cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic behavior of enantiomeric pyrethroid esters in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana L☆

Abstract The potent pyrethroid insecticide NRDC 157 ( I ; 3-phenoxybenzyl (1 R, cis )-3 - (2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate) and its insecticidally inactive 1 S, cis enantiomer ( II ) have similar cuticular penetration rates and are detectable in the hemolymph, nerve cord, fat body, and midgut of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana , within 2 hr of topical application at 0.17 μg/g, a just-lethal dose of I . At this dose, both enantiomers show similar distribution patterns in these tissues, but symptoms of intoxication are seen only with I . Steady state concentrations of both enantiomers in the hemolymph and nerve cord are between 1.2 × 10 −7 and 1.7 × 10 −7 M . I and II are not detectably hydrolyzed by fat body, nerve cord, and hemolymph preparations and are not detectably oxidized by fat body preparations in vitro , but a very low oxidation rate is measured for II , but not I , in nerve cord preparations. These results do not demonstrate a pharmacokinetic basis for the difference in insecticidal activity between enantiomers and therefore it is likely that the site of pyrethroid action is stereospecific. The use of the inactive enantiomer II as a model to study the effects of dose on penetration and distribution in the absence of symptoms is explored.
CAT/CLAMS A Tool for the Pediatric Evaluation of Infants and Young Children With Developmental Delay

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular developmental screening as a part of routine child health supervision. However, the pediatrician has a limited number of tools available to further evaluate a child who is found to be suspect or abnormal on a developmental screening test. The Clinical Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT/CLAMS) was therefore developed to provide pediatricians with a technique to assess infants and toddlers with suspected developmental delay. The CAT/CLAMS demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Concurrent validity with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) was demonstrated in 43 children ages 12 to 19 months who were tested on three occasions with both instruments (correlation coefficient ranging between 0.63 and 0.87; P < .001). Predictive validity 6 and 12 months later was also demonstrated in this population with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.73 and 0.77, significant at the P = .001 level. Utilizing the CAT/CLAMS as part of the pediatrician's evaluation of children with developmental concerns would allow the pediatrician to compare language and nonlanguage problem-solving abilities and, therefore, aid in diagnosis and appropriate referral.
Distribution of yttrium and rare earths in Florida Bay sediments

Abstract The distribution of yttrium and rare earth elements (YREEs) in surface sediments was measured on samples collected from 40 stations in Florida Bay (June 2000 and February 2001). Florida Bay is the largest shallow carbonate estuary in South Florida with nearly pristine conditions. It receives fresh waters from some rivers and several canals from the Everglades which contribute rare earth elements and metals to the Bay. This paper is the first extensive study of YREEs in Florida Bay. Concentrations of YREEs (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) were determined by ICP-MS. The YREEs show a similar distribution pattern for the two months studied. The maximum concentrations were found in the western and north-central zones (near the Everglades) and the minimum concentrations were found in the south-central zone near the Florida Keys. The pattern of YREEs in Florida Bay sediments correlated strongly with those in the North American Shale Composite, indicating a dominant crustal source for these elements. However, the REE concentrations in Florida Bay sediments are depleted with respect to NASC. All REEs exhibited a strong correlation with Fe and Al from continental input and river runoff from the Everglades. The heavy REEs and Y showed a strong correlation with Al ( R 2 > 0.84). The light and medium REEs showed a strong correlation with Fe ( R 2 > 0.9). Correlations of all the YREEs with Mn were slightly lower ( R 2 ∼ 0.7–0.75). The concentration of all the YREEs, Al and Fe are dependent on the bottom types and zones in the Bay, except Mn which decreases as it moves from the land to the sea.
Stimulated Blue Emission and Second Harmonic Generation from Films of Ultrasmall Si Nanoparticles

We describe a procedure for dispersion bulk Si into ultrasmall nanoparticles, much smaller than what is available today, with high throughput and excellent size definition and control. The quantum dots are ∼ 1 nm in diameter and contain 29 Si atoms[1-2]. We show most unexpected and totally surprising phenomenon. Unlike bulk Si, an optically inert indirect gap material, the particles are extremely active optically in the blue, exceeding the activity of fluorescein, such that single particles are readily detected and imaged, using two-photon near- infrared femto second excitation. This comes nearly a decade after Canham first surprised the scientific community by reporting red luminescence from anodized Si[3]. In addition to being ultrabright, the particles have other useful properties that are unlike those of bulk including being a source of stimulated emission and collimated beam emission[4-5], and harmonic generation[6]. Single electron charging and the confinment energy spacing, both are much larger than the thermal energy[7]. They can be formed into colloids, crystals, films, and collimated beams for applications in the electronics, optoelectronics and biomedical industries. The synthesis utilizes straightforward, low-cost, environmentally benign present-day commercial technologies and material: abundant Si, common chemicals and electricity. The procedure is readily amenable to large-volume production, easy recovery, and controlled delivery. Using density functional with exchange correlation, configuration interaction and Monte Carlo theory, we constructed a structural propotype for 29 atoms (magic number for the Td symmetry and spherical shape), giving a size, an energy gap and an absorption spectrum that agree with experiment[8]. In the prototype, twenty four atoms form a network of reconstructed Si-Si species on the surface, with five atoms constituting a tetrahedral core. The results suggest that the surface reconstructed network is the source of the new properties. In these particles, the elasticity drops, atoms become amenable to large displacement, and are subjected to unballanced atomic forces, conditions under which novel molecular structure or configuration, distinct from bulk, and which otherwise does not exist may form. This structure may constitute a transition between the bulk and atomistic phases.
Management of Isolated Calf Deep Vein Thrombosis: Is Treatment or Follow-Up Warranted

Objectives: There is no consensus regarding the management of isolated calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study is to determine the proper management of isolated soleal, gastrocnemius, peroneal, and posterior tibial vein thrombosis in an outpatient population. We further aim to identify the results of management of below the knee DVT (BKDVT) with serial ultrasound imaging during a 30-day period vs anticoagulation. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for records from January 2009 to December 2010 to identify patients with BKDVT. Trauma and inpatients were excluded from the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted as well as descriptive statistics of the data. Results: The study included 225 outpatients with isolated BKDVT. The cohort consisted of 41% male, predominantly Caucasian (88%) patients, who were a mean age of 64 years. Thrombus was present most frequently in the soleal vein (40.3%), followed by the gastrocnemius (25%), peroneal (23.5%), and the posterior tibial vein (11.3%). Anticoagulation was used to treat 30.7% of initially diagnosed BKDVTs. No statistically significant difference was noted in the rate of proximal propagation (P .27), or pulmonary embolism (P .70) with or without anticoagulation. A decrease of new thrombus in additional calf veins was seen with anticoagulation, 1.4% vs 14.1% without anticoagulation (P .01). Conclusions: In an outpatient population, serial ultrasound imaging is adequate management for BKDVT. There is no significant reduction in the rate of pulmonary embolism or proximal propagation for patients managed with anticoagulation vs serial duplex ultrasound imaging for isolated calf DVT. Owing to the formation of new thrombus, serial ultrasound imaging is warranted in an outpatient population.
Compatibility of Nicarbazin with Methyl Esters and Animal Fats in Broiler Diets

Abstract NICARBAZIN is an effective therapeutic agent against coccidosis in chickens. Floor-pen and field trials have shown that Nicarbazin is compatible with the usual additives found in poultry feeds (Ott et al., 1956). Walton et al. (1956) reported that Nicarbazin was compatible with high-level antibiotic feeds. Nicarbazin tolerance studies conducted by Cuckler et al. (1956) indicated that when Nicarbazin was fed in rations in concentrations of 0.0075 percent to 0.06 percent for 12 weeks, no symptoms of toxicity or abnormal behavior were noted, and there was no mortality. Ott et al. (1956) stated that pen-rearing studies under practical conditions showed that Nicarbazin permitted good growth and feed efficiency in chickens from one day-old to 10–11 weeks of age when fed in concentrations of 0.005 to 0.02 percent in commercial rations. However, these authors reported that a feed concentration of 0.04 percent Nicarbazin decreased weight gains and lowered feed efficiency. The …
The role of matrix molecular weight in rubber toughened nylon 6 blends: 1. Morphology

Abstract The effects of polyamide molecular weight on morphology generation in nylon 6 blends with maleated elastomers are described. The elastomers used include styrene—butadiene—styrene block copolymers with a hydrogenated mid-block, SEBS, and versions with X % grafted maleic anhydride, SEBS-g-MA-X%, and an ethylene/propylene copolymer, EPR, and a maleated version EPR-g-MA. The molecular weight of the nylon 6 phase governs the melt viscosity of the blend matrix and the number of amine end groups available for reaction with the maleic anhydride groups in the rubber phase; both of which influence the size, shape, and size distribution of the rubber phase formed during blending. In general, rubber particle size, distribution, and the amount of occluded material in the rubber phase decreases as the nylon 6 molecular weight increases. Measurement of the extent of reaction between the amine end groups and the grafted maleic anhydride revealed that a higher fraction of nylon 6 chains are grafted to the rubber matrix as the nylon 6 molecular weight increases. The weight average rubber particle size and size distribution for blends based on SEBS-g-MA-X% are smaller than corresponding blends based on SEBS/SEBS-g-MA-2% mixtures containing the same amount of maleic anhydride. EPR/EPR-g-MA mixtures produce non-spherical morphologies that are typically larger and more polydisperse than SEBS type elastomers. One reason for this difference is the fact that SEBS elastomers react more readily with nylon 6 than do EPR/EPR-g-MA mixtures as determined by extent of amine reaction and torque rheometry. The weight average rubber particle size for blends of the various rubbers and nylon 6 materials were correlated using a modified Taylor theory analysis. A master curve was generated by determining shift factors needed to superimpose the maleated rubber/nylon 6 curves onto a reference curve for the non-maleated rubber, SEBS. The overall shift factors correlate linearly with the maleic anhydride content of the rubber phase.
Volcanic dust in the stratosphere between 34 and 36 km altitude during May 1985

Abstract The morphology, mineralogy, chemistry and size distribution of nonspherical particles collected in the stratosphere between 34 and 36 km altitude during May, 1985 were determined by analytical electron microscope analysis. The single-crystal grains are between a few nanometers in diameter and ∼ 14 μ m in length and occur as single particles and in mono- and polymict clusters. About ∼ 70% of all particles are tridymite, cristobalite, keatite and anorthite that delineate cotectic plagioclase-mullite and tridymite-mullite crystallisation. In order of decreasing abundance, the particles further include orthopyroxene, olivine, barite and metal oxides. All particle properties, including salt microcrystals and sulfuric acid droplets on their surface, uniquely support a volcanic origin. The abundance of Ca-Al-silicate and silica particles could indicate fractionation in ascending volcanic plumes or be an artifact of lacking data for ash-fall deposits at comparable size fractions. The observed upper size limit of nonspherical particles is accurately predicted by the Wilson-Huang settling law when particle diameters are equal to, or larger than, the gas mean free path of the atmosphere. The abundance of particles μ m in size at collection altitude suggests that nonspherical particles smaller than the gas mean free path behave as spherical particles with faster settling rates. Settling rate modelling, the mineralogical and chemical properties of the nonspherical particles, support that they could be from the top of the 1982 El Chichon eruption plume that reached an altitude similar to the 1985 collection altitude.
Pre-Trauma Center Red Blood Cell Transfusion Is Associated with Improved Early Outcomes in Air Medical Trauma Patients

Background Hemorrhage is the leading cause of survivable death in trauma and resuscitation strategies including early RBC transfusion have reduced this. Pre-trauma center (PTC) RBC transfusion is growing and preliminary evidence suggests improved outcomes. The study objective was to evaluate the association of PTC RBC transfusion with outcomes in air medical trauma patients. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients transported by helicopter to a Level I trauma center from 2007 to 2012. Patients receiving PTC RBC transfusion were matched to control patients (receiving no PTC RBC transfusion during transport) in a 1:2 ratio using a propensity score based on prehospital variables. Conditional logistic regression and mixed-effects linear regression were used to determine the association of PTC RBC transfusion with outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed for scene transport patients. Results Two-hundred and forty treatment patients were matched to 480 control patients receiving no PTC RBC transfusion. Pre-trauma center RBC transfusion was associated with increased odds of 24-hour survival (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.92; 95% CI, 1.51–16.04; p = 0.01), lower odds of shock (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09–0.85; p = 0.03), and lower 24-hour RBC requirement (Coefficient −3.6 RBC units; 95% CI, −7.0 to −0.2; p = 0.04). Among matched scene patients, PTC RBC was also associated with increased odds of 24-hour survival (AOR = 6.31; 95% CI, 1.88–21.14; p Conclusions Pre-trauma center RBC was associated with an increased probability of 24-hour survival, decreased risk of shock, and lower 24-hour RBC requirement. Pre-trauma center RBC appears beneficial in severely injured air medical trauma patients and prospective study is warranted as PTC RBC transfusion becomes more readily available.
Plasticizing Effect of Water on Thermal Behavior and Crystallization of Amorphous Food Models

Dehydrated sugar solutions were used as models of thermal behavior of amorphous foods, and of the effect of temperature, moisture content and time on physical state of such foods. The transition temperatures determined were glass transition (Tg), crystallization (Tcr) and melting (Tm) which all decreased with increasing moisture. Tg of a sucrose/ fructose model had a slightly lower value than the empirical “sticky point,” at all moisture contents studied. Crystallization of sucrose was delayed by addition of fructose or starch. Crystallization above Tg was time-dependent, and the relaxation time of this process followed the WLF equation.
Solution-phase synthesis of a diverse isocoumarin library.

The solution-phase synthesis of a 167-member library of isocoumarins is described. The key intermediates for library generation, 4-iodoisocoumarins, are easily prepared by iodocyclization of the corresponding 2-(1-alkynyl)arenecarboxylate esters. The 4-iodoisocoumarins undergo palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira, Suzuki−Miyura, and Heck reactions to yield a diverse set of isocoumarins. Alternatively, isocoumarins, bearing hydroxyl or bromine functionalities, have been prepared by ZnCl2- and Pd(PPh3)4-mediated cyclization of the corresponding o-iodobenzoic acid and appropriate terminal alkynes. The resulting isocoumarins were further diversified by derivatization of the hydroxyl or bromine groups. A small set of isoquinolinones were also prepared from the corresponding isocoumarins.
Estrogen improves working but not reference memory and prevents amnestic effects of scopolamine on a radial-arm maze

This study investigated the effect of estrogen treatment on working memory and reference memory of female rats. In addition, the impact of estrogen on the sensitivity of these two types of memory to the cholinergic antagonist scopolamine was investigated. At 35 days of ages, rats were ovariectomized and implanted chronically with Silastic capsules containing either 25% crystalline estradiol or 100% cholesterol. Thirty days after surgery, animals were trained on an eight-arm radial maze with four arms baited to assess both working and reference memory performance. Following training, females were given scopolamine hydrobromide (0.2 mg/kg IP) prior to retesting on the task. Results indicated that estrogen treatment improved working memory performance during maze acquisition but did not affect reference memory performance. Scopolamine treatment impairmed performance on the working memory component, but not the reference memory component, while estrogen prevented the impairment of working memory by scopolamine. Results support previous evidence that estrogen selectively enhances performance on tasks that depend on working memory.
Building Block Approach to the Construction of Long-Lived Osmium(II) and Ruthenium(II) Multimetallic Complexes Incorporating the Tridentate Bridging Ligand 2,3,5,6-Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine.

Two classes of synthetically useful bimetallic complexes of the form [(tpy)M(tpp)RuCl3](PF6) and [(tpy)M(tpp)Ru(tpp)](PF6)4 have been prepared and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties investigated (tpy = 2,2‘:6‘,2‘‘-terpyridine, tpp = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, and M = RuII or OsII). Synthetic methods have been developed for the stepwise construction of tpp-bridged systems using a building block approach. In all four complexes, the tpp that serves as the bridging ligand is the site of localization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The nature of the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) varies depending upon the components present. In the systems of the type [(tpy)M(tpp)RuCl3](PF6), the ruthenium metal coordinated to tpp and three chlorides is the easiest to oxidize and is the site of localization of the HOMO. In contrast, for the [(tpy)M(tpp)Ru(tpp)](PF6)4 systems, the HOMO is based on the metal, M, that is varied, either Ru or Os. This gives rise to systems wh...
Review of chatter studies in cold rolling

In the past, many different modes of vibration and causes of rolling chatter have been presented, yet no complete and clear picture of the basic mechanics emerged. In order to control chatter in cold rolling operations, a much better understanding of the basic mechanics of the problem is required. To provide, therefore, a ground work for developing such a basic understanding, in this paper, existing models of a mill stand as well as of the rolling process in the open literature are presented. In addition, existing chatter models, which are formulated to investigate chatter as the consequence of the interaction between the structural dynamics of the mills and the dynamics of the rolling process, are also reviewed.
Robust: real-time 3D face tracking from a monocular view

This paper addresses the problem of 3D face tracking from a monocular view. Dominant tracking algorithms in current literature can be classified as intensity-based or feature-based methods. Intensity-based methods track 3D faces based on the brightness constraint, assuming constant intensity of the face across adjacent frames. Feature-based trackers use local 2D features to determine sparse pairs of corresponding points between two frames and estimate 3D pose from these correspondences. We argue that using either approach alone neglects valuable visual information used in the other method. We therefore propose a novel hybrid tracking approach that integrates multiple visual cues. The hybrid tracker uses a nonlinear optimization framework to incorporate both feature correspondence and brightness constraints, and achieves reliable 3D face tracking in real-time. We conduct a series of experiments to analyze our approach and compare its performance with other state-of-the-art trackers. The experiments consist of synthetic sequences with simulated environmental factors and real-world sequences with estimated ground truth. Results show that the hybrid tracker is superior in both accuracy and robustness, particularly when dealing with challenging conditions such as occlusion and extreme lighting. We close with a description of a real-world human-computer interaction application based on our hybrid tracker.
Percutaneous Access Devices in Calves Receiving an Artificial Heart

: Vegetative endocarditis and thromboembolism are the two leading pathologic findings and causes of death in calves receiving total artificial hearts (TAH). Percutaneous access devices (PAD) for the pneumatic drive lines often become infected and may serve as the nidus of infection of the vegetative lesions. Observations of 80 calves living with TAHs revealed that most infections began at the dorsal surface of the PAD. Chronic skin ulceration or acute, traumatic avulsion can result in PAD separation from the skin and bacterial implantation. Evaluation of 58 necropsy specimens from calves with TAHs demonstrated improper flange positioning in 76% of the PAD and gross infection in 57%. A new implantation technique and design of PAD have resulted in better flange position and less irritation at the skin/device interface. Necropsies of 11 animals with the new PAD have shown a reduction in superficial infections.
Passive wireless temperature sensing with piezoelectric MEMS resonators

For the first time, a lateral-extensional piezoelectric MEMS resonator is utilized to enable wireless passive temperature sensing with an accuracy of less than 0.1°C at 1m distance. The high quality factor (2900) and low motional resistance (147Ω) of a 990MHz thin-film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPoS) resonator are exploited to accurately determine the temperature of the subject by monitoring the induced change in the resonance frequency. The resonator is directly connected to an antenna and is excited wirelessly by a pulse-modulated sinusoidal signal. The decaying signal from the resonator is then recorded and the resonance frequency is determined from the frequency spectrum of the resonator's decaying response. The wireless temperature measurement was extended to a 3m distance with an interrogation signal power of 500mW using 5dBi gain antennas.
Contraction of trachealis muscle and activity of tracheal stretch receptors

Abstract This study examined the relationship between tracheal slowly adapting stretch receptor discharge and smooth muscle activity in a preparation in which the efferent supply to the airway was essentially intact. In 7 anesthetized, paralyzed, artificially ventilated dogs, smooth muscle activity was assessed by measuring the pressure of a water-filled cuff placed in the extrathoracic trachea and action potentials originating from 19 extrathoracic tracheal stretch receptors were recorded from the superior laryngeal nerve. Challenges were: hypercapnia ( Fi = 0.05 and Fi = 0.10 ), hypoxia ( Fi = 0.10 and Fi = 0.05 ) and asphyxia. Concurrent increases in cuff pressure and receptor discharge were present in 18 of the endings studied in response to all the challenges presented. The remaining receptor increased its rate of discharge with 10% CO2 and asphyxia; neither receptor discharge or cuff pressure increased with 5% CO2 and hypoxia. Following block of the recurrent laryngeal nerves, baseline values of both pressure and receptor discharge, as well as the responses to asphyxia, decreased; any residual response was eliminated by atropine. Of the 17 receptors whose location could be precisely ascertained, 14 were found in the proximal third of the extrathoracic trachea, and the remaining 3 in the middle third. The temperature at which the nervous conduction was blocked was determined for 3 slowly adapting receptors; it ranged from 4.5 to 12.5 °C. Of 5 extrathoracic tracheal rapidly adapting receptors encountered during the course of the experiments, 3 were tested with asphyxia and found to be unaffected. This study shows that tracheal slowly adapting stretch receptors are activated by smooth muscle contractions reflexes induced by chemoreceptor stimulation.
Homogeneous Enzyme-Based Binding Assay for Studying Glycosaminoglycan Interactions with Macromolecules and Peptides

Abstract A simple and rapid homogeneous enzyme-based binding assay is described to study the degree of interaction between glycosaminoglycans and various macromolecules/peptides. The method is based on the homogeneous inhibition of a highly positively charged enzyme, acid deoxyribonuclease II (EC 3.1.22.1), by glycosaminoglycan polyanions, such as heparin, chondroitin 4-sulfate, and dermatan sulfate. Catalytic activity of DNase II is inhibited to nearly 100% by relatively small amounts of these glycosaminoglycan molecules. In the presence of species that bind these polyanions, the activity of the enzyme is regained in an amount proportional to the concentration of the species present. Thus, the relative binding affinities of various species with a given GAG can be assessed rapidly by comparing the concentration of the compound required to reverse the enzyme inhibition to 50% of the maximum value (ED 50 values). The feasibility of this binding assay principle is demonstrated by measuring the ED 50 values of five macromolecules: polylysine, polyarginine, protamine, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), using heparins of different size, as well as chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate as the GAG polyanions. The applicability of the assay method is further extended to study GAG–peptide interactions. A variety of small synthetic peptides (8–13 amino acid residues) derived from the heparin-binding domains of protamine and type IV collagen are used as model peptide species. Relative GAG-binding affinities of these macromolecules/peptides are compared to previous literature values, and data obtained via a new electrode-based titration method.
Atopic dermatitis: An update

This review focuses on recent literature regarding the following clinical features of atopic dermatitis (AD); diagnostic criteria, epidemiology and genetics, provocative factors, predictors of disease development and markers of disease severity, therapy, and prognosis. For example, the frequency of AD appears to be increasing, perhaps in response to provocative factors such as food allergens and house dust mites. Determination of reliable markers for disease development may identify susceptible newborns and facilitate avoidance of relevant triggers. Immunomodulating therapy holds promise in the treatment of refractory AD, and new investigation has led to refinements in conventional modalities such as antihistamines and phototherapy.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Four Vital Pulp Therapy Materials on L929 Fibroblasts

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity of direct pulp capping materials such as Dycal, Life, ProRoot MTA, and Super-Bond C&B on L929 fibroblasts. Freshly mixed or set materials were prepared and eluted by incubation with cell culture medium for working time period (fresh) or for 6 hours (set). The cells were exposed to media containing elutes for 24 hours, after which the cell survival was evaluated by MTS assays. In freshly mixed materials, average ± standard deviation % cell viabilities were 40.2 ± 14.0%, 43.7 ± 16.0%, 72.9 ± 12.7%, and 66.0 ± 13.6% for Dycal, Life, ProRoot MTA, and Super-Bond C&B, respectively. There was no statistical difference in cell viabilities among material groups, whereas in set materials, the cell viabilities were 48.7 ± 14.8%, 37.2 ± 10.6%, 46.7 ± 15.2%, and 100 ± 21.9% for Dycal, Life, ProRoot MTA, and Super-Bond C&B, respectively. Super-Bond C&B showed more cell viabilities than the other three material groups (P < 0.05). The four vital pulp therapy materials had similar cytotoxicity when the materials were fresh. Super-Bond C&B was less cytotoxic than Dycal, Life, and ProRoot MTA after the materials were set, which suggests the use of SB-C&B in future in vivo clinical investigations.
Chemical defense of the mint plant, Teucrium marum (Labiatae)

The mint plant, Teucrium marum (family Labiatae), sometimes called cat thyme, contains two methylcyclopentanoid monoterpenes, dolichodial and teucrein. The former compound is potently anti-insectan. It is repellent to ants (Monomorium pharaonis) and induces preening reflexes in flies (Phormia regina) and cockroaches (Periplaneta americana). Evidence is presented suggesting that dolichodial, which is presumed to be the plant's chief defensive agent, is stored in the tiny epidermal capsules that beset the leaves. It is only when the leaves are injured (and the capsules ruptured) that the leaves become repellent. Teucrein, in contrast, has no anti-insectan potency. It is present predominantly in the leaf buds, unlike dolichodial, which is present mostly in mature leaves. It is argued that teucrein is the storage compound from which dolichodial is generated during leaf development.
Effect of lysosome modification on the heat potentiation of radiation damage and direct heat death of BP-8 sarcoma cells.

Abstract It has been suggested that lysosomes represent the intracellular target responsible for heat potentiation of radiation damage and direct heat death in mammalian cells. To investigate the hypothesis that heat damages cells by lysosmal activation, BP- 8 murine sarcoma celle were treated with trypan blue. This agent accumulates within lysosomes and causes pronounced inhibition of lysosmal enzymes. To evaluate the possibility that heat damage is mediated by lysosmal membrane instability and leakage of hydrolases into the cytoplasm, BP- 8 cells were treated with a membrane labilizer (retinol) or stabilizer (hydrocortisone). The pre-treated cells were then subjected to hyperthermia ( 1 hr incubation at 37°–43°C ), or to X-irradiation at normal ( 37°C ) vs elevated ( 41.5°C ) temperatures. The results indicate that pretreatment with trypan blue, retinol or hydrocortisone does not exert any effect on the heat response of BP- 8 sarcoma cells. Therefore, it would seem unlikely that lysosomes are responsible for either thermal enhancement of radiation damage or direct heat-induced cell death.
Tacrolimus and Steroid Treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Objective Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) occurs during the chronic progressive course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Mortality is estimated to be >70%, because no effective treatment has been established. We evaluated the effectiveness of combination therapy of tacrolimus and methylprednisolone for AE-IPF. Methods Patients of AE-IPF treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy with or without tacrolimus (targeting 20 ng/mL) during the period between January 2001 and April 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoints were survival rate and duration. We also observed lactate dehydrogenase levels, partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (P/F ratio), KL-6, occurrence of re-exacerbation, and computed tomography score. Results Fifteen Japanese patients [tacrolimus group aged 74.2±6.0 years old (n=5), non-tacrolimus group aged 75.1±12.8 years old (n=10)] were identified. Pre-treatment clinical parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Four of 5 tacrolimus group patients and 1 of 10 non-tacrolimus group patients survived (p 92 days (tacrolimus group) and 38 days (non-tacrolimus group) (p<0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase levels and the P/F ratio were also significantly favorable in the tacrolimus group. KL-6 and CT score were not significantly different in both groups. Four re-acute exacerbations were observed only in the non-tacrolimus group. Conclusion Combined tacrolimus and methylprednisolone pulse therapy mitigates AE-IPF, prevents re-acute exacerbation, and contributes to a better prognosis.
The Disappearance from the Circulation of Chylomicrons Obtained from Control and Diabetic Rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that cholesterol synthesis is increased in the small intestine of diabetic animals and that there is an increased transport of this newly synthesized cholesterol from the small intestine into the circulation. Chylomicrons play an important role in the transport of cholesterol from the small intestine into the circulation, and the present study compared the rates of disappearance from the circulation and the fate of chylomicron cholesterol obtained from control and diabetic animals when administered to either intact control or diabetic rats. Thoracic duct lymph was collected from normal and diabetic rats after the administration of [14C]cholesterol and [3H]vitamin A1. The labeled chylomicrons were isolated by centrifugation and then administered to either control or diabetic rats. The major observation of this study is that chylomicron-associated sterols obtained from diabetic animals were cleared from the circulation in a normal manner. If one compares the rate of disappearance of either [3H]vitamin A1 or [14C] cholesterol-labeled normal chylomicrons administered to control animals with that of labeled diabetic chylomicrons administered to diabetic animals, the half-times in the circulation are almost identical (control: [3H]vitamin A1 t 1/2, 3.6 min; [14C]cholesterol t 1/2, 5.7 min; diabetic: [3H]vitamin A1 t 1/2, 3.5 min; [14C]cholesterol t 1/2, 4.4 min). In both experimental situations the rapid disappearance of [14C]cholesterol was associated with the appearance of [14C]cholesterol in the liver. Very little [14C]cholesterol was present in tissues other than liver, indicating that the rapid removal of labeled chylomicron remnants from the circulation was accounted for by hepatic uptake. These results demonstrate that in diabetic animals chylomicron-associated sterols are cleared from the circulation normally and that the bulk of intestinally derived cholesterol carried in the chylomicron lipoprotein fraction is rapidly delivered to the liver, where it could potentially influence lipoprotein metabolism.
Origins of Atom-Centered Local Density Enhancements in Compressible Supercritical Fluids

We used molecular dynamics simulation of a neat two-dimensional Lennard-Jones fluid to examine how the distribution of local densities found around an atom varies as the critical point is approached. Through this analysis, we discovered that mean local density enhancements arise as a necessary and direct consequence of the long-range density inhomogeneities present in such fluids, thereby establishing a relationship between the local and long-length-scale phenomena. Additionally, we uncovered a second, “potential-induced” mechanism which generates mean local density enhancements at low bulk densities. The competition between these two mechanisms of local density enhancement formation enables us to explain why these enhancements are not maximized at the critical density, as well as to explain how the location of this maximum will depend on intrinsic experimental parameters such as the size of the local region and the strength of the solute−solvent potential interaction.
Topology of document retrieval systems

Document-retrieval systems can be classified on the basis of the topology each system induces on its set of possible documents. The induced topology measures closeness among documents, with two documents considered close if a retrieval which includes one document is likely to also include the other. The induced topology may be distinct from the usual topology which the set of documents inherits from its indexing system. Under a reasonably general definition of document-retrieval systems, the existence of a query which returns one of two preselected documents, but not the other, is a necessary and sufficient condition for the document-retrieval system to induce not only a topology, but also a metric on its set of documents. the topological structure and induced metric of the following document-retrieval systems are analyzed: the vector-space model, the fuzzy-set model, the Extended-Boolean model, a probabilistic model, and the TIRS model
A Cognitive Analysis of Sin and Expiation in Early Hindu Literature

The concept of dharma is notoriously hard to translate into Western languages. Among its meanings, one frequently hears, are such competing connotations as nature, intrinsic quality, civil and moral law, virtue, merit, duty, and morality (Aiyangar 1963; Edgerton 1942). The decisive divide among these connotations appears to split natural from normative types of discourse. Certainly, the concept of sin (p?pa) in the dharma literature contains this ambiguity between onto logical (religious) and ethical meanings. The same applies, of course, to its counterpart?expiation (pr?yascitt?). The matter is further complicated by the apparent absence, in dharma literature, of theoretical ethical reflections that would help us differentiate religious from ethical values (Creel 1977). It is not even clear what "religious" means in the context of dharma texts or, for that matter, in general. Religion easily dissolves into ritual and magical prescriptions, along with the more obvious theological assertions. By the strict standards of ethical discourse (Little and Twiss 1978), dharma formulations are either oblivious to such distinctions or they violate them. Of course, the domains of both religion and ethics are contested in a variety of ways, ranging from the way one defines religion (and religious action-guides) to the possibility that ethical action can never be autonomous of religious justification (Lovin and Reynolds 1986; Reeder 1998). Nonetheless, because so much of what is recognized as dharma constitutes ritual and even magical practice (along with law and ethics), the search for moral criteria in the dharma texts is understandable. In this enterprise a number of options are available. One may look for indigenous systemic-theoretical reflections that post-date the texts and explain them as data. An example of this is Francis Clooney's discussion (1989) of mim?ms? theorizing on caste. Another approach is to find in the texts
Neurologic injury because of trauma after type II odontoid nonunion.

Abstract Background context Treatment of Type II odontoid fractures remains controversial, whereas nonoperative treatment is well accepted for isolated Type III odontoid fractures. Little is known about long-term sequelae of nonoperative management or risk of recurrent injury after nonsurgical treatment. We hypothesize that a substantial proportion of odontoid fractures assumed to be acute are actually chronic injuries and have a high rate of late displacement resulting in neurologic injury. Purpose To identify patients presenting with previously unrecognized odontoid fracture nonunions and to document the incidence of new neurologic injury after secondary trauma in this population. Study design Retrospective case series. Patient sample One hundred thirty-three patients with Type II odontoid fractures presenting to a Level I trauma center. Outcome measures Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, American Spinal Injury Association Motor Score (AMS), and neurologic examination. Methods All patients presenting after traumatic injury to a Level I trauma center from May 2005 to May 2010 with a Type II odontoid fracture on CT scan were included. Patients aged less than 18 years and those with pathologic fractures were excluded. Fractures were classified as chronic or acute based on CT evidence of chronic injury/nonunion including fracture resorption, sclerosis, and cyst formation. Magnetic resonance imaging was then examined for evidence of fracture acuity (increased signal in C2 on T2 images). Patients without evidence of acute fracture on MRI were considered to have chronic injuries. Computed tomography and MRI scans were interpreted independently by two reviewers. Chart review was performed to document demographics, AMS, and new-onset neurologic deficit associated with secondary injury. Results One hundred thirty-three patients presented with Type II odontoid fractures and no known history of cervical fracture with an average age of 79 years. Based on CT criteria, 31/133 (23%) fractures were chronic injuries. Nine additional fractures appeared acute on CT but were determined to be chronic by MRI findings. The overall number of chronic fractures was therefore 40 (30%). Interobserver reliability analysis for classification of fractures as chronic demonstrated κ=0.65 representing substantial agreement. Of the 40 chronic fractures, 7 patients (17.5%) had new-onset neurologic deficits after secondary injury including 4 motor deficits, 2 sensory deficits, and 1 combined deficit. Although the chronic injury group as a whole had similar AMS to the acute injury group (89 vs. 84, p=.27), the seven patients with new-onset neurologic deficit had an average AMS of 52.4. Conclusions A substantial proportion of patients presenting after cervical trauma with Type II odontoid fractures have evidence of nonacute injury. Of these patients, 17% presented with a new neurologic deficit caused by an “acute-on-chronic” injury.
Generalized billiard paths and Morse theory for manifolds with corners

Abstract A billiard path on a manifold M embedded in Euclidean space is a series of line segments connecting reflection points on M . In a generalized billiard path we also allow the path to pass through M . The two segments at a ‘reflection’ point either form a straight angle, or an angle whose bisector is normal to M . Our goal is to estimate the number of generalized billiard paths connecting fixed points with a given number of reflections. We begin by broadening our point of view and allowing line segments that connect any sequence of points on M . Since this sequence is determined by its ‘reflection’ points, the length of such a sequence with k reflections may be thought of as a function on M k . Generalized billiard paths correspond to critical points of this length function. The length function is not smooth on M k , having singularities along some of its diagonals. Following the procedure of Fulton and MacPherson we may blow up M k to obtain a compact manifold with corners to which the length function extends smoothly. We develop a version of Morse theory for manifolds with corners and use it to study this length function. There are already versions of Morse theory that may be used in this case, but ours is a generalization of the work of Braess, retaining both a global ‘gradient’ flow and the intrinsic stratification of a manifold with corners. We find that the number of generalized billiard paths with k reflections connecting two points in R N can be estimated in terms of the homology of the manifold M . In part, we show the number of these paths is at least ∑ j=0 n−1 ∑ i 1 +⋯+i k =j b i 1 (M)⋯b i k (M)
Flux-flow noise measurements on type-II superconductors

Abstract Flux-flow noise in type II superconductors is investigated experimentally. The observed noise turns out to be shot noise as expected from the assumption that the flux-flow voltage is generated by independently drifting flux bundles. Bundle sizes as large as 102 to 105 are found in vanadium foils dependent on the bias condition. The experiment shows qualitative agreement with the theory.
Art In Science

This article presents the results of a study of artistry in the practice of research in the social sciences. Traditionally, science and art have been regarded as complementary, one dealing with the expression of feeling, the other with the pursuit of truth. Art, it is widely believed, is largely ornamental in life—nice but not necessary; science is critical to the future. Yet science has a personal side as well as a public one. What is the personal side of science like for those engaged in research in the social sciences? Do artistic considerations function in doing science? If so, where and when? We interviewed social scientists who were fellows at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences to secure insight into the role that artistry might play in the course of their work. This article describes what we learned.
Method for automatic georeferencing aerial remote sensing (RS) images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform

Before an aerial image can be used to support a site-specific application it is essential to perform the geometric corrections and geocoding. This research discusses the development of an automatic aerial image georeferencing method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image data acquisition platform that does not require use of ground control points (GCP). An onboard navigation system is capable of providing continuous estimates of the position and attitude of the UAV. Based on a navigation data and a camera lens distortion model, the image collected by an onboard multispectral camera can be automatically georeferenced. When compared with 16 presurveyed ground reference points, image automatic georeferenced results indicated that position errors were less than 90 cm. A large field mosaic image can be generated according to the individual image georeferenced information. A 56.9 cm mosaic error was achieved. This accuracy is considered sufficient for most of the intended precision agriculture applications.