cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Enhancement of Sleep Slow Oscillations and Concomitant Memory Improvement in Older Adults

Acoustic stimulation methods applied during sleep in young adults can increase slow wave activity (SWA) and improve sleep-dependent memory retention. It is unknown whether this approach enhances SWA and memory in older adults, who generally have reduced SWA compared to younger adults. Additionally, older adults are at risk for age-related cognitive impairment and therefore may benefit from non-invasive interventions. The aim of this study was to determine if acoustic stimulation can increase SWA and improve declarative memory in healthy older adults. Thirteen participants 60-84 years old completed one night of acoustic stimulation and one night of sham stimulation in random order. During sleep, a real-time algorithm using an adaptive phase-locked loop modeled the phase of endogenous slow waves in midline frontopolar electroencephalographic recordings. Pulses of pink noise were delivered when the upstate of the slow wave was predicted. Each interval of five pulses ("ON interval") was followed by a pause of approximately equal length ("OFF interval"). SWA during the entire sleep period was similar between stimulation and sham conditions, whereas SWA and spindle activity were increased during ON intervals compared to matched periods during the sham night. The increases in SWA and spindle activity were sustained across almost the entire five-pulse ON interval compared to matched sham periods. Verbal paired-associate memory was tested before and after sleep. Overnight improvement in word recall was significantly greater with acoustic stimulation compared to sham and was correlated with changes in SWA between ON and OFF intervals. Using the phase-locked-loop method to precisely target acoustic stimulation to the upstate of sleep slow oscillations, we were able to enhance SWA and improve sleep-dependent memory storage in older adults, which strengthens the theoretical link between sleep and age-related memory integrity.
Pharmacogenetic Predictors of Treatment-Related Toxicity Among Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent and most robust pharmacogenetic predictors of treatment-related toxicity (TRT) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Multiple studies have examined the toxicities of the primary chemotherapeutic agents used to treat childhood ALL in relation to host genetic factors. However, few results have been replicated independently, largely due to cohort differences in ancestry, chemotherapy treatment protocols, and definitions of toxicities. To date, there is only one widely accepted clinical guideline for dose modification based on gene status: thiopurine dosing based on TPMT genotype. Based on recent data, it is likely that this guideline will be modified to incorporate other gene variants, such as NUDT15. We highlight genetic variants that have been consistently associated with TRT across treatment groups, as well as those that best illustrate the underlying pathophysiology of TRT. In the coming decade, we expect that survivorship care will routinely specify screening recommendations based on genetics. Furthermore, clinical trials testing protective interventions may modify inclusion criteria based on genetically determined risk of specific TRTs.
Identifying factors influencing patient alone time at the emergency department using RFID data: What is next?

Emergency Department (ED) represents a highly chaotic environment with a big responsibility to provide critical care to patients on a rapid fashion for life saving service. The operating capacity of ED is often challenged with overcrowding especially with patients at non-emergency situation using it as point of access for primary care. Application of Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology in ED is gaining significant attention with the potential to improve ED care service and subsequently reduce cost. Our previous pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of quantifying patient alone time and provider time in establishing relationship to the ED length of stay (LOS). In this work, RFID data within the ED on a larger patient group was used to quantify and understand the various factors influencing ‘patient alone’ time in ED. Results indicate that many factors such as patients per physician or nurse and order volumes are controllable to improve the operating efficiency. These findings motivates further investigation to explore the relationship of patient alone time to overall hospital LOS, readmission, patient leaving without being seen, mortality, patient satisfactions and other complications for a particular cohort of disease group to improve quality of care at ED.
Community Pharmacist Attitudes on Medication Synchronization Programs

Background: Medication synchronization is a service offered by an increasing number of community pharmacies that aligns refilling of a patient’s multiple medications. Purported benefits include increased adherence and improved dispensing efficiency. Objective: To assess community pharmacist agreement with a set of declarative statements about medication synchronization programs and to identify variation related to pharmacist characteristics. Methods: In 2015, a cross-sectional survey was mailed to 1,000 pharmacists from 5 Midwestern U.S. states using 4-contacts and an online option. Respondents used a 7-point Likert scale to agree or disagree with 5 statements about medication synchronization. Demographic and workplace characteristics were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Multiple linear regression tested the relationship between pharmacist characteristics and a 4-item attitude composite. Results: There were 258 usable responses for a response rate of 28.8%. About half (45.0%) reported their pharmacy offered medication synchronization. Most pharmacists (82.6%) agreed this service has a positive impact on patient adherence but 57% agreed that a “significant change to workflow” was or would be required. Pharmacist agreement that the program provides financial benefits to the pharmacy was higher than agreement that the service provides more opportunities for patient interactions (p<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, having a PharmD and working at a pharmacy offering Medication Therapy Management were associated with more positive scores on the medication synchronization benefits composite whereas working in a staff role (rather than a manager/owner) was lower. No demographic predictors were significantly associated with agreeing that a significant change to workflow would be required for implementation. Conclusions: Pharmacists generally were positive about medication synchronization programs, although some negative views were present, especially regarding the need for workflow change. Research is needed to understand barriers and facilitators to how medication synchronization programs are implemented and maintained and their effects on outcomes. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties. Type: Original Research
The Necessity of A∞ for Translation and Scale Invariant Almost-Orthogonality

If ν is a measure, we say a set {ψ k } k ⊂ L2(ν) is almost-orthogonal in L2(ν) if there is an R < ∞ such that, for all finite linear sums ∑ λ k ψ k , $$\displaystyle{\int \left \vert \sum \lambda _{k}\psi _{k}\right \vert ^{2}\,d\nu \leq R\sum \vert \lambda _{ k}\vert ^{2}.}$$ If z = (t, y) ∈ R+d+1 ≡ R d × (0, ∞) and f: R d → C, define f z (x) ≡ f((x − t)∕y). If Q ⊂ R d is a cube with sidelength l(Q), define T(Q) ≡ Q × [l(Q)∕2, l(Q)). We say that {ϕ k }1 n , a finite set of bounded, complex-valued functions with supports contained in B(0; 1), satisfies the collective non-degeneracy condition (CNDC) if there is no ray emanating from the origin on which the Fourier transform of every ϕ k vanishes identically. We prove: If μ is a doubling measure on R d with the property that, for some family {ϕ k }1 n satisfying CNDC, it is the case that, for every 1 ≤ k ≤ n and every choice of points \(\zeta (Q) \in \overline{T(Q)}\), \(Q \in \mathcal{D}\) (where \(\mathcal{D}\) is the family of dyadic cubes), the set $$\displaystyle{\left \{\frac{(\phi _{k})_{\zeta (Q)}} {\sqrt{\mu (Q)}}\right \}_{Q\in \mathcal{D}}}$$ is almost-orthogonal in L2(μ), then μ is a Muckenhoupt A ∞ measure.
Exploring Poetry as Philosophy of Communication

This article shows that philosophy of communication offers a constructive lens, and an open, invitational structure, for analyzing poetic texts as “philosophical pictures” that give expression to t...
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis: clinical course and outcome of 60 patients from a single center in South India.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) previously known as Wegener’s granulomatosis is one of the forms of idiopathic systemic vasculitis. There is very scanty data available on GPA in Asian and Indian population. We studied data of 60 patients from southern India, diagnosed with GPA to describe the physical characteristics, the treatment, and outcome. Patients who fulfilled any two of the four criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology, and those with clinical features of GPA with ANCA positivity and histopathological confirmation, were included in the study. Disease activity and damage were assessed by Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score v. 3 (BVAS v. 3) and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), respectively. Relapses were defined as recurrence of GPA of sufficient severity to require treatment or increase in the dose of treatment on a patient who was previously stable. Out of 60 patients, initial BVAS evaluation showed that 57 (95%) patients had severe disease and 3 (5%) patients had limited disease where median BVAS was 21.5 (range 17–44). Follow-up BVAS evaluation for severe disease showed that 13 (22.8%) patients continued with severe disease of which 9 patients did not survive, 24 (42.3%) had remission, 11 (19.2%) had persistent disease, and 9 (15.7%) were lost to follow-up. The mean VDI score was 2.5 ± 2. Renal involvement was established in 42 (70%) patients. Upper and lower respiratory involvement was seen in 38 (63%) patients. Nervous system involvement was noted in the 15 (25%) patients. Articular manifestations were seen in 16 (27%) patients. Diverse clinical manifestation delay early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially treatable vasculitis. Focused approach could expedite early diagnosis and can reduce the mortality.
Radiation damage during in situ electron microscopy of DNA-mediated nanoparticle assemblies in solution

Oligonucleotide–nanoparticle conjugates, also called programmable atom equivalents, carry promise as building blocks for self-assembled colloidal crystals, reconfigurable or stimuli responsive functional materials, as well as bio-inspired hierarchical architectures in wet environments. In situ studies of the DNA-mediated self-assembly of nanoparticles have so far been limited to reciprocal space techniques. Liquid-cell electron microscopy could enable imaging such systems with high resolution in their native environment but to realize this potential, radiation damage to the oligonucleotide linkages needs to be understood and conditions for damage-free electron microscopy identified. Here, we analyze in situ observations of DNA-linked two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays, along with control experiments for different oligonucleotide configurations, to identify the mechanisms of radiation damage for ordered superlattices of DNA–nanoparticle conjugates. In a biological context, the results point to new avenues for studying direct and indirect radiation effects for small ensembles of DNA in solution by tracking conjugated nanoparticles. By establishing low-dose conditions suitable for extended in situ imaging of programmable atom equivalents, our work paves the way for real-space observations of DNA-mediated self-assembly processes.
Chapter 5.1 – Vocalization as a social signal in defensive behavior

Abstract Impending dangers elicit alarm vocalizations aimed at conspecifics, and these calls in turn elicit defensive responses in recipients. The notion that these vocalizations represent adaptive responses to threat, enhancing the survival and reproduction of potentially-related conspecifics, is supported by findings from laboratory and field studies. These observations show that vocalizations occur predominantly when the vocalizing animal is in the presence of conspecifics (colony); that higher rates may occur in females; that animals may reduce their own risk of negative consequences by calling preferentially from a place of relative safety; and that dominant males, which tend to sire differentially numbers of offspring within a group, may show higher calling rates, reflecting their status-dependent activities within the group and territory. Both laboratory findings in rats and field observations of various social species suggest that alarm vocalizations include emotional and referential or descriptive information with reference to the source of threat and its characteristics. Research into common mechanisms may shed light on the underpinnings of a variety of human psychiatric conditions associated with fear and anxiety.
Body Image and Eating Disturbances in Children and Adolescents

After completing this chapter, you should have an understanding of the following: • Body image disturbances (BIDs) and their prevalence among children and adolescents. • Eating disturbances and their prevalence among children and adolescents. • The connection between eating disorders (EDs) and other risk behaviors and psychological disorders. • Risk and protective factors for body image and eating disturbances. • Promoting healthy body image and preventing eating disturbances among youth. • The application of Social Development Strategy (SDS) in the health promotion and prevention process.
Longevity of Gopher Tortoise Burrows in Sandy Soils

Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) populations historically occurred throughout much of the southeastern Coastal Plain, and burrows created by this species provide refugia for a large suite of commensal species. Our objective was to evaluate the physical degradation of Gopher Tortoise burrows over time. We provide burrow-status information from initial and follow-up surveys of a low-density population of Gopher Tortoises across Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin), FL, a large landscape with very deep, sandy soils. Approximately 63% (n = 79) of active and/or inactive burrows were collapsed, filled in, or substantially degraded after 2 y, 82% (n = 65) after 3 y, and 100% (n = 19) after 5 y. Compared to results from a similar study with different soils, burrows degraded more quickly on Eglin. Our results on burrow longevity can inform interpretation of Gopher Tortoise surveys and aid in predicting temporal availability of burrows for commensals.
Associations between depression, anxious arousal and manifestations of psychological inflexibility.

Abstract Background and objectives Psychological inflexibility exhibits across multiple facets of functioning, including thinking styles, personality, cognitive shifting, emotion, and physiology, with many of these manifestations showing associations with depression. As such, these facets might be part of an overarching latent construct of psychological inflexibility that explains associations with depression. We predicted that (1) five facets of inflexibility (perseverative thinking, personality rigidity, attention-shifting, negative emotional inertia, and low respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity) would load onto a unique latent construct of psychological inflexibility. Further, we hypothesized this latent construct of psychological inflexibility would be (2) significantly associated with higher depression; and (3) associated with depression to a greater extent than anxious arousal. Methods Seventy-five adult community participants completed measures assessing the five indices of inflexibility and self-report measures of depression and anxious arousal. Results Structural equation modeling identified a latent inflexibility construct reflected by perseverative thinking, personality rigidity, and emotional inertia, but did not include attention-shifting or RSA reactivity. The inflexibility construct was positively associated with depression and anxious arousal, but more strongly associated with depression than with anxious arousal. Limitations Limitations included a small sample size, cross-sectional approach, and dimensional measures of depression and anxious arousal. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary support that multiple facets of inflexibility may emerge from a broader overarching vulnerability for internalizing psychopathology. This overarching inflexibility construct may have stronger associations with depression than with anxious arousal.
Dysprosium-activated scheelite-type oxides as thermosensitive phosphors

Scheelite-type oxides of formulas NaLa1−xDyx(MO4)2 and Na5La1−xDyx(MO4)4 (M = Mo, W) were investigated as thermosensitive phosphors in the 300–700 K temperature range. Phosphors were synthesized in the solid state and their thermometric responses were quantitatively interrogated using the luminescence intensity ratio approach. Temperature-dependent blue emissions from the thermally coupled levels 4I15/2 (454 nm) and 4F9/2 (484 nm) of Dy3+ were observed under steady-state ultraviolet excitation of the oxygen-to-metal charge-transfer state. The ratio between the integrated intensities of these emission bands was used as the thermometric parameter. Relative thermometric sensitivities were systematically mapped as a function of host composition and activator concentration. At 350 K, the highest relative sensitivity was observed for Na5La0.5Dy0.5(WO4)4 (1.8 × 10−2 K−1), while at 700 K the sensitivity was maximum for NaDy(MoO4)2 (3.8 × 10−3 K−1). Comparison of these values with those reported for other dysprosium-activated phosphors revealed the potential of scheelite-type oxides as optical sensors for intermediate temperatures (<1000 K).
Smart Ventilation for Advanced California Homes – Single Zone Technology Task

Author(s): Less, Brennan; Dutton, Spencer; Li, Xiwang; Clark, Jordan; Walker, Iain; Sherman, Max | Abstract: This study is intended to demonstrate the potential for energy savings while providing acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for ZNE homes. It uses the concept of Smart Ventilation where ventilation systems are designed and controlled to produce the same, or better, IAQ compared to simple, continuously operated ventilation systems. The key energy saving principle for smart ventilation is that ventilation is shifted in time to when the energy required to condition the air is lower. A variety of smart ventilation controls based on outdoor temperature, occupancy and auxiliary fan sensing were developed and assessed across homes built to the 2016 Title 24 Prescriptive standards in California climate regions. Simulations used a co-simulation strategy that combines EnergyPlus with CONTAM. The IAQ calculations were based on the equivalent ventilation principle outlined in the ASHRAE 62.2-2016 ventilation standard, Appendix C. Two prototype homes were simulated (1-story 2,100 ft2 and 2-story 2,700 ft2). Their envelope airtightness was varied between 1, 3 and 5 ACH50. Climate zones were chosen to reflect the variety of heating and cooling demand throughout California. A weighted average analysis was used to generalize the energy predictions across the projected new housing stock in the state. Temperature-based controls were found to be effective, with the most successful smart controls reducing weighted average site ventilation energy use by about 40%, while TDV weighted average ventilation energy reductions were higher, up to roughly 60%. Results were also normalized to ensure identical IAQ in all cases, and the weighted average site and TDV ventilation savings increased, up to 55% and 72% ventilation savings, respectively, for the top-performing temperature-based controls. Peak demand during the 2-6pm period on the hottest days of the year was reduced by up to 400 watts. More than 90% of site energy savings were for heating end-uses, while TDV energy savings were split fairly evenly between heating and cooling. On average, the smart controls reduced occupant pollutant exposure by 0-10%, and they increased ventilation rates by roughly 20%. Occupancy-based controls that accounted for contaminants released by building materials and furnishings during unoccupied times were generally ineffective, with very low energy savings. Performance was improved somewhat through use of a 1-hour pre-occupancy flush out period, though savings were still marginal compared to temperature-based controls. All temperature and occupancy controls were also tested with auxiliary fan sensing capability (i.e., accounting for the use of other exhaust devices in the home, like bathroom or kitchen fans). Auxiliary fan sensing increased energy savings in all cases, from roughly 5 to 15%.
TurnsMap: Enhancing Driving Safety at Intersections with Mobile Crowdsensing and Deep Learning

Left turns are known to be one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers.1 An effective way to mitigate this safety risk is to install a left-turn enforcement --- e.g., a protected left-turn signal or all-way stop signs --- at every turn that preserves a traffic phase exclusively for left turns. Although this protection scheme can significantly increase the driving safety, information on whether or not a road segment (e.g., intersection) has such a setting is not yet available to the public and navigation systems. This paper presents a system, called TurnsMap, that exploits mobile crowdsensing and deep learning to classify the protection settings of left turns. One of our key findings is that crowdsensed IMU sensor (i.e., gyroscope and accelerometer) data from onboard mobile devices can be used to recognize different types of left-turn protection. TurnsMap first collects IMU sensor data from mobile devices or smartphones carried by the driver/passenger(s) in a moving car. It then feeds the data to an analytics engine powered by (1) a data mining engine for extracting and clustering left turns by processing raw IMU data, and (2) a deep-learning pipeline for learning the model from the IMU data to identify the protection type of each left turn. We have built and used a large-scale real-world driving dataset to evaluate TurnsMap, demonstrating its capability of identifying different left-turn enforcements with 90.3% accuracy. A wide range of automotive apps can benefit (e.g., enhancing traffic safety) from the left-turns information unearthed by TurnsMap.
Selective Response of Medial Amygdala Subregions to Reproductive and Defensive Chemosignals from Conspecific and Heterospecific Species

In hamsters and inbred mice, pheromone-containing chemosensory signals originating from the animal’s own species (conspecific) and other species (heterospecific) produce differential patterns of immediate early gene (IEG = Fos/FRAs) expression in the medial amygdala. In males of both species, conspecific stimuli, regardless of gender or putative function, activated neurons in both anterior and posterior medial amygdala (MeA, MeP). With heterospecific stimuli, MeA was activated but MeP appeared to be suppressed. MeP neurons expressing GABA-receptor were selectively suppressed by heterospecific stimuli at the same time as the GABAergic caudal intercalated nucleus (ICNc) of the amygdala was activated, suggesting suppression of MeP by ICN. We propose that information on conspecific chemosignals with preprogrammed meaning (pheromones) is analyzed by MeP neurons, probably influenced by gonadal steroid status. Information about heterospecific stimuli that activate anterior medial amygdala via the vomeronasal organ appears to have restricted access to MeP. Signals from conspecific males that are potentially threatening elicit different patterns of activation in MeP than other conspecific signals. In hamsters, male flank gland secretion activates predominantly GABA-immunoreactive neurons and mainly in ventral MeP (MePv). Male mouse urine also activates predominantly MePv in mice. This region responds to predator odors in rats and is reported to do so in mice. These findings, with other data, support a division of labor in medial amygdala according to the reproductive or defense-related potential of the stimuli. There is some evidence for a convergence of information on conspecific and heterospecific threatening stimuli but, so far, the details are not entirely consistent. In our experiments with hamsters and mice, stimuli from potential predators (cat urine, cat collar) like other heterospecific stimuli, activated MeA and not MeP. Others studying mice found activation in ventral MeA (MeAv) during male-male interactions and in MePv by cat collar stimuli. Since the submission of this paper we have also found activation in mouse MePv by stronger cat collar stimuli (see note at end of text).
The Status of Doctoral Education in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

The number of doctoral programs being offered by Christian universities is expanding, bringing new opportunities, needs, and challenges to these postsecondary institutions. Currently, 46 of the 113...
Measuring and modeling nanoparticle transport by foam in porous media.

Abstract In this paper, an experimental study of nanoparticle transport by foam is presented. Bubbles made of N2 -gas were stabilized with either a cationic surfactant (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide , CTAB), silica nanoparticles, or a combination of them. The concentrations of the surface active materials were selected upon foamability and stability tests. Column-flood tests were run until steady-state changing nanoparticle concentration, foam quality ( fg ), and flow rate. A synergistic behaviour of surfactant and nanoparticles help the formation of a strong foam. The measurements were used to validate a mechanistic model , presented in our earlier work ( Li and Prigiobbe, 2020 ), which couples foam and nanoparticles transport with agglomeration and extended-DLVO theory. The model agrees well with the measurements and results show that an high-quality (ca. 90% gas fraction) can be used to carry nanoparticles and the efficient increases with flow velocity. This opens the opportunity for the application of foam as a carrier of nanoparticles in subsurface applications such as the remediation of contaminated sites and makes the model a valuable tool to design and predict such operations.
Things To Do in the Next Five Years

It is an honor to serve as President of our Association and to have the opportunity to stand before you today to share my thoughts on the future of ITAA. And it has special meaning for me to be in this position today here in my home state of Ohio.
States of Consciousness Beyond Waking, Dreaming and Sleeping: Perspectives from Research on Meditation Experiences

Three categories of meditation practices have been proposed: focused attention meditations, which involve voluntary and sustained attention on a chosen object; open monitoring meditations, which involve non-reactive monitoring of moment-to-moment content of experience; and automatic self-transcending meditations, which are designed to transcend their own activity. While focused attention and open monitoring meditations explore the nature of individual cognitive, affective, and perceptual processes and experiences, automatic self-transcending meditations explore the state when conscious processing and experiences are transcended, a state called pure consciousness. This paper reports unique phenomenological and physiological patterns during the state of pure consciousness, as experienced during Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice, a meditation in the automatic self-transcending category. These data support the description of pure consciousness as a fourth state of consciousness with unique phenomenological and physiological correlates. This paper also discusses the Junction Point Model that integrates meditation experiences with the three ordinary states of waking, sleeping, and dreaming. The Junction Point Model is supported by EEG data and provides a structure to integrate ordinary experience during waking, sleeping, and dreaming with meditation experiences and so can serve as a foundation for investigating the full range of human consciousness.
The Hobbesian Trap

“So that in the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, competition; secondly, diffi dence; thirdly, glory. The first maketh men invade for gain; the second, for safety; and the third, for reputation. The first use violence, to make themselves masters of other men’s persons, wives, children, and cattle; the second, to defend them; the third, for trifles...”(Hobbes [15], p. 64).
Glucan supplementation enhances the immune response against an influenza challenge in mice.

Background: The strong immunostimulating potential of β-glucans has been well established in numerous diseases. However, the effects on viral infection were less studied. Methods: In our study, we focused on possible effects of a special combined glucan formulation on immunosuppression caused by influenza infection. Results: We found that a 2-week oral feeding with glucan mixture significantly reduced the effects of influenza infection in total mortality. Our study was focused on phagocytosis, cytokine levels, antibody response and cytotoxicity assay. Conclusions: Based on our data, we concluded that these effects are caused by stimulation of both cellular and humoral immune reaction resulting in lower viral load.
Rate-Based Active Queue Management with Token Buckets

Active queue management (AQM) is applied in IP routers to protect routing resources, improve link utilization, and limit end-to-end delay. This paper proposes a rate-based AQM scheme based on adaptive token buckets per aggregated traffic flows. The approach is different from queue-occupancy-based AQM schemes because drop probabilities are not directly linked to the average queue size. In the proposed system, probabilistic dropping at routers is controlled by token buckets with committed information rates (CIR) adapted to the current router congestion status. The paper shows that this approach is better suited to the multi-modal traffic mix of short-lived responsive and long-lived non-responsive flows prevalent in the Internet.
α-Adrenoceptor constrictor responses and their modulation in slow-twitch and fast-twitch mouse skeletal muscle

Vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and their sensitivity to metabolic modulation reportedly differ in fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. Both α1- and α2-adrenoceptors mediate these vascular responses in fast-twitch muscle, while their roles in slow-twitch muscle are less well defined. In this study, the phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin regulatory light chain (smRLC) was measured as an index of vasoconstriction in slow-twitch soleus muscles and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles isolated from C57BL/6J mice. In soleus muscles, incubation with phenylephrine (PE) or UK 14,304 to selectively activate α1- or α2-adrenoceptors resulted in concentration-dependent increases in smRLC phosphorylation. To evaluate metabolic modulation of these responses, vasodilator pathways previously implicated in such modulation in fast-twitch muscle were activated in soleus muscles by treatment with the nitric oxide (NO) donor nitroprusside or the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener cromakalim. Both drugs inhibited responses to UK 14,304, but not to PE. The effect of nitroprusside to antagonize UK 14,304 responses was prevented by inhibition of guanylyl cyclase or by blockade of KATP channels, but not by blockade of other potassium channels. Results were similar in EDL muscles. These data provide the first evidence for α2-adrenoceptor-mediated constriction in slow-twitch muscle, and show that it is sensitive to modulation by NO via a cGMP-dependent mechanism that requires KATP channel activation. Based on the similar findings in soleus and EDL muscles, fibre type does not appear to determine the innate vascular response to α1- or α2-adrenoceptor activation.
Cardiac potential and potential gradient fields generated by single, combined, and sequential shocks during ventricular defibrillation.

BACKGROUNDPotential gradient field determination may be a helpful means of describing the effects of defibrillation shocks; however, potential gradient field requirements for defibrillation with different electrode configurations have not been established.METHODS AND RESULTSTo evaluate the field requirements for defibrillation, potential fields during defibrillation shocks and the following ventricular activations were recorded with 74 epicardial electrodes in 12 open-chest dogs with the use of a computerized mapping system. Shock electrodes (2.64 cm2) were attached to the lateral right atrium (R), lateral left ventricular base (L), and left ventricular apex (V). Four electrode configurations were tested: single shocks of 14-msec duration given to two single anode-single cathode configurations, R:V and L:V, and to one dual anode-single cathode configuration, (R+L):V; and sequential 7-msec shocks separated by 1 msec given to R:V and L:V (R:V----L:V). Defibrillation threshold (DFT) current was significantly...
Exercise Training, Lipid Regulation, and Insulin Action: A Tangled Web of Cause and Effect

Lipids are a strong mediator of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular risk. Although the effects of exercise to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and serum triglycerides (TGs) have been known for some time, the effects of different amounts and intensities of exercise on fasting and postprandial serum lipids are little understood. Normal lipid physiology is perturbed in insulin resistant states, where inhibition of lipolysis is impaired, particularly in the postprandial period when excursions in insulin and serum TGs are particularly high. In our STRRIDE (Studies of a Targeted Risk Reduction Intervention through Defined Exercise) study, three important metabolic cardiovascular risk-related variables were improved more by moderate intensity than vigorous-intensity exercise. Moderate-intensity exercise was significantly more effective at lowering TGs and improving insulin sensitivity than was vigorous exercise. Additionally, a composite score for metabolic syndrome improved significantly with low-amount/moderate, but did not with low-amount/vigorous-intensity exercise. That all three of these strong, independent, cardiovascular risk factors were significantly affected by moderate-intensity exercise suggests that regular walking exercise might be as effective, if not more so, than more vigorous exercise in favorably modifying cardiovascular risk. Despite the impressive effects of regular exercise on fasting lipids and atherogenic dyslipidemia, they are more impressive when compared with the trajectory of changes that occur in individuals that remain inactive, without regular exposure to regular exercise. A scientific priority for future investigations should be to study the independent and combined effects of exercise intensity and amount on exercise responses through a direct comparison between two groups matched on amount but differing in intensity.
THE EFFECT OF TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) IN CHILDREN BY TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOIDECTOMY (T&A) ON THEIR WEIGHT † 574

THE EFFECT OF TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) IN CHILDREN BY TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOIDECTOMY (T&A) ON THEIR WEIGHT † 574
Quantitation of basement membrane collagen degradation by living tumor cells in vitro.

Abstract In order to study the mechanism of tumor cell invasion of basement membranes, a new method has been developed to quantify basement membrane (type IV) collagen degradation by living tumor cells. Tumor cells are inoculated into 16-mm tissue culture wells coated with biosynthetically [ 14 C] proline-labeled type IV collagen. Soluble degradation products are detected by measuring the radioactivity present in the medium. Using this method, we find that both highly metastatic and non-metastatic tumor cells and normal cells attach, but only the metastatic cells degrade the type IV collagen layer. The present data suggest that the mechanism of degradation is local activation of a latent type IV collagen specific enzyme at the cell substrate interface with no significant cell phagocytosis of substrate.
Pregnancy outcome after successful external cephalic version.

Abstract Objective: Recent studies have suggested that the rate of cesarean delivery in patients who have undergone a successful external cephalic version is higher than expected. This study compares the incidence of cesarean delivery in patients who underwent successful external cephalic version and patients with primary cephalic presentations. Study Design: We identified and reviewed the charts of 92 patients who underwent a successful external cephalic version. We identified a control population of 184 patients from the delivery room logs. We collected outcome data and information on additional risk factors that may affect cesarean delivery rates. Results: There were no significant differences between study and control populations. There was no significant difference in the cesarean delivery rate between study patients (22.8%) and control patients (23.4%). Conclusions: We could not demonstrate a significant increase in the cesarean delivery rate for women who underwent successful external cephalic version in comparison with patients in labor with primary cephalic presentations. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1092-5.)
Evolution of strength, microstructure and mineralogical composition of a CKD-GGBFS binder

Characterization of a nontraditional binding material containing cement kiln dust (CKD) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is discussed in this paper. Significant compressive strength was obtained for a CKD-GGBFS blend with 70% CKD and 30% GGBFS at a water-to-binder ratio of 0.40 after 2 days of curing at elevated temperature. Similar strength was also obtained for the samples subjected to normal moisture curing over a period of 28 days. The compressive strength increased with additional moist curing in both the cases. The microstructural and the mineralogical examinations show that the strength development was mainly due to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). In addition to normal C-S-H, aluminum and magnesium incorporated C-S-H phases were also present in the CKD-GGBFS blends. The formation of ettringite appears to be a contributing factor in early age strength development of CKD-GGBFS binder.
Leadership transition and Chinese foreign polic

This essay examines the nature of China’s leadership transition, contending perspectives on Chinese foreign policy, and new foreign policy orientation. By examining leadership transition and new policy development, this essay demonstrates change and continuity in Chinese foreign policy. For analyzing new policy orientation, the following points require special attention. First, the fundamental goal of Chinese foreign policy is to create a peaceful environment for socioeconomic development. Second, “do not seek enemy” has become an essential part of China’s foreign policy. Third, pragmatism and professionalism are becoming key features of Beijing’s diplomacy. Finally, China’s new leaders are facing enormous domestic and international challenges. They must learn to balance domestic and international concerns in order to achieve peace and development.
Characterization of supported molybdate catalysts during preparation using laser Raman spectroscopy

Laser Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the formation of supported molybdate catalysts. Samples were prepared by the dry impregnation technique for the cobalt-molybdate hydrodesulfurization catalyst using γ-alumina, silica, and α-alumina supports. Variations in the preparation procedure were studied, including loadings of molybdenum and cobalt, order of impregnation, pH of impregnation solutions, and drying and calcining conditions. Spectra were recorded in situ using a rotating, controlled-atmosphere cell. Raman spectroscopy was demonstrated to be a very sensitive probe of the effect of variations in the preparation procedure. Spectra of dried samples indicated the presence of aggregated, distorted molybdenum species on all supports. Calcination of these samples resulted in the formation of “MoO3” at higher molybdenum loadings; the presence of distorted molybdenum species showing high degrees of aggregation could be discerned for the silica and γ-alumina samples. Addition of cobalt to the molybdenum samples markedly changed the nature of the Raman spectra. The presence of “CoMoO4” was observed; formation of this phase suppressed the formation of “MoO3” until higher loadings were reached. Furthermore, addition of the cobalt tended to reduce the aggregation of the molybdenum surface species. Variation in the order of impregnation dramatically affected the relative amounts of surface molybdates as well as the aggregation of the surface species.
Evaluation of the genotoxicity of the phytoestrogen, coumestrol, in AHH-1 TK(+/-) human lymphoblastoid cells.

Abstract Coumestrol, a phytoestrogen found in high levels in alfalfa and red clover, is of concern since endocrine disorders have been observed in farm animals exposed to high levels of phytoestrogens. Previous studies found that coumestrol was an effective inducer of DNA strand breaks, micronuclei, and mutations in the Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase ( HPRT ) gene of Chinese hamster ovary cells. In the experiments presented here, we extended the previous studies to examine the effect of coumestrol exposure on AHH-1 TK +/− human lymphoblastoid cells. Micronuclei were induced with the highest frequency occurring at day 2 after exposure. Flow cytometric analysis of annexin V-FITC–7-aminoactinomycin D stained cells indicated that the primary pathway of cell death was by apoptosis. Mutations were induced in the Thymidine Kinase ( TK ) gene and were due primarily to the induction of clones with the slow-growth phenotype. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed the loss of exon 4 in the coumestrol-induced clones, indicative of loss-of heterozygosity and consistent with a proposed inhibition of topoisomerase-II activity as a mechanism of action for coumestrol. Taken together, these results suggest that coumestrol exhibits both mutagenic and clastogenic properties in cultured human lymphoblastoid cells.
Young Children's Judgment of Whether They Know Names for Objects: The Metalinguistic Ability it Reflects and the Processes it Involves.

Abstract Because of its potential importance for word learning, children’s judgment of whether they know names for objects was investigated. In Study 1, judgment accuracy was at or near ceiling in about two-thirds of 4-year-olds, and covaried with judgment of word familiarity and with justifying novel name mapping in terms of avoidance of name overlap. The two judgments and the justification were unrelated to general intelligence, which is evidence that awareness of lexical ignorance is a specific metalinguistic ability in this age group. Preexposure to an unfamiliar object increased the likelihood of it being misjudged as having a known name, but only by the children who scored above the median in word familiarity judgment. Thus, judgment of lexical ignorance may undergo a developmental change from relying solely on whether target information is retrieved to considering additional information. Consistent with this hypothesis, preexposure did not affect 2 1 2 -year-olds’ judgments of object name knowledge in Study 2. About one-third in this age group identified more familiar than unfamiliar objects as having known names. These judgments covaried with word familiarity judgments, but were not related to novel name mapping justifications and were related to general intelligence. Thus, awareness of lexical ignorance does not become a unified metalinguistic ability until after 2 1 2 years.
AIDS-Related Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risk Factors and Treatment

Objective To define risk factors and optimum therapy for AIDS-related spontaneous pneumothorax (PTX). Design Case-control study. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients Thirty-five patients with AIDS who developed spontaneous PTX between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 1991, of whom 27 (77.1%) did so in the setting of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Forty-one patients who were diagnosed as having PCP and did not develop PTX served as the control group. Results Using logistic regression, a history of cigarette smoking, aerosolized pentamidine treatment, and the observation of pneumatoceles by chest radiography were associated with an increased risk of PTX. Although not associated with an increased risk of occurrence of PTX, the use of systemic corticosteroids for PCP treatment was associated with a longer requirement for chest tube drainage. Although chest tube drainage alone was often successful, chemical and surgical pleurodesis was often effective in treating prolonged air leaks and was associated with a lower incidence of recurrent PTX, although this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.07). Conclusions: Patients at high risk of developing AIDS-related spontaneous PTX can be identified. Systemic corticosteroids may increase the risk of morbidity from AIDS-related PTX. Chemical and surgical pleurodesis may be of value in short-term treatment and in reducing the risk of recurrence.
A novel glycogen synthase phosphatase from canine heart.

Summary Two molecular forms (M r =49,300 and 26,000) of a divalent cation-dependent (Mg 2+ =Mn 2+ >Co 2+ ) protein phosphatase, which represent the major glycogen synthase phosphatase activity in canine heart extracts, have been partially purified and characterized. Although a general protein phosphatase of M r =35,000 is also active toward synthase D, it represents the major phosphorylase phosphatase activity in heart muscle. The present findings indicate that the dephosphorylation of synthase D and phosphorylase a may be regulated by two distinct phosphatases rather than by a single nonspecific enzyme.
The effects of the t-complex upon male reproduction are due to complex interactions between its several regions.

The three major regions (T, tail-determining; A, abnormal transmission ration; L, embryonic lethality) of the t complex on the murine seventeenth chromosome can interact to influence male reproduction (Lyon & Mason, 1977; Hammerberg, 1981). Evidence is presented here that suggests: (1) the presence of a polymorphic system within the T region that influences quasi-sterility in the male; (2) the existence of enhancing factors of transmission ratio distortion; and (3) that preferential interactions between t -haplotypes are found to occur both cis and trans which influence transmission ratio distortion.
Influence of plant host on searching speed of two predators

First and second instars ofChrysopa carneaStephens andColeomegilla maculata (De Geer) were able to search much faster on cotton than tobacco. Searching speeds of the two predators on tobacco were inversely dependent on density of glandular trichomes.
Periodic solutions for a class of epidemic equations

Abstract Periodic solutions for a class of delay integral equations modeling epidemics are shown to bifurcate from the identically zero solution when a certain parameter exceeds a threshold. The equations are a special case of a general model proposed by Hoppensteadt and Waltman [3]. A global bifurcation theorem of Roger Nussbaum [5] is the main tool.