cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nanoparticle co-matrix for multiple charging in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging of tissue

Rationale A two-component matrix of 2-nitrophloroglucinol (2-NPG) and silica nanoparticles was used for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging of high-charge-state biomolecules in tissue. Potential advantages include increased effective mass range and efficiency of fragmentation. Methods A mixture of 2-NPG matrix and silica nanoparticles was applied to cyrosectioned 10 μm thick mouse brain tissue. The mixture was pipetted onto the tissue for profiling and sprayed for tissue imaging. MALDI images were obtained under high vacuum in a commercial time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Results The combined 2-NPG and nanoparticle matrix produced highly charged ions from tissue with high-vacuum MALDI. Nanoparticles of 20, 70, 400, and 1000 nm in diameter were tested, the 20 nm particles producing the highest charge states. Images of mouse brain tissue obtained from highly charged ions show similar spatial localization. Conclusions The combined 2-NPG and nanoparticle matrix produces highly charged ions from tissue through a mechanism that may rely on the high surface area of the particles which can dry the tissue, and their ability to bind analyte molecules thereby assisting in crystal formation and production of multiply charged ions on laser irradiation.
Theory-guided teaching: Implementation of a clinical reasoning curriculum in residents.

AbstractIntroduction: Educators have theorized that interventions grounded in dual process theory (DPT) and script theory (ST) may improve the diagnostic reasoning process of physicians but little ...
Assessment of Physician Self-reported Knowledge and Use of Maryland’s Extreme Risk Protection Order Law

Importance On October 1, 2018, Maryland’s extreme risk protection order (ERPO) law took effect. This was the first ERPO law in the United States to authorize clinicians to initiate a civil court process to temporarily prohibit people behaving dangerously and at risk of engaging in violence from purchasing and possessing firearms. This is the first publication reporting results from a survey of physicians about ERPOs. Objectives To assess Maryland physicians’ knowledge, past use, and likely future use of ERPOs, and to identify barriers to physicians’ use of ERPOs and strategies to address those barriers. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study conducted at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, surveyed physicians, including emergency medicine physicians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists, using a 15-question online instrument between June 15, 2019, and July 1, 2019. Data analysis was performed in July 2019. Exposure Maryland’s ERPO law. Main Outcomes and Measures Knowledge, use, and likely use of ERPOs, barriers to use, and strategies to address those barriers. Results Ninety-two of 353 physicians invited (26.1%) completed the survey; 1 respondent reported having filed an ERPO petition. Sixty-six respondents (71.7%) described themselves as not at all familiar with ERPOs. After reading a brief description of the ERPO law, 85 respondents (92.4%) indicated that they encounter patients whom they would consider for an ERPO at least a few times per year. Fifty-five respondents (59.8%) reported that they would be very or somewhat likely to file an ERPO petition when they identify a qualifying patient. Respondents identified time as the main barrier to using ERPOs (not enough time to complete paperwork, 57 respondents [62.6%]; not enough time to attend hearing at courthouse, 64 respondents [70.3%]), followed by concern that filing an ERPO would negatively affect their relationship with the patient (36 respondents [39.6%]). Having a coordinator to manage the process (80 respondents [87.0%]), training (79 respondents [85.9%]), participating in court hearings remotely (68 respondents [73.9%]), and having access to legal counsel (59 respondents [64.1%]) were all selected by large majorities of respondents as strategies to address barriers to ERPO use. Conclusions and Relevance Awareness of ERPOs among physicians in the sample was low. Physicians are treating patients who would qualify for an ERPO, and respondents in the sample indicated a willingness to use ERPOs. Training, providing access to legal counsel, designating a clinician to process petitions, and allowing clinicians to participate remotely in court hearings were strategies respondents identified to address barriers to ERPO use. These survey findings identify concrete solutions for addressing barriers to physician use of ERPOs.
Chapter 7 – The Genetics of Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development

Ovotesticular DSDs (OT-DSDs) are disorders of sex development in which both testicular and ovarian tissues are present in the same individual. We review the phenotypic variability of OT-DSDs, their sex chromosome constitution, and their molecular genetics, which remain for most patients, poorly understood.
A “simple” illustration of a joint model of reading and writing using meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM)

This chapter introduces a novel approach to modeling reading/writing relations. We conducted an exploratory meta-analysis of the reading and writing literature to identify academic skills related to both domains. Using the Simple View of Reading and Writing as theoretical frameworks, we then fit structural equation models to evaluate the direct contributions of (1) decoding/orthography, (2) language (operationalized as listening comprehension, oral expression and vocabulary), (3) transcription (operationalized as handwriting and spelling) and (4) working memory, on reading and writing. We further evaluated indirect effects of these four academic skills on writing through the mediating effect of reading. We use MASEM to conduct a meta-analysis and fit a structural equation model to meta-analytic data. While this method is complex, our illustration uses broad strokes to focus on the main aspects of the MASEM approach. Thus, both the illustration of MASEM and the theoretical frameworks are “simple”, although complex frameworks underlie each.
Physical Implications of a Fundamental Period of Time

If time is described by a fundamental process rather than a coordinate, it interacts with any physical system that evolves in time. The resulting dynamics is shown here to be consistent provided the fundamental period of the time system is sufficiently small. A strong upper bound T_{C}<10^{-33} s of the fundamental period of time, several orders of magnitude below any direct time measurement, is obtained from bounds on dynamical variations of the period of a system evolving in time.
The evolution of cell differentiation in animals: biomolecular condensates as amplification hubs of inherent cell functions

Abstract This chapter reevaluates the two most prominent models of cell differentiation in animal systems, both first presented 50 years ago, in the light of comparative phylogenomics and a new physical understanding of chromatin dynamics. The two models, Britten and Davidson’s hierarchical modular gene regulatory networks (abbreviated herein as MGRN), and Kauffman’s distributed global genome regulatory dynamics (GGRD) are each seen to be products of their time in their attempts to account for a biological phenomenon by established and scientifically emergent physical representations of the day, cybernetics and dynamical systems theory, respectively. Both models are challenged by the recognition that cell type-specific genes in animals are regulated by function-amplifying centers: enhancer-recruiting, phase-transitioning biomolecular condensates containing transcription factors associated with one another and their target genes in networks of conditional topology. This new picture can account for cell type functional identity in ways unanticipated by the MGRN and GGRD models.
Gender Differences in Medical Cannabis Use: Symptoms Treated, Physician Support for Use, and Prescription Medication Discontinuation

Background: Medical cannabis (MC) utilization continues to expand in the United States, as a growing body of evidence supports the use of cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of a range of ch...
Abstract 14765: Exosome Shuttled VEGFR Promotes Angiogenesis in Peripheral Vascular Disease

Introduction: Counteracting the pandemic of peripheral vascular disease necessitates development of proangiogenic treatments. As stem cell benefit has increasingly been associated with paracrine in...
Evaluating the Potential of Spectrum Sharing in the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Band

In this paper we evaluate the potential for spectrum sharing in the Industrial/Business (IB) pool of the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) band. This study is based on measurements in the LMR band of both IB pool and Public Safety (PS) pool channels. Our experimental setup consists of two measurement stations located in a major metropolitan area using energy detection sensing. The analysis involves combining measurement data with license data publicly available from the FCC. Long term measurements show that even with significant geographic sharing, the spectrum in the IB pool is underutilized. Based on measurements collected throughout 2018 and 2019, we have observed diurnal and seasonal patterns in the use of LMR channels, showing that occupancy level changes can be attributed to factors such as business hours-of-operation, seasonal variation, and major events. Therefore, those channels have the potential for temporal spectrum sharing due to predictable patterns-of-use. In this paper we present analysis of occupancy in the LMR bands for both IB and PS pools. Occupancy graphs demonstrate usage patterns occupancy changes in the LMR band (both IB and PS) Chicago since a citywide stay-at-home order issued in March 2020. The LMR band has the potential to provide an additional layer of connectivity and redundancy for voice and data applications. In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, there are challenges that could be addressed with additional spectrum, ranging from the need for healthcare facilities being able to effectively coordinate efforts to students who do not have adequate broadband to access educational resources from home during this crisis. Since the spectrum is underutilized, it is worthwhile investigating sharing, and applications that sharing could facilitate.
Inventory Record Inaccuracy Explains Price Rigidity in Perishable Groceries

We propose a simple explanation for price rigidity in perishable groceries: inventory record inaccuracy (IRI). We build our argument in two steps. First, we tailor Gallego and Van Ryzin’s (1994) revenue management model to perishable groceries by adding an inventory waste process, deteriorating product quality, and menu costs. Comparing the model's optimal time-dependent pricing policy (i.e., when prices do not condition on real-time inventories—which corresponds to IRI) with its optimal state-dependent policy (i.e., when prices do condition on real-time inventories—which corresponds to no IRI), we demonstrate that IRI can explain about 90% of the menu costs required to rationalize any given level of price rigidity. Moreover, based on the model, we predict that reducing menu costs from 10% of marginal cost to 1% would increase a representative product's price-updating frequency without IRI by at least three times more than it would with IRI. Second, we test our prediction with data from two case studies: a U.K. grocery store that installed electronic shelf labels (ESLs)—a technology that reduces physical menu costs—and an E.U. grocery store that installed both ESLs and GS1 barcodes—the latter being a technology that reduces IRI. Consistent with our prediction, the technology upgrade increased price-updating frequency by 55% in the first case study and by 853% in the second study.
Detectability of Population III stellar remnants as X-ray binaries from tidal captures in the local Universe

We assess the feasibility of detecting the compact object remnants from Population III (Pop III) stars in nearby dense star clusters, where they become luminous again as X-ray binaries (XRBs) and tidal disruption events (TDEs) via strong tidal encounters. Analytically modelling the formation of Pop III stars, coupled with a top-heavy initial mass function predicted by numerical simulations, we derive the number of (active) Pop III XRBs and TDEs in the present-day Milky Way (MW) nuclear star cluster as $\sim 0.06-0.3$ and $\lesssim 4\times 10^{-6}$, rendering any detection unlikely. The detection probability, however, can be significantly boosted when surveying all massive star clusters from the MW and neighboring galaxy clusters. Specifically, we predict $\sim 1.5-6.5$ and $\sim 40-2800$ active Pop III XRBs in the MW and the Virgo cluster, respectively. Our Pop III XRBs are dominated ($\sim 99\%$) by black holes with a typical mass and luminosity of $\sim 45$$\rm M_{\odot}$ and $\sim 10^{36}$$\rm erg\ s^{-1}$. Deep surveys of nearby ($\lesssim 30-300$$\rm Mpc$) galaxy clusters for such Pop III XRBs are well within reach of next-generation X-ray telescopes, such as ATHENA and LYNX.
Evaluation of the safety, recovery, half-life, and clinical efficacy of antithrombin III (human) in patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency. Cooperative Study Group [see comments]

Antithrombin III (Human) (AT III) was administered to 18 patients with documented hereditary AT III deficiency. In eight patients with no ongoing clinical symptoms of thrombosis, the percent increase per unit AT III infused per kilogram of body weight ranged from 1.56% to 2.74%, and the half-life from 43.3 to 77.0 hours. No significant difference was noted between patients receiving and those not receiving coumarin therapy. In clinically ill patients, the in vivo recovery was significantly lower and ranged from 0.64% to 1.90% increase per unit AT III infused/kg. Efficacy of AT III was evaluated in 13 patients for the prevention or treatment of thrombosis. AT III was efficacious as assessed by the absence of thrombotic complications after surgery and/or parturition, and the nonextension and nonrecurrence of thrombosis in patients exhibiting an acute thrombotic episode. No side effects were noted. Follow-up studies indicated no hepatitis B seroconversion and no alanine aminotransferase elevations in patients who were not transfused with other blood products.
Temporal Influences of Family Structure and Family Risk Factors on Drug Use Initiation in a Multiethnic Sample of Adolescent Boys

This study examines the effects of family structure and family environments on the initiation of illicit drug use among a sample of U.S.- and foreign-born Hispanic/Latino, African American, and White non-Hispanic adolescent boys (N = 3413). Bivariate and multivariate analyses with longitudinal data, three years, were used to assess transitional/temporal influences of family variables on the initiation of illicit drug use. Findings revealed large differences in family structure among the three race/ethnic groups. African American adolescents report the lowest incidence of illicit drug use initiation, and the weakest effects of family structure and environment on substance use. Cumulative effects of family risk factors were strongly associated with increased probabilities of illicit drug use initiation, but there were temporal as well as race/ethnic variations on these effects. Deteriorating changes in family environments were stronger predictors of the initiation of drug use among Hispanic immigrants than nonimmigrants, and family socioeconomic status was a predictor for immigrant Hispanics only. The relationship between family structure and drug use initiation varied in the context of temporal indicators of family environments, and the accumulation of family risk factors was a stronger predictor of illicit drug initiation than family structure.
Controlled partial pressure-vapor pressure osmometry (CPP-VPO). A new method for the characterization of reverse micelles and W O microemulsions

Abstract Dry reverse micellar systems are hygroscopic and the water-rich ones exhibit a water vapor pressure pw which can approach that of pure water. For these properties, conventional vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) cannot be used for the determination of the true mean aggregation number n of the surfactant because weate ris absorbed or lost by the sample in the osmometer chamber, with the concomitant changes of n during the measurement. The problem can be remedied by matching the water partical pressure pw,c in the osmometer chamber to the water vapor pressure pw of the sample. A new method that utilizes this the osmometer chamber to the water vapor pressure pw of the sample. A new method that utilizes this principle, controlled partial pressure—vapor pressure osmometry (CPP—VPO), is described and its use is demonstrated on the AOT/benzene/H2O system. CPP—VPO is ideally suited for the determination of n and pw of reverse micelles and W O microemulsions.
Genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for clinical practice and research

Genetic insights into the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are untangling the clinical heterogeneity that may contribute to poor clinical trial outcomes and thus to a lack of effective treatments. Mutations in a large number of genes, including SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS, VAPB, VCP, UBQLN2, ALS2, SETX, OPTN, ANG, and SPG11, are thought to cause ALS, whereas others, including ATAXN2, GRN, HFE, NEFH, UNC13A, and VEGF, appear to be disease-modifying genes. Epigenetic influences may also play important roles. An improved understanding of ALS genetics should lead to better trial designs, insights into common molecular pathways, and better characterization of preclinical models. New genetic sequencing techniques, which use high-throughput methods to assess variants across the genome or exome, may facilitate rational patient stratification for clinical trials and permit more individualized prognostic information and treatment decisions in clinical care. Muscle Nerve 49: 786-803, 2014.
Molecular sieve studies of interacting protein systems. VII. Direct optical scanning method for ligand-macromolecule binding studies.

Abstract A new method has been developed for determination of binding ratios between macromolecular components and small ligand species in solution. The new method is based on direct optical scanning of gel chromatographic columns saturated with a solution containing both ligand and macromolecule. Optical scanning of the column yields data equivalent to that from a large number of replicate equilibrium dialysis experiments, and statistical analysis can be applied. An experimental evaluation of this new saturation technique has been carried out in a study of the binding of methyl orange by bovine serum albumin. Results of this study are found to be in close agreement with previous studies on this system. Additional determinations of binding ratios for the BSA-MO system have been made by using a modification of the Hummel-Dreyer technique, coupled with optical scanning of the column. These binding ratios are in close agreement with the values determined by the equilibrium saturation technique. It is found that the optical scanning approach substantiably increases the versatility of the Hummel-Dreyer experiment.
Epitaxial La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 electrode films for ferroelectric device applications

Abstract We have grown high quality La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 thin films by Pulsed Laser Deposition. This material is a electrically conducting perovskite which can be used as structurally compatible electrodes for devices using ferroelectric materials such as Pb-La-Zr-Ti-O (PLZT). Oxygen stability was investigated under various annealing conditions. LSCO/PLZT/LSCO heterostructures were grown epitaxially on SrTiO3 (STO) and MgO substrates. P-E hysteresis loop was observed with Pr = 20 μC/cm2 and Ec = 24 kV/cm. Direct observation of the piezoelectric effect in PLZT was made by measuring the PLZT c-axis lattice constant under various electric fields. LSCO/STO superlattice was also grown by PLD. The superlattice showed excellent crystallinity with a Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) channeling minimum yield of only 3.6%.
Multi-phase generalization of the particle swarm optimization algorithm

Multi-phase particle swarm optimization is a new algorithm to be used for discrete and continuous problems. In this algorithm, different groups of particles have trajectories that proceed with differing goals in different phases of the algorithm. On several benchmark problems, the algorithm outperforms standard particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, and evolution programming.
The efficacy and risks of preoperative embolization of spinal tumors

Background The goal of preoperative embolization of spinal tumors is to improve surgical outcomes by diminishing the vascular supply to the tumor to reduce intraoperative blood loss and operative time. Objective To report our institutional experience with spinal tumor embolization and review the present literature. Methods Clinical records from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2012 were reviewed and analyzed. Angiograms were used to calculate the percentage reduction in tumor vascularity, and relevant clinical and operative data were collected and analyzed. Results Thirty-seven patients underwent preoperative spinal tumor embolization (24 metastatic and 13 primary lesions) and were included in the study. One complication resulted in transient lower extremity weakness and was attributed to post-embolization swelling, which fully resolved after surgical resection. The transient neurological complication rate was 1/37 (3%) and the permanent rate was 0/37 (0%). The average surgical estimated blood loss (EBL) was 1946 mL (100–7000 mL) and the average operative time was 330 min (range 164–841 min). After embolization, tumor blush was reduced by 83% on average. Average pre- and postoperative modified Rankin Scale scores were 2.10 and 1.36, respectively (p=0.03). Cases in which tumor blush was decreased by ≥90% (classes 1 or 2) after embolization had significantly less operative blood loss than those cases in which Conclusions Spinal tumor embolization is a safe procedure, is associated with few complications, and may improve surgical outcomes by limiting intraoperative blood loss and reducing operative time.
The Tet Offensive . Edited by Marc Jason Gilbert and William Head. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1996, xiv, 286 pp. $24.95 (paper).

Preface by William Head Introduction by Marc Jason Gilbert and William Head The Tet Offensive by Larry Berman The Tet Offensive and Sino-Vietnamese Relations by John Garver The NLF and the Tet Offensive by Robert Brigham Giap and Mau Than Tet 1968: The Year of the Monkey by Cecil Currey The Tet Offensive and its Aftermath by Ngo Vinh Long My Recollections of the Tet Offensive by Ambassador Bui Diem The Tet Offensive and Middletown: A Study in Contradiction by Anthony O. Edmonds The Warning That Left Something to Chance: Intelligence at Tet by John Prados Don't Bother Me with the Facts I've Made Up My Mind: The Tet Offensive in the Context of Intelligence and U.S. Strategy by Larry Cable Tet Beyond the Wire: TCK-TKN, the General Offensive-General Uprising by Robert Norse The Battle of Khe Sanh, 1968 by Peter Brush President Johnson and the Decision to Curtail Rolling Thunder by Mark Jacobsen The Myth of Tet: American Failure and the Politics of War by Robert Buzzanco Selected Bibliography Index
Protective monoclonal antibodies recognize heat-labile epitopes on surface proteins of spotted fever group Rickettsiae

Thirty-eight monoclonal antibodies that have not been reported previously were developed from mice immunized with Rickettsia rickettsii, R. conorii, and R. sibirica. Western immunoblotting showed that these monoclonal antibodies are directed against heat-sensitive epitopes which are located on two major surface polypeptides with molecular sizes ranging from 115 to 150 kilodaltons. The detection of the two bands did not depend on the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. Both bands were destroyed by treatment with proteinase K. Monoclonal antibodies examined by immunofluorescence assay reacted with epitopes that are species specific, group reactive, or shared among a smaller subset of species of spotted fever group rickettsiae. Nine of the monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for their ability to neutralize rickettsial infection and thus protect animals against disease caused by homologous species of rickettsiae. Treatment of rickettsiae with monoclonal antibodies F3-12, F3-14, and F3-36 completely protected guinea pigs against illness caused by the homologous organism R. rickettsii. Monoclonal antibodies F9-5G11 and F15-5B12, derived from mice immunized with R. sibirica, conferred partial protection by delaying the onset and shortening the duration of fever in guinea pigs inoculated with R. sibirica. Monoclonal antibodies F2-15, F2-31, F2-53, and F3-12 protected mice from a lethal infection with R. conorii. Heat-labile epitopes of spotted fever group rickettsial surface proteins are important candidate antigens for development of vaccines to confer protective immunity. Images
Genetic Heterogeneity of Cloned Animal Virus Preparations

THE procedure used to purify genetically a virus preparation does not guarantee the homogeneity of the derived population1. Genetic purity can be defined by markers characteristic of a given virus. During studies of the selective effects of cloned and uncloned lines of human epithelial cells on a relatively non-cytopathic strain of type 2 poliovirus, MEF12,3, efforts to obtain genetically pure virus stocks failed. We describe here a study undertaken to explain this failure.
Harmonization of Systems: The Third Stage of the Information Society

L'A. etudie les changements intervenus dans l'environnement des etudes en communication et les consequences qui en decoulent pour le developpement et l'avenir de ce champ de recherche. Il montre que la societe de l'information contemporaine s'est developpee en trois etapes distinctes : la periode de l'electrification de la communication au milieu du 19 eme siecle, la periode de convergence des technologies dans la seconde moitie du 20 eme siecle et la periode actuelle de l'harmonisation des systemes d'information
Towards dynamic collaboration architectures

In this paper, we introduce the concept of dynamically changing between centralized, replicated, and hybrid collaboration architectures. It is implemented by providing users a function that dynamically changes the mapping between user-interface and program components. We decompose the function into more primitive commands that are executed autonomously by individual users. These commands require a mechanism to dynamically replicate user-interface and program components on a user's site. We present a logging approach for implementing the mechanism that records input (output) messages sent to one incarnation of a program (user-interface) component, and replays the recorded messages to a different incarnation of the component. Preliminary experiments with an implementation of the mechanism show that response and completion times can improve by dynamically changing the architecture to adapt to changes to the set of users in a collaboration session involving a mix of mobile and stationary devices.
Outcomes for temporal lobe epilepsy operations may not be equal A call for an RCT of ATL vs SAH

An assured way to kindle a lively debate among epilepsy specialists is to ask, “What is the best surgery for medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE)—anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) or selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH)?” Usually, patients with mTLE have seizures arising from epileptogenic lesions such as hippocampal sclerosis or low-grade gliomas involving the lesion and surrounding hippocampus, amygdala, and parahippocampal cortex, although some mTLE cases do not have detectable lesions on imaging. ATL removes the temporal pole to allow access to the lesion and mesial temporal structures (figure, A and B),1 whereas SAH uses a small temporal neocortical resection to approach and remove mesial structures (figure, C and D).2 The rationale for SAH has been that it should provide equivalent seizure control because the mesial structures, the presumed source of the seizures, are removed with limited damage of the lateral temporal neocortex and underlying white matter, possibly reducing cognitive functions. Other recent approaches being developed to treat mTLE using the SAH concept include radiosurgery3 and MRI-guided laser ablation.
Boltzmann Limit for a Homogeneous Fermi Gas with Dynamical Hartree-Fock Interactions in a Random Medium

We study the dynamics of the thermal momentum distribution function for an interacting, homogeneous Fermi gas on ℤ3 in the presence of an external weak static random potential, where the pair interactions between the fermions are modeled in dynamical Hartree-Fock theory. We determine the Boltzmann limits associated to different scaling regimes defined by the size of the random potential, and the strength of the fermion interactions.
Fluorescence properties of cholestatrienol in phosphatidylcholine bilayer vesicles.

The fluorescent sterol delta 5,7,9,(11)-cholestatrien-3 beta-ol (cholestatrienol) was incoporated into 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) with and without cholesterol in order to monitor sterol-sterol interactions in model membranes. Previously another fluorescent sterol, dehydroergosterol (F. Schroeder, Y. Barenholz, E. Gratton and T.E. Thompson. Biochemistry 26 (1987) 2441), was used for this purpose. However, there is some concern that dehydroergosterol may not be the best analogue for cholesterol. Fluorescence properties of cholestatrienol in POPC SUV were highly sensitive to cholestatrienol purity. The fluorescence decay of cholestatrienol in the POPC SUV was analyzed by assuming either that the decay is comprised of a discrete sum of exponential components or that the decay is made up of one or more component's distribution of lifetimes. The decay for cholestatrienol in POPC SUV analyzed using distributions had a lower chi 2 value and was described by a two-component Lorentzian function with centers near 0.86 and 3.24 ns, and fractional intensities of 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. Both distributions were quite narrow, i.e., 0.05 ns full-width at half-maximum peak height. It is proposed that the two lifetime distributions are generated by separate continua of environments for the cholestatrienol molecule described by different dielectric constants. In the range 0-6 mol% cholestatrienol, the cholestatrienol underwent a concentration-dependent relaxation. This process was characterized by red-shifted absorption and maxima and altered ratios of absorption and fluorescence excitation maxima. Fluorescence quantum yield, lifetime, steady-state anisotropy, limiting anisotropy and rotational rate remained constant. In contrast, in POPC vesicles containing between 6 and 33 mol% cholestatrienol, the fluorescent cholestatrienol partially segregated, resulting in quenching. Thus, below 6 mol% cholestatrienol, the cholestatrienol appeared to behave in part as monomers exposed to some degree to the aqueous solvent in a sterol-poor domain within POPC bilayers. Since the lifetime did not decrease above 6 mol% cholestatrienol, the fluorescence at high mol% values of cholestatrienol was due to cholestatrienol in the sterol-poor domain. The fluorescence intensity, quantum yield, steady-state anisotropy, and limiting anisotropy of cholestatrienol in the sterol-poor domain decreased to limiting, nonzero values while the rotational rate increased to a limiting value. Thus, the sterol-poor domain became more disordered when it coexisted with the sterol-rich domain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Herbivory, Connectivity, and Ecosystem Resilience: Response of a Coral Reef to a Large-Scale Perturbation

Coral reefs world-wide are threatened by escalating local and global impacts, and some impacted reefs have shifted from coral dominance to a state dominated by macroalgae. Therefore, there is a growing need to understand the processes that affect the capacity of these ecosystems to return to coral dominance following disturbances, including those that prevent the establishment of persistent stands of macroalgae. Unlike many reefs in the Caribbean, over the last several decades, reefs around the Indo-Pacific island of Moorea, French Polynesia have consistently returned to coral dominance following major perturbations without shifting to a macroalgae-dominated state. Here, we present evidence of a rapid increase in populations of herbivorous fishes following the most recent perturbation, and show that grazing by these herbivores has prevented the establishment of macroalgae following near complete loss of coral on offshore reefs. Importantly, we found the positive response of herbivorous fishes to increased benthic primary productivity associated with coral loss was driven largely by parrotfishes that initially recruit to stable nursery habitat within the lagoons before moving to offshore reefs later in life. These results underscore the importance of connectivity between the lagoon and offshore reefs for preventing the establishment of macroalgae following disturbances, and indicate that protecting nearshore nursery habitat of herbivorous fishes is critical for maintaining reef resilience.
EUV Lithography optics contamination and lifetime studies

In this paper we discuss surface phenomena leading to contamination of multilayer optics designed for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Experimental data supported by calculations indicate dramatic influence of resonance structure of EUV mirror on the secondary electron yield. These low energy electrons play an important role in radiation chemistry at the mirror surface. We also discuss the dependence on the partial pressure of admitted gas of equilibrium surface coverage and contamination rate under EUV irradiation.
Of social television comes home: a field study of communication choices and practices in tv-based text and voice chat

Social television applications have emerged as a potentially valuable convergence of media and communication, but questions remain about the utility and nature of the communication experiences they will provide. We present our study of STV3, an application that adds freeform text and voice chat capabilities to the conventional television-viewing experience. We conducted an in-depth field study of STV3 to understand how friends integrate communication through social television into their lives. Our results reveal users' choices of communication modality, their topics of conversation, and the sense of connectedness that was fostered through their use of STV3. Our findings indicate that participants overwhelmingly preferred text chat to voice chat, and that they often communicated about topics unrelated to the television content.
Institutional Decision Making for Increasing Academic Preparedness in Community Colleges.

This chapter identifies current organizational and instructional approaches to developmental education in community colleges and recommends a process by which colleges can make institutionally appropriate decisions to improve developmental education outcomes.
Comparing alternative metrics to assess performance on the Iowa Gambling Task.

This study was conducted in response to calls to develop Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) metrics reflecting more homogeneous aspects of decision making, as well as to add to the literature on reliability and validity of the instrument. The conventional IGT metric, advantageous minus disadvantageous deck selections, was compared to alternatives in which Decks B and C or the first 40 selections were eliminated. We correlated these alternative metrics with performance on other neuropsychological tests in 214 healthy adults, and we compared participant subgroups stratified by health status (214 healthy and 43 unhealthy participants). Internal consistency of the IGT was low and could explain the modest levels of construct validity observed. Alternative metrics, especially Deck D minus Deck A selections (D–A), did improve construct and criterion validity of the IGT. They also showed different patterns of correlation with other neuropsychological measures and might enhance the clinical and scientific usefulness of this...
Cellular mechanisms of stimulation of bud production in Hydra by low levels of inorganic lead compounds

Treatment of Hydra with subtoxic levels of inorganic lead compounds (lead nitrate and lead chloride) for periods ranging from 5 min to one hour causes a temporary increase in bud production as compared to untreated control animals. This effect can be inhibited by the addition of large amounts of calcium chloride to the culture medium.
Female genitalia and taxonomic relationships ofMacaca assamensis

Study of ten females ofMacaca assamensis provides information concerning reproductive anatomy, postnatal development and systematic relationships of this species. The sexual skin is conspicuously inflated in adolescentM. assamensis; during pregnancy smaller sexual swellings are present; during lactation the sexual skin is uninflated and marked by a sharply defined dark blue circumanal triangle. In the vulva of infant and adolescentM. assamensis a ventral vestibular fold protrudes between the vaginal orifice and the recessed urethral orifice; in postadolescent specimens the ventral vestibular fold is absent and a urethral papilla is present. The lining of the vagina is spiny in prepregnantM. assamensis and rugose to papillate in other phases of the cycle. The cervix is greatly enlarged and secretory in adolescentM. assamensis; it remains large before and during pregnancy and becomes constricted during lactation. The cervix inM. assamensis is similar to that inM. sinica andM. radiata. This supports previously reported penial evidence of close relationship between these species. Penial structure inM. thibetana indicates that this species also belongs to thesinica-radiata-assamensis group. In these four species latitudinal variation of body size and tail length apparently conforms toBergmann's rule andAllen's rule.
Tidal-Fluvial and Estuarine Processes in the Lower Columbia River: I. Along-Channel Water Level Variations, Pacific Ocean to Bonneville Dam

This two-part paper provides comprehensive time and frequency domain analyses and models of along-channel water level variations in the 234-km-long Lower Columbia River and Estuary (LCRE) and documents the response of floodplain wetlands thereto. In Part I, power spectra, continuous wavelet transforms, and harmonic analyses are used to understand the influences of tides, river flow, upwelling and downwelling, and hydropower operations (“power-peaking”) on the water level regime. Estuarine water levels are influenced primarily by astronomical tides and coastal processes and secondarily by river flow. The importance of coastal and tidal influences decreases in the landward direction, and water levels are increasingly controlled by river flow variations at periods from ≤1 day to years. Water level records are only slightly nonstationary near the ocean, but become highly irregular upriver. Although astronomically forced tidal constituents decrease above the estuary, tidal fortnightly and overtide variations increase for 80–200 km landward, both relative to major tidal constituents and in absolute terms. Near the head of the tide at Bonneville Dam, strong diel and weekly fluctuations caused by power-peaking replace tidal daily (diurnal and semidiurnal) and fortnightly variations. Tides account for 60–70 %, river flow and seasonal processes 5–20 %, and weather 2–4 % of the total variance in the seaward 60 km of the system. In the landward 70 km of the LCRE, seasonal-fluvial variations account for 80–90 % of the variance, power-peaking 1–6 %, and tides <5 %. In Part II, regression models of water levels and inundation patterns are used to understand the distribution of floodplain wetlands, and a system zonation is defined based on bedrock geology, hydrology, and biota.
Silicon-Germanium as an Enabling IC Technology for Extreme Environment Electronics

Extreme environments" represents an important niche venue for electronic components, and spans the operation of electronics in surroundings lying outside the domain of conventional commercial and military specifications. Such extreme environments would include, for instance, operation down to very low temperatures (e.g., to 77 K or even 4.2 K), 2) operation up to very high temperatures (e.g., to 200degC or even 300degC), 3) operation across very wide and cyclic temperature swings, and 4) operation in a radiation-rich environment (e.g., space), or even all four simultaneously. We have previously argued that the unique bandgap-engineered features of SiGe HBTs offer great utility to simultaneously satisfy all four of these extreme environment domains, potentially with little or no process modification, ultimately providing compelling advantages at the IC and system level, across a wide class of commercial and defense applications. In the present work, we detail the application of SiGe technology for building electronic components of interest to NASA and the space community for operation in one of the "classic" extreme environments - on the lunar surface.
SU‐GG‐T‐103: Minimum Segment Size for the Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition Algorithm

Purpose: A comparison between film measurements,ion chambermeasurements and the collapsed cone convolution superposition (CCCS) algorithm for small field sizes prone to electronic disequilibrium is presented in this study. Method and materials: Using a Varian Clinac 2100 C/D with a Millennium 120 leaf multi‐leaf collimator(MLC),field sizes from 10×10 cm2 to 0.5×0.5 cm2 were created using both square fields and fields comprised of small rectangular segments using control points, for 6 MV and 18 MV photon beams. Using an ion chamber inside a solid water phantom, and Kodak EDR2 film these fields were measured. The monitor units were set to 200 for each field or segment. The results were compared against calculations using the CCCS algorithm in Pinnacle3. Results: Agreement, within 2%, between Pinnacle and measurements was observed for all open fields. For the fields using control points, the discrepancy between Pinnacle and measurements was in the order of 10–15% for most of the fields for both energies used. Ion chamber and film measurements agreed within 3% for the same fields throughout the range of the fields and energies used. Conclusion: Because the ion chamber, film and Pinnacle calculation agreed very well for the open square field sizes, it is unlikely that a setup error caused the unexpected results. At present, it can be concluded that the CCCS is not in good agreement (fails to predict accurately) the dose when the minimum segment has been reduced to an area with the smallest side smaller or equal to 1 cm. Further investigation will be carried out and more measurements will be taken to confirm the accuracy of the current data, and provide guidelines when small fields are needed for treatment.
A physical adsorption model of the dependence of ClONO2 heterogeneous reactions on relative humidity

We present a model of heterogeneous reactivity based on physical adsorption that describes the observed relative humidity dependence of the ClONO 2 reaction probability with H 2 O and HCl on sulfuric acid tetrahydrate ice surfaces (SAT) and with H 2 O on nitric acid trihydrate (NAT). The laboratory data are modeled using only two parameters for a given system, the measured reaction probability on a neat H 2 O ice surface, and a constant from the BET theory which describes the fraction of an acid hydrate surface covered by H 2 O as a function of relative humidity. The model indicates that ClONO 2 reactivity with both HCl and H 2 O on SAT and with H 2 O on NAT is controlled by the surface coverage of H 2 O. In contrast, the reaction of ClONO 2 + HCl on NAT is better described by an alternative model based on reactivity in solutions formed within a porous ice by capillary liquid absorption.
G protein-coupled receptor structure and function: the impact of disease-causing mutations.

Summary Just as the discovery of ‘inborn errors of metabolism’ in humans contributed to our basic understanding of normal enzymatic pathways, so can genetic defects in signal transduction help to elucidate the functions normally subserved by different GPCR pathways. Identification and characterization of naturally occurring GPCR mutations not only has inherent value in understanding the molecular basis of disease, but can also accelerate progress in understanding the fundamental mechanisms involved in GPCR synthesis, transport to the membrane, ligand binding, activation and deactivation.
Formulation approaches in mitigating toxicity of orally administrated drugs

This paper provides an overview of current formulation approaches to mitigate toxicity of orally administrated drugs. The formulation approaches are characterized by their intended impact on a drug's pharmacokinetic parameters, pharmacological properties or metabolic pathways. Regulatory opportunities and constraints with focus on U.S. regulations in optimizing a drug's safety or efficacy profile are reviewed. The following formulation approaches are described: (i) pharmacokinetic-modulating and (ii) pharmacodynamic-modulating. In the pharmacokinetic-modulating approach, the pharmacokinetic profile of drug release is modified by, for example, a reduction in peak drug plasma concentration while preserving or improving AUC, thereby potentially reducing toxic effects that may be related to C(max). In the pharmacodynamic-modulating approach, the drug is co-dosed with pharmacologically active or nonpharmacologically active agent or agents intended for mitigation of the drug's toxicity. The pharmacodynamic-modulating approach requires information on the specificity of drug interactions with other compounds and also on metabolic pathways. Examples demonstrating successful formulation work in reducing drug toxicity are provided. The in-depth knowledge of the drug's PK and PD properties combined with a greater understanding of the biology of diseases are necessary for successful drug product formulation leading to optimized in vivo exposure and minimized toxicity.
Egg oral immunotherapy in nonanaphylactic children with egg allergy

Background There is no current active treatment for food allergy. Traditional injection immunotherapy has been proved unsafe, and thus there is a need for other forms of immunotherapy. Objective The purpose was to study the safety and immunologic effects of egg oral immunotherapy (OIT). The short-term goal was to desensitize subjects to protect against accidental ingestion reactions. The eventual goal was to induce lasting clinical and immunologic tolerance. Methods Subjects with a history of egg allergy but without a history of anaphylaxis to egg underwent a 24-month egg OIT protocol involving modified rush, build-up, and maintenance phases. Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges were performed at study conclusion. Egg-specific IgE and IgG concentrations were followed. Results Seven subjects completed the protocol. Egg-specific IgG concentrations increased significantly, whereas egg-specific IgE concentrations did not significantly change. Three subjects tolerated known or possible accidental egg ingestions while receiving OIT. During double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges at study conclusion, all tolerated significantly more egg protein than at study onset and than that found in the typical accidental exposure. Two subjects demonstrated oral tolerance. Conclusion This study provides proof of concept that OIT can be safely used for patients with egg allergy without a history of anaphylaxis to egg. Egg OIT does not heighten sensitivity to egg and might protect against reaction on accidental ingestion. Whether OIT will induce clinical oral tolerance cannot be concluded from this initial cohort. Clinical implications Use of allergen-specific OIT to protect subjects with food allergy from reaction on accidental ingestion would represent a significant paradigm change in the treatment of food allergy.