cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PKC-δ and Akt Signaling in Reduced Apoptosis by Ethanol after Transient Ischemic Stroke (P1.100)

BACKGROUND: Thrombolytic therapy, which is one of the only approved therapies for ischemic stroke, has been shown to have a number of limitations, such as the short time-frame for administration. Recent research has shown a neuroprotective role of ethanol administration during ischemic stroke, such as its ability to reduce infarct volume and neurologic deficit (Wang et al., Stroke, 2012, 43:205). OBJECTIVE: In order to investigate ethanol9s neuroprotective ability further, we assessed the hypothesis that ethanol’s neuroprotective effect is through the reduction of apoptosis and the modulation of the important apoptotic PKC-δ and Akt signaling pathway. METHODS: Ethanol (1.5 g/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injections to Sprague-Dawley rats after 2 hours of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, followed by 3 or 24 hours of reperfusion. We measured apoptotic cell death, PKC-δ, and Akt mRNA and protein expressions in each ischemic group with or without ethanol treatment using ELISA, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that cell death was significantly increased in rats following 2 hours of MCA occlusion and 24 hour reperfusion. Subsequently, cell death was significantly reduced by an administration of ethanol. We further found that ethanol administration, prior to either 3 or 24 hours of reperfusion, significantly decreased the expression of PKC-δ while simultaneously increasing the expression of Akt at both mRNA and protein levels at the two points. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that ethanol administration following ischemic stroke modulates the gene and protein profile by increasing expression of anti-apoptotic Akt and decreases the pro-apoptotic PKC-δ. This ultimately results in a decrease in neuronal apoptosis, thus conferring neuroprotection. Disclosure: Dr. Hafeez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Geng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guthikonda has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ding has nothing to disclose.
The limits of psychiatry

Much of the expansion of psychiatry in the past few decades has been based on a biomedical model that encourages drug treatment to be seen as a panacea for multiple problems. Psychiatrist Duncan Double is sceptical of this approach and suggests that psychiatry should temper and complement a biological view with psychological and social understanding, thus recognising the uncertainties of clinical practice The increasing accountability of doctors following the deaths of children in the Bristol Royal Infirmary's paediatric cardiac surgical unit has focused attention on the foundations of medical practice. Ian Kennedy, who chaired the Bristol inquiry,1 provides a direct link with earlier cultural critics of medicine—such as Ivan Illich—in his Reith lectures in 1980 about “unmasking” medicine.2 Illich made specific comments about psychiatry in his critique of medicalisation and the limits to medicine.3 He attended the 1977 world federation for mental health conference in Vancouver, Canada, where he debated the issue of whether mental health professionals are necessary.4 He maintained that “do it yourself” care was preferable. The central concern of Illich's work was the legitimacy of professional power, whether in health systems or in other systems, such as education. There is no direct equivalent in general medicine of the “anti-psychiatry” movement, commonly seen as a passing phase in psychiatry and associated with the names of R D Laing and Thomas Szasz.5 Illich came from outside medicine, whereas the proponents of anti-psychiatry came from within psychiatry, even if their influence was subsequently marginalised by mainstream psychiatrists. The cultural role of psychiatry is more obviously open to criticism than is the case in the rest of medicine. This is because of its direct relation to social control through mental health legislation. Although diagnosis of mental illness should not be predicated on social conformity, in practice …
Electron Donors Supporting Growth and Electroactivity of Geobacter sulfurreducens Anode Biofilms

Geobacter bacteria efficiently oxidize acetate into electricity in bioelectrochemical systems, yet the range of fermentation products that support the growth of anode biofilms and electricity production has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we show that Geobacter sulfurreducens oxidized formate and lactate with electrodes and Fe(III) as terminal electron acceptors, though with reduced efficiency compared to acetate. The structure of the formate and lactate biofilms increased in roughness, and the substratum coverage decreased, to alleviate the metabolic constraints derived from the assimilation of carbon from the substrates. Low levels of acetate promoted formate carbon assimilation and biofilm growth and increased the system's performance to levels comparable to those with acetate only. Lactate carbon assimilation also limited biofilm growth and led to the partial oxidization of lactate to acetate. However, lactate was fully oxidized in the presence of fumarate, which redirected carbon fluxes into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and by acetate-grown biofilms. These results expand the known ranges of electron donors for Geobacter-driven fuel cells and identify microbial constraints that can be targeted to develop better-performing strains and increase the performance of bioelectrochemical systems.
Immunologically induced acute synovitis in rabbits. Studies of immune complexes in synovial fluid.

Large antigen-antibody complexes that are selectively removed from circulation were not selectively removed when injected into the knees of a normal rabbit. The subsequent selective removal of the complexes depended on the influx of neutrophils. Nevertheless, macrophages of the normal synovial lining were able to phagocytize some immune complexes. When antigen and antibodies were administered separately by intravenous or intraarticular routes, little or no soluble complexes were found in synovial fluid, and most of the antigen-antibody union was thought to occur in the synovial tissue.
Seismic Detectability of a Subsurface Ocean on Europa

Abstract A seismometer placed on Jupiter's moon Europa can use passive monitoring to determine the presence or absence of a possible liquid water ocean beneath Europa's surface ice and estimates of the thickness of the ice shell itself. Using probable seismic velocities for Europa's ice it is demonstrated that surface waves propagating in the frequency band of 0.1 to 0.5 Hz (wave periods of 2 to 10 s) can discriminate ice shells varying from 5 to 20 km in thickness. Miniature, light-weight seismometers with appropriate sensitivities are available.
Effects of benzophenanthridine alkaloids on the phosphorylation of an ~44 kDa protein present in a mitochondrial fraction of the rat heart☆

Abstract Chelerythrine and sanguinarine, benzophenanthridine alkaloids that are known to have a wide variety of biologic actions including inhibitory activity against the phosphorylation of proteins, were tested for their effects on the phosphorylation of a specific ~44 kDa protein present in the mitochondrial fraction of the rat heart. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition were determined to be 90.3 and ~200 μM for chelerythrine and sanguinarine, respectively, while the median-effect concentrations were 71 and 98 μM for chelerythrine and 186 μM for sanguinarine. The combination index values, determined from median-effect plots, for the combination of chelerythrine and taurine in a ratio of 1:100 were greater than 1, which indicates that chelerythrine plus taurine is antagonistic. Both chelerythrine and sanguinarine had biphasic (i.e. stimulation and inhibition) effects on the phosphorylation of the ~44 kDa protein. It was determined that the biphasic effect for chelerythrine depended upon the time of preincubation at 37 ° of chelerythrine with the mitochondrial preparation. Preincubation times of 0.5 and l min produced 70 and 82% stimulation, while longer preincubation times of 2–22 min resulted in inhibition of the phosphorylation reaction by 40–95%. Dithiothreitol (DTT), a reducing agent, prevented the inhibitory effect of chelerythrine. Glutathione was less effective in protecting the phosphorylation of the ~44 kDa protein. It is suggested that the iminium bond of chelerythrine reacts with the thiol group on DTT, thereby preventing chelerythrine from reacting with thiol groups on the kinase responsible for phosphorylating the ~44 kDa protein. The inhibitory effects of taurine were only partially eliminated by DTT.
Lateral Dynamics of a Moving Web With Geometrical Imperfection

In this paper, an analysis is provided for the steering of a long, warped web that is transported between two rollers. The web is modeled using the Timoshenko beam theory, which admits small amounts of elastic bending andtransverse shearing. Closed-form solutions are obtained for three commonly encountered forms of in-plane imperfection: (1) a splice, (2) a sinusoidal warpage, and (3) a cambered web with a constant radius-of-curvature, The fact that partial wrinkling in the web can affect the lateral dynamics is demonstrated in a simple example. This analysis reveals information on the phenomenon of weave regeneration and will be useful to designers of transport systems who wish to control the lateral tracking of webs with geometrical flaws.
Amplitude modulator circuit featuring TiO 2 memristor with linear dopant drift

An amplitude modulation circuit architecture featuring a recently published titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) memristor is proposed. The circuit performance is analysed and simulated with the published physical memristor model under the condition of linear dopant drift. The simulated results demonstrate that the performance is well predicted by the mathematical analysis and supports the viability of the design.
Cefpodoxime for antimicrobial prophylaxis in neutropenia: a retrospective case series.

Abstract Background Antimicrobial prophylaxis in select neutropenic patients has reduced fever, infection rates, hospital length of stay, and hospitalization rates. Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend the consideration of prophylaxis with a fluoroquinolone in patients at high risk for infection after chemotherapy. The use of fluoroquinolones has been associated with many adverse events, and there is limited evidence on alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients intolerant of fluoroquinolones. Objectives Our study describes a single-center experience of cefpodoxime as an alternative to fluoroquinolones for antibacterial prophylaxis during neutropenia after chemotherapy and represents a retrospective evaluation of an oral cephalosporin in adult patients for this purpose. Methods This retrospective case series analyzed data from the electronic medical records of 41 patients having hematologic malignancies and given cefpodoxime for neutropenic prophylaxis. Results The rate of febrile neutropenia was 85%, with 60% culture-positive infections. Gram-positive organisms were identified in 52% of positive cultures, and gram-negative organisms represented 40% of positive cultures. Antimicrobial resistance to guideline-recommended empiric treatment regimens was not seen in breakthrough infections. Conclusions Cefpodoxime can be utilized for prophylaxis, without adversely affecting resistance to broad-spectrum agents, and maintains a high level of appropriateness of guideline-recommended empiric regimens. This study of cefpodoxime prophylaxis in adult patients intolerant to fluoroquinolones adds to the literature of potential alternative agents for prophylaxis in neutropenic patients.
Exposure to Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Modulates the Porcine Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Response to Somatomedin-C*

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen for smooth muscle cells, but to detect maximal stimulation by PDGF, the cells must be incubated with plasma. Somatomedin-C (Sm-C), a peptide growth factor that is present in plasma, has been shown to interact with PDGF synergistically to stimulate DNA synthesis in cultured fibroblasts. These studies were designed to test the hypothesis that PDGF interacted with Sm-C to stimulate smooth muscle cell replication and to compare the response of this cell type to that of fibroblasts. When PDGF or Sm-C was added individually to smooth muscle cell cultures, each growth factor induced only minimal increases in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA (i.e. PDGF, 3,400 ± 1,120 ± 5,900 ± 1,550 cpm; Sm-C, 3,400 ± 1,120 to 10,950 ± 980 cpm). In contrast, addition of increasing concentrations of Sm- C to cultures that were continuously exposed to PDGF in the presence of Sm-C-deficient plasma resulted in a synergistic increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation (3,400 ± ...
Getting satisfaction: drivers of surgical Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health care Providers and Systems survey scores

Abstract Background Hospital consumer assessment of health care providers and systems (HCAHPS) survey scores formally recognize that patients are central to health care, shifting quality metrics from the physician to patient perspective. This study describes clinical predictors of patient satisfaction in surgical patients. Methods Analysis of a single institution's Surgical Department HCAHPS responses was performed from March 2011–October 2012. The end points were top box satisfaction on two global domains. Multivariable regression was used to determine satisfaction predictors including HCAHPS domains, demographics, and clinical variables such as comorbidities, intensive care unit stay, emergency case, discharge day, floor transfers, complications, and ancillary procedures. Results In total, 978 surveys were evaluated representing admissions to Acute care and/or Trauma (n = 177, 18.1%), Thoracic (n = 169, 17.3%), Colorectal (n = 107, 10.9%), Transplant (n = 95, 9.7%), Vascular (n = 92, 9.4%), Oncology (n = 88, 9.0%), Plastic (n = 49, 5.0%), and Cardiac (n = 201, 20.6%) divisions. Overall, 658 patients (67.3%) had high satisfaction and 733 (74.9%) gave definite hospital recommendations. Hospital satisfaction was positively associated with an intensive care unit admission (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–2.23, P = 0.002) and satisfaction with provider and pain domains. Factors associated with decreased satisfaction were race (non-black minority compared with whites; OR = 0.41, CI: 0.21–0.83, P = 0.012), self-reported poor health (OR = 0.43, CI: 0.27–0.68, P Conclusions Clinical course, particularly complications, impacts patient satisfaction. However, more important than what happens is how it happens, as evidenced by the much greater influence of surgeon and nurse–patient interactions. These results help inform future quality improvement and resource allocation.
Three-dimensional characterization of in vivo intervertebral disc degeneration using EPIC-μCT

Summary Objective Small animal models are commonly employed to study progression of and potential treatment techniques for degenerative disc disease (DDD), but assessment using conventional imaging techniques is challenging due to resolution. The objective of this study was to employ equilibrium partitioning of an ionic contrast agent micro computed tomography (EPIC - μCT) to map three-dimensional (3D) degenerative changes in the rabbit intervertebral disc (IVD). Materials and methods In vivo degeneration was induced surgically in 12 New Zealand White rabbits via percutaneous annular puncture and percutaneous nucleotomy. IVDs were harvested after 3 and 6 weeks. EPIC-μCT imaging was performed on fresh, IVDs before and after formalin fixation, and 3D IVD volumes were segmented. IVDs were histologically stained with Safranin-O/Fast-Green and Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E). EPIC-μCT attenuation and 3D morphological measurements were assessed in healthy and degenerate IVDs and compared to qualitative grading and disc height measurement from histology. Results EPIC-μCT caused pronounced contrast enhancement of the IVD. Annular puncture and nucleotomy produced mild and severe degenerative changes, respectively. IVD attenuation following contrast enhancement increased significantly in nucleotomized discs at 3 and 6 weeks. IVD attenuation correlated significantly with histologic score and disc height measurements. Disc height decreased most extensively in the posterior and lateral aspects of the IVD. 3D morphological measurements correlated strongly to IVD attenuation and were more sensitive to degenerative changes than histologic measurements. Formalin fixation reduced the attenuation of IVDs by ∼10%. Conclusion EPIC-μCT is sensitive to in vivo DDD induced by nucleotomy and provides a high resolution 3D method for mapping degenerative changes in rabbit IVDs.
Interannual Variability in the Tropical Atlantic and Linkages to the Pacific

Abstract The variability of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the tropical Atlantic is examined using data from 1900 to the present. SSTAs are filtered to focus on the interannual band with fluctuations less than 60 months. Both SSTAs over the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) and the southern tropical Atlantic (STA) are associated with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability in the tropical Pacific. SSTAs over the STA are associated with the quasi-biennial component of ENSO with a timescale of 22–32 months, and SSTAs over the NTA are influenced by the low-frequency part of the ENSO signal with a timescale of 36–48 months. The ENSO influence is seasonally dependent. The strongest linkages occur in the spring of each hemisphere. In addition to ENSO, SSTAs in the north equatorial Atlantic are also modulated by the circulation and net heat flux anomalies associated with the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO). The atmospheric impact on the ocean is different in the STA and NTA regions. Whe...
Critical success factors in information center strategy

End user computing, whether on terminals or microcomputers, has created a need for training in the use of information technology, for controlling access to corporate data, for the preservation of corporate information integrity and compatibility, and for mediation between MIS/DP and other departments.Information centers, the formal corporate response to those needs, continue to grow in number and cost. An initial cost about $75,000 and support a staff of about 7 people is common. The cost, in both dollars and personnel, is a continuing concern to management. End user computing will probably soon consume the majority of corporate information budgets; perhaps as much as 70% by 1990.The question is whether ICs can avoid becoming obstacles to the tasks for which they were created. If information centers themselves become too costly and clumsy, they will become more of a burden than an advantage to their organizations.The solution is to distribute expertise about information systems throughout the organization. This report suggests that the way to do that is by distributing the “process” of distribution, partly by the use of key end users, and partially by leveraging expertise about the technology by use of the technology itself.Experts cannot be copied, but expertise can. The leveraging of human expertise is just now beginning to be realized.As ICs evolve from simple advice and training centers, or repositories of information, to centers for information about information, the key will be in the distribution of the distribution process itself.
Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) for identification of Gaeumannomyces species

Abstract Randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) were used to distinguish among isolates of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, G. g. var. graminis, G. g. var. avenae, G. incrustans, and G. cylindrosporous. Of 60 random sequence decamer primers tested, 28 produced bands and 15 showed evidence of polymorphism. Four primers produced DNA amplification patterns that were used to distinguish G. graminis, G. incrustans, and G. cylindrosporous. Banding patterns were similar within isolates of G. g. var. tritici, G. g. var. avenae and G. incrustans. G. g. var. graminis showed greater variability in banding patterns. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA) indicated that G. g. var. tritici isolates were more closely related to G. g. var. avenae than to G. g. var. graminis isolates. The results of our study showed that RAPD markers can be used to confirm the identification of Gaeumannomyces species and varieties.
Historical antecedents of normative vs pathologic perspectives in aging

Differing concepts of aging, i.e., a normative versus a pathologic process, are presented in historical perspective and are traced through selected writings from ancient China, India, Egypt, and Greece into more modern times. These is no consistent shift across epochs from one to the other perspective, and mixed perspectives often appear. Ideas regarding the aging process and age-related disease are influenced by the changing medical state of the art in various areas. Because of the still incomplete knowledge of the basic mechanisms involved, the current status of medical knowledge has not yet resolved the "aging vs disease dilemma." History, however, does reveal insights that promote respect for prescientific observations and intuitions, provide a contextual background for progress achieved, and foreshadow current trends in the theory and practice of geriatrics.
Enumeration of IFN-γ producing lymphocytes by flow cytometry and correlation with quantitative measurement of IFN-γ

We describe a flow cytometry method to simultaneously analyze IFN-gamma production and T cell surface phenotype in freshly isolated lymphocytes without requiring prior in vitro stimulation. We show that enumeration of intracytoplasmic IFN-gamma positive T cells correlates with quantitative measurement of IFN-gamma in culture supernatant fluids. This suggests that cytokines can be reliably measured using flow cytometry. Flow cytometry has the added advantage of simultaneous detection of cell surface markers. Furthermore, we suggest that analysis of ex vivo IFN-gamma production at the single cell level may reflect more accurately T cell IFN-gamma production, by avoiding the polyclonal stimulation of IFN-gamma production observed after short term in vitro stimulation.
Human olfactory psychophysics

Of all the senses, smell is the least understood. Despite centuries of investigation, science can still offer no satisfying theory for why a particular substance smells the way it does. Nor do we understand in any detail how we are able to distinguish the smell of a peach from that of an apricot, or how a particular smell can trigger longforgotten memories of a distant time or place. Human olfactory psychophysics, the study of how humans perceive odors, is possible because humans have acquired language. Human subjects can report directly if something smells, characterize the smell, or decide if two smells are distinguishable. Answers to these simple questions have the potential to provide insight into important questions: What (if any) is the relationship between the chemical structure of an odor and its perceived smell? What types of olfactory stimuli can be discriminated, and how is this accomplished in the nose and the brain? How does experience modulate our perception of odorants? There are of course many things that cannot be done in humans, for instance genetic manipulation and electrophysiology, but these types of approaches are successfully used in animal models.
Expression of epithelial markers in malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the musculoskeletal system: An immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

We performed an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study on 67 specimens of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) from 65 patients. Most of the tumors were musculoskeletal in origin and all presented clinically as a primary malignancy. The tumors were high grade and 57 of 67 were the storiform-pleomorphic subtype. Immunohistochemical studies were performed in 34 cases with both fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed tissue; in 33 cases only formalin-fixed tissue was available. The immunohistochemical panel included vimentin, various molecular weight keratins, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), desmin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin. Seventeen of 67 (25.4%) cases stained with one or more keratin antibodies. The low molecular weight cytokeratins demonstrated the most widespread and intense staining and, using fresh-frozen tissue, increased sensitivity. Epithelial membrane antigen was detected in 20.6% of cases and six of these cases also stained with keratin. The EMA staining was more focal and less intense than the keratin reactivity. The keratin- or EMA-positive cases were not distinguished by their light microscopic or ultrastructural features. Desmin staining was focally present in 16.9% of cases. The vast majority of tumors stained with vimentin and alpha-1-antitrypsin or alpha-1-antichymotrypsin. There was no staining of tumor cells for S-100. Appropriately fixed tissue was available for electron microscopic evaluation in 15 of 23 MFHs that stained with keratin or EMA. Ultrastructurally, all tumors were composed of an admixture of cells that had the features of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and histiocytes; no epithelial structures were identified. This study confirms that MFH may express epithelial markers. It emphasizes the importance of using electron microscopy and clinical findings to distinguish keratin or EMA-positive MFH from carcinoma. This distinction is important because of the significant differences in therapy and prognosis.
Empirical determinants of purchasing power parity deviations

Abstract This paper investigates the empirical determinants of purchasing power parity (PPP) deviations over the recent period of flexible exchange rates. Transitory PPP deviations arise in a world in which prices are sticky, but where exchange rates respond instantaneously to news. Permanent PPP deviations occur when price indices differ across countries, and the world is subject to real shocks. Regressions, consistent with the hypothesis that current exchange rate changes create immediate PPP deviations which are slowly dissipated but not eliminated, imply that both sticky prices and real shocks are responsible for the recent failure of PPP.
The System Silica‐Sodium Tetraborate

The phase relations were established for the system silica-sodium tetraborate. The silica liquidus curve exhibits strong upward concavity but shows no flattening. The tridymite-cristobalite transformation occurred at 1410°± 10°C. A lowering of the α to β quartz inversion temperature of about 9°C was detected. Primary crystal habits are discussed. The region of metastable subliquidus immiscibility is also discussed and the nature of initial crystallization of the silica-rich liquid is shown.
Pressure-induced 4 f occupancy enhancement in the rare-earth metals

Calculations of $4f$ excitation energies as functions of the Wigner-Seitz radius for Ce, Sm, Er, and Yb indicate that the occupancy of the $4f$ shell increases at elevated pressures in the rare-earth metals. For each metal investigated we find a 3+ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} 2+ transition in the range of a few Mbar. The Yb results also feature a 2+ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} 3+ valence change in accord with recent experiments, while for Ce there is no evidence for a trivalent ($4{f}^{1}$) \ensuremath{\rightarrow} tetravalent ($4{f}^{0}$) transition at any pressure.
Regional clusters and jobs for inner city workers: the case of transportation, distribution, and logistics

This article examines the usefulness of a particular type of industry cluster – transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL) – for linking less-skilled workers in the inner city to job opportunities that exist in a larger regional economy. The findings are based on case studies of cluster-based development in three metropolitan regions: Indianapolis, IN, Louisville, KY, and Memphis, TN. These regions are known for their high concentrations of TDL firms. The TDL cluster was selected as the focus for this study because it potentially offers substantial employment opportunities for low-skilled workers at the entry-level and might be able to accommodate those that are hard to employ. The article discusses what these regions have done to leverage TDL to provide jobs for inner city workers and identifies some of the factors that either enhance or constrain the cluster's usefulness for that purpose.
Familiarity and flexible mating strategies of a solitary rodent, Dipodomys ingens

Because mating is a product of individual reproductive strategies that may vary with changing conditions, we predicted variable mating behaviour in an arid-adapted, territorial rodent, the giant kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ingens. We also predicted that familiarity would facilitate nonaggressive courtship and mating in this solitary rodent. Through direct observations in the field, we found that mating varied from exclusive to multiple partners. Where densities were low, and on nights when multiple females were in oestrus, each animal mated with one member of the opposite sex. In conditions where the operational sex ratio was skewed towards multiple males, males footdrummed and competed for females. Males were able to mate with one or two females in adjacent territories, and they successfully competed for these same females throughout the breeding season. Females that mated exclusively with one male had more pups emerge from the burrow compared with females that experienced male competition. Females allowed nearest neighbour males to enter their burrows, and they engaged in more nonaggressive contact with close neighbours than with other males. Paired encounters in the field showed less aggression towards neighbours than strangers. In laboratory tests, females were less aggressive towards and allowed more contact with familiar than unfamiliar males. These results show that D. ingens can alter mating strategies as conditions change. Familiarity is an important factor in nonaggressive interactions between males and females and may be important to mate preferences in females during reproduction. The less aggressive behaviour to neighbours than to strangers (‘dear enemy’ phenomenon) is consistent with other solitary animals that defend multipurpose territories.
Human chromosome 17 NotI linking clones and their use in long-range restriction mapping of the Miller-Dieker chromosome region (MDCR) in 17p13.3.

A Not1 linking library constructed from flow-sorted human chromosome 17 material was screened to aid in construction of a long-range restriction map of the Miller-Dieker chromosome region (MDCR) in 17~13.3. A total of 66 clones were mapped to one of eight regions of chromosome 17 using a somatic cell hybrid panel, and 44/66 (67%) of these clones crosshybridized to rodent DNA on Southern blots. Of these, 24 clones were tested and all mapped to mouse chromosome 11, the homolog of human chromosome 17. Four linking clones mapped to 17~13.3 and were used for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis studies along with six other anonymous probes previously mapped to this region. Clone L132 was found to be deleted in all Miller-Dieker patients tested (n = 15) and therefore lies within the critical region for this disorder. It detects two Not1 fragments (180 and 320 kb), one of which (320 kb) was shared by YNZ22 and YNH37, two probes previously shown
Measuring Material Distributions of Multiphase Flows in Electrically Conducting Vessels Using Electrical-Impedance Tomography

An implementation of resistive electrical-impedance tomography (EIT) for measuring material distributions of multiphase flows in vessels with electrically conducting walls is presented. Seven ring electrodes are equally spaced on a thin nonconducting rod that is inserted into the vessel. The vessel wall is grounded and serves as the ground electrode. Voltage distribution measurements are used to numerically reconstruct the time-averaged impedance distribution within the vessel, from which the material distributions are inferred. Experimental results for the case in which the rod is inserted coaxially into a liquid-filled vertical standpipe containing beds of different heights of nonconducting solid particles are presented. Agreement between the direct measurement and the numerical reconstruction of the particle-bed height is good. Application of this technique to a pilot-scale slurry bubble-column reactor is discussed.© 2002 ASME
Stochastic simulation of risk factor potential effects for software development risk management

Abstract One of the proposed purposes for software process simulation is the management of software development risks, usually discussed within the category of project planning/management. However, modeling and simulation primarily for the purpose of software development risk management has been quite limited. This paper describes an approach to modeling risk factors and simulating their effects as a means of supporting certain software development risk management activities. The effects of six common and significant software development risk factors were studied. A base model was then produced for stochastically simulating the effects of the selected factors. This simulator is a tool designed specifically for the risk management activities of assessment, mitigation, contingency planning, and intervention.
A co-robotic assistant capable of object selection and search via a brain machine interface

Co-robotic assistants, or Cobots can improve the quality of life for individuals with locked-in syndrome (LIS) by allowing augmented control over their surroundings. Implemented in collaboration between the Boston University Neuromorphics Lab and Neural Prosthesis Lab, this work provides a proof of concept of an autonomous robot coupled with a non-invasive brain machine interface (BMI). The system uses Steady State Visually Evoked Potential (SSVEP) for target selection and a massively parallel neural network that models functionality of the primate “where” and “what” visual pathways. The simulated visual processes perform object recognition on images streamed from the Cobot equipped with a pan-and-tilt camera. In this paper, we describe a subcomponent of the system designed to allow the neural network to learn the identity of objects, the user to select a target object and the Cobot to perform autonomous visual investigation.
Relationship between viscosity and expansion properties of variously extrusion-cooked corn grain components*

Abstract Normal corn flour and starch were extrusion-cooked at different die L/D ratios (extrusion pressure), screw speeds and moisture contents. Apparent viscosity, shear rate, expansion volume and molecular degradation of starch during or after extrusion-cooking were determined and the interrelationships among these properties were studied. Overall, the apparent viscosity of the extrusion-cooked starch or flour affected expansion more than did the extrusion pressure. The maximum expansion volume of 13.8 for starch was obtained at an apparent viscosity of 3 kPa-s.
Role of E box and initiator region in the expression of the rat follicle-stimulating hormone receptor.

Abstract The promoter for the rat follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene contains a conserved consensus E box sequence and an initiator-like region (InR) sequence. Deletion analysis and transient transfections showed that a 114-base pair region (−143 to −30) that encompasses the E box and the InR was sufficient for greater than 75% of promoter function. DNase I footprint analysis showed that the E box and InR were protected by nuclear proteins from rat Sertoli cells, and the E box region was shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) to be a site of Sertoli protein interactions. Mutations in the E box disrupted these interactions and reduced FSHR promoter activity. Co-transfection of the inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) with an FSHR/luciferase construct into mouse Sertoli 1 cells reduced FSHR promoter activity. Using EMSA, the upstream stimulatory factor was shown to be a component of the complexes that interacted with the E box in the FSHR promoter. Binding of proteins from rat Sertoli cells to the InR was demonstrated using EMSA. Also, an oligonucleotide that represented the sequence of the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase InR displaced the complexes at the FSHR InR. Mutations in the InR resulted in a significant reduction of FSHR promoter activity.
New Steroidal Compound from Artemisia abrotanum

A crystalline compound of formula C29H48O with mp 186.5–188.0 °C was isolated from the acetone extract of aerial parts of Artemisia abrotanum collected in Nakhchivan AR. Its structure was established as 24β-ethylcholesta-6(7),20(21)-dien-3β-ol based on spectral (IR, NMR, 13C, DEPT 135, and DEPT 90) data.
Idiopathic Perforation of a Porcine Aortic Bioprosthesis in the Aortic Position

The report of a failure of a glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine aortic xenograft bioprosthesis in the aortic position after 13 months is presented. Severe aortic regurgitation resulted from three “idiopathic” perforations in one of the cusps, and a linear tear in another cusp. Light and electron microscopy showed generalized degeneration of collagen throughout the faulty valve. The absence of a platelet-fibrin coat on edges of the tear suggested a recent origin, compatible with cardiac catheter manipulation during unsuccessful attempts to cross the valve. The histopathologic data from this valve correlate with previously reported failures with formaldehyde-preserved xenograft valves.
Spectral Studies of Trimethylsilyl Ether of Chloramphenicol

The trimethylsilyl ether of chloramphenicol used in GLC analysis has been characterized by UV, near IR, IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy, confirming the structure of the O,O-di-trimethyl siloxy derivative. Pyridine and acetonitrile, used as solvents in the silylation reaction, promote formation of diastereomers. Addition of hydroxylic solvents promotes the inversion of configuration and causes partial solvolysis. To verify this, two fractions were collected from a GLC column and analyzed by IR and mass spectroscopy. The experimental evidence presented establishes the two fractions as diastereomers.
High Voltage P-N Junction Diodes in Silicon Carbide Using Field Plate Edge Termination

In this paper, we report the successful use of field plates as planar edge terminations for P+-N as well as N+-P planar ion implanted junction diodes on 6H- and 4H-SiC. Process splits were done to vary the dielectric material (SiO2 vs. Si3N4), the N-type implant (nitrogen vs. phosphorous), the P-type implant (aluminum vs. boron), and the post-implantation anneal temperature. The nitrogen implanted diodes on 4H-SiC with field plates using SiO2 as the dielectric, exhibited a breakdown voltage of 1100 V, which is the highest ever reported measured breakdown voltage for any planar ion implanted junction diode and is nearly 70% of the ideal breakdown voltage. The reverse leakage current of this diode was less than 1×10−5 A/cm2 even at breakdown. The unterminated nitrogen implanted diodes blocked lower voltages (~840V). In contrast, the unterminated aluminum implanted diodes exhibited higher breakdown voltages (~80OV) than the terminated diodes (~275V). This is attributed to formation of a high resistivity layer at the surface near the edges of the diode by the P-type ion implant, acting as a junction termination extension. Diodes on 4H-SiC showed higher breakdown than those on 6H-SiC. Breakdown voltages were independent of temperature in the range of 25 °C to 150 °C, while the leakage currents increased slowly with temperature, indicating surface dominated components.
An indicator of cross-disciplinary research

Study of interdisciplinary research processes and performance is hampered by a lack of data. This project investigated possible indicators based in the open scientific literature to measure such processes. Focusing on theJournal Citation Reports as a suitable data base, alternative indicators were validated on a sample of 383 articles drawn from 19 journals. The results support the use ofCitations Outside Category as an indicator of cross-disciplinary research activity. An estimated version of this indicator is used to examine three research categories — Demography, Operations Research/Management Science, and Toxicology — as to the extent of cross-disciplinary citation occurring by the journals in these categories and to them. Results suggest thatCitations Outside Category can be a quite informative bibliometric measure. A key substantive finding is that citation across broad field categories (engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences) is extremely infrequent.
Using tracelab to design, execute, and baseline empirical requirements engineering experiments

As Requirements Engineering research continues to grow into a mature and rigorous discipline, an increasing focus is placed on the need for sound evaluation techniques that compare the benefits of a new solution against existing ones. In this tool demonstration we introduce TraceLab, an instrumented environment for modeling, executing, and comparatively evaluating experimental results. While initially developed for the Software Traceability domain, TraceLab provides a framework which can be populated with experiments, datasets, and reusable components for almost any empirical software engineering domain. In this demo we present examples from the Requirements Engineering domain.
Un Fabliau du Moyen Age—De Brunain et de Blérain

One of the most challenging aspects of foreign language teaching at any level is providing rewarding and stimulating instructional units to highly motivated students. This is particularly important at the high school level where initial interest in foreign languages often begins. This unit is designed to present a Frenchfabliau to intermediate French students. After a brief introduction to the historical period and a discussion of the genre (fabliau), the student is presented with a French fabliau (De Brunain et de Blerain). After reading and discussing the fabliau students will find a series of evaluation activities designed to encourage them to write and present a contemporary fabliau. This unit reinforces the four language skills and introduces students to the culture of medieval France.
Clinical and biochemical interactions of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and sickle-cell anemia.

Abstract The extremely young red-cell population in sickle-cell anemia invariably results in increased G-6-PD activity. This effect is more marked in persons who genotypically have the sex-linked Gd A- type of G-6-PD deficiency, and may even mask the phenotypic expression of the enzyme deficiency. Electrophoresis and family studies were used to determine the genotype in patients with sickle-cell anemia. Among 15 such patients five were Gd A- as compared with 11 of 102 randomly selected Afro-American controls (0.05 0.01). These findings showing a relative preponderance of the Gd A- type in patients with sickle-cell anemia support the Lewis hypothesis that the simultaneous inheritance of both defects may be clinically beneficial.
Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Based All Optical Reversible NOR Gates

Reversible logic has promising applications in dissipation less optical computing, low power computing, quantum computing etc. Reversible circuits do not lose information, and there is a one to one mapping between the input and the output vectors. In recent years researchers have implemented reversible logic gates in optical domain as it provides high speed and low energy computations. The reversible gates can be easily fabricated at the chip level using optical computing. The all optical implementation of reversible logic gates are based on semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) based Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The Mach-Zehnder interferometer has advantages such as high speed, low power, easy fabrication and fast switching time. In the existing literature, the NAND logic based implementation is the only implementation available for reversible gates and functions. There is a lack of research in the direction of NOR logic based implementation of reversible gates and functions. In this work, we propose the NOR logic based all optical reversible gates referred as all optical TNOR gate and all optical PNOR gate. The proposed all optical reversible NOR logic gates can implement the reversible boolean logic functions with reduced optical cost and propagation delay compared to their implementation using existing all optical reversible NAND gates. The advantages in terms of optical cost and delay is illustrated by implementing 13 standard boolean functions that can represent all 256 possible combinations of three variable boolean function.
Effect of Early Nutrition Intervention on Patient Length of Stay

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To demonstrate the effectiveness of early nutrition intervention on LOS in elderly patients at risk for malnutrition. A multisite study facilities in Colorado provided the data for this summative analysis of the relationship between length of stay (LOS) and nutritional status in Medicare patients (aged ≥ 65) from 3 diagnostic related groups (DRGs). The purpose of the study was to determine if early (within 48 hours of admission), delayed (≥ 72-96 hours) or no nutrition intervention influenced LOS for patients assessed at two levels of nutritional risk: 1) potential risk (PR), or 2) risk (R). A total of 514 patients with DRG admission codes 89 (pneumonia), 127 (heart failure/shock) and 148 (all bowel procedures) were included in the study if they were assessed within 48 hrs of hospital admission and had LOS between 4 and 40 days. Patients were identified at PR if one of the following criteria was present: albumin > 2.5g/dl but 2.5g/dl but 2.5g/dl but
Introduction to special section: Preparing for the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth

: 7209 Seismology: Earthquake dynamics andmechanics;7230Seismology:Seismicityandseismotectonics;8010Structural Geology: Fractures and faults. Citation: Hickman, S.,M. Zoback, and W. Ellsworth (2004), Introduction to specialsection: Preparing for the San Andreas Fault Observatory atDepth, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L12S01, doi:10.1029/2004GL020688.
Preparation and Certification of Hydrogen in Titanium Alloy Standard Reference Materials

A series of three hydrogen in titanium alloy Standard Reference Materials (SRMs 2452, 2453, and 2454) was prepared with hydrogen mass fractions bracketing the hydrogen specification limit of 125 mg/kg. Commercial titanium alloy Ti6Al4V (6 pct aluminum and 4 pct vanadium) was heated under vacuum in a furnace to remove native hydrogen, then it was doped with a measured quantity of hydrogen. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis was used to determine hydrogen in the degassed material and finished SRMs. A combination of preparation data and PGAA measurement was used to certify the hydrogen mass fraction of each. The certified hydrogen mass fractions are 62.5 mg/kg ± 1.6 mg/kg for SRM 2452, 114 mg/kg ± 5 mg/kg for SRM 2453, and 211 mg/kg ± 4 mg/kg for SRM 2454.