cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous two-neutron transfer cross sections at large separation in heavy ion reactions

Abstract It is shown that the average radial slope of two-particle transfer from factors for very heavy ion collisions is considerably smaller than expected. It is also demonstrated that this effect is not due to intrinsic excitation of reaction fragments, and that the average behavior masks a critical dependence of the slope on the angular momentum of the states excited in the transfer reaction.
Edison and 'the chair' [legal electrocution, history]

Although Thomas Edison had little knowledge of the biological effects of electric currents on humans, he exerted a pivotal influence on the early history of legal electrocution, from the decision to substitute electrocution for hanging in 1888 to the actual design of an electric chair in 1892. The authors suggest he was able to play a pivotal role because of his status as an electrical wizard, demonstrating how largely nontechnical, nonscientific factors like status can have an important impact on the way seemingly scientific and technical problems that impinge on society are resolved. >
Effect of photoperiod on the feline adipose transcriptome as assessed by RNA sequencing

Photoperiod is known to cause physiological changes in seasonal mammals, including changes in body weight, physical activity, reproductive status, and adipose tissue gene expression in several species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of day length on the adipose transcriptome of cats as assessed by RNA sequencing. Ten healthy adult neutered male domestic shorthair cats were used in a randomized crossover design study. During two 12-wk periods, cats were exposed to either short days (8 hr light:16 hr dark) or long days (16 hr light:8 hr dark). Cats were fed a commercial diet to maintain baseline body weight to avoid weight-related bias. Subcutaneous adipose biopsies were collected at wk 12 of each period for RNA isolation and sequencing. A total of 578 million sequences (28.9 million/sample) were generated by Illumina sequencing. A total of 170 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between short day- and long day-housed cats. 89 annotated transcripts were up-regulated by short days, while 24 annotated transcripts were down-regulated by short days. Another 57 un-annotated transcripts were also different between groups. Adipose tissue of short day-housed cats had greater expression of genes involved with cell growth and differentiation (e.g., myostatin; frizzled-related protein), cell development and structure (e.g., cytokeratins), and protein processing and ubiquitination (e.g., kelch-like proteins). In contrast, short day-housed cats had decreased expression of genes involved with immune function (e.g., plasminogen activator inhibitor 1; chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2; C-C motif chemokine 5; T-cell activators), and altered expression of genes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Collectively, these gene expression changes suggest that short day housing may promote adipogenesis, minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, and alter nutrient metabolism in feline adipose tissue, even when fed to maintain body weight. Although this study has highlighted molecular mechanisms contributing to the seasonal metabolic changes observed in cats, future research that specifically targets and studies these biological pathways, and the physiological outcomes that are affected by them, is justified.
A logical approach to designing procedural programming languages (abstract)

New concepts can sometimes be developed by viewing a well established subject matter from a different perspective. A new perspective which has the potential for developing new concepts for designing and defining procedural programming languages is presented. The guidelines for designing procedural programming languages are educed from an analysis of generalized temporal logic. Generalized temporal logic is briefly discussed to present a logical approach to language definition and to arrive at the necessary syntactic and semantic entities for defining procedural programming languages. Then a new definition is given to the essential constructs of sequential programming languages. Next the Propositional Procedural programming Logic Lpp is presented. It is shown that the logic Lpp can be used to express sequential programs, generalized rule-based (in which rules can be fired concurrently) programs, and a certain type of concurrent programs. In this framework, program execution is equivalent to executing a model-searching algorithm. Model-searching algorithms exist independent of a language definition. This allows one to implement a language in any of the sequential, parallel, or distributed computing environments. The potential, applicability, and some of the advantages of this logical approach are presented.
The In Vivo Performance of Osteochondral Allografts in the Goat Is Diminished With Extended Storage and Decreased Cartilage Cellularity

Background:Currently, osteochondral allografts (OCA) are typically used after 4°C storage for prolonged durations (15-43 days), which compromises chondrocyte viability, especially at the articular surface. The long-term in vivo performance of these fresh-stored allografts, in association with variable cellularity, is unknown.Purpose:To determine the effect of 4°C storage duration (14, 28 days) versus the best (fresh) and worst (frozen) conditions of chondrocyte viability on structure, composition, and function of cartilage in the goat and the association of retrieved chondrocyte cellularity with those tissue properties.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:The effect of allograft storage on in vivo repair outcomes was determined for OCA transplanted into 15 recipient goats and analyzed at 12 months. Repair outcomes were assessed by examining cartilage structure (gross, histopathology), composition (cellularity by depth, matrix fixed charge), and biomechanical function (stiffness). Relationships...
Studies of optical mixers for use with silicon photomultipliers to ameliorate signal saturation

We have been studying ways in which the light from several optical fibers that transmit light from scintillating tiles can be mixed and combined a single Silicon Photo Multiplier (SiPM). The purpose for mixing is to prevent a single high intensity fiber from saturating an area of the SiPM and thus causing an inaccurate reading of the overall light collected. In particular this is for use in detectors such as CMS HCAL1, 2 where light is transmitted from scintillating tiles in 940,.m fibers to a single photo-detector. If one tile has a large optical signal it can saturate an area of the SiPM and produce a signal lower than would be expected, resulting in an in-accurate energy measurement. The results of the test and the test setup will be described.
The Bioethics Commission on Incidental Findings

Dr. Sarah Hilgenberg believes that participating in a research study saved her life, although she had no reason to believe this when she enrolled. While examining functional magnetic resonance images collected during a memory study, researchers found an arteriovenous malformation, an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in her brain (see the image). Sarah had the mass surgically removed, and she recovered ( 1 ). Consider also a hypothetical case in which a routine computerized tomography angiogram turns up no clinically significant stroke warning signs but shows an unrelated nodule in the lung. During biopsy, the lung collapses, which leads to cardiac arrest and permanent anoxic brain injury. The nodule pathology report reveals benign inflammation.
On Summertime Rainfall At New York, N. Y.

Data are presented showing the diurnal variation of precipitation frequency for the months of June, July, and August at New York, N. Y. Suggestions are made as to the probable causes of the three periods of maximum frequency found to exist and coincide chronologically in each of the three monthly curves.
Thiol-isocyanate-acrylate ternary networks by selective thiol-click chemistry

Thiol-isocyanate-acrylate ternary networks were formed by the combination of thiol-isocyanate coupling, thiol-acrylate Michael addition, and acrylate homopolymerization. This hybrid polymerization reaction sequence was preferentially controlled by using phosphine catalyst systems in combination with photolysis. The reaction kinetics of the phosphine/acrylate thiol-isocyanate coupling reactions were systematically investigated by evaluating model, small molecule reactions. The thiol-isocyanate reaction was completed within 1 min while the thiol-acrylate Michael addition reaction required ∼10 min. Both thiol-isocyanate coupling and thiol-acrylate Michael addition reactions involving two-step anionic processes were found to be both quantitative and efficient. However, the thiol-isocyanate coupling reaction was much more rapid than the thiol-acrylate Michael addition, promoting initial selectivity of the thiol-isocyanate reaction in a medium containing thiol, isocyanate, and acrylate functional groups. Films were prepared from thiol-isocyanate-acrylate ternary mixtures using 2-acryloyloxyethylisocyanate and di-, tri-, and tetra-functional thiols. The sequential thiol-isocyanate, thiol-acrylate, and acrylate homopolymerization reactions were monitored by infrared spectroscopy during film formation, whereas thermal and mechanical properties of the films were evaluated as a function of the chemical composition following polymerization. The results indicate that the network structures and material properties are tunable over a wide range of properties (Tg ∼ 14–100 °C, FWHM ∼ 8–46 °C), while maintaining nearly quantitative reactions, simply by controlling the component compositions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3255–3264, 2010
Specific role of the SR protein splicing factor B52 in cell cycle control in Drosophila.

E2F and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein pRB are important regulators of cell proliferation; however, the regulation of these proteins in vivo is not well understood. In Drosophila there are two E2F genes, an activator, de2f1, and a repressor, de2f2. The loss of de2f1 gives rise to the G1/S block accompanied by the repression of E2F-dependent transcription. These defects can be suppressed by mutation of de2f2. In this work, we show that the de2f1 mutant phenotype is rescued by the loss of the pre-mRNA splicing factor SR protein B52. Mutations in B52 restore S phase in clones of de2f1 mutant cells and phenocopy the loss of the de2f2 function. B52 acts upstream of de2f2 and plays a specific role in regulation of de2f2 pre-mRNA splicing. In B52-deficient cells, the level of dE2F2 protein is severely reduced and the expression of dE2F2-dependent genes is deregulated. Reexpression of the intronless copy of dE2F2 in B52-deficient cells restores the dE2F2-mediated repression. These results uncover a previously unrecognized role of the splicing factor in maintaining the G1/S block in vivo by specific regulation of the dE2F2 repressor function.
Preparation and Characterization of Highly Water-Soluble Pendant Fullerene Polymers

Pendant fullerene polymers were prepared by attaching methano[60]fullerene carboxylic acid (MFCA) and methano[60]fullerene phenylpropyl carboxylic acid (MFPCA) to linear poly(propionylethylenimine-co-ethylenimine) (PPEI-EI) via amide linkages in carbodiimide-catalyzed coupling reactions. The pendant MFCA-PPEI and MFPCA-PPEI polymers, which were characterized using NMR, gel permeation chromatography, FT-IR, and other instrumental methods, most likely have a charm bracelet type structure without significant cross-linking. MFCA and MFPCA were also coupled with diethylamine in the same carbodiimide-catalyzed reactions, and the methano[60]fullerene amides thus obtained were used as monomeric model compounds for the pendant polymers. UV-vis absorption spectra of the polymer-bound fullerenes, though broader, retain the characteristic features observed in monomeric methano[60]fullerene derivatives. The pendant MFCA-PPEI and MFPCA-PPEI are highly water-soluble, with the equivalent aqueous solubilities of the polymer-bound fullerene cages significantly higher than that of the parent [60]fullerene in room-temperature toluene. Thus, the preparation of pendant fullerene polymers represents an effective approach for introducing fullerene cages into an aqueous solution or hydrophilic environment.
Parturient Paresis. III. A Study of Various Blood Constituents at Parturition in Mastectomized Cows

Summary The serum calcium and magnesium, and the plasma phosphorus and fat levels have been determined for 5 days prepartum, three times on the day of parturition, and 5 days postpartum for eight parturitions of five mastectomized and five parturitions of five intact cows. Data are presented showing a greater, more consistent decline in the serum calcium and plasma fat of the intact cows than the mastectomized cows. Serum magnesium levels increased in the cows calving with intact udders and showed no appreciable change in the mastectomized cows. Plasma phosphorus levels showed a drop in both groups of cows.
Developing personalized empirical models for Type-I diabetes: An extended Kalman filter approach

An essential component of insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes involves the prediction of blood glucose levels as function of exogenous perturbations such as insulin dose and meal intake. Fluctuations in blood glucose are generated by a complex biophysical system and have demonstrated substantial variation at different times of a day within a subject and between subjects. In this paper, we present a new data-driven dynamic model with time-varying coefficients that are used to explicitly quantify the time-varying patient-specific effects of insulin dose and meal intake on blood glucose fluctuations. Using the 3-variate time series of blood glucose level, insulin dose and meal intake of an individual type 1 diabetic subject, we apply an extended Kalman Filter technique to estimate time-varying coefficients of the patient-specific model. We evaluate our empirical model using a FDA-approved simulator with 30 patients. The model developed in this paper can be used in model-based control such as adaptive control and model predictive control of blood glucose by means of an artificial pancreas.
Emerging role of relaxin in renal and cardiovascular function

Although traditionally associated with reproductive processes, relaxin is emerging as an important player in renal and cardiovascular function. Much of our recently acquired understanding of relaxi...
Comparison of different primers for rapid detection of Salmonella using the polymerase chain reaction.

Salmonella is the leading cause of food-borne diarrhoeas in the US. In recent years polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the method of choice for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonellae in contaminated foods. As a result, several different primer sets have been reported for use in PCR-based assay systems. In order to identify an optimal primer set from among the wide range of primers reported in the literature, we synthesized five different pairs and evaluated their relative performance in PCR under uniform assay conditions using a common panel of the target (Salmonella) and non-target (non- Salmonella) bacterial strains. Of the five sets of primers tested, the one designed on the basis of a 199 bp repeat sequence of S. weltevreden[Jitrapakdee et al. (1995) Molecular and Cellular Probes 9, 375-382] gave optimal results with most bacterial strains examined.
PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL ANGIOPLASTY AND STENTING FOR ILIAC ARTERY OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

The past decade has brought expanded use of endovascular therapies in the treatment of patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease, with surgical revascularization procedures playing an ever-diminishing role. A variety of factors have contributed to this trend, mostly founded on the disparity between the two approaches with regard to periprocedural risks, patient discomfort, and length of hospitalization and recuperation. Although all of these factors generally favor the endoluminal therapies, the durability of most surgical revascularizations remains superior to their endovascular counterparts. In the aortoiliac region, however, this disparity in durability is relatively small, whereas the risks of intra-abdominal surgery are relatively high, yielding an acceptable risk–benefit ratio for the endoluminal therapies. Furthermore, recurrent stenoses following endovascular interventions can frequently be treated by repeat angioplasty, with or without stenting, further forestalling the need for surgery. Although the relative costs of these two approaches have not been determined, any fair comparison must include the costs of treatment of all complications and the costs of repeat interventions, whether surgical or endovascular. Although the use of hospital resources may be less for endovascular therapies compared with the corresponding surgical procedure, the cost of endovascular devices, such as stents, can substantially inflate the overall cost of an endovascular procedure. The cost debate aside, however, patients have no doubt about what they perceive as the more desirable mode of treatment and have little reluctance to seek out physicians capable of providing endovascular therapy. In fact, patient demand has been a driving force behind the development of new endovascular devices and procedures to treat patients with peripheral vascular disease.
Matching of host and guest symmetry in crystalline lattice inclusion complexes of the triaroylbenzene derivative 1,3,5-tris(3-methoxybenzoyl)benzene

Conformationally flexible 1,3,5-tris(3-methoxybenzoyl)benzene was found to form isomorphous lattice-type inclusion adducts with benzene, acetone and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMNO). All three inclusion complexes crystallize in the three-fold symmetric space group P which correlates with the C3 molecular symmetry evident in the triaroylbenzene hosts and enclathrated guests. Inclusion complexes were not obtained when the title compound was crystallized from larger solvents or solvents lacking trigonal symmetry elements. Thus, it appears that reinforcing symmetry properties of host and guest act in tandem to afford highly symmetrical (trigonal/hexagonal) clathrates.
Student Assistant Management: Using an Evaluation Rubric

ABSTRACT While effective communication between library staff and the student assistants who report to them can be challenging, it is nonetheless essential if students are to successfully carry out their job responsibilities. Developing an evaluation rubric helped Averett University's Blount Library staff convey what expectations they held for their student assistants together with what they had to do to achieve particular rating levels. Sharing the evaluation rubric and the comment copy of the evaluation form with the library personnel providing input for student performance helped standardize the input received. Students and library personnel alike feel that the evaluation process is valuable, unbiased, and fair.
On the large amplitude oscillations of a thin elastic beam

Abstract This paper is concerned with the finite amplitude, free, planar oscillations of a thin elastic beam. By assuming the motion to be inextensional but at the same time recognizing the existence of a resultant normal force acting on each cross-section of the beam a system of governing equations is derived which is manageable but still meaningful. For the case of the simply-supported beam a finite difference, Galerkin, and (regular) perturbation solutions are explicitly obtained. The results are compared and discussed. In the course of obtaining the various solutions it is found that an additional simplification in the form of the governing equations is possible. This simplification turns out to be quite important from a general point of view of obtaining approximate analytical solutions.
Vertebral body growth after craniospinal irradiation.

Purpose: To estimate the effects of radiotherapy and clinical factors on vertebral growth in patients with medulloblastoma and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors treated with craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: The height of eight individual or grouped vertebral bodies (C3, C3-C4, T4, T4-T5, C6-T3, T4-T7, L3, L1-L5) was measured before and after CSI (23.4 or 36-39.6 Gy) in 61 patients. Of the 61 patients, 40 were boys and 21 were girls (median age, 7 years; range, 3-13 years), treated between October 1996 and October 2003. Sagittal T{sub 1}-weighted magnetic resonance images were used for the craniocaudal measurements. The measurements numbered 275 (median, 5/patient; range, 3-7). The median follow-up after CSI was 44.1 months (range, 13.8-74.9 months). Results: Significant growth was observed in all measured vertebrae. Excluding C3-C4, the growth rate of the grouped vertebrae was affected by age, gender, and CSI dose (risk classification). The risk classification alone affected the growth rates of C3 (p = 0.002) and L3 (p = 0.02). Before CSI, the length of all vertebral bodies was an increasing function of age (p <0.0001). The C3 length before CSI was affected by gender and risk classification: C3 was longer for female (p = 0.07)more » and high-risk (p = 0.07) patients. Conclusion: All vertebrae grew significantly after CSI, with the vertebrae of the boys and younger patients growing at a rate greater than that of their counterparts. The effect of age was similar across all vertebrae, and gender had the greatest effect on the growth of the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. The effect of the risk classification was greatest in the lumbar spine by a factor of {<=}10.« less
Surface characterization of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and related polymers. I. Contact angle methods in water

The characterization of the gel-water interface is considered, particularly with respect to obtaining the interfacial free energy between the gel and water, γ utilizing contact angle data. The question of contact-angle-induced deformation of the three-phase region is examined and visual documentation of such deformation is presented. Air in water and octane in water contact-angle data are used to estimate γdsv γpsv γsv, and γsw for the gel-water interface as a function of bulk water fraction in the gel. It is shown that γ °0 ± 5 erg/cm2 when the bulk water fraction is greater than 0.2. All interfacial parameters determined appear to reach a constant value at a bulk water fraction of about 0.4. These results are for poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(methoxyethyl methacrylate), poly(dihydroxypropyl methacrylate), and selected copolymers at 25°C in distilled water.
IgE‐induced histamine release from rat basophilic leukemia cell lines: isolation of releasing and nonreleasing clones

The rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cell lines were cloned and the various sublines compared for their chromosome number, IgE-mediated histamine release and for IgE surface receptors. It was found that cell lines started from tumors at different times vary in both their chromosome number and their ability to release histamine by an IgE-mediated reaction. RBL-I and III have approximately 44 chromosomes and did not respond to an IgE-mediated reaction. RBL-II and RBL-IV have 68-73 chromosomes and showed moderate levels of histamine release (percent release mean = 5 +/- 2 and 10 +/- 4, respectively). The cloning of the RBL-IV line resulted in some sublines which were excellent histamine releasers (range 39-100%) and some which were relatively refractory (less than 10%) to IgE-mediated histamine release. These clones did not differ significantly in chromosome number. Recloning the releasing lines gave rise to poor releasers, whereas the recloning of poor releasers did not produce good releasers indicating that the mutational drift in culture is toward loss of histamine-releasing capacity. The number of IgE receptors and the rate of IgE association and dissociation were similar for the different cell lines. The study failed to disclose significant molecular weight differences in the IgE receptor from the various clones and sublines indicating that the failure to release probably does not reside in the receptor. The various cloned sublines are phenotypically stable, and the isolation of excellent histamine-releasing sublines are useful for studies of the complex phenomenon of the histamine release.
The enhancement of raman and fluorescent intensity by small surface roughness. changes in dipole emission

Abstract We propose that surface roughness influences the Raman and fluorescence spectra of adsorbed molecules since (1)it allows excitation of surface evanescent fields which increase the induced dipole moment of the molecule. (2) it allows plasmon radiation modulated by the oscillating nuclei, and (3) it increases the radiation of the induced dipole. We present numerical results for the third mechanism.
Polymorphic reticulosis limited to the upper aerodigestive tract-natural history and radiotherapeutic considerations

Polymorphic reticulosis (PMR) is a specific clinicopathological entity which commonly presents as an aggressive, necrotizing lesion of the upper airway. It is a separate nosologic entity from Wegener's granulomatosis, though its site and aggressive nature has lead to confusion in the distinction between these two different processes. Although radiotherapy has been acknowledged as the treatment of choice for limited upper airway PMR, little data exist to guide the radiation oncologist in the practical management of this disorder. We review our single institutional experience with PMR limited to the upper airway. Thirty-four patients (24 males, 10 females) with a median age of 44 years (range 19-80 years) are presented. Symptoms of nasal obstruction were present in 94%. Systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss were noted in 62% and were often striking clinically. The nasal mucosa was most frequently involved (91%), although involvement of the paranasal sinuses (47%), palate (32%), as well as, other upper airway sites was not uncommon. Perforation of involved structures was recorded in 37%. All but 1 patient were treated with primary radiotherapy. Twelve relapsed with PMR and 3 additional patients manifested diffuse histiocytic lymphoma either within or adjacent to the original treatment field. The median survival relapse in these 15 patients was only 4 months, although 25% were salvaged at 5 years post-relapse. The overwhelming majority of relapses were noted within the first 3 years following treatment. An evaluation of radiotherapy parameters indicated that a minimum dose of 42 Gy or a TDF of 70 is necessary to achieve long-term local control. Pattern of failure analysis demonstrated in-field failure as the predominant failure site, and this problem should become much less significant with implementation of proper time-dose-fractionation schemes. Marginal failure was noted in 20% as a component of eventual failure sites suggesting the need for generous treatment volumes including clinically uninvolved adjacent structures at risk, such as palate, sinuses, and nasopharynx for nasal lesions. Finally, systemic failure occurred in 25%. Although this rate may be reduced by improved local treatment measures, ultimately effective systemic chemotherapy will be required to substantially impact on these patients' survival.
The impact of foreign stock markets on macroeconomic dynamics in open economies: A structural estimation

Abstract With the increased international financial integration in recent years, bilateral financial linkages between countries may have a growing influence on their real economies. This paper employs a structural two-country New Keynesian model, which incorporates a cross-border wealth channel, to estimate the effect that foreign stock market fluctuations may have on macroeconomic variables in open economy countries. The model is estimated using Bayesian methods on a sample of open economies that can potentially be affected by changes in a larger foreign stock market: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, and the Netherlands. The estimation allows for deviations from rational expectations and for learning by economic agents. The empirical results indicate important cross-country wealth effects for Ireland and Austria, from fluctuations in the U.S. and U.K. and in the U.S. and German stock markets, respectively; the wealth effect is largest in Ireland. The data favor, instead, specifications with no significant wealth effect for the remaining countries. Foreign stock price fluctuations, however, still play a role by affecting domestic expectations about future output gaps in all countries in the sample.
The effects of chronic administration and withdrawal of (+)-amphetamine on seizure threshold and endogenous catecholamine concentrations and their rates of biosynthesis in mice.

The i.v. pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold was increased by 2.5 mg/kg and decreased by 15 mg/kg of a single (+)-amphetamine dose. After 7 consecutive days of amphetamine administration, tolerance developed to the decrease but not to the increase in seizure threshold. At 12–48 h after the last dose of 2.5 mg/kg seizure threshold was decreased, and at 36–48 h after the last dose of 15 mg/kg seizure threshold was increased. After acute and chronic administration of (+)-amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) endogenous concentrations of whole brain dopamine (DA) were increased and returned to normal levels during the withdrawal period (12–48 h); endogenous norepinephrine (NE) levels were unchanged by acute and chronic drug treatment and during withdrawal. The rates of DA and NE synthesis were increased by chronic amphetamine administration at 24–48 h after drug withdrawal. An acute dose of (+)-amphetamine (15 mg/kg) decreased endogenous levels of DA and NE; normal levels of DA were detected with chronic drug treatment and during withdrawal, with NE remaining slightly depressed. The rates of synthesis of DA and NE were increased by acute and chronic amphetamine treatment and returned to normal 24–48 h after withdrawal. The rebound reversal in seizure threshold after (+)-amphetamine withdrawal suggests an abstinence syndrome that may be interpreted as evidence for the development of physical dependence to (+)-amphetamine after chronic drug administration.
When the wires cross: Ensuring diversity in the era of video dialtone

For more than 50 years, the Federal Communications Commission, Congress and the courts have regulated different mass media differently to achieve an ill‐defined objective of diversity. Contemporary communications innovations that increase the intermingling of media exacerbate the difficulty of clarifying diversity objectives and distinguishing between regulators’ economic and speech concerns. Hybrid media, such as telephone provision of video (called video dialtone) challenge historical assumptions, definitions and mechanisms for achieving communications diversity. This article explores video dialtone as a case study of the diverse and sometimes contradictory efforts of federal policy makers to adapt the historical goal of diversity to emerging and rapidly changing communications technologies. The author suggests that the much‐touted era of communications abundance is not a utopia. Technical and financial constraints will inhibit the development of virtually infinite communications capacity. Moreover, inc...
Efficient householder QR factorization for superscalar processors

To extract the potential promised by superscalar processors, algorithm designers must streamline memory references and allow for efficient data reuse throughout the memory hierarchy. Two parameterized Householder QR factorization algorithms are presented that take into account the caches and registers typical of such processors. Guidelines are developed for choosing parameter values that obtain near-optimal cache and register utilization. The new algorithms are implemented and performance-tuned on an Intel Pentium Pro system, a single thin POWER2 node of the IBM Scalable Parallel system 2 (SP2), and a single R8000 processor of a Silicon Graphs POWER Challenge XL.
Influence of crystal morphology of 1H-1,2,4-triazole on anhydrous state proton conductivity of sulfonated bisphenol A polyetherimide based polyelectrolytes

Abstract In this study, new anhydrous proton conducting polyelectrolytes were prepared based on sulfonated bisphenol A polyetherimide (SPEI) and 1 H -1,2,4-triazole (Taz) as a solid state proton solvent. The effect of degree of sulfonation and triazole concentration on size, shape and dispersibility (crystal morphology) of triazole crystals in sulfonated polyetherimide were examined and correlated with proton conduction. At a constant triazole weight percent, increased sulfonation level caused enhanced nucleation density, reduction of crystallite size and their uniform distribution throughout SPEI matrix. The decrease in size was responsible for the depression of triazole melting temperature. Proton conduction through structure diffusion occurred effectively within the smaller size crystals due to the improved molecular mobility.
Modifications to an Fcγ-Fcɛ fusion protein alter its effectiveness in the inhibition of FcɛRI-mediated functions

Background GE2, a human bifunctional Fcγ-Fcɛ fusion protein cross-links FcγRIIb and FcɛRI on human mast cells and basophils and results in inhibition of FcɛRI-mediated functions. Objective Three modified Fcγ-Fcɛ (GE) proteins were compared with GE2 for their effect on inhibition of FcɛRI-mediated cellular responses. Methods GE2 was modified to potentially improve its therapeutic efficacy by increasing binding to FcγRIIb (GE S mutant) and decreasing binding to FcγRIII (GE H mutant) or reversing the Fcγ and Fcɛ domains and removing nonhuman linker sequences (E2G). These proteins were tested for their ability to bind a basophil-like cell line, block FcɛRI-mediated degranulation in human basophils, and inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in human FcɛRIα-transgenic mice. Results All 4 GE proteins bound cells that express FcɛRI and FcγRIIb, although the original GE2 retained the strongest ability to bind to these cells. E2G was as effective as GE2 in its ability to inhibit anti-Fel d 1 IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils and block passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions. The GE S and GE H mutants were less effective. Conclusion Optimization of GE2 as an inhibitor of FcɛRI-mediated functions showed that effectiveness was maintained when potentially immunogenic linker sequences were removed and Ig domain positions were reversed, but specific residue changes within the IgG C H 2 domain aimed at enhancing GE2's inhibitory function by increasing FcγRII binding or additionally decreasing FcγRIII binding were not beneficial. Clinical implications GE2 and E2G molecules are effective inhibitors of FcɛRI-mediated degranulation and are of interest as potential therapeutics for IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
Modal coupling in acoustic waveguides: planar discontinuities

Abstract A new derivation for a scattering matrix for reflection and transmission of higher order modes at the planar junction of two waveguides is presented. The derivation is extended to include finite junction wall impedance and offset waveguides. The resulting matrix equations are analyzed and the physical significance of the matrices is explained. As an example of the theory, analytical expressions for the coupling coefficients at a size change in a rectangular duct are developed and the resulting reflection and transmission coefficients are computed. The results should be of interest to the HVAC noise control community. The paper also shows the effects of modal truncation on the accuracy and convergence of the solution. It is shown that the proper selection of the ratio of the number of modes on either side of the discontinuity is related to the ratio of the characteristic sizes of the waveguides. Finally it is shown that at least one higher mode should be included for reasonable accuracy in the computation of plane wave reflection and transmission coefficients except at the very lowest frequencies.
Effect of oral sodium chlorate administration on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the gut of experimentally infected pigs

Abstract Strategies are sought to reduce pathogenic Escherichia coli concentrations in food animals. Because E. coli possess respiratory nitrate reductase activity, which also reduces chlorate to cytotoxic chlorite, we tested and found that oral sodium chlorate administration reduced gut concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 in experimentally infected pigs and wildtype E. coli concentrations in nonchallenged pigs. Mean±S.E. concentrations (log10 CFU/g) of E. coli O157:H7 in ileal, cecal, colonic and rectal contents from placebo-treated pigs were 4.03±0.66, 3.82±0.24, 4.42±0.25 and 4.03±0.16, respectively. In contrast, E. coli O157:H7 concentrations were reduced (P
GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Flexible fiberoptic endoscopy has proven useful in studying adults with gastrointestinal complaints, but its usefulness in children and adolescents has not been demonstrated. During a two year period, 61 upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and 67 colonoscopies were safely performed under sedation in patients ages 10 weeks to 19 years. A diagnosis was established in 11 of 26 gastroscopies for recurrent pain or vomiting. These diagnoses included webs, esophageal disorders, and ulcers. Radiology had previously failed to clearly establish these diagnoses. Gastrosocopy was performed in 24 patients for evaluation of an acute bleeding episode and in 4 with suspected non-bleeding varices. The bleeding site was visualized in 6 of 8 children, but in only 1 of 16 adolescents. Removal of foreign bodies and follow-up studies accounted for 7 additional gastroscopies. 49 colonoscopies were performed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 16 studies provided information not available on barium enema examination. Colonoscopy was more sensitive in determining the activity of disease in ulcerative colitis and the extent of disease in granulomatous colitis. Colonoscopy was also performed in 18 patients because of bleeding. Polyps were removed in 7 patients and a colonic ulcer noted in 1 child. In the remaining 10, the source of bleeding was not determined despite intensive diagnostic investigation. These data demonstrate a safe and important adjunctive role for fiberoptic endoscopy in children and adolescents.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-atrial natriuretic peptide axis: a novel mechanism for blood pressure regulation.

1. Kim M, Platt MJ, Shibasaki T, Quaggin SE, Backx PH, Seino S, Simpson JA, Drucker DJ. GLP-1 receptor activation and Epac2 link atrial natriuretic peptide secretion to control of blood pressure. Nat Med . 2013;19:567–575. 2. Newton-Cheh C, Larson MG, Vasan RS, Levy D, Bloch KD, Surti A, et al. Association of common variants in NPPA and NPPB with circulating natriuretic peptides and blood pressure. Nat Genet . 2009;41:348–353. 3. Wang B, Zhong J, Lin H, Zhao Z, Yan Z, He H, et al. Blood pressure-lowering effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Diabetes Obes Metab . 2013;15:737–749. Population genetic studies have established the role of natriuretic peptide system in blood pressure (BP) regulation.2 The primary function of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) …
Effects of hydrazine on behavior in rats

Abstract The effects of hydrazine (1–52 mg/kg) were tested on several behavioral schedules in rats. Spontaneous motor activity was depressed in a majority of the experiments; significant depression occurred at doses of 39 and 52 mg/kg. On a fixed-ratio water reinforcement schedule, hydrazine significantly decreased the running rate and increased the post-reinforcement pause at 13–39 mg/kg. Under a schedule of differential reinforcement of low rates at 3.3 mg/kg, it significantly increased the response rate and decreased the reinforcement. On a shock avoidance task, hydrazine (3.3–39 mg/kg) increased the number of shocks in the majority of the sessions, while the avoidance response showed variability. This study shows that the doses of hydrazine needed to produce behavioral effects were comparatively lower than those used in toxicologic studies and indicates the possibility of using behavioral techniques in the toxicologic evaluation of chemicals.
Effect of Phosphates on the Functional Properties of Restructured Beef Rolls: The Role of pH, Ionic Strength, and Phosphate Type

Combinations of sodium chloride and five different phosphates were used to study the effect of phosphate type (chain lengths: 1.0–12.8), ionic strength (0.15–0.43), and pH (5.50–6.35) on the binding ability (cook yield and tensile strength) of restructured beef rolls. The results showed that binding ability increased linearly with increasing ionic strength and pH until a maximum value was reached and then plateaued; approximately 80% of the increase in binding ability was due to the increase in ionic strength and pH. Above an ionic strength of 0.15, the polyphosphates (chain length > 1.0) produced synergistic increases in binding ability with increasing ionic strength. The extent of the synergistic effect decreased linearly as the chain length of the phosphate increased.
The use of labetalol for attenuation of the hypertensive response to endotracheal incubation in preeclampsia

Twenty-five women with preeclampsia who were scheduled to undergo cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to either a labetalol pretreatment group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 10) who did not receive any antihypertensive therapy before the induction of anesthesia. Patients in the labetalol group received 20 mg of labetalol intravenously followed by 10 mg increments up to a total dose of 1 mg/kg, which resulted in moderate reductions in the maternal mean arterial pressure and heart rate with attenuation of the hypertensive and tachycardiac responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. In the labetalol group there was no excessive reduction in the mean arterial pressure with the use of isoflurane and the usual amount of blood loss that occurred during cesarean section. The neonatal Apgar scores and umbilical arterial and venous pH and blood gas values were similar in the two groups. Side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia were not seen in the neonates in the labetalol treatment group.
Damping of vibrations and of the secular instability in quark stars

We calculate the bulk viscosity of hot quark matter, or “strange” matter, which could be present in neutron stars. In the temperature range characteristic of young neutron stars, the bulk viscosity arising from non-leptonic strangeness-changing quark-quark interactions is orders of magnitude larger than that which has been calculated for ordinary nuclear matter. The gravitational wave secular instability should be completely suppressed for quark stars, and the damping times for pulsations will be very short.
Hantzsch synthesis of pyrazolo[1',2':1,2]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines: partial agonists of the calcitonin receptor.

Small molecule calcitonin receptor agonists are of potential utility in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Bicycloeneamine 1 was a useful intermediate in the synthesis of pyrazolopyridine calcitonin receptor partial agonists 2a−f. Dihydropyridines 10a−c were conveniently prepared by reaction of 1 with Knoevenagel adducts 9a−c, or in the case of 10d, by a three component reaction with 1, β-ketoester 7b, and aldehyde 8c. Oxidation of 10a−d to pyridines 11a−d and subsequent amide formation afforded the title compounds.
BH3 peptides induce mitochondrial fission and cell death independent of BAX/BAK.

BH3 only proteins trigger cell death by interacting with pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family of proteins. Here we report that BH3 peptides corresponding to the death domain of BH3-only proteins, which bind all the pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins, induce cell death in the absence of BAX and BAK. The BH3 peptides did not cause the release of cytochrome c from isolated mitochondria or from mitochondria in cells. However, the BH3 peptides did cause a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential but did not induce the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Interestingly, the BH3 peptides induced mitochondria to undergo fission in the absence of BAX and BAK. The binding of BCL-XL with dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a GTPase known to regulate mitochondrial fission, increased in the presence of BH3 peptides. These results suggest that pro-survival BCL-2 proteins regulate mitochondrial fission and cell death in the absence of BAX and BAK.
Ventricular volume and asymmetry in schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia assessed with magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 12 patients with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), 11 patients with chronic schizophrenia, and 23 age- and sex-matched normal volunteers. MRI slices were acquired in the axial plane at 1.2-mm intervals, and the ventricles were traced on every other slice. The lateral ventricular system was divided into the anterior horn, temporal horn, and dorsal lateral ventricle. Schizophrenic patients had larger left anterior and temporal horns than the normal volunteers. Size of the left anterior and temporal horn in SPD patients was intermediate between those of normal volunteers and schizophrenic patients and differed significantly from schizophrenic patients. The left-minus-right difference was larger in schizophrenic patients than in normal volunteers or SPD patients. Thus, in their structural brain characteristics, as well as in their clinical symptomatology, SPD patients evidence, in attenuated form, abnormalities resembling those found in full-fledged schizophrenia. The findings suggest that decreased left hemispheric volume, in frontal and temporal regions, may characterize both psychotic and non-psychotic disorders of the schizophrenia spectrum.
Potassium ion ionization of desorbed species (K+IDS): a rapid method for the screening of urine for organic acidemias.

A new desorption/ionization mass spectrometric technique, K+ ionization of desorbed species (K+IDS), is evaluated as a rapid method for differentiating various organic acidemias, conditions in which excessive levels of organic acid metabolites are present in plasma or urine as a result of some inborn error of metabolism. This method requires no derivatization of the isolated organic acids, unlike that required for gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses. ‘Batch’ mass spectrometric analysis is achieved by deposition of the complex organic acid mixture (from urine) onto a K+IDS probe. Rapid heating results in the emission of alkali ions (Na+ or K+) from a thermionic emitter and the intact desorption of analyte. Subsequent gas-phase addition produces a mass spectrum showing alkali ion adducts of the components, providing molecular weight and relative concentration information. This rapid desorption/ionization technique requires no matrix, and analysis times are exceedingly short relative to those required in gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses. Results suggest that differential diagnosis of some of the more commonly occurring organic acidemias (e.g. isovaleric acidemia, maple syrup urine disease, etc.) may be made.
A Digital Revolution in Radiosynthesis

The rapid growth in the use of PET has led to a concomitant demand in the availability of imaging tracers and research directed toward more efficient and flexible radiosynthetic routes. The production of multiple PET tracers presents a challenge to radiopharmaceutical production facilities;