cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Poor Aqueous Solubility of Drugs for Oral Delivery

It is estimated that 40% of active new chemical entities (NCEs) identified in combinatorial screening programs employed by many pharmaceutical companies are poorly water soluble, i.e., these compounds have an aqueous solubility less than 10 µM (5 µg/mL for a compound with a molecular weight of 500) (Lipinski, 2002, 2004). When these poorly soluble NCEs are further advanced in discovery and ultimately brought into development they are often plagued by incomplete absorption and low, erratic bioavailability. There are a limited number of options available to drug discovery scientists to enhance the solubility of a compound by conventional formulation approaches. These include the identification and selection of stable pharmaceutical salts (Stahl, 2003). However, salt formation requires an ionizable group and, therefore, this is not a viable option for neutral compounds or those with ionization constants that do not fall within the physiological range. Other common approaches are reducing solid particle size by micronization, such as milling or the formation of nanosuspensions (Muller et al., 2001), the use of complexation agents such as cyclodextrins (Rao and Stella, 2003), or the use of solubilizing excipients (Strickley, 2004). While these solubilization techniques often lead to significant improvement in systemic exposure when availability is solubility- or dissolution-rate limited, conventional formulation approaches are not always successful and an alternate strategy is required.
Multilayer R-Card fence design for ground bounce reduction

Multilayer R-Card fences have been designed and evaluated for an outdoor range in order to reduce the ground bounce effects. This design not only can reduce the specular reflection by the ground to the receiving area but also reduce the reflection back to the transmit area due to the corner reflector effects. It has been found from the previous and current studies that tapered R-Card fences can very effectively used in reducing multipath stray signals, such as the ground reflection term in an outdoor range. With available commercial resistive sheets, these fences can be built very inexpensively and has great potential in many other applications.
Leaching of dicamba in a coastal plain soil

Abstract Dicamba leaching to groundwater was studied for three years on an Evesboro loamy sand soil. Dicamba was applied to conventional tillage and no‐tillage corn post‐emergence at a rate of 0.56 kg/ha. The first year, dicamba was detected in all of the monitoring wells, 12 days after it was applied. Concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 37.0 μg/L. A total of 54 mm of rainfall occurred in the 12 days. In years two and three, dicamba was detected infrequently in the groundwater. The highest concentration was 4.9 μg/L. Other researchers have also found dicamba will move below the root zone if sufficient rainfall or irrigation occurs before significant degradation occurs.
Metal and ligand binding to the HIV-RNase H active site are remotely monitored by Ile556

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) contains a C-terminal ribonuclease H (RH) domain on its p66 subunit that can be expressed as a stable, although inactive protein. Recent studies of several RH enzymes demonstrate that substrate binding plays a major role in the creation of the active site. In the absence of substrate, the C-terminal helix E of the RT RNase H domain is dynamic, characterized by severe exchange broadening of its backbone amide resonances, so that the solution characterization of this region of the protein has been limited. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of 13C-labeled RH as a function of experimental conditions reveal that the δ1 methyl resonance of Ile556, located in a short, random coil segment following helix E, experiences a large 13C shift corresponding to a conformational change of Ile556 that results from packing of helix E against the central β-sheet. This shift provides a useful basis for monitoring the effects of various ligands on active site formation. Additionally, we report that the RNase H complexes formed with one or both divalent ions can be individually observed and characterized using diamagnetic Zn2+ as a substitute for Mg2+. Ordering of helix E results specifically from the interaction with the lower affinity binding to the A divalent ion site.
A robust approach to the measurement of Farrell efficiency

Measurement of efficiency of the frontier production function by Farrell's convex hull method is generalized here in two aspects. One develops a minimax method of estimation by following the Chebyshev principle and the other develops a dummy-variable method of stratifying the entire data set before ordinary regressions are performed to estimate the production frontier. An empirical application to educational production functions illustrates these methods.
Subclinical systolic dysfunction in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

Objectives Midwall shortening (mwSF) is thought to be a more accurate measure of myocardial performance in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We examined mwSF in pediatric patients with varying degrees of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Study design Fifty-seven children with CKD stages 2 to 4, 25 who were undergoin hemodialysis and 49 who were transplant recipients, were compared with 35 healthy control subjects. Left ventricular (LV) geometry and indices of LV function were assessed echocardiographically. Results There were no significant differences in LV contractility or endocardial shortening fraction between patients and control subjects. Yet, patients undergoing hemodialysis had significantly lower mwSF compared with control subjects ( P P P P = .03). With stepwise regression, mwSF was demonstrated to be predicted by using relative wall thickness ( P P = .005), and endocardial shortening fraction ( P = .001; model R 2 = 0.86). Conclusions Children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and children with concentric LVH have subclinical systolic dysfunction, which might be an indicator for the development of more severe cardiac disease.
The precautionary approach to non-native fisheries—The case of striped bass in Texas

Fisheries managers have long relied on non-native fish to improve, sustain, or create recreational fishing opportunities, often without adequate consideration of potentially negative ecological consequences. There is growing advocacy for using the precautionary approach to avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm to the environment in the face of scientific uncertainty. This paper uses striped bass (Morone saxitilis) in Texas to examine possible effects that might have resulted had the precautionary approach been applied before stocking began in the 1960s when the species was considered non-native to Texas. The current range of reproducing striped bass populations extends from the North Atlantic Ocean to the U.S.–Mexico border. However, the western extent of the species current range beyond Louisiana is probably the result of stocking begun in 1965 that continues today. The historic range is yet unresolved. The best available information suggests that striped bass are not native to Texas, fish stocking has resulted in beneficial economic impacts, and any negative effects (i.e., harm) are currently unknown. It seems unlikely that application of the precautionary approach would have led to different outcomes in Texas than currently exist. However, the complete striped bass story has yet to be written.
Physiological studies of brainstem reticular connectivity. I. Responses of mPRF neurons to stimulation of bulbar reticular formation

Abstract The connectivity between medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) and bulbar reticular formation (BRF) was studied by intracellular recordings of mPRF neuronal responses to microstimulation of BRF in unanesthetized, undrugged cats. There was a very high percentage (75–90%) of monosynaptic latency postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) in mPRF neurons in response to microstimulation of 3 BRF areas: the magnocellular tegmental field (FTM), the bulbar gigantocellular tegmental field (BFTG), and bulbar lateral tegmental field (BFTL). The type of initial orthodromic response produced in mPRF neurons by BRF stimulation was predominantly (75–95%) a monosynaptic excitatory PSP (EPSP) which was characterized by a rapid rise time, a nearly constant latency, and often led to spike potential generation. In contrast, the percentage of initial monosynaptic inhibitory PSPs (IPSPs) was much lower for FTM (12.3%), for BFTG (12.5%) and was zero for BFTL. While microstimulation techniques alone cannot differentiate between excitation of fibers of passage and neuronal somata, the very high percentage of initial EPSPs in our data and the anatomical evidence for dense BRF to mPRF neuronal projections as compared with less dense projections from fibers passing through BRF to mPRF suggest that excitatory BRF-mPRF connections are predominant. The high degree of connectivity between BRF and mPRF may furnish an important substrate for functional interaction. Comparison of the mPRF neuronal population that was not antidromically activated by FTM microstimulation vs the mPRF neuronal population that was antidromically activated from FTM and also studied for orthodromic responsiveness showed no statistically significant differences between these populations on the parameters of percentage of monosynaptic input, monosynaptic initial EPSPs, monosynaptic initial IPSPs and presence of a PSP with a latency of less than 5 ms. For BRF connectivity this suggests an identity of mPRF input and output neurons with respect to synaptic response properties.
Utility of Phosphorus Enhancers and Strip-Tillage for Corn Production

Farmers are seeking ways to diminish phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates and increase plant P uptake by means of enhanced efficiency P treatments. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of tillage/fertilizer placement [no-till-surface broadcast (NT-BC) or strip-till-deep band (ST-DB)], monoammonium phosphate (MAP) rate (0, 56, and 112 kg ha-1), and the presence or absence of enhanced phosphorus efficiency products (Avail® and P2O5-Max®) on corn (Zea mays L.) production. The field study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 at Novelty and Albany, MO. The two P enhancers had no effect on plant population, silage dry weights, grain moisture, yield, grain protein, grain starch, plant nitrogen (N), potassium (K) uptake, or apparent P recovery efficiency (APRE) at either location (P>0.10). In the NT-BC and ST-DB treatments, the addition of Avail® or P2O5-Max® did not increase plant P uptake over the non-treated controls. ST-DB increased plant populations 3,500 to 15,500 plants ha-1 compared to NT-BC. At Novelty, yields increased 1.57 Mg ha-1 with use of ST-DB over NT-BC, but at Albany yields were affected by tillage/fertilizer placement and MAP rate. Corn grain yields with MAP at 0 kg ha-1 were 0.30 to 0.36 Mg ha-1 more than MAP at 56 or 112 kg P2O5 ha-1, which was probably due to the added ammonium nitrate used to balance the N contribution in MAP. Strip-till is a viable option to increase corn populations and yields on poorly drained soils, but P enhancers are not recommended for similar soil types.
Technologycal challenges to artists' rights in the age of multimedia: The future role of moral rights

A great artist creates a mural which, bearing his name, eventually reaches the hands of a purchaser who objects to the nude figures that the creator had seen fit to incorporate into his tableau. The purchaser, therefore, employs another artist to drape the figures. In a now famous decree the German Supreme Court, in 1912, held that the transferee of the mural in a case involving these facts, could not have changed it to suit his individual preferences.
Torsade de pointes during administration of pentamidine isethionate

Abstract Pentamidine isethionate is a diamidine compound used in the treatment of a number of parasitic diseases, notably Pneumocystis carinil pneumonia. Although cases of sudden death have been reported during the administration of pentamidine, there have been no reported cases in the literature of pentamidine-associated arrhythmias. Reported in this study are two cases of torsade de pointes occurring during the prolonged administration of pentamidine. In addition, electrocardiographic changes of marked QT interval prolongation, pronounced precordial T wave abnormalities, and ST segment changes were shown in both patients. Mild hypomagnesemia coexisted in both cases, but torsade de pointes persisted in one patient and electrocardiographic changes remained in both cases despite magnesium replacement. QT interval prolongation and electrocardiographic abnormalities resolved slowly over several days to weeks, paralleling the known elimination kinetics of pentamidine. These data suggest a proarrhythmic effect of pentamidine isethionate.
Neomycin Inhibits the Phosphatidylinositol Monophosphate and Phosphatidylinositol Bisphosphate Stimulation of Plasma Membrane ATPase Activity

The inositol phospholipids, phosphatidylinositol monophosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), have been shown to increase the vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity of plant plasma membranes (AR Memon, Q Chen, WF Boss [1989] Biochem Biophys Res Commun 162: 1295-1301). In this paper, we show the effect of various concentrations of phosphatidyinositol, PIP, and PIP2 on the plasma membrane vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity. PIP and PIP2 at concentrations of 10 nanomoles per 30 microgram membrane protein per milliliter of reaction mixture caused a twofold and 1.8-fold increase in the ATPase activity, respectively. The effect of these negatively charged phospholipids on the ATPase activity was inhibited by adding the positively charged aminoglycoside, neomycin. Neomycin did not affect the endogenous plasma membrane ATPase activity in the absence of exogenous lipids.
Lifelong maternal caregiving for children with schizophrenia

Maternal caregiving for adult children with schizophrenia is described using a lifespan perspective. Principles of naturalistic inquiry and a grounded-theory design guided field work methods. Nineteen in-depth interviews with ten participants averaged 4 hours each. Data analysis involved coding and classifying themes, constant comparison, and saturating theme categories. A model depicts findings including stages of learning in the experience. The stages are as follows: (1) perceiving a problem; (2) searching for solutions; (3) enduring the situation; and (4) surviving the experience. Implications include use of the model in developing intervention and education models.
Comparing Phoebe’s 2005 opposition surge in four visible light filters

Abstract We observed Phoebe for 13 nights over a period of 55 days before, during, and after the 2005 Saturn opposition with the New Mexico State University (NMSU) 1-m telescope at Apache Point Observatory (APO) in Sunspot, NM and characterized the width and magnitude of Phoebe’s opposition surge in BVRI filters. Our observations cover a phase angle range of 4.87° to 0.0509°. We use a Hapke reflectance model incorporating shadow hiding and coherent backscatter to investigate the wavelength dependence of Phoebe’s opposition surge. We find a significant opposition surge magnitude of 55–58% between phase angles of 5° and 0°. We find the strongest opposition surge for phase angles less than 2° in the I-band. The coherent backscatter angular width is on the order of 0.50°. We find Phoebe’s albedo to be spectrally flat within our error limits, with a B-band albedo of 0.0855 ± 0.0031, a V-band albedo of 0.0856 ± 0.0023, an R-band albedo of 0.0843 ± 0.0020, and an I-band albedo of 0.0839 ± 0.0023. We compare Phoebe’s albedo, color, and opposition surge magnitudes and slopes with those of other outer solar system bodies and find similarities to Centaurs, Nereid, Puck, and Comets 19P/Borrelly, 9P/Tempel 1, and 81P/Wild 2. We find that this comparison supports the idea that Phoebe originated in the Kuiper Belt. We also discuss the caveats of using results from a Hapke reflectance model to derive specific surface particle properties.
Voluntary suppression of the multifocal electroretinogram.

Abstract Objective To describe multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses in 2 patients with nonorganic visual loss and in 11 eyes of 6 healthy persons who suppressed their mfERG responses. Design Observational case series. Methods The mfERG results were recorded in all individuals using the Veris Science 4.2 instrument. All subjects were instructed to adjust the hexagonal test pattern so that it was in best focus. A second mfERG was recorded subsequently in volunteers who attempted suppression with inattention and poor fixation and by adjusting the focus to greatest blur. Main outcome measures Amplitude and latency of mfERG responses. Results Suppressed mfERGs in patients with nonorganic visual loss and healthy volunteers demonstrated reduced amplitude, especially centrally. Amplitude reduction was statistically significant in the postsuppression as compared with the presuppression recordings in wave forms N1 and N2. Statistically significant shortening of postsuppression implicit times of P1 and N2 waveforms also was demonstrated. Conclusions The mfERG responses may be suppressed voluntarily. Amplitude may be reduced. In contrast to most reported pathologic conditions, the implicit time is shortened.
Consulting Editor’s Editorial: Desocialization by Automobile

“Road rage,” as aggression on the roadways is called, has become a common phenomenon. Like a riot or revolution, it is not without a cause. It may be pathological, warranting a diagnostic category in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (1994) (Yasgur, 2001), but pathology has an etiology. Medication or a driving psychology curriculum has been offered as panacea (James & Nahl, 2000). John Butcher, a member of the British Parliament, fed up with the boredom and tedium of driving and sitting in traffic jams, urged his government to allow jugglers and acrobats to perform on the highways to soothe the jangled nerves of motorists. With traffic moving so slowly, there would be little danger that they would be injured. When an infant has a temper tantrum, we try to ascertain what is causing it, and we may try to do something about it. We do not dismiss it out of hand. It may not be due simply to bad manners. The increase in aggressiveness on the roadways has been attributed to traffic congestion, feeling endangered, being insulted, frustration, time pressure, fatigue, and competitiveness. According to Darwin, human aggression is a biologically programmed response no different from the rage reflex of animals when they are attacked or threatened, but humans, unlike animals, have mediating processes such as judgment and choice that interrupt automatic responses. Be that as it may, the automobile is driving people mad. A lot of things make people angry—their employer, paperwork, and low wages—but traffic drives them crazy (Max, 2000). The breaking point for Michael Douglas in the film Falling Down was getting stuck in traffic. People do not dump their cars, for as a practical matter, they have become a necessity. In the film What Dreams May Come, Robin Williams depicted life in heaven—there was superb public transportation and no automobiles. For that, we will have to wait for heaven. Advertisements convey the message that the automobile is consonant with an attractive, invigorating environment and that ownership is a requisite of a full, rich life. In fact, however, the automobile way of life brings ugliness, pollution, economic waste, agony, injury, and death. It is an immoral, wasteful way of life. Verily, it is a crime against nature. Integrity in advertising would call for portraying the automobile not in a sylvan setting, as is now done, but rather in a traffic jam or collision.
Effect of stationary phase on predictions of the statistical model of overlap from gas chromatograms

Abstract The numbers of detectable components in each of four complex mixtures, which vary widely in polarity, were estimated with the statistical model of overlap from several dozen gas chromatograms. These chromatograms were generated at several heating rates and flow-rates on each of four capillary columns, with stationary phases that varied widely in polarity. For each mixture, the estimates so determined were grouped according to stationary phase. These groups then were compared by analysis of variance to establish any dependence of the model's predictions on stationary phase. These analyses show that internally consistent estimates can be calculated, unless the polarities of the mixture and stationary phase are highly mismatched or physical constraints on the chromatography prevent the establishment of random elution orders. It is also shown that the numbers of maxima detected in chromatograms generated by using simple temperature program are comparable to those predicted by the statistical model of overlap, even when the elution order of the components is not deliberately randomized. Some problems inherent in measuring the retention times of peak maxima, which are needed to apply the model, by data processors are also addressed.
Photoabsorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of BF3 in the extreme-vacuum-ultraviolet region.

Absorption and fluorescence cross sections of ${\mathrm{BF}}_{3}$ were measured in the 45--113-nm region. Partial ionization cross sections are derived from the absorption cross section and the known branching ratios and then compared with theoretical calculations. The absorption spectrum shows many vibrational progressions and broad bands that are attributed to the Rydberg and/or valence transitions. Fluorescence from excited ${\mathrm{BF}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$ is observed from photoexcitation of ${\mathrm{BF}}_{3}$. The fluorescence quantum yield shows two repulsive excited states that give maximum yields of 34% at 88 nm and 20% at 96 nm. These two states produce four ${\mathrm{BF}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$ emission bands that are distinguished by different fluorescence spectra and radiative lifetimes. The photoexcitation processes that lead to fluorescence and ionization are discussed.
Bile acids activate YAP to promote liver carcinogenesis

Elevated bile acid levels increase hepatocellular carcinoma by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that mice with a severe defect in bile acid homeostasis due to the loss of the nuclear receptors FXR and SHP have enlarged livers, progenitor cell proliferation, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) activation and develop spontaneous liver tumorigenesis. This phenotype mirrors mice with loss of hippo kinases or overexpression of their downstream target, YAP. Bile acids act as upstream regulators of YAP via a pathway dependent on the induction of the scaffold protein IQGAP1. Patients with diverse biliary dysfunctions exhibit enhanced IQGAP1 and nuclear YAP expression. Our findings reveal an unexpected mechanism for bile acid regulation of liver growth and tumorigenesis via the Hippo pathway.
COMPARISON OF EXPRESSED SELF-CONCEPTS OF HIGHLY SKILLED MALES AND FEMALES CONCERNING MOTOR PERFORMANCE

The resulcs of a previous study by the authors (2) disclosed that there were significant differences between males' and females' expressed concepts of self in performance of selected motor skills. The population in this earlier investigation contained both skilled and non-skilled performers. Scanning the data obtained from this population suggested that the so-called highly skilled performers rated themselves more favorably than did the lesser skilled Ss. Furthermore, these data suggested that a study delimiced to investigation of only highly skilled performers might result in obtaining similar self-racings from females and males in such a group.
Optical functions of uniaxial ZnO determined by generalized ellipsometry

The optical functions of uniaxial ZnO have been determined using two-modulator generalized ellipsometry, where a single measurement is sufficient to determine the optical functions from appropriately aligned uniaxial crystals. Above the direct band edge ({approximately}3.3thinspeV), this technique produces the most accurate values of the optical functions of ZnO presently available, while the refractive indices determined below the direct band edge agree with minimum-deviation methods. Near the direct band edge, the optical functions are modified by the excitonic interaction with a three-dimensional critical point. The optical dielectric response functions are fit to a recent formulation by Holden {ital et al.} [Phys. Rev. B {bold 56}, 4037 (1997)]. One isotropic point in the spectrum was observed at 3.114 eV, and a near-isotropic point near 3.31{endash}3.34 eV. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
A clinicopathologic study of thrombotic microangiopathy in the setting of IgA nephropathy.

Background IgA nephropathy is the most common glomerulonephritis in the world. Thrombotic microangiopathy occurs in a number of clinical settings, including but not limited to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome, malignant hypertension, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome and radiation nephropathy. Renovascular complications, such as thrombotic microangiopathy, in the setting of IgA nephropathy may be overlooked and their significance as a concomitant histologic finding is unclear. Methods We conducted a clinicopathologic study to understand the possible relationship between IgA nephropathy and a concurrent thrombotic microangiopathy injury process. We identified 10 patients with an established diagnosis of IgA nephropathy and concurrent findings of thrombotic microangiopathy based on their renal biopsies. Results Six patients presented with malignant hypertension, while three others had severe hypertension (> or = 100 mmHg, diastolic). Five patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria. Seven patients had occasional arteriolar thrombi identified by light microscopy and prominent glomerular subendothelial space widening by electron microscopy, while three patients demonstrated only ultrastructural features of thrombotic microangiopathy. Other possible etiologic causes of thrombotic microangiopathy were not identified with the available clinical information. Conclusion Our study suggests that a thrombotic microangiopathy injury, when present, is usually found in advanced stages of IgA nephropathy and can be associated with severe proteinuria. Although other possible causes of thrombotic microangiopathy, such as anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, were excluded in only two patients, the thrombotic microangiopathy injury process may be a cause or a consequence of the severe hypertension encountered in most of the patients which, in turn, may be a consequence of the disease progression of IgA nephropathy.
Women and Self-Help Culture: Reading Between the Lines

Simonds writes about women's approach to self-help reading. She is most interested in self-help books directed primarily toward women. These books offer advice about managing relationships, enhancing sexuality, developing self-esteem, becoming assertive, and improving our spiritual lives. Simonds looks at hundreds of books, including such well-known ones as Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique, Robin Norwood's Women Who Love Too Much, Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People, and Alexander Comfort's The Joy of Sex. Even though many critics see these books as anti-feminist drivel, their continued success says something about American women's search for meaning. Simonds examines the social construction, cultural consumption, and transmission of ideas about gender and the self. She wants to know why such books are appealing and what their readers are doing with them. Readers' own responses to self-help books, though varied, do fall into patterns. A few readers reject the messages found in these books but most affirm the content. They look for validation of how they already feel and for answers to their problems. Traditionally women care for others; reading self-help books gives them a chance to nurture themselves. Simonds explores the cultural messages offered by self-help books. What do the books preach about blame, feminism, and individualism? She looks at sex manuals which advise their readers not only to learn techniques but also to improve their self-identities. She looks at self-help books that deal with the larger arena of relationships between men and women. Authors see such relationships as plagued by nearly insurmountable problems. Men are obstacles that women must work around as they attempt to forge meaningful relationships in what is characterized as a war zone.Simonds discusses the place of self-help books in relation to other forms of culture. She views self-help books as an example of the didacticism that pervades women's experiences. In her words, "self-help culture is our culture." The same therapeutic culture that characterizes self-help books can also be found in magazines, soap operas, and talk shows. These books are buyable therapy. In a sense, self-help books commodify readers by urging them to make themselves into objects of analysis and improvement. Such books try to give their readers an understanding of existing problems, but they also help create the problems.Are self-help books politically conservative or liberating? There is no easy answer. The authors of self-help books seek answers through individual change, not social change. They reinforce the traditional dependence of women on authority. But at the same time Simonds argues that self-help books can validate caring, and serve as a form of women caring for women. These books shift the emphasis of caring, as they encourage their readers to care less about their involvements with others and more about their own personal development, but for the ultimate goal of achieving better connections with others.
Error minimization and energy conservation by predicting data in wireless body sensor networks using artificial neural network and analysis of error

Wireless Body area Sensor Network (WBSN) is a recent concept that can dramatically benefit healthcare applications through advances in wireless technology. Physiological and biokinetic parameters that require continuous monitoring are sensed by small and lightweight body sensors that transmit the values of these parameters over wireless links for monitoring at the other end. The sensors employed in WBSNs are limited in resources, with battery power being at the premium. Conservation of energy used by the network has a direct bearing on the longevity of the network. Therefore, there is no need to send data periodically and need to transmit selectively when needed. This paper presents a dual framework for predicting when to transfer physiological parameters in such a network that could save energy consumption while maintaining error to minimum level. The framework utilizes an artificial neural network (ANN) for prediction that not only saves energy, but also does it with lesser error than popular prediction algorithms. A comparison of performance of five data prediction algorithms in predicting physiological data is presented. The amount of network energy saved as a result of prediction is also considered in detail.
Performance and applications of nanostructured materials produced by severe plastic deformation

Abstract Nanostructured materials produced by severe plastic deformation can be tailored to have both superior performance and superior properties. These materials are attractive for use in a range of applications from biomedical to aerospace industries.
Competition and cooperation: bumblebee spatial organization and division of labor may affect worker reproduction late in life

Within-group conflict may influence the degree to which individuals within a group cooperate. For example, the most dominant individuals within a group often gain access to the best resources and may be less inclined to perform risky tasks. We monitored space use and division of labor among all workers in three colonies of bumblebees, Bombus impatiens, during the ergonomic and queenless phases of their colony cycle. We then measured the two largest oocytes in each worker to estimate each individual's reproductive potential at the end of the colony cycle. We show that workers that remained farther from the queen while inside the nest and avoided risky or more energy-expensive tasks during the ergonomic phase developed larger oocytes by the end of the colony cycle. These individuals also tended to be the largest, oldest workers. After the queen died, these workers were more likely than their nestmates to increase brood incubation. Our results suggest that inactive bumblebees may be storing fat reserves to later develop reproductive organs and that the spatial organization of workers inside the nest, particularly the distance workers maintain from the queen, may predict which individuals will later have the greatest reproductive potential in the colony.
Characteristics of the female athlete triad in collegiate cross-country runners.

The Female Athlete Triad is a life-threatening syndrome defined by disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Objective and Participants: The author's purpose in this study was to examine female cross-country runners' (N = 300) calcium consumption, along with the prevalence of 2 components of the triad: disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction. Methods: The author used measures including the Orientation to Exercise Questionnaire, Calcium Rapid Assessment Method, and questions related to height, weight, exercise time, perceptions of eating disorders, and menstrual status. Previous or current eating disorders were reported by 19.4% of the women, 23.0% had irregular menstrual cycles, and 29.1% had inadequate calcium intake. Results: Those athletes perceiving a previous/current eating disorder scored higher on the Orientation to Exercise questionnaire than did those who did not perceive such. Conclusion: The author recommends educational efforts for the prevention of components of the Female Athlete ...
Suppression of food intake by intragastric glucose in rats with impaired glucose tolerance

Three experiments were performed to examine the relationship between impaired glucose tolerance and food intake. In the first experiment, normal rats that were given long-term insulin treatment, which was then withdrawn, ate less than controls when refed after food deprivation. Despite reduced intakes, rats previously treated with insulin became more hyperglycemic than controls during refeeding. In the second experiment, intragastric glucose injections reduced food intakes to a similar degree in control rats and in rats experiencing insulin withdrawal even though glucose loading produced a much greater increase in plasma glucose level in previously insulin-treated rats. In the third experiment, intragastric loads of a glucose polymer, Polycose, reduced food intake to the same degree in normal rats and in streptozotocin-diabetic rats both two and sixteen days after insulin withdrawal when diabetic rats were, respectively, hypo- and hyperphagic. The results show that impaired glucose tolerance does not appreciably alter the suppressive effects of glucose loading on food intake. Other effects of glucose administration, besides those on insulin-dependent glucose utilization, appear to reduce food intake after glucose loading.
The Push-Turn-Taptap Task Outperforms Measures of Executive Functioning in Predicting Declines in Functionality: Evidence-Based Approach to Test Validation

Performance on the Push-Turn-Taptap (PTT) task has been shown to be a strong predictor of concurrent everyday functioning. This study utilized a prospective, longitudinal design to evaluate the PTT task for predicting future performance on a behavioral assessment of everyday functioning. The PTT task was compared to other measures of executive functioning as well as general cognition in terms of administration time and ability to identify participants who evidenced functional decline. A total of 50 community-dwelling older adults (ages 58–87) completed the PTT task, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale, Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, and Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Baseline PTT performance (a) was highly correlated with an objective measure of everyday functioning after approximately one year (r = −.497, p < .001), (b) was associated with changes in follow-up functioning, F(3, 46) = 3.15, p = .03, (c) was a better predictor of fu...
Strength of open-cell 6101 aluminum foams under free and constrained compression

Mechanical properties of open-cell 6101 aluminum alloy foams with three different pore sizes under free and constrained compression were studied at two different strain rates. It was found that the interaction between the foam and the bore provides local reinforcement against deformation of the cell walls leading to a small increase in the modulus and densification strain during constrained deformation. Compressive mechanical properties of the foam exhibited little strain rate sensitivity during free and constrained deformation. It is thought that there could be some change in the deformation mechanism of these foams at strain rates higher than usual quasi-static strain rates. To understand how different microstructures can affect properties of these foams, structures were heat treated at 175 °C and 600 °C for 50 h. Mechanical properties of low temperature heat treated foams were found to govern by inherent matrix strength while the second phases and grain boundary cracks affected properties of foams heat treated at higher temperatures.
Treatment of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae in soft tissue infections with high doses of ampicillin

Six soft tissue infections (three epiglottitis, one cellulitis, one pneumonia, and one arthritis) with ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae were treated initially with high doses of ampicillin (200 to 400 mg/kg/day intravenously) alone and had good clinical responses. All had documented bacteremia with H. influenzae. One child was treated only with ampicillin; treatment in the remainder was changed to oral therapy with other antibiotics to facilitate discharge. There was no recurrence of disease. Disc diffusion studies done on clinical isolates of both resistant and sensitive organisms indicate a break point at which the resistant organism shows progressive sensitivity to increasingly higher concentrations of ampicillin.
Voyager 2 electron observations in the magnetosphere of Neptune

This paper describes electron data obtained during the Neptune encounter by the Voyager 2 plasma science experiment. The densities and temperatures of low-energy (10-5950 eV) electrons and the electrostatic potential of the spacecraft near Neptune are derived. The data indicate that the escape of charged particles from Triton and the local ionization of atoms in the neutral torus originating from Triton are the major plasma sources. It is inferred that this neutral torus of hydrogen atoms has a density of about 300/cu cm and an inner boundary at 8 R(N). The data near Neptune exhibit signatures suggesting that both precipitation into Neptune's atmosphere and ring absorption are important plasma loss mechanisms. Plasma transport in the magnetosphere appears to be very fast; the diffusion coefficient is 1 x 10 exp -7 L exp 3 R(N) exp 2/sec.
The in vitro hydroxylation of 21-carbon steroids by rat adrenal glands.

MARKED species variations in the relative proportions of 17a-hydroxycorticosterone (cortisol) and corticosterone in mammalian adrenocortical secretions have been reported (1, 2). Some animals, like the monkey, appear to secrete primarily cortisol, while others, like the rabbit, primarily corticosterone. A third group of animals, of which the dog is representative, secretes a mixture of the two hormones, with cortisol usually occurring in somewhat greater quantities. In the case of the laboratory rat, most investigators have found that this species secretes corticosterone, aldosterone and a varying number of unidentified substances but no readily detectable quantities of cortisol (1, 3, 4, 13). The present study was undertaken in an attempt to discover the reason for the impaired ability of the rat to hydroxylate cortical steroids at carbon 17. In this regard, it was felt that observations relating to the capacity of the rat adrenal cortex to hydroxylate a variety of 21-carbon steroids under in vitro condi...
Dimensions of innovation in a technology-intensive economy

The following essay is based on a Keynote Address to the OECD ‘‘High Level Meeting of the Committee for Scientific and Technology Policy,’’ Oslo, March 4, 2008, on the topic ‘‘Adjusting Policy to New Dimensions in Science, Technology and Innovation.’’ The objective of the talk was to point out the difficulty of linking specific policies to specific measures of successful innovation, while nevertheless identifying broad policy characteristics that foster innovation. Innovation is a defining human activity. Why it should now be a topic of the greatest interest to policymakers deserves some explanation. Precursors can be seen in an interest in the conditions for promoting ‘‘invention’’ that first appeared well before the industrial revolution, particularly in England, and was an important theme in the rise of America’s economic strength through the nineteenth century. Innovation, by almost any definition has been associated with American economic culture for more than two centuries. What is different now? What are the special conditions that have reawakened interest in innovation, and what can we learn from them to enhance this fundamental human activity? The explosive pace of nineteenth-century innovation, particularly in the United States and Great Britain, continued into the twentieth despite the debilitating impact of global warfare and associated large-scale economic and social disruption in the first half-century. But wars and economic depression took their toll, arguably slowing the application of extraordinary scientific discoveries that began at the turn of the century. As World War II ended, widely disparate patterns of industrial development disadvantaged all but a few nations—primarily the wartime antagonists—in the subsequent cold war period of growing technical innovation. The superpowers emerged from the war convinced of the need for state-supported technical innovation in the name of national security. Arms races, space races, and ideologically based geopolitical competition engendered remarkable innovations through policies that gave little attention to market forces, much too little in the case of centrally planned economies. As the cold war ended, however, the innovation landscape had already begun to rearrange itself in response to four decades of uneasy but relatively stable world-wide economic conditions, fed by a combination of wartime technology and
Research Note: Conditions Necessary for a Response by the Commercial Laying Hen to Supplemental Choline and Sulfate

Abstract An experiment was conducted with commercial laying hens, 24 wk of age, to study the response from adding 440 mg of choline and sulfate as 2 g of K2 SO4 per kg of a corn soybean-meal diet containing different levels of supplemental DL-Met. The basal diet was formulated to be deficient (.495%) in sulfur amino acids, and nonsulfate forms of trace minerals were used in all diets. The experiment was conducted for 22 wk; however, only the data from the last 12 wk were used as the measurement of response since the responses were greatest during this period. Egg production, egg weight, and feed efficiency were improved with each addition of Met from 0 to .2%. Choline supplementation of the diet containing added .033% Met significantly increased egg production. However, no response was obtained from choline supplementation of diets containing 0 or .067% added Met. Addition of sulfate improved egg production when it was added to the diet with choline but not when it was added to the diet with Met.
Geologic nature of the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, San Francisco Peninsula, California

This short report attempts to illuminate the geological features that contributed to making the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (JRBP) a unique research island within the rapidly urbanized San Francisco Peninsula. Written in the rocks of the Preserve is a history of continental growth that extends back to the Jurassic (~150 Ma) as the California continental margin grew by subduction and accretion. Movement along the San Andreas fault system has left an indelible mark on the topography by uplift and faulting, and is even now changing the landscape by measurable increments. The sediments of Searsville Lake preserve a chronology of logging in the last century and housing development in more recent decades. Continued multidisciplinary study of this dynamic island of preserved interlocking biological, geological, and hydrogeological records will enhance student, faculty, and docent research, and our understanding of this complex area.
Preparation of 2‐iodotryptamine and 2‐iodo‐5‐methoxytryptamine

The regiospecific iodination of indole and 5-methoxyindole, and the elaboration of these 2-iodoindoles to the corresponding tryptamines, are described.
Reloading Injury, Chronic Recovery, and Fiber Type Adaption of Mouse Soleus Muscle after Four Weeks of Hind Limb Suspension

Disuse and unloading rapidly result in skeletal muscle atrophy, fiber type switch and dysfunction. The recovery from those conditions has broad physiological and medical significances. To understand the recovery process and the molecular adaptations in muscle reloading, mouse soleus muscles were studied after 4 weeks of hind limb-suspension and reloading for 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. The results showed that 4 weeks of unloading produced significant muscle atrophy and reductions of contractile force and fatigue tolerance, accompanied by switches of myosin isoforms from IIa to IIx and IIb, with no change in type I myosin, and to more low molecular weight fast troponin T splice forms. During reloading, soleus muscle mass, fiber size and contractile force gradually recovered and reached the control level by 15 days. The levels of type IIa, IIx and IIb myosins recovered at 15 days of reloading. However, fatigue tolerance and post fatigue force recovery showed a trend of worsening during this period with significantly inflammatory cell infiltration at 3 and 7 days, indicating reloading injuries. The reloading injury was accompanied by up-regulations of filamin-C and alpha-crystallin-B, which returned to control level after 30 days. During the course of slow recovery, we observed later increases of type I myosin expression and the number of type I fibers to levels significantly higher than that in normal adult mouse soleus muscle at 30 to 60 days of reloading, which may contribute to the recovery of fatigue tolerance. The data demonstrated the value of increased slow fiber contents as a secondary adaption to compensate for muscle reloading injury, serving as an indicator for monitoring muscle function during the chronic recovery from unloading and disuse conditions.
Sensitivity of Optimal Groundwater Remediation Designs to Residual Water Quality Violations

This work explores the sensitivity of optimal remedial design policies and their associated costs to the residual constraint violation, which is the sum of any small violations in constraints that may occur over all points of interest. To evaluate the sensitivity, a genetic algorithm is used to solve two different groundwater remediation design problems: pump-and-treat using granular activated carbon and enhanced in situ bioremediation. The sensitivity to the residual violation is tested given a range of water quality goals and for static and dynamic cases. The range of residual constraint violations tested was small, so that in all cases greater than 98% of the remediation goal was reached. Nevertheless, it was found that the cost sensitivity to these small constraint relaxations was of the same magnitude as the cost sensitivity to changes in the ultimate water quality goal. The greatest sensitivity was seen for the lowest water quality goals. This work indicates that a remediation designer using optimiz...