cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of intracellular levels and redox state of glutathione to endothelial function in the rabbit cornea.

Abstract The correlation between extracellular or intracellular glutathione and endothelial cell function was investigated in this study. The level of oxidized and reduced glutathione was measured in fresh or perfused corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane with the method of Tietze. From our present study, it is clearly shown that normal corneal hydration can be maintained over a wide range of intracellular glutathione concentrations. However, fluid transport in the cornea is greatly disturbed when intracellular glutathione levels drop to about one-third of the in vivo value. Moreover, when intracellular glutathione is either completely oxidized, with diamide, or completely reduced, with dithiothreitol, rapid swelling of the cornea is observed. This result suggests that there may exist an intracellular redox buffer system for the maintenance of normal hydration in the cornea.
A Peer-Led High School Transition Program Increases Graduation Rates among Latino Males.

The present study investigated the impact of a manualized high school transition program, the Peer Group Connection (PGC) program, on the graduation rate at a low-income, Mid-Atlantic high school. The program utilized twelfth grade student peer leaders to create a supportive environment for incoming ninth grade students. Results of a randomized control trial demonstrated that male students who participated in the program during ninth grade were significantly more likely to graduate from high school within four years than male students in the control group (81% versus 63%). Findings suggest that peers can be effective in delivering a school-based, social emotional learning intervention and that it is possible to intervene in the ninth grade to influence the probability of high school graduation.
Effects of various amino acids upon glucose uptake of rat epididymal adipose tissue.

SummarySix of 8 amino acids tested at concentrations of 102-103 M demonstrated significant inhibition of glucose uptake by adipose tissue. This inhibitory action was diminished as amino acid concentration was further decreased.
Simulation of Parallel SOL Flows with UEDGE

Near-sonic parallel plasma flows in the tokamak scrape-off layer (SOL) are modeled with two-dimensional multi-fluid edge plasma transport code UEDGE. As shown, the dominant mechanism driving such flows is fast non-diffusive intermittent cross-field transport (due to blobs) which has strong ballooning-like poloidal asymmetry. The properties of asymmetric-transport-driven flows, recycling, and divertor detachment are studied. The conditions for zonal and circular flow patterns in the SOL are analyzed. The impact of plasma drifts on non-diffusive transport driven flows is modeled and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transmission of mouse neuroblastoma by a cell-free extract.

A MOUSE tumour line, C1300, has been in serial transplantation since 1940 at the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine. This tumour arose spontaneously from the region of the spinal cord in the body cavity of an albino mouse and was diagnosed tentatively as neuroblastoma; but until recently this could not be confirmed. Klebe et al. showed that C1300 tumour cells in vitro differentiate into neurone-like structures1. Similar results have been reported by others2,3. One of the identifying characteristics of cells derived from the sympathetic nervous system is the presence of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. This communication reports the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase in the C1300 tumour, confirming the diagnosis of neuroblastoma. We also report that cell-free extract (CFE) of neuroblastoma tumour induces a similar neoplasm in the dermis, mesentery, spinal cord and sympathetic chain of mice after subcutaneous injections.
Zeeman Effect Data and Preliminary Classification of the Spark Spectrum of Praseodymium-Pr II

The Zeeman effect of praseodvmium has been studied at fields up to 95,000 oersteds over the range 2400 to 7100A. $g$ and $J$ values have been determined for 74 Pr II levels from resolved Zeeman patterns of 141 lines. With these data, together with new wave-length data from the M.I.T.-W.P.A. Wavelength Project which have been applied to the spectroscopic interval sorter and interval recorder, a quadratic term array has been set up which accounts for 312 lines. This array is consistent with King's temperature classification of the lines and with all previous hyperfine structure observations. It is self-consistent in $g$ values to an average deviation of 0.005 unit, and in wave numbers to an average deviation of 0.08 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Previously published hyperfine structure measurements were found insufficiently precise to aid the classification, but were of value in its verification. The lowest term of Pr II is found to be ${f}^{3}(^{4}I^{\mathrm{o}})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}s\ensuremath{-}^{5}{I}^{\mathrm{o}}_{4}$. Most of the strong lines showing hyperfine structure arise from the ${f}^{3}s$ configuration.
Use of a single-balloon enteroscope compared with variable-stiffness colonoscopes for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in liver transplant patients with Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis

Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is technically challenging in liver transplant patients with Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis. The optimal endoscope for such cases remains unknown. Objective Compare efficacy and safety of performing ERC in liver transplant patients with Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis by using an adult colonoscope (AC), a pediatric colonoscope (PC), and a single-balloon enteroscope (SBE). Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients Liver transplant patients with Roux-en-Y biliary anastomoses. Intervention ERC with AC, PC, and SBE. Main Outcome Measurements Rates of reaching the afferent limb and biliary anastomosis; rates of cannulation; rates of diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural success; and number of adverse events. Results Ninety patients underwent 199 ERCs from 2002 to 2012; 86 with an AC, 55 with a PC, and 58 with an SBE. Biliary cannulation and diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural success rates were all significantly higher with an SBE than with a PC. Among patients undergoing the initial ERC, no statistical difference was found among SBE, the PC, and an AC. However, the rate of procedural success with SBE during initial ERC over the last 4 years has increased. Of 25 total failures with ACs, exchange for SBEs resulted in procedural success in 4 of 4 attempts. Of 22 failures with a PC, exchange for an SBE resulted in success in 3 of 4 cases. Of 4 failures with SBE exchange in 6 cases (4 to AC, 2 to PC), SBE resulted in success in only 1. No adverse events occurred directly related to type of endoscope. Limitations Retrospective study, single center, lack of standardized approach to selection of endoscopes, uncontrolled variables (general anesthesia, learning curve). Conclusion In liver transplant patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy, rates of biliary cannulation, therapeutic success, and procedural success are higher with use of an SBE than with a PC and tend to be higher compared with use of an AC among the overall cohort. Use of an SBE and procedural success rates with SBEs have increased over the last 4 years. Failed cases with either an AC or PC can be completed if exchanged for an SBE.
Online Chatting: User Evaluations of Current Instant Messenger Systems and Design Recommendations for Future Systems

A large sample of users (N = 211) from three geographically distinct locations within the United States completed a survey to reveal a number of practical as well as social benefits to using instant messenger (IM) systems. Paradoxically, a number of these benefits were also described as common sources of frustration in different contexts. For instance, the ability to conduct multiple conversations simultaneously was described as a benefit of using IM yet sources of frustration included an inability to type fast enough to respond to everyone and confusion of message content. To compensate for past usability issues associated with IM use, users suggested a number of design recommendations to facilitate the use of future systems. The implications of this work are discussed in terms of current theories regarding technology acceptance and use.
Relaxation of crosslinked networks: theoretical models and apparent power law behaviour

Abstract The viscoelastic behaviour of crosslinked polymer networks is discussed. Models of the long time relaxation based on the retracing of dangling chains are described. It is pointed out that the theories all predict a power law time relation for the relaxation behaviour but differ in their predictions of the crosslink density dependence of the power law exponent. The experimental data of Chasset and Thirion are examined. It is shown that the power law relation works only over a limited time span, with deviations occurring at long times and more markedly for more highly crosslinked systems. Furthermore, the validity of time-crosslink density superposition for networks is confirmed, thereby precluding an exponent dependent on crosslink density in any power law representation of the data.
Factors affecting water vapor transmission through free polymer films

Abstract Water vapor permeation studies were carried out on cast and sprayed polymer films. The polymers used were cellulose acetate phthalate and n ‐butyl methacrylate. Significant differences in permeability behavior were observed with the cellulose acetate phthalate films, depending on whether moisture was present on one or both sides of the film during permeation. This effect did not occur with the n ‐butyl methacrylate films. These data, together with results on water uptake by cellulosic films, suggest that dehydration of the distal cellulose acetate phthalate film surface occurs when moisture is present only on the proximal surface. The effect has potential significance in the design of water vapor permeation tests on hydrophilic films. No differences were observed between the water permeation properties of sprayed and cast cellulose acetate phthalate films.
Ferroelectric films and devices

Recent developments in ferroelectric films have been made in terms of their application in nonvolatile memories and dynamic random access memories. One highlight is the report of a complete description of the temperature-dependent dielectric behavior of (Ba, Sr)TiO 3 films as a function of strain, composition, and thickness. For the first time, a direct link has been made between the thin film and bulk electrical properties.
Biochemical genetic variation in the Family Simuliidae: electrophoretic identification of the human biter in the isomorphic Simulium jenningsi group

This paper describes inter- and intraspecific protein variation in the 3 closely related species of the Simulium jenningsi black fly group, S. jenningsi Malloch, S. nyssa Stone and Snoddy, and S . n. sp. P. Snoddy and Bauer. Variation is described at single loci coding for the enzymes, phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglucoisomerase, malate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Data are analyzed to assign genetic relationships among the 3 species and to suggest their status as sibling species. The application of electrophoretic methodology has revealed S . n. sp. P. to be the principle biter of humans of this group during the early autumn in north-central Maine.
Use of a Compounded Long-Acting Progesterone Formulation for Equine Pregnancy Maintenance

Abstract The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of a compounded long-acting progesterone formulation (BioRelease P4 LA 150; BETPHARM, Lexington, KY) containing 150 mg progesterone/ml for pregnancy maintenance in mares after prostaglandin (PG) F 2α -induced luteolysis. On day 18 of gestation, mares were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 7/group): (1) saline-treated control (Saline); (2) PGF 2α -treated control (PGF); (3) PGF 2α - and Regu-Mate-treated (Regu-Mate); and (4) PGF 2α - and BioRelease P4 LA 150-treated (BioRelease). On day 18, Saline mares received 1 ml sterile saline IM, whereas PGF, Regu-Mate, and BioRelease mares received 250 μg cloprostenol IM. Beginning on day 18, Regu-Mate mares received 10 ml Regu-Mate orally once daily and BioRelease mares received 10 ml BioRelease P4 LA 150 containing 150 mg/ml progesterone IM once every 7 days; treatments were continued until day 45 or until pregnancy loss occurred. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed every 3 days between days 18 and 45 (or until pregnancy loss). Pregnancy loss was defined as complete absence of a discernible embryonic vesicle as determined with transrectal ultrasonography. Pregnancy loss rates between days 18 and 45 were: Saline, 1/7; PGF, 7/7; Regu-Mate, 1/7; and BioRelease, 0/7. The pregnancy loss rate was higher ( P 2α -treated control mares compared with the other groups. There were no differences ( P > .1) in pregnancy loss rates among the saline-treated control, Regu-Mate-treated, and BioRelease P4 LA 150-treated mares. These results indicate that intramuscular administration of BioRelease P4 LA 150 containing a total of 1.5 g progesterone every 7 days provided a sufficient level of progesterone to maintain pregnancy between days 18 and 45 of gestation in mares that lacked an endogenous source of progesterone; therefore, this long-acting formulation of progesterone appears to be an efficacious and suitable alternative to currently available progesterone formulations that require daily administration.
Adverse effects of methylphenidate on the reproductive axis of adolescent female rats

Objective To examine the effects of chronic methylphenidate use on the reproductive axis of adolescent female rats. Design Controlled prospective study. Setting University research laboratory. Animal(s) Twenty prepubertal female Sprague Dawley rats. Intervention(s) Subcutaneous implantation of drug-filled Alzet minipumps (Durect Corporation, Cupertino, CA) for infusing methylphenidate (450 μg/d, treated) or physiological saline (control) for 4 weeks. Estrous cyclicity was checked from 3 weeks of pump implantation till the termination of the experiments. Animals were killed after 4 weeks of treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s) Estrous cyclicity, pituitary and peripheral FSH and LH, serum estrogen and progesterone, ovarian histology, and immunocytochemistry for localizing growth differentiation factor-9 and activin receptors-I. Result(s) Compared with the control group, the treated animals exhibited the following: [1] poor vaginal opening and erratic estrous cyclicity; [2] undeveloped, disrupted, or prematurely luteinized ovarian follicles; [3] absence of growth differentiation factor-9 and of activin receptors I and IB in the oocyte; and [4] high levels of LH in the pituitary. Conclusion(s) Chronic methylphenidate administration during adolescence perturbs pubertal onset, adversely affects maturation of the female reproductive axis by retarding pituitary LH release, and adversely affects ovarian folliculogenesis. These novel findings may have significant clinical implications in evaluating the effects of methylphenidate abuse on adolescent health.
Ab initio and RRKM studies of the reactions of C, CH, and 1CH2 with acetylene

We present ab initio calculations of geometries, energies, and normal mode frequencies for complexes and saddle points along the minimum energy reaction path for the reaction C + HCCH → C3H2 → C3H + H. We also present ab initio calculations along the minimum energy reaction path in the entrance channel for the reactions C + HCCH, CH + HCCH, and 1CH2 + HCCH. These results and those presented earlier by Walch1 are used to calculate rate constants for the reactions of C, CH, and 1CH2 with acetylene, using variational RRKM theory. The rate constants obtained agree well with experimental results for all three reactions. Unimolecular lifetimes for intermediate complexes associated with each reaction path are also presented. Among the more stable C3 isomers are propargyl and propargylene, which have lifetimes of 25 and 1900 ps, respectively, under thermal reaction conditions.
Sinking Funds and the Agency Costs of Corporate Debt

This paper examines whether a firm's sinking fund decision is affected by agency costs. The paper argues that sinking funds can be an effective device to resolve the problems of information asymmetry, risk incentives, and suboptimal investments. Empirical tests are provided. Results show that firms with certain characteristics related to agency problems tend to adopt a sinking fund provision in the bond indenture.
Expression of functional prostaglandin D (DP) receptors in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle

Expression of functional prostaglandin D (DP) receptors in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle
Femoroacetabular Impingement in Elite Ice Hockey Goaltenders Etiological Implications of On-Ice Hip Mechanics

Background:Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is particularly prevalent in ice hockey. The butterfly goalie technique is thought to involve extreme ranges of hip motion that may predispose goaltenders to FAI.Purpose:To quantify hip mechanics during 3 common goaltender movements and interpret their relevance to the development of FAI.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Fourteen collegiate and professional goaltenders performed skating, butterfly save, and recovery movements on the ice. Hip mechanics were compared across the 3 movements.Results:The butterfly did not exhibit the greatest range of hip motion in any of the 3 planes. Internal rotation was the only hip motion that appeared close to terminal in this study. When subjects decelerated during skating—shaving the blade of their skate across the surface of the ice—the magnitude of peak hip internal rotation was 54% greater than in the butterfly and 265% greater than in the recovery. No movement involved levels of concomitant flexion, addu...
Influence of Endocrine Glands on Radiation-Induced Hyperpigmentation in Mice.∗:

C57BL and LAF/sub 1/ mice became hyperpigmented in the extremities when exposed daily to gamma radiation. This process was not significantly altered by adrenalectomy, castration, or daily treatment with ACTH. Hypophysectomized black rats, x-irradiated weekly, developed hyperpigmentation at the same rate as controls. Although it wou1d appear that induction of hyperpigmentation by radiations is largely free of endocrtic control, daily treatment of gamma irradiated mice with large doses of cortisone will suppress pigment formation. (auth)
Constructing infinitely many smooth structures on 3{\mathbb{CP}^2}\#n\overline{\mathbb{CP}}^{2}

Using Seiberg-Witten theory and rational blow-down procedures of R. Fintushel and R.J. Stern, we construct infinitely many irreducible smooth structures, both symplectic and non-symplectic, on the four-manifold \(3\mathbb{CP}^2 \# n \overline{\mathbb{CP}}^2\) for each integer n lying in the interval \(10 \leq n \leq 13\).
Three-dimensional sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of aortic arch abnormalities.

Purpose To assess the added value of 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the diagnosis of aortic arch abnormalities in fetuses with isolated abnormal upper thoracic 3-vessel view (3VV). Method A total of 3,420 women underwent a targeted anatomic survey at 18–22 weeks' gestation in a 1-year period. An isolated abnormal upper thoracic 3VV detected on 2-dimensional (2D) imaging was followed up by conventional 2D echocardiography and 3D fetal echocardiography with STIC. Offline reconstruction by a second operator blinded to the suspected diagnosis was performed. Neonatal echocardiography and MRI with 3D reconstruction were performed to verify the prenatal diagnosis. Result Of the 3,420 patients referred, 4 had an isolated abnormal 3VV (0.09%). A right-sided aortic arch (RAA, n = 3) and double aortic arch (DAA, n = 1) were suspected. In all aortic arch abnormalities, 3D fetal echocardiography and STIC correctly identified RAA with aberrant left subclavian artery in 3 cases and DAA in 1 case with a degree of definition that was equal to the confirmatory postnatal echocardiography and 3D MRI. Conclusion Although the 2D upper 3VV is a powerful screening tool for isolated aortic arch abnormalities, 3D fetal echocardiography with STIC allows an accurate prenatal characterization of the abnormality to a degree that is typically attainable only by post partum imaging. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Computer Grounding and the National Electrical Code

The grounding recommendations of computer manufacturers are intended to minimize electrical noise by providing isolated ground systems. However, some of their recommendations violate the equipment grounding rules in the National Electrical Code and may also contribute to noise and other problems. NEC grounding principles that pertain to computer grounding are discussed; NEC violations at computer installations are reviewed; and signal grounding considerations are explored.
Molecular characterization of the alpha subunit of complement component C8 (GcC8α) in the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

Abstract Target cell lysis by complement is achieved by the assembly and insertion of the membrane attack complex (MAC) composed of glycoproteins C5b through C9. The lytic activity of shark complement involves functional analogues of mammalian C8 and C9. Mammalian C8 is composed of α, β, and γ subunits. The subunit structure of shark C8 is not known. This report describes a 2341 nucleotide sequence that translates into a polypeptide of 589 amino acid residues, orthologue to mammalian C8α and has the same modular architecture with conserved cysteines forming the peptide bond backbone. The C8γ-binding cysteine is conserved in the perforin-like domain. Hydrophobicity profile indicates the presence of hydrophobic residues essential for membrane insertion. It shares 41.1% and 47.4% identity with human and Xenopus C8α respectively. Southern blot analysis showed GcC8α exists as a single copy gene expressed in most tissues except the spleen with the liver being the main site of synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis places it in a clade with C8α orthologs and as a sister taxa to the Xenopus.
"To Take Up Arms Against Brethren of the Same Faith" - Lower Midwestern Catholic Volunteers in the Mexican-American War

Scholars of the antebellum era in U.S. history have traditionally understood the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848 as an extension of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States had a divine mandate to spread across the breadth of North America. Historians usually describe this ideology as a distinctly Protestant phenomenon, especially in the case of the war with Mexico, noting the existence of widespread anti-Catholic prejudice among the men who fought in the war and the citizens of the nation at large. This article seeks to problematize that picture by discussing the service of Catholics among the volunteer units of the U.S. Army in Mexico. Why did U.S. Catholics volunteer their services to fight a Catholic neighbor in the name of an overwhelmingly Protestant nation? This and other questions challenge our understanding of Manifest Destiny, American expansionism, and nationalism in the early republic
Thermodynamic uncertainties in batch processing and optimal control

Abstract Batch distillation is an important separation process for small-scale production especially in pharmaceutical, specialty chemical and biochemical industries. Although batch distillation units require lower capital cost than continuous units, the unsteady state nature of the process, results in higher operating costs. Optimal control in batch distillation is a mode of operation which allows us to optimize the column operating policy by selecting a trajectory for reflux ratio. Due to the uncertainties in thermodynamic models the reflux ratio profile obtained is often suboptimal. Recently a new method was proposed by Rico-Ramirez et al. [Comput. Chem. Eng. 27 (2003) 1867] to include time-dependent uncertainties in current formulations of batch distillation optimal control for ideal systems. In this paper, a general approach is proposed to handle both dynamic and static uncertainties in thermodynamics for more complex non-ideal systems. The static uncertainties result from the inaccuracies associated with predicting vapor–liquid equilibrium using group contribution methods such as UNIFAC. The unsteady state nature of batch distillation translates these static uncertainties into time-dependent uncertainties. A new Ito process representation is proposed for the dynamic behavior of relative volatility for non-ideal mixtures. Numerical case studies are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for batch as well as bio-processing.
Detecting two-dimensional spatial structure in biological data.

Cliff and Ord (1973) made versatile methods available for the direct utilization of location data in the analysis of dispersion patterns, but their monograph has as yet seen little use in the ecological literature. Application of their weighted forms of Geary's c and Moran's I indices of spatial autocorrelation to some marine benthos data demonstrates a diversity of population structure not anticipated on the basis of more common measures of pattern. These indices provide objective means to evaluate numerous recent spatial models and hypotheses in geographical ecology and genetics. The procedures are particularly attractive because (1) they efficiently utilize data which are often wasted (i.e., sample coordinates), (2) their application puts few constraints on sampling designs which would otherwise be employed, and (3) they reveal and quantify pattern differences which are not obvious to the untrained eye.
Pubertal and psychosocial development implications for pediatricians.

The endocrinology and somatic events of puberty have been well described, and their assessment is incorporated routinely into the evaluation of the adolescent patient. Because of the increasing collaboration between behavioral scientists and physicians who share an interest in the developing adolescent, understanding of the interactions between the physical, cognitive, and psychological experiences of this age group has grown. Examining the contextual and possible predictive implications of variations in pubertal events and their timing will help the pediatrician to guide and counsel adolescents and their parents. Findings from recent research have highlighted the salience of gender differences in the experience of puberty and in the timing of its onset and tempo as well as the importance of being earlier in maturation rather than synchronous or later than one9s peers. In this article, we will consider the findings in four major domains: 1) the effect of adolescent development on family homeostasis; 2) the implications for cognitive development; 3) the implications for personality (psychological) development; and 4) the recognition of risk factors or markers for problem behavior. Pubertal Development and Family Homeostasis One of the earliest tasks of adolescence is to separate from the family emotionally in preparation for developing independence. For girls, pubertal development may be the signal to their fathers to be less physically affectionate.
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Treatment of Depression in Alzheimer's Patients

This paper presents two strategies for treating depression in Alzheimer's patients. Cognitive therapy, used with mildly demented adults, challenges the patient's negative cognitions in order to reduce distortions and enable the patient to generate more adaptive ways of viewing specific situations and events. Behavioral intervention, used with more moderately or severely demented adults, attempts to modify person-environment interactions by increasing the level of positive activities and decreasing negative ones (Lewinsohn et al., 1984). Both theories have been used successfully in clinical settings.
Faludi, Fight Club, and Phallic Masculinity: Exploring the Emasculating Economics of Patriarchy:

Both Susan Faludi's Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man (text) and the film Fight Club (image) insist that men have been emasculated by consumerism; that the post-war legacy of the so-called good life has shifted men from active, heroic, confrontational roles into the passive, ornamental roles usually assigned to women; and that, without a Great Depression, or Great War, or any other dragon to slay, emasculated men have become imprisoned in their job cubicles and possessed by their possessions, often with not only negative, but even violent repercussions. Ecofeminism and ecotheology provide the tools for better understanding this idolatrous false god of consumerism, as well as for beginning to explore how the economics of plenty affect seemingly privileged men. Importantly, however, this study does not further privilege the already privileged, but seeks instead to understand how the globalizing economy negatively impacts both the human poor and the nonhuman ecosystems which altogether constitute our...
CD4+T-bet+, CD4+pSTAT3+ and CD8+T-bet+ T cells accumulate in peripheral blood during NZB treatment:

Circulating T cells and monocytes expressing T-bet, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 increase in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) during relapse. Natalizumab (NZB) is an effective drug in RRMS, but exacerbation of the disease after its discontinuation has been described in some patients. The aim of this research was to study the effect of NZB treatment on circulating lymphomonocyte subpopulations expressing T-bet, pSTAT1, pSTAT3 and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentages of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD14+ monocytes and B cells expressing T-bet, pSTAT1, and pSTAT3, and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells from RRMS patients before and after 6–12 NZB infusions. In NZB-treated RRMS patients, the percentages of CD4+pSTAT1+ and CD8+pSTAT1+ T cells, CD14+pSTAT1+ monocytes, CD4+T-bet+, CD8+T-bet+ and CD4+pSTAT3+ T cells and CD14+pSTAT3+ monocytes increased after 12 drug infusions and were similar to those observed in untreated relapsing RRMS patients. Otherwi...
Spatial and Temporal Effects on Switchgrass Stands and Yield in the Great Plains

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is being developed into a perennial, herbaceous, cellulosic feedstock crop for use in temperate regions of the USA. Information on spatial and temporal variation for stands and biomass yield among and within fields in large agroecoregions is not available. Spatial and temporal variation information is needed to model feedstock availability for biorefineries. In this 5-yr study, the spatial and temporal variation for biomass yield and stands was determined among and within 10 fields located in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Switchgrass fields were managed for bioenergy from 2000 to 2004 for the Nebraska locations and 2001 to 2005 for the South Dakota and North Dakota locations. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver was used to repeatedly measure within field quadrat sites for switchgrass stands using frequency grid (2.25 m 2 ) measure- ments in June for five growing seasons. Sixteen quadrat (≥ 1m 2 ) yield samples were taken post-killing frost in the establishment year and in August in subsequent years at each location. Topographic within field effects on switch- grass stand frequency and biomass yields were largely insignificant. Stands tended to increase from establishment year to year 3 and then begin to plateau. Weather factors, which were the principal source of temporal variation, were more important in switchgrass yield variation than on switchgrass stand frequencies. Temporal standard devia- tions for yield were higher on quadrat sites with higher than average field means while temporal standard deviations were smaller in quadrat sites that had lower than average field means at six locations. In the Northern Great Plains agroecoregion, there is greater temporal and spatial varia- tion for switchgrass biomass yields among fields than within fields. Results indicate that modeling feedstock availability for a biorefinery can be based on field scale yields.
Structure of synechobactins, new siderophores of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002

The coastal marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 produces three amphiphilic siderophores, synechobactins A-C, under iron-limiting growth conditions. The synechobactins are comprised of a citric acid backbone linked to two 1, 3-diaminopropane units. The terminal amine of one diaminopropane is acetylated and hydroxylated forming one hydroxamate group. The terminal amine of the other diaminopropane is appended to one of a series of fatty acids and N-hydroxylated on the fatty acid amide forming the second hydroxamate linkage. Synechobactins A-C differ among themselves in the identity of the fatty acid residue as dodecanoic acid, decanoic acid, or octanoic acid, respectively. They are the first structurally elucidated siderophores from marine cyanobacteria and are related to schizokinen, a previously identified siderophore that lacks amphiphilic character, isolated from other bacteria including freshwater cyanobacteria.
Effect of update rate on perceived instability of virtual haptic texture

This study investigates the effect of update rate on the perceived quality of haptic virtual textures, focusing on one type of perceived instability called "buzzing." Buzzing refers to the high-frequency noises that may emanate from a force-feedback device during haptic texture rendering. We first present a simulation of a haptic texture rendering system that explicitly models the sampled-data nature of the system. The simulation shows that a slow haptic update rate can significantly increase the high-frequency noise in the reconstructed force command sent to the haptic interface. This noise may excite the structural resonance of the haptic interface and result in a high-frequency buzzing at the interaction tool that a user holds. A subsequent psychophysical experiment, conducted over a wide range of update rate (250 Hz - 40 kHz), has confirmed the simulation results. The results show a 278% increase in the maximum stiffness (0.325 - 0.904 N/mm over the update rates tested) that could be used for rendering perceptually "clean" virtual haptic textures. These results argue for haptic update rates that are much higher than the widely-accepted value of 1 kHz. Considering that an application requiring hard surface rendering needs a stiffness value of at least 0.8 - 1.0 N/mm, we recommend a haptic update rate in the range 5-10 kHz for perceptually stable haptic texture rendering.
Solution Hybrid Selection with Ultra-long Oligonucleotides for Massively Parallel Targeted Sequencing

Targeting genomic loci by massively parallel sequencing requires new methods to enrich templates to be sequenced. We developed a capture method that uses biotinylated RNA 'baits' to fish targets out of a 'pond' of DNA fragments. The RNA is transcribed from PCR-amplified oligodeoxynucleotides originally synthesized on a microarray, generating sufficient bait for multiple captures at concentrations high enough to drive the hybridization. We tested this method with 170-mer baits that target >15,000 coding exons (2.5 Mb) and four regions (1.7 Mb total) using Illumina sequencing as read-out. About 90% of uniquely aligning bases fell on or near bait sequence; up to 50% lay on exons proper. The uniformity was such that approximately 60% of target bases in the exonic 'catch', and approximately 80% in the regional catch, had at least half the mean coverage. One lane of Illumina sequence was sufficient to call high-confidence genotypes for 89% of the targeted exon space.
Hypomagnesemia: Higher risk using total parenteral nutrition in the treatment of patients with malignancies

The syndrome of hypomagnesemia in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is well known. To determine particular high-risk groups for the development of this syndrome, 26 consecutive patients on TPN were initially evaluated for serum magnesium (Mg) and followed at regular intervals. Seventeen had a diagnosis of solid tumor or hematologic malignancy (CA); nine had inflammatory bowel disease and/or small bowel fistulae (ID). All met the standard criteria for being malnourished--anergy, low serum albumin, and recent weight loss. During TPN, all patients received an average of 24 mEq of magnesium sulfate per day, and all had satisfactory anabolic response in terms of weight gain and increase in serum albumin. Ten patients had at least one magnesium determination below the lower limits of normal, and four of these developed symptoms of tremor which responded to increased amounts of magnesium in their TPN. Eight of these ten (80%) had a diagnosis of CA, and four of four (100%) of those requiring additional magnesium to alleviate symptoms had CA. None of the patients with ID developed symptomatic hypomagnesemia. We conclude that patients with solid tumor malignancy are more likely to develop hypomagnesemia, possibly because of the increased requirements for magnesium in lymphocytolysis of tumor cells., and they must be carefully monitored to prevent this complication.
Computational Study on the Energetics of NCN Isomers and the Kinetics of the C + N2⇄ N + CN Reaction

Ab initio MO calculations have been carried out for the C(3P) + N2 reaction system. The reaction has been shown to pass through CNN, NCN, and cyclic c-NCN intermediates. The rate constants for the forward and reverse directions have been calculated with multichannel variational RRKM theory. We have also calculated the unimolecular rate constants for the NCN decomposition. The theoretically predicted heats of formation for NCN and CNN are in good agreement with recent experimental measurements.
Diphenhydramine as an Analgesic Adjuvant in Refractory Cancer Pain

Clinical and animal data suggest that antihistamines may have efficacy in the management of pain. While many mechanisms of action have been proposed for the analgesic action of antihistamines, the exact mechanism is unknown. Controlled clinical trials in different pain models have demonstrated that antihistamines have direct and adjuvant analgesic activity. We report three patients with advanced cancer pain refractory to adjuvants and oral, intravenous, and epidural opioids, who achieved sustained pain relief after the repeated administration of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine may be useful in the treatment of neuropathic and nociceptive pain that has failed to respond to treatment with opioids and adjuvant analgesics. We suggest a starting dose of 25 mg of oral or parenteral diphenhydramine every 6 to 8 hours, with titration to effect.
Exposure to a recently mated male increases ram sexual performance

Abstract Previous studies reported that male sheep sexual performance does not improve following the observation of heterosexual behavior, which is in contrast to male cattle, goats, pigs and horses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility that exposure to a recently mated ram may enhance ram sexual performance. Eight sexually experienced rams (1 year of age) were assigned to either mated ram stimulus (MRS) or non-mated ram stimulus (NMRS) conditions in a switchback design. The rams in the MRS condition were briefly (10 min) exposed to a penmate who had mated an ewe immediately beforehand. The males in the NMRS condition were exposed to a penmate who had been placed in an empty pen. The rams were allowed to freely investigate their respective stimulus penmate and then each male was placed with an estrous ewe for 15 min. The frequencies of anogenital sniffs, leg kicks, flehmen lip curls, mount attempts, mounts and ejaculations were recorded. Ejaculatory latencies were also recorded. Mean courtship (anogenital sniffs and leg kicks) and mounting (mount attempts and mounts) behavior frequencies were higher for the MRS condition (P = 0.010 for both). Similarly, the individual mean frequencies of anogenital sniffs, leg kicks, mount attempts and mounts were higher when males interacted with a ram which had just mated (P = 0.046; 0.016; 0.048; 0.029, respectively). Mean flehmen lip curl and ejaculation frequencies were not different between the two conditions (P = 0.900 and 0.700). These data suggest that an odor cue associated with the ewe or mating, perse, was emitted by the penmate which was allowed to mate. This cue then enhanced the sexual performance of rams in the MRS condition.
The Effect of Real Turbine Roughness With Pressure Gradient on Heat Transfer

Experimental measurements of heat transfer (St) are reported for low speed flow over scaled turbine roughness models at three different freestream pressure gradients: adverse, zero (nominally), and favorable. The roughness models were scaled from surface measurements taken on actual, in-service land-based turbine hardware and include samples of fuel deposits, TBC spallation, erosion, and pitting as well as a smooth control surface. All St measurements were made in a developing turbulent boundary layer at the same value of Reynolds number (Rex ≅900,000). An integral boundary layer method used to estimate cf for the smooth wall cases allowed the calculation of the Reynolds analogy (2St/cf ). Results indicate that for a smooth wall, Reynolds analogy varies appreciably with pressure gradient. Smooth surface heat transfer is considerably less sensitive to pressure gradients than skin friction. For the rough surfaces with adverse pressure gradient, St is less sensitive to roughness than with zero or favorable pressure gradient. Roughness-induced Stanton number increases at zero pressure gradient range from 16–44% (depending on roughness type), while increases with adverse pressure gradient are 7% less on average for the same roughness type. Hot-wire measurements show a corresponding drop in roughness-induced momentum deficit and streamwise turbulent kinetic energy generation in the adverse pressure gradient boundary layer compared with the other pressure gradient conditions. The combined effects of roughness and pressure gradient are different than their individual effects added together. Specifically, for adverse pressure gradient the combined effect on heat transfer is 9% less than that estimated by adding their separate effects. For favorable pressure gradient, the additive estimate is 6% lower than the result with combined effects. Identical measurements on a “simulated” roughness surface composed of cones in an ordered array show a behavior unlike that of the scaled “real” roughness models. St calculations made using a discrete-element roughness model show promising agreement with the experimental data. Predictions and data combine to underline the importance of accounting for pressure gradient and surface roughness effects simultaneously rather than independently for accurate performance calculations in turbines.© 2003 ASME
The development of CACTUS : a wind and marine turbine performance simulation code.

CACTUS (Code for Axial and Cross-flow TUrbine Simulation) is a turbine performance simulation code, based on a free wake vortex method, under development at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) as part of a Department of Energy program to study marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices. The current effort builds upon work previously done at SNL in the area of vertical axis wind turbine simulation, and aims to add models to handle generic device geometry and physical models specific to the marine environment. An overview of the current state of the project and validation effort is provided.
Public Recognition of Hazard

Like hazard identification, the public recognition of hazard reduces uncertainty by delineating the relatively risky from the less risky. For centuries humans have relied on actuarial experience in recognizing hazardous situations. However, the risks associated with more complex technological systems often veil the nature, likelihood, and severity of the risk. Moreover, many risks are obscured by relatively delayed, and long-term effects, sometimes associated with very small “doses.” While it is clear that these cases require scientific intervention in the identification of hazard, little is known about the social process involved in the use of experiential data in the recognition of hazard. This paper examines the relationship between prior experience and risk estimates for a variety of hazards.
High-Throughput Molecular Determination of Salmonella enterica Serovars by Use of Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of food-borne illness worldwide and is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild animals. In the current study, a high-throughput molecular assay was developed to determine the most common clinical and nonhuman serovars of S. enterica in the United States. Sixteen genomic targets were identified based on their differential distribution among common serovars. Primers were designed to amplify regions of each of these targets in a single multiplex PCR while incorporating a 6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled universal primer to fluorescently label all amplicons. The fluorescently labeled PCR products were separated using capillary electrophoresis, and a Salmonella multiplex assay for rapid typing (SMART) code was generated for each isolate, based upon the presence or absence of PCR products generated from each target gene. Seven hundred fifty-one blind clinical isolates of Salmonella from Washington State, collected in 2007 and previously serotyped via antisera, were screened with the assay. A total of 89.6% of the isolates were correctly identified based on comparison to a panel of representative SMART codes previously determined for the top 50 most common serovars in the United States. Of the remaining isolates, 6.2% represented isolates that produced a new SMART code for a previously determined serotype, while the final 8.8% were from serotypes not screened in the original panel used to score isolates in the blinded study. This high-throughput multiplex PCR assay allowed simple and accurate typing of the most prevalent clinical serovars of Salmonella enterica at a level comparable to that of conventional serotyping, but at a fraction of both the cost and time required per test.
Objective quality measures for the design of digital image transmission systems

An analytical quality measure is essential for the successful design of digital transmission systems. For images the processes involved in human quality perception are too complicated to be modelled in a mathematically tractable way. In order to obtain useful results we have given up generality and investigated only quality measures for achromatic still images which have been coded by Pulse-Code-Modulation (PCM), Pseudo-Random Noise PCM, or Differential PCM. For this class of distortions we have found an objective quality measure based on the mean squared error, that performs better than commonly assumed. Another powerful measure has the same form as the mutual information between original and distorted image under the assumption of jointly Gaussian signals. In this paper these measures are compared with subjective results for the same distortions. The correlation is sufficiently good to justify the use of such measures in coding and evaluation of digital image coders.