cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why I was told not to study inhibin and what I did about it.

We entered the inhibin field accidentally. We were trying to account for our failure to inhibit serum FSH in the ovariectomized rat with estradiol plus progesterone. We were also puzzled by what accounted for the secondary FSH surge which follows the preovulatory gonadotropin surges in the rodent. It had been shown by others that once the primary surges occurred, the prolonged rise in serum FSH lasting to estrus was not dependent on further GnRH action. We wondered if the preovulatory LH surge turned off secretion from the ovary of an FSHsuppressing substance simultaneously with causing resumption of meiosis and ovulation (1, 2). These observations suggested that another feedback hormone from the ovary might specifically be responsible for FSH negative feedback. But that sounded like the elusive nonsteroidal substance “inhibin” that scientists working with testicular feedback had been searching for since the early 1920s (3). Because of the failure to purify such a substance after so many years, the field ...
Examining the influence of multidestination service orientation on transit service productivity: a multivariate analysis

Between 1990 and 2000, U.S. transit agencies added service and increased ridership, but the ridership increase failed to keep pace with the service increase. The result was a decline in service effectiveness (or productivity). This marks the continuation of a long-running and often-studied trend. The scholarly literature attributes this phenomenon, at least in part, to transit agency decisions to decentralize their service rather than focus on serving the traditional CBD market. Many scholars argue that a decentralized service orientation is both ineffective and inefficient because it attracts few riders and requires large per-rider subsidies. This research tests whether a non-traditional, decentralized service orientation, called multidestination service, results in reduced service productivity. Contrary to what the literature suggests, we find that MSAs whose transit agencies pursued a multidestination service orientation did not experience lower productivity. These results indicate that policies that have encouraged the growth of decentralized transit services have not necessarily been detrimental to the industry.
Projective techniques at midcentury: a retrospective review of An introduction to projective techniques by Harold H. Anderson and Gladys L. Anderson.

(2001). Projective Techniques at Midcentury: A Retrospective Review of An Introduction to Projective Techniques by Harold H. Anderson and Gladys L. Anderson. Journal of Personality Assessment: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 353-367.
Microporous and Photoluminescent Chalcogenide Zeolite Analogs

Crystalline semiconducting sulfide and selenide zeolite analogs were synthesized that possess four-connected, three-dimensional tetrahedral networks built from tetravalent (M 4+ = Ge 4+ or Sn 4+ , where M = meta) and trivalent (M 3+ = Ga 3+ or In 3+ ) cations. Microporous materials were obtained in all four combinations of M 4+ and M 3+ , and some of them were thermally stable up to at least 380°C. These materials exhibit framework topologies with pore size ranging from 12 to 24 tetrahedral atoms, high surface area, high framework charge density and ion exchange capacity, and tunable electronic and optical properties.
Support of endowed colleges by industry

Our colleges and universities find themselves in the paradoxical situation of financial needs that are rapidly becoming acute at a time when their usefulness has never been greater. An urgent plea is made for larger grants and heavier endowments, especially from business corporations, if our institutions of higher learning are to meet the needs of an exploding population and the technological challenge from the Soviet Union
Methodology for creating defensible three-dimensional visualizations

Commercial-off-the-shelf three-dimensional (3-D) modeling and visualization tools make it relatively easy to produce 3-D renderings of data. It is much more difficult to ensure that 3-D renderings honor the original data points, that they take into account the heterogeneity of the medium in which the data were collected, and that they convey the uncertainty inherent in interpolating between and extrapolating from the original data points. This study offers practical advice by describing three steps necessary to produce defensible 3-D visualizations: defining the problem to be solved, selecting the appropriate software tools, and applying the tools in a systematic manner.
3D face reconstruction from limited images based on differential evolution

3D face modeling has been one of the greatest challenges for researchers in computer graphics for many years. Various methods have been used to model the shape and texture of faces under varying illumination and pose conditions from a single given image. In this paper, we propose a novel method for the 3D face synthesis and reconstruction by using a simple and efficient global optimizer. A 3D-2D matching algorithm which employs the integration of the 3D morphable model (3DMM) and the differential evolution (DE) algorithm is addressed. In 3DMM, the estimation process of fitting shape and texture information into 2D images is considered as the problem of searching for the global minimum in a high dimensional feature space, in which optimization is apt to have local convergence. Unlike the traditional scheme used in 3DMM, DE appears to be robust against stagnation in local minima and sensitiveness to initial values in face reconstruction. Benefitting from DE's successful performance, 3D face models can be created based on a single 2D image with respect to various illuminating and pose contexts. Preliminary results demonstrate that we are able to automatically create a virtual 3D face from a single 2D image with high performance. The validation process shows that there is only an insignificant difference between the input image and the 2D face image projected by the 3D model.
Shape of the Hanle curve in spin-transport structures in the presence of an ac drive

Resistance between two ferromagnetic electrodes coupled to a normal channel depends on their relative magnetizations. The spin-dependent component, $R$, of the resistance changes with magnetic field, $B$, normal to the directions of magnetizations. In the field of spin transport, this change, $R(B)$, originating from the Larmour spin precession, is called the Hanle curve. We demonstrate that the shape of the Hanle curve evolves upon application of an ac drive and study this evolution theoretically as a function of the amplitude, ${B}_{1}$, and frequency, $\ensuremath{\omega}$, of the drive. If the distance between the electrodes, $L$, is smaller than the spin-diffusion length, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}$, the prime effect of a weak circular-polarized drive is the shift of the center of the curve to the value of $B$ for which the Larmour frequency, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}$, is $\ensuremath{\sim}$${B}_{1}^{2}/\ensuremath{\omega}$. Magnetic resonance at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\omega}$ manifests itself in the derivative, $\frac{dR}{dB}$. For large $L\ensuremath{\gg}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}$ the ac drive affects the Hanle curve if the drive amplitude exceeds the spin-relaxation rate, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, i.e., at ${B}_{1}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{s}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}1$. The prime effect of the drive is the elimination of a minimum in $R(B)$. A linearly polarized drive has a fundamentally different effect on the Hanle curve, affecting not its shape but rather its width.
Relaxation in nanometre-size polymers and glass formers: Application of the coupling model to some current problems

Abstract Two recent experiments have shown dramatic changes in molecular dynamics when the size of the glass formers is reduced to the nanometre scale but in opposite directions. The first is a dielectric relaxation study by Anastasiadis et al. of the local segmental α relaxation in 1.5-2.0 nm poly(methyl phenyl siloxane) (PMPS) films confined between parallel solid surfaces of silicate nanocomposites. The α relaxation was observed to be much faster and had a significantly weaker temperature dependence compared to the bulk polymer. The other experiment is a molecular dynamics computer simulation by Scheidler et al. of a binary Lennard-Jones liquid confined either in a cylindrical pore or as a thin film confined between two walls. In the simulation, the walls were made of an amorphous structure similar to that of the confined liquid but the particles in the walls were fixed in position. The mobile particles inside the pore or in the thin film interact with each other and with the wall particles by the same...
Traumatic injury to the superior mesenteric artery.

Abstract Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) injuries are rare and devastating injuries incurring very high mortality rates. It is the purpose of this study to review our experience with these injuries, to analyze Fullen’s classification based on anatomical zone and injury grade for its predictive value, and to correlate the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma–Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS) for abdominal vascular injury with mortality. Methods: Retrospective study was made over a 65-month period of all patients sustaining SMA injuries in an urban level I trauma center. Results: Thirty-five patients, mean age 31, had a mean Revised Trauma Score of 5.86 and a mean Injurity Severity Score of 23. Mechanisms of injury were penetrating 27 (77%) and blunt 8 (23%). Mean admission systolic blood pressure was 85 mm Hg. Mean estimated blood loss was 8,500 mL and mean total fluid replacement 17,000 mL. Operating room findings were retroperitoneal hematoma in 34 (97%) and “black bowel” in 2 (6%). Number of associated injuries was nonvascular, mean 4.2, and vascular, mean 1.5. Surgical management consisted of ligation in 18 (51%), primary repair in 14 (40%), and interposition graft in 2 (6%). Overall mortality was 19 of 35 (54%). Mortality versus Fullen’s zones was zone I, 100%, zone II, 43%, and zones III and IV, 25%. Mortality versus Fullen’s ischemia grade was grade 1, 89%, grade 2, 58%, grade 3, 100%, and grade 4, 19%. Mortality versus AAST-OIS: was grade I, 0%, grade II, 20%, grade III, 0%, grade IV, 59%, and grade V, 88%. Conclusions: SMA injuries are highly lethal. Most deaths are due to exsanguination. A higher number of associated vascular injuries increases mortality. “Black bowel” is an uncommon finding. Both Fullen’s anatomical zones and the AAST-OIS for abdominal vascular injuries correlate with mortality. Fullen’s ischemia grade does not.
Stereospecific cyclopolymerization with group 4 metallocenes

Abstract Homogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts are stereoselective cyclopolymerization catalysts for non-conjugated dienes. Cyclopolymerization of 1,5-hexadiene affords poly(methylene-l,3-cyclopentane) (PMCP), a polymer for which four structures of maximum order are possible. A variety of metallocene catalyst precursors have been investigated; the molecular weight and microstructure of the polymers are sensitive to the structure of the catalyst precursor as well as the reaction conditions. The selectivity for cyclization depends on reaction conditions; decreasing the olefin concentration and increasing the temperature of the reaction favor cyclization. The stereochemistry of cyclopolymers can also be controlled with appropriate choice of catalyst precursor. Diastereoselective cyclopolymerization of 1,5-hexadiene with achiral catalysts yields atactic trans-PMCP and cis-PMCP, depending on the catalyst precursor. Enantioselective cyclopolymerization with optically active catalysts yields optically active poly(...
Colonic Complications of Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. The increased prevalence of neoplasia coupled with the observation that obesity may be associated with a suboptimal bowel preparation may diminish the adequate detection of adenomas for obese who undergo colonoscopy. The colonic complications of obesity are reviewed in this article.
Amrinone pharmacokinetics in neonates and infants.

Amrinone is a bipyridine derivative that exerts systemic pulmonary vasodilatory effects while also being a positive inotrope. Amrinone is used frequently to treat pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, and postoperative heart failure. Because there is a direct relationship between plasma amrinone levels and cardiac index,1 knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of amrinone would be beneficial in patient management. Despite its widespread use in critically ill adults and increasing use in critically ill pediatric patients, little information is available about the dosing and pharmacokinetics of amrinone in pediatric patients.2 Our objective was to determine the pharmacokinetics of amrinone in the critically ill pediatric patient as a guide to drug dosage requirements.
Marine Terrace Deformation, San Diego County, California

Abstract The NW—SE trending southern California coastline between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and San Diego roughly parallels the southern part and off-shore extension of the dominantly right-lateral, strike-slip, Newport—Inglewood fault zone. Emergent marine terraces between Newport Bay and San Diego record general uplift and gentle warping on the northeast side of the fault zone throughout Pleistocene time. Marine terraces on Soledad Mt. and Point Loma record local differential uplift (maximum 0.17 m/ka) during middle to late Pleistocene time on the southwest side of the fault (Rose Canyon fault) near San Diego. The broad Linda Vista Mesa (elev. 70–120 m) in the central part of coastal San Diego County, previously thought to be a single, relatively undeformed marine terrace of Plio—Pleistocene age, is a series of marine terraces and associated beach ridges most likely formed during sea-level highstands throughout Pleistocene time. The elevations of the terraces in this sequence gradually increase northwestward to the vicinity of San Onofre, indicating minor differential uplift along the central and northern San Diego coast during Pleistocene time. The highest, oldest terraces in the sequence are obliterated by erosional dissection to the northwest where uplift is greatest. Broad, closely spaced (vertically) terraces with extensive beach ridges were the dominant Pleistocene coastal landforms in central San Diego County where the coastal slope is less than 1% and uplift is lowest. The beach ridges die out to the northwest as the broad low terraces grade laterally into narrower, higher, and more widely spaced (vertically) terraces on the high bluffs above San Onofre where the coastal slope is 20–30% and uplift is greatest. At San Onofre the terraces slope progressively more steeply toward the ocean with increasing elevation, indicating continuous southwest tilt accompanying uplift from middle to late Pleistocene time. This southwest tilt is also recorded in the asymmetrical valleys of major local streams where strath terraces occur only on the northeast side of NW—SE-trending valley segments. The deformational pattern (progressively greater uplift to the northwest with slight southwest tilt) recorded in the marine and strath terraces of central and northern coastal San Diego County conforms well with the historic pattern derived by others from geodetic data. It is not known how much of the Santa Ana structural block (between the Newport—Inglewood and the Elsinore fault zones) is affected by this deformational pattern.
Incorporation of double-walled microspheres into polymer nerve guides for the sustained delivery of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

The purpose of this study was to develop a biodegradable polymer nerve guide that locally delivers bioactive neurotrophic factors in physiologically relevant concentrations for the period required by transected peripheral nerves to cross from the proximal to distal nerve stump. Delivery of a neurotrophic factor may enhance nerve regeneration and could potentially be used to overcome the current limitations in nerve repair across large defects. Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) is a known promoter of axonal elongation and branching and has shown promising pre-clinical results in analysis of nerve regeneration with nerve guides. In addition, GDNF has been shown to promote Schwann cell proliferation and migration. In this study we have created a double-walled microsphere delivery system for bioactive GDNF with a sustained release profile >50 days in vitro. Microspheres were incorporated within degradable poly(caprolactone) nerve guides in a reproducible distribution. Implantation of nerve guides across a 1.5 cm defect in a rat sciatic nerve gap resulted in an increase in tissue integration in both the proximal and distal segments of the lumen of the nerve guide after 6 weeks. In addition, transverse sections of the distal region of the explanted guides showed the presence of Schwann cells while none were detectable in negative control guides. Migration of Schwann cells to double-walled microspheres indicated that bioactive GDNF was encapsulated and delivered to the internal environment of the nerve guide. Because GDNF increased tissue formation within the nerve guide lumen and also promoted the migration and proliferation of Schwann cells, the nerve guides presented within this study show promise toward the development of an off-the-shelf product alternative that promotes nerve regeneration beyond that capable with currently available nerve guides.
Podemos Estratificar el Riesgo Cardiovascular en la Población Argentina

cArlos g. sAntos-gAllego, JUAn J. BADimOn Correct stratification of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is complex. In primary prevention [defined as the preventive activity performed in people without atherosclerotic evidence (most of the population > 35 years)] this is conceived as a population strategy, consisting in identifying high risk subjects to decrease levels of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) by means of lifestyle or medication changes, as this is a much more efficient approach than focusing on the low risk population. The best tool to establish priorities in primary prevention is the accurate individual CVR estimation using CVR scores or functions. Cardiovascular risk scores are mathematical models based on cohort prospective studies modeling CVR as a function of different nonmodifiable (as age and sex) and modifiable (smoking, hypertension, cholesterol or its fractions and diabetes
Grain size evolution and the rheology of ductile shear zones: from laboratory experiments to postseismic creep

Abstract Geologic, experimental, and geodetic studies indicate that ductile shear zones do not deform in steady state. We present a theoretical model for an elastically loaded ductile shear zone deforming by combined dislocation and diffusion creep, in which grain size is allowed to evolve toward its equilibrium (recrystallized) value. Several grain size evolution laws are considered. Simulations of laboratory experiments show that grain size evolution can lead to changes in the dominant deformation mechanism that are accompanied by transient strain-weakening or strain-strengthening episodes reminiscent of laboratory observations. Ductile shear zones can also produce postseismic creep as observed in geodetic data following large earthquakes. Non-steady-state ductile creep is difficult to differentiate from frictional sliding with velocity-strengthening friction. Hence, ductile creep may play a role in the transition from velocity-weakening to velocity-strengthening friction with increasing temperature.
Chalcogen(IV)−Chalcogen(II) Redox Cycles. 1. Halogenation of Organic Substrates with Dihaloselenium(IV) and -tellurium(IV) Derivatives. Dehalogenation of Vicinal Dibromides with Diaryl Tellurides

Dibromodiarylselenium(IV) species were efficient sources of positive bromine for bromolactonization of 4-pentenoic acid, bromocyclization of 4-penten-1-ol and 2-buten-1-ol, bromination of 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, and bromination of trans-stilbene and cyclohexene. These reactions were much slower than brominations with elemental bromine, and product distributions were brominating-agent dependent. Comparable reactions with the diphenylselenide−iodine complex were kinetically indistinguishable from reactions with elemental iodine. Diiododiaryltellurium(IV) species were efficient sources of positive iodine for iodolactonization of 4-pentenoic acid and for the iodocyclization of 4-penten-1-ol. The rates of iodolactonization decreased with increasing electron donation from substituents on the aryl groups. Dibromodiaryltellurium(IV) derivatives gave trace quantities of bromination products in reactions with olefinic substrates. However, diaryl tellurides gave debromination of erythro-1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenyletha...
Modification of the surface termination of GaAs(001) using photon-activated electron-transfer reactions

Abstract We report the use of a photon-activated electron-transfer chemical reaction to modify the surface termination of the (001) face of single-crystal GaAs. The technique involves the extraction of surface Ga atoms as a result of reaction with bromine. The bromine is produced at the surface by photoinitiated dissociative electron attachment to methyl bromide molecules in a single monolayer physisorbed at ∼80 K. Subsequent to the photoinduced surface reaction, the gallium is removed by annealing to desorb a gallium halide product. We have demonstrated that variation in photon exposure and thermal treatment allows the surface reconstruction to be controllably adjusted from the Ga-rich c(8×2) to the (4×6), (3×1) and As-rich c(2×8) terminations. A comparison of the results obtained with several surface diagnostics, including low energy electron diffraction, temperature programmed desorption and energy-resolved photofragment angular distribution measurements, indicates that the most As-rich surface obtained by our technique is identical in structure to that of a control surface prepared using the standard thermal reaction technique. In principle, the use of this photon-activated reaction, and others like it, allows precise adjustment and patterning of the surface structure based on control of photon or electron exposure, molecular coverage, thermal treatment and lateral patterning of the incident photon or electron beam.
Preparation and dielectric properties of cubic perovskite A(Bx4Nb3x4Ti1−x)O3 (A = Ba or Sr, B = Na or Li)

Cubic perovskite solid solutions A(Bx4Nb3x4Ti1−x)O3 (A = Ba or Sr, B = Na or Li, and x = 0.2–1) were prepared by solid state reaction at 1450°C, starting with oxides or carbonates of the elements. X-ray diffraction lines were indexed on the basis of a cubic unit cell with a lattice parameter near 4A, and with no other detectable phases or superstructure lines arising from ordering of the octahedral ions. Dielectric constants of ceramics sintered at 1450°C for one hour ranged from 38 to 300 at 105 Hz, and were relatively independent of temperature (−80 to 200°C) and frequency (103 to 107 Hz). These dielectric properties make these complex cubic perovskites attractive candidates for high frequency dielectric applications.
EFFECT OF L-THYROXINE ADMINISTRATION ON THE INCIDENCE OF IODINE INDUCED AND SPONTANEOUS LYMPHOCYTIC THYROIDITIS IN THE BB/WOR RAT

Chronic L-thyroxine administration (6ug/100g BW, ip, daily) for 2 or 3 months suppressed serum TSH concentrations and decreased both the incidence of spontaneous lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) and the serum levels of anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies in the diabetes prone BB/Wor rat. This suggests that TSH may play a role in the occurrence of LT in this rat model. In contrast to these observations, L-thyroxine administration did not affect the markedly increased incidence of LT or the elevated serum anti-Tg antibodies in iodine supplemented BB/Wor rats, suggesting that TSH stimulation is not necessary for the development of iodine induced LT in this rat model. Other factors, such as the increased antigenicity of highly iodinated Tg, may be more important.
Intracellular Glucopenia Causes Prolactin Release in Man

Although it has been known for many years that insulin-induced hypoglycemia causes growth hormone (GH) and cortisol secretion in man, its effects on prolactin (PRL) secretion have been variable. Consequently, we investigated the effects of alteration in the effective glucose concentration on PRL secretion and looked for an insulin action which was independent of hypoglycemia. The iv administration of insulin (0.1 U/kg)to 12 healthy subjects increased plasma radioimmunoassayable prolactin from 7.9 ± 0.8 (mean ± SE) to 44.8 ±11.3 ng/ml (568% increase, P < 0.005) at 60 min, while plasma glucose decreased from 94.8 ± 4.1 to 34.8 ± 3.3 mg/dl at 20 min. That this response was due to hypoglycemia per se and not th,e fall in blood glucose was shown by the fact that PRL remained unchanged during the rapid decrease in glucose from elevated levels (278 ± 16.7 mg/dl) induced by a glucose bolus (25 g) and 60–min glucose infusion (40–80 g) prior to the start of the study. The effects of intracellular glucopenia which a...
Wildfire-Migration Dynamics: Lessons from Colorado's Fourmile Canyon Fire.

The number of people living in wildfire-prone wildland–urban interface (WUI) communities is on the rise. However, no prior study has investigated wildfire-induced residential relocation from WUI areas after a major fire event. To provide insight into the association between sociodemographic and sociopsychological characteristics and wildfire-related intention to move, we use data from a survey of WUI residents in Boulder and Larimer counties, Colorado. The data were collected 2 months after the devastating Fourmile Canyon fire destroyed 169 homes and burned more than 6,000 acres of public and private land. Although this study is working with a small migrant sample, logistic regression models demonstrate that survey respondents intending to move in relation to wildfire incidence do not differ sociodemographically from their nonmigrant counterparts. They do, however, show significantly higher levels of risk perception. Investigating destination choices shows a preference for short-distance moves.
Evidence for basic ferryls in cytochromes P450.

Using a combination of Mossbauer spectroscopy and density functional calculations, we have determined that the ferryl forms of P450(BM3) and P450cam are protonated at physiological pH. Density functional calculations were performed on large active-site models of these enzymes to determine the theoretical Mossbauer parameters for the ferryl and protonated ferryl (Fe(IV)OH) species. These calculations revealed a significant enlargement of the quadrupole splitting parameter upon protonation of the ferryl unit. The calculated quadrupole splittings for the protonated and unprotonated ferryl forms of P450(BM3) are DeltaE(Q) = 2.17 mm/s and DeltaE(Q) = 1.05 mm/s, respectively. For P450cam, they are DeltaE(Q) = 1.84 mm/s and DeltaE(Q) = 0.66 mm/s, respectively. The experimentally determined quadrupole splittings (P450(BM3), DeltaE(Q) = 2.16 mm/s; P450cam, DeltaE(Q) = 2.06 mm/s) are in good agreement with the values calculated for the protonated forms of the enzymes. Our results suggest that basic ferryls are a natural consequence of thiolate-ligated hemes.
Pressor systems involved in the maintenance of arterial pressure after lesions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Abstract The current study examined three pressor systems which might support mean arterial pressure (MAP) after lesions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). In two protocols, bilateral electrolytic lesions or sham lesions were placed in the RVLM of rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. In the first protocol, the following drugs were given sequentially after placement of the lesions: captopril (5 mg/kg) and d-pentamethylene methylated tyrosine (30 μg/kg), a vascular arginine-vasopressin antagonist (AVPX). A final procedure consisted of spinal-cord transection. The second protocol was identical to the first except that the order of drug administration was reversed. In the first protocol, RVLM lesions caused a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in MAP from 118 ± 3 mmHg to 103 ± 5 mmHg. After captopril and AVPX, MAP further decreased to 87 ± 5 mmHg and 62 ± 4 mmHg, respectively. The MAP fell to 38 ± 2 mmHg after spinal-cord transection. In the sham-lesion group, MAP rose slightly from 127 ± 6 mmHg to 134 ± 7 mmHg after placement of the sham lesions. A significant reduction in MAP was not seen until after administration of AVPX, which decreased MAP to 103 ± 6 mmHg. Spinal-cord transection substantially lowered MAP to 36 ± 4 mmHg. In the second protocol, RVLM lesions had no effect on MAP. Administration of AVPX had little effect on MAP (before:117 ± 5 mmHg; after:102 ± 7 mmHg). In contrast, sequential administration of captopril substantially decreased MAP to 55 ± 5 mmHg. Spinal cord transection lowered MAP to 33 ± 1 mmHg. A decrease in MAP in the companion sham-lesion group was not seen until after administration of captopril (before:109 ± 8 mmHg; after: 89 ± 11 mmHg). The greatest fall in MAP followed spinal cord transection (to 39 ± 6 mmHg). These results demonstrate normotension after RVLM lesions despite a marked reduction in sympathetic vasomotor activity. They also indicate that, after RVLM lesions, arterial pressure is maintained mainly by activity of the renin-angiotensin system and by AVP secretion.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES STRAINS HARBORING LISTERIA INNOCUA PUTATIVE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATOR GENE LIN0464

The genus Listeria comprises six closely related bacterial species that share considerable morphological, ecological, biochemical and molecular similarities. In this study, through examination of a large collection (n = 84) of Listeria monocytogenes strains, we identified four serovar 4c strains (i.e., RM3894, RM3899, RM3901 and RM3905) that cross-reacted with Listeria innocua putative transcriptional regulator gene lin0464 primers. We then investigated these four unusual strains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers for several L. monocytogenes species-, virulence- and group-specific genes and a newly identified L. innocua-specific transcriptional regulator lin2455 gene. The fact that the four strains were recognized by L. monocytogenes inlA, lmo0733, inlJ, lmo2672 and lmo1134 primers but undetected by L. innocua-specific lin2455 primers suggests their L. monocytogenes species identity, and this was confirmed by their testing positive for the presence of L. monocytogenes specific rRNA. As these strains displayed a reaction pattern with L. monocytogenes-specific primers that is typical of lineage subgroup IIIA serovar 4c strains (ATCC 19116, RM3030 and FSL-F2-458), they are likely of serovar 4c in the lineage subgroup IIIA in spite of their possession of L. innocua putative transcriptional regulator gene lin0464. It is clear from this and other published examples that the close relatedness of the Listeria species even extends to the occasional possession by one species of gene(s) normally regarded as specific to another species. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Given that Listeria species resemble each other closely and often coexist in clinical, food and environmental specimens, it is important to develop a capability to differentiate pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes from nonpathogenic Listeria species, such as Listeria innocua. By employing primers derived from a newly identified L. innocua-specific gene lin2455, along with several L. monocytogenes primers, it is possible to confirm the species and subgroup identity of L. monocytogenes strains (RM3894, RM3899, RM3901 and RM3905) possessing L. innocua putative transcriptional regulator lin0464 gene. From a food safety perspective, the ability to rapidly and precisely determine Listeria food isolates as L. innocua species with polymerase chain reaction targeting lin2455 gene offers a valuable means to verify the nonpathogenic nature of the bacteria present. On the other hand, the benefit of utilizing molecular techniques to distinguish between avirulent serovar 4a and potentially virulent serovar 4c, as well as non4a-non4c (including 7) within lineage III lies in that it will generate additional caution and preparedness among laboratory and hospital personnel in their handling of lineage III isolates that may be potentially pathogenic.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders of Childhood: Description and Clinical Picture, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches

The clinical manifestations and treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders are substantially different for children compared with adults. This article addresses clinical aspects of sleep-related breathing disorders in children, with particular focus on sleep and daytime symptoms, polysomnography, and options for surgical and medical treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea is examined in greatest detail, but upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep-related hypoventilation are also considered.
Variation in adrenocortical stress physiology and condition metrics within a heterogeneous urban environment in the song sparrow Melospiza melodia

In urban habitats, organisms face unique fitness challenges including disturbance from human activity and noise. One physiological mechanism that may be plastically or evolutionarily modified to ameliorate deleterious effects of anthropogenic disturbance is the adrenocortical stress response. Individuals in urban environments may display smaller stress responses, which may prevent pathologies associated with consistent elevation of stress hormones, and may also show differences in baseline corticosterone (CORT, the primary avian stress hormone), due to altered energetic demands or chronic stress. We examined whether stress physiology and condition metrics in male song sparrows Melospiza melodia vary as a function of discrete differences in anthropogenic disturbance level (activity centers and refuges) or with continuous variation in an urbanization score and noise environment. Males breeding in activity centers displayed lower maximal (acute) CORT levels than activity refuge males, and acute CORT also tended to negatively correlate with urbanization score. Baseline CORT did not differ between habitat types, and activity center males also showed no evidence of changes in body mass, hematocrit, or antioxidant capacity. Further, activity center males had higher quality feathers (indicative of higher condition at molt) than activity refuge males. We found no indication that the noise environment altered stress physiology or condition in song sparrows. Overall, results suggest that song sparrows are an urban adapter species, which are not detrimentally affected by unique selective pressures encountered in the urban environment.
Identification of QTLs for Rice Starch RVA Profile Properties in Different Ecological Sites

Two rice varieties with similar apparent amylose content, Nipponbare (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica) and 93-11 (O. sativa supbsp. indica), were used as parents to establish a recombinant inbred line population consisting of 190 lines by single seed descent method. The genetic linkage map contained 202 simple sequence repeat (SSR), cleaved-amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS), and sequence tagged site (STS) markers. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for 8 rice starch RVA profile properties including peak paste viscosity (PKV), hot paste viscosity (HPV), cool paste viscosity (CPV), breakdown viscosity (BDV), setback viscosity (SBV), consistence viscosity (CSV), peak time (PeT), and pasting temperature (PaT) in 3 ecological sites using composite interval mapping method. A total of 57 QTLs were identified, with 1 to 14 for each trait. Thirteen stable QTLs were detected at repeated environments, among which qCPV-3, qCPV-10b, qSBV-10b, qCSV-3b, and qCSV-10b were detected in all environments, and they explained 26.9%, 29.5%, 29.7%, 25.2%, and 28.3% of phenotypic variations, respectively. Sixteen QTLs had pleiotropy with a single QTL controlling 2–6 RVA profile properties. The interval of RM25032-RM1375 on chromosome 10 harbored gene loci controlling PKV, HPV, CPV, SBV, PaT, and CSV.
Marine magnetotellurics for base-of-salt mapping : Gulf of Mexico field test at the Gemini structure

A sea‐floor magnetotelluric (MT) survey was conducted over the Gemini subsalt petroleum prospect in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) to demonstrate that the base of salt can be mapped using marine magnetotelluric (MMT) methods. The high contrast in electrical resistivity between the salt and the surrounding sediments provides an excellent target for MMT. The Gemini salt body, located at 28° 46′ N 88° 36′ W, is a relatively complex shape buried 2–5 km below the sea floor in 1-km-deep water. Its geometry has been previously determined using 3-D seismic prestack depth migration with well log control. In order not to confuse limitations in interpretation technique with limitations in data acquisition, numerical forward and inverse modeling guided the survey design to locate a profile that would be amenable to 2-D inversion, even though the body was clearly 3-D. The seismic imaging of the base of salt along the chosen profile is considered good, thus providing a good control for testing the MT method. In many other ar...
Changes in Electrical Characteristics of ZnO Thin Films Due to Environmental Factors

The impact of light and controlled gas ambient on the electrical characteristics of ZnO:P grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is investigated with temperature-dependent Hall-effect and photo-Hall-effect using above-bandgap light. Exposure to blue/ultraviolet (UV) light results in long-lived persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effects dominated by electron conduction. However, these persistent effects can be largely reversed by exposing the sample to a controlled ambient of dry O2 gas. These O2-induced changes in the electronic properties persist in vacuum up to at least 400 K. Exposure to dry N2 gas following blue/UV light has no effect on the observed PPC characteristics. The implications of these effects on the preparation of p-type ZnO will be discussed.
Solar‐wind krypton and solid/gas fractionation in the Early Solar Nebula

Krypton is the best candidate for determining limits on solid/gas fractionation in the early sun because of the smoothness of the odd-mass abundance curve in its mass region, which permits relatively precise interpolations of its abundance assuming no fractionation. Here we calculate the solar-system Kr abundance from solar-wind noble-gas ratios, determined previously by low-temperature oxidations of lunar ilmenite grains, normalized to Si by spacecraft solar-wind measurements. The estimated ^(83)Kr abundance of 4.1 ± 1.5 per 10^6 Si atoms is within uncertainty of estimates assuming no fractionation, determined from CI-chondrite abundances of surrounding elements. This is significant because it is the first such constraint on solid/gas fractionation, though the large uncertainty only confines it to somewhat less than a factor of two.
Induction Therapy With Thymoglobulin After Heart Transplantation: Impact of Therapy Duration on Lymphocyte Depletion and Recovery, Rejection, and Cytomegalovirus Infection Rates

Background This retrospective single-center study compared lymphocyte depletion in 144 heart transplant recipients using 2 different induction protocols with Thymoglobulin (Genzyme Transplant, Cambridge, MA). Methods Thymoglobulin (1.5 mg/kg) was given to 105 patients for 7 days (Thymo7) and 39 patients for 5 days (Thymo5). Results Patient clinical characteristics were similar except that the Thymo7 group had a higher prevalence of women (33% vs 15%, p = 0.04), gender mismatch (35% vs 19%, p = 0.07), donor African American race (19% vs 2%, p = 0.008), older donor age (35 ± 13 vs 31 ± 12, p = 0.08), and higher pre-transplant creatinine (1.43 ± 0.67 vs 1.25 ± 0.48 mg/dl, p = 0.095). Seventy-five percent of the Thymo7 group reached target (absolute lymphocyte count ≤200) and 42% at 21 days ( p = 0.002). Thymo7 patients had significantly lower rejection rates (≥1B) within the first year (7% vs 22%, p = 0.02). No humoral rejection occurred. At 1 year, freedom from rejection was 93% in the Thymo7 group vs 80% in the Thymo5 group ( p = 0.007), and cytomegalovirus disease (9% and 5%, p = 0.5) and bacterial infection (26% vs 32%, p = 0.5) were similar. One-year actuarial survival was 92% ± 3% in the Thymo7 and 100% in the Thymo5 group ( p = 0.07), and at 3 years, 85 ± 4% and 90 ± 6%, respectively ( p = 0.4). Conclusions Both Thymoglobulin regimens were well tolerated. The 7-day treatment led to more efficient and prolonged lymphocyte depletion and significantly less rejection at 1 year, without an increase in cytomegalovirus infection rate.
Electro-mechanical imaging of the heart using tagged MRI and ECG/MCG arrays

We develop a computational framework for estimating simultaneously mechanical properties (active stress, passive elasticities, and mechanical activation time) and electrical properties (current density and electrical activation time.) First, we present a method for estimating the mechanical properties, active stress and passive elasticity modulus, of the in vivo heart using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tissue-tagging and intra-ventricular pressure measurements. Next, we present an algorithm for estimating the current density of the heart using electrocardiography (ECG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) sensor arrays. Finally, we present an inverse electro-mechanical model based on the excitation-contraction coupling and dynamic analysis which includes inertial forces and moving mesh. The proposed model has significant potential for studying the coupling effects in the whole heart.
Optimization of high-speed metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors

Circular-aperture Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) photodetectors have been fabricated in order to decrease the device capacitance. The frequency-response of the MSM photodetectors has been calculated using a first-order approximation. The design of the circular-aperture detectors and conventional square-aperture detectors has been optimized using this approximation. The largest 3 dB bandwidths are obtained with 33 fingers for the circular detectors and 29 for the square detectors. These numbers do not change regardless of the size of the MSM photodetectors. >
Spectral signatures of point clouds and applications to detection of Alzheimer's Disease through Neuroimaging

We introduce a class of spectral shape signatures constructed from symmetric functions on the eigenfunctions of the Laplacian exponentially weighted by their eigenvalues. Such a construction is motivated by problems that arise in the use of the eigenfunctions for shape comparison, such as indeterminacies in the choice of signs and the particular ordering in which the eigenfunctions are presented. The spectral invariants are applied to the analysis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) data collected by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, in particular, to the problem of determining whether the signatures can aid in early detection of AD through morphology and imaging.
Documenting and understanding everyday activities through the selective archiving of live experiences

The goal of this research is to build upon the work of capturing data in structured and planned settings to develop socially appropriate ways to archive important life experiences during unexpected, unstructured, and sometimes informal situations. This work involves three significant phases: formative studies to understand the data capture needs of particular populations of users in these situations; design and development of a technical architecture for capture and access in these settings coupled with design and development of applications for two specific domain problems; and evaluation of this solution as it pertains to these domain problems.
The contribution of gonadostatin (inhibin-F) to the control of gonadotropin secretion in a simulated estrous cycle in steroid-treated ovariectomized rats.

We have examined the contribution of gonadostatin to the control of gonadotropin secretion throughout the rat estrous cycle. The estrous cycle was simulated in rats ovariectomized on diestrus-1, designated day 1 (D-l) by use of low or high level estradiol and progesterone Silastic implants. The steroid implant regimen simulated the major changes of these hormones in the blood during the course of the estrous cycle. Injections of porcine follicular fluid (pFF) were superimposed on this steroid regimen. Four treatment combinations of steroid and pFF or their controls were tested: 1) steroid implants only, 2) pFF only at a constant dose level, 3) steroid implants and pFF injections at a constant dose level, and 4) steroid implants and pFF injections with reduced levels on simulated proestrus. In group 1 both basal and surge release of LH were similar to those in the intact rat, but both basal and surge release of FSH were significantly elevated above levels observed in the intact rat for the respective perio...
Wireless HD services over optical access systems: Transmission, networking, and demonstration

We propose converged optical-wireless access networks for future wireless HD services delivery over optical fiber and air links. Key technologies including long reach, flexible reconfigurability, and real SD/HD uncompressed video implementation are experimentally demonstrated.
Characterizing sub-wavelength apertures using terahertz spectroscopy

We demonstrate that sharp, well-defined transmission resonances occur with various classes of aperiodic aperture arrays, including quasiperiodic and approximate quasiperiodic structures. The resonance frequencies may be directly obtained from the associated aperture array structure factor.
Integrated capture, transport, and magneto-mechanical resonant sensing of superparamagnetic microbeads using magnetic domain walls

An integrated platform for the capture, transport, and detection of individual superparamagnetic microbeads is described for lab-on-a-chip biomedical applications. Magnetic domain walls in magnetic tracks have previously been shown to be capable of capturing and transporting individual beads through a fluid at high speeds. Here it is shown that the strong magnetostatic interaction between a bead and a domain wall leads to a distinct magneto-mechanical resonance that reflects the susceptibility and hydrodynamic size of the trapped bead. Numerical and analytical modeling is used to quantitatively explain this resonance, and the magneto-mechanical resonant response under sinusoidal drive is experimentally characterized both optically and electrically. The observed bead resonance presents a new mechanism for microbead sensing and metrology. The dual functionality of domain walls as both bead carriers and sensors is a promising platform for the development of lab-on-a-bead technologies.
Vancomycin for Surgical Prophylaxis

The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in a reevaluation of the role of vancomycin for surgical prophylaxis. Two systematic reviews of randomized control studies have concluded that cephalosporins are as effective as vancomycin for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). However, most of these studies were conducted more than 10 years ago and cannot be generalized to the current rates of MRSA. Several time-series analyses have recently evaluated the effectiveness of vancomycin for surgical prophylaxis in institutions with a high prevalence of MRSA. Decision analysis models have also been used to estimate thresholds of MRSA prevalence for which vancomycin would minimize the incidence and cost of SSIs. Combination therapy and the emergence of resistant pathogens following vancomycin prophylaxis are reviewed. Vancomycin is not recommended for routine use in surgical prophylaxis but may be considered as a component of a MRSA prevention bundle for SSIs in selective circumstances.