cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hardware Determination for a Spherical Attitude Control Prototype

To find alternative approaches to conventional reaction wheels, a spherical reaction device utilizing magnetic bearings is proposed. A single spherical rotor could provide three axis control and thereby solve many of the issues with conventionally lubricated reaction wheels. To determine and gain experience with the hardware needed to create such a prototype, a simpler one-degree-of-freedom design is described in this paper. The reduced complexity of this system allows many different topologies to be tested quickly while still retaining enough intricacy to be useful. After a few attempts with an analog control circuit and other microcontrollers, the Advanced Motor Drive Controller was utilized. Although still under development in the Severson Group at the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics (WEMPEC) lab, it will provide enough control capabilities to eventually manage the one DOF test case and then, ultimately final prototype.
Reproducible Computer Network Experiments: A Case Study Using Popper

Computer network research experiments can be broadly grouped in three categories: simulated, controlled, and real-world experiments. Simulation frameworks, experiment testbeds and measurement tools, respectively, are commonly used as the platforms for carrying out network experiments. In many cases, given the nature of computer network experiments, properly configuring these platforms is a complex and time-consuming task, which makes replicating and validating research results quite challenging. This complexity can be reduced by leveraging tools that enable experiment reproducibility. In this paper, we show how a recently proposed reproducibility tool called Popper facilitates the reproduction of networking experiments. In particular, we detail the steps taken to reproduce results in two published articles that rely on simulations. The outcome of this exercise is a generic workflow for carrying out network simulation experiments. In addition, we briefly present two additional Popper workflows for running experiments on controlled testbeds, as well as studies that gather real-world metrics (all code is publicly available on Github). We close by providing a list of lessons we learned throughout this process.
Mitigating early fracture of amorphous metallic thin films on flexible substrates by tuning substrate roughness and buffer layer properties

Abstract Ductility mismatch between brittle amorphous thin films and flexible polymer substrate often leads to limited elongation and early failure of the system. A combined experimental and computational study was carried out to investigate the roles of buffer layer material type, thickness, and substrate roughness on the fracture toughness of the amorphous thin film/polymer system. Experimentally, about 1 μm thick amorphous aluminum-manganese thin films were deposited on polyimide substrates and tested in tension. The reliability of such systems was found to be strongly influenced by the film/substrate interface adhesion. Several strategies to improve the adhesion of the interface were conducted, including roughening the surface of the substrate, and adding a buffer layer with a desired mechanical properties and thickness. Computationally, finite element simulations of the same system were carried out under tension. It was found that by introducing substrate roughness and adding a Cr buffer layer of 75 nm, the interface toughness of the film/substrate can be increased by almost twenty times. The results of the present work may shed light on the interfacial engineering strategies for improving reliability of future flexible electronics.
Surgeon-Performed High-Dose Bupivacaine Periarticular Injection With Intra-Articular Saphenous Nerve Block Is Not Inferior to Adductor Canal Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Periarticular injection or anesthesiologist-performed adductor canal block are commonly used for pain management after total knee arthroplasty. A surgeon-performed, intra-articular saphenous nerve block has been recently described. There is insufficient data comparing the efficacy and safety of these methods. Methods This is a retrospective two-surgeon cohort study comparing short-term perioperative outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty, in 50 consecutive patients with surgeon-performed high-dose periarticular injection and intra-articular saphenous nerve block (60 mL 0.5% bupivacaine, 30 mL saline, 30mg ketorolac) and 50 consecutive patients with anesthesiologist-performed adductor canal catheter (0.25% bupivacaine 6 mL/h infusion pump placed postoperatively with ultrasound guidance). Chart review assessed pain scores through POD #1, opioid use, length of stay, and short-term complications, including local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Statistical analysis was performed with two-tailed Student's T-test. Results The high-dose periarticular injection cohort had significantly lower pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (mean difference 1.4, P = .035), on arrival to the inpatient ward (mean difference 1.7, P = .013), and required less IV narcotics on the day of surgery (mean difference 6.5 MME, P = .0004). There was no significant difference in pain scores on POD #1, total opioid use, day of discharge, or short-term complications. There were no adverse events related to the high dose of bupivacaine. Conclusion Compared with postoperative adductor canal block catheter, an intraoperative high-dose periarticular block demonstrated lower pain scores and less IV narcotic use on the day of surgery. No difference was noted in pain scores on POD #1, time to discharge, or complications. There were no cardiovascular complications (local anesthetic systemic toxicity) despite the high dose of bupivacaine injected. Level of Evidence III.
The classification of compact simply connected biquotients in dimensions 4 and 5

Abstract We classify all compact simply connected biquotients of dimensions 4 and 5. In particular, all pairs of groups ( G , H ) and embeddings H → G × G giving rise to a particular biquotient are classified.
Designing complex fluids

Taking a small step away from Newtonian fluid behavior creates an explosion in the range of possibilities. Non-Newtonian fluid properties can achieve diverse flow objectives, but the complexity int...
An interactive technology enhanced coaching intervention for Black women with hypertension: Randomized controlled trial study protocol.

In the United States, hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and a more significant health problem for Blacks compared with other racial/ethnic groups. The prevalence of HTN in Black women is among the highest in the world, underscoring the need for effective prevention and management approaches for blood pressure (BP) control. We developed a two-arm randomized controlled trial repeated measures design study for improving HTN self-management among Black women. The study tests whether the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) combined with interactive technology-enhanced coaching, can improve BP control and adherence to treatment (e.g., medication-taking, physical activity, calorie intake, and weight management) compared with the CDSMP alone. Repeated measurements were conducted at 3, 6, and 9 months. A sample of 90 community-dwelling Black women with uncontrolled Stage 1 HTN (BP ≥ 130/80) were enrolled, completed CDSMP training, and randomized. This study will contribute to our understanding of novel methods to empower Black women to increase their active involvement in self-care management of HTN.
Age-associated Ligand-receptor Interactions Imputed from Nasopharyngeal Transcriptomes of COVID-19 Patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has exhibited different clinical manifestations amongst various age cohorts. As the immune microenvironment may play a role in clinical progression, it is crucial to examine molecular interactions to gain insight into host response. Therefore, to elucidate any differences in host response related to age, the present study imputed ligand-receptor interactions within the nasopharyngeal immune microenvironment in patients affected with SARS-COV-2. Tissue purities, the proportion of non-immune cells in the tissue sample, of 467 nasopharyngeal transcriptome profiles were estimated using known mRNA expression signatures of stromal/immune cells. Using the purity estimates and bulk tissue expression values, non-negative linear regression was used to estimate average expression of each gene in the stromal/tumor compartments. The inferred expression profiles were annotated with a curated database of ligand-receptor interactions and assumed as reasonable proxies for the law of mass action, allowing for quantification of directional ligand-receptor complex concentrations under equilibrium. It was found that older patients (>60 years) exhibited decreased interactions with receptors selectin L receptor SELL and increased interactions with pro-inflammatory chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CCR1. Younger patients showed increased interactions with various members of the TNF receptor super family (TNFRSF). The interactions were further related to immune cell subtypes, with older patients predicted to have less CD8+ and CD4+ resting T cells but increased neutrophil proportions. Collectively, the results suggest certain ligand-receptor interactions of the nasopharyngeal immune microenvironment are age-associated in response to SARS-CoV-2.
A protocol for rapid degradation of endogenous transcription factors in mammalian cells and identification of direct regulatory targets

Transcriptional changes happen within minutes; however, RNAi or genetic deletion requires days to weeks before transcription networks can be analyzed. This limitation has made it challenging to distinguish direct from indirect targets of sequence-specific transcription factors. This inability to define direct transcriptional targets hinders detailed studies of transcriptional mechanisms. This protocol combines rapid degradation of endogenous transcription factors with nascent transcript analysis to define the earliest, and likely direct, regulatory targets of transcription factors. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Stengel et al., 2021).
Renegotiate, Partition, Apportion the Waters, and Contextualize Negotiation

This chapter is divided into three sections. The first details what I believe to be the most important action for Egypt to take in order to secure its water security: renegotiate the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) of 2010.
Reinforcement Learning for Decision-Making and Control in Power Systems: Tutorial, Review, and Vision.

With large-scale integration of renewable generation and distributed energy resources (DERs), modern power systems are confronted with new operational challenges, such as growing complexity, increasing uncertainty, and aggravating volatility. Meanwhile, more and more data are becoming available owing to the widespread deployment of smart meters, smart sensors, and upgraded communication networks. As a result, data-driven control techniques, especially reinforcement learning (RL), have attracted surging attention in recent years. In this paper, we provide a tutorial on various RL techniques and how they can be applied to decision-making in power systems. We illustrate RL-based models and solutions in three key applications, frequency regulation, voltage control, and energy management. We conclude with three critical issues in the application of RL, i.e., safety, scalability, and data. Several potential future directions are discussed as well.
Synthesis Gas Combustion : Fundamentals and Applications

Gasification Technology to Produce Synthesis Gas, G.A. Richards and K.H. Casleton Syngas Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Mechanisms, M. Chaos, M.P. Burke, Y. Ju, and F.L. Dryer Laminar Flame Properties of H2/CO Mixtures, J. Natarajan and J.M. Seitzman Fundamental Combustion Characteristics of Syngas, G. Ribert, P. Thakre, Z. Wang, R.A. Yetter, and V. Yang Turbulent Combustion Properties of Premixed Syngas, R.K. Cheng Pollutant Formation and Control, K.J. Whitty, H.R. Zhang, and E.G. Eddings Syngas Utilization, G.A. Richards, K.H. Casleton, and N.T. Weiland Catalytic Combustion of Syngas, J. Mantzaras Operability Issues Associated with Steady Flowing Combustors, T. Lieuwen, V. McDonell, D. Santavicca, and T. Sattelmayer Combustion of Syngas in Internal Combustion Engines, M.K. Fox, G. Lilik, A.L. Boehman, and O. Le Corre Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Syngas, R.J. Kee, H. Zhu, and G.S. Jackson Index
Predictors of Prolonged Hospital Length of Stay Following Stage II Palliation of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (and Variants): Analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPC-QIC) Database

The objective of this study is to identify predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) for single ventricle patients following stage 2 palliation (S2P), excluding patients who underwent a hybrid procedure. We explore the impact of demographic features, stage 1 palliation (S1P), interstage I (IS1) management, S2P, and post-surgical care on hospital LOS following S2P. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPC-QIC) database. The NPC-QIC database is an established registry of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and its variants. It contains detailed information regarding the demographic features, S1P, IS1, S2P, and interstage 2 (IS2) management of children with HLHS and related single ventricle cardiac malformations. Between 2008 and 2012, there were 477 participants with recorded LOS data in the NPC-QIC registry. Excluding the 29 patients who underwent hybrid procedure, there were 448 participants who underwent a Norwood (or Norwood-variant procedure) as S1P. In order to be included in the NPC-QIC database, participants were discharged to home following S1P and prior to S2P. We found that postoperative LOS among the 448 S2P procedure recipients is most strongly influenced by the need for reoperation following S2P, the need for an additional cardiac catheterization procedure following S2P, the use of non-oral methods of nutrition (e.g., nasogastric tube, total parental nutrition, gastrostomy tube), and the development of postoperative complications. Factors such as age at the time of S2P, the presence of a major non-cardiac anomaly, site participant volume, IS1 course, the type and number of vasoactive agents used following S2P, and the need for more than 1 intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization (following discharge to the ward but prior to discharge to home) were significant predictors by univariate analysis but not by multivariate analysis. We excluded participants undergoing the hybrid procedure as S1P from this analysis given that the S2P following the initial hybrid is typically a more complicated procedure. Hospital LOS following S2P among children undergoing the Norwood or Norwood-variant procedure as S1P is most strongly influenced by events following S2P and not demographic or S1P factors. Factors most predictive of prolonged LOS include the need for reoperation, the need for an additional cardiac catheterization procedure following S2P, the need for non-oral methods of nutrition, and the development of postoperative complications.
Accurate eye localization in the Short Waved Infrared Spectrum through summation range filters

Geometric normalization is critical to most face recognition (FR) algorithms and is usually based off eye locations.Our proposed approach quickly and accurately determines the pupil locations across the SWIR band.Pupils are found using normalized correlation coefficients and summation range filters.It is robust to image degradations such as blur, image downsizing and image compression.The eye locations obtained from the proposed algorithm out perform other tested algorithms in both eye detection and FR results. The majority of facial recognition systems depend on the correct location of both the left and right eye centers in an effort to geometrically normalize face images. We propose a novel eye detection algorithm that efficiently locates the eye centers in five different bands of the SWIR spectrum, ranging from 1150 nm up to 1550 nm in increments of 100 nm. Our eye detection methodology utilizes a combination of algorithmic steps, including 2D normalized correlation coefficients as well as summation range filters to effectively find the eyes in the aforementioned SWIR wavelengths. We validate our method by comparing our approach with currently available eye detection algorithms including a commercial face recognition software in which one of its capabilities is the extraction of the eye locations and a state of the art academic approach. Eye detection results as well as face recognition studies show that our proposed approach outperforms all other approaches, including the state of the art (originally designed to work in the visible band), when operating in the SWIR spectrum. We also show that our approach is robust to typical image degradation factors including spatial resolution changes, image compression, and image blurring. This is an important achievement that has also practical value for biometric operators. It is impractical to manually annotate thousands to millions of eye centers, therefore, a quick and robust method for automatically determining the eye center locations is needed.
Reduction of Tomyson Expression Leads to a Kindling-Sensitive Phenotype in a Murine Model of Epilepsy (P1.267)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of Tomosyn in kindling-induced epileptogenesis BACKGROUND: We have used the kindling model to evaluate whether altered presynaptic vesicular fusion is a driver of epileptogenesis. Neurotransmitter release requires fusion of vesicle and plasma membranes, mediated by the formation of a stable complex (7SC) of SNARE proteins. 7SC is composed of VAMP-2 (synaptic vesicle v-SNARE) and syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 (neuronal active zone t-SNAREs). Tomosyn, as a place-holder for the v-SNARE, may be a negative regulator of neurotransmitter release. We previously showed that kindling in rodents leads to a permanent accumulation of 7SC in hippocampus ipsilateral to the stimulus. Compared to wild-type, mice deficient in VAMP-2 are kindling-resistant and demonstrate reduced ipsilateral hippocampal L-glutamate release. DESIGN/METHODS: Mice were genotyped by PCR using DNA prepared from distal tail and kindled to two successive stage 5 seizures by amygdala stimulation. Thirty days later, L-glutamate release was measured in bilateral hippocampal subfields using microelectrode arrays, and 7SC and SNARE proteins were quantified by western blotting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc t -tests. RESULTS: Fewer stimuli led to Racine stage 5 seizures in Tomosyn -/- (4.9±0.6/n=15) and Tomosyn +/- (7.9±1.4/n=7) mice compared to Tomosyn +/+ mice (9.6±1.1/n=14); P=0.002. The after-discharge stimulus intensity was no different among groups (251±22μA/n=36). Kindling was associated with hippocampal 7SC asymmetry (ipsilateral vs . contralateral ratio: 1.11±0.002) in all 3 groups, as reported in VAMP-2-deficient mice (Matveeva et al . 2012; Neurosci 202:77) and rats (Matveeva et al . 2012; Epilepsia 53:157). KCl-evoked L-glutamate release was increased in dentate gyrus of Tomosyn -/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Transgenic animals with altered levels of SNAREs/SNARE regulators are useful in determining if changes in neurosecretory machinery lead to changes in epileptogenesis and thus may identify molecular targets for future drug development to modulate seizure evolution. Study Supported by: Department of Veterans Affairs, DARPA, HL56652, HL091893, CTSA-LTR000117. Disclosure: Dr. Slevin has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience and AbbVie, Inc. Dr. Slevin has received research support from Abbott Laboratories, BioTie, and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Batten has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matveeva has nothing to disclose. Dr. Whiteheart has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vanaman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gerhardt has received personal compensation for activities with Eli Lilly & Co., and Medtronic Inc. Dr. Gerhardt holds stock and/or stock options in Quanteon LLC, which sponsored research in which Dr. Gerhardt was involved as an investigator. Dr. Gerhardt has received research support from Eli Lilly & Co., and Medtronic Inc.
The Distribution Aspect - A Meeting Ground Between Tool and Programs

Partitioning distributed object applications across client-server or n-tier topologies is a crucial aspect of developing distributed systems. One approach to partitioning involves a tool that observes an actual run of the application, records all interaction between objects, and then makes recommendations to the programmer concerning: how the application should be partitioned into groups of objects, and to which host machine each group of objects should be assigned for best overall performance of the application and for good system load balancing. The programmer then reviews those recommendations, possibly refines the partitioning, and perhaps even refines the design of the application to improve performance even further. Ultimately, the application is deployed on the full topology and executed in production runs.
Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow, 3rd edition, by Craig E. Johnson

The moral decay in corporate America reached a “tipping point” when scandals of unethical behavior about Enron and Arthur Anderson contributed to the surfacing of an elaborate list of unethical beh...
Immune Modulation During Latent Herpesvirus Infection

Nearly all human beings, by the time they reach adolescence, are infected with multiple herpesviruses. At any given time, this family of viruses accounts for 35–40 billion human infections worldwide, making herpesviruses among the most prevalent pathogens known to exist. Compared to most other viruses, herpesviruses are also unique in that infection lasts the life of the host. Remarkably, despite their prevalence and persistence, little is known about how these viruses interact with their hosts, especially during the clinically asymptomatic phase of infection referred to as latency. This review explores data in human and animal systems that reveal the ability of latent herpesviruses to modulate the immune response to self and environmental antigens. From the perspective of the host, there are both potentially detrimental and surprisingly beneficial effects of this lifelong interaction. The realization that latent herpesvirus infection modulates immune responses in asymptomatic hosts forces us to reconsider what constitutes a ‘normal’ immune system in a healthy individual.
Association of Murine Leukaemia Virus from a Mouse Lymphoma (2731/L) with Reovirus Type 3 Infection

STANLEY et al. reported the production of a lymphoma (2731/L) in Prince Henry (PH) mice after inoculation with spleen cells from a PH mouse with chronic (272 days) reovirus type 3 infection1. They suggested a relationship between reoviruses and the tumour. From recent data on the prevalence of murine leukaemia virus in most mouse strains2, we would conclude that lymphomas induced in mice can, with considerable certainty, be attributed to murine leukaemia (C-type RNA) viruses in the passage materials. We have therefore tested for the presence of a murine leukaemia virus in the 2731/L tumour as well as other mouse lymphomas developing after various procedures (Table 1) in Stanley's PH line.
Mastitis and its Impact on Structure and Function in the Ruminant Mammary Gland

It is a given in biology that structure and function go hand-in-hand. At the level of the mammary alveoli, copious milk production depends on the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells and the biochemical and structural differentiation of these cells after parturition. For example, data from quantitative structural studies demonstrate that differences in milk production between beef and dairy cows correspond with a relative failure of alveolar cell differentiation in cattle not specifically selected for milk yield. It is likely, but not proven, that production differences within or between dairy breeds are also determined by differences in the capacity of alveolar cells to differentiate or to maintain an adequate state of differentiation. These observations strongly support the belief that insults from mastitis that lead to losses in mammary function are directly related to disruption of alveolar cell integrity, sloughing of cells, induced apoptosis, and increased appearance of poorly-differentiated cells. Ironically, reduced milk production in cases of subclinical mastitis, is also associated with increases in milk somatic cell count. Thus the elevated neutrophil migration evoked to fight inflammation can inadvertently rendered alveolar epithelial cells non-secretory. A challenge to future researchers will be to devise mastitis treatments and therapies that prevent and/or repair damage to alveolar structure and maximize subsequent secretory cell differentiation.
Gastrointestinal mucormycosis mimicking ischemic colitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

This report describes the case of a 42-yr-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with septic shock. Initially, a source of infection could not be found and the patient was started on stress dose corticosteriods and antibiotics. A CAT scan revealed thickened colon and endoscopy revealed possible ischemic colitis. She soon developed peritonitis, and was taken to surgery where gastrointestinal mucormycosis was found. The patient died despite amphotericin therapy.
Targeted Melting and Binding of a DNA Regulatory Element by a Transactivator of c-myc

A far upstream element (FUSE) of c-myc stimulates promoter activity when bound by a newly identified trans-acting protein, which is expressed in cycling cells. Since FUSE binding protein (FBP) binds only the noncoding strand (NCS) of its regulatory element in a sequence-specific manner, and not double-stranded (ds) DNA, formation of the protein•DNA complex in vivo first requires unwinding of the DNA helix. In this report, we show evidence that FBP forces strand separation of short stretches of linear dsDNA. Because FUSE is contained within a region of helical instability that is partially unwound in negatively supercoiled DNA, it is a target for more extensive duplex strand separation by FBP, which first exposes and then selectively binds its NCS cognate sequence. In contrast, other single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) do not demonstrate this FUSE targeting activity. The novel linkage of regional dsDNA melting with cis-element binding by a transcriptional activator has broad implications in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
A Motivational Turn for Environmental Ethics

To contribute more effectively to conservation reform, environmental ethics needs a motivational turn, referenced to the best scientific information about motivation. I address the pivotal questions What actually motivates people to conserve nature? and What ought to motivate people to conserve nature? by proposing a framework for understanding motivations and developing motivationally relevant criteria for environmental ethics. The need for an adequate philosophy of psychology for moral philosophy, identified by Elizabeth Anscombe 50 years ago, remains. Only from a psychologically informed motivational framework for morality can ethicists understand and address the widespread rhetoric behaviors gap plaguing conservation.
A theoretical study of the spectroscopy of SrH2O+ and SrNH+3

The structure, binding energies, and vibrational frequencies are determined for the excited states of SrH2O+ and SrNH+3 to supplement our previous results for the ground state and vertical excitation energies.
The effect of temporal adverbials on past tense production by children with specific language impairment.

Purpose Children with specific language impairment (SLI) often fail to produce past tense forms in obligatory contexts, although the factors affecting such inconsistency are not well understood. This study examined the influence of accompanying temporal adverbials (e.g., just, already) on the past tense production of these children. Method Fifteen preschool-aged children with SLI, 15 typically developing children matched for age (TD–A) and 15 younger typically developing children matched for mean length of utterance (TD–MLU) participated in the study. The children responded to probes that obligated the use of past tense forms. The verbal context provided by the experimenter for half of the items included a temporal adverbial. Results Overall, the SLI and TD–MLU groups produced past tense less frequently than the children in the TD–A group, and there were no significant differences between the SLI and the TD–MLU groups. However, both the SLI and the TD–MLU participants produced past tense forms less freque...
Genetically-determined interaction between propafenone and low dose quinidine: role of active metabolites in modulating net drug effect.

1. Quinidine is a potent inhibitor of the genetically-determined debrisoquine 4-hydroxylation. Oxidation reactions of several other drugs, including the 5-hydroxylation of the new antiarrhythmic drug propafenone, depend on the isozyme responsible for debrisoquine 4-hydroxylation. 2. The effect of quinidine on the debrisoquine phenotype-dependent 5-hydroxylation and the pharmacological activity of propafenone was studied in seven 'extensive' metabolizers and two 'poor' metabolizers of the drug receiving propafenone for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. 3. In patients with the extensive metabolizer phenotype, quinidine increased mean steady-state plasma propafenone concentrations more than two fold, from 408 +/- 351 (mean +/- s.d.) to 1096 +/- 644 ng ml-1 (P less than 0.001), decreased 5-hydroxypropafenone concentrations from 242 +/- 196 to 125 +/- 97 ng ml-1 (P less than 0.02) and reduced propafenone oral clearance by 58 +/- 23%. 4. Despite these changes in plasma concentrations, electrocardiographic intervals and arrhythmia frequency were unaltered by quinidine coadministration, indicating that 5-hydroxypropafenone contributes to the pharmacologic effects of propafenone therapy in extensive metabolizers. 5. In contrasts, plasma concentrations of propafenone and 5-hydroxypropafenone remained unchanged in the two patients with the poor metabolizer phenotype. 6. Biotransformation of substrates for the debrisoquine pathway can be markedly perturbed by even low doses of quinidine; interindividual variability in drug interactions may have a genetic component.
Adverse effects of sodium restriction with concurrent medication use

Abstract Although dietary sodium restriction is advocated commonly for the treatment of high blood pressure and espoused to be the solution to the high prevalence of hypertension in this country, there are a number of clinical situations in which reduced sodium intake may be more hazardous for the patient than the condition it is being prescribed to treat. Sodium restriction is known to enhance the antihypertensive action of many blood pressure-lowering drugs, and along with thiazide diuretics it can reduce urinary calcium excretion in patients who form hypercalciuric stones. However, adverse consequences of sodium restriction in a variety of conditions are being identified increasingly, particularly in patients with impaired sodium conservation mechanisms. Ischemic and nephrotoxic injuries are more readily induced in states of sodium depletion caused by impaired renal hemodynamics and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Acute renal failure can be precipitated by sodium restriction and concomitant use of any of a number of commonly used medications. The renal tubular reabsorption of drugs such as lithium is enhanced by sodium restriction and can result in toxic blood levels of these drugs. It has been found that activation of the renin-angiotensin system by sodium depletion in experimental models promotes the growth of cysts in cystic renal disease. Therefore, in a given patient the recommendation to reduce sodium intake should include careful consideration of both potential benefits and possible adverse consequences.
Laser modification of ultracold collisions: Experiment.

Julienne recently predicted a dramatic laser-intensity-dependent modification of the associative ionization (AI) rate in ultracold collisions. We observe such a modification, but with a behavior inconsistent with the originally proposed mechanism. Furthermore, we find resonant structure in the spectrum of AI rate versus laser frequency, showing the importance of molecular bound states in the AI process. These observations are explained in a new theoretical treatment by Julienne and Heather (preceding Letter)
A 42 to 47-GHz, 8-bit I/Q digital-to-RF converter with 21-dBm P sat and 16% PAE in 45-nm SOI CMOS

A novel stacked FET digital-to-RF converter is implemented in 45-nm SOI CMOS, which shares DC current through an I/Q digital-to-analog converter (DAC), I/Q mixer, and stacked-FET PA to provide high output power. The proposed architecture transmits at 1.25 Gbps for QPSK at 45GHz. This transmitter exhibits a 21.3-dBm saturated output power, while achieving a peak PAE of 16%. The circuit occupies 0.3 mm2 including pads, while the PAE and Psat remains above 13% and 18 dBm from 42 to 47 GHz.
Cystic fibrosis and congenital agenesis of the vas deferens, antisperm antibodies and CF-genotype

Antisperm antibodies are formed as a result of vasal and epididymal obstruction. Fourteen males of different ages (pre-, peri- and post-pubertal) with bilateral congenital vasal agenesis and epididymal obstruction secondary to cystic fibrosis (CF), and seven men with congenital bilateral aplasia of the vas deferens (CBAVD) were evaluated with regard to both the presence and levels of serum antisperm antibodies, and the CF-genotype. While IgA and IgG were not detected among pre- and peri-pubertal CF patients, 4 out of 10 (40%) exhibited IgM binding to sperm tail-tip. Post-pubertal CF patients showed high antisperm antibody (ASA) levels in 3 of the 4 males (75%) evaluated for the three isotypes assayed. ASA were found in 5 of 7 CBAVD patients (71%); IgG (n = 3) and IgM (n = 4) were found to be the predominant isotypes bound to sperm tail-tip. CF-genotype analysis revealed two pre-pubertal patients with the DeltaF508/DeltaF508 CF-genotype and a positive ASA response, thus suggesting an earlier or more severe blockage. In addition, the two CBAVD patients found to have a ?/? CF-genotype on the initial screening did not have ASA. The altered antigenicity of sperm associated with initiation of spermatogenesis appears to modify the antisperm antibody isotypes. Further studies on a larger number of patients may allow for a better understanding of the ASA response, as well as a better understanding of a possible phenotype/genotype association between the CF-genotype and the immunologic response.
Paper: On the periodic coordination of linear stochastic systems

The decentralized stochastic control of a linear dynamic system consisting of several subsystems is considered. A two-level approach is used by the introduction of a coordinator who collects measurements from the local controllers periodically and in return transmits coordinating parameters. Two types of coordination are considered: open-loop feedback and closed loop. The resulting control laws are found to be intuitively attractive.
A Turn-On Fluorescent Sensor for Detecting Nickel in Living Cells

We present the synthesis and properties of Nickelsensor-1 (NS1), a new water-soluble, turn-on fluorescent sensor that is capable of selectively responding to Ni2+ in aqueous solution and in living cells. NS1 combines a BODIPY chromophore and a mixed N/O/S receptor to provide good selectivity for Ni2+ over a range of biologically abundant metal ions in aqueous solution. In addition to these characteristics, confocal microscopy experiments further show that NS1 can be delivered into living cells and report changes in intracellular Ni2+ levels in a respiratory cell model.
Differential Mechanisms of Induction of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition by Quinones of Varying Chemical Reactivities

A nonspecific increase in permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane is implicated in the mechanism of cell killing by a number of structurally diverse agents possessing vastly different chemical reactivities. The objective of this investigation was to distinguish the mechanisms by which quinones of varying redox cycling and arylating reactivities induce this mitochondrial permeability transition in vitro. All of the naphthoquinones examined caused a dose-dependent release of calcium from hepatic mitochondria. Associated with this was the calcium-dependent depolarization of membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling. For substituted naphthoquinones, 2-methyl-, 2,3-dimethyl-, and 2,3-dimethoxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone, induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition correlated with the rate of mitochondrial redox cycling and was strongly inhibited by cyclosporine A. In contrast, unsubstituted 1,4-naphthoquinone induced the permeability transition at concentrations where redox cycling was minimal. Induction of the permeability transition by 1,4-benzoquinone, which does not redox cycle, required that the mitochondria be preloaded with calcium and was not inhibited by cyclosporine A. With benzoquinone, the initiating event was a calcium-independent depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. In summary, the evidence indicates that redox cycling naphthoquinones induce the mitochondrial permeability transition by altering the regulation of the cyclosporine A-sensitive pore. In contrast, arylating quinones directly depolarize the mitochondrial membrane which, depending on the availability of matrix calcium, may be expressed as a cyclosporine A-insensitive permeability transition. These results reveal distinct mechanisms for inducing the mitochondrial permeability transition in vitro by quinones of varying chemical reactivities, which may be manifested as different mechanisms of cell killing.
Gaining Regulatory Compliance: Law Enforcement and Power in an Interactionist Perspective

When regulatory inspectors deal with uncooperative violators who initially refuse to correct violations, inspectors must exert various kinds of power to persuade or force the violators to comply with regulatory requirements. This article draws upon interview data from a case study of food and dairy inspection in Wisconsin to identify the ways in which inspectors' power to gain compliance is undermined by the formal policies and informal organizational culture of the agency. Because of inadequate training, pressure to spend less time on inspections, and norms discouraging assertiveness, inspectors' power to obtain compliance through persuasion is limited. Inspectors' power and their desire to use formal enforcement mechanisms is also circumscribed. As a result, inspectors may allow violations to continue unabated because they lack the capacity to persuade or force the violator to make the needed corrections.
NAPL characterization via partitioning tracer tests: quantifying effects of partitioning nonlinearities

The inherent nonlinearity in the equilibrium interphase distribution of a partitioning tracer between a NAPL and water affects the manner in which the partitioning tracer moves throughout a region of the subsurface contaminated with the NAPL. A semi-analytic solution is developed to describe this behavior. Analysis of a breakthrough curve of the partitioning tracer in such a system using a linear partitioning based model results in systematic overestimation of the NAPL present in the region swept during the test.
Water aerosol protective device used during tooth preparation for patients with a maxillectomy.

Maxillectomy often leads to oralnasal or excessive oral-pharyngeal communication. The remaining teeth may need further preparation for various reasons, including crown or fixed dental prosthesis restoration. High-volume water is used in conjunction with highspeed tooth preparation to avoid the excessive heat generation that could endanger the health of the pulp. The water aerosol generated by the highspeed handpiece can easily spread to the adjacent area. This could be challenging for patients with oral-nasal or excessive oral-pharyngeal communication, because the water can irritate the sensitive nasal or pharyngeal mucosa.
Children's Exposure to Violence and Distress Symptoms: Influence of Caretakers' Psychological Functioning

Previous studies linking violence exposure to adverse child behavior have typically relied on parental report of child symptoms without accounting for the informant's mental well-being, despite evidence that parental mental health can influence children's mental health and the parent's report of distress symptoms. We assess the influence of maternal depression on the violence exposure and child distress association in a subset of the Maternal Infant Smoking Study of East Boston, a prospective birth cohort. Mothers reported on their children's violence exposure using the Survey of Children's Exposure to Community Violence (ETV) and completed the Checklist of Child Distress Symptoms (CCDS). The children also completed the ETV survey and the self-report version of the CCDS. Linear regression was used to assess the influence of violence exposure on distress symptoms adjusting for potential confounders, first using parent's report of exposure and outcome and a second time using the child's self-report. The mediating effect of maternal depression on the violence and distress association was also tested. Among the 162 children ages 7 to 11, 51% were boys and 43% self-identified as Hispanic. When using child self-report, increased violence exposure was significantly associated with a broader range of distress symptoms (numbness, arousal, intrusion, avoidance subscales) compared to parent reported findings, which were only significantly related to the intrusion and avoidance subscales. Moreover, a significant mediation effect of maternal depression on the violence and distress association was noted only when mother's report of exposure and outcome was used. Considering both parent and child self-report of violence is necessary to obtain a complete picture of violence exposure because parents and children may be offering different, although equally valid information. The influence of maternal depressive symptoms on preadolescent's distress symptoms may be attributed to reporting bias as opposed to more direct effects; thus, the parent's psychological functioning should be taken into consideration when relying on parental report of the child's psychological functioning.
Controlling Spatial Coherence in Multimode Fibers

We demonstrate that the randomized output field of multimode fibers can be focused in the near field or collimated in the far field by wavefront shaping in the input or the output fields
Remote sensing and geological studies of the Hadley‐Apennine region of the Moon

— We have used data from the Clementine and Lunar Prospector spacecraft in conjunction with reflectance spectra collected with Earth-based telescopes to study the geology of the Hadley-Apennine portion of the lunar Imbrium basin. The Apennine Mountains and the Imbrium backslope are composed of Imbrium basin ejecta with a noritic or anorthositic norite composition. We find that the two major facies of Imbrium ejecta, the Apenninus material and the Alpes Formation, differ in iron and titanium content. “Pure” anorthosite has tentatively been identified in the ejecta of the crater Conon, based on low-iron content. A difference in Th and rare earth element (REE) abundance between the northeast Apennine Mountains (lower) and the southwest Apennines (higher) is noted. Pyroclastic deposits are common in the region and are dominated by mare basalt material, probably plug rock ejected in vulcanian eruptions. The Apennine Bench Formation, which is likely to be a deposit of non-mare volcanic material, has an Fe, Ti and Th composition consistent with that of Apollo 15 KREEP basalt samples thought to be fragments of the Bench. Aristillus crater is a Th and REE hot spot, and the stratigraphy of the impact target site has been reconstructed from knowledge of the composition of the crater interior and exterior deposits. We infer that the target consisted of highland basement, KREEP plutonics and volcanics, and both high- and low-Ti mare basalt.
The search for plant precursors of cortisone

The subterranean tubers of Mexican yams have superseded the seed of African Strophanthus vines as the most promising vegetable source of components commercially convertible into cortisone. This arthritis-combatting drug is still manufactured primarily from bile acids of cattle, but intense efforts are being made to find suitable plant sources. In this article four of the U. S. Government scientists engaged in this work describe what is being done in this direction under Federal auspices.
8 YEAR EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME OF THE <801 G BIRTHWEIGHT INFANT: RELATIONSHIP TO ASSESSMENT AT 3 YEARS OF AGE. ▴ 1601

Eighty infants <801 g birthweight (BW) (range 490-800 g) were evaluated at 3 and 8 yrs of age. Results of the 3 yr assessments were reviewed to determine their usefulness in predicting school performance at 8 yrs of age. Neurodevelopmental status of infants at 3 yrs of age were as follows: 27 (30%)“normal” (IQ and motor quotient [PMQ] ≥84), 39 (50%)“suspect” (IQ or PMQ 69-83), and 14 (20%) “abnormal”(IQ or PMQ ≤68, CP, visual, or auditory impairment). Eighty-nine per cent(24/27) of “normals” and 7% (1/14) of “abnormals” were in a regular classroom without educational assistance at 8 yrs of age(p<.0001). Of the 3 yr “suspect” infants, 20% (8/39) were in special education classes, 33% (12/39) were held back one grade or were receiving learning disability assistance, and 46% (18/39) were functioning in an age-appropriate classroom, although only 6 (15%) were not referred for or receiving additional services outside of school. Within the“suspect” category, 75% (8/12) of infants with combined cognitive and motor concerns were in special educational or remedial classes compared to 33% (7/21) with borderline cognition alone. Three infants with motor dysfunction alone were in a regular classroom setting. For infants in each status category, the 8 year IQ was better predicted by the 3 yr IQ adjusted for prematurity rather than the IQ based on chronologic age.
Ectopic ureter in dogs: Epidemiologic features

In a study of 54 dogs with ectopic ureter from a large clinic-hospital population four breeds with high risk for the defect were identified (Siberian Husky, West Highland White Terrier, Fox Terrier, Miniature and Toy Poodle). Some epidemiologic features of this anomaly in dogs were similar to those in man. The breeds with excess risk may serve as models for genetic studies.
Reevaluating Positions for Labor—Lateral vs Supine

Studies have shown that the lateral position is often more advantageous than the supine position. Reviewed here are data on when and why the lateral position is preferred during labor to positively affect the cardiovascular system and the urinary and respiratory tracts and to regulate uterine contractions. Advantages of the supine position are also discussed.