cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LXR agonist Prevents Peripheral Neuropathy and modifies PNS immune cells in Aged Mice

Abstract Peripheral neuropathy is a common and progressive disorder in the elderly that interferes with daily activities and increases the risk of injury. It is of importance to find efficient treatments to treat or delay this age-related neurodegeneration. We previously demonstrated that activation of the cholesterol sensor Liver X receptor (LXR) with the potent agonist GW3965, alleviates pain in a diet-induced obesity model. Because cholesterol had also been linked to neuropathy during aging, we sought to test whether LXR activation may improve neuropathy and pain in aged mice by treating 21-month-old mice for 3 months with GW3965. Treatment resulted in a significant increase in nerve fibers of the sub-basal plexus, accompanied by a change in polarization, metabolism, and cholesterol content of macrophages in the sciatic nerve. These results suggest that activation of the LXR may block the progression of neuropathy associated with aging by modifying nerve-immune cell cholesterol, thereby providing new pathways to target in efforts to delay neuropathy during aging.
Methylglyoxal production in human blood.

The research of Szent-Gyorgyi and others has suggested that the three-carbon ketoaldehyde methylglyoxal has a potential role in the control of cell growth. Its metabolism to D-lactate (not the L-lactate of glycolysis) is catalysed by the mammalian enzymes glyoxalase I (S-lactoyl-glutathione methylglyoxal-lyase, isomerizing; EC 4.4.1.5) and glyoxalase II (S-2-hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase; 3.1.2.6), with glutathione as a coenzyme. Direct determination of methylglyoxal in biological tissues is difficult because of the active glyoxalase system. However, the product of the glyoxalase system, D-lactate, should indicate formed or added methylglyoxal. A stereospecific assay was used to measure D-lactate in human plasma; it involved the spectrophotometric analysis of NADH at 340 nm catalysed by D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate:NAD+ oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.28) from Lactobacillus leichmannii. Blood collected by venepuncture was used for the determination of the plasma concentration of D-lactate. The mean concentration for seven normal subjects was 0.023 mM +/- 0.002 S.E.M. When the glycolytic pathway in whole blood was inhibited in vitro with fluoride, a significant increase in D-lactate was found (about 0.15 mM/hour at 37 degrees C). Added methylglyoxal also produced an increase in D-lactate formation. Some specific precursors of L-lactate (dihydroxyacetone phosphate, for example) added to whole blood produced an increased concentration of D-lactate, even when glycolysis was not inhibited. This finding indicates that catabolites of glucose lead to methylglyoxal synthesis and suggest a control function for the glyoxalase enzyme system in glycolysis that could be exploited for cancer therapy.
Photoreduction of the uranyl ion with laser light and ethanol. II. The effects of temperature and uranyl concentration on the uranyl-ethanol reaction

Abstract The effects of temperature and UO 2 2+ concentration on the quantum yield for the photochemical reduction of UO 2 2+ to U 4+ with laser light and ethanol are described. As the temperature was increased, the quantum yield decreased through a minimum for the lower UO 2 2+ concentrations ( 2 2+ concentrations (≥0·5 M). The quantum yield at each temperature in the range 25 to 87°C was strongly dependent on UO 2 2+ concentrations less than 0·2 M, and almost independent of UO 2 2+ concentrations greater than 0·3 M. The essential considerations of the UO 2 2+ -ethanol dark reaction and of various effects on the UO 2 2+ absorbance at the specific argon laser wavelengths are also discussed. The UO 2 2+ -ethanol reaction will occur in the dark, especially at the higher temperatures, and the activation energy for the reaction was determined to be 10·2 kcal. The equilibrium quotient at 25°C for the UO 2 2+ -ethanol dark reaction was calculated to be ∼ 10 −7 . The effects of temperature and of UO 2 2+ concentration on the UO 2 2+ absorbance at the laser wavelengths are not equivalent to the same effects on the absorption at the peak wavelengths. It is suggested that the photochemical reduction of the U(V) intermediate plays a primary role in the mechanism for the photochemical reduction of UO 2 2+ to U 4+ .
Models of the Moral Self: Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism

The great sage and scribe Jesus Ben Sira was, for the most part, a writer in confident control of his message, one who seldom engaged in direct polemics with other points of view. On occasion, however, his irritation with claims that he finds wrong-headed comes sharply into view. One of these moments is in ch. 15 of the Wisdom of Ben Sira, where the sage stoutly objects to those who—as he charac terizes them—claim that it is God's fault that they have sinned. In response, Ben Sira mounts a vigorous defense of the Deuteronomic view of moral agency, in which persons have free will and the unimpeded capacity to choose between "life and death" (Sir 15:15-17). It is difficult to know who Ben Sira's opponents actually were, because it is unlikely that he gives a fair representation of their position in the whiny words he attributes to them, "It was the Lord's doing that I fell away.... It was he who led me astray" (15:11-12). In some ways the position sounds closest to the moral anthropology articulated three hundred years later in the book of 4 Ezra. There Ezra sharply questions the model of free human agency and attributes the moral failure of the vast majority of persons to the "evil heart" with which humans were created, and which God did not act to remove or correct. While we do not know if the argument that Ezra makes had already been developed by contempo raries of Ben Sira, ample evidence exists for the emergence of a variety of often startling alternatives to the Deuteronomic model of moral agency in various strands of Second Temple Jewish literature. Curiously, although interest in models of moral psychology has been lively in NT studies, especially as focused on the figure of Paul, this topic has been rather neglected by Hebrew Bible and Second Temple scholars, though a revival of inter est in biblical anthropology in general—especially among German-speaking schol ars—suggests that interest in this subject may be rising.1 In other disciplines, the
A CRegs implementation study based on the MIPS-X RISC processor

Most high-performance computers use registers to store program variables and temporaries for fast access, but many variables cannot be allocated to registers because of ambiguous aliases. Cache can be used to store these variables but does not provide the advantages of registers. A memory structure, CRegs, proposed by H. Dietz and C. Chi, (1988), provides the advantages of registers for variables previously allocated to cache. The feasibility of adding a CRegs file to the MIPS-X processor by providing the organization, high-level timing, and key circuits necessary to implement the feature is explored. This design allows a CReg file to be added to the processor without increasing the cycle time or imposing an exorbitant hardware cost. >
Accuracy of estimation of testis weight from in situ testis measures in ram lambs.

At a mean age of 93 ± 5 days and a mean weight of 29 ± 5 kg, 44 crossbred ram lambs were castrated to evaluate the accuracy of the estimation of testis weight from in situ testis measures (scrotal circumference and testis diameter). Means and standard deviations for testis weight (both testes), scrotal circumference and average in situ testis diameter were 134 ± 57 g, 20.2 ± 3.1 cm and 3.7 ± .7 cm, respectively. Testis weight (W) was predicted from scrotal circumference (C) and average in situ diameter (Do) as W=.131C1.90 Do.88 (R2=.949). When adjusted to the same scrotal circumference and in situ diameter, testes of 3/4-Finnish Landrace rams were heavier (P<.05) than testes of 7/8-Dorset rams. However, the additional accuracy obtained by using equations specific to each crossbred group was small.
Brillouin precursors through concrete walls for through-the-wall imaging at microwave frequencies

This paper discusses the Brillouin precursor formation in concrete, using the experimentally measured dielectric constant and loss tangent from 10 MHz – 3 GHz. Brillouin precursors are obtained at three carrier frequencies. Experimental data is also compared with the extended Debye model for concrete in the same frequency range.
Animal Models for the Mechanistic Study of Systemic Lymphangiomatosis

Abstract The systematic study of focused animal models has produced an explosion of information regarding the mechanisms governing lymphatic development and the diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of systemic lymphangiomatosis has, thus far, eluded mechanistic comprehension. In this review, recent molecular advances in lymphatic vascular development are considered within the context of the animal models that have produced evolving insights. The emerging role of the zebrafish within lymphatic investigation is discussed. Specific models of the human disease pathology are considered in detail. While much has been learned about the molecular framework that surrounds normal lymphatic vascular development, the defect responsible for systemic lymphangiomatosis remains elusive. Development of more robust, recapitulative models will also be invaluable to investigate new and emerging therapeutics for the often devastating disease of systemic lymphangiomatosis.
Severe meconium aspiration syndrome is not caused by aspiration of meconium

Meconium aspiration syndrome can present clinically with different degrees of severity, ranging from a mild form of respiratory compromise to severe forms that may result in perinatal death despite mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. However, advances in our knowledge concerning meconium aspiration syndrome have revealed that most cases of severe meconium aspiration syndrome are not in fact causally related to the aspiration of meconium but rather are caused by other pathologic processes occurring in utero, primarily chronic asphyxia and infection. Proper understanding of the causative processes underlying fetal or neonatal compromise in these cases is essential to direct future research into preventive or therapeutic treatments and for counseling of the parents of an affected child.
MK-329 blocks the inhibition of alcohol intake by CCK-8.

Abstract Peripheral administration of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) potently reduces alcohol intake, preference, and blood levels in rats. MK-329 (L-364,718 or Devazepide) acts at peripheral cholecystokinin (CCKA) receptors to antagonize CCK-8's physiological and behavioral effects, such as pancreatic stimulation and inhibition of feeding. We determined whether CCKA receptor blockade would also prevent CCK-8's alcohol satiety effect. Water-deprived female and male rats ( n = 7 for each) received randomized combinations of intraperitoneal injections of MK-329 (0, 100, 200, or 400 μg/kg) followed by CCK-8 (0 or 4 μg/kg). Rats were then given access to 5% w/v ethanol for 30 min, followed by 30-min access to water, with food ad lib. MK-329 at all doses significantly ( p ) reduced the suppression of alcohol intake and food intake by CCK-8. MK-329 alone increased alcohol intake at 400 μg/kg, and increased food intake, in females and males at 100 and 200 μg/kg, respectively. We concluded that CCK-8's alcohol and food satiation effects depend on specific, peripheral CCKA receptors, and satiation of alcohol consumption and drinking-associated feeding reflect an endogenous functional interaction of CCK-8 with CCKA receptors.
Deep Belief Network for Modeling Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Policies

Intelligent agents over their lifetime face multiple tasks that require simultaneous modeling and control of complex, initially unknown environments, observed via incomplete and uncertain observations. In such scenarios, policy learning is subject to the curse of dimensionality, leading to scaling problems for traditional Reinforcement Learning (RL). To address this, the agent has to efficiently acquire and reuse latent knowledge. One way is through Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (HRL), which embellishes RL with a hierarchical, model-based approach to state, reward and policy representation. This paper presents a novel learning approach for HRL based on Conditional Restricted Boltzmann Machines (CRBMs). The proposed model provides a uniform means to simultaneously learn policies and associated abstract state features, and allows learning and executing hierarchical skills within a consistent, uniform network structure. In this model, learning is performed incrementally from basic grounded features to complex abstract policies based on automatically extracted latent states and rewards.
Inventory policy for dense retail outlets

Abstract A potential retail operations strategy is to have a “dense” store. That is, a store that combines high product variety with a small footprint. Retail management desires smaller stores to provide the strategic benefits of convenience and speed to customers, but desires larger stores to provide high product variety. Noting the benefits of smaller, more numerous stores, several retailers well known for their extremely large store size recently have begun experimenting with a small store format. Traditional retail inventory management policies, however, have difficulty combining high variety and small store size. Here, the potential advantages of the dense store type are explored. To facilitate this exploration, inventory policies are developed to help manage small stores by increasing their product density. Results based on grocery industry data indicate that the heuristics compare favorably to optimality and permit the dense store concept to potentially achieve substantial gains compared to current practice.
Understanding the Complexities of Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation: The Case of Southeast Asia

Trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation is a social problem that has marred the reputations of Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia and Thailand. Estimates of the extent of this problem vary dramatically, and research on child sexual exploitation in these countries is almost nonexistent. Presented here are findings from observations and interviews with government officials, nongovernmental organization workers, and women and children involved in the sex industry in Cambodia and Thailand. These findings reveal the complex nature and inner workings of this industry from those who live with it on a daily basis. Based on this study, implications for change are discussed.
Estimate of nuclear fusion rates arising from a molecular-dynamics model of PdD x

We describe an estimate of the fusion rate of deuterium in palladium metal based on molecular-dynamics simulation. Quantum effects on the motion of the deuterium are treated semiclassically and the effects of electronic screening of the interactions are studied by varying a screening parameter in the potentials. We find very low fusion rates of the order of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}150}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ per deuteron, consistent with bounds suggested by Leggett and Baym.
The cost-effectiveness of male HPV vaccination in the United States

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of adding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of 12-year-old males to a female-only vaccination program for ages 12–26 years in the United States. Methods We used a simplified model of HPV transmission to estimate the reduction in the health and economic burden of HPV-associated diseases in males and females as a result of HPV vaccination. Estimates of the incidence, cost-per-case, and quality-of-life impact of HPV-associated health outcomes were based on the literature. The HPV-associated outcomes included were: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); genital warts; juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP); and cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers. Results The cost-effectiveness of male vaccination depended on vaccine coverage of females. When including all HPV-associated outcomes in the analysis, the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained by adding male vaccination to a female-only vaccination program was $23,600 in the lower female coverage scenario (20% coverage at age 12 years) and $184,300 in the higher female coverage scenario (75% coverage at age 12 years). The cost-effectiveness of male vaccination appeared less favorable when compared to a strategy of increased female vaccination coverage. For example, we found that increasing coverage of 12-year-old girls would be more cost-effective than adding male vaccination even if the increased female vaccination strategy incurred program costs of $350 per additional girl vaccinated. Conclusions HPV vaccination of 12-year-old males might potentially be cost-effective, particularly if female HPV vaccination coverage is low and if all potential health benefits of HPV vaccination are included in the analysis. However, increasing female coverage could be a more efficient strategy than male vaccination for reducing the overall health burden of HPV in the population.
Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3)-specific and non-virus-specific delayed type hypersensitivity responses in cotton rats given different PIV3 antigen preparations

Virus-specific, T-lymphocyte-mediated delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were studied in cotton rats using replicating (wild-type parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) and recombinant vaccinia virus expressing PIV3 haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) or fusion (F) glycoproteins), and non-replicating (detergent-solubilized, affinity chromatography purified HN and F glycoproteins or inactivated whole PIV3) virus preparations. Significant virus-specific DTH responses were observed in all test groups 1-2 weeks after a single antigen inoculation or 5 days after two inoculations given 3 weeks apart. Peak swelling of ear pinnas in these animals generally occurred 24 h after elicitation and was marked by a cellular infiltration consisting of mono- and polymorphonuclear leucocytes. A considerable non-virus-specific inflammatory response, presumably due to tissue culture or media components in the priming antigen preparations, was observed 3 weeks after priming. No significant differences in DTH responses were observed in cotton rats primed with any of the PIV3 preparations. The possible roles and significance of both the virus-specific and non-virus-specific DTH responses in paramyxovirus-induced disease in humans and cotton rats are discussed.
Polybutadiene Modified Polyaniline Microparticles

Abstract Polyanionic rubber copolymer microparticles covered with positively charged polyaniline (PANi) as the shell were synthesized. Sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate was polymerized in a free radical initiation mechanism in the presence of a low molecular weight hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene (HT‐PBD) matrix, which was dispersed in ethylene glycol (EG). Polymerization of aniline monomers was carried out using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant in aqueous hydrochloric acid containing polyanionic rubber copolymer microparticles. The resulting rubber‐modified PANi products form a stable and uniform aqueous latex suspension, with a PANi shell loading of 16–58% by weight. From a core‐shell microparticle latex suspension containing a PANi loading up to 37% by weight, conductive thin films with good quality can be fabricated by casting. Conductivity of these cast films, after storage for a week in a desiccator, was found to be 0.1 S/cm. These results demonstrated a promising method for the fabrication of conducting...
La bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive n'est pas un marqueur indépendant d'événements indésirables au cours du traitement endovasculaire des anévrysmes de l'aorte abdominale

Une proportion significative de malades ayant le traitement endovasculaire d'un anevrysme de l'aorte abdominale (AAA) souffre de bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO). Nous rapportons ici notre experience et l'analyse de 342 traitements consecutifs d'AAA par endoprothese chez des malades avec et sans BPCO (137, soit 39% de malades ayant une BPCO et 55, soit 16%, ayant une BPCO moderee a severe). Les resultats tels que la mortalite peri-operatoire, la duree de sejour, l'admission en unite de soins intensifs, l'insuffisance cardiaque, l'infarctus du myocarde, la conversion en chirurgie conventionnelle, la duree de l'intervention, les endofuites post-operatoires et l'ensemble des complications respiratoires ont ete analyses. Les differences n'etaient pas statistiquement significatives par rapport aux malades sans BPCO (p > 0,05). Le traitement endovasculaire des AAA a des resultats equivalents chez les malades avec ou sans BPCO.
Integrated circuit/microfluidic chip to programmably trap and move cells and droplets with dielectrophoresis

We present an integrated circuit/microfluidic chip that traps and moves individual living biological cells and chemical droplets along programmable paths using dielectrophoresis (DEP). Our chip combines the biocompatibility of microfluidics with the programmability and complexity of integrated circuits (ICs). The chip is capable of simultaneously and independently controlling the location of thousands of dielectric objects, such as cells and chemical droplets. The chip consists of an array of 128 × 256 pixels, 11 × 11 µm2 in size, controlled by built-in SRAM memory; each pixel can be energized by a radio frequency (RF) voltage of up to 5 Vpp. The IC was built in a commercial foundry and the microfluidic chamber was fabricated on its top surface at Harvard. Using this hybrid chip, we have moved yeast and mammalian cells through a microfluidic chamber at speeds up to 30 µm sec–1. Thousands of cells can be individually trapped and simultaneously positioned in controlled patterns. The chip can trap and move pL droplets of water in oil, split one droplet into two, and mix two droplets into one. Our IC/microfluidic chip provides a versatile platform to trap and move large numbers of cells and fluid droplets individually for lab-on-a-chip applications.
Increasing Academic Compliance with Mathematics Tasks Using the High-Preference Strategy with a Student with Autism

ABSTRACT The authors investigated the effectiveness of using high-preference (high-p) mathematics tasks for increasing task initiation of low-preference (low-p) mathematics tasks with a 13-year-old middle school student with autism. They used an ABAB design to determine the effectiveness of high-p tasks with to comply with low-p tasks. Results indicated that the student took less time to initiate low-p mathematics problems that were preceded by high-p mathematics problems. This study extends the literature on high-p techniques to enhance academic compliance behaviors for students with autism. The authors discuss the results and future implications.
Comparative actions of quisqualate and N-methyl-d-aspartate, excitation amino acid agonists, on guinea-pig cochlear potentials

1. 1. We examined dose-dependent changes in the amplitude of guinea-pig cochlear microphonic potentials (CM), summating potentials (SP) and compound auditory nerve action potentials (CAP) produced after perfusing perilymphatie scalae with artificial perilymph containing either the transmitter candidate, l-glutamate; one of the excitatory amino acid agonists, quisqualate, kainate, N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) or d-glutamate; or the control, α-ketoglutarate. 2. 2. None of these compounds significantly altered CM or SP. Kainate abolished CAP, but only partial suppression occurred using maximal effective doses of quisqualate (67%) or l-glutamate (82%). The remaining compounds had only marginal effects on CAP. 3. 3. The potency of quisqualate (ec50 = 14.8 μM) exceeded that of both kainate (ec50 = 66.9μM) and l-glutamate (ec50 = 1.41 mM). 4. 4. These data suggest the presence of neuronal, possibly postsynaptic, excitatory amino acid receptor subpopulations which are preferentially sensitive to quisqualate and to kainate, but not to NMDA. 5. 5. These findings are discussed in the framework of our hypothesis that the proposed quisqualate and kainate receptors are normally activated by an endogenous excitatory amino acid such as l-glutamate which the hair cells release as a neurotransmitter.
Safety of controlled-onset extended-release verapamil in middle-aged and older patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Abstract Background Our purpose was to study the safety of controlled-onset, extended-release (COER) verapamil in patients with hypertension or coronary artery disease, with a focus on elderly patients. Methods Adverse event data were pooled from 7 double-blind, multicenter, randomized trials including 1999 patients with hypertension or chronic stable angina pectoris. There were 1042 patients who received COER verapamil 180 to 540 mg once daily in the evening for up to 10 weeks, 373 patients who received placebo, and 584 who received an active comparator agent. Data were analyzed according to the following groups: all patients, patients with hypertension, patients with angina, older patients (≥65 years old), and younger patients ( Results In all patients combined, the incidence of constipation (13% vs 2%), dizziness (6% vs 2%), and back pain (3% vs 1%) was higher in patients treated with COER verapamil than with placebo. Patients with hypertension had more back pain (4% vs 1%) and constipation (12% vs 1%) with COER verapamil than with placebo, whereas patients with angina had more bradycardia (2.6% vs 0%), dizziness (8% vs 2%), and constipation (15% vs 3%). Older patients treated with COER verapamil had more bradycardia, constipation, dizziness, and fatigue and had fewer headaches compared with younger patients treated with COER verapamil. Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block was not observed after administration of COER verapamil in any subgroup. Conclusion These data demonstrate that COER verapamil has an acceptable safety profile that is largely unrelated to age in patients with hypertension or coronary artery disease. (Am Heart J 2001;142:1010-5.)
HERA-B RICH light collection system

Abstract The HERA-B RICH detector utilizes the recently developed Hamamatsu R5900 multianode photomultiplier. In order to increase the light collection efficiency, a novel scheme to optically magnify the photocathode is implemented. The design and development of these optics are persented here.
Marx and Lenin: Class, party and democracy

The nature of the relationship between the ideas of Marx and Lenin tradition ally has been an issue of contention. In general, one culminates his or her consideration of the relationship by arguing that Lenin either was or was not a Marxist. Beyond this, however, it is essential to take note of the logical nuances by which one may arrive at a resolution of the argument. As I see it, four basic positions have been taken in order to argue that Lenin was or was not truly a Marxist. One position employs a Cold War argument to maintain that Lenin was a theoretician of a totalitarian and unprincipled politics precisely because he was a Marxist.1 Here, apparent inconsistencies in the ideas of both Marx and Lenin are attributed not to conceptual problems encountered by the theorists, nor to a lack of sincerity on their part. Rather, alleged inconsistencies are imputed to be characteristic of a drive to attain political power that is inher ent in Marxism as such. A second position, which also maintains that Lenin was a Marxist, allows for a difference between the thought of Marx and Lenin but contends that the difference is basically a matter of emphasis. For example, Miliband sees a role for class and Party in the writings of both Marx and Lenin. Marx, it is said, emphasized the role of class while Lenin emphasized the role of Party and organization.2 This position may be termed the neutralist argument in that it does not provide a clear explanation for the alteration in emphasis. That is, a difference between Marx and Lenin is recognized, but it possesses no qualitative significance. The difference simply is accepted as a given fact. Thus, in the end, one finds it difficult to determine whether or not Lenin's choice of emphasis was appropriate or not vis-?-vis Marx's original position. A third position allows for a difference between the ideas of Marx and Lenin in order to proclaim that Lenin was not truly a Marxist. In essence, the argument here is that Marx was essentially a proponent of democracy whereas Lenin was rather the elitist.3 This position is logically but one step
Purification and characterization of a CHO cell-elongating toxin produced by Aeromonas hydrophila.

Abstract A Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-elongating toxin produced by Aeromonas hydrophila was purified from cell-free supernatant fluids by ammonium sulfate precipitation and fast protein liquid chromatography. The purified toxin had an isolelectric point (pI) of 3.7 and a molecular weight of 70000 in a single band on isoelectric focusing (IEF) gels and SDS-PAGE gels, respectively. The N-terminal sequence, amino acids 1–20, and the amino acid content were determined from Western blots of the 70 kDa band. No homology with any known microbial toxin was found. CHO cell activity was not neutralized by antiserum to cholera toxin (anti-CT), and the toxin did not react with anti-CT on Western blots. The toxin did not increase cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, or prostaglandin E3levels in CHO cells. No cytotoxic activity was observed. Intragastric administration of purified toxin (5×10 4 and 5×10 8 CHO cell units) induced intestinal fluid accumulation in infant mice. These results suggest that this toxin may be a novel cytotonic toxin distinct from previously described toxins produced by A. hydrophila or A. sobria .
The Theory of Forward Exchange and Effects of Government Intervention on the Forward Exchange Market

THE THEORY OF FORWARD EXCHANGE badly needs a systematic reformulation. Traditionally, the emphasis has always been upon covered interest arbitrage, which forms the basis of the so-called interest parity theory of forward exchange.1 Modern economists, of course, recognize that operations other than interest arbitrage, such as hedging and speculation, also exert a determining influence upon the forward exchange rate,2 but a systematic theory of forward exchange which explains precisely how the interplay of all these different types of operation jointly determine the forward exchange rate and how the forward exchange market is linked to the spot exchange market still appears to be lacking. The purpose of this paper is to work out a more comprehensive and systematic theory of forward exchange, which would enable us better to understand the behavior of the forward exchange rate and to deduce the likely consequences of government intervention in the forward exchange market.
Delay in spinal cord injury diagnosis due to sedation: a case report.

Abstract Background In the United States, the incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury is estimated to be approximately 40 per one million persons per year. The most common causes of traumatic spinal cord injury are motor vehicle collisions, falls, gunshot wounds, and sports accidents. Objective To report signs, symptoms, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, acute management, and treatment of an acute spinal cord injury. Case Report A case of traumatic cervical spine injury that was not immediately apparent upon presentation is reported. Diagnostic confirmation was possible after obtaining magnetic resonance imaging and after the sedative effects of medications resolved, allowing for a better physical examination. Conclusion Neurogenic shock should be considered in patients with hypotension of unknown or unclear etiology. A ground-level fall is sufficient to cause traumatic spinal cord injury in elderly patients, and a cervical spine computed tomography scan without clear fracture does not exclude this pathology.
Oxidation of Organic Macromolecules by Hydrogen Peroxide: Implications for Stability of Biomarkers on Mars

Abstract An assessment of the stability of organic macromolecules in the presence of oxidants believed to exist on the surface of Mars is critical in order to evaluate their utility as martian biomarkers. Two types of organic macromolecules—tholins produced from plasma discharge in a 99.9:0.1 N 2 /CH 4 atmosphere ( 985896 ), and terrestrial humic acid—were subjected to oxidation by 30% H 2 O 2 in water at three temperatures and the overall observed rate constant k for oxidation to volatile species determined for each temperature. The temperature dependence of k for tholin oxidation by H 2 O 2 , assuming pseudo-first-order kinetics, is log k = 1.98 − 912/ T , with k in days −1 and T in Kelvins. The half-lives for oxidative destruction of tholins calculated from this relationship are 0.35 yr at equatorial mean temperature (215 K) and 24 yr at polar mean temperature (150 K). For humic acid, log k = 14.77 − 4500/ T , resulting in half-lives of 2700 yr at 215 K and 3.2 × 10 12 yr at 150 K. These half-lives are only estimates, given significant uncertainties in the application of psuedo-first-order kinetic analysis and extrapolation over wide temperature ranges. The data suggest, however, that some organic macromolecules may be stable against oxidation on the martian surface, at least in the polar regions, over the entire history of Mars.
Stress Fractures: Revisited:

STRESS FRACTURES are the result of bone fatigue from the inability of a bone to accommodate at a rate fast enough to meet the demands placed upon it. They usually occur in bones that experience repeated and unaccustomed micro- trauma or stress. Treatment, after diagnosis, consists of rest from activity, immobilization by casting or strapping, adjunctive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and isometric exercise.
Nondestructive determination of tritium content of erbium tritide thin films

The x-ray spectrum resulting from beta decay of an erbium tritide film is used to measure tritium content of the film. The areal density of the film is measured using differential emission techniques and is used to correct the measured x-ray intensity for self-absorption. The corrected intensity is linearly related to tritium content through an empirically derived calibration curve. The technique will measure tritium contents from less than one to several hundred micron liters. Repeatability is generally determined by counting errors and is typically 0.3% for a 5-min count while accuracy depends upon the empirical calibration technique. In principle, the technique is not limited to erbium tritide but can be extended to many uniformly radiating thin films.
Astrocyte glypicans 4 and 6 promote formation of excitatory synapses via GluA1 AMPA receptors

In the developing central nervous system (CNS), the control of synapse number and function is critical to the formation of neural circuits. We previously demonstrated that astrocyte-secreted factors powerfully induce the formation of functional excitatory synapses between CNS neurons. Astrocyte-secreted thrombospondins induce the formation of structural synapses, but these synapses are postsynaptically silent. Here we use biochemical fractionation of astrocyte-conditioned medium to identify glypican 4 (Gpc4) and glypican 6 (Gpc6) as astrocyte-secreted signals sufficient to induce functional synapses between purified retinal ganglion cell neurons, and show that depletion of these molecules from astrocyte-conditioned medium significantly reduces its ability to induce postsynaptic activity. Application of Gpc4 to purified neurons is sufficient to increase the frequency and amplitude of glutamatergic synaptic events. This is achieved by increasing the surface level and clustering, but not overall cellular protein level, of the GluA1 subunit of the AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid) glutamate receptor (AMPAR). Gpc4 and Gpc6 are expressed by astrocytes in vivo in the developing CNS, with Gpc4 expression enriched in the hippocampus and Gpc6 enriched in the cerebellum. Finally, we demonstrate that Gpc4-deficient mice have defective synapse formation, with decreased amplitude of excitatory synaptic currents in the developing hippocampus and reduced recruitment of AMPARs to synapses. These data identify glypicans as a family of novel astrocyte-derived molecules that are necessary and sufficient to promote glutamate receptor clustering and receptivity and to induce the formation of postsynaptically functioning CNS synapses.
M-MRAC for nonlinear systems with bounded disturbances

This paper presents design and performance analysis of a modified reference model MRAC (M-MRAC) architecture for a class of multi-input multi-output uncertain nonlinear systems in the presence of bounded disturbances. M-MRAC incorporates an error feedback in the reference model definition, which allows for fast adaptation without generating high frequency oscillations in the control signal, which closely follows the certainty equivalent control signal. The benefits of the method are demonstrated via a simulation example of an aircraft's wing rock motion.
AlnBi Clusters: Transitions Between Aromatic and Jellium Stability

An experimental and theoretical study of bismuth-doped aluminum clusters in the gas phase has revealed two particularly stable clusters, namely, Al3Bi and Al5Bi. We show that their electronic structure can be understood in terms of the aromatic and “Jellium” models, respectively. Negative ion photodetachment spectra provide a fingerprint of the electronic states in AlnBi− (n = 1−5) anions, while theoretical investigations reveal the nature of the electronic orbitals involved. Together, the findings reveal that the all-metal Al3Bi cluster with 14 valence electrons is a cyclic, planar structure with a calculated large ionization potential of 7.08 eV, a low electron affinity of 1.41 eV, and a large gap of 1.69 eV between the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO−LUMO gap). The Al3Bi cluster has molecular orbitals reminiscent of aromatic systems and is a neutral cluster with no need for counterion or ligand support. A slightly larger cluster, Al5Bi, has 20 valence electrons and is an...
Rotational equilibria in 1,2,6‐trisubstituted pyridinium cations and reactions of 2‐Isopropylpyrylium cations

2-Isopropyl-6-phenyl- and 2,6-diisopropyl-pyridiniums with bulky 1-substituents show temperature-variable NMR spectra which are interpreted in terms of restricted rotation. 2-Isopropyl-4,6-diphenylpyrylium can be deprotonated at the isopropyl group to give an anhydro base which forms new pyryliums with electrophiles.
Rate-contingent guitar rental to decelerate stereotyped head/face-touching of an adult male psychiatric patient

The music therapy staff of a large state mental hospital used rate-contingent guitar-rental plus feedback to decelerate head/face-touching of a 40-year-old male schizophrenic. The subject earned tokens during guitar lessons for decreasing rates of the target behavior. He could exchange these tokens for the use of a guitar for a specified time period on the ward where he lived. The program successfully reduced the rate of head/face-touching to criterion after 21 sessions. After 2.5 years, the rate was still below baseline, with generalization to other music therapy activities and to the ward.
Neutral wrist splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome: A comparison of night-only versus full-time wear instructions

Abstract Walker WC, Metzler M, Cifu DX, Swartz Z. Neutral wrist splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome: a comparison of night-only versus full-time wear instructions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:424-9. Objective: To compare the effects of night-only to full-time splint wear instructions on symptoms, function, and impairment in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design: Randomized clinical trial with 6-week follow-up. Setting: Veterans Administration Medical Center, outpatient clinic. Subjects: Outpatients with untreated CTS were consecutively recruited from our electrodiagnostics lab. Twenty-one patients (30 hands) were enrolled, and 17 patients (24 hands) completed the study. Interventions: Thermoplastic, custom-molded, neutral wrist splints with subjects receiving either full-time or night-only wear instructions. Outcome Measures: Symptoms and functional deficits were measured by Levine's self-administered questionnaire, and physiologic impairment was measured by median nerve sensory and motor distal latency. Compliance and Crossover: Almost all (92%) of the combined sample reported frequent splint use, but their adherence to specific wearing instructions was limited. A majority (73%) of the full-time group reported splint wear less than one half of waking hours, and some (23%) of the night-only group reported occasional daytime wear. Despite this tendency for treatment crossover, the two treatment groups differed in daytime wear as intended (χ2 analysis, p =.004). Results: The combined sample improved in three of four outcome measures: sensory distal latency (mean =.28msec, standard deviation [SD] =.37, p =.004), symptom severity (mean =.64, SD=.46, p =.0001), and functional deficits (mean =.49, SD=.51, p =.0001). Severity of CTS was a factor only in sensory distal latency improvement (more improvement in severe CTS). Subjects receiving full-time wear instructions showed superior distal latency improvement, both motor (.35 vs −.07msec, p =.04) and sensory (.46 vs.13msec, p =.05) when compared with subjects receiving night-only wear instructions. Conclusions: This study provides added scientific evidence to support the efficacy of neutral wrist splints in CTS and suggests that physiologic improvement is best with full-time splint wear instructions. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Role-taking and restorative justice: Social practices of solidarity and community in Shakespeare's measure for measure

This article examines to what extent role-taking inspired characters in Shakespeare's play Measure for Measure to new modes of consciousness and concomitant social practices of restorative justice. The play's main character, Duke Vincentio, engages in a series of role-taking episodes through which he undergoes a self-transformation. He subsequently enacts the social practice of restorative justice. However, the play is neither a paragon case of self-transformation nor of restorative justice, especially since (1) manipulation and power are employed in the reintegrative shaming ceremony; (2) some characters are stigmatized and humiliated; and (3) the Duke still practices duplicitous, power-based, and punitive measures. Nevertheless, through the process of self-discovery and the recognition of others as like himself, the Duke reconceives his kingly role from that of an executor of law violators to that of a mediator of troubled relationships. The Duke's character reflects in part the cultural contradictions ...
Rapamycin Enhances Adenovirus-Mediated Cancer Imaging and Therapy in Pre-Immunized Murine Hosts

Tumor-specific adenoviral vectors comprise a fruitful gene-based diagnostic imaging and therapy research area for advanced stage of cancer, including metastatic disease. However, clinical translation of viral vectors has encountered considerable obstacles, largely due to host immune responses against the virus. Here, we explored the utilization of an immunosuppressant, rapamycin, to circumvent the anti-adenovirus immunity in immunocompetent murine prostate cancer models. Rapamycin diminished adenoviral-induced acute immune response by inhibiting NF-κB activation; it also reduced the scale and delayed the onset of inflammatory cytokine secretion. Further, we found that rapamycin abrogated anti-adenovirus antibody production and retarded the function of myeloid cells and lymphocytes that were activated upon viral administration in pre-immunized hosts. Thus, the co-administration of rapamycin prolonged and enhanced adenovirus-delivered transgene expression in vivo, and thereby augmented the imaging capability of adenoviral vectors in both bioluminescent and positron emission tomography modalities. Furthermore, we showed that despite an excellent response of cancer cells to a cytotoxic gene therapeutic vector in vitro, only minimal therapeutic effects were observed in vivo in pre-immunized mice. However, when we combined gene therapy with transient immunosuppression, complete tumor growth arrest was achieved. Overall, transient immunosuppression by rapamycin was able to boost the diagnostic utility and therapeutic potentials of adenoviral vectors.
A morphological study on the plasticization of poly(vinyl chloride) by diethylhexyl succinate and Dibutyl Phthalate

Abstract The effects of different plasticizers on the structural features of PVC were investigated. Particular emphasis was on the fine structure as denoted by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The influence of plasticizer content on the mechanical response was followed by dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. The particular plasticizers investigated principally were diethylhexyl succinate and dibutyl phthalate, although other phthalate plasticizers were investigated including dibutyl succinate and dibutyl sebacate. It was noted that structural features at the 100– to 200–a level were systematically influenced by the type and amount of plasticizer and in particular by its solubility parameter. To account for the observed behavior, a model was proposed which speculates that the absorption of plasticizer is nonuniform within the system and in particular within the local regions where crystallites exist. The level of swelling of plasticizer into the amorphous regions at some distance from the crystallites is d...
GIANT PROSTHETIC REINFORCEMENT OF THE VISCERAL SAC: The Stoppa Groin Hernia Repair

GPRVS is a properitoneal hernioplasty with a prosthesis composed of the polyester Dacron. The repair is anatomic, sutureless, tension-free, and the absolute weapon to eliminate all types of groin hernias. No other technique produces better results for the repair of recurrent and re-recurrent groin hernias. It also is a joy to perform.
Self-propagating reactions in Al/Zr multilayers: Anomalous dependence of reaction velocity on bilayer thickness

High temperature, self-propagating reactions are observed in vapor-deposited Al/Zr multilayered foils of overall atomic ratios 3 Al:1 Zr and 2 Al:1 Zr and nanoscale layer thicknesses; however, the reaction velocities do not exhibit the inverse dependence on bilayer thickness that is expected based on changes in the average diffusion distance. Instead, for bilayer thicknesses of 20-30 nm, the velocity is essentially constant at ∼7.7 m/s. We explore several possible explanations for this anomalous behavior, including microstructural factors, changes in the phase evolution, and phase transformations in the reactant layers, but find no conclusive explanations. We determine that the phase evolution during self-propagating reactions in foils with a 3 Al:1 Zr stoichiometry is a rapid transformation from Al/Zr multilayers to the equilibrium intermetallic Al3Zr compound with no intermediate crystalline phases. This phase evolution is the same for foils of 90 nm bilayer thicknesses and foils of bilayer thicknesses ...