cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flash photolysis of carbon suboxide: absolute rate constants for reactions of C(3P) and C(1D) with H2, N2, CO, NO, O2 and CH4

The vacuum ultraviolet flash photolysis of C 3 O 2 in the 159.0 nm absorption band has been investigated. The major primary products are C( 1 S), C( 1 D), C( 3 P), and CO. The species C 2 and C 3 have also been observed but are of minor importance in the overall reaction scheme. A number of pressure independent reactions involving C( 3 P), C( 1 D), and C( 1 S) with CO, CH 4 , N 2 , NO, O 2 , and H 2 have been observed by means of the kinetic-spectroscopic method. The rate constants measured at room temperature are summarized here (cm 3 s -1 molecule -1 ): C( 3 P) + CH 4 → C 2 H 4 (?) k -15 (7) C( 1 D) + CH 4 → C 2 H 2 + H 2 k = 3.2 x 10 -11 (8) C( 1 D) + N 2 → C( 3 P) + N 2 k ≈ 2.5 x 10 -12 (10) C( 3 P) + NO → CN + O k = 1.1 x 10 -10 (12) C( 1 D) + NO → CN + O k = 9.2 x 10 -11 (13) C( 1 D) + H 2 → CH + H k = 4.15 x 10 -11 (18) C( 1 S) + H 2 → CH + H(?) k -12 (19) C( 3 P ) + O 2 → CO + O k = 3.3 x 10 -11 (20) C( 1 D) + O 2 → CO + O(?) k -12 (22) The pressure dependent reaction rates of C( 3 P) with N 2 , CO, and H 2 have been qualitatively measured and are discussed in detail.
Strange Parallels: A Far Promontory

RETHINKING EURASIA Between 1240 and 1390 the principal realms of mainland Southeast Asia collapsed. The same was true of France and Kiev, whose political and economic travails merged with a general European crisis. After a political revival that started in most cases in the mid-1400s and continued for a century or so, in the late 1500s the chief kingdoms in what are now Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Vietnam, France, and Russia again fell apart, this time more briefly. For a second time political fortunes then stabilized, aided in each case by administrative and military reforms. Yet in the second half of the 18th century a third round of warfare and disorder spread across mainland Southeast Asia and, from its French epicenter, across Europe. And once again, in both regions these disturbances ushered in a phase of renewed consolidation and effective reform. Other than by sheer coincidence, how can we explain these correlations between regions with no obvious cultural or material links? Why in each realm did successive interregna tend to grow less prolonged and dislocating? Conversely, in these far-flung Eurasian areas – as well as in Japan, China, and European states whose chronologies did not match exactly the cyclic pattern just described – why should movements toward administrative integration have become increasingly successful over the long term? And why did sustained consolidation characterize some sectors of Eurasia, but not others?
Magnitude of Hurricane Ike storm surge sedimentation: implications for coastal marsh aggradation

There is a paucity of information on the regional distribution and magnitude of hurricane storm surge sedimentation. This study assesses the spatial extent and magnitude of Hurricane Ike's (2008) storm surge sedimentation and discusses implications for the role of hurricanes in marsh aggradation. The characteristics of the storm surge deposit, including thickness, inland penetration, volume and mass, were determined for 15 transects across marshes bordering the Gulf of Mexico in south-eastern Texas and south-western Louisiana. The deposit is up to 0·85 m thick, extends up to 3·6 km inland, and has an estimated volume of about 13·7 million m3 and an estimated mass of about 16·2 million metric tons. This level of sedimentation is one to two orders of magnitude larger than other potential sources of marsh sedimentation, including annual riverine inputs and inputs from alongshore sediment transport. The study findings add support to a growing body of evidence that hurricanes may be the predominant sediment source for long-term aggradation of many coastal marshes bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral Health Literacy Assessment: development of an oral health literacy instrument for Spanish speakers

Objective To develop an oral health literacy instrument for Spanish-speaking adults, evaluate its psychometric properties, and determine its comparability to an English version.
Fatigue properties of parts printed by PolyJet material jetting

Purpose – This paper aims to seek to fill a gap in the literature by characterizing the fatigue life and microstructure of a printed elastomer material, the TangoBlackPlus material. Design/methodology/approach – Because the TangoBlackPlus material is marketed as “rubber-like”, the printed elastomer specimens were tested according to the ASTM D4482-11 “Test Method for Rubber Property Extension Cycling Fatigue”. The microstructure of the printed material and multi-material interface was examined by slicing specimens and examining them under an optical microscope. Findings – Findings are developed to show the relationship between elongation and expected fatigue life. Findings also indicate that the smoother, non-support encased “glossy” surface finish option for PolyJet parts improve the fatigue life of components and that there are a number of microscopic voids in the TangoBlackPlus material that seem to be concentrated at layer and print head boundaries. Research limitations/implications – This paper provi...
Calcification and Thickening of the Aortic Wall Complicating Aortocoronary Grafting: A Technical Modification

A method to anastomose saphenous vein grafts to a calcified or severely arteriosclerotic ascending aorta is presented. A portion of the aorta is replaced by a synthetic prosthesis from which the grafts are delivered through individual openings.
Reliability of the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method for Assessing Causality in Drug-Induced Liver Injury

The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) was developed to quantify the strength of association between a liver injury and the medication implicated as causing the injury. However, its reliability in a research setting has never been fully explored. The aim of this study was to determine test-retest and interrater reliabilities of RUCAM in retrospectively-identified cases of drug induced liver injury. The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network is enrolling well-defined cases of hepatotoxicity caused by isoniazid, phenytoin, clavulanate/amoxicillin, or valproate occurring since 1994. Each case was adjudicated by three reviewers working independently; after an interval of at least 5 months, cases were readjudicated by the same reviewers. A total of 40 drug-induced liver injury cases were enrolled including individuals treated with isoniazid (nine), phenytoin (five), clavulanate/amoxicillin (15), and valproate (11). Mean ± standard deviation age at protocol-defined onset was 44.8 ± 19.5 years; patients were 68% female and 78% Caucasian. Cases were classified as hepatocellular (44%), mixed (28%), or cholestatic (28%). Test-retest differences ranged from −7 to +8 with complete agreement in only 26% of cases. On average, the maximum absolute difference among the three reviewers was 3.1 on the first adjudication and 2.7 on the second, although much of this variability could be attributed to differences between the enrolling investigator and the external reviewers. The test-retest reliability by the same assessors was 0.54 (upper 95% confidence limit = 0.77); the interrater reliability was 0.45 (upper 95% confidence limit = 0.58). Categorizing the RUCAM to a five-category scale improved these reliabilities but only marginally. Conclusion: The mediocre reliability of the RUCAM is problematic for future studies of drug-induced liver injury. Alternative methods, including modifying the RUCAM, developing drug-specific instruments, or causality assessment based on expert opinion, may be more appropriate. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Phospholipid hydroxyalkenals, a subset of recently discovered endogenous CD36 ligands, spontaneously generate novel furan-containing phospholipids lacking CD36 binding activity in vivo.

We recently identified a novel family of oxidized choline glycerophospholipid (oxPC) molecular species enriched in atheroma that serve as endogenous ligands for the scavenger receptor CD36 (oxPCCD36), facilitating macrophage cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation (Podrez, E. A., Poliakov, E., Shen, Z., et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 38517–38523). A high affinity CD36 recognition motif was defined within oxPCCD36, an oxidatively truncated sn-2 acyl group with a terminal γ-hydroxy (or oxo)-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl. The fate of these species once formed in vivo is unknown. Here we show that a subset of oxPCCD36, a phosphatidylcholine molecular species possessing sn-2 esterified fatty acyl hydroxyalkenal groups, can undergo a slow intramolecular cyclization and dehydration reaction to form novel oxPC species possessing a sn-2 acyl group that incorporates a terminal furyl moiety (oxPC-furan). Using high performance liquid chromatography with on-line tandem mass spectrometry in combination with unambiguous organic synthesis, we confirm that oxPC-furans, ultimately derived from phospholipids with sn-2 esterified docosahexaenoic, arachidonic, or linoleic acids, are formed during exposure of model membranes and isolated lipoproteins to physiological oxidant systems. In vivo generation of oxPC-furans at sites of enhanced oxidant stress is also demonstrated, such as within brain tissues following cerebral ischemia. Cell binding studies reveal that in contrast to their oxPCCD36 precursors, oxPC-furans lack CD36 binding activity. Taken together, the present studies identify oxPC-furans as a novel family of oxidized phospholipids that are formed in vivo from phospholipid hydroxyalkenals but that lack CD36 binding activity.
Estimating lognormal hazard function

Abstract The estimation problem of the hazard function on the basis of a lognormal (or normal) sample is considered from the decision theoretical point of view. A necessary and sufficient condition for the admissibility of a natural estimator under quadratic loss is derived.
Increasing attendance at alcohol aftercare using calendar prompts and home based contracting

The effect of an appointment-keeping intervention on attendance at aftercare was examined for 50 male participants in an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Subjects received either a calendar prompt and home-based attendance contract intervention (Experimental group, N = 25) or standard aftercare treatment arrangements (Control group, N = 25). Participants were followed for eight aftercare sessions over a 6-month period. Results showed significant attendance differences between groups for the first seven aftercare sessions, with nearly twice as many experimental subjects as control subjects attending aftercare sessions. Further, significantly fewer experimental than control subjects (24% fewer) were dropped from the alcohol program for three consecutive nonattendances. The present study provides an effective technology for increasing aftercare attendance and thus potentially increasing the probability of long term maintenance of alcohol treatment effects.
A CORRELATION FOR THE ACCELERATION LENGTH IN VERTICAL GAS-SOLID TRANSPORT

A correlation has been tested for the determination of the acceleration length of fine particles in vertical, two phase, upward flow. This correlation is based upon data obtained in different studies. The dimensionless acceleration length is correlated with the Froude number, the particle to tube diameter ratio, the particle to fluid density ratio, the gas Reynolds number and loading.
MOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA: THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF ORAL FEEDING EXPERIENCE

To study the effects of altered oral experience on development, five children with unrepaired esophageal atresia were observed from birth for periods of 8 months to 9 years. Three children were fed only by gastrostomy while two had a full range of oral experiences including sham oral feedings of milk and baby foods (which drained through a cervical esophagostomy), given simultaneously with gastrostomy feedings so as to retain the oral reflexes and cyclic hunger and satiation. The influence of maternal deprivation on the infants' development was anticipated, evaluated, and minimized by supportive assistance to the family. Direct observations of the mothers and infants were supplemented by films, developmental testing and the parents' written observations. The 3 infants in whom oral experience was severely deficient from birth had marked gross motor retardation without neurological or mental deficits. In addition they rarely showed intense responses, such as anger, had little attachment to toys and had nonspecific responses to their parents' presence or absence. Despite adequate caloric intake these 3 children were all below the third percentile in weight and body length after the sixth month. In sharp contrast, the 2 children who had a full range of oral experience were normal in every respect. The results suggest that early oral feeding experiences may profoundly influence motor development.
Finite Dimensional Behaviors of the Primitive Equations Under Small Depth Assumption

In this article, we study the asymptotic degrees of freedom for solutions to the primitive equation (PEs for brevity). More precisely, we will prove that the long-time behavior of solutions to PEs is determined by the set of either finite Fourier modes, line elements, or volume elements. Our results show that the long-time behavior of the PEs is determined by the baro-tropic flows that are independent of the vertical direction in ℝ3. This study builds upon the previous article by the author concerning the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions to the PEs in thin domains.
Laboratory Investigation of the Mass Stability of Sampling Cassettes from Inhalable Aerosol Samplers

A study was conducted to evaluate the mass stability of the materials used in the construction of samplers with internal cassettes for the gravimetric measurement of inhalable aerosol exposures. The internal cassettes from IOM samplers were studied. Results indicate that the mass stability of filters is uniform, but the mass stability of the cassette material may dramatically affect the results of the measurement. Cassettes constructed from plastic exhibited drastic shifts in mass depending on the environmental conditions of their storage. Under room humidity, the plastic cassettes absorbed 1 to 2 mg of water over several days. When these cassettes were placed in a desiccator, they lost mass consistently but did not approach a stable mass. Studies repeated with cassettes made of stainless steel showed negligible mass variability. Based on this study, the use of stainless steel cassettes is recommended for gravimetric determinations of aerosol exposure, although field blanks may in some cases be used for c...
People, Places, and Adolescent Substance Use: Integrating Activity Space and Social Network Data for Analyzing Health Behavior

This research investigates the influence of place and social network characteristics on substance use among a sample of 215 urban, primarily African American, adolescents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We utilize survey data that capture the places that adolescents perceive to be risky and safe, as well as their home location. The survey also captures the egocentric social network characteristics that are associated with each type of place for each adolescent. Place-characterization data included indicators of a variety of physical features we theorize might enhance or mitigate the likelihood of substance use, such as the locations of alcohol outlets, recreation centers, and violent crime. We employ multivariate Tobit regression to investigate the relationships of place and social characteristics with substance use behavior. Substance use was greater for males and older adolescents but was associated with few physical features of adolescents’ homes or perceived safe places. Substance use was enhanced by several characteristics of adolescents’ perceived risky places, such as commercial activity in distressed neighborhoods. In addition, the presence of substance users at an adolescent’s perceived risky place was associated with an increase in substance use. Substantial differences concerning gender and age were also observed. Girls and older adolescents tend to be more sensitive to social and place characteristics as compared to boys. This study highlights the importance of capturing activity space characteristics, perceptions of places, and social network data for investigating substance use, as well as for studies of other health and crime behaviors.
Rescaled Magnetization for Critical Bipartite Curie–Weiss Models

We consider a bipartite generalization of the Curie–Weiss model in a critical regime. In order to study the asymptotic behavior of the random vector of the total magnetization we apply the change of variables that diagonalizes the Hessian matrix of the pressure functional associated to the model. We obtain a new vector that, suitably rescaled, weakly converges to the product of a Gaussian distribution and a distribution proportional to \(\exp (-\xi x^{4})\), where the positive constant \(\xi \) can be computed from the pressure functional.
Dietary Sodium Intake and Cardiometabolic Conditions in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

Introduction: Adult survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC) are at high risk for cardiometabolic conditions. We aimed to assess the associations between dietary sodium intake and cardiometabolic condi...
Self-Disclosure and Mental Health Service Use in Socially Anxious Adolescents.

Social anxiety disorder is highly prevalent in adolescence, persistent into adulthood, and associated with multiple impairments. Despite the development of efficacious treatments for socially anxious youth, few affected adolescents receive such treatment. This study examined service use in a sample of high school students (n = 1,574), as well as predictors of treatment delay and factors associated with adolescents’ disclosure of social difficulties. Self-report measures of social anxiety and service utilization were administered by study staff to 10th- and 11th-grade classrooms across three public high schools. Consistent with the literature, results indicated low treatment utilization (14 %) and lengthy delays in treatment initiation. Symptom severity, impairment, and disclosing anxiety to school personnel were significant predictors of service utilization. Several demographic and illness-specific factors were associated with a higher likelihood of disclosing social discomfort. These findings underscore the important role of school personnel in identifying and referring youth with anxiety disorders. Implications are discussed for increasing access to services, including school-wide screenings and training of school personnel to recognize and provide intervention for anxious youth.
Biarticular and monoarticular muscle activation and injury in human quadriceps muscle.

We hypothesized that activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle group during eccentric exercise is related to the increase in magnitude of several markers of muscle injury that developed during the next week. Fourteen male subjects performed six to eight sets of five to ten repetitions of single-leg eccentric-only seated knee extension exercise. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were collected before and immediately after exercise and on days 2-4 and 6 after eccentric exercise. Changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), perceived soreness, muscle volume and muscle transverse relaxation of water protons (T2) were determined for the quadriceps femoris muscle group each day. Changes in muscle volume and T2 were determined every day for each muscle [vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), vastus intermedius (VI), rectus femoris (RF)] of the quadriceps femoris group. Post-exercise T2 was greater than pre-exercise T2 (P 0.05) among VL, VM, VI, and RF [5.5 (0.3) ms], suggesting that the four muscles were equally activated during eccentric exercise. In the week after eccentric exercise, subjects experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and all muscles demonstrated a delayed increase in T2 above pre-exercise values (P 0.05). Similar results were obtained when VL, VM, VI and RF were examined separately. Of the four muscles in quadriceps femoris, the biarticular RF experienced greater muscle injury [delayed deltaT2= 15.2 (2.0) ms] compared to the three monoarticular vasti muscles [delayed deltaT2 = 7.7 (1.3) ms; P< 0.05]. We propose that the disproportionate muscle injury to RF resulted from an ineffective transfer of torque from the knee to hip joint during seated eccentric knee extension exercise, thus causing RF to dissipate greater energy than normal. We conclude that in humans, muscle activation is not a unique determinant of muscle injury.
Application of the energy gap law to the decay of charge transfer excited states, solvent effects

Abstract Values of non-radiative decay rate constants (knr) and emission energies (Ecm) have been obtained for Os(Phen3)2+ in a series of solvents and the results are consistent with the energy gap law. For hydroxylic solvents like water or methanol related studies suggest the existence of strong, specific contributions to the vibrational trapping energy of the solvent.
In vitro determination of disintegration time of quick-dissolve tablets using a new method

In the pharmaceutical market, several new oral formulations with fast disintegration times are emerging [1][2][3][4][5][6]. A significant segment of the population, particularly aged persons and ch...
"Centrality" and "Balance" in Southeast Asia: Official Ideologies and Regional Crisis

In this paper, it is argued that the concepts of "centre" and "balance" have a conspicuous presence in the universe of Southeast Asian political thought and that political practice also displays a strain toward the centre. However, the difference between the two concepts is not merely a matter of semantic interest. During what may come to be recalled as the era of ASEAN's prosperity, most countries' political centres flourished; but in the early phase of the region's "monetary crisis" (a shorthand expression for a convergence of destabilizing events), it is already apparent that "balance" is being trumped by attempts to hold the "centre(s)". These attempts are not encouraging. Just when it was becoming possible to imagine a regional political centre, the region has embarked upon a complex, extensive unravelling, a de-centring of unknown proportions.
Interior library GIS

Purpose – Geographic information systems (GIS) are used in business and government and have potentially powerful applications to the library, specifically “interior GIS” mapping of the collection itself. This paper seeks to argue for the implementation of GIS software in library collection analysis.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains GIS history, the technology, design with spreadsheet and ILS database, statistical advancements, power of the GIS connection, and the importance of “democratizing” technology for libraries.Findings – GIS is a powerful tool for any business or organization that keeps inventory and monitors transactional usage. GIS is going to be implemented in libraries sooner rather than later. The libraries that implement GIS early will have an intellectual advantage over those coming on‐board late. GIS should be part of collection librarian technology.Practical implications – Librarians can benefit from visually analyzing the collection and its use trends. GIS will allow librar...
The structure and analysis of nanotechnology co-author and citation networks

Research activities and collaborations in nanoscale science and engineering have major implications for advancing technological frontiers in many fields including medicine, electronics, energy, and communication. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) promotes efforts to cultivate effective research and collaborations among nano scientists and engineers to accelerate the advancement of nanotechnology and its commercialization. As of August 2008, there have been over 800 products considered to benefit from nanotechnology directly or indirectly. However, today's accomplishments in nanotechnology cannot be transformed into commercial products without productive collaborations among experts from disparate research areas such as chemistry, physics, math, biology, engineering, manufacturing, environmental sciences, and social sciences. To study the patterns of collaboration, we build and analyze the collaboration network of scientists and engineers who conduct research in nanotechnology. We study the structure of information flow through citation network of papers authored by nano area scientists. We believe that the study of nano area co-author and paper citation networks improve our understanding of patterns and trends of the current research efforts in this field. We construct these networks based on the publication data collected for years ranging 1993 through 2008 from the scientific literature database "Web of Science". We explore those networks to find out whether they follow power-law degree distributions and/or if they have a signature of hierarchy. We investigate the small-world characteristics and the existence of possible community structures in those networks. We estimate the statistical properties of the networks and interpret their significance with respect to the nano field.
Stopped-Flow Analysis of Substrate Binding to Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase†

The kinetics of binding l-arginine and three alternative substrates (homoarginine, N-methylarginine, and N-hydroxyarginine) to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were characterized by conventional and stopped-flow spectroscopy. Because binding these substrates has only a small effect on the light absorbance spectrum of tetrahydrobiopterin-saturated nNOS, their binding was monitored by following displacement of imidazole, which displays a significant change in Soret absorbance from 427 to 398 nm. Rates of spectral change upon mixing Im-nNOS with increasing amounts of substrates were obtained and found to be monophasic in all cases. For each substrate, a plot of the apparent rate versus substrate concentration showed saturation at the higher concentrations. K-1, k2, k-2, and the apparent dissociation constant were derived for each substrate from the kinetic data. The dissociation constants mostly agreed with those calculated from equilibrium spectral data obtained by titrating Im-nNOS with each substrate...
COX-2 inhibition demonstrates potent anti-proliferative effects on bladder cancer in vitro.

Abstract Purpose: Determine the in vitro effect of Rofecoxib in vitro in regards to cell growth, apoptotic activity, and prostaglandin production. Introduction and Objective: Rofecoxib (VIOXX) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is a critical enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2. The inducible isoform of COX-2 is overexpressed in many gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract tumors. We hypothesized that in vitro treatment with rofecoxib would inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells by apoptotic pathways. Methods: Two human bladder cancer cell lines (T24, mutant p53, and TCCSUP, p53 wild type) were grown in culture using standard techniques and treated with rofecoxib at a dose of 125 μg/well. Cell viability was measured by MTT at 24 and 72 hours. Apoptosis was evaluated using a cell death detection kit. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results: TABLE—ABSTRACT P11 . Cells Apoptosis % Cell inhibition PGE2 (pg/ml) T24 Ctl N.A. N.A. 147.4 ± 4.3 T24 24 hrs 226.7 ± 57.0% ∗ 18.1 ± 10.4% 84.1 ± 3.8 ∗ T24 Ctl N.A. N.A. 234.5 ± 5.6 T24 72 hrs N.A. 64.4 ± 3.2% ∗ 87.9 ± 6.7 ∗ TCC Ctl N.A. N.A. 4669.9 ± 27.4 TCC 24 hrs 110.4 ± 28.4% 3.7 ± 7.5% 4218.3 ± 24.8 ∗ TCC Ctl N.A. N.A. 4622.5 ± 47.1 TCC 72 hrs N.A. 67.9 ± 2.9% ∗ 3622.1 ± 42.6 ∗ ∗ P Conclusions: Selective COX-2 inhibition, using the well-tolerated and commercially available rofecoxib (VIOXX), reduced the growth of human bladder cancer in vitro by apoptotic mechanisms. Further in vivo and human studies are warranted to evaluate the safety and clinical utility of this agent in patients with bladder cancer.
The reactions of xenon and fluorine to form xenon fluorides

The present paper recounts experiments that we have been carrying on since 1963 in an effort to ascertain whether the principal reactions involved in the formation of xenon fluorides from xenon and fluorine are heterogeneous or homogeneous. The results here presented clearly indicate that the reactions are heterogeneous and occur for the most part on the fluorinated walls of the Monel reaction vessels or on the surface of added metal fluorides. CoF 3 , NiF 2 , and CaF all exhibited catalytic activity for the fluorine-xenon reactions.
Hydrophobic Interactions Improve Selectivity to ERα for Ben-zothiophene SERMs.

The discovery, pharmacology, and biophysical characterization of an estrogen receptor α (ERα) selective benzothiophene (BTPα) is described. BTPα (4) is a high-affinity ligand with 140-fold greater selectivity for ERα (Ki = 0.25 nM) over estrogen receptor β (ERβ) (Ki = 35 nM). In rodent models of estrogen action, BTPα blocks the effects of estrogen in the uterus but mimics the effects of estrogen on bone. The basis of ERα selectivity for BTPα was evaluated by using protein crystallography and hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry. HDX data support that the n-butyl chain of BTPα stabilizes helix 7 in ERα relative to that of ERβ, which we propose leads to an enhancement of affinity to the α-receptor subtype.
Response of stomatal resistance and photosynthesis to night temperature in Populus deltoides.

Ramets from stem cuttings of three populations of Populus deltoides Bartr. from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Louisiana representing a latitudinal gradient were grown in pots outdoors at Urbana, Illinois and brought indoors for growth chamber studies. Leaf resistance and photosynthetic response to low night temperatures of 4° and 10° C were determined relative to 20° C controls for plants measured over one growing season. Plants from Louisiana, where nights are warm, reacted to cool nights of 4° and 10° C by opening their stomata slower upon illumination the following day than those from farther north where nights are cooler. The optimum night temperature for rate of opening was lower in the Wisconsin population than in populations from farther south. The Wisconsin population showed more ideal homeostasis of photosynthesis at different temperatures than the southern population which exhibited greater plasticity. No seasonal differences in these relationships were apparent other than at the time of leaf senescence.As plants approached senescence, which occurred earliest in the Wisconsin population, leaf resistance increased and photosynthesis declined, but stomata still retained their functional ability to respond to changes in night temperature. The change in leaf resistance, noted in the Wisconsin population, was related more to closure of lower-leaf surface stomata than upper. Only the Louisiana population had significantly more stomata on the lower than upper leaf surface.
High-pressure electrides: the chemical nature of interstitial quasiatoms.

Building on our previous chemical and physical model of high-pressure electrides (HPEs), we explore the effects of interaction of electrons confined in crystals but off the atoms, under conditions ...
Self-Regulation Deficits Explain the Link between Reactive Aggression and Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Children

Childhood aggression is often associated with significant psychosocial maladjustment; however, adjustment difficulties may vary based on the function of aggression. The present study used the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia et al. Child Neuropsychology 6:235–238, 2000) to examine whether difficulties in particular domains of self-regulation serve as common mechanisms in the association between reactive (versus proactive) aggression and internalizing or externalizing adjustment problems in clinic-referred children. Reactive aggression was associated with poorer behavioral regulation and metacognition, whereas proactive aggression was not associated with poorer self-regulation. Further, the association between reactive aggression and adjustment problems, both internalizing and externalizing, was accounted for by poorer behavioral regulation and metacognitive skills. Gender, age, ADHD diagnosis, IQ, and psychotropic medication status did not account for the results. These findings suggest that self-regulation skills influence adjustment problems in reactively aggressive youth and may be important targets of intervention for such children.
Addition of positive charge augments the anti-endotoxin properties of LALF-based peptides

Introduction: The endotoxin-binding domain of Limulus anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (LALF 31–52) contains eight positively-charged amino acids. We hypothesized that adding more positively-charged residues to this domain would further enhance its anti-endotoxin properties. Methods: A series of peptides (PV11 to PV42) was created based upon the endotoxin-binding region of LALF (PV00). Neutral or negatively-charged amino acids were sequentially replaced with one to four positively-charged (lysine+1) residues at various positions. The peptides were then tested for LPS neutralization by two distinct assays and for bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa. Results for each peptide were compared to the native sequence using Student’s t-test. Results: Most peptides with at least two additional lysine residues displayed significantly increased bactericidal activity versus the native peptide sequence (p < 0.05; left graph). Many lysine-addition peptides also demonstrated significantly increased activity versus the native peptide in a Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) endotoxin neutralization assay (p < 0.05; right graph). In both assays, the maximum increase resulted from the addition of three lysine residues to the amino-terminus of the domain (PV31, PV32). These peptides also showed significantly better endotoxin neutralization than the native peptide as exhibited by inhibition of TNF-α production by murine macrophages (p < 0.05; not shown). Conclusions: The addition of positively-charged amino acids to the LALF endotoxin-binding region augments its ability to antagonize endotoxin in vitro. This effect is most pronounced when three additions are made at the amino-terminus of the endotoxin-binding domain. Download high-res image (127KB) Download full-size image
Magnetic-field-induced quantum phase transitions in the two-impurity Anderson model

In the two-impurity Anderson model, the inter-impurity spin exchange interaction favors a spin singlet state between two impurities leading to the localization of quasiparticles. We show that a local uniform magnetic field can delocalize the quasiparticies to restore the Kondo resonance. This transition is found to be continuous, accompanied by not only the divergence of the staggered (anti ferromagnetic) susceptibility, but also the divergence of the uniform spin susceptibility. This implies that the magnetic field induced quantum phase transitions in Kondo systems are in favor of the local critical type.
Mechanism of Transcorneal Permeation of Pilocarpine

The mechanism of transcorneal permeation of pilocarpine has been investigated in relation to the physicochemical properties of the permeating species and its interaction with the membrane biophase. In vitro corneal transport experiments suggested the transport of unionized as well as ionized pilocarpine species across the corneal membrane. However, the permeability of the ionized pilocarpine species was 4.818 × 10−6 cm s−1, a value only one-half of that obtained for the un-ionized pilocarpine species (9.744 × 10−6 cm s−1). Further evidence of ion transport across the cornea was obtained by examining the transport of the quaternized pilocarpine compound (i.e., pilocarpinium methyl iodide). The quaternized compound had a corneal permeability of 4.66 × 10−6 cm s−1, similar to that obtained for the ionized pilocarpine species. The lipoidal epithelial layer of the corneal membrane appears to be the predominant barrier to the transport of polar species. Therefore, the transport of pilocarpinium cations across the lipoidal epithelium might have occurred as tightly bound ion pairs with dihydrogen phosphate and/or nitrate counter ions. Excellent linear correlation has been obtained between pilocarpine corneal permeability and the 1-octanol–water partition coefficient as a function of the state of ionization of pilocarpine. The ratio of un–ionized to ionized drug permeability across the cornea is expected to be much higher for drugs with higher 1-octanol–water partition coefficients.
Planes and chains: A novel excitonic mechanism for high temperature superconductivity

Abstract We consider a novel mechanism for superconductivity, based on 1 D charge transfer excitations on the chains of RBa 2 Cu 2 O 7-δ compounds. The plane-chain-plain structure of these materials, with highly polarizable chains, is very suitable for this mechanism, as it can take advantage of interplane pairing , reducing the negative effect of Coulomb repulsion. We also discuss the known experimental properties of 1-2-3 materials in relationship to our proposal.
3-Substituted 2-halopropenals: mutagenicity, detoxification and formation from 3-substituted 2,3-dihalopropanal promutagens

Abstract The mutagenicity of halopropenals for Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 is as follows (revertants/nmole): 2-halopropenals [H 2 C = C(X)CHO], F = 3 CH = C(X)CHO], Cl = 68 and Br = 108; [C 6 H 5 CH = C(X)CHO], Cl = 3 (CH 2 ) 2 CH = C(Br)CHO], 3 ) 2 C = C(Br)CHO], The mutagenicity of 2,3-dichloro- and 2,3-dibromo-propanals and the corresponding dihalobutanals is accounted for by their rapid dehydrohalogenation to the corresponding 2-haloalkenals under physiological conditions. Chemicals that are metabolized to 2,3-dichloropropanal, 2,3-dichlorobutanal, their dibromo analogs, or to the corresponding 2-halopropenals and 2-halobutenals should therefore be considered as candidate promutagens.
The Origin of Intentions

In contemporary discussions of the concept of intention, the assumption is made that an intention results from a person's decision, or resolution, or plan, or the like. And the intention persists, generally, until the appropriate action is carried out. However, intentions cannot be said to have temporal duration, or beginnings, or endings. And it is not necessary for a person who is intending to do something to have made a decision to do it, or a resolution, or anything else. It may be that a person acquires an intention because of the circumstances that he finds himself in. If one sees that a tricycle is in front of his car, he will move it. No decision is necessary, obviously, because running over it would be contrary to common sense. Or one may gradually come to realise that he is obliged to do something and thereupon acquires the intention to do it. By focusing on one kind of intention, the “desire-belief” theories have failed to realise that intentions originate in various ways, and for various reasons.
Quark-pair contribution in deep-inelastic lepton-nucleon scattering

A modified quark-parton model is considered. We assume a nucleon is composed of valence quarks and gluons. Quark pairs are produced via gluon-photon (or gluon-intermediate vector boson) interactions, which replace the "sea" contribution of a conventional quark-parton model. The theory has logarithmic ${q}^{2}$ violation of scaling for the structure functions. The model predictions are compared with recent experimental data from Fermilab. Charmed-hadron-production effects on the structure functions are considered in the standard model with the SU(4) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} SU${(3)}_{\mathrm{color}}$ symmetry group. The contribution is \ensuremath{\sim} 10% at $x\ensuremath{\le}0.1$, several percent at $0.1\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.25$, and less than 1% at $x\ensuremath{\le}0.25$ for $10\ensuremath{\le}{Q}^{2}\ensuremath{\le}50$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{2}$.
A facile synthesis of 1-O-alkyl-2-(R)-hydroxypropane-3-phosphonocholine (lyso-phosphono-platelet activating factor).

Abstract The synthesis of 1-O-alkyl-2-(R)-hydroxypropane-3-phosphonocholine is described. An efficient alkylation procedure using (NaH/DMSO) catalysis is also described and applied to the synthetic scheme. The key intermediate 1-O-alkyl-2-(R)-O-benzyl-3-bromopropane was phosphonylated using tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite; the resulting phophonic acid was coupled to choline using trichloroacetonitrile/pyridine or triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride/pyridine followed by catalytic hydrogenation to yield 1-O-alkyl-2(R)-hydroxypropane-3-phosphonocholine.
Rapid pattern transfer of biomimetic surface structures onto thermoplastic polymers

Biomimetic surface structures have profound influences on the development of many emerging devices and systems. In this study, a sequential approach involving sputtering, electroforming and embossing for transferring biological surface structures to thermoplastic polymers were investigated and developed. The surface structure on dung beetles (Phanaeus vindex) was used as a case study. A nickel pattern was fabricated by directly sputtering and electroforming the biological surface of the beetle. The resulting nickel structure was used as an embossing master for rapid feature transfer onto ABS substrates. The replicated surface patterns on the polymer were found to be comparable with those on the dung beetle. Contact angle measurements showed that the originally hydrophilic surface is rendered hydrophobic with the addition of the biomimetic topography.
Reversal of ethanol intoxication in humans: an assessment of the efficacy of L-dopa, aminophylline, and ephedrine.

The effect of postethanol treatment with l-Dopa, aminophylline and/or ephedrine was investigated. In one experiment, healthy, male, moderate drinkers ingested ethanol (0.8 g/kg) and then either l-Dopa (1.5 g), or placebo. In a second experiment, subjects ingested ethanol followed by aminophylline (200 mg), ephedrine (50 mg), aminophylline (200 mg) plus ephedrine (50 mg), or placebo. Double-blind, within-subjects, crossover designs were employed. Treatment with l-Dopa significantly reduced ethanol's effect on the electroencephalogram, motor coordination, and divided attention performance (t-test for paired data). Treatment with aminophylline and/or ephedrine also significantly reduced ethanol's effects on the electroencephalogram and motor coordination. The ethanol-antagonism may result from central noradrenergic stimulation.
A Jacobian criterion for smoothness

Abstract A sufficient condition for an algebra to be smooth is given in this paper; namely, if the Jacobian matrix of relations is right-invertible, then the algebra is smooth. It is also shown that right-invertibility is not a necessary condition for being smooth. Moreover, an elementary proof of the known fact that “smoothness implies the projectivity of the differential module” is also given. The criterion obtained here can be applied to the Jacobian problem [9, Theorem 38].
Analysis of high-precision optical positioning systems for vibration stability at the advanced photon source

ABSTRACT Optical support systems actuated by multi-degree-of$reedom, high-precision positioning stages are used for beamlinecomponents at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Positioning precision and stability fr these components is critical as they interface with a high-brilliance synchrotron radiation beam. Stability may be compromised by seismic and facility-borne vibrations traveling through the ground and/or vibrations from flow/structureinteractions in the cooling systems ofthe mounted optical components. A study was undertaken to develop accurate modelsthat predict support system response to vibratory excitations. The dynamic properties ofthe complex linkages and joints thatcomprise the positioning systems are not easily described by simple formulations. In this article, improved models fbr thesedevices have been developed via theoretical, computational and experimental techniques. Linkage component models aiintegrated into a multi-body system model, which is then used to predict the dynamic response of the optical positioningassembly. Predicted mode shapes and natural frequencies compare well with experimental findings. These models can nowthen be used to facilitate future design improvements for the next-generation beamlines.Keywords: multibody systems, positioning stability, optics, vibration isolation, synchrotron radiation
Effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on retinal blood vessel diameter.

Abstract PURPOSE: The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) on retinal blood vessel diameter. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. METHODS: Fifteen healthy male volunteers (mean age 39 years) received 100-mg doses of sildenafil or matching placebo on 2 separate days. Monochromatic fundus photography was obtained in one eye, and brachial artery blood pressure and intraocular pressure were measured at baseline, 1 hour, and 5 hours after dosing. The diameters of two major temporal veins and one artery were measured in a masked fashion from digitized photographic negatives. RESULTS: In comparison with placebo, no statistically significant change in average venous diameter was observed for the superior (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = .97), inferior retinal temporal vein (ANOVA, P = .73), or the retinal temporal artery (ANOVA, P = .89) after sildenafil treatment. In comparison to placebo, there was no significant difference in the percentage change from baseline in venous or arterial diameter at 1 or 5 hours after sildenafil. The power to detect a 6.5% change in retinal vascular diameter following sildenafil was approximately 80% ( P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that at the maximum therapeutic dose used clinically (100 mg), sildenafil does not have a significant effect on retinal vascular caliber.
Sound production by the sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus

Sound production in reproductively active sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus, is documented. Male sheepshead minnows produced acoustic signals in seven behavioral contexts including: patrolling the territory, chasing, hovering on the territory, courting, fighting, spawning, and during the startle response. Fifty eight percent of the calls contained one or two pulses and 44% of the calls were greater than three pulses. With the exception of differences in frequency the structure and behavioral contexts of C. Variegatus calls is similar to the calls of C. bifasciatus.
Nuclear explosion experiments to determine nuclear properties of heavy isotopes

Abstract Results of experiments to determine the properties of heavy isotopes from studies of heavy-element yield curves obtained in nuclear explosions, which cannot be performed in the laboratory, are reported. In most cases, 238 U was used as the target element. Measurements of uranium neutron capture cross sections around 20 keV neutron energy in the mass range 242–249 reveal a decrease at mass 244 corresponding to 152 neutrons, presumably due to the “shell effect”. These results agree well with original calculations. No fission competition from mass 242–248 is evident, but a fission-to-capture ratio of 5 for mass 249 appears probable. There is some evidence of thermal fission in the uranium capture chain at 239, 241 U and strong evidence of thermal fission in the plutonium capture chain. Strong thermal fission competition is indicated in the neptunium capture chain.