cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin: Resistance of the squirrel monkey to prolonged oral high doses

Abstract Prolonged oral administration of the Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin, l -3-oxalylamino-2-aminopropionic acid (OAP), to three young male squirrel monkeys at dose rates of 0.6 to 6.0 mg/g body weight/day produced no neurologic signs and no adverse effects other than depressed activity and occasional foaming at the mouth. When the dose was increased to 8.0 to 8.5 mg/kg body weight/day in two animals, seizures and death occurred after 3 and 5 days. The signs were typical of acute OAP intoxication observed previously to occur in the squirrel monkey within an hour after a single ip dose (2 mg/g body weight) of OAP. Total cumulative dosage of OAP and duration of the experiments were as follows: Experiment 1, 9.5 g, 38 days; Experiment 2, 157 g, 178 days; Experiment 3, 64 g, 33 days. Histologic examination revealed no abnormalities in brain, spinal cord, or other organs. These experiments suggest that the adult squirrel monkey is highly resistant to chronic oral OAP intoxication. Under our experimental conditions, this species did not provide a satisfactory animal model for human neurolathyrism, a disease postulated to result from chronic OAP intoxication.
Reconstitution of trabecular meshwork GAGs: influence of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate on flow rates.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine whether the concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) and of chondroitin sulfate (CS) occurring in the normal and the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) trabecular meshwork (TM) influences flow rates in vitro as a function of pressure. Methods: We tested 100, 500, and 4000 kDa molecular weight HA, CS, reconstituted normal and POAG TM HA-CS and juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT) HA-CS in a micro test chamber to determine initial and steady-state flow rates. The resistance and permeability (Ko) were calculated; Linear Newtonian mechanics were used to determine the possible contributions of the hydrophobic interactions of HA. Results: Initial flow rates increased in the pressure range of 5 to 20 mm Hg for the three HA preparations and the flow rates declined in the pressure range of 20 to 40 mm Hg. Flow rates of reconstituted normal TM and JCT were optimum at 10 mm Hg and then declined with increasing pressure. Flow rates of reconstituted POAG TM and JCT were optimum only at 5 mm Hg and then declined. The steady-state rate of POAG JCT HA-CS at 10 mm Hg was slow: the transition time (ie, the time required to start an increase in flow rate) was 29 hours and the lag time (ie, the time required to obtain steady-state flow rate) was 17 hours. The maximum flow rate in POAG JCT HA-CS decreased by 37.2% from the normal JCT HA-CS. The calculated resistance of reconstituted POAG JCT HA-CS was approximately 18% of the total resistance of the human JCT compared with 10% in the normal JCT. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid and CS contribute to flow resistance and influence flow rate in vitro. The influence of HA is particularly sensitive to an increase in the pressure gradient, which may be caused by unfolding of the hydrophobic interactions of HA polymers that further entangles the HA polymer. The POAG JCT HA-CS concentrations represent a significant factor in outflow resistance in POAG, particularly at higher pressures.
Complete Rations for Holstein Calves 8 to 18 Weeks of Age

Abstract Thirty-two Holstein calves were fed four complete rations from 8 to 18 wk of age differing in composition, roughage, and form. The control contained chopped hay as roughage source and was fed loose. Ration 2 was identical to control but was reground and pelleted. Ration 3 was based on corn silage, and 4 was a commercial pellet. All diets were palatable and were consumed satisfactorily. Intake of dry matter was least on corn silage, largest on the commercial ration. Apparent digestibility of protein was highest for Ration 4, that of energy higher for Rations 3 and 4 than for hay-based diets. All weight gains were excellent, averaging .93, .99, .89, and 1.10kg/day with gains by animals fed the commercial product exceeding those on Rations 1 and 3. Efficiency of conversion of dry matter or digestible energy was greatest on pelleted diets. Blood was analyzed for packed cell volume, glucose in plasma, b-hydroxybutyrate, acetate, and propionate at ages 13 and 17 wk. Differences from ration and sampling age were not great except for variations in acetate and propionate at 13 wk.
Thermoreflectance in the alkali metals

Abstract The thermoreflectance spectrum of K, Rb, and Cs in the visible and near-u.v. region is reported. A strong peak is seen in each material at the bulk plasma frequency ω p and possible interband transitions above ω p . It is suggested that weak structure which appear below ω p is due to surface plasmons.
Fourier embedded domain methods: extending a function defined on an irregular region to a rectangle so that the extension is spatially periodic and C∞

A simple way to solve a partial differential equation in a non-rectangular domain @W is to embed the domain in a rectangle B and solve the problem (more easily) in the rectangle. To apply a Fourier spectral method on the rectangle, it is necessary to extend the inhomogeneous term in the PDE, f(x,y), to B in such a way that the extended function g(x,y) is periodic and infinitely differentiable, and yet is equal to f(x,y) everywhere in the irregular domain @W. If the boundary of @W, @[email protected], is defined as the zero isoline of a function @F(x,y), then a suitable extension is g(x,y)=f(x,y)H([email protected](x,y)/constant) where H is a smoothed approximation to the step function which is defined in the main text.
Dispersive infrared photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy

Abstract A single-beam dispersive photothermal beam deflection (PBD) spectrometer system usable in the IR range is described. A Nernst glower along with a severely modified Perkin-Elmer Model 421 monochromator were used to illuminate a solid sample with modulated monochromatic IR radiation. The resulting photothermal effect generated at the sample's surface caused modulated changes in the refractive index of the air over the sample, causing a probe laser beam grazing the surface to be deflected. The deflections were measured with a bi-cell silicon photodetector. Experiments and analysis of the deflection system showed that lenses used to focus the probe beam at the sample were not needed, and that an improvement in the PBD signal could be obtained by increasing the sample-to-detector distance, but only until a certain sample-detector separation was attained. The dispersive PBD instrument is less sensitive than one based on an interferometer but can be profitably used for studies requiring control of the modulation frequency. Useful spectra of solids were recorded over the 4000-550 cm−1 region using IR excitation in the approximately 5 × 10−6−5 × 10−7W range.
The combined effect of delay and feedback on the insurance pricing process: a control theory approach

Abstract Further to De Finetti’s [Su una impostazione alternativa della theoria collectiva del rischio. In: Transactions of the 15th International Congress of Actuaries, Vol. II, New York, pp. 433–443] proposal, of a modified random walk for the (accumulated) surplus reserve (S) of an insurance system with a reflecting barrier at a predefined level, we design a model similar to that of Balzer and Benjamin [J. Inst. Actuaries 107 (1980) 513], involving a smooth control action. Given the basic difference equation, which describes the development of the surplus process and the delays inherent to an insurance system, we propose a particular decision function for the determination of the premium (P). For this purpose, we use the recent claim (C) experience and a negative feedback mechanism based on the latest known surplus value. The model assumes that the delay factor (f) is a free control parameter with a constant accumulation factor (R) for the surplus reserve. We investigate the stability of the system and the optimal parameter design (in terms of the fastest response and return to the initial or steady state). We determine appropriate values for the feedback factor (e) under the specific premium decision function using the tools of control theory. One of the results is the derivation of a critical value for the delay factor (f∞) beyond which instability is certain irrespective of the choice of the feedback factor (e).
Efficient Calculation of the Principal Components of Imaging Data

Principal components analysis (PCA) of images is important in many applications such as positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. PCA is difficult for image data because the correlation matrix is very large. We present a direct method of calculating the PCA of the voxels from the small matrix expressing the correlations between images, instead of the larger matrix representing the correlations between voxels. The method is fast and accurate. It is faster and requires less memory than a singular value decomposition, although it is less accurate. It is much faster and more accurate than iterative and other approximate methods developed for this problem.
Proton-Pumping As The Activity That Drives Living Systems

All living membranes (as apposed to non-living myelin) pump ions. The introduction of the sources of energy upon which living cells rely, enter cells via ion, commonly proton, pumping to make ATP. These energy sources consist of either redox energy or photons. Heterotrophic cells may take in energy in the form of glucose or other covalent sources but the energy is converted into NADH or its equivalent by metabolism. The reductive product is then transduced via proton pumping to ATP production. In eukaryotes some of that ATP is used to pump protons in other, internal cellular membranes.Thermodynamically, living cells characteristically use energy to create order. The equations that explain this apparent contradiction of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics were best derived by Ilya Prigogene and Ephraim Katchalsky who established that such activities must be near-to-equilibrium and must be local within a larger surrounding environment that increases its entropy. Prigogene showed that although local, near-to-equilibrium systems may be interlocked. Thus, for example, if the act of proton pumping were reversibly connected to ATP synthesis, the ATP could then be used as a key component of other near-to-equilibrium systems such as metabolism and/or cytoskeletal activities.I propose a specific mechanism for the act of proton pumping that qualifies as a near-to-equilibrium system. It embodies motion perpendicular to the membrane plane for ion pumping. The mechanism is both cooperative and synchronized. Each transport event results in a compaction of the protein across the membrane provoking a neighboring pump to expand and visa versa. The mechanism implies that pumps be dimers or multimers in living membranes although they could pump individually when reconstituted into bilayers. It is the nature of the pumping mechanism that it can be restarted with Brownian motion if it falters.
Pedal or peroneal bypass: Which is better when both are patent?

Abstract Purpose: We compared autogenous vein pedal and peroneal bypasses, focusing on extremities that could have a bypass to either artery. Methods: From 1985 to 1993 we performed a total of 175 pedal and 77 peroneal autogenous vein bypasses for rest pain ( n = 75, 30%) and tissue loss ( n = 177, 70%). One hundred ninety-six (78%) in situ saphenous vein and 56 (22%) reversed or composite vein bypasses were performed. One hundred fifty-two of these 252 bypasses were performed in extremities with both the pedal and peroneal arteries patent by arteriography. The vascular surgeon chose to perform 99 pedal and 53 peroneal vein bypasses in these 152 extremities. Results: The angiogram score of the outflow arteries were similar for pedal and peroneal bypasses with the Society for Vascular Surgery and the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery and modified scoring systems. At 2 years the primary and secondary patency rates for pedal bypasses (70% and 77%) were not significantly different compared with those for peroneal bypasses (60% and 72%). Limb salvage rates at 2 years were similar for pedal and peroneal bypasses for all patients (74% and 73%), patients with both pedal and peroneal arteries patent (83% and 72%), diabetics (76% and 66%), and patients with tissue necrosis (77% and 71%). Conclusions: Pedal and peroneal artery bypasses with equivalent angiogram scores have similar long-term graft patency and limb salvage. The choice between pedal or peroneal artery bypass should be based on the quality of vein and the surgeon's preference. (J VASC SURG 1994;20:347-56.)
1H, 13C, and 15N Chemical Shift Assignments of Neuronal Calcium Sensor Protein, Hippocalcin

Hippocalcin, a member of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) subclass of the calmodulin superfamily, serves as an important calcium sensor for the slow afterhyperpolarizing (sAHP) current in the hippocampus, which underlies some forms of learning and memory. Hippocalcin is also a calcium sensor for hippocampal long-term depression (LTD) and genetically linked to neurodegenerative diseases. We report NMR chemical shift assignments of Ca2+-free hippocalcin (BMRB no. 18627).
Computer Mapping of Quality Data for Coals in West Virginia--An Aid in Matching a Specific Coal Grade to a Specific End Use: ABSTRACT

In 1907, the first studies of the state's coal reserves were initiated as part of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's statewide geological mapping program. Since then, extensive work has been conducted to map and characterize the state's 62 minable seams. This effort has shown that the coals exhibit a wide diversity of quality, and this diversity provides the coal user a choice of grades to meet specifications for varied applications. Approximately 6,000 coal samples have been analyzed and a computer data base of coal-quality information is now maintained and continues to grow. An extensive coal-quality mapping project makes this information convenient to use. The objective of coal-quality mapping is to produce a series of contour maps showing the variations in coal quality for the most important seams. Parameters being mapped include sulfur, ash, Btu, fuel ratio, Hardgrove grindability, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and kilocalories per kilogram. This type of information is extremely valuable for someone interested in buying, selling, evaluating, or developing West Virginia coal. The maps are computer-generated at a scale of 1:500,000 and End_Page 1174------------------------------ show the trends of coal-quality parameters for individual seams. The maps are supplemented by a computer program that searches the data base and generates a printout of geographical areas within the state where coal has been sampled that meets the desired specifications. These computer techniques go a long way in helping the user to find target areas within the state to match the right coal to the desired end use. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1175------------
Intrauterine cocaine exposure of rabbits: persistent elevation of GABA-immunoreactive neurons in anterior cingulate cortex but not visual cortex

The effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on the development of the rabbit cerebral cortex were studied. Two cortical areas were compared: primary visual cortex (VC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). ACC was selected because behavioral deficits observed in cocaine-exposed infants suggest the involvement of ACC. In addition, ACC receives dense dopaminergic innervation and cocaine's action in inhibiting the re-uptake of dopamine is believed to underly the rewarding properties of cocaine. VC was selected as a control area because there is no evidence of behavioral deficits associated with visual perception in cocaine-exposed infants, and because VC receives minimal dopaminergic innervation. Two aspects of cortical development were studied: (i) cortical morphology, growth and cytoarchitectonic organization; and (ii) the development of the GABAergic neurotransmitter system. Measures of postnatal cortical growth, including cortical lamination, cell number and soma size, were compared in cocaine-exposed or control (saline) rabbits aged P5-P60. There was no difference between cocaine and saline animals in any of these parameters, and cortical cytoarchitecture appeared normal. However, despite the absence of major abnormalities in cortical development, we found that the number of GABA-immunoreactive neurons in cocaine-exposed animals was significantly higher than normal in ACC. This effect was highly consistent, was present in all laminae and at all ages studied, and persisted into maturity (P60). In contrast, in VC, the number of GABA-immunoreactive neurons in cocaine-exposed animals did not differ from normal. We suggest that increased GABA immunoreactivity may reflect a compensatory response to excessive excitatory input to ACC. A change in the balance of excitation and inhibition in ACC, reflecting 'noisy' or dysfunctional intracortical circuitry, may underly the emotional lability and attentional deficits characteristically described in infants exposed in utero to cocaine.
Three-dimensional chiral imaging by sum-frequency generation.

A sum-frequency generation (SFG) microscope that is sensitive toward molecular chirality was demonstrated for the first time. Optically active images of chiral 1,1‘-bi-2-naphthol solutions were obtained with submicron spatial resolution. Three-dimensional sectioning capability of our microscope was also demonstrated. This optically active SFG microscopy can potentially become a powerful imaging technique for biological samples.
Perception of Effort during Constant Work to Self-Imposed Exhaustion

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of change in effort sense and the value of this pattern in predicting work end-point at relatively high work intensity (80% VO2 max). The patt...
Nutrition of trout: studies with practical diets.

SummaryA practical meatless ration for trout containing 55% plant material is described which is essentially equivalent to a standard liver, canned carp diet so far as growth and hemoglobin levels are concerned.The effect of various substitutes in the ration is described.Although this ration contains 45% carbohydrate, liver enlargement was not noted except when sprouted soybeans or poor quality yeast were included. Large scale field trials indicated that Ration C was superior to pork spleen, and equivalent to pork spleen supplemented with canned carp, as a diet for yearling brook trout on the basis of both growth and mortality.
Providing adolescent sexual health care in the pediatric emergency department: views of health care providers.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore health care providers’ (HCPs’) attitudes and beliefs about adolescent sexual health care provision in the emergency department (ED) and to identify barriers to a health educator–based intervention.MethodsWe conducted focused, semistructured intervie
Insulin glargine or neutral protamine Hagedorn in patients with severe insulin resistance: Is there a benefit?

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the benefit of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin compared with insulin glargine in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe insulin resistance. Methods We describe the patient’s clinical findings and treatment course. Results A 52-year-old man with a 3-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus did not achieve adequate glucose control despite escalation of his treatment regimen to insulin glargine, 80 units twice daily; insulin lispro, 60 units before each meal; and metformin. Dietary and lifestyle changes were emphasized and implemented while medication adherence with appropriate insulin technique was reviewed at each visit. Insulin glargine was replaced with the same dosage of NPH insulin. After 3 months, a significant drop in hemoglobin A1c was noted, from 9.5% to 6.1%, consistent with the improved capillary glucose measurements. The effect was maintained over the following year, without any major hypoglycemic events. Conclusion NPH insulin might be superior to the long-acting analogue insulin glargine in cases of severe insulin resistance, but randomized studies are needed to confirm our finding and clarify the involved mechanisms. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e49-e51)
Patterns of substance use among methadone maintenance patients Indicators of outcome

Abstract Critics often cite the use of illicit drugs among methadone maintenance patients as evidence of this treatment modality's failure. The fact that methadone maintenance treatment does not lead quickly to abstinence in most clients can be a disappointment to treatment professionals and the public. By studying a cohort of 41 patients for their first year in a methadone maintenance program, this study revealed significant trends of diminished narcotic and cocaine use. However, increased benzodiazepine use was also identified. More importantly, this study identified some chronological patterns of drug using that predicted less drug use at the end of one year of treatment. These findings reflect the need for additional research to clarify the meaning of illicit drug use by methadone maintenance patients. In addition, the implications for providing, stopping, and determining effective drug treatment are discussed.
The Bradykinin B2 Receptor Is a Delayed Early Response Gene for Platelet-derived Growth Factor in Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract Bradykinin and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are inflammatory mediators important in the response to vascular injury. Based upon the known effect of oncogenic Ras to increase bradykinin receptor expression and the ability of PDGF to stimulate Ras, we examined whether PDGF regulates bradykinin B2 receptor expression in cultured arterial smooth muscle cells. Treatment with PDGF (AB and BB, but not AA) produced a dose- and time-dependent increase in both mRNA (6-7-fold increase at 2-4 h) and cell surface receptors (2-4-fold at 6-12 h) for the B2 receptor. There was a 60-min delay between exposure to PDGF and the initial increase in B2 receptor mRNA. Transcriptional inhibitors, actinomycin D or 5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, completely blocked the increase in B2 receptor mRNA when added up to 60 min after stimulation with PDGF. However, protein synthesis was not required, as treatment with cycloheximide did not block but rather superinduced the PDGF-induced increase in B2 receptor mRNA. Comparison with the immediate early response gene c-fos demonstrated that the increase in B2 receptor mRNA was similarly inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin, as well as staurosporine. However, stimulation of c-fos was slightly more sensitive to genistein, while the B2 receptor mRNA was more sensitive to inhibition by the protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C. The increase in cell surface B2 receptors were functionally coupled to an increase in phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C, and the effects of PDGF were selective as there was no increase in either angiotensin II- or arginine vasopressin-induced inositol phosphate formation or intracellular calcium release. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the B2 receptor is a delayed early response gene for PDGF in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Optimal and Near-Optimal Universal Logic Modules with Interconnected External Terminals

A universal logic module (ULM) with interconnected external terminals contains m input terminals and s auxiliary function terminals. The module implements the function U( Z 1 , Z 2 ,...,Z m ) such that every Boolean function of n variables f( x 1 , x 2 ,* .* * X, n ) can be realized by an appropriate substitution of an element of 5= { x l ,x 1 ,x 2 ,x 2 ,...,X n ,x n ,g 1 ,g2,..., gs} for each zj. An improved lower bound on the minimum number of terminals of a ULM of this type is derived. It is shown that certain of the " best-known" designs are in fact optimal. Improved designs are presented for ULM's of nine and ten arguments.
Three feasible strategies to minimize kidney injury in 'incipient AKI'

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and increasing in hospitalized patients. The earlier recognition of renal injury, at a stage described as 'incipient AKI', may allow renoprotective strategies to be initiated at a time when more kidney tissue is salvageable. 'Incipient AKI' represents renal injury as manifested by new-onset proteinuria, cellular activity on urine microscopy, or elevated novel biomarkers of kidney injury in the absence of clinical data that meet current diagnostic criteria for AKI. We propose three strategies to preserve kidney function and minimize further kidney injury in patients with 'incipient AKI'. These include--when appropriate for the prevailing cause of 'incipient AKI'--use of low-chloride-containing intravenous solutions, continued use of renin-angiotensin system antagonists, and use of diuretics to achieve adequate control of intravascular volume. The combined approach of the early diagnosis of AKI and early employment of feasible therapeutic strategies may slow the growth of clinical AKI, AKI requiring renal replacement therapy and chronic kidney disease, and might reduce AKI-associated mortality.
Selective Decoration of a Phase-Separated Diblock Copolymer with Thiol-Passivated Gold Nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline gold particles passivated with alkane- and arenethiols were deposited on microphase-separated ultrathin films of poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate). The nanocrystals preferentially adsorbed to the polystyrene phases over areas of the substrate as large as 10 μm2, as seen by transmission electron microscopy. The basis for the separation is postulated to be the difference in interaction energies between the thiol passivants and the two polymers. The resulting patterns of nanocrystals are more than an order of magnitude smaller than features which can be produced by optical lithography.
Equilibrium and rapid kinetic studies of the effect of N-ethylmaleimide on the binding of ADP to myosin, and H-meromyosin.

Abstract Reaction of myosin or H-meromyosin with 10–20 moles of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) per mole of enzyme inhibits the Mg++, Ca++ or EDTA-moderated ATPase activity, while the affinity of the enzyme for ADP increases. Inhibition of ADP binding requires 40–200 moles of NEM per mole of enzyme, suggesting the involvement of distinct classes of SH groups in the catalytic function and in the binding of ADP to myosin. Rapid kinetic measurements in a stopped-flow apparatus indicate that small concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide (2–5 moles per mole of enzyme) which activates the Mg2+ or Ca2+-moderated ATPase activity at 25 °, and inhibits at 6 °, decrease the rate of appearance and the magnitude of the ATP- or ADP-induced difference spectrum of H-meromyosin at 288 mμ. Assuming that the rate of appearance of the difference spectrum is a measure of the rate of interaction of ADP with H-meromyosin, SH group modification decreases both the formation (k1) and dissociation (k2) rate constants of the H-meromyosin-ADP complex. The decrease in k2 is accompanied by the inhibition of Mg-moderated ATPase activity by N-ethylmaleimide at 6 °. The ultraviolet difference spectrum at 288 mμ, which accompanies the binding of ATP or ADP to H-meromyosin is abolished by N-ethylmaleimide without major interference with the substrate binding.
Cold Symptoms and Emotional Dissatisfaction Among Rural/Urban and Culturally Diverse High School Students

The hypothesis that negative emotional states can lower the immu­ nological system's ability to ward off common colds was tested on a sample of 142 rural and urban students. The number of cold symptoms experienced was compared to scale scores of emotional dissatisfaction, stress, and depressi(Jn. Emotional dissatisfaction at school and at home was correlated with more cold symptoms, as were stress and depression. Rural students exhibited more colds and emotional dissatisfaction than did urban students. Female students exhibited more emotional dissatisfaction, more stress, and more depression than did male students. Cultural background also proved significant: Europeans and Hispanics reported more cold symptoms than did African Americans and West Indians. West Indians also showed significantly more emotional satisfaction than did those from other cultures. The relationship between stress and colds has been demonstrated fairly well by Sheldon Cohen and his associates (Cohen, 1986; Cohen, Tyrell, Russell, Jarvis, & Smith, 1993; Cohen, Tyrell, & Smith, 1991, 1993; Cohen & Williamson, 1991; Greene, Betts, Ochitill, Iker, & Douglas, 1978; Meyer & Haggerty, 1962). In
Synthesis and properties of hybrid organic-inorganic materials containing covalently bonded luminescent polygermanes

Covalent binding of arylmethylpolygermanes into hybrid silica materials leads to substantial increases in thermal stability without degrading Ge−Ge σ-conjugation, as determined by UV−vis absorption and fluorescent emission spectroscopy. Poly(methyltrimethoxysilylphenylgermane) was prepared by ruthenium-catalyzed demethanative coupling of dimethyl(trimethoxysilylphenyl)germane, and then hydrolyzed and cured in the presence of either tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or β-acetoxyethylsilsesquioxane (BAESSQ) to yield hybrid materials containing the polygermane linked to the matrix at every repeat unit. Thermal stability of the bulk hybrid materials was examined by TGA, and films were examined by UV−vis spectroscopy following thermal treatment and photochemical irradiation. Conjugation of the Ge−Ge chains is maintained to 380 °C under nitrogen in the case of the BAESSQ-derived hybrids, but only 200 °C in air. The photolytic stability of the hybrid films is greater than the parent poly(methylphenylgermane), but the gai...
Short-Term Predictive Validity of Demographic, Affective, Personal, and Cognitive Variables in Relation to Two Criterion Measures of Cheating Behaviors

For a sample of 148 community college students, the short-term predictive validity of each of 18 variables was examined in relation to each of two criterion measures of cheating behavior: (a) incid...
SU-FF-T-423: Time-Dependent Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Method for Dynamic Movement of All Linac Components in Presence of Patient Motion

Purpose:Radiation therapy has become increasingly complex over the past several years, with simultaneous moving parts, such as the gantry/MLC (IMAT), or gantry/MLC/couch (Tomotherapy). With multiple moving components, deterministic dose calculation methods will prove ineffective as the computational cost of discretization in n‐dimensions increases exponentially with n. Monte Carlo methods, which are immune to the effects of increased dimensionality, can be exploited for this purpose. In this work, a dynamic Monte Carlodose calculation engine is developed to account for arbitrary rotational and translational movements of the jaws, MLC, gantry and couch in the presence of patient's breathing motion within the approximation of rigid body motion.Methods and Results: In each history of the dynamic Monte Carlo run, a point in the delivery control point sequence of a dynamic delivery is randomly sampled. The values of 130 variables (angles or positions) are determined by linear interpolation between adjacent control points. A photon is sampled from a source and raytraced through the detailed collimator structure and the patient simulation phantom. Dose is deposited via randomly sampled monoenergetic kernel rays issued from photon interaction poins. The method also enables temporal correlation with breathing motion waveforms, and can be used to evaluate time‐dependent interplay effects of patient motion with respect to all moving parts of the linac. A typical plan using a 4 mm voxel grid requires approximately 5‐10 minutes to compute on a single 2.4 GHz Pentium microprocessor to achieve 2% statistics in the peak dose region. Conclusion: The method allows simultaneous simulation of gantry, collimator,MLC, couch and patient motion, and, therefore, provides an efficient and accurate means to calculate dose for arbitrarily complex dynamic treatments. It opens the computational door for exploring more degrees of freedom in treatment planning to achieve better dose distributions for radiation therapy patients.
Mitochondrial DNA and evolution of heterothallic and pseudohomothallic Neurospora species

Length mutations are described in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 17 Neurospora isolates from two heterothallic, or outbreeding, species: N. intermedia and N. sitophila , and the pseudohomothallic and potentially outbreeding species, N. tetrasperma . This information is analyzed with mutations previously determined for 20 isolates of the heterothallic species, N. crassa . These length mutations were discovered through DNA-DNA hybridization between restriction endonuclease digested mtDNAs of natural isolates and cloned mtDNA from a laboratory strain of N. crassa . Treating these mutations as taxonomic characters, parsimony and character compatibility methods of cladistic analysis and UPGMA clustering have been used to infer evolutionary relationships among these fungi. The data indicate that isolates of N. sitophila and N. tetrasperma comprise convex and presumably monophyletic groups, but this is not true for isolates of N. intermedia or N. crassa . The greatest variability of mtDNA occurs among N. crassa and N. intermedia isolates, and the least among N. sitophila isolates. The amount of variability within a species, phenetic analysis of variability in all pairs of isolates, and mean variability in all pairs of species support the hypothesis that the 4-spored N. tetrasperma diverged from the 8-spored species first, followed by the divergence of N. sitophila . The large mtDNA variability in modern N. crassa and N. intermedia probably reflects divergences in ancestral Neurospora that predate the divergence of 4- and 8-spored species.
A Methodology for Identifying Hardware States and Requirements to Ensure System Reliability and Success in Software-Hardware Systems

Software and hardware elements in software-driven complex systems are often designed independent from one another, and merged later. The problem with this design approach is that the requirements that involve hardware and software dependencies are not taken into consideration effectively, potentially causing the system to fail or be in an undesirable state. This research argues that, by considering software and hardware requirements together from the earliest design stages, a more reliable system will be designed by knowing the possible failure situations that may occur. In order to increase the reliability of the final system, this paper introduces a methodology to follow the software-hardware system as it completes a command and identifies the failure situations that may occur and the requirements needed to ensure successful completion of the command. The overall goal is to provide designers with an integrated design methodology to capture safety, reliability, and mission success related requirements in software-driven complex hardware systems. The benefits of the methodology are illustrated and the steps demonstrated using NASA’s K10 Rover as an example. The methodology is applied to the command of Move Rover, with the software and hardware interactions that may cause failures clearly identified in the model. Specifically, the hardware and software states that would allow for correct operation of the command are identified and clearly displayed on the model. The visual model and requirements that are developed can be used by the designers of the software to ensure mission success.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Novel Pyridyl Ring C5 Substituted Analogues of Epibatidine and 3-(1-Methyl-2(S)- pyrrolidinylmethoxy)pyridine (A-84543) as Highly Selective Agents for Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Containing β2 Subunits

Introduction of a hydrophobic or hydrogen-bonding alkynyl group into the C5 position of the pyridyl ring of epibatidine and A-84543 significantly increased the selectivity for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing β2 subunits over nAChRs containing β4 subunits (Ki ratio up to 92000-fold). Our data indicate that the extracellular domains of the nAChRs are sufficiently different to allow for the design of novel ligands with high affinity and selectivity for the nAChR subtypes.
Effective Elastic Properties of Honeycomb Core with Fiber-Reinforced Composite Cells

Sandwich construction incorporating a honeycomb cellular core offers the attainment of structures that are very stiff and strong in bending while the weight is kept at a minimum. Generally, an aluminum or Nomex honeycomb core is used in applications requiring sandwich construction with fiber-reinforced composite facesheets. However, the use of a fiber-reinforced composite core offers the potential for even lower weight, increased stiffness and strength, low thermal distortion compatible with that of the facesheets, the absence of galvanic corrosion and the ability to readily modify the core properties to suit specialized needs. Furthermore, the material of the core itself will exhibit anisotropic material properties in this case. In order to design, analyze and optimize these structures, knowledge of the effective mechanical properties of the core is essential. In this paper, the effective three-dimensional mechanical properties of a composite hexagonal cell core are determined using a numerical method based on a finite element analysis of a representative unit cell. In particular, the geometry of the simplest repeating unit of the core as well as the appropriate loading and boundary conditions that must be applied is presented.
Nucleoside triphosphate inhibition of DNA synthesis in isolated rat hepatic nuclei.

Abstract Adenosine triphosphate was found to inhibit DNA synthesis in preparations of isolated nuclei from rat liver, when added at concentrations reported in the literature to be in common use. Other nucleoside triphosphates also profoundly affect both total synthesis and the kinetics of the reaction when present in excess. These effects are not completely uniform in nuclei prepared by different methods.
Atypical antipsychotics versus haloperidol for treatment of delirium in acutely ill patients

Delirium is common in acutely ill patients and can result in substantial morbidity if left untreated. Atypical antipsychotics have been postulated to be safer and more effective than haloperidol for treatment of this condition. To evaluate the role of atypical antipsychotics versus haloperidol for treatment of delirium in hospitalized acutely ill adults, we searched MEDLINE (1977-September 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1997-September 2006) for English-language publications of clinical trials that compared atypical antipsychotics and haloperidol. Four comparative studies were identified: one double-blind, randomized study (risperidone vs haloperidol), one single-blind, randomized study (olanzapine vs haloperidol), and two retrospective studies (olanzapine vs haloperidol and quetiapine vs haloperidol). These studies demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics are as efficacious as haloperidol. In addition, they appear to be associated with a lower frequency of extrapyramidal effects, and thus are safer than haloperidol. However, these conclusions are based on a limited number of studies; larger comparative trials are needed to elucidate the role of atypical antipsychotics for treating delirium in this population.
Stargazing through a digital veil: managing a large scale sky survey using distributed databases on HPC clusters

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey established the use of relational databases for the scans and cone searches common to astronomy analyses. The Pan-STARRS project scales up SDSS by melding HPC clusters with hierarchical and spatially partitioned distributed databases to meet the challenge of near realtime handling of the multiple data surveys generated by a GigaPixel telescope. This meld provides job management capabilities on the cluster for scientist query submission as well as the backend data updates and fault management necessary for a system with no traditional backup. This paper describes the Pan-STARRS HPC+database experience, highlights the current focus of our work and where further research is needed.
Treatment planning considerations of reshapeable automatic intensity modulator for intensity modulated radiation therapy.

As compared with multi-leaf collimator based intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) techniques, physical modulators have the major advantage of temporally invariant intensity map delivery which makes it more flexible with monitor unit rate, simpler resolution of interrupted treatment and easier implementation and use with respiratory gating. However, traditional physical modulator techniques require long fabrication time and operator intervention during treatments. It has been previously proposed [Xu et al., Med. Phys. 29, 2222–2229 (2002)] that a reshapeable automatic intensity modulator (RAIM) can automatically produce physical modulators by molding a deformable high x-ray attenuation material using a matrix of computer-controlled pistons. RAIM can potentially eliminate the limitations of traditional physical modulators. The present study addresses the treatment planning considerations of RAIM for IMRT. In this study, a 3D treatment-planning system (PLUNC) was modified to include the capability of providing treatment planning using RAIM. Two clinically representative cases were studied: nasopharyngeal and prostate tumors. First, the RAIM system with two different spatial resolutions at isocenter, 1×1 cm 2 and 0.5×0.5 cm 2 , were evaluated. The treatment planning results of RAIM were then compared with other IMRT techniques such as smooth modulator with ideal (100%–2%) and limited (100%–13%) intensity modulation ranges, segmental multi-leaf collimator (SMLC) with ten intensity levels, 1 cm leaf width and 0.5 cm step size and serial tomotherapy using the Peacock® system. Bringing the spatial resolution of RAIM down to 0.5×0.5 cm 2 did not show improvement due to the effect of penumbra. The RAIM system with 1×1 cm 2 proved slightly inferior as compared to the ideal smooth physical modulator but better than the SMLC technique and the smooth modulator with limited modulation range. When compared to serial tomotherapy, RAIM is only inferior in brain stem sparing for the nasopharynx case. Furthermore, the RAIM system with 1×1 cm 2 resolution required significantly lower monitor units as compared to the other IMRT techniques for the two cases studied.
Effect of matrix bound phosphate and fluoride on mineralization of dentin

Completely demineralized bovine dentin mineralized to a high degree, but only after extraction of about half of its organic phosphate. Initiation of mineral formation depended on the concentrations of Ca2+, P i , HCO 3 − and H+ ions in the incubation solution. After nucleation, mineral accretion by the dentin continued in solutions that did not, themselves, initiate mineralization. The nucleation phase, but not the subsequent accretion of mineral, was sensitive to small changes in temperature. Inclusion of 0.05 mM NaF in the solution markedly reduced the amount of mineral deposited during the nucleation phase but apparently enhanced subsequent mineralization.
Betaglycan binds inhibin and can mediate functional antagonism of activin signalling

Activins and inhibins, structurally related members of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, are mutually antagonistic regulators of reproductive and other functions. Activins bind specific type II receptor serine kinases (ActRII or IIB) to promote the recruitment and phosphorylation of the type I receptor serine kinase, ALK4 (refs 7-9), which then regulates gene expression by activating Smad proteins. Inhibins also bind type II activin receptors but do not recruit ALK4, providing a competitive model for the antagonism of activin by inhibin. Inhibins fail to antagonize activin in some tissues and cells, however, suggesting that additional components are required for inhibin action. Here we show that the type III TGF-beta receptor, betaglycan, can function as an inhibin co-receptor with ActRII. Betaglycan binds inhibin with high affinity and enhances binding in cells co-expressing ActRII and betaglycan. Inhibin also forms crosslinked complexes with both recombinant and endogenously expressed betaglycan and ActRII. Finally, betaglycan confers inhibin sensitivity to cell lines that otherwise respond poorly to this hormone. The ability of betaglycan to facilitate inhibin antagonism of activin provides a variation on the emerging roles of proteoglycans as co-receptors modulating ligand-receptor sensitivity, selectivity and function.
Improving Literacy as a Means to Reducing Health Disparities

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in morbidity and mortality have been apparent virtually as long as health statistics have been collected. In the United States, African Americans in particular fare worse than the majority population on nearly all measures of health, including infant mortality; life expectancy; cancer, heart disease, stroke, and trauma incidence and mortality; and self-rated health status.1 Individuals with low levels of educational attainment and income also tend to experience higher rates of illness and death, independent of race.2–4 Over the past several decades, though the U.S. population as a whole has enjoyed substantial declines in morbidity and mortality—largely due to better living conditions, public health measures, and advances in medical care—racial and socioeconomic disparities have persisted or even widened.1,5
Compression of solidified gases to 20,000 kg/cm2 at low temperature

Abstract The relative volume decrease as a function of pressure has been measured for solid He, H2, D2, and Ne at 4°K, for N2 and A at 65°K, and for A at 77°K by the direct piston displacement method of B ridgman . The results for He and N2 are new, while for the other gases earlier work has been confirmed and extended to higher pressure. Solid helium is found to be the most compressible solid yet measured, being reduced in volume by a factor of 2.7 by 20,000 kg/cm2 pressure. A suspected phase transition in solid helium and a definite one for nitrogen at 65° K are discussed. The Murnaghan theory of finite strain leads to a convenient representation of all the experimental data. A direct determination of the density of solid argon at 77° K made by W.M. H inds is also reported.