cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effectiveness of Flinn's k-value versus Lode's ratio

Abstract Lode's ratio (ν) and Flinn's k-value are the most commonly used parameters for characterizing the shape of ellipsoids. Both parameters characterize this shape by utilizing ratios of the lengths of the principal axes. For oblate, plane strain, and prolate ellipsoids, k and ν have an exact relationship, but such is not true for any other ellipsoids. In fact, as k approaches zero and infinity, the possible range in ν is 1.0, i.e., 50% of its total range. Correspondingly, as ν approaches zero from either the right or the left, the possible range in k is 50% of its total range. Given the inherent differences between k and ν, we use synthetic datasets as a means of comparing the relative effectiveness of these two shape parameters in different strain regimes. Lode's ratio demonstrated a largely strain-shape-independent set of standard deviations whereas the k-value datasets were significantly dependent on both strain shape and magnitude. Furthermore, the geometry of the confidence regions within the Flinn diagram are very much strain regime dependent, so datasets with a range of k-values are difficult to compare. In view of these results, we encourage investigators to carefully evaluate their choice of ellipsoid shape parameter and the related graphical representation.
Metastasis of intracranial germinoma through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

A young man developed a tumor in the pineal region that grew along ventricular surfaces and caused obstructive hydrocephalus. Cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated malignant cells consistent with germinoma. Following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and radiotherapy, the tumor and the hydrocephalus regressed. Three years later, an intraperitoneal tumor appeared that was diagnosed by transcutaneous biopsy specimen as a germinoma. The abdominal germinoma also regressed after radiotherapy. While extracranial metastases of intracranial germinomas via shunts are probably rare, their occurrence, as exemplified by this case, argues for including protective filters in the shunts.
Polycarpamines A-E, antifungal disulfides from the marine ascidian polycarpa auzata.

Abstract Five novel benzenoids, polycarpamines A-E ( 1–5 ), with rare, sulfur-containing functional groups, have been isolated from the solitary marine ascidian Polycarpa auzata . The structures of these compounds were determined primarily through interpretation of their NMR characteristics and mass spectral fragmentation patterns. Polycarpamine B ( 2 ) exhibited significant antifungal activity in vitro against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans .
Sero-positive African Americans’ Beliefs about Alcohol and Their Impact on Anti-retroviral Adherence

Alcohol consumption has been associated with HIV disease progression; yet, the nature of this association is poorly understood. This study sought to determine the influence of patient beliefs about alcohol on ART adherence, and elucidate clinician beliefs about drinking and taking ART. Most patients (85%) believed alcohol and ART do not mix. The three alcohol consumption groups, light, moderate, and heavy, differed in their beliefs about drinking and ART with 64% of light and 55% of moderate drinkers skipping ART when drinking compared to 29% of heavy drinkers. Beliefs were derived from folk models of alcohol–ART interaction. Patients 50 and older were less likely to skip ART when drinking. Alcohol appears to affect adherence through decisions to forgo ART when drinking not through drunken forgetfulness. Furthermore, over one-half of clinicians believed alcohol and ART should not be taken together. These findings have implications for patient care and physician training.
An examination of the weak mutagenic response of 1-nitropyrene in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract Incubation of suspension cultures of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with 1-nitropyrene for as long as 2.5 h failed to induce mutations at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus, while incubation with 1-nitrosopyrene, a reduced derivative of 1-nitropyrene, resulted in a strong mutagenic response. Examination of the metabolites produced during these incubations indicated that 1-nitrosopyrene was rapidly reduced to 1-aminopyrene while 1-nitropyrene was not detectably metabolized. Both compounds produced a single major DNA adduct. N -(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene, in the CHO cells and a strong linear relationship was found between mutation induction and the extent of DNA binding. The low level of adducts produced by 1-nitropyrene was consistent with the weak mutagenic response produced by this compound. These results indicated that both 1-nitropyrene and 1-nitrosopyrene are reduced to a reactive electrophile, presumably N -hydroxy-1-aminopyrene, which produces potentially mutagenic DNA damage in CHO cells. Comparison of the relationship between N -(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene formation and mutation induction in CHO cells with the levels of 1-nitropyrene-induced DNA damage associated wit positive responses in other assays of genetic toxicity and with the number of mutations associated with the DNA adducts produced by other agents in CHO cell suggests that the CHO/HGPRT assay may be relatively insensitiveee to 1-nitropyrene-induced DNA damage. The poor capability of CHO cells in reducing 1-nitropyrene and the relative insensitivity of the assay to the DNA damage produced by this compound may contribute to the weak mutagenci response of 1-nitropyrene in CHO cells.
The use of aqueous normal phase chromatography as an analytical tool for food analysis: Determination of histamine as a model system

Abstract A simple, fast, robust protocol that does not require derivatisation for the determination of histamine, a polar primary bioamine, in red wine and food products is presented. Histamine can be retained and quantified under aqueous normal phase (ANP) conditions, using a Diamond Hydride (DH) column for high performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet–visible (HPLC–UV) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection. An ANP gradient was developed, allowing for the direct analyses of the wines and food products. The peak shape for this basic compound was also evaluated under optimal analytical conditions. From UV and MS detection, a linear correlation for quantitation is obtained. The basic strategy presented for the analysis of histamine is applicable to a broad range of polar compounds in a variety of foods and beverages.
ON THE MODE OF ACTION OF EDEINE. EFFECT OF EDEINE ON THE BACTERIAL DNA.

Abstract Edeine inhibits the synthesis of bacterial DNA as shown by the incorporation studies of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA of Escherichia coli 15 T − . It does not induce a release of [ 3 H]thymidine from prelabeled DNA. Edeine does not bind to the DNA. DNA isolated from edeine treated Bacillus subtilis shows the same binding pattern as the DNA of the untreated control, when centrifuged to the equilibrium in a CsCl density gradient. The resulting DNA heat denatured and rapidly cooled bands in the same position as the denatured normal DNA. The specific transforming activity of DNA obtained from B. subtilis exposed to the growth inhibitory concentration of edeine is the same as the transforming activity of the control DNA. Prolonged action of edeine added in large amount to the bacterial cultures decreases it. Edeine does not form complexes in vitro with poly-U and poly-A.
Cognitive brain potential alterations in boys exposed to opiates: in utero and lifestyle comparisons.

Abstract Several studies have observed that intrauterine exposure to opiates results in emotional and cognitive complications for the child, but genetic and postnatal social-environmental factors may also affect the CNS development of these children. To assess the relative contribution of the in utero and social-environmental (lifestyle) effects of opiate exposure, event-related potentials (ERPs) and performance were studied in three groups of 7-to 12-year-old boys: (1) the in utero/lifestyle group (IU/LS) contained 16 boys who were exposed to opiates (in utero and lived with opiate-abusing mothers, (2) the lifestyle group (LS) included 14 boys who lived with opiate-abusing mothers, and (3) the control group (CON) composed of 13 boys. The cognitive ERP components and task performance were recorded in the Auditory Rare Event Monitoring (AREM) task and the Sternberg Memory task (Sternberg, 1975). On the AREM and Sternberg Memory tasks, P200 component was significantly decreased for the IU/LS and LS groups. On the Sternberg Memory task, percent correct was also significantly impaired in IU/LS and LS groups. The ERP alterations in the boys living with opiate-abusing mothers with and without intrauterine opiate exposure were similar. A dysfunctional social environment may contribute to the cognitive deficits seen in the sons of opiate-abusing mothers.
Global stability result for the generalized quasivariational inequality problem

This paper studies some stability properties for the generalized quasivariational inequality problem. The study of this topic is motivated by the work of Harker and Pang (Ref. 1). A global stability result is obtained for problems satisfying certain conditions.
Research in Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Objectives: To evaluate the current status of fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] and myofascial pain syndrome [MPS], including methodological and statistical problems, and suggest future directions for research. Results: A number of well designed controlled studies in FMS have been most helpful for a better understanding of this disorder in recent years, while a lack of validated criteria has hampered meaningful research in MPS. Methodological and statistical errors published articles are common in both MPS and FMS. Conclusions: Based on current status of knowledge and problems, several suggestions are made for future research. MPS urgently needs a set of reliable and valid criteria. Aberrant central pain mechanisms may be the most important pathophysiological basis of both conditions and should be fully investigated in future studies.
Plant-based plume-scale mapping of tritium contamination in desert soils

Plant-based techniques were tested for field-scale evaluation of tritium contamination adjacent to a low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) facility in the Amargosa Desert, Nevada. Objectives were to (i) characterize and map the spatial variability of tritium in plant water, (ii) develop empirical relations to predict and map subsurface contamination from plant-water concentrations, and (iii) gain insight into tritium migration pathways and processes. Plant sampling [creosote bush, Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Moc. ex DC.) Coville] required one-fifth the time of soil water vapor sampling. Plant concentrations were spatially correlated to a separation distance of 380 m; measurement uncertainty accounted for
The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in North America: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature about the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in North America. METHODS: A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents/Science Edition databases was performed independently by two investigators. Study selection criteria included: 1) North American population-based sample of adults; 2) objective diagnostic criteria for IBS (i.e., Rome or Manning criteria); and 3) publication in full manuscript form in English. Eligible articles were reviewed in a duplicate and independent manner. Data extracted were converted into individual tables and presented in descriptive form. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS in North America ranges from 3% to 20%, with most prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 15%. The prevalences of diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant IBS are both approximately 5%. Published prevalence estimates by gender range from 2:1 female predominance to a ratio of 1:1. Constipation-predominant IBS is more common in female individuals. The prevalence of IBS varies minimally with age. No true population-based incidence studies or natural history studies were found. In one cohort surveyed on two occasions 1 yr apart, 9% of subjects who were free of IBS at baseline reported IBS at follow-up producing an onset rate of 67 per 1000 person-years. In all, 38% of patients meeting criteria for IBS did not meet IBS criteria at 1-yr follow-up. CONCLUSION: Approximately 30 million people in North America meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS. However, data about the natural history of IBS is quite sparse and renewed efforts should be focused at developing appropriately designed trials of the epidemiology of IBS.
Point-stress analysis of continuous fiberreinforced composite materials with an elastic-plastic matrix

Abstract The inability to accurately model the elastic-plastic behavior of certain composite materials currently under consideration by the aerospace industry, such as metal-matrix composites, has often hindered the use of these materials as efficient structural alternatives. A point-stress analysis computer code especially developed to address this issue is discussed herein, and comparisons are made between predicted and measured stress-strain behavior for various boron-reinforced aluminum laminates at room temperature and 600 °F. The computer program correlates well with most of the experimental results, but further improvements, such as the addition of a nonlinear matrix hardening model, are needed to increase accuracy.
Uterine Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Patient Receiving Tamoxifen Therapy

Abstract Introduction. Tamoxifen has been used as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. Its use has been associated with the development of proliferative endometrial lesions such as polyps, hyperplasia, and carcinoma. Mesenchymal tumors including malignant mixed mullerian tumors, endometrial stromal sarcomas, adenosarcomas, and leiomyosarcomas have been more recently described with tamoxifen use. Case report. This report describes the first case of a pure uterine rhabdomyosarcoma in a patient receiving tamoxifen therapy. Discussion. Although uterine rhabdomyosarcomas are rare tumors and may arise de novo, we discuss the possible role of tamoxifen in the development of these mesenchymal tumors.
Complexity Versus Reliability in Arrays of Reconfigurable Antennas

This communication discusses the complexity and reliability of switch reconfigurable antenna arrays using frequency-dependent graph models. Several graph models represent array configurations at various frequencies. The correlation and the inverse proportionality between the arrays' complexity and reliability are derived and proven. A process for prioritizing the various antenna configurations to improve the overall array performance is also discussed. Different examples are given to validate the formulations and prove the concept.
Synthesis and assembly of native myosin on muscle polyribosomes.

We have used the overload-induced growth of avian muscles to study the assembly of the newly synthesized myosins which were separated by non-denaturing pyrophosphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using this model, we have observed the appearance of fast-like isomyosins in polyribosomes prepared from slow anterior latissimus dorsi muscle after 72 h of overload. These new isoforms comigrating with native myosin from fast posterior latissimus dorsi muscle were not yet present in cellular extracts from the same muscle. The in vitro translation system utilizing muscle specific polyribosomes directs the synthesis of the corresponding myosin isoforms. Under denaturing conditions, myosin heavy chains and light chains dissociate to the expected subunit composition of each specific isoform. The synthesis and assembly of native myosin on polyribosomes indicate that myosin exists as a single mature protein prior to the incorporation in the thick filament.
Trends in the Management of Dairy Farms Since 1956

Management of a dairy farm involves making decisions related to all phases of the operation consistent with the resources available and the operator's objectives. The changes in United States dairy farming since 1956 are examined. Discussion is grouped by land and buildings, labor, capital, and management techniques. Constraints imposed by legislation are discussed. Trends noted are likely to continue in the coming years.
Characterization of SgcE6, the flavin reductase component supporting FAD-dependent halogenation and hydroxylation in the biosynthesis of the enediyne antitumor antibiotic C-1027

The C-1027 enediyne antitumor antibiotic from Streptomyces globisporus possesses an (S)-3-chloro-5-hydroxy-β-tyrosine moiety, the chloro- and hydroxy-substituents of which are installed by a flavin-dependent halogenase SgcC3 and monooxygenase SgcC, respectively. Interestingly, a single flavin reductase, SgcE6, can provide reduced flavin to both enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that, similar to other flavin reductases involved in natural product biosynthesis, SgcE6 belongs to the HpaC-like subfamily of the Class I flavin reductases. The present study describes the steady-state kinetic characterization of SgcE6 as a strictly NADH- and FAD-specific enzyme.
Detecting filtered cloning in digital images

We present an efficient technique to detect portions of a digital image that have been modified using textural information from another region of the image, for example Photoshop's healing brush or Poisson cloning. Common uses of these tools include removing damaged areas, blemishes and sometimes larger objects from a scene. We show that the methods are efficient and accurately identify the use of a large class of image manipulation techniques for uncompressed TIFF images and high quality compressed images. When applied to images that have higher compression levels accurate results are also obtained if the region that has been duplicated is sufficiently large.
A standardized approach for iris color determination.

Latanoprost, the phenyl-substituted prostaglandin F2α, has been found to be an effective agent for glaucoma therapy. This prostaglandin derivative exerts ocular hypotensive activity but is also ass...
Oscillations in the Magnetic Field of the Solar Corona in Response to Flares near the Photosphere

The magnetic field in the outer solar atmosphere is frequently distorted by flares. In some cases, a fraction of the field exhibits a rapidly damped oscillation (Schrijver et al.; Aschwanden et al.). If this is a resonating wave trapped in the field, then the rapid damping requires a viscosity or resistivity that is at least 108 times larger than expected (Nakariakov et al.). We propose instead that some of the field lines are so sensitive to the source positions that rocking motions of the photospheric plasma associated with some solar flares (Kosovichev & Zharkova) cause a few loops to oscillate in (anti)phase in the fundamental mode, with a period and decay rate that are determined largely by the characteristics of the photosphere, saying little about the high atmosphere.
Structure and permeation in gegenion complex Langmuir-Blodgett films

Abstract Polyion complexes of arachidic acid and poly (ethyleneimine) were deposited onto Celgard 2400 microporous support membranes and the permeabilities of carbon dioxide and nitrogen through these composite membranes were measured at elevated temperatures. While nitrogen is relatively inert, carbon dioxide tends to have a high solubility in the hydrophilic polymer and the resulting difference in the permeabilities of carbon dioxide and nitrogen can be used to characterize solution-diffusion permeation. Room-temperature gas permeabilities were consistent with Knudsen diffusion through holes or defects. At elevated temperatures the permeabilities of carbon dioxide increased sharply while those of nitrogen increased only moderately indicating that the solution-diffusion mechanism became competitive with Knudsen diffusion. Room-temperature reflection and transmission IR spectra of films on separate substrates indicated that the alkyl tails of the fatty acid were oriented parallel with the surface normal and were packed hexagonally. At elevated temperatures, the tails and the carboxylate head groups disordered with increasing temperature. The disordering was correlated with the sharp increase in the carbon dioxide permeability.
Ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A review of completed investigations

Background and Objective: The objective was to evaluate clinical trial data on the use of ketamine in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Materials and Methods: PubMed search (November 2012) was initiated using the keywords: Ketamine, resistant depression. Inclusion criterion included: English language publications describing clinical trial reports on humans with TRD. Results: A total of 360 patients across 15 clinical trials with TRD were treated with infusional ketamine. On average 15-90% of patients reported a >50% decrease in their baseline Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale/Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at 4 h. Response rates decreased significantly as time progressed. Conclusion: Infusional ketamine has a significant rapid, short-term antidepressant effect in the treatment of TRD.
A typology of strategic choice

Abstract There is an incredible paucity of studies focusing on what it takes to produce a successful strategic decision. The purpose of this paper is to advance the body of knowledge in this most important area. Using a two-dimensional typology of strategic choice, twelve real-world cases of strategic decision making are classified and evaluated. The results of these evaluations tend to confirm the typology of strategic choice and to suggest a need for additional research to validate the hypothesis that a formal decision-making process is conducive to successful strategic decision outcomes. This paper is intended for both professors and practioners of strategic choice.
Safety and efficacy of limited-dose tissue plasminogen activator in acute vascular occlusion

Abstract Objective: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of limited-dose tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in patients with acute vascular occlusion and to compare these results with those obtained in equivalent patients receiving urokinase. Methods: We compared the results of 60 patients receiving catheter-directed urokinase from November 1997 to November 1998 (240,000 units/h × 4 h, 120,000 units/h thereafter for a maximum of 48 h) with those of 45 patients receiving catheter-directed t-PA from November 1998 to August 2000 (2 mg/h, total dose ≤100 mg) for acute arterial occlusion (AAO) and acute venous occlusion (AVO). Interventional approaches such as cross-catheter and coaxial techniques were used to reduce the dose of lytic agent needed to achieve pre–lysis-treatment goals (eg, complete lysis of all thrombus/unmasking graft stenosis or establishing outflow target). Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and Fisher exact test. Results: The urokinase and t-PA groups were comparable with regard to age, comorbidities (coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, renal insufficiency, smoking), duration of ischemic or occlusive symptoms, location of occlusive process, pretreatment with warfarin, and thrombotic versus embolic and native versus graft occlusion in patients with AAO. In patients with AAO and in those with AVO, t-PA was equivalent to or better than urokinase with regard to percent of clot lysis, incidence of major bleeding complications, limb salvage, and mortality. Achievement of pretreatment goals (arterial patients only) was 50% for urokinase patients and 76% for t-PA patients (P =.02). Analysis of success in individual pretreatment-goal achievement showed urokinase and t-PA to be equivalent in unmasking stenoses (85% and 84%, respectively; P = NS), whereas t-PA was superior to urokinase in the more critical task of establishing run-off (39% versus 81% for urokinase and t-PA, respectively; P =.001). Additional interventions, either endovascular or surgical, were required in 60% and 51% (P = NS) of patients receiving urokinase and t-PA, respectively, for AAO, and in 54% and 62% (P = NS) of patients receiving urokinase and t-PA, respectively, for AVO. Conclusions: Limited-dose t-PA is a safe and effective therapy for AAO and AVO when administered by experienced teams using innovative but well-established interventional techniques. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:854-9.)
Model sensitivity and robustness in the estimation of larval transport: A study of particle tracking parameters

Abstract Many marine organisms spend their early lives as planktonic larvae dispersed by ocean currents. Predictions of larval transport are important for a wide range of applications including the interpretation of population genetics, fisheries management, and the planning of no-take marine protected areas. A popular method for predicting larval transport is through the use of coupled ocean circulation and particle tracking models, termed “biophysical” models. Although much research has been done on the sensitivity and uncertainty of ocean circulation models, the sensitivity of particle tracking models for the assessment of larval transport has been largely overlooked. This study investigates the sensitivity of larval transport predictions to three input parameters universally required for particle tracking in biophysical models; namely the number of particles released, the particle release depth, and the particle tracking time. Using a three-dimensional biophysical model of the Southern California Bight, estimates of larval transport are quantified using a two-dimensional vertically-integrated particle density distribution (PDD) and the difference between PDDs is assessed using the fraction of unexplained variance (FUV). Overall, our study shows that larval transport predictions are sensitive to changes in all three input parameters and that the sensitivity is affected by the strength of mixing in the system. For the number of particles released, the FUV falls off rapidly as the number of particles increases. A minimum number of particles is identified that guarantees robustness of model predictions; this number increases as the complexity of the circulation patterns increases. For the particle release depth, the FUV between PDDs grew linearly as particles are released farther apart. The FUV is also inversely proportional to the strength of vertical mixing as the FUV is smaller in the winter when a deep mixed layer and weak stratification are present and larger in the summer when the system is strongly stratified. For the particle tracking time, the FUV between daily PDDs is much larger for short tracking times of 15 days or less than for longer tracking times of 20 days or more, showing a dependence on the length of time the particles take to be evenly mixed throughout the system. Our study quantifies the parameter sensitivity of larval transport predictions and presents a straightforward methodology to achieve robust predictions of larval transport from biophysical models.
Experience with measuring magnetic moments of permanent magnet blocks at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Since May 1985, the Magnetic Measurements Engineering Group at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) has measured and sorted a total of 3834 permanent-magnet blocks. These magnetic blocks have been used in the construction of various successful accelerator beam-line elements including dipoles, quadrupoles, and wigglers. The authors report on observed variations in magnetic moments among blocks supplied by five manufacturers, describe the operational capabilities (accuracy, precision, and resolution) of the LBL Magnetic-moment Measurement and Sorting System (MMSS), cite the results of comparative calibrations by permanent-magnet manufacturers and other national laboratories, and suggest criteria for automating the MMSS for measuring the large number of permanent-magnet blocks required for the insertion devices for the projected LBL 1-2-GeV Synchrotron Radiation Source. >
Factor structure of PTSD symptoms in opioid-dependent patients rating their overall trauma history

Abstract Background The current standard for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis is a 3-factor model (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Two 4-factor models of PTSD, the emotional numbing model (re-experiencing, avoidance, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal) and the dysphoria model (re-experiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, and hyperarousal), have considerable empirical support in the extant literature. However, a newer 5-factor model of PTSD has been introduced that is receiving interest. The 5-factor model differs from the four-factor models in its placement of three symptoms (irritability, sleep disturbance, and concentration difficulties) into a separate cluster termed dysphoric arousal. We empirically compared the theoretical factor structures of 3-, 4-, and 5-factor models of PTSD symptoms to find the best fitting model in a sample of opioid-dependent hospitalized patients. Methods Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the 17 self-reported PTSD symptoms of the Posttraumatic Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL-C) in a sample of 151 men and women with opioid dependence. Results Both four-factor models fit the observed data better than the three-factor model of PTSD; the dysphoria model was preferred to the emotional numbing model in this sample. The recently introduced five-factor model fit the observed data better than either four factor model. Conclusions PTSD is a heterogeneous disorder comprised of symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, numbing, and dysphoria. Three symptoms, irritability, sleep disturbance, and concentration difficulties, may represent a unique latent construct separate from these four symptom clusters in opioid-dependent populations who have experienced traumatic events.
1-amino-3,7,8-trichlorodibenzo-P-dioxin: A specific antagonist for TCDD-induced myelotoxicity

It was recently reported that suppression of murine bone marrow hematopoiesis is a very sensitive indicator for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity (1). We report here that a structural analog of TCDD, 1-NH2-3,7,8-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (NH2-TriCDD), is a specific and effective antagonist for TCDD-induced myelotoxicity and enzyme induction. When administered to mice or added directly into culture at a 100-fold excess, relative to TCDD, NH2-TriCDD completely abrogated the ability of TCDD to inhibit granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-C) formation, an indicator of hematopoiesis. Further, NH2-TriCDD inhibited TCDD-induced activation of cytochrome P1-450 monooxygenase activity. Studies designed to measure specific binding of TCDD to the cytosolic Ah receptor indicated that NH2-TriCDD effectively inhibited binding of TCDD to the receptor by acting as a competitive antagonist (Ki = 0.72 nM).
Cholesterol Gallstone Dissolution Rate Accelerators I: Exploratory Investigations

Various compounds that might function as cholesterol gallstone dissolution accelerators were studied. The dissolution rates of cholesterol monohydrate pellets in synthetic bile (116 mM sodium cholate-32 mM lecithin) containing the agent at various concentration levels were determined. In the absence of any dissolution rate accelerator, the dissolution kinetics for cholesterol previously were found to be interfacial resistance controlled, and the rates were around 20 times less than the diffusion-controlled rates in the present experiments. Primary, secondary, and tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium compounds were effective accelerators. When the alkyl chain lengths were long enough and/or when the agent concentrations were high enough, the dissolution rates generally approached diffusion-controlled rates. Steroidal amines generally had good activity. Anionic and nonionic surfactants had little or negative activity.
A Model Fit Statistic for Generalized Partial Credit Model

Investigating the fit of a parametric model is an important part of the measurement process when implementing item response theory (IRT), but research examining it is limited. A general nonparametr...
On General Circulation and Energy Budget in the Area of the Central American Seas

Abstract The field of large-scale vertical motion and the atmospheric-oceanic energy budget in the areas of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico are studied with emphasis on seasonal and regional variations, using the available radiosonde data of the entire year 1960. The atmosphere over the Caribbean Sea exports latent heat during the winter half of the year, changing to import during summer, while divergence of the latent heat flux prevails over the Gulf of Mexico during most of the year with the exception of midsummer. The troposphere as a whole imports geopotential energy and sensible heat during winter in the Caribbean, and during most of the year in the Gulf area, this being effected by the upper-tropospheric westerly current originating over the equatorial regions of the eastern Pacific. During the summer half of the year, an export of geopotential energy and sensible heat takes place over the Caribbean Sea, being concentrated in the upper-tropospheric easterlies, this pattern also including th...
Collaborative visualization for military planning

So that a military commander has precise command, control, and planning information available for a given mission, information must be tailored for a particular area of operation, for a specific level of command, and for a specific time period. The commander must be able to quickly understand the information, query related information, and analyze the information in collaboration with others to plan and control a military operation. To provide such tailored information, we envision an environment in which customized agents traverse a diverse, distributed, frequently changing information space to identify relevant data. Once aware of the data, visual interfaces facilitate understanding and navigation. Geographically separated users manipulate a customized view to access a common information framework in which they can interactively collaborate with other users. We propose an architecture for achieving this vision that is well suited to implementation with Jini networking technologies. As a first step toward achieving this architecture we have developed a collaborative visualization framework that enables multiple distributed users to interact using shared visual interface components while simultaneously communicating via a text-based chat window. Our framework provides communications management and messaging support and well-defined Java class interfaces for integrating visualization components. Initial results indicate significant benefits for application development through reuse and extensibility. We achieved interactive performance and synchronized collaboration using JavaSpaces as the underlying distributed technology.
Single molecule analysis of bacterial polymerase chain reaction products in submicrometer fluidic channels

Laser induced fluorescence in submicrometer fluidic channels was used to characterize the synthesis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from a model bacterial system in order to explore the advantages and limitations of on chip real time single molecule PCR analysis. Single oligonucleotide universal bacterial primers and PCR amplicons from the 16S rDNA of Thermobifida fusca (325 bp) were directly detected at all phases of the reaction with low sample consumption and without post-amplification purification or size screening. Primers were fluorescently labeled with single Alexa Fluor 488 or Alexa Fluor 594 fluorophores, resulting in double labeled, two color amplicons. PCR products were driven electrokinetically through a fused silica channel with a 250 nm by 500 nm rectangular cross section. Lasers with 488 nm and 568 nm wavelengths were focused and overlapped on the channel for fluorescence excitation. All molecules entering the channel were rapidly and uniformly analyzed. Photon burst analysis was used to detect and identify individual primers and amplicons, and fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy were used to account for analyte flow speed. Conventional gel and capillary electrophoresis were also used to characterize the PCR amplification, and the results of differences in detection sensitivity and analyte discrimination were examined. Limits were imposed by the purity and labeling efficiency of the PCR reagents, which must be improved in parallel with increases in detection sensitivity.
The passivity of the pulmonary vasculature in hypoxia.

Abstract The blood flow through each of the main pulmonary arteries was measured by rotameter in the pentobarbitalized thoracotomized dog. Induction of hypoxia by unilateral or bilateral insufflation of nitrogen or 10 per cent oxygen produced increases in pulmonary systolic and mean arterial pressures, but the diastolic pressure was unaffected. The cardiac output was increased in every instance. The calculated pulmonary vascular resistance was unchanged. These data challenge the concept that hypoxia produces pulmonary vasoconstriction. Instead, the pulmonary vasculature appears to be passive under these circumstances.
Local regulation of granulosa cell maturation

Fluid from small antral follicles inhibits several functions of porcine granulosa cells from 3-10-mm follicles in vitro, whereas fluid from large follicles stimulates cells from small follicles. Local factors may be needed in vivo to enable granulosa cells to fully respond to gonadotrophins. Only those follicles containing local stimulators may develop while those containing inhibitors may become arrested in development or become atretic. We have compared the actions of GnRH analogs and chondroitin sulfate (CS) on porcine granulosa cell steroidogenesis with actions of follicular fluids. GnRH agonist mimicked follicular fluid inhibition of progesterone secretion but GnRH antagonist did not antagonize follicular fluid's inhibitory actions. GnRH antagonist mimicked follicular fluid enhancement of basal and LH-stimulated progesterone secretion, but did not mimic follicular fluid enhancement of FSH action or stimulation of estrogen secretion. GnRH agonist blocked the enhancement of LH-stimulated progesterone secretion by both GnRH antagonist and stimulatory follicular fluid. CS inhibited basal and LH-stimulated progesterone secretion but did not inhibit pregnenolone utilization, aromatase activity or estrogen secretion. GnRH-like molecules and CS may be partially responsible for follicular fluid actions on granulosa cells. The actions of other molecules are needed to explain the total effects of follicular fluids on granulosa cells.
Dynamic wetting: Hydrodynamic or molecular-kinetic?

The dynamic wetting behavior of simple liquids (water, glycerin, formamide, ethylene glycol, and a mixture of water and ethylene glycol) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oils with different viscosities has been investigated. The hydrodynamic, molecular-kinetic, and combined molecular-hydrodynamic models have been applied to the experimental results to evaluate the models' adequacy. Our work suggests that the molecular displacement, i.e., the adsorption and desorption process, seems to be dominant for the simple liquids investigated. For polydimethylsiloxanes, our work suggests that none of the evaluated models is sufficient to explain the experimentally observed dependence of the dynamic contact angle on contact velocity. This work, to the best of our knowledge, provides the first extensive comparison of the three models with experimental data over a wide range of viscosity. In addition, we have investigated the contact angle hysteresis and conclude that it is a strong function of the contact speed, the interactions between the fluids and the substrate, and the fluid viscosity.
Intraportal Islet Oxygenation

Islet transplantation (IT) is a promising therapy for the treatment of diabetes. The large number of islets required to achieve insulin independence limit its cost-effectiveness and the number of patients who can be treated. It is believed that >50% of islets are lost in the immediate post-IT period. Poor oxygenation in the early post-IT period is recognized as a possible reason for islet loss and dysfunction but has not been extensively studied. Several key variables affect oxygenation in this setting, including (1) local oxygen partial pressure (pO2), (2) islet oxygen consumption, (3) islet size (diameter, D), and (4) presence or absence of thrombosis on the islet surface. We discuss implications of oxygen-limiting conditions on intraportal islet viability and function. Of the 4 key variables, the islet size appears to be the most important determinant of the anoxic and nonfunctional islet volume fractions. Similarly, the effect of thrombus formation on the islet surface may be substantial. At the University of Minnesota, average size distribution data from clinical alloislet preparations (n = 10) indicate that >150-µm D islets account for only ~30% of the total islet number, but >85% of the total islet volume. This suggests that improved oxygen supply to the islets may have a profound impact on islet survivability and function since most of the β-cell volume is within large islets which are most susceptible to oxygen-limiting conditions. The assumption that the liver is a suitable islet transplant site from the standpoint of oxygenation should be reconsidered.
Equilibrium density-gradient procedure for selection of synchronous cells from asynchronous cultures

A reproducible isopycnic technique, in which linear density gradients of Ficoll are used, was developed for selecting synchronous daughter cells from asynchronous cultures of Chlorella for biochemical studies of the cell cycle.
Evidence for metabolism of fluoromethyl 2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (compound A), a sevoflurane degradation product, by cysteine conjugate beta-lyase.

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane is degraded to fluoromethyl 2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (FDVE), a potent rat nephrotoxin. In rats in vivo, FDVE undergoes glutathione conjugation and metabolism to cysteine conjugates, whose bioactivation by renal cysteine conjugate β-lyase has been implicated by the protective effects of (aminooxy)acetic acid, an inhibitor of cysteine conjugate β-lyase. We specifically tested the hypothesis that FDVE is metabolized via the β-lyase pathway to yield 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy)propanoic acid. Urine of rats administered FDVE (0.3 mmol/kg) was extracted and derivatized with diazomethane. Headspace GC/MS analysis demonstrated a peak whose retention time and mass spectrum were identical to those of synthetic methyl 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy)propanoate. Pretreatment of rats with (aminooxy)acetic acid significantly decreased the amount of 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy)propanoic acid detected in the urine of FDVE-treated animals. The 19F NMR spect...
Incessant SVT in children: Ectopic atrial tachycardia and permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia

Abstract Ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) and permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) can cause incessant and medically refractory SVT in children, leading to heart failure and shock. In this review, we discuss the diagnosis, medical treatment, and indications for ablation for these two very different but equally difficult to treat arrhythmias.
The history of ultrasound

Diagnostic medical ultrasound may have a brief history, but its roots date back to the early nineteenth century. From its modest beginnings in military institutions where ultrasound was used to examine pathologic specimens, to the routine evaluation of the fetus, injured patients, and those with cerebrovascular disease, ultrasound has secured a position as a key diagnostic test both currently and in the future. Its ability to diagnose valvular and congenital heart disease has reduced the need for invasive cardiac angiography with its attendant risks. Furthermore, endoluminal, transvaginal, transrectal, and transesophageal ultrasound have expanded physicians' diagnostic armamentarium and ability to "look inside" their patients. Notwithstanding all these advancements, ultrasound research and development continue to be fostered, and the ideas of today will be the technology of tomorrow (Fig. 5).
Effects of broadening on BCS theory in the presence of Van Hove singularities.

There have been recent suggestions that high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ superconductivity can be understood in terms of conventional BCS theory if there is a logarithmic Van Hove singularity in the electron density of states near the Fermi energy as suggested by band theory. We consider the effects of broadening of the singularity on theories of this type. The broadening may be caused by inhomogeneities arising from doping or structural defects, electron inelastic scattering, and three-dimensional dispersion.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO ULTRASOUND: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Epidemiologic studies and surveys and widespread clinical usage over 25 years have yielded no evidence of any adverse effect from diagnostic ultrasound. Nonetheless, the inability to find convincing proof of an effect, either from epidemiology or from physicians' experience, does not preclude the possibility of it happening. Statistical reasoning shows that even with large population studies, it is difficult to identify a small increase in the rate of a commonly occurring event. Subtle effects, long-term delayed effects, and certain genetic effects, could easily escape detection.
Photochemistry of Aryl Vinyl Sulfides and Aryl Vinyl Ethers: Evidence for the Formation of Thiocarbonyl and Carbonyl Ylides

Aryl vinyl thioethers 5a and 9a and aryl vinyl ethers 5b and 9b form ylide intermediates following laser irradiation at 308 nm. In benzene, the ylides possess long-lived absorption bands in the 600-800 nm region with a second weaker band at approximately 460 nm. In methanol, a known quencher of zwitterionic species, the lifetimes are reduced significantly. The decay kinetics measured within the long wavelength absorption envelope vary with wavelength, indicating the presence of more than one ylide species. Formation of the ylides occurs via a naphthalene-like triplet state in the case of aryl vinyl ethers, while for the thioethers the multiplicity of the ylide precursor could be either singlet or triplet. Product formation in benzene for 5a and 5b involves ring closure of the ylide to produce dihydrothiophene and dihydrofuran products, respectively. For short periods of irradiation (either lamps or laser) a mixture of cis- and trans-fused products is observed, while for prolonged irradiation only the cis-fused compound is detected, suggesting a photoenolization mechanism for conversion of trans to cis. In addition to products derived from ring closure, 9a provides intramolecular addition product 12. Conversely, the ylide derived from 9b gives rise to the [3 + 2] cycloaddition product 13.
Information Technology Control and Audit (4th ed.) by Sandra Senft,Frederick Gallegos, and Aleksandra Davis

Information Technology Control and Audit puts forward a complete review of information technology (IT) governance, controls, auditing applications, systems development, and operations. The book sup...