cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Surprising Aortic Supravalvular Shelf

Objective: An aortic supravalvular shelf represents an uncommon congenital cardiac malformation featured by variable extent of left ventricular outflow tract stenosis starting just above the aortic...
Population coding in the cerebellum and its implications for learning from error

Abstract The cerebellum resembles a feedforward, three-layer network of neurons in which the “hidden layer” consists of Purkinje cells (P-cells), and the output layer consists of deep cerebellar nucleus (DCN) neurons. However, unlike an artificial network, P-cells are grouped into small populations that converge onto single DCN neurons. Why are the P-cells organized in this way, and what is the membership criterion of each population? To consider these questions, in this review I apply elementary mathematics from machine learning and assume that the output of each DCN neuron is a prediction that is compared to the actual observation, resulting in an error signal that originates in the inferior olive. This signal is sent to P-cells via climbing fibers that produce complex spikes. The same error signal from the olive must also guide learning in the DCN neurons, yet the olivary projections to the DCN are weak, particularly in adulthood. However, P-cells that form a population exhibit a special property: they can synchronize their complex spikes, which in turn suppresses activity of the DCN neuron that produced the erroneous output. Viewed in the framework of machine learning, it appears that the olive organizes the P-cells into populations so that through complex spike synchrony each population can act as a surrogate teacher for the DCN neuron it projects to. This error-dependent grouping of P-cells into populations gives rise to a number of remarkable features of behavior, including multiple timescales of learning, protection from erasure, and spontaneous recovery of memory.
Safe Non-opioid and Non-barbiturate containing Acute Medication Combinations in Headache: An Exhaustive Approach Based on DrugBank Database

Structured Abstract Background: Rational polypharmacy in abortive medications use is often inevitable for patients with refractory headaches. Objective: We seek to enumerate an exhaustive list of headaches abortive medications that are without drug-drug interactions. Methods: We updated a list of acute medications based on the widely used Jefferson Headache Manual with novel abortive medications including ubrogepant, lasmiditan, and rimegepant. Opioids and barbiturate containing products are excluded. We then conducted an exhaustive search of all pair-wise interactions for this list of medication via DrugBank API. Using this interaction list, we filtered all possible two, three, and four drug combinations of abortive medications. The resultant list of medication was then reapplied to DrugBank to verify the lack of known drug-drug interaction. Results: There are 192 medication combinations that do not contain any drug-drug interactions. Most common elements in these combinations are ubrogepant, prochlorperazine, followed by tizanidine. There are 67 three-drug combinations that do not contain interaction. Only 2 of the four-drug combinations do not yield some form of drug-drug interactions. Conclusion: This list of headaches abortive medications without drug-drug interactions is a useful tool for clinicians seeking to more effectively manage refractory headaches.
Anwendung der Holografischen Interferometrie bei der Entwicklung Moderner Fahrzeuge

In der Fahrzeugentwicklung wird die holografische Interferometrie fur ein breites Aufgabengebiet eingesetzt.
Strong for Surgery: Association Between Bundled Risk Factors and Outcomes After Major Elective Surgery in the VA Population.

Strong for Surgery (S4S) is a public health campaign focused on optimizing patient health prior to surgery by identifying evidence-based modifiable risk factors. The potential impact of S4S bundled risk factors on outcomes after major surgery has not been previously studied. This study tested the hypothesis that a higher number of S4S risk factors is associated with an escalating risk of complications and mortality after major elective surgery in the VA population. The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent major non-emergent general, thoracic, vascular, urologic, and orthopedic surgeries between the years 2008 and 2015. Patients with complete data pertaining to S4S risk factors, specifically preoperative smoking status, HbA1c level, and serum albumin level, were stratified by number of positive risk factors, and perioperative outcomes were compared. A total of 31,285 patients comprised the study group, with 16,630 (53.2%) patients having no S4S risk factors (S4S0), 12,323 (39.4%) having one (S4S1), 2,186 (7.0%) having two (S4S2), and 146 (0.5%) having three (S4S3). In the S4S1 group, 60.3% were actively smoking, 35.2% had HbA1c > 7, and 4.4% had serum albumin 7, and 27.4% had albumin < 3. Major complications, reoperations, length of stay, and 30-day mortality increased progressively from S4S0 to S4S3 groups. S4S3 had the greatest adjusted mortality risk (adjusted odds radio [AOR] 2.56, p = 0.04) followed by S4S2 (AOR 1.58, p = 0.02) and S4S1 (AOR 1.34, p = 0.02). In the VA population, patients who had all three S4S risk factors, namely active smoking, suboptimal nutritional status, and poor glycemic control, had the greatest risk of postoperative mortality compared to patients with fewer S4S risk factors.
Hydrocarbon Oxidation by an Exposed, Multiply Bonded Iron(III) Oxo Complex.

The iron oxo unit, [Fe=O] n+ is a critical intermediate in biological oxidation reactions. While its higher oxidation states are well studied, relatively little is known about the least-oxidized form [FeIII=O]+. Here, the thermally stable complex PhB(AdIm)3Fe=O has been structurally, spectroscopically, and computationally characterized as a bona fide iron(III) oxo. An unusually short Fe-O bond length is consistent with iron-oxygen multiple bond character and is supported by electronic structure calculations. The complex is thermally stable yet is able to perform hydrocarbon oxidations, facilitating both C-O bond formation and dehydrogenation reactions.
Retrospective Chart Review Examining Differences and Timelines in Delivered Wheelchair Equipment in a Midwestern Dedicated Seating Department.

Abstract Objective: This study compares recommended wheeled mobility equipment to delivered equipment, excluding custom seats and backs, considering demographic factors such as sex, age, and funding source, as well as the timeline of the procurement process. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Dedicated wheelchair seating department within a Midwestern rehabilitation hospital and associated complex rehabilitation technology durable medical equipment suppliers. Sample: Wheelchair recommendations (n = 546) made between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Interventions: N/A. Main outcome measure(s): Recommended and delivered wheelchair equipment type and length of time between recommendation and delivery. Results: Differences were found between the recommended and delivered equipment in manual wheelchairs, power mobility devices, seat backs, cushions, and power option equipment groups (p = ≤.001). Delivered manual wheelchairs were 7% more likely to be different than recommended for each year decrease in age (p = ≤.001), although the model lacked sufficient predictive accuracy for clinical application. Average length of time from equipment recommendation to delivery was about 6 months (M = 176 days). Standard and complex power mobility devices were associated with longer timelines (Mdn = 137, 173 days respectively; p = .001); although, only complex power mobility device timelines were significantly associated with public funding sources (p = .02). Conclusions: Wheelchair bases, positioning accessories, and power options may be delivered differently than originally recommended, and the process for procuring complex power mobility devices with public funding sources should be further studied. Health care professionals should consistently follow-up on delivered equipment to ensure expectations and needs of the wheelchair user are met. Reducing systemic barriers to interdisciplinary communication post-recommendation may improve patient outcomes.
Approximation Algorithms for Constrained Scheduling

In this paper we consider several constrained machine scheduling problems. The first model consists of n jobs and m identical machines that operate in parallel. Each job j has a processing time pj and must be processed without interruption for time p j on any one of the m machines. In addition, each job j has a release date r j, when it becomes available for processing, and a delivery time q j. Each job’s delivery begins immediately after its processing has been completed, and all jobs may be delivered simultaneously. A schedule consists of a set of starting times σ1,..., σn with σj≥rj, j = 1,...,n, and an assignment of jobs to machines so that each machine processes at most one job at a time. For a given schedule, we define C j := σ j + p j + q j to be the completion time of job j,and the object of the problem is to minimize, over all possible schedules, C max:= max j C j. The problem as stated is equivalent to that with release dates and due dates, d j, rather than delivery times, in which case the objective is to minimize the maximum lateness,L j := σ j + p j + d j, of any job j. When considering the performance of approximation algorithms, the delivery-time model is preferable (see [6, 4]). Because of this equivalence, we shall denote the problem as P|r j|Lmax, using the notation of Graham et al. [1]. The special case of a single machine is denoted 1|r j|Lmax.
Gene Mutations Associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a bilateral synovial joint between the mandible and the temporal bone of the skull. TMJ disorders (TMDs) are a set of complicated and poorly understood clinical conditions, in which TMDs are associated with a number of symptoms including pain and limited jaw movement. The increasing scientific evidence suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the pathology of TMDs. However, the underlying mechanism of TMDs remains largely unknown. Objective: The study aimed to determine the associated genes to TMDs in humans and animals. Methods: The literature search was conducted through databases including Medline (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and PubMed (NLM) by using scientific terms for TMDs and genetics in March 2015. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies of highly relevant articles and Scopus (Elsevier). Results: Our systematic analyses identified 31 articles through literature searches. A total of 112 genes were identified to be significantly and specifically associated with TMDs. Conclusion: Our systematic review provides a list of accurate genes associated with TMDs and suggests a genetic contribution to the pathology of TMDs.
Substance Misuse and Abuse

Adolescent substance misuse and abuse have been the changing focus of the popular press in the United States and the general public since the late 1970s. A bio/psycho/social/spiritual theoretical perspective proposes a way of thinking about substance misuse and abuse. Using that perspective, this chapter provides an overview of selected factors related to adolescent substance misuse and abuse including etiology, prevention, and treatment. The chapter also overviews selected factors at the individual level, family level, and social/community level, which have been found to be associated with adolescent substance use and misuse. In addition, promising adolescent drug abuse prevention and treatment interventions are presented.
Phase-Noise Limitations on Nonlinear-Optical Quantum Computing

We establish a framework for evaluating CPHASE gates that use single-photon Kerr nonlinearities in which one pulse overtakes another. We show that causality-induced phase noise precludes the possibility of high-fidelity π-radian conditional phase shifts.
Yeast aldehyde dehydrogenase. IV. Dissociation and reassociation of native and hybrid forms.

Abstract Yeast aldehyde dehydrogenase and each of two of its active proteolytic digestion products are readily dissociable into subunits which can, in turn, reassociate. The native protein dissociates into four subunits of equal size. The partially digested enzymes dissociate into the same subunit plus a second, smaller subunit. The data are interpreted in terms of a tetrameric native enzyme, differing from its tetrameric degradation products, of which four are known, in the number of intact and functional subunits. Dissociation and reassociation of one of the hybrid forms resulted in the formation principally of a catalytically active aldehyde dehydrogenase, indistinguishable from the native enzyme.
Separating the influence of temperature, drought, and fire on interannual variability in atmospheric CO2

The response of the carbon cycle in prognostic Earth system models (ESMs) contributes significant uncertainty to projections of global climate change. Quantifying contributions of known drivers of interannual variability in the growth rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is important for improving the representation of terrestrial ecosystem processes in these ESMs. Several recent studies have identified the temperature dependence of tropical net ecosystem exchange (NEE) as a primary driver of this variability by analyzing a single, globally averaged time series of CO2 anomalies. Here we examined how the temporal evolution of CO2 in different latitude bands may be used to separate contributions from temperature stress, drought stress, and fire emissions to CO2 variability. We developed atmospheric CO2 patterns from each of these mechanisms during 1997–2011 using an atmospheric transport model. NEE responses to temperature, NEE responses to drought, and fire emissions all contributed significantly to CO2 variability in each latitude band, suggesting that no single mechanism was the dominant driver. We found that the sum of drought and fire contributions to CO2 variability exceeded direct NEE responses to temperature in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Additional sensitivity tests revealed that these contributions are masked by temporal and spatial smoothing of CO2 observations. Accounting for fires, the sensitivity of tropical NEE to temperature stress decreased by 25% to 2.9 ± 0.4 Pg C yr−1 K−1. These results underscore the need for accurate attribution of the drivers of CO2 variability prior to using contemporary observations to constrain long-term ESM responses.
LKB1 and SAD Kinases Define a Pathway Required for the Polarization of Cortical Neurons

The polarization of axon and dendrites underlies the ability of neurons to integrate and transmit information in the brain. We show here that the serine/threonine kinase LKB1, previously implicated in the establishment of epithelial polarity and control of cell growth, is required for axon specification during neuronal polarization in the mammalian cerebral cortex. LKB1 polarizing activity requires its association with the pseudokinase Stradalpha and phosphorylation by kinases such as PKA and p90RSK, which transduce neurite outgrowth-promoting cues. Once activated, LKB1 phosphorylates and thereby activates SAD-A and SAD-B kinases, which are also required for neuronal polarization in the cerebral cortex. SAD kinases, in turn, phosphorylate effectors such as microtubule-associated proteins that implement polarization. Thus, we provide evidence in vivo and in vitro for a multikinase pathway that links extracellular signals to the intracellular machinery required for axon specification.
Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films of amphiphilic bistable rotaxanes.

A series of amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxanesin which a ring-shaped component, the tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene), has been assembled around two recognition sites, a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit and a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) ring system, situated apart at different strategic locations within the central polyether section of an amphiphilic dumbbell component that is terminated by a hydrophobic tetraarylmethane-based stopper (near the TTF unit) at one end and by a hydrophilic tetraarylmethane-based stopper (near the DNP ring system) at the other endhas been designed and synthesized. The effects of systematic changes in the constitutions of the three ethylene glycol tails (diethylene or tetraethylene glycol) and end groups (hydroxyl or methoxyl functions) attached to the hydrophilic stoppers on Langmuir film balance and surface rheology experiments at 20 °C were examined to determine the monolayer stabilities and co-conformations of the [2]rotaxanes and their free dumbbell count...
“It's About Us”: Marital Adjustment and Marital Adaptation in Couples Who Adopt Children From the Child Welfare System

This article examines, using grounded theory methodology, the marital relationships of couples who adopted children from the child welfare system. Twenty-two spouses in four focus groups reported initial marital adjustment that featured husbands' support of their wives' initiation of adoption and management of child needs. About one half of these couples also developed time together and mutual influence to achieve a state of marital adaptation characterized by deeper intimate connection. Professionals are encouraged to understand the potential course of development of these marital relationships and to integrate attention to marital development into service throughout the entire adoption process.
Historical perspective on effects and treatment of sulfur mustard injuries

Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide; SM) is a potent vesicating chemical warfare agent that poses a continuing threat to both military and civilian populations. Significant SM injuries can take several months to heal, necessitate lengthy hospitalizations, and result in long-term complications affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. This report summarizes initial and ongoing (chronic) clinical findings from SM casualties from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), with an emphasis on cutaneous injury. In addition, we describe the cutaneous manifestations and treatment of several men recently and accidentally exposed to SM in the United States. Common, chronic cutaneous problems being reported in the Iranian casualties include pruritis (the primary complaint), burning, pain, redness, desquamation, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, erythematous papular rash, xerosis, multiple cherry angiomas, atrophy, dermal scarring, hypertrophy, and sensitivity to mechanical injury with recurrent blistering and ulceration. Chronic ocular problems include keratitis, photophobia, persistent tearing, sensation of foreign body, corneal thinning and ulceration, vasculitis of the cornea and conjunctiva, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Chronic pulmonary problems include decreases in lung function, bronchitis with hyper-reactive airways, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, stenosis of the trachea and other large airways, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, decreased total lung capacity, and increased incidences of lung cancer, pulmonary infections, and tuberculosis. There are currently no standardized or optimized methods of casualty management; current treatment strategy consists of symptomatic management and is designed to relieve symptoms, prevent infections, and promote healing. New strategies are needed to provide for optimal and rapid healing, with the goals of (a) returning damaged tissue to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest period of time, and (b) ameliorating chronic effects. Further experimental research and clinical trials will be needed to prevent or mitigate the acute clinical effects of SM exposure and to reduce or eliminate the long-term manifestations.
Second normal stress difference relaxation in a linear polymer melt following step-strain

ABSTRACT: Flow birefringence is used to study stress relaxation following step straindeformations of a well entangled polyisoprene melt. The optical method employs mul-tiple light paths to fully sample the three-dimensional stress tensor, and hence providesmeasurements of all three independent shear material functions (shear stress and bothﬁrst and second normal stress differences). Experiments are complicated by multipleorders in retardation. However, data show that the ratio of the second to the ﬁrstnormal stress difference is a strain thinning function, with magnitude intermediatebetween the predictions of the Doi-Edwards model with and without independentalignment. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 2671–2675, 1998 Keywords: second normal stress difference; melt rheology; Doi-Edwards model INTRODUCTION Understanding the nonlinear rheology of polymers isimportant for the rational development of polymer pro-cessing technology, and at the same time can providedeep insights into the nature of relaxation processes inchain molecules. A prerequisite for the development ofmolecular models of chain dynamics is an extensivebase of reliable experimental data which characterizethe response of polymers to well-deﬁned deformationhistories. Development of rheometric techniques to ac-quire such data has been an active, but demanding ﬁeldof research. Even in simple shearing ﬂows, completecharacterization of the stress tensor is rarely at-tempted. In shear, the stress tensor for an incompress-ible material may be represented in terms of threestress components: the shear stress, s, the ﬁrst normalstress difference,
Sonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix.

Previously, the uterine cervix was one of the least studied organs in obstetrics; however, because of the capability and increased utilization of both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound, examination of the cervix has now assumed an important role. Certain findings can allow clinicians to detect and possibly alter outcomes associated with preterm labor and cervical incompetence. As the ability to detect patients destined to deliver preterm becomes more reliable, the distinction among precipitating events becomes less clear. For example, the patient who presents at 26 weeks' gestation with infrequent or absent uterine activity and a shortened cervix with significant funneling would be considered by some to have late-onset cervical incompetence and possibly would benefit from management intervention (e.g., cerclage, bed rest, steroids). Before the advent of cervical ultrasound, preterm premature rupture of the membranes might have developed in this patient at 27 or 28 weeks without a thought given to assessing the cervix. Although this clinical scenario is common, the evidence regarding the optimal management of such cases is far from established. The goals of this article are to answer the following questions: How does one measure cervical length during pregnancy, and is one method superior to another? What is considered a normal cervical length in pregnancy, and does it vary with gestational age, previous history, or other risk factors for premature delivery (i.e., multiple gestation)? How does one apply cervical length measurement to patient management? Finally, what adjuncts to cervical length measurement can the practicing obstetrician use to enhance the reliability of management decisions, and can these improve patient care or reduce health care costs?
Viscoelastic properties of erythrocyte membranes of different vertebrate animals.

Abstract Using equilibrium and relaxation measurements of micropipet-aspirated membrane projections, the membrane surface “shear” moduli and surface “viscosity” coefficients were obtained for the erythrocyte membranes of selected animals from five vertebrate classes. The particular “donor” animals included: Amphiuma , frog, turkey, toadfish, snake, turtle, iguana, opossum, tree shrew, and human. The coefficients characterize the first-order, recoverable material behavior for the membrane as a viscoelastic solid. Three types of nucleated cells (amphibian, avian, and “boney” fish) exhibited similar hyperelasticity with shear moduli of 7–8 × 10 −2 dyne/cm for “stretch” ratios of up to 3:1 (finite strains of the order 400%); the surface viscosity coefficients were also similar for these three types, 6–9 × 10 −3 dyne-sec/cm. The properties of nucleated cell membranes for reptiles were higher; the shear moduli were in the range 2–3 × 10 −1 dyne/cm, and the surface viscosity was 4–10 × 10 −2 dyne-sec/cm. In contrast with the nucleated erythrocyte membranes, membranes of nonnucleated mammalian cells all exhibited lower shear moduli, 1.5 × 10 −2 dyne/cm, and surface viscosity coefficients, −3 dyne-sec/cm. The pressure versus length of aspirated membrane projections of both nucleated and nonnucleated cells correlated well with the analysis of a two-dimensional, viscoelastic membrane in large deformation (at constant area). In addition, resistance to deformation was observed to increase when the cells were illuminated in the Soret band (4047 A), or when no glucose was present in the suspending medium.
Role of transition metals in sclerotization of biological tissue

Biomimetics seeks to elucidate the biochemical and structural principles governing functionality in biological systems and exploit them in the design of synthetic materials. Although the lure has been great, breakthroughs have been rare. The overwhelming complexity of chemical compositions and structural motifs in biology renders the task of "reverse engineering" a formidable challenge. The challenge is amplified by the inherent limitations in probing the effects of a single test variable, keeping others fixed. Here a novel methodology is presented for probing the effects of various transition metals on the hardness and stiffness of a single biological system, notably the jaws of the marine polychaete annelid Nereis virens. Not only is the exceptionally high efficacy of Zn, Cu, and Mn in hardening demonstrated, but also that metal selection is not restricted to that which occurs naturally in the targeted system.
Use-dependent and use-independent blocking actions of picrotoxin and zinc at the GABAC receptor in retinal horizontal cells.

Abstract The inhibitory actions of picrotoxin (PTX) and zinc on the GABA receptor in acutely isolated catfish cone horizontal cells were studied and compared using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. PTX blocked the GABAcurrent elicited by 30 μM GABA with IC50 = 0.64 μM. Over a PTX concentration range of 1–100 μ,M, simultaneous application of PTX with GABA (30 uM) produced current transients at both the onset and offset of the drug pulse. When the PTX concentration was maintained before, during, and after GABA application, the current transients at the onset and offset of GABA application disappeared. Thus, these transients seem to reflect a slower initial action of PTX at, and faster washout of PTX from, the GABA receptor than GABA when they were co-applied. The full recovery from PTX inhibition required a second GABA application. Recovery could not be achieved by a prolonged wash in the absence of GABA. These results suggest that PTX effect its use-dependent. Zinc also potently blocked the GABA current elicited by 30 μM GABA with an IC50 about an order of magnitude higher than that of PTX (IC50 = 8.2 uM). However, only the onset, but not the offset current transient was observed when zinc was simultaneously applied with GABA. The full recovery of the GABA current from zinc inhibition was obtained after washing for 20 sec and did not require a subsequent GABA application. This indicates that the zinc effect is use-independent. Our findings suggest that: (1) the zinc binding site is on the surface of the GABA receptor molecule; (2) there is a PTX binding site that is probably inside the receptor and its access requires GABA binding to the receptor.
Phosphorylation of neurofilaments is altered in aluminium intoxication

A series of monoclonal antibodies that distinguish phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated neurofilament (NF) epitopes was used to immunostain brain stem neurons from control rabbits and from rabbits chronically intoxicated with Aluminium (Al). In controls, none of the monoclonal antibodies to phosphorylated NF stained the perikaryon of neurons. In contrast, in animals treated with Al, all neuronal perikarya containing Al-induced neurofilament bundles (NB) and some lacking well-formed NB immunoreacted with two of the five antibodies to phosphorylated NF. Axons were stained by all five antibodies to phosphorylated NF in both control and Al-treated animals. A broadly reacting monoclonal antibody to a nonphosphorylated NF epitopes immunoreacted with neuronal cell bodies, dendrites and axons in control and Al-intoxicated animals regardless of the presence of Al-induced NB. Staining of Al-induced NB with one of the antibodies to phosphorylated NF was greatly diminished after treatment of sections with trypsin and phosphatase. It is concluded that NF which compose the Al-induced NB have different immunocytochemical characteristics from those of the NF present in the perikaryon of normal neurons. It is likely that, contrary to normal perikaryal NF, NF of Al-induced NB are phosphorylated. Moreover, phosphorylation of NF of Al-induced NB is probably abnormal, since NF of Al-induced NB have immunostaining characteristics different from NF of normal axons. Al-induced NB may result from abnormal phosphorylation of NF in the perikaryon, preventing normal axonal transport of these structures.
Intraneural epithelial islands associated with a periapical cyst

Epithelial islands associated with nerve bundles have been reported in the mandible and maxilla. An example of such intraneural rests is reported in association with a radicular cyst. The differential diagnosis of intraneural epithelial islands must include benign odontogenic rests, remnants of nasopalatine duct in the anterior maxilla, the organ of Chievitz, and neural invasion by a carcinoma.
RELEASE OF HISTAMINE AND SLOW-REACTING SUBSTANCE ACTIVITIES FROM GUINEA PIG LUNG.

SummaryA phospholipase A preparation from cobra venom (Naja naja), made by heating the venom in neutral or acid solution at 100°C for 15 minutes, released histamine and SRS activities from chopped guinea pig lung, as did the unheated venom. The direct lytic factor of the venom which is required for venom hemolysis did not appear to be necessary for this release. Lysolecithin, which is formed by the action of phospholipase A on lecithin, also released histamine and SRS activities from chopped guinea pig lung. Suspensions of homogenized or lyophilized guinea pig lung did not release SRS activity when kept at 0°C but did release this activity when incubated at 37°C.
A wireless real-time fall detecting system based on barometer and accelerometer

Falls threaten the health and life safety of the elderly seriously. And timely medical assistance will help largely to reduce the rate of morbidity- mortality. In this research, a fall detection algorithm was proposed to detect various fall scenarios with high accuracy by analyzing the fall events data obtained from young subjects and the Activities of Daily Life (ADL) data collected from the elderly subjects. Meanwhile a wireless real-time fall detecting system embedding a tri-axial accelerometer, a barometer and ZigBee protocol was developed. The experiment results showed that the real-time system had portability and high reliability on fall detection with a sensitivity of 95.71% and a specificity of 97.78%, for a total set of 320 movements. The system is going to be put into practice on the old subjects in a geracomium in Beijing.
Matrix formalism for calculation of electric field intensity of light in stratified multilayered films

A new algorithm has been proposed for the calculation of the electric field intensity in stratified multilayered films when light is incident on the system. The algorithm utilizes matrix formulas based on Abeles’s formulas for the calculation of reflectance and transmittance. Equations for calculating patial absorptance due to a certain depth in the films are also derived. Some examples of the application of the electric field description are given for the analysis of three kinds of reflection spectroscopic methods which use metal surfaces: reflection–absorption, surface electromagnetic wave, and metal overlayer ATR methods. The algorithm given here offers a useful tool in understanding the mechanism of light absorption in various spectroscopic methods, and is convenient to use where intensity of the IR spectrum is of interest.
A study on the uninstructed use of an electric toothbrush

In recent years, more than 35 electric toothbrushes have been marketed, the designs of which vary greatly. Because their uninstructed use could injure oral tissues, the action and effects of such toothbrushes should be studied. When a brush is found to have no deleterious effect on oral tissues, its tooth-cleaning efficacy should also be measured.
Analysis of a photographic-vidicon camera method of LEED intensity measurements.

Low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) has great need for a quick and efficient means of making intensity measurements (e.g., in studying reactive surfaces which quickly degrade, and in handling the enormous amounts of data needed for data averaging). The photographic–vidicon camera method fills this need. This paper describes a system and procedure for this method. We have pointed out advantages of this method over other methods of LEED intensity data collection and analysis, and have included comments on the advantages of our experimental system over other systems using this method. General properties of the photographic and vicdicon system are analyzed as well as specific tests done on the method. Estimates of probable error in spot intensity measurements due to numerous effects have been analyzed and I–V curves reduced from raw photographic data are compared. It is hoped that the description, comments, and analysis will facilitate the incorporation of the photographic–vidicon method of LEED analysis i...
Cervical carotid revascularization: the role of angioplasty with stenting

Stroke is the third largest cause of death after heart diseases and cancer and is the leading cause of permanent disability and disability-adjusted loss of independent life-years in Western countries [1–3]. Approximately 700,000 people in the United States experience a stroke annually, which results in an estimated $53.6 billion in direct and indirect costs [1]. By the year 2050, an estimated 1 million persons will suffer from stroke every year because of aging in the population and changes in the ethnic distribution [4]. Approximately 25% of the strokes occurring annually are attributable to ischemic events related to occlusive disease of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) [5]. Carotid stenosis caused by atherosclerotic disease increases the risk of ischemic stroke by acting as an embolic source or by causing hypoperfusion of the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere. Introduced in the early 1950s [6], carotid endarterectomy (CEA) involves the performance of an arteriotomy of the cervical carotid artery with subsequent removal of the atherosclerotic plaque. Historically, CEA gained widespread acceptance [7] and was validated by the performance of several randomized trials, including the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) [8] and the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) [9]. With some limitations, these studies have shown that CEA substantially reduces the stroke risk and increases the survival rate for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis greater than 50% and
Specific binding of a dichloroacetamide herbicide safener in maize at a site that also binds thiocarbamate and chloroacetanilide herbicides.

Dichloroacetamide safeners such as N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide and (R,S)-3-dichloroacetyl-2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine protect maize (Zea mays) against injury from thiocarbamate and chloroacetanilide herbicides. Binding activity of tritium-labeled (R,S)-3-dichloroacetyl-2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine (15 Ci/ mmol; referred to as [3H]Saf) was characterized in extracts of etiolated maize seedlings. The binding is saturable, involves a single class of binding sites (Kd 0.12 [mu]M; maximal binding in coleoptiles 0.53 nmol/g fresh weight, equivalent to 55 pmol/mg protein), and is sensitive to boiling and protease treatment. Binding in etiolated maize seedlings is highest in the coleoptile and lowest in the leaves. Binding of [3H]Saf also occurs in etiolated sorghum (Sorghum bi-color) shoots but not several other cereals. There is a good correlation between known safener effectiveness and the concentration that inhibits [3H]Saf binding half-maximally among 21 dichloroacetamides and related compounds. N,N-Diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide had the lowest inhibitor concentration that reduces specific binding by 50% (IC50), 0.01 [mu]M. [3H]Saf binding is inhibited by 4 chloroacetanilide herbicides with IC50 values of 0.07 to 0.48 [mu]M and by 12 thiocarbamate herbicides and analogs with IC50 values of 0.06 to 2.3 [mu]M. The inhibition of [3H]Saf binding by alachlor and S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate is competitive.
Possible Effects of Acidic Deposition on a Rocky Mountain Population of the Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrtinum

: To investigate possible biological effects of acidic deposition in the western United States, we performed population censuses and dose-response experiments at a subalpine watershed in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, An adult tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) population declined by 65% over seven years, while larval recruitment declined over all but the last year of his period A. tigrinum eggs had an LD-50 pH of 5.6, which is within the range encountered by eggs at this site during snow melt. Although the decline of A. tigrinum at this watershed could be a natural fluctuation, the available evidence is consistent with the bypothesis that acidic deposition is its cause. Thus, the decline of A. tigrinum at the watershed may be the first indication of biological damage from acidic deposition in the western United States Para investigar los posibles efectos biologicos de lluvia acaida en el oeste de los Estados Unidos, se llevaron a cabo censos poblacionales de salamandras y experimentos deevaluacion de respuesta a varias dosijicaciones en una cuenca subalpina en las Montanas Rocosas del Estado de Colorado. Una poblacion adulta de salamundras tigre (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) tuvo un descenso de 65% ensiete anos, mientras el reclutamiento de larvas disminuyo en general salvo en el ultimo ano de este peri'odo. Huatos de A. tigrinum tuvieron un pH de 5.6(LD-50), valor que se encuentra en el rango usual para este luagar medido durante el periodo de desahielo. Aunque el descenso de A. tigrinurn en esta cuenca puede deberse a una fluctuacion natural la evidencia disponible es consistente con la hipotesis de que su causa se debe a las deposiciones por lluvia acida Por. lo tanto, el descenso de A. tigrinurn en la cuenca puede ser la primera indicacion de dano biologico de los llivia acida en el oeste de los Estados Unidos.
Formulas for the Chadi-Cohen process.

For the square and cubic lattices, formulas are designed which yield, for k-space summations over the Brillouin zone, the special points in the irreducible Brillouin zone and the corresponding weighting factors prescribed by the Chadi-Cohen method. For the simple-cubic and fcc lattices these formulas at stage \ensuremath{\nu} correspond to those of Monkhorst and Pack at stage ${2}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$. These formulas allow one to compute the summations to any order of approximation, not necessarily successively. It is demonstrated how extrapolation in the inverse of the number of special points may be used to speed up the calculations. Furthermore, the formulas are shown to be useful for numerically evaluating the integrals of singular functions in two dimensions.
HIV prevention beliefs among urban African-American youth

Purpose: This study investigates specific beliefs related to prevention of AIDS and HIV infection among African—American teenagers. Methods: This study administered valid and reliable measures of HIV/AIDS risk knowledge and prevention beliefs to 150 African-American teenagers. Demographic and psychosocial data were gathered. Results: Black teenagers respond in socially acceptable and undesirable ways and this ambivalence can be explained within the theory of reasoned action. These teens simultaneously believed in the importance of safe sex behaviors while expressing doubt about the viability of some safe sex behaviors. Females demonstrated higher self-efficacy and self-control beliefs while males were more likely to endorse culturally loaded suspicious beliefs about AIDS contraction and transmission. Conclusions: Those teenagers who perceived themselves as highly knowledgeable scored lower on reliable AIDS Knowledge and Prevention Beliefs measures than those who claimed moderate AIDS knowledge. Some of these “Know It All” teenagers may reflect a subculture of pseudo-confidence that requires special interventions.
Boundary-layer receptivity for a parabolic leading edge. Part 2. The small-Strouhal-number limit

In Hammerton & Kerschen (1996), the effect of the nose radius of a body on boundary-layer receptivity was analysed for the case of a symmetric mean flow past a two-dimensional body with a parabolic leading edge. A low-Mach-number two-dimensional flow was considered. The radius of curvature of the leading edge, rn, enters the theory through a Strouhal number, S=?rn/U, where ? is the frequency of the unsteady free-stream disturbance and U is the mean flow speed. Numerical results revealed that the variation of receptivity for small S was very different for free-stream acoustic waves propagating parallel to the mean flow and those free-stream waves propagating at an angle to the mean flow. In this paper the small-S asymptotic theory is presented. For free-stream acoustic waves propagating parallel to the symmetric mean flow, the receptivity is found to vary linearly with S, giving a small increase in the amplitude of the receptivity coefficient for small S compared to the flat-plate value. In contrast, for oblique free-stream acoustic waves, the receptivity varies with S1/2, leading to a sharp decrease in the amplitude of the receptivity coefficient relative to the flat-plate value. Comparison of the asymptotic theory with numerical results obtained in the earlier paper confirms the asymptotic results but reveals that the numerical results diverge from the asymptotic result for unexpectedly small values of S.
Effects of azaspiracid-1, a potent cytotoxic agent, on primary neuronal cultures. A structure-activity relationship study.

Azaspiracids (AZAs) are marine phycotoxins with an unknown mechanism of action, implicated in human intoxications. We investigated the effect of azaspiracid-1 (AZA-1) on the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), intracellular pH (pHi), and neuron viability in neuronal cultures. AZA-1 increased [Ca2+]c and decreased neuronal viability. The effects of several fragments of the AZA-1 molecule (13 different chemical structures) were examined. The ent-ABCD-azaspiracid-1 (2) showed similar potency to AZA-1 (1) in increasing [Ca2+]c but higher cytotoxity than AZA-1. The chemical structures containing only the ABCD or the ABCDE ring domains (3−8) caused a [Ca2+]c increase but did not alter cell viability. The compounds containing only the FGHI ring domain of AZA-1 (9−14) did not modify the [Ca2+]c or the cell viability. Therefore, the effect of AZA-1 on [Ca2+]c depends on the presence of the ABCD or the ABCDE-ring structure, but the complete chemical structure is needed to produce neurotoxic effects.
Elastodynamic Characterization of Imprinted Nanolines

The advancement of imprint lithography as a method for fabricating nanostructures is impeded by a lack of effective tools for characterizing mechanical properties and geometry at the nanoscale. This paper describes progress in establishing methods for determining elastic moduli and cross sectional dimensions of imprinted nanolines from Brillouin light scattering (BLS) measurements using finite-element (FE) and Farnell-Adler models for the vibrational modes. An array of parallel nanoimprinted lines of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with widths of ~65 nm and heights of ~140 nm served as a model specimen. Several acoustic modes were observed with BLS in the low-gigahertz frequency range, and the forms of the vibrational displacements were identified through correlation with calculations using measured bulk-PMMA moduli and density as input. The acoustic modes include several flexural, Rayleigh-like, and Sezawa-like modes. Fitting of Farnell-Adler calculations to the measured dispersion curves was explored as a means of extracting elastic moduli and nanoline dimensions from the data. Some of the values obtained from this inversion analysis were unrealistic, which suggests that geometric approximations in the model introduce significant systematic errors. In forward calculations, the frequencies determined with the FE method were found to more closely match experimental values, which suggests that this method may be more accurate for inversion analysis. Initial estimates of uncertainties in the FE calculations support this conclusion.
Effects of 3′-deoxyadenosine triphosphate on in vitro RNA synthesis of plant RNA-dependent RNA polymerases

Abstract 3′-deoxyadenosine triphosphate inhibited in vitro [3H]UMP incorporation by RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from tobacco and cowpea plants. The inhibition of [3H]UMP incorporation could be reversed by simultaneous addition of higher ATP concentrations but not with increasing concentrations of UTP or when excess ATP was added 10 min after the inhibitor. These results suggest 3′-deoxyadenosine triphosphate competes specifically with ATP in reaction mixtures and results in premature termination of RNA synthesis in vitro by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Neural Mechanisms of Emotion Regulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by high rates of comorbid internalizing and externalizing disorders. One mechanistic account of these comorbidities is that ASD is characterized by impaired emotion regulation (ER) that results in deficits modulating emotional responses. We assessed neural activation during cognitive reappraisal of faces in high functioning adults with ASD. Groups did not differ in looking time, pupilometry, or subjective ratings of faces during reappraisal. However, instructions to increase positive and negative emotional responses resulted in less increase in nucleus accumbens and amygdala activations (respectively) in the ASD group, and both regulation instructions resulted in less change in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation in the ASD group. Results suggest a potential mechanistic account of impaired ER in ASD.