cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocatalysis of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Adsorbate-Covered Silver

The oxygen reduction reaction, the slow kinetics of which is well-known to limit efficient energy production from fuel cells, is shown to be catalyzed at adsorbate-covered silver electrodes when the electrode is irradiated with wavelengths in the visible and near-ultraviolet. We report the photocurrent dependence on adsorbate molecule, electrode voltage, excitation wavelength, and oxygen content of the solution. Comparison of the photocurrent excitation profile with the modulated electroreflectance spectrum identifies coupling of two resonances to the catalysis; the silver surface plasmon near 400 nm and another resonance near 550 nm assigned to metal-to-adsorbate charge transfer.
Fenoldopam for acute kidney injury in children

We report two cases of children with severe cardiomyopathy requiring treatment with ventricular assist devices who developed acute kidney injury and were treated with fenoldopam. Therapy with fenoldopam appeared successful in one case in that renal replacement therapy was avoided with improvement in urine output and renal function. These are the first reported cases of fenoldopam use in children with acute kidney injury receiving mechanical circulatory support.
An ultrasonic measurement of superficial femoral artery wall thickness.

Abstract An ultrasonic measurement of the superficial femoral artery wall thickness was performed on 16 volunteers. The measurement included all echogenic tissue between the lumen of the superficial femoral artery and the lumen of the superficial femoral vein. The average arterial wall plus vein wall thickness in volunteers with peripheral arterial disease was 2.13 ± 0.87mm, significantly greater than the 1.27 ± 0.50 mm found in those without detectable peripheral arterial disease.
Sulfur- and oxygen-isotopes in sediment-hosted stratiform barite deposits

Abstract Sulfur- and oxygen-isotope analyses have been obtained for sediment-hosted stratiform barite deposits in Alaska, Nevada, Mexico, and China to examine the environment of formation of this deposit type. The barite is contained in sedimentary sequences as old as Late Neoproterozoic and as young as Mississippian. If previously published data for other localities are considered, sulfur- and oxygen-isotope data are now available for deposits spanning a host-rock age range of Late Neoproterozoic to Triassic. On a δ 34 S versus δ 18 O diagram, many deposits show linear or concave-upward trends that project down toward the isotopic composition of seawater sulfate. The trends suggest that barite formed from seawater sulfate that had been isotopically modified to varying degrees. The δ 34 S versus δ 18 O patterns resemble patterns that have been observed in the modern oceans in pore water sulfate and water column sulfate in some anoxic basins. However, the closest isotopic analog is barite mineralization that occurs at fluid seeps on modern continental margins. Thus the data favor genetic models for the deposits in which barium was delivered by seafloor seeps over models in which barium was delivered by sedimentation of pelagic organisms. The isotopic variations within the deposits appear to reflect bacterial sulfate reduction operating at different rates and possibly with different electron donors, oxygen isotope exchange between reduction intermediates and H 2 O, and sulfate availability. Because they are isotopically heterogeneous, sediment-hosted stratiform barite deposits are of limited value in reconstructing the isotopic composition of ancient seawater sulfate.
Statistically assessing distributed computing approaches

This paper investigates the solution of manufacturing scheduling problems using different distributed computing schemes. The focus of this paper is on determining the statistically significant effects of a distributed computer model with respect to elapsed solution time and the amount of problem space investigated. Statistical inferences are drawn with respect to the number of processors and how the problem is partitioned. The best combinations of the number of processors and partitioning schemes are presented with respect to problem scenario and size. Additionally, comparisons are made with respect to the performance of different configurations of the distributed computer model.
Perimenstrual alterations in type-1/type-2 cytokine balance of normal women

Background Perturbations of the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance play a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Several immune-based diseases, such as asthma, have significant clinical exacerbations during specific intervals of the menstrual cycle and are associated with oral contraceptive pills (OCRs). The mechanism for these changes is not known, but may involve alterations in the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance. Objective To determine if the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance in healthy women changes during a regular menstrual cycle. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 14 healthy women (seven taking monophasic OCPs) obtained during the perimenstrual interval (3 days prior to 4 days after the onset of menses) and the mid-cycle interval (days 13 to 16) were stimulated with PHA. Supernatants were analyzed for type-1 (IFN-γ) and type-2 (IL-10) cytokines. Results During the perimenstrual interval PBMC produced less IFN-γ and more IL-10, resulting in a decreased IFN-γ: IL-10 ratio compared with the mid-cycle interval. The perimenstrual decrease in the IFN-γ: IL-10 ratio was observed in women not taking OCP, but not in women taking OCP. Furthermore, the OCP group had a lower mid-cycle IFN-γ: IL-10 ratio compared with the control group. Finally, subjects reported increased levels of distress during the perimenstrual interval compared with the mid-cycle interval. Conclusions These data suggest that healthy women have a perimenstrual shift in the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance toward a type-2 response that is blunted in women taking OCP.
Structured spheres generated by an in-fibre fluid instability

Uniformly sized, structured spherical particles can be made in large quantities and across a wide range of sizes by an ingenious technique involving heating and drawing out multi-component fibres. An innovative scalable process described here uses fluid instability in a core-shell fibre to produce a line of spherical particles internal to the fibre. Thermal processing of the fibre leads to a capillary instability effect that causes break-up of the core material and generation of perfectly smooth spheres. The process can generate spheres from 1 mm in diameter to as small as 50 nm. The shell fibre can contain multiple core fibres, leading to parallelization of the process. Finally, the authors show that they can generate complex multicomponent spheres, including 'Janus' and 'beach-ball' particles, through the precise arrangement of multiple starting materials. Possible applications for engineered structures of this type include controlled-release drug delivery and catalysis. From drug delivery1,2 to chemical and biological catalysis3 and cosmetics4, the need for efficient fabrication pathways for particles over a wide range of sizes, from a variety of materials, and in many different structures has been well established5. Here we harness the inherent scalability of fibre production6 and an in-fibre Plateau–Rayleigh capillary instability7 for the fabrication of uniformly sized, structured spherical particles spanning an exceptionally wide range of sizes: from 2 mm down to 20 nm. Thermal processing of a multimaterial fibre8 controllably induces the instability9, resulting in a well-ordered, oriented emulsion10 in three dimensions. The fibre core and cladding correspond to the dispersed and continuous phases, respectively, and are both frozen in situ on cooling, after which the particles are released when needed. By arranging a variety of structures and materials in a macroscopic scaled-up model of the fibre, we produce composite, structured, spherical particles, such as core–shell particles, two-compartment ‘Janus’ particles11, and multi-sectioned ‘beach ball’ particles. Moreover, producing fibres with a high density of cores allows for an unprecedented level of parallelization. In principle, 108 50-nm cores may be embedded in metres-long, 1-mm-diameter fibre, which can be induced to break up simultaneously throughout its length, into uniformly sized, structured spheres.
Treatment Approaches to Congestion Relief in Acute Decompensated HF: Insights After DOSE-AHF and CARRESS-HF

Most patients admitted to the hospital with ADHF do not achieve adequate relief of signs and symptoms of congestion. Patients with inadequate decongestion are known to be at higher risk of readmission for heart failure and mortality, although it is uncertain whether this is a cause or simply a marker of increased risk. Nonetheless, adequate decongestion is critical for improving quality of life. Based on the DOSE-AHF and CARRESS-HF studies, a high-dose diuretic regimen consisting of 2.5 times the daily dose of loop diuretic in furosemide equivalents, administered in twice-daily bolus doses, is reasonable to achieve a goal of 3–5 liters of urine output per day. Transient increases in creatinine in the first 4–5 days of diuresis should not be a limiting factor, but a prolonged progressive increase in creatinine signals a high-risk patient. Current goals for decongestion should be resolution of orthopnea, jugular venous pressure of < 8 cm of water, and trace to no peripheral edema. The hope is that better measures of assessing complete decongestion will reduce the progression to heart failure and mortality. While the best noninvasive method to assess speed of congestion has not been determined, it is clear that hemoconcentration (an increase in hematocrit) reflects a decrease in plasma volume and decongestion. In-line monitoring of hemoconcentration may improve the results of ultrafiltration therapy by preventing too large and/or too rapid a fall in intravascular volume and consequent triggering of neurohormonal activation. Several additional strategies such as serelaxin, high-dose mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and new forms and combinations of natriuretic peptides have shown promising results in the relief of congestion in patients with ADHF.
Stabilizing single-walled carbon nanotubes by removal of residual metal catalysts

We demonstrate that the removal of residual metals can dramatically enhance the stability of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Metal catalysts are used in SWCNTs synthesis, and residual metals remain in the nanotube preparations. Here we studied the gas phase oxidation of SWCNTs and their metal-free counterpart at high temperatures. After metal removal, the activation energy for oxidation increased by 50% and the frequency factor by nearly four orders of magnitude. This increase in thermal stability was also supported by the fact that the temperature corresponding to the onset of oxidation for metal-free SWCNTs was 135 °C higher than the one containing residual metals.
Investigation of Chromatographic Surface Viscosity Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) spectroscopy was employed to determine the viscosity of planar chromatographic surfaces. Various n-alkyldimethylchlorosilanes were used to modify the surface of a UV-quartz plate, so as to obtain a covalently attached monomeric C1, C3, C8, or C18 surface. TIRF anisotropy data of 1,6-diphenylhexatriene (DPH) were collected on the unmodified and modified surfaces in the presence of overlaying solvents covering a range of viscosities. The results indicate that DPH adsorbs onto C1 and C3, but clearly exhibits partitioning with the C18 phase. The C8 surface data indicate intermediate behavior between adsorption and partitioning. On the basis of these preliminary data, the estimated microviscosity of a planar C18 surface is approximately 18 cP.
Method for measuring the mode-I fracture toughness in lead zirconate titanate (PZT)

Previous measurements of the fracture toughness of PZT have relied on Vicker's indentations, bend specimens, and compact tension specimens. Vicker's indentations are qualitative and are not suitable for toughness measurements. Recent work has clearly shown that non-linear material behavior induces a non-linear stress gradient through other specimen geometries that must be accounted for to accurately determine the fracture toughness. This work describes the development of a measurement technique for the R-curve behavior of unpoled ferroelastic ceramics using 4-point bend specimens with semi-elliptical surface cracks. The model material is a soft, transparent composition of 8/65/35 lead lanthanum zirconate titanate. The aspect ratio is measured during crack growth. The non-linear stress gradient through the cross section calculated from strain gage data. A parametric study based on the analysis of Newman and Raju is used to elucidate the restrictions on application of this technique.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhanced binding and functional activity of human natural killer cells after interferon treatment

Abstract Much attention has recently been directed toward natural cytolysis and its augmentation. Interferon is a well-documented natural killing enhancer, albeit its mechanism of modulation is still controversial. Utilizing a fluorochrome-labeled binding assay in a batch system correlated with a chromium release lytic assay, we examined binding and NK function against the NK susceptible target K562. We found not only percentage cytolysis increased after incubation with interferon, but also percentage effector binding cells increased substantially. Thus, we conclude that effector incubation with interferon increases the number of NK susceptible target binding cells.
Resolving Accountability Ambiguity in Nonprofit Organizations

Accountability is a much studied subject in the social sciences and is known for its complexity, context dependence, and ambiguity. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analysis across nonprofit, public, and private sector literatures, this article identifies the causes of ambiguities present in many accountability frameworks and describes the trend toward understanding accountability as a constructed concept combining both instrumental and interpretive elements. The relationship between legitimacy and accountability is considered. The authors develop a holistic accountability framework that facilitates defining and implementing accountability in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, by providing a means to operationalize commonly encountered but ambiguous accountability goals through a social process of deliberative dialogue. The authors conclude by summarizing limitations of the approach and describing future research needed.
Life Beyond Diffraction: Opening New Routes to Materials Characterization with Next‐Generation Optical Near‐Field Approaches

Near-field optical microscopies and spectroscopies seek to investigate materials by combining the best aspects of optical characterization and scan-probe microscopy techniques. In principle, this provides access to chemical, morphological, physical and dynamical information at nanometer length scales that is impossible to access by other means. But a number of challenges, particularly on the scan-probe front, have limited the widespread application of near-field investigations. This work describes how recent probe engineering and technique innovation have addressed many of these challenges. This Feature Article begins with a short overview of the field, providing perspective and motivation for these developments and highlighting some key improvements. This is followed by a more in-depth description of the near-field advances developed at the Molecular Foundry, a national nanoscience User Facility–advances that provide groundwork for generally-applicable nano-optical studies. Finally, a discussion is provided of what progress is still needed in order to realize the ultimate objective of translating all optical measurements to the nanoscale.
Mathematical Modeling for the Detection of Fish by an Airborne Laser

References 1 Jaffe, N. A, Clark, K. J., Nardo, C. T, and Anderson, L. W., "Nosetip Cooling Technology Program," Final Report 73-84, Air Force Contract F04701-71-C-0087, Oct. 1973, Aerotherm Div., Acurex Corp., Mountain View, Calif. 2 Clark, K. J. and Mehner, P. O., "Test Report, Nosetip Cooling Technology Program, Combined Cooling Tests," Air Force Contract F04701-71-C-0087, Sept. 30, 1974. 3 Lane, F., "Liquid-Layer Phenomenology," KLD TR-6, Feb. 1972, KLD Associates, Huntington, New York. Baronti, P., Fox, H, and Soil, D., "A Survey of the Compressible Turbulent Boundary Layer with Mass Transfer," Astronautic Data, Vol 13, 1967, pp. 239-249. 5 Covington, M. A. and Vojvodich, N. S., "Turbulent Flow Studies in Two Arc-Heated Duct Facilities," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 9, No. 6, June 1972, pp. 441-^47. 6 Jorgensen, L. H. and Baum, G. M., "Charts for Equilibrium Flow Properties of Air in Hypervelocity Nozzles," TND-1333, 1962 NASA. 7 Moeckel, W. E. and Weston, K. C., "Composition and Thermodynamic Properties of Air in Chemical Equilibrium," TN-4265, 1958, NACA. 8 Charwat, A. F., "Supersonic Flows with Imbedded Separated Regions," Advances in Heat Transfer, Vol. 6, Academic Press, New York, 1970, pp. 1-132. 9 Schlichting, H., Boundary Layer Theory, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1960. 10 Nardo, C. T., "Discrete Injection Blockage Condition," Aerotherm Div., Acurex Corp., Mountain View, Calif., to be published.
On the Pulse Response of a Flush-Mounted Coaxial Aperture

The radiation field pattern of a flush-mounted coaxial aperture is derived in the frequency domain. By using the Lorentz reciprocity theorem, the equivalent current generator is obtained which drives the apparent annular antenna admittance in shunt with the load admittance. The current source, aperture admittance, and load admittance determine the transfer function. The transfer function multiplied by the expression for the spectrum of the incident pulse forms the integrand of the Fourier transform from which the time history of the current waveform in the load admittance may be obtained using a computer. There are several applications of the theory. The one of dominant interest at present may be described as follows. A coaxial transmission line terminated in a known load admittance is located in the interior of a missile. The free end of the cable forms an aperture antenna at the skin of the missile, i.e., at the normal junction of coaxial connectors. The problem is to determine the time history of the current in the load admittance when an intense transient electromagnetic field impinges on the receiving antenna. Very accurate numerical results may be obtained from this theory provided the ground plane is sufficiently large and certain dimensional limitations on the sizes of the inner conductor and sheath of the coaxial aperture (expressed in terms of the wavelength) are met.
Observation of the magnetic-dipole decay of the 23S1 state of helium-like Si XIII, S XV, and Ar XVII

Abstract The observation in a laboratory experiment of the magnetic-dipole decay 2 3 S 1 -1 1 S 0 in the helium-like atoms Si XIII, S XV, and Ar XVII is reported.
Falling vertical chain of oscillators, including collisions, damping, and pretensioning

Abstract A chain of point masses connected by linear springs and sometimes dashpots is considered. The chain hangs in a vertical equilibrium configuration, held by its top mass. Then the top mass is released, and the chain falls. Internal damping, modeled by the dashpots, causes the bottom mass to move faster. As the system falls, upper masses sometimes accelerate faster than gravitational acceleration, and collisions may occur between adjacent masses. The types of collisions treated here include elastic, inelastic, and perfectly inelastic (in which colliding masses often stick together thereafter). The unstretched lengths of the springs, and a compressive force caused by pretensioning, may significantly affect the characteristics of the motion. Analytical and numerical results are presented for cases involving a few masses, and some generalizations are made for systems with an arbitrary number of masses. Also, the vertical chain may be used to model the motion of a falling Slinky after release at its top end. The bottom of the continuous Slinky does not move until the coils above it have collapsed onto it, and the collapse time is estimated here using the discrete chain model. For a metal Slinky with 86 masses, the estimated time is close to that previously obtained by a continuous elastic analysis.
Misuse of nonlinear Scatchard plots.

Abstract Scatchard plots - plots of bound/free ligand vs bound ligand - are a common graphical presentation of binding data. They are often nonlinear. Despite examples of correct usage and several articles calling attention to incorrect treatment of Scatchard plots, erroneous interpretations of nonlinear Scatchard plots remain frequent; plots are resolved incorrectly into two or more linear components which have no relation to an acceptable binding model. Correct analysis requires determination, usually by computer, of numerical values of the binding parameters that give the best nonlinear fit to an appropriate model, examples of which are specified.
Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia in an acute-exposure rat model

Tricaine methanesulfonate, a sedative for temporarily immobilizing fish, has a 21-day withdrawal time. Benzocaine has been proposed as an alternative sedative because a withdrawal period may not be required. Since benzocaine is known to induce methemoglobinemia, the potential for orally administered benzocaine to induce methemoglobin was assessed in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were given a single gavage administration of 64mg benzocaine hydrochloride per kg bw and then euthanized at intervals up to 120min. Plasma levels of benzocaine were relatively low at all times, whereas methemoglobin peaked at 24min. Additional rats were orally gavaged with 0-1024mg benzocaine hydrochloride per kg bw and euthanized after 24min. Plasma levels of benzocaine increased from 0.01μM at 2mg per kg bw to 2.9μM at 1024mg per kg bw. Methemoglobin levels did not differ from controls at doses up to 32mg per kg bw in females and 64mg per kg bw in males, whereupon the value increased to ∼80% at 1024mg per kg bw. These data were used to estimate the potential impact of benzocaine residues in fish and suggest that the consumption of fish treated with benzocaine hydrochloride will not cause methemoglobinemia in humans.
Renorming the SIT: Implications for Teachers of Reading.

Abstract This study examined the relative value of the 1981 renorming of the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT). Individual IQ and reading expectancy scores were determined for 180 children referred to a university reading clinic. Both the 1963 and 1981 SIT norms were compared with scores obtained from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Revised (WISC‐R). Correlational and descriptive analyses indicated that the 1981 norms were somewhat superior to the 1963 norms in approximating the WISC‐R scores. Specifically, the new norms: (1) yielded a higher percentage of exact same individual IQ scores, (2) provided a more balanced distribution of over‐ and underestimation, (3) closely resembled the overall WISC‐R mean and standard deviation, and (4) exhibited a slightly higher correlation with WISC‐R reading expectancy scores. Although the new SIT was found to serve reasonably well as a quick estimate of intellectual ability, it was concluded that the instrument should not be used as an extended substitute f...
Properties of Transaminases in Tissues of the Pear.

Transaminases were first shown to be present in plant tissues by the early experiments of Virtanen and Laine (12), Albaum and Cohen (1), and Rautanen (9). In a later and more comprehensive paper Leonard and Burris (5) demonstrated transaminase activity in stem, leaf, and root tissues of numerous plant species. Wilson et al. (16) and Stumpf (11) further indicated the participation of plant enzymes in transaminations involving many amino and organic acids, while Schales and Schales (10) gave indirect evidence for the presence of transaminases in 42 different plants and plant organs. However, in spite of the apparent ubiquity of plant transaminases, their presence in tissues low in enzymatic proteins such as the flesh of many deciduous fruits has not been adequately substantiated. The experiments presented below have been undertaken to establish the presence of aspartatea-ketoglutarate (Asp-KG) and alaninea-ketoglutarate (Alan-KG) transaminase in pear flesh. Enzyme characteristics have also been investigated with the view of obtaining optimal assay conditions.
High specific activity tritium- and iodine-labeled JH homologs and analogs for receptor binding studies

Five new kinds of radioligands have been synthesized for the study of high affinity, low abundance juvenile hormone receptor proteins. These include: (1) 3H-labeled enantiomers of JH I, II and III; (2) 3H-labeled photoaffinity label analogs of JH I, II and III; (3) [3H](7S)-hydroprene at >60 Ci/mmol; (4) 125I-labeled iodovinyl modification of a hydroxyl analog of methoprene and an 125I-substituted JH I; and (5) an 125I-iodovinyl phenoxyphenyl ether-type IGR.
Structure and Function of the Brain of the Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana) at the Time of Birth

The developmental stage the mammalian central nervous system may reach at the time of birth is not the same in the various species, the most variable region being the cerebral cortex (Riese, 1944). A mammal can be born at any stage of cortical development, ranging from the still unstratified cortical layer in the new-born bear (Ursus arctos L.) (Riese, 1942) to the practically finished cerebral cortex of the human infant showing all of its regional variations at the time of birth (Conel, 1939, 1941). In spite of the great variation in their cortical development at the time of birth, all of the mammals must meet the requirements of extra-uterine life. Little is known about the developmental stages the constituent elements of the central nervous system (fibers, cells) may reach in the various species at the time of birth. Although there are numerous species in which the morphological (convolutional) pattern of the brain is already finished at the time of birth (ungulates, some carnivores, man), there is no species in which the process of histological maturation would have come to its end at the time of birth at all of the levels of the central nervous system. In the most immature brain hitherto described in a new-born mammal, i.e. that of the newborn bear (Riese, 1942), maturation of nerve cells is obvious in lower levels, but does not reach beyond the midbrain. The results of this investigation are based on the study of four new-born opossums, two of which measured 11 mm, one 10 mm, and one 9 mm, crownrump length. Two specimens were given by the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia. I was further given the opportunity by Dr. A. A. Zimmermann, Professor of Anatomy, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago, to study his own material. Included in this study are one prenatal stage, about 24 hours before birth, and one pouch young opossum, 22 mm crown-rump length, both being specimens of the collection of Dr. A. A. Zimmermann. I wish to express my gratitude to the Wistar Institute, to Dr. Zimmermann, and to Dr. E. C. L. Miller, secretary of the Virginia Academy of Science.
An experimental study on composite control of switched reluctance motors

It is shown how to supply two-time-scale nonlinear control design techniques to switched reluctance motors. A nonlinear dynamic model is developed and decomposed into separate slow and fast subsystems. A feedback control is designed so that, whenever the fast subsystem is at equilibrium, the dynamics of the slow subsystem are input-output equivalent to a second-order transfer function. The use of reduced-order feedback linearization methods leads to improved performance by reducing torque ripple. Experimental results from a laboratory implementation of a position control system are presented. On the basis of measured overshoot, risetime, and settling time, the prototype response is consistent with the desired linear response to within 23% error on average. The transient behavior of the motor can thus be adjusted over a wide range, and in a reasonably predictable fashion, by simply varying the gains of the outermost loop. >
13 C NMR spectral editing of humic material

Abstract The spectral-editing method introduced by Wu, Burns and Zilm (J. Magn. Reson. A, 111 (1994) 29) based on a prescribed combination of 13C CP-MAS (cross-polarization with magic-angle spinning) experiments that include suitably chosen depolarization periods, polarization inversion periods and either short or long CP periods, has been applied to a humic acid that was isolated from the Uncompahgre National Forest. The separate spectra derived on the basis of CHn multiplicity (n=0,1,2,3) for CH groups, CH2 groups and CH3+ C (no directly attached hydrogen) groups confirm and advance previous structural interpretations based on chemical shift arguments. This work demonstrates that, while very time consuming, these spectral-editing techniques based on 13C CP-MAS techniques, are practicable for complex soil-derived samples.
PLOIDY STABILITY OF MAIZE ANTHER CULTURE-DERIVED CALLUS LINES

Ploidy levels of 26Zea mays L. anther culture-derived callus lines of the F1 hybrids (H99 × Pa91, Pa91 × FR16, and H99 × FR16) were determined at various times after culture initiation using flow cytometry (for 21 lines) or chromosome counting of callus cells or regenerated plants (for the remaining 5 lines). Twenty of the lines remained haploid, whereas 6 were diploid. The results from flow cytometry, after examining the DNA content of 5000 nuclei of each callus line, show that each callus line consisted of homogenous haploid or diploid cells. Thus for diploid callus lines, spontaneous chromosome doubling must have occurred before or in the early stages of androgenesis, before the initiation of callus cultures. These long-term callus cultures (growing for up to 38 mo.) have stably maintained their ploidy levels so it is unlikely that the culture conditions have caused chromosome doubling. The restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern obtained with 52 to 58 markers for each diploid callus line shows that all the diploid lines are homozygous diploid so each originated from a microspore and not from diploid maternal F1 hybrid tissue.
Kinetics of fluorescence decay of SO2 excited in the 2662–3273 Å region

The kinetics of fluorescence decay of SO2 excited in the 2975–3273 A region was studied using a powerful, frequency doubled, tunable dye laser system. The existence of two emitting species, first observed by Brus and McDonald, was confirmed. The collision-free lifetimes of the long-lived (L) species ranged from 100 to 300 μsec and the short-lived (S) species from 17 to 43 μsec over the wavelength range employed. The magnitude of the bimolecular quenching rate constant for the L state was a function of the excitation energy; the data show that about 1 kcal/mol of internal energy is lost per collision of the SO2(L) species excited in the range of 2998–3107 A. Studies of the relative initial fluorescence intensity of the S to that of the L state (IS°/IL°) were made in experiments which extended to 0.11 mtorr. The pressure dependence of the IS°/IL° ratio for experiments at 3107, 3211, and 3225 Aproved that the S and L states do not decay independently. Either efficient bimolecular S L conversion occurs or bimolecular S ⇄ L interconversion of both states is important. These data coupled with spectroscopic studies of Hamada and Merer and Shaw and coworkers favor the designation of the S and L states as SO2(1A2) and SO2(1B1), respectively. However, if the assignment is correct, then the band origin of the 1B1 state must be at a somewhat longer wavelength, λ> 3273 A than tentative spectroscopic assignments suggest. Bimolecular quenching rate constants for the L and S components with various atmospheric gases were determined in 3130- and 2662-A studies.
The second Chicago televised smoking cessation program: a 24-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVES. As smoking decreases in the population, the remaining smoking population will change, and cessation initiatives will have to incorporate strategies designed for these smokers. METHODS. To study patterns of response to a cessation intervention composed of 20 televised segments and the American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking in 20 Days manual, this study compared cessation rates over 24 months in a cohort of smokers who registered for a cessation program with those in a cohort selected from the smoking population at large. RESULTS. At post intervention, multiple point prevalence of cessation among participants, adjusted for baseline smoking, was 14% among registrants and 6% in the population; at 24 months the adjusted rates were 6% and 2%, respectively. Heavy smokers benefited more than light smokers, and there was a consistent dose-response relationship between extent of exposure to the intervention and cessation. CONCLUSION. The effects of the intervention were strongest for those who r...
Intergranular squirt flow in unconsolidated sediment: Viscous cement model

Summary We offer an exact solution to the problem of deformation of two elastic spherical particles with viscous cement at their contact. This model is intended to mimic a granular geomaterial whose grains are covered with viscous fluid of geologic or biogenic nature. The solution for the normal stiffness of a two-grain combination is reduced to an ordinary integro-differential equation. We find an approximation for the rigorous numerical solution that is based on the Cole-Cole model. This expression is very accurate and can be used instead of the numerical solution. The complex effective elastic moduli of the aggregate are calculated form statistical averaging for a dense random pack of identical spheres. The theoretical results match well experimental data obtained on a glass bead pack with viscous epoxy cement.
Clathrin light and heavy chain interface: α‐helix binding superhelix loops via critical tryptophans

Clathrin light chain subunits (LCa and LCb) contribute to regulation of coated vesicle formation to sort proteins during receptor-mediated endocytosis and organelle biogenesis. LC binding to clathrin heavy chain (HC) was characterized by genetic and structural approaches. The core interactions were mapped to HC residues 1267–1522 (out of 1675) and LCb residues 90–157 (out of 228), using yeast two-hybrid assays. The C-termini of both subunits also displayed interactions extending beyond the core domains. Mutations to helix breakers within the LCb core disrupted HC association. Further suppressor mutagenesis uncovered compensatory mutations in HC (K1415E or K1326E) capable of rescuing the binding defects of LCb mutations W127R or W105R plus W138R, thereby pinpointing contacts between HC and LCb. Mutant HC K1415E also rescued loss of binding by LCa W130R, indicating that both LCs interact similarly with HC. Based on circular dichroism data, mapping and mutagenesis, LCa and LCb were represented as α-helices, aligned along the HC and, using molecular dynamics, a structural model of their interaction was generated with novel implications for LC control of clathrin assembly.
No Universalizing Deductive- Nomological Explanations, Please; We're Irish: A Response to Thomas A. Tweed's Crossing and Dwelling

Reading Thomas A. Tweed’s Crossing and Dwelling reminds me of a repeated scolding I got from my Irish Catholic mother when she felt that her son’s attendance at an Ivy-League school might imperil the Old World manners she had sought to instill. My mom would say: “you’re getting this fancy education and you can’t even be polite.” Implicit in her scolding was an anxiety that an overvaluation of intellectual life could inculcate a sense of superiority and condescension to
A Neighbor-Based Detection Scheme for wireless sensor networks against node replication attacks

Most of sensor network applications rely on deploying large amount of sensor nodes in unattended areas, leaving sensor nods suffer from node capture attacks in which the adversary compromises the node and retrieves secret information from the node. Moreover, the adversary can launch node replication attacks or clone attacks by loading secret information into several replicated nodes and rejoining these nodes to execute malicious behaviors or subvert underlying protocols. In this paper we propose a Neighbor-Based Detection Scheme (NBDS) to counteract node replication attacks. Compare with previous distributed schemes that periodically detect replicated nodes, NBDS not only provides near real-time detection but also achieves lower communication and memory costs. Further, the probability of detecting replicated nodes in NBDS is much higher than previous schemes.
Hybrid access technology applications to the next generation Internet (NGI) network extension

We report several novel architecture and implementation scenarios to complement and extend the NGI network for an "all-weather" link availability based on integrated fiber, free-space optical wireless, and RF/MM-wave access technology and sub-networks.
Instantiating the multiple levels of analysis perspective in a program of study on externalizing behavior.

During the last quarter century, developmental psychopathology has become increasingly inclusive and now spans disciplines ranging from psychiatric genetics to primary prevention. As a result, developmental psychopathologists have extended traditional diathesis–stress and transactional models to include causal processes at and across all relevant levels of analysis. Such research is embodied in what is known as the multiple levels of analysis perspective. We describe how multiple levels of analysis research has informed our current thinking about antisocial and borderline personality development among trait impulsive and therefore vulnerable individuals. Our approach extends the multiple levels of analysis perspective beyond simple Biology × Environment interactions by evaluating impulsivity across physiological systems (genetic, autonomic, hormonal, neural), psychological constructs (social, affective, motivational), developmental epochs (preschool, middle childhood, adolescence, adulthood), sexes (male, female), and methods of inquiry (self-report, informant report, treatment outcome, cardiovascular, electrophysiological, neuroimaging). By conducting our research using any and all available methods across these levels of analysis, we have arrived at a developmental model of trait impulsivity that we believe confers a greater understanding of this highly heritable trait and captures at least some heterogeneity in key behavioral outcomes, including delinquency and suicide.
Application of IL-2 and other cytokines in renal cancer

Renal cell carcinoma evokes an immune response, which investigators have attempted to augment by administering cytokines in doses above physiological levels. In 1992, high-dose (HD) bolus interleukin-2 (IL-2) received US Food and Drug Administration approval for metastatic renal cell carcinoma based on data that revealed durable responses in a small percentage of patients. However, this regimen is associated with significant toxicity and cost, which has limited its application to highly selected patients treated at specialised centres. Several investigators have evaluated regimens with lower doses of IL-2 in an attempt to decrease toxicity. Attempts were also made to improve treatment efficacy by adding interferon (IFN)-alpha followed by 5-fluorouracil to low-dose IL-2 regimens. These regimens were reported to produce response rates and survival comparable to HD IL-2 with much less toxicity, but possibly fewer durable responses. Based on positive preclinical data, other cytokines (e.g., IFN-gamma, IL-12) have also been given to patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with limited success. This review examines the clinical trials that have described the efficacy and toxicity of IL-2 and other cytokines in patients with renal cancer, with a particular focus on the Phase III trials that have helped to define the proper use of these agents.
The effect of digitalis on experimental myocardial infarct size and hemodynamics

Abstract Early studies suggested that digitalis exacerbated ischemia (ST segment data); however, there are no studies assessing the effect of this agent on anatomic infarct size with the use of a risk zone technique. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess quantitatively whether digitalis extends necrosis in a model of coronary artery occlusion. Anesthetized dogs were subjected to 6-hour occlusion and, 30 minutes after occlusion, were randomized to digoxin (250 μg bolus/5 min intravenously, n=9) or saline (n = 9) groups. At 6 hours, in vivo area at risk was determined by monastral blue dye injection and area of necrosis was assessed by tetrazolium staining. Heart rate and blood pressure were not different between groups before treatment or at 6 hours after occlusion. Left ventricular dPdt was similar in both groups before occlusion (2350 ± 293 mm Hg/sec digoxin vs 1839 ± 122 mm Hg/sec saline, p = NS), but after 6 hours of coronary occlusion, had increased in the digoxin group to 2583 ± 340 mm Hg/sec while it decreased in the saline group to 1517 ± 128 mm Hg/sec ( p p = NS). Area of necrosis, expressed as a percentage of area at risk, was 90.0 ± 3.5% in the digoxon group vs 88.6 ± 2.1% in the saline group ( p = NS). Therefore, during acute myocardial infarction, digitalis confers a moderate increase in contractility without extending necrotic damage.
Vulvar inflammatory dermatoses for the non-dermatopathologist: an approach for the practising surgical pathologist

Recognition of tissue patterns of injury will help the non-dermatopathologist when confronted with biopsies of vulvar inflammatory dermatoses. This paper defines and discusses the most common inflammatory patterns including: spongiosis, psoriasiform, interface and vesiculobullous, providing a brief overview of the clinical, histologic and differential diagnoses of the more common lesions to affect the vulva. Also included are entities with specific predilection for the female gynaecologic tract including Zoon’s vulvitis and Behcet’s disease. A comprehensive review of this topic is beyond the scope of this mini-symposium. However we hope to provide an approach to the diagnosis of vulvar inflammatory dermatitis which will be of practical use to the surgical pathologist.
Improved half RF slice selectivity in the presence of eddy currents with out-of-slice saturation.

Ultrashort echo time imaging with half RF pulse excitation is sensitive to eddy currents induced by the slice-select gradient that distort the half pulse slice profile. This work demonstrates improvements to the half pulse profile by using spatial saturation on both sides of the imaged slice to suppress the out-of-slice magnetization. This effectively improves the selectivity of the half pulse excitation profile. A quadratic phase RF pulse with high bandwidth and selectivity is used to achieve a wide saturation band with sharp edges. Experimental results demonstrate substantially improved slice selectivity and R2* quantitation accuracy obtained with the out-of-slice saturation. This approach is effective in making short T2 imaging and quantitation with half pulses less sensitive to eddy currents.
Beginning with the application in mind: Designing and planning health behavior change interventions to enhance dissemination

Failing to retain an adequate number of study participants in behavioral intervention trials poses a threat to interpretation of study results and its external validity. This qualitative investigation describes the retention strategies promoted by the recruitment and retention committee of the Behavior Change Consortium, a group of 15 university-based sites funded by the National Institutes of Health to implement studies targeted toward disease prevention through behavior change. During biannual meetings, focus groups were conducted with all sites to determine barriers encountered in retaining study participants and strategies employed to address these barriers. All of the retention strategies reported were combined into 8 thematic retention categories. Those categories perceived to be most effective for retaining study participants were summarized and consistencies noted among site populations across the life course (e.g., older adults, adults, children, and adolescents). Further, possible discrepancies between site populations of varying health statuses are discussed, and an ecological framework is proposed for use in future investigations on retention.
An analysis of temporal-difference learning with function approximation

We discuss the temporal-difference learning algorithm, as applied to approximating the cost-to-go function of an infinite-horizon discounted Markov chain. The algorithm we analyze updates parameters of a linear function approximator online during a single endless trajectory of an irreducible aperiodic Markov chain with a finite or infinite state space. We present a proof of convergence (with probability one), a characterization of the limit of convergence, and a bound on the resulting approximation error. Furthermore, our analysis is based on a new line of reasoning that provides new intuition about the dynamics of temporal-difference learning. In addition to proving new and stronger positive results than those previously available, we identify the significance of online updating and potential hazards associated with the use of nonlinear function approximators. First, we prove that divergence may occur when updates are not based on trajectories of the Markov chain. This fact reconciles positive and negative results that have been discussed in the literature, regarding the soundness of temporal-difference learning. Second, we present an example illustrating the possibility of divergence when temporal difference learning is used in the presence of a nonlinear function approximator.
Aortic arch surgery after previous type A dissection repair: results up to 5 years

OBJECTIVES: Open aortic arch surgery after type A dissection repair is challenging. We sought to review our surgical experience to analyse the causes and timing, establish the risk profile for this patient population, and better define outcomes. METHODS: From 2000 to 2014, we identified 55 patients who required aortic arch surgery after a previous type A dissection repair. Medical records were available for review including computerized tomographic angiograms, cerebral protection strategies and follow-up. RESULTS: The mean interval from previous type A dissection repair to aortic arch surgery was 5.7 ± 5.4 years. At reoperation 36 patients (65%) had total arch replacement and 19 (35%) had hemiarch replacement. Indications for reoperations were: enlarging aneurysm in 27 (49%), impending rupture in 12 (22%), chronic dissection in 10 (18%) and aneurysms in 6 (11%). Arterial peripheral cannulation was used in 80% of patients. Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in 35 patients (64%) and retrograde perfusion in 2 (4%). There were 3 perioperative deaths (5%) and 4 cases of permanent stroke (7%). Survival rates were 90, 85 and 77% at the 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-up, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 10% lower than that of an age- and sex-matched population (P< 0.001). The only predictor of the follow-up mortality was older age (odds ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.13, P= 0.007).