cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicity and biodistribution of the radioprotectors, WR2721, WR77913, and WR3689, in the cns following intraventricular or intracisternal administration

The radioprotective capacity of the phosphorothioate compounds, WR2721, WR77913, and WR3689, in the CNS is being evaluated following injection of the drugs into the lateral cerebral ventricle or the cisterna magna of F-344 rats. This approach circumvents the blood-brain barrier and permits an assessment of the CNS toxicity and regional distribution of these compounds. Following intraventricular injection in 150-200 gm female rats, the LD50 doses for WR2721, WR77913, and WR3689 were respectively 0.60 +/- 0.07 mg (S.E.), 2.36 +/- 0.13 mg, and 3.56 +/- 0.26 mg. Following intracisternal injection the LD50 doses were 0.71 +/- 0.18 mg, 4.12 +/- 1.09 mg and 3.03 +/- 0.68 mg, respectively. WR 2721 produced lethargy, unsteady gait, and dishevelment but these signs all resolved completely within 1-3 days in survivors. In addition to these signs, WR77913 and WR3689 produced severe convulsions. At high doses, following intraventricular administration, all three drugs were associated with cerebral and diencephalic periventricular necrosis and ipsilateral necrosis of the lateral hippocampus. Biodistribution studies were performed with [S-35]-labeled derivatives of the drugs and tissue sampling. The three drugs demonstrated similar patterns. Forty-five minutes following either the intraventricular or intracisternal route of drug delivery the highest drug concentrations were in the brainstem, cerebellum, and cervical cord. Additional studies with autoradiography revealed that intraventricular injection was associated with high drug uptake in the cerebral white matter, the periventricular diencephalon, and the periaqueductal mesencephalon. The biodistribution and toxicity data together suggest that the drugs can be ranked, WR3689 greater than WR77913 greater than WR2721, according to the level of drug thiol that can be achieved in the CNS tissues with intraventricular or intracisternal injection. Tissue levels achievable with WR2721 following these two routes of administration are as high as levels others have reported as radioprotective in rodent skin and gut.
Experimental observations of mode-converted ion cyclotron waves in a tokamak plasma by phase contrast imaging.

The process of mode conversion, whereby an externally launched electromagnetic wave converts into a shorter wavelength mode(s) in a thermal plasma near a resonance in the index of refraction, is particularly important in a multi-ion species plasma near the ion cyclotron frequency. Using phase contrast imaging techniques (PCI), mode-converted electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves have been detected for the first time in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak near the H-He-3 ion-ion hybrid resonance region during high power rf heating experiments. The results agree with theoretical predictions.
Sublethal effects of chlordimeform on chemical communication and other reproductive behaviors in the female cabbage looper moth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Insecticides can affect the complex coordination of activities associated with reproduction through their sublethal impact on the nervous system. Our objective was to document the effects of a sublethal dose (1% mortality) of chlordimeform on reproductive events in the female cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni. A significantly higher percentage of females treated with chlordimeform initiated calling at some time during the scotophase. Chlordimeform stimulated pheromone emission early in the scotophase. However, late in the scotophase pheromone emission was significantly lower in chlordimeform-treated females when compared with control females. Overall, a lower amount of pheromone was detected in glands of chlordimeform-treated females. This effect was significant only during the second half of the scotophase. We suggest that chlordimeform stimulates pheromone transport to the gland surface and calling behavior resulting in depletion of pheromone reserves over the course of the scotophase. Chlordimeform also decreased the mating success of males. Oviposition and egg hatch were also affected by chlordimeform. Mated females treated with chlordimeform laid significantly fewer eggs than acetone-treated females. In addition, hatchability of eggs laid by mated female T. ni treated with chlordimeform was significantly lower than for eggs laid by control females.
Spontaneous tonsillar haemorrhage in acute tonsillitis

The presentation and management of four cases of spontaneous haemorrhage from the tonsil in association with acute tonsillitis are reported and discussed. Interestingly, younger patients presented with haematemesis. This is a newly recognised, rare, but potentially dangerous complication of acute tonsillitis. Its possible aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment options are discussed.
Coevolution of traits determining migratory tendency: correlated response of a critical enzyme, juvenile hormone esterase, to selection on wing morphology

Migratory tendency in insects is a complex trait, composed of a suite of correlated behavioural, physiological, morphological and life history traits. We investigate the genetic and physiological basis of the coevolution of this suite of traits using laboratory lines of the wing dimorphic cricket, Gryllusjrmus, selected for increasing and decreasing incidence of macroptery. Selection on wing morphology has produced strong direct responses in proportion macropterous as well as correlated (indirect) responses in wing muscle histolysis, flight propensity and fecundity. We investigate the hypothesis that these responses have been mediated by changes in the metabolism of juvenile hormone (JH) during the final nymphal stadium (the critical period for wing morph determination). Previous studies of Gryllus sp. have established that JH titre in this period is determined primarily by the activity of the degradative enzyme, juvenile hormone esterase (JHE). Assays of JHE activity in the final nymphal stadium of the replicated control and selected lines demonstrate highly significant differences in both mean activity and the probability of macroptery for a given level of activity (i.e., the threshold activity required to induce wing formation). These correlated responses in JH metabolism support the general hypothesis that the correlations among traits determining migratory tendency result at least in part from the common influence of JH during the final nymphal stadium. We discuss these results in the context of the quantitative genetic model for the evolution of polygenic, dichotomous traits (the threshold model), and present four general predictions concerning the coevolution of traits associated with ecological (i.e., trophic, life history, behavioural) dimorphisms. * Author for correspondence
Structural biology: The twist in Crk signaling revealed.

Structures of 'on' and 'off' states of Crk reveal how prolyl cis-trans isomerization functions as a molecular switch in this key adaptor protein. Additionally, these structures show how an SH3 domain utilizes a noncanonical binding surface for self-regulation.
Entorhinal Cortex β-Amyloid Load in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract The deposition of β-amyloid within the entorhinal cortex (EC) may play a key role in the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly. To examine the relationship of β-amyloid deposition to MCI, EC tissue immunostained for this protein was quantitated from a cohort of aged Catholic religious clergy with a clinical diagnosis of MCI and compared to those with no cognitive impairment (NCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). β-amyloid staining was seen in 12 of the 20 NCI, in 10 of 12 MCI, and in all 12 AD cases within the EC. β-amyloid immunoreactivity displayed two patterns within the EC: (1) a crescent-shaped band within layers 3–4 or (2) bilaminar staining mainly within layers 2–3 and 5–6. Ten cases failed to display any detectable β-amyloid imunoreactivity. Despite the heterogeneity of β-amyloid loads within the clinical groups, decomposing an analysis of variance revealed a significant difference across groups in mean β-amyloid load within the EC based upon a linear trend analysis. Multiple comparisons testing revealed that NCI individuals had a significantly lower mean β-amyloid load (1.32) than AD individuals (4.55). The MCI individuals had a mean intermediate (2.60) load between NCI and AD, but not statistically distinguishable from the mean for either NCI or AD. Spearman rank correlation showed a trend for decreasing MMSE with increasing amyloid load that failed to reach statistical significance. Since many NCI cases displayed β-amyloid loads equal to or greater than that seen in some MCI and some AD cases, it is mostly likely that deposition of this protein is not the sole pathogenic event underlying cognitive impairment in the elderly.
Antigenic abnormalities in fiber tract astrocytes of myelin-deficient rats: an immunocytochemical study in the olfactory cortex.

Intrafascicular oligodendrocytes in myelin-deficient (md) rats typically fail to form myelin sheaths or survive to maturity. The present study of the md olfactory cortex compares astrocytes that devel
Varicella zoster antibody testing in the care of pregnant women exposed to varicella.

Appropriate use of varicella zoster immunoglobulin to prevent or ameliorate maternal or perinatal infection depends on accurate identification of varicella-susceptible women. Detection of fluorescent antibody to varicella zoster virus membrane antigen is an available means for identifying women, exposed td varicella who are at risk for infection. During a 5 1/2-year period, 37 pregnant women who had been exposed to varicella and who had a negative or indeterminate history of prior varicella were tested for the presence of varicella zoster virus membrane antigen. Among the 17 women with a negative histoty, 12 (71%) had a positive test result and five (29%) had a negative test result. Among 20 women with indeterminant histories, 18 (90%) were immune and two (10%) were susceptible. Three additional women whd were tested despite a history of varicella had positive varicella zoster virus. membrane antigen test results. Overall, 81% of patients with a negative or uncertain history of varicella had serologic evidence of past varicella. One of six untreated seronegative women and one weakly positive woman developed disease. There was no instance of congenital varicella. Expeditious determination of varicella zoster virus membrane antigen or equivalent anti-varicella antibody status in pregnant women exposed to varicella appears to be a rapid, satisfactory method for determining who should promptly receive varicella zoster immunoglobulin passive immunization.
Subnanosecond lifetime measurement for the T=0,31+ state of odd-odd N = Z58Cu

We have measured the lifetime of the T=0,J{sup {pi}}=3{sub 1}{sup +} state of {sup 58}Cu at 444 keV. The excited states in {sup 58}Cu were populated with the {sup 58}Ni(p,n{gamma}) reaction at the SUNY at Stony Brook TANDEM-LINAC facility. A lifetime {tau} = 0.468 {+-} 0.085 ns was found with the delayed {gamma}-radiofrequency coincidence method with respect to the pulsed LINAC beam. It corresponds to an isoscalar E2 transition strength of 7.6 {+-} 1.4 W.u. to the T=0,J{sup {pi}}=1{sub 1}{sup +} ground state. The result agrees with the interpretation of the 3{sub 1}{sup +} state as a collective quadrupole excitation of the 1{sub 1}{sup +} ground state of {sup 58}Cu.
Optimizing the gas phase chemistry in a d.c. arcjet diamond chemical vapor deposition reactor

Abstract The application of a thermally driven gas phase chemical mechanism to model the plasma chemistry in a d.c. arcjet diamond chemical vapor deposition reactor appears justified in light of the low measured electron temperatures and densities reported here. Based on the model predictions, several downstream CH 4 injection schemes have been developed and are shown to produce diamond films which exhibit improved quality without a reduction in growth rate. Optical emission actinometry data are also presented which suggest that the H atom flux to the substrate in this reactor, under typical diamond growth conditions, is mass diffusion limited. This condition would impose a limitation on the attainable growth rate for the reactor.
Partner notification as a prevention strategy: a social system perspective.

Provider referral and contact referral are two established means to provide notification of contagious, but treatable diseases, as has been done for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., syphilis). Because AIDS is at this time an incurable disease, programs of notification have proved highly controversial. The author examines recent adjustments to the New York State public health law regarding HIV/AIDS notification mechanisms. A literature review supports further discussion of ethical and partner notification issues as they bear on the perception and objections of various constituencies, stigmatization, and principles of confidentiality. Both U.S. and Swedish strategies to partner notification are outlined as well as why these schemes may not be interchangeable based on culture differences; points for general improvement are drawn from this comparison. A social system perspective based on the social functions of adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency (pattern maintenance) is introduced as a means to address the barriers inherent in HIV/AIDS notification programs and to enhance counseling programs--the objective being that knowledge and understanding of the patient's culture and social context can give providers additional tools with which to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and bring people to treatment earlier.
Localization, Topology, and Function of the LCB1 Subunit of Serine Palmitoyltransferase in Mammalian Cells

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the enzyme catalyzing the initial step in the biosynthesis of sphingolipids, comprises two different subunits, LCB1 and LCB2. LCB1 has a single highly hydrophobic domain near the N terminus. Chinese hamster ovary cell mutant LY-B cells are defective in SPT activity because of the lack of expression of an endogenous LCB1 subunit. Stable expression of LCB1 having an epitope tag at either the N or C terminus restored SPT activity of LY-B cells, suggesting that the epitope tag did not affect the localization or topology of LCB1. Indirect immunostaining showed that the N- and C-terminal epitopes are oriented toward the lumenal and cytosol side, respectively, at the endoplasmic reticulum. Interestingly, there was far less LCB2 in LY-B cells than in wild-type cells, and the amount of LCB2 in LY-B cells was restored to the wild-type level by transfection with LCB1 cDNA. In addition, overproduction of the LCB2 subunit required co-overproduction of the LCB1 subunit. These results indicated that the LCB1 subunit is most likely an integral protein having a single transmembrane domain with a lumenal orientation of its N terminus in the endoplasmic reticulum and that the LCB1 subunit is indispensable for the maintenance of the LCB2 subunit in mammalian cells.
Clinical Implications of Estimating Equations for Glomerular Filtration Rate

Estimating equations that accurately calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with chronic kidney disease and normal renal function are potentially important for early detection of di...
Labor Transnationalism and Global Governance: The Impact of NAFTA on Transnational Labor Relationships in North America1

This article examines how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) catalyzed cross‐border labor cooperation and collaboration (i.e., labor transnationalism), by creating a new political opportunity structure at the transnational level. Because there are differences in the way power is constituted at the transnational and national levels, theories of national political opportunity structures cannot be directly mapped onto the transnational level. The author describes three primary dimensions of political opportunity structure at the transnational level that explain how power is established: (1) the constitution of transnational actors and interests, (2) the definition and recognition of transnational rights, and (3) adjudication at the transnational level. The case of NAFTA suggests that while the emergence of national social movements requires nation‐states, global governance institutions can play a pivotal role in the development of transnational social movements.
The Engineering of Patient-specific, Anatomically Shaped, Digits

Abstract It is now recognized that geometric structures of scaffolds at several size levels have profound influences on cell adhesion, viability, proliferation and differentiation. This study aims to develop an integrated process to fabricate scaffolds with controllable geometric structures at nano-, micro- and macro-scales. A phase-separation method is used to prepare interconnected poly( l -lactide) (PLLA) nanofibrous (NF) scaffolds. The pore size of the NF scaffold at the scale of several hundred micrometers is controlled by the size of porogen, paraffin spheres. At millimeter scale and above, the overall shape of the scaffold is defined by a wax mold produced using a three-dimensional printer. The printer utilizes a stereo lithographic file generated from computed tomographic files retrieved from the National Library of Medicine's Visual Human Project. NF PLLA scaffolds with a human digit shape are successfully prepared using this process. Osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 cells are then seeded and cultured in the prepared scaffolds. Cell proliferation, differentiation and biomineralization are characterized to demonstrate the suitability of the scaffolds for the digit bone tissue engineering application.
Nanopores: a makeover for membranes.

A straightforward method for coating nanopore membranes with functional polymers puts a new face on an old friend by enabling the size and adsorption properties of the pores to be easily tuned.
Impact of Interactive Aerosol on the African Easterly Jet in the NASA GEOS-5 Global Forecasting System

The real-time treatment of interactive realistically varying aerosol in a global operational forecasting system, as opposed to prescribed (fixed or climatologically varying) aerosols, is a very difficult challenge that only recently begins to be addressed. Experiment results from a recent version of the NASA GEOS-5 forecasting system, inclusive of interactive aerosol treatment, are presented in this work. Four sets of 30 5-day forecasts are initialized from a high quality set of analyses previously produced and documented to cover the period from 15 August to 16 September 2006, which corresponds to the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (NAMMA) observing campaign. The four forecast sets are at two different horizontal resolutions and with and without interactive aerosol treatment. The net impact of aerosol, at times in which there is a strong dust outbreak, is a temperature increase at the dust level and decrease in the near-surface levels, in complete agreement with previous observational and modeling studies. Moreover, forecasts in which interactive aerosols are included depict an African Easterly (AEJ) at slightly higher elevation, and slightly displace northward, with respect to the forecasts in which aerosols are not include. The shift in the AEJ position goes in the direction of observations and agrees with previous results.
Molecular Insights Provide the Critical Path to Disease Mitigation

The revolution in scientific innovation, driven by the engines of enabling technologies, is increasingly capable of deconstructing complex disease processes for the express purpose of reconstructing patient-specific solutions. These revelations in biological mechanisms provide the pressure points of opportunity for radical discovery and development to advance modern health care. Principles of mechanism-based discovery and their translation into therapeutic algorithms will, however, be challenged in the near term by emerging global public health crises that currently have no immediate solutions: chronic diseases, obesity, antibiotic-resistant infections, dementia, depression. The threat of these pandemics (multiplied in an increasingly aging population), the global burden of disease they represent, and their worldwide assault on human capital underscore the importance of continued and accelerated investments in science-propelled practice advancement, converting new knowledge into delivery of tangible health solutions. In that context, this annual issue of CPT on therapeutics innovations highlights remarkable recent successes in the discovery–development paradigm translating molecular innovations into diagnostic and therapeutic realities that transform the management of disease, impacting global health. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2013); 95 1, 3–7. doi:10.1038/clpt.2013.211
Rate of long-term bleaching in FK 51 optical glass darkened by Co60 ionizing radiation at dose rates of 10 krad/hr and 7rad/hr

A previous paper presented long term bleaching data on various glasses exposed to 10.6 krad of ionizing radiation. All the glasses reported except FK 51 have readily available `G` glass equivalents that are stabilized to the natural space environment. Yet, FK 51, because of its location on the Abbe diagram is extremely useful in certain lens design applications. To more fully explore the bleaching of FK 51, after the initial dose of 10.6 krad at 11.8 krad/hour, we irradiated three more samples at a similar dose rate but to different total doses. Since the dose rate for this study was significantly higher than the dose rate anticipated for glasses in as shielded space-based lens system (tilde 3 rad/day), additional data were obtained at a lower rate of 7 rad/hour. While this dose rate is still higher than the anticipated operational rate, it is more than 1000 times lower than the dose 011 011 011 rate used for our initial studies. The bleaching rate for the samples exposed at the lower dose rate is considerably less than for the samples exposed at the higher rate.
D–D neutron generator development at LBNL

The plasma and ion source technology group in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is developing advanced, next generation D-D neutron generators. There are three distinctive developments, which are discussed in this presentation, namely, multi-stage, accelerator-based axial neutron generator, high-output co-axial neutron generator and point source neutron generator. These generators employ RF-induction discharge to produce deuterium ions. The distinctive feature of RF-discharge is its capability to generate high atomic hydrogen species, high current densities and stable and long-life operation. The axial neutron generator is designed for applications that require fast pulsing together with medium to high D-D neutron output. The co-axial neutron generator is aimed for high neutron output with cw or pulsed operation, using either the D-D or D-T fusion reaction. The point source neutron generator is a new concept, utilizing a toroidal-shaped plasma generator. The beam is extracted from multiple apertures and focus to the target tube, which is located at the middle of the generator. This will generate a point source of D-D, T-T or D-T neutrons with high output flux. The latest development together with measured data will be discussed in this article.
Olf-1, a Neuron-specific Transcription Factor, Can Activate the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Infected Cell Protein 0 Promoter

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes a life-long latent infection in sensory neurons of infected individuals. Infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) is important for productive infection and reactivation from latency. Thus, activation of ICP0 expression in neurons is likely to be important for reactivation from latency. In a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, ICP0 promoter activity is high compared with other strong viral promoters. In contrast, promoter activity is low in non-neuronal cells. DNase I footprinting assays indicated that three distinct motifs in the ICP0 promoter are bound by nuclear factors. One of these motifs contains a binding site for a novel helix-loop-helix olfactory neuron-specific transcription factor (Olf-1). Gel shift assays and supershift assays using an Olf-1-specific antibody demonstrated that mouse neuroblastoma cells express Olf-1, which is bound to the Olf-1-like site in the ICP0 promoter. Deletion of the putative Olf-1 motif reduced ICP0 promoter activity more than 5-fold in mouse neuroblastoma cells and preventedtrans-activation by an Olf-1 expression vector. We hypothesize that the Olf-1-binding site activates ICP0 promoter activity in neurons during reactivation from latency.
Induction of cytochrome P-450 in Fundulus heteroclitus: Enzyme activity, immunochemical and nucleic acid studies

Abstract Cytochrome P-450 induction is a known response of marine organisms to chemical exposure, yet the mode of this induction is not known for any marine species. This study was undertaken to evaluate hepatic P-450 content, catalytic activity and mRNA levels in Fundulus heteroclitus after exposure to the 3-methylcholanthrene-type inducer β-naphthoflavone (BNF). Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was significantly increased after BNF treatment, although hepatic microsomal P-450 levels were unchanged. However, the proportion of P-450 which cross-reacted with an anti-scup P-450E monoclonal antibody on immunoblots was low in control animals and increased dramatically in the BNF-treated animals. In vitro translation products of liver RNA were immunoprecipitated with an anti-P-450E polyclonal antibody. Fluorograms of the immunoprecipitated products separated by gel electrophoresis resulted in no detectable signal from the control groups, while the BNF group showed incorporation of [3H]-leucine in a single band with a Mr of 56 000 daltons. This study provides evidence that, as in mammalian systems, the induction of P-450 by MC-type inducers in fish is under transcriptional control.
The context of invisible finance

Invisible finance can be defined as all money outside the visible arenas of commerce and finance. Money is often placed outside visible sources and uses in order to make extra-normal profits, to keep the proceeds of criminal activity, and to evade taxes. Hence invisible finance takes many forms, including “hot money” inflows into and outflows from a country through the alternative remittance system, money that is held domestically and not reported to tax authorities, and money that is used for and gleaned from criminal activity. All of these may overlap—for example, criminal money can be laundered through the alternative remittance system, or kept within the underground economy and left undisclosed to tax authorities. In all cases, the money is purposely kept from detection of governmental and financial authorities. Precisely for that reason, data on invisible finance are difficult or impossible to come by, and must be identified using indirect methods at best. The flows of invisible finance can be quite complex, illustrated best by anecdotal evidence. For example, a complex money laundering ring was uncovered by authorities in Colombia, the United States, Spain, and Italy in June 2011, which laundered drug proceeds using Colombian exchange houses, formal financial institutions that provide investment services. Operation Fire and Ice tracked the Medellin drug cartel that laundered funds through US businesses, prepaid debit cards, bank accounts in many countries, and the Black Market Peso Exchange [18]. Money brokers in South America used couriers to carry drug proceeds to money launderers, who sent the funds to US bank accounts. The Black Market Peso Exchange then converted the money to pesos. Raids were carried out simultaneously in four countries, on three hundred properties, with the seizure of $480 million [11]. Crime Law Soc Change (2012) 57:209–220 DOI 10.1007/s10611-011-9349-7
Ensembles of $({\alpha})$-Trees for Imbalanced Classification Problems

This paper introduces two kinds of decision tree ensembles for imbalanced classification problems, extensively utilizing properties of α-divergence. First, a novel splitting criterion based on α-divergence is shown to generalize several well-known splitting criteria such as those used in C4.5 and CART. When the α-divergence splitting criterion is applied to imbalanced data, one can obtain decision trees that tend to be less correlated (α-diversification) by varying the value of α. This increased diversity in an ensemble of such trees improves AUROC values across a range of minority class priors. The second ensemble uses the same alpha trees as base classifiers, but uses a lift-aware stopping criterion during tree growth. The resultant ensemble produces a set of interpretable rules that provide higher lift values for a given coverage, a property that is much desirable in applications such as direct marketing. Experimental results across many class-imbalanced data sets, including BRFSS, and MIMIC data sets from the medical community and several sets from UCI and KEEL are provided to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed ensembles over a wide range of data distributions and of class imbalance.
Sulfur amino acid requirement for lactation in the rat.

SummaryA short-term lactation test has been used to study the effects of cystine supplementation for purified diets containing casein as sole protein source. Supplementation of 12, 18, and 24% casein diets with 0.5% L-cystine markedly improved lactation performance as judged by weaning weights of young and mother. Cystine supplementation of 30% casein diet improved weaning weights of young significantly with less beneficial effects on maternal weight. The data indicate that total sulfur amino acid requirement for optimal lactation in the Long-Evans rat may be placed at slightly more than 1% of the diet and that cystine may furnish at least half of this requirement.
A Consideration of Genetic Mechanisms Behind the Development of Hypertension in Blacks

Hypertension is a more serious disease in blacks. The determinants of the blood pressure (BP) may be uniquely different from those in whites. The characteristic low-renin, salt-sensitive hypertension of blacks is consistent with the kidney reabsorbing additional sodium (Na), which leads to an expanded plasma volume that drives the BP. Mechanisms considered are genetically based. These include: (1) the intra-renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS), one based on molecular variations in angiotensinogen; (2) the Na, K, 2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) and its regulators in the thick ascending limb, which are associated with a variety of phenotypes consistent with a more active cotransporter in blacks; and (3) the genes for MYH9 and APOL 1, which have been associated with kidney disease in blacks. To achieve a state of hypertension, an increase in Na uptake in proximal nephron regions may require a distal nephron that does not fully adjust due to less than adequate suppression of aldosterone production.
Genetic Algorithm Tuned Fuzzy Logic for Gliding Return Trajectories

The problem of designing and flying a trajectory for successful recovery of a reusable launch vehicle is tackled using fuzzy logic control with genetic algorithm optimization. The plant is approximated by a simplified three degree of freedom non-linear model. A baseline trajectory design and guidance algorithm consisting of several Mamdani type fuzzy controllers is tuned using a simple genetic algorithm. Preliminary results show that the performance of the overall system is shown to improve with genetic algorithm tuning.
Can Advertising Change Memory for Even a Really Discrepant Experience? Paradigm Issues in the Study of Postexperience Advertising

There has been some debate between marketing researchers regarding the role postexperience advertising can play on influencing consumer memory. Our investigation looks at whether paradigm differences can account for these different findings or whether advertising's influence on altering sensory memory is indeed limited. We also investigate a potential mediator of the advertising misinformation effect: strength of encoding the original experience. Paradigms are important for scientific progress, but they are not infallible. It is important for advertising researchers that the methodology is precise and controlled enough in order to identify the mechanism theoretically proposed for inducing the memory change while at the same time being externally valid for understanding consumers' marketplace behavior. We discuss the implications of our findings for practice and academic research.
Root-mean-square difference between the intensities of non-Gaussian speckle at two different wavelengths

The root-mean-square difference between the speckle intensities of two different wavelengths produced in the far field by a rough surface has been studied theoretically and experimentally. The rms differences for various spot sizes, including differences comparable with the correlation length of the surface, are numerically evaluated. The possibility of estimating the correlation length of a rough surface by using speckles of two different wavelengths is discussed and demonstrated experimentally. The experimental results obtained with this optical method are compared with those obtained by a stylus instrument.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: The long and the short of therapeutic options

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and treatable condition. Initial therapy includes lifestyle modifications, avoidance of certain medications, and use of antacids, alginic acid preparations, and over-the-counter histamine2 (H2) receptor antagonists. Escalation of therapy for acute disease relies primarily on H2 receptor antagonists given in conventional dosages. Although H2 receptor antagonists remain the cornerstone of therapy, sucralfate and promotility agents, especially cisapride, may offer alternatives. Most cases of GERD that are resistant to these therapies can be reliably healed with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Patients whose GERD is healed with one of the aforementioned agents often relapse unless they receive further therapy. For patients with mild disease, H2 receptor antagonists, cisapride, or a combination of the two may prevent recurrent symptoms. In severe disease, PPIs are the agents of first choice, but concerns about the safety of long-term use must be considered. In selected patients, surgery offers an option for long-term control of GERD. With present surgical techniques, symptom relief can be obtained with little risk of complications.
Visual masking by light offset

Two experiments are reported which investigated whether or not the offset of light can serve as a backward masking stimulus (MS). In both studies, human Os made identification responses to graphemes (TS) presented tachistoscopically on a lighted field. Simultaneously with or at short intervals after TS offset, the lighted background field was shut off. The termination of the background field served as the MS. The results indicated a reliable masking effect due to light
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CO.BLEOMYCIN A2 BROWN : FREE AND BOUND TO D(CCAGGCCTGG)

A model for the structure of the aquated form of cobalt bleomycin (H2O-CoBLM or CoBLM A2 brown), free and bound to d(CCAGGCCTGG)2 (1) is reported based on molecular modeling using the constraints obtained from 2D NMR studies. CoBLM A2 brown has a chiral organization of its ligands, including the axial primary amine of β-aminoalanine, identical to the hydroperoxide form of cobalt BLM (HOO-CoBLM or CoBLM A2 green). H2O-CoBLM forms a 1:1 complex with 1 with a Kd of 2 × 10-6 M which is in slow exchange on the NMR time scale. The complex exhibits 44 intermolecular NOEs and 56 intramolecular NOEs within H2O-CoBLM itself. Molecular modeling reveals that H2O-CoBLM's mode of binding, basis for sequence specificity, and chemical specificity are almost identical to that previously reported for HOO-CoBLM (Wu, W.; Vanderwall, D. E.; Turner, C. J.; Kozarich, J. W.; Stubbe, J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 1281−1294). The bithiazole tail is inserted from the minor groove 3‘ to C6 and the terminal thiazolium ring is well ...
An alternative technique in designing a low-profile two-pole bandpass Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) using aperture coupling interlayer

This paper presents an alternative design approach for low-profile, two-pole bandpass Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) using an aperture-coupling interlayer. In addition to this proposed method in providing close spacing between the FSS resonator layer, miniaturized complementary Jerusalem cross shaped FSS is used to further maintain a robust filtering response to oblique-angled plane waves. The proposed technique is not limited to a particular FSS shape and can be applied for arbitrary separation between the FSS layers. To demonstrate the proposed method, a two-pole FSS with the unit-element dimension of much less than λo/2 and total thickness of around λo/30 is designed using the aperture interlayer and measured. Both simulated and measured results show selective two-pole filtering response that is robust for various oblique angle incidences and polarizations.
502 Spectrum and Etiologies of Ventricular Assist Device Infections: A Single Center Study

Spectrum and Etiologies of Ventricular Assist Device Infections: A Single Center Study V. Stosor, K. Meehan, R. Gordon, E. McGee. Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL; Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
Growth of A-15 Nb 3 Ge by co-evaporation

Enhanced T c 's (>21°K), T c widths and resistivity ratios result when controlled amounts of O 2 are admitted during film growth. O 2 levels ≈ 5 × 10-7mm Hg stabilize the Nb 3 Ge phase over a wide range of Nb/Ge flux ratios for films grown at 6A/sec and 1000°C.
Metastable Alumina Structures in Melt‐Extracted Alumina–25 wt% Zirconia and Alumina–42 wt% Zirconia Ceramics

Microstructures are examined of rapidly solidified hypoeutectic Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}-25 wt% ZrO{sub 2} and eutectic AlZ{sub 2}O{sub 3}-42 wt% ZrO{sub 2} ceramic alloys by using transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Structures observed in the hypoeutectic alloy were dendritic. Three different types of dendrite morphologies were observed. These are believed to be the stable {alpha}- and metastable {gamma}- and {delta}- modifications of alumina. The cores of the {gamma}-alumina dendrites were somewhat richer in ZrO{sub 2} than those of {alpha}-alumina dendrites; {delta}-alumina dendrites were substantially enriched in ZrO{sub 2}. The lamellar structure of the eutectic in the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-42 wt% ZrO{sub 2} alloy became increasingly finer with increasing cooling rate and at the highest cooling rates was replaced by a fully amorphous structure (except in some instances a ZrO{sub 2}- rich needlelike phase identifiable as {delta}-alumina was found in the amorphous matrix). An interpretation is given of the results obtained, based on assumed metastable free energy curves and dendrite growth theory.
Adaptive entropy-coded subband coding of image sequences

A new approach to image sequence coding based on variable-rate entropy-constrained subband coding (ECSBC) is described. The corresponding practical implementation of the ECSBC scheme for fixed-rate channels is developed by extending recent adaptive entropy-coded (AEC) quantization techniques. Although the entropy-constrained design of subband coding systems provides improve coding efficiency compared to level-constrained design approaches, the resulting coding system generates variable-rate outputs which must be buffered before fixed-rate transmissions. In this case, the finite buffer, however large, that interfaces the encoder and the channel will eventually overflow or underflow, resulting in a catastrophic loss of encoder-decoder synchronism with an associated large amount of distortion. A buffer-adaptive arithmetic-coded implementation of the ECSBC scheme, called adaptive entropy-coded subband coding (ECSBC/AEC), is described to completely eliminate the associated encoder buffer overflow/underflow problems, even with a very small encoder buffer. >
Protein Phosphatase 2A Regulates Interleukin-2 Receptor Complex Formation and JAK3/STAT5 Activation

Reversible protein phosphorylation plays a key role in interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor-mediated activation of Janus tyrosine kinase 3 (JAK3) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) in lymphocytes. Although the mechanisms governing IL-2-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of JAK3/STAT5 have been extensively studied, the role of serine/threonine phosphorylation in controlling these effectors remains to be elucidated. Using phosphoamino acid analysis, JAK3 and STAT5 were determined to be serine and tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to IL-2 stimulation of the human natural killer-like cell line, YT. IL-2 stimulation also induced serine/threonine phosphorylation of IL-2Rβ, but not IL-2Rγ. To investigate the regulation of serine/threonine phosphorylation in IL-2 signaling, the roles of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) were examined. Inhibition of phosphatase activity by calyculin A treatment of YT cells resulted in a significant induction of serine phosphorylation of JAK3 and STAT5, and serine/threonine phosphorylation of IL-2Rβ. Moreover, inhibition of PP2A, but not PP1, diminished IL-2-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IL-2Rβ, JAK3, and STAT5, and abolished STAT5 DNA binding activity. Serine/threonine phosphorylation of IL-2Rβ by a staurosporine-sensitive kinase also blocked its association with JAK3 and IL-2Rγ in YT cells. Taken together, these data indicate that serine/threonine phosphorylation negatively regulates IL-2 signaling at multiple levels, including receptor complex formation and JAK3/STAT5 activation, and that this regulation is counteracted by PP2A. These findings also suggest that PP2A may serve as a therapeutic target for modulating JAK3/STAT5 activation in human disease.
iLTLchecker: a probabilistic model checker for multiple DTMCs

iLTL is a probabilistic temporal logic that can specify properties of multiple discrete time Markov chains (DTMCs). In this paper, we describe two related tools: MarkovEstimator a tool to estimate a Markov transition matrix, and iLTLChecker, a tool to model check iLTL properties of DTMCs. These tools work together to verify iLTL properties of DTMCs.
Body image of and contraceptive use by college females.

This study investigates the role of body image and use of contraception among 231 female freshmen. The subjects completed Secord and Jourards body-cathexis scale and a questionnaire concerning sexual behavior and use of contraceptives. Only 83 females were identified as currently sexually active and only their responses were analyzed. 2 classifications were made one based upon the type of contraception used at last intercourse and another based upon reported consistency in contraceptive usage. 2 separate stepwise discriminant analyses were conducted to determine if females could be distinguished on the basis of body image using 45 body image items as a set of independent variables. As a group the selected body-image items significantly discriminated among the type of contraceptive used and among the consistency of contraceptive use. These results indicate that female college students differing in their use of contraception can be distinguished on the basis of their body image.
Amelioration of hypoperfusion after traumatic brain injury by in vivo endothelin-1 knockout.

Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is one of the most powerful vasoconstrictors in the brain. Its expression is upregulated after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is a major factor in the ensuing hypoperfusion. Attenuation of ET-1 effects has been mainly achieved by blockade of its receptors. The result of a direct blockade of ET-1 mRNA synthesis is not known. We used the Marmarou’s model to inflict injury to male Sprague–Dawley rats injected with antisense ET-1 oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) before injury. Laser Doppler flowmetry in noninjured rats (2 groups, i.e., untreated and animals that received cODNs) revealed a constant cerebral blood flow of approximately 14 mL·min–1·100 g–1, whereas the values from injured animals pretreated with control ODNs (cODNs) or from animals subjected to TBI alone were approximately 8.0 mL·min–1·100 g–1 during the 18–48 h time period post-TBI. After antisense ET-1 ODNs pretreatment, however, cerebral blood flow in injured animals was approximately 17 mL·min–1·100 g–1 during the 6–48 h ti...
Bio-optical properties in waters influenced by the Mississippi River during low flow conditions

Spatial and temporal patterns of bio-optical properties were studied in the Northern Gulf of Mexico during cruises in April and October of 2000, a year during which the discharge volume from the Mississippi River was unusually low. Highly variable surface Chl a concentrations (0.1 to 17 mg m−3) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption (0.07 to 1.1 m−1 at 412 nm) were observed in the study region that generally decreased with increasing salinity waters, being highest nearshore and decreasing at offshore stations. The optical properties of absorption, scattering, and diffuse attenuation coefficients reflected these distributions with phytoplankton particles and CDOM contributing to most of the spatial, vertical, and seasonal variability. The diffuse attenuation coefficient Kd(λ) and spectral remote sensing reflectance Rrs(λ) were linear functions of absorption and backscattering coefficients a(λ) and bb(λ) through the downward average cosine μd and the ratio of variables f/Q at the SeaWiFS wavebands for waters with widely varying bio-optical conditions. Although various Rrs(λ) ratio combinations showed high correlation with surface Chl a concentrations and CDOM absorption at 412 nm, power law equations derived using the Rrs(490)/Rrs(555) and Rrs(510)/Rrs(555) ratios provided the best retrievals of Chl a concentrations and CDOM absorption from SeaWiFS reflectance data.
The Electrodeacidification of Blood

The design parameters for blood electrodeacidification were determined experimentally with due consideration of the physical properties of the diffusion of hydrogen through palladium (Pd) membrane electrodes, along with the physiological aspects of hemodialysis and electrohemodialysis for acidosis. Several models of an electrodeacidifier for extracorporeally circulating blood were built. Initial designs showed difficulties with clotting of heparinized blood and excessive hemolysis, but no evidence of membrane fouling. In subsequent experiments the clotting problem was eliminated by the interposition of anion exchange membranes between the blood and the Pd black surface.
Systematic revision of the yucca moths in the Tegeticula yuccasella complex (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) north of Mexico

The yucca moths (Tegeticula and Parategeticula) are of great importance in studies of coevolution because of their obligate mutualism with their yucca hosts. Historically, three species of Tegeticula have been recognized. One of them, T. yuccasella, has been regarded as the pollinator of all but two yucca species, but morphological, molecular and biological data show that this is a large complex of monophagous and oligophagous species that differ greatly in their biology. It also includes derived 'cheater' species that do not pollinate their hosts and oviposit into fruits rather than flowers. Here the yuccasella complex north of Mexico is revised. The nominotypic pollinator species yuccasella is redescribed, and ten new pollinator species described: altiplanella, baccatella, carnerosanella, cassandra, elatella, maderae, mojavella, rostratella, superficiella and treculeanella. Two non-pollinating cheater species are recognized. One such species originally misidentified as a Prodoxus species, then synonymised with yuccasella, is re- erected as the non-pollinating intermedia. In addition, the new non-pollinator species corruptrix is described.