cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenytoin: The pseudosteady-state phenomenon

After reaching an apparent steady state, plasma phenytoin (PHT) levels may then undergo inexplicable changes, a phenomenon called “pseudosteady state”. We evaluated 13 pseudosteady-state periods in 10 inpatients with complex partial seizures. Eleven of the periods occurred after a change in PHT dosage and two after drug withdrawal. The pseudosteady-state period began 2 to 12 days (X = 5.7 days) after dosage change and lasted 5 to 10 days (X = 6.3 days), during which plasma PHT levels were stable (±5%). Plasma PHT levels thereafter fluctuated spontaneously by >25% for 5 to 22 days (X = 10.8 days). A final steady-state level was reached 13 to 31 days (X =21.4 days) after the first dosage change. Falling plasma PHT levels increased seizure frequency in two patients, and a level of 52 µg/ml led to medication toxicity in another. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1984) 35, 822–825; doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.119
Hilbert wavelet transform for recognition of image rotation

In the previous paper [2] we demonstrated the usefulness of complex frequency scaling of Fourier Transform in identifying amount of rotation angle between two objects. Using the complex frequency scaling property of Fourier transform, an image and its Hilbert transform can be used to find the exact angle of rotation between the images [24]. In order to find the correct angle between the two different images, we need to find the Hilbert transform of the function f(x,y) to construct an analytically extended function f'(x,y) . However, our approach does not perform satisfactorily for identification of rotation angle between two similar objects [2]. A considerable amount of research has been performed on wavelet based signal processing by utilizing a pair of wavelet transforms where the wavelets form the Hilbert transform pair. In this paper we describe the design procedure based on spectral factorization in the generation of the Hilbert transform pair of wavelet bases. [1], [3], [4], [5]. The one-dimensional wavelets are then used to generate two-dimensional wavelets. The two-dimensional wavelets thus generated are then used in the determination of correct angle between the images. The intention behind taking the above approach using the wavelets is to find if the wavelets help in discriminating the different images. In this paper we use the Hilbert transform pair of wavelet bases instead in constructing the analytically extended function. In generating the filter, orthogonal solutions are presented [3]. The solution depends on the all pass filter having a flat delay response [10]. We use the infrared images to validate our algorithm.
Spontaneous potential changes at crayfish neuromuscular junctions.

AN important feature of vertebrate neuromuscular transmission is that acetylcholine is released from the nerve terminals in ‘packets’. At rest, a spontaneous discharge of these packets gives rise to ‘miniature end-plate potentials’1. We were therefore interested whether this mechanism of transmitter release also occurs at a non-cholinergic crustacean neuromuscular junction.
Choroplast pigments of deuterated green algae.

IT has recently been found that green algae can be successfully grown in 99.6 per cent deuterium oxide1. Algae such as Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus adapted to deuterium oxide thus provide a source of highly deuterated organic compounds. Since the organisms grow in deuterium oxide with carbon dioxide as the sole carbon source, the cells must be equipped for photosynthetic activity even though their organic matter is constructed with deuterium in place of hydrogen.
Individual Differences in Interests and Physical Traits as Related to High School Girls in Physical Education

(1933). Individual Differences in Interests and Physical Traits as Related to High School Girls in Physical Education. Research Quarterly. American Physical Education Association: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 198-220.
How to get a folded protein across a membrane

Several protein-targeting fields have recently converged in their observations of what once was thought to be a rare phenomenon: the transport of folded and oligomerized proteins across membranes. Three of the newly characterized pathways that are known to accommodate folded substrates are the peroxisomal targeting machinery for matrix proteins, the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) of bacteria and the related DeltapH-dependent pathway of plant plastids, and the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Current work strives to understand the molecular mechanisms that accomplish transport of folded substrates. The aim of this commentary is to highlight our knowledge of transport mechanisms, point out areas for future research and address how paradigms of classical protein translocation have shaped current views.
Distributed Online Convex Optimization Over Jointly Connected Digraphs

This paper considers networked online convex optimization scenarios from a regret analysis perspective. At each round, each agent in the network commits to a decision and incurs in a local cost given by functions that are revealed over time and whose unknown evolution model might be adversarially adaptive to the agent’s behavior. The goal of each agent is to incur a cumulative cost over time with respect to the sum of local functions across the network that is competitive with the best single centralized decision in hindsight. To achieve this, agents cooperate with each other using local averaging over time-varying weight-balanced digraphs as well as subgradient descent on the local cost functions revealed in the previous round. We propose a class of coordination algorithms that generalize distributed online subgradient descent and saddle-point dynamics, allowing proportional-integral (and higher-order) feedback on the disagreement among neighboring agents. We show that our algorithm design achieves logarithmic agent regret (when local objectives are strongly convex), or square-root agent regret (when local objectives are convex) in scenarios where the communication graphs are jointly connected. Simulations in a medical diagnosis application illustrate our results.
Larval behaviour and choice of settlement site: Correlation with environmental distribution pattern in an erect bryozoan

This paper concerns the preferred environmental conditions for settlement and metamorphosis of larvae of the erect, rigidly calcified cheilostome bryozoanSchizotheca serratimargo and compares the settlement preferences with in situ distribution of adult colonies. A review of bryozoan larval behaviour and responses to environmental parameters is given in order better to understand larval settlement and metamorphosis in this species. Release of larvae ofS. serratimargo (Hincks) was induced so that each travelled down a path with a limited set of microenvironments in which it could choose to settle. Four different flow velocities, three different depths below the water surface, two different light intensities, three different orientations of plexiglas surfaces, and subdivision of distance of travel into three segments, yielded 216 microenvironments. 466 larvae successfully settled and metamorphosed within the experimental chamber. They metamorphosed in significantly higher numbers in microenvironments with low flow velocity, in the shallowest of the three possible depths, in darker areas, and on nonoverhanging surfaces with little or no sediment. The most important stimulus for settlement was darkness, especially where there was a strong gradient in light intensity.S. serratimargo grows as erect bilaminate bushes on protected flanks of boulders, in small caves, and just within the entrances of larger caves at depths of 5–30 m, as well as on hard debris on open muddy sand floors at 30–35 m depth in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. The experimentally-determined settlement patterns suggest that recruitment is more important than post-settlement interactions or exposure to physical damage in determining local distribution of the species.
MicroRNA-339 and microRNA-556 regulate Klotho expression in vitro.

Klotho is an anti-aging protein with direct effects on life-span in mice. Klotho functions to regulate pathways classically associated with longevity including insulin/IGF1 and Wnt signaling. Decreased Klotho protein expression is observed throughout the body during the normal aging process. While increased methylation of the Klotho promoter is reported, other epigenetic mechanisms could contribute to age-related downregulation of Klotho expression, including microRNA-mediated regulation. Following in silico identification of potential microRNA binding sites within the Klotho 3′ untranslated region, reporter assays reveal regulation by microRNA-339, microRNA-556, and, to a lesser extent, microRNA-10 and microRNA-199. MicroRNA-339 and microRNA-556 were further found to directly decrease Klotho protein expression indicating that, if upregulated in aging tissue, these microRNA could play a role in age-related downregulation of Klotho messenger RNA. These microRNAs are differentially regulated in cancer cells compared to normal cells and may imply a role for microRNA-mediated regulation of Klotho in cancer.
Ultrafast THz response of few-layer epitaxial graphene

Ultrafast measurements of few-layer epitaxial graphene are reported along with its equilibrium optical conductivity. We observe transient THz electrodynamics consistent with photoexcited holes in a dense Dirac electron plasma, which recombine on a picosecond timescale.
Serotonin-lesion myoclonic syndromes. II. Analysis of individual syndrome elements, locomotor activity and behavioral correlations.

Abstract This study evaluated the behavioral elements of three 5-HT-related syndromes (intraperitoneal 5-hydroxytryptophan after intracisternal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT),p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), fenfluramine (FF), or combinations of drugs) scored from videotapes and their relationship to locomotr activity (LMA) photocell recording, regional monoamine concentration and S-1 receptor binding. Rearing was eliminated by drugs which produce the myoclonic syndrome and was the single best indicator of control treatments (saline or 5-HTP in unlesioned rats and saline in DHT-lesioned rats). Global ‘abnormality’, hunching (rigid arching of back), hindlimb abduction, forepaw myoclonus, stereotyped lateral head movements, backing, and immobility occurred significantly only on drug-treated rats. Multiple forms of myoclonus,(appendicular and truncal) and convulsions were dose-dependent drug effects. Both 5-HTP (after DHT) and PCA increased LMA significantly, but hyperactivity induced by PCA could be blocked by giving 5-HTP concomitantly. Substantial 5-HT presynaptic destruction by DHT prevented backing but not other behavioral or locomotor effects of FF and PCA. Drug combinations did not produce additive behavioral effects. Backing, immobility, and locomotor activity best differentiated between drug treatments, and could be used to correctly allocate animals to drug groups. Drug treatments also could be differentiated by reducing the number of behavioral variables into summary variables (principal components) and by discriminant analysis. Only forepaw myoclonus and total behavioral score were correlated with 5-HT concentrations (brainstem), indicating behavioral heterogeneity. Our study suggests that there is a common core ‘myoclonic-serotonergic’ syndrome (forepaw myoclonus, head weaving, hindlimb abduction, hunching) of stimulation of 5-HT receptors plus additional drug-specific elements (backing, LMA). Although brainstem receptors appear to be an important locus for some of these behaviors, S-1 receptors do not explain the behavioral supersensitivity to 5-HTP in our DHT-lesioned rats.
Mineral Content of Milk, Colostrum, and Serum as Affected by Physiological State and Mineral Supplementation

A 22-mo experiment was conducted to determine effects of mineral supplementation of cows on mineral elements in milk, colostrum, and blood serum. Purebred Brahman beef cows grazing pastures grown on sandy and well-drained soils were allotted to three treatments of 12 cows each as follows: 1) control, a complete commercial mineral mixture, 2) control plus dietary and injected Se, and 3) control plus fortified mineral mixture. Milk and serum were analyzed for minerals 2 consecutive yr at parturition and 3 mo postpartum. Mean cow serum, Ca, Mg, P, and packed cell volume values were higher at parturition than 3 mo later, whereas serum Cu was highest at 3 mo. Mean serum concentrations were affected by year with higher Ca and hemoglobin and lower Cu concentrations in 1982 than in 1981. Increasing dietary Se resulted in higher serum Se. Colostrum was higher in Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn than milk, whereas milk was higher than colostrum in Mn. Means for treatment × time showed cows fed dietary and dietary plus injected Se and vitamin E had more Se in milk than milk from cows fed no supplemental Se.
The efficacy and safety of perioperative antiplatelet therapy

Widespread adoption of the antiplatelet agents into everyday clinical practice has revolutionized contemporary care of the cardiovascular patient. Major adverse cardiovascular events including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and recurrent angina have all been shown to be significantly decreased when these agents are employed in the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, and in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention. As a growing number of patients on antiplatelet therapy are undergoing various surgical procedures, the potential risks and benefits these drugs pose perioperatively will become increasingly important. Available data indicate that, when used appropriately, these drugs can be used safely prior to surgery. Efficacy in improving surgical outcomes and in preventing adverse cardiovascular events postoperatively has also been demonstrated. The purpose of this review is to examine the perioperative safety and efficacy of the most widely used antiplatelet agents: aspirin; the thienopyridine clopidogrel; and the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. This information, coupled with emerging platelet monitoring techniques, may help provide additional assistance to the clinician to manage therapy and guide appropriate timing of both cardiac and noncardiac surgery.
Influence of deprivation, protein malnutrition, and lysine deficiency on death feigning in chicks

Abstract The influence of dietary deficiencies known to affect activity and to reduce protein synthesis was assessed in three studies of death feigning. White Leghorn chicks, reared under a 12-hr photoperiod, were exposed to one of three deficiency conditions during the first week following hatch: extended food deprivation, protein-calorie malnutrition, or lysine deficiency. On Day 7, durations of death feigning were measured at eight clock hours spanning a 24-hr period. All experimental manipulations reduced the duration of death feigning but did not eliminate its periodicity in relation to measures obtained from corresponding dietary control groups. Also, the periodicity functions resulting from all manipulations were virtually identical. Implications of these results for two current hypotheses of death feigning behavior were discussed.
The Src Homology Domain 2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase SHIP Forms a Ternary Complex with Shc and Grb2 in Antigen Receptor-stimulated B Lymphocytes

The inositol phosphatase SHIP has been implicated in signaling events downstream of a variety of receptors and is thought to play an inhibitory role in stimulated B cells. We and others have reported that SHIP is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated upon B cell antigen receptor (BCR) cross-linking and forms a complex with the adapter protein Shc. Here, we report that cross-linking of the BCR induces association between Grb2 and SHIP as well as association between Shc and SHIP. We made use of a Grb2-deficient B cell line to demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that Grb2 expression is required for the efficient association between Shc and SHIP. The results indicate that SHIP, Shc, and Grb2 form a ternary complex in stimulated B cells, with Grb2 stabilizing the interaction between Shc and SHIP. The interactions between Shc, Grb2, and SHIP are therefore analogous to the interactions between Shc, Grb2, and SOS. Shc and Grb2 may help to localize SHIP to the cell membrane, regulating SHIP's inhibitory function following BCR stimulation.
Minor effects of Helicobacter pylori on gastric secretion and dose of lansoprazole during long-term treatment in ZE and non-ZE acid hypersecretors

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection may increase or decrease acid secretion and may augment proton pump inhibitor efficacy. Pepsin effects have not been reported. In Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZE) specifically, H. pylori has been reported to decrease acid. Aim: To examine H. pylori effects on secretion and dose of medication in hypersecretors (basal acid output > 15 mmol/h) undergoing long-term treatment with individually optimized lansoprazole doses. Methods: Sixty-five patients (47 ZE and 18 non-ZE), treated for > 3 months to 10 years, were tested every 6 months with endoscopy, gastric analysis and serum gastrin. Results: Forty-three per cent were H. pylori-positive. Acid, pepsin and gastrin were not different between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients before or during long-term lansoprazole treatment. Initially, H. pylori-positive patients required less lansoprazole than H. pylori-negative patients (68 ± 6 vs. 96 ± 8 mg/day), but after 3 years the doses converged (83 vs. 86 mg/day). The disappearance of H. pylori in 15 patients caused no significant changes in acid, pepsin, gastrin or lansoprazole dose in the following 4 years. Conclusions: H. pylori had no significant initial or long-term physiological or potential clinical effects on acid or pepsin secretion or gastrin in these acid hypersecretors.
Advances in cancer pain management: a review of patient-controlled analgesia.

Abstract Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a. relatively new approach that has primarily been used to treat acute postoperative pain. A review of PCA is presented with a compilation of the devices, various dosage regimens, and opioids used with this technique. The limitations of the published trials evaluating PCA therapy are addressed. Further studies are needed to assess the role of PCA in cancer patients, ambulatory patients, and those receiving opioids via the subcutaneous or spinal route.
Segmentation and cooperative fusion of laser radar image data

In segmentation, the goal is to partition a given 2D image into regions corresponding to the meaningful surfaces in the underlying physical scene. Segmentation is frequently a crucial step in analyzing and interpreting image data acquired by a variety of automated systems ranging from indoor robots to orbital satellites. In this paper, we present results of a study of segmentation by means of cooperative fusion of registered range and intensity images acquired using a prototype amplitude-modulated CW laser radar. In our approach, we consider three modalities--depth, reflectance and surface orientation. These modalities are modeled as sets of coupled Markov random fields for pixel and line processes. Bayesian inferencing is used to impose constraints of smoothness on the pixel process and linearity on the line process. The latter constraint is modeled using an Ising Hamiltonian. We solve the constrained optimization problem using a form of simulated annealing termed quenched annealing. The resulting model is illustrated in this paper in the rapid quenched, or iterated conditional mode, limit for several laboratory scenes.
Non-Linear Response of Two Disordered Pendula

The effect of non-linearities on the response of a localized system is investigated by studying the forced response of two coupled disordered pendula. It is found that localization persists for moderately large motions, while it is substantially reduced for larger motions. Spectral analysis, single and multiple Poincare sections, and calculation of the divergence of neighbouring trajectories were used to characterize the response. The response, in both cases (moderately and very large motion) is quasi-periodic but the spectral content of the first case is much richer than that of the latter.
Gender contests in a simultaneous hermaphrodite snail: a size-advantage model for behaviour

Abstract Adaptive gender expression in simultaneous hermaphrodites will reflect the relative costs and benefits of each sexual function. The net gain through either or both functions may vary with body size. Shell length measurements of Physa gyrina and P. heterostropha in the laboratory and P. heterostropha in the field revealed that successful mating generally involved smaller sperm donors and larger recipients. In contrast, attempts by larger snails to donate sperm were contested by smaller snails. These data suggest substantial plasticity in gender expression in accordance with a game-theoretic extension of Ghiselin’s (1969, Q. Rev. Biol. , 44, 189–208, 1974; The Economy of Nature and the Evolution of Sex ) size-advantage model. Specifically, the larger of two interacting snails is more fecund, so the smaller snail has more to gain by donating sperm. This asymmetry creates a contest in which the smaller snail can afford to escalate the contest more and still profit, so long as escalation costs are not greater for the smaller snail. In the present study, the usual form of contest escalation was a visually obvious shell-swinging display, which attracts predators. Thus, the smaller of two contestants can use the risk of predation as a weapon in contest escalations (i.e. a game of chicken), rather than using a purely physical contest that might favour the larger contestant.
Identification of the epitope of a monoclonal antibody to DJ-1.

Abstract Mutations in DJ-1 can cause early onset parkinsonism. Various antibodies have been generated to detect this protein, one of which is a commonly used monoclonal antibody (clone 3E8). Since results of in situ examinations of DJ-1 expression with this antibody have differed from analyses with species-specific antibodies (e.g. rat), it would be useful to know the epitope for this antibody. Using GFP-tagged deletion constructs of human DJ-1, we have localized the epitope region for this antibody to within residues 56–78 of human DJ-1. Mapping this region to the published three-dimensional structure of DJ-1 indicates that this is a solvent-accessible surface epitope. Immunonegativity of E64D mutant DJ-1 with the monoclonal antibody suggests that glutamate 64 of human DJ-1 contributes to the epitope recognized by this antibody. Moreover, the loss of immunoreactivity due to such a small substitution demonstrates the remarkable sensitivity of the monoclonal antibody 3E8 to DJ-1.
Some experiments with computing the complex absolute value

Portability for the numerical analyst not only includes writing codes which will compile and execute on a variety of machines, but also writing codes which are robust and accurate as well. This is particularly important for the computation of the complex absolute value. This computation, the computation of the 2-norm of a 2-vector, also occurs in the formation of Givens transformations [3] which are used in the solution of the symmetric eigenvalue problem, the computation of the singular value decomposition, and in the solution of linear least squares problems.
Refined asymptotics for the blowup of ut –Δu = up

This work is concerned with positive, blowing-up solutions of the semilinear heat equation ut — δu = up in Rn. Our main contribution is a sort of center manifold analysis for the equation in similarity variables, leading to refined asymptotics for u in a backward space-time parabola near any blowup point. We also explore a connection between the asymptotics of u and the local geometry of the blowup set.
Benefits of home health care after inpatient rehabilitation for hip fracture: Health service use by medicare beneficiaries, 1987–1992

Abstract Objective: To examine the added benefit of home health services for elderly patients with hip fracture discharged home after inpatient rehabilitation. Data: Medicare claims from 1% of 1986 beneficiaries followed until 1992. Study Population: Persons hospitalized with hip fracture at 70 years or older who had no major Medicare claims during the year before hospitalization and who were discharged home after inpatient rehabilitation. Outcomes: Rehospitalization and any nonskilled nursing facility (non-SNF) nursing home admission during the 12 months after hospital discharge. Results: Patients who received additional home health services (27.2%) were less likely to be hospitalized than those who received rehabilitation only (31.1%); they were also less likely to have a non-SNF nursing home admission (11.3% vs 23.3%), and more likely to survive the year with no subsequent Medicare claims (65.6% vs 55%). Propensity scores were used to adjust for nonrandom treatment selection in a Cox proportional hazards analysis showing that home health was associated with a significantly lower risk of nursing home admission (adjusted odds ratio=.42, 95% confidence interval .21–.84), and hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio=.65, 95% confidence interval .26-1.00). Conclusions: Studies of the relative effectiveness of post-acute services and postdischarge evaluations of inpatient rehabilitation should consider additional home care as a postacute service and examine optimal postacute treatment to minimize additional service use.
Attenuation of fear conditioning by antisense inhibition of brain corticotropin releasing factor-2 receptor

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is an important regulator of the endocrine, behavioral, autonomic and immune responses to stress. Two high affinity CRF receptors have been identified, which are distributed in distinct anatomical regions. CRF1 receptors have been relatively well characterized and antagonists to this receptor effectively block stress-induced behaviors in rodents. The function of CRF2 receptors, which are highly expressed in limbic brain regions, is less well understood. Therefore, an antisense oligonucleotide approach was used to study the role of CRF2 receptors in the lateral septum in rats. An antisense oligonucleotide directed against the CRF2 receptor mRNA reduced expression of CRF2 receptors by 60–80%. In shock-induced freezing tests, animals administered the antisense oligonucleotide exhibited a significant reduction in freezing duration. However, pain sensitivity and locomotor activity were unaltered. A four-base mismatch of the antisense sequence had no significant effects on CRF2 receptor density and on freezing behavior. These data support the involvement of CRF2 receptors in fear conditioning. CRF1 receptor antagonists also reduce freezing in this test. Additional studies to determine the effects of simultaneous inhibition of both receptor subtypes show that rats receiving both CRF2 receptor antisense oligonucleotide and CRF1 receptor antagonist froze significantly less than animals treated with either agent alone. These results provide additional evidence for the role of CRF2 receptors in mediating the stress-induced actions of endogenous CRF.
Novel active stabilization technology in highly crosslinked UHMWPEs for superior stability

Abstract Radiation cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the bearing of choice in joint arthroplasty. The demands on the longevity of this polymer are likely to increase with the recently advancing deterioration of the performance of alternative metal-on-metal implants. Vitamin E-stabilized, cross-linked UHMWPEs are considered the next generation of improved UHMWPE bearing surfaces for improving the oxidation resistance of the polymer. It was recently discovered that in the absence of radiation-induced free radicals, lipids absorbed into UHMWPE from the synovial fluid can initiate oxidation and result in new free radical-mediated oxidation mechanisms. In the presence of radiation-induced free radicals, it is possible for the polymer to oxidize through both existing free radicals at the time of implantation and through newly formed free radicals in vivo. Thus, we showed that reducing the radiation-induced free radicals in vitamin E-stabilized UHMWPE would increase its oxidative stability and presumably lead to improved longevity. We describe mechanical annealing and warm irradiation of irradiated vitamin E blends as novel methods to eliminate 99% of radiation-induced free radicals without sacrificing crystallinity. These are significant improvements in the processing of highly cross-linked UHMWPE for joint implants with improved longevity.
The influence of age and individual differences in executive function on stimulus processing in the oddball task.

Abstract Studies examining the effects of aging in the oddball task have consistently revealed an age-related change in the topography of the P3 component. Specifically, in younger adults the amplitude of this component is greatest over the parietal region of the scalp while in older adults the P3 is more evenly distributed over the parietal and frontal regions of the scalp. In the current study, Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis was used to examine the effects of age on the full time course and topography of the event-related brain potentials (ERPs) elicited during the oddball task; and to consider the influence of individual differences in executive function on age-related differences in the oddball task. Aging and individual differences appeared to have relatively little effect on the P3b that distinguished oddball stimulus from standards. The age-related “anterior shift” in the P3 appeared to result from the stronger expression of the novelty P3 in older adults relative to younger adults, as this effect was seen for both oddball and novel stimuli relative to standard stimuli. Additionally, the effect of age interacted with variation in executive function, with the novelty P3 being elicited for novel and oddball stimuli in the low executive older adults and only for novel stimuli in the high executive older adults. These findings lead to the suggestion that the age-related anterior shift in the P3 may result from the failure of older adults with lower executive functions to habituate to the oddball stimulus.
Emergence of multi-contact interactions in contact dynamics simulations of granular shear flows

We examine the binary collision assumption of hard-sphere kinetic theory in numerical simulations of sheared granular materials. For a wide range of densities and restitution coefficients we measure collisional and non-collisional contributions to the stress tensor and find that non-collisional effects dominate at large density and small restitution coefficient. In the regimes where the non-collisional contributions disappear, we test kinetic theory predictions for the pressure without any fitting parameters and find remarkable agreement. In the regimes where the non-collisional contributions become large, we observe groups of simultaneously interacting grains and determine the average multi-contact cluster size using measurements of spatial force correlations.
Object-oriented simulation of integrated whole farms : GPFARM framework

Simulation frameworks for Decision Support Systems (DSSs) at the whole-farm level have not adequately supported process level management and integration of complex farming systems. Development of the Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management (GPFARM) DSS for whole-farm management required a simulation package that could handle this complex system. Object-oriented (OO) techniques now offer improved opportunity for the development of suitable whole-farm simulations. A whole-farm simulation framework was developed using Object-oriented programming (OOP) and executes appropriate simulation modules, written in procedural languages (FORTRAN and BASIC), for the lower-level processes. Abstraction, encapsulation, and hierarchy were crucial to simplifying whole-farm complexity. OOP relationships, particularly inheritance in crops, animals, and events were key in allowing dynamic (runtime) setup and simulation of the farm system. Event objects were positioned outside of the simulation class and farm state to provide event input format flexibility and allow the framework to check the system state before events were implemented. The inclusion of existing or extended procedural modules cut development time, helped insure maintenance support from cooperators, and assisted with deployment of computationally efficient code. The resulting package simulates whole-farm management involving interactive land units, integrated crop and livestock operations, crop rotation systems and multiple commodities, and soil and climate variability. Simulation of whole-farm scenarios provides information for DSS applications to display and compare management alternatives. This research showed that an effective OO framework for integrated farming systems should consist of a thorough object model of a farm state, a flexible input and implementation of events, and a simulation environment to accomplish the biological, chemical, and physical simulation of a farm.
Effect of Ribbon Orientation on the Fracture Toughness of a Metallic‐Glass‐Ribbon‐Reinforced Glass‐Ceramic Matrix Composite

A commercially available amorphous metal ribbon incorporated into a glass-ceramic matrix was assessed from the standpoint of fracture toughness. The ribbon orientation (with respect to the long and short transverse sides) relative to the opening crack significantly affected the fracture toughness of such composites. The strong dependence of the fracture toughness on the ribbon orientation was correlated with the differences in the bending contributions of the ribbons in the different orientations. The effect of the ribbon orientation on the crack growth rate in the matrix was also investigated.
Synthesis and self-assembly of well-defined poly(amino acid) end-capped poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline).

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOx) are water-soluble, biocompatible polymers with stealth hemolytic activities. Poly(amino acid) (PAA) end-capped PEG and PMOx were prepared using amino-terminated derivatives of PEG and PMOx as macroinitiators for the ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl protected l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride and S-benzyloxycarbonyl protected l-cysteine N-carboxyanhydride, respectively, in the presence of urea, at room temperature. The molecular weight of the PAA moiety was kept between Mn = 2200 and 3000 g mol–1. PMOx was polymerized by cationic ring-opening polymerization resulting in molecular weights of Mn = 5000 and 10 000 g mol–1, and PEG was a commercial product with Mn = 5000 g mol–1. Here, we investigate the self-assembly of the resulting amphiphilic block copolymers in water and the effect of the chemical structure of the block copolymers on the solution properties of self-assembled nanostructures. The PEG-block-poly(amino acid), PEG-b-PAA, and...
EFFECTS OF HUMOROUS DISPARAGEMENT OF SELF, FRIEND, AND ENEMY

36 male and 36 female undergraduates in an introductory communications course were exposed to an audio-taped communication involving five humorous stories. The communication was manipulated so that the target of humorous disparagement by a male was (a) the disparager himself, (b) a male friend of the disparager, and (c) a male enemy of the disparager. The effects of disparagement on the perception of the disparager and on humor appreciation were assessed. Self-disparagement affected person perception adversely. Compared to the person who disparages others, the self-disparager was perceived as less intelligent, less confident, and less witty. For the appreciation of humor, an interaction between the target of disparagement and the sex of the respondent was obtained. Females found self-disparagement of a male funnier than did males, whereas males found disparagement of an enemy funnier than did females. A second experiment, involving 60 male and 60 female undergraduates, factorially varied the sex of the se...
Effect of interleukin 15 and interleukin 2 on anti-CD3-induced T-cell activation and apoptosis in children with common variable immunodeficiency.

Background Defective T-cell function and susceptibility to apoptosis following activation may contribute to the immunodeficiency observed in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients. Interleukin (IL) 2 benefits CVID children by boosting T-cell function. Objective To investigate the effect of another IL-2 common γ-chain signaling cytokine, IL-15, on T-cell activation and apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from children with CVID compared with IL-2. Methods Five children treated at the Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, during 1998 to 2002 who fulfilled World Health Organization criteria for CVID and 8 age-matched, healthy controls were enrolled. The PBMCs were stimulated with anti-CD3 in the presence or absence of IL-2 and IL-15 for 4 days, followed by 24-hour incubation with anti-Fas to induce apoptosis. Surface expression of CD69, CD25, and CD95 (Fas) on CD3+ T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. The degree of apoptosis was evaluated by propidium iodide-phycoerythrin/annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate flow cytometric staining. Results Following anti-CD3 activation, CD69 and CD25 expression of CVID CD3+ PBMCs was enhanced to levels comparable to controls. Exogenous IL-15 resulted in further enhancement of anti-CD3–induced CD69 expression to a greater extent than that achieved with IL-2. A greater degree of apoptosis was found in CVID patients than controls following anti-CD3 stimulation (P = 0.001). IL-15 but not IL-2 further increased anti-CD3–induced apoptosis in control PBMCs (P = 0.001). In contrast, the degree of anti-CD3–induced apoptosis in CVID PBMCs was unaffected by IL-15 or IL-2. Addition of anti-Fas to cultures prestimulated with anti-CD3 further increased the apoptosis in control PBMCs but had no effect on apoptosis of CVID PBMCs. Conclusion Comparable anti-CD3–induced activation and enhanced apoptosis were observed in PBMCs from children with CVID compared with controls. The degree of apoptosis in CVID PBMCs was not affected by exogenous IL-15 or anti-Fas, suggesting a preactivated status in vivo.
Ultrastructural changes in the intestines of turkey poults and embryos affected with transmissible enteritis

Abstract Electron microscopic observations were made on 42 poults and 26 turkey embryos in various stages of infection with transmissible enteritis infection. Primary lesions included damaged microvilli and mitochondria and a disruption of mucin production. Lesions were similar in both poults and embryos indicating that the presence of secondary bacteria had no specific structural effect. Enveloped virus-like particles were observed in the intestinal epithelium of infected poults and embryos. These particles fulfill all known criteria for the agent of transmissible enteritis. Their morphogenesis is described. It is suggested that the turkey embryo may serve as an inexpensive and readily available model for the study of mucin production during infection, and other general phenomena associated with injury.
Importance of cross-correlated relaxation in the spectra of simple organofluorine compounds: Spectral complexity of A3B3X spin systems compared to ABX spin systems

Abstract In a continuation of our initial investigation of the complex 13 C and 19 F spectra exhibited by two simple organofluorine compounds, additional organofluorine compounds expected to exhibit a wide range of spectral complexity were studied. Spectral simulations are critical for analyzing the more complex spin systems, in particular, A 3 B 3 X and A 6 B 3 X. Cross-correlated relaxation is commonly observed; examples of 13 C 19 F cross-correlated relaxation are shown with the signals for each nucleus exhibiting unequal relaxation rates. Higher order effects are particularly noticeable in the spectra of perfluoro- t -butyl alcohol because of a large 4 J FF value in the ( 13 CF 3 )( 12 CF 3 ) 2 12 COH isotopomer. The many additional transitions in an A 3 B 3 X spin system compared to an ABX spin system result in much more complex 19 F (A 3 and B 3 ) and 13 C (X) spectra, even though only three types of nuclei are involved in each spin system. The corresponding protio compounds typically constitute a much simpler A 3 M 3 X spin system because the long-range n J HH coupling ( n ⩾ 4) is much smaller than the corresponding long-range n J FF coupling. Spectra previously published for ethane-1- 13 C (A 3 B 3 X) and hexafluoroethane-1- 13 C (A 3 M 3 X) are notable exceptions and are discussed.
Lack of association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) gene and alcohol dependence.

While the physiological mechanisms that contribute to the development of alcohol dependence remain unclear, a number of recent studies have indicated a role for the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) in modulating the response of the central nervous system to ethanol. Based on these data, the present study aims to identify associations between variations in the CRHR1 gene and alcohol dependence in a population of individuals of European ancestry. In order to identify such putative associations, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRHR1 gene were analyzed in 120 alcohol dependent and 180 control subjects. In comparing both allele and genotype frequencies at these five loci between alcohol dependent and control populations, no significant associations between variations in the CRHR1 gene and alcohol dependence were detected. The results of this study suggest that polymorphisms in the CRHR1 gene are not major risk factors for the development of alcohol dependence in persons of European ancestry.
Flame Synthesis of Valuable Nanoparticles: Recent Progress/Current Needs in Areas of Rate Laws, Population Dynamics, and Characterization

We outline the rationale for using combustion techniques to economically synthesize valuable nanopowders, including mixed oxides, non-oxides, fullerenes, and nanotubes. Here “combustion” includes many exothermic reactive systems in which the “fuel” is not a hydrocarbon and the oxidizer is not O2(g), as has also become the norm in the fields of chemical rockets and chemical lasers. Recent theoretical and experimental research studies have clarified many of the fundamental physical issues (e.g., Brownian coagulation, surface-energy-driven sintering, thermophoretic transport, etc.) necessary for the design of larger scale aerosol synthesis reactors and the harvesting/controlled deposition of particles. However, the prediction of “chemical nucleation rates” remains especially elusive. Specifically, even when the chemistry of precursor pyrolysis, oxidation, or hydrolysis is established, there remains the fundamental issue of how stable embryonic particles are actually formed and grow; i.e., what is the nanopar...
Estimates for the Scattering Map Associated with a Two-Dimensional First-Order System

We consider the scattering transform for the first-order system in the plane, $$\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\partial _{\bar x} } & 0 \\ 0 & {\partial _x } \\ \end{array} } \right)\psi - \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} 0 & {q^1 } \\ {q^2 } & 0 \\ \end{array} } \right)\psi = 0.$$ We show that the scattering map is Lipschitz continuous on a neighborhood of zero in L2.
Diagnosis and treatment of lateral pharyngeal space infections

The lateral pharyngeal space is composed of an anterior and posterior compartment. Infection may involve both compartments; however, each compartment may be involved individually with distinctly different clinical findings. This article reviews infections of the lateral pharyngeal space and their treatment.
The effects of the p-nitrophenyl esters of the even-numbered fatty acids from caproic (C6) to stearic (C18) on the main phase transition of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is employed in a study of the effects of the p -nitrophenyl esters of the even numbered fatty acids from C 6 (caproic acid) to C 18 (stearic acid) on the main phase transition of multilamellar suspensions of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). Mole fractions in the range of 0.02–0.12 were used. Within this concentration range the observed transitions could be well fit on the basis of a model assuming ideal behavior of the esters in both the gel and liquid crystal phases of the lipid, and independently additive van't Hoff and impurity broadening. As expected on the basis of this model, the transition temperatures decreased linearly with increasing ester concentration and the transition enthalpies were independent of ester concentration. Significant differences between the effects of the various esters were observed, but these did not change with changing ester chain length in any regular fashion.
Resonance Absorption of Microwaves by the Human Skull

Resonance absorption of microwaves by the human skull is examined by making computerized calculations of theoretical models of the skull. The calculated relative absorption versus frequency is plotted and compared for homogeneous and inhomogeneous skull models. At a frequency of maximum power absorption, the spatial distribution of intracranial field intensity (based upon the theoretical model) is also calculated and plotted.
Chemical Heterogeneity and Imperfect Mixing in the Solar Nebula

It is shown that for the "standard" accretion disk model of the solar nebula, the efficiency of mixing the products of thermochemical processing from small to large disk radii depends only on the ratio of Djv ≡ k (D = eddy diffusivity, v = eddy viscosity). In the steady state limit, where mixing is most efficient, the fractional contamination at radius R which is due to thermochemical processing at radius R_p R_p, which is true for all but very low angular momentum models. Since most of the mass resides at large radii R » R_p, it is concluded that if k ≾ 1, then most of the solar nebula was not contaminated by the consequences of thermochemical equilibria that were established at "small" radii (e.g., of order 1 AU). This condition is almost certainly satisfied if the physical process responsible for v is thermal convection or waves, but has uncertain validity during the early phases of disk evolution where accretion-induced shear instabilities may dominate, as Prinn discusses. In most cases, and especially during the later most relevant stage of disk evolution, interstellar dominance is implied for most solar nebula speciation and is predicted for cometary speciation except possibly for a small contamination which is due to catalyzed hydrogenation of CO to CH_4 and other hydrocarbons. If primordial giant planets possessed accretion disks, then the chemical speciation of the disk may have been partly that of the solar nebula. However, greater mixing and gas processing (including conversion of CO to CH_4 and N_2 to NH_3) might have occurred in these circumstances. The formalism developed here may have applicability to the interpretation of compositional gradients in the nebulae of Young Stellar Objects, and may be relevant to the survivability of interstellar dust grains.
Another lesson unlearned: access to family planning in Niger

This letter to the editor focuses on Niger and states that although much needs to be done in agricultural and economic development humanitarian agencies confronting malnutrition in Niger should work to make family planning more accessible.