cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triplex PCR‐based detection of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 in nonfat dry milk

Although many strains of Bacillaceae are considered nonpathogenic, Bacillus cereus is recognized worldwide as a bacterial pathogen in a variety of foods. The ability of B. cereus to cause gastroenteritis following ingestion of contaminated food is due to the production of enterotoxins. The ubiquity of this genus makes it a persistent problem for quality assurance in food processing environments. The primary objective of this study was to develop and apply a multiplex real-time PCR-based assay for rapid and sensitive detection of enterotoxigenic B. cereus. Template DNA was separately extracted from tryptic soy broth (TSB)-grown and 2.5% Nonfat Dry Milk (NFDM)-grown B. cereus using a commercial system. Three enterotoxin gene fragments (hblC, nheA, and hblA) were simultaneously amplified in real-time followed by melting curve analysis to confirm amplicon identity. Resolution of melting curves (characteristic Tm) was achieved for each amplicon (hblC = 74.5 °C; nheA = 78 °C; and hblA = 85.5 °C in TSB and 84 °C in NFDM) with an assay sensitivities of 101 CFU/ml for both TSB and NFDM-grown B. cereus compared to 104 CFU/ml in either matrix using gel electrophoresis. The results demonstrate the potential sensitivity of real-time bacterial detection methods in a heterogenous food matrix using real-time PCR. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Epistemic Value of Live Fiction: A Dramatic Response to the Question of Knowledge

This essay occupies a niche wedged between Philosophy and Art, exciting both the creative and inquiring mind. Drawing on both foundational and recent work in the philosophical study of knowledge and aesthetic theory, this paper synthesizes two fields within the humanities: epistemology and live theatre. This presentation challenges the academic barriers that keep philosophy and the performing arts from fully participating in interdisciplinary communication, and challenges the conceptual definition of knowledge itself. The aim is to promote recognition of the value in using that which is live, liminal, and personal in understanding the nature of knowledge. This can be achieved through exploring the ways in which the experiences of engaging with the fiction of live drama are a key to finding the missing element in the definition of knowledge. In exploring the collective views of specific, highly developed fields such as philosophy’s epistemology and art’s live theatre, an underutilized tool emerges: truth through fiction. This tool spurs the emergence of new societal and learning expectations and changes the face of academia in the process.
Causation A Unified Framework for the Social Sciences

This paper offers four main arguments about the nature of causation in the social sciences. First, contrary to most recent work, I argue that there is a unitary conception of causation: a cause rai...
Experimental probing and modeling of key sorbent-solute interactions of norephedrine enantiomers with polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases.

Abstract The key interactions of a chiral solute, norephedrine or 2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol (PPA), with three commercially important polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases, amylose Tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (ADMPC), amylose Tris((S)-α-methylbenzylcarbamate) (ASMBC) and cellulose Tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) are studied in detail using different experimental techniques and molecular simulations. The HPLC retention factors of the enantiomers of PPA in n-hexane/2-propanol (90/10, v/v) at 298 K vary significantly with these sorbents. The enantioselectivities of −PPA versus +PPA are 2.4, 1.0, and 0.8 (reversal in the elution order), respectively. The observed changes in the wavenumbers and the intensities of the amide bands of these polymers in the attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) spectra upon absorption of each enantiomer are different. The IR wavenumbers, and the H-bonding interaction energies of the polymer side chains with each enantiomer (polymer–solute) in four different binding configurations are estimated and ranked using the density functional theory (the DFT/B3LYP/6-311+g(d,p) level of theory). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the polymer crystallinity increases significantly upon absorption of each enantiomer. The helical pitches and the inter-rod packing for these polymers are inferred from the XRD results and incorporated into the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The elution orders predicted for the enantiomers of PPA using MD simulations of the polymer–PPA binary systems are consistent with the chromatography results. The enantioselectivity observed in ADMPC is hypothesized to be due to having three simultaneous interactions (two H-bond and one π–π) of the polymer with −PPA versus two interactions (one H-bond and one π–π) with +PPA.
Very high wall plug efficiency of quantum cascade lasers

We demonstrate very high wall plug efficiency (WPE) of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in low temperature pulsed mode operation (53%), room temperature pulsed mode operation (23%), and room temperature continuous wave operation (18%). All of these values are the highest to date for any QCLs. The optimization of WPE takes the route of understanding the limiting factors of each sub-efficiency, exploring new designs to overcome the limiting factor, and constantly improving the material quality.
On the Δ17O budget of atmospheric O2

Abstract We modeled the Δ17O of atmospheric O2 using 27 ordinary differential equations comprising a box model composed of the stratosphere, troposphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Results show that 57% of the deficit in 17O in O2 relative to a reference water fractionation line is the result of kinetic isotope fractionation attending the Dole effect, 33% balances the positive Δ17O of O(1D) in the stratosphere, and 10% is from evapotranspiration. The predicted Δ′17O O2 relative to waters is −0.410‰ as measured at the δ18O of air. The value for Δ′17O O2 varies at fixed δ18O with the concentration of atmospheric CO2, gross primary production, and net primary production as well as with reaction rates in the stratosphere. Our model prediction is consistent with our measurements of the oxygen isotopic composition of air O2 compared with rocks if rocks define a fractionation line with an intercept in δ′17O = 103ln(δ17O/103 + 1) vs. δ′18O = 103ln(δ18O/103 + 1) space less than SMOW but more positive than some recent measurements imply. The predicted Δ17O is less negative than that obtained from recent measurements of O2 directly against SMOW. Underestimation of Δ′17O O2 can only be ameliorated if the integrated (bulk) Δ′17O for stratospheric CO2 is significantly greater than measurements currently allow. Our results underscore the need for high-precision comparisons of the 17O/16O and 18O/16O ratios of atmospheric O2, VSMOW, and rocks.
The efficacy of metoclopramide in the treatment of migraine headache

Study objectives: By evaluating the efficacy of metoclopramide alone and in combination with ibuprofen versus placebos, this study was designed to both evaluate the efficacy of metoclopramide and elucidate its mechanism of action in the treatment of migraine headache. Design: The study was conducted over a two-year period and was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting: An urban teaching hospital. Participants: Patients enrolled were at least 18 years old and had recurring headaches with one or more of the following characteristics: unilateral, preceded by neurologic symptoms, significant nausea and vomiting, or mood changes and photophobia. Intervention: Ten milligrams of metoclopramide or an equal volume of IV normal saline was given and 600 mg of ibuprofen or identical-appearing placebo was given orally at time 0. Patients rated their pain and nausea at time 0, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes using visual-analog scales. Results: The differences in pain and nausea scores for the metoclopramide + placebos group versus the other three groups were tested using exact nonparametric (Mann-Whitney) statistical procedures. The metoclopramide + placebos group had significantly better relief of pain compared with the placebos + ibuprofen and placebos + placebos groups. The metoclopramide + placebos group had significantly better relief of nausea than the ibuprofen + placebos group; nausea scores for the placebos + placebos group could not be analyzed due to excessive variance from the other groups at baseline. The differences between the metoclopramide + placebos group and the metoclopramide + ibuprofen group were not statistically significant with regard to either pain or nausea. Conclusion: Metoclopramide is efficacious in the treatment of both the pain and nausea of migraine headache. This is a direct action that is not dependent on the concomitant administration of another agent.
Actions and interactions of alcohol and transforming growth factor β1 on prepubertal hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Background Alcohol (ALC) diminishes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and delays puberty. Glial transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) plays a role in glial–neuronal communications facilitating prepubertal GnRH secretion. We assessed the effects of acute ALC administration on TGFβ1-induced GnRH gene expression in the brain preoptic area (POA) and release of the peptide from the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). Furthermore, we assessed actions and interactions of TGFβ1 and ALC on an adhesion/signaling gene family involved in glial–neuronal communications. Methods Prepubertal female rats were administered ALC or water via gastric gavage at 7:30 am. At 9:00 am, saline or TGFβ1 (100 ng/3 μl) was administered into the third ventricle. At 3:00 pm, the POA was removed and frozen for gene expression analysis and repeated for protein assessments. In another experiment, the MBH was removed from ALC-free rats. After equilibration, tissues were incubated in Locke's medium only or medium containing TGFβ1 with or without 50 mM ALC for measurement of GnRH peptide released in vitro. Results TGFβ1 induced GnRH gene expression in the POA, and this effect was blocked by ALC. We also described the presence and responsiveness of the TGFβ1 receptor in the POA and showed that acute ALC exposure not only altered the TGFβ1-induced increase in TGFβ-R1 protein expression but also the activation of receptor-associated proteins, Smad2 and Smad3, key downstream components of the TGFβ1 signaling pathway. Assessment of an adhesion/signaling family consisting of glial receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta and neuronal contactin-associated protein-1 (Caspr1) and contactin showed that the neuronal components were induced by TGFβ1 and that ALC blocked these effects. Finally, TGFβ1 was shown to induce release of the GnRH peptide in vitro, an action that was blocked by ALC. Conclusions We have demonstrated glial-derived TGFβ1 induces GnRH gene expression in the POA and stimulates release of the peptide from the MBH, actions necessary for driving the pubertal process. Importantly, ALC acted at both brain regions to block stimulatory effects of TGFβ1. Furthermore, ALC altered neuronal components of an adhesion/signaling family previously shown to be expressed on GnRH neurons and implicated in glial–GnRH neuronal communications. These results further demonstrate detrimental effects of ALC at puberty.
Performance of alcoholism screening questionnaires in elderly veterans

PURPOSE: To validate three alcoholism screening questionnaires in elderly male veterans. PATIENTS: Participants were 120 male veterans aged 65 years or older. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients in the outpatient general medical practice at the Omaha VA Medical Center were interviewed with the alcohol module of the Revised Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS-III-R) and three alcoholism screening questionnaires, the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version (MAST-G), the CAGE, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and areas under the receiver operating curve [ROC]) of the screening questionnaires were determined in comparison with the DIS-III-R. RESULTS: Forty-three participants (36%) met DSM-III-R ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ) criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence; 23% were active drinkers and 13% were inactive. Fifty of the 120 (42%) reported abstinence from drinking during the preceding year. A MAST-G score ≥5 had a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 81%, respectively. A CAGE score ≥2 had a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 82%. Using active drinkers only, an AUDIT score of ≥8 had a sensitivity and specificity of 33% and 91%. The positive predictive values (PPV) for the MAST-G, CAGE, and AUDIT were 67%, 66%, and 69%, respectively; the negative predictive values were 83%, 80%, and 68%, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating curves for the MAST-G, CAGE, and AUDIT were 0.84 ± 0.04, 0.77 ± 0.05, and 0.56 ± 0.08, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MAST-G and the CAGE outperformed the AUDIT for detecting alcohol abuse and dependence in an elderly male veteran population. The CAGE, requiring only four easily memorized questions to achieve similar accuracy, appears to offer an advantage over the 24-item MAST-G.
Eight-Month-Old Infants' Perception of Possible and Impossible Events.

This study investigated 8-month-old infants' perception of object permanence in an extension of the rotating screen studies by Baillargeon (1987) and Baillargeon, Spelke, and Wasserman (1985). Using computer-animated stimuli similar to the "live" stimuli used by Baillargeon and her colleagues (Baillargeon, 1987; Baillargeon et al., 1985), 48 8-month-old infants were habituated to 1 of 4 computer-animated events and then tested on all 4 events. The events involved a screen that rotated in either a 180° or 120° arc and a block that either was sitting in the path of the rotating screen or absent from the event. The results provided no evidence that infants responded on the basis of the possibility or impossibility of the events as claimed by Baillargeon and her colleagues, but instead indicated that the infants responded on the basis of perceptual novelty. These results are consistent with the findings of Schilling (this issue) and Bogartz, Shinskey, and Schilling (this issue). Taken together, along with the...
Comparative analysis of histopathologic responses to implanted porcine biologic meshes.

Biologic mesh (BM) prostheses are increasingly utilized for hernia repairs. Modern BMs are not only derived from different tissue sources, but also undergo various proprietary processing steps—factors that likely impact host tissue responses and mesh performance. We aimed to compare histopathologic responses to various BMs after implantation in a mouse model. Five-mm samples of non-crosslinked [Strattice (ST)], and intentionally crosslinked [CollaMend (CM), Permacol (PC)] porcine-derived biologic meshes were implanted subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice. 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation, meshes were assessed for inflammation, foreign body reaction (FBR), neocellularization, and collagen deposition using HE lowest in ST) that resolved by 4 weeks. ST was associated with extensive macrophage presence at 12 weeks. Foreign body response was not seen in the ST group, but was present abundantly in the CM and PC groups, highest at 8 weeks. New peripheral collagen deposition was seen only in the ST group at 12 weeks. Collagen organization was highest in the ST group as well. Both CM and PC groups were associated with fibrous encapsulation and no evidence of integration or remodeling. Inflammation appears to be a common component of integration of all biologic meshes studied. Pronounced inflammatory responses as well as profound FBR likely lead to observed encapsulation and poor host integration of the crosslinked BMs. Overall, ST was associated with the lowest foreign body response and the highest degree of new collagen deposition and organization. These features may be key predictors for improved mesh performance during hernia repair.
Indications for chronic albumin infusion.

While transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a common therapy for cirrhotic patients with diuretic-resistant or diuretic-refractory ascites, some patients are unsuitable for the procedure for technical or medical reasons. We report our experience with the use of chronic intravenous albumin infusions to achieve diuresis in this difficult patient population and review the historic experience of chronic albumin infusions as a treatment for ascites. Nineteen patients with cirrhosis and diuretic-resistant or diuretic-refractory ascites who were deemed unsuitable for TIPS received outpatient intravenous albumin infusions (50 g) weekly for at least 4 weeks. The following endpoints were retrospectively recorded: serum sodium, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematocrit, bilirubin, albumin, international normalized ratio, body weight, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. The contraindications for TIPS included the following: portal vein thrombosis, two; advanced age, one; encephalopathy, nine; hyperbilirubinemia, five; and other, two. Compared to pretreatment, posttreatment weight decreased in 17 patients, remained unchanged in 0 patients, and increased in 2 patients. The overall mean change in body weight (before vs. after therapy) was 8 lb (P < 0.05). The only significant change in biochemistries was an increase in serum albumin from 2.5 g/dl before therapy to 3.5 g/dl after therapy (P < 0.05). We conclude that (1) recurrent intravenous weekly albumin infusions resulted in significant loss of edema and ascites as measured by loss of body weight, and (2) clinicians may want to consider chronic albumin infusions for selected patients with refractory ascites who are not candidates for TIPS.
A Privacy-Preserving Location Monitoring System for Wireless Sensor Networks

Monitoring personal locations with a potentially untrusted server poses privacy threats to the monitored individuals. To this end, we propose a privacy-preserving location monitoring system for wireless sensor networks. In our system, we design two in-network location anonymization algorithms, namely, resource and quality-aware algorithms, that aim to enable the system to provide high-quality location monitoring services for system users, while preserving personal location privacy. Both algorithms rely on the well-established k-anonymity privacy concept, that is, a person is indistinguishable among k persons, to enable trusted sensor nodes to provide the aggregate location information of monitored persons for our system. Each aggregate location is in a form of a monitored area A along with the number of monitored persons residing in A, where A contains at least k persons. The resource-aware algorithm aims to minimize communication and computational cost, while the quality-aware algorithm aims to maximize the accuracy of the aggregate locations by minimizing their monitored areas. To utilize the aggregate location information to provide location monitoring services, we use a spatial histogram approach that estimates the distribution of the monitored persons based on the gathered aggregate location information. Then, the estimated distribution is used to provide location monitoring services through answering range queries. We evaluate our system through simulated experiments. The results show that our system provides high-quality location monitoring services for system users and guarantees the location privacy of the monitored persons.
Measuring activity pacing in women with lower-extremity osteoarthritis: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE. We examined how women with osteoarthritis naturally use activity pacing and how pacing relates to symptoms and physical activity within daily routines. METHOD. Thirty women with knee or hip osteoarthritis (mean age = 63.8 ± 6.9) wore an actigraph accelerometer and repeatedly reported activity pacing, pain, and fatigue. Using the median split, symptom patterns were compared for low and high pacers. The relationship between activity pacing and physical activity was also examined. RESULTS. Activity pacing was low (1.4 ± 0.9); pain and fatigue were mild (1.0 ± 0.7 and 1.1 ± 0.7, respectively). When compared with low pacers, high pacers had more severe, escalating symptoms. Activity pacing was related to lower physical activity (s = -28.14, SE = 6.24), t (586) = -4.51, p = .0001. CONCLUSION. Pain, fatigue, and activity pacing use varied depending on average activity pacing level. High pacers may benefit from interventions to manage daily symptoms
Electrostriction, optical Kerr effect and self-focusing of laser beams

Abstract Electrostrictive coefficients and optical Kerr constants for liquids are derived. Their relative importance in the self-focusing of a giant-pulse laser beam is discussed.
Small Molecules Targeting Hepatitis C Virus-Encoded NS5A Cause Subcellular Redistribution of Their Target: Insights into Compound Modes of Action

The current standard of care for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients consists of lengthy treatment with interferon and ribavirin. To increase the effectiveness of HCV therapy, future regimens will incorporate multiple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. Recently, the HCV-encoded NS5A protein has emerged as a promising DAA target. Compounds targeting NS5A exhibit remarkable potency in vitro and demonstrate early clinical promise, suggesting that NS5A inhibitors could feature in future DAA combination therapies. Since the mechanisms through which these molecules operate are unknown, we have used NS5A inhibitors as tools to investigate their modes of action. Analysis of replicon-containing cells revealed dramatic phenotypic alterations in NS5A localization following treatment with NS5A inhibitors; NS5A was redistributed from the endoplasmic reticulum to lipid droplets. The NS5A relocalization did not occur in cells treated with other classes of HCV inhibitors, and NS5A-targeting molecules did not cause similar alterations in the localization of other HCV-encoded proteins. Time course analysis of the redistribution of NS5A revealed that the transfer of protein to lipid droplets was concomitant with the onset of inhibition, as judged by the kinetic profiles for these compounds. Furthermore, analysis of the kinetic profile of inhibition for a panel of test molecules permitted the separation of compounds into different kinetic classes based on their modes of action. Results from this approach suggested that NS5A inhibitors perturbed the function of new replication complexes, rather than acting on preformed complexes. Taken together, our data reveal novel biological consequences of NS5A inhibition, which may help enable the development of future assay platforms for the identification of new and/or different NS5A inhibitors.
Currency futures, news releases, and uncertainty resolution

Abstract The effects of domestic macroeconomic news releases on futures on the British Pound (BP), Canadian Dollar (CD), Deutsche Mark (DM), Japanese Yen (JY), and Swiss Franc (SF) are examined. The results show that all five futures respond to the release of macroeconomic news, especially the first set of news releases issued at 7:30 a.m. (CST). Results of tests that identify the effects of individual announcements suggest that news in the Employment Report, the Trade Deficit, Industrial Production, and Capacity Utilization affects all five futures. Other announcements do not have such widespread effects. Volatility increases following the announcements persist for some time. Such increases are not uniform across the five instruments. For instance, following the 7:30-a.m. announcements, for the JY, BP, and SF, higher variance is observed for 30 min. However, for the DM and CD, the increase is 45 and 15 min, respectively.
Relational Classification Through Three-State Epidemic Dynamics

Relational classification in networked data plays an important role in many problems such as text categorization, classification of web pages, group finding in peer networks, etc. We have previsouly demonstrated that for a class of label propagating algorithms the underlying dynamics can be modeled as a two-state epidemic process on heterogeneous networks, where infected nodes correspond to classified data instances. We have also suggested a binary classification algorithm that utilizes non?trivial characteristics of epidemic dynamics. In this paper we extend our previous work by considering a three?state epidemic model for label propagation. Specifically, we introduce a new, intermediate state that corresponds to "susceptible" data instances. The utility of the added state is that it allows to control the rates of epidemic spreading, hence making the algorithm more flexible. We show empirically that this extension improves significantly the performance of the algorithm. In particular, we demonstrate that the new algorithm achieves good classification accuracy even for relatively large over-lap across the classes.
Decoupling of pyroclastic currents: hazards assessments

Gravitational settling of fragments, gas elutriation and boundary layer processes cause concentration values to change within different parts of sediment gravity flows during movement. These processes result in flow transformations, density stratification and decoupling of single currents into separate sediment gravity flows. Density can change by an increase in solids concentration in basal zones of currents by downward fall of particles, or by incorporation of particles from the substrate, thereby leaving their upper parts more dilute. In some flows, upward-streaming gases and elutriation of fines cause dilute turbulent currents to develop at the top of a dense current. Increasing concentration dampens turbulent action, transforming the turbulent to the nonturbulent state, commonly at the current's base. Conversely, dilute parts of currents become or remain turbulent. Currents consisting of turbulent and nonturbulent parts can decouple by shearing past one another because of differing flow properties, with each part taking separate paths. The manner by which a pyroclastic flow moves affects its predicted runout distance, its distribution as continuous sheets or in isolated basins, and whether it can cross barriers such as high mountain ranges or water bodies. During the eruption of Unzen volcano on June 3, 1991, decoupling of a pyroclastic surge from the top of a pyroclastic flow caused the deaths of Harry Glicken, Maurice Krafft, Katia Krafft and 40 Japanese citizens. Mapping volcanic hazard zones requires that consideration be given to decoupling processes to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Robust thermoregulatory overcompensation, rather than tolerance, develops with serial administrations of 70% nitrous oxide to rats.

Abstract Changes in typical whole-animal dependent variables following drug administration represent an integral of the drug's pharmacological effect, the individual's autonomic and behavioral responses to the resulting disturbance, and many other influences. An archetypical example is core temperature ( T c ), long used for quantifying initial drug sensitivity and tolerance acquisition over repeated drug administrations. Our previous work suggested that rats differing in initial sensitivity to nitrous oxide (N 2 O)-induced hypothermia would exhibit different patterns of tolerance development across N 2 O administrations. Specifically, we hypothesized that rats with an initially insensitive phenotype would subsequently develop regulatory overcompensation that would mediate an allostatic hyperthermic state, whereas rats with an initially sensitive phenotype would subsequently compensate to a homeostatic normothermic state. To preclude confounding due to handling and invasive procedures, a valid test of this prediction required non-invasive thermal measurements via implanted telemetric temperature sensors, combined direct and indirect calorimetry, and automated drug delivery to enable repeatable steady-state dosing. We screened 237 adult rats for initial sensitivity to 70% N 2 O-induced hypothermia. Thirty highly sensitive rats that exhibited marked hypothermia when screened and 30 highly insensitive rats that initially exhibited minimal hypothermia were randomized to three groups ( n =10 each/group) that received: (1) twelve 90-min exposures to 70% N 2 O using a classical conditioning procedure, (2) twelve 90-min exposures to 70% N 2 O using a random control procedure for conditioning, or (3) a no-drug control group that received custom-made air. Metabolic heat production (via indirect calorimetry), body heat loss (via direct calorimetry) and T c (via telemetry) were simultaneously quantified during N 2 O and control gas administrations. Initially insensitive rats rapidly acquired (3rd administration) a significant allostatic hyperthermic phenotype during N 2 O administration whereas initially sensitive rats exhibited classical tolerance (normothermia) during N 2 O inhalation in the 4th and 5th sessions. However, the sensitive rats subsequently acquired the hyperthermic phenotype and became indistinguishable from initially insensitive rats during the 11th and 12th N 2 O administrations. The major mechanism for hyperthermia was a brisk increase in metabolic heat production. However, we obtained no evidence for classical conditioning of thermal responses. We conclude that the degree of initial sensitivity to N 2 O-induced hypothermia predicts the temporal pattern of thermal adaptation over repeated N 2 O administrations, but that initially insensitive and sensitive animals eventually converge to similar (and substantial) magnitudes of within-administration hyperthermia mediated by hyper-compensatory heat production.
Attenuation of septal lesion-induced shuttlebox facilitation by 5-hydroxytryptophan

Septal-lesioned rats and unoperated controls were tested for acquisition of a shuttlebox avoidance task. Each animal received either a 105-mg/kg 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or a saline injection prior to each day’s testing. Septal animals with saline injections were significantly faster in learning the task. This facilitation was significantly attenuated by injections of 5-HTP. The data suggest that septal lesion-induced shuttlebox facilitation may be a function of the serotonin reduction previously reported to be a consequence of the lesion.
A new low-loss mode in semiconductor magnetoplasmas

A new semiconductor plasma wave mode that can propagate with very little attenuation at frequencies smaller than the plasma collision frequency is described. The wave propagates at right angles to a dc magnetic field and may be used for modulation of lasers or for tunable filters in the microwave /millimeter wave region.
Case of Pediatric Acquired Chronic Hepatocerebral Degeneration

Acquired chronic hepatocerebral degeneration is a central nervous system disorder secondary to several conditions related to hepatic dysfunction. Clinical features of acquired chronic hepatocerebral degeneration include a hyperkinetic extrapyramidal syndrome, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or both. We present for the first time a pediatric case of acquired chronic hepatocerebral degeneration secondary to endstage biliary disease. The pediatric phenotype of acquired chronic hepatocerebral degeneration is presented, and the differential diagnosis in regard to Wilson's disease and management alternatives are discussed.
Covalent bonds in ionic crystals

Abstract An ion at a tetrahedral site will develop an induced octupole moment, which is equivalent to a covalent bond. The magnitude of this bond is calculated For AgI and the copper halides, and removes a discrepancy between theory and experiment which has stood for 47 years.
TH-D-224C-01: A Quality Assurance Procedure to Monitor Mechanical Stability and Image Quality of An On-Board KV Cone-Beam CT Imager

Purpose: To develop Quality Assurance (QA) procedures that monitor mechanical stability and image quality performance of a new kV on‐board‐imager (OBI) and cone beam CT(CBCT) system. Material and Methods: QA of mechanical stability includes measurements of the OBI kV and Linac MV isocenters, shifts resulting from gantry rotation, translational of imager, flexing of support arms, and reproducibility of couch shifts. Image quality QA includes measurement of noise,CT number uniformity, linearity, spatial and contrast resolutions. Results: Our system has a systematic shift between kV and MV isocenters of ∼1.4 mm. Translational motion of the OBI is accurate to ∼0.9 mm and rotational motion to ∼0.2 mm. Couch positioning accuracy has an error of ∼0.9 mm longitudinally. CT numbers are less uniform than for conventional CT with full fan (without filter) CBCT scans producing better results than other modes (CT number uniformity ∼2.5%). σ for CBCT is about 1% worse than for conventional CT and thus low‐contrast level objects such as supra‐and sub‐slice targets with < 0.5% nominal contrast in the contrast resolution module are not resolved in CBCT.CBCT numbers agree with simulator CT within 3% in the range −1000 to +1000 for scans in air. High‐contrast resolution of the OBI cone‐beam CT is comparable to the conventional CT simulator. Conclusions: Systematic shifts of the OBI isocenter from radiation isocenter must be considered for patient setup and IGRT procedures using CBCT. Systematic isocenter shifts caused by rotational and translational motions of couch and gantry must also be corrected for to achieve sub‐millimeter target localization accuracy. Image quality of kV cone‐beam CT is inferior to conventional simulator CT in terms of uniformity, and low‐contrast resolution, but has comparable CT number linearity and high‐contrast resolution. Conflict of Interest: This work is supported by NCI Grant P01‐CA59017.
The molybdenum cofactors – perspective from crystal structure

The field of molybdopterin-containing enzymes has experienced an infusion of excitement as a result of several reports of high-resolution X-ray crystallographic structures including the tungsten-containing aldehyde oxidoreductase from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus and three different studies on a single enzyme, DMSO reductase. The tungstoprotein was the first of the reported structures and contained several crucial features [1]. The structure provided unequivocal proof for coordination of Mo to the dithiolene moiety of molybdopterin, a finding subsequently confirmed in all of the other structures. Thus the crystal structures have categorically ruled out alternative modes of binding of Mo to the pterin, as proposed by Fischer et al. [2]. Secondly, the structure of the W-containing aldehyde oxidoreductase revealed an unexpected feature of the W cofactor, i.e., chelation of W to the dithiolenes of two molybdopterin molecules. A third important finding of this study was the presence of a pyran ring resulting from the fusion of the 3b-hydroxyl of the side chain of the pterin to C-7 of the pterin ring, now known to be a universal property of the protein-bound cofactor. The 2 :1 ratio of pterin to metal is not unique to W-containing enzymes, since both Rhodobacter DMSO reductase and Escherichia coli formate dehydrogenase have been found to contain bis(MGD)-Mo [3]. So far, the 2 :1 pterin-to-Mo ratio has been found only in MGD-containing enzymes. The presence of the tricyclic pterin was unexpected, since three derivatives of molybdopterin, Form A, Form B, and dicarboxamidomethyl molybdopterin contain linear 6-alkyl side chains [4]. Two other derivatives, Form B and urothione, contain a thiophene ring rather than a pyran ring [4]. Since these derivatives are formed from molybdoenzvmes under mild conditions, the formation of the pyran ring must be a freely reversible process, with ring opening occurring as soon as the pterin is released from the protein. It is likely that the pyran adduct formation stabilizes the pterin ring against oxidative modifications that could disrupt the structure of the cofactor. The structures of Form B and urothione suggest that oxidation of the pterin ring could cause cis-trans isomerization of the dithiolene, leading to weakened binding of Mo and facilitating the formation of the thiophene ring. The crystal structures of aldehyde oxidoreductase from Desulfovibrio gigas [5], and DMSO reductase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides [6] as well as Rhodobacter capsulatus [7] have elicited considerable interest, the former because of its homology to the xanthine oxidase family of hydroxylases and the latter because of the considerable differences seen in Mo coordination in three different structural studies. The implications of these findings are discussed below.
A simple and precise method for total chlorophyll analysis in tropical foliage plants 1

Abstract Methods currently in use for total chlorophyll analysis of plant tissue were reviewed. Storage of leaf tissue before analysis, filtration methods during analysis and extract longevity were investigated. The final procedure includes the use of leaf area cores and extraction with 100% acetone with results reported by area and oven dry weight. A simple and precise composite method was adopted.
First Report of Natural Infection of Penstemon acuminatus with Cucumber mosaic virus in the Treasure Valley Region of Idaho and Oregon

Penstemons are perennials that are grown for their attractive flowers in the United States. Penstemon species (P. acuminatus, P. deustus, and P. speciosus) are among the native forbs considered as a high priority for restoration of great basin rangelands. During the summer of 2008, symptoms of red spots and rings were observed on leaves of P. acuminatus (family Scrophulariaceae) in an experimental trial in Malheur County, Oregon where the seeds from several native forbs were multiplied for restoration of range plants in intermountain areas. These plants were cultivated as part of the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. Several native wildflower species are grown for seed production in these experimental plots. Plants showed red foliar ringspots and streaks late in the season. Fungal or bacterial infection was ruled out. Two tospoviruses, Impatiens necrotic spot virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus, and one nepovirus, Tomato ring spot virus, are known to infect penstemon (2,3). Recently...
The Last Straw Fallacy: Another Causal Fallacy and Its Harmful Effects

We have noticed a pattern of arguments that exhibit a type of irrationality or a particular informal logical fallacy that is not fully captured by any existing fallacy. This fallacy can be explored through three examples where one misattributes a cause by focusing on a smaller portion of a larger set—specifically, the last or least known—and claiming that that cause holds a unique priority over other contributing factors for the occurrence of an event. We propose to call this fallacy the “last straw fallacy” and will argue why these examples actually warrant a new logical name. Finally, we will show how these cases point to a deeper insight about the contexts in which we typically invoke this type of reasoning and some significant harmful consequences of doing so.
COMMENTARY: The Use of Focus Groups for Design and Implementation of Collaborative Environmental Administrative Programs: A Comparison of Two State-Level Processes in Ohio

Development and implementation of administrative programs are important steps in the process of change through public law and policy. These programs set the specific mechanisms that will be used to...
Self-avoiding walks on randomly diluted lattices.

We present new results of Monte Carlo simulations for self-avoiding walks on randomly diluted square and simple-cubic lattices performed very close to the percolation thresholds. Our results indicate the asymptotic behavior of the walk dimension to be rather similar to the undiluted lattice even at critical dilution.
Plasma Levels of FABP4, but not FABP3, Are Associated with Increased Risk of Diabetes

Little is known about the association between plasma concentrations of fatty acid binding protein 3 and 4 and the risk of diabetes in population-based cohorts. In a prospective nested case-control design, we studied 149 cases of diabetes and 149 matched controls from the Physicians' Health Study. Plasma fatty acid binding proteins were measured on frozen specimens collected between 1995 and 2001 by ELISA. Cases of diabetes were self-reported and validated in a subsample via review of medical records. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate multivariable relative risks. The mean age at baseline was 64.9 years and median plasma fatty acid binding protein 3 and 4 were 2.12 ng/ml (IQR 1.62-2.66) and 15.32 ng/ml (IQR 12.14-18.73), respectively. In separate models, each fatty acid binding protein was positively associated with the risk of diabetes in a conditional logistic regression adjusting for matching variables, smoking, and hypertension. However, upon adjustment for each other, only fatty acid binding protein 4 (but not 3) was positively associated with the risk of diabetes [relative risk (95 % CI) 1.0 (reference), 2.73 (1.08-6.89), 2.66 (1.11-6.42), and 6.89 (2.83-16.80) across consecutive quartiles of fatty acid binding protein 4, P for trend <0.0001]. The FABP4-diabetes association was modified by body mass index (P interaction 0.03). Our data showed a positive association between plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 but not 3 and the risk of diabetes in US male physicians. The interaction with body mass index warrants further investigations.
To build a bridge: the use of foreign models by domestic critics of U.S. drug policy.

Domestic critics of American policy concerning illicit drugs have frequently looked abroad for evidence to bolster their agenda. Policies developed elsewhere, specifically heroin maintenance in Britain and harm reduction in Holland, have profoundly affected debate over the American approach to addiction. In each instance, the interest in foreign models was whetted by a perceived social emergency: the heroin epidemic following World War II and the HIV epidemic of the last decade.
Effect of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane and its optical isomers in PMMA-trained rats.

Abstract 1-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDA) is a drug of abuse that is known to produce stimulus effects similar to those of the stimulant phenylalkylamine (+)amphetamine and the hallucinogenic phenylalkylamine 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM). Earlier, a working model was described to account for the stimulus effects produced by phenylalkylamines. Such agents can produce one or more of three distinct effects: an amphetamine effect, a DOM effect and a third effect that is typified by the agent N -methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMMA). Because MDA is known to produce two of the three effects, in the present investigation, we sought to determine if racemic MDA or either of its optical isomers could produce a PMMA-like effect in animals. Administration of S (+)MDA, R (−)MDA and (±)MDA to rats trained to discriminate 1.25 mg/kg of PMMA from saline vehicle under a VI 15-s schedule of reinforcement resulted in substitution in each case. (±)MDA and S (+)MDA were nearly equipotent and several fold more potent than R (−)MDA. The results are not only consistent with the proposed model but also identify (±)MDA as the first phenylalkylamine shown to produce all three types of stimulus effects (i.e., amphetamine-like, DOM-like and PMMA-like) in rats.
On the convergence of certain finite-difference schemes by an inverse-matrix method

The inverse-matrix method of analyzing the convergence of the solution of a given system of finite-difference equations to the solution of the corresponding system of partial-differential equations is discussed and generalized. The convergence properties of a time- and space-centered differencing of the diffusion equation are analyzed as well as a staggered grid differencing of the Cauchy-Riemann equations. These two schemes are significant since they serve as simplified model algorithms for two recently developed methods used to calculate nonlinear aerodynamic flows.
GRANULOCYTIC SARCOMA OF THE UTERUS

The presenting features of vaginal bleeding and abnormal cytologic smears in a elderly patient with simultaneously occurring acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), were due to massive infiltration of the uterine cervix and endometrium by immature myeloid elements or granulocytic sarcoma. The abnormal cytologic smears and uterine mass were initially believed to represent a poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma. The diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma was confirmed with the naphthol AS-D chloroacetate stain that demonstrated activity in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells.
Managing age diversity for customer service success in sports organisations

Global demographic shifts give rise to an aging workforce, yet social barriers hinder employment and effective management of older workers. Sports organisations in particular would benefit from age diversity and inclusive cultures, as older workers who identify with organisational values are well-suited for interacting successfully with customers. From a survey of front-line service employees in five US Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs, we found significant relationships found between aging, organisational identification, and customer service. We offer explanations why older employees choose to work for sports organisations and discuss ideas for building cultural diversity and customer relationships through a mixed-age workforce.
Cheating: limits of individual integrity

Abstract Cheating is an issue with which most students deal in their school years. In this paper, college students who have taken a mid‐term exam in which cheating occurred are interviewed about their views of this incident. Their words reveal not only their individual responses and solutions to this dilemma, but also their views of what teachers can and could do. They also reveal the limitations of seeing the dilemma only in dichotomous terms, cheaters vs. non‐cheaters, teacher vs. students, or in terms of only individual responsibility.
Differential Activation and Trafficking of μ-Opioid Receptors in Brain Slices

The activation of G protein-coupled receptors results in a cascade of events that include acute signaling, desensitization, and internalization, and it is thought that not all agonists affect each process to the same extent. The early steps in opioid receptor signaling, including desensitization, have been characterized electrophysiologically using brain slice preparations, whereas most previous studies of opioid receptor trafficking have been conducted in heterologous cell models. This study used transgenic mice that express an epitope-tagged (FLAG) micro-opioid receptor (FLAGMOR) targeted to catecholamine neurons by regulatory elements from the tyrosine hydroxylase gene. Brain slices from these mice were used to study tagged MOR receptors in neurons of the locus ceruleus. Activation of the FLAGMOR with [Met5]enkephalin (ME) produced a hyperpolarization that desensitized acutely to the same extent as native MOR in slices from wild-type mice. A series of opioid agonists were then used to study desensitization and receptor trafficking in brain slices, which was monitored with a monoclonal antibody against the FLAG epitope (M1) conjugated to Alexa 594. Three patterns of receptor trafficking and desensitization were observed: 1) ME, etorphine, and methadone resulted in both receptor desensitization and internalization; 2) morphine and oxymorphone caused significant desensitization without evidence for internalization; and 3) oxycodone was ineffective in both processes. These results show that two distinct forms of signaling were differentially engaged depending on the agonist used to activate the receptor, and they support the hypothesis that ligand-specific regulation of opioid receptors occurs in neurons maintained in brain slices from adult animals.