cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-species global and subset gene expression profiling identifies genes involved in prostate cancer response to selenium

Gene expression technologies have the ability to generate vast amounts of data, yet there often resides only limited resources for subsequent validation studies. This necessitates the ability to perform sorting and prioritization of the output data. Previously described methodologies have used functional pathways or transcriptional regulatory grouping to sort genes for further study. In this paper we demonstrate a comparative genomics based method to leverage data from animal models to prioritize genes for validation. This approach allows one to develop a disease-based focus for the prioritization of gene data, a process that is essential for systems that lack significant functional pathway data yet have defined animal models. This method is made possible through the use of highly controlled spotted cDNA slide production and the use of comparative bioinformatics databases without the use of cross-species slide hybridizations. Using gene expression profiling we have demonstrated a similar whole transcriptome gene expression patterns in prostate cancer cells from human and rat prostate cancer cell lines both at baseline expression levels and after treatment with physiologic concentrations of the proposed chemopreventive agent Selenium. Using both the human PC3 and rat PAII prostate cancer cell lines have gone on to identify a subset of one hundred and fifty-four genes that demonstrate a similar level of differential expression to Selenium treatment in both species. Further analysis and data mining for two genes, the Insulin like Growth Factor Binding protein 3, and Retinoic X Receptor alpha, demonstrates an association with prostate cancer, functional pathway links, and protein-protein interactions that make these genes prime candidates for explaining the mechanism of Selenium's chemopreventive effect in prostate cancer. These genes are subsequently validated by western blots showing Selenium based induction and using tissue microarrays to demonstrate a significant association between downregulated protein expression and tumorigenesis, a process that is the reverse of what is seen in the presence of Selenium. Thus the outlined process demonstrates similar baseline and selenium induced gene expression profiles between rat and human prostate cancers, and provides a method for identifying testable functional pathways for the action of Selenium's chemopreventive properties in prostate cancer.
12 Variance component methods for detecting complex trait loci

Abstract Variance component-based linkage analysis has become a major statistical tool for the localization and evaluation of quantitative trait loci influencing complex phenotypes. The variance component approach has many benefits—it can, for example, be used to analyze large pedigrees, and it is able to accommodate multiple loci simultaneously in a true oligogenic model. Important biological phenomena such as genotype-environment interaction and epistasis are also examined easily in a variance component framework. In this chapter, we review the basic statistical features of variance component linkage analysis, with an emphasis on its power and robustness to distributional violations.
Rotation of large molecular ions and transient dielectric relaxation effects

The rotation rates of charged molecules show dramatic changes as a function of solvent environment. The hydrodynamic models of rotational diffusion in the slip limit are useful estimates of the rotation rate for large, symmetrically charged molecules, if there are no strong solvent interactions. For cases of strong interactions, the rotation rate reduces by a factor of 5–6. For the symmetric, anionic dye molecule resorufin, we successfully modeled the rotation times in alcohols and water as a larger, solvent coordinated resorufin molecule in the slip limit. This model of average coordination was not successful in solvents of ethylene glycol or monosubstituted amides. These solvents have strong solvent-solvent interactions which probably reduced the average coordination to a point where the rotational rate is more like the hydrodynamic stick limit. Dielectric friction reduction of the rotation rate is possible for molecules which have an asymmetric charge distribution. Experimental evidence for this contribution exists in limited form; although more experiments are needed to separate dielectric friction from local coordination or solvent torques due to selective solvent interactions.
Measured Thermal-Neutron-Flux Perturbations in Cylinders in a Test Reactor

Thermal neutron flux perturbations in cylinders in test reactors, using regression analysis to obtain polynomials for flux perturbation, depression, self shielding factors, etc
Spectral and directional emittance of alumina at 823 K

Spectral–directional emittance measurements of aluminum oxide (99.5% pure), in air, were performed at 823 K using an apparatus comprised of a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a blackbody radiating cavity (hohlraum), and a sample holder which allows directional measurements. The data cover a wide spectral range between 2 and 25 μm, and a directional range from a surface normal to a 72° polar angle. The aluminum oxide sample used in the experiment had a nominal surface roughness of 1 μm determined by a profilometer. Directional emittance shows no departure from dielectric behavior.
The State Of Regional Health Information Organizations: Current Activities And Financing

Electronic clinical data exchange promises substantial financial and societal benefits, but it is unclear whether and when it will become widespread. In early 2007 we surveyed 145 regional health information organizations (RHIOs), the U.S. entities working to establish data exchange. Nearly one in four was likely defunct. Only twenty efforts were of at least modest size and exchanging clinical data. Most early successes involved the exchange of test results. To support themselves, thirteen RHIOs received regular fees from participating organizations, and eight were heavily dependent on grants. Our findings raise concerns about the ability of the current approach to achieve widespread electronic clinical data exchange.
Effects of low-level carbon monoxide exposure on resting and exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease and no baseline ectopy.

Abstract The effects of acute elevation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentrations on resting and exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias were evaluated in 10 patients who had ischemic heart disease and in whom no ectopy during baseline monitoring was noted. After an initial training session, patients were exposed to air, 100 ppm carbon monoxide (CO), or 200 ppm CO on successive days in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over fashion. After exposure to 100 and 200 ppm CO, venous COHb levels averaged 4% and 6%, respectively. Symptom-limited supine exercise was performed after exposure. Eight of the 10 patients had evidence of exercise-induced ischemia—either angina, 1.0 mm ST depression, or abnormal ejection fraction response—during 1 or more exposure days. Ambulatory electrocardiograms were obtained on each day and analyzed for arrhythmia frequency and severity. On air and CO exposure days, each patient had only 0–1 ventricular premature beat/h in the 2 h prior to exposure, during the exposure period, dur...
Compliance with Instream Flow Agreements in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming

Abstract A total of 119 stream locations were identified in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming to which minimum streamflows have been applied as a result of agreements between management agencies and water developers. Post-agreement streamflow data were available for 12 months or more for only 61 of the 119 locations. Assessment of these streamflow data showed that flows below the minimum flow agreed upon by developers were common. Flows were below the minimum agreed upon at least one time at 54 locations and equaled only 25% (or less) of the minimum agreed upon at least one time at 28 locations. Actual flows were lower than flows agreed upon for 20% or more of the time at 17 of the 61 locations. Limited monitoring and enforcement by permitting agencies appeared to contribute to the lack of compliance by water developers.
Testing for omitted variables and non-linearity in regression models for longitudinal data

When fitting regression models to investigate the relationship between an outcome variable and independent variables of primary interest, there is often concern whether omitted variables or assuming a different functional relationship could have changed the conclusion or interpretation of the results. In longitudinal studies of aging, the concern with omitted variables is well known in the context of cohort and period effects, which refer to unmeasured variables systematically related to the individual's year of birth and secular trends in outcome, respectively. We present and compare three approaches to detecting omitted confounders and non-linearity in the random effects model for longitudinal data (Laird and Ware, 1982) with random slope and intercept across individuals. The first approach compares simple unweighted within and between regression coefficients, the second is the Hausman specification test for regression models, and the third approach involves testing directly the significance of functions of individual specific covariate means means i, in the random effects regression model. This last approach is motivated by the models that arise when cohort or period effects are ignored. We compare the three approaches, and illustrate their application.
Smart sensor for automotive passive-restraint systems

ABSTRACT Automotive passive restraint systems continue to take advantage of the benefits of microelectronics to providemore sophisticated occupant safety features. Traditional microelectronic advantages such as miniturization, systemintegration, and part count reduction are being used to a greater level. This paper describes a "smart" automotiveaccelerometer that performs, in a single integrated component, all of the sensing and signal processing functions requiredto assess vehicle crash severity and generate a timely airbag deployment command if needed. The device improves systemperformance and reliability while lowering cost, by replacing the several acceleration-sensitive mechanical switches (andthe associated wiring) currently used in most automotive passive restraint systems.The accelerometer consists of a capacitive sense element and a CMOS ASIC which contains interface circuitryand a digital deployment decision circuit. Signal filtering, calibration, and vehicle-specific programming are alsoperformed on-chip. The design approach minimizes the effects of temperature and voltage variations and thereforeeliminates the need for separate compensation circuits, Performance of the device in the laboratory as well as in vehiclecrash tests demonstrates the accelerometer's ability to meet its design objectives.Keywords: Accelerometer, airbag systems, automobile, capacitive sensors, crash sensors, electronic calibration,micromachining, passive restraints, self test, smart sensors.
Social foraging: Producing and scrounging in a stochastic environment*

The producer-scrounger paradigm applies to an array of interactions influencing the economics of sociality; we apply the concept to group foraging. Producers generate opportunities to exploit resources; scroungers attempt to sequester some of the resources producers discover. We develop two models of producing and scrounging in foraging groups of fixed, finite size. In the producer-priority model scrounging reduces a producer's expected food intake, but the reduction does not depend on the exact number of scroungers in the group. In the scramble-competition model a producer's expected food intake always decreases as the number of scroungers increases. Treating each model as an N -person game, we find stable numbers of producers and scroungers for different group sizes, food densities, physiologically required food-intake levels, costs of scrounging, and competitive abilities of producers. Solutions to our models assume that strategic efficiency reduces the individual's probability of starving. Stochastic variation in our models arises because the amount of food discovered varies randomly, and because the allocation of food items among foragers within a clump may also vary randomly. Previous producers-scrounger models are deterministic, so our stochastic models make a series of new predictions. We also discuss the importance of phenotypic plasticity in modeling complex organisms' social behavior, and examine possible co-operative restraints on scrounging.
Constitutive Expression of Murine Complement Factor B Gene Is Regulated by the Interaction of Its Upstream Promoter with Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4

Factor B (Bf) is a constituent of the alternative pathway of complement activation encoded within the major histocompatibility complex. Transcription of the murine gene from two initiation sites generates two Bf mRNA species differing in size and tissue distribution. Striking genetic, tissue-specific differences in Bf mRNA levels at extrahepatic sites (kidney and intestine) among mouse strains correlate with a DNA sequence polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of the gene and differential nuclear protein binding at the Bf upstream transcriptional initiation site (UIS). To ascertain the functional consequences of this polymorphism in the Bf promoter, we analyzed the effects of strain-specific sequences in the Bf 5' region on the expression of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene transfected in human and mouse hepatoma cells. The CAT activity and mRNA level produced when transcription was driven by the sequence of strains with high extrahepatic expression were reduced to background levels when the sequence specific to the low expressor strains was used. Eighty percent of this difference was accounted for by a point substitution that affects DNA-protein interaction at the UIS, the sequence of higher affinity conferring higher expression. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF-4), derived from HepG2, mouse liver and kidney or cell-free translation of HNF-4 RNA, is the nuclear protein that preferentially binds to the high expressor UIS. Bf-CAT is not expressed in cells that lack HNF-4 (CV-1). However, co-transfection of HNF-4 into CV-1 cells drives Bf-CAT expression and reproduces the differences derived from the substitution that affect HNF-4 binding in vitro. These data show that interaction of HNF-4 with polymorphic variants of the upstream Bf promoter is the major determinant of strain-specific extrahepatic factor B expression.
Computational optical sectioning microscopy using an engineered PSF with reduced depth variability — Proof of concept

In this simulation study, an engineered point-spread function (PSF) with reduced depth variability (due to depth-induced aberrations) was applied to three-dimensional computational optical-sectioning microscopy (COSM) imaging to investigate its impact on image restoration. Intermediate synthetic images from PSF-engineered COSM in the presence of aberrations were computed and then processed using a depth-variant expectation maximization algorithm. The restored images were compared to images simulated for traditional COSM. Results show that PSF-engineered COSM achieves better image restoration than conventional COSM and has the potential to improve imaging in the presence of depth-induced aberrations.
ROBERT C. TUCKER

I cannot be entirely objective about the life and death of Robert Charles Tucker, who died, at age 92, at his home in Princeton on July 29. During the course of 50 years, Bob Tucker was my mentor, colleague, and very dear friend. He was the best man at my wedding to Katrina (Katia) vanden Heuvel, and I gave my oldest daughter, from a previous marriage, his family name as her middle name: Alexandra Tucker Cohen.
Persistent pain in postmastectomy patients: Comparison of psychophysical, medical, surgical, and psychosocial characteristics between patients with and without pain

Persistent postmastectomy pain (PPMP) is a major individual and public health problem. Increasingly, psychosocial factors such as anxiety and catastrophizing are being revealed as crucial contributors to individual differences in pain processing and outcomes. Furthermore, differences in patients’ responses to standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST) may aid in the discernment of who is at risk for acute and chronic pain after surgery. However, characterization of the variables that differentiate those with PPMP from those whose acute postoperative pain resolves is currently incomplete. The purpose of this study was to investigate important surgical, treatment-related, demographic, psychophysical, and psychosocial factors associated with PPMP by comparing PPMP cases with PPMP-free controls. Pain was assessed using the breast cancer pain questionnaire to determine the presence and extent of PPMP. Psychosocial and demographic information were gathered via phone interview, and women underwent a QST session. Consistent with most prior research, surgical and disease-related variables did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Furthermore, treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy was also not more common among those with PPMP. In contrast, women with PPMP did show elevated levels of distress-related psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, and somatization. Finally, QST in nonsurgical body areas revealed increased sensitivity to mechanical stimulation among PPMP cases, while thermal pain responses were not different between the groups. These findings suggest that an individual’s psychophysical and psychosocial profile may be more strongly related to PPMP than their surgical treatment.
Infant feeding buddies: a strategy to support safe infant feeding for HIV-positive mothers.

Background:Prior to 2010, the World Health Organization recommended that HIV-positive mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life unless replacement feeding was acceptable, feasib...
Reversal of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Anticoagulation by Synthetic Protamine Analogues

Protamine reversal of unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) causes hypotension, bradycardia, pulmonary artery hypertension, and declines in oxygen consumption. Furthermore, protamine incompletely reverses the anti-Xa activity of LMWH. The present study assesses the efficacy and toxicity of three protamine variants having +16 and +18 charges in reversal of LMWH (Logiparin, LHN-1): [+16] P(AK2A2K2)4, [+18] PK(K2A2K2A)3K2AK3, and [+18B] acetyl-PA(K2A2K2A)4K2-amide. The [+18B] compound was made by acetylating and amidating the [+18] to decrease in vivo degradation and to increase the α-helix forming propensity. Variants were examined in a canine model (n = 7, each variant) and compared to controls (n = 7) reversed with standard protamine with a +21 charge. Animals were anesthetized, anticoagulated with LMWH (150 IU factor Xa activity/kg), and reversed with protamine variants (1.5 mg/kg with 100 IU/mg). Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), pulmonary artery pressures, oxygen saturations, and oxygen consumption (VO2) were continuously monitored. Comparisons were undertaken at baseline, after heparin, before variant administration, and for 30 min thereafter. A total toxicity score (TTS) was calculated for each variant, accounting for maximal declines in BP, HR, CO, and VO2 during the first 5 min after reversal. Protamine [+21] was most toxic, TTS -7.6, with the variants being less toxic (P < 0.01, ANOVA): TTS = [+16] -2.8, [+18] -1.3, and [+18B] -4.1. Percentage reversal of LMWH 3 min after reversal for activated clotting time, anti-factor Xa activity, TCT, and anti-factor Ha activity, respectively, were: [+16] 26, 25, 66, 43%; [+18] 49, 21, 91, 36%; [+18B] 87, 64, 99, 96%; and protamine [+21] 99, 63, 100, 99%. These data document synthetic protamine variant reversal of LMWH anticoagulation. Preventing variant degradation improved efficacy to a level equaling standard protamine, although with some increased toxicity. Nonetheless, all variants were less toxic than protamine.
George A. Kelly: Pioneer in rural school psychology

Abstract A review of the history of school indicates that during the 1930s psychological services were available to many urban school systems but that comparable services were undeveloped or nonexistent in most rural areas. It was at this time that George A. Kelly, renowed for the development of personal construct theory, was practicing rural school psychology in western Kansas. Although Kelly is usully regarded as a clinical psychologist or personality theorist, a review of his educational background, early research interests, and professional activities up to 1983 establishes his strong ties to school psychology. A description of Kelly's “traveling clinics,” conducted in and for the schools of western Kansas, provides one detailed account regarding the nature of rural school psychology during ots formative years. In addition to such descriptive and historical value, this report illuminates the little-known contributions of a prominent psychologist to the area of school psychology.
Effect of maternal carbohydrate metabolism on fetal growth.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of maternal carbohydrate metabolism and anthropometric characteristics on fetal growth. Methods: Eight pregnant women in the third trimester with unexplained fetal growth restriction (FGR) and 11 women with normal pregnancies in the third trimester were evaluated for maternal carbohydrate metabolism, using oral glucose tolerance tests and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. These data and maternal anthropometric characteristics subsequently were related to relative birth weight, defined as observed birth weight × 100/50th percentile birth weight. Results: The women with FGR pregnancies were more insulin sensitive than were controls (21.6 ± 4.4 versus 16.7 ± 4.8 μmol/kg × min, P P P r = –.65, P r = .68, P r = –.84, P r = –.54, P = .08, respectively). Conversely, in control women the best correlation between relative birth weight and the other variables studied was seen with maternal weight gain ( r = .82, P Conclusion: Women with unexplained FGR have a different glucose metabolic pattern than do normals. We speculate that increased insulin sensitivity leads to a reduction in metabolic substrates for fetal growth.
UNCERTAINTY AND VARIABILITY IN DEMOGRAPHY AND POPULATION GROWTH: A HIERARCHICAL APPROACH

Estimates of uncertainty are the basis for inference of population risk. Uncertainty is estimated from models fitted to data that typically include a deterministic model (e.g., population growth) and stochastic elements, which should accommodate errors in sampling and any sources of variability that affect observations. Prediction from fitted models (of, say, demography) to new variables (say, population growth) requires propagation of these stochastic elements. Ecological models ignore most forms of variability, because they make statistical models complex, and they pose computational challenges. Variability associated with space, time, and among individuals that is not accommodated by demographic models can make parameter estimates and growth rate predictions unrealistic. I adapt a hierarchical approach to the problem of estimating population growth rates and their uncertainties when individuals vary and that variability cannot be assigned to specific causes. In contrast to an overfitted model that would assign a different parameter value to each individual, hierarchical models accommodate individual differences, but assume that those differences derive from an underlying distribution—they belong to a “population.” The hierarchical model can be implemented in classical (frequentist) and Bayesian frameworks (I demonstrate both) and analyzed using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. Results show that population growth models that rely on standard propagation of estimation error but ignore variability among individuals can misrepresent uncertainties in ways that erode credibility. Corresponding Editor: O. N. Bjornstad.
The primacy of affinity over clustering in regulation of adhesiveness of the integrin αLβ2

Dynamic regulation of integrin adhesiveness is required for immune cell–cell interactions and leukocyte migration. Here, we investigate the relationship between cell adhesion and integrin microclustering as measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and macroclustering as measured by high resolution fluorescence microscopy. Stimuli that activate adhesion through leukocyte function–associated molecule-1 (LFA-1) failed to alter clustering of LFA-1 in the absence of ligand. Binding of monomeric intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) induced profound changes in the conformation of LFA-1 but did not alter clustering, whereas binding of ICAM-1 oligomers induced significant microclustering. Increased diffusivity in the membrane by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents was sufficient to drive adhesion in the absence of affinity modulation and was associated with a greater accumulation of LFA-1 to the zone of adhesion, but redistribution did not precede cell adhesion. Disruption of conformational communication within the extracellular domain of LFA-1 blocked adhesion stimulated by affinity-modulating agents, but not adhesion stimulated by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents. Thus, LFA-1 clustering does not precede ligand binding, and instead functions in adhesion strengthening after binding to multivalent ligands.
Corporate Social Responsibility Communication Through Corporate Websites: A Comparison of Leading Corporations in the United States and China

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a discourse constructed through the constant dialogue and negotiation between corporations and their different stakeholders. This article examines how leading corporations in the United States and China discuss the rationales, themes, and practices of CSR on their corporate websites through a quantitative content analysis. The results, based on data collected in 2008, indicate that leading U.S. companies demonstrate a higher level of comprehensiveness and standardization in their CSR communication, while Chinese companies in different industries take distinctive approaches to CSR. However, the differences between the CSR discourses of leading Chinese and U.S. companies have greatly diminished since 2008. Updated data collected in 2012 show that the Chinese companies have adopted an all-inclusive and homogeneous approach in CSR communication, which is very similar to the approach taken by their U.S. counterparts. Such convergence is attributed to the process of inst...
Mutagenesis of a Specificity-Determining Residue in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Establishes That the Enzyme Is a Robust Phenylalanine Hydroxylase but a Fragile Tyrosine Hydroxylase

The aromatic amino acid hydroxylases tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH) and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheH) have essentially identical active sites; however, PheH is nearly incapable of hydroxylating tyrosine, while TyrH can readily hydroxylate both tyrosine and phenylalanine. Previous studies have indicated that Asp425 of TyrH is important in determining the substrate specificity of that enzyme [Daubner, S. C., Melendez, J., and Fitzpatrick, P. F. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 9652–9661]. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of amino acids 423–427, a mobile loop containing Asp425, shows that only mutagenesis of Asp425 alters the activity of the enzyme significantly. Saturation mutagenesis of Asp425 results in large (up to 104) decreases in the Vmax and Vmax/Ktyr values for tyrosine hydroxylation, but only small decreases or even increases in the Vmax and Vmax/Kphe values for phenylalanine hydroxylation. The decrease in the tyrosine hydroxylation activity of the mutant proteins is due to an uncoupling of tetrahydropterin oxi...
Cross-band relative absorption technique for molecular mixing ratio determination

We describe a new approach for molecular mixing ratio measurements based on spectral lines matching of various molecules with oxygen resulting in substantial reductions of temperature and pressure induced errors and close weighting functions matching.
A dynamic similarity model for large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion

A dynamic similarity subgrid-scale (SGS) unmixedness model is presented for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent reacting flows. The model is assessed both a priori and a posteriori via data obtained by direct numerical simulations (DNS) of homogeneous compressible turbulent flows involving a single step Arrhenius reaction. The results of a priori analysis indicate that the local values of the SGS unmixedness are accurately predicted by the model. A posteriori results also indicate that the statistics of the resolved temperature and scalars as obtained by LES compare favorably with DNS values.
Effects of substance P on sympathetic preganglionic neurones

Abstract Antidromically identified sympathetic preganglionic neurones, located in the second thoracic segment of the rat spinal cord, were tested for their response to iontophoretically applied substance P. Substance P increased the firing rate of both ‘spontaneously’ active and glutamate-activated neurones. As substance P-like immunoreactivity is present in the intermediolateral cell column of the thoracic spinal cord, it is concluded that substance P may be an excitatory transmitter or modulator involved in mediating excitatory drive to sympathetic preganglionic neurones
Localized states and carrier transport in amorphous chalcogenide semiconductors

Electronic transport has been investigated in ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$(${\mathrm{Se}}_{1/3}$ ${\mathrm{Te}}_{2/3}$${)}_{3}$ and Ge(${\mathrm{Se}}_{1/3}$${\mathrm{Te}}_{2/3}$ ${)}_{2}$ amorphous semiconductors through measurements of photoconductivity, optical absorption, dark conductivity, thermoelectric power, and field effect. Comparison of surface and volume measurements on bulk glassy material with surface measurements on thin sputtered films indicates no electronically detectable difference between surface and volume properties. Analysis of photoconductivity data in terms of a previously developed model indicates a density of localized recombination centers near the band edges with a density of about ${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ within 0.1-0.2 eV from the edges. Combination of thermoelectric power and conductivity data indicates $p$-type conductivity with a thermally activated mobility. Correlation of photoconductivity decay with field-effect measurements indicates a density of states of about ${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ near the Fermi level, decreasing by at least one order of magnitude for energies 0.15 eV closer to the band edge.
Evolution of antibody structure and effector functions: Comparative hemolytic activities of monomeric and tetrameric IgM from rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii.

1. 1. Monomeric and tetrameric IgM anti-haptin antibodies isolated from the sera of rainbow trout (S. gairdnerii) by immunoaffinity chromatography were compared both immunochemically and with regard to their functional abilities to lyse haptenated trout erythrocytes in the presence of trout complement. 2. 2. The two populations had similar binding affinities for hapten and apparently identical L chains, but differed in H chain peptide maps and immunoreactivity with rabbit anti-trout H chain serum. These differences could not be attributed to J-chain. 3. 3. The abilities of the two antibody subpopulations to activate C to lyse haptenated trout erythrocytes also differed dramatically. Such functional differences are not simply explained by the greater avidity of the tetrameric form since preliminary studies show that the monomeric form of trout IgM activates C via an alternative pathway mechanism while the tetrameric form activates both classical and alternative pathway mechanisms. 4. 4. Results suggest divergent evolution of antibody structures involved in the familiar effector functions (C activation, transport, etc.).
Methamphetamine Body Stuffers: An Observational Case Series

Study objective We describe the demographics, characteristics, treatment, and clinical course of methamphetamine body stuffers. We also determine the clinical characteristics of methamphetamine body stuffers who have severe outcomes. Methods A 6.5-year descriptive nonconcurrent observational case series evaluated methamphetamine body stuffers about whom the Oregon Poison Center was consulted by their primary physicians. Poison center charts were supplemented by completed hospital charts (for 95% of patients). Results Six hundred forty-eight patients with methamphetamine exposure were identified and reviewed, and 55 charts met the criteria for "methamphetamine body stuffer." We found the following characteristics of methamphetamine body stuffers: mean age 29 years (range 16 to 57 years), men in 44 of 55 cases (80%), mean time to arrival 2.7 hours after ingestion, with a median of 1 hour after ingestion. Ninety-seven percent (53/55) stuffed methamphetamine orally (2/55 rectally). Methamphetamine was most frequently swallowed in baggies, but 25% were unpackaged. The median dose ingested was 3.5 g of methamphetamine in 1 package. Outcome-based analysis revealed 29% (16/55) of patients had severe outcomes, as defined by end-organ toxicity, with agitation requiring intubation the most common severe outcome. There was 1 death reported. Toxicity did not appear to be related to the amount of methamphetamine or number of packets. Patients with severe outcomes had higher mean initial pulse rates and temperatures. Eighty-eight percent (14/16) of patients with severe outcomes had a presenting pulse rate greater than 120 beats/min or a temperature greater than 38°C versus 18% (7/39) patients with a benign outcome. Twenty-four radiographic studies were obtained; none detected packets. Conclusion Methamphetamine body stuffers have similar demographics to those of body stuffers of other stimulants, but tended to ingest fewer baggies with larger masses, and had a higher percentage of severe outcomes (29%) than previously reported with other stimulants. Increases in presenting pulse rate and temperature (pulse rate >120 beats/min or >38.0°C) are common in patients who will develop end-organ damage.
Entrepreneurial Activity in New York during the American Revolution

The ability of some New York businessmen to exploit the war economy of the Revolution is suggested in this study of their pursuits and profits.
Collective Errors and Errors about the Collective

This article focuses on the circumstances in which individuals mistakenly assume that their beliefs, perceptions, and feelings differ from those of their peers. Pluralistic ignorance, as this phenomenon is called, yields numerous significant consequences for the self (e.g., illusory feelings of deviance) and for the collective (e.g., the perpetuation of unpopular social norms). It also illustrates several important ways in which the self and the collective influence each other. The authors propose that pluralistic ignorance has its roots in collectively shared misconceptions about the relative power of different motives. Specifically, it occurs when widely shared but erroneous social representations of human motivation lead people to view the motive guiding their behavior as one that would not exert a comparable influence on the behavior of others.
The Capital Budget

Scope of the discussion, 450. — I. The capital budget in a non-cyclical society: direct budgetary effects, 452; distributional effects, 459. — II. The capital budget in the business cycle: fiscal flexibility, 461; psychological considerations, 464. — Conclusions, 465.
Higher-order statistical steganalysis of palette images

In this paper, we describe a new higher-order steganalytic method called Pairs Analysis for detection of secret messages embedded in digital images. Although the approach is in principle applicable to many different steganographic methods as well as image formats, it is ideally suited to 8-bit images, such as GIF images, where message bits are embedded in LSBs of indices to an ordered palette. The EzStego algorithm with random message spread and optimized palette order is used as an embedding archetype on which we demonstrate Pairs Analysis and compare its performance with the chi-square attacks and our previously proposed RS steganalysis. Pairs Analysis enables more reliable and accurate message detection than previous methods. The method was tested on databases of GIF images of natural scenes, cartoons, and computer-generated images. The experiments indicate that the relative steganographic capacity of the EzStego algorithm with random message spread is less than 10% of the total image capacity (0.1 bits per pixel).© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermomechanical wave propagation in gold films induced by ultrashort laser pulses

The thermomechanical behavior of gold films caused by ultrashort pulse lasers is investigated using a combined continuum-atomistic approach with the inclusion of the hot electron blast force. During the very early laser-metal interaction, a nonequilibrium thermal state and a significant hot electron blast wave are generated in the films. The laser heating leads to an initial compressive stress with the peak occurring near the irradiated side of the films. For a 100-nm film, a conversion from compression to tension starts in the mid-portion, the resulting tensile stress converts back to compression, and then the above stress conversions repeat. For the thicker films of 500 nm and 1 μm, the tensile stress starts from the irradiated side due to the free surface stress reflection, and the resulting two-fold shock wave comprising tension and compression propagates towards the rear surface and then reflects back to the front-side. The effect that the thermal stress decreases with increase of the pulse duration is more pronounced in thinner films. Based on the simulated dynamic stress responses, nonthermal damage to the 100-nm film could occur in its mid-depth region while the material could be nonthermally removed from either the front or rear-side of the 500-nm and 1-μm films.
A New Derivation for Newton-Based Optimal Power Flow Solution

Abstract A new and comprehensive derivation for the solution of the Newton–based OPF–problem is presented. Unlike the derivations available in other literature, the method presented here takes full advantage of the relations between the elements of the Hessian and Jacobian matrices. This reduces the number of arithmetic operations (such as multiplication and addition) for the calculation of the elements of the Hessian matrix, thus resulting in the reduction of the computation time. The OPF–solution is developed in two stages. In the first stage, the basic OPF–problem with no inequality constraints is solved. In the second stage, the inequality constraints on voltages and active/reactive powers of generators are included. The OPF–solution is evaluated using the nine–bus power system from Cornell University. A comparison between the OPF–solution presented here and the Cornell University solution is used to validate the presented method of solution.
Nitric oxide synthase mediates delta opioid receptor-induced hypothermia in rats

The role of nitric oxide (NO) production in delta opioid receptor-induced hypothermia has not been reported. The present study investigated the effect of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on the hypothermic effect of (+)-4-[(aR)-a-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC-80), a nonpeptide delta opioid agonist. SNC-80 (35 mg/kg, i.p.) administered to rats caused a significant hypothermia. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.), a NOS inhibitor, and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), a neuronal NOS inhibitor, were ineffective. For combined administration, L-NAME (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or 7-NI (10 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated SNC-80-evoked hypothermia. To determine the involvement of central NOS, L-NAME (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/rat) was administered i.c.v. 30 min prior to SNC-80 (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experiments revealed that L-NAME (1 mg/rat, i.c.v.) attenuated SNC-80-induced hypothermia. The present data demonstrate that central NO production is necessary for delta opioid receptor-induced hypothermia.
Nuclei within the rostral ventromedial medulla mediating morphine antinociception from the periaqueductal gray.

Abstract The relative contributions of nuclei within the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) involved in mediating morphine induced antinociception from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) were examined. Lidocaine injections (4%) at the time of morphine's maximal response were used to provide a localized neural block and were administered in the nucleus raphe magnus/reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha (RMg/GiA; commonly referred to as RMg), reticularis gigantocellularis (Gi) and reticularis paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi). Microinjection of morphine (6 nmol; 0.5 μl) into the PAG of awake rats produced an inhibition of the tail-flick reflex that was maximal after 30 min. This response was unaffected by a single medial lidocaine injection (0.5 μl) into the RMg/GiA or Gi, bilateral injections into the Gi or LPGi or triple injections that included both the RMg/GiA and LPGi. A partial, non-significant block of morphine's response was observed either by bilateral injections (0.5 μl) into both the Gi and LPGi (%inhibition= 16.4±24.8) or by bilateral injections in the LPGi and a single medial injections into the Gi (%inhibition= 41.5±29.8). However, injection of a greater volume of lidocaine (1 μl) into the RMg/GiA or bilaterally into the LPGi affected adjacent medial and lateral tissue, and completely inhibited morphine's response. Furthermore, triple injections of lidocaine (0.5 μl) into the Gi or bilateral injections (0.5 μl) into the Gi and a single medial injection into the RMg/GiA completely blocked morphine's antinociceptive response. These results indicate that morphine antinociception from the PAG is mediated by a large volume of tissue in the RVM containing nuclei located both medially and laterally. Additionally, the principal nuclei involved in this response appear to be the Gi and RMg/GiA.
L-ASCORBYL-2-SULFATE ALLEVIATES ATLANTIC SALMON SCURVY

AbstractDuplicate lots of 150 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), average weight 0.5 g, were fed NRC diet H-440 base containing L-ascorbic acid (C1) or L-ascorbyl-2-sulfate (C2S); or L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate (C2MP): at 0 or 100 mg C1; 50, 100, 300 mg C2S; or 50, 100 mg C2MP per kg dry diet in 12°C freshwater tanks. After 12 weeks, negative controls (no vitamin C) exhibited reduced growth, scoliosis, lordosis, and petechial hemorrhages typical of fish scurvy. All other lots grew normally. Four 100-fish lots of scorbutic salmon, average weight 3.3 g, were placed on recovery diets of 0, 50, or 300 mg C2S, or 100 mg C2MP per kg dry diet. After 5 weeks, fish fed either level of C2S intake had recovered and resumed growth. Negative controls continued to develop acute scurvy. The 41 survivors in this no-vitamin-C group all had advanced scurvy, whereas all fish in both C2S-fed recovery groups appeared normal. Tissue assays for C vitamers disclosed normal levels of C1 and C2S in the recovery groups. All other test tr...
Structural defect visualization and oxide breakdown in SiC wafers after thermal oxidation

Experimental results of structural defect visualization and oxide breakdown in SiC wafers after thermal oxidation is presented. The long-range influence of bulk defects on the oxidation behavior of the C-face of SiC wafers, as well as the delineation of polishing marks on the Si face, after oxidation, is presented. High field measurements on a large number of MOS-capacitor structures, fabricated on the SiC wafers, indicates that while oxide breakdown was never observed to occur in the region atop a micropipe, it generally coincided with the edge of bulk defects (within the SiC wafer) under the gate contact.
Influence of component uncertainty on reliability assessment of systems with continuous states

Existing reliability evaluation methods are based on the availability of knowledge about component states. However, component states are often uncertain or unknown, especially during the early stages of the development of new systems. In such cases it is important to understand how uncertainties will affect system reliability assessment. Another shortcoming of existing methods is that they only consider systems whose components have discrete states. For those whose components have continuous states, these methods may not be applicable. Using Monte-Carlo simulation, this paper proposed a method to assess the reliability of systems with continuous distribution of component states. This method will also be useful when we do not have enough knowledge on component states and related probabilities. Comparison of two examples proves that component uncertainty has significant influence on the assessment of system reliability.
Responses of chorioid plexus epithelium to hyaluronidase.

Abstract Previous work has demonstrated that hyaluronidase injected into the cisterna magna will produce chorioid plexus epithelial damage in experimental animals. Two sets of experiments have been performed to further assess the effects of this enzyme on the chorioid plexus. A series of cats after injection of hyaluronidase 6000 TRU into the cisterna magna were subsequently sacrificed at varying intervals in order to observe the long term epithelial response to this enzyme. In a second procedure, explants of chorioid epithelium from adult cats were exposed to hyaluronidase in vitro. Chorioid epithelium in vivo could be found in CSF within 3 hours following treatment with the enzyme. Regeneration, became noticeable at about the third day. Cultured chorioid epithelium, in general, showed no change when exposed to hyaluronidase. Isolated cells demonstrated cytoplasmic swelling. No effect on explant viability was observed. It is concluded that the site of action of hyaluronidase is at the basement membrane.
Inferior Vena Cava Oxygen Saturation Monitoring After the Norwood Procedure

Background Superior vena cava oxygen saturation monitoring in the early postoperative period after the Norwood procedure (NP) has been associated with improved survival and decreased adverse events (AE). There is no data describing inferior vena cava saturation (Sivo 2 ) monitoring after NP. We sought to investigate the utility of intermittent Sivo 2 monitoring after NP and to assess the correlation of Sivo 2 with renal near-infrared spectroscopy (rNIRS). We hypothesized failure to achieve Sivo 2 greater than 45% within the first 4 hours after NP is predictive of AE, and that rNIRS correlates with Sivo 2 . Methods A retrospective study of 26 consecutive NP patients who received postoperative management with Sivo 2 monitoring according to a strict protocol was conducted. Primary outcome was AE, defined as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, death before discharge, or residual surgical defects. Results Ten (38%) patients had one or more AE; mortality was 23%. On admission to the cardiac intensive care unit, patients with AE had lower Sivo 2 (45% ± 9.4% versus 62% ± 12.0%; p p 2 less than 45% versus 6% of non-AE patients. Both Sivo 2 and rNIRS were highly predictive of AE: the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was greater than 0.86 and 0.95, respectively. Two hours after admission, an Sivo 2 less than 45% predicted AE with a specificity of 93%, a sensitivity of 70%, and a positive predictive value of 82%. The Sivo 2 was strongly correlated with rNIRS ( r = 0.81). Conclusions Intermittent Sivo 2 can be used to guide early postoperative NP management; rNIRS is an accurate continuous, noninvasive surrogate for Sivo 2 . An Sivo 2 of less than 45% in the first 4 hours after the NP is predictive of AE.