cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acid sphingomyelinase promotes mitochondrial dysfunction due to glutamate-induced regulated necrosis

Inhibiting the glutamate/cystine antiporter system xc−, a key antioxidant defense machinery in the CNS, could trigger a novel form of regulated necrotic cell death, ferroptosis. The underlying mechanisms of system xc−-dependent cell demise were elucidated using primary oligodendrocytes (OLs) treated with glutamate to block system xc− function. Pharmacological analysis revealed ferroptosis as a major contributing factor to glutamate-initiated OL death. A sphingolipid profile showed elevations of ceramide species and sphingosine that were preventable by inhibiting of an acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activity. OL survival was enhanced by both downregulating ASM expression and blocking ASM activity. Glutamate-induced ASM activation seems to involve posttranscriptional mechanisms and was associated with a decreased GSH level. Further investigation of the mechanisms of OL response to glutamate revealed enhanced reactive oxygen species production, augmented lipid peroxidation, and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore that were attenuated by hindering ASM. Of note, knocking down sirtuin 3, a deacetylase governing the mitochondrial antioxidant system, reduced OL survival. The data highlight the importance of the mitochondrial compartment in regulated necrotic cell death and accentuate the novel role of ASM in disturbing mitochondrial functions during OL response to glutamate toxicity, which is essential for pathobiology in stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Subsums of the Harmonic Series

We consider subsums of the harmonic series, and determine conditions for their convergence. We apply these conditions to determine convergence for a family of series that generalizes Kempner’s series.
Discordance between perceived and actual tobacco product use prevalence among US youth: a comparative analysis of electronic and regular cigarettes.

Importance Two components of social norms—descriptive (estimated prevalence) and injunctive (perceived acceptability)—can influence youth tobacco use. Objective To investigate electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and cigarette descriptive norms and measure the associations between overestimation of e-cigarette and cigarette prevalence and tobacco-related attitudes and behaviours. Design Cross-sectional. Setting School-based, using paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Participants US 6th-12th graders participating in the 2015 (n=17 711) and 2016 (n=20 675) National Youth Tobacco Survey. Exposure Students estimated the percent of their grade-mates who they thought used e-cigarettes and cigarettes; the discordance between perceived versus grade-specific actual prevalence was used to categorise students as overestimating (1) neither product, (2) e-cigarettes only, (3) cigarettes only or (4) both products. Outcomes Product-specific outcomes were curiosity and susceptibility (never users), as well as ever and current use (all students). Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was at P Results More students overestimated cigarette (74.0%) than e-cigarette prevalence (61.0%; P Conclusions Four of five US students overestimated peer e-cigarette or cigarette use. Counter-tobacco mass media messages can help denormalise tobacco use.
Experimental determination of stress-concentration factors in thick-walled cylinders with crossholes and sideholes

In a companion paper1 submitted to ASME, the theoretical determination of stress-concentration factors in thick-walled cylinders was reported. The present paper reports the results of experiments conducted to check the predictions of the theory. The configuration is a thick-walled cylinder with crossholes or sideholes oriented perpendicular to the bore. Stress concentrations occur at the “tee” intersections of the holes with the bore. The loadings considered are internal pressure and external pressure. Both steel and plastic models were tested. Experiments were also conducted to determine the reduction of the stress-concentration factor by intersection radii at the crosshole intersection. Experimental results were found to agree well with theory. The best configuration was found to be one with crosshole (or sidehole) diameter equal to the bore diameter, and with an intersection radius at the tee intersection equal to the bore radius.
MODIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE ON MORPHINE BY THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE

Subcutaneous administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) prior to and during morphinization inhibited the development of dependence on morphine in mice. This was evidenced by inhibition of the hypothermic response observed during abrupt and naloxone precipitated withdrawal. Naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumping response was not inhibited by TRH. Intracerebral injection of TRH in morphine-dependent mice inhibited the naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumping as well as hypothermia. Subcutaneous injection of TRH in mice after dependence had developed partially antagonized the hypothermic response for 3 to 4h. However, TRH was without effect in placebo pellet implanted mice. It is concluded that TRH can block abstinence syndrome in morphine dependent mice when injected icv and also inhibit the development of physical dependence on morphine. Studies with peripheral administration of TRH indicate that sites initiating abstinent jumping response and those affecting temperature regulation during abstinence may not be the same.
Laparoscopic Ablation of Liver Tumors

Destruction of hepatic tumors by cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation is becoming commonplace within the realm of minimally invasive techniques. Each method involves insertion of a probe through liver parenchyma into a hepatic neoplasm. Destruction of the lesion occurs as it is frozen to −180°C and subsequently thawed, or by heating it to greater than 50°C. Detection and destruction of the lesions are monitored with real-time ultrasound. Open cryosurgical hepatic procedures have been well described in the North American, Australian, and Asian literature, and its role is established in selected patients. Development and improvement of laparoscopic ultrasound probes has allowed these procedures to be performed completely laparoscopically. Early results of laparoscopic cryoablation and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation reveal that they are safe and equally efficacious as open procedures with less procedure-related morbidity and improved survival. Clearly, further studies are needed to verify these early findings and better select a patient group that may benefit from these treatment modalities.
Radiation Patterns of Horns, Slots and Patch Antennas

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction The Open-Ended Waveguide Radiation from Horns Center-Fed Slot in Large Ground Plane Waveguide-Fed Slots Theory of Waveguide-Fed Slot Radiators Patch Antennas This chapter contains sections titled: References Problems ]]>
Regulation: Sexual Behavior

The regulation of sexual behavior refers to the enactment of laws and legal codes that define and restrict specific sexual conduct. Historically, the regulation of sexual behaviors has served to reinforce a normative view of sexuality as represented by traditional social and religious taboos proscribing non-procreative sexual behaviors. Yet, changes in social relations and in the expanding configurations of coupling, marriage and family structure over the past 50 years has resulted in more tolerant attitudes about sexuality and more diverse sexual lifestyles, such that many legal regulations are either not enforced, in the process of reform or repeal, or are confronting considerable resistance. Cultural forces, such as changing gender roles and norms of sexual development, influences of mass media, popular culture, information technology and Internet access as well as alterations in the workplace have provided new issues with regard to the regulation of sexual behavior, which continue to be intensely contested in the political and legal arenas worldwide. This entry focuses on the multifaceted role of the legal system in enacting, interpreting and/or disputing the laws regulating sexual behavior and concludes with a discussion of the state sodomy laws and military law regulating sexual behavior in the US.
A Novel Approach for Introducing Bio-Materials Into Cells

A novel approach was developed to introduce biological materials into cells for gene transfection and gene therapy applications. The method is based on the technique of electrospraying bio-materials into cells. A prototype apparatus was constructed for a feasibility study. The features of the gene transfector include: (1) A dual-capillary assembly to spray suspensions of biological materials. The outer capillary provided sheathing liquid that controlled the charge level on individual particles without altering the properties of suspensions. (2) An air–CO2 gas mixture was used for suppressing possible corona discharge and kept the same gas composition as those in incubators. (3) The designed chamber enabled the spray to operate at reduced pressure for increasing sprayed particle velocity. In the feasibility study, both suspensions of plasmid and plasmid-coated gold particles were used. The plasmid used was the commercially available Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein gene. COS-1 cells were used as the target and the liquid media was evacuated immediately prior to the spraying process. Electrospraying was conducted at ambient pressure and the duration was no more than 2 min. After the spray transfection, the media was immediately replaced and the cell samples were returned to the incubator for 36 h. Transgene expression was detected by cellular fluorescence. This technology promises to have great potential for gene transfection and therapy studies.
Dasyprocta aguti (Orange-rumped agouti)

The metaphases from which these karyotypes were prepared came from bone marrow preparations after in vivo application of colchicine and were supplied by Dr. K. Fredga, Genetics Institute, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden. Terminology of the last 14 autosomes is equivocal. These elements have very short second arm and are perhaps best labeled as subterminal elements as designated by Fredga. Many autosomes are extremely similar and pairing is arbitrary. The sex chromosomes can be readily identified, however.
Major Issues of Marriage and Family for First Responders Families

For most people having a loving relationship is important for maintaining your sanity and having stability in life. Most people live longer if they are in a loving relationship. Thus having a family is important to first responders. However, the residual effects of the job affects their private life more so than any other aspect of their lives showing up as infidelity, divorce, substance abuse and sometimes domestic violence, but there is hope.
Acoustic wave scattering from a wave-bearing cavity in a rectangular waveguide

This article discusses the acoustic scattering in a waveguide containing flexible cavity bridged by vertical membranes. A tailored-Galerkin approach is adopted for the solution of governing boundary value problem. Unlike to the usual Mode-Matching (MM) technique, the schemes adopted here for solution modify the MM procedure by using Galerkin and Modal approaches. In Galerkin process, the displacement of vertical membrane is expanded by means of the usual orthogonal modes whilst in the later case, this displacement is found by utilizing the non-orthogonal modes of wave-bearing cavity. The results for scattering powers and transmission loss are shown against frequency and the dimensions of the chamber. A good agreement in results obtained via Galerkin and Modal approaches for different sets of edge conditions is seen. The numerical results show that the choices of edge conditions significantly affect the transmission loss and scattering powers.This article discusses the acoustic scattering in a waveguide containing flexible cavity bridged by vertical membranes. A tailored-Galerkin approach is adopted for the solution of governing boundary value problem. Unlike to the usual Mode-Matching (MM) technique, the schemes adopted here for solution modify the MM procedure by using Galerkin and Modal approaches. In Galerkin process, the displacement of vertical membrane is expanded by means of the usual orthogonal modes whilst in the later case, this displacement is found by utilizing the non-orthogonal modes of wave-bearing cavity. The results for scattering powers and transmission loss are shown against frequency and the dimensions of the chamber. A good agreement in results obtained via Galerkin and Modal approaches for different sets of edge conditions is seen. The numerical results show that the choices of edge conditions significantly affect the transmission loss and scattering powers.
Decays of 15 Be(5 /2 + )

I have computed spectroscopic factors $S$ and single-particle widths ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{\mathrm{sp}}$, and hence expected decay widths ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{\mathrm{calc}}=S{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{\mathrm{sp}}$ for decay of the lowest $5/{2}^{+}$ state of $^{15}\mathrm{Be}$ to the ground state and first ${2}^{+}$ state of $^{14}\mathrm{Be}$. Results indicate that decay to the ${2}^{+}$ state should be appreciable.
Neutrophils Restrict Tumor-Associated Microbiota to Reduce Growth and Invasion of Colon Tumors in Mice

Background & Aims Neutrophils are among the most prevalent immune cells in the microenvironment of colon tumors; they are believed to promote growth of colon tumors, and their numbers correlate with outcomes of patients with colon cancer. Trials of inhibitors of neutrophil trafficking are underway in patients with cancer, but it is not clear how neutrophils contribute to colon tumorigenesis. Methods Colitis-associated colon cancer was induced in mice with conditional deletion of neutrophils (LysMCre;Mcl1fl/fl) and wild-type littermates (LysMCre;Mcl1wt/wt, control mice) by administration of azoxythmethane and/or dextran sulfate sodium. Sporadic colon tumorigenesis was assessed in neutrophil-deficient and neutrophil-replete mice with conditional deletion of colon epithelial Apc (Cdx2-CreERT2;Apcfl/fl). Primary colon tumor tissues from these mice were assessed by histology, RNA sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. Fecal and tumor-associated microbiota were assessed by 16s ribosomal RNA sequencing. Results In mice with inflammation-induced and sporadic colon tumors, depletion of neutrophils increased the growth, proliferation, and invasiveness of the tumors. RNA sequencing analysis identified genes that regulate antimicrobial and inflammatory processes that were dysregulated in neutrophil-deficient colon tumors compared with colon tumors from control mice. Neutrophil depletion correlated with increased numbers of bacteria in tumors and proliferation of tumor cells, tumor-cell DNA damage, and an inflammatory response mediated by interleukin 17 (IL17). The 16s ribosomal RNA sequencing identified significant differences in the composition of the microbiota between colon tumors from neutrophil-deficient vs control mice. Administration of antibiotics or a neutralizing antibody against IL17 to neutrophil-deficient mice resulted in development of less-invasive tumors compared with mice given vehicle. We found bacteria in tumors to induce production of IL17, which promotes influx of intratumor B cells that promote tumor growth and progression. Conclusions In comparisons of mice with vs without neutrophils, we found neutrophils to slow colon tumor growth and progression by restricting numbers of bacteria and tumor-associated inflammatory responses.
Precision characterization of the TESS CCD detectors: Quantum efficiency, charge blooming and undershoot effects

Abstract NASA's Kepler mission revolutionized the exoplanet field by showing how abundant planets around stars are. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is the next logical step in searching for planets around nearby bright stars that can be followed up using spectroscopy to measure the planetary masses and atmospheric conditions. TESS was launched successfully in April 2018 as an Astrophysics Explorer mission, and is expected to discover a thousand or more planets that are smaller in size than Neptune. TESS employs four identical wide-field optical CCD cameras with a band-pass of 600 nm–1050 nm to perform differential time-series photometry by monitoring at least 200,000 main sequence stars. The detectors are designed for enhanced sensitivity to the redder wavelengths because it is easier to detect small planets around small red stars. The upper limit of the band-pass cutoff at 1050 nm is driven by the quantum-efficiency curve of the detectors. Exoplanet detection using planetary transits requires very high precision photometry because the occultation causes a dip in the brightness in the order of a few hundred parts per million (ppm). The detector noise should therefore be significantly low. This requires very accurate characterization and minimization of the noise sources. An optical test bench with significantly high photometric stability has been developed to perform precise noise measurements for TESS. In this paper, results from precision characterization techniques developed for the TESS CCD detectors are presented. In particular, the characterization of the absolute quantum efficiency (QE), gain, charge saturation and blooming, undershoot effects, and straps of the CCD detectors are presented.
Performance testing with presentation graphics

Testing for computer literacy requires extensive administration and controls. The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of computerized, projected quizzes in which students' performances (correct/minute) were measured. part of these performance quizzes, a series of 16 screens with 48 matching questions were shown for one minute per screen to 64 students. Six weeks later, an improved series of 20 screens with 60 matching questions were shown to 61 students. Last, these two quizzes were compared with a final power quiz with 90 matching questions that was printed on paper. The results showed that students did as well on the second projected, performance quiz as the paper, power quiz: The difference in performance of the genders was unexpected. INTROEUCTION Computer fluency, ready computer literacy, is required for success in businesses and gov­ ernment. Sometimes, it is even necessary to qualify as a nerd (Bennett, 1996). To meet these needs and to make their graduates marketable, most colleges require their students to take intro­ ductory courses in computers, and some colleges require demonstrated computer competency (CSUSM, 1996). In most business colleges, students first learn personal productivity tools on the computer and later learn how to manage infoimation resources. The sequence assumes some retention and fluency in computer knowledge from course to course and upon graduation. Demand for these courses and the resulting student enrollment inundate facilities and chal­ lenge faculty. More to the point, classes have become quite large; and test preparation, adminis­ tration, and grading is virtually impossible on a periodic or weekly basis. The purpose of this paper is to explore and to describe a partial solution to this testing problem. BACK:GR0UND TO COMPUTER FLUENCY & PERFORMANCE TESTING When job candidates are asked questions about computers, answers are expected a few seconds later. Their answers must be ready knowledge: computer fluency. Knowledge is not usually determined by hour-long tests. Answering the questions out of sequence or several min­ utes later is unacceptable, an anachronism of tests printed on paper. Additionally, previous
Distal Hyperextension Is Handy: High Range of Motion in Cluttered Environments

As robots branch out from the manufacturing sector into the home, there is a pressing need for new technology that can operate in cluttered and unstructured human environments. Loading and unloading a dishwasher serves as a difficult representative challenge for in-home robots, and a new robotic end-effector has been developed for this type of task. The actuation of the fingers is integrated with a bending degree of freedom that is nearly coincident with the proximal joints of the fingers, an arrangement that greatly increases the kinematic workspace in constrained environments. In addition, the distal joints of the fingers are capable of hyperextension (bending backwards), allowing them to pinch a wider range of surface curvatures and angles securely. A third feature of the hand is a palm that combines a granular jamming substrate with suction cups to adhere to wet and slippery objects of varying curvatures. Integration of these features into a single prototype allows the hand to grasp and manipulate dirty dishes reliably and with low gripping forces, as demonstrated in object acquisition and manipulation with less than 10 N of applied force.
Functional genetic analysis in a jawless vertebrate, the sea lamprey: insights into the developmental evolution of early vertebrates.

ABSTRACT Lampreys and hagfishes are the only surviving relicts of an ancient but ecologically dominant group of jawless fishes that evolved in the seas of the Cambrian era over half a billion years ago. Because of their phylogenetic position as the sister group to all other vertebrates (jawed vertebrates), comparisons of embryonic development between jawless and jawed vertebrates offers researchers in the field of evolutionary developmental biology the unique opportunity to address fundamental questions related to the nature of our earliest vertebrate ancestors. Here, we describe how genetic analysis of embryogenesis in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) has provided insight into the origin and evolution of developmental-genetic programs in vertebrates. We focus on recent work involving CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to study gene regulatory mechanisms involved in the development and evolution of neural crest cells and new cell types in the vertebrate nervous system, and transient transgenic assays that have been instrumental in dissecting the evolution of cis-regulatory control of gene expression in vertebrates. Finally, we discuss the broad potential for these functional genomic tools to address previously unanswerable questions related to the evolution of genomic regulatory mechanisms as well as issues related to invasive sea lamprey population control.
Studies of the dynamics of autoignition assisted outwardly propagating spherical cool and double flames under shock-tube conditions

Abstract The initiation, propagation, and transition of the autoignition assisted spherical cool flame and double flame are studied numerically and experimentally using n-heptane/air/He mixtures under shock-tube experimental conditions over a wide range of temperatures. The primary goal of the current study is to understand the effects of the ignition Damkohler number, ignition energy, flame curvature, and autoignition-induced flow compression on the propagation of spherical flames to ensure the proper interpretation of shock-tube flame speed measurements at engine-relevant conditions. The results show that at high ignition Damkohler number, there are three different flame regimes, cool flame, double flame, and hot flame. The cool flame speed accelerates dramatically with the increase of ignition Damkohler number. In addition, it is found that the change of flame regime, low-temperature autoignition, flame stretch, and autoignition-induced flow compression result in a complicated non-linear dependence of flame speed on stretch. The results also reveal that the spherical cool flame has much lower Markstein length compared to the hot flame at T > 600 K. Moreover, it is found that both the autoignition assisted cool flame and the trailing hot flame front in the double flame can propagate much faster that the hot flame alone at the same mixture conditions, leading to a nonlinear dependence of flame speed on the mixture initial temperature. The simulated flame trajectories and the flame speed dependence on temperature agree qualitatively well with the shock-tube experiments. A quantitative criterion to ensure the accurate speed measurement of the cool and hot flame is proposed. The present study provides important physical insight and guidance for the flame speed measurement using a shock-tube at engine relevant conditions.
Assessment of uncertainty in bid arrival times: A Bayesian mixture model

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian approach to model uncertainty in the bid arrival time by focusing on the time of the first bid in secondary (retail) market online business-to-business auctions...
Rb2Co1.85Ge1.15O6: The First Quaternary, Noncentrosymmetric Rubidium Cobalt Germanate

Deep blue, prism-shaped, X-ray diffraction quality single crystals of a new quaternary rubidium cobalt germanate, exact composition Rb2Co1.85Ge1.15O6, were grown by soaking a pre-reacted polycrystalline powder in a molten RbCl/RbF eutectic flux (melting point = 546 °C) at 700 °C in a silver reaction vessel. The complex was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and its elemental composition was semi-quantitatively confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Rb2Co1.85Ge1.15O6 crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic space group C2221 with lattice parameters a = 6.5971(2) A, b = 9.8791(3) A and c = 10.8819(3) A in the K2ZnSi2O6 structure type. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional network, composed of Co and mixed Co/Ge tetrahedra, and features cavities occupied by Rb cations. X-ray diffraction quality single crystals of a novel rubidium cobalt germanate, Rb2Co1.85Ge1.15O6, were grown by soaking a pre-reacted powder, targeted for preparing Rb4.51Co2.35Ge5.10O15F1.96, in a RbCl-RbF eutectic melt at 700 °C. The complex was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and found to crystallize in the orthorhombic space group C2221 in the K2ZnSi2O6 structure type.
Rheumatic fever

There have been numerous reports stating that treatment of acute rheumatic fever with either aspirin or corticosteroids does not alter the long-term outcome of rheumatic heart disease. Yet, it should be emphasized that most of these studies were carried out with the first generic corticosteroids before the advent of the more active and more potent corticosteroid agents. In spite of this caveat, there is no question that all the clinical and laboratory parameters of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) return to normal much more rapidly with corticosteroids than with aspirin alone. It is therefore our belief that steroids should be used when clinical and laboratory evidence of carditis exists, and aspirin should be reserved for cases of acute rheumatic arthritis with no evidence of carditis. The incidence of long-term valvular disease in active carditis may be decreased with steroid therapy. For example, the number of valve replacements differs markedly in centers that do use steroids and in those that do not. In Capetown, South Africa, where steroids are routinely used for carditis, valve replacement is quite rare. In contrast, in Johannesburg, where steroids are rarely used, the rate of valve replacement is quite high. The racial backgrounds of both groups of patients are similar, thus eliminating the question of racial differences. Concerning secondary prophylaxis, there is also controversy concerning the best second-line therapy. It is now well known that monthly intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin are really effective for only 20 days. Thus, there is a window in which penicillin coverage is not adequate. To circumvent this problem, some investigators give benzathine penicillin every 3 weeks. These injections are quite painful, however, and it has been our “rule” that compliance with this treatment is inversely proportional to the ratio of the size of the child to the mother. In our own experience over 30 years with the follow-up of more than 300 patients with acute rheumatic fever, careful discussion of the consequences of missing oral doses has been adequate to insure proper compliance. An analysis of our patients on oral penicillin prophylaxis compared with other groups using benzathine penicillin revealed that there was very little difference in recurrence rate.
The short-term impact on emissions and federal tax revenue of a carbon tax in the U.S. electricity sector

Abstract Due to low natural gas prices and the environmental advantages of natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) compared to coal, NGCC is replacing coal generators as the inframarginal providers of electricity. However, on average, NGCCs are running only 54 percent of the time. Utilizing excess NGCC capacity, as a substitute for coal generation, is a short-term policy solution for reducing greenhouse gases. In this research, we evaluate the impact of a carbon tax on substitution of natural gas for coal in the U.S. electricity sector. Through fixed effects regression and counterfactual calculations, we analyze data from 2003 to 2017 to evaluate the impact of a carbon tax on NGCC utilization, carbon emissions, and federal tax revenue between 2020 and 2030. We find the highest marginal increase in NGCC utilization happens with a carbon tax priced at $10/ton. Depending on future estimated changes in natural gas capacity, a $10 carbon tax would reduce carbon emissions between 1.39 and 1.55 billion metric tons per year and generate $106.47 to $118.33 billion in net revenue. The carbon tax we propose would be simpler to implement than an economy-wide policy and would still lead to significant carbon reductions and federal tax revenue in the short-run.
Vergleichende Untersuchung zur antiarrhythmischen Wirksamkeit von Diprafenon und Flecainid bei Patienten mit ventrikulären Rhythmusstörungen

Bei Patienten mit Zustand nach Myokardinfarkt und dilativer Kardiomyopathie gelten komplexe ventrikulare Rhythmusstorungen als bedeutender Risikofaktor im Hinblick auf einen spateren plotzlichen Herztod (3, 6, 8). Antiarrhythmika, die bei diesen Patienten zum Einsatz kommen, mussen in der Lage sein, die prognostisch ungunstigen Arrhythmien zuverlassig zu beeinflussen. Ein ideales Antiarrhythmikum gibt es bisher nicht. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, den Einflus eines neuen Antiarrhythmikums Diprafenon auf die haufigen und komplexen ventrikularen Rhythmus Storungen zu untersuchen. Als Vergleichs Substanz diente Flecainid, dessen Wirksamkeit auf ventrikulare Arrhythmien vielfach belegt werden konnte (2, 4, 5, 7, 9).
IL-18–stimulated GADD45β required in cytokine-induced, but not TCR-induced, IFN-γ production

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 induce synergistic transcription of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) that is T cell receptor (TCR)-independent, not inhibited by cyclosporin A and requires new protein synthesis. To characterize this pathway, we screened for genes that are induced in IL-12- and IL-18-treated T helper type 1 cells. GADD45 beta, which activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 4 (MEKK4), was induced by IL-18 and augmented by IL-12. GADD45 beta expression in naive CD4+ T cells activated p38 MAPK and selectively increased cytokine-induced, but not TCR-induced, IFN-gamma production. Kinase-inactive MEKK4 and inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway both selectively inhibit cytokine-induced, but not TCR-induced, IFN-gamma production. Thus, the synergy between IL-12 and IL-18 may involve GADD45 beta induction, which can maintain the MEKK4 and p38 MAPK activation that is necessary for cytokine-induced, but not TCR-induced, IFN-gamma production.
Invasion by bacteriophage T5: III. Stages revealed by changes in susceptibility of early complexes to abortive infection☆

Abstract Early stages of invasion by T5 st can be studied through changes in the response of phage-bacterium complexes to a calcium-deficient buffer called challenge buffer . T5 st , as free phage, and uninfected Escherichia coli F are each stable in challenge buffer. Upon adsorption, phage-bacterium complexes remain resistant to challenge buffer until a certain event, called sensitization , occurs. The plaque-forming ability of sensitized complexes rapidly decays in challenge buffer at either 37.5° or 0°; decay can be arrested by simple addition of calcium to the medium. A second postadsorptive event, called desensitization , occurs in calcium-supplemented nutrient medium, but not in calcium-supplemented buffer; desensitized complexes are resistant to challenge buffer. A tentative interpretation of some of these phenomena is proposed.
Outsiders : American short stories for students of ESL

I At a time when increasing numbers of teachers are reconsidering the place of literature in the ESL classroom, two recent anthologies, Jean Mullen's Outsiders and John Povey's Literature for Discussion, are welcome contributions. Not only do both authors make available to ESL teachers a number of modern short stories, but they also have attempted to take into account current insights into reading comprehension. Current research in reading suggests that meaning lies not in the text itself but rather in the interaction between the graphemes on the page and the schema in the reader's mind (Carrell 1982). These schema are the structured totality of the past personal experiences, cultural assumptions, and background knowledge of the reader. Current views on reading emphasize that the ability to understand the language of the text, while obviously necessary, cannot by itself fully explain or predict the extent to which the reader will understand the text. Beyond syntactic competence, important factors which appear to contribute to the comprehensibility of a text are shared schema and difficulty of vocabulary. Numerous studies (e.g., Johnson 1981, Carrell 1982) have shown that comprehension and recall of reading passages depend upon the reader's familiarity with the subject. Because the impact and appreciation of the literary text depend heavily upon the shared cultural assumptions of the writer and reader, this theoretical framework has important implications for teaching literature. The most obvious implication of schema theory for reading methodology is that pre-reading activities should be provided to insure that the cultural assumptions of ESL students and those of the writer are similar. In fact, it has been suggested that the more pre-reading activities there are to familiarize the reader with a text and its cultural assumptions, the easier the text will be to read (Hudson 1982). The question of vocabulary is more complex. On the one hand, vocabulary difficulty seems to affect comprehension (Carrell 1982). On the other, specifically teaching the vocabulary of a text seems to
Fe Hyperfine Fields in Fe 3-x V x Si alloys

Abstract The Mossbauer spectra of Fe in Fe 3- x V x Si alloys for 0⩽ x ⩽1 shows that V occupies almost exclusively one of two Fe sites (the B site). As x increases the spectra of Fe on the other site (the A, C site) becomes increasingly complex as the number of their V 1st neighbors increases. Simulated Mossbauer spectra were calculated using moments obtained by a simple model from bulk magnetization and V NMR data. This model assumes a decrease in Fe(A, C) moments as the number of their Fe 1st neighbors decreases. Comparison of the Fe(B) field of the alloy with x =1 to that of the alloy with x =0 gives an estimated reduction in the on site 4s electron polarization of about 100 kOe or about 0.05 unpaired 4s electrons.
Computerised cognitive testing of individuals with Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease

Background Although Alzheimer's disease neuropathology is present by age 40 years, in Down's syndrome, ante-mortem diagnosis is difficult. No standard for cognitive assessment is well established or easy to administer. Method We used a simple, widely available computerised test (NeuroTrax Moderate to Severe Impairment Assessment Battery, Mindstreams, Newark, NJ) to evaluate 14 patients in this population. Orientation, memory, executive function, verbal function and visual spatial function were evaluated every 6 months for 18 months. Results Mean scaled scores in this longitudinal study were evaluated with repeated measures analysis of variance. Memory, executive function, verbal function and visual spatial function scores did not significantly change. There was no significant depression or anxiety on self-reported measures. Conclusions Reproducibility of test results supports the reliability of this battery to quantify function and prospectively follow performance in this population over an 18-month period.
Diverticulitis of the cecum.

Summary o 1. The subject of diverticulitis is presented and its incidence, etiology and differential diagnosis are discussed. 2. Operative diagnosis is stressed and an outline of accepted therapy is given. 3. Nine cases of diverticulitis of the cecum are presented.
Nucleation and growth of germanium nanowires seeded by organic monolayer-coated gold nanocrystals.

Germanium nanowires, ranging from 10 to 150 nm in diameter, were grown several micrometers in length in cyclohexane heated and pressurized above its critical point. Alkanethiol-protected gold nanocrystals, either 2.5 or 6.5 nm in diameter, were used to seed wire formation. Growth proceeded through a solution−liquid−solid mechanism at growth temperatures ranging from 300 to 450 °C. At temperatures exceeding 500 °C, large Ge particulates formed due to unfavorable growth kinetics. Temperature, the nature of the precursor, precursor concentration, and the Au:Ge ratio were determining factors in nanowire morphology. The Ge nanowires were characterized using a range of techniques, including XPS, XRD, high-resolution TEM and SEM, nanometer-scale EDS mapping, and DTA.
Relationship between reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibition and efficacy against soman lethality

Carbamate pretreatment (45% inhibition, reversible), combined with therapy, protected rats from soman-induced lethality [The Pharmacologist 23, 224 (1981)]. The present study was done to see if less than 45% inhibition protects and to see if reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and efficacy against soman lethality are correlated. At 30 min pre-soman, guinea pigs and rats received (im) either pyridostigmine (Py) or physostigmine (Ph) to inhibit whole blood AChE from 10 to 70%; at 1 min post-soman (sc), they received (im) atropine (16 mg/kg)/2-PAMC1 (50 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.8 mg/kg)/atropine (16 mg/kg), respectively. Protective ratios (PRs) were computed and they ranged from 3.1 to 7.7 for guinea pigs and from 1.8 to 2.4 for rats. In guinea pigs the PRs for Py + therapy were roughly similar to those of Ph + therapy. In both species at 30 min after im injection of Py and Ph, a linear relationship was found between percentage of whole blood AChE inhibition and In dosage of carbamate. Positive correlation (p<0.05) was found between the degree of reversible AChE inhibition by pretreatment, coupled with therapy, and efficacy against soman lethality. The present data indicate that inhibition levels as low as 10% may provide some protection.
Idiosyncratic errors in visually directed reaching.

Abstract Subjects reaching with their eyes closed to visually presented targets missed their targets by an average of 4% of arm length; significant variation in the direction and magnitude of error arose from target location and idiosyncratic sources. The errors were largely unaffected by extreme variations in the arm's starting location. These data lend support to models of sensorimotor learning that focus on associations between postures and hand locations, but do not confirm a leading example of the class, exemplified by Kuperstein's (1988) circular reaction model.
Complications of inadvertent filtering blebs after cataract extraction.

We report 2 cases of inadvertent filtering blebs that developed vision-threatening complications many years after uneventful cataract extraction with scleral incisions. These inadvertent blebs can create complications similar to the intentionally produced blebs from trabeculectomy surgery; thus, follow-up and management should be handled in a similar manner. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Chemical genetic screening identifies tricyclic compounds that decrease cellular melanin content.

A screen of a library of 2,000 drugs and natural products in murine melanocytes identified 10 tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) as compounds that potently decreased intracellular melanin content. The rank order of potency of these compounds for decreasing melanin content was different than their relative potencies as antidepressants. These compounds had no effect on either the level or the enzymatic activity of cellular tyrosinase (Tyr). Increased presence of both Tyr and melanin in the culture media was observed in treated melanocytes. Immunofluorescence localization revealed that these compounds decreased intracellular melanin content by disrupting the intracellular trafficking of Tyr gene family proteins. In treated melanocytes, Tyr, Tyr-related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase accumulated in enlarged granules distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Colocalization of Tyr with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 was observed within many of these granules. Partial colocalization of Tyr with the Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome 1 gene product observed in control melanocytes was abolished by TCA treatment. Our results show that these compounds decreased intracellular melanin content by altering the trafficking of Tyr gene family proteins and inducing abnormal secretion of Tyr. Results from our screening have implications for the design of products for skin lightening and treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Media coverage of drug approvals

Abstract This research examines how newly approved drugs are presented in newspapers, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press releases, and websites. It finds that the print media coverage is more positive than FDA press releases and lacks basic information that would be important to consumers. The shortcomings of traditional media appear to be mitigated by the varied sources of information about prescription drugs available on the Internet.
Subversion Impedance in Covert Communication Networks

A covert communications network is a connected, overlay peer-to-peer network used to support communications within a group in which the survival of the group depends on: (1) anonymity of communications; and (2) concealment of network membership to both other members of the group and external eavesdroppers. These requirements are much more stringent than for typical privacy and anonymity systems. We consider the topologies of resilient covert communications networks that: (1) minimize the impact on the network in the event of a subverted node; and (2) maximize the connectivity of the survivor network with the removal of the subverted node and its closed neighborhood. We analyze the properties of resilient covert networks, propose a measurement for determining the suitability of a topology for use in a covert communication network, determine the properties of an optimal covert network topology, and analyze several optimal topologies.
On unitary collineation groups

If II is a finite projective plane of order q2 over the field K = GF(q2), then 17 admits a polarity 6 which is induced on I7 by a nondegenerate hermitian form on the underlying vector space. The subgroup of the little projective group PSL,(q2) which centralizes 6 is the projective special unitary group PSU,(q). The purpose of this paper is to show that the reverse of this situation also holds, namely, if 17 is a finite projective plane of order q2 which admits a collineation group G isomorphic to PSU,(q2), then I7is a desarguesian plane and G acts on li’in the usual manner, that is, as PSU,(q) acts on PG2(q2). A discussion of PSU,(q) may be found in the works of L. Dickson [3] and B. Huppert [5]. For a thorough discussion of projective planes the reader may refer to the book by P. Dembowski [2].
Mexican Fruit Fly Attractants: Effects of 1-Pyrroline and Other Amines on Attractiveness of a Mixture of Ammonia, Methylamine, and Putrescine

Several amines were tested alone and in combination with AMPu, an attractant mixture containing ammonium bicarbonate or ammonium carbonate, methylamine hydrochloride, and putrescine, for attractiveness to Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens Loew). In laboratory bioassay, 1-pyrroline, 3-pyrroline, 2-(methylamino)ethanol, spermidine, spermine, and indole-3-acetic acid were significantly more attractive than solvent controls. In orchard tests, traps baited with combinations of AMPu with dimethylamine hydrochloride, ethylamine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, or pyrrolidine captured fewer flies than traps baited with AMPu alone. Traps containing AMPu plus additional ammonium bicarbonate were much less attractive than AMPu alone. Combinations of AMPu with 1-pyrroline were about 50% more attractive than AMPu alone to both males and females. Combinations of AMPu with 3-pyrroline were not significantly more attractive than AMPu alone.
Opportunities in silicon photovoltaics and defect control in photovoltaic materials

Silicon is the dominant semiconductor material in use for terrestrial photovoltaic cells. The critical issues in cell design, materials specification and cell processing are reviewed. Specific attention is given to light trapping, minority carrier lifetime control and novel microstructures for enhancing photon absorption. Relevant topics in generic defect control are discussed with particular emphasis on compound semiconductor materials.
Underuse of controller medications among children with persistent asthma in the Ohio medicaid population: evolving differences with new medications.

Background.—Despite innovations in asthma care, morbidity and mortality have increased significantly. Underuse of controller medications is a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality. Objective.—To determine the extent of underuse of asthma controller medications among Ohio Medicaid children and to determine if there are racial differences in controller medication claims. Methods.—We conducted a retrospective analysis of Ohio Medicaid claims data. The source data included all institutional, medical service, and pharmacy claims for fee-for-service patients between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001. We identified children with persistent asthma using Health Employer Data Information System criteria. The primary outcome was a controller medication claim. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for underutilizing asthma controller medications and applied generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures. Results.—The proportion of children with claims for a controller medication increased from 53% in 1997 to 67% in 2001. Although there were no racial differences in medication claims in 1997, a smaller proportion of African American children had a claim for a controller medication in 2001 (64.8% vs 67.8%, P Conclusions.—Overall use of asthma controller medications among Ohio Medicaid children was poor. There was a widening racial difference in controller medication claims over the 5-year study. Regional differences in LTA claims were driving this racial difference.