cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy delineates radiation-induced injury and partial rescue by amifostine in bone: a murine mandibular model.

Despite its therapeutic role in head and neck cancer, radiation administration degrades the biomechanical properties of bone and can lead to pathologic fracture and osteoradionecrosis. Our laboratories have previously demonstrated that prophylactic amifostine administration preserves the biomechanical properties of irradiated bone and that Raman spectroscopy accurately evaluates bone composition ex vivo. As such, we hypothesize that Raman spectroscopy can offer insight into the temporal and mechanical effects of both irradiation and amifostine administration on bone to potentially predict and even prevent radiation-induced injury. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (350–400 g) were randomized into control, radiation exposure (XRT), and amifostine pre-treatment/radiation exposure groups (AMF-XRT). Irradiated animals received fractionated 70 Gy radiation to the left hemi-mandible, while AMF-XRT animals received amifostine just prior to radiation. Hemi-mandibles were harvested at 18 weeks after radiation, analyzed via Raman spectroscopy, and compared with specimens previously harvested at 8 weeks after radiation. Mineral (ρ958) and collagen (ρ1665) depolarization ratios were significantly lower in XRT specimens than in AMF-XRT and control specimens at both 8 and 18 weeks. amifostine administration resulted in a full return of mineral and collagen depolarization ratios to normal levels at 18 weeks. Raman spectroscopy demonstrates radiation-induced damage to the chemical composition and ultrastructure of bone while amifostine prophylaxis results in a recovery towards normal, native mineral and collagen composition and orientation. These findings have the potential to impact on clinical evaluations and interventions by preventing or detecting radiation-induced injury in patients requiring radiotherapy as part of a treatment regimen.
Probing Nonlinear Cellular Responses to Integrated Mechanical Signals Through Examining Cell Alignment

Cells are complex systems that continuously receive signals in a variety of forms including both physical and chemical. The ability of cells to integrate these signals and already be hard wired to have coupled responses indicates the complexity at which cells function in terms of signal integration. One of the important areas in signal response is in mechanical stimulation, which has been shown to influence many cellular functions through the cytoskeleton and most often induces various cellular alignment. Most studies generally probe the affects of mechanical stimulation on cell behaviour by one mode of mechanical stimulation, though cells in fact experience multiple modes of mechanical stimulation simultaneously. From this comes the question of how does the cell process these multiple mechanical inputs? In this study we probed the effects of uniaxial stretch and/or shear fluid flow on NIH 3T3 fibroblast behaviour, specifically cell alignment. We used fluorescence microscopy to examine the orientation of the actin cytoskeleton and observed alignment along the direction of force for both uniaxial stretching and shear fluid flow in comparison to cells exposed to both mechanical modes. The cellular response surprisingly revealed an alignment that was neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of force. Furthermore, the integration of these 2 modes revealed a nonlinear response to combinations of shear stress and uniaxial stretching. These intriguing results have potential implications in a variety of fields including bioengineering, mechanotransduction, and cell structure.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Detection of Corrosion in Reinforcing Steel Bars Using Microwave Dual-Loaded Differential Modulated Scatterer Technique

Detection and evaluation of corrosion in reinforcing steel bars (rebars) commonly used in cement-based structures is an important ongoing concern. Embedded sensor technologies hold promise for this purpose. In recent years, modulated scatterer technique (MST) has shown great potential as an embedded sensor technology. The first step in evaluating the potential of embedded MST for rebar corrosion detection is to evaluate its potential for detecting the presence of subtle corrosion in a rebar. This short paper investigates the measurement potential for a dual-loaded differential MST approach for detecting relatively subtle corrosion in a steel rebar.
The auditory region of dermoptera: Morphology and function relative to other living mammals.

The dermopteran basicranium combines a primitively constructed and oriented auditory bulla formed by ectotympanic, rostral entotympanic, and tubal cartilage with derived features of the middle ear transformer and internal carotid circulation. Living dermopterans possess a primitive eutherian auditory region that has been structurally modified to perceive a lower frequency sound spectrum than probably was utilized by ancestral Mesozoic therians. Perception of the low to midfrequency range is enhanced in Dermoptera by reducing stiffness in the mechanical transformer while maintaining low mass of the component parts. Stiffness has been reduced by (1) development of an epitympanic sinus about four times the volume of the middle ear cavity proper, (2) detachment of the anterior process of the malleus from the ectotympanic, and (3) by delicate suspension of the ear ossicles within the middle ear. We apply to dermopterans a measure of hearing efficiency derived from recent functional studies of the mammalian middle ear that regards the middle ear mechanism as an impedance matching transformer. Calculation of the impedance transformer ratio for Dermoptera suggests that these mammals are relatively efficient in comparison to other eutherians in their ability to match the impedance of cochlear fluids to that of air at the eardrum. Dermopterans theoretically are capable of using over 90% of incident sound energy striking the eardrum at the resonant or natural frequency. Mechanical impedance of the middle ear transformer exerts a minimal influence on hearing efficiency due to low mass, little stiffness, and little frictional resistance. Analysis of measurements of the middle ear transformer published by Gerald Fleischer and integration of these data with current theory on the peripheral hearing mechanism in mammals allow us to propose a model that describes the structural and functional evolution of the mammalian middle ear transformer. Structural changes appear to be correlated with alteration in function from primitive small mammals with stiff middle ear transformers and high frequency dominated hearing to mammals with a wider range in body size with more mobile middle ear transformers and a greater range of frequency perception, often including improved sensitivity to lower frequencies. Mammals employ different anatomical strategies in attainment of increased hearing efficiency and sensitivity. Efficiency is improved by adjustment of lever and areal ratios of the middle ear transformer to achieve an optimum impedance match of external air and cochlear fluids. Sensitivity over a broad frequency spectrum is attained by minimizing mass, stiffness, and frictional resistance of the transformer. The morphology of the auditory region of both living and fossil mammals seems explicable in terms of selection pressure directed toward these ends.
Use of PC12 Cells as a Neurotoxicological Screen: Characterization of Anticyanide Compounds

Use of PC 12 Cells as a Neurotoxicological Screen: Characterization of Anticyanide Compounds. Borowitz, J. L., Kanthasamy, A. G., Mitchell, P. J., and Isom, G. E. (1993). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 20, 133-140. A series of six biochemical markers of cyanide toxicity (dopamine release, hydroperoxide generation, cytosolic-free calcium levels, catalase activity, cytochrome oxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity) in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were used to establish a screen for evaluation of potential anticyanide compounds. Thirty-nine substances, including anticonvulsants, adrenergic blockers, antioxidants, and antipsychotics were tested and ranked according to the results. Based on the composite scoring in all six assays, carbamazepine, mannitol, allopurinol, and phenytoin were ranked as the most effective anticyanide compounds. Additionally, known cyanide antidotes (e.g., pyruvate, mercaptopyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, naloxone, and flunarizine) obtained relatively high ranking in the PC12 cell screen. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between protective effects (based on LD50s) of cyanide antidotes in mice and ranking in the in vitro screen. This study illustrates that by assaying a series of biochemical markers in a neuronal-type cell line, a rapid, cost-effective in vitro toxicological screen is possible. Several compounds have been identified which inhibit the biochemical effects of cyanide and may be used to enhance effectiveness of the standard cyanide antidotes.
Historical Development of the Theory of Pancreatic Diabetes

Importance historique de la theorie pancreatique du diabete: il n'est pas necessaire de connaitre toutes les reponses concernant les forces de la nature pour qu'elles deviennent utiles a l'humanite, il suffit de comprendre les lois selon lesquelles ces forces agissent pour les maitriser…
The Effects of Cooperative and Individualized Instruction on Student Attitudes and Achievement

Summary The way in which learning goals are structured determines the student-student and teacher-student interaction patterns in the classroom, which in turn greatly affect the outcomes resulting from instruction. The effects of two methods of structuring learning goals—cooperatively and individualistically—were compared on a series of attitudinal and performance variables. An advanced math class for 5th and 6th grade white students (N = 30 boys and girls) in a suburban, upper-middle-class school was divided randomly into cooperative and individualized conditions (controlling for math ability) for studying math one hour a day for 50 days. The results indicate that cooperative learning promoted more positive attitudes towards heterogeneity among peers; higher self-esteem; more positive attitudes toward the teacher, fellow cooperators, and conflict; more internal locus of control; and higher daily achievement.
Stimulated mitotic counts in the non-lesional skin of patients with psoriasis and controls

SUMMARY Mitotic counts have been determined in the symptomless skin of nine psoriatic patients and nine healthy controls 48h after pressure-tape stripping. A significantly increased response was seen in the symptomless psoriatic epidermis compared with the controls.
Nucleosides. 131. The Synthesis of 5-(2-Chloro-2-Deoxy-β-D-arabino-Furanosyl)Uracil. Reinterpretation of Reaction of ψ-Uridine With α-Acetoxyisobutyryl Chloride. Studies Directed Toward the Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy-2′-Substituted Arabino-Nucleosides. 2

Abstract Treatment of ψ-uridine (3) with α-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride in acetonitrile gave, after deprotection, a mixture of four products: 5-(2-chloro-2-deoxy-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil (10a), its 3′-chloro xylo isomer (11a), 2′-chloro-2′-deoxy-ψ-uridine (9a) and 4,2′-anhydro-ψ-uridine (8a). Each component was isolated by column chromatography. Compound 9 was converted to the known 1,3-dimethyl derivative 2 by treatment with DMF-dimethylacetal. Treatment of 10 and 11 with NaOMe/MeOH afforded the same 4,2′-anhydro-C-nucleoside 8. The 1,3-dimethyl analogues of 10 and 11, however, were converted to 2′,3′-anhydro-1,3-dimethyl-ψ-uridine (13) upon base treatment. The epoxide 13 was also prepared in good yield by treatment of 10 and 11 with DMF-dimethylacetal.
Origin and evolution of teosinte ( Zea mexicana ( Schrad .) Kuntze )

The tripartite hypothesis postulates that cultivated maize was derived from a wild podcorn which was once indigenous to the lowlands of South America; that this wild Z. mays is now extinct; that Z. mexicana (teosinte) originated from natural hybridization of Z. mays and a species of Tripsacum after cultivated maize was introduced into Central America; and that most modern races of maize resulted from introgression of primitive maize with teosinte, Tripsacum, or both. This hypothesis has been criticized primarily on the basis that it involves too many theories for the available facts. The basic question that needs to be answered is whether maize was domesticated from a wild Z. mays or from Z. mexicana. The oldest known archaeological remains suggest that a wild Z. mays existed before Z. mexicana came on the scene. This question can only be settled by further archaeological research. Accepting the assumption that a species of Zea which is distinctly different from Z. mexicana gave rise to maize, however, does not necessarily lead to accepting a hybrid origin for teosinte. Judging from present day breeding behaviour, Z. mays and Z. mexicina are conspecific and only distantly related to Tripsacum. This cytogenetic similarity could be explained on the basis of extensive introgression between teosinte and maize. Introgression of germplasm from teosinte into maize is obvious wherever these taxa are sympatric. This pattern of a crop absorbing genes of its wild progenitor across a weedy race, is commonly encountered in all other cereals. Should this not be true in maize, it certainly will be a rare exception. The assumption that teosinte originated as a hybrid between domesticated Z. mays and a species of Tripsacum remains an intriguing possibility. However, after weighing the pros and cons of the available morphological and genetical evidence, the level of confidence with which this hypothesis can be excepted appears rather low.
Developmental expression of two cloned sequences coding for rare sea urchin embryo messages

Measurements are presented of the number of transcripts in sea urchin embryos and in adult intestine cells complementary to two cloned genomic single copy sequences. These sequences apparently code for maternal mRNAs stored in the egg. About 1000 and 1400 transcripts are stored per egg, close to the average value for maternal mRNAs. RNAs complementary to the cloned sequences are also found in the polysomal message of early embryos. The number of polysomal transcripts representing each cloned sequence is typical of the “complex” or “rare” class of message in sea urchin embryos. Expression of these putative complex class structural genes is regulated developmentally. Thus, polysomal transcripts of both sequences essentially disappear by the blastula stage. One sequence is again represented at a low level in adult intestine cytoplasmic RNA while the other is absent. However, in all the developmental stages examined, the number of nuclear transcripts of the cloned sequences remains about the same as for any average single copy sequence transcript.
Evidence for lipase abnormality: high levels of free and triacylglycerol forms of unsaturated fatty acids in neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis tissue.

Total lipid obtained from normal and different forms of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCL) tissues was analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). We observed a large (>6-fold) increase in a lipid band corresponding to triolein for NCL dog pancreas and spleen and juvenile human NCL brain and infantile NCL spleen. The accumulation was less pronounced for the brain samples but apart from increased dolicholmonophosphate levels, other lipids appeared normal. Normal dog, goat, or human spleen contained virtually no triacylglycerol, and of the pathological controls, β-mannosidosis goat spleen showed no triacylglycerol band at all. A sample of human spleen from a patient with lymphoma-associated splenomegaly displayed a strong triacylglycerol band, but gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of the bands showed an equal increase in both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid containing triacylglycerols in the splenomegaly sample, in keeping with the notion of non-specific fat deposition in damaged tissue. In contrast, in all the NCL samples (spleen, pancreas, and brain) a prominent increase in the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was observed in both free fatty acid and/or triacylglycerol bands following GC/MS. The NCL-English setter dog pancreas showed a major presence of oleic acid (18:1) (twofold increase) as compared to normal, while dog and infantile human NCL spleen samples and juvenile Batten brain (human) displayed a robust increase in linoleic acid (18:2) and sometimes in oleic acid and arachidonic acid (20:4) (for infantile human NCL spleen). For the infantile human NCL spleen sample an increase in linoleic acid in both free fatty acid (3.2-fold) and triacylglycerol (10-fold) was observed. This suggests a new mechanism by which polyunsaturated fatty acids can be transported to various parts of an NCL-affected mammalian body in packages such as triacylglycerol and/or serum albumin:free fatty acid complex. Such polyunsaturated fatty acids could eventually lead to the ceroid-lipofuscin pigment characteristic of NCl tissues through peroxidation to aldehyde with subsequent Schiff base formation. This could possibly explain the deposition of ceroid-lipofuscin in widely different and non-proximal tissues such as the pancreas and the brain.
Organizational culture and effectiveness in two-year colleges

The central purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which the effectiveness of a nationally representative sample of two-year colleges differs in terms of their dominant type of organizational culture. The findings demonstrate wide differences in the effectiveness of two-year colleges that exhibit the traits of clan, adhocracy, hierarchy, and market cultures, and the differences are consistent with their conceptual rationale. The research, policy, and practical implications of the findings in terms of our efforts to understand and improve the management and institutional performance of two-year colleges are discussed.
Immunologic changes in children with egg allergy ingesting extensively heated egg.

Background Prior studies have suggested that heated egg might be tolerated by some children with egg allergy. Objective We sought to confirm tolerance of heated egg in a subset of children with egg allergy, to evaluate clinical and immunologic predictors of heated egg tolerance, to characterize immunologic changes associated with continued ingestion of heated egg, and to determine whether a diet incorporating heated egg is well tolerated. Methods Subjects with documented IgE-mediated egg allergy underwent physician-supervised oral food challenges to extensively heated egg (in the form of a muffin and a waffle), with tolerant subjects also undergoing regular egg challenges (in a form of scrambled egg or French toast). Heated egg–tolerant subjects incorporated heated egg into their diets. Skin prick test wheal diameters and egg white, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid IgE levels, as well as ovalbumin and ovomucoid IgG4 levels, were measured at baseline for all subjects and at 3, 6, and 12 months for those tolerant of heated egg. Results Sixty-four of 117 subjects tolerated heated egg, 23 tolerated regular egg, and 27 reacted to heated egg. Heated egg–reactive subjects had larger skin test wheals and greater egg white–specific, ovalbumin-specific, and ovomucoid-specific IgE levels compared with heated egg– and egg-tolerant subjects. Continued ingestion of heated egg was associated with decreased skin test wheal diameters and ovalbumin-specific IgE levels and increased ovalbumin-specific and ovomucoid-specific IgG4 levels. Conclusions The majority of subjects with egg allergy were tolerant of heated egg. Continued ingestion of heated egg was well tolerated and associated with immunologic changes that paralleled the changes observed with the development of clinical tolerance to regular egg.
Enseignements politiques et sociaux. Tchernobyl : un tournant historique

L'accident de Tchernobyl a suscite partout dans le monde une crise de confiance a l'egard de l'industrie nucleaire. Cette crise de confiance a touche le systeme politique en URSS, les institutions et l'ensemble des populations dans la plupart des pays.Elle se mesure au nombre des debats, aux prises de position des hommes politiques et des scientifiques ainsi qu'aux reorientations de pratiquement tous les programmes nucleaires. Les sondages d'opinion montrent que l'accident de Tchernobyl est un argument fort contre le nucleaire, qui ne s'estompe pas dans le temps.Il convient d'analyser les causes profondes de cet etat de fait et d'en tirer les conclusions si l'on veut restaurer un climat de confiance indispensable a la poursuite du developpement de l'industrie nucleaire.La conference a permis de debattre largement sur les enseignements politiques et sociaux de cet accident et le futur de l'energie nucleaire.Trois communications ont contribue a faire le tour de la question de l'impact non radiologique de l'accident. Chacune s'est attachee a un domaine particulier. Le journaliste sovietique des « Izvestia » A.V. Illesh, a montre comment l'accident a accompagne la crise profonde d'ensemble de la societe d'URSS. Le journaliste francais, P. Desgraupes, vice-president du Conseil Superieur de la Surete et de l'Information Nucleaire, a souligne la reactivation de la communication nucleaire en France apres l'accident. S. Pretre, expert en radioprotection aupres des autorites suisses de surete nucleaire, quant a lui, a porte un regard sur les effets des rayonnements sur les profondeurs de l'âme de l'individu et de la societe.Nous examinerons ci-apres ces trois contributions.
Full-scale burn test of a 1992 compact pick-up truck

A full-scale burn test of a 1992 compact pick-up truck was conducted to evaluate how temperature distributions changed over time, the manner in which the fire spread, and how burn patterns produced during the fire correlated with important characteristics of the fire such as the area of origin. After the fire was initiated on the lower portion of the dashboard of the test vehicle, it spread locally to nearby dashboard material and, at the same time, developed a strong temperature gradient from the ceiling to the floor. Once the ceiling temperature reached about 600°C, the rate of fire spread increased and, within 1 minute, the passenger compartment was fully involved. Initiation of the engine compartment fire, which occurred about 4 minutes after the passenger compartment was fully involved, was consistent with fire spread through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) duct that passed through the passenger's side of the bulkhead. Instead of spreading to nearby combustibles on the passenger's side of the engine compartment, the fire spread to the driver's side of the engine compartment, along the bulkhead. This fire movement was likely associated with the wind from the passenger's side towards the driver's side of the vehicle. The fire then spread upwind to the passenger's side of the engine compartment, where the peak temperature occurred in an area of relatively high fuel load. The burn damage to combustible material that remained after the fire was extinguished was consistent with the area of origin being within the passenger compartment. However, melt damage to aluminum components and oxidation patterns on steel surfaces did not correlate with the area of origin. Language: en
Increased ELISA sensitivity using a modified extraction buffer for detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria in leaf tissue

In vitro and in planta sensitivity of an indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay technique, using a monoclonal antibody specific for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, was increased 10-fold by using a new extraction buffer (gl of: KH2PO4, 2; NaHPO4, 11.5; EDTA disodium, 0.14; thimerosal, 0.02; and lysozyme, 0.2). The procedure improved sensitivity without increasing background levels. In vitro, the limit of detection was between 1 x 10(7) and 1 x 10(8) cells ml-1 with the conventional extraction buffer phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and less than 1 x 10(6) cells ml-1 when lysozyme extraction buffer was substituted for PBS. In comparing 22 X. c. vesicatoria strains, absorbance readings were increased close to three-fold with the lysozyme extraction buffer as opposed to PBS. When leaf tissue extract was spiked with the bacterium, the limit of detection was 1 x 10(7) cfu ml-1 and 1 x 10(8) cfu ml-1 with the lysozyme solution and PBS, respectively, as the extraction buffers. When using the lysozyme extraction buffer in combination with a commercial amplification system, the limit of detection was decreased to less than 1 x 10(5) cfu ml-1 in leaf tissue. The addition of the lysozyme and EDTA to the phosphate buffer resulted in release of a significant quantity of LPS and concomitant dramatic increase in sensitivity. The new procedure, termed lysozyme ELISA (L-ELISA), should increase sensitivity of ELISA reactions where LPS is the reacting epitope.
Neutron star explosions

Abstract If baryons decay, eventually neutron stars will reach their lower mass limit and become unstable to rapid expansion. During this expansion, the nuclear material will beta decay, producing a burst of neutrinos. If these neutrinos carry off enough energy, the star will settle down into a white-dwarf configuration, possibly with an ejected shell of material. But if less than 99.9% of the excess energy is carried off, the entire star will be dispersed in the explosion.
CROSS-VALIDATION OF SOME PERSONALITY CORRELATES OF THE A-B THERAPIST SCALE AMONG MALE ALCOHOLICS

The A-B therapist distinction, determined by a therapist's responses to a scale composed of Strong Vocational Interest Blank items, seems a promising variable for predicting therapist-patient compatibility. One assumption of A-B laboratory analogue studies, needed to justify the use of non-therapists, is that scores on the A-B scale have some basic personological invariance across populations. Recently, the explicability of the scores in terms of scales and factors of Jackson's Personality Research Form has been demonstrated (1). Also, five "core" correlates of A-B scores in Jackson's Harmavoidance, Dominance, Change, Sentience, and Succorance scales for male professionals, male students, male patients, and female smdents have been shown (2). The present aim was to examine the invariance of the A-B scale within a radically different population, 129 chronic alcoholic male veterans, whose mean age was 42 yr., and mean education 11 yr. The A-B scale was included in the admissions battery of this hospital's Alcoholic Treatment Program of which Form AA of Jackson's inventory was already a part. Of Jackson's 20 content scales, 8 were significantly (p < .05) but very modestly correlated with A-B total scores-Harmavoidance ( - .25 ) , Sentience (.23), Change (.23 ) , Play (.21) , Affiliation (.21), Nurmrance (.21), Dominance (.19), and Understanding (1) Among these 8 scales are 4 of the 5 "core" correlates, 3 of which, here, rank as the best 3 correlates of A-B scores for male alcoholics. Ss were then assigned an A-B status on the basis of total score cut-offs for male professionals and male students (1). Univariate F ratios, berween the 16 "As" and 52 "Bs" thus obtained, for each of Jackson's scales, yielded significant Fs (p < .05, df = 1/66) for 7 scales (only Play did not differentiate groups). The same 4 "core" scales emerged among the first 5 largest F ratios across the A vs B groups. Thus, even for chronic alcoholic males these "core" scales were related to both the distribution of A-B total scores and, more importantly, to the A and B prototypes (based on total score cut-offs) as used in analogue studies. Thus, like the A-type professional therapists, collegiate Ss, and outpatients studied in prior research, the A-rype male alcoholics emerge as cautious, uninclined to seek sensory "thrills," change-avoidant, and submissive; the B-types, in contrast, may be depicted as more adventurous, as seekers of sensation and change, and as more dominant. The convergence of these data with those of prior studies (1, 2) leads to the conclusion that the A-B scale's personological invariance is not only replicable, but quite robust.
Effects of Buspirone on Sleep and Respiration

Drugs used in the treatment of anxiety are frequently sedating and tend to be respiratory depressants. Buspirone, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic agent, has little reported sedative effect. It has been shown to be a respiratory stimulant in an anesthetized, glomectomized cat model. In this study, we examined the effects of two intraperitoneal single doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of buspirone on sleep and respiration in unanesthetized, intact, freely moving rats. Buspirone increased sleep latency (p less than 0.0001) and decreased total sleep (p less than 0.02) through reductions in both non-REM and REM sleep. Respiratory rate (p less than 0.0003) and ventilation (p less than 0.004) were significantly increased for 4 h after drug injection. The effects on respiration were independent of those on sleep; stimulation was evident in both waking and non-REM sleep. This study suggests that buspirone, in addition to being free of sedating and respiratory depressant side effects when prescribed for anxiety in humans, may be a respiratory stimulant whose effects persist in sleep.
A treatable cause of ataxia in children

An 11-year-old black male presenting with severe subacute sensory ataxia, unusual skin hyperpigmentation, megaloblastic anemia, low serum B12 levels, and an abnormal part I Schilling test was diagnosed with pernicious anemia in the context of a polyglandular syndrome. Intrinsic factor and thyroid microsomal antibodies were positive, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were undetectable. There was a strong familial aggregation because the mother, a maternal aunt, the maternal grandfather, and the maternal great-grandmother had been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, albeit of unspecified etiology. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated extensive demyelination of the posterior columns along the entire length of the cord, as well as areas of contrast enhancement. Treatment with cobalamin produced complete remission of the neurologic deficits and normalization of the MRI findings in the short space of 2 months. Although rare, childhood pernicious anemia is a treatable disease that should be included in the differential diagnosis of the sensory ataxias in children. In this article, we review the causes of pernicious anemia in children and discuss the MRI findings.
An almost global estimator on SO(3) with measurement on S 2

This paper presents an almost globally convergent state estimator for the orientation of a rotating rigid body. The estimator requires knowledge of the angular velocity of the body at each time instant and the measurement consists of a single unit vector on the body, which we take without loss of generality to be the first column of the rotation matrix. The stability proof involves a relatively simple Lyapunov and invariance-like analysis. A mild non-degeneracy constraint on the control input guarantees the fulfillment of the invariance criterion. We apply the result to needle-tip orientation estimation for tip-steerable needles.
DNA Adducts with Lipid Peroxidation Products

Homolytic decomposition of PUFA2-derived lipid hydroperoxides results in formation of the α,β-unsaturated aldehydic bifunctional electrophiles DDE, EDE, HNE, HPNE, MDA (shown as β-hydroxyacrolein), ONE, DODE, and 5,8-dioxo-(10E)-octenoic acid (see Fig. 1) (1–3). Intracellular formation of the bifunctional electrophiles can then result in the formation of GSH, protein, and DNA adducts (1–3, 5). The analysis of lipid hydroperoxide-derived DNA adducts can facilitate molecular epidemiology studies by providing insight into the amount of a genotoxin that has reached the DNA of the tissue under study (6, 7). DNA repair enzymes, such as those involved in base excision repair, are able to excise the DNA adducts so that they can potentially be excreted in the urine (7). This suggests that non-invasive MS-based techniques could be used to monitor urinary DNA adducts arising from lipid hydroperoxide-mediated DNA damage. Unfortunately, to date, the analysis of urinary DNA adducts of lipid hydroperoxide-derived bifunctional electrophiles has not been particularly successful. ONE-derived DNA adducts, which can arise only from lipid peroxidation, have now been characterized in the tissues of mouse models (8). Therefore, it might eventually be possible to detect these specific lipid hydroperoxide-derived DNA adducts after they have been excised from the DNA and excreted in the urine (see Fig. 2). FIGURE 1. Structures of lipid hydroperoxide-derived bifunctional electrophiles. FIGURE 2. Formation of eDNA and HeDNA adducts through homolytic decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides. BER, base excision repair.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION AND COMPUTER ALGEBRA

Multiequation models that contain observed or latent variables are common in the social sciences. To determine whether unique parameter values exist for such models, one needs to assess model identification. In practice analysts rely on empirical checks that evaluate the singularity of the information matrix evaluated at sample estimates of parameters. The discrepancy between estimates and population values, the limitations of numerical assessments of ranks, and the difference between local and global identification make this practice less than perfect. In this paper we outline how to use computer algebra systems (CAS) to determine the local and global identification of multiequation models with or without latent variables. We demonstrate a symbolic CAS approach to local identification and develop a CAS approach to obtain explicit algebraic solutions for each of the model parameters. We illustrate the procedures with several examples, including a new proof of the identification of a model for handling missing data using auxiliary variables. We present an identification procedure for Structural Equation Models that makes use of CAS and that is a useful complement to current methods.
The Effect of Certain Nonionic Wetting Agents in Extraction of Alkaloidal Drugs

The effect of certain nonionic wetting agents on alkaloid extraction, with the use of official procedures for the preparation of fluidextracts was investigated. Procedures were carried out using Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Ipecac, and Cinchona. The surface active agents employed were laurate esters and the results indicated that a larger amount of alkaloids can be extracted through the use of such agents.
The role of tyrosinase in autoimmune vitiligo

Abstract Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disease, associated with certain autoimmune endocrinopathies, and autoantibodies to several antigens can be found in melanoma cells. We set out to identify the antigens. We examined 26 patients with vitiligo and associated endocrine disease. Of these, 18 patients (77%) and 8 immediate family members had autoantibodies specific for a 69 kDa protein in HTB-70 human melanoma cells that was not seen in control cells. The autoantibody-positive patient sera reacted with recombinant human tyrosinase expressed in Escherichia coli seen by western blots, as did antibodies raised in rabbits against hamster tyrosinase, but not to recombinant tyrosinase-related protein. Not one of 31 normal controls or 8 patients with alopecia or systemic lupus erythematosus had tyrosinase autoantibodies but a small proportion (12%) of 42 patients with autoimmune endocrine disease without a history of vitiligo had them. The results show that tyrosinase, an enzyme important in melanin formation, is a principal autoantigen of autoimmune vitiligo.
Generation mechanisms for low energy electrons produced during relaxation of 57Fe

Abstract Simulations of electronic relaxation following nuclear decay in 57Fe were conducted to determine generation mechanisms for electrons below 15 eV which are detected during conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). Results demonstrate that shake-off events and low energy Auger transitions account for about 20% of the total resonant CEMS signal. Comparison of simulation and experimental results indicate, however, that while the above noted mechanisms are important, secondary electrons also provide a significant signal in this energy range.
Heater Size Effect on Temperature Sensing With Wollaston Scanning Thermal Microprobes

Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is an attractive tool for high spatial resolution thermal characterization with minimal sample preparation1 . However, complex thermal contact mechanisms often hinder precise quantification of the sample temperature or thermal properties.2 Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Bounds on pseudoexhaustive test lengths

Pseudoexhaustive testing involves applying all possible input patterns to the individual output cones of a combinational circuit. Based on our new algebraic results, we have derived both generic (cone-independent) and circuit-specific (cone-dependent) bounds on the minimal length of a test required so that each cone in a circuit is exhaustively tested. For any circuit with five or fewer outputs, and where each output has k or fewer inputs, we show that the circuit can always be pseudoexhaustively tested with just 2/sup k/ patterns. We derive a tight upper bound on pseudoexhaustive test length for a given circuit by utilizing the knowledge of the structure of the circuit output cones. Since our circuit-specific bound is sensitive to the ordering of the circuit inputs, we show how the bound can be improved by permuting these inputs.
Hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin neurons exert sex-specific effects on pair bonding, gregariousness, and aggression in finches.

Antagonism of oxytocin (OT) receptors (OTRs) impairs the formation of pair bonds in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and zebra finches (Taenioypygia guttata), and also reduces the preference for the larger of two groups (“gregariousness”) in finches. These effects tend to be stronger in females. The contributions of specific peptide cell groups to these processes remain unknown, however. This issue is complicated by the fact that OTRs in finches and voles bind not only forms of OT, but also vasopressin (VP), and >10 cell groups produce each peptide in any given species. Using RNA interference, we found that knockdown of VP and OT production in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus exerts diverse behavioral effects in zebra finches, most of which are sexually differentiated. Our data show that knockdown of VP production significantly reduces gregariousness in both sexes and exerts sex-specific effects on aggression directed toward opposite-sex birds (increases in males; decreases in females), whereas OT knockdown produces female-specific deficits in gregariousness, pair bonding, and nest cup ownership; reduces side-by-side perching in both sexes; modulates stress coping; and induces hyperphagia in males. These findings demonstrate that paraventricular neurons are major contributors to the effects of VP-OT peptides on pair bonding and gregariousness; reveal previously unknown effects of sex-specific peptide on opposite-sex aggression; and demonstrate a surprising lack of effects on same-sex aggression. Finally, the observed effects of OT knockdown on feeding and stress coping parallel findings in mammals, suggesting that OT modulation of these processes is evolutionarily conserved across the amniote vertebrate classes.
Study of Less Than Average Bid Method

The low bid method is the most frequently used competitive bidding method in the construction industry. However, its main disadvantage is awarding projects to irresponsive extremely low bids which leads to disputes and claims between the owner and the contractor. To remedy this issue, some countries use the average bid method which awards the job to the contractor who submits the closest bid to the average of all submitted bids. A comparison between Friedman’s low bid method and the average bid method was conducted by Ioannou and Leu (1993), and showed that although the average bid method protects the owner against extremely low bids, it does not promote fierce competition as is the case in a low bid awarding system. Thus, they suggested another variation of the average bid method which is awarding the job to the contractor whose price is closest to but lower than the average of all submitted bids. This paper uses Monte Carlo simulation to model the less than average bidding method. It explores its merits relative to the other two bidding methods, and proves it to be a compromising middle ground between the low bid method and the regular average bid method.
Bovine Leptospirosis. A Review

Summary Bovine leptospirosis is a disease of cattle caused by infection with motile filamentous bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira. Leptospira pomona is the most prevalent species involving both cattle and swine in the United States. Leptospires are readily destroyed by heat, desiccation, and most chemicals, but can survive for extended periods in stream and pond water. Moving streams provide a ready mode for dissemination, since skin contacts with urine-contaminated water apparently result in the most frequent route of infection. Fever, anemia, mastitis, and abortion are the most characteristic signs of leptospirosis in infected cattle. The kidney is affected most consistently, with the development of an interstitial nephritis. Laboratory diagnoses of leptospirosis may be accomplished by isolation of the organism in artificial media and laboratory animals, by demonstration of organisms in kidney and liver tissues with silver stains, or by demonstration of antibodies with various serological tests. Most diagnostic laboratories routinely perform serological tests. Although some antibiotics aid in the control of leptospirosis, treatment to be effective, must be started early in the course of the disease. Vaccination is widely practiced in all areas of the United States. Experimental studies with the various vaccines available demonstrate that a definite but not complete or durable protection is provided by these vaccines.
Current Use of CT in the Evaluation and Management of Injured Patients

From its beginnings as a time consuming and an inefficient imaging modality with no place in the evaluation of traumatically injured patients, computed axial tomographic (CT) scanners have evolved to yield rapid, highly sensitive images, revolutionizing trauma management protocols. This article describes the fundamentals of CT and the imaging protocols and discusses the use of CT in diagnosing injuries to various regions, such as abdomen, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and chest.
The New Weight-Loss Drugs, Lorcaserin and Phentermine-Topiramate: Slim Pickings?

In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 2 drugs for long-term weight loss: lorcaserin hydrochloride (Belviq; Eisai Inc) and phentermine-topiramate (Qysmia; Vivus Inc). The approvals were based on 1-year trials showing that on top of recommendations to follow a calorie-restricted diet and to increase exercise, patients randomized to either drug lost more weight than patients randomized to placebo (3% [95% CI, 3%-4%] more weight lost with lorcaserin; 7% [95% CI, 3%-4%] more with phentermine /topiramate). The drugs have been associated with serious harms: Both drugs’ labels include warnings about memory, attention, or language problems and depression; for lorcaserin, the label also warns of valvular heart disease and euphoria; and for phentermine-topiramate, the label warns of metabolic acidosis, increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, and elevated creatinine levels. Neither medication is marketed in Europe because of safety concerns. The manufacturer withdrew its application for lorcaserin in Europe after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said approval was unlikely, and the EMA rejected phentermine-topiramate. In the United States, the required postmarketing safety trials are behind schedule. Until there is more convincing evidence about the cardiovascular safety of these drugs, physicians and patients should approach them cautiously. Patients who do not lose at least 5% of their body weight within 12 weeks of starting to take either drug should stop taking it, as stated in the prescribing information.
Modifiable Risk factors of Hypertension and Socio-demographic Profile in Oghara, Delta State; Prevalence and Correlates

Background: Factors associated with the development of hypertension can be categorized into modifiable and nonâÂÂÂÂmodifiable risk factors. The modifiable risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, high salt diet, smoking alcohol consumption and others. Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of modifiable risk factors of hypertension in a rural community; Oghara and to ascertain if any association exists with these risk factors and socioâÂÂÂÂdemographic variables. Subjects and Methods: Descriptive crossâÂÂÂÂsectional study design was utilized for the study and it was carried out over a period of 6 months (Feburary 2012 to August 2012). Cluster sampling was utilized to select a total of 272 respondents for the study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data and data analysis was performed by SPSS version 16.0 (Chicago II, USA). Results: The prevalence of hypertension is 21.0% (57/272), while the prevalence of modifiable risk factors of hypertension such as smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity are 15.8% (43/272), 43.4% (118/272) and 18.8% (51/272) respectively. There is a statistical significant association between hypertension and smoking (P < 0.001), as well as hypertension and alcohol. (P < 0.001), on the other hand socioâÂÂÂÂdemographic variables were significantly associated with smoking (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study showed high prevalence of modifiable risk factors of hypertension. This underscores the need for preventive efforts to encourage changes in life style pattern in order to reverse the impending epidemic of hypertension and other nonâÂÂÂÂcommunicable diseases.