cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Vibrational Spectra of α-Bromoacetaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal and Related Molecules

The complete vibrational spectra of α-bromoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal and α-bromoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal-d6 have been recorded on the pure liquids, and a tentative vibrational assignment has been proposed. The infrared spectra of both compounds in the crystal state have also been recorded at low temperatures. There is no apparent evidence of a conformational equilibrium in the liquid phase. The infrared spectra of three other acetals have been recorded, and the data from all of the compounds are discussed in terms of previously proposed group frequencies of acetals in both the infrared and Raman.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation–Assisted Grasp Training and Restoration of Function in the Tetraplegic Hand: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated the immediate effects of repetitive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)–assisted grasp-and-release activities on the hand of patients with tetraplegia. METHOD. Three participants with C-5–C-6 tetraplegia underwent grasp training with sequential application of NMES to wrist extensors, finger flexors, and finger extensors to assist participants in grasping and then releasing balls. Before the intervention, participants were assessed with the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test and the Box and Block Test. They were evaluated with the same measures after the first and eighth sessions of intervention. Participants participated in eight 30-min sessions over 14 days. RESULTS. Within-participant improvements in performance were observed in all outcome measures. Subtests of the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test requiring grasping function showed the greatest improvements. Participants reported reduction of spasticity and more effective grasp. CONCLUSION. NMES-assisted grasp paired with repetitive task practice resulted in improved performance on functional tests and subjectively improved hand function in the participants.
What time travelers cannot not do (but are responsible for anyway)

The Principle of Alternative Possibilities is the intuitive idea that someone is morally responsible for an action only if she could have done otherwise. Harry Frankfurt has famously presented putative counterexamples to this intuitive principle. In this paper, I formulate a simple version of the Principle of Alternative Possibilities that invokes a course-grained notion of actions. After warming up with a Frankfurt-Style Counterexample to this principle, I introduce a new kind of counterexample based on the possibility of time travel. At the end of the paper, I formulate a more sophisticated version of the Principle of Alternative Possibilities that invokes a certain fine grained notion of actions. I then explain how this new kind of counterexample can be augmented to show that even the more sophisticated principle is false.
The relationship between the Hardiness Test and the Personal Orientation Inventory

Abstract The purpose of this study was to establish the construct validity of the Hardiness Test as a measure of general mental health. Two scales of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), Time Competence and Inner Directedness, were compared to the overall score on the Hardiness Test as well as three subscales: commitment, control, and challenge. A heterogeneous sample of 42 women completed the two tests anonymously. There was a significant positive relationship between the overall hardiness score and the subscale, challenge, with Time Competence, with challenge contributing most to this relationship. Therefore, it may be concluded that both the Hardiness Test and the POI are measuring some similar aspects of the healthy personality.
Brain ischemia markedly elevates levels of the neurotoxic amino acid, cysteine

The mechanisms underlying cell damage in stroke or during experimental brain ischemia are not fully understood. L-Cysteine, an excitotoxic amino acid that could contribute to tissue damage, is normally found in relatively low levels in brain (ca. 0.05 mumol/g), compared to the cysteine-containing tripeptide, glutathione (GSH, ca. 1.5 mumol/g). We have observed that during brain ischemia in gerbils, levels of cysteine rise 10-13-fold over an 8 h period to 0.66 and 0.62 mumol/g, respectively, in the ischemic hippocampus and striatum. At the same time, levels of GSH fall by 0.84 and 0.94 mumol/g, respectively. The elevated free cysteine may be derived largely from GSH. The levels of cysteine found in ischemic brain are similar to those reported after parenteral administration of neurotoxic doses of L-cysteine to perinatal rats. The remarkable increase in cysteine during brain ischemia, coupled to its neurotoxic properties, may play a role in aspects of brain damage during or following brain ischemia.
Contributions of multi‐view angle remote sensing to land‐surface and biogeochemical research

Land‐surface and biogeochemical research is growing in its dependence upon quantitative vegetation structural and functional information from remote sensing. Multiple view angle (MVA) remote sensing has rapidly evolved from a few modeling and measurement efforts to operational algorithms and spaceborne instruments capable of analyzing the information contained in the angular reflectance signature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The shape of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of vegetation and atmospheric constituents is most sensitive to the orientation and location of the photon scatterers in 3‐dimensional space (e.g., foliage at canopy and landscape scales). Early evidence indicates that MVA measurements will contribute the most to land‐surface and biogeochemical research efforts: (1) by providing unique information on changes in the spatial distribution of the scatterers (e.g., foliage) associated with vegetation structural changes that result from disturbance such as lan...
SIMION modeling of ion optical effects in Cameca ion microanalyzers: Simulation of ion transmission losses

A 3D ion optical simulation of the Cameca IMS 3f/4f has been built using the SIMION modeling program and has been combined with a Monte Carlo method to generate initial secondary ion energy and angular distributions. The potential of this modeling system has been demonstrated by evaluating ion transmission losses in the IMS 3f/4f.
Consequences of space dependence of effective mass in quantum wires

Abstract The space dependence of the effective mass in quantum wires results in the appearance of an additional momentum-dependent potential. If the effective mass is anisotropic (as in silicon or germanium), this effect strongly depends on the transverse mass for a given sub-band. As an example, we consider Si–Ge p-type quantum wires, where the impact ionization by holes should be determined by the impact ionization rates in silicon and not in SiGe.
Raman spectrometry and neural networks for the classification of wood types. 2. Kohonen self-organizing maps

Abstract One- and two-dimensional Kohonen self-organizing maps (SOMs) were successfully used for the unsupervised differentiation of the Fourier transform Raman spectra of hardwoods from softwoods. The SOMs were also applied to differentiate temperate woods from tropical woods, and results showed that the two types of woods could only be partly differentiated. A semi-quantitative method that is based on the Euclidean distances of the weight matrix has been developed to assist the automatic clustering of the neurons in a two-dimensional SOM.
Epigenetics of the depressed brain: role of histone acetylation and methylation.

Major depressive disorder is a chronic, remitting syndrome involving widely distributed circuits in the brain. Stable alterations in gene expression that contribute to structural and functional changes in multiple brain regions are implicated in the heterogeneity and pathogenesis of the illness. Epigenetic events that alter chromatin structure to regulate programs of gene expression have been associated with depression-related behavior, antidepressant action, and resistance to depression or ‘resilience' in animal models, with increasing evidence for similar mechanisms occurring in postmortem brains of depressed humans. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic contributions to depression, in particular the role of histone acetylation and methylation, which are revealing novel mechanistic insight into the syndrome that may aid in the development of novel targets for depression treatment.
Statistical Comparison of Multiple Methods for the Determination of Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Natural Waters

The following experiment reinforces students’ working knowledge of statistics by utilizing the t test to compare the results of two independent methods for the determination of dissolved oxygen (DO). In this experiment students utilize a dissolved oxygen probe to determine the levels of DO in natural waters at two sampling locations while obtaining samples of water from the laboratory for analysis using the classic Winkler titration. The importance of using proper sampling methods and techniques to obtain representative samkples is a large focus of the prelaboratory discussion and is continually stressed during fieldwork. After analyzing the water samples by the DO mete and the Winkler titration, students pool the class data and are asked to determine if the two methods for dissolved oxygen agree at each sampling location. The students are then asked to determine if the DO levels at the different sampling locations are statistically different or not. The students are asked to consider why their results agree or differ from the theoretical value they calculate using Henry’s law.
Corn and Barley Mixtures in Finishing Steer Diets Containing Potato Process Residue

(...) Steers were fed once daily in pens of nine head each with three pens per dietary treatment. Diets were formulated to contain 65% grain, 8% corn silage, 8% alfalfa hay, 14% potato process residue, and 5% supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis. In Trial 1, steam-rolled grain treatments were: 100% corn; 67% corn, 33% barley; 33% corn, 67% barley; and 100% barley as a percentage of the dietary grain DM. In Trial 2, grain treatments were: 100% high moisture corn (HMC); 67% HMC, 33% barley; 33% HMC, 67% barley; 100% barley; 50% barley, 50% dry rolled corn (50: 50); 100% dry rolled corn (DC); and 100% steam-rolled corn as a percentage of the dietary grain DM. (...)
Assessment of the Effect of Microstructure on the Magnetic Behavior of Structural Carbon Steels Using an Electromagnetic Sensor

The magnetic properties of four carbon steels were evaluated using an electromagnetic sensor and correlated with their microstructures. Their composition, microstructure features (such as ferrite volume fraction, grain size, inclusions, etc), and hardness were compared with their saturated magnetic flux density, retentivity, and coercivity. The four steel rods used in this study were hot-rolled AISI 1010, AISI 1018, AISI 1045, and AISI 1045-high manganese/“stress proof.” The results show that microstructures have a notable effect on the magnetic properties of the steels. In addition, the effect of variations in cross-section area of the steel rods on the magnetic response was investigated. The steel rods diameters were systematically reduced by machining and then magnetically evaluated. Consistent relationships between metallurgical characteristics of the structural carbon steels and their magnetic properties measured with the electromagnetic sensor were obtained. In addition, the sensor was found to be able to detect changes in magnetic properties due to variations in cross-section area. These results reveal that the electromagnetic sensor has the potential to be used as a reliable nondestructive tool to detect and monitor microstructural and morphological changes occurring during the different stages of steel manufacturing or alterations caused by a degradation mechanism.
Acetone Extracted Cottonseed Meals Without Catty Odors

Dclintered cottonseed was hulled and flaked. Moisture-adjusted cooked and uncooked samples were either dried or left undried, and all samples were then Soxhlet-extracted with acetone for five hours and desolventized. Sensory testing of gruels prepared from the meals indicated that if free moisture was not present during acetone extraction, catty odors were not found in extracted meals. Gas chromatographic analyses of acetone extracted meals showed concentrations of 0.3 ppm mesityl oxide and 0.7 ppm diacetone alcohol, believed to be catty odor precursors, in a catty-odorless meal, whereas concentrations of 1.6 ppm and 0.8 ppm, respectively, were found in a product with a catty odor.
Short-term effects of salpingectomy during laparoscopic hysterectomy on ovarian reserve: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective To examine the short-term effects of salpingectomy during laparoscopic hysterectomy on ovarian reserve when ovarian preservation is planned in view of determining the feasibility of conducting the study on a larger scale. Design Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary care, academic medical center. Patient(s) Thirty premenopausal women aged 18 to 45 years undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian preservation for benign indications from April 2012 to September 2012. Intervention(s) Bilateral salpingectomy (n = 15) versus no salpingectomy (n = 15) at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian preservation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Antimullerian hormone (AMH) measured preoperatively, at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, with operative time and estimated blood loss abstracted from the medical records. Result(s) The mean AMH levels were not statistically significantly different at baseline (2.26 vs. 2.25 ng/ml), 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively (1.03 vs. 1.25 ng/ml), or 3 months postoperatively (1.86 vs. 1.82 ng/ml) among women with salpingectomy versus no salpingectomy, respectively. There was also no statistically significant temporal change in the mean AMH level from baseline to 3 months postoperatively (−0.07 vs. −0.08 ng/ml) between the two groups. No difference in operative time (116 vs. 115 minutes) or estimated blood loss (70 vs. 91 mL) was observed. Conclusion(s) Salpingectomy at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian preservation is a safe procedure that does not appear to have any short-term deleterious effects on ovarian reserve, as measured by AMH level. Conducting a trial of this nature that is adequately powered with long-term follow-up evaluation would be feasible and is required to definitively confirm these results. Clinical Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01578759.
Note on two clustering algorithms for relational network data

In this note we describe and compare two fuzzy clustering algorithms based on optimizing penalty functions of relational data. More specifically, the AP algorithm of Windham is contrasted to the relational fuzzy c-means approach through a numerical example on a small artificial data set defined by Windham. Our results indicate that while the two algorithms seem to cluster objects using very different mathematical criteria, the numerical results can be quite similar. However, a second numerical example using a slightly distorted version of Windham's data seems to exhibit real differences between clusterings obtained by the two approaches. We discuss possible reasons for this, and pose some questions for further research.
Magnesium tolerance of the growing and laying chicken.

Synopsis The effects of various levels of magnesium in growing and laying rations on growth and laying performance were studied. Levels of magnesium in the growing and laying rations were 0.36, 0.59, 1.06 and 1.83 per cent and 0.48, 0.70, 1.20 and 1.96 per cent respectively. Only the growing ration containing 1.83 per cent magnesium significantly reduced growth, percentage bone ash and food utilisation during the growing phase (9–20 weeks). In the laying phase (20–40 weeks) significantly greater gains in body weight and percentage bone ash were produced by the birds which had received the growing ration containing 1.83 per cent magnesium. The magnesium content of the growing rations had no effect on rate of lay, egg weight or egg shell thickness. Hens fed the laying ration containing 1.96 per cent magnesium gained less body weight, laid fewer and lighter eggs and utilised their food less efficiently than those fed other levels of magnesium. Egg production and food required per dozen eggs were poorer with ...
Calculated Saturation Curves and Ion Densities of Ionization Chambers

Design criteria are established for parallel plate, cylindrical and spherical air-filled ionization chambers that are used in radiation protection and other applications at rates from 0.01 to 1000 rad/h. The saturation curves and design parameters were determined from numerical solutions of the Thomson equations. Ion recombination and space charge effects were taken into account. The calculations were carried out to low percentages of saturation values and the current densities in such cases were found to behave in a Heaviside fashion at the plates.
Directional Emittance of a Two-Dimensional Ceramic Coating

variation between some of the measured and calculated data; therefore, the results are used only to establish the general range of optical conditions used in this directional emittance study. The geometry considered is that of a semi-infinite slab that absorbs, emits, and scatters thermal radiation. Isotropic scattering is assumed, and the effects of multiple scattering are included. The scattering centers may be either voids or particles suspended in the solid matrix. The method of analysis is similar to Ref. 2 with the addition of Fresnel reflections at the boundaries. Monte Carlo techniques are used to obtain the solutions for the directional emittance. The application of Monte Carlo methods in the analysis of coatings is not new. References 3 and 4 both used statistical approaches to determine optical characteristics of pigmented coatings. Both approaches, however, are concerned with infinite coating geometries. No previous solution for the directional emittance of a two-dimensiona l coating considering Fresnel reflectivities at the boundaries has been published. This study is intended to show the effects of optical thickness, refractive index, and scattering albedo on the directional emittance of a ceramic coating.
Real-time computed optical interferometric tomography

High-resolution tomography is of great importance to many areas of biomedical imaging, but with it comes several apparent tradeoffs such as a narrowing depth-of-field and increasing optical aberrations. Overcoming these challenges has attracted many hardware and computational solutions. Hardware solutions, though, can become bulky or expensive and computational approaches can require high computing power or large processing times. This study demonstrates memory efficient implementations of interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy (ISAM) and computational adaptive optics (CAO) – two computational approaches for overcoming the depthof- field limitation and the effect of optical aberrations in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Traditionally requiring lengthy post processing, here we report implementations of ISAM and CAO on a single GPU for real-time in vivo imaging. Real-time, camera-limited ISAM processing enabled reliable acquisition of stable data for in vivo imaging, and CAO processing on the same GPU is shown to quickly correct static aberrations. These algorithmic advances hold the promise for high-resolution volumetric imaging in time-sensitive situations as well as enabling aberrationfree cellular-level volumetric tomography.
Two-way cross-reactions between serotypes of Actinomyces viscosus.

Abstract Three antigen preparations were obtained from cultures of A. viscosus Serotypes 1 and 2. Ammonium sulphate (60 per cent w/v) and acetone precipitates were obtained from cellfree culture supernatants of late-log phase cultures of each organism. The third preparation consisted of the supernatant obtained after homogenization of late-log phase cells of each organism. Immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis using rabbit antisera to each serotype were used to identify the soluble antigens present in each preparation. Ammonium sulphate preparations proved to be the most reproducible and contained the greatest number of identifiable antigens. Homologous and cross-reacting antigens were identified and two-way cross-reactions were observed between the serotypes.
Exchange-rate risk and UK-China trade: evidence from 47 industries

Purpose – Recent years have seen a rapid expansion of studies that examine the effects of exchange-rate risk on bilateral exports and imports for specific industries. Since the underlying theory is ambiguous, each case must be studied individually. This paper considers British trade with China, for 47 types of product, over the period from 1978 to 2010. Consistent with the underlying theory, cointegration analysis shows that most industries register no effect due to volatility in the long run, while some trade flows are reduced and a handful are even increased. An analysis of industry characteristics suggests that while the type of good might play little role on an industry's specific results, a product's trade share does. This is the case for UK imports of Chinese goods, perhaps because large Chinese exporters are able to successfully hedge against exchange-rate risk. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The method is based on bounds testing approach to cointegration and ...
Nip and tuck at the neuromuscular junction: A role for proteases in developmental synapse elimination

During late embryonic and early postnatal development, synaptic connections are extensively modified so that some functional connections are weakened and eliminated from a neural circuit while others are strengthened and maintained. The mechanisms that underlie synapse elimination are beginning to be understood from studies of the neuromuscular junction. A recent paper(1) provides some intriguing insights into the role proteases may play in the developmental disassembly of neuromuscular synapses.
A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing night splinting with no splinting after treatment of mallet finger

The effectiveness of night splinting after treatment of mallet finger is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in extensor lag between patients with mallet finger that wear a night splint for an additional month after 6 to 8 weeks of continuous splinting and patients that do not wear a night splint. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. At enrollment, range of motion was measured for the injured and contralateral uninjured finger. The follow-up was conducted approximately 4 weeks later in person (41 patients) or by phone (10 patients). Analysis was by intention to treat. There were no significant differences in final extensor lag between patients that did and did not receive a night splint. Among the 41 patients with a final in-person evaluation, the final average extensor lag was 14°, and 34 % (14 of 41 patients) had a lag of 20° or greater. Final extensor lag correlated significantly with age, enrollment distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) flexion and extensor lag, and final DIP flexion, with the latter two accounting for 28 % of the variation in final lag in the final multivariable model (p < 0.001). There were no differences in disability (p = 0.67) or treatment satisfaction (p = 0.48) between patients that did and did not use night splints. Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment. Patients with worse initial extensor lags should expect worse final lags; residual lags of 20° or greater are commonplace.
Organic and energetic content of eggs and juveniles of antarctic echinoids and asterids with lecithotrophic development

Abstract 1. 1. Egg diameters (mm) of the spatangoid echinoids Abatus shackletoni, Abatus nimrodi and the asteroids Notasterias armata, Diplasterias brucei, and Perknaster fuscus antarcticus were 1.28, 1.97, 3.54, 2.80 and 1.20, respectively. A. shackletoni, A. nimrodi, N. armata and D. brucei, brood their embryos to a juvenile stage; P. fuscus antarcticus apparently is a broadcast spawner with pelagic lecithotrophic larvae. 2. 2. Eggs were composed primarily of protein (33–53%) and lipid (36–59%). Juveniles had higher levels of insoluble protein and ash due to the formation of structural and skeletal material. 3. 3. There was little decrease in the amount of energy from egg to juvenile during development. This supports the hypothesis that large egg size in marine invertebrates with lecithotrophic development is more important in producing a large juvenile than in the provision of a large amount of energy for development. 4. 4. Comparisons of reproductive output and reproduotive effort in echinoderms with lecithotrophic development reveal a high degree of interspecific variability. 5. 5. This variability is related to the differential allocation of energy to somatic and gametic tissues based on differences in functional morphologies. 6. 6. Variable reproductive efforts in species with lecithotrophic development confound comparisons with species with planktotrophic development and make tests of energetic hypotheses for alternate life-history stategies in marine invertebrates difficult.
Protonmotive force in fermenting Streptococcus lactis 7962 in relation to sugar accumulation.

Summary The fluorescent probe 1,1′-dihexyl-2,2′-oxacarbocyanine was used to measure the membrane potential in fermenting Streptococcus lactis 7962 cells. To calibrate the fluorescence changes and the membrane potential, the decrease in fluorescence of this dye was measured in valinomycin-treated cells and related to the membrane potential calculated with the Nernst equation at various K+ ratios in/out. The membrane potential observed when cells ferment glucose or arginine was determined using such calibration curves. The proton-motive force during fermentation was calculated from the membrane potential and the pH gradient (measured by the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione). The values obtained for the proton-motive force were found to correlate directly with the thiomethyl-β-galactoside accumulation in glucose- or arginine-energized cells. These data are in accordance with the chemiosmotic view of coupling of metabolic energy to the active transport of nutrients via electrochemical proton gradients.
A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF CONJUGATE HEAT TRANSFER, VAPOR COMPRESSIBILITY, AND VISCOUS DISSIPATION IN HEAT PIPES

The effects of conjugate heat transfer, vapor compressibility, and viscous dissipation in heat pipes are discussed. The accuracy of the partially parabolic versus the elliptic presentation of the governing equations is also examined. The results show that the axial wall conduction has a tendency to make the temperature distribution more uniform for heat pipes with large ratios of pipe wall to effective liquid-wick thermal conductivity. The compressible and incompressible models show very close agreement for the total pressure drop, while the local pressure variations along the heat pipe are quite different for these two models when the radial Reynolds number at the interface is high.
The biological children of foster parents in the foster family

This paper derives from a study of 15 biological children of foster parents, ages 6–12. While foster children have quite properly been the subject of much investigation, practically no research has explored the reactions of the foster parents' own children to the fostering experience. Findings of the study and examples from interviews will be cited which point to the possibility that these children exhibit, among other things, separation anxiety and superego conflicts related to fostering. Certain differences between the reactions of the younger (ages 6–8) and the older (ages 9–12) children will be highlighted.
Variability in nutrient concentrations around Elephant Island, Antarctica, during 1991-1993

The nutrient status of the various water mass structures within a large sampling grid around Elephant Island are reported and the nutrient concentrations relative to jata from the physical and biological components of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Programme are discussed. Concentrations of silicic acid, nitrate and phosphate (Si/N/P) were measured in the upper water column during January-March of three successive years. Samples were taken from eleven depths at 17 stations in 1991, and at four depths at 144 stations in 1992 and 182 stations in 1993. There was considerable variability in the concentrations of all three nutrients within the study area, but silicic acid showed the greatest variance among the water masses present in the sampling grid. The ratios (Si/N/P) of the nutrient deficits (difference in winter and summer values) in the upper 100 m differed considerably in Drake Passage waters as compared to Bransfield Strait waters, with both nitrate and silicic acid showing the greatest variance. Nutrient deficits did not increase from January to February, indicating that rates of replenishment of nutrients to the euphotic zone by physical processes and/or biological regeneration were approximately equal to the rate of uptake and assimilation by phytoplankton during that time period. The seasonal deficits, however, were substantial. Estimates of daily rates of primary production based on these nutrient deficits were comparable to the rates as measured by radiocarbon for Drake Passage waters, but much smaller for Bransfield Strait waters.
Review of Pesticide Urinary Biomarker Measurements from Selected US EPA Children’s Observational Exposure Studies

Children are exposed to a wide variety of pesticides originating from both outdoor and indoor sources. Several studies were conducted or funded by the EPA over the past decade to investigate children’s exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides and the factors that impact their exposures. Urinary metabolite concentration measurements from these studies are consolidated here to identify trends, spatial and temporal patterns, and areas where further research is required. Namely, concentrations of the metabolites of chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol or TCPy), diazinon (2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol or IMP), and permethrin (3-phenoxybenzoic acid or 3-PBA) are presented. Information on the kinetic parameters describing absorption and elimination in humans is also presented to aid in interpretation. Metabolite concentrations varied more dramatically across studies for 3-PBA and IMP than for TCPy, with TCPy concentrations about an order of magnitude higher than the 3-PBA concentrations. Temporal variability was high for all metabolites with urinary 3-PBA concentrations slightly more consistent over time than the TCPy concentrations. Urinary biomarker levels provided only limited evidence of applications. The observed relationships between urinary metabolite levels and estimates of pesticide intake may be affected by differences in the contribution of each exposure route to total intake, which may vary with exposure intensity and across individuals.
In vitro efficacy and pharmacodynamic indices for antibiotics against coagulase-negative staphylococcus endophthalmitis isolates.

Purpose To compare pharmacodynamic indices and minimal inhibitory concentrations for vancomycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, linezolid, and combined quinupristin and dalfopristin for historic and current human coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) endophthalmitis isolates. Design Experimental study. Participants Fifty-nine CoNS endophthalmitis isolates retrieved from patients at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from 1993 through 2006. Methods Coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis isolates were recovered from the microbiology specimen bank, rehydrated, and processed for susceptibility testing using standard microbiological protocols. E tests were used to determine and compare mean inhibitory concentration for 50% of isolates (MIC 50 ) and mean inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates (MIC 90 ) values. Peak concentration (C max ) was defined as the maximum attainable aqueous concentration using topical or oral therapy, or both. The MIC 50 and MIC 90 values for each antibiotic are the minimum concentrations that inhibit 50% and 90% of CoNS endophthalmitis isolates, respectively. Significance was determined by the McNemar test. Pharmacodynamic indices (C max /MIC) were calculated using determined MIC values and published intraocular drug concentrations for topical and oral dosing. The pharmacodynamic index was defined as the achievable aqueous humor concentration of an antibiotic divided by the concentration of the antibiotic required to inhibit a specified percentage of microbiologic isolates. Main Outcome Measures Pharmacodynamic indices for new and conventional antibiotics. Results General in vitro susceptibility patterns in descending order were vancomycin (100%), linezolid (100%), quinupristin and dalfopristin (98%), moxifloxacin (48%), and gatifloxacin (47%). The corresponding MIC 50 and MIC 90 values were vancomycin, 2 μg/ml and 3 μg/ml, respectively; linezolid, 1 μg/ml and 4 μg/ml; quinupristin and dalfopristin, 0.25 μg/ml and 0.5 μg/ml; moxifloxacin, 0.75 μg/ml and ≥32 μg/ml; and gatifloxacin, 2 μg/ml and ≥32 μg/ml. Pharmacokinetic indices (C max /MIC 90 ) for topical dosing were all Conclusions Vancomycin, linezolid, and combined quinupristin and dalfopristin were more effective in vitro than fluoroquinolones against CoNS in the current study. Reported aqueous concentrations of the antibiotics used in this study failed to provide adequate coverage for 90% of the CoNS endophthalmitis isolates.
Whiplash Syndrome—An Overview

Whiplash syndrome is a disorder frequently seen with motor vehicle crashes. This article discusses the diagnosis, management and treatment guidelines for the whiplash associated syndrome. The mechanism of injury thought to produce the signs and symptoms of whiplash are discussed and a management algorithm is presented.
Isolation of nuclei and histones from roots of Vicia faba.

Abstract Vicia faba (broad bean) roots were grown in large quantities. Nuclei were isolated from the roots by a gum arabic method previously used on other plant tissues. The nuclei were shown by electron microscopy to be in undamaged condition. Histones were isolated and fractionated by a differential acid extraction procedure. These histones were characterized by gel electrophoresis and by amino acid analysis. A unique feature of Vicia histone is the presence of a novel amino acid in small quantities.
Selective esterase–ester pair for targeting small molecules with cellular specificity

Small molecules are important tools to measure and modulate intracellular signaling pathways. A longstanding limitation for using chemical compounds in complex tissues has been the inability to target bioactive small molecules to a specific cell class. Here, we describe a generalizable esterase–ester pair capable of targeted delivery of small molecules to living cells and tissue with cellular specificity. We used fluorogenic molecules to rapidly identify a small ester masking motif that is stable to endogenous esterases, but is efficiently removed by an exogenous esterase. This strategy allows facile targeting of dyes and drugs in complex biological environments to label specific cell types, illuminate gap junction connectivity, and pharmacologically perturb distinct subsets of cells. We expect this approach to have general utility for the specific delivery of many small molecules to defined cellular populations.
Reports from “Backstage” in Entertainment News

While “serious” news outlets struggle financially in the United States, evidence suggests that entertainment news coverage is thriving. By expanding upon Erving Goffman’s performance perspective and performance theory, this article seeks to illuminate representations of celebrities in the news media, with attention to the recent news stories regarding Tiger Woods and Sandra Bullock. The analysis also explores the off-screen performance of celebrities—developed and presented in news stories, interviews and photographs—and the repercussions when reports of a celebrity’s unmanaged backstage performance exposes the front stage performance as a pretense.
Ultrasonically determined fill pressure and density in closed spherical shells

Experiments have been conducted in which the D{sub 2} fill pressure has been determined for several closed millimeter-size aluminum and beryllium shells. The vibrational resonance frequency spectrum of the shells was used to calculate the sound velocity of the interior gas. This velocity, along with the equation-of-state, determined the gas pressure and density. The accuracy in determining the fill conditions is within 0.5% in both pressure and density for near critical density ({rho} {approx_gt} 9 mol/L) gas over a wide range of temperatures (190 K to 300 K). Reduced accuracy was apparent at low density. An attempt was made to determine the fill density of one shell by acoustic observation of the dew point temperature. While this temperature was recorded very accurately, the uncertainty in the saturated vapor density curve near the critical point yielded inaccurate results. These methods were shown to be unaffected by small deviations in the sphericity of the gas-filled cavity.
Low-density lipoprotein-mediated delivery of docosahexaenoic acid selectively kills murine liver cancer cells

Aim: The natural omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has recently been credited for possessing anticancer properties. Herein, we investigate the cytotoxic actions of DHA-loaded low-density lipoprotein (LDL) nanoparticles in normal and liver cancer cells. Materials & methods: LDL-DHA nanoparticles were prepared and subjected to extensive biophysical characterization. The therapeutic utility of LDL-DHA nanoparticles was evaluated in normal and malignant murine hepatocyte cell lines, TIB-73 and TIB-75, respectively. Results & discussion: The engineered LDL-DHA nanoparticles possessed enhanced physical and oxidative stabilities over native LDL and free DHA. Dose–response studies showed that therapeutic doses of LDL-DHA nanoparticles that completely killed TIB-75 were innocuous to TIB-73. The selective induction of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in the cancer cells was shown to play a central role in LDL-DHA nanoparticle-mediated cytotoxicity. Conclusion: In summary,...
Expected Shortest Paths for Landmark-Based Robot Navigation

In this paper we address the problem of planning reliable landmark-based robot navigation strategies in the presence of significant sensor uncertainty. The navigation environments are modeled with directed weighted graphs in which edges can be traversed with given probabilities. To construct robust and efficient navigation plans, we compute expected shortest paths in such graphs. We formulate the expected shortest paths problem as a Markov decision process and provide two algorithms for its solution. We demonstrate the practicality of our approach using an extensive experimental analysis using graphs with varying sizes and parameters.
Strategic use of forward contracts and capacity constraints

Abstract This paper analyzes the implications of forward markets under demand uncertainty when oligopolistic firms endogenously choose capacity levels. The paper shows that a forward market that occurs after the investment decision is committed does not increase social welfare if demand uncertainty is relatively small. This result is contradictory to Allaz and Vila (1993) findings that forward markets mitigate market power and enhance efficiency. However, a forward market improves social welfare if demand uncertainty is relatively large. The findings have important policy implications for capital-intensive industries where capacity expansion requires long lead time.
Deficiencies in Gut NK Cell Number and Function Precede Diabetes Onset in BB Rats

Defects in the intestinal immune system may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Intraepithelial lymphocytes represent a substantial fraction of gut-associated lymphocytes, but their function in mucosal immunity is unclear. A newly described population of NK cells that spontaneously secrete IL-4 and IFN-γ is present in the intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment of the rat. We hypothesized that defects in the number or function of these cells would be present in rats susceptible to autoimmunity. We report that the number of NKR-P1A + CD3 − intraepithelial NK (IENK) cells is deficient before onset of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in diabetes-prone BB (BBDP) rats. The absolute number of recoverable IENK cells was only ∼8% of that observed in WF rats. Bone marrow transplantation from histocompatible WF donors reversed the IENK cell deficiency (and prevented diabetes) in these animals, suggesting a hemopoietic origin for their IENK cell defect. Analysis of diabetes-resistant BB rats, which develop autoimmune diabetes only after perturbation of the immune system, revealed IENK cell numbers intermediate between that of BBDP and WF rats. IENK cells were selectively depleted during treatment to induce diabetes. Prediabetic BBDP and diabetes-resistant BB animals also exhibited defective IENK cell function, including decreased NK cell cytotoxicity and reduced secretion of IL-4 and IFN-γ. IENK functional defects were also observed in LEW and BN rats, which are susceptible to induced autoimmunity, but not in WF, DA, or F344 rats, which are resistant. Defects in IENK cell number and function may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes.
Supply Chain Governance: A Case of Cross Dock Management in the Automotive Industry

This research examines the ability of transaction cost economics and resource-based view constructs to explain a firm's decision to either develop a service capability internally or purchase the same service externally. This research objective is accomplished via the examination of two case studies that demonstrate two contrasting approaches to the provision of cross dock services in the automotive industry. The results of the research provide evidence that the firm boundary decision is sensitive to personal management perceptions of the underlying service, and thus, can be influenced as much by decidedly subjective criteria (e.g., a manager's view of the service as "a mere commodity" versus "strategically important") as by market realities or the more objective criteria implied by the constructs embodied in transaction cost economics and the resource-based view of the firm. Further, the research reveals the inconsistencies that can sometimes exist between the formal and informal integration mechanisms employed by a firm.
A case study of the rustock rootkit and spam bot

In this paper we present a case study of the steps leading up to the extraction of the spam bot payload found within a backdoor rootkit known as Backdoor.Rustock.B or Spam-Mailbot.c. Following the extraction of the spam module we focus our analysis on the steps necessary to decrypt the communications between the command and control server and infected hosts. Part of the discussion involves a method to extract the encryption key from within the malware binary and use that to decrypt the communications. The result is a better understanding of an advanced botnet communications scheme.
Multidimensional nanoscale device modeling: the finite element method applied to the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism

This work deals with the modeling and the numerical simulation of quantum transport in multidimensional open nanoscale devices. The electron transport in the device is described using the Non-Equilibrium Green's Functions (NEGF) formalism and the variational form of the problem is solved using the finite element method (FEM). In this approach, the derivation of the boundary conditions at the interfaces of the device with the reservoirs, is used to calculate the self-energy functions. The FEM allows us to consider very complex geometries and non-uniform mesh, while the NEGF is a powerful formalism which will allow to include scattering in the problem. The simulations are performed by solving self-consistently the NEGF (equivalent to the open schrodinger equation in ballistic regime) for the transport problem and the Poisson equation to account for the space charge effects.
Effect of nucleotides on translocation of sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate into Golgi apparatus vesicles.

Abstract Recent studies from this laboratory have suggested that rat-liver Golgi apparatus derived membranes contain different proteins which can translocate in vitro CMP- N -acetylneuraminic acid, GDP-fucose and adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate from an external compartment into a lumenal one. The aim of this study was to define the role of the nucleotide, sugar and sulfate moieties of sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate in translocation of these latter compounds across Golgi vesicle membranes. Indirect evidence was obtained suggesting that the nucleotide (but not sugar or sulfate) is a necessary recognition feature for binding to the Golgi membrane (measured as inhibition of translocation) but is not sufficient for overall translocation; this latter event also depends on the type of sugar. Important recognition features for inhibition of translocation of the above sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate were found to be the type of nucleotide base (purine or pyrimidine) and the position of the phosphate group in the ribose. Thus, UMP and CMP were found to be competitive inhibitors of translocation of CMP- N -acetylneuraminic acid, while AMP did not inhibit. Structural features of the nucleotides which were less important in inhibition of translocation (and thus presumably in binding) of the above sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate were the number of phosphate groups in the nucleotide (CDP and CMP inhibited to a similar extent), the presence of ribose or deoxyribose in the nucleotide, a replacement of hydrogen in positions 5 of pyrimidines or 8 in purines by halogens or an azido group. The sugar or sulfate did not inhibit translocation of the above sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate into Golgi vesicles and therefore appear not to be involved in their binding to the Golgi membrane.
Investigations into glyphosate-resistant horseweed (Conyza canadensis): retention, uptake, translocation, and metabolism

Abstract The mechanism of glyphosate resistance in horseweed was investigated. Eleven biotypes of putative sensitive (S) and resistant (R) horseweed were obtained from regions across the United States and examined for foliar retention, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of glyphosate. Initial studies used spray application of 14C-glyphosate to simulate field application. When S and R biotypes were compared in the absence of toxicity at a sublethal dose, we observed comparable retention and absorption but reduced root translocation in the R biotypes. S and R biotypes from Delaware were further examined at field use rates and results confirmed similar retention and absorption but reduced root translocation in the R biotypes. Application of 14C-glyphosate to a single leaf demonstrated reduced export out of the treated leaf and lower glyphosate import into other leaves, the roots, and the crown in R relative to S biotypes. Examination of the treated leaf by autoradiography showed that glyphosate loadin...