cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue load sequence effect ranked by critical available energy density

Abstract The ways with which variable amplitude load spectra are simplified by taking only a portion of the load history as a block and applying it repeatedly make the prediction of fatigue life a nonunique procedure. This is because the process of damage cumulation is sensitive to alteration in load sequence. Variations in load amplitude affect the proportion of energy dissipated and that used to initiate and/or propagate cracks. A weighted wavelength index is defined that can reflect the complex load sequence effect on crack growth rate. Certain combinations of load sequence are shown to enhance crack growth while others tend to retard crack growth. This is demonstrated from a five-cycle load block where the amplitude and frequency are varied. Crack growth is modelled as the coalescence of a series of crack initiation sites, the loci of which are assumed to coincide with the cumulated volume energy density reaching a critical state, which is characteristic of the material in accordance with the strain energy density criterion. Results are based on the incremental theory of plasticity.
Differential instructions and interstimulus interval in eyelid conditioning

In an experiment in which each S received two CS-US intervals and varied instructions, conditioning was retarded in the shorter of the two ISIs by both inhibitory instructions and the within-S experimental design itself. CRs to the longer ISI depended upon specific instructions, but the relationships were quite complex. Poor discrimination was found between the two ISIs as measured by the small difference between CRs to the short ISI CS and responses in the short ISI CR range for the long ISI CS.
α-Bungarotoxin binding to two acetylcholine receptor α-peptides and their methylmercury-modified analogs: Intrinsic phosphorescence and optically detected magnetic resonance studies

Phosphorescence and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) have been used to characterize two synthetic peptides, α181-198 and α185-196, of the major binding determinant of the α-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) of Torpedo californica and its interaction with α-bungarotoxin (BgTX) using Trp as an intrinsic probe. BgTX conformational changes are suggested upon complexation with the peptides. Methylmercury- modified peptides show conformational heterogeneity which brings some of the modified Cys residues into proximity of peptide Trp(s). These modified peptides, when bound to BgTX, undergo structural changes which remove the tagged Cys from its close contact with the Trp residue(s) of the peptide.
Multivariate thin plate spline estimates for the posterior probabilities in the classification problem

A nonparametric estimate for the posterior probabilities in the classification problem using multivariate thin plate splines is proposed. This method presents a nonpararnetric alternative to logistic discrimination as well as to survival curve estimation. The degree of smoothness of the estimate is determined from the data using generalized crossvalidation.
Activation of 5-HT2 receptors enhances the release of acetylcholine in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the rat.

The role of 5-HT2 receptors in the regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release was examined in the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus using in vivo microdialysis. The 5-HT2A/2C agonist ±1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl) -2- aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the extracellular concentration of ACh in both brain regions, and this response was attenuated in rats treated with the 5-HT2A/2B/2C antagonist LY-53,857 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Treatment with LY-53,857 alone did not significantly alter ACh release in either brain region The 5-HT2C agonist 6-chloro-2-(1-piperazinyl)-pyrazine) (MK-212) (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the release of ACh in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, whereas the 5-HT2 agonist mescaline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a 2-fold increase in ACh release only in the prefrontal cortex. Intracortical, but not intrahippocampal, infusion of DOI (100 μM) significantly enhanced the release of ACh, and intracortical infusion of LY-53,857 (100 μM) significantly attenuated this response. These results suggest that the release of ACh in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus is influenced by 5-HT2 receptor mechanisms. The increase in release of ACh induced by DOI in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus, appears to be due to 5-HT2 receptor mechanisms localized within this brain region. Furthermore, it appears that the prefrontal cortex is more sensitive than the dorsal hippocampus to the stimulatory effect of 5-HT2 agonists on ACh release. Synapse 53:202–207, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of ovule position on patterns of seed maturation and abortion in Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae)

I examined the effect of ovule position on patterns of ovule development within the linear pods of black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L. Fruits were sampled from three sites in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Approximately two-thirds of all ovules failed to show visible signs of fertilization or development. Patterns of seed maturation and abortion within fruits were nonrandom and depended on ovule position. The probability of seed maturation within individual fruits decreased significantly from the distal to basal ends, suggesting the existence of a fertilization gradient. Seeds at the basal ends of fruits were also lighter than more distally located seeds. While seed mass did not influence the likelihood of germination, seed mass was positively correlated with seedling size. Hence, ovule position exerts an influence on offspring vigour and has the potential, ultimately, to affect plant fitness.
The Arveson Extension Theorem and coanalytic models

We develop techniques which allow one to describe in simple terms the set of operators on Hilbert space of the form M* (∞) |M, where M is multiplication by z on a Hilbert space of analytic functions satisfying certain technical assumptions, M* (∞) is the direct sum of a countably infinite number of copies of M*, andM is invariant for M* (∞). One of the main ingredients in our technique is the Arveson Extension Theorem and this paper illustrates the great power and tractability of that theorem in a concrete setting.
Training HIV specialists for community mental health

There is a critical need for trained HIV mental health specialists who possess the knowledge and attitudes necessary to meet the challenges of the HIV epidemic. A model for an intensive and experiential continuing education tutorial is briefly described, and evaluative data are presented. Upon completion of the three-day workshop, participants show an increase in HIV-related knowledge and a positive shift in attitudes regarding working with people affected by HIV disease.
High-pressure studies of CuCl: Data on candidacy as high- T c superconductor

Studies of single-crystal and polycrystalline CuCl at high pressure indicate anomalous behavior of dc electrical resistance, and ac impedance and self-inductance over the range 125 to 700 K. Plotting the P-T conditions for these anomalies reveals boundary curves which are believed to be associated with lattice and/or electronic transitions. Several of these curves are in agreement with phase boundaries reported by others. Oscillatory instabilities are frequently observed in I-V measurements at pressure and temperature. Fractional disproportionation has been observed in isolated neighborhoods of recovered products from the higher pressures (approx.50 kbars). In regions of severe shear nonuniformity, evidence has been found for a recoverable layered structure having a metallic appearance, as well as a peripheral zone reflecting a green or reddish tinge contrasting the semitransparent starting wafer. The most significant changes, however, were observed in phase angle (from capacitive to inductive) and in impedance (a 75% decrease), and occurred in the pressure range 5 to 10 kbars at 125 to 150 K. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of CuCl as a candidate for high-T/sub c/ superconductivity.
A neural mechanism for discrimination III: Visually perceived lengths and distances

A previously discussed neural mechanism for the discrimination of intensities is here applied to the judgment of visual lengths and distances on the assumption that the “intensity” associated with the magnitude being perceived is the intensity of innervation of the appropriate eye muscles necessary for scanning and fixating. Comparison with experimental data is made in the case of the judgment of lengths.
1D and 2D NMR of nanocellulose in aqueous colloidal suspensions

This is the first report on surface structural elucidation of individual nanocellulose as colloidal suspensions by 1D 1H, 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) as well as 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). 1H NMR of rice straw CNCs (4.7 nm thick, 143 nm long, 0.04 sulfate per AG or 19.0% surface hydroxyl to sulfate conversion) resembled that of homogeneous cellulose solution. Conventional 2D HSQC NMR of CNC, CNF 1.5 (2-14 nm thick, several micrometers long, 0.10 COOH per AG) and CNF10 (2.0 nm thick, up to 1 μm long, 0.28 COOH per AG) gave H1:H2 ratios of 1.08:1, 0.97:1 and 0.94:1, respectively, all close to the theoretical 1:1 value for cellulose. The H1:H6 ratios determined from 2D HSQC NMR for CNCs, CNF1.5 and CNF10 were 1:1.47, 1:0.88 and 1:0.14, respectively, and corresponded to 26%, 56% and 93% C6 primary hydroxyl conversion to sulfate and carboxyl groups, consistent with, but more sensitive than those by conductometric titration and X-ray diffraction. Both 1H and 2D HSQC NMR data confirm that solution-state NMR detects nanocellulose surface carbons and protons primarily, validating this technique for direct surface characterization of nanocellulose in aqueous colloidal suspensions, presenting a sensitive and meaningful NMR tool for direct characterizing individual nanocellulose surfaces in never-dried state.
A Survey of the Unmet Needs of Homebound Elders

Abstract In conjunction with the 1995 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA), the authors conducted a study of 917 homebound elders in one state in order to determine whether medications and medical care were always affordable and accessible, and how nursing home care would be paid for if needed. For more than two-fifths of the sample, paying for physicians' services and medications, as welt as locating reliable medical transportation was problematic at times. A similar proportion did not know where they would turn for assistance if family and friends were unavailable. Although Medicare only pays for up to 100 days under certain circumstances, more than half of the sample projected that Medicare would pay for nursing home care if it was needed. The authors conclude by discussing the WHCoA resolutions and resulting social policy implications.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atriofascicular and nodoventricular Mahaim tracts.

BACKGROUNDSeveral mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of tachycardia in patients with Mahaim tracts. The tachycardia may involve antegrade conduction over an atriofascicular pathway with decremental properties or a nodofascicular pathway.METHODS AND RESULTSWe report six patients with recurrent episodes of preexcited tachycardia with findings consistent with "Mahaim tract" conduction. All patients exhibited decremental antegrade preexcited conduction with atrial pacing and a preexcited tachycardia with initial activation of the proximal right bundle branch. In four patients (group 1), atrial premature complexes (APCs) induced at the tricuspid annulus just after the inscription of the septal atrial electrogram and during left bundle branch block preexcited tachycardia advanced the next preexcited ventricular complex. In these patients, discrete Mahaim potentials were inscribed over the right anterolateral or lateral tricuspid annulus. Two patients (group 2) had evidence of dual atriove...
Mad2 Overexpression Promotes Aneuploidy and Tumorigenesis in Mice

Mad2 is an essential component of the spindle checkpoint that blocks activation of Separase and dissolution of sister chromatids until microtubule attachment to kinetochores is complete. We show here that overexpression of Mad2 in transgenic mice leads to a wide variety of neoplasias, appearance of broken chromosomes, anaphase bridges, and whole-chromosome gains and losses, as well as acceleration of myc-induced lymphomagenesis. Moreover, continued overexpression of Mad2 is not required for tumor maintenance, unlike the majority of oncogenes studied to date. These results demonstrate that transient Mad2 overexpression and chromosome instability can be an important stimulus in the initiation and progression of different cancer subtypes.
Relationships between measures of I- and D-type curiosity, ambiguity tolerance, and need for closure: An initial test of the wanting-liking model of information-seeking

Abstract In two studies, hypotheses suggested by Litman’s (2005) wanting-liking model of information-seeking were tested. In Study 1 (N = 372) relationships between measures of dispositional Interest- (I) and Deprivation- (D) type curiosity, ambiguity tolerance (AT), and negative affectivity were examined. Consistent with the wanting-liking model, AT correlated positively with I-type curiosity and negatively with D-type curiosity. Also as predicted, I-type curiosity correlated negatively with negative traits, D-type curiosity correlated positively, and AT had minimal relationships. In Study 2 (N = 158), correlations between trait I- and D-type curiosity and need for closure (NFC) were examined. Generally consistent with expectations, I-type curiosity correlated negatively with NFC, and D-type curiosity was related positively, although the relationships were very weak.
Cerebellar cortical inhibition and classical eyeblink conditioning.

The cerebellum is considered a brain structure in which memories for learned motor responses (e.g., conditioned eyeblink responses) are stored. Within the cerebellum, however, the relative importance of the cortex and the deep nuclei in motor learning/memory is not entirely clear. In this study, we show that the cerebellar cortex exerts both basal and stimulus-activated inhibition to the deep nuclei. Sequential application of a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)R) agonist and a noncompetitive GABA(A)R antagonist allows selective blockade of stimulus-activated inhibition. By using the same sequential agonist and antagonist methods in behaving animals, we demonstrate that the conditioned response (CR) expression and timing are completely dissociable and involve different inhibitory inputs; although the basal inhibition modulates CR expression, the conditioned stimulus-activated inhibition is required for the proper timing of the CR. In addition, complete blockade of cerebellar deep nuclear GABA(A)Rs prevents CR acquisition. Together, these results suggest that different aspects of the memories for eyeblink CRs are encoded in the cerebellar cortex and the cerebellar deep nuclei.
Comparison of WISC and WISC-R scores of referred black, white and Latino children

Abstract Seventy-two school psychologists in the tri-state area of Michigan, Illinois and Ohio administered both the WISC and WISC-R to 164 black, white and Latino children in a counterbalanced order with a specific test-retest interval of not less than a week or more than a month. These children had been referred to the school psychologist because of concerns about their intellectual ability. Significant WISC/WISC-R differences were found, with the WISC-R yielding lower results. These results have implications for test users, special education programs, and mainstreaming efforts.
Accumulation of Creep Damage in a Siliconized Silicon Carbide

The accumulation of creep damage in a siliconized silicon carbide was investigated as a function of applied stress, creep strain, and microstructure. At 1100°C, creep damage was observed to accompany deformation in specimens tested to creep strains greater than 0.10%, under applied stresses greater than 137 MPa. At low creep strains, creep damage occurred in regions of the microstructure of high silicon carbide content. As deformation progressed, creep damage extended into regions of the microstructure of lower silicon carbide content. The area density and area fraction of cavities were found to increase linearly with creep strain. From these results, a threshold stress for the formation of creep damage was determined to be 132 MPa at 1100°C. It was suggested that the formation of creep damage was controlled by the heterogeneous nucleation of cavities at the silicon-silicon carbide interface, with the aid of high localized stresses and iron impurities in the silicon phase.
Submarine Groundwater Discharge of Total Mercury and Monomethylmercury to Central California Coastal Waters

Fluxes of total mercury (HgT) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) associated with submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) at two sites on the central California coast were estimated by combining measurements of HgT and MMHg in groundwater with the use of short-lived, naturally occurring radium isotopes as tracers of groundwater inputs. Concentrations of HgT were relatively low, ranging from 1.2 to 28.3 pM in filtered groundwater, 0.8 to 11.6 pM in filtered surface waters, and 2.5 to 12.9 pM in unfiltered surface waters. Concentrations of MMHg ranged from <0.04 to 3.1 pM in filtered groundwater, <0.04 to 0.53 pM in filtered surface waters, and 0.07 to 1.2 pM in unfiltered surface waters. Multiple linear regression analysis identified significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between dissolved groundwater concentrations of HgT and those of NH4+ and SiO2, and between dissolved groundwater concentrations of MMHg and those of HgT and NH4+. However, such relationships did not account for the majority of the variabili...
Arterial Ultrasonography and Tonometry as Adjuncts to Cardiovascular Risk Stratification

Myocardial infarction and stroke often occur without prior warning in asymptomatic individuals. Identifying individuals at risk is important for cost-effective use of preventive therapies. Algorithms based on risk factors statistically associated with cardiovascular events classify individuals into high-risk, intermediate-risk, or low-risk categories. However, more than one-third of adults in the U.S. are in the intermediate-risk category, and decisions regarding therapy are challenging in this subset. Testing for alterations in arterial function and structure that predate cardiovascular events may help refine cardiovascular risk assessment in the intermediate-risk group and identify candidates for aggressive therapy. Vascular ultrasonography and tonometry are promising test modalities for assessment of arterial function and structure in asymptomatic subjects. Several prospective studies have shown that measures of arterial function and structure provide prognostic information incremental to conventional risk factors. Standardization of methodology and establishment of quality control standards in the performance of these tests could facilitate their integration into clinical practice as adjuncts to existing cardiovascular risk stratification algorithms.
Measuring Impact on Missions and Processes: Assessment of Cyber Breaches

Although the importance of securing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources is widely recognized, very little work has been reported on measuring the impact of breaches of security on processes that use these resources. More specifically, the research question explored in this paper is measuring the impact on activities of a mission given the risk to ICT resources employed in the mission. Using BPMN as a process modeling notation and in the context of and through a military convoy movement example, we present formulas to compute this impact. In addition to its novelty, the contribution of this work includes its generalizability to all security issues and not necessarily limited to cyber security.
Can African Americans Win High-Profile Statewide Offices in the South? A Study in Southern Inhospitality

Using quantitative methods, this article seeks to explore the electoral fortunes of black high-profile statewide candidates in the South. In doing so, we examine both the correlation between vote support for black candidates across counties, as well as the relationship between voter support and the influence of candidate characteristics, such as political apprenticeship, party support, money, incumbency, and media endorsement on electoral support. Although we find that there is a core of white voters who will vote against a black gubernatorial or US Senatorial candidate no matter the circumstance, several unexpected and interesting developments emerge that have profound consequences for the election of future Southern black high-profile statewide hopefuls.
Choice ambiguity, dissonance, and defensiveness.

Summary Female repressors and sensitizers were presented with a choice between two pens of different colors from five which they had previously rated on a relative-attractiveness scale Following choice, they rerated the pens under one of two conditions (a) where the choice had unequivocal implications for their femininity or (b) where it had equivocal implications for femininity Attractiveness ratings of the pens before and after choice constituted the major dependent variable Repressors tended to show greater average change in ratings than sensitizers under low ambiguity but not under high ambiguity Skin conductance measurements did not show interpretable dissonance effects, but there was evidence of R-S differences in skin conductance and self-report measures of tension
Majorana neutrino and Lepton-Number non-conservation in 48Ca nuclear double beta decay

Abstract We have made a nuclear shell-model calculation of the neutrinoless double beta decay of 48 Ca(0 + ; g.s.) → 48 T i (0 + ; g.s.), using a diagramatic effective operator approach, together with the Paris and Reid NN potentials. Lepton-number non-conservation is due to the exchange of a Majorana neutrino between nucleon pairs. To reproduce the experimental value of T 1 2 ⪆ 2×10 21 yr , the limit on the Majorana neutrino mass is either ⩽ 40 eV or ⩾ 3×10 5 GeV. Our calculation includes a microscopic treatment of the NN short-range correlation effects as well as finite-size nucleon effects.
Information systems planning: lessons from strategic planning

Abstract IS planning has changed considerably since its inception as an operational planning tool, expanding its scope to address key business objectives and forging a link with strategic business planning. A great deal of attention is currently focused on identifying and developing strategic information systems. Strategic planning has also become more broadly-focused over time, as simple forecasting techniques have been replaced by a variety of adaptive approaches that emphasize industry structure analysis and environmental dynamics. However, strategic planning has come under fire recently for failing to live up to its promises. As these two disciplines become more closely aligned, IS planners can learn from the experiences of strategic planners and, hopefully, avoid a similar crisis of confidence.
Recharge Oscillator Mechanisms in Two Types of ENSO

The El Ni~ Oscillation (ENSO) tends to behave arguably as two different ‘‘types’’ or ‘‘flavors’’ in recent decades. One is the canonical cold-tongue-type ENSO with major sea surface temperature anomalies(SSTA)positionedoverthe easternPacific.Theotheris awarm-pool-typeENSOwith SSTAcenteredin the central Pacific near the edge of the warm pool. In this study, the basic features and main feedback processes of these two types of ENSO are examined. It is shown that the interannual variability of upper-ocean heat content exhibits recharge‐discharge processes throughout the life cycles of both the cold tongue (CT) and warm pool (WP) ENSO types. Through a heat budget analysis with focus on the interannual frequency band, the authors further demonstrate that the thermocline feedback plays a dominant role in contributing to the growth and phase transitions of both ENSO types, whereas the zonal advective feedback contributes mainly to their phase transitions. The westward shift of the SSTA center of the WP ENSO and the presence of significant surface easterly wind anomalies over the far eastern equatorial Pacific during its mature warm phase are the two main factors that lead to a reduced positive feedback for the eastern Pacific SSTA. Nevertheless, both the WP and CT ENSO can be understood to a large extent by the recharge oscillator mechanism.
A Symposium on the Clinton-Lewinsky Affair: Clinton, the Rightwing, and ‘Civilized’ Sexual Morality

The Clinton Affair raises so many issues around sexuality that a new journal on sexualities could hardly afford to ignore it. In this symposium, six prominent commentators provide brief analyses. Arlene Stein examines the role of the Clinton-Lewinsky Affair within the debate in the US known as ‘culture wars’. Stevi Jackson ponders why US feminists were so quiet on the issue, and provides her own analysis. Stephen O. Murray and Laurie Shrage both look at the issues raised around ‘sexual meaning’ - or ‘what is sex?’ Rob Stones discusses why and how people increasingly seem to be capable of becoming so involved with ‘abstract figures’, and draws some parallels with the concern over Princess Diana. Finally, Jeff Hearn links the affair to the growing interest in sex in organizations.
Impact of using DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing binge eating disorder in bariatric surgery candidates: change in prevalence rate, demographic characteristics, and scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF).

Objective Binge eating disorder (BED) was recently included in the DSM-5. The prevalence rate for BED using the DSM-IV-TR research criteria tends to be higher in bariatric surgery candidates than the normative population; however, no studies have examined how many more bariatric surgery candidates will meet the new, less conservative criteria of DSM-5. We explore the current BED prevalence rate change in a sample of bariatric surgery candidates. Method Data were obtained for 1,283 bariatric surgery candidates. 84 men and 213 women were diagnosed with current BED using DSM-IV-TR research criteria. A semi-structured interview, the binge eating scale (BES), and a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) were given to every patient as part of standard procedures mandated by the facility. Results and Discussion An additional 3.43% (p < .001) of bariatric surgery candidates met the diagnostic threshold for BED when using DSM-5 criteria. These individuals were demographical similar and produced similar MMPI-2-RF and BES scores when compared with patients who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for BED. Thus, the current investigation indicates that individuals meeting BED criteria based on DSM-5 are similar to those meeting the more conservative diagnostic threshold outlined in DSM-IV-TR in a sample of bariatric surgery candidates. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:553–557)
Short-term effects of repeated olfactory administration of homeopathic sulphur or pulsatilla on electroencephalographic alpha power in healthy young adults.

Introduction Homeopathic pathogenetic trials usually rely on symptom self report measures. Adding objective biomarkers could enhance detection of subtle initial remedy effects. The present feasibility study examined electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of repeated olfactory administration of two polycrest remedies. Methods College student volunteers (ages 18–30, both sexes) from an introductory psychology course were screened for good health and relatively elevated Sulphur or Pulsatilla symptom scores on the Homeopathic Constitutional Type Questionnaire (CTQ). Subjects underwent a series of 3 once-weekly double-blind sessions during which they repeatedly sniffed the remedy matched to their CTQ type and solvent controls. Each remedy was given in a 6c, 12c, and 30c potency, one potency per week, in randomly assigned order. Solvent controls included both plain distilled water and a water–ethanol (95%) solution. All sniff test solutions were further diluted just prior to laboratory sessions (0.5 ml test solution in 150 ml distilled water). Within a session, remedies and control solvents were administered via 2-s sniffs (8 sniffs of each of 4 different succussion levels for the potency in randomized order). Primary outcome variable was relative EEG power (alpha 1 8–10 Hz; alpha 2 10–12 Hz) averaged over 19 electrode sites, including all succussions for a given potency. Results Mixed-effect models revealed significant main effects for remedy type (Sulphur > Pulsatilla) in both alpha bands, controlling for gender, baseline resting EEG alpha, and solvent control responses. Additional analyses showed significant nonlinear interactions between dilution and time (weekly session) in alpha 2 for both remedies and alpha 1 for Sulphur. Conclusion EEG alpha offers an objective biomarker of remedy effects for future studies and potential method for distinguishing time-dependent effects of specific remedies and remedy potencies from one another.
Differential Cytokine Production in Clonal Macrophage and T-Cell Lines Cultured with Bifidobacteria

When used in commercial fermented dairy products, bifidobacteria may enhance immunity by stimulating cytokine secretion by leukocytes. To assess whether interaction between bifidobacteria and leukocytes promote cytokine production, we cultured RAW 264.7 cells (macrophage model) and EL-4.IL-2 thymoma cells (helper T-cell model) in the presence of 14 representative strains of heat-killed bifidobacteria. In unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells, all bifidobacteria induced pronounced increases (up to several hundred-fold) in the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with that of controls. Interleukin-6 production by unstimulated cells also increased significantly, but less than did tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Upon concurrent stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide, production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were both enhanced between 1.5- to 5.8-fold and 4.7- to 7.9-fold, respectively, when cultured with 10(8) bifidobacteria/ml. In unstimulated EL-4.IL-2 cells, bifidobacteria had no effect on the production of interleukin-2 or interleukin-5. Upon stimulation of EL-4.IL-2 with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, there were variable increases in interleukin-2 secretion (up to 2.4-fold for 10(6) Bifidobacterium Bf-1/ml) and interleukin-5 secretion (up to 4.6-fold for 10(8) B. adolescentis M101-4). The results indicated that, even when variations among strains were considered, direct interaction of most bifidobacteria with macrophages enhanced cytokine production, but the effects on cytokine production by the T-cell model were less marked. Interestingly, the 4 bifidobacteria strains used commercially for diary foods showed the greatest capacity for cytokine stimulation. The in vitro approaches employed here should be useful in future characterization of the effects of bifidobacteria on gastrointestinal and systemic immunity.
A NOTE ON NONLINEAR SUMMABILITY TECHNIQUES IN INVARIANT IMBEDDING

Abstract : The use of principles of invariance, as in invariant imbedding and dynamic programming, leads characteristically to functional equations of the form fn+1(p) = Tn(fn(g(p))), n = 0,1,2,..., where f0(p) is known. The computational solution proceeds stagewise, with f1 determined from a knowledge of f0, f2 determined by f1, and so on. In general, what is desired is the transient behvaior, small n, and the steady-state, or asymptotic behavior as n . In a number of significant processes--radiative transfer, control theory, inventory theory, and Markovian decision processes in general--only the asymptotic results are of interest. This is also the case in the application of gradient techniques. The application of nonlinear summability techniques to radiative transfer is outlined.
A comparative evaluation of indomethacin, acetaminophen and placebo as antipyretic agents in children.

Two hundred and twenty-three infants and children with rectal temperatures greater than 101° due to diseases commonly encountered in pediatric practice, were given indomethacin suspension, indomethacin placebo or acetaminophen elixir in a random coded manner according to prescribed dosage schedules. The mean temperature reduction in those groups treated with indomethacin and acetaminophen was statistically significantly better than placebo, and a significant difference in temperature reduction was found between indomethacin and acetaminophen with indomethacin being superior.
Voltage dependence of subthreshold resonance frequency in layer II of medial entorhinal cortex

The resonance properties of individual neurons in ento- rhinal cortex (EC) may contribute to their functional properties in awake, behaving rats. Models propose that entorhinal grid cells could arise from shifts in the intrinsic frequency of neurons caused by changes in membrane potential owing to depolarizing input from neurons coding velocity. To test for potential changes in intrinsic frequency, we meas- ured the resonance properties of neurons at different membrane poten- tials in neurons in medial and lateral EC. In medial entorhinal neurons, the resonant frequency of individual neurons decreased in a linear man- ner as the membrane potential was depolarized between 270 and 255 mV. At more hyperpolarized membrane potentials, cells asymptotically approached a maximum resonance frequency. Consistent with the previ- ous studies, near resting potential, the cells of the medial EC possessed a decreasing gradient of resonance frequency along the dorsal to ventral axis, and cells of the lateral EC lacked resonant properties, regardless of membrane potential or position along the medial to lateral axis within lateral EC. Application of 10 lM ZD7288, the H-channel blocker, abol- ished all resonant properties in MEC cells, and resulted in physiological properties very similar to lateral EC cells. These results on resonant properties show a clear change in frequency response with depolariza- tion that could contribute to the generation of grid cell firing properties in the medial EC. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social Resources, Health Resources, and Preventive Health Behavior: Patterns and Predictions

This study was designed to test the resource model of preventive health behavior (PHB) that incorporates social and health resources as causes of good health habits. The findings were based on survey data collected in 1979 on a national probability sample of 3,025 adults. Factor analysis was used to construct indexes of PHB and of health. Five PHB factors were regressed on education and income; on three health factors; and on control variables age, sex, and race. The model predicted dental and fitness factors. Higher education and the health factor of better health comparison consistently predicted the PHB factors. It was concluded that several types of PHBs are unrelated to one another and that the causes of these specific PHBs do vary.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNFSF15 are associated with surgical diverticulitis

CFDNA in cancer samples was highly correlated with TNM stage of disease (stage I 25,4 ng/mL; stage II 46,5 ng/mL; stage III 59,4 ng/mL; stage IV 84,7 ng/mL). Increase of CFDNA was also noticed during follow up in those patients who developed recurrence after surgery. Assuming the median preoperative value of CFDNA as a cut-off (11,7 ng/mL) we also demonstrated that CFDNA significantly correlates with 5 years survival rates (DFS 85,5% in patients with CFDNA lower than 11,7 ng/mL, DFS 35,5% in patients with CFDNA higher values; p 0,005).
Analysis of the dual discrimination ability of the two-port photorefractive joint transform correlator

An all-optical joint transform correlator featuring two operative correlation planes(ports) with complementary performance is presented. We present the theory of operation, derive the input-output characteristics, and demonstrate computer simulations and experimental results. The two-port joint transform correlator is based on simultaneous use of two photorefractive wave-mixing architectures. The first port uses two-beam coupling, and the second port uses four-wave mixing. The performance of the two ports depends on an experimentally controlled beam intensity ratio and the photorefractive coupling coefficient. With appropriate selection of these parameters, the first port is capable of high discrimination, while simultaneously the second offers a low discrimination output. Our results show that the two-beam coupling port can achieve peak-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratio values better than the phase-only correlator, whereas the four-wave-mixing port performs similarly to the classical joint transform correlator. This leads to a potential application in which the correlator could be set up so that in one port a general class is detected (interclass) and, in the other, the specific item in a class is detected (intraclass).
Temporal integration of the π1/π3 pathway in normal and dichromatic vision

Abstract Stiles'π 1 andπ 3 mechanisms are thought to reflect adaptation events at two sites in a single pathway, the first site controlled by the short-wavelength cones alone, the second site controlled by opposing signals from these cones vs the other cone classes. We examined this pathway's temporal integration under conditions that yield the full gamut of possible adaptation states at the two sites. Critical duration of theπ 1 / π 3 pathway was always about 200msec. In addition, we examined the π 1 and π 3 mechanisms of dichromatic vision. Our results suggest that protanopic and deuteranopic vision are characterized by aπ 1 / π 3 pathway similar to that in normal color vision.
Variable changes in PET activity before and after rTMS treatment for tinnitus

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to determine whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves tinnitus by decreasing neural activity in auditory processing regions of the temporal cortex and the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) for targeting treatment. Study Design: Randomized, sham-controlled crossover. Methods: Patients received a five-day course of active and sham 1-Hz rTMS (1800 pulses at 110% of motor threshold) to the temporal cortex, with a week separating active and sham treatment. Visual analogue ratings of tinnitus loudness (VARL) were assessed at baseline and the end of each treatment week; regional brain blood flow (rBBF) and glucose metabolism (via PET) were measured before and after treatment in regions of interest (ROI) beneath the stimulating coil and control sites. Results: The VARL for both ears significantly decreased after active but not sham treatment. Responders comprised 43% of patients, experiencing at least a 33% drop in tinnitus loudness. The site most consistently associated with a positive response was the secondary auditory cortex (Brodmann Area 22) in either hemisphere. PET asymmetries were variable across patients and not always accessible to rTMS. Whereas PET activity decreased significantly beneath the stimulating coil following active treatment, similar changes occurred at control sites and after sham stimulation. Change in tinnitus perception did not correlate significantly with change in PET activity at the treatment site ROI. Conclusions: Active TMS led to a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness, but PET scans failed to support the hypothesis that low-frequency rTMS improves tinnitus by reducing cortical activation at the stimulation site, questioning the utility of PET for targeting rTMS. Laryngoscope, 2011
Thermal Decomposition of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate

A chemical kinetic model for the thermal decomposition of the solid high explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is developed for prediction of times to thermal explosion using the Chemical TOPAZ heat transfer computer code. The model is based on times to thermal explosion measured in a new One Dimensional Time to Explosion (ODTX) apparatus. ODTX experiments are reported for pure PETN and for Semtex 1A. The pure PETN results are accurately modeled using a four reaction decomposition process in which an autocatalytic process produces intermediate reaction product gases, which subsequently react in a second order gas phase process to produce the final reaction products. Semtex 1A exhibits longer times to explosion than PETN at low temperatures, indicating that its endothermic binder decomposition absorbs heat produced by PETN decomposition. This binder reaction is modeled as a first order endothermic process. Three experiments on 5.08 cm diameter unconfined cylinders of PETN ramp heated to explosion at different rates are reported. The PETN model accurately predicts the thermocouple records and explosion times for these unconfined experiments in which only intermediate gaseous products can form.
Prospective evaluation of complications in an endoscopy unit: use of the A/S/G/E quality care guidelines

In 1989, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy released a quality assurance monograph in which a procedure review process was outlined. The major elements of the program for quality assurance in gastrointestinal endoscopy included: (1) procedure reports, (2) an endoscopic unit record, and (3) a procedure review. This study was designed to use the procedure review process to determine the incidence of complications, to identify quality assurance issues, and to determine whether audits and/or studies would result from this process. To make a meaningful interpretation as to what constitutes an important complication, a classification to define potential problems was established. Using this classification, a complication was identified in 64 of 3287 procedures (1.9%). These complications were discussed in a monthly morbidity and mortality conference. Additionally, 21 quality assurance issues were identified that led to four studies addressing these quality assurance issues.
The medical evaluation of sexually abused children.

Participants: Astrid Heger, MD 1 , Martin A. Finkel, DO 2, Karen J. Simmons, MD 3 , and J.M. Whitworth, MD 4 1 LAC & USC VIP, LaCanada, California, USA, 2 UMDNJ Center for Children Support, Stratford, New Jersey, USA, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA, and 4 Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
A FUTURE SOCIETY FUNCTIONING AT THE PARADIGMATIC STAGE

The speculative yet theoretically viable notion of a future society performing at the paradigmatic stage is under-examined. Visions of a highly evolved humanity should be supported by rigorously realistic treatment of factors, from the pragmatics of how visions would manifest on the ground to the hierarchical complexity-based challenges of social evolution. The theoretical discourse takes different angles on discussing society at this stage. These include examining moral development; individual–society differences; social systems, principles, and processes; demands on discursive practices and institutions; and the developmental and other demands of complexity in societies' issues. Is a society at the paradigmatic stage possible?
Canine Analogs of Human Personality Factors

Analysis of the behavioral traits of 56 breeds of dog produced three factors with some similarities to the popular five-factor model of human personality: (a) reactivity--surgency, (b) aggression--disagreeableness, and (c) trainability--openness. Canine and human personality similarities are argued to have their origin in biogenetic factors stemming from common evolutionary sources and from canine breeding for human compatibility and assistance with human tasks. Each of the three canine factors was shown to have a highly visible morphological indicator between breeds of dog. Reactivity--surgency was related to overall size, aggression--disagreeableness was related to having pointed ears, and trainability--openness was related to the ponderal index.
163 Expansion of Thoracic Donor Pool and Impact on Cost Associated with Non-Recovered Organs

Purpose: Our center has demonstrated that expansion of donor pool can be achieved without compromising outcomes. In an effort to expand donor pool, it is natural that a certain number of thoracic organs will be turned down. The transportation expenses can be substantial and it is not directly addressed in the literature till date. Our aim was to report our cost analysis of thoracic organ recovery versus other organ recovery. Methods and Materials: Financial data was collated from organ procurement invoices obtained from the local OPO for the period of July 2009 to June 2010 for bowel, heart, liver, lung & heart/lung, pancreas & kidney.
On the mechanism of the adjuvant effect of Bordetella pertussis vaccine

Abstract Pertussis vaccine accelerates rather than retards, of antigen from the circulation and enhances the secondary as well as the primary response. Pertussis vaccine alone has an anamnestic effect and is capable of causing the appearance of homocytotropic antibody which reacts with antigens to which the animal has previously made a primary response. The effects of pertussis and Freund's adjuvant are additive. Increased insulin levels are not necessary for the adjuvant effect as alloxan diabetic animals are quite capable of enhanced antibody response after pertussis vaccine. Beta adrenergic blocking drugs increase and adrenergic agonists reduce antibody response slightly. It is concluded that pertussis exerts its effect directly on the precursor of the antibody-forming cells by increasing their rate of cell division Impairment of beta adrenergic receptors may be the mechanism of the effect.
Destratification by Mechanical Mixers : Mixing Efficiency and Flow Scaling

Experiments have been performed to assess the efficiency of mechanical mixers in destratifying water bodies. The effects of Reynolds number, physical scale, and Richardson number were all considered. The results demonstrated that the variation of mixing efficiency with Richardson number was well described by two different power-law regimes. At low Richardson numbers, the efficiency increased with increasing Richardson number. Above a critical value, however, the efficiency decreased rapidly with further increases in Richardson number. The experiments further showed that, over the range of Reynolds numbers considered, the results collapsed fairly well. Finally, experiments at different physical scales showed reasonable agreement. The main conclusion of the present technical note is that the destratification efficiency of mechanical mixers can be well parameterized by an overall Richardson number. The results, however, are specific to the particular geometric configuration studied. It is hoped that the present technical note will help to guide future studies of destratification systems in small lakes and reservoirs and fluid mixing in the chemical and process industries.