cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced growth rate for Bragg grating formation in optical fibers with titania-doped outer cladding

Bragg gratings are written in two identical, communications-grade optical fibers, one of which has a layer of titania-doped outer cladding. Continuous-wave laser at 244 nm and 40 mW power is used. Gratings can be written in fibers with titania-doped outer cladding after just 1 day of exposure to hydrogen at 60 atm pressure. A similar exposure to hydrogen for 4 to 5 days is required before gratings can be written in fibers without titania-doped outer cladding. This difference is observed to be due to partial absorption of 244 nm light by titania, resulting in heating of the fiber to 200°C. Results of a comparison of grating characteristics for the two fibers are presented.
On the relationship between tax increment finance and property taxation

Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine the inter-jurisdictional and dynamic relationships between the use of the tax increment finance development tool and property taxation. Tax increment finance can move large portions of the tax base off the general fund tax rolls. Further, over time there is a reallocation of revenue streams away from the non-municipal overlying jurisdictions to the municipal government, and these resources are used to subsidize development. Over time local authorities may therefore adjust tax rates in response to changes in the tax base. Using data from nearly all Wisconsin municipalities over the 1990–2003 period, we find that the use of tax increment finance leads to increases in property tax rates in non-municipal overlapping jurisdictions while reducing rates in municipal governments. The tax burden reallocation appears to be temporary; non-municipal tax rates fall and municipal tax rates increase when tax increment finance districts close. This research shows that the burden of covering the tax increment finance development subsidies results in explicit changes in tax rates across jurisdictions. These findings serve to more fully inform the decision makers of the implications of using the tax increment tool.
Isolating Event-related Neuronal Responses by Deconvolution

Although many studies in neuroscience are based on comparing neuronal responses to single, isolated sensory or motor events, multiple events frequently occur in close temporal proximity in freely moving animals. This often obscures the precise temporal correlation between each event and the relevant brain activity. By simulating neuronal responses in multi-event tasks, we show that perievent time histograms (PETHs) greatly distort the underlying true responses. We propose a multi-event deconvolution method that can separate the contribution of each event to the overall neuronal activity. The improvements over PETH in analyzing real data are demonstrated using simulated data and a sample electrophysiological recording obtained from rats in a task involving responses to a reward predictive cue.
Failure of systemic antibiotics to eradicate gram-negative bacilli from the airway of mechanically ventilated very low-birth-weight infants.

Abstract Background: Gram-negative bacillary (GNB) airway colonization in mechanically ventilated newborns is associated with morbidity and mortality, which may be reduced if systemic antimicrobial therapy eradicates GNB from the airway. Efforts to do so in adults have met with variable success; similar experiences in newborns have not been reported. Methods: From 1991 through 1998, 531 very low–birth-weight infants were mechanically ventilated longer than 2 weeks. The study group was 106 infants with GNB airway colonization. Sixty-four other neonates in whom GNB nosocomial bloodstream infections developed served as antibiotic treatment outcome control. Results: Isolated from the airway were enteric (70 cases) and environmental (36 cases) GNB. Gentamicin alone or with ceftazidime (79), ceftazidime (11), piperacillin in combination with tazobactam or tobramycin (8), and tobramycin, in combination with ampicillin/sulbactam or mezlocillin (8) were the antimicrobials selected. Systemic antibiotics failed to eradicate GNB colonization in 97% of the cases. Six of the 106 infants with airway colonization died for reasons unrelated to infection. Sixty-four infants experienced 67 bloodstream infections as a result of enteric (53) and environmental (14) GNB. Gentamicin alone (23), with ceftazidime (26), or with clindamycin or ampicillin/sulbactam (9), piperacillin with tazobactam or tobramycin (3) and ceftazidime alone (6) were the antimicrobials selected. Survival occurred in 84% of the 67 nosocomial bloodstream infections. Conclusions: Systemic antibiotics do not consistently eradicate GNB from the airway of mechanically ventilated newborns, therefore its empirical use for prophylaxis or treatment of airway colonization should be discouraged. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2000;28:286-90)
Induction of protein-like molecular architecture by self-assembly processes

One of the most intriguing self-assembly processes is the folding of peptide chains into native protein structures. We have developed a method for building protein-like structural motifs that incorporate sequences of biological interest. A lipophilic moiety is attached onto an N(alpha)-amino group of a peptide chain, resulting in a 'peptide-amphiphile'. The alignment of amphiphilic compounds at the lipid solvent interface is used to facilitate peptide alignment and structure initiation and propagation. Peptide-amphiphiles containing potentially triple-helical structural motifs have been synthesized. The resultant head group structures have been characterized by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopies. Evidence for a self-assembly process of peptide-amphiphiles has been obtained from: (a) circular dichroism spectra and melting curves characteristic of triple-helices, (b) one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra indicative of stable triple-helical structure at low temperatures and melted triple-helices at high temperatures, and (c) pulsed-field gradient NMR experiments demonstrating different self-diffusion coefficients between proposed triple-helical and non-triple-helical species. The peptide-amphiphiles described here provide a simple approach for building stable protein structural motifs using peptide head groups.
Ovarian development in Habrobracon juglandis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera : Braconidae)—II. Observations on growth and differentiation of component cells of egg chamber and their bearing upon interpretation of radiosensitivity data from Habrobracon and Drosophila

Abstract Normal oogenesis in the adult wasp, Habrobracon juglandis , is described and divided into 9 developmental stages. Accounts are given of: (1) the mitotic behavior of the follicle cells, (2) the dynamics of cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic growth for the nurse cells, follicle cells and oocyte, (3) the endomitotic DNA replications that accompany nuclear growth in the case of the nurse and follicle cells, (4) the changes in the activity of the oolemma during development, and (5) the migratory and secretory activities of the follicle cells. Comparisons are drawn between Habrobracon and Drosophila with respect to: (1) the radiosensitivity of egg chambers at different stages of oogenesis, and (2) the structure and function of the egg shell.
Relationship between voice quality and vocal nodule size

Objective To determine the effect of vocal nodule size on voice in pediatric patients. Study Design Vocal nodules were graded according to a validated grading scale by three pediatric otolaryngologists. Subjects and Methods Patients evaluated from 2003 to 2007 with a diagnosis of vocal nodules were included. Results Forty patients (21 female) with a mean age of 7.5 years were identified. Vocal nodules were rated as grade 1 (17 patients), grade 2 (15 patients), and grade 3 (8 patients). Pitch range was reduced in patients with larger nodules ( P = 0.001). There was no statistical association between nodule grade and fundamental frequency abnormality, perturbation, shimmer, decreased respiratory support, air loss, or significant muscle tension. Conclusions Voice characteristics in patients with vocal nodules were evaluated. Other than pitch reduction, objective and subjective voice measurements are not statistically different in varying vocal nodule sizes; however, many of the measures did show a trend towards significance. Vocal rehabilitation is complex in children with nodules and may not directly correlate with vocal nodule size.
Levels of diurnal predation on a school of flat-iron herring,Harengula thrissina

The incidence of diurnal predation (0800–1600h) on schools of several hundred thousand adult flat-iron herring,Harengula thrissina, was quantified. Nine species of piscine predators perpetrated 653 attacks and 158 captures during 42.5 h of observation. Four predators: cabrilla,Mycteroperca rosacea, cornetfish,Fistularia commersonii, green jack,Caranx caballus, and black skipjack,Euthynnus lineatus, were responsible for 92% of the attacks and 96% of the successes. Among these predators attack rates (attacks × time−1) and success rates (successes × attacks−1) varied with respect to time of day, although all predators were active throughout the day. As a consequence, the herring school experienced fairly homogeneous attack and success rates. These rates were estimated as roughly half the crepuscular attack rates but they were sustained over a much longer period. Piscivorous predators, particularly those species frequently found in association with schooling prey, may be focusing their attacks on opportunities, not specific times of day and/or light levels. More direct information needs to be gathered on diurnal as well as crepuscular attack and success rates in order to assess the impact that piscine predators have on schooling prey.
Reliability benefits of I DDQ

This is an application-oriented article on I DDQ to guide test engineers to a pragmatic method of implementing I DDQ . This article focuses on different aspects of I DDQ testing; quality, reliability, and test implementation. A description of I DDQ is presented, with different practical methods of implementing it, with empirical reliability data of I DDQ failures, and with empirical burn-in data identifying potential yield benefits. Employing I DDQ testing on digital CMOS technology, the user obtains a product with greater reliability. The data presented within this article, along with increasing customer focus on zero defects, clearly support IDDQ implementation.
X-Ray Emission from the Nearby PSR B1133+16 and Other Old Pulsars

We detected a nearby (d 360 pc), old (τ 5 Myr) pulsar B1133+16 with Chandra. The observed pulsar's flux is (0.8 ± 0.2) × 10-14 ergs cm-2 s-1 in the 0.5-8 keV band. Because of the small number of counts detected, the spectrum can be described by various models. A power-law fit of the spectrum gives a photon index Γ ≈ 2.5 and an isotropic luminosity of 1.4 × 1029 ergs s-1 in the 0.5-8 keV band, which is about 1.6 × 10-3 of the spin-down power . The spectrum can also be fitted by a blackbody model with a temperature of ≈2.8 MK and a projected emitting area of ~500 m2, possibly a hot polar cap. The X-ray properties of PSR B1133+16 are similar to those of other old pulsars observed in X-rays, particularly the drifting pulsar B0943+10.
Rotor wake interaction with separated flow

Aerodynamic interactions represent one of the toughest challenges to computational methods for the prediction of rotorcraft performance, loads, and noise. Efforts over the past ten years using a simple hemisphere/cylinder airframe under a teetering two-bladed rotor have shown that most of the dominant effects can be predicted using potential-flow concepts, in the absence of massive flow separation and strong vortex-surface collision. Here, the prospects for modeling the separated flow interaction are studied. The rotor wake interacts with the separated flow over a pressure-instrumented boom, downstream of a backstep cut into the original cylinder. The undisturbed backstep flow is characterized using spectral analysis of the velocity and surface pressure fields. The interaction between the tip vortex and the backstep free shear layer is visualized using laser sheet videography, and measured in detail using laser velocimetry and pressure sensing. The tip vortex dominates the interaction, causing periodic destruction and reconstruction of the shear layer, and large-amplitude longitudinal motion of the reattachment zone. However, the characteristics of the undisturbed shear layer are still detected in the surface pressure spectra. The tip vortex and its collision with the boom surface appear to be unaffected by the shear layer interaction. It is argued that this experiment is a conservative representation of the interaction, so that occurrences on real rotorcraft should be less complex. Thus, while the separated flow interaction appears to be extremely complex at first sight, the dominant effects are surprisingly simple, and may be easily modeled.
The influence of colonization in nested species subsets.

Biotic communities inhabiting collections of insular habitat patches often exhibit compositional patterns described as “nested subsets”. In nested biotas, the assemblages of species in relatively depauperate sites comprise successive subsets of species in relatively richer sites. In theory, nestedness may result from selective extinction, selective colonization, or other mechanisms, such as nested habitats. Allopatric speciation is expected to reduce nestedness. Previous studies, based largely on comparisons between land-bridge and oceanic archipelagos, have emphasized the role of selective extinction. However, colonization could also be important in generating strong patterns of nestedness. We apply a recently published index of nestedness to more than 50 island biogeographic data sets, and examine the roles of colonization, extinction, endemism, and, to a limited extent, habitat variability on the degree on nestedness. Most data sets exhibit a significant degree of nestedness, although there is no general tendency for land-bridge biotas to appear more nested than oceanic ones. Endemic species are shown to generally reduce nestedness. Comparisons between groups of non-endemic species differing in overwater or inter-patch dispersal ability indicate that superior dispersers generally exhibit a greater degree of nestedness than poorer dispersers, a result opposite that expected if colonization were a less predictable process than extinction. These results suggest that frequent colonization is likely to enhance nestedness, thereby increasing the compositional overlap among insular biotas. The prevalence of selective extinction in natural communities remains in question. The importance of colonization in generating and maintaining nested subsets suggests that (1) minimum critical areas will be difficult to determine from patterns of species distributions on islands; (2) multiple conservation sites are likely to be required to preserve communities in subdivided landscapes; and (3) management of dispersal processes may be as important to preserving species and communities as is minimizing extinctions.
Photophysics and photochemistry of side-chain substituted liquid crystalline polyaryl cinnamates

The synthesis and photochemistry of comb-like thermotropic liquid-crystalline (L.C.) polymers containing UV-sensitive cinnamate ester chromophores incorporated as part of the pendant groups is described. The methacrylate monomer was polymerized using AIBN as a free radical initiator. The acrylate monomer was resistant to polymerization under the same reaction conditions. The principle photochemical reactions on photolysis (313 nm) of solutions of the polymer as well as freshly cast films are photocycloaddition and photo-Fries rearrangement of the aryl cinnamate chromophore. Aggregation of chromophores was studied in films as a function of phase type at different temperatures. These results are compared with those obtained from main chain L.C. polyaryl cinnamates.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stimulation of parturition in a viviparous lizard (Sceloporus jarrovi) by arginine vasotocin.

Abstract Pregnant, adult female Sceloporus jarrovi were randomly partitioned into three groups. The control subjects received a single intraperitoneal injection (0.1 ml) of 0.75% physiological saline ( N = 4), whereas the experimental animals received 0.02 μg AVT/0.1 ml saline ( N = 5) or 2.0 μg AVT/0.1 ml saline ( N = 5). Several dependent measures of parturition were obtained, including (1) initial contraction latency, measured as the duration from injection to first effective contraction, (2) parturition latency, or the time lapse between injection and first birth, and (3) interbirth duration, representing the period of time between individual births. Neither oviductal contractions nor parturition were observed in saline-treated females, whereas both concentrations of AVT induced parturition in all experimental subjects. No significant differences were indicated between the two AVT groups for initial contraction latency and parturition latency. Mean duration between individual births for the 2.0 and 0.02 μg AVT groups did not differ and were found to be similar to those reported for natural births.
Comparative tolerability of drug therapies used to treat incontinence and enuresis

Drug therapy for incontinence and enuresis has met with varying degrees of success. Currently, there is no medication available that specifically targets the lower urinary tract without having untoward effects elsewhere in the body. Patients with urge incontinence are the most difficult group to treat. The agents most commonly used to treat urge incontinence, i.e. anticholinergics, musculotropics and tricyclic antidepressants, are limited in their effectiveness and have anticholinergic adverse effects. Other medications with theoretical treatment potential such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and calcium antagonists require more in depth clinical study before widespread use is appropriate. Although estrogen is well tolerated, its role in the treatment of incontinence in postmenopausal women may be limited.
Differential modulation of keratinocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-i expression by gamma interferon and phorbol ester: evidence for involvement of protein kinase C signal transduction

There is growing evidence that keratinocyte (KC) intercellular adhesion molecule-I (ICAM-I) expression is involved in the epidermal trafficking of T lymphocytes. To further characterize the molecular basis of KC ICAM-I expression, the detailed kinetics of induction by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), as well as the phorbol ester, 12-O tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), were studied. This study reports that KCs express both the class II major histocompatibility antigen (HLA-DR) and ICAM-I in response to IFN-gamma, although the response is distinctive for each molecule. Also, TPA induces ICAM-I, but not HLA-DR expression, whilst the protein kinase inhibitor, H7, blocks the TPA, but not the IFN-gamma-mediated response. The results provide a molecular basis whereby non-cytokine-mediated stimuli (e.g. TPA) alter KC signal transduction events involving protein kinase-C (PK-C) and thereby generate such immunologically relevant events as ICAM-I expression. Thus, KCs may be targets for both T-cell derived cytokines (e.g. IFN-gamma), and non-cytokine TPA-like molecules which stimulate PK-C. Induction of ICAM-I by either mechanism would be capable of instigating intraepidermal T-cell trafficking.
Hyperspectral simulation and recovery of submerged targets in turbid waters

Modeled hyperspectral reflectance signatures just above the water surface are obtained from radiative transfer models to create synthetic images of targets below the water surface. Images are displayed as 24 bit RGB images of the water surface using selected channels. Example model outputs are presented in this paper for a hyperspectral Monte Carlo and a hyperspectral layered analytical iterative model of radiative transport within turbid shallow water types. Images at the selected wavelengths or channels centered at 490, 530 and 680 nm suggests the two models provide quite similar results when displayed as RGB images. The techniques are demonstrated to the problem of extracting synthetic targets from hyperspectral synthetic images in the presence of water surface wave, using spectral wave models. The most sensitive parameters for generating realistic images are water depth and bottom reflectance in clean natural and optically shallow waters. Also presented are platforms for use in ports, harbors, inlets and waterways developed and designed for current and future monitoring to insure sustainable safe shallow water environments.
Reactions of 116Cd with intermediate energy 3He and 4He ions

Abstract Excitation functions and average range measurements are reported for the (α, αn), ( 3 He, α), (α, 3n), and ( 3 He, 2n) reactions of 116 Cd. Isomer ratios for reactions leading to 115m, g Cd are also reported. The energies of the 3 He and 4 He ions varied between 13 and 33, and 18 and 45 MeV, respectively. The results of the average range measurements are compared with ranges predicted by Lindhard, Scharff and Schiott on the assumption of compound nucleus formation. Good agreement is obtained for the (α, 3n) and ( 3 He, 2n) reactions at all energies, indicating the mechanism is predominantly compound nuclear. The average ranges for the products of the (α, αn) and ( 3 He, α) reactions are much lower than expected at energies greater than about 25 MeV. These results are interpreted as involving low momentum transfer due to a direct interaction mechanism. These conclusions are also corroborated by the isomer. ratios.
EFFECT OF IONS ON STIMULUS-INDUCED RELEASE OF AMINO ACIDS FROM MAMMALIAN BRAIN SLICES

— Slices of mammalian brain accumulate amino acids contained in physiological medium. When such tissues were subjected to mild electrical stimulation of short duraation capable of depolarizing neural membranes, there occurred a striking increase in the efflux of exogenous amino acids. The effects on representative acidic, neutral, and basic amino acids were similar. Elevated levels of potassium chloride evoked release of amino acids comparable to electrical stimulation. Electrically stimulated release of [3H]γ-aminobutyric acid was not inhibited by the presence of reduced concentrations of calcium ions. Although amino acids are actively accumulated by liver and kidney slices, electrical stimulation of these tissues failed to release these compounds. Stimulation-induced release was significantly diminished by the presence of small amounts of lithium in the perfusing medium.
Progress in the Treatment of Severe Mitral Regurgitation

Organic mitral regurgitation (MR) is prevalent in the general population. Disease progression, involving potentially irreversible left ventricular dysfunction, implies a poor prognosis for patients who do not receive appropriate treatment. Immediate rescue surgery is indicated in those with severe MR in whom subclinical left ventricular dysfunction is suggested by echocardiographic measurements or the presence of symptoms, however minor. Patients whose symptomatology is unclear should be evaluated by exercise testing. Not all forms of severe organic MR are the same: the presence of risk factors in patients with severe asymptomatic MR and preserved ventricular function indicates a suboptimal prognosis over the medium-to-long term and should prompt early mitral repair if there is a low surgical risk and the probability of a successful repair is >90–95%. The patient should be referred to a specialized surgical center if necessary. Appropriate training of surgeons in mitral repair is essential. Ischemic MR carries a worse prognosis and the risk of surgery is higher. Consequently, treatment decisions must be patient-specific and take into account the possibility of repair, the risk of surgery, and the need for concomitant surgical revascularization. New percutaneous approaches to mitral repair are being developed for selected patient groups.
Ascending myelitis complicating measles

Summary A case of ascending myelitis complicating measles is presented. Themost pronounced pathologic changes were in the neurons of the spinal cord. We feel it fair to state that without the evidence of the immediately preceding measles, our case would have been indistinguishable clinically from anterior poliomyelitis or almost any other type of myelitis. Pathologically, however, the differentiation from poliomyelitis or polioencephalitis is clear, as evidenced by the presence in our case of early demyelination (fat phagocytosis).
Asbestos in organs and placenta of five stillborn infants suggests transplacental transfer.

Digests of lungs, liver, and placenta from five stillborn infants of 22 to 38 weeks gestational age were examined for asbestos and other fibers using light and electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and selected area diffraction analysis. Uncoated chrysotile asbestos fibers were found in the digests of at least one of the three tissues examined from each stillborn infant. The asbestos fiber burdens ranged from 71,000 to 357,000 fibers/g wet tissue. Most of the fibers were small, with the mean length ranging from 0.83 to 2.53 μm. While appreciable numbers of uncoated chrysotile fibers were present, no coated asbestos fibers were found in any of the stillborns. Both coated and uncoated nonasbestos fibers were found in at least one of the tissue digests of all five stillborns. The uncoated nonasbestos fibers were characterized as aluminum silicates, diatomaceous earth fragments, or other fibers. The coated nonasbestos fibers or ferruginous bodies were consistent with being formed on diatomaceous earth fragments, black carbon cores, or sheet silicate cores. Since the placenta is the only route of communication between the fetus and the outside environment, our findings strongly suggest a transplacental transfer of absestos and other fibers in humans.
Imaging of RNA in Bacteria with Self-Ligating Quenched Probes

We report on the application of a new class of oligonucleotide reporter probes, QUAL probes, that “light up” when a nucleophilic phosphorothioate probe binds adjacent to a dabsyl-quenched probe. These self-ligating DNA probes were used for sequence-specific detection of 16S rRNA in Escherichia coli cells. Strong fluorescence was observed only when the phosphorothioate and quenched dabsyl probes bind side-by-side on a 16S rRNA target. The results demonstrate the use of QUAL probes to detect specific RNA sequences in bacterial cells without enzymes and without washing steps.
VizCept: Supporting synchronous collaboration for constructing visualizations in intelligence analysis

In this paper, we present a new web-based visual analytics system, VizCept, which is designed to support fluid, collaborative analysis of large textual intelligence datasets. The main approach of the design is to combine individual workspace and shared visualization in an integrated environment. Collaborating analysts will be able to identify concepts and relationships from the dataset based on keyword searches in their own workspace and collaborate visually with other analysts using visualization tools such as a concept map view and a timeline view. The system allows analysts to parallelize the work by dividing initial sets of concepts, investigating them on their own workspace, and then integrating individual findings automatically on shared visualizations with support for interaction and personal graph layout in real time, in order to develop a unified plot. We highlight several design considerations that promote communication and analytic performance in small team synchronous collaboration. We report the result of a pair of case study applications including collaboration and communication methods, analysis strategies, and user behaviors under a competition setting in the same location at the same time. The results of these demonstrate the tool's effectiveness for synchronous collaborative construction and use of visualizations in intelligence data analysis.
Optical excitations of even and odd polyenes with molecular PPP correlations

Abstract Exact low-lying states of Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) and Hubbard models with N ⩽ 12 sites are obtained by diagrammatic valence-bond (VB) methods. Comparison of finite chains and rings for regular Hubbard models with U = 4 | t | demonstrates the accuracy of N → ∞ extrapolations. Standard molecular PPP parameters for alternating CC bonds give an N → ∞ absorption maximum at E g = 2.8 ± 0.2 eV for gas-phase polyacetylene. Molecular PPP parameters in regular polyene radicals lead to positive and negative spin densities, with | ϱ − / ϱ + |∼ 0.42 at N = 50. slightly above the (CH) x value. Correlations in interacting Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chains are shown to shift the midgap state and to produce long-range interactions among spin solitons. The qualitatively different electronic structure of even and odd polyenes is used to associate (CH) x gap state with excitations of a static distribution of finite segments with molecular PPP correlations.
A tobacco mosaic virus-hybrid expresses and loses an added gene

An additional open reading frame from the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was fused behind a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) subgenomic RNA promoter and inserted into different positions in the complete TMV genome to examine how much this viral genome can be altered with continued replication. One hybrid virus, CAT-CP, with the insertion between the 30K and coat protein genes, replicated efficiently, produced an additional subgenomic RNA and CAT activity, and assembled into 350-nm virions, compared to 300-nm virions of wild-type TMV. However, during systemic infection of plants, the inserted sequences were deleted. This deletion was exact, resulting in progeny wild-type TMV. Another hybrid virus examined was CP-CAT, which had the insertion between the coat protein gene and the nontranslated 3' region. This virus replicated poorly, produced only minimal levels of CAT activity, and did not systemically invade infected plants. These data show that some extensive modifications of the TMV genome still allow efficient virus replication.
Binding of pregnenolone sulfate to rat brain membranes suggests multiple sites of steroid action at the GABAA receptor.

Abstract The steroid pregnenolone sulfate (PS) interacts with the GABA A receptor complex in a mixed GABA-agonistic/antagonistic manner in binding experiments. However, in functional assays pregnenolone sulfate (at micromolar concentrations) behaves as an allosteric GABA A receptor antagonist, similar to the convulsant, picrotoxin. In the present work, we examined the binding of [ 3 H] pregnenolone sulfate to membranes from rat brain. We report that this steroid binds to two or three populations of sites: (K dl 300–500 nM, K d2 about 20 μM and L d3 about 200–300 μM. [ 3 H]Pregnenolone sulfate binding is thermostable and resistant to protease digestion. Picrotoxin inhibits about 40% of 5 nM [ 3 H]pregnenolone sulfate binding, but other GABA receptor ligands are inactive. The data suggest that [ 3 H]pregnenolone sulfate binding sites are connected with or adjacent to the ionic channel of the GABA A receptor, but that they differ from picrotoxin recognition sites. The high and intermediate affinity pregnenolone sulfate binding sites may mediate GABA-agonistic and antagonistic actions of pregnenolone sulfate, respectively.
Addicts to artists: The ‘good enough mother’ in the substance abuse clinic

Psychodynamic psychotherapy has had a bad reputation in substance abuse circles. Despite widespread use of behavioral interventions, outcomes remain relatively poor. The emerging trend is to incorp...
Low-income cancer patients in depression treatment: dropouts and completers.

This study aims to explore reasons for depression treatment dropout among low-income, minority women with depression and cancer. Semi-structured telephone interviews are conducted with 20, predominately Latina, patients who dropped out of depression treatment and 10 who completed. Transcripts analyzed using techniques rooted in grounded theory. Treatment completion barriers cluster according to Meichenbaum and Turk's (Facilitating treatment adherence: A practitioner's guidebook, Plenum Press, New York, 1987) five adherence dimensions: (a) Barriers to Treatment (informational, instrumental, cultural [language, discrimination]); (b) Disease Features (emotional burden of cancer/depression); (c) Cancer/Depression Treatment Regimens; (d) Provider–Patient Relationship (depression treatment dissatisfaction); and (e) Clinical Setting (hospital organizational issues). Although both groups describe multiple overlapping dimensions of barriers, completers seem more motivated and satisfied with treatment, possibly due to completers experiencing the positive treatment effects after the first several sessions. More research should be conducted to determine the most effective clinical treatment methods for this population.
A static investigation of yaw vectoring concepts on two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles

The flow-turning capability and nozzle internal performance of yaw-vectoring nozzle geometries were tested in the NASA Langley 16-ft Transonic wind tunnel. The concept was investigated as a means of enhancing fighter jet performance. Five two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles were equipped for yaw-vectoring and examined. The configurations included a translating left sidewall, left and right sidewall flaps downstream of the nozzle throat, left sidewall flaps or port located upstream of the nozzle throat, and a powered rudder. Trials were also run with 20 deg of pitch thrust vectoring added. The feasibility of providing yaw-thrust vectoring was demonstrated, with the largest yaw vector angles being obtained with sidewall flaps downstream of the nozzle primary throat. It was concluded that yaw vector designs that scoop or capture internal nozzle flow provide the largest yaw-vector capability, but decrease the thrust the most.
Therapy of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is still a common and disabling side effect of many chemotherapy agents in use today. Unfortunately, neither prophylactic strategies nor symptomatic treatments have proven useful yet. This review will discuss the diagnosis and evaluation of neuropathy in cancer patients, as well as reviewing the various prophylactic and symptomatic treatments that have been proposed or tried. However, sufficient evidence is lacking to recommend any of these treatments to patients suffering with CIPN. Therefore, the best approach is to treat symptomatically, and to start with broad-spectrum analgesic medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If NSAIDs fail, a reasonable second-line agent in properly selected patients may be an opioid. Unfortunately, even when effective in other types of neuropathic pain, anti-depressants and anticonvulsants have not yet proven effective for treating the symptoms of CIPN.
An evaluation of techniques used to index recruitment variation and year-class strength

Abstract Recruitment is one of the most important factors influencing fish population dynamics, and although long-term data are probably the best source of information for explaining recruitment dynamics, such data are often unavailable due to logistic or monetary constraints. Consequently, a number of indices have been developed to index recruitment variability and year-class strength from a single sample. The purpose of this study was to compare two indices, the recruitment variability index (RVI) and recruitment coefficient of determination (RCD), with empirical estimates of walleye Sander vitreus recruitment variability in eight Kansas reservoirs. In addition, Studentized residuals from catch curves were compared with empirical estimates of year-class strength. Empirical estimates of recruitment variability were not related to RCD or RVI values from a single sample, and Studentized residuals from catch curves did not adequately index walleye recruitment for any of the study populations. Sampling bias ...
Normal‐mode analysis of the Raman‐active modes of the anti‐tumor agent 6‐mercaptopurine

The Raman spectra of the antitumor agent 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) in the solid and solution state were recorded in the 600–1700 cm−1 spectral region. The normal modes of 6MP were calculated using a Urey–Bradley empirical force field (UBFF) and with the PM3 semi-empirical method. Prior to performing the normal-mode calculations on 6MP, similar calculations were performed on methanethiol and thiophenol. The force constant parameters obtained from these calculations were then transferred to the 6MP calculations. The results of the normal-mode calculations were compared with the observed spectra and an assignment of the vibrational modes is proposed. Based on changes in the wavenumbers of the Raman spectra between the solution and solid form 6MP and on normal-mode calculations, it is proposed that in the solid form 6MP crystallizes in the tautomer form whereas in solution the molecule ionizes by losing the hydrogen at the N-1 position. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor activity modulates prolactin expression in the pituitary

Pituitary tumors account for 15% of intracranial neoplasms, however the extent to which environmental toxicants contribute to the proliferation and hormone expression of pituitary cells is unknown. Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) interacting protein (AIP) loss of function mutations cause somatotrope and lactotrope adenomas in humans. AIP sequesters AhR and inhibits its transcriptional function. Because of the link between AIP and pituitary tumors, we hypothesize that exposure to dioxins, potent exogenous ligands for AhR that are persistent in the environment, may predispose to pituitary dysfunction through activation of AhR. In the present study, we examined the effect of AhR activation on proliferation and endogenous pituitary hormone expression in the GH3 rat somatolactotrope tumor cell line and the effect of loss of AhR action in knockout mice. GH3 cells respond to nM doses of the reversible AhR agonist β-naphthoflavone with a robust induction of Cyp1a1. Although mRNA levels of the anti-proliferative signaling cytokine TGFbeta1 are suppressed upon β-naphthoflavone treatment, we did not observe an alteration in cell proliferation. AhR activation with β-naphthoflavone suppresses Ahr expression and impairs expression of prolactin (PRL), but not growth hormone (GH) mRNA in GH3 cells. In mice, loss of Ahr similarly leads to a reduction in Prl mRNA at P3, while Gh is unaffected. Additionally, there is a significant reduction in pituitary hormones Lhb and Fshb in the absence of Ahr. Overall, these results demonstrate that AhR is important for pituitary hormone expression and suggest that environmental dioxins can exert endocrine disrupting effects at the pituitary.
Algebraic approach to the two-Skyrmion system

The algebraic structure of the two-Skyrmion system is studied by using bosonic quantization of the rotation of the Skyrmion. The adiabatic interbaryonic potential is expressed in terms of boson operators and the large n (number of bosons) behavior is investigated. By identifying n with N/sub c/ (number of colors in quantum chromodynamics), 1/n correction terms for realistic n = N/sub c/ = 3 are studied.
Modeling the role of friction during ballistic impact of a high-strength plain-weave fabric

Abstract In order to examine the role of friction during ballistic impact of high-strength fabric structures, a commercially available finite element analysis code (LS-DYNA) was used to model the ballistic impact of a rigid sphere into a square patch of plain-weave fabric. Two types of boundary conditions were applied on the fabric: four edges clamped and two opposite edges clamped. Simple Coulomb friction was introduced between yarns at crossovers and between the projectile and the fabric. Modeling results show that the friction contributed to delaying fabric failure and increasing impact load. The delay of fabric failure and increase of impact load allowed the fabric to absorb more energy. Results from the modeling effort also indicate that fabric boundary condition is a factor that influenced the effect of friction. The fabric more effectively reduced the projectile residual velocity when only two edges were clamped.
The role of advanced practice psychiatric nurses in treating tobacco use and dependence

Tobacco use is treatable and the benefits of smoking cessation are impressive, yet like other health care providers, psychiatric nurses have failed to consistently assess and treat tobacco use effectively. Tobacco use continues to cause illness, disability, and death at unprecedented rates. Nicotine addiction is drug abuse and it is a chronic disease and needs to be treated as such. There are clear health benefits to smoking cessation regardless of the age of smoking initiation or the age of smoking cessation. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPNs) are in a unique position to make an impact on a smoker's risk of suffering from tobacco-related diseases: the treatment of choice is the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions, both within the realm of APPN practice; psychiatric and substance abusing patients consistently demonstrate increased rates of cigarette smoking compared with healthy controls; and tobacco use is drug abuse, a treatable chronic disease. The ability of APPNs to deliver psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic care secures a position in the forefront of treating tobacco use. In addition to intervention, psychiatric nurses need to step up and take an active role in initiating and supporting tobacco control policy and legislation.
Transfection of adherent murine peritoneal macrophages with a reporter gene using DEAE-dextran

We have sought a transfection strategy which preserves cell viability and achieves sufficient efficiency to perform reporter gene assays in primary cultures of thioglycollate-elicited murine peritoneal macrophages. Murine peritoneal macrophages were transfected with an eukaryotic expression vector containing the Rous sarcoma virus enhancer-promoter upstream of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase reporter gene (FC4-CAT). Transfection using DEAE-dextran followed by 10% DMSO provided much higher CAT activity than either calcium-phosphate or lipofection. The transfected macrophages increased CAT activity (1.9-7.6-fold) following stimulation with 10% serum. DEAE-dextran/DMSO-mediated transfection provides a simple, inexpensive method to transfect primary cultures of adherent macrophages with heterologous plasmid DNA. Transfection of macrophages with a CAT reporter gene using this method permits the characterization of gene regulation in primary macrophage cultures in vitro.
The relationship of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder to adaptive skills in young children

AbstractObjective: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to deficits in socialization and communication, similar to those observed in children with ASD. In the present study, we examine the differences in developmental quotient and subscale scores between children with ASD and children with ADHD.Methods: We compared the developmental scores in a sample of 2990 children who presented to an early intervention program, who met criteria for ASD, inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, combined ASD/ADHD, or are at risk for developmental disorders.Results: The overall developmental quotient did not significantly differ between those in the ADHD inattentive and hyperactive subtype groups. Adaptive skills differed most greatly between the ASD groups and the ADHD/atypically-developing groups.Conclusion: The present study represents a first step towards understanding the relationship of ADHD to ASD in early childhood. Young children with ASD symptoms are more greatly impaired than th...
Relationships between colleges of pharmacy and academic medical centers.

Purpose. The nature of the relationships between academic medical centers and colleges of pharmacy, particularly in respect to experiential education, was studied. Methods. A 22-item questionnaire was developed to assess the extent and type of student experiences academic medical centers offered, the presence of a contractual agreement, satisfaction level, role of pharmacy staff and residents, and perceived value of the relationship. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to pharmacy directors at 90 University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) academic medical centers, with subsequent responses analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results. The response rate was 52% ( n = 47), representing a broad geographic distribution of UHC members. All academic medical centers reported having a relationship with at least one college of pharmacy. The mean number of academic affiliations for each respondent was 2.4. The majority of medical centers were satisfied with these relationships. All academic medical centers provided fourth-year pharmacy student clerkship training, with 20% and 27% offering experiential activities for second- and third-year students, respectively. Compensation from colleges of pharmacy for practice-based education was typically directed to the pharmacy department, with a mean of $500 per rotation. The majority of medical centers also trained pharmacy residents, with 62% of these engaging the residents in student experiential education. The most common motivations for offering student experiential education were fulfilling professional responsibility, developing future employees, and financial compensation. Conclusion. While relationships between academic medical centers and colleges of pharmacy were generally positive, the growing need for early experiential education sites, increased class sizes, and shortage of qualified preceptors necessitate a reexamination of the relationships to ensure that they continue to benefit both parties.
On the economy and safety of hollow non-septate peduncles.

We examined the allometry and mechanical properties of the peduncles of Hieracium pilosella and other species in the Asteraceae (H. aurantiacum, Taraxicum officinale, Tragopogon pratensi) to evaluate the hypothesis that tapered, tubular, and non-septate peduncles optimize the trade-offs among stem biomass allocation, elevating flowers and thus their wind-dispersed fruits, and the requirement for a factor of safety against mechanical failure. This hypothesis was evaluated by comparing peduncle morphometry (e.g., biomass M s , floral biomass M f , and length L) and mechanical properties (e.g., bending rigidity EI) for populations growing in windy and wind-sheltered sites as well as transplants between sites. Regardless of ambient wind speeds, M s L 4 / 3 and E1 L 1 1 / 4 M s 5/3, whereas M f /M s L - 1 . 1 5 , i.e., peduncles disproportionately increase in their biomass as they increase in length, but mechanically support a disproportionately smaller floral biomass relative to their biomass. Calculations show that the tall peduncles from wind-sheltered sites have a larger fruit dispersal range and a lower factor of safety than the shorter peduncles produced in open sites. These and other observations are interpreted to indicate that tubular peduncles enhance relative fitness in terms of propagule dispersal (but not propagule number per stem) while maintaining a sufficient factor of safety against mechanical failure.