cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Onset and Magnitude of the Contractile Response to Commonly Used Digitalis Glycosides in Normal Subjects

Controversy exists over the rapidity of onset of the inotropic effect of various digitalis glycosides. Shortening of the systolic time intervals (STI) provides a quantitative measure of the inotropic effect of digitalis glycosides in human subjects. Total electromechanical systole corrected for heart rate (QS2I) is the most sensitive of the STI since it combines the shortening effect of digitalis glycosides on both the pre-ejection period and ejection time. Normal volunteer subjects were studied serially following i.v. injection of 1.6 mg cedilanid-D (C) (n = 18), 1.0 mg ouabain (O) (n = 12), 1.6 mg digoxin (D) (n = 16), and 1.6 mg digitoxin (DT) (n = 9). The shortening of QS2I was corrected for the molecular weight of the digitalis glycoside. The onset of shortening of the QS2I/ mole proved to be exponential for each digitalis glycoside. This allowed estimation of the maximum shortening of QS2I/mole (A) which would occur assuming zero excretion, from which the time constant (tc) of the curves could be determined. There was no significant difference in A among the digitalis glycosides. The tc, were 5.8 min (O), 7.2 min (C), 23 min (D), and 56 min (DT). These tc were significantly different except for O and C. Thus both C and O have a rapid onset of activity which is significantly shorter than either D or DT. The tc for C in patients with congestive heart failure is the same as normals. This study provides a heretofore unavailable, accurate measure of the differences among commonly used glycosides.
PM3(tm) parameterization using genetic algorithms

PM3(tm) has great potential in studying transition metals because of its speed and applicability to large complexes. However, its parameterization is not yet available for all 30 d-block metals. In this research, genetic algorithms (GAs) were evaluated for the development of PM3(tm) parameters for technetium (Tc). Initial Tc parameters were obtained by interpolation of parameters for the metals flanking it in the periodic table--molybdenum and ruthenium. Prototypical Tc compounds were chosen from the Cambridge Structural Database. The sensitivities of the 21 PM3(tm) parameters were tested using different methods and their impact on molecular geometry assessed. The fitness criterion was based on the root mean square (rms) of the distance matrix between calculated and crystal structures. The GA-optimized parameters improved the calculated structural accuracy by more than 50% versus interpolated parameters. In addition, structural prediction (bond lengths within 0.04 {angstrom}, bond angles within 2{degree}, dihedral angles with 4{degree}) with the GA-developed parameters for Tc is competitive with those already available in PM3(tm) and with that expected from high-level ab initio calculations, but in a fraction of the time.
A debris flow deposit in alluvial, coal-bearing facies, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA: evidence for catastrophic termination of a mire

Abstract Coal and clastic facies investigations of a Paleocene coal-bearing succession in the Grass Creek coal mine, southwestern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA, suggest that disruption of peat accumulation in recurrent mires was caused by the repetitive progradation of crevasse splays and, ultimately, by a catastrophic mass movement. The mass movement, represented by deposits of debris flow, marked the termination of significant peat accumulation in the Grass Creek coal mine area. Megascopic and microscopic analyses of coal beds exposed along the mine highwalls suggest that these deposits developed in low-lying mires, as evidenced primarily by their ash yields and maceral composition. Disruption of peat accumulation in successive mires was caused by incursions of sediment into the mire environments. Termination by crevasse splay progradation is represented by coarsening-upward successions of mudrock and tabular, rooted sandstone, which overlie coal beds in the lower part of the coal-bearing interval. A more rapid process of mire termination by mass movement is exemplified by a debris flow deposit of diamictite, which overlies the uppermost coal bed at the top of the coal-bearing interval. The diamictite consists of a poorly sorted, unstratified mixture of quartzite cobbles and pebbles embedded in a claystone-rich or sandy mudstone matrix. Deposition of the diamictite may have taken place over a matter of weeks, days, or perhaps even hours, by catastrophic flood, thus reflecting an instantaneous process of mire termination. Coarse clastics and mud were transported from the southwest some 20–40 km as a viscous debris flow along stream courses from the ancestral Washakie Range to the Grass Creek area, where the flow overrode a low-lying mire and effectively terminated peat accumulation.
Carrier recombination dynamics in a (GaInSb/InAs)/AlGaSb superlattice multiple quantum well

We have used the 830 nm, subpicosecond output of a mode‐locked Ti:sapphire laser, together with subpicosecond 3.55 μm pulses from a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator, to perform room‐temperature, time‐resolved, differential transmission measurements on a multiple quantum well structure with AlGaSb barriers and GaInSb/InAs superlattice wells. From these measurements, we have determined a Shockley–Read–Hall rate of 2.4×108 s−1 and an Auger coefficient of 7×10−27 cm6/s. In addition, we estimate the carrier capture efficiency into the wells to be ∼52% and have demonstrated that carrier cooling, cross‐well transport, and capture are complete within ∼10 ps after excitation.
Cell Polarity: Formin on the Move

Formins assemble actin filaments that are typically arranged in long bundles. A new study has discovered that a fission yeast polarity formin transiently assembles short actin filaments at the cell tip, and then releases from the cortex and rides into the cell interior on filaments within the bundle.
Hindu astronomy at Newminster in 1428

Professor Thorndike has recently published and translated in this journal1 sections from the Latin MS. Ashmole 191.II containing chronological and astronomical computations for the year 1428 and for the geographical latitude of Newminster. This short treatise is of interest in several respects, but most of all in its use of methods closely related to the Sūrya Siddhānta, the classical text-book of Hindu astronomy. It is this point which we wish to bring to the attention of the reader.
Cartilage Stresses in the Human Hip Joint

The total surface stress measured in vitro on acetabular cartilage when step-loaded by an instrumented hemiprosthesis are partitioned into fluid and cartilage network stresses using a finite element model of the cartilage layer and measurements of the layer consolidation. The finite element model is based on in situ measurements of cartilage geometry and constitutive properties. Unique instrumentation was employed to collect the geometry and constitutive properties and pressure and consolidation data. When loaded, cartilage consolidates and exudes its interstitial fluid through and from its solid network into the inter-articular gap. The finite element solutions include the spatial distributions of fluid and network stresses, the normal flow velocities into the gap, and the contact network stresses at the cartilage surface, all versus time. Even after long-duration application of physiological-level force, fluid pressure supports 90 percent of the load with the cartilage network stresses remaining well below the drained modulus of cartilage. The results support the "weeping" mechanism of joint lubrication proposed by McCutchen.
Person-affecting views and saturating counterpart relations

Parfit (Reasons and persons, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1984) posed a challenge: provide a satisfying normative account that solves the non-identity problem, avoids the repugnant and absurd conclusions, and solves the mere-addition paradox. In response, some have suggested that we look toward person-affecting views of morality for a solution. But the person-affecting views that have been offered so far have been unable to satisfy Parfit’s four requirements, and these views have been subject to a number of independent complaints. This paper describes a person-affecting account which meets Parfit’s challenge. The account satisfies Parfit’s four requirements, and avoids many of the criticisms that have been raised against person-affecting views.
Does the Lateral Plate need to Overlap the Stem to Mitigate Stress Concentration When Treating Vancouver C Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femur Fracture

The effect of construct length on cortical strain and load to failure between locked compression plating and cemented femoral stem in a fall model was analyzed. Eight Sawbone femurs with cemented stems were instrumented with increasing fixation lengths starting 8cm distal to stem tip and progressing proximally to overlapping constructs. Uniaxial strain gauges measured cortical strain. Load to failure was performed with 8cm gap between implants, 2cm gap, and proximally overlapping configurations. Strain was significantly reduced as the 8cm gap transitioned to an overlapped construct with most comparisons. Load to failure in the overlapped construct was 273% greater compared to 2cm gap construct. Overlapping the stem with a locking compression plate resulted in reduced strain and increased load to failure.
Contribution Limits and Disparity in Contributions between Gubernatorial Candidates

Campaign contribution limits have been a common feature of campaign finance reform efforts in most states. Despite their apparent popularity, campaign contribution limits have been criticized in academic literature. In particular, it has been suggested that contribution limits are likely to increase the disparity in contributions among candidates in general and the disparity between incumbents and challengers in particular. In this article we subject this important criticism of campaign contribution limits to empirical testing. Analyses of both the number of contributors and the dollar amount of contributions to gubernatorial candidates suggest no sup-port for an increased bias in favor of incumbents resulting from the presence of contribution limits. If any-thing, contribution limits can work to reduce the bias that traditionally works in favor of incumbents. Also, contribution limits do not seem to increase contribution disparity between candidates in general. Results hold for different subsets of contr...
Paternal occupational group and risk of offspring with neural tube defects.

Summary Selected paternal occupations as well as specific occupational exposures to chemicals such as organic solvents have been suggested as possible risk factors for neural tube defects (NTD). We investigated data from a population-based, case–control study of fetuses and liveborn infants with NTDs among 1989–91 California births and fetal deaths. Interviews were conducted with mothers of 538 NTD cases and 539 non- malformed controls. Mothers were asked to report the occupations that the fathers had in the period 3 months before and 3 months after conception. Each job title and industry reported was coded in accordance with the 1990 US Census. Considering those fathers who worked in managerial and professional occupations as the reference group, elevated odds ratios (OR) for NTDs were observed for the categories: technical, sales and administrative, OR = 1.5 [95% confidence interval 1.0, 2.4]; service, OR = 2.0 [1.2, 3.1]; farming, forestry and fishing, OR = 2.1 [1.3, 3.3]; operators, fabricators and labourers, OR = 1.8 [1.2, 2.7]; and military, OR = 1.9 [0.7, 5.0]. Stratification by NTD phenotype revealed that these elevated ORs were primarily observed for spina bifida phenotypes. Analyses adjusted for maternal body mass index, maternal periconceptional use of multivitamins containing folic acid, paternal race/ethnicity, maternal race/ethnicity and maternal education revealed attenuated risk estimates for most of the occupational groups. Analyses of 182 more specific occupational groups defined by aggregating fathers on similar job titles, when compared with fathers who worked in managerial and professional occupations, revealed that four job title groups were associated with fairly precise effect estimates of ≥1.5. These groups were: cooks; janitors and cleaners; farm workers; and groundsmen/gardeners. Using occupational titles as defined in previous investigations, we did not observe an elevated OR associated with paternal occupational solvent exposures, OR = 0.8 [0.5, 1.3]. These analyses generated potential clues regarding paternal occupational exposures as NTD risk factors. Risk variation observed by spina bifida phenotype is interesting and will need to be investigated further.
Evidence for the lipoprotein heterogeneity of human plasma high density lipoproteins isolated by three different procedures.

Quantitative electroimmunoassays of apolipoproteins in ultracentrifugally isolated high density lipoproteins (HDL) of normolipidemic subjects showed that A-I and A-II are the major (80–85% of total HDL protein) and B, C-III, E, D and F are the minor protein constituents of this density class. A comparison between the apolipoprotein composition of ultracentrifugally isolated HDL and heparin-Mn++ supernates showed no significant difference in the levels of A-I and C-III. However, the concentration of ApoE in the heparin-Mn++ supernates was almost twice as high as that in the ultracentrifugally isolated HDL; ApoB was only detectable in trace amounts in the heparin-Mn++ supernates. To establish whether these apolipoproteins are parts of a single macromolecular complex or form separate, discrete lipoprotein particles, the high density lipoproteins were isolated by three different procedures including ultracentrifugation, heparin-Mn++ precipitation and agarose column chromatography. The double diffusion analyses of each of these HDL preparations with antisera to A-I, A-II, ApoB, C-III, ApoD, ApoE, and ApoF showed nonidentity reactions between each possible combination of these antisera. The only exception was a reaction of partial identity between antisera to A-I and A-II polypeptides indicating the occurrence of two types of lipoprotein particles, a major one (LP-A) containing both polypeptides and a minor one (LP-A-I) containing A-I as the sole protein constituent. These findings indicate that high density lipoproteins, regardless of the manner of isolation, do not consist of a single macromolecular complex, but represent a mixture of several, discrete lipoprotein families.
Body condition dynamics and the cost-of-delay hypothesis in a temperate-breeding duck

Pre-breeding body condition is an important determinant of reproductive success in birds, largely through its infl uence on timing of breeding. Declines in clutch size and recruitment probability within breeding seasons indicate a tradeoff may exist between the number of young (clutch size) and quality of young (recruitment probability). We explored local drivers of pre-breeding body condition and tested predictions of the cost-of-delay hypothesis in female lesser scaup Aythya affi nis . Yearling females arrived on the study site in lower body condition than older females, but both age classes had similar rates of body condition gain on the breeding grounds prior to nesting. Rates of body condition gain were positively infl uenced by water temperature, a proxy for wetland phenology. Th e eff ect of water level was asymptotic and interacted with water temperature, with greater rates of gain in body condition occurring in years with low water levels. Our results supported the predicted response of clutch size to the rate of pre-breeding body condition gain. After accounting for lay date, clutch size was positively related to the rate of body condition gain (b  � 0.08 � 0.039). We did not fi nd support for a predicted interaction between rate of body condition gain and intra-seasonal decline in clutch size (b  � 0.01 � 0.01). Our results indicate that local conditions during pre-breeding infl uence body condition dynamics in female lesser scaup, which subsequently aff ects clutch size.
Further comments "Stability of time-delay systems"

A corrected version of an earlier theorem on the asymptotic stability of \dot{x}(t) = A_{1}x(t)+ A_{2}x(t - h) is presented.
Nutrition for senescent denture patients

Abstract Many denture failures are the result of nutritional deficiencies. Good health and nutrition of older patients are necessary for the successful wearing of dentures. The food patients eat has much to do with their health and recovery from ill health. In order that nutritional deficiencies can be corrected, the diets of older patients must be supplemented with synthetic vitamins and minerals. In this way, the supportive tissues will be properly replenished and the tissue integrity will be maintained. Medical care may be necessary, and psychologic education by means of literature is important to the health and happiness of older patients and to their understanding of their role as denture wearers.
Unilateral congenital blepharoptosis repair by anterior levator advancement and resection: an educational review.

Background: Simple congenital blepharoptosis is caused by levator muscle dysgenesis and commonly presents unilaterally. A complete preoperative evaluation, including ophthalmic, neurologic, and levator function examinations, is essential for ensuring proper diagnosis and selecting the correct procedure. Correction is frequently delayed until the anatomical structures of the eye are fully developed and the child can cooperate with the preoperative examination between the ages of 3 and 5 years, except in cases of visual disturbances. After the preoperative evaluation, the proper treatment can be selected from commonly described procedures, including levator advancement, tarsomyectomy, and frontalis suspension. Methods: The authors provide a description of the pediatric levator advancement procedure and demonstrate the procedure with supplemental video content. Results: Levator advancement provides appropriate correction for moderate blepharoptosis repair in pediatric patients with fair to good levator function. Conclusions: Levator advancement in children presents unique challenges because of difficulty performing the preoperative examination and the inability of the patient to provide intraoperative cooperation for proper lid placement because of general anesthesia.
A NEW METHOD FOR EXAMINING INDUCTION OF MOSS BUDS BY CYTOKININ

Protonemata of Polytrichum juniperinum were grown in the dark, in sucrose- and cytokinin-supplemented media. Under these conditions gametophore buds form shortly after spore germination. Of the cytokinins tested, DMAAP was most effective in bud induction. This system holds much promise for study of cytokinin action. CYTOKININ hormones strongly enhance production of gametophore buds in mosses (Brandes, 1973). Most mosses that have been investigated produce buds in response to cytokinin only after some protonemal growth has occurred. However, Entodon myurus (Sood and Chopra, 1973) and Polytrichum juniperinum (Nehlsen, 1977) may produce buds in response to cytokinin shortly after spore germination. When protonemata of Polytrichum juniperinum are grown in the dark with sucrose and cytokinin supplementation, budding is advanced to the spore germination stage (Nehlsen, 1977). The precocious budding of Polytrichum juniperinum protonemata in response to cytokinin was used to develop a promising system for examination of cytokinin activity.
Case managers speak out: responding to depression in community long-term care.

Objective: This study sought to understand how case managers in one publicly funded health and social service system, community long-term care, understand and address depression among their clients. Methods: Four focus groups with a total of 18 case managers were conducted. Case managers were asked a series of questions about their perspectives on the recognition and treatment of depression, including subthreshold depression, in community long-term care. Results: Case managers perceived addressing depression as complex because of competing demands. Furthermore, case managers perceived conflict between their current role and what it would take to expand their role to include addressing depression. Conclusions: Case managers suggested that in order to successfully improve the detection and treatment of depression in community long-term care, systemic changes, such as increased support and training, may be necessary, along with a shift in the professional role of case managers.
Fast fragments: The development of a parallel effective fragment potential method

The Effective Fragment Potential (EFP) method for solvation decreases the cost of a fully quantum mechanical calculation by dividing a chemical system into an ab initio region that contains the solute plus some number of solvent molecules, if desired, and an "effective fragment" region that contains the remaining solvent molecules. Interactions introduced with this fragment region (for example, Coulomb and polarization interactions) are added as one-electron terms to the total system Hamiltonian. As larger systems and dynamics are just starting to be studied with the EFP method, more needs to be done to decrease the calculation time of the method. This article considers parallelization of both the EFP fragment-fragment and mixed quantum mechanics (QM)-EFP interaction energy and gradient computation within the GAMESS suite of programs. The iteratively self-consistent polarization term is treated with a new algorithm that makes use of nonblocking communication to obtain better scalability. Results show that reasonable speedup is achieved with a variety of sizes of water clusters and number of processors.
Improved GC-MS /MS Method for Determination of Atrazine and Its Chlorinated Metabolites in Forage Plants-Laboratory and Field Experiments

Abstract Analytical procedures using gas chromatography–ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) were developed to analyze atrazine (ATR) and its dealkylated metabolites in four forage species (switchgrass, tall fescue, smooth bromegrass, and orchardgrass). Atrazine, deethylatrazine (DEA), and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) were extracted with methanol (CH3OH) followed by liquid–liquid extraction and partitioning into chloroform, with additional cleanup by C18 solid‐phase extraction (SPE). Through the optimization of ionization conditions and ion storage voltages, the background noise of product ion spectra (MS/MS) was reduced dramatically, providing sub‐µg/kg detection limits. Mean recoveries of ATR, DEA, and DIA were 94.3, 105.6, and 113.1%, respectively. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) was 0.6 µg/kg for ATR, 1.3 µg/kg for DEA, and 0.3 µg/kg for DIA. These LODs were one to two orders of magnitude lower than those reported for other GC‐MS, GC‐MS/MS, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐UV, or...
Design of a far-infrared spectrometer for atmospheric thermal emission measurements

Global measurements of far infrared emission from the upper troposphere are required to test models of cloud radiative forcing, water vapor continuum emission, and cooling rates. Spectra with adequate resolution can also be used for retrieving atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles, and yet there are few spectrally resolved measurements of outgoing longwave flux at wavelengths longer than 16 m. It has been difficult to make measurements in the far infrared due to the need for liquid-helium cooled detectors and large optics to achieve adequate sensitivity and bandwidth. We review design considerations for infrared Fourier transform spectrometers, including the dependence of system performance on basic system parameters, and discuss the prospects for achieving useful sensitivity from a satellite platform with a lightweight spectrometer using uncooled detectors.
Tails of Intrigue: Phosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II Mediates Histone Methylation

Histone lysine methylation plays a key role in the organization of chromatin structure and the regulation of gene expression. Recent studies demonstrated that the yeast Set1 and Set2 histone methyltransferases are recruited to mRNA coding regions by the PAF transcription elongation complex in a manner dependent upon the phosphorylation state of the carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. These studies define an unexpected link between transcription elongation and histone methylation.
Associations between recommended levels of physical activity and health-related quality of life. Findings from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey

Abstract Background Although the benefits of regular physical activity on morbidity and mortality are established, relationships between recommended levels of physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have not been described. The authors examined whether recommended levels of physical activity were associated with better HRQOL and perceived health status. Methods Using data from 175,850 adults who participated in the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, the authors examined the independent relationship between recommended levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity and four measures of HRQOL developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, smoking status, and body mass index. Results The proportion of adults reporting 14 or more unhealthy days (physical or mental) was significantly lower among those who attained recommended levels of physical activity than physically inactive adults for all age, racial/ethnic, and sex groups. After multivariate adjustment, the relative odds of 14 or more unhealthy days (physical or mental) in those with the recommended level of activity compared to physically inactive adults was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.74) for adults aged 18–44 years, 0.40 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.45) for adults aged 45–64 years, and 0.41 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.46) for adults aged 65 years or older. The results persist even among adults with a chronic condition such as arthritis. Conclusion These results highlight the need for health programs to increase participation in regular physical activity.
Folding muscle fibers of the Golfingia gouldii.

Abstract 1. 1. Studies have been made on the contractile properties of the proboscis retractor muscle of the marine worm, Golfingia gouldii . 2. 2. This muscle is non-striated and its fiber dimensions are in the order of 5 μ by 1000 μ. 3. 3. At short length, regular birefringent bands spaced about 10 μ are seen, presumably due to regular fiber folding.
Spectrographic Analysis of Cast Iron Using Fused Buttons

This paper presents an analytical method for the determination of minor metals in white cast iron fused buttons. This method enables the measurement of metals in cast iron with rapidity and excellent analytical results. Buttons of 40 g appear to be ideal but smaller button samples can be tolerated. The fused buttons have good homogeneity, very slight weight loss, and no significant change in composition. Metal cast spectrochemical samples are analyzed in an inert atmosphere utilizing a high voltage spark.
Manipulation of the liquid-liquid equilibrium of Vertrel-XF + hydrocarbon solvent systems with the addition of a third component

Phase-transition extraction (PTE) is a recently developed separation technique using partially miscible solvent systems that demonstrate temperature-dependent phase splitting behavior. This separat...
PAIRED COMPARISON AND TIME-INTENSITY MEASUREMENTS OF THE SENSORY PROPERTIES OF BEVERAGES AND GELATINS CONTAINING SUCROSE OR SYNTHETIC SWEETENERS

By paired comparison methods, concentrations of 0.75% and 0.86% calcium cyclamate and of 0.17% and 0.19% aspartame were equivalent in sweetness to 10% sucrose in distilled water at 3° and 22°C, respectively. Inherent bitterness of the compounds prevented precise assessment of relative sweetness for sodium saccharin in distilled water, and for the saccharin and cyclamate in flavored drinks. By application of linear regression to the paired comparison data, 0.07% aspartame was calculated as equal in sweetness to 10% sucrose in lemon, strawberry and orange drinks. Because the underlying bitterness of saccharin interfered with assessment of its sweetness, a time-intensity technique was applied. Using a chart recorder to monitor time, time-intensity (T-I) measurements were made of the intensity and the duration of sweetness, bitterness, sourness and flavor in distilled water, and the same characteristics, plus flavor in three flavored drinks, and two flavored gelatins, sweetened with sucrose, cyclamate, or saccharin. T-I curves for the sensory properties of aspartame closely resembled those for sucrose in all media. Cyclamate and saccharin imparted a marked, persistent bitterness to all carriers. In gelatin, samples containing 18% sucrose were firmer initially and took longer to manipulate to a liquid in the mouth than did gelatins containing 0.105% aspartame, 0.55% cyclamate, or 0.05% saccharin.
The impression value of verbs

Summary Impression value was determined for 200 verbs. Values ranged from a very good impression of +5 to a very bad impression of −5. A difference between male and female mean impression value significant beyond the 0.05 level of confidence was obtained on 40 of the 200 verbal stimuli scaled. A sex difference in variability significant beyond the 0.05 level of confidence was observed on 70 of the 200 stimuli. When significant mean sex differences were found, females tended to judge good and bad impression more extremely than did males. Males showed less agreement in judgment of impression value on verbs where sex differences in variability significant beyond the 0.05 level of confidence were obtained. The stimuli scaled form a pool of verbal materials which may be used in verbal conditioning and learning studies, where control of the impression connoted by the stimuli used is desirable.
Recognition of B-DNA by neomycin--Hoechst 33258 conjugates.

Recent developments have indicated that aminoglycoside binding is limited not to RNA but to nucleic acids that, like RNA, adopt conformations similar to the A-form. We have further sought to expand the utility of aminoglycoside binding to B-DNA structures by conjugating neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, with the B-DNA minor groove binding ligand Hoechst 33258. Described herein are novel neomycin−Hoechst 33258 conjugates developed for exploring B-DNA groove recognition. We have varied the two reported conjugates in linker length and composition in an effort to improve our understanding of the spatial differences that define B-DNA binding. Spectroscopic studies such as ultraviolet (UV) melting, isothermal fluorescence titrations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and circular dichroism (CD) together illustrate the mode of binding by such conjugates. Both conjugates exhibit enhanced thermal stabilization of A·T rich duplexes when compared to Hoechst 33258.
Medical management of iatrogenic esophageal perforations

Esophageal perforation is an uncommon, potentially disastrous occurrence with high mortality rates even when managed with surgery. Over the past few decades, several case series have shown that nonoperative management is a feasible option in some patients, although the criteria for selecting such patients are neither firmly established nor accepted by all those who manage these critical patients. The decision to manage a patient without surgery should be made collaboratively with a surgeon. No single criterion, with the possible exception of sepsis and shock, mandates surgical management. Randomized, prospective studies comparing surgical and nonsurgical therapy have not been performed. Factors that can affect the decision to proceed nonoperatively include the perforation’s site and size, the patient’s underlying comorbidities, and the patient’s hemodynamic status on presentation. Healthy patients with small, contained perforations who present without sepsis tend to be the best candidates for nonoperative management. Intravenous antibiotics and cessation of oral intake should be instituted immediately, even before confirming the diagnosis. Mediastinal fluid collections and pleural effusions often coexist with esophageal perforations and must be managed concomitantly. Percutaneously placed drains are an important adjunct to therapy when collections are identified. Endoscopic stenting has been introduced as a means to seal the perforation. After embarking on a nonoperative course, patients still may deteriorate and require surgery, so close follow-up is warranted for every patient. When proper nonoperative management strategies are followed, outcomes have been shown to be at least equivalent to those of surgical management in most series. In this review, the principles of patient selection and medical therapy for iatrogenic esophageal perforations are discussed.
Neonatal encephalopathy with neuronal vacuolar degeneration.

A 6-month-old female with no family history of neurologic disease was born with dysmorphic features and hypotonia the cause of which could not be determined despite extensive laboratory evaluation for a primary metabolic disorder. Neuroimaging studies disclosed progressive cerebral atrophy and ventricular dilatation. Post-mortem examination of the brain revealed micrencephaly and severe neuronal cytoplasmic vacuolation notably in the thalamus and inferior olivary nuclei. The neurons of the cortex, cerebellum, and brain stem were also vacuolated, but to a lesser extent. The white matter was predominantly intact. While superficially reminsicent to the cases of spongy glio-neuronal dystrophy of Jellinger and Seitelberger [(1970) Acta Neuropathol (Berl) 16: 125–40], the severity of the neuronal vacuolation without neuronal loss and absence of seizures in this patient suggests that this condition represents a distinct pathologic entity.
Capitalist dynamics and New Urbanist principles: junctures and disjunctures in project development

Both conservatives and liberals have criticized the New Urbanist movement with respect to its built outcomes and underlying theory. Conservatives admit that New Urbanism represents a particular market segment, but contend that most Americans prefer the traditional auto‐oriented suburb. Many critics on the left argue that New Urbanism is a false hope for improving urban life because it is limited to physical design, deals inadequately with issues of social justice and political economy, and is easily appropriated by the real estate industry as just another consumer product. The existing literature offers little systematic discussion of how the capitalist system matches up with New Urbanist principles and practices. This paper explores this issue by creating a framework for understanding the intersection of the three circuits of capital – finance capital, fixed capital, and research and technology capital – with three key New Urbanist principles – design fit; sustainability; and a composite principle encomp...
Recovery of Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) from the Effects of Tetrodotoxin

km S Totontepec; 14169 UTA OAX, Sierra Mixe, 0.8 km S Totontepec; 14170 UTA OAX, Sierra Mixe, 0.8 km S Totontepec. Toluca conica: 2898 MZFC GRO, Chilpancingo, Omiltemi Salida E del pueblo; 2899 MZFC GRO, Chilpancingo, Omiltemi 2km E-SE; 2900 MZFC GRO, Chilpancingo, Omiltemi on trail to Las Joyas 500 m NW; 2901 MZFC GRO, Chilpancingo, Omiltemi Barranca de Potrerillos; 2902 MZFC GRO, Chilpancingo, Omiltemi 2 km E.
A new real-time method for determining particles' sphericity and density: application to secondary organic aerosol formed by ozonolysis of alpha-pinene.

Particle volumes are most often obtained by measuring particle mobility size distributions and assuming that the particles are spherical. Particle volumes are then converted to mass loads by using particle densities that are commonly estimated from measured mobility and vacuum aerodynamic diameters, assuming that the particles are spherical. For aspherical particles, these assumptions can introduce significant errors. We present in this work a new method that can be applied to any particle system to determine in real time whether the particles are spherical or not. We use our second-generation single particle mass spectrometer (SPLAT II) to measure with extremely high precision the vacuum aerodynamic size distributions of particles that are classified by differential mobility analyzer and demonstrate that the line shape of these vacuum aerodynamic size distributions provide a way to unambiguously distinguish between spherical and aspherical particles. Moreover, the very same experimental system is used to...
Born with a silver spoon of legitimacy but struggling for identity? The paradox of emerging spin-offs in a new sector

Abstract This study examines one paradox of the spinning-off process—on one hand, a spin-off's affiliation with the parent firm provides legitimacy that it can leverage for success; on the other hand, a stronger affiliation with the parent firm makes it difficult for a spin-off to resolve identity ambiguity and develop its novel identity in a new sector. The context of this study is a spin-off created by a reputable manufacturing firm but venturing in the software sector. I highlight challenges faced by the executives in leveraging spin-off's legitimacy at the same time it seeks to move away from the parent for developing a new identity. I find that a combination of the processes of sensegiving by a proactive leadership and applied sensemaking by the members is critical in resolving identity ambiguity. The study further develops propositions that synthesize the findings and contribute to the literatures of identity, legitimacy, and entrepreneurship.
The effects of cytochalasin-B on the membranes of enzymatically active mitochondria

Cytochalasin-B, one of a series of structurally related metabolites obtained from the moldHelminthosporium dematioideum, has been shown to alter several partial reaction parameters associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. State-3 (active) respiratory rates, respiratory control ratios and overall ATPase activity were all inhibited by cytochalasin-B at concentrations between 0.2 and 1.0 mM. However, the efficiency of coupled oxidative phosphorylation, evaluated by the ADP/O ratio, was not significantly affected. Therefore, the metabolite does not appear to act at enzymic loci directly affiliated with the coupling mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation. The mode of action of cytochalasin-B may be conceived as restricting diffusion by means of macromolecular conformational changes occurring within the mitochondrial membranes. Electron micrographs of paired, 10 min mitochondrial incubations, in the presence and absence of 1.0 mM cytochalasin-B, clearly display a structural alteration within these organelles, such that upon the binding of cytochalasin-B the matrix area decreases and the inner membrane cristae develop condensed, tubular distortions.
Novel interpenetrating Cu-Al2O3 structures by controlled reduction of bulk CuAlO2

Bulk CuAlO2 with the delafossite structure was processed using two different methods. In one case, stoichiometric CuAlO2 powder was processed using the solution technique, and consolidation was carried out by pressureless sintering in air. In the second case, high purity starting powders of alumina and copper (I) oxide were consolidated by spark plasma sintering. The sintered body was then subjected to a high temperature anneal in air. Reduction of the bulk CuAlO2 samples resulted in a novel composite microstructure with copper forming a continuous intergranular phase. The prior CuAlO2 grains decomposed into an intimate two-phase mixture of metallic copper and θ-alumina. The scale of the composite structures ranged from nanometers to microns. Previous work on the delafossite family has focused primarily on the electronic properties of thin films. The present study suggests that the reduction of this class of mixed oxides gives rise to metal–ceramic structures with unique interfacial and morphological properties.
Accurate amplitudes for electron-impact ionization

We show that the ``two-potential'' formalism of conventional distorted-wave rearrangement theory, which is formally valid only for short-range interactions, can be used to evaluate amplitudes for the ionization of atomic hydrogen by electron impact. The triply differential cross sections calculated using this method validate earlier results obtained by extrapolating the quantum mechanical flux. Although it uses the same time-independent wave functions, this method offers significant advantages over flux extrapolation. It is more accurate, can be applied in practical calculations over a broader range of collision energies, and unlike the flux-extrapolation method, can be applied for arbitrary values of energy sharing between the ejected electrons. Since this rearrangement formalism provides the complete scattering amplitude for ionization, it can be used to calculate any differential cross section.
Electrohydrodynamic jet printing of micro-optical devices

Abstract The Electrohydrodynamic-jet (E-jet) printing process combines high resolution printing with a large variety of printing materials, making E-jet suitable for applications ranging from flexible electronics to high resolution biosensors. In this article, we explore a novel E-jet printing application fabricating high-resolution micro-optical devices. Examples given are a microlens array, an optical waveguide multiplexer, and a multi-refractive index diffraction grating. Additionally, this work presents the potential use of a multi nozzle printhead to perform low cost and flexible heterogeneous integration of multiple materials with different optical properties.
Accuracy of Computer Assisted Percutaneous Placement of Hiosacral Screws: A Cadaveric Study

Objective: To determine the accuracy of computer-assisted fluoronavigation for percutaneous iliosacral screw placement.Materials and Methods: A fluoronavigation system (Stryker Navigation System, Stryker Leibinger, Kalamazoo, MI) was used to guide the placement of four iliosacral screws into the S-1 bodies of each of five cadaveric pelvic specimens with intact soft tissues. Accuracy of screw placement was verified by radiographs, CT scans, and direct dissection.Results: All 20 screws were placed accurately without complications. Nineteen screws were completely contained within the osseous “safe zone.” On direct dissection, one screw was noted to have penetrated the S-1 foramina by 3 mm without impingement on the nerve root. This was not detected on radiograph or CT scan.Conclusion: The results of this study support the safety and accuracy of computer-assisted fluoronavigation for iliosacral screw placement. The advantages include decreased fluoroscopic time, real-time simultaneous visualization of all thr...
Signal compression with smooth local trigonometric bases

We discuss smooth local trigonometric bases and their applications to signal compression. In image compression, these bases can reduce the blocking effect that occurs in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). We present and compare two generalizations of the original construction of Malvar, Coifman, and Meyer: biorthogonal and equal parity bases. These have the advantage that constant and linear components, respectively, can be represented efficiently. We show how they reduce blocking effects and improve the SNR.
Use of optical filters to improve lead glass shower counter resolution

Abstract At high energies an important contribution to the resolution of lead glass shower counters, viewed head-on by the phototube, involves the coupling between light attenuation by the glass and longitudinal shower fluctuations. This effect is dominated by the short wavelength end of the spectrum so that the appropriate use of optical filters in front of the photocathode can significantly reduce the effect with only a small loss of light. Results of tests performed with SF2 counters at the Fermilab are discussed. For our counters the resolution is reduced by typically a factor of 0.75.
Modeling the presence probability of invasive plant species with nonlocal dispersal

Mathematical models for the spread of invading plant organisms typically utilize population growth and dispersal dynamics to predict the time-evolution of a population distribution. In this paper, we revisit a particular class of deterministic contact models obtained from a stochastic birth process for invasive organisms. These models were introduced by Mollison (J R Stat Soc 39(3):283, 1977). We derive the deterministic integro-differential equation of a more general contact model and show that the quantity of interest may be interpreted not as population size, but rather as the probability of species occurrence. We proceed to show how landscape heterogeneity can be included in the model by utilizing the concept of statistical habitat suitability models which condense diverse ecological data into a single statistic. As ecologists often deal with species presence data rather than population size, we argue that a model for probability of occurrence allows for a realistic determination of initial conditions from data. Finally, we present numerical results of our deterministic model and compare them to simulations of the underlying stochastic process.
Distributive Terms, Truth, and the Port Royal Logic

The paper shows that in the Art of Thinking (The Port Royal Logic) Arnauld and Nicole introduce a new way to state the truth-conditions for categorical propositions. The definition uses two new ideas: the notion of distributive or, as they call it, universal term, which they abstract from distributive supposition in medieval logic, and their own version of what is now called a conservative quantifier in general quantification theory. Contrary to the interpretation of Jean-Claude Pariente and others, the truth-conditions do not require the introduction of a new concept of ‘indefinite’ term restriction because the notion of conservative quantifier is formulated in terms of the standard notion of term intersection. The discussion shows the following. Distributive supposition could not be used in an analysis of truth because it is explained in terms of entailment, and entailment in terms of truth. By abstracting from semantic identities that underlie distribution, the new concept of distributive term is defin...
Effect of Preferential Plasticization on the Crystallization of Lightly Sulfonated Syndiotactic Polystyrene Ionomers

The incorporation of 2.2 mol % sodium sulfonate groups along the backbone of syndiotactic polystyrene dramatically inhibits crystallization from the melt. However, small amounts of a surfactant, such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBSNa), may be used to selectively plasticize the ionic domains of sulfonated polystyrene ionomers. On the basis of 23Na SSNMR results and the dynamic mechanical behavior of these ionomers, this preferential plasticization is postulated to perturb the electrostatic interactions within the ionic multiplets (i.e., electrostatic cross-links), destabilize the dynamic network, and thus increase the molecular mobility of the crystallizable chain segments. With enhanced chain mobility, a higher degree of crystallinity and an elevated rate of crystallization are observed. In contrast to the effect of DBSNa, the incorporation of phenyldodecane or sodium benzenesulfonate (i.e., the separate nonpolar and polar components of DBSNa, respectively) into the ionomer does not significantly a...