cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of 17β-Estradiol on Progesterone Secretion by Bovine Theca and Granulosa Cells*

The effects of 17β-estradiol on progesterone secretion by bovine theca interna and granulosa cells were assessed. Granulosa cells and theca interna preparations were isolated from preovulatory follicles obtained from Holstein heifers before the endogenous LH surge. Theca and granulosa cells were cultured separately for 3 days with or without highly purified LH (10 ng/ml) in the presence of one of the following concentrations of estradiol: 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, or 10 μg/ml. During the first day of culture, small amounts of progesterone accumulated in the medium of granulosa and theca cultures; secretion was much greater during the second and third days. All concentrations of estradiol inhibited progesterone secretion by granulosa cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The lowest dose of estradiol (0.001 μg/ml) significantly increased progesterone secretion by theca interna, while higher concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/ml) significantly inhibited progesterone accumulation. When LH was included in the cultur...
Patterns of physical activity in free-living adults in the Southern United States.

Objective: To examine the relationship between the amount and patterns of physical activity (PA), body fatness, and age in a heterogeneous adult population in the free living. Design: Cross-sectional study of the amount of PA over a 1-week period. The amount of body movements during PA (PA counts*103) and time spent on various PA intensity categories were calculated from a triaxial accelerometer and compared with subject characteristics, including body fat from hydrodensitometry. Participants: Adult healthy men (n=48) and women (n=72) were recruited from the Nashville, Tennessee area and their PA was monitored in their free-living environment. Results: The average weekday PA counts (176.5±60.3, P=0.002, r2=0.294), PA counts day-to-day variability (47.3±32.7, P=0.002, r2=0.286), daily maximum PA counts (241.9±89.2, P=0.001, r2=0.327), minute-to-minute variability on weekdays (0.281±0.091, P=0.001, r2=0.362), and the difference between maximum and minimum daily PA counts (130.6±78.3, P=0.008, r2=0.243) were significantly and negatively correlated with body fatness. During awake time, both men and women spent 10–12 h on low intensity (1.0–2.9 metabolic equivalents (METs)) PA, approximately 1 h on moderate (3.0–5.9 MET), and less than 10 min on vigorous (>6.0 MET) PA each day. On weekends, men and women spent more time at rest (1 MET), less time on low-intensity PA, and men spent more time on moderate PA than on weekdays. Conclusions: In adults living in the Southern US the amount of free-living PA was negatively correlated with body fatness. Both men and women spent the majority of active time on low and moderate PA. PA patterns on weekends were different than on weekdays and were related to sex and age, but not to body fatness. Sponsorship: National Institutes of Health, US.
X-Ray-Diffraction Studies of Acoustoelectrically Amplified Phonon Beams

Highly resolved satellite peaks due to acoustoelectrically amplified phonons are observed on the wings of double-crystal x-ray diffraction peaks in InSb single crystals. The frequencies of the observed phonon peaks range between 0.9 and 6.3 GHz, depending on carrier concentration. Second- and third-order satellites are also visible in all profiles, showing the generation of second and third harmonics of the fundamental frequencies of the amplified phonons and, possibly, the existence of multiphonon scattering.
Behavioral theories and the pricing of IPOs’ discretionary current accruals

The main purpose of this paper is to provide additional evidence about the effect of discretionary current accruals on the pricing of IPOs. This paper seeks to discriminate between two alternative explanations for the prior findings: (1) behavioral biases coupled with limited arbitrage; and (2) the sample- and period-specific nature of the results in the prior literature. The IPOs from 1962 to 1998 were used to obtain the following results. First, there was not a negative association observed between discretionary current accruals and subsequent price performance for the 1926–1971 period. Second, analysis reveals that the pattern of cross-sectional evidence is inconsistent with the predictions made by behavioral theories. Third, in the 1972–1998 period, evidence of predictable negative performance attributable to IPO discretionary current accruals is limited to NASDAQ firms. These findings are difficult to reconcile with the explanation of behavioral biases coupled with limited arbitrage.
Gravity turbulence connected with interfaces

The spectral distributions of turbulence, as generated by the gravity waves on the interface between two fluids, are investigated. Both stable and unstable surfaces are considered. An unstable surface refers to the early development of turbulence from the Taylor instability. A stable surface may refer to the sea-surface. A repeated-cascade method is used to close the hierarchy of correlations at their fourth order, and to determine the eddy transport property through a memory chain of eddy relaxations. The production, inertia and dissipation subranges of spectral distributions on an unstable surface with friction are found to follow the laws k ?2 , k ?3 , and k ?3 for the kinetic energy, and k ?3.5 , k ?1 , and k ?5 for the surface elevation. The inertia, eddy dissipation by gravity, and molecular dissipation subranges on a stable surface with friction are found to follow the law k ?3 for the kinetic energy, and the laws k ?1 , k ?5 and k ?5 for the surface elevation, respectively. The effects of surface tension are also investigated. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01634.x
The Frequency and Perceived Effectiveness of Images Used to Build, Maintain, and Regain Confidence

This exploratory study investigated the content of the images athletes use to build, maintain, and regain their confidence. It also investigated their perceptions of the effectiveness of images for these confidence sub-functions. Participants were 142 college student athletes (60% female) from the central north area of the United States or Canada. Participants completed a modified version of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ; Hall, Stevens, & Paivio, 2005). Data were analyzed using a repeated measures design at the subscale level, and using descriptive statistics at the item level. For imagery use, there was a significant main effect for imagery subscales, confidence sub-functions, and a significant interaction between the imagery subscales and confidence sub-functions (p < .05). For imagery effectiveness, there were significant main effects for both imagery subscales and confidence sub-functions. At the individual item level, analyses revealed that athletes used different images depending on whether t...
Mrp4-/- mice have an impaired cytoprotective response in obstructive cholestasis.

Mrp4 is a member of the multidrug resistance–associated gene family that is expressed on the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and undergoes adaptive upregulation in response to cholestatic injury or bile acid feeding. However, the relative importance of Mrp4 in a protective adaptive response to cholestatic injury is not known. To address this issue, common bile duct ligation (CBDL) was performed in wild-type and Mrp4−/− mice and animals followed for 7 days. Histological analysis and serum aminotransferase levels revealed more severe liver injury in the absence of Mrp4 expression. Western analyses revealed that Mrp4, but not Mrp3, was significantly increased after CBDL in wild-type mice. Serum bile acid levels were significantly lower in Mrp4−/− mice than in wild-type CBDL mice, whereas serum bilirubin levels were the same, suggesting that Mrp4 was required to effectively extrude bile acids from the cholestatic liver. Mrp3 and Ostα-Ostβ were upregulated in Mrp4−/− mice but were unable to compensate for the loss of Mrp4. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis on liver extracts revealed that taurine tetrahydroxy bile acid/beta-muricholic acid ratios were increased twofold in Mrp4−/− mice. In conclusion, hepatic Mrp4 plays a unique and essential protective role in the adaptive response to obstructive cholestatic liver injury. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:1013–1021.)
Energy dissipation of nanocomposite based helmets for blast-induced traumatic brain injury mitigation

Injuries caused to the head by ballistic shock waves during blast impacts are not well understood. It has been postulated that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused when the blast wave causes the kinetic energy and the pressure in the main blood vessels to oscillate rapidly and travel to the brain thereby damaging the axonal fibers and neurons or with the direct wave transmission to the head. In the direct wave transmission, the severity of blast wave impact can be reduced by ballistic helmets. The ballistic helmets currently used in the military have been designed to provide protection against penetrating ballistic projectiles and their effectiveness against blast shock wave has not been thoroughly understood. This research would focus on developing a multiscale computational model of blast impact response of high-performance nanocomposite materials for the helmet, followed by estimation of blast energy transfer to the tissues in the human head. Such a combined atomistic-computational model of ballistic response of nanocomposites, coupled with a human morphology-specific computational model is necessary to study the mechanics of blast impact on human head. Language: en
Proprinter design for manufacturability

Abstract Design for assembly is a design trend in industry for developing products with few parts so that they can be manufactured easily on an automated assembly line. This concept is embodied in the IBM proprinter. This table top printer is a wire matrix type for the company's personal computer line. The printer does not have the usual array of screws, pulleys, belts and brackets. The parts simply snap together. This paper attempts to make recommendations for further improvements in the area of producibility of the printer.
Just my imagination running away with me

Hallucinations are fascinating phenomenology in which the individual perceives something that does not exist in the environment. Although auditory and visual are the best-known hallucinations, the ...
Measurements of relative transition probabilities of ns-4p, nd-4p, and nf-3d transitions in neutral potassium

Abstract Relative transition probability (A-value) measurements are reported for the ns-4p (n = 6–15), nd-4p (n = 5–13), and nf-3d (n = 7–14) series transitions in neutral potassium (KI). The results are based on intensity measurements of optically-thin KI spectral lines from a steady-state potassium emission source. The source employed was a radially-symmetric potassium-seeded argon plasmajet containing ≲ 5 mole per cent K-atoms. Local emission coefficients were obtained by means of the Abel transform. For the prevailing free-stream conditions (P ∼ 11 torr, T ∼ 3200 K, ne ∼ 1014 cm-3), the potassium excited state populations are described by a Boltzmann distribution down to and including the ground state. The reported A-values are normalized to that of the 580.2 nm line (7s-4p 3 2 transition). The relative accuracy is estimated to be 5–20% for the ns-4p series and 15–25% for the nf-3d transitions. With the exception of the data for the 6s-4p and all nf-3d transitions, the measurements agree to within estimated experimental uncertainties with the values given in the NBS tabulation [Wiese et al. (1969)], although systematic differences are observed. For the exceptions noted, the measurements lie 25–50% below the relative NBS values. Comparison is also made to recent calculations of Lindgard and Nielson, and Ormonde.
Adipocyte-Derived Factors Potentiate Nutrient-Induced Production of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor–1 by Macrophages

Macrophages are more abundant in adipose tissue from obese individuals than from those of normal weight and may contribute to the metabolic consequences of obesity by producing various circulating factors. One of these factors is plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 (PAI-1), which contributes to both atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. Because nutritional factors appear to regulate PAI-1 expression, we hypothesized that exposure to fatty acids and adipocyte secretory products could stimulate production of PAI-1 by adipose macrophages. Increased free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations in blood for 5 hours in nondiabetic, overweight subjects markedly suppressed insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and raised circulating PAI-1 concentrations, with a concomitant increase in the expression of the PAI-1 gene in adipose tissue. FFAs also rapidly increased PAI-1 gene expression in adipose macrophages and PAI-1 protein immunofluorescence surrounding these cells. By contrast, PAI-1 expression in circulating monocytes was very low and was not affected by raising the concentration of FFAs. Medium from cultured adipocytes stimulated PAI-1 expression in cultured macrophages and potentiated the increase in PAI-1 messenger RNA expression in response to FFAs. Together, our data suggest that adipocyte-derived factors prime adipose macrophages so that they respond to nutritional signals (FFAs) by releasing a key inflammatory adipokine, PAI-1.
Topotactic reduction and reoxidation of hexagonal RCu0.5Ti0.5O3 (R = Y, Eu-Lu) Phases

Abstract Hexagonal AMO 2 and AMO 3 phases have the same basic structure, and intermediate compositions for this structure have been prepared by topotactic oxidation of AMO 2 phases such as RCuO 2 , where R is a trivalent rare earth cation. We now find that such intermediate phases can also be prepared by topotactic reduction of hexagonal RCu 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 3 (R = Y, Tb-Lu) phases. Our TGA and magnetic susceptibility studies indicate a formula of RCu 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 2.78 for these reduced phases. Topotactic reoxidation occurs on heating these phases to 400 °C in air.
Analytic investigation of the motion and capture of excitations in fractal systems.

The motion and capture of excitations on the Sierpinski gasket and on two Koch curves are investigated analytically by solving the master equation explicitly. We obtain the exact time dependence of the average self-propagator and the survival fraction, as well as quantities relevant to the sensitized luminescence such as the time-dependent luminescence intensity and the impurity quantum yield. The capture calculations are particularly applicable in the limit of low trap concentrations. It is seen that, at sufficiently long times, the behavior of the motion and capture is governed by the spectral dimension only, in agreement with results reported earlier on the basis of other approaches.
Device challenges for biodetection

Optical characterization of nitride semiconductors and device testing of ultraviolet emitters and detectors comprised of these materials are employed in addressing the challenges faced in developing semiconductor-based, compact, low-cost, low-power-consumption biodetection systems. Comparison of time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) on UV LED wafers prior to fabrication with subsequent device testing indicate that the best performance is attained from active regions that exhibit both reduced nonradiative recombination due to saturation of traps associated with point and extended defects and concomitant lowering of radiative lifetime with increasing carrier density. Temperature and intensity dependent TRPL measurements on a new material, AlGaN containing nanoscale compositional inhomogeneities (NCI), show that it inherently combines inhibition of nonradiative recombination with reduction of radiative lifetime, providing a potentially higher efficiency UV emitter active region. In addition, testing of GaN avalanche photodiodes (APDs) on low defect density bulk GaN substrates indicates that for the first time GaN APDs with diameters as large as 50 microns exhibit reproducible gain greater than 1000. These results show promise for replacement of photomultipliers in biodetection systems.
Catalase protection of neuronal survival in vitro is not directed to the accumulation of peroxides in the culture medium

Walicke et al. (1986, J. Neurosci. 6, 1114-1121) have shown that catalase can replace the pyruvate requirement for survival of CNS neurons cultured in vitro. Since presently the only known function of catalase is the enzymatic degradation of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, the simplest interpretation of the ability of catalase to support neuronal survival would be that catalase removes from the culture medium hydrogen peroxide. To test this hypothesis 8-day embryonic chick forebrain cells were cultured for 24 hr in a modified Eagle's Basal Medium with the serum-free supplement N1 (HEBM/N1) in the presence or absence of Phenol Red, 20 micrograms/ml catalase, 1 mM pyruvate, and/or 25 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethane-sulfonic acid (HEPES) on a polyornithine-laminin substratum. The various media were then assayed for peroxide content using the potassium iodide method described by Wang and Nixon (1978, In Vitro 14, 714-722). The present data reveal that (1) HEBM/N1 normally contains approximately 50 microM peroxides, little of which is hydrogen peroxide, (2) the organic peroxide levels accumulating in this medium are not reduced by either catalase or pyruvate, and (3) medium modifications can reduce to no longer detectable levels the peroxides accumulating in the medium, but catalase or pyruvate is still required for neuronal survival. We conclude that catalase must exert its survival-promoting action at levels other than peroxides accumulating in the culture medium.
Integrating artificial neural networks with rule-based expert systems

Abstract The Rule-Based (RB) and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches to expert systems development have each demonstrated some specific advantages and disadvantages. These two approaches can be integrated to exploit the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of each method used alone. An RB/ANN integrated approach is proposed to facilitate the development of an expert system which provides a “high-performance” knowledge-based network, an explanation facility, and an input/output facility. In this case study an expert system designed to assist managers in forecasting the performance of stock prices is developed to demonstrate the advantages of this integrated approach and how it can enhance support for managerial decision making.
Using sequencing to trigger a better analysis

We improve the static analysis of control flow in programs running on embedded microcontrollers. Our new techniques, called sequencing and triggering analysis, can sometimes determine that the scheduler always runs a collection of tasks in a certain order or that some interrupt handlers are dead or at least cannot fire at certain times. Triggering identifies root causes of indirect control flow through system idioms and programmer annotations. Sequencing propagates the results of triggers through system execution in order to refine our estimate of the program control flow graph. We show that triggering and sequencing improve the effectiveness of static analyses of sensor network applications. Improved static analyses result in better optimizations, increased verification power, and more accurate worst-case-execution time estimations.
The natural history of isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Abstract study objective: To assess the natural history of isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. materials and methods: Follow-up (average duration, 68 months) was obtained in 51 patients with isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction at cardiac catheterization, characterized by (1) an elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure; (2) normal left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes; (3) normal left ventricular ejection fraction; (4) no coronary artery disease; and (5) no valvular disease. results: During follow-up, seven patients died, but only one died of cardiac causes. Of the 44 living subjects, 20 (45%) noted new-onset symptoms of congestive heart failure, with 11 (25%) of these requiring hospitalization, and 12 (27%) required hospitalization for recurrent chest pain. conclusion: Isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with a low cardiac mortality; at the same time, however, it is associated with substantial morbidity.
Biliary Amino Acid and Glutathione Secretion in Response to Amino Acid Infusion in the Isolated Rat Liver

The intravenous infusion of amino acid solutions has been associated with cholestatic liver injury in hospitalized patients and in laboratory animals. In the isolated rat liver, we recently showed that the acute decrease in bile flow, previously reported by other investigators, is dose related, reversible, and associated with dose-related increases in total biliary amino acid concentrations. In the present study, we characterized the effects of graded infusions of amino acid solutions, with and without taurocholate, on biliary secretion of individual amino acids and glutathione, an important regulator of bile flow. Livers from young adult male rats were perfused with an amino acid solution for 1 hour and allowed to recover for 30 minutes. Infusion of the amino acid solution was associated with dose-related increases in biliary concentrations of most amino acids included in the amino acid solution. Infusion of amino acid solutions resulted in a decreased bile/perfusate ratio of most amino acids, which were secreted into bile in amounts approximating their calculated uptake from the infusate. The inclusion of taurocholate in the infusate was associated with lower biliary concentrations of each individual amino acid and significant decreases in biliary total, reduced, and oxidized glutathione. Further investigation of the relationship between these changes in biliary amino acids and glutathione concentrations and the cholestasis associated with infusion of amino acid solutions may provide insights into the mechanism by which amino acids induce such cholestasis.
Sedimentary sources of old high molecular weight dissolved organic carbon from the ocean margin benthic nepheloid layer

Average 14 C ages of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the ocean are 3- 6,000 years, and are influenced by old DOC from continental margins. However, sources of DOC from terrestrial, autochthonous, and sedimentary organic carbon seem to be too young to be responsible for the old DOC observed in the ocean. Since colloidal organic carbon (COC, i.e., high molecular weight DOC), which is chemically very similar to that of bulk DOC, can be effectively isolated from seawater using cross-flow ultrafiltration, it can hold clues to sources and pathways of DOC turnover in the ocean. Radiocarbon measurements on COC in the water column and benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) from two continental margin areas (the Middle Atlantic Bight and the Gulf of Mexico) and controlled laboratory experiments were carried out to study sources of old DOC in the ocean margin areas. Vertical distributions of suspended particulate matter (SPM), particulate organic carbon (POC), nitrogen (PON), and DOC in the water column and bottom waters near the sediment-water interface all demonstrate a well developed benthic nepheloid layer in both ocean margin areas. D 14 C values of COC isolated from the BNL (ranging from 2362 6 4‰ to 2456 6 3‰) were distinctly lower than their counterparts in surface waters (with a range of .0‰ to 2210 6 5‰). In other words, COC from the BNL was much older than COC from the overlying water column. These results, together with strong concentration gradients of SPM, POC, PON, and DOC, suggest a sedimentary source for organic carbon species and possibly for old COC as well in BNL waters. This is confirmed by the results from controlled laboratory experiments which showed that COC isolated from sediment resuspension had D 14 C values between 2260‰ and 2352‰, which are significantly lower than those of bulk sediment (287 6 6‰) or resuspended particles ( 2138 6 8‰). The heterogeneity of D 14 C signatures in bulk SOC thus points to a preferential release of old organic components from sediment resuspension, which can be the transport mechanism of the old benthic COC observed in ocean margin areas. Old COC from continental margin nepheloid layers may thus be a potential source of old DOC to the deep ocean. Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd
Comparison of baseline Sister-Chromatid Exchanges (SCE), cyclophosphamide-, ethylnitrosourea (ENU)-induced SCE, ENU-induced cell-cycle delay and chromosome aberrations between Peru and laboratory mice

Abstract The baseline sister-chromatide exchange (SCE) frequency and sensitivity to the effects of the mutagens cyclophosphamide (CPP) and ethylnitrosourea (ENU) in bone-marrow cells descedants of wild mice trapped from Rimac valley in Peru (Peru mice) were studied and compared to the same effects in laboratory mice. Baseline SCE of the Peru mice were significantlyhigher than those of the C57BL/6J and DBA/2 mice. The average SCE/cell of 4 Peru mice was 5.4 (range 3.8–7.6), while the average of SCE/cell of either 4 C57BL or 5 DBA mice was 3.2 (range 3.0–3.4). The variation of SCE/cell among Peru mice studied was statistically significant whereas among C57BL or DBAmice it was not. SCE frequencies of primary cultures derived from the ear tissue of 10 peru (mean SCE/cell = 8.5) were also significantly higher than those of 6 C57BL mice (mean SCE/cell = 7.4). CPP treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase of SCE frequencies in bone-marrow cells of all the mice. However, some Peru mice treated with CPP had significantly higher SCE than the other Peru mice and than all of the C57BL and DBA mice treated with equivalent dose. ENU induced increased SCE frequencies in EPru and C57BL mice. Again some of peru mice either had significantly higher SCE, greater induced cell-cycle delay or chromosome aberrations (CA) than other Peru mice and than of all the C57BL mice treated with equivalent dose. These data suggest that there are two classes of Peru mice, one with high baseline SCE, which is possibly sensitive to the mutagenic effects, as measured by induction of SCE, cell cycle delay and CA; and one class with low baseline SCE which behaves the same as the laboratory mice.
Self-assembled, cogged hexameric nanotubes formed from pyrogallol[4]arenes with a unique branched side chain

A branched side chain pyrogallol[4]arene self-assembles into a previously-unreported cogged hydrogen-bonded nanotube structure in the solid state and self-assembles at the air-water interface on the Langmuir trough.
Receptor internalization is required for eotaxin-induced responses in human eosinophils.

Abstract Background: CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is a major chemokine receptor involved in regulating eosinophil trafficking, and therefore the elucidation of ligand-induced CCR3 events has important implications in understanding the biologic and pathologic properties of eosinophils. After ligand binding to CCR3, cellular signals include stimulatory (ie, calcium mobilization, actin polymerization, shape change, and chemotaxis) and inhibitory (ie, desensitization of the receptor) events. We have previously demonstrated that CCR3 undergoes rapid and prolonged ligand-induced internalization. Objective: Here we explore the role of internalization in downstream cellular processes, including shape change, actin polymerization, calcium mobilization, and desensitization. Methods: Peripheral blood–derived human eosinophils were pretreated with 2 mechanistically distinct inhibitors of internalization, sucrose and phenylarsine oxide, and functional responses were monitored. Results: We first demonstrate that ligand-induced internalization is required for chemokine-induced eosinophil shape change. To define which signaling components upstream of eosinophil shape change required internalization, we next studied the role of internalization in calcium mobilization and actin polymerization. Sucrose and phenylarsine oxide pretreatment inhibited actin polymerization, implicating receptor internalization in this early response. In contrast, calcium mobilization was not inhibited by blockade of internalization. Finally, we were interested in testing the role of internalization in receptor desensitization. We first demonstrated that preincubation with eotaxin induced a dose-dependent desensitization in eotaxin-induced eosinophil transepithelial migration. However, this phenomenon was not inhibited by blockade of internalization. Conclusion: These results establish that CCR3 internalization is critically involved in select eosinophil functional responses (ie, cellular shape change and actin polymerization) but not desensitization and calcium mobilization. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:97-105.)
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow In Dementia: Receiver-Operating-Characteristic Analysis

The coupling of mentation to regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) has prompted the application of the Xe-133 inhalation method of measuring rCBF in the differential diagnosis of the two most common dementing diseases, Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia (MID). In this study receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of a 32 detector Xe-133 inhalation system in discriminating between patients with Alzheimer's disease and normal controls, MID patients and normal controls and between patients with Alzheimer's disease and MID. The populations were clinically evaluated as 1) normal (age 63.1 + 13.1, n=23), 2) Alzheimer's disease (age 72.7 + 7.0, n=82), 3) MID (age 76.4 + 7.6, n=27): The mean flow values for all detectors were lowest for the Alzheimer's disease group, larger for the MID group and largest for the normal controls. The dynamic relationship between the correct identifications (true posi-tives) versus incorrect identifications (false positives) per detector for any 2 pairs of clinical groups varies as the cutoff value of flow is changed over the range of experimental blood flow values. Therefore a quantitative characterization of the "decision" or ROC curve (TP vs FP) for each detector and for each pair of clinical groups provides a measure of the overall diagnostic efficacy of the detector. Detectors directed approximately toward the speech, auditory and association cortices were most effective in disciminatinq between each of the dementia groups and the controls. Frontal detectors were diagnostically inefficient. The Xe-133 inhalation system provided virtually no diagnostic power in discriminating between the two forms of dementia, however. Therefore this imaging technology is most useful when assessing the general diagnostic state of dementia (Alz-heimer's disease and MID) from normal cognitive function.
College athletics, universities, and the NCAA

The relationship between college athletics programs and the other functions and purposes of universities has been contentious and controversial for more than a century. Shortly after Rutgers and Pr...
Incorporating collaboratory concepts into informatics in support of translational interdisciplinary biomedical research

Due to its complex nature, modern biomedical research has become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative in nature. Although a necessity, interdisciplinary biomedical collaboration is difficult. There is, however, a growing body of literature on the study and fostering of collaboration in fields such as computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) and information science (IS). These studies of collaboration provide insight into how to potentially alleviate the difficulties of interdisciplinary collaborative research. We, therefore, undertook a cross cutting study of science and engineering collaboratories to identify emergent themes. We review many relevant collaboratory concepts: (a) general collaboratory concepts across many domains: communication, common workspace and coordination, and data sharing and management, (b) specific collaboratory concepts of particular biomedical relevance: data integration and analysis, security structure, metadata and data provenance, and interoperability and data standards, (c) environmental factors that support collaboratories: administrative and management structure, technical support, and available funding as critical environmental factors, and (d) future considerations for biomedical collaboration: appropriate training and long-term planning. In our opinion, the collaboratory concepts we discuss can guide planning and design of future collaborative infrastructure by biomedical informatics researchers to alleviate some of the difficulties of interdisciplinary biomedical collaboration.
RF system research and development for the PEP-II B factory

Abstract The PEP-II B factory will be a high-luminosity asymmetric electron-positron collider optimized for the study of CP violation [1]. It is being built at SLAC by a collaboration including SLAC, LBL and LLNL. The integrated-luminosity needed for the experiment requires high average beam current in the two storage rings and this creates significant challenges in the design of the RF system and other components. The paper describes the R & D activities in progress towards meeting these challenges and some of the significant achievements in the areas of RF cavity design, higher-order mode damping, RF window design and feedback systems.
Expression and localization of Rab3D in rat parotid gland.

Abstract Rab3 proteins (isoforms A, B, C and D) are low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins proposed to be involved in regulated exocytosis. In the present study, Rab3 protein expression and localization was examined in rat parotid gland by reverse transcription (rt) PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. An ∼200 bp PCR product was obtained from parotid RNA by rtPCR and this fragment was cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences obtained from five clones were identical to rab3D. Membrane and cytosolic fractions prepared from parotid acini were immunoblotted with antisera specific for each of the four Rab3 isoforms. A 28 kDa protein was detected with Rab3D-specific antisera in both fractions with staining being more intense in the membrane fraction. No other Rab3 isoforms were detected by immunoblotting, a result consistent with those obtained by rtPCR. Rab3D was enriched in zymogen granule membranes and Triton X-114 extraction revealed that this isoform is predominantly lipid-modified in parotid. Localization of Rab3D was done on frozen sections of parotid gland by immunofluorescence microscopy. Staining was observed primarily in the acinar cells and was adjacent to the acinar lumen. Incubation of dispersed acini with isoproterenol and substance P stimulated amylase secretion 4- and 2-fold above basal, respectively. Isoproterenol, but not substance P, induced redistribution of Rab3D from the cytosol to the membrane fraction in dispersed parotid acini. Consistent with these findings, isoproterenol injections into fasted rats also resulted in increased membrane-associated Rab3D in the parotid acini. These results indicate that Rab3D is: (1) the major Rab3 isoform expressed in rat parotid gland; (2) localized to zymogen granule membranes; and (3) involved with regulated enzyme secretion in acinar cells.
Stroke Hormones and Outcomes in Women (SHOW) study: is the 'healthy-user effect' valid for women after stroke?

Aims: To determine differences in stroke severity and outcomes in women using hormone therapy (HT) versus nonusers at baseline, and to investigate whether there is a ‘healthy-user effect’ of HT in women with stroke. Materials and methods: A total of 133 women over the age of 18 years with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled and categorized based on their use of HT at the time of stroke. Initial stroke severity was assessed at admission, and disability and activities of daily living were assessed at 6-month intervals for 2 years. Results: A total of 30% of the cohort were HT users. HT users were less likely to have hypertension and were leaner than nonusers. There were no differences in initial stroke severity, mortality or any of the functional status outcomes based on HT use at baseline. Conclusion: There did appear to be a healthy-user effect for HT users at baseline, but following stroke, there were no significant differences in long-term outcomes.
Integrating Web 2.0 Technologies in Educational and Clinical Settings: An Isomorphic Perspective

This article discusses the benefits of incorporating technology, particularly Web 2.0 applications, into education as a way to not only meet students’ changing needs but also to model techniques and skills students can use as counseling practitioners. Furthermore, this article provides four concrete Web-based applications and suggestions for use in both clinical and school counseling settings. In addition, the examples portray an isomorphic perspective of teaching and clinical practice; when students practice technological interventions in the classroom, they are better able to incorporate these techniques in counseling.
Maternal separation disrupts the integrity of the intestinal microflora in infant rhesus monkeys

The integrity of the indigenous microflora of the intestines after maternal separation was investigated in infant rhesus monkeys to determine whether psychological stress may lead to an internal environment conducive to pathogen infection. The stability of the indigenous microflora were estimated by enumeration of total and gram-negative aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacterial species, specifically Lactobacilli, from coprocultures taken before and after maternal separation. In addition, behavioral and cortisol responses to separation were correlated to the microflora. A significant decrease in fecal bacteria, especially Lactobacilli, was evident on day 3 postseparation, with a return to baseline by the end of the week. The drop in the microflora was correlated with the display of stress-indicative behaviors, but not with cortisol secretion. In addition, infants who displayed numerous stress-indicative behaviors were more susceptible to opportunistic bacterial infection. These results suggest that strong emotional reactions to disruption of the mother-infant bond may increase vulnerability to disease.
QUANTITATIVE ASSAY OF THE MELANOPHORE DISPERSING HORMONE DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHICKEN PITUITARY1

TWO OBSERVATIONS SUGGESTED the rather early appearance of the melanophore dispersing hormone during ontogeny. It was first called to our attention by the results of hypophysectomy of the Spring peeper (Pseudacris triseriata) embryos. In these forms the melanophores were easily distinguished and revealed complete concentration of pigment at a time when the control animals were hatching from their jelly envelopes. Secondly preliminary experiments showed that head extracts of recently hatched Rana pipiens larvae yielded considerable amounts of melanophoredispersing hormone when injected into hypophysectomised Anolis lizards, while the control body extracts gave a negative response. Histological examination of control pituitaries revealed no cytoplasmic differentiation. These observations suggested, not only the presence of the melanophore'dispersing hormone in the undifferentiated gland, but also revealed its functional rOle during very early development.
Retention and job satisfaction of child welfare supervisors

Abstract Supervisors play a vital role in workplace productivity and organizational health, and are at the forefront of improving the capacity of the child welfare workforce. Yet there is limited research about their organizational longevity and satisfaction compared with child welfare caseworkers. This study uses data from 85% of supervisors statewide in a child welfare organization to describe intent to leave, supervision provided and received, and job qualities. Questions are: (1) what are the personal and job qualities of child welfare supervisors? (2) To what extent do supervisors report receiving and providing supervision, and (3) what personal and job qualities predict intent to leave among supervisors? Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, results showed that supervisors who receive more frequent supervision report lower levels of job stress and time pressure and more positive perceptions of organization leadership. These supervisors also reported providing more supervision to caseworkers. Greater time pressure predicted intent to leave among supervisors, indicating that there is an important balance between workload and resources in efforts to maintain quality supervisors.
Miniemulsion copolymerization of vinyl acetate and butyl acrylate. III. Experimental evidence for the role of the cosurfactant

The role of the cosurfactant (hexadecane) in the miniemulsion copolymerization of 50 : 50 molar ratio vinyl acetate–butyl acrylate monomer mixture is analyzed from an experimental point of view. The main factor responsible for the different kinetic behavior between the miniemulsion and conventional emulsion copolymerization processes was found to be the different particle nucleation mechanism operating in each process. Experimental evidence is presented indicating that in the miniemulsion copolymerization particle nucleation takes place in the preformed stable submicron monomer droplets.
Construction and testing of arc dipoles and quadrupoles for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at BNL

The production run of superconducting magnets for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) project at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is well underway. Of the 288 arc dipoles needed for the collider, more than 120 have been delivered. More than 150 arc quadrupoles have been delivered. All of these magnets have been accepted for RHIC. This paper reports the construction and performance of these magnets. Novel features of design and test, introduced to enhance technical performance and control costs, are also discussed.
Orbiting Arid Subsurface and Ice Sheet Sounder (OASIS): Exploring desert aquifers and polar ice sheets and their role in current and paleo-climate evolution

The Orbiting Arid Subsurface and Ice Sheet Sounder (OASIS) mission concept is the first to directly explore the signatures of climate change beneath the surface of two of the least well-understood arid regions of the Earth: the polar ice sheets and the hyper-arid deserts (Figure 1). With these first-of-a-kind measurements of land ice and shallow aquifers, OASIS has two well-defined science objectives. The first is to determine the thickness, inner structure, and basal boundary conditions of Earth's ice sheets to understand their dynamics and to improve models of current and future ice sheet response to climate change and, hence, to better constrain ice sheet contribution to sea level rise. The second objective is to perform detailed mapping of the spatial distribution of shallow (<;100 m deep) aquifers in the most arid regions on Earth to understand groundwater hydrology, enhance groundwater flow models, and provide new insights into available water resources and paleoclimatic conditions. These two mission objectives, which align closely with two NASA Earth Science program objectives on climate and water cycle, are achieved using measurements made by a single, low-cost and proven-heritage instrument: a 45 MHz center frequency radar sounder with 10 MHz bandwidth. The OASIS radar is similar to instruments on two successful Mars missions, Mars Express and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, presently probing the Martian subsurface.
On the hydrodynamics of pairs of spheres falling along their line of centres in a viscous medium

The velocities, accelerations and drag forces experienced by two equal spheres falling along their line of centres in a viscous fluid were determined for three groups of Reynolds numbers R in the range where it is commonly assumed that Stokes's approximation applies. For all groups, with R ranging between 0·060 and 0·216, both spheres continually acclerated as they fell, and the upper sphere fell faster and accelerated more than the lower one. In contrast to Stimson & Jeffery's (1926) theory, which is based on the Stokes approximation, and to most earlier experimenters, the drag-force coefficients of the upper sphere computed from the experiments were significantly smaller than those for the lower sphere. Oseen's theory for this case agreed with the experiments in some respects, but contrary to it the drag-force coefficient varied with R for the upper sphere as well as the lower sphere.
A game theoretic multiple-fault detection filter

In this paper, the game-theoretic fault detection filter is extended to the multiple-fault case. It approximates detection filters based on spectral and geometric theories with a set of disturbance attenuation problems, and extends these detection filters to time-varying systems. The new detection filter is derived for a nonzero disturbance attenuation bound and evaluated in an example.
Ensemble Effects on the Optical Properties of Indium Phosphide Nanowires at Various Temperatures

Ensembles of indium phosphide nanowires were grown on amorphous quartz substrates and their optical properties were examined at various cryogenic temperatures. Complex dynamics result from the large areal densities, random orientation, combination of both zincblende and wurtzite phases, and the geometries of the nanowires. Those complex dynamics are discussed in relation to their effect on the temperature dependence of photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. Five peaks are found to exist in the photoluminescence spectra at low temperatures which are attributed to radiative recombinations associated with quantum confined zinc blende, quantum confined excitons in zinc blende, quantum confined wurtzite, excitons in bulk zinc blende and impurity states. An energy transfer mechanism between two types of radiative recombinations among the five is proposed to explain intensity variations and the temperature dependence of the PL peaks is discussed. The Raman spectra is observed to have peaks created by a combination of zinc blende and wurtzite vibrational modes which is explained by folding the phonon dispersion.
Social Preferences under Uncertainty: Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome

This paper introduces a model of inequality aversion that captures a preference for equality of ex-ante expected payoff relative to a preference for equality of ex-post payoff by a single parameter. On deterministic allocations, the model reduces to the model of Fehr and Schmidt (1999). The model provides a unified explanation for recent experiments on probabilistic dictator games and dictator games under veil of ignorance. Moreover, the model can describe experiments on a preference for efficiency, which seem inconsistent with inequality aversion. We also apply the model to the optimal tournament. Finally, we provide a behavioral foundation of the model.
Experimental Nitrogen Dioxide Poisoning in Cattle

Experimental inhalation of nitrogen dioxide by cattle resulted in methemoglobinemia, severe dyspnea and death. Pulmonary lesions consisted of hyperemia, edema, hemorrhage, fibrin deposition, hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium, obliterative bronchiolitis, infarction and emphysema. There was coagulative necrosis of proximal convoluted tubules and skeletal muscles. The occurrence of lesions other than those described for bovine pulmonary adenomatotis lends no support to the idea that nitrogen dioxide is the cause of this disease.