cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unfractionated heparin: multitargeted therapy for delayed neurological deficits induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with numerous “delayed neurological deficits” (DNDs) that have been attributed to multiple pathophysiological mechanisms, including ischemia, microthrombosis, free radical damage, inflammation, and vascular remodeling. To date, effective prophylactic therapy for SAH-induced DNDs has been elusive, due perhaps to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved that render typical, single-agent therapy seemingly futile. We hypothesized that heparin, which has multiple underappreciated salutary effects, might be useful as a multitargeted prophylactic agent against SAH-induced DNDs. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to evaluate the potential utility of heparin in targeting the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms that have been identified as contributing to SAH-induced DNDs. Our literature review revealed that unfractionated heparin can potentially antagonize essentially all of the pathophysiological mechanisms known to be activated following SAH. Heparin binds >100 proteins, including plasma proteins, proteins released from platelets, cytokines, and chemokines. Also, heparin complexes with oxyhemoglobin, blocks the activity of free radicals including reactive oxygen species, antagonizes endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction, smooth muscle depolarization, and inflammatory, growth and fibrogenic responses. Our review suggests that the use of prophylactic heparin following SAH may warrant formal study.
The enthalpies of combustion and formation of n-butylbenzene, the diethylbenzenes, the methyl-n-propylbenzenes, and the methyl-iso-propylbenzenes

The enthalpies of combustion of n-butylbenzene and nine of its isomers were determined by precision oxygen-bomb combustion calorimetry. The following values, based on the mass of sample burned, are reported for the standard enthalpy of combustion ΔHoo(298.15 K) kcalth mol−1 of these compounds in the liquid state: n-butylbenzene, -(1403.56 ± 0.22); 1,2-diethylbenzene, -(1402.35 ± 0.21); 1,3-diethylbenzene, - (1401.15 ± 0.22); 1,4-diethylbenzene, -(1401.31 ± 0.19); 1-methyl-2-n-propylbenzene, -(1401.40 ± 0.21); 1-methyl-3-n-propylbenzene, -(1400.50 ± 0.26); 1-methyl-4-n-propylbenzene, -(1400.78 ± 0.21); 1-methyl-2-iso-propylbenzene, -(1401.20 ± 0.20); 1-methyl-3-iso-propylbenzene, -(1399.93 ± 0.24); and 1-methyl-4-iso-propylbenzene, -(1400.07 ± 0.24). The “ortho” effect was observed in each of the 1,2-isomers.
New approaches to determination of constrained lumping schemes for a reaction system in the whole composition space

Abstract Two new approaches to the determination of constrained lumping schemes are presented. They are based on the property that the lumping schemes validated in the whole composition Y n -space of y are only determined by the invariance of the subspace spanned by the row vectors of lumping matrix M with respect to the transpose of the Jacobian matrix J T ( y ) for the kinetic equations. It is proved that, when a part of a lumping matrix M G is given, each row of the part of the lumping matrix to be determined, M D , is certain linear combinations of a set of eigenvectors of a special symmetric matrix. This symmetric matrix is related to M T G and A k M T G , where A k are the basis matrices of J T ( y ). It is shown that the approximate lumping matrices containing M G with different row number n ( n n ) and global minimum errors can be determined by an optimization method. Using the concept of the minimal invariant subspace of a constant matrix over a given subspace one can directly obtain the lumping matrices containing M G with different n . The accuracy of these lumping matrices are shown to be satisfactory in sample calculations.
Can piracy lead to higher prices in the music and motion picture industries

Piracy of copyrighted goods has received increased attention in the literature. Much of this research has focused on pricing policies, protection against piracy, and governmental policies in the software industries. In this paper, we focus on pricing policies of producers in the music and motion picture industries. Exact analytical results are difficult to obtain; therefore, we develop an approximating function of the cumulative demand. This enables us to obtain closed-form expressions for the optimal price. Our results show that the existence of piracy in these industries and the lack of positive network externalities may cause monopolists to charge higher prices to optimize profits. These prices increase with increases in the speed of piracy and longer product lifecycles. We demonstrate the accuracy of our demand approximation function using a numerical experiment. We show how a two-price strategy and dual distribution channels may help in reducing the negative effects of piracy. We perform some numerical sensitivity analysis and provide managerial insights.
Differential expression of cytokine transcripts in neonatal and adult ovine alveolar macrophages in response to respiratory syncytial virus or toll-like receptor ligation

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) secrete regulatory molecules that are believed to be critical in maintaining normal lung homeostasis. However, in response to activating signals, AMs have been shown to become highly phagocytic cells capable of secreting significant lev- els of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There is evidence to suggest that susceptibility of M subpopulations to viral infection, and their subsequent cytokine/chemokine response, is dependent on age of the host. In the present study, we compared bovine respiratory syncy- tial virus (BRSV) replication and induction of cytokine responses in neonatal ovine AM st o those cells isolated from adult animals. While neonatal AMs could be infected with BRSV, viral replication was limited as previously shown for AMs from mature animals. Interest- ingly, following BRSV infection, peak mRNA levels of IL-1 and IL-8 in neonatal AM were several fold higher than levels induced in adult AMs. In addition, peak mRNA expression for the cytokines examined occurred at earlier time points in neonatal AMs compared to adult AMs. However, the data indicated that viral replication was not required for the induction of specific cytokines in either neonatal or adult AMs. TLR3 and TLR4 agonists induced significantly higher levels of cytokine transcripts than BRSV in both neonatal and adult AMs. It was recently proposed that immaturity of the neonatal immune system extends from production of pro-inflammatory cytokines to regulation of such responses. Differential regulation of cytokines in neonatal AMs compared to adult AMs in response to RSV could be a contributory factor to more severe clinical episodes seen in neonates. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Operational multi-angle hyperspectral remote sensing for feature detection

Remote sensing results of land and water surfaces from airborne and satellite platforms are dependent upon the illumination geometry and the sensor viewing geometry. Correction of pushbroom hyperspectral imagery can be achieved using bidirectional reflectance factors (BRF’s) image features based upon their multi-angle hyperspectral signatures. Ground validation of features and targets utilize non-imaging sensors such as hemispherical goniometers. In this paper, a new linear translation based hyperspectral imaging goniometer system is described. Imagery and hyperspectral signatures obtained from a rotation stage platform and the new linear non-hemispherical goniometer system shows applications and a multi-angle correction approach for multi-angle hyperspectral pushbroom imagery corrections. Results are presented in a manner in order to describe how ground, vessel and airborne based multi-angle hyperspectral signatures can be applied to operational hyperspectral image acquisition by the calculation of hyperspectral anisotropic signature imagery. The results demonstrate the analysis framework from the systems to water and coastal vegetation for exploitation of surface and subsurface feature or target detection based using the multi-angle radiative transfer based BRF’s. The hyperspectral pushbroom multi-angle analysis methodology forms a basis for future multi-sensor based multi-angle change detection algorithms.
Cluster sets of vector series

In this paper, the notion of a convergent vector series is generalized. Its usefulness in semi-infinite programming and in optimization problems with measures is shown.
Function of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase in splicing group I introns: an induced-fit model for binding to the P4-P6 domain based on analysis of mutations at the junction of the P4-P6 stacked helices.

Abstract We used an Escherichia coli genetic assay based on the phage T4 td intron to test the ability of the Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) to suppress mutations that cause structural defects around its binding site in the P4-P6 domain of the group I intron catalytic core. We analyzed all possible combinations of nucleotides at either P4 bp-1 or P6 bp-1, which together form the junction of the P4-P6 stacked helices, and looked for synergistic effects in double mutants. Most mutations at either position inhibit self-splicing, but can be suppressed by CYT-18. CYT-18 can compensate efficiently for mutations that disrupt base-pairing at either P4 bp-1 or P6 bp-1, for mutations at P6 bp-1 that disrupt the base-triple interaction with J3/4-3, and for nucleotide substitutions at either position that are predicted to be suboptimal for base stacking, based on the analysis of DNA four-way junctions. However, CYT-18 has difficulty suppressing combinations of mutations at P4 bp-1 and P6 bp-1 that simultaneously disrupt base-pairing and base stacking. Thermal denaturation and Fe(II)-EDTA analysis showed that mutations at the junction of the P4-P6 stacked helices lead to grossly impaired tertiary-structure formation centered in the P4-P6 domain. CYT-18-suppressible mutants bind the protein with K d values up to 79-fold higher than that for the wild-type intron, but in all cases tested, the k off value for the complex remains within twofold of the wild-type value, suggesting that the binding site can be formed properly and that the increased K d value reflects primarily an increased k on value for the binding of CYT-18 to the misfolded intron. Our results indicate that the P4/P6 junction is a linchpin region, where even small nucleotide substitutions grossly disrupt the catalytically-active group I intron tertiary structure, and that CYT-18 binding induces the formation of the correct structure in this region, leading to folding of the group I intron catalytic core.
Tungsten-Doped Titanium Dioxide in the Rutile Structure: Theoretical Considerations

Tungsten-doped titanium dioxide has the potential to replace conventional carbon black in catalyst support applications. In this paper, structural and electronic properties of W-doped rutile are theoretically studied. Lattice parameters as well as W−W pairing in models for a range of doping are calculated and match well with the experimental results. W doping leads to in-plane expansion and c-axis contraction in the rutile structure. The pairing of tungsten atoms is a Peierls-type distortion, resulting in less cluttering of bands around the Fermi energy. Our computational finding of paired structures as energetically more stable is in agreement with the literature on similar systems. W-doped rutile is conducting at both high and low doping levels; the states involved near the Fermi level are predominantly W(5d).
Uptake of Tritiated Retinaldehyde by the Visual Pigment of Dark-adapted Rats

RHODOPSIN bleaches in the light to opsin and free retinaldehyde. In the retina of the living albino rat, this retinaldehyde is reduced to retinol, which then flows into the pigment epithelium1. The process reverses during dark-adaptation, and continues until the visual pigment has regenerated. Because rhodopsin is stable at physiological pH and temperature, it seems unlikely that continued turnover would occur in animals kept in total darkness. Our experiments demonstrate, however, that this process takes place to a marked degree. We recently gave a brief account of our findings2.
Velocity Vector Imaging to Quantify Ventricular Dyssynchrony and Predict Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Velocity vector imaging is a novel quantitative echocardiographic technique that was applied to routine grayscale echocardiographic images of 23 patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy. The hypothesis was tested that velocity vector imaging can quantify left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and predict response to resynchronization therapy. Tissue velocities were determined by the automated tracking of periodic B-mode image patterns on digital cine loops from standard apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long-axis views, with the user tracing the mid left ventricular wall from a single frame. Dyssynchrony was determined as the greatest opposing wall peak longitudinal systolic velocity delay from the 3 views. Responders, defined as those with ≥15% increases in the ejection fraction, had greater baseline dyssynchrony than nonresponders (opposing wall velocity delays of 131 ± 83 vs 52 ± 60 ms, p
Synthesis of poly[(styrene)-rotaxa-(crown ether)]s via free radical polymerization

Abstract Poly[(styrene)-rotaxa-(crown ether)]s were synthesized by free radical polymerizations of styrene in the presence of crown ethers using bulky `blocking group' initiators to ensure end-capping for prevention of dethreading. These statistical processes produced only low threading yields, but up to 26% cyclic by mass with large crown ethers. The poly[(styrene)-rotaxa-(crown ether)]s `emulsified' in protic solvents such as methanol and water. The dispersion polymerization of styrene in methanol or water using `42-crown-14' (`42C14') indicated that threading provided stability of the polyrotaxane micelles in such solvents through hydrophilic–hydrophobic phase separation. DSC investigations indicated that the threading prevents the crystallization of the crown ether and allows phase mixing to some extent, since two altered Tg's were observed.
Soybean, corn, and wheat yields with variable soil pH on Plinthic Acrisols

Liming costs have escalated since the mid 1970's in the United States. Studies of crop response to lime with irrigation are limited as well as those of crop response to soil acidifying agents. This study was conducted to determine yield response of irrigated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], corn (Zea mays L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to lime and S and the change in soil pH, in response to lime and S. Irrigated soybean, corn, and wheat were grown on Dothan and Tifton loamy fine sand (Plinthic Acrisols) with different levels of calcite, dolomite, and S. Soil samples were collected before applying treatments and during each growing season. Soil pH and Mehlich I extractable P, K, Ca, and Mg in addition to grain yield of each crop were determined. Highest soybean yield (4.2 t ha−1) occurred in 1984 at a soil pH of 4.9 (1:1 v/v soil—water suspension) while the yield was zero at a pH of 3.7 on S treated plots. A soil pH of 4.8 in 1985 reduced soybean yield from 3.4 to 2.7 t ha−1 in comparison to untreated plots (pH = 5.6). In 1986, soybean yield was 0.8 t ha−1 at pH 4.0 in comparison to 2.3 t ha−1 at pH 5.1 and 5.9. Corn did not respond to lime with control pH of 5.3 in 1985 or 5.1 in 1986 but S at pH 4.6 reduced yield from 12.3 to 8.7 t ha−1 in 1985 and S reduced yield from 11.0 to 0.9 t ha−1 at pH 4.0 in 1986. Sulfur reduced wheat yield from 4.3 to 1.7 t ha−1 in 1985 and from 2.2 to 0.9 t ha−1 in 1987. Soil pH after cropping with S addition was 4.4 each year. Wheat did not respond to lime when unlimed soil had a pH of 5.2 or above.
Therapeutic advantage from combining 5-fluorouracil with the hypoxia-selective cytotoxin NLCQ-1 in vivo; comparison with tirapazamine.

Abstract Purpose. The antitumor effect and bone marrow toxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in combination with the hypoxia-selective cytotoxins NLCQ-1 or tirapazamine (TPZ) were investigated in vivo. Methods. Using appropriate intraperitoneal administration schedules for optimal synergistic interactions, the antitumor effect and the bone marrow toxicity of combinations of NLCQ-1 or TPZ and 5FU were determined in EMT6/BALB/c and SCCVII/C3H models in terms of dose modification factors (DMF) using the in vivo-in vitro clonogenic assay as endpoint. Bone marrow toxicity studies were performed in parallel using a modified CFU-GM assay. The antitumor efficacies of each combination treatment under optimal administration conditions were evaluated in the SCCVII/C3H model using also the tumor regrowth assay as endpoint. Results. A schedule-dependent and tumor-specific synergistic interaction was observed for NLCQ-1 plus 5FU and DMFs of 2.0–2.3 and 1.0 were obtained for the antitumor effect and bone marrow toxicity, respectively, in both tumor models. The antitumor effect of 5FU was slightly potentiated (DMF 1.2) by TPZ in the EMT6/BALB/c model but not in the SCCVII/C3H model when the in vivo-in vitro assay was used as the endpoint. Significant additional tumor regrowth delays (about 11 and 6 days for NLCQ-1 and TPZ, respectively) were observed, compared to the effect of 5FU alone, when an equitoxic dose of NLCQ-1 (10 mg/kg) or TPZ (23 mg/kg) was administered 1 h before 5FU (50 mg/kg) twice a day at 4-h intervals on days 0 and 9. Conclusions. These results corroborate the therapeutic advantage of combining hypoxia-selective cytotoxins such as NLCQ-1 and TPZ with chemotherapy.
Comprehensive Analysis of GnRH2 Neuronal Projections in Zebrafish

The presence and conservation of GnRH2 across vertebrate species suggest important biological roles. However, the function of GnRH2 remains unclear. A good research model for GnRH2 functional studies is still lacking largely due to the absence of GnRH2 in the widely used mouse model. Hence, we used the zebrafish, for which powerful genetic tools are available, and developed a transgenic (Tg) line expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP). The high sensitivity of eGFP, which can diffuse throughout the neuron, enables us to document the complete projectome of GnRH2 neurons at different developmental stages. Fine projection structures were observed without sacrificing the fish. Crossed with the GnRH3:tdTomato Tg line, the GnRH2:eGFP Tg line provides us with an opportunity to visualize the entire GnRH system simultaneously in one organism. This work will provide a framework to understand the function of the highly-conserved GnRH2 system.
The role of mast cell disruption in the acute manifestations of the intravenous injection of morphine in dogs.

Abstract Effects of intravenous administration of 48 80 (0.5 mg/kg) in unanesthetized dogs were strikingly similar to those of morphine (10 mg/kg). Both elicited, after a latency of 30 sec, a brief period of violent struggling, vocalization, scratching, vomiting, urination and defecation; the hypotension (to shock levels), tachypnoea and profuse salivation lasted for about one hour. In addition, morphine treated dogs showed marked sedation and respiratory depression. Dogs whose histamine stores were depleted by 48 80 manifested none of the above effects except sedation and respiratory depression. Likewise an injection of morphine prevented the effects of a subsequent injection of 48 80 . Whereas sedation and respiratory depression appeared to be independent of the histamine releasing property of morphine, the other effects elicited by intravenous injection of morphine were suppressed by 48 80 and thus were probably mediated via released histamine. The mast cells appear to be an important site of morphine action.
Src-family protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylates WNK4 and modulates its inhibitory effect on KCNJ1 (ROMK)

Genetic, biochemical, and animal model studies have implicated with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) in regulation of the balance between renal salt reabsorption and K secretion. It has been proposed that serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1)-induced phosphorylation of WNK4 plays an important role in switching from inhibiting KCNJ1 (ROMK) channels during volume depletion to promoting K secretion during increasing K intake. However, it is not understood why a high SGK1 level fails to stimulate ROMK channels during the volume depletion, whereas it increases ROMK channel activity and K secretion during high K intake. The present study provides insights into the mechanism illustrating how SFK-induced phosphorylation of WNK4 regulates ROMK to distinguish the physiologic response to hyperkalemia and volume depletion.
Flexible ultrasonic array system for inspecting thick composite structures

Composite materials, which have commonly been used in recreational boats, are now being applied to more challenging marine applications. The high specific stiffness and strength of composites translates into increased range and payload. Composites offer the added benefits of corrosion and erosion resistance, fatigue and wear resistance, reduced signature, and reduced maintenance and life cycle costs as compared to traditional metallic structures. Although ultrasonic techniques are typically used to inspect composite structures, thick composites, such as those used in marine applications, are difficult to inspect with ordinary ultrasonic methods. An ultrasonic inspection system is being developed for the US Army to inspect thick composite materials for future armored vehicles. This system is an extension of the existing PARIS flexible array ultrasonic inspection system, which was originally developed for inspecting thin composite aircraft structures. The extension is designed to increase ultrasonic penetration by 1) fabricating an array that operates at lower frequency and higher voltage, and 2) employing a synthetic pulse technique. The flexible array can rapidly inspect large areas and produce images of the inspection results that are easy to interpret. This paper describes the ultrasonic inspection system and presents examples of inspection results from both thick and thin composite materials.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Process Validation: A 17-Year Retrospective of Solid-Dosage Forms

The author takes the reader through the various stages, phases, and steps in the product and process development sequence of solid-dosage form design (tablet and capsule) using process validation principles and practices as a guide. The challenge for the pharmaceutical industry as it approaches the next millennium is to streamline and/or simplify validation requirements without sacrificing product quality and process flexibility. Cost-containment pressures in the future will necessitate the use of more process automation and innovative ways of manufacturing products. In the final analysis, these objectives can best be accomplished with the cooperation of a worldwide regulatory commitment to achieving harmonization goals for both good manufacturing practices and process validation.
Effects of substrate orientation and cooling rate on microstructure of PbTiO3 thin films grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

PbTiO3 thin films grown on (001) MgO, (110) MgO and (111)-textured Au/(001)MgO by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution electron microscopy. PbTiO3 films deposited on (001) MgO under optimum conditions show a bilayer structure. The top layer of the films near the free surface is c axis oriented with (001)[100]PbTiO3 ‖ (001)[100]MgO. The bottom layer of the films near the substrate is a axis oriented with (100)[001]PbTiO3 ‖ (001)[100]MgO. 90° domains (or {101} twins) were observed only in the c-axis-oriented layers. The thickness of the a-axis-oriented layers depends on the cooling rate and film thickness. It was found that the thickness of the a-axis-oriented layers near the substrate decreases with decreasing cooling rate and/or increasing film thickness. PbTiO3 films deposited on (110) MgO, however, are single-layer epitaxial thin films with (101)[001]PbTiO3 ‖ (110)[001]MgO. Highly (001)-textured PbTiO3 thin films were obtained on (111)-oriented Au/(001)MgO. This texture appears to be due to a number of small holes (<1 μm) formed in the Au thin films during heating to the growth temperature. These holes seem to have acted as nucleation sites for (001) PbTiO3 on (001) MgO. Since the growth rate along {100} is much faster than along other directions for PbTiO3, the resultant films are highly c axis oriented.
Sum frequency generation studies on bioadhesion: Elucidating the molecular structure of proteins at interfaces

The study of bioadhesion is significant to applications in a variety of scientific fields. Techniques that are surface-sensitive need to be utilized to examine these kinds of systems because bioadhesion occurs at the interface between two surfaces. Recently, sum frequency generation (SFG) has been applied to investigate different bioadhesive processes because of its intrinsic surface specificity, excellent sensitivity, and its ability to perform experiments in situ. SFG studies on the bioadhesion of fibrinogen, Factor XII, and mefp-3 on various surfaces will be discussed in this review.
Finite Element Modeling of Osmotic Swelling in Tissue-Engineered Cartilage

Proteoglycans and Type II collagen represent the two major biochemical constituents of articular cartilage. Collagen fibrils in cartilage resist the swelling pressure that arises from the fixed charges of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and together they give rise to the tissue’s unique load bearing properties. As articular cartilage exhibits a poor intrinsic healing capacity, there is significant research in the development of cell-based therapies for cartilage repair. In some of our tissue engineering studies, we have observed a phenomenon where chondrocyte-seeded hydrogel constructs display cracking in their central regions after significant GAG content has been elaborated in culture. A theoretical analysis was performed to gain greater insights into the potential role that the spatial distribution of proteoglycan and collagen may play in this observed response.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
White matter integrity supports BOLD signal variability and cognitive performance in the aging human brain.

Decline in cognitive performance in old age is linked to both suboptimal neural processing in grey matter (GM) and reduced integrity of white matter (WM), but the whole-brain structure-function-cognition associations remain poorly understood. Here we apply a novel measure of GM processing–moment-to-moment variability in the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal (SDBOLD)—to study the associations between GM function during resting state, performance on four main cognitive domains (i.e., fluid intelligence, perceptual speed, episodic memory, vocabulary), and WM microstructural integrity in 91 healthy older adults (aged 60-80 years). We modeled the relations between whole-GM SDBOLD with cognitive performance using multivariate partial least squares analysis. We found that greater SDBOLD was associated with better fluid abilities and memory. Most of regions showing behaviorally relevant SDBOLD (e.g., precuneus and insula) were localized to inter- or intra-network “hubs” that connect and integrate segregated functional domains in the brain. Our results suggest that optimal dynamic range of neural processing in hub regions may support cognitive operations that specifically rely on the most flexible neural processing and complex cross-talk between different brain networks. Finally, we demonstrated that older adults with greater WM integrity in all major WM tracts had also greater SDBOLD and better performance on tests of memory and fluid abilities. We conclude that SDBOLD is a promising functional neural correlate of individual differences in cognition in healthy older adults and is supported by overall WM integrity.
RADIATIVE CAPTURE CROSS SECTIONS FOR FAST NEUTRONS

Neutron capture cross sections have been measured for 28 elements in the neutron energy range 175 to 1000 kev. The method used was detection of capture gamma radiation in a one-meter-diameter liquid scintillator, the capture samples being placed at the center for irradiation by a pulsed neutron beam. Absolute cross sections have been determined by comparison with the known capture-plus-fission cross section of ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$; both capture and fission events are detected with nearly 100% efficiency in this arrangement. Corrections have been made for loss of capture-gamma-ray energy, by means of pulse height analyses and comparison between one-meter and 48-cm scintillator results; corrections have also been made for change in path length due to scattering. The results obtained appear to agree reasonably well with the predictions of resonance theory, with level densities given by the Fermi gas model together with the effective ground state of Hurwitz and Bethe. The low capture cross sections of magic-number target nuclides appear well correlated with the magic-number effects on the mass.
A Clean New Gag

(1971). A Clean New Gag. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development: Vol. 13, Special Holiday Good News Issue, pp. 4-9.
Ratios of strain-optical constants of alkali halides by an ultrasonic technique

The ratios of the strain-optical constants were measured for several alkali halides using the author’s zeroth-order pulsed-ultrasound technique. The crystal samples were oriented so that three different experimental conditions were possible. This results in three linear equations in the two unknown ratios p12/p11 and p44/p11. The overdetermination of the ratios permits the calculation of weighted averages as the values of the ratios and also makes it possible to determine the signs of the ratios. The values obtained were: NaF, p12/p11 = 3.04. p44/p11 = −0.42; NaCl, p12/p11 = 1.36, p44/p11 = −0.083; NaBr, p12/p11 = 1.24, p44/p11 = −0.030; KF, p12/p11 = 0.79, p44/p11 = −0.11; KCL, p12/p11 = 0.76, p44/p11 = −0.099; KBr, p12/p11 = 0.79, p44/p11 = −0.086; KI, p12/p11 = 0.83, p44/p11 =−0.039.
High-Performance Work Systems and Job Control Consequences for Anxiety, Role Overload, and Turnover Intentions

This study examines relationships among high-performance work systems (HPWS), job control, employee anxiety, role overload, and turnover intentions. Building on theory that challenges the rhetoric versus reality of HPWS, the authors explore a potential “dark side” of HPWS that suggests that HPWS, which are aimed at creating a competitive advantage for organizations, do so at the expense of workers, thus resulting in negative consequences for individual employees. However, the authors argue that these consequences may be tempered when HPWS are also implemented with a sufficient amount of job control, or discretion given to employees in determining how to implement job responsibilities. The authors draw on job demands–control theory and the stress literatures to hypothesize moderated-mediation relationships relating the interaction of HPWS utilization and job control to anxiety and role overload, with subsequent effects on turnover intentions. The authors examine these relationships in a multilevel sample o...
N- and C-Terminal Flanking Regions Modulate Light-Induced Signal Transduction in the Lov2 Domain of the Blue Light Sensor Phototropin 1 from Avena Sativa.

Light sensing by photoreceptors controls phototropism, chloroplast movement, stomatal opening, and leaf expansion in plants. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which these processes are regulated requires a quantitative description of photoreceptor dynamics. We focus on a light-driven signal transduction mechanism in the LOV2 domain (LOV, light, oxygen, voltage) of the blue light photoreceptor phototropin 1 from Avena sativa (oat). High-resolution crystal structures of the dark and light states of an oat LOV2 construct including residues Leu404 through Leu546 (LOV2 (404-546)) have been determined at 105 and 293 K. In all four structures, LOV2 (404-546) exhibits the typical Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) fold, flanked by an additional conserved N-terminal turn-helix-turn motif and a C-terminal flanking region containing an amphipathic Jalpha helix. These regions dock on the LOV2 core domain and bury several hydrophobic residues of the central beta-sheet of the core domain that would otherwise be exposed to solvent. Light structures of LOV2 (404-546) reveal that formation of the covalent bond between Cys450 and the C4a atom of the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) results in local rearrangement of the hydrogen-bonding network in the FMN binding pocket. These rearrangements are associated with disruption of the Asn414-Asp515 hydrogen bond on the surface of the protein and displacement of the N- and C-terminal flanking regions of LOV2 (404-546), both of which constitute a structural signal.
Learning Disabilities in Alcohol-Dependent Adults A Preliminary Study

To determine if neuropsychological deficits, known to precede alcohol use in those genetically predisposed to alcoholism, were present in an alcoholic population, 25 male alcoholics (mean age 41.1) were interviewed concerning alcohol usage, educational difficulties in elementary school, and family history of alcoholism. Using a regression table, discrepancies between current IQ on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) (Wechsler, 1981) and achievement on the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJB) (Woodcock & Johnson, 1977) were calculated to determine present learning status. Forty percent of the alcoholics were found to have had special education, remedial services, or repeated grade failure concurrent with a familial history of alcoholism and current discrepancies indicative of learning disability. There were no significant differences on intelligence, years of drinking, or mean grades completed in school between this group and the rest of the subjects who did not receive services in school. Conclusions were that childhood learning disorders may be related to the development of alcoholism, particularly when alcoholism is in the family, and that special educators have a role to play in the prevention and treatment of alcoholism.
Biomechanics of lumbar arthroplasty.

There are many issues to consider when evaluating the biomechanics of lumbar arthroplasty, which may consist of a nucleus replacement, a total disc replacement, or a mobile posterior device. The goal of spinal arthroplasty is to replicate or augment the function of the normal spinal elements, by taking into consideration both in the quantity and quality of motion that occurs across the replaced joint. This article describes the relevant parameters for studying the biomechanics of lumbar arthroplasty and briefly summarizes the current knowledge with regard to those parameters in some well-known lumbar nucleoplasty, facet replacement, and total disc arthroplasty devices.
High-Speed 501-Stage DCFL GaN Ring Oscillator Circuits

Direct-coupled field-effect transistor (FET) logic inverters and 501-stage ring oscillators (ROs) are fabricated using highly scaled GaN heterojunction FET with gate lengths of 20 and 40 nm. A 40-nm gate-length E/D inverter has logic-low and logic-high noise margins of 0.465 and 1.59 V, respectively, and a logic voltage swing of 2.38 V measured at Vdd = 2.5 V. The corresponding 40-nm 501-stage RO frequency and stage delay are 0.067 GHz and 15 ps, whereas the frequency and stage delay of a 20-nm RO are 0.133 GHz and 7.5 ps. The yield of the 20-nm 501-stage RO circuits is 52% across a 3-in diameter wafer. With 1006 transistors, the 501-stage ROs represent the highest level of transistor integration to date for a GaN circuit, whereas the stage delay is the shortest reported for a GaN digital circuit.
Heterogeneous modes of uptake for latex beads revealed through live cell imaging of phagocytes expressing a probe for phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate.

Latex beads are the preferred phagocytic substrate in biochemical studies of phagosome composition and maturation. Using living Dictyostelium cells and fluorescent probes, we compared the properties of phagosomes formed to ingest latex beads or digestible prey. Significant differences were found during the initial steps of phagocytosis. During uptake of bacteria or yeast, PHcrac-GFP, a probe that binds to membranes enriched in PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2, always labeled the nascent phagosome and faded shortly after it sealed. However, labeling of bead-containing phagosomes was highly variable. Beads were engulfed by phagosomes either lacking or displaying the PHcrac-GFP label, and that label, if present, often persisted for many minutes, revealing that early trafficking steps for bead-containing phagosomes are quite heterogeneous. Later stages of the endocytic pathway appeared more similar for phagosomes containing prey and latex beads. Both types of phagosomes fused with acidic endosomes while undergoing transport along microtubules, both acquired the V-ATPase and lost it prior to exocytosis, and both bound the late endosome marker vacuolin B, which was transferred to the plasma membrane upon exocytosis. We conclude that caution is needed in extrapolating results from latex bead phagosomes to phagosomes containing physiological substances, especially in early stages of the endocytic pathway. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Advancing the science of ventilator-associated pneumonia surveillance

The landmark Study on the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control definitively demonstrated that infection surveillance and control programs prevent hospital-acquired infections. The rise of public reporting, benchmarking, and pay for performance movements, however, has considerably changed the infection surveillance landscape in the 27 years since this study was published. Clinically nuanced surveillance definitions that served the profession well for many years have fallen into disfavor because their complexity and subjectivity allow for conscious and subconscious gaming. These limitations make it very difficult to determine whether changes in surveillance rates represent true changes in disease incidence or artifacts of definition subjectivity, external reporting pressures, and internal biases. Surveillance definitions need to be revised to enhance objectivity and to ensure that they detect clinically meaningful events associated with compromised outcomes. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released modified definitions for ventilator-associated events that have the potential to make safety surveillance for ventilated patients more credible and useful once again.
Pectoralis major flap in composite lateral skull base defect reconstruction.

Objective To report our experience with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMF) for the reconstruction of composite lateral temporal bone defects extending beyond the temporal line. Design Retrospective review and illustration of specific technical modifications. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Patients Eight patients with composite lateral skull base defects that were reconstructed with the PMF between February 2001 and February 2006. Intervention Reconstruction with the modified pedicled PMF. Main Outcome Measures Reconstruction outcomes and complications. Results Eight patients (median age, 80 years) underwent total or near-total auriculectomy, wide skin excision, and lateral temporal bone resection as part of the surgical ablation, thus requiring obliteration of the middle ear cavity as well as extensive replacement of skin cover. All patients received radiation therapy. The median postsurgical follow-up was 9 months. Complete healing of the reconstructed surgical defect with no flap loss was achieved in all cases. Conclusion With specific technical modifications, the PMF can be reliably used for the reconstruction of composite lateral skull base defects extending up to and beyond the temporal line, making this flap an important alternative to free flap reconstruction in selected cases.
Threshold voltage control in NiSi-gated MOSFETs through SIIS

Complete gate silicidation has recently been demonstrated as an excellent technique for the integration of metal gates into MOSFETs. From the various silicide gate materials NiSi has been shown to be the most scalable. In this paper, a versatile method for controlling the workfunction of an NiSi gate is presented. This method relies on doping the poly-Si with various impurities prior to silicidation. The effect of various impurities including B, P, As, Sb, In, and Al is described. The segregation of the impurities from the poly-Si to the silicide interface during the silicidation step is found to cause the NiSi workfunction shift. The effect of the segregated impurities on gate capacitance, mobility, local workfunction stability, and adhesion is studied.
Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) trail pheromone enhances consumption of liquid sucrose solution.

We investigated whether the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), trail pheromone, Z9–16:Ald, could enhance recruitment to and consumption of liquid sucrose solutions. All tests were done as paired comparisons with a 10% sucrose solution as food. In the laboratory, mixing 20 μl of a 10-μg/ml solution of the pheromone with 50 μl of the 10% sucrose solution increased the number of ants feeding by >150%. In a field test, we combined the trail pheromone with a 10% sucrose solution in 50-ml vials. These vials were covered with a plastic membrane that has 1.5-mm-diameter holes punched uniformly across its surface. Ants could drink from the holes after the vials were inverted. For half of the vials, 1 μg of the pheromone was put onto the plastic membrane before the vials were filled with a 10% sucrose solution. The remaining vials had no pheromone on the plastic membrane. After 4 h we measured the consumption in each vial. Bait consumption with the pheromone was enhanced by 29%. In a 2nd series of tests, vials were left outside for 24 h. The consumption rate was 33% higher with the pheromone compared with the controls that didn’t have pheromone.
Influenza vaccination can induce new-onset anticardiolipins but not β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by autoantibodies against cardiolipins (aCL), lupus anticoagulant, and independent β2-glycoprotein (β2GPI). Controversy exists as to whether v...
Plasma exchange in cryptogenic new onset refractory status epilepticus

Abstract Objective New onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a recently described entity and has been difficult to treat because the etiology is often cryptogenic. Our aim in each case was to stop status epilepticus while simultaneously searching for the etiology. Methods We describe three patients who presented with NORSE, who were refractory to multiple anticonvulsants and general anesthetics for at least 5 days. All patients had an extensive evaluation including MRI brain, CSF studies, radiologic scans for malignancy and serological autoimmune and infectious investigations. Results Each patient responded dramatically to the use of plasma exchange therapy with cessation of status epilepticus by the fourth day of treatment. Although an etiology was sought after, no appropriate cause for NORSE could be found. Conclusion We propose early use of plasma exchange therapy (Class IV evidence) in hopes to prevent the complications of status epilepticus and prolonged hospitalization.
The Case For Transforming Governmental Public Health

Changing threats to the public’s health necessitate a profound transformation of the public health enterprise. Despite recent attention to the biodefense role of public health, policymakers have not developed a clear, realistic vision for the structure and functionality of the governmental public health system. Lack of leadership and organizational disconnects across levels of government have prevented strategic alignment of resources and undermined momentum for meaningful change. A transformed public health system is needed to address the demands of emergency preparedness and health protection. Such transformation should include focused, risk-based resource allocation; regional planning; technological upgrades; workforce restructuring; improved integration of private-sector assets; and better performance monitoring.
Synthesis of highly sterically hindered niobium and tantalum alkoxides and their microhydrolysis in strongly basic medium

We have investigated the interaction of niobium and tantalum alkoxides with pinacol and are reporting here isolation and structural characterization of the products, attractive potential precursors of materials with hierarchical porosity. The general feature in the reactivity of alkoxide complexes with additional ligands is that stabilization of the complexes is achieved due to Bronsted acidity of the ligand and possibility of formation of hydrogen bonds in the structure. Presence of strong organic bases does not influence the complex formation. We were able to isolate, for example, highly moisture-sensitive ortho-pinacolates of Nb and Ta, M(O2C6H12)2(OC6H12OH), in the presence of excess of triethylamine. The earlier attempts to prepare these complexes were unsuccessful because of extremely high solubility and easy hydrolysis of these species. The first step in microhydrolysis of M(O2C6H12)2(OC6H12OH), M = Nb, Ta, independently of basicity of the medium provides M2O(O2C6H12)2(OC6H12OH)4, even those highly moisture-sensitive in solution. The general conclusion of this work is that the Lewis acidity and blocking of the coordination sites by bulky alkoxide ligands does not play any important role. The reactivity of the species is not in any way hindered by the complete blocking of the metal centers.
Independence of mechanisms tuned along cardinal and non-cardinal axes of color space: evidence from factor analysis.

Abstract Many previous studies employing paradigms such as adaptation, masking and summation-near-threshold have demonstrated the existence of separate mechanisms underlying the detection of the three cardinal axes of color space: L + M , L − M and S −( L + M ). In addition, some studies have demonstrated the existence of higher-order mechanisms tuned to non-cardinal axes (which are made up of combinations of the cardinal axes). In order to address the issue of separate and independent color mechanisms further, here we applied factor analysis to contrast threshold data obtained from 41 subjects for nine different axes in color space (the three cardinal axes and the six non-cardinal axes midway between). In line with previous studies, the results of a three-factor analysis performed on contrast thresholds for the cardinal axes revealed independence across the three. However, in some of our factor analyses (for example, when a two-factor analysis was performed on the cardinal axes), intercorrelation was observed between L − M and S −( L + M ) stimuli. With regard to higher-order mechanisms, our factor analyses revealed mechanisms selective for non-cardinal axes within the ( L − M )/( L + M ) and ( S −( L + M ))/( L + M ) color planes, but not the ( L − M )/( S −( L + M )) color plane. To ensure that the intercorrelation observed between L − M and S −( L + M ) cardinal axes was not due to the particular stimulus parameters or testing measures employed, in three of our subjects we performed a “summation-near-threshold” experiment using experimental conditions nearly identical to those in the factor analysis experiments. In accordance with previous findings [ Vision Research 39 (1999) 733], L − M and S −( L + M ) stimuli were found to be separable in this analysis. This seeming discrepancy between the results of our factor analysis and those obtained from paradigms such as summation-near-threshold can be resolved by proposing that the mechanisms underlying detection of L − M and S −( L + M ) stimuli are separable (as defined by the ability to isolate activity within each mechanism using select stimuli), yet nonetheless intercorrelated . Such intercorrelation could arise if these two mechanisms are limited by the same source of variability and/or subject to the same gain control.