cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antidotal efficacies of the cyanide antidote candidate dimethyl trisulfide alone and in combination with cobinamide derivatives.

Formulation optimization and antidotal combination therapy are the two important tools to enhance the antidotal protection of the cyanide (CN) antidote dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS). The focus of this study is to demonstrate how the formulation with polysorbate 80 (Poly80), an excipient used in pharmaceutical technology, and the combinations with other CN antidotes having different mechanisms of action enhance the antidotal efficacy of the unformulated (neat) DMTS. The LD50 for CN was determined by the statistical Dixon up-and-down method on mice. Antidotal efficacy was expressed as antidotal potency ratio (APR). CN was injected subcutaneously one minute prior to the antidotes' injection intramuscularly. The APR values of 1.17 (dose: 25 mg/kg bodyweight) and 1.45 (dose: 50 mg/kg bodyweight) of the neat DMTS were significantly enhanced by the Poly80 formulation at both investigated doses to 2.03 and 2.33, respectively. The combination partners for the Poly80 formulated DMTS (DMTS-Poly80; 25 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight) were 4-nitrocobinamide (4NCbi) (20 mg/kg bodyweight) and aquohydroxocobinamide (AHCbi; 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg bodyweight). When DMTS-Poly80 (25 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight; APR = 2.03 and 2.33, respectively) was combined with 4NCbi (20 mg/kg bodyweight; APR = 1.35), significant increase in the APR values were noted at both DMTS doses (APR = 2.38 and 3.12, respectively). AHCbi enhanced the APR of DMTS-Poly80 (100 mg/kg bodyweight; APR = 3.29) significantly only at the dose of 250 mg/kg bodyweight (APR = 5.86). These studies provided evidence for the importance of the formulation with Poly80 and the combinations with cobinamide derivatives with different mechanisms of action for DMTS as a CN antidote candidate.
Direct/Alternating Current Electrochemical Method for Removing and Recovering Heavy Metal from Water Using Graphene Oxide Electrode

Treatment of heavy-metal pollution in both point-of-use water and industrial wastewater is critical in protecting human health and the environment. Current methods for heavy-metal treatment in both sources have limitations. For point-of-use water, current methods usually suffer from limited capacity and difficulties in spontaneously removing multiple heavy metals. For industrial wastewater, current methods greatly reduce the value of heavy metal by precipitating them as sludge which requires further treatment. Here we developed an electrochemical method that can treat both low-concentration and high-concentration heavy-metal pollution using either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electrodeposition with graphene-oxide-modified carbon felt electrode (CF-GO). The graphene oxide provides a high density of surface functional groups to assist the electrodeposition. The electrodeposition method showed 2 orders of magnitude higher capacity (>29 g heavy metal for 1 g of graphene oxide) compared with traditional adsorption methods. For low levels of heavy-metal pollution in point-of-use water, DC electrodeposition with a CF-GO electrode can reduce single heavy-metal ion pollution (Cu, Cd, and Pb) as well as multiple ion mixtures to below safe water drinking levels. This method can tolerate a much wider range of heavy-metal pollution in point-of-use water than traditional adsorption methods. For high-level pollution in industrial wastewater, AC electrodeposition can recover >99.9% heavy-metal ions. By tuning the AC frequency and voltage, the electrodeposition method can further selectively recover Cu, Cd, and Pb separately, which adds values to the heavy-metal removal process.
Contact in the Unitary Fermi Gas across the Superfluid Phase Transition

A quantity known as the contact is a fundamental thermodynamic property of quantum many-body systems with short-range interactions. Determination of the temperature dependence of the contact for the unitary Fermi gas of infinite scattering length has been a major challenge, with different calculations yielding qualitatively different results. Here we use finite-temperature auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFMC) methods on the lattice within the canonical ensemble to calculate the temperature dependence of the contact for the homogeneous spin-balanced unitary Fermi gas. We extrapolate to the continuum limit for 40, 66, and 114 particles, eliminating systematic errors due to finite-range effects. We observe a dramatic decrease in the contact as the superfluid critical temperature is approached from below, followed by a gradual weak decrease as the temperature increases in the normal phase. Our theoretical results are in excellent agreement with the most recent precision ultracold atomic gas experiments. We also present results for the energy as a function of temperature in the continuum limit.
Demonstrating GeoSparkSim: A Scalable Microscopic Road Network Traffic Simulator Based on Apache Spark

Road network traffic data has been widely studied by researchers and practitioners in different areas such as urban planning, traffic prediction and spatial-temporal databases. The existing urban traffic simulators suffer from two critical issues (1) scalability: most of them only offer single-machine solutions which are not adequate to produce large-scale data. Some simulators can generate traffic in parallel but do not well balance the load among machines in a cluster. (2) granularity: many simulators do not consider microscopic traffic situations including traffic lights, lane changing, and car following. In the paper, we propose GeoSparkSim, a scalable traffic simulator which extends Apache Spark to generate large-scale road network traffic datasets with microscopic traffic simulation. The proposed system seamlessly integrates with a Spark-based spatial data management system, GeoSpark, to deliver a holistic approach that allows data scientists to simulate, analyze and visualize large-scale urban traffic data. To implement microscopic traffic models, GeoSparkSim employs a simulation-aware vehicle partitioning method to partition vehicles among different machines such that each machine has a balanced workload. A full-fledged prototype of GeoSparkSim is implemented in Apache Spark. In this demonstration, we will show the attendees how to issue GeoSparkSim simulation tasks via the user interface, visualize simulated vehicle movements, and monitor the backend Spark cluster status.
Changes in Family and Household Organization in an Overseas Japanese Pioneer Community

This paper examines family and household structure in a Japanese pioneer community in eastern Bolivia. The emphasis is upon the effects of the ecological shift from intensive irrigation agriculture...
Iodine status of vulnerable populations in Henan Province of China three years after the implementation of new iodized salt standard

Iodine nutrition surveillance of vulnerable population was conducted in 18 cities of Henan Province in 2015. The medians and quartiles of urinary iodine concentration in women of reproductive-age (n=3 318), pregnant women (n=36 366), lactating women (n=4 153), infants <2 years of age (n=1 017), and children aged 8-10 years (n=4 806) were 202.1(124.0, 310.0), 192.4(133.6, 262.4), 168.3(119.1, 248.3), 214.2(156.1, 272.3) and 90.0 (121.8, 285.6) μg/L, respectively. Iodine status of the vulnerable populations was generally regarded as adequate in Henan Province. But the median of urinary iodine concentration of reproductive-age women were slightly above the adequate level. The proportions above iodine adequate level were 26.7% in reproductive-age women, 29.4% in pregnant women and 22.5% in children aged 8-10 years.
Isolation of DNA-free RNA from human bone marrow mononuclear cells: comparison of laboratory methods

RNA quality (purity and integrity) and quantity are of critical importance to ensure reliable gene expression analysis, reproducibility of RNA sequencing and microarray data and validation by RT-PCR. Currently available methods for isolating RNA either are labor intensive (requiring the use of toxic organic solvents and separate DNase treatment) or require automation (with extensive setup and startup costs). To optimize both the quality and quantity of RNA from bone marrow, we recommend stabilization and storage of bone marrow mononuclear cells in RNAprotect® Cell Reagent, followed by extraction using the RNeasy® Protect Cell Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). This method achieves optimal quantity and high-quality RNA for sequencing and RT-PCR while remaining efficient and cost effective.
Cortical thickness mediates the relationship between DRD2 C957T polymorphism and executive function across the adult lifespan

Dopamine (DA) signaling is critical for optimal cognitive performance. Aging is accompanied by a change in the strength of this signaling, with a loss of striatal and extrastriatal D2 binding potential. The reduction in dopamine modulation with age negatively influences various aspects of cognition. DRD2 C957T (rs6277) impacts DA D2 receptor density and availability, with C homozygotes linked to lower striatal DA availability and reduced executive functioning (EF), but also high extrastriatal binding potential. Here, we investigated in 176 participants aged 20–94 years whether: (1) DRD2 C carriers differ from T carriers in cortical thickness or subcortical volume in areas of high concentrations of D2 receptors that receive projections from mesocortical or nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways; (2) whether the DRD2*COMT relationship has any synergistic effects on cortical thickness; (3) whether the effect of DRD2 on brain structure depends upon age; and (4) whether DRD2-related regional thinning affects executive function performance. We show that DRD2 impacts cortical thickness in the superior parietal lobule, precuneus, and anterior cingulate (marginal after FDR correction), while statistically controlling sex, age, and COMT genotype. Specifically, C homozygotes demonstrated thinner cortices than both heterozygotes and/or T homozygotes in an age-invariant manner. Additionally, DRD2 predicted executive function performance via cortical thickness. The results highlight that genetic influences on dopamine availability impact cognitive performance via the contribution of brain structure in cortical regions influenced by DRD2.
Generalised Read-Across prediction using genra-py.

Motivation Generalised Read-Across (GenRA) is a data-driven approach to estimate physico-chemical, biological, or eco-toxicological properties of chemicals by inference from analogues. GenRA attempts to mimic a human expert's manual read-across reasoning for filling data gaps about new chemicals from known chemicals with an interpretable and automated approach based on nearest-neighbours. A key objective of GenRA is to systematically explore different choices of input data selection and neighbourhood definition to objectively evaluate predictive performance of automated read-across estimates of chemical properties. Results We have implemented genra-py as a python package that can be freely used for chemical safety analysis and risk assessment applications. Automated read-across prediction in genra-py conforms to the scikit-learn machine learning library's estimator design pattern, making it easy to use and integrate in computational pipelines. We demonstrate the data-driven application of genra-py to address two key human health risk assessment problems namely: hazard identification and point of departure estimation. Availability The package is available from github.com/i-shah/genra-py.
Wirkung der ACE-Hemmer auf das myokardiale Ischämie-/Reperfusionstrauma: Eine Übersicht

Es gibt mehrere Mechanismen, uber die ACE-Hemmer wahrend einer myokardialen Ischamie und Reperfusion vorteilhaft sein konnten: dazu gehoren 1. eine reduzierte Bildung von Angiotensin II, 2. ein verminderter Bradykinin-Stoffwechsel, 3. eine antioxidative Aktivitat und 4. moglicherweise andere, noch unbekannte Mechanismen. Eine reduzierte Bildung von Angiotensin II sollte gunstig sein, da dieses Peptid einige Wirkungen ausubt, die fur das ischamische/reperfundierte Myokard moglicherweise schadlich sind; dazu zahlen eine Vasokonstriktion, eine vermehrte Freisetzung von Norepinephrin, die Stimulation von Phospholipase C und/oder A2 und eine erhohte Nachlast mit einer damit verbundenen Zunahme des Sauerstoffbedarfs. Ein reduzierter Bradykininstoffwechsel konnte gunstig sein, indem er die myokardiale Glukose-Aufnahme erhoht, indem er eine Vasodilatation verursacht und indem er die Bildung von Endothelium-derived relaxing factor und von Prostazyklin stimuliert. Obwohl fruhere Studien vermuten liesen, das sulfhydrylhaltige ACE-Hemmer Superoxidanionen „einfangen“, haben neuere Daten gezeigt, das diese Medikamente Hydroxylradikale und unterchlorige Saure „einfangen“, ohne eine Wirkung auf das Superoxidanion. Studien an isolierten Herzen haben ergeben, das ACE-Hemmer die metabolischen, arrhythmischen und kontraktilen Storungen abmildern, die mit der Ischamie und Reperfusion einhergehen, und sie liesen vermuten, das diese gunstigen Wirkungen durch eine Potenzierung von Bradykinin und/oder eine vermehrte Prostazyklinsynthese vermittelt werden. Studien an Modellen eines myokardialen „Stunning“ nach einer kurzen (15minutigen) Ischamie in vivo (narkotisierte Hunde) weisen darauf hin, das ACE-Hemmer die Erholung der kontraktilen Funktion nach einer einzelnen kurzen ischamischen Episode verbessern. Daten uber die Wirkung dieser Medikamente auf das myokardiale „Stunning“ nach einer prolongierten, teilweise reversiblen Episode, nach mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden kurzen ischamischen Episoden und nach einer globalen Ischamie stehen nicht zur Verfugung. Der Mechanismus, auf dem die heilsamen Wirkungen von ACE-Hemmern beim „Stunning“ beruhen, bleibt ein Ratsel. Eine antioxidative Wirkung kann (im Fall thiolhaltiger Molekule) eine Rolle spielen, oder eine Potenzierung von Prostaglandinen (im Fall von Molekulen, die kein Thiol enthalten). Fest steht soviel: die verbesserte Erholung der Funktion, die durch diese Medikamente bewirkt wird, ist nicht auf hamodynamische Effekte zuruckzufuhren oder auf die Hemmung des Converting enzyme per se und auch nicht auf eine „antiischamische“ Wirkung (da die Medikamente wirkten, wenn sie zum Zeitpunkt der Reperfusion verabreicht wurden). Die Wirkungen der ACE-Hemmer auf die myokardiale Infarktgrose bleiben umstritten.
Analysis of WISC-III, Stanford-Binet: IV, and Academic Achievement Test Scores in Children with Autism.

Nonverbal IQs were greater than verbal IQs for young children (3–7 years of age) on the Stanford-Binet:IV (n = 53). However, WISC-III verbal and nonverbal IQs were similar for older children, 6–15 years of age (n = 63). Stanford-Binet:IV profiles were generally consistent for the low-IQ (<80) and high-IQ (≥80) groups, with high scores on visual matching tests (Bead Memory and Quantitative Reasoning). The low- and high-WISC-III IQ groups both performed well relative to IQ on tests of lexical knowledge (Similarities, Information, and Vocabulary), but not on language comprehension and social reasoning (Comprehension). The low-IQ group did best on visuo-motor subtests (Object Assembly and Block Design), but the high-IQ group did not. The high-IQ group had significantly low scores on the Digit Span, Arithmetic, Coding, VMI, and WIAT Written Expression tests, suggesting attention and writing weaknesses.
Sympathectomy for Patients With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: Should We Have the Nerve?

Since the early descriptions almost four decades ago1, 2, there has been considerable expansion in the knowledge base for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), with identification of underlying genetic mutations3, 4 and a better understanding of mechanisms leading to ventricular arrhythmias5, 6. However, as a malignant entity predisposing mostly young, apparently healthy individuals to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), CPVT continues to pose a management challenge to the clinical cardiologist, often compounded by emotionally fraught situations. Risk stratification for CPVT remains problematic, particularly since long-term follow-up data in adequate numbers of patients is hard to obtain in this rare entity; yet clinical experience suggests fairly high event rates in diagnosed subjects7. The therapeutic approach to CPVT relies mainly on countering sympathetic stimulation as the key trigger of arrhythmia in this syndrome. Beta blockers have conventionally been the cornerstone of management with sizeable reductions in arrhythmia burden; unfortunately breakthrough events despite beta blocker therapy are not uncommon8. Side effects such as lethargy related to beta-blockade also result in non-compliance in this young population9. Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil have limited efficacy10 and the class Ic agent flecainide has shown some promise11 though long-term data are lacking. At the present time, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are advocated for those with sustained VT/syncope or aborted cardiac arrest despite beta blockers12. However, concerns have been raised about the possibility of VT storm and death due to the sympathetic surge following ICD shocks13 as well as the relatively high rate of inappropriate shocks and device complications in these young patients14. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) has emerged as an alternative approach to sympathetic blockade and has been effectively used in other inherited arrhythmia syndromes such as the long QT syndrome15. While scattered reports of the success of LCSD in abolishing arrhythmia in CPVT exist16, 17, recommendation for its adoption as standard therapy has been hampered by lack of data on long-term efficacy.
Physical Properties of Chick Interferon

Kreuz, Leo E. (The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.), and Allan H. Levy. Physical properties of chick interferon. J. Bacteriol. 89:462–469. 1965.—The sedimentation coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and molecular weight of chick-embryo interferon were determined by zone centrifugation and equilibrium sedimentation in cesium chloride density gradients, and by chromatography on Sephadex G-100 columns. Purified interferon is not available in quantities sufficient to permit direct analysis by chemical or physical means; its relative concentrations were determined, therefore, by bioassay. I125-human serum albumin was used as an internal reference in all experiments. The sedimentation coefficient of chick-embryo interferon is 2.2 to 2.3S; the diffusion coefficient is 9.5 × 10−7 cm2sec−1. A molecular weight of 26,000 was calculated from the sedimentation and diffusion coefficients, and a range of 25,000 to 34,000 daltons was obtained from equilibrium-sedimentation analyses.
Maternal and feto-placental phenotypes of early-onset severe preeclampsia.

AbstractObjective: To characterize maternal and feto-placental phenotypes of severe preeclampsia that trigger early-onset delivery.Methods: A retrospective cohort review of pregnant women receiving care from 2000 to 2010. Subjects with early-onset severe preeclampsia delivering between 20 and 32 weeks were identified excluding multiple gestations or major anomalies. We defined indications for delivery as maternal (i.e. severe headache or abnormal laboratory parameters), feto-placental (i.e. non-reassuring tracing) or mixed (i.e. both maternal and feto-placental factors). To characterize the groups, demographic, clinical, laboratory, ultrasound and pathology data were abstracted. Statistical analysis was conducted.Results: We identified 164 subjects meeting inclusion criteria. Indications for delivery were maternal (57.3%), feto-placental (29.9%) or mixed (12.8%). Compared to neonates delivered for maternal indications, birthweight was significantly lower among neonates delivered for feto-placental or mixe...
Assembly of Α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Assessed With Functional Fluorescently Labeled Subunits: Effects of Localization, Trafficking, and Nicotine-Induced Upregulation in Clonal Mammalian Cells and in Cultured Midbrain Neurons

Fura-2 recording of Ca^(2+) influx was used to show that incubation in 1 μM nicotine (2-6 d) upregulates several pharmacological components of acetylcholine (ACh) responses in ventral midbrain cultures, including a MLA-resistant, DHβE-sensitive component that presumably corresponds to α4β2 receptors. To study changes in α4β2 receptor levels and assembly during this upregulation, we incorporated yellow and cyan fluorescent proteins (YFPs and CFPs) into the α4 or β2 M3-M4 intracellular loops, and these subunits were coexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells and cultured ventral midbrain neurons. The fluorescent receptors resembled wild-type receptors in maximal responses to ACh, dose-response relations, ACh-induced Ca^(2+) influx, and somatic and dendritic distribution. Transfected midbrain neurons that were exposed to nicotine (1 d) displayed greater levels of fluorescent α4 and β2 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subunits. As expected from the hetero-multimeric nature of α4β2 receptors, coexpression of the α4-YFP and β2-CFP subunits resulted in robust fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), with a FRET efficiency of 22%. In midbrain neurons, dendritic α4β2 nAChRs displayed greater FRET than receptors inside the soma, and in HEK293T cells, a similar increase was noted for receptors that were translocated to the surface during PKC stimulation. When cultured transfected midbrain neurons were incubated in 1 μMnicotine, there was increased FRET in the cell body, denoting increased assembly of α4β2 receptors. Thus, changes in α4β2 receptor assembly play a role in the regulation of α4β2 levels and responses in both clonal cell lines and midbrain neurons, and the regulation may result from Ca^(2+)-stimulated pathways.
Terrestrial Slugs as a Model Organism for Inquiry-Based Experimentation in a Majors General Biology Laboratory

Many biology educators at the undergraduate level are revamping their laboratory curricula to incorporate inquiry-based research experiences so that students can directly participate in the process of science and improve their scientific reasoning skills. Slugs are an ideal organism for use in such a student-directed, hypothesis-driven experience. Slugs are inexpensive, easily collected, and low maintenance. Most students are unfamiliar with slugs, and their curiosity is piqued as they observe and classify these fascinating creatures. The procedures described here offer step-by-step instructions on how slugs are used to guide students through an inquiry-based research project for 7 weeks in a majors general biology course.
Recognizing academic performance, sleep quality, stress level, and mental health using personality traits, wearable sensors and mobile phones

What can wearable sensors and usage of smart phones tell us about academic performance, self-reported sleep quality, stress and mental health condition? To answer this question, we collected extensive subjective and objective data using mobile phones, surveys, and wearable sensors worn day and night from 66 participants, for 30 days each, totaling 1,980 days of data. We analyzed daily and monthly behavioral and physiological patterns and identified factors that affect academic performance (GPA), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, perceived stress scale (PSS), and mental health composite score (MCS) from SF-12, using these month-long data. We also examined how accurately the collected data classified the participants into groups of high/low GPA, good/poor sleep quality, high/low self-reported stress, high/low MCS using feature selection and machine learning techniques. We found associations among PSQI, PSS, MCS, and GPA and personality types. Classification accuracies using the objective data from wearable sensors and mobile phones ranged from 67–92%.
Removal of the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii, from riparian forests influences headwater stream biota and ecosystem function.

Riparian forests and streams are interlinked by cross-system subsidies and alterations of the terrestrial environment can have substantial effects on aquatic biota and ecosystem function. In the Midwestern USA, the exotic shrub Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) has successfully invaded many riparian habitats, creating near-monocultures in some locations. This terrestrial invasion has strong potential to modify cross-system subsidies and impact stream ecosystems. We removed L. maackii from a riparian forest to assess impacts on the aquatic environment. In August 2010, removal occurred along a 150 m stream reach, 10 m downstream of a non-removal reach, before natural leaf senescence. Over 74 days, in-stream leaf litter [organic matter (OM)] was collected weekly from plots located in riffles (five/reach). Benthic algal biomass, above stream canopy cover, and macroinvertebrate density were measured for 18 months. L. maackii removal was associated with decreased canopy cover and a significant increase in total in-stream leaf OM in early autumn (P < 0.05). Removal also differentially influenced the timing and abundance of specific leaf litter genera within the stream (P < 0.05). Macroinvertebrate density was significantly higher in the removal reach, especially during autumn 1 year after removal (P = 0.0294). In both reaches, macroinvertebrate density peaks lagged behind benthic algal biomass peaks. In summary, the removal of an invasive riparian shrub influenced the timing, deposition, quality and abundance of leaf litter habitat into a headwater stream, ostensibly driving bottom-up effects on aquatic primary producer biomass and the macroinvertebrate community. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classifying Students by Inferred Motivation to Learn.

Motivational factors play a key role in learning disabilities and other school problems, yet the major formal classification schemata tend to ignore such factors. This paper reports on a schema for categorizing inferred motivation to learn and discusses the importance of such a schema for placement and treatment decisions. Data are reported on the schema's reliability and its concurrent and potential predictive validity.
Effects of inductance variations due to temperature on load-flow results

This paper discusses variation of the inductive reactance of ACSR conductors due to temperature. An estimate of this variation is presented. The 14-bus system is used to obtain an estimate of the effect of the expected reactance variation in the line flows. It is found that the average of the change in line currents is less is 3.6%, but the maximum change in a line is more than 14% in most cases. The average change in the reactive power flow is more than 21%.
The effect of roscovitine on herpetic keratitis.

Abstract To determine the effect of roscovitine, a potent antiviral in tissue culture administered intramuscularly to rabbits or by eye drops to mice for the treatment of herpetic keratitis this study was commenced. New Zealand white rabbits infected with McKrae strain herpesvirus (HSV-1) were treated twice a day with 10 mg Roscovitine or vehicle from day 3 to 7, or 1% trifluridine eye drops five times a day. Severity of keratitis was graded daily by a masked observer. ICR strain mice were randomized into 14 groups. Both corneas of the mice were scarified with a 25-gauge needle, and were inoculated with the KOS strain of HSV-1. Roscovitine was dissolved in Cremophor® and tissue culture medium. Group 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B mice were treated eight times daily with either 800 μ m Roscovitine or its vehicle. Trifluridine treated animals (groups 3A and 3B) received topical treatment five times daily. In groups 1A–3B, the treatment was begun two days prior to or two days after viral inoculation. Mice were examined on days 2, 3, 5, and 9 after infection. In rabbits, the severity of keratitis in animals treated with intramuscular roscovitine was not significantly different from that in vehicle-treated animals except on day 7 (p=0·0460). In mice, there was no significant difference between roscovitine and vehicle treatment at any time point studied. However, the trifluridine treated mice had significantly lower scores compared to the roscovitine or vehicle-treated mice. Although roscovitine dramatically suppresses viral replication in tissue culture studies, in vivo this drug failed to alter the course of HSV keratitis in rabbits or mice. Considering high cost of roscovitine and the poor efficacy in these experiments, we feel that roscovitine is not feasible antiviral agent for today.
Multidrug resistance pumps in bacteria: variations on a theme

Multidrug resistance pumps (MDRs) arise from three different gene families and are widespread in bacteria. For example, in Escherichia coli alone, there seem to be seven distinct MDRs. The most common belong to the major facilitator family of membrane translocases; this type of MDR is closely related to specific antibiotic extrusion pumps such as the tetracycline/H+ antiporter. This similarity in design, and the high incidence of apparently independent evolution of MDRs, suggests that the property of multidrug resistance might have resulted from a loss of specificity in a specific hydrophobic-drug efflux pump.
Interleukin-1 signal transduction

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is primarily an inflammatory cytokine, although it is capable of mediating a wide variety of effects on many different cell types. Nearly every known signal transduction pathway has been reported to be activated in response to IL-1. However, the significance of many of these signaling events is unclear, due to the use of different and sometimes unique cell lines in studying IL-1-initiated signal transduction. Complicating matters further is the lack of association in many studies between identified IL-1-induced signals and subsequent biological responses. In this article, we review what is known about IL-1 receptor signaling and, whenever possible, correlate signaling events to biological responses.
Radiation-induced redox speciation of77Br in aqueous solution as determined by anion chromatography

77Br is of potential use in diagnostic nuclear medicine as the parent of ultrashort-lived77mSe in a radioisotopic generator system. The chemical form(s) of the radiobromine in aqueous solution, and their radiation-induced chemical transformations, are of importance for biomedical generator development. Approximately 150 mCi of radiobromine, initially present as Br−, was studied over a period of three weeks and analyzed for BrO x − (x=0–4) by anion exchange chromatography. Radiolysis of the solution gave rise to a small quantity of BrO 3 − , but 99.5% of the activity remained as bromide.
Green marketing of apparel: consumers' price sensitivity to environmental marketing claims

Green or environmental marketing claims have increased in recent years because of potentially higher profits for companies. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental marketing claims for which consumers are willing to pay higher prices. The specific claims investigated in this study were: using organic fibers or recycled textile fibers; sustainable manufacturing; companies donating to green organizations; and using fair trade and labor practices. A quantitative survey of college students in the Midwestern US revealed that a company's environmental marketing claims – particularly with regard to manufacturing with organic fibers and donating to green organizations – resulted in decreased consumer price sensitivity. The theory of reasoned action served as the framework for the study. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research are presented.
Plasma testosterone during nocturnal sleep in normal men.

Abstract Plasma testosterone was measured by a competitive protein binding procedure at 10 to 20 minute intervals in five normal adult men during two nights of sleep. Blood samples were obtained by means of an indwelling venous catheter while sleep was monitored polygraphically. There were 1–4 abrupt elevations of plasma testosterone concentration per night in each of the subjects with an average increase of 244 ng/100 ml ± 45.5 (SE) or 59% above the values present at the onset of the episode. The fluctuations in plasma testosterone were superimposed on a nocturnal rise of the hormone observed in seven of the nights. The average of all samples taken during each hour period through the ten nights revealed a highly significant (P
Metal–Dielectric Slot-Waveguide Structures for the Propagation of Surface Plasmon Polaritons at 1.55 $\mu{\hbox {m}}$

We present a deep-subwavelength-size metal slot-waveguide structure which can efficiently propagate surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at 1.55 mum within a high-index material. Through a systematic design analysis, we investigate the intrinsic tradeoffs and suggest solutions to substantially increase the propagation length of SPPs combining high-index dielectrics and metal structures. By studying several metal/dielectric geometries, we have found that the slot-waveguide size can be significantly decreased by the use of high-index materials without compromising the overall propagation losses. Our analysis also indicates that the device size-scaling is ultimately limited by a cutoff thickness for the metal film in which the slot is defined. For film thicknesses below cutoff, radiation modes exist which leak out of the guiding region. For certain operating frequencies, the radiant energy leaks out into both free space modes as well as surface plasmons guided along the top/bottom metal surfaces of the device. We have shown that, by using a silicon filling, the cutoff thickness of a 100-nm-wide slot waveguide can be as small as 90 nm, compared with 750 nm for the unfilled reference structures. In addition, we have demonstrated that by the use of SiO2 gap regions surrounding the Si dielectric core in a 200times400-nm silver slot region (partially filled metal slot), we can considerably reduce the overall propagation losses to less than 0.14 dB/mum, corresponding to a propagation length of approximately 50 mum
Is Email A Brain Drain? Communication Media Effects and Depletion in Negotiation Tasks

Is negotiating over email more or less tiring than negotiating in person? We add to work on communication media by examining their effects on actual cognitive effort, not just perceptions of tiredn...
Neuraminidase activity in human dental plaque fluid.

Abstract Neuraminidase activity measured in the fluid phase of dental plaque was similar to that in whole saliva. Michaelis-Menton kinetics were demonstrated in the fluid using sialyllactose as a substrate.
Ligand (L) Influence on CO Binding Enthalpies to Ru(CO)2L2

Reaction enthalpies for the addition of CO to Ru(CO)2L2 (L = PtBu2Me, PiPr3, and PCy3) in toluene are −26.2(3), −31.4(2), and −28.9(4) kcal/mol, respectively. These are larger than the enthalpies of reaction with MeNC, PhC⋮CPh, and PhCC−H. PtBu2Me consistently gives the least amount of enthalpy released, but only when CO (and MeNC) is the reagent does PiPr3 yield a more exothermic enthalpy of reaction than PCy3. The generally subtle influences on ΔH by PiPr3 and PCy3 are rationalized in terms of the contradictory steric and electronic effects as isopropyl is replaced by cyclohexyl.
Shapiro steps in orthorhombic TaS3.

The results of a Shapiro-step study in orthorhombic ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ as a function of temperature are reported. The charge-density-wave (CDW) current density at a given step depends on the rf power applied, and saturates for large amplitudes. In this limit, the relation between the CDW current density ${j}_{\mathrm{CDW}}$ and the frequency ${f}_{0}$ is always linear with intercept at zero. The ratio ${j}_{\mathrm{CDW}/\mathrm{f}=(2.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\mathrm{e}}$ per chain, indicating that the current oscillations are related to the CDW displacement by one period.
Pigment identification on two Moorehead phase Ramey knives from the Loyd site, a prehistoric Mississippian homestead

Abstract The Loyd site is a multicomponent prehistoric homestead located approximately 8 km northeast of Cahokia, the largest Native American chiefdom north of Mexico. The Loyd site was occupied at AD 900 and then again at AD 1285. These occupations are coincident respectively with the beginnings of Cahokia's fluorescence and with the degeneration of its political power. Two Mill Creek chert Ramey knives found within a datable context were cached in one of the Moorehead phase wall trenches. These knives offer a unique insight into the cultural practices of the period. Optical inspection under binocular microscopes show that these knives are coated with two pigment colors. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to identify copper and iron based pigments. Because of the fine craftsmanship, the lack of edgewear, and the occurrence of copper pigment, we interpret the use of these knives as potentially ceremonial in nature.
Interpretation of the Kurtosis Statistic

Abstract A description of the kurtosis statistic has long been overlooked by authors in statistics and measurement. This study illustrates how the kurtosis statistic may be correctly interpreted when it is computed for approximately normal, rectangular, and bimodal distributions of measures. The results of the study point out that in rectangular distributions the kurtosis value is approximately −1.20 to −1.25. Other results point out that the number of cases in the tails of the distribution drastically affect the kurtosis value. Truncation in the tails of a distribution may cause the kurtosis value to change from positive to negative with only the deletion of a small number of cases. Finally, the results point out the fact that a perfectly bimodal distribution of measures has a kurtosis value of −2.00.
Structural and compositional analysis of early stages in microvillus assembly in the enterocyte of the chick embryo

Abstract Morphological and immunocytochemical techniques were used to examine the distribution of villin, with respect to actin, during the early events of brush border morphogenesis in the embryonic chicken intestine. Immunolocalization studies indicate that actin and villin exist as a cortical array in the apical domain of embryonic enterocytes at a time when few surface microvilli are visible by scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. A population of villin is also localized at the level of the junctional complex. With time, the density of microvilli increases and the cells begin to flatten. In these cells, villin is detected in the newly formed microvilli and also in the subjacent cortex, where microvillar rootlets are beginning to appear. The significance of actin-villin associations in the process of brush border assembly is discussed in the light of the functional properties of villin.
Inflammation and the pathophysiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have accounted for a significant proportion of work injuries and workers' compensation claims in industrialized nations since the late 1980s. Despite epidemiological evidence for the role of repetition and force in the onset and progression of work-related MSDs, complete understanding of these important occupational health problems requires further elucidation of pathophysiological mechanisms of the tissue response, particularly in the early stage of these disorders. Results from several clinical and experimental studies indicate that tissue microtraumas occur as a consequence of performing repetitive and/or forceful tasks, and that this mechanical tissue injury leads to local and perhaps even systemic inflammation, followed by fibrotic and structural tissue changes. Here we review work linking inflammation and the development of work-related MSDs. We also propose a conceptual framework suggesting the potential roles that inflammation may play in these disorders, and how inflammation may contribute to pain, motor dysfunction, and to puzzling psychological symptoms that are often characteristic of patients with work-related MSDs.
Quasiparticle calculation of valence band offset of AlAs-GaAs(001)

Abstract A first principles quasiparticle theory for band offsets of heterojunctions is developed and used to compute the valence band offset △E v for the prototypical AlAs-GaAs(001) interface. The result △E v = 0.53±0.05 eV is in good agreement with recent experimental values and in particular with the most recent photoluminescence data △E v = 0.56±0.03 eV for an MBE grown sample. We show that there is a substantial many-body correction of 0.12 eV to the value of the valence band offset calculated using local density functional theory.
The effect of concentration of adsorbing solids on the partition coefficient

Abstract The results of a number of laboratory studies are presented to demonstrate an inverse relationship between concentration of adsorbing solids and partition coefficient. Various functional forms which define the relation are developed and correlated with the data. A power-law dependence of partition coefficient on concentration of solids is shown. The significance of this relationship in assessing the fate of hydrophobic pollutants in natural water systems is discussed.
The mechanical behavior of GLARE laminates for aircraft structures

GLARE (glass-reinforced aluminum laminate) is a new class of fiber metal laminates for advanced aerospace structural applications. It consists of thin aluminum sheets bonded together with unidirectional or biaxially reinforced adhesive prepreg of high-strength glass fibers. GLARE laminates offer a unique combination of properties such as outstanding fatigue resistance, high specific static properties, excellent impact resistance, good residual and blunt notch strength, flame resistance and corrosion properties, and ease of manufacture and repair. GLARE laminates can be tailored to suit a wide variety of applications by varying the fiber/resin system, the alloy type and thickness, stacking sequence, fiber orientation, surface pretreatment technique, etc. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanical properties of various GLARE laminates under different loading conditions.
Automated Hf/Df Small Signal Gain Measurement System

A computer-controlled small signal gain measurement system has been developed for use on HF/DF chemical laser systems. The probe laser is an electrically initiated continuous wave (CW) HF/DF laser with active frequency stabilization. The probe is run single-line, single-mode with an automatic system for switching from one lasing line to another. The scanning system is designed to allow rapid, two-dimensional scan patterns to be generated in either Cartesian or polar coordinates. The entire system, including the probe laser, scanning system, data acquisition, and data reduction is controlled by a DEC PDP 11/34 minicomputer with a minimum amount of human intervention. The system is now operational and examples of measurements will be presented.
A site-isolated mononuclear iridium complex catalyst supported on MgO: Characterization by spectroscopy and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Supported mononuclear iridium complexes with ethene ligands were prepared by the reaction of Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 (acac) (acac is CH 3 COCHCOCH 3 ) with highly dehydroxylated MgO. Characterization of the supported species by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies showed that the resultant supported organometallic species were Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 , formed by the dissociation of the acac ligand from Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 (acac) and bonding of the Ir(C 2 H 4 ) 2 species to the MgO surface. Direct evidence of the site-isolation of these mononuclear complexes was obtained by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); the images demonstrate the presence of the iridium complexes in the absence of any clusters. When the iridium complexes were probed with CO, the resulting IR spectra demonstrated the formation of Ir(CO) 2 complexes on the MgO surface. The breadth of the ν CO bands demonstrates a substantial variation in the metal–support bonding, consistent with the heterogeneity of the MgO surface; the STEM images are not sufficient to characterize this heterogeneity. The supported iridium complexes catalyzed ethene hydrogenation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in a flow reactor, and EXAFS spectra indicated that the mononuclear iridium species remained intact. STEM images of the used catalyst confirmed that almost all of the iridium complexes remained intact, but this method was sensitive enough to detect a small degree of aggregation of the iridium on the support.
Sublithospheric upwelling distribution

Hot spots have been defined1 as centres of volcanism not associated with plate boundaries. Some authors2,3 have regarded them as surface expressions of upwellings of relatively high temperature material in the mantle. These upwellings, either deep mantle plumes2,4, or shallow convection cells5, create a hot spot on the surface of the Earth only where they have molten and broken their way to the surface. I suggest here that there is a uniform sublithospheric upwelling distribution, and that the ability of upwellings to make themselves evident on the surface, and, therefore, the difference in surface hot spot density among the various plates, depends on the velocity and thickness of each lithospheric plate. From these characteristics and the rate of magma entry into the lithosphere, a normalization of the areal hot spot density can be made to calculate the distance between sublithospheric upwellings.
Pricing and Allocative Efficiency in Agricultural Development

A GRICULTURAL price policies have emerged as an area where there is great agreement in principle but a woeful lack of operating guidelines in development theory and practice. Everyone agrees that the terms of trade should not be "too unfavorable" to agriculture to avoid destroying incentives to produce more through use of better methods and more efficient combinations of new and traditional inputs. On the other hand, neither should they be "too favorable," since agriculture as the dominant economic sector must make substantial contributions of food, foreign exchange, labor, and capital to other sectors. This paper explores some of the implications of this "razor's edge" policy dilemma. Its central concern is with the pricing of agricultural output and the responses of producers, consumers, and government to the operation of the pricing mechanism.
Regional rainfall intensity-duration-frequency curves for Pennsylvania

ABSTRACT: A statistical analysis of all available continuous hourly and 15-minute duration rainfall records for Pennsylvania was performed to develop an updated procedure to estimate design storms. As a resuit of this study, Pennsylvania was divided into five homogeneous rainfall regions and a set of rainfall intensity-duration curves developed for each region, for return periods of 1 to 100 years and durations ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours. The PDT-IDF curves were judged to be a better representation of Pennsylvania rainfall than the nationwide TP-40 maps, particularly for storm events of 10-years and lower return periods. The average time distribution of 24-hour storms in Pennsylvania was found to be well represented by the SCS Type II distribution. The Corps of Engineers SPS 24-hour distribution was found to differ appreciably from both the SCS Type H and the Pennsylvania 24-hour storm distribution. For storm durations between 15 and 90 minutes the standard Yarnell intensity-duration curves closely resemble Pennsylvania storm distributions.
Properties of the HCO-3-stimulated Mg2+ -ATPase activity in red cell membranes.

The HCO3−-stimulated Mg2+-ATPase activity in red cell ghost fragments was investigated. Increasing the HCO3− concentration in the incubation medium resulted in increased ATPase activity. NaHCO3 appeared to be more effective than KHCO3 in this regard. The ATPase activities were slightly stimulated by increases in ionic strength and utilized ITP almost as readily as ATP. A Mg/ATP ratio of 1.0 and a pH of 7.6 yielded maximum activity. These properties are of interest since the present enzyme is the only unquestionable instance where a HCO3−-ATPase is located in the surface membrane of a cell.