cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Adverse Effect of Benzannelation on the Aromaticity of Oxocinyl Anion: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

A synthesis of 2H-1-benzoxocin from readily available compounds was accomplished. The potentially ‘aromatic’ π-excessive systems 2H-1-benzoxocinyl and 6H-dibenz[b,f]oxocinyl anions were generated from their corresponding conjugate acid precursors 7c and 8, respectively. It was found that 2H-1-benzoxocinide 3d lacks the type of π-frame stability associated with the parent 2H-oxocinide 1d and that the dibenzo analog 5b is more unstable than 3d. Both 3d and 5b undergo rapid structural reorganization to form their corresponding stable isomeric anions. We were able to characterize the proton-quenched products of these anions as the ring-opened structures 15 and 18, respectively. 1H-NMR and an ab initio calculation at the 6-31g* level indicated that, unlike the ‘aromatic’ parent 2H-oxocinide 1d and the aza analog 3c, 3d incorporates a non-planar oxocinyl ring in which the negative charge is primarily localized on the pentadienyl moiety of the ring, but also partial delocalization of π-electron density onto the benzene ring occurs.
Kondo effect in monolayer and bilayer graphene: Physical realizations of the multichannel Kondo models

We perform a general group-theoretical study of the Kondo problem in monolayer and bilayer graphene around the charge neutrality point. Utilizing the group representation theory, we derive from symmetry considerations a family of the Kondo models for all symmetric placements with either 3- or 6-fold rotational axis of an impurity atom in an arbitrary orbital state. We find six possible classes of the partially anisotropic four-channel Kondo model. As the key result, we argue several possibilities to realize the regime of the dominant channel-symmetric two-channel Kondo effect, protected by the local symmetry and specifics of the graphene band structure. Our findings open prospects for the observation of the rich multi-channel Kondo physics in graphene and the associated non-Fermi-liquid behavior.
The Changing Role of the European Union in International Environmental Politics: Institution Building and the Politics of Climate Change

In the last twenty-five years the European Union (EU) has gradually developed an international, albeit ambiguous, identity that has greatly enhanced its leadership role in the international environmental arena. The leadership offered by the EU has been largely shaped by its unique institutional structure, but also by such factors as the changing nature of international environmental issues. In this essay we contrast the traditional role of the United States with that of the EU in global climate change negotiations and comment on the future role of both actors in the international environmental arena. An understanding of the institutional structures of the EU and the changing nature of international environmental issues helps to explain the EU's ascendant role as a leader in multilateral environmental politics.
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING APPROACH TO THE AEROSPACE STRUCTURES

Abstract In the article only selected information regarding the SHM applications has been presented. These applications are associated with damage detection and damage growth monitoring. That approach has got crucial influence on the aircraft maintenance procedures. SHM ensures higher reliability and safety of the structures as well as repair monitoring. Right now in the AFIT, there is being conducted research work focused on the application of the SHM system for the integration with the aerospace structures for periodical and on-line monitoring. 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years there has been observed an enormous growth of interest in continuous and periodical condition monitoring of civil and aerospace structures with the use of Structural Health Monitoring techniques (called SHM) [1,2]. Such systems use ‘ physics ’ of NDT for data acquisition with the use of so called “smart layers” [3,4]. These “smart layers” are based on sensor networks distributed in the structure of the object under monitoring. Such an approach enables condition monitoring with limited human interaction. In this article, a brief description of such techniques for the aerospace application will be delivered. Techniques such as the guided waves with the use of PZT application as well as CVM™ (Comparative Vacuum Monitoring), will be described [5]. Moreover, a few examples of the monitoring activities conducted by the AFIT will be presented.
The association of age and current world cancer mortality rates in relation to a century of cancer deaths in the U.S.

Recent data from a variety of countries and from the individual states in the US show that the annual cancer death rate is highly correlated with the percentage of the population aged 60 or more years. Historical data for the United States over the period 1900-1990 reveal that the percentage of its population > or = 60 yrs increased with a corresponding increase in the annual cancer death rate. When the US data over this time period are viewed against the current world data and the current individual state data there is a striking similarity, thereby demonstrating that the current world and state cancer mortality values provide an accurate historical picture of the US cancer death rate over almost a century.
A study of mobile number portability effects in the United States

Drawing on a sample of 684 mobile subscribers in the US, this study investigates the effect of mobile number portability (MNP) by focusing on subscribers' perceptions and behaviors on MNP. The FCC mandated number portability to wireless carriers for customer benefits through increased competition in the industry. Statistical analyses in this study reveal, however, subscribers perceive switching barrier is still high, discouraging subscribers from switching carriers. Carriers develop new subscriber lock-in strategies that make subscribers stay with current carriers. In addition, there are other hidden costs despite MNP that subscribers should burden with number portaling. In all, MNP is upheld by subscribers' burden not carriers and not regulators, which partly explains the low number of switching subscribers under MNP. The findings imply that MNP has more directly affected the industries to a greater extent than subscribers, which suggests implications for both regulators and industries; how to effectively enforce MNP to achieve the intended goals and how to achieve competitive advantage with MNP.
Must la victime Be Feminine? Postcolonial Violence, Gender Ambiguity, and Homoerotic Desire in Sony Labou Tansi’s Je soussigné cardiaque

The compelling nature of the recent dialogue between queer studies and postcolonial African literatures results, in part, from a contestation of the taboo of a queer Africa. Yet queerness is crucial to African literatures because so many of the cosmologies that inform these texts depend on gender-bending and intersexuality, and because in these texts, stepping outside of sexual and gender norms suggests political movement. This essay explores queerness as a driving force within African postcolonial literature through a reading of Congolese author Sony Labou Tansi’s 1981 play Je soussigne cardiaque . A queer reading of this play begins an exploration of male homoeroticism disguised in postcolonial African texts as heterosexual economies and provides a consideration of how men display political capital through gender bending. Further, in my reading of Je soussigne cardiaque , I will consider the specific queer Kongo context in Labou Tansi’s treatment of the gendered body.
Distribution of chlorophyll and phaeophytin in the open ocean

Abstract Measurements of chlorophyll and phaeophytin have been made in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans by the method of Yentsch and Menzel (1963). The vertical profiles of these pigments show distinctive features which can be related to the quantity of light penetrating the water column and vertical mixing. The importance of light in the prevention of the formation of phaeophytin is shown by the observations that when in prolonged darkness marine phytoplankton cultures form phaeophytin. When cultures and natural particulate matter containing large amounts of phaeophytin are returned to light of moderate intensity, phaeophytin disappears and chlorophyll is produced. Sources and pathways of phaeo-pigment formation in the planktonic environment are discussed.
Models of malicious behavior in sponsored search

Search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN now auction off search terms to potential advertisers. The potential advertisers place their bids on each search term of interest, as well as specifying a daily budget. Each search on this term displays an advertisement that is linked to the advertiser's website, and the advertiser pays the search engine every time the link is activated. When an advertiser's budget is reached, the search engine stops displaying their ad. This kind of advertising is extremely popular -- the combined revenue of Yahoo and Google in 2005 was estimated at over 4.5 billion dollars. We develop small models which still have the property that malicious behavior such as bid-jamming still occurs as a rational best-response strategy. Such malicious behavior occurs frequently in practice. We are able to derive bidding strategies which are the best-responses when the budget of the bidder is low relative to her competitors, as well as strategies which protect against bid-jamming.
Probabilistic Performance Prediction of Deteriorating Structures Under Different Maintenance Strategies: Condition, Safety and Cost

This paper describes a probabilistic model for predicting the performance of deteriorating structures under different maintenance strategies. For these structures, the proposed model is used to predict the evolution in time of three performance indicators, namely, condition, safety and cost. The uncertainties associated with these performance indicators are considered. A brief demonstration of the predictive capabilities of the model using a complex data set of random variables characterizing different maintenance strategies for existing concrete bridges is provided.
Drop-off during ribosome hopping

Abstract Ribosomes bypass a 50 nucleotide non-coding segment of mRNA between the two open reading frames of bacteriophage T4 gene 60 in order to synthesize a topoisomerase subunit. While nearly all ribosomes appear to initiate bypassing, only 50 % resume translation in the second open reading frame. Failure to bypass is shown here to be independent of the stop codon at the end of the first open reading frame and to be amplified by mutant variants of tRNA 2 Gly known to diminish bypassing efficiency. Unproductive bypassing may result from premature dissociation of peptidyl-tRNAs from ribosomes (drop-off) or resumption of translation at inappropriate sites. Assessment of the influence of factors known to induce drop-off reveals that ribosome recycling factor accounts for a small fraction of unproductive bypassing products, but none of the other known factors appear to play a significant role. Resumption of translation at inappropriate sites appears to be minimal, which suggests that spontaneous release of the peptidyl-tRNA may account for the remaining unproductive bypassing products and may be inherent to the gene 60 bypassing mechanism.
Freedom of association: Battering ram or Trojan horse?

ABSTRACT Integrating core labour standards (CLS) into the operations of the Bretton Woods institutions and the WTO has become a primary goal of the international labour movement. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the ILO have persuaded the IMF and the Bank to accept CLS, including freedom of association and collective bargaining. Since they can impose painful sanctions on violators, incorporating labour rights enforcement into the international organizations that regulate the international economy has great appeal for the labour movement. I argue that there are potential dangers in this effort. The ILO's understanding of freedom of association is distinctly liberal and promotes the formation of ‘free’ as opposed to powerful trade unions. In this liberal conceptualization, many labour regulations that enhance labour's power by limiting union fragmentation and increasing bargaining power are considered to be violations of freedom of association. In practice this has meant that...
Propagation of rotational field correlation through atmospheric turbulence

A general formulation is presented that describes the propagation of the rotational field correlation of an optical beam through atmospheric turbulence. The associated influence on the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of a single photon is described analytically. The analysis predicts the probability of change in the OAM state due to the process of propagating through turbulence. The probability of a change in an OAM state depends on the Fresnel number and on the ratio of the beam diameter to the Fried parameter.
A Demonstration of the SciFlo Grid Workflow Engine

SciFlo is a system for Scientific Knowledge Creation on the Grid using a Semantically-Enabled Dataflow Execution Environment. SciFlo leverages Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) Web Services and the Grid Computing standards (WS-* & Globus Alliance toolkits), and enables scientists to do multi-instrument Earth Science by assembling reusable Web Services and native executables into a distributed computing flow (operator graph). SciFlos XML dataflow documents can be a mixture of concrete operators (fully bound operations) and abstract template operators (late binding via semantic lookup). All data objects and operators can be both simply typed (simple and complex types in XML schema) and semantically typed (linked to OWL ontologies). We will demonstrate a version of the SciFlo workflow engine executing a variety of workflow documents. [Note: This document is a quick description of the proposed demo, not a fully referenced and defended paper.]
Applicability of the ACOSOG Z0011 criteria in women with high-risk node-positive breast cancer undergoing breast conserving surgery.

Background The relevance of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial in patients with high-risk breast cancer has been questioned. We hypothesize that Z0011 applies to women with HER2-positive disease (HER2+), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and/or age <50 years at diagnosis (YA).
Synthesis and characterization of phenylethynyl-end-capped cooligomides from fluorinated dianhydrides 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)dipthalic anhydride and 4,4′-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenylethylidene)dipthalic anhydride and para- and meta-phenylene diamines and cooligomide blends with phenylethynyl-end-capped reactive diluents

A series of phenylethynyl (PE)-end-capped cooligomides with number-average molecular weights (Mn) of 4000 and 7000 based on 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)dipthalic anhydride (6FDA) and para- and meta-phenylene diamines containing 80/20 and 70/30 p/m molar ratios in the repeat unit were synthesized and characterized for their thermal and rheological properties. The cooligomides with Mn = 7000 exhibited high melt viscosities with respect to the cooligomides with Mn = 4000 at both 80/20 and 70/30 p/m molar ratios. PE-end-capped cooligomides with Mn = 4000 based on 4,4′-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenylethylidene)dipthalic anhydride (3FDA) and para- and meta-phenylene diamines containing 80/20 and 70/30 p/m ratios in the repeat unit were also investigated. The PE-6FDA cooligomide, blended with 3,4′-bis(phenylethynyl)phthalimido diphenylether, exhibited lower viscosities than unblended cooligomides. However, a blend of the 3FDA cooligomide and reactive diluents containing 3FDA exhibited a much lower viscosity than a blend of the 6FDA cooligomide and a reactive diluent containing 6FDA. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2630–2649, 2003
Institutions and Collective Action: The New Telecommunications in Western Europe

The member states of the European community are not just liberalizing telecommunications but are cooperating extensively in the sector. Breaking with a past dominated by rigid national monopolies (the PTTs), EC states in the 1980s undertook collective action in research and development, planning future networks, setting standards, and opening markets. This article seeks to explain telecoms liberalization and cooperation in Europe. Two conditions are necessary for international collective action to emerge. The first is policy adaptation at the national level, such that governments are willing to consider alternatives to pure unilateralism. In telecommunications, technological changes induced widespread policy adaptation in EC states. This adaptation was a necessary prerequisite for European cooperation. The second necessary condition is international leadership to organize the collective action. This paper extends the analysis of international leadership by outlining the conditions under which international organizations can exercise leadership to organize collective action. The case study, focusing on three dimensions of EC telecoms reform, shows how the Commission of the EC led in organizing collective action.
Feasibility of rapid multitracer PET tumor imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) can characterize different aspects of tumor physiology using various tracers. PET scans are usually performed using only one tracer since there is no explicit signal for distinguishing multiple tracers. We tested the feasibility of rapidly imaging multiple PET tracers using dynamic imaging techniques, where the signals from each tracer are separated based upon differences in tracer half-life, kinetics, and distribution. Time-activity curve populations for FDG, acetate, ATSM, and PTSM were simulated using appropriate compartment models, and noisy dual-tracer curves were computed by shifting and adding the single-tracer curves. Single-tracer components were then estimated from dual-tracer data using two methods: principal component analysis (PCA)-based fits of single-tracer components to multitracer data, and parallel multitracer compartment models estimating single-tracer rate parameters from multitracer time-activity curves. The PCA analysis found that there is information content present for separating multitracer data, and that tracer separability depends upon tracer kinetics, injection order and timing. Multitracer compartment modeling recovered rate parameters for individual tracers with good accuracy but somewhat higher statistical uncertainty than single-tracer results when the injection delay was >10 min. These approaches to processing rapid multitracer PET data may potentially provide a new tool for characterizing multiple aspects of tumor physiology in vivo.
782 New Dilution Method For QP/QS Measurement in Patients with Single Ventricle (SV) Anatomy

Background and Aims Major challenge for treatment of Hypoplastic left heart syndrome by Norwood procedure is in achieving the adequate Qp/Qs value. The absence of routine method of assessing the Qp/Qs value can lead to hypoxia, brain injury, for Qp/Qs >1. The aim of the study was to develop routine method for Qp/Qs assessment for PICU and NICU patients. Method development: A mathematical model of indicator movement for SV anatomy was developed. After intravenous injection and mixing in SV the first portion of the indicator enters systemic circulation via aorta. Second portion of the indicator enters lungs via PA, then again enters SV via left atria etc. The model suggests that Qp/Qs may be calculated from dilution curve (Pic.1) Qp/Qs=S2/S1. Results COstatus monitor, (Transonic Systems Inc., NY, USA) was used in NICU and PICU patients to measures cardiac output, blood volumes and to identify shunts and PDA. According to Transonic curve data archive recoded by COstatus for single ventricle patients the actual shape of dilution curves (example, Pic.2) well agrees with model data. Conclusions Mathematical model for indicator movement in SV anatomy proved that Qp/Qs value can be calculated from indicator dilution curve. Next step is to validate the Qp/Qs values measured by COstatus in animal model and in patients. Grant NIH SBIR # R43 HL111852–01.
Scaling of Low-Velocity Impact for Symmetric Composite Laminates:

The equations governing the problem of low-velocity impact of a simply supported rectangular midplane-symmetric laminated plate are nondimensionalized such that the problem is defined in terms of five dimensionless parameters. A parametric study using the Graeco-Latin Factorial Plan is performed. Semi-empirical formulas for maximum impact force, impact duration, and maximum back surface strains are obtained. It is found that some of the simple impact models provide the bounds for the case of impact on a finite extent plate. A one parameter model is derived for impacts of short duration.
Analysis of forest foliage spectra using a multivariate mixture model

Wet chemical measurements and near infrared spectra of dry ground leaf samples were analysed to test a multivariate regression technique for estimating component spectra. The technique is based on a linear mixture model for log(1/R) pseudoabsorbance derived from diffuse reflectance measurements. The resulting unmixed spectra for carbohydrates, lignin and protein resemble the spectra of extracted plant carbohydrates, lignin and protein. The unmixed protein spectrum has prominent absorption peaks at wavelengths that have been associated with nitrogen bonds. It therefore appears feasible to incorporate the linear mixture model in whole leaf models of photon absorption and scattering so that effects of varying nitrogen and carbon concentration on leaf reflectance may be simulated.
The effects of the recession on workers' moral, ethical, and interpersonal behavior

This article presents study findings from 50 members of the Los Angeles workforce, who were also college students. The study attempted to discover the perceptions of these workforce members about the effects of the recent economic downturn on their work environment. Some interesting findings emerged from this study. Explanations are offered, and the authors encourage readers to conduct their own simple survey to discover the impact of the recession or other changes on their workplaces.
Sightline ColonoSight system for a disposable, power-assisted, non-fiber-optic colonoscopy (with video)

Background The Sightline ColonoSight (CS) colonoscopy system presents 3 technologic advances: (1) disposable components protect the reusable parts from contact with colonic contents, eliminating the need for disinfection between procedures, (2) an air-pressure–powered engine assists in colonoscope advancement, (3) light emitting diode (LED) illumination eliminates the need for fiber optics and an external light source. Objectives To study the operation, performance, and safety of the Sightline CS colonoscopy system. Design The system was tested during colonoscopy in animals and in human pilot studies. An in vitro dye diffusion test, and bacterial cultures (obtained after using the colonoscope in animals and humans) were performed to ascertain the protective integrity of the disposable components. Setting Animal centers, hospitals in Israel and Italy, and office endoscopy centers in the United States. Patients Thirty-three volunteers and 145 patients who required a colonoscopy for various indications. Interventions Colonoscopy, polypectomy, biopsy, and coagulation. Main Outcome Measures Complications, system function, cecal intubation, and colonoscopy time. Results The Sightline CS system performed well during a colonoscopy in 19 animals and 178 patients, without complications. Dye studies and bacterial cultures showed no transfer of dye molecules or bacterial organisms across the protective, disposable components. Limitations This is an observational pilot study, with no comparative group. Conclusions The new Sightline CS colonoscopy system performed well. The disposable components eliminated the need for disinfection of the colonoscope between procedures. Advancement of the colonoscope in the colon was helped by self propulsion of the instrument affected by an air-pressure–powered engine. LED illumination eliminated the need for fiber optics and an external light source.
Mitochondrial phylogeography and conservation genetics of wolverine (Gulo gulo) of northwestern North America

Anthropogenic impacts such as habitat conversion and fragmentation, in combination with predator control and fur trapping, are responsible for substantial reductions in the ranges of many carnivores worldwide. The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is classified as vulnerable throughout the Holarctic Region by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, is designated as endangered in eastern Canada, and has been petitioned twice for listing with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. We examined genetic structure across populations in northwestern North America by using mtDNA sequences of the left domain of control region and the complete cytochrome-b gene (Cytb). Nucleotide diversity (p) and sequence divergence among haplotypes were low for both markers, whereas haplotype diversity (h) was generally high. Genetic divergence (Fst) values were significant, and high for control region (0.21), and moderate to high for Cytb (0.16). Globally, Eurasian and Scandinavian wolverines were distinguishable from North American. Within North America, the Kenai Peninsula, southeastern Alaska, and Nunavut populations were distinctive. Comparisons with studies based on nuclear markers reveal greater geographic structure in these maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, a finding consistent with malebiased dispersal in wolverines. Conservation plans for these medium-sized carnivores should emphasize maintenance of genetic diversity and recognize that successful dispersal of females between populations may be limited.
General lexical slowing and the semantic priming effect: The roles of age and ability

Older adults performed three lexical information-processing tasks approximately 1.3 times slower than young adults. Consistent with general lexical slowing, slopes of regressions based on individual subjects' RTs on two of the tasks (single lexical decision and category judgment) did not differ from slopes based on the third (double lexical decision) task. Moreover, slopes based on the single lexical decision and category judgment tasks accurately predicted the size of semantic priming effects on the third (double lexical decision) task. This was true for the older group as a whole, and also for subgroups of fast, medium and slow older adults, as well as for young adult subgroups. The size of the semantic priming effects for the fast old and slow young subgroups (who differed in age but not in processing speed) were approximately equal, consistent with the idea that the effect of age on priming is entirely attributable to slowing. Across all tasks, each old subgroup (fast, medium, or slow) showed the same degree of slowing relative to the corresponding young subgroup, so that the differences in RTs observed between subgroups in the young sample were magnified in the old sample. Taken together, the present findings suggest that ability-related differences in lexical processing speed may be functionally equivalent to age-related differences and that both factors interact to determine performance on speeded lexical tasks.
Use of Cognitive Capacity in Reading: Effects of Processing Information from Text for Immediate Recall and Retention:

In two experiments, subjects read short passages and then took recall tests on them. One group expected and received a delayed test on each passage, and the other group expected and received an immediate test. In the delayed test condition, the delay was one minute long and was filled with a distracting task. Use of cognitive capacity during reading of the passages was measured with a secondary task techni- que. Inspection time and learning were also measured. Results showed that more cognitive capacity was used when subjects expected a delayed test than when they expected an immediate test, but no more time was spent reading and no more was recalled. It was concluded that subjects engaged in additional cognitive operations when they expected a delayed recall test, and these operations used cognitive capaci- ty and were carried out in parallel with the cognitive operations associated with the other cognitive processes in reading. Humans have a limited capacity cognitive processing system (Broadbent, 1958). This system is used in the sequence of cognitive activities which constitute the im- portant educational activity of reading {Kintsch & van Dijk, 1978; LaBerge & Samuels, 1974; Lesgold & Perfetti, in press; Perfetti & Lesgold, 1977; Posner, 1978; Schneider & Shiffrin, 1978; Shiffrin, 1976; Shiffrin & Schneider, 1978). Previous studies of the use of the limited capacity system in reading have been primarily con- cerned with the earlier stages in the sequence of processing activities which con- stitute reading, in particular the letter recognition, word recognition, and syntactic processing stages. The studies reported in this paper were concerned with the use of the limited capacity cognitive processing system in a later stage of reading: the processes associated with processing information and knowledge from text for retention. It is somewhat surprising, given the practical importance of the issue (Gagne, 1978), that we know so little about the mental operations that subjects engage in when they ex-
Foot strike patterns of recreational and sub-elite runners in a long-distance road race

Abstract Although the biomechanical properties of the various types of running foot strike (rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot) have been studied extensively in the laboratory, only a few studies have attempted to quantify the frequency of running foot strike variants among runners in competitive road races. We classified the left and right foot strike patterns of 936 distance runners, most of whom would be considered of recreational or sub-elite ability, at the 10 km point of a half-marathon/marathon road race. We classified 88.9% of runners at the 10 km point as rearfoot strikers, 3.4% as midfoot strikers, 1.8% as forefoot strikers, and 5.9% of runners exhibited discrete foot strike asymmetry. Rearfoot striking was more common among our sample of mostly recreational distance runners than has been previously reported for samples of faster runners. We also compared foot strike patterns of 286 individual marathon runners between the 10 km and 32 km race locations and observed increased frequency of rearfoot s...
Confirmation of the nebular hypothesis

(1881). Confirmation of the nebular hypothesis. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 11, No. 67, pp. 226-226.
The Cantor Set, Real and Complex

When the construction of the classical Cantor set is extended to the complex plane, many remarkable images result, such as these four (see §6.3).
A common local anesthetic receptor for benzocaine and etidocaine in voltage-gated μ1 Na+ channels

According to Hille’s modulated receptor hypothesis, benzocaine shares a common receptor with all other local anesthetics (LAs) in the voltage-gated Na+ channel. We tested this single receptor hypothesis using mutant muscle Na+ channels of μ1-I1575A, F1579A, and N1584A transiently expressed in Hek-293t cells. Both benzocaine and etidocaine are more effective at blocking μ1-N1584A current than the wild-type current, while they are less potent at blocking μ1-F1579A current. Such concurrent changes of both benzocaine and etidocaine potency towards F1579A and N1584A mutants suggest that they share a common LA receptor. Consistent with results found in studies of native Na+ channels, permanently charged QX-314 at 1 mM is not effective at blocking wild-type, F1579A, and N1584A current via external application. In contrast, QX-314 is relatively potent at blocking I1575A current when applied externally. This increased potency of external QX-314 against the μ1-I1575A mutant has been reported previously in a study of the brain counterpart. Mutant I1575A also appears to be highly sensitive to the external divalent cation Cd2+, probably because of the presence of cysteine residues near the μ1-I1575 position in the IV-S6 segment. To our surprise, neutral benzocaine becomes more effective at blocking μ1-I1575A current than the wild-type current, whereas the opposite is found for etidocaine. We hypothesize that an increase in accessibility of external QX-314 to the μ1-I1575A mutant is accompanied by a reduction of binding towards the charged amine component.
Fracture Energy of Elastomers in Mode I (Cleavage) and Mode III (Lateral Shear)

Abstract Attention has been drawn here to three different reasons why measurements of fracture energy by different methods may not agree: (1) When the test involves propagation of a tear by stored strain energy, as in the method shown in Figure 1, the energy available to cause rupture will be less than that supplied, because of dissipation within the elastomer. Calculation of the fracture energy on the basis of input energy would then lead to an overestimate, by about 100 per cent or more for typical filled elastomers. (2) As shown in Figures 4a and 5, the tear path is sometimes wider than the thickness of the test sheet. In consequence, fracture energy calculated from the sheet thickness would be too large, by about 40 per cent in the cases considered here. (3) Even when allowance is made for the true width of the tear path, measurements of fracture energy in shear (Mode III) are about 50 per cent larger than in cleavage (Mode I). This is attributed to frictional work expended in sliding the rough torn s...
A Quality Control Approach to the Evaluation of Survey Sampling Procedures for the Southern Pine Beetle

Aerial estimates of the number of trees comprising infestation spots of Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman were compared to the actual number of infested trees as determined by inventory from the ground. The error aerial estimates was found to be related linearly to the size of the infestation. For the data utilized in this study, the estimation error was found to be ca. 150%. Operating characteristics ( OC) curves were constructed to assess the discriminatory power of the aerial estimation technique. These curves further substantiated the inadequacy of characterizing southern pine beetle infestations by aerial surveys alone.
Response to commentary by D Roth.

To the Editor: We read with interest Dr Roth's commentary1 published in response to our lactation/vitamin D trial published in Pediatrics. 2 Dr Roth raises points that question the validity and applicability of our study to clinical practice. First, when designing this study, it is known that infant formula supplies adequate vitamin D at 400 IU/quart. The unknown question is, can human breast milk supply the same amount as infant formula or direct infant supplementation? If combined feeding with infant formula corrupted the study, the answer to the human milk question would never be determined. In our study, we did have many …
A Computational Model to Study Film Formation and Debris Flushing Phenomena in Spray-Electric Discharge Machining

A computational model to investigate the flushing of electric discharge machining (EDM) debris from the interelectrode gap during the spray-EDM process is developed. Spray-EDM differs from conventional EDM in that an atomized dielectric spray is used to generate a thin film that penetrates the interelectrode gap. The debris flushing in spray-EDM is investigated by developing models for three processes, viz., dielectric spray formation, film formation, and debris flushing. The range of spray system parameters including gas pressure and impingement angle that ensure formation of dielectric film on the surface is identified followed by the determination of dielectric film thickness and velocity. The debris flushing in conventional EDM with stationary dielectric and spray-EDM processes is then compared. It is observed that the dielectric film thickness and velocity play a significant role in removing the debris particles from the machining region. The model is used to determine the spray conditions that result in enhanced debris flushing with spray-EDM.
Methylumbelliferylguanidinobenzoate-reactive proteases in human amniotic fluid: Promising marker for the intrauterine detection of cystic fibrosis.

Over 1,000 specimens of midtrimester human amniotic fluid have been analyzed for 4-methylumbelliferylguanidinobenzoate (MUGB) reactivity. The mean specific activity value (nanomoles of methylumbelliferone (MU) formed per milligram of protein) for the control population (1,037) was 2.37±0.41. The mean specific activity values from a series of specimens of amniotic fluid derived from abnormal pregnancies (chromosomal and biochemical abnormalities, confirmed neural tube defects, abortions/stillbirths) were found not to vary significantly from value in the control population. The mean specific activity value of blood-tinged samples centrifuged to remove the red blood cell contaminants prior to freezing at −20° C did not vary from the value for the control group, in contrast to the value for samples containing hemolyzed red blood cells (1.76±0.30). The mean specific activity values for all four groups (control, abnormal, spun, and unspun) were found to be significantly different (p α -N-benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester activity, the controls gave a pattern of five activity bands with a pl of 5.1 to 5.4, whereas the CF fluids consistently gave only four. These data suggest the potential value of the MUGB-reactive protease assay for the intrauterine detection of cystic fibrosis.
Enough Time for Housework? Low-Wage Work and Desired Housework Time Adjustments

Although studies examine preferences for hours spent in paid employment, little attention has been given to preferences for hours spent in unpaid household labor. This study examines the extent to which women working in low-paid retail jobs would prefer to spend more or less time on household work and how alignment between preferred and actual time on housework is related to characteristics of paid work. Using original survey data and company records on a sample of women working at a U.S. retail firm (N = 277), the authors found that mismatch between preferred and actual time on household work was common. Roughly 42% wanted more time on household work and 18% wanted less. Working multiple jobs, work schedule unpredictability, and nonstandard work timing contributed to wanting more time on housework. Findings add to understanding of how low-wage, precarious employment shapes workers' ability to attend to necessary tasks of household management.
Methylglyoxal-derived modifications in lens aging and cataract formation

PURPOSE. TO determine whether the Maillard reaction of methylglyoxal is associated with human lens aging and cataractogenesis and to investigate how glutathione depletion affects methylglyoxalderived modifications in organ-cultured lenses. METHODS. Antibodies against methylglyoxal-derived modifications were developed in rabbits and purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured methylglyoxal-derived products in human lens proteins. Lenses of galactosemic rats grown in organ culture were used to assess the role of glutathione-dependent pathways in methylglyoxal metabolism and Maillard reactions. RESULTS. Methylglyoxal-derived modifications in the human lens were age dependent, and brunescent lenses had the highest levels of these modifications. Immunofluorescence staining identified antigens distributed throughout the lens, with higher levels in old lenses than in younger ones. Experiments with normal or galactosemic rat lenses grown in organ culture showed that lens proteins do not have an increase in methylglyoxal-modified proteins when cultured in medium containing 500 /xM methylglyoxal alone, but they accumulate modified proteins when cultured with DL-glyceraldehyde. Inclusion of 30 mM glucose in the medium marginally increased methylglyoxal-derived products, but there was no correlation between lens glutathione content and methylglyoxal-derived modifications. CONCLUSIONS. Methylglyoxal-mediated Maillard reactions that occur in the human lens may play a role in lens aging and cataract formation. Methylglyoxal is probably derived from metabolic pathways within the lens. Decreased glutathione in organ-cultured rat lenses does not significantly influence methylglyoxal-mediated Maillard reactions. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Set. 1998;39: 2355-2364)
Continuous arterial PO2 profiles in unrestrained, undisturbed aquatic turtles during routine behaviors

ABSTRACT Mammals and birds maintain high arterial partial pressure of oxygen ( P O 2 ) values in order to preserve near-complete hemoglobin (Hb) oxygen (O 2 ) saturation. In diving mammals and birds, arterial O 2 follows a primarily monotonic decline and then recovers quickly after dives. In laboratory studies of submerged freshwater turtles, arterial O 2 depletion typically follows a similar pattern. However, in these studies, turtles were disturbed, frequently tethered to external equipment and confined either to small tanks or breathing holes. Aquatic turtles can alter cardiac shunting patterns, which will affect arterial P O 2 values. Consequently, little is known about arterial O 2 regulation and use in undisturbed turtles. We conducted the first study to continuously measure arterial P O 2 using implanted microelectrodes and a backpack logger in undisturbed red-eared sliders during routine activities. Arterial P O 2 profiles during submergences varied dramatically, with no consistent patterns. Arterial P O 2 was also lower than previously reported during all activities, with values rarely above 50 mmHg (85% Hb saturation). There was no difference in mean P O 2 between five different activities: submerged resting, swimming, basking, resting at the surface and when a person was present. These results suggest significant cardiac shunting occurs during routine activities as well as submergences. However, the lack of relationship between P O 2 and any activity suggests that cardiac shunts are not regulated to maintain high arterial P O 2 values. These data support the idea that cardiac shunting is the passive by-product of regulation of vascular resistances by the autonomic nervous system.
THYROIDAL DEPOSITION IN MAN, RAT AND DOG OF RADIOIODINE FROM MILK AND NON-MILK SOURCES.

Abstract—There were no significant differences in the thyroidal uptake of I131 from water solution as compared to I131 from cow's milk in eleven adult human subjects. In rats and dogs it was also observed that there were no differences in thyroidal uptake from water solutions and milk. In addition, there were no differences in competitive utilization from the two sources between old and young animals and, in rats, between raw and pasteurized milk.
Behavioral adjustments, supplements, and medications to manage bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors.

150Background: Bowel dysfunction is a common long-term treatment effect that adversely impacts the quality of life (QOL) of rectal cancer (RC) survivors. Research suggests that self-care strategies such as behavioral adjustments and supplements/medications are used to achieve bowel control. Evidence describing the specific types of self-care strategies is lacking. The purpose of this study is to describe behavioral adjustments and supplement/medications use in long-term ( ≥ 5 years) RC survivors for managing bowel dysfunction. Methods: Long-term RC survivors with or without permanent ostomies who were enrolled in two Kaiser Permanente Regions completed a survey that included questions eliciting behavioral adjustments and supplements/medications used for bowel control. Written comments from the questions were coded for content and themes. The themes were reviewed and agreed upon by the research team. Responses mentioned < 9 times were combined into broader categories; those mentioned ≥ 9 times were coded s...
Trafficking and Syrian Refugee Smuggling: Evidence from the Balkan Route

As of March 2016, 4.8 million Syrian refugees were scattered in two dozen countries by the civil war. Refugee smuggling has been a major catalyst of human trafficking in the Middle East and Europe migrant crises. Data on the extent to which smuggling devolved into trafficking in this refugee wave is, however, scarce. This article investigates how Syrian refugees interact with smugglers, shedding light on how human smuggling and human trafficking interrelated on the Balkan Route. I rely on original evidence from in-depth interviews (n = 123) and surveys (n = 100) with Syrian refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and Germany; as well as ethnographic observations in thirty-five refugee camps or other sites in these countries. I argue that most smugglers functioned as guides, informants, and allies in understudied ways—thus refugee perceptions diverge dramatically from government policy assumptions. I conclude with a recommendation for a targeted advice policy that would acknowledge the reality of migrant-smuggler relations, and more effectively curb trafficking instead of endangering refugees.
Implementing a quality improvement collaborative to improve hypertension control and advance Million Hearts among low-income Californians, 2014-2015

From January through December 2015, the California Department of Health Care Services, which administers Medi-Cal, the nation's largest Medicaid program, conducted a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) with 9 Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) aimed at improving hypertension control consistent with the Million Hearts initiative. The QIC included quarterly webinars and links to local, state, and national resources that consisted of materials and consultations with subject matter experts. Participating MCPs demonstrated an average increase of 5.0 percentage points in their rates of controlled hypertension. Collaboratives can achieve substantial quality improvement in Medicaid managed care plans.
Breaking the mold: the key for A prosperous future for the public service

Minnowbrook III pre-conference retreat participants were asked to submit a critique of the field of public administration in advance of the September 3, 2008, gathering. In looking broadly at this request the author determined that our organizational structures and institutions were not changing as quickly as the environment in which they are embedded. His critique suggests that the five key challenges for todayʼs administrators are to (1) create flexible response mechanisms, (2) pursue civil and economic equity, (3) build citizen knowledge, (4) think in terms of governance, and (5) understand and steer globalization.