cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphological synchrony in axenic cultures of Chytridium confervae, a promising developmental system

Nonfilamentous, lower, aquatic fungi are potential systems for developmental study. Chytridium confervae , a monocentric, eucarpic chytrid, exemplifies the morphological and developmental simplicity of these fungi. It is easily isolated and maintained in axenic culture, and will grow and reproduce asexually in liquid culture under a variety of conditions. The degree of synchrony of growth, differentiation, and zoospore release of large populations of cells of C. confervae in axenic liquid cultures is directly related to culturing conditions. Under a specific set of conditions, called standard conditions, large populations of cells undergo rapid and consistent exponential growth as measured by increases in cell diameter. If cells are induced to sporulate just prior to the end of the exponential growth phase, a sequence of morphological events associated with zoosporangial differentiation and zoospore release occurs in a predictable pattern and with a high degree of synchrony. Between 2.5 and 4.0 h after induction, a period of time that constitutes 5% of the asexual generation time, over 95% of the cells develop opercula. During this same period, a relatively high percentage of cells undergoes mitosis. Between 6 and 7 h after induction, whole populations of cells release zoospores. The synchronization index is over 0.90 in both petri dish cultures and spinner flask cultures under standard conditions. This degree of synchrony is comparable to that reported in cultures of Blastocladiella emersonii . A variety of midicycles are possible with C. confervae and it can be grown on a defined medium, Crasemann's 1B. The high degree of synchrony and control of large populations of C. confervae in axenic culture makes it adaptable to morphological and molecular studies of development.
Early prediction of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a prospective study of clinical and radionuclide risk factors

To examine the prognostic value of early radionuclide imaging in patients with transmural acute myocardial infarction, 222 patients in Killip class I and II were studied prospectively within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. The 30-day mortality rate for the entire group was 11% (25 of 222). Univariate analysis indicated that an initial radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of less than 0.30 was associated with the greatest relative risk (RR = 6.6), although the percent of abnormally contracting regions (RR = 3.9) and thallium-201 defect index (RR = 3.3) were also significant risk factors. Stepwise logistic regression indicated that addition of EF resulted in the greatest improvement over the best clinical model (Killip class and chest radiographic findings) for the prediction of 30-day mortality (chi 2 improvement = 12.8, p less than 0.0005). Using the optimal model for prediction of mortality (EF and Killip class), a high-risk group with a 30-day mortality rate of 39% (90-day mortality 47%) and a low-risk group with a 30-day mortality rate of 3% (90-day mortality 4%) was identified. In clinically stable patients with transmural acute myocardial infarction, early assessment of EF in conjunction with clinical evaluation, is a valuable method for early identification of high-risk subsets.
Effect of Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta1, on Abundance of Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea2, on Maize in Texas

Abstract Predator exclusion was used to measure the impact of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, on abundance of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), eggs and larvae feeding on ears of maize, Zea mays L., and on corn earworm pupae in the soil in north-central Texas. Large field plots were treated with Amdro® Fire Ant Bait insecticide to selectively suppress fire ant abundance without impacting other arthropods or their behavior. Abundance of corn earworm eggs, larvae and pupae were determined in maize in which abundance of fire ants was significantly reduced and compared with the abundance of corn earworm life stages in maize with extant populations of fire ants. Fire ants had little or no measurable effect on abundance of corn earworm eggs or larvae on ears of maize in the three fields studied during two years. The mean total number of foraging fire ants and abundance of corn earworm pupae in the soil were significantly and negatively related. This result suggests that fire ants prey...
Normal unipolar variants with special reference to the Q and T waves.

1. I. Q Waves The width and slurring of the Q wave especially in its downstroke and not the depth has been found by us to be most important in determining an infarction especially when preceded by an inverted P wave. However, if the P is upright, then the Q depth is also important. An inverted P wave in aVL does not exclude a myocardial infarct if followed by a slurred and widened Q wave of 0.04 second or more. We were able to produce all types of cavity Q waves in aVL by using only one subject and taking leads while he assumed various positions and during different respiratory phases. We arrived at the following classification of normal Q waves. 1.1. 1. In Lead aVL: 1.1.1. A. Septal Q 1.1.2. B. Endocardial or cavity Q as seen in vertical hearts. 1.2. 2. In Lead aVF: 1.2.1. A. Septal Q. 1.2.2. B. QS type in a very horizontal heart and when the electrode is perpendicular to initial septal impulse. 1.2.3. C. Cavity Q: Rare case when the apex rotates forward in a vertical heart and Lead aVF faces cavity potential at the atrioventricular groove. 1.3. 3. In Lead aVR. 1.3.1. A. QS Pattern: Lead aVR usually shows a QS pattern except when it picks up an initial R from the septum or free right ventricular wall. 1.4. 4. Precordial Semidirect Leads. 1.4.1. A. Septal Q in left ventricular leads. 1.4.2. B. QS pattern in right ventricular leads in a very horizontal heart and when the electrode is perpendicular to the septal impulse and so does not record an initial R. 1.4.3. C. Deep Q waves in children in left ventricular leads. 2. II. T Wave Pattern, 2.1. 1. In Leads aVL and aVF. 2.1.1. A. Normally, T waves may be flat or inverted in these leads if the R is less than 5 mm. in heighth. However, in cases where the lead faces cavity potential and so reveals an initial Q, other than septal, then no matter how high the R, the T wave may be flat or inverted. 2.1.2. B. Transitional or septal T. If these leads face this area, then the T may be flat or inverted. 2.2. 2. In Lead aVR. 2.2.1. A. Normally, the T is always inverted. If upright, then disease is always present. However, a negative T does not exculde disease. 2.3. 3. Precordial Indirect Leads. The T is usually up, except in children when the right ventricular leads may have inverted T waves.
Stability of an Elastic Ring in a Rigid Cavity

A thin, elastic circular arch, clamped at its ends and constrained in a rigid cavity, is subjected to a uniformly distributed parallel loading. Stability of equilibrium in the large “snap-through” is investigated both analytically and experimentally and good agreement is found to exist between the two modes of investigation. It is concluded that the set of simplifying assumptions introduced in the analysis is justified. Simple analytical results obtained in the paper allow the design of underground shelters under this type of loading.
Generalized Choquet fuzzy integral fusion

Abstract Sensor fusion plays an important role in many application domains. No single source of information (decision or feature) can provide the absolute solution when detection and recognition problems become more complex and computationally expensive (e.g., in land mine detection). However, complementary information can be derived from multiple sources. In this paper, we build a decision-based fusion system based on the uncertainty approach utilizing an extension of the Choquet fuzzy integral (generalized Choquet fuzzy integral, GCFI). The difference between the standard Choquet fuzzy integral and the GCFI is that the GCFI integrates vectors of fuzzy numbers instead of vectors of numeric membership values. The system is applied to a land mine detection problem. The fuzzy vectors represent uncertainty in both the confidence and location estimates of several detection algorithm outputs. The results show a huge improvement in the probability of detection and a reduction in the false alarm rate over the best algorithm and two numeric fusion schemes, i.e., the average confidence and a decision level fusion with the numeric Choquet fuzzy integral. The GCFI obtains 100% probability of detection at 0.02 false alarm rate per square meter on a large test set, whereas the best detection algorithm and the average confidence achieve only 91% and 96% probability of detection at that rate. Additionally, at 0.02 false alarm rate, decision level fusion with the numeric Choquet fuzzy integral reaches only 87% probability of detection.
A short scale for measuring safety climate.

A 6-item measure that assesses global work safety climate was validated using multiple samples each from a hospital and a nuclear energy population. Across all 14 samples the 6-item measure had acceptable internal consistency. The measure was associated with better adherence to safe work practices, reduced exposure to environmental stressors, the presence of more safety policies and procedures, a positive general organizational climate, and decreased accidents. As evidence for discriminant validity, safety climate was unrelated to most demographic measures and had relatively small relationships with sleeping problems and negative mood. Evidence suggests that this measure is a reliable and valid way to assess global safety climate.
MDMA administration to pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats results in its passage to the fetal compartment

Recent investigations have demonstrated that prenatal 3,4-methylenedeoxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) exposure in rats results in significant and persistent changes in the developing brain. However, no published pharmacokinetic studies exist demonstrating that MDMA administered during pregnancy passes to the fetal compartment. This leaves open the question whether MDMA is directly acting on the fetal brain to produce the observed changes in previous studies, or whether such effects are an indirect result of MDMA administration to the pregnant dam. Therefore, pregnant rats were administered a single dose of MDMA (15 mg/kg, subcutaneous) at embryonic day 14 (E14) and the levels of MDMA and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were quantified in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, and fetal brain over 8 h by HPLC. The time course of MDMA and MDA metabolism was reliable and reproducible in all tissues. There was a strong correlation between fetal amniotic fluid and fetal brain suggesting that amniotic fluid could be used to reliably estimate fetal brain levels without directly utilizing fetal brain tissue. These data also provide a framework for subsequent in vitro cell culture studies using biologically relevant MDMA doses.
Breakdown Characteristics in Argon-Helium Mixtures Using an Improved Microcavity Hollow Cathode Emission Source

Improvements to the microcavity hollow cathode source are reported. These include a lower breakdown voltage and a larger operating range of fill-gas pressures of argon, helium, and mixtures of each. Data showing the effect of size, shape, and materials (copper and stainless steel) of the cathodes and anodes on the breakdown voltage are presented. The minimum discharge current required for the discharge to enter the cathode cavity is profoundly affected by the size of the cathode cavity.
A Linear State Estimation Formulation for Smart Distribution Systems

This paper presents a linearized, three-phase, distribution class state estimation algorithm for applications in smart distribution systems. Unbalanced three-phase cases and single-phase cases are accommodated. The estimator follows a complex variable formulation and is intended to incorporate synchronized phasor measurements into distribution state estimation. Potential applications in smart distribution system control and management are discussed.
Comparison of Diffusion Studies of Hydrocortisone Between the Franz Cell and the Enhancer Cell

AbstractThe Franz diffusion cell remains a popular method to study diffusion of transdermal drug delivery systems through membranes. Recently, VanKel Industries, Inc., (Edison, NJ) developed the “Enhancer Cell,” a new device for in vitro transdermal drug diffusion testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enhancer cell for in vitro transdermal diffusion of hydrocortisone from an ointment using a synthetic membrane and a biological membrane and compare it to the traditionally employed Franz cell. The Enhancer cell utilizes existing USP dissolution equipment (USP Apparatus II). Results show a higher cumulative release from the Enhancer cell as compared to the Franz cell. The Enhancer cell demonstrated more durability and was easier to use during experimentation and after completion of the experiment no apparent change was observed in the condition of the ointment or the skin when compared to the Franz cell.
Rapid MR imaging versus plain radiography in patients with low back pain: initial results of a randomized study.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a randomized trial to compare rapid magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with plain radiography as the initial imaging study in patients with low back pain, to test measures of the decision-making process and patient outcomes, and to offer a model for using randomized clinical trials to evaluate diagnostic tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors randomly selected 62 patients with low back pain to undergo either rapid MR imaging or plain radiography. The authors measured functional status, satisfaction, and general health status at baseline and at 3 months. The modified Roland scale was the primary outcome measure. In addition, the authors examined diagnostic and therapeutic decision making and resources used by each group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two patient groups with respect to outcome (Roland score: MR imaging = 12.5, radiography = 12.1). MR imaging provided more useful information to clinicians and resulted in gr...
Phosphodiesterases Regulate BAY 41-2272-Induced VASP Phosphorylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

BAY 41-2272 (BAY), a stimulator of soluble guanylyl cyclase, increases cyclic nucleotides and inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we elucidated mechanisms of action of BAY in its regulation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) with an emphasis on VSMC phosphodiesterases (PDEs). BAY increased phosphorylation of VASPSer239 and VASPSer157, respective indicators of PKG and PKA signaling. In the presence of non-selective PDE inhibition, BAY had no effect on VASPSer239 but inhibited VASPSer157. Selective inhibition of PDE3 or PDE4 attenuated BAY-mediated increases at VASPSer239 and VASPSer157, whereas PDE5 inhibition potentiated increases only at VASPSer157. In comparison, 8Br-cGMP increased VASPSer239 and VASPSer157 which were not affected by selective PDE blockade. In the presence of 8Br-cAMP, inhibition of either PDE4 or PDE5 decreased VASPSer239 and inhibition of PDE3 increased VASPSer239, while inhibition of PDE3 or PDE4 increased and PDE5 inhibition had no effect on VASPSer157. These findings demonstrate that BAY operates via cAMP and cGMP along with regulation by PDEs to phosphorylate VASP in VSM. Given a role for VASP as a critical cytoskeletal protein, these findings provide evidence for BAY as a VASP-selective regulator of VSM growth and a potential therapeutic agent against vasculoproliferative disorders.
Study of slow dynamic processes in magnetic systems by neutron spin-echo spectroscopy

The use of the neutron spin echo (NSE) technique in the study of slow dynamic processes in magnetic systems is reviewed. NSE provides the highest energy resolution of all inelastic neutron scattering techniques, hence it is used mainly in studying systems that show very slow dynamics, which cannot be resolved otherwise with neutrons. For spin glasses, which show a dramatic slowing down of the spin dynamics in the vicinity of Tg, research using NSE has made significant contributions to our understanding of the nature of the phase transition and the line shape of the spin relaxation function. In the study of the critical dynamics in magnets, NSE has proven predictions of dynamic scaling theory to be correct. Geometrically frustrated magnets and their unusual properties at low temperature have seen an upsurge of interest in recent years, and NSE has been able to make some key contributions to this field. The case of Gd2Ti2O7 is presented in some detail, a system in which ordered spins and paramagnetic spins coexist.
Vector beam propagation using Hertz vectors

Using the Hertz vectors, it is possible to reduce the Maxwell field equations inside index- guided optical devices to two couple scalar partial differential equations. With the proper selection of gauge functions, the mixed partial derivatives with respect to the propagation direction and either transverse direction can be eliminated. This results in a form similar to the equations used for the scalar beam propagation method. However, space-varying functions multiplied by partial derivative operators rule out convenient use of the same Fourier transform methods commonly used for the scalar case. A numerical method for solving time independent propagation of coherent light through guided nonlinear media including vector coupling using these equations is presented.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The evolution of mineral particle size distributions during early stages of coal combustion

Abstract Data are presented which illustrate the evolution of the particle size distribution (psd) of included mineral grains in coal particles during coal particle heatup and the early stages of combustion. The data indicate that pyrite fragments during its thermal decomposition to form pyrrhotite and oxides of iron. Two to three fragments are formed per original pyrite particle. The mineral psd for silica also significantly changes in the early residence time. The data indicate the production of many small particles, with diameters approximately 4–5 times smaller than the original particles. These results indicate that the original mineral grain size distribution in the coal is not a reliable indicator of the grain size distributions in the resultant char.
Training non-IT teachers to advise and facilitate inquiry-based learning in IT: A pilot study

As the IT-Adventures program was being developed, we discovered teachers of all disciplines needed a way to improve their knowledge and skills in IT to facilitate student learning as part of their school's IT-Club. The IT-Adventures program is built around the formation of an IT-Club at a local high school where students are given learning materials and then conduct their own inquiry-based learning in three content areas: cyber defense, game design programming and robotics. An IT-Advisor, a teacher who sponsors each local high school IT-Club, helps students in exploring the learning materials and finding solutions to the challenges they are presented. The large, non-IT base of teachers who serve as IT-Advisors caused us to offer a free, for-credit class for those individuals working with the IT-Clubs. This paper is a report on the success of a pilot project of teacher educational programming conducted as part of the IT-Adventures' inaugural year (the 2007–2008 academic year). It covers how the IT-Adventures program works, the IT-Advisor role, the details of the teacher course and the lessons learned from the pilot project. It also briefly discusses how the teacher course has been modified through feedback and experience for the 2008–2009 academic year.
Analysis and Testing of the Boost Converter Constructed with SOI LDMOSFET Switches: Effects of Various Inductor Types on Performance

An examination of the boost converter is presented in this paper beginning with discussion of fundamental components such as the LDMOSFET and the inductor. Following this is an expounding upon of various circuit schematics of the boost converter along with their corresponding analytical equations. An ideal, a semi-ideal, and a more sophisticated converter model incorporating more parasitic elements were utilized to this end, with the two more elaborate of the three standards chosen for simulation work. Experimental test results are then compared with simulation values employing different types of inductors thus allowing conclusions to be drawn.
A Novel Hybrid Charged Particle Spectroscopy System

A miniature charged particle spectroscopy system has been developed. The system consists of a light-tight solid state charge particle detector, charge sensitive preamplifier, linear shaping amplifier and single channel analyzer (SCA). Energy spectroscopy can be accomplished by use of the linear shaping amplifier output, or specific energy levels can be investigated by the use of the SCA output. Through the use of a standard p-type surface barrier detector and thick film hybrid microelectronic technology, the complete system is contained in less than one cubic inch (16.4cm3) of space. Compact size and low power consumption (typically 150mW) make the system ideal for portable or remote applications.
Pathophysiology and Electron Microscopy of Melanomalytic Glaucoma

We examined an eye with melanomalytic glaucoma by quantitative aqueous perfusion, light and electron microscopy. Facility of outflow was markedly diminished from normal in vivo and in vitro. The trabecular meshwork was heavily laden on its surface and in the intertrabecular spaces with macrophages. Many of these cells appeared to be wandering macrophages, while some appeared to be detached, phagocytic trabecular endothelial cells.
Analytical Contaminant Transport Analysis System ( ACTS )—Multimedia Environmental Fate and Transport

The analytical contaminant transport analysis system (ACTS) is a computational analysis platform designed to assist environmental engineers and health scientists with assessing and quantifying environmental multimedia fate and transport of contaminants within four environmental transport pathways—air, soil, surface water, and groundwater. ACTS contains more than 100 models and associated analytical solutions that are available in the public domain. The solutions are provided under a unified computational platform and are accessed through an easy to learn and easy to use graphical user interface. A powerful feature of this analysis system is the ability to conduct probabilistic analyses using one- and two-stage Monte Carlo simulation that is dynamically linked to all pathway modules. External routines or third-party software are not required to conduct Monte Carlo simulations in ACTS. Publication-quality output for simulation results can be developed using the presentation utilities included in ACTS for al...
The need for richer refactoring usage data

Even though modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) support many refactorings, studies suggest that automated refactorings are used infrequently, and few developers use anything beyond Rename and Extract refactorings. Little is known about why automated refactorings are seldom used. We present a list of challenging questions whose answers are crucial for understanding the usability issues of refactoring tools. This paper argues that the existing data sources - Eclipse UDC, Eclipse refactoring histories, version control histories, etc. - are inadequate for answering these questions. Finally, we introduce our tools to collect richer usage data that will enable us to answer some of the open research questions about the usability of refactoring tools. Findings from our data will foster the design of the next generation of refactoring tools.
Extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy of CU cylindrical wire arrays on zebra at UNR

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation from z-pinch plasma sources has been shown to play a substantial role in the evolution of z-pinches, contributing significant amounts of radiation in the wire ablation, stagnation, and plasma expansion phases. Recent studies of Cu z-pinch plasmas from cylindrical wire arrays have also shown that high temperatures (up to 450 eV) exist in precursor plasmas, which have applications to inertial confinement fusion. The final expansion phase has shown that substantial EUV radiation continues even after the main x-ray bursts. In this work, EUV data were analyzed with the goal of understanding how the bulk cooler plasma might represent the main contribution to the total radiative output from z-pinch plasmas. In particular, a comparison and analysis of EUV data generated by two plasma sources is shown: the first set of experiments used Cu cylindrical wire arrays on the 1.0 MA Zebra generator at UNR. In addition to EUV data, x-ray data is also analyzed which shows dominant emission of Cu XX ions. The second set used Cu flat targets and was performed at the compact laser-plasma x-ray/EUV facility “Sparky” at UNR, which is used as a unique line calibration source. Moreover, spectral data generated by Sparky generally show more and better resolved lines. Cu L-shell lines in the range of 120-160 Å, specifically CuX to CuXIII ions, are identified. To help with the identification of lines, a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) kinetic model was utilized and was also used to determine plasma parameters, such as electron temperature and density. Future studies will focus on attaining time-gated EUV spectra in order to better understand its role in the evolution of z-pinch plasmas.
Politics and the Technology of Honor: Dueling in Turn-of-the-Century Mexico

Since the last decades of the nineteenth century, dueling beame increasingly frequent among Mexican elite men. The duel was associated with modern science and the cosmopolitan culture of the national ruling class. Authorities refused to prosecute duelists. The translation and production of texts on dueling, as well as the influence of some experienced duelists, conveyed to public men the importance of a technology of honor. This technology, which involved the use of pistols and the knowledge of codes of dueling, sought to establish a space in which all members of the political elite, regardless of their ideological affiliation, could claim the same kind of honor. After the 1910 Revolution, as violence became widely associated with politics, duels became less frequent, but the concern among public men about honor and virility expressed by violence remained visible in political life, as witnessed by several episodes in Congress. The technology of honor was a central piece in the construction of a modern public sphere in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Mexico. It granted equality to educated men, while excluding women and the poor from having a voice in politics. These lacked honor because they could not legitimately use violence to defend it.
The generalized Riemann, simple, dominated and improper integrals

A powerful generalization of the Riemann integral has been introduced by making an innocent-looking modification in the usual definition. This generalized Riemann integral was defined in 1957 by Kurzweil [6]. It was independently defined and extensively studied and generalized by Henstock [3-51 who called it the Riemann-complete integral. Although this integral has been popularized somewhat (cf. [7]), it still is not as well known as it deserves to be. Among the virtues of this powerful integral are the following:
Nasal atropine sulfate: efficacy and safety of 0.050% and 0.075% solutions for severe rhinorrhea.

Background Anticholinergic agents, specifically the quaternary salt of atropine, are currently being recommended for chronic rhinitis and the common cold. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 50- and 75-µg doses of atropine sulfate as a nasal spray in perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods A placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared 2 doses of atropine nasal spray given 4 times daily for 2 weeks to 45 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis after a 2-week baseline period. Results Both concentrations of atropine nasal spray improved the severity of rhinorrhea and postnasal drip ( P P Conclusions Atropine sulfate, 50 or 75 µg 4 times daily, is effective in reducing rhinorrhea and postnasal drip within 2 weeks and may be an alternative therapy for the rhinorrhea component of rhinitis.
Design and synthesis of a novel class of dual PPARγ/δ agonists

Abstract The design and synthesis of dual PPAR γ/δ agonist (R)-3-{2-ethyl-4-[3-(4-ethyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-phenoxy)-butoxy]-phenyl}propionic acid is described. This compound dose-dependently lowered plasma glucose in hyperglycemic male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and produced less weight gain relative to rosiglitazone at an equivalent level of glucose control.
Unperturbed dimensions and the g factor of a star-shaped polystyrene☆

Abstract Unperturbed dimensions of a star-shaped polystyrene near the θ temperatures, 25°C, 35°C and 45°C were determined by the measurement of intrinsic viscosity of the polymer in poor solvents. It was found that the inferred mean square radius of gyration of the star-shaped polystyrene, while much smaller than that of the linear polystyrene, as expected, changes much faster with the increase of temperature. The geometric factor g of the star-shaped polystyrene was found to be temperature-dependent.
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal rats.

Abstract Purpose We have previously demonstrated that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor–like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a potent intestinal cytoprotective agent. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of enterally administered HB-EGF on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonatal rats. Methods Necrotizing enterocolitis was induced in neonatal rats delivered by C-section on day 21 of gestation by exposure to repeated cycles of hypoxia and hypothermia plus administration of hypertonic formula feeding (HHHTF) plus enteral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2 mg/kg). Neonatal rats were randomly assigned to breast-feeding, hypertonic formula feeding, HHHTF + LPS, and HHHTF + LPS with HB-EGF (600 μ g/kg) supplementation in the formula. Animals were monitored until 96 hours of life and assessed for death, histological NEC, and intestinal mucosal permeability. Results The incidence of NEC in the HHHTF group was higher than that in the breast-feeding or hypertonic formula feeding groups. With administration of HB-EGF, the incidence and severity of NEC were significantly decreased. Administration of HB-EGF also increased rat pup survival rate and extended survival time. In addition, treatment with HB-EGF significantly decreased intestinal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran. Conclusions We conclude that HB-EGF reduces the incidence and severity of NEC in a neonatal rat model, with simultaneous preservation of gut barrier integrity. These results support our contention that HB-EGF administration may represent a useful therapeutic and prophylactic therapy for the treatment of NEC.
Massage Therapy Facilitates Weight Gain in Preterm Infants

Studies from several labs have documented a 31 to 47% greater weight gain in preterm new-borns receiving massage therapy (three 15-min sessions for 5–10 days) compared with standard medical treatment. Although the underlying mechanism for this relationship between massage therapy and weight gain has not yet been established, possibilities that have been explored in studies with both humans and rats include (a) increased protein synthesis, (b) increased vagal activity that releases food-absorption hormones like insulin and enhances gastric motility, and (c) decreased cortisol levels leading to increased oxytocin. In addition, functional magnetic resonance imaging studies are being conducted to assess the effects of touch therapy on brain development. Further behavioral, physiological, and genetic research is needed to understand these effects of massage therapy on growth and development.
A fine-grained master equation theory of chemical reaction fluctuations

Abstract We develop here a theory of molecular fluctuations caused by chemical reactions which keeps track of the chemical identity of individual molecules. The theory is Markovian and can be used to derive birth and death equations for number fluctuations which are identical to the customary coarse-grained chemical “master equation”. We also derive the hierarchy of equations which govern the correlations among groups of particles. These equations uncouple only in the case of strictly unimolecular reactions. For bimolecular reactions we prove a version of Kac's factorization theorem and use it to solve the hierarchy in the thermodynamic limit. Finally, we discuss the relationship of the birth and death theory to our fine-grained theory and examine their mutual limitations.
The effects of high sodium chloride in the growth medium on the content of the essential amino acids in the intracellular pool in Baker's yeast during aerobic fermentation of glucose

Previous research has shown that, during aerobic growth of S. cerevisiae , the presence of 0.6 M sodium chloride in the growth medium stimulates an increase in the free intracellular content of lysine in the yeast cells over those grown at 0.0 M NaCl. The present extension of that research reveals that 0.6 M NaCl also increases the amino acid pool content of the other basic essential amino acids, histidine and arginine. However, in general, S. cerevisiae grown at 0.0 M NaCl showed higher intracellular levels of the essential amino acids other than lysine, histidine and arginine compared with cells grown at 0.6 M NaCl.
Family Physicians' Perceptions of Psychosocial Disorders: Survey Report and Educational Implications

One-hundred seventy-seven family physicians were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the types of psychosocial problems encountered in their practices, the amount of time they felt they devoted to each problem, and their interests regarding continuing psychiatric education. Patients with “multiple somatic complaints” and “symptoms of emotional distress” were reported as being encountered most frequently. Marital and family problems, alcoholism and sexual dysfunction were also ranked highly. The physicians indicated the highest interest in managing these disorders in addition to treatment of the suicidal patient. The implications of these results for psychiatric educators and liaison psychiatrists are discussed. The authors recommend using DSM-III diagnostic criteria applicable to these syndromes in formulating educational programs for primary care physicians.
Midterm results of endovascular treatment of complicated acute type B aortic dissection

Objectives The operative mortality and morbidity of patients with complicated acute type B aortic dissection remain high. The endovascular approach has been proposed as a potential alternative. The purpose of this study is to review the contemporary outcome of patients undergoing endovascular treatment for complicated acute type B aortic dissection. Methods A retrospective analysis of 28 patients undergoing endovascular interventions for acute type B aortic dissection was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used for statistical computation. Results Indications for emergency endografting were rupture in 4 (14%) patients, severe lower body malperfusion in 8 (29%) patients, visceral/renal malperfusion in 7 (25%) patients, persistent chest pain despite proper anti-impulsive therapy in 5 (18%) patients, uncontrollable hypertension in 1 (4%) patient, and acute dilatation of false lumen with impending rupture in 3 (11%) patients. Three (11%) patients died early. Three patients died during follow-up of non–aorta-related causes. Overall survival was 82% and 78% at 1 and 5 years' follow-up, respectively. The aorta-related mortality was 10% for the entire follow-up period. Complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta was achieved in 22 (85%) members of the surviving cohort, and partial thrombosis was achieved in the remainder. The rate of treatment failure according to Stanford criteria was 18% at 5 years. Mean follow-up was 36 months, and follow-up was complete in 28 (100%) patients. Conclusions Thoracic aortic endografting for complicated acute type B aortic dissection can be performed with a relatively low postoperative morbidity and mortality in experienced hands. The endovascular approach to life-threatening complications of acute type B aortic dissection appears to have a favorable outcome in midterm follow-up.
Techniques for mapping synthetic aperture radar processing algorithms to multi-GPU clusters

This paper presents a design for parallel processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data using multiple Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Our approach supports real-time reconstruction of a two-dimensional image from a matrix of echo pulses and their response values. Key to runtime efficiency is a partitioning scheme that divides the output image into tiles and the input matrix into a collection of pulses associated with each tile. Each image tile and its associated pulse set are distributed to thread blocks across multiple GPUs, which support parallel computation with near-optimal I/O cost. The partial results are subsequently combined by a host CPU. Further efficiency is realized by the GPU's low-latency thread scheduling, which masks memory access latencies. Performance analysis quantifies runtime as a function of input/output parameters and number of GPUs. Experimental results were generated with 10 nVidia Tesla C2050 GPUs having maximum throughput of 972 Gflop/s. Our approach scales well for output (reconstructed) image sizes from 2,048 × 2,048 pixels to 8,192 × 8,192 pixels.
The use of dexamethasone in the prevention of postextubation stridor in pediatric patients in PICU/NICU settings: an analytical review.

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Dexamethasone has been used to prevent postextubation stridor in children, but its use is controversial. Five randomized, controlled clinical trials were reviewed to analyze the effectiveness of prophylactic dexamethasone on postextubation stridor in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS. Previous studies had inconsistent results. Several factors may contribute to postextubation stridor in pediatric patients. Postextubation stridor and extubation failure do not always result from airway edema. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. In addition to prophylactic dexamethasone, other approaches should be used to prevent postextubation stridor, such as preparing the patient, following established guidelines, and providing appropriate postextubation care.
Effect of Phenobarbital and Mirex Pretreatments on CCl4 Autoprotection

Male Sprague-Dawley rats maintained on either normal diet (N) or on a diet containing phenobarbital (PB; 225 ppm) or mirex (M; 10 ppm) for 15 days received either com oil or 1 single administration of a protective dose of CCl4 (0.3 ml/kg, po) on day 16. At 24, 48, 72, 96, or 144 hr after the protective dose, a high dose of CCl4 (5 ml/kg, po) was administered to rats of all the groups, and they were observed for 14-day lethality. In a second experiment, in rats maintained on N, PB, or M diet, liver microsomal cytochromes P-450, aminopyrine demethylase, and aniline hydroxylase were measured at various time points after the administration of the protective dose of CCl4. Serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase elevations and histopathological changes observed under a light microscope were used as toxic end points to assess hepatotoxicity. Autoprotection was 100% when the high dose was given at 24 hr after the protective dose in N rats, whereas it was only 55% in PB- or M...
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography: Basic Instrumentation and Innovations

Correlation of the anatomical and functional information presented by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) can aid in the decision-making process by enabling better localization and definition of organs and lesions and improving the precision of surgical biopsies. Technical developments over the past 20 years have led to the development of better software techniques for image fusion and, more recently, to the development of modern SPECT/CT systems. While image fusion techniques have been in clinical use for many years, the first commercial SPECT/CT system was only developed in 1999. Following the commercial success of PET/CT systems that employed multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners, there has been renewed interest in the development of comparable SPECT/CT systems. This has resulted in the development of a range of SPECT/CT devices varying from a simple CT add-on to a conventional SPECT system that can provide low-dose CT images to a full MDCT scanner integrated with a SPECT system. The advantages of combining SPECT with CT are numerous and are primarily due to the anatomic referencing and the attenuation correction capabilities of CT. Depending on system design, there are varying technical issues surrounding the different SPECT/CT devices, ranging from cost, radiation dose, planning, and siting requirements to system-specific issues such as table sag and CT artifacts due to patient motion. Motion artifacts should be less prevalent with the faster acquisition times of modern scanners, but are still problematic in the thorax and have not yet been fully resolved as they pertain to the use of CT data for cardiac attenuation correction. As this technology matures, we can expect to see a range of SPECT/CT devices available on the market that range from low-dose 1-4 slice inexpensive CT upgrades of conventional SPECT systems, to SPECT systems incorporating 64 or 128 slices CT scanners. The cost of the high-end CT scanners will exceed the cost of the SPECT scanner and hence the justification for such devices will be heavily dependent on clear demonstration of their value in clinical practice.
Unequal returns to academic credentials as a hidden dimension of race and class inequality in American college enrollments

Abstract This study asks whether growing access to academic credentials for students from disadvantaged groups will lead to a decrease in the value of those credentials for these groups in college enrollments. Drawing on credentialing theory and the concept of adaptive social closure, I argue that as certain academic credentials become democratized (i.e., more accessible to disadvantaged students), their value decreases for students from disadvantaged race and class groups at the same time as it increases for students from privileged race and class groups. To test this idea, I use data from two cohorts of American high school graduates to estimate changes in the educational payoff of participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) program for students across racial and social class groups. The results show that at the same time as students from disadvantaged groups gained wider access to the AP program, its effect on their rates of college enrollment declined. During the same time period, the AP effect on the rates of college enrollment for students from privileged groups increased. I conclude that unequal returns to academic credentials for privileged and disadvantaged students represent a hidden dimension of race and class inequality in American college enrollments. Moreover, the results demonstrate the possibility that as access to an academic credential democratizes, as is the case with the AP program, privileged groups are better able to insulate themselves from the negative effects of credential inflation.
Maturation of rabbit proximal straight tubule chloride/base exchange

The present in vitro microperfusion study compared the mechanism and rates of NaCl transport in neonatal and adult rabbit proximal straight tubules. In proximal straight tubules perfused with a lat...
Developments in Long-Term Explicit Memory Late in the First Year of Life Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices

Coincident with developments in the temporal-cortical explicit memory network, long-term recall abilities are newly emergent late in the first year of human life. We recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) in 9-month-olds as an index of the integrity of the neural substrate underlying a task thought to reflect explicit memory, namely, deferred imitation. ERP measures of recognition memory 1 week after unique laboratory experiences predicted whether and how much infants recalled of the experiences 1 month later. The findings further imply that memory storage and consolidation processes are a major source of variability in long-term recall memory late in the first year of life.
Effects of light regime, temperature, and plant age on uptake of arsenic by Spartina pectinata and Carex stricta.

We report here on efforts to show that a combination of native wetland plant species might perform better than a monoculture in wetlands designed for arsenic remediation by supplementing weaknesses. Carex stricta and Spartina pectinata were used in hydroponic experiments. (i) Arsenic uptake was first assessed at two ages via exposure to control or arsenic-laden solutions (0 or 1.5 mg As L−1 as Na2HAsO4) for two weeks. Age had no significant effect on arsenic concentrations in roots, but translocation factors were greater in older plants of C. stricta and S. pectinata (0.45 and 0.07, respectively) than in younger plants (0.10 and 0.01, respectively). (ii) Seasonal effects were assessed by determining uptake kinetics for both species in conditions representative of spring temperatures (15/5°C) and light regimes (1050 μmol m−2 s−1, 13 h day−1) and summer temperatures (28/17°C) and light regimes (1300 μmol m−2 s−1, 15 h day−1). Both species had comparable rates of arsenic uptake into roots in summer condition...
Growth-plate cartilage in chronic renal failure

Bone growth occurs in the growth-plate cartilage located at the ends of long bones. Changes in the architecture, abnormalities in matrix organization, reduction in protein staining and RNA expression of factors involved in cell signaling have been described in the growth-plate cartilage of nephrectomized animals. These changes can lead to a smaller growth plate associated with decrease in chondrocyte proliferation, delayed hypertrophy, and prolonged initiation of mineralization and vascular invasion. As a result, chronic renal failure can result in stunted body growth and skeletal deformities. Multiple etiologic factors can contribute to impaired bone growth in renal failure, including suboptimal nutrition, metabolic acidosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Recent findings have also shown the tight connection between chondro/osteogenesis, hematopoiesis, and immunogenesis.
Cross-cultural Differences in Risk Perception,but Cross-cultural Similarities in Attitudes Towards Perceived Risk

In this study, respondents from the P.R.C., U.S.A., Germany, and Poland were found to differ in risk preference, as measured by buying prices for risky financial options. Chinese repondents were significantly less risk-averse in their pricing than Americans when risk preference was assessed in the traditional expected-utility framework. However these apparent differences in risk preference were associated primarily with cultural differences in the perception of the risk of financial options rather than with cultural differences in attitude towards perceived risk. In all cultures, and equal proportion(the majority) of respondents was willing to pay more for options perceived as less risky, i.e., were perceived-risk averse. These results are most natually explained within a risk-return conceptualization of risky choice. They have practical implications for cross-cultural negotiation and commerce by suggesting the locus of cultural differences in risky choice that may allow for the creation of joint gains.