouse MTP contains 894 amino acids; the mouse protein shows 93, 86, and 83% sequence identity to the hamster, human, and bovine sequences, respectively. Northern blot analysis indicates that mouse MTP mRNA is expressed at high levels in the small intestine and at substantially lower levels in the liver and that it is not detectable in six other tissues examined. The mouse MTP gene has been localized to the distal region of chromosome 3 by Southern blots of interspecific backcross panels using progeny derived from matings of (C57BL/6J × SPRET/Ei)F1 × SPRET/Ei. Comparison of MTP sequences from human, bovine, hamster, and mouse indicates that the C-terminal region of MTP is better conserved than its N-terminal region.
Scale-up and scale-down of membrane-based separation processes

Abstract Methods for demonstrating the scalability of purification and separation procedures depend on the technology which is being used, and therefore it is necessary to establish the physical parameters which are important to the scaling processes. This article briefly looks at these factors for direct-flow, and tangential-flow filtration technologies.
Copolymerization and Dark Polymerization Studies for Photopolymerization of Novel Acrylic Monomers.

Abstract The copolymerization behavior and the dark polymerization kinetics of highly reactive novel acrylic monomers were compared to traditional acrylate monomers. Copolymerization of thiol functionalities with novel acrylic monomers was characterized, and it was observed that the inclusion of secondary functionalities such as carbamates, carbonates, and cyclic carbonates, in acrylic monomers significantly alters the relative reactivity of the novel acrylates with thiols. While traditional aliphatic acrylates exhibited propagation to chain transfer ratios ranging between 0.8 (±0.1) and 1.5 (±0.2), the novel acrylates characterized by secondary functionalities exhibited much higher propagation to chain transfer ratios ranging from 2.8 (±0.2) to 4 (±0.2). In the dark polymerization studies, the kinetics of the novel acrylates were evaluated following cessation of the UV light. The novel acrylates exhibited extensive polymerization in the dark compared to most traditional acrylates and diacrylates. For instance, cyclic carbonate acrylate was observed to attain 35% additional conversion in the dark when the UV light was extinguished at 35% conversion, whereas traditional acrylates such as hexyl acrylate attained only 3% additional conversion when the UV light was extinguished at 35%, and a diacrylate such as HDDA attained 15% additional conversion when the UV light was extinguished at 40% conversion. Also, through choice of appropriate monomers, the dark polymerization studies were performed such that the polymerization rate was approximately the same at the point the light was extinguished for all these monomers. The copolymerization and dark polymerization studies support the hypothesis that the nature of the propagating species in the novel acrylates is altered as compared to traditional acrylic monomers and polymerizations.
Thermal properties of the Florida Current as related to Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

The thermal properties of the Florida Current are presented and analyzed for the available ocean thermal energy. For a cold water intake depth equal to or greater than 600 m, potential sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plants appear to exist in the Straits of Florida and, to a lesser extent, off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. The maximum thermal differences occur on the continental shelf because of the geostrophic motion of the Gulf Stream. An estimate of the total available ocean thermal energy from the Florida Current, delivered in the form of electricity, is 3.5 × 1012 kWh yr−1. For a cold water suction depth of 600 m or more, seasonal variability in the ocean thermal resource is approx. ±35 per cent of average annual output.
Conditioning-specific membrane changes of rabbit hippocampal neurons measured in vitro

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons within brain slices of nictitating membrane conditioned, pseudoconditioned, and naive adult male albino rabbits. All neurons included (26 conditioned, 26 pseudoconditioned, and 28 naive) had stable penetration and at least 60 mV action potential amplitudes. Mean input resistances were approximately equal to 60 mu omega for the three groups. A marked reduction in the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) following an impulse was apparent for conditioned (x = -0.98 mV) as compared to the pseudoconditioned (x = -1.7 mV) and naive (x = -2.0 mV) neurons. The AHP has been attributed previously to activation of a Ca2+-dependent outward K+ current. The distribution of AHP amplitudes for the conditioned group included a new lower range of values for which there was little overlap with the other groups. The conditioning-specific reduction of AHP may be due to reduction of ICa2+-K+ as shown previously for conditioned Hermissenda neurons. This conditioning-induced biophysical alteration of the CA1 pyramidal cell must be stored by mechanisms intrinsic to the hippocampal slice and cannot be explained as a consequence of changes of presynaptic input arising elsewhere in the brain. Our experiments demonstrate the feasibility of analyzing cellular mechanisms of associative learning in mammalian brain with the in vitro brain slice technique.
Detection of optic disc changes with Glaucoma-Scope probability maps.

PURPOSE To test whether a statistical method using a probability map could detect true changes in optic disc topography. METHODS The average of three Glaucoma-Scope images (Ophthalmic Imaging Systems were used for analysis at each of two sessions. A Glaucoma-Scope probability map was constructed for each eye using statistical methods. The proportion of topographic locations with p values less than 0.05 on a modified two-sample t test (p-proportion) and the difference in the mean position of the disc (MPD) from two imaging sessions were calculated. Two pairs of stereoscopic disc photographs for 43 eyes with longitudinal follow-up were evaluated for change by four experienced glaucoma specialists masked to patient clinical information. Clinical change was considered to have occurred when the assessments of at least three of the four specialists were agreed on. The cutoff values for p-proportion and change in MPD that provided 95% specificity were calculated using a separate sample of 69 subjects who had serial images taken at two separate sessions on the same day, and thus showed no clinical change in the optic disc. RESULTS The cutoff values of 95% specificity for the p-proportion and the change in MPD were 18% and 25.1 microns, respectively. Of 43 eyes with longitudinal follow-up, 14 showed definite clinical change. Sensitivity of the p-proportion and change in MPD for detecting this change was 100% and 85.7%, respectively. For all 43 patients with longitudinal follow-up, the percent change in intraocular pressure (IOP) correlated strongly with both the p-proportion and the change in MPD. CONCLUSION Using data obtained with the Glaucoma-Scope, a statistical method based on probability mapping can be used to detect true changes in disc topography. The p-proportion was more sensitive than change in MPD in detecting clinical change in the study eyes. This statistical methodology may also be applicable for interpretation of data obtained with other optic disc analyzers.
Activity of (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl) cytosine against human cytomegalovirus when administered as single-bolus dose and continuous infusion in in vitro cell culture perfusion system.

Abstract HPMPC [(S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine] is a potent inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication as determined by conventional tissue culture methods in which the drug concentration remains constant over time. Previous studies have shown HPMPC to have a long intracellular half-life. Despite its relatively short extracellular half-life, HPMPC might provide significant anti-HCMV activity long after the elimination of the drug by first-order kinetics. We addressed this hypothesis by measuring the activity of HPMPC in a novel cell culture perfusion system. This system allows us to compare the activity of HPMPC when given as a continuous infusion with its activity when given as a single-bolus dose followed by elimination that simulates the drug's in vivo pharmacokinetics. We show that continuous infusions maintaining maximum concentrations (Cmaxs) of 0.05, 0.10, 0.31, and 1.0 micrograms/ml and achieving areas under the drug concentration-time curves (AUCs) of 8.4, 17, 50, and 162 micrograms.h/ml, respectively, result in 27, 56, 63, and 88% inhibition of viral DNA accumulation, respectively, compared with an untreated control. Single-bolus doses achieving Cmaxs of 0.10, 1.25, 3.0, and 7.7 micrograms/ml with an elimination half-life of 20 h achieved AUCs of 2.4, 32, 78, and 138 micrograms.h/ml and resulted in 0, 48, 69, and 87% inhibition of HCMV DNA accumulation. Single-bolus doses achieving Cmaxs of 3.9 and 12 micrograms/ml with an elimination half-life of 6.5 h achieved AUCs of 34 and 105 micrograms.h/ml, respectively, resulting in 15 and 76% inhibition of viral DNA accumulation. Comparison of Cmax-versus-effect curves for these three regimens suggests that maximum concentration is not the only important pharmacokinetic determinant of HPMPC's antiviral activity. Similar comparisons of AUC-versus-effect curves for continuous and bolus dosing suggest that the AUC is an important determinant of antiviral activity for AUCs greater than 100 micrograms . h/ml. We conclude that single-bolus doses of HPMPC potently inhibit HCMV DNA accumulation but that this activity is more heavily influenced by the AUC than the Cmax at the upper end of the AUC range tested. At lower AUCs, some other parameter may be the primary determinant of antiviral activity. Our cell culture perfusion system provides a novel, efficient, and convenient method for addressing questions relating the effects of constantly changing drug concentrations to antiviral effects.
Regulation of a thyrotropin-releasing hormone-degrading enzyme in GH3 cells: induction of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine.

The effect of exposure of GH3 cells to T3 on the TRH-degrading enzymes pyroglutamyl peptidase I (EC 3.4.19.3) and prolyl endopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26) was studied. T3 produced a dose-dependent increase in the specific activity of pyroglutamyl peptidase I after 3 days of exposure. The EC50 for T3 was 5 × 10-10M. The specific activity of prolyl endopeptidase was unaffected by exposure to T3. The increase in pyroglutamyl peptidase I activity was dependent upon the time of exposure of the cells to this hormone. A maximal effect occurred at 72 h. The stimulation of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by T3 was totally blocked by cycloheximide, indicating that this enzyme is induced in GH3 cells by T3. The effect of T3 on the two TRH-degrading enzymes was also studied in the ACTH-secreting cell line AtT20. T3 had no effect on these enzymes in the AtT20 cell, suggesting that the effect of T3 on pyroglutamyl peptidase I may be cell specific. These studies indicate that the induction of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by T3 may cont...
Global transcriptional responses of Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 to changes in iron bioavailability in vitro

Background Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (DC3000) is a Gram-negative model plant pathogen that is found in a wide variety of environments. To survive in these diverse conditions it must sense and respond to various environmental cues. One micronutrient required for most forms of life is iron. Bioavailable iron has been shown to be an important global regulator for many bacteria where it not only regulates a wide variety of genes involved in general cell physiology but also virulence determinants. In this study we used microarrays to study differential gene regulation in DC3000 in response to changes in levels of cell-associated iron.
Multiscale control of bacterial production by phytoplankton dynamics and sea ice along the western Antarctic Peninsula: A regional and decadal investigation

We present results on phytoplankton and bacterial production and related hydrographic properties collected on nine annual summer cruises along the western Antarctic Peninsula. This region is strongly influenced by interannual variations in the duration and extent of sea ice cover, necessitating a decade-scale study. Our study area transitions from a nearshore region influenced by summer runoff from glaciers to an offshore, slope region dominated by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The summer bacterial assemblage is the product of seasonal warming and freshening following spring sea ice retreat and the plankton succession occurring in that evolving water mass. Bacterial production rates averaged 20 mg C m− 2 d− 1 and were a low (5%) fraction of the primary production (PP). There was significant variation in BP between regions and years, reflecting the variability in sea ice, chlorophyll and PP. Leucine incorporation was significantly correlated (r2 ranging 0.2–0.7, p < 0.001) with both chlorophyll and PP across depths, regions and years indicating strong phytoplankton–bacteria coupling. Relationships with temperature were variable, including positive, negative and insignificant relationships (r2 < 0.2 for regressions with p < 0.05). Bacterial production is regulated indirectly by variations in sea ice cover within regions and over years, setting the levels of phytoplankton biomass accumulation and PP rates; these in turn fuel BP, to which PP is coupled via direct release from phytoplankton or other less direct pathways.
CMOS logic design with independent-gate FinFETs

Fin-type field-effect transistors (FinFETs) are promising substitutes for bulk CMOS in nano-scale circuits. In this paper, it is observed that in spite of improved device characteristics, high active leakage may remain a problem for FinFET logic circuits. Leakage is found to contribute 31.3% of total power consumption in power-optimized FinFET logic circuits. Various FinFET logic design styles, based on independent control of FinFET gates, are studied. A new low-leakage logic style is presented. Leakage (total) power savings of 64.7% (14.5%) under tight delay constraints and 91.2% (37.2%) under relaxed delay constraints, through the judicious use of FinFET logic styles, are demonstrated.
On 2-Reptiles in the Plane

We classify all rational 2-reptiles in the plane. We also establish properties concerning rational reptiles in the plane in general.
A New Sub-path Protection Algorithm Based on Auxiliary Virtual Topology in WDM Optical Networks

This paper proposes a new survivable algorithm named sub-path protection based on auxiliary virtual topology (SPAVT) to tolerate the single-link failure in WDM optical networks. According to the protection-switching time constraint, SPAVT constructs the virtual topology. Then, it only needs to run one time of routing algorithm to find the feasible virtual route in virtual topology. Simulation results show that SPAVT has smaller blocking probability and lower time complexity than conventional algorithms.
Bt-R1a Extracellular Cadherin Repeat 12 Mediates Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab Binding and Cytotoxicity

Abstract The cadherin protein Bt-R1a is a receptor for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxins in Manduca sexta. Cry1Ab toxin is reported to bind specific epitopes located in extracellular cadherin repeat (CR) 7 and CR11 on Bt-R1 (Gomez, B., Miranda-Rios, J., Riudino-Pinera, E., Oltean, D. I., Gill, S. S., Bravo, A., and Soberon, M. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 30137–30143; Dorsch, J. A., Candas, M., Griko, N., Maaty, W., Midboe, E., Vadlamudi, R., and Bulla, L. (2002) Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 32, 1025–1036). We transiently expressed CR domains of Bt-R1a in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 (S2) cells as fusion peptides between a signal peptide and a terminal region that included membrane-proximal, membrane-spanning, and cytoplasmic domains. A domain consisting of CR11 and 12 was the minimal 125I-Cry1Ab binding region detected under denaturing conditions. Only CR12 was essential for Cry1Ab binding and cytotoxicity to S2 cells when tested under native conditions. Under these conditions expressed CR12 bound 125I-Cry1Ab with high affinity (Kcom = 2.9 nm). Flow cytometry assays showed that expression of CR12 conferred susceptibility to Cry1Ab in S2 cells. Derivatives of Bt-R1a with separate deletions of CR7, 11, and 12 were expressed in S2 cells. Only deletion of CR12 caused loss of Cry1Ab binding and cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that CR12 is the essential Cry1Ab binding component on Bt-R1 that mediates Cry1Ab-induced cytotoxicity.
The Doors of Reception: Commentary on Paper by Stephanie Lewin

This discussion on Stephanie Lewin's “Parallel Identification: A Shield Against the Assault of Traumatic Jealousy” addresses the challenge of introducing new concepts and revising previous conceptual understandings while maintaining a balance between innovation and appreciation of the work of previous theorists. In the course of considering Lewin's notion of parallel identification the subjects of internalization, the nature of internal space and its relation to psychic reality, the role of unconscious models of therapeutic action, and the oscillating tension between the selected fact and the overvalued idea are explored and discussed in terms of their relevance to both development and clinical analysis.
The broad autism phenotype predicts child functioning in autism spectrum disorders

Background Broad autism phenotype (BAP) is a milder expression of the social and communication impairments seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While prior studies characterized the BAP in unaffected family members of probands with ASD, the relationship between parental BAP traits and proband symptomatology remains poorly understood. This study utilizes the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) in parents and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) in children to examine this connection. We hypothesized that in families affected by ASD, elevated maternal and paternal BAPQ scores would correlate with greater autism symptomatology in diagnosed children. In an extension of prior research, we also explored this relationship in families with typically developing children (TDC).
Incentives for sharing in peer-to-peer networks

We consider the free-rider problem that arises in peer-to-peer file sharing networks such as Napster: the problem that individual users are provided with no incentive for adding value to the network. We examine the design implications of the assumption that users will selfishly act to maximize their own rewards, by constructing a formal game theoretic model of the system and analyzing equilibria of user strategies under several novel payment mechanisms. We support and extend upon our theoretical predictions with experimental results from a multi-agent reinforcement learning model.
On Duobinary Turbo Codes for Block Fading Channels

Diversity coding for fading channels has been an area of active research for many years. In particular, performance hounds and code construction for several families of codes have been studied for block fading channels. In this work, we consider duobinary turbo codes for block fading channels. A simple decodability condition guaranteeing full diversity based on decodable subsets is introduced. The performance of systematic duobinary turbo codes is analyzed with regard to the channel interleaver and confirmed with simulations. An interesting relationship between the frame size and distance spectrum of these tailbiting codes is revealed
CdZnSe/Zn(Be)Se Quantum Dot Structures: Size, Chemical Composition and Phonons

The size and chemical composition of optically active CdZnSe/ZnSe and CdZnSeZZn0.97Be0.03Se quantum dots (QDs) are determined using photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation and polarized Raman scattering spectroscopies. We show that the addition of Be into the barrier enhances the Cd composition and the quantum size effect of optically active QDs. Additionally, surface phonons from QDs are observed in CdZnSe/ZnBeSe nanostructures.
Synchrotron X-ray-Induced Photoreduction of Ferric Myoglobin Nitrite Crystals Gives the Ferrous Derivative with Retention of the O-Bonded Nitrite Ligand.

Exposure of a single crystal of the nitrite adduct of ferric myoglobin (Mb) at 100 K to high-intensity synchrotron X-ray radiation resulted in changes in the UV-vis spectrum that can be attributed to reduction of the ferric compound to the ferrous derivative. We employed correlated single-crystal spectroscopy with crystallography to further characterize this photoproduct. The 1.55 A resolution crystal structure of the photoproduct reveals retention of the O-binding mode for binding of nitrite to the iron center. The data are consistent with cryogenic generation and trapping, at 100 K, of a ferrous d(6) Mb(II)(ONO)* complex by photoreduction of the ferric precursor crystals using high-intensity X-ray radiation.
Measurements of Enhanced Diffusion of Buried Layers in Silicon Membrane Structures During Oxidation

Reported calculations of the diffusion coefficient of silicon self interstitials vary over several orders of magnitude at temperatures of interest for integrated circuit fabrication. In this work, we measure the enhanced diffusion of phosphorus buried layers while interstitials are injected at a wafer surface via thermal oxidation. The starting substrates were either float-zone silicon or Czochralski silicon with a pre-treatment to precipitate excess oxygen. The samples were prepared by implantation of phosphorus followed by the growth of a 40-60µm epitaxial layer. They were then etched anisotropically from the frontside or backside to yield membrane structures. Local oxidation was performed at 1100°C on either the frontside or backside of each wafer and buried layer diffusion was monitored, yielding information about interstitial diffusion in silicon and it’s dependence on bulk properties.
A Retrospective Cohort Study of Nosocomial Diarrhea as a Risk Factor for Nosocomial Infection

Because most nosocomial infections are caused by enteric flora, it was undertaken to determine whether diarrhea predisposes to nosocomial infections by conducting a retrospective cohort study involving patients with and without nosocomial diarrhea who were hospitalized during a 12-month period. The rate of urinary tract infection per person-day after onset of diarrhea was significantly greater in patients with diarrhea (relative risk = 10.3; 95% confidence interval = 1.7-63.1, P = .006). When indwelling bladder catheter and duration of catheter placement were considered, diarrhea remained an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection in logistic regression analysis (P = .009). These data suggest that diarrhea and consequent urethral meatal contamination may be a cause of nosocomial urinary tract infection, especially in patients with a catheter, and that removal of the catheter should be considered whenever possible in patients with diarrhea.
The Role of Reproductive Assurance in the Arctic: a Comparative Study of a Homostylous and Distylous Species Pair

Pollinator-dependent reproductive systems are predicted to be disadvantageous in the Arctic due to the unreliability of pollinator services. Observations in northwestern Alaska appear to support this prediction, where the common Primula eximia possesses reproductive assurance through homostyly and is outpacing the reproduction of its rare, distylous, and pollinator-dependent congener, P. tschuktschorum. We examined the reproductive ecology of these two taxa to determine if P. tschuktschorum is fully distylous with self and intramorph incompatibility, if P. eximia is homostylous with an advantage in fecundity over the rare species, and if there are reproductive interactions between the species. Our results indicate that while P. tschuktschorum is morphologically distylous, it displays only weak incompatibility reactions, but nonetheless has significant reproductive limitations relative to the fecundity of P. eximia, especially in the face of herbivory, which reduces the pool of compatible mates. Some hybridization is occurring between the species. These results support previous suggestions that reproductive assurance may be an important factor limiting the distribution of distyly where pollinator service is unreliable. Homostylous species are likely to be more successful and outcompete distylous progenitors, and selection pressures for reproductive assurance may lessen strong self and intramorph incompatibility reactions in distylous species.
Isolation and molecular characterization of newly emerging avian reovirus variants and novel strains in Pennsylvania, USA, 2011–2014

Isolation and molecular characterization of newly emerging avian reovirus variants and novel strains in Pennsylvania, USA, 2011–2014
A review of carbohydrate metabolism and the oral contraceptives.

The data available concerning the effect of oral contraceptives and their component parts upon carbohydrate metabolism is reviewed. The estrogen component seems to protect the mildly diabetic human due to changes in the pituitary gland by an unknown mechanism. Estrogens tend to cause an excess secretion of insulin and growth hormone and to elevate glucose levels in normal humans. The effect that estrogens have upon glucose metabolism is related to the type and dose of estrogen used. The effect of progestins is less clear due to a lack of data but it appears that they do not have a significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism. Examination of the data shows that combination type oral contraceptives have more abnormal tests associated with their usage than do the sequential agents. The incidence of abnormal tests is related to the duration of use and the type of steroid in the oral contraceptive. Other influences are the patients weight family history of diabetes mellitus age of the patient weight of previous infants (if more than 9 lbs.) and weight gain while taking drug. The mechanism by which carbohydrate metabolism is altered is unknown. When oral contraceptives are given to patients with diabetes mellitus careful observation and adjustment of insulin levels is required. It is also suggested that carbohydrate metabolism be monitored in all patients receiving oral contraceptives for a prolonged period of time.
Correlation of 18F-fluoride PET response to dasatinib in castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases with progression-free survival: Preliminary results from ACRIN 6687.

5003 Background: Dasatinib is a SRC kinase inhibitor that decreases bone turnover in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). 18F-fluoride PET was used to evaluate differen...
Nematic liquid crystals: A Monte Carlo simulation study in higher dimensions

The Lebwohl-Lasher model of the isotropic-nematic phase transition in liquid crystals is studied in higher dimensions, by Monte Carlo computer simulations on simple cubic lattices. The transition is found to become increasingly first-order, and rapidly approaches the mean-field results, which are exact in infinitely many dimensions. The discontinuities in internal energy and order parameter are measured by careful analysis of the computer simulation data, and the free energy of each system is calculated. An empirical scaling law is also found to describe the shift of the transition temperature from the mean-field theory result. To distinguish the effects of coordination number from those of dimension and connectivity, a simulation of an f.c.c. lattice in d = 3 dimensions is performed. In addition, a partial analysis is made of finite-size effects in the six-dimensional simulation.
Vaporization Enthalpy and Vapor Pressure of Valproic Acid by Correlation Gas Chromatography

The vaporization enthalpy of valproic acid (2-propylpentanoic acid) is reported, and the vapor pressures of a series on aliphatic carboxylic acids are used to evaluate its vapor pressure as a function of temperature. The vaporization enthalpy was derived by correlation-gas chromatography. This resulted in a vaporization enthalpy, ΔHvap(298.15 K) of (74.8 ± 2.4) kJ·mol–1. Vapor pressures from T/K = 298.15 to boiling temperature of valproic acid are also reported. A normal boiling temperature of T/K = 492.8 (lit., 494–5 K) and a vapor pressure of (2.2 ± 0.3) Pa has been evaluated for valproic acid at T/K = 298.15. This compares favorably with an Environmental Protection Agency estimate of 6.1 Pa.
Effectiveness of Certain Insecticides Against the Sorghum Midge Based on A New Method of Determining Infestation

Three insecticides at 2 rates were evaluated for control of Contarinia sorghicola (Coquillett) on grain sorghum near College Station, Texas. Infestations of midge were based upon the numbers of damaged seeds of grain sorghum heads harvested at maturity. Based on this technique all insecticides tested reduced the midge infestation. Yields were increased by application of diazinon (0.25 and 0.50 lb AI/acre) and disulfoton (0.25 lb AI/acre). Applications of azinphosmethyl (0.25 lb) and disulfoton (0.50 lb AI/acre) did not increase yields.
Egg Parameters as a Measure of Population Quality of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar,

Several parameters of the eggs of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), were quantitatively measured for 5 populations in central Pennsylvania during 1974 and 1975. These populations were subjectively classified as either incipient, stable, or senescent infestations. The number of fertile non-parasitized eggs, water content/fertile egg, and percent successful eclosion of larvae, were the most consistent parameters identifying population quality. No single parameter accurately measured population quality.
Sense Organs of the Hyperparasite Cheiloneurus noxius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) Important in Host Selection Processes

Cheiloenurus noxius Compere, a hyperparasite of unarmored scale insects, lays its eggs within the bodies of primary parasites of these scales. The location and structure of female sense organs, involved in discrimination secondary (scale) hosts, was investigated. Scanning electron micrographs showed that sensilla at the tips of the antennae were morphologically distinct from those more proximally situated. Sensory deprivation experiments involving partial removal of the antennae suggest that these terminal structures are the sense organs primarily responsible for receiving stimuli from the secondary host.
Phoebe H. Li, A Virtual Chinatown: The Diasporic Mediasphere of Chinese Migrants in New Zealand

Over the last few decades, China’s desire for economic growth, labor mobility, and global integration increased the size of Chinese diasporic communities around the globe. This process, in turn, created a greater need for media content that bridges the homeland and the host land, providing Chinese migrants with both connections to their place of origin and socialization resources in their new locality. An example of this relationship is presented in Phoebe H. Li’s A Virtual Chinatown: The Diasporic Mediasphere of Chinese Migrants in New Zealand. Focusing on the 2005 New Zealand general election, Li discusses the ways in which the diaspora-oriented Chinese-language media has become a “virtual Chinatown,” pulling together different Chinese migration waves in New Zealand into one mediated center. While usually referred to as a tangible common place for the Chinese community in diaspora, the Chinese-language media in New Zealand became a nontangible manifestation of a Chinatown.
In vivo evaluation of novel serotonin 5-HT2C receptor positive allosteric modulator CYD-1-79

Aims: Identifying patterns of drug use that are consistent with health outcome changes is essential to defining a surrogate measure to evaluate treatment effectiveness and broaden the concept of recovery. The goal is to identify alternative endpoints other than drug use for future trials. Methods: Health outcomes based on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and World Health Organization quality of life (WHO-QoL) assessments are explored. ASI composite scores were calculated for seven domains (medical, employment, alcohol use, drug use, legal, family/social, psychiatric) from five randomized controlled trials from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network of stimulant users (N=1665). FourWHO-QoL domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment) and two questions were assessed in two of the trials (N=364). Associations between the baseline health outcomes and baseline stimulant use and between the changes in stimulant use and changes in health outcomes were assessed. Results: The drug use ASI composite score is associated with stimulant use. No other associations were found between changes in stimulant use and either ASI-lite composite or the WHO-QoL domain scores. TheWHO-QoL question: “Howwould you rate your quality of life?” showed a potential association with baseline stimulant use. In one study, the average number of baseline stimulant use days for those responding very poor was 12 of the past 30, and for those responding very good, the average was 6 of the past 30. Conclusions: Based on the stimulant user trials evaluated, no measure was identified as related to reduction in drug use outcomes over a short follow-up period. Further investigation of other health outcomes or the development of new metrics related to a meaningful reduction in use is needed. Financial support: NIDA-HHSN271201400028C/N01DA-142237.
Calorie Underestimation When Buying High-Calorie Beverages in Fast-Food Contexts

We asked 1877 adults and 1178 adolescents visiting 89 fast-food restaurants in New England in 2010 and 2011 to estimate calories purchased. Calorie underestimation was greater among those purchasing a high-calorie beverage than among those who did not (adults: 324 ±698 vs 102 ±591 calories; adolescents: 360 ±602 vs 198 ±509 calories). This difference remained significant for adults but not adolescents after adjusting for total calories purchased. Purchasing high-calorie beverages may uniquely contribute to calorie underestimation among adults.
Mixed Leukocyte Culture Incompatibility Index for Donoh-Recipient Selection in Kidney Transplantation

AbstractThe mixed leukocyte culture test has been applied to selection of histocompatibility non-identical donor-recipient pairs for renal transplantation. The clinical course of transplant recipients who have histocompatibility mismatches but low mixed leukocyte culture stimulation is similar to that of mixed leukocyte culture and histocompatibility identical recipients. Living donor-recipient pairs with high mixed leukocyte culture stimulation had no better graft survival than cadaver recipients.An incompatibility index derived from mixed leukocyte culture may aid in the selection of satisfactory non-identical living related donors and may help avoid use of immunologically unsatisfactory living donors.
Beyond Small-Molecule SAR: Using the Dopamine D3 Receptor Crystal Structure to Guide Drug Design

The dopamine D3 receptor is a target of pharmacotherapeutic interest in a variety of neurological disorders including schizophrenia, restless leg syndrome, and drug addiction. The high protein sequence homology between the D3 and D2 receptors has posed a challenge to developing D3 receptor-selective ligands whose behavioral actions can be attributed to D3 receptor engagement, in vivo. However, through primarily small-molecule structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, a variety of chemical scaffolds have been discovered over the past two decades that have resulted in several D3 receptor-selective ligands with high affinity and in vivo activity. Nevertheless, viable clinical candidates remain limited. The recent determination of the high-resolution crystal structure of the D3 receptor has invigorated structure-based drug design, providing refinements to the molecular dynamic models and testable predictions about receptor-ligand interactions. This chapter will highlight recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating potential utility of D3 receptor-selective ligands in the treatment of addiction. In addition, new structure-based rational drug design strategies for D3 receptor-selective ligands that complement traditional small-molecule SAR to improve the selectivity and directed efficacy profiles are examined.
To Perform or Not to Perform Radioiodine Scans Prior to 131 I Remnant Ablation? PRO

The utility of radioiodine pre-remnant ablation scans remains very controversial. This chapter argues for performing radioiodine pre-remnant ablation scans. There are five main arguments that are typically presented against the utility of pre-remnant ablation scans: (1) “no useful data is obtained from pre-remnant ablation radioiodine scans that will alter my management,” (2) “everything I need to know is on the post-therapy scan,” (3) stunning, (4) the potential benefit is not worth the costs or inconveniences, and (5) until data are published demonstrating that the pre-131I therapy scans alter patient outcomes, these scans should not be performed. This chapter presents a point by counterpoint discussion of the arguments for and against pre-therapy radioiodine ablation. The chapter concludes with rarely discussed issues that in my opinion may be important points regarding the differences in opinions of the utility of pre-remnant ablation radioiodine scans.
Crowded Advocacy: Framing Dynamic in the Fracking Controversy in New York

In the hydrofracturing controversy in New York advocates hotly contested notions of the problem, what should be done, by whom, and how. This controversy can be characterized as “crowded advocacy,” involving intense mobilization and counter-mobilization of advocates with competing perspectives. Extant theories about the expansion of advocacy organizations are unclear about how advocates’ interactions shape the policy arena, particularly when there is competition within and across multiple coalitions. This article contributes by asking: How do advocates’ interactive framing dynamics shape public discourse when advocacy is crowded? It assumes that advocacy in general, and framing in particular, evolves as advocates respond to each other. I find that competing “discourse coalitions” collectively influence public discourse by articulating divergent notions of (1) what constitutes credible knowledge, (2) who can speak with authority on the issues, and (3) what institutional arrangements should be activated to manage risks. The consequence is that advocates have to react to others' framing on these issues—to defend their knowledge, their credibility, and specific institutions, rather than arguing their case on the merits. The implication is that advocacy is not only the means of influence (strategy) but also creates the context of advocacy in particular ways in a crowded field.