cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Commuting probability revisions: The uniformity rule

A simple rule of probability revision ensures that the final result ofa sequence of probability revisions is undisturbed by an alterationin the temporal order of the learning prompting those revisions.This Uniformity Rule dictates that identical learning be reflectedin identical ratios of certain new-to-old odds, and is grounded in the oldBayesian idea that such ratios represent what is learned from new experiencealone, with prior probabilities factored out. The main theorem of this paperincludes as special cases (i) Field's theorem on commuting probability-kinematical revisions and (ii) the equivalence of two strategiesfor generalizing Jeffrey's solution to the old evidence problem tothe case of uncertain old evidence and probabilistic new explanation.
Supporting Dynamic Data and Processor Repartitioning for Irregular Applications

Recent research has shown that dynamic reconfiguration of resources allocated to parallel applications can improve both system utilization and application throughput. Distributed Resource Management System (DRMS) is a parallel programming environment that supports development and execution of reconfigurable applications on a dynamically varying set of resources. This paper describes DRMS support for developing reconfigurable irregular applications, using a sparse Cholesky factorization as a model application. We present performance levels achieved by DRMS redistribution primitives, which show that the cost of dynamic data redistribution between different processor configurations for irregular data are comparable to those for regular data.
Complex I Inhibition, Rotenone and Parkinson's Disease

Publisher Summary This chapter provides general information about rotenone and reviews the body of work in which rotenone has been used to model Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotenone occurs naturally in roots and stems of several tropical and subtropical plant species especially those belonging to the genus Lonchocarpus or Derris. Rotenone is highly lipophilic and thus readily gains access to all organs including the brain. After a single intravenous injection, rotenone reaches maximal concentration in the CNS within 15 min and decays to about half of this level in approximately 100 min. Its brain distribution is heterogeneous paralleling regional differences in oxidative metabolism. Rotenone also freely crosses all cellular membranes and can accumulate in subcellular organelles such as mitochondria. The rotenone model is crucial for studying the underlying mechanisms involved in the progression and evolution of PD pathogenesis that appears to be a multisystems disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract and various brain regions including higherorder cognitive areas. However, this model also bears some specific technical challenges and also has some interesting shortcomings. The chapter discusses in detail different aspects of the rotenone model.
Factors associated with wage differentials between caucasian and african-american vocational rehabilitation clientele

Using a nationally representative sample of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) cases from 2005 - 2010 in the U.S., this study investigates individual and service-specific factors contributing to observed disparities in wages between Caucasian and African American VR clients at the time of separation from the VR system. The structure of the VR case management system allows one to observe only wages of rehabilitated clients; a group comprises about half of all the individuals receiving VR services. The study shows that the censoring nature of wages leads to overestimation of the impact of unexplained factors including employer discrimination on the wage differential between the two groups of VR clientele. Specifically, after addressing the censoring issue using a Heckman selection framework, the unexplained part of the wage differential drops from 18 to 0 percent. The existing disparities in wages between two racial groups are explained mainly by differences in observed individual characteristics including education, disability, services and geographic location.
Periodontitis associated with Chronic Kidney Disease among Mexican Americans

Objective In comparison to non-Hispanic whites, a number of healthcare disparities, including poor oral health, have been identified among Hispanics in general and Mexican-Americans in particular. We hypothesized that Mexican-Americans with Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) would have higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis compared to Mexican Americans with normal kidney function, and that the level of kidney function would be inversely related to the prevalence of periodontal disease.
Humans Would Do Better Without Groups

A brief overview of important research in social psychology suggests that humans would do better without most forms of groups.
Fundamental formulation of nanoplasmonic lasers

We have developed a fundamental formulation for nanoplasmonic lasers, which accounts for the negative permittivity and dispersion of metal plasma. We applied our theory to investigate a Fabry-Perot plasmonic waveguide laser and a nano-bowtie laser.
Fatty Acid Requirements in Preterm Infants and Their Role in Health and Disease

Challenges remain in optimizing the delivery of fatty acids to attain their nutritional and therapeutic benefits in neonatal health. In this review, knowledge about placental transfer of fatty acids to the developing fetus is summarized, the potential role and mechanisms of fatty acids in enhancing neonatal health and minimizing morbidities is outlined, the unique considerations for fatty acid delivery in the preterm population are defined, and the research questions are proposed that need to be addressed before new standards of care are adopted at the bedside for the provision of critical fatty acids to preterm infants.
2D optoacoustic array for high-resolution imaging

An optoacoustic detector denotes the detection of acoustic signals by optical devices. Recent advances in fabrication techniques and the availability of high power tunable laser sources have greatly accelerated the development of efficient optoacoustic detectors. The unique advantages of optoacoustic technology are of special interest in applications that require high resolution imaging. For these applications optoacoustic technology enables high frequency transducer arrays with element size on the order of 10 μm. Laser generated ultrasound (photoacoustic effect) has been studied since the early observations of A.G. Bell (1880) of audible sound generated by light absorption . Modern studies have demonstrated the use of the photoacoustic effect to form a versatile imaging modality for medical and biological applications. A short laser pulse illuminates a tissue creating rapid thermal expansion and acoustic emission. Detection of the resulting acoustic field by an array enables the imaging of the tissue optical absorption using ultrasonic imaging methods. We present an integrated imaging system that employs photoacoustic sound generation and 2D optoacoustic reception. The optoacoustic receiver consists of a thin polymer Fabry-Perot etalon. The etalon is an optical resonator of a high quality factor (Q = 750). The relatively low elasticity modulus of the polymer and the high Q-factor of the resonator combine to yield high ultrasound sensitivity. The etalon thickness (10 μm) was optimized for wide bandwidth (typically above 50 MHz). An optical scanning and focusing system is used to create a large aperture and high density 2D ultrasonic receiver array. High resolution 3D images of phantom targets and biological tissue samples were obtained.
Congestive heart failure induced by six of the newer antiarrhythmic drugs

The incidence of drug-induced congestive heart failure with several newer antiarrhythmic agents including encainide, ethmozine, lorcainide, mexiletine, propafenone and tocainide was determined in a group of 407 patients who underwent 1,133 drug tests. The incidence rate ranged from 0.7% with lorcainide to 4.7% with propafenone. Congestive heart failure was present in 167 patients (41%) who underwent 491 drug trials. Congestive failure was induced in 15 (9%) of these 167 patients and involved 19 (3.9%) of the 491 tests. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 20 +/- 8% in patients who developed congestive failure, in contrast to 39 +/- 19% in those who did not (p less than 0.001). It is concluded that each of the six antiarrhythmic drugs examined has the potential to aggravate congestive heart failure in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or a history of congestive heart failure, but the incidence rate is low and its occurrence unpredictable.
Improved upper limit on the photon rest mass

It is shown that application of standard MHD arguments to hydromagnetic waves observed in the Crab Nebula dramatically improves the upper bound on photon rest mass. The standard argument that massive photons are governed by the Phoca field equations is outlined and applied to wisp features (identified as hydromagnetic waves) observed in the Crab. The results imply an upper limit for the photon rest mass of between 3 by 10 to the -54th power and 3 by 10 to the -53rd power gram, which is smaller than the best previous limits by a factor of 10,000 to 100,000. It is noted that although the present limit is probably valid in order of magnitude, some doubt remains since there are inconsistencies in the standard arguments.
Randomized trial of a web-based tool for prolapse: impact on patient understanding and provider counseling

Introduction and hypothesis Effective patient/provider communication is important to ensure patient understanding, safety, and satisfaction. Our hypothesis was that interactive patient/provider counseling using a web-based tool (iPad™ application) would have a greater impact on patient satisfaction with understanding prolapse symptoms compared with standard counseling (SC).
Bispectral index monitoring in children undergoing mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: In this prospective, cohort study of 15 children (median age 7.7 years, range 4.9–16.5 years) undergoing atrial septal defect repair, we evaluated changes in the Bispectral index (BIS) as a potential monitor of level of consciousness during cardiac anaesthesia. Methods: Identical cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and anaesthetic techniques were used, including mild hypothermia and an early extubation protocol. BIS, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and tympanic temperature were recorded at baseline postinduction (Tbaseline), skin incision (Tincis), sternotomy (Tsternot), aortic cannulation (Tcann), nadir temperature (Tnadir), rewarmed (Trewarmed), immediate post-CPB (TpostCPB), chest drain insertion (Tdrains), sternal wires (Twire), skin closure (Tclosed) and spontaneous movement (Tmove). As a measure of stress response, serum lactate, glucose, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were measured at Tbaseline, Tsternot, Tcann, Tnadir, Trewarmed and Tdrains. Explicit memory testing was undertaken prior to hospital discharge. Results: BIS increased significantly during the rewarming phase (Trewarmed versus Tbaseline and Tnadir, P<0.001). Lactate, epinephrine and glucose levels were also significantly elevated at Trewarmed. There were no correlations between BIS and the increase in epinephrine, lactate and glucose during rewarming, nor with changes in heart rate or mean arterial pressure during surgery. All patients had an uneventful recovery without evidence for explicit recall. Conclusions: The increase in BIS during the rewarming phase could reflect an increase in conscious level, and is consistent with the reported risk for awareness during this phase of cardiac surgery.
Effects of cultural themes in psychotic symptoms on the diagnosis of schizophrenia in African Americans

Cultural themes focusing on race-related issues and religiosity were identified via content analysis in the delusions and hallucinations of a sample of 118 African American psychiatric patients. The purpose of the study was to determine whether cultural themes in psychotic symptoms influence the diagnosis from different sources (i.e., chart, SCID, and best estimate) of schizophrenia for Black patients. It was hypothesized that the best estimate diagnoses of cultural experts would diagnose schizophrenia in African Americans more frequently when they exhibit race-related themes in their psychotic symptoms. It was also hypothesized that diagnosis of the paranoid subtype would yield a stronger difference among the sources than the broader category of schizophrenia. The results did not support the hypotheses. Implications for understanding the relationship between culture and psychosis among African Americans are discussed.
Heterogeneous activation mechanisms in the renal microvasculature

Heterogeneous activation mechanisms in the renal microvasculature. Vascular smooth muscle cells in different renal microvascular segments utilize different activation mechanisms to respond to mechanical and vasoactive stimuli. L-type Ca2+ channel blockers vasodilate primarily the preglomerular vascular resistance component responsible for autoregulation. Local interstitial infiltration of Ca2+ channel blockers increases glomerular pressure and markedly reduces vascular responsiveness of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism. Ca2+ channel blockers selectively attenuate the afferent vasoconstrictor responses to increases in perfusion pressure. Although both afferent and efferent arterioles constrict in response to angiotensin II (Ang II), afferent but not efferent constriction requires Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels. Sensitivity of the preglomerular arterioles to Ang II is also heterogeneous with the greatest sensitivity in glomerulus-near, terminal segments. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a vasoconstrictor agonist that selectively activates Ca2+ entry pathways in afferent arterioles but has no effect on efferent arterioles. In isolated preglomerular smooth muscle cells, increasing extracellular [KCl] increases intracellular Ca2+ by stimulating voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx. Ang II, norepinephrine, and ATP also elicit similar increases in intracellular Ca2+. Mechanical and agonist-induced voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx is thus a primary pathway in the control of cytosolic Ca2+ in afferent arterioles. Efferent arterioles, however, rely primarily on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and other Ca2+ influx pathways.
Family-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Pediatric Headache and Anxiety Disorders: A Case Study

Background Chronic pediatric headache disorders are pervasive, debilitating, and associated with high rates of comorbid anxiety disorders. The combination of headaches and anxiety presents unique challenges for clinicians. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising treatment for pediatric headache, however, available treatments fail to adequately address comorbid psychopathology resulting in less than optimal response rates.
Characterization of a biotinylated somatostatin analog as a receptor probe

The neuropeptide somatostatin (SRIF) triggers its biological effects by binding to high affinity membrane receptors. To develop a ligand useful for receptor affinity purification and localization, we have examined the ability of a novel monobiotinylated SRIF derivative to bind to receptors and streptavidin. Unlabeled [N-Biotinyl, Leu8, D-Trp22, Tyr25]SRIF28 (Bio-SRIF28) competed for [125I-Tyr11]SRIF binding to GH4C1 pituitary cell membranes with a Ki of 337 +/- 95 pM, comparable to that of native SRIF (193 +/- 16 pM). Studies using HPLC purified [125I]Bio-SRIF28 showed that equilibrium binding to membranes occurred within 120 min at 30 C and that the peptide-receptor complex dissociated slowly (t1/2 = 4.7 h). Analysis of saturation binding data gave an equilibrium dissociation constant for [125I]Bio-SRIF28 of 66 +/- 20 pM. Photoaffinity cross-linking of [125I]Bio-SRIF28 to membranes covalently labeled a broad 85 kDa band, as previously reported with the photolabile SRIF analog, [125I-Tyr11, Azidonitrobenz...
Embodying borders: human body modification and diversity in Tiwanaku society

Abstract Building upon recent studies of settlement patterns and material cultural, this paper focuses on human body modification preserved in human bone as a complementary means of studying diversity in ancient societies. A review of ethnohistorical sources in conjunction with a human osteological study of cranial shape modification offers original data regarding diversity in Tiwanaku society, which was situated in the southern Andes from ca. AD 500–1100. The study sample includes 412 individuals from the site of Tiwanaku, surrounding sites in the Tiwanaku and Katari valleys, and Tiwanaku-affiliated sites in the Moquegua valley of southern Peru. A distinct regional pattern is clear in the ways in which head form was modified. In the Moquegua valley, solely fronto-occipital modification was employed, while in the Katari valley a distinctly different, annular modification was practiced. In contrast, individuals interred in the capital city of Tiwanaku displayed both head form styles. These results suggest that diverse groups of people from neighboring areas were drawn to the Tiwanaku capital in the highlands, and cranial shape modification was involved in symbolic boundary maintenance at the juncture of two distinct environmental niches, the precise location of the capital site of Tiwanaku.
Transgenic Animals Demonstrate a Role for the IL-1 Receptor in Regulating IL-1β Gene Expression at Steady-State and during the Systemic Stress Induced by Acute Pancreatitis

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene expression is selectively induced in tissues involved in multisystem organ failure during acute pancreatitis, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of distant organ dysfunction. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of pancreatitis-induced end organ cytokine production and to better understand the processes by which IL-1 production is regulated. Seventy adult male transgenic mice in which the type 1 IL-1 receptor had been deleted by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells were utilized (homozygous -/- IL-1R knockout). Acute pancreatitis was induced by one of two methods: (A) IP injections of caerulein (50 microgram/kg/hr x 4) with animals sacrificed at 0, .5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr; (B) 48-hr exposure to a choline deficient ethionine supplemented (CDE) diet with animals sacrificed at 0 and 72 hr. Knockout animals were compared to strain-specific control mice expressing the normal wild-type IL-1 receptor gene in which pancreatitis was similarly induced. The severity of pancreatitis was stratified by serum amylase, lipase, and blind histologic grading. IL-1 mRNA production was determined within the pancreas, lungs, liver, and spleen by quantitative differential RT-PCR. Deletion of the IL-1R1 attenuated the severity of pancreatitis, reaching statistical significance in the less severe edematous model. There was little or no constitutive expression of IL-1 mRNA within any of the tissues examined from wild-type animals; however, knockout animals showed elevated steady-state levels in each tissue. IL-1 mRNA became detectable in all tissues of wild-type animals shortly after either form of pancreatitis became apparent and increased significantly with worsening pancreatitis. Despite the attenuated pancreatitis, knockout animals produced significantly greater levels of IL-1 mRNA in each tissue, typically demonstrating a 30-50% increase over time matched IL-1 mRNA production in wild-type animals which was not pancreatitis model dependent. We conclude that genetic deletion of IL-1 receptors results in the overproduction of IL-1 mRNA in organs known to produce cytokines during pancreatitis even when the severity of pancreatitis is lessened. This suggests that a negative feedback loop exists between the IL-1 receptor and IL-1 gene expression.
An experimental study on the effect of particle shape on fluidization behavior

Abstract Few correlations exist to describe the effect of particle shape on the relationship between superficial velocity and void fraction in homogeneous fluid beds. Limestone, quartz, bottom ash and pea gravel particles were fluidized with water and a data bank of void fractions and fluidizing velocities was compiled. Each particle type was image analyzed to yield average shape descriptors, namely aspect ratio, fractal dimension, polygonal harmonic persistences and delta (Piper's) angles. Regression showed that the slope of a log (superficial velocity) versus log (void fraction) plot can be fitted using a function of a shape descriptor, with the persistence of the third harmonic being the descriptor yielding the best fit.
Effect of in Vivo Depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ Cells on the Induction and Maintenance of Oral Tolerance

The role of CD8+ and CD4+ cells in the generation and maintenance of high-dose oral tolerance has been investigated. Mice depleted of CD8+ cells prior to or subsequent to oral tolerization with OVA continued to express suppressed humoral and/or T cell proliferative responses to the homologous antigen. To assess the effect of CD4+ cell depletion on oral tolerance, mice were depleted of CD4+ cells prior to or subsequent to oral tolerization with OVA. After 50% regeneration of CD4+ cells was achieved, OVA-immunized mice produced anti-OVA immune responses that were comparable to those of water-fed control mice. Thus, under our experimental conditions the presence of CD4+ but not CD8+ cells is required to both establish and maintain oral tolerance.
Light Scattering Spectrum of a Nematic Liquid

Abstract We measured the intensity and the spectrum of light scattered by the nematic liquid crystal p-methoxybenzylidene p-n-butylaniline as a function of temperature. The measurements yield the temperature dependence of the amplitude and dynamics of orientational fluctuations in the ordered phase. We analyze the results in terms of the two theories of normal modes of liquid crystals, and examine the extensions required to make the macroscopic elastic theory consistent with experiment.
Effects of alcohol on the nonverbal communication of anxiety: The impact of beliefs on nonverbal behavior

Three male and three female raters were shown videotapes of 29 male subjects who were speaking to a silent female confederate. Raters were asked to make 10 judgments about the subjects' behavior. The subjects had been assigned to one of two expectancy conditions in which they were led to believe the drink they consumed prior to meeting the confederate contained alcohol and tonic or tonic only. Actually, half of the subjects in each expectancy condition received alcohol and half received tonic only. Judgments of the female raters viewing the videotapes were congruent with physiological measures of the subjects' anxiety. Those subjects who believed they received alcohol were perceived by female raters as more relaxed, less anxious, less inhibited, and more dominant than subjects who believed they received tonic. The actual content of the drink had no significant effects on the raters' judgements of the subjects' behavior. Male raters were unable to discriminate among the experimental conditions. Implications for possible gender of rater effects in behavioral assessment procedures as well as for the impact of beliefs on nonverbal communication are discussed. Language: en
Head orientation affects the intracranial pressure response resulting from shock wave loading in the rat

Since an increasing number of returning military personnel are presenting with neurological manifestations of traumatic brain injury (TBI), there has been a great focus on the effects resulting from blast exposure. It is paramount to resolve the physical mechanism by which the critical stress is being inflicted on brain tissue from blast wave encounters with the head. This study quantitatively measured the effect of head orientation on intracranial pressure (ICP) of rats exposed to a shock wave. Furthermore, the study examined how skull maturity affects ICP response of animals exposed to shock waves at various orientations. Results showed a significant increase in ICP values in larger rats at any orientation. Furthermore, when side-ICP values were compared to the other orientations, the peak pressures were significantly lower suggesting a relation between ICP and orientation of the head due to geometry of the skull and location of sutures. This finding accentuates the importance of skull dynamics in explaining possible injury mechanisms during blast. Also, the rate of pressure change was measured and indicated that the rate was significantly higher when the top of the head was facing the shock front. The results confirm that the biomechanical response of the superior rat skull is distinctive compared to other areas of the skull, suggesting a skull flexure mechanism. These results not only present insights into the mechanism of brain injury, but also provide information which can be used for designing more effective protective head gear.
The influence of B-cell idiotypes on the repertoire of suppressor T cells.

The idiotypes expressed by T cells involved in responses to a particular antigen are very similar to those on immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules specific for the same antigen. However, the T-cell antigen receptors do not use the same variable region genes as the Ig heavy chain molecules. Here, Kent HayGlass and his colleagues review the evidence for this interesting puzzle and suggest that the idiotypes expressed by 8 cells to which maturing T cells are exposed determine the final T-cell idiotype repertoire.
Effects of dexamethasone on protein degradation and protease gene expression in rat L8 myotube cultures

We examined the effects of a synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone; Dex) on protoeolysis and on protease messenger RNA (mRNA) concentrations in rat L8 skeletal myotube cultures. Protein degradation was measured as release of radioactive trichloroacetic acid-soluble material from intracellular proteins pre-labelled with [3H]tyrosine. Dex (1 microM) stimulated protein degradation (P < 0.01). This effect was entirely blocked by the glucocorticoid antagonist, RU38486 (mifepristone; P < 0.01). Hence, actions of Dex on muscle protein degradation are mediated via intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Molecular mechanisms by which glucocorticoids stimulate protein degradation in skeletal muscle are not known. Here, we investigated the regulation of protease (cathepsin B, cathepsin D, proteasome C2 subunit and m-calpain) mRNA concentrations by Dex in cultured L8 muscle cells. Cathepsin B mRNA concentration was enhanced 3.3-fold by Dex. This effect was blocked by RU38486. RU38486 alone did not affect cathepsin B mRNA concentration or mRNAs of other proteases. Concentrations of cathepsin D and m-calpain mRNAs were also increased by Dex. These effects were also abolished by RU38486. Proteasome C2 mRNA was unaffected by Dex and Dex reduced alpha-tubulin mRNA. Thus, glucocorticoids specifically regulate the concentrations of mRNAs encoding some proteases in muscle cells. The regulation of protease mRNA concentration is mediated via interaction between Dex with glucocorticoid receptors and is independent of the actions of Dex on mRNA encoding house-keeping proteins. These changes may underlie glucocorticoid-dependent control of proteolysis in muscle.
Environmental Sustainability in U.S. Assisted Living Facilities

Population aging and environmental sustainability appear to be on a collision course. Concurrent with the increasing needs of older adults for more goods, services, and housing, concern for the environmental impact of this population is growing. Environmental sustainability efforts by assisted living facilities (ALFs) were queried using an online survey focusing on the following four areas: facility information, sustainable practices, motivations to green, and views of sustainable certification. The survey was sent to 800 ALFs from 34 states. The results indicated movement toward environmental sustainability, primarily connection to community, interaction with nature, and quality of life improvement for residents and staff. This study also depicts the challenges of greening while keeping human well-being a top priority. Furthermore, administrators of ALFs were largely uninformed about greening but viewed the costs and paperwork as barriers to greening and certification. Suggestions for future research, ed...
APE/Ref-1 responses to oxidative stress in aged rats

Chronic oxidative stress has been hypothesized to be a major contributor to the aging process. The continued exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by oxidative metabolism or environmental sources can damage critical cellular structures and be responsible for some age-related pathology. The exposure of rodents to 100% oxygen, isobaric hyperoxia, increases ambient ROS levels and significantly increases apoptosis in brain. The deleterious effects of ROS also include increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. Although differences in the relative amounts of oxidative stress in young and old brains have been observed, the mechanisms responsible for impaired aging-associated DNA repair processes have not been characterized. We measured DNA levels of the DNA repair enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE/Ref-1) protein by Western blot analysis in the brains of young (3-month) and old (30-month) male rats exposed to isobaric hyperoxia. Given that APE/Ref-1 is the rate-limiting enzyme in the repair pathway of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites generated in DNA by oxidative damage, we assumed that APE/Ref-1 protein levels were a good reflection of ongoing DNA base excision repair. Isobaric hyperoxia stimulated APE/Ref-1 expression in the hippocampus and basal forebrain of young rats experiencing 100% oxygen for 6 hr, while aged rats showed no significant changes in APE/Ref-1 protein levels in all brain areas at any time tested (0-48 hr) after hyperoxia. Differences in the stress-induced levels of expression of DNA repair enzymes may contribute to apoptotic increases and pathology associated with the aging process.
In utero diagnosis of intrapericardial teratoma: a case for in utero open fetal surgery

We present a case of intrapericardial teratoma diagnosed by ultrasound at 26 weeks of gestation presenting as a large tumour mass and rapid development of hydrops fetalis. The fetus died in utero one day before scheduled open fetal surgery.
Enhanced RyR1 Channel Activity by the Knock-In Mouse that Expresses Human Malignant Hyperthermia Mutation T4826I

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic syndrome of skeletal muscle associated with mutations in the Ca2+ release channel - ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1). A genetically engineered knock-in mouse that expresses the human C-terminal MH mutation T4826I RyR1 was created. Both RyR1-T4826I/WT (HET) and RyR1-T4826I/T4826I (HOM) mice survive and thrive if unchallenged with triggering agents. Sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from HET, HOM, and wild type (WT) mice were prepared to study the biochemical and biophysical properties of RyR1complexes using [3H]ryanodine ([3H]Ry) binding analysis, western blotting, and single channels incorporated in bilayer lipid membranes. The results from this study reveal: (1) Significantly elevated [3H]Ry binding in the preparations with rank order HOM >>HET>WT), (2) significant diminution in the inhibitory potency of Ca2+ and Mg2+ for both HOM and HET, (3) initial rates of [3H]Ry binding with rank order HOM>>HET>WT when measured at either 25 °C or 37°C, (4) Significantly greater open probability, longer mean open dwelling time and shorter mean closed times with HOM and HET channels. These data indicate that the T4826I RyR1 mutation confers significantly destabilizes the closed channel conformation of RyR1, and the altered channel properties may be mostly responsible for the abnormal intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and the MH susceptibility. (Words: 202).
Gender differences in injury severity risks in crashes at signalized intersections

This paper analyzes gender differences in crash risk severities using data for signalized intersections. It estimates gender models for injury severity risks and finds that driver condition, type of crash, type of vehicle driven and vehicle safety features have different effects on females' and males' injury severity risks. Also, it finds some variables which are significantly related to females' injury severity risks but not males' and others which affect males' injury severity risks but not females'. It concludes that better and more in-depth information about gender differences in injury severity risks is gained by estimating separate models for females and males.
The Achaemenid Empire’s Contributions to Public Administration

The Achaemenid Empire established the world’s first complex administrative system of government in 559 B.C. There are numerous administrative accomplishments by the Achaemenids that have not successfully been duplicated in modern times, despite the Pony Express, the Suez Canal, and perfected recycling systems. Political debate, formal rewards systems, federal agencies, and integrated federal and provincial levels of government among a culturally diverse population were characteristic of the trailblazing Achaemenid Empire. Furthermore, administrative ideologies such as government’s responsibility to serve the public and provide equal rights were incorporated first by Cyrus the Great’s Human Rights Charter.
Gramsci: An Alternative Communism?

This is an attempt to determine the character of Antonio Gramsci's Marxism by way of a critical analysis of Luciano Pellicani'sGramsci: An Alternative Communism? His interpretation is that, except for a peaceful revolutionary strategy, Gramsci is a typical Marxist-Leninist. This is criticized by pointing out that it is largely grounded on non-Gramscian texts, that its references to Gramsci are primarily to an intermediate phase of his development, and that its construal of the mature texts of thePrison Notebooks does violence to the contexts of the passages quoted. The criticism strongly points in the direction of either an original Gramscian communism or a Gramscian noncommunism.
On the existence of a market for second hand physical capital: An empirical test of the Keynesian and neoclassical assumptions

Abstract In this paper we test Keynesian and neoclassical assumptions concerning the existence of second-hand markets for physical capital. These alternative views of the dynamic profit maximizing firm lead to distinct equilibrium price equations. We use a sample of 4-digit SIC consumer goods and capital goods industries over 1967–1975 to test the relative goodness of fit of the competing price equations. We find consumer goods industries conform better to the Keynesian assumptions and capital goods industries more nearly approximate the neoclassical view of the world. We investigate the policy implications of our finding of sector heterogeneity by constructing a three-sector macro model with a Keynesian consumption goods sector, a neoclassical capital-for-consumption-goods-production sector, and a neoclassical capital-for-capital-goods-production sector. Comparative static analysis reveals that both monetary and fiscal policy variables have ambiguous short run effects on real variables in this heterogeneous three-sector model, which may be the minimum level of detail consistent with the observed behavior of US manufacturing industries.
Coronary-Prone Behavior and Reactance The Attractiveness of an Eliminated Choice

A choice elimination reactance paradigm (Brehm, Stires, Sensenig, & Shaban, 1966) was used to examine the relationship between control expectancies and the coronary-prone behavior pattern. It was hypothesized that because of concerns for control, coronary-prone individuals (Type As) in a reactance situation would be more motivated to resassert control than noncoronary-prone Type Bs. These variables were manipulated factorially in a 2 (Type A-Type B) x 2 (no choice elimination-choice elimination) experiment. Reactance was measured by the subjects' reevaluations of the eliminated choice alternative. The results indicated that when a behavioral freedom is blocked, only Type As experience reactance.
Functional significance of coronary collateral vessels in patients with acute myocardial infarction: Relation to pump performance, cardiogenic shock and survival

In 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction requiring emergency left heart catheterization and coronary arteriography, ventricular function and clinical course were related to collateral vessels supplying the infarcted area. The major coronary artery to the infarcted region was severely obstructed in all patients. Patients with adequate collateral vessels (Group I, no. = 6) and those with no or inadequate collateral channels (Group II, no. = 14) had similar findings with respect to age, site of infarction, prevalence of prior infarction and presence of multivessel disease. However, there were significant differences between Groups I and II in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (13 versus 30 mm Hg), cardiac index (3.05 versus 2.04 liters/min per m2), stroke work index (45 versus 13 g · m/m2), ejection fraction (42 versus 20 percent) and area of dyssynergy (14 versus 47 percent). Moreover, in Group I all patients survived and none had cardiogenic shock, whereas in Group II 10 of 14 patients had shock and 8 of 14 died. The rapidity of vessel obstruction appeared to influence collateralization since infarction was preceded by angina pectoris more frequently in Group I than in Group II. These results indicate that well functioning anastomotic channels to the distal trunk of the blocked coronary artery may afford some protection of pump function and improve the prognosis in acute myocardial infarction.
Multi‐scale thermo‐fluid transport in porous media

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an empiricism free, first principle‐based model to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer through porous media.Design/methodology/approach – Conventional approaches to the problem are reviewed. A multi‐scale approach that makes use of the sample simulations at the individual pore levels is employed. The effect of porous structures on the global fluid flow is accounted for via local volume averaged governing equations, while the closure terms are accounted for via averaging flow characteristics around the pores.Findings – The performance of the model has been tested for an isothermal flow case. Good agreement with experimental data were achieved. Both the permeability and Ergun coefficient are shown to be flow properties as opposed to the empirical approach which typically results in constant values of these parameters independent of the flow conditions. Hence, the present multi‐scale approach is more versatile and can account for the possible changes in flo...
Susceptibilities of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Combinations of Antimicrobial Agents In Vitro

Abstract Combinations of either clindamycin or erythromycin with gentamicin, colimycin, or carbenicillin were studied for their antimicrobial effects on clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No antagonistic effects of the antibiotic combinations were observed. Synergistic effects of the antibiotic combinations were noted against most strains of E. coli tested, especially when either clindamycin or erythromycin was combined with gentamicin or colimycin. Of 16 other combinations of antibiotics examined with strains of E. coli as the test organisms, only the combination of penicillin G with either gentamicin or colimycin showed consistent synergy. The marked synergy of clindamycin combined with either gentamicin or colimycin was further demonstrated by following the kinetics of the bactericidal action of the antibiotic combinations and the effects on bacterial protein synthesis.
Fall metabolism in relation to ambient temperatures in three species of Myotis

Abstract 1. 1. A zone of thermoneutrality exists for adult female Myotis thysanodes in early September in an ambient temperature range of 32·5–34·5°C with minimum metabolism of 1·74 cm3/g per hr. 2. 2. A transition from a homeothermic to a non-homeothermic metabolism to ambient temperature relation is evident by late September in adult female M. thysanodes. 3. 3. In early September, some adult female M. yumanensis exhibit a homeothermic metabolism to ambient temperature relation while others exhibit a non-homeothermic relation. 4. 4. In early September, adult M. lucifugus occultus of both sexes exhibit a non-homeothermic relation. 5. 5. At ambient temperatures above 32·5°C, metabolism in M. thysanodes increases at a significantly more rapid rate than in M. lucifugus occulttus. 6. 6. A critical thermal maximum ambient temperature of 44·5°C has been found for each of these three species.
Effects of conceptual systems and instructional methods on general chemistry laboratory achievement

Conceptual systems theory predicts four system orientations. System 1 individuals are highly concrete in their reasoning ability and beliefs. System 2 individuals are strongly negative toward authority and institutions and tend to be autonomous and rebellious. System 3 individuals are more abstract than System 1 or System 2 individuals and have strong need to maintain secure relationships. System 4 individuals have the most abstract, flexible, and open-minded orientation and have an analytical approach to problem solving. Conceptual systems orientations of subjects taking a general chemistry laboratory were determined using the “This I Believe” test. Subjects were classified into Systems 1, 2, 3, 4, or admixtures. Laboratory sections were assigned randomly to three instructional methods (traditional approach, learning cycle, computer simulation) for teaching a three-hour laboratory covering spectrophotometry principles. Factorial analysis of covariance indicated no significant conceptual system by instructional method interaction. The main effect for conceptual system was significant, and pairwise comparisons of adjusted mean posttest scores indicated that System 4 subjects as well as System 3 subjects scored significantly higher than System 1 subjects. There was no significant difference in scores between System 4 and System 3 individuals. Conceptual systems orientation is an attribute variable that may influence chemistry learning.
Dopamine is differentially involved in the locomotor hyperactivity produced by manipulations of opioid, GABA and glutamate receptors in the median raphe nucleus

The median raphe nucleus (MR) has been shown to exert a powerful influence on behavioral arousal and marked locomotor hyperactivity can be produced by intra-MR injections of a variety of drugs including GABAA and GABAB agonists, excitatory amino acid antagonists, and μ- and δ-opioid agonists. Other studies have indicated that the MR exerts an inhibitory influence on ascending dopamine systems, suggesting that MR induced alterations in activity may be mediated through changes in dopaminergic transmission. In the present study, we explored this possibility by examining whether systemic administration of the preferential D2 dopamine antagonist haloperidol is able to antagonize the hyperactivity produced by intra-MR injections of various drugs. We found that haloperidol completely blocked the locomotor response to intra-MR injections of the μ-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO and the δ-opioid receptor agonist DPDPE. In marked contrast, at doses which abolished the locomotor response to systemic amphetamine, haloperidol had no effect on the hyperactivity induced by intra-MR injections of GABAA agonist muscimol, the GABAB agonist baclofen, or the kainate/quisqualate antagonist pBB-PZDA, even though it suppressed baseline activity in these same animals. These results indicate that there must be at least two mechanisms capable of influencing behavioral arousal within the MR region, one of which is dependent on D2 dopamine receptors and the other is not.
Exchange density-functional gradient expansion

The coefficient ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{x}$ of the first term in a gradient expansion of the Hartree-Fock (HF) density functional was calculated by Sham to first order in ${e}^{2}$. It is now known that ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{x}^{\mathrm{HF}}$ diverges if ${e}^{2}$ is included to all orders. It has recently been claimed that if the exchange energy is defined in terms of density-functional (DF) eigenfunctions, rather than HF eigenfunctions, not only is ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{x}^{\mathrm{DF}}$ first order in ${e}^{2}$ but also ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{x}^{\mathrm{DF}}={\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Sham}}$. It is proven in this paper that, in fact, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{x}^{\mathrm{DF}}=\frac{8}{7}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Sham}}$.
The determination of fresh organic carbon weight from formaldehyde preserved macrofaunal samples

Methodologies are presented whereby the fresh organic carbon weight of formaldehyde preserved macrofaunal samples may be estimated. Length-organic carbon weight regressions were determined for the four numerically dominant bivalves in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (Nucula annulata, Yoldia limatula, Mulinia lateralis, and Pandora gouldiana) and one commercially important, but less abundant species (Mercenaria mercenaria). Constants were determined to convert the dry weight of preserved softbodied organisms (polychaetes, oligochaetes, amphipods, etc.) to fresh (unpreserved) organic carbon weight. These results can be used by investigators studying the energetics of benthic communities similar to those in Narragansett Bay.
The utility of brushing dysfunctional hemodialysis catheters.

Abbreviation: UK urokinase MAINTENANCE of permanent vascular access continues to be a major problem for many patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. When more permanent means of access, such as arteriovenous fistulas or grafts, fail or cannot be placed, central venous catheters are employed as either a bridge until another type of access can be established or a permanent means of access in patients in whom all other permanent access sites have been exhausted. Blood flow may be impaired in hemodialysis catheters for several reasons, such as catheter kinking, fibrous sheath formation, or thrombosis. The previously reported rates of catheter failure caused by thrombosis range from 25% to 35% during the first year of use (1,2). Several strategies have been employed to restore patency to a thrombosed catheter. One commonly used method is the instillation or infusion of a thrombolytic agent into the catheter lumina. Streptokinase and urokinase (UK) have been used as thrombolytic agents, although UK is currently unavailable (3). In addition, instillation of tissue plasminogen activator has been used successfully to reopen thrombosed catheters (4). Several studies have described various methods of thrombolytic infusion in which catheter patency was successfully restored in 55%–75% of patients (5– 7). There have also been case reports of successful mechanical thrombectomy of occluded catheters, although none have assessed the long-term efficacy of this method (8–10). The purpose of this study was to determine the technical success and short-term benefit of mechanical brushing of dysfunctional, tunneled hemodialysis catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Light scattering in fluoride glass

Abstract A heavy metal fluoride glass (HMFG) (1,2) known as ZBLAN, an acronym for a formulation composed of ZrF4, BaF2, LaF3, AlF3, and NaF was prepared under a variety of atmospheric environments to determine their role in influencing optical scatter. Glasses were evaluated using a focused He-Ne laser beam through the test sample, which was immersed in an index matching liquid. The atmospheres investigated were argon, CCl4, SF6, C2Cl2F4 (Freon 114), CF 4 O 2 , and CCl 4 O 2 . The study indicates that lowest scattering glasses are those prepared with either SF6 or C2Cl2F4. These glasses show scattering losses comparable to Suprasil grade silica glass.