cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarons in ladder-type polymer films: Recombination channels and electron-phonon coupling

We applied the photomodulation spectroscopy for probe-photon energies from 0.05 to 2.5 eV in films of ladder-type poly(p-phenylene) and identified a photoinduced absorption (PA) band related to triplet excitons and two correlated PA bands due to charged polarons. The low energy polaron band peaks at a relatively low photon energy of ∼0.1 eV, showing small polaronic relaxation energy. We employed photoinduced absorption-detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the polaron recombination channels and found that spin 1/2 magnetic resonance enhances the bimolecular recombination of polarons to singlet byproducts (singlet excitons and bipolarons). However, it reduces polaron recombination to triplet byproducts, such as triplet excitons. The low-energy polaron PA shows antiresonances due to its overlap with Raman- and IR-active vibrations. The antiresonances spectrum is compared to the IR and Raman spectra and found to also contain modes that are silent in the latter spectra.
On two-dimensional infinite elements utilizing basis functions with compact support

In this paper improvements are made in the numerical conditioning of infinite element stiffness matrices by replacing the characteristic (eigenfunction) basis functions which have global support with basis functions which have local support and appropriate preconditioning. The conditioning and convergence properties of these new infinite elements are presented in solving two-dimensional exterior problems for the Helmholtz equation.
Orientation of calcium in the Mn4Ca cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex determined using polarized strontium EXAFS of photosystem II membranes.

The oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PS II) in green plants and algae contains a cluster of four Mn atoms in the active site, which catalyzes the photoinduced oxidation of water to dioxyg...
Competitive Adsorption Between PEO-Containing Block Copolymers and Homopolymers at Silica

The ability to manipulate polymer adsorption is useful for applications involving colloidal stabilization, for example, paints, cosmetics, lubricants, and mineral and waste-water treatment. We have an ongoing interest on the use of organic molecules for modulating the aqueous solution and adsorption properties of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO) block copolymers. In the present study, the influence of low molecular weight PEO homopolymer on the adsorption of a representative PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer (Pluronic P105: EO37-PO56-EO37) at the surface of protonated silica nanoparticles dispersed in water is investigated. Pluronic P105 forms hydrophobic domains on the surface of protonated silica at a critical surface micelle concentration, csmc, of 0.02 wt% in the presence of 0.1 wt% silica nanoparticles in water, well below the cmc of Pluronic P105 in water (0.6 wt%). Dye solubilization experiments reveal an increase in the PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer csmc with i...
Staring episodes in children analyzed by telemetry.

Staring episodes in children may be ictal or nonictal, and telemetry helps make this distinction. Twenty-seven children referred to our service for elucidating the nature of their staring spells were studied by telemetry. No staring events were recorded in four children. The staring events were not associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in 12 children. In 11 children, the staring events had EEG accompaniments: four had generalized spike-and-wave changes; three had focal or asymmetrical changes; and four had generalized decrement (desynchronization), which has not been described before as an electrical correlate of staring. EEG video telemetry in this group of patients led to accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical, surgical or behavioral management. (J Child Neurol 1992;7:39-43).
On the correlation of postannealing induced phase transition in pentacene with carrier transport

Postannealing effects on pentacene thin film transistors (TFTs) are discussed correlating the pentacene film morphology, the crystalline polymorph, and the electronic transport. The bulk phase thermally induced in pentacene during postannealing treatment is found to be another main cause detrimental to the carrier transport of TFTs. In addition, it turns out that encapsulation of the TFTs using polyvinyl alcohol helps to improve the thermal stability by retarding the onset of the bulk phase in pentacene.
Chandler wobble and viscosity in the Earth's core

JEFFREYS1, and Munk and MacDonald2, have stated that viscosity of the core cannot account for the observed damping of the Chandler wobble. This statement may be in error.
Effects of ozone and UV on tire cord adhesion

Ozone exposure of resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) dipped tire cords reduces adhesion because ozone attacks the double bonds in the butadiene component of the rubber latex in RFL and impairs its cocuring with the solid rubber compound. This mechanism also explains: (a) the ineffectiveness of chemical antiozonants or chloroprene latex as RFL additives, (b) the increased ozone sensitivity of RFL adhesion with progressive curing of RFL dip, and (c) the insensitivity to ozone of adhesion with RF-EPDM adhesives. A major reduction in the rate of adhesion loss in either ozone (50 pphm, 50% RH) or UV (carbon arc, 4 hr) was demonstrated when small amounts of waxes (3% solids basis) were added to the RFL dip. The waxes protect the RFL adhesive by blooming to the surface of the adhesive treated cord.
Discovery of O-GlcNAc Transferase Inhibitors

O-GlcNAcylation of serine and threonine residues is a dynamic and essential post-translational modification involved in signaling pathways in eukaryotes. Studies of O-GlcNAcylation would be aided by small-molecule inhibitors of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the sole enzyme know to mediate this modification, but discovery of such molecules has been hampered by poor expression of cloned OGT and lack of suitable high-throughput screens. This Communication describes the development an expression system to access large amounts of the catalytic domain of OGT and the implementation of a fluorescence-based substrate analogue displacement assay that has led to the discovery of a set of OGT inhibitors. This work lays the foundation for both structural and functional analysis of the catalytic domain of OGT.
An Experimental Investigation on the Effects of Heat and Mass Flux on Vapor Bubble Growth Characteristics in a Microchannel

Micro heat exchangers are emerging as one of the most effective cooling technologies for high power-density applications. The design of micro heat exchangers is complicated by the presence of alternating flow regimes, which give way to flow boiling instability. Bubble formation inside microchannels can be correlated directly to flow boiling instability and can regulate flow characteristics and wall heat transfer when the bubbles grow to reach the microchannel hydraulic diameter. In this study, the growth of vapor bubbles in a single microchannel was examined using an experimental setup capable of measuring coolant flow rate, inlet and outlet liquid temperatures, and channel wall surface temperature. Liquid flow rate and wall heat flux were systematically varied while a high-speed camera was used to capture images of vapor bubbles forming in the channel. These images were used to compare bubble growth rates for a constant flow rate. The results provide fundamental understanding of the bubble growth process.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Neuroendocrine signals modulate the innate immunity of Caenorhabditis elegans through insulin signaling.

In a variety of organisms, signals from the nervous system influence adaptive immunity. Tan and Kawli now show the importance of neuroendocrine inputs in the innate immunity of Caenorhabditis elegans to bacterial pathogens.
Implementation and Computational Issues for Combined Models of Location, Destination, Mode, and Route Choice

A unified approach to deriving models of urban location, destination, mode, and route choice is illustrated, and an algorithm based on Evans's approach and the Lagrange multiplier procedure is proposed. By examining derivatives of the Lagrangian function, we show that the Newton—Raphson technique can be implemented for finding the optimal Lagrange multipliers for these models. Procedures for identifying values of generalized cost-function coefficients are studied.
Adenoviral-mediated expression of antisense RNA to fibroblast growth factors disrupts murine vascular development

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are expressed in the developing embryo and are postulated to regulate embryonic and vascular growth. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in early murine embryonic cardiovascular development in the mouse embryo. Gestation day 7.5 embryos were harvested and placed in culture, and 12 hr later replication-defective adenovirus (0.5 × 106 plaque forming units) encoding either β-galactosidase or antisense FGF-2 RNA was injected into the sinus venosus of the cultured embryos. Embryos receiving only replication-defective adenovirus expressing the β-galactosidase gene continued to develop normally over the next 12 hr. In contrast, those receiving adenovirus encoding antisense FGF-2 RNA displayed marked morphogenetic abnormalities, including cessation of growth and abnormal yolk sac vascular development, even though the embryonic hearts continued to beat. Abnormal development of the yolk sac vasculature was confirmed by microangiography and by histologic examination. Coinjection of virus carrying FGF-2 cDNA in the sense orientation reversed the effects of antisense FGF-2 RNA expression. These results confirm the efficacy of the replication-defective adenovirus for targeting gene expression to the developing vasculature and provide evidence for a critical role of FGF in the normal vascular assembly in the early embryo. Cessation of embryonic growth on expression of antisense FGF-2 RNA was most likely attributable to failure of efficient circulation of the early embryonic blood cells from the yolk sac into the embryo. Dev. Dyn. 1998;213:421–430. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of lipolytic processes in rat adipose tissue by antimalarial drugs

Abstract Lipolytic processes in vitro of rat epididymal fat pads are inhibited by the antimalarial drugs quinine, quinidine, quinacrine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and primaquine. These compounds inhibit hormone activated lipolysis, the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue homogenates and the activity released into the medium by heparin.
Leadership, Capabilities, and Technological Change: The Transformation of NCR in the Electronic Era

Scholars have advanced various theories to explain the common failure of market leaders in the face of revolutionary technological change. The history of NCR Corporation provides an instructive exception to that general pattern. This paper examines how NCR addressed the introduction of electronics to the field of business equipment and the advent of digital computers to widespread use. It describes NCR's entry into the computer industry in the 1950s and its commitment to evolutionary adaptation of its core products. It shows how persistence in old modes of practice led eventually to a crisis, which was resolved favorably when new management and fundamental organizational transformations reversed adverse trends and restored robust profitability. While established academic theories can help to explain aspects of the story, no single theoretical perspective is sufficient to explain the path of NCR's behavior. NCR survived, we conclude, because new leadership provided the impetus to actualize latent dynamic capabilities. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of a trypsin-sensitive inhibitor of O-antigen synthesis involved in lysogenic conversion by bacteriophage ε15

Abstract Lysogenization of Salmonella anatum by bacteriophage ϵ15 brings about the synthesis of a cellular O-antigen with β-galactosyl linkages in place of the usual α-galactosyl linkages. The α-galactosyl linkages are generated by a host enzyme which polymerizes trisaccharide units into O-antigen. Recent work has shown that after infection with ϵ15, host α-polymerizing activity rapidly disappears and is replaced by a new bacteriophage enzyme which generates a β-galactosyllinked polymer. I have isolated a trypsin-sensitive factor which specifically inhibits the host α-polymerizing enzyme but not the phage β-polymerizing enzyme, and which is present in both newly infected and lysogenic cells. This inhibitor is probably responsible for the loss in α-polymerizing activity following infection.
EFFECT OF ULTRAHIGH VACUUM ON VIABILITY OF MICROORGANISMS

Three species of resistant microorganisms were exposed for 5 days to an ultrahigh vacuum approaching that of interplanetary space. Since no lethal effect was observed, there is no indication that the vacuum of outer space would prevent transport of viable microorganisms on unsterilized space vehicles.
Cytolytic activity of Bacillus thuringiensis CryIC and CryIAc toxins to Spodoptera sp. midgut epithelial cells in vitro

A sensitive lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was modified to determine the cytolytic activity of Bacillus thuringiensis CryIC and CryIAc delta endotoxins to viable collagenase-dissociated midgut epithelial cells (MEC) from larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua. The MEC preparations from these Spodoptera sp. consisted predominantly of columnar cells (65-75%) and goblet cells (25-35%). Time course microscopy experiments indicated that only the columnar cells became swollen during CryIC toxin incubation. Also, comparative cytotoxicity studies were run with cell lines of nonmidgut origin established from S. frugiperda (SF21AE) and S. exigua (SEUCR1A). Optimum conditions for the cytotoxicity assay were similar for MEC and cell lines of both species, and were met in an assay in which 0.1-ml cell concentrations (8.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(4) cells) were incubated with toxin dilutions (0.01-20 micrograms) for 1 h at 24 degrees C at a final pH of 7.8. The Spodoptera sp. MEC were twofold more sensitive to CryIC (68% lysis) than CryIAc (32% lysis) at optimum toxin levels (2.5-5 micrograms). Also, the SEUCR1A cells were more sensitive (2.3-fold) to CryIC (70% lysis) than CryIAc (30% lysis) at optimum toxin levels of 5-10 micrograms. The SF21AE cells, however, were twofold less sensitive to CryIC (30% lysis) than SEUCR1A cells and response to CryIAc and CryIC was similar. Immunoblot analysis of either Spodoptera sp. MEC or brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) identified seven CryIC binding proteins with molecular mass of 137, 120, 115, 68, 65, 63, and 45 kDa. Occasionally, a 148-kDa protein band was observed. The CryIAc toxin bound to two proteins on MEC and BBMV with molecular mass of 137 and 120 kDa.
The promise of multiparadigm languages as pedagogical tools

This paper presents a discussion of why languages that support multiple paradigms (i.e. multiparadigm languages) have the potential to be good pedagogical tools for teaching programming skills. Several examples are given that demonstrate how different programming paradigms are expressed in a working multiparadigm language. The examples, though brief, provide a glimpse of how much expressiveness a simple multiparadigm design can embody and they suggest that the potential role of multiparadigm languages as teaching tools is promising.
American safflower seed oil

The chemical and physical characteristics of a sample of hot pressed oil from saflower seed grown in Montana have been determined. This oil was found to contain 87.72 per cent of unsaturated acids, and 5.92 per cent of saturated acids.
Initiation of breathing by cold stimulation: Effects of change in ambient temperature on respiratory activity of the full-term fetal lamb

The effects on breathing were studied in the submerged, exteriorized, full-term lamb during alteration of its ambient temperature. Slow cooling from an environmental temperature of 40° C. to 27° C. resulted in rhythmic breathing in 32 consecutive experiments. Rewarming of the water temperature invariably caused respiratory activity to cease. Monitoring of brachial arterial blood gas values and of umbilical venous blood flow revealed no significant changes in these parameters during the cooling or rewarming challenges.
Structural and biochemical characteristics of locomotory muscles of emperor penguins, Aptenodytes forsteri

Structural and biochemical characteristics of the primary muscles used for swimming (pectoralis, PEC and supracoracoideus, SC) were compared to those of leg muscles in emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri). The mass of PEC-SC was four times that of the leg musculature, and mitochondrial volume density in PEC and SC (4%) was two-thirds that in sartorius (S) and gastrocnemius. The differences in muscle mass and mitochondrial density yielded a 2.2-fold greater total mitochondrial content in PEC-SC than leg muscles, which appears to account for the 1.8-fold greater whole-body highest oxygen consumption previously recorded in emperor penguins during swimming compared to walking. Calculation of maximal mitochondrial O2 consumption in PEC-SC and leg muscle yielded value of 5.8-6.9 ml O2 ml-1 min-1, which are similar to those in locomotory muscles of most mammals and birds. A distinct feature of emperor penguin muscle was its myoglobin content, with concentrations in PEC-SC (6.4 g 100 g-1 among the highest measured in any species. This resulted in a PEC-SC O2 store greater than that of the entire blood. In addition, ratios of myoglobin content to mitochondrial volume density and to citrate synthase activity were 4.4 and 2.5 times greater in PEC than in S, indicative of the significant role of myoglobin in the adaptation of muscle to cardiovascular adjustments during diving.
Nitrification and Yield for Delayed‐Flood Rice as Affected by a Nitrification Inhibitor and Coated Urea

Published in Agron. J. 106:1541–1548 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj13.0586 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT
Shaping Wavefronts For Map Transformations

In coherent optical data processing, the optical system is used as a linear space invariant system. A method in which the optical system is highly space variant was described recently l. With this method, a geometric transformation of an object can be obtained in the frequency plane of the object. The optical component responsible for the geometric transformation is a computer-generated phase filter. In this paper, we shall briefly describe this method of optical map transformation. Because of the importance of the phase filter in the optical system, we will also discuss a recent method for making computer-generated holograms2. An example is presented which shows how conformal mapping is achieved with this optical technique.
Aspectual and focus adverbs in English and Korean

This article presents a comparative semantic analysis of the aspectual and focus adverbs already, still and STILL in English and imi/pelsse ‘already’ and acik/yothay ‘still’ in Korean based on their presuppositions and their focus interpretation. I argue that the two contrasting views of aspectual adverbs as logical duals (Lobner 1989, 1999) and as scalar (focus) particles (Michaelis 1993, 1996; Israel 1995) are both necessary in order to explain the English and Korean data. Aspect concerns the internal structure of events, relating a current state with the onset or the end of the state. These transitions are available for focusing, which triggers an explicit contrast between the asserted state and an alternative state with an opposite polarity. Korean is shown to lexicalize aspectual and focus adverbs differently from what is expressed in English by a single adverb with focus marked prosody. The meaning of aspectual and focus adverbs in both English and Korean is representated in Discourse Representation Theory (Kamp and Reyle 1993; van Eijck and Kamp 1997).
Analysis of the crowding effect in Rana pipiens tadpoles

Rana pipiens tadpoles were grown at four densities in each of three series. Retardation due to crowding was seen despite the presence or absence of feces. Statistical analysis shows retardation due to crowding to be a function of effective density, possibly mediated by behavioral or social factors, more importantly than by diffusible products of the tadpoles. Although previous work has assumed the growth-inhibiting factors of “conditioned water” (water occupied by a population of tadpoles) to be identical with the cause of the crowding effect, we have found that the crowding effect operates relatively independently of these growth-inhibiting factors.
Checklist of the species of the aseptate Gregarine family Urosporidae

Abstract A checklist is given of the 45 named species of the family Urosporidae (phylum Protozoa, subphylum Apicomplexa, class Sporozoa, subclass Gregarinia, order Eugregarinida, suborder Aseptatina) together with their synonyms, the names of their hosts, their locations in the hosts, their known geographic distribution, and key references. Another list is given of synonyms, lapsi calami, nomina nuda, etc. associated with the genera of this family. The following taxonomic-nomenclatural innovations are introduced—NEW NAME: Gonospora good-richae nom. nov. in the polychaete Arenicola ecaudata; NEW COMBINATIONS: Urospora grassei (Changeux, 1961) in the sea cucumbers Holothuria spp.; Urospora schneideri (Mingazzini, 1891) in the sea cucumbers Holothuria spp; Gonospora gonadipertha (Djakonov, 1923) in the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa; Gonospora stichopi (Lutzen, 1967) in the sea cucumber Stichopus tremulus.
Health education and community participation in mass drug administration for malaria in Nicaragua

A malaria control effort in Nicaragua involving the mass, short-term distribution of anti-malaria medicines to a target population of all citizens above one year of age is detailed. About 70% of the population received anti-malarials in November, 1981 and 8 million packets of chloroquine and primaquine were distributed by 70,000 health campaign workers and their assistants. Training and mobilization efforts used volunteers from local community organizations. Mass public education was a key focus in the weeks before drug administration. The effects of the campaign were immediately apparent with a rapid decline in incidence after drug administration. Ongoing community environmental control, case finding, and health education activities continued to improve the malaria situation post-campaign. Further, the campaign promoted the decentralization of malaria control activities and integration of the malaria efforts with the nationwide primary health care system.
Short Wavelength Rocketborne Infrared Spectrometer

AbstractAn it spectrometer, used to obtain measurements of faint atmospheric emission spectrafrom a rocket carrier, is described. The sensor scans the 2.07 to 5.47 um spectral regionat the rate of 2 scan /s. The spectral resolution of the sensor, which employs a circularvariable filter (CVF), ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 %. The entire optical subsection, indium anti -monide detector, CVF, silicon lens, baffle, and removable cover are cooled below 80° K in ahigh- vacuum Dewar system. The noise equivalent spectral sterance [radiance] of the spectro-meter at 5.3 um is 1.93 x 10 -10 (W cm- 2sr-lum -1).IntroductionUtah State University (USU) under the sponsorship of the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory(AFGL) has been engaged in the design, development, fabrication, calibration, and deploymentof state -of- the -art cryogenically cooled radiometers on rocket carriers. These sensors havebeen designed to obtain measurements of the faint overhead spectral sterance [radiance] ofthe atmospheric emissions against a relatively cold celestial background.The short -wavelength infrared (SWIR) circular variable filter spectrometer (CVF), reportedherein is typical of those used in the Infrared Chemistry Experiments- Coordinated AuroralPrograms (ICECAP) conducted by AFGL in the aurorally disturbed polar atmosphere.1r2,3The `WIR CVF spectrometer, bench -test console and electronic boxes are illustrated in
Localization of trapping of 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-m-tyrosine, an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase tracer for PET.

The purpose of this study was to address four major questions regarding 6-FMT, a noncatecholic PET tracer for AAAD: 1) Where is the specific uptake of 6-FMT? 2) Why does it accumulate where and to the degree that it does? 3) How does its uptake differ from that of fluoroDOPA globally? and 4) Does its regional uptake differ significantly from that of fluoroDOPA? High-resolution PET scans were obtained in three rhesus monkeys using 6-FMT and in two of them using fluoroDOPA. Anatomic distribution was analyzed visually and quantitative uptake of 6-FMT was compared with published regional decarboxylase activity and monoamine neurotransmitter concentrations. In addition to high uptake in the dopamine-rich striatal nuclei, there was specific uptake of 6-FMT in brain regions which have little dopaminergic innervation but which have other amines in significant concentration. 6-FMT uptake correlated best with regional AAAD activity (r = 0.97). It correlated slightly less well with the sum of catecholamine and indolamine neurotransmitter concentrations, but does not correlate with dopamine concentration. The uptake of 6-FMT is greater than that of fluoroDOPA, with only slight differences in their regional distributions. Radiolabeled analogs of DOPA are often implicitly or explicitly regarded as tracers for presynaptic dopaminergic function. However, localization of these tracers more broadly includes many regions with relatively high concentrations of norepinephrine and serotonin. This may be especially important in diseases or experimental states in which dopaminergic neurons are selectively reduced, and may allow for the study of nondopaminergic neuronal systems in vivo with this tracer.
Veterans administration cooperative dental impant study—Comparisons between fixed partial dentures supported by blade-vent implants and removable partial dentures. Part II: Comparison of success rates and periodontal health between two treatment modalities

Five Veterans Administration centers have participated in a study to determine whether fixed partial dentures (FPDs) supported by blade implants offer an acceptable substitute for mandibular unilateral or bilateral distal-base extension removable partial dentures (RPDs). The study design and methodology have been described in Part I. A total of 232 patients received comprehensive dental care including RPDs for 118 patients and FPDs for 114. Prespecified criteria determined treatment failures. During the 60-month period, treatment failures occurred in 19 FPD patients and 30 RPD patients. Ten FPD failures occurred before and nine after the FPD insertion. Five RPD failures were caused by abutment tooth loss and 25 for not using the RPD while eating. Life table analysis showed 5-year success rates of 84.2% for the FPD and 74% for the RPD. The 17.9% higher FPD success rate in Kennedy class II patients was both statistically and clinically significant. Excluding the 10 early failures, the 5-year FPD success rate was 91.5%. Of the 170 attempted implants, 26 failed, including 12 before the FPD fabrication. Radiographic assessments by a panel of three judges showed no bone deterioration during baseline to 60 months in 29.6%, slight in 25.4%, moderate in 15.9%, marked in 27%, and severe deterioration in 2.1% of the implant posts.
Vasopressin receptors in the brain, liver and kidney of rats following osmotic stimulation.

Abstract The binding site concentration (Bmax) and equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for [3H]-arginine vasopressin (AVP) binding sites were measured in limbic brain areas (septum, dorsal hippocampus, amygdala) and liver and kidney of control and osmotically stimulated male Wistar rats. Membrane binding was performed in these five areas 30, 60 and 180 min following intraperitoneal injection of hypertonic saline. This paradigm resulted in no significant change in binding characteristics in the septum, dorsal hippocampus, amygdala and liver from control treated rats. In contrast, the kidney Bmax was significantly reduced 60min following osmotic stimulation, with no effect on affinity. These results also suggest that AVP receptors in the CNS are relatively resistant to regulatory effects of an acute AVP exposure.
The saliva strip test is an accurate method to determine blood alcohol concentration in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of alcohol saliva testing (AST) in trauma patients. METHODS Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured by using both AST (QED A350; STC Technologies, Bethlehem, PA) and blood serum levels in 100 trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of an urban Level 1 trauma center. RESULTS All 41 patients who tested positive for BAC on AST (mean [+/-SD]: 167.9 +/- 16.16; range: 20-350 mg/dL) also tested positive on serum determination (mean: 197.6 +/- 13.79; range: 22-446 mg/dL). Correlation between the two positive tests was significant (0.879, p < 0.001). Of the remaining 61 patients, 59 tested negative on both tests, while two patients with BACs of <30 mg/dL tested negative on the AST. For 18 patients with blood in the oropharynx, there was a correlation of 0.976 (p < 0.001, two-tailed) between serum and AST tests. CONCLUSIONS The AST method of measuring BAC in trauma patients is accurate. Blood in the oral cavity did not appear to affect the accuracy of the test.
Shank3 as a potential biomarker of antidepressant response to ketamine and its neural correlates in bipolar depression.

Abstract Background Shank3, a post-synaptic density protein involved in N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor tethering and dendritic spine rearrangement, is implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that elevated baseline plasma Shank3 levels might predict antidepressant response to the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine. Methods Twenty-nine subjects with bipolar depression received a double-blind, randomized, subanesthetic dose (.5 mg/kg) ketamine infusion. Of the patients for whom Shank3 levels were collected, 15 completed baseline 3-Tesla MRI and 17 completed post-ketamine [ 18 F]-FDG PET. Results Higher baseline Shank3 levels predicted antidepressant response at Days 1 ( r =−.39, p =.047), 2 ( r =−.45, p =.02), and 3 ( r =−.42, p =.03) and were associated with larger average ( r =.58, p =.02) and right amygdala volume ( r =.65, p =.009). Greater baseline Shank3 also predicted increased glucose metabolism in the hippocampus ( r =.51, p =.04) and amygdala ( r =.58, p =.02). Limitations Limitations include the small sample size, inability to assess the source of peripheral Shank3, and the lack of a placebo group for baseline Shank3 levels and comparative structural/functional neuroimaging. Conclusions Shank3 is a potential biomarker of antidepressant response to ketamine that correlates with baseline amygdala volume and increased glucose metabolism in the amygdala and hippocampus.
Different forms of rat β-glucuronidase with rapid and slow clearance following intravenous injection: Selective serum enhancement of slow clearance forms by organophosphate compounds

Abstract Paraoxon and diisopropylfluorophosphate elicit a massive, selective increase in serum β-glucuronidase but not other lysosomal enzymes. The response is not blocked by atropine nor mimicked by neostigmine or carbachol. It is therefore not cholinergically mediated. Removal of the liver, by evisceration, abolishes the response suggesting a role for liver in mediating the organophosphate effect. β-Glucuronidase isolated by affinity chromatography from sera of organophosphate treated rats is catalytically similar to rat liver β-glucuronidase while having a lower isoelectric point. Following intravenous injection, purified rat liver microsomal and lysosomal β-glucuronidase are rapidly cleared from the circulation ( t 1 2 = 7 min ). In contrast, β-glucuronidase isolated from sera of organophosphate treated rats has a much slower clearance ( t 1 2 = 47 min ). Removal of the liver, by evisceration, severely reduces the clearance of all the enzyme preparations. Competition experiments with asialofetuin and asialoorosomucoid suggest that liver receptors for asialoglycoproteins do not mediate clearance of β-glucuronidase.
Transmitter phenotype is a major determinant in the specificity of synapses formed by cholinergic neurons transplanted to the hippocampus.

Abstract Embryonic habenular or striatal cholinergic tissues were transplanted to the hippocampal formation of adult rats. The connectivity of these grafts with the host hippocampal formation was analysed using acetylcholinesterase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody to choline acetyltransferase. Both graft types produced laminar arrangements of acetylcholinesteras-positive fibers in the hippocampal formation that closely resembled the native pattern of cholinergic innervation. In addition, graft-derived choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive synapses were found in the host hippocampal formation. These synapses were formed on non-immunoreactive dendritic structures and were similar to the types of cholinergic synapses foand in the hippocampal formation of normal animals. These data indicate that the cholinergic transmitter phenotype is a major determinant of whether a neuron will form typical cholinergic synapses with hippocampal targets.
The evolving paradigm of cell-nonautonomous UPR-based regulation of immunity by cancer cells

The evolving paradigm of cell-nonautonomous UPR-based regulation of immunity by cancer cells
Heterogeneous parallel and distributed computing

Abstract Heterogeneous network-based distributed and parallel computing is gaining increasing acceptance as an alternative or complementary paradigm to multiprocessor-based parallel processing as well as to conventional supercomputing. While algorithmic and programming aspects of heterogeneous concurrent computing are similar to their parallel processing counterparts, system issues, partitioning and scheduling, and performance aspects are significantly different. In this paper, we discuss the evolution of heterogeneous concurrent computing, in the context of the parallel virtual machine (PVM) system, a widely adopted software system for network computing. In particular, we highlight the system level infrastructures that are required, aspects of parallel algorithm development that most affect performance, system capabilities and limitations, and tools and methodologies for effective computing in heterogeneous networked environments. We also present recent developments and experiences in the PVM project, and comment on ongoing and future work.
Associations between maternal concern for healthful eating and maternal eating behaviors, home food availability, and adolescent eating behaviors.

Abstract Objective Evaluate the relationship between maternal concern for healthful eating and maternal and adolescent dietary intake, eating behavior, and home food environment. Design Mothers of a subsample of adolescents who participated in a school-based survey (Project Eating Among Teens [EAT]) completed telephone interviews. Participants Seven hundred fourteen mother–adolescent pairs. Variables Measured Mothers responded to a question regarding how much they are personally concerned with eating healthfully, and adolescents responded to a question regarding perceptions of their mothers’ concern about eating healthfully. Dependent variables included adolescent and parent food intake and home food environment. Analysis Multinomial cumulative logistic regression models, adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and adolescent grade level. Results A positive association was found between maternal concern for healthful eating and maternal fruit and vegetable intake, maternal breakfast and lunch consumption, and serving fruits and vegetables in the home. Maternal concern for healthful eating (as reported by mothers) was not associated with adolescent behavior. Adolescent perception of maternal concern for healthful eating was positively associated with adolescent fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusions and Implications Mother’s concern for healthful eating is associated with maternal eating behavior and the home food environment. Adolescent perceptions of maternal attitudes are a stronger predictor than actual maternal attitudes of adolescent behavior. Parents should be encouraged to share their beliefs regarding the importance of healthful eating with their adolescents.
The N-Terminal Hypervariable Region of Troponin T Differentially Modulates the Affinity of Tropomyosin-Binding Sites

The troponin complex plays a central role in the allosteric function of sarcomeric thin filaments by enacting conformational changes during the Ca2+-regulated contraction and relaxation of striated muscle. The troponin subunit T (TnT) has two binding sites for tropomyosin (Tm) and is responsible for anchoring the troponin complex to the thin filament. Although the C-terminal and middle regions of the TnT polypeptide chain are highly conserved among the three muscle type isoforms, the hypervariable N-terminal region has evolutionarily diverged significantly among isoforms. Previous studies have shown that the N-terminal variable region fine-tunes Ca2+ regulation of muscle contractility via modulation of the overall molecular conformation of TnT, and its interactions with Tm. In the present study, we engineered intact TnT and representative fragments of TnT, expressed them in E. coli, and prepared purified proteins for functional studies. Tropomyosin binding affinity was analyzed using affinity chromatography and solid phase protein binding assays to investigate the modulatory effects of the N-terminal variable region. The results demonstrated that in the absence of the N-terminal variable region, TnT's conserved middle region and C-terminal T2 region Tm-binding sites showed comparable Tm-binding affinities across isoforms. The data demonstrate that without the modulatory effect of the N-terminal variable region, the intrinsic Tm-binding affinities of the two sites are both high. In contrast, the presence of the isoform specific N-terminal variable region differentially reduces the binding affinity of TnT for Tm, primarily at the middle region binding site. These novel findings indicate that the N-terminal variable region plays a key role in the functional difference of muscle fiber type-specific, developmental, splice variant, and pathogenic TnT isoforms by modulating the interactions with Tm during the contraction and relaxation of cardiac and skeletal muscle.
PROBABILISTIC ARGUMENTS FOR MULTIPLE UNIVERSES

: In this paper, we discuss three probabilistic arguments for the existence of multiple universes. First, we provide an analysis of total evidence and use that analysis to defend Roger White's “this universe” objection to a standard fine-tuning argument for multiple universes. Second, we explain why Rodney Holder's recent cosmological argument for multiple universes is unconvincing. Third, we develop a “Cartesian argument” for multiple universes. While this argument is not open to the objections previously noted, we show that, given certain highly plausible assumptions about evidence and epistemic probability, the proposition which it treats as evidence cannot coherently be regarded as evidence for anything. This raises the question of whether to reject the assumptions or accept that such a proposition cannot be evidence.
Deep ocean disposal of toxic industrial wastes

Numerical simulations can be used to predict the transport and fate of many materials disposed of in the ocean, if enough critical information is available on rates of transfers of the wastes in question. Continued ocean dumping must be accompanied by a program of research and monitoring to validate those speculative transfer functions in the original models that justify the practice. Such an approach is taken by the NEA of the OECD in the continuing use of the NE Atlantic low-level radioactive waste dumpsite used by some OECD member nations. The impacts of deep-ocean dumping will depend on whether the strategy of disposal is to contain or disperse the waste. One of these two alternatives must be chosen and this choice will depend on 1) toxicity, 2) waste form, 3) concentration and immobilization in the biota or sediments, 4) natural rates of decay and 5) total quantities to be dumped.
C2/C3 pathologic fractures from polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of the cervical spine treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty.

We will discuss a potential role of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the management of patients with severe fibrous dysplasia of the spine with multiple cervical lesions and C2–C3 pathologic fractures that may not be a good surgical candidate. Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involvement of the cervical spine is rare. Review of literature indicates only few reported cases of surgical management with one case of mortality indicating increased risks associated with surgical intervention. While PVP is commonly used for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures, its role in vertebral stabilization for fibrous dysplasia has not been reported. A 35-year-old man with McCune–Albright syndrome and severe polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of C2 and C3 vertebrae presented with severe neck pain, radiculopathy, quadriparesis and myelopathy. The lesion had pathologic fractures, and there was an os odontoideum with cervical cord atrophy at the C1 level. After discussing need for aggressive surgical management and potential complications, we offered PVP due to surgical risks involved. PVP was performed with a posterolateral transpedicular approach without complication. The patient had remarkable improvement in clinical relief of neck pain and improvement of myelopathic symptoms at 1-year follow-up. We present a case that illustrates a potential use of PVP in the management of a patient with symptomatic spinal fibrous dysplasia with associated pathologic fractures who was poor surgical candidate.
The high cost of neglecting children: The need for a preventive policy agenda

Millions of children in the United States suffer from poor care and inadequate services due to neglectful national social policy. More than 13 million children live in poverty and its negative consequences, at great individual and social cost. This paper outlines the need to seriously advocate for a preventive policy approach to child welfare and presents a blueprint for individual and collective political action. The cost-effectiveness and social benefits of preventive policies are demonstrated. Social workers understand the value of prevention in working with children and families, and are needed to advocate on the policy-making level for a preventive policy agenda.
Three-dimensional subcarrier-multiplexed nonbinary-LDPC-coded modulation schemes enabling ultra high speed optical communications

We propose nonbinary-LDPC-coded modulation schemes employing subcarrier-multiplexing and three-dimensional constellations. We improve coding gains of conventional PDM-M-QAM by 2.17dB and 2.92dB, for M = 8 and M = 16, respectively, at the BER of 10−7.
Antioxidant‐Accelerated Oxidative Degradation: A Case Study of Transition Metal Ion Catalyzed Oxidation in Formulation

Oxidation presents a constant challenge for formulation scientists trying to develop stable dosage forms. Antioxidants are commonly used in formulation to alleviate the oxidation problem but they do not always achieve the desired results. In this study, a case of antioxidant-accelerated oxidation degradation in formulation is reported. The oxidation mechanism of a development drug candidate (1S,2S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)-1-propanol (1) in solution was investigated under various oxidative conditions, which include at different oxygen level, with transition metal ion spiking, and under light exposure with presence of photosensitizer. Oxidative degradation products and kinetics were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Kinetic solvent isotope effects of I oxidation in formulation, under metal ion catalysis, and upon photocatalysis were obtained. Metal ion spiking, exposure to stainless steel, as well as introduction of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, thioglycerol, and sodium bisulfate, accelerated the oxidative degradation. Treatment of the solution with metal chelating resin inhibited oxidation. Kinetic solvent isotope effects are in agreement with a metal-catalyzed oxidation mechanism and inconsistent with a singlet oxygen pathway. On the basis of kinetic data, an oxidative fragmentation mechanism initiated by a metal ion catalyzed active oxygen species is suggested as the primary pathway for the oxidative degradation of I. Other oxidative species may be implied in the long-term oxidative degradation. Because many antioxidants act as pro-oxidants in metal-catalyzed oxidation, controlling metal ion contamination level in the excipients and limiting available molecular oxygen are recommended for formulation development.
Toxicology in the ICU: Part 2: Specific Toxins

This is the second of a three-part series that reviews the generalized care of poisoned patients in the ICU. This article focuses on specific agents grouped into categories, including analgesics, anticoagulants, cardiovascular drugs, dissociative agents, carbon monoxide, cyanide, methemoglobinemia, cholinergic agents, psychoactive medications, sedative-hypnotics, amphetamine-like drugs, toxic alcohols, and withdrawal states. The first article discussed the general approach to the toxicology patient, including laboratory testing; the third article will cover natural toxins.
Perceptions of Student-Observers in the Operating Room

Background Student observation of surgical procedures is standard practice performed at the discretion of the attending surgeon and the participating medical facility. The goal of our study was to evaluate patient, physician, and operating room (OR) staff opinions concerning student observation of surgical procedures at different levels of academic training. Materials and Methods Following Institutional Review Board approval, patients undergoing elective surgery were consented to participate in the survey. An anonymous online survey was sent to attending surgeons and OR staff. Results The majority of patients (97), physicians (91), and OR staff (71) believe that OR observational experience is important to medical student training. Patients (92%) and OR staff (97%) more so than physicians (72%) rated OR observational experience as important for nursing student education ( P P P P Conclusion All groups acknowledged the educational value of student observational experience, although significant disparity was noted relative to academic level and the group responding. Additionally, opinions of the OR staff were more closely aligned with those of patients. Further assessment of the role of informed consent for student-observer OR presence and potential implications is needed.
II. Length of Afferent Duodenojejunal Loop in Gastric Resection, a Factor in Stomal Ulcer.

ConclusionsExtensive gastric resection (75%) in dogs when accompanied by a long afferent duodenojejunal loop is followed by a high incidence of spontaneous gastrojejunal ulcer. When histamine in beeswax is administered to such dogs, stomal ulcer occurs regularly. When gastro-intestinal continuity is reestablished by a short afferent duodenal loop in the Billroth II plan of operation, stomal ulcer after extensive gastric resection (75%) can not be provoked even when histamine in beeswax is administered.It is obvious that a short afferent duodenal loop is an important component of a satisfactory operation when gastric resection on the Billroth II plan of operation is invoked in the surgical treatment of ulcer.