cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ethanol on extracellular levels of adenosine in the basal forebrain: an in vivo microdialysis study in freely behaving rats.

Background: Adenosine is implicated to play a pivotal role in mediating many neuronal responses to ethanol. While in vitro studies performed in cell culture have demonstrated that acute ethanol exposure increases extracellular adenosine levels, this effect has not been demonstrated, in vivo, in the brain. We performed an in vivo microdialysis study to examine the effects of local ethanol perfusion on extracellular levels of adenosine in the basal forebrain (BF). Methods: Under sterile conditions and using a standard surgical protocol, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with unilateral microdialysis guide cannula targeted toward the BF. Following postoperative recovery, the microdialysis probe was inserted. After allowing at least 12 to 16 hours for probe insertion recovery, the experiment was begun. Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) was perfused (0.7 μl/min) for 80 minutes, and 4 × 20-minute pre-ethanol baseline samples were collected. Subsequently, 30, 100, and 300 mM doses of ethanol were perfused. Each ethanol dose was perfused for 80 minutes, and 4 × 20-minute samples were collected. Finally, aCSF was perfused, and 4 × 20 postethanol samples were collected. Adenosine in the microdialysate was separated and measured with HPLC coupled with an UV detector. On completion, the animals were euthanized, brain removed and processed for histology. Results: Local ethanol perfusion in the BF produced a significant increase in extracellular adenosine with the highest dose of 300 mM ethanol producing a 4-fold increase. Cresyl violet (Nissl) staining did not indicate any toxic damage in the area surrounding the probe tip. Choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry revealed that all microdialysis probe sites were localized in the BF. Conclusion: Our study is the first to demonstrate that ethanol acts directly in the brain to increase extracellular adenosine.
New opportunities for IT research in construction

The transition to parametric 3D Building information Modeling (BIM) is predicated on the many uses of a fully digital building representation. This paper explores two important uses: (1) the embedding of design and construction expertise into modeling tools, and (2) the movement of building type design guides to new more integrated digital formats.
TAXONOMIC REVISIONS OF MORPHOLOGICALLY SIMILAR SPECIES FROM TWO EUGLENOID GENERA: EUGLENA (E. GRANULATA AND E. VELATA) AND EUGLENARIA (EU. ANABAENA, EU. CAUDATA, AND EU. CLAVATA)(1).

The establishment of epitypes (together with the emended diagnoses) for three species of Euglenaria Karnkowska, E. W. Linton et Kwiatowski [Eu. anabaena (Mainx) Karnkowska et E. W. Linton; Eu. caudata (Hubner) Karnkowska et E. W. Linton; and Eu. clavata (Skuja) Karnkowska et E. W. Linton] and two species of Euglena Ehrenberg [E. granulata (Klebs) Schmitz and E. velata Klebs] was achieved due to literature studies, verification of morphological diagnostic features (cell size, cell shape, number of chloroplasts, the presence of mucocysts), as well as molecular characters (SSU rDNA). Now all these species are easy to identify and distinguish, despite their high morphological similarity, that is, spindle-shaped (or cylindrically spindle-shaped) cells and parietal, lobed chloroplasts with a single pyrenoid, accompanied by bilateral paramylon caps located on both sides of the chloroplast. E. granulata is the only species in this group that has spherical mucocysts. E. velata is distinguished by the largest cells (90-150 μm) and has the highest number of chloroplasts (>30). Eu. anabaena has the fewest chloroplasts (usually 3-6), and its cells are always (whether the organism is swimming or not) spindle-shaped or cylindrically spindle-shaped, in contrast to the cells of Eu. clavata, which are club-shaped (clavate) while swimming and only after stopping change to resemble the shape of a spindle or a cylindrical spindle; Eu. clavata has numerous chloroplasts (15-20). Eu. caudata is characterized by asymmetrical spindle-shaped (fusiform) cells, that is, with an elongated rear section and a shorter front section; the number of chloroplasts normally ranges from 7 to 15.
Evaluating the Tongue-Hold Maneuver Using High-Resolution Manometry and Electromyography

The tongue-hold maneuver is a widely used clinical technique designed to increase posterior pharyngeal wall movement in individuals with dysphagia. It is hypothesized that the tongue-hold maneuver results in increased contraction of the superior pharyngeal constrictor. However, an electromyographic study of the pharynx and tongue during the tongue-hold is still needed to understand whether and how swallow muscle activity and pressure may change with this maneuver. We tested eight healthy young participants using simultaneous intramuscular electromyography with high-resolution manometry during three task conditions including (a) saliva swallow without maneuver, (b) saliva swallow with the tongue tip at the lip, and (c) saliva swallow during the tongue-hold maneuver. We tested the hypothesis that tongue and pharyngeal muscle activity would increase during the experimental tasks, but that pharyngeal pressure would remain relatively unchanged. We found that the pre-swallow magnitude of tongue, pharyngeal constrictor, and cricopharyngeus muscle activity increased. During the swallow, the magnitude and duration of tongue and pharyngeal constrictor muscle activity each increased. However, manometric pressures and durations remained unchanged. These results suggest that increased superior pharyngeal constrictor activity may serve to maintain relatively stable pharyngeal pressures in the absence of posterior tongue movement. Thus, the tongue-hold maneuver may be a relatively simple but robust example of how the medullary swallow center is equipped to dynamically coordinate actions between tongue and pharynx. Our findings emphasize the need for combined modality swallow assessment to include high-resolution manometry and intramuscular electromyography to evaluate the potential benefit of the tongue-hold maneuver for clinical populations.
A unique acid phosphatase location: the transverse tubule of avian fast muscle.

Acid phosphatase activity was localized cytochemically in the posterior latissimus dorsi muscle of the chicken. Reaction product was observed in three distinct structures: T-tubules, sarcoplasmic reticulum and dense bodies. Examination of cross-and longitudinal sections confirmed that the reaction product was membrane-limited. Acid phosphatase activity was observed in sarcoplasmic reticulum adjacent to the A-I junction and the A-band, in intermyofibrillar dense bodies located along the length of the fibre and in the T-tubules but not in the surface caveolae or in the lateral sacs of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The uniqueness of the T-tubular localization with respect to cytochemical localizations in other muscles is discussed.
Boundary Conditions for Viscous Vortex Methods

This paper presents a Neumann-type vorticity boundary condition for the vorticity formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. The vorticity creation process at the boundary, due to the no-slip condition, is expressed in terms of a vorticity flux. The scheme is incorporated then into a Lagrangian vortex blob method that uses a particle strength exchange algorithm for viscous diffusion. The no-slip condition is not enforced by the generation of new vortices at the boundary but instead by modifying the strength of the vortices in the vicinity of the boundary.
Interactions of Feeding Rates and Environmental Temperature on Growth, Food Conversion, and Body Composition of Channel Catfish

Abstract Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fingerlings were maintained in 20-gallon glass aquaria at 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 C. Duplicate groups at each temperature were fed 2, 4, and 6% of their biomass daily. After 12 weeks sample fish from each group were sacrificed and analyzed for total body lipid content and fatty acid composition. Highest gains and the best food conversion ratios were achieved at 30 C. Substantial gains were noted at 26 and 34 C with lesser growth at 18 and 22 C. At all temperatures a feeding rate of 4% of biomass daily was sufficient for rapid growth. An increase in environmental temperature from 18 to 34 C resulted in a near linear increase in lipid content from 23.8 to 43.6% of whole carcass. Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid levels increased with decreasing temperatures.
Biaxial testing of fiber composites using tubular specimens

The failure of advanced continuous fiber laminates is not well understood. Stresses on a ply level are usually multiaxial, and reliable rules for the prediction of laminate failure are not generally available. Experiments to measure laminate-failure properties are difficult to perform and to relate to composite structures, being complicated for example by stress concentrations at the free edges of laboratory specimens. A multiaxial laminate specimen based on internal pressure and axial-force loading of a cylinder has been developed that appears to give reliable response and failure data. The purpose of this paper is to present in detail the design and show the supporting analysis of the specimen. In addition recent results on the failure of carbon/epoxy laminates are reviewed.
Classical orthogonal polynomials as moments

We show that the Meixner, Pollaczek, Meixner-Pollaczek, the continuous q-ultraspherical polynomials and Al-Salam-Chihara polynomials, in certain normalization, are moments of probability measures.We use this fact to derive bilinear and multilinear generating functions for some of these polynomials. We also comment on the corresponding formulas for the Charlier, Hermite and Laguerre polynomials.
Molecular Recognition Effects in Metal Complex Mediated Double-Strand Cleavage of DNA: Reactivity and Binding Studies with Model Substrates.

Double-strand breaks in duplex DNA are thought to be significant sources of cell lethality because they appear to be less readily repaired by DNA repair mechanisms. We recently described the design...
Root contraction in hyacinth. II. Changes in tubulin levels, microtubule number and orientation associated with differential cell expansion

Root contraction in hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) is marked by reoriented cell growth in the cortex of the contractile region. Cellular volume of the inner cortex enlarges fourfold during root contraction. This is associated with large increases in the radial and tangential dimensions and decreases in the longitudinal dimension of the cells. In order to determine the possible role of microtubules (MTs) in these changes we compared tubulin levels and MT numbers and orientation in contracted and non-contracted regions of hyacinth roots. Tubulin content was analysed by a radioimmunoassay; MT numbers and orientation were analyzed by counting profiles in sectioned material using transmission electron microscopy. Contracted tissue was found to have significantly higher levels of tubulin on a per-cell basis than non-contracted tissue, and also increased tubulin levels relative to total protein. The spatial MT frequencies were the same in contracted and non-contracted tissues, indicating a proportional increase in MT numbers in the expanded cells. Although the absolute spatial frequency of MTs was constant, the orientation, as determined by morphometric analysis of MT profiles, was not. While in the longitudinal section plane 42% of the MTs in the non-contracted cells were oblique, in the contracted cells the percentage of MTs presenting oblique profiles increased to 87%. Additionally, a qualitative difference in MTs was observed in contracted cells; electron-opaque material was seen peripherally associated with the MTs of the inner cortex. The changes in tubulin levels and in MT numbers as well as the qualitative differences in the MTs of contracted and non-contracted root regions indicate that, in hyacinth, reoriented cellular enlargement associated with root contraction cannot be explained simply by shifts in the arrangement of preexisting cortical MT arrays, but involves more complex changes in the cytoskeleton.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an anoxic sediment core from the Pettaquamscutt River (Rhode Island, U.S.A.)

Abstract Fifteen sections from an anoxic sediment core were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Two types of PAH were observed: (a) those from combustion sources such as pyrene and chrysene and (b) those from natural sources such as retene and perylene. The combustion PAH levels in core sections dated between 1900 and 1970 were much higher than in earlier sections; this indicated an anthropogenic origin of these PAH at this location. The perylene and retene core profiles show significant anomalies during the period 1850–1880. Organic carbon does not fluctuate markedly but δC-13 of organic carbon shows several unexplained excursions; one of which correlates with the perylene and retene anomalies.
A new test for multivariate normality

We propose a new class of rotation invariant and consistent goodness-of-fit tests for multivariate distributions based on Euclidean distance between sample elements. The proposed test applies to any multivariate distribution with finite second moments. In this article we apply the new method for testing multivariate normality when parameters are estimated. The resulting test is affine invariant and consistent against all fixed alternatives. A comparative Monte Carlo study suggests that our test is a powerful competitor to existing tests, and is very sensitive against heavy tailed alternatives.
Exergy-Based Optimization Strategies for Multi-Component Data Center Thermal Management: Part I — Analysis

As heat dissipation in data centers rises by orders of magnitude, inefficiencies such as recirculation will have an increasingly significant impact on the thermal manageability and energy efficiency of the cooling infrastructure. For example, prior work has shown that for simple data centers with a single Computer Room Air-Conditioning (CRAC) unit, an operating strategy that fails to account for inefficiencies in the air space can result in suboptimal performance. To enable system-wide optimality, an exergy-based approach to CRAC control has previously been proposed. However, application of such a strategy in a real data center environment is limited by the assumptions inherent to the single-CRAC derivation. This paper addresses these assumptions by modifying the exergy-based approach to account for the additional interactions encountered in a multi-component environment. It is shown that the modified formulation provides the framework necessary to evaluate performance of multi-component data center thermal management systems under widely different operating circumstances.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Four neural circuit models and their role in the organization of voluntary movement

Four neural circuit models and their role in the organization of voluntary movement are presented here. These circuits collectively control a ballistic type biped voluntary movement. The structure of each circuit, and its function is discussed. Three of the circuits are central and contribute to the construction of two classes of inputs, analogous to the ? signals and ? signals in biological systems. The fourth circuit plays a role in stabilization of the movement, and in compensation for the receptors. Digital computer simulations are undertaken to demonstrate the construction of all the intermediate signals and the response of a two link biped to these efferent signals.
Production of alloxan diabetes in the dog.

ConclusionAlloxan diabetes can be produced in a high percentage of dogs by the simple expedient of starving the animals for 3 days prior to the injection of alloxan.
Clostridium Botulinum Type E in Smoked Fish

SUMMARY A botulism outbreak in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1960, caused by Clostridium botulinum type E, is reported. Smoked eiscoes from the Great Lakes served as the vehicle for the food poisoning. Smoked ciscoes inoculated with type E spores and held at 30°C in packages open to the air became toxic as rapidly as those incubated under anaerobic conditions in plastic air-tight wrappers. Surface spoilage developed more rapidly in the open packages. Toxin was not produced within 31 days in fish incubated at 5°C; however, mold and bacterial growth was noted after fish were open to the air 18 days. Vacuum packaging markedly increased the shelf life of the product by suppressing the development of visible bacterial and mold growth. Toxin was demonstrated in inoculated smoked fish incubated in the original plastic wrapper at 10°C for 5 days without any signs of quality reduction. Within 18 days at 10°C, half the fish contained toxin although there was no noticeable evidence of spoilage. At higher temperatures within a given time, a greater percentage of fish contained toxin. A survey of procedures employed in “hot-smoking” of fish is reported, and data are presented on levels of salt and moisture, brine concentration, and free liquid of both vacuum-packaged and bulk-pack smoked fish.
Early hominid hunting, butchering, and carcass-processing behaviors: Approaches to the fossil record

Abstract A major aim of paleoanthropology is to learn what ancient behaviors were related to the acquisition, processing, and consumption of meat and when these behaviors arose. For this reason, studies focusing on purported early hominid hunting and butchery sites are important if rigorous criteria for recognizing such sites are used. Different criteria currently used as evidence of hominid involvement with ancient bones are reviewed and it is concluded that the presence of cutmarks, verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) inspection, is the most reliable. Successful application of this criterion depends upon a thorough knowledge of the normal variations in microscopic morphology of different types of marks that are found on bones. Therefore, variations in microscopic and gross morphology within and among a large sample of known stone tool cutmarks, carnivore tooth scratches, and rodent gnawing marks are documented. The effects of sedimentary abrasion, as caused by fluvial transport of bones, are also presented. Guidelines are presented for using microscopic criteria to identify unknown marks on fossils and possible applications of this approach are discussed. Further, it is suggested that evidence of hominid carcass-processing activities can be placed into one of three ranked categories of certainty according to the type of data used. Explicitly stating the category and type of evidence used to deduce hominid activities, and by extension to define site types (i.e., butchery, kill, base camp), may improve the clarity of hypotheses about and interpretations of early hominid behaviors.
Multipermutation Codes in the Ulam Metric for Nonvolatile Memories

We address the problem of multipermutation code design in the Ulam metric for novel storage applications. Multipermutation codes are suitable for flash memory where cell charges may share the same rank. Changes in the charges of cells manifest themselves as errors whose effects on the retrieved signal may be measured via the Ulam distance. As part of our analysis, we study multipermutation codes in the Hamming metric, known as constant composition codes. We then present bounds on the size of multipermutation codes and their capacity, for both the Ulam and the Hamming metrics. Finally, we present constructions and accompanying decoders for multipermutation codes in the Ulam metric.
Learning through Teaching: Challenges and Opportunities in Facilitating Student Learning in Food Science and Nutrition by Using the Interteaching Approach

ABSTRACT: Interteaching is a new pedagogical strategy for classroom instruction that demonstrates great effective student learning outcomes in the field of psychology. It is a 20 to 30 min student-to-student discussion addressing the main points in a specified body of reading materials. Interteaching includes elements such as reciprocal peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and problem-based learning. These elements have been well theorized and their effectiveness has been empirically documented. To date, little is known about the effects of interteaching on students' perceived learning outcomes in food science and nutrition. This case study describes how the interteach method was employed in an undergraduate nutrition and food science course with specific examples of the tools used, such as interteach preparation guides, the interteach record form, and the peer assessment form. Based on the continuous feedback provided by the students during the course work, several specific modifications were made from the conventional interteaching methods, including 4-person interteaching instead of one-on-one interteaching, as well as the use of in-class thought-provoking “synthesis” questions. At the end of the course, we assessed the students' perceptions of interteaching, as well as the students' perceived learning outcomes. The method generally fostered critical thinking and enhanced their motivation, which led to their perceived learning. On the other hand, some of the students expressed challenges in learning from peers due to their peers' varied preparation levels, as well as tackling complex scientific concepts prior to lectures. Further investigation is needed to develop possible strategies for accommodating the challenges among students with different learning styles.
The fetal alcohol syndrome in mice: Maternal variables

CBA, C3H, and C57 female mice maintained on a diet of 20 percent ethanol-derived calories prior to and throughout gestation were mated in a diallele cross. Prenatal death, malformations, and fetal weights were directly related to maternal blood alcohol levels, indicating a maternal effect. Fetal abnormalities and maternal blood alcohol levels varied with maternal strain (CBA > C3H > C57) and were inversely related to maternal alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Microsomal ethanol oxidizing systems induction was directly associated with increased fetal abnormalities, being greatest in CBA females. These results indicate that liability for the pattern of malformation observed in this syndrome is dependent on maternal blood alcohol levels, which are determined by the rate of maternal alcohol metabolism as well as the amount of maternal alcohol consumption.
Transandean Distributions of Bromeliaceae in Ecuador

The distributions of members of the tropical plant family Bromeliaceae with their soil—nutrient independence are especially linked to microclimate and are valuable indicators of microclimatic regimes. Meteorological records show that the annual rainfall on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes is higher and more evenly distributed than on the western slopes, which receive very little precipitation during several months of the year. Seventeen of the 249 Ecuadorian species of Bromeliaceae are known from collection records to be distributed on both the eastern and western slopes of the Andean Cordillera. On the eastern slopes, individuals of these species have been consistently collected at lower altitudes than on the western slopes. The more even distribution of precipitation throughout the year and the smaller range in relative humidity on the eastern slopes is apparently responsible for the strikingly lower elevations of the species' distributions on most of the eastern slopes. See full-text article ...
Inhibition of interferon production and antiviral action in mouse cells by 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen activated with near ultraviolet light

The DNA of mammalian cells treated with 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen (Trioxsalen) is crosslinked (preventing transcription) only after photoactivation with near ultraviolet light. Suppression of gene action in cocultivated or fused cultures, including both induction and antiviral action of fibroblast interferon, can consequently be limited to pretreated cells, an advantage over actinomycin treatment.
Localization of a Conformational Energy-coupling Determinant near the C Terminus of the β Subunit of the F1F0-ATPase

Escherichia coli mutants in the beta subunit of the F1F0-ATPase can be complemented with the beta subunit from the obligate aerobe Bacillus megaterium. It has been shown that cells carrying such hybrid ATPases have an unusual energy-coupling phenotype. Although they are able to grow on minimal succinate medium, and therefore carry a functional ATP synthase, they are defective in the ability to grow anaerobically, indicating some defect in ATP-driven proton pumping (Scarpetta, M., Hawthorne, C. A., and Brusilow, W. S. A. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 18567-18572). In this study, chimeric beta subunits were constructed consisting of the E. coli or the B. megaterium beta subunit carrying the C-terminal 18% of the other's beta subunit. The phenotypes of an E. coli beta mutant complemented with these chimeric subunits showed that the energy-coupling defect was located in this C-terminal region. The E. coli beta subunit carrying the B. megaterium C-terminal region displayed the energy-coupling defect, while the B. megaterium beta subunit carrying the E. coli C-terminal region did not. In ATP-dependent fluorescence quenching assays, membranes isolated from cells displaying the energy-coupling defect also pumped protons less well than membranes isolated from cells that were able to grow anaerobically. These results demonstrate that the C terminus of the beta subunit is involved in the conformational coupling pathway, which, through the polypeptide backbone of the beta subunit, physically links ATP synthesis or hydrolysis to the energy of proton translocation.
Cargo Cults and Information Technology Development

Politicians, governments, and municipalities sometimes build industrial parks in the hope that technology companies will establish themselves in and bring growth the region. However, it's naive to imagine that this will be effective without taking into account the other factors that lead to successful business development.
Anorectal functional abnormalities in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation.

Abstract Background and study aims Chronic functional constipation represents 95% of the cases of paediatric constipation. Epidemiologic data, pathophysiology and anorectal functional abnormalities vary greatly among different reports across different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate these data in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation. Patients and methods This study included 150 children with chronic functional constipation (101 males, 49 females; mean age 6 ± 3.1 years); a control group of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled for standardisation of the manometry technique. A structured symptom questionnaire and clinical examination including digital rectal examination in addition to anorectal manometry were done for all included children. Defaecation dynamics were assessed in all children 5 years or older using anorectal manometry with integrated electromyogram of the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis muscle. Results The maximal tolerable volume was significantly higher in the constipated children than in the control group ( p = 0.03). No significant differences existed between constipated and control children regarding other anorectal manometric parameters. Abnormal defaecation dynamics were detected in 35 out of 95 tested patients (36.8%). Conclusion Increased maximal tolerable volume is the most striking manometric feature in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation. Abnormal defaecation dynamics were detected in about one-third of the tested patients. Standardisation of the measurement techniques and obtaining normal ranges for anorectal manometric parameters for each laboratory are recommended.
brother of cdo ( umleitung ) is cell-autonomously required for Hedgehog-mediated ventral CNS patterning in the zebrafish

The transmembrane protein Brother of Cdo (Boc) has been implicated in Shh-mediated commissural axon guidance, and can both positively and negatively regulate Hedgehog (Hh) target gene transcription, however, little is known about in vivo requirements for Boc during vertebrate embryogenesis. The zebrafish umleitung (umlty54) mutant was identified by defects in retinotectal axon projections. Here, we show that the uml locus encodes Boc and that Boc function is cell-autonomously required for Hh-mediated neural patterning. Our phenotypic analysis suggests that Boc is required as a positive regulator of Hh signaling in the spinal cord, hypothalamus, pituitary, somites and upper jaw, but that Boc might negatively regulate Hh signals in the lower jaw. This study reveals a role for Boc in ventral CNS cells that receive high levels of Hh and uncovers previously unknown roles for Boc in vertebrate embryogenesis.
The Hermeneutics of Citizenship as a Peacebuilding Process: a multiperspectival approach to justice

AbstractThe hermeneutics of citizenship entails not only recognition of religion as a potential resource for reinterpreting sacred warrants for violent engagement or as a motivating force propelling certain individuals to act toward attaining the nonviolent transformation of conflicts and post-conflict healing. But also this approach stresses the importance of incorporating post-colonial theoretical tools and subaltern voices to the analysis and practice of religious peacebuilding. Broadening the conversation in such a way denaturalizes seemingly axiomatic formulations of how conceptions of nationhood relate to religious or ethnic identifications and narratives and to structures of domination and control. This paper firstly seeks to supplement and offer a theoretical challenge to the religion and peace literature. Secondly, the paper argues that reimagining the relation between religion and nation may provide a mode for conceptualizing peacebuilding. Subsequently, it advances an integrative and multipersp...
Polymerase chain reaction amplification of messages for growth factors in cells from human bronchoalveolar lavage fluids.

Genetic messages for polypeptide growth factors were assessed in human alveolar macrophages, obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from normal subjects (N=3) and from patients with pneumonia (N=3), pulmonary lymphoma (N =3), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (N=3). Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were prepared by reverse transcription of the RNA extracted from alveolar macrophages before and afterculture on a plastic surface. The cDNAs encoding 10 different growth factors were amplified for electrophoretic analysis by polymerase chain reaction with a pair of 3′ and 5′ primers specific for each factor. Alveolar macrophages from all normal subjects and patients expressed the messages for interleukin1β and transforming growth factor-β. Alveolar macrophages from some normal subjects also contained message for insulin-like growth factor-1. Alveolar macrophages from six of nine patients with lung diseases also expressed messages for one or more additional growth factors, including epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α, interleukin-1α, and platelet-derived growth factor. The polymerase chain reaction technique thus permits determination of the profile of growth factors contributed to pulmonary reactions by alveolar macrophages, which may be important in pulmonary healing and fibrosis.
Phylogenetic diversity of yeast-producing basidiomycetes

Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene sequences from 38 species of fungi (three ascomycetes, 35 basidiomycetes) were analysed using parsimony. The resulting phylogeny supported a hypothesis of three major lineages within the basidiomycetes. The lineages are recognized as classes, the Urediniomycetes, Ustilaginomycetes and Hymenomycetes. Each lineage contained some yeasts or yeast producing taxa. The systematic relationships of basidiomycetous yeasts are discussed with reference to the three class taxonomic system.
Lipoid nodules in chronic rheumatoid arthritis nodulos lipoide in chronic arthritis rheumatoide

Although so-called rheumatoid nodules have long been recognized as a diagnostic feature of rheumatoid arthritis, a survey of the literature reveals few references to lipoid nodules in this disease. 1-4In view of the rarity of such lesions and because none of the previous reports have included lipid analysis of these nodules, the following case is reported.
Trend in the Utilization of CT for Adolescents Admitted to an Adult Level I Trauma Center

Purpose The aims of this study were to evaluate the trend in the utilization of CT for adolescents admitted to an adult level I trauma center and to compare the utilization pattern between adolescents and adults during the past 11 years. Methods Trauma registry data (1996-2006) from an adult level I trauma center were used. Patients aged ≥13 years were eligible to be admitted to this hospital. From this trauma registry, the following variables were extracted: age; sex; ethnicity; insurance status; mechanism of injury; injury severity score; length of hospital and intensive care unit stay; International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision (ICD-9), codes; and patient disposition. Patients were categorized on the basis of their age in the following groups: 13 to 18, 19 to 55, and ≥56 years. ICD-9 procedure codes were used to create new variables that were reflective of the frequency of use of head CT (ICD-9 code 87.03), abdominal CT (ICD-9 code 88.01), thoracic CT (ICD-9 code 87.41), and other CT studies, including CT of the extremities and spine (ICD-9 code 88.38). Results All age groups experienced substantial increases in the utilization of CT, and there were minimal differences in crude utilization rates among different age categories. After adjustment for potential confounders, adolescents had a slightly higher chance of being evaluated by head CT (incident risk ratio [IRR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.22) and a significantly lower chance of undergoing thoracic CT (IRR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48-0.61) in comparison with adults aged 19 to 55 years. Among adolescents, the chance of undergoing head CT was significantly higher in 2006 relative to 1996 (IRR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20-1.86). However, there was no linear increase in utilization pattern from 1996 to 2006. Abdominal CT demonstrated a similar pattern. Thoracic CT and other CT studies demonstrated the most drastic increases in utilization pattern among adolescents. The IRR for the use of thoracic CT increased from 1.15 (95% CI, 0.26-5.20) in 1997 (relative to 1996) to 10.53 (95% CI, 3.24-34.26) in 2006. The IRRs for other CT studies in 2005 and 2006, relative to 1996, were 7.24 and 6.91, respectively. Conclusions Treatment of adolescents in adult level I trauma centers is challenging. Trauma centers should adopt strategies that could potentially decrease unnecessary utilization, especially among adolescents. To do this, these facilities should be familiar with patient-related and system-related characteristics that might influence overutilization. Furthermore, physicians in adult trauma centers should be reeducated with regard to potential hazardous consequences of CT for adolescents.
SU‐D‐103‐06: Bismuth Shield Usage in MDCT Thoracic Scans: Organ Dose Vs. Image Quality

Purpose: To study Bismuth (Bi) shielding for the breast, organ dose and image quality were compared under the following conditions: (1) tube current modulation (TCM), (2) TCM with a Bi shield placed after topogram, and (3) manually reduced tube current (RTC) with no Bi. Methods: All measurements were performed with a 64‐slice scanner at 120 kVp. Organ dose was measured with MOSFETs using an adult male anthropomorphic phantom with supine breast attachments. The reference exposure and reduced exposure (with 4‐ply Bi shield) was measured with an ion chamber located at the level of the breast. The mA was reduced by normalizing the reference mA to the ratio of the reduced exposure to the reference exposure. Image quality was measured using a high contrast insert placed in the lung. Regions of Interest (ROIs) were drawn in thoracic organs to measure signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), percent contrast (%Contrast), noise, and HU values. Results: Organ doses (mGy) for the three scans (TCM, TCM with Bi, and RTC) were 11.1, 6.89, and 6.04 to the breast; 8.83, 8.01, and 7.62 to the lung; and 8.20, 7.36 and 8.40 to the heart, respectively. HU increase was greatest in the TCM with Bi scan for organs closest to the shield. The SNRs were 37.6, 34.1, and 43.3 and the %Contrast values were 349.2, 326.3, and 354.3 with TCM, TCM with Bi, and RTC, respectively. Conclusion: For thoracic CT, this RTC method provides a dose reduction to the breast similar to that of the TCM with Bi. Decrease in SNR and %Contrast in the TCM with Bi scan was expected due to decrease in photons reaching the detectors and beam hardening from the shield, respectively. Increased SNR in RTC scan was due to the increased mA compared to TCM scan at the level of measurement. U.S. NRC Health Physics Fellowship Grant No. NRC‐HQ‐12‐G‐38‐0022
Optimization on euclidean distance transformation using grayscale morphology

A distance transformation converts a digital binary image that consists of object (foreground) and nonobject (background) pixels into a gray-level image in which all object pixels have a value corresponding to the minimum distance from the background. Computing the distance from a pixel to a set of background pixels is in principle a global operation that is often prohibitively costly. The Euclidean distance measurement is very useful in object recognition and inspection because of the metric accuracy and rotation invariance. However, its global operation is difficult to decompose into small neighborhood operations because of the nonlinearity of Euclidean distance computation. This paper presents three algorithms for Euclidean distance transformation in digital images by the use of the grayscale morphological erosion with the squared Euclidean distance structuring element. The optimal algorithm requires only four erosions by small structuring components and is independent of the object size. It can be implemented in parallel and is very efficient in computation because only the integer is used until the last step of a square-root operation.
Monolithically integrated near-infrared and mid-infrared detector array

Quantum-well infrared photodetector (QWIP) technology has shown remarkable success by realizing large-format focal plane arrays in both broadband and in multiband. The spectral response of these detectors based on the III-V material system is tailorable within the mid- and long-wavelength infrared bands (~3-50 μm). Recently, we have extended this wavelength limit by monolithically integrating a near-infrared (1-1.5 μm) p-i-n photodiode with a mid-infrared (3-5μm) QWIP. This multiband detector involves both intersubband and interband transitions in III-V semiconductor layer structures. Each detector stack absorbs photons within the specified wavelength band while allowing the transmission of photons in other spectral bands, thus efficiently permitting multiband detection. Monolithically grown material characterization data and individual detector test results ensure the high quality of material suitable for near-infrared/QWIP dual-band focal plane array.
Effect of age on mortality in coronary artery bypass surgery in New York, 1991-1992

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on the in-hospital mortality of all 30,972 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in New York in 1991 and 1992. Mortality rates were relatively low for patients 40-49, 50-59, and 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74 years old (1.10%, 1.65%, 2.17%, 2.76%, and 3.36%, respectively). However, CABG surgery mortality increased rapidly for patients 75 to 79 years old (5.28%) and patients > or = 80 years old (8.31%). To examine the independent effect of age on mortality after accounting for the effects of other significant risk factors, a multivariate statistical model was developed to identify the significant independent predictors of mortality. Age emerged as 1 of 24 significant predictors, with age > or = 75 demonstrating much higher mortality risk than lesser age. For example, the odds of an 80-year-old patient's dying in the hospital were 3.25 times the odds of a 50-year-old patient's dying in the hospital, assuming all other significant risk factors were identical.
Offshoring, lean production and a sustainable global supply chain

Seeking lower costs of production, many global firms have offshored production of products, parts and services. Results of these efforts have often disappointed in terms of quality, productivity and sustainability issues. Firms need to take a strategic view of offshoring decisions emphasising the role foreign production plays in their supply chain. Modern systems, such as lean production, require a tightly linked global supply chain. Lean production also fosters a sustainable global supply chain making practices such as sweatshop working conditions and environmental pollution incompatible and uneconomic.
Effects of light and growth regulators on leaf unrolling in barley.

The influence of light, gibberellic acid, and abscisic acid on unrolling of etiolated barley leaf segments was investigated. Gibberellic acid stimulated unrolling of both illuminated and nonilluminated leaf segments. In contrast, abscisic acid prevented light-stimulated unrolling and abolished the slight unrolling of segments maintained in the dark.Analysis of the time course of photoinduced unrolling showed a lag period of 6 hours before the onset of rapid leaf unrolling. The application of gibberellic acid to illuminated segments shortened this lag phase. Also, incubating the segments in buffer in darkness prior to illumination eliminated the lag period. Inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis prevented light- and gibberellic acid induced unrolling, indicating a requirement for macromolecular synthesis. The possibilities that the lag period of unrolling following illumination represents the time required for the removal of endogeneous inhibitor or the synthesis of essential macromolecules are discussed.
Elevated Fe(II) and Dissolved Fe in Hypoxic Shelf Waters off Oregon and Washington : An Enhanced Source of Iron to Coastal Upwelling Regimes

There has been a growing interest in the cause and impact of hypoxic regions known as “dead zones” that have increasingly appeared along the west coast of the United States and have caused widespre...
Numerical simulation of the blast-wave accelerator

A concept for propelling a projectile to hypervelociti es is described, and the feasibility is demonstrated by numerical simulations. In theory, the concept employs imploding blast waves to accelerate a projectile as it travels down a launch tube. The launch tube can be open to the atmosphere or sealed and maintained at some low pressure to minimize internal drag. The launch tube has a liner that contains a suitable explosive or energetic material. The explosive is configured with inert annular rings to prevent upstream detonation. A suitable trigger detonates each explosive ring sequentially as the projectile passes. The resulting blast wave causes an elevated pressure on the afterbody of the projectile. The acceleration continues until the projectile exits the launch tube.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced damage to a human pulmonary epithelial cell line

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa can damage the lung, but the manner in which they interact to induce toxicity is unclear. An in vitro model of the pulmonary epithelium was used to investigate interactions of PMNL and P. aeruginosa on epithelial cytotoxicity. A low inoculum of P. aeruginosa (10(7) bacteria) was minimally toxic to the epithelial cells (lysis = 9.0 +/- 2.9, detachment = 3.5 +/- 1.4). The addition of PMNL to the low inoculum markedly increased damage to the epithelial cells (lysis = 18.1 +/- 3.9, detachment = 17.6 +/- 3.6). Both the bacterium and a low-molecular-weight exoproduct were able to induce PMNL-mediated damage to epithelial cells. The damage was inhibited by serum or the addition of alpha 1 antiprotease but not by antioxidants. A larger inoculum of P. aeruginosa (10(9) bacteria) was directly toxic to the pulmonary cells (lysis = 44.8 +/- 4.1, detachment = 7.6 +/- 0.7). The damage was mediated by a heat-labile bacterial exoproduct. Pulmonary epithelial damage following pseudomonal infections may be related to either neutrophil or bacterial activity depending on the bacterial inoculum.
Cortical constraint method for diffuse optical brain imaging

We develop a parametric, shape-based image reconstruction algorithm for the joint reconstruction of the optical absorption and diffusion coefficients in the brain using diffuse optical tomographic data. Specifically, we study the recovery of the geometry of an unknown number of 2D closed contours located on a 2D manifold (the cortex) in 3-space. We describe an approach for a brain model in which we assume the existence of a one-to-one map from the surface of the cortex to a subset of the plane. We use a new, parametric level set approach to map shapes on the plane to structures on the cortex. Our optimization-based reconstruction algorithm evolves shapes on the plane while finding absorption and reduced scattering values inside each shape. Preliminary numerical simulation results show the promise of our approach.
Using host plant relationships to help determine origins of the invasive Erythrina gall wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

The Erythrina gall wasp has recently invaded a wide swath of Asian and Pacific countries, causing severe damage to several species of Erythrina trees. It poses an imminent threat to native Erythrina species in Latin America, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. While an African origin of the pest is presumed, it’s exact home on the continent remains unknown. We examined host plant relationships of the wasp using 71 of the world’s species of Erythrina that are planted in the botanical gardens of Hawaii. Observational and experimental data indicate that species endemic to Africa are more resistant to the wasp than those from other continents. Complete absence of galling on all Erythrina native to Benin, Burundi, Congo, Gambia, Lesoto, Rwanda, and Somalia make those countries highly unlikely to be the origin of the wasp. Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe were also shown to be unlikely sources. We present susceptibility indices of all 71 Erythrina species, including a number of economically useful trees, and we provide a warning for several species of conservation concern.
Analysis of preoperative intracavitary cesium application versus postoperative external beam radiation in stage I endometrial carcinoma.

Two groups of patients with surgical Stage I endometrial carcinoma treated at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City are analyzed. Group 1 comprises 112 patients treated from 1974 through 1976, during which time preoperative intracavitary cesium was routinely used in all patients. Group 2 comprises 117 patients treated 1981 through 1983 under the treatment policy of hysterectomy without preoperative cesium. High risk patients from each group (grade 3 and/or deep myometrial invasion) generally received similar postoperative external beam pelvic radiotherapy (4500–5000 cGy). While 5-year actuarial disease-free survival rates were similar in each group (94% Group 1 vs 91% Group 2), multivariate analysis by the Cox Regression Method revealed that inclusion within treatment Group 2 carried independent adverse prognostic significance (p = 0.018). Other independent predictors of adverse 5-year disease-free survival included deep myometrial invasion and increasing histologic grade. Group 1 patients with grade 3 lesions had a superior 5-year actuarial disease-free survival (76% vs 53%) compared to those from Group 2. Group 1 patients with deep myometrial invasion also had a superior 5-year disease-free survival (84% vs 69%). The remaining low risk patients (grade 1 or 2, <13 myometrial invasion) had an excellent 5-year disease-free survival with or without preoperative cesium. Immediate preoperative intracavitary cesium was well tolerated, did not obscure pathologic findings and in our experience, reduced the probability of recurrence in high risk Stage I endometrial carcinoma patients.