cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways of TRH degradation in rat brain

Abstract We have investigated the TRH degradative enzymes in brain by examining the pattern of metabolites formed in vitro . The homogenate and three subcellular fractions of rat brain were separately incubated for 1, 5, and 15 minutes with 3H-TRH (pyro-glu-his-3H-proNH2) at 37°C. TRH and its metabolites were separated on silica gel thin-layer chromatography plates. The crude homogenate and subcellular fractions each produced a characteristic pattern of metabolism. The homogenate metabolized TRH to TRH-OH, proline, and prolineamide. With the P1 fraction, prolineamide and proline were the major metabolites. In both the homogenate and P1 fraction incubations, histidyl-prolineamide appeared as a minor component. The P2 fraction produced prolineamide and histidyl-prolineamide as the major metabolites while the cytosol metabolized TRH primarily to TRH-OH. Proline was formed during incubation with both cytosol and P2 fractions. The TRH deamidase is found in the soluble fraction of brain tissue homogenate while the pyroglutamate aminopeptidase and the prolineamide cleaving enzyme are associated with particulate fractions. Histidyl-prolineamide is further degraded in the homogenate and P1 fractions by a secondary metabolic pathway. Proline salvaging enzymes are present in all subcellular fractions of rat brain.
Advances in the science and technology of carbon nanotubes and their composites: a review

Abstract Since their first observation nearly a decade ago by Iijima (Iijima S. Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon Nature. 1991; 354:56–8), carbon nanotubes have been the focus of considerable research. Numerous investigators have since reported remarkable physical and mechanical properties for this new form of carbon. From unique electronic properties and a thermal conductivity higher than diamond to mechanical properties where the stiffness, strength and resilience exceeds any current material, carbon nanotubes offer tremendous opportunities for the development of fundamentally new material systems. In particular, the exceptional mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, combined with their low density, offer scope for the development of nanotube-reinforced composite materials. The potential for nanocomposites reinforced with carbon tubes having extraordinary specific stiffness and strength represent tremendous opportunity for application in the 21st century. This paper provides a concise review of recent advances in carbon nanotubes and their composites. We examine the research work reported in the literature on the structure and processing of carbon nanotubes, as well as characterization and property modeling of carbon nanotubes and their composites.
Origin of immunoglobulin–albumin complexes

THE propensity of human IgA and IgM monoclonal proteins to complex to endogenous serum proteins, such as albumin and α1 antitrypsin (α1AT), has been previously established1–3. When complexes of IgA-albumin and IgA-α1 antitrypsin are isolated, albumin and α1AT are found on separate polymeric IgA molecules and not on monomeric IgA3. Another polypeptide chain, J chain, has also been shown to exist in polymeric IgA and IgM (refs 4 and 5) but not monomeric immunoglobulin. Furthermore, J chain is synthesised within IgA and IgM mouse plasma cells6. Therefore, it is important to determine whether albumin is complexed to immunoglobulin as a step in intracellular biosynthesis or whether it is incorporated as a post-secretory event. We report here that IgG and IgA mouse plasmacytoma cells synthesise and secrete albumin complexed to immunoglobulin.
A technique for sequential leaching of coal and fly ash resulting in good recovery of trace elements.

Coal and fly ash contain many elements. These elements exist in different forms which may change throughout the coal combustion process. There are several processes, including X-ray techniques and leaching techniques by which studies have attempted to assess the form of a particular element in a sample. This work focuses on determining the leachability of selected elements sequentially leached in four extraction solutions: water, 1 M ammonium acetate, 3 M hydrochloric acid and 50% hydrofluoric acid. The emphasis is on evaluating the steps involved in the leaching process with the mass recovery for each element being the basis for evaluation. The total amount of each element that will leach out under the given extraction condition is presented as a fraction of the total present in the material. The materials evaluated were NIST coal and fly ash standards. The elements measured in this study include aluminum, barium, beryllium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, sodium, strontium, vanadium and zinc.
Three-beam interferometric profilometer.

A noncontact optical technique for the measurement of thin-film thickness and surface roughness with 25-A and 2-μm vertical and horizontal resolutions, respectively, has been described. It is based on a common-path three-beam shearing interferometer, in which the outer beams act as a reference while the middle beam scans the surface. The results of this technique are comparable with the ones obtained with a stylus instrument.
Agricultural chemical residues as a source of risk.

Exposures to individual agricultural chemical residues are a relatively small source of risk across selected environmental and human health end points; nutrients in water, of which agricultural uses are only one source, may be an exception. This may explain recent policy decisions to tighten regulation of nutrients in water resources. However, uncertainty about nutrient damages hinders design of an efficient policy to deal with nutrients.
47.4: Empirical Evaluation of User Responses to Reading Text Rendered Using ClearType™ Technologies

Subjective and objective measures were recorded from 18 users who spent 60 minutes reading fiction from each of three different displays. When reading from an LCD display, users preferred text rendered with ClearType™. ClearType also yielded higher readability judgments and lower ratings of mental fatigue.
Gas-Phase Oxidation Kinetics of Toxic Metals at Incinerator Temperatures. The Reactions of Chromium Atoms with HCl, N2O, Cl2, and O2

Abstract The need for kinetic data on individual reactions to develop combustion control strategies for alleviation of toxic metal species production is discussed. In this work such data are obtained at realistic incinerator temperatures. Measurements on the Cr + HCl reaction, made by both the High-Temperature Fast-Flow Reactor (HTFFR), and Metals High-Temperature Photochemistry (Metals-HTP) techniques, are found to be in good agreement. The other reactions were studied by the Metals-HTP technique only. These techniques are briefly described. The N2O and Cl2 results are compatible with O and Cl abstraction, respectively, while the HCl mechanism needs further study. These three reactions are independent of pressure. The previously studied O2 reaction involves a pressure-independent abstraction, and a pressure-dependent addition component. The following rate coefficient expressions in cm3 molecule−1s−1 were obtained: Cr + HCl k(811-1449 K) = 1.6 × 10−12(T/K) 0.74 exp(−5802 K/T); Cr + Cl2 k(277-344K) = 2.1 ×...
Interstellar molecular hydrogen toward zeta Puppis

This paper reports the measurement of some 136 interstellar H2 absorption lines found in a continuous scan of the far-ultraviolet spectrum of zeta Pup at 0.05-A resolution with the Copernicus telescope. Absorptions from only the rotational levels 0 to 5 of the lowest vibrational state of the ground electronic state were observed. The total H2 column density is 2.8 by 10 to the 14th power molecules/sq cm; the ratio of H nuclei in H2 to the number in H I plus molecules is 6 by 10 to the -6th power; the population of the rotational levels can be represented by a single excitation temperature of 1120 (plus or minus 80) K. The radial velocities of all rotational levels were the same within 7 km/s and differed from most atoms and first ions by no more than 4.5 km/s on the average. The tables also list the best available data on wavelengths, oscillator strengths, and radiative damping constants for all the H2 lines with zero vibrational level likely to be observed in the interstellar gas.
Book Reviews Editor

PETERKIN, KAREN, and BLACK, DONALD F. Directory of Online Healthcare Databases, 5th Ed. Oak Park, IL: Medical Data Exchange, Alpine Guild, 1990, 79 pp.—$35.
Arthritis in hemochromatosis or iron storage disease.

Purpose of review Hemochromatosis is a common autosomal recessive condition characterized by increased iron absorption and tissue deposition. Recognition of this condition is important because phlebotomy can be life saving. This review examines recent studies of articular manifestations in hemochromatosis and the frequency of hemochromatosis genes in the general population and in selected patients with various types of arthritis. Recent findings Genetic mutations in the HFE gene are present in most patients with hemochromatosis. Several studies have shown a higher frequency of homozygous or heterozygous HFE mutations in individuals with various types of arthritis compared with unselected populations. Although important, the lack of characterization of arthritis in the controls of these studies limits their impact. One recent study compared arthritis symptoms in individuals with HFE mutations, newly identified through a large screening program, with individuals lacking such mutations from the same population. Individuals with hemochromatosis genotypes reported a higher frequency of some arthritis symptoms than did controls. Although these differences were not statistically significant, the low number of individuals with hemochromatosis genotypes limited the statistical power of this study. Summary Arthritis symptoms are common in individuals with hemochromatosis and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Although the genetic defect associated with hemochromatosis is common in whites, the frequency with which these genotypes cause clinical disease remains unclear. More detailed study of arthritis symptoms and signs over time in individuals with and without mutations in the HFE gene is necessary to determine the contribution of HFE genes to arthritis in the population.
Evidence for the treatment of patients with pulmonary nodules: when is it lung cancer?: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition).

Background The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a frequent incidental finding that may represent primary lung cancer or other malignant or benign lesions. The optimal management of the SPN remains unclear. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review to address the following questions: (1) the prevalence of SPN; (2) the prevalence of malignancy in nodules with varying characteristics (size, morphology, and type of opacity); (3) the relationships between growth rates, histology, and other nodule characteristics; and (4) the performance characteristics and complication rates of tests for SPN diagnosis. We searched MEDLINE and other databases and used previous systematic reviews and recent primary studies. Results Eight large trials of lung cancer screening showed that both the prevalence of at least one nodule (8 to 51%) and the prevalence of malignancy in patients with nodules (1.1 to 12%) varied considerably across studies. The prevalence of malignancy varied by size (0 to 1% for nodules 20 mm). Data from six studies of patients with incidental or screening-detected nodules showed that the risk for malignancy was approximately 20 to 30% in nodules with smooth edges; in nodules with irregular, lobulated, or spiculated borders, the rate of malignancy was higher but varied across studies from 33 to 100%. Nodules that were pure ground-glass opacities were more likely to be malignant (59 to 73%) than solid nodules (7 to 9%). The sensitivity of positron emission tomography imaging for identifying a malignant SPN was consistently high (80 to 100%), whereas specificity was lower and more variable across studies (40 to 100%). Dynamic CT with nodule enhancement yielded the most promising sensitivity (sensitivity, 98 to 100%; specificity, 54 to 93%) among imaging tests. In studies of CT-guided needle biopsy, nondiagnostic results were seen approximately 20% of the time, but sensitivity and specificity were excellent when biopsy yielded a specific benign or malignant result. Conclusions The prevalence of an SPN and the prevalence of malignancy in patients with an SPN vary widely across studies. The interpretation of these variable prevalence rates should take into consideration not only the nodule characteristics but also the population at risk. Modern imaging tests and CT-guided needle biopsy are highly sensitive for identifying a malignant SPN, but the specificity of imaging tests is variable and often poor.
Effect of crystallite shape on exciton energy: Quantum Monte Carlo calculations

Abstract We have applied the quantum Monte Carlo (random walk) method to calculate the energies of electron-hole pairs (Wannier excitons) in crystallites of varying shapes and sizes. The Schrodinger equation was solved for a model of Brus using effective masses for the electron and the hole, an interaction potential based on the dielectric constant for the bulk, and zero charge density at boundaries. Results are reported for spheres, cubes, and rectangular parallelopipeds of semiconductor materials CdS and ZnO. The exciton energy is given approximately by the sum of the independent localization energies for electron and hole if any dimension of the crystallite is small, and by the electron-hole interaction energy if all dimensions are large. For fixed independent localization energy the energy lowering due to confinement of electron and hole in the same region decreases with crystallite shape in the order: sphere, cube, rectangular parallelopiped of high length-to-width ratio.
MukB acts as a macromolecular clamp in DNA condensation

Correct folding of the chromosome into its highly ordered structure requires the action of condensins. The multisubunit condensins are highly conserved from bacteria to humans, and at their core they contain the characteristic V-shaped dimer of structural maintenance of chromosome proteins. The mechanism of DNA rearrangements by condensins remains unclear. Using magnetic tweezers, we show that bacterial condensin MukB acts as an ATP-modulated macromolecular assemblage in DNA condensation. Condensation occurs in a highly cooperative manner, resulting in the formation of force-resilient clusters. ATP regulates nucleation but not propagation of the clusters and seems to play a structural role. MukB clusters can further interact with each other, thereby bringing distant DNA segments together. The resulting activity has not previously been described among DNA-remodeling machines and may explain how the protein can organize the global structure of the chromosome.
Regulation of prostaglandin metabolism: inhibition of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase by thyroid hormones.

Abstract 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase has been purified from swine kidney to a specific activity of near 100 miliunits per mg of protein. The purified enzyme was found to be inhibited by thyroid hormone analogues of which triiodothyroacetic acid was the most potent inhibitor. The concentration required for 50% inhibition was 5 μM for triiodothyroacetic acid. The inhibition by thyroid hormones was uncompetitive and non-competitive with regard to NAD+ and prostaglandin E1, respectively. The sensitivity of this enzyme to thyroid hormones suggests that these hormones may regulate the metabolism of prostaglandins in vivo .
Modulation of phorbol ester-associated events in epidermal cells by linoleate and arachidonate

To elucidate the events elicited by the skin tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), which are modulated by linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), the activity of these fatty acids in cultured mouse epidermal cells was compared. Approximately 94% of either exogenous radiolabelled fatty acid was incorporated into the total phospholipid pool over 15 h. The relative distribution among the phospholipid classes differed, however, such that approximately 70% of phospholipid-associated [14C]-LA was found in phosphatidylcholine, compared to approximately 30% for [14C]AA. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylserine contained 17 and 13% of the phospholipid [14C]LA, and 34 and 30% of [14C]AA, respectively. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 production was low but similar in unstimulated cultures prelabelled with either [14C]LA or [14C]AA. However, in cultures treated with TPA (1.6 microM), [14C]AA-prelabelling resulted in approximately three times the amount of [14C]PGE2 compared with cultures prelabelled with [14C]LA. Cultured cells were found to contain significant delta 6 desaturase activity, which may enable conversion of LA to AA, and thus may account for the observed PGE2 production from [14C]LA treated cells. AA-Supplemented (1.6 microM) cultures supported approximately twice the induction of ornithine decarboxylase activity by TPA compared with cultures treated with 1.8 microM LA. Activation of partially purified protein kinase C was similar for either fatty acid tested over a 10-300 microM dose range. Overall, the results suggest that LA does not have the same biological activity as AA with regard to several TPA-associated events known to be important in skin tumor promotion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bisexuality: some comments on research and theory.

Though evidence suggests that bisexuals may outnumber homosexuals and that bisexuality is increasing, there is a paucity of research on this group. Further, because researchers have included large numbers of bisexuals as ohomosexualso in their studies of homosexuality, we cannot even be sure of what we know about homosexuals. The author examines a Varity of issue: sex differences, life-styles, discrimination, and changes in sexual orientation over the life span, etc. Four beliefs about bisexuals are presented and examined: Bisexuality as: (1) real and natural, (2) transitory (the bisexual will return to his or her original orientation), (3) transitional (the bisexual will become exclusive at the orientation opposite to his or her original orientation), and (4) homosexual denial.
Fog, fog drip, and streamflow in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the California Coast Range

The onshore movement of marine fog is a common occurrence during summer months along much of the contiguous US Pacific Coast. Because the fog season tends to occur during the precipitation-free dry season, any additional input of moisture or reduction in loss of moisture through evapotranspiration provided by the marine layer can be an important factor in local hydrologic systems. To quantify some of the effects of fog on regional dry-season hydrology, a study site within the Santa Cruz Mountains of central California was established. The fog-laden coastside and predominately fog-free San Francisco Bay side of the study area provide an excellent opportunity to assess the impacts of the presence and absence of fog on ecohydrological processes. Streamflow, fog drip, and soil moisture were measured from May to September. Fog drip was essentially nonexistent on the bayside and highly variable on the coastside. Maximum rates and seasonal totals of drip occurred within stands of mature conifers (Sequoia sempervirens and Pseudotsuga menziesii) along exposed, often windy ridgelines. Fog-drip totals up to 961 mm were recorded over 2·5 months. Consequently, frequent infiltration events to depths of 23 cm were documented. Over the course of the study, soil moisture levels at high-fog-drip locations either increased or were equivalent to spring conditions at the onset of data collection. Increases of flow in coastside streams, under otherwise receding conditions, were found to coincide with fog and fog-drip events. These results confirm that the presence of fog can significantly affect dry-season hydrologic conditions of some coastal locations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How visual edge features influence cuttlefish camouflage patterning

Rapid adaptive camouflage is the primary defense of soft-bodied cuttlefish. Previous studies have shown that cuttlefish body patterns are strongly influenced by visual edges in the substrate. The aim of the present study was to examine how cuttlefish body patterning is differentially controlled by various aspects of edges, including contrast polarity, contrast strength, and the presence or absence of "line terminators" introduced into a pattern when continuous edges are fragmented. Spatially high- and low-pass filtered white or black disks, as well as isolated, continuous and fragmented edges varying in contrast, were used to assess activation of cuttlefish skin components. Although disks of both contrast polarities evoked relatively weak disruptive body patterns, black disks activated different skin components than white disks, and high-frequency information alone sufficed to drive the responses to white disks whereas high- and low-frequency information were both required to drive responses to black disks. Strikingly, high-contrast edge fragments evoked substantially stronger body pattern responses than low-contrast edge fragments, whereas the body pattern responses evoked by high-contrast continuous edges were no stronger than those produced by low-contrast edges. This suggests that line terminators vs. continuous edges influence expression of disruptive body pattern components via different mechanisms that are controlled by contrast in different ways.
Case report: transient small bowel intussusception presenting as right lower quadrant pain in a 6-year-old male

In children presenting to the emergency room with right lower quadrant pain, ultrasound is the preferred initial modality. In our patient, a 6-year-old male with a sudden onset of severe right lower quadrant pain, the differential is broad, including appendicitis and intussusception. In order to narrow our differential and secure the diagnosis, our first modality was ultrasonography. With the increased use of point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department, the diagnosis of appendicitis and ileo-colic intussusception has been made more frequently. In addition, other entities such as transient small bowel intussusception may be identified. As in our case, obstruction secondary to intussusception must be ruled out with observation, serial abdominal exams, clinical improvement, or further imaging.
Market-Based Environmental Audits and Environmental Risks: Implementing ISO 14000

This paper explores the use of inspections or audits to monitor compliance with environmental standards, whether these are set by government agencies or as self-regulatory measures by business. The key issue studied here is the "privatization" of this auditing or inspection process through the use of third parties (the auditors). Such auditors are private (and likely profit-oriented) organizations that may be certified to undertake the task by the competent regulatory authority. We will focus, in particular, on the recent move to implement ISO 14000 environmental standards (and related EMAS standards in the European Union) through precisely this kind of process. The ISO 14000 standards are management system standards and not prescriptive technological or performance standards. Since it is clear that the latter standards also have an important role to play in achieving acceptable environmental performance in an economy, we discuss how the ISO standards might act as a lever for implementing other more detailed specification or outcome-based standards. The paper analyses the costs and benefits of relying on such market-based provision of auditing services at several levels: regulatory compliance and transactions costs at a regional or national level; business performance, including the potential for improved risk management and insurability conditions; and the impact on local community knowledge and welfare. It is argued that management system standards of the kind currently being developed under the ISO 14000 initiative have the potential to achieve a positive balance at all levels, but to do so such standards must emphasize measurable results and not just process and management system standardization.
Outcome Research in Carkhuff's Human Resource Development Training Programs: Where is the Donut?

This paper presents a critical review of research which has been offered in support of training programs that focus on Human Relations Development as proposed by Robert Carkhuff. The studies relied upon by Carkhuff and his students have failed to specify the nature of treatment; its components seem to vary from one study to the next; control groups of a comparative type are usually missing and, when present, have not been equivalent in expectation, motivation, contact time, leader skill or enthusiasm. Measures of process have not been collected and associated with helpee benefit. The scales used to measure gains in interpersonal skills do not have published validity data to support them. Subjects actually practice on the criterion measures employed at posttesting. The gains made have not been demonstrated to be broadly generalized or of practical significance and therefore seem to be of rather limited value. Overall, it was found that research in this area is years behind that which has come to be expecte...
The Ties that Bind: Social Networks, Person-Organization Fit and Turnover Intention

This paper examines the influence of social networks and value congruence on turnover intention among public and nonprofit employees. We argue that employees exist in social networks inside and outside their organization, and these networks shape employee attitudes and behavior. To illustrate this theory we use turnover intention. A strong and positive intraorganizational social network characterized by good relations with and a sense of obligation toward other staff is hypothesized to make it more likely that employees will stay. A strong social network external to the organization is hypothesized to increase the opportunities that employees have to leave. Our findings offer strong support for the role of intraorganizational networks, but relatively weak support for the effect of external networks. We also propose that person-organization fit shape turnover intention. Our results suggest that employees who experience a strong person-organization fit in terms of value congruence are more likely to offer a long-term commitment.
Low Voltage Nanoelectromechanical Switches Based on Silicon Carbide Nanowires

We report experimental demonstrations of electrostatically actuated, contact-mode nanoelectromechanical switches based on very thin silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires (NWs). These NWs are lithographically patterned from a 50 nm thick SiC layer heteroepitaxially grown on single-crystal silicon (Si). Several generic designs of in-plane electrostatic SiC NW switches have been realized, with NW widths as small as ∼20 nm and lateral switching gaps as narrow as ∼10 nm. Very low switch-on voltages are obtained, from a few volts down to ∼1 V level. Two-terminal, contact-mode "hot" switching with high on/off ratios (>10 2 or 10 3 ) has been demonstrated repeatedly for many devices. We find enhanced switching performance in bare SiC NWs, with lifetimes exceeding those based on metallized SiC NWs.
Is increased hematopoiesis needed at altitude

The increased hemoglobin concentration in high-altitude dwellers is a double-edged sword. Increasing hemoglobin concentration is a response long considered to be a beneficial adaptation, whereby an increase in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood compensates for the arterial hypoxemia of
Prediction of Pure Monopropellant Droplet Life Histories

An earlier, approximate, burning rate theory is extended to yield heat and mass transfer rates of monopropellant droplets in the heat-up period as well as during steady burning at the wet bulb temperature. Experimental results were obtained to test the theoretical method by observing the life histories of supported ethyl nitrate and propylene glycol dinitrate droplets, under decomposition conditions, in the combustion products of a flat flame burner. The experiments were conducted with ambient gas temperatures in the range 1740-2640°K. Second-order global reaction rate parameters were found which correlated present steady burning rate data, as well as earlier tests conducted at higher pressures. Employing the measured reaction parameters, satisfactory predictions were made of droplet life histories for the two fuels considered in the study.
The pio Operon Is Essential for Phototrophic Fe(II) Oxidation in Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1

Phototrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria couple the oxidation of ferrous iron [Fe(II)] to reductive CO2 fixation by using light energy, but until recently, little has been understood about the molecular basis for this process. Here we report the discovery, with Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 as a model organism, of a three-gene operon, designated the pio operon (for phototrophic iron oxidation), that is necessary for phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation. The first gene in the operon, pioA, encodes a c-type cytochrome that is upregulated under Fe(II)-grown conditions. PioA contains a signal sequence and shares homology with MtrA, a decaheme c-type cytochrome from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The second gene, pioB, encodes a putative outer membrane beta-barrel protein. PioB is a homologue of MtrB from S. oneidensis MR-1. The third gene, pioC, encodes a putative high potential iron sulfur protein (HiPIP) with a twin-arginine translocation (Tat) signal sequence and is similar to the putative Fe(II) oxidoreductase (Iro) from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Like PioA, PioB and PioC appear to be secreted proteins. Deletion of the pio operon results in loss of Fe(II) oxidation activity and growth on Fe(II). Complementation studies confirm that the phenotype of this mutant is due to loss of the pio genes. Deletion of pioA alone results in loss of almost all Fe(II) oxidation activity; however, deletion of either pioB or pioC alone results in only partial loss of Fe(II) oxidation activity. Together, these results suggest that proteins encoded by the pio operon are essential and specific for phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation in R. palustris TIE-1.
Comparison of the Effects of Dopamine, Hydralazine, and Isosorbide Dinitrate on Myocardial Hemodynamics in Patients with Refractory Heart Failure

: Nine patients with refractory congestive heart failure underwent hemodynamic study first with dopamine and then with oral hydralazine and sublingual isosorbide dinitrate. Although hemodynamic improvement was achieved with both forms of therapy, the beneficial effects of hydralazine alone or with isosorbide were superior to those of dopamine, as manifested by a greater reduction of wedge pressure and greater increase in stroke index. Six patients who demonstrated an increased wedge pressure during dopamine infusion were observed to manifesta louder apical systolic murmur and/or V wave in the wedge pressure tracing suggestive of enhanced mitral regurgitation. The rise in wedge pressure on dopamine could also be a consequence of increased myocardial ischemia and a resultant decrease in ventricular compliance. It is possible that a subgroup of patients with heart failure are made worse by dopamine, and in these cases vasodilator therapy may be more beneficial.
The Sexualized Girl: A Within-Gender Stereotype among Elementary School Children.

Two studies (conducted in 2013) examined whether elementary-aged children endorse a within-gender stereotype about sexualized girls. In Study 1, children (N = 208) ages 6–11 rated sexualized girls as more popular but less intelligent, athletic, and nice compared to nonsexualized girls. These distinctions were stronger for girls and older children, and in accordance with our developmental intergroup theoretical framework, were related to children's cognitive development and media exposure. Study 2 (N = 155) replicated the previous findings using more ecologically valid and realistic images of girls and further explored individual differences in the endorsement of the sexualized girl stereotype. Additional results indicated that the belief that girls should be appearance focused predicted their endorsement of the sexualized girl stereotype.
A discrete decentralized hybrid computed torque-model referenced adaptive controller for robotic manipulators

A decentralized controller for robotic manipulators was designed and tested using a distributed multiprocessor architecture and a PUMA 560 robot arm. The controller is made up of a nominal component based on a computed torque approach and a variational component based on a model referenced adaptive control approach. The controller is applied to each manipulator joint separately. The motivation for decentralized manipulator control is that the derived algorithm can be implemented using a distributed architecture where each joint is assigned a microprocessor and, thus, the control algorithms for the joints can be executed in parallel using relatively inexpensive hardware. Nonlinear interaction and coupling between joints are treated as a disturbance torque that is compensated for. The function of the developed controller is to drive the manipulator along a desired trajectory. >
SURFACE TENSION OF SERUM : VIII. FURTHER EVIDENCE INDICATING THE EXISTENCE OF A SUPERFICIAL POLARIZED LAYER OF MOLECULES AT CERTAIN DILUTIONS.

The assumption has been made in preceding papers that, at a given concentration of 1:10,000, in the vessels used in our experiments, a monomolecular oriented layer was formed. Such a layer might be supposed to prevent the free escape of water molecules from the surface into the air, at least to a certain extent. In order to check this assumption, the rate of evaporation of solutions of serum at different concentrations was measured. It was found that, under the conditions of the experiments, in a progression of dilutions from 10(-1) to 10(-6), the slowest evaporation took place at a concentration of 1:10,000. In a few cases (less than 20 per cent), evaporation was slower at a different concentration, but always within the same range (between 10(-3) and 10(-5)), not far from 10(-4).
Cell differentiation during pancreatic carcinogenesis.

In many tissues, carcinogenesis mimics embryonic development. This is true for the pancreas. The first alteration seen during pancreatic tumor induction in the hamster model is proliferation of poorly differentiated ductular (tubular) structures intermingled with endocrine cells, a pattern consistent with findings in the embryonic and fetal pancreas. However, unlike the fetal tissue, various cell types of intestinal epithelium appear in the advance stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Moreover, contrary to the situation in the fetal and adult hamster pancreas, the induced pancreatic lesion expresses antigens with human blood group type specificities, including A, B, H, Leb, Lex and Ley, antigens that are expressed, however, by fetal and adult duodenal epithelium. Considering the origin of the pancreas from the duodenal mucosa, the overall findings indicate that during pancreatic carcinogenesis some genes, acquired from the progenitor (duodenal) cells, which are inactive in embryonic and normal pancreatic ...
DICE MO-a collaborative DFMA analysis tool

The ability to reason about product features and resource capabilities while developing manufacturing processes allows for finely tuned production processes. Conversely, providing a design team insight into the manufacturing process and the resources at hand will enable fine tuning of the design for manufacturing and assembly. The DICE-Manufacturing Optimization program investigated support for collaboration between product design teams and process development teams. The primary output of the investigation is a prototype software system that provides production cost and yield estimations determined from EXPRESS based product and enterprise information models. Support is provided for feedback of suggested product design changes from the process development team to the product design team. >
Electroencephalography findings in patients presenting to the ED for evaluation of seizures

Background Status epilepticus is a life-threatening, time-sensitive emergency. Acquiring an electroencephalogram (EEG) in the emergency department (ED) could impact therapeutic and disposition decisions for patients with suspected status epilepticus.
Material Evidence for Social Boundaries on the Pajarito Plateau, New Mexico

ABSTRACTPatterns of selection of raw materials used to make stone tools suggest that there was a prehistoric social border on the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico. Late Coalition period (A.D. 1250–;1325) pueblo sites show geographic preferences in the locations of raw material sources, suggesting the first manifestation of the traditional ethnographic border between the Tewa and the Keresan Pueblo groups. This observation delineates a useful method for identification of prehistoric social boundaries from material remains and provides insight into the timing of social differentiation on the Pajarito Plateau. Social distinctions took on a firm spatial aspect, in the form of a barrier to regional interaction, coincident with region-wide patterns of intense competition over resource-collecting territories. This competition occurred well before segregated aggregation of the Tewa and Keresan groups beginning with the Classic period (A.D. 1325+).
Early Life Factors Associated with Adult-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Women.

Background: Exposure early in life can influence adult disease and immunity, but the role of early life exposures in risk of SLE is not established. Methods: Women in a national cohort (ages 35-74) provided data on perinatal, maternal and sociodemographic factors, longest residence to age 14 and residential farm history of at least 12 months to age 18. Cases (N=124) reported SLE diagnosed age 16 years or older with use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Non-cases (N=50,465) did not report lupus. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by logistic regression adjusting for age and race/ethnicity. Results: SLE was associated with low birthweight (data on 84 cases and 36,477 non-cases; 4 weeks early vs. full-term; OR=3.4; 95%CI 1.6, 7.4). Considering longest childhood residence to age 14, SLE was associated with more frequent pesticide use (e.g., at least monthly OR=2.3; 95%CI 1.3, 4.1). SLE was associated with having an early and extended childhood farm residence (i.e., prenatal/maternal farm exposure and longest childhood farm residence; OR=1.8; 95%CI 1.1, 3.0 versus neither). In those with a childhood-only farm residence of 12+ months, agricultural pesticide use was associated with SLE, with the strongest associations for direct personal exposures. Conclusions: The association of SLE with premature birth is consistent with studies in other populations, and with an observed association with low birthweight. The associations of SLE with childhood exposure to residential and agricultural pesticides warrant further study. INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune reactivity to multiple nuclear components and inflammation, resulting in diverse clinical features and multiple organ involvement. The causes of SLE are generally not known. Racial disparities and increased familial risk suggest a genetic predisposition. It is believed that environmental factors may contribute to the development of disease, but knowledge on specific risk factors is mostly limited to occupational exposures[1]. The developmental origins hypothesis has been proposed for many adult-onset, chronic inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [2-6]. Exposures during and after gestation, including nutritional, infectious, chemical
Genetic characteristic analysis of Hantavirus from rodents in Xi'an China in 2009

Objective To study the captured murids in Xi'an in the year 2009 and the Hantavirus serotypes and genetic characteristics carried by these rodents.Methods Night trapping method was used to capture rats in Chang'an county and Hu county.Then we recorded the murids and their living environments,extracted RNA and genotyping of Hantavirus carried by the rodents,and sequenced the partial L and S segments to make the sequence alignment.Results Altogether 400 rats were captured in these two counties in 2009;Apodmus agrarius(61%),Rattus norvegicus(22.25%) and Mus musculus(10.75%) were the main murids.21.5% of these rodents carried Hantavirus nucleotide and the results of virus genotyping was Hantaan virus.The sequence alignment results of the partial L and S segments showed that these sequences had the highest homology with S2/L4 Hantaan viruses group found in Guizhou Province,which were 95.0%-97.0% and 97.7%-99.3%,respectively.Conclusion The hosts of Hantavirus in Xi'an in 2009 were mainly Mus musculus,Apodmus agrarius,Rattus norvegicus,and the main genotype these rodents carried was Hantaanvirus,and the hosts had a relatively high virus-carrying rate.The virus strains were closely related to Hantaanviruses found in Guizhou.
Divergent patterns of marrow cell suspension culture growth in the myeloid leukemias: correlation of in vitro findings with clinical features

Cellular recovery, maturation, and colony-forming cell (CFC) generation patterns of bone marrow cells from 23 patients with acute, subacute, and chronic myeloid leukemia (AML, SML, and CML) were studied using liquid and agar culture techniques. Increased recovery of proliferative myeloid cells from liquid culture was noted in 6 of 8 AML patients at diagnosis or relapse and 5 of 7 untreated SML patients. Patients with either AML or SML with rapid clinical progression exhibited greater recovery of cells in vitro with less maturation than patients with more stable disease. Studies from 3 patients with CML showed normal to increased cellular recovery with normal maturation. Three of 4 studies of AML patients followed sequentially in apparent remission, but with impending relapse, exhibited increased numbers of myeloblasts and promyelocytes, whereas 28 of 32 studies performed during stable remission were normal. The normally observed increase in CFC during liquid culture was absent in most leukemic marrow samples studied (3 of 4 AML, 4 of 6 SML, and 2 of 3 CML). Persistent low recovery of CFC during AML remission was associated in 3 patients with short remission duration. These studies indicated the potential utility of these techniques for the clinical evaluation of patients with myeloid leukemia and for studying factors involved in the progression of these diseases.
Clinical Presentation and Therapy of d-Transposition of the Great Arteries

d-Transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) is the most common form of congenital heart disease that presents with cyanosis in a newborn. The aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle. It constitutes 3.8 % of all congenital cardiac defects. Forty percent of patients with d-TGA have an associated ventricular septal defect. Among patients with d-TGA, 6 % of those with intact ventricular septum and 31 % of those with ventricular septal defect have associated pulmonary stenosis.
Impact of PV inverter penetration on voltage profile and power loss in medium voltage distribution systems

With an increasing number of PV generators at the distribution system, the impact on the distribution system is no longer negligible. A comparison is done among PV generators of different capacities, different injection locations and different reactive power control modes, for their impact on system voltage profile and power loss. Voltage sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of PV injection on system voltage profile. The accuracy of these sensitivity indices are proven by calculation results from MATLAB and simulation results from PSS/E. Guidelines are formed for utility to manage PV injection locations and regulate PV generator reactive power control to avoid voltage profile problem and reduce power loss. In comparing different PV injection locations, there's tradeoff between voltage regulation and power loss minimization, and randomly distributed PV may increase or decrease system power loss, but optimally distributed PV generators decrease power loss compared to centralized PV.
Cobalt(III) Bridged by gem-DEE: Facile Access to a New Type of Cross-Conjugated Organometallics

Reported in this communication are CoIII(cyclam) compounds bearing a gem-diethynylethene ligand (gem-DEE; 1–3), including the first examples of 3d metal bimetallic species bridged by gem-DEE (2 and 3). Compounds 1 and 2 were prepared in satisfactory yields under ambient conditions using mild alkylamine bases. X-ray structural characterizations revealed the retention of key geometric features of the gem-DEE ligand upon metalation.
UHMWPE Wear in THR Is Independent of Sliding Distance

Multi-directional motion at the ball-socket interface of a hip replacement joint has been discovered as a fundamental feature that determines the magnitude of wear for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The present study considers the wear of UHMWPE moving along a circular path with a uniform angular change rate of the velocity vector defined by the curvature of the sliding circle. It is apparent the as the sliding circle radius increases the motion is approaching more towards linear tracking. Therefore, wear rate per unit sliding distance would decrease with increasing the slidng circle radius. However, the sliding distance per cycle increases linearly with the radius of the circle, which would cause a proportional increase in the wear rate per cycle. We hypothesize that these two opposing effects on wear with respect to the changing radius of the sliding circle would cancel out each other leading to wear rate per cycle being independent of sliding distance. Experiments were conducted on a hip simulator with a biaxial rocking motion that results in a circular sliding path at the polar region of the acetabular cup that experiences the highest contact stresses and wear. The radius of the sliding circle, r , depends solely on the radius of the femoral ball, R , and the biaxial rocking angle, a, such that r=Rsina . Two tests were conducted. The first test was run under standard conditions with a constant biaxial rocking angle of +/−23 and head diameters ranging between 28 mm and 44 mm. Acetabular components were machined from virgin non-crosslinked UHMWPE with inner diameters matching those of the femoral heads. For the 28 mm bearing, the cups were of standard hemispherical geometry. The larger cups were truncated by various degrees so that the nominal contact area remained exactly the same as that of the standard 28 mm hemispherical components. The second test was run with the standard 28 mm components and various biaxial rocking angles: +/−10, +/−15, +/−20 and +/−23. Both tests were run for a total duration of 2 million cycles with diluted alpha-serum as a lubricant and physiologic loading (peak load: 2450N) as described by Paul. Volumetric wear at 2 million cycles for both tests are summarized in Figure 1. Fig. 2 shows a graphic representation of the total volumetric wear (DV) as a function of the sliding circle radius (r). Total volumetric wear is independent of the head diameter (2R), the biaxial-rocking angle (a) and the sliding circle radius (r). The total volumetric wear is proportional to the number of cycles and independent of the sliding distance per cycle. The clinically observed wear rate-ball diameter relationship, therefore, is not attributed to variations in sliding distance per walking step with differing ball head sizes. For the same nominal contact area between a ball and a socket, the total volumetric wear of UHMWPE is independent of the ball diameter, the biaxial rocking angle and the sliding circle radius. In other words, the total volumetric wear is proportional to the number of cycles and independent of the sliding distance per cycle.