cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a block copolymer as multifunctional fillers on ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability of solid polymer electrolytes.

Solid polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivities, good mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and easy processability were obtained from poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polyethylene (PEO-b-PE)-loaded poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/lithium perchlorate (LiClO4). In this article, we reported that the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties were remarkably increased due to the addition of the PEO-b-PE compared to that of PEO/LiClO4 electrolyte. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical micrograph, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the addition of the copolymer, PEO-b-PE, decreased the defects of the PEO electrolyte films. Good dimensional stability was observed by dynamic rheological techniques up to 100 °C (higher than the melting point of PEO, 65 °C). A bicontinuous phase structure, that is crystalline PE domains within a matrix of PEO/salt, was proposed as the mechanism for such comprehensive enhancements in the ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and dimensional stabil...
Fluxes and excess temperatures of mantle plumes inferred from their interaction with migrating mid-ocean ridges

The behaviour of thermal plumes in the Earth's upper mantle is strongly affected by their interaction with nearby mid-ocean ridges. The magnitude of the buoyant topography and the length of the geochemical anomaly induced by plumes at migrating ridge axes provide a way to estimate their excess temperature and discharge rate, and thereby constrain their depth of origin.
Langmuir−Blodgett Films of Regioregular Poly(3-hexylthiophene) as Field-Effect Transistors

The application of Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) techniques to conjugated polymers offers a unique approach for constructing molecular devices. In this paper, we made thin film field-effect transistors (FET) by LB techniques, based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR−PHT). Langmuir films of RR−PHT were stable at the air−water interface and could be transferred onto hydrophobic substrates by horizontal deposition. The LB films prepared from three different methods were characterized by UV−Vis absorption spectroscopy, polarized visible absorption, X-ray diffraction, reflective absorption IR spectroscopy, and field-effect mobility. The field-effect mobility of these FETs were among the highest of polymeric thin film LB FET devices.
The transformation of forest and marsh in the agricultural landscape of the Lower Delmarva Peninsula

Editor: Paul R. Baumann Department of Geography State University of New York at Oneonta Milne Library 317 Oneonta, NY 13820, USA The natural ecology of the Lower Delmarva Peninsula has been thoroug...
IMPORTANCE OF DIFFERENTIATING COLONAEROGENES GROUP IN EXAMINING WATER.

THERE IS very little likelihood of anyone attempting to contradict the statement that the detection of the colonaerogenes group of bacteria constitutes the most important part of the laboratory examination of water supplies as understood at the present time. But the exact significance of the presence of individual members of the group, and the significance of their relative degrees of abundance are matters on which there is a great deal of dispute, and a considerable lack of definite information. And this state of affairs exists in spite of the enormous volume of work which has been done upon the group, and in spite of the tremendous amount of literature which exists upon the subject. So great is the volume of the literature that very few of the men engaged in work on our water supplies can hope to be even reasonably well versed in all of it. Much of the work in the literature suffers from various forms of incompleteness, but the greatest difficulty with most of it is that the experience of a very limited group of workers is represented in a particular study. In the past, deductions have been made and procedures outlined on the basis of the experience of a single individual studying a single type supply. Attempts to use such studies in other work have led to dissatisfaction and to the feeling that the only way to handle such problems as are met with in the bacteriological study of waters is to attack the matter with the combined strength of
Overexpression of Insulin-Like Growth factor-1 Induces Hyperplasia, Dermal Abnormalities, and Spontaneous Tumor Formation in Transgenic Mice

Transgenic animals were developed to assess the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in skin growth, differentiation and organization, as well as its importance in tumor formation. Expression of a human IGF-1 cDNA was targeted to the interfollicular epidermis of transgenic mice using a human keratin 1 promoter construct (HK1). Transgenic animals (HK1.IGF-1 mice) could be identified at birth by early ear unfolding and excessive ear and skin growth compared to non-transgenic littermates. Further examination of the skin from these mice showed epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis, marked thickening of the dermis and hypodermis, and early hair follicle generation in newborns. The severity of this phenotype correlated with transgene expression both of which subsided with age. Adult HK1.IGF-1 mice developed spontaneous tumors following treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) alone and exhibited an exaggerated epidermal proliferative response following treatment with the tumor promoter compared to non transgenic littermates. Additionally, HK1.IGF-1 transgenic mice developed papillomas faster and in markedly greater numbers compared to non-transgenic littermates in standard initiation-promotion experiments. The data presented suggest an important role for IGF-1 in the process of multistage carcinogenesis in mouse skin.
Obturator and genitofemoral nerve blocks

The obturator and genitofemoral nerves supply sensory and motor innervation to the relatively large area of the inguinal region, thigh, hip, and knee joints. These nerves are situate in relatively easily accessible anatomic positions. Their wide innervation and easy accessibility make blocks of obturator and genitofemoral nerves useful in many clinical situations. Nevertheless, blocks of these nerves have received little attention in the recent literature. This review focuses on the relevant anatomic landmarks and techniques for their successful blockade, as well as on clinical applications.
A novel photoinimer for the polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates

A new class of multifunctional photoinitiating system based on 3-(acryloyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (AHM), N,N,N′-trimethylethylenediamine (TMED) and 3-benzoylbenzoyl chloride present in the same molecule has been synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. This self-contained photoinitiator-monomer (photoinimer) was used to efficiently initiate polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates. Both rate of polymerization and percentage conversion increased with increase in initiator concentration. An increment in rate of polymerization observed when the benzophenone moiety was directly attached to the parent molecule (obtained from the Michael addition reaction between AHM and TMED) appears to be due to proximity effect: chemical bonding provides a high local concentration of both components of the photo-activated system involving benzophenone and a hydrogen atom source from an electron-rich tertiary amine. For the three initiating systems investigated, lowering the initiator concentration plays an important role; i.e., the polymerization rate for the chemically linked system was about two times faster than the mixed initiating system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5661–5670, 2005
Reflex ovulation in light-induced persistent estrus (LLPE) rats: Role of sensory stimuli and the adrenals

Abstract Penile intromissions have been thought to be the primary stimulus for reflex ovulation in light-induced persistent estrus (LLPE) rats, even though other stimuli also trigger reflex ovulation. To clarify the nature of these noncoital stimuli, intact (nonadrenalectomized) LLPE rats were briefly exposed to a variety of environmental stimuli, other than intromissions, and checked for ova 19–22 hr later. Summary of results (number of rats ovulating/number of rats tested): (A1) home cage ( 3 10 ); (B1) home cage + vaginal taping ( 2 9 ); (C1) home cage + male-soiled bedding ( 15 28 ); (D1) novel cage ( 2 11 ); (E1) novel cage + vaginal taping ( 2 11 ); (F1) novel cage + vaginal taping + male-soiled bedding ( 9 19 ); (G1) novel cage + vaginal taping + male-soiled bedding + male mounts without intromissions ( 14 26 ). The percentage of LLPE rats that ovulated in the last-mentioned test condition was related to the degree of proceptivity/receptivity of the LLPE females. Eight of eight proceptive LLPE females ovulated, but only 6 18 nonproceptive females ovulated. To account for reflex ovulation in the absence of intromission it has been suggested that adrenal progesterone (P) stimulates release of an ovulatory quota of luteinizing hormone. This study demonstrates no significant differences in percentage of LLPE females ovulating in corresponding groups of adrenalectomized (ADX) and adrenal-intact females. Summary of results: A2 = 0 6 , B2 = 5 15 , C2 = 4 16 , D2 = 2 14 , E2 = 5 13 , F2 = 7 19 , G2 = 10 21 . Conclusion: (a) Exposure to a factor in male-soiled bedding induces reflex ovulation in a significant proportion of adrenal-intact LLPE animals while exposure to a novel cage and/or vaginal taping does not, (b) penile intromissions are not the primary stimulus for reflex ovulation in intact proceptive LLPE rats, and (c) adrenal P is not required for reflex ovulation after tests with noncoital stimuli.
Stigma and Salvation: Advertising HIV Awareness in New York City: A Case Study

Popular culture representations and negotiations of HIV/AIDS have fluctuated over the last several decades, and awareness of the illness and its causes has grown due to better education and extensive cultural dialogue. The following examines two contemporary HIV/AIDS public health campaigns in the New York City area. Although there have been limited improvements in the portrayals of HIV-positive individuals, advertising focused on HIV awareness still does not directly address prevention. These two campaigns encourage two distinct messages; one that reinforces the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and one that promises salvation.
Site Occupancy Wave and Unprecedented Infinite Zigzag (Te2−2)nChains in the Flat Te Nets of the New Ternary Rare Earth Telluride FamilyALn3Te8

Abstract The three isostructural compounds CsCe 3 Te 8 , RbCe 3 Te 8 , and KNd 3 Te 8 were synthesized from the reaction of elemental copper and lanthanides in a molten alkali metal/polytelluride flux. They crystallize in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / a (No. 14) with a =9.057(2) A, b =12.996(3) A, c =14.840(3) A, β =98.74(2)°, V =1726.4(7) A 3 , and Z =4 for CsCe 3 Te 8 ; a =9.051(2) A, b =12.996(3) A, c =14.376(3) A, β =98.87(2)°, V =1670.8(7) A 3 , and Z =4 for RbCe 3 Te 8 ; and a =8.956(1) A, b =12.836(2) A, c =13.856(3) A, β =99.42(1)°, V =1571.3(3) A 3 , and Z =4 for KNd 3 Te 8 . The structure of all three compounds can be described as a defect NdTe 3 type, consisting of an anionic Ln 3 Te − 8 layer that is charge balanced with A + cations. The anionic layer contains a square Te lattice net with an unprecedented ordered defect pattern site occupancy wave. Variable-temperature electrical conductivity and thermopower measurements are reported.
Martin J. Klein: From Physicist to Historian

To his friends, colleagues, and students, Martin Klein was a gentle and modest man of extraordinary integrity whose stellar accomplishments garnered him many honors. I sketch his life and career, in which he transformed himself from a theoretical physicist at Columbia University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Case Institute of Technology into a historian of physics while on leave at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Study and the University of Leiden and then pursued this field full time at Yale University.
CNS antigen presentation

Presentation of antigens for the CNS follows the same general rules as for other tissues. However, the presence of special CNS cells with immune functions plus the blood-brain barrier (BBB) suggests that differences in the way that the immune system functions in the CNS might help to explain why some autoimmune diseases are unique to the CNS. Irrespective of whether CNS antigen presentation takes place inside or outside the CNS (or both), the BBB clearly plays a major role in CNS immune function. The BBB governs the quantity and type of lymphocytes that enter the CNS by way of specific adhesion-molecule binding between lymphocytes and endothelium and possibly by selecting for antigen-specific lymphocytes in antigen-recognition events.
Resection of Liver Metastases When Is It Worthwhile

Most of what has been learned about resection of hepatic metastases comes from the study of colorectal cancer because such lesions are so common. One-fourth or more of patients who have liver metastases from such lesions have hepatic tumors that can be removed, but only about 25% of these patients will live 5 years or more after such tumors have been removed. When resection so often fails to improve survival, there is a need to know when metastatic lesions should be removed. Study of determinants of prognosis, patterns of failure, and the natural history of the disease have shown that surgical failure is determined by the presence of extrahepatic metastases (even when removed) and limited resective margins. The patient's gender and the locoregional stage of the primary resected lesions influence survival, but not so much as to withhold resective treatment from these less favored groups. Studies of size, site, and number of hepatic metastases removed show therapeutic limitations associated with extremes, but these determinants of prognosis after resection must be studied in better ways. Although, at times, palliation is a reasonable goal, this aspect of resective treatment has not been studied well. When there are no good therapeutic alternatives to resection of hepatic metastases and when risk is low, such palliative operations may be justified. Only with further study will absolute contraindications to surgical therapy be well defined. There is an obvious need for biologic control of cancer.
In Situ Monitoring and Model Simulation of BaTiO3 Pulsed Laser Thin Film Deposition

We present the first report of the synthesis of Cd2SnO4 films by pulsed laser deposition. Controlling the substrate temperature and the ambient atmosphere allowed for the synthesis of films ranging from amorphous to crystalline with some crystalline films exhibiting strong texture. Highly transparent films with large mobilities were obtained for both the amorphous and crystalline films. Sheet resistances of 15.5 Ω/square and mobilities of up to 44.7 cm2/V.s were observed. Typical carrier concentrations showed the crystalline films to be degenerate with carrier concentrations of 5 х 1020cm-3 while amorphous films had carrier concentrations lower by about half. Band gaps for the films ranged between 3.1-3.8 eV. these films are attractive candidates for TCO applications in thin film photovoltaic devices, flat panel displays, electrochromic windows, and as plasma filters for thermophotovoltaic devices.
Serum Vitamin E Levels with Beta‐Thalassaemia Major: Preliminary Report

Summary. Serum vitamin E levels were found to be below normal (<0.5 mg/100 ml) in 46% of 56 children with β-thalassaemia major receiving inadequate treatment with blood transfusions. The difference between the mean vitamin E levels in the children with β-thalassaemia as compared to that of normal children was highly significant (P <0.001). The hydrogen peroxide lysis test was highly abnormal in all 21 children with β-thalassaemia major in whom it was carried out; only 11 of them had vitamin E serum levels below normal (<0.5 mg/100 ml). Parenteral administration of 200 mg α-tocopherol in six of the 21 children resulted in a normal hydrogen peroxide lysis test. It is noteworthy that two of the six children had normal vitamin E levels.
Formulation and characterization of echogenic lipid-Pluronic nanobubbles.

The advent of microbubble contrast agents has enhanced the capabilities of ultrasound as a medical imaging modality and stimulated innovative strategies for ultrasound-mediated drug and gene delivery. While the utilization of microbubbles as carrier vehicles has shown encouraging results in cancer therapy, their applicability has been limited by a large size which typically confines them to the vasculature. To enhance their multifunctional contrast and delivery capacity, it is critical to reduce bubble size to the nanometer range without reducing echogenicity. In this work, we present a novel strategy for formulation of nanosized, echogenic lipid bubbles by incorporating the surfactant Pluronic, a triblock copolymer of ethylene oxide copropylene oxide coethylene oxide into the formulation. Five Pluronics (L31, L61, L81, L64 and P85) with a range of molecular weights (Mw: 1100 to 4600 Da) were incorporated into the lipid shell either before or after lipid film hydration and before addition of perfluorocarb...
Hydrogenlike orbitals of bound states referred to another coordinate

A hydrogenlike wave function is expanded in terms of a series of hydrogenlike wave functions referred to an arbitrary center in space. The expansion coefficient is given as a function of the distance between two centers. The coefficient for the radial part contains an integral of a spherical Bessel function with two Gegenbauer polynomials of different arguments. This integral is evaluated analytically to be a primitive polynomial multiplied by an exponential function of the distance. The coefficient for the angular part is represented in terms of the spherical harmonics.
Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer: Current Therapy and Continued Progress

In the last decade, continued efforts in pancreas cancer research have led to the development of new, more effective therapies. Additionally, progress in understanding the molecular processes underlying the development and progression of this disease provides hope for the development of more effective treatment strategies. Recent clinical trials have provided reason for hope that novel chemotherapy combinations and molecularly targeted agents will lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients with this disease. This article will summarize the data that has led to the current standards of therapy for patients with resectable and advanced pancreatic cancer and review new treatment strategies for this disease.
First Occurrence of a Rust Fungus on English Daisy (Bellis perennis) in North America

English daisy (Bellis perennis, family Asteraceae) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It is widely used as an ornamental in North America but is also a weed in lawns in the western and eastern United States. In December 2000, plants growing in urban landscapes in Monterey County, CA, were infected with rust. Orange aecia containing aeciospores that measured 14 to 18 × 12.5 to 15 μm developed profusely on leaves. Severely diseased leaves wilted and collapsed. Other spore states (pycnia, uredosori, and telia) were not observed. Based on the size and ornamentation of the aeciospores, reduced white peridium, apperance of the peridial cells, and arrangement of sori, we identified the pathogen as Puccinia lagenophorae Cooke (1,3), a rust fungus native to Australia and New Zealand that since 1960 has been introduced to other continents (2). On English daisy, the disease has been reported only in Australia and Europe (1). The pathogen also occurs on numerous other plants of the subfamily Asteroideae (family Asteraceae) (2). The occurrence of P. lagenophorae on English daisy follows the recent, first-time detection of the same pathogen on common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) in California (3). To test cross infectivity, a spore suspension of a rust isolate from common groundsel was prepared and applied to various ornamental plants known to be hosts of P. lagenophorae. Inoculated plants were kept in a humidity chamber for 48 h, then maintained in a greenhouse. After 9 to 14 days, aecia developed on English daisy, cineraria (S. cruentus), and common groundsel but did not develop on dusty miller (S. cineraria) or pot marigold (Calendula officinalis). In addition, a single telium, surrounded by aecia, was observed on one of the infected English daisy plants. The telium contained two-celled teliospores that measured 31 to 36.5 × 16 to 19 (-22) μm and one-celled mesospores that measured 22 to 34 × 13.5 to 16 μm. At point of attachment, the widths of the stalks measured 7 to 8.5 (-9.5) μm. Some of the spores had surface ridges. The morphological features of the telio- and mesospores agree with those described for P. lagenophorae. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first record of a rust fungus on English daisy in North America. The inoculation experiments indicated that the rusts on English daisy and common groundsel are not biologically separated, casting doubt on the taxonomic concept of Weber et al. (4) that considered the rust on English daisy to be a distinct species, P. distincta McAlpine (although they did not examine type material of either P. lagenophorae or P. distincta). References: (1) M. Scholler. Sydowia 49:174, 1997. (2) M. Scholler. J. Plant Dis. Prot. 105:239, 1998. (3) M. Scholler and S. T. Koike. Plant Dis. 85:335, 2001. (4) R. W. S. Weber et al. Mycol. Res. 102:1227, 1998.
In reply [7]

In Reply .— We thank Dr Merritt and his colleagues for their original publications about a case of childhood lead poisoning associated with the ingestion of a lead-contaminated toy necklace1,2 and Dr Merritt for the letter above. He disagrees with our assessment that this child had chronic lead exposure rather than simply 1 “acute” exposure from the swallowed medallion and offer the fact that a thorough environmental investigation failed to uncover a source of lead exposure as evidence that this child's problem was caused exclusively by this ingestion. They also point in their letter to their ongoing neurocognitive surveillance of this youngster rather than offer input on our suggestion that this …
A High Strength Nickel-Base Alloy With Improved Oxidation Resistance up to 2200 deg F

Modifying the chemistry of the NASA TAZ-8 alloy and utilizing vacuum melting techniques provides a high strength, workable nickel base superalloy with improved oxidation resistance for use up to 2200 degrees F.
Persistency of excitation in possible unstable continuous-time systems, identification, and indirect adaptive control

The author proves persistency of excitation of the output of an output-reachable, possibly unstable linear system under certain input conditions, and applies this result to adaptive identification and indirect adaptive control. In adaptive identification, he proves exponential parameter convergence regardless of stability of the identified plant. In indirect adaptive control he proves exponential parameter convergence along with asymptotic time invariance and global experimental stability of the controlled closed-loop system. >
Scale-dependency of LiDAR derived terrain attributes in quantitative soil-landscape modeling: Effects of grid resolution vs. neighborhood extent

Abstract Quantifying the spatial distribution of soil properties is essential for ecological and environmental modeling at the landscape scale. Terrain attributes are among the primary covariates in soil-landscape models due to their control on energy and mass fluxes, which in turn control the spatial distribution of soil properties and processes. While numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of terrain attributes for predicting landscape-scale soil variability, considerable uncertainty exists as to the scale-dependency of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derived terrain attributes on the accuracy of soil-landscape model predictions. Thirty five pedons were sampled by genetic horizon in a 2300 ha forested watershed and three soil properties (clay, sum of bases, and total carbon), representing dominant pedogenic processes within the watershed were analyzed. Soil properties were used as dependent variables and terrain attributes, calculated from LiDAR derived DEMs of various grid resolutions (ranging from 5 to 50 m) and neighborhood extents (ranging from 15 to 350 m), were used as predictor variables in ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression models. Results from this study show that model predictions exhibit a strong scale-dependency, with percent clay, sum of bases, and total carbon having the highest R2-adj and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) at coarse neighborhood extents (i.e., 150 to 300 m) both between soil variables and across soil depths. Furthermore, in certain instances grid resolution was also shown to affect soil–terrain correlations, although to a lesser degree than neighborhood extent. In many cases fine to moderate scale grid resolutions (i.e.,
Trends and racial/ethnic disparities in gluten-sensitive problems in the United States: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1988 to 2012.

Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Gluten-Sensitive Problems in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys From 1988 to 2012
Viscosity of water measured to pressures of 6 GPa and temperatures of 300 ° C

Shear viscosities of fluid water have been measured to 300 degrees C and 6 GPa (60 kbar). Measurements were made in a diamond-anvil cell with a rolling-ball technique. Enskog's equation for viscosity, coupled with an ad hoc assumption that increased collision rates are due to an "excluded volume", yield excellent matches to the data at temperatures of 100 degrees C and over, without any freely variable parameter. The data overlap the pressure-temperature range in which experiments on shocked water have previously been interpreted to indicate extremely high viscosities. It is shown conclusively that viscosities in this region are very close to those at ambient temperature. Further, it is argued that explanations of high apparent viscosities which rely on the putative formation of ice behind the shock front are probably incorrect.
Inhibition of Lactate Production in Rat Brain Extracts and Synaptosomes by 3-[4-(Reduced 3-Pyridine Aldehyde-Adenine Dinucleotide)]-Pyruvate

In basic solutions, pyruvate enolizes and reacts (through its 3-carbon) with the 4-carbon of the nicotinamide ring of NAD+, yielding an NAD-pyruvate adduct in which the nicotinamide ring is in the reduced form. This adduct is a strong inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase, presumably because it binds simultaneously to the NADH and pyruvate sites. The potency of the inhibition, however, is muted by the adduct's tendency to cyclize to a lactam. We prepared solutions of the pyruvate adduct of NAD+ and of NAD+ analogues in which the -C(O)NH2 of NAD+ was replaced with -C(S)NH2, -C(O)CH3, and -C(O)H. Of the four, only the last analogue, 3-[4-(reduced 3-pyridine aldehyde-adenine dinucleotide)]-pyruvate (RAP) cannot cyclize and it was found to be the most potent inhibitor of beef heart and rat brain lactate dehydrogenases. The inhibitor binds very tightly to the NADH site (Ki approximately 1 nM for the A form). Even at high concentrations (20 microM), RAP had little or no effect on rat brain glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, isocitrate, soluble and mitochondrial malate, and glutamate dehydrogenases. The glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, were similarly unaffected. RAP strongly inhibited lactate production from glucose in rat brain extracts but was less effective in inhibiting lactate production from glucose in synaptosomes.
Superficial basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Background Superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are often considered a non-aggressive form of skin cancer, most often found on the trunk in younger patients. Objective To determine the characteristics of superficial BCC of the head and neck. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of a purely superficial BCC on the head and neck region was performed. Results Superficial BCC occurred more commonly in women (66.5%) than men (33.5%), most often on chronically sun-exposed skin such as the central face and nose. Women developed superficial BCC at a younger age than men (58 vs 63 years old, p = 0.02). The clinical sizes of the tumors were significantly smaller than the final Mohs defects for all locations on the head and neck, excluding ears and scalp. Recurrence rates after MMS were 3.6% despite negative histologic margins at the time of surgery. Conclusion Superficial BCC are a unique subtype of BCC that tend to occur in younger patients, particularly women. Mohs surgeons need to be familiar with these tumors on the head and neck given their propensity for skip-lesions, higher recurrence rates, and significantly larger defect sizes than would be expected clinically.
Current understanding of signal amplification in phototransduction

The studies of visual signal transduction, or phototransduction, have played a pivotal role in elucidating the most general principles of G protein signaling, particularly in regards to the concept of signal amplification, i.e., the process by which activation of a relatively small number of G protein coupled receptors is transformed into a robust downstream signaling event. In this essay, we summarize our current quantitative understanding of this process in living rods of lower and higher vertebrate animals. An integration of biochemical experiments in vitro with electrophysiological recordings from intact rod photoreceptors indicates that the total number of G protein molecules activated in the course of a light response to a single photon is ~16 in the mouse and ~60 in the frog. This further translates into hydrolysis of ~2000 and ~72 000 molecules of cGMP downstream of G protein, respectively, which represents the total degree of biochemical amplification in the phototransduction cascade.
The relationship of calfhood morbidity with survival after calving in 25 New York Holstein herds

The association of owner-diagnosed calfhood diseases with the length of herd life after calving was evaluated using data collected prospectively over a ten-year period in 25 New York Holstein dairy herds. Herds selected for the study were milking between 35 and 200 Holstein cows, used dairy herd improvement records, bred cows by artificial insemination unless they needed three or more services, and had regularly-scheduled herd health visits by clinicians from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Owners recorded occurrences of dullness, respiratory disease, and scours from birth through 90 days of age for all heifer calves that lived at least 24 h and were to be kept as replacements. Milking herd life was measured as the difference between the age at first calving and the age at death or sale. Data on cows sold when the herd went out of business or still in the herd at the end of the study were censored observations. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for statistical analysis of the data. Controlling for age at first calving, study month of birth, and sire predicted difference for milk, there was no statistically significant association of calfhood morbidity with length of herd life. The estimated hazard rate ratios for leaving the milking herd and 95% confidence intervals for dullness, respiratory disease, and scours within 90 days of birth were 1.3 (0.9, 1.9), 0.9 (0.6, 1.3), and 1.0 (0.8, 1.3), respectively. Dullness was the only disease category with an estimated hazard rate ratio greater than 1, and although it was not statistically significant, may warrant evaluation in future studies of long term effects of calfhood morbidity.
New approaches to treatment of various cancers based on cytotoxic analogs of LHRH, somatostatin and bombesin

The development of targeted cytotoxic analogs of hypothalamic peptides for the therapy of various cancers is reviewed and various oncological studies on experimental tumors are summarized. Novel therapeutic modalities for breast, prostate and ovarian cancer consist of the use of targeted cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH containing doxorubicin (DOX) or 2-pyrrolino-DOX. The same radicals have been incorporated into cytotoxic analogs of somatostatin which can be also targeted to receptors for this peptide in prostatic, mammary, ovarian, renal and lung cancers, brain tumors and their metastases. A targeted cytotoxic analog of bombesin containing 2-pyrrolino-DOX has also been synthesized and successfully tried in experimental models of prostate cancer, small cell lung carcinoma and brain tumors. The development of these new classes of peptide analogs should lead to a more effective treatment for various cancers.
Muon-induced visual sensations.

The visual phenomena induced by the passage of a pulse of extremely relativistic muons through the vitreous humor have been studied at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The visual phenomena include flashes that range from small crescents of light in the peripheral field of view to large clouds of light that fill the entire field of view as well as bright flashes with dark centers. Three subjects have been exposed to date. Arguments are given to show that the physical mechanism behind these flashes is Cerenkov radiation. Standard psychophysical techniques are used to determine the threshold for muon-induced visual sensations for one subject. Comparison is made with his pion threshold measured under the same condition.
How the Mechanics of Single Molecules Determine Cell Adhesive Behavior

Many blood cells and pathogens bind to other cells or tissues in the presence of flowing fluid. These diverse cells have evolved mechanisms to withstand and even utilize the associated drag forces to strengthen adhesion, so that many of them display a shear enhanced adhesion in which they detach at low shear but roll along the tissue surface or even stick firmly at higher shear. In this talk we use Escherichia coli as a model system to determine the role of various molecules in this counterintuitive behavior. We use force spectroscopy to characterize the mechanical properties of simple molecular complexes, including the adhesive molecules of E. coli, which form catch bonds that are longer lived under increased tensile force, and the tethers anchoring these bonds, which elongate long distances at a constant force. We then incorporate these behaviors into simulations to understand the how each property contributes to the adhesive behavior of cells or artificial adhesives. Other pathogens and blood cells display a remarkable convergent evolution, because their adhesive bonds and tethers catch and elongate with similar mechanical properties as those of E. coli, although they have no genetic or structural similarities. This suggests that the principles established from studying this model system can be extended to a large number of cells adhering in flow.
Gastrointestinal injury secondary to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: a review of the literature since its inception.

Since its inception into the United States in 1984 the popularity of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has grown tremendously, with over 200,000 procedures performed annually. Multiple studies have proclaimed its safety and efficacy as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of ureteral and renal lithiasis. Although gastrointestinal damage has been reported as a rare potential complication of ESWL the actual incidence is unknown. One of two studies specifically recording the incidence of GI damage by preand post-ESWL endoscopy reported gastric and duodenal erosions in 80% of the patients. There are now nine reported cases of patients with free perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and two additional cases of a ureterocolic fistula and a gastrojejunal dehiscence secondary to ESWL. The goal of treatments considered to be successful has led to higher-intensity shock waves and an increase in the number of shocks administered. The clinical significance of gastrointestinal tract injury after ESWL has become apparent as the upper limits of FDA recommendations for the number of shocks delivered and the amount of energy used are approached and even exceeded.
Vacuum singularities in a dual multiperipheral model

We set up an explicit dual multiperipheral model, which is similar to the models of Huan Lee, Veneziano, and Chan and Paton, but explicitly takes into account the deferred thresholds arising from the production of resonance clusters. We assume that there are two such clusters, one with (mass)/sup 2/ approx. = 0.5 GeV/sup 2/ (rho,..omega..,epsilon, . . . ) and the other with (mass)/sup 2/ approx. = 1.5 GeV/sup 2/ (f,B,D,A/sub 2/, . . . ). At lower energies only the first plays any role, and we find that the total vacuum-state cross section sigma proportional s/sup ..cap alpha../P-italic-circumflex /sup -/ /sup 1/ on the average, where ..cap alpha../sub P/ approx. = 0.85. For s approximately-greater-than 50 GeV/sup 2/, on the other hand, the second cluster also comes in, and sigma flattens out. This behavior has all the features of the experimental data and is thus a completely satisfactory alternative to the conventional description in terms of the P and f. In addition, all of the parameters describing our vacuum singularities can be calculated a priori in our model, and are in reasonably good agreement with the data. (AIP)
MH-associated diseases: who really needs a non-triggering technique?

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic clinical syndrome that occurs in patients with preexisting abnormal skeletal muscle. It manifests clinically as a hypermetabolic crisis when a MH-susceptible individual is exposed to an inhalational anesthetic or a depolarizing muscle relaxant (ie, succinylcholine).
From in vitro EC₅₀ to in vivo dose-response for antiretrovirals using an HIV disease model. Part I: a framework.

Plasma drug concentrations and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) data from short-term monotherapy trials in antiretroviral (ARV) naive/experienced HIV-infected patients for one drug (i.e., lead case, a representative drug for a given class) from four distinct classes of ARV drugs [non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs); nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs); co-receptor antagonists (CRAs); and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)] were obtained. For each drug (the lead case; for example, etravirine for NNRTIs), the pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) disease model was used to estimate the in vivo IC50 value based on the relationship between plasma drug concentrations and HIV-1 RNA decline. The disease model was a mechanistic viral dynamic model with the addition of a transduction delay for HIV-1 RNA decay. The model characterized the observed time-course of plasma drug concentrations and HIV-1 RNA in each lead case trial reasonably well. The estimated viral dynamic parameters were in good agreement with the literature values. The scaling factor (SF) was calculated as a ratio using the estimated in vivo IC50 value and protein binding corrected EC50 value for the lead case. For NNRTIs, the calculated SF was found to be 9.47 based on etravirine analysis. Using the same approach, the SF for CRAs (maraviroc), INSTIs (GSK1349572), and NtRTIs (tenofovir) were 4.35, 1.63, and 0.27. The SF is reflective of the uncertainty between in vitro measurement of drug potency and the specific model-based drug potency parameter (IC50). The use of SF and PK–PD disease models can be a valuable tool to predict dose–response of NMEs and support rational dose selection for monotherapy trials.
Role of Mechanical Ventilation During Ischemia on the Development of Reperfusion Injury of the Lung |[dagger]| 1746

Reperfusion injury is an important factor in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Similar etiology has also been implicated in the development of lung injury seen in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We used an isolated perfused rat lung model to study the effect of continuous mechanical ventilation during ischemia on the development of reperfusion injury. Sixteen Sprague-Dawely rats (wt 300-350 grams) were divided four groups, one control and three experimental groups. Lung preparations underwent 15 minutes of equilibration followed by 75 minutes of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion (perfused with modified Krebs-Henseliet solution). Reperfusion injury was quantified by continuously monitoring the change in wet weight of the lung and by measuring the permeability to 125I labeled albumin at the end of reperfusion. Control lung preparations were continuously ventilated (20% O2) and perfused for 105 minutes. The experimental groups were ventilated with 20% O2 prior to ischemia and during reperfusion. These groups differed only in the ventilatory gas mixture used during ischemia. Group I, ventilated with 20%O2; Group II, ventilated with 100% N2; Group III, remained collapsed and unventilated. Results: Values are expressed as mean±SE, * denotes statistical significance (p<0.01). Lung preperations in Groups I and II remained isogravimeric and the albumin PS product was similar to control. Lung preparations in Group III (collapsed and unventilated) demonstrated injury as evidenced by a 1.5 fold increase in wet weight and 3 fold increase in albumin PS product. Conclusions: 1) Reperfusion injury causes an increase in vascular permeability, resulting in an increase in the wet weight of the lung. 2) Reperfusion injury occurs only when the lung is both ischemic and unventilated. 3) Continuous mechanical ventilation (irrespective of the gas mixture used) during ischemia protects against reperfusion injury. We speculate that this protection is as a result of maintaining alveolar stability during ischemia. Table
Religious Studies Collections and Information Literacy: A Snapshot of a University Library

Academic library collections are maintained to support programs and research at their home institutions. Information literacy, the formal instruction in the use of library resources, has become one of the essential programs in higher education. There is little research that shows how collection development, information literacy, and religious studies programs can be coordinated to produce successful partnerships. The authors, coordinators of Information Literacy and Collection Development, examined the religion collection, including purchase, usage, and circulation statistics. Information literacy courses in relation to the religious studies program were also investigated. After analyzing this data, the authors identified challenges, as they exist at their home institution, which includes a deficiency in both the religion collection and information literacy classes taught for the religious studies program. The authors conclude that much work is needed to advance successful collaborations between libraries...
Synthesis, structures, and electrochemistry of gold(III) ethylenediamine complexes and interactions with guanosine 5'-monophosphate

[Au(en)Cl2]Cl·2H2O, where en = ethylenediamine (1,2-diaminoethane), has been synthesized, and its structure has been solved for the first time by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The complex has square-planar geometry about AuIII, and the anionic Cl- is located in the apical position and at a distance of 3.3033(10) A compared to 2.2811(9) and 2.2836(11) A for the coordinated Cl-. [Au(en)Cl2]Cl·2H2O belongs to the space group Pbca with a = 11.5610(15) A, b = 12.6399(17) A, c = 13.2156(17) A, α = β = γ = 90°, and Z = 8. Bond lengths of Au−N are 2.03 A. [Au(en)Cl2]Cl·2H2O is less thermally stable than [Au(en)2]Cl3 because of the replacement of two Cl ligands by a second en ligand in the latter. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the formal potential of AuIII/Au0 becomes more negative in the series [AuCl4]-, [Au(en)Cl2]+, and [Au(en)2]3+. 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR reveal that in an aqueous solution [Au(en)Cl2]+ bonds to guanosine 5‘-monophosphate, 5‘-GMP (1:1 mole ratio), via N(7), although the stability is...
PLASMA DOPAMINE-BETA-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY IN PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DsH) activity, a marker of catecholamine secretion that occurs via exocytosis, was determined preoperatively in eight patients with phaeochromocytoma. Despite very elevated urinary catecholamine concentrations, mean plasma DsH activity was 32.6±3 u/1 and was not significantly different from apparently healthy subjects. Seven days after surgery, one subject exhibited a 60% postoperative decrease of enzyme activity. These results suggest that diffusion across plasma membranes is the predominant mechanism of catecholamine release from phaeochromocytomas. The postoperative change in one patient suggests tumour heterogeneity and that exocytosis may contribute to the process of catecholamine release in some patients.
Effects of fire on bark beetle presence on Jeffrey pine in the Lake Tahoe Basin

An investigation into the effects of low intensity, late-season prescription fire on Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) and associated short-term presence of various bark beetles of the family Scolytidae was completed on forests along the north edge of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. A total of 38 permanent 0.040-ha plots were located among five different prescription burn sites treated during October 1997. An additional twenty-seven 0.040 ha plots were located in adjacent unburned forest stands. All trees within-study plots were visited thrice between June and October of 1998. Results showed a highly significant correlation between burning and bark beetle presence. Over 24% of trees in prescription burn plots were attacked by one or more species of bark beetle. Less than 1% of all non-burned trees were similarly attacked. Highly significant multiple logistic regression models were developed for each of the two occurring species of Dendroctonus and a composite model for all observed species of Ips. The indirect burn severity measurements of crown scorch, duff consumption, and bole scorch were highly significant; other tested variables were species specific or not significant.
Intraplant instability in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis leyss)

Intraplant variation in smooth bromegrass was examined by determining pollen stainability and size in 6 moderately self-compatible S-2, and 12 self-incompatible OP-3 plants. Statistically significant differences in pollen stainability occurred between panicles within plants, between plants, and between plants x within plant interactions. Pollen diameter distributions for OP-3 plants tended to be trimodal, and bimodal distributions occurred in S-2 plants. In trimodal distributions, peaks occurred at known diploid and tetraploid chromosome levels, and it is presumed that the peak between these represented the triploid gametic number.
First-principles molecular dynamics modeling of the molten fluoride salt with Cr solute

Abstract Fluoride salts and their interactions with metals are of wide interest for the nuclear community. In this work, first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) was employed to study both pure molten fluoride salt and fluoride salt with dissolved solute Cr ions (a common corrosion product) at high temperature (823–1423 K). Two types of molten fluoride salts, namely flibe (LiF–BeF 2 ) and flinak (LiF–NaF–KF), with the Cr 0 , Cr 2+ and Cr 3+ ions were chosen as a target system for the FPMD modeling. The prediction of thermo-kinetic properties of pure fluoride salt, such as the equilibrium volume, density, bulk modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, and self-diffusion coefficient, provide useful extensions of existing data and verify the accuracy of the FPMD simulation in modeling of fluoride salts. The FPMD modeling of solute Cr in fluoride salt shows the effect of Cr valence on diffusivity and local structure in the salt.