cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal Physiology, 1895–1975: Motility

The sections in this article are: 1 Swallowing 1.1 Cannon's First Roentgenological Observations 1.2 Swallowing Reflex 1.3 New Methods for Studying the Human Esophagus 1.4 Muscles and Nerves of the Esophagus 1.5 Sphincters of the Esophagus 1.6 Esophageal Peristalsis 1.7 Lower Esophageal Sphincter 2 Gastric Motility and Emptying 2.1 Peristalsis 2.2 Receptive Relaxation 2.3 Gastric Mixing and Digestion 2.4 Signs of Anxiety, Rage, or Distress 2.5 Periodic Activity 2.6 Pacemaker Potentials and Action Potentials 2.7 Pyloric Sphincter as Keeper of the Gate 2.8 Gastric Emptying 2.9 Mechanisms of Control of Gastric Emptying 3 Movements of the Small Intestine 3.1 Description 3.2 Boldyreff Revisited: Periodic Activity 3.3 Slow Waves, Spikes, and Contractions 3.4 Electrophysiology of Slow Waves and Spikes 3.5 Intestinal Gradient 3.6 Enteric Nervous System and Its Autonomic Connections 3.7 Peristaltic Reflex 4 Movements of the Colon 4.1 Ileocolic Junction and Antiperistalsis 4.2 Types of Movements of the Colon 4.3 Nervous Control of Movements of the Colon 4.4 Defecation and Continence 4.5 Aganglionosis: Megacolon 4.6 Psychosomatic Factors
Plasma membrane-derived vesicles containing receptor-ligand complexes are fusogenic with early endosomes in a cell-free system.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves the transport of receptor-ligand complexes from the cell surface to an intracellular endocytic compartment. This study shows that plasma membrane-derived vesicles containing receptor-bound ligands (e.g. aggregated anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) IgG bound to Fc receptors) fuse with early endosomes containing DNP-beta-glucuronidase in a cell-free system. Plasma membrane vesicles were generated by homogenization of cells that had been allowed to bind ligands at 4 degrees C. Fusion between vesicles containing the two probes was assessed by (i) the formation of anti-DNP IgG-DNP-beta-glucuronidase complexes and (ii) the colocalization within closed vesicles of two different sizes of colloidal gold coated with ligands. Fusion required ATP, cytosol, and KCl. The requirements were similar to those described for endosome-endosome fusion in in vitro systems. Mild trypsinization of vesicles prior to their addition to the assay inhibited fusion. When DNP-beta-glucuronidase was chased into more mature endocytic compartments, fusion was not observed. The results indicate that cell surface regions involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis are capable of fusing to early endosomes. This fusion event may constitute the first step in the transport of ligands to an intracellular endocytic compartment.
Detecting temporal logic predicates on distributed computations

We examine the problem of detecting nested temporal predicates given the execution trace of a distributed program. We present a technique that allows efficient detection of a reasonably large class of predicates which we call the Basic Temporal Logic or BTL. Examples of valid BTL predicates are nested temporal predicates based on local variables with arbitrary negations, disjunctions, conjunctions and the possibly (EF or ⋄) and invariant(AG or □) temporal operators. We introduce the concept of a basis, a compact representation of all global cuts which satisfy the predicate. We present an algorithm to compute a basis of a computation given any BTL predicate and prove that its time complexity is polynomial with respect to the number of processes and events in the trace although it is not polynomial in the size of the formula. We do not know of any other technique which detects a similar class of predicates with a time complexity that is polynomial in the number of processes and events in the system. We have implemented a predicate detection toolkit based on our algorithm that accepts offline traces from any distributed program.
The Kondo Effect and Weak Localization

The word Kondo means battle in Swahili. This coincidence is fortuitous because in the Kondo effect, a battle inevitably ensues anytime a magnetic impurity is placed in a non-magnetic metal. Below some energy scale, the Kondo temperature (T K) a lone magnetic impurity is robbed of its spin. Above the Kondo temperature, rapid spin-flip scattering produces a temperature-dependent correction to the resistivity of the form, B k lnT. Until recently, both the Kondo resistivity and T k were thought to be determined solely by the host metal and the magnetic impurity. However, numerous presentations in this volume attest, there is now overwhelming evidence that both are affected by the size of the sample [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] as well as non-magnetic random scattering [6, 7, 8, 9]. In this paper, we will focus on the theoretical work [10] we have performed on the experiments revealing that non-magnetic scattering suppresses the Kondo resistivity in thin Kondo alloys.
Managing cultural differences for engineers

Understanding cultural issues, developing cross-cultural communication skills and recognizing the need to effectively apply these skills in the global arena are becoming critical success factors for an increasing number of engineers. To address these needs, an engineering management class has been developed at the University of Missouri-Rolla, USA, that uses a team project approach as the major method to achieve the learning objectives. The student teams develop training manuals for dealing with engineers from specific international cultures, based on the material learned in class as well as personal interactions with individuals of the specific ethnic background. An application of this class design is described.
Design of heterothermic muscle in fish

Among the tremendous diversity of fish, there are a small number that are considered elite in their swimming performance. These include representatives from the tunas, billfish and sharks. In addition to being elite swimmers, these fish share numerous specialized anatomical features including the structure of their swimming muscles and some form of regional endothermy, termed heterothermy. These heterothermies fall into two classes: those that maintain elevated temperatures in swimming muscles and those that have muscle-derived tissues specialized for delivering warm blood to the brain. Because these versions of heterothermy are manifest in fish whose swimming performance is considered elite, it has been parsimonious to hypothesize that heterothermy is part of an integrated high-performance design. Recognizing that the design of skeletal muscle is hierarchical, the design of heterothermic muscle in fish will be examined within a hierarchical framework. This paper will examine, in order, the specific anatomical specializations, the performance of muscle as a biomaterial and then as a dynamic mechanical structure or device - in each case looking at the extent to which heterothermy is part of an integrated high-performance design or is perhaps just a happy accident. This examination will reveal how difficult it is to make a case for the central importance of heterothermy in the design of these swimming muscle systems.
Perceptions of single and multiple incident rape

This investigation focused on impressions of single and multiple incident rape victims. College as well as non-college male and female samples reported their perceptions of a rape victim who was raped for the first time or who experienced a prior rape 1, 3, or 8 years previously. Half of the fictional victims with prior rape histories were described as having reported and half as not having reported the earlier incident. No differences in perceptions were related to initial or repeat victimization. Attempts to ward off realization of vulnerability to victimization were offered as explanations for differences in male and female observers' perceptions. College and non-college sample differences in observers' perceptions were discussed in terms of differences in living experience. Caution seems warranted in estimating the general public's perceptions of rape victims from assessments based on college student samples.
A randomized, controlled trial to compare ketorolac tromethamine versus placebo after cesarean section to reduce pain and narcotic usage

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether postcesarean section administration of ketorolac tromethamine reduces pain and narcotic usage. Study design A double-blinded randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ketorolac tromethamine was performed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ketorolac tromethamine or placebo. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was used for pain control. Visual analog scales (VAS) were administered postoperatively to assess pain levels. Morphine equivalents and attempts were recorded. Results There were 22 patients in each arm of the study. There was no significant difference between patient demographics, blood loss, and type of anesthesia. Pain scores were significantly different at 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours by analysis of variance (ANOVA) ( P =.033). There was a significant decrease in pain medication usage ( P =.008) in the study group. Conclusion Ketorolac tromethamine is efficacious in reducing postoperative pain and narcotics usage after cesarean section.
Need-Based Evaluation Theory: what Do You Need to Know to Do Good Evaluation?:

I want to propose a simple idea: Good evaluation responds to important social needs. The idea seems reasonable enough. But ifit is accepted, it challenges some popular notions. For example, it challenges the idea that evaluation is applied social science methodology, or that evaluation is judging merit or worth. I believe these ideas are too narrow. Evaluation is far more than these because it responds to important social needs that extend beyond methods or valuing. In this paper, I propose a need-based theory of evaluation that provides a more complete and accurate picture of what evaluators need to know to do good work.
Redundancy of noise elements and signals in visual detection of letters

Forced-choice detection was studied in relation to heterogeneity of noise letters and multiple signal letters within tachistoscopic displays. Curves plotting both probability and latency of correct detections vs number of redundant signals at different display sizes exhibit significant interactions with heterogeneity of the noise background, but do not differ as a function of similarity among redundant signals. Application of interactive and independent channels models indicated that noise redundancy operates to a major extent through effects of signal-noise confusability at the decision level, but may also involve perceptual interaction at the level of feature detectors.
Deterministic solution to the inhomogeneously broadened bidirectional ring laser equations with backscattering, asymmetry, and cavity rotation

Abstract The third order equations of motion for a rotating, bidirectional, inhomogeneously broadened ring laser at line center with backscattering and asymmetry are solved exactly when the additive noise terms are negligible. The resulting solution for the relative phase of the two counterpropagating modes may exhibit steady state or transient oscillations. For certain initial conditions and operating parameters the phase solution is unstable. This gives rise to deterministic phase jumps in both the transient and steady state behavior. A series of phase jumps occurs if the system repeatedly crosses its unstable boundary. The jumps are multiples of π radians in magnitude, except for the case in which the phase discontinuity is caused by slowly varying operating parameters. Conditions are derived under which the frequency difference between the two modes (i) exhibits the well-known frequency lock-in effect at low rotation rates, or (ii) remains sensitive to cavity rotation regardless of rotation rate (lock-in suppression). Difficulties in achieving the latter result in a practical device are discussed.
Iterative normalization method for improved prostate cancer localization with multispectral magnetic resonance imaging

Use of multispectral magnetic resonance imaging has received a great interest for prostate cancer localization in research and clinical studies. Manual extraction of prostate tumors from multispectral magnetic resonance imaging is inefficient and subjective, while automated segmentation is objective and reproducible. For supervised, automated segmentation approaches, learning is essential to obtain the information from training dataset. However, in this procedure, all patients are assumed to have similar properties for the tumor and normal tissues, and the segmentation performance suffers since the variations across patients are ignored. To conquer this difficulty, we propose a new iterative normalization method based on relative intensity values of tumor and normal tissues to normalize multispectral magnetic resonance images and improve segmentation performance. The idea of relative intensity mimics the manual segmentation performed by human readers, who compare the contrast between regions without knowing the actual intensity values. We compare the segmentation performance of the proposed method with that of z-score normalization followed by support vector machine, local active contours, and fuzzy Markov random field. Our experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms the three other state-of-the-art algorithms, and was found to have specificity of 0.73, sensitivity of 0.69, and accuracy of 0.79, significantly better than alternative methods.
An accurate determination of three-body intermolecular forces in the helium trimer

Abstract Three-body nonadditive interaction energies in the helium trimer are calculated by the complete fourth-order Moller—Plesset perturbation theory with large basis sets including bond functions. It is shown that the three-body energy can be easily converged to the complete basis set limit only if the counterpoise procedure is properly employed. The exchange—repulsion effect dominates the contribution to the three-body energy while the correlation contribution is in accord with the Axilrod—Teller—Muto triple-dipole perturbation expression.
MTOR-driven quasi-programmed aging as a disposable soma theory: blind watchmaker vs. intelligent designer.

If life were created by intelligent design, we would indeed age from accumulation of molecular damage. Repair is costly and limited by energetic resources, and we would allocate resources rationally. But, albeit elegant, this design is fictional. Instead, nature blindly selects for short-term benefits of robust developmental growth. “Quasi-programmed” by the blind watchmaker, aging is a wasteful and aimless continuation of developmental growth, driven by nutrient-sensing, growth-promoting signaling pathways such as MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin). A continuous post-developmental activity of such gerogenic pathways leads to hyperfunctions (aging), loss of homeostasis, age-related diseases, non-random organ damage and death. This model is consistent with a view that (1) soma is disposable, (2) aging and menopause are not programmed and (3) accumulation of random molecular damage is not a cause of aging as we know it.
Distributional effects of generic dairy advertising throughout the marketing channel

If generic advertising is effective at increasing the demand for the advertised product, then there will not only be direct effects on the sponsors of the advertising, but also indirect effects on other market participants. This article addresses two such distributional issues using the U.S. dairy industry as a case study. First, how are fluid milk and cheese processors impacted by cheese and milk advertising conducted by farmers? We find that the welfare of both processor classes is improved due to the dairy farmer advertising program for fluid milk and cheese products. Second, how are fluid milk (or cheese) processors impacted by the other product's farmer-funded advertising? As expected, own-product advertising increased equilibrium output levels, while cross-advertising impacts slightly reduced supply levels. Generic advertising, regardless of product, positively affected fluid milk processor gross margins, while increases in cheese advertising reduced the price margin for cheese processors. In general, own-product advertising had larger price margin impacts for fluid milk processors, while cheese processors benefited more from larger supply gains. These larger supply effects translated further into larger increases in raw milk costs tightening cheese price margins. Because changes in cheese supplies affect both Class I and Class III prices, input prices to processors are affected relatively more by increases in cheese advertising, as opposed to fluid milk advertising. The relatively larger gains in output prices, combined with lower relative increases in input class prices contributed to higher producer welfare impacts for fluid milk processors than cheese processors when confronted with equivalent increases in their own-product advertising. [EconLit citations: Q130, Q180]. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 19: 289–300, 2003.
Effect of finite ionic size on the solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation: application to the binding of divalent metal ions to DNA.

The nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation is solved for a cylindrical polyelectrolyte solution containing mono- and divalent counterions and monovalent coions. The finite size of the ions is taken into account by the introduction of the distances of closest approach between the ionic charges and the surface of the polyelectrolyte. The choice of these distances is based on the physicochemical properties of the polyelectrolyte and ions in solution. The effects of the finite ionic size on the distribution of the counterions around the polyelectrolyte and on the local ion concentration and the integrated charge fraction of the divalent cations in the vicinity of the polyelectrolyte are discussed. Theoretical predictions regarding the overall extent of binding and the extent of inner-sphere binding of divalent counterions to rodlike polyions are compared with the results of nmr studies of the binding of divalent metal ions to DNA.
Involvement of Laminin Binding Integrins and Laminin-5 in Branching Morphogenesis of the Ureteric Bud during Kidney Development

Branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud (UB) [induced by the metanephric mesenchyme (MM)] is necessary for normal kidney development. The role of integrins in this complex developmental process is not well understood. However, the recent advent of in vitro model systems to study branching of UB cells and isolated UB tissue makes possible a more detailed analysis of the integrins involved. We detected integrin subunits alpha3, alpha6, beta1, and beta4 in both the UB and cells derived from the early UB. Blocking the function of each of these integrin subunits individually markedly inhibited branching morphogenesis in cell culture models. However, inhibiting individual integrin function with blocking antibodies in whole kidney and isolated UB culture only partially inhibited UB branching morphogenesis, suggesting that, in these more complex in vitro systems, multiple integrins are involved in the branching program. In whole organ and isolated bud culture, marked retardation of UB branching was observed only when both alpha3 and alpha6 integrin subunits were inhibited. The alpha6 integrin subunit can be expressed as both alpha6beta1 and alpha6beta4, and both of these beta subunits are important for UB branching morphogenesis in both cell and organ culture. Furthermore, laminin-5, a common ligand for integrins alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4, was detected in the developing UB and shown to be required for normal UB branching morphogenesis in whole embryonic kidney organ culture as well as isolated UB culture. Together, these data from UB cell culture, organ culture, and isolated UB culture models indicate that both integrin alpha3 and alpha6 subunits play a direct role in UB branching morphogenesis, as opposed to being modulators of the inductive effects of mesenchyme on UB development. Furthermore the data are consistent with a role for laminin-5, acting through its alpha3beta1 and/or alpha6beta4 integrin receptors, in UB branching during nephrogenesis. These data may help to partially explain the renal phenotype seen in integrin alpha3 and alpha3/alpha6 subunit-deficient animals.
Type III Secretion-Dependent Modulation of Innate Immunity as One of Multiple Factors Regulated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RetS

Mutation of retS (rtsM) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA103 reduces its virulence in both ocular and respiratory murine models of infection. In vitro, retS mutants exhibit loss of the ExsA-regulated type III secretion system (TTSS), reduced twitching motility, and a decrease in association with, invasion of, and survival within corneal epithelial cells. In addition, transcription of multiple other virulence genes is positively and negatively affected by retS mutation. Since our published data show that ExoU and ExoT, the two TTSS effectors encoded by strain PA103, each confer virulence in this corneal model, we hypothesized that loss of virulence of retS mutants follows loss of type III secretion. Corneal pathology, bacterial colonization, and phagocyte infiltration were compared for wild-type PA103, retS mutants, and various TTSS mutants after infection with ∼106 CFU bacteria. Results showed that either a retS or an exsA (TTSS) mutation delayed disease progression, as illustrated by reduced severity scores and colonization levels during the first 48 h postinfection. Surprisingly, retS mutant infections then became more severe than those involving exsA mutants. By day 7, colonization levels of retS mutants even surpassed those of wild-type bacteria (more than twofold, P = 0.028). Although retS mutants caused more severe opacification of central corneas than both the wild type and the exsA mutants, neither mutant caused the peripheral ring opacity commonly associated with wild-type infection, suggesting that the TTSS was involved. Histological experiments with retS and various TTSS mutants showed that ring opacification required ExoU but not ExoT and that it consisted of dense polymorphonuclear phagocyte infiltration at the corneal periphery and the absence of any cell type in the central cornea. These data suggest that these P. aeruginosa TTSS effectors have different effects on innate immunity and that RetS influences virulence beyond its effects on the TTSS.
Low-Temperature Specific Heat and Thermal Conductivity of Noncrystalline Dielectric Solids

The specific heat and thermal conductivity of amorphous ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, 3Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$O, CaK${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{3}$, Ge${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and GE No. 7031 varnish has been measured between 0.05 and 2 K. Their properties were found to be very similar to those of the previously measured glasses: Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, Corning code 7740, Be${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Se, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), Lexan, and glycerol. They all have a specific heat ${C}_{v}={c}_{1}T+{c}_{3}{T}^{3}$, where ${c}_{1}$ varies from 7 to 50 erg/g K, and ${c}_{3}$ from 1.2 to $3{c}_{\mathrm{Deb}}$ depending on the material (${c}_{\mathrm{Deb}}$ is the coefficient calculated with the Debye model). They also all have a conductivity, for $T0.5$ K, of $\ensuremath{\kappa}=\ensuremath{\beta}{(\frac{T}{\ensuremath{\alpha}})}^{\ensuremath{\delta}}$ where $\ensuremath{\beta}$ varies from 1.6 to 16 W/cm K, the exponent $\ensuremath{\delta}$ spans the range 1.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1, and $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1$ K. This uniformity of thermal properties among the diverse group of glasses measured is as difficult to explain as their temperature dependence, and is so far not understood.
Nucleation of electrolytically evolved hydrogen at an ideally smooth electrode

Abstract Nucleation of electrolytically evolved hydrogen gas bubbles in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions at a mercury pool electrode was investigated. The experiment featured a cell design in which the critical surface for nucleation was continuously renewed and cleaned. Evolution of approximately 0.01 cm (diameter) bubbles from the mercury surface in both 1 N and 0.1 N solutions was observed at gas supersaturations at least two orders of magnitude below values predicted by nucleation theory and one order of magnitude above saturation. The disparity is attributed to the effects of the intense electric field, over a million V/cm, on the surface tension of the liquid in the electrical double layer where the concentration of hydrogen is the greatest. This effect may be related to general problems associated with water in nucleation experiments.
Stochastic Asymptotic Stability of SIR Model with Variable Diffusion Rates

We introduce random fluctuations on contact and recovery rates in deterministic SIR model with disease deaths in nonparametric manner and obtain stochastic counterparts with general diffusion coefficients (functional contact and recovery rates). 1 $$\begin{aligned} \displaystyle dS&= \,\Big (-\beta S I +\mu (K-S)\Big )~dt - S I~ F_1\big (S,I,R\big ) ~dW_1\nonumber \\ dI&= \,\Big (\beta S I-\big (\alpha +\gamma +\mu \big )I\Big )~ dt + S I~ F_1\big (S,I,R\big ) ~dW_1-I~F_2\big (S,I,R\big ) ~dW_2 \\ dR&= \,\Big (\alpha I - \mu R\Big )~dt+ I~F_2\big (S,I,R\big ) ~dW_2. \nonumber \end{aligned}$$ The introduced stochastic model has functional diffusion coefficients which contains arbitrary local Lipschitz-continuous functions $$F_i$$ ’s defined on $$\begin{aligned} {\mathbb {D}}=\{(S,I,R) \in {\mathbb {R}}^3: ~S\ge 0, ~I \ge 0, ~R \ge 0, ~S+I+R\le K\}. \end{aligned}$$ In this paper we prove the global existence of a unique strong solution and discuss stochastic asymptotic stability of disease free and endemic equilibria of the model and visualize our results with some simulations to confirm them.
Considerations for Reuse of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Bottles in Food Packaging: Migration Study

Experiments were performed to evaluate the significance of potential contamination of postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETE) on the reuse of such material as food packaging. The protocol in the FDA document Points to Consider for the Use of Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging: Chemistry Considerations (FDA, 1992) that are routinely employed to evaluate recycling processes for removal of potential contaminants were used. Two-liter PETE bottles were contaminated separately with benzene, butyric acid, malathion, and lindane at 40 °C for 2 weeks, rinsed, dried, and cut into small chips. The contaminated chips were washed at 73 °C, dried with an IR lamp, and extracted using 8% aqueous ethanol solution at 49 ± 1 °C for 30 days. After 30 days, approximately 60% of the benzene, 30% of the butyric acid, and 30% of the lindane had migrated from the contaminated chips into the 8% ethanol solution, but no measurable concentration of malathion was observed. Keywords: Reused PETE; migration; residual contami...
Potentiometric titration of soluble and bound iron-sulfur proteins monitored by circular dichroism and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Potentiometric titrations of iron-sulfur proteins monitored by changes in circular dichroism (CD) or electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) spectrum are presented. Both monitoring techniques have the distinct advantage that interferences caused by the absorption changes of the redox mediators during a titration, which limit the use of the absorption spectrophotometry for monitoring, are either not monitored, or do not represent a serious interference. The CD tritration is illustrated with soluble spinach ferrodoxin and the EPR titration with bound iron-sulfur proteins of green plant photosystem I. The anacrobic titration apparatus and other experimental considerations are described in detail.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in an avian model of dilated cardiomyopathy.

We investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in a furazolidone (Fz)-induced model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in turkey poults. Serial echocardiograms disclosed marked systolic dysfunction in the Fz-treated poults, and ventricular weight and left ventricular (LV)/body weight ratio were significantly increased. Isolated heart experiments were performed to determine LV pressure–volume (P–V) relationships. In addition, LV sarcomere lengths (SLs) were measured after hearts had been fixed, and wall stress (σ)–SL relationships were determined. When compared to control hearts, LV chamber volume in DCM hearts was ~3-fold increased, the active or developed LV P–V relationship was markedly depressed, the passive or diastolic P–V relationship was steeper, and SLs were significantly shorter. However, the developed σ–SL relationships of DCM and control hearts were not different indicating that intrinsic myocardial capacity to generate active force is unaffected in this model of DCM. In contrast, passive σ, and passive tension in trabecular muscle preparations increased much more steeply with SL in DCM than normal hearts. Trabecular muscle experiments disclosed that the increase in passive myocardial stiffness was primarily collagen based. Titin, the giant sarcomeric molecule, which is an important determinant of passive myocyte properties in normal myocardium, did not contribute significantly to increased passive myocardial stiffness in DCM. We conclude that increased collagen-based passive myocardial stiffness is the major cause of the steeper passive or diastolic P–V relationship in DCM. Further, altered passive myocardial properties and ventricular geometry in DCM play a critical role to reduce ventricular systolic function by limiting SL extension during diastole, thereby limiting the use of the myocardial length–tension relationship.
The Pole Tide

The authors have investigated the response of the ocean to the Chandler Wobble by Fourier analysis of records of monthly mean sea level in the shallow seas of northern Europe.
Pedicle marrow signal intensity changes in the lumbar spine: a manifestation of facet degenerative joint disease

Objective. Signal intensity changes in lumbar pedicles, similar to those described in vertebral body endplates adjacent to degenerated discs, have been described as an ancillary sign of spondylolysis on MRI. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pedicle marrow signal intensity changes also occur in association with facet degenerative joint disease.
Structural Insights into Nonheme Alkylperoxoiron(III) and Oxoiron(IV) Intermediates by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Transient mononuclear low-spin alkylperoxoiron(III) and oxoiron(IV) complexes that are relevant to the activation of dioxygen by nonheme iron enzymes have been generated from synthetic iron(II) complexes of neutral tetradentate (TPA) and pentadentate (N4Py, Bn-TPEN) ligands and structurally characterized by means of Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Notable features obtained from fits of the EXAFS region are Fe−O bond lengths of 1.78 A for the alkylperoxoiron(III) intermediates and 1.65−1.68 A for the oxoiron(IV) intermediates, reflecting different strengths in the Fe−O π interactions. These differences are also observed in the intensities of the 1s-to-3d transitions in the XANES region, which increase from 4 units for the nearly octahedral iron(II) precursor to 9−15 units for the alkylperoxoiron(III) intermediates to 25−29 units for the oxoiron(IV) species.
SO(5) Wigner coefficients for the 14-d1mensional representation

Abstract SO(5) Wigner coefficients in the direct product of the 14-dimensional representation with an arbitrary representation have been obtained. These coefficients are applicable to the theory of quasi-spin in nuclear physics. In general there is a multiplicity problem of two involved in the direct product (a, b) ⊗ (1, 1) → 2(a, b). The problem is solved by constructing two tensor operators formed out of the generators that transform like the (1,1) representation. The method can be used to solve the multiplicity problems of other Wigner coefficients.
Gene therapy progress and prospects: alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Over the 2 years covered here, there has been one clinical study in which a normal alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene was delivered to the nasal epithelium of AAT-deficient subjects using plasmid–liposome complexes; a second study using an adeno-associated vector should begin soon. Although progress in clinical studies has been slow, advances in both viral and nonviral vector designs show considerable promise. Strategies that combine liposome technology with imaginative vector design may permit long-term expression of a normal transgene that is sufficient to achieve therapeutic serum AAT concentrations. While reproducing the normal physiology by targeting normal AAT gene expression to the liver is logical, local expression in lung cells may be less demanding of the technology and offers therapeutic benefits that are produced neither by AAT protein therapy nor by AAT gene therapy targeted to the liver. Developing technologies may permit direct correction of the mutant AAT gene using innovative approaches to in vivo gene repair.
Improving College Progress among Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Young Adults: The Role of Assets

Little is known about the impact of assets on low- to -moderate-income (LMI) young adults’ college progress. In this study college progress refers to young adults who were currently enrolled in, or who have a degree from, a 2-year college or a 4-year college. Findings from this study suggest LMI young adults with school savings were more than three times as likely to be on course than LMI young adults without any savings or who had savings but had not designated any of it for school. In regard to net worth, we found no evidence to suggest that higher amounts of negative net worth were statistically significant; however, high positive net worth was associated with LMI young adults college progress. Findings suggest policy instruments designed to assist adolescents to save such as universal Child Development Accounts may be a simple and effective strategy for helping to keep LMI young adults on course.
Evidence for pentaalkylphosphorane intermediates in the reaction of dienes at the bridging phosphorus in P-methylphosphole dimers

Abstract The rate of loss of the phosphorus atom in the 7-phosphanorbornene moiety of P-methyl phosphole dimers is greatly increased when the dimes are heated in the presence of 1,3-dienes. The major products are 3-phospholenes and 3a, 7a-dihydrophosphindoles, formed in retrocycloaddition of the P(V) adduct of the diene and the phosphine.
Effect of high-intensity sound on local cerebral glucose utilization in fetal sheep

Abstract The effects of external noise on fetal sheep cerebral glucose utilization were determined with the [ 14 C]deoxyglucose method. Seventeen animals were prepared at 130 days gestation with catheters and electrodes for assessing fetal behavioral state. Five to 7 days later, 7 animals were studied under normal laboratory sound conditions (65–70 dB), 5 animals were exposed to 105–120 dB broadband noise levels produced by two earphones applied to the abdomen of the ewe, and 5 fetuses were stimulated with an electronic artificial larynx (EAL), positioned on the abdomen directly over the fetal head. There were no significant differences between local cerebral glucose utilization in controls and earphone ewes, and no obvious alteration in behavioral states. However, there were marked, significant differences in glucose utilization along the central auditory pathway during EAL stimulation. These autoradiographs revealed isofrequency-like bands in medial geniculate body and irregular darkening of cortex of the temporal lobe. Total time spent in clearly defined high and low voltage electrocortical activity did not change during EAL stimulation.
Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic studies of ore deposition and metamorphism at the Raul mine, Peru

Abstract The volcano-sedimentary sequence at the Raul mine, central Peru, consists of andesitic volcanics, graywackes, and siltstones, and has been metamorphosed to the upper greenschist-lower amphibolite facies at temperatures of 400–500°C. Isotopic data (O and H) have been collected from: (a) quartz and magnetite from stratiform ores, (b) amphiboles from amphibolite units that host stratiform ores, (c) calcite from late veins, (d) detrital quartz from graywackes, and (e) whole rocks. Interunit differences in quartz and magnetite δ 18 O values suggest that these minerals have resisted isotopic exchange during metamorphism, and that quartz-magnetite isotopic temperatures (380–414°C) represent primary formational temperatures. Calculated δ 18 O values of water in equilibrium with quartz and magnetite range from 9.1 to 12.6%.. Amphibole δ 18 O and δD values show no interunit differences and suggest that the amphiboles have exchanged isotopes with a large metamorphic fluid reservoir. Calculated δ 18 O H 2 O and δD H 2 O values range from 8 to 12%. and −3 to +42%., respectively. δ 18 O H 2 O values calculated from δ 18 O calcite and fluid inclusion filling temperatures range from 7.5 to 10%.. Water extracted from fluid inclusions in calcite has a δD value of −20%.. δ 18 O values of metamorphosed graywackes and volcanic sediments are not atypical, but andesitic lavas are 18 O-rich (8–10%.) compared to normal andesites. Waters involved in ore deposition, metamorphism, and late vein formation at Raul are all thought to have a common source, principally seawater. The δ 18 O H 2 O and δD H 2 O values could be produced by evaporation of seawater, shale ultrafiltration, and isotopic exchange with host rocks during deep circulation through the volcano-sedimentary pile. A model is proposed whereby coastal ocean water is restricted from the open sea by volcanic island arcs, and subsequently undergoes evaporation. Circulation of this water is initiated by heat associated with seafloor volcanism. 18 O-enrichment in andesites may be produced by isotopic exchange with high 18 O waters at elevated temperatures and sufficiently high water/rock ratios.
Inhibition of Adenylate Cyclase by Polyadenylate

The effects of ribo- and deoxyribonucleic acids on the activity of detergent-dispersed adenylate cyclases from rat and bovine brain were examined. Mn2+ (10 mm)-activated adenylate cyclase was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of poly(A) (IC50 ∼- 0.45 μm). This inhibition was directly due to poly(A) and was not mediated by: (a) protein contamination of the poly(A) preparation, (b) metal chelation, (c) formation of an acid-soluble inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, (d) effects on the specific activity of [α-32P]ATP, (e) competition with MnATP for binding to adenylate cyclase, or (f) diversion of substrate to an alternate polymerase reaction. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase by poly(A) was on the enzyme's catalytic unit, as purified preparations of the enzyme from bovine brain were inhibited by poly(A). This inhibition by poly(A) was not likely mediated via the enzyme's “P”-site, through which activated forms of the enzyme are selectively inhibited by specific adenosine phosphates. In contrast with inhibition by the “P”-site agonist 3′ AMP, inhibition of adenylate cyclase by poly(A) was slow in onset and was not reversible by dilution and showed a different metal-dependence. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase was relatively specific for poly(A) as poly(U) caused less than 50% inhibition and deoxyribonucleic acids had no effect. The potency and specificity of the inhibition of adenylate cyclase by poly(A) imply a biochemically interesting interaction that is possibly also of physiological significance.
A cell-based assay to assess the persistence of action of agonists acting at recombinant human β2 adrenoceptors

Abstract Introduction The aim was to establish a robust, 96-well, cell-based assay to assess the potency and persistence of action of agonists acting at human recombinant β2 adrenoceptors expressed in CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells and to compare this with published duration of action data in guinea pig isolated trachea and human bronchus. Methods Cells were treated with either: (i) β-adrenoceptor agonist for 30 min, washed and cyclicAMP (cAMP) measured 30 min later—termed ‘washed’ cells or, (ii) treated with solvent for 30 min, washed, and then treated with β-adrenoceptor agonist for 30 min and cAMP measured—termed ‘unwashed’ cells. The ‘washed’ EC50 was divided by the ‘unwashed’ EC50 to determine a rightward shift concentration ratio, which was indicative of the persistence of action at the receptor. Results At the β2 adrenoceptor salmeterol, carmoterol and indacaterol were resistant to washing with a concentration ratio of 294 and > 800 respectively, suggesting a shorter persistence of action. At β1 and β3 adrenoceptors all compounds washed out. The persistent effects of salmeterol at β2 following washing could be reversed by the selective β2 antagonist ICI 118551, suggesting continued receptor activation. Discussion The data presented agree well with published data assessing duration of action of β2 agonists in human isolated bronchus and guinea pig isolated trachea. Key features are: (a) it is a 96-well format which can be used to assess many compounds in a single experiment, (b) both potency and persistence of agonist action are assessed in the same assay, (c) any effects of concentration on the persistence of action can be highlighted, and (d) it allows triage of compounds prior to tissue bath studies thus reducing the use of animal tissue.
A Method to Correct Pulling Geometry Induced Errors in Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy Measurements

In AFM-based single molecule force spectroscopy, it is assumed that the pulling angle is negligible and that the force applied to the molecule is equivalent to the force measured by the instrument. Although this assumption may hold for flexible, compact molecules, studies have shown that it may not be appropriate for fairly rigid molecules, where measured forces can be a fraction of the actual values experienced by the molecule. Because the pulling geometry can substantially influence the values measured by the AFM, we investigate a method to minimize the pulling angle prior to conducting a pulling experiment. The method presented herein uses small circular movements to locate the molecule’s substrate attachment site and reposition the cantilever. By using data gathered from a previous study, we were able to repeatedly align a molecule’s attachment sites via simulation of the program, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the alignment method.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Temperature-driven motion of a wetting layer.

The wetting layer formed by a phase-separated binary liquid mixture in contact with a glass substrate is observed to have a large nonequilibrium response in thickness to small temperature perturbations. An independent theoretical and physical picture is developed, which also provides a direct means of measuring the forces responsible for wetting and their effect on the dynamics of diffusion-limited interfacial motion. As an example, the curvature and anharmonicity of the minimum in the effective interface potential are found.
The equivalence of a human observer and an ideal observer in binary diagnostic tasks

The Ideal Observer (IO) is “ideal” for given data populations. In the image perception process, as the raw images are degraded by factors such as display and eye optics, there is an equivalent IO (EIO). The EIO uses the statistical information that exits the perception/cognitive degradations as the data. We assume a human observer who received sufficient training, e.g., radiologists, and hypothesize that such a human observer can be modeled as if he is an EIO. To measure the likelihood ratio (LR) distributions of an EIO, we formalize experimental design principles that encourage rationality based on von Neumann and Morgenstern’s (vNM) axioms. We present examples to show that many observer study design refinements, although motivated by empirical principles explicitly, implicitly encourage rationality. Our hypothesis is supported by a recent review paper on ROC curve convexity by Pesce, Metz, and Berbaum. We also provide additional evidence based on a collection of observer studies in medical imaging. EIO theory shows that the “sub-optimal” performance of a human observer can be mathematically formalized in the form of an IO, and measured through rationality encouragement.
Conditioned Taste Aversion Dependent Regulation of Amygdala Gene Expression

The present experiments investigated gene expression in the amygdala following contingent taste/LiCl treatment that supports development of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). The use of whole genome chips and stringent data set filtering led to the identification of 168 genes regulated by CTA compared to non-contingent LiCl treatment that does not support CTA learning. Seventy-six of these genes were eligible for network analysis. Such analysis identified “behavior” as the top biological function, which was represented by 15 of the 76 genes. These genes included several neuropeptides, G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, kinases, and phosphatases. Subsequent qRT-PCR analyses confirmed changes in mRNA expression for 5 of 7 selected genes. We were able to demonstrate directionally consistent changes in protein level for 3 of these genes; insulin 1, oxytocin, and major histocompatibility complex class I-C. Behavioral analyses demonstrated that blockade of central insulin receptors produced a weaker CTA that was less resistant to extinction. Together, these results support the notion that we have identified downstream genes in the amygdala that contribute to CTA learning.
Green Grounding Wire Spells Electric Safety in Hospitals.

(1972). Green Grounding Wire Spells Electric Safety in Hospitals. Hospital Topics: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 25-34.
Distributed Computing Framework for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

The goal of this paper is to enable near-realtime acquisition and processing of high resolution, high-quality, heterogeneous data from mobile and static sensing platforms to advance ocean exploration by providing infrastructure for a distributed computing framework. Reaching this goal will improve the efficiency of monitoring dynamic oceanographic phenomena such as phytoplankton growth and rate of photosynthesis, salinity and temperature gradient, and concentration of pollutants. resource provisioning framework for organizing the heterogeneous sensing, computing, and communication capabilities of static and mobile devices in the vicinity in order to form an elastic resource pool a hybrid static/mobile computing grid is presented. This local computing grid can be harnessed to enable innovative data- and compute-intensive mobile applications such as onshore near-real-time data processing, analysis and visualization, mission planning and online ocean adaptive sampling.
Controls on selenium distribution in wetland sediment, Benton Lake, Montana

The distribution of selenium in sediment in Benton Lake is mainly controlled by the location of the dissolved selenium inputs. Selenium concentrations in sediment decrease along flow paths downgradient within the wetland system. Construction in 1961 of a pump station to increase water supply and dikes to facilitate water management, along with current water management, has increased the rate of selenium accumulation in sediments as compared to the pre-1961 natural lake. Agricultural practices (alternate crop/fallow rotation) in the non-irrigated farm land of the seleniferous Benton Lake basin also have increased selenium loading to Benton Lake. Carbon content is an important factor affecting selenium distribution in sediment but this relationship is greatly affected by dissolved selenium inputs. Amelioration of selenium contamination in Benton Lake will require a combination of land and water management modifications. Within the wetland system, minimizing the duration of inlet-perennial ponds would minimize selenium accumulation and increase the life of the refuge.