cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of water channel- and noncoding RNA biogenesis-related genes in three lines of chickens under a short-term water restriction.

ABSTRACT Genetic selection for high growth rate has resulted in tremendous changes not only in feed efficiency, but also in water consumption between modern broilers and their ancestor jungle fowl (JF). However molecular mechanisms involved in water homeostasis are still not well defined. This study aimed, therefore, to determine the effect of short-term water restriction on the expression of water channel- and noncoding RNA biogenesis-related genes in the kidney and whole blood of JF, broiler population from the 1990s (RB1995), and modern broiler population developed in 2015 (ARB2015). Body weight-matched birds from each population were subjected to water restriction (WR) for 3 h or had ad libitum access to water in a 3 × 2 factorial design. The expression of target genes was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. WR significantly reduced body weight in RB1995, but not in JF or ARB2015. In the kidney, WR up-regulated the expression of AQP2 in all chicken populations, AQP3 in the RB1995, and ATP1B1 in JF and ARB2015. However, it down-regulated the expression of AQP4 in ARB2015 but had no effect on AVP expression. The expression of RNase III family enzymes also was altered by WR in a population-dependent manner, with DICER1 being down-regulated in JF and RB1995, Drosha was decreased in RB1995, and ARG2 was up-regulated in ARB2015. The expression of DGCR8 and TRBP1 was not affected by WR in any population; however, DGCR8 mRNA levels were significantly lower in RB1995 and ARB2015 compared to JF under both conditions. TRBP1 gene expression was significantly lower in RB1995 and ARB2015 compared to JF under WR conditions. In the blood, the expression of these genes also was altered by WR, but with different patterns than the kidney. The mRNA abundances of AQP, AVP, DICER1, DGCR8, AGO2, and TRBP1 were significantly decreased by WR in RB1995. However, the expression of AQP2, AVP, DGCR8, and TRBP1 was increased in WR-ARB2015 compared to the control. In the JF, there was no difference in the expression of these genes except for a significant up-regulation of TRBP1 in WR compared to the control group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that water channels and the RNase III enzymes are differentially regulated by WR in a population-dependent manner, which may be due to differential postnatal growth and maturation. Their expression in the circulation could open new vistas for identification of new molecular signatures involved in adaptation to water-deprivation stress.
Identity-specific motivation: How distinct identities direct self-regulation across distinct situations.

Research on self-regulation has traditionally emphasized that people’s thoughts and actions are guided by either (a) domain-general motivations that emerge from a cumulative history of life experiences, or (b) situation-specific motivations that emerge in immediate response to the incentives present in a particular context. However, more recent studies have illustrated the importance of understanding the interplay between such domain-general and situation-specific motivations across the types of contexts people regularly encounter. The present research, therefore, expands existing perspectives on self-regulation by investigating how people’s identities—the internalized roles, relationships, and social group memberships that define who they are—systemically guide when and how different domain-general motivations are activated within specific types of situations. Using the motivational framework described by regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997), Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that people indeed have distinct, identity-specific motivations that uniquely influence their current self-regulation when such identities are active. Studies 3–5 then begin to explore how identity-specific motivations are situated within people’s larger self-concept. Studies 3a and 3b demonstrate that the less compatible people’s specific identities, the more distinct are the motivations connected to those identities. Studies 4–5 then provide some initial, suggestive evidence that identity-specific motivations are not a separate, superordinate feature of people’s identities that then alter how they pursue any subordinate, identity-relevant traits, but instead that such motivations emerge from the cumulative motivational significance of the subordinate traits to which the identities themselves become attached. Implications for understanding the role of the self-concept in self-regulation are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century

(2001). Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 76-77.
Clustering with ITL Principles

Learning and adaptation deal with the quantification and exploitation of the input source “structure” as pointed out perhaps for the first time by Watanabe [330]. Although structure is a vague and difficult concept to quantify, structure fills the space with identifiable patterns that may be distinguishable macroscopically by the shape of the probability density function. Therefore, entropy and the concept of dissimilarity naturally form the foundations for unsupervised learning because they are descriptors of PDFs.
Crystal and molecular structure of uranyl acetate dihydrate

Abstract The crystal structure and atomic arrangement of uranyl acetate dihydrate, UO2(CH3COO)2·2H2O, have been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The crystal is orthorhombic, space group Pnam, with Z = 4, a = 9·622, b = 14·833, and c = 6·808 A . The structure was solved by Fourier methods and refined to R = 0·041 for 821 observed reflections. The coordination sphere of the uranium contains seven oxygen atoms approximating a pentagonal bipyramid. One-half of the acetate ions link adjacent bipyramids to form chains, while the remaining acetate ions are chelated to individual uranium atoms. Only one of the water molecules is bonded directly to the uranium.
Retrieval-Based Learning in Children:

Testing oneself with flash cards, using a clicker to respond to a teacher’s questions, and teaching another student are all effective ways to learn information. These learning strategies work, in p...
The Rise of Brazil as an Agricultural Superpower and the Dilemma over the Amazon Rain Forest: A Treadmill of Production View

Guided by treadmill of production theory, the paper shows how rising world demand for meats has contributed to deforestation in the southern portion of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, specifically in the state of Mato Grosso, through the expansion of both cattle herding and soybean agriculture. These economic activities in Mato Grosso are described as part of a global agricultural treadmill of production. Their expansion in the state has led to deforestation in existing private properties and in public forested lands, large portions of which have been taken over and commodified. In addition to exploring the role of economic relationships on deforestation, the paper describes the ideology that lubricates the treadmill of production in Mato Grosso. It argues that ideology plays a vital role in the ecopolitics of development vs. preservation. Success in markets for agricultural products has led the Brazilian government to aim at transforming the country into an agricultural superpower, a goal in line with nationalist development ideology that can be adverse to preservation. The paper also describes how ideology affects local people's perception of environmentalist organizations and their calls for preservation. Due to their opposition to commodity agriculture, environmentalist organizations have become the target of hostility from nationalist and pro-development groups who see them as being against development, and thus anti Brazil. Passages from field interviews conducted during a visit to Mato Grosso in April 2007 and news accounts are used to illustrate how ideology helps sustain the status quo. Statistical analysis of data on a municipal level for the state of Mato Grosso is used to reveal the effect of cattle herding and soybean agriculture on deforestation.
The Impact of Dual Health Care System Use for Obtaining Prescription Medications on Nonadherence in Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Dual health system use may provide increased access to physicians, medications, and other health care resources but may also increase the complexity and coordination of medication regim...
396. Quantitative Analysis of Non-Viral Gene Therapy in a Three-Dimensional Liver Bioreactor

Successful delivery of DNA is a crucial first step in attaining effective gene therapy. While vectors based upon recombinant viruses have shown high transfection efficiencies, they may also pose health risks to patients and can be difficult to target to specific cell types. Non-viral (NV) vectors look to offer a safer alternative and can be engineered to more effectively treat a specific cell type or pathology, but these vectors are plagued with low transfection levels. Many barriers exist in the successful trafficking of these NV complexes to the nucleus. Current evaluations of NV gene delivery treatments in more clinical settings often focus on a single barrier at a time and may not lead to an overall improvement in gene delivery. Concurrently, more quantitative or systematic in vitro studies may not correlate well with in vivo data.
Child marriage among boys: a global overview of available data

The practice of child marriage has been well-studied among girls, but there has been little information to date about child marriage among boys. This paper presents an analysis of all nationally re...
A Single Pixel Infrared Camera for Atmospheric Extinction Measurements

A single pixel infrared camera is developed utilizing digital micromirror technology. The imager is applied to determination of atmospheric extinction and other meteorological parameters. Experimental evidence demonstrates agreement with forward-scatter based visibility measurements.
Using Carbon Isotope Ratios to Verify Predictions of a Model Simulating the Interaction Between Coastal Plant Communities and Their Effect on Ground Water Salinity

As sea level rises in low-lying coastal islands, salt-tolerant (halophytic) coastal vegetation communities may be able to migrate inland, replacing the freshwater vegetation that is unable to tolerate salt stress. The pace of such shifts may be accelerated by a self-reinforcing feedback between the halophytic vegetation and salinity, as well as by frequent and intensified salinity pulses associated with the increasing impact of storm surges as a consequence of sea-level rise. We used a modification of a previously published spatially explicit individual-based model that simulates impacts on upland freshwater hammock communities from sea-level rise and storm surge to predict the interaction between three coastal communities: mangroves, hammocks, and pinelands. The model simulation predicted two qualitative characteristics regarding the interaction between these three different coastal communities: (1) mangroves and hammock communities tend to have ground water with high salinities, while at the same time pineland ground water salinity is low, and (2) pineland located at lower elevation relative to adjacent hammock will be negatively influenced by higher ground water salinities in hammocks, as it flows toward the lower elevation pineland. We tested these predictions using foliar δ13C of Conocarpus erectus collected from Big Pine Key as a proxy for ground water salinity. Measurements of ground water salinity via this proxy confirmed the two predictions of the model. Our approach provides an approximation of the impacts of sea-level rise on terrestrial vegetation communities, including threatened pineland communities, and can be used as a tool for management decisions.
Uncertainty: History of the Concept

This article explores the various understandings of the concept of uncertainty in the social sciences. First, it examines the idea of uncertainty and related concepts. Then, it explores the use of the concept in economics, psychology, and sociology.
Probability-Weighted Temporal Registration for Improving Robot Motion Planning and Control Learned from Demonstrations

Many existing methods that learn robot motion planning task models or control policies from demonstrations require that the demonstrations be temporally aligned. Temporal registration involves an assignment of individual observations from a demonstration to the ordered steps in some reference model, which facilitates learning features of the motion over time. We introduce probability-weighted temporal registration (PTR), a general form of temporal registration that includes two useful features for motion planning and control policy learning. First, PTR explicitly captures uncertainty in the temporal registration. Second PTR avoids degenerate registrations in which too few observations are aligned to a time step. Our approach is based on the forward-backward algorithm. We show how to apply PTR to two task model learning methods from prior work, one which learns a control policy and another which learns costs for a sampling-based motion planner. We show that incorporating PTR yields higher-quality learned task models that enable faster task executions and higher task success rates.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fragile-X Syndrome: Plugging the Leak May Save the Ship.

Recent work by Licznerski et al. suggests that mutant FMRP linked to Fragile-X syndrome elevates the inner mitochondrial membrane proton leak, leading to increased metabolism and changes in protein synthesis that trigger impaired synaptic maturation and autistic behaviors.
Pelvic Injury Risk Curves for the Military Populations From Lateral Impact.

Introduction Current methods for transporting military troops include nonstandard seating orientations, which may result in novel injuries because of different types/directions of loading impact. The objective of this study is to develop pelvic injury risk curves (IRCs) under lateral impacts from human cadaver tests using survival analysis for application to military populations. Methods Published data from lateral impacts applied to whole-body cadaver specimens were analyzed. Forces were treated as response variables. Demographics and body mass index (BMI) were covariates. Injury risk curves were developed for forces without covariates, for males, females, 83 kg body mass, and 25 kg/m2 BMI. Mean and ± 95% confidence interval IRCs, normalized confidence interval sizes at discrete risk levels, and quality indices were obtained for each metric-covariate combination curve. Results Mean age, stature, total body mass, and BMI were 70.1 ± 8.6 years, 1.67 ± 0.1 m, 67.0 ± 14.4 kg, and 23.9 ± 3.97 kg/m2, respectively. For a total body mass of 83 kg, peak forces at 10%, 25%, and 50% probability levels were 5.7 kN, 7.4 kN, and 9.6 kN, respectively. For males, peak forces at the 10%, 25%, and 50% probability levels were 4.8 kN, 6.4 kN, and 8.4 kN, respectively. For females, peak forces at the 10%, 25%, and 50% probability levels were 3.0 kN, 4.0 kN, and 5.2 kN, respectively. Other data and risk curves are given. Conclusions The IRCs developed in this study can be used as injury criteria for the crashworthiness of future generation military vehicles. The introduction of BMI, sex, and total body mass as covariates quantified their contributions. These IRCs can be used with finite element models to assess and predict injury in impact environments to advance Soldier safety. Manikins specific to relevant military anthropometry may be designed and/or evaluated with the present IRCs to assess and mitigate musculoskeletal injuries associated with this posture and impact direction.
N-terminal pro-B-type-natriuretic peptide as a screening tool for pulmonary hypertension in the paediatric population.

BACKGROUND Although cardiac catheterisation (cath) is the diagnostic test for pulmonary hypertension, it is an invasive procedure. Echocardiography (echo) is commonly used for the non-invasive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension but maybe limited by lack of adequate signals. Therefore, emphasis has been placed on biomarkers as a potential diagnostic tool. No prior paediatric studies have simultaneously compared N-terminal pro-B-type-natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) with cath/echo as a potential diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to determine if NTproBNP was a reliable diagnostic tool for pulmonary hypertension in this population. METHODS Patients were divided into Study (echo evidence/established diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension undergoing cath) and Control (cath for small atrial septal defect/patent ductus arteriosus and endomyocardial biopsy post cardiac transplant) groups. NTproBNP, cath/echo data were obtained. RESULTS Thirty-one patients met inclusion criteria (10 Study, 21 Control). Median NTproBNP was significantly higher in the Study group. Echo parameters including transannular plane systolic excursion z scores, pulmonary artery acceleration time and right ventricular fractional area change were lower in the Study group and correlated negatively with NTproBNP. Receiver operation characteristic curve analysis demonstrated NTproBNP > 389 pg/ml was 87% specific for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension with the addition of pulmonary artery acceleration time improving the specificity. CONCLUSIONS NTproBNP may be a valuable adjunctive diagnostic tool for pulmonary hypertension in the paediatric population. Echo measures of transannular plane systolic excursion z score, pulmonary artery acceleration time and right ventricular fractional area change had negative correlations with NTproBNP. The utility of NTproBNP as a screening tool for pulmonary hypertension requires validation in a population with unknown pulmonary hypertension status.
Why DonAT the Poor Save More? Evidence from Health Savings Experiments

Using data from a field experiment in Kenya, we document that providing individuals with simple informal savings technologies can substantially increase investment in preventative health and reduce vulnerability to health shocks. Simply providing a safe place to keep money was sufficient to increase health savings, through a mental accounting effect. Adding an earmarking feature was only helpful when funds were put towards emergencies; earmarking for preventative health reduced savings on average, because the liquidity cost of tying up money was too great. Providing social pressure and credit through a ROSCA-based savings scheme had very large effects.
Enabling technologies for astrophysics, planetary science, and terrestrial applications

Silicon imagers are ubiquitous in the consumer landscape. With nanoscale engineering, they can become high performance scientific imagers with high sensitivity and extended spectral range response, enabling discoveries and capabilities in space exploration. This allows an opportunity to leverage the enormous investment in these imagers. In this plenary talk, Dr. Shouleh Nikzad will describe how surface engineering enables high performance in detectors, filters, and coating technologies which in turn could enable discoveries in future space missions ranging from CubeSats to flagship. She will also discuss the synergistic way these technologies can be used for terrestrial applications and in particular medical applications.
Effect of caregiver education on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in lung cancer patients.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of caregiver education on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients who have undergone lung resection for cancer. [Subjects] Patients were divided into experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 19) groups. [Methods] The caregivers of the experimental group patients received education on pulmonary rehabilitation, while the control group patients received general management advice for 4 weeks. [Results] Pulmonary muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure) was increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Modified Borg scale scores were decreased significantly in the experimental vs. control group. [Conclusion] Providing caregivers with education pertaining to pulmonary rehabilitation was associated with improved pulmonary function in lung cancer patients following lung resection.
Amino acid analysis

Amino acid analysis of synthetic peptides is a robust and highly reliable analytical technique. For HPLC-purified peptides, absolute recovery accuracies of better than 5% are readily attainable. The presence of scavengers and incompletely cleaved protecting groups can have a significant impact on the quality of data that is obtained from crude samples. It should still be possible to obtain a reasonably accurate estimate of the quantity of the synthetic product, but the recovery of some amino acids can be compromised at times. When amino acid analysis is used in conjunction with mass spectrometry and a quantitative separation technique such as HPLC or CE, it can contribute significantly to the complete characterization of a synthetic peptide preparation.
Applications during Treatment

While the use of configurational analysis enhances teaching and extends theory, it may also have direct application in treatment settings. The therapist, alone or in consultation, may use this method as an aid to formulation and goal setting early in therapy. It also provides a practical method for reviewing the situation and revising intervention tactics during periods of impasse. It can be utilized selectively as a technique when increased insight into patterns such as state cycles might help a patient implement more adaptive controls.
Influence of tourism on attitudes: US students visiting USSR

Abstract The aim of this research was to determine whether the touristic experience of US students visiting the USSR affected their opinions and attitudes towards the Soviet people and their institutions. Both before and after the visit a sample of students travelling to the USSR for the first time was asked to complete a structured questionnaire that measured attitudes towards the Soviet people, their political beliefs, and their institutions. The results, compared with those of a control group, showed that in general the touristic experience did not change the attitudes and opinions of US students towards the USSR and the Soviet people.
Mechanism of Caffeine Enhancement of Mutations Induced by Sublethal Ultraviolet Dosages

Certain chemical compounds increase mutation frequency of Escherichia coli B/r significantly when used in conjunction with nonlethal ultraviolet (UV) dosages. Studies were done to elucidate the mechanism of this enhancing mutational effect. Dark survival curves showed that 500 μg of caffeine per ml in the postirradiation medium markedly decreased survival to 60 ergs/mm2 of UV in strain B/r. Caffeine did not markedly decrease survival to UV in strain B/r WP-2 hcr−. At least 90% of the mutations induced to streptomycin resistance by UV and 85% of those induced by UV with caffeine could be photoreversed. Experiments with thymine analogues suggested that thymine dimerization at the streptomycin locus was the primary premutational photoproduct induced by sublethal UV dosages. Caffeine did not interfere with the photoreversal of induced mutants, indicating that it probably does not bind to the photoreactivating enzyme or to a UV-induced lesion in the DNA. Addition of DNA or irradiated DNA with 500 μg of caffeine per ml resulted in no loss of the caffeine activity. The excision of UV-induced thymine-containing dimers from E. coli B/r T− was investigated in the presence and absence of caffeine. Our results indicated that caffeine prevents excision of thymine dimers, presumably by binding to the excising enzyme. This binding results in an impairment of repair, which produces the increase in mutant numbers.
The Chicago Workshop Model: Normalizing or Fragmenting Scientific Collaboration?

In a recent paper (Sharpening Tools in the Workshop, SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1014015), I argued that the Chicago School’s workshop model created an institutional context within which scientific collaboration among faculty and graduate students flourished. The benefit of the workshop model was the opportunity it provided for a common vision of economic science and of the economist’s task to emerge through the weekly grind of workshop debate. Once the common paradigm was established, the workshop model also provided the framework within which that paradigm was normalized across the scope of disciplinary pursuits. One of the problems with the story told in that paper is that it ignores the fact that the Chicago workshop model also created the possibility for the fragmenting of the common vision of economic science over time. One way to examine the normalizing v. fragmenting tension in the Chicago workshop model is to examine the collaboration patterns among faculty members in the economics department over the postwar period. If collaboration activity become more concentrated within workshop groups, the potential for the fragmentation of the common vision increases. If collaborative activity is broadly spread across workshops, then the likelihood that the common vision is being maintained increases. A social network analysis of the Chicago School from 1960 to 1980 is used to examine the question.
The Role of Alzheimer's and Cerebrovascular Pathology in Mediating the Effects of Age, Race, and Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Dementia Severity in Pathologically-Confirmed Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND Dementia severity can be modeled as the construct δ, representing the "cognitive correlates of functional status." OBJECTIVE We recently validated a model for estimating δ in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set; however, the association of δ with neuropathology remains untested. METHODS We used data from 727 decedents evaluated at Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Centers nationwide. Participants spoke English, had no genetic abnormalities, and were pathologically diagnosed with AD as a primary or contributing etiology. Clinical data from participants' last visit prior to death were used to estimate dementia severity (δ). RESULTS A structural equation model using age, education, race, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype (number of ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles) as predictors and latent AD pathology and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) pathology as mediators fit the data well (RMSEA = 0.031; CFI = 0.957). AD pathology mediated the effects of age and APOE genotype on dementia severity. An older age at death and more ɛ2 alleles were associated with less AD pathology and, in turn, with less severe dementia. In contrast, more ɛ4 alleles were associated with more pathology and more severe dementia. Although age and race contributed to differences in CVD pathology, CVD pathology was not related to dementia severity in this sample of decedents with pathologically-confirmed AD. CONCLUSIONS Using δ as an estimate of dementia severity fits well within a structural model in which AD pathology directly affects dementia severity and mediates the relationship between age and APOE genotype on dementia severity.
Connectivity in the Intra-American Seas and implications for potential larval transport

A major challenge in marine ecology is to describe patterns of larval dispersal and population connectivity, as well as their underlying processes. We re-assessed broad-scale population connectivity with a focus on the 18 coral reef hot spots in the Intra-American Seas described in Roberts (Science 278:1454–1457, 1997), by including seasonal and inter-annual variability in potential larval dispersal. While overall dispersal patterns were in agreement with previous findings, further statistical analyses show that dispersal patterns driven by mean circulation initially described by Roberts (Science 278:1454–1457, 1997) can significantly underestimate particle connectivity envelopes. The results from this study indicate that seasonal and inter-annual variability in circulation are crucial in modulating both dispersal distance and directional anisotropy of virtual larvae over most coral reef sites and that certain larval hotspots are likely more strongly connected than originally thought. Improved larval dispersal transport envelopes can enhance the accuracy of probability estimates which, in turn, may help to explain episodic larval settlement in certain times and places, and guide spatial management such as marine protected areas.
Adelges cooleyi (Homoptera : Phylloxeridae) control on Douglas-fir Christmas trees.

Endosulfan and Baygon® ( o -isopropoxyphenyl methyl-carbamate) high-volume sprays and ultra-low-volume applications of Baygon controlld the Cooley spruce gall aphid, Adelges cooleyi (Gillette), on plantation sand Douglas-fir Christmas trees. One application sufficed for a growing season.
Maintenance and Regulation of mRNA Stability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 Gene Requires Multiple Elements within the Transcript That Act through Translation-independent Mechanisms

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 gene encodes a membrane-bound Δ-9 fatty acid desaturase, whose expression is regulated by unsaturated fatty acids through both transcriptional and mRNA stability controls. In fatty acid-free medium, the mRNA has a half-life of 10 ± 1.5 min (basal stability) that drops to 2 ± 1.5 min when cells are exposed to unsaturated fatty acids (regulated stability). A deletion analysis of elements within the transcript revealed that the sequences within the protein-coding region that encode transmembrane sequences and a part of the cytochrome b 5 domain are essential for the basal stability of the transcript. Deletion of any of the three essential elements produced unstable transcripts and loss of regulated instability. By contrast, substitution of the 3′-untranslated region with that of the stable PGK1 gene did not affect the basal stability of the transcript and did not block regulated decay. Given that Ole1p is a membrane-bound protein whose activities are a major determinant of membrane fluidity, we asked whether membrane-associated translation of the protein was essential for basal and regulated stability. Insertion of stop codons within the transcript that blocked either translation of the entire protein or parts of the protein required for co-translation insertion of Ole1p had no effect. We conclude that the basal and regulated stability of the OLE1 transcript is resistant to the nonsense-mediated decay pathway and that the essential protein-encoding elements for basal stability act cooperatively as stabilizing sequences through RNA-protein interactions via a translation-independent mechanism.
Arbutamine stimulation detects viable myocardium 4 weeks after coronary occlusion.

Abstract At low doses, dobutamine has potent inotropic, but limited chronotropic, effects—properties that may be necessary for detection of hibernating myocardium. The efficacy of other catecholamines, which have more closely coupled inotropic and chronotropic effects, for the detection of viable myocardium is unknown. This study evaluated the efficacy of arbutamine, a catecholamine with potent chrono-tropic effects, for the detection of viable myocardium in a canine model of hibernating myocardium. Contractile reserve was assessed during stepwise arbutamine infusion (dosages of 2.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 ng/kg/min) at 3 days (early) and 4 weeks (late) after coronary ligation. Segment shortening, wall thickening, and segmental wall motion were assessed by sonomicrometry and echocardiography. After 4 weeks of occlusion, functional recovery was assessed after revascularization. During the early arbutamine study, the sensitivity for predicting functional recovery was highest at a dosage of 50 ng/kg/min, which also produced tachycardia. The sensitivity was 50% for segment shortening, 20% for wall thickening, and 75% for wall motion score. The late arbutamine study had improved sensitivity. The sensitivity was 100% for segment shortening, 80% for wall thickening, and 90% for wall motion score at a dosage of 50 ng/kg/min. At the late arbutamine study, myocardial perfusion reserve in the ischemic zone of dogs with functional recovery was only mildly reduced (2.0 versus 2.6 in nonischemic zones, P =.53). After coronary occlusion, viable myocardium can be detected with high doses of arbutamine that produce tachycardia. However, the sensitivity of arbutamine stimulation for predicting functional recovery is low early after occlusion, but it is improved by 4 weeks after occlusion with adequate perfusion reserve. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:138-48.)
The motor program and role of sensory feedback in claw extension of the crayfish

The motor program and role of the meropodite sensory organs (the chordotonal organs MC-1, MC-2 and the myochordotonal organ MCO) in extension of the merocarpodite (M-C) joint of the claw was examined during an antennal-evoked defense response. Recordings from the meropodite extensor muscle indicated that the tonic extensor motoneuron was primarily responsible for M-C joint extension. The phasic extensor motoneuron was co-activated with the tonic motoneuron in only 48% of the responses. Tonic motoneuron discharge was elevated in those responses in which the phasic motoneuron was active. Inactivation of individual meropodite sensory organs did not alter the tonic motoneuron response. Simultaneous inactivation of all 3 organs reduced tonic motoneuron discharge by 47%. Phasic motoneuron discharge was reduced following inactivation of the individual MC-1, MC-2 and MCO organs as well as in the sham operated group. Following inactivation of all 3 organs phasic motoneuron activity ceased. These results suggest that feedback from the M-C sensory organs during an active extension response is positive and redundant.
Second-order intersubband nonlinear-optical susceptibilities of asymmetric quantum-well structures

A theory of second-order nonlinear susceptibility based on intersubband processes in asymmetric quantum-well structures is developed. Large off-resonance nonlinearity is predicted, and its origin is explained. The calculations have shown that the second-harmonic coefficient in the 10-μm range reaches 5 × 10−9 m/V and the Pockels coefficient reaches 2 × 10−8 m/V. The dependence of second-order nonlinear coefficients on band-gap offsets, effective masses, well geometries, and doping concentration is investigated. The intersubband absorption is shown to be the main factor limiting the efficiency of quantum-well-based nonlinear-optical devices. The expressions for the absorption-limited efficiency of second-order nonlinear devices are obtained. The results show that asymmetric quantum-well structures can be efficiently used in many infrared applications.
Under-reporting of contaminated needlestick injuries in emergency health care workers

Study hypothesis: There is considerable under-reporting of contaminated occupational needlestick and other sharp object injuries among emergency health care workers. Population: A convenience sample of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: A survey instrument eliciting demographic and work-related factors was developed and administered; survey items included age, sex, occupation, years in occupation, number of procedures performed per week, number of contaminated needlestick (and other "sharps") injuries recalled, and number of these injuries formally reported during the previous five years. Nonsegmented visual analog scales were used to assess eight attitudes possibly associated with nonreporting. Analysis was by analysis of variance and multiple linear regression with stepwise variable selection. Results: Two hundred fifty-nine subjects recalled 643 contaminated exposures during the five-year study period, but only 228 (35%) were formally reported. One or more injuries occurred in 55% of EMTs compared with 72% of nurses and 80% of physicians ( P P P P P Conclusion: Work-related contaminated sharp object injuries are underreported by emergency health care workers, especially emergency physicians.
Nitrite Uptake Patterns in Wheat Seedlings as Influenced by Nitrate and Ammonium

Nitrite and nitrate uptake by wheat (Triticum vulgare) from 0.5 mM potassium solutions both showed an apparent induction pattern characterized by a slow initial rate followed by an accelerated rate. The accelerated phase was more rapid for nitrate uptake, was initiated earlier, and was seriously restricted by the presence of equimolar nitrite. The accelerated phase of nitrite uptake was restricted by nitrate to a lesser extent. The two anions seem not to be absorbed by identical mechanisms. Ammonium pretreatments or prior growth with ammonium had relatively little influence on the pattern of nitrite uptake. However, prior growth with nitrate eliminated the slow initial phase and induced development of the accelerated phase of nitrite uptake. A beneficial effect was noted after 3 h nitrate pretreatment and full development had occurred by 12 h nitrate pretreatment. Cycloheximide (2 ..mu..g ml/sup -1/) seriously restricted development of the accelerated phase of nitrite uptake, but its effect was not as severe when it was added after the accelerated phase had been induced by prior exposure to nitrite or nitrate. Potassium uptake was greater from KNO/sub 3/ than from KNO/sub 2/ and in both instances it was enhanced during the early stages of the accelerated phasemore » of anion uptake.« less
On a problem of Erdős and Lovász: Random lines in a projective plane

Letn(k) be the least size of an intersecting family ofk-sets with cover numberk, and let ℝ k denote any projective plane of orderk−1. There is a constant A such that ifH is a random set ofm ≥Aklogk lines from ℝ k then Pr(τH<)→0(k→∞). If there exists a ℝ k thenn(k)=O(klogk). These statements were conjectured by P. Erdős and L. Lovasz in 1973.
Functionalization of Organic Semiconductor Crystals via the Diels–Alder Reaction

A surface adlayer is generated on organic single crystals (tetracene and rubrene) using the site specific Diels–Alder reaction and a series of vapor phase dienophiles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms adsorption on the surfaces of tetracene and rubrene and mass spectrometry demonstrates the reaction’s applicability to a range of dienophiles.
SU‐E‐T‐463: Utilizing the TG119 Assessment to Quantify Planning System Improvements

Purpose: To quantify the impact of modifications to an IMRT planning system using the TG1 19 assessment score as an indicator of improvement. Method and Materials: Evaluation of an IMRT system following the TG1 19 protocol was initially performed to establish baseline results. The TG1 19 evaluation set consisted of five IMRT test cases planned and delivered to a 30 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm solid water phantom. Per‐field measurements were collected using a diode array, and composite measurements were collected using film and an ionization chamber. Measurements were compared to calculation to determine TG1 19 confidence limits. The original plans were then modified to include table attenuation, previously omitted by the planning system. Without modifying the incident radiation fields, the plans were recalculated on the modified phantom, which includes a table model. The resultant calculations were compared to the original measurements, and new TG1 19 confidence limits were determined. Results: The baseline TG1 19 assessment resulted in confidence limits of 4.36%, 23.8% and 9.16% for diode array, composite film, and composite ion chamber measurements, respectively. The TG1 19 assessment after plan modification resulted in confidence limits of 4.36%, 19.5%, and 8.54%. The TG1 19 confidence limits were reduced by 4.30% and 0.62% in film and ion chamber, respectively, which is a relative improvement of 18.1% and 6.8%. Conclusions: Using a single set of measurements, modifications to the planning system via the addition of a table model resulted in quantifiable improvement in TG1 19 assessment results. In this system, the addition of a table model improved the agreement between calculation and measurement, as indicated by the TG1 19 confidence limit results. The improvement was only observed in confidence limits from composite comparisons using film and ion chamber, but not observed for per‐field comparisons using a diode array.
A useful tool for evaluating potential mediators

Overall, the guidelines published by NIDR are a useful set of standards that should become a valuable reference tool for those responsible for evaluating and selecting mediators. Each institution that is involved in this process will find the guidelines useful as they develop their own criteria.
Ipsilateral parotid sparing study in head and neck cancer patients who receive radiation therapy: results after 1 year.

Objective . To determine if three-dimensional treatment planning and conformational dose delivery could minimize radiation dose and salivary gland dysfunction to contralateral parotid glands in patients with unilateral head and neck cancers. Study design . Fifteen patients with unilateral head and neck cancers were treated with three-dimensional treatment planning. Unstimulated and stimulated bilateral parotid saliva was collected before radiotherapy, weekly during treatment, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the completion of radiotherapy. Results . Treated parotid glands received an average dose of 4949 cGy, whereas spared glands received only 355 cGy. Unstimulated and stimulated parotid flow rates decreased dramatically in treated glands after the initiation of radiotherapy and were significantly lower at 1 year after radiotherapy compared with baseline. Conversely, parotid flow rates in spared glands underwent mild changes during radiotherapy and were similar at 1 year after radiotherapy compared with baseline. Conclusion . Parotid gland function can be preserved for at least 1 year in patients with unilateral head and neck cancers with three-dimensional treatment planning.
Rotational dynamics of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

We have examined the rotational mobility of SL-EGF, a bifunctional adduct of bis(sulfo-N-succinimidyl)-[15N,2H16]-doxyl-2-spiro-4‘-pimelate and [Lys3,Tyr22]-murine epidermal growth factor, bound to the EGF receptor in A431 membrane vesicles. The linear EPR spectrum indicated that there was essentially no free SL-EGF in the bound complex preparation. To better define the rotational mobility of the SL-EGF bound to the EGF receptor, ST-EPR spectra were obtained at multiple Zeeman field modulation frequencies. Global analysis with a uniaxial rotational diffusion model of the ST-EPR data yielded two minima that have differences in rotational mobility and in orientation of the SL-EGF relative to the membrane normal axis. The rotational mobilities of the two rotational species are consistent with monomers and dimers or somewhat larger oligomers, such as trimers or tetramers, arguing against a role for higher order receptor clustering in receptor activation. Considering the two minima and previous observations th...
Teaching ‘out’ in the university: an investigation into the effects of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender faculty self‐disclosure upon student evaluations of faculty teaching effectiveness in the USA

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) university faculty worry about the effects of self‐disclosure in their professional lives. One concern is that self‐disclosure as LGBT could result in negative evaluations of one’s teaching by students due to student bias against LGBT people. In order to investigate this concern, this study analysed student evaluations of three university faculty (one female bisexual, one lesbian, and one transgender person) in the USA. Student evaluations from course sections where faculty disclosed their lesbian, bisexual or transgender identities were compared with evaluations from sections of the same courses where lesbian, bisexual or transgender identities were not self‐disclosed by the instructor. The findings indicate that instructors’ self‐disclosures had no detrimental affect upon students’ evaluations of instructors’ teaching effectiveness.
Concentrations of total serum IgE, IgA, and IgG in atopic and parasitized dogs

Concentrations of total serum IgE, IgA, and IgG were measured in 36 atopic and 16 parasitized dogs, and compared them with 30 healthy control dogs. IgE was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgA and IgG were measured using radial immunodiffusion assays. Mean total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E concentrations in healthy, atopic and parasitized dogs were 7.1 units (U) ml-1, 5.8 U ml-1 and 14.3 U ml-1, respectively. Mean total serum IgA concentrations in the same groups were 103.3 mg dl-1, 63.2 mg dl-1 and 67.3 mg dl-1, respectively. Mean total serum IgG concentrations were 1066 mg dl-1, 1621 mg dl-1 and 1480 mg dl-1 in the three groups. There was no significant difference in IgE concentrations between these groups of dogs. IgA levels were significantly lower in atopic and parasitized dogs compared with healthy dogs (P < or = 0.05), whereas IgG levels were significantly higher in the atopic and parasitized dogs (P < or = 0.005). These results suggest that measurement of total serum IgE would be of no benefit in the preliminary clinical investigation of a suspected atopic dog. The lower IgA and higher IgG concentrations in both atopic and parasitized dogs suggest that similar regulatory mechanisms governing immunoglobulin synthesis occur in canine allergic and parasitic disease, promoting IgG synthesis but down-regulating IgA production.
The Use of Intra-Tracheal Pulmonary Ventilation (ITPV) and Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV SM ) in Newborn Piglets with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

The Use of Intra-Tracheal Pulmonary Ventilation (ITPV) and Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV SM ) in Newborn Piglets with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Antitrust public choice(s)

Antitrust legislation and enforcement has over the last few decades been increasingly informed by ever more sophisticated analysis while—at the same time—evidence has continued to mount that the results of antitrust remedies fall far short of the promises held out under still prevalent ‘nirvana fallacy’ (Demsetz in Journal of Law and Economics 12(1):1–22, 1969) expectations. I draw upon a recent Supreme Court decision as well as the results of Young and Shughart’s (Public Choice, 2010. doi:10.1007/s11127_009-9531-y) novel approach to the analysis of antitrust enforcement activities to discuss the extent to which public choice theory is vital in solving the puzzle regarding the “unintended” effects of antitrust (public) choices.
Device fabrication on epitaxial Si-Ge alloys

PMOS transistors, p-n junctions and diffused resistors have been fabricated in Si-Ge alloy having a range of Ge content from 0 to 38%. The p-n junctions showed lower forward voltage drops than one would expect from simple band-gap lowering information. A Ge build-up at the surface may be causing this. MOS transistors exhibited low mobilities in the range of 20–50 cm2/V-s. The mobility value was affected by the surface condition and smoother surface areas resulted in the higher values of mobility. Diffused resistors had very high resistor values compared to control samples fabricated on silicon. Contact resistance problems were suspected but not proved to be the cause.
Program for analyzing knots represented by polygonal paths

Knots can occur in real and model biological macromolecules. We describe a program for determining whether or not any knots are present in model structures and for classifying those knots that do occur. The program computes the Alexander polynomial, Δ(t), for any model. This polynomial characterizes the knot in the sense that if two knots have different Alexander polynomials, then the knots are topologically distinct. The Alexander polynomial of the circle, or trivial knot, is Δ(t)≡1. If the computed Alexander polynomial is not identically equal to unity, then the structure is nontrivially knotted, and the program will then determine a lower bound on the minimum number of path crossings. The program is entirely general, and may be used to analyze any closed polygonal path. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 20: 813–818, 1999