cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary patterns and diurnal variations in aminopyrine disposition

In healthy, nonmedicated male subjects, patterns of eating and fasting determined diurnal variations in aminopyrine disposition. Under dietary conditions used in our laboratory to study temporal variation in the disposition of aminopyrine (a 12-hr fast preceding 8 A.M. dose and a 5 P.M. meal before 8 P.M. drug dosing) there was a mean diurnal variation of 33% in saliva aminopyrine half-life (t½) and of 46% in apparent volume of distribution (aVd) with shorter t½ and lower aVd at 8 A.M. Mean metabolic clearance rate (Cl) was unchanged. Fasting for 32 and 44 hr before aminopyrine at 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. ablated this temporal variation in aminopyrine t½ and aVd. Reversal of eating times (a 12-hr fast before the 8 P.M. aminopyrine dose and a 5 A.M. meal before the 8 A.M. dose) reversed the direction of the diurnal variation of aminopyrine t½ and aVd so that aminopyrine t½ and aVd were larger at 8 A.M. but fasting for 32 or 44 hr did not alter the normal circadian rhythms of plasma 11-hydroxycorticoids identified in our subjects at 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. Plasma protein binding of aminopyrine, determined at 8 A.M. after a 12-hr fast (29.8%), was higher than at 8 P.M. (23.3%, p < 0.05). Aminopyrine protein binding rose to 38.1% and 32.9% after a fast of 32 and 44 hr. Mean bioavailability and area under the curve of aminopyrine determined in plasma at 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. showed no diurnal change. As in saliva, aminopyrine concentrations in plasma revealed that mean aminopyrine t½ was 34% longer, mean aminopyrine aVd 33% larger, but mean aminopyrine Cl the same at 8 P.M. as at 8 A.M. These results suggest that meals decrease protein binding of aminopyrine, leading to increased aminopyrine aVd and t½, possibly due to increased tissue uptake of aminopyrine. Aminopyrine plasma concentrations after oral doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg at 1-wk intervals to each of six normal male subjects revealed dose dependence of aminopyrine t½ and hepatic first-pass effect. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 29, 65–73; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.12
Data Science from the Lab to the Field to the Enterprise

DARPA has been investing in data science and building open source tools for applications ranging from counter threat finance, through radar operations and cancer research, to anti-human trafficking. This presentation will cover previous work at DARPA, experience building real-world applications for defense and law enforcement to analyze data, and the future of computer science as an enabler for content discovery, information extraction, relevance determination, and information visualization. The talk will be a mix of background, detailed examples, and software demonstration. It will cover the importance of anchoring in applications, minimization of design-to-testing time, development with users-in-the-loop, error tolerance of machine learning, design for diverse user populations, and the necessity of open source software integration. It will conclude by covering a few next directions for special projects at Microsoft.
Zonisamide-induced acute kidney injury.

Zonisamide is a new generation anticonvulsant indicated for the adjunctive management of partial seizures in adults [1]. The anticonvulsant activity of zonisamide is predominantly related to the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium action potentials and reduction of T-type calcium-channel currents. Because of its broad mechanism of action, zonisamide is used for many types of epilepsy and in patients whose epilepsy is resistant to other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) [2,3]. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the superior clinical effectiveness of zonisamide compared to other adjunctive AEDs; however, its long half-life of 63 h supports convenient once- or twice-daily dosing. In vitro studies have demonstrated antioxidant and neuroprotective properties at therapeutic doses, suggesting that zonisamide may protect against ischemic damage and recurrent seizure activity [4]. Therapy is generally well tolerated; the most common reported adverse events include somnolence in 17% of patients and dizziness and anorexia in 13% of patients. Zonisamide may be an alternative in some patients over agents associated with weight gain, such as valproate or pregabalin [5,6]. Zonisamide is metabolized by acetylation to N-acetyl zonisamide and reduction to 2-sulfamoylacetyl phenol (SMAP) by cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 3A4. Zonisamide primarily undergoes renal excretion with 62% recovered from urine and 3% from feces following multiple doses [1,7]. The package insert was recently updated to reflect a risk of hyperchloremic, nonanion gap metabolic acidosis due to weak inhibition of carbonic anhydrase and increased renal excretion of bicarbonate. Furthermore, according to the manufacturer's label, zonisamide is not recommended for use in patients with renal failure (defined by the manufacturer as an estimated GFR < 50 mL/min); use of this agent in patients with renal insufficiency, defined as having a GFR < 60 mL/min according to the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative, requires slower titration and more frequent clinical monitoring for toxicities and adverse effects. Avoidance of use of zonisamide in individuals with end-stage kidney disease (e.g., GFR < 15 mL/min or on dialysis) is prudent based on manufacturer recommendations. Zonisamide has been associated with a statistically significant 8% mean increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in clinical trials; however, this effect dissipated after therapy was discontinued. Of note, a case report has demonstrated hypersensitivity syndrome with acute kidney injury due to zonisamide; however; acute kidney injury has not been previously reported as an adverse event of zonisamide [7]. We present a case report that suggests that such an association exists as demonstrated by acute kidney injury in a patient on two separate occasions.
The fast Fourier transform method and ill-conditioned matrices

We study the problem of finding numerical solutions of the linear algebraic equation, a*x=b, where a denotes an NxN ill-conditioned coefficient matrix. It is well-known that Gaussian elimination methods coupled with pivoting strategies are ineffective in this setting due to round-off error. We propose a new and simple application of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method. Other viable methods, such as the QR method (QRM) or the singular value decomposition method (SVDM), have been proposed in the literature. The goal of this paper is to investigate the performance of the proposed method and compare it to other popular methods. The comparison is illustrated by computer simulation results using MATLAB.
Where is the action in information theory

Inspired by control theory, we attempt to introduce action into a few classical Shannon-theoretic frameworks. This attempt gives rise to problems ranging from source coding with a limited budget of side information measurements, through coding for computer memories with a rewrite option, to communication with non-causal feedback. I will describe these problems, along with some solutions and open questions. Based on recent and ongoing work with Haim Permuter, Yossef Steinberg, and Sergio Verdu
Improving virtual function call target prediction via dependence-based pre-computation

We introduce dependence-based pre-computation as a complement to history-based target prediction schemes. We present pre-computation in the context of virtual function calls (v-calls), a class of control transfers that is becoming increasingly important and has resisted conventional prediction. Our proposed technique dynamically identifies the sequence of operations that computes a v-call’s target. When the first instruction in such a sequence is encountered, a small execution engine speculatively and aggressively pre-executes the rest. The pre-computed target is stored and subsequently used when a prediction needs to be made. We show that a common v-call instruction sequence can be exploited to implement pre-computation using a previously proposed prefetching mechanism and minimal additional hardware. In a suite of C++ programs, dependence-based pre-computation eliminates 46% of the mispredictions incurred by a simple BTB and 24% of those associated with a path-based two-level predictor.
A study of flame inhibition by metal compounds

The relative effectiveness of a variety of solid metallic compounds as flame inhibitors was investigated. The metallic compound was first dissolved in ethanol. The solution was then atomized into a fine fog by means of a Sonicore atomizing nozzle. The mixture of the fog and an oxidizer gas, consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, was directed downwards on a liquid fuel pool. On ignition, a flat laminar flame was obtained in the space between the gas duct and the liquid pool. The oxygen mass (or mole) fraction in the oxidizer gas at flame extinction was measured as a function of oxidizer velocity. The effectiveness of an additive salt was measured in terms of the change in oxygen mass (or mole) fraction per unit of additive mass (or mole) fraction in the oxidizer stream. On a mole basis, lead tetracetate and acetylacetonate of Mn, Co, Fe, and Cr were found to be effective flame inhibitors. While on the mass basis, the alkali (Na, Li) acetylacetonates were found to be very effective flame inhibitors. The metal-ligand bond has significant effects on the flame inhibition capacity of metallic compounds. The weaker the bond, the better the chance of releasing the active species in the flame, consequently, the more effective the metallic compound is as flame inhibitor.
Analysis of the Stargardt disease gene (ABCR) in age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex genetic disorder and the leading cause of severe vision loss in the elderly. The Stargardt disease gene ( ABCR ) has been proposed as a major genetic risk factor in AMD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the authors' AMD population for the specific ABCR variants proposed previously as genetic risk factors for AMD. Methods The authors screened their AMD population (159 familial cases from 112 multiplex families and 53 sporadic cases) and 56 racially matched individuals with no known history of AMD from the same clinic population for evidence of the ABCR variants. Grading of disease severity was performed according to a standard protocol. Patients with extensive intermediate drusen or large soft drusen, drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) detachments, geographic atrophy of the RPE, or evidence of exudative maculopathy were considered affected. Analysis for variants was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of individual exons of the ABCR gene with flanking primers and a combination of single-strand conformation polymorphism, heteroduplex analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography. All abnormal conformers detected using these techniques were characterized by direct sequencing. Results The authors identified only two of the previously reported variants in their study population. Both variants occurred in sporadic cases, and none was found in familial cases or the randomly selected population. In addition, the authors identified several newly described polymorphisms and variants in both the AMD and control populations. Conclusions Based on these initial findings, the authors suggest that ABCR is not a major genetic risk factor for AMD in their study population. Additional genetic studies are needed to more fully evaluate the role of ABCR in AMD.
Tunable crystallization via osmosis-driven transport across a droplet interface bilayer

Using a droplet interface bilayer (DIB) system, we demonstrate osmosis-driven nucleation of crystallizable solutes. Such systems provide rapid and highly configurable platforms for the control and study of crystallization phenomena at the microdroplet level.
A new era for low frequency Galactic center transient monitoring

An upgrade of the low frequency observing system of the VLA developed by NRL and NRAO, called low band (LB), will open a new era of Galactic center (GC) transient monitoring. Our previous searches using the VLA and GMRT have revealed a modest number of radio-selected transients, but have been severely sensitivity and observing time limited. The new LB system, currently accessing the 236--492 MHz frequency range, promises ≥5 × improved sensitivity over the legacy VLA system. The new system is emerging from commissioning in time to catch any enhanced sub-GHz emission from the G2 cloud event, and we review existing limits based on recent observations. We also describe a proposed 24/7 commensal system, called the LOw Band Observatory (LOBO). LOBO offers over 100 VLA GC monitoring hours per year, possibly revealing new transients and helping validate ASTRO2010's anticipation of a new era of transient radio astronomy. A funded LOBO pathfinder called the VLA Low Frequency Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) is under development. Finally, we consider the impact of LB and LOBO on our GC monitoring program.
Endothelial antigen presentation: stimulation of previously activated but not naïve TCR-transgenic mouse T cells.

Abstract In vitroexperiments have shown that endothelial cells can function as antigen-presenting cells to CD4+T lymphocytes. The studies presented here address the question of whether naive versus previously activated CD4+helper T cells differ in their responses to endothelial antigen presentation. TCR-transgenic mice were used as a source of naive T cells of defined antigen specificity. These cells were stimulatedin vitrowith antigen and splenic antigen-presenting cells to generate populations of T lymphocytes with a previously activated/memory phenotype. Two different types of mouse endothelial cells were used as antigen-presenting cells, including the SVEC4-10 line derived from lymph node endothelium and primary murine pulmonary microvascular endothelium. Monolayer cultures of both types of endothelium were capable of antigen-dependent stimulation of previously activated TCR-transgenic CD4+cells. In contrast, neither endothelial type could activate naive CD4+T cells. When costimulatory signals were providedin transby the addition of MHC-mismatched mouse spleen cells, activation of naive T cells by endothelial antigen presentation could be demonstrated. The expression of ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 on the endothelial cells was not sufficient to activate naive T cells. Furthermore, the mouse lung endothelium constitutively expresses B7-1, and therefore, the inability of endothelium to stimulate naive T cells could not be attributed to a lack of CD28-ligands. These studies suggest that the potential role of endothelial antigen presentation in immune responses is restricted to promoting responses by T cells which have previously encountered antigen presented by other antigen-presenting cells.
Induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 is a delayed early cellular response to hepatocyte growth factor.

Induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 is a delayed early cellular response to hepatocyte growth factor
Oral stereognosis in dentulous and edentulous subjects

Summary An oral stereognostic test was used to determine levels of oral perception in 42 dentulous and 48 complete denture subjects. The dentulous subjects were divided into two age groups: 20 to 31, and 51 to 72. The edentulous subjects were between the ages of 50 and 75. Three-dimensional test forms fabricated from base metal alloy were used under various test conditions to assess the subjects' ability to identify forms in the mouth. The scores obtained were then used to relate oral discriminatory skills to age, the presence or absence of teeth, speech articulation, and patients' evaluations of their prostheses. The results, based on this experimental design, indicated the following observations: 1. The level of oral perception was highest in the younger dentulous age group, and decreased as the age increased. 2. No significant differences in scores were seen between the dentulous and edentulous groups over 60 years of age. 3. Oral stereognostic scores in the dentulous subjects were highest when no restrictions on use of teeth were imposed during identification. 4. The oral stereognostic scores in the edentulous subjects were highest when the subject had both the maxillary and mandibular denture in place. 5. No significant relationship between speech articulation and oral stereognosis could be demonstrated. 6. The edentulous subjects who reported the greatest number of postinsertion problems and who expressed the lowest level of satisfaction demonstrated higher levels of oral perception than those subjects who reported few or no problems.
Observation of Vortex Lattices in Bose-Einstein Condensates

Quantized vortices play a key role in superfluidity and superconductivity. We have observed the formation of highly ordered vortex lattices in a rotating Bose-condensed gas. These triangular lattices contained over 100 vortices with lifetimes of several seconds. Individual vortices persisted up to 40 seconds. The lattices could be generated over a wide range of rotation frequencies and trap geometries, shedding light on the formation process. Our observation of dislocations, irregular structure, and dynamics indicates that gaseous Bose-Einstein condensates may be a model system for the study of vortex matter.
Identification and quantification of myofascial taut bands with magnetic resonance elastography.

Abstract Chen Q, Bensamoun S, Basford JR, Thompson JM, An K-N. Identification and quantification of myofascial taut bands with magnetic resonance elastography. Objective To explore the feasibility of using a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique—magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)—to identify and quantitate the nature of myofascial taut bands. Design This investigation consisted of 3 steps. The first involved proof of concept on gel phantoms, the second involved numeric modeling, and the third involved a pilot trial on 2 subjects. Imaging was performed with a 1.5T MRI machine. Shear waves were produced with a custom-developed acoustically driven pneumatic transducer with gradient-echo image collection gated to the transducer's motion. Shear wave propagation were imaged by MRE. Setting An MRI research laboratory. Participants Two women, one with a 3-year history of myofascial pain and the other serving as the control. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures MRE images, finite element analysis calculations, and tissue and phantom stiffness determinations. Results Results of the phantom measurements, finite element calculations, and study patients were all consistent with the concept that taut bands are detectable and quantifiable with MRE imaging. The findings in the subjects suggest that the stiffness of the taut bands (9.0±0.9KPa) in patients with myofascial pain may be 50% greater than that of the surrounding muscle tissue. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MRE can quantitate asymmetries in muscle tone that could previously only be identified subjectively by examination.
Variability in the natural number bias: Who, when, how, and why

Abstract When reasoning about rational numbers, people sometimes incorrectly apply principles or rules for natural numbers. Many factors affect whether participants display this natural number bias , including their age and experience, the affordances and constraints of the given task, and even the specific numbers in the given problem. In this paper, we argue that this variability can be conceptualized in terms of dynamic choices among problem-solving strategies. People's strategy choices vary as a function of their repertoire of available strategies and as a function of the specifics of the tasks, problems, and context. Further, we argue that the specific profiles of variability in strategy use that are observed in different participant groups can be conceptualized in terms of the strength and precision of the representations of numbers and operations that people in those groups possess. In our view, the natural number bias arises when people's representations of rational number magnitudes or rational number operations are not sufficiently strongly activated or sufficiently precise to guide performance on a specific task in a specific context. In these cases, participants' more highly activated or more precise representations for natural numbers may underlie and guide their performance. This account suggests that contexts and experiences (including instructional experiences) that help build, strengthen, and activate rational number representations should lead to improvements in performance.
Cardiac dysfunction in twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a prospective, longitudinal study.

Abstract Objective: To use serial echocardiography to evaluate prospectively the cardiac dysfunction in twin–twin transfusion syndrome and determine its clinical course and outcome. Methods: Twin pregnancies presenting in the second trimester with sonographic evidence of twin–twin transfusion syndrome were managed with therapeutic reduction amniocenteses. Gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, number of amniocenteses performed, volume of amniotic fluid withdrawn, placentation, birth weight, hemoglobin at delivery, and perinatal outcome were recorded. Serial fetal echocardiography was carried out in a single tertiary center. Echocardiographic assessments included cardiac anatomy, chamber size, cardiothoracic ratio, interventricular septal thickness, ventricular systolic function, and the presence and severity of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Postnatal echocardiograms were obtained on the surviving twins. Results: Twelve cases of twin–twin transfusion syndrome were evaluated with serial echocardiography. Evidence of cardiac dysfunction was present prenatally in 10 recipient twins. All of the donor twins had normal fetal echocardiographic assessments. The most common abnormalities detected prenatally in recipient twins were decreased ventricular function, tricuspid regurgitation, and cardiac chamber enlargement. A deterioration of cardiac function was observed in seven recipient twins with increasing gestational age. Four of the eight surviving recipient twins had persistent postnatal echocardiographic abnormalities on follow-up examinations after the first 28 days of life. Conclusion: Prenatal cardiac dysfunction is common in recipient twins and can be transient, progressive, or persistent beyond the neonatal period.
Three new species of Cuphea (Lythraceae) from Mexico

Described as new areCuphea flavovirens (sect.Heterodon), C. dibrachiata (sect.Leptocalyx), andC. ownbeyi (sect.Diploptychia).
Understanding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine-enhanced disease

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children worldwide. In addition, RSV causes serious disease in elderly and immune compromised individuals. RSV infection of children previously immunized with a formalin-inactivated (FI)-RSV vaccine is associated with enhanced disease and pulmonary eosinophilia that is believed to be due to an exaggerated memory Th2 response. As a consequence, there is currently no licensed RSV vaccine and detailed studies directed towards prevention of vaccine-associated disease are a critical first step in the development of a safe and effective vaccine. The BALB/c mouse model of RSV infection faithfully mimics the human respiratory disease. Mice previously immunized with either FI-RSV or a recombinant vaccinia virus (vv) that expresses the attachment (G) glycoprotein exhibit extensive lung inflammation and injury, pulmonary eosinophilia, and enhanced disease following challenge RSV infection. CD4 T cells secreting Th2 cytokines are necessary for this response because their depletion eliminates eosinophilia. Intriguing recent studies have demonstrated that RSV-specific CD8 T cells can inhibit Th2-mediated pulmonary eosinophilia in vvG-primed mice by as yet unknown mechanisms. Information gained from the animal models will provide important information and novel approaches for the rational design of a safe and efficacious RSV vaccine.
The painful truth

Medical journals play a pivotal role in discussion of scientific issues and healthcare policy. This attempt by a large pharmaceutical company (GSK) to censor public debate about a critical public health issue is unacceptable and represents a grave threat to academic freedom. Pharmaceutical companies have abundant resources for delivering their messages to physicians and the public. Physician–scientists essentially have only medical journals through which we communicate our scientific ideas and concerns. If we allow a pharmaceutical company to control what we are allowed to publish, scientific discussion and debate would suffer irreparable harm. This demand from GSK constitutes an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the editorial decisions of a major medical journal. The assertions by GSK in Dr Slaoui's Letter are categorically incorrect and distort the facts. The following represents a point-by-point response to the GSK letter: The FDA reviewer makes it clear that the studies involving 2902 patients formed the primary basis for approval.1 (Table 8.H.3.2) Studies done early in a development program, particularly those using subtherapeutic dosages of drugs or very short-term therapy are not considered part of the primary basis for approval. Furthermore, the FDA now recognizes that 1 year follow-up in a minority of patients is inadequate. In their recent guidance to Industry, the Agency states that: ‘It is likely that the controlled trials will need to last more than the typical 3 to 6 months duration to obtain enough events and to provide data on longer-term cardiovascular risk (e.g. minimum 2 years) for these chronically used therapies’. The Advisory Committee that approved rosiglitazone focused primary on hepatic safety. Virtually …
Nanoparticle-based brachytherapy spacers for delivery of localized combined chemoradiation therapy.

Purpose In radiation therapy (RT), brachytherapy-inert source spacers are commonly used in clinical practice to achieve high spatial accuracy. These implanted devices are critical technical components of precise radiation delivery but provide no direct therapeutic benefits. Methods and Materials Here we have fabricated implantable nanoplatforms or chemoradiation therapy (INCeRT) spacers loaded with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) conjugated containing a drug, to act as a slow-release drug depot for simultaneous localized chemoradiation therapy. The spacers are made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) as matrix and are physically identical in size to the commercially available brachytherapy spacers (5 mm × 0.8 mm). The silica nanoparticles, 250 nm in diameter, were conjugated with near infrared fluorophore Cy7.5 as a model drug, and the INCeRT spacers were characterized in terms of size, morphology, and composition using different instrumentation techniques. The spacers were further doped with an anticancer drug, docetaxel. We evaluated the in vivo stability, biocompatibility, and biodegradation of these spacers in live mouse tissues. Results The electron microscopy studies showed that nanoparticles were distributed throughout the spacers. These INCeRT spacers remained stable and can be tracked by the use of optical fluorescence. In vivo optical imaging studies showed a slow diffusion of nanoparticles from the spacer to the adjacent tissue in contrast to the control Cy7.5-PLGA spacer, which showed rapid disintegration in a few days with a burst release of Cy7.5. The docetaxel spacers showed suppression of tumor growth in contrast to control mice over 16 days. Conclusions The imaging with the Cy7.5 spacer and therapeutic efficacy with docetaxel spacers supports the hypothesis that INCeRT spacers can be used for delivering the drugs in a slow, sustained manner in conjunction with brachytherapy, in contrast to the rapid clearance of the drugs when administered systemically. The results demonstrate that these spacers with tailored release profiles have potential in improving the combined therapeutic efficacy of chemoradiation therapy.
Assessment of Overall Rate Expressions and Multiscale, Microkinetic Model Uniqueness via Experimental Data Injection: Ammonia Decomposition on Ru/γ-Al2O3 for Hydrogen Production

We introduce a framework for parameter estimation of microkinetic models via injecting data, collected in optimal regions of the “entire” experimental operating space, in models. We demonstrate this framework by combining differential conversion experimental data without transport limitations and models for ammonia decomposition on Ru/γ-Al2O3 for hydrogen production. Experiments indicate that there is significant H2 inhibition even at low ammonia conversions. Statistical model discrimination techniques indicate that multiple microkinetic parameter sets are able to describe quantitatively the experimental data, and some global rate expressions are also adequate. Among the best microkinetic models, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and the NHx dehydrogenation reactions are the kinetically significant reactions. It is found that macroscopic data (conversion) are insufficient for complete model discrimination; microscopic scale data are proposed for further model discrimination.
Bond orientational order in liquids and amorphous solids

Abstract Recent theoretical work1) on the Kosterlitz-Thouless2) model of dislocation-mediated melting in two dimensions suggests the existence of a new “hexatic” phase of matter, intermediate between a solid and a liquid. Hexatic liquids display persistent correlations in the “bonds” joining near neighbor atoms. Although these unusual materials have some properties in common with a liquid crystal, there need not be an anisotropy in the constituent particles. Although computer simulations have produced conflicting evidence for an equilibrium hexatic phase3), the discovery of a “stacked hexatic” phase in bulk smectic liquid crystals has been reported recently4). It is interesting to consider bond orientational order in other contexts. Translational and orientational order can be studied, for example, in randomly packed planar array of hard spheres with two different sizes5). For an appropriate size ratio, and a dilute concentration of large spheres, one finds a phase without translational order, but with very long range correlations in the orientations of local hexagonal axes. The phase appears to be quenched analogue of the equilibrium hexatic phase. The peculiar properties of this hexatic “glass” are attributed to the tendency of a dilute array of large spheres imbedded in a medium of smaller spheres to trap dislocations. Significant orientational correlations also appear in more concentrated mixtures, giving rise to a six-fold modulation of the structure function in large, but finite, samples. Bond orientational order can assume a variety of forms in bulk materials. Crystals disordered by an equilibrium concentration of unbound dislocation loops display bond orientational order with a cubic symmetry6). Another possibility is orientational order with an “icosahedral” symmetry. It is well known that an icosahedral clustering of twelve atoms about a central sphere is energetically preferable to crystalline packings for most simple pair potentials7). These questions have been studied recently via computer simulations of 864 particles interacting through a Lennard-Jones pair potential8). Long-range orientational fluctuations appear upon supercooling about ten percent below the equilibrium melting temperature. The fluctuations suggest a broken icosahedral symmetry with extended correlations in the orientations of local icosahedral packing units. More a detailed review of the material sketched above may be found in ref. 9 below.
Eyelid apraxia associated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

Eyelid apraxia, an inability to open the eyelid secondary to involuntary nonparalytic levator palpebrae inhibition, is thought to occur in up to 5% of patients with chronic subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation.1 Basal ganglia pathways have been linked to eyelid apraxia, as pallidal stimulation and pallidotomies have resulted in symptomatic improvement.2 Of note, both improvement in and initiation of eyelid apraxia have been reported with STN stimulation.3 However, the precise relationship between these structures/pathways and levator palpebrae inhibition has not been elucidated.4,5 As observed in our patient, bilateral eyelid apraxia during deep brain stimulation may be a result of electric current spread to pathways (including the dorsal trigeminothalamic tract) adjacent to the STN. This 62-year-old right-handed woman reported onset of symptoms approximately 10 years before when she began having difficulty walking. With l-dopa administration, improvements in her gait, stiffness, dyskinesias, and tremor were evident; however, she was later approved for bilateral deep brain stimulator placement as increased dosages were required for symptomatic control. On the date of surgery, she …
A Duhamel approach for the Langevin equations with holonomic constraints

To simulate polymer flows in microscale environments we have developed a numerical method that couples stochastic particle dynamics with an efficient incompressible Navier–Stokes solver. Here, we examine properties of the particle solver alone. We derive a Duhamel-form stochastic particle method for freely jointed polymers and demonstrate that it achieves 2-order weak convergence and 3/2-order strong convergence with holonomic constraints. For time steps approaching the relaxation time, our method displays greatly enhanced stability relative to comparable solvers based on linearised dynamics. Under these same conditions, our method has solution errors that are approximately six orders of magnitude smaller than that for the linearised algorithm.
MAGIC calculations for a large-area microwave plasma source

The MAGIC code was used to analyze a two-dimensional model of a microwave surface-ECR plasma source to obtain microwave field and electron-trajectory information for design purposes. This source uses permanent magnets to generate a cyclotron-resonance surface across the aperture of a rectangular or circular waveguide. The permanent magnets are located in channels in an aluminum "grill," and are held in the channels by a ceramic waveguide/vacuum window. The grill and window act as obstacles in the waveguide. Electron-trajectory analysis is done to examine kinetic power deposition on the grill and nearby waveguide walls, and electron heating by the microwave fields in the static field generated by the permanent magnets. The field is modeled by equations that approximate the actual magnetic field. MAGIC was used to study the reflection from the grill and window, and to determine the effect of adding boron nitride inserts in the open slots of the grill to reduce the reflection coefficient. The width of the open spaces and the number of magnet rows were varied to find an optimum design. The waveguide was modeled as a parallel-plane waveguide with a 15-cm spacing. The TM/sub 1/ parallel-plane waveguide mode was launched at the input end. A tapered transition was also designed to transform from standard WR284 waveguide to the 15-cm/spl times/20 cm source waveguide. The resulting design minimized the generation of higher-order modes and reflection of the dominant mode. Reflection coefficients as low as 20% could be obtained with 47% of the waveguide aperture covered by the grill. Minimum reflection was obtained when the spaces between magnet rows were half-filled with boron nitride. A few electrons were used for single-particle trajectories, and superelectrons in a background of immobile ions were used to model an underdense plasma. The kinetic power delivered to the grill and walls was found to be relatively small.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE NATURAL BACTERIAL MICROFLORA ON THE SKIN OF EASTERN NEWTS, BULLFROG TADPOLES AND REDBACK SALAMANDERS

Amphibian populations in several regions of the world appear to be declining due to infectious diseases. While many studies have attempted to identify the pathogens associated with specific declines, very few studies have attempted to identify the natural microflora that is present on amphibian skin. Knowledge of the natural flora that healthy individuals carry may, in some cases, provide valuable information for understanding disease outcomes. In this study, we isolated the natural bacterial flora found on the skin of apparently healthy adult eastern newts (Notophthalamus viridescens), larval bullfrogs (Rana catesbieana) and redback salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) living in natural field sites in Virginia. We positively identified five bacterial species from newts, three bacterial species from bullfrogs and four bacterial species and one yeast from redback salamanders. In a parallel study, we examined the physiological profiles of bacterial communities at six sites with newt and bullfrog tadpole populat...
But we’re here to help! Positive buffers of the relationship between outsider incivility and employee outcomes

Incivility from sources outside the organization (e.g., customers, patients) is increasingly recognized as an important workplace stressor, having been linked to a variety of negative outcomes. It is therefore becoming more important to understand not only the negative effects of outsider incivility, but also potential buffers of these negative effects. As such, the current study sought to explore the impact of outsider incivility directed towards emergency workers (called “victim” incivility) and to identify and test potential positive psychological buffers of the relationship between victim incivility and burnout, physical symptoms and objective absenteeism. Specifically, utilizing a resource perspective, we sought to determine whether work engagement and empathy buffered these negative effects. Survey data from 208 firefighters at two time points showed that victim incivility predicted burnout, physical symptoms and absenteeism, and that both engagement and empathy ameliorated some negative outcomes of...
COMPUTER MALFUNCTION CAUSES EXTENSIVE ERRATA IN CAPSICUM DATA

A NUMBER OF ERRORS occurred in the paper Color Evaluation of Selected Capsicums by B.J. Nagle, B. Villalon, and E.E. Burns [J. Food Sci. 44(2): 416-418] as a result of computer failure while performing the calculations. Since all the errors occurred in the Results & Discussion, this section of the paper is being reprinted in its entirety with all necessary corrections included. These errata clearly demonstrate that computers (calculators) are not infallible, and point up the necessity for making periodic checks with standard calculations with verified results.
Oral Levonantradol in the Treatment of Chemotherapy‐Induced Emesis: Preliminary Observations

: Levonantradol, a new synthetic cannabinoid, was examined for antiemetic effectiveness in 27 patients with refractory chemotherapy-induced emesis. Thirty-one courses of levonantradol were administered orally beginning 2 hours before chemotherapy and continuing every 4 hours for a minimum of 12 to 24 hours at one of three different dose levels. At the 0.5-mg dose, 14 patients were evaluable with seven partial response (50 per cent) and one complete response (7 per cent). At the 1.0-mg dose, 11 patients were evaluable with five partial responses (45 per cent) and three complete responses (27 per cent). Only one patient has thus far been treated at the 1.5-mg dose with no response noted. Side effects observed included somnolence (90 per cent), dry mouth (83 per cent), dizziness (67 per cent), decreased concentration (40 per cent), dysphoria (33 per cent), and altered perception (30 per cent). Euphoria (“high”) was infrequent (9 per cent). No relationship between dose (0.5 and 1.0 mg) and side effects was observed. There was a suggestion of improved antiemetic efficacy at the 1.0-mg dose. Although this study is preliminary, it appears that levonantradol is a relatively well-tolerated oral antiemetic that deserves further evaluation.
In search of redox non-innocence between a tetrazine pincer ligand and monovalent copper

The synthesis and characterization of a “super-saturated” six-coordinate complex of monovalent copper (PF6− salt) and the potentially oxidizing pincer ligand 2,6, bis-(methyl tetrazinyl)pyridine, btzp, are described. This cation has a structure with the two pincers symmetry related, but each btzp having one short and one long Cu–N(tetrazine) bond; facile exchange is observed between short and long tetrazine donors. The structure shows no evidence of full electron transfer from Cu+ to tetrazine, and DFT calculations not only confirm this conclusion, but also show that the lowest energy triplet state, an excited state relative to the singlet ground state, has the MLCT character where the electron lost by copper now resides in both tetrazine rings of only one pincer ligand; the two pincers in this excited state are inequivalent, having charged btzp0 and btzp−1. The unusual orientation of the distinct tetrazines in the ground state structure of Cu(btzp)2+ is attributed to charge/dipole attraction unhindered by significant entropy cost.
Control Balance Behind Bars Testing the Generality of Tittle’s Theory Among Incarcerated Men and Women

The current study contributes to the small, but growing, body of literature testing Tittle’s control balance theory by offering a unique test of the theory’s ability to explain a wide variety of offending among a large sample of recently incarcerated jail inmates. Among the full sample of inmates, both control deficits and surpluses significantly increase the risk of offending. When men and women are examined separately, control deficits are non-significant while control surpluses continue to increase offending, and this effect does not significantly vary among men and women. Evidence from the interactive effects of control imbalance and self-control indicate that control surpluses and low self-control are also related to committing a wider variety of crimes.
Emerging Developments in Postsecondary Organization Theory and Research: Fragmentation or Integration

Developments in theory and research on postsecondary institutions as organizations are proceeding in many different directions, threatening to fragment this critical area of research. This article examines the major developments and identifies dilemmas in theory development, research methods, organizational behavior context, relating theory to practice, and identifying professional colleagues. These areas need to be understood and addressed to assure the continued, integrated development of postsecondary organization theory and research.
The design view: a design oriented, high-level visual programming environment

The authors propose a concise graphical convention for representing a problem decomposition that can be used on paper, in the classroom, and on the computer. They then propose an implementation of this convention as an extension to an existing structure-editor programming environment, which allows high-level design to take-place online. As the user graphically edits this design, the system silently tracks the set of low-level details that are necessary to ultimately conform the program code with the design. The necessary changes are then presented sequentially to the user after the design phase is complete. It is further suggested that this convention is useful as a way to view already completed programs, and as a tool for debugging. >
The Ukrainians in Galicia under Austrian Rule

On the eve of World War I the Ukrainian inhabitants of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy numbered some four million. They were divided among the Austrian provinces of Galicia (3,380,000) and Bukovina (300,000) and the Kingdom of Hungary (470,000).2 In each of these three territories the Ukrainians lived under quite different conditions; hence, a historian should treat each of the three groups as a separate entity. Since the Galician Ukrainians were not only the most numerous but also historically by far the most important, this paper will deal only with them.
Measurement technique for the extraction of differential S-parameters from single-ended S-parameters

With the increasing implementation of communication devices and systems in the RF/low microwave ranges, along with the usage of differential signaling schemes, it has become necessary to develop practical methods to suitably characterize the operation of these devices. This paper describes a method of determining the four-port differential S-parameters of such networks with the use of two-port vector network analyzer (VNA) by the use of various terminating load combinations. With the aid of a general equation the single-ended S-parameters obtained using this technique can be readily manipulated to obtain the differential S-parameters. The device under test (DUT) chosen to validate this technique is a pair of coupled microstrip lines designed to each have an uncoupled characteristic impedance of 55 /spl Omega/ and a differential impedance of 110 /spl Omega/ at 1 GHz.
Medicinal Plants: Historical and Cross-Cultural Usage Patterns

Purpose An attempt is made to review the prevalence of medicinal herb use in different societies and the various lines of evidence for its effectiveness for particular health needs and the alleviation of disease conditions. Methods Published scientifically collected data and anecdotal reports representing numerous populations are compiled and evaluated. Original research findings from Caribbean, American, and Caribbean-American samples are included in the comparisons. Results Medicinal plant products have been successfully administered both externally and internally in several different forms for a wide range of health problems cross-culturally since prehistoric times. Certain toxic effects and contraindications have also been recorded. Conclusions Many botanical medications contain curative bioactive chemical ingredients which have proven to be valuable as primary or supplemental therapies when carefully applied. Further research will ultimately clarify their appropriate roles in the treatment of diseases and injuries as well as in preventive health maintenance.
Swainsoninine Concentrations and Endophyte Amounts of Undifilum oxytropis in Different Plant Parts of Oxytropis sericea

Locoweeds are Astragalus and Oxytropis species that contain the toxic alkaloid swainsonine. Swainsonine accumulates in all parts of the plant with the highest concentrations found in the above ground parts. A fungal endophyte, Undifilum oxytropis, found in locoweed plant species, is responsible for the synthesis of swainsonine. By using quantitative PCR, the endophyte can be quantified in locoweed species. Endophyte amounts differ between plant parts and in some instances do not mirror the concentrations of swainsonine in the corresponding parts. Two groups of Oxytropis sericea were identified: one that accumulated high concentrations of swainsonine and another where swainsonine was not detected, or concentrations were near the detection threshold. The plants with high swainsonine concentrations had quantitatively higher amounts of endophyte. Alternatively, plants with low or no swainsonine detected had quantitatively lower endophyte amounts. In addition, swainsonine and endophyte concentrations were not distributed uniformly within the same plant when separated into stalks (leaves, scape(s), and flowers/pods). These findings provide evidence as to why plants in the same population accumulate different concentrations of swainsonine, and they have important implications for sampling of locoweed plants.