cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma and urinary levels of biopterin, neopterin, and related pterins and plasma levels of folate in infantile autism

Tetrahydrobiopterin is essential for brain cells to make monoamine neurotransmitters. It has been reported that the concentrations of tetrahydrobiopterin in plasma and urine are low in certain mental disorders and that oral supplements are beneficial. A group of Japanese investigators have been conducting clinical trials of the effect of administration of tetrahydrobiopterin to autistic children and reported that it is beneficial with no significant side effects. We, therefore, initiated a study to assess plasma and urinary levels of tetrahydrobiopterin in infantile autism to see if they are reduced. Besides tetrahydrobiopterin, we also determined plasma and urinary levels of neopterin and monapterin in these individuals in order to evaluate the status of dihydroneopterin triphosphate, a key biosynthetic precursor of tetrahydrobiopterin. Sixteen autistic children and 12 healthy controls were included in this study. Results indicated that the plasma and urinary levels of tetrahydrobiopterin are not statistically different between the two groups and, therefore, no simple explanation for the beneficial effects of administration of tetrahydrobiopterin on autistic children can be offered at the present time. In contrast, plasma and urinary levels of neopterin were depressed (.01<p<.05) and plasma monapterin was also significantly depressed (p<.01) in autistic subjects compared with controls. Levels of other pterins, including folate, were not statistically different between the two groups. The basis for this depression in neopterin and monapterin is unknown. It does not seem likely that this depression could be attributed to a difference in age or T-lymphocyte/macrophage activity. However, further studies are needed to investigate these possibilities.
UCSD center for wireless communications "sun, fun and Ph.D.s, too"

Founded in 1995 by the University of California, San Diego and Industrial Participants, the Center for Wireless Communications collaborates to identify emerging opportunities, pursue basic research, and transfer relevant technology for subsequent commercialization.
Energy efficient adaptive clustering of on-chip power delivery systems ☆

Abstract Efficient on-chip power delivery is a significant design challenge in heterogeneous real time systems with multiple power domains. The power efficiency of the overall heterogeneous power delivery system has recently been shown to be a strong function of the clustering of the power supplies – the specific configuration in which the power converters and regulators are co-designed. A recursive clustering algorithm with polynomial computational complexity is proposed for a dynamically controllable power distribution system. The algorithm is evaluated on IBM power grid benchmark circuits, yielding up to a 21% increase in power efficiency, and orders of magnitude speedup in runtime.
InP:Fe picosecond photoconductors

We have measured the impulse response of InP:Fe photoconductors to mode-locked dye laser. excitation. Bias, excitation, and Fe concentration dependence of the impulse response are reported. Linearity of response over two decades in both bias and excitation and independence of transient-response pulse width to both bias and excitation are demonstrated. Correlation is observed between Fe concentration and transient response pulse width. Finally, optical electronic autocorrelation of impulse response consistent with the sampling oscilloscope measurements is reported.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Virtual Work, Linear Programming and Plastic Limit Analysis

The open problem (since 1951) of the possibility of representing the static and kinematic plastic collapse principles for frames as dual linear programming problems is hereby resolved affirmatively. In process, a new relation between compatibility equations and static equilibrium equations is developed. Corollary advantages of the results are indicated.
Orientation‐induced crystallization in isotactic polypropylene melt by shear deformation

Development of orientation-induced precursor structures (nuclei) prior to crystallization in isotactic polypropylene melt under shear flow was studied by in-situ synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheo-optical techniques. SAXS patterns at 165 °C immediately after shear (rate = 60 s -1 , t s = 5 s) showed emergence of equatorial streaks due to oriented structures (microfibrils or shish) parallel to the flow direction and of meridional maxima due to growth of the oriented layer-like structures (kebabs) perpendicular to the flow. SAXS patterns at later times (t = 60 min after shear) indicated that the induced oriented structures were stable above the nominal melting point of iPP. DSC thermograms of sheared iPP samples confirmed the presence of two populations of crystalline fractions; one at 164 °C (corresponding to the normal melting point) and the other at 179 °C (corresponding to melting of oriented crystalline structures). Time-resolved optical micrography of sheared iPP melt (rate = 10 s -1 , t s = 60 s, T = 148 °C) provided further information on orientation-induced morphology at the microscopic scale. The optical micrographs showed growth of highly elongated micron size fibril structures (threads) immediately after shear and additional spherulities nucleated on the fibrils at the later stages. Results from SAXS and rheo-optical studies suggest that a stable scaffold (network) of nuclei, consisting of shear-induced microfibrillar structures along the flow direction superimposed by layered structures perpendicular to the flow direction, form in polymer melt prior to the occurance of primary crystallization. The scaffold dictates the final morphological features in polymer.
Publishing a Textbook: Advice from Authors and Publishers

A manual for new authors of texts and a timely reminder to all users that book publishing requires monitoring.
Generation of tunable picosecond pulses in the vibrational infrared by stimulated electronic Raman scattering of rhodamine-dye-laser pulses from the 6s–5d cesium transition

The first reported use of a rhodamine-dye laser to generate tunable high-power picosecond pulses in the vibrational infrared is described. By using stimulated electronic Raman scattering from the 6s–5d transition in a superheated cesium vapor, we have shifted 1-psec pulses from an amplified rhodamine-dye laser (568–590 nm) to 3040–2320 cm−1 (3.3–4.3 μm). Somewhat longer pulses have been shifted to 1950 cm−1 (5.1 μm). Peak infrared energies of 11 μJ representing a quantum efficiency of 4.6%, were obtained at a 10-Hz repetition rate. Tuning to longer wavelengths with short pulses is limited by nonlinear processes but should be possible by further reductions of cesium dimer effects.
Growth potential of the transplanted lung in the infant primate

Success in neonatal lung transplantation depends on the growth of the transplanted lung. To study the effects of transplantation and denervation on primate lung growth without rejection or immunosuppression, an autotransplant model was chosen. Eight-week-old baboons underwent left lung autotransplantation (n = 5) or sham operation (n = 1). At age 13 weeks and 9 months, single lung volumes were calculated by nitrogen washout and computed tomography. Results were compared with those of 4 unoperated weight-matched controls (2 per age group). Over the growth period, mean total lung capacity in operated baboons increased 82% (137 to 249 mL) by nitrogen washout and 70% (182 to 309 mL) by computed tomography compared with 85% (128 to 237 mL) and 74% (141 to 245 mL) for the sham-operated baboon, respectively. Transplanted left lung volume increased 91% (53 to 101 mL) by nitrogen washout and 75% (68 to 119 mL) by computed tomography compared with 85% (54 to 100 mL) and 80% (56 to 101 mL) for the sham-operated baboon, respectively. In the absence of rejection and immunosuppression, normal volume growth occurs in the transplanted infant primate lung.
The effect of three different oral doses of verapamil on the disposition of theophylline.

Results of previous studies suggest that the theophylline-verapamil drug interaction may be dependent on verapamil dose. Therefore, in a randomized four-way cross over study, 12 healthy males received theophylline, as a single intravenous dose of aminophylline, alone (phase I) and after a four day regimen of oral verapamil 40 mg (phase II), 80 mg (phase III), and 120 mg (phase IV) every 8 h. Serial blood samples were collected over a 24 hour period for determination of serum theophylline concentration and subsequent pharmacokinetic analysis.
Gelling Characteristics of Pectin From Sunflower Head Residues

Gelling properties of sunflower head pectin were studied using two instrumental methods: the standard sag method and the Instron textural profile method. For the Instron method, the jellies were formulated with 0-60% sugar content with various amounts of calcium chloride (30 to 90 mg/g pectin) at pHs 5.4 and 6.0. Sunflower pectin had a gel power of 110 compared to 100 for a citrus low-methoxyl pectin and 120 for an amidated low-methoxyl pectin. Sunflower pectin formed jellies under all experimental conditions. Sunflower pectin has a high potential for producing low-caloric foods, particularly when a near-neutral taste is required.
Collecting health-related data on the smart phone: mental models, cost of collection, and perceived benefit of feedback

We describe a mobile health application that collects data relevant to the treatment of insomnia and other sleep-related problems. The application is based on the principles from neuroergonomics, which emphasizes assessment of the brain's alertness system in everyday, naturalistic environments, and ubiquitous computing. Application benefits include the ability to incorporate both embedded data collection and retrospective manual data input--thus providing the user with a rewarding data access process. The retrospective data input feature was evaluated by comparing an older version of the retrospective editing interface with a newly developed one. The time course of user interactions was precisely measured by exporting time stamps of user interactions using the Google App Engine. We also developed models that closely fit the time course of user interactions using the Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules (GOMS) modeling method. The user data and GOMS models demonstrated that the retrospective sleep tracking feature of the new interface was faster to use but that the retrospective habit tracking feature was slower. Survey results indicated that participants enjoyed using the newly developed interface more than the old interface for the assessment of both sleep and habits. These findings indicate that a mobile application should be designed not only to reduce the amount of time it takes a user to input data, but also to conform to the user's mental models of its behavior.
THE QUENCHING OF CARBON-14 AND TRITIUM BY ORGANIC SOLVENTS IN TWO COMMON LIQUID SCINTILLATION SOLUTIONS.

Abstract The quenching effects exerted on two liquid scintillation solutions, toluene-PRO-dimethyl POPOP and Bray's solution, by various organic solvents (H3PO4-p-dioxane, 1:99 methanol, ethanol, hyamine, acetic acis, phyridine, acetic anhydride , acetic anhydride-pyridine 1:1, and chloroform) have been studied. In the toluene system, it was found that the C14/H3 counting efficiency for 0–5 ml of each of these solvents was approximately constant. The ratios calculated for methanol, ethanol, hyamine and H3PO4-p-dioxane were closely similar and averaged 1.74, while the ratios for acetic acid, acetic anhydride, pyridine, acetic anhydride-pyridine (1:1) fell into a second group and averaged 2.23. One halogenated hydrocarbon, chloroform, was found to have a higher quenching ratio, 2.78. Calculations using representative solvents from each of these groups of quenchers (ethanol and acetic acid) demonstrated the potential utility of this factor in predicting counting efficiencies (in the toluene system) for one isotope (H3) when that of another (C14) is known. Quenching curves for C14 and H3 with Bray's solution also are described.
Antitumour effects of genetically engineered Salmonella in combination with radiation

The antitumour efficacy of lipid A mutant Salmonella was evaluated alone and in combination with X-rays in mice bearing B16F10 or Cloudman S91 melanomas. Each treatment alone slowed tumour growth and prolonged survival, and the combined treatments produced supra-additive antitumour effects. That is, in dose-response studies with single doses of Salmonella and increasing doses of radiation, the two agents together caused suppression of tumour growth that was greater than that calculated for additivity. The results suggest that the combination of these genetically engineered Salmonella with radiotherapy could be a new and beneficial treatment for solid tumours.
Synthesis and characterization of a reactive binuclear co(III) complex. Cooperative promotion of phosphodiester hydrolysis

Abstract A binuclear Co(III) complex has been prepared that shows greater reactivity towards bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate than two equivalents of the parent mononuclear Co(III) complex.
MECONIUM COMPOSITION AS AN INDEX OF MINERAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS: EFFECT OF PREMATURITY. 1849

There is only scant information on the accretion of minerals by the fetus. Meconium could provide an index of essential mineral balance during the latter part of gestation. We hypothesized that the concentration of mineral elements in the meconium of the newborn varies with gestational age and/or birthweight. Appropriate for gestational age infants without major congenital anomalies were divided in four gestational age groups: [A] 24-28 wks. (n=3); [B] 29-33(n=5); [C] 34-37 (n=9); [D] 38-42 (n=9), and in four weight groups: 2500 g (n=8). Meconium was collected until the appearance of transitional stools. The material was lyophylized, digested with nitric acid and assayed for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron and manganese. The concentration, adjusted for birthweight, of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and phosphorus (P) in the meconium of group [A] was higher than in group [D] infants (means ± SEM): Ca: [A] 2990 ± 518 vs. [D] 1404 ± 375 ppm/kg b.w., P<0.01; Zn: [A] 339 ± 65 vs. [D] 149 ± 24, P<0.01; Cu:[AI] 81 ± 19 vs. [D] 53 ± 6, P<0.01; P: [A] 163 ± 46 vs. [D] 81 ± 17, P<0.01. No significant difference was observed in the concentration of magnesium, iron and manganese as a function of gestational age. The concentration in the meconium of all the minerals tested had no correlation with birthweight. The data suggest that the rate of mineral accretion by the fetus during the third trimester may be gauged by the concentration of specific elements in meconium. It is possible that minerals which appear in the lowest concentration in the meconium may do so because of a greater fetal accumulation and/or less excretion at that stage of gestation. Elements which exhibit little variation in meconium concentration with gestational age may reflect better retention and/or a steadier rate of utilization by the fetus during the latter part of gestation (Funded in part by a Wyeth Neonatology Research Grant).
Learning from the Web: The Web has taught us many lessons about distributed computing, but some of the most important ones have yet to fully take hold.

In the past decade we have seen a revolution in computing that transcends anything seen to date in terms of scope and reach, but also in terms of how we think about what makes up “good” and “bad” computing.
National chimpanzee breeding program: Primate research institute.

The Primate Research Institute (PRI) dedicated a colony of 81 proven breeders (60 females, 21 males) to the National Chimpanzee Breeding and Research Program (NCBRP). When possible, infants were left with their mothers for a minimum of 18 months. Programs to define and reduce fetal wastage and neonatal mortality were implemented. Pregnancies were diagnosed both by RIA for serum chorionic gonadotropin and by ultrasound prior to day 30 of pregnancy. Of 65 pregnancies detected by ultrasound and RIA, 15 (23%) resulted in fetal loss. Without the use of ultrasound and RIA, only 8 of these losses would have been detected. Infant mortality (7 of 53 live births; 13%) was primarily due to maternal abuse or problems related to premature delivery. The incidence of losses due to maternal abuse has been reduced by placing females in single cages 2 weeks prior to their estimated delivery date so endangered infants can be recognized and removed. The new system provided the first opportunity for most of the mothers to care for their infants; 25 succeeded (in 2 instances in the second pregnancy only) and 12 did not (infants from 2 mothers were removed due to delivery of twins). During this 26-month period the colony grew by 46 infants (58%), half of which will be retained as future breeders. Thus, the NCBRP goal of achieving a self-sustaining population appears viable.
The distribution of lamellar lengths within a spherulite

One of the problems to be considered in the application of the Halpin-Kardos theory to crystalline polymers is the relation of the crystal length to the only related and measurable parameter, spherulite size. The number average crystal length has been computed for various two and three dimensional models for the crystallization process assuming heterogeneous nucleation. It was found that high values of crystallinity are consistent only with lamellae that are stacked in a parallel fashion. For these systems the number average lamellar length is 0.55 of the spherulite radius. Lower crystallinity polymers have an average lamellar length 0.3 to 0.5 of the spherulite radius, the actual value being determined by the radius. For spherulites of radius 1μm or greater, the size of the primary nucleus has no noticeable influence on the average lamellar length.
"Molecular chameleons". Design and synthesis of C-4-substituted imidazole fleximers.

The synthesis of two flexible nucleosides is presented. The “fleximers” feature the purine ring system split into its imidazole and pyrimidine components. This modification serves to introduce flexibility to the nucleoside while still retaining the elements essential for molecular recognition. As a result, these structurally innovative nucleosides can more readily adapt to capricious binding sites and, as such, should find use for investigating enzyme−coenzyme as well as nucleic acid−protein interactions.
Chemical-ionization mass spectrometry of lincomycin and clindamycin☆

Abstract The chemical-ionization (ci) mass spectra of the carbohydrate antibiotic lincomycin (1), its 7(S)-chloro analog clindamycin (2), and its N-deacylated derivative methyl 1-thiolincosaminide (3), produced with isobutane or ammonia as the reagent gas, display in each instance the protonated molecular-ion as the most abundant species. Only a few fragment-ions are observed, and these arise largely from low-energy, nonskeletal cleavage-reactions of the major ion, or through thermal breakdown of the original molecule; characteristic differences in the patterns of charge capture are observed as a function of the reagent gas. The spectra contrast sharply with those obtained by electron-impact (ei) mass spectrometry, wherein extreme fragmentation occurs and few prominent fragments of high mass are observed. The ci-ms technique offers considerable potential as a micro method for determining the purity of antibiotics, for analyzing them in admixture, and for monitoring reactions performed by chemical or biochemical methods to effect structural modification of antibiotics.
Effect of γ-L-glutamyl-L-DOPA on phosphate excretion

Abstract γ- L -glutamyl- L -DOPA (gludopa) is a dopamine prodrug that is relatively specific for the kidney. Because dopamine is phosphaturic, the present study compared the phosphaturic effects of the infusion of equimolar doses of gludopa (n = 8), L -DOPA (n = 8), and γ- L -glutamyl- L -tyrosine (glutyrosine, n = 6). Glutyrosine was used as a control to evaluate the effect of the glutamyl portion of gludopa on phosphate excretion. Sprague-Dawley rats (350 to 400 g) were anesthetized with 5-sec-butyl-ethyl-2-thyobarbituric acid (Inactin; 100 mg/kg, IP ) and underwent thyroparathyroidectomy. Clearances were taken during the infusion of normal saline vehicle, followed by the infusion of gludopa, L -DOPA, or glutyrosine, all infused at the rate of 10 nmol/kg bolus and 0.8 nmol/kg/min ( IV ). To determine the contribution of glutamyl derivative to phosphate excretion, gludopa or L -DOPA was infused in the presence of SCH23390, a DA-1 receptor antagonist. Gludopa infusion significantly increased dopamine excretion (from 1.9 ± 0.2 ng/min to 17.0 ± 3.9 ng/min, Δ15.0 ± 3.9 ng/min, P P L -DOPA infusion significantly increased dopamine excretion (from 1.4 ± 0.4 ng/min to 9.7 ± 1.6 ng/min, Δ8.3 ± 1.5 ng/min, P P P P L -DOPA. We conclude that γ- L -glutamyl- L -DOPA is more phosphaturic than L -DOPA in the rat because of the combined effects of dopamine and the glutamyl moiety. (J Lab Clin Med 2000;135:52-6)
Preparation of IPMCs for use in fuel cells, electrolysis, and hydrogen sensors

In this paper, the authors discuss the chemical process of fabricating IPMCs and their variations suitable for applications of fuel cells, electrolysis, and hydrogen sensors. The underlying principle of fabrication of IPMCs is an initial stage of molecular metallization and subsequent surface plating. Characterization results including TEM photographs and physical properties are provided. It has been found that the molecular metallization process is slow due to the complex phenomena related to an increased mass transfer resistance as platinum precipitate and possibly slow kinetics involved in. TEM photographs confirmed 'the cluster-network model' that is convenient to describe mass transfer phenomena within the IPMC.
The efficacy of acute administration of pamidronate on the conservation of bone mass following severe burn injury in children: a double-blind, randomized, controlled study

Bone loss is a known complication of severe burn injury. It is, in part, due to increased endogenous glucocorticoids that contribute to the reduction in bone formation and osteoblast differentiation, hypercalciuria secondary to hypoparathyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency. In this study we attempted to prevent post-burn bone loss by acute intravenous administration of the bisphosphonate pamidronate. We enrolled 43 children, with burns of > 40% total body surface area, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering the study drug within 10 days of burn injury and again 1 week later. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed prior to drug therapy, at hospital discharge and at 6 months post-burn. Urine specimens were obtained at baseline and discharge for determination of calcium and free deoxypyridinoline. Blood was obtained along with the urine specimens for measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and ionized calcium (Ca) levels. Following doxycycline labeling, intra-operative iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained, and bone histomorphometry was determined. At time of discharge there were no differences in total body bone mineral content (BMC), but lumbar spine BMC was significantly higher in the pamidronate group (P < 0.005). By 6 months post-burn the differences in lumbar spine BMC persisted, but, now, total body BMC was significantly higher in the pamidronate group (P < 0.05). Bone histomorphometry and levels of urine Ca and free deoxypyridinoline failed to show significant increases in bone formation or decreases in bone resorption. Pamidronate did not exacerbate the hypocalcemia in burn patients. In summary, acute intravenous pamidronate administration following burns may help to preserve bone mass, perhaps by inhibiting the glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes.
The application of path generation linkage synthesis to cyclic sports motions

Analytical and computational methods are presented for synthesising four-bar linkage mechanisms for recreating specific point trajectories from cyclic two-dimensional locomotion type sports movements. Specifically, Grashof path generation four-bar linkage mechanisms are synthesised for three precision points using linear analytical methods. The resulting linkages are further refined through computational optimisation and filtering methods to increase the path following accuracy. These linkages were able to follow accurately selected body points of cyclic two-dimensional locomotion movements which is demonstrated for the ankle marker during running motion. These linkage synthesis methods can be applied to the design of athletic training and rehabilitation equipment.
The electrical resistivity of Na below 1 K

Abstract High precision (∼ 0.1 ppm) measurements of the electrical resistivity of high purity Na, prepared in He gas, show strong deviations below 1 K from the simple T 2 behavior expected for electron-electron scattering.
Chinese Curriculum Design and Motivation of Chinese Background Students in Australian Tertiary Education

This study explores the need for a change in the current Chinese curriculum for Chinese-background students at the University of Newcastle (UoN). It examines the motivation behind the learning behaviour of Chinese-background students enrolling in the discipline of Chinese at the UoN as well as Chinese curriculum design at other Australian universities. The data from two sources were collected and analysed, Chinese-background students in the Chinese discipline at the UoN and lecturers in the Chinese discipline at six Australian universities. The findings of this study can be used to assist in the curriculum development for the Chinese program at the UoN.
Mechanism and Hydrophobic Forces Driving Membrane Protein Insertion of Subunit II of Cytochrome bo3 Oxidase

Subunit II (CyoA) of cytochrome bo(3) oxidase, which spans the inner membrane twice in bacteria, has several unusual features in membrane biogenesis. It is synthesized with an amino-terminal cleavable signal peptide. In addition, distinct pathways are used to insert the two ends of the protein. The amino-terminal domain is inserted by the YidC pathway whereas the large carboxyl-terminal domain is translocated by the SecYEG pathway. Insertion of the protein is also proton motive force (pmf)-independent. Here we examined the topogenic sequence requirements and mechanism of insertion of CyoA in bacteria. We find that both the signal peptide and the first membrane-spanning region are required for insertion of the amino-terminal periplasmic loop. The pmf-independence of insertion of the first periplasmic loop is due to the loop's neutral net charge. We observe also that the introduction of negatively charged residues into the periplasmic loop makes insertion pmf dependent, whereas the addition of positively charged residues prevents insertion unless the pmf is abolished. Insertion of the carboxyl-terminal domain in the full-length CyoA occurs by a sequential mechanism even when the CyoA amino and carboxyl-terminal domains are swapped with other domains. However, when a long spacer peptide is added to increase the distance between the amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal domains, insertion no longer occurs by a sequential mechanism.
Critical Behavior of the Four-Dimensional Ising Ferromagnet and the Breakdown of Scaling

Experience obtained from an analysis of the high-temperature series expansion of the spin-spin correlation function of the four-dimensional Ising model shows that the apparent failure of scaling in the three-dimensional Ising model cannot easily be attributed to logarithmic factors modifying the simple power-law singularities at the critical point.
On the computation of complex modes in lossless shielded asymmetric coplanar waveguides

We compute complex modes in lossless shielded asymmetric coplanar waveguides (CPWs) using the spectral domain technique. The slot asymmetry is found to significantly affect the existence of the complex modes. These modes are found to exist at low microwave frequencies even when using materials with a low permittivity. We found that waveguide modes degenerate into complex modes more frequently than CPW (/spl pi/) and slotline (c) modes. When the structures are highly asymmetrical and when the dielectric substrates are thick or have a high permittivity, the degeneration of lower-order c-modes into complex modes is detected. Other forms of mode conversion, where a waveguide mode is converted to a c-mode, are also observed, especially in highly asymmetric structures and when using dielectric materials of a high permittivity or of a large thickness. Numerical convergence of the complex modes' propagation constants is also examined.
Neurobiological research involving human subjects: perspectives from the Office for Protection from Research Risks.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations at 45 CFR 46 require that all human subjects research supported by HHS be reviewed and approved by a local Institutional Review Board (IRB). Investigators may not involve human subjects in research without their informed consent, and additional safeguards are required when subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence. Application of the regulations to neurobiological research is discussed.
The Effects on the Appearance, Texture, and Flavor of Banana Cake Made with all-purpose Flour, Soy Flour and Whole Wheat Flour

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine the effects on the sensory evaluations of banana cake when soy flour, soy milk and whole wheat flour were used in a banana cake recipe. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects on the appearance, tenderness, moisture, and eating quality of banana cake when low fat soy milk is used instead of regular milk; soy flour or whole wheat flour was used instead of or in combination with cake flour. Research have shown that soy products have several substances, such as isoflavins, genistein, saponin, phytoestrogen, and protein kinase inhibitor that protect us from many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancers, osteoporosis and diabetic patients. Banana cakes were made as follows: Sample A) standard banana cake product made with all-purpose flour, Sample B) soy flour was used in place of all-purpose flour, and soy milk was used in place of regular milk, Sample C) same as Sample B but egg white was used instead of whole egg, and Sample D) same as Sample C with 50% whole wheat flour and 50% cake flour used in place of all-purpose flour. Sensory evaluations were conducted by taste panel members who were SFSU students. Results showed that both Sample C and Sample D were rated the best in tenderness, moisture, flavor and overall eating quality and overall satisfaction. Surprisingly, the control product, Sample A, was rated as the least desirable product. Study showed that it is very possible to acquire an extra healthy but also high quality banana cake when soy milk, soy flour or whole wheat are added to a banana cake recipe
Effects of electron beam irradiation on PZT/PLZT thin film capacitors

The effects of electron beam irradiation on the electrical characteristics of Pt-PZT-Pt and Pt-PLZT-Pt (with La concentration of 5% and 10%) thin film capacitors were studied. The top electrode of each capacitor was bombarded by localized energetic electrons with incident energies varying from 5 keV to 25 keV. Large distortions in the hysteresis loops were observed when the incident electrons had enough energy to penetrate the 1000 A Pt top electrode. The damage effects are strongly dependent on the original domain orientation when the film is irradiated, and an applied a.c. field after the irradiation seems to induce some recovery effects. The damage mechanism is explained by a simple model which considers the effect of space charge fields generated by the charge carriers trapped at the domain boundaries.
Can Intravenous Feeding as the Sole Means of Nutrition Support Growth in the Child and Restore Weight Loss in an Adult? An Affirmative Answer

SUMMARY FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Continuous infusion into the superior vena cava of hypertonic nutrient solutions containing large amounts of nitrogen, calories, and vitamins and required amounts of electrolytes can be accomplished safely for long periods of time with meticulous attention to preparation and administration of the solution. With the exclusive use of parenteral hyperalimentation, weight gain, positive nitrogen balance, growth, and development have been regularly achieved. This technique allows adequate metabolic support of patients with severe nutritional debility or prolonged disability of the gastrointestinal tract and adds a valuable tool to the repertoire of the surgeon and investigator. Dudrick SJ, Wilmore DW, Vars HM, Rhoads JE. Ann Surg 169:974–984, 1969.
Superconducting Glass-Ceramics in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O System

Differential thermal analysis, XRD, SEM, and resistivity measurements, have been used to study the recrystallization during various heat treatments of a Bi1.5SrCaCu2O(z) glass obtained by rapid quenching from the melt. Heating at 450 C formed the Bi(2+x)Sr(2-x)-CuO(z) solid solution designated 'R'. Between 765 and 845 C, R reacts slowly with the glass to form the 80 K superconductor Bi2(Sr,Ca)3Cu2O(z), together with CuO. Heating for 7 days at the higher temperature, followed by slow cooling, raised the temperature of zero resistance to 77 K.
Thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity of two types of ATJ-S graphite to 3500° K

Abstract Thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity in the with-grain direction of two types of ATJ-S graphite, from 300°K up to 3500°K are reported. Above 500°K, the thermal conductivity appears to follow a T −1 type function, which is characteristic of Umklapp thermal resistivity processes. The results are analyzed in terms of relative first order contributions of the lattice and electronic components of the thermal conductivity. At high temperatures, our results are at variance with some literature that indicate a ‘strongly’ decreasing thermal conductivity or an essentially ‘temperature independent’ thermal conductivity.
Sulfonamide-induced iritis

Anterior uveitis is a relatively rare adverse drug reaction when the prescription rate of sulfonamides is considered. Current medications should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with uveitis, because discontinuation of the offending agent is mandatory to resolution of the problem. Lack of recognition and failure to discontinue the medication will increase the patient's risk of ocular injury.
Complexity and characterization of polyadenylated RNA in the mouse brain

Abstract The complexity of nuclear RNA, poly(A)hnRNA, poly(A)mRNA, and total poly(A)RNA from mouse brain has been measured by saturation hybridization with nonrepeated DNA. These DNA populations were complementary, respectively, to 21, 13.5, 3.8, and 13.3% of the DNA. From the RNA Cot required to achieve half-sturation, it was estimated that about 2.5–3% of the mass of total nuclear RNA constituted most of the complexity. Similarly, complexity driver molecules constituted 6–7% of the mass of the poly(A)hnRNA. 75–80% of the poly(A)mRNA diversity is contained in an estimated 4–5% of the mass of this mRNA. Poly(A)hnRNA constituted about 20% of the mass of nuclear RNA and was comprised of molecules which sedimented in DMSO-sucrose gradients largely between 16S and 60S. The number average size of poly(A)hnRNA determined by sedimentation, electron microscopy, or poly(A) content was 4200–4800 nucleotides. Poly(A)mRNA constituted about 2% of the total polysomal RNA, and the number average size was 1100–1400 nucleotides. The complexity of whole cell poly(A)RNA, which contains both poly(A)hnRNA and poly(A)mRNA populations, was the same as poly(A)hnRNA. This implies that cytoplasmic polyadenylation does not occur to any apparent qualitative extent and that poly(A)mRNA is a subset of the poly(A)hnRNA population. The complexity of poly(A)hnRNA and poly(A)mRNA in kilobases was 5 × 10 5 and 1.4 × 10 5 , respectively. DNA which hybridized with poly(A)mRNA renatures in the presence of excess total DNA at the same rate as nonrepetitive tracer DNA. Hence saturation values are due to hybridization with nonrepeated DNA and are therefore a direct measure of the sequence complexity of poly(A)mRNA. These results indicate that the nonrepeated sequence complexity of the poly(A)mRNA population is equal to about one fourth that observed for poly(A)hnRNA.
Effect of anesthetics on the interaction between pressor and depressor reflexes in dogs.

AbstractThe interaction between the pressor reflex to aortic nerve (AN) stimulation and the depressor reflex to carotid sinus nerve (CSN) stimulation was studied in the perfused hind limbs of dogs using different anesthetic agents commonly used in physiological studies. With chloralose, pentobarbital, or a combination of urethane and chloralose, stimulation of the depressor reflexes augmented the vasoconstrictor effects of the pressor reflex. Animals anesthetized with urethane alone did not demonstrate this interaction between these reflexes. The results suggest that chloralose and pentobarbital enhance the aortic nerve pressor reflexes rather than suppress the carotid sinus nerve depressor reflexes.
The Twin Rivers Kopje, Zambia: Stratigraphy, Fauna, and Artefact Assemblages from the 1954 and 1956 Excavations

Abstract Earlier Lupemban assemblages from brecciated fissure sediments on Twin Rivers Kopje are of great interest in view of the appreciably greater antiquity recently suggested for the earlier Middle Stone Age. The Twin Rivers assemblages are compared with those from Kalambo Falls, the Congo Basin, and Zimbabwe. The assemblages combine components from both the forested grasslands of Equatoria and the savanna woodlands of east and south-central Africa. Faunal remains suggest that the early Middle Stone Age sequence reflects several episodes of climatic change between >130,000 years bp and bp .
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Mediated Gliomagenesis and Brain Tumor Recruitment

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a growth factor family of ligands and receptors known to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Jak family kinase, Src family kinase, and phospholipase Cgamma signal transduction pathways, some of which have been causally linked to glioma formation. Extensive involvement of PDGF in development and its implication in a variety of pathologic conditions, including gliomagenesis, are mediated not only by autocrine effects but by paracrine effects. Many researchers view brain tumors as clonal entities derived from the cancer stem cell; however, recent documentation of the importance of the tumor microenvironment for glioma initiation and progression as well as the ability of neural stem or progenitor cells to migrate toward the sites of injury or tumor formation reveals additional complexities in brain tumorigenesis. Paracrine effects of PDGF in animal models of gliomagenesis, continued adult neurogenesis capable of increasing in response to brain injury, and the growth factor-rich environment of brain tumors suggest that recruitment may play a role in gliomagenesis. In this view, glioma formation involves recruitment of cells from the adjacent brain and possibly other sites.
Surgery for Gastrinoma

Surgery has been demonstrated to offer potential for cure in patients who have sporadic ZES and improved tumor-related survival in all patients who have ZES with gastrinomas larger than 2.5 cm. Techniques such as preoperative localization with SRS and intraoperative localization with duodenotomy have improved the effectiveness of surgical intervention for ZES. Future directions for investigation should include better defining the role of preoperative EUS and developing new, more sensitive techniques for preoperative localization. More research also is needed to define the appropriate indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy in ZES and to determine whether proximal vagotomy should be performed at the time of surgical exploration.
Excited-state oh main-line masers in au geminorum and NML Cygni

Excited-state OH maser emission has previously been reported in the circumstellar envelopes of only two evolved stars: the Mira star AU Geminorum and the hypergiant NML Cygni. We present Very Large Array (VLA) observations of the 1665, 1667, and excited-state 4750 MHz main-line OH transitions in AU Gem and Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) observations of the excited-state 6030 and 6035 MHz OH main-line transitions in NML Cyg. We detect masers in both main-line transitions in AU Gem but no excited-state emission in either star. We conclude that the excited-state OH emission in AU Gem is either a transient phenomenon (such as for NML Cyg, outlined below) or possibly an artifact in the data and that the excited-state OH emission in NML Cyg was generated by an episode of enhanced shock between the stellar mass loss and an outflow of the Cyg OB2 association. With these single exceptions, it therefore appears that excited-state OH emission indeed should not be predicted nor observable in evolved stars as part of their normal structure or evolution.
EPAS1 Is Required for Spermatogenesis in the Postnatal Mouse Testis

Spermatogenesis, a process involving the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells into mature spermatozoa, takes place throughout masculine life. A complex system in the testis, including endocrine signaling, physical interactions between germ and somatic cells, spermatocyte meiosis, and timely release of spermatozoa, controls this cycle. We demonstrate herein that decreased O2 levels and Epas1 activation are critical components of spermatogenesis. Postnatal Epas1 ablation leads to male infertility, with reduced testis size and weight. While immature spermatogonia and spermatocytes are present in Epas1Delta/Delta testes, spermatid and spermatozoan numbers are dramatically reduced. This is not due to germ cell-intrinsic defects. Rather, EpasDelta/Delta Sertoli cells exhibit decreased ability to form tight junctions, thereby disrupting the blood-testis barrier necessary for proper spermatogenesis. Reduced numbers of tight junction complexes are due to decreased expression of multiple genes encoding tight junction proteins, including TJP1 (ZO1), TJP2 (ZO2), and occludin. Furthermore, Epas1Delta/Delta testes exhibit disrupted basement membranes surrounding the seminiferous tubules, causing the premature release of incompletely differentiated germ cells. We conclude that low O2 levels in the male gonad regulate germ cell homeostasis in this organ via EPAS1.
Picky eating during childhood: a longitudinal study to age 11 years

Picky eating is a common disorder during childhood often causing considerable parental anxiety. This study examined the incidence, point prevalence, persistence and characteristics of picky eating in a prospective study of 120 children and their parents followed from 2 to 11 years. At any given age between 13% and 22% of the children were reported to be picky eaters. Incidence declined over time whereas point prevalence increased indicating that picky eating is often a chronic problem with 40% having a duration of more than 2 years. Those with longer duration differed from those with short duration having more strong likes and dislikes of food and not accepting new foods. Parents of picky eaters were more likely to report that their children consumed a limited variety of foods, required food prepared in specific ways, expressed stronger likes and dislikes for food, and threw tantrums when denied foods. They were also more likely to report struggles over feeding, preparing special meals, and commenting on their child's eating. Hence, picky eating is a prevalent concern of parents and may remain so through childhood. It appears to be a relatively stable trait reflecting an individual eating style. However no significant effects on growth were observed.
Complex I polymorphisms, bigenomic heterogeneity, and family history in Virginians with Parkinson's disease.

The electron transport chain enzyme complex I may play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Association studies considering whether or not complex I-relevant gene polymorphisms contribute to PD risk are discordant. We evaluated four complex I-relevant gene polymorphisms alternatively reported to associate and not associate with PD (tRNAGln T4336C, ND1 T4216C, ND2 G5460A, and the NDUFV2 exon 2 C182T transition). Our study included 111 PD subjects and 106 controls in central Virginia. Individuals with at least one copy of the NDUFV2 182T allele were more likely to report a PD family history than non-carriers, but aside from this no positive associations were found. Indeed, the tRNAGln 4336C variant occurred more frequently in controls. We also observed that individuals in both groups often carried more than one of the assayed polymorphisms, and for the first time show bigenomic polymorphic variation (between nuclear and mtDNA complex I subunit genes) commonly occurs within individuals. In an exploratory sub-analysis, more control than case women had an ND1 4216C, NDUFV2 homozygous 182C compound genotype. Complex I compound genotype variation commonly occurs and may explain why particular complex I gene polymorphisms associate with PD in some populations but not others.
Fatigue crack propagation resistance of virgin and highly crosslinked, thermally treated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Abstract To prolong the life of total joint replacements, highly crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) have been introduced to improve the wear resistance of the articulating surfaces. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ductility and potential loss in fatigue crack propagation (FCP) resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation-induced crosslinking with two different post-irradiation thermal treatments on the FCP resistance of UHMWPE. Two highly crosslinked and one virgin UHMWPE treatment groups (ram-extruded, orthopedic grade, GUR 1050) were examined. For the two highly crosslinked treatment groups, UHMWPE rods were exposed to 100 kGy and then underwent post-irradiation thermal processing either above the melt temperature or below the melt temperature (2 h—150 °C, 110 °C). Compact tension specimens were cyclically loaded to failure and the fatigue crack growth rate, da/dN, vs. cyclic stress intensity factor, ΔK, behavior was determined and compared between groups. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine fracture surface characteristics. Crosslinking was found to decrease the ability of UHMWPE to resist crack inception and propagation under cyclic loading. The findings also suggested that annealing as a post-irradiation treatment may be somewhat less detrimental to FCP resistance of UHMWPE than remelting. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the fracture surfaces demonstrated that the virgin treatment group failed in a more ductile manner than the two highly crosslinked treatment groups.
Performance evaluation of path searching heuristics for multicast QoS routing

Quality of service routing for multicast enables a group member to find and install a branch of the multicast tree that can meet its QoS constraints. The most promising protocols in this area use receiver-oriented path searching heuristics to find feasible routes. In this paper, we examine the performance of the path searching heuristics used by these protocols, to determine which techniques are the most effective. We find that several low-overhead path searching heuristics are effective, and that generic path searching can work as well as targeted, QoS-specific searching.