cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ozone-induced changes in the murine lung extracellular vesicle small RNA landscape

Inhalation exposure to ozone (O3 ) causes adverse respiratory health effects that result from airway inflammation, a complex response mediated in part by changes to airway cellular transcriptional programs. These programs may be regulated by microRNAs transferred between cells (e.g., epithelial cells and macrophages) via extracellular vesicles (EV miRNA). To explore this, we exposed female C57BL/6J mice to filtered air (FA), 1, or 2 ppm O3 by inhalation and collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) 21 h later for markers of airway inflammation, EVs, and EV miRNA. Both concentrations of O3 significantly increased markers of inflammation (neutrophils), injury (total protein), and the number of EV-sized particles in the BALF. Imagestream analysis indicated a substantial portion of particles was positive for canonical EV markers (CD81, CD51), and Siglec-F, a marker of alveolar macrophages. Using high-throughput small RNA sequencing, we identified several differentially expressed (DE) BALF EV miRNAs after 1 ppm (16 DE miRNAs) and 2 ppm (99 DE miRNAs) O3 versus FA exposure. O3 concentration-response patterns in EV miRNA expression were apparent, particularly for miR-2137, miR-126-3p, and miR-351-5p. Integrative analysis of EV miRNA expression and airway cellular mRNA expression identified EV miR-22-3p as a candidate regulator of transcriptomic responses to O3 in airway macrophages. In contrast, we did not identify candidate miRNA regulators of mRNA expression data from conducting airways (predominantly composed of epithelial cells). In summary, our data show that O3 exposure alters EV release and EV miRNA expression, suggesting that further investigation of EVs may provide insight into their effects on airway macrophage function and other mechanisms of O3 -induced respiratory inflammation.
Characterization of the Genomic and Immunological Diversity of Malignant Brain Tumors Through Multi-Sector Analysis.

Despite some success in secondary brain metastases, targeted or immune-based therapies have shown limited efficacy against primary brain malignancies such as glioblastoma (GBM). While the intratumoral heterogeneity of GBM is implicated in treatment resistance, it remains unclear whether this diversity is observed within brain metastases and to what extent cancer-cell intrinsic heterogeneity sculpts the local immune microenvironment. Here, we profiled the immunogenomic state of 93 spatially distinct regions from 30 malignant brain tumors through whole exome, RNA, and TCR-sequencing. Our analyses identified differences between primary and secondary malignancies with gliomas displaying more spatial heterogeneity at the genomic and neoantigen level. Additionally, this spatial diversity was recapitulated in the distribution of T cell clones where some gliomas harbored highly expanded but spatially restricted clonotypes. This study defines the immunogenomic landscape across a cohort of malignant brain tumors and contains implications for the design of targeted and immune-based therapies against intracranial malignancies.
Sustainable Procurement: Building Vocabulary To Accelerate The Federal Procurement Conversation

To the extent that the federal procurement process features prominently in the Government’s plan to slow the pace of, and adapt to the effects of, climate change, this paper attempts to provide some basic building blocks for acquisition professionals to practice sustainable procurement. The paper offers a list of key sustainable procurement vocabulary and introduces a number of key concepts so that the acquisition community can build a common body of knowledge (BOK) to accelerate its progress up the learning curve of sustainable procurement implementation. The paper also highlights a number of existing tools and resources to help translate those concepts into practice. The paper suggests a broad range of actions and initiatives for those throughout the Government contracts community to begin incorporating environmental sustainability into their procurement policies and practices. The Federal Government neither needs to, nor does it have time to, reinvent the wheel. Fortunately, much has been done - both within the Government and throughout the private sector - that can and should inform early implementation efforts.
Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery; report of a case and surgical consideration.

Summary 1. The report of a 3-month-old male infant with a left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery is presented. The symptomatology and clinical and laboratory findings are given: Operation was attempted to increase blood flow through the anomalous artery. 2. The physiology of this type of coronary artery anomaly is briefly discussed. Attention is directed to several operative procedures that might be used in reinstating an adequate blood supply to the heart.
MEMS WDM routers using analog micromirror arrays

We report on the recent progresses in our MEMS wavelength-division-multiplexed routers with a 1D array of analog micromirrors for wavelength-selective switching among multiple fibers.
Hot-carrier-induced latchup and trapping/detrapping phenomena

Two phenomena due to hot carriers in CMOS are investigated. One is latchup induced by high drain voltage. The results show that the triggering drain voltage decreases with decreasing channel length. The other is detrapping of trapped carriers during a relax cycle subsequent to DC voltage stressing. The results show that the degradation and recovery kinetics follow similar power laws and correspond to carrier trapping and detrapping, respectively. >
From Correctional Custody to Community: The Massachusetts Forensic Transition Program

Stephanie W. Hartwell, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of MassachusettsBoston, studies social problems, mental illness, substance abuse, and community viability.Donna Haig Friedman is the director of the Center for Social Policy at the John W.McCormack Institute Of Public Affairs, University of Massachusetts Boston. Karin Orr is theForensic Transition program manager at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health,Division of Forensic Services.
Post Buckling Analysis of Thin Membrane for the Flexible Electronics

This paper presents the experiment work and numerical solution to investigate wrinkle formation and evolution in thin membranes at elevated temperatures. The specimens consist of Kapton circular membranes supported on steel substrate. The membranes were heated from room temperature to 100°C. The DIC (digital image correlation) was used to monitor the profiles of membranes at discrete temperatures. The nonlinear post buckling analysis was used for numerical study of membrane wrinkling. The nonlinear post buckling solution shows that the global buckling of membrane significantly reduces bending stiffness thus to create localized buckling modes accounting for the wrinkle generation. The wrinkle evolution is stable until the temperature reaches the next critical value. After this critical temperature, the wrinkle evolution is accelerated until the final temperature. The finite element simulation results are consistent with experimental observations.
Firm value, spatial knowledge flow, and innovation: evidence from patent citations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of geographic location of research-intensive firms in the ability to generate new research and products, which consequently affects firm value. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct the empirical study following a three-step process. First, if pharmaceutical firms are more likely to cite the patents of other firms and other innovators that are nearby, as opposed to firms and other innovators that are far away, then location (i.e. close proximity) is likely important when it comes to the ability to learn and to use the knowledge being generated by other innovators. The authors employ a “geographic information systems” (GIS) and geo-code each pair of citing and cited patents. In addition, the authors utilize spatial statistics such as Moran’s I to analyze the spatial clustering pattern of patent citations and knowledge flows. Next, the authors measure the pharmaceutical companies’ ability to generate useful patents as a function of the a...
ColB2-K77, a Fertility-Repressed F-Like Sex Factor

The colicinogenic B factor, transferred from Escherichia coli strain K77 (and termed ColB2-K77 or ColB2) to an E. coli K12 F(-) strain, is capable of promoting its own transfer to other K12 F(-) strains at a low rate (from LFC cultures) which can be increased under special conditions (HFC cultures). LFC cultures of K12 (ColB2)(+) F(-) strains show a low level of adsorption of F-specific phage particles which also increases under HFC conditions. The ColB2 factor is thus inferred to be an F-like sex factor which is repressed in its fertility. This repression is concluded to be due to a cytoplasmic repressor since, when ColB2 is present in cells containing an F factor (either autonomous or integrated), F fertility is also repressed as shown by the inability of such (ColB2)(+)F(+) [or (ColB2)(+)Hfr] strains to plaque F-specific phages, and by a reduction in the level of chromosomal transfer from such strains, compared to the corresponding F(+) (or Hfr) control strains. Mutants of the ColB2 factor in which fertility is no longer repressed (fertility derepressed or Fdr mutants) have been isolated. The ColB2Fdr mutant strains do not appear to be able to mobilize chromosomal transfer, although they have acquired F-specific phage sensitivity demonstrable by plaque formation and they transfer their colicin factor at high frequency and are well piliated. The Fdr mutation is presumed to result in the inability to synthesize the cytoplasmic fertility repressor since the ColB2Fdr factor does not repress the fertility of an F factor when present in the same host strain. A fertility-repressed drug resistance factor of the R(f) type is not stable in the presence of a ColB2 factor in the same cell and is eliminated in about 10% of the cells per generation. In contrast, another factor characteristic of the R(i) type is fully compatible with ColB2. Under conditions artificially stabilizing (ColB2Fdr)(+) (Rf)(+) strains, the enhanced fertility of ColB2Fdr is not repressed by the presence of the R factor, nor does the presence of R(f) in the intermediate strain of an HFC (for ColB2) system inhibit the normal increase in ColB2 transmissibility. It is concluded that the repressors of R(f) and ColB2, although both active on F fertility, are different; this may indicate that at least two independently repressible cistrons are involved in the expression of fertility characteristics.
The Impact of Exposure to Sexually Oriented Media on the Endorsement of Hookup Culture: A Panel Study of First-Year College Students

The “hookup culture” is prevalent, both in the media and on college campuses. The purpose of the present study was to examine the longitudinal relations between sexually oriented media exposure and emerging adults' endorsement of the hookup culture (EHC). To study this issue, a panel study of 1st-year college students was conducted. Participants completed a questionnaire on their media habits and EHC at the beginning of their 1st year of college and again at the end of the year. Among male 1st-year students, Time 1 exposure to both sexually oriented television and magazines predicted Time 2 EHC. Among female 1st-year students, sexually oriented media exposure was not related to EHC. Findings are discussed in light of gender differences in scripts-based theories of sexual development.
Cytokine profiling of ascites at primary surgery identifies an interaction of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in predicting reduced progression-free survival in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objectives Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) typically presents with advanced disease. Even with optimal debulking and response to adjuvant chemotherapy, the majority of patients will have disease relapse. We evaluated cytokine and chemokine profiles in ascites at primary surgery as biomarkers for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced EOC.
Monitoring global and local variations in multichannel functional data for manufacturing processes

This study models global and local variations hidden in multichannel functional data (MFD) for the purpose of manufacturing process monitoring. With advances in sensing technology, online measurement of manufacturing process variables could take the shape of multichannel curves. Although MFD contains rich information about process conditions, it is a challenging issue to model and interpret complex variations in MFD for process change detection and process faulty condition discrimination. A new approach was developed in this paper to decompose each channel of functional data into global and local variation components. Based on the extracted patterns, a principal curve regression method was applied to detect and discriminate different process conditions. The method was validated by real data from a forging plant. A simulation study was also conducted to verify the approach for MFD with complex patterns.
Ultra-short pulsed laser deposition and patterning of SiC thin films for MEMS fabrication

A Ti:Sapphire (IR 800-nm) femtosecond (fs) pulsed laser was used to ablate a sputtering grade of silicon carbide (SiC) in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The laser-induced plasma species were then driven and grown to form 3C-SiC films of about 1 μm thick on single crystal silicon wafers at 20 °C (room temperature) and 500 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation were used to characterize the structure, composition, thickness and properties of the SiC films. Results of the femtosecond-pulse laser deposited (fs-PLD) films were compared with those obtained by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) and nanosecond-pulse laser (excimer laser at 248-nm) deposition (ns-PLD). The distinctive features of fs-PLD films are their extremely smooth surfaces, stoichiometry, amorphous structure and low defect density compared to APCVD films, along with better film quality and higher growth rates than ns-PLD films. In addition to film growth studies, a SiC microgripper (to grab 20-μm-sized objects) was micromachined by use of the fs-pulsed laser to demonstrate the utility of ultra-short PLD in SiC-device fabrication.
NEBULIZATION OF SONICATED PHOSPHOLIPIDS (PL) FOR TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS) OF INFANCY

RDS is associated with a decrease in pulmonary PL including dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline(DPPC) and dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG). In vitro studies have shown these compounds to fuse readily with biologic membranes after the compounds are mixed and extensively sonicated. Previous studies using aerosolized surfactants for treatment of RDS may have been unsuccessful because of failure to add anionic PL to DPPC, failure to sonicate the PL, or failure to administer the material with CPAP. In a pilot study, sonicated DPPC/DPPG(9:1) was nebulized to 13 infants on respirators. In general, the mean changes in A-aDO2 in in mmHg(MCDO2) were proportional to the duration of exposure to PL. Six other infants,also on respirators for RDS but without PL treatment, showed a MCDO2 of +0.2 over 24 hrs. Eight additional infants have been treated with PL in a controlled study. Two 6-hr PL treatment periods were alternated with two 6-hr treatments with saline alone. Determination of material for initial treatment was made by simple alternation. Preliminary results of the controlled study suggest that the improved MCDO2 is a result of the PL treatment and not a coincidental improvement in the disease.
Effects of cigarette smoking and carbon monoxide on chlorzoxazone and caffeine metabolism

Objectives Our objectives were to examine the effects of cigarette smoking on the disposition kinetics of chlorzoxazone and caffeine as probes of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1, CYP1A2, xanthine oxidase, and N-acetyltransferase-2 activity and to test the hypothesis that carbon monoxide inhibits drug metabolism via these pathways. Methods Twelve cigarette smokers were studied in 3 treatment conditions, each lasting 7 days, during which they smoked cigarettes, breathed carbon monoxide to achieve carboxyhemoglobin levels similar to those associated with cigarette smoking, or breathed air. In each treatment condition, subjects received oral chlorzoxazone (250 mg) and caffeine (250 mg) with measurement of disposition kinetics and urine metabolite profiles. Results Compared with the air condition, cigarette smoking significantly induced the metabolism of chlorzoxazone (oral clearance, 5.9 ± 1.5 mL · min−1 · kg−1versus 4.8 ± 1.0 mL · min−1 · kg−1, P < .005) andcaffeine (2.0 ± 0.8 mL · min−1 · kg−1 versus 1.5 ± 0.7mL · min−1 · kg−1, P < .001) but had no effect on caffeine urine metabolite ratios that reflect xanthine oxidase and N-acetyltransferase-2 activity. Considerable individual variability was noted in the extent of induction of metabolism by cigarette smoking, particularly as it affects chlorzoxazone (change in oral clearance ranged from −10% to +71%). Carbon monoxide had no effect on chlorzoxazone or caffeine metabolism or caffeine metabolic profile. Conclusions This study provides novel evidence that cigarette smoking accelerates chlorzoxazone metabolism, most likely reflecting induction of CYP2E1 activity, in humans. Induction of CYP2E1 activity by cigarette smoking could contribute to tobacco-induced cancer, alcohol-induced liver disease, and the risk of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 74, 468–474; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.07.001
Predictors of student success on the physician assistant national certifying examination.

PURPOSE This study examined the association between academic performance in undergraduate science courses - chemistry I, pathophysiology, and biochemistry - and student scores on the PANCE. Covariates gender, age, and admission GPA were included in the analysis to identify factors predicting student passage of the PANCE. METHODOLOGY A retrospective cohort study of student records of first-attempt chemistry I, pathophysiology, and biochemistry course grades and first-attempt PANCE scores for PA graduates from D'Youville College (n = 155) from 2006-2010 were included, along with age, gender, and admission GPA. RESULTS Pathophysiology (P < .001) and biochemistry (P = .01) had significant positive regression coefficients, predicting higher PANCE scores of 62.13 points and 33.82 points, respectively, for every one unit increase in pathophysiology and biochemistry course grade (ie, B to A) after controlling for age, gender, and admission GPA. Admission GPA had a significant (P = .02) positive regression coefficient, suggesting that for every unit increase in admission GPA, PANCE score will increase 50.48 points when controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSION Higher first-attempt PANCE scores were predicted by higher admission GPA and first-attempt grades achieved in pathophysiology and biochemistry. Identifying predicting factors of PANCE passage may help to identify a student's ability to pass the PANCE early in the curriculum, as well as improve program quality and graduate success.
THE SHOOT APEX OF HYMENAEA COURBARIL (LEGUMINOSAE)

A B S T R A C T Shoot apices of Hymenaea courbaril are representative of those of many distichous plants, showing sharp intraplastochronic changes as a result of differential growth of the most recently formed primordium and the apical meristem proper. However, an unusual feature of this species is the complex arrangement of stipules. These enclose their own leaves as well as younger structures. Furthermore, the midregions of the stipules fuse ontogenetically at their bases, separating the newly formed leaf from the young shoot. Examination of apices of H. courbaril and H. stilbocarpa with the SEM shows similar morphological features in these two species. THE BOTANICAL LITERATURE shows ample coverage of shoot tips and apical meristems. It comes, therefore, somewhat unexpected when one discovers yet another "variation on a theme." On reflection, this is not altogether surprising. Much of the older literature dealt with mature plant morphology and very little evidence was derived from developmental anatomy. With rare exceptions, also, the sampling was restricted to either endemic plants or those available by chance collection. Thus tropical plants received scant attention. Because of the latter fact, it seemed appropriate to examine the shoot tip of Hymenaea. This genus is currently under active investigation as an example of evolution of a tropical resinproducing genus (Langenheim, 1969, 1973; Langenheim, Lee, and Martin, 1973), and thus there was ample material available for a histological study. The general anatomy of H. stilbocarpa has been described in great detail by Camargo (1960); however, he does not discuss the shoot
Abstract 2959: The tumor suppressor CHD5 is an epigenetic regulator of neuronal cell fate

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Genomic lesions affecting the 1p36 chromosomal region are prevalent in variety of human malignancies, yet the tumor suppressor in this region had not been identified. We used chromosome engineering to create a series of mouse models with lesions spanning the 1p36-analagous region. These gain and loss-of-function models allowed us to pinpoint a potent tumor suppressive interval that when deleted predisposes to cancer and when duplicated causes excessive tumor suppression. We identified Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding domain protein 5 (CHD5) as the causative gene in the region, defined CHD5 as an inducer of the tumor suppressive network encoded at the Cdkn2 locus, and demonstrated that CHD5 is frequently deleted in human glioma. It is now appreciated that CHD5 is mutated in cancers of the breast, ovary, colon, and prostate, as well as in melanoma, glioma, and neuroblastoma, and furthermore, that robust CHD5 expression is a favorable indicator of patient survival following anti-cancer therapy. Although ample evidence from human studies indicates that CHD5 plays a pivotal role in cancer, the mechanism responsible for tumor suppression is not well understood. CHD5 belongs to the CHD family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling proteins, yet CHD5's role in modulating chromatin and the consequence of CHD5 deficiency in vivo was unknown. We discovered that CHD5's tumor suppressive function is dependent on its dual plant homeodomains (PHDs)\_motifs that bind specifically marked histones. The PHDs of CHD5 preferentially bind unmodified histone 3 (H3), an interaction essential for CHD5's ability to inhibit proliferation, to modulate transcription, and to suppress tumorigenesis in vivo. We recently defined CHD5 as a regulator of chromatin-mediated dynamics essential for neuronal differentiation. Whereas neural stem cells (NSCs) normally have the capacity to differentiate into neurons, NSCs from Chd5-deficient mice retain stem-like characteristics and differentiate into astrocytes at the expense of neurons. We discovered that H3K27me3\_a repressive chromatin mark implicated in cancer_is depleted by CHD5 deficiency. We show that CHD5 rescues the de-differentiated phenotype of CHD5 deficient NSCs, while re-establishing global levels of H3K27me3. Our findings define CHD5 as a dosage-sensitive tumor suppressor, identify CHD5 as a member of a newly appreciated class of H3-binding PHD-containing proteins, and reveal a critical role for CHD5 in dictating stem cell fate. This provides new insight into the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for CHD5's tumor suppressive role that when perturbed, set the stage for cancer. Citation Format: Alea A. Mills, Dong-Woo Hwang. The tumor suppressor CHD5 is an epigenetic regulator of neuronal cell fate. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2959. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2959
Ziconotide: a review of its pharmacology and use in the treatment of pain

Ziconotide is a powerful analgesic drug that has a unique mechanism of action involving potent and selective block of N-type calcium channels, which control neurotransmission at many synapses. The analgesic efficacy of ziconotide likely results from its ability to interrupt pain signaling at the level of the spinal cord. Ziconotide is a peptidic drug and has been approved for the treatment of severe chronic pain in patients only when administered by the intrathecal route. Importantly, prolonged administration of ziconotide does not lead to the development of addiction or tolerance. The current review discusses the various studies that have addressed the in vitro biochemical and electrophysiological actions of ziconotide as well as the numerous pre-clinical studies that were conducted to elucidate its antinociceptive mechanism of action in animals. In addition, this review considers the pivotal Phase 3 (and other) clinical trials that were conducted in support of ziconotide's approval for the treatment of severe chronic pain and tries to offer some insights regarding the future discovery and development of newer analgesic drugs that would act by a similar mechanism to ziconotide but which might offer improved safety, tolerability and ease of use.
Detection of Ni2+ by a dimethylglyoxime probe using attenuated total-reflection infrared spectroscopy.

A new analytical approach for the detection of Ni2+ utilizing an attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique is discussed in this paper. Nickel detection was accomplished on a silicon ATR parallelogram crystal uniformly coated by a ca. 1.5-μm Nafion film embedded with dimethylglyoxime (DMG) probe molecules. The detection of Ni2+ is based on the appearance of a unique infrared absorption peak at 1572 cm-1 that corresponds to the C=N stretching mode in the nickel dimethylglyoximate, Ni(DMG)2, complex. The suitable operational pH range for the nickel infrared sensor is between 6 - 8. High alkalinity in the sample solution causes a leaching of Ni(DMG)2. The detection limit of the nickel infrared sensor is 1 ppm in a sample solution of pH = 8. Interference studies revealed that Cu2+ could compete with Ni2+ for the DMG sites in the Nafion matrix. The new nickel detection methodology can be potentially utilized, after further improvement, in field analysis to locate hot spots contaminated with a high ppm of Ni2+.
Morphological differences in the capsular polysaccharide of nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter chroococcum B-8 as a function of iron and molybdenum starvation

Azotobacter chroococcum B-8 was nutritionally stressed for iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) by successive transfers on Fe-deficient and Mo-deficient solid-plating media and was subsequently observed with transmission electron microscopy after capsular staining in ruthenium red. Under Fe- and Mo-sufficient conditions, the capsule appeared to be condensed into a thin, electron-dense layer. Under iron stress, and to a lesser extent molybdenum stress, the capsule appeared more diffuse and extensive. This apparent diffusion was irreversible upon the addition of iron before processing. Thus there seems to be a correlation between capsule diffusion and metal starvation, as well as a correlation between capsule extent and metal starvation.
A graphic analysis bender gestalt test

Traitement informatique graphique du Bender Gestalt Test administre a un groupe d'enfants (10-17 ans) avec troubles severes de l'emotivite et a un groupe controle
Globalization of finance and the challenge of national financial sector development

Abstract Against the background of the significant acceleration of the pace of financial globalization, this paper examines the features of the phenomenon and the challenges they pose for national financial sector development. Although financial globalization confers notable benefits, it also entails huge costs including financial crisis. The factors of weak banking system and poor regulation helped to exacerbate the financial crises of the 1990s. The paper, therefore, stresses the need for sound macroeconomic policies, orderly liberalization of capital accounts, adequate preparation of national financial systems and meeting other pre-conditions for countries to reap the benefits of financial globalization at minimum costs.
Local matching in the function space of a partial order

An inner product space is defined on a finite partial order. Some combinatorial inequalities pertaining to chains and antichains are thereby subsumed into the theory of convex cones. In particular, a local matching condition is found to determine the cone dual to the convex cone generated by characteristic functions of maximal chains.
Differential polarography of copper(II) complex

A differential polarographic study has been carried out on the interaction product formed in the interaction of copper(II) with bis(2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-4-pyrone-6)ketone. The data obtained using the differential pulse method show that copper(II) exhibits a coordination number of one and a reproducible formation constant that is fairly consistent over a moderate concentration range.
An electrochemical impedance study of Alloy 22 in NaCl brine at elevated temperature. I. Corrosion behavior

Abstract Alloy 22 in acidified, NaCl brines over wide ranges in temperature and composition is characterized by high interfacial impedance, thereby illustrating its high corrosion resistance. The impedance data are shown to transform correctly in the complex plane, via the Kramers–Kronig (K–K) relations, thereby demonstrating that the system conforms to the constraints of Linear Systems Theory (LST). The interfacial impedance (and the polarization resistance, R p ) initially increased with applied potential, within the passive range, due to the growth of the passive oxide layer. At a sufficiently high potential ( V > 0.4 V SHE ), within the transpassive dissolution region, the interfacial impedance (polarization resistance) is observed to decrease with increasing voltage, due to layer thinning and/or oxidative ejection of cations from the barrier layer. The interfacial impedance data for Alloy 22 as a function of voltage can be accurately modeled using an electrical analog comprising two R//C sub-circuits in series, which in turn are in series with a R//constant phase element sub-circuit. Because this analog is in a minimum phase, passive circuit, it must satisfy the K–K transforms a priori, which confirms the compliance of the system with the constraints of LST. The rate of corrosion of the alloy was found not to depend significantly on pH (1 − ] −1 (H 2 O)), and was generally found to compare well with corrosion rates reported by other workers.
Analysis of mobile source air toxics (MSATs)--near-road VOC and carbonyl concentrations.

Exposures to mobile source air toxics (MSATs) have been associated with numerous adverse health effects. While thousands of air toxic compounds are emitted from mobile sources, members of a subset of compounds are considered high priority due to their significant contribution to cancer and noncancer health risks and the contribution of mobile sources to total exposure as evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National-Scale Air Toxics Assessments (NATA). These pollutants include benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylbenzene, acrolein, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, naphthalene, polycyclic organic matter, and diesel particulate matter/organic gases. This study provided year-long trends of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde in Las Vegas, NV. Results indicated that MSAT concentrations often did not exhibit trends typical of other primary emitted pollutants in this study. Instead, other mobile sources beyond the highway of interest contributed to the measured values, inc...
Lend Me Your Ears: The Truth in the Fiction of The Glass Bees by Ernst Junger.

The Glass Bees by Ernst Junger was first published in Germany in 1957. It is a speculative fictional work that foretells much of what today is the reality of life in a technological society. Of particular import is his portrayal of the ambiguity of human character and moral guideposts that leave only power to mediate human relationships. These psychological and cultural symptoms can be traced to a society under the unremitting spell of the extension of technique. Headlines drawn from today demonstrate that the portrayal was not overstated.
Ratio of positron to electron bremsstrahlung energy loss: An approximate scaling law

We have calculated the total energy loss of an incident electron or positron due to the bremsstrahlung radiation from various atoms during a scattering. The kinetic energies considered for the incident electrons and positrons were 10, 50, and 500 keV. The calculations were performed with our relativistic partial-wave multipole-expansion numerical code (H. K. Tseng and R. H. Pratt, Phys. Rev. A 3, 100 (1971)). The differences between the radiative energy loss of positrons and electrons are considerable and cannot be disregarded. We observe that the ratio of the radiative energy loss for positrons to that for electrons obeys a simple scaling law, being expressible fairly accurately as a function only of the quantity T/sub 1//Z/sup 2/, where T/sub 1/ is the incident-particle kinetic energy and Z is the atomic number of the scatterer. This scaling law makes it possible to obtain the energy loss for positrons from existing electron bremsstrahlung data. The scaling is exact in the case of the point Coulomb potential, both in the classical bremsstrahlung formula and the nonrelativistic dipole Sommerfeld formula, not only for the ratio of total energy losses but also for the separate energy losses and even for the radiation energy spectrum. In themore » screened case scaling is significantly broken for the spectrum and for the total energy loss but remains fairly good for the ratio of the total energy losses. We will discuss scaling features of bremsstrahlung radiation energy loss and the behavior for both high and low energies.« less
Chlorhexidine substantivity in root canal dentin

Abstract Objective The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the substantivity of chlorhexidine (CHX) within a root canal system and to assess how long the CHX remains antimicrobially effective. Study design Bovine roots were sectioned and standardized to 8 mm. Sections, which served as controls, were treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite and 1 mol/L EDTA, then obturated with gutta percha and AH26 sealer. Experimental sections were treated similarly except they were placed in 2% CHX for 10 minutes prior to obturation. Control specimens were divided into 4 control groups and stored in saline for 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Experimental specimens were divided into 4 groups and stored in saline for 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. After their respective storage periods, all specimens were halved and canal wall dentin was ground out with Peeso reamers. Dentin specimens were agitated in 700 μl of saline for 5 hours to release CHX. After centrifugation the supernatants were analyzed with UV spectrophotometry at 253 nm. To determine whether the CHX from dentin samples remained antimicrobial, the extracts from experimental and control groups were mixed with cultures of Enterococcus faecalis. Results After 1 day of storage, the dentin extract contained approximately 0.0048% CHX. After 3, 6 and 12 weeks, dentin extracts contained approximately 0.0023%, 0.0016%, and 0.0010% CHX respectively. Extracts from the storage groups were found to be highly antimicrobial corresponding to the CHX concentration. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that CHX is retained in root canal dentin in antimicrobially effective amounts for up to 12 weeks.
Some correlates of health locus of control among multicultural individuals

The relationship of locus of control to depression, anxiety, hostility, and physical health was assessed in a sample of multicultural college students (N = 162). Powerful Others Health Locus of Control was correlated with depression, anxiety, hostility, and recent physical symptoms while Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) was correlated with all of the above as well as chronic physical symptoms and major health problems. When controlling for a variety of health risk factors (viz., age, sex, body mass, exercise, smoking, salt, alcohol, and caffeine), only CHLC remained significant in the physical health models. Results support the cognitive model of mental health which emphasize the importance of adaptive beliefs. Specifically, they suggest that issues about control are related to negative affect and indicate that the often-cited relationship of an external locus of control to depression and anxiety also holds for hostility. The findings do not, however, support the view that anxiety and depression are associated with different types of external locus of control but rather suggest a unified set of locus of control beliefs underlying the three types of negative affect. In addition, evidence is provided for the external validity of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales with respect to mental health. Further, the results indicate that belief about one’s health may play a significant role in one’s physical health and that the health behavior model of the relationship between locus of control and physical health is insufficient to explain the relationship. As the Chance and Powerful Others MHLC scales were not related to health habits in this sample but were related to mental health (viz., depression, anxiety, and hostility), locus of control beliefs may be related to physical health via their relationship with mental health.
Subfemtomole Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds Using Room Temperature Phosphorescence with Charge-Coupled Device (RTP-CCD)

Abstract We describe the application of a charge-coupled device (CCD) image detector system for rapid and sensitive detection of some polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) of environmental and biological interest using room temperature phosphorescence (RTP). The demonstration of the ability to detect two important PACs used as the model compounds, viz., pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,9,10-tetrahydrotetrol (BPT), at subfemtomole levels illustrates the performance of this RTP-CCD system. We describe the results of measurements using the instrumental set-up and the software we have developed, including routines for automatic optimization of signal to noise ratio.
Nonlinear least squares: A method for simultaneous thermal property determination in ablating polymeric materials†

A method of data interpretation known as nonlinear least squares has recently been applied by several authors to the study of polymeric materials. Nagler has used a modified method proposed by Blizzard and Jirka and has concluded that the method is impractical because it requires excessive computer time. It is shown that the difficulties Nagler encountered are inherent in Blizzard and Jirka's method, but not in the basic method. Three steps are outlined to minimize computer time, and a summary of successful applications is presented.
pol mutations conferring zidovudine and didanosine resistance with different effects in vitro yield multiply resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates in vivo.

Specific mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pol gene that cause zidovudine (39-azido-29,39-dideoxythymidine; AZT) and didanosine (29,39-dideoxyinosine; ddI) resistance were studied. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of nucleosides for cloned viruses containing these mutations were compared with the IC50s of the corresponding triphosphate analogs for mutant recombinant-expressed reverse transcriptases (RTs). Changes in ddATP inhibition of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity fully accounted for the ddI resistance of the virus caused by a Leu-74-->Val substitution in RT, including an augmentation by the AZT-selected substitutions Thr-215-->Tyr and Lys-219-->Gln in RT. In contrast, the AZT-selected substitutions studied did not cause as great a change in the IC50 of AZT-triphosphate (AZT-TP) for polymerase as they did in the IC50 of AZT for mutant virus. In addition, the mutation at codon 74 suppressed AZT resistance in the virus caused by the mutations at codons 215 and 219 but did not suppress the AZT-TP resistance of enzyme containing these same mutations in RT. The mutation at codon 74 was found in clinical isolates whether or not the patient had received AZT prior to starting ddI therapy. AZT resistance coexisted with ddI resistance following acquisition of Leu-74-->Val in three clinical isolates, indicating that the suppressive effect of Val-74 on the AZT resistance of the virus does not occur in all genetic contexts. When this suppression of AZT resistance was seen in the virus, Val-74 did not appear to cause mutually exclusive changes in AZT-TP and ddATP binding to RT in vitro. The results of the in vitro experiments and characterization of clinical isolates suggest that there are differences in the functional effects of these AZT and ddI resistance mutations.
Joining forces: Combined biological and geochemical proxies reveal a complex but refined high-resolution palaeo-oxygen history in Devonian epeiric seas

Abstract Two Devonian black shale intervals were analysed using a carefully integrated palaeontological–geochemical approach to interpret relative bottom water oxygen levels at a resolution and sensitivity possible only through the combined approach. Biological data presented as both trace and body fossil abundance and size suggest generally low bottom water oxygen conditions. The frequently laminated sediments would be viewed traditionally as recording appreciable intervals of anoxic and/or euxinic (anoxic and H 2 S-containing) bottom waters. The inclusion of parallel geochemical results, however, refines this perspective. Well-established iron proxies for depositional redox tell us that anoxic and euxinic conditions were intermittent and short-lived, if present at all. Manganese and molybdenum data point to conditions with a likelihood of very low oxygen in bottom waters during intervals with high pore-water concentrations of hydrogen sulphide near the sediment–water interface. These elevated sulphide concentrations under iron limited diagenetic conditions varied with organic content and may have further inhibited benthic colonization, and an active infaunal community more specifically. The combined palaeontological and geochemical data sets point to depleted bottom water oxygen contents with evidence for hydrogen sulphide limited dominantly or exclusively to the pore waters. Anoxia and euxinia, if present, occurred only intermittently and lasted only briefly, perhaps on seasonal time scales tied to primary productivity cycles or climatically induced variation in water column stratification. The time scales and mechanisms of rapid redox variation remain to be studied. The details of such transitional and dynamic settings are best viewed from a multi-proxy, biogeochemical and palaeoecological perspective. As an important byproduct, geochemical methods refined in multi-proxy studies of Phanerozoic shales can then be extended with greater utility to Precambrian strata without trace and body fossils.
Topology-based Efficient Downstream transport in wireless sensor networks

One-to-many (Downstream) transport in wireless sensor networks is illustrated by single node (sink) sending information to a number of sensor nodes. These nodes can be thrown or scattered randomly in the sensor field. Therefore, the topology i.e., density and node arrangement, can be unpredictable in different regions. In this work, we present a new Topology-based Efficient Downstream Communication (TEDT) protocol. TEDT uses controlled flooding for reliable data dissemination and NACK based error recovery schemes. The protocol operation is based on commonly referenced Pump Slowly Fetch Quickly (PSFQ) protocol. However, the frequency of NACKs and error recovery in TEDT protocol is dependent on the arrangement of nodes within the sensor field. We demonstrate in our simulation results that using an appropriate NACK frequency according to the topology of the nodes increases reliability while decreasing overhead, latency, and energy consumption.
HYPOTHALAMIC HYPOSOMATOTROPINISM IN CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE

Hyposomatotropinism can be due to a pituitary defect of growth hormone (GH) secretion, a hypothalamic defect of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) secretion or to a Neurosecretory Defect (NSGHD). Twenty-nine patients, aged 5-17 years, with height below the 5th percentile, delayed bone age and no organic disease were studied. GH status was evaluated by [1] a combined hormonal stimulation test (CHST) of sequentially administered insulin, GnRH, TRH, and L-Dopa, [2] 8-hour overnight GH test (CGH) and [3] IV (1-44)hp GHRH-NH2 infusion. Fourteen patients with growth rate (GR) of 3.7±1.1 cm/yr had a normal GH response on CHST (12.9 ± 4.5 ng/ml.) and GHRH (24.6±12.6) but subnormal OGH (2.6±0.7) compatible with NSGHD. Five patients with GR of 2.8±0.6 cm/yr had a subnormal GH response on CHST (2.6±1.4) and OGH(1.6±0.3) but a normal GH response to GHRH (11.3±5.7) compatible with GHRH deficiency. Two patients with a GR of 3.0 cm/yr had subnormal responses on CHST (2.3), OGH (1.3) and GHRH (1.6) compatible with pituitary GH deficiency. Eight patients with GR of 4.9±1.3 cm/yr had normal responses on all 3 tests, deficiency is mainly hypothalamic in origin. The most cammon form is the NSGHD with a clinical spectrum from a virtually normal growth rate down to severe growth stunting. GHRH deficiency is a less common, but is more common than a pituitary GH deficiency. This study demonstrates that combined physiologic and pharmacologic tests of GH reserve can determine the origin of the disorder.
An Overview of the Intentions of Health Care Reform

Executive Summary If upheld as constitutional, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that passed in 2010 promises to change health care delivery systems in the United States, partly by shifting focus from disease treatment to disease prevention. Registered dietitians (RDs) have already taken an active role in health care areas that stand to be directly affected by provisions in the health care reform bill. However, nutrition's vital role in preventing diseases and conditions potentially could translate to additional opportunities for RDs as a result of this reform. Specific dietetics-related areas targeted by health care reform include medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions and employee wellness incentive programs. However, dietetics practitioners are not necessarily established in the language of the bill as the essential providers of specific services or as reimbursable practitioners. Thus, although it is possible health care reform could affect demand—and, in turn, supply—of RDs, the actual effect of this legislation is difficult to predict.
A Chiral 60-Metal Sodalite Cage Featuring 24 Vertex-Sharing [Er4(μ3-OH)4] Cubanes

A chiral, cagelike, high-nuclearity lanthanide hydroxide cluster containing 60 Er(III) ions is reported. The cluster core possesses a fascinating sodalite-like structure with 24 vertex-sharing cubane-like [Er4(μ3-OH)4]8+ units. The hexagonal face of the sodalite cage features a templating μ6-CO32− ion. Magnetic studies revealed weak antiferromagnetic interactions.