cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Thyroid Regulation in Chickens with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

The obese strain of chicken (OS) in which virtually all individuals spontaneously develop autoimmune thyroiditis was developed by selection from the Cornell strain (CS). Lymphocytes start infiltrating the thyroid gland 1 week after hatching. One possibility explaining this infiltration postulates preexisting abnormalities or defects of the target organ. The present study examines one parameter of thyroid function, uptake of 131I- under conditions in which TSH secretion is minimized. This was accomplished by supplementation of feed with T4 from hatching until sacrifice. Serum T4 levels were monitored by RIA. Twenty-hour thyroidal iodide uptakes were determined at autopsy by counting the radioactivity in the extirpated thyroid lobes. Dietary T4 supplementation increased serum T4 levels many times above normal. This drastically decreased thyroid function in four normal chicken strains; thyroidal uptake of 131I- was suppressed 97.5-99.2%. OS chickens were incompletely suppressed; mean values ranged between 80...
Intraclonal variation in propensity for mixis in several rotifers: variation among females and with maternal age

In 14 previously published experiments with clones of three species of Brachionus, Epiphanes ukera, and Rhinoglena frontalis, females cultured singly in small volumes from birth through most of their reproductive period usually produced some mictic daughters. Here, these data are analyzed to test two hypotheses: the propensity of females in a clone to produce mictic daughters will vary significantly among females, and will decrease with female age. Significant heterogeneity (χ2) among replicate females was demonstrated in two clones of B. calyciflorus from Florida, in single clones of this species from Georgia, Texas, Spain, and Australia, in a clone of B. angularis from Argentina, and in single clones of E. ukera and R. frontalis from Germany. No significant heterogeneity was found in two other clones of B. calyciflorus from Florida and in a clone of B. variabilis from Spain. Significant heterogeneity among females of a clone could be caused by chance fluctuations during development, differences in birth order, or epimutations. This heterogeneity is an important component of a bet-hedging strategy to balance production of diapausing fertilized eggs and future population growth by female parthenogenesis. The propensity of a female to produce mictic daughters did not decrease with her age. In experiments with six different clones from four strains of B. calyciflorus, and with single clones of E. ukera and R. frontalis, only one clone of B. calyciflorus showed significant variation (ANOVA) in the proportion of mictic daughters produced in three or four successive one- or two-day periods. In this clone the proportion of mictic daughters increased with maternal age.
Vibrationally assisted direct dissociative chemisorption of deuterated methane and ethane on Ir(110)

Abstract We have observed vibrationally assisted chemisorption of C 2 D 6 and CD 4 on Ir(110). Using vibrationally hot supersonic beams, we observed a decrease in the translational energy required for the onset of measurable dissociative chemisorption as compared to room temperature beams, and we also observed a relatively sudden increase in the probability of chemisorption at the onset, followed by a gradual leveling off at an enhancement in the probability of approximately 0.05.
Long-term loss of canonical NKT cells following an acute virus infection.

NKT cell activation plays an important role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity during infection. We have previously found that there is a dramatic reduction in the NKT cell population on day 3 after an acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In this study, we report that this loss continued for at least 3 months and was not simply due to internalization of the TCR. Concomitant with the decrease in NKT cells was an increase in the percentage of Annexin V+ NKT cells that remained in vivo, suggesting that the reduction in NKT cells at these late stages post-infection occurred by activation-induced cell death. Interestingly, APC from LCMV-infected mice could activate NKT cells in vitro at higher levels than those from uninfected mice and was concomitant with an increase in apoptosis in NKT cells. However, this could not be blocked by mAb to murine CD1d, and APC from LCMV-infected (but not uninfected) CD1d1-deficient mice could also stimulate NKT cells. Collectively, our data suggest that the activation and subsequent long-term loss of NKT cells is a normal component of the host's antiviral immune response, and this occurs in a CD1d-independent manner.
Surface resistance to abrasion of preformed laminate resin veneers

Preformed laminate resin veneers should be adapted closely to the teeth to reduce the thickness of the composite layer. Minimal voids at the composite, veneer, and tooth junctional margin will result. Composite resins are difficult to finish, but laminate veneer can be highly polished. Poorly finished veneer surfaces appear to abrade to a smoother surface with toothbrushing while poorly finished composite surfaces remain rough. To reduce material loss from abrasion, the veneer restoration should be highly polished. Polishing the veneer at the gingival margin is particularly important to gingival health. Only rough veneer surfaces will be improved by toothbrushing abrasion. Special instructions should be given to patients with laminated veneers to reinforce proper oral hygiene and to discourage use of highly abrasive dentifrices. Continued monitoring of plaque accumulation should minimize problems related to oral hygiene.
Enhancing Online Music Lessons with Applications in Automating Self-Learning Tutorials and Performance Assessment

Online music lessons are growing more and more prevalent with resources such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and lessons via YouTube videos. We discuss two issues in online music lessons that machine learning techniques may be used to solve: finding or developing a music lesson based on the student's learning style, musical background, or preference and quantitative assessment of the student's performance (whether as an online-instructor or self-taught through online videos). In particular, we discuss two solutions with specific applications. First, we propose a method for automating music lessons for learning how to play pre-recorded songs via existing music information retrieval (MIR) techniques for adaptability to various learning styles. Secondly, we propose a method for automating the assessment of rhythmic structures (such as tremolo, vibrato, etc.) via quantitative metrics of comparing modulation spectral features. We then list some resources and software that are currently available to integrate these methods to enhance online music education.
Biosynthesis of connective tissue polysaccharides

ABSTRACT The biosynthesis of chondroitin sulphate exemplifies the formation of connective tissue polysaccharides. Six different glycosyltransferases participate: a chain-initiating xylosyltransferase, two galactosyltransferases, two glucuro-nosyltransferases, and an N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase. Some of their properties are discussed, particularly their substrate specificities determined with small oligosaccharide acceptors of well-defined structure. Purification of these enzymes is in its early stages and has been hampered by the membrane-bound nature of most of them. Xylosyltransferase, which is the most soluble, has been purified over 1000-fold by chromatography on an affinity matrix of Sepharose-bound Smith-degraded cartilage proteoglycan.
Sprouting of sympathetic nerves in the absence of afferent input

Abstract One day before a medial septal lesion, the preganglionic afferents to the superior cervical ganglion were transected. We found that deafferented peripheral noradrenergic neurons appear in the hippocampal formation in response to the septal lesion in spite of loss of input from the central nervous system. This observation supports the hypothesis that sprouting is initiated by some factor derived from the target tissue.
Measuring Demographic Change: The Split Tract Problem

Census tracts in rapidly growing areas often are split into two or more tracts between decennial censuses. The mismatch of tract boundaries between decades poses difficult problems for those researchers interested in measuring demographic change in small areas. The most common solution is to make tracts in both years conform to the earlier boundaries-data from the split tracts are aggregated. An alternative is to apportion data for the earlier year on the basis of land area. A third method estimates the distribution of data for the earlier year by the proportion of population later living in the various split tracts. Comparison of these three methods suggests that, in typical situations, the latter method results in less overall error.
Body composition in normal black women: the four-compartment model.

The four-compartment model of body composition was studied in 112 healthy black women to develop normative data to be used to assess deviations in illness. Each compartment was measured by an independent method: tritiated water dilution, prompt-gamma neutron activation analysis (for nitrogen), inelastic neutron scattering (for carbon) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (for calcium). The mean age of the population was 43.2 years. Race was self-declared. The mean values for the four compartments were [kg SE] protein: 9.6 (0.07); mineral 3.0 (0.03); fat 24.2 (0.70); and water 33.1 (0.29). Each of the compartments changed significantly with age (P < .0001). There were declines in total body water, mineral, and protein, whereas fat increased linearly with age. Linear regressions performed on pre- and postmenopausal women showed a significant difference only for the mineral compartment. Various models were fit to the data to adjust for body size and age. The equation y = age + height + weight fits the data as well as the other models. Equations and graphs were developed to assess each compartment using this linear model and may be used to assess the body composition status of healthy and ill black women. Although black women tended to be heavier than white women, after controlling for differences in body weight (and age) black women had a greater mass of protein, mineral, and water and a similar fat store. These differences, while statistically significant, were not of great magnitude. This was a cross-sectional study and suspected trends with aging must be confirmed by a longitudinal study.
Open-loop control of IPMC actuators under varying temperatures

Because of size and complexity concerns, implementing feedback control for ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators is often difficult or costly in many of their envisioned biomedical and robotic applications. It is thus of interest to develop open-loop control strategies for these actuators. Such strategies, however, are susceptible to change of IPMC dynamics under varying environmental conditions, a predominant example being the temperature. In this paper we present a novel approach to open-loop control of IPMC actuators in the presence of ambient temperature changes. First, a method is proposed for modeling the temperature-dependent actuation dynamics. The empirical frequency response of an IPMC actuator, submerged in a water bath with controlled temperature, is obtained for a set of temperatures. For each temperature, a transfer function of a given structure is found to fit the measured data. A temperature-dependent transfer function model is then derived by curve-fitting each zero or pole as a simple polynomial function of the temperature. Open-loop control is then realized by inverting the model at a given temperature based on the auxiliary temperature measurement. However, the obtained model for IPMC actuators is of non-minimum phase and cannot be inverted directly. A stable but non-causal algorithm is adopted to implement the inversion. Furthermore, a finite-preview algorithm is proposed to enable near real-time tracking of desired outputs. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is effective in improving the tracking performance of IPMC actuators under varying temperatures.
DC Compliance Bias Introduced by a Potentiostat: Effects During AC Impedance Measurements and Possible Prevention

The 4-point conductivity measurements are preferred in conductivity measurements as they are less affected by polarization as a result of surface electrochemical reactions. An immersion 4-electrode conductivity probe marketed by Topac was used for impedance measurements and finally, for conductivity studies. The conductivity measurements of standard solutions of potassium chloride, yielded a value for the cell constant close to the one expected one from geometry. After multiple repetitions of impedance measurements a change in appearance of the working electrodes (from platinized black to shiny metallic) was observed. This lead to the discovery that in a 4-electrode system without explicit reference electrodes the potentiostat enters into slow frequency oscillations and the resulting compliance voltage causes electropolishing of the electrodes. Although the impedance measurements, at least in this case, were not burdened by this apparent excessive current on the counterelectrodes, a method to avoid this problem by working in galvanostatic, instead of potentiostatic mode is proposed.
Results of Recent Trials on the Progression of Coronary Artery Disease and Recurrent Ischemic Events: Implications for Interventional Cardiology

There is increasing evidence to suggest that secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease by low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction as a result of administration of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, or dietary modification with alpha-linolenic acid is effective in reducing recurrent nonfatal and fatal myocardial infar~tion. ' -~ The debate' concerning lipid reduction or dietary modification in primary prevention in regard to a potential offset in the reduction of cardiovascular mortality by an increase in noncardiovascular mortality due to accidents, suicide, andor cancer does not seem relevant in the setting of secondary prevention where the accumulating evidence of a marked reduction in recurrent ischemic events' does not appear likely to be offset by an excess in noncardiovascular mortality, even if it should exist. Data from the PLAC-I study,3 an angiographic study of over 400 patients with significant coronary artery disease randomized to the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor pravastatin 40-mg daily or placebo in patients maintained on an NCEP-step 1 lipid reduction diet shows a significant reduction in LDL-C and the progression of coronary artery disease in those patients randomized to pravastatin. Of interest in this study, as in the CCAIT study6 using the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin, is the finding that the major effect of pravastatin and lovastatin was on progression of minimal coronary arterial lesions and new lesion for-
Characterization of an ultraviolet and a vacuum-ultraviolet irradiance meter with synchrotron radiation

We have constructed and characterized a simple probe that is suitable for accurate measurements of irradiance in the UV to the vacuum UV spectral range. The irradiance meter consists of a PtSi detector located behind a 5-mm-diameter aperture. The probe was characterized at various wavelengths ranging from 130 to 320 mm by use of continuously tunable synchrotron radiation from the Synchrotron Ultra-violet Radiation Facility III. We determined the irradiance responsivity by scanning a small monochromatic beam over the active area of the irradiance meter and measuring its response on a grid with regular spacing. The angular response was also determined and shown to be suitable for applications such as photolithography. In addition, we studied the radiation damage using a 157-nm excimer laser and found that the irradiance meter can endure more than 100 J/cm2 of 157-nm radiation before a noticeable change occurs in its responsivity. Many industrial applications such as UV curing, photolithography, or semiconductor chip fabrication that require accurate measurement of the irradiance would benefit from having such a stable, accurate LTV irradiance meter.
Partial separation of beef adrenal Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerases: Androst-5-ene-3,17-dione isomerase and pregn-5-ene-3,20-dione isomerase

Two distinct Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerases, one acting on the androst-5-ene-3,17-dione and the other on pregn-5-ene-3,20-dione, were demonstrated in beef adrenal cortex homogenates and were partly separated by ammonium sulfate fractionation from a solubilized preparation of the glands. In one enzyme fraction, androst-5-ene-3,17-dione isomerase was almost free of pregn-5-ene-3,20-dione isomerase activity. In a second fraction, pregn-5-ene-3,20-dione isomerase was twice as active as androst-5-ene-3,17-dione isomerase, whereas in the solubilized preparation androst-5-ene-3,17-dione isomerase was 5–8 times as active as pregn-5-ene-3,20-dione isomerase.
Measurement of absorption rates in horizontal-tube falling-film ammonia-water absorbers

Abstract Heat and mass transfer in a horizontal-tube falling-film ammonia-water absorber was investigated. A tube bank consisting of four columns of six 9.5 mm nominal OD, 0.292 m long tubes was installed in a shell that allowed heat and mass transfer measurements and optical access for flow visualization. This absorber was installed in a test facility consisting of all the components of a chiller, fabricated to obtain realistic operating conditions at the absorber to account for the influence of the other components in the system. Tests were conducted over desorber solution outlet concentrations of 5–40% for three nominal absorber pressures of 150, 345 and 500 kPa, for solution flow rates of 0.019–0.034 kg s−1. Measurement and analysis techniques, heat transfer rates, and solution- and vapor-side heat and mass transfer coefficients are described. Trends in heat and mass transfer coefficients are discussed, highlighting the effects of solution flow rate and concentration, and absorber pressure.
Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration on Growth and Processing Yield of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1

.— This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary protein concentration and an all-plant diet on growth and processing yield of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Four diets were formulated using plant and animal proteins to contain 24%n, 28%, 32%, or 36% crude protein with digestible energy to protein (DE/P) ratios of 11.7, 10.2, 9.0, and 8.1 kcal/g, respectively. An all-plant diet containing 28% protein with a DE/P ratio of 10.2 kcal/g was also included. Channel catfish fingerlings averaging 40 g/fish were stocked into 24, 0.04-ha ponds at a density of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment except for the all-plant diet which had four replicates. The fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 160 d. No differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, survival, carcass and nugget yield, or fillet moisture and protein concentrations among treatments. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than fish fed diets containing 24% and 32% protein, but had a FCR similar to fish fed the 36% protein diet. Fillet yield was higher for fish fed the 36% protein diet than fish fed the 24% protein diet. Visceral fat was lower in fish fed the 36% protein diet than fish fed other diets. Fish fed the 32% and 36% protein diets exhibited a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 24% protein diet. The 36% protein diet resulted in a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 28% protein diet. There was a positive linear regression in fillet yield and fillet moisture concentration and a negative linear regression in visceral fat and fillet fat against dietary protein concentration. No differences in any variables were noted between the 28% protein diets with and without animal protein except that fish fed the 28% protein diet without animal protein had a higher FCR than fish fed the 28% protein diet with animal protein. This observation did not appear to be diet related since FCR of fish fed the 32% protein diet containing animal protein was not different from that of fish fed the 28% all-plant protein diet. Data from the present study indicate that dietary protein concentrations ranging from 24% to 36% provided for similar feed consumption, growth, feed efficiency, and carcass yield. However, since there is a general increase in fattiness and a decrease in fillet yield as the dietary protein concentration decreases or DEP ratio increases, it is suggested that a minimum of 28% dietary protein with a maximum DEIP ratio of 10 kcal/g protein is optimal for channel catfish growout.
Anatomy of the feeding apparatus of the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum.

The anatomy of the feeding apparatus of the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, was investigated by gross dissection and computer axial tomography. The labial cartilages, jaws, jaw suspension, muscles, and ligaments of the head are described. Palatoquadrate cartilages articulate with the chondrocranium caudally by short, laterally projecting hyomandibu- lae and rostrally by ethmoorbital articulations. Short orbital processes of the palatoquadrates are joined to the ethmoid region of the chondrocranium by short, thin ethmopalatine ligaments. In addition, various ligaments, muscles, and the integument contribute to the suspension of the jaws. When the mouth is closed and the palatoquadrate retracted, the palatine process of the palato- quadrate is braced against the ventral surface of the nasal capsule and the ascending process of the palatoquadrate is in contact with the rostrodorsal end of the suborbital shelf. When the mandible is depressed and the palato- quadrate protrudes slightly rostroventrally, the palatoquadrate moves away from the chondrocranium. A dual articulation of the quadratomandibular joint restricts lateral movement between the mandible and the palatoquad- rate. The vertically oriented preorbitalis muscle spans the gape and is hypothesized to contribute to the generation of powerful crushing forces for its hard prey. The attachment of the preorbitalis to the prominent labial carti- lages is also hypothesized to assist in the retraction of the labial cartilages during jaw closure. Separate levator palatoquadrati and spiracularis muscles, which are longitudinally oriented and attach the chondrocranium to the palatoquadrate, are hypothesized to assist in the retraction of the palatoquad- rate during the recovery phase of feeding kinematics. Morphological special- izations for suction feeding that contribute to large subambient suction pressures include hypertrophied coracohyoideus and coracobranchiales muscles to depress the hyoid and branchial arches, a small oral aperture with well-developed labial cartilages that occlude the gape laterally, and small teeth. J. Morphol. 241:33-60, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Compression of still images using segmentation-based approximation

This paper describes a segmentation-based approach for image compression. The image to be compressed is represented as regions and a contour map, with each coded separately. The proposed method is applicable to monochrome, color, and mixed image data.
Predictors of partial remission in older patients treated for major depression: the role of comorbid dysthymia.

Objective The authors studied demographic, clinical, social, and perceived health and well-being factors as predictors of partial remission in older patients treated for major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods The sample included 186 patients who met DSM-IV criteria for MDD and underwent naturalistic treatment. Remission status was determined by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score. Ordinal logistic-regression was used to model the relationship between predictors and remission on an ordinal scale. Results A total of 26.9% patients were in partial remission (score: 7–15), and 25.8% were not in remission (score: 16–60) 1 year after the index evaluation. In bivariate analyses, the odds of partial/no remission were significantly increased for those with comorbid MDD and dysthymia and for those with higher baseline depression scores, and decreased for those with higher perceived social support. Other factors potentially associated with outcome included number of mobility/IADL limitations, perceived stress, self-perceived health, life dissatisfaction, and heart trouble. Controlling for these potential confounders, comorbid MDD and dysthymia significantly predicted outcome. The effect of mobility/IADL limitations differed for those with comorbid dysthymia. Conclusions Among older adults treated for MDD, factors predicting partial remission appear to be similar to those predicting no remission. Patients with comorbid MDD and dysthymia are at increased risk for poor outcome, and predictors may vary by dysthymia status.
Rafting on wrack as a mode of dispersal for plants in coastal marshes

Abstract Here, I examine the potential for dead plant material, or wrack, to act as a vector of dispersal for plants among coastal marshes along the Palmer River in New England, USA. Three hundred mats of wrack floating along a 2.5 km section of river spanning tidal fresh, brackish and salt marshes were sampled for propagules of plants from May 1997 to October 1998. Thirty species of plants and 2 species of algae were associated with the wrack, and 24 of the plant species were viable under greenhouse conditions. Common and abundant species of tidal fresh, brackish and salt marshes were found in the wrack, as well as introduced and invasive species. Wrack contained plants suited to different modes of dispersal, including water, wind and adherence to animals. Measurements of the movement of individual mats of wrack along a 200 m section of the river indicated that wrack travelled at speeds ranging from 1.1 to 2.6 km h −1 , which translates to potential dispersal distances ranging from 6.5 to 15.9 km for one ebb or flood tide of 6 h duration. Tagged mats of wrack tracked for one ebb or flood tide travelled at least 2.5 km along the river. These results suggest that wrack may be an important agent of plant dispersal among coastal marshes in estuaries.
Anti-Jamming GPS Receiver With Reduced Phase Distortions

Anti-jamming techniques are critical to maintain the integrity and functionality of GPS systems in various applications. One of the major problems with existing array-based anti-jamming GPS receivers is the errors introduced in the carrier phase, affecting the GPS solution. In this letter, we propose a novel anti-jamming GPS receiver structure that preserves the GPS signal phase continuity. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified by simulation results.
Pathophysiology and treatment of septic shock

Shock is defined as inadequate circulating blood volume producing decreased peripheral vascular perfusion and cellular metabolic derangements, first in the nonvital tissues (the gastrointestinal tract, muscle, connective tissue, and skin) and later in the vital tissues (the brain, heart, lung, liver, and kidneys). This inadequate microcirculatory perfusion is the common denominator of all types of shock. Septic shock is caused by an immunologic reaction characterized by a hyperdynamic state, which produces increased cardiac output and decreased peripheral resistance. This reaction is secondary to endotoxin-antibody-complement complexing and leukocyte lysis that results in the production of histamine, serotonin, super-radicals, lysosomal enzymes, and kinins. These substances induce a marked capillary permeability and a third space loss, leading to hypovolemia. This is the hypodynamic state of septic shock, which is characterized by decreased cardiac output and increased peripheral resistance. Diagnosis should be established in the hyperdynamic state of septic shock. Monitoring of the patient in septic shock requires continuous evaluation of the status of clinical signs, peripheral perfusion, vital organ function, and volume requirements. There are four principal and equally important objectives in the treatment of septic shock: treatment of sepsis, management of the hypovolemic state, reparation of the metabolic acid-base imbalance, and correction of the nutritional deficit. There are no priorities; all aspects of treatment must be rendered concomitantly and rapidly. It is essential that the septic and hypovolemic processes be treated concomitantly, since preventing the complexing of antigen-antibody and complement will deter vascular permeability and its consequent hypovolemia. Prompt and adequate treatment of hypovolemia prevents the development of attendant cellular metabolic derangements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Subjective Memory in Older African Americans

The current analysis examined (a) if measures of psychological well-being predict subjective memory, and (b) if subjective memory is consistent with actual memory. Five hundred seventy-nine older African Americans from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging completed measures assessing subjective memory, depressive symptomatology, perceived stress, locus of control, and verbal and working memory. Higher levels of perceived stress and greater externalized locus of control predicted poorer subjective memory, but subjective memory did not predict objective verbal or working memory. Results suggest that subjective memory is influenced by aspects of psychological well-being but is unrelated to objective memory in older African Americans.
Does it mean less testing for self calibrating design

In this presentation, we examine several cases of self compensating design and self calibrating design. We show that these kinds of designs have high degree of circuit level redundancy and it is very difficult to test for the various redundant elements, which are not necessarily activated during the test procedures or conditions. DFT must be introduced to allow for additional controllability and observability and test procedures adjusted covering for these elements. Otherwise, if these compensating elements have a defect or they are way off on the scale of process variation, the design may not be self compensating after all. We also show that the calibration circuits themselves also have to be tested.
Safety of invasive procedures in patients with the coagulopathy of liver disease.

Summary To assess the need for prophylactic fresh frozen plasma in patients with chronic liver disease before procedures, we followed 39 consecutive patients with prothrombin times (PT) of 15–29 s who had 71 invasive procedures. A total of 57 procedures was done in 30 patients receiving no blood product support, while 12 patients received blood products within 12 h of 14 procedures. Only three of the latter group received fresh frozen plasma prophylactically to improve the PT. The two groups were similar in the severity of their liver disease. There were nine surgical procedures as well as paracenteses, thoracenteses, lumbar punctures, and central venous line placement. Three bleeding episodes occurred. Two of the bleeding episodes required no further treatment. Because of the low incidence of bleeding and the ease in controlling the bleeding once it occurred, fresh frozen plasma is not recommended for prophylaxis of an elevated prothrombin time.
Nitrogen Use by Tall Fescue and Switchgrass on Acidic Soils of Varying Water Holding Capacity

Increased use of bunchgrasses in acidic soils of the humid North-eastern USA requires more detailed knowledge on the fate of fertilizer N for economic and environmental reasons. A 3-yr field investigation using 15 N-depleted fertilizer was undertaken to determine the effect of soil water holding capacity (WHC) on the use of soil and fertilizer N by cool-season (tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and warm-season (switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L.) forages. Three sites of varying soil depth provided WHC of 5, 15, and 25 cm. Fertilizer N was applied at 0, 90, and 180 kg ha −1 (split application for tall fescue) (...)
Modified Born Approximation and the Elastic Scattering of Electrons from Helium

We discuss the elastic scattering of electrons from helium atoms in terms of an energy-dependent central-potential model having the form $V(r)=2Zlimit of\text{}\left(\frac{\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}}\frac{{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}r}}{r}+\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}}\frac{{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Lambda}r}}{r}\right)\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{{({r}^{2}+{d}^{2})}^{2}}\text{as}\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\mu},$ where $\ensuremath{\mu},\ensuremath{\alpha}$ are fixed constants (for He, $\ensuremath{\mu}=3.375$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1.39$), and $d$ is an energy-dependent phenomenological parameter. The method of partial waves is adapted for a generalized Yukawa potential and a polarization potential. Phase shifts and scattering cross sections are calculated from our potential model using the first Born approximation and a modified form of it. We develop an effective-range theory for a generalized Yukawa and a polarization potential, and apply it to generate a set of energy-dependent electron-helium phase shifts in the region 0-500 eV. Recent experimental angular distribution data in the region 100-500 eV are rather satisfactorily accounted for by our potential model. Our results compare favorably with those of LaBahn and Callaway.
Assessing the Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation in a Multi‐Scale Climate Model

[1] A promising result that has emerged from the new Multi-scale Modeling Framework (MMF) approach to atmospheric modeling is a global improvement in the daily timing of peak precipitation over the continents, which is suggestive of improved moist dynamics at diurnal timescales overall. We scrutinize the simulated seasonal composite diurnal cycle of precipitation in an MMF developed by the Center for Multiscale Modeling of Atmospheric Processes (CMMAP) using a comprehensive suite of diurnal cycle diagnostics including traditional harmonic analysis, and non-traditional diagnostics such as the broadness of the peak precipitation in the mean summer day, reduced dimension transect analysis, and animations of the full spatial and temporal variability of the composite mean summer day. Precipitation in the MMF is evaluated against multi-satellite merged satellite data and a control simulation with a climate model that employs conventional cloud and boundary layer parameterizations. Our analysis highlights several improved features of the diurnal cycle of precipitation in the multi-scale climate model: It is less sinusoidal over the most energetic diurnal rainfall regimes, more horizontally inhomogeneous within continents and oceans, and more faithful to observed structural transitions in the composite diurnal cycle chronology straddling coastlines than the conventional climate model. A regional focus on North America links a seasonal summer dry bias over the continental United States in the CMMAP MMF at T42 resolution to its inability to capture diurnally propagating precipitation signals associated with organized convection in the lee of the Rockies. The chronology of precipitation events elsewhere in the vicinity of North America is improved in the MMF, especially over sea breeze circulation regions along the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as over the entirety of the Gulf Stream. Comparison of the convective heating and moistening suggests that improvements in the MMF coastal ocean diurnal rainfall may be a result of a local moist dynamical response to the improved representation of energetic diurnal forcing over adjacent land.
Munchausen syndrome with pulmonary manifestations

Three patients with Munchausen's syndrome were seen with symptoms suggesting serious pulmonary disease. One patient, a student respiratory therapist, simulated respiratory failure which resulted in a tracheostomy and prolonged ventilator support. The second, a licensed practical nurse, feigned a lupus erythematosis syndrome, with alarming, simulated hemoptysis produced by slashing the posterior tongue with a razor blade. The third patient, a nurse, underwent exhaustive testing at three hospitals for profuse "hemoptysis" until she admitted she obtained the blood from her arm by venesection.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess fear of kidney failure following living donation

Living kidney donors (LKDs) may feel more anxious about kidney failure now that they have only one kidney and the security of a second kidney is gone. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop and empirically validate a self-report scale for assessing fear of kidney failure in former LKDs. Participants were 364 former LKDs within the past 10 years at five US transplant centers and 219 healthy nondonor controls recruited through Mechanical Turk who completed several questionnaires. Analyses revealed a unidimensional factor structure, excellent internal consistency (α = 0.88), and good convergent validity for the Fear of Kidney Failure questionnaire. Only 13% of former donors reported moderate to high fear of kidney failure. Nonwhite race (OR = 2.9, P = 0.01), genetic relationship with the recipient (OR = 2.46, P = 0.04), and low satisfaction with the donation experience (OR = 0.49, P = 0.002) were significant predictors of higher fear of kidney failure. We conclude that while mild anxiety about kidney failure is common, high anxiety about future renal failure among former LKDs is uncommon. The Fear of Kidney Failure questionnaire is reliable, valid, and easy to use in the clinical setting.
Impaired cAMP metabolism associated with abnormal function of thrombopathic canine platelets.

The effects of forskolin and 1-Methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine on thrombopathic platelet function and cyclic AMP accumulation were examined. The concentration of forskolin required to inhibit γ-thrombin- induced platelet aggregation and secretion by 50% was significantly lower for thrombopathic than for normal platelets. This inhibition was accompanied by a marked elevation of cyclic AMP. 1-Methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine, alone or in combination with forskolin, augmented both the cyclic AMP accumulation and the inhibition of platelet function. These results demonstrate that cyclic AMP metabolism is abnormal in thrombopathic platelets and imply that cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase activity is impaired.
Short-term influence of intra-ventromedial hypothalamic administration of insulin on feeding in normal and diabetic rats

Abstract This study reports the influence of insulin on food consumption in rats as mediated by ventromedial hypothalamic glucoreceptors. Implantation of crystalline insulin in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus resulted in significant reduction of food intake in both normal and diabetic rats. Administration of polyleucine or polyglycine caused no change in food intake. These results are discussed in terms of the glucostatic theory of food intale regulation.
Characterization of interactions between CCK-33 and CCK receptors in isolated dispersed pancreatic acini

In isolated dispersed pancreatic acini, we have characterized the interactions between cholecystokinin (CCK) and CCK receptors by simultaneously measuring CCK-33 immunoreactivity and CCK bioactivity. Incubation of acinar cells with CCK-33 at cell density of 0.2–0.3 mg acinar protein per ml resulted in stimulation of amylase release concomitant with significant and time-dependent decrease of the immunoreactive CCK. With L-364,718 (0.1 μM), a specific CCK receptor antagonist, immunoreactive CCK levels in the media were not significantly altered during incubation; however, CCK-stimulated amylase release was almost completely abolished (94% inhibition). Vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 nM) significantly potentiated CCK stimulated amylase release without affecting immunoreactive CCK in the media. Insulin (167 nM) did not effect the CCK stimulated amylase release or immunoreactive CCK in the media. Incubation of acinar cells with CCK-33 at 4°C did not affect the levels of immunoreactive CCK; however, a significant change in levels of immunoreactive CCK were found at 37°C at 90 min. Incubation of cell free medium with CCK-33 in the presence or absence of secreted enzymes revealed no changes in CCK immunoreactivity in the medium at 90 min. Addition of bacitracin in the incubation media did not affect the CCK immunoreactivity or bioactivity. These findings indicate that in isolated rat pancreatic acini, CCK-33 stimulates amylase release through a receptor that is specifically blocked by L-364,718. Specificity of the interactions of CCK-33 with acinar cells in the media appears to be receptor-mediated and time- and temperature-dependent. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The return of Taylor's Putnam

It is argued that the version of Hilary Putnam's model-theoretic argument developed by Barry Taylor in Models, Truth and Realism poses no threat to the realist claim that an ideal theory may be false.
Privatization from the Acquirer's Perspective: a Mergers and Acquisitions Based Framework

Privatization, especially in developing countries, presents international firms with opportunities for market entry and growth, but acquirers have to consider the distinct characteristics of a state owned enterprise (SOE) and the influence of the government as seller and policy maker. This study introduces a model, based on mergers and acquisitions literature and microeconomic theory, that explains the critical relationships among characteristics of the SOE, the government, and the acquirer. Public administration research suggests that the critical characteristics of SOEs are their sources of funding and their mode of social control of the organization, and recent work in privatizing countries emphasizes the influence of the government. The theoretical framework for the model suggested here is derived from research within the field of strategic management on mergers and acquisitions. The paper develops propositions regarding the organizational fit between private firms and those heretofore owned by governments and discusses research and managerial implications.
Schistosoma mansoni: cloning and characterization of a gene encoding cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase.

Abstract Two forms of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) have been identified in Schistosoma mansoni, signal peptide containing SOD (SP-SOD, Simurda et al., 1988, Exp. Parasitol.67, 73-84) and cytosolic SOD (CT-SOD, Hong et al., 1992, Exp. Parasitol.75, 308-322). The SP-SOD gene has been previously characterized. We report the isolation and characterization of the gene encoding CT-SOD. A cDNA clone of CT-SOD was radiolabeled and used to screen an EMBL3 genomic library. Of 100,000 plaques, 1 hybridizing phage contained an insert of 14.6 kb. The CT-SOD gene spans 8.5 kb of chromosomal DNA and possesses three exons (150, 285, and 234 bp, respectively) and two introns (4.9 and 2.7 kb, respectively) which interrupt the coding region. Separate copies of the gene as determined by restriction fragment patterns on Southern blots are found on two YAC clones. Using YAC clones that contain the CT-SOD gene, fluorescence in situ hybridization on chromosomes identified a copy of the gene located on the middle region of chromosome 1 and another copy localized to the middle region of the long arm of chromosome 3. Primer extension and nuclease protection assay performed on total RNA define the transcription initiation site and allow the identification of potential cis-acting sequences, such as a CAAT box and a hexanucleotide GCCCGG. Comparison of this gene with Cu/Zn SOD genes from Drosophila, humans, and mice identifies conserved exons that represent functional domains in the SOD protein.
Component risk in multiparameter estimation

For estimating the mean of ap-variate normal distribution under a quadratic loss, a class of estimators, known as Stein's estimators, is known to dominate the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) forp≧3. But, whereas the risk of the MLE has the same value, equal to a constant, for each component, the maximum component risk of Stein's estimator is large for large values ofp. Certain modification of Stein's rule has been proposed in the literature for reducing the maximum component risk. In this paper, a new rule is given for reducing the maximum component risk. The new rule yields larger reduction in the maximum component risk, compared to its competitor.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Analysis of Benzo[A]Pyrene-DNA Adducts on Silver-Coated Cellulose Substrates:

Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10 epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adducts have been analyzed by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrometry. BPDE is the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene. The SERS measurements were performed with the use of a silver-coated cellulose material as the SERS-active substrate. The acid hydrolyzed products of BPDE-DNA adducts, DNA, and the BP-tetrols were also analyzed by SERS. The results indicate that SERS has great promise as a tool for detecting BPDE-DNA adducts in biological samples.
Inhibition of lysosomal fusion with symbiont-containing vacuoles in Paramecium bursaria

Abstract Paramecium bursaria harbors several hundred intracellular Chlorella symbionts which remain undigested at the same time that the host cell phagocytizes and digests other organisms. Using electron microscopy and thorotrast labelling, we have shown that secondary lysosomes fuse with food vacuoles, but do not fuse with vacuoles containing symbiotic algae. From these and other data we suggest that the symbiotic algae alter the membrane of the vacuole which surrounds them, thus inhibiting fusion with secondary lysosomes.
Characterization of Signal Properties in Atherosclerotic Plaque Components by Intravascular MRI

Abstract —Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of distinguishing between atherosclerotic plaque components solely on the basis of biochemical differences. However, to date, the majority of plaque characterization has been performed by using high-field strength units or special coils, which are not clinically applicable. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate MRI properties in histologically verified plaque components in excised human carotid endarterectomy specimens with the use of a 5F catheter–based imaging coil, standard acquisition software, and a clinical scanner operating at 0.5 T. Human carotid endarterectomy specimens from 17 patients were imaged at 37°C by use of an opposed solenoid intravascular radiofrequency coil integrated into a 5F double-lumen catheter interfaced to a 0.5-T General Electric interventional scanner. Cross-sectional intravascular MRI (156×250 μm in-plane resolution) that used different imaging parameters permitted the calculation of absolute T1and T2, the magnetization transfer contrast ratio, the magnitude of regional signal loss associated with an inversion recovery sequence (inversion ratio), and regional signal loss in gradient echo (gradient echo–to–spin echo ratio) in plaque components. Histological staining included hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Kossa, oil red O, and Gomori’s iron stain. X-ray micrographs were also used to identify regions of calcium. Seven plaque components were evaluated: fibrous cap, smooth muscle cells, organizing thrombus, fresh thrombus, lipid, edema, and calcium. The magnetization transfer contrast ratio was significantly less in the fibrous cap (0.62±13) than in all other components ( P P P