cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor-α in mechanic trauma plasma mediates cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Mechanical traumatic injury causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to posttraumatic cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains unclear. The present s...
Cooperative and individualistic experiences among disabled and normal children.

Summary The effects of cooperative and individual learning experiences on friendly and hostile interaction between normal-progress and learning-disabled children in free-choice, postinstructional situations were studied. Twelve second and third grade elementary school boys participated in a study utilizing swimming classes. Three normal-progress and three learning-disabled Ss were assigned to each condition. Ss participated in a nine-day swimming course, learning swimming skills either individually or in cooperatively structured pairs. The results indicate that more friendly interactions in the postinstructional, free-swim periods occurred in the cooperative compared to the individual condition. More hostile interactions occurred in the individual condition. Learning-disabled Ss were ignored by their normal-progress peers more in the individual condition. Learning-disabled Ss in the cooperative condition learned more swimming skills than did their counterparts in the individual condition.
Oxygen consumption by the hermit crab, Pagurus hirsutiusculus

Abstract The respiration of Pagurus hirsutiusculus is cyanide sensitive. Weight specific oxygen consumption decreases with size and is markedly correlated with weight.
The effect of the endothelial-cell glycocalyx on the motion of red blood cells through capillaries.

The analysis of the rheology of the blood/capillary system presented here details the complex fluid-structure interactions that arise among blood cells, plasma, and the endothelial-cell glycocalyx. The capillary is modeled as a rigid cylindrical tube lined with a biphasic poroelastic wall layer which approximates the glycocalyx. The blood is approximated as a fluid suspension of tightly fitting deformable cells driven through the tube under a pressure gradient. Using mixture theory, the wall layer is modeled as interacting fluid and solid constituents in which the fluid is assumed to be linearly viscous and the solid is assumed to be linearly elastic. Axisymmetric lubrication theory is applied to the fluid in the gap between the red cell and the glycocalyx. The analysis details the fluid-phase velocity field throughout the wall and lubrication layers and provides the Reynolds equation for the pressure gradient along the length of the cell. The shell equations of equilibrium are employed to describe the mechanics governing the axisymmetric deformation of the red-cell membrane, where it is assumed that shear stress on the surface of the cell is balanced solely by isotropic membrane tension. Making use of the analytic expressions for the Reynolds equation and shear stress distribution on the cell surface, the pressure profile, membrane tension, and red-cell shape are obtained through numerical solution of a reduced system of coupled, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations. Rheological quantities including apparent viscosity and capillary tube hematocrit are presented and compared with in vitro and in vivo experimental data. The analysis predicts that the presence of a 1/2-microm-thick glycocalyx in a 5-microm capillary results in a threefold increase in resistance and a reduction in capillary tube hematocrit of more than 30% compared with the corresponding values in a 5-microm smooth-walled tube. Results are qualitatively consistent with in vivo observations of blood flow in microvascular networks.
Relating meteorological variables and trends in motor vehicle emissions to monthly urban carbon monoxide concentrations

Abstract A model which quantifies the relationship between the monthly time series for CO emissions, the monthly time series in ambient CO concentration, and meteorologically driven dispersion was developed. Fifteen cities representing a wide range of geographical and climatic conditions were selected. An eight-year time series (1984–1991 inclusive) of monthly averaged data were examined in each city. A new method of handling missing ambient concentration values which is designed to calculate city-wide average concentrations that follow the trend seen at individual monitor sites is presented. This method is general and can be used in other applications involving missing data. The model uses emissions estimates along with two meteorological variables (wind speed and mixing height) to estimate monthly averages of ambient air pollution concentrations. The model is shown to have a wide range of applicability; it works equally well for a wide range of cities that have very different temporal CO distributions. The model is suited for assessing long-term trends in ambient air pollutants and can also be used for estimating seasonal variations in concentration, estimation of trends in emissions, and for filling in gaps in the ambient concentration record.
Increased vascular density associated with lesions of canine globoid leukodystrophy

Two control dogs and 2 dogs that had globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) were studied to document vascular alterations associated with the leukodystrophic lesion. Spinal white matter was sampled by transverse and frontal planes of section from dorsal and ventral halves of the lateral funiculus of five spinal segments. Vessel profiles were classified as capillaries or larger vessels. GLD lesion was associated with an increase in capillary mean diameter. Vascular density, estimated by profiles per area, was compared in affected and control tissues. Capillary density was not significantly different, but the density of larger vessels was increased in proportion to the extent of GLD lesion. The increased density is presumed to be the result of lengthening or proliferation of vessels which had normal density prior to lesion formation.
Intrahepatic T cells in hepatitis B: viral control versus liver cell injury.

Clearance of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a noncytopathic double-stranded DNA virus, requires the coordinated response of innate and adaptive, humoral and cellular immune systems. In more than 90% of immunocompetent adults who become infected, this immune response is quite vigorous, resulting in
The syndromes of reduced sensitivity to thyroid hormone.

Background Six known steps are required for the circulating thyroid hormone (TH) to exert its action on target tissues. For three of these steps, human mutations and distinct phenotypes have been identified. Scope of review The clinical, laboratory, genetic and molecular characteristics of these three defects of TH action are the subject of this review. The first defect, recognized 45years ago, produces resistance to TH and carries the acronym, RTH. In the majority of cases it is caused by TH receptor β gene mutations. It has been found in over 3000 individuals belonging to approximately 1000 families. Two relatively novel syndromes presenting reduced sensitivity to TH involve membrane transport and metabolism of TH. One of them, caused by mutations in the TH cell-membrane transporter MCT8, produces severe psychomotor defects. It has been identified in more than 170 males from 90 families. A defect of the intracellular metabolism of TH in 10 individuals from 8 families is caused by mutations in the SECISBP2 gene required for the synthesis of selenoproteins, including TH deiodinases. Major conclusions Defects at different steps along the pathway leading to TH action at cellular level can manifest as reduced sensitivity to TH. General significance Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in TH action allows the recognition of the phenotypes caused by defects of TH action. Once previously known defects have been ruled out, new molecular defects could be sought, thus opening the avenue for novel insights in thyroid physiology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Thyroid hormone signaling.
High strain rate compression of closed-cell aluminium foams

Abstract The compressive deformation behavior of open- and closed-cell aluminum foams was assessed under static and dynamic loading conditions. High strain rate experiments were conducted in our laboratory using a split Hopkinson pressure bar system at strain rates ranging from 400 to 2500 s−1. A strain rate effect was demonstrated for Alporas, a closed-cell aluminum. foam. The strain-rate effect was more significant for a higher density (i.e. 15% relative density) Alporas foam and is attributed to the kinetics of gas flow through the cell structure. The experimental results are discussed in reference to recent findings by other investigators on the dynamic behavior of similar open- and closed-cell aluminum foams.
Scholarly activities--essential to surgical education.

Abstract Research and scholarship are an integral part of a surgical residency program. A concerted effort by a Director of Surgical Research and a Residency Program Director at the community hospital were successful in addressing this very important part of medical education. A questionnaire was designed and data gathered on the attitudes and involvement toward research activities of graduates over the past 6 years. Increased research and scholarly activity resulted from a requirement of completing 2 research projects on time for residents. Over the period of this study, the number of published full-length papers, number of resident names as authors, number of attending surgeon’s names as authors, and numbers of presentations made in-hospital, and at local, national, and international meetings all increased dramatically. Most strikingly, in 1996, there were 4 publications, whereas in 2000, there were 20. Presentations during this period included orals, posters, and videos. Each former resident did an average of about 3 research projects, of which just over 1 was published. Satisfaction with amount and quality of scholarship was over 70%. More than 85% of residents fulfilled the criteria for graduation, and more than 50% were satisfied with the requirement. On average, each graduate had 1 paper published since graduation. Seventy-five percent thought their scholarship had improved their career. It is essential in a community hospital residency program that resident surgeons be trained in the techniques of research and scholarship. In our program, research activity and scholarship have been dramatically improved over the past 6 years.
Myocardial oxygen consumption: the quest for its determinants and some clinical fallout

by E. H. Sonnenblick, J. Ross, Jr., E. Braunwald [(1)][1] INTRODUCTION In this edition of the Journal , we release the twelfth in a series of reviews of influential articles that have been previously published in ACC journals, including the American Journal of Cardiology (from 1958 to 1982) and
Androgen Receptors Are Similar in Fetal and Adult Rabbits

In an effort to explain the separate roles of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one) in virilizing the male fetus, we compared the binding of these androgens to cytosolic receptors from urogenital tract tissues of fetal and adult male rabbits. As measured by a direct binding assay, fetal and adult androgen receptors are similar in respect to specificity, affinity, and amount of binding. Apparent dissociation constants for dihydrotestosterone binding averaged 1.1 nM for fetal receptor and 0.8 nM for adult androgen receptors. Average apparent dissociation constants for testosterone binding were 4- to 24-fold higher than those for dihydrotestosterone in fetal and adult tissues. Nonradioactive dihydrotestosterone and testosterone competed for [3H]dihydrotestosterone binding to the androgen receptor in both adult prostate and fetal urogenital sinus in a manner consistent with their affinity for binding, whereas estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol were weak competitors for [3H]d...
Effects of alterations of prosodic features on the sequencing performance of aphasic children.

Eight aphasic and eight normal children were studied to determine whether alterations in prosodic features of auditory stimuli would enhance their sequencing ability. Five of the aphasic children h...
Analysis of a direct expansion solar assisted heat pump using different refrigerants

The thermal performance of a direct expansion solar assisted heat pump (DX-SAHP) is analyzed for several refrigerants using two collector configurations, namely a bare collector and a one cover collector. The REFPROP computer program, developed by the National Institute of Science and Technology, is employed to predict the refrigerant properties involved in the energy balance across the collector. The thermal performance, as characterized by the coefficient of performance (COP), is determined for a variety of pure refrigerants as well as refrigerant mixtures. The performance degradation due to switching from R-12 to pure hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants as well as refrigerant blends is investigated. A graphical procedure is developed and illustrated for several refrigerants for sizing the solar collector area and the heat pump compressor displacement capacity for the two collector configurations considered in this study.
Ultrafast Dispersive Transport in a-SiGe:H

Carrier dynamics in a-SiGe:H are studied using femtosecond optical techniques. The response reveals dispersive transport with a time-dependent mobility that varies systematically with temperature and with the degree of disorder in the material.
Growth factor action in neural crest cell diversification.

At the onset of their migration into the embryo, many neural crest cells are pluripotent in the sense that they have the capacity to generate progeny that consist of more than one cell type. More recently, we have found that there are pluripotent neural crest cell-derived cells even at sites of terminal differentiation. These findings support the notion that cues originating from the microenvironment, at least in part, direct neural crest cell type specification. Based on the rationale that growth factors that are known to support survival of neural crest cell derivatives may have additional functions in progenitor cell development, we have examined the action of pertinent growth factors. Trophic, mitogenic, antiproliferative and differentiation promoting activities were found. Stem cell factor (SCF) is trophic for pluripotent neural crest cells. Contrary to expectation, SCF plus a neurotrophin, rather than SCF alone, is trophic for committed melanogenic cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mitogenic both for pluripotent cells and committed melanogenic cells. However, the cells become dependent on another factor for survival. Whereas any neurotrophin tested can rescue bFGF-activated pluripotent neural crest cells, the factor that rescues melanogenic cells remains to be determined. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a powerful antimitotic signal for all neural crest cells that overrides the bFGF/neurotrophin proliferative signal. Furthermore, SCF promotes differentiation of neural crest cells into cells of the sensory neuron lineage. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) specifically promotes high affinity uptake of norepinephrine by neural crest cells and is thus thought to play a critical role in the differentiation of sympathetic neuroblasts. In summary, our data indicate that neurotrophins and other pertinent growth factors affect survival, proliferation and differentiation of neural crest cells at multiple levels and in different lineages. Moreover, our findings emphasise the importance of the concerted action of combinations of growth factors, rather than of individual factors.
Commentary: Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Abstract In this commentary, the author asks, can educators learn from being reminded of moments of poor judgment or inappropriate behavior in the history of medical education, or should these incidents not be revived and revisited? The question is posed in relation to the accompanying article in this issue by Halperin, which examines the publication of a medical textbook that featured pin-up style photos of women but not men. Both in the past and now, attitudes and behaviors can be found within medical education that have helped to sustain cultural misunderstanding and bias. It may be difficult to become aware of these attitudes and the ways they can infect teaching, thus detracting from good care of patients. A more recent example from the author’s experience is discussed, regarding physician bias toward treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Readers are reminded that medicine not only exists in the context of social mores and customs, but helps create them. Examining the past can help to cultivate awareness of such inappropriate bias and generate strategies for resistance.
Directional cell-to-cell communication in theArabidopsis root apical meristem II. Dynamics of plasmodesmatal formation

Cell development in the root apical meristem is thought to be regulated by position-dependent information, but as yet, the underlying mechanism for this remains unknown. In order to examine the potential involvement of the symplasmic transmission of positional signals, plasmodesmatal frequency and distribution was quantitatively analyzed in root apical meristem cell walls ofArabidopsis thaliana during root development. A consistent distribution pattern of plasmodesmata was observed in the root apex over four weeks. While cells within initial tiers were uniformly interconnected, more symplasmic connections between the initial tiers and their immature-cell (primary-meristem) derivatives were observed than within the initial tiers. Immature cells were connected across transverse walls by primary plasmodesmata according to a tissue-specific pattern. Cells of the immature vascular tissue and cortex had the highest plasmodesmatal frequencies, followed by the immature epidermis and root cap. Although the numbers of plasmodesmata in transverse walls (primary plasmodesmata) was reduced in all tissues as the root aged, the tissue-specific distribution remained constant. The extent of symplasmic coupling across the boundaries of each tissue appeared to be limited by fewer secondary plasmodesmata in longitudinal walls. The frequency of all plasmodesmata decreased as the root aged. The primary plasmodesmata within each tissue increased at one week and then dramatically decreased with root age; the frequency of secondary plasmodesmata in longitudinal walls also decreased, but more gradually. These findings are discussed with respect to the roles likely played by plasmodesmata in facilitating transport of position-dependent information during root development.
Brain POU-er.

Developmental coordination is vital in the temporally coordinated appearance of cell types within the precise spatial architecture of the vertebrate brain and this, combined with the rich interplay between the developing brain and its target organs, is a biological problem of monumental complexity. An example is the genesis and subsequent integration of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus and the pituitary. Two recent papers(1,2) use the developing hypothalamo-pituitary axis in order to gather a deeper understanding of these integrative mechanisms. In addition, they show that a sub-family of homeodomain factors, the POU-domain proteins, play a critical role in coordinating the respective ontogenies of the hypothalamus and the pituitary.
Synthesis, Isolation, and Characterization of Trisodium Tricarbonyliridate (3−), Na3[Ir(CO)3]. Initial Studies on Its Derivative Chemistry and Structural Characterizations of trans-[Ir(CO)3(EPh3)2]-, E = Ge, Sn, and trans-[Co(CO)3(SnPh3)2]- †,1

Reduction of Na[Ir(CO)4] by sodium metal in (Me2N)3PO, followed by treatment with liquid ammonia, provided high yields (ca. 90%) of unsolvated Na3[Ir(CO)3], a thermally stable, pyrophoric orange solid. This substance contains iridium in its lowest known formal oxidation state of -3 and has been characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and derivative chemistry, i.e., by its conversion to the triphenylgermyl and triphenylstannyl complexes, trans-[Ir(CO)3(EPh3)2](-), E = Ge, Sn. Single-crystal X-ray structures of the tetraethylammonium salts of these species, as well as [Co(CO)3(SnPh3)2](-), confirm the trigonal bipyramidal nature of the anions, originally predicted on the basis of their IR spectra in the carbonyl stretching frequency region. These structural characterizations provide important additional evidence for the presence of metal tricarbonyl units in Na3[M(CO)3], M = Co, Ir.
A Computer-Aided Cooling-Line Design System for Injection Molds

This paper presents a methodology for analyzing the heat-transfer process during the injection molding of plastics as an aid to mold design. A numerical scheme using the Boundary Element Method (BEM) with «zonal» approach has been developed to solve the quasi-steady temperature field and its normal derivative over the entire surface of the mold plates including the cavity wall as well as parting surface
Psychopharmacologic Treatment of Schizophrenia

The introduction of pharmacologic treatments for schizophrenia remains one of the major advances of twentieth century medicine. Despite the availability and efficacy of these compounds the treatment of schizophrenia continues to pose numerous challenges to clinicians, not only because of its prevalence, severity, and complexity, but also because its treatment requires an integration of a variety of different prospectives (eg, biological, psychological, and psychosocial).1 Other chapters in this book have reviewed data relating to phenomenologic, genetic, neuroanatomic, psychophysiologic, and psychosocial aspects of this illness, providing extensive documentation of both its complexity and its probable heterogeneity.
Applications of electrosurgery: radio frequency ablation of liver tumors.

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is an evolving technology that is under investigation for the treatment of a wide variety of tumors. Radio frequency ablation has been studied in the treatment of heart, breast, lung, adrenal, renal, brain, prostate, and bone tumors. But its largest area of application has been the treatment of liver tumors, and it is not far short of general clinical use. Radio frequency ablation holds particular promise for the treatment of liver tumors. Like cryosurgery, it offers the ability to precisely ablate the tumor while causing only minimal injury to the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. This is especially important in the liver, because surgical resection is quite often impossible, even for primary liver tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma can be treated with curative surgical resection in only 5% to 15% of newly diagnosed cases. The remainder have multifocal disease, tumor close to or invading significant vascular or biliary structures, or inadequate functional reserve due to coexistent cirrhosis. For these patients RFA offers a chance for destruction of the tumor without the resection of normal hepatic parenchyma seen with standard surgical resection. Radio frequency ablation has been studied in the treatment of metastatic liver tumors as well. Long-term survival benefit in 20% to 35% of patients undergoing resection of isolated liver metastasis has been demonstrated with standard surgical resection. Unfortunately, only 10% to 15% of patients with metastatic liver tumors are candidates for resection. Tumors may be unresectable due to bilobar disease, more than 4 metastases, or proximity to major vascular or biliary structures. Radio frequency ablation may allow for destruction of otherwise inoperable tumors.
Rapid evaluation processes for candidate CO and HC sensor materials; examination of SnO2, Co3O4, and CuxMn3−xO4 (1 < x ≤ 1.5)

Abstract To overcome the difficulty in determining which new metal-oxide materials may be useful as carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon sensors, a rapid evaluation process using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been developed. Three basic response modes, absorptive, electrochemical, and thermistor, are herein described for metal-oxide materials. Data from the evaluation experiments can provide evidence that one or more of these response modes is active for a given material. For illustration, the well-known sensor material SnO2 has been examined, along with Co3O4 and a new sensor candidate, CuxMn3−xO4 (1
Lanthanum energetics in cubic ZrO2 and UO2 from DFT and DFT + U studies

Abstract Lanthanum (La) is a fission product prevalent in spent nuclear fuel. Density funtional theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine the incorporation and solution energies of La in cubic ZrO 2 . Based on the results of this study, the zirconium vacancy site is predicted to be the most stable incorporation site for La. This can be understood based on Coulombic considerations. Using DFT + U calculations in combination with a point defect model, we also examined La incorporation and solution energies as a function of stoichiometry in UO 2± x . Comparing these two sets of results, we find that both La incorporation and solution energies in UO 2± x are higher than in cubic ZrO 2 . Our calculations suggest that, thermodynamically, the fission product La should prefer to reside in the inert matrix phase, i.e., cubic ZrO 2 , instead of in the fissile phase, UO 2 .
School Safety: Real or Imagined Fear?.

The image of schooling tends to be benign, lulling parents and guardians into an assumption of safety for at least 6 hours each weekday. The complement to safety as an imagined state of schooling c...
Controlling single-wall nanotube diameters with variation in laser pulse power

Abstract We demonstrate that laser peak pulse power can be employed to tune carbon single wall nanotube (SWNT) diameters. The production of SWNTs was investigated at room temperature and at 1200°C. The diameters were shifted to smaller sizes in both cases as the pulse power was increased. SWNT size distributions and yields were studied with Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The evolution of the material quality with laser energy parameters offers insight in to SWNT formation mechanisms. These studies should aid in the development of methods for the rational control of SWNT growth.
Potentiodynamic Behavior of α Brass in 1 M Na2SO4 Solution

Abstract The potentiodynamic response of α brass (30% Zn) in 1 M Na2SO4 solution has been investigated by applying different E/t perturbation programs. The experimental results display two well-defined potential regions. Selective dissolution of zinc is produced in the first one; whereas both components of the alloy dissolve simultaneously in the second. The double anodic current peak found in the first region is interpreted assuming at least two different reaction pathways for zinc dissolution, including the participation of insoluble species at the electrode surface. These species may undergo aging processes. The proposed reaction scheme is consistent with the experimental parameter values that were deduced from the potentiodynamic E/i curves in the first potential region.
Anaerobic–aerobic treatment of halogenated phenolic compounds

Abstract 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) was successfully and completely degraded in a two-stage anaerobic–aerobic biological process in which the initial step was conducted anaerobically, resulting in the reductive dechlorination of the target compound to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and then 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). Stoichiometric conversion of 2,4,6-TCP to 4-CP was achieved. The latter compound was then attacked and completely degraded aerobically in a second stage. The effects of parameters such as temperature and pH were determined for individual components of the process. The process was studied in serum bottles and shake flasks, and in anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors operating in both batch and continuous modes. A sequential anaerobic–aerobic bioreactor system was assembled, in which complete 2,4,6-TCP degradation was achieved. A mathematical model was developed to describe both anaerobic and aerobic processes, and the complete system. The model assumed that 2,4,6-TCP and 2,4-TCP could be anaerobically attacked according to a sequential irreversible reductive dechlorination reaction scheme based on Michaelis–Menten kinetics. A similar model was used to quantify aerobic degradation. The kinetic parameters for each step were obtained in independent batch experiments with suspended cultures, and were internally consistent. The model was able to predict the experimental results, which lends validity to the postulated kinetics mechanism.
Assessing Competitiveness After Conflict: The Case of the Central African Republic

This paper assesses competitiveness in the case of the Central African Republic, a post-conflict country. The paper presents several conventional techniques for assessing competitiveness, namely the real exchange rate and recent trade performance. Several other measures are considered, in particular transport costs and governance measures, which may be more effective in capturing the obstacles to competitiveness posed by the poor security environment and weak institutions common to many post-conflict situations. The real exchange measure and trade measures suggest some mild erosion of competitiveness in recent years, while the other measures indicate that the competitiveness challenges faced by the Central African Republic are much deeper.
Endothelial targeting of liposomes encapsulating SOD/Catalase mimetic EUK-134 alleviates acute pulmonary inflammation

Production of excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vascular endothelium is a common pathogenic pathway in many dangerous conditions, including acute lung injury, ischemia-reperfusion, and inflammation. Ineffective delivery of antioxidants to the endothelium limits their utility for management of these conditions. In this study, we devised a novel translational antioxidant intervention targeted to the vascular endothelium using PEG-liposomes loaded with EUK-134 (EUK), a potent superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic. EUK loaded into antibody-coated liposomes (size 197.8±4.5 nm diameter, PDI 0.179±0.066) exerted partial activity in the intact carrier, while full activity was recovered upon liposome disruption. For targeting we used antibodies (Abs) to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1). Both streptavidin-biotin and SATA/SMCC conjugation chemistries provided binding of 125-150 Ab molecules per liposome. Ab/EUK/liposomes, but not IgG/EUK/liposomes: i) bound to endothelial cells and inhibited cytokine-induced inflammatory activation in vitro; and, ii) accumulated in lungs after intravascular injection, providing >60% protection against pulmonary edema in endotoxin-challenged mice (vs <6% protection afforded by IgG/liposome/EUK counterpart). Since the design elements of this drug delivery system are already in clinical use (PEG-liposomes, antibodies, SATA/SMCC conjugation), it is an attractive candidate for translational interventions using antioxidant molecules such as EUK and other clinically acceptable drugs.
Stereotypes and social judgment: The consequences of group variability.

The present investigation examined the effects of group variability on judgments of single group members. Male and female participants formed impressions of a group of 50 men or women on the basis of their performance on a test of perceptual-motor skills. The variability of group performance varied across conditions. Participants then made speeded typicality judgments and ability ratings of several «new» group members whose performance varied in its discrepancy from the group. Compared with participants in the high variability condition, participants in the low variability condition were (a) more likely to judge discrepant group members as atypical and (b) faster to assess their atypicality. This latter effect decreased the probability that participants in the low variability condition used the group as a basis for judging atypical group members
Effects of epinephrine and of alteration in glandular blood flow upon thyroid function: studies using thyroid vein cannulation in dogs.

The effects of systemically infused epinephrine were studied by the thyroid vein cannulation technique in dogs whose thyroid iodine stores had been prelabeled with 131I. Epinephrine resulted in great reduction of thyroid blood flow and simultaneous comparable increase in thyroid veno-arterial plasma concentration difference (V-A) for PB131I; as a consequence, the thyroid secretion rate of hormonal iodine was relatively unchanged from control values, and in no case was secretion rate increased during infusion. The V-A for radioiodide derived from intraglandular deiodination also increased under these conditions, but,as in the case of hormonal iodine, release rate per min did not increase. Reduction of thyroid blood flow ininduced by controlled hemorrhage produced changes similar to epinephrine, i.e., increased V-A for both PB131I and mI-iodide generated in the gland, without great change in their release rate per min. Studies of glandular clearance of circulating iodide (125I) under these conditions reveal...
A hybrid ray tracer for rendering polygon and volume data

Volume rendering, a technique for visualizing sampled functions of three spatial dimensions by computing 2-D projections of a colored semitransparent volume, is extended to handle polygonally defined objects. A hybrid ray-tracing algorithm, whereby rays are simultaneously cast through a set of polygons and a volume data array, is used. Samples of each are drawn at equally spaced intervals along the rays, and the resulting colors and opacities are composited together in depth-sorted order. To avoid aliasing of polygonal edges at modest computational expense, a form of selective supersampling is used. To avoid errors in visibility at polygon-volume intersections, special treatment is given to volume samples lying immediately in front of and behind polygons. The cost, image quality, and versatility of the algorithm are evaluated using data from 3-D medical imaging applications. >
Social Interaction and Urban Space

Abstract Man, the social animal, has organized his cities for particular social objectives. His urban social communications take place within a spatially and socially restrictive network of interpersonal information contact. Viewed in this sense, cities exist to facilitate the social communications or interactions of their population. At the same time, however, diverse social goals and group frictions create barriers to smooth flows of information among urban dwellers. This paper introduces the theme of urban social interaction, outlines the structure of social ties in cities, and surveys two major urban problems relating explicitly to social interaction in the city. The approach here is to bring geographical concepts and knowledge to bear on problems of social interaction in urban space. It is hoped that greater insight by teachers and students into the social problems of cities is achieved by an improved understanding of the geography of social communications.
Synthesis of tritiated rat insulin with high specific activity: A method for radiolabeling the active site of insulin

Abstract Insulin was synthesized by rat islets from tritiated amino acids under conditions designed to achieve high specific activity. Islets were isolated by the collagenase method. Stores of unlabeled insulin were depleted by culturing them for 40 hours in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The islets were then incubated for 22 hours in the presence of [3H]Isoleucine or [3H]Phenylalanine. These amino acids were chosen because they are specific markers from the A and B chains of insulin respectively. Labeled insulin was extracted from the islets and purified by gel filtration. Its biological activity was indistinguishable from monoiodinated insulin as assessed by binding to receptors on cultured human lymphocytes and by precipitation by anti-insulin antibodies. The specific activity was (18 Ci/mmole) and (37 Ci/mmole) for [3H]Ile and [3H]Phe insulin respectively.
Transplant coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Background Transplant coronary artery disease (TxCAD) contributes to a large percentage of late morbidity and mortality among adult heart transplant recipients. Intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) is a sensitive tool in the diagnosis of TxCAD in adult patients and has allowed analysis of factors contributing to disease development. Experience with ICUS in pediatrics, however, has been limited. By using ICUS we sought to determine the overall prevalence of TxCAD in pediatrics and to characterize factors associated with its development in this population. Methods Eighty-six studies were performed in 51 pediatric patients a median of 3.4 years after heart transplantation. Evaluation included angiography and ICUS in 83 and angiography alone in 3 studies. Donor and recipient characteristics were obtained. The ICUS images were analyzed for intimal thickening and compared with coronary angiograms. The presence of any intimal thickening on ICUS was considered TxCAD. An intimal index and point of maximal intimal thickening (MIT) were measured. Vessel disease was graded 0 to 4 based on these results. Results Four patients had evidence of vasculopathy by angiography, whereas 32 patients (63%) had evidence of intimal proliferation by ICUS. Grade 2 or greater disease was present in 19 (37%) patients. A positive correlation was found when comparing time from transplant with intimal index and MIT (p < 0.001). No other factors were found to predict the development of disease. The overall prevalence of disease was 74% in patients studied at least 5 years after transplant. Conclusions Intracoronary ultrasound can be performed safely in pediatric patients. Transplant coronary artery disease is common in infants and children after heart transplantation, although its prevalence appears to be less than in adult recipients at similar time intervals. We found no factor other than time from transplant was associated with development of disease.
A frequency relaxation approach for analog/RF system-level simulation

The increasing complexity of today's mixed-signal integrated circuits necessitates both top-down and bottom-up system-level verification. Time-domain state-space modeling and simulation approaches have been successfully applied for such purposes (e.g. Simulink); however, analog circuits are often best analyzed in the frequency domain. Circuit-level analyses, such as harmonic balance, have been successfully extended to the frequency domain [2], but these algorithms are impractical for simulating large systems with wide-band input and noise signals. In this paper we proposed a frequency-domain approach for analog/RF system-level simulation that is capable of capturing various second order effects (e.g. nonlinearity, noise, etc.) for both time-invariant and time-varying systems with wide-band inputs. The simulator directly evaluates the frequency domain response at each node via a relaxation scheme that is proven to be convergent under typical circuit conditions. Our experimental results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed simulator under various wide-band input and noise excitations.
Characterizing normal and abnormal cardiac echo motion patterns

The Information about cardiac mechanical performance is of critical importance in understanding the etiology of heart diseases. However, little work has been done to date, to understand the relationship of cardiovascular diseases to the global cardiac motion patterns. In this paper we address the problem of distinguishing between normal and abnormal motion patterns in cardiac echo videos. Specifically, we describe the overall motion of the heart using average velocity curves. We then detect characteristic patterns in these curves that help distinguish normal from abnormal motion. The motion patterns observed in normal and abnormal groups using the extracted features are found to be easily separable.
Ohio pharmacy students’ knowledge of folic acid and neural tube defects

To evaluate Ohio pharmacy students’ knowledge about folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), a 15-item multiple-choice survey was sent electronically to pharmacy students in their final year of study at all accredited pharmacy programs in the state. The survey, previously utilized to assess knowledge of folic acid in non-pharmacist health care provider groups, was adapted with permission from researchers at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the March of Dimes. The cover letter did not disclose the topic of the survey. The survey was completed anonymously. A link at the conclusion of the survey directed students to the CDC website for further information about folic acid. In total, 147 pharmacy students completed the survey. Nearly 99% of survey respondents knew that folic acid can prevent birth defects, and of those, 86% could correctly specify NTDs. However, students were not able to consistently identify food sources, recommended doses, or timing of folic acid intake to prevent NTDs. Sources of information about folic acid included didactic (86%) and experiential (44%) education. Among this sample of pharmacy students, most were aware of folic acid for prevention of NTDs. However, some gaps in knowledge remain. More robust evaluations of pharmacy students’ knowledge of folic acid and NTDs should be performed and educational interventions implemented as needed. Pharmacy educators must ensure students receive information necessary to promote prevention and improve public health.
SHOULD THE PUBLIC SECTOR CONDUCT GENOMICS RD

The nature of the observed market structure and R&D competition in genomics research is used as the basis for a comparative analysis of research under a mixed oligopoly, pure oligopoly and monopoly when the timing of the innovation outcome is uncertain (as in an R&D race), the winner-take-all assumption is relaxed and the profits in later stages are a function of the R&D expenditures of prior stages. The sufficient conditions under which a mixed oligopoly performs more R&D than the pure oligopoly and monopoly markets are derived and are shown to be a function of a) that public firm's objective is strictly greater than in the winning state then in the losing state, b) profits for the winning and losing private firms in the private duopoly are equal, post innovation, and c) the objective function of the firms in the mixed duopoly are increasing in research faster than they are for firms in the other two cases. It is suggested that when these conditions are met, the public firm can play a role in increasing the level of research in genomics.
Analysis of dichloroacetic acid in rat blood and tissues by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is a compound found in chlorinated drinking water. In addition, the compound is a metabolite of several halogenated solvents, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). Exposure to DCA is of concern because high doses of the compound have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Dosages of TCE administered to animals in cancer studies are designed to elicit maximal DCA formation in vivo, whereas levels of DCA to which individuals are exposed in drinking water are very low. Analysis of DCA in biological samples has been quite challenging. Derivatizing reagents commonly used to convert DCA into a more volatile form for analysis by gas chromatography (GC) have been found to convert trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a major metabolite of TCE and PCE, into DCA. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis does not require derivatization of DCA and can thus avoid this problem. However, the most popular stationary phases in HPLC columns do not retain small, polar compounds such as DCA well. The liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method described in this paper uses hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), a type of chromatography that is able to retain these small, polar compounds. Method validation was performed using the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and International Conference on Harmonziation (ICH) Guidance for Industry: Bioanalytical Method Validation as a guide. Levels of DCA found in rats dosed with 2 g/kg TCE were 17.2 ng/mL (liver), 262.4 ng/mL (kidney), 175.1 ng/mL (lung), and 39.5 ng/mL (blood).
Intestinal Permeability in Runners in the 1996 Chicago Marathon

Abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and GI bleeding are often reported in long-distance runners. This study set out to determine the effects of prolonged (2-4 hrs) exercise and NSAID ingestion on gastric and intestinal permeability during the first 5 hrs following the 1996 Chicago Marathon. Thirty-four healthy volunteers (20 M, 14 F; ages 30-50) completed the race and ingested the test solution (5 g sucrose, 5 g lactulose, 2 g rhamnose, in 40 ml water) within 10-15 min. The urinary excretion ratio of lactulose/rhamnose was used to assess small intestine permeability; sucrose excretion was used to evaluate gastric impairment. There were no significant differences for mean training mileage, postrace rectal temperature, and percent dehydration between runners who ingested NSAIDs and those who did not. In all, 75% of subjects reported aspirin or ibuprofen ingestion before or during the race. Runners who ingested ibuprofen had significant elevations in urinary lactulose excretion and lactulose/rhamnose ratio, whereas those who ingested aspirin or who did not ingest either NSAID had no significant differences in urinary excretion of lactulose, rhamnose, sucrose, or lactulose/rhamnose ratio compared to resting controls. Thirteen of the 26 NSAID users and 4 of the 8 non-users reported GI symptoms. It is concluded that (a) ibuprofen but not aspirin ingestion during prolonged exercise may increase gastrointestinal permeability and lead to GI symptoms, and (b) prolonged exercise alone can produce GI symptoms.