cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a Near-Infrared Emitting Squaraine Dye in an Undergraduate Organic Laboratory

Squaraines are a class of organic fluorophores that possess unique photophysical properties, including strong near-infrared absorption and emission. The synthesis of many squaraines involves the condensation of an electron-rich aromatic ring with squaric acid. These reactions are generally refluxed overnight in a benzene–butanol solvent mixture. Reported herein are modifications to the synthesis of a squaraine dye that allowed the experiment to be performed in an undergraduate laboratory setting. The desired compound was formed after a 2-h reflux, using toluene as a co-solvent rather than the more toxic benzene. Moreover, the photophysical properties of the synthesized squaraine compound were analyzed in a separate laboratory period and led to important pedagogical opportunities about the absorption and fluorescence of organic compounds.
Complementary polarized neutron and resonant x-ray magnetic reflectometry measurements in Fe/Gd heterostructures: Case of inhomogeneous intralayer magnetic structure

A unified approach combining polarized neutron and resonant x-ray magnetic reflectometry has been applied to determine the magnetic structure in an ${[\text{Fe}(35\text{ }\text{\AA{}})/\text{Gd}(50\text{ }\text{\AA{}})]}_{5}$ multilayer as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Simultaneous self-consistent refinement of neutron and x-ray data made it possible to resolve the element-specific magnetization profile in the multilayer with unprecedented accuracy. It is shown that the small number of bilayer periods together with the asymmetric termination (Fe-top, Gd-bottom) lead to unique low-temperature magnetic phases characterized by significant twisting of Fe and Gd magnetic moments and nonuniform distribution of vectorial magnetization within Gd layers. A twisted magnetic state was found to be stable at small magnetic fields and at a low temperature of 20 K, which is well below the compensation temperature of this artificial ferrimagnetic system.
Non-linear dynamical analysis of EEG time series distinguishes patients with Parkinson's disease from healthy individuals.

The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is known to involve altered patterns of neuronal firing and synchronization in cortical-basal ganglia circuits. We used delay differential equations (DDE) as non-linear time-domain classification tools to analyze electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from PD patients on and off dopaminergic therapy and healthy individuals. Two sets of 50 1-s segments of 64-channel EEG activity were recorded from nine PD patients on and off medication and nine age-matched controls. The 64 EEG channels were grouped into 10 clusters covering different brain regions for analysis. DDE models were fitted to individual trials, and model coefficients and error were used as features for classification. The best models were selected using repeated random sub-sampling and classification performance was measured using the area under the ROC curve A'. In a companion paper, we show that DDEs can uncover hidden dynamical structure from short segments of simulated time series of known dynamical systems in high noise regimes. Using the same method for finding the best models, we found here that even short segments of resting state EEG in PD patients and controls contained dynamical structure, and, moreover, that PD patients exhibited a greater dynamic range than controls. DDE model output on the means from one set of 50 trials provided nearly complete separation of PD patients off medication from controls across brain regions A' varied from 0.95-1.0. For distinguishing PD patients on vs. off medication, classification performance A' ranged from 0.86-1.0 across brain regions. Moreover, the generalizability of the model to the second set of 50 trials was excellent, with A' ranging from 0.81-0.94 across brain regions for controls vs. PD off medication, and from 0.62-0.82 for PD on medication vs. off. Finally, model features significantly predicted individual patients' motor severity, as assessed with standard clinical rating scales.
Pilot Study Examining Factors Associated with Academic Success for Hispanic High School Students.

This study examines characteristics that distinguish succeeding and failing Hispanic students at an inner-city high school. While research on this topic has historically focused on dropouts, this study seeks to better understand successful high school students. Participants in the study were 48 Hispanic tenth-grade students at a large, predominantly minority and low-income high school. High-and low-risk groups were identified on the basis of ninth-grade attendance rates and course failures. When compared to their high-risk counterparts, low-risk students were found to be more satisfied with their school and to maintain a social group predominantly free of gang members. The findings are discussed in terms of how the distinguishing variables contribute to students' success.
Structure and wettability of methoxy-terminated self-assembled monolayers on gold

This manuscript describes the structure and wettability of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) derived from the adsorption of a series of ω-methoxyalkanethiols (CH3O(CH2)nSH, where n = 9−14) onto the surface of gold. Using ellipsometry, polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and contact angle measurements, the interfacial properties were examined as a function of chain length. Analysis by ellipsometry revealed a progressive increase in the thickness of the films as the chain length of the adsorbate was increased. Similarly, analysis by PM-IRRAS revealed a progressive increase in the conformational order of the methylene chains of the films. Moreover, the frequency and intensity of two characteristic C−H stretching bands of the methoxy groups were observed to vary systematically as a function of odd- versus even-numbered chain length, reflecting an alternating structural change in the films (i.e., an “odd−even” effect). Studies of contact angle wettability revealed tha...
Spin-orbit coupling, Fermi surface, and optical conductivity of ferromagnetic iron

A previous self-consistent linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals calculation of energy bands in iron has been extended through the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling. The exchange interaction is incorporated according to the $X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ method. The Fermi surface is described in detail and compared with the results of measurements of the de Haas-van Alphen effect, and of magnetoresistance anisotropy. The interband contribution to the optical-conductivity tensor was computed using matrix elements determined from wave functions including spin-orbit coupling. Both diagonal and off-diagonal elements of this tensor have been obtained.
Testing in EHS: What is the current status of experimentation?

This paper explores some of the fundamental and practical issues related to the behavior of nanoparticles in the environment and their potential impacts on human health. In our research we have explored the reactive behaviors of nanoparticles with contaminants in the environment, how nanoparticle change in response to their environment and time, and how nanoparticles interact with biological systems of various types. It has become apparent that researchers often underestimate the difficulties of preparing and delivering well characterized nanoparticles for specific types of testing or applications. Difficulties arise in areas that range from not understanding what imparts the “nano” character of a particle to not knowing the impacts of minor species on the properties of high surface area materials. Some of our adventures and misadventures serve as examples of some of these issues as they relate to providing well defined particles for biological studies.
Expanding the fluorous arsenal: tetrafluorinated phenylalanines for protein design.

Tetrafluorinated phenylalanines were incorporated into villin headpiece subdomain HP35, and their energetic contribution to protein stability was evaluated. In comparison to pentafluoro-phenylalani...
Contrasting Modes of Evolution Between Vertebrate Sweet/Umami Receptor Genes and Bitter Receptor Genes

Taste reception is fundamental to diet selection in many animals. The genetic basis underlying the evolution and diversity of taste reception, however, is not well understood. Recent discoveries of T1R sweet/umami receptor genes and T2R bitter receptor genes in humans and mice provided an opportunity to address this question. Here, we report the identification of 20 putatively functional T1R genes and 167 T2R genes from the genome sequences of nine vertebrates, including three fishes, one amphibian, one bird, and four mammals. Our comparative genomic analysis shows that orthologous T1R sequences are relatively conserved in evolution and that the T1R gene repertoire remains virtually constant in size across most vertebrates, except for the loss of the T1R2 sweet receptor gene in the sweet-insensitive chicken and the absence of all T1R genes in the tongueless western clawed frog. In contrast, orthologous T2R sequences are more variable, and the T2R repertoire diverges tremendously among species, from only three functional genes in the chicken to 49 in the frog. These evolutionary patterns suggest the relative constancy in the number and type of sweet and umami tastants encountered by various vertebrates or low binding specificities of T1Rs but a large variation in the number and type of bitter compounds detected by different species. Although the rate of gene duplication is much lower in T1Rs than in T2Rs, signals of positive selection are detected during the functional divergences of paralogous T1Rs, as was previously found among paralogous T2Rs. Thus, functional divergence and specialization of taste receptors generally occurred via adaptive evolution.
An Economic Evaluation of a Systems-Based Strategy to Expedite Surgical Treatment of Hip Fractures

Background: A recent systematic review has indicated that mortality within the first year after hip fracture repair increases significantly if the time from hospital admission to surgery exceeds forty-eight hours. Further investigation has shown that avoidable, systems-based factors contribute substantially to delay in surgery. In this study, an economic evaluation was conducted to determine the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical scenario in which resources are allocated to expedite surgery so that it is performed within forty-eight hours after admission. Methods: We created a decision tree to tabulate incremental cost and quality-adjusted life years in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of two potential strategies. Several factors, including personnel cost, patient volume, percentage of patients receiving surgical treatment within forty-eight hours, and mortality associated with delayed surgery, were considered. One strategy focused solely on expediting preoperative evaluation by employing personnel to conduct the necessary diagnostic tests and a hospitalist physician to conduct the medical evaluation outside of regular hours. The second strategy added an on-call team (nurse, surgical technologist, and anesthesiologist) to staff an operating room outside of regular hours. Results: The evaluation-focused strategy was cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $2318 per quality-adjusted life year, and became cost-saving (a dominant therapeutic approach) if ≥93% of patients underwent expedited surgery, the hourly cost of retaining a diagnostic technologist on call was 1.28, ≥88% of patients underwent early surgery, or ≥339.9 patients with a hip fracture were treated annually. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that systems-based solutions to minimize operative delay, such as a dedicated on-call support team, can be cost-effective. Additionally, an evaluation-focused intervention can be cost-saving, depending on its success rate and associated personnel cost. Level of Evidence: Economic and decision analysis Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Reactivity and stereospecificity of neuropathy target esterase and α-chymotrypsin with 2-substituted-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin 2-oxides

2-Substituted-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin 2-oxides (2-substituted-BDPOs) are of special interest as neuropathy target esterase (NTE) inhibitors because they include not only the neuropathic metabolite of tri-o-cresyl phosphate (the 2-methylphenoxy analog) but also the most potent NTE inhibitors known. These compounds react much faster with NTE than 2 standard inhibitors, 0,0-diisopropyl fluorophosphonate (DFP) and mipafox. α-Chymotrypsin is similar to NTE in undergoing rapid inhibition by BDPOs which is known to involve phosphorylation followed by aging. NTE and α-chymotrypsin were compared for reaction rates with BDPOs varying in the 2-substituent as follows: 4-methyl-, 4-propyl-, and 4-hexylphenoxy; butyl, octyl and dodecyl; (S)- and (R)-butyl. The active site of NTE differs from that of α-chymotrypsin in preference for long-chain substituents and in stereospecificity.
Effects of bat composition, grip firmness, and impact location on postimpact ball velocity.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of bat composition (aluminum and wooden), impact location [center of percussion (COP), center of gravity (COG), and end of the bat (E)], and grip firmness [tight (T) and no tension (NT)] on postimpact ball velocity. With the bats placed alternately in NT and T conditions, baseballs were delivered at a speed of 27.1 m.s-1 from a pitching machine positioned 1.5 m from the bat. High-speed photography (400 fps) was performed using a Locam camera positioned 7.54 m from and perpendicular to the principal plane of ball movement. A three-way ANCOVA revealed significant (P less than 0.01) differences in postimpact ball velocity between the three impact locations, with the COP yielding the greatest values, followed by the COG and E. Moreover, there was a significant (P less than 0.01) grip vs bat interaction. A simple-effects procedure revealed the following results: 1) the T grip produced greater (P less than 0.01) velocities than the NT grip across the aluminum (Al) bat; 2) there was no difference (P greater than 0.01) between the T and NT grips across the wooden (W) bat; 3) the W bat produced greater (P less than 0.01) velocities than the Al bat across the NT grip; and 4) there was no difference (P greater than 0.01) between the Al and W bats across the T grip.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Deformation behaviour of single crystals of titanium carbide

Single crystals of titanium carbide were deformed in compression over a wide range of temperature, and the operative slip systems were determined by etch-pitting and electron microscopy. Around the brittle-ductile transition temperature, the slip system undergoes a gradual change from {1 1 0} 〈1 ¯1 O〉 to {1 1 1} 〈1 ¯1 0〉; this is interpreted to be the mechanism governing the brittle-ductile transition in titanium carbide.
Modelling transport in the anterior segment of the eye.

ABSTRACT:Purpose.To model the kinetics of substances, particularly applied substances, in the anterior segment.Methods.A simple computational model was developed to describe portions of the anterior segment. First, a two-dimensional vertical slice through the center of a simplified anterior segment
PHYSIOLOGICAL DISPOSITION AND BIOCHEMICAL REACTIONS OF THE 14C-4',4''-BIS(2-IMIDAZOLIN-2-YL) 2-CHLOROTEREPHTHALANILIDE DIHYDROCHLORIDE IN MICE AND RATS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO.

Abstract Quantitative drug distribution studies using 14 C-labeled NSC 38280 in mice after intravenous administration demonstrated the greatest accumulation of the substance in liver and kidneys. The blood showed much lower levels, with a half-life of approximately 30 min after injection. After intraperitoneal administration, the tissues that accumulated most of the substance were the same as after i.v. injection, but the blood contained only about one-third of the maximal concentration measured after i.v. injection. After both i.v. and i.p. injection, liver and kidneys showed a high retention of the substance over the 5 days of the experiment. Considerable accumulation was also found in the adrenals after both routes of administration. After i.v. injection into BDF 1 mice with advanced P-388 leukemia, significant activities were found in the leukemic ascitic fluid which remained at the same level even when the blood levels of the same mice fell to insignificant activity. The excretion in the bile of rats was about 10 per cent within 24 hr, and in the feces of intact rats it was approximately 16 per cent. The excretion in the urine of intact rats in 24 hr was about 21 per cent. In 72 hr, urine and feces contained 46 per cent of the injected activity. Studies in vivo and in vitro have showed so far no enzymatic cleavage of the amide linkage of the compound, either by enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract or by leukemic ascitic fluid from mice whose leukemias were sensitive (P-815 and P-388) or resistant (P-815/38280, P-388/38280) to NSC 38280.
Clinical trial results of new therapies for HBV: implications for treatment guidelines

Currently approved treatments for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are limited by low rates of sustained response, side effects, and in some cases, the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, new treatments, characterized by more potent antiviral effects less toxicity, and minimal or no risk of resistance, are needed. During the last few years, several agents have been developed that have increased potency and reduced potential for resistance--among them, entecavir and pegylated interferons. In addition, several novel anti-HBV agents recently evaluated in phase II clinical trials, such as tenofovir, clevudine, telbivudine, pradefovir, and valtorcitabine, appear to be promising agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. This article describes the clinical experience with new antiviral agents and the implications of the trial results for practice guidelines.
Dynamic Copper(I) Imaging in Mammalian Cells with a Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Copper(I) Sensor

Copper, a key cofactor for many life processes, is toxic at elevated levels, and its availability is strictly controlled inside cells. Therefore, it is a challenge to visualize copper availability in the tight copper-binding environment of the cell. We report a genetically encoded fluorescent copper(I) sensor based on the copper(I)-binding-induced conformational change of a copper-responsive transcriptional regulator, Amt1. The resulting reporter, Amt1-FRET, is ratiometric, highly sensitive (K(d) = 2.5 x 10(-18) M), and selective toward copper(I). Its measured high affinity to copper(I) confirms the extremely low copper availability in yeast since Amt1 senses the upper limit of cellular copper levels in yeast and activates copper detoxification genes. Amt1-FRET operates in the dynamic range of the cellular copper buffer in mammalian cells and can report dynamic fluctuations of the cellular copper availability within minutes of perturbation. Thus, Amt1-FRET visualizes the tightly controlled copper availability in mammalian cells.
Renal transplantation after in vivo excision of an angiomyolipoma from a living unrelated kidney donor.

Advances in the medical and surgical management of kidney transplantation have helped to enlarge the pool of potential organ donors. The addition of unrelated living donors and those with benign renal lesions, including renal angiomyolipoma, have increased the number of potential kidney donors. To our knowledge we report the first case of in vivo excision of renal angiomyolipoma preceding living unrelated donor transplantation.
Lattice dynamical behaviour of Fe(II) spin crossover compounds from57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy

Temperature-dependent transmission Mossbauer spectroscopy was used to determine the Debye-Waller factors and hyperfine interaction parameters of the Fe(II) spin crossover complexes: Fe(phen)2(NCS)2, Fe(bipy)2(NCS)2 and Fe(py)2phen(NCS)2, and also the non-crossover system Fe(py)4(NCS)2. In the spin conversion systems, thefLS is higher than thefHS, which indicates different lattice dynamical properties at the metal sites in the1A1 and5T2 configurations, and is discussed in relation to the metal-ligand bonding interactions in the two spin states.
The Problems of Preservation: Can Librarians and Publishers Solve Them?

The preservation of library materials is a relatively recent concern of librarians. Research in this area began in the 1950s with William Barrow and his paper research laboratories, where he analyzed the quick rates of book paper deterioration for libraries. International concern for this problem took hold during the Florence Flood of 1966, which devastated Florence and the many great libraries and artifacts found in that city. By the 1970s, library schools began to treat the subject of preservation in library school courses. Today, librarians are looking at their collections and the quality of new materials that are being added to them daily. Librarians and publishers are at odds over the solution to these new preservation problems. However, solutions to the most basic preservation issues are not far away.
Unique a-closure for some ℓ-groups of rational valued functions

Usually, an abelian l-group, even an archimedean l-group, has a relatively large infinity of distinct a-closures. Here, we find a reasonably large class with unique and perfectly describable a-closure, the class of archimedean l-groups with weak unit which are “ℚ-convex”. (ℚ is the group of rationals.) Any C(X, ℚ) is ℚ-convex and its unique a-closure is the Alexandroff algebra of functions on X defined from the clopen sets; this is sometimes C(X).
Manufacturing system control with Petri nets in cellular manufacturing systems

Abstract This paper discusses the use of Petri nets in system control. A Petri net-model is developed for a Cellular Manufacturing System (CMS). The system control heuristics can be generated based on this Petri-net model. Some of the controls of the cell operation is demonstrated through the application of Petri nets. These controls include the control of work-in-process (WIP) inventory within cells and stock-on-hand (SOH) in the cells, the control of part-changes, and the control of disturbance handling.
The epidemiology of respiratory tract infections.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common, and potentially most severe, of infections treated by health care practitioners. Lower RTIs along with influenza, are the most common cause of death by infection in the United States. Risk factors for pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections include: extremes of age (very young and elderly), smoking, alcoholism, immunosuppression, and comorbid conditions. The microbial cause of RTIs vary depending on the infection (i.e., pneumonia compared with acute bacterial sinusitis), setting (i.e., community-acquired compared with nosocomial), and other factors. The causative pathogens associated with CAP have changed in prevalence over time. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most common causative pathogen, a number of newer pathogens, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae and sin nombre virus, have been recognized in recent years. The emerging antimicrobial resistance of respiratory pathogens (most notably S. pneumoniae) has also increased the challenge for appropriate management of RTI. An awareness of the epidemiology and cause of specific respiratory infections should optimize care.
Rheokinetic changes during polyurea reactions in solution

The viscosity rise and conversion profile of polyurea reaction in solution were measured using a Haake viscometer and an FTIR, respectively. In a three-component polyurea system, it was found that the liquid–solid transition is dominated by the microphase separation from the formation of hard segments. The formation of soft segments mainly contributes to the initial viscosity buildup. A series of experiments were carried out to study the effects of resin composition, solvent concentration, and reaction temperature on the viscosity rise and gelation of polyureas.
On-Orbit Identification of Inertia Properties of Spacecraft Using a Robotic Arm

This paper presents a robotics-based method for on-orbit identification of inertia properties of spacecraft. The method makes use of an onboard robotic arm to change the inertia distribution of the spacecraft system. As a result of the inertia redistribution, the velocity of the spacecraft system will change correspondingly. Because the velocity change is measurable and the inertia redistribution of the robotic arm itself is precisely computable, the inertia parameters of the spacecraft body become the only unknown in the momentum equations and, hence, can be identified from the momentum equations of the spacecraft system. To treat the problem as a linear identification problem, it has to be solved in two steps. The first step is to identify the mass and mass center of the spacecraft; and the second step is to identify the inertia tensor of the spacecraft. The advantages of this method are 1) it does not consume fuel because a robotic subsystem is energized by solar power; 2) it requires measuring velocities only, but not accelerations and forces; and 3) it is not affected by internal forces, which are difficult to accurately measure. The paper investigates the sensitivity of the method with respect to different arm/spacecraft mass ratios, arm motion trajectories, and velocity-measurement errors.
Coordination-variability and kinematics of misses versus swishes of basketball free throws

Abstract Magnitudes and timings of kinematic variables have often been used to investigate technique. Where large inter-participant differences exist, as in basketball, analysis of intra-participant variability may provide an alternative indicator of good technique. The aim of the present study was to investigate the joint kinematics and coordination-variability between missed and successful (swishes) free throw attempts. Collegiate level basketball players performed 20 free throws, during which ball release parameters and player kinematics were recorded. For each participant, three misses and three swishes were randomly selected and analysed. Margins of error were calculated based on the optimal-minimum-speed principle. Differences in outcome were distinguished by ball release speeds statistically lower than the optimal speed (misses −0.12 ± 0.10m · s−1; swishes −0.02 ± 0.07m · s−1; P < 0.05). No differences in wrist linear velocity were detected, but as the elbow influences the wrist through velocity-de...
Vapor phase butanal self-condensation over unsupported and supported alkaline earth metal oxides

Abstract Vapor phase butanal condensation was studied over well-characterized MgO, MgO/SiO 2 , SrO/SiO 2 , MgO SrO/SiO 2 and MgO/HY in a fixed-bed flow reactor. CO 2 -TPD showed that the base strength and the number of basic sites decreased when the alkaline earth metal oxides were supported on silica. NH 3 -TPD illustrated that new acid sites were generated when the alkaline metal oxides were supported on silica. The primary product for all catalysts was 2-ethyl-2-hexenal (EHEA) produced by aldol condensation of butanal. Side reactions produced several other products including butanoic acid, heptanone, 2-ethyl-2-hexenol, butanoic acid 2-ethyl-2-hexenol ester and 2,4,-diethyl-2-,4-octandienel by reactions including the Tishchenko cross esterification reactions, double aldol addition, ester hydrolysis, ketonization, cyclization and dehydration. As compared to the unsupported MgO, the silica supported MgO, SrO and MgO SrO and MgO/HY exhibited an almost five times higher activity, a higher stability and an improved selectivity. This indicates that both acid and base sites are needed to achieve good catalytic performance for gas phase aldol condensation reactions. Catalyst activation and deactivation mechanisms were studied by butanal-TPD-DRIFTS and butanoic acid TPD-TGA. At temperatures below 300 °C, all catalysts deactivated due to poisoning by the butanoic acid, which was produced as a by-product. The weak bonding of the adsorbed species on the MgO/SiO 2 surface contributed to the improved stability of the catalyst for vapor phase butanal condensation.
Observation of nonsequential double ionization of helium with optical tunneling.

We have measured the ion yields for helium ionized by 120 fs, 614 nm laser pulses for intensities near ${10}^{16}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. We have found that for these ultrashort pulses the ${\mathrm{He}}^{+2}$ data exhibit a feature which saturates in parallel with the ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ signal indicating that the ionization may proceed nonsequentially. We propose a new mechanism, which can exist only in the tunneling regime, for such nonsequential ionization.
Neurochemical changes following a single dose of polybrominated diphenyl ether 47 in mice.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly used as commercial flame retardants in a variety of products, including plastics and textiles. Previous studies in our laboratory, and in the literature, showed that exposure to a specific PBDE congener (PBDE 47) during a critical period of brain development may lead to developmental delays and hyperactivity in adulthood. To date, the underlying causes of these behavioral alterations are unknown, although in vitro studies linked PBDEs with potential alterations in neurotransmitter levels, particularly acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA). Alterations in DA function have also been noted in cases of hyperactivity in rodents and humans. The current study examined monoamine levels in male mice acutely exposed to corn oil vehicle or PBDE 47 (1, 10, or 30 mg/kg) on postnatal day (PND) 10. Animals were sacrificed on PND 15, PND 20, and in adulthood (131–159 days old). The cortex, striatum, and cerebellum were isolated and analyzed by high-performance liquid ch...
An Adaptive Analysis of Covariance Using Tree-Structured Regression

In this article, we propose an adaptive procedure for testing for the effect of a factor of interest in the presence of one or more confounding variables in observational studies. It is especially relevant for applications where the factor of interest has a suspected causal relationship with a response. This procedure is not tied to linear modeling or normal distribution theory, and it offers a valuable alternative to traditional methods. It is suitable for applications where a factor of interest is categorical and the response is continuous. Confounding variables may be continuous or categorical. The method is comprised of two basic steps that are performed in sequence. First, confounding variables alone (i.e., without the factor of interest) are used to group observations into subsets. These subsets have the property that, when restricted to a subset, there is little or no remaining variation in the response that is attributable to the confounding variables. We then test for the factor of interest within each subset of observations. We propose to implement the first step using a technique that is generally referred to as tree-structured regression. We use a non parametric permutation procedure to carry out the second step. The proposed method is illustrated through an analysis of a U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service data set and an air pollution data set.
The Central Autonomic Network: Functional Organization, Dysfunction, and Perspective

The central autonomic network (CAN) is an integral component of an internal regulation system through which the brain controls visceromotor, neuroendocrine, pain, and behavioral responses essential for survival. It includes the insular cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray matter, parabrachial complex, nucleus of the tractus solitarius, and ventrolateral medulla. Inputs to the CAN are multiple, including viscerosensory inputs relayed on the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and humoral inputs relayed through the circumventricular organs. The CAN controls preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic, neuroendocrine, respiratory, and sphincter motoneurons. The CAN is characterized by reciprocal interconnections, parallel organization, state-dependent activity, and neurochemical complexity. The insular cortex and amygdala mediate high-order autonomic control, and their involvement in seizures or stroke may produce severe cardiac arrhythmias and other autonomic manifestations. The paraventricular and other hypothalamic nuclei contain mixed neuronal populations that control specific subsets of preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. Hypothalamic autonomic disorders commonly produce hypothermia or hyperthermia. Hyperthermia and autonomic hyperactivity occur in patients with head trauma, hydrocephalus, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and fatal familial insomnia. In the medulla, the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and ventrolateral medulla contain a network of respiratory, cardiovagal, and vasomotor neurons. Medullary autonomic disorders may cause orthostatic hypotension, paroxysmal hypertension, and sleep apnea. Neurologic catastrophes, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, may produce cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial injury, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. Multiple system atrophy affects preganglionic autonomic, respiratory, and neuroendocrine outputs. The CAN may be critically involved in panic disorders, essential hypertension, obesity, and other medical conditions.
Validation of glutathione quantitation from STEAM spectra against edited 1H NMR spectroscopy at 4T: application to schizophrenia.

Objective: Quantitation of glutathione (GSH) in the human brain in vivo using short echo time 1 H NMR spectroscopy is challenging because GSH resonances are not easily resolved. The main objective of this study was to validate such quantitation in a clinically relevant population using the resolved GSH resonances provided by edited spectroscopy. A secondary objective was to compare several of the neurochemical concentrations quantified along with GSH using LCModel analysis of short echo time spectra in schizophrenia versus control.
Lubrication Analysis of a Rolling Piston Rotary Compressor: Part 1: Mathematical Modelling:

This paper describes a mathematical model for the lubrication system of a single-vane rolling piston type rotary compressor. The lubricant flow in the compressor is modelled as a flow in a pipe network. Various flow resistances, pressure differentials and viscous pump effects are determined. Closed network equations are formulated. The equations are solved simultaneously, and the lubricant flowrates at various clearances of the compressor are calculated.
Putting proteins on the map

A combination of microscope technology and statistical analysis enables the identification of proteins that share subcellular location patterns.
Freedom of the Press A World System Perspective

The world system theory can provide a refreshingly different perspective of global press freedom. The starting point of assessing press freedom should be the world system, not the ‘atomistic’ nation-state, because one cannot understand the part without knowing the whole, which is more than the sum of the parts. This article proposes the application of a revised formulation of the world system theory – which presumes a capitalist world-economy dominated by three competing center-clusters each associated with a dependent hinterland of peripheral economic clusters – to examine global press freedom. It proposes a three-tiered typology for measuring press freedom at the world system, nation-state and individual levels. It suggests that press freedom indices should factor in the power of the center-clusters, themselves led by a hegemon cluster, to flood the hinterlands technologically with a barrage of information-communication.
Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Cultured Immature Embryos of Rye (Secale cereale L.)

Somatic embryogenesis was initiated in immature embryos of rye (Secale cereale L.) cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-D and sucrose. The developmental stage of the embryo (optimal embryo length 0.5-2.0 mm) and concentration of 2,4-D (optimal concentration 2.5 mg · l(-1)) were found to be critical in determining embryo response. The phenoxyacetic acids, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, and MCPA were more effective in initiating embryogenic callus and embryoid formation than other auxins (NAA, IBA, IAA, IPA). Embryogenic callus and embryoid production was greater in embryos cultured scutellum up, and more embryoids were formed in the dark than in the light. Embryoids germinated after transfer to basal medium with/without cytokinin or GA3. The regenerated plants were grown to maturity in soil and were shown to have the normal diploid chromosome number of 14.
ePetri: Self-imaging Petri Dish Platform for Autonomous Cell Culture Tracking

Here we show that autonomous self-imaging bright-field and fluorescence ePetri systems can be constructed compactly and cheaply with low cost commercially available CMOS chips. Article not available.
Charge steering: A low-power design paradigm

Discrete-time charge-steering circuits consume less power than their continuous-time current-steering counterparts even at high speeds. This advantage can be exploited in the design of semi-analog circuits such as latches, demultiplexers, and CDR circuits as well as mixed-mode systems such as ADCs. Employing charge steering in 65-nm CMOS technology, a 25-Gb/s CDR/deserializer consumes 5 mW and a 10-bit 800-MHz pipelined ADC draws 19 mW.
Fuel economy of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

Abstract On the basis of on-road energy consumption, fuel economy (FE) of hydrogen fuel cell light-duty vehicles is projected to be 2.5–2.7 times the fuel economy of the conventional gasoline internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) on the same platforms. Even with a less efficient but higher power density 0.6 V per cell than the base case 0.7 V per cell at the rated power point, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are projected to offer essentially the same fuel economy multiplier. The key to obtaining high fuel economy as measured on standardized urban and highway drive schedules lies in maintaining high efficiency of the fuel cell (FC) system at low loads. To achieve this, besides a high performance fuel cell stack, low parasitic losses in the air management system (i.e., turndown and part load efficiencies of the compressor–expander module) are critical.
Radiocarbon Evidence for a Naturally Produced, Bioaccumulating Halogenated Organic Compound

Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) such as 1,1‘-dimethyl-3,3‘,4,4‘-tetrabromo-5,5‘-dichloro-2,2‘-bipyrrole (DBP-Br4Cl2) and heptachloro-1‘-methyl-1,2‘-bipyrrole (Q1) have been detected worldwide, sometimes at high levels in Antarctic air, seabird eggs, the blubber of marine mammals, and, most notably, even human milk. To date, it has been difficult to determine whether these compounds are natural products or derived from industrial synthesis. Molecular-level 14C analysis of these compounds is particularly appealing because most industrial compounds are manufactured from petrochemicals (14C-free) and natural compounds should have “modern” or “contemporary” 14C levels. To investigate the source of DBP-Br4Cl2, we isolated 600 μg of this compound (150 μg of carbon) from marine animal extracts by employing gel permeation chromatography, Florisil column chromatography, and two-dimensional preparative capillary gas chromatography. The purified DBP-Br4Cl2 was split into two samples (75 μg of carbon each) and an...
Carbonate formation in Marslike environments

A finely ground basaltic rock subjected to Marslike temperatures, atmospheric pressures and compositions and UV-rich illumination has provided a simulation system for studying carbonate growth in the Martian regolith. Growth rates of about 10 to the 12th or 13th power molecules per cu cm per sec are observed with or without the presence of liquid-phase water. The role of UV illumination in the photochemistry of water, a process which influences chemical alteration activity, is discussed. The study suggests that carbonate formation is an important aspect of Martian chemical weathering and that it provides a major chemical reservoir for outgassed carbon dioxide.
Valproic acid pharmacokinetics in children: III. Very high dosage requirements

Abstract Nine children were studied who required very high doses of valproic acid (VPA) (63.6–105 mg/kg/day) in order to achieve VPA serum concentrations between 50–100 μg/ml. These nine children had poorly controlled seizures and were receiving other antiepileptic drugs at the time of this study. The children with very high dose requirements were significantly lighter, shorter, and had less body surface area than the control group. Of the pharmacokinetic parameters studied, total and intrinsic clearance, distribution volume, and valproic acid free fraction were significantly increased in the very high dose group. In three patients who were investigated after co-medications were eliminated, clearances and dosage requirements decreased by more than 50%. We concluded that very high VPA dosages are sometimes required to achieve therapeutic serum drug concentrations and that this therapy occasionally improves seizure control. There were no adverse effects of very high dose therapy that required dosage reduction.
Identification of the cap binding domain of human recombinant eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 4E using a photoaffinity analogue

Binding of eIF-4E to the 5' m7G cap structure of eukaryotic mRNA signals the initiation of protein synthesis. In order to investigate the molecular basis for this recognition, photoaffinity labeling with [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP was used in binding site studies of human recombinant cap binding protein eIF-4E. Competitive inhibition of this cap analogue by m7GTP and capped mRNA indicated probe specificity for interaction at the protein binding site. Saturation of the binding site with [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP further demonstrated the selectivity of photoinsertion. Aluminum (III)-chelate chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC were used to isolate the binding site peptide resulting from digestion of photolabeled eIF-4E with modified trypsin. Amino acid sequencing identified the binding domain as the region containing the sequence Trp 113-Arg 122.Lys 119 was not identified in sequencing analysis nor was it cleaved by trypsin. These results indicate that Lys 119 is the residue directly modified by photoinsertion of [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP. A detailed understanding of eIF-4E.m7G mRNA cap interactions may lead the way to regulating this essential protein-RNA interaction for specific mRNA in vivo.
Spatial ontologies for tactical behaviors

We address spatial ontologies for the areas of operations of tactical behaviors carried out by unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). An ontology is a conceptualization of a domain and provides a common vocabulary for automated applications in the domain of interest. Ontological concepts are typically qualitative yet are rigorously defined. An ontology should provide abstract concepts that allow meaningful generalizations. The work reported here is the first known attempt to apply spatial ontologies to tactical behaviors. Some research on spatial ontologies is based on point set topology, although many find points to be unnatural primitives. Alternatives include relations defined in terms of the primitive binary relation "connected_to" on regions; the "part_of" relation is also important. This paper includes a focused survey driven by examples in which we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches for the domain in question. We also develop new concepts and techniques especially applicable to representing and reasoning about areas of operation in which UGVs perform missions.
Interior solutions to plane-symmetric Einstein-Maxwell equations

For zero pressure we obtain an interior solution to plane-symmetric Einstein-Maxwell equations. For the general case we assume a functional relationship between the coefficients of the metric and show that the solution can be written in an integral form.
Salmonella Aortitis in a Patient with a Hufnagel Valve

A patient is described in whom Salmonella schwarzengrund bacteremia was associated with infection of the aorta in the area at which a Hufnagel valve had been implanted 4 years earlier. Despite prolonged and repeated therapy with antimicrobial agents to which the organism was sensitive, an abscess developed in the aortic wall and led to a dissecting aneurysm and death. The role of the Hufnagel valve in altering the anatomy and hemodynamics in the lower aorta and predisposing to local and persistent infection is discussed. It is suggested, on the basis of the course of this patient's illness, that the appearance of bacteremia is especially ominous when such a prosthesis is present, and that antimicrobial therapy should be initiated as early as possible, that the doses used be large, and that the treatment be prolonged, without interruption. If manifestations consistent with aortic tear appear, despite apparent control of the infection, the presence of an abscess in the aortic wall must be suspected and the ...
Use of specific glycosidases to probe cellular interactions in the sea urchin embryo

We present an unusual and novel model for initial investigations of a putative role for specifically conformed glycans in cellular interactions. We have used alpha- and ss-amylase and alpha- and ss-glucosidase in dose-response experiments evaluating their effects on archenteron organization using the NIH designated sea urchin embryo model. In quantitative dose-response experiments, we show that defined activity levels of alpha-glucosidase and ss-amylase inhibited archenteron organization in living Lytechinus pictus gastrula embryos, whereas all concentrations of ss-glucosidase and alpha-amylase were without substantial effects on development. Product inhibition studies suggested that the enzymes were acting by their specific glycosidase activities and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis suggested that there was no detectable protease contamination in the active enzyme samples. The results provide evidence for a role of glycans in sea urchin embryo cellular interactions with special reference to the possible structural conformation of these glycans based on the differential activities of the alpha- and ss-glycosidases.
Hyperglycemia is associated with increased hospital complications and mortality during parenteral nutrition.

AbstractObjective: Hyperglycemia is a recognized complication of parenteral nutrition (PN). We aimed to determine the impact of hyperglycemia during PN unaccompanied by tight blood glucose (BG) control on hospital complications and mortality. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 276 medical and surgical patients receiving PN to determine the impact of hyperglycemia on survival after adjusting for known prognostic factors, and to determine whether BG levels before initiation of PN, within 24 hours of PN initiation, or during PN therapy are predictive of adverse outcomes. Results: A total of 276 medical (35%) and surgical (65%) patients receiving PN initiated 12 ± 12 days after admission for a mean of 15 ± 24 days. Deceased patients (27.2%) were older, had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, and had higher BG levels during PN therapy versus survivors (all, P < 0.01). Deceased patients had higher BG levels within 24 hours of PN initiation (162 ± 55 mg/dL vs 139 ± 37 mg/dL;...