cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of scanning speed on texture-elicited vibrations

ABSTRACT To sense the texture of a surface, we run our fingers across it, which leads to the elicitation of skin vibrations that depend both on the surface and on exploratory parameters, particularly scanning speed. The transduction and processing of these vibrations mediates the ability to discern fine surface features. In the present study, we seek to characterize the effect of changes in scanning speed on texture-elicited vibrations to better understand how the exploratory strategy shapes the neuronal representation of texture. To this end, we scanned a variety of textures across the fingertip of human participants at a variety of speeds (10 – 160 mm/s) while measuring the resulting vibrations using a laser Doppler vibrometer. We found that increases in speed led to systematic increases in vibratory intensity and to a systematic upward multiplicative shift in the frequency composition of the vibrations. Furthermore, we showed that the upward shift in frequency composition accounts for the increase in intensity. The enhancement of higher frequency components accounts for the observed increase in the firing rates of nerve fibers, particularly Pacinian corpuscle-associated fibers, which are most sensitive at the high frequencies.
Enhanced energy gain in a dielectric laser accelerator using a tilted pulse front laser

Using an 800 nm, 45 fs pulse-front-tilted laser we demonstrate a record 315 keV energy gain in a dual grating dielectric laser accelerator (DLA) and average accelerating gradients of 560 MV/m over 0.5 mm. These results open a new regime in DLA characterized by significant evolution of the beam distribution in the longitudinal phase space, corresponding to > 1/4 of a synchrotron oscillation. By tilting the laser wavefront we control the resonant velocity of the DLA and observe a net energy gain, indicating that a tapered optical phase could be used to achieve very high energy gain.
“Border” Problems: Real and Otherwise

In Chapter 6, leaders from the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas explain the challenges of living and working in borderlands in ways that overturn national assumptions about the region. Leaders across civic, economic, political, educational, and law enforcement sectors identify inaccuracies and gaping holes in the national news story to push for a new way of thinking about the southern border. Leaders position regional challenges as legacies of inequitable state and national resource allocation. They contend that what the nation thinks are inherently border problems are due, instead, to imposed inequality from the core and not because of the region’s proximity to Mexico. Notably, leaders reject alterity while claiming an exclusive contribution to the state and nation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the tensions inherent in telling a new border story that can simultaneously deborder imposed social differences and attend to the real legacies of those differences, such as poverty and violence.
Racism as a Leading Cause of Death: Measuring Excess Deaths in the US

Background: Excess death for Black people compared with White people is a measure of health equity. We sought to determine the excess deaths under the age of 65 (<65) for Black people in the United States (US) over the most recent 20-year period. We also compared the excess deaths for Black people with a cause of death that is traditionally reported. Methods: We used the Multiple Cause of Death 1999-2019 dataset from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) WONDER to report age-adjusted mortality rates among non-Hispanic Black (Black) and non-Hispanic White (White) people and to calculate annual age-adjusted <65 excess deaths for Black people from 1999-2019. We measured the difference in mortality rates between Black and White people and the 20-year and 5-year trends using linear regression. We compared age-adjusted <65 excess deaths for Black people to the primary causes of death among <65 Black people in the US. Results: From 1999 to 2019, the age-adjusted mortality rate for Black men was 1,186 per 100,000 and for White men was 921 per 100,000, for a difference of 265 per 100,000. The age-adjusted mortality rate for Black women was 802 per 100,000 and for White women was 664 per 100,000, for a difference of 138 per 100,000. While the gap for men and women is less than it was in 1999, it has been increasing among men since 2014. These differences have led to many Black people dying before age 65. In 1999, there were 22,945 age-adjusted excess deaths among Black women <65 and in 2019 there were 14,444, deaths that would not have occurred had their risks been the same as those of White women. Among Black men, 38,882 age-adjusted excess <65 deaths occurred in 1999 and 25,850 in 2019. When compared to the top 5 causes of deaths among <65 Black people, death related to disparities would be the highest mortality rate among both <65 Black men and women. Comment: In the US, over the recent 20-year period, disparities in mortality rates resulted in between 61,827 excess deaths in 1999 and 40,294 excess deaths in 2019 among
Transcriptional Regulation of the Human IL5RA Gene through Alternative Promoter Usage during Eosinophil Development

Regulation of the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL5RA) gene is complicated, with two known promoters (P1 and P2) driving transcription, and two known isoforms (transmembrane and soluble) dichotomously affecting the signaling potential of the protein products. Here, we sought to determine the patterns of P1 and P2 promoter usage and transcription factor occupancy during primary human eosinophil development from CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell progenitors. We found that during eosinophilopoiesis, both promoters were active but subject to distinct temporal regulation, coincident with combinatorial interactions of transcription factors, including GATA-1, PU.1, and C/EBP family members. P1 displayed a relatively constant level of activity throughout eosinophil development, while P2 activity peaked early and waned thereafter. The soluble IL-5Rα mRNA peaked early and showed the greatest magnitude fold-induction, while the signaling-competent transmembrane isoform peaked moderately. Two human eosinophilic cell lines whose relative use of P1 and P2 were similar to eosinophils differentiated in culture were used to functionally test putative transcription factor binding sites. Transcription factor occupancy was then validated in primary cultures by ChIP. We conclude that IL-5-dependent generation of eosinophils from CD34+ precursors involves complex and dynamic activity including both promoters, several interacting transcription factors, and both signaling and antagonistic protein products.
Contributions of early motor deficits in predicting language outcomes among preschoolers with developmental language disorder.

Purpose: We assessed the extent to which language, speech, and fine/gross motor skills in preschoolers with developmental language disorder (DLD; also referred to as specific language impairment) predicted language outcome two years later.Method: Participants with DLD (n = 15) and typical development (TD; n = 14) completed language, speech, and fine/gross motor assessments annually, beginning as 4- to 5-year-olds (Year 1 timepoint) and continuing through 6 to 7 years of age (Year 3 timepoint). We performed Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analyses to examine the relative contributions of Year 1 language, speech, and motor skills to Year 3 language outcome in each group.Result: Among children with DLD, Year 1 fine/gross motor scores positively correlated with Year 3 language scores, uniquely explaining 40% of the variance in language outcomes. Neither Year 1 language, speech-sound, nor speech-motor scores predicted language outcome in this group. Among children with TD, only Year 1 language predicted language outcome.Conclusion: This small longitudinal study reveals that, among preschoolers with DLD, certain early fine/gross motor deficits predict persistent language impairment. Future research that includes larger sample sizes and motor tasks that incorporate complex sequencing will enhance the understanding of the relationship between language, speech, and motor skills; specifically, whether certain motor deficits simply co-occur with language deficits or whether they are tied to DLD through shared impairments in sequential learning mechanisms.
How and what to sample in the analytical gap

The possibility of obtaining greater optimization of spectrochemical techniques by selectively isolating radiation from the analytical spark gap is discussed. Instrumental factors required to achieve positional stability of the spark necessary for these techniques are discussed in terms of the chemical reactions controlling spark formation. Using simple optical systems capable of viewing the spark differentially, emission profiles of several metallic and sparking-gas species have been recorded. The heterogeneous spatial and temporal structure in these profiles has been employed to group the spectral lines into classes according to when and where they appear in the discharge. Suggestions are made as to how the spark may be viewed to isolate lines of one class from those of other classes, thereby reducing background and line interferences and enhancing signal-to-noise ratios.
Studies on the physical properties of fluorosed enamel—I: Microradiographic studies

Abstract Thirteen permanent fluorosed teeth collected from areas where the water supply contains 2.12–5.0 p.p.m. fluoride were studied microradiographically. Most of these teeth showed areas of radiolucency. In all cases the outer layer was well calcified, as was the enamel towards the dentine. The spread of the radiolucent areas varied, whereas the depth was predictable. Where the drinking water contained less than 5.0 p.p.m. of fluoride only the subsurface outer third of the enamel was radiolucent. Teeth from Post, Texas (5.0 p.p.m. fluoride in drinking water) showed radiolucent areas extending through one-half to three-quarters of the enamel thickness. Within the affected enamel, the interprismatic substance and areas along the edge of each incremental layer appeared to be the most radiolucent.
Cellulose and Callose Biosynthesis in Higher Plants (I. Solubilization and Separation of (1->3)- and (1->4)-[beta]-Glucan Synthase Activities from Mung Bean)

(1->3)- and (1->4)-[beta]-glucan synthase activities from higher plants have been physically separated by gel electrophoresis in nondenaturing conditions. The two glucan synthases show different mobilities in native polyacrylamide gels. Further separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a different polypeptide composition in these synthases. Three polypeptides (64, 54, and 32 kD) seem to be common to both synthase activities, whereas two polypeptides (78 and 38 kD) are associated only with callose synthase activity. Twelve polypeptides (170, 136, 108, 96, 83, 72, 66, 60, 52, 48, 42, and 34 kD) appear to be specifically associated with cellulose synthase activity. The successful separation of (1->3)- and (1->-4)-[beta]-glucan synthase activities was based on the manipulation of digitonin concentrations used in the solubilization of membrane proteins. At low dipitomin concentrations (0.05 and 0.1%), the ratio of the cellulose to callose synthase activity was higher. At higher digitonin (0.5-1%) concentrations, the ratio of the callose to cellulose synthase activity was higher. Rosette-like particles with attached product were observed in samples taken from the top of the stacking gel, where only cellulose was synthesized. Smaller (nonrosette) particles were found in the running gel, where only callose was synthesized. These findings suggest that a higher level of subunit organization is required for in vitro cellulose synthesis in comparison with callose assembly.
PSIPLAN: open world planning with Ψ-forms

We present a new partial order planner called PSIPLAN, which builds on SNLP. We drop the closed world assumption, add sensing actions, add a class of propositions about the agent's knowledge, and add a class of universally quantified propositions. This latter class of propositions, which we call Ψ-forms, distinguishes this research, Ψ-forms represent partially closed worlds, such as "Block A is clear", or "x.ps is the only postscript file in directory /tex." We present our theory of planning with sensing and show how partial order planning is performed using Ψ-forms. Noteworthy are the facts that lack of information can be represented precisely and all quantified reasoning has polynomial complexity. Thus, in finite domains where the maximum plan length is bounded, planning with PSIPLAN is NP-complete.
Development and validation of a measure of elementary teachers' science content knowledge in two multiyear teacher professional development intervention projects

Using data collected from two multiyear teacher professional development projects employing randomized control trials, this study describes the development and validation of a paper-based test of elementary teachers' science content knowledge (SCK). Evidence of construct validity is presented, including evidence on internal structural features using Rasch measurement models. Results from 183 treatment group and 176 control group teachers from Project 1 demonstrated that the SCK test had acceptable person reliability at baseline; at later time points the test was easy for the teachers and person reliability was below acceptable. Results from Project 1 informed changes made to the test for use in Project 2, including an increase in the difficulty level and the development of two equated forms. Results from the 148 treatment and 139 control teachers from Project 2 demonstrated that the test had acceptable reliability across two time points and was a better match to teachers' SCK. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 371–396, 2015
Weak Lensing Mass of Nearby Clusters of Galaxies

We describe first results of a project to create weak lensing mass maps for a complete, X-ray luminosity-limited sample of 19 nearby (z < 0.1) southern galaxy clusters scheduled for Sunyaev-Zel'dovich observations by the Viper Telescope at the South Pole. We have collected data on 1/3 of the sample and present motivation for the project as well as projected mass maps of two clusters.
Bifurcation: Personal Identity and Larger Feminisms

As [Mohanty] points out the image of the "average third world woman" stands in opposition to the "implicit self representation of most `Western women as educated modern as having control over their bodies and sexuality.” This distinction between some western womens representation of Third World women and their self-presentation problematizes the growing connection between these two groups. Unfortunately by reproducing such generalizations about other world women "Western" feminists unknowingly short shrift their own agendas. As Hoodfar points out in her discussion of the veil negative images of Muslim women are continually presented as a reminder to European and North American women of their relative good fortune and as an implied warning to curb their "excessive" demands for social and legal equality. More often than not many western feminists participate in this approach uncritically and thus serve the function of patriarchy. In ignoring this tendency of self versus "other" representation western feminists reproduce imperialist notions of non-western women which in turn produces a bifurcation between "Third World" and "First World" women. (authors)
The Stroke Pharmacopeia: Current Medical Therapies

Drug therapies that inhibit or reverse thrombus formation are important components of the management of acute ischemic stroke. The role of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies in stroke prevention has been defined, but further research is needed to confirm the possible benefits of aspirin, heparin, and low-molecular-weight heparin products in acute ischemic stroke. Recently, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have evaluated the role of the thrombolytic agents streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Intravenous t-PA, administered within 3 hours of symptom onset at a dose of 0.9 mg/kg, is safe and effective in carefully selected patients.
A new contribution to spin‐forbidden rare earth optical transition intensities: Analysis of all trivalent lanthanides

We expand upon recent quantitative calculations which show that numerous parity‐ and spin‐forbidden linear optical transitions observed in trivalent rare earth ions acquire a major fraction of their intensity from hitherto neglected contributions involving spin–orbit linkages within excited configurations. Extending our revised analysis of observed linear absorption intensities for Gd3+ and Eu3+ to the other nine trivalent lanthanides with visible wavelength transitions, we find that the new contributions are at least as important in these other lanthanides, and are often comparable to standard contributions. We also show that spin‐forbidden ΔS=1 transitions are selectively modified over the spin‐allowed ΔS=0 transitions. In addition, we examine contributions from linkages with g orbital excited states in the light of recent electronic Raman scattering data for lanthanide phosphates, and show that these long neglected terms may actualy dominate the transition intensity. With substantial modification of pr...
A third-party value-added network service approach to reliable multicast

We propose a third-party value-added services framework for enhancing the performance of reliable multicast protocols. In this framework, a value-added service provider will place servers called waypoints throughout ISPs’ networks. Waypoints run a fully distributed, dynamic algorithm to determine which multicast groups to join. Having joined a group, a waypoint participates in the error recovery protocol, supplying repairs to receivers. From the application’s perspective, waypoints appear to be additional application endpoints in the network. Waypoints seamlessly interoperate with current reliable multicast algorithms with only a minor change to receivers and no changes to routers. In our implementation, receivers and waypoints use STORM, a structure-based error recovery protocol. The waypoint recovery service is not limited to one error recovery protocol, and can be extended to enhance other reliable multicast protocols. Results from simulation experiments are presented to evaluate the potential benefits of theproposed scheme. We find that when multicast group members are isolated from each other, a waypoint recovery service can significantly enhance receivers’ performance.
Flat heat pipe performance thresholds at ultra-thin form factors

Improved-efficiency heat spreaders must address ergonomic- and performance-driven thermal management demands of electronic devices of increasingly thin form factor. Heat pipes offer a potential high-conductance solution, but performance limitations unique to sub-millimeter thickness devices must be characterized. Using a reduced-order, one-dimensional resistance network and a two-dimensional numerical model, the thermal resistance of a flat heat pipe is benchmarked against a solid heat spreader as a function of geometry and power input. The reduced-order model enables a broad parametric study and analytical formulation of performance limitations, while the higher fidelity numerical approach is used to assess the accuracy of the thermal resistance network near these limits. The form factors and operating conditions for which a heat pipe is more effective than a solid heater spreader are identified. Two of the bounding performance limits have been commonly discussed in prior analyses - a capillary wicking limit and an increase in the heat pipe thermal resistance relative to the solid heat spreader at very large thicknesses. A third vapor-phase threshold is observed when the thickness is reduced below a critical limit. At this threshold, the vapor-phase thermal resistance imposed by the saturation pressure/temperature gradient in the heat pipe causes a crossover in the thermal resistance relative to a solid heat spreader. Devices are susceptible to this performance threshold at very low power inputs that would not otherwise induce a capillary limitation. Accurate prediction of this threshold is an important consideration in the selection and design of ultra-thin heat pipes.
Visual Discrimination of Movement: Midbrain or Forebrain?

Monkeys whose optic chiasm and forebrain commissures had been sectioned and control monkeys with only the optic chiasm cut were tested for interocular transfer of discriminations based on direction of movement. Only the control animals showed transfer to the untrained eye, which suggests that discrimination of movement, like pattern, is a function strongly dependent on the cortex.
Comparison of histological responses of BALB/c and B6C3F1 female mice to estradiol when fed purified or natural-ingredient diets.

Female BALB/c and B6C3F1 mice were examined after a 3‐wk exposure to dietary estradiol (0, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 ppb) in a purified diet (AIN‐76A) or a natural‐ingredient diet (NIH‐07). Histological findings, which became more prevalent with increasing estradiol dosage in both mouse genotypes, included vaginal hyperkeratosis and mucoid stroma, uterine inflammation, hydrometra and glandular hyperplasia, and ovarian corpora lutea depletion. At the two lower doses of estradiol, responses were generally more prevalent or severe in mice fed the purified diet than in those fed the natural‐ingredient diet. However, in BALB/c mice, several responses to the two higher estradiol doses were greater when estradiol was given in the natural‐ingredient diet rather than in the purified diet. These responses included corpora lutea depletion, vaginal hyperkeratosis, and uterine inflammation and hydrometra. In B6C3F1 mice, most responses to estradiol at concentrations of 400, 800, and 1600 ppm were more prevalent or seve...
Use of critical point polyacrylamide sols in thermal denaturation experiments with chromatin at physiological ionic strength

Abstract Low percentage highly crosslinked polyacrylamide gels just above the critical point in the chemically polymerized sol to gel transition are used to generate polyacrylamide sols at critical point concentrations, 7.4 g liter −1 , by mild heating. We find that chromatin samples mixed with these sols induce the sol to gel transition in a process of complex coacervation. In this state, salt insoluble chicken erythrocyte chromatin is stabilized against large scale aggregation and precipitation during thermal denaturation at physiological sodium ion concentrations. The hyperchromic melting behavior of DNA in polyacrylamide sols is reproducible and consistent throughout a wide range of sodium chloride concentrations. Empirical spectroscopic techniques are discussed which isolate temperature-dependent hyperchromic signals at 260 nm due to conformation changes of DNA in chromatin and local environmental changes which promote anomalous light scattering.
Hemorrhagic ascites due to congestive heart failure

Ascites due to congestive heart failure (CHF) is characteristically serous in gross appearance. Although hemorrhage into ascites commonly indicates a malignant or inflammatory cause, cirrhosis of the liver is a well known cause of bloody ascites. We report a case of hemorrhagic ascites due to biventricular congestive heart failure in which workup for other causes was negative and hemorrhage cleared after 4 months. In as much as the mechanism of ascites is similar in both cirrhosis and CHF, we propose that a similar mechanism could cause bleeding into ascites in CHF.
Exciting red and competent blue: the importance of color in marketing

From beverages to consumer electronics, marketers are using color in innovative ways. Despite this, little academic research has investigated the role that color plays in marketing. This paper examines how color affects consumer perceptions through a series of four studies. The authors provide a framework and empirical evidence that draws on research in aesthetics, color psychology, and associative learning to map hues onto brand personality dimensions (Study 1), as well as examine the roles of saturation and value for amplifying brand personality traits (Study 2). The authors also demonstrate how marketers can strategically use color to alter brand personality and purchase intent (Study 3), and how color influences the likability and familiarity of a brand (Study 4). The results underscore the importance of recognizing the impact of color in forming consumer brand perceptions.
Intrapleural Injection of Transforming Growth Factor-β Antibody Inhibits Pleural Fibrosis in Empyema

Study objectives: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a cytokine that has been demonstrated to be an important modulator of inflammation and angiogenesis, as well as a potent stimulator of pleural fluid production and fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that rising levels of pleural fluid TGF-β 1 correlate with pleural fibrosis in experimental empyema in rabbits. In this study, our hypothesis is that neutralization of TGF-β with an intrapleural injection of a monoclonal antibody to TGF-β will decrease pleural fibrosis in empyema. Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Setting: Animal research laboratory. Subjects: Nineteen rabbits. Interventions: An empyema was induced in 19 rabbits by intrapleural injection of Pasteurella multocida. A panspecific monoclonal antibody to TGF-β was injected into the pleural space on 2 subsequent concurrent days in nine rabbits. Ten rabbits received intrapleural injections of bacteria alone and served as controls. All animals were then killed on day 6. Immunohistochemistry, using the antibody to TGF-β, was performed on pleural tissue specimens from the control rabbits. Measurements and results: Immunohistochemistry revealed localization of TGF-β to macrophages in the exudative material and the visceral pleura. After injection of the antibody to TGF-β, the amount of purulent, exudative material in the pleural space of the nine experimental animals was markedly decreased at autopsy on day 6, relative to control animals. All markers of empyema and pleural fibrosis were also significantly decreased in the rabbits receiving intrapleural anti–TGF-β. Conclusions: TGF-β localizes to macrophages in experimental empyema. Early intrapleural injection of an antibody to TGF-β inhibits empyema formation and significantly decreases pleural fibrosis in experimental empyema.
Diacetyl levels and volatile profiles of commercial starter distillates and selected dairy foods

Starter distillates (SDL) are used as ingredients in the formulation of many food products such as cottage cheese, margarine, vegetable oil spreads, processed cheese, and sour cream to increase the levels of naturally occurring buttery aroma associated with fermentation. This buttery aroma results, in part, from the presence of the vicinal dicarbonyl, diacetyl, which imparts a high level of buttery flavor notes and is a key component of SDL. Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) is a volatile product of citrate metabolism produced by certain bacteria, including Lactococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum. In the United States, SDL are regarded as generally recognized as safe ingredients, whereby usage in food products is limited by good manufacturing practices. Recently, diacetyl has been implicated as a causative agent in certain lung ailments in plant workers; however, little is published about the volatile composition of SDL and the levels of diacetyl or other flavoring components in finished dairy products. The objective of this work was to characterize the volatile compounds of commercial SDL and to quantitate levels of diacetyl and other Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association-designated high-priority flavoring components found in 18 SDL samples and 24 selected dairy products. Headspace volatiles were assessed using a solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to diacetyl (ranging from 1.2 to 22,000 μg/g), 40 compounds including 8 organic acids, 4 alcohols, 3 aldehydes, 7 esters, 3 furans, 10 ketones, 2 lactones, 2 sulfur-containing compounds, and 1 terpene were detected in the SDL. A total of 22 food samples were found to contain diacetyl ranging from 4.5 to 2,700 μg/100g. Other volatile compounds, including acetaldehyde, acetic acid, acetoin, benzaldehyde, butyric acid, formic acid, furfural, 2,3-heptanedione, 2,3-pentanedione, and propanoic acid, were also identified and quantified in SDL or food samples, or both. The results obtained in this work summarize the volatile composition of commercial SDL and the approximate levels of diacetyl and other Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association-designated high-priority flavoring components found in SDL and selected dairy foods.
High performance AlGaN/GaN HEMT with improved ohmic contacts

Various metal films and rapid thermal annealing conditions were investigated to improve the ohmic contact to AlGaN/GaN heterostuctures. Less than 1 /spl Theta/mm contact resistance has been obtained reproducibly. Our best contact resistivity reaches 0.039 /spl Theta/mm, corresponding to a contact resistance of 5.38/spl times/10/sup 8//spl Theta/cm/sup 2/. The fabricated high electron mobility transistors with a 0.25 /spl mu/m length gate exhibit a cutoff frequency f/sub T/ of 60 GHz and an f/sub max/ of 100 GHz.
Induction of PGH synthase and c-fos mRNA during early reperfusion of ischemic rat brain

We examined the effect of reversible ischemia on the transcription of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PGHS-1) and c-fos mRNA in rat cerebral cortex. The level of PGHS-1 mRNA climaxed after 30 min of ischemia whereas transcription of c-fos mRNA peaked after 60 min of postischemic reperfusion. We conclude that cerebral ischemia causes early transcription of PGHS-1, without modulation by the c-fos gene or its translated product.
Comparison of cortical bone and serum concentrations of clindamycin achievable by direct local infusion and intravenous administration

Tibial cortical bone and serum concentrations of clindamycin were compared using two drug delivery methods in dogs. An implantable drug pump, used to continuously infuse clindamycin directly into the cortical bone, was compared with clindamycin administered i.v. Dosage for the direct continuous infusion was 4 mg/kg/day, and 44 mg/kg/day for the i.v. bolus regimen. Serum concentrations of clindamycin were significantly higher during i.v. bolus administration when compared with those achieved during pump infusion (p less than 0.05). However, tibial cortical bone concentrations were significantly higher during pump infusion than were those achieved by i.v. bolus. When examining serum and bone clindamycin concentrations over 21 days of direct local infusion, there was no significant difference in concentrations between sampling days within each tissue (p greater than 0.05). Furthermore, there were significantly greater concentrations of clindamycin in the cortical bone than in the serum at each sampling period (p less than 0.05). Results indicate that delivery of clindamycin to canine bone by implantable drug pump achieve significantly higher bone concentrations than i.v. bolus administration of the drug at higher dosages. Direct infusion also can sustain high concentrations in cortical bone without increasing systemic concentrations of clindamycin.
A study of the image contrast in Fresnel zone plate imaging of extended sources

Abstract The image contrast is experimentally demonstrated to be a particular function of various parameters including the area of the source divided by the area of the central Fresnel zone. Over 150 images were analyzed and the best fit parameters are reported. It is also shown that the best contrast is obtained by a new technique in which the projection transparency is photographically reversed before image reconstruction.
Preparative chemical methods for aromatization of 19-nor-Δ4-3-oxosteroids ☆

Abstract Two preparative chemical methods for aromatization of 19-nor-Δ4-3-oxosteroids are described. The first method consist of an oxidative aromatization of 19-nor-Δ4-3-oxosteroids with iodine-ceric ammonium nitrate in methanol to give a mixture of 3-methoxy ring-A aromatized derivatives consisting of the desired product, the Δ9,11 derivative, the 6-oxo derivative as well as some ring-A iodinated material. Conversion of this material to a mixture of the 3-methoxy ring-A aromatized derivative and its 6-oxo derivative was achieved by catalytic hydrogenation. Finally, reduction of the 6-oxo function with triethylsilane in trifluoroactive acid gave the 3-methoxy-17-trifluoroacetate ring-A aromatized derivative as a single product. In the second method, reaction of 19-nor-Δ4-3-oxosteroids with copper (II) bromide in acetonitrile at room temperature resulted in aromatic steroids in a single in excellent yields. The second method was used in the first practical synthesis of a 6-dehydroestrogen from a 19-nor-Δ4,6-3-oxosteroid.
Optimization and evaluation of data quality for charge density studies

Criteria for the evaluation of hardware and software for the collection of charge density diffraction data are presented with examples. Evaluation of charge density studies using area detectors (based on 61 data sets) indicates that, although it is possible to obtain excellent data using such detectors, there are significant shortcomings which need to be addressed.
Impact of electric vehicles on electric power generation and global environmental change

Abstract The transportation industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Of particular significance is the fleet of private vehicles powered by internal combustion engines utilizing petroleum-based fuels. The subject project was initiated to develop methodology to assess the impact of vehicle fleet electrification on electric power generation and global environmental change. While vehicle electrification will reduce vehicle emissions, the recharging energy will be generated at utility generation sites where emissions will increase. The project included a case study for Alabama. The vehicle emissions fleet model is based on the EPA software mobile 5a and employs Alabama Department of Transportation data as inputs to the case study. Electric vehicle penetration effects on vehicle emissions are computed by linear scaling of the base-case emissions. Power plant quarterly emission data from the EPA were employed in the case study for the State of Alabama. Values for feedstock and fuel emissions were taken from greet 1.5 to complete the fuel cycle calculations. In the 10% EV penetration Alabama case study, all light-duty vehicle emissions are reduced by 10%, and the total (light-duty vehicle and utility) emissions for the principle greenhouse gas CO2 were altered by −1.79%. Emissions for NOx and SO2 were altered by −4.37%, and +1.44%, respectively.
On the future of anthropology: Fundraising, the job market and the corporate turn

Building on the author’s participant observation in academic leadership roles over the last two decades, this article reviews four areas of engagement for anthropology within the larger context of ...
Therapy: What evidence should guide the use of thiazolidinediones?

Evidence about the relative risks and benefits of thiazolidinediones, such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been inconsistent. Meta-analyses and epidemiologic reviews suggest that rosiglitazone may increase cardiovascular risk, but two randomized trials do not. A novel epidemiologic analysis has been a focal point of recent FDA deliberations on this issue.
In vitro evaluation of a series of Azone analogs as dermal penetration enhancers. II: (Thio) amides

Abstract The sorption promoting ability of nine Azone ( N -dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one) analogs was tested against the model drug, hydrocortisone 21-acetate using a hairless mouse skin model in vitro. The synthesis of these compounds is presented. The enhancers were applied in propylene glycol, 1 h prior to the application of the steroid which was applied as a saturated suspension in the same vehicle. All but enhancers 3–5, 8 , and 9 were applied at 0.4 M. The remaining enhancers (all solids) were applied at their respective saturation solubilities. Flux, receptor concentrations, and skin accumulation of hydrocortisone acetate were measured over 24 h and compared with controls (no enhancer) and three model enhancers: Azone ( N -dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one), 2-pyrrolidinone, and N -methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. Pre-treatment of skin with the Azone analogs markedly increased penetration and skin retention of the steroid. The greatest enhancement of flux was observed for 2 , where flux increased 53.8-fold over control and 2.76-fold over Azone; receptor concentrations were 35.37-fold and skin retentions 1.6-fold higher than control. Compound 1 gave the greatest skin retention enhancement ratio (ER) (2.2 over control) of the series, while 2-pyrrolidinone produced an ER of 3.2, and Azone 1.5 compared with controls at an ER of 1.0.
Left main coronary artery stenosis associated with extremely long fusiform aneurysm

Coronary artery aneurysm is defined as coronary dilatation, which exceeds the diameter of normal adjacent segment or the diameter of the patient's largest coronary vessel by 1.5 times [Syed M, Lesch M: Coronary artery aneurysms: a review. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 1997; 40:77-10 84 [1]]. Most studies show an incidence of 1% to 2% [Barettella MB, Bott-Silverman C. Coronary artery aneurysm: an unusual case report and a review of the literature. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn 1993; 29:57-61 [2]]. Left main coronary aneurysms (LMCA) are even more rare; in a study by involving 22,000 coronary angiograms an occurrence rate of 0.1% has been found [Topaz O, DiSciascio G, Cowley MJ, Goudreau E, Soffer A, Nath A et al. Angiographic features of left main coronary artery aneurysms. Am J Cardiol 1991; 67:1139-1142 [3]]. The majority of patients present with ischemic symptoms secondary to the coexisting atherosclerotic lesions and most of the coronary aneurysms are incidentally diagnosed by coronary angiography. This report details the exceptional case of a 62-year-old patient with "unusually long fusiform" aneurysm of the left main coronary artery associated with critical left main coronary artery distal stenosis involving the ostia of left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary artery. With this case the possible anatomic determinants of the type, location, and mechanism of aneurysm formation were also discussed.
Peak assignment in automatic data analysis.

Linear prediction algorithms are able to identify peaks in an NMR spectrum, but are not able to assign these peaks to components anticipated in the spectrum. We have developed an artificial-intelligence protocol which uses the output parameter list from an LPSVD algorithm, and automatically assigns the peaks on the basis of an anticipated list of components. To overcome the influence of experimental conditions on the absolute values of frequency, integrated area, and linewidth, the assignment routine performs an internal scaling of the data by comparing all possible pairs of peaks in the spectrum. Completely automated analysis of large numbers of in vivo FIDs is now possible. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Maintaining consultation skills in today's practice environment.

Many excellent points are brought forward in Dr Gunderman’s presentation in this issue of Academic Radiology (1). Interpersonal and communication skills are surely important and need to be taught and perfected in the residency environment. The academic radiologists are responsible for the manner in which their graduates practice their specialty. Curiosity is important if the information gained is effective in synthesizing the radiologic findings with the clinical parameters. However, it is also important that questions asked or information received relate to the radiologic interpretation. Otherwise, time may be wasted with ineffective communication that is not focused and productive. While we have the responsibility to advocate for radiology, other physicians also feel obliged to do so for their specialty. We need to be sure to not be too critical of their diagnostic skills in gleaning the important points that need to be pursued by radiologic imaging or other procedures. The radiologist who plays “20 questions” before rendering an opinion might become more confused than helpful. Honesty is also essential, particularly when there is a tendency to be less direct for fear of adverse medical legal or practice profile consequences. Helpfulness is important but needs to be carefully tempered with timeliness and efficiency. Larger groups or sections might develop a frontline or an “officer of the day” assignment that allows others to pursue consultation and teaching in a less interrupted environment. Timeliness requires a delicate balance between helpfulness and efficiency. Radiology is a victim of its own circumstances. Continued development of new technologies has broadened opportunities for less-invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures than have previously been encountered. The resultant “mountains of clinical work” are compounded by the current radiology staffing shortage. This is particularly critical in the academic environment, where we need to practice good radiology in order to teach it effectively. Reimbursement schemes and incentive plans are not the cause of ineffective or improper consultation. However, the magnitude of the clinical workday compounds the difficulties in achieving all of Dr Gunderman’s goals. As we approach this new era in radiology of a filmless
Development of financial relationships within farm level simulation models.

Monte Carlo simulation is used to examine the effects of various financial relationships upon the growth rate in equity for farms with different levels of debt. A method is proposed for establishing financial relationships whereby comparable growth rates for farms with different debt will occur. The results demonstrate that financial relationships are important when comparing farms with different debt and when developing inferences about policy alternatives at the farm level.
Federalism Outcomes and Ideological Preferences: The U.S. Supreme Court and Preemption Cases

The record of the U.S. Supreme Court in decisions affecting federal-state relations has been one of inconsistency between states'rights and national supremacy. This inconsistency has perplexed both legal and political science scholars who have had great difficulty placing decision-making regardingfederalism outcomes by the Court in any sort of theoretical context. Contrary to much conventional wisdom, ideological preferences do not automatically translate into federalism outcomes. We extend models ofjudicial decisionmaking in political environments by including state policy. State policy outcomes may be either more liberal or more conservative than the policy would be underfederal control. Thus, the ideological preferences of the justices may contradict their preferences toward nationalism or states' rights. Testing the model using 94 preemption cases, we find that individual justices and most Courts are willing to sacrifice their federalism values in the pursuit of some other policy goal. This finding has implications for both the federalism literature and strategic models of Court behavior, as well as for cases the Court is currently reviewing.
Naltrexone augmentation of neuroleptic treatment in alcohol abusing patients with schizophrenia

Alcohol abuse in patients with schizophrenia is associated with psychiatric and social complications. While two medications have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcoholism: disulfiram and naltrexone, no medications have been approved for individuals with alcohol dependence and comorbid schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of naltrexone in alcohol-abusing schizophrenic patients. Thirty-one patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol abuse or dependence were treated for 12 weeks in an outpatient study using naltrexone or placebo in a randomized, double-blind fashion in addition to their neuroleptic medication. Patients also participated in a weekly therapy using cognitive-behavioral drug relapse prevention strategies combined with skills training. Outcomes included drinking measured by the time line follow-back method, craving using the Tiffany Craving Questionnaire, psychotic symptoms using the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), side effects and a measures of abnormal involuntary movements. There were no significant differences in treatment exposure or medication compliance between groups. Naltrexone treated patients had significantly fewer drinking days, heavy drinking days (>5 drinks) and reported less craving compared to the placebo treated patients. Naltrexone did not affect symptoms of schizophrenia, such as psychosis. The medication was well tolerated and there were no group differences in side effects. These data suggest that naltrexone may be an effective medication for individuals with comorbid alcohol dependence and schizophrenia. Given the widespread problems associated with alcohol misuse in this population, and the lack of effective pharmacotherapies, these findings represent an exciting clinical development.
Preparation and structural characterization of the Ih and the D5h isomers of the endohedral fullerenes Tm3N@C80: icosahedral C80 cage encapsulation of a trimetallic nitride magnetic cluster with three uncoupled Tm3+ ions.

We report an efficient method for the preparation and purification of the Ih and the D5h isomers of Tm3N@C80. Following preparation in a Kratschmer−Huffman electric-arc generator, the Tm3N@C80 isomers were obtained by a chemical separation process followed by a one-stage isomer selective chromatographic high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation (pyrenyl, 5PYE column). The HPLC chromatographic retention behavior on a pentabromobenzyl (5PBB) column suggests a charge transfer of ∼6 electrons; [M3N]6+@C806− and the chromatographic retention mechanisms of the Ih and the D5h isomers of Tm3N@C80 on both 5PBB and 5PYE columns are discussed. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that the Tm3N cluster has a planar structure but represents a tight fit for trapping the Tm3N cluster inside the Ih- and the D5h-C80 cages. Specifically, the Tm atoms punch out the cage carbon atoms adjacent to them. The “punched out” effect can be demonstrated by cage radii and pyramidal angles at cage carbon at...
Mullerian inhibiting substance inhibits invasion and migration of epithelial cancer cell lines.

Abstract Objective Given the fact that Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) causes complex remodeling of the urogenital ridge and regression of the Mullerian ducts during male embryonic development, we examined whether MIS could affect similar cell properties such as migration and invasion that could contribute ultimately to micro-metastasis of cancers arising from Mullerian tissues. MIS receptor expressing cell lines found to be invasive and migratory in vivo are examined in an in vivo assay that is cost-effective. Methods We designed in vitro and in vivo experiments to determine if MIS inhibited the movement of cancer lines IGROV-1, HEp3, MDA-MB-231, and HT1080 in cell culture invasion/migration chamber assays and in chick embryo metastasis assays. Results MIS, at concentrations below those that inhibit cell proliferation, blocked in vitro invasion and in vivo migration of epithelial cancer cells that express the MIS receptor. Conclusions While our laboratory has previously established MIS as an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation using in vitro assays and in vivo xenografts , we now show that MIS can also inhibit in vivo tumor migration.