cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
f electron delocalization giving similar magnetic properties of cerium and plutonium compounds

There is much interest in the magnetic behavior of light actinide (U, Np, and Pu) and cerium compounds because of the opportunity to use different families of compounds to span the full range of behavior as the f electrons vary between localized and bonding character. Within this wide range, the behavior of moderately delocalized f electron systems, such as cerium and light actinide monopnictides and monochalcogenides, can be understood on the basis of anisotropic interactions that arise from the hybridization of band electrons with the f electrons. We demonstrate that this hybridization, as treated with an Anderson Hamiltonian, provides the common physical origin of amomalous crystal-field splitting reduction and of anisotropic two-ion interactions. We then discuss how the hybridization and resulting interactions relate to similarities in magnetic behavior of corresponding Ce3+ and Pu3+ compounds.
Discrete gamma oscillations identify the seizure onset zone in some pediatric epilepsy patients

Intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG) plays an important role in guiding epilepsy surgery in pediatric epilepsy patients. Recently, there has been increased interest in higher frequency components of clinical IEEG recordings and their potential relationship to epileptogenic brain tissue. We employ a previously validated, automated discrete gamma oscillation (GO) detection algorithm to determine the prevalence of discrete gamma events over prolonged, representative segments of IEEG recorded from ten patients. Approximately 8 h of IEEG, 16 randomly selected 30-min segments of continuous interictal IEEG per patient, were analyzed. The electrodes within the seizure onset zone were found to have significantly higher mean GO activity averaged across these 16 segments in five of the ten patients. There was observed variability between individual 30-min segments in these patients, indicating that longer recordings of interictal activity improved localization. Our data suggest this method of automated GO detection across long periods may be useful in planning epilepsy surgery in certain children with intractable epilepsy. Further research is required to help determine which patients would benefit from this technique.
Randomized Preprocessing of Homogeneous Linear Systems of Equations

Abstract Our randomized preprocessing enables pivoting-free and orthogonalization-free solution of homogeneous linear systems of equations. In the case of Toeplitz inputs, we decrease the estimated solution time from quadratic to nearly linear, and our tests show dramatic decrease of the CPU time as well. We prove numerical stability of our approach and extend it to solving nonsingular linear systems, inversion and generalized (Moore–Penrose) inversion of general and structured matrices by means of Newton’s iteration, approximation of a matrix by a nearby matrix that has a smaller rank or a smaller displacement rank, matrix eigen-solving, and root-finding for polynomial and secular equations and for polynomial systems of equations. Some by-products and extensions of our study can be of independent technical intersest, e.g., our extensions of the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula for matrix inversion, our estimates for the condition number of randomized matrix products, and preprocessing via augmentation.
Dreissenids in Lake St. Clair in 2001: Evidence for Population Regulation

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha [Pallas]) density was surveyed at 12 stations in Lake St. Clair in September 2001. Lake-wide mean density was 1,824 individuals/m2; whole wet biomass was 148 g/m2; and dry tissue biomass was 1.23 g/m2. Compared to historical data, density did not change significantly, whereas biomass showed a significant downward trend. Our data support the assertion that the zebra mussel population in Lake St. Clair has undergone important changes since the mid-1990s. Some areas of the lake are now juvenile-dominated, others are adult-dominated, and some have a balanced size distribution. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that zebra mussels have changed the lake ecosystem in two ways that have contributed to their own population limits in a density-dependent manner. First is the reduction of adult microhabitat due to the elimination of native mussels from the lake proper. Second is the massive redirection of larval settlement onto a greatly expanded aquatic macrophyte community which senesces and dies at the end of each season, thus decreasing survivorship of juvenile D. polymorpha. If sustained, these recent changes, especially biomass reduction, suggest that the impact of dreissenids on the Lake St. Clair ecosystem will be more moderate in the future.
Missing dimer vacancies ordering on the Si(100) surface

Abstract We have used the Stillinger-Weber potential to calculate the interaction energy between pairs of missing dimer vacancies (MDVs) on the Si(100) surface. We have found that there is a long-range repulsion between two MDVs located in the same dimer row, and a slight attraction between MDVs in adjacent rows. The results have been used to model the collective equilibrium properties of ensembles of vacancies. At low temperature and high concentration the vacancies self-organize into long wavy lines perpendicular to the dimer rows. When heated, these lines break up to form a “gas” of short nearly linear aggregates consisting of several vacancies. At an even higher temperature the vacancies tend to form pairs which serve as nuclei for the formation of “vacancy islands”.
Somatosensory evoked potentials are not a sensitive indicator of potential positioning injury in the prone patient

Objective. This study monitored somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) at the median and ulnar nerves in awake volunteers placed in a simulated position for prone surgery. Neurologic symptoms were used as a surrogate end-point for position related peripheral nerve injury; the occurrence of these symptoms was correlated with the presence or absence of SSEP changes in median and ulnar nerves.Methods. Median and ulnar nerve SSEP data was obtained from awake volunteers in the supine and prone positions. With the head midline in the prone position, SSEPs were measured as the arms were advanced in four cephalad increments. Symptoms, defined as tingling, numbness, or aching in the hand, forearm, or upper arm, were recorded at each position. SSEP changes were considered significant when amplitude decreased 60% and/or latency increased 10% compared with baseline prone measurements. Symptoms were correlated with SSEP changes using chi-squared analysis (p < 0.05), and Fisher's exact analysis (p < 0.07).Results. Data were collected on 14 patients, mean age 34 ± 3 years. Seven (50%) subjects reported symptoms with changes in position, while four (29%) subjects displayed SSEP changes. There was no statistically significant association between symptoms and SSEP changes. There were no false positives (no symptoms in the presence of significant SSEP changes), but there were 3 (21%) false negatives (positive symptoms without SSEP changes).Conclusions. While all SSEP changes were associated with symptoms, the development of symptoms in 3 of 7 patients without SSEP changes suggests that SSEPs may be an imperfect monitor for the detection of positioning injury. The limited sensitivity of SSEPs in this study may be due to the duration of the monitoring, sample size, or the validity of symptoms as a surrogate for nerve injury.
Transmission of correlated senders over a Rayleigh fading multiple access channel

We consider the transmission of information from two correlated senders to a common receiver through a Rayleigh fast fading multiple access channel. Each one of the senders is encoded independently using a turbo-like code and neither the correlation model nor the channel state information is assumed to be known at the encoder. Decoding is performed in an iterative way, exploiting the correlation between the senders. The noise variance and correlation model do not need to be known at the decoder site, since they can be estimated jointly with the decoding process. When perfect channel state information is available at the decoder site, the resulting performance is very close to (and in some cases outperforms) the theoretical limits obtained when separation between source and channel coding is assumed. The performance loss when the channel state information is not available at the decoder depends on the correlation strength, becoming smaller for highly correlated senders.
Mediastinal mass and tracheal compression due to an aneurysm of a systemic-to-pulmonary collateral artery in a patient with pseudotruncus arteriosus.

A patient with pseudotruncus arteriosus who presented with a large mediastinal mass due to a systemic to pulmonary collateral artery aneurysm is reported. This aneurysm caused tracheal compression with resulting dyspnea and postobstructive pneumonitis, which are unusual presenting features in these patients. The differential diagnosis for a mediastinal mass arising in a patient with pseudotruncus arteriosus, or any other patient with possible systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries, should include aneurysm.
Semimicroscopic investigation of active site pK a values in peptidylarginine deiminase 4

Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), also known as protein arginine deiminase 4, performs a post-translational deimination that converts arginine to citrulline. The dysregulation of PAD4 has been implicated in a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cancer. This makes PAD4 an important therapeutic target. To develop small-molecule inhibitors as potential treatments, it is advantageous if the catalytic mechanism is well understood. The protonation states of the active site residues, which have long been under controversy, have a direct impact on the catalytic mechanism. Two competing mechanisms are under investigation in the current literature. The first is a reverse protonation mechanism that depends on the active site histidine and cysteine existing as an ion pair. The second is a substrate-assisted mechanism that depends on the active site histidine and cysteine being neutral. This study uses the semimicroscopic protein dipoles Langevin dipoles (PDLD/S) linear response approximation method in the MOLARIS software package to calculate the change in solvation energy of moving the residue from water to the protein interior, and then using that information to assess the protonation states of the active site residues of PAD4. Results from these calculations suggest that in the enzyme–substrate complex of PAD4, the cysteine and histidine are protonated and deprotonated, respectively, and are therefore both neutral, analogous to the proposed protonation states of the active site residues in the Michaelis complex in the substrate-assisted mechanism.
Fluorescence Quenching and Halide-Ion Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as Probes for Metal Binding to Proteins

Abstract Fluorescence quenching can be used to detect the binding of some metals to proteins at concentrations as low as 10 −7 M. In many cases the effects of pH can be studied and the stoichiometries of metal complexes can be determined. The technique has potential for studying kinetic processes involving metal/protein complexes. Halide-ion nuclear magnetic resonance n.m.r. can also be used to detect metal binding to proteins, to study the effects of pH on metal/protein complexes, and to determine the stoichiometry of the complex. Two additional parameters about metal/protein systems can be obtained from halide-ion n.m.r. experiments. These are the local correlation time of the metal binding site and the halide-ion exchange rate at the binding site. These parameters give information about local motion at the binding site and the accessibility of the binding site. The two techniques appear to be an effective combination for the study of metal/protein systems, which provides a more complete description of these systems than is available from either technique alone or from many other methods.
Somatic mutagenesis in autoimmunity

Our laboratory investigates systemic autoimmune disease in the context of mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is associated with high titers of serum autoantibodies of the IgG class that are predominantly directed against nuclear antigens, with pathological manifestations that are considered by many to be characteristic of an immune-complex mediated disease. In this review, we focus on the known and potential roles of somatic mutagenesis in SLE. We will argue that anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) arise predominantly from nonautoreactive B cells that are transformed into autoreactive cells by the process of somatic hypermutation (SHM), which is normally associated with affinity maturation during the germinal center reaction. We will also discuss the role of SHM in creating antigenic peptides in the V region of the B cell receptor (BCR) and its potential to open an avenue of unregulated T cell help to autoreactive B cells. Finally, we will end this review with new experimental evidence sugg...
Neonatal bowel obstruction.

Abstract Newborn intestinal obstructions are a common reason for admission to neonatal ICUs. The incidence is estimated to be approximately 1 in 2000 live births. There are 4 cardinal signs of intestinal obstruction in newborns: (1) maternal polyhydramnios, (2) bilious emesis, (3) failure to pass meconium in the first day of life, and (4) abdominal distention. The presentation may vary from subtle and easily overlooked findings on physical examination to massive abdominal distention with respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse. A careful history and physical examination often identify the diagnosis. Concomitant resuscitation (volume, gastric decompression, and ventilatory support) may be necessary.
Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction by iron tetra-arylporphyrins bearing pendant proton relays.

Iron(III) meso-tetra(2-carboxyphenyl)porphine chloride (1) was investigated as a soluble electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acetonitrile with [H(DMF)+]OTf–. Rotating ring-disk voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, and independent reactions with hydrogen peroxide indicate that 1 has very high selectivity for reduction of O2 to H2O, without forming significant amounts of H2O2. Cyclic voltammetric measurements at high substrate/catalyst ratios (high oxygen pressure) allowed the estimation of a turnover frequency (TOF) of 200 s–1 at −0.4 V vs Cp2Fe+/0. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported TOF for a soluble ORR electrocatalyst under kinetically controlled conditions. The 4-carboxyphenyl isomer of 1, in which the carboxylic acids point away from the iron center, is a much less selective catalyst. This comparison shows that carboxylate groups positioned to act as proton delivery relays can substantially enhance the selectivity of ORR catalysis.
Evaluation of microbiological water quality in Point Judith Pond (Rhode Island, USA): Quantitation of fecal pollution and presence of human pathogenic bacteria

Water and sediment samples were collected in the Bluff Hill Cove area of Point Judith Pond from 12 stations along three parallel transects, and eelgrass samples were taken at two sites per transect. Fecal enterococci (FE) in the water samples exceeded USEPA regulatory limit of 100 MPN/100 mL for safe recreational and shellfish harvesting use in 24 out of 41 samples. Sediment samples had the lowest FE counts, whereas eelgrass had the highest counts. Using qPCR, H. pylori was detected in 8 out of 41 samples, but E. coli O157:H7 was not detected. Overall, higher levels of H. pylori were detected in 33% of the eelgrass samples and 33% of the sediment samples as compared to 9% in the water column. Microbial source tracking, using the Bacteroides marker HF183, indicated the presence of human fecal bacteria in 7 out of 41 samples, four of which were positive for H. pylori.
Practice makes perfect? Vets’ information seeking behaviour and information use explored

A random sample of UK veterinary practitioners was surveyed and interviewed on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Wellcome Library to identify key issues in veterinary information use (IU) and information seeking behaviour (ISB).1 A greater proportion of respondents used the Internet for veterinary information than used a veterinary library. However, conventional journals, textbooks and conferences were the main information sources used. Some variations in information source use by practice size and type and information type were identified. The majority of library users and non‐users wanted enhanced library access via the Internet, especially to full‐text journals.
196 EFFECT OF MITROMYCIN-C ON VIABILITY AND CELL PROLIFERATION OF DOMESTIC CAT AND MOUSE EMBRYONIC FIBROBLASTS

Nondomestic cat cloned embryos created by intergeneric nuclear transfer (ig-NT) have lower rate of blastocyst development than that observed in cloned embryos produced by inter-species NT. One promising technique for increasing the efficiency of ig-NT is to use embryonic stem cells (ESC) derived from the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) of pre-implantation blastocysts. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) are commonly used as feeder cells to support the growth of human and mouse ESC, but they do not always maintain human ESC in an undifferentiated state and carry the risk of transmitting mouse retroviral virus and other pathogens. Thus, it is important to determine whether domestic cat embryonic fibroblasts (DCEF) are able to support cat ESC growth. Proliferation of MEF cells is inhibited before their use as feeder layers by exposure to gamma irradiation or Mitomycin-C. Therefore, in the present study, we determined what concentration of Mitomycin-C was required to inhibit proliferation of DCEF and MEF cells without affecting viability. Embryonic fibroblasts were generated from fetuses collected from a single pregnant domestic cat and mouse at 30 and 14 days of gestation, respectively. Tissue was minced and cultured in DMEM for 7 to 10 days before freezing and storage at −196°C. After thawed DCEF and MEF cells reached 80 to 100% confluence, proliferation was inhibited by exposure to 10, 30, or 40 µg of Mitomycin-C for 2.5 or 5 h. Cells were then washed and labeled with BrdU to measure DNA synthesis as a specific marker for replication. For cytotoxicity, cells were labeled with a dual fluorescent stain to evaluate membrane integrity and esterase activity. The amounts of DNA-labeled BrdU as well as calcein and ethidium homodimer-1 incorporated into the cells were quantified by flow cytometry (see Table 1). Proliferation of DCEF and MEF cells was affected similarly by both concentration and exposure time to Mitomycin-C, with the highest inhibition of DCEF cells occurring after treatment with 40 μg for 5 h (92% not replicating). Cell viability was influenced by both concentration and exposure time to Mitomycin-C, with the highest survival of DCEF cells occurring after exposure to 30 μg for 5 h (90%) and in MEF cells after exposure to 40 μg for 2.5 h (88% viable). In summary, these results indicate that cell proliferation of DCEF can be inhibited by Mitomycin-C, but a higher dosage and longer exposure time should be considered for use compared to the dosage commonly employed for inhibiting cell proliferation of MEF. High concentrations of Mitomycin-C did not significantly increase cytotoxicity of cells in either species. Table 1.
Annealing studyof self-ion-irradiated gold by proton channeling

Abstract The isochronal annealing of self-ion damage in gold, introduced at room temperature, was measured by the channeling-backscattering method. The results are compared with those obtained from transmission-electron microscope (TEM) observations on similar specimens. The temperature for the annealing stage was found to be 250°C, which agrees with the TEM results. The depth distribution of the bombardment damage is obtained from a single-scattering attenuation model of proton dechanneling at 200 keV. The damage profile has a maximum at 950 A which is a factor of 2.5 greater than predicted by amorphous energy-deposition theory. Throughout the observed annealing stage, one finds a regular decrease in defect concentration, with no anomalous changes in the defect profile.
Optical constants of monoclinic anisotropic crystals: Orthoclase

Abstract The optical constants of the monoclinic crystal orthoclase [ideal composition 4(KAlSi 3 O 8 )] have been derived in the i.r. region of the spectrum by the use of dispersion theory. Values for the E || b orientation and for the a — c plane have been used, together with a theory of the emittance of particulate materials, to simulate the spectrum of orthoclase powder.
Stimulating erythropoiesis increases complement receptor expression on primate erythrocytes

Erythrocyte complement receptors (CR) are unique to primates and play a role in the clearance of immune complexes from the circulation. Immune complex-mediated diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE) cause decreased erythrocyte CR levels, resulting in decreased capacity of the erythrocytes to bind immune complexes that form in the circulation. Thus, raising erythrocyte CR levels might benefit patients with immune complex-mediated diseases. Because young erythrocytes express more CR than old erythrocytes, increasing erythropoiesis should increase the average number of CR expressed per erythrocyte. The present study was undertaken to test that hypothesis. Erythropoiesis was stimulated in nine cynomolgus monkeys (CYN) by weekly phlebotomy (30% of blood volume was removed, erythrocytes were discarded, and leukocytes were returned to the animal) for 8 weeks. Sham phlebotomy (30% of blood removed, then all components returned to the animal) was carried out weekly in four additional CYN for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. Sham phlebotomy did not change any of the parameters measured. However, phlebotomy resulted in a progressive increase in the mean number of CR expressed per erythrocyte (CR/erythrocyte): 2780 ± 700 to 4230 ± 820, P < 0.0005. The increase in erythrocyte CR was first detected at about 2 weeks after the start of phlebotomy and was sustained through the course of phlebotomy. The increase in CR/erythrocyte included an increase in the percentage of erythrocyte expressing CR in clusters (37.9 ± 6.4 vs 50.8 ± 8.7%, P < 0.01) as demonstrated by a flow cytometry study of the binding of fluorescent beads coated with anti-CR1 antibody. No significant change in leukocyte or platelet counts were observed. We conclude that stimulating erythropoiesis causes an increase in CR/erythrocyte. The magnitude of the increase suggests that it could be biologically significant.
On informational nudging and control of payoff-based learning

Abstract We investigate a model of informational nudging in a context inspired by repeated games in traffic. Starting from a simple payoff–based learning model for an individual decision–maker (DM) choosing among multiple alternatives, we introduce a recommender who provides possibly misleading payoff information for unchosen options, so as to drive the DM's preferences to a desired equilibrium. This kind of white lie on the part of the recommender can be seen as an informational nudge in the sense of Thaler & Sunstein, and may thus arguably present some benefits over monetary incentive–based strategies for the purposes of planning. Considering the fluid limit of our simplified model, we show that the recommender can create (but not necessarily globally stabilize) any outcome he desires using constant lying strategies. We also identify a framing effect, in the sense that lies about the least favorable option has a different effect compared to lies on most favorable option.
Behavior of the decollement at the toe of the Middle America Trench

Seismic reflection data from three areas of the Middle America Trench provide insights into the behavior of the decollement that separates subducted and offscraped sediment. The range of responses observed along this single subduction system provides clues as to how the decollement forms and is influenced by local conditions. The location of the decollement and whether or not the subducting basement topography influences the decollement are apparently controlled by the type and thickness of sediment in the trench. Where subducting basement topography and oceanic plate hemipelagic sediments are buried by sandy terrigenous turbidites, such as in the trench axis off Mexico, the decollement is localized near the base of the turbidite section. Subducting normal fault blocks in the oceanic crust control thrust ramps, and hanging wall anticlines form above the ramps.
Electron-capture mass spectrometry: recent advances.

Abstract Electron-capture (EC) is a sensitive and selective ionization technique for mass spectrometry (MS). In the most familiar form of EC, a susceptible analyte (electrophore) is detected after eluting from a gas chromatography (GC) column, where a low attomole detection limit for standards is routine. High-performance liquid chromatography can facilitate sample cleanup prior to detection by GC–EC-MS, but carryover and shifts in retention time for the “invisible” analyte can be difficulties. Solid-phase extraction avoids these difficulties, but the degree of cleanup and recovery can be problems. Alternative electrophoric derivatizing reagents are available to help deal with interferences, and new reagents such as “AMACE1” are emerging. Releasable forms of electrophores can be used as tags for labeling macromolecules, motivated by the desire to multiplex ligand-type assays. The conventional, gas-phase ion source for EC is not well-understood, especially the role of wall reactions. Using an electron monochromator to tune the electron energy adds to the selectivity and information provided by EC-MS. High-resolution and tandem EC-MS measurements are emerging. Electron-capture dissociation is a new technique to sequence small- to medium-sized peptides, having the advantage of providing more extensive sequence information relative to other MS techniques. Particle-beam EC-MS tends to be less sensitive than GC–EC-MS, but not always. Recently it was demonstrated that EC-MS can be accomplished on an ordinary laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer, and also by using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Two applications are discussed here in detail: bile acids and oxidized phenylalanine. EC-MS is well-established as a useful technique for trace analysis in special cases, and the scope of its usefulness is broadening (qualitative analysis and detection of more polar and larger molecules), based on advances in both the chemical and instrumental aspects of this technique.
Interpersonal therapy for bulimia nervosa

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) has been identified as an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa that does not focus on bulimic symptoms. Rather, a detailed assessment culminating in an "interpersonal inventory" identifies core associated interpersonal problem(s) that become the focus of treatment. For that reason, IPT may be particularly helpful for clients who have become "stuck" in their eating disorder for reasons associated with problematic relationships. IPT is also helpful for clients who may benefit from a therapy that offers some structure, focus, and containment without clear behavioral directives. This article describes the theoretical background, structure, and technical aspects of IPT and presents a bulimia nervosa case in which IPT was used effectively, in part due to a "goodness of fit" between the issues presented by this particular client and the treatment model. The case also illustrates IPT's approach to handling resistance and therapist/client relationship issues.
Relationship of elevated palmitate to soybean seed traits

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil with elevated palmitate content may be useful for producing solid fat at room temperature without hydrogenation. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between elevated palmitate and soybean seed traits. A total of 92 soybean cultivars and lines with palmitate contents ranging from 103 to 427 g kg -1 were evaluated in a randomized complete-block design with two replications at each of three Iowa locations in 1997. Seed from each plot was analyzed for protein, oil, palmitate, stearate, oleate, linoleate, and linolenate contents. The phenotypic correlations were significant (P 400 g kg -1 palmitate had protein contents equal to conventional cultivars, but their oil contents were reduced by more than 30 g kg -1 . None of the lines with >400 g ka -1 had oleate, linoleate, or linolenate contents equal to conventional cultivars. These relationships will influence the feasibility of developing soybean cultivars with elevated palmitate content that are acceptable for other seed components.
Gene ancestry of the cannabinoid receptor family.

Abstract Genome sequencing projects, and their available resources, have revealed two distinct genes encoding cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Biochemical evidence in support of a third cannabinoid receptor includes signal transduction events and vasodilation in the vasculature of cannabinoid receptor knockout mice after exposure to the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide. In addition, a nonpsychoactive ingredient in marijuana, abnormal cannabidiol, which does not activate the two characterized cannabinoid receptor homologues, has been shown to induce vasodilation in the endothelium. Our work distinguishes the biochemical differences by way of a phylogenetic analysis of cannabinoid receptors. Recently a putative orthologue to CB1 and CB2 has been identified in the urochordate, Ciona intestinalis, indicating the presence of cannabinoid receptors previous to the evolution of vertebrates. Moreover, the Ciona sequence shares equal identity to both cannabinoid paralogous sequences and no other GPCR sequence identified in an exhaustive database search is as similar. We propose that, although an alternate cannabinergic-activating pathway may be present, it does not include a GPCR (or other receptor type) phylogenetically related to the CB1/CB2 Ciona lineage.
Synthesis of Crustal Seismic Structure and Implications for the Concept of a Slab Gap beneath Coastal California

Compilation of seismic transects across the central and northern California Coast Ranges provides evidence for the widespread tectonic emplacement beneath the margin of a slab of partially subducted oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic crust of this lithosphere can be traced landward from the former convergent margin (fossil trench), beneath the Coast Ranges, to at least as far east as the Coast Range/Great Valley boundary. Comparison of measured shear and compressional wave velocities in the middle crust beneath the Hayward fault with laboratory measurements suggests that the middle crust is a diabase (oceanic crust). Both of these observations are consistent with recent models of the high heat flow and age progression of Neogene volcanism along the Coast Ranges based on tectonic emplacement (stalling) of young, hot oceanic lithosphere beneath the margin, but appear to contradict the major predictions of the slab-gap or asthenospheric-window model. Finally, the Neogene volcanism and major strike-slip faults ...
Near-Critical Behavior of Mutual Diffusion Coefficients for Five Solutes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The Taylor−Aris dispersion technique was employed to measure the binary diffusion coefficients of five solid solutes (phenanthrene, biphenyl, benzoic acid, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and phenol) in supercritical carbon dioxide within the pressure range from 75 to 170 bar at 308.2 K. Measurements were made at very dilute concentrations, in the vicinity of the pure CO2 critical point and also near the solid/supercritical fluid lower critical end point. At 308.2 K (4 K above the critical temperature of the solvent), decreasing the pressure (density) of the fluid causes the binary diffusion coefficients to increase until a certain pressure is reached. With further decreases in pressure, approaching the critical pressure of CO2, the diffusion coefficients decrease sharply. The decrease in diffusion coefficient near the solvent critical point is discussed using the concept of the solvent density inhomogeneities in supercritical fluids. A crossover theory that considers both the critical singular contribution and back...
The spectrum of neurological disease in patients with systemic cancer

To ascertain the range of neurological problems in patients with systemic cancer, we prospectively evaluated neurological symptoms, neurological diagnoses, and primary tumors in all patients with a history of systemic cancer examined by the Department of Neurology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, from Jul 1, 1990, to Dec 31, 1990. Of the 815 patients seen for neurological symptoms, less than half (45.2%) had metastatic involvement of the nervous system. The three most common symptoms were back pain (18.2%), altered mental status (17.1%), and headache (15.4%). The most common neurological diagnosis was brain metastasis (15.9%), followed by metabolic encephalopathy (10.2%), pain associated with bone metastases only (9.9%), and epidural extension or metastasis of tumor (8.4%). Of 133 patients with undiagnosed back or neck pain, 44 (33%) had epidural extension or metastases from tumor and 40 (30%) had pain associated with vertebral metastases only. In 15 (11%) the cause for the back pain was unrelated to metastatic disease. Of 132 patients seen on initial consultation for altered mental status, metabolic encephalopathy was the major neurological diagnosis (80; 61%); 20 (15%) had intracranial metastases. Of 97 patients with undiagnosed headache, 59 (61%) had a nonstructural cause. Fifty-three of these patients had either migraine, tension headache, or headache related to systemic illness (e.g., fever, sepsis). These results indicate that even in patients with systemic cancer, a group particularly prone to developing neurological disease that can be diagnosed radiologically, the role of clinicians remains important in helping distinguish noncancer-related and nonmetastatic neurological problems.
Pre- and post-1987 crash frequency domain analysis among Pacific Rim equity markets

Abstract This paper uses the method of cross spectral analysis to examine pre- and post-1987 crash comovements among several Pacific Rim markets. The results support increased post-crash comovements among the markets. Each of the pairwise median coherences was greater in the post-crash period. The same is true for the post-crash mean coherences, with one exception. The nonparametric Wilcoxon Z statistics indicate that the pre- and post-crash coherences were drawn from different populations in seven of the eight pairwise market comparisons. Phase lead results indicate that the post-crash phase leads in four of the eight pairwise comparisons were smaller than in the pre-crash period, while post-crash phase leads did not fall in any of the market comparisons.
Central and regional hemodynamic effects of intravenous isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin and nitroprusside in patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract A triple crossover random design was used to compare the central and regional hemodynamic effects of intravenous isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin and nitroprusside in 10 patients with low output congestive heart failure. Isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin were infused in dose increments of 0.8 μg/kg body weight per min up to 4.0 μg/kg per min and nitroprusside in increments of 0.4 μg/kg per min up to 2.0 μg/kg per min. The central and regional hemodynamic responses of isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin were similar;both effected a 10 to 35 percent reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, systemic blood pressure and vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance with a 7 to 22 percent increase in stroke volume and cardiac output. Nitroprusside elicited a similar decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a greater reduction (15 to 45 percent) in systemic blood pressure and resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance and greater augmentation of stroke volume and cardiac output (20 to 40 percent). Arterial oxygen saturation remained unchanged with isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin and decreased slightly with nitroprusside. None of the drugs altered total body oxygen consumption. All three drugs decreased limb vascular resistance and elevated limb blood flow proportional to the degree of change in systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output. Isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin did not alter renal vascular resistance, so that a mild reduction in renal blood flow was noted as systemic blood pressure decreased. Nitroprusside decreased renal vascular resistance; however, the concomitant decrease in arterial pressure resulted in no net change in renal blood flow. None of the three drugs altered hepatic blood flow or vascular resistance. In low output congestive heart failure, these three drugs effect similar responses in preload, nitroprusside causing a greater change in afterload. Preferential vasodilation of regional vascular beds was noted with limb flow greater than hepatic and renal flow with isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin and limb flow much greater than renal and greater than hepatic flow with nitroprusside.
Polyphenol-Stabilized Tubular Elastin Scaffolds for Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts

Tissue-engineered vascular grafts require elastic, acellular porous scaffolds with controlled biodegradability and properties matching those of natural arteries. Elastin would be a desirable component for such applications, but elastin does not easily regenerate experimentally. Our approach is to develop tubular elastin scaffolds using decellularization and removal of collagen from porcine carotid arteries ( approximately 5 mm diameter) using alkaline extraction. Because elastin is susceptible to rapid degeneration after implantation, scaffolds were further treated with penta-galloyl glucose (PGG), an established polyphenolic elastin-stabilizing agent. Scaffolds were compared in vitro with detergent-decellularized arteries for structure, composition, resistance to degradation, mechanical properties, and cytotoxicity and in vivo for cell infiltration and remodeling potential. Results showed effective decellularization and almost complete collagen removal by alkaline extraction. PGG-treated elastin scaffolds proved to be resistant to elastase digestion in vitro, maintained their cylindrical shapes, showed high resistance to burst pressures, and supported growth of endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In vivo results showed that PGG treatment reduced the rate of elastin biodegradation and controlled cell infiltration but did not hamper new collagen and proteoglycan deposition and secretion of matrix-degrading proteases. Alkali-purified, PGG-treated tubular arterial elastin scaffolds exhibit many desirable properties to be recommended for clinical applications as vascular grafts.
FR167653 reduces obliterative airway disease in rats.

Background Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is the main cause of late mortality among long-term survivors of lung transplantation. Although p38 kinase is functional in multiple acute inflammatory injury models, its role in chronic lung rejection is undefined. p38 regulates the expression of the cytokines tumor necrosis (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, 2 mediators involved in the development of OB in a tracheal transplant model. These studies assessed whether specific inhibition of p38 with FR167653 (FR) protects against the development of OB in rat tracheal allografts. Methods Rat airways were heterotopically transplanted from Brown-Norway donors into Lewis recipients, and animals were sacrificed on day 14 (6 per group). Treated animals received 10 mg/kg daily of FR intraperitoneally beginning either immediately or at day 7 after transplant. Allografts were assessed by computerized morphometry, and tracheas were processed for TNF-α mRNA and protein expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays evaluated nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB) transactivation. Results Control allografts averaged 61% occlusion and 98% loss of epithelium at 14 days, whereas FR administration reduced luminal occlusion to 28% ( p p p p Conclusions A specific p38 inhibitor, FR 167653, ameliorates obliterative airway disease in rat tracheal allografts via attenuated NFκB transactivation, which ultimately results in diminished TNF-α mRNA and protein expression.
Effects of Twenty-First-Century Climate Change on the Amazon Rain Forest

Abstract A regional atmospheric model with 60-km resolution is asynchronously coupled with a potential vegetation model to study the implications of twenty-first-century climate change for the tropical and subtropical climate and vegetation of South America. The coupled model produces an accurate simulation of the present day climate and vegetation. Future climate is simulated by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels to 757 ppmv and imposing lateral and surface boundary conditions derived from a GCM simulation for 2081–2100 from the Canadian Climate Center GCM. The coupled regional model simulation projects a 70% reduction in the extent of the Amazon rain forest by the end of the twenty-first century and a large eastward expansion of the caatinga vegetation that is prominent in the Nordeste region of Brazil today. These changes in vegetation are related to reductions in annual mean rainfall and a modification of the seasonal cycle that are associated with a weakening of tropical circulation systems.
Glutathione-dependent protection against oxidative injury.

Functions of GSH in detoxication during radical-induced injury in specific pathological and toxicological conditions are discussed. GSH protects against oxidative damage in systems that scavenge radicals, eliminate lipid peroxidation products, preserve thiol-disulfide status of proteins, and repair oxidant damage. Several factors which affect cellular GSH homeostasis can affect these functions, including nutritional status, hypoxia and pharmacological intervention. Evidence from a variety of pathological and toxicological conditions, e.g. ischemia-reperfusion injury, chemically induced oxidative injury, radiation damage, aging, and degenerative diseases, indicate that GSH is a primary component of physiological systems to protect against oxidant and free-radical-mediated cell injury.
Behavior of Materials in Space Environments

The quantitative effects of the environments encountered in various regions of space upon several kinds of engineering materials are discussed. In the vacuum of space, magnesium sublimes appreciably at elevated service temperatures; zinc and cadmium sublime at ordinary temperatures. Most other engineering metals will be unaffected by vacuum except for a slight surface roughening. Among the organics, polysulfides, cellulosics, acrylics, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, and some nylons, polyesters, epoxys, polyurethanes, and alkyds break down at rather low temperatures in vacuum. Polyethylene, polypropylene, most fluorocarbons, and silicone resins do not decompose significantly in vacuum below 250 deg C. Except for plasticized materials, significant loss of engineering properties in vacuum is unlikely without appreciable accompanying sublimation or decomposition. Also, escape of gases through walls which are gas-tight at l atmosphere will not be of concern. For parts intended to move in contact eith each other in vacuum, lubrication is a serious problem. Certain low vapor pressure oils and greases, tetrafluoroethylene, and thin films of MoS/sub 2/, Au, and Ag can probably provide adequate lubrication when suitably selected for the speeds, loads, and times of service. The particles of the Earth's radiation belts will cause radiation damage to organics and to optical properties ofmore » inorganic insulators. Semiconductors will be damaged in the inner belt; their more sensitive properties will also be affected by solar flare emissions. Exposed surfaces of most materials may be damaged by the radiation belts and perhaps by solar charged particle emissions. Optical properties of exposed polymers and ceramics will also be affected by solar ultraviolet and x rays. Sputtering away of material by collision with ions or atoms in space is probably negligible. Erosion by meteoroids is significant only close to the Earth. The probability of penetration by meteoroids falls sharply with increasing distance from Earth. Much more frequent than penetration is spalling of fragments from the inside of walls struck by meteoroids. The efficiency of walls in preventing penetration and spalling can be increased by splitting the walls into a thin front plate and a thicker main plate; quantitative bases for the design of such spaced armor are presented. (auth)« less
Triangulation based Range Sensor Design

The specification and design of structured light triangulation systems are discussed. Custom optical systems for optimal illumination and signal detection are described. In addition to general concepts that are applicable to all triangulation sensors, several special cases are examined. In particular, the effects of surface roughness on measurement accuracy and the problems of long range triangulation are discussed.
Detecting cervical softness with shear wave speed estimation

Cervical remodeling begins early and the cervix progressively softens throughout pregnancy. Premature changes may be associated with preterm birth, but there is currently no clinical objective method for assessing the softness of the cervix. Shear wave speed estimation is a noninvasive technique to evaluate tissue mechanical properties. The goal of this study is to determine the discriminatory ability of shear wave speed estimation to detect differences between ripened/softened and unripened cervix samples. Hysterectomy samples (n = 22), a subset of which were ripened (n = 13), were collected from non-pregnant women. The samples were scanned with a 9L4 linear array transducer after excision parallel to the endocervical canal at the mid position along the length of the canal on both anterior and posterior halves. T-tests and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used to analyze the performance of SWS estimates. The SWS estimates for the unripened group at the mid position were 3.45±0.95 m/s (anterior) and 3.56±0.92 m/s (posterior), and 2.11±0.45 m/s (anterior) and 2.68±0.57m/s (posterior) for the ripened (p<;0.001). The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) were 0.91 for anterior and 0.84 for posterior. Our results suggest that shear wave speed estimation may be a potential research and diagnostic tool for quantification of cervical stiffness/softness.
Quantification of Fatty Acids in Forages by Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a possible alternative to gas chromatography (GC) for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids in forages. Herbage samples from 11 greenhouse-grown forage species (grasses, legumes, and forbs) were collected at three stages of growth. Samples were freeze-dried, ground, and analyzed by GC and NIRS techniques. Half of the 195 samples were used to develop an NIRS calibration file for each of eight fatty acids, with the remaining half used as a validation data set. Spectral data, collected over a wavelength range of 1100-2498 nm, were regressed against GC data to develop calibration equations for lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), and alpha-linolenic (C18:3) acids. Calibration equations had high coefficients of determination for calibration (0.93-0.99) and cross-validation (0.89-0.98), and standard errors of calibration and cross-validation were 3.0 for all fatty acids except C12:0 (2.6) and C14:0 (2.9). Validation statistics indicate that NIRS has high prediction ability for fatty acids in forages. Calibration equations developed using data for all plant materials accurately predicted concentrations of C16:0, C18:2, and C18:3 in individual plant species. Accuracy of prediction was less, but acceptable, for fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0, C18:0, C16:1, and C18:1) that were less prevalent.