cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arteriovenous malformations in mice lacking activin receptor-like kinase-1

The mature circulatory system is comprised of two parallel, yet distinct, vascular networks that carry blood to and from the heart. Studies have suggested that endothelial tubes are specified as arteries and veins at the earliest stages of angiogenesis, before the onset of circulation. To understand the molecular basis for arterial-venous identity, we have focused our studies on a human vascular dysplasia, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), wherein arterial and venous beds fail to remain distinct. Genetic studies have demonstrated that HHT can be caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ACVRL1; ref. 5). ACVRL1 encodes a type I receptor for the TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors. At the earliest stage of vascular development, mice lacking Acvrl1 develop large shunts between arteries and veins, downregulate arterial Efnb2 and fail to confine intravascular haematopoiesis to arteries. These mice die by mid-gestation with severe arteriovenous malformations resulting from fusion of major arteries and veins. The early loss of anatomical, molecular and functional distinctions between arteries and veins indicates that Acvrl1 is required for developing distinct arterial and venous vascular beds.
The all purpose gene fusion.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an introduction to gene fusion. The development of gene fusion approaches came from studies on the lac operon of E. coli . The first fusions of lac were obtained unwittingly as revertants of strong polar mutations in the lacZ gene. Selection for restoration of the activity of the downstream lacY gene yielded many deletions that removed the polar mutation site, the promoter of lac, and fused the lacY gene to an upstream promoter of an unknown neighboring gene. Another important step in the evolution of uses of gene fusions came with the concept of signal sequence traps. The first development of this concept came out of the recognition that the bacterial enzyme alkaline phosphatase is active when it is exported to the periplasm but inactive when it is retained in the cytoplasm. Thus, alkaline phosphatase without its signal sequence provides an assay for export signals via gene fusion approaches—that is, alkaline phosphatase will only be active if one attaches a region of DNA that encodes a signal sequence, thus reallowing its export. Extending beyond the differentiation of exported vs cytosolic proteins, gene fusion techniques can be evolved to determine the subcellular localization of proteins more generally. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions enhances this ability. In addition, reporter proteins that sense the specific features of organelle environment may provide a tool for detecting location and genetically manipulating signals for the localization process.
Non-destructive methods for food texture assessment.

Abstract: Over the past 15 years, considerable research activities have been reported on non-destructive texture evaluation of food. This chapter reviews non-destructive sensing techniques, with the emphasis on the latest advances in mechanical and optical techniques, for measuring the texture of solid food. The principles and applications of various non-destructive techniques are described and their merits and shortcomings are discussed. The chapter ends with concluding remarks about research challenges and future directions in non-destructive sensing of food products.
Nurses' beliefs and attitudes toward visiting in adult critical care settings

Objective To assess the beliefs and attitudes of critical care nurses about the effects of visiting on patients, staff and family. Design Both interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data on nurses' attitudes and beliefs about visiting and open visiting according to the format of Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action. Setting Five Utah intensive care units and three Ohio intensive care units. Sample Critical care nurses in Utah (N = 29) and Ohio (N = 41) were interviewed to assess their beliefs about the effects of visiting on patients, families, nurses and nursing care delivery. Results Nurses believed the consequence of visiting was more positive for the patient from a psychological perspective than from a physiological perspective but that the effects might differ depending on the patient, the visitor and the circumstances. They believed that visiting had negative consequences for families, because they became exhausted, and that visiting was disruptive for nursing care delivery. Their attitudes about effects of visiting on nursing staff were consistently more negative than were attitudes about the effects on the patient and the family. Conclusion To provide an optimal situation for visiting, its negative consequences must be minimized and nurses' attitudes and beliefs about visiting must be assessed and addressed.
Efficient method to optimize antibodies using avian leukosis virus display and eukaryotic cells

Antibody-based therapeutics have now had success in the clinic. The affinity and specificity of the antibody for the target ligand determines the specificity of therapeutic delivery and off-target side effects. The discovery and optimization of high-affinity antibodies to important therapeutic targets could be significantly improved by the availability of a robust, eukaryotic display technology comparable to phage display that would overcome the protein translation limitations of microorganisms. The use of eukaryotic cells would improve the diversity of the displayed antibodies that can be screened and optimized as well as more seamlessly transition into a large-scale mammalian expression system for clinical production. In this study, we demonstrate that the replication and polypeptide display characteristics of a eukaryotic retrovirus, avian leukosis virus (ALV), offers a robust, eukaryotic version of bacteriophage display. The binding affinity of a model single-chain Fv antibody was optimized by using ALV display, improving affinity >2,000-fold, from micromolar to picomolar levels. We believe ALV display provides an extension to antibody display on microorganisms and offers virus and cell display platforms in a eukaryotic expression system. ALV display should enable an improvement in the diversity of properly processed and functional antibody variants that can be screened and affinity-optimized to improve promising antibody candidates.
Ion size effects in alkali-ammonia ternary graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract The dependence of the composition and sandwich thickness of M(NH 3 ) x C 24+Δ , M = K , Rb, Cs, stage-1 alkali-ammonia ternary graphite intercalation compounds on ion size has been determined using (00l) x-ray diffraction measurements together with both gravimetric and volumetric measurements of NH 3 weight uptake. The measured compositions can be quantitatively accounted for with a three-dimensional (3D) “volume available” model similar to the Setton model for the molecular composition dependence of K(molecule) x C 24 provided a packing fraction α 3D is introduced. We find that α 3D = 0.35 and that the effective ammonia radius is r A = 1.50 A . A two-dimensional (2D) model fails to yield reasonable results.
Innovation in international business research: a call for multiple paradigms

Scholars disagree on IB's domain and future prescription, yet agree that research will engage topics dealing with dynamic change and hard-to-explain phenomena. This paper builds on these views, endorsing a multiparadigmatic perspective that complements IB's scientific and humanist paradigms with that of chaos theory. The latter, we argue, is instrumental in studying the non-normal patterns of nonlinear, far-from-equilibrium systems. We illustrate our ideas in the context of NGOs.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme and other enzymes in livers of mice with experimental schistosomiasis

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme was measured in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni by a fluorometric technique. Enzyme levels increased in the liver as granulomas developed, attaining an increase of about 18-fold over the normal level by 14 weeks after infection, whereas activity in the serum showed no change up to 20 weeks. The enzyme was found to localize in granulomas and was mostly bound to membranes. Chemical and catalytic properties of the enzyme from granulomatous tissue and in normal liver or serum were identical. Among other enzymes of hepatic cells measured, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was increased and succinate-cytochrome c reductase and glucose-6-phosphatase were decreased. Elevation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase appeared in both the liver and serum as early as 4–5 weeks after infection. The enzyme in granulomatous liver increased as much as 7-fold over the normal level and showed an interconversion of three isozymes by electrophoresis. The findings indicate that tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme may be used as a marker of granulomatous inflammation. They also suggest the importance of combining analysis of this and other enzymes known to be altered by chronic or subacute injury for chronic inflammation of tissues.
A comparison of two computer access systems for functional text entry

Objective Functional written communication, an important goal in the rehabilitation of persons with tetraplegia, frequently is met through the use of personal computers and alternative computer access systems. To make informed decisions about alternative access systems, the therapist needs information on the efficacy of the available choices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two commercially available systems for text entry, the traditional mouthstick and the Prentke Romich HeadMaster. Method Participants were a 25-year-old man and 76-year-old woman who both functioned at a C5 neurological level. Neither participant had previous experience with either system for text entry. A single-subject research design was used whereby Participant 1 experienced six phases of treatment (i.e., CBCBCB, where C = mouthstick and B = HeadMaster), and Participant 2 experienced four phases of treatment (i.e., BCBC). Results Participant 1 achieved a maximum rate of text entry of 5.85 wpm with both the HeadMaster and the mouthstick, whereas Participant 2 achieved a maximum rate of 7.15 wpm with the mouthstick and 4.85 wpm with the HeadMaster. Results from this study were similar to the results from previous comparison studies of persons with severe disabilities who had no experience with alternative computer access systems. Conclusion Both participants were able to use both systems successfully; however, their respective rates of text entry were too slow to be functional in most employment situations.
Architectonic Subdivisions of Neocortex in the Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Squirrels are highly visual mammals with an expanded cortical visual system and a number of well-differentiated architectonic fields. To describe and delimit cortical fields, subdivisions of cortex were reconstructed from serial brain sections cut in the coronal, sagittal, or horizontal planes. Architectonic characteristics of cortical areas were visualized after brain sections were processed with immunohistochemical and histochemical procedures for revealing parvalbumin, calbindin, neurofilament protein, vesicle glutamate transporter 2, limbic-associated membrane protein, synaptic zinc, cytochrome oxidase, myelin or Nissl substance. In general, these different procedures revealed similar boundaries between areas, suggesting that functionally relevant borders were being detected. The results allowed a more precise demarcation of previously identified areas as well as the identification of areas that had not been previously described. Primary sensory cortical areas were characterized by sparse zinc staining of layer 4, as thalamocortical terminations lack zinc, as well as by layer 4 terminations rich in parvalbumin and vesicle glutamate transporter 2. Primary areas also expressed higher levels of cytochrome oxidase and myelin. Primary motor cortex was associated with large SMI-32 labeled pyramidal cells in layers 3 and 5. Our proposed organization of cortex in gray squirrels includes both similarities and differences to the proposed of cortex in other rodents such as mice and rats. The presence of a number of well-differentiated cortical areas in squirrels may serve as a guide to the identification of homologous fields in other rodents, as well as a useful guide in further studies of cortical organization and function.
Role of medullary lateral reticular formation in baroreflex coronary vasoconstriction

Abstract We have recently identified a polysynaptic pathway traversing discrete regions of the hypothalamus, midbrain, and medulla, along which site-specific electrical and chemical activation produces coronary vasoconstriction as part of a sympathoexcitatory response. We tested for the potential functional significance of this pathway by examining the hypothesis that a medullary component is involved in carotid baroreflex induced coronary vasoconstriction. Coronary flow velocity was measured with a Doppler probe in anesthetized cats. Following vagotomy and propranolol, bilateral carotid occlusion produced an increase in mean arterial pressure (56 ± 14%,means±S.E.M.) and in coronary vascular resistance (51 ± 13%) which was greater than that (29 ± 6%) expected from the concurrent rise in arterial pressure during aortic constriction. Bilateral microinjections of lidocaine into the medullary lateral reticular formation attenuated the reflex increase in pressure (11 ± 2%) and virtually abolished the rise (8 ± 2%) in coronary resistance. After one hour of recovery, carotid occlusion again increased aortic pressure (56 ± 13%) and coronary vascular resistance (47 ± 15%). Microinjections of lidocaine outside this medullary region did not impair the coronary vasoconstrictor response to carotid occlusion. We conclude that the medullary lateral reticular formation contains neural elements which participate in baroreflex-induced changes in arterial pressure and coronary vascular resistance. Components of the previously described central coronary vasoconstrictor pathway may play a role in pathophysiological conditions associated with increased coronary vasomotor tone.
Variation in Endophyte Symbiosis, Herbivory and Drought Tolerance of Ammophila breviligulata Populations in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract Ecologists have come to appreciate that plant genotype can affect the success of restoration efforts, but the role of plant symbionts has received less attention. Epichloe-type endophytic fungi (EF) grow in the aboveground tissues of most plants and occur systemically in 20–30% of all grass species. Despite the potential for EF to alter plant competitive hierarchies and to be lost under improper seed storage, they have yet to be considered as an important factor in plant restoration ecology. We surveyed EF infection frequency in 42 native and restored populations of the dominant Great Lakes dune grass Ammophila breviligulata. We also conducted a greenhouse experiment to compare effects of herbivory and drought on an uninfected Michigan population of A. breviligulata and the commercially available ‘Cape’ variety, which is commonly planted for restoration. Surveys revealed low levels of EF infection in natural populations in the Great Lakes region. ‘Cape’ nursery stock was 100% infected. In the gre...
Perceptual and Academic Patterns of Learning-Disabled/Gifted Students:

This research explored ways gifted children with learning disabilities perceive and recall auditory and visual input and apply this information to reading, mathematics, and spelling 24 learning-dis...
Prompt delay and vocal prompting may increase vocal responses in children with developmental disabilities

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Carbone, V. J., Sweeney-Kerwin, E. J., Attanasio, V., & Kasper, T. (2010). Increasing the vocal responses of children with autism and developmental disabilities using manual sign mand training and prompt delay. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 705–709.Source of funding and disclosure of interest: Funding was not reported. No conflicts of interests were reported.
Thermoelastic Interaction of the Bodies with Regular Surface Textures in the Presence of Heat-Permeable Media in the Intercontact Gaps

We study the thermoelastic contact of two isotropic semiinfinite bodies with periodic system of grooves on the surface of one of these bodies in the presence of heat-permeable media in the intercontact gaps. We reduce the formulated contact problem to a system of nonlinear singular integrodifferential equations for the height of gaps and the jump of temperature between their surfaces, which is solved numerically. With regard for the directional effect of the heat flow, we analyze the influence of the thermomechanical load and thermal conductivity coefficient of the filler on the contact parameters of the analyzed system.
Induction of avirulence by AVR-Pita1 in virulent U.S. field isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae ,

Abstract The AVR-Pita1 gene, from the Chinese isolate O-137 of Magnaporthe oryzae, is an effector that determines the efficacy of the Pi-ta rice blast resistance gene. In the present study, the avirulence function of AVR-Pita1 was induced by transformation of field isolates (TM2, ZN19, B2 and B8) that originally were collected from the U.S. and are virulent on Pi-ta-carrying rice cultivars. The presence of AVR-Pita1 from O-137 in independent transformants was detected by PCR using AVR-Pita1 specific primers and verified by DNA sequencing and Southern blot analysis using the AVR-Pita1 coding region as a probe. The results of pathogenicity assays showed that the AVR-Pita1-transformed isolates were not able to infect rice cultivars Katy and Drew carrying Pi-ta. Control isolates that were transformed with inserts lacking the AVR-Pita1 gene remained virulent. Our findings demonstrate that AVR-Pita1 can be used to induce novel gene-specific blast resistance in nature.
Effects of three neem-based insecticides on diamondback moth (lepidoptera: plutellidae)

Abstract Three commercial neem-based insecticides, Agroneem™, Ecozin™, and Neemix™, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect to larvae, and toxicity to eggs of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., in the laboratory. All three neem-based insecticides did not exhibit significant oviposition deterrence on P. xylostella . When cabbage leaves were used as an egg-laying substrate, numbers of eggs oviposited by P. xylostella adults on the cabbage leaves treated with the three neem-based insecticides were not significantly different from those treated with water. However, when aluminum foil sheets coated with cabbage juice residue were treated with the three insecticides and were used as egg-laying substrates, significantly fewer eggs were found on the aluminum foil sheets compared with those treated with water. When eggs were treated with Agroneem, Ecozin and Neemix, 61.6%, 66.2%, and 75.2% of P. xylostella eggs developed to neonates, respectively, although the larval hatching rates in the treatment of Neemix were not significantly different from that in water control (81.2%). All larvae of P. xylostella fed on the leaves treated with the three neem insecticides died on or before day 7 compared with 70–74% larvae surviving to adults in the water control. All three neem insecticides exhibited significant antifeedant effect, and P. xylostella larvae on treated leaves quickly stopped feeding and dropped off treated leaves, resulting in no or minimal damage on the treated cabbage leaves. P. xylostella larvae that fed on neem insecticide treated leaves were significantly smaller (0.012–0.016 mg/larva, 13.5–14.8 mm in length, and 2.0–2.5 mm in diameter) compared with those fed on water-treated leaves (0.058 mg/larva, 30.2 mm in length, and 4.8 mm in diameter).
A diapause maternal effect in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata: Transfer of information from mother to progeny

Abstract Maternal exposure to short daylength during embryonic and larval life prevents the expression of pupal diapause in the female's progeny. Transplantation of ovaries between long-day history and short-day history larvae does not alter the diapause fate of the progeny, thus implying that information eliciting the maternal effect is still retained within the brain at the end of larval life. Sometime between the end of larval life and the third day of adult life the information regulating the maternal effect is transferred to the ovary. Transection of the nerve innervating the reproductive organs does not alter expression of the maternal effect. Haemolymph from days 1–2, long-day-history adults caused some short-day-history females to produce diapausing progeny, and central nervous system extracts from long-day-history larvae likewise promoted diapause in the progeny of short-day-history larvae. Thus, a diapause-promoting factor from the central nervous system of the mother may be a prerequisite for the expression of diapause in her progeny. None of the known insect hormonal agents, including 20-hydroxy-ecdysone, a juvenile hormone analogue or oestrogens, and androgens can mimic this effect.
A Method for Scheduling Air Traffic with Uncertain En Route Capacity Constraints

A method for scheduling ground delay and airborne holding for flights scheduled to fly through airspace with uncertain capacity constraints is presented. The method iteratively solves linear programs for departure rates and airborne holding as new probabilistic information about future airspace constraints becomes available. The objective function is the expected value of the weighted sum of ground and airborne delay. In order to limit operationally costly changes to departure rates, they are updated only when such an update would lead to a significant cost reduction. Simulation results show a 13% cost reduction over a rough approximation of current practices. Comparison between the proposed as needed replanning method and a similar method that uses fixed frequency replanning shows a typical cost reduction of 1% to 2%, and even up to a 20% cost reduction in some cases.
OPTIMIZATION OF CONDITIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID BY MORTIERELLA

This research characterized the optimum growth conditions of Mortierella for accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Eight strains of Mortierella, NRRL 5513, 2761, 1757, 6337, 2493 and ATCC 24786, 16271, 16266, were evaluated for their ability to produce EPA. Temperature, temperature shifting, media, and media supplementation (carbon/nitrogen sources, growth factors and antibiotic supplementation) were studied to determine their effect on mycelial mass and EPA accumulation. M. elongata ATCC 16271 was the most effective strain for EPA production when grown at 18C, in yeast malt broth, pH 5. 1, and harvested after 7 days, yielding 66 mg EPA/g dry mycelial cells. In another experiment, temperature shifting (2 days at 24C, to 5 days at 12C) increased the yield of EPA about eight times to 32 mg EPA/g dry mycelial celis from 4 mg EPA/g dry mycelial cells for nontemperature shifted cultures. This research describes methodologies that resulted in EPA content higher than any previously reported.
Mapping Conformational Ensembles of Aβ Oligomers in Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Although the oligomers formed by Aβ peptides appear to be the primary cytotoxic species in Alzheimer's disease, detailed information about their structures appears to be lacking. In this article, we use exhaustive replica exchange molecular dynamics and an implicit solvent united-atom model to study the structural properties of Aβ monomers, dimers, and tetramers. Our analysis suggests that the conformational ensembles of Aβ dimers and tetramers are very similar, but sharply distinct from those sampled by the monomers. The key conformational difference between monomers and oligomers is the formation of β-structure in the oligomers occurring together with the loss of intrapeptide interactions and helix structure. Our simulations indicate that, independent of oligomer order, the Aβ aggregation interface is largely confined to the sequence region 10–23, which forms the bulk of interpeptide interactions. We show that the fractions of β structure computed in our simulations and measured experimentally are in good agreement.
Differential TNF Secretion by Wound Fibroblasts Compared to Normal Fibroblasts in Response to LPS

Fibroblasts cultured from wound sites have been shown to have an altered phenotype compared to normal dermal fibroblasts and are generally regarded as target cells of the cytokine response at sites of injury. This study was undertaken to determine whether wound fibroblasts can contribute to proinflammatory cytokine production in wounds and, in particular, whether they are capable of secreting TNF. Wound fibroblasts were cultured from polyvinyl alcohol sponges implanted subcutaneously for 2 weeks in Balb/c mice. Fibroblasts harvested from the skin and subcutaneous tissue of untreated mice served as a control population of cells. All cells were passaged at least twice and then stimulated with a dose range of LPS. Supernatants were harvested 8 hr following stimulation and TNF was assayed using a standard L929 cell-killing assay. There was a significant TNF response to LPS by wound fibroblasts, evident as early as 4 hr following exposure to LPS and associated with an upregulation of TNF mRNA. Normal dermal fibroblasts did not secrete any measurable amounts of TNF in response to LPS. The results indicate that wound fibroblasts generate a brisk TNF response to stimulation with LPS, in contrast to normal subcutaneous fibroblasts. These data reveal an additional unique property of wound-harvested fibroblasts and suggest a possible contributing mechanism to disordered wound healing in the face of infection or conditions characterized by excessive fibrosis.
The Aspect Ratio of Potassium Dideuterium Phosphate (DKDP) Crystals

Large crystals of potassium dideuterium phosphate (DKDP) are used for third harmonic generation in powerful lasers. To allow the optimal production of optical elements with a shape required by these applications, the aspect ratio, i.e., the ratio of a crystal's dimensions along the crystallographic axes, needs to be controlled. To highlight the factors that determine the aspect ratio, we have monitored the normal growth rate, local slope, and step velocity for both the prismatic {100} and the pyramidal {101} faces of DKDP crystals growing in solutions with saturation temperatures ranging from 52 to 70 °C over a range of supersaturation from 0 to 0.06 in the presence and absence of 1 ppm aluminum ions. We employ optical two-beam interferometry with the growing crystal face as one of the mirrors to determine the above three kinetic variables with a frequency of 1 s-1. We find that in the probed temperature range, Al3+ ions are not effective in retarding the growth of the {100} faces to bias growth in the Z ...
A Reply to Cohen's Book Review of Creating a Memory of Causal Relationships

Progress in machine learning must consist of periods of exploration followed by periods of more thorough careful investigation of issues raised during exploration. The research reported inCreating a Memory of Causal Relationships is exploratory in that it addresses a problem that was not previously investigated in the mainstream of machine learning research. However, I feel that the problem studied was worthy of investigation and is worthy of continued investigation since it corresponds to an important part of the human learning process.
Adolf Meyer lecture the future of psychiatry-A Hobson's choice?

It is true that, in a cosmic sense, there is nothing new under the sun. What I have said here today may have been said before by other psychiatrists and behavioral scientists. The principles that Adolf Meyer delineated and designated as those of “objective psychobiology” include: the need for factual observation, validation by accurate prediction, and the testing of reliable methods of intervention. These essentials are as vital today as when they were first set forth by Dr. Meyer (14, 15). Advances in science, as well as the improvement of psychiatric services, are the result of: more accurate definitions; refinement and recognition of the significance of observations; and the meaningful integration of many parts and processes. The future of psychiatry is linked with our willingness to re-examine our beliefs and our activities, to re-order our skills and our responsibilities, and to engage in a continual evaluation of our therapeutic efforts. If we are willing to do these things promptly and efficiently, then there will be no Hobson's choice in the future of psychiatry. Instead, we will be in a position to make the sort of choice that will be most likely to reduce the massive problem of mental illness and thereby contribute to the lives of all of humanity.
Acoustic emission detection of BGA components in spherical bend

The industry standard process for determining safe assembly bending levels uses destructive failure analysis following destructive stress testing to determine solder joint damage - a time-consuming and expensive process. Modal acoustic emission detection was used to record events during spherical bend tests on boards made from two laminate materials with a BGA component. A sudden increase in the number and magnitude of events was observed at strain levels corresponding to interconnect damage. These results suggest that acoustic emission could be used to detect damage initiation, potentially improving the quality, cost, and speed of this type of test.
A SUMMER READING WORKSHOP AT MEMPHIS STATE COLLEGE

A reading programme serving the double purpose of aiding children and giving teachers research work.
Psychological techniques for controlling the adverse side effects of cancer chemotherapy: findings from a decade of research

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatments often experience unpleasant side effects that compromise the quality of their life and may be so severe that they lead to suboptimal drug dosages, missed treatments, or even discontinuation of treatment. In recent years it has been discovered that some of these side effects result from maladaptive learning. This article reviews over 10 years of research conducted at Vanderbilt University on the prevention and treatment of these psychological side effects. This research includes the assessment of the efficacy of a behavioral relaxation technique, the exploration of procedures that make this intervention clinically practical for widespread application, research aimed at predicting which patients will and will not benefit from the intervention, and the comparison of this intervention to alternative treatment approaches. The review of this research generates four major conclusions and points to several important areas for future inquiry.
Digital Blurred-Mask Subtraction Enhancement Of Radiologic Images

402 Woodruff Memorial Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30322AbstractBlurred -mask subtraction enhancement is useful for improving the contrast and visibilityof small objects within radiologie images. The process improves visibility by equalizinglarge area densities and by enhancing the borders of objects within the image. This form ofenhancement is applied to radiologie images in the clinical setting by using a hybrid video/digital image processing system.IntroductionThe visibility of certain objects within radiologie images can often be improved by vari-ous image enhancement procedures. The recent development of equipment which can rapidlydigitize and computer process radiologie images makes it practical to apply several imageenhancement procedures in the clinical setting. The specific procedure which is consideredhere is digital blurred -mask subtraction enhancement (EMSE).The basic process of BMSE has a long history in many imaging applications. Most appli-cations utilize a photographic process in which a blurred (unsharp) copy of the image issubtracted from the original image to produce an image with enhanced visibility of detail.This paper develops the basic concept of BMSE, describes a digital system for its imple-mentation in clinical radiology, and shows an example of an enhanced image.DiscussionBMSE is especially valuable when there is a considerable range in the thickness or densi-ty of the body sections within the image area. Consider the illustration in Figure 1. Thisshows three small objects imbedded within three different thicknesses of material (body tis-
Chemical synthesis of [32P]pyrophosphate with high specific activity.

Abstract A simple procedure for synthesizing [32P]pyrophosphate with high specific activity (about 100 Ci/mmol) is described. [32P]Pyrophosphate was formed by simple dehydration of inorganic [32P]phosphate and subsequently purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography. The yield was 20–40%.
Comparative gastrointestinal enzyme activity and activation of the promutagen 2,6-dinitrotoluene in male CD-1 mice and male Fischer 344 rats

Comparative intestinal nitroreductase, azo reductase, beta-glucuronidase, dechlorinase and dehydrochlorinase activities in young male Fischer 344 rats and young male CD-1 mice were measured in vitro while the comparative biotransformation of 2,6-dinitrotoluene to mutagenic metabolites was determined in vivo. The mice, which exhibit a high spontaneous incidence of hepatomas, had markedly greater nitroreductase activity and metabolized significantly more 2,6-dinitrotoluene to mutagenic metabolites than did Fischer 344 rats, which show a low incidence of liver tumors. Results of this study indicate that species differences in the incidence of hepatomas may be influenced by microbial flora and/or the biotransformation of xenobiotics in the G.I. tract.
A finite element model of exit burrs for drilling of metals

A finite element model is presented to address the limitations of classical models of burr formation in drilling. In this finite element model, 2D analysis is used to predict the temperature distribution and stress state in the workpiece. Material removal is simulated through the use of element death and continues until a failure condition is predicted. At the point of failure, the remaining material is bent out to form the burr. The FEA model is compared with previous "classical" models as well as experimental data for 2024 aluminum.
The rhodafluor family. An initial study of potential ratiometric fluorescent sensors for Zn2

A new class of ratiometric Zn2+ sensors that employ a hybrid fluorescein and rhodamine fluorophore has been designed, and two members of the rhodafluor family of sensors, RF1 and RF2, have been synthesized. The preparation of RF1 (9-(o-carboxyphenyl)-2-chloro-6-[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-3-xanthanone, Rhodafluor-1), uses conventional synthetic methods. Elaboration of the RF1 synthesis in an effort to enhance the Zn2+ affinity was unsuccessful, so palladium-catalyzed aryl amination was applied to prepare RF2 (1-[9‘-(o-carboxyphenyl)-6‘-amino-2‘-chloro-3‘-xanthanone]-4,10-(diethyl)-7-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, Rhodafluor-2). The key step in the synthesis of RF2 is coupling of a triprotected tetraazamacrocycle (cyclen) to 3-bromoanisidine. RF2 binds Zn2+ with a dissociation constant of 13.5 μM accompanied by an ∼50% increase in quantum yield. Although only small shifts in absorption wavelength were observed, because protonation of the amino nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle prevents th...
Studies on the control of hypertension by hyphex. I. Effects on blood pressure.

Although effective in maintaining relatively normal levels of blood pressure in hypertensive patients and retarding some of the serious and fatal secondary consequences of the disease, hexamethonium ion and 1-hydrazinophthalazine can cause severe immediate and late reactions. The latter drug has produced collagen diseases of varying degrees of severity, all of which have regressed on cessation of medication, in 14 of 253 patients. The combination has given rise to fatal interstitial pneumonia in 5 of 89 in malignant stages of hypertension. Less serious side effects of each agent are also discussed.
Infrared and Raman Spectra of C6H5SiCl3, C6H5GeCl3, and C6H5SnCl3

The infrared‐absorption spectra of liquid phenyltrichlorosilane, phenyltrichlorogermane, and phenyltrichlorostannane have been recorded from 4000 to 33 cm−1. The Raman spectra of the liquids have also been recorded and depolarization values have been measured. The phenyl vibrations have been assigned assuming C2v symmetry, although the molecular symmetry is probably Cs. All the spectra are interpreted in detail, and the 39 fundamental vibrations have been assigned based on previous assignments for substituted benzenes as well as the expected band positions and depolarization values. Comparison of the spectra reported herein to that of the carbon analog suggests the reassignment of a few of the fundamental vibrations in phenyltrichloromethane. The assignment of the lowest observed Raman line in each spectrum to the torsional vibration is discussed, but because of the large values calculated for the sixfold barrier hindering internal rotation it is discarded.
Moving Beyond Family-Friendly Policies for Faculty Mothers

This article reports the findings of a study of family-friendly workplace policies at 17 institutions in one midwestern state to analyze the potential impact of policies on the career pathways of s...
The RB family is required for the self-renewal and survival of human embryonic stem cells

The mechanisms ensuring the long-term self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells are still only partly understood, limiting their use in cellular therapies. Here we found that increased activity of the RB cell cycle inhibitor in human embryonic stem cells induces cell cycle arrest, differentiation and cell death. Conversely, inactivation of the entire RB family (RB, p107 and p130) in human embryonic stem cells triggers G2/M arrest and cell death through functional activation of the p53 pathway and the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Differences in E2F target gene activation upon loss of RB family function between human embryonic stem cells, mouse embryonic stem cells and human fibroblasts underscore key differences in the cell cycle regulatory networks of human embryonic stem cells. Finally, loss of RB family function promotes genomic instability in both human and mouse embryonic stem cells, uncoupling cell cycle defects from chromosomal instability. These experiments indicate that a homeostatic level of RB activity is essential for the self-renewal and the survival of human embryonic stem cells.
University computer curricula

The status of university computer curricula will be discussed and recommendations of how university computer curricula can be improved in the future will be presented. The panel will discuss how universities can better meet critical needs of industry, business, and government in the various areas of information processing. With the advent of minicomputers, on-line computing, computer aided instruction and the rapid growth of data processing, the emphasis in computer curriculum has changed and some of the earlier ideas should be updated.
Attractive interaction between pulses in a model for convection in binary mixtures

Recent experiments on convection in binary mixtures have shown that the interaction between localized waves (pulses) can be repulsive as well as attractive and depends strongly on the relative orientation of the pulses. It is demonstrated that the concentration mode, which is characteristic of the extended Ginzburg-Landau equations introduced recently, allows a natural understanding of that result. Within the standard complex Ginzburg-Landau equation this would not be possible.
Cholecystokinin-like immunoreactive neurons in rat cerebral cortex

Abstract The distribution and form of cholecystokinin immunoreactive neurons in neocortical areas within the posterior pole of the rat cerebral hemisphere was examined using the immunoperoxidase technique. Although cholecystokinin-positive neurons are present throughout the cortex, they are most frequent in the supragranular layers. These neurons are of three kinds: layer I neurons, bipolar cells, and other non-pyramidal cells with either multipolar or bitufted dendritic trees. In electron-microscopic preparations, the horseradish peroxidase reaction product is found to form a granular deposit which occurs throughout the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm and shows no predilection for any particular type of organelle. Electron-microscopy also shows cholecystokinin-positive neurons to have both symmetric and asymmetric synapses on their perikarya, which is additional evidence in favor of the interpretation that they are non-pyramidal cells. In the light-microscopic preparations three types of CCK-positive axons are encountered. These are vertically-oriented axons considered to arise from bipolar cells, a plexus in the superficial portion of layer II/III which is believed to arise from the multipolar and bitufted cells, and a deep plexus of unknown origin in layers VI and V. Since the axons of bipolar cells form asymmetric synapses they are thought to be excitatory neurons. In contrast, the bitufted and multipolar neurons are probably inhibitory, for previous studies have shown neurons with similar features to have axons which form symmetric synapses and to contain glutamic acid decarboxylase. Thus, although iontophoretically-applied cholecystokinin excites cortical neurons, it appears to be present in some neurons which are excitatory and others which are inhibitory.
Baboon corpus luteum: size and sex steroid secretion throughout the luteal phase

Objective To determine the size of the baboon corpus luteum (CL) and levels of plasma P, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and E 2 in the ovarian vein draining it, the contralateral ovarian vein, and peripheral blood throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Design Prospective study. Setting Academic department of obstetrics and gynecology in a US medical school. Animal(s) Corpora lutea from a cohort of 27 adult cycling baboons ( Papio anubis ). Intervention(s) Timed luteectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) The authors weighed 166 CL and measured plasma P, 17-OHP, and E 2 in the blood samples obtained at luteectomy. Result(s) Early luteal phase corpora lutea weighed 189.1 ± 12.3 mg (mean ± SEM); their weight significantly increased to 239.4 ± 8.4 mg at mid luteal phase and significantly declined to 188.3 ± 14.0 mg in late luteal phase. Plasma P draining the CL (134.4 ± 20.5 ng/mL in early, 167.4 ± 18.7 ng/mL in mid, and 126.4 ± 23.4 ng/mL in late luteal phase) was significantly higher than that in contralateral ovarian (11.0 ± 1.4 ng/mL) and peripheral plasma (7.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL). Similarly, levels of both plasma 17-OHP (10.9 ± 1.5 to 15.9 ± 2.4 ng/mL) and E 2 (1.6 ± 0.2 to 2.6 ± 0.6 ng/mL) draining the CL were significantly higher than those from the contralateral ovary and peripheral blood (17-OHP, 1.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL; E 2, 0.2 ± 0.05 ng/mL). Conclusion(s) Largest in mid luteal phase, the baboon CL secretes P, 17-OHP, and E 2 throughout the luteal phase, with the highest levels seen in the ovarian vein draining the CL in the mid compared with the early and late luteal phases.
Embolization of the Anterior Leaflet of the Mitral Valve

A young woman presented to our hospital in florid pulmonary edema and with the stigmata of acute bacterial endocarditis. Murmurs of mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation were present. While on antibiotic therapy, the patient developed signs and symptoms of left femoral artery occlusion. Pathologic examination revealed that the specimen removed at embolectomy contained tissue from the mitral valve. Prompt surgical intervention with mitral valve replacement was required in attempting to correct the hemodynamic derangements.
Rapid in vitro Regeneration of Sesbania drummondii

This paper describes rapid propagation of Sesbania drummondii using nodal explants isolated from seedlings and young plants. The nodal segments proliferated into multiple shoots on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 22.2 μM benzyladenine. MS medium containing 2.2 and 4.5 μM thidiazuron induced 5 – 6 shoots per stem node from 3-month-old plants. Nodal explants when cultured on MS medium containing combinations of benzyladenine (8.8 and 11.1 μM) and indole-3-butyric acid (0.24 – 2.46 μM) or indole-3-acetic acid (0.28 – 2.85 μM) gave lesser number of shoots. Callus induced on cotyledonary explants when subcultured on 2.2 μM thidiazuron containing medium resulted in its mass proliferation having numerous embryoid-like structures. Indole-3-butyric acid (0.24 – 2.46 μM) was found suitable for root induction. In vitro regenerated plants were acclimatized in greenhouse conditions.
Empirical evidence for narrative structure

Three experimental tasks—spontaneous telling of a story, reading, and parsing the story—were used to determine whether empirical data reflect the narrative structure of stories and can be predicted by a plot unit analysis of the stories ( Lehnert, 1981 ). It was found that spontaneous pause durations at sentence breaks were highly correlated with the importance of these breaks as predicted theoretically. Only low correlations were obtained, however, when reading pause durations were correlated with the model. As for parsing values, the value of the correlation coefficients depended on whether stories had sufficient superficial linguistic cues to help the subjects in parsing. It was concluded that spontaneous pausing not only reflects the narrative structure of stories, but can be used as a guide to constructing theories of narrative structure as well as for deciding between competing theories
Interior Design: A Dynamic Systems View

This paper explores both professional and academic aspects of interior design and expands their parameters beyond style, function, objects, spaces, and finishes. It describes a dynamic systems view of interior design, incorporating criteria that warrant consideration when designing spaces for both living systems, as defined by human activity, and artifacts. It also identifies elements of a comprehensive approach so that abstract thought and speculation may be directed beyond specific application, and generalizable theories become a possibility. With this paradigm, research about the interaction between human behavior and artifacts can be the basis for building a strong image for interior design, giving it a clearly articulated purpose.
High-resolution stable isotope records from North Atlantic cod

Abstract Stable oxygen (δ 18 O) and carbon isotope (δ 13 C) records were obtained from the otoliths of cod (sp. Gadus morhua ), using micro-sampling methods that allow for high temporal resolution within the otoliths’ seasonal growth bands (up to 20 plus samples per year). Eleven otoliths were sampled from specimens of varied age (2–12 years), collected from different locations in the eastern North Atlantic, including the Faroes, Irish Sea, North Sea and Barents Sea. The δ 18 O signals show a seasonal variation coincident with the otoliths’ visible growth bands, generally supporting band-count age estimates. Cod otolith δ 18 O records show a close correspondence to the expected signal based on the bottom temperature characteristics of their respective capture regions. These results indicate that cod otolith aragonite is deposited in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with ambient conditions, and is an accurate (∼1°C) recorder of ocean temperature. In contrast, cod otoliths appear to be in δ 13 C disequilibrium with ambient conditions. Cod otolith δ 13 C is interpreted as a combination of two carbon sources (80% dissolved inorganic carbon and 20% metabolic carbon), and varies as a result of diet, temperature and physiology.