cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ray-tracing study on the post-scanner variable beam expansion optics in a two-photon microscopy system

Due to the low signal levels typical of two-photon microscopy (TPM) in biological samples, optical design optimization is critical. One of the most important factors is overfilling of the back aperture of the objective lens. A variable beam expander is commonly placed before the scanning mirrors to achieve this goal, however, this may cause degradation of image quality due to increased dispersion. Additionally, scanning mirror size restricts the degree of expansion, which often prevents the overfilling of objective lens back aperture. We investigated the implementation of variable beam expansion optics after the scanning mirrors. Ray-tracing analyses confirmed that the post-scanner beam expansion has two key advantages over the conventional pre-scanner beam expansion approach: decreasing the number of optical elements reduces pulse dispersion and reducing the size of the scanning mirror enables faster scanning. Resolution and aberration of a TPM with post-scanner beam expansion optics were analysed.
Surgically relevant aspects of stem cell paracrine effects

Stem cells are undifferentiated, self-renewing, and multipotent (able to differentiate into multiple cell types). Unlike traditional treatment modalities, these unique characteristics may enable stem cells to undo irreversible cellular damage and rebuild injured or diseased tissue. Recent evidence suggests that stem cells may influence positively the recovery from injury via paracrine factors that promote tissue repair. Insights into paracrine mechanisms of stem cells may help the surgeon scientist devise more effective therapies and earlier widespread application. This review: (1) unravels the pathways for stem cell mediated paracrine protection; (2) highlights the growth factors and cytokines expressed; (3) and explores the potential of using stem cells clinically.
The Relationship of Grade Expectations and Grades Believed to be Deserved to Actual Grades Received

THE COLLEGE student, along with his f e 11 o w I mammal, the white rat, has provided psychologists with much of the material of which textbooks are made. The student's perception of "dirty" words has been analyzed and counteranalyzed on many oc casions. His ability to anticipate the "blinking red light" is very good, particularly when threatened with shock. The dependence or lack of dependence on the stimulus field of his perceptual processes when whirled in a chair has been thoroughly ob served. Yet, these activities, while they gladden the heart of the researcher, have little im pac t on the "king of subjects", the college student Little is known of his behavior in a naturalistic yet strong ly ego-involving setting, college. It is the intent of this study to investigate the stu dent's behavior with regard to one of the strongest ego-involved pursuits comprising his behavior ? "the good grade". Can students accurately predict their final grades at the beginning of the term? Is this predictive ability a function of the grade they ultimately receive? Do students expect to get the grade they deserve (i. e. deserve from their point of view) ? What of the relationship of the grade de served to the grade received? Moreover, with re gard to the above question, are there differences between "high" and "low" grade students? To answer these questions four variables were studied: "Expectancy 1", "Expectancy 2","Grade Deserved", and "Grade Received". All Ss were examined with regard to the differences between any two variables for all possible combinations. Ss were studied for those changing their grade pre diction from one variable to the other as compared to those not changing. Of those changing, the di rection of change also was evaluated. The details are presented in the procedure. METHOD
Presenilins are essential for regulating neurotransmitter release

Mutations in the presenilin genes are the main cause of familial Alzheimer's disease. Loss of presenilin activity and/or accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides have been proposed to mediate the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by impairing synaptic function. However, the precise site and nature of the synaptic dysfunction remain unknown. Here we use a genetic approach to inactivate presenilins conditionally in either presynaptic (CA3) or postsynaptic (CA1) neurons of the hippocampal Schaeffer-collateral pathway. We show that long-term potentiation induced by theta-burst stimulation is decreased after presynaptic but not postsynaptic deletion of presenilins. Moreover, we found that presynaptic but not postsynaptic inactivation of presenilins alters short-term plasticity and synaptic facilitation. The probability of evoked glutamate release, measured with the open-channel NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist MK-801, is reduced by presynaptic inactivation of presenilins. Notably, depletion of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores by thapsigargin, or blockade of Ca(2+) release from these stores by ryanodine receptor inhibitors, mimics and occludes the effects of presynaptic presenilin inactivation. Collectively, these results indicate a selective role for presenilins in the activity-dependent regulation of neurotransmitter release and long-term potentiation induction by modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) release in presynaptic terminals, and further suggest that presynaptic dysfunction might be an early pathogenic event leading to dementia and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
On the Educational Uses of Computer-Generated Cartoon Faces:

Computer-drawn faces can be used as tools for exploring visualization in learning and for presenting multivariate data. Previous applications by the author in the parametric control of computer-generated facial features are discussed, as well as new research and potential future applications. Also presented is the “autocorrelation-face,” a graphics representation which is created from the mathematical analysis of voice input. Implications for its possible use as a learning aid for the deaf, and in waveform analysis in general, are discussed.
No More Backstabbing... A Faithful Scheduling Policy for Multithreaded Programs

Efficient contention management is the key to achieving scalable performance for multithreaded applications running on multicore systems. However, contention management policies provided by modern operating systems increase context-switches and lead to performance degradation for multithreaded applications under high loads. Moreover, this problem is exacerbated by the interaction between contention management policies and OS scheduling polices. Time Share (TS) is the default scheduling policy in a modern OS such as Open Solaris and with TS policy, priorities of threads change very frequently for balancing load and providing fairness in scheduling. Due to the frequent ping-ponging of priorities, threads of an application are often preempted by the threads of the same application. This increases the frequency of involuntary context-switches as wells as lock-holder thread preemptions and leads to poor performance. This problem becomes very serious under high loads. To alleviate this problem, in this paper, we present a scheduling policy called Faithful Scheduling (FF), which dramatically reduces context-switches as well as lock-holder thread preemptions. We implemented FF on a 24-core Dell Power Edge R905 server running OpenSolaris.2009.06 and evaluated it using 22 programs including the TATP database application, SPECjbb2005, programs from PARSEC, SPEC OMP, and some micro benchmarks. The experimental results show that FF policy achieves high performance for both lightly and heavily loaded systems. Moreover it does not require any changes to the application source code or the OS kernel.
Planktonic foraminiferal fauna associated with eastern Mediterranean Quaternary stagnations

Bradley1 predicted, before any evidence from sediment coring in the Mediterranena Sea, that changing late Quaternary climatic conditions would result in periodic stagnations of the eastern basin and with them, accumulations of organic-rich sediments. Such organic-rich layers from the eastern Mediterranean were subsequently observed in sediment cores by Kullenberg2 and later named “sapropelitic layers”3. Since these initial observations, sapropels have been reported in most studies of Quaternary sediments from the Ionian Sea4–14. As a result, there is a great deal of information available concerning the chemical15–18 and sedimentological properties13–14, faunal characteristics19 and temporal9–11 and spatial10,12 distribution of late Quaternary sapropels. In the study reported here we have attempted to characterise the planktonic foraminiferal biogeography of such late Quaternary sapropels in terms of the modern distribution of foraminefara in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sudden death associated with alcohol consumption

Evaluation of a binge drinker who died suddenly after a weekend of heavy beer consumption, and had been resuscitated successfully, revealed no evidence of clinically detectable heart disease. Baseline electrophysiological testing was normal. Following intravenous ethanol infusion, paired ventricular extrastimuli from the right ventricle induced a rapid polymorphic ventricular tachycardia requiring cardioversion. Repeat electrophysiological testing 24 hours later without alcohol infusion was again normal. The patient was discharged on no medications and was instructed to refrain from drinking alcohol. Approximately 3 months later the patient died suddenly after heavy beer consumption. Alcohol should be considered in the evaluation of survivors of cardiac arrest and alcohol challenge may be useful in their evaluation.
Quantitative uncertainty-based incremental localization and anchor selection in wireless sensor networks

Previous localization solutions in wireless sensor networks mainly focus on using various techniques to estimate node positions. In this paper, we argue that quantifying the uncertainty of these estimates is equally important in practice. By using the quantitative uncertainty of measurements and estimates, we can derive more accurate estimates by better fusing the measurements, provide confidence information for confidence-based applications, and know how to select the best anchor nodes so as to minimize the total mean square errors of the whole network. This paper quantifies the estimation uncertainty as an error covariance matrix, and presents an efficient incremental centralized algorithm---INOVA and a decentralized algorithm---OSE-COV for calculating the error covariance matrix. Furthermore, we present how to use the error covariance matrix to infer the confidence region of each node's estimate, and provide an optimal strategy for the anchor selection problem. Extensive simulation results show that INOVA significantly improves the computation efficiency when the network changes dynamically; the confidence region inference is accurate when the measurement number to node number ratio is more than 2; and the optimal anchor selection strategy reduces the total mean square error by four times as much as the variation-based algorithm in best case.
Effect of pneumatic screwdrivers and workstations on operator body posture

Abstract Four pneumatic screwdrivers, representing two different motor speeds and grip types, were used by both inexperienced (college student) and experienced male and female operators in a simulated and actual furniture assembly operation, respectively. All screwdrivers were used to set screws in furniture desk tops configured in three different orientations. The workstation/workpiece orientations were chosen to assess both ideal and non-ideal upperarm-forearm, wrist, shoulder and body postures assumed by operators during the assembly task. The results of this study indicate that less deviation of the upperarm-forearm and wrist was assumed by male operators. The female operators, necessarily disadvantaged by strength and stature, assumed postures representing greater body part abduction and deviation from neutral points. No differences were found between inexperienced and experienced operators.
Microprocessor System for Nuclear Medicine

Three Z80/S100 microprocessor systems were constructed and the appropriate software developed to accomplish the following tasks: rapid data acquisition from scintillation cameras, image processing, RIA analysis, and patient data retrieval. Multiplexing two byte memory banks permits the system to build 16 bit histogram camera images. These systems are distinguished by their low cost, portability, and complete interchangability. All three systems communicate freely with each other and with a minicomputer system.
Sequence of the intron/exon junctions of the coding region of the human androgen receptor gene and identification of a point mutation in a family with complete androgen insensitivity.

Abstract Androgens act through a receptor protein (AR) to mediate sex differentiation and development of the male phenotype. We have isolated the eight exons in the amino acid coding region of the AR gene from a human X chromosome library. Nucleotide sequences of the AR gene intron/exon boundaries were determined for use in designing synthetic oligonucleotide primers to bracket coding exons for amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. Genomic DNA was amplified from 46,XY phenotypic female siblings with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. AR binding affinity for dihydrotestosterone in the affected siblings was lower than in normal males, but the binding capacity was normal. Sequence analysis of amplified exons demonstrated within the AR steroid-binding domain (exon G) a single guanine to adenine mutation, resulting in replacement of valine with methionine at amino acid residue 866. As expected, the carrier mother had both normal and mutant AR genes. Thus, a single point mutation in the steroid-binding domain of the AR gene correlated with the expression of an AR protein ineffective in stimulating male sexual development.
Parathyroid Hormone Regulation of the Rat Collagenase-3 Promoter by Protein Kinase A-dependent Transactivation of Core Binding Factor α1 *

Previously we showed that the activator protein-1 site and the runt domain binding site in the collagenase-3 promoter act cooperatively in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line, UMR 106-01. Our results of the expression pattern of core binding factor α1 (Cbfa1), which binds to the runt domain site, indicated that there is no change in the levels of Cbfa1 protein or RNA under either control conditions or after PTH treatment. The importance of posttranslational modification of Cbfa1 in the signaling pathway for PTH-induced collagenase-3 promoter activity was analyzed. PTH stimulation of collagenase-3 promoter activity was completely abrogated by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition. To determine the role of PKA activity with respect to Cbfa1 activation (in addition to its known activity of phosphorylating cAMP-response element-binding protein to enhancec-fos promoter activity), we utilized the heterologous Gal4 transcription system. PTH stimulated the transactivation of activation domain-3 in Cbfa1 through the PKA site. In vitrophosphorylation studies indicated that the PKA site in the wild type activation domain-3 is a substrate for phosphorylation by PKA. Thus, we demonstrate that PTH induces a PKA-dependent transactivation of Cbfa1, and this transactivation is required for collagenase-3 promoter activity in UMR cells.
Estradiol modulation of monoamine metabolism: one possible mechanism underlying sex differences in risk for depression and dementia.

Sex differences in the timing of onset, prevalence, and clinical course of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders provide clues to the underlying pathophysiology of these disorders. Disorders that occur more frequently in males tend to be neurodevelopmental in nature and include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, Tourette syndrome, oppositional defiant disorder, and, arguably, schizophreing the sexually dimorphic organizational effects of androgens for this sex-specific vulnerability. In contrast, it is not until puberty that the sex bias for affective disorders in females is revealed, coinciding with the timing of activational effects of gonadal steroids. From puberty until postmenopause, females are approximately twice as likely as males to have affective and anxiety disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Risk for dementia, particularly Alzheimer disease, is also greater for aging women, although females are relatively protected from early-onset Parkinson disease.1
Interfacial adhesion of pine wood filled PP compounds via effects of volatile extractives

Effects of volatile extractives in pine wood (PW) particles are investigated upon interfacial adhesion, nucleation behavior and mechanical properties in polypropylene (PP) matrix. Various concentrations of the PW are filled in PP, i.e. PP/PW [90/10 (PP10), 75/25 (PP25) and 50/50 wt% (PP50)]. As the concentration of the PW particles is increased, the crystalline peak temperature is increased, the melting peak temperature is decreased, the elongation strain is decreased and the amount of volatile extractives in the PW is increased. Few spherulites are locally developed at the interface between the PW and the PP. The PW acts as a nucleating agent; however, it does not help reinforcing of the PP/PW compounds. The volatile extractives in the PW particles seems to evaporate- and migrate-out during the processing and then coats the pine wood surface, trapped in the compound, and migrats out to the wall surface. This results in a poor interfacial adhesion between the PW and the PP.
13C NMR spectroscopy of amorphous hydrogenated carbon — further evidence of inhomogeneity

Abstract We report the 13C NMR spectra of amorphous hydrogenated carbon grown at various substrate temperatures and deconvolute these spectra into a contribution from hydrogen-bonded carbon and one from non-hydrogen bonded carbon. We interpret this deconvolution as evidence that this material is inhomogeneous and consists of hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor regions. As the substrate temperature is increased, the films have fewer hydrogen-rich regions, but the composition and structure of the hydrogen-rich regions do not change. Our results are in agreement with inhomogeneity model of Jager, Gottwald, Spiess and Newport.
Large-scale sediment transport patterns on the continental shelf and influence on shoreline response: St. Andrew Sound, Georgia to Nassau Sound, Florida, USA

Abstract Regional sediment transport patterns on the continental shelf seaward of Cumberland Island, Georgia and Amelia Island, Florida are documented using historical shoreline position and bathymetry data. Spatial variability in the net rate of shoreline change is considerable due to jetty construction at St. Marys Entrance in the early 1900s. Net average shoreline progradation is documented for both islands (1.5 m/yr for Cumberland and 0.4 m/yr for Amelia), however, localized areas of shoreline retreat are recorded along Amelia Island, especially for the southernmost 5 km of beach where erosion has been chronic since 1871. Rapid shoreline progradation adjacent to the jetties accompanied sediment deposition by longshore sediment transport. Simultaneously, a large quantity of sediment from the natural ebb-tidal delta was reworked and transported offshore in response to jetty construction and channel dredging, creating the modern ebb-tidal delta. Patterns of sediment movement at this inlet and throughout the study area indicate a dominant direction of drift to the south-southeast. Sediment losses and gains were quantified to evaluate long-term coastal change within the framework of a sediment budget. Qualitative descriptions of net sediment transport were integrated with quantitative results to produce a model of large-scale coastal evolution for the study area. From this analysis, net sediment transport in this coastal compartment is controlled by inlet and shelf hydraulics, and littoral zone processes have minimal impact on net long-term coastal change.
Perceived risk of regular cannabis use in the United States from 2002 to 2012: Differences by sex, age, and race/ethnicity

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances in the United States (U.S.). Perceived risk of use is associated with substance use; the recent debate surrounding medicalization and legalization of cannabis in the U.S. has the potential to impact perceived risk of use. Recent estimates are needed to assess temporal changes in, and identify correlates of, perceived risk of cannabis use. METHODS: Utilizing data from the 2002-2012 survey years of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, chi-squared statistics and logistic regression were used to describe temporal changes in perceived risk of regular cannabis use (i.e., once or twice a week), to explore correlates of perceived risk, and to report frequency of cannabis use. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2012, perceived great risk of regular cannabis use varied significantly overall (pCONCLUSIONS: Findings characterize trends of perceived risk of regular cannabis use, and past year non-daily and daily cannabis use. Longitudinal studies of the influence of legal status of cannabis at the state-level are needed. Language: en
Diagenetic quartzarenite and destruction of secondary porosity: An example from the Middle Jurassic Brent sandstone of northwest Europe

Significant amounts of feldspar have been dissolved from Middle Jurassic sandstone oil reservoirs in the North Sea (northwest Europe) during burial diagenesis Sandstones of the Middle Jurassic Brent Group become increasingly quartzose with increasing burial depth. At Statfjord field (2500 m depth), sandstones are arkose to subarkose; at Hutton field (3050 m depth), they are subarkose to quartzarenite, and at Lyell field (3500 m depth), sandstones are typically quartzarenite. In spite of extensive feldspar dissolution, the abundance of secondary porosity due to feldspar dissolution is similar for all fields, averaging 2.9% of the total rock volume. Thus, far more feldspar has been dissolved than is recorded as secondary porosity. The limit on preservation of secondary porosity may be largely the effect of the mechanical strength of the rock. An excessive number of large secondary pores lowers the rock strength below the point at which the rock can withstand overburden stress, thus causing collapse of some of the secondary pores.
Calibration Of An Omnidirectional Vision Navigation System Using An Industrial Robot

The characteristics of an omnidirectional vision navigation system were studied to determine position accuracy for the navigation and path control of a mobile robot. Experiments for calibration and other parameters were performed using an industrial robot to conduct repetitive motions. The accuracy and repeatability of the experimental setup and the alignment between the robot and the sensor provided errors of less than 1 pixel on each axis. Linearity between zenith angle and image location was tested at four different locations. Angular error of less than 1° and radial error of less than 1 pixel were observed at moderate speed variations. The experimental information and the test of coordinated operation of the equipment provide understanding of characteristics as well as insight into the evaluation and improvement of the prototype dynamic omnivision system. The calibration of the sensor is important since the accuracy of navigation influences the accuracy of robot motion. This sensor system is currently being developed for a robot lawn mower; however, wider applications are obvious. The significance of this work is that it adds to the knowledge of the omnivision sensor.
Survival of patients with superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma after endoscopic treatment vs surgery.

Background & Aims Endoscopic therapy can improve long-term outcomes of patients with superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), producing fewer complications than esophagectomy. However, there have been few population-based studies to compare long-term outcomes of patients who received these treatments. We used a large national cancer database to evaluate the outcomes of patients with superficial EAC who underwent endoscopic therapy or surgery. Methods We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database to identify 1618 patients with Tis or T1 N0M0 EAC from 1998–2009. Patients were grouped on the basis of whether they received endoscopic therapy (n = 306) or surgery (n = 1312). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with endoscopic therapy. We collected survival data through the end of 2009; overall survival and esophageal cancer–specific survival were compared after controlling for relevant covariates. Results The use of endoscopic therapy increased progressively from 3% in 1998 to 29% in 2009. Factors associated with use of endoscopic therapy included age older than 65 years, diagnosis in 2006−2009 vs 1998−2001, and the absence of submucosal invasion. Overall survival after 5 years was higher in the surgery group than in the endoscopic therapy group (70% vs 58%, respectively). After adjusting for patient and tumor factors, patients treated by endoscopy had similar overall survival times (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.92−1.58) and esophageal cancer–specific survival times (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.49−1.11). Conclusion In a population-based analysis, the use of endoscopic therapy for superficial EAC tended to increase from 1998–2009. Long-term survival of patients with EAC did not appear to differ between those who received endoscopic therapy and those treated with surgery.
Spin wave theory of dilute one-dimensional magnets

The low-temperature specific heat and inelastic neutron scattering from dilute one-dimensional Heisenberg magnets are computed using spin wave theory. The specific heat and inelastic neutron scattering are calculated exactly for segments of finite length and the properties for the random systems are computed by summing over segments. Analytical results in the limit of very low temperature for the specific heat are obtained for both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems. The results for the inelastic neutron scattering law are very similar to those obtained previously by computer simulation.
Chemical fractionations in meteorites—VI. Accretion temperatures of H-, LL- and E-chondrites, from abundance of volatile trace elements

Abstract Extending our earlier work on 11 L-chondrites, we have measured 9 volatile elements (Ag, Bi, Cs, In, Rb, Tl, Se, Cd, Zn) by neutron activation analysis in 11 LL- and 10 E-chondrites; the first 6 elements also in 22 H-chondrites. The observed fractionation patterns are consistent with theoretical condensation curves and hence were apparently established during condensation from the solar nebula. Ordinary chondrites seem to have accreted between 420 and 500°K at P ≈ 10 −5 atm; enstatite chondrites, at 460 to 520°K and P ≈ 5 x 10−4 atm. The values for ordinary chondrites agree with O18-based temperatures by Onuma . et al. (1972) and with other characteristics such as Fe2+ content, presence of FeS and absence of Fe3O4. A few detailed trends were noted. Seven of the 54 meteorites seem to contain small amounts of a material enriched in Ag, Bi and especially T1; possibly a late condensate from a region depleted in metal. Silver shows considerable scatter, which suggests inhomogeneous distribution in the meteorites. Xenon correlates with In approximately as expected for equilibrium solubility, with some differences (petrologic type 3; E-chondrites) attributable to mineralogical factors. Meteorites of higher petrologic types are slightly deficient in Xe, probably due to gas losses during metamorphism. Cesium also appears to have been redistributed during metamorphism. Various features of the two-component model are critically examined in the light of the latest evidence. Apparently this model still is an adequate approximation of reality.
Applying Target Costing in the Development of Marketable and Environmentally Friendly Products from Swine Waste

Management of swine waste generated in the United States is a challenging problem facing engineers, farmers, scientists, regulators, and policy-makers. Technologies for processing and storing swine waste have not been fully developed and refined in a manner acceptable to the public and environmental regulators. The primary concerns with improperly disposed swine waste are the effects on human and livestock health, surface and groundwater quality, air quality, and conservation of nitrogen fertilizers (Hagenstein 2003). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the concept of target costing by applying it to a very specific example: the production of biomethanol from swine manure. This study summarizes the analyses that outline a design and calculate a preliminary cost estimate for a proposed system for producing biomethanol from swine manure (initial process). In this study the target costing process is demonstrated with calculation of a target cost. This article also demonstrates an application of value...
Stimulus Novelty and Cognitive-Related Erp Components of the Infant Brain:

This study recorded visual fixation performance and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to examine processing of novel visual information in 6- to 7-mo.-old infants as well as to test attention- or memory-related hypotheses of the functional significance of the Nc-ERP component. Separate groups of infants were presented two versions of a novelty-probe task with three types of visual stimuli: (a) a frequent face on 70% of the trials, (b) an oddball face on 15% of the trials, and (c) novel probe stimuli on the remaining 15% of the trials. The novelty probes were faces in one group and irregular shapes in the second group. Analysis showed longer fixations and Nc responses of greater amplitude occurred to oddball and novel stimuli. It was concluded that Nc reflects a top-down, controlled processing mechanism that flexibly allocates attentional resources.
Intramyocardial and intracoronary basic fibroblast growth factor in porcine hibernating myocardium: a comparative study

Abstract Objective Therapeutic angiogenesis is an alternative method of revascularization for end-stage coronary artery disease. We determined the effects of intramyocardial and intracoronary basic fibroblast growth factor 2 on myocardial blood flow and function in a porcine model of hibernating myocardium. Methods Twenty-four mini-swine with 90% left circumflex artery stenosis and documented hibernating myocardium by positron emission tomography and dobutamine stress echocardiography were randomized to intramyocardial basic fibroblast growth factor 2 at 0.6 μg/kg (mid-dose, n=6, 30 injections/animal), 6 μg/kg (high-dose, n=6, 30 injections/animal), or intramyocardial vehicle control (n = 6). The intracoronary group received 6 μg/kg basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (n = 6) into the right and left circumflex artery coronary arteries. Positron emission tomography and dobutamine stress echocardiography were repeated at 1 and 3 months. Results In the vehicle group, normalized left circumflex artery myocardial blood flow was 0.74 ± 0.04 at 1 month and 0.75 ± 0.07 at 3 months compared with 0.68 ± 0.03 at baseline. In the intracoronary group, myocardial blood flow was 0.71 ± 0.03 at 1 month and 0.72 ± 0.04 at 3 months compared with 0.67 ± 0.04 at baseline. In the mid group, myocardial blood flow was 0.73 ± 0.06 at 1 month and 0.85 ± 0.05 at 3 months ( P P = .03) compared with 0.71 ± 0.02 at baseline. No significant improvements in ischemia were demonstrated in any of the groups by dobutamine stress echocardiography at 1 or 3 months. Conclusions In porcine hibernating myocardium, intramyocardial basic fibroblast growth factor 2 significantly improved regional myocardial blood flow 3 months after treatment. There was no significant change in function in any of the 4 groups. These data suggest that intramyocardial dosing of basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (0.6 μg/kg) may be an optimal dose for improving perfusion in the treatment of end-stage coronary artery disease.
An Increase in Cranial Acetabular Version With Age: Implications for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Abstract This cadaveric study aimed to determine if acetabular retroversion demonstrates predictable changes with age that could inform understanding of factors that may contribute to the pathophysiology of femoroacetabular impingement. Two-hundred forty pelves were divided into young and old groups. Version was measured at the cranial (5mm below superior rim), central (transverse of acetabulum), and caudal (5mm above inferior rim) locations. The data showed a significant difference between young (10±10°) and old (13±9°) cranial version ( P =.02). Cranial retroversion increases with age and may reflect a developmental component in the etiology of the focal rim impingement lesion or ossification of the damaged labrum. Global acetabular retroversion does not appear to change with age and may reflect a congenital etiology.
ANALYSIS OF POTATO GLYCOALKALOIDS BY HIGH‐PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure to quantitatively determine α-chaconine and α-solanine in potato tubers was developed. Five varieties of tubers, stored at two different temperatures for 9 months, were analyzed for their α-chaconine and α-solanine content. The values for α-chaconine ranged from 3.89–23.04 mg/100g fresh tuber whereas for α-solanine the amount varied from 1.69–12.51 mg/100g fresh tuber depending on the variety. The coefficient of variation was rather high between different samples of the same tuber variety, but for the same samples, the coefficient of variation was excellent (1.6–6.3%). The amount of glycoalkaloids determined by HPLC is in good agreement with those values obtained from the widely used titration method.
Evolution of lithospheric strength after thrusting

Modeling of an eroding thrust belt indicates that immediately after thrusting the lithosphere is about twice as strong as unthickened (cratonic) lithosphere, but after 10 to 20 m.y. it becomes weaker than cratonic lithosphere, reaching a minimum of 40% to 70% of cratonic strength 30 to 100 m.y. after thrusting. This may explain why rifting of thrust belts commonly occurs several tens of million years after thrusting ceases. Relative weakening results from (1) elevation of the geotherm caused by burial of radioisotope-enriched surface rocks and (2) replacement of strong mantle rocks by weak crustal rocks in the lithospheric column. Low denudation rates enhance weakening by allowing radioisotope-enriched rocks to remain buried longer. Our modeling indicates that (1) magmatism after thrusting is favored by high concentrations of heat-producing elements in the lower plate and by slow denudation rates and (2) factors that affect denudation rate, such as climate and the development of external drainage, can significantly influence evolution of a thrust belt.
In vitro inhibition by synthetic phospholipids of pressor responses to renin.

Incubation mixtures containing kidney extracts and standard doses of renin or angiotensin were injected i.v. into awake rats. Pressor responses to injected renin were reduced while those to angiotensin were unaffected. 2 of 5 synthetic phospholipids had the same effects as the kidney extracts; the oleyl and palmityl derivatives were effective while the stearyl, lauryl, and myristyl derivatives were not. By contrast, the prostaglandins E1 and F2α both inhibited responsiveness not only to renin but also to angiotensin and norepinephrine. Neither blockade of vascular angiotensin receptors nor suppression of endogenous converting enzyme explains selective inhibition of response to renin. An enzymatic inhibition of renin also appears unlikely since degree of reduction in response was unaffected by duration of incubation. Our results may be due to the formation of micelles on renin molecules in vitro.
Solid-Phase Radioimmunoassay of Protein Biosynthesis

Solid-phase radioimmunoassay was used for measuring the rate of radioisotope incorporation into a single protein species. Radioactive antigen was measured by its binding to specific antiserum covalently linked to insoluble bromoacetylcellulose. The insoluble antigen-antibody complex was collected on filters for counting. The assay is performed in about 4 hours as compared with several days for methods based on the precipitin reaction.
Spektroskopische Untersuchungen an polymeren Donator-Acceptor-Komplexen und Synthese von polymeren Elektronendonatoren. II. Polymere und monomere Derivate von p-Anisidin, p-Phenylendiamin und Benzidin

Es wurden verschiedene Typen von Polymeren hergestellt, die als Grundeinheiten Elektronendonatoren, und zwar Derivate des p-Anisidins, des p-Phenylendiamins und des Benzidins enthalten. Durch Zusatz verschiedener monomerer Elektronenacceptoren unterschiedlicher Elektronenaffinitat wurden Donator-Acceptor-Komplexe dieser Polymeren erhalten und deren Absorptionsspektren in Losung und im festen Zustand aufgenommen. Die Komplexe der polymeren p-Phenylendiamin- und Benzidinderivate mit starken Acceptoren enthalten Radikalkationen, ahnlich wie die starken monomeren DA-Komplexe. Different types of polymers have been prepared containing electron donors (derivatives of p-anisidine, p-phenylen diamine, and benzidine) as basic unit. Donor-acceptor complexes have been prepared by addition of several monomeric electron acceptors with different electron affinities; the absorption spectra of these complexes have been were recorded in solution and in the solid state. The complexes of polymeric p-phenylen diamine and benzidine derivatives contain radical cations as in the case of monomeric complexes.
EEG changes with different levels of morphine self-administration

Rats with chronically implanted jugular catheters and cortical EEG electrodes were allowed 24 hr per day access to morphine infusions (30 micrograms/kg) contingent on lever-pressing. Yoked control subjects received the same number and pattern of infusions as contingent subjects in an adjacent cage. Six subjects were studied, with data analyzed over 84 days of contingent and 63 days of yoked control (noncontingent) treatment. Self-administration rates were positively correlated with previous exposure to morphine. EEG total power was reduced in both contingent and yoked subjects during periods of self-administration. Averaging of trends in EEG power over time across multiple episodes of self-administration showed a greater reduction in power for contingent subjects that preceded the majority of morphine infusions. Desynchronization (diminished EEG amplitude) for contingent subjects at the onset of self-administration is probably related to lever-pressing activity. Ultradian describes biological rhythms in which the duration of one cycle (period) ranges from several minutes to values less than 24 hr. In both contingent and yoked subjects at intermediate or high levels of self-administration, increases occurred in the period and amplitude of ultradian cycles in EEG total power. Responsiveness to the light-dark cycle was also diminished at these levels of self-administration. In conclusion, morphine self-administration at intermediate or high levels disrupts both diurnal and ultradian rhythms in EEG total power for both contingent and yoked subjects. The ultradian EEG pattern associated with greater levels of morphine self-administration resembles diminished variation in EEG power that occurs normally during the inactive rest phase of the diurnal cycle.
On the need for more analysis and the instruments for its advancement

The reasons for the lag in the analysis and verification of information on the social processes in the United States are discussed. Suggestions are put forth to eliminate it.
Contact conditions and surface degradation mechanisms in low amplitude fretting

Abstract The characteristic contact conditions and mechanisms of surface degradation in low amplitude (1–16 μm) fretting have been investigated. A crossed cylinder geometry set-up was used with pure niobium as test material. Fretting experiments, varying displacement amplitude, normal force, frequency of vibration and number of cycles, have been performed. Dynamic tangential force measurements and metallographic examination revealed the existence of three different fretting regimes: stick, mixed stick and slip, and gross slip. In the study, the influence of normal force and frequency on the regime boundaries was determined. Niobium was selected as test material since it is a pure metal with strongly strain-rate-dependent mechanical properties and, therefore, is expected to be sensitive to frequency-related effects in fretting. The size of the fretting wear scar was found to increase rapidly with increasing amplitude. The wear rates were significantly higher in the gross slip regime in which material removal predominantly occurred by delamination and crushing of surface oxides. Surface degradation and wear were also observed under partial stick contact conditions. In this case, wear was mainly due to the generation and intersection of surface cracks. The extensive crack formation is caused by the cyclic shearing of material in the near-surface region during fretting. The frequency of vibration is found to influence both the contact conditions and the rate of surface damage. The limiting displacement amplitude to yield partial stick conditions is reduced and the size of the wear scar is increased with increasing frequency (in the range 10–20 000 Hz). This is an effect of the increase in both the interfacial strain rate and the temperature with increasing frequency.
Predictors of Weapon Use in Domestic Violence Incidents Reported to Law Enforcement

The study’s aim was to determine the predictors of weapon use during domestic violence incidents that were reported to the police. Randomly selected cases (N = 369) from the San Diego County Sheriff’s department comprised the study sample. The predictor variables for weapon use included relationship type, relationship length, suspect drug or alcohol use, and restraining order status at the time of the attack. Suspect sex and race were included as control variables. A logistic regression demonstrated that victims who had restraining orders against the perpetrator were more likely to have a weapon used against them in a domestic violence incident. Suspect sex was significant in an unanticipated direction, with female perpetrators being more likely to use a weapon during a domestic violence incident.
Courtship and mating time in Drosophila pseudoobscura.

Abstract Mating speed in Drosophila depends on courtship activity of males and receptivity of females with some variability from indeterminate causes. Copulation duration on the other hand is a constant and reliable portion of mating activity. In order to test the effects of certain genetic and environmental variables on mating activity in D. pseudoobscura , four strains (three Arrowhead and one Pikes Peak arrangement of the third chromosome) were studied: In the first tests F 1 and F 2 from strain crosses of AR AR were varied using heterogamic matings ( AR AR × AR PP ) in single pairs with AR PP serving as a ‘standard’. In the second set culture media and density of flies in the mating chamber were varied with homogamic combinations. Male activity in tune of courtship is strain-specific but not significantly affected either by age of parents within these experimental limits or by inbreeding one generation; the variance of this measure in the AR PP karyotype, which was uncontrolled for age of parents or density in culture, was much higher than for the AR AR karyotype which was controlled. The time to courtship is not completely determined by the male since AR AR males × AR PP females court faster than AR AR males to their own females. Female response is relatively unvarying in that all strains and generations of females tested were about equal in accepting males once courted (80 to 90 per cent). Consequently the percentage of total mating here depends on male propensity to courtship. Duration of copulation was the most uniform part of mating activity, quite strain-specific and male-determined as evidenced from reciprocal matings. There is no general relationship between courtship time and copulation time, there being no significant correlation between the two. Culture media during development and density of individuals in mating chambers (sexes equal in frequency) have no general effects though there are significant special interactions which are discussed in the light of need for flexibility under local conditions. Speed of mating then is not strictly controlled unconditionally by either sex although the duration of copulation is probably male-determined in this species. Control for the entire mating process is probably genetically conditioned and may be recognized by preponderantly greater emphasis on the courting and copulation tendencies of males vs. avoidance-acceptance responses of females.
Tandarts en gouverneur

Toen de 87-jarige gepensioneerde kaakchirurg James B. Edwards in december overleed, werd dit vermeld in alle belangrijke Amerikaanse kranten en andere media. Hoe kwam het dat een tandarts zo invloedrijk was? Dit had met de politiek te maken.
Growth regulation of WI38 cells in a serum-free medium

Abstract A serum-free growth medium composed of MCDB-104 supplemented with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (3 μg/ml), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (100 ng/ml), insulin (INS) (5 μg/ml), transferrin (TRS) (5 μg/ml), and dexamethasone (DEX) (55 ng/ml) supports the proliferation of WI38 cells at a rate and to a density similar to that of medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). EGF exerts its effect at moderate cell densities while PDGF appears to modulate cell proliferation at high densities. Cells seeded into EGF-, INS-, TRS-, and DEX-supplemented medium enter S phase approx. 3 h earlier than cells seeded into PDGF-, EGF-, INS-, TRS- and DEX-supplemented medium or FBS-supplemented medium.
Addition of αA-crystallin sequence 164-173 to a mini-chaperone DFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLT alters the conformation but not the chaperone-like activity.

It has been shown that αA-mini-chaperone, a peptide representing the chaperone binding site in αA-crystallin, prevents destabilized protein aggregation. αA-Mini-chaperone has been shown to form amyloid fibrils. This study was undertaken to improve the stability of αA-mini-chaperone while preserving its anti-aggregation activity by fusing the flexible and solvent-exposed C-terminal 164–173 region of αA-crystallin to the mini-chaperone sequence DFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLT. The resulting chimeric chaperone peptide, DFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTEEKPTSAPSS (designated CP1), was characterized. Circular dichroism studies showed that unlike αA-mini-chaperone with its β-sheet structure, the CP1 peptide exhibited a random structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination of the CP1 peptide incubated in a shaker at 37 °C for 72 h did not reveal amyloid fibrils, whereas αA-mini-chaperone showed distinct fibrils. Consistent with TEM observation, the thioflavin T binding assay showed an increased level of dye binding in the mini...