cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastrin releasing peptide-29 requires vagal and splanchnic neurons to evoke satiation and satiety

We have shown that gastrin-releasing peptide-29 (GRP-29), the large molecular form of GRP in rats, reduces meal size (MS, intake of 10% sucrose solution) and prolongs the intermeal interval (IMI). In these studies, we first investigated possible pathways for these responses in rats undergoing total subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VGX, removal of vagal afferent and efferent innervation of the gut), celiaco-mesenteric ganglionectomy (CMGX, removal of splanchnic afferent and efferent innervation of the gut) and combined VGX and CMGX. Second, we examined if the duodenum communicates the feeding signals (MS and IMI) of GRP-29 (0, 0.3, 1.0, 2.1, 4.1, 10.3 and 17.2 nmol/kg) with the feeding control areas of the hindbrain by performing duodenal myotomy (MYO), a procedure that severs some layers of the duodenal wall including the vagal, splanchnic and enteric neurons. We found that GRP-29 (2.1, 4.1, 10.3, 17.2 nmol/kg) reduced the size of the first meal (10% sucrose) and (1, 4.1, 10.3 nmol/kg) prolongs the first IMI but did not affect the subsequent meals or IMIs. In addition, CMGX and combined VGX/CMGX attenuated reduction of MS by GRP-29 and all surgeries attenuated the prolongation of the IMI. Therefore, reduction of MS and prolongation of IMI by GRP-29 require vagal and splanchnic nerves, and the duodenum is the major conduit that communicates prolongation of IMI by GRP-29 with the brain.
Age-Related Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss in Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a condition where a complete or segmental chromosome 21 trisomy causes variable intellectual disability, and progressive memory loss and neurodegeneration with age. Many research groups have examined development of the brain in DS individuals, but studies on age-related changes should also be considered, with the increased lifespan observed in DS. DS leads to pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by 40 or 50 years of age. Progressive age-related memory deficits occurring in both AD and in DS have been connected to degeneration of several neuronal populations, but mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Inflammation and oxidative stress are early events in DS pathology, and focusing on these pathways may lead to development of successful intervention strategies for AD associated with DS. Here we discuss recent findings and potential treatment avenues regarding development of AD neuropathology and memory loss in DS.
Genuine CP-odd observables at the LHC

Abstract We discuss how to construct genuine CP-odd observables at the LHC. We classify the observables according to the even and odd properties under the naive T-transformation ( T ˆ ). There are two classes of observables of our interests: CP-odd and T ˆ -even; CP-odd and T ˆ -odd. We expect them to have broad applications to many processes in theories beyond Standard Model with CP violation. For the purpose of illustration, we use simple example of W + W − production and subsequent decays at the LHC, where the CP violation effects are parameterized by effective CP-violating operators of WWZ coupling. We find significant sensitivity to the CP-odd couplings.
Interactions among spontaneous otoacoustic emissions. I. Distortion products and linked emissions

Abstract Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) can be recorded from human ears with a sensitive microphone in the ear canal. The evidence to date strongly indicates that the origin of these emissions is an active electro-mechanical process at the basilar membrane level. In this report we present data on interactions among SOAEs in ears with multiple SOAEs, including: intermodulation distortion products, mutual suppression, and noncontiguous-linked SOAEs which apparently share energy between two quasi-stable states. These results demonstrate the highly nonlinear and extremely complex nature of the active process, and present a challenge for mathematical modeling of the mechanisms involved.
Effectiveness of Bifidobacterium bifidum in Mediating the Clinical Course of Murine Rotavirus Diarrhea

Human Bifidobacterium sp strain bifidum (B. bifidum) was administered to BALB/c lactating mice (n = 58) and their litters (n = 327 pups) to evaluate the ingested strain's adherent properties and ability to inhibit murine rotavirus (MRV) infection. ELISA and anaerobic bacteriologic techniques were used to measure MRV shedding and colonization of Bifidobacterium in the small intestine. At 13-16 d gestation, pregnant dams (and their expected litters) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: 1) normal controls; 2) B. bifidum-treated only; 3) MRV-infected only; and 4) B. bifidum-treated + MRV-infected dams and litters. During the acute phase of diarrhea, 80% of small-intestine cultures in B. bifidum-treated litters were positive for the ingested B. bifidum strain compared with 24% of fecal cultures. Examination of tissue cross sections under electron microscopy revealed the ingested B. bifidum strain survived passage through the upper gastrointestinal tract and adhered to the small-intestine epithelium. After the administration of the high dose of virus, diarrhea developed in all pups, but onset was significantly delayed in B. bifidum-treated + MRV-infected litters compared with litters infected with MRV only (p < 0.02). B. bifidum-treated+MRV-infected pups demonstrated a significant reduction in MRV shedding compared with litters challenged with MRV only at d 2 to 10 after inoculation (p < 0.009). More direct studies are needed to assess mechanisms by which this anaerobe can alter the course of MRV infection at the level of gut epithelium.
FCLUST: a visualization tool for fuzzy clustering

Emerging technologies on the World Wide Web promise to make program, algorithm and concept simulations universally accessible. Simulations involving animation and visualization have a tremendous benefit when applied to various algorithms. We present a simulation tool for experimenting with concepts in fuzzy clustering that has proved useful in visualizing the results and demonstrating the computation method of the algorithms. This is especially advantageous in a classroom or laboratory setting where students may become more comfortable with the mechanics of fuzzy clustering through personal discovery and online experimentation.
Systolic implementation of 2D block-based Hopfield neural network for efficient pattern association

Abstract A systolic array implementation of block-based Hopfield neural network architecture using completely digital circuits is presented in this paper. The design is based on modelling the energy equation of Hopfield neural network to a systolic (or modular) form. It is shown mathematically that the modified energy equation converges in all circumstances. In addition, it is shown that the architecture provides massive parallelism and can be extended to a larger network by cascading identical chips. The performance of the proposed architecture is evaluated by applying various binary inputs and it is observed that it exhibits the same characteristics of block-based Hopfield neural network in terms of convergence and pattern association.
Intravenous cocaine challenges during naltrexone maintenance: a preliminary study.

In 1976 Byck hypothesized that opioid antagonists would block the euphoric effect of cocaine, and recent clinical observations have suggested lower rates of cocaine abuse by people receiving naltrexone (NTX) than by those receiving methadone (Kosten et al 1989). Although early workers found that both rodents and primates maintained on antagonists showed no attenuation of cocaine self-administration (Killian et al 1978; Carroll et al 1986), more recent studies have found attenuation with NTX administration (Mello et al 1990; DeVry et al 1989; Ramsey and van Ree 1991). Furthermom, Bain and Kornetsky (1987), using rewarding brain stimulation in rodents, showed that the antagonist naloxone can reverse cocaine's potentiation of this stimulation. An early human study using cocaine administration found a potentiation rather than a reduction of cocaine effect after acute high-dose naloxcne (20 mg i.e.; Byck et al 1982), but this situation is clearly different from maintenance blocking with lower doses of NTX. We therefore undertook the current cocaine challenge study during chronic NTX.
Spaces of closest fit

A subspace of Rn is a space of closest fit for a given set of points if the sum of the squares of its distances to the points is minimal. A theorem of Ky Fan on sums of quadratic forms is used to characterize such spaces and to show that they are nested, i.e., that lines of closest fit lie in planes of closest fit, etc.
LAGRANGIAN VELOCITY PROFILES IN THE WAKE OF A HIGH SPEED VESSEL

Abstract A video imaging technique is employed in a towing basin to obtain high resolution surface Lagrangian velocity observations in the centerline wake region of a high speed, twin screw surface vessel. Approximately 30,000 surface velocity realizations within the wake region extending from the stern to approximately six model ship lengths aft are used for comparison with both recent full-scale and numerical model results. Analysis of this data set reveals spatial decay rates in the mean and fluctuating velocity components which serve to identify relevant scales of motion and define candidate mechanisms for the persistence of these wakes in remotely sensed ocean surface data.
Redox-Active Ultrathin Template of Silk Fibroin: Effect of Secondary Structure on Gold Nanoparticle Reduction

We report on an application of silk as an ultrathin redox-active template for controllable, one-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles via control over silk secondary structure. We found that both silk I and silk II molecular layers can facilitate gold nanoparticle formation at ambient conditions, indicating that tyrosine groups are available for metal ion reduction in both forms of silk. We suggest that the presence of β-sheets in silk II facilitates tyrosine ordering thereby resulting in well-dispersed, uniform nanoparticles with diameters of less than 6 nm. In addition, the mineralization does not result in transformation of the silk I secondary structure to silk II. In fact, the silk I structure is stabilized from further transformation into silk II even upon drying. These results are critical for developing a better understanding of silk interfacial behavior and offer an opportunity to design a new class of nanocomposites that combine the beneficial features of silk with those of the nanoparticles.
TREATMENT OF ZOSTER AND POSTZOSTER NEURALGIA BY THE INTRALESIONAL INJECTION OF TRIAMCINOLONE: A COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF 199 CASES

On the basis of this study of 111 patients with herpes zoster and 88 with postherpetic neuralgia, it is suggested that the intradermal injection of triamcinolone in saline is a valuable treatment. Mild complications were pain, hemorrhage, abscesses, atrophy, moon face and possibly thrombophlebitis. Zoster patients required treatment for about half as long as those in previously reported control series. In patients treated for active herpes zoster, postzoster neuralgia occurred with about one-third of the frequency noted in other series. In postzoster neuralgia, the patient was benefited sufficiently in 62.5% of the cases to find that life was worth living again.
A new 9Be(α,n) cross-section evaluation for use in the SOURCES computer code

Experimental breakup reaction data was the basis for choosing a set of alpha optical potential parameters for calculating the cross section from the 9Be(alpha,alpha'n) reaction with the GNASH code. Although not in complete agreement with experimental values, the promising results suggest additional work and continued research for optimal parameters. Accommodating modifications in the SOURCES code system required improved data and an approximation for the three-body reaction branching fractions is presented as a temporary solution. Experimental spectra from AcBe, CmBe, and simulated AmBe neutron sources are compared to SOURCES calculations using the new branching fractions and serve as benchmarks for this new version of the code.
Transmission of Heat through a Brick Wall

THE letter on “Solar Radiation and Diathermancy” in NATURE, Mar. 26, 460, seems worthy of comment. Radiation, which Mr. Dufton thinks must be called into account to explain the rapid transmission of heat through a brick wall as shown by his curves, is, of course, a possible factor in heat conduction. It appears to us, however, an unlikely one in this case, so we have tried some calculations on the transmission to see if it cannot be explained on the basis of ordinary conduction, assuming reasonable values for the thermal constants.
Unconventional magnetic vortex structures observed in micromagnetic simulations

Very simple complex functions can give good approximate descriptions of two-dimensional magnetic vortex structures. By rotating all the spins of a common vortex by the same angle in the plane, abnormal vortex structures are obtained, which we term unconventional vortex structures. Compared to conventional vortices, unconventional vortices are usually not energetically favorable due to the generation of volume charges. Under certain circumstances, however, unconventional vortices can be formed in order to minimize the total energy of the system. In micromagnetic simulations, unconventional vortex structures are observed in two magnetic systems discussed in the paper: a cylindrical Permalloy disk with thickness much greater than the exchange length; and the crossing region of two perpendicular long, thin-film Permalloy wires.
A post-processor for the cosine method

For second-order homogeneous evolution equations, methods for approximate solution based upon rational approximation of the cosine operator have been developed previously. Here, we present a new representation of the solution operator in terms of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, leading to a simple error analysis of the basic method. Further, we are able to use this representation to produce a procedure in which a low-order base scheme is used to time-step over many intervals until at a fixed station, an economical correction procedure is employed to recover the order of accuracy of an associated higher-order method. Numerical results are presented and discussed.
Efficacy of common infection control practices in prevention of nosocomial diseases in a pediatric intensive care unit

Nosocomial infections in the pediatric intensive care unit today contribute substantially to the iatrogenic morbidity and cost of our critically ill pediatric patients. Primary identification of at-risk individuals, with meticulous attention to intensive care unit design, personnel, equipment, and nosocomial detection, can be effective practice principles to minimize nosocomial acquisition. Infection control practices require comprehensive planning and implementation of proven practices to the intensive care milieu to advance infection control practices. Ongoing education, research, and continuous surveillance are warranted in this era of evolving pathogens in our complex, technology-dependent patients.
Why Historical Distance is not a Problem

This essay argues that concerns about historical distance arose along with modernist historicism, and they disappear with postfoundationalism. The developmental historicism of the nineteenth century appealed to narrative principles to establish continuity between past and present and to guide selections among facts. In the twentieth century, modernist historicists rejected such principles, thereby raising the specter of historical distance: that is, the distorting effects of the present on accounts of the past, the chasm between facts and narrative. The modernist problem became: how can historians avoid anachronism and develop accurate representations of the past? Instead of using narrative principles to select facts, modernist historicists appealed to atomized facts to validate narratives. However, in the late twentieth century, postmodernists (Frank Ankersmit and Hayden White) argued that there was no way to close the distance between facts and narratives. The postmodern problem became: how should historians conceive of their writing given the ineluctable distance between facts and narratives? Today, postfoundationalism dispels both modernist and postmodernist concerns with historical distance; it implies that all concepts (not just historical ones) fuse fact and theory, and it dissolves issues of conceptual relativism, textual meaning, and re-enactment.
A constant voltage MPPT method for a solar powered boost converter with DC motor load

A constant voltage maximum power point (MPP) algorithm that automatically adjusts the reference voltage to account for varying environmental conditions is presented. A simple (and inexpensive) analog feedforward PWM controller is developed to continuously track the MPP of a solar cell array as the weather conditions vary. The solar array source is configured such that its open-circuit voltage is sampled without breaking the entire source from the load as is the case with other constant voltage MPP algorithms. MATLAB/Simulink simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed MPP algorithm. Simulation results collaborated with experimental results using a DC motor load.
Thermal Management of a Polyimide V-Groove Leg Actuator for a Walking Micro-Robot

A model for a Polyimide V-groove leg actuator with a Polysilicon type heater was simulated using ANSYS 5.6. Potential areas for improvement were identified. These include the relative expansion of the Polyimide within the V-groove during the heating cycle, and the heat conduction path during the Cooling cycle. Various geometries were investigated, and results were compared with a Plane Wall V-groove design. Significant Net Gain was observed for the case of uniform diaphragm thickness at the V-groove bottom. Considering the simplicity of fabrication of this case, the uniform diaphragm V-groove geometry appears worthy of further investigation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Listening Subject of Japanese Modernity and His Auditory Double: Citing, Sighting, and Siting the Modern Japanese Woman

From approximately 1887 through World War 1, a surge of commentaries were written and circulated in the Japanese print media about the "strange" and "unpleasant" (mimizawarina) sounds issuing from the mouths of schoolgirls. Male intellectuals of various affiliations located the source of their dismay in verbending forms such as texo, noxo, dawa that occurred at the end of schoolgirl utterances. They called such speech forms "schoolgirl speech" (jogakuseikotoba). It was jarring to their ears; it sounded vulgar and low class; its prosodic features were described as "fast," "contracting," and "bouncing with a rising intonation": and it was condemned as "sugary and shallow." Using the newly available modern textual space of "reported speech" (Voloshinov 1973), male intellectuals cited what they scornfully referred to as "teyo-dawa speech" (texoduwii kotoba) in an effort to convince parents and educators to discourage it as a corrupt form of speaking. The irony here is that main of the speech forms then identified as schoolgirl speech are today associated with "women s language," or the "feminine" speech style, indexing the figure of the generic urban middle-class woman. The contemporary discourse of Japanese women's language erases this historical emergence from social memory to construct women's language as an essential and timeless part of culture and tradition. Public opinion, responding to a perceived social change toward gender equit\ recurrently deplores what once again is described as linguistic corruption and the cultural loss of an authentic women's language. As a demographic category. the term schoolgirl referred to girls and young women of the elite classes who attended the women's secondary schools that had been instituted as part of the early Meiji modernization project inspired by Western liberal Enlightenment thought. By the late 19th century, women's secondary education had been incorporated into the state s mandatory education system, and schoolgirls became the immediate and direct target of the state s constitution of the (gendered) national subject b> educating them
Stress and Diabetes Mellitus in Later Life

Research indicates that there may be a link between stressful life events and the onset of diabetes mellitus. However, the wide majority of these studies have involved either children or adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between stress and diabetes with data provided by a recent nationwide survey of older adults. An effort is made to improve on previous work by coupling recent developments in stress measurement with the study of key coping resources (i.e., social support). Two main findings emerged from the analyses. First, stressors arising in social roles that are highly important to older adults are more strongly related to diabetes than events associated with roles that are less important. Second, social support buffers the deleterious effects of stressors in salient roles, but not life events emerging in roles that are valued less highly.
A Novel Bioluminescence Orthotopic Mouse Model for Advanced Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States despite recent advances in our understanding of this challenging disease. An animal model for high-throughput screening of therapeutic agents for advanced lung cancer could help promote the development of more successful treatment interventions. To develop our orthotopic lung cancer model, luciferase-expressing A549 cancer cells were injected into the mediastinum of athymic nude mice. To determine whether the model would allow easy monitoring of response to therapeutic interventions, tumors were treated with 30 mg/kg Paclitaxel or were irradiated with 5 fractions of 2 Gy, and tumor burden was monitored using bioluminescence imaging. Evidence of radiation-induced lung injury was assessed using immunohistochemical staining for phospho-Smad2/3 and cleaved caspase-3. We found that tumor implantation recapitulated advanced human lung cancer as evidenced by tumor establishment and proliferation within the mediastinum. The tumor respon...
Border Enforcement, Organized Crime, and Deaths of Smuggled Migrants on the United States – Mexico Border

In response to ever increasing numbers of illegal immigrants entering the United States from Mexico, the United States adopted a border enforcement strategy in the 1990s that sought to bring the problem under control. This strategy relied primarily on increasing the number of Border Patrol agents directly on the border, the erection of walls at heavy traffic areas, and insertion of electronic surveillance systems. While these efforts succeeded in making it more difficult for illegal migrants to gain entry into the United States undetected, it also resulted in an increased reliance on human smugglers. Thus, the nature of the problem has shifted from one of illegal immigration to one of human smuggling. In an effort to gain entry successfully, smugglers have continued to lead migrants through hazardous terrain along the border where surveillance is less intense. Anecdotal evidence is presented which suggests that smugglers' drive for profit often results in the abandonment and death of migrants. Implications for future border policing strategy and research are discussed.
Porphyrin-crosslinked block copolymer assemblies as photophysically-active nanoscopic devices

Inclusion of porphyrins as crosslinkers within aqueous block copolymer assemblies imparts water solubility to the hydrophobic macrocycle, provides critical structural information about the particle interior, gives unique pH-independent photophysical properties, and has the potential for future development of SOD mimics.
United-atom K x-ray production in nuclear reactions

The probability for compound-nucleus x-ray productionP cnx in atomic collisions where long-lived compound nuclei are formed is calculated using the second-order distorted wave Born Approximation. The results are compared with a semi-classical formula which relatesP cnx to the product of theK-vacancy decay rateГ K , the compound-nucleus lifetime τ, the probability of creating aK vacancy on the incoming part of the collision, and the fraction of reaction productsr cn that have formed a compound nucleus. For an isolated resonance, we find that τ is just the inverse of the resonance widthqG, and for the compound-nucleus reactions involving many unresolved resonances, τ is the inverse of the Erison correlation widthГ C . For isobaric analog resonancesГ C is expected to be larger on resonance than off resonance. The fraction of reaction productsr cn is given in terms of squares of complex reaction amplitudes.
Effects of enteral and parenteral nutrition on tumor response to chemotherapy in experimental animals

The effects of oral and intravenous nutrition on host and tumor responses to graded doses of methotrexate (MTX) were evaluated in 150 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. All animals were inoculated with Walker-256 carcinosarcoma and were fed a regular diet for ten days before assigning them to three dietary groups. Group I (n = 64) received a constant intravenous infusion of 30% dextrose-5% amino acids (IVH), group II (n = 64) received an identical solution orally ad libitum, and group III (n = 22) received a regular diet ad libitum. Animals in groups I and II were then divided into three subgroups each that received either 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg of MTX intramuscularly. Ten days later, all surviving animals were killed. Animals fed the 30% dextrose-5% amino acid diet orally and given 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of MTX lost slightly less body weight when compared with their IVH counterparts. In the 60 mg/kg treatment group, orally fed animals lost 52 gm of body weight compared with 23 gm in IVH animals. IVH rats given 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of MTX demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth and decreased tumor weight/body weight ratios when compared with orally fed rats. No improvement in tumor response to 60 mg/kg of MTX was observed, however, when IVH animals were compared with orally fed rats. In a second study, nutrient intake was maintained at a constant level by intravenous infusion in one group and intrajejunal infusion in another group of tumor-bearing rats. Host and tumor responses to 20 mg/kg of MTX were similar in both groups of animals.
Mature relationships: Why does relational orientation turn into transaction orientation?

One of the fundamental assumptions of relationship marketing is that the length of the relationship increases the relational orientation of the partners. Recently, however, researchers have suggested that the benefits of relationship marketing are not evident in a large number of industries [e.g., Journal of Marketing 64 (2000, October) 17]. In this paper, we examine these contradictory results and, using extant research in this area, we model the antecedents of mature relationships that lead to relational versus transactional orientation. Most buyer seller associations follow an s-shaped curve between partners' length of association and the relational orientation of the buyer. However, for some buyer–seller associations, we suggest that there is an inverted u-shaped relationship between relational orientation and length of association. We examine relational attributes and propose variables that are the antecedents of transactional orientation in mature relationships. Implications for theory and managerial practice are highlighted.
Behavioral pharmacokinetics of marijuana

Male volunteer subjects smoked one marijuana cigarette containing 100, 200, or 250 μg/kg Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and were tested on three perceptual-motor performance measures related to driving. Performance was measured and blood samples were collected for 24 h after smoking. The covariation between phamacodynamics of performance and pharmacokinetics of THC in plasma was investigated for decrement in performance as the response to smoking a single marijuana cigarette. A significant linear correlation was found between tracking errors under divided attention and THC plasma levels over 5–25 ng/ml for approximately 2 h after smoking. A sigmoid relation was found between critical tracking breakpoint and log THC plasma levels over 2–25 ng/ml for approximately 7 h after smoking.
Experience with cardiac MR imaging of patients with legacy ICDs or pacemakers

Background Previously, non-MR compatible pacemakers (PM) and cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) have been considered contraindication for MRI scanning. Device failure, lead tip heating, and patient discomfort have been of concern. Few institutions are currently scanning patients with these devices due to these concerns or lack of monitoring support. Additionally, cardiac imaging has been a unique challenge due to metal image artifact. This report will demonstrate techniques to improve diagnostic quality of cardiac imaging of a patient with pacemaker or ICD. Methods The protocol for MR imaging of non-MR compatible devices includes an analysis of the risks versus benefits by the ordering physician and the EP Cardiologist monitoring the exam. Verifying type and patient dependence of the device should be known prior to scheduling exam. A chest x-ray is evaluated for pre-screening to identify abandon leads. Prior to entering the MRI suite, the device is interrogated by an EP Cardiologist and ECG and pulse oximetry monitoring is put on the patient. Cardiac imaging in patients with PM/ICDs is often limited by metallic artifact; more commonly from the
Coherent K-Ionization Using a H2+ Beam

A 1.0 MeV H2+ beam from the University of Delaware van de Graaff accelerator was used to bombard a thin Nickel target. Characteristic K X-ray from Ni was measured with a thin NaI(Tl) detector in coincidence with protons scattered into 90° and 165° lab angles. The energy of the protons detected in those angles corresponds to the elastic scattering of 0.5 MeV incident H+ beam because of the negligible (2.65 eV) bound energy between H and proton in H2+. However, the ionization probabilities measured in the 1 MeV H2+ beam case differ from that measured with a 0.5 MeV proton beam. While the ionization probability for the 165° scattering is increased with the H2+ beam, the reverse is true for the 90° scattering. Possible coherent effect is being considered.
Retardation of Atherosclerosis by Overexpression of Catalase or Both Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase in Mice Lacking Apolipoprotein E

Oxidative stress has been suggested to potentiate atherogenesis. However, studies that have investigated the effect of antioxidants on atherosclerosis showed inconsistent results, ie, atherosclerosis was either retarded or not changed by dietary antioxidants. This report directly examined the effect of overexpressing Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and/or catalase on atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation in mice lacking apolipoprotein E (ApoE / ). Based on lipid staining of the en face of the aorta tree and the serial sections of the proximal aorta, ApoE / mice overexpressing catalase or both Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase had smaller and relatively early stages of atherosclerotic lesions (eg, foam cells and free lipids) when compared with ApoE / mice, who developed more advanced lesions (eg, fibrous caps and acellular areas). In addition, the retarded development of atherosclerosis was correlated with a reduced F2-isoprostanes in the plasma and aortas in ApoE / mice overexpressing catalase or both Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase. In contrast, the levels of F2-isoprostanes and atherosclerosis in the ApoE / mice overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD alone were comparable to ApoE / control mice. These observations implied that endogenously produced hydrogen peroxide, but not superoxide anions, contributed to the formation of oxidized lipids and the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE / mice. (Circ Res. 2004;95:1075-1081.)
Adaptively Biased Molecular Dynamics: An Umbrella Sampling Method With a Time-Dependent Potential

We discuss an adaptively biased molecular dynamics (ABMD) method for the computation of a free energy surface for a set of reaction coordinates. The ABMD method belongs to the general category of umbrella sampling methods with an evolving biasing potential. It is characterized by a small number of control parameters and an O(t) numerical cost with simulation time t. The method naturally allows for extensions based on multiple walkers and replica exchange mechanism. The workings of the method are illustrated with a number of examples, including sugar puckering, and free energy landscapes for polymethionine and polyproline peptides, and for a short -turn peptide. ABMD has been implemented into the latest version (Case et al.,
Discussion: The tear trough ligament: anatomical basis for the tear trough deformity.

In their cadaveric study of 36 hemifaces, the authors describe a ligamentous structure that arises from medial orbital rim periosteum and inserts into dermis. The authors suggest that this is an osteocutaneous ligament that defines the anatomical area referred to as the tear trough or medial nasojugal crease. The conclusion of the article is that the tear trough ligament is the primary etiologic factor in the development of the tear trough deformity; effective treatment requires submuscular preperiosteal release to effect a marked correction. This study defines a tear trough ligament that originates from the maxilla near the medial canthal tendon inferior to the lacrimal crest. It travels to the medial pupillary line, where it becomes continuous with the bilaminar orbicularis retaining ligament. The dissections are meticulous; the anatomy is precise; and the work is clinically relevant in that it explains why release of the orbicularis origin helps to diminish the tear trough deformity.Thisclassicarticleadvancessomeofthe authors’ previous work and ideas concerning
Linear aliphatic polysulfides: Synthesis and characterization

Binary condensation copolymers of 1,2-ethane dithiol and 1,3-propane dibromide, 1,4-butane dibromide, and 1,6-hexane dibromide were prepared. Yields ranged from 55 to 89% with molecular weights of 1–2 × 104 Daltons. The polymers were synthesized via an SN2 process with and without the presence of water. The polymers were characterized by DSC, viscosity, FT-IR, and 1H-and 13C-NMR spectra.
The effects of a high-carbohydrate, high-protein or balanced lunch upon later food intake and hunger ratings.

This study compared the satiating properties of three liquid lunches (450 kcal each), one dominant in protein (71.5% of energy), a second in carbohydrates (99% of energy) and a third containing an equal mixture of the first two formulations, in a within-subjects, repeated measures design. At an ad libitum dinner meal, 12 women consumed 31% more kilocalories in the high-carbohydrate lunch condition than in the high-protein lunch condition and 20% more kilocalories than in the mixture lunch condition. Similar results emerged for the amounts of protein and fat ingested at dinner. Subjects also reported significantly greater pre-dinner hunger and excitement about eating in the carbohydrate lunch condition than in the protein lunch condition. Greater enjoyment of dinner was also found after the carbohydrate lunch than after the mixture and protein lunches.
Stable Differences in Intrinsic Mitochondrial Membrane Potential of Tumor Cell Subpopulations Reflect Phenotypic Heterogeneity

Heterogeneity among cells that constitute a solid tumor is important in determining disease progression. Our previous work established that, within a population of metastatic colonic tumor cells, there are minor subpopulations of cells with stable differences in their intrinsic mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and that these differences in ΔΨm are linked to tumorigenic phenotype. Here we expanded this work to investigate primary mammary, as well as colonic, tumor cell lines. We show that within a primary mammary tumor cell population, and in both primary and metastatic colonic tumor cell populations, there are subpopulations of cells with significant stable variations in intrinsic ΔΨm. In each of these 3 tumor cell populations, cells with relatively higher intrinsic ΔΨm exhibit phenotypic properties consistent with promotion of tumor cell survival and expansion. However, additional properties associated with invasive potential appear in cells with higher intrinsic ΔΨm only from the metastatic colonic tumor cell line. Thus, it is likely that differences in the intrinsic ΔΨm among cells that constitute primary mammary tumor populations, as well as primary and metastatic colonic tumor populations, are markers of an acquired tumor phenotype which, within the context of the tumor, influence the probability that particular cells will contribute to disease progression.
The local area network as a window to distributed virtual memory

The progress in local area networking significantly impacts the evolution into distributed computing. In this paper, the author challenges the common approach to local area networking and propose a new view. A logical cluster of workstations interconnected via a local area network is viewed as an integrated system with one single virtual address space. The physical memory of the workstations that are members of this logical cluster represents distributed physical memory resources available for allocation to the distributed virtual address space of an individual application. To meet this objective, the design of a local area network (including LAN controller buffer and protocols) is re-examined. The buffer of the LAN controller is viewed as a caching store for remote memory. The LAN, hence, becomes a window to extended distributed virtual memory. >
Independent pitch control using rotor position feedback for wind-shear and gravity fatigue reduction in a wind turbine

In large-scale horizontal-axis wind turbines, turbulence, gravity, and wind shear effects make the effective forces on turbine blades vary considerably. These varying conditions result in significant blade vibration fatigue loading. In this paper, two separate realtime control algorithms are studied; the goal of each algorithm is to reduce blade fatigue cycle amplitudes caused by wind shear and gravity effects. Each algorithm adds a modulation signal to a blade's pitch angle based on the rotational position of the rotor; rotor position is used as the feedback signal as it relatively easy to measure. One algorithm focuses on reducing flatwise loading while the other focuses on edgewise loading. The algorithms are derived and analyzed based on a simplified 4th-order dynamic model of a blade. Evaluation of the flatwise controller shows it holds good potential for providing loading reduction; similar analysis shows the edgewise algorithm cannot provide realistic load reduction. The flatwise control strategy is then applied to a highly-detailed computer simulation model of a 1.5-MW machine using the ADAMS/WT finite-element simulation tool. The simulation results demonstrate that the control algorithm can significantly reduce flatwise fatigue loading for a large machine with very little affect on the machines power output and tower oscillations.
Cost-effectiveness of extending cervical cancer screening intervals among women with prior normal pap tests.

OBJECTIVE Annual cervical cancer screening in women with many prior normal Pap tests is common despite limited evidence on the cost-effectiveness of this strategy. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of screening women with 3 or more prior normal tests compared with screening those with no prior tests. METHODS We used a validated cost-effectiveness model in conjunction with data on the prevalence of biopsy-proven cervical neoplasia in women enrolled in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Women were grouped according to age at the final Program Pap test (aged < 30, 30-44, 45-59, and 60-65 years) and by screening history (0, 1, 2, and 3+ consecutive prior normal Program tests) to estimate cost per life-year and quality-adjusted life-year associated with annual, biennial, and triennial screening. RESULTS For women aged 30-44 years with no prior tests, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from 20,533 US dollars for screening triennially (compared with no further screening) to 331,837 US dollars for screening annually (compared with biennially) per life-year saved. Among same-aged women with 3 or more prior normal Program tests, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the same measures ranged from 60,029 US dollars to 709,067 US dollars per life-year saved. Inclusion of the most conservative utility estimates resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in excess of 100,000 US dollars per quality-adjusted life-year saved associated with annual screening of same-aged women with 3 or more prior normal tests compared with biennial screening. CONCLUSION As the number of prior normal Pap tests increases, the costs per life-year saved increase substantially. Resources should be prioritized for screening those never or rarely screened women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II-2.
Response of apple and pear trees to phosphate fertilization: A compendium

Abstract Earlier reports in the literature indicated that responses to phosphate (P) fertilization of apple and pear trees were rare. Yet more recently in orchard soils low in available P or in leaves with low P concentrations, greenhouse and orchard trials showed a marked response to applications of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilization. Trees receiving MAP fertilizer frequently resulted in improved tree vigor, fruit production, and in some cases fruit quality. Our experimental trials indicated that apple and pear trees responded to soil‐surface applications of MAP fertilizer rates, but excessive usage may result in low soil pH or a high incidence of bitter pit in apples or cork spot in ‘d'Anjou’ pears.
4H-SiC npn bipolar junction transistors with BV/sub CEO/ > 3,200 V

4H-SiC BJTs with 1.05 mm/sup 2/ and 0.0072 mm/sup 2/ active areas are fabricated. Large devices show specific on-state resistance R/sub ON,SP/ of 78 m/spl Omega/-cm/sup 2/, common emitter current gain /spl beta/ of 15, and open-base blocking voltage BV/sub CEO/ > 3,200 V at room temperature. Small devices have /spl beta/ around 20, and R/sub ON,SP/ of 28 m/spl Omega/-cm/sup 2/. R/sub ON,SP/ increases with temperature while /spl beta/ decreases. /spl beta/ also decreases as the spacing between base contact implant and emitter finger is reduced. We attribute this to recombination in the p+ implanted base contact at implant-induced defect sites.
Bibliolinking: An adaptation of bibliotherapy for university students in transition

A team composed of one student and two faculty members worked in concert to develop and evaluate a training model for personnel who work with university students in transition. This model utilizes “Bibliolinking” (a newly coined word developed during this research) which is an adaptation of bibliotherapy. The primary purpose for using Bibliolinking is to establish and nourish relationships among Resident Assistants (RAs) and student residents (SRs) via a shared experience with a text such as a novel, short story, article or self-help book. Although, RAs play an important, often counselor-like role, they receive no or little formal preparation for establishing relationships. This project involved the development of a quasi-experimental model and assessment of the Bibliolinking technique. The results indicate Bibliolinking provided increased awareness of materials relevant to the needs of young college students, especially those in transition. When applied by RAs, Bibliolinking not only appeared to meet the...
Development of an attention-touch control for manual cervical distraction: a pilot randomized clinical trial for patients with neck pain

Manual cervical distraction (MCD) is a traction-based therapy performed with a manual contact over the cervical region producing repeating cycles while patients lie prone. This study evaluated a traction force-based minimal intervention for use as an attention-touch control in clinical trials of MCD for patients with chronic neck pain. We conducted a mixed-methods, pilot randomized clinical trial in adults with chronic neck pain. Participants were allocated to three traction force ranges of MCD: low force/minimal intervention (0-20 N), medium force (21-50 N), or high force (51-100 N). Clinicians delivered five treatments over two weeks consisting of three sets of five cycles of MCD at the C5 vertebra and occiput. Traction forces were measured at each treatment. Patient-reported outcomes included a pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ), and adverse effects. A qualitative interview evaluated treatment group allocation perceptions. We randomized 48 participants, allocating an average of five each month. Forty-five participants completed the trial with three participants lost to follow-up. Most participants were women (65 %) and white (92 %) with a mean (SD) age of 46.8 (12.5) years. Mean traction force values were within the prescribed force ranges for each group at the C5 and occiput levels. Neck pain VAS demonstrated a benefit for high traction force MCD compared to the low force group [adjusted mean difference 15.6; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 29.7]. Participants in the medium traction force group demonstrated improvements in NDI compared to the low force group (adjusted mean difference 3.0; 95 % CI 0.1 to 5.9), as did participants in the high traction force group (adjusted mean difference 2.7; 95 % CI -0.1 to 5.6). CEQ favored the high force group. Most low force participants correctly identified their treatment allocation in the qualitative interview. No serious adverse events were documented. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a clinical trial protocol and the utility of a traction-based, minimal intervention as an attention-touch control for future efficacy trials of MCD for patients with neck pain. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01765751 (Registration Date 30 May 2012)
A communication scheduling algorithm for multi-FPGA systems

For multiple FPGA systems, the limited number of I/O pins causes many problems. To solve these problems, efficient communication scheduling among FPGAs is crucial for obtaining high CLB utilization. We provide a heuristic for the NP-complete scheduling algorithm. Experimental results show that our algorithm generates excellent communication schedules: more than 90% of the randomly generated problem instances were scheduled with less than 20% overhead compared with an optimal algorithm. The execution time of the scheduling algorithm is two orders of magnitude less than the optimal scheduling algorithm.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Origin, Development, Response to Therapy, and Relapse

Background: The introduction of imatinib, the first of a family of abl kinase inhibitors, opened a new era in the therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The majority of treated patients achieve complete cytogenetic response, although the disease is often detectable by molecular techniques. Materials and Methods: Using a mathematical model for the architecture of hematopoiesis and progression of disease as well as clinical data, we develop a unified framework that models the origin and clonal expansion of CML, the response to abl kinase inhibitors, and relapse upon cessation of therapy. Results: The model predicts that a small pool of mutated stem cells is enough to drive CML. Inhibition of the abl kinase decreases the self-renewal capability of CML progenitors, altering their fitness compared with normal progenitors. Persistence of CML progenitors, however, is responsible for the rapid relapses observed upon cessation of therapy. We demonstrate how the architecture of hematopoiesis plays an instrumental role in growth of the CML clone and its response to treatment. Conclusion: A small pool of stem cells is enough to drive the chronic phase of CML. Imatinib reverses the fitness advantage of CML cells, allowing return of normal hematopoiesis in most patients. Persistence of CML progenitor cells seems to be responsible for the observed relapse kinetics.