cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Materials approaches to mitigating parasitic effects in optical networks: Towards the perfect optical fiber

Present approaches for reducing the detrimental impact of parasitic phenomena, such as stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), on the performance of fiber lasers and communication networks have focused on fiber design (e.g., microstructured fibers). While much has been learned in the development of the large mode area (LMA) designs, these fibers are highly complex and very difficult to manufacture; factors that conspire to make it difficult to achieve its system bandwidth and power goals. All of these parasitic effects fundamentally originate from the light's interaction with the material from which the fibers are made. Accordingly, a materials-related approach directly attacks the underlying physical origins of these nonlinearities. This paper will discuss simple core/clad optical fibers made from novel glasses that mitigate these performance limiting nonlinearities.
Intrathecal/Intraventricular Linezolid in Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Ventriculitis.

Background The use of intrathecal antibiotic therapy for the treatment of ventriculitis and/or meningitis has demonstrated efficacy especially when sterilization of the cerebrospinal fluid is not possible with intravenous antibiotics alone. Case Description We describe the successful treatment of Enterococcus faecalis ventriculitis utilizing intrathecal linezolid in a 32-year-old female patient with severe allergy to vancomycin, prohibitive bacterial susceptibilities, and failure of previous attempts to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid despite multimodal treatment. Conclusion Intrathecal linezolid is a useful treatment in the setting of multidrug-resistant bacterial ventriculitis. We present a useful dosing regimen for the administration of intrathecal linezolid.
Multivariate Negative Exponential and Extreme Value Distributions

We survey multivariate extreme value distributions. These are limiting distributions of maxima and/or minima, componentwise, after suitable normalization. A distribution is extreme value stable if and only if its margins are stable and its dependence function is stable. Thus it is possible, without loss of generality, to choose any stable marginal distribution deemed convenient. We use the negative exponential one. The class of multivariate stable negative exponential distributions is characterized by the fact that weighted minima of components have negative exponential distributions. We examine several representations and the relationships among them and we consider, in terms of them, joint densities and scalar measures of dependence. We also consider estimation.
Performance teamwork training in ambulatory oncology.

e16559 Background: Increasingly complex diagnostic and multimodality treatment algorithms have yielded superior outcomes, but also magnified the risk for adverse events precipitated by failures of ...
The User Affective Experience Scale: A Measure of Emotions Anticipated in Response to Pop-Up Computer Warnings

We measured reported User Affective Experience (UAX) anticipated to pop-up warnings that unexpectedly appear during computer use. Such warnings, designed to protect the user, are often ignored, sug...
Scale-invariant instantons and the complete lifetime of the standard model

In a classically scale-invariant quantum field theory, tunneling rates are infrared divergent due to the existence of instantons of any size. While one expects such divergences to be resolved by quantum effects, it has been unclear how higher-loop corrections can resolve a problem appearing already at one loop. With a careful power counting, we uncover a series of loop contributions that dominate over the one-loop result and sum all the necessary terms. We also clarify previously incomplete treatments of related issues pertaining to global symmetries, gauge fixing, and finite mass effects. In addition, we produce exact closed-form solutions for the functional determinants over scalars, fermions, and vector bosons around the scale-invariant bounce, demonstrating manifest gauge invariance in the vector case. With these problems solved, we produce the first complete calculation of the lifetime of our Universe: 10139 years. With 95% confidence, we expect our Universe to last more than 1058 years. The uncertainty is part experimental uncertainty on the top quark mass and on αs and part theory uncertainty from electroweak threshold corrections. Using our complete result, we provide phase diagrams in the mt/mh and the mt/αs planes, with uncertainty bands. To rule out absolute stability to 3σ confidence, the uncertainty on the top quark pole mass would have to be pushed below 250 MeV or the uncertainty on αs(mZ) pushed below 0.00025.
The fungal meningitis outbreak five years later: what have we learned about Exserohilum rostratum?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: On 18 September 2012, United States health officials began to react to a large outbreak of fungal meningitis traceable to methylprednisolone from a compounding pharmacy in Framingham, Massachusetts. Although the index case was attributed to the opportunistic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, all subsequent cases were due to the dematiaceous mold Exserohilum rostratum, which had previously been an uncommon cause of disease in humans.Areas covered: In this paper, the authors examine recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Exserohilum infection and provide updates on how the innate and acquire immune responses enable clearance of human fungal pathogens.Expert commentary: The fungal meningitis outbreak of 2012 stretched across 20 states and resulted in 753 cases of central nervous system infection and 64 deaths. In this paper, the authors examine how the outbreak prompted investigators to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic options that have advanced the study of human fungal pa...
Assessment of optical emission analysis for in-process monitoring of powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Developing methods which allow real-time monitoring of powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) processes is key to enabling in situ assessments of build quality (e.g. lack of fusion and...
Comparison of infectivity and spread between HSV-1 and HSV-2 based oncolytic viruses on tumor cells with different receptor expression profiles

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the many viruses that have been modified or adapted for oncolytic purposes. There are two serotypes of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2. The majority of oncolytic HSVs, including T-VEC which has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in treating late stage melanoma patients, are derived from HSV-1. Recently, we and others have developed several HSV-2 based oncolytic viruses. During our in vitro characterization of oncolytic viruses developed from both serotypes (Baco-1 from HSV-1 and FusOn-H2 from HSV-2), we noticed there is a subpopulation of cancer cells in which both viruses could infect but only FusOn-H2 could spread from cell to cell on monolayers. This observation prompted us to investigate the virus receptor expression profiles in these and other tumor cells. Our data show the following: 1) This subpopulation of tumor cells only express nectin-2, not the other two major receptors (HVEM or nectin-1). 2) Baco-1 grows to a higher titer than FusOn-H2 in this subpopulation of tumor cells, but the latter kills these tumor cells more efficiently than the former. 3) FusOn-H2 is effective at treating tumors formed from these tumor cells while Baco-1 is completely ineffective. Our results suggest that this subpopulation of tumor cells may be intrinsically resistant to the therapeutic effect of a HSV-1 based oncolytic virus but they remain sensitive to a HSV-2 based virotherapy.
Endovascular flow diversion

Abstract Coil embolization has been the standard endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) since the early 1990s. Now, the innovative concept of flow-diverting stents with high-metal coverage and low porosity offers a unique intraluminal approach to IA management. In addition to the commonly used pipeline embolization device (Medtronic), which is in widespread use in the United States, many more devices are available in Europe or Asia. The flow diverters have been well studied in several large trials and registries and have been shown to be effective in the treatment of many types of aneurysms. In this chapter, we review key concepts of flow-diverting devices as well as major studies and discuss expanded indications, complication management, and areas for further study.
Sleep in Infants and Children with Chronic Respiratory Disorders

The three most common chronic respiratory diseases in children are asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and cystic fibrosis. Each condition has specific risk factors for comorbid obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), so it is important to clinically screen for signs and symptoms. Polysomnography has clinical utility in the identification of OSAS, but may also be useful in determining the presence and severity of sleep-related hypoxemia or hypoventilation and for the implementation of noninvasive respiratory support. Optimal management of the underlying chronic respiratory conditions, addressing OSAS, other comorbidities, or modifiable factors that impair sleep, will improve the quality of life in children with these conditions.
IMPROVED TUBE CRACKER FOR OPENING VACUUM-SEALED GLASS TUBES

A variety of analytical procedures involve breaking open a glass or quartz vessel containing a gaseous sample, and then quantitatively collecting the sample gases for analysis. In order to do this, a variety of tube crackers have been used. This paper discusses an alternate tube cracker that offers numerous advantages over those that have been discussed previously in the literature.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Male Canine Reproductive Organs: Methods and Limitations

Survey radiographic, contrast radiographic, and ultrasonographic techniques for evaluation of the male canine reproductive organs are reviewed. The applications and limitations of these technique as they apply to reproductive diseases involving the prostate gland and testicles are illustrated.
Eliminating MRD - FDA approval of blinatumomab for B-ALL in complete remission.

The approval of blinatumomab based on achievement of undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in complete remission is the first of its kind and raises important considerations. This drug might improve outcomes in this setting, although considerable evidence is needed to validate the performance of MRD as a surrogate end point and confirm the hypothesis.
An Innovative New Approach to Animal Care

Agricultural communities in rural areas often difficulty to attain expedient information and resources for their animal health issues. Most veterinarians are usually more than an hour away from the farmers, and in most cases animal health issues are only addressable through phone conversation. Advances in technology have enabled many human health problems to be investigated through telemedicine approaches, and it is believed that a similar approach could improve access and quality of veterinary care, especially in remote locations. The appropriate application of telemedicine can enhance animal care in rural communities by facilitating expedient communication, diagnostics, and possible treatment recommendations, client education improvement, vet visit scheduling, and other tasks. In addition, a telemedicine system could be linked to a strong distance education program that could provide multi-media resources for consumers so that they cannot just solve a crisis, but they can be better informed and thereby prevent medical crises. This project seeks to expand a web-based system and smart device app that will serve as a distance learning and a telemedicine tool to assist farmers in getting immediate support and reaching veterinary care professionals and extension agents. We believe that this service will be a powerful tool to assist animal producers in managing their animals, and to provide them the ability to obtain possible solution for problem they may encounter. We accomplish this by providing access to a database with any smart media device. This database contains simple to understand information with accompanying videos and pictures.
Abstract WP145: Modulating Astrogliosis to Promote Neuroprotection and Plasticity After Stroke

Astrocytes react to central nervous system (CNS) injury, including stroke, with a range of molecular and functional changes known as astrogliosis. Although astrogliosis critically impacts neuroprot...
THE ROLE OF HORMONES IN THE RESPONSES OF HOMEOTHERMS TO COLD

Acclimation to cold air involves changes in the rates of secretion of many endocrine glands in mammals. These changes appear to be directed toward facilitation of body temperature regulation. While the rates of secretion of hormones by individual endocrine organs of mammals exposed to cold are important, an understanding of their interaction one with another is equally important. Present knowledge of hormonal interactions occurring during exposure to cold suggest that most hormones may interact positively to facilitate body temperature regulation but a few may interact negatively. The need to characterize these interactions and their importance to both body temperature regulation and cold acclimation is stressed.
Associations in Social Contract Theory: Toward a Pluralist Contractarianism:

Liberals can be distinguished from one another in a number of ways, including by what they regard as the greatest threats to liberty. According to Jacob T. Levy, “rationalist” liberals think that n...
Pancreatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor-Like Follicular Dendritic Cell Tumor

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare and underdiagnosed malignant neoplasm which characteristically presents as a solitary, slow-growing mass with no discrete symptoms. Histologically, lymphocytes and spindle cells featuring large nucleoli in a whorled pattern are usually seen. FDCS is classically found in cervical and axillary lymph nodes, with occasional involvement of extranodal sites. Inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell tumor (IPT-like FDCT) is an uncommon subcategory of this neoplasm, demonstratively linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This neoplasm can present similarly to FDCS, but systemic symptoms may be seen. Although, often found in the spleen and occasionally the liver, IPT-like FDCT has not previously been described within the pancreas. Presented, is an IPT-like FDCT of the pancreas and spleen of a 70 years old woman. Histologic features include variably sized geographic suppurative granulomas with chronic inflammatory cells and an atypical spindle cell proliferation with prominent nucleoli. Positivity for CD45 and CD68 in the larger spindled cells points to an inflammatory pseudotumor subtype and co-expression of CD21, CD23, and CD35 were indicative of follicular dendritic differentiation. The pseudotumor additionally demonstrated EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) positivity typical of IPT-like FDCT. Differentiation between inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is additionally discussed.
Does Experiencing Violent Crimes Matter for Social Capital and Political Behavior

Do early experiences of violent crimes matter? In this paper I investigate this question by using data from the General Social Survey combined with regional data about violent crime. People who experienced during adolescence high rate of violent crime have a lower probability of trusting others and thinking that others are trying to be helpful, and a higher probability of thinking that others want to take advantage of them, accounting for many confounding factors. Additionally, they have a lower probability of being affiliated with political clubs, and are less likely to have an affiliation with the democratic party.
Abstract 280: Ambient Air Quality And Cerebrovascular Disease Outcomes Among Older Adults

Introduction: Air quality is a major environmental determinant of health, especially among adults living in areas with high levels of air pollution. Given our world’s aging population and increasin...
Experiences of Advanced Breast Cancer Among Latina Immigrants: A Qualitative Pilot Study

To explore the experiences of Latina immigrants with advanced breast cancer and their support networks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with low-income Latina immigrants with advanced breast cancer and their support networks (informal caregivers, physicians, and complementary medicine (CM) practitioners). Patient interviews explored patients’ illness experience and end of life (EOL) concerns. Support network member interviews focused on the relationship of the interviewee with the patient and EOL conversations. Six authors independently coded transcripts and jointly conducted qualitative thematic analysis. 72 total interviews (13 patients, 12 informal caregivers, 6 CM practitioners, and 4 physicians) revealed two themes. (1) Staying positive was a primary patient coping mechanism. (2) Patients’ language barriers and socioeconomic and immigration status posed challenges in participants’ illness experience. Appropriately addressing language barriers and social context during medical visits is crucial for effective EOL care. Clinicians should consider patients’ financial constraints and ensure support in applying for public benefits.
Addressing Rogue Vehicles by Integrating Computer Vision, Activity Monitoring, and Contextual Information

In this paper, we address the detection of rogue autonomous vehicles using an integrated approach involving computer vision, activity monitoring and contextual information. The proposed approach can be used to detect rogue autonomous vehicles using sensors installed on observer vehicles that are used to monitor and identify the behavior of other autonomous vehicles operating on the road. The safe braking distance and the safe following time are computed to identify if an autonomous vehicle is behaving properly. Our preliminary results show that there is a wide variation in both the safe following time and the safe braking distance recorded using three autonomous vehicles in a test-bed. These initial results show significant progress for the future efforts to coordinate the operation of autonomous, semi-autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles.
Dexamethasone upregulates mitochondrial Tom20, Tom70, and MnSOD through SGK1 in the kidney cells

Dexamethasone augments mitochondrial protein abundance. The translocase of the outer membrane (Tom) of mitochondria plays a major role in importing largely cytosolically synthesized proteins into mitochondria. We hypothesize that dexamethasone upregulates the Tom transport system, leading to increase of mitochondrial protein localization. Tom20 and Tom70 are the two major subunits. Dexamethasone increased Tom20 and Tom70 mRNA levels by 53 ± 11% and 25 ± 9% and mitochondrial protein abundance by 27 ± 7% and 25 ± 4% (p < 0.05 for all), respectively, in HEK293 cells. In parallel, dexamethasone elevated the SGK1 mRNA by 79 ± 17% and activity by 190 ± 42%, and mitochondrial protein level by 41 ± 2% (all p < 0.05) without significantly affecting the cytosol counterpart. The discovery of the effect of dexamethasone on SGK1 protein restricted in the mitochondria attracted us to examine the effect of the hormone on MnSOD, an enzyme with known mitochondrial localization and function. Similarly, dexamethasone significantly increased MnSOD transcripts by 67 ± 15% and protein level only in the mitochondria dose-dependently. Inhibition of SGK1 by GSK650394 and RNAi significantly attenuated the effects of the hormone on Tom20, Tom70, and MnSOD, indicating that SGK1 relays the effects of dexamethasone. Catalase inhibited the effects of dexamethasone on SGK1 and the subsequent effects of SGK1 on Tom20, Tom70, and MnSOD. Finally, knock-down of Tom20 and Tom70 by their siRNAs reduced dexamethasone-induced increases in the mitochondrial localization of SGK1 and MnSOD proteins. In conclusion, dexamethasone upregulates Tom20, Tom70, and MnSOD, and these effects are dependent on reactive oxygen species and SGK1. Dexamethasone-induced increases of SGK1 and MnSOD mitochondrial localization requires Tom20 and Tom70.
A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Dexamethasone versus Prednisolone in Hospitalized Asthma Exacerbations

Purpose: Prednisolone is a mainstay of asthma exacerbation treatment. Recent emergency department studies show dexamethasone to be a promising alternative given its easier dosing regimen and better tolerability. However, there is little data on dexamethasone’s effectiveness in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and prednisolone in hospitalized asthma exacerbations. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all asthma admissions from 7/2015-7/2017. Direct PICU admissions and patients who received oral then IV …
Observations on Age and Growth of the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica in South Carolina Saltmarsh Tidal Creeks

The eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica contributes important ecological and structural elements to estuarine ecosystems worldwide. Oyster reef persistence requires regular recruitment as well as growth by existing individuals. Saltmarsh tidal creek oyster population age structure and growth rates directly influence local benthic–pelagic coupling and biogenic habitat formation. Recruitment monitoring, substrate deployments (2017–2020), and field surveys (2018) were conducted in North Inlet Estuary, SC, to quantitatively describe oyster age–shell height relationships, population age structure, daily growth rates, and survivorship. Multiple recruitment events resulted in three to four cohorts each year. Oysters exhibited rapid shell growth but most died by the end of their second growth season after attaining shell heights of less than 100 mm. Daily growth rates immediately after recruitment (approximately 0.07–0.29 mm day–1) and within the first 2 y (0.1–0.4 mm day–1) allow maximum shell heights of 50–55 mm after to 6–8 mo, 80 mm within 1 y, and 140 mm within 1.6 y. Recruitment timing strongly influenced shell heights after 1 y, with July recruits approximately 33% larger than May recruits within the same year. The North Inlet oyster population age structure was dominated by oysters in their first (55%) or second (45%) growth season, with individuals less than 100 mm shell height composing approximately 99% of the population. Oyster survivorship beyond 2 y appears to be unusual. The opportunistic life history strategy used by North Inlet oysters incorporates multiple large recruitment events each year and rapid growth rates to offset short life spans so as to maintain reef populations and related ecosystem services.
Systemic diseases affecting the breast: Imaging, diagnosis, and management.

Abstract Various systemic diseases of benign or malignant etiologies can clinically manifest in the breast. Some imaging findings of breast lesions can be pathognomonic for a given condition, while others are non-specific, mimicking primary breast carcinoma and requiring tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. In addition to obtaining a detailed clinical history, radiologists should be familiar with the diverse clinical and imaging characteristics of these conditions to help exclude primary breast cancer and avoid unnecessary interventions. This review aims to discuss the clinical presentations, imaging features, pathologic findings, and management of systemic conditions that may affect the breast.
Predictors of Failure of Noninvasive Ventilation in Critically Ill Children

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a common modality employed to treat acute respiratory failure. Most data guiding its use is extrapolated from adult studies. We sought to identify clinical predictors associated with failure of NIV, defined as requiring intubation. This single-center retrospective observational study included children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between July 2014 and June 2016 treated with NIV, excluding postextubation. A total of 148 patients was included. Twenty-seven (18%) failed NIV. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to age, gender, comorbidities, or etiology of acute respiratory failure. Those that failed had higher admission pediatric risk of mortality (p = 0.01) and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (p = 0.002) scores and higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2; p = 0.009) at NIV initiation. Failure was associated with lack of improvement in tachypnea. At 6 hours of NIV, the failure group had worsening tachypnea with a median increase in respiratory rate of 8%, while the success group had a median reduction of 18% (p = 0.06). Multivariable Cox's proportional hazard models revealed FiO2 at initiation and worsening respiratory rate at 1- and 6-hour significant risks for failure of NIV. Failure was associated with a significantly longer PICU length of stay (success [2.8 days interquartile range (IQR): 1.7, 5.5] vs. failure [10.6 days IQR: 5.6, 13.2], p
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION - A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

The birth of a child via in vitro fertilization (I.V.F.) requires 1. aspiration of a pre-ovulatory oocyte; 2. fertilization of the egg by sperm in culture media; 3. normal cleavage to the blastula stage; 4. transfer and implantation into a human uterus and 5. a normal gestation. Although the first efforts to fertilize human ova in vitro were made several decades ago, only recently have such experiments succeeded (2). Three major problems have been resolved within the past few years. First, for a long time it was thought that extracorporeal fertilization could only be accomplished with sperm that had been “capacitated” in the female tract. However, studies with hamsters revealed that epididymal sperm could fertilize eggs cultured in tubal or follicular secretions (3). Further investigations led to the development of a culture medium that closely matched the uterine environment (4). Fertilization of mammalian eggs in vitro is now accomplished routinely (5). A second major advance has involved the perfection of the post-fertilization environment. If implantation is to be successful, then preimplantation development must proceed normally and embryo transfer (E.T.) technology must be perfected. Much research has been devoted to the problem of cleavage (the early divisions of the zygote) and to the development of transfer surgery (6). Finally, the clinical application of I.V.F. requires the timed harvest of oocytes. Recently it has become possible to control follicular development and oocyte maturation by the use of purified human menopausal and human chorionic gonadotrophins. These oocytes can now be harvested by laparoscopic aspiration, a simpler and safer technique than laparotomy (7).
Nitroglycerin induces late preconditioning against myocardial stunning via a PKC-dependent pathway.

Previous studies have shown that administration of nitric oxide (NO) donors induces a delayed cardioprotective effect indistinguishable from the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC). However, the ability of clinically relevant NO donors to elicit this phenomenon has not been evaluated. In this study we tested whether an NO-releasing agent that is nitroglycerin (NTG), which is widely used clinically, can mimic the late phase of ischemic PC. Four groups of conscious rabbits underwent six cycles of 4-min occlusion (O)/4-min reperfusion (R) for 3 consecutive days ( days 1 , 2 , and 3 ). The severity of myocardial stunning was assessed as the total deficit of systolic wall thickening (WTh) after the last O/R cycle. In the control group ( group I , n = 6), the total deficit of WTh was reduced by 50% and 51% on days 2 and 3 vs. day 1 , respectively, indicating late PC against stunning. Pretreatment with NTG (2 μg ⋅ kg −1 ⋅ min −1 iv over 1 h) on day 0 ( group II , n = 6) was as effective as ischemic PC in mitigating myocardial stunning 24 h later ( day 1 ); on days 2 and 3 , no further reduction of stunning was seen. Coadministration of the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (5 mg/kg) with NTG ( group III , n = 6) completely abrogated the NTG-induced protection. Pretreatment with chelerythrine alone ( group IV , n = 5) did not alter stunning. These results demonstrate that a relatively brief infusion of NTG induces a robust protective effect against stunning 24 h later via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent signaling mechanism. The magnitude of NTG-induced protection is equivalent to that observed during the late phase of ischemic PC. Late PC induced by brief treatment with NTG could be a useful therapeutic strategy for myocardial protection in patients with ischemic heart disease.
The Use of Electronographic-type Image Tubes in Astronomical Photometry

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the use of electronographic-type image tubes in astronomical photometry. The fine grain and extremely high storage capacity of the electronographic-type image tube permits a much longer integration of the signal than is possible by photography. The results that have been obtained using the Spectracon for direct electronography as an illustration of the potential of the electronographic method are presented in this chapter. The foregoing observations demonstrate that in stellar photometry it is possible to reach the same, or fainter, magnitude limit and, for stars near the photographic limit of the telescope, to achieve the same or better, photometric accuracy with the Spectracon and a 60-in. telescope than is possible by conventional photoelectric plus photographic photometry of stars using the 200-in. reflector. The photocathodes of the Spectracons used in the observations reported here did not depart from uniformity by more than about 0.15 m over their surface, and with the use of special techniques in manufacture, uniformity to about 0.01 m can probably be achieved. The cathode sensitivity pattern is a constant for a given photocathode, and may be calibrated and the effect removed to whatever accuracy is required.
Evidence for chain site substitution of nickel in YBa2(Cu1−xNix)4O8

We report a Raman scattering study of YBa 2 (Cu 1-x M x ) 4 O 8 (M=Ni, Zn) ceramic samples in the normal and superconducting phases. The frequency of the Cu(1) chain A g mode is observed to soften by about 11 cm ‐1 over a Ni doping range of 0-2.5%, while other modes exhibit shifts of 0-4 cm‐1. The modes show only small shifts in the Zn doped materials. We believe that this large softening indicates that Ni substitutes for Cu in chain sites.
INCLUSIVE PHOTON v2 AND THE APPROACH TO DIRECT PHOTON v2 IN $\sqrt{^SNN} = 200\ {\rm GEV}$AU+AU COLLISIONS

We present the STAR preliminary results of inclusive photon v2 as a function of pT in AU+AU collisions. Photons are identified in the STAR Barrel Electromagnetic Calorimeter (BEMC). Non-flow effects are suppressed by obtaining the event plane in different pseudo-rapidity regions. The v2 of π0 decay products is calculated from the known v2 and spectra of hadrons and is compared to the inclusive photon v2. The comparison indicates that direct photon v2 is small.
Geometry and Excitation Energy Fluctuations of NMA in Aqueous Solution with CHARMM, AMBER, OPLS, and GROMOS Force Fields: Implications for Protein Ultraviolet Spectra Simulation

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed for N-methylamide (NMA) in water at 300 K with different force fields. Compared to the three all-atom force fields (CHARMM22, AMBER03, and OPLS-AA), the united-atom force field (GROMOS96) predicts a broader distribution of the peptide OCNH dehedral angle. A map constructed by fitting the npi* and pipi* transition energies as quadratic functions of the NMA geometric variables is used to simulate the excitation energy fluctuations. GROMOS96 predicts blue-shifted npi* and pipi* energies and stronger fluctuations compared to the other three force fields, which indicates that different force fields may predict different spectral lineshapes for proteins.
Do endogenous opioid peptides mediate the effects of photoperiod on release of luteinizing hormone and prolactin in ovariectomized ewes

Three experiments were done to determine if endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) mediate the effects of photoperiod on release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (Prl) in ovariectomized (OVX) ewes. Intravenous infusions of 0.5 naloxone X h-1 X kg body weight-1 for 3.5 h increased (P less than 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of LH and decreased (P less than 0.025) mean interpulse interval (period) of LH pulses in OVX ewes exposed to long day lengths (16L:8D). Infusions of either 1.0 or 2.5 mg morphine-SO4 X h-1 X kg-1 for 3 h increased (P less than 0.005) the period of LH pulses and increased (P less than 0.005) concentrations of Prl in OVX ewes during the breeding season. In OVX ewes exposed to long (16L:8D) or short (8L:16D) day lengths infusions of naloxone increased (P less than 0.05) mean concentrations of LH, whereas morphine decreased (P less than 0.01) mean concentrations of LH. These effects were attributed to changes in period of LH pulses (P less than 0.001). The drug X photoperiod interactions were not significant for LH parameters. Naloxone did not affect Prl release in either long- or short-day groups, but morphine increased (P less than 0.001) Prl release during long and short day lengths. The effect of morphine on Prl release was more pronounced in ewes exposed to long day lengths than in those exposed to short day lengths. In conclusion, EOPs inhibit the LH pulse generator in OVX ewes. However, it is doubtful that the EOPs mediate the steroid-independent effects of photoperiod on LH release. The results also suggest that photoperiod may influence Prl release via opiate neurons.
The Correlation of Vinblastine Pharmacokinetics to Toxicity in Testicular Cancer Patients

The clinical pharmacokinetics of vinblastine administered by continuous 5-day infusion (3 mg/m2/day) was studied in 12 patients with primary testicular cancer. Serum vinblastine concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay on serum collected over a 10-day period. Steady-state vinblastine concentrations were achieved within 60 to 108 hours (median, 72 hours). Vinblastine pharmacokinetics were analyzed and correlated to hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Hematologic toxicity was severe (granulocytopenia of less than 500/microL) in all patients; however, no correlation of vinblastine pharmacokinetics to duration of granulocytopenia or nadir was noted. Nonhematologic toxicity, however, showed a direct correlation to steady-state vinblastine concentrations. Two distinct groups of patients were identified by a toxicity score evaluating nonhematologic toxicity: as low (group A) or high (group B). The toxicity score was calculated for each patient based on accumulated toxicity during the course of treatment. The mean toxicity score for all patients was 7.11 and for groups (A and B) it was 4.0 and 9.6, respectively (P = .02). Steady-state vinblastine concentration for each patient was compared with toxicity where the mean steady-state vinblastine concentration was 7.3 ng/mL for all patients, and 5.8 ng/mL and 8.5 ng/mL for groups A and B, respectively (P = .01). These steady-state vinblastine concentrations correlated directly with the mean toxicity scores revealing that patients with high steady-state vinblastine concentrations demonstrated more nonhematologic toxicity. Application of these data to pharmacokinetically directed studies are warranted to investigate this relationship and designate dosages of vinblastine to avoid excessive toxicity.
The suppressive effect of TGF-β on IL-12-mediated immune modulation specific to a peptide Ac1-11 of myelin basic protein (MBP): a mechanism involved in inhibition of both IL-12 receptor β1 and β2

Abstract Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β exerts a counter-regulatory effect on interleukin (IL)-12-mediated immune modulation. The underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that the expression of IL-12Rβ1 and IL-12Rβ2 in MBP peptide Ac1-11-primed splenocytes is upregulated upon antigen stimulation. TGF-β induces an unresponsiveness of these primed splenocytes to IL-12 signaling through a mechanism involved in inhibition of both IL-12Rβ1 and β2. The modulation of IL-12Rβ1 and β2 expression by Ac1-11 stimulation and TGF-β is mainly involved in CD4+ population. These data indicate that both IL-12Rβ1 and IL-12Rβ2 expression are crucial during T cell activation. TGF-β-induced inhibition of IL-12R expression will reduce cellular immune responses during IL-12-mediated autoimmune disease.
a Matrix Model for the Classical Nonlinear SCHRÖDINGER Equation

The effective scalar theory is constructed for the nonlinear Schrodinger (NS) matrix equation, which gives us the tool for investigating the two-point correlator and the partition function for some (classical) NS-like systems. The spatial dependence of the correlator coincides with the free correlator in all quantization schemes. For the classical NS system the effective two-matrix model is found (throughout this paper both the model with compactified space variables x ∈ S1 and the model corresponding to noncompactified x ∈ ℝ are implied).
Molecular Mechanisms of ALDH3A1-mediated Cellular Protection Against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal

Abstract Evidence suggests that aldehydic molecules generated during lipid peroxidation (LPO) are causally involved in most pathophysiological processes associated with oxidative stress. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), the LPO-derived product, is believed to be responsible for much of the cytotoxicity. To counteract the adverse effects of this aldehyde, many tissues have evolved cellular defense mechanisms, which include the aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs). Our laboratory has previously characterized the tissue distribution and metabolic functions of ALDHs, including ALDH3A1, and demonstrated that these enzymes may play a significant role in protecting cells against 4-HNE. To further characterize the role of ALDH3A1 in the oxidative stress response, a rabbit corneal keratocyte cell line (TRK43) was stably transfected to overexpress human ALDH3A1. These cells were studied after treatment with 4-HNE to determine their abilities to: (a) maintain cell viability, (b) metabolize 4-HNE and its glutathione conjugate, (c) prevent 4-HNE–protein adduct formation, (d) prevent apoptosis, (e) maintain glutathione homeostasis, and (f) preserve proteasome function. The results demonstrated a protective role for ALDH3A1 against 4-HNE. Cell viability assays, morphological evaluations, and Western blot analyses of 4-HNE-adducted proteins revealed that ALDH3A1 expression protected cells from the adverse effects of 4-HNE. Based on the present results, it is apparent that ALDH3A1 provides exceptional protection from the adverse effects of pathophysiological concentrations of 4-HNE such as may occur during periods of oxidative stress.
Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate metallacycles: Conversion of a late-metal metallacyclopentene to a stable metallacyclopentadiene-alkene complex

The bis(ethene) complex [(Tp)Ir(C2H4)2] (3) undergoes reaction with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) in acetonitrile solvent at 60 °C to give the trispyrazolylborate metallacyclopent-2-ene complex [(Tp)Ir{CH2CH2C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)}(NCMe)] (4). Spectroscopic analysis of a room-temperature reaction between 3 and DMAD in acetonitrile-d3 provides evidence for the formation of an η2-alkene/η2-alkyne intermediate on the path to 4. The reaction of 3 with DMAD in THF solvent leads to the formation of the THF-ligated metallacyclopent-2-ene complex [(Tp)Ir{CH2CH2C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)}(THF)] (5), which undergoes further reaction with DMAD at 60 °C in benzene to give [(Tp)Ir{C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)}(η2-CH2CH2)] (6). Complex 4 was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.
The synthesis of distillation trains with heat integration

Due to rising energy costs, there is an increasing need to include the goal of energy conservation as an integral part of process synthesis. This paper discusses the problem of finding the optimum sequence of distillation columns for separating a multicomponent mixture, when heat exchange is permitted between the columns. The major difficulties are associated with the nonserial nature of the problem, the large combinatorial variety and the size of the optimization task. The synthesis strategy presented here overcomes these problems by the use of a bounding technique together with the Lagrangian theory from nonlinear programming. Accurate lower bounds on the optimal costs permit the elimination of nonoptimal sequences with minimal computational effort.
Altered Sympathetic-Salivary Gland Development: Delayed Response to Postnatal Castration

These studies defined the normal and hormonally altered development of activity for tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis (Levitt et al., 1965), and choline acetyltransferase activity (CAT) in the male rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). Additionally, salivary gland weight was monitored. Two distinct developmental plateaus for postsynaptic T-OH activity exist. The first plateau represents the prepubertal level, which is significantly lower than the second postpubertal plateau. In contrast, presynaptic CAT activity displayed only a single plateau, commencing at approximately 45 days of age.The effects of postnatal castration (at 10 or 11 days of age) on the submandibular gland and T-OH activity were delayed until after puberty. No change in T-OH activity was seen at two and four post-operative weeks between control and castrated animals; however, T-OH activity was significantly less in castrated animals at 12 and 16 post-operative weeks. Testosterone replacem...
On the probability that the values of m polynomials have a given g.c.d.

Let m ≥ 2, f1, f2,…, fm arbitrary nonconstant polynomials with integer coefficients, and h a positive integer. Let M(x; f1, f2,…, fm; h) denote the number of m-tuples 〈x1, x2,…, xm〉 of positive integers such that xi ≤ x for 1 ≤ i ≤ m and (f1(x1), f2(x2),…, fm(xm)) = h and let d(f1, f2,…, fm; h) = limx → ∞x−mM(x; f1, f2,…, fm; h). Recently, R. N. Buttsworth (J. Number. Theory 12 (1980), 487–498) proved that d(f1, f2, …, fm, h) = 1hm ∑n=1xμ(n) Πi=1m ϱi(nh)nm,(∗) where ϱi(n) denotes the number of solutions (mod n) of the congruence fi(x) ≡ 0 (mod n). Unfortunately, his proof contains mistakes. In this paper, by a different method, (∗) is established. In fact, an asymptotic formula with an error term for M(x; f1, f2, fm; h) is obtained.
Pharmacological manipulation of anterior pituitary dopamine content in the male rat: relationship to serum prolactin concentration and lysosomal enzyme activity.

The content of dopamine (DA) and the activity of β-glucuronidase (a marker for lysosomal enzymes) in the anterior pituitary and the concentration of PRL in serum were determined in male rats that were treated with a variety of drugs that influence the release, storage, or actions of DA. Drugs that increase DA in hypophysial portal blood (amphetamine, methylphenidate and l-dopa) increased DA content, decreased PRL secretion, and had no effect on lysosomal enzyme activity. Drugs that activate DA receptors in the anterior pituitary (apomorphine and bromocriptine) decreased serum PRL but had no effect on DA content or lysosomal enzyme activity. Drugs that decrease DA in the hypophysial portal blood (α-methyltyrosine, γ-butyrolactone, and reserpine) or block DA receptors (haloperidol) increased PRL secretion and decreased DA content and lysosomal enzyme activity. These results suggest that there is no obvious relationship between anterior pituitary DA content and PRL secretion. In addition, lysosomal enzyme ac...
Peanut Weed Control With and Without Acetolactate Synthase-inhibiting Herbicides1

Abstract Field studies were conducted in Florida and Alabama during 2001 and 2002 to compare weed control systems for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) that included only the herbicides registered on peanut that do not inhibit aceto hydroxyl acid synthase (AHAS). Three non-AHAS systems were identified that consistently preformed equivalent to imazapic, i.e., an AHAS-inhibiting herbicide that is very effective in peanut. These systems were either S-metolachlor plus flumioxazin, S-metolachlor plus S-dimethenamid, or S-metolachor plus norflurazon applied preemergence (PRE), followed by paraquat plus bentazon plus 2,4-DB applied postemergence. Greenhouse studies established that tank mixtures of S-metolachlor plus flumioxazin and S-metolachor plus norflurazon applied PRE were synergistic with respect to yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) control. This synergism may contribute to the excellent performance of these S-metolachlor-containing tank mixtures in the field. Identification of systems which utilize herb...
Spatial displacement of totally reflected light

A study of the total internal reflection of light and the resulting displacements is presented in terms of a Stokes parameter description of the polarization states. A compact expression for the displacements is given, and it is shown that in a prism, maximum spatial separation of the eigenpolarization states occurs when successive reflections take place alternately near and far from the critical angle.
Triple point corresponding states in long-chain n-alkanes

Abstract Evidence for triple point corresponding states in temperature and pressure are presented for long-chain n-alkanes. As the carbon chain length exceeds n=9, variation in triple point pressures, Pm, due to odd-even carbon number effects rapidly converge to a single line. Similar behavior is observed for the reduced value, Prm=Pm/Pc. Likewise, odd-even variations in the reduced triple point temperature, Trm=Tm/Tc, rapidly approach 0.4 Trm deviates less than 1 per cent from 0.4 between n=12 and n=100 when Tc is based on a regression of experimental data to the Kreglewski—Zwolinski equation form. The rapid convergences in Trm and in Prm allow determination of Tc and Pc of thermally unstable n-alkanes based on triple point measurements. Triple point correlations for n-alkanes can be used to constrain vapor pressure correlations for conformal fluids at low pressures.
Fasciclin IV: Sequence, expression, and function during growth cone guidance in the grasshopper embryo

Monoclonal antibody 6F8 was used to characterize and clone fasciclin IV, a new axonal glycoprotein in the grasshopper, and to study its function during growth cone guidance. Fasciclin IV is dynamically expressed on a subset of axon pathways in the developing CNS and on circumferential bands of epithelial cells in developing limb buds. One of these bands corresponds to the location where the growth cones of the Ti1 pioneer neurons make a characteristic turn while extending toward the CNS. Embryos cultured in the 6F8 antibody or Fab exhibit aberrant formation of this axon pathway. cDNA sequence analysis suggests that fasciclin IV has a signal sequence; long extracellular, transmembrane, and short cytoplasmic domains; and shows no homology with any protein in the available data bases. Thus, fasciclin IV appears to be a novel integral membrane protein that functions in growth cone guidance.
DISCONTINUOUS DEFORMATION ANALYSIS: A NEW NUMERICAL MODEL FOR THE STATICS AND DYNAMICS OF DEFORMABLE BLOCK STRUCTURES

A numerical model of deformable block systems that gives a unique solution for large displacement, large deformation and failure computations is presented. The forces acting on each block, from external loading or contact with other blocks, satisfy the equilibrium equations. Equilibrium is also achieved between external forces and the block stresses. Furthermore, the analysis fulfills constraints of no tension between blocks and no penetration of one block into another. Also, Coloumb's law is fulfilled at all contact positions for both static and dynamic computations. The program ready algorithms with brief derivations are stated in this paper.