cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic data tables for highly ionized atoms

Two data centers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are engaged in the critical compilation of atomic spectroscopic data including those for highly ionized atoms-- the Atomic Energy Levels Data Center and the Data Center on Atomic Transition Probabilities. Several major compilations have been recently completed, centered on the iron-group elements.
Application of the photothermal deflection technique to combustion diagnostics

The first application of photothermal deflection spectroscopy to combustion diagnostics is reported. Preliminary experiments in which low concentrations of NO/sub 2/ produced by the combustion of a seeded methane-air were detected is also reported. (AIP)
ALTERATIONS IN ORGAN GLYCOGEN RESERVES AND RESPIRATION FOLLOWING EPINEPHRINE1

It is an established fact that epinephrine mobilizes the carbohydrate stores of the body (Cori, 1931 and 1940; Britton and Silvette, 1937). Nevertheless the marked alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in the adrenalectomized animal, usually demonstrated in liver and muscle, have been attributed generally to the absence of the cortical hormones. It has been shown by Strand and Gordon (1950) that carbohydrate levels within the lymphoid organs of the rat also are influenced by the secretions of the adrenal gland, with either cortical hormone or epinephrine, administered daily from 1–3 weeks, capable of restoring the depleted glycogen stores resulting from adrenalectomy. Cori and Cori (1928) have demonstrated that a single injection of epinephrine, administered to fasted rats, results in an increase in liver glycogen within a 4-hour period. The present experiments attempt to determine the acute and chronic effects of epinephrine on thymus, spleen, liver, muscle and blood in the fasted adrenalectomized and s...
Synthesis of controlled‐release products in supercritical medium

Controlled-delivery products have recently received considerable attention. They prolong the drug's therapeutic effect, keeping its concentration between the therapeutic and toxicity limit. The final product must be free of residual solvent, even with nontoxic solvents, to provide its constant property that does not change with natural evaporation of the solvent. A major cost item in the synthesis of controlled-release drugs is to remove this solvent to acceptable limits. To eliminate the production step involving the organic solvent from the overall process, the drug was introduced into the polymer matrix using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the carrier solvent and swelling agent. This study focuses on the impregnation of a biodegradable polymer matrix with 5-fluorouracil for chemotherapy and β-estradiol estrogen hormone therapy. Swelling of the polymer matrix, solubility of drug components in scCO2 and the adsorption isotherm/partition coefficients in the presence of scCO2 were studied. To investigate the single-component supercritical adsorptive synthesis of controlled-delivery products, accurate experimental techniques to measure drug-component solubilities in supercritical fluids and adsorption isotherms in the presence of supercritical fluids were developed. Solubility data of these drugs in scCO2 at 35–55°C and 101–220-bar were reported. The adsorption equilibrium constants/partition coefficients were presented for these drug components on poly-dl-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) at the same conditions. To understand the effect of operating variables on the total drug loading and to predict the drug-loading breakthroughs, a flow over a flat plate model was developed that accounts for the polymer swelling, the partitioning of the drug component between the supercritical and polymer phases, and the polymer diffusivity. Experimental isotherm data with and without the polymer were incorporated into the model to isolate the system response from the polymer response to determine impregnation efficiencies.
Approximate solution technique for nonisothermal, gaussian distributed activation energy models

The literature on combustion and pyrolysis contains many references to pyrolytic reaction models based on the concept of a Gaussian distribution of activation energies. Such models have been used to describe the pyrolysis of coal [1-12], oil shale [13], and cellulose [14] ; they are seen as particularly appropriate for describing the pyrolysis of certain natural products containing a variety of chemically distinct functional groups. It has been pointed out that the use of a single first-order reaction rate model to describe overall volatiles formation can give rise to activation energies which are too low to be realistic for chemical processes (even in situations in which transport limitations play no role) [2, 6]. As a compromise between detailed individual product evolution models [1, 7, 10, 13 15-17] and the single pseudoreaction models, a few groups have modeled the overall rate of weight loss during pyrolysis as being governed by a Gaussian distribution of activation energies [4-6, 8, 9, 14]. This approach recognizes the fact that there are many distinct chemical pathways available for formation of volatiles, but does not get involved with the actual identification of all volatile species. In one test case, analysis of detailed product formation kinetics has shown the Gaussian distribution concept to be reasonable [17]. It is sometimes necessary to use models which distinguish between the evolution of different types of volatiles. Among the detailed individual volatile product formation models, a growing
WNK4 regulates apical and basolateral Cl– flux in extrarenal epithelia

Abstract Mutations in the serine-threonine kinase WNK4 [with no lysine (K) 4] cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, a Mendelian disease featuring hypertension with hyperkalemia. In the kidney, WNK4 regulates the balance between NaCl reabsorption and K+ secretion via variable inhibition of the thiazide-sensistive NaCl cotransporter and the K+ channel ROMK. We now demonstrate expression of WNK4 mRNA and protein outside the kidney. In extrarenal tissues, WNK4 is found almost exclusively in polarized epithelia, variably associating with tight junctions, lateral membranes, and cytoplasm. Epithelia expressing WNK4 include sweat ducts, colonic crypts, pancreatic ducts, bile ducts, and epididymis. WNK4 is also expressed in the specialized endothelium of the blood–brain barrier. These epithelia and endothelium all play important roles in Cl– transport. Because WNK4 is known to regulate renal Cl– handling, we tested WNK4's effect on the activity of mediators of epithelial Cl– flux whose extrarenal expression overlaps with WNK4. WNK4 proved to be a potent inhibitor of the activity of both the Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter (NKCC1) and the Cl–/base exchanger SLC26A6 (CFEX) (>95% inhibition of NKCC1-mediated 86Rb influx, P 80% inhibition of CFEX-mediated [14C] formate uptake, P < 0.001), mediators of Cl– flux across basolateral and apical membranes, respectively. In contrast, WNK4 showed no inhibition of pendrin, a related Cl–/base exchanger. These findings indicate a general role for WNK4 in the regulation of electrolyte flux in diverse epithelia. Moreover, they reveal that WNK4 regulates the activities of a diverse group of structurally unrelated ion channels, cotransporters, and exchangers.
Dielectric Elastomers for Direct Wind-to-Electricity Power Generation

We present a universal dielectric elastomer energy generator that can be scaled to match the requirements of the energy source. The design couples mechanical energy directly into an out of plane deflection that deforms the film. Cycling the generator between high and low strain states while applying a bias electric field switches the device between high and low energy states; charge that is injected at low energy can then be extracted at a higher potential. We present an analysis of the energy generation capacity and mechanical stability of the device and demonstrate its scalability via a compact, low energy/low deflection device and a larger, higher energy device. We demonstrate the capability of generating approximately 40 mJ per cycle in a single layer device with an active elastomer volume of only 0.57 cm3 and a maximum observed energy conversion efficiency of over 55%. We use recently developed advances in dielectric elastomer technology including interpenetrating polymer network films and carbon nanotube electrodes to improve operational reliability and present comparative results that demonstrate an increase in lifetime by several orders of magnitude over prestrained VHB acrylic films with carbon grease electrodes.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Japanese Textiles As Described In The Literature of Japan 552 A.D. to 1185 A.D.

Historical literature represents an invaluable source of information for the study of textiles in that it often provides interpretive data concerning the social context of textile production and end use. In the current investigation, descriptive textile information was collected from English translations of historical Japanese literature dating from 552 A.D. to 1185 A.D. The data suggested that, during the historical period under investigation, silk was the textile material most prevalent within the upper and middle class populations of Japan, regardless of season or activity, although it was not used to the exclusion of other fibers. These silks, either figured or plain, were frequently colored red, white or purple, but other hues were not uncommon. To some degree, silk was probably a prestigious fabric (especially if manufactured in China), in that it was usually associated with individuals having a higher social status. In general, the silk fabrics described as being worn by women were more decorative than those worn by men, and similarly, the silk fabrics described as being worn by young people were more decorative than those worn by their elders.
The effects of acute carbaryl exposure on clotting factor activity in the rat

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a drinking solution containing either 10 parts per million (ppm) carbaryl or water for 30 days. Plasma was analyzed for the prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and clotting factor activity for coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII and the platelet count. Only two hematological parameters measured were statistically different from the controls; these parameters were the platelet count and factor VII activity, both of which were reduced. Histological examination of the hepatic tissue illustrated that a number of pathological changes were occurring.
An Inexpensive Habituation and Sensitization Learning Laboratory Exercise Using Planarians

We describe an inexpensive laboratory exercise that uses planarians to demonstrate habituation and sensitization. Students drop water from an eyedropper onto a planarian's anterior region and observe its contraction responses. Initially, students practice the procedure until attaining high interobserver reliability in scoring the degree of contraction. Subsequently, they measure the decline in responsivity that occurs over repeated stimulus presentations. Following habituation, the planarian is drawn in and out of the eyedropper several times, resulting in sensitization and dishabituation of the contractile response in accordance with dual-process theory (Groves & Thompson, 1970). This procedure can also be used to demonstrate spontaneous recovery and short-versus long-term habituation processes.
The Effects of Duration and Intensity of Stimulation on Total Protein and Mucin Concentrations in Resting and Stimulated Whole Saliva

The present investigation has characterized the influence of the duration and intensity of stimulation on the secretion pattern of total protein and salivary mucins MG1 and MG2 in whole saliva. Resting and stimulated whole saliva was collected from six healthy subjects on 2 consecutive days. Whole saliva was collected for 2 five-minute intervals under resting conditions followed by collection under masticatory stimulation induced by the chewing of parafilm (1 g) at 10 or 60 strokes/min for 15 min. Flow rates were different under the 2 levels of stimulation. The concentration of total protein was different in resting and stimulated whole saliva but was not affected by the duration or intensity of stimulation. Analysis of mucin concentrations determined by capture ELISAs revealed that the pattern of MG1 secretion was similar to that of total protein. The pattern of MG2 secretion was unique in that no differences were observed in the concentration of this mucin under resting and stimulated conditions. This study shows that the pattern of protein secretion in whole saliva does not reflect the combined pattern observed for protein secretion in parotid and submandibular/sublingual glands, and that the secretion patterns of MG1 and MG2 in whole saliva are quite different from one another.
Transposition in Young Monkeys and Children

30 young monkeys with discrimination learning experience and 30 first grade children were trained to discriminate stimulus pairs which differed in either brightness, volume, or volume plus brightness. After achieving the criteria of learning, Ss were tested for transposition on a fixed number of trials with stimulus pairs along the same dimension. The order of the near and far tests of transposition was counterbalanced. Both monkeys and children made the fewest errors in learning and transferring on the compound stimulus dimension. The most errors were made in learning and transfer on the brightness stimuli and on the far test condition. The analysis yielded no other significant sources of variance for children. However, the order of transposition testing, and the interactions of order × near-far test condition, stimulus dimension × near-far condition, and order × near-far × stimulus were significant sources of variance for the monkeys. Monkeys tested on the far test first made fewer errors on subsequent ...
SODIUM-RESTRICTED DIETARY APPROACHES TO STOP HYPERTENSION DIET INCREASES EARLY MARKERS OF RENAL TUBULAR INJURY IN HYPERTENSIVE HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

The sodium-restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH/SRD) lowers systemic blood pressure and favorably affects cardiac and vascular function in hypertensive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Dietary sodium restriction reduces renal damage in HFPEF animal
Using Elements from an Acute Abdominal Pain Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Leads to More Standardized Grading in the Surgical Clerkship for Third-Year Medical Students

Background There is poor reliability in the Likert-based assessments of patient interaction and general knowledge base for medical students in the surgical clerkship. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) can be used to assess these competencies. Objective We hypothesize that using OSCE performance to replace the current Likert-based patient interaction and general knowledge base assessments will not affect the pass/fail rate for third-year medical students in the surgical clerkship. Methods In this retrospective study, third-year medical student clerkship data from a three-station acute abdominal pain OSCE were collected from the 2009–2010 academic year. New patient interaction and general knowledge base assessments were derived from the performance data and substituted for original assessments to generate new clerkship scores and ordinal grades. Two-sided nonparametric statistics were used for comparative analyses, using an α = 0.05. Results Seventy third-year medical students (50.0% female) were evaluated. A sign test showed a difference in the original (4.45/5) and the new (4.20/5) median patient interaction scores (p 0.99). Conclusions We conclude that there are no differences in pass/fail rate, but there is a more standardized distribution of patient interaction assessments and utilization of the full spectrum of possible passing grades. We recommend that the current patient interaction assessment for third-year medical students in the surgical clerkship be replaced with that found through trained standardized patients in this three-station acute abdominal pain OSCE.
Correlation of Bovine Serum Macroglobulin and Calcium at Parturition

Abstract Serum globulin varied little in cows sampled over a physiological cycle of 1 yr except at parturition and onset of lactation. The 19S macroglobulin peak in parturient cows was elevated 75% shortly before calving with a return to normal (4.8±.7% of serum protein) within 18 days after birth. Serum protein remained constant. A drop in serum calcium at birth accompanied the macroglobulin changes from 3.0mM to 1.9mM calcium. The elevated 19S macroglobulin component was α 2 -macroglobulin by preparative fractionation of macroglobulin samples followed by electrophoresis and by analytical ultracentrifuge studies. Eight cows with parturient hypocalcemia developed the same serum macroglobulin patterns as normal cows during parturition, but serum calcium dropped to .92mM with inorganic phosphate also decreasing significantly. We isolated, identified, and physically and chemically characterized bovine α 2 -macroglobulin to ascertain its function in physiological adjustments to parturition and lactation. Elevated α 2 -macroglobulin in parturient or milk fever cows and the diminished serum calcium of these animals were uncorrelated.
Rethinking Tropical Forest Conservation: Perils in Parks

Abstract: According to some conservationists, large, pristine, uninhabited parks are the defining criterion of success in conserving tropical forests. They argue that human residents in tropical forests inevitably deplete populations of large animals through hunting, which triggers a chain reaction of ecological events that greatly diminish the conservation value of these forests. Hence, they believe that removal of people from tropical forests is an essential step in the creation of successful parks and in the conservation of nature in the tropics. This approach can lead to undesirable consequences, however. Forest residents—and rural people generally—are potent political actors in tropical forest regions and an essential component of the environmental political constituencies that are necessary for the long-term conservation of tropical forests. In Amazonia and elsewhere, rural people are defending far bigger areas of tropical forest from unfettered deforestation and logging than are parks, thereby conserving the ecological services provided by these forests and the majority of their component plant and animal species. Moreover, the data are too sparse to judge the effects of forest peoples on populations of large forest animals. The establishment of pristine, tropical forest parks is an important conservation goal, but the exclusive pursuit of this goal undermines the broader objectives of conservation when it identifies forest residents and other rural people as the enemies of nature.
Violence against emergency department workers

The purpose of this study was to describe the violence experienced by Emergency Department (ED) workers from patients and visitors during the 6 months before the survey. Two hundred forty-two employees at five hospitals who came in direct contact with patients or visitors completed a survey. The study found that most workers had been verbally harassed by patients or visitors at least once. There were at least 319 assaults by patients and 10 assaults by visitors. Sixty-five percent of subjects assaulted stated that they did not report the assault to hospital authorities. Sixty-four percent of subjects had not had any violence prevention training during the previous 12 months. There were significant relationships among violent experiences, feelings of safety, and job satisfaction. ED workers are at high risk for violence, and efforts are needed to decrease the incidence of violence. Such efforts are likely to have a positive impact on job satisfaction and retention of ED workers.
Special Topic: Coaching

This article describes the books that were reviewed in the December 2004 issue of the "Academy of Management Learning & Education." This issue of Resource Reviews is dedicated to those works whose ...
Chromatography of Penicillins, Penicilloates, and Penicilloylamides on Dextran Gels

Abstract The factors influencing the chromatographic behavior on dextran gels of penicillins and their derivatives were investigated by comparing elution profiles and partition coefficients (KD and KAV) of penicillins differing in side-chain structure and among penicillin derivatives of identical side-chain but different nuclear structure. Under the conditions of pH and ionic strength employed (pH 7.4, 0.145 M NaCl, 0.05 M PO4), side-chain adsorptive effects best explained the anomalous behavior of benzylpenicillin and of oxacillin and its chlorine-substituted analogues. Polar side-chain substituents, such as the amino group of ampicillin and the carboxyl group of carbenicillin, and cleavage of the β-lactam ring, exemplified by penicilloates and penicilloylamines, both appeared to interfere with side-chain-directed adsorption. The differential adsorption of penicillins and their derivatives to dextran gels is not only of theoretical interest relative to the mechanism of chromatography but of practical application to analytical and preparative procedures in penicillin chemistry.
Discriminating Simulated Vocal Tremor Source Using Amplitude Modulation Spectra

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis Sources of vocal tremor are difficult to categorize perceptually and acoustically. This article describes a preliminary attempt to discriminate vocal tremor sources through the use of spectral measures of the amplitude envelope. The hypothesis is that different vocal tremor sources are associated with distinct patterns of acoustic amplitude modulations. Study Design Statistical categorization methods (discriminant function analysis) were used to discriminate signals from simulated vocal tremor with different sources using only acoustic measures derived from the amplitude envelopes. Methods Simulations of vocal tremor were created by modulating parameters of a vocal fold model corresponding to oscillations of respiratory driving pressure (respiratory tremor), degree of vocal fold adduction (adductory tremor), and fundamental frequency of vocal fold vibration (F0 tremor). The acoustic measures were based on spectral analyses of the amplitude envelope computed across the entire signal and within select frequency bands. Results The signals could be categorized (with accuracy well above chance) in terms of the simulated tremor source using only measures of the amplitude envelope spectrum even when multiple sources of tremor were included. Conclusions These results supply initial support for an amplitude-envelope-based approach to identify the source of vocal tremor and provide further evidence for the rich information about talker characteristics present in the temporal structure of the amplitude envelope.
Metabolites associated with organophosphonate CP bond cleavage: chemical synthesis and microbial degradation of [32P]-ethylphosphonic acid

Abstract Degradation of [ 32 P]-ethylphosphonic acid by Escherichia coli has provided the first glimpse of phosphorus-containing metabolites generated during cleavage of organophosphonate carbon to phosphorus (CP) bonds. Mechanistic ramifications of the observed metabolites are discussed along with the methodology for introduction of 32 P into organophosphonates.
Opdyke receives the Fleming medal

Neil D. Opdyke was awarded the John Adam Fleming Medal at the AGU Spring Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held in Baltimore, May 22, 1996. The Fleming Medal recognizes original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, and related sciences. Opdyke was particularly acknowledged for his pioneering work in the use of marine sediments to study the Earth's magnetic field, especially with regard to polarity reversals, and the development of magnetic stratigraphy. The citation and Opdyke's response are given here.
Rejoinder to Nancy Cook's Comment on "Measures to Summarize and Compare the Predictive Capacity of Markers"

This is a response to Nancy Cook's Readers' Reaction to "Measures to Summarize and Compare the Predictive Capacity of Markers."
Semiautomated analytical image correlation.

Machine vision refers to computer programs consisting of a collection of pattern recognition and digital image processing algorithms (Fabel, G. Motion Control 2000, 53−54). A version of machine vision has been applied to correlating digital images generated by optical microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). By suitable application of image processing algorithms, semiautomated correlation between optical and secondary ion images is possible. For correlation of minor constituents evident in secondary ion images but invisible in optical images, correlation is performed by reference to the relative position of minor to major constituents. Precise coordinates of features apparent in one analytical image can be translated into the corresponding coordinates of an analytical image obtained by a different method. In principle, this capability yields a semiautomated system to combine complementary features of disparate imaging methods, such as secondary ion and optical microscopy.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac disease: ischemia--reperfusion, aging, and heart failure.

Mitochondria contribute to cardiac dysfunction and myocyte injury via a loss of metabolic capacity and by the production and release of toxic products. This article discusses aspects of mitochondrial structure and metabolism that are pertinent to the role of mitochondria in cardiac disease. Generalized mechanisms of mitochondrial-derived myocyte injury are also discussed, as are the strengths and weaknesses of experimental models used to study the contribution of mitochondria to cardiac injury. Finally, the involvement of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of specific cardiac disease states (ischemia, reperfusion, aging, ischemic preconditioning, and cardiomyopathy) is addressed.
Effect of a long-term nerve growth factor treatment on body weight, blood pressure,and serum corticosterone in rats

Nerve growth factor is a well-characterized neurotrophin essential for the development and maintenance of certain central and peripheral neurons. As many neurons affected by aging depend for their survival on a constant supply of neurotrophins, nerve growth factor has been proposed as a possible treatment to prevent aging-associated neurodegeneration. There is evidence that nerve growth factor also plays a role in the immune system and modulates certain aspects of endocrine function. Here we have determined the effects of prolonged peripheral (intraperitoneal) treatment with nerve growth factor on body weight, blood pressure, and serum corticosterone levels in the rat. Our data indicate that intraperitoneally-injected nerve growth factor can affect body weight gain in rats. This effect may not be mediated by nerve growth factor-induced increases in serum corticosterone levels, as exogenous administration of corticosterone did not result in a similar body weight loss. These results show that, as previously reported for intracerebroventricular treatment with nerve growth factor, intraperitoneally-injected nerve growth factor also reduces body weight gain in rats. The data also suggest that exogenous delivery of nerve growth factor as part of therapeutic regimens is likely to have several effects.
Strategic ignorance in a second-price auction

Abstract Suppose that bidders may publicly choose not to learn their values prior to a second-price auction with costly bidding. All equilibria with truthful bidding exhibit bidder ignorance when the number of bidders is sufficiently small. Ignorance considerations also affect the optimal reserve price.
Chemoselectively Surface Funtionalizable Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membrane for Versatile Membrane Mimetic Systems Fabrication

A chemoselectively surface functionalizable tethered bilayer lipid membrane (tBLM) was developed via liposome immobilization, rupture and fusion processes. Briefly, introduction of triphenylphosphine (TP)-PEG-lipid into a liposome allows it to immobilize onto an azide surface through amide bond formation via Staudinger ligation. Subsequent rupture of the immobilized liposome followed by a second liposome fusion leads to the tBLM formation, which contains TP for further chemically selective modifications on its surface. The membrane fluidity and continuity of the tBLM were confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The tBLM was covalently functionalized with biomolecules such as azide-containing glycan and biotin in chemically selective fashion and under biocompatible condition, and thus provides a straightforward approach for multifunctional membrane mimetic system fabrication. In addition, the tBLM with incorporated transmembrane protein was demonstrated with an endothelial membrane protein thrombomodulin and its protein C activity was confirmed. The tBLM is very versatile as it can be adapted easily to different types of supporter for a variety of biological and biomedical research areas and applications.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic characterization of a hysteretic charge-transfer salt metamagnet, decamethylferrocenium 2,3-dicyano-1,4-naphthoquinonide, [Fe(Cp*)2][DCNQ].

The synthesis and single-crystal structure of a new one-to-one charge-transfer salt, derived from decamethylferrocene and 2,3-dicyano-1,4-naphthoquinone, are described. [Fe(Cp*)2][DCNQ] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, with a = 17.3149(5) A, b = 14.6862(4) A, c = 21.0507(6) A, and Z = 8. Magnetization vs temperature data obtained in 100 G suggest that the compound exhibits dominant one-dimensional ferromagnetic coupling and that it subsequently undergoes an antiferromagnetic phase transition below TN approximately 4 K. Results of magnetization vs applied field experiments show that the compound is a metamagnet with a critical field of approximately 3 kG at 1.8 K. In the nominally antiferromagnetic state, apparent canting of the moments gives rise to a small amount of hysteresis. This picture is supported by ac susceptibility data. The 57Fe Mossbauer spectrum exhibits the expected decamethylferrocenium unresolved quadrupole doublet (delta = 0.53 mm/s) at 77 K and magnetic hyperfine splitting, Hint = 37.9 T, corresponding to long-range magnetic order at 1.63 K.
Maternal hemodynamic effects of uterine contractions by M-mode and pulsed-Doppler echocardiography

Abstract Nineteen normotensive term gravid women were studied by M-mode and pulsed-Doppler echocardiography to noninvasively evaluate the hemodynamic consequences of uterine contractions on maternal left ventricular function. These laboring subjects were placed in the left lateral decubitus position with epidural labor anesthesia. Ejection fraction was not affected by firm contractions, although a small increase in left ventricular end-diastolic measurements was noted. There was a tendency for maternal heart rate to decrease (-5%); however, this trend was not statistically significant. A 16% increase in left ventricular stroke volume (75 ± 15 to 89 ± 17 ml) (p
Zileuton induces hemoglobin F synthesis in erythroid progenitors: role of the l-arginine–nitric oxide signaling pathway

Induction of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) is an important therapeutic tool in ameliorating complications of sickle cell disease. Nitric oxide has been implicated in the mechanism of Hb F synthesis induced by hydroxyurea (HU). This study examined whether zileuton (ZL), a structural analog of hydroxyurea, possessed Hb F-inducing properties and the potential role nitric oxide plays. ZL caused a dose-dependent increase in gamma-globin expression in K562 cells. This effect was confirmed by a dose-dependent increase in Hb F synthesis in erythroid progenitors from individuals with sickle cell anemia and normal hemoglobin genotypes. l-arginine had no effect on Hb F production; however, it dose-dependently inhibited ZL's ability to induce Hb F. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) inhibited l-arginine's effect and restored ZL-mediated increase in Hb F synthesis. In addition, 8-PCPT-cGMP (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) inhibited ZL-mediated induction of Hb F synthesis. When comparing l-NMMA effects alone on ZL and HU, a partial reversal of increased Hb F synthesis was seen only with HU. Neither l-arginine alone nor l-arginine in combination with l-NMMA effected hydroxyurea-mediated induction of Hb F synthesis. This study demonstrates that ZL induces Hb F through a mechanism that involves l-arginine/nitric oxide/cGMP in a manner distinctly different from HU.
The Effects of Plasma Irradiation on Saccharides

Abstract Monosaccharides and polysaccharides are chemically modified when they are subjected to rf plasmas derived from oxygen, nitrogen, or argon. The plasma treatment converts hydroxyl groups within the bulk to carbonyl groups on the order of one per anhydroglucose unit. On the surface, the concentration of carbonyl groups is greater than in the bulk. The activated surfaces formed by the plasma treatments are stable for at least 1.5 h. The observed spectral (IR, ESCA, and ESR) changes of the irradiated samples are the direct result of the plasma and not the secondary result of plasma-activated surfaces reacting with the atmosphere.
Observation for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

A 68-year-old white man with a family history of prostate cancer (brother diagnosed at age 60 years), had a 9-year history of fluctuating and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), ranging from 3.7 to 10.8 ng/mL. Two previous prostate needle biopsies were negative for prostate cancer. A third biopsy showed Gleason 7 (3 4) prostate cancer in the left apex involving 40% of a core and Gleason 6 (3 3) carcinoma in the left midgland involving 50% of a core (Fig 1). His clinical stage is T1c. A bone scan and computed tomography scanwerenegativeformetastaticdisease,butheavilycalcifiedcoronaryarterieswerenoted.Hehasa10-year history of non‐insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease,andtwocardiacstents.Arecentnuclearstresstestshowednormalperfusionimagesandacalculated ejectionfractionof65%.Heisoverweightwithabody-massindexof28.4.Hehasnovoidingcomplaints.He has a history of Peyronie’s disease and has not been active sexually for 10 years. His medications include metformin, glyburide, somatostatin, amlodipine, aspirin, clopidogrel, and metoprolol. He is a retired coal miner, actively involved in raising his 11-year-old grandson. After discussions with his urologist and radiation oncologist, he is unhappy about the risks associated with both surgery and radiation therapy and has been referred by his primary care physician for another opinion.
USE OF HERBICIDES TO CONTROL ALLIGATORWEED AND RESTORE NATIVE PLANTS IN MANAGED MARSHES

Marsh management is used to improve the quality of wetland habitats for a variety of waterfowl and other waterbirds. However, alien plants, such as alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.), may impact success of marsh management by competing with and displacing important native plants. In managed marshes, we tested effects of application rate (high, medium, and low) and timing (April and July) of two herbicides (triclopyr amine and imazapyr) on controlling alligatorweed and restoring native plants. In the year of treatment, imazapyr controlled alligatorweed better than triclopyr amine when applied in April, but the herbicides were equally effective when applied in July. High application rate of herbicides in April controlled alligatorweed better than the low application rate, but application rates of herbicides in July did not influence control. In the year of treatment, application of triclopyr amine resulted in greater native plant biomass than imazapyr. High application rate of herbicides in April resulted in greater native plant biomass in the year of treatment than low application rate, but native plant biomass did not differ among rates of herbicides applied in July. One year after treatment, the high application rate of herbicides resulted in less alligatorweed than the low application rate, and July applications of either herbicide generally controlled alligatorweed better than April applications. Application of imazapyr in July resulted in greater biomass of native plants one year after treatment than either imazapyr or triclopyr amine applied in April. This study demonstrates that single herbicide applications can be effective at controlling alligatorweed, and that these applications can have immediate and longer-term benefits for restoring native plants to managed marshes.
The uncut Roux-en-Y with jejunal pouch: a new reconstruction technique for total gastrectomy.

Background Roux Stasis Syndrome is a well-known complication after Roux-en-Y reconstruction. It has been hypothesized that reconstruction with an uncut Roux limb and jejunal pouch after total gastrectomy would preserve unidirectional intestinal myoelectrical activity, improve postoperative weight gain and nutritional parameters, and diminish Roux Stasis Syndrome in canines. Methods A total gastrectomy was performed, and 2 methods were used for reconstruction: Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (RY) was performed on 5 canines (control), and the uncut Roux-en-Y with a jejunal pouch (URYJP) was performed on 5 other canines (experimental). The canines were monitored for 10 weeks postoperatively. Serial weight and nutritional parameters were measured. Emptying profiles and motility studies were performed in the fasting and postprandial states. Results Ten weeks after operation, the URYJP group had significantly improved nutritional parameters, including weight, total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, serum total iron binding capacity, and serum IgA, IgG, and IgM. The emptying times for both groups were similar, with an increase of disordered propagation of the jejunal pacesetter potential in the RY group. The aboral propagation occurred more frequently in the URYJP group during fasting and after feeding (98% ± 1% vs 39% ± 16%; P = .02, and 99% ± 1% vs 43% ± 18%; P = .03). The sites of luminal occlusions were intact in the URYJP group at 10 weeks. Conclusions The combination of jejunal pouch and uncut Roux limb improved overall nutritional parameters when compared with the traditional Roux-en-Y, while preserving aboral propagation of jejunal pacesetter potentials.
MICROSTRUCTURE OF SOYBEAN PROTEIN AGGREGATES AND ITS RELATION TO THE PHYSICAL AND TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF THE CURD

The microstructure of soybean protein aggregates was examined by the optical microscope and the scanning electron microscope. The effects of heat and coagulating agents on the microstructure of the aggregates and on the physical and textural properties of the protein curd were investigated. Isoelectric point precipitation and calcium coagulation did not change the globular structure of the native soybean protein. However, heating induced the destruction of the native protein body. Heat denaturation of the protein was necessary in forming the network structure of the aggregates. When the protein aggregates were frozen, their structure became better defined and enlarged. The three dimensional network structure of the aggregate derived from heated soybean protein showed a low sedimentation rate, high curd yield, high water-holding capacity, low value of hardness and high springiness compared to the unheated precipitates of globular structure.
Mitochondrial ROS Signaling in Organismal Homeostasis

Generation, transformation, and utilization of organic molecules in support of cellular differentiation, growth, and maintenance are basic tenets that define life. In eukaryotes, mitochondrial oxygen consumption plays a central role in these processes. During the process of oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria utilize oxygen to generate ATP from organic fuel molecules but in the process also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). While ROS have long been appreciated for their damage-promoting, detrimental effects, there is now a greater understanding of their roles as signaling molecules. Here, we review mitochondrial ROS-mediated signaling pathways with an emphasis on how they are involved in various basal and adaptive physiological responses that control organismal homeostasis.
A Review of Second-line Chemotherapy and Prognostic Models for Disseminated Germ Cell Tumors

The majority of patients who are diagnosed with germ cell tumors (GCT), including those who present with disseminated disease, has an excellent prognosis. Approximately 70% to 80% of today’s patients with advanced GCT are cured with 1st-line cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and adjunctive surgery.1–5 Achievement of a complete remission (CR) to such treatment signifies an excellent chance of cure. Less than 10% of these patients relapse.6 However, an estimated 20% to 30% of patients presenting with metastatic GCT are either refractory to or relapse following initial treatment. The development of the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaboration Group classification of risk in 19977 improved our ability to estimate the risk of failure to 1st-line chemotherapy. It predicts that with standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy, approximately 10% of good-risk, 25% of intermediate-risk, and more than 50% of poor-risk patients will fail such treatment. While in most malignancies, refractory or relapsed disease that is not both localized and amenable to surgical resection is considered incurable, a significant proportion of such patients with GCT can still be cured with either salvage conventional-dose chemotherapy (CDCT) or high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) plus stem-cell rescue with or without adjunctive surgery in the 2nd- or even 3rd-line setting. A small proportion of patients with relapsed disease that is locally confined may achieve durable remissions with surgical resection alone.8–10 Since only a small number of patients require salvage therapy, few large prospective studies have been done to guide management in this setting. Rather, most data derive from phase II trials and retrospective series. The optimal regimen, both for CDCT and HDCT, remains to be determined. Other central questions include 1) How to identify those patients likely to be cured with CDCT, thus avoiding the toxicity of high-dose therapy, versus 2) those patients, who are unable to achieve cure with CDCT but might be cured with 2nd-line HDCT. This article reviews reports of initial salvage chemotherapy, including CDCT and HDCT, in patients with disseminated GCT refractory to or relapsing after standard 1st-line chemotherapy. We also discuss prognostic models as well as the salvage approach for special patient populations such as those with late relapse.
The Role of Cultural Intelligence in Marketing Adaptation and Export Performance

This study examines how export manager cultural intelligence (CQ) affects the relationship between marketing-mix adaptation and export performance. From a resource-advantage theory perspective, the authors posit that export man agers’ motivational and metacognitive CQ are intangible but valuable resources that influence marketing strategy and export performance. According to survey data from 153 U.S. exporting firms, export managers’ metacognitive CQ positively moderates the relationship between marketing-mix adaptations and export performance. Furthermore, export managers’ motivational CQ positively moderates the relationship between environmental differences and marketing-mix adaptations. The study adds to the theoretical understanding of the adaptation‐performance relationship and provides valuable guidelines for exporting firms in the recruitment, training, and promotion of export managers.
DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE AND ASSET RETURNS

This paper investigates the association between population age structure, particularly the share of the population in the ‘prime saving years’ (40 to 64), and the returns on stocks and bonds. The paper is motivated by recent claims that the aging of the ‘baby boom’ cohort is a key factor in explaining the recent rise in asset values, and by predictions that asset prices will decline when this group reaches retirement age and begins to reduce its asset holdings. This paper begins by considering household age-asset accumulation profiles. Data from repeated cross sections of the Survey of Consumer Finances suggest that, whereas age-wealth profiles rise sharply when households are in their thirties and forties, they decline much more gradually when households are in their retirement years. When these data are used to generate ‘projected asset demands’ based on the projected future age structure of the U.S. population, they do not show a sharp decline in asset demand between 2020 and 2050. The paper considers ...
Wideband cancellation of interference in a GPS receive array

We have demonstrated that by using an adaptive space-time array the interference from multiple, strong interferers plus multipath can be canceled down close to the noise floor without producing serious loss or distortion of a GPS signal. Design criteria are presented and limitations are examined. We also compare space-time processing with suboptimum space-frequency processing, and demonstrate by simulation that for equal computational complexity space-time processing slightly outperforms suboptimum space-frequency processing.
Octave generalization of specific interference effects in memory for tonal pitch

An experiment is described which demonstrates that certain highly specific disruptive effects in immediate memory for tonal pitch generalize across octaves. Pitch recognition was required after a retention interval during which six other tones were played. The effects of including in the interpolated sequence tones which were removed by exactly an octave from those which had already been demonstrated to produce disruption were investigated. Generalization of these interference effects was found to result both from tones which were displaced an octave higher and (to a lesser extent) from tones which were displaced an octave lower. It is concluded that the memory store that retains information concerning the pitch of ifidividual tones is bidimensional in nature, both “tone height” and “tone chroma” being represented.
Analytical evaluation of the two-rail shear test method for composite materials

Linear three-dimensional finite element analyses were conducted to evaluate various rail and specimen configurations of the two-rail shear test procedure. Additional analytical evaluations were performed to investigate the effects of specimen aspect ratio, material orientation, loading direction, and the rigidity of the rails on stress distributions. Shear stresses were found to be distributed uniformly over a large region in the specimen gage section for most of the models analyzed, but normally accompanied by significant transverse and axial normal stresses. The results indicated that an axial loading applied to a test fixture of uniform steel rails and a test specimen with aspect ratio of 6 was the preferred test procedure. Simple test specimens of trapezoidal and rectangular geometries, and specimens with tabs, were chosen for further evaluation. Also, the new Wyoming-Modified Two-Rail Shear test fixture was established based on these analyses.