cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of epicardial controlled-release lidocaine for ventricular tachycardia induced by rapid ventricular pacing in dogs

Summary: The effects of epicardial lidocaine on ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced by rapid ventricular pacing (50 Hz) were studied in dogs. Lidocaine-polyurethane (28% wt/wt) matrixes (40-50 mg, 5 x 5 mm) were placed proximal to bipolar left ventricular epicardial electrodes in open-chest anesthetized dogs (n = 9) after VT was established by rapid ventricular pacing. In the first set of experiments, matrices were removed immediately after VT had converted to sinus rhythm. Control animals underwent VT induction protocol with a nondrug-containing matrix positioned next to the epicardial electrode. In the lidocaine-treated animals, VT conversion was noted in all animals and occurred after 51.7 ± 8.9 s (mean ± SE), with a VT threshold current elevation of 73.5 ± 11.2% above baseline at the time of conversion which progressed to 259 ± 44% of the initial value by 5.4 ± 0.5 min post-matrix placement. Lidocaine 1.4 ± 0.1 mg was delivered to the myocardium at the time of VT conversion (0.11 ± 0.01 mg/kg). In comparison, accelerated VT persisted for 5 min in three of five control animals, and progressed to ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the other two animals. In a separate series of eight dogs, the lidocainepolyurethane matrixes were left in place for 4 h so that we could study the sustained antiarrhythmic action of controlled- release lidocaine on VT induction. The results of these experiments demonstrated a maintenance of the VT threshold elevation at a level of 53.9 ± 10.8% after 4 h, with a net lidocaine dose of 0.52 ± 0.06 mg/kg after 4 h of controlled release. Peripheral plasma levels of lidocaine during ≤ 4 h of controlled release ranged from 93.9 to 158.5 ng/ml and were detectable only by fluorescent highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, regional coronary venous lidocaine levels were in the therapeutic range (1.15-2.63 µg/ml) and remained relatively constant during 4 h of controlled release
Inclined-Field Structure, Morphology, and Pinning of the Vortex Lattice in Microtwinned YBa2Cu3O7.

A detailed small-angle neutron scattering study of the vortex lattice in a single crystal of YBa2Cu3O7 was made for a field of 0.5 tesla inclined at angles between 0 and 80 degrees to the crystalline c axis. The vortex lattice is triangular for all angles, and for angles less than or equal to 70 degrees its orientation adjusts itself to maximize the pinning energy to densely and highly regularly spaced twin planes. These observations have important implications for the microscopic flux-pinning mechanism, and hence for the critical current achievable in YBa2Cu3O7. For large angles (about 80 degrees) the vortex lattice consists of independent chains in the orientation predicted by anisotropic London theory.
Emulsion Polymerization of Diene Hydrocarbons

Abstract In any study of polymerization, careful consideration must be given to factors such as type and concentration of emulsifying agent, concentration of monomer, temperature, catalyst, and certain added chemicals which may have a marked effect on the results obtained. It is possible to make elastomers of considerable utility from mixtures of butadiene and many other polymerizable compounds. Several of these are superior to those made from butadiene and styrene in particular respects; but considering availability and cost of raw materials, this work has not uncovered any butadiene copolymers which would have been preferred over those made with styrene or acrylonitrile in the period of national emergency. The possibility of obtaining high grade elastomers from the diene hydrocarbons alone appears to justify further investigation.
SPINOZA'S THEORY OF MOTIVATION

: On the basis of 3p9s and 3p39s of the Ethics, it might seem that, for Spinoza, a judgment about something's goodness or badness is motivationally inert and, moreover, that value judgments essentially reflect an individual's pre-existing motivational states. However, in this paper I show that Spinoza holds that under certain conditions a motivational state results from a value judgment. Spinoza's theory of motivation consists of two accounts of the psychological order of value judgments and motivational states: an account of their order in those in bondage as well as an account of their order in those who are free.
Decentering the Anthropologist: Legal Enforcement of Research Ethics

: Lisa Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents,” the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
Ages of tuff beds at East African early hominid sites and sediments in the Gulf of Aden

The early hominids of East Africa were dated by determining the ages of tuff beds at the sites. Despite much research using palaeomagnetic and K/Ar-dating techniques, some of those ages are still controversial1,2. To obtain independent age estimates for these tephra layers, we have examined cores from DSDP Sites 231 and 232 in the Gulf of Aden (Fig. 1a) which consist mainly of calcareous nannofossil ooze, but also contain rare tephra horizons3 dated by interpolation from the established nannofossil stratigraphy (Fig. 1b). Chemical analysis confirms that the identity and sequence of these horizons is the same as that at the East African sites. We conclude that the age of the Tulu Bor Tuff is <3.4 Myr and hence that the Hadar hominid specimens are also <∼3.4 Myr old.
The Effects of Peer Assisted Communication Application Training on the Communicative and Social Behaviors of Children with Autism

Non-verbal children with autism are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Augmentative and Alternative Communication is defined as systems that either supplement or replace existing communication when speech impairments are present, such as the case with non-verbal children with autism (Mirenda, Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools 34(3), 203–216, 2003). One type of AAC device is a speech-generating device (SGD). The primary drawbacks of past SGDs, which are portable electronic devices that produce digitized speech were their expense and portability. Newer iPod-based VOCAs alleviate these concerns. This study sought to evaluate an iPod-based SGD and a peer mediated intervention to teach children with autism more sophisticated communication skills. Using a multiple baseline design, four children with autism were taught through peer assisted communication application (PACA) training how to mand using a two-step sequence and respond to the questions, “What do you want?” and “What is your name?” using a two-step sequence. Data were taken on the number of independent mands and independent responses. Results indicated that three of the four participants were able to acquire communicative skills. The implications are analyzed in regards to the effectiveness of peer assisted communication application training to teach sophisticated communication skills.
The use of plasmapheresis during exchange transfusion for hepatic encephalopathy

Four adolescent patients were treated for hepatic coma; none survived. A modified technique of exchange transfusion, using the principle of plasmapheresis, was employed in 2 patients. The results suggest that this technique deserves further trial in the management of hepatic coma.
Thermography and ultrasound in detection and diagnosis of breast cancer

Although thermography has not proven to be of significant value in detecting early breast cancer as used in the National Breast Cancer Detection Program, it can represent a high risk indicator and can be useful in combination with other factors in reducing the number of women who should receive routine mammograms for screening purposes. In breast cancer patients, thermography has been shown to have prognostic value. "Cold" breast cancers have an increased survival as compared to those with increased infrared emission in some series. The use of diagnostic ultrasound to date has been generally limited to evaluation of breast cancer or masses found by either palpation or mammography. Recent improvements in technology with the use of multiple transducers, higher frequencies, through-transmission techniques, and computerization have resulted in finding lesions greater than one centimeter in diameter. Lesions below this size and small calcifications have not so far been generally demonstrated successfully because of the limitation of ultrasound resolution.
A Characterization of Exponential and Ordinary Generating Functions

It is common to represent a sequence a=(a0, a1, ?) of complex numbers with a generating function. G.C. Rota once remarked that among all the possible generating functions that might be used to represent a, the ordinary and exponential generating functions are the most ubiquitous. It is unclear what, if anything, makes these two particular representations special. We show here that the ordinary and exponential representations uniquely possess the property that the determinants of the Hankel matrices of certain convolutional polynomials in a are independent of a1. Hankel matrices are closely associated with the problem of moments and the problem of moment preserving maps and hence the independence of a1 has some curious implications. For example determining if a is a sequence of cumulants for some distribution is necessarily independent of the value for the mean a1. We explore this and other applications of the generating function characterization property within probability and combinatorics.
Purification and characterization of a new thiol proteinase from rat kidney.

Abstract The levels of activity of a new proteinase, termed cathepsin T, in rat tissues were examined. This enzyme had been previously reported to exist in rat liver on the basis of its catalysis of the conversion of multiple forms of tyrosine aminotransferase ( l -tyrosine: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.5). Kidney was found to be the richest source of a cathepsin T Activity, exhibiting about 10-times as great a specific activity as found in liver. The order of cathepsin T activity in tissues was kidney >; >; spleen >; liver >; small intestine >; lung. The proteinase activity was not detectable in heart, skeletal muscle, brain and blood. Kidney cathepsin T was purified about 1400-fold to homogeneity with a 20% yield by the purification procedure similar to that used for the liver enzyme (Gohda, E. and Pitot, H.C. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 7371–7379). Cathepsin T purified from rat kidney was found to be a glycoprotein, the molecular weight of which was between 33 500 and 35 000. Purified kidney cathepsin T converted Form I of tyrosine aminotransferase in the same way as the liver proteinase, with concomitant conversion of 52 500 dalton subunits of the minotransferase to 48 000 dalton subunits. Kidney cathepsin T showed the same specific activities toward Form I of tyrosine aminotransferase, casein and acid-denatured hemoglobin as did the liver form of the enzyme. Many other characteristics common to the proteinases purified both from rat kidney and liver were found. We have concluded that kidney cathepsin T is the same enzyme as the liver proteinase.
Atrial Lead Dysfunction : An Unusual Feature of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is known to have a multitude of cardiac electrophysiologic effects, including bradycardia, atrioventricular block, prolonged QT interval, and elevated ventricular pacing thresholds. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with isolated dysfunction of her atrial pacemaker lead, which reversed with thyroid hormone replacement.
Perinatally Acquired HIV-1 Infection: Prevention and Evaluation of HIV-Exposed Infants

Perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the primary cause of pediatric HIV infections. In recent years, perinatal HIV-1 transmission rates in the United States have declined markedly because of several factors that include enhanced voluntary counseling and HIV-1 testing (VCT) for pregnant women, widespread use of antiretroviral prophylaxis or combination antiretroviral therapy, avoidance of breastfeeding, and elective cesarean delivery. However, perinatal transmission of HIV-1 still occurs, and 300 to 400 infected infants are born annually, primarily because of missed prevention opportunities. The pediatrician plays a vital role in the prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV-1 by identifying newborns born to infected mothers who were not tested during pregnancy, administering antiretroviral prophylaxis, and ensuring follow-up to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in early infancy. This article reviews recent advances in the prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV-1, discusses evaluation and treatment of infants exposed to HIV-1, and highlights certain unique features of HIV-1 infections in infants, with a focus on early diagnosis, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis.
Stochastic quantization of gauge theories

Abstract The equivalence between a scalar quantum field theory in D dimensions and its classical counterpart in D + 2 dimensions which is coupled to an external random source with Gaussian correlations was observed by previous authors. This stochastic quantization is extended to gauge theories. The proof exploits the supersymmetry formalism suggested by Parisi and Sourlas.
The importance of being “other”: A natural experiment about lived race over time

Abstract Despite recent concern with the measurement of race, almost no scholarship has explored the residual response category of “other” itself. The 2000 census included a significant number selecting “other,” suggesting that the option was not simply a residual response. Using a serendipitous change in the measurement of race in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we explore the social reality of the “other” category at three levels of analysis: self-identification, external attribution, and structural interpretation. Far from being a residual category, we find that “other” is a meaningful social category for about half of the Hispanics in Add Health. Current measurement conventions that distinguish between race and ethnicity, while established for laudable reasons, misrepresent the ways that Americans—Hispanic and otherwise—utilize social categories. Individuals do not treat Hispanics differently than blacks or Asians when seen as members of a meaningful social group. The separation of race from ethnicity leads to confusion and measurement difficulty. Such problems are compounded when “other” is removed as a potential response.
Can democracy go global

In his Democracy across borders, Bohman articulates an ambitious political proposal for a future international order. Perhaps its most salient feature is the promise of global democracy without a world government. Global democracy is usually associated with the ideal of a world community unified under a set of global democratic institutions. Fear of the totalitarian consequences that such a concentration of power would generate often leads even the staunchest cosmopolitans to limit their democratic aspirations to the national level and merely hope for the progressive implementation of the rule of law at the global level. In his book, Bohman tries to break with the widespread assumption that an increase in democratization across national borders must be purchased at the price of a concentration of power that dangerously increases the potential for political domination. According to Bohman, this assumption is rooted in a narrow understanding of the democratic ideal - an understanding that needs to be replaced by a more complex one. (Published: 5 February 2010) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2010, pp. 13-19. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v3i1.4850
A technique for error estimation of linewidth and damping parameters extracted from ferromagnetic resonance measurements

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) characterization, using a vector network analyzer (VNA), is widely used to determine anisotropy, g-factor, and Gilbert damping parameter of magnetic thin films, but results are typically reported without calculation of the measurement accuracy. We present a method of processing VNA-FMR measurements to determine both the value and confidence interval of these properties. The discussion is presented using FMR data obtained from stacks of MgO/CoFeB/Ta/CoFeB/MgO with varying CoFeB thickness. Measured S-parameters are de-embedded, drift corrected, fit to a Lorentzian curve, and analyzed to produce a confidence interval. A method of plotting the results of the Lorentzian fitting such that fitting errors or measurement drift can be visually analyzed is shown.
Construction of Response Surface Approximations for Design Optimization

Using response surface approximations for design constraints in design optimization provides the designer with an overall perspective of the system response within the design space. Response surface approximations also reduce the numerical noise inherent in many numerical models and simplify the process of integrating several design codes, as is typically required in multidisciplinary optimization. Procedures are discussed for constructing accurate response surface approximations to represent design constraints in design optimization. Response surface approximations are constructed for the stresses and buckling loads of an isotropic plate with an abrupt change of thickness. These response surface approximations are constructed from numerical experiments conducted with a finite element analysis procedure and are used for minimum-weight optimum design of the plate. Nondimensional variahles and stepwise regression are used to reduce the complexity and increase the accuracy of the response surface approximations. Additionally, higher-order polynomials (cubic and quartic instead of the more traditional quadratic) are used as response surface approximations, and a detailed error analysis, using an independent data set, is performed. Finally, it is shown that, by making use of response surface approximations, the optimum weight of the plate may be presented in the form of a design chart for a wide range of geometric, loading, and material constants.
Role of stress in thin film alloy thermodynamics: competition between alloying and dislocation formation.

Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and first-principles local-spin-density-approximation calculations to study submonolayer films of $\mathrm{Co}{}_{1\ensuremath{-}c}\mathrm{Ag}{}_{c}/\mathrm{Ru}(0001)$ alloys, we have discovered a novel phase-separation mechanism. When the Ag concentration $c$ exceeds 0.4, the surface phase separates between a dislocated, pure Ag phase and a pseudomorphically strained $\mathrm{Co}{}_{0.6}\mathrm{Ag}{}_{0.4}$ surface alloy. We attribute the phase separation to the competition between two stress relief mechanisms: surface alloying and dislocation formation. The agreement between STM measurements and our calculated phase diagram supports this interpretation.
medical dialogue and the political economy of medical pluralism: a case from rural highland Bolivia

In environments that are ethnically and medically pluralistic, medical dialogue is an arena in which political and economic processes take place. Through medical dialogue, the content of ethnic identity is constructed and negotiated. Medical dialogue therefore can serve as a window through which one can view social processes. Data from a rural highland Bolivian town demonstrate these theses, which have implications for the common dichotomy in medical anthropology that divides medical systems into “traditional” and “modern.”
Demonstration of Collisionless Interactions Between Interstreaming Ions in a Laser-Produced - Plasma Experiment

Evidence has been obtained for collision-free momentum transfer between the ions of interstreaming plasmas in a laser-produced-plasma experiment. Diagnostics employed included fast photography, shadowgraphy, and electric potential probes. Spectroscopy provided direct evidence of momentum transfer from Doppler shifts of ion lines.
Adsorption characteristics of metal-EDTA complexes onto hydrous oxides

The adsorption characteristics of a variety of metal-EDTA complexes onto hydrous oxides, principally aluminum oxide (γ-Al2O3), were examined in aqueous solution. Adsorption of these complexes increased with increasing proton concentration due to the formation of surface complexes between EDTA and the surface hydroxo groups, specifically the AlOH2+ surface groups. The pH-dependent adsorptive behavior and the magnitude of adsorption of the “free” EDTA species were similar to those of the metal complexes. The results also showed that the adsorption of “free” EDTA was exothermic, while the adsorption of Ni(II)-EDTA complexes was endothermic in the lower pH region (∼3.5) and exothermic at higher pH values (∼6.0). This implied that the surface preferred the NiHEDTA−1 species rather than the NiEDTA−2 species. Specific adsorption of the metal complexes was evidenced by the charge reversal exhibited by the γ-Al2O3 particles at the highest surface loadings. A quantitative model was formulated based on the pH-dependent speciation of the oxide surface, speciation of the metal complexes in solution, and ζ potential measurements. This model proved valid over a wide range of pH (3–10) and for both high (>50% coverage) and low (<10% coverage) surface loadings.
Availability/reliability engineering analysis of three, four, and five-stage unreliable series transfer lines

Abstract Series transfer lines provide the modern manufacturing facility with an orderly and efficient method of product assembly. Sequential tasks are assigned to specific workstations along the line. Buffers between the workstations provide on-line inventories to regulate product flow along the line. Previous reliability or availability analysis of these lines employed continuous-time Markov chain models. The analysis here focuses on recent developments in discrete-time Markov modeling of lines with unreliable workstations and nonfailing buffers. Specifically, this paper demonstrates a more stable and efficient computation of stationary-state workstation buffer model probabilities for unreliable lines. In addition, a highly efficient algorithm was developed to isolate and remove transient states from the model. Finally, a regression analysis linear model was developed to predict the effects of changing individual workstation availabilities and buffer capacities on overall line availability.
Chemosurgical Debridement of Osteomyelitic Bone by Zinc Chloride Fixative

Zinc chloride fixative (as described in fixed-tissue Mohs surgery) is useful as a chemical debridement method for osteomyelitic bone. We describe a case of an 86-year-old female with a 67-year history of an osteomyelitic ulcer of the anterior tibia. Previous attempts at surgical extirpation of the bone followed by immediate or delayed repair by orthopedic and plastic surgery services had eventuated in recurrence of the basic osteomyelitic process. Below-the-knee amputation was recommended as the only alternative to treatment. However, we chose to apply zinc chloride fixative which penetrated the full thickness of cortical bone and revealed a wider and deeper extent of the infectious process than previously recognized. Following removal of the fixed bone, a muscle flap repair followed by split-thickness skin grafting was done by plastic surgery. The patient remains ulcer and symptom free 31 months postoperatively. We feel zinc chloride fixative is useful as an adjunct to other surgical means of extirpation of bone as it is tissue sparing and more accurately determines the extent of involved bone when infected.
An ABC inequality for Mahler’s measure

We prove an upper bound for the Mahler measure of the Wronskian of a collection of N linearly independent polynomials with complex coefficients. If the coefficients of the polynomials are algebraic numbers we obtain an inequality for the absolute Weil heights of the roots of the polynomials. This later inequality is analogous to the abc inequality for polynomials, and also has applications to Diophantine problems.
Effect of Nonlinear Collective Processes on the Confinement of a Pure-Electron Plasma

Etude des processus collectifs non lineaires par lesquels les champs perturbateurs, statiques, asymetriques, peuvent transferer la quantite de mouvement angulaire, mais pas l'energie, au plasma et produire une expansion radiale. L'asymetrie du champ peut agir comme une pompe qui excite les modes filles par l'instabilite de decomposition
Synthesis of Heterotelechelic Polymers for Conjugation of Two Different Proteins

We describe a straightforward approach to synthesize polymers with end-groups that bind site-specifically to two different proteins. Telechelic biotin−maleimide poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) was synthesized for the formation of streptavidin (SAv)−bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer conjugates. Reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of NIPAAm was conducted in the presence of biotinylated chain transfer agents (CTAs) with either ester or amide linkages, and the resultant α-biotinylated pNIPAAms were formed with low polydispersity indices (PDI ≤ 1.09). UV−vis analysis of the trithiocarbonate chain-ends indicated 88% or greater retention of the group. A maleimide was introduced to the ω chain-end via a radical cross-coupling reaction with a functionalized azo-initiator. The polymer structures were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The resultant biotin−maleimide heterotelechelic polymer was used to form a SAv−BSA heterodimer con...
Redundant coding assessed in a visual search task

Potential advantages for redundantly coded target elements were assessed using a latency visual search task. Search times for targets that differed from distractors in both color and orientation, color only, or orientation only were compared. The comparisons were performed at six levels of chromatic difference between the target and distractors and at two different levels of orientation discriminability. The results show redundant coding generally did not result in significantly faster search times compared to the other two conditions. Instead, response time for the redundant target was in large part determined by the most discriminable feature; orientation at low levels of chromatic difference and color at high levels of chromatic difference.
Serial Diffusion Tensor MRI After Transient and Permanent Cerebral Ischemia in Nonhuman Primates

Background and Purpose— We measured the temporal evolution of the T2 and diffusion tensor imaging parameters after transient and permanent cerebral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in macaqu...
Managers' conservatism and corporate performance

This article argues that conservatism as a personal value among senior managers significantly affects corporate performance. A scale to measure conservatism was developed and its measurement properties were tested on several hundred executives. Empirical results were consistent with the hypotheses that conservatism among senior management teams is negatively associated with the firm's social responsiveness as well as certain aspects of financial performance.
The electroplax sodium channel revealed

Abstract The recent publication of the complete amino acid sequence of the sodium channel from eel electroplax as inferred from the nucleotide sequence of cDNA clones by Noda et al. 12 is a landmark in studies of the molecular properties of voltage-sensitive ion channels and provides an appropriate occasion for a brief progress report on the emerging molecular view of the sodium channel and an indication of likely future directions. This work can be viewed as inaugurating a new phase of research on the molecular properties of ion channels in which the molecular architecture of their functional components is elucidated at ever finer resolution.
Information depth in EELS of an organic solid

We have determined the depth to which 5 eV electrons in an EELS experiment can give information about the impact excitation of the C-H molecular vibrations in an organic film. We find this information depth to be no more than 0.4 nm. We studied long alkoxy chains, synthesized with progressively more CF2 groups at the outer ends, thereby shielding the underlying C-H vibrators. The molecules were packed and aligned normal to a flat substrate using the Langmuir-Blodgel technique. It was found that two CF2 groups reduced the vibrational excitation of the C-H by a factor of about 1e. These observations yield a remarkably small information depth with a simple theoretical analysis.
Application of Petrofabric and Phase Equilibria Analysis to the Study of a Potsherd

Abstract This paper describes how two standard materials analysis techniques using a petrographic microscope and X-ray diffractometer can be used to determine the fabrication method and firing temperature of a ceramic vessel even when only a small sherd is available. The amount clay is deformed during construction of a vessel depends on the fabrication method. Use of the coiling technique, for example, would involve more deformation than the slab method. The amount of stretching can be calculated from the degree of preferred orientation of elongate pieces of temper in the ceramic, as measured in a thin section cut through the sherd. The method is applied to a Late Woodland vessel from South Windsor, Connecticut, which was tempered with shell, quartz and grass. The shell has completely dissolved away and the grass burned during firing, to leave elongate cavities in the ceramic. The quartz grains, which are also elongate, are interpreted to be knapping debitage. The maximum degree of stretching calculated from the preferred orientation of this temper is only 2·3, which indicates that the vessel was fabricated from slabs rather than from coils. An X-ray image of a large part of the reconstructed vessel confirms the presence of these slabs, which are about 10 cm long and range in height from 2 to 5 cm. This image also indicates that the slabs were added in a counterclockwise direction, which suggests manufacture by a right-handed potter. Although the surface of the vessel is tan-coloured, most of the ceramic is black due to the reduced state of iron in the interior of the vessel. Burning of the grass temper during firing produced reducing conditions in the interior of the vessel wall that allowed wustite (Fe x O) to form along with magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ). The wustite has a unit cell dimension of 4·25 A (as measured by X-ray diffraction), which indicates a composition that can coexist with magnetite only at 880°C. This is believed to be the maximum temperature reached during firing of the vessel. The black, reduced ceramic is not wet by water, whereas the red, oxidized surface material is. The grass temper, which produced the reduced ceramic, may therefore have been added to the clay to make a more impervious vessel.
A metabolomic assessment of NAC154 transcription factor overexpression in field grown poplar stem wood.

Abstract Several xylem-associated regulatory genes have been identified that control processes associated with wood formation in poplar. Prominent among these are the NAC domain transcription factors (NACs). Here, the putative involvement of Populus NAC154, a co-ortholog of the Arabidopsis gene SND2, was evaluated as a regulator of “secondary” biosynthetic processes in stem internode tissues by interrogating aqueous methanolic extracts from control and transgenic trees. Comprehensive untargeted metabolite profiling was accomplished with a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform that utilized two different chromatographic supports (HILIC and reversed phase) and both positive and negative ionization modes. Evaluation of current and previous year tissues provided datasets for assessing the effects of NAC154 overexpression in wood maturation processes. Phenolic glycoside levels as well as those of oligolignols, sucrose and arginine were modulated with phenotypic and chemotypic traits exhibiting similar trends. Specifically, increased levels of arginine in the NAC154 overexpressing tissues supports a role for the transcription factor in senescence/dormancy-associated processes.
Chemoselective elaboration of O-linked glycopeptide mimetics by alkylation of 3-thioGalNAc.

A critical branch point in mucin-type oligosaccharides is the β1 → 3 glycosidic linkage to the core α-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residue. We report here a strategy for the synthesis of O-linked glycopeptide analogues that replaces this linkage with a thioether amenable to construction by chemoselective ligation. The key building block was a 2-azido-3-thiogalactose-Thr analogue that was incorporated into a peptide by fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-based solid-phase peptide synthesis. Higher order oligosaccharides were readily generated by alkylation of the corresponding 3-thioGalNAc with N-bromoacetamido sugars. The rapid assembly of “core 1”and “core 3” O-linked glycopeptide mimetics was accomplished in this fashion.
Fluorescent polyelectrolytes as protein sensors

This review discusses recent advances in protein sensing using fluorescent polyelectrolytes that are mainly water-soluble conjugated polymers. A quencher-labeled substrate or fluorophore-labeled substrate is generally used as a probe. In the presence of an enzyme, the linker between substrate and quencher/fluorophore is cleaved and fluorescence of the polymer is either ‘turned on’ or ‘turned off’. Fluorescence behavior of these conjugated polymers is highly sensitive to conformation of the polymeric chains. Since upon binding with proteins the conformation is perturbed and fluorescence is affected, these polyelectrolytes have been used to study conformational changes in proteins. The conformation-dependent fluorescence is also a limitation for these sensors in some cases and non-conjugated polyelectrolytes have been shown to provide an alternative. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
ML detection in hyperspectral imagery: a GMRF modeling approach

The use of hyperspectral imagery for remote sensing detection applications has received attention recently due to the ability of the hyperspectral sensor to provide registered information in both space and frequency. In this paper we extend our work on the development of an efficient implementation of the Maximum Likelihood (ML) detector in which we use a 3D Gauss-Markov random field to model the clutter background in the hyperspectral data. We review the details of the optimal ML estimation approach for obtaining the Markov parameters and discuss a gradient based optimization scheme for obtaining these estimates. To improve the computational efficiency of the overall detection algorithm, we develop an estimation method based on some simple mathematical approximations that allows us to explicitly solve for the Markov parameters. In addition, we use a stochastic, rather than deterministic target model by implementing a single hypothesis test in place of the more traditional binary hypothesis paradigm. We compare the detection performance and the computational requirements of our updated model and detector implementation to the benchmark RX detection algorithm for hyperspectral imagery.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Noise-induced snap-through of a buckled column with continuously distributed mass: A chaotic dynamics approach

Abstract For a spatially-extended dynamical system we illustrate the use of a chaotic dynamics approach to obtain criteria on the occurrence of noise-induced escapes from a preferred region of phase space. Our system is a buckled column with continuous mass, subjected to a transverse continuously distributed load that varies randomly with time. We obtain a stochastic counterpart of the Melnikov necessary condition for chaos—and snap-through—derived by Holmes and Mardsen for the harmonic loading case. Our approach yields a lower bound for the probability that snap-through cannot occur during a specified time interval. In particular, for excitations with finite-tailed marginal distribution, a simple criterion is obtained that guarantees the non-occurrence of snap-through.
A molecular mechanism for proton-dependent gating in KcsA

Abstract Activation gating in KcsA is elicited by changes in intracellular proton concentration. Thompson et al. [1] identified a charge cluster around the inner gate that plays a key role in defining proton activation in KcsA. Here, through functional and spectroscopic approaches, we confirmed the role of this charge cluster and now provide a mechanism of pH-dependent gating. Channel opening is driven by a set of electrostatic interactions that include R117, E120 and E118 at the bottom of TM2 and H25 at the end of TM1. We propose that electrostatic compensation in this charge cluster stabilizes the closed conformation at neutral pH and that its disruption at low pH facilitates the transition to the open conformation by means of helix–helix repulsion.
Lactation consultant certification candidates: the influence of background characteristics on test scores.

: To identify factors of professional experience, education, and socioeconomic background that might predict high scores on the examination given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, 135 (52.2%) of those tested in 1985, and 209 (94%) of those tested in 1986 completed a questionnaire after the six-hour test. The percentage of candidates who passed the examination was 94.6 in 1985 and 93.2 in 1986. The candidates’ mean years of experience in counseling breastfeeding mothers was 10. Nearly all had had one year of college; half had baccalaureate or master's degrees in nursing. Three-quarters in 1985 stated that their primary affiliation was with La Leche League International, whereas only 41 percent claimed this affiliation in 1986. We conclude that in the first two years candidates scored unusually high in this examination and that in future years fewer candidates will have the experience of these initial groups.
Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide: from discovery to current status.

Sex pheromone production in females of many species of moths is controlled by a pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). PBAN from Helicoverpa zea (Hez-PBAN) is a 33 amino acid peptide produced in the suboesophageal ganglion of both female and male moths. PBAN-like activity is widespread among Lepidoptera and is also reported from a cockroach and a grasshopper. The C-terminal pentapeptide of Hez-PBAN represents the minimum sequence with pheromonotropic activity. Another pentapeptide fragment of the molecule also has high pheromonotropic activity. Presence of PBAN-like immunoreactivity and biological activity in the corpora cardiaca suggests that it is the possible site of PBAN release. There is evidence that PBAN action on pheromone gland is mediated by a second messenger. Several possible sites of action of PBAN have been suggested in the biosynthetic pathway of pheromones. The gene for Hez-PBAN has been cloned and sequenced. Cloning of a synthetic PBAN gene into a baculovirus has been attempted. Studies to isolate and identify the receptors for PBAN as well as the metabolic fate of PBAN have been initiated. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Necessity for two human chromosomes for human chorionic gonadotropin production in human-mouse hybrids

Through a series of human-mouse hybrids we have identified that two human chromosomes, 10 and 18, must be present for production of the pregnancy protein hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Human choriocarcinoma cells producing hCG were hybridized to mouse cells. From 49 independent clones three hybrid clones continued to produce whole hCG. Chromosomal analysis was done on the 3 producer clones and 5 nonproducer clones. The additional 41 nonproducer clones were genetically characterized by isozymes. Only when chromosomes 10 and 18 were present in a clone would the whole hCG molecule be produced. Clones with only 10 or only 18 did not produce hormone. Nine subclones of a producer clone confirmed this observation. Three subclones retaining both 10 and 18 continued to produce hCG. This study demonstrated the need to use cellular chromosome data and population enzyme data to identify two chromosomes necessary for hCG production in heterogeneous human-mouse hybrids.
Methacholine bronchial reactivity testing in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

To assess the role of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), we performed standard methacholine bronchial provocation testing on nine patients with chronic CHF in New York Heart Association functional class 4. Mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and mean stroke volume index for the group at the time of study were 27 ± 3 mm Hg and 27.9 ± 8.9 ml/m2, respectively. Mean MMEFR was 71 percent of normal and mean A to FEV1% was 76.3 percent. Only one patient, who was a 50-pack-year smoker, had a greater than 20 percent decrease in FEV1, with methacholine challenge, and this was at the highest concentration (25 mg/ml). We conclude that, in stable CHF, bronchial reactivity as assessed by standard methacholine challenge is not increased.
Comparison of ThinPrep and conventional smears in detecting carcinoma in bile duct brushings

BACKGROUND Bile duct brushing cytology is a common procedure for the exclusion of adenocarcinoma in the bile duct. The authors evaluated the use of ThinPrep® (TP) to determine whether the information obtained is equivalent to that found with conventional smear cytology (CS). METHODS Thirty-eight prospectively collected endoscope retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided bile duct brushing samples were split in the following manner. First, two to four CS were prepared and immediately spray-fixed or wet-fixed. Second, the remaining sample was rinsed in PreservCyt™ (Cytyc Corp., Boxborough, MA). In the laboratory, one TP slide was prepared from each sample. TP and CS were stained by routine Papanicolaou stain. For the current study, TP and CS were reviewed independently by two cytopathologists. The diagnoses made by the two methods were compared with the final histology. RESULTS The cytologic diagnoses for both TP and CS were categorized into five main groups: 1) unsatisfactory, 2) negative, 3) reactive, 4) suspicious for malignancy, and 5) malignant. The diagnoses on the 38 TP bile duct brushings and CS were categorized as follows: 1) unsatisfactory—2, 4; 2) negative—7, 4; 3) reactive—10, 14; 4) suspicious for malignancy—9, 9; and 5) malignant—10, 7, respectively. Histologic follow-up was available in 14 cases (reactive—4, suspicious for malignancy—1, and malignant—9). The sensitivity was 77% for TP and 66% for CS. The specificity was 100% for both methods. CONCLUSIONS The two methods described in the current study detected equivalent disease on bile duct brushings. TP was found to provide better preservation and cytologic detail. However, the diagnostic criteria may require modification. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2003;99:205–10. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11481
Stearidonic and γ-linolenic acids in echium oil improves glucose disposal in insulin resistant monkeys

Echium oil (EO) contains stearidonic acid (18:4), a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and gamma-linolenic acids (18:3), a n-6 PUFA that can be converted to long chain (LC)-PUFAs. We aimed to compare a safflower oil (SO)-enriched diet to EO- and fish oil (FO)-enriched diets on circulating and tissue PUFAs levels and glycemic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular health biomarkers in insulin resistant African green monkeys. In a Latin-square cross-over study, eight monkeys consumed matched diets for 6 weeks with 3-week washout periods. Monkeys consuming FO had significantly higher levels of n-3 LC-PUFAs and EO supplementation resulted in higher levels of circulating n-3 LC-PUFAs and a significant increase in dihomo-gamma linolenic acid (DGLA) in red blood cells and muscle. Glucose disposal was improved after EO consumption. These data suggest that PUFAs in EO supplementation have the capacity to alter circulating, RBC and muscle LC-PUFA levels and improve glucose tolerance in insulin-resistant monkeys.
Entropy Crises in Glasses and Random Heteropolymers.

The concept of random first order transitions with configurational entropy crises provides a theoretical framework for understanding the glass transition. This paper discusses such transitions in exactly solvable spin glass models and in globular random heteropolymers and their relation to glass transitions in molecular fluids and polymers. The Vogel-Fulcher law is shown to be related to the search time through the energy landscape of an "entropic droplet."
PCAAD—an object-oriented expert system for assembly of printed circuit boards

: Electronics manufacturing is the fastest growing segment of the manufacturing domain today. The rapid change in printed circuit board manufacturing has been possible with the induction of surface-mounted components and robotic assembly. The high density packaging capability of surface-mounted technology has contributed enormously to the development of new trends in printed circuit board manufacturing. PCAAD—Printed Circuit Board Assembly Advisor—is an expert system developed to capture this new technology and its interaction with the existing through-hole-mounting technology. In building the system, rules and guidelines pertaining to assembly are formulated and incorporated into the knowledge-base. The system is built on an object-oriented paradigm. The object-oriented approach, Smalltalk-80, the object-oriented language and the hierarchical rule structure paradigm are briefly discussed. A rating system is also introduced to rank various assembly designs. PCAAD can advise whether or not to proceed with assembly with a particular assembly design, and suggests assembly modification at the early stage of design to eliminate the assembly problems in the later phase of board production.
An Environmental Intervention to Increase Fruit and Salad Purchases in a Cafeteria

Background. This study explored the hypothesis that consumption of fruit and salad in a cafeteria setting would increase if the variety of offerings was increased and their price reduced. Method. Food purchases in a cafeteria setting were observed during 3 weeks of baseline observation, 3 weeks of intervention, and 3 weeks of return to baseline conditions. Intervention consisted of doubling the number of fruit choices, increasing salad ingredient selections by three, and reducing the price of both fruit and salad by 50%. The primary outcome measures in the study were daily sales of fruit and salad as assessed by cash register receipts. Results. Fruit and salad purchases increased threefold in the intervention period compared to those in the nonintervention periods. Women and those trying to control their weight were most likely to make these nutritious food choices. Conclusion. Results of this study support the argument that increasing the number of nutritious food choices and making them more attractive economically may be important to changing food choice behavior. Further exploration of the practical application of the concept is recommended.