cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychosis in parkinson's disease: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract 1. 1. This article reviews the prevalence, diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of psychosis in Parkinson's disease. 2. 2. Psychosis in Parkinson's disease has been associated with all antiparkinsonian medications. The most common symptoms are vivid disturbing dreams, visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions. 3. 3. The emergence of psychosis reduces the patient's functional capacity and increases caregiver burden. It also poses a therapeutic dilemma because effective treatment of psychotic symptoms may result in worsening of motor symptoms and vice versa. 4. 4. Increased physician awareness is essential for proper diagnosis and management. Withdrawal of anticholinergic medications and amantadine followed by levodopa dose adjustment is effective in many patients. 5. 5. Atypical neuroleptics, in low doses, may be successful when other measures have failed. However, these agents are not approved for treating Parkinsonian psychosis and must be considered as investigational therapies.
Child Abuse: The Role of the Orthopaedic Surgeon in Nonaccidental Trauma

Background Child abuse presents in many different forms: physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect. The orthopaedic surgeon is involved mostly with physical abuse but should be aware of the other forms. There is limited training regarding child abuse, and the documentation is poor when a patient is at risk for abuse. There is a considerable risk to children when abuse is not recognized.
Endoscopic cyanoacrylate versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastric variceal bleeding: a single-center U.S. analysis

Background and Objectives Gastric variceal hemorrhage treatment remains a difficult issue for clinicians. There is controversy regarding whether first-line treatment should be endoscopic therapy with cyanoacrylate glue or placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). We compared these methods on the basis of rebleeding, survival, and complications. Design, Setting, Patients, and Interventions This was a retrospective cohort analysis of cirrhotic patients with gastric variceal hemorrhage treated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate therapy or TIPS placement at a single U.S. center from 1997 to 2007. The groups were compared for rebleeding at 72 hours, 3 months, and 1 year; survival rates at 3 months and 1 year; and acute and extended complications and morbidity. Main Outcome Measurements and Results A total of 105 patients were included. There were no significant pretreatment differences between the 2 groups in age, sex, MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score at the time of admission, or cause of liver disease. There were no significant differences in rebleeding at 72 hours, 3 months, and 1 year; survival at 3 months and 1 year; and aggregate long-term survival or acute complications. However, the TIPS group had a higher rate of long-term morbidity requiring hospitalization (41% with a TIPS and 1.6% in the cyanoacrylate arm, P Limitations Retrospective and uncontrolled samples. Conclusion In patients with similar characteristics, cyanoacrylate therapy performed as well as a TIPS in controlling and preventing gastric variceal hemorrhage with no significant differences in survival. Patients receiving cyanoacrylate therapy experienced significantly less long-term morbidity related to therapy than patients who received a TIPS. Cyanoacrylate therapy appears to be safe and effective and compares favorably with TIPS therapy.
Comparison of cefoperazone and mezlocillin with imipenem as empiric therapy in febrile neutropenic cancer patients

Seventy-eight patients with cancer experienced 88 episodes of fever while neutropenic and were randomly assigned to receive empiric antibiotic therapy with cefoperazone 2 g intravenously every 12 hours and mezlocillin 4 g intravenously every six hours or imipenem/cilastatin 500 mg intravenously over 30 to 60 minutes every six hours. Within 96 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, 24 patients (57 percent) treated with cefoperazone and mezlocillin and 34 patients (74 percent) receiving imipenem/cilastatin became afebrile. One half of the patients in each arm required changes in the antibiotic regimen because of side effects, persistent fever with a site suspicious for infection, resistant organisms, or breakthrough bacteremias. Forty patients (95 percent) receiving cefoperazone and mezlocillin and 43 patients (93 percent) receiving imipenem/cilastatin recovered from the neutropenic episode. Two patients in each regimen group died of their underlying disease. One patient in the imipenem/cilastatin arm died of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis. Although the two regimens are comparable in efficacy, the incidence of side effects favored the cefoperazone and mezlocillin group. No seizures or bleeding were seen in either arm; however, 19 patients (41 percent) receiving imipenem/cilastatin required pretreatment antiemetic drugs for nausea.
3-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid for direct catalytic asymmetric anti-Mannich-type reactions of unmodified ketones.

We report the development of direct catalytic, enantioselective, anti-selective Mannich-type reactions between unmodified ketones and α-imino esters under mild conditions. The reactions were performed using 5−10 mol % of (R)-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic or (R)-β-proline as catalyst in an environmentally benign solvent, 2-PrOH, at room temperature. The anti-Mannich products were obtained in good yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to anti/syn >99:1, 99% ee). While (3R,5R)-5-methyl-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid is an excellent catalyst for the anti-Mannich-type reactions of aldehydes, it did not efficiently catalyze the corresponding Mannich-type reactions of ketones; (R)-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid did efficiently catalyze the Mannich-type reactions of ketones. (S)-Proline or (S)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid has been reported to catalyze the Mannich-type reactions of ketones to afford the syn-products. Thus, the position of the carboxylic acid group on the pyrrolidine ring directs the stere...
Estimation of the P(CS) with a Computer Program

In the area of ranking and selection, recent papers have presented procedures which attempt to allow experimenters to take at least partial advantage of more-favorable configurations of the population parameters (compared to the least-favorable configuration). The current paper presents a computer program which allows experimenters to dispense with all of inequalities, an indifference-zone, and known equal variabilities in their assessment of the probability of correct selection. It has additional uses in implementation of recently-proposed sequential adaptive selection procedures.
The electrochemical stability of lithium-metal oxides against metal reduction

Abstract The possibility of metal reduction during the charging of secondary lithium batteries with Li x MO 2 cathodes is investigated. Loss of active material due to metal reduction can be one of the causes of capacity decay in these batteries after repeated charging. First principles methods are used to calculate the metal reduction potentials in layered Li x MO 2 compounds where M=Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co or Ni. It is found that, for several of these compositions, the metal ions may preferably reduce before the lithium ion during charging.
PHAPI/pp32 Suppresses Tumorigenesis by Stimulating Apoptosis

PHAPI/pp32 is a tumor suppressor whose expression is altered in various human cancers. Although PHAPI possesses multiple biochemical activities, the molecular basis for its tumor-suppressive function has remained obscure. Recently we identified PHAPI as an apoptotic enhancer that stimulates apoptosome-mediated caspase activation. In this study, we defined the structural requirement for its activity to stimulate caspase activation using a series of truncation mutants of PHAPI. Further, utilizing these mutants, we provide evidence to support the model that the apoptotic activity of PHAPI is required for its tumor-suppressive capability. Consistently, pp32R1, a close homolog of PHAPI and yet an oncoprotein, is not able to stimulate caspase activation. A highly discrete region between these two proteins localizes to an essential caspase activation motif of PHAPI. Additionally, PHAPI is predominantly a nuclear protein, and it can translocate to the cytoplasm during apoptosis. Disruption of the nuclear localization signal of PHAPI caused a modest decrease of its tumor-suppressive function, indicating that nuclear localization of PHAPI contributes to, but is not essential for, tumor suppression.
Value of radionuclide ventriculography in the immediate characterization of patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The ability of admission radionuclide ventriculography to discriminate among various clinical subsets was evaluated in patients with acute myocardial infarction. One hundred patients with acute myocardial infarction were evaluated within 8 ± 3.1 hours (mean ± standard deviation) after the onset of chest pain. Forty-one patients were in Killip functional class I, 52 in class II and 7 in class III. The mean radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with higher Killip classification because of significant elevation of mean left ventricular end-systolic volume rather than significantly altered mean end-diastolic volume. Killip classification frequently failed to correlate with ejection fraction in individual cases. Admission chest X-ray findings were categorized according to the presence of findings suggestive of impaired left ventricular function. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with abnormal than in patients with normal chest X-ray findings because of significant elevations in both mean end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. The chest X-ray findings frequently failed to correlate with ejection fraction in individual cases. Stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the ability of historical, physical, electrocardiographic and chest X-ray findings to predict radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction. The most predictive variables in order of decreasing significance were anterior myocardial infarction, abnormal chest X-ray findings, rales to two thirds of the posterior thorax, previous myocardial infarction, transmural myocardial infarction and heart rate greater than 100 beats/min. However, even these six optimal predictive variables could explain only 42 percent of the observed variability in left ventricular ejection fraction. Thus, early radionuclide ventriculography adds significantly to the discriminant power of clinical and radiographic characterization of ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
N-di- and tri-organotin(IV) derivatives of saccharin

Eleven N-di- and tri-organotin(IV) derivatives of saccharin, RnSn[NC(O)C6H4SO2]4-n, where n = 2, R = CH3, C2H5, n-C4H9, C6H5 n-C8H17 and where n = 3, R = CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, n-C4H9, C6H5, c-C6H11 are synthesized in high yield by reaction of the corresponding organotin(IV) chlorides with the ammonium salt of saccharin in methanol. The products are colorless crystals, soluble in organic solvents. Vibrational spectroscopic band assignments are made for the ν(CO) (1710–1590 cm−), ν(SO2) (1375–1115 cm−), ν(SnC) (600–500 cm−) and ν(SnNCO) (380–349 cm−). No fragments of mass greater than the parent molecular ion or containing more than one tin atom are seen in the mass spectra at 12 eV of any of the compounds studied. Only in the triphenyltin(IV) derivative is the parent molecular ion seen. The tin-119m Mossbauer isomer shift (IS) values confirm tin as tin(IV), and the quadrupole splitting (QS) and ϱ(QS/IS), values are typical of higher than four-coordination with the NMR ‖2J(119SnC1H)‖ (coupling constants of the methyltins in solution corroboratory. From the QS values of the N-diorganotin(IV) derivatives a point charge model is used to calculate the carbon-tin-carbon angles. The magnitudes of these angles suggest that these derivatives have a generally trans-R2Sn configuration with predicted angles in the range 139–180°. The N-triorganotin(IV) derivatives have equatorial R3Sn groups which are approximately planar.
Economic evaluation of HIV prevention programs

Program managers and policy makers need to balance the costs and benefits of various interventions when planning and evaluating HIV prevention programs. Resources to fund these programs are limited and must be used judiciously to maximize the number of HIV infections averted. Economic evaluation studies of HIV prevention interventions, which we review and critique here, can provide some of the needed information. Special emphasis is given to studies dealing with interventions to reduce or avoid HIV-related risk behaviors. Ninety-three cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses were identified overall. However, only 28 dealt with domestic, behavior change interventions; the remainder focused on screening and testing without prevention counseling, and on care and treatment services. There are compelling demonstrations that behavioral interventions can be cost-effective and even cost-saving. The threshold conditions under which these programs can be considered cost-effective or cost-saving are well defined. However, several important intervention types and multiple key populations have been unstudied. Research in these areas is urgently needed.
Comparative ability of rat seminiferous tubules, interstitium, and whole testes to utilize cholesterol-1,2-3H as a substrate for testosterone synthesis and the intratesticular distribution of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme

Abstract Homogenates of rat seminiferous tubules, interstitium and intact testis tissues were assessed for their ability to convert cholesterol -1,2-3H to testosterone in vitro . While 3H-testosterone synthesis was observed in incubates of interstitial and whole testis homogenates, no synthesis was detectable in homogenates of seminiferous tubules. To determine whether cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CSCCE) was deficient or absent in tubules, mitochondria from tubules, interstitium and whole testes were analyzed for CSCCE activity by measuring conversion of cholesterol -26-14C to 14C-isocaproate (+ pregnenolone). Interstitial mitochondrial preparations from each of six testes were found to be approximately 200 times more active in CSCCE than the corresponding tubule mitochondria, and 1600–1800 times more active on a specific activity basis. Although caution is required in extrapolation of in vitro data to the in vivo state, these findings suggest rat seminiferous tubules may be incapable of de novo testosterone biosynthesis and that this lack of synthetic ability may be due to a deficiency of CSCCE.
The Use of Fast Integral Equations Solvers for Practical Package and Interconnect Analysis

Fast integral equation methods are now being applied to packaging and other such " low frequency" problems. This paper explores some of the issues surrounding such an application to real, product level packaging and interconnect type structures. Discussed are issues such as low frequency breakdown, mesh aspect ratios, and solver convergence. Finally, integral equation solver examples are presented using the IBM internally developed pre-corrected FFT (PFFT) solver labeled EMSurf [1].
Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Lessons learned and future directions

Compared with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in older children, ALL in infants has a dismal outcome because rearrangements of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene occur in about 80% of these patients, leading to an aggressive type of leukemia. With most recent therapies, about 50% long-term event-free survival is achieved, but early bone marrow relapse remains a major problem. Early intensification of chemotherapy and new innovative therapies are necessary to improve outcome. Bone marrow transplantation should be limited to a small subset of well-recognized ALL patients with a very poor prognosis. New genetic and epigenetic insights into the biology of MLL-rearranged ALL suggest new possibilities for therapies.
Management of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Rational Use of Phototherapy

Phototherapy has been used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia for more than three decades; however, it is only during the last ten years that an understanding of the mechanism of action of phototherapy has emerged. While visible light is known to photooxidize and photoisomerize bilirubin, recent data suggest that the formation of bilirubin structural isomers (lumirubin) is responsible for the decrement in serum bilirubin. This paper discusses current clinical recommendations for light dosage and wavelength and develops new guidelines based upon recent information of how light effects a reduction in the serum bilirubin concentration.
Micropatterning of sulfonated polyaniline using a soft lithography based lift-off process

A combination of soft lithography and lift-off processing is presented for the fabrication of sulfonated polyaniline (SPAN) microstructures. A soft lithography based micromolding process was used to pattern sacrificial layers using a thermoplastic polymer. SPAN was then polymerized in situ to coat the patterned substrate. The sacrificial layer was removed by lift-off in an organic solvent, leaving the patterned SPAN on the substrate. This process was performed on several rigid and flexible substrates including glass, silicon, and polyimide. The film thickness and roughness were measured as a function of reaction time using atomic force microscopy. Patterns were also imaged using scanning electron microscopy. This process provides a cost effective and versatile method of patterning SPAN and has potential applications in a number of conducting polymer devices.
Comparison of vasa vasorum after intravascular stent placement with sirolimis drug-eluting and bare metal stents.

Summary The cytostatic drug, sirolimis has shown prevention in neointimal hyperplasia after stent placement. Recent studies have shown persistent inflammation seen with drug-eluting stents (DES) may result in late stent thrombosis. The aim of this study is to compare effects of bare metal stents (BMS) and sirolimis DES on the neointima and vasa vasorum in stented rabbit aortas. Stents were implanted in eight New Zealand rabbits for 9 weeks. Group I rabbits received BMS. Group II rabbits received sirolimis DES. A balloon-mounted BMS or DES was placed in the infrarenal aorta. Following euthanasia, aortas were perfused with barium sulfate and sectioned for histology. After 9 weeks the qualitative intrastent luminal diameter was fairly uniform in both the DES and the BMS. The thickness of neointima was similar in both groups. The number of vasa vasorum in the sirolimis DES increased compared with the BMS (P < 0.05). An increased number of vasa vasorum produced by the DES when compared with the BMS shows a difference in response to local vessel injury in rabbits. This result suggests that vasa vasorum may play a role in the persistent inflammation generated by sirolimis-coated stents.
The Encyclopedia of Native American Legal Tradition

Foreword: To Save a Democracy by Charles Riley Cloud Introduction The Encyclopedia Bibliography Index
Characterization and Experimental Results of a Novel Sensor for Measuring the Contact Force From Myenteric Contractions

The intraluminal pressures and traction forces associated with the migrating motor complex are well understood; however, the contact forces directly exerted by the bowel wall on a solid, or near solid, bolus have not previously been measured. Quantifying contact forces is an important component to understanding the net force experienced by an in vivo robotic capsule endoscope. In this paper, we develop a novel sensor, the migrating motor complex force sensor (MFS), for measuring the contact force generated by the contracting myenteron of the small intestine. The MFS consists of a perfused manometer connected to four torus-shaped balloons custom formed of natural latex rubber and embedded with temperature and pressure sensors. Force exerted on the balloon causes sensor pressure change. In vivo, the MFS measures the magnitude and axial location of contact pressure exerted by the myenteron. The device is tested in vivo in a live porcine model on the middle small bowel. The mean total force per centimeter of axial length of intestine that occurred over a 16-min interval in vivo was 1.04 N·cm-1 in the middle region of the small intestine; the measured force is in the range of theoretical values.
Modelling water quality using thematic mapper data: Case of lake michigan

Abstract Analysis of water qualify based upon prediction models that use discretely monitored data is affected by the locations of sampling stations and may not represent dominant water conditions. These models are also affected by the time lapse, sampling error, and atmospheric influences on the spectral data. This research investigated the impact of these three factors upon the predictive capability of water quality models using archived TM and archived ground based water quality data. Coordinate transformation was implemented to locate and identify ground sampling stations on the TM data products. Chavez's (1975) regression method was used to reduce haze effects. The impact of time lapse, sampling error and haze effects on the reliability of water quality predictive modelling is significant and, thus, it is unlikely that reliable water quality predictive models can be generated using archived TM and ground‐truth data. Our attempts to reduce atmospheric effects using Chavez's method were unsuccessful. L...
The Talk-1 C-Terminus is a Charge-Sensitive Module Regulating Channel Activity

Human beta-cell insulin secretion is dependent on Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs). K+ channels modulate the beta-cell membrane potential, which influences VDCC activity. The most abundant K+ channel of the human islet is the two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel TALK-1; however, its function is unknown. We characterized TALK-1 currents in primary mouse beta-cells and find that K2P currents are significantly reduced after genetic ablation of TALK-1. To identify mechanisms that regulate TALK-1 channel activity, we used a Tl+-sensitive fluorescent screen to assess if TALK-1 is regulated by kinases. Cells expressing TALK-1 channels were monitored for changes in Tl+ flux in response to co-expression with a constitutively active kinase (examining a total of 192 kinases), revealing 9 kinases that modify Tl+ flux through TALK-1. Interestingly, three phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIKs) including PIK3CG, PI4K2B, and PIKFYVE, increased TALK-1 channel activity. To determine if activation of TALK-1 channels by PIKs is due to build-up of PIPs, we depleted membrane PIP2 with a rapamycin-recruitable phosphatase and found that TALK-1 channel activity was reduced. As charged residues of other K+ channels mediate PIP2 sensitivity, we assessed if PIP2 influences TALK-1 channel activity through a charged residue enriched domain in the C-terminus. We found that neutralization of these charged residues significantly reduced PIP2 activation of TALK-1 channels. Importantly, PIP2 introduced via patch pipette into primary mouse beta-cells also significantly enhanced TALK-1 currents. As glucose induces Ca2+-dependent oscillations in beta-cell PIP2, we then assessed how TALK-1 regulates islet Ca2+ dynamics. We find that Ca2+ oscillation frequency is significantly increased in islets lacking TALK-1, which results in enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). These data provide compelling evidence that TALK-1 influences GSIS by limiting excitability, and suggests a novel mechanism for phospholipid-dependent regulation of beta-cell Ca2+ entry.
Limiting efficiencies of integrating single junction with intermediate band solar cells for multiphysics effects

The multi-physics aspects of hybrid solar cells has provided the numerous advantages. To overcome the disadvantage of tandem solar cells like three or four junctions, single junction and intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) integrated concept is useful alternatives to replace the tandem solar cells configuration. IBSC has triple carrier transitions so that integrating with single junction can show the similar characteristics of conventional four junction tandem solar cells. From the advantages of this hybrid solar cells, we investigates the theoretical approaches and the appropriate material selections.
Characterization of charge-modified and fluorescein-labeled antibody by capillary electrophoresis using laser-induced fluorescence Application to immunoassay of low level immunoglobulin A

Abstract An affinity-purified and fluorescein-labeled antibody was chemically modified to alter its electrophoretic mobility. The functional activity of the resulting modified and fluor labeled antibody appeared was preserved. Immunoassay is carried out by the addition of an appropriate amount of the labeled antibody to a sample containing the antigen. Separation of the antigen-bound and free labeled antibody was performed by capillary electrophoresis with laser- induced fluorescence detection. Both free and antigen-bound labeled antibody species may be analysed simultaneously. Quantitation of the immunoassay is achieved with an on-line data analysis.
A sequencing-based taxonomy of I/0 systems and review of historical machines

A new taxonomy for I/O systems is proposed that is based on the program sequencing necessary for the control of I/O devices. A review of historical machines demonstrates the need for a more comprehensive categorization than previously published and reveals the historical firsts of I/O interrupts in the NBS DYSEAC, DMA in the IBM SAGE (AN/FSQ-7), the interrupt vector concept in the Lincoln Labs TX-2, and fully symmetric I/O in the Burroughs D-825 multiprocessor.
On the Line Profile Variations and Nonradial Pulsation Modes of ζ Tauri (HD 37202)

We present high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of the Hα, Hβ, and He I λλ4921,6678 spectral lines of the line profile variable and binary star ζ Tauri obtained between 1986 and 1988 using the University of Texas McDonald Observatory 2.1 m telescope. For intervals of sufficiently dense observation, we calculate power spectra for the time series defined at each point in the line profile in order to search for periodic variability. A single, prominent signal corresponding to a period of 0.777 ± 0.002 days dominates the power spectra over most of the profiles of each of the four lines. Based on the power distribution across the profile at this signal frequency, we argue that the only plausible explanation for these variations is photospheric nonradial pulsation (g-mode pulsations of degree l = -m = 2). We find no evidence for accompanying higher order NRP modes; however, the spectra do show weak, narrow, and nonperiodic features that cross the profiles on timescales similar to the NRP mode.
Operant-Controlled Evoked Responses: Discrimination of Conditioned and Normally Occurring Components

Rats were rewarded for signaling large and small sensory evoked components with appropriate bar presses. Most rats operantly generated large components and correctly signaled only these. Two rats correctly signaled successful and unsuccessful attempts to generate large waves. One rat discriminated component amplitudes without operantly attempting to generate specific wave types.
Effects of various antibiotics on the fungus Dermocystidium marinum in thioglycollate cultures of oyster tissues

Abstract Twelve antifungal antibiotics were screened to determine their potential for controlling Dermocystidium marinum, a lethal fungus parasite of oysters. Two antibiotics, cycloheximide and streptimidone, completely inhibited enlargement of D. marinum in thioglycollate cultures at concentrations of 0.25–1.0 μg/ml. Cycloheximide shows promise for use in arresting D. marinum infections in oysters held in closed laboratory systems. Twenty-two antibacterial antibiotics were screened for their effect on the enlargement of D. marinum in thioglycollate cultures, and for their efficacy in retarding growth in bacteria associated with oyster tissues. Three tetracyclines (tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and oxytetracycline), bacitracin, and gramicidin showed effective antibacterial properties at levels of 250–500 units or mcg/ml. However, all of these agents except gramicidin markedly inhibited parasite enlargement at concentrations of 250–750 units or mcg/ml. Further studies proved gramicidin to be inferior to either chloramphenicol or the penicillin-dihydrostreptomycin combination for inhibiting bacterial growth and tissue putrefaction in the thioglycollate culture technique for detecting D. marinum.
THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM FOR ACHIEVING ULTRA LOW INTERFACIAL TENSION MINIMUM IN A PETROLEUM SULFONATE/ OIL/ BRINE SYSTEM

ABSTRACT A unified theory is proposed to explain the ultra-low inter-facial tension minimum observed in dilute petroleum sulfonate solution/ oil systems encountered in tertiary oil recovery process. The relative distribution of the surfactant in oil and aqueous phase was determined using UV spectrophotometry as well as the monolayer technique. The critical micelle concentration ( CMC) of the aqueous phase equilibrated with oil was measured using surface tension, osmotic pressure and light scattering measurements. For three major variables namely, the surfactant concentration, the chain length of oil and the salinity of brine, the interfacial tension minimum was found to occur whenever the equilibrated aqueous phase was at CMC. This minimum in interfacial tension also coincided with partition coefficient of unity for surfactant distribution in oil and brine. The increase of the interfacial tension after reaching a minimum was attributed to the decrease in the onomer concentration in the aqueous phase. Thre...
Effect of dexamethasone treatment on the regional distribution of neutral endopeptidase activity in the rat trachea.

Abstract Treating rats with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been shown to reduce the amount of plasma extravasation produced in the trachea by tachykinins released from sensory nerves. We sought to determine whether dexamethasone works by increasing the activity of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), the principal enzyme thought to be responsible for degrading tachykinins in the airways. Rats were treated for 2 days with either saline or 4 mg/kg/day of dexamethasone, a dose we found to be maximally effective in reducing tachykinin-induced plasma extravasation. The tracheas were then removed and processed to reveal NEP-specific histofluorescence. Tissue sections were photographed through a fluorescence microscope, and the relative intensity of fluorescent staining was quantified in five regions of the tracheal wall using computerized image analysis. In the saline-treated rats, the rank order of fluorescent staining was perichondrium > chondrocytes = submucosal ⪢ epithelium > lamina propria. Neither the amount nor distribution of NEP fluorescence was altered in the dexamethasone-treated rats. Biochemical measurements of NEP activity in tracheal homogenates (nmol product/h/mg protein) likewise revealed no significant difference between the two groups (34.1 ± 3.5 vs 29.0 ± 3.2; mean ± SEM, n = 8). These findings suggest that dexamethasone may be working through a mechanism unrelated to NEP activation.
Betabellins 15D and 16D, de Novo Designed β-Sandwich Proteins That Have Amyloidogenic Properties

The betabellin structure is a de novo designed β-sandwich protein consisting of two 32-residue β-sheets packed against one another by hydrophobic interactions. d-Amino acid residues are used to energetically favor formation of type-I′ β turns. Air oxidation of betabellin 15S (B15S) (HSLTAKIpkLTFSIAphTYTCAVpkYTAKVSH, where p denotes d-Pro, h denotes d-His, and k denotes d-Lys) yields betabellin 15D (B15D), a 64-residue disulfide-bridged protein. The amino acid sequence of B15D contains a conformationally constrained d-Pro residue at the i + 1 position of each type-I′ β turn. To test whether d-Pro residues are necessary for folding at these positions, the six d-Pro residues of B15D are replaced by d-Ala residues in betabellin 16D (B16D). Previously, transmission electron microscopy showed that B15D forms unbranched, 35-A wide fibrils that associate into bundles in 5.0 mM 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonate and 250 mM NaCl at pH 7; under these conditions, B16D forms ribbon-like assemblies. The B15D fibrils resemble the protofilaments that constitute amyloid fibrils. The present studies show that both B15D and B16D have characteristics of amyloidogenic proteins: the unbranched fibrils and ribbons stained with Congo red and displayed a green birefringence, exhibited a cross-β structure, and bound 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate. Thus, these de novo designed β-sandwich proteins should provide useful models for studying the mechanism of amyloid protofilament formation and assembly into amyloid fibrils and for designing potential inhibitors of amyloidogenesis.
Cool water suppression of water intake: One day does not a winter make

Previous reports demonstrate that water intake in rats is suppressed when the water is cool. In those studies, however, water temperature was changed every day. In this study, each water temperature was presented on 5 consecutive days. Water-deprived rats drank for 20 min per day. Cool water suppression of water intake persisted over repeated 5-day series of testing. Thus, in nature seasonal shifts in water temperature should cause seasonal shifts in water intake. This may have survival value.
A Finite Element-Boundary Integral Method for 3-D Electromagnetic Heating Analysis

A three-dimensional finite element-boundary integral formulation is presented for the analysis of the electric and magnetic field distribution, power absorption and the temperature distribution in electrically conduction and dielectric materials. For large-scale electromagnetic-thermal materials processing system analyses, the hybrid finite/boundary method represents an optimal approach. To further improve the efficiency, the present formulation also incorporates various efficient solvers designed specifically for the solution of large sparse systems of linear algebraic equations. The resulting algorithm with a compressed storage scheme is considered effective and efficient to meet the demand of 3-D large scale electromagnetic/thermal simulations required for processing industries. Examples of 3-D electromagnetic and thermal analysis are presented for induction and microwave heating systems. Numerical performance of the computer code is assessed for these systems. Computed results are presented for the electric field distribution, power absorption and temperature distribution in a food load thermally treated in an industrial pilot scale microwave oven designed for food sterilization.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Mid-infrared spectrum of [Ru(bpy)3]2+*

The first time-resolved infrared difference spectra for metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states in the fingerprint region from 1400 to 1625 cm-1 are reported for [Ru(bpy)3]2+* and [Re(bpy)(CO)3(4-Etpy)]+* in CD3CN at 298 K (bpy is 2,2‘-bipyridine; 4-Etpy is 4-ethylpyridine). The spectra are assigned by comparison to ground-state spectra and electrochemically generated [RuIII(bpy)3]3+ and [RuII(bpy•-)(bpy)2]+. The data provide clear evidence for the localized description [RuIII(bpy•-)(bpy)2]2+* on the ∼100 ns time scale. They also give insight into electronic distribution in the excited state based on the magnitudes and directions of the infrared shifts.
Brooding in echinoderms: How can modern experimental techniques add to our historical perspective?

Abstract Echinoderms are among the most abundant and ecologically successful groups of marine animals on earth. Their unique adaptations have enabled them to inhabit diverse environments ranging from various substrates in shallow water habitats to the benthos of the deepest seas. Although members of the Echinodermata generally share common characteristics including radial symmetry, a unique water vascular system, and decentralized cephalization, they have evolved a variety of life history strategies that enable them to reproduce successfully across a wide range of habitats. These reproductive strategies range from a complete lack of parental care (broadcasting) to internal and external brooding of the eggs, embryos, and juvenile phases. Although brooding is relatively rare in echinoderms, it is of interest as a “deviant” or “derived” form of reproduction that has been the subject of much study and debate. The aim of the present review is to examine how and why brooding occurs from a historical perspective, and then explore how modern experimental techniques are providing novel approaches to answering fundamental questions related to brooding in this very successful group of benthic marine invertebrates.
Overcoming negativity problems for Cramer-von Mises variance estimators

The weighted Cramer-von Mises (CvM) estimator for the asymptotic variance parameter σ² of a steady-state simulation process has a number of desirable features. For certain weight functions, it is a first-order unbiased estimator of σ², and its variance is lower than that of many other competing estimators. However, the CvM estimator has the unattractive property that it can sometimes assume negative values. This technical note proposes various ways to ameliorate the negativity problem. We find that an effective method is simply that of averaging CvM estimators from a moderate number of contiguous batches of observations from the simulation process.
Play: Antidote for Childhood Stress.

The stresses of adult life are now much more commonplace among children as well. In addition to the normal anxieties of development, children must cope with changing family situations and a society that consistently pushes children to grow up quickly and behave in ways that create additional problems. To assist them in coping with these complex stressors, educators must be aware of tools that are effective in relieving these pressures in productive ways. The most powerful tool available for such activity is play. In addition to its many other benefits, play helps adults diagnose stressors and then provides opportunities for children to play out their problems and move on to other activities. This article provides a rationale for viewing play as an important vehicle for uncovering childhood stressors and then describes both theory and practice that reinforces the value of play in relieving stress.
Saints, heroes, sages, and villains

This essay explores the question of how to be good. My starting point is a thesis about moral worth that I’ve defended in the past: roughly, that an action is morally worthy if and only it is performed for the reasons why it is right. While I think that account gets at one important sense of moral goodness, I argue here that it fails to capture several ways of being worthy of admiration on moral grounds. Moral goodness is more multi-faceted. My title is intended to capture that multi-facetedness: the essay examines saintliness, heroism, and sagacity. The variety of our common-sense moral ideals underscores the inadequacy of any one account of moral admirableness, and I hope to illuminate the distinct roles these ideals play in our everyday understanding of goodness. Along the way, I give an account of what makes actions heroic, of whether such actions are supererogatory, and of what, if anything, is wrong with moral deference. At the close of the essay, I begin to explore the flipside of these ideals: villainy.
Venus cloud properties: Infrared opacity and mass mixing ratio

By using the Mariner 5 temperature profile and a homogeneous cloud model, and assuming that CO2 and cloud particles are the only opacity sources, the wavelength dependence of the Venus cloud opacity is inferred from the infrared spectrum of the planet between 450 and 1250/cm. Justification for applying the homogeneous cloud model is found in the fact that numerous polarization and infrared data are mutually consistent within the framework of such a model; on the other hand, dense cloud models are not satisfactory. Volume extinction coefficients varying from 0.000005 to 0.000015/cm depending on the wavelength, are determined at the tropopause level of 6110 km. By using all available data, a cloud mass mixing ratio of approximately 0.000005 and a particle concentration of about 900 particles per cu cm at this level are also inferred. The derived cloud opacity compares favorably with that expected for a haze of droplets of a 75% aqueous solution of sulfuric acid.
RN-BSN curricula: designed for transition, not repetition

Combined efforts of professional mandates, employer preferences for increased educational levels of staff registered nurses (RNs), Magnet's higher environmental ratings, the Institute of Medicine report, and Aiken's (2003, 2008, & 2011) clinical research outcomes have spawn renewed attention for RN-baccalaureate degree of science in nursing (BSN) education. Yet, nationally, only 21.6% of associate degree nurses are continuing their education (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2010). Designing programs with the student as the center, where student/faculty engagement is the goal, has enabled one school of nursing to develop a quality on-line RN-to-BSN program. Core values of the program reveal a faculty who is committed to development of education to transition the associate degree and/or diploma graduate to professional nursing practice without repetition of content and learning activities.
Competitive and territorial fighting: two types of offense in the rat

Two types of fighting (offense) were compared and contrasted in three experiments on the laboratory rat. In Experiment 1, competitive fighting was obtained in pairs of hungry cagemates by placing one food pellet into their food hopper. In Experiment 2, territorial fighting was obtained by introducing an unfamiliar intruder into the home cage of a male and female pair. Both types of fighting had the same motor patterns. Whereas territorial fighting is strongest against intruders of the same sex, competitive fighting is stronger against the smaller opponent (in this case female) regardless of the sex of the test animal. Whereas territorial fighting is stronger in males, competitive fighting is stronger in females. Whereas gonadectomy reduces territorial fighting in males but not females, it reduces competitive fighting in both sexes. In experiment three, it was shown that food deprivation increases competitive fighting, while it reduces territorial fighting. On the basis of these findings a revised model of the organization of the offense motivational system is proposed.
Atherosclerosis and the mouse: a decade of experience.

Atherosclerotic disease is the leading killer in Western societies, accounting for close to 50% of deaths. Relatively little is known about the genetics of this disease in the general population despite its high prevalence. Several experimental systems exist for studying the pathology of this disease, but these larger animal models fail to offer insights into the genetics. Over the past decade the mouse has supplanted larger animal models of atherosclerosis to become the primary organism for the study of atherosclerosis genetics and, to some extent, pathophysiology. Lipoprotein biologists in particular have benefited from the ability to modify the mouse genetically to study the relationship of lipoprotein abnormalities to atherosclerosis. Given the complexity of the disease an in vivo system is requisite and since the mid-1980s the mouse has served as that system. Initial studies using classical mouse genetics first defined differing susceptibilities to atherosclerosis among distinct strains of mice. Thes...
Surface chemical modifications of materials which influence animal cell adhesion—a review

Abstract This review paper seeks to provide a view of the state of the art of the field of biomaterials focused on in vitro examinations of cell/biomaterial surface interactions. Two historical approaches have been utilized for understanding animal cell adhesion (or abhesion) to materials' surfaces. The first approach is to correlate response (cell morphology, adhesion, retention or higher cellular function) to the character (structure, morphology, chemistry) of the material surface. This approach can only yield a correlation, since the microscopic details of cell surface response are not examined. A number of studies have been published attempting to draw conclusions from cell response to such surfaces. A second approach has been to assume that the cell/biomaterial surface interactions are governed by the same biologically specific chemistry as cell/cell surface interactions. These studies tend to ignore the surface chemistry of the materials, indeed attempting to mediate its response by coating to make the material “inert”. In this review, proposals concerning the necessary and sufficient properties of materials, the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein and conditioning film structure, the composition of the medium, and the specificity or generality of cellular response are evaluated for a range of studies, each chosen to illustrate the state of the art of a portion of this field. The authors conclude with specific recommendations about biomaterial synthesis and characterization for cellular biological studies.
Hydrolysis/condensation reactions at the sol-gel/air interface: Pure titania alkoxide exposed to air-water molecules

Sol−gel alkoxides are very often sensitive to the surrounding air humidity, especially when the chemical evolution of the sol is operating at time scales comparable to the water-molecule diffusion ...
Sonographic Findings in Mesenteric Lymphangioma

A multiloculated cystic mass with multiple thin septations was visualized during ultrasound examination. This mass was found to be a mesenteric lymphangioma: a rare, benign tumor. Sonographically, it is difficult to confirm the mesentery as the origin of a neoplasm, but it should be included in the differential diagnosis. The normal sonographic presentation of mesentery is discussed. The appearance of a mesenteric lymphangioma, its etiology, symptoms, and a histologic explanation are given.
The National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey [HINTS]: a national cross-sectional analysis of talking to your doctor and other healthcare providers for health information

Background The need to understand preferred sources of health information remains important to providing patient-centered care. The Internet remains a popular resource for health information, but more traditional sources may still be valid for patients during a recent health need. This study sought to understand the characteristics of patients that turn to their doctor or healthcare provider first for a recent health or medical information need.
Knowledge Management for Sustained Competitive Advantage in Mergers and Acquisitions

The problem and the solution. Mergers and acquisitions have become one of the most well-known business strategies in the global economy. Increasing market share, gaining core capabilities, and accessing more capital at lower cost are results from a successful and effective merger and acquisition. However, emphasizing business strategies and financial issues is not enough. Organizations also need to focus on their human resources in mergers and acquisitions. Knowledge and knowledge management as a soft side of mergers and acquisitions play a vital role. Having a better understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and mergers and acquisitions will help the combined organization succeed in mergers and acquisitions and sustain competitive advantage.