cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-Function Studies and Physiological Roles of Eicosanoids Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 ω-Hydroxylases

The cytochrome P450-mediated oxygenation of many fatty acids and eicosanoids occurs in a variety of tissues. The cytochromes P450 responsible for these activities belong to a closely related gene family, the first member of which was purified and characterized from clofibrate-treated rats by Tamburini, et al. (1) and cloned and sequenced by Hardwick, et al (2). In the latest listing of members of the cytochrome P450 gene superfamily by Nebert, et al. (3), there are now 9 members of the CYP4A gene subfamily which includes those cytochromes P450 catalyzing the ω-hydroxylation of fatty acids and eicosanoids from different organs and species. Since the mid-1970’s, the interest of Masters’ laboratory has centered on fatty acid and prostaglandin hydroxylations catalyzed by pig and rabbit kidney and lung microsomes. Following the observation by Powell and Solomon (4) and Powell (5) that the ω-hydroxylation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes was induced in maternal rabbit lung over 100-fold during pregnancy, Williams, et al. (6) purified a cytochrome P450 prostaglandin w-hydroxylase from this source. Simultaneously, Yamamoto, et al. (7) isolated a similar or identical protein from the lungs of progesterone-treated rabbits and, later, Matsubara, et al (8) cloned and sequenced the cDNA for their protein. There is strong evidence that the high level of induction of this enzyme is regulated at the transcriptional level, since the gestational age dependence of enzyme activity parallels the levels of protein (Western blots) and in vitro-translatable mRNA (9). Northern blotting techniques have also revealed an increase in mRNA levels as a result of pregnancy in female rabbits or progesterone treatment in male rabbits (8,10). Recently, attention has been directed toward the possible physiological significance of these enzymes (11–15) especially in the regulation of hemodynamics. The experiments to be described have been designed to ascertain the structure-function relationships of the various members of the CYP4A gene subfamily by correlating the various substrate specificities with manipulation of their amino acid sequences and expression in a transient mammalian cell expression system, i.e., African green monkey kidney cells (COS-1). The regulatory aspects of these many and varied, but closely related, enzymes are being studied in whole animals by pretreatment with steroid hormones, some of which have been shown previously to be inducers of various members of this subfamily. The physiological roles of these various eicosanoid-metabolizing cytochromes P450 are being probed utilizing a combination of biochemical approaches, including the use of broad spectrum and specific inhibitors of cytochrome P450 systems in microdissected renal arcuate arteries.
Naturally Occurring Expressive Suppression is Associated with Lapses in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objectives Expressive suppression (i.e., effortful regulation of overt affect) has a deleterious impact on executive functioning (EF). This relationship has potential ramifications for daily functioning, especially among older adults, because a close relationship exists between EF and functional independence. However, past research has not directly examined whether expressive suppression impacts instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The present study examined this association among older adults. Methods One hundred ten community-dwelling older adults completed a self-report measure of acute (past 24 hr) and chronic (past 2 weeks) expressive suppression, a timed test of IADL, and the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale as a measure of EF. Results High chronic expressive suppression was related to slow IADL performance beyond covariates (age, IQ, depression), but only for individuals with low EF. High acute expressive suppression was associated with lower accuracy on IADL tasks beyond covariates (IQ, depression), but this association was fully explained by EF. Conclusions The current results suggest that expressive suppression is associated with less efficient and more error-prone IADL performance. EF fully accounted for the relationship between acute expressive suppression and IADL performance, showing that suppression is a risk factor for both poorer EF performance and functional lapses in daily life. Furthermore, individuals with weaker EF may be particularly vulnerable to the effect of chronic expressive suppression. (JINS, 2019, 25, 718-728).
Early Life Exposure to Violence: Developmental Consequences on Brain and Behavior

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) can have long-lasting effects on a child's socio-emotional and neurological development. Research has focused on the effects of IPV on women or older children, while the developmental consequences of exposure to domestic violence during early childhood are less well documented. However, one would expect significant developmental effects since the infant's brain and stress-related systems are especially susceptible to environmental stimuli. The goal of this mini-review is to examine how findings on infant exposure to IPV can be related to risk and resilience of development in infancy. We describe the known effects of witnessing violence during the perinatal period on socio-emotional development and the possible pathways by which IPV affects brain and stress-regulating systems. Exposure to IPV during infancy disrupts the infant's emotional and cognitive development, the development of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and brain structures related to witnessing itself (auditory and visual cortex). The findings are embedded in the context of the resource depletion hypothesis. A central problem is the dearth of research on exposure to IPV during infancy, its effect on caregiving, and infant development. Nonetheless, the available evidence makes it clear that policies for prevention of IPV are critically needed.
Stage-specific conditional survival in renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy

Abstract Objectives Conditional survival (CS) represents the probability that a cancer patient will survive some additional number of years, given that the patient has already survived for a certain period of time. CS estimates, therefore, serve as better measures of survival probability compared to standard estimates as they incorporate patient survivorship. Stage-specific CS has not been widely investigated in the context of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after nephrectomy. We aimed to examine this phenomenon. Materials and methods We analyzed retrospective data on a population-based cohort of 87,225 surgically-treated RCC patients extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2015) and on a similar validation cohort of 1,642 patients from our institution (1995–2015). 5-year cancer-specific CS estimates stratified by stage were obtained using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the possible variation in risk of cancer-specific mortality by stage at nephrectomy and with increasing postoperative survivorship. Results 5-year cancer-specific survival rates at time of nephrectomy for stage I, II, III, and IV patients in the population-based cohort were 97.4%, 89.9%, 77.9%, and 26.7%, respectively. Improvement in 5-year CS was mainly observed in surviving patients with advanced-stage disease; given 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of survivorship after nephrectomy, the subsequent 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were, respectively, 79.3% (+1.8% increase over previous survival probability), 81.3% (+2.5%), 83.3% (+2.5%), 84.3% (+1.2%), and 85.1% (+1.0%) for stage III, and 34.6% (+29.6%), 42.5% (+22.8%), 49.0% (+15.3%), 55.7% (+13.7%), and 58.6% (+5.2%) for stage IV. A similar trend was established in the validation cohort. Findings were confirmed upon multivariable analyses. Conclusions CS after nephrectomy for RCC varies dramatically by stage of disease. Gains in CS over time occur primarily among patients with advanced-stage disease. Stage-specific CS estimates can help urologists better plan postoperative surveillance for RCC patients.
Narrative Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation of People With Spinal Cord Injury: 2010-2020.

ABSTRACT Clinical practice guidelines provide reliable, vetted, and critical information to bring research to practice. Some medical specialties (e.g., physical medicine and rehabilitation) provide multidomain treatment for various conditions. This presents challenges because physical medicine and rehabilitation is a small specialty, a diverse patient base in terms sociodemographics and diagnosis, treatments are difficult to standardize, and rehabilitation research is underfunded. We wished to identify quality and applicability of clinical practice guidelines and searched "Spinal Cord Injury AND Clinical Practice Guidelines AND Rehabilitation" and vetting process.Three hundred fifty-nine articles were identified of which 58 met all criteria for full-text review of which 13 were included in the final selection. Additional publications were accessed from a nondatabase search. Five articles addressed postacute care, community treatment. Nine articles had no recorded vetting process but addressed rehabilitation as an outcome and were included separately. Many of the clinical practice guidelines were developed without evidence from randomized controlled trials, one had input from stakeholders, and some are out of date and do not address important aspects of changes in demographics of the affected population and the use of newer technologies such as sensors and robotics and devices. Identification of these gaps may help stimulate treatment that is clinically relevant, accessible, and current.
Bargaining, Bundling, and Clout: The Portfolio Effects of Horizontal Mergers

We examine the output and profit effects of horizontal mergers between differentiated upstream firms in an intermediate-goods market served by a downstream monopolist. If the merged firm can bundle, transfer pricing is efficient before and after the merger. Absent cost efficiencies, consumer and total welfare do not change. If the merged firm cannot bundle and its bargaining power is sufficiently high, transfer pricing is inefficient after the merger. Absent cost efficiencies, welfare typically falls. We evaluate the profit effects of mergers for the case of two-part tariff contracts. Rival firms gain (lose) from mergers that raise (lower) downstream prices. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a merger that harms the retailer may increase welfare.
A New Method for Decimal - Binary Conversion: Interpret as Octal - Binary Conversion

In digital technology designs and digital machine operations normally people use binary number system instead of decimal number system. Digital devices work with digital technologies that use digital signals to communicate between devices. This is the reason why decimal to binary conversion becomes so important. By converting decimal into binary, it would be very easy to convert the binary number into octal or hexadecimal. So far the division by base-2 has been used as a standard method to convert decimal numbers into binary numbers. This research brings a different method for conducting decimal to binary conversion where this conversion could be done using octal number system. Octal number system helps interpret decimal into octal and the octal into binary. Literature studies, comparisons, analysis and evaluation have been made to derive the solution for this alternative new method. This method is reliable and flexible to use for education, learning process, even for programming.
Spectroscopic ellipsometry of thin film cyclic olefin copolymer for use in long-wave infrared metasurfaces

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is shown, via infrared variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (IR-VASE), to have low absorption along with low dispersion in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) band. The material is demonstrated as the dielectric standoff layer in an LWIR metasurface design consisting of metallic patches and a ground plane, which is fabricated via standard lithographic processes. The resultant metasurface is observed to display strong resonant behavior near 10 µm, without the absorption features typically observed in similar designs using previously studied polymeric materials. COC should be considered for use in future metasurface work where researchers wish to study the physics of LWIR metasurface behavior without the complications caused by absorptive loss in the dielectric layer(s).
Comparing Two Testing Strategies: Universal versus Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Obstetric Patients

Objective To compare universal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronvirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing to symptomatic testing at two large academic centers. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing the approach to testing at two academic centers in Northeast Ohio. The study period started with the inception of symptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 at both institutions in March 2020. Women younger than 18 years were excluded. The primary outcome was the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate in symptomatic pregnant patients at both institutions. Our coprimary outcome was the additional positivity rate obtained from universal testing at the University Hospitals. The secondary outcome of interest was the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 screen positive mothers with screen positive neonates. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for proportions. Results During the study period, 144 pregnant women with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were tested at MetroHealth of which 27 resulted as positive for SARS-CoV-2 (18.7% positivity rate). University Hospitals tested 392 pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 of which 67 resulted as positive for SARS-CoV-2 (positivity rate 17.0%). In the universal testing program at University Hospitals, an additional 2,870 tests were performed on asymptomatic pregnant women of which 30 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 (1.0% positivity rate).There were no SARS-CoV-2 positive infants in our cohort, and all cases of maternal critical illness occurred in symptomatic patients. Conclusion Universal and symptomatic testing approaches demonstrated similar clinical performance within a single geographic region in obstetric patients. Key points · There is a lack of data to recommend an optimal approach to SARS-CoV-2 testing in obstetric patients.. · Universal testing detected few additional cases of SARS-CoV-2.. · Maternal and neonatal outcomes were unaffected by testing strategy..
Redundant Robots and Hybrid-Chain Robotic Systems

According to linear algebra [1,2], a linear multi-variable simultaneous equation can always be written in a matrix form below:
Barriers to Learning for Adult Learners

This paper includes a reference list of literature relating to barriers in adult learning. This literature also correlates difficulties and barriers in technology involved in learning for adults. In general, the literature seems to indicate that there are barriers to learning, to teaching and to the technological uses within learning. As older adults combat the image of learning, the stereotypes about older adults and technology, and continue to succeed and advance in areas of learning and technology usage, younger adults in middle age brackets are looking for the means to continue expanding their abilities and knowledge base as well by overcoming barriers and new job skills themselves.
What Makes German Banks Different

The past few years have seen a revival in the academic debate over the economic functions of German banks. This paper takes the position that large non-financial firms have become highly autonomous of the banks, and the corporate governance role of banks, while still important, is much less significant than widely presumed. German banks, however, do fulfill certain economic functions to a greater degree and in a different manner than banks in other countries. These bank functions of long-term commercial financing, comprehensive management consulting, and supporting diversified quality production strategies are made possible by the institutional character of the banking system itself and the institutional context in which it operates. A complex web of government laws, regulations, and government financial aid combine with bank group competition to create an extensive and successful financial support system for German SMEs. This system faces various adjustment challenges — from international financial market integration to EU regulatory harmonization — but it has thus far managed to adapt while sustaining its core functions.
Association of replicating bacteriophage T7 DNA with bacterial membranes.

Abstract Infection of Escherichia coli with bacteriophage T7 leads to the formation of an association between host membranes and newly synthesized T7 DNA. Evidence for this conclusion is suggested by the findings that replicating T7 DNA cosediments with host membranes in sucrose and cesium chloride density gradients. Furthermore, the sedimentation rate of T7 DNA is dependent on the integrity of membrane structure. Finally, an association between DNA and membranes can be demonstrated by electron microscope studies.
Automated reasoning for hybrid systems: two case studies

At an abstract level hybrid systems are related to variants of Kleene algebra. Since it has recently been shown that Kleene algebras and their variants, like omega algebras, provide a reasonable base for automated reasoning, the aim of the present paper is to show that automated algebraic reasoning for hybrid system is feasible. We mainly focus on applications. In particular, we present case studies and proof experiments to show how concrete properties of hybrid systems, like safety and liveness, can be algebraically characterised and how off-the-shelf automated theorem provers can be used to verify them.
Long‐term kinetics of uranyl desorption from sediments under advective conditions

Long-term (>4 months) column experiments were performed to investigate the kinetics of uranyl (U(VI)) desorption in sediments collected from the Integrated Field Research Challenge site at the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford 300 Area. The experimental results were used to evaluate alternative multirate surface complexation reaction (MRSCR) approaches to describe the short and long-term kinetics of U(VI) desorption under flow conditions. The surface complexation reaction (SCR) stoichiometry and equilibrium constants and multirate parameters in the MRSCR models were independently characterized in batch and stirred flow-cell reactors. MRSCR models that were either additively constructed using the MRSCRs for individual size fractions, or composite in nature, could effectively describe short-term U(VI) desorption under flow conditions. The long-term desorption results, however, revealed that using the labile U concentration measured by carbonate extraction underestimated desorbable U(VI) and the long-term rate of U(VI) desorption. This study also found that the gravel size fraction (2–8 mm), which is typically treated as nonreactive in modeling U(VI) reactive transport because of low external surface area, can have an important effect on the U(VI) desorption in the sediment. This study demonstrates an approach to effectively extrapolate U(VI) desorption kinetics for field-scale application and identifies important parameters and uncertainties affecting model predictions.
Behind the Mask: Resolving the Core–Cusp Problem in Spiral Galaxies

We discuss two aspects of the core–cusp problem in spiral galaxies. The first is observational. In deriving rotation curves from HI data cubes it is essential to take into account projection effects,non-circular motions due to bars and other deviations from axisymmetry, and the effect of pressure gradients on the gas rotation velocity. While these effects may be individually small in themselves, the combined effect is significant as we demonstrate from our analysis of the galaxy NGC 6822. The second issue concerns the effect of gas flows on the survival of density cusps. Winds created by multiple supernova explosions selectively remove low angular momentum baryons from the center of galaxies. Recent simulations show that supernova winds acting throughout the history of a dwarf galaxy can substantially reduce the baryonic and dark matter density in the centers of dwarf galaxies.
Application of [125I]iodocyanopindolol to measure 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptors in the brain of the rat.

In this study, [125I]iodocyanopindolol ([125I]ICYP), in the presence of isoproterenol, was used to label 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B) receptors in homogenates of the cortex, substantia nigra and caudate-putamen of the rat. The determination of the appropriate concentrations of isoproterenol required to block optimally beta adrenoceptors whereas producing minimal occupancy of 5-HT1B receptors was achieved by generating isotherms for isoproterenol at multiple concentrations of [125I]ICYP. When different concentrations of isoproterenol were used with increasing concentrations of [125I]ICYP, a linear Scatchard transformation of the saturation curve was achieved, even with ligand concentrations about 6-fold greater than the KD for [125I]ICYP. Competition for [125I]ICYP (100 pM) labeled binding sites by 15 serotonin agonists or antagonists was adequately described by a single site model, and the affinity of these drugs for the site labeled by [125I]ICYP was similar to that determined previously when using indirect methods to label 5-HT1B receptors. Serotonin itself showed high affinity for this binding site as did two antagonists, metergoline and methiothepin. By contrast, drugs thought to be selective for the 5-HT1A receptor (e.g., 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, buspirone and spiperone) showed very weak affinity for the binding site labeled with [125I]ICYP. The effect of nucleotide regulation on [125I]ICYP binding at 5-HT1B receptors also was evaluated. It was determined that GTP had little effect on the binding of [125I]ICYP, reducing total binding by only 15% and shifting the displacement curve of 5-HT by a factor of less than two. The regulation of 5-HT1B receptors, labeled by [125I]ICYP, also was evaluated. Intraventricular injections of 5.7-dihydroxytryptamine increased significantly the number of 5-HT1B receptors in the caudate-putamen; this treatment had no effect on 5-HT1B binding sites either in the cortex or substantia nigra. The regulatable binding site for [125I]ICYP in the caudate-putamen had a pharmacological profile very similar to that of the 5-HT1B binding site in the cortex. [125I]ICYP appears to be a useful ligand to measure 5-HT1B receptors in the brain of the rat. The localized increase in 5-HT1B receptors in the caudate-putamen after destruction of central serotonergic neurons might indicate that the majority of 5-HT1B receptors in this area of brain are not located on serotonergic nerve terminals.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Adaptive Learning Styles of Business Students

An exploration of the preferred learning styles for over 1,100 business students has yielded an intriguing result. While many previous studies have examined the learning styles in different majors at different universities, these studies have been focused on describing the typical student for that major. This study demonstrates that the preferred learning styles of students may depend more on the course than the major, indicating that students may have adaptive learning styles. Rather than having an innate, consistent preferred learning style, business students adapt their preferred learning style to the subject of the course. Further research is necessary to confirm these exploratory findings.
The myth of the pacific century

Abstract The rapid economic success of countries in the Pacific rim in the past two decades has given rise to visions of a ‘Pacific Century’, with the world's economic centre of gravity shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific. But the rise of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) may sound the death knell for the Pacific Century by rendering obsolete the cheap labour on which Asian Pacific economic success has been built. It is incumbent upon nations with well-developed CIM R&D capacity to avoid protectionism and base their policies instead on technology transfer and the principle of sharing.
Vetting Kepler Planet Candidates with Multi-Color Photometry from the GTC: Identification of an Eclipsing Binary Star Near KOI 565

We report the discovery of an eclipsing binary star (KIC 7025851) near KOI 565 (KIC 7025846) based on photometric observations of KOI 565 and several nearby stars acquired in two narrow bandpasses (790.2 and 794.3\pm2.0 nm) nearly-simultaneously with the GTC/OSIRIS. We use the individual photometry in each bandpass as well as the colors of KOI 565 and other nearby stars to determine that the source of the transit signal initially detected by Kepler is not due to a super-Earth-size planet around KOI 565. Instead, we find the source to be a background eclipsing binary star located \sim15 arcsec to the North of KOI 565. We discuss future prospects for using high-precision multi-color photometry from the GTC to determine whether additional Kepler planet candidates have a planetary nature or are instead false positives (e.g., foreground or background eclipsing binaries or hierarchical triple systems). Our approach is complementary to multi-color follow-up observations of Kepler planet candidates currently being conducted with the Spitzer space telescope in the infrared as well as to other follow-up techniques.
A further investigation of the life-world

My personal “way to phenomenology” revealed to me qualities that seem to be essential to one's sense of everyday social reality. Having been victimized I became aware of some of the basic elements that lie beneath the intersubjectivity of the taken-for granted life-world. Death is the ultimate problematic event and the individual is shielded from it by his or her life-world. We hope that actions are repeatable and that others are trustworthy so that we will not confront our own isolation and our own mortality. Although one is alone in death, we act as if we are, and always will be, fundamentally with others within a shared and orderly social world. In short, we avoid our finite individuality through the hopeful construction of a sense of permanent and fundamental sociability. By sheltering ourselves within the life-world, we are, in essence, hoping that we will not die. In this sense, the life-world is a fundamentally deceptive construction. Yet, in this same sense, the life-world is also the source of social and cultural progress. Paradoxically, our sense of everyday reality is both deceptive and productive.
Electrodiagnostic findings in acute porphyric neuropathy

Of 115 patients with acute intermittent porphyria seen during a 20-year period, 11 had experienced an acute episode of quadriparesis. Nerve conduction studies performed on 8 of these 11 patients showed low-amplitude compound action potentials and normal velocity measurements. Needle electromyography demonstrated prominent fibrillation potentials, especially in proximal muscles. The changes in these findings with time confirm that this disorder is an acute axonal neuropathy.
The reliability of self-reported age of onset of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.

Aims. To examine the reliability of self-reported age of first substance use experiences among national samples of adult and child respondents. Design. Survey responses from seven waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) were examined. Participants. Adult and child NLSY respondents reporting age of first tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and/or crack use during two or more survey interviews. Measurements. Four indicators of reliability: intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), mean and absolute mean differences in reported age and reports consistent within 1 year. Findings. The adjusted mean ICC for all comparisons was 0.69. The adjusted mean difference in self-reported age of first substance use was - 0.52 years and the adjusted absolute mean difference was 2.00 years. The adjusted percentage of all comparisons reporting ages consistent within 1 year was 55.28%. More consistent reports were provided by adults, and in response to questions posed over 2 years as opposed to longer time intervals. Respondent answers to questions concerned with first use of marijuana were generally found to be most reliable; questions concerned with first use of crack were least reliable and reports of tobacco, alcohol and cocaine were intermediate. Logistic regression analyses also identified age, race, gender, education and poverty status as predictors of consistent reporting. Conclusions. Self-reports of age of first substance use experiences, as currently collected via survey questionnaires, are of sufficient reliability for most current epidemiological applications. For inquiries where age of substance use onset is itself a research focus, however, researchers should invest additional effort in improving the reliability of measurement.
Expression of SV40 T antigen under control of adenovirus promoters

We have obtained novel adenovirus-SV40 recombinant viruses that express wild-type SV40 large T and small t antigens under the control of different adenovirus promoters. Hybrids were constructed in vitro with SV40 DNA that contains the entire early coding region but lacks the transcriptional promoter. Recombinants were isolated by a strong biological selection for viruses that express SV40 T antigen. Analysis of several recombinant genomes indicates that they contain the SV40 A gene inserted in a variety of positions and orientations in the adenoviral genome. Moreover, the set of hybrid transcripts reveals an unexpected variety of splicing patterns. Some hybrid mRNAs transcribed from the adenovirus late promoter appear to contain the adenovirus tripartite leader sequence. Other hybrid mRNAs were transcribed from adenovirus early promoters. All recombinant mRNAs contain intact SV40 early sequences that have normal splice patterns and produce wild-type T antigens. Biochemical characterization of SV40 T antigens overproduced by the hybrid viruses indicates that they are structurally indistinguishable from wild-type SV40 large T antigen and are functionally equivalent to the D2 protein.
Preparation of Electroless Ni-P Composite Coating and its Tribological Properties

The Ni-P composite coatings onto 4043 aluminum alloy were prepared by electroless plating with nickel sulfate and sodium hypoposphite as raw material. The Ni-P composite coatings were heat-treated for 1 hour at 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C and 600°C, respectively. The tribological behaviour of the coatings was investigated on a vertical universal friction/wear tester under dry friction. The morphology and phase structure of the composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the microhardness of the composite coatings were measured by Vickers diamond indenter. The results showed that the as-deposited coatings had smooth cellular pattern and amorphous structure, and the microhardness of the coatings reached the maximum at 400°C heat treatment, the reason is the formation of Ni3P alloy phase with increasing of the heat treatment temperature. The friction coefficient of coatings annealed at 400°C is the lowest. The wear loss was found to increase with corresponding increase in load and sliding speed. It was found that the wear mechanism of the as-deposited Ni-P composite coatings was dominated by adhesive wear and scuffing under the experimental conditions, but the wear mechanism of the coatings annealed at 400°C was scuffing.
Managing depression in primary care.

Primary care p 772 Several recent studies have evaluated alternative approaches to managing depression in primary care. The range of disease and the treatments examined have varied widely, no doubt contributing to the variation in results. Nevertheless, randomised trials leave little doubt that antidepressant drugs are efficacious in major depression, 1 2 and recent evidence suggests efficacy in dysthymia and subsyndromal depression as well.3 But what role does counselling play in the primary care management of patients with various forms of depression? Recent trials in primary care have produced conflicting results and conclusions. The paper in this issue by Chilvers et al (p 772)4 and an earlier report from the same study5 address three important questions about treating major depression in primary care. Is there a difference in the effectiveness of drugs versus counselling? Is the non-standardised counselling provided by most mental health providers effective? Does matching treatment …
Structure of a multidrug transporter.

Crystal structures of a mammalian multidrug efflux pump bound to peptide inhibitors may reveal drug-binding sites.
PEACE AND VIOLENCE IN RUSSIA AND THE WEST 1740–1985

Descriptive data are used to illustrate periods of violence and of peace since 1740. The focus is on six time periods and four areas (North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia). Fatality rates are compared and the results suggest that the present day is a time of relative peace.
Mass measurements and superallowed beta decay

Abstract A recent Penning-trap measurement of the masses of V 46 and Ti 46 leads to a Q EC value that disagrees significantly with the previously accepted value, and destroys overall consistency among the nine most precisely characterized T = 1 superallowed β emitters. This raises the possibility of a systematic discrepancy between Penning-trap measurements and the reaction-based measurements upon which the Q EC values depended in the past. We carefully re-analyze ( n , γ ) and ( p , γ ) reaction measurements in the 24 ≤ A ≤ 28 mass region, and compare the results to very precise Penning-trap measurements of the stable nuclei Mg 24 , Mg 26 and Si 28 . We thus determine upper limits to possible systematic effects in the reaction results, and go on to establish limits for the mass of radioactive Al 26 , to which future on-line Penning-trap measurements can be compared. We stress the urgency of identifying or ruling out possible systematic effects.
A Comparison of Normalizations for ZF Precoded MU-MIMO Systems in Multipath Fading Channels

We compare two commonly used normalizations for zero-forcing (ZF) precoded multi-user multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO) systems: equal transmit power (ETP) and equal receive power (ERP) normalization. Both have been proposed in the literature, but with no comparison of the performance in multipath fading channels. We show analytically, and through simulations, that the ETP normalization leads to a higher total received power at the users and a higher sum rate. We also present simulation results in a multipath fading channel to corroborate the analysis and observe that the performance spread among users increases as the delay spread decreases with ETP normalization. This can be used to choose the appropriate normalization in a particular multipath scenario.
Asymptotic Analysis of Finite Deformation in a Nonlinear Transversely Isotropic Incompressible Hyperelastic Half-space Subjected to a Tensile Point Load

The Boussinesq problem, that is, determining the deformation in a hyperelastic half-space due to a point force normal to the boundary, is an important problem of engineering, geomechanics, and other fields to which elasticity theory is often applied. While linear solutions produce useful Green’s functions, they also predict infinite displacements and other physically inconsistent results nearby and at the point of application of the load where the most critical and interesting material behavior occurs. To illuminate the deformation due to such a load in the region of interest, asymptotic analysis of the nonlinear Boussinesq problem has been considered in the context of isotropic hyperelasticity. Studies considering transversely isotropic materials have also been broadly used in the linear theory, but have not been treated within the nonlinear framework. In this paper we extend the nonlinearly elastic isotropic analysis to transverse isotropy, producing a more general theory which also better encompasses applications involving layered media. The governing equations for nonlinearly elastic, transversely isotropic solids are derived, conservation laws of elastostatics are invoked, asymptotic forms of the deformation solutions are hypothesized, and the differential equations governing deformation near the point load are determined. The analysis also develops sequences of simple tests to determine if a transversely isotropic material can possibly sustain a finite deflection under the point load. The results are applied to a variety of transversely isotropic materials, and the effects of the anisotropy considered is demonstrated by comparison of the resulting deformation with similar asymptotic solutions in the isotropic theory.
Dexmedetomidine, an α-2a adrenergic agonist, promotes ischemic tolerance in a murine model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion

Objective Dexmedetomidine, an α-2a adrenergic agonist, given pre- and postoperatively was previously shown to attenuate neuronal injury in a murine model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion. In the brain, α-2 agonists have been shown to induce the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response-element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor necessary for neuron survival. We hypothesized that the α-2a adrenergic agonist given preoperatively increases CREB-mediated neuroprotective proteins, attenuating neuronal injury and cytoarchitectural decay. Methods Mice (ie, C57BL/6 mice) underwent 5 minutes of aortic occlusion via median sternotomy. Mice received 25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine or equivalent normal saline at 24 hours, 12 hours, and 30 minutes preoperatively. Functional outcomes were recorded at 6 to 48 hours postoperatively when spinal cords were removed for histologic analysis. Spinal cords were examined for protein kinase B, CREB, B-cell lymphoma 2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor following treatment alone or ischemia-reperfusion surgery. Results Following aortic occlusion, mice in the treatment group had preserved neurologic function at all time points ( P P Conclusions Pretreatment with the α-2a agonist dexmedetomidine preserved neurologic function and attenuated neuronal injury following thoracic aortic occlusion in mice. This relationship was associated with an increased phosphorylation of protein kinase B and CREB and subsequent up-regulation of antiapoptotic factor B-cell lymphoma 2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Thus, α-2a receptor agonism-induced CREB phosphorylation and contributes to dexmedetomidine's protective mechanism in the spinal cord following ischemia.
The landscape of E-journal management

ABSTRACT Skills needed to effectively manage electronic journals are highly valued in libraries today. Some of these include sound technological skills, ability to analyze and prioritize well, knowledge of licensing, and ability to communicate with a wide range of people. Additionally, centralized vs. decentralized e-resources management is debated in many large libraries. A struggle exists between having a few people do all of the work related to electronic journals and resources (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, and troubleshooting), and parceling out the work among units and integrating electronic journals work into the regular workflow of other materials of all formats. Larger libraries are under pressure to reorganize staff and workflows to accommodate electronic journals, but must make some large decisions before effective electronic resources management (ERM) can be put into place. This article raises staffing and workflow issues to consider when planning electronic resources management.
Crystal structure of oxo(diperoxo)bipyridylmolybdenum(VI)

Abstract Yellow oxo(diperoxo)bipyridylmolybdenum(VI), C10H8MoN2O5, Mr = 332.1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 6.261(3), b = 12.726(1) c = 13.752(3)A, β = 91.84(2)°, V = 1095.2(5)A3, Z = 4, Dc = 2.014(1) g/cm3, MoKα(λ = 0.7107A), μ = 11.8 cm−1, T = 22(1)°C, R = 0.034, ωR = 0.040, number of reflections in least squares (F0 > 2σ(F0)) = 1125. The molybdenum coordination (distorted trigonal bipyramidal) is as in the corresponding chromium complex, C10H8CrN2O5 which has closely similar bond angles but is not isomorphous. The difference in MoNapex and MoNeq bond distances (2.312(5) and 2.199(5)A) is similar to that in the CrNapex and CrNeq distances (2.23(2) and 2.11(2)A). The MO distances for each peroxo ligand (ave. 1.910(2) and 1.950(2)A) are significantly different and slightly longer than those in the chromium complex as is the OO distance of 1.459(6)A. The latter is indicative of greater negative charge on the O2 ligands, approaching that of O2−2 in the molybdenum complex.
An efficient synthesis of diethyl coumarin-3-phosphonates

A general synthesis of a number of diethyl coumarin-3-phosphonates (3) has been achieved using titanium tetrachloride-pyridine as the condensing agent.
Ptilomycalin A inhibits laccase and melanization in Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract The antifungal spirocyclic guanidine alkaloid, ptilomycalin A, from marine sponge Monanchora arbuscula, inhibits melanogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro through inhibition of biosynthesis of laccase in the melanin biosynthetic pathway with an IC50 of 7.3 μM.
Internal training of title III specialists: An imperative for changing educational practice

(1967). Internal training of title III specialists: An imperative for changing educational practice. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 6, Title III, pp. 134-140.
The Status of the Aged in Korea: Are the Modern More Advantaged?

Using individual modernity as a measure of modernization and decision-making power to assess the status of the aged at the micro level, this study examines how modernity, family environment, and demographic characteristics affect the status of the aged in the extended family. Data are analyzed from a sample of 252 Korean elderly living with one of their married children. In contrast to findings at the societal level, this research indicates that individual modernity is associated with higher status of the aged. Individual modernity may become an important resource in negotiating for decision-making power with adult children.
Excretion of aminopyrine and its metabolites into cows' milk

Abstract The mechanism by which aminopyrine and its two most common metabolites, 4-aminoantipyrine and N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine, pass into cows' milk from the systemic circulation was studied. Healthy lactating dairy cows were infused via the jugular vein with appropriate loading doses followed by a continuous intravenous infusion for a 6-hour period. Blood and milk samples were taken simultaneously at hourly intervals, milk pH values were determined, and drug concentrations were measured. Protein binding was determined in milk and plasma using equilibrium dialysis techniques. Theoretical milk-to-plasma ratios for passive diffusion were calculated on the basis of the pH-pKa partition concept. Experimentally obtained milk-to-plasma ultrafiltrate ratios agreed with theoretical ratios for passive diffusion when aminopyrine and N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine were infused. Experimental milk-to-plasma ratios obtained for 4-aminoantipyrine were consistently lower than theoretically calculated ratios. Average experimental ratios of 1.10, 0.50, and 1.00 were obtained for antipyrine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine, respectively, with a corresponding average theoretical ratio for passive diffusion of 1.00 in all cases. Changing milk pH did not affect the amount of these compounds that was cleared into the milk. The appearance of aminopyrine and N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine in milk can be explained by diffusion concepts. 4-Aminoantipyrine gains access to milk by a process which cannot be explained by simple passive diffusion.
UV laser induced fluorescence portable system for the detection of plastic and organic compounds in water

A 266 nm Laser Induced Fluorescence system that is 1000 times more sensitive than existing in situ fluorescence sensors has been developed and tested for the detection of plastics and organics in water.
Incidence of occlusal dental caries in asymptomatic third molars

Purpose We sought to determine the incidence of caries experience on the occlusal surface of asymptomatic third molars erupted to the occlusal plane and to examine the association between the prevalence of caries experience in third molars and other molars. Patients and methods Clinical data were collected from healthy patients (ASA Class I, II) with asymptomatic third molars enrolled at 2 clinical centers in an institutional review board-approved clinical trial. All patients with at least one third molar at the occlusal plane and with data at baseline and from the most recent of at least 2 follow-up visits were compared in the analysis. At each visit, the presence or absence of caries experience on the occlusal surface of third molars and on any surface of the first and second molars was recorded during clinical and radiographic examinations. Results Median time between baseline and the most recent follow-up examination was 2.9 years (interquartile range, 1.6 to 4.0 years). Patients (N = 211) were more often female (55%) and white (79%). Median age at baseline was 26.6 years (interquartile range, 22.7 to 32.6 years). At baseline, 29% of patients were affected by third molar occlusal caries, increasing to 33% at follow-up. Older patients at baseline had more caries in a third molar than those younger than 25 years (43% versus 9%). However, patients who were younger at baseline were more likely to develop caries in third molars at follow-up (9% versus 19%). Mandibular third molars were affected more often than maxillary third molars: 25% versus 19% at baseline and 29% versus 22% at follow-up. At baseline and at follow-up, nearly all patients with third molar caries, 98% and 99%, also had caries in first/second molars. Conclusions The 3-year caries incidence in third molars erupted to the occlusal plane was highest among younger patients and mandibular teeth. The presence of caries in first/second molars at baseline was highly predictive of the development of third molar caries during the ensuing 3 years.
Evaluation and endoscopic treatment of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract Severe hematochezia is a common problem faced by endoscopists. Most hematochezia originates from a colonic source and is self-limited. With the use of bowel purge and urgent colonoscopy, either a definite or presumptive source can usually be determined. Bleeding lesions potentially amenable to endoscopic therapy include diverticula, postpolypectomy sites, angiomas, radiation proctitis, Dieulafoy’s lesions, tumors, ulcers, and internal hemorrhoids. Endoscopic therapy can stop acute bleeding and prevent recurrent bleeding in selected cases of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Phenotypic features of Huntington's disease-like 2.

Huntington's disease-like 2 is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder due to an expansion of trinucleotide repeats. It resembles classic Huntington's disease in clinical phenotype, inheritance pattern, and neuropathological features. We highlight the clinical features of this disorder, including chorea, dystonia, parkinsonism, and cognitive deficits.