cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reaction of the Cyclic Thionylphosphazene NSOCl[NPCl2]2 with Halide Abstraction Agents: An Ambient Temperature Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) Route to Poly(thionylphosphazenes)

The thionylphosphazene cation [NSO(NPCl2)2]+ is a proposed intermediate in the thermal ring-opening polymerization of the cyclic thionylphosphazene NSOCl(NPCl2)2 (1) at 165 °C. The attempted generation of [NSO(NPCl2)2]+ via halide abstraction from 1 with a variety of Lewis acids has been studied and the possible intermediacy of this species in the subsequent reactions is suggested by the products isolated. The thermal reaction of 1 with 2 equivalents of AlCl3 at 80 °C in 1,2-dichloroethane led to the quantitative formation of NSO(CH2CHCl2)(NPCl2)2; reaction of 1 with Ag[BF4] at 25 °C afforded the sulfur(VI)-fluorinated species NSOF(NPCl2)2 and the treatment of 1 with Ag[OSO2CF3] resulted in the quantitative formation of NSO(OSO2CF3)(NPCl2)2; the latter species was found to cleave diethyl ether and generate NSO(OCH2CH3)(NPCl2)2. Ambient temperature reaction of 1 with GaCl3, AlCl3 or SbCl5 (10:1), produced the high molecular weight poly(thionylphosphazene) [NSOCl(NPCl2)2]n and, in addition 12-, 18-, 24- and...
Three Aspects of Cultural Influence on Communication: A Literature Review

Children acquire communication skills within a socially and culturally influenced context. Communication professionals need to be aware of the ways cultural differences influence communication. Thi...
High-Resolution Beta- and Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

A high-resolution semiconductor beta- and gamma-ray spectrometer is described. The spectrometer consists of a silicon or germanium detector, low-noise field-effect transistor preamplifier, and a linear amplifier. The requirements for the different sections for high-resolution performance are outlined. The detectors used are low-capacitance, low-leakage devices cooled to low temperatures. The preamplifier utilizes the low-noise characteristics of a cooled junction-field-effect transistor. These characteristics are described and several types of FET's are compared. A single FET, incorporated in a voltage-sensitive input stage, provides an optimum signal-to-noise ratio. Pulse generator resolution of the preamplifier for zero external capacitance is 0.4 keV FWHM (Ge) with a slope of 0.038 keV/pF. Typical resolution obtained in the spectrometer in the low-energy region is 0.7 keV. Recent measurements show that the cooling system is one of the main noise sources of the spectrometer. More than 20% improvement in resolution was observed in preliminary experiments when this noise source was suppressed.
α1-Adrenergic regulation of TSH-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat thyroid cells

Abstract Addition of epinephrine to cultured FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells led to a concentration-dependent reduction of TSH- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Clonidine, which preferentially activates the α 2 -adrenoreceptor, had no effect on cAMP levels. The reduction of cAMP levels by epinephrine was selectively blocked by prazosin, an α 1 -adrenoreceptor antagonist, but not by yohimbine, an α 2 -adrenoreceptor antagonist. Pretreatment of FRTL-5 cells with pertussis toxin failed to abolish the inhibitory effect of epinephrine on cAMP accumulation. The bioactivity of the pertussis toxin preparation in this cell line was verified by its ability to ADP-ribosylate the α-subunit of the inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein, Ni, as well as its ability to abolish the inhibitory effect of N 6 -[ l -2-phenylisopropyl]-adenosine on TSH-stimulated cAMP formation. The inhibitory effect of epinephrine on cAMP levels was dependent on Ca 2+ and was reversed by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Taken together, these results suggest that epinephrine reduces cAMP levels via α 1 -adrenoreceptors. The failure of pertussis toxin to abolish this α-adrenergic effect is consistent with the conclusion that epinephrine-induced attenuation of cAMP accumulation occurs through activation of a Ca 2+ -calmodulin-sensitive phosphodiesterase and does not involve Ni or Ni-like proteins.
Developmental difference in the stimulation of cardiac myofibrillar Mg2(+)-ATPase activity by calmidazolium.

ABSTRACT: We probed possible developmentally related changes in thin filament activity in rat hearts with the aid of calmidazolium (CDZ). CDZ is a calmodulin antagonist that also binds to troponin C and stimulates Ca2+ troponin C-dependent activation of cardiac myofibrillar contractile activity. In paired experiments, we compared the effects of 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 µM CDZ on Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity of myofibrillar preparations from adult and neonatal rat hearts. Over the dose-response curve, the ATPase activity of neonatal myofibrils was significantly less stimulated than was the ATPase activity of the adult preparations. To know whether this difference in response to CDZ was related to differences in the thin or thick filaments, we studied hybrid adult and neonatal myofibrillar preparations. These hybrid myofibrils had native thin filaments, but the thick filaments were displaced with rabbit skeletal myosin. The relative insensitivity of the neonatal preparations to the effect of CDZ was retained in the hybrid myofibrils. This suggested that developmental transitions in the population of thin filament proteins are responsible for the difference between adult and neonatal myofibrils in their response to CDZ. Recently, we and others have reported developmental switching of troponin I isoforms in the rat heart. Since troponin I reacts strongly with troponin C in a Ca2+-dependent manner, we speculate that developmentally related changes in troponin I isoforms may contribute to the differential effect of CDZ in neonatal cardiac myofibrils.
In vitro methylation of the human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter reduces transcription.

Abstract Approx. 20% of human tumor cell lines (termed Mer−) are deficient in the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT; E.C.2.1.1.63). Such cells possess the MGMT gene and promoter sequences but have virtually no mRNA or protein. Cytosine methylation of gene sequences has been proposed as a mechanism by which MGMT could be suppressed in Mer− cells; however, the experimental evidence does not uniformly support this idea. We therefore investigated the effect of in vitro methylation of the MGMT promoter in a reporter gene construct transfected into cultured human cells. DNA methylation by HpaII or HhaI methylases suppressed the activity of the promoter, although the effect was not absolute. The occurrence of partial intracellular demethylation of promoter sequences may account for the incomplete inhibition of transcription. A model that attempts to reconcile the opposing views on the role of cytosine methylation in MGMT gene expression is presented.
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY NITRATE EXPSOURE ON THYROID HORMONE, SOMATOMEDIN-C/IGF-I CONCENTRATIONS AND GROWTH

Dietary goitrogens are important for the development of endemic goitre, especially in iodine deficiency areas. Due to the increasing nitrate exposure of humans, the influence of dietary nitrate was tested in three groups of 9 six week old piglets.
Self-efficacy and parenting of high-risk infants: The moderating role of parent knowledge of infant development

The present study examined the independent and joint relations of parental self-efficacy beliefs and parent knowledge of child development to maternal behavioral competence among mothers of high-risk infants. Sixty-five mothers completed questionnaires regarding parental self-efficacy and knowledge of child development and were assessed for behavioral competence during a 10-min free-play session with their infants. There were no independent contributions of parental self-efficacy or parent knowledge of development in predicting parenting competence. However, the relation between parental self-efficacy and parenting competence was moderated by parent knowledge of development. Consistent with Bandura's [Psychol. Rev. 84 (1977) 191; Am. Psychol. 44 (1989) 1175] formulations, parental self-efficacy and parenting competence were positively associated when parental knowledge of development was high. By contrast, parental self-efficacy beliefs and parenting competence were inversely associated when knowledge of development was low. Mothers reporting high parental self-efficacy, but low knowledge of development, were the least sensitive with their infants in play interactions, suggesting that these mothers were naively confident about their parenting abilities. Implications for designing interventions for naively confident mothers are discussed.
Beyond Search Engines: Enhancing Active Learning Using the Internet

Many college instructors use the Internet primarily as an information resource as part of their class instruction. However, the Internet is a teaching tool with the capacity to enhance students' critical thinking skills and active learning. We argue that the Internet provides instructors with many opportunities to increase active student participation, enhance their collaboration and written communication skills, and sharpen their critical thinking and reflection skills. Therefore, the Internet should be included in college teaching beyond looking up information and familiarizing students with Web sites relevant to their course of study. We illustrate the utility of the Internet through five examples of online exercises assigned in different political science classes, from freshman introductory courses to an upper-division Scope and Methods course. We present research that demonstrates the potential for improved learner outcomes by using online assignments as an instructional tool. Finally, the article acknowledges some of the more pressing problems and caveats of teaching with technology.
The up and down distributions of a Wheatstone bridge

Abstract Algorithms have been derived to calculate the overall and terminal reliabilities of a simple bridge when it reaches the steady state. However, nothing has been done in the continuous time domain. In this paper, a method is derived to determine the steady state distribution of the terminal operating and repairing time of a Wheatstone bridge when all links are independent and each link is under an alternative sequence of being operative and inoperative. Hence, the mean time to fail and mean time to repair can be determined. A lower bound for the mean time to first down time can also be obtained.
Effect of hydroxylation upon the ion scattering spectra of oxide surfaces

The low energy sputter peak is an artifact found in many ISS spectra at energies below those predicted for binary elastic backscattering. In this study, a correlation is shown between the intensity of the low energy sputter peak in 3He+ ion scattering spectra and the degree of hydroxylation of the surfaces of silicon and aluminum oxide. The spectra for the clean and hydroxylated surfaces of silica glass (SiO2) were examined. It was found that as the degree of hydroxylation increased, the sputter peak intensity increased and the amount of elastic scattering from surface atoms decreased due to atomic shielding by the chemisorbed hydroxyls. The spectra for materials hydroxylated in bulk (silica gel (SiO2·nH2O) and gibbsite (Al(OH)3)) were also analyzed and these further verified this interpretation of the sputter peak intensity. On the basis of these observations, the low energy sputter peak in ISS has been attributed to the detection of positively sputtered ions such as the hydrogen (H+) and matrix species (e.g., Si+, SiO+, and O+). These were detected in a separate experiment by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). It could not be determined whether the dependence of the sputter peak intensity upon the extent of hydroxylation is due solely to the sputter ion yield of hydrogen species or is related, in part, to an enhancement of the secondary ion yields of the oxide matrix species as well.
The utility of self-report and biological measures of alcohol consumption in alcoholism treatment outcome studies

Abstract Despite the significant advances of the past 20 years, serious questions have been raised about the value of alcoholism treatment outcome research due to the purported invalidity of alcoholics' self-report data for which biological measures of alcohol consumption have been suggested as a solution. The literature does not support widespread skepticism of alcoholics' self-reports or the existence of a systematic underreporting bias except when alcoholics have a positive blood alcohol level. Available evidence shows good reliability and validity for reports of hospital/jail stays and frequency of drinking/abstinence; good reliability and modest agreement with collateral informants for measures of problem severity and alcohol dependence symptoms. For amount consumed, reliability is good for outpatient but not for inpatient or residential alcoholics and validity in the form of agreement with collateral reports is not good except in problem drinkers at followup. Unfortunately, currently available biological markers do not solve the problems of measuring alcohol consumption in outcome studies. Markers correlate only modestly with self-reported consumption, are affected by factors other than alcohol consumption, show large individual differences in response to variations in alcohol intake, have an overly long half-life in certain cases, provide a specific but not very sensitive indicator of poor outcome, and may present compliance problems especially among chronic alcoholics. Nonetheless, markers can be used as part of a convergent validity approach and as a measure of negative alcohol-related health consequences. Suggestions for current practices in the field and for future research directions are provided.
Addiction and satiation

Abstract This letter develops a general model of rational habit formation. The conditions leading to addiction and satiation are compared, and Stigler and Becker's (1977) discussion of beneficial and harmful addiction is clarified and extended.
PATRIC, the bacterial bioinformatics database and analysis resource

The Pathosystems Resource Integration Center (PATRIC) is the all-bacterial Bioinformatics Resource Center (BRC) (http://www.patricbrc.org). A joint effort by two of the original National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-funded BRCs, PATRIC provides researchers with an online resource that stores and integrates a variety of data types [e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, protein–protein interactions (PPIs), three-dimensional protein structures and sequence typing data] and associated metadata. Datatypes are summarized for individual genomes and across taxonomic levels. All genomes in PATRIC, currently more than 10 000, are consistently annotated using RAST, the Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology. Summaries of different data types are also provided for individual genes, where comparisons of different annotations are available, and also include available transcriptomic data. PATRIC provides a variety of ways for researchers to find data of interest and a private workspace where they can store both genomic and gene associations, and their own private data. Both private and public data can be analyzed together using a suite of tools to perform comparative genomic or transcriptomic analysis. PATRIC also includes integrated information related to disease and PPIs. All the data and integrated analysis and visualization tools are freely available. This manuscript describes updates to the PATRIC since its initial report in the 2007 NAR Database Issue.
Reactions of Fe(CO)3 and Fe(CO)4 with C2Cl4 in the Gas Phase Monitored by Transient Infrared Spectroscopy: Formation of Fe(CO)4(C2Cl4), Fe(CO)3(C2Cl4)2, and Novel Chloride Complexes Resulting from the Oxidative Addition of C2Cl4

The gas-phase reactions of Fe(CO)3 and Fe(CO)4 with perchloroethylene (C2Cl4) have been investigated using transient infrared spectroscopy. The addition of C2Cl4 to Fe(CO)3 produces Fe(CO)3(C2Cl4) with a rate constant of (3.0 ± 0.8) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. A second olefin can add to Fe(CO)3(C2Cl4) with a rate constant of (1.9 ± 0.3) × 10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 to form the novel bisolefin complex Fe(CO)3(C2Cl4)2. Absorptions of this complex were identified at 2084 and 2057 cm-1. C2Cl4 reacts with Fe(CO)4 with a rate constant of (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 to produce Fe(CO)4(C2Cl4), which is identified by its absorptions at 2125, 2069, and 2039 cm-1. This product isomerizes to a novel chloride complex via an oxidative addition process, with Arrhenius parameters Ea = 21 ± 2 kcal/mol and ln A = 28 ± 2 in the 297−315 K temperature range. The chloride complex is best assigned as ClFe(CO)4(C2Cl3), and possible mechanisms for this isomerization reaction are discussed. ClFe(CO)4(C2Cl3) can also be pr...
‘And relish beauties he alone could write’: Double Falsehood in the Arden Shakespeare

Double Falsehood or the Distressed Lovers, edited by Brean Hammond. Arden Shakespeare. London: Methuen, 2010, i-xvii+443 pp., £16.99 (paperback), £65 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-903-436776 (paperback) T...
Uintah: a scalable framework for hazard analysis

The Uintah Software system was developed to provide an environment for solving a fluid-structure interaction problems on structured adaptive grids on large-scale, long-running, data-intensive problems. Uintah uses a novel asynchronous task-based approach with fully automated load balancing. The application of Uintah to a petascale problem in hazard analysis arising from "sympathetic" explosions in which the collective interactions of a large ensemble of explosives results in dramatically increased explosion violence, is considered. The advances in scalability and combustion modeling needed to begin to solve this problem are discussed and illustrated by prototypical computational results.
Prostate biopsy : Past, present, and future

M B T w T t d b p a p arcinoma of the prostate has long been of interest to urologists. Prostate cancer is among the leading cancers of men and still remains among the eading causes of cancer deaths.1 Great advances in the iagnosis of prostate cancer have evolved through the ast century, most notably, prostate-specific antigen PSA) measurement; however, its utility is as a screening ool, not as a diagnostic test. The reference standard for he diagnosis of prostate cancer remains tissue biopsy. aturally, the technique of prostate biopsy has also volved through the years with the advent of new techologies. This review outlines the past, present, and uture of prostate biopsy.
Why unions support mandated benefits

A complete explanation for union support of mandated benefits must recognize that (1) unions promote the interests of their members primarily by restricting entry into labor markets and (2) those restrictions reduce the competitive advantage which unionized firms realize from efficiently providing fringe benefits. Only by exerting pressure on unionized firms to provide particular fringe benefits and then lobbying government to mandate those benefits at nonunion firms can unions hope to overcome a problem of their own creation.
Design Principles for Photovoltaic Devices Based on Si Nanowires with Axial or Radial p–n Junctions

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are a developing platform for electronic and photonic technologies, and many demonstrated devices utilize a p-type/n-type (p–n) junction encoded along either the axial or radial directions of the wires. These miniaturized junctions enable a diverse range of functions, from sensors to solar cells, yet the physics of the devices has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we present finite-element modeling of axial and radial Si NW p–n junctions with total diameters of ∼240 nm and donor/acceptor doping levels ranging from 1016 to 1020 cm–3. We evaluate the photovoltaic performance of horizontally oriented NWs under 1 sun illumination and compare simulated current–voltage data to experimental measurements, permitting detailed analysis of NW performance, limitations, and prospect as a technology for solar energy conversion. Although high surface-to-volume ratios are cited as detrimental to NW performance, radial p–n junctions are surprisingly insensitive to surface recombination, wi...
Front Populaire, Front National: The Colonial Example

The popular front strategy, by which the French Communist party (PCF) came to mean a tactical alliance of the left including the Socialists and the left-leaning elements of the petty bourgeoisie represented by the Radical party, was pursued only briefly by the PCF in the 1930s, from 1934 to 1936. This is ironic, since it is by the slogan of the Front Populaire that the period of the 1930s in French history was to be subsequently known and remembered. The popular front was actually a transitional strategy between the famous (or infamous) “Third Period” of Comintern history from 1928–34, characterized in France by the class-against-class policy, and the policy of Front National, in which the PCF pursued a policy of alliance with anyone, including the right, against fascism at home and abroad. The PCF launched the national front in August 1936, and although the slogan did not catch on and was withdrawn, the party pursued that strategy for the remainder of the period until the war. But it was the popular front that would be remembered as having resulted in a wave of social legislation following the Blum government's assumption of power in June 1936 and which has ever since become a point of reference for the PCF. The wage increases, rights to unionize, paid vacations, forty hour week and nationalizations remain accomplishments for the party, to be built upon in each successive experience of participating in, or supporting the French government.
Abstract B68: miR-218 opposes an important RTK–HIF signaling pathway in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are highly malignant primary brain tumors, and the Mesenchymal GBM subtype in particular, frequently exhibit regions of severe hypoxia and necrosis. As these features correlate with poor prognosis, we investigated miRNAs whose expression might regulate ischemic cell survival and growth. We found that miR-218 expression is significantly repressed in highly necrotic and chemoresistant Mesenchymal GBMs, compared to the Proneural subtype. Furthermore, restoring miR-218 expression in glioblastoma stem like cells (GSCs) significantly sensitizes orthotopic xenograft tumors to chemotherapeutic treatment, suggesting that low miR-218 confers GBM chemoresistance. Moreover, reduced miR-218 levels correlate with poor survival and rapid recurrence in human Mesenchymal GBM patients treated with radio- and chemotherapy (in contrast, no survival differences were observed in other GBM subtypes). Importantly, miR-218 targets multiple components of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways, and reduced miR-218 expression increases their abundance and activity, thereby overcoming RTK inhibitory homeostatic mechanisms that normally modulate active signaling. We further demonstrate that HIFs, specifically HIF2α, function as downstream effectors of the low miR-218-RTK activation cascade in GSC cells. In strong support of our experimental findings, we observed a significant correlation between elevated HIF activity and low miR-218 expression in Mesenchymal GBM patient samples; in contrast, no correlation was observed in Proneural tumors. Altogether, our data reveal a novel functional association between miR-218 expression and HIF2α activity, and delineate RTK activation as the mechanistic link between the two in highly necrotic GBMs. Moreover, as tumor hypoxia is associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis, our results uncover a new mechanism whereby miR-218 repression enhances HIF activity, and contributes to the chemoresistant phenotype predominantly seen in Mesenchymal GBM. Citation Format: Lijoy K. Mathew, Nicolas Skuli, Vera Mucaj, Samuel S. Lee, Sriram Venneti, Priti Lal, Justin D. Lathia, Jeremy N. Rich, Brian Keith, Andy J. Minn, M Celeste Simon. miR-218 opposes an important RTK–HIF signaling pathway in Glioblastoma. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B68. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-B68
The development of toxicology as a veterinary discipline in the United States.

(1970). The Development of Toxicology as a Veterinary Discipline in the United States. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 211-220.
Ritualized Chipped‐Stone Production at Piedras Negras, Guatemala

The symbolic and iconographic nature of many obsidian eccentrics, chipped-stone items of ritual significance to the ancient Maya, appears to be related to the techniques used to produce them. This study shows that the symbolism of eccentrics extended beyond morphology and into the processes of production. It is argued that the manufacture of obsidian eccentrics may constitute an archaeological example of ritualized production, which is described here as the binding of craft and religious practice to produce material items. Ritualized production, an under-studied aspect of economic, political, and social organization in archaeology, has implications for understanding precapitalist or preindustrial societies wherein religion structured social practice in a significant way. Although it is difficult to archaeologically demonstrate ritualized production, its investigation sheds light on poorly understood aspects of economic value in ancient societies.
Mass Spectrometry in the Clinical Laboratory: How Have We Done, and Where Do We Need to Be?

Mass spectrometry has long been used in clinical laboratories. The first important applications were the use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for drug screening and the diagnosis of organic acid metabolic disorders. More recently liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry [LC-MS; liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS1 )] has been introduced successfully into clinical laboratories, where it has become the gold standard for newborn screening. The prices for basic LC-MS/MS systems have decreased, and these systems are adequate for many clinical applications. At the higher end, LC-MS/MS systems with enhanced capabilities now permit the analysis of clinically important compounds that are present in very low concentrations in biological fluids. Although GC-MS and LC-MS instruments provide advantages over other techniques, financial, clinical, and analytical implications must be considered when deciding which technique to choose or interpreting results that may differ from other conventional assays. To gather the observations, opinions, and predictions of individuals with varied experiences in the mass spectrometry arena, we present here a virtual roundtable with a panel of 5 experts: a clinician, a researcher, 2 clinical chemists, and a clinical business manager from an instrument manufacturer. As a pediatric endocrinologist, have you seen an influence of mass spectrometry on your diagnosis and treatment of patients? Joseph Majzoub2 : Absolutely yes, in both positive as well as challenging ways. Mass spectrometry provides better results with much improved specificity over immunoassays for the analytes that I monitor. As a clinician, however, I often deal with multiple laboratories with different levels of testing or different methods. Some laboratories do not do prepurification of samples before immunoassay, which results in different answers because of different effects of structural analogs. The methodologies used by laboratories have also changed over time, so it is challenging sometimes to decide if a change is in the patient or …
SURVIVAL OF FUCOID EMBRYOS IN THE INTERTIDAL ZONE DEPENDS UPON DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE AND MICROHABITAT1

Embryos of the fucoid alga Pelvetia fastigiata (J. Ag.) DeToni were outplanted into the intertidal zone to assess survival during the physical stress brought about by emersion during a single low tide. Survival varied among microhabitats. Under the adult Pelvetia canopy, survival of 6-h-, 24-h-, 48-h-, and 1-wk-old embryos was nearly 100%. Almost all embryos of all ages died in exposed habitats on bare rock or within habitats where the Pelvetia canopy was removed experimentally. However, within red algal turfs, where most juvenile Pelvetia occur, survival was unusually age specific: 24- to 48-h-old embryos survived poorly compared to younger (6 h old) or older embryos (1 wk old). Survival patterns reflected microhabitat temperatures during the experiments. The fate of young post-settlement stages must be studied at these fine temporal and spatial scales to understand the organization of intertidal communities.
Treatment of Pairing in Many-Body Systems by an Equation-of-Motion Method

A completely unambiguous prescription is presented for extending the equation-of-motion method, including pairing, beyond the random-phase approximation. When combined with the idea of a generalized effective field, this prescription leads to a simple, self-consistent treatment of pairing, lifetime, and renormalization effects in many-body systems.
A bias correction in testing treatment efficacy under informative dropout in clinical trials.

In clinical trials of drug development, patients are often followed for a certain period of time, and the outcome variables are measured at scheduled time intervals. The main interest of the trial is the treatment efficacy at a prespecified time point, which is often the last visit. In such trials, patient dropout is often the major source for missing data. With possible informative patient dropout, the missing information often causes biases in the inference of treatment efficacy. In this article, for a time-saturated treatment effect model and an informative dropout scheme that depends on the unobserved outcomes only through the random coefficients, we propose a grouping method to correct the biases in the estimation of treatment effect. The asymptotic variance estimator is also obtained for statistical inference. In a simulation study, we compare the new method with the traditional methods of the observed case (OC) analysis, the last observation carried forward (LOCF) analysis, and the mixed model repe...
Pulmonary Embolism Associated With a Vacuum-Induced Arm Compartment Syndrome: A Setting for Increased Vigilance

Vacuum injuries, otherwise known as negative pressure injuries, are unique mechanisms of traumatic injury. There are few reports of this mechanism in the literature and, although rare, familiarity with the presentation and management is essential to be life and limb saving. In addition, because of the severe inflammatory process, the potential is increased for life-threatening thrombosis and embolism. This is a case of a circumferential vacuum injury to the arm requiring fasciotomy complicated by development of pulmonary embolism. We describe treatment, postoperative management and a review of the relevant literature.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) environmental contamination in Michigan, 1973-1976.

INTRODUCTION Claims of continuing ill effects to animals and man from PBB contamination over the past 3 years in Michigan have engendered intense activity at government level to establish the role of PBB and bring the problem to an effective solution. There are now several official chronological summaries of the historical sequence of events in the Michigan PBB problem (l-6). At this juncture it is sufficient to emphasize early developments, as follows: 1. The PBB manufacturer, Michigan Chemical Company, used similar trade names and packaging for the toxic fire retardant PBB (Firemaster) and the feed constituent magnesium oxide (Nutrimaster). Substitution of toxic PBB for nontoxic magnesium oxide in July 1973 went unrecognized (physical appearance similar) in the formulation of Farm Bureau Services pellets. Contamination of feed as high as 13,500 parts per million resulted (5, p. 108). 2. Only one dairyman, Halbert (7) reported toxic effects after feeding the misformulated pellets (October 1973). Milk production of his herd had dropped within a few weeks, and, other feed was substituted. However, in 6 months, out of a herd of 400 cows. 24 had died. Then a number of other herds of toxilied cattle were identified in May 1974, when the contaminant was found to be polybrominated biphenyl (Firemaster of Michigan Chemical Company) and when the disposition of contaminated feed was identified. Thus, the minimal period of exposure was around 9 months (excepting for the Halbert herd taken off the suspected Farm Bureau Services pellets after 16 days). In these circumstances contaminated dairy products and meat were widely consumed. A preliminary draft of this paper served as a working document for a meeting of experts at the Environmental Sciences Laboratory on July 1, 1976. Later, site visits were made to quarantined and unquarantined dairy farms near Grand Rapids, Michigan. There were extensive consultations with state authorities and others including legal, medical, scientific and farm experts.
APOPTOSIS: Stabbed in the BAX

Apoptotic cell death is an intricate and highly regulated process. To initiate apoptosis, the protein BIM binds to a hitherto unrecognized site on the BAX protein to trigger permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane.
The Periparturient Cow — A Pivotal Entity in Dairy Production

Abstract The periparturient period describes the time of parturition and those events within a few weeks prior to and following parturition. Considerable new knowledge has been generated during the past 25 yr concerning the periparturient cow. Generation of physiologic and endocrinologic information has been voluminous and rewarding. Nutritional requirements of the periparturient cow are better understood as are sanitation requirements. Management and environmental conditions change constantly, and new problems develop as rapidly as old problems are solved. Fruitful areas of further research are discussed for the prepartum cow, the parturient cow, and the postpartum cow. Also discussed is the opportunity to merge good biological information, reported over the past 25 yr from research laboratories, with field investigations and applied usage. Research concerned with "genetic engineering" and immunogenetics has considerable importance to the dairy industry. Discussed is the opportunity to use such research findings to improve postpartum disease resistance, onset of cyclic activity, and problems associated with parturition.
Role for α6 nicotinic receptors in l-dopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian mice

L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias are a serious side effect that develops in most Parkinson's disease patients on dopamine replacement therapy. Few treatment options are available to manage dyskinesias; however,recent studies show that nicotine reduces these abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in parkinsonian animals by acting at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Identification of the nAChR subtypes that mediate this reduction in AIMs is important as it will help in the development of nAChR subtype selective drugs for their treatment. Here we investigate the role of α6β2* nAChRs, a subtype selectively present in the nigrostriatal pathway, using a6 nAChR subunit null mutant (α6⁻/⁻) mice.Wildtype and α6⁻/⁻ mice were lesioned by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (3 mg/ml) into the medial forebrain bundle. They were then given L-dopa (3 mg/kg) plus benserazide (15 mg/kg) 2e3 wk later. L-dopa-induced AIMs developed to a similar extent in α6⁻/⁻ and wildtype mice.However, AIMs in α6⁻/⁻ mice declined to ~50% of that in wildtype mice with continued L-dopa treatment. Nicotine treatment also decreased AIMs by ~50% in wildtype mice, although not in α6⁻/⁻ mice. There were no effects on parkinsonism under any experimental condition. To conclude, the similar declines in L-dopa-induced AIMs in nicotine-treated wildtype mice and in α6⁻/⁻ mice treated with and without nicotine indicate an essential role for α6β2* nAChRs in the maintenance of L-dopa-induced AIMs.These findings suggest that α6β2* nAChR drugs have potential for reducing L-dopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease.
Coherent beam transformations using multimode waveguides

Physical insights and characteristics of beam transformations based on multimode interference (MMI) in multimode waveguides are illuminated and analyzed. Our calculations show that, utilizing a short piece of cylindrical multimode waveguide, an input Gaussian beam can be readily transformed to frequently desired beams including top-hat, donut-shaped, taper-shaped, and Bessel-like beams in the Fresnel or the Fraunhofer diffraction range, or even in both ranges. This is a consequence of diffractive propagation of the field exiting the waveguide. The performance of the beam shaper based on MMI can be controlled via tailoring the dimensions of the multimode waveguide or changing the signal wavelength. This beam shaping technique is investigated experimentally using monolithic fiber devices consisting of a short piece of multimode fiber (~ 10 mm long) and a single-mode signal delivery fiber.
Nucleon-nucleon dynamics at medium energies (III). I = 1 spin-dependent total cross sections

Abstract We present I = 1 spin-dependent total cross section predictions of a unitary, relativistic three-body model, described in earlier papers in this series, for the NN → NN and NN → NNπ coupled reactions. The spin-averaged NN → NNπ cross section is quite peripheral and is in good agreement with experiment from 500 to 2000 MeV. The elastic cross section is non-peripheral and does not agree with experiment. This is probably because of the neglect, so far, of short-range forces in the model. There are very large spin-dependent effects in both the elastic and NN → NNπ cross sections, even though this is a model without dibaryon resonances.
Imaging Photon-Counting Detector Systems for Ground-Based and Space Applications

A family of imaging photon-counting detector systems, the multi-anode microchannel arrays (MAMAs), are now under active development for use on a number of space astrophysics missions at far-ultraviolet and extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths. MAMA detector systems are currently being fabricated for use in instruments on the European Space Agency (ESA)/NASA Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft and for a second generation instrument on the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The components of the MAMA detector system consist of, (1) the open or sealed tube assembly containing the photocathode, the high-gain curved-channel microchannel plate, and the readout electrode array, and (2) the associated analog and digital electronics circuits. The configurations of the different MAMA detector systems are described in some detail and the use of custom application specific integrated circuits in the electronics is discussed. The performance characteristics of the MAMA detectors are described and compared with those of alternative imaging photon-counting detector systems. Examples of both ground-based data and flight data from sounding rockets are shown.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On improving the accuracy of structured light systems

We propose a nonlinear calibration method for improving the accuracy of structured light systems that use cameras and projectors. Previously we have developed a systematic method for the calibration of projectors as well as structured light systems for 3-D shape measurement. However, we used only a linear model and did not consider lens distortions of the camera and the projector. As a result, measurement accuracy was limited. In this paper, we develop nonlinear models for both the camera and the projector and apply them to develop a nonlinear algorithm for 3-D shape measurement. The aim is to improve system accuracy by reducing the nonlinear error caused by lens distortion. Experimental results on nonlinear camera and projector calibration, comparison of 3-D measurement errors with linear and nonlinear camera and projector models, as well as 3-D shape measurement of some sample objects are presented.
Phosphorylation of Chs2p regulates interaction with COPII.

Trafficking of the chitin synthase Chs2p from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the bud-neck in late mitosis is tightly regulated by the cell cycle via phosphorylation of serine residues in the N-terminus of the protein. Here, we describe the effects of Chs2p phosphorylation on the interaction with coat protein complex II (COPII). Identification of a cdc5ts mutant, which fails to transport Chs2p–3xGFP to the bud-neck and instead accumulates the protein in intracellular puncta, led us to discover that Chs2p–3xGFP accumulates at ER exit sites in metaphase-arrested wild-type cells. Using an in vitro ER vesicle formation assay we showed that phosphorylation of Chs2p by the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK1 prevents packaging into COPII vesicles, whereas dephosphorylation of Chs2p by the phosphatase Cdc14p stimulates selection into the vesicles. We found that the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of Chs2p, which contains the CDK1 phosphorylation sites, interacts with the COPII component Sec24p in a yeast two-hybrid assay and that phosphomimetic substitutions of serines at the CDK1 consensus sites reduces the interaction. Our data suggest that dephosphorylation functions as a molecular switch for regulated ER exit of Chs2p.
The adequacy of laboratory monitoring in patients treated with spironolactone for congestive heart failure.

Objectives This study was designed to determine the adequacy of monitoring patients receiving spironolactone as well as spironolactone’s relationship to hyperkalemia. Background After the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study (RALES) demonstrated a 30% mortality benefit for treating severe heart failure patients with spironolactone, acceptance of this drug was overwhelming. Hyperkalemia and worsening renal function were rare in RALES, but laboratory monitoring was frequent. In clinical practice, the incidence of hyperkalemia and worsening renal function and adequacy of follow-up is unknown. Methods We reviewed the monitoring of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with spironolactone initiation after publication of RALES. All potassium and creatinine determinations at baseline and within three months following therapy initiation were assessed. Increased potassium was defined as any [K] ≥5.5 mEq/l and severe hyperkalemia as any [K] ≥6.0. Results A total of 840 patients had new prescriptions for spironolactone. Of these, 91% had baseline laboratory values, and 34% did not have any serum potassium or creatinine determined within three months. Patients seen in the cardiology clinic were more likely to have appropriate follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). Of 551 patients with follow-up laboratory values determined, 15% developed hyperkalemia and 6% developed severe hyperkalemia. Fifty-one patients (9%) developed renal dysfunction, of whom 25 developed hyperkalemia within three months. Hyperkalemia developed in 48 of 138 (35%) patients with baseline creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dl and 12 of 19 (63%) with baseline creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dl. Conclusions Many patients treated with spironolactone for CHF do not receive needed follow-up of potassium or creatinine concentrations, although hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction are common. Elevated baseline creatinine predicts patients at high risk. Physician education of the risks of spironolactone and the need for follow-up is essential.
A pilot study of an online cognitive rehabilitation program for executive function skills in children with cancer-related brain injury

Primary objectives: Children with a history of cancer are at increased risk for cognitive impairments, particularly in executive and memory domains. Traditional, in-person cognitive rehabilitation ...
Magnetospheric convection at a low level power ϵ

Abstract It is demonstrated that the magnetospheric convection becomes evident in terms of the AE index only when the power ϵ of the solar wind-magnetosphere dynamo becomes greater than ∼ 10 18 erg s −1 or a slightly lower value. An enhanced conductivity is a crucial factor for the magnetospheric convection to manifest even in a low-level increase of the AE index of ∼ 50–100 γ .
Accelerated death of retinal microvascular cells in human and experimental diabetic retinopathy.

To reconstruct the mechanisms for the vasoobliteration that transforms diabetic retinopathy into an ischemic retinopathy, we compared the occurrence of cell death in situ in retinal microvessels of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Trypsin digests and sections prepared from the retinas of seven patients (age 67 +/- 7 yr) with .9 +/- 4 yr of diabetes and eight age- and sex-matched nondiabetic controls were studied with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction which detects preferentially apoptotic DNA fragmentation. The count of total TUNEL+ nuclei was significantly greater in the microvessels of diabetic (13 +/- 12 per one-sixth of retina) than control subjects (1.3 +/- 1.4, P = 0.0016), as were the counts of TUNEL+ pericytes and endothelial cells (P < 0.006). The neural retinas from both diabetic and nondiabetic subjects were uniformly TUNEL-. Retinal microvessels of rats with short duration of experimental diabetes or galactosemia and absent or minimal morphological changes of retinopathy, showed TUNEL+ pericytes and endothelial cells, which were absent in control rats. These findings indicate that (a) diabetes and galactosemia lead to accelerated death in situ of both retinal pericytes and endothelial cells; (b) the event is specific for vascular cells; (c) it precedes histological evidence of retinopathy; and (d) it can be induced by isolated hyperhexosemia. A cycle of accelerated death and renewal of endothelial cells may contribute to vascular architectural changes and, upon exhaustion of replicative life span, to capillary obliteration.
Wettability of selected denture base materials.

D enture retention has been defined as the resistance of a denture to vertical and torsional stresses, or the resistance to removal of a denture in a direction opposite that of its insertion.‘,’ Retention of a complete denture may be influenced by a number of variables classified as physical, physiologic, mechanical, and surgical in nature.3 The physical forces operate in the salivary film between the denture and the surrounding tissues and involve factors such as adhesion, cohesion, capillarity, atmospheric pressure, surface tension, and viscosity.4-8 To produce adequate adhesion of a denture to the supporting tissues, saliva must flow easily over the entire surface to ensure wetting of the adherend surface. The fundamental requirement for good adhesive performance is intimate molecular contact between the adhesive and the adherend.’ The extent to which an adhesive will wet a surface depends on the viscosity of the adhesive, the shape of the irregularities on the surface of the adherend, and on the contact angle (e) at which the adhesive meets the adherend surface.“,” Since the tendency for the liquid to spread increases as 8 decreases, the contact angle is a useful inverse measure of spreadability or wettability.” The contact angle observed when a liquid boundary advances for the first time over a dry smooth surface is called the advancing contact angle (e,), while the contact angle observed when a liquid boundary recedes from a previously wetted surface is called the receding contact angle (0,). Contact angles are characteristic constants of liquid/solid systems.‘2 When contact angles are determined, the liquid and solid surfaces
Using hybrid attack graphs to model cyber-physical attacks in the Smart Grid

The Smart Grid is a large networked cyber-physical control system that is part of the critical infrastructure. This paper presents a cyber-physical attack against a substation where the attacker causes a transformer to overheat. The attack is modeled using a hybrid attack graph (HAG), which provides a means to model both the physical and cyber components of the attack. The HAG provides insight into potential attack vectors. Based on this information, key points in the system can be identified where security can be strengthened. Direction for future work to expand the capabilities of HAGs for modeling cyber-physical attacks is presented.