cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical limiting and picosecond relaxation of carbocyanines upper electronic states

Abstract Nonlinear absorption, anomalous fluorescence and relaxation of high-lying electronic states in six carbocyanine dyes, including cryptocyanine (DCI), DDI, DTDCI, DTTCI, DOTCI and HDIDCI, in solution and in polymer, were studied by means of picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and nonlinear transmission experiments. Absorption cross-sections of the S 1 →S n transition, and decay rates of the second singlet excited state, S 2 , were measured. All dyes showed strong reverse saturable absorption in the 450–600 nm region with large excited to ground state absorption cross-section ratios. For DTDCI this ratio, at 470 nm, was measured to be 350, which is the largest ever reported. All molecules have shown strong optical limiting effect. However, in all molecules except DCI a saturation of the optical limiting process was observed as expected, owing to relatively long, up to 17.5 ps, lifetime of the S 2 state. The S 2 state fluorescence quantum yields were also measured.
On-road vehicle particulate matter and gaseous emission distributions in Las Vegas, Nevada, compared with other areas.

During the spring and summer of 2000, 2001, and 2002, gaseous and particulate matter (PM) fuel-based emission factors for 150,000 low-tailpipe, individual vehicles in the Las Vegas, NV, area were measured via on-road remote sensing. For the gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide), a commercial vehicle emissions remote sensing system (VERSS) was used. The PM emissions were determined using a Lidar-based VERSS. Emission distributions and their shapes were analyzed and compared with previous studies. The large skewness of the distributions is evident for both gaseous pollutants and PM and has important implications for emission reduction policies, because the majority of emissions are attributed to a small fraction of vehicles. Results of this Las Vegas study and studies at other geographical locations were compared. The gaseous pollutants were found to be close to those measured by VERSS in other U.S. cities. The PM emission factors for spark ignition and diesel vehicles are in the range of previous tunnel and dynamometer studies.
Understanding the role of iron chlorides in the de novo synthesis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans.

The formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) was investigated for mixtures of carbon black and iron chloride supported on a ceramic glass powder matrix in a low (2%) oxygen environment. Three iron chloride types (iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate, iron(III) chloride hexahydrate, and iron(III) oxychloride) were studied to gain some insights into their role in de novo formation. The importance of iron(II) and iron(III) chlorides both as chlorinating agents and promoters of low-temperature carbon gasification was observed. Iron(III) oxychloride was shown to be a very effective promoter at 325 °C and above; its conversion to iron(III) chloride was suggested as a key step. The predominant product was octachlorodibenzofuran. The oxide support matrix was found to be an important parameter.
Insight into reverse selectivity and relaxation behavior of poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] by flux-lateral force and intrinsic friction microscopy

Abstract Novel scanning force microscopy techniques (SFM) were employed to investigate poly[l-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] (PTMSP), a high-free volume, highly permeable reverse-selective membrane material. This study reports, for the first time, reverse selectivity in relation to the interfacial gas adsorption capacity of the PTMSP membrane with the gas permeants CO 2 and helium. With flux-lateral force microscopy (F-LFM), mechanical property changes caused by permeant gas infiltration were recorded within the polymer interfacial downstream region. In conjunction with bulk permeation measurements and varying sequential exposure to the two permeants, CO 2 is found to saturate the membrane faster, i.e. at a lower differential pressure by about 0.3 bar, in comparison to helium. It is also identified as modifying agent for PTSMP causing a significant change in the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix, which consequentially leads to a considerable helium transport reduction, and thus, an increase in reverse selectivity from 1.2 to 4.7. Also in this study, thermally available activation modes of 6–8 kcal/mol were revealed by intrinsic friction analysis (IFA) that were attributed to backbone methyl-group rotations in accordance with conformational calculations. Bulk thermally activated modes were found to be modestly affected by interfacial constraints on the sub-100 nanometer scale, which is an important finding for interpreting interfacial constraints in PTMSP nanocomposites involving silicon-oxides.
Cutoff Scores, Norms and Patterns of Feeding Problems for the Screening Tool of fEeding Problems (STEP) for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

Independent living is a goal for everyone, but often persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) have major challenges in this respect. In fact, deficits in daily living skills are a hallmark of the condition. One of the most serious and potentially problematic of the independent living skills is difficulties or irregularities in eating. These problems can not only effect independence but they can result in more restrictive living conditions, poor nutrition, choking, aspiration, or even death. Given the serious nature of the disorder, it points to the need for adequate screening and diagnosis of such problems. The present study reports on the STEP and the development of cutoff scores and norms for the scale. Possible applications of these data for real world problems of person with ID are discussed.
Extremum principles for linear initial-value problems of mathematical physics

Abstract A general minimum principle is presented in abstract operator notation for a wide class of linear initial and mixed boundary-value problems. The principle is valid for elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic operator equations. Specific examples, illustrating the general principle, are selected from a number of different fields of mathematical physics.
Analytical observations on the aerodynamics of a delta wing with leading edge flaps

The effect of a leading edge flap on the aerodynamics of a low aspect ratio delta wing is studied analytically. The separated flow field about the wing is represented by a simple vortex model composed of a conical straight vortex sheet and a concentrated vortex. The analysis is carried out in the cross flow plane by mapping the wing trace, by means of the Schwarz-Christoffel transformation into the real axis of the transformed plane. Particular attention is given to the influence of the angle of attack and flap deflection angle on lift and drag forces. Both lift and drag decrease with flap deflection, while the lift-to-drag ratioe increases. A simple coordinate transformation is used to obtain a closed form expression for the lift-to-drag ratio as a function of flap deflection. The main effect of leading edge flap deflection is a partial suppression of the separated flow on the leeside of the wing. Qualitative comparison with experiments is presented, showing agreement in the general trends.
The Role of Transformational Leadership and Organizational Change on Perceived Organizational Success

The present study examined the moderational role of organizational change on the relationship between transformational leadership and perceptions of organizational success. We predicted an interaction between organizational change and transformational leadership such that transformational leadership is more strongly associated with perceptions of organizational performance when the organization undertakes high changes (i.e., many organizational adjustments) as opposed to low changes (i.e., few organizational adjustments). The sample consisted of part-time and full-time employees from small to mid-size businesses. The results of the moderated regression analyses supported our prediction.
Depolarization ratio and attenuated backscatter for nine cloud types: analyses based on collocated CALIPSO lidar and MODIS measurements.

This paper reports on the relationship between lidar backscatter and the corresponding depolarization ratio for nine types of cloud systems. The data used in this study are the lidar returns measured by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite and the collocated cloud products derived from the observations made by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard Aqua satellite. Specifically, the operational MODIS cloud optical thickness and cloud-top pressure products are used to classify cloud types on the basis of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud classification scheme. While the CALIPSO observations provide information for up to 10 cloud layers, in the present study only the uppermost clouds are considered. The layer-averaged attenuated backscatter (γ′) and layer-averaged depolarization ratio (δ) from the CALIPSO measurements show both water- and ice-phase features for global cirrus, cirrostratus, and deep convective cloud classes. Furthermore, we screen both the MODIS and CALIPSO data to eliminate cases in which CALIPSO detected two- or multi-layered clouds. It is shown that low γ′ values corresponding to uppermost thin clouds are largely eliminated in the CALIPSO δ–γ′ relationship for single-layered clouds. For mid-latitude and polar regions corresponding, respectively, to latitude belts 30°–60° and 60°–90° in both the hemispheres, a mixture of water and ice is also observed in the case of the altostratus class. MODIS cloud phase flags are also used to screen ice clouds. The resultant water clouds flagged by the MODIS algorithm show only water phase feature in the δ–γ′ relation observed by CALIOP; however, in the case of the ice clouds flagged by the MODIS algorithm, the co-existence of ice- and water-phase clouds is still observed in the CALIPSO δ–γ′ relationship.
Effects of repeated glyphosate applications on soil microbial community composition and the mineralization of glyphosate

Background: Repeated applications may have a greater impact on the soil microbial community than a single application of glyphosate. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of one, two, three, four or five applications of glyphosate on soil microbial community composition and glyphosate mineralization and distribution of 14C residues in soil. RESULTS: Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) common to gram-negative bacteria were present in higher concentrations following five applications relative to one, two, three or four applications both 7 and 14 days after application (DAA). Additionally, sequencing of 16S rRNA bacterial genes indicated that the abundance of the gram-negative Burkholderia spp. was increased following the application of glyphosate. The cumulative percentage 14C mineralized 14 DAA was reduced when glyphosate was applied 4 or 5 times relative to the amount of 14C mineralized following one, two or three applications. Incorporation of 14C residues into soil microbial biomass was greater following five glyphosate applications than following the first application 3 and 7 DAA. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that the changes in the dissipation or distribution of glyphosate following repeated applications of glyphosate may be related to shifts in the soil microbial community composition. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Current status of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and strategy for its control in India.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) reflects the broad manifestations of iodine deficiency including the implications on reproductive functions and lowering of IQ levels in school aged children. Today, IDD is a public health problem in 130 countries and affects 13% of world’s population. In India, no state is free from iodine deficiency and 200 million people are ‘at risk’ of IDD. Daily consumption of salt fortified with iodine is a proven effective strategy and is the measure stressed by the Government of India. The paper describes the major five phases of the IDD Control Programme in India. The paper describes the major five phases of the IDD Control Programme in India since 1962 and synthesizes the spectrum of activities that significantly attributed to the Universal salt lodisation (USI) efforts launched in 1992. The sustainability of the USI programme is critical since IDD prevalence will rise if programme of salt iodisation weakens. A two pronged strategy needs to be institutionalized for ensuring continued demand for iodised salt, linked to ongoing health, nutrition and education programmes as well as for ensuring supply of quality iodised salt
Modulation of NFAT-dependent gene expression by the RhoA signaling pathway in T cells.

We have reported previously that p115Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, its upstream activator G13, and its effector RhoA are able to inhibit HIV-1 replication. Here, we show that RhoA is able to inhibit HIV-1 gene ex- pression through the NFAT-binding site in the HIV long-terminal repeat. Constitutively active NFAT counteracts the inhibitory activity of RhoA, and inhibition of NFAT activation also inhibits HIV-1 gene expression. We have shown further that RhoA inhibits NFAT-dependent transcription and IL-2 production in human T cells. RhoA does not inhibit nuclear localization of NFAT but rather, inhibits its transcriptional activity. In addition, RhoA de- creases the level of acetylated histone H3, but not NFAT occupancy, at the IL-2 promoter. These data suggest that activation of RhoA can modulate IL-2 gene expression by inhibiting the transcrip- tional activity of NFAT and chromatin structure at the IL-2 promoter during T cell activation. J. Leu- koc. Biol. 82: 361-369; 2007.
Many-body core-valence partitioning.

We discuss the physics related to partitioning core and valence electrons, a common approach taken so that one need deal only with valence electrons in subsequent work. We present an approach to core-valence partitioning which explicitly includes many-body correlations, unlike traditional single-body approaches (such as Hartree Fock or the local-density approximation). Effects of intracore and core-valence correlations are incorporated in a parametrized core-polarization potential (CPP) derived from quasiparticle calculations in atoms presented in the preceding paper. Numerical parameters for CPP's for most elements with atomic number 3[le][ital Z][le]40 are tabulated. Specifically, the CPP's correct a Hartree-Fock treatment of core-valence interactions. The CPP's may be used in full-atomic, rigid-core applications or may be incorporated into pseudopotentials. We present explicit tests of the CPP's on atomic systems, and we cite molecular and solid-state tests also done using ths CPP approach.
Cell transplantation as an initiator of endogenous stem cell-based tissue repair.

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to summarize recent findings of endogenous cell-based tissue repair triggered by a multitude of approaches, especially stem cell therapy.Recent findingsThe emerging evidence has demonstrated that an important role of transplanted cells is to act as an initi
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a five-coordinate d8 complex: [Pt((Me2NN)(PMe2)(PPh2))2Cl][Cl]

C36H50Cl2N6P4Pt·2 MeCN,2, triclinic P¯1,a=11.720(2),b=12.153(2),c=16.196(3),α=76.74(1),α=84.90(1),γ=88.13(1),Z=2,R=0.051,Rw=0.051. Interaction of Me2NN(PMe2)(PPh2),1, with Pt(COD)Cl2, COD=1,5 cyclooctadiene, in THF yields the title compound,2, in quantitative yield. Compound2 was characterized spectroscopically as well as via an X-ray diffraction study.
Nanoparticles as a Novel Delivery Vehicle for Therapeutics Targeting Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction Nanoparticles represent a potential novel mechanism for transdermal delivery of erectogenic agents directly to the penis.
Improved Sensitivity for Long-Distance Measurements in Biomolecules: Five-Pulse Double Electron−Electron Resonance

We describe significantly improved long-distance measurements in biomolecules by use of the new multipulse double electron–electron spin resonance (DEER) illustrated with the example of a five-pulse DEER sequence. In this sequence, an extra pulse at the pump frequency is used compared with standard four-pulse DEER. The position of the extra pulse is fixed relative to the three pulses of the detection sequence. This significantly reduces the effect of nuclear spin-diffusion on the electron-spin phase relaxation, thereby enabling longer dipolar evolution times that are required to measure longer distances. Using spin-labeled T4 lysozyme at a concentration less than 50 μM, as an example, we show that the evolution time increases by a factor of 1.8 in protonated solution and 1.4 in deuterated solution to 8 and 12 μs, respectively, with the potential to increase them further. This enables a significant increase in the measurable distances, improved distance resolution, or both.
High-pressure high-temperature investigation of the uranium-oxygen system

An investigation was made of the effects of combined ultrahigh pressure and high temperature on the oxides of uranium with particular emphasis on U/sub 3/ O/sub 8/. A new polymorph of U/sub 3/O/sub 8/, designated gamma -U/sub 3/ O/sub 8/ occurs at pressures in excess of l6000 atm at temperatures above 400j deg C. At 60000 atm the gamma U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ co-exists with a cubic U4O0like phase. These results, although of a preliminary nature, show that the uranium-oxygen phase diagram is greatly modified by the effects of pressure. (auth)
PROPAGATION OF NOISE FROM RAIL LINES

Abstract This paper presents models for predicting the effects of geometric attenuation, air absorption, ground attenuation, and barrier insertion loss on the propagation of noise from railcars and locomotives. Predictions based on these models are compared with available field data.
Comparisons for Psychomotor Tasks: Grade and Sex of Secondary School Youths

-Youths in Grades 7 through 10 ( N = 815) were tested on simple reaction time, pursuit rotor, hand tapping, or arm-hand steadiness tasks. The results, which provide normative data, show that all four tasks are gradeor age-dependent; subjects in higher grades performed better than those in lower grades. Reaction time and hand tapping were sex-dependent; boys scored better than girls. An interaction of sex x grade was observed for time on target on the pursuit rotor; boys were better in Grades 7 through 9 while girls were better in Grade 10.
Sequence and characterization of mutT from Proteus vulgaris

Abstract A cloned DNA fragment containing the tryptophanase ( tna ) operon of Proteus vulgaris was found to contain a gene analogous to mutT of Escherichia coli immediately distal to the tna operon. The presumptive mutT of P. vulgaris was shown to be a functional gene by complemention of a mutT mutant from E. coli . The deduced amino acid sequence of the MutT polypeptide of P. vulgaris was 47% identical and 70% similar to MutT of E. coli . The mutT and tna operons of P. vulgaris were shown to be adjacent on the genome of this organism. These operons are located about 20 min apart in the E. coli genome. Our findings suggest that either or both tna and mutT have different genomic locations in the two organisms.
X-ray creation and activation of electron spin resonance in vitreous silica.

We report strong dependencies of electron-spin-resonance (ESR) signals in fused silica on x-ray dose, sample hydroxyl concentration [OH], and preirradiation sample-annealing temperature TF. In general, the strengths of the E'-center ESR signal and the two oxgyen-hole-center signals increase nonlinearly with Cu-target x-ray dose; we ascribe this behavior to the coexistence of two processes: (1) The x-ray activation of the spins of pre-existing structural defects, and (2) the x-ray creation af new similar defects
The Kolmogorov spectrum and its oceanic cousins: a review

Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence in an incompressible fluid of constant density at high Reynolds numbers has provided a cornerstone for the interpretation of oceanic spectral measurements of turbulence. The most convincing verification of the theory came from observations by Grant, Stewart and Moilliet under conditions that clearly satisfy the basic premises of the theory, but subsequent measurements have explored the influence of ambient stratification and shear on both the energy and temperature spectra. As the turbulence decays, the larger scales of motion interact more weakly as do internal waves, so that Kolmogorov’s cascade becomes disrupted. It has long been known that the existence of a k -5/3 region in the spectrum does not require local isotropy and it is indicated that the success of Kolmogorov scaling in collapsing measured spectra in the dissipation range, does not require a continuing energy cascade from larger scales. Several questions remain unresolved, particularly the reasons for the shape of temperature spectra that have been measured in turbulence generated by large-scale internal waves in a tidal channel.
Tumor vaccine strategies that employ dendritic cells and tumor lysates: experimental and clinical studies.

(2000). Tumor Vaccine Strategies that Employ Dendritic Cells and Tumor Lysates: Experimental and Clinical Studies. Immunological Investigations: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 127-129.
THE COMPUTATIONAL COMPLEXITY OF AVOIDING CONVERSATIONAL IMPLICATURES

Referring expressions and other object descriptions should be maximal under the Local Brevity, No Unnecessary Components, and Lexical Preference preference rules; otherwise, they may lead hearers to infer unwanted conversational implicatures. These preference rules can be incorporated into a polynomial time generation algorithm, while some alternative formalizations of conversational implicature make the generation task NP-Hard.
Needs Assessment for Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a unique technique that can offer the highest cure rates and maximum tissue conservation in the management of specific primary and recurrent skin cancers. However, there are many areas of controversy that surround MMS, including appropriate indications for its use, technical quandaries, and outcomes. Recent efforts in these areas need to be assessed to identify research gaps in MMS to help fuel further work. The usefulness of MMS and its methods for delivery need more stringent, evidence-based, rigorous study.
Localized reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates inhibit escape of Listeria monocytogenes from vacuoles in activated macrophages.

Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm ) evades being killed after phagocytosis by macrophages by escaping from vacuoles into cytoplasm. Activated macrophages are listericidal, in part because they can retain Lm in vacuoles. This study examined the contribution of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) to the inhibition of Lm escape from vacuoles. Lm escaped from vacuoles of nonactivated macrophages within 30 min of infection. Macrophages activated with IFN-γ, LPS, IL-6, and a neutralizing Ab against IL-10 retained Lm within the vacuoles, and inhibitors of ROI and RNI blocked inhibition of vacuolar escape to varying degrees. Measurements of Lm escape in macrophages from gp91 phox −/− and NO synthase 2 −/− mice showed that vacuolar retention required ROI and was augmented by RNI. Live cell imaging with the fluorogenic probe dihydro-2′,4,5,6,7,7′-hexafluorofluorescein coupled to BSA (DHFF-BSA) indicated that oxidative chemistries were generated rapidly and were localized to Lm vacuoles. Chemistries that oxidized DHFF-BSA were similar to those that retained Lm in phagosomes. Fluorescent conversion of DHFF-BSA occurred more efficiently in smaller vacuoles, indicating that higher concentrations of ROI or RNI were generated in more confining volumes. Thus, activated macrophages retained Lm within phagosomes by the localization of ROI and RNI to vacuoles, and by their combined actions in a small space
Toward an Explanation of the Annual Cycle of Cloudiness over the Arctic Ocean

Abstract The annual cycle of low cloud amount over the Arctic Ocean is examined using climatological data and a radiative-turbulent column model. Three hypotheses for the annual cycle are formulated, compared with climatological data for consistency, and then tested using the numerical model. The hypotheses identify three factors that might explain the difference in arctic low cloud amount between summer and winter: 1) the difference in surface specific humidity between the pack ice and the surrounding continents, 2) evaporation at the surface of the ice pack, and 3) the temperature-dependent formation and precipitation of atmospheric ice. Qualitatively, the hypotheses all appear to be consistent with available climatological data, except that the transition between the winter and summer cloudiness regimes occurs one month before the influx of atmospheric moisture increases from its wintertime level, which is inconsistent with the first hypothesis. The model, which includes a turbulence-closure cloud sche...
Racial Attraction or Racial Avoidance in American Suburbs

The principle of homophily is central to several social-science theories. When applied to the study of population change in geographic areas these theories predict racial homogeneity in residential settlement patterns. The concentration of one group in an area is expected to attract same-group members while deterring others. We examine this prediction using data on 1980-90 population change for four ethnic groups in 1672 U.S. suburban cities. The findings from our analysis contradict the principle of homophily. For example during the 1980s black populations grew faster in those suburbs that had smaller rather than larger percentages of blacks. We explain these findings by spatial-assimilation and place-stratification models. Minority suburbanization is viewed as a process driven primarily by status rather than by ethnic considerations. (EXCERPT)
Quinolone-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis Infections Associated With International Travel

We found a strong association between nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis infections in the United States and recent international travel by linking Salmonella Enteritidis data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network.
Effect of cavitation on vortex dynamics in a submerged laminar jet

The effects of cavitation on vortex dynamics in a submerged, two-dimensional, planar laminar forced jet were studied numerically. A locally homogeneous cavitation model that accounts for nonlinear bubble dynamics and bubble/bubble interactions within spherical bubble clusters was employed. The effects of varying key eow and cavitation model parameters on eow/cavitation interactions were investigated. The parameters varied include the cavitation number (vapor pressure), the bubble number density, the bubble cluster radius, and the Reynolds number.Theresultsshowedcavitation occurringinthecoresofprimaryvorticalstructureswhenthelocalpressure fell below the vapor pressure. Low levels of void fraction caused signiecant vortex distortion, with the details depending on the model parameters. For higher Reynolds numbers and small values of the bubble cluster radius, cavitation inhibited vortex pairing and resulted in vortex splitting. All of the preceding observations were in good qualitative agreement with previous experimental and numerical studies. The vorticity transport equation was used to examine the mechanisms behind the effects of cavitation on the vortex structures, and it was found that both the dilatation and baroclinic torque terms played a role. Nomenclature b = buffer function D = nozzle diameter fv = void fraction h = half-width of the nozzle N = number of grid points n = bubble number density
Early-life trauma is associated with rapid eye movement sleep fragmentation among military veterans

The role of sleep in the relations between early-life trauma and the development of adverse psychological trajectories is relatively unknown and was the primary aim of the present study. Military veterans were evaluated for posttraumatic stress disorder, combat exposure, trauma history, sleep quality, disruptive nocturnal behaviors, and a subsample completed overnight polysomnography that yielded objectively measured sleep parameters. When relevant variables were controlled, increased earlier-life traumatic event exposure was associated with increased rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMs) fragmentation, and increased REMs fragmentation was associated with increased later-life disruptive nocturnal behaviors. REMs fragmentation carried an indirect relation between earlier-life trauma and later-life disruptive nocturnal behaviors. Objectively measured sleep parameters were used to describe REMs fragmentation physiology. The current findings elucidate the important role that earlier-life trauma exposure may have in the development of REM sleep physiology, and how this altered sleep physiology may have dynamic influences on subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms in adulthood.
The Dopamine D1 Antagonist Reduces Ethanol Reward for C57BL/6 Mice

Background: Dopamine D1 antagonist effects on behaviors related to obtaining and consuming ethanol remain unclear. The highly selective D1 antagonist ecopipam (SCH 39166), which has no effect on the serotonin system, was used to evaluate the role of D1 receptors in ethanol reward and its potential for treating alcohol abuse by determining its effect on several measures of ethanol reward in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Methods: Ecopipam (0.025–0.2 mg/kg) effects on instrumental and contingent consummatory responses and on noncontingent consummatory responses for ethanol and water reward were determined in food-restricted male mice trained to lever-respond for 12% ethanol delivered on a fixed ratio-4 reinforcement schedule. The mice were tested for 15-min sessions under preprandial (high-hunger and low-thirst) and postprandial (low-hunger and high-thirst) test conditions. Results: Ecopipam dose-dependently reduced instrumental and consummatory responses for ethanol and ethanol intake when tested under hunger- or thirst-motivated conditions with free access to water. Under thirst motivation with no access to an alternate fluid source, lever responses for ethanol and water were similar; however, ecopipam reduced responding for ethanol more than responding for water reward. When given concurrent free access to the same fluid delivered for lever pressing, animals made more contacts for ethanol than for water; ecopipam reduced free ethanol but not water contacts. Conclusions: Ecopipam attenuated ethanol reward at doses that did not affect water reward, indicating an effect independent of reductions in motor system function or general motivation and arousal. Ecopipam also reduced ethanol reward to the same degree under hunger, thirst, or sated conditions, again indicating that it affected ethanol reward at doses that did not grossly affect general motivational states. These data suggest that ecopipam may reduce ethanol reward with few side effects and that it warrants further investigation as a pharmacological tool for treating alcohol abuse.
Methods of symptom evaluation and their impact on peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptom prevalence: A review

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common progressive atherosclerotic occlusive disease that causes insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities. The symptom that health care professionals most often associate with PAD is claudication. However, patient reporting of claudication is highly variable. A structured literature review was conducted to evaluate how PAD symptoms are identified, defined, and categorized. This review focuses on the development and performance characteristics of PAD symptom questionnaires and the identification of a spectrum of leg symptoms beyond classic claudication. Additionally, potential confounders of PAD symptom reporting and strategies for a more comprehensive assessment of PAD symptoms are discussed. Overall, there is a lack of consistency in the utilization of PAD claudication questionnaires which impacts PAD symptom reporting and categorization. Based on this review, atypical symptoms are commonly reported, but poorly understood. Additional research is needed to gain a better understanding of the presentation of atypical symptoms, as well as the role of age, gender, race, and comorbid conditions on the symptom experience of patients with PAD.
Parameters affecting the loss of ganglion cells of the retina following ablations of striate cortex in primates.

Partial lesions of striate cortex were made in newborn and adolescent or young adult macaque monkeys, one newborn squirrel monkey, and adult squirrel and owl monkeys. After survival times ranging from 3 1/2 weeks to 8 years, the retinas were examined for transneuronal retrograde ganglion cell loss and retinal projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, and other targets were examined for changes. After lesions in infant macaque monkeys and long postoperative survivals, nearly 80% of the ganglion cells were lost in the altered portions of the retinas. The degeneration appeared to be exclusively of ganglion cells projecting to the parvocellular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the loss of this class of cell appeared to be complete or nearly complete for the affected portions of the retina. Cases with shorter survivals showed that nine-tenths of the potential loss occurred within 6 months, and about half of the potential loss took place within one month. In cases where lesions were placed in adolescent and young adult macaque monkeys, the loss also was of ganglion cells projecting to the parvocellular layers. However, the rate of cell loss was slower so that little or no cell loss was apparent after six months, and only one-third to three-fourths of the potential loss occurred within 12–14 months. A cell loss of 22% was measured in the altered portions of the retina of a squirrel monkey lesioned as an infant and surviving for 6 months, but no regions of ganglion cell loss were apparent in the retinas of owl and squirrel monkeys lesioned as adults and surviving as long as two or more years. We conclude that nearly 80% of the ganglion cells project to the parvocellular layers in macaque monkeys, and that the ultimate survival of these ganglion cells depends on the presence of target neurons in the parvocellular layers. Age is important in that the loss of ganglion cells proceeds rapidly in infant macaque monkeys, but slowly in older animals. Infant New World monkeys, judging from one squirrel monkey, are also susceptible to ganglion cell loss, although apparently at a rate comparable to older macaque monkeys. Finally, adult New World monkeys do not appear to be susceptible to ganglion cell loss. These age and species differences in rates of loss and susceptibility to loss challenge a “sustaining collateral” hypothesis proposed earlier (Weller et al., 1979), and suggest alternatives and modifications.
Comparing the information seeking strategies of residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in critical care settings

Objective Critical care environments are informationintensive environments where effective decisions are predicated on successfully finding and using the ‘right information at the right time’. We characterize the differences in processes and strategies of information seeking between residents, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs). Method We conducted an exploratory study in the cardiothoracic intensive care units of two large academic hospitals within the same healthcare system. Clinicians (residents (n=5), NPs (n=5), and PAs (n=5)) were shadowed as they gathered information on patients in preparation for clinical rounds. Information seeking activities on 96 patients were collected over a period of 3 months (NRes=37, NNP=24, NPA=35 patients). The sources of information and time spent gathering the information at each source were recorded. Exploratory data analysis using probabilistic sequential approaches was used to analyze the data. Results Residents predominantly used a patient-based information seeking strategy in which all relevant information was aggregated for one patient at a time. In contrast, NPs and PAs primarily utilized a source-based information seeking strategy in which similar (or equivalent) information was aggregated for multiple patients at a time (eg, X-rays for all patients). Conclusions The differences in the information seeking strategies are potentially a result of the differences in clinical training, strategies of managing cognitive load, and the nature of the use of available health IT tools. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of these differences on clinical and process outcomes.
Gamma-ray signatures of annihilation to charged leptons in dark matter substructure

Because of their higher concentrations and small internal velocities, Milky Way subhalos can be at least as important as the smooth halo in accounting for the GeV positron excess via dark matter annihilation. After showing how this can be achieved in various scenarios, including in Sommerfeld models, we demonstrate that, in this case, the diffuse inverse-Compton emission resulting from electrons and positrons produced in substructure leads to a nearly-isotropic signal close to the level of the isotropic GeV gamma-ray background seen by Fermi. Moreover, we show that HESS cosmic-ray electron measurements can be used to constrain multi-TeV internal bremsstrahlung gamma rays arising from annihilation to charged leptons.
A new boundary description in two-dimensional TLM models of microwave circuits

A boundary representation for the two-dimensional transmission line matrix (TLM) method of numerical analysis is described. In conventional TLM simulations, boundary conditions are realized by introducing the appropriate impulse reflection coefficients halfway between two nodes. Since the total field quantities are only defined on the nodes, their values at the boundary are not directly available from TLM solutions. The TLM procedure is modified so that boundaries can be placed across the nodes. The boundary conditions in TLM can then be formulated in terms of the field boundary conditions derived from Maxwell's equations rather than in terms of impulse reflection coefficients. The essential differences between the conventional TLM and the proposed procedure are presented. Examples are given for several typical problems, and the results obtained with the two methods are compared. These are found to be in excellent agreement. >
Opportunistic 3D trajectory generation for the JPL Aerobot with Nonlinear Trajectory Generation methodology

NASA is supposed to implement a sustainable and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond as it is the first goal of The Presidents Vision for U.S. Space Exploration. The robotic exploration across the solar system consists of exploring Jupiters moons, asteroids and other bodies to search for evidence of life, and to understand the history of the solar system. Trajectory generation for a robotic vehicle is an essential part of the total mission planning. To save energy by exploiting possible situation such as wind will assist a robotic explorer extend its life span and perform tasks more reliably. In this paper, we propose to utilize Nonlinear Trajectory Generation (NTG) methodology to generate 3D opportunistic trajectories for an Aerobot by exploiting wind. The Aerobot is dynamically controlled by three propellers which are respectively parallel to the local three Cartesian axes. Constraints for the Aerobot control are derived from Euler-Lagrange equations since the Aerobot satisfies with the Lagrange-D'Alembert principle. The new proposed Aerobot model takes the aerodynamics into account. The results show that NTG can take the advantage of wind profiles to save significant energy for the defined goal.
Acute Hypoxia Tolerance of the Chick

Abstract THE resistance of neonatal mammals to hypoxia is well known (Britton and Kline, 1945; Chiodi, 1963; Van Liere and Stickney, 1963; Fazekas et al., 1941). This tolerance decreases in all mammals until within a few days or weeks they are as susceptible as adults. The hypoxic tolerance of the newly hatched chick, however, has never been determined. Several investigations, however, have found that newly hatched chicks are not completely homeothermic until they are several days old (Romanoff, 1941; Randall, 1943; King, 1956; Lamoreux and Hutt, 1939; Deaton and Reece, 1968; Klieber and Winchester, 1933; Klieber, 1938). Since it is well known that poikiliothermic animals are very tolerant to hypoxia (Hock, 1964), it would be anticipated that newly hatched chicks would be very tolerant to reduction in environmental oxygen. METHODS Single Comb White Leghorn chicks, 0 to 31 days of age were exposed in groups of 10 to acute hypoxia in…
A new method for source separation

A new adaptive filtering approach to multichannel source separation is presented. The method is based on an extension of traditional single channel blind equalization. This multichannel extension is presented theoretically and the results are demonstrated by simulation using both communications data and speech. The new source separation algorithm is compared to existing adaptive separation algorithms which handle multipath: the Herault-Jutten (see Signal Processing, vol.24, p.1-10, 1991) source separation algorithm, and the time-recursive Weinstein et. al. (see IEEE Trans. Speech and Audio Processing, vol.1, no.4, p.405-413, 1993) algorithms. The new method offers dramatic performance improvement over existing methods and the ability to handle different source data types in an optimal fashion.
Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in Eggs and Poultry Meat in New York State

The presence of Campylobacter jejuni was tested for but not isolated from any of 276 eggs sampled from 23 egg farms in New York State. The presence of C. jejuni was evaluated in broilers, kosher broilers, spent layers, Peking ducks, and turkeys. Four of five poultry dressing plants tested showed positive growth of C. jejuni on the 25-carcass samples at various stages of processing. Twenty to 100% of live birds sampled contained C. jejuni on the skin but 90 to 100% were contaminated after scalding and defeathering operations from contaminated birds and equipment. A three to four-fold increase in carcass contamination was observed after evisceration. The number of C. jejuni on the carcasses decreased after washing and chilling. The organisms did not survive the salting, rinsing, and chilling operations in a kosher processing plant. Several pieces of equipment, i.e., shackles, eviscerating troughs, and cooling tanks were contaminated with C. jejuni. This study illustrates how C. jejuni may be transmitted from the live bird to the final poultry product.
Which Patients with Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Should Undergo a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation? Case-Based Discussion

The decision to proceed to transplant for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is not clear-cut. Relapse and nonrelapse mortality continue to plague the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) even when undertaken in complete remission (CR). Those considered to be at high risk for relapse often are considered for HSCT in first complete remission (CR1) while those at lower risk may not be referred until they have relapsed, when their chances for cure are very poor. In some patients who have a suitable histocompatible sibling, disease- or patient-related factors may override the potential benefit of allogeneic HSCT. Because many patients do not have a suitable histocompatible sibling, one has to consider the relative merits of autologous transplantation versus use of an alternative allogeneic stem cell source, such as a matched-unrelated donor (MUD), umbilical cord blood (UCB) donor, or haploidentical donor. Deciding among these options in comparison to chemotherapy even in high-risk patients is difficult. In the review, the risks and benefits of these choices are discussed to determine whether and by what means to proceed to HSCT in adult patients with ALL who are in CR1. Presented are two patients with ALL and a discussion of how the data we provide would lead to a decision about the selection of therapy.
Covered stents for true subclavian aneurysms in patients with degenerative connective tissue disorders.

Purpose:To report the endovascular repair of rare true aneurysms of the subclavian artery in patients with degenerative connective tissue disorders.Case Reports:Two patients, one with Marfan syndrome and the other with idiopathic cystic medial necrosis, presented with 3 subclavian artery aneurysms. A Wallgraft and 2 Viabahn covered stents were used to successfully exclude these aneurysms. After 3 months, the Wallgraft thrombosed, but the contralateral Viabahn remained patent at the most recent examination 13 months after treatment. The other patient with the unilateral aneurysm had a patent Viabahn stent-graft at 10 months.Conclusions:Patients with degenerative connective tissue disorders may benefit from less invasive treatment with stent-grafts. The more flexible Viabahn stent-graft may be better able to adapt to arterial tortuosity. However, the long-term results of this new technique have not yet been established.
Structural Studies on Mutants of HMG CoA Reductase from Pseuodomonas Mevalonii

HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the four-electron reduction of HMG-CoA to free CoA and mevalonate. This is one of the few double oxidation/reduction reactions in intermediary metabolism that take place in a single active site. In addition to the unusual enzymology, this reaction is of interest because it is the committed step of the fundamental mevalonate isoprenoid pathway. In animals this pathway produces cholesterol, the steroid hormones and a variety of signaling molecules based on the isoprenoid building block (1). In bacteria the pathway is equally important, and has been shown to be essential to the virulence of Staphylococcal and Streptococcal bacteria (2). To better understand the nature of this reaction, our laboratory has undertaken a comprehensive structural study of the mechanism of HMG-CoA reductase in bacteria utilizing the enzyme from Pseudomonas mevalonii.HMG-CoA reductase is an obligate dimer, with each monomer consisting of a large domain, a small domain, and a flap domain (2, 3) that is disordered in the apoenzyme structure. The flap domain is ordered in the crystal structure only in the presence of ligand and co-factors, where it closes over the active site, positioned by a network of hydrogen bonds that include the ligand and co-factor. Two residues proposed to be important in flap domain movement have been mutated. Mutant proteins have been crystallized, soaked with various combinations of ligands and co-factors, and their structures have been solved at 1.95-2.40A. These structures, reinforced with kinetic analysis of the mutants, demonstrate the essentiality of this closure in the reaction and reveal how these residues are involved in flap domain movement.