cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recombinant herpes vector-mediated analgesia in a primate model of hyperalgesia

Some chronic pain syndromes are characterized by episodes of intense burning and hyperalgesia in localized areas of skin. These sensations are thought to be mediated, at least in part, by the activity of damaged, unmyelinated C nociceptors. These phenomena were modeled by assaying responses of macaques to thermal and chemical stimuli that produced periodic activation and sensitization of C nociceptors. Upon validation of this method, a recombinant herpes simplex vector encoding human preproenkephalin was topically applied to the dorsal surface of the feet of the monkeys. Immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay revealed that enkephalin peptides were being produced in releasable pools in sensory neurons innervating the treated skin area. Behavioral responses evoked by periodic sensitization and activation of C nociceptors innervating the vector-treated skin area revealed a substantial and long-lasting (at least 20 weeks) antihyperalgesic and analgesic effect limited to the areas to which the virus was applied. This approach may be a viable means of treating localized cutaneous burning pain and hyperalgesia.
Magnocellular neuropeptidergic terminals in neurohypophysis: Rapid glial release of enclosed axons during parturition

The ultrastructure of pituicytes as well as their relationship with neurosecretory axons were measured from the following groups of adult rats: virgin females; immediately pre-partum; post-partum; and following 14 days of lactation. Both parturition and lactation brought about a significant decrease in the number of pituicytes with neurosecretory axons completely surrounded by their cytoplasm. Since these two physiological states are each characterized by increased neurohypophysial hormone release, the data suggest that pituicyte enclosure of neurosecretory axons occurs mainly during conditions of low hormone release. Examination of pituicyte size and number of lipid inclusions, and the number of synaptoid contacts from neurosecretory axons onto pituicytes showed no differences among groups.
Elevating the Impact of Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation

Increasingly, public policy is recognized as a high-impact and robust approach for accelerating progress toward reducing and managing nutrition-related chronic diseases such as obesity (1). In various jurisdictions, policy makers enact courses of action, regulatory measures, laws, and policies and set funding priorities designed to improve access to healthier food and beverage options (2). Public policy, however, is often the least understood strategy for creating supportive nutrition environments for population health impact. Research has predominantly focused on understanding individual behavior change rather than evaluating approaches to environmental, policy, and system-level change (1,3,4). More attention has been given recently to approaches that could potentially strengthen our understanding of policy including empirical public health law and policy; research, dissemination, and implementation of science; and public health policy evaluation and research (5). Nevertheless, little is known about whether or how nutrition and obesity policy research and evaluation findings influence policy pathways or whether these findings are consistently and systematically used in formulating public policy.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is rare in pregnancy.

Abstract Objective: The indications for heparin use during pregnancy are expanding; however, heparin is associated with serious adverse effects including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Low-molecular-weight heparin is expensive but is associated with less frequent occurrences of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the nonpregnant population. However, the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in pregnant and nonpregnant women. Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort comparison. Pregnant and nonpregnant women were identified by means of diagnosis related group and Current Procedural Terminology code searches at three medical centers in Utah; the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the two groups was compared. Results: There were 10 (4%) cases of thrombocytopenia among 244 heparin-treated pregnant patients and 26 (11%) cases among the 244 nonpregnant controls. There were no cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the pregnant group, but there were 10 (4%) cases in the control group ( P =.0014). Conclusion: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is extremely rare in pregnant women. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:148-52.)
Adaptation of the repellency response to DEET in Rhodnius prolixus.

For many years it has been accepted that DEET interferes with the detection of odours from the host instead of having a repellent effect. However, recent work showed that DEET acts as an odorant molecule and elicits a behavioural response in the absence of other stimuli. Therefore, DEET must promote some phenomenon connected with the stimuli–sensory system interaction, such as a sensory adaptation, where the sensory system regulates its sensitivity to different stimuli intensities during continuous or repetitive exposure. In this work, we studied different aspects of the insect–DEET interaction through behavioural observations. Previous exposure of fifth instar Rhodnius prolixus nymphs to DEET decreased the behavioural response to this repellent. We observed a decrease in repellence after different times of continuous stimulation with DEET in a time-dependent manner. The response to DEET was recovered 10 min after exposure, when insects were continuously stimulated during 5 or 10 min; maximum repellence was recovered 20 min after exposure when insects were stimulated for 20 min. DEET produced a repellent effect when nymphs were exposed only to its vapours. These results suggest that exposure to DEET produces adaptation in R. prolixus nymphs, and that the behavioural response elicited by DEET occurs via olfaction when no other stimuli are present.
Is beauty a gift or a curse? The influence of an offender's physical attractiveness on forgiveness

Two studies examined the influence of a female offender's level of physical attractiveness on forgiveness. In Study 1, an apology offered to a male participant (role-playing a victim) by an attractive female offender was more effective at increasing forgiveness compared to the same apology offered by a less attractive offender. In contrast, female participants displayed the opposite pattern, responding more positively to the less attractive offender. Study 2 revealed that this effect was mediated by participants' judgments about the quality of the apology received. Male participants judged the apology as higher in quality when it was offered by the attractive offender, whereas female participants rated the apology as higher quality when it was offered by the less attractive offender.
Combined heart and liver transplantation: the Cleveland Clinic experience.

Background Combined heart-liver transplantation (CHLT) has been utilized as a life-saving procedure in those with end-stage cardiac and hepatic pathology. Techniques and outcomes of this procedure are varied. We sought to review the Cleveland Clinic experience with CHLT. Methods This study is a retrospective chart review of patients who received simultaneous heart and liver transplantation between January 2006 and December 2012. Results Five patients received CHLT. The mean age was 49 (± 20) years. All cardiac pathology was nonischemic cardiomyopathy, with a mean ejection fraction of 0.36 (± 0.13). Three of the 5 were on preoperative inotropic support, 1 of which required placement of a total artificial heart for support pretransplant. Liver pathology was amyloid in 1 patient and hepatitis C in the remaining 4. Mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 17 (± 5), and mean Childs-Pugh score was 8 (± 1). Survival, now at a mean of 38 (± 20) months remains 100%, with no cardiac or hepatic graft dysfunction or episodes of rejection. One hospital readmission was required for gastroenteritis at 15 months posttransplant. Conclusions These results suggest that excellent outcomes can be achieved in this extremely sick cohort of patients, and add to the growing literature of perioperative management of CHLT recipients.
Electrically-evoked release of norepinephrine in the rat cerebellum: an in vivo electrochemical and electrophysiological study

Norepinephrine (NE) release from the locus coeruleus (LC) afferents to the cerebellar cortex of urethane anesthetized rats was achieved by electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus or by local administration of potassium into the cerebellum. Both methods evoked an overflow of NE-like electroactive species. Electrically-evoked and potassium-induced overflow of NE-like responses were found to be reversible and reproducible. Releases were not observed in cerebellar white matter, an area which is relatively devoid of monoamine containing terminals. Systemic administration of desipramine, a potent and selective norepinephrine re-uptake blocker, significantly augmented the electrically-evoked electrochemical responses. Measurements of evoked release taken using high-speed chronoamperometry support the idea that a predominant contributor to electrically-induced signals was NE. Electrophysiological recordings of single Purkinje cells were performed with the same Nafion-coated single carbon fiber electrodes used for electrochemical recordings. Electrical stimulation of the LC was seen to depress Purkinje cell firing rates; an increase in electroactive species was detected at the same site that paralleled the time course of the electrophysiological response. These studies provide further direct evidence that the LC norepinephrine-containing cells have a direct inhibitory effect on Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, and that both pre- and postsynaptic events can be measured with the same recording sensor.
Convenience Stores Surrounding Urban Schools: An Assessment of Healthy Food Availability, Advertising, and Product Placement

Adolescent obesity is a national public health problem, particularly among urban populations. Recent evidence has linked neighborhood food environments to health and nutrition status, with easier access to convenience stores being associated with increased risk for obesity. Little is known about the availability of healthy purchasing options within small, urban food stores, or the extent to which these factors are relevant to youth. The objective of this research was to characterize various features of the food environment within small convenience stores located nearby urban junior high and high schools. In-store audits were conducted in 63 stores located within 800 m of 36 urban Minnesota public secondary schools. Results indicated that a limited number of healthier beverages (i.e., water and 100% fruit juice) and snack options (i.e., nuts and pretzels) were available at most stores (≥85%). However, a wide range of healthy snack options were typically not available, with many specific items stocked in less than half of stores (e.g., low-fat yogurt in 27% of stores and low-fat granola bars in 43%). Overall, 51% of stores had fresh fruit and 49% had fresh vegetables. Few stores carried a range of healthier snack alternatives in single-serving packages. All stores had less healthful impulse purchase items available (e.g., candy) while only 46% carried healthier impulse items (e.g., fruit). Most stores (97%) had food/beverage advertising. Overall, convenience stores located in close proximity to secondary schools represent an important and understudied component of the youth food environment.
SU-E-T-543: Beam Attenuation Characteristics of Treatment Couches.

Purpose:Measurephoton beam attenuation characteristics of the Varian EXACT, Varian IGRT treatment couches and two CIVCO Universal extensions; and assess accuracy of Varian's Eclipse treatment planning system in modeling the beam attenuation of each couch. Methods: Dose Measurements were taken using a Farmer ion chamber inside a cylindrical acrylic phantom. They were taken for two photon energies (6MV and 15MV), at three different field sizes, for various gantry angles through the couch. EXACT couch was tested both with the adjustable rails pushed to the outside of the couch, and pushed to the center of the couch. IGRT couch was divided by thickness into three sections. Effects on surface dose were measured using a Tissue Maximum Ratio or Percent Depth Dose curve. CIVCO extensions were CT scanned for inclusion in the planning system. All measurements were modeled in the Eclipse treatment planning system for comparison. Results: Maximum attenuation was measured at 6MV with the smallest field for all couch setups. The EXACT couch produced a maximum attenuation of 19.2% and a surface dose increase of 47% of Dmax through the couch. Maximum attenuation for the IGRT couch and both CIVCO extensions were between 6–8%. Through the couch, the IGRT couch showed a surface dose increase of 29% of Dmax,; the CIVCO extensions produced a surface dose increase of 33% and 7% of Dmax. Maximum difference between measured and planned dose was 7%, for the EXACT couch, 1.9% for the IGRT couch and 2.4% for both CIVCO extensions. Conclusions: These treatment couches were shown to affect delivered and surface dose. Including the couch structure during treatment planning can account for the couch attenuation in most cases, but some attenuation values are underestimated in the planning software. Largest effects are for oblique treatment angles using low energy and small field sizes.
Investigation of serotonin-1A receptor function in the human psychopharmacology of MDMA

Serotonin (5-HT) release is the primary pharmacological mechanism of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') action in the primate brain. Dopamine release and direct stimulation of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors also contributes to the overall action of MDMA. The role of 5-HT1A receptors in the human psychopharmacology of MDMA, however, has not yet been elucidated. In order to reveal the consequences of manipulation at the 5-HT1A receptor system on cognitive and subjective effects of MDMA, a receptor blocking study using the mixed beta-adrenoreceptor blocker/5-HT1A antagonist pindolol was performed. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subject design, 15 healthy male subjects were examined under placebo (PL), 20 mg pindolol (PIN), MDMA (1.6 mg/kg b.wt.), MDMA following pre-treatment with pindolol (PIN-MDMA). Tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery were used for the assessment of cognitive performance. Psychometric questionnaires were applied to measure effects of treatment on core dimensions of Altered States of Consciousness, mood and state anxiety. Compared with PL, MDMA significantly impaired sustained attention and visual-spatial memory, but did not affect executive functions. Pre-treatment with PIN did not significantly alter MDMA-induced impairment of cognitive performance and only exerted a minor modulating effect on two psychometric scales affected by MDMA treatment ('positive derealization' and 'dreaminess'). Our findings suggest that MDMA differentially affects higher cognitive functions, but does not support the hypothesis from animal studies, that some of the MDMA effects are causally mediated through action at the 5-HT1A receptor system.
Proteolysis that is inhibited by hedgehog targets Cubitus interruptus protein to the nucleus and converts it to a repressor.

Abstract Cell–cell communication at anterior/posterior compartment borders in Drosophila involves Hedgehog (Hh), a protein secreted by posterior cells, and Cubitus interruptus (Ci), a protein in the Hh response pathway in anterior cells. Although Ci is thought to have roles as a transcription factor repressing hh expression and activating target genes, it localizes in the cytoplasm of anterior cells. We report here the identification of a domain that tethers Ci in the cytoplasm and show that in some anterior cells, Ci is cleaved to generate a form that lacks the tethering domain. This form translocates to the nucleus where it represses hh and other target genes. Hh inhibits proteolysis of Ci, and we suggest that this inhibition leads to the observed patterns of expression of key target genes at the compartment border.
Prevention of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative cardiac patient: significance of oral class III antiarrhythmic agents

Abstract Atrial fibrillation is a frequent complication of cardiac surgery and the most common reason for delay in discharge from the hospital after open-heart surgery. This review summarizes the results of studies that have examined the prophylactic value of orally administered sotalol and amiodarone in preventing atrial fibrillation after open-heart surgery. The reduction in the prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation is 50–90% for sotalol compared with 50–60% for amiodarone. Sotalol has a rapid onset of action, allowing it to be efficacious when used orally shortly after surgery. In contrast, amiodarone has a slow onset of action that necessitates either oral loading for several days before surgery or intravenous loading shortly before or after surgery. However, although patients who are poor candidates for β blockade may not tolerate sotalol, amiodarone does not have this limitation. Although both sotalol and amiodarone have relative advantages and disadvantages, available data indicate that either agent can be used effectively in selected patients to reduce the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Larger controlled comparative trials are needed to define the precise magnitude of benefit from these compounds relative to their side effect profiles.
Damage and repair in mammalian cells after exposure to non-ionizing radiations II. Photoreactivation and killing of rat kangaroo cells (Potorous tridactylus) and herpes simplex virus-1 by exposure to fluorescent “white” light or sunlight

Abstract Photoreactivation (PR) of ultraviolet (254 nm)-inactivated cornea cells of the potoroo (or rat kangaroo; Potorous tridactylus ) has been studied at wavelengths > 375 nm from either fluorescent “white” light or sunlight. In both cases the PR kinetics curves pass through maxima, which most likely result from the superposition of concomitant inactivation by the photoreactivating light. The inactivating effect of light was directly demonstrated for non-UV-irradiated cells, permitting correction of the PR curves. Wavelengths > 475 nm, and even > 560 nm, which do not noticeably damage cells, still photoreactivate, though less effectively than shorter wavelengths. Light treatment of UV-resembling those observed for cells, while light treatment of unirradiated virus after infection likewise causes inactivation. The “fluence reduction factor” of PR, which is >3 for the virus, exceeds that for the cells, where it decreases with increasing UV fluence. In vitro tests have indicated that sunlight >375 nm causes photorepairable DNA lesions which are virtually fully repaired by the same light. Thus cell inactivation resulting from these solar wavelengths must be due to non-photorepairable damage.
Is social comparison irrelevant for producing choice shifts

Abstract After 15 years of research on group induced shifts in individual choice, two hypotheses, social comparison (involving image maintenance) and persuasive arguments (involving attitude change), have emerged as the leading explanatory contenders. Burnstein and his associates have recently reported a series of studies that they feel clearly establish the persuasive arguments hypothesis as the best explanation for the shifts. The present paper takes issue with their conclusion. A study is presented that supports a social comparison interpretation of one of the experiments reported in Burnstein and Vinokur (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 1973, 9, 123–137). In addition, a critical analysis of several other key studies reported by Burnstein and his associates yields the conclusion that neither hypothesis completely accounts for the available data. Rather, both image maintenance and attitude change processes may operate in a complementary manner, with persuasive arguments facilitating the shifts motivated by social comparison. Parallels are drawn between the factors that affect choice shifts and those that affect conformity behavior.
A license to speak up: Outgroup minorities and opinion expression

Abstract Four studies examined the relationship between outgroup minority status, defined as both belonging to a different social category and holding a different opinion than other group members, and opinion expression. Specifically, it was hypothesized – and results confirmed – that outgroup minorities would be more willing to express their opinions on an issue when their social category membership granted them psychological standing (i.e., a subjective sense of entitlement to act) than when it did not. Implications for the roles of social category membership and psychological standing in opinion expression, and for how to encourage diverse viewpoints to emerge in group contexts, are discussed.
Ecological effects of urban stormwater runoff on benthic macroinvertebrates inhabiting the Green River, Massachusetts

Although it has been demonstrated that urban stormwater can alter the quality of receiving waters, the corresponding impact on aquatic biota remains essentially undocumented. A year-long intensive study, therefore, was implemented to monitor and describe the ecological effects exerted by urban runoff on benthic macroinvertebrates. Rock-filled, basket-type artificial substrates deployed periodically in nonurban and urban river reaches yielded collections of macroinvertebrates that furnished data for: (1) species diversity (the Brillouin index, H), (2) hierarchical diversity, (3) major taxa composition, and (4) collection dissimilarity at the species level. The overall results from these four analytical procedures strongly indicate that the macrobenthic community became progressively disrupted downstream in the urban reach. The high degree of correspondence between the known sources of urban runoff and the observed effects on the benthic community are forceful arguments that urban runoff is the causal agent of disruption. The impact is not confined to periods following heavy rains. Instead the pollutants appear to remain in the system. The stress imposed by them was most acute during the summer low flow and was probably localized in or near the stream bed. To assess the impact of urban runoff on an aquatic ecosystem, physical, chemical, and biological monitoring should routinely consider the stream bed microzone. Urban runoff pollutant loading standards must take into account the apparent long-term residence of pollutants in the substrate and the associated stress of summer low flows.
Increased hot-electron production at quarter-critical density in long-scale-length laser-plasma interactions.

Abstract : Hot-electron fractions measured in Nd-laser-plasma interactions at 1014W/cm2 increase from 0.02% to 0.3% as the plasma scalelength at quarter-critical density (nc/4)is systematically increased from 140 microns to 320 microns. Correlated x-ray and 3w/2 emissions indicate that the hot electrons are produced by a nc/4 instability. Originator-supplied key words include: Laser-plasma interactions, Long-scalelength plasma, Hot-electron temperature, Plasma instabilities.
A shell model calculation of the 16O+16O potential

Abstract The real part of the 16O+16O potential is calculated from the nucleon-nucleon interaction using a theory which is analogous to that of the generator coordinate method.
Work in progress: Developing an Innovation Self-efficacy survey

Innovation is critical to our economic and social prosperity. We rely on industry, university, and government employees to develop, modify, and implement innovative ideas while navigating ambiguous problem contexts, overcoming setbacks, and persisting in competition with courses of action. Research has shown that self-efficacy, or an individual's belief in their ability, influences the pursuit of and persistence in challenging work. This suggests that self-efficacy is critical for innovation. Despite resource-intensive efforts to foster innovation in organizations, we inadequately understand how to measure the impact of these interventions on individuals' judgment of their own innovation ability. We present the initial development and validation of the first survey measure for Innovation Self-efficacy (ISE), or the belief in one's ability to innovate.
A member of the Y-box protein family interacts with an upstream element in the α1(I) collagen gene

Abstract Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulates protein complex formation on a TGF-β response element (TAE) found in the distal portion (−1624) of the collagen alpha 1(I) promoter. To identify the fibroblast proteins in this complex, an expression library constructed from human embryonic lung fibroblasts mRNA was screened using a tetramer of TAE. Y-box binding protein (YB-1), was identified as a protein in the TAE–protein complex. The protein expressed by phage clones formed a specific complex with labeled TAE but not mutated TAE (mTAE) similar to the complex formed with nuclear protein. Nuclear protein–TAE complexes isolated from native gels contained YB-1 by Western analysis. TGF-β treatment increased the amount of YB-1 protein in nuclear extracts, decreased its amount in cytoplasm, but did not alter the steady state levels of YB-1 mRNA. A full-length YB-1 protein expressed in human lung fibroblasts was primarily located in the nucleus with punctate staining in cytoplasmic regions. The expression of YB-1 decreased in the cytoplasm after 2 h of TGF-β treatment. Therefore, the increased binding activity seen in TGF-β-stimulated nuclear extracts was due primarily to relocalization of YB-1 from the cytoplasm to the nuclear compartment. Co-transfection of YB-1 cDNA with a collagen promoter–reporter construct caused a dose-dependent activation of collagen promoter activity in rat fibroblasts whereas the promoter with a mutation in the TAE element was not sensitive to YB-1 co-expression. In conclusion, we have identified YB-1 as a protein that interacts with a TGF-β response element in the distal region of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene. YB-1 protein activates the collagen promoter and translocates into the nucleus during TGF-β addition to fibroblasts, suggesting a role for this protein in TGF-β signaling.
Precision implant 9200 — An implantation system for 200 mm wafers

Abstract The design of wafer fabrication tools for 200 mm wafers involves an extensive set of operational goals which go far beyond the basic requirements for efficient wafer handling of larger and more massive wafers. Special emphasis has been placed on reliability, control of particulate contamination, productivity and practical operation to meet the requirements of advanced IC production. The engineering process of developing this system from concept to introduction to production will be described.
The Role of RNA Editing of Kainate Receptors in Synaptic Plasticity and Seizures

Abstract The ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit GluR6 undergoes developmentally and regionally regulated Q/R site RNA editing that reduces the calcium permeability of GluR6-containing kainate receptors. To investigate the functional significance of this editing in vivo, we engineered mice deficient in GluR6 Q/R site editing. In these mutant mice but not in wild types, NMDA receptor–independent long-term potentiation (LTP) could be induced at the medial perforant path–dentate gyrus synapse. This indicates that kainate receptors with unedited GluR6 subunits can mediate LTP. Behavioral analyses revealed no differences from wild types, but mutant mice were more vulnerable to kainate-induced seizures. Together, these results suggest that GluR6 Q/R site RNA editing may modulate synaptic plasticity and seizure vulnerability.
Standard monomial theory for G2

Let G be a semi-simple algebraic group and B a Borel subgroup. Let X be a Schubert variety in G/B. Let L be an ample line bundle on G/B, as well as its restriction to X. A standard monomial theory for Schubert varieties in G/B is developed in [9], [11], [8], [10] as a generalization of the classical Hodge-Young theory (cf [3],[4]). This theory consists in the construction of a characteristic-free basis for H0 (X,L). This theory is extended to Schubert varieties in the infinite dimensional flag variety ŜLn/B in [13] (see also [12]). In this paper, we extend the theory to Schubert varieties in the infinite dimensional flag variety Ŝp2n/B.
Investigations of the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic ligand-exchange retention mechanism on a triamine stationary phase

Abstract A tridentate ligand, trimethoxysilylpropyldiethylenetriamine, was bound to silica and studied as a stationary phase for reversed-phase ligand-exchange chromatography. The tridentate stationary phase “triamine” yielded more stable metal complexes, i.e. , better metal loading efficiencies than previously reported diamine and monoamine stationary phases. This triamine packing with its enhanced metal loading properties was evaluated to identify the key factors that effect solute retention and selectivity. Mobile phase properties like buffer ionic strength and metal concentration greatly affected retention, while type of metal, i.e. , Zn II , Cd II , Hg II , Cu II , or Ni II greatly affected selectivity. The choice of mobile phase organic modifier signigicantly affected both retention and selectivity. Methanol—water mobile phases elicited relatively little metal binding per triamine site, with Hg II , Zn II , Ni II and Cd II occupying 32, 9.5, 7.8 and 5.7, respectively. Changing the organic modifier from methanol to acetonitrile provoked a dramitically different but consistent pattern of metal loading to the triamine. The ratio of loaded metal with the acetonitrile modifier was 2.3 ± 0.1 fold higher than that observed for the methanol modifier in each of the cases tested. Factors found to affect metal loading to the stationary phase were the type of metal and the mobile phase solvent. The loading of metals onto the silica-bound triamine correlated directly to metal basicity. The variety of solute selectivities obtained in this study indicate that the key solute—metal interactions are a function of metal and solute functional group basicities and the number and spacing of solute functional groups possessing lone-pair electrons capable of interacting with the metal. Retention can be greatly enhanced when multiple functional groups possessing donatable electrons are present: functionalities containing nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen. Ring-substituted nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen atoms i.e. piperdines, pyrimidines, purines, xanthines and triazoles, enhance retention more than non-ring-substituted functionalities, such as carboxylic and sulfonic acids. The presence of non-electron-donating functionalities in close proximity to strong interacting groups resulted in significant decreases in retention due to steric hindrance of solute lone-pair electrons to the metal coordination sphere. It is suggested that the mechanism of ligand-exchange retention on this triamine phase involves the reversible binding of a metal to the stationary phase followed by outer-sphere solute—metal complexation.
An examination of various deprivation- reward combinations in the barpressing vs freeloading phenomenon in rats

In a choice situation in which rats could obtain rewards by barpressing or freely, an examination was made of the following seven deprivation-reward groups: food-food, food-water, food-sucrose, food-saccharin, water-water, water-sucrose, and water-saccharin. The food-food, food-sucrose, water-water, and water-sucrose groups preferred to obtain the rewards by barpressing. The water-saccharin group preferred the free reward. The remaining two groups did not learn to press the bar. Implications for the theory that barpressing has an intrinsic attractiveness for rats are discussed.
Facile Synthesis and Visualization of Janus Double-Brush Copolymers

Well-defined double-brush copolymers with each graft site carrying a polystyrene (PSt) graft and a polylactide (PLA) graft were synthesized by simultaneous reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) processes, followed by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) “grafting through” of the resulting diblock macromonomer (MM). Their Janus-type morphologies were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging after thermal annealing to facilitate the intramolecular self-assembly of PSt and PLA grafts. This finding provides critical evidence to verify double-brush copolymers as Janus nanomaterials.
PATHWAYS TO POWER ON THE FAR RIGHT: ELITE RECRUITMENT IN THE FRENCH NATIONAL FRONT

New Right political parties are becoming more important in many advanced industrialized societies. Although much has been written about the issues addressed by these parties, little systematic attention has been paid to the elite composition and recruitment patterns of these important political actors. This study attempts to fill that void by examining the elite composition and recruitment pathways of one of these far right parties, the French National Front. Conclusions are drawn about the primacy of the party's current and only president, Jean-Marie Le Pen, in acting as the “gatekeeper” to party leadership. In addition, this analysis provides important information about the party's future electoral viability.
Electrochemical studies on three polar diruthenium(II,III) complexes

Abstract Electrochemical studies on a new class of diruthenium(II,III) compounds were done. The complexes having a polar arrangement of ligands across the diruthenium unit in Ru2Cl(hp)4(Hhp), Ru2Cl(chp)4 and Ru2Cl(PhNpy)4 where Hhp, Hchp and PhNHpy are 2-hydroxypyridine, 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridine, and 2-anilinopyridine, respectively, undergo two or more oxidations and reductions. The metal centered reductions in the range of +0.1 to −0.75 V and oxidations in the range +0.5 to +1.2 V are discussed and compared with diruthenium carboxylato and amidato complexes.
Acute airway obstruction following placement of a subclavian Hickman catheter

The purpose of this case report is to describe the events, intervention, and aetiology which led to acute airway obstruction in an adult patient after the placement of a Hickman catheter. Airway obstruction secondary to superior vena cava obstruction occurred after placement of a subclavian vein Hickman catheter. This was felt to occur, in part, to a narrowed superior vena cava as evident by subclavian venography. It resulted in emergency oral tracheal intubation to relieve airway obstruction. Shortly after removal of the Hickman catheter, the signs of superior vena cava obstruction syndrome resolved and the patient was extubated without incidence. It is concluded that, although rare, the serious complication of acute airway obstruction can occur after placement of a Hickman catheter.
Dynamic Behavior of Aerosol Filtration in a Two-Dimensional Model Filter

A two-dimensional model filter consisting of rows of cylindrical rods arranged randomly was designed and constructed as an approximation of granular filters. Experiments were conducted to observe, continuously, particle deposition taking place within the filter in an nonintrusive manner. The increase in pressure drop during the course of filtration was recorded and correlated as a function of the extent of deposition.
Flows on nonorientable 2-manifolds

This paper extends the study initiated in [I] where a class ~4’ of orientable 2-manifolds, including all compact ones, was defined and it was shown that the central sequence (defined below) of any flow on any manifold in .4! terminates in at most two steps. It was also shown that any nonorientable 2-manifold supports a flow whose central sequence does not terminate in two steps. In this paper we define a class .4’of nonorientable 2-manifolds, including all compact ones, and show that the central sequence of any flow on a member of Nterminates in at most three steps. Preliminary results, mainly topological, are presented in Section 2 and in Section 3 the main results are established. The rest of this section contains the basic definitions and the notation of the paper. For more details and a brief history of the problem the reader is referred to [l] and [2]. Let (!zt 1 t E R> be a flow on a space X. By X1 we mean the set of all nonwandering points; thus, x E X1 if, and only if, for every neighborhood U of .T and every t E R, there exists s E R, s > t such that h,?(U) n U # p. Clearly Xi is closed in X and invariant under the flow. The central sequence (of the flow) is the possibly transfinite chain: Sr 2 X2 3 .** 2 X02 .*., where Xti = (X6)1 if 01 = /3 T 1 and if 01 is a limit ordinal, X0 = 0 {Xs 1 /3 C. CY’/. The center (of the flow) is nXa which may be described intrinsically in the following way. For each point f let Q(x) (A(x)) be the set of points y such that h,,(x) +y for some sequence t,A --z +m(t, --f -w). A point x is called Poisson stable in the positive (negative) direction provided x E 0(x)(x E A(x)) in which case we shall write, “x is P+(P-) stable.” A point which is both Pi and Pstable is called Poisson stable. It is known, Theorem 5.08 on p. 358 of [2], that the center is the closure of the set of Poisson stable points. The depth of the center is the least ordinal OL such that Xa = X=+l = “‘; that is, CY is the least ordinal such that Xb is the center. For the manifolds considered in this paper it will be shown the depth of the center of any flow is at most 3.
Methods for a Randomized Trial of Weight-Supported Treadmill Training Versus Conventional Training for Walking During Inpatient Rehabilitation after Incomplete Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

The authors describe the rationale and methodology for the first prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a task-oriented walking intervention for subjects during early rehabilitation for an acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The experimental strategy, body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), allows physical therapists to systematically train patients to walk on a treadmill at increasing speeds typical of community ambulation with increasing weight hearing. The therapists provide verbal and tactile cues to facilitate the kinematic, kinetic, and temporal features of walking. Subjects were randomly assigned to a conventional therapy program for mobility versus the same intensity and duration of a combination of BWSTT and over-ground locomotor retraining. Subjects had an incomplete SCI (American Spinal Injury Association grades B, C, and D) from C-4 to T-10 (upper motoneuron group) or from T-11 to L-3 (lower motoneuron group). Within 8 weeks of a SCI, 146 subjects were entered for 12 weeks of intervention. The 2 single-blinded primary outcome measures are the level of independence for ambulation and, for those who are able to walk, the maximal speed for walking 50 feet, tested 6 and 12 months after randomization. The trial's methodology offers a model for the feasibility of translating neuroscientific experiments into a RCT to develop evidence-based rehabilitation practices.
Peptide inhibitors of dengue virus and West Nile virus infectivity

Viral fusion proteins mediate cell entry by undergoing a series of conformational changes that result in virion-target cell membrane fusion. Class I viral fusion proteins, such as those encoded by influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), contain two prominent alpha helices. Peptides that mimic portions of these alpha helices inhibit structural rearrangements of the fusion proteins and prevent viral infection. The envelope glycoprotein (E) of flaviviruses, such as West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV), are class II viral fusion proteins comprised predominantly of beta sheets. We used a physio-chemical algorithm, the Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity scale (WWIHS) [1] in combination with known structural data to identify potential peptide inhibitors of WNV and DENV infectivity that target the viral E protein. Viral inhibition assays confirm that several of these peptides specifically interfere with target virus entry with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the 10 μM range. Inhibitory peptides similar in sequence to domains with a significant WWIHS scores, including domain II (IIb), and the stem domain, were detected. DN59, a peptide corresponding to the stem domain of DENV, inhibited infection by DENV (>99% inhibition of plaque formation at a concentrations of 99% inhibition at <25 μM) was also demonstrated with DN59. However, a potent WNV inhibitory peptide, WN83, which corresponds to WNV E domain IIb, did not inhibit infectivity by DENV. Additional results suggest that these inhibitory peptides are noncytotoxic and act in a sequence specific manner. The inhibitory peptides identified here can serve as lead compounds for the development of peptide drugs for flavivirus infection.
Effect of environment on drop-outs in rotary head—tape drives:

AbstractThe effect of environment on the drop-out performance of magnetic tapes in a rotary head-tape drive was studied. A capacitance probe, mounted on the rotating upper drum and positioned to measure tangential deflection of the head, was used to measure friction force. This technique, in conjunction with the measurement of head signal amplitude, was used to investigate the effect of environment on drop-outs. Streaming mode tests were conducted with two brands of S-VHS tapes at various combinations of temperature (6-38 °C) and relative humidity (10-80% RH). From the experiments, it was found that the propensity for intermittent drop-outs increases in a low relative humidity environment. A low relative humidity environment increases the propensity for debris to persist over the head gap and create a loss in the head signal. High temperature further increases the propensity for drop-outs in a low relative humidity environment. The propensity for intermittent drop-outs is reduced by increasing the relativ...
Fiscalisation of Land Use, Urban Growth Boundaries and Non-central Retail Sprawl in the Western United States

Do the ways that local governments raise own-source revenue and/or use urban growth boundaries exert distinct influences on the occurrence of retail activity outside a metropolitan area's central p...
Identifying Aspects of Pharmacists' Attitudes and Barriers toward Health Literacy: A Factor Analytic Study

BACKGROUND:Health literacy has gained prominence since the Institute of Medicine Report publicized the widespread prevalence of low health literacy. Pharmacists play an important role in enhancing health literacy as a result of their proximity to patients. Literature about pharmacists' perceptions and barriers in incorporating health literacy interventions is lacking.OBJECTIVE:To develop an instrument to measure pharmacists' attitudes and barriers toward health literacy.METHODS:A survey instrument assessing attitudes and barriers was designed based on a pharmacist focus group. The instrument was pretested among a sample of pharmacists from Illinois. The final instrument was administered to a systematic sample of 1500 pharmacists who were members of the Illinois Pharmacists Association. Dillman's 5-step total design method was followed to maximize survey responses. Exploratory principal components analysis with varimax rotation was performed on attitudes and barriers items to identify underlying components...
Disability Rights and the American Social Safety Net

Disability Rights and the American Social Safety Net. By Jennifer L. Erkulwater. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2006. 272p. $42.50. Political scientists who study the American welfare state tend to focus on a small number of social programs. Social Security and “welfare” (now called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are probably the best known. Typically, the goal is to show how much one or two factors—for example, public opinion, institutional design, policy elites, race, gender—influence these programs. This book is different. It focuses on two programs for the disabled, Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are studied less often. And it tries to account for a wide range of influences on their development. The book is a genuine addition to our understanding of U.S. social policy and a fine example of how to create a rich explanation of policy change.
Three dimensional simulations of SEM imaging and charging

SEM based CD control and wafer inspection has an increasingly active role in the semiconductor industry. Current design rules require a CD control with a precision in the nanometer range. In order to achieve this precision, a complete model of the image formation mechanism is desirable. For this reason we present a three-dimensional simulation of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The simulations include Monte Carlo electron scattering, charging in the substrate and electron ray-tracing in the column. We investigate some specific cases in CD-SEM metrology: We will describe the effect of scan orientation relative to the orientation of the imaged feature on the apparent beam width (ABW), the effect of magnification on contact imaging, and the effect of residue in resist trenches. Our results, regarding these examples, clearly indicate that a fully three-dimensional numerical simulation is needed to obtain an understanding of image formation and resolution limiting factors.
'80's priorities for astronomy research

Four major new programs for astronomy and astrophysics research should receive top billing in the 1980's, according to a report by the National Academy of Sciences Astronomy Survey Committee. The report, ‘Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 1980's,’ also recommends priorities for seven of what it dubs ‘moderate new programs’ and for four smaller ones. Total costs through the decade for the 15 priority programs are estimated at $1.72 billion (in 1980 dollars). Highest priority goes to an advanced X ray astrophysics facility (AXAF) that would be a permanent national observatory in space. It would combine greatly improved angular and spectral resolution with a sensitivity up to 100 times greater than that of any previous X ray mission. AXAF would cost an estimated $500 million dollars over the decade.
School-based teenage pregnancy prevention programs: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

We compared school-based abstinence-only programs with those including contraceptive information (abstinence-plus) to determine which has the greatest impact on teen pregnancy. The United States has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world. Programs aimed at reducing the rate of teen pregnancy include a myriad of approaches including encouraging abstinence, providing education about birth control, promoting community service activities, and teaching skills to cope with peer pressure. We systematically reviewed all published randomized controlled trials of secondary-school-based teen pregnancy prevention programs in the United States that used sexual behavior, contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use, and pregnancy rates as outcomes.
The Traveling Chain Transmission: A Novel Two-Speed Chain Drive

In an automatic transmission with planetary gearsets, several clutches are generally required to manage the speed-ratio transitions. Parasitic losses due to open clutches and the transmission pump reduce net transmission efficiency and negatively impact overall vehicle fuel economy. A novel dual-speed drive that does not require clutches to achieve a speed-ratio change has been devised as an alternative to the planetary gearset. In this paper we describe the basic drive concept and the design and testing of two prototypes that was undertaken at the General Motors R&D Center.Copyright © 2003 by ASME