cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Local and Branch-specific Activity in Dendrites.

Abstract Dendrites are elaborate neural processes which integrate inputs from various sources in space and time. While decades of work have suggested an independent role for dendrites in driving nonlinear computations for the cell, only recently have technological advances enabled us to capture the variety of activity in dendrites and their coupling dynamics with the soma. Under certain circumstances, activity generated in a given dendritic branch remains isolated, such that the soma or even sister dendrites are not privy to these localized signals. Such branch-specific activity could radically increase the capacity and flexibility of coding for the cell as a whole. Here, we discuss these forms of localized and branch-specific activity, their functional relevance in plasticity and behavior, and their supporting biophysical and circuit-level mechanisms. We conclude by showcasing electrical and optical approaches in hippocampal area CA3, using original experimental data to discuss experimental and analytical methodology and key considerations to take when investigating the functional relevance of independent dendritic activity.
Using Demographics and Psychographic Dimensions to Discriminate between Mature Heavy and Light Television Users: An Exploratory Analysis

Increasingly, marketers have been targeting the elderly consumer for a wide range of products and services. Television has been used heavily as a media through which this segment has been approached. Using data generated from a sample of nearly 800 elderly, this provides a profile of the heavy user of television in the mature market. Multiple Discriminant Analysis is then used to assess the strength of the socio-psycho-logical dimensions in discriminating between heavy and non/light users. Results suggest that the heavy user of television has a lower morale, is more concerned about personal safety, health and financial security, has a home orientation, has perceptions of low respect, is an older elderly, is unemployed, has low income, and is less educated than are those who report not being heavy T.V. users. All the developed socio-psychological dimensions aid significantly in the classification of television usage, except for the social dimension. These findings are explained using activity theory. Implications for marketers and future research are also discussed.
On-Line Identification of a Variable Sampling Period Discrete Model and its Use for the Adaptive Control of Anaerobic Digestion

The concept of using cumulative amount of a quantity generated or consumed or fed, instead of time, as the independent dynamic model variable in sampled data process control or optimization algorithms is introduced. The sampling period becomes automatically varying, decreasing as the process dynamics speed up. The concept is illustrated with the adaptive control of an anaerobic digester, where the independent variable is taken to be the cumulative amount of methane produced. (The dependent variables are the dilution rate as manipulated variable and the methane production rate as measured output.) The algorithm also employs a modified least squares estimator, which excludes a certain number of the most recent data from forgetting.
Decision theory and the analysis of rare event space weather forecasts

[1] Several basic results from decision theory as applied to rare event forecasts are reviewed, and an alternative method for comparing rare event forecasts is presented. A fundamental result is that for a large class of users only interested in economic utility, the relevant performance quantity is the number of correct and false alarm forecasts. This is contrasted with the reality that most forecast models are optimized to have a high data-model correlation, which does not always correspond to maximum economic utility. The value score (VS) developed by Wilks (2001) partially resolves this disconnect between modeler- and user-relevant metrics. Although the value score is closer to what is most likely of interest to a user, maximal VS does not necessarily correspond to maximal utility for the realistic case where the cost and benefit are dependent on the amplitude of the forecasted event. An alternative comparison and presentation method is proposed which may resolve this problem. For the class of users considered, full specification of model performance requires computation of the probability of correct, false alarm, and missed forecasts at several amplitude levels and warning time spans. Examples of the computations involved for the modeler and user are given for predictions of large-amplitude energetic electron fluence and geomagnetic storms parameterized by the Dst index.
Writing good tests: the art and science

Many college professors create multiple-choice and other types of tests for use in the classroom or for research purposes. However, most have not been exposed to the principles involved with test development. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an introduction to test development including writing test questions, more commonly known as test "items." Through a combination of both hands-on activities and lecture, participants will be led through the steps of test development starting with an introduction to test specifications, practice with item writing and analysis, and finally ending with a discussion on reliability and validity. This information could prove helpful for those participants who wish to better their own classroom tests as well as for those individuals evaluating or researching educational programs.
Identification of functional promoter elements in the rabbit smooth muscle myosin heavy chain gene.

Despite the importance of smooth muscle cell proliferation in vascular pathophysiological states, the mechanisms regulating smooth muscle cell growth and differentiation are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that adult rabbit smooth muscles express two types of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, SM1 and SM2, which are generated through alternative RNA splicing from a single smooth muscle MHC (SMHC) gene. In the present study, we isolated and characterized the rabbit SMHC gene promoter. DNA sequence analysis of the upstream region of the SMHC gene revealed several putative cis-DNA regulatory elements proximal to the transcription start site. Most notably, cis-acting regulatory elements that closely resemble CC(A/T)6GG (CArG box) and myocyte enhancer binding factor 2 (MEF-2)-type sequence motifs were found in the SMHC 5‘-flanking region. In addition, six E-box motifs were found in the 5‘-flanking region of the SMHC gene between -374 and -2109 base pairs from the transcription start site. A series of transient transfection assays using SMHC promoter deletion constructs indicated that a promoter fragment extending to 2266 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site has the highest reporter activity in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Gel mobility shift analyses using the MEF-2-like sequence located at -1540 revealed a specific DNA protein complex, whereas the CArG-like element located at -1275 did not show protein binding. The SMHC promoter construct, p509-CAT, which included neither the CArG- nor MEF-2-type motifs, conferred 32% of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity in the same cells, whereas the construct p188-CAT, which contained the minimal promoter elements (TATA box), was significantly less active (7% 2.0-fold over background). This is the first report describing the promoter elements of a gene whose expression is restricted to smooth muscle cells.
Modeling Adventitious Root System Development in Trees: Clonal Poplars

Mechanistic growth modelers have recently become interested in exploring the mysteries of tree root systems. At the outset of these modeling efforts, some understanding of the morphology, ecology and physiology of roots, and how they correlate with the aerial parts of the tree is essential. The growing tree is an integrated system, with water, minerals, nitrogenous compounds, carbohydrates, growth regulators and other organic substances moving freely, though often phasically, between the roots and the shoots. A perturbation or stress in one part of the tree is sensed and reacted to in all others. In addition, roots grow in a complex, heterogeneous soil environment. If we are to improve upon existing mechanistic and predictive models of tree growth, or to build more responsive new models, the physiology and ecology of this integrated shoot-root-soil system must be better understood.
Zeeman Interaction in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

The Zeeman interaction is the physical phenomenon underlying the coupling of magnetic moments to magnetic fields. Its effects are detected in the features of spectra of samples taken while the sample is immersed in a magnetic field. Specifically, the features of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra depend strongly on the coupling of nuclear spins to various sources of magnetic field.
Anti-epileptic prophylaxis in traumatic brain injury: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing craniotomy versus decompressive craniectomy.

Background: Seizures account for significant morbidity and mortality early in the course of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although there is sufficient literature suggesting short-term benefits of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in post-TBI patients, there has been no study to suggest a time frame for continuing AEDs in patients who have undergone a decompressive craniectomy for more severe TBI. We examined trends in a level­II trauma center in southern California that may provide guidelines for AED treatment in craniectomy patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed evaluating patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and those who underwent a standard craniotomy from 2008 to 2012. Results: Out of the 153 patients reviewed, 85 were included in the study with 52 (61%) craniotomy and 33 (39%) craniectomy patients. A total of 78.8% of the craniotomy group used phenytoin (Dilantin), 9.6% used levetiracetam (Keppra), 5.8% used a combination of both, and 3.8% used topiramate (Topamax). The craniectomy group used phenytoin 84.8% and levetiracetam 15.2% of the time without any significant difference between the procedural groups. Craniotomy patients had a 30-day seizure rate of 13.5% compared with 21.2% in craniectomy patients ( P = 0.35). Seizure onset averaged on postoperative day 5.86 for the craniotomy group and 8.14 for the craniectomy group. There was no significant difference in the average day of seizure onset between the groups P = 0.642. Conclusion: Our study shows a trend toward increased seizure incidence in craniectomy group, which does not reach significance, but suggests they are at higher risk. Whether this higher risk translates into a benefit on being on AEDs for a longer duration than the current standard of 7 days cannot be concluded as there is no significant difference or trend on the onset date for seizures in either group. Moreover, a prospective study will be necessary to more profoundly evaluate the duration of AED prophylaxis for each one of the stated groups.
Non-Abelian behavior of α bosons in cold symmetric nuclear matter

The ground-state energy of infinite symmetric nuclear matter is usually described by strongly interacting nucleons obeying the Pauli exclusion principle. We can imagine a unitary transformation which groups four nonidentical nucleons (i.e., with different spin and isospin) close in coordinate space. Those nucleons, being nonidentical, do not obey the Pauli principle, thus their relative momenta are negligibly small (just to fulfill the Heisenberg principle). Such a cluster can be identified with an {alpha} boson. But in dense nuclear matter, those {alpha} particles still obey the Pauli principle since are constituted of fermions. The ground state energy of nuclear matter {alpha} clusters is the same as for nucleons, thus it is degenerate. We could think of {alpha} particles as vortices which can now braid, for instance making {sup 8}Be which leave the ground state energy unchanged. Further braiding to heavier clusters ({sup 12}C, {sup 16}O,...) could give a different representation of the ground state at no energy cost. In contrast d-like clusters (i.e., N=Z odd-odd nuclei, where N and Z are the neutron and proton number, respectively) cannot describe the ground state of nuclear matter and can be formed at high excitation energies (or temperatures) only. We show that even-even, N=Z,more » clusters could be classified as non-Abelian states of matter. As a consequence an {alpha} condensate in nuclear matter might be hindered by the Fermi motion, while it could be possible a condensate of {sup 8}Be or heavier clusters.« less
The Persuasiveness of Individualistic and Collectivistic Advertising Appeals Among Chinese Generation-X Consumers

This project examined the persuasiveness of individualistic and collectivistic advertising appeals among Chinese Generation-X consumers, ages 18 to 35 with high income and high education. In two field experiments, they were found to be equally persuaded by individualistic and collectivistic ad appeals, whereas their older counterparts were found to be more persuaded by collectivistic than individualistic ad appeals. Moreover, these persuasion effects emerged for shared products and not personal-use products. For the latter, both Generation-X and older consumers were more persuaded by individualistic than collectivistic ad appeals. The findings were interpreted in the context of rising biculturalism in China due to globalization, where more and more young urban adults adapt to both new, individualistic and traditional, collectivistic values.
The Causative Internal Passive in Qumran Aramaic

Although the prevailing vocalism of the Aramaic causative internal passive is thought to be ‘Hophʿal’, there is some evidence for an alternative vocalism with short /a/ in the first syllable, therefore ‘Haphʿal’. The orthographic renderings of the causative passive in Qumran Aramaic suggest that the vocalism in that dialect was throughout ‘Haphʿal’. Although it is tempting to hypothesize that ‘Haphʿal’ was in fact the normal vocalism of the stem in all ancient Aramaic, it is possible that ‘Hophʿal’ was also used in some dialects. Finally, it is suggested that the vocalism of the ‘Ittaphʿal’ stem is based on the ‘Haphʿal’.
Effect of cAMP on GnRH stimulated LH secretion from individual pituitary gonadotropes

Enhanced responsiveness of the pituitary gland to GnRH is a fundamental step required for secretion of the proestrous LH surge, and is achieved primarily by the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on the gonadotropes. The mechanisms involved are still unclear but the cAMP second messenger pathway can mediate some of these activities. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of in vitro cholera toxin (CTX; increases cAMP) pretreatment of pituitary cells from proestrous and diestrous 1 rats relative to their LH secretory response to GnRH using a reverse hemolytic plaque assay. The number of gonadotropes that secrete LH in the group treated with CTX increased at low doses of GnRH and also in the absence of the peptide, but decreased at high doses, showing a dual effect: stimulation of some gonadotropes and inhibition of others. The inhibition was achieved within 3 h of pretreatment in proestrous cells but it was not seen until 20 h in diestrous 1 cells. This suggests the existence of at least two subpopulations of gonadotropes, one of which is stimulated by cAMP and another which is inhibited.
Dehydration: A new alcohol theory

A central belief about ethanol is that it acts mainly by partitioning into the lipid bilayer of membranes. Newer ideas focus on the neuronal synapse and suggest that ethanol can allosterically change protein conformation, as is suggested by studies on GABA-receptor-mediated chloride uptake and on (Na(+)-K+)-ATPase. Several studies from my laboratory suggest that ethanol enhances enzymatic cleavage of sialic acid (SA) from gangliosides, and perhaps also glycoproteins, but does so without stimulating enzyme activity, suggesting conformational changes that affect accessibility. I propose a new model for the cell membrane in the synaptic region, which features gangliosides surrounding membrane proteins, with an interspersed film of water creating hydrogen bonds that anchor SA moieties to membrane protein. I believe that we should consider the possibility that an important action of ethanol, and polar anesthetics, is due to hydrophilic, not hydrophobic, properties and the ability to dehydrate the cell-surface microdomain. Our laboratory has recently advanced the theory that ethanol dehydrates a "solvent regulatory site" of membrane (Na(+)-K+)-ATPase. This principle might be extended to other enzymes and receptor proteins, as well as to the accessibility of sialoglycoconjugates to sialidase (neuraminidase). Hydrogen bonding between SA and polar regions of receptor protein, and the conformation on both imposed by it, would surely be changed by minor degrees of dehydration and substitution of alcohol molecules for water. Ethanol, unlike water, can only hydrogen bond "at one end." Displacement of water by ethanol would not only "free" the SA groups and make them more vulnerable to enzymatic cleavage but also could simultaneously change the conformation of receptor protein. Similarly, ethanol may displace water that links the polar heads of phospholipids to polar portions of receptors proteins. Ethanol may have an even more important and direct effect of substituting for hydrogen-bonded water within protein itself.
Formation of retinotopic connections: selective stabilization by an activity-dependent mechanism.

1. During regeneration of the optic nerve in goldfish, the ingrowing retinal fibers successfully seek out their correct places in the overall retinotopic projection on the tectum. Chemospecific cell-surface interactions appear to be sufficient to organize only a crude retinotopic map on the tectum during regeneration. 2. Precise retinotopic ordering appears to be achieved via an activity-dependent stabilization of appropriate synapses and is based upon the correlated activity of neighboring ganglion cells of the same receptive-field type in the retina. Four treatments have been found to block the sharpening process: (a) blocking the activity of the ganglion cells with intraocular tetrodotoxin (TTX), (b) rearing in total darkness, (c) correlating the activation of all ganglion cells via stroboscopic illumination and (d) blocking retinotectal synaptic transmission withα-bungarotoxin (αBTX). 3. These experiments support a role for correlated visually driven activity in sharpening the diffuse projection and suggest that this correlated activity interacts within the postsynaptic cells, probably through the summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). 4. Other experiments support the concept that effective synapses are stabilized: a local postsynaptic block of transmission causes a local disruption in the retinotectal map. The changes that occur during this disruption suggest that each arbor can move to maximize its synaptic efficacy. 5. In development, initial retinotectal projections are often diffuse and may undergo a similar activity-dependent sharpening. 6. Indirect retinotectal maps, as well as auditory maps, appear to be brought into register with the direct retinotopic projections by promoting the convergence of contacts with correlated activity. 7. A similar mechanism may drive both the formation of ocular dominance patches in fish tectum and kitten visual cortex and the segregation of different receptive-field types in the lateral geniculate nucleus. 8. Activity-dependent synaptic stabilization may therefore be a general mechanism whereby the diffuse projections of early development are brought to the precise, mature level of organization.
Gestational age at delivery and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations.

Objective The optimal gestational duration for twin gestations is unknown. Epidemiologic studies show that the lowest perinatal mortality rate for twins is at 37-38 weeks, but these studies lack information on pregnancy complications and neonatal morbidities. This study evaluates pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twins in order to assess the optimal gestational age for delivery. Study Design This is a retrospective study of twins delivered at ≥36 weeks at our institution from 1991-2009. The composite rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality (including perinatal death, respiratory distress, suspected sepsis, and need for neonatal intensive care) was determined for weekly intervals from 36-39 + weeks. Results There were 377 twin gestations included. Of those 83% were dichorionic. Fifty-three percent had spontaneous labor and 48% were delivered by cesarean section. Perinatal outcomes improved as gestational age advanced to 38 weeks. Conclusion Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates suggest that the optimal time for delivery of twins is at 38 weeks or greater.
Evidence for a prokaryotic promoter in the murine mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat

Abstract The long terminal repeat (LTR) of C3H murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) is approx. 1.3 kb long. Hae III digestion of a cloned Pst I fragment containing the left-end LTR generated four fragments of sizes 0.56, 0.41, 0.34 and 0.14 kb, one of which (0.41 kb) had a promoter activity in Escherichia coli . This was demonstrated by replacing the bacterial promoter for the neomycin-resistance (Nm R ) gene in the plasmid pKC56 with the Hae III fragments. Only the 0.41-kb fragment that contains sequences from the U3 region of the LTR was found to contain a promoter, as shown by the expression of the drug-resistance phenotype in the recombinant plasmid. The strength of this promoter was comparable to or greater than that found with the parental Nm R gene promoter. S1 nuclease mapping of the Nm R gene transcript indicated that the initiation of this transcript occurred within the 0.41-kb LTR fragment from a site approx. 10 bp upstream from the 3′ end. A comparison of the known DNA sequences in the MuMTV LTR with those found in bacterial promoters revealed that a ‘Pribnow box’, the initiation signal for the prokaryotic promoters, is present in the 0.41-kb LTR fragment upstream from the initiation site. Furthermore, in a recombinant plasmid that contained the complete LTR the same promoter sequences appeared to be involved in the initiation of RNA transcription. The 0.34-kb LTR fragment, which contains sequences derived from the U3 and U5 regions of the LTR, did not possess promoter activity in E. coli . However, it was found to induce deletions of adjacent plasmid DNA sequences. The deletions were specifically initiated from the downstream end of the LTR-fragment insert. The presence of a prokaryotic promoter in the MuMTV LTR, together with the observation that certain LTR sequences can induce deletions, analogous to those caused by transposable elements, in recombinant plasmids suggest that the MuMTV LTR may have evolved from such elements.
Successfully exiting homelessness: Experiences of formerly homeless mentally ill individuals

Abstract This study aims to identify and describe processes of change enabling achievement of stable housing among homeless individuals. Twelve previously homeless individuals who had maintained stable housing for a period of at least 24 consecutive months provided information through semi-structured interviews on the following topics: (1) the personal experience of homelessness, (2) the process of becoming housed, and (3) the role of significant life relationships. Only the second and third topic areas were included in this discussion. Eight categories were developed and analyzed from the qualitative interviews, including: work/employment difficulties, substance use and/or mental illness, cyclical nature of homelessness, personal motivation, housing-related issues, lessons learned, relationships with family/friends and relationships with service providers. The participants highlighted relationships with family, friends and service providers as central in the processes of achieving stable housing.
Low-infrastructure filter bag technique for neutral detergent fiber analysis of forages

Abstract We tested a water bath filter bag technique (WB) for analysis of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) versus a standard filter bag technique (ANKOM). The principal difference between WB and ANKOM was absence of a pressurized chamber for WB. The NDF method we used (aNDF) did not include sodium sulfite. One-hundred and ninety-six diverse forage and silage samples were gathered from Vietnam and New York State including: 40 C 3 grasses, 122 C 4 grasses, 21 legumes and 13 silages. Samples were completely randomized for parallel processing in ANKOM and WB. Water bath aNDF levels were strongly correlated with ANKOM ( r 2 = 0.995) with an overall mean difference of 6.93 g/kg dry matter, and can be described by the equation: ANKOM aNDF (g/kg DM) = 0.9963 × Water Bath aNDF − 4.536. Intercept and slope were not different from zero (P = 0.1953) and one (P = 0.4828), respectively. Unique intercepts and slopes by sample classification (C 3 grasses, C 4 grasses, legumes, silages) were significant in a multivariate model, but may not be necessary based on the strong overall relationship between ANKOM and WB aNDF. Furthermore, duplicate repeatability for ANKOM and WB was not different. The water bath method is viable for NDF analysis of diverse forage and silage samples, and could provide a low-infrastructure efficient alternative for low-budget laboratories.
Communication of Female Relational Aggression in the College Environment

Relational aggression is a set of direct (e.g., name-calling) or indirect (e.g., spreading rumors) behaviors designed to harm a target's social relationships and status. Interviews conducted with 30 college women revealed that relationally aggressive episodes involved small groups of women, took on common forms, included key content issues, occurred through face-to-face and mediated communication, and were managed in limited ways.
Senescent changes in scotopic contrast sensitivity

Abstract Scotopic contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) were measured for 50 observers between the ages of 20 and 88 years. Using a maximum-likelihood, 2-alternative, temporal forced-choice threshold-estimation algorithm, scotopic CSFs were measured at 7 spatial frequencies ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 cpd, with mean retinal illuminance equated for observers at −0.85 log scotopic Trolands. For each stimulus condition, eight cycles of a horizontal sinusoidal grating were presented within ±1 S.D. of a 2-D Gaussian-spatial envelope and within a 1-s Gaussian-temporal envelope. Stimuli were centered on the nasal retina along the horizontal meridian 6° from the fovea. Scotopic CSFs were found to be low-pass. Statistically significant age-related declines in contrast sensitivities were found for spatial frequencies at or below 1.2 cpd. There was also a statistically significant decrease in the high frequency cut-off with age (P
Human Gαq: cDNA and tissue distribution☆

Abstract G αq , a member of the G q family of heterotrimeric G proteins, transduces signals from several G protein-coupled receptors that stimulate membrane phosphoinositive hydrolysis. In orher to further vefine the role of G αq in the function of G protein-coupled receptors, we have cloned the cDNA encoding human G αq from a prostate cDNA library. Human G αq exhibits high homology with its mouse homolog − 94% similarity at the nucleotive level, and 99% similarity at the amino acid level. Northern hybridization data indicate high expression of G αq mRNA in organs of the human reproductive system including ovary, prostate, and testis.
SU(2) THEORY OF t–J TWO-LEG LADDERS

Abstract We present a low-energy effective model for the charge degrees of freedom in two-leg t – J ladders. Starting from the SU (2) mean-field theory, we find that, at low temperatures, the mean-field solution is the staggered-flux phase. Our analysis is applicable at low doping and in the `physical' range of parameters, t / J ∼3, where there is one massless mode in the charge sector and no massless modes in the spin sector. Low-lying charge excitations are described as bipolarons.
The potentiation of in vitro antibody response in low-responding mice by addition of cytokines.

Abstract The effect of exogenous cytokines on the antibody response to ARS-BGG after in vitro immunization in high- and low-responding strains of mice was determined. Twenty units/ml was established to be the optimal dose of cytokines. The low IgG antibody response to ARS-BGG in low-responding B10 mice was increased significantly by addition of either IL-4 or IFN-γ. Similarly, the lower production of IgA antibodies was elevated by addition of either IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 or IFN-γ. The levels of IgM were not influenced by any of the cytokines tested. Cytokines, therefore, play a fundamental role in regulating the responsiveness to protein antigen.
Does Computer Technology Improve Student Learning and Achievement? How, When, and under What Conditions?

There have been widespread claims that technology can make learning easier, more efficient, and more motivating. This article argues that ease and efficiency should not be the leading criteria for advocating and implementing computer technology in schools. The authors assert that to produce more meaningful learning, computer technologies need to be designed according to sound learning theories and pedagogy. When administrators, teachers, and parents understand that different computer technologies serve and augment different learning experiences, they can make informed judgments about which technologies are best suited to enhance student learning and achievement.
Radioreceptor and High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Assays for the Calcium Channel Antagonist Nitrendipine in Serum

: Radioreceptor and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assays for nitrendipine were developed and applied to the analysis of serum samples. The HPLC assay required both extraction and concentration of the serum samples, whereas the radioreceptor assay involved only direct dilution of the serum. The HPLC assay, in contrast to the radioreceptor assay, can be used for detection and quantitative analysis of biologically inactive metabolites. The radioreceptor assay is based on the competition between nitrendipine in serum and [3H]nitrendipine for high-affinity binding sites on cardiac membranes. Forty-two serum samples were obtained from five volunteers, and the HPLC and radioreceptor assay results were compared. A correlation coefficient of 0.98 was found between the results of the two assays within the nitrendipine serum concentration range of 1 to 20 ng/ml. No significant levels of active metabolites or any other interferences were found. The radioreceptor assay provides a specific and sensitive alternative to HPLC; it is rapid and inexpensive and with minor modifications may be applicable to most presently available Ca2+ channel antagonists.
High power 1550 nm distributed feedback lasers with 440 mW CW output power for telecommunication applications

Summary form only given. High power 1550 nm InGaAsP/InP single-frequency distributed-feedback lasers with record output powers are reported. Ex-facet power levels of 440 mW and single-mode fiber power of 340 mW have been achieved for CW operation at 20/spl deg/C.
Competitive Electron Transfer and Enhanced Intersystem Crossing in Photoexcited Covalent TEMPO−Perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) Dyads: Unusual Spin Polarization Resulting from the Radical−Triplet Interaction

A stable 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) radical was covalently attached at its 4-position to the imide nitrogen atom of a perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI) to produce TEMPO−PDI, 1, having a well-defined distance and orientation between TEMPO and PDI. Transient optical absorption experiments in toluene following selective photoexcitation of the PDI chromophore in TEMPO−PDI show that enhanced intersystem crossing occurs with τ = 45 ± 1 ps, resulting in formation of TEMPO−3*PDI, while the same experiment in THF shows that the electron-transfer reaction TEMPO−1*PDI → TEMPO+•−PDI−• occurs with τ = 1.2 ± 0.2 ps and thus competes effectively with enhanced intersystem crossing. Time-resolved EPR (TREPR) spectroscopy on the photogenerated three-spin system TEMPO−3*PDI in toluene at 295 K initially shows a broad signal assigned to spin-polarized 3*PDI, which thermalizes at longer times and is accompanied by formation of an emissively polarized TEMPO radical. No signals are observed in THF at...
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

patient's second infant against HBV infection. After immunoprophylaxis, this infant 's serum was strongly antiHBs at 11/2 years of age and the infant is immune to HBV infection. Therefore, we strongly suggest that t reatment with H B I G and the HBV vaccine be offered to all infants born to chronic HB~Ag carrier mothers, regardless of the HBcAg status of the mothers. Based on current recommendations, 0.5 ml H B I G should be administered within 24 hours of birth and the hepatitis B vaccine given within 7 days of birth and again at 1 and 6 months of age.
Solar-Powered/Fuel-Assisted Rankine-Cycle Power and Cooling-System: Simulation Method and Seasonal Performance

The subject of this analysis is a solar cooling system based on a novel hybrid steam Rankine cycle. Steam is generated by the use of solar energy collected at about 100/sup 0/C, and it is then superheated to about 600/sup 0/C in a fossil-fuel-fired superheater. The addition of about 20-26 percent of fuel doubles the power cycle's efficiencyas compared to organic Rankine cycles operating at similar collector temperatures. A comprehensive computer program was developed to analyze the operation and performance of the entire power/cooling system. Transient simulation was performed on an hourly basis over a cooling season in two representative climatic regions (Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, Ariz.). One of the conclusions is that the seasonal system COP is 0.82 for the design configuration and that the use of watercooled condensers and flat-plate collectors of higher efficiency increases this value to 1.35.
Reorientation of Misfit Dislocations During Annealing in InGaAs/GaAs(001) Interfaces

Transmission electron microscopy is applied to investigate the effect of postannealing on misfit dislocations in an In{sup 0.2}Ga{sup 0.8}As/GaAs(001) heterostructure. An orthogonal array of 60{degree} dislocations along [110] and [110] directions was observed in the interfaces of the samples grown by MBE at 520C. When the as-grown samples were annealed at temperatures ranging from 600 to 800C, the 60{degree} dislocations were gradually reoriented by dislocation reactions occurring at the 90{degree} intersections followed by nonconservative motion driven by dislocation line tension and the residual elastic misfit strain. The final result of this process was a dislocation array lying along [100] and {center_dot} [010] directions. The reoriented u = dislocation has a Burgers vector b = a/2 , which is the same as that of 60{degree} dislocation, but the edge component of its Burgers vector in the (001) interfacial plane is larger than that of 60{degree} dislocation by a factor of {radical}2, resulting in a greater contribution to elastic strain relaxation. This nonconservative reorientation of 60{degree} dislocations to form the u= dislocations represents a new strain relaxation mechanism in diamond or zinc blende semiconductor heterostructures.
Identification of phase II pharmaceutical metabolites in reclaimed water using high resolution benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Abstract This study described an analytical method for the identification of common phase II pharmaceutical metabolites in reclaimed water using liquid chromatography high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction (SPE). Orbitrap mass spectrometer was operated at resolution of 70 000 in MS mode and 35 000 in data-dependent MS/MS mode, without using lock mass. Firstly, parent drugs and their metabolites were tentatively identified based on accurate mass using a mass tolerance of 5 ppm. A detailed examination of the extracted ion chromatograms (XICs) for all potential metabolites revealed the presence of two phase II metabolites of sulfamethoxazole, acetylsulfamethoxazole and sulfamethoxazole glucuronide in reclaimed water. Secondly, the high resolution data-dependent MS/MS spectra of each compound were further investigated using metabolic profiling software. After comparing characteristic ions obtained in MS/MS mode with those predicted by the software and reported in previous studies, the two phase II metabolites were positively identified in reclaimed water. Lastly, the two metabolites were detected and quantified in the reclaimed water samples collected during a period of one month. As a result, averaged concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, acetylsulfamethoxazole and sulfamethoxazole glucuronide were calculated at 2848 ± 1367 ng L − 1 , 1980 ± 1410 ng L − 1 , and 2859 ± 1526 ng L − 1 , respectively. The two metabolites represented 54% of the source of sulfamethoxazole in reclaimed water suggesting the importance of measuring pharmaceutical metabolites in the environment. To our knowledge, this is the first known report of sulfamethoxazole glucuronide surviving intact through wastewater treatment plants and occurring in environmental water samples.
Soft-pion limits of the inclusive pion distributions in NN → π± + anything at rest

Abstract The PCAC hypothesis of extrapolating off mass shell is used to show that the invariant pion distributions in the reactions N N → π ± + anything at rest must vanish as the pion momentum tends to zero, a behavior which is supported by recent data on p n → π ± + anything.
Infant timbre perception: discrimination of spectral envelopes.

Seven-month-old infants were trained to discriminate the timbre of tonal complexes that differed in their spectral envelopes. In a conditioned head-turning paradigm, infants initially learned to discriminate stimuli that had the same fundamental frequency, 200 Hz, but different harmonic components (Le., frequencies). After successfully completing the basic timbre discrimination, the same infants learned to discriminate less salient stimuli from which the fundamental frequency had been removed. These results suggest that young infants can analyze the spectra of tonal complexes and discriminate differences in one of the most important cues for timbre perception in adults, the spectral envelope.
Mechanism of gas-liquid chromatographic separation of disubstituted benzene isomers using nematic liquid phases

Abstract From measurement and analysis of specific retention volumes of four pairs of meta and para isomers at four well controlled temperatures in the liquid-crystalline stationary phase p,p′-dihexoxyazoxybenzene, precise solute free energy, enthalpy and entropy parameters are obtained. It is found that the para isomer is more soluble and is retained longer, due to its more favorable excess enthalpy and enthalpy of solution. This behavior is interpreted in the light of current theories of nematic solutions, and a plausible separation mechanism is proposed. The extent to which this mechanism may be extended to other geometric isomers is discussed.
The many benefits of cultivating a community among IT staff

In decentralized environments it is more difficult to realize economies of scale, both in terms of development opportunities for IT staff and in terms of knowledge-sharing between IT units and staff. At Penn State, we are a distributed environment with multiple campuses and colleges - each with their own IT staff. We are essentially a collection of separate small-to-medium sized organizations. Today, budgets are increasingly tight, and the need for technical training is increasingly vital. While there are common problems and needs, the decentralized nature of the environment makes it difficult to address them with the strength or efficiency of a large institution.At Penn State, we have established an organic community of IT staff -- "organic" in that that it exists apart from organizational boundaries and requires very little management overhead. This community is supported by a multi-faceted set of community driven services, designed to accommodate geographicallydistributed audiences. Processes, functions, and offerings regularly leverage the collective knowledge of IT staff, who frequently view sharing their work and knowledge as opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Advances in collaborative tools have made assessment, communication, and planning much easier, which has resulted in significant reduction in staff training expenses by aggregating needs and bringing vendors on site. In some cases, we are able to provide training for the community using in house knowledge. Looking forward, with federation services, it is entirely possible that we could see such communities like this being established between universities and businesses.
Determination of p-halogenated phenylalanines and phenylalanine in plasma.

Abstract A method for the determination, either in combination or singularly, for phenylalanine or some p -halogenated phenylalanines in blood plasma is presented. A thin-layer chromatographic procedure was elaborated which separates the p -halogenated phenylalanines from phenylalanine by means of a cation-exchange resin. The fluorescence-emission and fluorescence-excitation characteristics of the fluorophores for a number of halogenated phenylalanines are described. The method has been applied to the determination of phenylalanine and p -substituted phenylalanines in the plasma of experimentally induced phenylketonuric rats.
Quencher gradient resist process for low k process

To accomplish minimizing feature size to sub 70nm, new light sources for photolithography are emerging, such as F2(157nm), and EUV(13nm). However there are many problems that should be solved for real device production. So extension of ArF(193nm) is necessary until the maturity of new lithography technique will be prepared. In this paper, we tested the feasibility of quencher gradient resist process (QGRP) to low k process. To compare with normal patterning process, QGRP needs additional step, over-coating. But this over-coating material differs from the normal over-coating materials in that over-coating material of QGRP has acid quencher sources. After the exposure, these quencher materials diffuse into the photoresist and quench excess acid that causes a sloped resist profile. As a result, vertical profile pattern can be obtained with QGRP. Using this QGRP, 70nm process, of which k value is 0.27, is possible with 0.75NA ArF scanner. For contact hole pattern, we could get direct 70nm C/H with QGRP. The exposure latitude of 70nm contact hole was improved more than 50% in case of QGRP compared with normal process. In addition, QGRP is applicable for immersion lithography.
Bow hunter’s syndrome secondary to bilateral dynamic vertebral artery compression

Bow hunter's syndrome is a condition in which vertebrobasilar insufficiency is resultant from head rotation, clinically manifested by presyncopal sensation, syncope, dizziness, and nausea. It is usually diagnosed clinically, with supporting vascular imaging demonstrating an occluded or at the very least compromised unilateral vertebral artery, while the dominant vertebral artery remains patent in the neutral position. Dynamic imaging is utilized to confirm the rotational compression of the dominant vertebral artery. We present the rare case of a patient with typical Bow hunter's symptoms, bilaterally patent vertebral arteries on neutral imaging, and bilateral compromise with head rotation. Our patient underwent posterior decompression of the culprit atlanto-axial transverse foramen and subaxial cervical fusion, with resolution of his symptoms. Our patient exemplifies the possibility of bilateral dynamic vertebral artery occlusion. We show that Bow hunter's syndrome cannot be ruled out in the setting of bilaterally patent vertebral arteries on neutral imaging and that severe cervical spondylosis should impart further clinical suspicion of this unusual phenomenon.
Modified Hopfield-Tank neural networks applied to the "Unitized" maximum flow problem

Two new approaches called "graph unitization" are proposed to apply neural networks similar to the Hopfield-Tank models to determine optimal solutions for the maximum flow problem. They are: (1) n-vertex and n/sup 2/-edge neurons on a unitized graph; (2) m-edge neurons on a unitized graph. Graph unitization is to make the flow capacity of every edge equal to 1 by placing additional vertices or edges between existing vertices. In our experiments, solutions converged most of the time, and the converged solutions were always optimal, rather than near optimal. >
Quantum construction of general relativistic spacetime

A construction of a model of general relativistic spacetime that arises naturally from within standard quantum theory is presented. In terms of this model all the usual structures of general relativity theory can be given a quantum-theoretic interpretation, so that the usual barriers between the two theories are absent.
Radial cortical fibers and pronuclear migration in fertilized and artificially activated eggs of Lytechinus pictus.

Abstract There is a radially oriented population of cytoplasmic fibers in activated eggs of Lytechinus pictus , as seen with the light microscope. This fiber system, which develops within 10 min after activation, is separate from the population of fibers associated with the development of the sperm aster following fertilization, since it also develops in eggs artificially activated with butyric acid. These fibers seem to originate from the cortex and elongate in a radical fashion toward the center of the egg. The elongation of these radial fibers is associated with the centrad migration of both male and female pronuclei in the fertilized egg, or the single female pronucleus in the artificially activated egg. Treatment with colchicine abolishes the presence of these fibers as well as pronuclear movement. Electron microscopy shows that the fibers are composed of bundles of 22- to 25-nm microtubules, and the data suggest that their development plays a major role in pronuclear migration following the natural processes of fertilization.
Understanding awareness: one step closer.

Attention enhances neural and behavioral responses to visual objects, but how does this affect our conscious perception? Attending to an object increases our subjective experience of stimulus contrast, reports a study in this issue.
Relativized Schnorr tests with universal behavior

A Schnorr test relative to some oracle A may informally be called “universal” if it covers all Schnorr tests. Since no true universal Schnorr test exists, such an A cannot be computable. We prove that the sets with this property are exactly those with high Turing degree. Our method is closely related to the proof of Terwijn and Zambella’s characterization of the oracles which are low for Schnorr tests. We also consider the oracles which compute relativized Schnorr tests with the weaker property of covering all computable reals. The degrees of these oracles strictly include the hyperimmune degrees and are strictly included in the degrees not computably traceable.
Political performance, boundary spaces, and active spectatorship: Media production at the 2012 Democratic National Convention

We present the results of a 5-day, observation and interview-based, multi-sited field study of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. We combine literatures on journalistic and political fields w...