cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of VIP and substance P in NANC innervation in the longitudinal smooth muscle of the rat jejunum - influence of extrinsic denervation.

Background. This study was designed to determine changes in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission mediated by Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) and Substance P after small bowel transplantation (SBT). Materials and methods. Six groups of rats (n ≥ 6 per group) were studied: naive controls (NC); 1 wk after anesthesia/sham celiotomy (SC-1); 1 or 8 wk after jejunal and ileal transection/reanastomosis (TA-1, TA-8), or syngeneic, orthotopic SBT (SBT-1, SBT-8). Jejunal longitudinal muscle strips were studied under NANC-conditions for spontaneous contractile activity, response to exogenous VIP and Substance P, and electrical field stimulation (EFS). Results. Spontaneous activity did not differ between the six groups. VIP inhibited contractile activity in all groups 1 wk postoperatively (P < 0.05), which was prevented by the NO synthase inhibitor L-N G -nitro arginine (L-NNA). In contrast, VIP had no effect in the other groups. Precontraction with Substance P exposed an inhibitory effect of VIP in all groups (P < 0.05 each). Substance P increased contractile activity in all groups, but to a lesser extent in SBT-8 compared with NC, TA-8, and SBT-1 (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effect of EFS at 6 Hz was prevented by L-NNA in NC and TA-8; addition of the VIP antagonist ([D-p-Cl-Phe 6 , Leu 17 ]-VIP) increased contractile activity in NC, but not in TA-8 and SBT-8. The Substance P antagonist ([D-Pro 2 , D-Trp 7,9 ]-Substance P) decreased contractile activity during EFS at 50 Hz in NC and SBT-8. Conclusions. SBT decreased response to exogenous Substance P, although release of endogenous Substance P (EFS) is preserved. Changes in VIP signaling are acute and reversible and not caused by effects of SBT.
Machine Operator's Lung: A Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Disorder Associated With Exposure to Metalworking Fluid Aerosols

Six auto parts manufacturing workers were referred for evaluation of a 6-week history of work-related dyspnea, cough, and fatigue. Two workers also reported fever and weight loss. All six worked in a machining area where a waterbased metalworking fluid was used and recirculated under high pressure, thereby creating an aerosol. Chest radiographs revealed pulmonary interstitial infiltrates in four workers. Lung function tests showed that four workers had decreased diffusing capacity. After removal from the work area, all workers recovered. The metalworking fluid was cultured for bacteria and fungi. Isolates from broth cultures were sonicated to obtain antigen extracts. Serum precipitins to one or more of the microbial isolates were identified in all six workers but not in eight of nine nonexposed control subjects. The most frequent precipitin response (six of six workers) was against antigens of Pseudomonas fluorescens, which was cultured from the metalworking fluid. In all workers, precipitins to at least one other cultured organism were detected; these included Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus capitas, an acid-fast Rhodococcus sp, and Bacillus pumilus. This represents the first report of hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with industrial exposure to aerosolized metalworking fluid. Observed precipitin responses to a variety of microbial contaminants in metalworking fluid strongly suggest a causative role for microbial antigens in the induction and elicitation of this manifestation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Eine methode zur kennzeichnung der trennung bei windgesichteten feingütern (‘feingutsteilheit’)

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein Zusammenhang angegeben zwischen einer charakteristischen Korngrosse des Feingutes, namlich xF97 und der ‘oberen Korngrenze’, definiert durch xF99,9 bzw. xF99,99. Dieser Zusammenhang ist bei den untersuchten Sichtern unabhangig von der Feinheit des Aufgabegutes, von der Einstellung des Sichters sowie der Durchsatzleistung, jedoch kennzeichnend fur die Sichterbauart. Die bisher zur Kennzeichnung einer Trennung in einem Windsichter benutzten Zahlen gehen meist aus von den Verteilungsdichtekurven des Aufgabe-, Feinund Grobgutes. Daraus leitet man dann die Trenngrenze x50 und Trennscharfe x25/x75 oder die Uberschneidungstrenngrenze und Uberschneidung ab. Alle diese Zahlen sind jedoch nicht in der Lage, eine sehr wichtige Eigenschaft des Feingutes leicht fasslich und anschaulich zu beschreiben, namlich wie die ‘obere Grenze des Feingutes’ (definiert als xF99,9 oder xF99.99) zusammenhangt mit einer anderen charakteristischen Korngrosse, z.B. x50, xF95 oder xF97. Ich habe mich beschrankt auf den Zusammenhang zwischen xF97 und xF99,9. Dazu wird folgendermassen vorgegangen: Fur eine Anzahl windgesichteter Feinguter ermittelt man die Summendurchgangslinie im Bereich von ca. xF90 bis etwa xF99,99 mittels Nass-Siebung. Die Auftragung der Durchgangssummenkurve erfolgt in einem Wahrscheinlichkeitsnetz, das eine Einteilung bis 99,995% Durchgang besitzt. Daraus kann durch Interpolation xF97 und xF99,9 ermittelt werden. Wenn man zusammengehorende Werte von xF99,9 uber xF97 in einem Koordinatenpapier mit logarithmisch geteilten Achsen auftragt, ergibt sich uberraschenderweise in den weitaus meisten Fallen, unabhangig von den Einstellbedingungen und der Gutbeladung des Sichters, eine unter 45° geneigte Gerade. Das heisst, dass eine lineare Beziehung besteht, die sich durch eine lineare Regression beschreiben lasst in der Fonn xF99,9 = bxF97 + ab und a lassen sich durch bekannte Formeln ermitteln. Je naher b an 1 liegt, umso dichter liegen auch xF99,9 und xF97 beisammen, d.h. umso scharfer trennt der Sichter. Fur den Faktor b ergaben sich, je nach Sichterbauart, charakteristische Zahlen.
Uses of Crude Vital Rates in the Analysis of Reproductivity

Abstract * The author is indebted to Clyde V. Kiser, George F. Mair, Leighton van Nort and Norman B. Ryder for criticisms and to Erna A. Harm, Blanche E. Cogan, Elizabeth Souther and Hugh Dingle for computational assistance.
Crosslinking of copolymer thin films by initiated chemical vapor deposition for hydrogel applications

The ability of initiated chemical vapor deposition to finely tune crosslinking densities in copolymer thin films has been used to develop a functional, reactive hydrogel system. The system consists of poly[maleic anhydride-co-dimethyl acrylamide-co-di(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether] films covalently attached to silicon substrates using the coupling agent 3-aminopropylethoxydimethylsilane. The swelling of the films in water is pH-dependent, with a maximum swelling ratio of 11 at pH = 8. The hydrogel was also functionalized with 0.1 M cysteamine solutions in 2-propanol for 30 min to convert 97% of the anhydride functional groups to carboxylic acid and amide functionalities, confirmed by XPS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The functionalization yielded free thiol groups at the surface, which were used to attach CdSe/ZnS core-shell semiconductor nanoparticles to the hydrogels.
Morphogenetic Substratum for Differentiation of Cartilage in Tissue Culture

WE report here a new system for studying the development of cartilage from post foetal mesenchymal cells in vitro. The chondrocytes develop under the influence of the matrix pattern of a substratum prepared from decalcified bone. In this system, a chemically defined medium is introduced and embryo extracts are avoided in order to exclude all the soluble or particulate material that may be present in cultures of skeletal tissue1–5.
Influence of water structure and of hydrophobic interactions on the strength of side‐chain hydrogen bonds in proteins

The thermodynamic properties derived earlier for the formation of side-chain hydrogen bonds were re-evaluated, taking into account medium effects and interactions of the side chains with nearby nonpolar groups. In determining the enthalpy of formation of the hydrogen bond, competitive hydrogen bonding with water has to be considered, except for “buried” groups, i.e., groups surrounded entirely by nonpolar groups. For such buried groups, the earlier estimate of ΔH = −6 kcal./mole is still valid, but for groups exposed to water, a lower value has to be used, estimated to be −1.5 kcal./mole. The internal bond rotations of side chains involved in hydrogen bonding are not restricted completely; therefore, ΔS is only −2 to −5 e.u. per side chain, instead of the much higher values estimated earlier. As a result, the new estimated value of ΔF is 0 to −0.5 kcal./mole, not much different from the earlier estimate. The ease of hydrogen bond formation may be changed by cooperative or competitive hydrophobic bonding of the nonpolar portions of the polar side chains with the backbone or nearby nonpolar side chains. Various cases of such interactions are discussed, including the burying of polar groups and the formation of hydrogen bonds between buried groups. It is shown that, in aqueous environment, the polar groups form more than one hydrogen bond with water, an effect to be taken into account when considering buried groups. Medium effects due to the presence of nonpolar groups and the effects of changes in the water structure on the ease of formation of the α-helix are mentioned. Estimates for the thermodynamic parameters of the various hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions are given. It is shown that hydrophobic interactions will, in general, enhance the strength of hydrogen bonds. The net free energy of formation of a simple structure involving both interactions may range from about −0.5 to −2.4 kcal./mole. It may reach much more highly negative values for large structures. The corresponding ranges of the net enthalpy and entropy of formation are −1.5 to −0.5 kcal./mole and −3 to +7 e.u., respectively.
Charge‐charge interactions between articular cartilage and cationic antibodies, antigens, and immune complexes

Bovine articular cartilage was used to examine the binding of cationized antibodies, antigens, and immune complexes to articular cartilage by charge-charge interactions. Rabbit antibodies to human serum albumin (anti-HSA) and HSA were cationized to various degrees by the addition of amino groups. When approximately 20 or more new amino groups were added to HSA and approximately 25 or more amino groups were added to anti-HSA, the proteins readily bound to cartilage and penetrated into the matrix. Soluble immune complexes made with the cationic antibodies, including small-latticed complexes, bound only to the surface of the cartilage. When cationic HSA was bound to the matrix of the cartilage, unaltered antibodies bound only to the antigen at the surface and did not penetrate the matrix. This model system defines the manner in which cationic antigens and antibodies bind to and penetrate into the articular cartilage.
Dnmt3a regulates global gene expression in olfactory sensory neurons and enables odorant-induced transcription.

During differentiation, neurons exhibit a reorganization of DNA modification patterns across their genomes. The de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a is implicated in this process, but the effects of its absence have not been fully characterized in a purified neuronal population. To better understand how DNA modifications contribute to neuronal function, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of Dnmt3a-deficient mature olfactory sensory neurons (mOSNs), the primary sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium. Dnmt3a is required for both 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine patterning within accessible genomic regions, including hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes and neural enhancers. Loss of Dnmt3a results in the global disruption of gene expression via activation of silent genes and reduction of mOSN-expressed transcripts. Importantly, the DNA modification state and inducibility of odorant-activated genes are markedly impaired in Dnmt3a knockouts, suggesting a crucial role for this enzyme in establishing an epigenetic landscape compatible with neuronal plasticity.
Running exercise- and antidepressant-induced increases in growth and survival-associated signaling molecules are IGF-dependent.

It is known that physical exercise increases hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein, as well as the expression of several pro-survival signaling proteins and that man...
Abdominal Pathology in Patients With Diabetes Ketoacidosis

Abstract Introduction The objective is to describe the incidence and nature of significant abdominal pathologies in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and abdominal pain. Methods Retrospective chart review (N = 86) of patients with DKA from January 1, 2005, to January 31, 2010, was performed. Data included demographics, co-morbidities, compliance, chief complaints and physical findings, blood count, metabolic profile, lactic acid, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlC), amylase, lipase, anion gap, arterial gases, imaging and final diagnosis. Continuous variables were described as mean ± standard deviation and compared with the Student’s t test. Categorical variables were expressed as percentages (%) and compared with the Mantel-Haenszel χ 2 test. Univariate analysis was conducted among patients with and without significant abdominal pain and also with and without significant abdominal pathology. Two lipase strata were created at 400 U. Multivariate model to identify limits (confidence interval) of the estimated risk imposed by the predictor found significant in univariate analysis. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Stat View 5.0 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used for the statistical analysis. Results In patients with abdominal pain, 17% had significant abdominal pathology mainly acute pancreatitis (AP). Serum amylase and lipase level were found to be an indicator of significant underlying pathology (both P values ≤ 0.001). The logistic model created showed that patients with lipase level ≥ 400 U have a 7% increased risk of having AP with confidence interval of 0.01 to 0.6. Conclusion Patients with DKA and abdominal pain with lipase > 400 U have an increased risk of significant underlying abdominal pathology (AP).
Managing Solids in Microreactors for the Upstream Continuous Processing of Fine Chemicals

The management of solid compounds is a major challenge facing the upstream, continuous processing of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Many reactions relevant to fine chemical production either react with or form insoluble materials, which become problematic in continuous flow microreactors. The deposition, growth, or bridging of compounds can limit fluid flow from the micro- to the mesoscale, and thereby render continuous reactors inoperable. A comprehensive approach for managing solids consists of solids identification, the development of the root failure mechanism(s), and the application of active and passive techniques for the prevention and remediation. This review examines the basic principles of microreactor design for reactions that involve solids, toward the goal of performing the continuous flow processing of fine chemicals.
The Proof is in the Punch: Gender Differences in Perceptions of Action and Aggression as Components of Manhood

Two studies test the hypotheses that men, relative to women: 1) see manhood as a more elusive, impermanent state than womanhood, and 2) understand aggression as a means of proving or re-establishing threatened manhood, but not threatened womanhood. In Study 1 (N = 175 Northeastern U.S. undergraduates), men’s (but not women’s) sentence completions revealed tendencies to define manhood by actions and womanhood by enduring traits. In Study 2 (N = 113 Southeastern U.S. undergraduates), men were more likely than women to explain a man’s physical aggression in primarily situational terms, whereas men and women did not differ in the attributions they made for a woman’s physical aggression. Results suggest that men perceive active and aggressive behaviors as integral parts of manhood and its defense.
Filter-based power splitting in ultracapacitor-battery hybrids for vehicular applications

Control strategies for power supplies with actively controlled battery-ultracapcitor combinations are investigated for vehicular applications. Simple filters for allocation of load between battery and ultracapacitor can introduce phase shift that degrades performance. When used with a nonlinear algorithm for voltage control of the ultracapitor bank, a simpler frequency-independent gain factor gives better performance. A low-phase-shift filter design is introduced and shown to produce better results than a frequency-independent gain factor. A physical test system has validated simulation results.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a 9-year-old child: treatment by MOHS micrographic surgery

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, locally and deeply recurring dermal neoplasm that, when it occurs in cosmetically sensitive areas, can be devastating, particularly in children. MOHS micrographic surgery is now recognized as the treatment of choice for DFSP. A lesion of DFSP near the breast of a 9-year-old girl was treated by this technique. To our knowledge, this is the first case of DFSP in a child in which MOHS micrographic surgery was used as the first-line treatment modality.
Pharmacokinetics and effects on thromboxane B2 production following intravenous administration of flunixin meglumine to exercised thoroughbred horses

Flunixin meglumine is commonly used in horses for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The current ARCI threshold recommendation is 20 ng/mL when administered at least 24 h prior to race time. In light of samples exceeding the regulatory threshold at 24 h postadministration, the primary goal of the study reported here was to update the pharmacokinetics of flunixin following intravenous administration, utilizing a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). An additional objective was to characterize the effects of flunixin on COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition when drug concentrations reached the recommended regulatory threshold. Sixteen exercised adult horses received a single intravenous dose of 1.1 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected up to 72 h postadministration and analyzed using LC-MS. Blood samples were collected from 8 horses for determination of TxB(2) and PGE(2) concentrations prior to and up to 96 h postflunixin administration. Mean systemic clearance, steady-state volume of distribution and terminal elimination half-life was 0.767 ± 0.098 mL/min/kg, 0.137 ± 0.12 L/kg, and 4.8 ± 1.59 h, respectively. Four of the 16 horses had serum concentrations in excess of the current ARCI recommended regulatory threshold at 24 h postadministration. TxB(2) suppression was significant for up to 24 h postadministration.
Flexor digitorum profundus tendongrafting (intrasynovial donor tendons)

Abstract Traditional single- and two-stage tendon grafting methods for flexor tendon reconstruction have been unable toconsistently restore satisfactory digital flexion. Although multiple factors may affect the ultimate outcome, the role of the donor tendon graft has only recently been examined. Current methods of flexor tendon grafting for failed zone II tendon repairs and neglected flexor tendon lacerations involve the use of extrasynovial donor grafts. Clinical and histological studies have shown significant adhesion formation as a result of early cellular necrosis and peritendinous tissue ingrowth into the extrasynovial donor graft. The formation of these adhesions may result in poor tendon excursion and limited proximal interphalangeal joint rotation. Recent studies have shown that intrasynovial donor tendon grafts are incorporated to the native tendon site by a unique intrinsic mechanism of repair. Improved functional characteristics of increased tendon excursion and increased digital rotation are primarily caused by this paucity of adhesion formation and will hopefully result in improved overall patient outcomes.
Massive superclusters as a probe of the nature and amplitude of primordial density fluctuations

It is pointed out that correlation studies of galaxy positions have been widely used in the search for information about the large-scale matter distribution. The study of rare condensations on large scales provides an approach to extend the existing knowledge of large-scale structure into the weakly clustered regime. Shane (1975) provides a description of several apparent massive condensations within the Shane-Wirtanen catalog, taking into account the Serpens-Virgo cloud and the Corona cloud. In the present study, a description is given of a model for estimating the frequency of condensations which evolve from initially Gaussian fluctuations. This model is applied to the Corona cloud to estimate its 'rareness' and thereby estimate the rms density contrast on this mass scale. An attempt is made to find a conflict between the density fluctuations derived from the Corona cloud and independent constraints. A comparison is conducted of the estimate and the density fluctuations predicted to arise in a universe dominated by cold dark matter.
Daily data collection: A comparison of three methods

This paper compares three methods for daily data collection to examine the co‐occurrence of intoxication and unsafe sex at the incident level. Sexually transmitted disease clinic clients and sexual...
Should evidence-based proof of drug efficacy be extrapolated to a "class of agents"?

Summary ● In general, extrapolation of mortality/morbidity benefitsfrom a proven drug to an unproven drug should be avoided.The FDA-approved indications offer valuable guidance. ● Specifically, in the case of ACEIs, 5 members havepublished mortality/morbidity data, and their use isstrongly recommended.AddendumThe results of the EUROPA study (EURopean trial Onreduction of cardiac events with Perindopril in stable coro-nary Artery disease) 10 underscore the critical role of ACEIdosing. In EUROPA, perindopril (8 mg/d) reduced majorcoronary heart disease mortality and morbidity by 20%,which is in sharp contrast to the lack of health benefit ofperindopril (4 mg/d) in PROGRESS. This also illustrates thefallacy of basing regulatory recommendations about drugdose on a surrogate outcome (blood pressure lowering). References 1. Furberg CD, Pitt B. Are all angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsinterchangeable? J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37:1456–1460.2. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study Investigators. Effectsof an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, on cardiovascu-lar events in high-risk patients.N Engl J Med 2000;342:145–153.3. The Acute Infarction Ramipril Efficacy (AIRE) Study Investigators.Effect of ramipril on mortality and morbidity of survivors of acutemyocardial infarction with clinical evidence of heart failure. Lancet.1993;342:821– 828.4. Pitt B, O’Neill B, Feldman R, et al. The QUinapril Ischemic Event Trial(QUIET): evaluation of chronic ACE inhibitor therapy in patients withischemic heart disease and preserved left ventricular function. Am JCardiol. 2001;87:1058–1063.5. PROGRESS Collaborative Group. Randomised trial of aperindopril-based blood-pressure–lowering regimen among 6105 indi-viduals with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Lancet. 2001;358:1033–1041.6. Furberg CD, Herrington DM, Psaty BM. Are drugs within a class inter-changeable? Lancet. 1999;354:1202–1204.7. Maschio G, Alberti D, Janin G, et al. Effect of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor benazepril on the progression of chronicrenal insufficiency. N Engl J Med. 1996;334:939–945.8. Luzier AB, Forrest A, Adelman M, et al. Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor underdosing on rehospitalization rates incongestive heart failure. Am J Cardiol. 1998;82:465– 469.9. National Institute for Health Care Management, Research and Educa-tional Foundation. Prescription Drug Expenditures in 2001: Another Yearof Escalating Costs. Revised May 6, 2002. Available at: http://www.nihcm.org/spending2001.pdf. Accessed October 6, 2003.10. Fox KM; EURopean trial On reduction of cardiac events with Perindoprilin stable coronary Artery disease Investigators. Efficacy of perindopril inreduction of cardiovascular events among patients with stable coronaryartery disease: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentretrial (the EUROPA study). Lancet. 2003;362:782–788.
The effects of naloxone on canine splanchnic arterial smooth muscle.

AbstractThe pharmacological properties of naloxone on vascular smooth muscle in vitro were examined using canine mesenteric arterial segments. Naloxone exerted two different effects on the artery: (A) naloxone at a high concentration (3 × 10-4M) produced a nonspecific vasodilation; and (B) naloxone at lower concentrations (3 × 10-7, 3 × 10-6, and 3 × 10-5M) augmented the vasoconstrictor effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine without altering KCl-or serotonin-induced constriction. Naloxone's augmenting effect on epinephrine-induced constriction was dose dependent. Even when the arterial strips were incubated in low calcium (0.8 mM) or calcium free Kreb's solution, naloxone (3 × 10-5M) still augmented epinephrine-induced constriction. With respect to naloxone's effect on another α-adrenoreceptor agonist, naloxone (3 × 10-5M) failed to alter phenylephrine-induced constriction. Naloxone's augmenting effect on norepinephrine-induced constriction was abolished when the specimens were incubated with 10-5M nor...
Immunocytochemical localization of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the zebrafish retina

The patterns of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine distribution in the zebrafish retina were determined using immunocytochemical localization of antisera at the light-microscope level. The observed GABA immunoreactivity (GABA-IR) patterns were further characterized using antibodies to both isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65 and GAD67), the synthetic enzyme for GABA. Glutamate-IR was observed in all retinal layers with photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells prominently labeled. Bipolar cells displayed the most intense glutamate-IR and bipolar cell axon terminals were clearly identified as puncta arranged in layers throughout the inner plexiform layer (IPL). These findings suggest the presence of multiple subtypes of presumed OFF- and ON-bipolar cells, including some ON-bipolar cells characterized by a single, large (9 microm X 6 microm) axon terminal. GABA-, GAD-, and glycine-IR were most intense in the inner retina. In general, the observed labeling patterns for GABA, GAD65, and GAD67 were similar. GABA- and GAD-IR were observed in a population of amacrine cells, a few cells in the ganglion cell layer, throughout the IPL, and in horizontal cells. In the IPL, both GABA- and GAD-IR structures were organized into two broad bands. Glycine-IR was observed in amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and in both plexiform layers. Glycine-positive terminals were identified throughout the IPL, with a prominent band in sublamina 3 corresponding to an immunonegative region observed in sections stained for GAD and GABA. Our results show the distribution of neurons in the zebrafish retina that use glutamate, GABA, or glycine as their neurotransmitter. The observed distribution of neurotransmitters in the inner retina is consistent with previous studies of other vertebrates and suggests that the advantages of zebrafish for developmental studies may be exploited for retinal studies.
Seawater intrusion policy analysis with a numerical spatially heterogeneous dynamic optimization model

[1] For more than 50 years, Monterey County and California State officials have pursued without success water policies to halt groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion in the multilayer confined aquifers underlying arguably the most productive farmland in the United States. This study develops a general dynamic optimization model that emphasizes the institutional and physical characteristics that differentiate this policy problem from other groundwater extraction problems. The solution of the model exhibits heterogeneous spatial distribution of optimal extraction based on spatially distributed extraction cost, pumping cost externality, and seawater intrusion stock externality. Comparison of model results under alternative management regimes elucidates landowner economic incentives, reveals the potential welfare loss of current state policy, and explains much of the history of the political economy of water in Monterey County.
Microwave characteristics of YBCO coplanar waveguide resonator

A theoretical formulation utilizing the incremental inductance method has been developed to calculate the coupling coefficient, London penetration depth, and surface resistance of a coplanar waveguide resonator fabricated from films of superconducting YBCO material. Experimental data of the reflection coefficient as a function of temperature and frequency agree reasonably well with calculations. >
Graphs and Level Sets

Associated with each real valued function of several real variables is a collection of sets, callcd level sets, which are useful in studying qualitative properties of the function. Given a function f: U → ℝ. where U ⊂ ℝ n +1,its level sets are the sets f-1 (c) defined, for each real number c, by $$ {f^{ - 1}}\,\left( c \right)\, = \,\left\{ {\left( {{X_1},...,\,{X_{n + 1}}} \right)\, \in U:\,f\,\left( {{X_1},...,\,{X_{n + 1}}} \right)\, = \;c} \right\} $$ . The number c is called the height of the level set, and f -1 (c) is called the level set at height c. Since f-l(c) is the solution set of the equation f(x1…, x n +1) = c, the level set f -1 (c) is often described as “the set f(x1,…, x n +1) = c.”
Neurological complications of systemic cancer

Summary Neurological complications of systemic cancer—those arising outside the nervous system—can be distressing, disabling, and sometimes fatal. Diagnosis is often difficult because different neurological disorders may present with similar signs and symptoms. Furthermore, comorbid neurological illnesses, common in elderly patients with cancer, can complicate diagnosis. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can improve neurological symptoms and can substantially enhance a patient's quality of life. We approach the problem of neurological complications of systemic cancer as would a neurologist: first by identifying the anatomical area or areas that are affected (ie, brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve), then by evaluating the diagnostic approach, considering the symptoms and signs and including appropriate laboratory tests, and finally, by recommending treatment. We focus on disorders that are difficult to diagnose, need neurological consultation, and for which effective treatments exist.
Coordinated Control of Steering and Anti-Roll Bars to Alter Vehicle Rollover Tendencies

A Variable Dynamic Testbed Vehicle is presently being built for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It will have four-wheel steering, front and rear active antiroll bar systems, four adjustable dampers, and other active controls. Using these active devices, we can alter the vehicle's understeer coefficient, front/rear load transfer distribution in high-g lateral maneuvers, and roll mode frequency and damping. This study investigates how these active systems could be controlled to alter the vehicle rollover tendencies. In particular, we study how an increased front antiroll bar stiffness, in conjunction with an increased front damper rate and out-of-phase rear steering could improve vehicle rollover resistance and enhance vehicle safety. Similar but "reverse" algorithms could be used to artificially degrade the rollover resistance of a vehicle. Rollover-related accidents could then be studied using such a vehicle. Results obtained could also provide guidelines for the safe operation of the variable dynamic vehicle in limit lateral maneuvers. ©2002 ASME
Microstructure of wound conductors for high field pulsed magnets

Wire samples of Cu-Nb and Cu-Ag were wound around a 15 mm diameter mandrel to replicate the circumstances of pulse magnet winding. Longitudinal and transverse sections were prepared for electron microscopy and analysis from both wound and non wound samples. Microstructural investigation of these sections shows that micro-cracking occurs at the tension side of the wire with corresponding deformation at the compression side. Investigation of the sections of non wound samples show that filament size and distribution is not uniform in these conductors.
The Mechanisms of Digitalis - Induced Ventricular Fibrillation*

Two cases of digitalis induced ventricular fibrillation in which the onset of the arrhythmia was recorded electrocardiographically are presented. In the first patient, fibrillation evolved from a rapidly progressing bidirectional ventricular tachycardia. The arrhythmia was due to acetyl strophanthidin administered at five minute intervals, as recommended in 1954. The patient had not been receiving digitalis previously. In the second case, ventricular fibrillation appeared suddenly when a ventricular extrasystole fell in the vulnerable phase of the preceding contraction. This occurred after the intravenous administration of digoxin to a patient with an undiagnosed digitalis induced arrhythmia. Both episodes occurred before the era of transthoracic electric countershock. It seems that in man, as well as in the laboratory animal, there are at least two types of digitalis related ventricular fibrillation. One appears suddenly and responds to electric countershock. The other form of ventricular fibrillation is preceded by a gradual widening of the QRS complexes. The latter cannot be abolished electrically. Aggressive antiarrhythmic drug treatment during the tachycardia stage is probably the treatment of choice.
Functional MR imaging of kidney--novel approaches to monitoring renal physiology.

infusion of hyperpolarized [ 13 C]urea under acute diuretic and antidiuresis conditions and observed upregulation of the urea transporter UT-A1 at the renal inner medulla under antidiuresis. This research reflects progress within the MRI community, and the radiology community in general, from what once was a primarily anatomic discipline to one that provides in vivo dynamic imaging of biological processes that have traditionally been studied in vitro, or analyzed in a very invasive fashion. With the advancement of instrumentation, pulse sequences, comprehension of MR biophysical mechanisms, and novel data analysis methods, MRI is able to provide a dynamic picture of tissue physiology, which includes tissue perfusion, tissue oxygenation, and oxygen metabolism (5, 14), water/solute transportation across cell membranes (4), tissue energetics (6), and more. For instance, based on the sensitivity of the MR signal to the blood oxygenation level (BOLD), the renal BOLD technique can provide a semiquantitative mapping of intrarenal oxygenation (10), thus opening new possibilities to study kidney diseases, particularly those related to tissue hypoxia (9). The quantitative BOLD (qBOLD) technique (5), originally developed for quantification of absolute blood oxygenation in neural applications, has the potential to obtain an absolute quantification of intrarenal oxygenation by separating the effect of blood oxygenation from the rest of hemodynamic parameters affecting renal BOLD signal (3). Since the major portion of kidney oxygen metabolism is used for active transportation of sodium, these BOLD-based techniques enable researchers and clinicians to noninvasively investigate important pathways regulating urine concentration. The intrarenal sodium gradient can also be directly quantified with sodiumMRI in both animal models and human subjects (2, 8). The kinetics of sodium gradient change are site specific and related to the loop diuretic mechanism in both intact and diseased kidneys. Other implementations of in vivo multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), including oxygen-17, fluorine19, phosphorus-31, and carbon-13, have been utilized to measure oxygen consumption, phosphate content and energy reserves, substrate selection, and rate of metabolic flux, respectively. However, compared with proton MRI, these multinuclear approaches usually suffer from extremely low intrinsic sensitivity, which results from low magnetogyric ratio, low natural abundance, and low in vivo concentration. At biological temperatures and field strengths that are attainable in a clinical setting, only a
The two faces of higher eukaryotic DNA replication origins.

Maarten H. K. Linskens and Joel A. Huberman Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Roswell Park Cancer Institute Buffalo, New York 14263 Earlier this year, Vaughn et al. (1990) described convinc- ing evidence for the surprising conclusion that the DNA replication origin located downstream of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene in Chinese hamster cells consists of a broad initiation zone extending over 26 kb. However, the data presented by Burhans et al. (1990) in this issue suggest the contradictory conclusion that replication forks must emanate bidirectionally from a site that is no larger than 450 nucleotides. In this review, we hope to show that these apparently conflicting data are not necessarily ir- reconcilable. Instead, the two sets of data may illuminate two different faces of the higher eukaryotic chromosomal replication origin. The existence of replication origins in mammalian cells was first suggested by DNA fiber autoradiography, which revealed that replication forks move bidirectionally out- ward from sites (origins) irregularly spaced along chro- mosomal DNA molecules. However, the resolution of fiber autoradiography (15-30 kb) is insufficient to provide infor- mation about events during initiation of replication or to determine whether origins correspond to specific nucleo- tide sequences. The subsequent mapping of replication origins in E. coli and prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses (most notably SV40) to a few hundred nucleotides or less suggested that eukaryotic chromosomal origins might correspond to short stretches of defined nucleotide se- quence. Indeed, chromosomal replication origins in the yeast S. cerevisiae correspond to specific DNA segments of a few hundred nucleotides or less (Linskens and Huber- man, 1966). The identification of replication origins in higher eukary- otes, however, has proven to be more difficult than in yeast (reviewed in Umek et al., 1969). The complexity of the higher eukaryotic genome has been a major obstacle. To overcome this difficulty, Hamlin’ s laboratory developed a strain of Chinese hamster ovary cells containing 500- 1000 copies of 240 kb surrounding the DHFR gene. By de- termining which restriction fragments of the amplified do- main are replicated earliest in S phase, Heintz and Hamlin (1982) identified a region downstream of the DHFR gene that appeared to contain a replication origin. This region is still the only stretch of mammalian chromosomal DNA has been proven to contain a replication origin. High resolution, early S phase labeling (Burhans et al., 1986; Leu and Hamlin, 1989) and replication polarity anal- ysis (Handeli et al., 1989) have suggested the existence of two separate origins about 22 kb apart within the DHFR downstream region. Figure 1 summarizes these data. Bur- hans et al. (1990) measured Okazaki fragment polarity by an independent technique to map the left-hand origin (Figure 1) to even higher resolution. Their data suggest
Three-dimensional structure of victorivirus HvV190S suggests coat proteins in most totiviruses share a conserved core.

Double-stranded (ds)RNA fungal viruses are currently assigned to six different families. Those from the family Totiviridae are characterized by nonsegmented genomes and single-layer capsids, 300-450 A in diameter. Helminthosporium victoriae virus 190S (HvV190S), prototype of recently recognized genus Victorivirus, infects the filamentous fungus Helminthosporium victoriae (telomorph: Cochliobolus victoriae), which is the causal agent of Victoria blight of oats. The HvV190S genome is 5179 bp long and encompasses two large, slightly overlapping open reading frames that encode the coat protein (CP, 772 aa) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, 835 aa). To our present knowledge, victoriviruses uniquely express their RdRps via a coupled termination-reinitiation mechanism that differs from the well-characterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae virus L-A (ScV-L-A, prototype of genus Totivirus), in which the RdRp is expressed as a CP/RdRp fusion protein due to ribosomal frameshifting. Here, we used transmission electron cryomicroscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction to determine the structures of HvV190S virions and two types of virus-like particles (capsids lacking dsRNA and capsids lacking both dsRNA and RdRp) at estimated resolutions of 7.1, 7.5, and 7.6 A, respectively. The HvV190S capsid is thin and smooth, and contains 120 copies of CP arranged in a "T = 2" icosahedral lattice characteristic of ScV-L-A and other dsRNA viruses. For aid in our interpretations, we developed and used an iterative segmentation procedure to define the boundaries of the two, chemically identical CP subunits in each asymmetric unit. Both subunits have a similar fold, but one that differs from ScV-L-A in many details except for a core α-helical region that is further predicted to be conserved among many other totiviruses. In particular, we predict the structures of other victoriviruses to be highly similar to HvV190S and the structures of most if not all totiviruses including, Leishmania RNA virus 1, to be similar as well.
Analog/mixed signal synthesis for high-speed input/output channels

High-speed input/outputs (I/O) are in demand due to advances in integrated circuits (ICs), which made it possible to obtain multi gigahertz clock speeds. However, as very large scale integration (VLSI) technology scales down, the pin bandwidth does not scale accordingly. Some factors to consider in designing of high-speed I/Os are the integration of analog and digital circuitry, the interconnect performance, the precision required in processing of analog signals, and the sensitivity of analog circuit to noise, crosstalk and interference. Given that I/O design involves the emergence of both analog and digital circuitry, the design flow is comprised of a mixed-signal scheme. Less experienced designers usually use ad hoc methods to simulate the trade-offs between digital and analog modules, since there is a lack of standard simulation test-benches. Recent research in analog synthesis has demonstrated that goal oriented test-benches are the key enabler for analog re-use. This paper address a system methodology that can be used to set up a common simulation platform such that test-benches created for system model may be directly used for testing the Spice modules.
Pharmacokinetics of quinacrine in the treatment of prion disease

Background: Prion diseases are caused by the accumulation of an aberrantly folded isoform of the prion protein, designated PrPSc. In a cell-based assay, quinacrine inhibits the conversion of normal host prion protein (PrP C ) to PrP Sc at a half-maximal concentration of 300 nM. While these data suggest that quinacrine may be beneficial in the treatment of prion disease, its penetration into brain tissue has not been extensively studied. If quinacrine penetrates brain tissue in concentrations exceeding that demonstrated for in vitro inhibition of PrPSc, it may be useful in the treatment of prion disease. Methods: Oral quinacrine at doses of 37.5 mg/kg/D and 75 mg/kg/D was administered to mice for 4 consecutive weeks. Plasma and tissue (brain, liver, spleen) samples were taken over 8 weeks: 4 weeks with treatment, and 4 weeks after treatment ended. Results: Quinacrine was demonstrated to penetrate rapidly into brain tissue, achieving concentrations up to 1500 ng/g, which is several-fold greater than that demonstrated to inhibit formation of PrPSc in cell culture. Particularly extensive distribution was observed in spleen (maximum of 100 µg/g) and liver (maximum of 400 µg/g) tissue. Conclusions: The documented extensive brain tissue penetration is encouraging suggesting quinacrine might be useful in the treatment of prion disease. However, further clarification of the distribution of both intracellular and extracellular unbound quinacrine is needed. The relative importance of free quinacrine in these compartments upon the conversion of normal host prion protein (PrP C ) to PrP Sc will be critical toward its potential benefit.
A New Sun: Democracy, the Public, and Journalism Education

Professor James W. Carey, former dean emeritus of the College of Communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign, encouraged his students to study the ideas of Professor John Dewey, one of America's leading philosophers, teachers, and communications scholars. Dewey's work is not easily accessible, however. The manifold questions he asked in the process of reaching answers to his key concerns and hundreds of related questions fill (at least) 36 books and 815 articles, in which one writer insists there is not one eminently quotable line. Nonetheless, Carey maintained that studying Dewey's conversation was a key to understanding both democracy and journalism, which he maintained are synonymous.
Ionic Conduction in Oxides at Low Temperatures

Unusually large values of cationic conductivity have recently been found in some solid oxides at relatively low temperatures. This behavior is related to the presence of crystallographic tunnels within which certain ions can be very mobile.
Engineering Careers: Women in a Male-Dominated Field.

A national survey was conducted to compare the background and career characteristics of men and women engineers differing in the number of years since they completed their BS degrees (0–5, 6–10, 11–15, and 16–20 years). The parents of women engineers were more likely to have college degrees and to be employed in professional positions than were the parents of men engineers. Women engineers were less likely to be married and were more likely to be childless than were the men. Both men and women were influenced by courses and work–related factors in their decisions to pursue engineering, but men made their career decisions sooner than women. Although men and women reported comparable levels of technical responsibility in their present jobs, gender differences favoring men were found for supervisory responsibility and salary among those with more than five years of experience, with the gap between men and women increasing with experience. Men with 16–20 years of experience and all four degree cohorts of women endorsed the opinion that there are better opportunities for men than women in engineering.
Scheduling considerations for building dynamic verification tools for MPI

Dynamic verification methods are the natural choice for formally verifying real world programs when model extraction and maintenance are expensive. Message passing programs written using the MPI library often fall under this category, especially when these programs have to be verified after being ported to new platforms and iteratively optimized. However, implementing dynamic verification tools for MPI requires solving many problems pertaining to the scheduling realities of the MPI runtime. In this paper, we describe the progression of our ideas during the development of our dynamic verification tool for MPI programs, called in-situ partial order (ISP). Each idea developed in this progression relates to our dual goals of ensuring full coverage of all representative interleavings (in the sense of partial order reduction) among MPI processes, and forcing the MPI runtime to affect these interleavings. We briefly examine similar issued faced by other builders of dynamic verification tools. We conclude with observations backing the growing importance of addressing scheduling issues in future dynamic verification tools for various concurrency APIs.