cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A case report: Challenges in COVID-19 modeling at a public health department

In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Tulsa Health Department created local models. This was an iterative process, with the focus predicting all infections (including asymptomatic and mild cases that would not meet testing criteria,) and deaths for the Tulsa area. SEIR-type models were utilized. Developing infectious disease models is challenging due to data issues related to validity, and complex interrelated assumptions, and this was exacerbated with the COVID-19 crisis. Directly related to these data challenges were challenges with communicating without spreading misinformation, and being clear about the model limitations.
Impact of Film Stress and Film Thickness Process Control on GaAs-TiAu Metal Adhesion

The fabrication of GaAs-based optoelectronic ridge-waveguide devices requires deposition of a topside-contact metallization for proper device operation. Fabrication delays occurring during the processing of TiAu-contact pads have been linked to poor adhesion and metal blister formation, factors that negatively affect the final device yield. In this study, we examined sputter-deposited Ti and Au films to determine the impact of film-thickness process control and film stress as measured by wafer bow. We theorized that competing stress relaxation forces between the Ti and Au films would produce a post-deposition change in wafer bow, which affects the Au film, setting the stage for blister creation. We now report the development of a reduced-stress sputter-deposited TiAu-contact metallization and demonstrate the utility of the modified process with fabrication of blister-free ridge-waveguide devices with high device yield.
The tunable intrahexamer heteroassembly mechanism of pseudoenzyme/enzyme pair, PDX1.2/PDX1.3, with its molecular impact on vitamin B6 regulation

Abstract Plants boost the expression of pseudo-enzyme PDX1.2 under heat stress and during embryonic development. PDX1.2 positively regulates vitamin B6 production by hetero-association with its active catalytic homologs such as PDX1.1 and PDX1.3. These heterologous interactions were found challenging to understand. For instance, the crystals of PDX1.2-PDX1.3 heterocomplexes were found to be statistically disordered and individual proteins could not be assigned. Using a combination of biochemical and structural tools, we find that the key to this phenomenon is the nature of PDX1.2 hetero-assembly with its catalytic counterparts. Using a cell-free protein synthesis approach, we were able to set up a precise control of co-expression where we systematically varied the ratios of co-produced proteins by tuning the ratios of input DNA. These were further analyzed by Native Mass Spectrometry, which elucidated that 6-8 hetero-complex species of dodecamers of variable stoichiometry are produced for each co-expression condition tested. This is in contrast to previous hypothesis of stacked inter-hexamer assembly mechanism. As proposed previously, our high-resolution Cryo-EM structure of pseudo-enzyme PDX1.2 closely mimics the fold of PDX1.3 and maintains all necessary protein-protein interactions between subunits. In PDX1.2, the altered catalytic site P1 appears perturbed in concordance with its lack of activity, while the P2 site appears largely unchanged. The most surprising finding is that we observe a complete switch in the surface electrostatics for PDX1.2. Based on the activity assays and its structure, we hypothesize that the change in electrostatic would have a significant impact on the neighboring P2 site of the PDX1.3 and influence the turnover efficiency at that site. These data suggest that pseudo-enzyme PDX1.2 rather acts as an electrostatic tuning module, that, in combination with its hetero-assembly mechanism based on random incorporation, imposes a perfect regulatory control of such important process.
Guidelines for Patient-Centered Opioid Prescribing and Optimal FDA-Compliant Disposal of Excess Pills after Inpatient Operation: Prospective Clinical Trial

Background To optimize responsible opioid prescribing after inpatient operation, we implemented a clinical trial with the following objectives: prospectively validate patient-centered opioid prescription guidelines and increase the FDA-compliant disposal rate of leftover opioid pills to higher than currently reported rates of 20% to 30%. Study Design We prospectively enrolled 229 patients admitted for 48 hours or longer after elective general, colorectal, urologic, gynecologic, or thoracic operation. At discharge, patients received a prescription for both nonopioid analgesics and opioids based on their opioid usage the day before discharge: if 0 oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were used, then five 5-mg oxycodone pill-equivalents were prescribed; if 1 to 29 MME were used, then fifteen 5-mg oxycodone pill-equivalents were prescribed; if 30 or more MME were used, then thirty 5-mg oxycodone pill-equivalents were prescribed. We considered patients’ opioid pain medication needs to be satisfied if no opioid refills were obtained. To improve FDA-compliant disposal of leftover pills, we implemented patient education, convenient drop-box, reminder phone call, and questionnaire. Results Our opioid guideline satisfied 93% (213 of 229) of patients. Satisfaction was significantly higher in lower opioid usage groups (p = 0.001): 99% (99 of 100) in the 0 MME group, 90% (91 of 101) in the 1 to 29 MME group, and 82% (23 of 28) in the 30 or more MME group. Overall, 95% (217 of 229) of patients used nonopioid analgesics. Sixty percent (138 of 229) had leftover pills; 83% (114 of 138) disposed of them using an FDA-compliant method and 51% (58 of 114) used the convenient drop-box. Of 2,604 prescribed pills, only 187 (7%) were kept by patients. Conclusions This clinical trial prospectively validated a patient-centered opioid discharge prescription guideline that satisfied 93% of patients. FDA-compliant disposal of excess pills was achieved in 83% of patients with easily actionable interventions.
Impact of metal/ceramic interactions on interfacial shear strength: Study of Cr/TiN using a new modified embedded-atom potential

Abstract The effect of misfit dislocation networks (MDNs) on the stability and shear strength of Cr/TiN was investigated using a newly developed modified embedded atom model parameterized to pure Cr, CrTi, CrN, and Cr/TiN interfacial properties. The interfacial energy was lowest when the MDN was located in the Cr layer adjacent to the chemical interface, which also had the largest dislocation core widths. This was consistent with generalized stacking fault energies, which had lower energy barriers between the first and second Cr layers next to the chemical interface. As the MDN moved away from the interface, dislocation core widths consistently decreased along with the interfacial energy. For all positions of MDNs, shear failure occurred in the ceramic, between the first and second TiN layers next to the chemical interface. The lowest shear strength was found for the system with the MDN in the first Cr layer with respect to the chemical interface. Only for this particular configuration was there a significant plastic deformation present.
Product development in the apparel industry

Abstract Fashion product development (PD) is a complex process with activities extending out from the designer's concept through making the style ready for production. PD models assist in understanding these activities that need to be accomplished by various members of the development team at different tight time schedules so that the product is ready to satisfy market demand. The tools and technologies play a major role in determining the efficiency of each task in the PD process, in addition to effective communication among members involved in the process. The apparel PD process has been challenged by new business processes such as fast fashion, for which demand-led PD strategies must be implemented.
Social Work Assessment of Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder : Reliability and Validity of the Child Behavior Checklist

Abstract A review of the empirical literature was conducted concerning the use of the Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL) in the assessment and treatment of children meeting the DSM-IV criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Even though the information is more limited on the CBCL in regards to ODD, compared to youth with Conduct Disorder, it is evident that this scale is a practical rapid assessment instrument with clinical, administrative, research, and program evaluation uses. Social workers serving children meeting the criteria for ODD, and those engaged in research and evaluation with such children, are encouraged to consider using the CBCL as a part of a comprehensive social work assessment package.
Ontogenic changes in lactoferrin receptor and DMT1 in mouse small intestine: implications for iron absorption during early life.

It has been proposed that lactoferrin receptor (LfR) may be involved in intestinal iron transport during early life. However, it is known that iron homeostasis is regulated by divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1; Nramp2/DCT1) in the adult small intestine. To address the hypothesis that LfR may play a role as an alternative iron transport pathway during early life, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine the localization of mouse LfR (mLfR) and DMT1. In addition to studying the localization and abundance of LfR and DMT1 on the apical membrane, intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were isolated during the first 3 postnatal weeks (postnatal day (PD) 0, 5, 10, and 20). We found that mLfR is expressed in fetal mice as early as gestational days (GD) 13.5, 15.5, and 18.5. A 34 kD band for mLfR was detected at PD 0 through PD 20 in total intestine homogenate. However, mLfR protein did not appear in the BBMV preparations until PD 5 and was highly expressed at PD 10. By IHC, DMT1 protein was minima...
Multimedia, It's How You Use It

SUMMARY The current study chronicles what one professor learned from teaching a distance education course with and without the aid of PowerPoint multimedia presentation software. It compares student ratings of three lectures from the same classes by the same professor; the first, a traditional lecture without any audiovisual aids; the second, a lecture supplemented by PowerPoint notes outlining the lecture; and finally, a multimedia lecture utilizing PowerPoint notes with pictures, music and animations. Students reacted no differently to any of the presentations when delivered by an experienced teacher. The students did, however, prefer PowerPoint multimedia to PowerPoint outline presentations. Suggestions for the optimal uses of presentation software are provided.
Cumulative fatigue damage and life prediction of elastomeric components

Elastomeric components are widely used in many applications due to their good damping and energy absorption characteristics. The type of loading normally encountered by these components in service is variable amplitude cyclic loading. Therefore, fatigue failure is a major consideration in their design. In this work capabilities of Rainflow cycle counting procedure, maximum principal strain as a damage criterion, and Miner's linear cumulative damage rule are evaluated with both specimen and component tests. An automotive cradle mount is used as an illustrative component. Comparison of predicted and experimental fatigue lives in both specimen and cradle mount variable amplitude load tests indicate satisfactory predictions in both cases.
Nuclear relaxation of 3He in the presence of O2.

We have measured the longitudinal nuclear relaxation rate ${\mathit{T}}_{1}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ in the presence of molecular oxygen in the temperature range T\ensuremath{\approxeq}200--400 K. At room temperature, ${\mathit{T}}_{1}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$=0.448\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ per amagat ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, in approximate agreement with theoretical models for intermolecular dipolar relaxation. Furthermore, in this temperature range, ${\mathit{T}}_{1}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}0.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04}$. Our results are of practical importance for the growing number of applications involving hyperpolarized noble gases.
Malonyl-CoA regulation in skeletal muscle: its link to cell citrate and the glucose-fatty acid cycle.

Malonyl-CoA is an inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, the enzyme that controls the oxidation of fatty acids by regulating their transfer into the mitochondria. Despite this, knowledge of how malonyl-CoA levels are regulated in skeletal muscle, the major site of fatty acid oxidation, is limited. Two- to fivefold increases in malonyl-CoA occur in rat soleus muscles incubated with glucose or glucose plus insulin for 20 min [Saha, A. K., T. G. Kurowski, and N. B. Ruderman. Am. J. Physiol. 269 (Endocrinol. Metab. 32): E283-E289, 1995]. In addition, as reported here, acetoacetate in the presence of glucose increases malonyl-CoA levels in the incubated soleus. The increases in malonyl-CoA in all of these situations correlated closely with increases in the concentration of citrate (r2 = 0.64) and to an even greater extent the sum of citrate plus malate (r2 = 0.90), an antiporter for citrate efflux from the mitochondria. Where measured, no increase in the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was found. Inhibition of ATP citrate lyase with hydroxycitrate markedly diminished the increases in malonyl-CoA in these muscles, indicating that citrate was the major substrate for the malonyl-CoA precursor, cytosolic acetyl-CoA. Studies with enzyme purified by immunoprecipitation indicated that the observed increases in citrate could have also allosterically activated ACC. The results suggest that in the presence of glucose, insulin and acetoacetate acutely increase malonyl-CoA levels in the incubated soleus by increasing the cytosolic concentration of citrate. This novel mechanism could complement the glucose-fatty acid cycle in determining how muscle chooses its fuels. It could also provide a means by which glucose acutely modulates signal transduction in muscle and other cells (e.g., the pancreatic beta-cell) in which its metabolism is determined by substrate availability.
Space time adaptive processing for a carrier based airborne early warning radar system

This paper addresses the use of space time adaptive processing (STAP) for clutter and jamming mitigation in a carrier based airborne early warning (AEW) radar system. A UHF, low PRF radar serves as a baseline for the radar parameters used in this paper for system requirements and performance comparisons. Performance comparisons of alternative STAP architectures supported by broadband measured antenna data are shown.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Local Smoke-Free Law Coverage in 10 States.

Objectives. We assessed sociodemographic disparities in local 100% smoke-free laws prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas of nonhospitality worksites, restaurants, and bars in 10 states.Methods. We obtained data on local 100% smoke-free laws (US Tobacco Control Laws Database) and subcounty characteristics (2006–2010 American Community Survey) for Alabama, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia. Outcomes included (1) 100% smoke-free law covering restaurants, bars, and workplaces; (2) 100% smoke-free law covering restaurants, bars, or workplaces; and (3) number of venue types covered by 100% smoke-free laws (0–3). Sociodemographics included total population, urban status, percentage racial/ethnic minority, per capita income, percentage with high-school diploma, percentage with blue-collar jobs, and percentage of workers who live and work in the same locality.Results. Across states, localities with less-educated residents, smaller proportions...
Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 signaling in prefrontal cortex controls depressive behavior

Current treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) have a time lag and are ineffective for a large number of patients. Development of novel pharmacological therapies requires a comprehensive understanding of the molecular events that contribute to MDD pathophysiology. Recent evidence points toward aberrant activity of synaptic proteins as a critical contributing factor. In the present studies, we used viral-mediated gene transfer to target a key mediator of activity-dependent synaptic protein synthesis downstream of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) known as p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). Targeted delivery of two mutants of S6K1, constitutively active or dominant-negative, to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats allowed control of the mTORC1/S6K1 translational pathway. Our results demonstrate that increased expression of S6K1 in the mPFC produces antidepressant effects in the forced swim test without altering locomotor activity. Moreover, expression of active S6K1 in the mPFC blocked the anhedonia caused by chronic stress, resulting in a state of stress resilience. This antidepressant response was associated with increased neuronal complexity caused by enhanced S6K1 activity. Conversely, expression of dominant-negative S6K1 in the mPFC resulted in prodepressive behavior in the forced swim test and was sufficient to cause anhedonia in the absence of chronic stress exposure. Together, these data demonstrate a critical role for S6K1 activity in depressive behaviors, and suggest that pathways downstream of mTORC1 may underlie the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD.
Neuroprotective Effects of Testosterone on Motoneuron and Muscle Morphology Following Spinal Cord Injury

Treatment with testosterone is neuroprotective/neurotherapeutic after a variety of motoneuron injuries. Here we assessed whether testosterone might have similar beneficial effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). Young adult female rats received either sham or T9 spinal cord contusion injuries and were implanted with blank or testosterone-filled Silastic capsules. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Soma volume, motoneuron number, lesion volume, and tissue sparing were also assessed, as were muscle weight, fiber cross-sectional area, and motor endplate size and density. Contusion injury resulted in large lesions, with no significant differences in lesion volume, percent total volume of lesion, or spared white or gray matter between SCI groups. SCI with or without testosterone treatment also had no effect on the number or soma volume of quadriceps motoneurons. However, SCI resulted in a decrease in dendritic length of quadriceps motoneurons in untreated animals, and this decrease was completely prevented by treatment with testosterone. Similarly, the vastus lateralis muscle weights and fiber cross-sectional areas of untreated SCI animals were smaller than those of sham-surgery controls, and these reductions were both prevented by testosterone treatment. No effects on motor endplate area or density were observed across treatment groups. These findings suggest that regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI can be prevented by testosterone treatment, further supporting a role for testosterone as a neurotherapeutic agent in the injured nervous system.
Collisional aspects of bosonic and fermionic dipoles in quasi-two-dimensional confining geometries

Fundamental aspects of ultracold collisions between identical bosonic or fermionic dipoles are studied under quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) confinement. In the strongly dipolar regime, bosonic and fermion species are found to share important collisional properties as a result of the confining geometry, which suppresses the inelastic rates irrespective of the quantum statistics obeyed. A potential negative is that the confinement causes dipole-dipole resonances to be extremely narrow, which could make it difficult to explore Q2D dipolar gases with tunable interactions. Such properties are shown to be universal, and a simple WKB model reproduces most of our numerical results. In order to shed light on the many-body behavior of dipolar gases in Q2D we have analyzed the scattering amplitude and developed an energy-analytic form of the pseudopotentials for dipoles.
Studying insect motion with piezoelectric sensors

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in applications such as transducers, acoustic components, as well as motion, pressure and airborne sensors. Because of the material's biocompatibility and flexibility, we have been able to apply small piezoelectric sensors, made of PVDF, to cockroaches. We built a laboratory test system to study the piezoelectric properties of a bending sensor. The tested motion was compared with that of the sensor attached to a cockroach. Surface characterization and finite element analysis revealed the effects of microstructure on piezoelectric response. The sensor attachment enables us to monitor the insects' locomotion and study their behaviors. The applications of engineering materials to insects opens the door to innovating approaches to integrating biological, mechanical and electrical systems.
Subcellular distribution of small GTP binding proteins in pancreas: identification of small GTP binding proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Abstract Subfractionation of a canine pancreatic homogenate was performed by several differential centrifugation steps, which gave rise to fractions with distinct marker profiles. Specific binding of guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate (GTP[gamma-35S]) was assayed in each fraction. Enrichment of GTP[gamma-35S] binding was greatest in the interfacial "smooth" microsomal fraction, expected to contain Golgi and other smooth vesicles. There was also marked enrichment in the rough microsomal fraction. Electron microscopy and marker protein analysis revealed the rough microsomes (RMs) to be highly purified rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The distribution of small (low molecular weight) GTP binding proteins was examined by a [alpha-32P]GTP blot-overlay assay. Several apparent GTP binding proteins of molecular masses 22-25 kDa were detected in various subcellular fractions. In particular, at least two such proteins were found in the Golgi-enriched and RM fractions, suggesting that these small GTP binding proteins were localized to the Golgi and RER. To more precisely localize these proteins to the RER, native RMs and RMs stripped of ribosomes by puromycin/high salt were subjected to isopycnic centrifugation. The total GTP[gamma-35S] binding, as well as the small GTP binding proteins detected by the [alpha-32P]GTP blot overlay, distributed into fractions of high sucrose density, as did the RER marker ribophorin I. Consistent with a RER localization, when the RMs were stripped of ribosomes and subjected to isopycnic centrifugation, the total GTP[gamma-35S] binding and the small GTP binding proteins detected in the blot-overlay assay shifted to fractions of lighter sucrose density along with the RER marker.
Effect of hypophysectomy, replacement therapy with ovine prolactin, and cortisol and triiodothyronine treatment on prolactin receptors of the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

Abstract The effects of hypophysectomy and subsequent replacement therapy with ovine prolactin (oPRL) on specific binding of 25 I-oPRL to gill, kidney, and liver membranes of male tilapia were examined. The possible control of prolactin receptors by cortisol (F) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) was also studied using intact animals. In gill and kidney, hypophysectomy resulted in a significant decrease in specific binding that was partially restored (threefold increase) by three injections of oPRL, suggesting a role of the pituitary in the control of prolactin receptors. However, removal of the pituitary and replacement therapy with oPRL had no effect on binding by liver membranes. Cortisol and T 3 treatment, alone or in combination, did not significantly affect prolactin binding by any of the tissues tested.
Early arytenoid adduction for vagal paralysis after skull base surgery.

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of early arytenoid adduction in the management of vagal paralysis after skull base surgery. Study Design Retrospective evaluation at a tertiary care skull base center. Methods Aggressive surgical management of skull base lesions has become increasingly popular owing to advances in surgical technique and intraoperative monitoring. Temporary and permanent lower cranial neuropathies occur frequently, especially after the surgical management of lesions involving the vertebrobasilar system and the jugular foramen. An injury to the proximal vagus nerve is usually associated with dysphonia and swallowing dysfunction. An early arytenoid adduction has been employed in 26 patients with a vagal paralysis after skull base surgery. Most commonly, the neurosurgical patient underwent an arytenoid adduction under general anesthesia on postoperative day 2. Results Videostroboscopy after arytenoid adduction demonstrated 76% of patients had complete glottic closure. Of those with inadequate glottic closure, all demonstrated a well-medialized posterior glottis with a persistent anterior glottal gap. These patients were easily treated with a secondary type I thyroplasty under local anesthesia with sedation resulting in complete glottic closure. Despite excellent voice outcomes, 66% of these patients had dysphagia requiring enteral feedings for nutritional support. Conclusions An early arytenoid adduction is an excellent medialization technique that can be performed safely in the early postoperative period under general anesthesia after skull base surgery.
The receptor phosphatase HmLAR2 collaborates with focal adhesion proteins in filopodial tips to control growth cone morphology

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) have been shown to play key roles in regulating axon guidance and synaptogenesis. HmLAR2, one of two closely related LAR-like RPTPs in the embryonic leech, is expressed in a few central neurons and in a unique segmentally-iterated peripheral cell, the comb cell (CC). Here we show that tagged HmLAR2-EGFP has a punctate pattern of expression in the growth cones of the CC, particularly at the tips of extending filopodia. Moreover, although expression of the wild-type EGFP-tagged receptor does not affect CC growth cone morphology, expression of a putative dominant-negative mutant of the receptor, CS-HmLAR2, leads to the enlargement of the growth cones, a shortening of filopodia, and errors in cellular tiling. RNAi of several candidate substrate signaling proteins, Lena (leech Ena/Vasp), β-integrin and paxillin, but not β-catenin, phenocopies particular aspects of the effects of HmLAR2 RNAi. For paxillin, which co-localizes with HmLAR2 at growth cone puncta, knock-down led to a reduction in the number of such puncta. Together, our data suggests that HmLAR2 regulates the morphology of the growth cone by controlling F-actin polymerization and focal adhesion complexes.
On the distributions of a class of statistics in multivariate analysis

Abstract The noncentral distributions of Y = Π i=1 p θ i a (1 − θ i ) b are obtained, where a and b are known real numbers and θi's stand for latent roots of a matrix arising in each of three situations in multivariate normal theory, namely, test of equality of two covariance matrices, MANOVA, and canonical correlation. The study is extended to the complex case as well. The distributions are derived in terms of H-functions as a result of inverse Mellin transforms. Further, asymptotic expansions of the distribution of Y have been obtained in the case of two covariance matrices for selected values of (a, b).
LACK OF ASPIRIN USE PRIOR TO PCI IS RELATIVELY COMMON AND STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED IN–HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Aspirin (ASA) is an essential component of peri–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) pharmacotherapy. Prior studies suggest that ASA is not administered to a small but clinically significant number of patients before undergoing PCI. We evaluated the incidence of PCI's performed without pre–
Reversible acute renal failure in lead poisoning.

8. Bond JA, Harley DM, Lades HM: Plasma concentration of benzodiazepines. Br J Clin Pharmacol 4:51, 1977. 9. Lassius R, Dietrichson P, Lunde PKM: Effects of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam in spasticity and rigidity: A quantitative study of reflexes and plasma concentration. Acta Neurol Scand 61:378, 1980. 10. Morselli PL, Principi N, Tognoni G, Reali E, Belvedere G, Stranden SM, Sereni F: Diazepam elimination in premature and full term infants and children. J Perinat Med 1:133, 1973. 11. Langslet A, Meberg A, Bredesen JE, Lunde PKM: Plasma concentrations of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam in newborn infants after intravenous, intramuscular, rectal and oral administration. Acta Paediatr Scand 67:699, 1978.
164 Chemical Antiherbivore Defenses of Temperate Green Macroalgae

Many temperate green macroalgae contain secondary meatbolites that provide protection from grazing by some herbivores. These include the production of dopamine hydrochloride by the ulvoid green alga Ulvaria obscura and the production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by many species of Ulvales and Caulerpales. The dopamine hydrochloride defense was isolated using bioassay-guided fractionation and is effective against sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and littorinid snails (Littorina sitkana). The DMSP activated defense system involves enzymatic cleavage of DMSP into dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and acrylic acid. It is found in many of the Ulvales and several species of Codium in the northeastern Pacific and Australasian regions. Many green algae such as Ulva fenestrata and Enteromorpha linza are avoided by urchins, which are deterred by DMS and acrylic acid in laboratory assays. However, these algae are often preferred foods of snails, which are deterred by DMS and acrylic acid. Snails may preferentially consume ulvoid green algae, despite being deterred by DMS and acrylic acid, because these algae contain relatively high nitrogen concentrations.
Play, problem-solving, and creativity

Research generally supports the contention that play and exploration can have significant impact on problem-solving and creativity.
Lifestyle and reduced mortality among active California Mormons, 1980-2004.

Abstract Objective. The objective is to measure the relationship of several healthy characteristics of the Mormon lifestyle to mortality. Method. We examined 9815 religiously active California Mormon adults followed for mortality during 1980–2004 and 15,832 representative U.S. white adults enrolled in the 1987 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and followed for mortality during 1988–1997. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated relative to U.S. whites defined to have a SMR of 1.00. Results. Active California Mormons practice a healthy lifestyle advocated by their religion, which emphasizes a strong family life, education and abstention from tobacco and alcohol. Unusually low SMRs occurred among married never smokers who attended church weekly and had at least 12 years of education. For those aged 25–99 years at entry, the SMR for all causes of death was 0.45 (0.42–0.48) for males and 0.55 (0.51–0.59) for females. For those aged 25–64 years at entry, the SMR for all causes of death was 0.36 (0.32–0.41) for males and 0.46 (0.40–0.53) for females. Life expectancy from age 25 was 84 years for males and 86 years for females. These SMRs were largely replicated among similarly defined persons of all religions within the NHIS cohort. Conclusions. Several healthy characteristics of the Mormon lifestyle are associated with substantially reduced death rates and increased life expectancy.
Regioselective rhodium-containing catalysts for ring-opening polymerizations and hydrosilylations

Organometallic rhodium complexes are described which are highly efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of expoxides and other heterocyclic compounds. A cocatalyst, consisting of a compound or polymer containing silicon–hydrogen bonds must also be present. These same catalyst–cocatalyst mixtures are also highly active for hydrosilylation reactions. Other complexes bearing phosphine ligands have been discovered, which while active for hydrosilylation, are not catalysts for epoxide polymerizations. Polymer supported rhodium catalysts are also described which permit the synthesis of epoxy-functional silanes in high yields without competing ring-opening polymerization.
Degradation of polycarbonate sheeting on outdoor exposure. Relationship between changes in molecular weight and tensile properties

To obtain better understanding of surface microcracking of polycarbonate (PC) glazing during outdoor exposure, and to determine the effect of weathering on its fracture resistance, changes in molecular weight and tensile properties during outdoor and various artificial weathering were studied. During outdoor weathering, the ultimate elongation and ultimate tensile stress decreased showing that PC became less ductile and more susceptible to fracture. The occurrence of surface microcracking of PC is attributed to a combination of a decrease in ultimate tensile stress and ductility of surface layer due to UV radiation, and alternating stresses due, primarily, to temperature changes.
Characterization of dysferlin deficient SJL/J mice to assess preclinical drug efficacy: fasudil exacerbates muscle disease phenotype.

The dysferlin deficient SJL/J mouse strain is commonly used to study dysferlin deficient myopathies. Therefore, we systematically evaluated behavior in relatively young (9–25 weeks) SJL/J mice and compared them to C57BL6 mice to determine which functional end points may be the most effective to use for preclinical studies in the SJL/J strain. SJL/J mice had reduced body weight, lower open field scores, higher creatine kinase levels, and less muscle force than did C57BL6 mice. Power calculations for expected effect sizes indicated that grip strength normalized to body weight and open field activity were the most sensitive indicators of functional status in SJL/J mice. Weight and open field scores of SJL/J mice deteriorated over the course of the study, indicating that progressive myopathy was ongoing even in relatively young (<6 months old) SJL/J mice. To further characterize SJL/J mice within the context of treatment, we assessed the effect of fasudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, on disease phenotype. Fasudil was evaluated based on previous observations that Rho signaling may be overly activated as part of the inflammatory cascade in SJL/J mice. Fasudil treated SJL/J mice showed increased body weight, but decreased grip strength, horizontal activity, and soleus muscle force, compared to untreated SJL/J controls. Fasudil either improved or had no effect on these outcomes in C57BL6 mice. Fasudil also reduced the number of infiltrating macrophages/monocytes in SJL/J muscle tissue, but had no effect on muscle fiber degeneration/regeneration. These studies provide a basis for standardization of preclinical drug testing trials in the dysferlin deficient SJL/J mice, and identify measures of functional status that are potentially translatable to clinical trial outcomes. In addition, the data provide pharmacological evidence suggesting that activation of rho-kinase, at least in part, may represent a beneficial compensatory response in dysferlin deficient myopathies.
A comparison of the stability of sunflower oil and corn oil

The stability of a northern sunflower oil was evaluated against a corn oil. The sunflower oil was tested before and after winteriza-tion, as well as with and without the addition of methyl silicone and antioxidants. The corn oil was tested after winterization with and without the addition of methyl silicone and antioxidants. Under normal use conditions at room temperature and 35 C, in the pres-ence of air in the headspace gas, sunflower oil samples developed peroxides more rapidly than corn oil. However, these higher perox-ide numbers did not seem to affect their organoleptic scores. Starch chunks, deep-fat fried in corn oil, had better flavor stability than those fried in sunflower oil. The peroxide values of the corn-oil-fried starch chunks were consistently lower than the sunflower-oil-fried starch chunks at various stages of aging. The chemical and physical changes of the corn oil and sunflower oil samples during simulated deep-fat frying were compared. The stability of the corn oil was approximately the same as that of the sunflower oil.
Comparative immunotoxicity of 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide and cyclophosphamide: evaluation of L1210 tumor cell resistance, cell-mediated immunity, and humoral immunity.

Abstract The immunotoxicity of 2,2′-dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard, SM), on humoral and cell-mediated immunity was compared with that of the nitrogen mustard 2-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazophosphorine 2-oxide (cyclophosphamide, CP). SM and CP had similar effects on thymic and splenic weights, spleen cell number, and the formation of antibody producing cells to sheep red blood cells (sRBC) when examined 5 days after exposure, but differed in their effects on body weights. Although there were no differences in the delayed hypersensitivity response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, CP and SM had different effects in the L1210 tumor cell allograft rejection assay. CP, but not SM, decreased the 28 day survival rate of allogeneic mice exposed to a sublethal L1210 tumor challenge. The differing effects on survival to the L1210 tumor challenge could not be attributed to a direct cytotoxic effect of SM on the L1210 tumor cells as SM did not increase the survival rate or median survival time of syngeneic mice exposed to a lethal L1210 tumor cell challenge. In summary, SM and CP had immunosuppressive effects in the humoral immune assay. Although neither compound suppressed the delayed hypersensitivity response, CP was found to suppress host resistance to L1210 tumor cells.
Resistivity of pristine and intercalated graphite fiber epoxy composites

Laminar composites were fabricated from pristine and bromine intercalated Amoco P-55, P-75, and P-100 graphite fibers and Hysol-Grafil EAG101-1 film epoxy. The thickness and r.f. eddy current resistivity of several samples were measured at grid points and averaged point by point to obtain final values. Although the values obtained this way have high precision (less than 3 percent deviation), the resistivity values appear to be 20 to 90 percent higher than resistivities measured on high aspect ratio samples using multi-point techniques, and by those predicted by theory. The temperature dependence of the resistivity indicates that the fibers are neither damaged nor deintercalated by the composite fabrication process. The resistivity of the composites is a function of sample thickness (i.e., resin content). Composite resistivity is dominated by fiber resistivity, so lowering the resistivity of the fibers, either through increased graphitization or intercalation, results in a lower composite resistivity. A modification of the simple rule of mixtures model appears to predict the conductivity of high aspect ratio samples measured along a fiber direction, but a directional dependence appears which is not predicted by the theory. The resistivity of these materials is clearly more complex than that of homogeneous materials.
The Effects of a Strategic Writing Program for Students with and without Learning Disabilities in Inclusive Fifth-Grade Classes

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a comprehensive writing program for students with and without learning disabilities (LD) in inclusive general education classrooms. The program incorporated research-based components including instruction in a prewriting planning strategy, narrative text structure, writing strategies, and the process approach to writing. The study was conducted in five fifth-grade inclusive classrooms with 113 students (including 14 students with LD). A quasi-experimental comparison-group design was utilized, whereby three intact experimental classes received the writing intervention, and two intact comparison classes received traditional writing instruction. Measures included several writing indicators as well as state writing competency test scores. Results indicated that the students with and without LD in the experimental group made significant gains from pretest to posttest on several writing measures. Although students in the comparison group made some gains, the gains were related to fewer measures than the measures associated with experimental-group gains, and the effect sizes were smaller.
Tissue and subcellular distribution of 3H-dioxane in the rat and apparent lack of microsome-catalyzed covalent binding in the target tissue.

Abstract Using 3H-dioxane, the distribution of dioxane among a number of tissues and various subcellular fractions of rat liver was studied. At various times after i.p. injection, dioxane was found to distribute more or less uniformly among various tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, colon and skeletal muscle), consistent with its polar/nonpolar nature. Studies of the nature of dioxane binding, however, revealed that the extent of “covalent” binding (as measured by incorporation into lipid-free, acid-insoluble tissue residues) was significantly higher in the liver (the main carcinogenesis target tissue), spleen and colon than that in other tissues. Investigations of the subcellular distribution in liver indicated that most of the radioactivity was in the cytosol, followed by the microsomal, mitochondrial and nuclear fractions. The binding of dioxane to the macromolecules in the cytosol was mainly noncovalent. The percent covalent binding was highest in the nuclear fraction, followed by mitochondrial and microsomal fractions and the whole homogenate. Pretreatment of rats with inducers of microsomal mixed-function oxidases had no significant effect on the covalent binding of dioxane to the various subcellular fractions of the liver. There was no microsome-catalyzed in vitro binding of 3H- or 14C-dioxane to DNA under conditions which brought about substantial binding of 3H-benzo[a]pyrene.
Gain-scheduled ℓ1-optimal control for boiler-turbine dynamics with actuator saturation

Abstract This paper presents a gain-scheduled approach for boiler-turbine controller design. The objective of this controller design is to achieve tracking performance in the power output and drum pressure while regulating water level deviation. Also, the controller needs to take into account the magnitude and rate saturation constraints on actuators. The nonlinear boiler-turbine dynamics is brought into a linear parameter varying (LPV) form which is a parameter-dependent state-space realization. The LPV form of the boiler-turbine dynamics is characterized by nonlinear dependence on drum pressure, which is naturally the scheduling variable. The controller is designed by utilizing the set-valued method for l1- optimization, which explicitly addresses state constraints and controller saturations in the design process. The overall gain-scheduled design is augmented by a reference governor to avoid performance degradation in the presence of large tracking commands.
Internal magnet circuits for crossed-field amplifiers

The magnetic circuit of a typical crossed-field amplifier represents a significant portion of the structure in terms of weight and size. The development of a new magnetic material, samarium cobalt, has prompted further consideration of magnetic circuit design. This material has an energy product nearly four times as strong as most alnicos and twice as strong as platinum cobalt.
Effects of sex, social status and gonadectomy on countermarking by domestic dogs, Canis familiaris

To investigate the social roles of countermarking in dogs, we measured tail base position (TBP, a measure of social status), adjacent-marking and overmarking responses of male, nonoestrous female, gonadectomized male and gonadectomized female dogs to controlled presentations of urine from unfamiliar dogs and social groupmates. We also recorded dog sex, TBP, countermarking and urine investigation at a park. In urine presentations, only males overmarked, intact males (but not gonadectomized males) preferentially overmarked intact female urine, overmarking males had higher TBP than males that did not countermark and urine familiarity did not affect overmarking. In contrast, dogs adjacent-marked only unfamiliar samples, and neither sex nor TBP significantly affected adjacent marking. Gonadectomy did not significantly change the likelihood of countermarking. In dog park observations, males and females marked at and investigated ‘scent posts’ comprised of serial countermarks, often associated with visual landmarks. Males and females were equally likely to countermark and investigate urine and countermarks made up a similarly large portion of countermarking for males and females. Males and females with higher TBP urinated, investigated urine, and countermarked more than same-sex dogs with lower TBP. These studies suggest that although intact males may overmark female urine in part to guard mates as previously hypothesized, both sexes, intact and gonadectomized, likely countermark competitively. Social and sexual patterns also suggest that overmarks and adjacent marks may be distinct signals.
Nocardia infection in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract A case of Nocardia asteroides pneumonia in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who was intolerant of sulfadiazine is described. On cefuroxime, the patient had a complete resolution of his Nocardia pneumonia. Disk-diffusion and broth microdilution antibiotic susceptibility testing (MIC ⩽ 2 μ g/ml) strongly supported the use of cefuroxime as treatment in this patient. Susceptibility testing with newer cephalosporins should be considered for all significant Nocardia isolates.
Colossal Magnetoresistance in the Transition-Metal Zintl Compound Eu14MnSb11

Magnetoresistance measurements have been carried out on single-crystal sample of the transition-metal Zintl compound Eu14MnSb11. Eu14MnSb11 is the first compound of the Ca14AlSb11 structure type in which magnetoresistive effects have been measured. Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) at 92 K and 5 T with Δρ/ρ(0) = −36% and at 5 K and 5 T with Δρ/ρ(0) = −42% were observed. CMR is observed at the ferromagnetic−paramagnetic phase transition (92 K). A large negative magnetoresistance is observed below the second magnetic transition (15 K) and is attributed to a field-induced antiferromagnetic−ferromagnetic ordering of the Eu2+ lattice. The MR is highly anisotropic with respect to the crystallographic axes. A sign change in the curvatures of ρ(H) curves below and above 92 K has been observed, indicating that two different mechanisms are responsible for the magnetic scattering of the carriers in two separate temperature regions.
Non-hormonal factors in the control of gluconeogenesis

Abstract Increasing the concentration of alanine in the medium in a perfused rat liver preparation increases net hepatic glucose production. A high perfusate-glucose concentration diminishes while a low perfusate-glucose concentration enhances hepatic glucose release into the medium. This phenomenon is observed with both fed and fasted livers, suggesting a modulation of glycogenolysis and/or gluconeogenesis by the level of medium glucose. Provision of fatty acids enhances conversion of alanine to glucose and net hepatic glucose production while concurrently reducing alanine oxidation and its incorporation into fatty acids. On the other hand, gluconeogenesis in kidney appears to be also related to both acute and chronic changes in pH and acid-base balance.