cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blockade of the pre- and postjunctional effects of angiotensin in vivo with a non-peptide angiotensin receptor antagonist.

Abstract Recent reports indicate that some imidazole-5-acetic acid derivatives are competitive antagonists of angiotensin II receptors. However, to our knowledge, there is no published information regarding: 1) what constant infusion rate of these non-peptide angiotensin receptor blockers is necessary to effectively antagonize angiotensin receptors in vivo , 2) whether imidazole-5-acetic acid derivatives antagonize both prejunctional and postjunctional angiotensin receptors, and 3) whether effective levels of these compounds exert non-specific actions and/or partial agonist activity. To address these issues, either vehicle, 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-(2-nitrobenzyl) imidazole-5-acetic acid (CV-2961; 30 and 100 μg/min) or a standard angiotensin receptor blocker, 1 Sar 8 Ile-angiotensin II (100 ng/min), was infused intravenously into captopril-treated rats that were prepared for in situ perfusion of their mesenteric vascular beds. Infusion of CV-2961 for two and one-half hours did not alter arterial blood pressure, mesenteric perfusion pressure, plasma aldosterone level, or mesenteric vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation or exogenous norepinephrine. The higher dose of CV-2961 (100 μg/min) completely blocked angiotensin II-induced enhancement of vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and shifted the angiotensin dose-response curve 10-fold to the right with respect to angiotensin II-induced increases in mesenteric perfusion pressure. The effects of the lower dose of CV-2961 (30 μg/min) on these actions of angiotensin II were not statistically significant. 1 Sar 8 Ile-angiotensin II abolished both the prejunctional and postjunctional effects of angiotensin II. We conclude that in intact rats CV-2961, infused at 100 μg/min, antagonizes both prejunctional and postjunctional angiotensin II receptors, yet has a somewhat greater effect on the prejunctional actions of angiotensin II. CV-2961 is devoid of partial agonist activity, and no non-specific actions of CV-2961 are evident. Imidazole-5-acetic acid derivatives may find considerable utility as pharmacological probes and as therapeutic agents.
Varicella-Zoster Virus: A Re-Emerging Infection

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox (varicella), becomes latent in cranial nerve and dorsal root ganglia, and can reactivate many years later to produce shingles (zoster) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Elderly and immunocompromised individuals are also at risk for complications of VZV reactivation involving the central nervous system (CNS), including myelitis, large-vessel encephalitis/granulomatous arteritis, small-vessel encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and ventriculitis. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) complications range from zoster and postherpetic neuralgia to postinfectious polyneuritis (Guillain-Barre syndrome, GBS). These complications can occur with or without cutaneous manifestations. An increase in elderly and immunocompromised individuals will likely result in a higher prevalence of these conditions; therefore, VZV can be seen as a "re-emerging" infection of the early twenty-first century. In this review, we summarize our experience and the existing literature on CNS and PNS complications of VZV reactivation. Special attention is paid to reports of complications without rash, as these entities are more difficult to diagnose.
The influence of near-threshold priming on metamemory and recall.

Abstract A metamemory paradigm involving the use of near-threshold visual priming is developed in which a brief flash of a previously nonrecalled answer occurs, and then the person attempts to recall the answer and/or make feeling-of-knowing judgments. The major new findings is that the feeling of knowing did not detect perceptual input from a near-threshold prime that increased the recall of otherwise nonrecallable items. This finding has two important implications: (1) The feeling of knowing is not always more sensitive than recall as an indicant of information in memory (particularly, as an indicant of small amounts of information newly deposited into memory), and (2) ‘monitored’ information (that the feeling of knowing would be capable of detecting, as examined in previous research) can be combined with ‘nonmonitored’ information (that is newly deposited into memory and that the feeling of knowing does not detect) so as to produce the successful recall of an otherwise nonrecallable item.
Observation of some new traps introduced by low-energy Ar+ ion bombardment on n-GaAs

Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) Schottky barrier diodes fabricated on low-energy Ar+ ion bombarded (100) n-GaAs substrates are presented. The test devices consisted of liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) substrates and of a double-layer structure prepared by growing a 2 μ m thick lightly doped MBE grown n-GaAs layer on n-GaAs substrates. The LEC samples show two DLTS emission peaks corresponding to trap levels 0.40 and 0.76 eV (EL2), below the conduction band edge, while the MBE grown samples were free of defects. The ion beam etched samples show two distinct electron traps, 0.32 and 0.52 eV below the conduction band edge, for both substrate categories. The DLTS spectra also indicate the appearance of a trap level at 0.69 eV. The evidence that these traps were found to be independent of the substrate material and the details of device processing conditions suggest that they were entirely ion beam etching (IBE) induced. For the ion beam etched LEC samples the DLTS emission peak at 0.40 eV stayed while the EL2 peak disappeared. The observed disappearance of EL2 peak was considered to be due to a defect complex formation, as proposed in our earlier report. Calculations indicate that defect densities at 0.32 and at 0.52 eV increase as a function of ion beam energy for both substrates. Calculations of the damage depth profile induced by IBE suggest that discrete trap centers form in a region deeper than predicted by the LSS range distribution theory.
Got a Question? “Ask A Biologist”

Adjusting her headphones, fifth-grader Itzany Mendez carefully reads through her handwritten list to select her next interview question. She fixes Rebecca Clark, a doctoral student in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), with a curious look (see the first figure). Mendez's question reflects the perspective and natural observation skills found in a young scientist: “Why do ants huddle up like penguins?” she asks. “That's a great question,” Clark says, as she launches into a short discussion of animals and social groups.
Mantle convection with strong subduction zones

Because mantle viscosity is temperature‐dependent, cold subducting lithosphere should be strong, which implies that the rapid, localized deformation associated with subduction should strongly resist plate motions. Due to computational constraints, the deformation of a subducting plate cannot be accurately resolved in mantle‐scale convection models, so its effect on convection is difficult to investigate. We have developed a new method for implementing subduction that parametrizes the deformation of the oceanic lithosphere within a small region of a finite element grid. By imposing velocity boundary conditions in the vicinity of the subduction zone, we enforce a geometry for subduction, producing a slab with a realistic thermal structure. To make the model dynamically consistent, we specify a rate for subduction that balances the energy budget for convection, which includes an expression for the energy needed to deform the oceanic lithosphere as it subducts. This expression is determined here from a local model of bending for a strong viscous lithosphere. By implementing subduction in this way, we have demonstrated convection with plates and slabs that resemble those observed on Earth, but in which up to 40 per cent of the mantle's total convective resistance is associated with deformation occurring within the subduction zone. This additional resistance slows plate velocities by nearly a factor of two compared to models with a weak slab. For sufficiently strong lithosphere, the bending deformation slows surface plates sufficiently that they no longer actively participate in global‐scale convection, which occurs instead beneath a ‘sluggish lid’. By introducing a low‐viscosity asthenosphere beneath the oceanic plate, we demonstrate that small‐scale convection at the base of oceanic lithosphere may limit plate thickness, and thus the resistance to bending, and cause plate velocities to depend on the strength of the bending lithosphere rather than on the viscosity of the underlying mantle. For a cooling Earth, the effective lithosphere viscosity should be nearly constant, but the mantle viscosity should increase with time. Thus, subduction‐resisted convection should produce nearly constant plate velocities and heat flow over time, which has implications for the Earth's thermal evolution. We estimate that this style of convection should apply if the effective viscosity of the bending lithosphere is greater than about 10^(23) Pa s, but only if some mechanism, such as small‐scale convection, prevents the bending resistance from stopping plates altogether. Such a mechanism could be fundamental to plate tectonics and Earth's thermal history.
Junsuk and Junhyuck: Adolescent Immigrants’ Educational Journey to Success and Identity Negotiation

A parent-researcher examines two adolescent immigrants’ educational journey to success through the analysis of positioning theory and negotiated identities. Through the boys’ direct voices about their schooling experiences with a particular focus on the middle and high school years in the United States, this article reports on the complexities of their identity negotiation and the process of their self-positioning and interactive positioning. This longitudinal study suggests that, rather than a single focus on language or culture, the immigrant students’ critical awareness of identity, negotiated identities, and external confirmation of unique abilities enable them to construct and reconstruct the context that contributes to their success. This study aims to help educators reframe the dialogue on immigrant students to include a new voice, from their own perspectives, of how they have been able to be successful in the U.S. social and educational systems.
On Electromagnetic Environmental Fidelity in Damped Cylindrical Cavities

A study is made of the electromagnetic cavity mode structure of a cylindrical tank containing a cylindrical damper membrane. Maxwell's equations for the most general mode of a cylindrical tank is considered and reduced to the problem of solving a single transcendental equation written in terms of the Bessel function of the first and second kind. This equation is solved numerically for some representative damped cavities yielding modal frequencies and damping rates.
Differential effects of reserpine and alpha-methyl-P-tyrosine on norepinephrine and dopamine induced behavioral activity.

The locomotor activity of rats was monitored during the intraventricular infusion of either dopamine or norepinephrine after intraperitoneal pretreatment with saline, reserpine (5.0 mg/kg), or acute and chronic alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (125 mg/kg-1 or 8 days). While the hyperactivity produced by norepinephrine was potentiated 24 h after reserpine, the response to dopamine was reduced by reserpine. Chronic, but not acute, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine enhanced the effect of norepinephrine without altering the dopamine-induced activity. These results indicate: 1. dopamine-induced hyperactivity is due to its conversion to norepinephrine, and 2. prolonged depletion of central catecholamines may result in post-synaptic receptor supersensitivity.
Carrier mode selective working point and side band imbalance in LIGO I

In gravitational wave interferometers, the input laser beam is phase modulated to generate radio-frequency side bands that are used to lock the cavities. The mechanism is the following: the frequency of the side bands and the carrier is chosen in such a way that their response to small changes of the longitudinal degrees of freedom is different. This difference is therefore monitored and it serves as an error signal for controlling the optical cavity lengths, as they are linearly related to the set of observed phases between carrier and side bands. Among the others, one longitudinal degree of freedom is optimally sensitive to the space-time distortions propagating through the cosmos, as predicted by the general theory of relativity. The observation of the astrophysical signal relies on the measurement of that specific degree of freedom. The entire problem is more complex when the transverse degrees of freedom are taken into account, because the relative phase between the fields also depends on their overlap. In order to establish an unambiguous relation between length changes and phase measurements, there must be one circulating optical mode and the only difference between carrier and side bands must be their amplitude. We will show that the variability of the transverse degrees of freedom and their different actions on carrier and side band fields puts a severe limit on this assumption. Unless the system is made of perfect and perfectly matched optical cavities, it is never governed by one unique coherent state and any adjustment of the optical lengths results from a compromise between the lengths that are optimal for the carrier field and the side band ones. Such a compromise alters the correspondence between error signals and cavity lengths, calculated in the one-dimensional treatment. We assess the strength of this effect and relate it to the sensitivity of the instrument (which relies on the reconstruction of that correspondence) in realistic circumstances.
Paleokarst system development in the San Andres Formation, Permian Basin, revealed by seismic characterization

Abstract Paleokarst systems are one of the major factors resulting in carbonate reservoir heterogeneity and compartmentalization. Nevertheless, few effective workflows have been proposed to map the 3D distribution of such systems. We describe a detailed seismic characterization approach integrating core, well log and rock physics analysis, to reveal a complex subsurface paleokarst system in the San Andres Formation, Permian basin, West Texas. In the area of high volume production, the collapsed paleokarst system is characterized by irregularly developed crackle and fracture breccias, mosaic breccias and cave fillings in the Upper San Andres Formation, which are delineated using seismic acoustic impedance. Along the transition from platform to basin, the paleokarst system is marked by a linear collapse including sags and small vertical faults that are recognizable in seismic imaging. Production data indicates that tight paleokarst zones cause reservoir compartmentalization and influence fluid communication between wells. The complex paleokarst system development is explained using a carbonate platform hydrological model, an outcrop analogue similar to modern marine hydrological environments within carbonate islands. Our method of model development for complex subsurface paleokarst systems may be applicable to other paleoenvironments.
Presentation of Atrial Septal Defect in the Pediatric Population

Our recent experience indicates that patients with a hemodynamically significant atrial septal defect secundum (ASD2) do not necessarily present with classic physical and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings. The purpose of the study was to review the records of patients either receiving a catheter device or undergoing surgical repair for the closure of ASD2 to determine their initial physical and ECG findings. Therefore, we did a retrospective review of 47 consecutive patients who had echocardiographic evidence of a hemodynamically significant isolated ASD2 and who underwent ASD2 closure. Of these 47 patients, the presenting complaints were murmur (n = 36), chest pain (n = 6), seizure (n = 1), stroke (n = 1), syncope (n = 1), Kawasaki's disease (n = 1), and cardiomegaly (n = 1). Charts were reviewed for the evaluation of four abnormal physical findings: hyperactive right ventricular impulse, split fixed second heart sound, systolic and diastolic flow murmurs; and three ECG abnormalities: right axis deviation, right atrial enlargement, and evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy. In all, 30% of patients had either one or no typical physical findings, 18% had normal ECG findings, and 7% had no physical or ECG findings. On physical examination and ECG, the abnormalities due to ASD2 may be too subtle to detect. Although it is well known that variations can occur in the clinical signs and symptoms typical of ASD2, dependence on classical physical and or ECG findings may result in the underdiagnosis of a significant number of patients.
Modelling failure of natural rock columns

Abstract Natural rock columns often assume strange geometries that look unstable under the static loading of the rock mass itself and even more so under the resonance inducing, dynamic loads of seismic shaking. A two-dimensional finite element stress model was applied to the analysis of six selected rock columns formed in welded, horizontally jointed tuff in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. The columns were selected for precarious appearing geometries, such as asymmetrical overhangs, narrow aspect, and severely incut “hourglass” profiles. In none of the cases did the stress modelling indicate proximity to either compressional or tensile failure. The modelling revealed that failure because of slip along inclined joints penetrating the rock was much more likely. Surprisingly, columns with pronounced “hourglass” morphologies were found to be more stable than cylindrical columns in rock with non-horizontal joints. The uniformity of column heights suggests that either rare, high velocity winds or prehistoric seismicity cropped the previous generation of columns. An estimate of the resonant frequencies of a typical column provides some idea of the dynamic response of the columns to seismic shaking. The question of seismic destruction is intriguing because the columns were apparently unaffected by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake 120 km away in 1887.
Effects of premature responses on vulnerability to fibrillation in a computer model.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of premature responses on vulnerability to fibrillation using a computer model based on the wavelet hypothesis. The model simulated propagation, nonuniform recovery of excitability, and slow propagation during incomplete recovery. Vulnerability was assessed as the fibrillation threshold, which was defined as the duration of train stimulation required to initiate self-sustained reentrant excitation with multiple excitation fronts. The fibrillation threshold was determined at various premature cycle lengths in the presence of refractory periods of varied range and duration, at various rates, and after compensatory pauses and varied patterns of consecutive premature responses. The fibrillation threshold was found to be reduced by premature responses, and with increasing premature cycle length, there was an initial decrease followed by an increase of fibrillation threshold. The fibrillation threshold was directly related to the duration and indirectly related to the range of the refractory period. The time phase of curves relating premature cycle length and fibrillation threshold was such that premature responses at some cycle lengths were associated with a lower fibrillation threshold in the presence of longer refractory periods, with slower rates, and with an immediately preceding compensatory pause. The mechanism may be important in the proarrhythmia effects of drugs that prolong repolarization and in the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. Consecutive premature responses at a constant rate increased the fibrillation threshold in comparison with the initial response, while consecutive responses at an accelerating rate decreased the fibrillation threshold
Depressive symptomatology: Prevalence and psychosocial risk factors among Mexican migrant farmworkers in California

This is a study of 1,001 male and female Mexican migrant farmworkers, ages 18 to 59, in rural central California. The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression (CES-D) scale was used to measure prevalence of depressive symptomatology and its distribution on demographic, social support, acculturation, and acculturation stress variables. CES-D caseness rates (≥ 16) were 21.1% for men and 19.7% for women. Logistic regression showed significant risk increments among respondents with high levels of acculturation (adjusted OR = 6.2) and stress due to discrimination (adjusted OR = 2.4). © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
3D object recognition with photon-counting integral imaging using independent component analysis

The author presents an overview of 3D object recognition with photon-counting integral imaging using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). High resolution elemental images of 3D objects are captured at different angles to allow object recognition at different orientations using synthetic aperture integral imaging (SAII). Generated photon-counting elemental images are used to reconstruct the 3D images at different distances from the camera lens using a maximum a posteriori estimation method. The kurtosis maximization-based algorithm is applied as a non-gaussian maximization method to extract the independent features from the training data set. High dimensional data is pre-processed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce the number of dimensions. The author demonstrates how this method can effectively recognize 3D objects despite a small expected number of photons. This may be important for low light applications in medical or other settings.
Subsea LNG Transfer System

Many offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal designs have been proposed by industry in the last several years. Most base-load offshore LNG import terminals currently under development utilize either a bottom-founded structure, such as a gravity base or a jacket structure, or a floating structure such as a moored ship-shape hull. In either case, LNG transfer from the LNG carrier (LNGC) to the LNG import terminal is performed through side-by-side offloading. LNG transfer is accomplished with loading arms equipped with constant motion swivels and a wire-guided connection system. Side-by-side offloading has acceptable availability for mild environmental conditions. However, when applied in more severe environments, this type of LNG transfer system can limit the terminal throughput because of low berthing and offloading availability.
The Effect of Immunosuppression on Peritoneal Adhesions Formation After Small Bowel Transplantation in Rats

Background The reported incidence of adhesion related small bowel obstruction after abdominal organ transplantation is considerably lower than other abdominal procedures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of immunosuppression on peritoneal adhesion formation after intestinal transplantation in rats. Methods Four groups of rats ( n = 6) underwent small bowel intestinal transplantation in syngeneic (Groups A, B) and allogeneic (Groups C, D) combinations. Groups B and D received tacrolimus immunosuppression 1 mg/kg/d. Animals were euthanized on postoperative day 7, and the total adhesion score (TAS), tissue hydroxyproline content (HPC), TGF-β mRNA expression levels and histology were examined. Results All of the animals in Group C showed severe histological (Grade III) acute cellular rejection. There were no histological signs of rejection in Group D. A significant reduction in TAS was observed in tacrolimus treated animals in both syngeneic and allogeneic combinations (Groups B and D), compared with controls (Groups A and C) ( P P versus A, P versus C, P P Conclusion Intense adhesion formation occurs during early posttransplant acute rejection. Postsurgical adhesion formation is significantly reduced in immunosuppressed rats after intestinal transplantation.
Impact of Truck Arrival Information on System Efficiency at Container Terminals

This paper quantifies the benefits to drayage trucks and container terminals from a data-sharing strategy designed to improve operations at the drayage truck-container terminal interface. This paper proposes a simple rule for using truck information to reduce container rehandling work and suggests a method for evaluating yard crane productivity and truck transaction time. Various scenarios with different levels of information quality are considered to explore how information quality affects system efficiency (i.e., truck wait time and yard crane productivity). Different block configurations and truck arrival rates are also investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of truck information under various system configurations. The research demonstrates that a small amount of truck information can significantly improve crane productivity and reduce truck delay, especially for those terminals operating near capacity or using intensive container stacking, and that complete truck arrival sequence information is no...
Aggregation and Concentration-Dependent Sorting of Exocrine-Regulated Secretory Proteins

Sorting between the regulated and the constitutive secretory pathway in exocrine cells is thought to involve aggregation of regulated secretory proteins. This study demonstrates that, unlike endocrine secretory proteins, exocrine secretory proteins, including amylase, do not undergo homotypic aggregation under the conditions found in the sorting organelles. Also, unlike other exocrine proteins, amylase does not aggregate with chondroitin sulfate. Since amylase exhibits heterotypic aggregation, the role of protein concentration in amylase sorting was tested in AR42J cells. Secretion was stimulated with substance P and cholecystokinin from both untreated and dexamethasone-treated cells, with more efficient stimulation from dexamethasone-treated cells. These results indicate that amylase sorting is enhanced when its expression is stimulated by dexamethasone treatment.
Agricultural buffers at the rural-urban fringe: An examination of approval by farmers, residents, and academics in the Midwestern United States

In the Midwestern United States, urban areas most often expand by converting farmland into residential sites. This process puts households and working farms in close contact, often resulting in conflicts. Can agricultural buffers, which provide a variety of environmental and aesthetic benefits, help mediate this conflict? This study examined the approval of different buffer types by three stakeholder groups: farmers, residents, and academics. Participants rated three buffer conditions (no buffer, basic buffer, and extensive buffer) for each of six buffer types. Findings reveal support for buffers, with approval of basic buffers over three times that of the no buffer conditions and even greater approval for extensive buffers. Farmers, academics, and residents agreed on their approval for the basic buffers over no buffers, but differed with respect to the extensive buffers. Responses to buffers were nearly equivalent on privately and publicly owned land. The approval for buffers suggests they may provide more than their documented environmental benefits in the agricultural landscape.
Error Estimation of Nanoindentation Mechanical Properties Near a Dissimilar Interface via Finite Element Analysis and Analytical Solution Methods.

Nanoindentation methods are well suited for probing the mechanical properties of a heterogeneous surface, since the probe size and contact volumes are small and localized. However, the nanoindentation method may introduce errors in the computed mechanical properties when indenting near the interface between two materials having significantly different mechanical properties. Here we examine the case where a soft material is loaded in close proximity to an interface of higher modulus, such as the case when indenting bone near a metallic implant. The results are derived from both an approximate analytical quarter space solution and a finite element model, and used to estimate the error in indentation-determined elastic modulus as a function of the distance from the apex of contact to the dissimilar interface, for both Berkovich and spherical indenter geometries. Sample data reveal the potential errors in mechanical property determination that can occur when indenting near an interface having higher stiffness, or when characterizing strongly heterogeneous materials. The results suggest that caution should be used when interpreting results in the near-interfacial region.
Utilization of Manipulative Behavior in a Retarded Asthmatic Child

Abstract Hypnotic techniques were used with a mentally retarded asthmatic boy who coughed at night and had other behavior with which his parents could not cope. The one-session intervention utilized and capitalized on ego-syntonic feelings and behavior and channeled them into more adaptive activity, respected his need for control, reduced the attention-getting value of his misbehavior, and helped his parents handle his attempts to manipulate them. The patient's responses to these techniques were compared with hypnotic phenomena.
Light-Sensitive Oral Prescription Drugs

1112 Volume 44, December 2009 Often in a pharmacy, oral medications are repackaged or unit-dosed. Reasons for repackaging may include purchasing of a bulk bottle to decrease cost and removal of branding information for a study medication. None theless, whenever drugs are repackaged, the question of whether the medication needs to be protected from light arises because light can degrade a medication. After receiving such a question in our Drug Information Center, it became apparent that there was a lack of re sources available for an overall list and, after exploring several outlets (PubMed, Facts & Comparisons 4.0, and several listserves), we were able to locate 1 list published in 2008. It seems as if the authors of this list experienced the same conundrum as us. Thus, we expanded and updated the list to provide the following compilation of light-sensitive medications. While we realize this list is not exclusive, it does provide a nice reference for pharmacists and pharmacies participating in the packaging of medications.
Morphological study of abdominal gas shadows.

The importance of studying incidental gas shadows in the abdomen from a morphological point of view is illustrated.
Advanced diode-pumped solid state lasers (DPSSLs): near-term trends and future prospects

The features of modern, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays as sources for pumping high power solid state lasers are reviewed. The status and prospects for high power, high- beam quality Nd:YAG and Yb:YAG DPSSLs are examined. Developing concepts for novel high power DPSSLs are also outlined.
Development of a frontal small overlap crashworthiness evaluation test

Objectives: Small overlap frontal crashes are those in which crash forces are applied outboard of the vehicle's longitudinal frame rails. In-depth analyses of crashes indicate that such crashes account for a significant proportion of frontal crashes with seriously injured occupants. The objective of this research was to evaluate possible barrier crash tests that could be used to evaluate the crashworthiness of vehicles across a spectrum of small overlap crash types. Methods: Sixteen full-scale vehicle tests were conducted using 3 midsize passenger vehicles in up to 6 different test configurations, including vehicle-to-vehicle and barrier tests. All vehicles were tested at 64 km/h with an instrumented Hybrid III midsize male driver dummy. Results: All test configurations resulted in primary loading of the wheel, suspension system, and hinge pillar. Vehicles underwent substantial lateral movement during the crash, which varied by crash configuration. The occupant compartments had significant intrusion, part...
Fatal myocarditis associated with ECHO virus, type 22, infection in a child with apparent immunological deficiency

A 14-month-old boy succumbed to fulminating myocarditis. ECHO virus, type 22, was recovered in high titer from the myocardium, and in lower titer from pericardial fluid, liver, and lung. The diagnosis of congenital agammaglobulinemia was supported at autopsy by the absence of plasma cells, abnormal organization of lymphoid tissue, and absence of immunoglobulins in all tissues examined by fluorescent antibody techniques. This is believed to be the first isolation of an ECHO virus from the heart. Fatal virus infection in a child with non-lymphopenic agammaglobulinemia, with the exception of hepatitis, appears to be a very rare event.
RF fingerprinting of users who actively mask their identities with artificial distortion

Variations in the RF chain of radio transmitters caused by imperfections of manufacturing processes can be used as a signature to uniquely associate wireless devices with a given transmission. In our previous work [1], [2] we proposed a model based approach that allows for identification of wireless users with verifiable accuracy via time domain analysis of the signals received from the masquerading users. Here, more sophisticated criminals that, when masquerading, intentionally introduce nonlinear distortions to the data symbols in order to fake their signatures while allowing for proper data decoding, are considered for the first time. The method proposed in this work is based on spectral analysis and on the observation that nonlinear components cause baseband distortion and spectral regrowth of the signal that is dependent on the parameters of the nonlinearity. Hence, by analysis of the in-band distortion of the spectrum as well as the spectral regrowth, the masquerading users can be successfully identified even when they are nonlinearly modifying their data symbols. Using parameters obtained from the measurements of commercially used RF transmitters, we demonstrate the utility of our approach.
Characteristics and treatment modalities for African American women diagnosed with stage III breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Stage III breast cancers account for about 6% to 7% of all invasive breast cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. In African American (AA) women, the incidence of stage III breast cancers is almost double that in Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to correlate age, receptor status, nuclear grade, and differences in treatment modalities for stage III breast cancer in an inner-city hospital serving a large AA population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all stage III primary breast cancers diagnosed and or treated from 2000 to 2006. RESULTS: Of 840 primary invasive breast cancers, the authors identified 107 as stage III, 40.2% IIIA, 32.7% IIIB, 16.8% T4D, and 10.3% IIIC. The majority of the patients were AA (n ¼ 93, 86.9%). Stage IIIC patients were younger (P < .05). Triple negative tumors (TNT) accounted for 29.0%. TNT were more likely among the inflammatory breast cancers (50.0%) compared with the other 3 groups (P < .05). Twenty-two patients (20.5%) refused chemotherapy, and 24 of the 91 patients (26.3%) who should have received chest wall radiation refused. There was no difference in race, marital status, religion, or age in the patients that refused chemotherapy or radiation therapy versus the majority of patients in this series who received standard care. CONCLUSIONS: Stage III breast cancers in AA women have distinct clinical characteristics. A high number of these patients refused chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Reasons for refusal need to be better defined so strategies can be implemented to improve compliance for these advanced stage patients. Cancer 2009;115:3009–15. V C 2009 American Cancer Society.
Migrant Selection and the Health of U.S. Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union

Few prior studies have investigated the health of U.S. immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU). Utilizing data from the 2000 U.S. census and the 2000–2007 National Health Interview Survey (NIHS), we compare levels of disability of FSU immigrants with U.S.-born whites (ages 50–84). Our findings suggest an “epidemiologic paradox” in that FSU immigrants possess higher levels of education compared with U.S.-born whites, but report considerably higher disability with and without adjustment for education. Nonetheless, FSU immigrants report lower levels of smoking and heavy alcohol use compared with U.S.-born whites. We further investigate disability by period of arrival among FSU immigrants. Changes in Soviet emigration policies conceivably altered the level of health selectivity among emigres. We find evidence that FSU immigrants who emigrated during a period when a permission to emigrate was hard to obtain (1970–1986) displayed less disability compared with those who emigrated when these restrictions were less stringent (1987–2000). Finally, we compare disability among Russian-born U.S. immigrants with that of those residing in Russia as a direct test of health selectivity. We find that Russian immigrants report lower levels of disability compared with Russians in Russia, suggesting that they are positively selected for health despite their poor health relative to U.S.-born whites.
Cell surface changes during mitosis and cytokinesis of epithelial cells

PtK2 cells were studied with scanning electron microscopy to record changes on the cell surface during mitosis and cytokinesis. During prophase, prometaphase and metaphase, the cells remain very flat with few microvilli on their surfaces. In anaphase cells, there is a marked increase in the number of microvilli, most of which are clumped over the separating chromosomes and polar regions of the mitotic spindle leaving the surface of the interzonal spindle region relatively smooth. Microvilli appear over the interzonal spindle region in telophase and the cells also increase in height. At the beginning of cleavage, the distribution of microvilli is roughly uniform over the surface but it becomes asymmetric at the completion of cleav-age when the daughter cells begin to spread. At this time most microvilli are over the daughter nuclei and the surfaces that border the former cleavage furrow. The regions of the daughter cells distal to the furrow are the first to spread and their surfaces have very few microvilli. When chromosome movement is inhibited by either Nocodazole or Taxol, microvilli formation is inhibited on the arrested cells. Nevertheless cell rounding still takes place in the normal time period. It is concluded from these observations that the signal for the onset of chromosome movement in anaphase is accompanied by a signal for the formation of microvilli. It is suggested that there is also a separate signal for the cell-rounding event in mitosis and that microvilli do not play a role in this contractile process.
A complete theory of tests for a theory of mind must consider hierarchical complexity and stage

We distinguish traditional cognition theories from hierarchically complex stacked neural networks that meet many of Newell's criteria. The latter are flexible and can learn anything that a person can learn, by using their mistakes and successes the same way humans do. Shortcomings are due largely to limitations of current technology.
Kiik-Koba 2 and Neandertal axillary border ontogeny

The significance of morphological variation in the axillary border among Pleistocene and recent humans has been considered for nearly a century, with the high frequency of the dorsal sulcus pattern in the Neandertal lineage receiving particular attention. Although usually considered an epigenetic trait, or phylogenetic marker, the variation has also been related to functional demands on the shoulder region. The Kiik-Koba 2 infant Neandertal scapula, as one of the developmentally youngest ones known, exhibits a smooth ventral surface, a ventral displacement of the lateral margin, a prominent dorsal bar, and a dorsolateral sulcus along the border. This configuration is best seen as an incipient dorsal sulcus pattern, and given the young age-at-death of Kiik-Koba 2, supports the epigenetic trait interpretation of the morphological variation.
P2-purinergic receptors activate a guanine nucleotide-dependent phospholipase C in membranes from HL-60 cells.

We have previously determined that human neutrophils and monocytes, as well as neutrophil/monocyte progenitor cells, express a subtype of P2-purinergic receptors (for ATP) which activate the inositol phospholipid signalling system. In the present study, membranes prepared from HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells were used to examine the mechanism by which these ATP receptors activate phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) under defined in vitro conditions. Micromolar concentrations of the receptor agonists ATP, UTP, and ATPγS stimulated the GTP-dependent formation of inositol bisphosphate (IP2) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in washed membranes prepared from undifferentiated HL-60 cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol. The stimulatory effects of these nucleotides on PI-PLC appeared to be mediated through a GTP binding protein since minimal inositol polyphosphate accumulation was observed in the absence of guanine nucleotides. The increased inositol polyphosphate formation triggered by these nucleotide receptor agonists did not result from inhibition of GTP breakdown. Neither was it a consequence of increased [3H]polyphosphatidylinositol levels resulting from enhanced activity of membrane-associated PI- or PIP-kinases. Instead, the stimulated phospholipase activity was apparently receptor-mediated. The rank order of potency observed in these in vitro membrane assays (ATP = UTP > ATPγS ⪢ TTP > CTP ⪢ β,γ-CH-ATP) was similar to that observed with intact HL-60 cells. This order of potency appears to distinguish the P2-purinergic receptors expressed by human phagocytic leukocytes from the P2y-purinergic receptors which activate PI-PLC in turkey erythrocyte membranes.
Dry period and parturient predictors of early lactation hyperketonemia in dairy cattle

The purpose was to determine important dry and calving period predictors of (1) a cow developing hyperketonemia at any time between 3 and 16 d in milk (DIM) and (2) a cow having hyperketonemia at her first β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) test after calving (between 3 and 5 DIM). Cows from 4 freestall dairy herds [2 in New York (NY) and 2 in Wisconsin] were enrolled at 266 d carried calf. Precalving data included body condition score, locomotion score, and blood nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration; calving-associated data included previous days carried calf, calving ease, calf sex, twins, stillbirth, and parity. Cows were each tested 6 times for hyperketonemia from 3 to 16 DIM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays using the Precision Xtra meter (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL). Hyperketonemia was defined as a blood BHBA concentration of ≥1.2 mmol/L. Multivariable fixed-effects Poisson regression models were developed to predict the probability of a cow developing hyperketonemia between either 3 and 16 DIM or at her first BHBA test. As only the NY herds had precalving NEFA data, each prediction model was developed twice: once with data from all 4 herds (n=1,672) and once with data from only the NY herds (n=544). For the models with data from all 4 herds, increased body condition score group and an interaction between advanced parity and herd were important predictors of hyperketonemia development at any time from 3 to 16 DIM; calf sex (male), herd, and an advanced parity by increased body condition score group interaction were important predictors of hyperketonemia development between 3 and 5 DIM. The 4-herd models had a 64 and 78% predictive concordance for hyperketonemia between 3 and 16 DIM and at first BHBA test, respectively. For the models with data from the NY herds only, increased NEFA, calf sex (male), advanced parity, and herd were found to be important predictors of hyperketonemia development at any time from 3 to 16 DIM; increased NEFA, calf sex (male), decreased calving ease, stillbirth, and advanced parity were important predictors of having hyperketonemia at first BHBA test. The NY models had a 69 and 87% predictive concordance, respectively. These results may help identify at-risk animals and improve dry-cow management strategies before hyperketonemia develops.
Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization of the first phenyl bis-cyanoximes: non-chelating extended ionisable building block ligands for new MOFs

Two new isomeric bis-cyanoximes were synthesized and characterized by a variety of spectroscopic methods including UV-visible, infrared, NMR, pKa measurements and X-ray analysis. These synthesized compounds represent the first non-chelating bis-cyanoximes that can function as building blocks for new MOF-like structures.
Renewed but not Redeemed: Revising Elsie Dinsmore

Elsie Dinsmore, the first book in a late 19th century children’s series, is unique because it had not been adapted, just reprinted, until 1999. It is also unique in the setting, the mythic Southern plantation life of the 1850s. The 1999 edition ameliorated what is now recognized as racist language based on the images of the minstrelsy tradition, though consonant with the views of the time period. However, the deep structure of the story—its dependence on the plantation myth, its belief in the basic inferiority of African Americans, and its acceptance of slavery as compatible with Christianity—is not changed. The new edition is a comment on the publishing industry’s disregard of racial history and the importance of context for understanding literature.
Solid-state detection of energetic neutrons based on mercuric iodide crystals

Abstract The usefulness of mercuric iodide (HgI 2 ) crystals for measuring pulses of fast neutrons was investigated. The dominant mechanisms determining the sensitivity of HgI 2 to energetic (1–15 MeV) neutrons are inelastic neutron scattering from the iodine and mercury atoms within the HgI 2 crystal and the absorption of gamma rays associated with neutron-to-gamma conversion in the shielding material. The relative role of these two mechanisms depends on the thickness of the HgI 2 crystal and the amount and type of shielding material selected for the detector assembly. Both types of excitation events create a large number of free charge carriers per scattered neutron. Under the influence of an applied bias, this free charge is collected and appears as a current pulse which is proportional to the flux in the incident neutron pulse. Calculations of the energy deposited for our source-detector configuration are also reported.
Inhibition of Adventitious Bud Initiation in Hypocotyls of Flax by Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Flax Extract

HYPOCOTYLS of intact flax plants (Linum usit-atissimum L.) rarely develop buds. If decapitated, the young hypocotyl initiates adventitious buds some of which develop into flowering shoots1. The result is the same if both the cotyledonary buds and the epicotyl are removed, but the cotyledons are allowed to remain. Hypocotyls of plants with cotyledons and the young epicotyl enclosed in a plaster cast remain budless. Segments of hypocotyls2and of internodes occasionally initiate buds. These findings suggested that bud initiation is under hormonal control which is disturbed by partial or complete isolation.