cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucose Management in Patients Undergoing Operation for Insulinoma Removal

Medical records of 38 patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery for removal of an insulinoma were reviewed to determine 1) the safety of avoiding intraoperative glucose, 2) the appropriate frequency of plasma glucose analysis, and 3) the accuracy of using rebound hyperglycemia as an indication of tumor removal. Plasma glucose was determined approximately every 15 min during operative and recovery-room periods. The changes in plasma glucose concentrations before tumor removal were compared with those occurring after the resection in each patient by separate linear regressions of glucose concentration versus time. The slopes of the preresection regression lines averaged +0.196 (+/- SD 0.577) mg X dl-1 X min-1. The mean of the postresection slopes was +0.624 (+/- SD 0.339) mg X dl-1 X min-1. The mean difference in slope (post- minus pre-) was +0.426 (+/- SD 0.748) mg X dl-1 X min-1, indicating that a significant (P less than 0.02) increase in post-resection slope had occurred. In no case did a preresection plasma glucose concentration decrease to less than 50 mg X dl-1 if the previous value had been 60 mg X dl-1 or greater. Nonetheless, there were nine patients whose plasma glucose did decrease to less than 50 mg X dl-1 at some time during the operative course. Only 39% of patients showed a rebound of 20 mg X dl-1 or more in the first 30 min after resection. The authors conclude that intermittent sampling is safe as long as plasma glucose is kept above 60 mg X dl-1 by infusing glucose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of QRS duration on outcome of death or appropriate defibrillator therapy by strategy of left ventricular lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy recipients

Echocardiography-guided (EG) lead placement at the site of latest left ventricular (LV) mechanical activation improves outcome in patients receiving a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) defibrillator (D). The purpose of this study is to examine whether a strategy of EG LV lead placement equally improves outcome in CRT recipients with wide (≥150 ms) versus intermediate (120–149 ms) QRS duration. Patients treated with a CRT-D in the Speckle Tracking Assisted Resynchronization Therapy for Electrode Region (STARTER) prospective, randomized trial (108 EG strategy and 75 routine strategy) were followed to the endpoint of death or first appropriate CRT-D therapy. Of the patients enrolled in STARTER, 115 had QRS ≥ 150 ms and 68 had 120 < QRS ≤ 149 ms. Over a mean follow-up period of 3.7 ± 2.1 years, 62 (33 %) patients died and 40 (22 %) received appropriate CRT-D therapy. Compared to patients with QRS ≥ 150 ms, patients with intermediate QRS had meaningfully worse survival free from ICD therapy (HR = 1.48, p = 0.056). CRT-D therapy-free survival was significantly worse in patients with intermediate QRS duration randomized to the routine LV lead placement strategy, compared to patients with intermediate QRS duration randomized to the EG LV lead placement strategy or patients with wide QRS duration regardless of LV implantation strategy (HR = 2.08, 95 % confidence interval = 1.21–3.56, P = 0.008). This finding was independent in type of cardiomyopathy. A strategy of EG LV lead placement improves survival free from defibrillator therapy in patients with QRS between 120–149 ms to levels comparable to those of patients with QRS ≥ 150 ms.
Lipid-protein ratios by infrared spectroscopy

A method for measuring the ratio of diacyl phospholipid to protein in lipid-protein mixtures and membranes by infrared spectroscopy is described. Samples made of diacyl phospholipid and proteins mixed in known ratios were analyzed for lipid-protein ratio by the infrared (ir) method. Results had a standard deviation of less than +/- 4% over the lipid-protein molar ratio range of 9:1 to 320:1. Calculations of the ratio of total lipid to protein require that the diacyl phospholipid-to-protein ratio be divided by the mole fraction of diacyl phospholipid in the total lipid. Phospholipid-protein ratios for various sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane preparations (R1-washed, octylglucoside purified, deoxycholate treated) were determined by the ir method and compared to literature values. Also, phospholipid-protein ratios were determined for R1-washed sarcoplasmic reticulum by three chemical analyses using different protein assays and were compared with ratios obtained by the infrared method. The infrared results were closest to those of a chemical method designed specifically for membrane proteins.
Primary and secondary toxicity of warfarin, sodium monofluoroacetate, and methyl parathion in mink

The primary and secondary toxicity of warfarin, sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080), and methyl parathion were assessed in the mink, a representative surrogate mammalian wildlife carnivore. In a 28-day test, a LC50 value for mink fed warfarinper se (primary toxicity) was calculated to be 11.7 ppm (mg/kg) with a 95% confidence interval of 9.2 to 15.0 ppm (mg/kg) and a slope of 2.03. Feeding mink warfarin-contaminated rabbit (minus digestive tract contents) incorporated into diets to provide warfarin residue levels equivalent to the warfarin concentrations fed in the LC50 primary toxicity test did not produce secondary toxicity, suggesting that warfarin may be readily bound and/or metabolized into non-, or less-toxic metabolites by a primary consumer. Toxic residues of sodium monofluoroacetate for mink (as in secondary toxicity) were not produced in rabbits fed a lethal dose of this compound when the gastrointestinal tract contents were removed from the rabbit carcasses. These results suggested that reports of secondary toxicity from sodium monofluoroacetate may be primarily due to consumption of the unmetabolized compound from the gut of prey species. Attempts to produce primary and secondary toxicity in mink by feeding methyl parathionper se (primary toxicity) or via contaminated rabbit (containing the gastrointestinal tract contents), as in secondary toxicity, were unsuccessful, as the mink rejected the methyl parathion-treated diets.
Micro-Raman analysis of calcium aluminate fibers formed by inviscid melt spinning

Abstract A eutectic composition (46.5% CaO–53.5% Al 2 O 3 ) calcium aluminate fiber formed by Inviscid Melt Spinning (IMS) was analyzed using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The fiber surface was shown to consist of pyrolytic graphite. Analysis along the fiber cross-section showed that the pyrolytic graphite layer had a total thickness of approximately 15 μm. Micro-Raman analysis of the fiber bulk was consistent with amorphous calcium aluminate (CaAl 2 O 4 ).
A novel synthesis of cyclopentenones and cyclohexenones via cycliacylation of lithioalkenylcarboxamides

Abstract The reaction of 1-iodo-3-bromopropene derivatives (1) with lithium enolates of N , N -dialkylcarboxamides followed by treatment of the allylation product (2) with two equiv of t -BuLi cleanly provides cyclopentenones in high yields, while the corresponding cycliacylation reaction of 6-iodo-5-hexenamides provides cyclohexenones.
Audiologic Assessment of Children With Down Syndrome

It has been suggested that many children with Down syndrome possess unique physical and behavioral characteristics that should be considered when doing audiologic assessments. Possible test modific...
On aperture coupling based compact system of lens enhanced phased array

We present design and implementation of the aperture coupling based compact system of lens enhanced phased array (LEPA) for 60 GHz band high-speed internet, data and voice channels. The LEPA is a high-directivity steerable integrated system without putting penalties on the chip size and DC power consumption. The core of a LEPA is composed of the antenna-filter-antenna (AFA) structures consisting of two layers of 15 mil-thick low-loss microwave laminates and three 18um-thick copper layers. An incident wave with proper polarization is received by the top slot in the input side, passes through a half-wave stripline resonator, and then reradiates from the bottom slot on the output side with orthogonal polarization. Vias surrounding AFA elements guarantee that no parallel plate modes are excited between the two grounds, while any surface wave modes formed on the reactive surface of the array may still contribute to the occurrence of blind scan angles and need to be suppressed.
Transforming growth factor-β2 enhances differentiation of cardiac myocytes from embryonic stem cells

Abstract Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of injured myocardium, but is challenged by a limited supply of appropriate cells. Three different isoforms of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -β1, -β2, and -β3 exhibit distinct regulatory effects on cell growth, differentiation, and migration during embryonic development. We compared the effects of these three different isoforms on cardiomyocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells. In contrast to TGF-β1, or -β3, treatment of mouse ES cells with TGF-β2 isoform significantly increased embryoid body (EB) proliferation as well as the extent of the EB outgrowth that beat rhythmically. At 17 days, 49% of the EBs treated with TGF-β2 exhibited spontaneous beating compared with 15% in controls. Cardiac myocyte specific protein markers sarcomeric myosin and α-actin were demonstrated in beating EBs and cells isolated from EBs. In conclusion, TGF-β2 but not TGF-β1, or -β3 promotes cardiac myocyte differentiation from ES cells.
THE MORMON CULTURE REGION: STRATEGIES AND PATTERNS IN THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE AMERICAN WEST, 1847–1964

ABSTRACT The Mormons, a distinctive American subculture, have long dominated a large area of the Far West, but the extent of the region and the geographic relationships between Mormons and Gentiles (non-Mormons) have never been satisfactorily presented. Historical analysis of expansions, contractions, and reexpansions from the original Utah nucleus and of concurrent Gentile movements into and around Mormon colonies provides the basis for a refined definition of the Mormon culture region. That region is interpreted as having a core in the Wasatch Oasis, a domain over much of Utah and southeastern Idaho, and a sphere extending from eastern Oregon to Mexico. The most recent and important movement has been to the Pacific Coast cities, producing modifications in theology as well as geography, and suggesting the emergence of a Salt Lake City-Los Angeles axis as a pattern of profound influence in the present and future of Mormondom.
Drug delivery in polymeric micelles: from in vitro to in vivo

A new drug delivery modality was developed based on drug encapsulation in polymeric micelles followed by a controlled release at the tumor site triggered by ultrasound focused on the tumor. Ultrasound not only released drug from micelles but also enhanced the local uptake of both free and encapsulated drug by tumor cells, thus providing effective drug targeting. The significant success of in vitro studies of this new drug delivery technique warranted extending studies to animal experiments. Here the results of the in vitro studies of the above technique are summarized and the first in vivo experiments using colon cancer model in rats are reported. The in vivo results showed that application of low-frequency ultrasound (20 and 70 kHz) significantly reduced the tumor size when compared with non-insonated controls; this result indicated in vivo drug targeting to tumors by ultrasound.
Changes in the rate of ribosomal RNA synthesis during the cell cycle in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract In Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA is synthesized discontinuously during the cell cycle. To determine further the effect on RNA synthesis of the doubling of the ribosomal gene cistrons, the rate of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis at different stages of the cell cycle was examined. Exponential cultures of 14C-adenine labelled cells of S. cerevisiae were labelled with 32P-phosphate for 10 min. The cells were chilled, fractionated on a zonal rotor according to cell age, the RNA extracted, different RNA species isolated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and counted for 14C and 32P. 32P incorporation was lowest in the early stages of the cell cycle and increased with cell age. Labelled RNA precursors (35S, 27S, and 20S) were readily detected in the early stages of the cell cycle. These results suggest that transcription and processing of ribosomal RNA varies throughout the cell cycle and is not directly related to gene dosage. An apparent increase in the rate of rRNA synthesis (as measured by isotope incorporation) could be a result of either a true increase or an increase in the specific activities of the immediate precursors of RNA synthesis. Measurements of the XTP intracellular pools indicated that the specific activities of these RNA precursors did not change during the cell cycle.
Factorial Validity of the 1976 Edition of the Metropolitan Readiness Tests for Males and Females.

The 1976 edition of the Metropolitan Readiness Tests was factor analyzed from the responses of 408 beginning first graders. A single General Readiness factor, consistent with prior research, best described the battery of eight subtests. This factor was found to be invariant across sex when separate analyses for males and for females were compared. The coefficient of congruence for the general factor across sex was .98, and the salient variable similarity index reached a value of 1.00.
Increasing Advisor Effectiveness by Understanding Conflict and Conflict Resolution

On a daily basis, advisors encounter various types of interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict. Through this article, the reader will better understand conflict, its positive and negative impacts a...
Measurement of histone–DNA interaction free energy in nucleosomes

Nucleosome positioning DNA sequences are of increasing interest because of their proposed roles in gene regulation and other chromosome functions in vivo, and because they have revealed new insights into the sequence-dependent structures and mechanics of DNA itself. Here, we describe methods to quantify the relative affinities of histone-DNA interactions in nucleosomes, i.e., the nucleosome positioning power of differing DNA sequences. We review methods developed by others and then discuss in detail our own approach to measurement of histone-DNA interaction free energies. Compared to earlier methods, our dialysis-based approach reduces the possibility that non-equilibrium or irreproducible results could be obtained. It facilitates a direct comparison of free energies for many sequences at the same time and it allows analysis of DNAs having a wide range of relative affinities.
Patient Use of Traditional and Complementary Therapies in Treating Rhinosinusitis Before Consulting an Otolaryngologist

Objectives: It has been estimated that 50 million Americans are bothered with symptoms of allergic disease and sinusitis. Patients treat these symptoms with a variety of traditional and complementary therapies. This study examined the use of these therapies by patients before consulting an otolaryngologist. Study Design: This investigation involved a prospective clinical survey. Methods: The sample consisted of 120 adult patients seen in a community-based otolaryngology practice, who presented with complaints of sinusitis and rhinitis. Patients completed a set of questionnaires at their initial office visit to assess the various traditional and complementary therapies they had used. In addition, they completed a questionnaire evaluating the various symptoms with which they presented to the physician. All data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: The results demonstrated that patients had been symptomatic for a mean length of 3.5 years before seeking therapy from the otolaryngologist. In addition, 87% of patients had previously seen a primary care provider, and 42% of patients had previously consulted an otolaryngologist. While traditional therapies including medications were commonly used, many patients also attempted a variety of complementary treatments, including dietary management, herbal therapy, exercise, and chiropractic. Patients who had previously seen an otolaryngologist were commonly treated with surgery. Conclusions : These findings demonstrate that patients employ both traditional and complementary therapies before seeking the care of an otolaryngologist. In addition, findings suggest that, despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, many patients continue to remain symptomatic.
Test of a conceptual model of uncertainty in children and adolescents with cancer

Despite recognition as a significant stressor in childhood cancer, illness-related uncertainty from the perspective of children remains under-studied. We tested a conceptual model of uncertainty, derived from Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, in 68 school-aged children and adolescents with cancer. As hypothesized, uncertainty was significantly related to psychological distress, but only one hypothesized antecedent (parental uncertainty) significantly predicted children's uncertainty. An alternative model incorporating antecedent developmental factors (age and illness-specific expertise) explained 21% of the variance in child uncertainty; controlling for stage of treatment, uncertainty was higher in children with shorter time since diagnosis, older age, lower cancer knowledge, and higher parental uncertainty. These findings provide the foundation for further studies to understand children's management of uncertainty and its contribution to psychological adjustment to illness. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:179–191, 2010
Monazite solubility and dissolution kinetics: implications for the thorium and light rare earth chemistry of felsic magmas

A series of monazite dissolution experiments was conducted in a hydrous (1–6 wt.%) granitic melt at 8 kbar over the temperature range 1,000–1,400° C. A polished cube of monazite was immersed in a natural obsidian melt and allowed to partially dissolve. Electron microprobe traverses perpendicular to the crystal-melt interface revealed concentration gradients in the LREEs and P. Diffusivities of the LREEs and P were calculated from these profiles, yielding the following Arrhenius relations for the LREEs: D=0.23 exp(−60.1 kcal mol−1/RT) at 6% water D=2.30×107 exp(−122.1 kcal mol−1/RT) at 1% water These results demonstrate the importance of dissolved water on REE diffusion. Phosphorus diffusivities are nearly identical to those of the rare-earths, suggesting that P diffusion charge-compensates REE diffusion. The concentration of LREEs required for monazite saturation in these melts is given by the level of dissolved LREEs at the crystal-melt interface. These values also show a dependence on dissolved water, with LREEsat=60 ppm at 6% H2O when extrapolated down to 700° C, and LREEsat=30 ppm at 1% H2O. Calculated dissolution rates based on the above parameters indicate that minute ( 2% H2O), whereas larger (> 50 μm) crystals will likely be residual over the duration of an anatectic event. The low solubility of monazite in this melt suggests that the LREE depletion observed in some felsic differentiation suites may be the result of monazite crystallization. Limited experimental and geochemical/petrologic evidence indicates that compositional changes in the melt accompanying differentiation decrease the solubility of monazite drastically. Kinetic and chemical constraints may also lead to localized monazite saturation and inclusion in major phases or even other accessories. Variations in the REE composition of monazite from different parageneses probably reflects the REE pattern of the parent melt, and may be due to gradational differences in the stability of individual or subgroup REE-complexes as a function of melt composition. Particularly important in this regard seems to be the lime+alkali/alumina balance of the melt and its volatile content.
CXCR3 chemokine receptor signaling mediates itch in experimental allergic contact dermatitis

Persistent itch is a common symptom of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and represents a significant health burden. The chemokine CXCL10 is predominantly produced by epithelial cells during ACD. Although the chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 are implicated in the pathophysiology of ACD, it is largely unexplored for itch and pain accompanying this disorder. Here, we showed that CXCL10 and CXCR3 mRNA, protein, and signaling activity were upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion after contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a murine model of ACD, induced by squaric acid dibutylester. CXCL10 directly activated a subset of cutaneous dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the area of CHS through neuronal CXCR3. In behavioral tests, a CXCR3 antagonist attenuated spontaneous itch- but not pain-like behaviors directed to the site of CHS. Injection of CXCL10 into the site of CHS elicited site-directed itch- but not pain-like behaviors, but neither type of CXCL10-evoked behaviors was observed in control mice. These results suggest that CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling mediates allergic itch but not inflammatory pain in the context of skin inflammation. Thus, upregulation of CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling in sensory neurons may contribute to itch associated with ACD. Targeting the CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling might be beneficial for the treatment of allergic itch.
On the search for non-electrochemical cold fusion: Production of D2 off of high surface area Pd colloid

The reaction of Et3SiD with Na2PdCl4 in CD3OD was carried out under conditions where we monitored for production of neutrons and/or ψ-rays. This reaction produces D2 off the surface of Pd colloid. The formation of high surface area Pd metal was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy /TEM/. The heat from the all protio control reaction and the all protio control reaction and the all deutero reaction was monitored and found to be the same within the limits of these experiments. Within the limits of our neutron and gamma detection, we conclude that no measurable fusion occurred during this reaction.
The genus of K12s

Abstract The Heawood map coloring conjecture for orientable 2-manifolds is one of the oldest unsolved problems in combinatories. This article settles a portion of the conjecture in the affirmative by determining the genus of the complete graph with 12 s vertices. The method employed is novel in that it is necessary to use a non-Abelian group to identify the vertices.
The Theory of Price Determination in Government-Industry Relationships

Introduction, 85. — The conventional bilateral monopoly, 86. — The government procurement process, 88. — Sole source contracts, 89. — Multisource procurement, 95.
Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in a Portfolio of Prevention Programs for Injection Drug Users in Mixed HIV Epidemics

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis with oral antiretroviral treatment (oral PrEP) for HIV-uninfected injection drug users (IDUs) is potentially useful in controlling HIV epidemics with a significant injection drug use component. We estimated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of strategies for using oral PrEP in various combinations with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Ukraine, a representative case for mixed HIV epidemics. Methods and Findings We developed a dynamic compartmental model of the HIV epidemic in a population of non-IDUs, IDUs who inject opiates, and IDUs in MMT, adding an oral PrEP program (tenofovir/emtricitabine, 49% susceptibility reduction) for uninfected IDUs. We analyzed intervention portfolios consisting of oral PrEP (25% or 50% of uninfected IDUs), MMT (25% of IDUs), and ART (80% of all eligible patients). We measured health care costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), HIV prevalence, HIV infections averted, and incremental cost effectiveness. A combination of PrEP for 50% of IDUs and MMT lowered HIV prevalence the most in both IDUs and the general population. ART combined with MMT and PrEP (50% access) averted the most infections (14,267). For a PrEP cost of $950, the most cost-effective strategy was MMT, at $520/QALY gained versus no intervention. The next most cost-effective strategy consisted of MMT and ART, costing $1,000/QALY gained compared to MMT alone. Further adding PrEP (25% access) was also cost effective by World Health Organization standards, at $1,700/QALY gained. PrEP alone became as cost effective as MMT at a cost of $650, and cost saving at $370 or less. Conclusions Oral PrEP for IDUs can be part of an effective and cost-effective strategy to control HIV in regions where injection drug use is a significant driver of the epidemic. Where budgets are limited, focusing on MMT and ART access should be the priority, unless PrEP has low cost.
A real options perspective on the future of the Euro

Abstract A break-up of the Eurozone is no longer regarded as implausible. This will be a costly and irreversible decision in conditions of continuing uncertainty; therefore it is amenable to analysis in the real options framework. We do so by solving as an n-dimensional optimal stopping problem with country-specific shocks and “convergence” of member economies. We compare a complete break-up with individual country departures. In calibrated solutions for a symmetric case we find a non-negligible but small option value. Furthermore, we find a new theoretical result on the non-monotonicity of abandonment threshold with respect to volatility.
Form-birefringent metal and its plasmonic anisotropy

We constructed a form-birefringent metal exhibiting different polarizabilities along different optical axes and its supported optical anisotropy of surface plasmon waves. The generated plasmonic index ellipsoid existing in reciprocal lattice space has been directly mapped.
Cone-Beam CT: Vascular Applications

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional rendering of opacified vascular structures that are very useful for catheter guidance and anatomical correlation in many arterial and venous procedures. CBCT has been shown to improve the technical success of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which may lead to better outcomes. Similarly, it is useful in planning for selective internal radiation therapy of the liver by defining the treatment volume and preventing misembolization. There is emerging application of CBCT fusion with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for use in catheterization or needle puncture of otherwise difficult to opacify vascular structures. CBCT also has a role in needle guidance for type II endoleak embolization, translumbar venous catheter placement, and embolization of vascular malformations.
THICKNESS OF THE CRUST AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO RELIEF AND GRAVITY ANOMALIES

The effect of different crustal thickness on a regional gravity field may be differentiated, as a first approximation, into-three layers: 1) sedimentary, 2) granitic, and 3) basaltic. The study of complex “wave pictures” obtained in deep seismic sounding has lead to differentiation of the crust as continental, oceanic, and transitional, with a general relationship existing between the surface tectonics of the crust and its deeper structures. The crust is thickest in the mountain regions (40 km-80 km) as against an average for the platforms of about 25 km-35 km. It appears that there are two particularly conspicuous gravity and seismic discontinuities in the crust; one between the sedimentary mantle and the so-called crystalline layer and the other between the latter and the M surface. Tentative estimations of crustal thickness are as follows: the Russian Platform and the north of the western Siberian Platform; 30 km-34 km; the Black Sea about 24 km; the entire south, southeast and east of the U. S. S. R. ...
A Robotic Spectrometer System for LED Display Measurements

Modern display systems use expensive light emitting diode (LED)s, which eventually may fail or not perform as expected due to harsh weather and other environmental factors. A robotic spectrometer system is developed for measuring the output characteristics of each LED in every pixel and store them in a lookup table. This allows the system to adjust the output of each LED based on the results of the lookup table and helps to maintain the picture quality of the display. This system also allows the use of off the-shelf LEDs, whose operating characteristics are measured by the robotic spectrometer system in order to identify the optimal operating point. This system facilitates a viable method to improve existing displays, obtain better picture quality, and build displays with off-the-shelf components.
Flow-induced vibrations of metal bellows.

Longitudinal vibrations induced by internal flow in metal bellows resembling vortex shedding excitations of elastically restrained cylinders, discussing spring mass mechanical model
Cocaine conditioning and cocaine sensitization : what is the relationship?

With repeated cocaine use, cocaine conditioned behavior develops to associated stimuli, and in addition, sensitization can occur to the unconditioned stimulant effects of cocaine. To investigate the relationship between the conditioned and unconditioned behavioral effects of repeated cocaine use, two groups of rats (n = 7) were given five daily paired cocaine treatments (10 mg/kg i.p.) immediately before a 20-min placement in an open-field environment. Other groups received either saline before testing or cocaine unpaired which was administered 30 min after testing in the homecage. When tested in the open-field with saline for conditioned effects, the two cocaine paired groups selectively exhibited substantial and equivalent cocaine conditioned responses. One of these groups was subjected to an extinction procedure which was effective in eliminating the cocaine conditioned responses. Subsequently, all the rats which had received cocaine in the first phase of the experiment, paired and unpaired, along with a subset of saline animals were given a cocaine (10 mg/kg i.p.) challenge test. The paired cocaine animals exhibited an earlier onset of the cocaine induced behavioral response (sensitization) as compared with the saline and the unpaired cocaine animals. Critically, the sensitization effects were unaffected by extinction, and in addition, the conditioned response did not contribute to the sensitization effect. It is suggested that the cocaine drug response occludes the cocaine conditioned response. Subsequent to this sensitization test, the animals were retested for conditioning. In this test, the paired cocaine animals which had not been subjected to the extinction procedure still exhibited a conditioned cocaine response, whereas, the paired cocaine group subjected to extinction was indistinguishable from saline controls. Although the present results show that Pavlovian conditioned responses to exteroceptive contextual cues do not directly contribute to cocaine induced behavioral sensitization effects, the sensitization effects were context-specific, and therefore, were tied to associative processes. It is suggested that context specificity is mediated by a compound stimulus complex comprised of exteroceptive stimuli and interoceptive cocaine drug cues. Furthermore, these exteroceptive and interoceptive cues associated with cocaine effectively expedite the onset of cocaine effects, and thereby, facilitate the addictive potency of cocaine.
Consequences of public ownership and subsidies for mass transit: Evidence from case studies and regression analysis

The trend toward public ownership, public regulation, and public subsidization of the U.S. transit industry has recently come under attack. Many argue that the result has been reduced productivity, increased costs, and very little real benefit. This article examines the impacts of subsidies and public ownership in four large transit systems that cover a range of transit system types and financing arrangements. Evidence from the case studies is compared to the results of both time-series and cross-section regression analysis of operating and financial statistics for large samples of bus systems. Although the case studies and the regressions rely on different datasets and different techniques, they support the same conclusions. Increased subsidies and public ownership have kept down fares and permitted service expansion, but have also encouraged wasteful cost escalation. Thus, transit riders unquestionably have benefited from public takeovers of transit systems and burgeoning subsidies, but not nearly as much as they would have benefited if costs had not skyrocketed at the same time.
Amphiphilic superabsorbent cellulose nanofibril aerogels

Ultra-light (1.7 to 8.1 mg cm−3) and ultra-porous (99.5 to 99.9%) aerogels have been assembled from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) that were defibrillated from rice straw cellulose at 96.8% yield. The as-prepared aerogels, amphiphilic super-absorbents, absorbing 210 and 375 times water and chloroform, respectively, are far superior to any previously reported cellulose aerogel. Vapor deposition with triethoxyl(octyl) silane turned the amphiphilic aerogel more hydrophobic and oleophilic, capable of absorbing 139–356 times non-polar hydrocarbons, polar aprotic solvents and oils, surpassing all previously reported polymeric, cellulosic and carbonaceous aerogels by 2 to nearly 20 times. These aerogels are excellent amphiphilic super-absorbents for selective oil removal and recovery.
Pediatric Feline Upper Respiratory Disease

Infectious feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) continues to be a widespread and important cause of morbidity and mortality in kittens. Multiple pathogens can contribute to URTD in kittens, and coinfections are common in overcrowded environments and contribute to increased disease severity. Worldwide, the most prevalent pathogens are feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. Primary bacterial causes of URTD in cats include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydia felis, and Mycoplasma species. Streptococcus canis and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus occasionally play a role as primary pathogens in shelter situations and catteries. This article reviews the major causes of disease in kittens, and provides an update on treatment and prevention strategies.
Comparison of PoraPak Rxn RP and XAD-2 adsorbents for monitoring dissolved hydrophobic organic contaminants

Accurate determination of the levels of dissolved hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) is an important step in estimating the dynamics of their inputs and losses in aqueous systems. This study explores an alternative method for efficiently sampling dissolved HOCs while mitigating a number of sampling artifacts associated with traditional methods. The adsorption characteristics of a new polymeric resin, PoraPak Rxn RP (PPR), were assessed using sorption isotherm experiments and fixed bed adsorption studies. The adsorption capacities and breakthrough times for four model contaminants (phenol, p-nitrophenol, naphthalene, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol) were proportional to the contaminant’s hydrophobicity. The ability of PPR to isolate dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in real samples was compared with that of XAD-2, a well-known macroporous polymer that suffers from high background contamination. The results indicated that the PPR resin can be effectively used for monitoring HOCs, with low ∑PCB levels in blanks, decreasing solvent use, and reducing extraction times.
Jump-Landing Biomechanics and Knee-Laxity Change Across the Menstrual Cycle in Women With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Context: Of the individuals able to return to sport participation after an anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) injury, up to 25% will experience a second ACL injury. This population may be more sensiti...
Clinical electrophysiology of flestolol, a potent ultra short-acting beta blocker

Abstract We measured the electrophysiologic effects of flestolol, and ultra short-acting beta blocker, in 15 patients at two infusion rates: a 45 μg/kg loading dose followed by a 5 μg/kg/min infusion and a 60 μg/kg loading dose followed by a 10 μg/kg/min infusion. Electrophysiologic measurements were made after 15 minutes at each infusion rate (plasma concentrations 46 ± 11 and 94 ± 23 ng/ml). Flestolol produced dose-dependent effects on the sinus node, the atrioventricular (AV) node, and right ventricular refractoriness, whereas atrial refractoriness and infranodal conduction were unchanged. At the 10 μg/kg/min dose, flestolol prolonged sinus cycle length by a mean of 20% ( p = 0.0001), corrected sinus node recovery time by 42% ( p = 0.02), AH interval by 21% ( p = 0.0001), AV node effective refractory period by 28%, AV node Wenckebach cycle length by 30% (0.0001), and right ventricular effective refractory period by 5% ( p = 0.03). A significant concentration-effect relationship ( p ≤ 0.03) was present for all variables which had significant dose-effect relationships. No patient developed hypotension, bradyarrhythmias, or other toxicity. Sinus cycle length decreased linearly with time in the post infusion period ( r = 0.99); by 30 minutes post infusion, measured electrophysiologic variables had returned to control values and flestolol plasma concentration had decreased to 4 ± 2 ng/ml. Flestolol's electrophysiologic effects are similar to those of other beta blockers. In doses up to 10 μg/kg/min, it is safe in selected patients, has rapid onset and offset of action, and does not cause acute rebound.
Relative proportions of seed, skin and flesh, in ripe berries from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines grown in a vineyard either well irrigated or under water deficit

Relationships between the fresh mass of seed, skin (exocarp), and flesh (mesocarp) in six different berry size categories, were assessed on ripe fruit from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines exposed to either High (H), Control (C) or Low (L) water status during post-veraison berry growth in a vineyard. Berries harvested from each treatment were segregated into six mass categories in order to distinguish between changes in fresh mass components associated with general variation in berry size (on well-watered grapevines), and those associated with berry size differences due to water stress. Berry fresh mass across all treatments ranged from about 0.4 to 2.0 g. Fresh mass components for both H and C berries comprised approximately 5% seed, 15% skin, and 80% flesh, regardless of variation in berry size, although there was some increase in seed mass relative to whole-berry fresh mass in larger berries. Berry growth (as inferred from fresh mass at harvest) was much less sensitive to water deficit than published reports for grapevine shoot growth. Midday leaf water potentials around -1.20 MPa (Control) were not sufficient to inhibit berry growth. However, midday water potentials around -1.50 MPa (Low water status) inhibited berry growth by 13-18% of that attained by grapevines grown at high water status (i.e. treatment H where midday leaf water potentials remained around -1.00 MPa). Inhibition of berry growth by water deficit was attributed almost exclusively to reduced growth of mesocarp tissues (for most berry size categories). Water deficit thus increased the proportion of whole-berry fresh mass represented by seeds and skin (for most berry size categories). Changes in those proportions due to irrigation treatments exceeded differences associated with general (non-stress) variation in whole-berry fresh mass. Excluding adverse environmental impacts on whole-berry fresh mass, our results point to a limited role for variation in berry size per se as a factor determining the solute concentration of juice or wine derived from different sized fruit. By implication, and for all categories of whole-berry fresh mass represented here, late season water deficit can result in ripe fruit with more skin and seed tissues (relative to whole-berry fresh mass) compared with well-watered control fruit.
Differential control of eosinophil survival by glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids are effective drugs for eosinophil-related disorders, such as asthma and allergy. Previous studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids increase eosinophil apoptosis and block the survival effect of submaximal concentrations of interleukin-5 (IL-5). We investigated the effect of glucocorticoids on eosinophil survival in the presence of a higher concentration of IL-5 (1 ng/ml), comparable to IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum specimens from patients with asthma. In contrast to incubation in the presence of submaximal concentrations of IL-5, the addition of dexamethasone (DEX) to media containing 1 ng/ml IL-5 led to a significant increase in eosinophil cell viability from 58 ± 6.9% to 87 ± 2.4% (p < 0.005) after 72 hours in culture. We found that RU486 blocked the DEX effect on cell viability confirming that glucocorticoid receptor functions are required. We investigated the possibility that the glucocorticoid enhancement of eosinophil survival may be due to an effect on IL-5 receptor expression. Our results show that the IL-5 associated decrease in IL-5 receptor α-subunit expression was blocked significantly after 24 hrs in culture with media containing IL-5 plus DEX compared to IL-5 alone. It is tempting to speculate that the observed glucocorticoid enhancement of eosinophil survival in the presence of elevated concentrations of IL-5 could be a mechanism that contributes to glucocorticoid resistance in asthma.
Nitrogen uptake across site specific management zones in irrigated corn production systems

Development of improved fertilizer management practices has the potential to increase fertilizer use efficiency and improve environmental quality. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the within field spatial variability of N uptake across irrigated corn production fields, (ii) to quantify and compare N uptake and grain yield across three site specific management zones (SSMZs), and (iii) to compare grain yield response to applied N between management zones. This study was conducted on continuous corn (Zea mays L.) in irrigated fields in northeastern Colorado. Fields were classified into high, medium, and low site specific management zones. Treatments consisted of a control and two uniform N application rates over 2 siteyears (one field over 2 consecutive yr and another field over 1 yr). Nitrogen fertilizer rates varied with site-year and ranged from 56 to 268 kg N ha -1 . Aboveground biomass samples were collected at physiological maturity and analyzed for total N. Between management zones, N uptake, grain yield, and grain yield response to applied N were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05). Management zones were found to be less spatially variable than the whole field. The SSMZs accurately characterized variability in N uptake as well as grain yield response to applied N. Thus, variation in N uptake and grain yield can potentially be managed using SSMZs.
A dense-medium insar correlation model with its application to the problem of snow characteristics retrieval

Snow characteristics, such as Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) and snow grain size, are essential to monitor the global hydrological cycle and thus an indicator of climate change. This paper demonstrates an InSAR scattering model for dense medium such as snow considering the multiple scattering effect through the use of Quasi-Crystalline Approximation (QCA) and Percus-Yevick pair distribution function. Based on the simplified versions of the model, simulated results are shown for the problem of snow characteristics retrieval. First, it is noticed that the Ka-band InSAR phase has better sensitivity to the snow grain size, while the L-band InSAR phase has better sensitivity to the snow depth. Then, the Ka- and L-band InSAR correlation measurements are utilized to retrieve the snow volume parameters along with the ground parameters simultaneously. The InSAR scattering model and the retrieval approach proposed in this paper can be a complimentary tool for other techniques of retrieving snow characteristics.
Direct excitation of standing-wave vibrations of domain walls

Abstract We propose a method of parametrically exciting natural vibrations of magnetic 180° domain-wall arrays without involving an intermediate pump mode. The rf field is applied along the hard direction parallel to the wall plane. The derived excitation threshold amounts to several oersted for typical low-loss garnet films.
Processing of the intermediate form of the iron-sulfur protein of the bc1 complex to the mature form after import into yeast mitochondria

Abstract The Rieske iron-sulfur protein of the cytochrome bc 1 complex is synthesized in the cytosol as a precursor with an additional 30 amino acids at the amino terminus. After import into the mitochondrial matrix, the precursor is processed to the mature form by two distinct proteolytic cleavages. Addition of 2.5 m m EDTA and 0.5 m m o -phenanthroline to the incubation mixture during import of the iron-sulfur protein precursor in vitro resulted in the selective inhibition of the second processing step with the concomitant accumulation of the intermediate form. The intermediate form was chased to the mature form in the presence of antimycin and oligomycin (to block the formation of a membrane potential) provided that 0.5 m m ATP and a metal ion such as Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ , or Mg 2+ were added. Ca 2+ ion was the most effective and at a concentration of 2.5 m m resulted in the complete cleavage of the intermediate to the mature form. Addition of Zn 2+ , Co 2+ , Mo 2+ , and Fe 2+ was not effective in restoring the second cleavage. The pH optimum for the processing of the intermediate form of the iron-sulfur protein to the mature form was between 6.8–8.0. Processing of the intermediate form of the iron-sulfur protein to the mature form was observed at temperatures ranging from 12 to 27 °C in a temperature-dependent manner. The time course during the chase indicated that the second processing step was completed within 2 min after addition of Ca 2+ ions. Attempts to isolate the second processing enzyme by sonication of mitochondria or by solubilization with detergents such as digitonin, Triton X-100, dodecylmaltoside, or octyl-glucoside were unsuccessful as only the first cleavage was observed. Hence, the second processing enzyme may be present in the inner membrane or matrix in a conformation disrupted by detergents or alternatively the enzyme may be very labile.
Proteinquakes in the evolution of influenza virus hemagglutinin (A/H1N1) under opposing migration and vaccination pressures.

Influenza virus contains two highly variable envelope glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Here we show that, while HA evolution is much more complex than NA evolution, it still shows abrupt punctuation changes linked to punctuation changes of NA. HA exhibits proteinquakes, which resemble earthquakes and are related to hydropathic shifting of sialic acid binding regions. HA proteinquakes based on shifting sialic acid interactions are required for optimal balance between the receptor-binding and receptor-destroying activities of HA and NA for efficient virus replication. Our comprehensive results present a historical (1945–2011) panorama of HA evolution over thousands of strains and are consistent with many studies of HA and NA interactions based on a few mutations of a few strains.