cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NATURALLY-OCCURRING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO TOBACCO INSECTS

The role of biotic agents (parasites, predators, and pathogens) in the natural control of insect populations tends to be greater and more complex in geographical areas where climatic and edaphic factors favor a diverse and productive flora and fauna. The eastern United States generally is such an area. The southeastern states, in particular, are characterized by a wide diversity of biotic communities, and the agro-ecosystems are comprised of a very complex pattern of cultivated and fallow fields of various shapes and dimensions, many streams, ponds, lakes, and marshes, and an abundance of mixed woodlands. The Insecta permeates this rich biotic matrix, forming an integral part of the intricate food chains and webs involved. A hundred or so of these insects are pests, but the vast majority are essential to man’s welfare. Among the latter are thousands of species of parasites and predators.
Chapter 11 – Influence of the Environment on Mammalian Regeneration

This chapter examines examples of environmental influences on mammalian regeneration. One of the most important influences is the microenvironment, which includes the various components of the extracellular matrix, ranging from basal laminae to the entire noncellular substrate of a connective tissue. The cellular and tissue environment can also play a vital role in mammalian regenerative processes. This can range from general interactions between the microvasculature and precursor cells of regeneration, to influences of local inflammatory cells, to the specific trophic interactions between axonal endings and regenerating muscle fibers. All cells interact with some form of substrate, which in the broadest context includes not only extracellular matrix but other cells as well. For certain types of regeneration, such as nerve and muscle fibers, the critical substrate consists largely of existing extracellular matrix belonging to the original damaged tissue. One way of testing the importance of electrical fields in regeneration is by changing the environment that produces the fields. By blocking sodium channels with substances such as amiloride, both the healing of corneal epithelial wounds and amphibian limb regeneration can be inhibited.
Bidding behavior in experimental auctions with positive and negative values

Abstract We test for consistency between bids from endowment auctions that allow positive or negative bids for an exchange between two items, and bids from prior full bidding auctions for the same items. Results suggest that positive WTP bids in the endowment auction are demand revealing but subjects overbid (in absolute value) their negative WTA values. WTA bids were lower in a random n th price auction than in a 5th price auction.
Physical and Functional Interactions of the E. coli Monothiol Glutaredoxin GrxD Suggest a Role in FeS Apoprotein Maturation (LB132)

The biosynthesis of iron sulfur (FeS) clusters is a highly coordinated process enabled by multi-protein systems such as Isc and Suf in E. coli. Additional accessory factors including the monothiol glutaredoxin, GrxD, are located outside of these defined systems. GrxD has been proposed to function as a shuttle protein acting to transfer FeS clusters between scaffold and carrier proteins, although specific functional role remain unknown. We have previously linked GrxD in FeS client protein interactions with the radical SAM enzyme MiaB. To address these different hypotheses, we conducted an extensive survey for physical interaction of GrxD with a comprehensive set of FeS cluster biosynthesis factors including cysteine desulfurase components (IscS, SufSE), FeS scaffold (IscU, SufBC2D) , carrier proteins (IscA SufA, ErpA, NfuA), HscA, HscB and various FeS apoproteins. We have employed various methods, including affinity co-purification, analytical gel filtration and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to obtain in...
Silencing the ap65 gene reduces adherence to vaginal epithelial cells by Trichomonas vaginalis

Host parasitism by Trichomonas vaginalis is complex and in part mediated by adherence to vaginal epithelial cells (VECs). Four trichomonad surface proteins bind VECs as adhesins, and AP65 is a major adhesin with sequence identity to an enzyme of the hydrogenosome organelle that is involved in energy generation. In order to perform genetic analysis and assess the role of AP65 in T. vaginalis adherence, we silenced expression of ap65 using antisense RNA. The gene for ap65 was inserted into the vector pBS-neo in sense and antisense orientations to generate plasmids pBS-neoS (S) and pBS-neoAS (AS), respectively. Trichomonads were then transfected with S and AS plasmids for selection of stable transfectants using Geneticin, and the presence of plasmid in transfectants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction of the neo gene. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis showed decreased amounts of ap65 transcript in AS transfected parasites. Growth kinetics of the antisense-transfected and wild type organisms were similar, suggesting that silencing AP65 did not affect overall energy generation for growth. Immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibody (mAb) to AP65 of AS transfectants showed decreased amounts of AP65 when compared to wild type or S transfectants. Not unexpectedly, this corresponded to decreased amounts of AP65 bound to VECs in a functional ligand assay. Reduction in parasite surface expression of AP65 was related to lower levels of adherence to VECs by AS-transfectants compared to control organisms. Antisense silencing of ap65 was not alleviated by growth of trichomonads in high iron, which up-regulates transcription of ap65. Our work reaffirms the role for AP65 as an adhesin, and in addition, we demonstrate antisense RNA gene silencing in T. vaginalis to study the contribution of specific genes in pathogenesis.
Sex differences in mortality rates among long-stay psychiatric inpatients

Study of the sex ratio of mortality rates among three categories of long-term psychiatric inpatients suggests a trend toward equalization of death rates between the sexes by specific cause of death, given the constant inpatient environment. The most dramatic example of this equalization was the virtual parity of death rates for ischemic heart disease among younger schizophrenic patients of both sexes in contrast to a three- to fourfold male excess in the general population. An exception to this equalization was seen for neoplasm deaths, which showed a female excess in all three patient groups in contrast to the male excess seen in the general population. Further study of chronically hospitalized psychiatric patients seems indicated to delineate patterns of death associated with biologic variation in a relatively constant environment.
PET Imaging of Skull Base Neoplasms

The utility of 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT for the evaluation of skull base tumors is incompletely investigated, as a limited number of studies specifically focus on this region with regard to PET imaging. Several patterns can be ascertained, however, by synthesizing the data from various published reports and cases of primary skull base malignancies, as well as head and neck malignancies that extend secondarily to the skull base, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors, parotid cancers, and orbital tumors.
A study on the use of adaptive control for energy conservation in large solar heated and cooled buildings

The National Security and Resources Study Center at LASL provides the basis for a general model used in this simulation. The NSRSC is a 59,000 ft/sup 2/ library and conference facility. A simplified model of the solar heating system is used. The adaptive optimal control technique is described and applied and the results are discussed. (MHR)
Pressure enhancement of negative thermal expansion behavior and induced framework softening in zinc cyanide.

The pressure-dependent structure and functionality of the coordination framework material zinc cyanide, Zn(CN)2, has been explored using in situ neutron powder diffraction. A third-order Birch−Murnaghan equation of state fit to variable pressure (0−0.6 GPa) data collected at ambient temperature (K0 = 34.19(21) GPa, K0‘ = −6.0(7)) shows that, contrary to behavior observed for typical materials, the Zn(CN)2 framework becomes more compressible at higher pressures. Variable temperature (50−300 K) data collected at 0.2 and 0.4 GPa indicate that the negative thermal expansion effect in Zn(CN)2 becomes more pronounced at pressure with the coefficient of thermal expansion (α = dT/&#x1d4c1;d&#x1d4c1;) varying by ca. −1 × 10-6 K-1 per 0.2 GPa applied pressure up to an average (50−300 K) value of −19.42(23) × 10-6 K-1 at 0.4 GPa. Both these unusual phenomena have been linked to increased framework flexibility at high pressure.
Examining equity in newspaper photographs: a content analysis of the print media photographic coverage of interscholastic athletics.

Sport has long been considered the generic preserve of males. Because of hegemonic masculinity, females have encountered myriad obstacles in their quest to participate in and receive the benefits f...
Psychological states in HIV disease and the nursing response

The authors review the four major psychological states of HIV infection as described by Nichols (1985) and adapt these manifestations for use by the nurse in the clinical setting. The states and their likely impacts are described. The diagnostic tools for recognizing the states, assessment questions that help establish the patient's psychological state, and nursing interventions are included.
Multi level huffman test data compression with multiple scan chain method

The present paper focuses on the compression system using Huffman compression algorithm for data compression. The rate of data decompression is more time consuming during the decoding of these compressed data. Various works have proposed for the enhancement of compressed data decoding. In this paper the realization and implementation of a High speed decoding Huffman coding system is proposed and the proposed architecture shows an improvement with respect to the speed of decoding operation based on multiple scan method and multi level decoder partitioning concept. As a apart of the above work the existing Huffman coding system is also implemented and its performance in terms of speed and area are compared with the proposed work.
Detection of a novel human class II HLA antigen

Genetic, molecular and cellular analyses of the HLA-D region of the major histocompatability complex (MHC) in man have led to the definition of three different products. Two of these, DR and MB (the latter also known as DC (ref. 1) and LB-E (ref. 2)) are defined with serological reagents; the third, known as SB (ref. 3) and PL-3 (ref. 4) is defined with primed lymphocyte typing (PLT) cells. The classical features attributed to HLA-D region encoded (class II) molecules are that they are cell-surface dimers consisting of a structurally conserved alpha-chain noncovalently associated with a polymorphic beta-chain and that they are found primarily on B lymphocytes, some monocyte populations, endothelial and certain other cells. Using these criteria a monoclonal antibody, B7/21, was described as reactive with HLA-DR (ref. 7). We have now re-evaluated B7/21 antibody reactivity using mutant lymphoblastoid cell lines. It appears that this antibody does not react with the molecularly defined D region products described to date but instead, recognizes a class II antigen with distinctive molecular characteristics. We provisionally refer to this antigen as FA.
Iatrogenic Cardiovascular Complications: Part I. Semi‐Noninvasive Procedures and Diagnostic Invasive Procedures

This article reviews cardiac and noncardiac complications encountered with various procedures used in cardiology practice. Some of the common complications associated with transesophageal echocardiography are hypoxia, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and brady- or tachyarrhythmias. Death is a rare complication. The overall prevalence of complications associated with external cardioversion is low. Major complications include death, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, systemic embolism, and cerebral embolism. The main indication for endomyocardial biopsy at present is to assess cardiac transplant rejection. Complications occurring most frequently are carotid artery puncture, arrhythmias, and conduction abnormalities. The most commonly occurring complications of electrophysiological studies are pneumothorax, venous thrombosis, and hypotension. Cardiac catheterization is an invaluable procedure in the assessment of patients with ischemic heart disease. Major complications include vascular complications, arrhythmias, complications due to contrast agents, and death. Central venous catheterization is used to deliver medication and parenteral nutrition and also in the hemodynamic monitoring of patients. Local infection, sepsis, noninfectious phlebitis, and catheter dislodgment are some of the more commonly occurring associated complications. Swan-Ganz catheters are indicated for the hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients. Major associated complications include pneumothorax, arterial puncture, air embolism, tracheal and esophageal puncture, arrhythmias, valvular damage, infection, thrombosis, and pulmonary infarction. The use of intra-aortic balloon pumps can be complicated by ischemia, bleeding, intraaortic balloon pump rupture, vascular complications (mainly limb ischemia), and death. Some of the common underlying mechanisms responsible for complications during interventional procedures are abrupt closure, noreflow phenomenon, coronary artery spasm, distal embolization, and side branch occlusion. The use of abciximab may be associated with an increased risk of major bleeding. Acute profound thrombocytopenia is another potential complication associated with abciximab use. Heparin usage may be associated with bleeding, thrombocytopenia, skin necrosis, osteoporosis and hypersensitivity reactions. Some of the more common complications of thrombolytic therapy are bleeding, myocardial rupture, hypotension, allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, thromboembolic complications, reperfusion arrhythmias, and splenic rupture.
The Minnesota diabetes complications clinical trial. The first three years.

A prospective and randomized clinical trial of an inception cohort of diabetic kidney recipients to test the hypothesis that maximized metabolic control of diabetes prevents or delays diabetic nephropathy in the renal allografts was initiated approximately three years ago. Notwithstanding the fact that all our diabetic patients were on prednisone and therefore metabolically unstable, we achieved and maintained a clear difference between the standard control (group A) and the maximized control patients (group B). At 13 months of study, the mean fasting blood glucose mg% (A: 242±22, B: 130±9, p<0.001), nonfasting blood glucose (A: 276±40, B: 135±10, p<0.001), 24 hour urine glucose (A: 85±16, B: 5±1, p<0.001), and glycosylated hemoglobin % (A: 13±0.9, B: 10±0.8, p<0.01) were all clearly and statistically significantly higher for the group A patients. These results show the feasibility of such a trial using the tools available today to treat diabetes.
Influence of sputtering conditions on H content and SiH bonding in aSi: H alloys☆

Abstract The influence of sputtering conditions on H concentration and SiH bonding has been determined for the case of diode reactive sputtering of Si in ArH mixtures, and a simple model for SiH reaction kinetics has been developed. H content and SiH bonding can be varied and controlled over wide ranges by appropriate selection of sputtering conditions. SiH reaction kinetics are found to be governed primarily by deposition rate (reaction time), H partial pressure (H availability) and possibiy substrate temperature (mobility of Si and H on the surface of the growing film). H concentration increases with decreasing deposition rate and increasing H partial pressure. SiH bonding increases with increasing deposition rate and decreasing H partial pressure. Polymerization of H and Si (SiH 2 , SiH 3 ) occurs for lowest deposition rates and highest H partial pressures. Polymerization reactions are enhanced in films deposited at very high target power densities. The high power density causes substrate temperature to be higher than expected, and the enhanced polymerization may be due to increased Si and H surface mobility at the elevated temperatures.
Can imageability help us draw the line between storage and composition

Language requires both storage and composition. However, exactly what is retrieved from memory and what is assembled remains controversial, especially for inflected words. Here, "imageability effects" is introduced as a new diagnostic of storage and a complement to frequency effects. In 2 studies of past-tense morphology, more reliable imageability and frequency effects were found on irregulars than on regulars. An interaction with sex was also observed: Males but not females showed more reliable frequency and imageability effects for irregulars than for regulars; females but not males showed signs of storage for regulars, particularly among higher frequency forms. Overall, the findings validate imageability effects as another diagnostic of storage and suggest that the line between storage and computation is not a simple function; rather, it depends upon the interplay of both item- and subject-specific factors.
On-orbit repair of satellites using fastener capture plates to eliminate debris

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Mission - 4 (SM-4) presented many unique challenges to the on-orbit crew as well as the engineers responsible for designing the tools and procedures that the crew would utilize during their 5 spacewalks, or Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) For the first time, on-orbit, in-situ repairs of instruments were performed.1 2 These repairs replaced electronic boards that were sub-components of the overall instruments. Previous to SM-4, a problem with an instrument dictated that the entire instrument would be swapped with a replacement instrument, at a substantial cost. For the SM-4 mission, there were two different instruments that each required removal and replacement of electronic boards that were contained deep within their structural enclosures. One was the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrometer (STIS) and the other was the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS). In order to access these boards for removal and replacement, access panels were carefully removed and captured. In order to remove these panels, it meant first removing 32 (ACS), and 111 (STIS) fasteners of various type (hex, socket-head cap screw, torq-set, etc.) and size ( number 4, 6, 8, etc.). The unique Fastener Capture Plates (FCP) for each instrument repair made it possible for the crew to remove and capture all these fasteners, as well as capturing the access panel, in a safe and controlled manner.
Loop catheter extraction ofureteral stones: A re-evaluation

Loop catheter extraction of ureteral stones has been used consistently by our group for over thirty years. Stones of up to 1.5 cm in largest dimension can be removed by this method, and for stones of any size there is less trauma to the ureter than with basket extraction. A representative five-year experience is presented in dealing with 264 ureteral stones, 58 of which were managed by loop extraction.
‘Il nostro Duce’: Mussolini's visit to Trieste in 1938 and the workings of the cult of the Duce

On September 18, 1938, Benito Mussolini disembarked in the port city of Trieste to begin a seven-day visit of the Tre Venezie. The tour was in keeping with Mussolini's policy of andare verso il popolo which involved periodic visits to Italy's regions. It was also an opportunity to impose the cult of the Duce on a frontier region which had, since the 1920s, been the site of harsh anti-Slav policies designed to Italianize the Venezia-Giulia region. This article examines the workings of the cult in Trieste where the regime was anxious to demonstrate that it was present in a city that had felt neglected by Rome. Often viewed as a top-down enterprise, this article will explore how the cult of the Duce relied significantly on local dynamics and spaces.
The burden of peripheral artery disease and the role of antiplatelet therapy.

AbstractAlong with coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is primarily caused by atherosclerosis. In fact, PAD is a marker of advanced atherosclerotic disease, as evidenced from several studies that suggest approximately 60% of patients with PAD have polyvascular disease or manifestations of atherosclerosis in the coronary or cerebrovascular territories as well. However, despite a PAD prevalence that is > 15% in patients with cardiovascular risk factors aged 60 to 69 years and > 35% in patients aged 70 to 82 years, there is a lack of disease awareness on the part of both physicians and patients. This lack of awareness most likely contributes to the high cardiovascular risk associated with a diagnosis of PAD. For example, in the Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry, patients with PAD experienced the highest rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization for atherothrombotic ev...
Characterization of the initial enzymatic steps of barbamide biosynthesis.

Barbamide is a mixed polypeptide-polyketide natural product that contains an unusual trichloromethyl group. The origin of the trichloromethyl group was previously shown to be through chlorination of the pro-R methyl group of L-leucine. Trichloroleucine is subsequently decarboxylated and oxidized to trichloroisovaleric acid and then extended with an acetate unit to form the initial seven carbons of barbamide. In this study we used a combination of biosynthetic feeding experiments and enzymatic analysis to characterize the initial steps required for formation of trichloroleucine and its chain-shortened product, trichloroisovaleric acid. Results from isotope-labeled feeding experiments showed that both dichloroleucine and trichloroleucine are readily incorporated into barbamide; however, monochloroleucine is not. This suggests that halogenation of the pro-R methyl group of leucine occurs as two discrete reactions, with the first involving incorporation of at least two halogen atoms and the second converting dichloroleucine to trichloroleucine. Additionally, the initial tandem dichlorination must occur before substrate can be further processed by the remaining bar pathway enzymes. In vitro analysis of the first five open reading frames (ORFs; barA, barB1, barB2, bar C, barD) of the barbamide gene cluster has yielded new insights into the processing of leucine to form the trichloroisovalerylderived unit in the final product.
Ethanol Effects on Cultured Embryonic Hippocampal Neuronal Calcium Homeostasis Are Altered by Nerve Growth Factor

The neurotoxic effect of acute ethanol treatment (AET) may lead to an alteration in the regulation of calcium (Ca 2+ ) homeostasis in hippocampal neurons. Ca 2+ homeostasis could be affected by AET when neurons are at rest or after depolarizing activity during synaptic transmission. It has been shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) can ameloriate some types of neurotoxicity by stabilizing Ca 2+ homeostasis. Previously, we observed that ethanol (EtOH) changed unstimulated (basal) and potassium (K + )-stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in embryonic septohippocampal neurons (Webb et al., Brain Res. 729:176-189,1996). The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of NGF and EtOH on neuronal Ca 2+ homeostasis in cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons. The hypotheses tested were the following: EtOH alters Ca 2+ homeostasis in hippocampal neurons; NGF modulates Ca 2+ homeostasis in hippocampal neurons; and NGF treatment alters the effect of EtOH on [Ca 2+ ] i in hippocampal neurons. Our results indicated that hippocampal neuronal cultures treated with EtOH had lower basal [Ca 2+ ] i ) than untreated neurons. EtOH decreased K + -stimulated (30 mM KCI) changes in [Ca 2+ ] i in a dose-dependent manner. During K + stimulation, 20 ng/ml of NGF slowed and reduced the increase in [Ca 2+ ] i . Hippocampal neurons treated with NGF increased or did not change basal [Ca 2+ ] i and did not change or increase K + -stimulated [Ca 2+ ] i in response to EtOH. These responses were dose-related and indicated that NGF could alter the response of hippocampal neurons to EtOH. In conclusion, AET results in the alteration of Ca 2+ homeostasis in unstimulated and depolarized cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons. NGF and EtOH independently and collectively affected the regulation of Ca 2+ homeostasis in this neuronal population. Changes in [Ca 2+ ] i can disrupt normal cellular function and contribute to cell death. Therefore, alteration of Ca 2+ homeostasis may be an underlying mechanism involved in EtOH toxicity. NGF may ameliorate the toxic effects of EtOH by regulating Ca 2+ homeostasis.
Cranium Bifidum associated with Unusual Intracranial Extension: MRI Findings and Possible Pathogenesis

An atypical, walnut-sized parietal mass was identified in a 9-day-old male. The pregnancy and delivery had been normal. A plain skull X-ray obtained on admission showed a small defect beneath the mass and excessively split sutures, which indicated very high intracranial pressure. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a triangular-shaped, low-density area in the falx, extending to the quadrigeminal cistern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a peculiar intracranial extension from the skull defect to the cistern via an intrafalcial sinus-like tract. After excision, it was confirmed by metrizamide CT cisternography that the sinus-like tract was a cerebrospinal cavity. The histological diagnosis was myxofibroma. It was speculated that the mass might have arisen from primitive mesenchymal cells. MRI should be the first diagnostic procedure performed in cases of midline anomalous lesions.
Synthesis of 2-methyl-2-[[(7-methyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazol-10-yl)[14C]methyl[amino]-1,3-propanediol mesylate — a potential antitumor agent

2-Methyl-2-[[(7-methyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazol-10-yl)methyl]amino]-1,3-propanediol (1, 7U85) was synthesized as the mesylate salt in the [14C]-labelled form with specific activity 48.4 mCi/mmol suitable for metabolism and tissue distribution studies in animals The synthetic sequence involved the regiospecific synthesis of a bromobenzo[c]carbazole by a modified Fischer indole synthesis, formylation by a Bouveault reaction, and reductive amination. The radiochemical purity was > 97.3%.
A Low-Cost Deadlock-Free Design of Minimal-Table Rerouted XY-Routing for Irregular Wireless NoCs

To bridge the widening gap between computation requirements of terascale application and communication efficiency faced by gigascale multi-processor system-on-chip devices, a new on-chip communication system, dubbed Wireless Network-on-Chip (WNoC), has been proposed. This work centers on the design of a high-efficient, low-cost, deadlock-free routing scheme for domain-specific irregular mesh WNoCs. A distributed minimal table based routing scheme is designed to facilitate segmented XY-routing. Deadlock-free data transmission is achieved by implementing a new turn classes based buffer ordering scheme. The simulation study demonstrates high routing efficiency, low cost and scalability of the routing scheme and the promising network performance of WNoC.
Tardive dyskinesia after low-dose haloperidol

Abstract Letters of 600 words or less, with minimal allowance for tables, figures, and references, will be considered for publication. Rules regarding prior publication, conflict of interest, etc., are the same as for full manuscripts. All letters are subject to editing and condensation. Proofs will not be distributed.
Understanding developments in the management information value chain from a structuration theory framework

Abstract The last few decades has seen increasing focus in the transformation of the role of accountants from traditional control to strategic decision making. This transformation, expressed in terms of the management information value chain (MIVC), depicts the role of the corporate accountant as a “partner” in providing value-added information. Walther et al. [Walther T, Johansson H, Dunleavy J, Hjelm E. Reinventing the CFO: Moving from Financial Management to Strategic Management. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.] provide a detailed illustration of this transformative role of the accountant (i.e., the CFO) as the agent in shaping the value chain while operating within the constraints of organizational factors that influence changes in the institution. However, due to an inadequate integration of the agent and organizational factors involved in the change, Walther et al. fail to systemically interpret the complexity involved in such a transformation. This paper illustrates how integrates the elements and processes involved in the interaction between agents and institutions, thereby providing a framework for understanding changes in the management information value chain, and specifically, interpreting the Walther text emphasizing the accountant's instrumental role as the agent in interacting with institutional structures in initiating that change.
Cerebrovascular malformations: seizure risk with AVMs--medical vs interventional management.

Controversy exists over the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. A recent study suggests that, irrespective of clinical presentation, invasive treatment has no benefit over conservative management with regard to risk of seizure. Whether eradication is superior to medical management alone for those with seizures, headache and/or haemorrhage remains unsettled.
α-Adrenergic stimulation mediates glucose uptake through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in rat heart

We examined whether insulin and catecholamines share common pathways for their stimulating effects on glucose uptake. We perfused isolated working rat hearts with Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing [2-3H]glucose (5 mmol/L, 0.05 microCi/mL) and sodium oleate (0.4 mmol/L). In the absence or presence of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor wortmannin (3 micromol/L), we added insulin (1 mU/mL), epinephrine (1 micromol/L), phenylephrine (100 micromol/L) plus propranolol (10 micromol/L, selective alpha-adrenergic stimulation), or isoproterenol (1 micromol/L) plus phentolamine (10 micromol/L, selective beta-adrenergic stimulation) to the perfusate. Cardiac power was found to be stable in all groups (between 8.07+/-0.68 and 10.7+/-0. 88 mW) and increased (25% to 47%) with addition of epinephrine, but not with selective alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation. Insulin and epinephrine, as well as selective alpha- and beta-receptor stimulation, increased glucose uptake (the following values are in micromol/[min. g dry weight]: basal, 1.19+/-0.13; insulin, 3.89+/-0.36; epinephrine, 3.46+/-0.27; alpha-stimulation, 4.08+/-0.40; and beta-stimulation, 3.72+/-0.34). Wortmannin completely inhibited insulin-stimulated and selective alpha-stimulated glucose uptake, but it did not affect the epinephrine-stimulated or selective beta-stimulated glucose uptake. Sequential addition of insulin and epinephrine or insulin and alpha-selective stimulation showed additive effects on glucose uptake in both cases. Wortmannin further blocked the effects of insulin on glycogen synthesis. We conclude that alpha-adrenergic stimulation mediates glucose uptake in rat heart through a PI3-K-dependent pathway. However, the additive effects of alpha-adrenergic stimulation and insulin suggest 2 different isoforms of PI3-K, compartmentation of PI3-K, potentiation, or inhibition by wortmannin of another intermediate of the alpha-adrenergic signaling cascade. The stimulating effects of both the alpha- and the beta-adrenergic pathways on glucose uptake are independent of changes in cardiac performance.
Optimal control of distributed actuator and sensor arrays

We consider optimal H2 and H(infinity ) control design problems for distributed parameter systems with large arrays of sensors and actuators. We assume that the actuator and sensor array forms a regular lattice, and that the underlying dynamics have a property of spatial invariance with respect to shifts in the lattice. We show how Fourier transforms over the spatial domain reduces the optimization to a family of standard, finite-dimensional problems over spatial frequency. The solutions are then obtained by parameterized families of matrix algebraic Riccati equations. Such optimal controllers have a natural decentralized and separation structure which we analyze.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Depressive cognitions, maternal attitudes and postnatal depression

Objective: This study explored the relationship of depressive cognitions, socially prescribed perfectionism and self-silencing, to postnatal depression and women’s beliefs about motherhood. The study aimed to replicate, with a postnatal sample, findings in the depression literature that link certain depressive cognitions with depressive symptoms. Additionally, the study explored a proposed model in which these cognitions influenced the development of dysfunctional maternal attitudes and postnatal depressive symptoms. Background: Postnatal depression and dysfunctional maternal attitudes are situated within the interactional model of depression. The importance of beliefs about interpersonal relationships that are thought to lead to depressive symptoms is explored and explained theoretically. Methods: A cross-sectional design used correlational and SEM path analysis to examine interrelationships between variables. Participants were 77 postnatal women from 18 to 38 years of age attending their regular gynaeco...
Intervention of sulfur mustard toxicity by downregulation of cell proliferation and metabolic rates.

Abstract : Metabolically active and proliferating basal cells in the skin are most sensitive to the potent skin blistering chemical warfare compound HD (bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide). We previously described a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism of HD (0.3-1 mM) toxicity that was inhibited by the cell-permeant Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA AM (1,2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-]-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester). We describe some cellular effects of BAPTA AM that suggest a mechanism for its protective action. Monolayer log-phase normal human epidermal keratinocytes were incubated (37 deg C) first in keratinocyte growth medium (KGM) containing BAPTA AM (10-40 mu M) for 30 minutes and then in KGM alone overnight prior to evaluation. The BAPTA AM inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner with some cellular degeneration above 30 mu M (light microscopy). At 20-30 mu M, BAPTA AM also inhibited cellular metabolic processes, as evidenced by a lower incorporation of (3H)-thymidine (DNA synthesis, 54 + or - 5%), (3H)-uridine (RNA synthesis, 29 + or - 6%) and (14C)-valine (protein synthesis, 12 + or - 2%) as well as a lower protein content per culture (30 + or - 3%) compared with corresponding untreated controls. However, 20-30 mu M BAPTA AM did not cause any demonstrable cytopathology based on morphological (electron microscopy) as well as biochemical (lactate dehydrogenase release, an indicator of cell viability loss) criteria, indicating a lack of acute toxicity. These results suggest that a mechanism of protection by BAPTA AM against HD may be via decreasing some metabolic, and therefore proliferative, rates.
Mental models in word problem-solving: A comparison between American and Korean sixth-grade students

Mental model analysis was conducted in word problem solving using American (n = 42) and Korean (n = 44) sixth-graders. Two levels of mental models–the problem model and the mathematical model–constructed in the process of word problem solving were investigated. Categories for correct and incorrect models were developed to be used in think-aloud protocol analysis. The majority of students who constructed correct problem models classified the problems rapidly according to solution procedures as they read the problems, or restated the problems focusing on the specific words relating them to other statements in the problems. However, significant differences were found between American and Korean sixth-graders' in some categories of problem and mathematical models. While many Korean sixth-graders' problem-solving process steps were proceduralized, this was not the case for American sixth-graders, even for those who had a readily accessible knowledge base of basic mathematical facts.
Determination of optimum processing conditions for injection moulding

A procedure is developed for identifying the optimum number of cavities which should be used for any particular injection-moulding task. The method is based on empirical relations for machine and mould base costs and estimates of the economics of multi-cavity manufacture. A simple rule for mould size is established to form the basis for early cost estimating in product design.
CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTAL ATTACHMENT TO CULTURED KIDNEY EPITHELIAL CELL LINES

AbstractPurpose: Cultured kidney epithelial cell lines have frequently been used in urolithiasis research, and in particular in studies related to the interactions between stone crystals and cell membranes. There is evidence that when epithelial cell lines are transformed or serially passed to immortalize them, they experience changes in both cell physiology and morphology. Stone research utilizing cell cultures is frequently necessary due to the lack of an animal model for spontaneous stone disease. However, the interpretation of these cell culture research studies might be clouded by any significant differences in cell physiology between primary cells and continuous cell cultures. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal attachment to two primary kidney epithelial cell lines and to various continuous cell lines.Materials and Methods: The cell lines surveyed were primary mouse proximal tubule cells (pMPT), primary inner medullary collecting duct cell...
National Interruption: Diaspora Theory and Multiculturalism in the UK

This essay explores the limitations of diaspora theory by engaging the forms of knowledge production that intersect domains of diaspora studies and the modern nation-state. The murder of a Sikh community member and the ensuing debates over multiculturalism in the UK in the late 1990s illustrate the extent to which the constitution of diaspora-as-problem deflects attention from more precise analysis of the nation-state's relations to alterity. The analytic of national interruption interrogates the ways in which the nation- state sees the difference of diaspora as a threat and simultaneously desires to interpellate diasporic difference into a multicultural vision of the nation's people. The construction of diasporic communities as a threat presumes that the latter is 'Other' and, as such, is separate, separable, and isolable from a national people. On the other hand, the diasporic subject as a figure of promise uncritically recuperates a capitalist fantasy of productive labor and commodity circulation and reinforces a nationalist fantasy wherein diasporic difference may be abstracted into national equivalence. Key WordsdiasporanationraceSouth AsiansUK To the real question, How does it feel to be a problem? I seldom answer a word. (Du Bois, 1903) This essay is an exploration of the limits of diaspora theory. At the same time, it represents an attempt to mine the limitations of such theory for a more productive and critical language of analysis. My contention is that we run into the most difficulty in conceptualizing diaspora at the points where our analysis privileges categories generated by modern forms of the nation- state. At these points, diaspora theory meets the margins of those very processes (i.e. of the nation-state) which are seemingly most threatened by diaspora. Figures of threat thus haunt the way we explain diasporic formations.
On the Vertical Distribution of Wind and Temperature over Indo‐Pakistan along the Meridian 76° E in Winter

A mean cross-section over Indo-Pakistan along the meridian 76° E for January and February 1946 has been computed. Three jet stream centers are obtained along this meridian: one in Siberia, one just south of the plateau, and one in the tropics. The effect of the plateau gives rise to Siberian and Himalayan jets. A numerical comparison of the computed mean profile along 76° E with that of Hess (1948) along 80° W over North America is presented. Computed wind velocity, wind shear and absolute vorticity patterns are discussed, particularly with regard to strong anticyclonic shear and very low absolute vorticity found on the south side of the Himalayan jet. The spatial distributions of the isentropic field, the gravitational stability field, the baroclinity field and the rainfall during the winter months are discussed in regard to the sense of the meridional circulation around the Himalayan and the Equatorial jets. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1950.tb00311.x
Characterization of suspended matter in the Gulf of Mexico—I. Spatial distribution of suspended matter

Abstract The mass distribution of total suspended matter was determined at 45 stations in the Gulf of Mexico using 0·45 μm membrane filters. In surface water, total suspended matter ranged from 600 μg/l. in the open Gulf to 2·4 mg/l. in near-shore waters. In water deeper than 100 m the range was 20 to 640 μg/l. A bimodal distribution was found which can not be completely explained; however, it appears that seasonal variations in primary productivity are important. The average value of total suspended matter for deep water was 166 μg/l., almost three times higher that the previously reported average.
Fertilization of investment-free Xenopus eggs

Abstract The vitelline envelope of unfertilized Xenopus egg can be removed manually after treating the dejellied eggs for 10 min with 20% ( w v ) sucrose in F-1 saline. Fertilization occurred in 52% of the eggs denuded in this way when UV-solubilized jelly was added to the sperm-egg mixture; without the jelly the level of fertilization was only 6%. Fertilization did not occur synchronously in the denuded eggs; the average delay between insemination and fertilization was 19 ± 18 min.
The Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Neurogenic and Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction Induced by Hyperlipidemia

ABSTRACTPurpose: We examined neurogenic and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction associated with hypercholesterolemia and evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for potential treatment.Materials and Methods: A total of 21, 2-month-old male rats were fed a 2% cholesterol diet and another seven were fed a normal diet. Two months later serum cholesterol levels were measured and test agents were given intracavernously. Those on normal diet (controls) received phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Those on cholesterol diet were randomly divided into 3 groups receiving PBS, VEGF (4 μg.) or AAV-BDNF (1010 viral particles). Four months later erectile function was evaluated and cavernous tissues were collected for erectile dysfunction and immunohistochemical staining.Results: Serum cholesterol levels were higher in rats fed the high fat diet than in controls. Intracavernous pressure was lower in cholesterol plus PBS treated ra...
Reliability of dielectric barriers in copper damascene applications

The film properties of two PECVD deposited dielectric copper barrier films have been optimized to improve BEOL device reliability in terms of electromigration. Two critical aspects that affect electromigration are the dielectric barrier film hermeticity and adhesion to copper. We use a method to quantify the barrier film hermeticity of the BLO/spl kappa/ I low-/spl kappa/ dielectric film to be similar to that of silicon nitride. In addition, the interfaces between damascene nitride with copper, as well as BLO/spl kappa/ I with copper have been engineered to improve the interfacial adhesion energy to >10 J/m/sup 2/ for both damascene nitride and BLO/spl kappa/ I.
Plating of Metacarpal Fractures with Locked or Nonlocked Screws, a Biomechanical Study: How Many Cortices are Really Necessary?:

Background Dorsal plate and screw fixation is a popular choice for metacarpal stabilization. The balance between construct stability and soft tissue dissection remains a surgical dilemma. Historically, six cortices of bone fixation on either side of a fracture were deemed necessary. This study aims to elucidate whether four cortices of locked fixation on either side of the fracture is equivalent to the current gold standard of six cortices of nonlocked fixation on either side of the fracture. If so, less dissection to insert shorter plates with fewer screws could be used to stably fix these fractures.
Characteristics of ion velocity structure at high latitudes during steady southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions

[1] Variability or structure in the ion velocity at high latitudes in the F region is an important consideration when calculating an accurate Joule heating rate. Velocity structure in time and space may contribute significantly to heating of the F region and its inclusion could help improve our understanding of the energy budget of the atmosphere. In this paper we neglect temporal changes over periods less than 16 s and discuss the characteristic spatial structure in the ion drift in the F region ionosphere and how it relates to the bulk ion flow, the gradient on the bulk ion flow, and the ion temperature in the polar cap and auroral zone. This investigation uses data from the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite and is limited to times of stable southward interplanetary magnetic field. Under these conditions time averaged enhancements in the Joule heating rate from the presence of spatial structure in the auroral zones have minimum values ranging from 4% to 13% depending on season.
Immunologic Evidence of Reinfection with Varicella-Zoster Virus

Resistance to reinfection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was evaluated in immune adults who had household exposure to varicella. Sixty-four percent of 25 adults exposed to varicella had a fourfold or greater rise in IgG antibody to VZV or had a high initial IgG antibody titer to VZV that declined by fourfold. IgM antibody was detected in only 12% of 25 VZV-immune subjects. Seventy percent of 23 subjects exposed to varicella had IgA antibody to VZV compared with 13% of 23 subjects with antibody to VZV who had no recent exposure (P less than 0.001, chi 2 test). Enhanced cellular immunity was documented by an increase in lymphocyte transformation to VZV antigen from a mean +/- SE index of 7.8 +/- 1.30 to 15.3 +/- 2.56 (P = 0.01, paired t-test). The increase in immunity to VZV in many immune subjects exposed to VZV suggests the occurrence of subclinical reinfection.