cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of experimentally-induced renal failure on accumulation of bupropion and its major basic metabolites in plasma and brain of guinea pigs

Dosage regimen adjustments because of poor renal function are often assumed to be unnecessary for extensively metabolized antidepressants. This assumption is being increasingly questioned in recognition of the role of active drug metabolites. The purpose of this study was to assess the steady-state accumulation of the new antidepressant bupropion and its three major basic metabolites in guinea pigs, with and without experimentally-induced renal guinea pigs, with and without experimentally-induced renal failure. Two groups of guinea pigs were treated by intraperitoneal (IP) implantation of mini-osmotic pumps containing bupropion hydrochloride. Immediately after surgery, one group of animals received an injection of uranyl nitrate. After 4 days, all animals were sacrificed by decapitation following blood removal by cardiac puncture. Analysis of plasma and brain samples by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for concentrations of bupropion (BUP) and its major basic metabolites, the erythro-amino alcohol (EB), the threo-amino alocohol (TB) and the hydroxy metabolite (HB) revealed greater accumulation of BUP, TB, and HB in plasma and brain of the animals with renal failure compared to controls. No difference was found between groups in the concentrations of the EB metabolite. As the guinea pig shows a BUP and metabolite plasma concentration profile similar to that seen in human studies, these results suggest that further studies of bupropion and its major metabolites are warranted in patients with impaired renal function to assess possible excessive drug and metabolite accumulation.
Understanding the surface features of fatigue fractures: How they describe the failure cause and the failure history

Most of us have been exposed to fatigue failures since we first started looking at broken pieces. In many cases, the first explanation of a failure began with a well-intentioned person explaining that a component had “crystallized” because it was a piece of defective steel. However, as we know, virtually all structural metals are crystalline, and after working with fatigue analysis for a while, it becomes apparent that defective materials are not common failure causes. Additionally we learn that the fracture face can provide a wealth of information about the causes. It can show the type and direction of the forces acting on the part, the magnitude and fluctuations of these forces, and can give a general indication of the length of time from initiation to final fracture. This paper is a review of a selection of fracture faces and the descriptions of how to interpret some of the details on these faces.
Ligand Binding Kinetics of Substance P and Neurokinin A Receptors Stably Expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells and Evidence for Differential Stimulation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and Cyclic AMP Second Messenger Responses

: Stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing either the substance P receptor or neurokinin A receptor were constructed, isolated, and characterized. Equilibrium ligand binding studies performed on whole cells demonstrated that cell lines expressing either of these receptors contained a single class of high-affinity binding sites with an apparent KD of 0.16 nM for the substance P receptor and an apparent KD of 2.1 nM for the neurokinin A receptor. The higher affinity of substance P for its receptor was accounted for by both a greater association rate constant and a lesser dissociation rate constant. The time course and extent of ligand-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mass increases in both cell lines were similar and displayed rapid and transient kinetics. Ligand-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was also apparent in the cell lines, although the time course and magnitude of the responses were substantially different, with the neurokinin A receptor mediating a greater and more prolonged response. These studies establish the presence of functional substance P receptors and neurokinin A receptors in the stably transfected cell lines and provide evidence for agonist-dependent differential stimulation of second messenger responses.
Habitat and diversity of the Bear Gulch fish: Life in a 318 million year old marine Mississippian bay

article i nfo The Bear Gulch Limestone of Montana preserves a Late Mississippian (318 Mya) tropical marine bay in its en- tirety and provides a rare picture of vertebrate community structure and diversity in deep time. Decades of quarrying has produced over 5700 fish of 149 species from nine habitat zones within the bay. The fish fauna differs from that of modern faunas in that Coelacanthiformes form the most abundant guild and Chondrichthyes comprise the group with the most species and genera and exhibit the greatest spectrum of adaptive suites. Within the bay ecosystem, strong differences in habitats were reflected in equally strong differences in com- position and distribution of the fishes on the generic and suprageneric levels. Genus richness within each habitat was high. The upper bay assemblages were the most distinct in terms of both their supported fish fauna and environments; Acanthodes comprised a significant fraction of the fauna in these zones. Across the bay, Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes showed markedly different responses to environmental variation at both local and regional scales. For both clades, dominant genera occurred ubiquitously across the bay, but showed habitat-related trends in their distribution. Rare genera comprised an unusually large proportion of total genus richness and exhibited a high degree of habitat preference. This research also includes an initial assessment of the impact of the predominance of ecologically rare taxa on the quantitative estimation of biodiversity.
Harmala alkaloids and related β-carbolines: a myoclonic model and antimyoclonic drugs

The neuropharmacologic profile of intraperitoneally injected harmala alkaloids and related beta-carbolines was evaluated in the rat. All drugs induced central effects (convulsions, catalepsy, or altered startle), but only harmaline and harmine were tremorogenic at low doses. Methoxylation of the carboline 7 position was requisite for this effect. Coadministration of harmaline (but not harmine) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (tryptamine or m-chlorophenyl-piperazine) induced a lethal convulsive myoclonic syndrome which could not be evoked by either drug separately. Compared with the myoclonic-serotonergic syndrome evoked by 5-hydroxytryptophan in rats with 5.7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions, harmaline+5-hydroxytryptophan-treated rats displayed more continuous and greater axial myoclonic jerks and some postural differences. Clorgyline or tranylcypromine but not pargyline could be substituted for harmaline. The harmaline syndrome was blocked by the benzodiazepine agonists, physostigmine and verapamil. The harmaline+5-hydroxytryptophan syndrome was blocked by drugs acting at benzodiazepine receptors (CL 218,872 greater than ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate, clonazepam, diazepam, Ro 15-1788, pentobarbital), and baclofen. Naloxone, benztropine, quipazine, and apomorphine had partial effects, and calcium channel blockers prevented death but did not prevent convulsions. 5-Hydroxytryptamine antagonists were poor blockers, although cyproheptadine and ketanserin significantly reduced mortality. Phenobarbital was more effective than other anticonvulsants. Lesion studies suggested a role for monoaminergic neurons and the inferior olive in the expression of the harmaline+5-hydroxytryptophan syndrome. These data describe a complex convulsive myoclonic syndrome that is behaviorally related to but pharmacologically distinct from the serotonin syndrome, which may be useful in studying serotonergic-benzodiazepine interactions in the pathophysiology of myoclonus.
Using crude probability estimates to guide diagnosis

Abstract In order to identify the faulty components of a malfunctioning device in the fewest number of measurements, model-based diagnosis often uses a minimum entropy technique to select the next best measurement. This technique seems critically dependent on the availability of failure probabilities for components. Unfortunately, in many cases this information is unavailable or unknown. However, if we can assume that all components fail independently with equal probability and that components fail with very small probability, then it is possible to exploit the intuitions of the technique even when the exact probabilities are unknown. In addition, the computation required is much simpler. This approach can be generalized if the set of components can be partitioned such that each of the components of a partition fail with equal probability but are much more or less likely to fail than those of other partitions.
Identification of Free Radicals on Hemoglobin from its Self-peroxidation Using Mass Spectrometry and Immuno-spin Trapping OBSERVATION OF A HISTIDINYL RADICAL

In an effort to understand the mechanism of radical formation on heme proteins, the formation of radicals on hemoglobin was initiated by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). The DMPO nitrone adducts were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) and immuno-spin trapping. The spin-trapped protein adducts were then subjected to tryptic digestion and MS analyses. When hemoglobin was reacted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of DMPO, a DMPO nitrone adduct could be detected by immuno-spin trapping. To verify that DMPO adducts of the protein free radicals had been formed, the reaction mixtures were analyzed by flow injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). The ESI mass spectrum of the hemoglobin/H2O2/DMPO sample shows one adduct each on both the α chain and the β chain of hemoglobin which corresponds in mass to the addition of one DMPO molecule. The nature of the radicals formed on hemoglobin was explored using proteolysis techniques followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses. The following sites of DMPO addition were identified on hemoglobin: Cys-93 of the β chain, and Tyr-42, Tyr-24, and His-20 of the α chain. Because of the pi-pi interaction of Tyr-24 and His-20, the unpaired electron is apparently delocalized on both the tyrosine and histidine residue (pi-pi stacked pair radical).
Measurement of the left ventricular ejection time by digital plethysmography

Abstract A blinded, multiple-observer comparison of ejection periods obtained from simultaneous carotid pulse tracings and digital plethysmograms was made in 10 healthy volunteers. The technique for measuring the left ventricular ejection time from the plethysmographic curve consists of the extrapolation of the rapid ascent toward the base line to obtain the upstroke point ( u ) and extrapolation of the rapid descent, preceding the dicrotic notch, to obtain the d point, analogous to the carotid incisura. A high degree of correlation with a high reciprocal predictability was found for both methods of obtaining the ejection time. The mean value of peripheral pulse transmission velocity was found to be in close agreement with those obtained by other investigators.
Graphics for regressions with a binary response

Abstract Central dimension-reduction subspaces, which characterize the dependence of a response variable on one or more predictors, are developed and then used to guide the construction and interpretation of graphics for regression problems with a binary response variable. Graphical methods requiring neither a link function nor residuals are suggested for both development and criticism of model components implied by the central dimension-reduction subspace.
A novel high-wear-resistant glass-ionomer cement for class I and class II restorations

This study reports the results of an evaluation on the in vitro wear of a newly developed experimental light-cured glass-ionomer cement composed of the synthesized six-arm star-shape poly(acrylic acid) and Fuji II LC glass fillers. The resin composite P-60, as well as glass-ionomer cements Fuji II and Fuji II LC, were used for comparison. All specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 1 d prior to testing. The experimental cement exhibited statistically the same wear-resistance to abrasion as P-60, but the wear-resistance was 14 times higher for the experimental cement than for Fuji II and Fuji II LC. Furthermore, the experimental cement showed a degree of wear-resistance to attrition that was 1.4 times higher than both Fuji II and Fuji II LC but six times lower than that of P-60. Impressively, after 1 month of aging the experimental cement was able to compete with P-60 in wear-resistance to attrition, showing a degree of wear depth that was only 1.3 times more than that of P-60. It appears that this novel cement is a clinically attractive dental restorative that can be potentially used for high-wear sites such as class I and class II restorations.
Monitoring a Poisson process in several categories subject to changes in the arrival rates

We look at a Poisson process in several categories where the arrival rate changes at some unknown integer. For some of these categories the arrival rates increase, while in other categories the arrival rates decrease. The point at which the process changes may be different for each category. We develop procedures for detecting when a change has occurred in at least one of the categories. We provide some numerical results to illustrate the effectiveness of the detection procedures.
Effect of Cotton Defoliants on Leaf Abscission, Immature Bolls, and Lint Yields in a Short-Season Production System

Pink bolloworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders), and associated secondary insect pests have dramatically reduced cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the Imperial Valley of California, resulting in mandated short-season cotton production practices. Application of a a chemical defoliant and/or a growth regulator in August or September is an important component of the short-season system. Studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of various chemical defoliants on cotton lint yield, leaf abscission, and reduction of late-season fruiting forms under a short-season production system in the Imperial Valley (...)
Age-related differences in speech variability among women

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in variability of several measures of the speech produced by two groups of women, one aged 20-35 years and one aged 75 years and over. The subjects read the first paragraph of the "Rainbow Passage," sustained vowels at three loudness levels, and repeated a carrier phrase in which a series of 18 syllables were embedded. Data were gathered on intraoral pressure (PIO), vocal intensity, speaking fundamental frequency (SFF), voice onset time (VOT), and phoneme duration. The F-max test and ANOVA statistics revealed that the older women exhibited greater within-subject variability than the younger women for PIO, SFF, VOT, and consonant duration. These factors required more precise temporal, respiratory, phonatory, or articulatory adjustments than did the vocal intensity tasks or vowel duration. The variability differences found in this study may reflect individual patterns of acoustic and physiologic change in the speech produced by older women.
Reflecting Objective for Microspectroscopy

Interest in the low-temperature ultraviolet absorption spectra of biological materials has led to the design and construction of a reflecting microscope objective in which the conventional, two-element system is modified by the addition of a reflecting correction plate. The system has high aperture, low central obstruction, long working distance, and zero chromatic aberration. The correction plate simplifies certain problems in construction and eliminates the need for figuring surfaces with deep curvatures.
Privatization and Labor Cost Savings: Evidence from Health Care Services

This study examines whether privatization is associated with low public sector health care wages and with low probability of public sector employment for health care providers. Findings suggest that privatization contributes significantly to low wages of union health care providers in the public sector. Privatization also contributes to a low probability of public sector employment in this industry, especially to unionized workers. These results indicate that competition enhancing policy can promote lower labor costs even in a service sector that employs a highly skilled work force.
Oxide-formation characteristics in the early stages of oxidation of Fe and Fe-Cr alloys

Electron microscopy investigations have been conducted on the oxides formed on Fe and Fe-Cr alloys at elevated temperatures (700–800‡C) and at low oxygen partial pressures (∼10−3Pa). Oxide nucleation and growth on chromium-rich iron alloys are significantly different from that for pure iron. On pure Fe and on Fe-3%Cr, wustite and magnetite particles nucleate and grow out of the surface, while on the higher Cr-containing alloys (≥9 wt. % Cr) the spinel oxide (Fe, Cr)3O4 nucleates and grows into the metal. The differences in oxide formation in the early stages of oxidation are explained in terms of the diffusion of different species being rate-controlling and in terms of rapid diffusion, for example, at the metal-oxide interface.
Termites create spatial structure and govern ecosystem function by affecting N2 fixation in an East African savanna

The mechanisms by which even the clearest of keystone or dominant species exert community-wide effects are only partially understood in most ecosystems. This is especially true when a species or guild influences community-wide interactions via changes in the abiotic landscape. Using stable isotope analyses, we show that subterranean termites in an East African savanna strongly influence a key ecosystem process: atmospheric nitrogen fixation by a monodominant tree species and its bacterial symbionts. Specifically, we applied the 15N natural abundance method in combination with other biogeochemical analyses to assess levels of nitrogen fixation by Acacia drepanolobium and its effects on co-occurring grasses and forbs in areas near and far from mounds and where ungulates were or were not excluded. We find that termites exert far stronger effects than do herbivores on nitrogen fixation. The percentage of nitrogen derived from fixation in Acacia drepanolobium trees is higher (55–80%) away from mounds vs. near ...
Methyl and Ethyl Mercury Compounds—Recovery from Air and Analysis

Abstract Attempts to recover dimethyl or diethyl mercury vapor by absorption in the reagents usually recommended for collection of mercury from air met with failure. The absorber design, whether impinger or porous glass diffusion type, contributed only minor differences. However, 0.1N iodine monochloride in 0.5M hydrochloric acid gave quantitative recoveries of dimethyl and diethyl mercury, mono-methyl and monoethyl mercuric chlorides, and mercury vaporized into moving air-streams. The reagent also is applicable to the analysis of mercurial-bearing dusts. Again, the absorber design was not critical, but impinger recoveries were rate-dependent. The Teflon permeation tube for SO2 calibration was adopted successfully to the dynamic calibration of microimpingers developed for personnel monitoring. The ACGIH procedure for analysis was followed after sample collection.
Absorption Spectra of PbF, PbCl and PbBr

A vibrational analysis has been made of absorption band systems due to PbF, PbCl, and PbBr. A single system of double-headed bands lying between $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}4100$ and 5300A has been observed for PbF. The separation of the heads is nearly constant. In PbCl a band system with the origin at 4571.8A has been found for each of the isotopes ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}$ and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{37}$. Similarly a system of bands between $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}4400$ and 5400A has been observed for each of the isotopes ${\mathrm{Br}}^{79}$ and ${\mathrm{Br}}^{81}$. The vibrational analyses are confirmed by the respective isotope shifts. All the bands degrade to the red.
Motor timing deficits in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder.

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are thought to have fundamental deficits in the allocation of attention for information processing. Furthermore, it is believed that these children possess a fundamental difficulty in motoric timing, an assertion that has been explored recently in adults and children. In the present study we extend this recent work by fully exploring the classic Wing and Kristofferson (1973) analysis of timing with typically developing children (n = 24) and children with ADHD (n = 27). We provide clear evidence that not only do children with ADHD have an overall timing deficit, they also time less consistently when using a similar strategy to typically developing children. The use of the Wing and Kristofferson approach to timing, we argue, will result in the discovery of robust ADHD-related timing differences across a variety of situations.
Maladaptive cardiac remodeling and mortality under mineralocorticoid induced hypertension following KATP channel knockout

Chronic hemodynamic load predisposes to cardiac dysfunction, yet the molecular components of myocardial adaptation are not completely understood. Kir6.2 is the pore-forming subunit of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels implicated in the cardiac stress response. Here, following unilateral nephrectomy, Kir6.2 knockout (KO) & C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice, were challenged with deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA/salt) loading for 21 days. DOCA/salt induced similar extent of hypertension & contralateral renal hypertrophy with fibrosis in KO and WT. However, in KO, DOCA/salt challenge produced left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, reduced exercise performance, & catecholamine-induced cardiac failure with more severe increase in left ventricular mass & more extensive interstitial fibrosis. Indeed, cyclosporine, the inhibitor of Ca2+ mediated calcineurin-dependent hypertrophic reprogramming, reversed the exaggerated cardiac restructuring in the KO. Overall, DOCA/salt-KO mice displayed significant mortality compared to DOCA/salt-WT. Treatment with the Ca2+ channel antagonist verapamil rescued the KO with prevention of cardiac pathology & associated mortality. Thus, suggesting an essential homeostatic role for cardiac KATP channels in the setting of mineralocorticoid induced hypertension. This work has implications for hypertensive diabetic patients treated with KATP channel antagonists sulfonylureas & a potential therapeutic role for KATP channel openers. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P46–P46; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.172
Ovarian cystadenofibromas in three women with antenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol

Abstract Ovarian Cystadenofibromas have been removed from three women exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol. One tumor demonstrated severe epithelial atypia, and two were characterized by intraabdominal papillomatosis consistent with the primary tumor. All three women were asymptomatic; two were initially seen for infertility evaluations. The involvement of hormonal exposure during Mullerian development in the etiology of this relatively unusual tumor is discussed.
Performance art and digital media

Interaction depends on some form of activity and it is important to realise that the procedural power is not limited to the computational side in this activity. It is shared between human and bit m...
Research–Practice Integration in Real Practice Settings: Issues and Suggestions

At the National Bridging the Research and Practice Gap Symposium to discuss evidence-based practice (EBP) in social work, 150 participants attended five breakout groups to address real practice setting applications. These participants from social work academia and practice communities addressed issues and looked for solutions to promote research–practice integration. Their discussions of EBP implementation issues identified five areas of focus, including the urgent need to (1) provide training, (2) design interventions based on developmental and cultural competence, (3) plan research-informed strategies with an effective infrastructure, (4) initiate research–practice integration in the process of developing social work interventions, and (5) prepare future practitioners and educators to begin collaborative work. Their recommendations focused on people-oriented, skills-based preparations, such as the provision of consumer-oriented EBP information, intervention applications and observations, development of ...
Collective entrepreneurship: the mobilization of college and university recycling coordinators

Most theories of entrepreneurship have focused on explaining individual actions, neglecting the extent to which entrepreneurs are embedded in particular socio‐historical contexts that shape both opportunity structures and the interactions that enable particular entrepreneurial responses to opportunities. Evidence from an ethnography of college and university recycling coordinators and programs is drawn on to extend the concept of “collective entrepreneurship” to account for broader social dynamics having to do with the construction of a recycling coordinator occupational identity and resource mobilization oriented towards the defense of that identity. Social marginality and linkage to a wider environmental social movement are argued to be the key conditions that made the collective efforts of recycling coordinators to safeguard and increase the status of their nascent occupation possible.
An introduction to the papers on matrix methods of circuit analysis and synthesis

MATRICES were introduced into mathematics nearly a century ago when in 1857 the eminent English mathematician Cayley published his fundamental paper, ?A Memoir on the Theory of Matrices.?1 Cayley demonstrated that by the use of matrices, the system of n linear algebraic equations
Does Using Digital Media in Assessment Affect Teacher Practices in Infant and Toddler Classrooms

Abstract Child outcome studies consistently emphasize the effects of quality childcare on the early development of young children. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of assessment training and digital media on teacher-child interactions measured using the Caregiver Child Interaction Scale (CCIS). The participants included six infant toddler teachers who participated in an assessment and digital media training session delivered at a university child development centre. An explanatory research model was used to determine whether there were any differences in CCIS scores obtained pre and post-training. The results indicate that training significantly improves the quality of teacher-child interaction; particularly in the social/emotional domain. In addition, it serves to raise teachers' awareness about tailoring play sessions to the meet the child's level of development.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and venous thromboembolism in the Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE).

We determined prospectively the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in relation to baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in 19 049 participants of the Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE), which was composed of 14 490 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and 4559 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). In addition, we determined the risk of VTE in relation to baseline subfractions of HDL (HDL2 and HDL3) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in 14 488 participants of the ARIC study. Age-adjusted incidence rates of VTE by HDL-c quartile ranged from 1.64 to 1.91 per 1000 person-years in men and 1.40 to 1.94 per 1000 person-years in women; however, there was no apparent trend of VTE incidence across HDL-c quartiles for either sex. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of VTE by HDL-c quartiles (with quartile 4 as the reference) were nonsignificant for both sexes and ranged between 0.91 and 0.99 for men and 0.78 and 1.22 for women. Results did not differ in separate evaluations of idiopathic and secondary VTE. In the ARIC study, there was no trend of VTE hazard ratios across quartiles of HDL2, HDL3, or apoA-I. Low HDL-c does not appear to be an important VTE risk factor.
Evaluation of a portable blood lead analyzer with occupationally exposed populations.

Background This project evaluated a portable electroanalytical instrument that is used to rapidly analyze blood lead levels in individuals, using a fresh whole blood sample (venous). Methods Samples were obtained from 208 lead-exposed employees who donated two 2 ml venous blood samples into ‘‘lead-free’’ evacuated tubes. One blood sample was analyzed onsite using the portable field instrument while the second sample was analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Results According to GFAAS results, employee venous blood lead levels ranged from 1 mg/dl to 42 mg/dl. The mean difference between the results from the field instrument and GFAAS was less than 1 mg/dl. Analysis indicates that the results from the field instrument yielded a slight positive bias overall (P valuea 0.0213), with less bias for blood lead levels above 10 mg/dl (P valuea 0.0738). Conclusions Within the blood range evaluated (1‐42 mg/dl), the instrument performed adequately according to Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) proficiency requirements. The ability of the instrument to perform rapid analysis makes it potentially valuable to occupational health professionals for medical monitoring or onsite investigations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:354‐362, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. {
Measuring and Articulating the Value of Community Engagement: Lessons Learned from 100 Years of Cooperative Extension Work

The Cooperative Extension System was created in 1914 with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act. The act provided resources to improve access to education by creating this nationwide organization to bring land-grant university research and resources to people where they lived and worked. Cooperative Extension was the first formal nationwide structure created for university–community engagement. Expectations for Extension as an engaged institution have changed over time. Once seen chiefly as a source of private value for program participants in local communities, Extension is now also expected to provide public value for those not directly involved in Extension programs. After 100 years of community engagement efforts, Cooperative Extension has learned lessons about measuring and articulating the value of engagement related to professional development, program development, funding, structure, and organization development. Other engaged institutions will find important implications for their work from Extension’s engagement value lessons.
Electron microscopic evidence for RNA polymerase loading at repeated sequences in non-transcribed spacers of D. virilis

Abstract The organization of transcribed and non-transcribed sequences in transcriptionally active ribosomal DNA (rDNA) chromatin from Drosophila virilis nurse cells (excluding follicle cells) was examined by electron microscopy. Nuclear spread preparations revealed that the actively transcribing rRNA genes (rTUs) exhibited a single uniform length distribution (7 ± 0.5 kb). Non-transcribed ‘spacer’ regions separating active rTUs were, on the other hand, quite heterogeneous in length with a mean of 1.95 ± 1.4 kilobase pairs (kb). Within each ‘spacer’ segment of chromatin two morphologically distinct regions were discernable: (1) A fiber-free region adjacent to the 3′ termination site of the preceding rTU which accounted for the majority of each non-transcribed ‘spacer’. This region was highly heterogeneous in length, and was termed the ‘Non-repetitive Spacer’ (NRS). (2) A short region, largely uniform in length, which was located immediately 5′ to each rTU. This region was covered by a linear array of RNA polymerase molecules with a few very short fibers. The arrangement of polymerase in these arrays and their proximity to rRNA coding sequences appeared to be morphologically indicative of multiple initiation sites which are thought to be present in this region of the non-transcribed spacer as evidenced by direct sequence analysis (Coen, E S & Dover, G A, Nucl acid res 10 (1982) 1017 and Miller, J R et al., Nucl acid res 11 (1983) 11) [6, 18]. The data suggest that the repeated sequences in the non-transcribed spacer region serve as multiple in vivo loading and/or initiation sites for RNA polymerase I. Our results further indicate that, although an estimated 75% of the ribosomal RNA genes in Drosophila virilis are interrupted by an intron in the 28Sb gene sequence (Barnett, T & Rae, P M M, Cell 16 (1979) 763) [1], none of those genes appear to be transcribed to any appreciable extent in the tissues examined. It is also reasonable to infer that the actively transcribing uninterrupted genes (and therefore the intron-containing genes as well) are clustered and not randomly interspersed.
Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Based on Interference Threshold Modeling

Dynamic transmission power based dynamic spectrum allocation (DSA) schemes are extensively adopted in cognitive ratio (CR) networks due to their flexible spectrum access strategies to improve spectrum utility. However such DSAs suffer from high sensitivity to the environment change. Based on the protocol model of wireless communications, a notion of interference threshold (IT) is introduced into the DSA model such that the intricate interactions among CRs can be decoupled and CRs' adaptations only affect the local area. With IT modeling, CRs' strategy profile number turns into finite such that an exhaustive search based IT DSA (ES-IT DSA) scheme is feasible to enumerate all strategy profiles for finding the optimal one. To address the scalability issue in ES-IT-DSA, a suboptimal RGF-IT DSA is developed in virtue of restricted growth function theory. Simulation results concur that the IT based DSA algorithms can keep high spectrum utility while achieving simplicity.
The Out-of-the-Loop Performance Problem and Level of Control in Automation:

The out-of-the-loop performance problem, a major potential consequence of automation, leaves operators of automated systems handicapped in their ability to take over manual operations in the event of automation failure. This is attributed to a possible loss of skills and of situation awareness (SA) arising from vigilance and complacency problems, a shift from active to passive information processing, and change in feedback provided to the operator. We studied the automation of a navigation task using an expert system and demonstrated that low SA corresponded with out-of-the-loop performance decrements in decision time following a failure of the expert system. Level of operator control in interacting with automation is a major factor in moderating this loss of SA. Results indicated that the shift from active to passive processing was most likely responsible for decreased SA under automated conditions.
A Novel Approach to Assessing Eye Irritation Potential Using the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Assay

AbstractThe bovine corneal opacity and permeability assay (BCOP) as originally described by Gautheron is now utilized by several laboratories to assess the eye irritation potential of individual chemicals, chemical blends, and consumer formulations. We have applied the principles established by Gautheron to the equipment and data available in our laboratory to devise a variation of this assay. This variation differs in three ways: how we evaluate corneal opacity, how we apply opacity and permeability measurements to predict irritation potential, and how we evaluate solid materials. For opacity measurement, a UV-VIS spectrophotometer is used to measure light absorbance. This contrasts with Gautheron's use of an opacitometer to measure changes in voltage as an indicator of opacity. Permeability is measured in the same manner but we interpret the results differently by applying them to a table of results relating to degrees of irritation potential. The corneal holding apparatus has also been modified to allo...
The Endeavor of High Maintenance Homeostasis: Resting Metabolic Rate and the Legacy of Longevity

Metabolism, the continuous conversion between structural molecules and energy, is life in essence. Size, metabolic rate, and maximum life span appear to be inextricably interconnected in all biological organisms and almost follow a "universal" law. The notion of metabolic rate as the natural "rate of living" filled most of the academic discussion on aging in the early 20th century to be later replaced by the free-radical theory of aging. We argue that the rate of living theory was discarded too quickly and that studying factors affecting resting metabolic rate during the aging process may provide great insight into the core mechanisms explaining differential longevity between individuals, and possibly the process leading to frailty. We predict that measures of resting metabolic rate will be introduced in geriatric clinical practice to gather information on the degree of multisystem dysregulation, exhaustion of energy reserve, and risk of irreversible frailty.
Anti-inflammatory effects of nedocromil sodium: inhibition of alveolar macrophage function.

Summary The IgE-dependent activation of mononuclear phagocytic cells through their capacity to express low affinity IgE receptors (FceRII) has been proposed as a mechanism for the development of airways inflammation in allergic asthma. This FceRII expression leads to the IgE-dependent production of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Expression by monocytes of FceRII is regulated by several cytokines including interleukin-4, γ- and α-interferons, and granulocyte-macrophage and macrophage colony stimulating factors. An anti-inflammatory effect of nedocromil on monocytes has been proposed as a possible mechanism for its anti-asthma activity. We therefore investigated the capacity of nedocromil to modulate mononuclear phagocyte FceRII expression and cytokine production. We used an anti-FceRII antibody and flow cytometric analysis to assess the capacity of nedocromil to modulate cytokine-induced FceRII expression in normals and asthmatics. Monocytes, THP-1 monocyte leukaemia cells, and alveolar macrophages were exposed to varying concentrations of these cytokines for 48 hr at 37°C with or without the additional presence of nedocromil (1–10 μm) and the per cent of monocytes expressing FceRII was determined. No changes in FceRII expression were observed. Subsequently, we investigated the capacity of nedocromil to affect the capacity of IgE plus anti-IgE complexes, allergen, and LPS (16 hr/37°C) to stimulate IL-1β and IL-6 production. No changes were observed when nedocromil was applied concomitant with the stimulus. However, pre-treatment (30 min) with nedocromil was associated with a 59.5±5.6% inhibition of IL-6 production stimulated by allergen and 34.5±5.1% by anti-IgE. In conclusion, nedocromil does not modulate mononuclear phagocytic cell FceRII expression but does suppress IgE-dependent cytokine production. This may represent an important anti-inflammatory action of nedocromil in the treatment of reactive obstructive airways disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older persons: A comparison of two spirometric definitions.

Summary Background Among older persons, we previously endorsed a two-step spirometric definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that requires a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1sec to forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) below .70, and an FEV 1 below the 5th or 10th standardized residual percentile ("SR-tile strategy"). Objective To evaluate the clinical validity of an SR-tile strategy, compared to a current definition of COPD, as published by the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD-COPD), in older persons. Methods We assessed national data from 2480 persons aged 65–80 years. In separate analyses, we evaluated the association of an SR-tile strategy with mortality and respiratory symptoms, relative to GOLD-COPD. As per convention, GOLD-COPD was defined solely by an FEV 1 /FVC 1 cut-points at 80 and 50 percent predicted (%Pred). Results Among 831 participants with GOLD-COPD, the risk of death was elevated only in 179 (21.5%) of those who also had an FEV 1 1 1 50–79%Pred led to misclassification (overestimation) in terms of 209 (66.4%) and 77 (24.6%) participants, respectively, not having an increased risk of death or likelihood of respiratory symptoms. Conclusion Relative to an SR-tile strategy, the majority of older persons with GOLD-COPD had neither an increased risk of death nor an increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms. These results raise concerns about the clinical validity of GOLD guidelines in older persons.
Gradient Boosting Learning of Hidden Markov Models

In this paper, we present a new training algorithm, gradient boosting learning, for Gaussian mixture density (GMD) based acoustic models. This algorithm is based on a function approximation scheme from the perspective of optimization in function space rather than parameter space, i.e., stage-wise additive expansions of GMDs are used to search for optimal models instead of gradient descent optimization of model parameters. In the proposed approach, GMD starts from a single Gaussian and is built up by sequentially adding new components. Each new component is globally selected to produce optimal gain in the objective function. MLE and MMI are unified under the H-criterion, which is optimized by the extended BW (EBW) algorithm. A partial extended EM algorithm is developed for stage-wise optimization of new components. Experimental results on WSJ task demonstrate that the new algorithm leads to improved model quality and recognition performance.
Mass Rearing of the Oriental Fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Oriental fruit moth, Ctapholita molesta (Busck), was reared on modifications of a previously developed small lima bean diet Initial experiments showed that different types of beans substituted for lima beans produced similar yields of oriental fruit moth pupae Fresh, thinning apples provided the best diet for high yields and high pupal weights, but apple quality degeneiates with time, producing poorer quality pupae Modifications of the bean diet resulted in quality production of >1,000 pupae per 4-liter jar, allowing year-long maintenance of the colony that could not be accomplished on apples alone Tolerance of oriental fruit moth to methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sorbic acid, and benomyl (Benlate) pre- servatives in the diet was determined
Fluorescence spectrometer-on-a-fluidic-chip

A chip-size spectrometer is realized by combining a linear variable band-pass filter with a CMOS camera. The filter converts the spectral information of the incident light into a spatially dependent signal that is analyzed by the camera. A fluidic platform is integrated onto the spectrometer for analyzing the fluorescence from moving objects. The target is continuously excited within an anti-resonant waveguide, and its fluorescence spectrum is recorded as the object traverses the detection area.
Routine Fluororoentgen Chest Examinations of Hospital Admissions: From the Viewpoint of the Radiologist

The routine chest screening of hospital admissions by the fluororoentgen method is practicable in most general hospitals where the x-ray department is directed by a certified roentgenologist. Such procedures yield results of at least equal, if not greater, magnitude than other routine hospital laboratory procedures. Abnormal and pathologic conditions of the chest of clinical importance are discovered in approximately 10 per cent of chests examined in hospital screening programs. About 10 per cent of these pathologic findings are probably due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Although pulmonary tuberculosis represents a relatively small percentage of the clinically important findings such case detection in hospitals is extremely important for several reasons: (1) It minimizes exposure of other hospital patients to tuberculosis by providing reason for segregation or transfer. (2) It permits of early diagnosis and institution of proper therapy. (3) It minimizes exposure of hospital personnel to tuberculosis. (4) It provides valuable data in compensation matters and disputes. Nontuberculous diseases of the chest in hospital surveys are of much greater frequency and probably of equal importance. Cardiac abnormalities, mediastinal tumors or widening, enlarged hilar nodes, metastatic lesions, etc., account for approximately 90 per cent of the pathologic conditions uncovered by this method. Admission chest fluororoentgenograms provide at least one more advantage. The availability of so-called “control” films of the chest is of great value in those instances where chest complications develop during the hospital stay or even at a later date after discharge from the hospital. Comparison of the “control” films with subsequent roentgen studies affords criteria which often permit of unequivocal diagnostic statements. With such comparative roentgen studies of the chest diagnostic uncertainty is often reduced to a minimum. The viewpoint of the roentgenologists as regards chest surveys or screening is no different from the viewpoint of the medical profession in general; that is, to provide feasible, well planned and supervised programs. Such planning is mandatory if the procedure is not to be discredited and the reputation of the medical profession is to be sustained. It is imperative that the medical profession undertake and supervise such programs if leadership in public health matters is to be regained and retained.
Reliability-Based Design With the Mixture of Random and Interval Variables

In Reliability-Based Design (RBD), uncertainties usually imply for randomness. Nondeterministic variables are assumed to follow certain probability distributions. However, in real engineering applications, some of distributions may not be precisely known or uncertainties associated with some uncertain variables are not from randomness. These nondeterministic variables are only known within intervals. In this paper, a method of RBD with the mixture of random variables with distributions and uncertain variables with intervals is proposed. The reliability is considered under the condition of the worst combination of interval variables. In comparison with traditional RBD, the computational demand of RBD with the mixture of random and interval variables increases dramatically. To alleviate the computational burden, a sequential single-loop procedure is developed to replace the computationally expensive double-loop procedure when the worst case scenario is applied directly. With the proposed method, the RBD is conducted within a series of cycles of deterministic optimization and reliability analysis. The optimization model in each cycle is built based on the Most Probable Point (MPP) and the worst case combination obtained in the reliability analysis in previous cycle. Since the optimization is decoupled from the reliability analysis, the computational amount for MPP search is decreased to the minimum extent. The proposed method is demonstrated with a structural design example.Copyright © 2003 by ASME