cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of high-dose oxytocin augmentation on umbilical cord blood gas values in primigravid women.

Active management of labor for term primigravid women with singleton, vertex presentations is associated with significant decreases in incidence of cesarean section and duration of labor, without adversely affecting major perinatal outcome variables. Concern has been expressed that high-dose oxytocin augmentation may increase the incidence of fetal compromise. With active management of labor, 43% of 1423 primigravid women received high-dose oxytocin augmentation during an 11-month period. Umbilical cord blood gas values from those who received high-dose oxytocin augmentation were compared with values in those who received no oxytocin. The mean arterial pH value in the no oxytocin group was 7.24 ± 0.07, which is not significantly different ( p > 0.10) from that of the oxytocin-augmented group, 7.23 ± 0.07. Similarly, all other arterial and venous umbilical cord gas parameters were unaffected by high-dose oxytocin augmentation ( p > 0.10). Our values were compared with other published values where labor was not managed according to the principles of active management of labor, and no differences were found. We report the largest series of cord blood pH values in primigravid women and conclude that there is no adverse effect of high-dose oxytocin augmentation or active management of labor on umbilical cord blood gas values at delivery.
The propagation of one-dimensional transient elastic waves in woven-fabric composites

This article presents a study of transient elastic wave propagation in woven-fabric composites under dynamic loading. The analysis focuses on the unit cell of an orthogonal woven-fabric composite, which is composed of two sets of mutually orthogonal yarns of either the same fiber (non-hybrid fabric) or different fibers (hybrid fabric) in a matrix material. A one-dimensional analysis based upon the mosaic model and shear-lag approach has been developed to predict elastodynamic and elastostatic behavior. By using the technique of Laplace transforms, closed-form solutions of the dynamic displacements and dynamic stresses in each yarn, and the shearing stresses at the interfaces between adjacent yarns, are obtained in the transformed domain. Through numerical inversion of the Laplace transform, the wave-propagation solutions for these quantities can be obtained for any type of impact loading. Asymptotic formulae are given which describe the short-time behavior of the dynamic solutions. The stationary values of the dynamic solutions are identical to the corresponding static solutions which are also developed in this article. For any finite time, the dynamic solutions can be obtained by the numerical inversion of the Laplace transform. The results for a step uniform impact are presented as an example.
Study of the polyvinyl alcohol‐borate‐iodine complex III. Detection of borates in urine

A survey of the prevalence of boric acid toxicity indicates the difficulty encountered in detecting cases of poisoning by this commonly used substance. Because of this situation, an investigation was carried out utilizing a previously reported method for the detection of borates by the polyvinyl alcohol-borate-iodine reaction. The test was extended in this study to permit the detection of boric acid in the urine of poisoned animals. Rabbits were fed varying quantities of boric acid, and urine samples were collected. After concentration of the urine sample, the polyvinyl alcohol-iodine reagent was applied to the residue. Results of both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that this method is capable of detecting as little as 0.3 mg. of boric acid (0.05 mg. B).
Influence of serotonin transporter promoter region polymorphisms on hippocampal volumes in late-life depression.

Context Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene ( 5-HTTLPR ) influence transcription and may play a role in the pathogenesis and course of depression. Recent research demonstrates that specific polymorphisms may be associated with differences in hippocampal volumes in subjects with depression. Objective To examine associations between 5-HTTLPR genotype and hippocampal volumes in elderly control subjects and elderly subjects classified as having early or late onset of depression. Design Cohort study examining baseline characteristics. Participants Subjects were community dwelling and 60 years or older. Using a definition of early-onset depression as depression first occurring at 50 years or younger, we examined 72 subjects with early-onset depression, 63 subjects with late-onset depression, and 83 healthy control subjects. Main Outcome Measures All subjects underwent genotyping for the 5-HTTLPR and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Analyses of hippocampal volumes were controlled for total cerebral volume, age, and sex. Results The interaction between diagnosis and 5-HTTLPR genotype was statistically significant for the right hippocampus ( P = .04). Subjects with late-onset depression who were homozygous for the long (L) allele (L /L genotype) had significantly smaller right hippocampal volumes than did L /L subjects with early-onset depression ( P = .046) or L /L control subjects ( P = .01). Post hoc analyses showed that later age of depression onset was associated with smaller hippocampal volumes in subjects with the L /L genotype, but earlier age of onset was associated with smaller hippocampal volumes in subjects who were homozygous for the short (S) allele (S/S genotype). Conclusions Subjects with late-onset depression who were homozygous for the L allele exhibited smaller hippocampal volumes than other groups. Genotype also mediated the effect of age of onset on hippocampal volumes. Our findings differ from previous work; however, we examined an older and larger cohort of subjects than previous studies. Possible explanations for these findings include interactions between the serotonergic system and neurotrophic factors or cortisol response to stresses, each of which may affect hippocampal volumes.
Leadership, cheap talk and really cheap talk

Abstract Previous research offers compelling evidence that leaders suffice to effect efficiency-enhancements on cooperation, yet the source of this effect remains unclear. To investigate whether leadership effects can be attributed exclusively to the common information that leaders provide to a group, irrespective of the source of that information, we design a public goods game in which non-binding contribution suggestions originate with either a human or computer leader. We find that group members’ decisions are significantly influenced by human leaders’ non-binding contribution suggestions, both when the leader is elected as well as when the leader is randomly chosen. A leader's suggestion becomes an upper bound for group member's contributions. Identical suggestions do not impact the group members’ decisions when they originate with a computer, thus supporting to the view that information provided by human leaders is uniquely able to establish welfare-enhancing norms.
Molecular Dynamics in Living Cells Observed by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy with One- and Two-Photon Excitation

Multiphoton excitation (MPE) of fluorescent probes has become an attractive alternative in biological applications of laser scanning microscopy because many problems encountered in spectroscopic measurements of living tissue such as light scattering, autofluorescence, and photodamage can be reduced. The present study investigates the characteristics of two-photon excitation (2PE) in comparison with confocal one-photon excitation (1PE) for intracellular applications of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS is an attractive method of measuring molecular concentrations, mobility parameters, chemical kinetics, and fluorescence photophysics. Several FCS applications in mammalian and plant cells are outlined, to illustrate the capabilities of both 1PE and 2PE. Photophysical properties of fluorophores required for quantitative FCS in tissues are analyzed. Measurements in live cells and on cell membranes are feasible with reasonable signal-to-noise ratios, even with fluorophore concentrations as low as the single-molecule level in the sampling volume. Molecular mobilities can be measured over a wide range of characteristic time constants from approximately 10(-3) to 10(3) ms. While both excitation alternatives work well for intracellular FCS in thin preparations, 2PE can substantially improve signal quality in turbid preparations like plant cells and deep cell layers in tissue. At comparable signal levels, 2PE minimizes photobleaching in spatially restrictive cellular compartments, thereby preserving long-term signal acquisition.
Redescription of Amblyomma fulvum Neumann 1899 (Acarina: Ixodidae), a parasite of the giant anaconda in northern South America.

Amblyomma fulvum Neumann is redescribed and figured for the first time from a male taken from the giant anaconda Eunectes murinus Linnaeus.
Enhancement in amount of P1 (hsp60) in mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells exhibiting increases in the A system of amino acid transport.

Abstract Mutants of CHO-K1 cells with varied levels of A system activity, probably the result of increases in absolute amount of the A system transporter, have corresponding increases in levels of peptides banding at 62-66 and 29 kDa. Mutant alar4-H3.9, showing the highest increase of A system activity and of 62- to 66- and 29-kDa peptides, was selected for this study. The N terminus 16-amino acid sequence of the 62- to 66-kDa peptide(s) of this mutant showed between 80% and 100% identity with the mammalian mitochondrial 60-kDa heat shock protein P1 (hsp60). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the 62- to 66-kDa band showed two major, a minor, and several smaller spots (of same mass but different pI values) for both wild type (WT) and mutant, with the two major spots being of greater density in the mutant. Immunoblots with antibody to P1 identified the two major and minor peptides as P1 related. Two-dimensional gels of whole cell extracts of the WT and alar4-H3.9 confirmed these findings and indicated that the two major bands of the mutant were 2.4 times as abundant as that found for the WT. A plasma membrane fraction of the mutant, exhibiting 4.8 times more A system activity than the WT, contained 3.6 times as much P1 as the WT. Immunoblots with antibodies to P1, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, and to the mitochondrial F1/F0-ATPase demonstrated that the increased amount of P1 observed in the mutant was not the result of increases in amount of mitochondrial protein. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the mutant had 2.5 times as much mRNA for P1 as the WT. The close analogy with the relationship between A system and Na+,K(+)-ATPase suggests that there is a coordinate regulation of the A system of amino acid transport, Na+,K(+)-ATPase, and P1 protein, probably as a result of mutation in a shared regulatory element. The possible role of P1 in A system function is discussed.
EPINEPHRINE (E) SECRETION IN THE RAT FETUS IN RESPONSE TO NICOTINE ADMINISTERED TRANSPLACENTALLY - RESISTANCE TO CHANGE OF FETAL PLASMA LIPIDS

We have shown previously that nicotine readily crosses the rat placenta. The present experiments were undertaken to determine whether nicotine causes catecholamine release by the feat rat adrenal, and whether acute or chronic dosage of the fetus with nicotine causes lipid increases in fetal plasma. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were fed stock diets containing 0.05 or 0.1 mg/g added nicotine during 10-20 or 0-20 d of pregnancy. Control rats were fed stock diet during 0-20 d. Mean nicotine intake ranged up to 6.03 mg/kg/d. No significant changes occurred in fetal plasma on day 20 with respect to triglyceride (TG), P-lipid or cholesterol levels. Pregnant rats were given single doses of 1 mg/kg nicotine ip on day 20. Maternal plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and TG rose, but fetal values did not change. Fetal adrenal E content decreased after nicotine injection and then rose to slightly higher than control values. There was no decrease after saline injection. The results indicate that the fetal adrenal of the rat secretes E in response to nicotine entering the fetus trans-placentally. The resistance of fetal FFA to change after nicotine is probably due to resistance to E induced elevation of FFA. The placenta may be responsible for maintaining the steady state of fetal plasma lipids.
Measurement of the absolute intensities of the 7.8 and 8.6 μm band systems of N2O

Abstract The absolute intensities of the ν 1 band system and of the 2ν 2 0 band system of N 2 O have been measured using the Wilson—Wells—Penner—Weber technique. The intensities we have obtained are 225 ± 2 cm −2 atm −1 for the ν 1 band system and 8.46 ± 0.09 cm −2 atm −1 for the 2ν 2 0 band system.
Comment About the Three Commentaries

We wish to thank Drs. Passik, Kirsh, Fishman, and Attorney Bolen for their thoughtful Commentaries. We agree with many of their observations and concerns. Each of these Commentaries, in one way or another, expresses the idea that fear of prescribing opioids is caused by a variety of perceptions of risks involved with prescribing opioids. We think a prerequisite to addressing this fear is to learn whether the perceptions are in accord with the reality. We acquired the data in our article to determine whether the reality of the risk of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) criminal action was congruent with the perception. We interpreted our results to indicate that a physician using standard-of-care management of a bona fide patient in pain and with a medical record documenting this care had little to fear from a DEA criminal action. None of these four authors rejected that conclusion. All went on to describe a number of other factors that were contributing to this fear. Physicians' fear of an action by government is only one of many barriers to better treatment of patients in pain. Many people known to the readers of Pain Medicine have contributed to trying to overcome these barriers. Our own work in this area has addressed several barriers [1–5]. At this time, we think that fear of governmental action is a major barrier to better pain care. In order to address fear of government …
Theory of Covalency in Transition Metal Salts

The effect of correlation on the degree of covalency in transition metal salts is discussed using a configuration interaction approach. It is shown that the electron transfer accompanied by a one-electron excitation of the redistribution or polarization type represents an important two-electron excitation which produces an appreciable enhancement of the spin-density at the ligand.
Wideband textile slot antenna array

Wideband textile slot antennas have been developed with high precision. The antennas are composed of three textile layers: the top and bottom are conducting layers and are precisely defined by a laser cutting machine, while the third layer is a textile dielectric layer and sandwiched between these two conducting layers. A single and two-element array slot antenna has been developed and successfully tested. The developed antennas offer flexible, light-weight and bendable properties. The antennas can be easily incorporated into clothing using a simple iron-on adhesive process. The iron-on process allows for the fabric to be washed without losing its adhesion. Details of antenna fabrication and the capabilities of the laser precision technique and its extension to development of large area antenna arrays will be presented.
Evaluating Seasonal Food Storage and Credit Programs in East Indonesia

Abstract Predictable annual lean seasons occur in many rural areas, including West Timor in Indonesia. Imperfections in savings and credit markets make it difficult for staple farmers to convert harvest season output into lean season consumption. We conduct a randomized evaluation of a seasonal food storage program and a food credit program. By providing improved ways to transfer assets across seasons, each program functions as a subsidy on lean season consumption. We find that neither program had effects on staple food consumption. The storage program increased non-food consumption. The credit program increased reported income and reduced seasonal gaps in consumption. Our results are consistent with positive income effects through the expansion of budget sets, but suggest that the average household could be close to staple food satiation.
The effects of proprioceptive disruption on the motor program for cheliped flexion behavior in hermit crabs

1. The contribution of proprioceptive feedback from chordotonal organs in hermit crab (Pagurus ochotensis) chelipeds was examined in the motor program controlling cheliped flexion behavior. 2. Feedback disruption was accomplished by joint immobilization, partial blockage of movement and ablation of the two chordotonal organs in the carpo-propodite (CP) joint. Perturbations in the motor program were detected by analyzing electromyogram records. 3. Immobilization and partial blockage of movement caused increases in burst duration and impulse frequency in those muscles which encountered resistance to contraction (Figs. 1–4). This is interpreted as a positive feedback, tension-sensitive, reflex which may be mediated by apodeme sensory nerves, but is not mediated by the CP chordotonal organs (Fig. 13). 4. To control for immobilization, records were made from the CP chordotonal organs during isometric muscle contraction in isolated chelipeds. The chordotonal organs were still activated under these conditions (Fig. 5) demonstrating that immobilization may not be a reliable method of deafferentiation. 5. Ablation of the CP2 chordotonal organ had no significant effect on the motor program (Fig. 6; Table 3), although the passive stretcher resistance reflex was eliminated. 6. Ablation of the CP1 chordotonal organ produced an increase in cycle time and burst duration (Figs. 7–10, Table 4) but a decrease in initial impulse frequency within bursts (Fig. 11B) in the bender motoneurons. It was concluded that, in addition to mediating the bender resistance reflex, feedback from the CP1 organ provides short-term tonic excitatory input to the central pattern-generating mechanism during programmed motor activity (Fig. 14A). 7. A secondary effect of the CP1 ablation was todestabilize the bender cycle time by producing an increase in the absolute range of values (Figs. 8, 9) and erratic trends in sequential cycles of the motor program (Fig. 12A).
This car seems to be alive – perspectives on the documentary, Plan F

Ed Marko redefines what it means to be not only an auto mechanic but also a person who is blind. At the age of 20 years, he lost his sight from a degenerative disease called infantile glaucoma. However, he has surpassed what we traditionally think of as the capabilities of blind people. Now in his late 60s, he was once a rehabilitation counsellor, but he also enjoyed working on cars. Then he decided to open his own shop, Community Car Care, in Columbus, Ohio. Plan F, a 27-minute documentary awarded the 2007 Oxford International Film Festival Award in cinematography and nominated for best short documentary at the Southern Winds Film Festival, takes us through a day in Ed's life as we watch him work on cars and interact with his partner Brad and his cat. Ed teaches us that one does not need to see to work on cars as he uses his fingers and tongue to manipulate bolts, nuts and bearings. The ways Ed navigates the auto shop demonstrate how he approaches life. If Plan A does not work, he moves on to Plan B. Flexibility and a sense of humour allow him to switch to a new plan when the first one does not work out. In this review of Plan F, we begin with summaries of the nine major scenes of the documentary, followed by reviews by a blind and a sighted person. The piece concludes with comments from the director.
A mechanomyographic fatigue threshold test for cycling.

The purposes of this study were twofold: 1) to derive the mechanomyographic mean power frequency fatigue threshold (MMG MPF FT ) for submaximal cycle ergometry; and 2) to compare the power outputs associated to the MMG MPF FT to other neuromuscular and gas exchange fatigue thresholds. 9 adults (5 men and 4 women; mean±SD age=23.7±3.7 years; body weight = 66.3 ± 8.2 kg) performed an incremental cycle ergometry test to exhaustion while expired gas samples, electromyographic (EMG), and MMG signals were measured from the vastus lateralis muscle. The non-significant correlations (r=0.17 to 0.66; p>0.05) among the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC FT ), MMG MPF FT , and gas exchange threshold (GET) suggested that different physiological mechanisms may underlie these 3 fatigue thresholds. A significant correlation (r=0.83) for the MPF FT vs. respiratory compensation point (RCP) suggested that these fatigue thresholds may be mediated by a common physiological mechanism. In addition, the significantly lower mean values found for the PWC FT (mean ± SD = 163 ± 43 W), MMG MPF FT (132±33 W), and GET (144±28 W) than MPF FT (196±53 W) and RCP (202±41 W) suggested that these gas exchange and neuromuscular fatigue thresholds may demarcate different exercise intensity domains.
Nursing service administration in a clinical research hospital.

Resume L'administration du Service des Infirmieres, Centre Clinique, Instituts Nationaux de la Sante, Ministere de la Sante, de l'Education et des Affaires Sociales (Department of Health, Education, and Welfare) des Etats-Unis, a trois objectifs: (1) assurer des soins de premiere qualite aux malades participant a un projet d'etude clinique; (2) contribuer aux progres de la recherche medicale, en secondant les medecins par des infirmieres hautement specialisees; (3) fournir au personnel des infirmieres un milieu qui leur permette de parfaire leur formation professionnelle. Les difficultes qui se presentent a ce propos sont de nature particuliere, du fait qu'elles ont trait a l'administration des seuls hopitaux de recherche. Le Centre Clinique fournit les services auxiliaires necessaires aux malades qui font l'objet d'etudes cliniques dans six des dix instituts nationaux. Les soins d'infirmiere comptent parmi ces services; le personnel des infirmieres est entraine a collaborer avec les medecins participant a la recherche clinique. L'affectation du personnel se fait par un bureau central, apres une periode d'orientation destinee a familiariser les infirmieres avec la procedure des protocoles de recherche, souligner l'importance de la precision dans l'observation, et enseigner le fonctionnement des programmes de soins aux malades bases sur un horaire de 24 heures. A mesure que les infirmieres font preuve de leur aptitude a assurer aux malades tous les soins necessaires, on leur accorde plus de responsabilites; l'avancement se fait toutefois lentement, du fait que le rythme d'un milieu consacre entierement a la recherche est necessairement moins rapide que celui d'un hopital ordinaire. Le nombre de maladies etudiea un moment donne doit egalement etre restreint a quelques categories, afin d'assurer le recueillement exact des donnees. Les preoccupations administratives sont de trois domaines: (1) affectation du personnel; (2) formation suivie du personnel; (3) budget. Le personnel est generalement affectea un service pour une periode de 12 a 18 mois, afin de lui permettre de se familiariser completement avec plus d'un service. La formation en cours de travail est axee vers le plein developpement individuel, ainsi que vers l'acquisition des connaissances et techniques necessaires pour participer pleinement a un projet de recherche. La preparation du budget pose bien des problemes, car les besoins de personnel et de materiel varient pour chaque projet. La satisfaction durable qui derive de la recherche clinique provient du sentiment constant de progres et d'esperance que donne la lutte contre la plus vieille ennemie de l'homme—la maladie.
Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a 3-D hexagonal metal-porphyrin coordination network

A hexagonal-shaped hybrid metal-porphyrin framework containing 5,15-di(4-pyridyl)-10,20-diphenylporphyrin (trans-H2DPyP) and Zn(NO3)26H2O in DMF has been self-assembled solvothermally. The solvothermal reaction of Zn(II) with conformationally versatile 5,15-di(4-pyridyl)-10,20-diphenylporphyrin, which can coordinate axially to two ligands, resulted in metalation of the porphyrin core and then self-coordination of the metalated porphyrin-produced single crystals of 3-D polymeric arrays. The trans-ZnDPyP framework is thermally stable at 450 °C and allows solvent exchange without losing the crystal structure.
Improving floating point compression through binary masks

Modern scientific technology such as particle accelerators, telescopes, and supercomputers are producing extremely large amounts of data. That scientific data needs to be processed by using systems with high computational capabilities such as supercomputers. Given that the scientific data is increasing in size at an exponential rate, storing and accessing the data are becoming expensive in both time and space. Most of this scientific data is stored by using floating point representation. Scientific applications executed on supercomputers spend a large amount of CPU cycles reading and writing floating point values, making data compression techniques an interesting way to increase computing efficiency. Given the accuracy requirements of scientific computing, we only focus on lossless data compression. In this paper we propose a masking technique that partially decreases the entropy of scientific datasets, allowing for a better compression ratio and higher throughput. We evaluate several data partitioning techniques for selective compression and compare these schemes with several existing compression strategies. Our approach shows up to 15% improvement in compression ratio while reducing the time spent in compression by half time in some cases.
Electrostatic deflector for the University of Colorado energy-loss spectrometer

Abstract An electrostatic deflector is used in the University of Colorado spectrometer to move interfering particles off the detector in cases where electronic gating of particle induced signals from the detector is not satisfactory.
Ankle problems masquerading as sprains

The most common ankle injury is a ligamentous sprain, usually involving the lateral side. This is usually treated very successfully with conservative management. Those patients who have continued complaints despite such management should be suspected of having something more than a simple sprain. The diagnostic entities discussed herein should always be part of the differential diagnosis of a sprained ankle, so that when one of these injuries is initially missed, the examining physician will be able to re-examine and eventually diagnose and treat these injuries properly. They should be managed appropriately as soon as possible for the best outcome. Needless delays should be avoided.
Nanotoxicology and Ethical Conditions for Informed Consent

While their strength, electrical, optical, or magnetic properties are expected to contribute a trillion dollars in global commerce before 2015, nanomaterials also appear to pose threats to human health and safety. Nanotoxicology is the study of these threats. Do nanomaterial benefits exceed their risks? Should all nanomaterials be regulated? Currently nanotoxicologists cannot help answer these questions because too little is known about nanomaterials, because their properties differ from those of bulk materials having the same chemical composition, and because they differ so widely in their applications. Instead, this paper answers a preliminary ethical question: What nanotech policies are likely to contribute to society’s ability to give or withhold free informed consent to the potential risks associated with production and use of nanomaterials? This paper argues that at least four current policies appear to jeopardize the risk-disclosure condition that is required for informed consent. These are the funding problem, the conflict-of-interest problem, the labeling problem, and the extrapolation problem. Apart from future decisions on how to ethically make, use, and regulate nanomaterials, this paper argues that, at a minimum, these four policies must be modified. Government must spend greater monies on nanotoxicology; ensure independent nanotoxicology research; label consumer products containing nanomaterials; and avoid assuming that nanotoxicological properties are based merely on mass and chemical composition. Otherwise free informed consent to these new technologies and materials may be jeopardized.
Magnetic resonance-guided interstitial therapy for vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and to describe the acute toxicity of a real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR)-image guided interstitial approach to treating vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer. Methods and Materials: From February 2004 to April 2005, 10 patients with recurrent endometrial cancer underwent MR-guided interstitial brachytherapy. Parameters evaluated included needle placement, dose-volume histograms (DVH), and complications. Results: Magnetic resonance-image guidance resulted in accurate needle placement. Tumor DVH values included median volume, 47 cc; V100, 89%; V150, 61%; V200, 38%; D90, 71 Gy; and D100, 60 Gy. DVH of organs at risk resulted in a median D2cc of external beam and brachytherapy dose (% of brachytherapy prescription): bladder, 75Gy{sub 3} (88%); rectum, 70Gy{sub 3} (87%); and sigmoid, 56Gy{sub 3} (41%). All patients experienced either a Grade 1 or 2 acute toxicity related to the radiation; only 1 patient had Grade 3 toxicity. No toxicities were attributable to the use of MR guidance. Conclusions: Real-time MR guidance during the insertion of interstitial needles reduces the likelihood of an inadvertent insertion of the needles into the bladder and the rectum. Three-dimensional dosimetry allows estimation of the dose to organs at risk. Toxicities are limited.
Optimization of CdTe nanofilm formation by electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (EC-ALE)

This paper concerns optimization studies of the growth of cadmium telluride, an important II–VI compound semiconductor, using electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (EC-ALE). The importance of the potentials used to deposit atomic layers of Cd and Te, as well as the potential used to strip excess Te, were investigated. These potentials were used in a cycle, an EC-ALE cycle, to form deposits one atomic layer at a time, using a sequence of surface limited reactions. The optimal potentials for the CdTe EC-ALE cycle included Cd deposition at − 0.65 V, Te deposition at − 0.35 V and bulk Te stripping at − 0.70 V. The deposits obtained were stoichiometric, with a Te/Cd atomic ratio of 1.01 from electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) studies of the optimal condition indicated that about a third of the deposited Cd was oxidatively stripped at the potential used to deposit Te. Glancing angle X-ray diffraction studies showed a (111) preferred orientation for the deposit, while room temperature near infrared absorption measurements indicated a direct band gap of 1.5 eV.
An interoperation framework for secure collaboration among organizations

In this paper we propose a framework for supporting interoperation between access control systems of different organizations in a collaborative environment. We assume that each organization regulates access to resources using the role based access control (RBAC) model. We define the scope of collaboration as the set of shared resources, of shared operations that those resources can execute, and of roles that can execute those operations. We address collaborative scenarios in which the scope of collaboration changes based on autonomous sharing policies of each organization. We assume that resources are mobile and that their operations can be executed only at the location in which they reside. Our framework supports queries about location of resources, of operations that those resources can execute, and of access rights that allow the execution of those operations. In order to support this type of queries, the RBAC policies of the collaborating organizations are integrated into a global RBAC policy that acts as a mediator. Our framework uses the Web Ontology Language (OWL) to represent: 1) the global RBAC policy; 2) the local RBAC policies belonging to different organizations; and 3) relationships between the global and local RBAC policies.
Dynamic Bertrand Oligopoly

We study continuous time Bertrand oligopolies in which a small number of firms producing similar goods compete with one another by setting prices. We first analyze a static version of this game in order to better understand the strategies played in the dynamic setting. Within the static game, we characterize the Nash equilibrium when there are N players with heterogeneous costs. In the dynamic game with uncertain market demand, firms of different sizes have different lifetime capacities which deplete over time according to the market demand for their good. We setup the nonzero-sum stochastic differential game and its associated system of HJB partial differential equations in the case of linear demand functions. We characterize certain qualitative features of the game using an asymptotic approximation in the limit of small competition. The equilibrium of the game is further studied using numerical solutions. We find that consumers benefi t the most when a market is structured with many firms of the same relative size producing highly substitutable goods. However, a large degree of substitutability does not always lead to large drops in price, for example when two firms have a large difference in their size.
901-117 Mitral Valve Prolapse: Is it Associated with Acute Ischemic Neurologic Events?

A high frequency of association has previously been reported between acute ischemic neurological events and mitral valve prolapse (MVP), especially in young patients (l45 years old), primarily based on M-mode scans. Criteria for diagnosing MVP, however, have subsequently changed based on 3D analysis of valve shape and clinical correlations, greatly decreasing its prevalence. It is therefore necessary to reconsider associations previously described using nonspecific M-mode and two-dimensional (2D) echo criteria. We retrospectively reviewed all echo studies performed from 1985 to 1994 in patients l45 years old referred by their physician because of stroke or transient ischemic attack looking for source of embolus. Patients with known or potential sources such as prosthetic heart valves, intracardiac masses, dilated or aneurysmal LV. or congenital heart defects were excluded. MVP was evaluated using 2D echo criteria now widely accepted (in long-axis views, excluding nonspecific anterior leaflet displacement in the 4-chamber view; these criteria correlate with valve dysfunction and valve-related complications). Results Of the 244 patients evaluated, only 3 (1.2%) had MVP (anterior, posterior and bileaflet with thin valves and normal LA size). All 3 patients also had a patent foramen ovale with shunt. Discussion: Earlier studies using less specific M-mode criteria found MVP in up to 40% of young patients with stroke or TIA, but also in 7–21% of otherwise healthy individuals. In contrast, the very low prevalence of MVP in the present group of patients, despite referral for echocardiography (potential bias towards the diagnosis), suggests the association is much smaller, possibly at the level of random association. Conclusion The linkage of MVP and acute ischemic neurological events in the young, therefore, could not be demonstrated by more recent validated and accepted 2D echo criteria in an echocardiographic referral population.
Immunosuppression by a peptide from the gelatin binding domain of human fibronectin.

Circulating immunosuppressive peptides are found in conjunction with elevated protease activity in injured patients' serum. Previous work suggests that fibronectin may be a source of these peptides. Elastase-generated fibronectin degradation products were chromatographically separated and assessed for immunosuppressive capacity in the neutrophil chemotaxis and mixed lymphocyte reaction bioassays. The suppressive fibronectin degradation products fraction 22 inhibited chemotaxis by 53% (P < 0.01) and mixed lymphocyte reaction by 41% (P < 0.001). Incubation of the suppressive fraction 22 with gelatin, neuraminidase, or anti-SAP (suppressor active peptide) antibody reverses the chemotaxis inhibition to control values. These results indicate that an elastase-generated fragment of fibronectin, which potently inhibits neutrophil and lymphocyte activity, is located within the sialated gelatin binding portion of the molecule. Immunosuppression reversal by anti-SAP antibody, and the requirement for sialic acid, suggests similarity between fraction 22 and SAP, although other explanations are plausible. This peptide fragment from fibronectin may impact on the clinical immunosuppression seen in patients following severe trauma.
William Alfred Higinbotham: Scientist, Activist, and Computer Game Pioneer

This article discusses about William Alfred Higinbotham who was inspired to design Tennis for Two, the first computer game to display motion and interactive control with handheld controllers.
The Use of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of Recurrent Syncope Due to Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity Unresponsive to Dual Chamber Cardiac Pacing

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity can be a cause of recurrent unexplained syncope in the older patient. Dual chamber cardiac pacing may relieve the bradycardia, but may not affect the vasodilatory component of this disorder. We report on two patients with carotid sinus hypersensitivity with a predominant vasodilatory component who experienced recurrent syncope following permanent pacemaker implantation. Both patients were treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors and after 4-6 weeks of therapy had complete resolution of symptoms. We conclude that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of recurrent syncope due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity resistant to dual chamber cardiac pacing.
A case-based toxicology elective course to enhance student learning in pharmacotherapy.

Objective. To assess the impact of a case-based toxicology elective course on student learning in related required courses and student performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) examination. Design. A case-based clinical toxicology elective course that contained topics from 2 required courses, Pharmacology III and Pharmacotherapy II, was offered in the spring 2009 to second- and third-year pharmacy students. Assessment. Scores on the Toxicology subsection of the PCOA of students enrolled in the elective were higher than those of students not enrolled (91.3% ± 4.1 vs. 67.2% ± 5.7). Enrollment in the elective was related to increased examination scores among Pharmacotherapy II students (89.5% ± 2.0 vs. 83.9% ± 1.8). Students indicated on course survey instruments that they were satisfied with the new elective offering. Conclusions. A toxicology elective provided a clinically relevant, active-learning experience for pharmacy students that addressed a curricular need within the college and increased examination scores.
71 EFFECT OF CHOLESTEROL-LOADED CYCLODEXTRINS ON PRE- AND POST-THAW FUNCTION OF FELID SPERM

Propagation of genetically diverse felid populations would benefit from more effective assisted reproduction strategies, including enhanced methods for sperm cryopreservation. In felids, sperm cryopreservation has been improved by substituting soy-lecithin for egg yolk in cryomedium (Vick et al. 2012 Theriogenology 78, 2120–2128). In other species, such as elephants (Kiso et al. 2012 Reprod., Fert. Dev. 24, 1134–1142) and cattle (Purdy et al. 2004 Cryobiology 48, 36–45), the addition of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) to sperm before freezing has been shown to produce superior cryopreservation results. In this study, our objectives were to (1) assess cholesterol content of cat sperm membranes and capacitation status following incubation with CLC; (2) evaluate post-thaw sperm motility, acrosome status, and fertility in vitro following CLC treatment and freezing in a soy-based cryomedium; and (3) conduct a preliminary assessment of cholesterol content in nondomestic cat sperm. Freshly collected domestic cat sperm (n = 2 males, 3–4 ejaculates/male) were incubated with CLC (0, 1.5, or 3.0 mg mL–1), and cholesterol levels were measured using an Amplex Red Cholesterol Assay. Sperm aliquots from each CLC concentration were treated with calcium ionophore (2 μM, 30 min) during in vitro incubation and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate/PNA to evaluate induced acrosomal loss. To assess post-thaw parameters, cat sperm treated with CLC were frozen in straws using soy-lecithin cryomedium, thawed, and cultured in vitro over time. To evaluate fertility, oocytes were collected laparoscopically from gonadotropin-treated domestic cats (n = 7 females, 147 oocytes total) and inseminated with low numbers of thawed-frozen sperm pretreated with 0 or 1.5 mg mL–1 CLC. Data were analysed using ANOVA and mean differences assessed with Fisher l.s.d. or chi-squared analysis. Sperm cholesterol levels were increased (P 0.05) for 0 and 1.5 mg mL–1 CLC. Fertilization percentages did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatment groups (0 CLC, 33.3%, 25/75; 1.5 mg mL–1 CLC, 26.4%, 19/72). Preliminary results from a single cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and single fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) suggest that sperm membrane cholesterol may be lower compared to the domestic cat. Cholesterol content appeared to increase in both species after exposure to 1.5 mg mL–1 CLC. In summary, our findings suggest CLC treatment increased cholesterol content of felid sperm membranes. The higher CLC concentration was detrimental to sperm motility, capacitation, and post-thaw sperm traits. The lower CLC concentration did not improve post-thaw sperm function in domestic cats. Research supported by the Procter & Gamble Wildlife Conservation Scholarship Program.
Characterization of two ganglion cell populations in avian ciliary ganglia.

The cellular organization of the avian ciliary ganglion was investigated with electrophysiological, histological and pharmacological techniques. Nerve connections in the pigeon ciliary ganglion were studied. The two cell populations which had been described anatomically were found to distribute their axons separately in the choroid and ciliary nerves. There was no connection between the two groups of cells. These findings also apply to the chick ciliary ganglion. The ciliary population has 2953±683 (mean ± S.D.) ganglion cellswith single myelinated axons 5.4 ± 2.1 μm (median ± A.D.) in diameter. The choroid group is composed of 3084 ± 640 (mean ± S.D.) cells with 2.1 ± 1.0 μm (median ± A.D.) diameter myelinated axons. The conduction velocity of the presynaptic fibers which innervate the low threshold ciliary cells is 6.9 ± 3.04 m/sec (mean ± S.D.). The conduction velocity of the presynaptic fibers innervating the choroid cells is 3.4 ± 0.7 m/sec (mean ± S.D.) at 22–24°C. Similarly, the latency of the orthodromically initiated ciliary chemical response was 1.8 ± 0.5 msec (mean ± S.D.) shorter than that of the choroid response. The cells which send axons to the ciliary nerves posses a dual, chemical and electrical, mechanism of synaptic transmission. The cells sending axons to the choroid nerves only have chemical transmission. After sectioning of the ciliary nerves, leaving choroid nerves intact, retrograde changes occur only in the cells possessing myelin lamellae, i.e., the cliary cells. No changes were found in the choroid cells. Thus, electrical coupling is associated with the myelinated cells. Although chemical synaptic transmission is cholinergic for both cell group, the choroid cells are more suscetible to block by hexamethonium than are the ciliary cells. Conversely, the ciliary neurons are more sensitive to d-tubocurarine than are the choroid. A given concentration of dihydro-β-erythroidine reduced transmission about equally in the choroid and ciliary pathways. Such a pattern of selectivity by different blockers suggests that the properties of the cholinergic receptors of the two ganglion cell populations may differ qualitatively. Adrenergic blocking agents did not modify transmission in the avian ciliary ganglion.
Reactions of molecules with two equivalent functional groups. 3. Nucleophilic substitution reactions of α, ω‐dibromoalkanes [Br(CH2)nBr, n = 3,4,5] with potassium cyanide

The substitution reactions of Br(CH2)nBr(1, n = 3–5) with KCN in methanol were studied in detail. Second-order rate constants k1 [formation of the mononitrile (2) from 1] and k2 (formation of the dinitrile (3) from 2) were determined, as were the rates for the reaction of H(CH2)nBr (4, n = 3-5) with KCN under the same conditions. The ratios k2/k1 ( = x) of the three homologs of 1 were found to be 1.15, 0.77 and 0.61 for n = 3, 4 and 5, respectively; a x value of 0.5 indicates that the functional groups behave independently. The second-order rate constants k1 (statistically corrected) and k2 exhibit modest enhancements compared with model compound 4 when any of the following substituents are present: δ or ϵ-bromo, γ-, δ-, or ϵ-cyano. By contrast, a γ-bromo substituent slightly retards the rate. These results indicate that the functional groups do influence each other to a modest degree by field effects which accelerate the reactions. Steric effects do not appear to play a significant role.
Lithospheric structure of the Arabian and Eurasian collision zone in eastern Turkey from S-wave receiver functions

SUMMARY Crustal and upper-mantle seismic discontinuities beneath eastern Turkey are imaged using teleseismic S-to-P converted phases. Three crustal phases are observed: the Moho with depth ranging between 30 and 55 km, indicating variable tectonic regimes within this continental collision zone; an upper-crustal discontinuity at approximately 10 km depth; and various crustal low-velocity zones, possibly associated with recent Quaternary volcanism. Imaging of the upper mantle is complicated by the 3-D geometry of the region, in particular due to the Bitlis‐Zagros suture zone. However, several upper-mantle S-to-P converted phase are identified as being the signature of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB). The inferred LAB for the Eastern Anatolian Accretionary Complex indicates that eastern Turkey has an anomalously thin (between ∼60 and 80 km) lithosphere which is consistent with an oceanic slab detachment model. The observed LAB phases for the Arabian shield and Iranian plateau indicate that lithospheric thickness for these stable regions is on the order of 100 to 125 km thick, which is typical of continental margins.
Increased Circulating Anti-inflammatory Cells in Marathon-trained Runners.

Exercise training can alter immune function. Marathon training has been associated with an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and an increased activity of inflammatory-based diseases, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare levels of circulating CD4 + T cell subsets in the periphery of marathon-trained runners and matched non-marathon controls. 19 recreational marathoners that were 4 weeks from running a marathon and 19 demographically-matched healthy control subjects had the percentage of CD4 + T cell subpopulations (T helper 1, T helper 2, T helper 1/T helper 2 ratio, regulatory T cells, CD4 + IL10 + , and CD4 + TGFβ + (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) measured by flow cytometry. Marathon-trained runners had significantly less T helper 1 and regulatory T cells and significantly more T helper 2, CD4 + IL10 + , and TGFβ + cells than the control subjects. The alterations in the percentage of T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells led to a significantly lower T helper 1/T helper 2 ratio in the marathon-trained runners. These data suggest that endurance-based training can increase the number of anti-inflammatory cells. This may be a potential mechanism for the increased incidence of both infectious and inflammatory diseases observed in endurance athletes.