cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal lesions in the rat: Effects on spatial and visual habits

Abstract Rats with bilateral anterior and posterior hippocampal lesions were trained on spatial and visual discrimination tasks, including acquisition to the non-preferred stimulus, reversal shifts and transfer problems (spatial-visual and visual-spatial shifts). Hippocampal damage has differential effects on spatial and visual habits: small lesions which produce severe impairments on acquisition to the non-preferred position as well as on position reversals do not disrupt performance on either the acquisition or reversal of brightness habits. Similar effects are evident on transfer tasks: animals with hippocampal lesions show deficits on the shift to spatial (but not visual) habits when the positive cue is the non-preferred stimulus. Results from these studies do not support generalized inhibitory theories of hippocampal function, but rather suggest the operation of a specifically spatial factor in the hippocampal deficit.
Plasma generator for space vehicle neutralization.

Plasma generator for maintenance of space vehicle electrical neutrality during ejection of high velocity electron pulses
The Interface Phase and the Schottky Barrier for a Crystalline Dielectric on Silicon

The barrier height for electron exchange at a dielectric-semiconductor interface has long been interpreted in terms of Schottky9s theory with modifications from gap states induced in the semiconductor by the bulk termination. Rather, we show with the structure specifics of heteroepitaxy that the electrostatic boundary conditions can be set in a distinct interface phase that acts as a “Coulomb buffer.” This Coulomb buffer is tunable and will functionalize the barrier-height concept itself.
Observations of the 1.4mm brightness distribution of the sun

Observations of the 1.4 mm center to limb solar brightness distribution show that there is little, if any, limb brightening at this wavelength. Knowledge of the antenna radiation pattern is vital in interpreting the radio measurements.
Moving horizon estimation for staged QP problems

This paper considers moving horizon estimation (MHE) approach to solution of staged quadratic programming (QP) problems. Using an insight into the constrained solution structure for the growing horizon, we develop a very accurate iterative update of the arrival cost in the MHE solution. The update uses a quadratic approximation of the arrival cost and information about the previously active or inactive constraints. In the absence of constraints, the update is the familiar Kalman filter in information form. In the presence of the constraints, the update requires solving a sequence of linear systems with varying size. The proposed MHE update provides very good performance in numerical examples. This includes problems with l 1 regularization where optimal estimation allows us to perform online segmentation of streaming data.
Presidential power in post‐communist Europe: The Hungarian case in comparative perspective

Presidencies in Eastern Europe and the successor states of the Soviet Union are a potential threat to stability: on the one hand they can be used in such a way as to increase conflict between the executive and legislative functions of government; on the other, they provide a possible means for the reestablishment of outright authoritarian rule. The presidential office can, however, serve a more positive role, helping to overcome political crises and providing national leadership. An examination of the sources of presidentialism in the Hungarian case and of the way in which the issue of the presidency has shaped political developments in that country, when viewed against experience in other countries of the region, indicates that the collapse of communism has created a political vacuum which strong presidences often arise to fill ‐ a political institution whose very attractions can also destabilize the political system as a whole.
Revisiting Sematech: Profiling Public- and Private-Sector Cooperation

AbstractThis article utilizes documentary and primary-source research to examine the change in the role of SEMATECH (SEmiconductor MAnufacturing TECHnology) in supporting the competitiveness of the U.S. semiconductor industry between the late 1980s and late 1990s. This change has broad implications for future relations between SEMATECH and the semiconductor industry as a whole and the government and university research systems. Some of these implications are explored by detailing recent strategic developments at SEMATECH and the emergence of other semiconductor research efforts involving government, university, and industry collaboration.An analysis is conducted to link the requirements for sustaining the current global competitive position of the U.S. semiconductor industry, the new strategic role of SEMATECH within the industry, and the expectations for existing and future government-university-industry partnerships focused on semiconductor technology research and development. This analysis is then exte...
Multi-scale characterization of the PEPCK-C mus mouse through 3D Cryo-imaging

We have developed, for the Case 3D Cryo-imaging system, a specialized, multi-scale visualization scheme which provides colorrich volume rendering and multi-planar reformatting enabling one to visualize an entire mouse and zoom in to organ, tissue, and microscopic scales. With this system, we have anatomically characterized, in 3D, from whole animal to tissue level, a transgenic mouse and compared it with its control. The transgenic mouse over-expresses the cytosolic form of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) in its skeletal muscle and is capable of greatly enhanced physical endurance, and has a longer lifespan and reproductive life as compared to control animals. We semi-automatically analyzed selected organs such as kidney, heart, adrenal gland, spleen, and ovaries and found comparatively enlarged heart, much less visceral, subcutaneous and pericardial adipose tissue, and higher tibia-to-femur ratio in the transgenic animal. Microscopically, individual skeletal muscle fibers, fine mesenteric blood vessels, intestinal villi, among others, were clearly seen.
Toughening by Stress-Induced Microcracking in Two-Phase Ceramics

Two glass/alumina composites were examined as potential systems for srress-induced microcrack roughening. A borosilicate glass/alumina material having a thermal mismatch strain of approximately 0.8% demonstrated toughness up to twice that of an aluminosilicate glass/alumina composite and other reported glass/alumina composites. High-sensitvity density measurements confirmed a density reduction on application of a stress in the borosilicate glass/alumina system, providing indirect evidence for stress-induced microcracking.
Genome-wide significant localization for working and spatial memory: Identifying genes for psychosis using models of cognition.

It is well established that risk for developing psychosis is largely mediated by the influence of genes, but identifying precisely which genes underlie that risk has been problematic. Focusing on endophenotypes, rather than illness risk, is one solution to this problem. Impaired cognition is a well-established endophenotype of psychosis. Here we aimed to characterize the genetic architecture of cognition using phenotypically detailed models as opposed to relying on general IQ or individual neuropsychological measures. In so doing we hoped to identify genes that mediate cognitive ability which might also contribute to psychosis risk. Hierarchical factor models of genetically clustered cognitive traits were subjected to linkage analysis followed by QTL region-specific association analyses in a sample of 1,269 Mexican American individuals from extended pedigrees. We identified four genome wide significant QTLs, two for working and two for spatial memory, and a number of plausible and interesting candidate genes. The creation of detailed models of cognition seemingly enhanced the power to detect genetic effects on cognition and provided a number of possible candidate genes for psychosis.
Nonlinear Stability of Discrete Shocks for Systems of Conservation Laws

In this paper we study the asymptotic nonlinear stability of discrete shocks for the Lax-Friedrichs scheme for approximating general m systems of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws. It is shown that weak single discrete shocks for such a scheme are nonlinearly stable in the LP-norm for all p __> 1, provided that the sums of the initial perturbations equal zero. These results should shed light on the convergence of the numerical solution constructed by the Lax-Friedrichs scheme for the single-shock solution of system of hyperbolic conservation laws. If the Riemann solution corresponding to the given far-field states is a superposition of m single shocks from each characteristic family, we show that the corresponding multiple discrete shocks are nonlinearly stable in L p (p >= 2). These results are proved by using both a weighted estimate and a characteristic energy method based on the internal structures of the discrete shocks and the essential monotonicity of the Lax-Friedrichs scheme.
Delamination-Based Approach Toward Fracture Control of Composite Spacecraft Structures

Delamination fracture is a common failure mode in composite structures, particularly those used in spacecraft structures. Such structures are generally designed for high stiffness and dimensional stability. To meet these requirements, spacecraft structures have a high degree of anisotropy. Such construction results in laminates that have low transverse strength and are susceptible to delamination. The INTELSAT V and INTELSAT VI communication satellites, for example, use I-beam stiffeners of high-modulus graphite fiber to stiffen thin composite sandwich shells. These structures are usually well analyzed for in-plane loads arising from the launch vibration environment. But small out-of-plane loads can cause delamination. Such loads can arise from second-order geometric effects, handling, or supporting minor attachment brackets for thermal control. Incorporating fracture criteria in defining the minimum margins of safety of the entire structure will prevent such unanticipated failures. In this paper, the elements of a fracture control plan are proposed in which delamination fracture toughness is used as a material strength parameter. Currently, no such plans exist for composite spacecraft structures.
Opiate withdrawal increases glutamate and aspartate efflux in the locus coeruleus: an in vivo microdialysis study

Electrophysiological studies suggest that an increase in excitatory amino acid release may occur in the locus coeruleus during opiate withdrawal. The present study examined directly by microdialysis in anesthetized rats the effect of naltrexone-precipitated opiate withdrawal on the efflux of excitatory amino acids in the locus coeruleus. A withdrawal-induced increase in glutamate and aspartate efflux was found when the microdialysis probe was located in the core of the locus coeruleus; no increase was seen in adjacent regions.
Leukotrienes in experimental spinal cord injury.

Abstract Leukotrienes area group of noncyclized fatty acid eicosanoides which are formed from the breakdown of arachadonic acid. They are potent mediators of inflammation and may contribute to secondary injury in the central nervous system. All mammalian tissue including cerebral cortex is capable of synthesizing these however, clear documentation of leukotriene formation in the spinal cord is lacking. We subjected 55 rabbits to weight drops of 200, 300, and 400 gm/cm, respectively, on an exposed spinal cord. The traumatized spinal cord was removed after periods of 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours. Radioimmunoassay for leukotriene B-4 was then performed on the specimens. Significant ( p
Somatotopically organized inputs from fore- and hindlimb areas of sensorimotor cortex to cerebellar Purkynĕ cells.

The patterns of convergence of nerve and cortical inputs representing the forelimb and hindlimb were studied in Purkyně cells of the cat. The most important inputs to Purkyně cells of the pars intermedia come from peripheral nerves and the areas of the sensorimotor cortex concerned with the same limb. In lobule V, the forelimb nerve and cortical inputs are dominant, while in lobules III and IV the hindlimb inputs are dominant. Lobules IVa–Va represent a zone of hindlimb-forelimb overlap, with the nerve and cortical inputs making parallel transitions from the hindlimb dominance of IVa to the forelimb dominance of Va. Furthermore, within the nerve and cortical projections to the pars intermedia, mossy fiber and climbing fiber systems have similar projection patterns. In addition to the hindlimb-forelimb overlap in lobules IVa–Va, nearly half (44%) of the Purkyně cells throughout lobules III, IV, and V of the pars intermedia respond with weak or moderate responses to cortical or nerve inputs from the non-dominant limb, some of which are clearly important physiologically.
Nonlinear Thermo-Viscoelastic Analysis of Interlaminar Stresses in Laminated Composites

A finite element formulation for analyzing interlaminar stress fields in nonlinear anisotropic viscoelastic laminated composites is presented including a hygrothermal formulation. Schapery's single integral formulation is extended to account for viscoelastic anisotropy and multiaxial stress states. Numerical results obtained from the present formulation are compared against experimental data and excellent agreement is obtained between these results. As illustrative examples, inplane and interlaminar stresses for (45/-45) 5 T300/5208 laminate are also presented.
Aluminum but not iron treatment induces pro-oxidant events in the rat brain.

In an attempt to delineate the capacity of aluminum (Al) to promote pro-oxidant events, several indices of oxidative stress have been determined in brains and livers of rats exposed to an Al salt, either alone or in combination with an iron (Fe) compound. Treatment with Al over a 3-wk period increased both cortical levels of glutathione (GSH) and the rates of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dosing with an Fe compound resulted in no parallel changes, and concurrent exposure to Fe together with Al prevented these elevations. Both Fe and Al dosing elevated glutamine synthetase activity in the cortex. Levels of creatine kinase, another enzyme susceptible to oxidative stress, were also elevated in cortices of Al-treated rats. These data are in contrast to the changes found in liver fractions where exposure to Fe greatly enhanced hepatic pro-oxidant events as judged by changes in all three of the test indices used. Concurrent treatment with Al did not potentiate the pro-oxidant effects of Fe in liver. Al treatment had very minor effects on hepatic parameters of oxidative events. The results suggest that the presence of Al may exert deleterious pro-oxidant changes within the brain, which may be related to induction of oxidant species. These changes are tissuespecific and appear to be independent of any promotion of prooxidant status induced by exogenous Fe.
Dietary saturated fatty acids down-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor alfa and reverse fibrosis in alcohol-induced liver disease in the rat

We investigated the potential of dietary saturated fatty acids to decrease endotoxemia and suppress expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in established alcohol-induced liver injury. Six groups (five rats/group) of male Wistar rats were studied. Rats in group 1 were fed a fish oil-ethanol diet for 6 weeks. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed fish oil and ethanol for 6 weeks. Ethanol administration was stopped at this time, and the rats were switched to isocaloric diets containing dextrose with fish oil (group 2), palm oil (group 3), or medium-chain triglycerides (group 4) as the source of fat for an additional 2 weeks. Rats in groups 5 and 6 were fed fish oil-ethanol and fish oil-dextrose, respectively, for 8 weeks. Liver samples were analyzed for histopathology, lipid peroxidation, and levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for Cox-2 and TNF-alpha. Concentrations of endotoxin were determined in plasma. The most severe inflammation and fibrosis were detected in groups 1 and 5, as were the highest levels of endotoxin, lipid peroxidation, and mRNA for Cox-2 and TNF-alpha. After ethanol was discontinued, there was minimal histological improvement in group 2 but near normalization of the histology, including regression of fibrosis, in groups 3 and 4. Histological improvement was associated with decreased levels of endotoxin, lipid peroxidation, and reduced expression of Cox-2 and TNF-alpha. The data indicate that a diet enriched in saturated fatty acids (groups 3 and 4) effectively reverses alcohol-induced liver injury, including fibrosis. The therapeutic effects of saturated fatty acids may be explained, at least in part, by reduced endotoxemia and lipid peroxidation, which in turn result in decreased levels of TNF-alpha and Cox-2.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces a myelomonocytic phenotype with enhanced effector cell function in the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line.

Human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells were induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) to differentiate and examined using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) and functional assays. Although morphologically and histochemically these cells appeared to be of the monocyte-macrophage phenotype, there was a declin.e in Fc receptors for IgGl and no induction of class II HLA antigens. There was, however, dramatic induction of the antigen detected by the myeloid-specific MoAb AML-2-23. These data suggest that the phenotypic changes induced by calcitriol in HL-60 cells are consistent with myelomonocytic differentiation in that the resultant cells possess characteristics of both monocytes (morphology, non-specific esterase staining, high levels of AML-2-23 reactivity) and granulocytes (PMN 29 binding, decreased Fc receptors for IgGl, absence of class II HLA antigens). Perhaps more important, the ability of calcitriol-treated cells to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis was markedly augmented. Lysis of antibody-coated erythrocytes by HL-60 cells increased from 5% in controls to 30–35% with calcitriol treatment for 4 days. This enhanced effector cell function was seen despite a declin.e in Fc receptors measured by cytofluorography. These data suggest that calcitriol may be involved in both differential and functional activation of myeloid cells.
Resuscitation time in ventricular fibrillation — a prognostic indicator

Length of resuscitation in prehospital ventricular fibrillation patients was studied to define its relationship to survival. Five hundred sixty-five patients presenting with the initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation to the Milwaukee County Paramedic System between January 1978 and April 1982 were resuscitated successfully. Pediatric patients and patients with trauma, poisoning, and drowning were excluded. Of the 565 resuscitated patients, 262 (46%) were discharged alive and 303 (54%) died during hospitalization. For all 565 patients the resuscitation time and times from arrival of paramedics until the first sustained pulse were plotted against survival to define a curve. The curve demonstrated rapidly declining survival rates for resuscitation time up to 20 minutes; thereafter, survival declined more gradually with respect to resuscitation time. The mean resuscitation time for those eventually discharged alive was 12.6 minutes, which was statistically shorter (P
Efficacy of dodecylaminoalkyl glycine teat dip against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis

Abstract Dodecylaminoalkyl glycine teat dip, 1 diluted to 1.5% active ingredients, was evaluated in a controlled experimental challenge study to determine efficacy for preventing new intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus (Newbould 305) and Streptococcus agalactiae (McDonald 44). The dip reduced the incidence of intramammary infection with Staphylococcus aureus by 81.2%. Reduction of Streptococcus agalactiae intramammary infection was 67.5%.
Influence of disease burden, public perception, and other factors on new vaccine development, implementation, and continued use

The development, implementation, and continued use of new vaccines depends on several factors. Although disease burden seems like an obvious quantitative measure for setting priorities for new vaccine development and use, resources are not always allocated proportionately. This is particularly evident for diseases that are unique (or largely limited) to people in developing countries. Public pressure based on perceptions of the risks associated with a disease or vaccine, the cost of new vaccines, and the ability to incorporate them into existing vaccination programmes also need to be considered in the decision to introduce new vaccines. Vaccine manufacturers play an important part in development of new vaccines, and therefore, the issues that are important to them, namely, production, intellectual property rights, and product liability, must be addressed. By advocating rational decisions, supported by accurate information, scientists and public-health professionals can have an important role in transforming the potential of new vaccines into the reality of new vaccine-preventable diseases.
High-resolution TEM observation of AlN grown on on-axis and off-cut SiC substrates

Abstract High-resolution TEM has been carried out on AlN epifilms grown on both on-axis and off-cut SiC substrates to study the state of strain relaxation at the interface and the defects formed in the AlN films. Prismatic stacking faults (PSF) are observed forming at I1 type substrate steps. These PSFs expand into the further grown GaN film and form complicated intersecting configurations in the off-cut sample while they annihilate each other and form enclosed domains at the near-interface region in the on-axis sample. A set of 60° misfit dislocations (MDs) are observed along 〈 1 0 1 ¯ 0 〉 orientation, in contrast to the general observations of 60° complete MDs along 〈 1 1 2 ¯ 0 〉 orientation reported in literature. These MDs are suggested as geometric partial misfit dislocations which serve both to relax in-plane mismatch and accommodate stacking differences at substrate steps of I2 type.
Building the Pure Land on Earth: Ciji's Media Cultural Discourse

With its resourceful media practice and insistence on a (neo-Buddhist) this-worldly theology, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Foundation (Tzu Chi or Ciji) has constructed a unique cultural discourse, one that competes against the mainstream media culture in Taiwan. This paper employs a cultural studies approach to analyze Ciji's media cultural discourse. Specifically, it examines how Ciji media workers implement the philosophy of Master Zhengyan, the founder of the foundation, in the hope of altering society and building the Buddhist ideal of the Pure Land on Earth at home and abroad.
Quality-of-life outcomes after osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration.

Abstract Frontal sinusitis and its treatment remain controversial. Although several authors have evaluated the results of traditional endoscopic sinus surgery, few have assessed patient outcomes and quality of life after osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration. This retrospective study evaluates these outcomes in a postoperative review and questionnaire of 39 patients treated at the University of Washington from 1991 to 1994. Most patients were satisfied with the results of this procedure, had significant improvements in their Chronic Sinusitis Survey scores, and reported decreased clinic visits and antibiotic use. However, approximately half thought nonsurgical treatments were more effective and continued to require other medical therapy; 30% required additional surgical intervention. Such outcomes may reflect the ineffectiveness of frontal sinus obliteration to treat the chronic symptoms of patients affected by the refractory underlying disease process of chronic sinusitis; however, despite these mixed results, we found a significant decrease in annual days of lost work or activity in this study group after osteoplastic obliteration. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:435-40.)
Introduction to the special issue on the appraisal and prediction of school violence

This article provides an overview of a special issue of Psychology in the Schoolsthat critically examines issues related to the appraisal of the risk for violence among students. It is argued that school psychologists can assume the important role of informing communities about the limitations of school violence screening and assessment procedures and can implement studentappraisal techniques that focus on long-term student development. They can also work toward more accurate measurement of general school violence trends and intervention needs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. When the shootings occurred at Columbine High School in April 1998, media commentators, in their search to understand this and related tragic school shootings, began to look for similarities among the school shooters such as their personal characteristics, family lives, and peer relationships. This was a natural and understandable response. Parents, policy makers, educators, and others were anxious to find ways to better understand why these shootings occurred and perhaps even desperate to discover ways to identify vulnerable students who might commit such terrible acts in the future. Responses came from public and private sectors. The Federal Government commissioned the development of a document, Early Warning, Timely Response(Dwyer, Osher, & Warger, 1998), and its complementary resource, Safeguarding our Children: An Action Guide(Dwyer & Osher, 2000), as well as a comprehensive framework on school safety, the 1998 Annual Report on School Safety(U.S. Department of Education and Justice, 1998). In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a special report on school shooters (O’Toole, 2000) and the ClintonAdministration initiated the National Campaign Against Youth Violence. In the private sector, the American Psychological Association (1999) initiated a highly visible youth violence prevention effort and independent consultants offered schools resources that purported to help them identify variables associated with youthful perpetrators of violence, often following profiling strategies used previously in workplace violence assessment. Within the broad spectrum of students being shot on school campuses, some action was needed. A school district simply could not stand by, have another shooting occur, and then face their community with the realization that they made no attempt to prevent such events. As communities suffered extreme pain and loss from these school shootings, it seemed as if every community in the United States wanted assurance that efforts were being taken to identify potential school shooters and thereby increase future school safety. Certainly, it was hoped that psychologists, educators, and others could find a way to prevent such tragic events—in some jurisdictions, schools were required to implement programs to screen for student violence potential. This special issue of Psychology in the Schoolswas developed in response to this increasing expectation that schools participate in a screening process for violence potential. Given the often
Alterations in rat axonal cytoskeletal proteins induced by in vitro and in vivo 2,5-hexanedione exposure.

The neurotoxic γ-diketone 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) reacts in vitro and in vivo with protein lysine ϵ-amine moieties to yield 2,5-dimethylpyrrole adducts. It has been hypothesized that pyrrole adduct formation in neurofilament (NF) or other axonal proteins may lead to increased hydrophobicity, secondary autoxidative crosslinking, or the loss of essential lysine amine groups, and that pyrrolylation therefore represents the critical initiating event in γ-diketone neuropathy. The present investigation was designed to evaluate pyrrole levels and other changes in brain stem and spinal cord axonal cytoskeletal proteins from rats receiving 0.5% 2,5-HD in the drinking water for up to 8 weeks and following recovery. Clinical signs of neuropathy were apparent in rats after 5 weeks exposure, while no histopathological effects were seen until 8 weeks. Cessation of dosing resulted in some recovery from clinical neuropathy but virtually no change in histopathologically demonstrable CNS damage. 2,5-Dimethylpyrrole adduct was detected in serum and axonal cytoskeletal proteins from animals in all exposure groups and its formation appeared to reach a plateau in both serum and axonal protein. Assay of total protein lysine vs pyrrole content demonstrated an average conversion of <1% of ϵ-amine groups into pyrrole adducts in axonal protein after 2 weeks exposure. Gel electrophoresis revealed discrete new protein bands in brain stem and spinal cord axonal protein preparations from treated animals, along with high-molecular-weight, nonmigrating proteinaceous material. Concentration of the nonmigrating material appeared to increase in a time-dependent fashion. A concurrent decrease in the relative amounts of native NF subunit proteins was observed in brain stem but not spinal cord. Reversal of these changes was observed 9 weeks after cessation of dosing, although residual nonmigrating protein and pyrrole adduct were present. In vitro incubation of axonal cytoskeletal protein preparations (pH 7.2, 37°C) with 2,5-HD resulted in the formation of high-molecular-weight bands identical to those seen in vivo. These findings provide evidence for pyrrole adduct formation and secondary covalent crosslinking in CNS axonal cytoskeletal proteins from 2,5-HD-treated animals.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Recent Developments and Emerging Agents

More than 26 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Many treatment options exist, but achieving long-term glycemic control in patients with T2D remains challenging. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) offer a treatment option that improves glycemic control and reduces weight, with a low risk of hypoglycemia. They have emerged as attractive options for the treatment of T2D, and significant advances and developments continue to be published regarding these agents. To identify relevant literature on emerging issues related to GLP-1 RAs, a search of the MEDLINE database was performed. Studies published in English evaluating the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 RAs were analyzed. Because of their advantages and unique mechanism of action, GLP-1 RAs are currently being studied in new clinical areas, including in combination with basal insulin, as adjunctive therapy in type 1 diabetes, and for weight loss. In addition, there are several emerging agents in development. Lixisenatide is a once-daily GLP-1 RA that targets postprandial glucose and may be most useful when added to basal insulin as an alternative to rapid-acting insulin. Albiglutide and dulaglutide are once-weekly GLP-1 RAs that may offer more convenient dosing. The most common adverse effects of all GLP-1 RA agents are gastrointestinal (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting), but the rates of occurrence vary among agents. Due to the differences in pharmacokinetics, efficacy, rates of adverse effects, and administration requirements within the GLP-1 RA class, each agent should be evaluated independently. The future of GLP-1 RAs offers broader treatment options for T2D as well as potential in other treatment areas.
Could the electrocardiogram aid in the early diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome

1about a woman who developed Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) with haemodynamic instability and cardiogenic shock, triggered by multiple trauma and extreme emotional distress, with beneficial effects afforded by the implementation of the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation pump, prompts one to think: (i) that such episodes of TTS in conjunction with trauma, and in much milder forms than the ones published, 2 may be more frequent than currently appreciated, and that widespread implementation of echocardiography (ECHO) may provide insights on this issue; indeed the use of hand-held ECHO devices used by all members of the care team 3 may be instrumental to this effect; (ii)
Incorporation of selenium from selenite and selenocystine into glutathione peroxidase in the isolated perfused rat liver.

Abstract The erythrocyte-free, isolated perfused rat liver was used to study the incorporation of selenium into glutathione peroxidase. Gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography of liver supernatant demonstrated 75 Se incorporation into glutathione peroxidase. A 9-fold excess of unlabelled selenium as selenite or selenide very effectively reduced 75 Se incorporation from L[ 75 Se]-selenocystine, but a 100-fold excess of unlabelled selenium as selenocystine was relatively ineffective as compared to selenite or selenide in diluting 75 Se incorporation from [ 75 Se]selenite. These results indicate that selenide and selenite are more readily metabolized than is selenocysteine to the immediate selenium precursor used for glutathione peroxidase synthesis, and suggest a posttranslational modification at another amino acid residue, rather than direct incorporation of selenocysteine, as the mechanism for formation of the presumed selenocysteine moiety of the enzyme.
Hydrocarbon Metabolism in Insects: Oxidation of Hexadecane-1-14C in the Boll Weevil and the House Fly

The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, and the house fly, Musca domestica L., metabolized injected hexadecane-1-14C. Two metabolic products were isolated, 14CO2 and fatty acids. When hexadecane was administered by injection, a characteristic release pattern of 14CO2 was noted which included an initial peak of 14CO2 output. This peak was followed by a lag period then by a 2nd peak of production. Hexadecane-1-14C also was given to the boll weevil in its diet and was converted to labeled fatty acids. The principal labeled fatty acids found contained 16 carbon atoms, suggesting direct conversion of hexadecane to fatty acid by terminal oxidation. C16:0 predominated in the boll weevil, and C16:l in the house fly, but radioactivity was also found in C18:0 and C18:l fatty acids. The fatty acids were distributed to triglycerides, phospholipids, sterol esters, and to other fatty-acid-containing lipid fractions.
Distraction techniques combined with EMLA, Effects on IV insertion, pain, and distress in children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether behavioral intervention (distraction techniques facilitated by nurses) could enhance the effectiveness of a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics for pediatric intravenous (IV) insertion. One hundred sixty children, ages 2 to 16 years and undergoing elective outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy with IV sedation, participated in this study. Children were blocked by age group (2-4 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years, and 13-16 years) and then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups (distraction vs. instructions for parents and children to use their "typical" strategies). Children of 5 years and older gave pain ratings (100 mm, Visual Analog Scale) following IV insertion. Behavioral distress ratings (0-5 numerical rating scale) were recorded before, at the point of, and following IV insertion. Additional data included child and parent anticipatory anxiety, previous IV experience and difficulty coping, and parent prediction of child distress during the IV in...
The Nuclear Moments of Ta 181

An analysis of the hfs pattern of several Ta II lines has made it possible to determine the separations of the three levels of the hfs multiplet associated with the $5{d}^{3}6s^{5}F_{1}$ state of Ta II. For this multiplet, the constants $A$ and $B$ appearing in the energy expression $W={W}_{J}+\frac{1}{2}AK+BK(K+1)$ have the numerical values $A=(\ensuremath{-}0.079\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $B=(\ensuremath{-}0.77\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Calculations are carried out in order to evaluate the magnetic and quadrupole moments of the ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{181}$ nucleus. On the basis of the above measurements the magnetic moment as calculated by the Goudsmit-Fermi-Segr\`e formula has the value of 1.9 nuclear magnetons. Taking into account effects due to the spatial extension of the nucleus, this result is raised to 2.1 nuclear magnetons when the correction factor of 12 percent as listed by Klinkenberg is applied. The result for the quadrupole moment as calculated by the Casimir formula is +5.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. According to Sternhermer this moment should be increased by a factor of 10 percent in order to include the effect of an induced quadrupole moment in the closed shell electrons. With this correction the quadrupole moment has the value of +6.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
The Evaluation of Winds from Geopotential Height Data in the Stratosphere.

Abstract Several methods of obtaining horizontal wind fields in the extratropical stratosphere from geopotential height data are evaluated and compared to geostrophic estimates, with focus on the poleward fluxes of momentum and heat and on the resulting Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux divergence estimates. Winds derived from a coupled iterative solution of the zonal and meridional momentum equations (“balance” winds) are proposed and tested, in addition to winds derived from linearizing these equations about the zonal mean flow (“linen” winds). Comparison of the different analysis methods are made for a general circulation model simulation of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter stratosphere, and for NH and Southern Hemisphere (SH) winter observational data. The balance and linear wind estimates of poleward momentum flux are similar and substantially smaller than geostrophic values in the high-latitude stratosphere; neglect of local curvature effects is the primary cause of the geostrophic overestimate. The relati...
Expression of a Negative Regulator of Human Erythropoiesis by Fluidized Lymphocyte Plasma Membranesa

Regulation of hematopoiesis by paracrine molecules occurs in vitro. In some cases, hematopoietic paracrine factors have been localized to the plasma membrane of accessory cells. We have purified a unique integral membrane glycoprotein from normal human B cells that functions in vitro as a paracrine factor whose activity is directed toward erythroid progenitor cells. This factor is also spontaneously exfoliated from the cell surface as a component of extracellular vesicles. Analysis of the lipid and protein compositions and membrane lipid order of these extracellular vesicles reveals them to be biochemically distinct and more fluid than their parent membranes. Evidence in nonhematopoietic culture systems indicates that cell membrane function may be altered by modifying membrane fluidity. In an effort to accelerate growth factor release, plasma membranes of B cells were fluidized by incubation with an emulsion of Liposin II, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Fluidity assessed by steady-state fluorescence polarization was reduced in lipid-treated cells. Exfoliation was 3-4-fold higher from lipid-treated cells relative to untreated cells. Unexpectedly, a negative signal for burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) proliferation was expressed in membranes, in shed extracellular vesicles, and in supernatants of medium conditioned by the fluidized cells. Purification of the inhibitor is under way. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that accessory cell plasma membranes may positively or negatively regulate erythroid differentiation, depending upon the exchange of cholesterol and phospholipids between plasma membrane and ambient lipid pools.
Multimodality Imaging of Chronic Ischemia

Although ischemic cardiomyopathy is commonly caused by chronic obstructive coronary disease, the mechanism of the cause is still under investigation. We present echocardiographic strain, magnetic resonance, and histology findings in a chronic ischemia model in preclinical study. This case illustrates the features of multimodality imaging in chronic obstructive coronary disease and gives us great insight into understanding the mechanism of ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Identification of HuR as a protein implicated in AUUUA-mediated mRNA decay

Expression of many proto-oncogenes, cytokines and lymphokines is regulated by targeting their messenger RNAs for rapid degradation. Essential signals for this control are AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of these messages. The ARE is loosely defined as the five-nucleotide sequence AUUUA embedded in a uracil-rich region. A transacting factor, presumably a protein, binds the ARE and initiates recognition by the destabilization machinery. Numerous candidate ARE-binding proteins have been proposed. We show that a 32 kDa protein in HeLa nuclear extracts characterized previously has RNA-binding specificity that correlates with the activity of an ARE in directing mRNA decay. Purification and subsequent analyses demonstrate that this 32 kDa protein is identical to a recently identified member of the Elav-like gene family (ELG) called HuR. The in vitro binding selectivity of HuR is indicative of an ARE sequence's ability to destabilize a mRNA in vivo, suggesting a critical role for HuR in the regulation of mRNA degradation.
Photoemission from Co on Pt(111) using synchrotron radiation in the range 40 eV ⩽ ħω ⩽ 150 eV

Abstract Photoelectron spectra for CO adsorbed on the (111)-face of Pt have been measured using synchrotron radiation of energy 40 eV ⩽ ħω ⩽ 150 eV. A dramatic increase of the molecular orbital (MO) intensity relative to the intensity of the Pt 5d valence band (VB) is observed for ħω > 100 eV, to a ratio at h ω = 150 eV that is a factor of three higher than at h ω = 40 eV . The energy variation of the Pt 5d VB photoemission peak intensity has been derived independently in the 40–200 eV range from measurements on clean Pt. The 5d peak intensity is found to decrease steeply (by more than an order of magnitude) between 100 and 150 eV. The observed increase of the MO peak intensity relative to that of the 5d VB is attributed to this cross-section effect. The Pt VB peak nearest the Fermi energy which is mainly t2g in character, is found to decrease in intensity on adsorption of CO. In the present case synchrotron radiation in the ħω > 100 eV range appears to be especially valuable for studies of adsorbates.
Amygdala and hippocampus volumes in pediatric major depression

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure amygdala and hippocampus volumes in pediatric major depressive disorder (MDD) and to address the question of neuroanatomical continuity with adult-onset depression. Methods: We studied 20 children and adolescents with MDD (17 female subjects) and 24 healthy comparison subjects (16 female subjects) using 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Group differences in left and right amygdala and hippocampus volumes were examined using repeated measures analyses of covariance, adjusting for age, gender, and whole brain volume. Results: Depressed children had significant reductions of left and right amygdala volumes compared with healthy subjects. Hippocampus volumes did not differ between the groups. No significant correlations were found between amygdala volumes and depressive symptom severity, age at onset, or illness duration. Conclusions: Smaller amygdalas are present early in the course of pediatric depression and may predispose to the development of this disorder or perhaps more generally of childhood mood disorders. Future research should examine the longitudinal course and functional correlates of amygdala volume abnormalities in childhood-onset depression, including their possible moderation by gender.
Unique Conformational Distributions for NMDA Receptor Glycine and Glutamate Ligand-Binding Domains

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate communication at most excitatory synapses in the brain. iGluRs are organized into three major families--the AMPA, kainate, and NMDA receptors. NMDA receptors are obligate heteromeric assemblies of glycine- and glutamate-binding subunits. Unexpectedly, crystal structures of the glycine-binding GluN1 and GluN3A ligand binding domains (LBDs) in their apo states reveal open and closed cleft conformations, respectively. Computed conformational free energy landscapes also exhibit minima at both open and closed cleft conformations for apo GluN1 and GluN3A LBDs. The minimum at the closed cleft conformation is preserved for the glycine-bound LBDs. In contrast, the free energy landscapes for the NMDA and AMPA receptor glutamate-binding subunits GluN2A and GluA2 show a shift in the minimum upon glutamate binding. Principal component analysis reveals a spectrum of conformational transitions that differ for the GluN1, GluN3A, GluN2A, and GluA2 LBDs. This variation highlights the structural complexity of signaling by iGluRs.
Emergent Readers’ Social Interaction Styles and Their Comprehension Processes During Buddy Reading

To examine the relations between emergent readers’ social interaction styles and their comprehension processes, we adapted sociocultural and transactional views of learning and reading, and conducted statistical discourse analysis of 1,359 conversation turns transcribed from 14 preschoolers’ 40 buddy reading events. Results show that interaction styles were differentially related to comprehension processes: the collaborative style was related to the use of the most comprehension processes, some comprehension processes were related to tutor and tutee interaction styles, and the parallel interaction style was not related to any comprehension processes. The findings inform early childhood teachers how to foster productive social interactions during buddy reading in order to facilitate emergent readers’ comprehension processes.
Implications of recent increases in catches on the dynamics of Northwest Atlantic spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)

US commercial landings of spiny dogfish have increased five-fold since 1987 to over 22 000 mt in 1993. Over 95% of the landings consist of mature females80 cm in length. Minimum discard estimates for 1993 suggest an additional 25 000 mt of dogfish were discarded, of which 14 000 mt were killed. LOWESS-smoothed minimum swept-area biomass estimates reveal a five-fold increase in abundance over the last 30 years to about 650 000 mt in 1993. There is no evidence, however, of a continuing increase in the fishable stock (i.e.,80 cm in length) since 1990. Mean lengths of dogfish in commercial landings and research survey catches have decreased in the last five years, and fraction of females >80 cm in the survey has declined markedly. Change-in-sex-ratio estimators were used to derive sex-specific F values. Results suggest a five-fold increase in F on females from 1991 to 1993 to levels in excess of 0.25 per year. Commercial fishery information, research survey data, and life history parameters from the literature were used to develop a size- and sex-structured equilibrium model for dogfish. Using the concept of pups per recruit, preliminary biological reference points for fishing mortality were derived. With a minimum size limit of about 80 cm, fishing mortality rates (F) in excess of 0.2 would lead to the gradual decline of the spiny dogfish stock. While current minimum biomass estimates are high, mature females may already be overexploited. In view of the delayed maturation, low birth rates, and longevity of this species and experiences in shark fisheries worldwide, plans to increase exploitation rates should proceed cautiously to avoid rapid depletion of the adult stock. # 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.