cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 154: Allogeneic Cardiosphere-derived Cells From an Aged Donor Elicit Long-term Improvements in Left Ventricular Function and Myocyte Proliferation in a Mini-swine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia

Objective: Virtually all large animal studies of cell-based therapy have employed young donor-recipient pairs. Since aging may impact the reparative ability of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), we tested whether CDCs from an aged donor promote functional repair of ischemic myocardium using a mini-swine model that enabled serial assessment of left ventricular (LV) function over an extended follow-up period. Methods: Immunosuppressed mini-swine (cyclosporine 100 mg/day) with a chronic (4-months) LAD stenosis were untreated (n=8) or received 20 million allogeneic aged CDCs (n=10). Cells were cultivated from a 9-year old mini-pig and infused into the 3 major coronary arteries under continuous flow (1 million cells/min). LV function was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and over a 3-month follow-up period, at which time histological assessment of myocyte morphometry, proliferation (Ki67), and cell retention (Y-FISH) was performed. Results: Wall thickening (WT) of the ischemic LAD region was impaired at baseline (LAD: 42.7 ± 2.1% vs. Remote: 81.4 ± 4.8%, p 2 , p=0.02) and reduction in myocyte diameter (13.9 ± 0.2 vs. 14.5 ± 0.3 μm, p=0.05). Increases in Ki67 + myocytes (468 ± 92 vs. 199 ± 32 nuclei/10 6 myocyte nuclei, p=0.02) and rare Y + cells in sex-mismatched recipients (0.5 ± 0.2 cells/cm 2 ) supported endogenous myocyte proliferation as the primary source of new myocytes. Conclusion: CDCs from an aged donor retain their reparative capacity to promote functional improvement and increase myocyte number following global intracoronary infusion. The progressive improvement in LV function 3-months after treatment with ongoing myocyte proliferation supports a long-lasting benefit after a single infusion.
Low mortality rates after endovascular aortic repair expand use to high-risk patients

Abstract Objective The 2010 endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) trial 2 (EVAR 2) reported that patients with comorbidity profiles rendering them unfit for open aneurysm repair who underwent EVAR did not experience a survival advantage compared with those who did not undergo intervention. These patients experienced a 30-day mortality of 7.3%, whereas reports from similar cohorts reported far lower mortality rates. The primary objective of our study was to compare the incidence of 30-day mortality in low- and high-risk patients undergoing EVAR in a contemporary data set, using patient risk stratification criteria from EVAR 2. Secondarily, we sought to identify risk factors associated with a disproportionate contribution to 30-day mortality risk. Methods Data were obtained from the 2005 to 2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Data Files (N = 24,813). Patients were included in the high-risk cohort with the presence of renal, respiratory, or cardiac preoperative criteria alone or in combination. Renal impairment criteria were defined as dialysis and creatinine concentration >2.26 mg/dL. Respiratory impairment criteria included history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and preoperative ventilator support. Cardiac impairment criteria included history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, angina, and prior coronary intervention. Patient and procedural characteristics and 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared using Pearson χ 2 tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables. Results Among 24,813 patients undergoing EVAR, 12,043 (48%) patients were characterized as high risk (at least one impairment criterion); 12,770 (52%) patients were stratified as low risk. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.9% in the high-risk cohort compared with the 7.3% reported by EVAR 2, and it was higher in the high-risk cohort compared with the low-risk cohort (1.9% vs 0.9%; P P = .005; cardiac OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.14-2.10; P = .005), the presence of renal criteria disproportionately increased the odds of mortality threefold (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 2.31-5.09; P Conclusions Contemporary 30-day mortality after EVAR in high-risk patients is substantially lower than that reported in the EVAR 2 trial. Whereas low- and high-risk stratification by current comorbidity criteria is appropriate, attention needs to be paid to disproportionate risk contribution from renal disease to mortality compared with cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities. Given the lower mortality risk than previously described, patients stratified as high risk should be thoughtfully considered for definitive EVAR.
Adenosine A3 Receptor induced Delayed Preconditioning: Essential Role of Nuclear Factor κB, Nitric Oxide Synthase and Mitochondrial KATP channels

We investigated the signaling mechanism of adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR) induced delayed cardioprotection. Mice pretreated with selective A3AR agonist, N6-(3-iodobenzyl) adenosine-5′-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA) demonstrated significant reduction in necrosis and improvement in post-ischemic myocardial performance 24hrs later as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Pretreatment with A3AR antagonist, MRS1191 abolished delayed cardioprotection while selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl xanthine (DPCPX) had no effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding in nuclear extracts following A3AR stimulation, which was diminished by MRS1191 and NF-κB inhibitor, pyrro-lidinediethyldithiocarbamate (PDTC). Also, the cardioprotection was abrogated by PDTC as well as targeted ablation of p50 subunit of NF-κB in mice. The inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with S-methylisothiourea and targeted disruption of iNOS gene abolished the protective effect of A3AR stimulation. Expression of iNOS mRNA and NO production were enhanced after 6 and 24hrs of IB-MECA treatment respectively. MRS1191 and PDTC but not DPCPX blocked NO generation after A3AR stimulation. MitoKATP channel blocker, 5-hydroxydecanoate abolished the protective effect of A3AR. These studies suggest that signaling cascade involving NF-κB activation, synthesis of NO from iNOS and subsequent opening of mitoKATP channel play an essential role in A3AR-induced delayed phase of ischemic protection in the heart. We propose that selective activation of A3AR with its pharmacological drugs can potentially be used to enhance the endogenous defense mechanisms that may provide long lasting ischemic protection of the ischemic heart.
Homosexuality and Parenting

Homosexuality has long been considered antithetical to childrearing. We have held this conviction despite the wide acceptance, perhaps preference, for single women as teachers, governesses, and nurses and the welcome help from maiden aunts, bachelor uncles, and schoolmasters, many of whom may have been homosexual, at least in thought if not in deed. Although we have known for a long time that heterosexual males are by far the most frequent offenders in the sexual abuse of children, we continue to harass and discriminate against homosexual teachers of both sexes. Homosexuality has been deemed socially irresponsible at best, and, at worst, homosexual individuals have been considered likely to molest children and/or proselytize homosexuality.
Microbiological transformations: XIII. Composition of the wax formed by Euglena gracilis

Abstract The composition of a wax isolated from a fermentation of Euglena gracilis to which ethanol and 4-androstene-3,17-dione had been added was determined by the use of vapor-phase chromatography and mass spectra. Determination of the respective percentages of the acids and alcohols which formed the wax, in conjunction with the mass spectrum of the wax itself, indicated that the esterification process in the cells was random. The effect of methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol on the growth of, and production of wax by E. gracilis is discussed.
Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching: Lateral Mobility of Lipids and Proteins in Model Membranes and on Single Cell Surfaces

The fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique was developed by membrane biophysicists to measure the rate of translational motion of membrane components in the plane of the membrane. This technique has also been named the fluorescence photobleaching recovery or FPR method.
Soluble cytotoxic factors and the mechanism of NK cell mediated cytotoxicity.

The mechanism of lysis by natural killer (NK) cells has been delineated into three discrete steps, namely binding or recognition, programming for lysis or the lethal hit, and target cell disintegration independent of the killer cell. This delineation closely resembles the mechanism of lysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (1). However, unlike the T cell system, lysis by NK cells is not antigen restricted and a wide range of target cells is sensitive to the NK lytic attack. These results may be best explained if a common denominator is intimately involved in the mechanism of lysis by NK cells. What is the nature of this common denominator and how can it be verified experimentally? We have proposed a model which could accommodate the known features of the NK cytotoxic system. This model suggests that the initial recognition and interaction between an NK effector cell and a target cell leads to activation of the lytic step. This activation step may result in the release of cytotoxic mediators which can lyse the sensitive NK targets. Data presented in this communication support the proposal that it is the target cell’s sensitivity to the lytic activity of the cytotoxic mediators that is the “common denominator” of the NK system.
Hierarchy of Attractants for Honey Bee Swarms

Chemical signals influence the selection of potential nest cavities by honey bee reproductive swarms. Attractants for swarms include the odors of old dark honey bee brood combs, odors from noncomb hive materials and propolis, and Nasonov pheromone, the odor released from the Nasonov glands of worker bees. Based on crossover and choice test experiments, swarms were shown to prefer, among otherwise identical cavities, those cavities containing Nasonov pheromone over cavities with only comb or other hive odors, cavities containing old comb over those with only noncomb odors or propolis, and cavities containing noncomb odors or propolis over those without bee or hive odor. Synergy between odors was not observed; that is, comb and/or noncomb hive odors did not enhance the attractiveness of Nasonov pheromone. The data support a model based on a hierarchy of olfactory attractants used by honey bee swarms, in order of highest to lowest: Nasonov pheromone, comb odor, noncomb and propolis odors, and, finally, absence of bee- or hive-produced odor.
Temporal characterization of the Stanford Mid-IR FEL by frequency-resolved optical gating

We present what we believe to be the first complete intensity and phase measurements of ultrashort laser pulses from an FEL. We use the technique of frequency-resolved optical gating, or FROG, to measure the full time-dependent intensity and phase of the pulse. This is to our knowledge, the first reported application of FROG in the mid-infrared. These measurements were carried out at wavelengths near 5 μm.
Patient Activation Changes as a Potential Signal for Changes in Health Care Costs: Cohort Study of US High-Cost Patients

Programs to improve quality of care and lower costs for the highest utilizers of health services are proliferating, yet such programs have difficulty demonstrating cost savings. In this study, we explore the degree to which changes in Patient Activation Measure (PAM) levels predict health care costs among high-risk patients. De-identified claims, demographic data, and serial PAM scores were analyzed on 2155 patients from multiple medical groups engaged in an existing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation-funded intervention over 3 years designed to activate and improve care coordination for high-risk patients. In this prospective cohort study, four levels of PAM (from low to high) were used as the main predictor variable. We fit mixed linear models for log10 of allowed charges in follow-up periods in relation to change in PAM, controlling for baseline PAM, baseline costs, age, sex, income, and baseline risk score. Total allowed charges were derived from claims data for the cohort. PAM scores were from a separate database managed by the local practices. A single PAM level increase was associated with 8.3% lower follow-up costs (95% confidence interval 2.5–13.2%). These findings contribute to a growing evidence base that the change in PAM score could serve as an early signal indicating the impact of interventions designed for high-cost, high-needs patients.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A National Database Analysis.

Background: The goal of our study was to determine the impact of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) on in-hospital outcomes among acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, and subsequently determine the potential risk factors for the development of GIB. Methods: ARDS patients with and without GIB were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2002 - 2012). Linear regression analysis was used to assess impact of GIB on in-hospital mortality, length of stay and total charges. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine associated odds ratios (OR) for causes of ARDS and common comorbid conditions. Results: We identified 149,190 ARDS patients. The incidence of GIB was the highest among patients > 60 years (P < 0.001). GIB was associated with longer hospitalization days (7.3 days versus 11.9 days, P < 0.001), higher mortality (11% versus 27%, P < 0.001) and greater economic burden ($82,812 versus $45,951, P < 0.001). GIB was common in cirrhosis (OR: 8.3), peptic ulcer disease (OR: 3.7), coagulopathy disorders (OR: 3.003), thrombocytopenia (OR: 2.6), anemia (OR: 2.5) and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.5). ARDS secondary to aspiration pneumonia (OR: 2.0), pancreatitis (OR: 2.0), sepsis (OR: 1.6) and community acquired pneumonia (OR: 0.8) was more likely to have GIB. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that GIB in ARDS patients is associated with significant increased mortality, hospitalization and health care cost. J Clin Med Res. 2019;11(1):42-48 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr3660
The Interplay of Friends and Parents in Adolescents' Daily Lives: Towards A Dynamic View of Social Support.

This daily diary study investigated the interplay of perceived friend and parent support in adolescents' everyday lives. Specifically, we tested the interactive effects of friend and parent support on adolescent well-being at both the intra- and inter-individual level. A diverse sample of 119 adolescents (Mage=15.36) completed diary reports for two weeks. Multivariate multilevel models demonstrated that on days adolescents felt more supported by their friends or parents, they experienced increases in their happiness and social connectedness. Additionally, parent support emerged as a protective factor for youth lacking friend support, although patterns differed at the intra- versus inter-individual level. The findings underscore the dynamic nature of social support in adolescents' daily lives and highlight the interactive roles of friends and parents in promoting youth well-being.
What Women With Disabilities Write in Personal Blogs About Pregnancy and Early Motherhood: Qualitative Analysis of Blogs.

Background: More than 1 in 10 women of reproductive age identify as having some type of disability. Most of these women are able to become pregnant and have similar desires for motherhood as women without disability. Women with disability, however, face greater stigma and stereotyping, additional risk factors, and may be less likely to receive adequate reproductive health care compared with their peers without disability. More and more individuals, including those with disability, are utilizing the internet to seek information and peer support. Blogs are one source of peer-to-peer social media engagement that may provide a forum for women with disability to both share and obtain peer-to-peer information and support. Nevertheless, it is not clear what content about reproductive health and pregnancy and/or motherhood is featured in personal blogs authored by women with spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), spina bifida, and autism. Objective: The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the information being shared in blogs by women with 4 types of disabilities, namely, SCI, TBI, spina bifida, and autism, about reproductive health, disability, health care, pregnancy, and motherhood; and (2) to classify the content of reproductive health experiences addressed by bloggers to better understand what they viewed as important. Methods: Personal blogs were identified by searching Google with keywords related to disabilities, SCI, TBI, spina bifida, and autism, and a variety of keywords related to reproductive health. The first 10 pages of each database search in Google, based on the relevance of the search terms, were reviewed and all blogs in these pages were included. Blog inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) written by a woman or care partner (ie, parent or spouse) of a woman with a self-identified diagnosis of SCI, TBI, spina bifida, or autism; (2) focused on the personal experience of health and health care during the prepregnancy, prenatal, antepartum, intrapartum, and/or postpartum periods; (3) written in English; and (4) published between 2013 and 2017. A descriptive and thematic qualitative analysis of blogs and corresponding comments was facilitated with NVivo software and matrix analysis. Results: Our search strategy identified 125 blogs that met all the inclusion criteria; no blogs written by women with spina bifida were identified. We identified 4 reproductive health themes featured in the blog of women with disabilities: (1) (in)accessible motherhood, (2) (un)supportive others, (3) different, but not different, and (4) society questioning motherhood. Conclusions: This analysis of personal blogs about pregnancy and health care written by women with SCI, TBI, and autism provides a glimpse into their experiences. The challenges faced by these women and the adaptations they made to successfully navigate pregnancy and early motherhood provide insights that can be used to shape future research.
Synthetic Melittin, Its Enantio, Retro, and Retroenantio Isomers, and Selected Chimeric Analogs: Their Antibacterial, Hemolytic, and Lipid Bilayer Action

Melittin, the principal toxic component of bee venom, is a cationic, amphipathic, linear peptide composed of 26 amino acids, which exhibits unique structural and biological characteristics. It has ...
Hookah home delivery: an emerging public health issue.

Hookah (a.k.a waterpipe) tobacco smoking is rooted in the middle eastern cultures and is rising in popularity among young people worldwide.1 This high popularity is attributed mainly to the introduction of tobacco flavouring, a growing cafe culture, the spread of social media and the absence of strong hookah-specific regulatory/policy frameworks.1–3 A recent review of legislation in 62 countries demonstrated that the majority do not address hookah regulation, relying instead on generic tobacco/smoking definitions to cover all tobacco products.2 One hookah smoking session exposes users to larger smoke volumes and higher levels of tobacco toxicants such as tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine compared with one cigarette.4 Tobacco control efforts aimed at regulating hookah smoking are often met with calls to ‘respect a traditional cultural practice’ and to be sensitive to this ancient middle eastern practice. …
Abbe Offset Measurement in the NRC Kibble Balance

We describe the principles, measurement techniques, error sources and uncertainty contribution of the measurement of the Abbe offset in the NRC Kibble balance. We estimate that this measurement presently contributes an uncertainty of about 3 parts in 109 to the NRC mass realization. This estimate requires careful consideration of several subtle effects that can otherwise introduce a significant bias.
The Ignominious Life of the Paycheck Protection Program

The COVID-19 pandemic gravely endangers the health of millions of Americans. Private and public safety measures adopted to reduce infection, however, are also a source of existential risk. As U.S. infection rates increased in early March, 2020, unemployment and business dislocation surged. The bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) represents the first and largest federal attempt to manage economic fallout from the pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a lynchpin of the CARES Act. The PPP seeks to mitigate unemployment and closures in several vulnerable sectors of the economy including among tens of millions of small businesses, not-for-profits, and self-employed individuals. The PPP has disbursed over $500 billion to these sectors, providing a lifeline to millions of employees. Nevertheless, media, lawmakers and economists have criticized the PPP for inefficiently or inequitably distributing funds. This Article is the first work of legal scholarship that explains and examines the PPP. As a case study, this Article also provides insight into the design of economic interventions and their limitations as well as how the lawmaking process generates a narrative allocating responsibility for social trauma.
Transgenic Cotton in Mexico: A Case Study of the Comarca Lagunera

In 1999, transgenic cotton was grown in six countries on a total of some 3.7 million hectares, making it the world’s third most common transgenic crop (Table 10.1). Bt cotton has been grown in Mexico since 1996 and was planted on one third of the country’s cotton area during the 2000 growing season. A number of papers have now been published on the impacts of transgenic crops in the United States, but few empirical studies of transgenic crops in developing countries have appeared. In this paper we describe Mexico’s experience with Bt cotton, focusing on the “Comarca Lagunera” region in the northern states of Coahuila and Durango, where Bt adoption reached 96% within three years of its introduction in 1997.
Facile synthesis of insulin fusion derivatives through sortase A ligation.

Abstract Insulin derivatives such as insulin detemir and insulin degludec are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved long-acting insulin currently used by millions of people with diabetes. These derivatives are modified in C-terminal B29 lysine to retain insulin bioactivity. New and efficient methods for facile synthesis of insulin derivatives may lead to new discovery of therapeutic insulin. Herein, we report a new method using sortase A (SrtA)-mediated ligation for the synthesis of insulin derivatives with high efficiency and functional group tolerance in the C-terminal B chain. This new insulin molecule (Ins-SA) with an SrtA-recognizing motif can be conjugated to diverse groups with N-terminal oligoglycines to generate new insulin derivatives. We further demonstrated that a new insulin derivative synthesized by this SrtA-mediated ligation shows strong cellular and in vivo bioactivity. This enzymatic method can therefore be used for future insulin design and development.
Structural basis for +1 ribosomal frameshifting during EF-G-catalyzed translocation

Frameshifting of mRNA during translation provides a strategy to expand the coding repertoire of cells and viruses. Where and how in the elongation cycle +1-frameshifting occurs remains poorly understood. We captured six ~3.5-A-resolution cryo-EM structures of ribosomal elongation complexes formed with the GTPase elongation factor G (EF-G). Three structures with a +1-frameshifting-prone mRNA reveal that frameshifting takes place during translocation of tRNA and mRNA. Prior to EF-G binding, the pre-translocation complex features an in-frame tRNA-mRNA pairing in the A site. In the partially translocated structure with EF-G, the tRNA shifts to the +1-frame codon near the P site, whereas the freed mRNA base bulges between the P and E sites and stacks on the 16S rRNA nucleotide G926. The ribosome remains frameshifted in the nearly post-translocation state. Our findings demonstrate that the ribosome and EF-G cooperate to induce +1 frameshifting during mRNA translocation.
Particle Segregation in Collisional Flows of Inelastic Spheres

An outline is given of the development of kinetic theories for particle segregation in collisional grain flows. Such segregation is shown to be associated with the momentum balance for each species. The simplest theory to describe segregation is based on Maxwellian velocity distributions in which the positions of centers of the colliding particles are distinguished. More refined determinations of the complete pair distribution functions result in a theory with a more complicated structure and the capacity for more accurate prediction.
Aspect-Oriented software development and software process

Aspect orientation is an increasingly promising approach to software development. It affords benefits deriving from advanced separation of concerns, including concern modeling, encapsulation, extraction, and composition. These may enable the development and evolution of software on a higher semantic level, with unprecedented control and flexibility. Aspect orientation may hold similar benefits for software process. Aspect orientation has implications for process on three levels: aspect-oriented products, aspect-oriented processes, and aspect-oriented process languages. It also facilitates insight into how the software-process spectrum may be unified. Macroprocess and microprocess concerns do not overlap, but some relationship between them is necessary. The relating of macroprocess concerns and microprocess concerns is the concern of a mesoprocess level, the principal home for process engineering, the purpose of which is to realize the ends of the macro level in terms of the means provided by the micro level. Aspect orientation should also benefit to a rigorous, orderly, and effective discipline of process engineering.
Organic synthesis by means of noble metal complexes—XCIV

Abstract Palladium compounds and metallic palladium combined with phosphine are active catalysts of selective hydrosilylation of terminal olefins. Butadiene and trichlorosilane give a 1:1 adduct and trimethylsilane affords a 1:2 adduct. Special features of the palladium catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions are presented.
The Dirichlet Problem and Boundary Behavior

In this chapter we construct harmonic functions on Ω that behave in a prescribed manner near ∂Ω. Here we are interested in general domains Ω ⊂ Rn; the techniques we developed for the special domains B and H will thus not be available. Most of this chapter will concern the Dirichlet problem. In the last section, however, we will study a different kind of boundary behavior problem—the construction of harmonic functions on Ω that cannot be extended harmonically across any part of ∂Ω.
Normal mode helical antenna broad-banding using multiple pitches

The concept of non-uniform helixes is further developed into a multiple-pitch helix to create multiple resonances that can be loaded and combined into a broad, matched bandwidth. The design is elaborated using an example of an antenna for a portable handset. The tools used, design conditions, performance and limitations are presented. The key elements in the design are the tuning of the pitches and the loading of the antenna housing material. A good way to design this antenna is by using computer modeling.
Attitudes about carbon monoxide safety in the United States: results from the 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles Survey.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify attitudes and behaviors related to carbon monoxide (CO) safety that can be targeted with public health prevention strategies in the U.S. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added questions about (1) proper placement of gas-powered generators, (2) maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and (3) use of CO detectors to the 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles national health marketing surveys. RESULTS: In 2005, 63.3% of HealthStyles respondents agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in a garage as long as the door is open," while 43.1% agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in the basement." Most of the 2006 respondents (63.5%) agreed that it is important to have their furnace inspected annually. However, fewer than half of the 2006 respondents (42.0%)-most of whom were homeowners-reported owning a CO detector. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of adults in the U.S. reported attitudes and behaviors that may place them at increased risk for unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning, suggesting that current safety messages may not be reaching much of the public. Prevention messages should continue to promote proper generator placement, maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and use of CO detectors. Development of a comprehensive national strategy for CO surveillance and communication may help identify populations at increased risk and prevent future poisonings. Language: en
Rotational spectroscopy and molecular structure of 15N2–14N2O

The rotational spectrum of 15N2–14N2O has been recorded in the 7–19 GHz region with a pulsed molecular beam, Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. An internal motion of the 15N2 subunit has been observed and the nuclear quadrupole hyperfine structure in each internal motion state has been analyzed using the Watson S-reduced Hamiltonian with the inclusion of nuclear quadrupole coupling interactions. The spectroscopic constants of the ground internal motion state are not well determined since only 4 transitions have been observed, but they are similar to those of the excited internal motion state that are determined from the analysis of 14 a- and b-type transitions. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants (in MHz) for the excited internal motion state are A=12 791.307 0(2), B=2 014.982 4(1), C=1 728.950 45(7), DJ=1.052 5(2)×10−2, DJK=3.933 7(3)×10−1, d1=−1.822(3)×10−3, d2=−1.118(6)×10−3. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constants (in MHz) in the excited internal motion state for the terminal ...
The Role of Parents and Peers in Early Adolescent Substance Use: An Examination of Mediating and Moderating Effects

We examined several models representing the relations among parenting practices, family structure, peer pressure, and drug use in a sample of 443 seventh graders. The setting was an urban school system serving a high percentage of African American students from low-income families. Analyses using structural equation modeling supported a mediation model in which both peer pressure and parenting practices had direct effects on drug use, with peer pressure mediating the influence of parenting. Within this model, family structure had a significant direct effect on parenting, however, contrary to hypotheses, children from two-parent families were more likely to report that they received adequate parenting than were children from single-parent extended families. Several gender differences were also found. Peer pressure was more highly related to drug use for girls than for boys, and the relation between parenting and peer pressure was stronger for boys. Examination of a model that included moderator effects revealed that the relation between peer pressure and drug use increased as a function of poor parenting. Results of our study underscore the importance of drug prevention efforts focused on parenting practices.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A=22

Abstract This evaluation of A = 22 has been updated from previous evaluations published in 1998En04, 1990En08, and 1978En02. Coverage includes properties of adopted levels and γ rays, decay-scheme data (energies, intensities and placement of radiations), and cross reference entries. The following tables continue the tradition of showing the systematic relationships between levels in A = 22 . These assignments are based on spectroscopic factors and energy differences where Δ E x = E x ( Na 22 ) − E x ( Ne 22 ) − 657.16 or Δ E x = E x ( Mg 22 ) − E x ( Ne 22 ) .
Ultrasonographic measurement of cheek-to-cheek diameter in fetal growth disturbances.

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the value of the cheek-to-cheek diameter and the cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio in the ultrasonographic detection of abnormal fetal growth. Study Design: The cheek-to-cheek diameter and cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio were examined in 21 small-for-gestational-age ( 90th percentile) fetuses. Statistical analysis consisted of Student's t test comparison between means and analysis of covariance for comparison of regression lines slope between these 108 fetuses and previously published nomograms of appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Results: The mean cheek-to-cheek diameters in small-for-gestational-age fetuses were significantly smaller than in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses ( p p p p Conclusion: The cheek-to-cheek diameter and cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio are innovative ultrasonographic parameters for detecting abnormal fetal growth. Futhermore, the cheek-to-cheek diameter/biparietal diameter ratio permits insight into the possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of fetal macrosomia.
Unified compilation techniques for shared and distributed address space machines

Parallel machines with shared address spaces are easy to program because they provide hardware support that allows each processor to transparently access non-local data. However, obtaining scalable performance can be difficult due to memory access and synchronization overhead. In this paper, we use profiling and simulation studies to identify the sources of parallel overhead. We demonstrate that compilation techniques for distributed address space machines can be very effective when used in compilers for shared address space machines. Automatic data decomposition can co-locate data and computation to improve locality. Data reorganization transformations can reduce harmful cache effects. Communication analysis can eliminate barrier synchronization. We present a set of unified compilation techniques that exemplify this convergence in compilers for shared and distributed address space machines, and illustrate their effectiveness using two example applications.
Identification of specific PP2A complexes involved in human cell transformation

Abstract The SV40 small t antigen (ST) interacts with the serine-threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). To investigate the role of this interaction in transformation, we suppressed the expression of the PP2A B56γ subunit in human embryonic kidney (HEK) epithelial cells expressing SV40 large T antigen, hTERT , and H-RAS . Suppression of PP2A B56γ expression inhibited PP2A-specific phosphatase activity similar to that achieved by ST and conferred the ability to grow in an anchorage-independent fashion and to form tumors. Overexpression of PP2A B56γ3 in tumorigenic HEK cells expressing ST or human lung cancer cell lines partially reversed the tumorigenicity of these cells. These observations identify specific PP2A complexes involved in human cell transformation.
Quantum mechanical simulations of nanoindentation of Al thin film

QCDFT is a multiscale modeling approach that can simulate multi-million atoms effectively via density functional theory (DFT). The method is based on the framework of quasicontinuum (QC) approach with DFT as its sole energetics formulation. The local QC energy is calculated by DFT with Cauchy–Born hypothesis and the nonlocal QC energy is determined by a self-consistent embedding approach, which couples nonlocal QC atoms to the vertices of the finite elements at the local QC region. The QCDFT method is applied to a nanoindentation study of an Al thin film in the presence and absence of Mg impurities. The results show that the randomly distributed Mg impurities can significantly increase the ideal and yield strength of the Al thin film.
The influence of oxygen on the interaction of CCl4 with Fe(110) — titration of defect sites with oxygen

Abstract Competition between two active adsorbates, O 2 and CCl 4 , on Fe(110) has been investigated using temperature programmed desorption, Auger spectroscopy, and reaction kinetic methods. It is found that preadsorbed oxygen decreases the tendency for CCl 4 to dissociate. A portion of this effect has to do with the titration of defect sites on the Fe(110) crystal which are especially active for promoting CCl 4 dissociation. Surprisingly, the production of FeCl 2 is enhanced in the presence of chemisorbed oxygen and the desorption temperature for FeCl 2 is also increased. Competitive adsorption kinetic experiments at 325 K, using mixed effusive beams of CCl 4 and O 2 , show that the reaction probability of CCl 4 at low coverages remains at unity for all gas mixtures studied. In contrast to CCl 4 behavior, the reaction probability of O 2 at low coverages is significantly decreased in the presence of CCl 4 . The negative effect of CCl 4 adsorption on oxygen adsorption capacity is more dramatic than the negative effect of oxygen adsorption on CCl 4 adsorption capacity at 325 K.
FPGA implementation of vision algorithms for small autonomous robots

The use of on-board vision with small autonomous robots has been made possible by the advances in the field of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. By connecting a CMOS camera to an FPGA board, on-board vision has been used to reduce the computation time inherent in vision algorithms. The FPGA board allows the user to create custom hardware in a faster, safer, and more easily verifiable manner that decreases the computation time and allows the vision to be done in real-time. Real-time vision tasks for small autonomous robots include object tracking, obstacle detection and avoidance, and path planning. Competitions were created to demonstrate that our algorithms work with our small autonomous vehicles in dealing with these problems. These competitions include Mouse-Trapped-in-a-Box, where the robot has to detect the edges of a box that it is trapped in and move towards them without touching them; Obstacle Avoidance, where an obstacle is placed at any arbitrary point in front of the robot and the robot has to navigate itself around the obstacle; Canyon Following, where the robot has to move to the center of a canyon and follow the canyon walls trying to stay in the center; the Grand Challenge, where the robot had to navigate a hallway and return to its original position in a given amount of time; and Stereo Vision, where a separate robot had to catch tennis balls launched from an air powered cannon. Teams competed on each of these competitions that were designed for a graduate-level robotic vision class, and each team had to develop their own algorithm and hardware components. This paper discusses one team's approach to each of these problems.
Value of Weather Information in Cranberry Marketing Decisions

Abstract Econometric techniques are used to establish a functional relationship between cranberry yields and important precipitation, temperature, and sunshine variables. Crop forecasts are derived from the model and are used to establish posterior probabilities to be used in a Bayesian decision context pertaining to leasing space for the storage of the berries.
Content and conflict: The use of current events to teach content in a biochemistry course*

Case study exercises, based on newsworthy current events, have been written for a biochemical audience that include elements of both “content” and “conflict.” The cases have been written in such a way as to teach students basic biochemical principles. At the same time, a dilemma is posed to the students, who must use what they have learned about the issue to come to a decision to resolve the conflict. In this manner, the students learn important biochemical principles but are also asked to deal with the scientific or social conflict posed in the case.
The Structure and Helicity of Perfluorooctanonitrile, CF 3 -(CF 2 ) 6 -CN

Abstract New molecular structural data is presented for a cyanide terminated oligomer of polytetrafluoroethene. The target molecule, CF3–(CF2)6–CN, has been seeded within a pulsed supersonic expansion of argon. The result of this action is to cool the species to rotational temperatures below 4 K. Within this state, the pure rotational spectrum of the oligomer has been recorded using two types of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. A total of 111 transitions have been identified involving rotational J levels between 6 and 40. Only a- and b-type transitions were observed. The spectrum has been analyzed using a Hamiltonian containing all three rotational constants and one centrifugal distortion constant, DJ. The experimental spectroscopic constants have been used to develop an effective molecular structure by scaling the quantum chemical calculated structure. The data shows that the seven carbon perfluorinated chain for the isolated oligomer twists ≈104°. This compares well to the C7F13-twist of ≈97° anticipated from the X-ray structure of phase II polytetrafluoroethene.
Kondo “proximity” effect

Abstract We have studied the Kondo effect in bilayer structures in which the bottom film is composed of the Kondo alloy Au(Fe), while the top film is the nonmagnetic host Au. We find that the Kondo contribution to the resistivity of the Au(Fe) is enhanced by the presence of the Au.
The enigma of the liganded hemoglobin end state: a novel quaternary structure of human carbonmonoxy hemoglobin

The liganded hemoglobin (Hb) high-salt crystallization condition described by Max Perutz has generated three different crystals of human adult carbonmonoxy hemoglobin (COHbA). The first crystal is isomorphous with the "classical" liganded or R Hb structure. The second crystal reveals a new liganded Hb quaternary structure, RR2, that assumes an intermediate conformation between the R form and another liganded Hb quaternary structure, R2, which was discovered more than a decade ago. Like the R2 structure, the diagnostic R state hydrogen bond between beta2His97 and alpha1Thr38 is missing in the RR2 structure. The third crystal adopts a novel liganded Hb conformation, which we have termed R3, and it shows substantial quaternary structural differences from the R, RR2, and R2 structures. The quaternary structure differences between T and R3 are as large as those between T and R2; however, the T --> R3 and T --> R2 transitions are in different directions as defined by rigid-body screw rotation. Moreover, R3 represents an end state. Compared to all known liganded Hb structures, R3 shows remarkably reduced strain at the alpha-heme, reduced steric contact between the beta-heme ligand and the distal residues, smaller alpha- and beta-clefts, and reduced alpha1-alpha2 and beta1-beta2 iron-iron distances. Together, these unique structural features in R3 should make it the most relaxed and/or greatly enhance its affinity for oxygen compared to the other liganded Hbs. The current Hb structure-function relationships that are now based on T --> R, T -->R --> R2, or T --> R2 --> R transitions may have to be reexamined to take into account the RR2 and R3 liganded structures.
Library instruction and information literacy for the adult learner : A course and its lessons for reference work

Summary The creation of a course, offered through UCLA University Extension, called “Research Methods for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Film Writers” was motivated by the observation that many adult learners lack information skills and the opportunity for formal library instruction. The content and format of this librarian-taught course have changed through the years both to incorporate more electronic resources and to employ more active learning methods. This article describes the need for the course, the course content and its evolution, and the active learning exercises employed. What an academic reference librarian derives from teaching such a course informs reference work with adult learners, whether or not they are part of the university community.
Therapeutic responses to tricyclic antidepressants and related drugs in non-affective disorder patient populations.

Abstract Murphy, Dennis L., Larry J. Siever and Thomas R. Insel: Therapeutic responses to tricyclic antidepressants and related drugs in non-affective disorder patient populations. Prog. Neuropsychopharmacol. and Biol. Psychiat. 1985, 9 (1): 3–13. 1. 1. Although therapeutic responsiveness to tricyclic antidepressants has been primarily associated with the affective disorders, clinical investigations in the last decade have suggested that non-affective disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, bulimia, eneuresis, migraine, and the chronic pain syndrome may also respond to tricyclics and other antidepressants. 2. 2. This therapeutic responsiveness may sometimes be related to improvement in secondary depressive symptoms, but may also clearly occur in the absence of secondary depression; in particular, improvement in the core symptoms of at least some of these disorders may occur without a change in mood. 3. 3. Furthermore, many patients with these disorders display psychobiologic abnormalities that show many similarities, but also some differences, compared to those observed in patients with affective disorders, despite the frequent absence of affective symptoms. 4. 4. While an improvement in subclinical or “masked” depression remains one hypothesis linking tricyclic responsiveness and shared biological abnormalities in this diverse group of diagnostic entities, an alternative hypothesis (the “ven disorder” hypothesis) is presented, suggesting the possibility that tricyclic and other antidepressant-responding patients have a core disorder with common psychobiologic abnormalities but multiple clinical and diagnostic presentations. 5. 5. An alternative hypothesis (the “shotgun” hypothesis) suggests that the multiple actions of tricyclics (e.g. on adrenergic receptors vs. muscarinic receptors vs. serotonin system changes) may each be differentially important in the therapeutic outcome in patients with specific or predominant problems in one or another of these areas.
A finite element formulation for the large deflection random response of thermally buckled beams

The effects of temperature and acoustic loading are included in a theoretical finite element large deflection formulation for thin, isotropic beams. Thermal loads are applied as steady-state temperature distributions, and acoustic loads are taken to be ergodic and Gaussian with zero mean and uniform magnitude and phase along the length of the beam. Material properties are considered presently to be independent of temperature. Also, inplane and rotary inertia terms are assumed to be negligible, and all inplane edge conditions are taken to be immovable. For the random response analysis, both auto- and cross-correlation terms are included. The nature of the loads leads to the solution of two separate problems. First, the problem of thermal postbuckling is solved to determine the deflections and stresses due to the thermal load only. These deflections and stresses are then used as initial deflections and stresses for the random vibration analysis. Root-mean-square (RMS) maximum deflections and strains are obtained and compared with previous classical equivalent linearization results.