cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for an endorphin dysfunction in methadone addicts: Lack of ACTH response to naloxone

Chronic exogenous opiate administration might be responsible for the acute and protracted abstinence syndrome by producing a prolonged decrease in the availability of endogenous opioids (endorphins). However, the hypothesis that potent exogenous opiates may have anti-endorphin effects has been difficult to test. We have been investigating this hypothesis with neuroendocrine test paradigms which have provided preliminary evidence of anti-endorphin effects for chronic methadone. Naloxone-induced ACTH response data from chronic methadone addicts offers preliminary support for the hypothesis that chronic exogenous opiate administration has anti-endorphin effects. The subjects were 7 male methadone addicts who had been addicted to greater than or equal to 40 mg of methadone and 7 male healthy opiate-naive volunteers. Naloxone failed to produce a significant increase in ACTH in methadone addicts while opiate-naive normal volunteers demonstrated a significant naloxone-induced release of ACTH. Five of the seven methadone addicts ahd no demonstrable ACTH response to naloxone. These impaired naloxone response data reported here for recently detoxified addicts suggest that chronic methadone administration comprises the functional integrity of the endorphin system. Prolonged abstinence, post-detoxification depression and other affective symptoms which contribute to relapse may result from a prolonged endorphin derangement.
The control process is represented in both the inferior and superior parietal lobules

Glover postulates that the inferior parietal lobule (IPL), along with the frontal lobes and basal ganglia, mediates planning, while the superior parietal lobule (SPL), coupled with motor processes in the cerebellum, regulates the control process. We demonstrate that the control process extends beyond the cerebellum and SPL into regions hypothesized to represent planning.
Separate C-terminal Domains of the Epithelial Specific Brush Border Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform NHE3 Are Involved in Stimulation and Inhibition by Protein Kinases/Growth Factors

NHE3, a cloned intestinal and renal brush border Na+/H+ exchanger, has previously been shown to be both stimulated and inhibited by different protein kinases/growth factors. For instance, NHE3 is stimulated by serum and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and inhibited by protein kinase C. In the present study, we used a series of NHE3 C terminus truncation mutants to identify separate regions of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail responsible for stimulation and inhibition by protein kinases/growth factors. Five NHE3 C terminus truncation mutant stable cell lines were generated by stably transfecting NHE3 deletion cDNAs into PS120 fibroblasts, which lack any endogenous Na+/H+ exchanger. Using fluorometric techniques, the effects of the calcium/calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor W13, calcium/CaM kinase inhibitor KN-62, phorbol myristate acetate, okadaic acid, FGF, and fetal bovine serum on Na+/H+ exchange were studied in these transfected cells. Inhibition of basal activity of full-length NHE3 is mediated by CaM at a site C-terminal to amino acid 756; this CaM effect occurs through both kinase dependent and independent mechanisms. There is another independent inhibitory domain for protein kinase C between amino acids 585 and 689. In addition, there are at least three stimulatory regions in the C-terminal domain of NHE3, corresponding to amino acids 509-543 for okadaic acid, 475-509 for FGF, and a region N-terminal to amino acid 475 for fetal bovine serum. We conclude that separate regions of the C terminus of NHE3 are involved with stimulation or inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange activity, with both stimulatory and inhibitory domains having several discrete subdomains. A conservative model to explain the way these multiple domains in the C terminus of NHE3 regulate Na+/H+ exchange is via an effect on associated regulatory proteins.
Determination of dopamine-O-sulfate and norepinephrine-O-sulfate isomers and serotonin-O-sulfate by high-performance liquid chromatography using dual-electrode electrochemical detection

Abstract This report describes the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with dual series electrode electrochemical detection to quantitate dopamine (DA)-3-O-sulfate and DA-4-O-sulfate, as well as norepinephrine (NE)-O-sulfate isomers and serotonin (5-HT)-O-sulfate. An oxidation potential was maintained at the upstream (W1) electrode, and a reduction potential at the downstream (W2) electrode. For DA- and NE-sulfates, the sulfate moiety, hydrogen and electrons are most likely removed at W1 and the corresponding quinones formed. At W2, the electrons are recaptured, creating a reductive current (peak). Results indicate that this is a sensitive procedure for the determination of DA- and NE-sulfate isomers. It is less complex than a recently developed post-column hydrolysis procedure, and is at leat equivalent to that procedure in terms of specificity and lower limits of detection (
The high cost of prescription privileges

This article presents some data regarding the costs in the augmentation of programs aimed at equipping psychologist to prescribe medications. Data are presented relative to the financial burden it will place on students, universities, internship sites, and the consumers of psychological services.
Effect of fiber spacing on interfacial damage in a metal matrix composite

The nature and the location of cracking in a Ti-V-Cr-Al-Sn/SiC composite (Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn, in wt pct, reinforced by 33 vol pct of continuous unidirectional SCS-6SiC fibers) before and after unconstrained thermal cycling were investigated. The material was subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles between 300 and 550 C and samples were examined for cracks in the fiber, the matrix, and the fiber-matrix interface, using a back-scattered SEM. The Ti-based metal matrix composite was found to have a substantial amount of interfacial damage in the form of radial cracks, which formed first in the C-rich coating of the SiC fiber and then in the fiber-matrix reaction zone. The cracking was related to the fiber distribution, with consistently more cracking found between the more closely-spaced fibers within a given row, and more radial cracking in the outside fiber rows.
A non-equilibrium investigation into the diurnal photochemical atomic oxygen and ozone variations in the mesosphere

Abstract A new investigation has been made into the diurnal photochemical variation of atomic oxygen and ozone in the mesosphere, for an oxygen atmosphere at rest, and for conditions prevailing at the equator. For the first time a diurnal study has been made keeping the equations controlling the atomic oxygen and ozone changes with time in their complete differential form and integrating them simultaneously by the Runge-Kutta method. This approach permits a non-equilibrium study to be made, and one result obtained was that photochemical equilibrium does not exist in the atmosphere above 60 km. The extent of the departure from equilibrium is given and the diurnal variation of the atomic oxygen and ozone is illustrated. The diurnal range of the total ozone amount due to photochemical effects was found to be 0.003 cm S.T.P. The effects of latitudinal and seasonal variations on the results are discussed.
Newcastle disease virus mRNA lacks 2'-O-methylated nucleotides.

MESSENGER RNA molecules from various sources contain methylated nucleotides at the 5′ terminus of the RNA molecules1–9. The structure at the 5′ terminus of most cellular and viral mRNAs consists of a terminal base-methylated nucleotide linked to a ribose-methylated nucleotide through a 5′ to 5′ pyrophosphate bond, such as m7G(5′)ppp(5′)AmpNp or m7(5′)ppp(5′)GmpNp. Initiation and subsequent in vitro translation of mRNA are dependent on the presence of m7G in a blocked 5′ structure10,11. Thus, methylation (m7G) seems to serve an important function in the translation (and/or control) of viral and cellular mRNA. The role of 2′-O-methylation has not been identified. The widespread presence of 2′-O-methylation in mRNA from diverse systems suggested that they might be a common feature of all eukaryotic mRNAs2–9. We report here that the 5′-terminal structure of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) mRNA synthesised in vitro is m7G(5′)ppp(5′)GpPyp. The structure isolated from NDV mRNA differs from those reported for all other mRNAs synthesised in vitro5–8 in that the RNA lacks 2′-O-methylated nucleotides. During the preparation of our report we learned that the 40S RNA genome of Sindbis virus14 and the 26S RNA synthesised in Sindbis virus-infected cells15 have the structure m7G(5′)pppNp. In addition tobacco mosaic virus has m7G(5′)ppp(5′)Gp at the 5′ end of the viral genome12,13.
Metaphor and Manifestation Cross-Reality with Ubiquitous Sensor/Actuator Networks

Looks at how MIT Media Lab's Responsive Environments Group is exploring ways to bridge networked electronic sensors and human perception through "cross reality" implementations that render and manifest phenomena between real world and virtual environments via densely embedded sensor and actuator networks.
Audlib: a configurable, high-fidelity application audit mechanism

In this paper, we introduce Audlib, an extendable tool for generating security-relevant information on Unix systems. Audlib is a wrapper environment that generates application level audit information from existing executable programs. Audlib is not a detection system, instead it is designed to supplement existing audit systems and work transparently with them. Audlib records information that is not presently available from existing kernel-level audit sources. Here, we describe the design of the Audlib framework and the information it provides. We compare auditing the actions of a web server with Audlib to existing kernel audit sources and show that we have 2–4 times the throughput of Linux auditd and less than half the performance overhead of Solaris BSM while collecting detailed information about the server's execution. Although Audlib is focused on recording security information, this technique can be used to collect data for a wide variety of purposes including profiling, dependency analysis, and debugging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preference for work over “freeloading” in children

White and American Indian children were tested in a choice situation where marbles could be obtained free or by barpressing. Results show that children prefer to obtain marbles by barpressing and that this preference is not affected by sex, IQ, or need-achievement of the children. The results are taken as an evidence of the limitation of drive theory, and an explanation is offered in terms of a competence motive.
Convexity conditions for non-locally convex lattices

First we recall that a (real) quasi-Banach space X is a complete metrizable real vector space whose topology is given by a quasi-norm satisfyingwhere C is some constant independent of x1 and x2. X is said to be p-normable (or topologically p-convex), where 0 < p ≤ l, if for some constant B we havefor any x1, …, xn, є X. A theorem of Aolci and Rolewicz (see [18]) asserts that if in C = 21/p-1, then X is p-normable. We can then equivalently re-norm X so that in (1.4) B = 1.
L Auger electron production in 0.3-3.2-MeV krypton ion-atom collisions.

Secondary electron production as a consequence of inner-shell vacancy decay for the Kr-Kr system has been studied. Electron-energy spectra differential in impact parameter have been obtained by detecting electrons in coincidence with projectile ions scattered through a known angle. The spectra exhibit structure attributable to Auger decay of L-shell vacancies. The collision-energy dependence of the L Auger yields is consistent with the L-shell excitation being due to rotational coupling of the 4fsigma, 4f..pi.., 4fdelta, and 4fcphi orbitals of the Kr-Kr quasimolecule, as originally proposed by Shanker and co-workers. The L Auger electron energies and relative transition-group intensities suggest that L-shell vacancy decay occurs in Kr ions with initial charge states greater than +10, indicating that a surprisingly large number of electrons are emitted prior to the decay of the L-shell vacancy. These prior ionizations, most of which occur during the collision, are the source of the 100--800-eV continuum electrons that dominate the low-energy region of the electron spectrum.
Viscosity, sedimentation, and light-scattering properties of fraction of an acid-hydrolyzed dextran†

Dextran produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512 was acid-hydrolyzed and fractionated, yielding a series of fractions from which 24 were selected that ranged in molecular weight from 17,700 to 9.5 million. Light-scattering and viscosity measurements were made on all fractions, and selected fractions were characterized by endgroup determinations and velocity ultracentrifuge measurements. Branching in these dextran fractions was evidenced by the progressively decreasing slope of the curve of logarithm of intrinsic viscosity plotted against logarithm of molecular weight, attaining a value of 0.11 at M = 107; by the upward curvature of the log-log plot of sedimentation constant against molecular weight; and by the relatively large values of k′ in the Huggins specific-viscosity equation for the high-molecular fractions. Assuming Lansing-Kraemer molecular-weight distributions for the dextran fractions and using sedimentation data to furnish β, the measure of breadth of the distributions, physical characterizations were corrected for polydispersity. For molecular weights below 100,000, [η] = 1.0 × 10−3Mv0.50. In the range 18,000 < M < 400,000 S200 = 0.0251 M00.44. The constant Φ′, of the Flory-Fox theory, corrected for polydispersity of the fractions, was found to be 55.2 × 1021, which is larger than the value reported for linear polymers. It is concluded that the ratio of root-mean-square radius and hydrodynamic radius effective in viscosity differs for branched and linear molecules. The quotient (Φ′)1/2/P′ also appears to be significantly smaller for dextran than the value reported for linear molecules. Increase in Φ′, for dextran above the value previously assumed necessitates recalculation of data of Wales, Marshall, and Weissberg for g, the ratio of mean-square radii of branched and unbranched dextran molecules.
Swiss Cheese et allii, some of the First Neurodegenerative Mutants Isolated in Drosophila

Drosophila has only recently become a model organism to study progressive neurodegeneration, mainly using transgenic flies expressing human disease genes. However, classical forward genetics isolating and characterizing fly mutants that show characteristic features of progressive neurodegeneration can also provide a useful tool to get insights into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Interestingly, the first such mutants have been already isolated in the 1970s, and this review focuses on the description of four such mutants originally isolated by Martin Heisenberg.
Increasing Similarity in the Values and Life Plans of Male and Female College Students? Evidence and Implications.

A time-series analysis of college freshmen indicates that from 1969 to 1984 there has been a dramatic increase in the value women place on status-attainment goals, but not a comparable decrease in the value placed on domestic-nurturant goals—a pattern that reflects an amalgamation rather than a masculinization of the feminine value constellation. As the value placed on status-attainment goals has not increased as significantly for males, there has been a narrowing of the difference in the value constellations of the sexes over this time period. Further, there has been a greater increase in the percentage of women than men aspiring to graduate degrees and to the highest status professional and executive occupations, resulting in increased congruence in the educational and high-status career goals of women and men. The limitations and implications of these data are discussed.
New cultural technologies and the fading glitter of Indian cinema

(1989). New cultural technologies and the fading glitter of Indian cinema. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 11, Indian Cinema, pp. 69-78.
Modern sedimentary environments on the Rhode Island inner shelf, off the eastern United States

Abstract Analyses of side-scan sonar records along with previously published bathymetric, textural and subbottom data reveal the sedimentary environments on the inner Continental Shelf south of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The bottom topography in this area is characterized by a broad central depression bordered by shallow, irregular sea floor on the north and east and by a discontinuous, curvilinear ridge on the south and west. Four distinct environments were identified: 1. (1) Pre-Mesozoic coastal rocks are exposed on the sea floor at isolated locations near the shore ( waterdepths m ). These exposures have pronounced, irregular topographic relief and produce blotchy patterns on side-scan sonographs. 2. (2) Glacial moraine deposits form the discontinuous offshore ridge. These deposits have hummocky sea-floor relief, are covered by lag gravel and boudlers, and appear as predominantly black (strongly reflective) patterns on the side-scan records. 3. (3) Over most of the shallow, irregular bottom in the northeast, on the flanks of the morainal ridge, and atop bathymetric highs, the sea floor is characterized as a mosaic of light and dark patches and lineations. The dark (more reflective) zones are areas of coarse sands and megaripples ( wavelengths = 0.8–1.2 m that either have no detectable relief or are slightly depressed relative to surrounding (light) areas of finer-grained sands. 4. (4) Smooth beds that produce nearly featureless patterns on the sonographs occupy the broad central bathymetric depression as well as smaller depressions north and east of Block Island. Within the broad depression, sonographs having practically no shading indicate a central zone of modern sandy silt, whereas records having moderate tonality define a peripheral belt of silty sand. The sedimentary environments that are outlined range from erosional or non-depositional (bedrock, glacial moraine) to depositional (featureless beds), and include areas that may reflect a combination of erosional and depositional processes (textural patchiness). The distribution and characteristics of the environments reveal the general post-glacial sedimentary history of this area and provide a guide to future utilization of the shelf surface.
IM-12RNA NANOPARTICLE VACCINES RE-PROGRAM HOST IMMUNITY IN FAVOR OF ENHANCED EFFECTOR RESPONSES AGAINST INTRACRANIAL MALIGNANCIES

BACKGROUND: Pediatric brain tumors are the number one cause of solid cancer death in children, and thus necessitate the development of novel targeted therapeutics. To enhance the feasibility of cancer immunotherapy, off-the-shelf vaccination strategies have been proposed, but have proven to be only weakly immunogenic. Consequently we have designed a novel, translatable nanoparticle (NP) vaccine that can be embedded with immunomodulatory modifications to generate robust anti-tumor responses against murine models for glioblastoma (GBM) and medulloblastoma (MB). OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess if RNA-NP vaccines would induce superior immune responses against GBM and MB by stimulating intracellular pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) while simultaneously downregulating regulatory pathways. RESULTS: We screened commercially available and clinically translatable NP formulations and determined that the cationic liposome DOTAP was the most superior NP for delivery of RNA to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in vitro and in vivo. Afterwards, we verified that these particles preserve RNA stability over time, and induce in vivo gene expression. These RNA-NPs elicited potent T cell immunity, superior to peptide vaccines formulated in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and induced anti-tumor efficacy in adoptive cellular therapy platforms in murine GBM and MB models. We showed dramatic upregulation of activation markers including CD80 and CD86 and demonstrated abrogation of regulatory markers such as programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1) when RNA-NPs were administered in combination with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Finally, we demonstrated enhanced immune responses through incorporation of immunomodulatory RNAs encoding for pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from hepatitis C. CONCLUSION: Since clinically translatable RNA-NP vaccines can deliver combinatorial therapies using a single delivery platform, they represent a novel platform for inducing potent nontoxic immunity against intracranial tumors that can be harnessed to provide a more effective and specific therapy critical in improving clinical outcomes for children affected by these malignancies.
Ovarian volumes measured by US: bigger than we think.

Authors have disputed the classic normal ovarian volume measurement of 6 cm3 without reference to a study with a large number of patients. To determine normal sonographic measurements, 762 consecutive female patients were examined. Satisfactory measurements of 1,157 ovaries in 725 of these patients were obtained. Average ovarian volumes of 9.8, 5.8, and 3.0 cm3 were obtained for the menstruating, postmenopausal, and premenarchal groups, respectively. These volumes were significantly different for these three menstrual groups (P less than .0001). Significant volume differences were noted when measurements were grouped by decade of life. Volumes peaked in the 3rd decade and declined over the subsequent four decade groups. A significant average volume difference was noted between pregnant (11.1 cm3) and non-pregnant (9.4 cm3) menstruating patients (P less than .0001). No significant differences in volume were noted between right and left ovaries or when the variables of weight, presence of a leiomyomatous ut...
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Simulated Human Gastric Fluid

Human disease caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a function of the number of cells that are present at potential sites of infection and host susceptibility. Such infectious doses are a result, in part, of the quantity of cells that are ingested and that survive human host defenses, such as the low-pH environment of the stomach. To more fully understand the kinetics of E. coli O157:H7 survival in gastric fluid, individual E. coli O157:H7 strains were suspended in various media (i.e., saline, cooked ground beef [CGB], and CGB containing a commercial antacid product [CGB+A]), mixed at various proportions with simulated human gastric fluid (SGF), and then incubated at 37°C for up to 4 h. The highest inactivation rate among nine E. coli O157:H7 strains was observed in saline. Specifically, the average survival rates in 100:1 and 10:1 proportions of SGF-saline were −1.344 ± 0.564 and −0.997 ± 0.388 log10 CFU/h, respectively. In contrast, the average inactivation rate for 10 E. coli O157:H7 strains suspended in 10:1 SGF-CGB was −0.081 ± 0.068, a rate that was 12-fold lower than that observed for SGF-saline. In comparison, the average inactivation rate for Shigella flexneri strain 5348 in 100:1 and 10:1 SGF-saline was −8.784 and −17.310, respectively. These latter inactivation rates were 7- to 17-fold higher than those for E. coli O157:H7 strains in SGF-saline and were 4-fold higher than those for E. coli O157:H7 strains in SGF-CGB. The survival rate of E. coli O157:H7 strain GFP80EC increased as the dose of antacid increased from one-half to twice the prescribed dose. A similar trend was observed for the matrix pH over the range of pH 1.6 to 5.7, indicating that pH is a primary factor affecting E. coli O157:H7 survival in SGF-CGB+A. These results can be used in risk assessment to define dose-response relationships for E. coli O157:H7 and to evaluate potential surrogate organisms.
A FUNDAMENTAL THEORY OF SUPERCONDUCTIVITY.

y easily be shown to give directly the number of solutions of (7). 7 H. S. Vandiver, "On Trinomial Equations in a Finite Field," these PROCEEDINGS, 40, 1008.0, 1954, relation (12). 8 We think it probable that the method discussed here is known, particularly in the case I = 3, we have been unable as yet to locate it in the literature. 9 Hilbert, Gesammelte Abhandlungen, 1, 182-183 (Berlin: Julius Springer, 1932). o T. Takagi, "Ueber eine Theorie des relativ-Abelschen Zahlkorpers," J. Coll. Sci., Imp. Univ. kyo, 41, No. 9, 16, 1920.
A preoperative smoking intervention decreased postoperative complications in elective knee or hip replacement.

(2002) Lancet 359, 114. Moller AM, Villebro N, Pedersen T, et al. . Effect of preoperative smoking intervention on postoperative complications: a randomised clinical trial. . Jan 12; . : . –7 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: Does a preoperative smoking intervention reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients having elective knee or hip replacement? Randomised {allocation concealed}*, blinded (outcome assessor), controlled trial with follow up to discharge. 3 university affiliated hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. 120 patients who were scheduled for primary elective hip or knee replacement and were daily smokers. Patients with a weekly alcohol intake >35 units were excluded. 108 patients (90%) were included in the analysis (median age 65 y, 57% women). At 6–8 weeks before surgery, 60 patients were allocated to the smoking intervention and were offered a weekly meeting with the project nurse. At the first meeting, a Fagerstom test was done to estimate the patient's nicotine dependence. Test results and patient preference were used to devise a personalised nicotine substitution schedule. Patients were strongly encouraged to stop smoking, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.stitle%253DLancet%26rft.aulast%253DM%25C3%25B8ller%26rft.auinit1%253DA.%2BM.%26rft.volume%253D359%26rft.issue%253D9301%26rft.spage%253D114%26rft.epage%253D117%26rft.atitle%253DEffect%2Bof%2Bpreoperative%2Bsmoking%2Bintervention%2Bon%2Bpostoperative%2Bcomplications%253A%2Ba%2Brandomised%2Bclinical%2Btrial.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252802%252907369-5%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11809253%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)07369-5&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=11809253&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F5%2F3%2F84.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000173212400010&link_type=ISI
Two-Dimensional Melting Far from Equilibrium in a Granular Monolayer

We report an experimental investigation of the transition from a hexagonally ordered solid phase to a disordered liquid in a monolayer of vibrated spheres. The transition occurs as the intensity of the vibration amplitude is increased. Measurements of the density of dislocations and the positional and orientational correlation functions show evidence for a dislocation-mediated continuous transition from a solid phase with long-range order to a liquid with only short-range order. The results show a strong similarity to simulations of melting of hard disks in equilibrium, despite the fact that the granular monolayer is far from equilibrium due to the effects of interparticle dissipation and the vibrational forcing.
Reduction of neurite outgrowth in a model of glial scarring following CNS injury is correlated with the expression of inhibitory molecules on reactive astrocytes

The extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules chondroitin-6-sulfate proteoglycan (CS-PG) and cytotactin/tenascin (CT), present on subpopulations of astroglia or their precursors during development, can inhibit neurite outgrowth in vitro. However, it is not known whether these molecules are expressed within the mature CNS following injury, where they could contribute to regenerative failure. Thus, the expression of various ECM molecules that affect axon growth was examined in areas of reactive gliosis caused by implanting a piece of nitrocellulose into the cortex of neonatal and adult animals. The expression of these molecules was compared to the amount of neurite outgrowth that occurred in vitro when the damaged CNS tissue from animals of various ages was removed intact and used as a substrate in explant culture. The results demonstrate that the growth-promoting molecules laminin, collagen type IV, and fibronectin were present around the implant in all experimental groups. In comparison, CS-PG and CT were present within and around the area of the lesion only in adult animals. In vivo, these molecules were colocalized with intensely glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes in and immediately adjacent to the scar, but not with other equally intensely GFAP-positive astrocytes in the cortex away from the site of injury. CT and CS-PG were present in gray matter areas of the cortex that had been directly damaged during the implant procedure and in the corpus callosum when lesioned during implantation. In vitro, the glial tissue removed from the lesion site of neonatal animals supported neurite outgrowth, while scars removed from adult animals did not. The inability of the adult glial scar tissue to support neurite outgrowth was best correlated with the expression of CS-PG and CT, suggesting that these molecules may be involved in limiting the growth of regenerating axons in the CNS after injury.
Channel estimation for an OFDM-based MIMO system

We consider the problem of channel estimation for an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)-based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless local area network system. We show that an existing channel estimation approach, which is based on a sub-carrier level orthogonal training symbol design and the finite impulse response channel model, can suffer from severe performance degradations for realistic OFDM channels. As such, we propose a new channel estimation approach, which employs a modified version of this training symbol design and a polynomial fitting/interpolation method. Our simulation results show that our new channel estimation approach significantly outperforms the existing one for the realistic OFDM channels.
Conflict in context: Perceptions of conflict, employee outcomes and the moderating role of discretion and social capital

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of discretion and social capital on the relationship between individual perceptions of team conflict and employee-level outcomes. The authors propose that both employee discretion and unit-level social capital influence the negative effects of perceived conflict on employee stress and turnover intentions. They argue that an individual’s perceptions of these central organizational characteristics are likely to alter the consequences associated with conflict and the manner in which individuals respond to it. Design/methodology/approach – This study empirically tests the moderating effects of discretion and unit-level social capital on the relationship between individual’s perception of team conflict and employee-level outcomes. Analysis was conducted with survey data from a sample of health care care providers in 90 units across 20 nursing home organizations. We applied hierarchical linear modeling analyses to test our hypotheses. Findi...
Optimizing Natural Fertility: The Role of Lifestyle Modification

Preconception counseling provides an opportunity for health care providers to promote maternal and neonatal health, and to make recommendations regarding the optimization of natural fertility. While educating patients on the negative impact of maternal obesity on fertility and maternal and neonatal health; many health care providers recommend weight loss to reduce these negative outcomes. The recommendations start with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise. This article focuses on the available evidence regarding lifestyle modifications and fertility, and on the type of lifestyle modifications that health care providers should recommend to patients seeking to optimize their natural fertility.
Distribution of eddy viscosity and mixing length in smooth tubes

Profiles of eddy viscosity and Prandtl mixing length in fluids flowing steadily and isothermally in smooth tubes have been calculated from the velocity data of several investigators for Reynolds numbers between 1.2 × 103 and 3.2 × 106. In the transition range unusually high values of eddy viscosity and mixing length are obtained in some portions of the stream. In the fully turbulent range the effect of Reynolds number is small and the mixing length tends toward zero at the center of the tube. The parameters for turbulent flow between parallel plates have been correlated through the concept of an equivalent tube. The results are of importance in designing equipment for heat and mass transfer and mixing.
High pressure induces superoxide production in isolated arteries via protein kinase C-dependent activation of NAD(P)H oxidase

Background— Oxidative stress seems to be present in all forms of hypertension. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that high intraluminal pressure (Pi) itself, by activating vascular oxidases, elicits increased superoxide (O2·−) production interfering with flow-induced dilation. Methods and Results— Isolated, cannulated rat femoral arterial branches were exposed in vitro (for 30 minutes) to normal Pi (80 mm Hg) or high Pi (160 mm Hg). High Pi significantly increased vascular O2·− production (as measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence and ethidium bromide fluorescence) and impaired endothelium-dependent dilations to flow; these effects could be reversed by superoxide dismutase. Administration of the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, apocynin, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine or staurosporin or the removal of extracellular Ca2+ during high Pi treatment prevented the increases in O2·− production, whereas administration of losartan or captopril had no effect. High Pi resulted in sign...
Rosie the right fielder: citizen of the community, not just a temporary patriot

While many critics have dismissed the gender bending potential of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), this article views the discourses surrounding the league from a rheto...
Role of Securities Law in the Development of Domestic Corporate Bond Markets

Despite the various reforms instituted to foster local markets for fixed income securities, the experience of the emerging markets has been mixed. This study empirically investigates the features and enforcement of securities law that may facilitate or constraint broadening and deepening of the corporate bond markets. Bond market development in 49 countries is examined using corporate governance and securities law indices, and TOBIT estimation procedure for dealing with the econometric issues associated with truncated data. The study provides evidence that securities laws play an important role in the development of bond markets just as they do in the case of stock markets. The results provide further support that securities laws matter because they facilitate private contracting rather than provide for public regulatory enforcement. Contrary to earlier findings with respect to stock market development that several aspects of public enforcement do not matter, our results, however, indicate that the supervisor’s power to impose criminal sanctions may have a bearing on bond market development.
Differential activation of nerve fibers with magnetic stimulation in humans

Earlier observations in our lab had indicated that large, time-varying magnetic fields could elicit action potentials that travel in only one direction in at least some of the myelinated axons in peripheral nerves. The objective of this study was to collect quantitative evidence for magnetically induced unidirectional action potentials in peripheral nerves of human subjects. A magnetic coil was maneuvered to a location on the upper arm where physical effects consistent with the creation of unidirectional action potentials were observed. Electromyographic (EMG) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) recordings were then made from a total of 20 subjects during stimulation with the magnetic coil. The relative amplitudes of the EMG and SEP signals changed oppositely when the current direction in the magnetic coil was reversed. This effect was consistent with current direction in the coil relative to the arm for all subjects. A differential evocation of motor and sensory fibers was demonstrated and indicates that it may be possible to induce unidirectional action potentials in myelinated peripheral nerve fibers with magnetic stimulation.
Effects of calcium flux inhibitors on contracture and calcium content during inhibition of high energy phosphate production in cultured heart cells

The effects of inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by 1 mM cyanide (CN) and of glycolysis by 20 mM 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) on contraction and relaxation of cultured monolayers of chick embryo heart cells were determined. Exposure to these agents first induced a gradual decline in contractility and a transient impairment of relaxation. Spontaneous beating then ceased, associated with increased relaxation, followed by a marked and prolonged contracture. This contracture was completely reversible after washout of metabolic inhibitors. The effects of calcium flux inhibitors on the time course of development of contracture were studied. Verapamil, which inhibits Ca influx via the slow Ca channel, delayed the onset of contracture when used in pretreatment, but had no effect if added to cultures after exposure to CN + 2DG. Lanthanum, which inhibits Ca influx both via the slow Ca channel and via Na-Ca exchange, delayed onset of contracture if added after exposure to CN and 2DG, but accelerated contracture if added prior to treatment with CN + 2DG. Cellular exchangeable calcium content, measured after exposure to CN and 2DG for the same time period that produced contracture, was reduced compared to the control level while unidirectional Ca influx rate was not measurably altered. Exchangeable Ca content was unaffected by pretreatment with verapamil and La, but was reduced if cells were exposed to La after metabolic inhibition. These findings suggest that after metabolic inhibition intracellular storage capacity for Ca+ is reduced in cultured heart cells. Ca influx via the slow Ca channel after metabolic inhibition does not appear to contribute to development of contracture in this model system. However, Ca entry via Na-Ca exchange may accelerate cellular contracture developing after metabolic inhibition of ATP production.
TRANSFORMING SYNTACTIC GRAPHS INTO SEMANTIC GRAPHS

In this paper, we present a computational method for transforming a syntactic graph, which represents all syntactic interpretations of a sentence, into a semantic graph which filters out certain interpretations, but also incorporates any remaining ambiguities. We argue that the resulting ambiguous graph, supported by an exclusion matrix, is a useful data structure for question answering and other semantic processing. Our research is based on the principle that ambiguity is an inherent aspect of natural language communication.
Mesh inguinodynia : a new clinical syndrome after inguinal herniorrhaphy?

Abstract Background: Chronic inguinodynia or neuralgia after conventional inguinal herniorrhaphy is rare, and diagnosing the exact cause is difficult. Treatment has ranged from local injection to remedial surgery with variable results. The increasing popularity of prosthetic mesh repairs (tension free, plug, or laparoscopic) has not eliminated these pain syndromes from occasionally occurring. Recommended management in these situations is extremely difficult. Study Design: Since 1994, 117 inguinal reexplorations have been performed for inguinodynia and 20 of these patients had primary mesh herniorrhaphy. All 20 patients had mesh removal. Records were reviewed and patients contacted to evaluate outcomes. Results: All 20 patients were evaluated (15 by telephone or direct contact, 5 by chart review). Three patients had their initial repair performed laparoscopically. Symptoms persisted for 12.2 ± 1.7 months before remedial surgery. Four patients underwent inguinal reexploration and mesh removal; 16 had mesh removal plus ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric neurectomy. Good to excellent results were achieved in 12 out of 20 patients (60%). Average followup time was 15.9 ± 3.1 months. Two of 3 patients who had laparoscopic herniorrhaphy had favorable outcomes (67%). Ten of the 16 patients who had mesh removal plus neurectomy reported good to excellent results (62%) compared with 2 of 4 reporting the same with mesh excision only (50%). Eleven patients had pain relief with preoperative nerve block. Of these, 9 had elective neurectomy resulting in good to excellent results in 5 (56%). Conclusions: Remedial inguinal exploration and mesh removal with or without neurectomy resulted in favorable outcomes in 60% of patients with mesh herniorrhaphy chronic inguinodynia (neuralgia). It appears that coincident neurectomy affords better results than mesh removal alone. Relief with nerve block did not predict favorable outcomes. Despite the popularity and favorable outcomes of prosthetic mesh repairs, persistent postoperative pain still occurs in a small cohort of patients. This may become more evident with the rising interest in laparoscopy. Correcting this problem once presented can be a formidable task. Remedial inguinal surgery with mesh removal and neurectomy will cure selected patients.
Shuttle vectors for facile gap repair cloning and integration into a neutral locus in Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans. The current techniques used to construct C. albicans strains require integration of exogenous DNA at ectopic locations, which can exert position effects on gene expression that can confound the interpretation of data from critical experiments such as virulence assays. We have identified a large intergenic region, NEUT5L, which facilitates the integration and expression of ectopic genes. To construct and integrate inserts into this novel locus, we re-engineered yeast/bacterial shuttle vectors by incorporating 550 bp of homology to NEUT5L. These vectors allow rapid, facile cloning through in vivo recombination (gap repair) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and efficient integration of the construct into the NEUT5L locus. Other useful features of these vectors include a choice of three selectable markers (URA3, the recyclable URA3-dpl200 or NAT1), and rare restriction enzyme recognition sites for releasing the insert from the vector prior to transformation into C. albicans, thereby reducing the insert size and preventing integration of non-C. albicans DNA. Importantly, unlike the commonly used RPS1/RP10 locus, integration at NEUT5L has no negative effect on growth rates and allows native-locus expression levels, making it an ideal genomic locus for the integration of exogenous DNA in C. albicans.
Alcohol consumption in relation to breast cancer risk in a cohort of United States women 25-42 years of age.

We evaluated current and past alcohol consumption prospectively in relation to breast cancer risk among 116,671 women ages 25–42 years old at enrollment in 1989. During 6 years of follow-up, 445 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified. For alcohol consumption in the previous year, the multivariate relative risk associated with more than 20 g/day (approximately 10 drinks/week) was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–2.21); the P for trend was 0.85. For average lifetime alcohol consumption, the multivariate relative risk associated with consumption of 10 or more drinks/week was 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–2.11); the P for trend was 0.18. We examined drinking in several time periods of life; only drinking at ages 23–30 was significantly positively associated with risk. Although this may represent a chance finding, it merits further study. Because drinking levels in this population were low, we had limited information on heavier drinking. Our results suggest that there is unlikely to be a large effect of moderate alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk among young women, although a modest effect cannot be excluded. The association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer is unlikely to be substantially stronger among premenopausal women than among postmenopausal women.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Series of Group 11 2,2-Dialkyl-1,3-dicyclohexylguanidinate Complexes

The addition of either lithium dimethylamide or lithium diethylamide to a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide yielded THF adducts of lithium 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dicyclohexylguandidinate (1) and lithium 2,2-diethyl-1,3-dicyclohexylguandidinate (2), respectively. One equivalent of either 1 or 2 was subsequently reacted with one equivalent of Group 11 halide (CuCl, AgBr, and AuCl) to generate oligonuclear complexes with the general formula {M[CyNC(NR2)NCy]}n where M, R, and n are respectively Cu, CH3, 2 (3); Cu, CH2CH3, 2 (4); Ag, CH3, 3 (5); Ag, CH2CH3, 3 (6); Au, CH3, 2 (7); and Au, CH2CH3, 2 (8). Compounds 1–8 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The bulk powders for all complexes were found to be in agreement with the crystal structures based on elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and 1H, 13C, and 7Li NMR studies. The unique structural aspects of this family of Group 11 complexes are highlighted.
The Entrainment Mechanism in Colorado Cumuli

Abstract Cloud air and clear air properties are analyzed to determine the altitude from where the entrained air originates. This is done using two parameters that are conserved with adiabatic altitude changes and that mix in a nearly linear manner. The method employed is only applicable to cloud regions that do not contain significant amounts of ice or precipitation size drops. The analysis shows that most of the entrained air originates several kilometers above the observation level. The mixed regions are typically found in downdrafts and the weaker updraft regions. The present results are inconsistent with the laterally entraining plume model. The results indicate that mixing of dry environmental air with cloud air produces sufficient evaporative cooling to create downdrafts that penetrate several kilometers into the cloud. The updraft air is diluted primarily through mixing with nearby downdraft air.
The incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma of Tucson, Arizona.

Species of Triatoma rubida uhleri and T. protracta were collected and dissected to determine the percentages infected with Trypanosoma cruzi from areas near Tucson, Arizona. Of 657 T. rubida uhleri and T. protracta dissected 65 (9.9 per cent) were infected. When each species was considered separately, a higher infection rate was found in T. protracta than in T. rubida uhler ; (19.5 per cent compared to 7.5 per cent), even though there were a higher number of T. rubida uhleri observed in the field. One area was found with a significantly higher infection rate of 19.2 per cent, compared to 2.9 per cent from all other areas. A seasonal pattern for the occurrence of T. rubida uhleri instars during the year was noted. The adults were found in May and June, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars developed through the summer months, and by the end of September the majority of T. rubida uhleri collected were 5th instars. The 5th instars molted in the spring to the adult stage.
Factors of continually using branded mobile apps: the central role of app engagement

Branded apps are an innovative marketing approach on the mobile platform. The success of branded apps depends on consumers' continual usage. This study conducts an online survey to explore the factors that influence consumers' intention to continually use branded apps. The results confirm the central role of app engagement, which is positively influenced by effort expectancy, social influence and brand identification. Moreover, consumers' perceived interactivity positively impacts effort expectancy, which in turn contributes to performance expectancy. Performance expectancy is another direct factor of continuance use intention. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed in this study.