cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas-phase organometallic ion photochemistry

The combination of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS) [1–7] with various light sources has proven to be a powerful means of studying the photochemistry of a wide variety of metalcontaining ions. In our laboratory, pulsed laser ionization [8, 9] is used to generate metal ions which are then stored in the ion trap of the FTICRMS where they are permitted to react with background gases [10, 11]. Isolation of the desired ion is readily achieved, followed by light irradiation for variable periods on the order of 1 to 20 s. Light absorption is measured indirectly by monitoring some change in ion intensity. Photodissociation is the most commonly observed process, whereby an ion dissociates following light absorption [12-14]. An alternative process in which the reactivity of an ion is altered following light absorption offers a potentially powerful method for obtaining information at longer wavelengths, at and below the ion dissociation energy [15, 16]. Similarly, multiphoton visible [17, 18] and infrared [19–22] absorption processes take advantage of the long trapping times and relatively slow radiative relaxation rates to effect some change in ion intensity. With these methods, one overcomes the burden of obtaining absorption information from species at 10-17 M. In this chapter we focus on some recent results from our laboratory on simple singly and doubly charged metal-ligand ions in the UV-VIS and in the infrared.
Dehydration-induced lamellar-to-hexagonal-II phase transitions in DOPE/DOPC mixtures

Abstract Plasma membranes of protoplasts isolated from non-acclimated rye plants undergo a transition from the bilayer to the inverted hexagonal (H II ) phase during freeze-induced dehydration at –10°C. It has been suggested (Bryant, G. and Wolfe, J. (1989) Eur. Biophys. J. 16, 369–372) that the differential hydration of various membrane components may induce fluid-fluid demixing of highly hydrated (e.g., PC) from poorly hydrated (PE) components during dehydration. This could yield a PE-enriched domain more prone to form the H II phase. We have examined the lyotropic phase behavior of mixtures of DOPE and DOPC at 20°C by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. H II phase formation was favored by higher proportions of DOPE and lower water contents. Mixtures of 1:1 and 1:3 DOPE/DOPC had a hydration-dependent appearance of two L α phases at water contents just above those at which the H II phase occured. The hydration-dependence of the lamellar repeat spacings suggested that the DOPE-enriched domains preferentially underwent the L α -to-H II phase transition. Mixtures of 3:1 DOPE/DOPC did not separate into two L α phases during dehydration. These data suggest that the differential hydration characteristics of various membrane components may induce their lateral fluid-fluid demixing during dehydration.
Maize chlorotic mottle virus in Hawaiian-grown maize: vector relations, host range and associated viruses

Abstract Studies were conducted on Kauai, Hawaii to identify potential above-ground arthropod vectors of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), to survey for plants serving as reservoirs for MCMV and also to survey for associated viruses in maize ( Zea mays ) that might cause corn lethal necrosis disease. MCMV transmission studies used six arthropod species found in MCMV-infected maize fields ( Peregrinus maidis, Sardia pluto, Empoasca solana, Adoretus sinicus, Tetranychus sp. and Frankliniella williamsi ). After a 1–3-day acquisition feeding period on MCMV-infected maize plants, five arthropod species gave positive test results for MCMV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), but only the thrips ( F. williamsi ) were able to transmit MCMV to healthy maize plants. This is the first evidence of MCMV transmission by thrips. MCMV was found in all maize genotypes tested and was detected by infectivity tests and ELISA in all parts of the maize plant and in mature seed with 13–30% moisture. Fifteen other species of plants tested by ELISA were negative for MCMV, except for one sample of the grass, Trichachne insularis , and one sample of the dicotyledon, Melia azedarach . However, only sap from maize plant parts testing positive for MCMV by ELISA was capable of infecting healthy maize plants. All maize samples from Kauai were negative (by ELISA) for maize chlorotic dwarf virus, wheat streak mosaic virus and maize dwarf mosaic virus strain A (MDMV-A); one maize sample out of 300 tested positive for MDMV strain B. One T. insularis sample tested positive for MDMV-A.
901-22 Dual-Chamber Pacing for Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial

Implantation of a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker (PPM) has recently been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). To objectively determine the short-term benefit of PPM, we entered 11 patients with severely symptomatic HOCM (mean age, 53 ± 13 years; 7 males, 4 females) into a prospective randomized, double-blind crossover trial with 2 months of continuous atrial synchronous pacing (DDD) and 2 months of backup pacing (WI). All medications were continued throughout the study. Clinical symptoms. oxygen consumption treadmills. and Doppler echocardiography were performed at baseline and after each ofthe two arms. During the DDD arm. 62% experienced subjective symptomatic improvement and 37% admitted to symptomatic improvement in the WI arm. The data at baseline and after each of the two arms for maximum treadmill time (TMET-max). maximum oxygen consumption (VO2-maxl, and Doppler outflow tract gradient (GRAD) are shown: TMET-max (min) VO2-max (mUkg/min) GRADlmmHg) BASE 5.7 ± 1.9 19.0 ± 5.8 76 ± 20 WI 6.0 ± 2.3 20.0 ± 5.8 56 ± 25 DOD 6.0 ± 1.7 20.0 ± 6.0 47 ± 27 * * p l 0.05 vs. baseline Conclusion PPM for patients with HOCM provides subjective improvement and decrease in gradient for a select group of patients. However, not all patients will respond to PPM, and there is no overall statistically significant improvement in objective exercise parameters on short-term follow-up. DDD PPM should not be routinely implanted in all patients with HOCM until further results of larger prospectively randomized trials are available.
Net primary production of major plant functional types in China: Vegetation classification and ecosystem simulation

Abstract The characteristics and distribution of vegetation are essential information for understanding the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems across a large region. In this study, we developed the contemporary and potential vegetation maps of China with a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km. The vegetation classification scheme includes 17 types of vegetation and 3 non-vegetated land cover types. For cropland, we further provide spatial information on three major cropping systems across China, i.e., single, double and triple cropping system. In addition, we further evaluate the accuracy of this classification against field survey. As a case study, we used this vegetation data set combined with other environmental factors (climate, atmospheric CO2 and nitrogen deposition) to drive the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM) for estimating terrestrial net primary production at both plant functional type and national levels. DLEM simulations indicate that net primary productivity (NPP) in China's terrestrial ecosystem has substantially increased by 51%, from 2.50 Pg C y−1 in the 1900s to 3.79 Pg C y−1 during the first decade of the 21st century. Among major plant functional types across China, cropland shows the largest NPP increase by nearly 3–4 fold during 1901–2010 primarily due to cropland expansion as well as increased nitrogen fertilizer use and irrigation. The NPP increase is estimated to be 480 and 692 gC m−2 y−1 for upland crops and rice fields, respectively. This vegetation distribution data set was originally developed for driving the Dynamic Land Ecosystem model (DLEM), but it can be used for other purposes such as driving hydrological and climate models.
Using simulation data to predict lung geometry for inhomogeneity corrections in breast cancer treatments.

Abstract Purpose : To develop a statistical model based only on simulation measurement data, to predict the lung geometry in the central slice of the tangential radiation treatment fields for breast cancer. Methods and materials : A linear regression analysis was performed on 22 patients to determine the shape of lung in the central axis plane of the tangential radiation fields. Data collected include the greatest perpendicular distance (GPD) measured from the chest wall to the field border on computed tomography (CT) images, the central lung distance (CLD) measured from the posterior field border to the chest wall on the simulation portal images, and the lung contours digitized at 1 cm intervals. The lung contours of these patients were fitted to a parabolic curve through a polynomial regression model. A lung template based on the regression model is used to construct a “generic lung” countour on patients' external body contours for treatment planning. The accuracy of this technique was tested on another group of 15 patients for its ability to predict the shape of lung on the central axis plane and the accuracy of dose to the prescription point. Results : The polynomial regression indicates that all the patients' lung contours in the tangential fields follow a parabolic curve: y = −0.0808 X 2 + 0.0096 X + 0.0326. The maximum lung involvement (GPD) can be determined from the value of CLD measured on the simulation film by the linear regression model with a determination coefficient of 0.712. The 15-patient test results indicate that our model predicts the lung separation on the central axis with an average deviation of 1.35 cm, and the average absolute dose deviation to the dose prescription point is 1.46%. Conclusion : The model presented ini this article provides an efficient method to estimate the lung geometry for breast cancer treatment planning without the requirement of CT data. The lung contour predicted by our model is useful for calculating dose distributions with inhomogeneity correction and may potentially benefit patients at higher riskof pulmonary toxicity.
Inside Your Inner Fish

‘Your Inner Fish: A journey into the 3.5 billion-year history of the human body’, by Neil Shubin Published by Vintage Books and Random House Publishers, New York, USA $13.95. ISBN: 978-0-307-27745-9 (paperback). Also published by Penguin Books, London, UK £9.99. ISBN: 978-0-141-02758-6 (
Scaling of the propagation velocity in the contact propagation regime of stirred percolation

For regimes of flame propagation and diffusion-limited aggregation in which cluster contact is rate limiting, we find that the propagation velocity exhibits a new form of scaling related to percolation. We compute a "propagation exponent" $\ensuremath{\psi}$ and derive it in terms of static exponents. We also derive bounds on a "transport exponent" ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ governing the critical diffusivity of fast tracers in lattice gases and the critical conductivity of stirred binary mixtures.
Beneficial effects of nafazatrom on ischemic reperfused myocardium

Abstract The effect of nafazatrom, a new antithrombotic agent, was studied in a canine model of regional myocardial ischemia. Nafazatrom was administered 1 mg/kg intravenously every 6 h for 48 h. After 24 h of drug or placebo administration, animals underwent 90 min of occlusion of the proximal left circumflex coronary artery followed by gradual reperfusion over a period of 30 min. Twenty-four hours later, the animals were sacrificed and infarct size was determined by histochemical staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Nafazatrom-treated animals had a significant reduction in infarct size expressed as a percent of the anatomical area at risk for infarction: 21 ± 5% in the treated group vs. 41 ± 5% in the control group ( X ± S.E.M.,P ). Histological examination confirmed the gross results of postmortem histochemical staining. Salvage of ischemically jeopardized tissue appeared to be unrelated to myocardial oxygen demand as there were no hemodynamic differences between groups. The beneficial effects of nafazatrom are presumably related to a limitation of autolytic processes on the heart during and after ischemia as a result of the drug's ability to inhibit lipoxygenase and to prevent the enzymatic degradation of prostacyclin.
Contact Seeking with an Unfamiliar Adult in Day-Care and Home-Reared Children as a Function of Adult's Seating Position and Mother's Presence Or Absence:

During the first day, children (M, 3.8 yr.) participated in two sets of three sessions. Sessions 1, 2, and 3 involved being alone with an adult, with an adult and the child's mother, and alone with an adult. In one set, the adult sat on the floor while in the other set she sat on a chair. Each session lasted 3 min. An observer recorded whether the child touched the adult within each 15-sec. period within the session. The dependent variable was the number of periods within the session for which a touch occurred. The first day's procedure was repeated on two successive days. Children were much more likely to make contact with the adult when she was sitting on the floor than when she was sitting up in a chair. It was speculated that this was either due to the adult being down on the child's level or due to the opportunity to use the adult's lap as a chair when the adult was sitting on the floor. Other findings in the study included greater contact with the adult by children attending day care than children n...
Modeling document-mediated interaction

Current approaches to modeling texts create text structures based on semantic representations of authorial intention or a pre-determined information structure. This paper considers an alternative to these two approaches - modeling document-mediated interaction - and discusses challenges associated with this alternative approach.
Radium implant to the parametrium in the treatment of stage IIIB carcinoma of the cervix: Analysis of dosimetry

Abstract Radium needle implant to the parametrium in order to supplement the dose rates to the cervix, parametrium and pelvic wall from a protruding intrauterine tandem was simulated using the skeleton of an adult pelvis in a water phantom. The results of direct dosimetry are presented. The parametrial implant approach was instituted in our clinic in 1975 to minimize local failures, especially parametrial, in Stage IIIB carcinoma of the cervix. The technique is used with patients who cannot accomodate two vaginal ovoids with the intrauterine tandem for conventional intracavitary radium therapy because of the extent of the neoplastic disease. Our dosimetric results showed an increase in the parametrial and pelvic wall dose rates of better than 60% with a typical implant of six half-intensity (0.33 mg/cm.) needles to the affected parametrium; the bladder and rectum dose rates increased by less than 17%. There was a relatively minimal (8–13%) increase in the dose rates to other pelvic node-bearing sites. Results for a minimal implant to both proximal parametria and a clinical example of the parametrial implant application are also presented.
Pathogenesis and treatment of asthma: recent advances

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide. Although current therapies relieve and prevent symptoms in most patients, some are refractory and experience a progressive decline in lung function, described as irreversible asthma. This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis and potential novel therapies relating to asthma.
Orally Administered DTPA Penta-Ethyl Ester for the Decorporation of Inhaled 241Am

ABSTRACT Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) is an effective decorporation agent to facilitate the elimination of radionuclides from the body, but its permeability-limited oral bioavailability limits its utility in mass-casualty emergencies. To overcome this limitation, a prodrug strategy using the penta-ethyl ester form of DTPA is under investigation. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were conducted in rats by orally administering [ 14 C]DTPA penta-ethyl ester, and this prodrug and its hydrolysis products were analyzed as a single entity. Compared with a previous reporting of intravenously administered DTPA, the oral administration of this prodrug resulted in a sustained plasma concentration profile with higher plasma exposure and lower clearance. An assessment of the urine composition revealed that the bioactivation was extensive but incomplete, with no detectable levels of the penta- or tetra-ester forms. Tissue distribution at 12 h was limited, with approximately 73% of the administered dose being associated with the gastrointestinal tract. In the efficacy study, rats were exposed to aerosols of 241 Am nitrate before receiving a single oral treatment of the prodrug. The urinary excretion of 241 Am was found to be 19% higher than with the control. Consistent with prior reports of DTPA, the prodrug was most effective when the treatment delays were minimized. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.
Effect of fluorescence on the determination of depth distributions by ion induced X-rays

Abstract Calculations have been performed which indicate that, in some cases, large errors in the determination of depth distributions may result if fluorescence of the impurity by matrix X-rays is ignored. Results are presented for protons and helium ions in the 1.0–5.0 MeV energy range incident on Cr in Fe and Ni matrices.
Preparation of Conjugated Aromatic Polyenals by Wittig Oxopropenylation

Abstract Heteroaromatic, or aromatic polyenals containing either electron-donating or withdrawing substituents can now be prepared easily in excellent yield by Wittig oxopropenylation with 1,3-dioxan-2-yl methyltributyl phosphorane
Presidential Influence in the Policymaking Process

ince Richard Neustadt's pathbreaking Presidential Power was published in 1960, researchers have attempted to describe and measure presidential power, or more specifically, influence (Edwards 1980a, 1976; Bond and Fleisher 1984; Rivers and Rose 1985). Edwards (1989) has provided the most extensive empirical investigation of presidential influence. He measures influence as the congruence of presidential positions with congressional votes and then correlates this indicator of success with the resource popular support. We examine presidential influence in the broader context of the multiple roles of the president in policymaking. We analyze the impact of distinct measures of preferences, resources, and persuasion on activities marking sequential stages of the policy process using calendar years 1953-85 as the unit of analysis. We define the central aspect of influence as the conversion of preferences into government outputs. To examine influence, we first extend previous research by identifying a set of indicators of government activity for each stage in the policy process. Second, we examine the extent to which presidential preferences influence these government actions. We assume that such influence is a function of presidential resources. That is, relationships of influence are conditioned by popular and elite support and responsiveness. Third, we incorporate a preliminary single indicator of persuasion into the model. Persuasion is expected to act as an additional presidential resource of the conversion of preferences into governmental actions, a linkage that is also conditioned by resources. The analysis examines direct, indirect, and conditional relationships that describe the president's influence in policy making. As a heuristic, the policy process provides the context for
Loss of heterozygosity at chromosomal regions 3p and 13q in non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung represents low-frequency events.

Abstract It was recently reported that loss of heterozygosity occurred at the chromosomal region 3p in small-cell as well as in non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung. A recent report also indicated genetic changes involving sequences on chromosomes 13q and 17p in small-cell and in non-small-cell carcinomas. In the present study normal and tumor DNAs representing mostly adenoand squamous cell carcinomas of the lung were examined for loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 3p, 13q, 11p, and 1p. With the exception of two non-small-cell carcinomas which demonstrated loss of alleles on chromosome 3p and one small-cell carcinoma which demonstrated loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 3p as well as at 13q, evidence for loss of alleles on chromosomes 3p, 13q, 11p, and 1p could not be obtained in greater than 75% of the non-small-cell carcinoma DNAs tested. Given this result it appears unlikely that a recessive gene is located on either chromosome 3p or 13q in the majority of non-small-cell carcinomas of the lung.
Effects of spatial modes on ladar vibration signature estimation

Ladar-based vibrometry has been shown to be a powerful technique in enabling the plant identification of machines. Rather than sensing the geometric shape of a target laser vibrometers sense motions of the target induced by moving parts within the system. Since the target need not be spatially resolved, vibration can be sensed reliably and provide positive identification at ranges beyond the imaging limits of the aperture. However, as the range of observation increases, the diffraction-limited beam size on the target increases as well, and may encompass multiple vibrational modes on the target's surface. As a result, vibration estimates formed from large laser footprints illuminating multiple modes on a vibrating target will experience a degradation. This degradation is manifest as a spatial low-pass filtering effect: high-order mode shapes, associated with high-frequency vibrations, will be averaged out while low-frequency vibrations will be affected less. A model to predict this phenomenology is proposed for both pulse-pair and cw vibrometry systems. The cw model is compared to results obtained using an off-the-shelf laser vibrometry system.
Limited Life Expectancy Among a Subgroup of Medicare Beneficiaries Receiving Screening Colonoscopies

Background & Aims Life expectancy is an important consideration when assessing appropriateness of preventive programs for older individuals. Most studies on this subject have used age cutoffs as a proxy for life expectancy. We analyzed patterns of utilization of screening colonoscopy in Medicare enrollees by using estimated life expectancy. Methods We used a 5% random national sample of Medicare claims data to identify average-risk patients who underwent screening colonoscopies from 2008 to 2010. Colonoscopies were considered to be screening colonoscopies in the absence of diagnoses for nonscreening indications, which were based on either colonoscopies or any claims in the preceding 3 months. We estimated life expectancies by using a model that combined age, sex, and comorbidity. Among patients who underwent screening colonoscopies, we calculated the percentage of those with life expectancies Results Among the 57,597 Medicare beneficiaries 66 years old or older who received at least 1 screening colonoscopy, 24.8% had an estimated life expectancy of R = 0.25; P Conclusions Nearly 25% of Medicare beneficiaries, especially men, had life expectancies
Interactivity in a Web Conference Training Context: Effects on Trainers and Trainees

Organizations continue to use technology to train and share information. This study focused specifically on how trainers and trainees interact in the mediated Web conference training context. Using the rhetorical and relational goal theory of instructional communication, this 2×2 experimental study tested the effects of trainer-controlled and trainee-controlled interactivity on instructional outcomes that benefit trainers and trainees. It was hypothesized that trainer and trainee-initiated and controlled interactivity would enhance trainee learning (H1) and satisfaction with the Web conference training program (H2). These hypotheses were not supported. It was also hypothesized that trainer-controlled interactivity would enhance trainee perceptions of the trainer's credibility (H3). This hypothesis was supported with the caring dimension of credibility being most impacted when trainers allowed their trainees to interact with one another.
Effects of the Ca agonist Bay K8644 on 45Ca influx and net Ca uptake into rabbit aortic smooth muscle.

Abstract We examined the effects of Bay K8644 and external K + on isolated rings of rabbit aorta. Previous evidence has suggested that the Ca channel agonist, Bay K8644, preferentially opens the potential-sensitive Ca 2+ channels (PSCs) rather than receptor-operated Ca 2+ channels (ROCs). Bay K8644 stimulated 45 Ca influx, net Ca gain and contractile tension were measured as a function of extracellular K + concentration. Although Bay K8644 induced little tension at 5 mM K + (PSS), Ca 2+ influx was stimulated from a resting value of 12 μmol·kg −1 ·min −1 (0.02 pmol·cm −2 ·s −1 ) to 17 μmol·kg −1 ·min −1 while the total Ca content increased by 95 μmol·.kg −1 . This net Ca gain was reversed by 50 mM caffeine. As the external K + was increased from 5 to 80 mM, the Bay K8644 stimulation of influx and contraction first increased and then decreased. The data are explained in terms of a calcium entry model consisting of membrane Ca 2+ channels in series with a subplasmalemmal barrier consisting of superficial sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR).
High temperature fracture characteristics of a nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA)

Abstract The nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) have been developed to improve high temperature strength and radiation resistance by refining grains and including nanoclusters. Among the key properties of NFAs needed to be assessed for advanced reactor applications the cracking resistance at high temperatures has not been well known. In this work, therefore, the high temperature fracture behavior has been investigated for the latest nanostructured ferritic alloy 14YWT (SM10). The fracture toughness of the alloy was above 140 MPa √m at low temperatures, room temperature (RT) and 200 °C, but decreased to a low fracture toughness range of 52–82 MPa √m at higher temperatures up to 700 °C. This behavior was explained by the fractography results indicating that the unique nanostructure of 14YWT alloy produced shallow plasticity layers at high temperatures and a low-ductility grain boundary debonding occurred at 700 °C. The discussion also proposes methods to improve resistance to cracking.
DIRECT ENZYMATIC CONVERSION OF LACTOSE TO ACID: GLUCOSE OXIDASE AND HEXOSE OXIDASE

The conversion of lactose directly to an acid by glucose oxidase and hexose oxidase as a method of milk acidification was studied. Under the appropriate conditions, both enzymes demonstrated the capability to catalyze the conversion of sugar in milk to an acid, producing coagulation. A uniform distribution of oxygen under quiescent conditions was essential for the reaction and could be accomplished with the addition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalase. Commercial samples of glucose oxidase caused a gradual decrease in pH of skim milk containing added glucose or lactase, (beta-galactosidase). Hexose oxidase, which can react with galactose and lactose as well as glucose, produced acid at a very slow rate in skim milk alone. When lactase was incorporated into the milk, the rate of reaction increased significantly.
Haemostatic profiles assessed by thromboelastography in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Summary Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have abnormalities in the cellular and plasmatic systems regulating blood homeostasis, which may contribute to their risk for thrombotic and bleeding complications. However, their relative contributions in this population are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of enzymatic and cellular abnormalities in ESRD patients on haemodialysis as assessed by thromboelastography (TEG®). Whole blood samples were analysed by TEG in ESRD patients (n=70) and in a control group (n=70) of subjects with coronary artery disease. Profiles were constructed considering the maximum amplitude (MA), a marker of platelet function, and reaction time (R), a marker of thrombin generation, values. R values were higher in ESRD patients compared with the control group (8.2 ± 2.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.9 minutes [min], p <0.0001), while there were no differences in MA (66.7 ± 8.1 vs. 66.2 ± 6.6 mm, p=0.562). Normal manufacturer defined coagulation (2–8 min) and aggregation (51–69 mm) parameters were present in 31% of ESRD patients compared with 56% of controls (p=0.006). A hypocoagulable status was observed in 42.9% of ESRD patients compared with 8.9% in the control group (p<0.0001). There were no differences in platelet function, which showed a hyperaggregable status in 41.4% versus 35.7% of cases (p=0.603). Abnormalities in both parameters were observed in 15.7% of ESRD patients versus 1.4% in the control group (p= 0.004), which were more common among older patients (p= 0.005). In conclusion, patients with ESRD have an elevated prevalence of abnormal haemostatic profiles, which may contribute to their elevated risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications.
Contrasting influences of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in nitrous oxide antinociception in mice.

Abstract 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) mechanisms may play a role in opioid-mediated antinociception. Since opioid mechanisms have been implicated in nitrous oxide antinociception, this study was conducted to determine the possible role of 5-HT receptors in nitrous oxide antinociception. Male Swiss Webster mice were pretreated with one of two 5-HT receptor blockers and then tested in the acetic acid abdominal constriction test for their antinociceptive response to nitrous oxide, the κ -opioid agonist U-50, 488H, or the μ -opioid agonist sufentanil. Results indicate that the 5-HT 3 receptor blocker ICS-205,930 antagonized both nitrous oxide and U-50,488H effects but not that of sufentanil. Mianserin, a 5-HT 1c /5-HT 2 receptor blocker, potentiated effects of both nitrous oxide and U-50,488H but not that of sufentanil. These findings show similarities in nitrous oxide and U-50,488H antinociception and further support our hypothesis that nitrous oxide works through central κ -opioid mechanisms in mice. The results also suggest different roles for 5-HT receptor subtypes in mediating or modulating the antinociceptive effect of nitrous oxide.
Influenza Virus Resistance to Neuraminidase Inhibitors: Implications for Treatment

Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are the two main Neuraminidase inhibitors used for the treatment of Influenza. Oseltamivir resistance has been identified in non-pandemic influenza viruses, as well as H1N1 pandemic Influenza A viruses. Resistance is associated with increased morbidity, and poorer outcomes in severely immunocompromised hosts. Newer neuraminidase inhibitors, increased vaccination and combination therapy may be alternatives for the treatment of Influenza in this setting.
New insights into the comorbidity between ADHD and major depression in adolescent and young adult females.

ABSTRACT Objective The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depression (MD) in adolescent and young adult females. Method Subjects were females with ( n = 140) and without ( n = 122) ADHD ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric settings. Subjects were followed prospectively for 5 years into adolescence and young adulthood and reassessed in multiple nonoverlapping domains including psychiatric, cognitive, interpersonal, family, and educational functioning. Results Females with ADHD had a 2.5 times higher risk for MD at adolescent follow-up compared with control females, adjusting for psychiatric comorbidity. MD in females with ADHD was associated with an earlier age at onset, greater than twice the duration, more severe depression-associated impairment, a higher rate of suicidality, and a greater likelihood of requiring psychiatric hospitalization than MD in control girls. Parental MD and proband mania were significant predictors of MD among females with ADHD, independently of other predictors. Conclusions MD emerging in the context of ADHD in females is an impairing and severe comorbidity worthy of further clinical and scientific considerations.
Decay of RNA in RNA processing mutants of Escherichia coli.

Stability of RNA was tested in strains of Escherichia, coli carrying single, double, or triple mutations in the RNA processing enzymes RNase III, RNase E and RNase P. Tests were carried out for total pulse labeled RNA, β-galactosidase mRNA and for the decay of preexisting RNA during carbon starvation. Decay of RNA was measured at premissive and nonpermissive temperatures and in no case were significant differences between mutants and non-mutant strains found. Therefore, we conclude that the three processing enzymes; RNase III, E and P do not contribute significantly to turnover of RNA in Escherichia coli.
Mechanism of hyperinsulinism in short-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency involves activation of glutamate dehydrogenase

The mechanism of insulin dysregulation in children with hyperinsulinism associated with inactivating mutations of short-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCHAD) was examined in mice with a knock-out of the hadh gene (hadh−/−). The hadh−/− mice had reduced levels of plasma glucose and elevated plasma insulin levels, similar to children with SCHAD deficiency. hadh−/− mice were hypersensitive to oral amino acid with decrease of glucose level and elevation of insulin. Hypersensitivity to oral amino acid in hadh−/− mice can be explained by abnormal insulin responses to a physiological mixture of amino acids and increased sensitivity to leucine stimulation in isolated perifused islets. Measurement of cytosolic calcium showed normal basal levels and abnormal responses to amino acids in hadh−/− islets. Leucine, glutamine, and alanine are responsible for amino acid hypersensitivity in islets. hadh−/− islets have lower intracellular glutamate and aspartate levels, and this decrease can be prevented by high glucose. hadh−/− islets also have increased [U-14C]glutamine oxidation. In contrast, hadh−/− mice have similar glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared with controls. Perifused hadh−/− islets showed no differences from controls in response to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, even with addition of either a medium-chain fatty acid (octanoate) or a long-chain fatty acid (palmitate). Pull-down experiments with SCHAD, anti-SCHAD, or anti-GDH antibodies showed protein-protein interactions between SCHAD and GDH. GDH enzyme kinetics of hadh−/− islets showed an increase in GDH affinity for its substrate, α-ketoglutarate. These studies indicate that SCHAD deficiency causes hyperinsulinism by activation of GDH via loss of inhibitory regulation of GDH by SCHAD.
Semi-classical interpretation of the vector analyzing power in sub-coulomb neutron-transfer reactions

Abstract Sub-Coulomb neutron-transfer reactions are considered in a classical model in which the incident and outgoing projectiles follow Coulomb scattering trajectories with coincident turning points. The dependence of the vector analyzing power on bombarding energy and Q-value, and the angular dependence of the cross section are explained. The sign of the analyzing power is related directly to the total angular momentum transfer. Predictions of the model for ( d , p ) and ( d , t ) reactions are compared with DWBA calculations employing only Coulomb distortions. Limitations of the model are discussed.
Electron transfer within xanthine oxidase: a solvent kinetic isotope effect study.

Solvent kinetic isotope effect studies of electron transfer within xanthine oxidase have been performed, using a stopped-flow pH-jump technique to perturb the distribution of reducing equivalents within partially reduced enzyme and follow the kinetics of reequilibration spectrophotometrically. It is found that the rate constant for electron transfer between the flavin and one of the iron-sulfur centers of the enzyme observed when the pH is jumped from 10 to 6 decreases from 173 to 25 s{sup {minus}1} on going from HJ{sub 2}O to D{sub 2}O, giving an observed solvent kinetic isotope effect of 6.9. An effect of comparable magnitude is observed for the pH jump in the opposite direction, the rate constant decreasing form 395 to 56 s{sup {minus}1}. The solvent kinetic isotope effect on k{sub obs} is found to be directly proportional to the mole fraction of D{sub 2}O in the reaction mix for the pH jump in each direction, consistent with the effect arising from a single exchangeable proton. Calculations of the microscopic rate constants for electron transfer between the flavin and the iron-sulfur center indicate that the intrinsic solvent kinetic isotope effect for electron transfer from the neutral flavin semiquinone to the iron-sulfur center designated Fe/S I ismore » substantially greater than for electron transfer in the opposite direction and that the observed solvent kinetic isotope effect is a weighted average of the intrinsic isotope effects for the forward and reverse microscopic electron-transfer steps. The results emphasize the importance of prototropic equilibria in the kinetic as well as thermodynamic behavior of xanthine oxidase and indicate that protonation/deprotonation of the isoalloxazine ring is concomitant with electron transfer in the xanthine oxidase system.« less
Structural characterization of folding intermediates in cytochrome c by H-exchange labelling and proton NMR

To understand the process of protein folding, it will be necessary to obtain detailed structural information on folding intermediates. This difficult problem is being studied by using hydrogen exchange and rapid mixing to label transient structural intermediates, with subsequent analysis of the proton-labelling pattern by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results for cytochrome c show that the method provides the spatial and temporal resolution necessary to monitor structure formation at many defined sites along the polypeptide chain on a timescale ranging from milliseconds to minutes.
Innovation and factors affecting the success of NPD projects: Literature explorations and descriptions

This paper explores the innovation literature by focusing on technological evolution and revolution. Technological evolution is viewed in three perspectives: 1. the best time for new businesses to enter into markets, 2. the incumbents' response to the challenge from an entrant, and 3. the mortality of firms in an industry. The characteristics of each perspective are described in detail. The emphasis on the technological revolution is viewed as the comparison between sustaining technology versus disruptive technology. Critical success factors in New Product Development (NPD) projects are also described to look at how the differences of factors for achieving the success between NPD projects and other projects are. Finally, this research concludes that the alignment between NPD projects and innovation could be examined.
Phase transformation-induced grain refinement in rapidly solidified ultra-high-carbon steels

Superplastic forming offers a promising approach for reducing the cost of high-performance metal components with complex shapes. Severe thermomechanical deformation is one method for producing the fine grain structure needed to permit superplastic forming economically. Our approach to generating fine-grained microstructures is by cyclic heat treatment of rapidly solidified material. First, a metastable structure is produced by rapid quenching of the liquid metal. Then, solid-state phase transformations at modest temperatures are employed to refine this structure. In the ultra-high-carbon steels (UHCS) studied, the brittle as-cast structure of martensite and austenite was transformed, after cyclic heat treatment, to a ductile mixture of 1-µm ferrite and 0.25-µm carbide. Varying the heat-treat temperatures by 100 °C within the transformation range had little effect on the scale of the microstructure. Higher C resulted in coarser carbide spheroids, addition of Al refined the microstructure, and the finest mean carbide size was obtained with an intermediate level (5 pct) of Cr. Refinement of the martensite plates retained austenite via cyclic tempering and austenitization was found to be the key step in the overall mechanism for phase transformation-induced grain refinement in rapidly solidified UHCS.
Changes in sciatic nerve and spinal cord function induced by a CNS viral infection

Electrophysiologic response characteristics of mouse sciatic nerve and spinal cord were investigated following CNS infection with the temperature-sensitive (ts) vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) mutant G31 KS5. Measurements were obtained before clinical symptoms of the virus-induced CNS disease appeared. Sciatic nerve peak conduction velocities were not different between virus and control inoculated groups. For all control groups, sciatic nerve response (SNR) recovery, characterized by the amplitude ratio of double pulse-evoked responses, followed a facilitation-depression time course. By 4 days after VSV inoculation, the time course of SNR recovery changed with the SNR amplitude ratios significantly depressed compared to control. Crossed spinal responses (CSRs) were measured from one sciatic nerve in response to stimulation of the contralateral sciatic nerve. For all control groups, CSR recovery, as characterized by area ratios calculated from single and double pulse evoked responses, followed a facilitation-depression time course. By 5 days after VSV inoculation, the time course of CSR recovery changed with the CSR area ratios significantly depressed compared to control. The results show that simple electrophysiologic techniques can be used to detect virus-induced changes in sciatic nerve and spinal cord previously undetectable by clinical measures.
Do Location-Based Tax Incentives Attract New Business Establishments?

This paper examines how offering tax incentives in a local area affects the entry of new business establishments. We use the federal Empowerment Zone (EZ) program as a natural experiment to test this relationship. Using instrumental variables estimation, we find that the EZ wage tax credit is responsible for attracting about 2.2 new establishments per 1,000 existing establishments, or a total of 20 new establishments in EZ areas. New establishment growth is strongest in the retail (about 40 new establishments) and service (about five new establishments) sectors, and offset by declines or slower growth in other industries. Countless state and local governments offer a myriad of tax incentives in an attempt to lure new business establishments into locating in their jurisdiction. These incentives include a range of tax credits for investment in capital, job creation, research and de- velopment, and rehabilitation of structures. 1 Often, policy makers create incentives with the hope that they attract new establishments that become a catalyst for future economic growth. There are two primary challenges that arise in any attempt to determine the effect policy has on the location decisions of new business establishments. 2 First, policy is typically created for a single city or state, making it difficult to find a proper comparison group to construct a counterfactual for what would have happened in the absence of policy. Second, law-makers often craft policy in an attempt to either strengthen the local economy or change historic economic fortunes; therefore, incentives are a function of the current local economic situation, and the policies are endogenous to outcome measures of interest. These challenges often leave researchers with limited ability to identify the effects of offering tax incentives on new establishment location, as standard methods do not separate trends in the local economy from the policy effects or may give biased results due
Bounded Rationality in Budgetary Research

Two bounded rationality theories of federal budgetary decision making are operationalized and tested within a stochastic process framework. Empirical analyses of Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson domestic budget data, compiled from internal Office of Management and Budget planning documents, support the theory of serial judgment over the theory of incrementalism proposed by Davis, Dempster and Wildavsky. The new theory highlights both the structure of ordered search through a limited number of discrete alternatives and the importance of informal judgmental evaluations. Serial judgment theory predicts not only that most programs most of the time will receive allocations which are only marginally different from the historical base, but also that occasional radical and even “catastrophic” changes are the normal result of routine federal budgetary decision making. The methodological limitations of linear regression techniques in explanatory budgetary research are also discussed.
Evoked potential waveform differences produced by the perception of different meanings of an ambiguous phrase

Abstract To test the effects of perceived linguistic meaning on evoked potential (EP) waveform, an experiment was performed using the stimulus homophone “led” or “lead” in the single ambiguous phrase “it was |'led|”. The phrase was presented aurally in sets of 60 repetitions, instructing the subject before each set as to the specific meaning of the stimulus word to be perceived. Averages of one hundred responses were obtained for each of the two meanings of the stimulus. Responses were recorded from scalp locations over Broca's and Wernicke's areas and homologous right hemisphere loci. Average waveforms evoked by the two meanings of the stimulus word were dissimilar for the left anterior locus and similar for the other three loci as indicated by correlations. The application of the Discrimination Index to these data disclosed that the EP waveform differences observed at the left anterior locus could not be attributed to random variability. Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis on the same data revealed that responses from individual subjects could be classified according to experimental conditions at a greater-than-chance level. Discrimination was best for responses from left hemisphere loci. There was some commonality of discriminative EP components across subjects, specifically components late in the EP epoch. These data are interpreted as demonstrating an EP correlate of the processing of the contextual meaning of words.
Soil and Saprolite Characteristics of Vertic and Aquic Hapludults Derived from Triassic Basin Sandstones

The chemical, morphological, and mineralogical properties of two soil-saprolite profiles from the Durham Triassic Basin were determined. The relationship between clay mineralogy and shrink-swell activity of the soils was also determined. The parent rock from the Vertic Hapludult profile was a fine-grained red sandstone with muscovite mica, quartz, and feldspars as the dominant primary minerals. The parent rock from the Aquic Hapludult profile was a coarsegrained gray sandstone with feldspars, muscovite mica, and quartz as the dominant primary minerals. The argillic horizons in both profiles had cracks, slickensides, high clay contents, moderate to high coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) values, and smectite as the dominant clay mineral. The COLE values are greatest in horizons that display evidence of shrink-swell activity (cracks and slickensides). The COLE values do not correlate well with either fine or total clay content, which implies that factors other than fine or total clay content influence COLE values. Base saturation percentage increases abruptly below the paralithic contact requiring close examination for correct Ultisol or Alfisol placement. View complete article To view this complete article, insert Disc 5 then click button8