cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Appetitive acquisition and extinction effects with exogenous ACTH.

Abstract Water-deprived rats were trained and extinguished on a lever-press response for water. Injection of 12 IU of ACTH in saline one-half hour prior to acquisition sessions increased responding early in extinction. Exogenous ACTH prior to extinction sessions had no effect on response rates. Acquisition performance with ACTH injections was examined in a second experiment utilizing more stringent controls for extraneous noise and level of motivation. In this study injection of 10 IU of ACTH prior to the session led to a highly significant increase (p
Hand Preference in Infant Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

In this research we examined hand preference in infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). The subjects were 20 Macaca mulatta, each aged between 4 and 11 months. We assessed hand preference using both a unimanual reaching task and a bimanual coordination task. In the unimanual reaching task, we presented subjects with raisins and noted which hand the animals used to retrieve the food. In the bimanual coordination task, we presented the same subjects with plastic tubes filled with raisin paste and noted which hand the animals used to hold the tubes and which hand the animals used to remove the food. We noted a population-level bias toward use of the left hand for both tasks. These results suggest early right hemisphere advantage for reaching and bimanual coordination in Macaca mulatta, although we acknowledge that this issue needs to be examined more directly through neuroimaging procedures such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We speculate that early right hemisphere advantage contributes to differential patterns of hand preference development for unimanual and bimanual action, and that the development of hand preference for bimanual coordination is related to the emergence of hemispheric specialization for processing species-specific vocalizations.
Volatile leaf oils of American Myrtaceae. III. Psidium cattleianum Sabine, P. friedrichsthalianum (Berg) Niedenzu, P. guajava L., P. guineense Sw., and P. sartorianum (Berg) Niedenzu.

ABSTRACT Samples of five species of the genus of Psidium (Myrtaceae) are analyzed for essential oils. The foliar oil of P. cattleianum Sabine is dominated by β-caryophyllene (59.92±1.70%). The foliar oil of P. friedrichsthalianum (Berg) Niedenzu is dominated by β-caryophyllene (36.82±19.44%) and α-pinene (10.61±13.70%). The foliar oil of P. guajava L. is dominated by β-bisabolene (19.21±2.44%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (14.75±0.01%). The foliar oil of P. guineense Sw. is dominated by β-bisabolene (13.18±2.00%) and α-pinene (12.85±5.42%). The foliar oil of P. sartorianum (Berg) Niedenzu is dominated by α-pinene (16.66±1.05%), β-caryophyllene (12.35±2.82%) and α-phellandrene (9.81±1.13%).
Shoulder arthroplasty in the paraplegic patient.

Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty in the paraplegic patient is a challenging procedure, because of the patients' unique demands on the shoulder. Previous information on the outcomes of this surgery in the literature is quite limited. Our experience in the prosthetic reconstruction of the arthritic shoulder in patients with pre-existing paraplegia was reviewed to define the results and identify any complications or the need for revision surgery. Method Six patients were identified as eligible for inclusion. One patient had a humeral head replacement (HHR) and the remaining patients total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The average age at time of surgery was 68.7 years. The most common cause of the paraplegia was poliomyelitis, which was present in 3 patients. The other etiologies were transverse myelitis, spina bifida, and familial spastic paraparesis. Patients were followed for an average of 84 months, ranging from a minimum of 24 months up to 200 months. Results were graded according to a modified Neer classification. Results The results were excellent in 1 shoulder, satisfactory in 4, and unsatisfactory in only 1. One patient continued to have severe pain post-operatively, but good pain relief was achieved in the remaining shoulders. Average postoperative elevation was 122°, ranging from 90° to 150°. Complications included pressure ulceration, pneumonia, brachial plexopathy, and humeral fracture. Conclusions Satisfactory outcomes in pain relief and range of motion can be accomplished with shoulder arthroplasty in the paraplegic patient. Complications are frequent and careful management of the patient necessary to minimize their occurrence.
Multiple pathways of propranolol's metabolism are inhibited by debrisoquin

We investigated the effect of debrisoquin on propranolol metabolism in six normal subjects who were extensive metabolizers of debrisoquin. Each subject was studied on two occasions. On the first occasion, each subject received oral propranolol (80 mg) alone; on the second occasion, 7 days later, each subject received a dose of propranolol (80 mg) 30 minutes after the administration of oral debrisoquin (40 mg). Oral propranolol clearance was reduced 33% +/- 16% (p less than 0.05) by the administration of debrisoquin. As predicted, the 4-hydroxypropranolol partial metabolic clearance was significantly (p less than 0.05) inhibited by debrisoquin. However, the side-chain oxidation pathway, as measured by naphthoxylactic acid, was also significantly (p less than 0.05) inhibited by debrisoquin. Debrisoquin administration did not change the renal clearance of any of the metabolites. These data support the usefulness of the in vivo inhibition model in the prediction of cosegregation of routes of metabolism. However, for propranolol, pathways of its metabolism that are not thought to cosegregate with debrisoquin was also inhibited.
Thermo-mechanical evaluation of 3D packages

3D organic packages with three-die stack were evaluated by finite element analyses and thermal cycle tests. The thermal cycle tests with different silicon thickness configurations were performed. The die-stack test vehicles with thin top die (150μm) did not show any failures during the 2000 cycles of thermal cycle tests. However, failures were detected for the test vehicles with thick top dies (400μm) and thick interposers (200μm). The finite element analysis showed that the minimum in interchip joint stress occurs at the range of silicon interposer thickness, 100-200μm. The analysis for underfill failures showed that the underfill strains at the filet edge and at the die-corner are greater for the packages with a thick top die (400μm) than for those with a thin top die (150μm). The analysis also showed a greater die-warpage for the packages with top die thickness of 150μm than those with the top die thickness of 400μm. The use of a low CTE laminate in a 3D package as a potential solution for achieving stress reduction and warpage was shown to be effective in reducing die-warpage and in reducing strains in underfill materials at the filet edge. The result of the thermal cycle test was consistent with the finite element analysis result which showed a greater underfill strains at the filet edge for the failed 3D die stack packages.
Cellular events in tolerance. IV. The effect of a graft-versus-host reaction and endotoxin on hapten- and carrier-specific tolerance.

The induction of hapten-specific and carrier-specific unresponsiveness has been used as a model of B and T cell unresponsiveness, respectively. Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) and a graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction were then evaluated for their ability to interfere with the induction of B and T cell tolerance in vivo. It was found that LPS, but not a GVH reaction had adjuvant activity in that LPS could convert a B cell tolerogenic signal into an immunogenic one. However, both treatments could partially prevent B cell tolerance induction with trinitrophenyl-isologous IgG. Under conditions in which the GVH-induced immunosuppression was minimal, carrier (T cell) tolerance was also reduced by the GVH reaction. LPS did not directly interfere with carrier unresponsiveness. We conclude that LPS can block the induction of unresponsiveness in B cells, whereas a GVH reaction can partially affect both T and B cell tolerance induction.
The effects of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide on the efflux of endogenous glutamate and aspartate from the rat spinal dorsal horn in vitro

Abstract Bath applied SP (2 × 10 −7 to 5 × 10 −7 M) produced a significant increase in the concentration of glutamate in the spinal slice perfusate, whereas the efflux of aspartate increased only with a higher concentration of SP (5 × 10 −6 M). The enhancement of the basal efflux of glutamate persisted in the absence of external Ca 2+ , but the effect was blocked by ( d -Arg 1 , d -Pro 2 , d -Trp 7,9 , Leu 11 )-SP, a SP analogue claimed to be an antagonist of synthetic SP. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP 10 −7 M) produced a significant increase in the concentrations of glutamate and aspartate in the perfusate. Neonatal capsaicin treatment prevented the SP-induced increase in the release of glutamate. In contrast, the effect of CGRP was not significantly modified by the capsaicin treatment. These results indicate that SP and CGRP are capable of modulating the basal efflux of endogenous aspartate and glutamate and this modulation may represent one of the mechanisms by which these peptides contribute to primary afferent synaptic transmission.
The Effect of Water Activity and Penetrant Vapor Activity On the Permeation of Toluene Vapor Through a Two-Side Pvdc Coated Opaque Oriented Polypropylene Film

The permeance of toluene vapor through an oriented polypro pylene film coated with a copolymer of vinylidene chloride (PVDC) was evalu ated as a function of water activity and penetrant vapor concentration. It was found that the value of permeance increased as both toluene and water activity increased.Toluene permeance values exhibited a strong dependency on toluene vapor concentration. This concentration dependency was shown to be less intense at high water activity values. Similarly, the effect of water activity-at a specified toluene concentration-on the permeance of toluene diminished as the values of permeant concentration increased. These results illustrate the complex rela tionship of penetrant vapor concentration and water activity on organic vapor permeability through a multilayer structure.
Epidemiology of thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are common and are commonly benign. The reported prevalence of nodular thyroid disease depends on the population studied and the methods used to detect nodules. Nodule incidence increases with age, and is increased in women, in people with iodine deficiency, and after radiation exposure. Numerous studies suggest a prevalence of 2-6% with palpation, 19-35% with ultrasound, and 8-65% in autopsy data. With widespread use of sensitive imaging in clinical practice, incidental thyroid nodules are being discovered with increasing frequency. Ultrasonography is the most accurate and cost-effective method for evaluating and observing thyroid nodules. Current ultrasonography machines are relatively inexpensive, sensitive, and easy to operate. Most endocrinologists are now using ultrasound examination in the initial evaluation of a patient with known or suspected thyroid nodule. The management of thyroid incidentalomas is a matter of controversy.
Time symmetry and thermodynamics

Abstract It is commonly thought that time asymmetry and process irreversibility find their best illustrations in thermodynamics. We argue that neither Fourier's law of heat transfer nor the second law of thermodynamics can indicate such an irreversible arrow of time. Irreversible processes of nonequilibrium systems are out of the scope of thermodynamics and belong in the research field of dynamics. The solution of any differential equation will automatically define the time symmetry or time asymmetry. Reversible processes and extreme irreversible processes are the only two types of process that can be treated in thermodynamics. There is no tight connection between time symmetry and reversibility, nor between time asymmetry and irreversibility. Temporal irreversibility is characterized by dynamic properties such as velocities. An electronic circuit is devised to illustrate that wave form process can be irreversible. The techniques of Fourier spectra and decay frequency spectra may be used to characterized dynamic properties.
Prior Conditions Influencing Nurses' Decisions to Adopt Evidence-Based Postoperative Pain Assessment Practices

Over the past 30 years, postoperative pain relief has been shown to be inadequate. To provide optimal postoperative pain relief, it is imperative for nurses to use evidence-based postoperative pain assessment practices. This correlational descriptive study was conducted to identify factors, termed prior conditions, that influenced nurses' decisions to adopt three evidence-based postoperative pain assessment practices. A convenience sample of nurses who cared for adult postoperative patients in two Midwestern hospitals were surveyed, and 443 (46.9%) nurses responded. The previous practice and innovativeness of nurses were supportive of adoption of the three practices. Nurses felt that patients received adequate pain relief, which is unsupportive of adoption of the three practices because there is no impetus to change. Nurses who perceived the prior conditions as being supportive of adoption of pain management practices used multiple sources to identify solutions to clinical practice problems, and those who read professional nursing journals were more likely to have adopted the three practices and were more innovative. The number of sources used to identify solutions to clinical practice problems, previous practices, and innovativeness were predictive of nurses' adoption of the three evidence-based postoperative pain assessment practices. Nurses need to be encouraged to use multiple sources, including professional nursing journals, to identify solutions to clinical practice problems. Innovative nurses may be considered to be opinion leaders and need to be identified to promote the adoption of evidence-based postoperative pain assessment practices. Further exploration of the large unexplained variance in adoption of evidence-based postoperative pain assessment practices is needed.
Relation of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Level to Extent of Left Ventricular Scarring in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Secondary to Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Multiple factors influence brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) release in patients with heart failure. We hypothesized that extensive myocardial scarring could result in an attenuated BNP response. A total of 115 patients with New York Heart Association class III chronic heart failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy were evaluated for ischemia, hibernation, and myocardial scarring by dipyridamole-rubidium-positron emission tomographic scanning with fluorine-18, 2-fluoro-2-deoxyyglucose. Plasma BNP levels were determined within 2 weeks of the study. Left ventricular dimension and function were evaluated by echocardiography. Patients were categorized as having
Repair of thermal brain injury in laboratory rodents.

Abstract Large zones of coagulation necrosis were produced in the cerebral hemispheres of rodents by burning the intact skull. Mice and guinea pigs responded weakly, with relatively few macrophages and slow vascular proliferation. Rats, gerbils, and hamsters responded more rapidly and with far more macrophages. Vascular and reticulin proliferation was especially notable in hamsters. In addition to the large interspecies differences, there were small intraspecies differences among inbred strains of mice but not among rats. Sex, adrenal factors, and genetic disposition to high or low total blood leukocyte counts were not responsible for these differences. Age had a minor role. Further comparative anatomical studies may increase the understanding of repair of brain injuries.
Acute Influence of Internal Mammary Artery Implantation on Ventricular Function

Ventricular function was studied acutely before and after internal mammary artery implantation in dogs with the following findings: (1) A single ventricular function study alone did not significantly alter the ventricular function curve obtained 45 minutes later. (2) Single IMA implant and two tunnels without implants appeared to depress ventricular function, although the depression was not significant in degree or frequency when compared with control values. (3) Double internal mammary artery implants depressed ventricular function more than 10% in eight of ten animals studied which was significantly more frequent than in control group I ( P P
Use of ungulates by Yellowstone grizzly bears Ursus arctos

Abstract Previous results of fecal analysis from the Yellowstone area and the known abilities of grizzly bears Ursus arctos to acquire and digest tissue from vertebrates suggested that grizzlies in this ecosystem obtained substantial energy from ungulates. This issue was addressed using observations from radio-marked grizzly bears, 1977–1992. Ungulates potentially contributed the majority of energy required for activity during the non-denning season for both adult female and male grizzlies. Most of this energy (95%) was estimated to come from the largest-bodied ungulate species (elk Cervus elaphus, bison Bison bison, and moose Alces alces), with greatest proportional contributions by scavenged adult male bison (16%), scavenged calf and yearling elk (10%) and adult female elk that were killed (8%) or scavenged (8%). Grizzlies acquired 30% of total edibles from ungulates by predation, of which 13% (or 4% of the total) came from predation on elk calves. Most scavenging occurred during the spring and was associated with the abundance and relative availability of different types of carrion. Predation and scavenging did not appear to be compensatory. Rather, total consumption of ungulates varied inversely with consumption of whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis seeds. The relative frequency of predation to scavenging increased with ungulate density. Contrary to previous suppositions, neither total ungulate use nor frequency of predation increased during the study, despite large increases in some ungulate populations. As expected by the identified trade-offs, Yellowstone grizzlies seemed to prey selectively upon moose, probably because of their solitary habits and forested surroundings, but otherwise favored vulnerable smaller-bodied ungulates such as elk calves. No predation on adult bison was observed.
Representation of spectrotemporal sound information in the ascending auditory pathway

The representation of sound information in the central nervous system relies on the analysis of time-varying features in communication and other environmental sounds. How are auditory physiologists and theoreticians to choose an appropriate method for characterizing spectral and temporal acoustic feature representations in single neurons and neural populations? A brief survey of currently available scientific methods and their potential usefulness is given, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of using noise analysis techniques for approximating spectrotemporal response fields (STRFs). Noise analysis has been used to foster several conceptual advances in describing neural acoustic feature representation in a variety of species and auditory nuclei. STRFs have been used to quantitatively assess spectral and temporal transformations across mutually connected auditory nuclei, to identify neuronal interactions between spectral and temporal sound dimensions, and to compare linear vs. nonlinear response properties through state-dependent comparisons. We propose that noise analysis techniques used in combination with novel stimulus paradigms and parametric experiment designs will provide powerful means of exploring acoustic feature representations in the central nervous system.
Dynamic response of embedded foundations: a hybrid approach

Abstract A hybrid approach is presented to obtain the dynamic response of foundations of arbitrary shape embedded in a layered viscoelastic half-space when subjected to external forces and elastic waves. The approach is based on the use of Green's functions for the half-space continuum combined with a finite element discretization of the finite portion of soil excavated for the foundation. Compared with direct or indirect boundary integral equation methods this particular combination permits a reduction of the number of calculations of Green's functions at the expense of additional finite element calculations. The validity and accuracy of the hybrid approach is investigated by comparison with solutions obtained by other methods for axisymmetric foundations embedded in a uniform viscoelastic half-space and in a layered medium. It is found that the proposed hybrid approach with an appropriate discretization of the soil excavated for the foundation can achieve excellent accuracy.
Cellular swirls in fine needle aspirates of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a new diagnostic criterion

No single cytologic feature is specifically diagnostic for papillary thyroid carcinoma. We report herein the presence of swirl-like cellular aggregates in fine needle aspirates of papillary thyroid carcinoma but not in other thyroid entities. Cellular swirls are defined as concentrically organized aggregates of tumor cells in which many of the most peripherally situated cells have ovoid rather than round nuclei that are oriented perpendicular to the radius of the swirl. One hundred Papanicolaou- and/or Diff-Quik-stained FNAs of the thyroid diagnosed as papillary carcinoma, including seven fine needle aspirates of cervical lymph nodes showing metastatic papillary carcinoma, with or without cell blocks, were reviewed for the presence of cellular swirls. An additional 100 thyroid FNAs, similarly stained and prepared, diagnosed as nodular goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and follicular neoplasm were also reviewed for the presence of cellular swirls. Cellular swirls were easily observed at screening magnification and confirmed at high magnification. Seventeen of 100 FNAs (17%) of papillary carcinoma contained cellular swirls. No cases diagnosed as nodular goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis or follicular neoplasm contained these structures. Thirteen cases with swirls had histologic follow-up. These comprised seven papillary carcinomas with classical histopathology, two designated 'differentiated papillary carcinoma,' two with follicular variant histopathology; one with a minor component of follicular variant histopathology; one papillary carcinoma metastatic to a cervical lymph node with classic histopathology. Swirls occurred in cases with relatively little pleomorphism, or in well-differentiated regions of papillary carcinoma that also displayed less well-differentiated components. Cellular swirls are a finding that is highly specific to papillary thyroid carcinoma. They are easily seen at screening magnification. Their presence in a FNA specimen may be helpful in cases where classic criteria for papillary thyroid carcinoma are scarce, particularly in well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma. While the size and scope of this study are insufficient to conclude that cellular swirls alone are diagnostic of papillary thyroid carcinoma in the absence of other criteria, we believe these structures should be added to the list of diagnostic criteria.
Antemortem diagnosis of metastatic sarcoma to the heart: a case report.

Abstract The case of a 57-year-old patient with suspected primary sarcoma of the pelvis and antemortem diagnosis of cardiac metastasis is presented. Postmortem examination revealed a fibrosarcoma of the pelvis with cardiac involvement. One of the metastatic nodules was found encompassing and constricting the descending branch of the left coronary artery, producing electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction. A review of the clinical manifestations and pathology of metastases to the heart is also presented.
Cholinergic urticaria with associated angio-oedema

Three patients are described who developed angio-oedema and urticaria after a hot bath challenge and physical exercise. In one patient this was accompanied by a fall in peak expiratory flow rate. Blood levels of smooth muscle biological activity, measured using a bio-assay, increased in all patients after experimental challenge. The association of angio-oedema with cholinergic urticaria is emphasized and possible mechanisms discussed.
Fulfilling programmatic needs at the University of Maryland at Baltimore: the reality

This article will focus on the actual needs enumerated in the University of Maryland at Baltimore's Health Sciences Library/Information Services program entitled, Health Sciences Library: A New Building for Information Services Including the Health Sciences Library. These needs fall into one of 3 categories: collection, staff, and users.
Residual styrene monomer in Chilean foods by headspace gas chromatography.

Dosage des residus de styrene monomere dans les aliments et dans les emballages de polystyrene. Etude des variations de ces taux en fonction du temps de conservation dans les emballages plastiques (migration du styrene)
CDRH RF phantom for hyperthermia systems evaluations

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored clinical evaluations of investigational 'regional' hyperthermia systems at four clinical institutions. To support this project, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) developed a series of test instruments to evaluate the magnitude and repeatability of the induced heating by radiofrequency (RF) systems. Data from three institutions using the same model hyperthermia system have been analyzed. After heating, the average temperature from measurements taken at several points in the test phantom at each institution agree within +/- 0.002 degrees C. These differences are about equal to the measurement uncertainty. Thus, this technique can be used for preclinical evaluation and quality control of the total system operation. After one of the institutions relocated its hyperthermia system, a subsequent set of data showed inconsistencies compared to their earlier data. Investigation traced this to cable loss and power meter interference. From the analysis of the data from the three institutions, the utility of the CDRH RF phantom for hyperthermia systems evaluation is demonstrated.
Econometric applications of maxmin expected utility

Gilboa and Schmeidler (1989) develop a set of axioms for decision making under uncertainty. The axioms imply a utility function and a set of distributions such that the preference ordering is obtained by calculating expected utility with respect to each distribution in the set, and then taking the minimum of expected utility over the set. In a portfolio choice problem, the distributions are joint distributions for the data that will be available when the choice is made and for the future returns that will determine the value of the portfolio. The set of distributions could be generated by combining a parametric model with a set of prior distributions. We apply this framework to obtain a preference ordering over decision rules, which map the data into a choice. We seek a decision rule that maximizes the minimum expected utility (or, equivalently, minimizes maximum risk) over the set of distributions. An algorithm is provided for the case of a finite set of distributions. It is based on solving a concave programme to find the least-favourable mixture of these distributions. The minimax rule is a Bayes rule with respect to this least-favourable distribution. The minimax value is a lower bound for minimax risk relative to a larger set of distributions. An upper bound can be found by fixing a decision rule and calculating its maximum risk. We apply the algorithm to an estimation problem in an autoregressive, random-effects model for panel data. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ongoing Reciprocal Teacher-Student Interactions Involving Disruptive Behaviors in General Education Classrooms:

This article presents the results of a 3-year study designed to detail the ongoing reciprocal sequence of interactions between teachers and students around disruptive behaviors in general education classrooms. The ongoing reciprocal interactions of teachers and 99 target students (i.e., those who exhibited high rates and/or severe forms of disruptive behavior) and 278 criterion students (i.e., those who did not exhibit disruptive behaviors or other behavioral adjustment problems) regarding disruptive behaviors were observed in general education classrooms.The results revealed that there were no differences in the relative occurrences of disruptive behaviors of target and criterion students across a wide range of ecological contexts. In addition, the disruptive behaviors of target students appeared to be somewhat unstoppable relative to criterion students, and the ongoing reciprocal interaction behaviors of both teachers and students remained constant over time.Teachers, however, were more likely to respon...
SURGERY AND FOLIATIONS OF KNOT COMPLEMENTS

An interesting class of knots have complement with a remarkably simple topological description. This class includes all the arborescent knots with only even weights hence, in particular, the two bridge knots and many knots of ten or fewer crossings. For these knots, there are choices of minimal genus Seifert surfaces S such that all taut, depth one foliations of the knot complement, having S as sole compact leaf, can be classified up to isotopy. These foliations correspond exactly to the lattice points over the open faces of the unit ball in a Thurston-like norm on the relative homology of the complement of S.
Estimating the (CO)5Cr–(η2-benzene) bond dissociation enthalpy: reaction of the (CO)5Cr(η2-benzene) complex with a series of (CH3)nTHF (n = 0, 1, 2, and 4) ligands

The displacement of the benzene ligand from the photolytically generated (CO)5Cr(η2-benzene) complex by THF and a series of methyl substituted (CH3)nTHF (n = 1, 2, and 4) ligands was studied using the technique of laser flash photolysis. The data suggest that two independent pathways (D and Id) contribute to the overall displacement of the benzene solvent from the Cr center. The contribution of the Id pathway increases as the steric bulk of the MenTHF ligand is reduced from Me4THF to MeTHF. The activation enthalpy of 11.4 ± 1.1 kcal mol−1 obtained when the entering ligand is Me4THF is considered to be a lower estimate of the (CO)5Cr–(η2-benzene) bond dissociation enthalpy. A detailed energetic profile of the substitution reaction is presented.
Fifty-three Years’ Experience With Randomized Clinical Trials of Emergency Portacaval Shunt for Bleeding Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: 1958-2011

Importance Emergency treatment of bleeding esophageal varices (BEV) consists mainly of endoscopic and pharmacologic measures, with transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS) performed when bleeding is not controlled. Surgical shunt has been relegated to salvage. At the University of California, San Diego, Medical Center, our group has conducted 10 studies of emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS) during 46 years. Objective To describe 2 previously reported randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted from 1988 to 2011 in unselected consecutive patients who received emergency treatment for BEV. Design, Setting, and Participants In RCT No. 1, a total of 211 unselected consecutive patients with cirrhosis and acute BEV were randomized to emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy (EEST) (n = 106) or EPCS (n = 105). In RCT No. 2, a total of 154 unselected consecutive patients with cirrhosis and acute BEV were randomized to TIPS (n = 78) or EPCS (n = 76). Diagnostic workup was completed within 6 hours of initial contact, and primary treatment was initiated within 8 to 12 hours. Regular follow-up for up to 10 years was accomplished in 100% of the patients. Interventions In RCT No. 1, EEST or EPCS; in RCT No. 2, TIPS or EPCS. Main Outcomes and Measures The 2 groups were compared with regard to survival, control of bleeding, portal-systemic encephalopathy, and direct cost of care. Results Distribution in Child risk classes was almost identical. One-third of patients were in Child class C. Permanent control of bleeding was achieved by EEST in only 20% of the patients and by TIPS in only 22%. In contrast, EPCS permanently controlled bleeding in 97% and 100% of the patients in RCT No. 2 and RCT No. 1, respectively ( P P P Conclusions and Relevance Emergency portacaval shunt permanently stopped variceal bleeding, almost never became occluded, accomplished 5 times the long-term survival than EEST or TIPS, and was much less costly than EEST or TIPS. The widespread practice of using EPCS mainly as salvage for failure of endoscopic therapy or TIPS is not supported by the definitive results of these long-term RCTs in unselected patients with cirrhosis. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00690027andNCT00734227
The politics of the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act (UCITA) in digital information policy development

The political process behind the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act (UCITA) and the implications for higher education are described. The negotiation, acquisition, and delivery of digital information to students and faculty are core services of academic libraries. UCITA is a proposed USA state contract law intended to regulate commercial transactions of intangible digital goods, such as computer software, online databases, and other digital information resources. UCITA may weaken the ability of libraries to negotiate balanced contracts. Group theory is used as a conceptual framework for explanation and analysis. Conclusions are: higher education institutions need to be aware of their role as economic entities in public policy formation, and librarians need to educate college and university administrators regarding the significance and institutional impact of digital information public policy.
In-residence, multiple route exposures to chlorpyrifos and diazinon estimated by indirect method models

One of the objectives of the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) is to estimate exposures to several pollutants in multiple media and determine their distributions for the population of Arizona. This paper presents modeling methods used to estimate exposure distributions of chlorpyrifos and diazinon in the residential microenvironment using the database generated in Arizona (NHEXAS-AZ). A four-stage probability sampling design was used for sample selection. Exposures to pesticides were estimated using the indirect method of exposure calculation by combining measured concentrations of the two pesticides in multiple media with questionnaire information such as time subjects spent indoors, dietary and non-dietary items they consumed, and areas they touched. Most distributions of in-residence exposure to chlorpyrifos and diazinon were log-normal or nearly log-normal. Exposures to chlorpyrifos and diazinon vary by pesticide and route as well as by various demographic characteristics of the subjects. Comparisons of exposure to pesticides were investigated among subgroups of demographic categories, including gender, age, minority status, education, family income, household dwelling type, year the dwelling was built, pesticide use, and carpeted areas within dwellings. Residents with large carpeted areas within their dwellings have higher exposures to both pesticides for all routes than those in less carpet-covered areas. Depending on the route, several other determinants of exposure to pesticides were identified, but a clear pattern could not be established regarding the exposure differences between several subpopulation groups.
Comparison of monoclonal antibodies for immunostaining in the cytomegalovirus shell vial assay on 4,388 specimens.

The shell vial assay is a sensitive, rapid test for the detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a variety of specimens. The sensitivity of this assay is dependent on a number of factors including the antibodies used for immunostaining. Monoclonal antibodies to the CMV major immediate early antigen (p72) from Chemicon (MAB810) and Dupont (NEA-9221) were assessed side by side in duplicate vials on 4, 388 specimens from a patient population consisting of > 90% organ transplant recipients. A total of 240 specimens (5.5%) were CMV positive in either one or both vials. Positivity rates were variable across different specimen types but highest (12.9%) in urine Specimens. Of the positive specimens, 175 (72.9%) tested positive in both vials, 43 (17.9%) tested positive in the Chemicon-stained vial only, and 22 (9.2%) tested positive in the Dupontstained vial only (P < 0.01, McNemar's chisquare test). This gave an overall positivity rate of 5.0% for Chemicon antibodies and 4.5% for Dupont. There was no difference in the fluorescent focus counts produced by the two antibody sets. It is concluded that use of the Chemicon antibodies provides increased sensitivity of detection of CMV in the shell vial assay above that afforded by the Dupont antibody. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The electroabsorption spectrum at the free carrier band-gap in poly(methyl phenylsilane)

Abstract We have measured the electroabsorption spectrum in poly(methylphenylsilane) at 95 K. A feature observed at 4.65 eV is assigned to the conduction band of poly(methylphenylsilane) and resembles an electroabsorption signal in polydiacetylene-PCHD crystals.
Segregation of Si and Ti in α-alumina

Abstract The segregation of Si and Ti in 0.6 wt.% TiO2-doped α-Al2O3 containing ∼0.05 wt.% impurity Si was characterized. The material developed an anisotropic microstructure consisting of alumina platelets in an equiaxed matrix. Si collects to form an amorphous aluminosilicate layer at basal boundaries of platelets, but little Si is present at any other grain boundaries. Ti segregates preferentially to the faceted or curved edge boundaries of platelets, with a concentration there that is nearly three times as high as at basal surfaces. Ti segregation to boundaries between equiaxed grains was intermediate and showed no significant or systematic boundary-to-boundary variation.
Novelty and Retention for Two Augmented Reality Learning Systems

Studies were conducted to measure novelty and learning retention while utilizing augmented reality (AR) in two learning systems. The first taught participants the basics of guitar and either a melody or scale using an AR guitar with an LED-embedded fret board. The guitar provided digital representations of learning patterns that users would otherwise need to visualize during the learning process. Results of three studies indicate that participants using the AR learning tool were able to perform more of the melody or scale after two-weeks. The second taught participants the basic functioning and anatomy of the heart, using either an AR model or a fiberglass model. Learning and technology acceptance were measured. Results indicated that the AR learning tool was as effective for participant learning when compared to the conventional fiberglass model learning tool. Furthermore, the AR learning tool was rated more enjoyable, curiosity inducing, and easier-to-use than the fiberglass model.
Orchestrating house dust mite-associated allergy in the lung

House dust mites (HDM; Dermatophagoides sp.) are one of the commonest aeroallergens worldwide and up to 85% of asthmatics are typically HDM allergic. Allergenicity is associated both with the mites themselves and with ligands derived from mite-associated bacterial and fungal products. Murine models of allergic airways disease for asthma research have recently switched from the use of surrogate allergen ovalbumin together with adjuvant to use of the HDM extract. This has accelerated understanding of how adaptive and innate immunity generate downstream pathology. We review the myriad ways in which HDM allergic responses are orchestrated. Understanding the molecular pathways that elicit HDM-associated pathology is likely to reveal novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Recombinant thyroid peroxidase-specific autoantibodies. II. Role of individual heavy and light chains in determining epitope recognition.

Most thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies in man recognize closely associated epitopes in two domains (A and B) on TPO. These epitopes were defined by recombinant monoclonal human autoantibodies expressed as antigen-binding fragments [F(ab)]. Only five heavy (H) and light (L) chain gene combinations encoded 34 F(ab), all of which have high affinity (Kd, approximately 10(-10) M) for TPO. We, therefore, investigated the roles of H and L chain genes in TPO domain recognition in two ways. First, we created hybrid F(ab) by forced recombination of H and L chain genes from 4 F(ab) recognizing the A or B domains. These hybrid F(ab) proteins, expressed in bacteria, bound extremely poorly (or not at all) to TPO, even at concentrations more than 100-fold higher than those required for detection of TPO binding by the original F(ab). Nucleotide sequencing of the cDNA as well as gel electrophoresis of the expressed proteins confirmed that poor hybrid F(ab) binding to TPO was not the result of cloning artifacts. Ther...
Phylogenetic Species, Reproductive Mode, and Specificity of the Green AlgaTrebouxiaForming Lichens with the Fungal GenusLetharia

Abstract The green algal symbionts of the lichenized fungus Letharia are identified as members of the morphospecies Trebouxia jamesii, based on ITS sequences that place them in a molecularly diverse clade with other lichen algae also identified as T. jamesii. However, based on additional sequence from a second locus, actin, T. jamesii is seen to consist of many phylogenetic species. A clade of six to seven closely related phylogenetic species of T. jamesii are symbiotic with five of the six phylogenetic species of Letharia. Within this broad level of specificity, there are also narrower patterns of specificity. For example, three cryptic species of T. jamesii were found only in two species of Letharia in California, a pattern that may be due either to biogeography, or to Letharia phylogenetically tracking Trebouxia. Allopatric Letharia vulpina has switched to a genetically distant phylogenetic species within the T. jamesii morphospecies, suggesting that habitat plays a role in specificity. One phylogeneti...
Justicia masiaca (Acanthaceae), a new species from northwestern Mexico

Justicia masiaca, a new species endemic to northwestern Mexico, is described, illustrated, and compared with the morphologically similarJ. longii. In its 4-aperturate pollen,Justicia masiaca is unique among those species ofJusticia with elongate, cylindrical corolla tubes that were previously treated inSiphonoglossa.
Aβ Vasoactivity: An Inflammatory Reaction

Mounting evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies in transgenic mice overproducing beta-amyloid peptides (A beta) suggests that A beta can induce vasoconstriction and decrease cerebral blood flow. In this report, we describe the vasoactive properties of A beta, in particular the enhancement of endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction and A beta's induction of a long-lasting vasoconstrictive event. Furthermore, we show that low doses (as low as 50 nM) of freshly solubilized A beta similar to those observed in the plasma of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease are vasoactive. By using various inhibitors and activators of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)/arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, we demonstrate that A beta vasoactivity is dependent on activation of this intracellular signaling pathway, resulting in stimulation of downstream cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase, which mediate production of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Taken together, our data show that A beta directly activates an intracellular proinflammatory pathway, which is responsible for its vasoactive properties.
Extrasolar planets: Window on a watery world

The first definitive signs of water have been seen in the atmosphere of a Neptune-sized exoplanet, paving the way towards the search for water on smaller Earth-like planets. See Letter p.526
The extreme-right and enfranchisement of immigrants: main issues in the public debate on integration in Belgium

In Belgium, the issue of (local) enfranchisement of foreign residents has without any doubt become the most salient topic of public debate on integration of immigrants and their descendants. Although debate about the issue dates back to the early 1970s, at the start of the 21st century it is still one of the hottest topics in Belgian politics. A second salient topic concerns the strategy against the Flemish extreme-right wing party the Vlaams Blok, or the debate about the so-called ‘cordon sanitaire’ since the 1990s. This contribution wants to discuss the public debate on voting rights for non-Belgians and the strategy against the Vlaams Blok as the most contentious issues in the wider debate about (the future of) immigrant incorporation in Belgian society. Thus, we hope to be able to clarify the (absence of) debate on integration and multiculturalism in Belgium.
A simple model to estimate turbulent density fluctuation and associated optical distortion over hydro-dynamically rough surfaces

Abstract Here we develop an analysis to estimate root-mean-square (RMS) turbulent density fluctuation over hydro-dynamically rough plates and cones for compressible flows. This information is then used to estimate standard aero-optical quantities such as the mean square random phase error and the Strehl ratio. To compute the density fluctuation, a closed-form analytical model has been developed using classical (inner-law) boundary layer results. The model estimates local compressible (adiabatic) skin friction, equivalent (Van Driest) log-law velocity profiles and boundary layer thickness and, via the Crocco–Busemann energy integral (assuming for simplicity adiabatic conditions) temperature fluctuations. Finally, using state and appropriate closures for the turbulent pressure fluctuation and Reynolds stresses, we arrive at an RMS turbulent density fluctuation result. This result is compared to experimental and semi-empirical models and shows reasonable agreement. The density fluctuation is of particular interest since it can be directly related to estimate the local refractive index associated with the flow through the Gladstone–Dale constant. The refractive index field provides the basis for aero-optical modeling of a particular system, with a particular focus on beam path bending, the mean square random phase error and the related Strehl ratio.
Over-expression of p73β results in apoptotic death of post-mitotic hNT neurons

Abstract The p53-related p73 protein is an important mediator of apoptosis, development and tumorigenesis. Previously, we showed that over-expression of the p73β isoform induced apoptosis in proliferating neuronal cells; however, the study did not address the effect of p73 in post-mitotic neurons. To address this question, we used post-mitotic hNT neurons, which have been used as a model of human central nervous system neurons. We found that over-expression of p73β in hNT neurons resulted in apoptosis and an increase in the expression of p57Kip2 and Bax, but no increase in p53 expression. These results suggest that apoptosis of post-mitotic neurons induced by p73β may involve these mediators. Understanding the regulation of p73 expression will be important for understanding the development of the nervous system and may have implications for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Health Care Costs and Public Policy Toward Employee Health Plans

The growing cost of health care and health insurance have become major public policy issues, since these costs affect governments in several roles: as borrowers in financial markets, as major purchasers of health care, as employers, and—at the state and local level—as payers of last resort. This paper reviews various public policy initiatives that are part of the government's concern about health care costs: proposals to reduce tax preferences for employer contributions to health insurance; changes in public employee group health insurance plans to contain cost; and emerging public policy toward the growing problem of health care indigency. Although public-employee health insurance plans are only one source of health care costs for government, government responses to other sources of health care costs may also affect public employee plans.