cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Standardized Patient/Family Communication Bundle

During critical illness, active discussions about a person's preferences are linked with better patient outcomes. Our intensive care unit implemented an evidence-based standardized communication bundle that included education to providers on effective family communication, focused patient/family discussions to identify Durable Power of Attorney/surrogate decision maker and obtaining advanced directive documents, and documenting conversations in the electronic medical record and appropriately updating the patient's code status. The aim of the bundle was to increase compliance with conducting and documenting family discussions, clearly identifying and documenting surrogate decisions makers, and to improve patient/family satisfaction and caregiver satisfaction.
Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Duration Among Youth With Chronic Health Conditions in the United States:

Purpose:To compare the degree to which youth with and without chronic conditions in the United States met physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep duration guidelines.Design:A cross-sectional...
The Association of Economic Outcome and Geriatric Syndromes among Older Adults with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

**Background:** The association of geriatric syndromes and economic outcomes among patients who are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unknown. **Methods and Results:** A retrospective observational study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2011 to 2014 was conducted with 7078 patients who were 65 years or older and underwent TAVR. The average hospital cost was US$58 703 (± SD 29 777) and length of stay (LOS) was 8.1 days (±7.20). The rates of delirium, dementia, and frailty were 8.0%, 6.1%, and 10.5%, respectively. From a multivariable generalized linear regression, delirium increased the cost by 31.5% (95% CI 25.41~37.92) and LOS by 70.3% (95% CI 60.20~83.38). Frailty increased the cost by 7.4% (95% CI 3.44~11.53) and the LOS by 22.6% (95% CI 15.15~30.55). Dementia had no significant association with either outcome. When the interactions of the geriatric syndromes were tested for association with the outcomes, delirium in the absence of dementia but presence of frailty showed the strongest association with cost (increase by 45.1%, 95% CI 26.45~66.45), and delirium in the absence of both dementia and frailty showed the strongest association with LOS (increase by 74.5%, 95% CI 62.71~87.13). When the average hospital cost and LOS were predicted using the model with interaction terms, patients with delirium and frailty (but without dementia) had the highest value (total hospital cost US$86 503 and LOS 14.9 days). **Conclusion:** Among TAVR patients, delirium was significantly associated with increased hospital cost and LOS, and the association was significantly higher in the absence of dementia. The results of this study will be a great asset for health care providers and administrators in planning for efficient care strategy to lower health care expenditure in the hospital for older adults who underwent TAVR.
Dual-Loop High Speed Voltage Balancing Control for High Frequency Four-level GaN Totem-Pole PFC With Small Flying Capacitors

Flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) converters offer many advantages such as low switch device voltage stress, small current ripples and reduced inductor voltage swing. One critical problem of FCML converters is capacitor voltage balancing. This problem could cause poor system performance and high device voltage stress. Various voltage balancing methods have been developed. Some of these methods are for DC/DC and suffers from low loop bandwidth, which are not applicable for AC/DC applications. Control strategies developed for AC system either requires unique carrier sequence or designed for systems with large flying capacitors in the range of several hundred microfarad, which would increase complexity for implementation and be less appropriate for system with small value flying capacitors. A voltage balancing control for FCML Totem-Pole PFC using small flying capacitors is proposed in this paper. The proposed method utilizes the net charge of each flying capacitor as the control variable for voltage balancing. Besides, a loop with proportional controller is combined with the net charge control loop to form a dual loop and to improve thew performance. In addition, switching states and associated charging status is also considered in designing this PS-PWM based dual loop system by adjusting duty ratio of each device separately. The proposed dual loop is verified on a 4-level GaN-based 100kHz PFC using small value ceramic flying capacitors. Simulation and experimental results both show a very good balancing performance.
Abstract 16260: Thirty Days Major Adverse Cardiac Events Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Non-ste-acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-analysis With Meta-regression

Background: The optimum revascularization modality in multi-vessel and left main disease patients presenting with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (non-STE-ACS) is not well studied. The cur...
Superresolved microparticle traction force microscopy reveals subcellular force patterns in immune cell-target interactions

Force exertion is an integral part of cellular behavior. Traction force microscopy (TFM) has been instrumental for studying such forces, providing both spatial and directional force measurements at subcellular resolution. However, the applications of classical TFM are restricted by the typical planar geometry. Here, we develop a particle-based force sensing strategy, specifically designed for studying ligand-dependent cellular interactions. We establish a straightforward batch approach for synthesizing highly uniform, deformable and tunable hydrogel particles, which can also be easily derivatized to trigger specific cellular behavior. The 3D shape of such particles can be resolved with superresolution (
How do clinicians define cultural sensitivity?: A mixed methods study

The aim of the study was to derive an empirically based definition of cultural sensitivity (CS) using psychologists as participants. In Study 1, nine psychologists were interviewed and asked how th...
Controllability of Formation Systems on Special Orthogonal Groups Over Directed Graphs

Gradient flows provide a means for a networked formation system to reach and stabilize at a target configuration. However, the decentralization constraints and the geometry of the state space make the appearance of stable but undesired configurations inevitable. The presence of these undesired stable configurations precludes global convergence to the target configuration. In this article, we address the issue by considering a controlled formation system on special orthogonal groups over a directed graph. Agents of the system are tasked with stabilizing from others at target relative attitudes. The nominal dynamics of the agents are gradient flows of certain potential functions. These functions are parameter dependent, pretuned by the controller. To prevent the formation system from being trapped at an undesired configuration, we formulate and address the problem of whether the controller can steer the system from any configuration to any other configuration by retuning, on the fly, the parameters of the potential functions. We show that the answer is affirmative provided that the underlying graph is rooted with a single root node being fully actuated. We formulate the result as a main theorem and provide a complete proof of the result.
Development of an Autonomous Soaring Algorithm for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

An autonomous flight control algorithm is proposed for a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to carry out waypoint navigation tasks while exploiting thermals to cut down on energy consumption. The main components of the flight control algorithm are a waypoint navigation system that is coupled with an altitude controller, a thermaling flight controller, and a gliding flight controller that is combined with a proportional-integral controller to maintain a desired heading angle. The flight control algorithm is tested using a three degrees-of-freedom point mass model for a notional fixed-wing aircraft model. The flight control algorithm is demonstrated to perform satisfactorily. The aircraft reaches all of the desired waypoints and exploits thermals to save energy.
Mental Health Stigma and Social Contact Revisited: The Role of Network Closeness and Negativity:

Researchers and policymakers are increasingly interested in the extent to which mental health stigma can be mitigated through social contact with people who disclose mental health issues. Empirical...
Case Study: Experimental Investigation into the Feasibility of Pier Nose Extensions to Reduce Local Scour around Bridge Piers

AbstractThe feasibility of pier nose extensions as an environmentally acceptable alternative to reduce local pier scour for a nontypical pier geometry was investigated using a 1:30 Froude-scaled mo...
Migration of Cesium in Dolomite from the Rustler Formation in the Los Medanos Area in Southeastern New Mexico

Column flow experiments are being conducted on Magenta dolomite rock taken from a potential site for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Southeastern New Mexico. The experiments utilize monolithic samples machined from cores. The fluid phase is either deionized water pre-equilibrated with dolomite or a simulated brine composition doped with cesium-137 at a level of 0.1 µCi/ml.
Constipation and Special Considerations: The Elderly, Children, Pregnancy, Spinal Cord Injury, Metabolic Disorders and Systemic Diseases, Opioid-Induced, and History of Abuse

Constipation is a common and debilitating symptom. This chapter has covered special circumstances where the etiology of constipation prompts unique considerations in the evaluation and management of the symptom. Although constipation rarely will result in mortality, the symptom can have a major impact on the patient’s quality of life, and therefore a comprehensive understanding of associated issues and special considerations is essential in leading to effective treatment and improvement.
Law and Development

‘Law and development’ refers both to organized efforts to transform legal systems in developing countries to foster economic, political, and social development and to the academic projects stimulated by these efforts. Begun in the mid-twentieth century, law and development's dominant ideas and projects have changed over time as theories of development and agency priorities have changed. Law and development efforts accelerated in the 1990s as international financial institutions began to emphasize the rule of law. As the twenty-first century dawned, ideas and projects of the twentieth century were assessed and critiqued, new themes emerged, the field fragmented, and consensus disappeared.
Pillaring of Layered Inorganic Compounds: Fundamentals

Pillared clays have shown a diversity of behaviors -indicating that they may find applications as catalysts. The theoretical pore sizes for aluminum Keggin ion- pillared clays are calculated and compared with literature data. Layered phosphates and titanates have much higher charges, which should produce smaller cavities. Methods of achieving a range of pore sizes are described and compared to preliminary experimental results on the pillaring of these classes of layered compounds.
O peso da mente feminina: Associação entre obesidade e depressão

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of obesity in USF. To determine the prevalence of depression in obese USF. Check if there is an association between obesity and depression and whether this differs between genders. Type of study: Observational analytical cross Location: USF Briosa, Coimbra Population: Users enrolled at USF in November 2010, aged 18 years and with valid registration index body mass index (BMI) in the last 12 months. We excluded all women who have been pregnant at some time during the last 12 months. Methods: Data were collected computer program MedicineOne ®. Variables: gender, BMI and depression. Statistical analysis included the calculation of odds ratios. Results: The percentage of women in the population was 62.18%. The prevalence of obesity in the population was 18.67%. The prevalence of depression in obese patients was 30.82%. There was an association between obesity and depression in this population (OR = 1.33). When we did the study by gender, only in the group of women this association was found (OR = 1.51). Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in USF was higher than found in other national studies. Not found studies to compare the prevalence of depression in obese patients. The results may contribute to the adoption preventive strategies and more effective treatments, different gender.
Stock Repurchase Waves: An Explanation of the Trends in Aggregate Corporate Payout Policy

The use of stock repurchases has fluctuated dramatically over the last two decades: Aggregate repurchases peaked in 1999, when the use of repurchases came close to surpassing the use of dividends, and reached a low in 1991, when the repurchases amounted to only a quarter of dividends. Though several researchers document this trend in repurchases, there has been little explanation provided for why it occurs. In this paper, we investigate why stock repurchases occur in waves by explaining how the trends in aggregate payout policy relate to earnings and the overall economy. Specifically, we estimate the cointegrating relation between earnings and GDP and use the residual from this relation, the deviation in earnings from its trend, as a measure of transitory earnings. We find that repurchases increase with increases in both permanent and transitory earnings. However, the change in dividends paid is not related to transitory earnings but rather only permanent shifts in earnings that result from changes in the macro-economy. Further, transitory earnings are the primary driver in the choice between repurchases in dividends. These results indicate that dividends and repurchases are substitutes for distributing permanent earnings but that repurchases are also a mechanism to distribute transitory earnings.
Product Placement or Pure Entertainment? Critiquing A Copyright-Preemption Proposal

Introduction 428 I. Background 431 A. Development of Copyright Preemption 431 1. The creation of a federal copyright system 432 2. The rise of state right of publicity laws 435 3. Preemption debate in copyright law 439 B. Preemption Issue in Facenda v. NFL Films 443 C. Nimmer’s Preemption Test 444 II. Nimmer’s Preemption Framework Does Not Properly Promote the Goals of the State and Federal Legislatures ...... 447 A. Three Considerations in Evaluating Nimmer’s Test ....... 448 B. Nimmer’s Test Fails to Fulfill Constitutional Objectives Related to Creative Expression 451 1. The test conflicts with the goals of copyright law set forth in the Copyright Act and the Constitution ...... 451 2. The test conflicts with First Amendment jurisprudence 453 3. The test fails to properly balance the interests served by the federal copyright law and state publicity laws 454 C. Problems Applying Nimmer’s Test to Current Media ..... 455 D. Problems Applying Nimmer’s Test to Facenda 456
Multidimensional Functional Assessment of Older Adults: The Duke Older Americans Resources and Services Procedures

Contents: Overview. The OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. The Validity and Reliability of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Psychometric Structure and Computer-Based Rating of Part A:Functional Assessment. Services. Aggregating Functional Status and Services Information. The OARS Model:Use and Uses. Administration of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Differences Between the 1975 and 1988 Editions of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Comparison Norms:Elderly Living in the Community, Institutions, and Attending Daycare. Appendices: Variable List and Input Format for the 1988 Version of the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Coding Aids. OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire and Services Supplement.
Lung tumors in mice: application to carcinogenesis bioassay.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides information on lung tumors in mice, with emphasis on the use of mouse lung for quantitative investigations in carcinogenesis, especially bioassay of chemicals for carcinogenic activity. The lung-tumor response in strain A mice is easily and clearly positive to all major types of chemical carcinogens. Strain A mice are the most susceptible to a wide variety of carcinogens, in terms of the earlier appearance and greater multiplicity of tumors. The lung-tumor response in strain A mice is easily and clearly positive to all major types of chemical carcinogens. Estrogenic and other steroid hormones, with the targets of endocrine-regulated tissues, are an exception. The lung tumor of the mouse has demonstrated its ability to pick up undetected, unpredicted neoplastic responses such as to urethane and to isoniazid. The carcinogens picked up by the lung tumor system have been shown to be carcinogenic for other tissues and in other species of animals. The mouse lung tumor is a reproducible, stable, and rapid biological model for a wide variety of quantitative investigations in carcinogenesis. It provides a three-dimensional lattice of the lung in which a known, identifiable subpopulation of cells—the type 2 alveolar pneumocytes—can be accelerated into conversion into neoplasms.
The Hawaiian-Emperor Bend: Older Than Expected

The kink in the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain in the Pacific Ocean was initiated ~50 million years ago, at a time when major plate motion changes occurred.
Kallikrein-binding protein is induced by growth hormone in the dwarf rat

Rat kallikrein-binding protein (KBP), a member of the serpin family, is a tissue kallikrein inhibitor. It has been shown to be a potential pathogenic factor of diabetic retinopathy and may play a role in animal development and growth. To determine whether reduced KBP expression is involved in retarded animal growth, we examined the in vivo effect of growth hormone (GH) deficiency on the expression of KBP in the Lewis dwarf (dw/dw). We found that serum levels of functionally active KBP were reduced in the dwarf rat (P<0.05) as determined by complex formation assay between serum KBP and 125I-labeled rat tissue kallikrein. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that KBP levels were significantly reduced in the serum of the dwarf rat compared to the Lewis rat (213.8 ng/ml vs. 413.8 ng/ml, n=4, P<0.01). The decreased KBP levels were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Moreover, treatment of the dwarf rat with recombinant human GH for 4 wk resulted in a significant increase in KBP activity (P<0.01) and serum ...
Reduction of metabolism during hibernation and daily torpor in mammals and birds: temperature effect or physiological inhibition?

The present study addresses the controversy of whether the reduction in energy metabolism during torpor in endotherms is strictly a physical effect of temperature (Q10) or whether it involves an additional metabolic inhibition. Basal metabolic rates (BMR; measured as oxygen consumption,\(\dot V_{O_2 }\)), metabolic rates during torpor, and the corresponding body temperatures (Tb) in 68 mammalian and avian species were assembled from the literature (n=58) or determined in the present study (n=10). The Q10 for change in\(\dot V_{O_2 }\) between normothermia and torpor decreased from a mean of 4.1 to 2.8 with decreasingTb from 30 to <10°C in hibernators (species that show prolonged torpor). In daily heterotherms (species that show shallow, daily torpor) the Q10 remained at a constant value of 2.2 asTb decreased. In hibernators with aTb<10°C, the Q10 was inversely related to body mass. The increase of mass-specific metabolic rate with decreasing body mass, observed during normothermia (BMR), was not observed during torpor in hibernators and the slope relating metabolic rate and mass was almost zero. In daily heterotherms, which had a smaller Q10 than the hibernators, no inverse relationship between the Q10 and body mass was observed, and consequently the metabolic rate during torpor at the sameTb was greater than that of hibernators. These findings show that the reduction in metabolism during torpor of daily heterotherms and large hibernators can be explained largely by temperature effects, whereas a metabolic inhibition in addition to temperature effects may be used by small hibernators to reduce energy expenditure during torpor.
Rate-limiting hydrodynamic resistance for controlled reagent delivery for laboratory solution preparation.

The need for precise delivery of minute quantities of substances for solution preparation and other applications is well-known in research, clinical, industrial, and environmental settings. Currently available techniques for solution preparation in the laboratory include traditional transfer pipettes, micropipettes based on air displacement, and motorized devices using some form of a piston system. These techniques control the amount delivered by controlling the delivered volume. In this work we test the practicality of the concept of using a constant rate-limiting hydrodynamic resistance to achieve controlled reagent flow for solution preparation. The delivered amount is determined in this approach by time, pressure, flow resistance, or a combination of these. Good results are achieved comparable to conventional techniques without the use of fine mechanical instrumentation. This approach holds promise as an alternative to current methods of solution preparation and reagent delivery for routine laboratory...
Restoration of gap-junctional intercellular communication in a communication-deficient rat liver cell mutant by transfection with connexin 43 cDNA.

To study the biochemical basis of gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and its role in tumorigenesis, a mammalian cell expression vector carrying both a rat connexin 43 (Cx43) cDNA and an amplifiable dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene was transfected into the GJIC-deficient rat liver mutant cell line aB1. Two stable transfectants were selected for further amplification of the transfected Cx43 gene by increasing stepwise the concentration of methotrexate (MTX) in the culture medium. The results indicate that GJIC was restored in these two Cx43 cDNA transfectants after they became highly resistant to MTX but not in the control-vector transfectants, in which the DHFR gene was similarly amplified. The amount of Cx43 DNA revealed by Southern blot analysis and the expression of Cx43 gene revealed by northern and western blot analyses were concomitantly increased in the Cx43 cDNA transfectants resistant to high concentrations of MTX. Western blot analysis, using an antipeptide antibody that specifically recognizes Cx43 protein, further revealed that an approximately 46-kDa phosphorylated Cx43 protein that was prominent in the parental GJIC-competent cells was absent in the aB1 cells. This Cx43 protein, however, reappeared in the two Cx43 cDNA transfectants after amplification. After treatment of the membrane proteins with alkaline phosphatase in vitro, the approximately 46- and 44-kDa proteins disappeared, whereas the approximately 42-kDa proteins remained with increasing intensity, indicating that the higher molecular-weight proteins were the phosphorylated Cx43. These results indicate that a defect in posttranslational phosphorylation of Cx43 protein associated with low expression of the Cx43 gene might be responsible for the GJIC deficiency in aB1 cells and that increased expression of Cx43 by gene amplification might restore this phosphorylated Cx43 protein and so reestablish GJIC. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Where are the Stents? A Computerized Tracking System to Eliminate the Forgotten Ureteral Stent

Abstract Introduction Ureteral stent placement is the main treatment for ureteral obstruction in contemporary urological practice. Meticulous followup is required to confirm ureteral stent removal. Forgotten ureteral stents create significant patient and physician risk. We assessed the efficacy of an electronic spreadsheet tracking system at a VA medical center urology practice to monitor ureteral stent placement and retrieval. Methods From January 2012 to February 2014 a computer based monitoring system was begun for all stents placed in our practice. An Excel® spreadsheet was used to track ureteral stent insertion and removal. The VA Computerized Patient Record System was used to confirm ureteral stent removal. The spreadsheet included an automatic calculator feature to alert technicians/surgeons when stents remained in place 180 days or longer. Results In 335 patients a total of 379 stents were placed from January 2012 to February 2014. Of these 379 stents 369 were removed or exchanged in 180 days or less. Ten patients died with stents in place and were counted in the removal group for an overall 100% rate of stents accounted for/removed during the study period. Conclusions An electronic spreadsheet is an effective method to track ureteral stent placement and removal. Manual data entry, and frequent spreadsheet followup and monitoring contributed to a 100% retrieval rate in this study. Future efforts should focus on automated systems that generate reminders with less emphasis on human data entry and tracking.
The role of aging upon β cell turnover

Preservation and regeneration of β cell endocrine function is a long-sought goal in diabetes research. Defective insulin secretion from β cells underlies both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thus fueling considerable interest in molecules capable of rebuilding β cell secretion capacity. Though early work in rodents suggested that regeneration might be possible, recent studies have revealed that aging powerfully restricts cell cycle entry of β cells, which may limit regeneration capacity. Consequently, aging has emerged as an enigmatic challenge that might limit β cell regeneration therapies. This Review summarizes recent data regarding the role of aging in β cell regeneration and proposes models explaining these phenomena.
The public finance of infrastructure : issues and options

Using economic principles, the author provides criteria for financing infrastructure services where consumption-related user charges can be levied effectively. In light of the suggested criteria, the author examines the experience of developing countries in financing publicly provided infrastructure services in transport (road), water, telecommunications, and power. In developing countries, most infrastructure is provided by the public sector, although the private sector has become increasingly involved. Because it is difficult to raise funds through general taxes, self financing of these services remains a desirable second-best policy, one that almost all developing countries endorse. But experience suggests that, except in telecommunications, full cost recovery is more the exception than the rule. Financing remains inadequate. The political economy of tariff setting is an important element in low improperly designed user charges, infrequent adjustments for inflation, and poor enforcement. Such sectors as water, power, and transportation drains funds from the treasury, although their impact varies from sector to sector. When it is difficult to get budget transfers to materialize - especially during a fiscal crisis - there is often a reduction in nonwage operations and maintenance expenditures. As a result, services deteriorate. The private provision of infrastructure services is often suggested as an alternative. The private provision of services can certainly reduce the public sector's financing requirement. For infrastructure services for which technological advances have made competition possible, the market system could ensure efficient private provision of services, which could be a relief to the public sector. But for services that require a single provider to achieve economies of scale and similar benefits, the private provision of services will work only if an appropriate rate of return is assured - and only if user charges cover costs.
Growth in loblolly pine plantations as a function of stand density and canopy properties

Abstract Interrelationships between forest-canopy properties, stand growth, and Reineke's stand density index (SDI) were investigated for unthinned plots of a loblolly pine, growth-and-yield study. Gross, periodic-annual increment (Iv) and mean-tree, gross, periodic-annual increment (Imv) were calculated for the intervals between 17, 22, 27, 32, and 37 years of age. Data to calculate canopy variables were available only after age 22. Regression analysis indicates that a second-degree polynomial of SDI is statistically related to both growth variables during the first two measurement intervals but not the last two. The shape of the significant equations generally agreed with conventional growth-growing stock relationships, and Iv, adjusted for SDI, decreased significantly with age. Leaf area index (L) and foliage density (F) were linearly related to SDI for each measurement period. While the equations relating F and SDI were not significantly different between measurement periods, the intercepts of the fitted equations for L and SDI generally decreased with plantation age. Mean-live-crown ratio (Cr) was significantly related to SDI for all measurement periods, with the exception of age 32, and canopy depth (Cd) was statistically related to SDI only at age 22. Significant multiple-linear regression models were found between the growth variables and canopy properties with one exception. With that one exception, Iv was significantly related to L during each measurement interval and to F and Cr during the first two intervals. Mean, gross, periodic-annual increment was statistically related only to those canopy variables that described canopy structure. With the exception of F, the overall average value of the canopy variables decreased with age in these loblolly pine plantations, probably leading to the systematic reduction in Iv with age. Although growth-growing stock relations were not significant in these plantations after age 27, the relationships between canopy variables and canopy variables emphasize the importance of early density management to maintain vigorous crowns and growth rates as plantations age.
DNA immunization can stimulate florid local inflammation, and the antiviral immunity induced varies depending on injection site

DNA immunization is being considered to augment, or even to supplant, more traditional methods of antiviral immunization. Different routes of administration lead to markedly different levels of marker protein expression, but only limited data are available concerning the antiviral responses induced by DNA inoculated by different routes, and their protective efficacy. In this report we evaluate antiviral immunity induced by inoculation of DNA by the intramuscular (i.m.) and intradermal (i.d.) routes, and make three novel observations. First, i.d. immunization is dose-dependent and, although not uniformly successful, can induce very high levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity, varying dependent on the vehicle in which the DNA is administered. Second, while antiviral immunity induced by i.m. DNA injection has been demonstrated by many groups, we show herein a marked difference in immunity depending on the muscle injected. Immunity induced by DNA injection of the anterior tibial muscle significantly exceeds that induced following injection of the quadriceps muscle as judged by three criteria, namely CTL induction, decrease in virus titer following nonlethal challenge, and survival following a normally lethal challenge dose of virus. Thirdly, we evaluate the local immune response induced following immunization with DNA encoding a viral antigen. We show that, when recipients are already immune to the encoded protein, a severe but localized inflammatory response may result.
Differential binding of monomethylarsonous acid compared to arsenite and arsenic trioxide with zinc finger peptides and proteins.

Arsenic is an environmental toxin that enhances the carcinogenic effect of DNA-damaging agents, such as ultraviolet radiation and benzo[a]pyrene. Interaction with zinc finger proteins has been shown to be an important molecular mechanism for arsenic toxicity and cocarcinogenesis. Arsenicals such as arsenite, arsenic trioxide (ATO), and monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)) have been reported to interact with cysteine residues of zinc finger domains, but little is known about potential differences in their selectivity of interaction. Herein we analyzed the interaction of arsenite, MMA(III), and ATO with C2H2, C3H1, and C4 configurations of zinc fingers using UV–vis, cobalt, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry. We observed that arsenite and ATO both selectively bound to C3H1 and C4 zinc fingers, while MMA(III) interacted with all three configurations of zinc finger peptides. Structurally and functionally, arsenite and ATO caused conformational changes and zinc loss on C3H1 and C4 zinc finger peptide and protei...
Electrochemical polymerization of 3‐octylpyrrole

Electrochemical polymerization of 3-octylpyrrole (OCPY) yielded a film on the anode. Its conductivity was 5 S/cm. Infrared spectra of OCPY and poly(3-octylpyrrole) (POCPY) were compared with those of related monomers and polymers, and as a result, the pyrrole rings appeared quite likely linked at 2- and 5-positions. Cyclic voltammograms of a PF–6-doped POCPY film had an anodic peak at 0.16 V vs. Ag and a cathodic peak at 0.12 V. Doped POCPY was stable and soluble in such polar solvents as tetrahydrofuran, N-methylpyrrolidinone and pyridine. Although the absorption spectrum of the film had three peaks at 1.0, 2.5 and 3.6 eV, as also in the case of poly(3-methylpyrrole), the spectra in pyridine and THF solutions indicated two peaks at 1.9 and 3.2 eV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the POCPY films to have a unique morphology, depending on the electrolytes used for electrochemical polymerization. The introduction of an octyl group made polypyrrole soluble in organic solvents, but effective conjugation length became shorter and the texture of films rougher.
Interdependence, Reciprocity and Indebtedness: An Analysis of Japanese American Kinship Relations.

This paper presents an analysis of the qualitative aspects of kinship interaction among Japanese Americans in Honolulu. Based on semistructured interviews with 104 families, the findings indicate an increase in kinship solidarity with the third generation. Explanations qf these findings utilize theories qf exchange and reciprocity. When exchange processes operate to encourage indebtedness and take place in an interdependent network of kin relationships, an obligatory pattern of interaction results. Since this pattern differs from the option model of the modified extended family, it is suggested that research on kinship should go beyond measures of contact and aid to a study of mechanisms which reinforce the solidarity of some extended ffamily structures.
Effects of weak acids and external pH on the intracellular pH of Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and its implications in weak-acid resistance.

Weak acids and hydrogen ions in different concentration combinations affect the intracellular pH value (pHi) of Zygosaccharomyces bailii. The lowest pHi value measured was not at the most extreme, but at intermediate conditions of inhibition. Proton and organic-acid ejection, on a cell volume basis, is greater in cells grown under inhibitory conditions and is stimulated by weak acids, whilst in cells not grown under inhibitory conditions acid efflux is lower and is depressed by weak acids; this may be important in the maintenance of tolerable pHi values in the presence of weak acids. The concentration of benzoic acid measured internally is identical to the value expected from its pK, external pH and pHi. Addition of fructose to starved cells causes both a decreased pHi and a concomitant efflux of previously loaded benzoic acid, quantitatively in accord with the shift in equilibrium of the freely permeable undissociated acid. There is no evidence that weak acids are actively extruded. Protoplast volume also varies with hydrogen-ion and weak-acid concentration and this too may play a role in intracellular pH maintenace.
Equilibrium Studies on the Synergic Liquid‐Liquid Extraction Process of Copper(II) from Sulphate Media with Mixtures of some Bidentate Mono‐Schiff Bases and Acyclic Polyether Non‐ionic Surfactant in Chloroform

The liquid‐liquid extraction of copper(II) with bidentate mono‐Schiff base extractants(HL), namely, N‐salicylideneaniline (SA), N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthalidene)aniline (HNA), N‐salicylidene‐1‐naphthylamine (SN), and N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthalidene)‐1‐naphthylamine (HNN), from a weakly acidic sulphate media into chloroform was studied in both the absence and the presence of acyclic polyether non‐ionic surfactant (S). In the absence of the non‐ionic surfactant, the extractability of copper(II) was 92.6% with SA, 89% with HNA, 81% with SN, and 80% with HNN. The estimated extraction constants, (log Kex) of the four extractants revealed that the extraction efficiency increased in the order HNN< SN< HNA<SA. Besides, it was found that copper(II) was extracted as CuL2 (HL) with SA and HNA, and as CuL2 with SN and HNN. The extraction of copper(II) was significantly enhanced with HL into chloroform upon the addition of a non‐ionic surfactant. An extractability of 100% was reached. The stoichiometry of the extracted compl...
The theory of repeated networks

The theory of transmission through a number of repeated networks is worked out from first principles and obtained in a simple form that at once reduces to that for artificial lines if the networks are symmetrical.Some three element artificial lines are described, a number of which have the same characteristic impedance as a uniform line
Carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles prepared by a modified borohydride reduction method: Effect on the particle morphology and catalytic activity for COad and methanol electro-oxidation

Abstract Carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles have been prepared by a borohydride reduction method in a mixed water–ethylene glycol (EG) solvent with different EG content X EG . The synthesis in the mixed solvent modifies (1) the size and morphology of nanoparticles and (2) the intrinsic properties of the nanoparticle surface, which are manifested in an additional CO ad oxidation peak at a lower potential. Because of the combined effects of these morphological and intrinsic modifications, the Pt nanoparticles prepared in the mixed solvent with X EG = 0.67 exhibit 2.5 times higher catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction.
Drug discovery strategies that focus on the endocannabinoid signaling system in psychiatric disease

Introduction: The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important role in the control of mood, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders. Targeting the eCB system appears to represent an attractive and novel approach to the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. However, several failed clinical trials have diminished enthusiasm for the continued development of eCB-targeted therapeutics for psychiatric disorders, despite the encouraging preclinical data and promising preliminary results obtained with the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.Areas covered: This review describes the eCB system’s role in modulating cell signaling within the brain. There is a specific focus on eCB’s regulation of monoamine neurotransmission and the stress axis, as well as how dysfunction of this interaction can contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the review provides discussion on compounds and drugs that target t...
The Diversity and Availability of Caulerpa Species Found in Retail Aquarium Outlets in Southern California, USA

Biological invasions are recognized as a serious threat to marine biodiversity. Within the last 2 years, invasive populations of Caulerpa taxifolia were found in southern California's coastal waters as well as in New South Wales, Australia. In addition, two other seaweeds (Undaria pinnatifida and Caulacanthus ustulatus) also appear to have recently invaded southern California's warm temperate waters. The introduction of C. taxifolia has attracted much attention because this exotic seaweed is thought to have significantly altered the structure of Mediterranean marine ecosystems following its 1984 invasion. The southern California inoculation of C. taxifolia is believed to have resulted from the release of aquarium specimens. Besides C. taxifolia, other species of Caulerpa being sold for aquarium use also may have the potential to invade temperate waters. As a first step towards making this determination, the availability (% frequency) of Caulerpa species being sold in southern California for aquarium use was ascertained. Fifty retail saltwater aquarium stores were visited in three southern California counties between November 2000 and August 2001. Sixteen Caulerpa taxa were identified from the retail aquarium outlets. Caulerpa species were sold in 52% of these stores. C. taxifolia, ‘Mediterranean form’, was offered for sale in 10% of the visited stores; C. serrulata var. hummii (18%), C. racemosa (14%), and C. racemosa var. lamourouxii (14%) were the most commonly sold species. These data indicate that the aquarium industry is bringing into the region other species of Caulerpa besides C. taxifolia. Some of these species may also have the potential to invade temperate waters.
Generation of classes of symmetric rank-2 secant updates and the maximality of the Davidon class

We first catalogue several classes of secant updates including the Dennis class, the Davidon class, and the class of all symmetric rank-2 updates. Reflection on the parametric form of this class leads to a maximality property of the Davidon class and to a natural derivation of the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno update, analogous to that presented by Fletcher for the Davidon–Fletcher–Powell inverse update. Next, we propose a symmetric rank-1 extension process for classes of updates that allows us to introduce a degree of commonness to the material presented. An application of the symmetric rank-1 extension process to the class of rank-1 secant updates produces the Dennis class, an application to the Dennis class produces the Davidon class, and an application to the Davidon class leaves the Davidon class fixed implying that it is a maximal class. The maximality of the Davidon class, the definition of the symmetric rank-1 extension process, and the demonstration that this extension process can be used to unify an important part of the literature on update classes are the contributions of the paper.
Effects of diuresis on micturition.

Micturition can be characterized experimentally by monitoring both the frequency and volume of micturition. Previous studies demonstrated that the functional capacity of the rat and rabbit bladder, as determined by cystometry, is approximately equal to the maximal single micturition volume as recorded over a 24 hour period. Studies in many laboratories have demonstrated that chronic increases in diuresis induce increases in micturition frequency and capacity, and an increase in bladder mass. The current study compares the temporal relationship among these parameters in three models of diuresis: streptozotocininduced diabetes in rats, sucrose-induced diuresis in rats, and furosemide-induced diuresis in rabbits. In both sucrose diuresis in rats and furosemide diuresis in rabbits there were immediate increases in both the frequency and volume of micturition. The magnitude of the increases in micturition frequency and micturition volume paralleled the increase in the total volume of urine excreted. Bladder mass increased progressively over the time course of the study. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in a more gradual (but parallel) increase in micturition frequency and volume, and again a more gradual increase in bladder mass. These studies demonstrate that functional bladder capacity is increased immediately upon the initiation of diuresis with sucrose or furosemide, as is the frequency of micturition. This indicates that functional bladder capacity is probably under neuronal regulation and the change in capacity is not a function of the increased bladder mass which occurs at a later time period. The exact stimulus for the increase in bladder mass cannot be determined from these studies, but may be related to one or more of the following factors: micturition volume, filling rate, or frequency of stimulation. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fruit flies for anti-pain drug discovery

Recent work has indicated that fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) can be used in nociception research. Genetic screening identified a gene, painless, that is required for thermal and mechanical nociception in Drosophila larvae. On the other hand, parmacological techniques and noxious heat were used to assay antinocieceptive behavior in intact adult Drosophila. In general, animal models for pain research are bound by ethical concerns. Since no serious ethical controversies have been raised regarding experiments in insects, Drosophila may be, for the time being an ethically acceptable animal model for combined genetic and pharmacological analgesia research.
All-electron ab initio self-consistent-field study of electron transfer in scanning tunneling microscopy at large and small tip-sample separations: Supermolecule approach.

Electron transfer expressed in the context of molecular-orbital theory is used as a model for scanning tunneling microscopy. We calculate the electronic coupling matrix element ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$, ubiquitous in theories of electron transfer, by means of ab initio self-consistent-field wave functions for a supermolecule made up of a ``sample'' molecule and a ``tip'' metal atom. We find that ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$ varies with the lateral position of the tip, with the tip-sample distance, and with the applied bias voltage. The features of the ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$ curves are analyzed in terms of molecular orbitals.