cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic study of particle production in p+p (p-bar) collisions via the HIGING model.

We apply the newly developed HIJING Monte Carlo model to perform a systematic study of a broad range of data on $p+p(\overline{p})$ collisions. The model combines a simple string phenomenology for $\mathrm{l}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{w}\ensuremath{-}{p}_{T}$ processes together with perturbative QCD for $\mathrm{h}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{h}\ensuremath{-}{p}_{T}$ processes. We emphasize the effects due to multiple-minijet production at collider energies. The energy and multiplicity dependence of charged particle rapidity and transverse momentum spectra, the Koba-Nielsen-Olesen violation of multiplicity distributions, and the two-particle correlation functions are shown to be simultaneously well accounted for with this model.
Point-of-Use drinking water devices for assessing microbial contamination in finished water and distribution systems.

The objective of this study was to develop a method to monitor the microbial quality of treated drinking water at the tap utilizing point-of-use filter systems that are placed in water vending mach...
Monoclonal anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody attenuates donor-specific antibody responses in a mouse model of allosensitization.

Abstract Interleukin 6 is an immune regulatory cytokine that impacts the development and maturation of T-cell, B-cell, and antibody producing plasma cells. A monoclonal antibody to the IL-6R (Tocilizumab®) was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Although anti-IL-6R anitbodies can reduce autoantibody levels in human disease, the use of anti-IL-6R for alloantibody suppression has not been examined. Here, we report on our experience with a mousenized rat-anti-mouse IL-6R (mMR16-1) for attenuating donor-specific antibody (DSA) responses. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with skin allografts from a HLA.A2 transgenic mouse, and treated with intraperitoneal injections of mMR16-1 or control antibody. DSA responses were monitored weekly for 5 weeks by measurement of serum anti-HLA.A2 antibodies in a flow cytometric antibody binding assay. Results show that mMR16-1 significantly reduced DSA IgM, IgG2a and IgG1 responses, respectively, while normalizing serum amyloid A (SAA), an acute phase reactant induced by IL-6 (p
Mapping of taiep rat phenotype to rat Chromosome 9.

The taiep mutant rat was first described in a colony of Sprague-Dawley rats at the University of Puebla in 1989, with an autosomal recessive inherited pattern. taiep is an acronym for the progressive neurologic deficits that the rat develops, i.e., t = trembling (3–4 weeks), a = ataxia (at 4 months), i = immobility (5–6 months), e = epilepsy (5–6 months), and p = paresis (7 months onwards). Thus, mutant rats are first identified by a tremor at 3–4 weeks of age that is followed by a progressive neurological worsening (Holmgren et al. 1989; Lunn et al. 1997). The cause of the neurological symptoms is an early failure of normal myelination of the central nervous system (CNS) followed by progressive demyelination of certain CNS tracts (Lunn et al. 1997). We have been exploring the underlying pathophysiology of the mutant and have determined that the myelin defect results from the progressive accumulation of microtubules in oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells of the CNS (Song et al. 1999). Microtubules are the major component of the cytoskeleton of this and many other cells of the body, and microtubule-based transport of protein and mRNA is essential for normal cell function. There is no direct human counterpart of the taiep rat. Nonetheless, providing an understanding of the control of microtubule dynamics in the oligodendrocyte will be highly relevant to our knowledge of the cell biology of the myelinating cell of the CNS. This information is of great relevance to the function of the cell in human myelin disorders and in experimental remyelination. As the taiep rat apparently has a primary disorder in the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton, it is an ideal model in which to study this process. This information may also be a key to the complete understanding of the mechanism of microtubule assembly/disassembly in many cell types.
Risk of late-preterm stillbirth and neonatal morbidity for monochorionic and dichorionic twins.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prospective risk of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) at ≥34 weeks' gestation for monochorionic and dichorionic twins receiving intensive antenatal fetal surveillance. The secondary objective was to calculate the incidence of prematurity-related neonatal morbidity/mortality rates that have been stratified by gestational week and chorionicity. Study Design A retrospective cohort study of all twins at ≥34 weeks' gestation who were delivered at the Medical University of South Carolina (1987-2010) was performed. Twins were cared for in a longstanding Twin Clinic with standardized treatment and surveillance protocols and supervised by a consistent Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. Gestational age–specific fetal/neonatal mortality rates and composite neonatal morbidity rates were compared by chorionicity. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify variables that were associated with increased composite neonatal morbidity. Results Among 768 twin gestations (601 dichorionic and 167 monochorionic), only 1 dichorionic IUFD occurred. The prospective risk of IUFD at ≥34 weeks' gestation was 0.17% for dichorionic twins and 0% for monochorionic twins. Composite neonatal morbidity decreased with each gestational week ( P Conclusion Our data do not support concern for an increased risk of stillbirth in uncomplicated intensively monitored monochorionic twins at ≥34 weeks' gestation. However, our data do show significantly increased rates of neonatal morbidity in late preterm monochorionic twins that cannot be justified by a corresponding reduction in the risk of stillbirth. We believe that our data support delivery of uncomplicated monochorionic twins at 37 weeks' gestation.
Plutonium Compounds for Space Power Applications

Plutonium compounds have excellent potential for space power applications, both thermoelectric and thermionic. This paper attempts to systematically present the various information available in the literature; secondly, it includes data generated at Battelle; and third, data obtained from all sources are interrelated in such manner as to suggest several plutonium-bearing thermoelectric and thermionic fuel candidates of greatest worth.
Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts to Endothelial Cells Role of Innate Immunity

Background—Cell fate is fluid and may be altered experimentally by the forced expression of master regulators mediating cell lineage. Such reprogramming has been achieved with the use of viral vectors encoding transcription factors. We recently discovered that the viral vectors are more than passive vehicles for transcription factors because they participate actively in the process of nuclear reprogramming to pluripotency by increasing epigenetic plasticity. On the basis of this recognition, we hypothesized that small-molecule activators of toll-like receptor 3, together with external microenvironmental cues that drive endothelial cell (EC) specification, might be sufficient to induce transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into ECs (induced ECs). Methods and Results—We show that toll-like receptor 3 agonist Poly I:C, combined with exogenous EC growth factors, transdifferentiated human fibroblasts into ECs. These induced ECs were comparable to human dermal microvascular ECs in immunohistochemical, genetic, an...
Are roads and traffic sources of physiological stress for the Florida scrub-jay?

Abstract Context. Anthropogenic disturbances induce physiological and behavioural responses in numerous species. The negative effects of human disturbance are of special concern to threatened and endangered species. Aims. The present study aims to compare physiological stress measures and reproductive success of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) living near roads with jays that live away from roads. Specifically, it aims to test whether roads are stressful. Methods. We assessed physiological measures that can serve as indicators of ‘stress’ to determine whether a highway that bisects our study site had physiological effects on adult male Florida scrub-jays. We captured male breeders from three territory types, including scrub habitat that (1) bordered a highway with a grassy shoulder that created an ‘edge’ habitat (roadside), (2) bordered human-maintained habitat (a plowed firebreak of sand with adjacent pasture) that served as a control for the edge-effect of the road (pasture) and (3) contain...
Content Barriers to Pediatric Uptake of Electronic Health Records

aThe term EHR represents a class of clinical record-keeping tools including electronic medical records and electronic patient records. The authors use the term EHR to represent all these tools because it best captures the broadly defined realms of care reflected in the application of health information technology (HIT) to the notions of patient-centered medical or health home and the broad responsibilities of pediatric practitioners. b
A method for the separation of erythrocytes on the basis of size using counterflow centrifugation.

A method has been developed for separation of erythrocytes on the basis of size using counterflow centrifugation. Human red blood cells with an original mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 89.2 ± 4.1 fl were isolated, free of plasma proteins and other cell contaminants, into seven fractions ranging in size from 77.0 ± 2.7 fl to 98.5 ± 4.8 fl. The ratio of the age-related enzyme, erythrocyte glutamic oxaloacetic transferase (EGOT), to hemoglobin (Hb) increased progressively through the fractions, suggesting a correlation between erythrocyte volume and age. Reticulocytes, though present in all fractions, were selectively enriched in the larger subpopulations. To verify the biochemical evidence that erythrocytes decrease in volume with aging, in vivo cohort labeling of red blood cells with 59Fe was performed in baboons. A similar relationship of EGOT to Hb was observed to that in the human subpopulations. The peak activity of 59Fe/RBC appeared initially in the red blood cells with the highest MCV and progressed from the erythrocytes with the largest MCV to the erythrocytes with the smallest MCV over the next 10–12 weeks, confirming the hypothesis that red blood cells decrease in volume as they age. The technique of counterflow centrifugation appears to provide a simple, rapid, and reproducible method for the separation of erythrocytes on the basis of size.
High temperature phase stabilities and electrochemical properties of InBaCo4-xZnxO7 cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract InBaCo 4− x Zn x O 7 oxides have been synthesized and characterized as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC). The effect of Zn substitution for Co on the structure, phase stability, thermal expansion, and electrochemical properties of the InBaCo 4− x Zn x O 7 has been investigated. The increase in the Zn content from x = 1 to 1.5 improves the high temperature phase stability at 600 °C and 700 °C for 100 h, and chemical stability against a Gd 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 (GDC) electrolyte. Thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) values of the InBaCo 4− x Zn x O 7 ( x = 1, 1.5, 2) specimens were determined to be 8.6 × 10 −6 to 9.6 × 10 −6 /°C in the range of 80–900 °C, which provides good thermal expansion compatibility with the standard SOFC electrolyte materials. The InBaCo 4− x Zn x O 7 + GDC (50:50 wt.%) composite cathodes exhibit improved cathode performances compared to those obtained from the simple InBaCo 4− x Zn x O 7 cathodes due to the extended triple-phase boundary (TPB) and enhanced oxide-ion conductivity through the GDC portion in the composites.
Failure Of Short-Term Cd4-Pe40 Infusions To Reduce Virus Load In Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons

The safety, immunologic, and antiviral effects of a recombinant biologic product that combines the second and third domains of the CD4 molecule and Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE40) were evaluated in 21 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects in a phase III open-label dose-ranging study. Subjects with CD4+ lymphocyte counts of 100-500/mm3 received CD4-PE40 at 40, 80, or 160 micrograms/m2 by infusion three to seven times over 10 days. At the maximum tolerated dose (80 micrograms/m2), peak CD4-PE40 levels were 65-130 ng/mL with a serum half-life of 3.6 +/- 1.5 h. Toxicity, primarily increased hepatic transaminases, was dose-related and reversible. HIV DNA proviral levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma HIV RNA remained stable during and after CD4-PE40 infusions. The relative resistance of clinical isolates of HIV, limits of the tolerated dose, and the immunogenicity and short half-life of the protein may explain the lack of in vivo antiviral effect of CD4-PE40.
Circuit techniques for low-power CMOS GSI

For a prescribed system performance, device, circuit and system design of a static CMOS datapath are conjointly optimized for different operating temperature ranges. Total power dissipation is reduced to one-third the value projected for 0.25 micron CMOS by the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors for a single datapath and to less than one-fourteenth the value projected for parallel datapaths assuming operation over a temperature range of 60/spl deg/K above room temperature.
Uniqueness of the self-concept across the life span

College students and elderly subjects made self-descriptiveness and other-descriptiveness ratings for the same set of 120 trait adjectives representing three levels of likability. Elderly subjects attributed a greater number of likable traits uniquely to their best friend than to themselves alone, whereas young adults judged themselves more favorably than the other person. The elderly were generally slower at making the descriptiveness decisions, but particularly for uniquely descriptive items, as though trait distinctiveness information was still obtained on a comparative rather than a prestored basis even after many years of developing the self-concept. Scores on a self-consciousness questionnaire revealed that elderly subjects were lower on both public and private self-consciousness, but not on social anxiety.
The importance of what gets left out

This article arguesthat language, interaction and culture cannot be reduced to literal performance – the ‘there’ in an interaction. Instead, language in interaction should also be understood in rel...
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MANAGER TO FIT THE STRATEGY

Managers make strategy and strategy determines business success or failure. That's why it is so important to select the right managers for your company. The author provides models for managerial selection at the corporate and the SBU levels.
Numerical approximation for singular second order differential equations

We consider numerical approximation of solutions of singular second order differential equations. In particular, we study the backward (or implicit) Euler method. We prove results concerning consistency, global error and stability. We show that the global error is linear with respect to the step size. Numerical results are also given, which demonstrate the linear convergence and we compare the numerical results with known approximations.
N-aryl-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamides: KATP potassium channel openers. Modifications on the western region.

A subset of antiandrogen compounds, the N-aryl-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamides 1, were found to activate ATP sensitive potassium channels (KATP) and represent a new class of potassium channel openers (PCOs). A structure−activity relationship was carried out on the western region of this series with the goal of obtaining an activator of the ATP sensitive potassium channel suitable for use in the treatment of urge urinary incontinence. In particular three large 4-(N-aryl) substituents, the (N-phenyl-N-methylamino)sulfonyl, benzoyl, and 4-pyridylsulfonyl moieties, yielded non-antiandrogen, KATP potassium channel openers (39, 41, and 64, respectively) that are bladder selective in an in vivo rat model that simultaneously measures bladder contractions, heart rate, and blood pressure. Substitutions of the aryl rings of 41 and 64 gave several derivatives that also display selectivity in the in vivo rat model; however, none appear to offer a substantial advantage over 41 and 64. The PCO activity of...
Intelligent crawling on the World Wide Web with arbitrary predicates

The enormous growth of the world wide web in recent years has made it important to perform resource discovery e ciently. Consequently, several new ideas have been proposed in recent years; among them a key technique is focused crawling which is able to crawl particular topical portions of the world wide web quickly without having to explore all web pages. In this paper, we propose the novel concept of intelligent crawling which actually learns characteristics of the linkage structure of the world wide web while performing the crawling. Speci cally, the intelligent crawler uses the inlinking web page content, candidate URL structure, or other behaviors of the inlinking web pages or siblings in order to estimate the probability that a candidate is useful for a given crawl. This is a much more general framework than the focused crawling technique which is based on a pre-de ned understanding of the topical structure of the web. The techniques discussed in this paper are applicable for crawling web pages which satisfy arbitrary user-de ned predicates such as topical queries, keyword queries or any combinations of the above. Unlike focused crawling, it is not necessary to provide representative topical examples, since the crawler can learn its way into the appropriate topic. We refer to this technique as intelligent crawling because of its adaptive nature in adjusting to the web page linkage structure. The learning crawler is capable of reusing the knowledge gained in a given crawl in order to provide more e cient crawling for closely related predicates.
A New Analysis Method for WIMP searches with Dual-Phase Liquid Xe TPCs

Abstract A new data analysis method based on physical observables for WIMP dark matter searches with noble liquid Xe dual-phase TPCs is presented. Traditionally, the nuclear recoil energy from a scatter in the liquid target has been estimated by means of the initial prompt scintillation light (S1) produced at the interaction vertex. The ionization charge (C2), or its secondary scintillation (S2), is combined with the primary scintillation in log10(S2/S1) vs. S1 only as a discrimination parameter against electron recoil background. Arguments in favor of C2 as the more reliable nuclear recoil energy estimator than S1 are presented. The new phase space of log10(S1/C2) vs. C2 is introduced as more efficient for nuclear recoil acceptance and exhibiting superior energy resolution. This is achieved without compromising the discrimination power of the LXe TPC, nor its 3D event reconstruction and fiducialization capability, as is the case for analyses that exploit only the ionization channel. Finally, the concept of two independent energy estimators for background rejection is presented: E2 as the primary (based on C2) and E1 as the secondary (based on S1). log10(E1/E2) vs. E2 is shown to be the most appropriate phase space in which to evaluate WIMP signal candidates.
Cyclopropyl oxiranes: Reversible inhibitors of cytosolic and microsomal epoxide hydrolases

A series of aryl- and alkyl-substituted cyclopropyl oxiranes were synthesized as potential suicide inhibitors of mouse liver epoxide hydrolase (EH). The inhibitory potency of each compound and its corresponding alkene precursor was determined with mouse liver EHs using [3H]-cis-stilbene oxide as substrate for microsomal EH (mEH) and for glutathione-S-transferase, and using [3H]-trans-stilbene oxide for cytosolic EH (cEH). The cyclopropyl oxiranes all showed low (26-60% at 5 X 10(-4) M) inhibition of glutathione transferase and moderate inhibition (I50 = 5 X 10(-4) to 6 X 10(-6) M) for cEH and mEH. cis-Phenylcyclopropyl oxirane had an I50 for mEH near that for a commonly used inhibitor, 1,1,1-trichloropropene oxide. Inhibition appeared competitive and reversible, and the cyclopropyl oxiranes appeared to function as alternate substrates. Absence of irreversible inhibition is evidence against a strongly electrophilic epoxide-opening mechanism involving a cyclopropyl carbinyl-homoallyl cation rearrangement. Instead, a concerted mechanism is favored, in which electrophilic opening and hydroxide attack occur in a concerted fashion.
SHORTCUTS VERSUS ENCYCLOPEDIAS: INFORMATION AND VOTING BEHAVIOR IN CALIFORNIA INSURANCE REFORM ELECTIONS

Voters in mass elections are notorious for their apparent lack of information about relevant political matters. While some scholars argue that an electorate of well-informed voters is necessary for the production of responsive electoral outcomes, others argue that apparently ignorant voters will suffice because they can adapt their behavior to the complexity of electoral choice. To evaluate the validity of these arguments, I develop and analyze a survey of California voters who faced five complicated insurance reform ballot initiatives. I find that access to a particular class of widely available information shortcuts allowed badly informed voters to emulate the behavior of relatively well informed voters. This finding is suggestive of the conditions under which voters who lack encyclopedic information about the content of electoral debates can nevertheless use information shortcuts to vote as though they were well informed.
Effect of postweaning hyperphenylalaninemia on brain development in rats: myelination, lipid, and fatty acid composition of myelin.

Abstract We examined the effect of hyperphenylalaninemia induced during the early postweaning period on brain weight, myelin content of brain, and lipid and fatty acid composition of lipids of myelin. Hyperphenylalaninemia was induced in 21-day-old weanling rats by treatment with phenylalanine (Phe) plus p -chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) daily for 30 days. The body weights of control and hyperphenylalaninemic rats did not differ significantly. The brain weight of experimental rats, however, was significantly lower. The reduction in brain weight of Phe + PCPA-treated rats was reflected in lower yields of myelin. The gross composition (proportion of protein and proportion of major lipid components) of myelin from brains of control and experimental rats was not appreciably different. Myelin from hyperphenylalaninemic rat brains, however, contained significantly lower amounts of sulfatide and reduced proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. We conclude that, as in suckling rats, hyperphenylalaninemia induced during the early postweaning period impairs myelination and the myelin synthesized is abnormal with respect to sulfatide content and proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, and as a consequence, the biochemical reactivity and stability of myelin may be altered in hyperphenylalaninemic rat brains.
Gene Expression Profiling in Daphnia magna, Part II: Validation of a Copper Specific Gene Expression Signature with Effluent from Two Copper Mines in California

Genomic technologies show great potential for classifying disease states and toxicological impacts from exposure to chemicals into functional categories. In environmental monitoring, the ability to classify field samples and predict the pollutants present in these samples could contribute to monitoring efforts and the diagnosis of contaminated sites. Using gene expression analysis, we challenged our custom Daphnia magna cDNA microarray to determine the presence of a specific metal toxicant in blinded field samples collected from two copper mines in California. We compared the gene expression profiles from our field samples to previously established expression profiles for Cu, Cd, and Zn. The expression profiles from the Cu-containing field samples clustered with the laboratory-exposed Cu-specific gene expression profiles and included genes previously identified as copper biomarkers, verifying that gene expression analysis can predict environmental exposure to a specific pollutant. In addition, our study revealed that upstream field samples containing undetectable levels of Cu caused the differential expression of only a few genes, lending support for the concept of a no observed transcriptional effect level (NOTEL). If confirmed by further studies, the NOTEL may play an important role in discriminating polluted and nonpolluted sites in future monitoring efforts.
Vacuum Energy Cancellation in a Non-supersymmetric String

The authors present a nonsupersymmetric orbifold of type 2 string theory and show that it has vanishing cosmological constant at the one and two loop level. They argue heuristically that the cancellation persists at higher loops.
Low-income working families at risk: Uninsured and underserved

Ongoing market trends are increasing the risks that working families will be uninsured or suffer lapses in health insurance coverage, with consequent threats to access to health care. Despite strong economic growth, employer-provided health insurance coverage has continued to erode throughout the past decade. Although a record number of women and men are working, slow wage growth for lower-wage workers, a shift in work toward industries less likely to provide and pay for health benefits for families, and a shift toward temporary and parttime jobs have combined to undermine employment as a base for health insurance coverage for working families. 1'2 As a result, the nation has seen a steady increase in the number and proportion of working-age Americans without insurance throughout the 1990s: from March 1989 to March 1997, the number of uninsured increased from 33 to 42 million, a jump from 15.2% to 17.6% of the under-65 population. 3 Recent projections suggest that the number of uninsured will reach 47 million in 8 years, with one American in five uninsured. 4 The rise in the number of uninsured comes at a time when access to health care is likely to be ever more difficult to obtain for those who cannot pay. In a search to contain health costs, public and private purchasers of health insurance have turned to managed-care plans with an endorsement of intense efforts to negotiate deep discounts and reduce payments for care for the insured. Enrollment of insured beneficiaries in managed-care plans has proceeded so rapidly that 8 in 10 workers employed by medium and large employers were enrolled in some form of managed care by 1997, compared with 56% in 1992 and 29% in
Thermodynamics of grain boundary premelting in alloys. I. Phase-field modeling

Abstract The rich nature of the premelting transition of grain boundaries in solid solutions is analyzed. Part I of this paper uses a multi-phase field model, whereas Part II employs atomistic Monte Carlo simulations. To enable comparison, Cu-rich Cu–Ag solid solutions are chosen for study. In the phase-field model, a system composed of two grains and a liquid phase is treated with three phase field parameters and with a realistic bulk thermodynamic description of Cu–Ag alloys obtained with the CALPHAD approach. Several different computation methods are employed, both rigorous and approximate, to examine the premelting behavior and relate it to the so-called “disjoining potential” between the solid–liquid interfaces in the grain boundary region. Depending on the grain boundary energy, temperature and grain composition chosen, several different classes of premelting transitions have been detected. As the grain concentration approaches the solidus line, one class shows a premelted layer whose thickness diverges continuously to infinity (complete wetting). Another class shows a discontinuity of the premelted layer thickness, exhibiting a first-order thin-to-thick transition prior to continuous thickening to infinity at the solidus line. In other cases, a metastable grain boundary state can exist above the solidus line, indicating the possibility of superheating/supersatuation of the grains together with the grain boundary. The possibility of such transitions has been predicted previously for generic thermodynamics by many authors. The results of the current investigation are compared with the atomistic calculations for the Cu–Ag system in Part II of this work.
Plasma and cerebral spinal fluid tranexamic acid quantitation in cardiopulmonary bypass patients.

Abstract A method for the determination of tranexamic acid (TXA) in human plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was developed. Analyses were performed by ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UPLC–MS/MS) using ɛ-aminocaproic acid (ACA) as an internal standard. TXA and ACA were extracted from a 50 μL sample of plasma or CSF using a methanol protein crash protocol, and chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY™ TQD mass spectrometer using a UPLC C18 BEH 1.7 μm column with a water and methanol gradient containing 0.1% formic acid. The detection and quantitation was performed by positive ion electrospray ionization using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.1–10.0 μg/mL, with lower limit of quantitation of 0.1 μg/mL for TXA. The intra- and inter-assay precision was less than 12% and 13% respectively at the plasma and CSF TXA concentrations tested. The present method provides a relatively simple and sensitive assay with short turn-around-time. The method has been successfully applied to assess the plasma and CSF concentrations of tranexamic acid achieved with only one dosing regimen of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB).
Frontier molecular orbital analysis of Cun–O2 reactivity

Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory coupled with density functional calculations has been applied to investigate the chemical reactivity of three key bioinorganic Cun–O2 complexes, the mononuclear end-on hydroperoxo-Cu(II), the side-on bridged μ–η2:η2–O22− Cu(II)2 dimer and the bis-μ-oxo Cu(III)2 dimer. Two acceptor orbitals (σ* and π*) of each complex and two types of donating substrates (σ-substrate, phosphine; π-substrate, alkylbenzene) are considered in the electrophilic attack mechanism. The angular dependences of different reaction pathways are determined using FMO theory and the angular overlap model. Including steric effects, the σ*/σ and π*/π pathways are found more reactive than the corresponding cross σ*/π and π*/σ pathways which have poor donor–acceptor orbital overlaps in the sterically constrained substrate access region.
Pharyngeal colonization with Haemophilus influenzae type b in children in a day care center without invasive disease

During an 18-month period, monthly pharyngeal cultures for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) were obtained from 66 children and their caretakers in a day care center in which no systemic disease caused by Hib occurred. The average colonization rate for Hib was 10%, and ranged from 0% to 23% for a single month. Infants housed in a separate building with a cohorted staff were not colonized by Hib. However, 71% of the toddler group and 48% of the preschool group became colonized by Hib at some time during the 18-month-study. Of 89 Hib isolates, 93% were biotype 1 (Kilian), and 90% of these had a similar outer membrane protein profile, designated subtype 1L. This strain was recovered from children at the center for 15 of 18 months. No invasive disease occurred. Thus, Hib may be widespread among preschool children in a day care center and persist for longer than a year without resulting in systemic disease.
Monitoring of out-of-autoclave BMI composites using fiber optic sensors

Bismaleimide (BMI) composites are used in applications that require good mechanical properties at high temperatures. In this paper, a Non-destructive inspection technique for BMI composites which can be used at high temperatures is presented. Cavity based External Fabry-Perot Interferometer (EFPI) optical sensors have been developed and embedded in the laminates. These sensors are capable of operating in temperatures up to 800°C. The embedded sensors are used to perform real time cure monitoring of a BMI composite. The composite is cured using an out-of-autoclave (OOA) process. Once the composite is cured, the same sensors are used to measure mechanical performance of the laminate. The performance of the embedded sensor is investigated under tensile loading at room temperature as well as elevated temperatures.
Traumatic experiences in psychiatric outpatients

Fifty-four newly referred psychiatric outpatients were interviewed and a life history of severe traumatic experiences was taken. Forty-four gave a positive history, 17 of whom developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS). Twelve met a past or current diagnosis of PTSD. Factors relating to the occurrence of PTSS included early trauma, more traumatic events, incest, perceiving the event as frightening, being physically injured, perceiving the event as being life threatening, seeing a physician, and being hospitalized. Age at trauma and differences between men and women are also discussed.
Partial purification and kinetic studies of mammalian tyrosinase.

Abstract 1. 1. The soluble tyrosinase used in this investigation was prepared from Harding-Passey mouse melanoma by the procedure of Brown and Ward with a slight modification. 2. 2. Electrophoretic analysis at pH 8.6 showed that this soluble tyrosinase contains two enzymically active components. 3. 3. Purification of the preparation by salting-out with (NH4)2SO4 did not make possible the complete separation of these two electrophoretically different components. 4. 4. The oxidation of DOPA into DOPA-quinone, as catalyzed by tyrosinase, was inhibited by tyrosine. Kinetic studies suggest that there are on the tyrosine molecule two kinds of sites: one where DOPA is oxidized and another where tyrosine is bound but not oxidized during the first phase of the reaction.
SMALL AND UNFILLED PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUPS: UNDERSTANDING AND USING THEM EFFECTIVELY

Many open-ended psychotherapy groups have fewer than five members, and fewer than the number the therapist considers necessary for the group to be filled. This paper discusses the rationale for starting such groups and the special dynamics of running them. It then suggests strategies for the therapist to use in maximizing their therapeutic effectiveness. Suggestions are made for further research into the demographic and dynamic aspects of such groups.
Partial least square analysis of lysozyme near-infrared spectra.

Proteins possess strong absorption features in the combination range (5000-4000 cm−1) of the near infrared (NIR) spectrum. These features can be used for quantitative analysis. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to analyze NIR spectra of lysozyme with the leave-one-out, full cross-validation method. A strategy for spectral range optimization with cross-validation PLS calibration was presented. A five-factor PLS model based on the spectral range between 4720 and 4540 cm−1 provided the best calibration model for lysozyme in aqueous solutions. For 47 samples ranging from 0.01 to 10 mg/mL, the root mean square error of prediction was 0.076 mg/mL. This result was compared with values reported in the literature for protein measurements by NIR absorption spectroscopy in human serum and animal cell culture supernatants.
The relationship between point defects and mechanical properties in Fe-Al at room temperature

Abstract The defect concentrations and mechanical properties of B2-structured FeAl have been investigated at room temperature as a function of Al concentration. Mechanical testing of large-grained FeAl alloys has shown that the yield strength decreases rapidly with small (iron-rich) deviations from the stoichiometric composition but is almost independent of composition from 40 to 45 at.% Al. X-ray diffractometry was used to determine the lattice parameter, the degree of long range order, the concentration of vacancies and the fraction of lattice sites occupied by anti-site atoms. It was found that the lattice parameter increases with increasing Al concentrations for Fe-rich and stoichiometric compositions, but that the lattice parameter of Fe-51 at.% Al is almost the same as that of Fe-50 at.% Al, indicating that one FeAl phase boundary is around the stoichiometric composition. The anti-site atom concentrations are shown to decrease and the vacancy concentration to increase with increasing Al content. Comparisons of the anti-site atom concentration and vacancy concentration with the yield strength as a function of Al concentration suggest that vacancies control the room temperature mechanical properties.
Salvage of infected spinal hardware with paraspinous muscle flaps: Anatomic considerations with clinical correlation

Purpose: Infected spinal stabilization devices represent a significant reconstructive challenge by threatening spinal stability and increasing the risk of neurologic complications. This study provides an anatomic and clinical investigation of posterior midline trunk reconstruction using paraspinous muscle flaps as the primary method of repair. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 25 consecutive patients (mean age, 57.2 years; range, 32-78 years) with complex spinal wounds, reconstructed with paraspinous muscle flaps, at a single university healthcare system. To help define the versatility of these muscle flaps, we also performed cadaveric dissections with lead oxide injections in 10 specimens, with an emphasis on regional blood supply, flap width, and arc of rotation. Results: From 1994 to 2000, we successfully reconstructed 25 patients with complex spinal wounds, using 49 paraspinous muscle flaps as the primary method of reconstruction. Hardware present in 22 patients was replaced or retained in 17 cases. Long-term spinal fusion with preservation of neurologic status was observed in all patients, with no cases of dehiscence or reinfection. Wound complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak (1), skin necrosis (1), sinus tracts (3), and seroma (2). Mean length of stay was 24 days (range, 8-57 days). One postoperative death occurred. Paraspinous dissections and injections confirmed a segmental type IV blood supply with medial and lateral perforators, arising from intercostal vessels superiorly and lumbar and sacral vessels inferiorly. Flap width was 8 cm at the sacral base, 5 cm at the level of the inferior scapular angle, and 2.5 cm at the first thoracic vertebra. Conclusions: Paraspinous muscle flaps can be used as the primary reconstructive option to cover and preserve spinal hardware, control local infection, and enable long-term spinal stabilization. Cadaveric dissections confirmed the usefulness ofparaspinous flaps, which can be based upon lateral or medial perforators and can be safely mobilized to reliably reconstruct complex spinal wounds.
Physiological and behavioral effects of guthion on pine voles,Microtus pinetorum

0 0-dimethyl S-[(4-oxo-l,2,3benzotriazin -3(4H)-yl) methyl] phosphordithioate) is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide used extensively on apple trees in North Carolina and on numerous crops nationwide. Goodman et.al. (1983) estimated that 25~ or more of Guthion loss from tree leaves occurs as movement to the soil and ground vegetation causing Guthion exposure to grounddwelling mammals. Guthion inhibits brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in rodents (Short et.al. 1980) and affects locomotion, reproductive physiology and learning, yet little is known of the effects intermittent and acute exposures have on the physiological and behavioral ecology of wild small mammals. Pine voles (Hicrotus pJnetor~m), semifossorial residents of orchards throughout eastern United States, present a conflict for growers and conservationists because their semifossorial habits often result in root damage and girdling of trees. Because of this, toxic effects in pine voles following Guthion spraying might be welcomed by growers, yet these effects may suggest toxicity to mammals and birds that interact in complex, ecologically beneficial ways. Further, survivors of Guthion exposure often exhibit abnormal behaviors that could increase rather than decrease pine vole population growth. We conducted 3 experiments on pine voles: (I) to measure Guthion's inhibition of brain AChE activity in field-exposed voles; (2) to evaluate dose-related reductions of AChE in the laboratory; and (3) to measure Guthion-induced behavioral changes.
Transcriptomic analysis of peritoneal cells in a mouse model of sepsis: confirmatory and novel results in early and late sepsis

The events leading to sepsis start with an invasive infection of a primary organ of the body followed by an overwhelming systemic response. Intra-abdominal infections are the second most common cause of sepsis. Peritoneal fluid is the primary site of infection in these cases. A microarray-based approach was used to study the temporal changes in cells from the peritoneal cavity of septic mice and to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this subset of sepsis patients. We conducted microarray analysis of the peritoneal cells of mice infected with a non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli. Differentially expressed genes were identified at two early (1 h, 2 h) and one late time point (18 h). A multiplexed bead array analysis was used to confirm protein expression for several cytokines which showed differential expression at different time points based on the microarray data. Gene Ontology based hypothesis testing identified a positive bias of differentially expressed genes associated with cellular development and cell death at 2 h and 18 h respectively. Most differentially expressed genes common to all 3 time points had an immune response related function, consistent with the observation that a few bacteria are still present at 18 h. Transcriptional regulators like PLAGL2, EBF1, TCF7, KLF10 and SBNO2, previously not described in sepsis, are differentially expressed at early and late time points. Expression pattern for key biomarkers in this study is similar to that reported in human sepsis, indicating the suitability of this model for future studies of sepsis, and the observed differences in gene expression suggest species differences or differences in the response of blood leukocytes and peritoneal leukocytes.
Differential distribution and developmental expression of synaptic vesicle protein 2 isoforms in the mouse retina.

Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2), a ubiquitous synaptic vesicle protein, is known to participate in the regulation of Ca2+-mediated synaptic transmission, although its precise function has not been established. Three SV2 isoforms (SV2A, SV2B, SV2C) have been identified recently, each of which has a unique distribution in brain, suggesting synapse-specific functions. To determine if SV2A, -B, and -C are differentially distributed among synapses in the retina and the sequence of their development, we examined their distribution and expression patterns immunocytochemically in adult and developing mouse retina. The three SV2 isoforms were differentially distributed in the synapses of the two plexiform layers in the adult retina. SV2A was present in cone, but not rod, terminals in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and in many synaptic terminals in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). SV2B was present only in the ribbon synapse-containing terminals of rod and cone photoreceptors and bipolar cells. SV2C was present in starburst amacrine cells, other conventional synapses in the IPL of unknown origin, and in presumptive interplexiform cell terminals in the INL and OPL. Each SV2 isoform was expressed in its distinct presynaptic terminals early and throughout postnatal development. In addition, SV2A was transiently expressed by developing horizontal cells. The unique distribution of each isoform suggests potentially distinct functions at different types of synapses, with SV2B having ribbon synapse-specific functions, and SV2C being important for the functions of starburst amacrine cells. Rod and cone terminals contain different complements of SV2 isoforms, indicating that ribbon synapses are not all identical. The early expression of SV2 isoforms prior to initiation of synapse formation suggests that they may have important synapse-specific roles during synaptogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:106–122, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Future research directions in cancer ecogenetics.

Abstract There are many productive directions for future research in cancer ecogenetics. Genetic variation in susceptibility to chemicals and other carcinogenic agents has been neglected in most epidemiologic and rodent investigations of cancer etiology. Genetic variation is important to characterization of risks for population subgroups. Genetic investigations also may inquiries into the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis and of cancer prevention. Polymorphins of cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases, epoxide hydrolae, glutathione- S -transferases, and N -acetyltransferase offer important windows on biotransformation of pro-carcinogens. Assays in peripheral blood cells need to be related closely to variation in activity in target organs. Tumor suppressor genes, signal transduction pathways, and cell surface receptors are additional sites where genetic vaiation would be highly important to cancer risks.
Controlling cell adhesion on thermoresponsive P(MEO 2 MA-co-OEGMA) substrates

Thermoresponsive polymer (TRP) substrates as in vitro cell culture platforms have recently gained popularity due to their ability to release cells without biochemical enzymes and while maintaining cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Cells grown on TRPs are released from their culture surface by a change in temperature below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer under aqueous conditions. P(MEO 2 MA-co-OEGMA) substrates offer a unique advantage over PNIPAM, the gold standard: the ability to tune the LCST. These TRP brushes exhibit aqueous LCST values between 28 and 90°C, which can be precisely adjusted by varying the co-monomer composition. In this work, we investigated the cellular response to culture on P(MEO 2 MA-co-OEGMA) substrates using a variety of techniques: 1) immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy was utilized to examine cell morphology, 2) single-gene RT-PCR was used to examine differences in gene expression of cell adhesion markers, and 3) microarray analysis was utilized to elucidate differences in the mechanism of initial cell spreading. Results show an increase in cell adhesion and cell adhesion-related biomarkers as a function of LCST, with more hydrophobic surfaces displaying an increase in cell spreading. An increase in cell height also appears to be correlated with increasing LCST. In conclusion, P(MEO 2 MA-co-OEGMA substrates can be used to control cell adhesion in tissue engineering applications.
Analyzing Power in the Reactions p+d-->d+p and p+p-->d+π at GeV Energies

We have used a polarized proton beam to measure the analyzing power for pd backward elastic scattering at incident kinetic energies of 0.68, 1.03, and 1.53 GeV and for the reaction p + p ..-->.. d + ..pi.. at 1.03 GeV. The data indicate that several mechanisms dominate pd backward elastic scattering over this energy range.