cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal parameters of d-amphetamine as a discriminative stimulus in the rat.

Three groups of rats were trained on a two-lever operant discrimination using d-amphetamine (0.8, 1.6 or 2.4 mg/kg) and saline as cues. Reinforcement of responding on one lever was associated with the drug and reinforcement on the other lever was associated with saline. Following acquisition, behavioral control was evaluated during 10-min extinction tests at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 or 240 min after injection of drug or saline. Onset of the stimulus properties of d-amphetamine occurred within 10 min and maximal effects were attained by 15–30 min post-injection. Drug effects were minimal or absent 2–4 h after administration. The time course for all doses of d-amphetamine was identical when each group was tested with its respective training dose. When subjects were tested with doses other than their training dose, the time course of the drug effect varied as a function of training dose, test dose and time after injection.
Gas exchange responses of Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh species under field and laboratory conditions.

Laboratory and field gas exchange measurements were made on C3 (Scirpus olneyi Gray) and C4 (Spartina patens (Ait.) Mahl., Distichlis spicata (L.) Green) species from an irregularly flooded tidal marsh on the Chesapeake Bay. Laboratory measurements were made on plants grown from root stocks that were transplanted to a greenhouse and grown under high light and high nutrient conditions. The two C4 species were similar in their laboratory gas exchange characteristics: both had higher net carbon exchange rates, higher mesophyll conductances, higher photosynthetic temperature optima and lower leaf conductances than the C3 species. The laboratory photosynthetic water use efficiency of the C4 species was approximately three times that of the C3 species.
A lidar based on optical sampling by cavity tuning

We report the demonstration of a lidar based on optical sampling by cavity tuning. Target vibration as fast as 50 Hz has been successfully detected at an equivalent free-space distance of over 2 km.
An integral Chebyshev expansion method for boundary-value problems of O.D.E. type

Abstract A Chebyshev expansion method for the solution of boundary-value problems of O.D.E. type is presented. The method employs the pseudospectral (collocation) approximation and generates approximations to the lower order derivatives of the function through successive integrations of the Chebyshev polynomial approximation to the highest order derivative. The method is easier to implement than spectral methods employing the Galerkin and tau approximations and yields results of comparable accuracy to these methods, with reduced computing requirements. Applications to the linear stability problems for plane Poiseuille and the Blasius boundary layer flows are presented.
Effects of parents and planting dates on R-nj expression in maize

Two sets of diallel crosses and a study using the cultivar Cudu were conducted to determine the extent to which the expression of the R-nj allele for purple aleurone pigmentation was influenced by the color level of the pollen parent, planting date, and the maternal genotype. Neither planting date nor color level of the pollen parent substantially modified relative color expression among hybrids. Maternal parent genotype primarily determined color expression. The data indicated that R-nj color differences did not differ among reciprocal crosses used as female parents. Expression of R-nj appeared to be modified by many loci.
A Finite Family Weak Square Principle

Definition 1.1. Suppose that λ ≤ κ are cardinals and Γ is a subset of (κ, κ+). By , we mean the principle asserting that there is a sequence 〈F ν | ν ∈ lim(Γ)〉 such that for every ν ∈ lim(Γ), the following hold. (1) 1 ≤ card(F ν) < λ. (2) The following hold for every C ∈ F ν. (a) C ⊆ ν ∩ Γ, (b) C is club in ν, (c) o.t.(C) ≤ κ, By we mean . If Γ = (κ, κ+), then we write for and for . These weak square principles were introduced in [Sch2, 5.1]. They generalize Jensen's principles □κ and , which are equivalent to and respectively. Jensen's global □ principle implies □κ for all κ. Theorem 1.2. Suppose that is a core model. Assume that every countable premouse M which elementarily embeds into a level of is (ω1 + 1)-iterable. Then, for every κ, holds in . The minimal non-1-small mouse is essentially a sharp for an inner model with a Woodin cardinal. We originally proved Theorem 1.2 under the assumption that is 1-small, building on [MiSt] and [Sch2]. Some generalizations followed by combining our methods with those of [St2] and [SchSt2]. (For example, the tame countably certified core model Kc satisfies .) In order to eliminate the smallness assumption all together, one replaces our use of the Dodd-Jensen lemma in proofs of condensation properties for with the weak Dodd-Jensen lemma of [NSt].
Ordering the Correct Genetic Test: Implications for Oncology and Primary Care Healthcare Professionals

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes is becoming increasingly more common. Once a mutation is detected in a family, other family members can undergo single-site mutation testing to determine if they have inherited the increased risk for developing cancer, with the intent of providing tailored and appropriate cancer prevention and early detection measures. Ordering the correct single-site test is critical to providing appropriate recommendations for cancer prevention and early detection.
Mechanism of Activation of PSI-7851 and Its Diastereoisomer PSI-7977

A phosphoramidate prodrug of 2′-deoxy-2′-α-fluoro-β-C-methyluridine-5′-monophosphate, PSI-7851, demonstrates potent anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity both in vitro and in vivo. PSI-7851 is a mixture of two diastereoisomers, PSI-7976 and PSI-7977, with PSI-7977 being the more active inhibitor of HCV RNA replication in the HCV replicon assay. To inhibit the HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, PSI-7851 must be metabolized to the active triphosphate form. The first step, hydrolysis of the carboxyl ester by human cathepsin A (CatA) and/or carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), is a stereospecific reaction. Western blot analysis showed that CatA and CES1 are both expressed in primary human hepatocytes. However, expression of CES1 is undetectable in clone A replicon cells. Studies with inhibitors of CatA and/or CES1 indicated that CatA is primarily responsible for hydrolysis of the carboxyl ester in clone A cells, although in primary human hepatocytes, both CatA and CES1 contribute to the hydrolysis. Hydrolysis of the ester is followed by a putative nucleophilic attack on the phosphorus by the carboxyl group resulting in the spontaneous elimination of phenol and the production of an alaninyl phosphate metabolite, PSI-352707, which is common to both isomers. The removal of the amino acid moiety of PSI-352707 is catalyzed by histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (Hint1) to give the 5′-monophosphate form, PSI-7411. siRNA-mediated Hint1 knockdown studies further indicate that Hint1 is, at least in part, responsible for converting PSI-352707 to PSI-7411. PSI-7411 is then consecutively phosphorylated to the diphosphate, PSI-7410, and to the active triphosphate metabolite, PSI-7409, by UMP-CMP kinase and nucleoside diphosphate kinase, respectively.
Biochemical characterization of a temperature-sensitive adenovirus DNA polymerase

Involvement of adenovirus DNA polymerase (AdPol) in viral DNA replication was initially demonstrated using two temperature-sensitive (ts) adenoviruses, Ad5ts36 and Ad5ts149. Ad5ts36 is particularly interesting because a single mutation mapping to Leu391-->Phe in the AdPol gene confers ts phenotype not only for DNA replication in human cells but also for transformation in rat cells. In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) involved in the ts phenotype, we introduced the ts36 mutation in AdPol of adenovirus type 2 and overexpressed the protein using recombinant vaccinia virus expression system in order to study its biochemical properties. The results show that the ts36 AdPol is defective in the in vitro DNA replication initiation and DNA polymerase elongation assays if the protein is expressed at the nonpermissive temperature (37 degrees) independent of whether the assays are performed at 32 or 37 degrees. In contrast, the ts36 AdPol expressed at 32 degrees had activities similar to that of the wild-type protein when assayed at either temperature. Furthermore, unlike the wild-type protein, ts36 AdPol expressed at 37 degrees failed to recognize the viral DNA replication origin, but bound to a single-stranded DNA cellulose column with greater affinity, suggesting that the defect in the ts36 AdPol for DNA replication can be attributed to its altered DNA-binding properties.
Enhanced Fluorescence of Proteins and Label-Free Bioassays Using Aluminum Nanostructures

We report the enhanced intrinsic fluorescence from several proteins in proximity to aluminum nanostructured surfaces. Intrinsic fluorescence in proteins is dominated by the tryptophan residues. Intensities and lifetimes of several proteins with different numbers of tryptophan residues assembled on the surfaces of quartz or aluminum nanostructured films were measured. Immobilized protein molecules on the surface of an aluminum nanostructured film resulted in a significant fluorescence intensity enhancement (up to 14-fold) and lifetime decrease (up to 6-fold) compared to the quartz substrates. These large spectroscopic changes allow design of label-free bioassays where detection of binding interactions between proteins can be observed in the presence of a bulk sample solution. Binding of streptavidin to the biotinylated aluminum surface was demonstrated in the presence of 100 μg/mL bovine serum albumin in the sample solution by measurements of tryptophan intensity and lifetime changes.
Classification system for factitious syndromes in the hand with implications for treatment.

We evaluated 29 patients with factitious disorders in the hand who received Worker's Compensation benefits. Three types of factitious hand disorders based on physical presentation were selfmutilation and wound manipulation, edema, and finger and hand deformities. Two distinct psychological diagnoses present were factitious disorder with physical symptoms and conversion disorder. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory revealed two personality profiles: emotionally dependent and angry and hostile. Behavioral treatment was implemented. The emotionally dependent group responded well, with 80% returning to work. The angry and hostile group had a much poorer response, with 21% returning to work. None of the self-multilating patients returned to work. We recommend a combined evaluation by a physician, a psychologist, and a hand therapist to achieve a definitive diagnosis for these disorders. The identification of psychological profiles assists in ascertaining which patients will be responsive to behavioral treatment.
A predictive model for secondary RNA structure using graph theory and a neural network.

Background Determining the secondary structure of RNA from the primary structure is a challenging computational problem. A number of algorithms have been developed to predict the secondary structure from the primary structure. It is agreed that there is still room for improvement in each of these approaches. In this work we build a predictive model for secondary RNA structure using a graph-theoretic tree representation of secondary RNA structure. We model the bonding of two RNA secondary structures to form a larger secondary structure with a graph operation we call merge. We consider all combinatorial possibilities using all possible tree inputs, both those that are RNA-like in structure and those that are not. The resulting data from each tree merge operation is represented by a vector. We use these vectors as input values for a neural network and train the network to recognize a tree as RNA-like or not, based on the merge data vector. The network estimates the probability of a tree being RNA-like.
Simulation of friction in nanoconfined fluids for an arbitrarily low shear rate

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a valuable tool to characterize the microscopic mechanisms underlying friction. However, the lowest shear rate accessible by current MD methods is at least four orders of magnitude larger than those typically used in experiments. Using the transient-time correlation function, we show how MD simulations can be extended to study systems subjected to a realistic shear rate. We demonstrate the usefulness of this approach by studying the frictional response of a simple fluid confined to a film of about five molecular diameters.
Integrated environmental research to support Qatar industrial development

Increasing development along the coastline and offshore Qatar results in continuous interaction between industrial activities and the biodiverse Qatar Marine Zone. Enhancing the understanding of this environment and the potential for impacts is essential to Qatar. The ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) Environmental Management Research Program is working with local and international partners to develop the scientific knowledge needed to better understand environmental risks specific to this region, and is developing technologies to enhance environmental management capabilities. Scientists at EMRQ are using state-of-the-art research labs combined with field studies and eco-risk model development to understand, assess, predict and mitigate potential impacts to the local marine environment that may occur as a result of Qatar's industrial activities. In addition, we are developing state of the art technologies and data acquisition / management systems that will allow for effective identification of baseline env...
Specificity of paper partition chromatography for analysis of free amino acids in unhydrolyzed urine.

SummaryThe number of free amino acids found in unhydrolyzed urine by paper partition chromatography is less than that indicated by microbiological assay. No discrepancy is apparent between the methods when hydrolyzed urines are analyzed. As the sensitivities of the two methods are comparable, it is suggested that microbiological techniques are not as specific as the chromatographic procedure for the detection of urinary amino acids in the uncombined state.
Measuring work environment and performance in nursing homes.

Background Qualitative studies of the nursing home work environment have long suggested that such attributes as leadership and communication may be related to nursing home performance, including residents' outcomes. However, empirical studies examining these relationships have been scant.
Posttransplant donor antigen-specific hyporeactivity in human transplantation

I mmune tolerance to alloantigens has been induced in laboratory animals, thus allowingsuccessful transplantation without long-term use of immunosuppression.‘In clinical transplantation, lifelong immunosuppression is almost always necessary.+s5 However, anecdotal reports of long-term graft survival after all immunosuppression has been stopped (in noncompliant patients) suggest that, under certain circumstances, graft survival in humans can be achieved with little or no immunosuppression.G A major problem for clinical investigators today is defining situations in which immunosuppression can be successfully tapered or withdrawn. This article focuses on the potential use of immunologic parameters to predict long-term graft success and to select patients who could safely reduce or stop their immunosuppression.
Preparation of 9-cis-retinoic acid [11,12-3H(N)] by photochemical isomerization

All-trans-Retinoic acid [11,12-3H(N)] was photochemically isomerized using a fluorescent source to afford a mixture of isomeric retinoic acids, from which 9-cis-retinoic acid[11,12-3H(N)] was isolated by reversed-phase HPLC. The identity of 9-cis-retinoic acid [11, 12-3H2] was confirmed by coinjection with the unlabeled acid.
Managing safety in the workplace: An attribution theory analysis and model

Causal attributions represent an important link between workplace safety problems and the actions that are taken to manage them. In fact, actions to manage safety derive more from attributions than from actual causes. This paper begins with brief discussions of attribution theory and causal analysis in workplace safety. An attributional model of the safety-management process is then proposed, which describes the formation of safety-related attributions and the various individual and organizational factors that are likely to complicate and/or bias these causal inferences. Both event-attribution and attribution-remedy linkages are examined, and relevant findings from safety and organizational behavior research are highlighted. In the final section, several safety program recommendations are offered based on this analysis.
Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin (TCDD) on estradiol metabolism and enzyme-altered foci in a two stage hepatocarcinogenesis model in rats

Abstract Doses of TCDD as low as 0.14 ug/kg administered biweekly increase estradiol 2-hydroxylase (E 2 OHase) activity in liver microsomes of female rats when TCDD is given for 30 weeks as a promotor of hepatocarcinogensis in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated rats. This increase is due to an increase in hepatic levels of cytochrome P-450d. DEN appeared to potentiate the effects of low doses of TCDD on hepatic levels of E 2 -OHase activity and P-450d.
The Luminescence Spectra of the 8-Methoxypsoralen Excited-State Complexes and Photochemical Product in Argon, Methanol/Argon, and Water/Argon Matrices at 10 K†

The luminescence spectra of the 8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, excited-state complex have been observed in argon matrices at 10 K. The excited-state complex is most probably an excimer, formed for cases in which high concentrations of 8-MOP are deposited in a pure-argon matrix. For cases in which 8-MOP is in the presence of alcohol or water, another excited-state complex, an exciplex, is formed. Finally, when the 8-MOP/methanol/argon or 8-MOP/water/argon mixtures are photolyzed, a unique photochemical product is observed. This product is most probably the ground-state dimer, similar to the coumarin dimer formed in alcohol solutions upon UV irradiation. The luminescence emission spectra of all three of the complexes are different and overlapping, resulting in spectra that seem anomalous. These results are similar to the reported anomalous emission spectrum of coumarin by Song, et al., which is chemically and spectroscopically similar to 8-MOP.1,2,3
Immunochemical demonstration of non-serum-non-collagen constituents in granulomatous tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Granulomatous tissue of hip and knee joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was extracted with 0.15 M NaCl. The resulting extracts were concentrated by ultrafiltration and analyzed by immunoelectrophoresis. Non-serum components which are also present in normal connective tissue were demonstrated.
Reflections on Amazonian Anthropologies of the Body

t has become commonplace for anthropologists to criticize the culture-boundedness of the notion of mind/body dualism that underlies the division between psychiatry and "physical" biomedicine and relegates the cultural analysis of illness to the periphery of discourse in the "hard" medical sciences. Yet as these articles by McCallum and Pollock note, much of the critical anthropology of the body that has emerged over the past decade or so remains locked into notions of the Body as a sort of precultural, asocial entity. Ethnographers who work with lowland South American Indians experience special frustration with the dense, abstruse literature that treats the Body as a material substrate on which meaning can be encoded, the corporeal ground for a Self devoid of sociality. Native Amazonians, as these articles so clearly point out, see things differently. In diverse native South American cultures, bodies are viewed as fundamentally social products, and illness and healing are explicitly social processes. Both Pollock and McCallum are concerned with breaking down conceptual dichotomies-mind/body, matter/spirit, nature/culture, biological/social-by elucidating indigenous perspectives that either do not recognize these as distinct domains or see them as interdependent. McCallum's sensitive analysis of the role of "knowledge" in the development of the Cashinahua person offers a richly detailed reply to the question "How can a whole body act as 'mind'?" Consciousness and knowledge are products of both social interactions and human interactions with the material environment, and the Cashinahua have elaborate notions about how body organs mediate processes of learning and knowing. McCallum makes a persuasive case for the importance of delving into indigenous epistemologies in order to understand native perceptions of health and illness. McCallum is on shakier ground when she claims that (with the exception of some of her British colleagues) Amazonian ethnographers persist in reifying the static, dualistic oppositions of nature versus culture, biological individual versus social person. The notion of the socially constituted body on which she plants the Union Jack is territory that has been and is being explored by a number of anthropologists on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and on both sides of the Equator. Indeed, one of the major trends in contemporary cultural analyses of lowland South America is the questioning and rethinking of the dialectical oppositions that were centerpieces in Amazonian studies in the 1960s and 1970s. Pollock's article is a
Efficient and specific amplification of identified partial duplications of human mitochondrial DNA by long PCR.

Abstract The use of PCR to identify mtDNAs containing a partial duplication (dup-mtDNA) in the presence of a heteroplasmic population of mtDNAs harboring the corresponding deletion (Δ-mtDNA) leads to ambiguous results: when the primers anneal in the duplicated portion of the dup-mtDNA (which is also the non-deleted region of the Δ-mtDNA) and point towards the abnormal breakpoint junction, both templates are amplified indiscriminately. We have developed two different ‘long PCR’ approaches to amplify dup-mtDNA even in the presence of Δ-mtDNA and wild-type mtDNA (wt-mtDNA). Long PCR with two primers annealing in the non-duplicated region in dup-mtDNA (equivalent to the region missing in Δ-mtDNA) and whose 3′ ends pointed towards the duplicated area amplified both dup-mtDNA and coexisting wt-mtDNA. We observed, however, a preferential amplification of the wt-mtDNA over that of the longer dup-mtDNAs. This problem was partly overcome by modifying the PCR conditions (extension time, amplicon length, amount of template). In order to overcome the problem of co-amplification, we developed a novel PCR method to amplify specifically dup-mtDNAs. A forward primer annealing across the breakpoint junction was used in conjunction with a backward primer annealing in the non-duplicated region. For those duplication breakpoints flanked by direct repeats, we designed a ‘breakpoint loop-out’ primer whose sequence omitted the repeated region, in order to avoid the annealing of this primer to wt-mtDNA. This second approach was able to amplify specifically and efficiently the dup-mtDNA in all samples analyzed, irrespective of the size of the duplication or its proportion in the samples.
Offshore Oil in the Alaskan Arctic

Oil and gas deposits in the Alaskan Arctic are estimated to contain up to 40 percent of the remaining undiscovered crude oil and oil-equivalent nature gas within U.S. jurisdiction. Most (65 to 70 percent) of these estimated reserves are believed to occur offshore beneath the shallow, ice-covered seas, of the Alaskan continental shelf. Offshore recovery operations for such areas are far from routine, with the primary problems associated with the presence of ice. Some problems that must be resolved if efficient, cost-effective, environmentally safe, year-round offshore production is to be achieved include the accurate estimation of ice forces on offshore structures, the proper placement of pipelines beneath ice-produced gouges in the sea floor, and the cleanup of oil spills in pack ice areas.
Restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy in children with ulcerative colitis

Abstract Purpose The safety of performing a restorative proctocolectomy (RP) and J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis (IPAA) without diverting ileostomy for children with ulcerative colitis (UC) is a subject of extensive debate. Our goal was to examine pediatric outcomes of RP and IPAA without ileostomy. Methods We performed a single-institution review of UC patients who had RP and IPAA with (+Ostomy) or without (−Ostomy) diverting ileostomy from 2002 to 2010. Surgeon and patient preference determined ileostomy decision. The study included 50 patients (28 +Ostomy, 22 –Ostomy). Results Preoperative demographics were similar between 2 groups in age (13.5 ± 3.5 years –Ostomy, 14.3 ± 3 years +Ostomy), serum albumin (3.6 ± 0.7 –Ostomy, 3.6 ± 0.7 +Ostomy), body mass index (20.8 ± 6.9 −Ostomy, 21.3 ± 8.6 +Ostomy), and daily corticosteroid dose (22.4 ± 17.7 mg −Ostomy, 23.5 ± 13.7 mg +Ostomy). Operating time was less in –Ostomy with mean times of 6:22 ± 2:04 vs 9:07 ± 2:57. The –Ostomy group required fewer ileoanal anastomotic dilations per patient (0.4 ± 0.8 vs 1.4 ± 1.9). Functional outcomes were not significantly different regarding pouchitis episodes per patient (0.6 ± 1.1 –Ostomy, 0.6 ± 1.1 +Ostomy), daily bowel movements (5.5 ± 1.9 –Ostomy, 6.7 ± 4.0 +Ostomy), and daily postoperative loperamide dose (8.4 ± 4.3 mg –Ostomy, 6.8 ± 4.0 mg +Ostomy). Conclusion Short- and long-term outcomes can be equivalent in patients with and without diverting ileostomy, but questions remain regarding patient selection and quality of life impact.
Laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic access to the apex of the left ventricle of the heart.

OBJECTIVE : Delivery of a collapsable aortic valve prosthesis via the left ventricular (LV) apex has proven problematic clinically. We describe our experience with a novel technique for a laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach to the LV outflow tract (LVOT). METHODS : Laparoscopic transabdominal access to the left ventricle was achieved in four live swine and one human cadaver using three abdominal laparoscopic trocars. Pericardioscopy and cardioscopy were performed. A hemostatic purse-string suture was placed laparoscopically at the apex of the left ventricle in one pig, and an instrument passed through the purse-string and into the LVOT. After the procedure, a thoracotomy was performed and the heart explanted for gross examination. RESULTS : Transdiaphragmatic exposure of the LV apex was accomplished at a mean of 23 minutes. Hemodynamic stability was maintained in all animals and the pleural cavities were not violated. Pericardioscopy allowed visualization of both right and left pulmonary veins along with the left atrial appendage. In situ cardioscopy confirmed that access to the LVOT and the aortic annulus was possible from the LV apex entry site. CONCLUSIONS : Laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach to the LVOT is a possible route for minimally invasive beating heart aortic valve implantation. This strategy permits a straight transapical line of access to the aortic valve; avoiding the potential for cardiac torsion via a thoracotomy.
Design of diagnosible automata

A device d is any object which can perform a well-defined function, its inputs and outputs quantum-valued. It is acyclic if its output is independent of "previous" inputs. A failure in d is any change in its function. An automaton A is composed from devices by interconnection of certain outputs of some devices with inputs of others. A failure of A is a failure of any of its devices, interconnection failures included. Problem: Given failure f of A find a test, an input pattern for which the corresponding output pattern differs depending upon whether f occurs. For A acyclic - its devices are acyclic and the graph of its interconnection is acyclic - the D-algorithm, widely used, guarantees computation of a test for any testable failure. For A cyclic, with memory, feedback, a design constraint is necessary. An R-automaton has a Regular synchronized raceless design; any function can be so realized (e.g. IBM S/360/40, 370/195). For an R-design, DALG5, the D-algorithm extended, can always compute a test for any testable failure. Similarly TESTDETECT2 extends to determine all failures of an R-automaton detected by a given test, requiring on the average n steps, where n is the number of devices, where standard simulation requires n2. This work was sponsored in part by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology with the support under Contract NAS 7-100 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Liver cell culture toxicity and surfactant potency of erythromycin derivatives.

Abstract When Chang liver cell cultures were exposed to a new erythromycin salt, erythromycin cetyl sulfate, and other marketed erythromycin derivatives (erythromycin base, stearate, and estolate) only the cetyl sulfate and estolate salts had cytotoxic effects. Both compounds were very active in lowering surface tension which suggests a possible relationship between this physiocochemical property and their cytotoxic potential in vitro. These in vitro results correlate with the known differences in clinical hepatotoxic potential of the marketed erythromycin derivatives and suggest the possible usefulness of this method for cytotoxicity screening of newly developed therapeutic drugs.
Rubbery ormosils and their applications

When a polymer such as silanol terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is mixed with an alkoxide such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in a suitable solvent and catalyst, gels can be prepared which exhibit rubbery elasticity. The microstructures of such organically modified silicates (ormosils) can be controlled to give solids which are opaque or transparent via experimental variables. This paper describes the conditions for the development of various microstructures, the properties of ormosils and how microstructures can control properties. Reaction mechanisms and structure developments during heating are followed by liquid and solid state NMR studies and electron microscopy. The rubbery ormosils are somewhat unique in that they contain a minor organic component and a major inorganic component, and are therefore potentially useful as a non-toxic rubber at high temperatures. When these ormosils are heat-treated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere up to about 1000°C, decomposition and reorganization take place. Depending on a number of variables, the products can be a black glass or a black porous nanocomposite. The latter can now be heated to 1400°C in air with no loss of carbon and no deformation. The porosity, low-expansion coefficient and black color make these nanocomposites useful as high-temperature insulators. Transparent ormosils are superior to their pure oxide gel counterparts in terms of stress fracture during processing because of the presence of non-linking organic groups. Laser-active organic dyes can be dispersed in ormosil liquid solutions prior to gelation to give transparent solid-state tunable organic dye laser rods or discs. Ultrafine crystals of cadmium sulfide have also been dispersed in ormosils to give optical discs for non-linear applications. The ormosils contain chemical bonds linking organic polymers to inorganic oxide networks. They are likely to be the first group of many new inorganic-organic materials of the future such as multifunctional solids.
Phosphorylation and activation of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase kinase by the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

The catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase stimulates the inactivation of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase by acetyl-CoA carboxylase kinase. The stimulated inactivation of carboxylase is due to activation of carboxylase kinase by the catalytic subunit. Activation of carboxylase kinase activity is accompanied by the incorporation of 0.6 mol of phosphate per mole of carboxylase kinase. Addition of the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase prevents the activation of carboxylase kinase. Phosphorylation and activation of carboxylase kinase has no effect on the Km for ATP, but decreases the Km for acetyl-CoA carboxylase from 93 to 45 nM. Inactivation of carboxylase by the carboxylase kinase requires the presence of coenzyme A even when the activated carboxylase kinase is used. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is not phosphorylated or inactivated by the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.
Corporate Governance and CSR Nexus

Some argue that managers over-invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to build their personal reputations as good global citizens. Others claim that CEOs strategically choose CSR activities to reduce the probability of CEO turnover in a future period through indirect support from activists. Still others assert that firms use CSR activities to signal their product quality. We find that firms use governance mechanisms, along with CSR engagement, to reduce conflicts of interest between managers and non-investing stakeholders. Employing a large and extensive sample of firms within Russell 2000, S&500 and Domini 400 indices during the 1993–2004 period, we find that consistent with the conflict-resolution hypothesis, the CSR choice is positively associated with governance characteristics, including board independence, institutional ownership, and analyst following. In addition, after correcting for endogeneity of CSR engagement, our results show that CSR engagement positively influences operating performance and firm value, supporting the conflict-resolution hypothesis as opposed to the over-investment and strategic-choice arguments. We find only a weak support of the product-signaling hypothesis as a major motive of CSR engagement.
Scar remodeling after strabismus surgery.

Abstract Purpose: We sought to investigate abnormal scar lengthening after strabismus surgery. Methods: Patients with overcorrection after strabismus surgery or undercorrection after extraocular muscle resection underwent exploration of previously operated muscles. Abnormal findings were documented by inspection and photography, and repair was undertaken at first with absorbable sutures and later with nonabsorbable sutures. Results: Lengthened scars, consisting of amorphous connective tissue, were repaired on 198 muscles in 134 procedures by excision of the scar and reattachment of the muscle to sclera; absorbable sutures were used in 64 procedures, and nonabsorbable sutures were used in 70 procedures. Thirty-one procedures were followed by partial recurrence of the original overcorrection; 7 of these had documented restretching. The use of nonabsorbable sutures decreased the recurrence of strabismus from 42% to 6%. Factors that distinguished patients with stretched scars from patients with classic slipped muscles included minimal or no limitation of versions, less separation of the tendons from sclera, and thicker appearance of the scar segments. Conclusions: A lengthened or stretched remodeled scar between an operated muscle tendon and sclera may contribute to variability of outcome after strabismus repair, even years later. Definitive repair requires firm reattachment of tendon to sclera with nonabsorbable suture support. (J AAPOS 2000;4:326-33)
Subcortical connections of normotopic and heterotopic neurons in sensory and motor cortices of the tish mutant rat.

Orthograde and retrograde tracers were used to examine subcortical connections of neurons in the neurological mutant tish rat. This animal exhibits bilateral heterotopia similar to those observed in epileptic humans with subcortical band heterotopia. Terminal varicosities were labeled in the striatum, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord following injections of the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into the heterotopic cortex. The general topography of corticothalamic projections was evaluated by injecting the retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) into ventral thalamic nuclei. Retrograde labeling of small-to-medium sized neurons was observed in layer VI of topographically restricted portions of the normotopic cortex. Similar appearing cells were labeled in the neighboring portions of the underlying heterotopia; however, these neurons did not display characteristic lamination or radial orientation. Thalamocortical terminals labeled by injecting BDA into the ventroposterolateral nucleus (VPL) were observed primarily in layer IV of the medial aspect of the normotopic somatosensory cortex. In contrast, a radial column of terminals was present in the underlying heterotopia. Typical barrel labeling was found in the lateral aspect of the normotopic somatosensory cortex after injecting the ventroposteromedial nucleus (VPM), whereas more diffuse patches of labeling were observed in the underlying heterotopia. Heterotopic neurons in the tish cortex, thus, exhibit characteristic features of subcortical connectivity. Both normotopic and heterotopic neurons in the tish brain project to appropriate subcortical sites and establish bidirectional topographic connections with the thalamus. These results suggest that primary sensory-motor information is represented in a parallel manner in the normotopic and heterotopic cortices of the tish rat. J. Comp. Neurol. 395:29–42, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preproduction display R&D facility: a framework for developing flexible display systems reducing the war-fighters' load

There is an ever increasing need for lightweight, flexible, inexpensive integrated systems encompassing displays, sensors, computers, and other electronics to provide unprecedented information capability to a broad range of war-fighters. During the next few years, a team of experts will be engaged in an intensive development program pursuing a two-pronged goal: (1) to integrate and fabricate reflective and emissive systems such as organic light emitting devices on flexible substrates including plastics, and (2) to develop materials and structural platforms that allow flexible backplane electronics to be integrated with ancillaries and display components, as well as to be mass-produced economically. An underlying theme of this effort continues to be leveraging emerging processing techniques, for example a-Si and poly-Si thin film transistor (TFT) technologies, but also advanced micro-contact pattern transfer techniques for producing low cost product with molecular structures for combined communication and electronic appliances. The initial technology integration target is a 4" diagonal active matrix QVGA display on conformal plastic substrates. These advanced developments will be realized through a unique collaborative effort between the U.S. Army, Arizona State University (ASU) in close collaboration with its academic partners, and industry partners, who are united in our shared commitment to optimize the necessary production technologies for large area/large scale, low cost, cutting-edge display products and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities. The newly formed Flexible Display Center (FDC) at Arizona State University provides a one-of-a-kind environment fully dedicated to fulfill the major technical challenges not addressed by display manufacturers producing glass-based flat panel displays.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of extra-field characteristics to abundance of key natural enemies of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in subsistence maize production

Abstract We quantified the influence of extra-field characteristics to abundance of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, and its key natural enemies in subsistence maize fields in Honduras. In situ sampling in different habitats of the local agro-landscape provided a list of factors of importance to natural enemies in maize: floral cover and richness, grass cover and local abundance of prospective beneficial colonizers. We recorded low fall armyworm infestation levels in maize fields bordered by habitats of high floral richness and cover. In-field abundance of social wasps was related to floral cover, while earwigs were associated with grass cover in habitats situated beyond the field border. Within-field density of the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata Fabricius, was associated with its presence in the surrounding agro-landscape. At a larger spatial scale, we measured relationships between natural enemy abundance and spatial cover of habitats that dominate the extra-field environment. This analysi...
Status report on the search for and prospects for the search for

Abstract The status of the search for K + → π + ν ν and future prospects for the search for K L → π 0 ν ν are outlined in this report. AGS experiment 787, currently searching for the charged decay mode, has reached a single event sensitivity of 4.2 × 10 −10 with total background ∼ 3 × 10 −11 . Proposed AGS experiment 926 will search for the neutral version of this decay. Initial studies indicate that at the current Standard Model predicted rate for this decay, and 80 weeks of AGS 2000 running time [1], on the order of 70 K L → π 0 ν ν should be recorded with a background level of less than 10 events.
The intravenous halothane test as an experimental method for quantifying stress sensitivity in pigs

The venous blood pH, pCO2, lactate, pyruvate and haematocrit responses to an intravenous (i/v) infusion of halothane-lipid emulsion were assessed in Pietrain, Pietrain X Norwegian Landrace and Gloucester pigs. Halothane-induced lactacidosis was dose related in the Pietrain (stress sensitive) pigs between 0 and 82 μl halothane kg−-1, whereas the crossbred and Gloucester pigs did not show any lactacidosis. It is concluded that the i/v halothane test can be used to quantify a stress sensitive pig's reaction to the drug, and that the crossbred pig does not express halothane sensitivity even at a mild level. Carazolol pretreatment in Pietrain pigs increased the halothane-induced lactacidosis, whereas in a separate study carazolol was found to decrease their rate of post-mortem muscle acidification. This indicates that halothane activates a different mechanism from stress when inducing lactacidosis in stress sensitive pigs.
Modeling the decommissioning cost of offshore wind development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

Abstract The U.S. government requires renewable energy facilities installed in federal waters provide financial security to help ensure decommissioning obligations are carried out in the event the operator is unable to meet its obligations or goes bankrupt. The size of the bond is determined by the estimated decommissioning cost and is required prior to the approval of construction activities. The purpose of this paper is to develop decommissioning cost estimates for proposed U.S. offshore wind farms. Removal and site clearance cost are estimated across each stage of activity using empirical and hypothetical relations under current technology and market conditions without inflationary adjustment. Preliminary development plans characterize and define the system and serve as model input. A bottom-up approach based on operational stages is developed across removal, transport, processing and disposal activities. Disposal cost is calculated on a per ton basis and is estimated separately for each wind farm component. The model is parameterized with data from four proposed U.S. offshore wind farms and decommissioning costs are found to range from 115,000 to 135,000 $/MW, approximately 3–4% of estimated capital costs.
Detection, recognition, and localization of multiple attacks through event unmixing

Security of large power systems is primarily focused on transient and dynamic stability, and intentional attacks generally fall within only a few types of influence upon the grid. Many of the scenarios manifest as equipment failures caused by physical damage, interruption of communication networks, and/or mis-feeding of information. Conventional power systems are designed to be robust to accidental failures. Nevertheless, under the post 9/11 environment, coordinated multiple strikes become a realistic threat. Therefore, an online system for multiple attacks detection, recognition, and localization is essential for providing accurate information to control and actuation. In this paper, we propose a novel conceptual framework, referred to as “event unmixing”, for the online analysis of multiple attacks, where we interpret the disturbance caused by multiple attacks as a linear mixture of more than one constituent root faults. By incorporating temporal stamps into the construction of an overcomplete dictionary, consisting of patterns of different root faults, we are able to detect, recognize and identify the starting time of each fault based on the concept of “event unmixing”. This is followed by the fault localization process by utilizing the starting time of each individual fault detected at different sensors based on the triangulation method. The proposed framework has been evaluated using both PSS/E simulated data and real data collected from the frequency disturbance recorders (FDRs) of the Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET). The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework for analysis of multiple attacks.
Tem evaluation of ion-implanted and fatigued metal surface layers

Abstract The fatigue deformation was characterized by transmission electron microscopy in unimplanted and in ion-implanted metal surface layers. The metals investigated were austenitic 304-stainless steel and copper, annealed and implanted at 3 MeV with nitrogen or neon to a dose of 10 21m −2. The implanted surface layers contain a high density of lattice defects, most likely being Frank-dislocation loops. They are obstacles against glide dislocations. After flexural fatigue at ±0.3% cyclic strain, dislocation channels were formed heterogeneously along crystallographic {111} slip planes. Inside the channels the Frank loops were annihilated. These areas became thus mechanically soften relative to their surrounding volume. The channels assume the role of the well known persistent slip bands in unimplanted metals and lead to extrusions at the free surface. They are the precursors of fatigue crack nucleation. The fatigue lives of the as-implanted samples were not improved. However, an improvement by a factor of two to three was obtained after aging of the nitrogen-implanted stainless steel. Electron diffraction evidence suggests that this improvement was due to the formation of beginning precipitation ( = stronger obstacles against glide dislocations). Stress-induced martensitic transformation and twinning in the stainless steel were also modified by the implantation. Implanted nitrogen prevented the formation of α′-martensite, whereas in neon-implanted samples the martensite formed freely.
Concept and benefits of a unified departure operation spacing standard

The initial spacing applied between departing aircraft is a major factor affecting the efficiency of departure operations at an airport. When departure operations are conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), successive in-trail departures must be provided a minimum of 3 nautical miles (NM) radar separation unless visual separation is applied. However, if the departure paths diverge by 15 degrees or more immediately after takeoff, reduced initial spacing can often be applied: separation is provided by the increasing lateral distance between the aircraft rather than by a fixed in-trail distance. The smaller initial spacing when diverging departures can be conducted leads to more departures per hour. This paper explores options for application of efficiency-enhancing reduced departure spacing and presents the concept of a single separation rule, the Unified Departure Operation Spacing (UDOS) concept, where the same reduced initial spacing is generally applied whether or not the departure paths diverge. The paper reviews the currently applicable standards, describes the analysis and simulation approaches taken to assess longitudinal spacing observed in actual operations, and provides estimates of potential operational benefits.