cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress and the heart: biobehavioral aspects of sudden cardiac death.

Stress has been implicated as a developmental factor in atherosclerotic heart disease, essential hypertension, and sudden cardiac death. This article reviews the mechanisms and biohehavioral effects of stress on the heart,focusing on its relation to sudden cardiac death. Epidemiologic evidence, cultural studies, animal experiments, and human research are reviewed to better understand the biobehavioral aspects of stress on the heart. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interaction of the central nervous system's frontal cortex and hypothalamus with cardiovascular control areas. With today's understanding of the frontal cortex and the interaction of hormones and neurotransmitters with the cardiovascular system, clinical interventions utilizing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are needed, particularly since both approaches are underutilized in combating arrhythmias.
RAYLEIGH WAVE INTERACTION WITH ISOTROPIC AND ANISOTROPIC WEDGES

Ultrasonic surface wave propagation was studied on both isotropic and anisotropic wedges. In order to investigate surface wave reflection from corners of small wedges, a broadband leaky Rayleigh wave technique was introduced and analyzed mainly via comparing experimental results to available theoretical and other experimental data for isotropic aluminum wedges of different angles. Results on single crystal nickel samples indicate that anisotropy plays a much larger role in the reflection coefficient than was expected. Although no theoretical work exists at the present time for surface wave reflection, this highly anisotropic behavior of the reflection coefficient was predicted and demonstrated for bulk waves.
Influence of particle morphology simplification on the simulation of granular material behavior

Morphology is an important grain scale property that substantially influences the macroscopic behavior of granular materials. Particle-based methods such as discrete element method are suitable to study the morphology effect because the particle geometry can be systematically controlled. However, coupling realistic particle morphology with simulation involves significant computational costs. Therefore, considerably simplified particle morphology has been typically adopted in the particle-based simulations to keep the computational costs manageable. This paper aims to systematically address how modeling error results from the morphology simplification and investigates how the modeled fidelity of particle morphology influences the simulated granular material behavior. To this end, a spectrum of particle morphology is developed by gradually simplifying a polyhedral particle model that represents a realistic particle morphology. The modeled fidelity is then quantified in term of Shape Factor and Angularity Factor to characterize the global form and the local angularity of the particle morphology. A set of 3D printed particles is developed from the numerical particle models and used in laboratory testing for systematic parametric study. A series of triaxial compression tests is performed on the synthetic specimens with the 3D printed particles. The result indicates the relative importance of high-fidelity modeling of (1) local angularity under low-confining pressure and (2) global form under high-confining pressure. This study also demonstrates the potential of leveraging 3D printed synthetic particles to study the morphology-dependent mechanical behavior of granular materials.
Time Series Feature Extraction for Machine Olfaction

Biological olfactory systems routinely process complex transient odors and sensory inputs, while today’s electronic noses often leverage only coarse time features. In this work, we apply generalized time series feature extraction to improve the performance of the TruffleBot platform. TruffleBot is a low cost electronic nose which ‘sniffs’ to collect multidimensional chemical, pressure and temperature time series. By learning from a larger space of time series features, such as autocorrelations, we enable TruffleBot to identify odors in spite of differences in transient concentration fluctuations, and to classify the odors of three similar beers at >98% accuracy (74 out of 75 trials). Additionally, we show that learned time series features can enable ethanol vapor concentration estimation within ±2.3%, near the limit of our experimental error.
Comprehensive review of ICD-9 code accuracies to measure multimorbidity in administrative data.

Quantifying the burden of multimorbidity for healthcare research using administrative data has been constrained. Existing measures incompletely capture chronic conditions of relevance and are narrowly focused on risk-adjustment for mortality, healthcare cost or utilization. Moreover, the measures have not undergone a rigorous review for how accurately the components, specifically the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes, represent the chronic conditions that comprise the measures. We performed a comprehensive, structured literature review of research studies on the accuracy of ICD-9 codes validated using external sources across an inventory of 81 chronic conditions. The conditions as a weighted measure set have previously been demonstrated to impact not only mortality but also physical and mental health-related quality of life. For each of 81 conditions we performed a structured literature search with the goal to identify 1) studies that externally validate ICD-9 codes mapped to each chronic condition against an external source of data, and 2) the accuracy of ICD-9 codes reported in the identified validation studies. The primary measure of accuracy was the positive predictive value (PPV). We also reported negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and kappa statistics when available. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published before June 2019. We identified studies with validation statistics of ICD-9 codes for 51 (64%) of 81 conditions. Most of the studies (47/51 or 92%) used medical chart review as the external reference standard. Of the validated using medical chart review, the median (range) of mean PPVs was 85% (39–100%) and NPVs was 91% (41–100%). Most conditions had at least one validation study reporting PPV ≥70%. To help facilitate the use of patient-centered measures of multimorbidity in administrative data, this review provides the accuracy of ICD-9 codes for chronic conditions that impact a universally valued patient-centered outcome: health-related quality of life. These findings will assist health services studies that measure chronic disease burden and risk-adjust for comorbidity and multimorbidity using patient-centered outcomes in administrative data.
Moral Distress, Mattering, and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Provider Burnout: A Call for Moral Community

Burnout incurs significant costs to health care organizations and professionals. Mattering, moral distress, and secondary traumatic stress are personal experiences linked to burnout and are byproducts of the organizations in which we work. This article conceptualizes health care organizations as moral communities-groups of people united by a common moral purpose to promote the well-being of others. We argue that health care organizations have a fundamental obligation to mitigate and prevent the costs of caring (eg, moral distress, secondary traumatic stress) and to foster a sense of mattering. Well-functioning moral communities have strong support systems, inclusivity, fairness, open communication, and collaboration and are able to protect their members. In this article, we address mattering, moral distress, and secondary traumatic stress as they relate to burnout. We conclude that leaders of moral communities are responsible for implementing systemic changes that foster mattering among its members and attend to the problems that cause moral distress and burnout.
T-Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Burst Firing in a Subpopulation of Medial Habenula Neurons.

Action potential (AP) burst firing caused by the activation of low-voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels is a unique mode of neuronal firing. T-type channels have been implicated in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, including epilepsy, autism, and mood regulation, but the brain structures involved remain incompletely understood. The medial habenula (MHb) is an epithalamic structure implicated in anxiety-like and withdrawal behavior. Previous studies have shown that MHb neurons fire tonic APs at a frequency of ∼2-10 Hz or display depolarized low amplitude membrane oscillations. Here, we report in C57BL/6J mice that a subpopulation of MHb neurons are capable of firing transient, high frequency AP bursts mediated by T-type channels. Burst firing was observed following rebounding from hyperpolarizing current injections or during depolarization from hyperpolarized membrane potentials in ∼20% of MHb neurons. It was rarely observed at baseline but could be evoked in MHb neurons displaying different initial activity states. Further, we show that T-type channel mRNA, in particular Cav3.1, is expressed in the MHb in both cholinergic and substance P-ergic neurons. Pharmacological Cav3 antagonism blocked both burst firing and evoked Ca2+ currents in MHb neurons. Additionally, we observed high frequency AP doublet firing at sustained depolarized membrane potentials that was independent of T-type channels. Thus, there is a greater diversity of AP firing patterns in MHb neurons than previously identified, including T-type channel-mediated burst firing, which may uniquely contribute to behaviors with relevance to neuropsychiatric disease. Significance statement Previous studies have reported that medial habenula neurons solely fire tonic action potentials at ∼2-10 Hz or display depolarized low amplitude membrane oscillations. In contrast, we found that a subpopulation of medial habenula neurons fire high frequency action potential bursts that share the characteristics of T-type Ca2+ channel-mediated low threshold spikes and were blocked by pharmacological antagonism of T-type Ca2+ channels. T-type Ca2+ channel mRNA, especially Cav3.1, is expressed in the medial habenula in both cholinergic and substance P-ergic neurons. T-type channel-independent action potential doublets were also observed in medial habenula neurons at sustained depolarized membrane potentials. Thus, there is a greater diversity of AP firing patterns in MHb neurons than previously recognized, including T-type Ca2+ channel-mediated burst firing.
A Solution for Iterative Determination of Patient Release Instructions for Fractionated Radionuclide Therapy.

Introduction For fractionated radionuclide therapy protocols that involve large activities administered within short periods of time, there is a lack of guidance concerning how patient release calculations should be performed. Objectives Present a solution for estimating the effective dose of individuals exposed to a patient undergoing fractionated radionuclide therapy; this is intended to be used for iterative determination of patient release instructions. Methods The effective dose of an individual in the vicinity of a patient is described by a piecewise function that is integrated over periods of time that are defined by several variables relevant to clinical planning of fractionated radionuclide therapy protocols. This solution is compared to a simpler calculation that treats all administrations as identical events. Results For the two compared methodologies, their equivalence for estimating effective dose depends on several variables. However, for protocols where the elimination time of the radionuclide is far smaller than the time between administrations, both methodologies produce essentially equal results. Conclusion The author recommends using the presented solution for iterative determination of patient release instructions if a simpler approach generates release instructions that are overly restrictive. Doing so will allow for less strict release instructions because the dose mitigation from repeated adherence to release instructions after each fraction, in addition to potential inpatient time after each fraction, will be taken into account. Lastly, a spreadsheet that incorporates the presented solution has been made freely available for download.
Clinical utility of perfusion (Q)-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for diagnosing pulmonary embolus (PE) in COVID-19 patients with a moderate to high pre-test probability of PE.

We reviewed the clinical utility of perfusion (Q)-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for diagnosing pulmonary embolus (PE) in patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic, our department policy recommended Q-only SPECT/CT for all patients undergoing nuclear medicine evaluation for suspected PE to reduce the risk of aerosolization of respiratory droplets. We performed a retrospective review of sequential patients admitted with COVID-19 imaged with Q-SPECT/CT between March 17, 2020, and June 30, 2020, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. We recorded patient demographics, clinical symptoms, Wells score (to stratify patients according to pre-test probability for PE prior to Q-SPECT/CT), and noted ancillary imaging findings on CT. Of the 33 patients imaged with Q-SPECT/CT, 6 patients (3 men, 3 women) had a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (mean age, 55, ± 11.4 years, range 33–68). All patients had a current diagnosis of malignancy and had a moderate or high pre-test probability for PE (mean Wells score 2.8, range 2–4). Q-SPECT/CT was positive in 4/6 (67%) of patients. Distribution of pulmonary emboli was bilateral and segmental in 75% of patients. Ancillary acute findings on SPECT/CT included bilateral parenchymal ground glass opacities (n = 5), pleural effusions (n = 2), and pneumomediastinum (n = 1). Q-SPECT/CT has clinical utility for diagnosing PE in patients with COVID-19 where there is a contraindication for iodinated contrast media and a moderate or high pre-test probability for PE.
How long-distance nationalism shapes ‘us’ preferences of first-generation Taiwanese Americans:

Although researchers have identified conditions for marital formation across and along ethnic lines, few efforts have been made to clarify factors behind in-group rejection. This article looks at o...
Oxygen sensing tools for the improved assessment of hypoxia-related conditions

We have developed different portable tools based on phosphorescence lifetime and intensity measurements to be used together with syringes, needles, and catheters to measure oxygen partial pressure deep inside tissue with the aim to improve the assessment of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Due to their portability and universality, the tools will also be useful in other hypoxia-related conditions such as vascular diseases, diabetic wounds, cancer, and traumatic injuries. We will present designs as well as results from in vivo porcine model studies.
PARA: A One-meter Reach, Two-Kg Payload, Three-DoF Open Source Robotic Arm with Customizable End Effector

Abstract This article presents a robotic arm that is more cost effective than existing models on the market while still maintaining sufficient torque and speed capabilities. Most industrial-grade high power and precision arms are often very expensive, while conversely, more low-cost arms targeted toward the education and hobby sectors are inadequate in power and robustness. The Creative Machines Lab’s three degree of freedom Printed Articulated Robotic Arm (PARA) can lift a 2 kg payload at a reach of 940 mm, while under a no-load case, it has exhibited a precision of about ±2.6 mm at an end effector speed of 250 mm/s. It costs about $3400 to build, an order of magnitude lower than market models with similar functionalities. This project is also meant to serve as a demonstration of the usage of 3D printed parts as practical tools in industry.
Unbiased measurements of postnatal cerebellar cortical growth interpreted quantitatively through topological constraints suggest prolonging of cell cycle time in Superficial EGL progenitors

Postnatal cerebellar folial surface area expansion promotes cerebellar cortical cytoarchitectural lamination. We developed a stream-lined sampling scheme/work-flow to generate objective/unbiased es...
The Rigidity of Choice. Lifecycle savings with information-processing limits

This paper studies the implications of information-processing limits on the consumption and savings behavior of households through time. It presents a dynamic model in which consumers rationally choose the size and scope of the information they want to process concerning their …nancial possibilities, constrained by a Shannon channel. The model predicts that people with higher degrees of risk aversion rationally choose more information. This happens for precautionary reasons since, with …nite processing rate, risk averse consumers prefer to be well informed about their …nancial possibilities before implementing a consumption plan. Moreover, numerical results show that consumers with processing capacity constraints have asymmetric responses to shocks, with negative shocks producing more persistent �� � )
Chapter 12 Capillary electrophoresis-based methods for in vivo analysis: Single cell analysis and microdialysis sampling

Publisher Summary Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been used for monitoring drugs and their metabolites in tissue as well as endogenous compounds in single cells. Recently, CE has been employed for both online and offline analysis of microdialysis samples. This chapter discusses the recent advances in the use of CE for in vivo analysis. A wide variety of analytical tools are needed to help provide in vivo information at different levels of biological organization. These include: (1) tools for the determination of analytes at systemic levels, (2) tools for determination of specific tissue levels of analytes within a living animal, and (3) tools that permit the study of the biotransformation of substances within isolated organs, tissues or cells. The types of analytical techniques utilized for analysis of in vivo species vary considerably with the region of the body involved and the compounds being studied. The chapter focuses on the classical methods of obtaining in vivo information in neurochemistry and pharmacokinetics/drug metabolism. Dynamic chemical processes such as neurotransmitter uptake and release are commonly probed via techniques such as in vivo voltammetry and implanted ion-selective electrodes.
Aberrant Muscle Antigen Exposure in Mice Is Sufficient to Cause Myositis in a Treg Cell–Deficient Milieu

Objective Myositis is associated with muscle-targeted inflammation and is observed in some Treg cell–deficient mouse models. Because an autoimmune pathogenesis has been strongly implicated, the aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that abnormal exposure to muscle antigens, as observed in muscle injury, can induce autoimmune-mediated myositis in susceptible hosts. Methods FoxP3 mutant (scurfy) mice were mated to synaptotagmin VII (Syt VII) mutant mice, which resulted in a new mouse strain that combines impaired membrane resealing with Treg cell deficiency. Lymphocyte preparations from double-mutant mice were adoptively transferred intraperitoneally, with or without purified Treg cells, into recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG-1)–null recipients. Lymph node cells from mice with the FoxP3 mutation were transferred into RAG-1–null mice either 1) intraperitoneally in conjunction with muscle homogenate or purified myosin protein or 2) intramuscularly with or without cotransfer of purified Treg cells. Results FoxP3-deficient mouse lymph node cells transferred in conjunction with myosin protein or muscle homogenate induced robust skeletal muscle inflammation. The infiltrates consisted predominantly of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, a limited number of macrophages, and no B cells. Significant inflammation was also seen in similar experiments using lymph node cells from FoxP3/Syt VII double-mutant mice but was absent in experiments using adoptive transfer of FoxP3 mutant mouse cells alone. The cotransfer of Treg cells completely suppressed myositis. Conclusion These data, derived from a new, reproducible model, demonstrate the critical roles of Treg cell deficiency and aberrant muscle antigen exposure in the priming of autoreactive cells to induce myositis. This mouse system has multifaceted potential for examining the interplay in vivo between tissue injury and autoimmunity.
Compensation Supplements and the Use of Incentive Pay in US Job Markets

The firm's interest in monitoring and/or motivating workers appears to be an important reason why firms use pay supplements such as bonuses and overtime work. In this paper, I used a representative sample of U.S. private industry jobs to obtain some indirect evidence on what pay supplements may play a role as an incentive instrument. I studied how various pay supplements differ when traditional incentive pay - pay based on individual results such as piece rates or sales commissions - is a part of job earnings; I argue that the marginal benefit to use of a pay supplement as an incentive instrument should fall when incentive pay is used. As expected, bonuses not based on individual results and use of overtime work were both found to be lower when incentive pay is used on the job. However, I also found that expected hours of holiday/vacation leave and employer spending on defined contribution retirement plans were lower with use of incentive pay. These results are contrasted with union-nonunion differences in pay supplements, updating Freeman's 1981 results. The paper also discusses the role that incentive pay and collective bargaining play in accommodating differences in worker preferences in the job market.
Stability assessment of slopes with cracks using limit analysis

Cracks are a common occurrence in soil slopes, and a method is described for including the presence of cracks in stability assessment based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis. While many cracks may be present in a slope, the failure mechanism typically involves one crack, whose location has the most adverse influence on stability. A translational mechanism, typical of rock slope failures, is demonstrated to illustrate the method, followed by a rotation collapse analysis that is more appropriate for soils. Pre-existing (open) cracks are considered, as well as the cracks that form as part of the slope collapse mechanism. The maximum crack depth is determined by stability of the vertical crack boundary. This maximum crack depth may be reduced significantly by seepage forces in the slope. The most adverse location of the crack is determined from an optimization procedure where the minimum of the slope critical height is sought. The presence of water is included in the analysis, and stability charts a...
Common orthopedic problems in children; summary of round table discussion.

Foot Problems NORMALLY the foot functions differently in stance than it does in motion. During stance, static stresses are most important. The foot may be divided at the midtarsal joints into the hindfoot which receives 60 per cent of the weight-bearing stress and the forefoot which receives 40 per cent of the stress. The spring ligament normally transmits the stresses from hindfoot to forefoot. All degrees of foot shape and size may be natural for a particular individual. Similarly, the gait pattern of a child varies considerably within the normal range. The child should be allowed to establish his own normal gait pattern. During the toddling stages the child9s shoe soles should be flexible enough to bend at the toe. One should avoid the use of rigid shoes. Some of the conditions which may alter normal stance or gait follow. Simple Foot Strain Long arch strain is due to abnormal stress on the longitudinal ligament. Inflammatory repair of the ligament produces pain which can be demonstrated by finding an area tender to palpation. Some patients have a depressed longitudinal arch or long spring ligament without foot symptoms. A diagnosis of long arch strain cannot be made unless tenderness is present. A tight heel cord may produce foot strain. The foot accommodates to a tight heel cord by pronation of the forefoot. To correct a tight heel cord, the child should stand away from the wall (while facing it) with the heels flat, then lean forward count to 3. Repeat 5 times twice daily. Pronation
A note on the differences in magnitudes estimated from strong motion data and from Wood-Anderson seismometer

Magnitude dependent differences between estimates of local magnitude, ML (Richter12.13) based on strong motion data and on the response of Wood-Anderson Seismometer are analyzed. It is suggested that the principal cause for differences for intermediate and small magnitudes (M < 5.5) could be associated with anelastic attenuation; indicating Q values between 100 and 200 in Southern California. For large magnitudes the observed differences are interpreted to result from saturation of strong-motion amplitudes relative to other long period estimates of magnitude.
A current conveyor realization using operational amplifiers

A second generation current conveyor realization is presented that employs only operational amplifiers and resistors. No additional devices are required. The frequency limitations of the circuit are described, and the results of the applications of the circuit are provided.
A Brief Survey of Our Contribution to Stable Carbene Chemistry

This personal account summarizes our work, beginning with the discovery of the first stable carbene in 1988 up until the recent isolation of mesoionic carbenes. It explains why we have moved our focus from acyclic to cyclic carbenes and shows that these stable species are not limited to the role of ligand for transition metals but that they are also powerful agents for the activation of small molecules, and for the stabilization of highly reactive diamagnetic and paramagnetic species.
Unusual polymerization activities of bulky aluminum alkyl complexes

Sterically hindered aluminum alkyl complexes have been found to be active catalysts and/or initiators compared to sterically non-congested complexes in the polymerization of acrylates and styrene type of monomers to yield polyacrylates and polystyrene with high molecular weights. Electron-withdrawing groups on the ligands enhance the polymerization activity of the catalysts. Mechanistic investigations suggest that both radical and ionic active species are involved in the polymerizations depending on the monomers used.
Measurements of aerosols produced by the photochemical oxidation of SO2 in air

Abstract The formation and growth of aerosols produced by the photooxidation of SO 2 in initially particle-free air was measured and characterized over the size range from 0.0040μm to 0.4 μm using a Whitby Aerosol Analyzer and a Condensation Nuclei Counter. The experiments were conducted in a photochemical reaction chamber consisting of a 625 ft 3 Teflon bag illuminated with fluorescent ultraviolet lamps. The same basic pattern of aerosol formation and growth was observed over the range of SO 2 concentrations from 0.049 to 2.88 ppm. The particle volume concentration increased linearly with time indicating a steady condensation of material from the vapor to the condensed phase. The number concentration increased rapidly, reached a maximum value, and then decayed uniformly by coagulation. After an initial rapid increase, the surface area concentration approached an equilibrium value which correlated strongly in a power function relationship with the volumetric conversion rate. Also, the volume mean diameter of the growing particles was found to increase linearly with time at a rate which correlated strongly with the volumetric conversion rate. In the early stages of nucleation and growth the volume concentration exhibited a nonlinear increase with time which was thought to reflect the variation in the condensation rate of material during the nucleation phase. Calculated values of the overall photooxidation rate of SO 2 in air adjusted to noon-day sunlight ranged from 0.379 to 0.992%/hr. Estimates of the partial pressure of H 2 SO 4 vapor at the onset of nucleation ranged from 1.72 × 10 −8 to 1.2 × 10 −7 mm Hg.
The detection, identification and gravimetric determination of pentosans and pentoses

Following a discussion of the occurrence and fundamental chemistry of pentosans, qualitative tests are indicated. The utilization of crystal habits, optical properties, and physical constants of sugars and their derivatives for identification is suggested. A procedure for crystal identification by optical means is outlined. The methods of sugar estimation applicable to pentoses are discussed while the errors of the standard pentosan determination are pointed out. An accurate gravimetric macro-determination of pentoses was developed and reduced to a micro-basis. Requiring only equipment available in the laboratory, high accuracy and precision were obtained on 3 mg. samples of wood and 0,5–1,0 mg. samples of pentose materials.
Effect of Intravenous Injections of Casein Hydrolysate upon Electrocorticogram of the Rabbit.

ConclusionAn enzymatic casein hydrolysate was found to contain an agent which produced significant changes in the electrical activity of the rabbit brain when administered under standard test conditions. The agent appeared to be a protein fragment which is adsorbed by Amberlite I-R-4 and yields large amounts of glutamic and aspartic acids when destroyed by acid hydrolysis.
Market Contractarianism and the Unanimity Rule

This essay is part of a larger project exploring the extent to which the market paradigm might be usefully employed to explain and in some instances justify nonmarket institutions. The focus of the market paradigm in this essay is the relationship between the idea of a perfectly competitive market and aspects of both the rationality of political association and the theory of collective choice. In particular, this essay seeks to identify what connections, if any, exist between one kind of market account of the rationality of political association and one kind of market-based social choice rule. The market theory of political association I intend to discuss I call “market contractarianism,” and the collective choice rule whose relation to it I intend to explore is the unanimity rule. What, if anything, is the relationship between market contractarianism and the unanimity rule?
Highly sensitive evanescent wave combination tapered fiber optic fluorosensor for protein detection

In this paper we are reporting the development of a highly sensitive evanescent wave combination tapered fiber optic fluorosensor. We have demonstrated detection of 5 pM Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein using these fiber optic sensors. The sensor can be easily adopted for detection of other proteins. Six identical probes were prepared and affinity pure Goat anti-BSA antibodies were immobilized on the probe surface. We could detect signal from all the probes kept in 5 pM to 1 nM BSA solution while no signal was detected from the probes kept in 20 nM labeled ESA solution.
Effects of learned safety and tolerance on alcohol consumption by the rat.

Evidence is presented that learned safety increases the rat's willingness to drink ethanol; induction of tolerance to ethanol following learned safety training produces a further increase. Rats with chronically implanted intragastric fistulae consumed substantially more (30%) alcohol when aversive post-ingestional effects were minimized by draining stomach contents during drinking than did rats allowed to retain stomach contents. Half the rats from each group were then made tolerant by prolonged forced alcohol intubation. Later testing showed an increase in alcohol consumption by rats receiving learned safety training or rendered tolerant, with the two factors being additive.
Neutralizing antibodies to poliovirus and mumps virus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Neutralizing (Nt) antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3, and to mumps virus, were measured in sera from 27 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and from 28 age- and sex-matched controls. No significant differences were observed in distribution or in geometric mean titers of antibodies, when the two groups were compared.
A Genetic Algorithm for Generating Radar Transmit Codes to Minimize the Target Profile Estimation Error

This article presents the design and development of a genetic algo- rithm (GA) to generate long-range transmit codes with low autocorrelation side lobes for radar to minimize target profile estimation error. The GA described in this work has a parallel processing design and has been used to generate codes with multiple constellations for various code lengths with low estimated error of a radar target profile.
Electron Spin Resonance Study of Electron and Hole Transfer in DNA: Effects of Hydration, Aliphatic Amine Cations, and Histone Proteins

In this work, we employ electron spin resonance spectroscopy to investigate the effects of hydration, and various cationic complexing agents, such as, aliphatic amine cations and histone proteins, on electron and hole transfer in DNA. Electrons and holes generated by irradiation at 77 K are trapped on DNA and transfer to a randomly interspersed intercalator, mitoxantrone (MX). Monitoring the changes of ESR signals of MX radicals, one electron oxidized guanine (G•+), one-electron reduced cytosine [C(N3)H•], and thymine anion radicals (T•-) with time at 77 K allows for the direct observation of electron and hole transfer. The apparent transfer distance (Da) in bps is derived from the change in radicals with time and is a measure of the total number of bps within the tunneling range. In all solid DNA samples in which tunneling from electrons and holes to an intercalator was investigated, we find that the distance between DNA duplexes is the dominant factor in the degree of transfer observed. In hydrated DNA ...
Temperature and time dependence of the water inhibition effect on supported palladium catalyst for methane combustion

Abstract The time constant for equilibration of water adsorption/desorption during methane combustion over zirconia supported palladium catalyst was qualitatively studied at different reaction temperatures under both pulsed and continuous flow experiments. Water inhibition of methane oxidation was found to depend strongly on the time constant for equilibration of the adsorption/desorption of water, which, in turn, is a strong function of temperature. In pulsed experiments, at temperatures below 723 K the water inhibition effect was found to be important, in agreement with previously reported results and consistent with results reported by other authors. This also coincides with the temperature at which the desorption time gap between the measured CO 2 and water peaks disappears. Response to changes in water concentration was found to be slow, thus not equilibrated at low temperatures. However, under continuous flow water poisoning is important to higher temperatures due to readsorption.
Effects of sensorimotor EEG feedback training on seizure susceptibility in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract As a follow-up to previous EEG operant conditioning studies in cats both EEG response acquisition and subsequent seizure susceptibility were evaluated in the rhesus monkey. Two groups of four animals each were challenged with a convulsive dose of monomethylhydrazine and both prodrome and seizure characteristics documented with video and polygraphic recordings. One group had previously received 12 weeks of EEG feedback training with food reward provided for the occurrence of rhythmic, central cortical, 12- to 15-cycles/s activity (the sensorimotor rhythm) in the absence of movement and concurrent 8- to 11-cycles/s activity. The second group was studied in another context and received no EEG feedback training. Three of the four training group animals demonstrated a sustained increment of the rewarded response. Compared to controls, the trained group showed a significantly prolonged latency to generalized seizures, fewer total seizures, and enhancement of quiescent behavior during the prodrome. Toxic responses including emesis and motor agitation were comparable among the two groups. These findings support previous observations in cat and man suggesting that enhancement of normal rhythmic EEG patterns in sensorimotor cortex can raise seizure thresholds. A specific alteration of central motor control is proposed as a tentative explanation for this effect.
Electromagnetic dissociation of relativistic Si via giant dipole resonance

A detailed study of the electromagnetic dissociation of {sup 28}Si in extremely peripheral collisions at 14.6 GeV/nucleon was carried out with {sup 28}Si projectiles interacting on Pb, Sn, Cu and Al targets. The excitation energy is determined by measurements of the invariant mass of the excited system. We examine the decay channels 1p+{sup 27}Al, l+{sup 27}Si and 2p+{sup 26}Mg. The excitation energy distributions are well reproduced by combining the photon spectrum calculated using the Weizsaecker-Williams approximation with the experimental data on the photonuclear cross sections. No evidence for double photon excitation of {sup 28}Si is observed.
Examining how enzymes self-organize in a membrane

It is becoming clear that enzymes have dynamic structures that respond to changes in their environment (1⇓–3). The presence of substrate and cofactors, the identities and oxidation states of ligands and metal centers, all can have a dramatic effect on the compactness, conformation, and oligomerization state of an enzyme. For membrane-bound or membrane-associated enzymes, how the enzyme interacts with the lipid bilayer is yet another variable that affects overall protein structure and stability. There is a paucity of structures for intact membrane proteins in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), making it difficult to determine to what extent membrane association modifies protein conformations. Although many structures have been obtained using versions of membrane proteins with their membrane-binding domains removed, these are not particularly helpful for understanding protein–bilayer interactions. In PNAS, Monk et al. pull back the curtain a bit on this important question (4).
Quantification of Collagen Organization and Extracellular Matrix Factors within the Healing Ligament

Ligament healing of a grade III injury (i.e., a complete tear) involves a multifaceted chain of events that forms a neoligament, which is more scar-like in character than the native tissue. The remodeling process may last months or even years with the injured ligament never fully recovering pre-injury mechanical properties. With tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, understanding the normal healing process in ligament and quantifying it provide a basis to create and assess innovative treatments. Ligament fibroblasts produce a number of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including collagen types I and III, decorin and fibromodulin. Using a combination of advanced histology, molecular biology, and nonlinear optical imaging approaches, the early ECM events during ligament healing have been better characterized and defined. First, the dynamic changes in ECM factors after injury are shown. Second, the factors associated with creeping substitution are identified. Finally, a method to quantify collagen organization is developed and used. Each ECM factor described herein as well as the temporal quantification of fiber organization helps elucidate the complexity of ligament healing.
Multilaminated plates with thin compliant adhesive layers

A dynamic model for a multilayered laminated plate is developed. The laminated plate consists of 2n plate layers and 2n - 1 adhesive layers. The layers (both plate and adhesive layers) are assumed to be homogeneous, transversely isotropic and perfectly bonded to one another. In the initial modeling, the Reissner-Mindlin theory of shear deformable plates is applied to each layer, resulting in a high-order plate theory in which the shear motions of the layers are completely independent. Simpler, lower-order models can then be obtained from this initial model from asymptotic limits based upon the assumptions that (1) the adhesive layers are very thin, (2) the elastic modulii of the adhesive layers are small compared to those of the plate layers, (3) the shear stiffnesses of the plate layers are very large, (4) the rotational moments of inertia of the individual plate layers are very small.
Effect of supplemental vitamin A on the healing of colon anastomosis

The effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin A on the healing of colon anastomoses was studied. Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: (1) rats fed a standard chow which contains the equivalent of about 15 IU vitamin A/g diet; (2) rats fed the chow supplemented with an additional 150 IU vitamin A/g diet. Rats were prefed for 5 days; on Day 6 under ether anesthesia the colon was divided 1-in. distal to the ileocecal junction and then reanastomosed. The rats were maintained on the above diets for 5 days and killed on the sixth postoperative day with ether and the segment of colon containing the anastomosis was resected. In 15 rats of each group, the breaking strength of the anastomosis was measured. In the remaining 10 rats of each group, the bursting strength of the anastomotic site and a segment of normal distal colon was measured. Samples of colon from the anastomotic site and the normal segment were analyzed for hydroxyproline. There was a significant decrease in hydroxyproline content at the anastomotic site when compared to the normal distal colon segment in each group of rats (P less than 0.01). The hydroxyproline content of both normal colon and the anastomotic site was significantly higher in the vitamin A-supplemented rats than in the control diet rats (P less than 0.01). There was also a significant increase in bursting strength in the vitamin A-supplemented rats both of the anastomotic site (P less than 0.01) and of the normal colon segment (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stability and absorption spectrum of malononitrile.

1) Spectra in the ultraviolet and visible regions havebeen obtained on samples of malononitrile under differentconditions. The samples were manufactured by severalcompanies in America and Sweden. 2) The spectral analysis has demonstrated that thecompound used by Hyden and Hartelius is not the sameas that employed by American investigators. If, however,an aqueous solution of the American product is allowedto stand at room temperature for a long enough time,it develops the same spectral characteristics as the Swedish solution. 3) Future studies will concern themselves with attempts to identify, the active substance and to examineits effect on neuronal nucleoproteins.
Fast Eigensolver for Plasmonic Metasurfaces

Finding the wavevectors (eigenvalues) and wavefronts (eigenvectors) in nanostructured metasurfaces is cast as a problem of finding the complex roots of a non-linear equation. A new algorithm is introduced for solving this problem; example eigenvalues are obtained and compared against the results from a popular, yet much more computationally expensive method built on a matrix eigenvalue problem. In contrast to the conventional solvers, the proposed method always returns a set of ‘exact’ individual eigenvalues. First, by using the Lehmer-Schur algorithm, we isolate individual complex roots from others, then use a zero-polishing method applied at the very final stage of ultimate eigenvalue localization. Exceptional computational performance, scalability, and accuracy are demonstrated.
Beam quality of InGaAs ridge lasers at high output power.

The nonlinear behavior of the light-current characteristic of single quantum well, graded-index–separate-heterostructure ridge laser diodes emitting at 980 nm is investigated. We have measured the beam-quality factor |M|2 as a function of the output power, under continuous-wave and transient conditions. The time constant associated with beam degradation under the transient condition suggests that the temperature profile in the cavity plays a significant role in the lateral guiding of the lasing modes. The two-dimensional heat equation is solved for the device, and the time-resolved thermally induced refractive-index profile is computed. There is excellent agreement between the time required to reach a steady index profile and that required to degrade the beam. The small beam astigmatism (typically 2 μm) measured under CW operating conditions in the linear regime indicates that the mode is essentially index guided, which permits simple quantitative modeling of the waveguide.
Colt: an experiment in wormhole run-time reconfiguration

Wormhole run-time reconfiguration (RTR) is an attempt to create a refined computing paradigm for high performance computational tasks. By combining concepts from field programmable gate array (FPGA) technologies with data flow computing, the Colt/Stallion architecture achieves high utilization of hardware resources, and facilitates rapid run-time reconfiguration. Targeted mainly at DSP-type operations, the Colt integrated circuit -- a prototype wormhole RTR device -- compares favorably to contemporary DSP alternatives in terms of silicon area consumed per unit computation and in computing performance. Although emphasis has been placed on signal processing applications, general purpose computation has not been overlooked. Colt is a prototype that defines an architecture not only at the chip level but also in terms of an overall system design. As this system is realized, the concept of wormhole RTR will be applied to numerical computation and DSP applications including those common to image processing, communications systems, digital filters, acoustic processing, real-time control systems and simulation acceleration.
Death by Committee: Organellar Trafficking and Communication in Apoptosis

Apoptosis proceeds through a set of evolutionarily conserved processes that coordinate the elimination of damaged or unneeded cells. This program of cell death is carried out by organelle-directed regulators, including the Bcl-2 proteins, and ultimately executed by proteases of the caspase family. While the biochemical mechanisms of apoptosis are increasingly understood, the underlying cell biology orchestrating programmed cell death remains enigmatic. In this review we summarize the current understanding of Bcl-2 protein regulation and caspase activation while examining cell biological mechanisms and consequences of apoptotic induction. Organellar contributions to apoptotic induction include death receptor endocytosis, mitochondrial and lysosomal permeabilization, endoplasmic reticulum calcium release and fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. These early apoptotic events are accompanied by a stabilization of the microtubule cytoskeleton and a translocation of organelles to the microtubule organizing center. Together, these phenomena establish a model of apoptotic induction whereby a cytoskeletal-dependent coalescence and “scrambling” of organelles in the paranuclear region coordinates apoptotic communication, caspase activation and cell death.
Solar photoassisted catalytic decomposition of the chlorinated hydrocarbons trichloroethylene and trichloromethane

Abstract Two chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene and chloroform), in dilute aqueous solution (50 ppm), were catalytically degraded to HCl and CO2 in the presence of solar-illuminated undoped n-type titanium dioxide (anatase) (band gap = 3.0 eV ≈ 350 nm). The initial rate of dechlorination was essentially constant over much of the day. The TiO2 catalyst was filtered and reused several times to check for activity loss; no singificant change in the activity of the catalyst was observed.