cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of a Cu(I) bromide coordination polymer, [(tpyprz)3Cu10Br10] (tpyprz = tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine)

Abstract The hydrothermal reaction of CuBr 2 and tpyprz in the presence of NH 4 VO 3 and HF for 72 h at 170 °C provided [(tpyprz) 3 Cu 10 Br 10 ] ( 1 ) in 20% yield. The two-dimensional structure of 1 may be described as Cu(I)–tpyprz chains, linked through {Cu 4 Br 5 } − clusters in the ac -plane and decorated with {Cu 3 Br 5 } 2− clusters projecting from one face of the layer in the b -direction. The Cu(I) sites exhibit distorted trigonal coordination {CuBr 3 } and distorted tetrahedral geometries, {CuBr 2 N 2 } and {CuN 4 }. Crystal data for 1 : monoclinic space group C 2, a = 12.7561(8) A, b = 19.359(1) A, c = 15.860(1) A, β = 97.178(1)°, V = 3885.8(4) A 3 , Z = 2, D calc = 2.222 g cm −3 , μ (Mo Kα) = 78.75 cm −1 .
Model calculation of the electronic structure and spectroscopy of Hg2

Abstract Energy curves and transition moments of the excited valence states of Hg2 were obtained in a model calculation based on calculated Mg2 energy levels and the assumption that the asymptotic spin-orbit matrix elements for the Hg atom are applicable to the molecular states. The spin-orbit and orbital-rotational interaction of the excited states of Hg2 is analyzed in both a Hund's case (c) and (a) representation. The intermediate (a) → (c) transition moments are obtained as a function of the internuclear distance. The effect of the orbital-rotational interaction which introduces Hund's case (b) and (e) couplings is found to be small for transitions among excited states under the conditions normally encountered for populating excimer states. Using the energy level positions and transition moments, the observed spectra and predicted spectra are compared for both radiative transitions including the ground state and among the excited states. The lifetime of the 1 u ( 3 Σ u + ) excimer state is calculated to be 1.4 μsec with the 335 nm band assigned to the 1 u → X 1 Σ g + transition. The 485 nm bands cannot be assigned to any Hg2 transitions. Strong bound-continuum absorptions are predicted for the 485 nm bands. On the other hand, the 335 nm emission is predicted to be absorbed by bound-bound transitions only.
TNF-α and IL-12:a balancing act in macrophage functioning

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) are two major macrophage-derived mediators of inflammatory responses in mammals. Increasing evidence suggests that TNF-alpha is a double-edged sword with both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory propensities. This article discusses the inter-regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-12 and the impact on the function of macrophages in innate and adaptive immunity.
Contribution of Rice Tillers to Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield

A rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop functions as a population of tillers produced at different times and possessing specific growth characteristics. The objective of this study was to characterize the contribution of cultivar tillering ability to dry matter accumulation, yield components, and grain yield. Field experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period using a completely randomized plot design at Beaumont, TX, grown under a pin-point flood system, with a China clay soil (fine, smectitic, hyperthermic Oxyaquic Dystrudert). Three cultivars were chosen (Gulfmont, Rosemont, and Teqing), to represent moderate to high tillering abilities, and three plant densities were chosen (56, 112, and 169 plants m -2 ), to produce differential competition for light and nutrients. Teqing had the highest tillering ability and partitioned more mass to tillers, especially at the lowest plant density, with 77% of the total mass represented by tillers, compared with 71 and 69% for Gulfmont and Rosemont, respectively. However, total dry mass per unit area at harvest was not significantly different, contrasting the plant density treatments (1618, 1725, and 1744 g m -2 for the 56, 112, and 169 plants m -2 treatments, respectively, when averaged across cultivars). Both cultivar and plant density significantly affected a number of yield components, but not kernel weight. The higher yield of Teqing (918 g m -2 ), contrasted with the lower-yielding Gulfmont (791 g m -2 ) and Rosemont (729 g m -2 ), appears largely to have resulted from its greater tillering ability, higher spikelet density, and longer maturation period, which makes greater use of the relatively long growing season length at Beaumont.
Laser-induced twinning in quartz

Reproducible Dauphine twin patterns have been introduced into X-, AT-, and DT-cut quartz oscillator plates using a CO2 laser. At 500°C, the thermal stresses caused by localized laser heating produce twin nucleation and wall motion. Under some conditions only the illuminated area is switched, while under other conditions more complex twin patterns characteristic of each cut are produced. In AT-cuts, for instance, the preferred twin pattern resembles a four-leaf clover. Twinning takes place through a ferrobielastic switching mode due to a difference in sign of the compliance coefficient s1123 in the two twin states. Observed twin patterns can be qualitatively explained by examining the stress configurations required for ferrobielastic switching. Since the piezoelectric coefficient d111 also reverses sign for Dauphine twins, laser irradiation of quartz resonator plates can be used to enhance certain modes of motion through selective twinning. Reproduzierbare Muster von Dauphine-Zwillingen werden in Oszillatorplatten aus Quarz mit X-, AT- und DT-Orientierung mittels CO2-Laser eingepragt. Bei 500°C erzeugen die durch die ortliche Laseraufheizung hervorgerufenen Warmespannungen Zwillingskeimbildung und Grenzwandbewegung. Unter gewissen Bedingungen wird nur der bestrahlte Bereich umgewandelt, wahrend unter anderen Bedingungen kompliziertere, fur jede Orientierung charakteristische Zwillingsmuster erzeugt werden. Zum Beispiel fur AT-Orientierung ahneln die vorwiegend auftretenden Zwillingsmuster einem vierblattrigen Kleeblatt. Die Zwillingsbildung erfolgt durch einen ferro-bielastischen Umwandlungsmechanismus, der auf dem unterschiedlichen Vorzeichen des elastischen Koeffizienten s1123 in den beiden Zwillingszustanden beruht. Die beobachteten Zwillingsmuster konnen qualitativ auf Grund der fur ferro-bielastische Umwandlung erforderlichen Spannungsverteilung erklart werden. Da auch die piezoelektrische Konstante d111 in Dauphine-Zwillingen das Vorzeichen wech-selt, kann Laser-Bestrahlung von Quarz-Resonatorplatten zur Verstarkung bestimmter Schwingungsformen mittels selektiver Zwillingsbildung verwendet werden.
Predicting event times in clinical trials when treatment arm is masked.

Because power is primarily determined by the number of events in event-based clinical trials, the timing for interim or final analysis of data is often determined based on the accrual of events during the course of the study. Thus, it is of interest to predict early and accurately the time of a landmark interim or terminating event. Existing Bayesian methods may be used to predict the date of the landmark event, based on current enrollment, event, and loss to follow-up, if treatment arms are known. This work extends these methods to the case where the treatment arms are masked by using a parametric mixture model with a known mixture proportion. Posterior simulation using the mixture model is compared with methods assuming a single population. Comparison of the mixture model with the single-population approach shows that with few events, these approaches produce substantially different results and that these results converge as the prediction time is closer to the landmark event. Simulations show that the ...
Calculation of the Systemic Delivery Rate of Insulin in Normal Man

The accuracy with which the systemic delivery rate of insulin can be estimated from peripheral insulin concentrations was investigated in eight normal men. Endogenous insulin secretion was suppressed by somatostatin, and insulin was infused exogenously via a peripheral vein. The infusion rate was progressively increased and then decreased to stimulate the changes in insulin secretion that occur after a secretory stimulus. The infusion rate of insulin was then estimated by analyzing peripheral insulin concentrations using both single and two-compartment mathematical models and was compared with the actual infusion rates. Model parameters were measured in each subject by analysis of the insulin decay curve after a bolus injection. Estimated infusion rates based on the single compartment model were 84.3 +/- 3.0% (mean +/- SE) of the actual infusion rate as it was increasing and 110.3 +/- 3.7% of the infusion rate as it was decreasing. The mean overall absolute percent error associated with this approach was 14.1 +/- 1.0% (range, 10.2-18.8%), and model estimates of the total amount of insulin infused over the duration of the experiment were 97.1 +/- 3.2% of the quantity actually infused (range, 85.4-110.7%). Estimates of the infusion rate based on a two-compartment model represented 90.3 +/- 3.1% of the actual infusion rate as it was increasing and 98.2 +/- 3.2% of the actual rate as it was falling. The area under the derived infusion rate curve was 94.8 +/- 2.8% of the area under the actual curve. The overall error associated with the use of the two-compartment model was 12.9 +/- 1.1% (range, 8.8-18.6%). Differences between the single and two-compartment models were minor and not statistically significant. These data demonstrate that under euglycemic conditions, changes in the plasma insulin concentration within the physiological range are not associated with changes in the clearance kinetic rate constants of the hormone. Furthermore, the systemic delivery rate of insulin can be accurately derived from peripheral insulin concentrations using either a single or two-compartmental model if model parameters are accurately measured in individual subjects by analysis of insulin decay curves.
Distinctiveness of APCS Programs: Commentary

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 18: 21–23, 2011] This brief article comments on “The Heterogeneity of Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Programs and the Distinctiveness of APCS Programs” (Sayette, Norcross, & Dimoff, 2011). I wish to make three points: First, what point was there in selecting “specialized institutions” as a comparative category? Second, without doubt it is very desirable to have gifted students and be able to support them. The fact that such students populate Academy of Psychological Clinical Science (APCS) programs represents favorable national public policy decisions regarding research universities. The broader underlying question regarding both programs and students is “how good is good enough” regarding grades and GREs in light of the range of viable roles for psychologists in the country? Third, the espoused epistemology of APCS should be less narrow.
A two-dimensional time-domain near-zone to far-zone transformation

A 2D version of a time-domain transformation useful for extrapolating 3D near-zone finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) results to the far zone is outlined. While the 3D transformation produced a physically observable far-zone time-domain field, this is not convenient for the 2D case. However, a representative, 2D far-zone time-domain result can be obtained directly. This result can then be transformed to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform, corrected with a simple multiplicative factor, and used, for example, to calculate the complex wideband scattering width of a target. If an actual time-domain far zone result is required, it can be obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the final frequency-domain result. >
Morphological evidence for direct interaction between arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and the possible involvement of NPY Y1 receptors.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) have been shown to play an important role in modulating LH secretion. One mechanism by which the ARH NPY system may regulate LH secretion is by modulating GnRH neuronal function. Thus, the present study examined whether the ARH NPY system provided direct input to GnRH cell bodies in the preoptic area (POA), as well as to their nerve terminals in the median eminence (ME). The possible involvement of the NPY Y1 receptor subtype in mediating the effects of NPY was also investigated. Lactating rats were used in these studies because they have increased hypothalamic NPY content, especially in the ARH/ME areas, making it easier to detect NPY fibers and terminals. The anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), was iontophoresed into the ARH of lactating rats; and triple-label immunofluorescence was performed, with the aid of confocal microscopy, to visualize NPY, PHA-L, and GnRH. GnRH cell bodies were found scatter...
Polymorphisms, genomic imprinting and cancer susceptibility.

Polymorphisms have been identified in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that predispose people to cancer. Recent evidence indicates that genomic imprinting, an epigenetic form of gene regulation that results in uniparental gene expression, can also function as a cancer predisposing event. Thus, cancer susceptibility is increased by both Mendelian inherited genetic and non-Mendelian inherited epigenetic events. Consequently, chemical and physical agents cannot only induce cancer through the formation of genetic mutations but also through epigenetic changes that result in the inappropriate expression of imprinted proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The role of genomic imprinting in carcinogenesis and cancer susceptibility is examined in this review.
Enzymatic Modification of Milk Flavor

Abstract We review enzymes reported to have a flavor impact in fluid milk. These enzymes are either oxidative or hydrolytic. Oxidative enzymes include “oleinase,” xanthine oxidase, lactoperoxidase, sulfhydryl oxidase, hexose oxidases, and lactose dehydrogenase. Hydrolytic enzymes include lipase, lactase, milk proteases, trypsin, and phospholipases C and D. Enzymes can be used to improve milk flavor by producing or increasing desirable flavors, by removing off-flavors, or by preventing development of off-flavors. We discuss a number of potential applications of enzymes in fluid milk with emphasis on those enzymes capable of inhibiting development of oxidized flavor.
Prevalence of Epicondylitis, Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and Low Back Pain in Latino Poultry Workers and Manual Laborers

Background: The goal of this study is to improve understanding of immigrant Latino manual workers' occupational health, focusing on upper body musculoskeletal injury. Methods: Physical exams were conducted with a representative sample of 516 Latino poultry workers and manual laborers in western North Carolina; outcome measures were prevalence of epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and low back pain. Results: Low back pain (n?=?89; 17.2%) and rotator cuff syndrome (n?=?76; 14.7%) indicated by physical exam was common. Epicondylitis was less common, but still frequent (n?=?30; 5.8%). Prevalence of each outcome did not differ between poultry processing workers and other manual workers. Workers >40 years old had greater incidence of rotator cuff syndrome and epicondylitis. Conclusions: Epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and low back pain are common in immigrant Latino workers, and may negatively impact long-term health and contribute to occupational health disparities.
Dispersal of Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hym., Trichogrammatidae) from point‐source releases in an apple orchard in California

Egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma are commonly released in inundative biological control programmes for lepidopteran pests in a range of cropping systems. In this study we evaluated the dispersal of Trichogramma platneri from a central release point in an apple orchard in relation to time and the number of parasitoids released. Dispersal was monitored by parasitism of codling moth eggs from an insectary culture - used as sentinel eggs. Higher release rates of T. platneri resulted in greater parasitism of sentinel eggs during the first 3 days, increasing from about 18% for a release rate of 5400 to about 36% for a release rate of 32400. T. platneri parasitized a greater percentage of sentinel eggs on the north side of the tree. Parasitism of sentinel eggs declined by 50% during the second 3 day period following release from a point source release in comparison to the first 3 day period. Parasitism of sentinel eggs declined from a mean of 62% at the point-source to less than 10% 14 m away during the first 3 days after release.
Critical exponent for viscosity

The critical exponent y characterizing the divergence of the viscosity for carbon dioxide and xenon has been measured. The values of y for both fluids fall within the range y = 0.041 + or - 0.001 and are consistent with the range y = 0.042 + or - 0.002 spanned by earlier data for four binary liquid mixtures. This agreement is the strongest evidence that pure fluids and binary liquids are in the same dynamic universality class; however, the results for y are inconsistent with the recent theoretical value of 0.032.
Cloudy and clear stratospheres before A.D. 1000 inferred from written sources

[1] How can observational information about stratospheric transparency in the preinstrumental era be acquired today? It may be reasonably assumed that a high turbidity in the stratosphere is almost always caused by light-scattering sulfate aerosols derived from large volcanic eruptions. Historical reports of a dimming of the Sun, red twilight glows, reddish solar haloes, and dark total eclipses of the Moon indicate a high turbidity; contrariwise, a ruddy disk shown by the eclipsed Moon betrays a clear stratosphere. On the basis of an extensive search of primary European and Middle Eastern written sources pertaining to the ancient and early medieval periods, seven stratospheric dry fogs, in addition to the four major ones already known, have been identified by using solar observations, and five smaller ones have been detected from dark total lunar eclipses. Seven of the eight most important dry fogs between 300 B.C. and A.D. 1000 can be either definitely or plausibly correlated with high levels of sulfate acidity observed in Greenland ice cores. An important conclusion is that this sample is probably very nearly complete for major dry fogs during this period. A second conclusion is that the ratio of dark to normal total lunar eclipses during early medieval times (A.D. 400–1000) appears to be equal, approximately, to the ratio that has prevailed for the past 40 years. These conclusions suggest that the frequency of volcanic eruptions, both large and moderate, throughout the world may have remained statistically constant (on a long timescale) since at least 300 B.C.
Absolute pair production cross section measurements in Z = 82 with 1.077 MeV photons

Abstract The absolute cross section for the production of electron-positron pairs by 1.077 MeV photons on lead was measured as 2.04 ± 0.10 mb. The ratio σ (exp)/ σ (theor) = 1.5. This represents the closest to threshold measurement for Z = 82.
Adaptation: A Promising Metaphor for Strategic Management

Strategic management is the process through which a manager ensures the long term survival and growth of a firm. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for strategic management based on adaptation, a metaphor that succinctly captures the endeavors of an organization to be fitted better to its environment.
Intrinsic brain networks normalize with treatment in pediatric complex regional pain syndrome

Pediatric complex regional pain syndrome (P-CRPS) offers a unique model of chronic neuropathic pain as it either resolves spontaneously or through therapeutic interventions in most patients. Here we evaluated brain changes in well-characterized children and adolescents with P-CRPS by measuring resting state networks before and following a brief (median = 3 weeks) but intensive physical and psychological treatment program, and compared them to matched healthy controls. Differences in intrinsic brain networks were observed in P-CRPS compared to controls before treatment (disease state) with the most prominent differences in the fronto-parietal, salience, default mode, central executive, and sensorimotor networks. Following treatment, behavioral measures demonstrated a reduction of symptoms and improvement of physical state (pain levels and motor functioning). Correlation of network connectivities with spontaneous pain measures pre- and post-treatment indicated concomitant reductions in connectivity in salience, central executive, default mode and sensorimotor networks (treatment effects). These results suggest a rapid alteration in global brain networks with treatment and provide a venue to assess brain changes in CRPS pre- and post-treatment, and to evaluate therapeutic effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Trenbolone and Other Cattle Growth Promoters: Need for a New Risk-Assessment Framework

The “six-pack” of hormone growth promoters used in feedlot cattle deserves closer investigation from researchers and policy makers. The potential effects of exposure to such compounds are of particular interest in the field of endocrine disruption, which focuses on the effects these compounds can have during sensitive developmental periods, rather than using a carcinogenesis model. Steroid hormones participate in a delicate balance during fetal development. Interference with that balance can lead to disruptions that manifest as health problems at birth and later in life. Although we need more studies of the effects of feedlot compounds on human and wildlife development, some industry and government literature leads consumers to conclude that all the data are in. Governmental reviews of the literature from the European Union (where hormone use is banned) and Australia (where hormones are used) reveal different attitudes and conclusions about the same body of research, and these differences may relate to a ...
Test Compaction for Mixed-Signal Circuits Using Pass-Fail Test Data

We propose a methodology that employs boolean minimization and optimized test covering to identify redundant tests of a mixed-signal circuit from its pass-fail (binary) test data. This methodology is applied to two in-production circuits, a high-speed serializer/deserializer (HSS) and a phase-locked loop (PLL). Application of the methodology to over 38, 000 failing HSS circuits demonstrate that only 0.016% of them are mispredicted when three of nine high- voltage HSS tests are eliminated. Similarly, analysis of 22, 000 failing PLL circuits results in an error of 0.032% when 11 out of the 36 PLL tests are eliminated. Assuming 90% yield, these misprediction levels for the HSS and the PLL designs are equivalent to 16 and 32 DPM, respectively. The cost savings from eliminating the redundant tests in the HSS and the PLL designs at 90% yield are however estimated to be 21.9% and 30.9%, respectively.
Katrina and the Governors

The Katrina disaster is still having political repercussions in Louisiana and Mississippi. Conflicts over funding, development and redevelopment choices, and legal authority persist. Mississippi managed the disaster response better than Louisiana, but it is less certain which state is managing the recovery better. The recovery programs have been slow and contentious and it is uncertain whether they ultimately will reduce the risk of another Katrina-like disaster. Shortages of housing, particularly low- and middle-income housing and rental housing, continue. Closing the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet is reducing the risk to New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish, but officials need to address the vulnerabilities of the levee system. The reorganization of FEMA’s recovery offices should help speed allocations of funds and improve relationships between the agency and state and local officials in the region. Louisiana has greatly improved its emergency management system, as evidenced by its accreditation, and Mississippi needs to follow suit.
Electron-transfer reagent anion formation via electrospray ionization and collision-induced dissociation.

A strategy is described and demonstrated for the formation of reagent anions via electrospray ionization (ESI) for electron-transfer dissociation (ETD). To circumvent difficulties associated with formation of high mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) reagent anions, it is desirable to form ETD reagents via means other than those that require reagent molecule vaporization. ESI is a candidate method, but anions that are generally generated efficiently by ESI tend to react with multiply protonated polypeptides via proton transfer. The strategy described herein involves the use of a precursor reagent molecule that ionizes efficiently via electrospray ionization and that can subsequently be converted to an ETD reagent via gas-phase dissociation. The approach is demonstrated with arenecarboxylic acids that yield strong signals associated with the deprotonated molecule and that subsequently undergo collision-induced dissociation (CID) by loss of CO2. In the present work, triply protonated KGAILKGAILR served as a test subs...
VLSI process expert diagnostic system

In a proposed process diagnostic system, a template correlation routine is used to identify the pattern produced on a wafer by bad die. The same pattern recognition routine can be applied to the pattern produced on the wafer from the result or different types of failure of the die. The overall wafer pattern, the individual test patterns, and electrical measurements made during final test form the input data to an expert system. In turn, the expert system uses heuristic algorithms that identify probable process problems, The template correlation routines have been successfully developed and implemented. Current efforts are dedicated to the knowledge engineering phase of the project. The expert system will, at first, identify defects to the process level. Future refinements will permit the diagnostic tool to identify the defect by name as well as process. Successful development and implementation of this system will save the labor of manual investigation of anomalous events in the fabrication of VLSI devices. Used in conjunction with statistical process control, this system should improve VLSI device yield.
Folate supplementation inhibits intimal hyperplasia induced by a high-homocysteine diet in a rat carotid endarterectomy model.

Abstract Objective: Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated as a causative factor in intimal hyperplasia development. The addition of dietary folate in a hyperhomocysteinemia, carotid endarterectomy rat model is postulated to decrease plasma homocysteine levels and, in turn, reduce post–carotid endarterectomy intimal hyperplasia. Methods: Each rat was fed one of six diets: (1) lab chow with no folate (n = 7), (2) lab chow with 10 mg/kg folate added (n = 3), (3) lab chow with 25 mg/kg folate added (n = 3), (4) a homocysteine diet with no folate (n = 7), (5) a homocysteine diet with 10 mg/kg folate added (n = 5), or (6) homocysteine diet with 25 mg/kg folate added (n = 5). Each rat then underwent an open carotid endarterectomy. In 2 weeks, intimal hyperplasia in the carotid artery was measured. Plasma homocysteine and folate levels were measured. Results: Plasma folate levels rose with folate administration. Plasma homocysteine in the lab chow group was 5.4 ± 0.5 μmol/L and did not change with the addition of folate. In the homocysteine diet group, plasma homocysteine rose 10-fold over the lab chow group (51.9 ± 6.5 vs 5.4 ± 0.5, μmol/L, P P =.0003). In the group fed a homocysteine diet with 25 mg/kg folate added, plasma homocysteine levels were further reduced to levels seen in the lab chow group (12.6 ± 2.6 vs 5.4 ± 0.5, μmol/L, P = not significant). The relationship between plasma folate and homocysteine was inverse ( R = 0.39, P =.0036). Luminal stenosis due to intimal hyperplasia was minimal in lab chow groups and unaffected by folate. The homocysteine diet group demonstrated post–carotid endarterectomy luminal stenosis due to intimal hyperplasia (60.9% ± 9.2%). In the group fed a homocysteine diet with 10 mg/kg folate added, intimal hyperplasia was reduced, compared with the homocysteine diet group (32.6% ± 7.4% vs 60.9% ± 9.2%, P =.009). In the group fed a homocysteine diet with 25 mg/kg folate added, intimal hyperplasia was reduced to lab chow group levels (10.8% ± 0.8% vs 4.8% ± 1.0%, P = not significant) and was reduced, compared with the group fed a homocysteine diet with 10 mg/kg folate added. Conclusion: The use of folate in this hyperhomocysteinemia carotid endarterectomy model and the resultant attenuation of plasma homocysteine elevation and intimal hyperplasia development lend strong support to homocysteine being an independent etiologic factor in post–carotid endarterectomy intimal hyperplasia. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:474-81.)
The effects of a juvenile hormone analog (Altosid ZR-515) on the reproduction and development of Daphnia magna (Crustacea: Cladocera)

Eleven concentrations of a juvenile hormone analog (Altosid), ranging from 3.2× 10−5 M to 3.2×1010 M, were tested on Daphnia magna. At the highest concentrations (3.2×10−5 M) this compound was lethal and at slightly lower concentrations (3.2×10−6 M) it inhibited reproduction among the survivors. At lower concentrations (1.6×10−6 M) adult survival was somewhat affected, and the production of embryos and the early stages of embryonic development were most sensitive. Embryogenesis was never completed and treated embryos did not develop further than the early stages. When very early- and early-stage embryos were treated, they did not develop into viable juveniles; those treated at the middle and late stages were able to develop. At still lower concentrations of Altosid (3.2×107 M), only the juveniles and early development were affected. At the lowest concentrations (3.2×108 M to 3.2×1010 M), Altosid appeared to have no effect on D. magna. Thus Daphnia, at early stages of development and in reproduction, are s...
[11]Cocaine: PET studies of cocaine pharmacokinetics, dopamine transporter availability and dopamine transporter occupancy

Abstract Cocaine was initially labeled with carbon-11 in order to track the distribution and pharmacokinetics of this powerful stimulant and drug of abuse in the human brain and body. It was soon discovered that [ 11 C]cocaine was not only useful for measuring cocaine pharmacokinetics and its relationship to behavior but that it is also a sensitive radiotracer for dopamine transporter (DAT) availability. Measures of DAT availability were facilitated by the development of a graphical analysis method (Logan Plot) for reversible systems which streamlined kinetic analysis. This expanded the applications of [ 11 C]cocaine to studies of DAT availability in the human brain and allowed the first comparative measures of the degree of DAT occupancy by cocaine and another stimulant drug methylphenidate. This article will summarize preclinical and clinical research with [ 11 C]cocaine.
Calcium transport mechanism in human colonic apical membrane vesicles

Abstract Background & Aims: Recent studies have shown the role of human colon in the absorption of calcium, especially in the presence of severe disease or resection of the small bowel. The aim of the current study was to explore the mechanism(s) of calcium uptake by the purified human colonic apical membrane vesicles. Methods: Apical membrane vesicles were purified from mucosal scrapings of colons from organ donors, and 45 Ca uptake was measured using a rapid filtration technique. Results: The majority of the 45 Ca associated with vesicles represented uptake into closed intravesicular space, whereas the remaining 45 Ca uptake represented binding to the vesicles. Ca 2+ uptake was found to be dependent on time, pH, temperature, and ionic strength of the incubation medium and inhibitable by ruthenium red, La 3+ , and ethylene glycol-bis(β-amino-ethyl ether)- N,N,N′,N′ -tetraacetic acid. Experiments of the effects of membrane potential generated by K + /valinomycin or anion substitutions on Ca 2+ uptake showed that the Ca 2+ uptake process was potential insensitive. Calcium uptake was unaffected by outwardly directed H + , K + , and Na + gradients. Ca 2+ uptake showed saturation kinetics with no significant differences in Michaelis constant and maximum velocity values of this transporter between proximal and distal colonic segments. Conclusions: The uptake of Ca 2+ by human colonic apical membranes involves predominantly a carrier-mediated transport mechanism.
Critique of the Friction Coefficient Concept for Wet (Lubricated) Sliding

Complications in the traditional definitions of static and kinetic friction are discussed as they pertain to lubricated sliding. First, we discuss rate criteria to observe stick-slip motion and show that stick-slip occurs only when thin liquid films are deformed faster than their intrinsic relaxation time. This conclusion comes from experiments with confined aqueous films in a surface forces apparatus modified to measure interfacial rheology. The observation offers a new strategy to look for methods to avoid stick-slip motion by engineering the relaxation time of a confined fluid. Second, we consider the issue of transients and show, for the case of a polymer melt of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), that equilibration of the viscous forces was spectacularly slow to be achieved when the sliding velocity was changed. Overshoots of force were observed when the velocity was raised ; undershoots of force were observed when the velocity was lowered. Third, we consider the question of how forces in the shear and normal directions are coupled. In systems comprised of polymer brushes in solution at near Θ solvent quality, we contrast the shear response for brush-brush sliding (both surfaces coated with end-attached polymer chains) and brush-mica sliding (one sole surface coated with end-attached polymer chains). Both systems gave nearly the same resistance to compression in the normal direction, but the latter system offered less shear resistance. The polymer brush experiments invite further theoretical interpretation.
Estimating influenza hospitalizations among children.

Although influenza causes more hospitalizations and deaths among American children than any other vaccine-preventable disease, deriving accurate population-based estimates of disease impact is challenging. Using 2 independent surveillance systems, we performed a capture-recapture analysis to estimate influenza-associated hospitalizations in children in Davidson County, Tennessee, during the 2003–2004 influenza season. The New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN) enrolled children hospitalized with respiratory symptoms or fever and tested them for influenza. The Tennessee Emerging Infections Program (EIP) identified inpatients with positive influenza diagnostic test results through review of laboratory and infection control logs. The hospitalization rate estimated from the capture-recapture analysis in children <5 years of age was 2.4 per 1,000 (95% confidence interval 1.8–3.8). When NVSN estimates were compared with capture-recapture estimates, NVSN found 84% of community-acquired cases, EIP found 64% of cases in which an influenza rapid test was performed, and the overall sensitivity of NVSN and EIP for influenza hospitalizations was 73% and 38%, respectively.
Engineered plasma interactions for geomagnetic propulsion of ultra small satellites

Previous astrophysical studies have explained the orbital dynamics of particles that acquire a high electrostatic charge. In low Earth orbit, the charge collected by a microscopic particle or an ultra-small, low-mass satellite interacts with the geomagnetic field to induce the Lorentz force which, in the ideal case, may be exploited as a form of propellantless propulsion. Efficient mechanisms for negative and positive electrostatic charging of a so-called attosatellite are proposed considering material, geometry, and emission interactions with the ionosphere’s neutral plasma with characteristic Debye length. A novel model-based plasma physics study was undertaken to optimize the positive charge mechanism quantified by the system charge-to-mass ratio. In the context of the practical system design considered, a positive charge-to-mass ratio on the order of 1.9x10-9 C/kg is possible with maximum spacecraft potential equal to the sum of the kinetic energy of electrons from active field emission (+43V) and less than +5V from passive elements. The maximum positive potential is less than what is possible with negative electrostatic charging due to differences in thermal velocity and number density of electronic and ionic species. These insights are the foundation of a practical system design. © (2013) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Demagnetization in photomagnetic films

Abstract We present a model for demagnetization in photomagnetic films, and investigate different regimes for the magnetizing process using finite element analysis. It is found that the demagnetizing factor may depend strongly upon the high-spin fraction of the film, and the specifics of the dependence are dictated by the microscopic morphology of the photomagnetic domains. This picture allows for facile interpretation of existing data on photomagnetic films, and can even explain an observed photoinduced decrease in low-field magnetization concurrent with increase in high-spin fraction. As a whole, these results reiterate the need to consider demagnetizing effects in photomagnetic films.
Are axonally transported proteins released from sciatic nerves

Abstract A recent report by Hines and Garwood 4 claimed a significant release of axonally transported proteins from frog sciatic nerve into a surrounding solution. In the present study no significant release of axonally transported protein from frog sciatic nerves was detected with more stringent control for non-axonal sources of released protein.
Role of biotransformation in determining aldicarb toxicity in fish

Abstract The carbamate pesticide, aldicarb, demonstrates significant acute toxicity in fish, and is readily biotransformed by most organisms studied. In fish, both the cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the flavin monooxygenase systems (FMO) are involved in bioactivating aldicarb to aldicarb sulfoxide, which is a more potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ), along with many other fresh water species, do not express FMO and are relatively resistant to the effects of aldicarb. This project examined the toxicity, AChE inhibition, metabolism, and toxicokinetic of aldicarb in channel catfish, and compared these values with an aldicarb-sensitive species, rainbow trout, which expresses FMO. Studies of in vitro and in vivo aldicarb biotransformation in catfish suggest that a low rate of bioactivation (10 times slower V max ), resulting in less initial conversion to the activated metabolite, aldicarb sulfoxide, may be a contributing factor to resistance of channel catfish to aldicarb toxicity. These data are supported by toxicokinetic and enzyme inhibition studies. This work demonstrates that differences in FMO expression among fish species may have significant influence on toxicity resulting from exposure to some xenobiotics.
Thermal properties of carbon inverse opal photonic crystals

Abstract The thermal conductivity of thin-wall glassy carbon and graphitic carbon inverse opals, fabricated by templating of silica opal has been measured in the temperature range 10–400 K using transient pulse method. The heat flow through 100 A-thick layers of graphite sheets tiled on spherical surfaces of empty overlapping spheres arrayed in face-centered-cubic lattices has been analyzed in term of anisotropy factor. Taking into account high anisotropy factor in graphite, γ =342, we found that the thermal conductivity of inverse opal prepared by chemical vapor deposition infiltration is limited by heat flow across the graphitic layers in bottleneck, κ ⊥=3.95 W/m K. The electronic contribution to the thermal conductivity, κ e(300 K) =3.7×10 −3 W/m K is negligible comparing to the measured value, κ (300 K) =0.33 W/m K. The obtained phonon mean free path, l =90 nm is comparable with the graphite segments between hexagonal array of interconnections.
792 COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTION CAPABILITIES BETWEEN COMPUTER ASSISTED PEDIATRIC CANCER MANAGEMENT AND STANDARD PEDIATRIC CANCER MANAGEMENT

This three-year study was made of local and university based physician encounter records of 270 visits by 15 randomly selected computer assisted medical management childhood cancer patients and 246 visits by 14 randomly selected standard management patients. Both groups of patients were treated according to the same research protocols. The amount of clinical research data obtained through use of self-coding, self-auditing computer printed encounter records tailored to the patient-care and data collection requirements of specific protocols was compared to the yield obtained through use of a standard generalized partially structured encounter record. The computer assisted medical management encounter forms yielded 4411 (78%) physician responses to 5670 requests for coded toxicity severity information. The standard management encounter forms yielded 1469 (66%) physician responses to 2214 requests for toxicity information. The computer assisted forms requested specific coded lymph node, liver, spleen, and kidney data4050 times and the information was supplied by the physicians3640 (89.9%) of the times requested. The standard management group forms requested the same uncoded data 984 times, the physicians supplied the data 595 (60.4%) of the times requested. Clearly this computer assisted management system increases the amount of physician supplied clinical data for patients on cancer research treatment protocols.
Catch-and-Release Mortality of Striped Bass in the Roanoke River, North Carolina

Abstract Short-term (72-h) catch-and-release mortality was determined for 153 striped bass Morone saxatilis caught with live bait and artificial lures from spawning grounds in the Roanoke River, North Carolina, during spring 1995. Fish captured by electrofishing were used as the control treatment. Mean adjusted mortality (difference between treatment and control mortality) was 6.4% for striped bass 293–610 mm in total length and was not significantly different between the two fishing methods. Logistic regression analysis showed that mortality was highly dependent on water temperature (P < 0.0005) and hooking location (P < 0.0002), indicating that stress and injury were components of catch-and-release mortality. Mortality of treatment and control fish increased markedly when river temperatures exceeded 21°C. Hooking locations were significantly different (P < 0.0005) between types of terminal gear. Fourteen percent of fish caught on live bait were hooked in sensitive locations (pharynx, esophagus, or gills...
The effects of cholesterol on learning and memory

Cholesterol is vital to normal brain function including learning and memory but that involvement is as complex as the synthesis, metabolism and excretion of cholesterol itself. Dietary cholesterol influences learning tasks from water maze to fear conditioning even though cholesterol does not cross the blood brain barrier. Excess cholesterol has many consequences including peripheral pathology that can signal brain via cholesterol metabolites, pro-inflammatory mediators and antioxidant processes. Manipulations of cholesterol within the central nervous system through genetic, pharmacological, or metabolic means circumvent the blood brain barrier and affect learning and memory but often in animals already otherwise compromised. The human literature is no less complex. Cholesterol reduction using statins improves memory in some cases but not others. There is also controversy over statin use to alleviate memory problems in Alzheimer's disease. Correlations of cholesterol and cognitive function are mixed and association studies find some genetic polymorphisms are related to cognitive function but others are not. In sum, the field is in flux with a number of seemingly contradictory results and many complexities. Nevertheless, understanding cholesterol effects on learning and memory is too important to ignore.
Metribuzin metabolism by tomato cultivars with low, medium, and high levels of tolerance to metribuzin

Abstract Metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazine-5(4H)one] metabolism by the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars UGA-1113MT, tolerant to metribuzin, H-7492 (Heinz-7492), susceptible to metribuzin treatments, and the F1 cross of the two cultivars was determined. The radioactivity found in the polar fraction of leaf tissue extract from the tolerant cultivar, UGA-1113MT, was above 90% for plants treated with 14C ring-labeled metribuzin at concentrations of 1 × 10−7, 1 × 10−5, and 1 × 10−4 M. However, the radioactivity in the polar fraction of the leaf tissue of the sensitive cultivar, H-7492, and the F1 cross decreased from 94 to 58% and 97 to 65%, respectively, as the metribuzin concentration was increased from 1 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−4 M. The major metabolites found in the three cultivars were glucose conjugates of metribuzin. Differential tolerance is attributed to the rate of conjugate formation. The N-glucoside conjugate of metribuzin is restricted in the symplast near the vascular system at low metribuzin concentrations and increasing treatment concentration results in movement of radioactivity into the interveinal regions of the leaves leading to leaf damage. The F1 cross was intermediate in rate of metribuzin metabolism compared to the paternal parent, UGA-1113MT, and the maternal parent, H-7492.
Resource partitioning by three species of hemipteran herbivores on the basis of host plant density

Three hemipteran herbivores partition a common resource plant, Senecio smallii, on the basis of bud density and plant patch size. The monophagous herbivore, Neacoryphus bicrucis, is most abundant in larger patches where bud density is greatest. The oligophagous herbivore, Harmostes reflexulus, is most abundant in small patches of high bud density. The polyphagous species, Lygus pratensis, is most abundant in small patches where abundance is independent of bud density. The aggressive nature of the monophagous herbivore appears to mediate the responses of the other species.
Friends, Judaism, and the Holiday Armadillo: Mapping a Rhetoric of Postidentity Politics

Critical communication literature that problematizes postfeminism, therapeutic rhetoric, Whiteness, and representations of marginalized groups all point to a comprehensive rhetoric of postidentity politics, a rhetoric characterized by the assumption that identity politics are no longer relevant. In this essay, I analyze an episode of the popular television program, Friends, in which Jewish identity politics are represented. I situate my critique of this episode first within the history of Jewish representation on television but primarily as a starting point to map out the characteristics of a rhetoric of postidentity politics.
Isolated ACTH deficiency in childhood: Lack of response to corticotropin-releasing hormone alone and in combination with arginine vasopressin

response may be further aggravated by a T-suppressor cell defect, 8 which can now be used to separate histiocytosis X into tumorous and autoimmune subgroups) Vasopressin cell antibodies may prove to be an early marker of hypothalamic invasion in children with histiocytosis X. The association of idiopathic diabetes insipidus with endocrine autoimmune diseases is less marked in children than in adults, perhaps because of the generally later onset of the more common endocrine disorders. Any child with AVP cell antibodies should therefore undergo repeated antibody determinations and endocrine function tests later