cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A long-lived tyrosyl radical from the reaction between horse metmyoglobin and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract The reaction between metmyoglobin (metMb) and hydrogen peroxide has been known since the 1950s to produce globin-centered free radicals. The direct electron spin resonance spectrum of a solution of horse metMb and hydrogen peroxide at room temperature consists of a multilined signal that decays in minutes at room temperature. Comparison of the direct ESR spectra obtained from the system under N2- and O2-saturated conditions demonstrates the presence of a peroxyl radical, identified by its g-value of 2.014. Computer simulations of the spectra recorded 3 s after the mixture of metMb and H2O2 were calculated using hyperfine coupling constants of aH2,6 = 1.3 G and aH3,5 = 7.0 G for the ring and aβH1 = 16.7 G and aβH2 = 14.2 G for the methylene protons, and are consistent with a highly constrained, conformationally unstable tyrosyl radical. Spectra obtained at later time points contained a mixture of the 3 s signal and another signal that was insufficiently resolved for simulation. Efficient spin trapping with 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid was observed only when the spin trap was present at the time of H2O2 addition. Spin trapping experiments with either 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) or perdeuterated 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP-d9), which have been shown to trap tyrosyl radicals, were nearly equally effective when the spin trap was added before or 10 min after the addition of H2O2. The superhyperfine structure of the ESR spectra obtained from Pronase-treated MNP-d9/•metMb confirmed the assignment to a tyrosyl radical. Delayed spin trapping experiments with site-directed mutant myoglobins in which either Tyr-103 or Tyr-146 was replaced by phenylalanine indicated that radical adduct formation with either DMPO or MNP-d9 requires the presence of Tyr-103 at all time points, implicating that residue as the radical site.
Developmental conjunctival cyst of the eyelid in a child

Conjunctival cysts unrelated to surgery or trauma are uncommon adnexal lesions in children and may be difficult to recognize. We report the clinical and pathological findings of an apparently spontaneous conjunctival cyst in the upper eyelid of a child whose first ophthalmological examination was at 7 months of age. The cyst was surgically excised at 5 years of age.
Starch synthesis in Chlorella vulgaris.

Chlorella vulgaris was found to deposit starch, in amounts up to 20% of the dry weight of the cells, when grown in a medium containing glucose. The cells did not contain cellulose or chitin. The st...
Involvement of Notch signaling in hippocampal synaptic plasticity

During development of the nervous system, the fate of stem cells is regulated by a cell surface receptor called Notch. Notch is also present in the adult mammalian brain; however, because Notch null mice die during embryonic development, it has proven difficult to determine the functions of Notch. Here, we used Notch antisense transgenic mice that develop and reproduce normally, but exhibit reduced levels of Notch, to demonstrate a role for Notch signaling in synaptic plasticity. Mice with reduced Notch levels exhibit impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal CA1 synapses. A Notch ligand enhances LTP in normal mice and corrects the defect in LTP in Notch antisense transgenic mice. Levels of basal and stimulation-induced NF-κB activity were significantly decreased in mice with reduced Notch levels. These findings suggest an important role for Notch signaling in a form of synaptic plasticity known to be associated with learning and memory processes.
Computational evidence for methyl-donated hydrogen bonds and hydrogen-bond networking in 1,2-ethanediol-dimethyl sulfoxide.

The 1:1 complex of 1,2-ethanediol with dimethyl sulfoxide was studied using density functional theory. A network of three hydrogen bonds holds the complex together, including two in which each methyl group donates to the same hydroxyl oxygen. Four lines of evidence support the existence of methyl-donated hydrogen bonds. The interaction energy is 36 ± 5 kJ/mol using Becke's three parameter hybrid theory with the 1991 nonlocal correlation functional of Perdew and Wang, and a moderately large basis set (B3PW91/6-311++G**//B3PW91/6-31+G**). To determine the energy of each hydrogen bond, a relaxed potential energy scan was performed in a smaller basis set to break the weaker hydrogen bonds by forced systematic rotation of the methyl groups. Two cross-checking analyses show cooperative effects that cause individual hydrogen bond energies in the network to be nonadditive. When one methyl hydrogen bond is broken, the remaining interactions stabilize the complex by storing an additional 2−3 kJ/mol. With all hydrog...
Imitation of an animated puppet as a function of modeling, praise, and directions

Abstract Kindergarten children's imitation of an animated puppet was examined as a function of the puppet requesting S to exhibit the response, the puppet modeling the response, and the puppet praising S for matching the response. Each experimental manipulation facilitated imitative responding. The frequency of requested or praised responses was maintained over the session: however, generalized imitation (a response which the puppet neither requested nor praised) was infrequent and Ss showed less generalized imitation as the session progressed. The results provide some support for the thesis that generalized imitation reflects a lack of discrimination training rather than the view that similarity of responding reinforces imitative responses.
Crystal structures of carnitine and acetylcarnitine zwitterions: A structural hypothesis for mode of action

Abstract The solid-state structures of the zwitterionic forms of both carnitine and acetylcarnitine have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal structure of acetylcarnitine reveals a different backbone conformation from that of carnitine. The conformational differences observed for carnitine and acetylcarnitine are more a consequence of steric than electrostatic effects. A detailed comparison is made between the zwietterionic structures and previously published hydrochloride salts. The effect of charge distribution on conformation is discussed. The zwitterionic structures do not exhibit enhanced electrostatic attraction between carboxylate and quaternary ammonium portions of the molecules. Finally, a hypothesis is presented for the mode of binding of carnitine (or acetylcarnitine) to the enzyme, carnitine acetyltransferase. Based on this model for binding, a speculative topographic description of the enzymatic mechanism is presented.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad23 is allelic with swi10, a mating-type switching/radioresistance gene that shares sequence homology with human and mouse ERCC1

Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sp) rad23-1 mutant cells are extremely sensitive to UV light and ionizing radiation. A genomic DNA fragment that contains wild-type (wt) rad23 has been cloned. The DNA sequence of this cloned gene has been determined and was found to be identical to the previously characterized mating-type switching/radioresistance gene, swi10. Complementation tests between rad23-1 and swi10-154 mutant cells exclusively produce UV-sensitive progeny and confirm that these two genes are allelic. The DNA sequences of rad23-1 and swi10-154 reveal that each contains a single, unique point mutation. In rad23-1, Glu231 changes to a stop codon, resulting in the production of a truncated protein. In swi10-154, a G to A transition mutation is within a splice consensus sequence for intron 1. Therefore, the corresponding mRNA is incapable of being processed appropriately
Congenital malposition of flexor pollicis longus—An anatomy note

Congenital malposition of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), characterized by partial insertion of its tendon into the extensor tendon of the thumb, has been described by several authors. During treatment of a patient with this problem, we identified significant abnormalities of the more proximal anatomy of the hand, including perforation of the transverse carpal ligament by the FPL, a common muscular origin of the FPL and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon to the index finger, and branches of the median nerve both palmar and dorsal to the preaxial border of the thumb. Knowledge of those possible anatomical abnormalities associated with malposition of the FPL will aid in the design of reconstructive procedures.
Unilateral parotid electron beam radiotherapy as palliative treatment for sialorrhea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract When ALS patients experience oropharyngeal weakness, sialorrhea can become a considerable challenge. Drooling has a profound negative impact in patient's quality of life causing embarrassing social situations. Several therapeutic modalities, including anticholinergic drugs, botulinum toxin injection, and radiotherapy have emerged as treatments for drooling in ALS. This retrospective case series study examined the effect of palliative radiotherapy in controlling problematic oral secretions in 10 ALS patients refractory to medical management. External electron beam radiation was targeted to a single parotid gland unilaterally with a total dose of 1500 cGy in 3 fractions at a depth determined by CT scanning. One patient received additional radiotherapy to the contralateral parotid due to persistent secretions. All patients reported improvement with a reduction in the intensity and amount of drooling. In 5 of 10 patients, anticholinergics were discontinued and were reduced in another two. There were no major side effects of treatment. We conclude that unilateral parotid electron radiotherapy provides satisfactory relief from sialorrhea in ALS patients and should be considered as a therapeutic option for patients who are refractory to medical management.
Bilateral Shoulder Disarticulation: Equipment Used to Facilitate Independence

Equipment and methods used in treating a patient with a traumatic bilateral shoulder disarticulation in order to achieve independence in several daily living skills without the use of prostheses are described in this article. Dressing, bathing, toileting, communication, and hygiene skills are presented.
Surgical lowering of elevated intraocular pressure in monkeys prevents progression of glaucomatous disease.

Recent reports from large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in persons with ocular hypertension has a beneficial effect on reducing the progression of glaucomatous disease. Few studies of this effect have been conducted in controlled laboratory settings, however, none have been conducted using non-human primates, the model of experimental glaucoma considered most similar to the human disease. Using data collected retrospectively from a trabeculectomy study using 16 cynomolgous monkeys with experimental ocular hypertension, we evaluated both the threshold of elevated IOP required to cause clinically observable damage to the optic nerve head and also if lowering IOP below this threshold prevents further damage. An index of the level of elevated IOP experienced by experimental eyes (the Pressure Insult) was calculated as the slope of the difference in cumulative IOP between experimental and control eyes during four intervals of time over the course of the experiment, while damage to the optic nerve head was evaluated by measuring the Cup:Disc ratio for each eye from stereoscopic photographs taken at the end of each interval. An increase in the Cup:Disc ratio was significantly associated with both the maximum IOP obtained in the experimental eye during each interval (r = 0.573, P < 0.001) and the Pressure Insult (r = 0.496, P < 0.001). Pressure Insult values less than 11 mm Hg Days/Day were not associated with glaucomatous damage in monkey eyes, whereas values greater than 11 showed a significant correlation with increasing Cup:Disc ratios (P < 0.001). Trabeculectomy to reduce the Pressure Insult below 11 was correlated with an attenuation of the rate of progression of the Cup:Disc ratio in eyes that had exhibited damage before surgery. These results contribute further to our understanding of this model of experimental glaucoma by demonstrating a threshold at which IOP needs to be elevated to stimulate damage, while also providing corroborating evidence that lowering IOP in ocular hypertensive monkeys can attenuate the progression of glaucomatous disease.
Design competition in young industries: An integrative perspective

Abstract Two streams of research have considered the competition among alternative versions of a new product and the strategic significance of dominant designs. One highlights the design dimension of compatibility standards. The second focuses on the diversity of product concepts and technological approaches that often exists among competing alternatives. Each research stream stresses a different facet of a dominant design's potential significance. By integrating these two lines of inquiry, this article provides a more comprehensive view of design competition in young industries. It also suggests new insights on the dynamics that affect the emergence of dominant designs, and the competitive positions of industry participants.
Combined noble gas and trace element measurements on individual stratospheric interplanetary dust particles

The trace element compositions and noble gas contents of 32 individual interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the Earth's stratosphere were measured. Trace element compositions are generally similar to CI meteorites, with occasional depletions in Zn/Fe with respect to CI. Noble gases were detected in all but one of the IDPs. Noble gas elemental compositions are consistent with the presence of fractionated solar wind. A rough correlation between surface-normalized He abundances and Zn/Fe ratios is observed; Zn-poor particles generally have lower He contents than the other IDPs. This suggests that both elements were lost by frictional heating during atmospheric entry and confirms the view that Zn can serve as an entry-heating indicator in IDPs.
Prolonged survival in chronic myelogenous leukemia after cytogenetic response to interferon-α therapy

Objective: To determine whether a cytogenetic response after interferon-α therapy in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia is independently associated with improved survival. Design: Retrospec...
Nonuniform sampling techniques for antenna applications

Recent investigations have demonstrated that uniform sampling techniques can be effectively applied for construction of far-field patterns of antennas. There are, however, many circumstances for which it may not be practical to directly utilize uniform sampling techniques. A two-dimensional sampling technique which can employ irregularly (nonuniformly) spaced samples (amplitude and phase) in order to generate the complete far-field patterns is presented. The technique implements a matrix inversion algorithm which depends only on the nonuniform sampled data point locations and with no dependence on the actual field values at these points. A powerful simulation algorithm is presented to allow a real-life simulation of many reflector/feed configurations and to determine the usefulness of the nonuniform sampling technique for the co-polar and cross-polar patterns. Additionally, an overlapped window concept and a generalized error simulation model are discussed to identify the stability of the technique for recovering the field data among the nonuniform sampled data. Numerical results are tailored for the pattern reconstruction of a 20-m offset reflector antenna operating at L -band. This reflector is planned to be used in a proposed measurement concept of large antennas aboard the space shuttle, whereby it would be almost impractical to accurately control the movement of the shuttle with respect to the radio frequency (RF) source in prescribed directions in order to generate uniform ( u, v ) sampled points. Also, application of the nonuniform sampling technique to patterns obtained using near-field measured data is demonstrated. Finally, results of an actual far-field measurement are presented for the construction of patterns of a reflector antenna from a set of nonuniformly distributed measured amplitude and phase data.
Comparison of Supercritical CHF3 and CO2 for Extraction of Sulfonamides from Various Food Matrices

Supercritical CHF3 and methanol-modified CHF3 were compared with supercritical CO2 and methanol-modified CO2 for the extraction of sulfonamides from a spiked sand sample. In addition, a fortified nonfat milk powder, fortified egg yolk, and fortified beef liver were studied. The results showed CHF3 has higher solvating power and selectivity for extraction of two of the three sulfonamides than CO2. Extraction efficiencies of sulfamethazine and sulfadimethoxine using pure CHF3 were more than 45% higher from spiked sand samples and over 200% higher from fortified beef liver samples than pure CO2.
Molecular thermodynamics modeling of equilibrium moisture in foods

Abstract Moisture content in foods affects many aspects of processing and storage, as well as quality and pathological activity. Understanding its behavior is very important in the food industry for designing effective long-term food management strategies, in particular transportation and storage. Most approaches found in the literature dealing with moisture in foods consist of measuring it as a function of relative humidity and temperature and then fitting the data to empirical or semi-empirical models for interpolation or correlation purposes. Most semi-empirical models are modifications of early gas adsorption models on hard surfaces, which fundamentally are not well suited to describe water in softer materials such as foods. In this work, we propose and use a more general framework based on equilibrium molecular thermodynamics to model and correlate equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in foods that takes into account other non-adsorption phenomena such as mixing and swelling of the biopolymers in foods. The framework is general, and the current model shows very good results correlating and modeling EMC. The model parameters provide insight into the nature of the water activity in food products, providing potentially useful information for food processing and modeling.
Some Factors Influencing the in vitro Infectivity and Replication of Encephalitozoon cuniculi

SYNOPSIS. Rabbit Encephalitozoon cuniculi were propagated in vitro using rabbit choroid plexus (RCP) cells. The organisms reached maximum titer and numbers by 15 days. The source and in vitro passage level of RCP cells moderately influenced the sensitivity of the cells to infection. Cells less than 1 week old were significantly less sensitive than older cells. A moderate increase in infectivity for RCP cells was demonstrated with increasing organism passage level in vitro. Rabbit E. cuniculi were not affected by penicillin-streptomycin or gentamicin in the culture medium. The organism survived more than 9 days in buffer at 37 C and least 24 days at 4 and 20 C. Storage at -70 C or in liquid nitrogen was successful for at least 6 months. Encephalitozoon cuniculi survived 60 but not 120 min at 56 C. They were killed after 10 min of autoclaving and by 2% (v/v) Lysol, 10% (v/v) formalin and 70% (v/v) ethyl alcohol. The organisms survived at least 24 h at pH 9 or pH 4 and were not affected by sonication, freezing and thawing, or distilled water but lost significant infectivity after 24 h in CsCl or 40% (w/v) sucrose.
Test anxiety and reaction time for matching decisions

Abstract Subjects selected by test-anxiety level were presented pairs of words and asked to make judgments of physical identity, acoustic matching, or taxonomic category membership. Experiment 1 varied type of judgment between subjects; in Experiments 2 and 3, each subject made all three decisions. There was no consistent support for the hypothesis that, relative to low-anxiety subjects, high-anxiety subjects would show a more pronounced decrement in reaction times for semantic decisions than for nonsemantic decisions.
Arginine and Disordered Amyloid-β Peptide Structures: Molecular Level Insights into the Toxicity in Alzheimer’s Disease

Recent studies present that the single arginine (R) residue in the sequence of Aβ42 adopts abundant β-sheet structure and forms stable salt bridges with various residues. Furthermore, experiments proposed that R stimulates the Aβ assembly and arginine (R) to alanine (A) mutation (R5A) decreases both aggregate formation tendency and the degree of its toxicity. However, the exact roles of R and R5A mutation in the structures of Aβ42 are poorly understood. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations along with thermodynamic calculations present that R5A mutation impacts the structures and free energy landscapes of the aqueous Aβ42 peptide. The β-sheet structure almost disappears in the Ala21-Ala30 region but is more abundant in parts of the central hydrophobic core and C-terminal regions of Aβ42 upon R5A mutation. More abundant α-helix is adopted in parts of the N-terminal and mid-domain regions and less prominent α-helix formation occurs in the central hydrophobic core region of Aβ42 upon R5A mutation. Interestingly, intramolecular interactions between N- and C-terminal or mid-domain regions disappear upon R5A mutation. The structures of Aβ42 are thermodynamically less stable and retain reduced compactness upon R5A mutation. R5A mutant-type structure stability increases with more prominent central hydrophobic core and mid-domain or C-terminal region interactions. Based on our results reported in this work, small organic molecules and antibodies that avoid β-sheet formation in the Ala21-Ala30 region and hinder the intramolecular interactions occurring between the N-terminal and mid-domain or C-terminal regions of Aβ42 may help to reduce Aβ42 toxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
Competency Identification, Modelling and Assessment in the USA.

Competency efforts in the USA programmes have evolved from an early focus on distinctions between best-in-class (exemplary) and fully-successful performers to become a link between organisational strategy and organisational and individual performance. Interest in competency-based approaches is growing. Training and development professionals are using competency models to clarify organisation-specific competencies to improve human performance and unify individual capabilities with organisational core competencies. Educators and government policymakers are using competency models as one means to clarify and link workplace requirements to educational programmes and curricula.
Information Control in Time of Crisis: The Framing of SARS in China-based Newspapers and Internet Sources

A content analysis examined 727 SARS news stories from a commercial China-based Web portal, a national Chinese newspaper, and a Chinese regional newspaper. Coding included news frames (health severity, human interest, economic, attribution of responsibility, denial) and the type of cited sources (domestic and international). MANOVA analyses indicated that the national newspaper used the health severity frame more often than the regional newspaper. The China-based Web portal used the economic frame and international sources significantly more often than either newspaper. Results are discussed in terms of the future of the Internet in China as a tool to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases through rapid information dissemination.
Rhinovirus inhibition by bufadienolides.

An evaluation of thirty-four bufadienolides and two related cardenolides against a series of rhinoviruses in vitro has been completed. Most of the bufadienolides were found to display some inhibitory activity. Scillarenin and 3-O-[N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)hydrazido]succinylbufalin were found to be the most active with chemotherapeutic indices of 32 and 16, respectively. In general, the 14β-hydroxy-bufadienolides showed the strongest antiviral activity, and were found more toxic than the corresponding 14β, 15β-epoxy-bufadienolides. Introduction of a 16β-hydroxy or 16β-acetoxy substituent into the 14β, 15β-epoxybufadienolides enhanced their antiviral activity. Substituents at the 3β-, 5β-, and 19-positions appeared to affect only the level of toxicity.
Spontaneous formation of flavin radicals in aqueous solution by comproportionation of a flavinium cation and a flavin pseudobase

Abstract 5-Ethyl-3-methyllumiflavin cation I and 5-ethyl-4 a -hyclroxy-3-methyl-4 a ,5-dihydrolumiflavin pseudobase II (X = OH) are in a rapid equilibrium in aqueous solution at room temperature. A spontaneous intermolecular one-electron transfer between I and II resulted in an accumulation of 5-ethyl-3-methyllumiflavin semiquinone III in the absence of any additional electron donor . 5-Ethyl-4 a -hydroxy-3-methyl-4 a ,5-dihydrolumiflavin radical cation IV (X = OH) was also formed along with in in a 1:1 molar ratio. Due to subsequent decompositions, IV was not quantitatively accumulated. The rate of this intermolecular one-electron transfer was pH-dependent. The observed pH-rate profile shows an excellent agreement with the theoretical curve calculated on the basis of the apparent pK a of the I + H 2 O ⇌ II + H + equilibrium, thus providing unambiguous evidence for the proposed mechanism. The yield of III was also pH-dependent. At pH > 5, III was accumulated in yields which did not exceed the theoretical value of 50%. Ring contractions of IV to non-flavin products were the predominant decompositions. At pH > 5, in could be obtained in 60–95% yields. Apparently additional III was formed from decompositions of IV. No formation of O 2 or H 2 O 2 was found at pH 2–7. The main decomposition of IV is assumed to generate I and hydroxyl radicals. This could account for the buffer and solvent effects on the yield of III. 3-Methyl-lumiflavin VIII was also detected as a minor decomposition product in 1–6% yields, and a mechanism is proposed for this N 5 -dealkylation pathway.
Lengths of truncated forms of apolipoprotein B (APOB) determine their intestinal production

Abstract Most truncations of apoB associated with hypobetalipoproteinemia (HBL) result from frame shift mutations of the apoB gene that give rise to premature stop codons and truncations of C-terminal sequences. The “natural” truncation, apoB-48, arises from a stop codon by cotranscriptional editing of intestinal apoB-100 mRNA. We hypothesized that mutant apoB mRNA would be normally edited and that only those apoB truncations shorter than apoB-48 would be expressed in enterocytes, because translation of mRNAs giving rise to longer truncations would be interrupted by the apoB-48 stop codon. Duodenal mucosal biopsies from HBL and normolipidemic subjects were incubated with [35S]methionine, apoB was immunoprecipitated and bands were visualized by autoradiography. Biopsies of three subjects heterozygous for apoB-54.8 or apoB-89 synthesized virtually only apoB-48. By contrast, the biopsy of a subject heterozygous for apoB-40 synthesized both apoB-48 and apoB-40. Thus, enterocytes in HBL edit the mutant mRNAs similarly to the apoB mRNA of normal enterocytes and the small intestine of heterozygotes with truncations longer than apoB-48 produce only apoB-48, as the apoB-48 stop codon terminates translation proximal to the mutant stop codon. By contrast, intestines of heterozygotes with truncations shorter than apoB-48 produce the truncated apoB because the mutant stop codon stops translation before the apoB-48 stop codon. In conclusion, only the liver secretes apoB truncations larger than apoB-48, whereas shorter truncations are secreted by both liver and intestine.
Mapping of periglacial geomorphology using kite/balloon aerial photography

Kite and balloon aerial photography is introduced as a remote-sensing method for periglacial features and vegetation. High-resolution aerial pictures obtained by this method from Alaskan study sites are used for geometric analysis of ice-wedge networks, quantification of patterned ground, and mapping of water and vegetation. High-resolution aerial photographs could be an important data set for monitoring changes in permafrost pattern, periglacial processes and vegetation over time and space. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Research to Practice: Lessons Learned.

Research has informed practice since the origins of developmental psychology, but only recently has basic science and practice begun to be consistently integrated with one another. In addition, considerable research documents the utility of empirically-supported interventions, yet it has been difficult to implement such interventions outside of the research context. This paper describes two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for maltreated infants and preschoolers as an example of successful community, funder, and researcher partnerships. Key strengths and challenges involved in designing and conducting the studies are discussed, and the necessity of considering the developmental and cultural appropriateness of empirically-supported interventions is highlighted. Programs designed to provide data on the effectiveness of interventions initially evaluated in RCTs are presented. These initiatives indicate that it is possible to create successful evidence-based interventions, even within the complex world of the child welfare system. These studies provide information on developmental and outcome intervention differences that contribute to the scientific literature and have real-world implications for policy makers, funders, and ultimately, for children.
Electron excitation of a Jovian aurora

Because Jupiter possesses a magnetic field, auroral activity is very likely. The auroral emissions due to electron precipitation are estimated for a model atmosphere with and without helium. The incident primary electrons, which are characterized by representative spectra, are degraded in energy by applying the continuous slow down approximation. All secondaries, tertiaries, and higher generation electrons are assumed to be absorbed locally. A compilation of excitation, dissociation, and ionization cross section data for H, H2, and He are used to model all aspects of the energy deposition process. Volume emission rates are calculated from the total direct excitation rates, and appropriate corrections for cascading are applied. Helium emissions are relatively small because the majority of electrons are absorbed above the region of maximum He concentration.
New robot adaptive control strategies through nonholonomic transformations

The design problem of model-based adaptive control of robots with unknown parameters is considered. By introducing a nonholonomic transformation of the error dynamics, a general class of adaptive algorithms is obtained, which includes some previously derived results as special cases. The algorithms can be implemented through fast recursive schemes such as the Newton-Euler formulation without requiring excessive feedback gains. By setting certain terms, it is also possible to obtain an exponential convergence of the joint errors.
The importance of calcium ions for in vitro malignant hyperthermia testing

Intracellular Ca++ levels in skeletal muscle are elevated during the in vitrocontracture response of muscle from subjects with malignant hyperthermia. The role of Ca++ in the bathing medium and the consequences of substitution of Sr++ for Ca++ in the response to agents associated with malignant hyperthermia were examined. When Ca++ was omitted from the bathing medium the contractures induced in human vastus lateralis by halothane (three per cent) or succinylcholine (50 mM) were reduced by 80 and 100 per cent, respectively, while contractures induced by caffeine (8 mM) were only reduced by 50 per cent. Substitution of Ca++ by another divalent cation, Sr++, completely restored contractures induced by caffeine, but only partially restored contractures induced by halothane or succinylcholine (to 50 and 30 per cent of Ca++-containing medium, respectively). Mepacrine (10 μM) was effective in antagonizing contractures by caffeine, whereas verapamil and nifedipine (10 μM) were not. These results support an essential role for extracellular Ca++ not fulfilled by Sr++ in contracture induction by halothane and succinylcholine, but not by caffeine.
Intraoperative Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Central Venous Pressure Monitoring in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Reconstruction

Numerous studies have found no clinically significant benefit to the perioperative use of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), and peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) have been reported to measure central venous pressure (CVP) accurately. The objective of this study was to determine whether the dynamic shifts in preload associated with elective reconstruction of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are accurately reflected by CVP measurements from open-ended PICCs compared to CVP measurements from concomitant indwelling PACs. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. PICCs and PACs were placed preoperatively in five patients undergoing elective AAA reconstruction. CVP measurements were recorded every 15 min during the operation. Bland-Altman statistical analysis was used to determine the degree of agreement in data collected by the two measurement devices. Seventy-three paired measurements of CVP from concomitant indwelling PICCs and PACs obtained from five patients undergoing elective AAA reconstruction revealed PICC measurements to be higher than PAC measurements by 0.6 mm Hg (overall correlation coefficient 0.92). The difference between the two measurement devices was expected to be <3.4 mm Hg at least 95% of the time. The findings of this pilot study indicate that PICCs are an effective method for CVP monitoring in situations of dynamic systemic compliance and preload, such as those observed during elective AAA reconstruction.
THE STABILITY OF INFLUENZA VIRUS IN THE PRESENCE OF SALTS.

The stability of centrifugally purified PR8 influenza virus at pH 7 in 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 M phosphate buffers, in veronal and borate buffers, and in adjusted solutions of saline and distilled water was investigated. The results demonstrate that the stability of this virus can vary considerably at pH 7 depending upon the nature and concentration of the salts present. Borate, veronal, and phosphate buffers at a concentration of about 0.1 M showed almost equal ability to maintain virus activity over several weeks of time at 4°C. In many cases, it may prove inconvenient to use veronal buffer, however, because of the difficulty in determining protein concentration in its presence. The 0.1 M phosphate buffer has proved in tests not described here to be slightly more consistent in preserving virus activity than the borate and may, therefore, be considered slightly superior to the latter. It is apparent that unbuffered saline is a poor solvent for preserving virus activity regardless of pH. The activity of partially inactivated virus in distilled water and in saline solutions was increased ten to 1000 times by diluting such solutions with 0.1 M phosphate buffer. Some reactivation was also effected with veronal but not with borate buffers.
The leaf oil terpene composition of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L

Analysis by an on-line computerized gas-chromatrographic (g.c.)-mass spectral method of the steam-volatile leaf oil of eastern white pine confirmed that α- and β-pinene, and myrcene are the main monoterpenes, with lesser amounts of camphene, car-3-ene, β-phellandrene, limonene, terpinolene, α-terpineol, and bornyl acetate. In addition, germacrene-D and caryophyllene were identified as the main sesquiterpenes; lesser amounts of humulene and δ-cadinene were also found. Small or trace amounts of hexanal, hex-2-enal, tricyclene, o-cymene, α-phellandrene, α-terpinene, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-fenchol, pinocamphone, terpinen-4-ol, a cadinol isomer, manoyl oxide, and a kauranol isomer were identified. Germacrene-D tended to rearrange to other sesquiterpenes on all but highly deactivated g.c. columns.
Foam‐like polymer/clay aerogels which incorporate air bubbles

The structure/property relationships of polymer/clay aerogels interfused with uniformly distributed air bubbles were examined. Through the incorporation of a polyelectrolyte in a montmorillonite(MMT) clay solution, the viscosity was systematically changed by the addition of ions with different charges. The bubbles were achieved via high speed mixing and were stabilized through the use of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). As the charge of the ion increased from +1 (Na+ ions) to +2 (Ca2+ ions) to finally +3 (Al3+ ions), the modulus of the resultant aerogels increased. The foamed polymer/clay aerogels showed a reduction in thermal conductivity while retaining similar mechanical properties to unfoamed polymer/clay aerogels. The most promising composition was one which contained 5% MMT clay/5% poly(vinyl alcohol)/0.5% xanthum gum/0.5% SDS/0.2% Al2(SO4)3·6(H2O) possessing a density of 0.083 g/cm3, an average modulus of 3.0 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 41 W/m·K. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39546.
Endocrinological investigation of pituitary conadal axis in thalassemia major.

A study of the pituitary gonadal axis was undertaken in 18 male patients with thalassemia major and 41 normal males, in order to define the cause of the sexual infantilism frequently seen in children affected by this illness. The plasma testosterone level was measured before as well as after stimulation by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Serum gonadotropin level was also determined during prepubertal, pubertal and postpuberal age. Significant findings were an insufficient secretion of gonadotropins as well as low testosterone level in patients of pubertal and post-pubertal age. A normal response of testes to HCG stimulation was also observed.
Immobilization of phenol in cement-based solidified/stabilized hazardous wastes using regenerated activated carbon: role of carbon.

The use of regenerated activated carbon as an immobilizing additive for phenol in solidification/stabilization (S/S) processes was investigated. The adsorption capacity of regenerated carbon was compared to that of the virgin form and was found to be very close. The effects of pH and Ca(OH)2 concentration within the S/S monolith on the adsorption process were also examined. Kinetic tests were performed to evaluate the adsorption of phenol on different forms of F400 carbon, including the regenerated form. Kinetic tests were performed in aqueous solutions as well as in liquid–sand mixtures. In both cases, it was found that phenol adsorption on F400 carbon was fairly fast. More than 60% of the equilibrium adsorption amount could be achieved within the first hour for aqueous solutions. For sand-solution kinetics, it was found that 1% carbon (based on dry sand weight) was capable of achieving more than 95% removal of the initial amount of phenol present in solution (1000 and 5000 ppm). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray mapping tests indicated a homogenous mixing of the carbon into the cement matrix. The carbon was also found to enhance the hydration of cement, which was retarded by the existence of phenol.
Potential for increased wind-generated electricity utilization using heat pumps in urban areas

Abstract The U.S. has substantial wind power potential, but given wind’s intermittent availability and misalignment with electricity demand profiles, large-scale deployment of wind turbines could result in high electricity costs due to energy storage requirements or low utilization rates. While fuel switching and heat pumps have been proposed as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy reduction strategies at the building scale, this paper shows that heat pump adoption could have additional system-wide benefits by increasing the utilization of wind-generated electricity. A model was developed to evaluate the effects of coupling large-scale wind power installations in New York State with increased use of electric heat pumps to meet a portion of space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) demands in New York City. The analysis showed significant increases in wind-generated electricity utilization with increased use of heat pumps, allowing for higher installed capacity of wind power. One scenario indicates that 78.5% annual wind-generated electricity utilization can be achieved with 3 GW of installed wind power capacity generated electricity equal to 20% of existing NYC annual electricity demand; if 20% of space heating and DHW demands are provided by heat pumps, the 78.5% utilization rate can be achieved with an increase of total wind power capacity to 5 GW. Therefore, this integrated supply–demand approach could provide additional system-wide emissions reductions.
Minimizing message complexity of partially replicated data on hypercubes

Within the framework of distributed and parallel computing, we consider partially replicated data on a hypercube. We address the problem of placing copies on the hypercube in order to minimize message complexity. With realistic restrictions on the read/write ratio and the number of copies, we find the unique optimal configuration of copies. We compute the communication cost of this configuration. The optimal configuration is a linear array satisfying certain properties.
Effects of experimental flow regulation on invertebrate drift and stranding in the Flathead and Kootenai Rivers, Montana, USA

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of experimental manipulations of discharge on invertebrate drift in two regulated rivers in northwestern Montana, USA. During these studies the discharge regime in the Flathead River was characterized by frequent flow fluctuations, while in the Kootenai River high discharge was maintained for much longer periods before flow was reduced to minimum discharge. The magnitude of the response of invertebrates to disturbance was different in the two rivers, in part because of the different frequencies of flow changes. Midstream invertebrate drift increased an order of magnitude during increasing discharges in the Flathead River but was not substantially increased during decreasing discharges. When the prior discharge regime had been sustained at high levels in the Kootenai River, invertebrate drift densities as high as 300 000/100 m3 were measured along the shoreline following reductions in discharge, both immediately after flow began to decrease and after dark on the same day. There was also more recolonization of shoreline areas and more stranding of insects following dewatering of nearshore regions when there had been sustained high discharge levels prior to the flow reduction. More insect stranding occurred during a faster rate of decrease in discharge (50 000 to 100 000 organisms m−2).
Preliminary Characterization of Aqueous Extracts of Piper methysticum (Kava, Kawa Kawa)

An extract of Piper methysticum Forst. prepared by steam distillation was separated by means of differential solubility into two fractions, F 1 and F 2 . These fractions had different physical and chemical characteristics, and known α-pyrones were identified only in subfraction F 2 . Both fractions decreased spontaneous motor activity in doses which did not alter forced motor activity of mice. Fraction F 2 , dihydromethysticin, desmethoxy-yangonin, and kawain exhibited potent antiserotonin activity on the isolated rat uterus, whereas F 1 appeared to be devoid of antiserotonin activity. F 1 , F 2 , and dihydromethysticin did not alter serotonin brain levels in mice.
Structure of Na2O-TiO2-SiO2 glasses from the viewpoint of non-bridging oxygen measured by XPS

Oxygen 1s spectra were measured for Na 2 O-TiO 2 -SiO 2 glasses by XPS combined with fracture apparatus, and fitted to two Gauss-Lorentz sum functions representing bridging and non-bridging oxygens. About half of TiO 2 substituted for SiO 2 acts as network modifier. In higher alkali content, however, the increasing rate of non-bridging oxgen is smaller. The binding energy difference between bridging and non-bridging oxygens decreases with increasing TiO 2 at first and then has a minimum.
Monitoring Sulfur Mustard Exposure by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Thiodiglycol Cleaved from Blood Proteins

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for determining exposure to the chemical warfare agent 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard; HD) has been developed. The technique is based upon quantitating thiodiglycol (TDG) released from blood protein adducts that are formed upon to HD. Protein was precipitated from plasma, whole blood, or packed red blood cells (RBCs) and then treated with sodium hydroxide to liberate proteinbound TDG. The TDG was derivatized with pentafluorobenzoyl chloride that enabled sensitive detection by negative-ion chemical ionization. Octadeuterothiodiglycol was used as an internal standard. Exposure of human plasma to HD (25nM to 400riM) resulted in a linear relationship (r 2 = 0.9995) between HD concentration and released TDG levels with means ranging from 2.0 to 38 pg/mg protein. The coefficients of variation expressed as a percentage for the data points ranged from 2 to 11.5%. The application of this procedure was demonstrated in two HD animal exposure models. African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) were exposed intravenously to 1 mg/kg HD, and TDG levels in blood samples were analyzed out to 45 days post-exposure. Mean TDG levels were determined to be 220 pg/mg protein on day 1 and declined to 10 pg/mg protein on day 45. Yorkshire cross pigs (Sus scrofa) were cutaneously exposed to neat liquid HD, and TDG levels in plasma were determined out to 21 days following exposure. Mean TDG levels were found to be 60 pg/mg protein on day one and decreased to an average of 4 pg/mg protein on day 21. The data from this study indicate that the assay is sensitive and provide a relatively simple approach to assay TDG cleaved from blood proteins at relatively long time frames (21-45 days) after HD exposure. The utility of the method has been demonstrated in vivo in a non-human primate and pig HD exposure model.
ADHD comorbidity can matter when assessing cortical thickness abnormalities in patients with bipolar disorder.

Objectives Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prevalent in patients with bipolar disorder (BP), but very few studies consider this when interpreting magnetic resonance imaging findings. No studies, to our knowledge, have screened for or controlled for the presence of ADHD when examining cortical thickness in patients with BP. We used a 2 × 2 design to evaluate the joint effects of BP and ADHD on cortical thickness and uncover the importance of ADHD comorbidity in BP subjects.