cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered Cerebral Protein Synthesis in Fragile X Syndrome: Studies in Human Subjects and Knockout Mice

Dysregulated protein synthesis is thought to be a core phenotype of fragile X syndrome (FXS). In a mouse model (Fmr1 knockout (KO)) of FXS, rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) are increased in selective brain regions. We hypothesized that rCPS are also increased in FXS subjects. We measured rCPS with the L-[1-(11)C]leucine positron emission tomography (PET) method in whole brain and 10 regions in 15 FXS subjects who, because of their impairments, were studied under deep sedation with propofol. We compared results with those of 12 age-matched controls studied both awake and sedated. In controls, we found no differences in rCPS between awake and propofol sedation. Contrary to our hypothesis, FXS subjects under propofol sedation had reduced rCPS in whole brain, cerebellum, and cortex compared with sedated controls. To investigate whether propofol could have a disparate effect in FXS subjects masking usually elevated rCPS, we measured rCPS in C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) and KO mice awake or under propofol sedation. Propofol decreased rCPS substantially in most regions examined in KO mice, but in WT mice caused few discrete changes. Propofol acts by decreasing neuronal activity either directly or by increasing inhibitory synaptic activity. Our results suggest that changes in synaptic signaling can correct increased rCPS in FXS.
Genetic architecture of HIV type 1 Nef and Tat from HLA-B57-typed long-term survivors in an Indian cohort of perinatally HIV-infected children.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral genes nef and tat play an important role in disease progression. In this study we characterized the Nef and Tat proteins from a group of HLA-B57 typed pediatric perinatally infected long-term survivors (LTS) with ≥10 years of infection. We identified 19 therapy-naive LTS after screening 250 children from an Indian pediatric cohort. Nef and tat amplified from plasma virus showed that all the LTS harbored HIV-1 subtype C. The two B57+ children showed mutations, deletions, and insertions in experimentally defined B57 epitopes in the virus that are likely to be escape mutants. Only GW12 (GPGVRYPLTFGW) and YY9 (YTPGPGIRY) were conserved, while the remaining 90% (18/20) of the epitopes showed some degree of mutations. The most variable epitopes were RR15, SE15, QP15, KF9, HW9, YT9, and GF15. To our knowledge this is the first study from India in which characterization of Nef and Tat from LTS has led to information on genetic alterations in these genes t...
Urgent delivery, diabetes and shoulder dystocia: what can we learn from observational research?

The risk for shoulder dystocia is increased in women with diabetes and macrosomic fetuses; however, estimation of fetal weight is imperfect. Women with estimated fetal weights above certain thresholds may be offered elective cesarean delivery. Those not offered this option may have unsuspected macrosomia and develop an indication during labor for urgent delivery. To avoid shoulder dystocia, the question arises as to whether laboring diabetic women should preferentially undergo cesarean section rather than operative vaginal delivery. There are no randomized clinical trials addressing this issue. In other areas of medicine, observational studies that used randomized clinical trial-like inclusion criteria and controlled confounding generated results similar to those in randomized clinical trials. We used these design features in a retrospective cohort study among 28,484 deliveries of which 1089 had shoulder dystocia. When an immediate delivery was deemed necessary and inclusion criteria were met (nonreassuri...
Demonstration of the existence, and partial characterization, of a cell-surface β-hexosaminidase from rat splenocytes

Abstract Rat splenocytes are shown to exhibit cell-surface located β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and β-galactosidase activities. Preincubation experiments, solubilization experiments and chemical cross-linking experiments show that these enzymatic activities are indeed cell-surface localized. The solubilization and partial purification of the β-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity is reported. Kinetic studies of the partially purified material with a variety of competitive inhibitors at several pH values suggest that at physiological pH the cell surface β-N-acetylglycosaminidase may function as a carbohydrate binding protein rather than as a glycosidase.
Unit Equivalent Scales for Specific Food Commodities

For many analyses, a per capita specification of the effects of population is not adequate. The per capita specification ignores differences in consumption that are due to differences in age and sex of individuals. A unit equivalent scale can account for these age and sex differences. Unit equivalent scales are estimated for five food commodities and for total food from weekly household expenditure data. The effects of age and sex on expenditures, economies of household size, changes in scales with income level, and changes in the demand for food over time caused by changing age‐sex composition are estimated.
P300 event-related potential heritability in monozygotic and dizygotic twins

The present study examined the heritability of the P3 waveform and the N1, P2, and N2 components by assessing the visual event-related potential (ERP) of 30 monozygotic (MZ) and 34 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. Electroencephalogram activity was recorded from Pz, P3, and P4 scalp sites while individuals performed a reaction time task involving two conditions differing in difficulty. Genetic modeling indicated substantial genetic influence on P3 amplitude, P3 latency, and manual reaction time for the difficult condition. No significant heritability was found for the latency of P3 or manual reaction time for the easy condition, but P3 amplitude was heritable for this condition. The amplitude of the early components (N1, P2, and N2) was heritable, but no significant genetic influences were found for the latency of these components. Compared with the DZ twins, the greater similarity of the MZ pairs on the event-related potential measures was not due to their greater similarity in either head dimensions or mental ability, despite the facts that IQ scores were weakly correlated with P3 and N2 amplitude and that amplitude and latency were related to some measures of head size. These findings suggest that P3 amplitude and the amplitude of earlier ERP components are under partial genetic control, supporting the notion that these ERP components could perhaps be used to identify genetic risk for psychopathology.
A Limulus glucose-6-phosphatase with phosphotransferase activity characteristic of vertebrate liver microsones its possible evolutionary significance

Abstract 1. 1. Limulus hepatopancreas, coxal glands and intestine contain a particulate enzyme which can synthesize glucose 6-phosphate fromk glucose and inorganic pyrophosphate or carbamyl phosphate as well as hydrolyze glucose 6-phosphate. This has been clearly differentiated from hydrolysis by lysosomal or soluble phosphatases. 2. 2. The enzyme resembles vertebrate glucose-6-phosphatase in its specific anatomical distribution, pH optimum, kinetic properties, donor specificity and phospholipid dependence, as indicated by its latency and lability to detergent treatment. 3. 3. A variety of other invertebrates tested exhibited little or no PP i -glucose phosphotransferase activity with these properties. A similar phosphotransferase activity of lobster hepatopancreas had somewhat different kinetic properties and pH optimum. 4. 4. The hypothesis that a specific glucose-6-phosphatase is to be found only in those animals which utilize free glucose as an important circulating form of energy is presented and discussed. It appears that a variety of transport compounds, such as trehalose and glucose, was tried at the evolutionary level of the Arthropods.
Nicotine exposure beginning in adolescence enhances the acquisition of methamphetamine self-administration, but not methamphetamine-primed reinstatement in male rats

Abstract Background Nicotine is commonly abused in adolescence and is believed to be a “gateway” to other drugs of abuse [e.g., methamphetamine (METH)]. The relationship between early nicotine exposure and later METH use is complicated because the majority of juvenile smokers continue to use cigarettes into adulthood. Thus, the present investigation examined the individual and combined contribution of adolescent and adult nicotine exposure on METH self-administration. Methods Forty-three male rats were pretreated with saline or nicotine (0.16 or 0.64 mg/kg, SC) from postnatal day (PD) 35–50. On PD 51, subjects were split into the following groups: SAL–SAL, 0.16–0.16, 0.16–SAL, 0.64–0.64, and 0.64–SAL. Rats were then trained to lever press for METH (0.05 mg/kg) for seven days on an FR1 and seven days on an FR3 reinforcement schedule. After acquisition training, rats underwent 14 days of extinction and were then tested for METH-induced primed reinstatement (1.0 mg/kg, IP). Results Data showed that rats receiving continuous injections of the low dose of nicotine (0.16–0.16) obtained more METH infusions versus the control group (SAL–SAL) on an FR1 and FR3 schedule. In addition, rats on the FR3 schedule that received a low dose of nicotine during the adolescent period only (0.16–SAL) had more METH intake than the control group (SAL–SAL). Interestingly, the high dose of nicotine exposure had no effect on METH intake and neither nicotine dose altered METH seeking behavior. Conclusions Low dose exposure to nicotine during adolescence enhances the reinforcing effects of METH, while heavier exposure has no effect on METH intake.
Role of heavy meson exchange in near threshold NN-->d pi.

The total cross section of NN\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d\ensuremath{\pi} very near threshold is calculated in a simple distorted wave impulse approximation including one-body, pion rescattering, and sigma and omega meson exchange current (MEC) contributions. Calculations with MEC are in good agreement with recent TRIUMF measurements while calculations without MEC are significantly smaller. Thus the MEC mechanism, which was proposed to explain a large enhancement in the pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}pp${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{0}$ cross section, is consistent with NN\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d\ensuremath{\pi} data.
Error bounds for spline-on-spline interpolation

Abstract Bounds for the uniform norm of the errors in the second and third derivatives of cubic interpolating splines-on-splines are derived. These bounds encompass the case when approximate rather than exact derivatives are used at the endpoints. Furthermore, it is shown that, for a uniform mesh, spline-on-spline techniques lead to an accuracy of one additional order at the knots. Results of some computational experiments are given.
Properties of Biobased Rigid Polyurethane Foams Reinforced with Fillers: Microspheres and Nanoclay

The effect of incorporating 1–7% microsphere and nanoclay fillers on the physical properties of polyurethane (PU) foams containing 15% soybean oil-based polyol was investigated. Increasing filler percentage reduced the PU foam density. The compressive strength of PU foams decreased slightly when increasing the microsphere content from 1 to 3% and then increased. At 7% microsphere content, the foams displayed the same compressive strength as the control foams made from 100% petroleum polyol. For PU foams reinforced with nanoclay, their compressive strength changed little from 1 to 5%, but decreased at 7% due to a lower density and weaker matrix structure. Foams containing 5 to 7% microspheres or 3 to 7% nanoclay had density-compressive strength comparable or superior to the control. Foams reinforced with fillers had more cells and smaller cell size than foams made from 15% soy-polyol but without fillers. During the foaming process, the maximal temperatures reached by PU foams were not affected by the presence of 1 to 7% of microspheres or nanoclay, but slightly lower than the control. In addition, foams with fillers displayed roughly the same thermal conductivity as soy-polyol based foams without fillers.
Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture

Soil moisture is an important variable in land surface hydrology as it controls the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil and replenishes the water table versus the amount that contributes to surface runoff and to channel flow. However observations of soil moisture at a point scale are very sparse and observing networks are expensive to maintain. Satellite sensors can observe large areas but the spatial resolution of these is dependent on microwave frequency, antenna dimensions, and height above the earth’s surface. The higher the sensor, the lower the spatial resolution and at low elevations the spacecraft would use more fuel. Higher spatial resolution requires larger diameter antennas that in turn require more fuel to maintain in space. Given these competing issues most passive radiometers have spatial resolutions in 10s of kilometers that are too coarse for catchment hydrology applications. Most local applications require higher-spatial-resolution soil moisture data. Downscaling of the data requires ancillary data and model products, all of which are used here to develop high-spatial-resolution soil moisture for catchment applications in hydrology. In this paper the author will outline and explain the methodology for downscaling passive microwave estimation of soil moisture.
Unconditioned stimulus intensity and asymptotic performance in human eyelid conditioning

It is shown that whether or not the asymptotic performance of high-rate conditioners in human eyelid conditioning is affected by unconditioned stimulus intensity depends upon the conditioning context, while the acquisition performance of low-rate conditioners seems to be a function of unconditioned stimulus intensity regardless of conditioning context.
Spherical and vesicular ionic aggregates in Zn‐neutralized sulfonated polystyrene ionomers

Ionic aggregates in a series of Zn-neutralized poly(styrene-co-styrene sulfonate) (SPS) random ionomers have been imaged using scanning transmission electron microscopy. The Zn-rich aggregates were found to have two shapes: solid spheres (Type I) and shells or vesicles (Type II). Type I aggregates range in a maximum diameter from 4 to 10 nm, whereas Type II aggregates range in a maximum diameter from 9 to 55 nm with a vesicle wall thickness of ∼ 3 nm. Lightly neutralized ionomers exhibited only Type I aggregates, whereas higher neutralization levels exhibited both Type I and II aggregates. Lightly neutralized ionomers also showed evidence of macrophase separation at the micron size scale. These direct observations of ionic aggregates contradict previous interpretations of small-angle X-ray scattering data with respect to size, size dispersity, shape, and spatial distribution. In addition, the aggregates observed in SPS differ markedly from the nearly monodisperse ∼ 2-nm spherical aggregates observed in Zn-neutralized poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid). The presence of vesicular aggregates encourages a re-examination of the morphologies and properties of styrenic ionomers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 477–483, 2001
Universal crossovers between entanglement entropy and thermal entropy

We postulate the existence of universal crossover functions connecting the universal parts of the entanglement entropy to the low-temperature thermal entropy in gapless quantum many-body systems. These scaling functions encode the intuition that the same low-energy degrees of freedom which control low-temperature thermal physics are also responsible for the long-range entanglement in the quantum ground state. We demonstrate the correctness of the proposed scaling form and determine the scaling function for certain classes of gapless systems whose low-energy physics is described by a conformal field theory. We also use our crossover formalism to argue that local systems which are ``natural'' can violate the boundary law at most logarithmically. In particular, we show that several non-Fermi-liquid phases of matter have entanglement entropy that is at most of order ${L}^{d\ensuremath{-}1}\mathrm{log}(L)$ for a region of linear size $L$ thereby confirming various earlier suggestions in the literature. We also briefly apply our crossover formalism to the study of fluctuations in conserved quantities and discuss some subtleties that occur in systems that spontaneously break a continuous symmetry.
Influence of the Casserius Tables on fetal anatomy illustration and how we envision the unborn.

Objective: The paper demonstrates how visual representation of the fetus in early anatomy texts influenced the reader's perception of the unborn child as an autonomous being.
Contemporary Discrimination in the Lab and Field: Benefits and Obstacles of Full-Cycle Social Psychology

This article highlights the necessity of applying evidence-based social psychological research to identify the causes and consequences of implicit bias as they occur in the real world. We first outline a number of benefits that emerge from complementing controlled laboratory experiments with field studies chief among them is that the latter bolster external validity and the applicability of laboratory research to real-world settings where social problems are rooted. Second, we briefly (1) highlight where in the process of decision-making discrimination might occur, as demonstrated by field studies (i.e., when do perceivers’ implicit attitudes get translated into action) and (2) identify some underlying causes. Finally, we speculate about possible remedies for implicit bias in the real world, some of which have been tested in prior research whereas others are yet to be tested.
CATHETER-INDUCED TRICUSPID REGURGITATION : INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The incidence and severity of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation has not been studied extensively. Given the frequency with which right heart catheters are employed to measure cardiac output, it is important to know whether the severity of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation is sufficient to invalidate the measurement of thermodilution cardiac output. Accordingly, the purpose of the present prospective study was to determine the incidence and severity of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation in 25 men (mean age, 58.1 +/- 1.4 years) using Doppler ultrasound. The tricuspid valve was interrogated from two orthogonal views using pulsed-wave and color flow Doppler, either in the presence or absence of a 7-French catheter across the tricuspid valve. The severity of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation was graded semiquantitatively using a validated scoring system. Pulsed-wave Doppler studies showed that the incidence of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation was 48 percent, and that the average tricuspid regurgitation score increased from 0.41 +/- 0.16 to 0.61 +/- 0.17 (p less than 0.01). Color flow Doppler studies showed similar findings. Further, the incidence of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation was not related to the patient's underlying hemodynamic status or right ventricular geometry. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that the quantitative extent of catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation is small, and is therefore unlikely to be important clinically, particularly with regard to the assessment of thermodilution cardiac output.
The demand for pay service on cable television

Abstract A probability model is developed for consumer choice among three television programming options, free over-the-air television, basic cable television service, and pay cable serve which consists of basic service plus a single channel of premium entertainment programming. Estimating equations for the demand for pay service are derived from the probability model and then estimated by applying regression techniques to data from a large sample of U.S. cable systems. The estimated parameters of the demand equation show that the demand for pay service is affected by the prices charged for both basic and pay service, by demographic characteristics of the households served by a cable system, and by the quality of programming offered on both basic and pay services. The demand estimates suggest that the introduction of pay service has substantially enhanced the likelihood of profitable operation for cable systems in major television markets.
Role of RNA and protein in memory storage: a review.

The literature on the possible role of RNA and protein in long-term memory is reviewed in terms of the following five criteria: (1) The molecule should have a defined role in normal brain function. (2) There should be a quantitative and/or qualitative change in the molecule as a function of learning. (3) The molecule should lead to some type of relatively permanent change in the functioning of the brain. (4) Altered synthesis or utilization of the molecule should lead to predictable consequences for memory. (5) The localization of the response should be consistent in terms of the utilization of that portion of the brain in the particular task.
Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Heusler Alloys

Although Heusler alloys have been known for more than a century, but since the last decade there has been a quantum jump in research in this area. Heusler alloys show remarkable properties, such as ferromagnetic shape memory effect, magnetocaloric effect, half metallicity, and most recently it has been shown that it can be used for direct conversion of heat into electricity. Heusler alloys Ni-Mn-Z (Z=Ga, Al, In, Sn, Sb), show a reversible martensitic transformation and unusual magnetic properties. Other classes of intermetallic Heusler alloy families that are half metallic (such as the half Heusler alloys Ni-Mn-Sb and the full Heusler alloy Co2MnGe) are attractive because of their high Curie temperature and structural similarity to binary semiconductors. Unlike Ni-Mn-Ga, Ni-Mn-In and Ni-Mn-Sn transform from ferromagnetic austenite to non-ferromagnetic martensite. As is consistent with the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, the martensitic phase transformation can be manipulated by a magnetic field, leading to possible applications of these materials enabling the magnetic shape memory effect, energy conversion and solid state refrigeration. In this paper, we summarize the salient features of Heusler alloys, like the structure, magnetic properties and potential application of this family of alloys in industry.
Tachyphylaxis to 5-HT3-receptor-mediated activation of vagal afferents is prevented by co-activation of 5-HT2 receptors.

Abstract Functional studies have provided evidence that 5-HT 3 ion-channel receptors (5-HT 3 Rs) on vagal cardiopulmonary afferents mediating the Bezold–Jarisch reflex (BJR) rapidly desensitize upon repeated exposure to selective 5-HT 3 R agonists. G-protein-coupled 5-HT 2 receptors (5-HT 2 Rs) also exist on vagal afferents, although activation of these receptors does not elicit the BJR. However, there is in vivo evidence that 5-HT 2 Rs may regulate the activity of 5-HT 3 Rs. The aim of this study was to determine whether co-activation of 5-HT 2 Rs prevents desensitization of 5-HT 3 Rs mediating the BJR in conscious rats. The principal findings were that (1) tachyphylaxis rapidly developed to the BJR-mediated hemodynamic responses elicited by successive injections of 5-HT 3 R agonists and (2) co-injection of the selective 5-HT 2 R agonist, α-methyl-5-HT, prevented tachyphylaxis to the BJR-mediated hemodynamic responses elicited by the 5-HT 3 R agonists. Additional studies provided evidence that (1) tachyphylaxis to the 5-HT 3 R agonists was not due to impairment of the central or efferent processing of the BJR, and (2) the pressor responses elicited by α-methyl-5-HT were not responsible for preventing tachyphylaxis to the BJR reflex responses elicited by 5-HT 3 R agonists. These results suggest that the loss of response to 5-HT 3 R agonists is due to desensitization of 5-HT 3 Rs on vagal afferents mediating the BJR and that co-activation of 5-HT 2 Rs prevents the desensitization of these 5-HT 3 Rs.
Low molecular weight inhibitors of cathepsins B, H and T in human serum, synovial fluid and CSF

Summary When human plasma was chromatographed on a Sephadex G-75 column, cathepsin B inhibitors with molecular weights of 80,000 and 13,000 were eluted. The high molecular weight peak (TPI-H) contained α-thiol proteinase inhibitor and haptoglobin, both of which inhibited cathepsins B and H. The low molecular weight peak (TPI-L) inhibited cathepsins B, H and T, but had little or no activity against papain, ficin or bromelain. TPI-L from plasma contained two molecular forms of inhibitor, while TPI-L from pooled serum samples contained nine. Serum TPI-L was found to be different from the low molecular weight inhibitors present in lung and many other organs. When rheumatoid synovial fluid was analyzed by gel filtration, the eluate contained TPI-H and TPI-L. Human cerebrospinal fluid eluates contained TPI-L, but not TPI-H.
The Federal Trade Commission a Critical Survey

I. Genesis of Federal Trade Commission law, 562. — II. Value of investigations made by Economic Division, 566. — Proceedings instituted by Legal Division mainly for protection of customers, rather than competitors, 568. — Regulative policies unsoundly drawn in three directions, 571. — Principal criticism is of failure of Commission to define limits of its corrective responsibility, 574. — Accomplishments of Commission as an advisory and consultative body, 578. — Significance of recent changes in rules of procedure, 579. — III. How inflexibility and lack of dispatch in administrative procedure may be overcome, 580. — Some suggestions toward substantive amendment of Clayton and Federal Trade Commission Acts, 584.
Crack tip dislocations in MgO

Several dislocation free zones were shown at crack tips. It is proposed that these zones are free of dislocations because of image forces with the stress free crack surfaces. Dislocations that are nucleated at the crack tip would be looped around or on one side of the crack tip. When the crack moves these dislocations would be annihilated by the crack tip at distances less that r/sub 0//4. The material between r/sub 0/ and the crack tip is elastic because it is dislocation free - which is even a stronger condition than the recent fracture theories require.
Influence Of Overstory Removal On Growth Of Epiphytic Mosses And Lichens In Western Oregon

Will old-growth-associated epiphytes survive if the forest canopy is opened around them by thinning or partial harvest? If old-growth association is due to a species' environmental tolerances, it may not survive in the relatively open stands that result from such treatments. If, however, old-growth association is due to dispersal limitations rather than environmental tolerances, retention of host trees as refugia and sources of inoculum might carry populations of old-growth-associated epiphytes into young stands. We studied growth rates of lichen and moss transplants in a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest (tree ages approximately 55 yr) in western Oregon for nine months before and 27 months after moderate thinning, creation of 0.4-ha patch cuts, and in control areas. We also assessed moss sporophyte production. We contrasted responses of one moss species, Isothecium myosuroides sensu lato, which is ubiquitous in forests of varying ages, with those of another moss, Antitrichia curtipendula, and a lichen, Lobaria oregana, which are both associated with old-growth forests. Both old-growth associates grew faster in thinned areas and patch cuts than in controls, while Isothecuim grew most slowly and produced fewest sporophytes in patch cuts. These species are likely to survive in remnants, assuming they can remain attached, and may be successful in young stands if they can disperse and establish there. Our results suggest that logging with green-tree retention and other silvicultural practices that preserve trees or shrubs hosting the species studied here are likely to encourage these species' development in managed forests.
sensory characteristics of camphor

Abstract The perceptual effects of camphor on hairy skin were measured in a psychophysical experiment. Subjects rated the intensity and quality of sensations produced when a solution of 20% camphor (in a vehicle of ethanol and deionized H 2 O) was applied topically to the volar forearm. Under conditions in which skin temperature was varied either from 33–43°C or from 33-18°C, it was found that camphor increased the perceived intensity of the cutaneous sensations produced during heating and cooling. Although camphor's effect appeared to be greater during warming, neither effect was large. Camphor also produced a significant increase in the frequency of reports of "burning". It is concluded that camphor is a relatively weak sensory irritant that may have a modest excitatory effect on thermosensitive (and perhaps nociceptive) cutaneous fibers.
Sex differences in obesity and food-directed activity in normal and hyperphagic rats

Age-matched male and female rats with lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamic area were compared for food consumption as a function of fixed-ratio schedule and palatability of food. Results show marked sex differences in obesity; female lesioned rats gained significantly more body weight than did male lesioned rats. However, sex differences in hyperphagia were evident only when regular food was available and could be obtained at lower ratio schedules. Finally, unlike normal rats, no sex differences were evident for sucrose consumption in lesioned rats.
Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of fournier's gangrene.

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Groups at many institutions have initiated routine adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. We examined whether HBO has made a difference in the morbidity, mortality and costs associated with treating this disease. We also analyzed predictors of extended hospital stay and mortality.Materials and Methods:: The records of patients with the hospital discharge diagnoses of Fournier’s gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, gangrene of the genitalia and scrotal gangrene from 1993 to 2002 were reviewed. Data concerning clinical presentation characteristics, hospital stay, complications, hospital charges and outcomes, including graft failure and death, were analyzed.Results:: A total of 42 patients were identified and followed a median 4.2 years. Of the patients 16 underwent surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy alone, and 26 were treated with HBO plus surgery and antibiotics. O...
Rationing the flu vaccine.

In October 2004, the CDC announced that Chiron Corporation, chief supplier of inactivated influenza vaccine for the United States for the 2004–2005 flu season, would not be providing the 50 million vaccinations it had promised—half of the anticipated 90–100 million doses from all sources projected for the flu season. The resultant shortage set off a firestorm of concern. Well known to health care providers, but less so to the general public, flu is a major killer. Last year, flu-related illnesses caused more than 36,000 deaths and approximately 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States alone. The ethical challenge was how to decide who should receive this scarce life-saving preventive treatment. This column sketches one approach to addressing this dilemma that explains and justifies core features of the rationing scheme followed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health officials. I also identify a number of related issues that emerged in the face of the vaccine shortage.
Studies of Advanced Detection Technology Sensor (ADTS) data

The need to understand the statistical and spectral characteristics of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data prompted the analysis of ADTS SAR data. The analysis included statistical and spectral analyses, with an emphasis on understanding the impact of the SAR processing on the scene properties. Several models were developed, including a SAR Processing model and a scene generating model which explicitly models the scene speckle. As a result, a documented and tested FORTRAN program is available for spectral analysis. The statistical and spectral characteristics form the basis of ongoing SAR modeling.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Observations on Lithium and Beryllium Nuclei Ejected from Heavy Nuclei by High Energy Particles

The yields of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{7}$ produced by 335-Mev protons on nuclei of different atomic number have been determined and found to decrease with increasing atomic number. Reactions are described in which the irradiation of an element with protons or alpha-particles results in products higher by three in atomic number. These reactions are interpreted tentatively as second-order processes in which the initial step is the production of high energy lithium nuclei, which in turn cause nuclear reactions of the type ($\mathrm{Li},xn$). From the observed over-all yields, deductions are made as to the cross sections for the separate steps.
PNA-DNA duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes are stabilized with trans-cyclopentane units.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are non-natural nucleic acid mimics that bind to complementary DNA and RNA with high affinity and selectivity. PNA can bind to nucleic acids in a number of different ways. Currently, the formation of PNA−oligonucleotide duplex, triplex, and quadruplex structures have been reported. PNAs have been used in numerous biomedicial applications, but there are few strategies to predictably improve the binding properties of PNAs by backbone modification. We have been studying the benefits of incorporating (S,S)-trans-cyclopentane diamine units (tcyp) into the PNA backbone. In this Communication, we report the improvement in stability associated with tcyp incorporation into PNA−DNA duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes. The broad utility of this modification across multiple types of PNA structures is unique and should prove useful in the development of applications that rely on PNA.
Basic issues in microprocessor architecture

The evolution of microprocessor architecture depends upon the changing aspects of technology. As die density and speed increase, memory and program behavior become increasingly important in defining architecture trade-offs. While technology enables increasingly complex processor implementations, there are physical and program behavior limits to the usefulness of this complexity. Physical limits include device limits as well as practical limits on power and cost. Program behavior limits result from unpredictable events occurring during execution. Architectures and implementations that span these limits are vital to the continued evolution of the microprocessor.
Stable isotope composition of waters in the Great Basin, United States 1. Air-mass trajectories

[1] Isentropic trajectories, calculated using the NOAA/Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory's isentropic transport model, were used to determine air-parcel origins and the influence of air mass trajectories on the isotopic composition of precipitation events that occurred between October 1991 and September 1993 at Cedar City, Utah, and Winnemucca, Nevada. Examination of trajectories that trace the position of air parcels backward in time for 10 days indicated five distinct regions of water vapor origin: (1) Gulf of Alaska and North Pacific, (2) central Pacific, (3) tropical Pacific, (4) Gulf of Mexico, and (5) continental land mass. Deuterium (δD) and oxygen-18 (δ18O) analyses were made of precipitation representing 99% of all Cedar City events. Similar analyses were made on precipitation representing 66% of the precipitation falling at Winnemucca during the same period. The average isotopic composition of precipitation derived from each water vapor source was determined. More than half of the precipitation that fell at both sites during the study period originated in the tropical Pacific and traveled northeast to the Great Basin; only a small proportion traversed the Sierra Nevada. The isotopic composition of precipitation is determined by air-mass origin and its track to the collection station, mechanism of droplet formation, reequilibration within clouds, and evaporation during its passage from cloud to ground. The Rayleigh distillation model can explain the changes in isotopic composition of precipitation as an air mass is cooled pseudo-adiabatically during uplift. However, the complicated processes that take place in the rapidly convecting environment of cumulonimbus and other clouds that are common in the Great Basin, especially in summer, require modification of this model because raindrops that form in the lower portion of those clouds undergo isotopic change as they are elevated to upper levels of the clouds from where they eventually drop to the ground.
Precision Measurement of X-Ray Fine Structure; Effects of Nuclear Size and Quantum Electrodynamics

Schawlow and Townes have made a theoretical calculation of the perturbing effect of the finite size of the nucleus on the ${L}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ x-ray doublet splitting in heavy elements. Combined with approximate calculations by Christy and Keller of the unperturbed splitting for the case of a point nucleus, comparison of this theory with such experimental values of the splitting as were then available led to an anomalously large value of nuclear radius, $R={r}_{0}{A}^{\frac{1}{3}}$ with ${r}_{0}=2.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm. Schawlow and Townes offered the suggestion to account for this that quantum electrodynamic effects probably modify the fine structure in much the same way as an oversize nucleus. The present investigation was undertaken to improve on the precision of the x-ray measurements yielding the ${L}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ fine structure splitting and to incorporate into a new comparison between theory and experiment the recent vacuum polarization correction of Wichmann and Kroll. The measurements of the ${L}_{\mathrm{II}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ splitting for W, Pt, Bi, Th, U, and Pu are based on two-crystal spectrometer determinations of the Bragg angles of the $L{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}$ and $L{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1}$ x-ray lines of these elements. Techniques of measurement and corrections for vertical divergence and crystal diffraction pattern asymmetry leading to a relative precision (relative standard deviation) in the splitting of about 50 parts per million are described. A comparison is made with the data used by Schawlow and Townes, and a discrepancy is found in several earlier wavelength values which may account partly for the large value of ${r}_{0}$ obtained by them. A comparison of the theoretical to the present experimental values of the splitting, assuming no quantum electrodynamic effects, yields a value of ${r}_{0}=1.08\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm. When corrections are made for vacuum polarization and a nuclear radius of ${r}_{0}=1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm, a comparison with experiment shows that a discrepancy remains which is then used to evaluate an empirical correction term. The sign, magnitude, and $Z$ dependence of this term suggest that the remaining discrepancy might arise principally from the Lamb shift effect.
Direction-finding measurements of type III radio bursts out of the ecliptic plane

Direction-finding measurements with the plasma wave experiments on the HAWKEYE 1 and IMP 8 satellites are used to find the source locations of type 3 solar radio bursts in heliocentric latitude and longitude in a frequency range from 31.1 kHz to 500 kHz. Using an empirical model for the emission frequency as a function of radial distance from the sun the three-dimensional trajectory of the type 3 radio source can be determined from direction-finding measurements at different frequencies. Since the electrons which produce these radio emissions follow the magnetic field lines from the sun these measurements provide information on the three-dimensional structure of the magnetic field in the solar wind. The source locations projected into the ecliptic plane follow an Archimedian spiral. Perpendicular to the ecliptic plane the source locations usually follow a constant heliocentric latitude. With direction-finding measurements of this type it is also possible to determine the source size from the modulation factor of the received signals.
Fluorescently labeled liposomes for monitoring cholera toxin binding to epithelial cells

Abstract Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent for cholera, expresses a toxin required for virulence consisting of two subunits: the pentameric cholera toxin B (CTB) and cholera toxin A (CTA). CTB is frequently used as an indicator of the presence of pathogenic V. cholerae and binds to the GM1 ganglioside on the surface of epithelial cells. To study V. cholerae virulence (CTB expression) in the presence of human epithelia, we devised an inexpensive, simple, and rapid method for quantifying CTB bound on epithelial surfaces in microtiter plates. GM1 ganglioside was incorporated into the lipid bilayer of liposomes both encapsulating the fluorescent dye sulforhodamine B (SRB) and with SRB tagged to lipids in the bilayer (BEGs). In addition, GM1-embedded liposomes encapsulating SRB only (EGs) and with SRB in their bilayers only (BGs) were synthesized. The three types of liposomes were compared with respect to their efficacy for both visualizing and quantifying CTB attached to the surface of Caco-2 cells. The BEGs were the most effective overall, providing both visualization under a fluorescence microscope and quantification after lysis in a microtiter plate reader. A limit of detection corresponding to 0.28 μg/ml applied CTB was attained for the on-cell assay using the microtiter plate reader approach, whereas as low as 2 μg/ml applied CTB could be observed under the fluorescence microscope.
Efficient Stable Catalysts for Low Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

Octahedral molecular sieves (OMS), doped with Ag+, Co2+, and Cu2+, have been tested for their catalytic activity for carbon monoxide oxidation at low temperatures for long times on stream. Metal loaded OMS materials are highly active for this catalytic reaction and compare favorably with other catalysts such as Hopcalite-like CuMn2O4 catalysts, supported Ag catalysts, and supported noble-metal catalysts, especially with respect to resistance to deactivation in a long run. Co-doped OMS-2 has been tested for selective oxidation in the presence of a large surplus of hydrogen in the feed gas. This catalyst shows nearly exclusive oxidation of CO versus hydrogen with oxygen present in stoichiometric amounts with carbon monoxide. Its stability against reduction in CO or H2 containing gas is demonstrated from comparisons of X-ray diffraction patterns and X-ray photoelectron spectra before and after exposure to these gases. Average oxidation numbers and populations of Mn valence states were determined for these catalysts. Catalytic activity of doped OMS catalysts toward CO oxidation shows a correlation among average oxidation number of Mn and the position and nature of the doped cation. The structure of the active sites and the mechanism of the reaction are proposed.
A Game Theoretic Approach for Medium Access of Open Spectrum in Cognitive Radios

The requirement of additional spectrum for the ever increasing demand to support the various Quality of Service requirements (QoS) in wireless systems is of primary interest to the research community since the unlicensed spectrum is reaching its limit and regulatory changes to provide portions from licensed bands are complicated and usually take a long time. In this work, we discuss the medium access control of open spectrum for spectrum agile radios that use spectrum opportunistically, also referred to as cognitive radios. Spectrum agile radios operate in parts of the spectrum that is originally licensed to other radio services. They identify the parts of the spectrum that is unused, coordinate its usage and release it when it is required by the licensed radio system. In this work, the problem of spectrum allocation is shown to be similar to the load balancing problem in distributed computer systems, and the problem of spectrum sharing is formulated as a non-cooperative game. We propose a non-cooperative load balancing algorithm, referred here as Spectrum Load Balancing (SLB) algorithm, and is applied to spectrum agile radio system. The game has a Nash equilibrium and SLB converges to this equilibrium. In this work, the capability of SLB to support QoS in the presence of other competing cognitive networks is evaluated via simulations and compared with the Spectrum Load Smoothing (SLS) algorithm.
Development of cored wires for improving the abrasion wear resistance of austenitic stainless steel

Arc-sprayed coatings are an attractive means to protect components from abrasive wear provided they contain enough hard phases. Because of their hardness and toughness, 316L-TiB2 cermets were selected as the basis for developing wear-resistant coatings. Cored wires composed of type 304 stainless steel sheaths filled with 10 to 65 wt% TiB2,1 to 15 wt% additives, and the balance with 316L stainless steel were fabricated and arc-sprayed with air. The arc-sprayed stainless steel-TiB2 coatings were abrasion tested and the volume loss measured with an optical profiloineter. The volume loss decreased as the proportion of TiB2 increased. However, large differences in volume loss between coatings that contain about the same volumetric proportion of hard phases cannot be explained by a linear relationship. An inverse rule of mixing was proposed and found useful in determining the influence of different additives. Tin, added in the core as a fugitive liquid transfer agent, was the most powerful additive for improving the wear resistance of stainless steel-base coatings. These advanced arc-sprayed stainless steel-TiB2 coatings exhibit greater wear resistance than those obtained by arc spraying commercial solid and cored wires.
Using Wilson's renormalization group to repair symmetries

Abstract Wilson's renormalization group can be used to approximate the behavior of an extremely large number of coupled degrees of freedom. A transformation runs a cutoff that limits the number of coupled states, and its action can be approximated by following the evolution of a finite number of relevant and marginal operators in most theories of physical interest. Symmetries usually constrain these operators; however, if the cutoff itself violates a symmetry, symmetry-breaking operators appear, and in general some sort of fine tuning is required to fix their strengths so that the symmetry is restored in physical quantities. I discuss a simple constraint on the renormalization group flow (coupling coherence) that can be used to isolate and repair such hidden symmetries and give several examples. These ideas have been employed to restore Lorentz and gauge symmetries in light-front QED and QCD calculations, which are also briefly discussed.
Base pairing between U2 and U6 snRNAs is necessary for splicing of a mammalian pre-mRNA

Splicing of pre-messenger RNA in eukaryotic cells occurs in a multicomponent complex termed the spliceosome, which contains small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs), protein factors and substrate pre-mRNA. Assembly of the spliceosome involves the stepwise binding of snRNPs and protein factors to the pre-mRNA through a poorly understood mechanism which probably involves specific RNA-RNA, RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. Of particular interest are the interactions between snRNPs, which are likely to be important not only for assembly of the spliceosome but also for catalysis. U1 snRNP interacts with the 5' splice site and U2 snRNP with the branch site of the pre-mRNA; both of these interactions involve Watson-Crick base pairing. But very little is known about how other factors such as the U4/U6 and U5 snRNPs reach the spliceosome and function in splicing. Here we report evidence that U6 snRNA interacts directly with U2 snRNA by a mechanism involving base-pairing, and that this interaction can be necessary for splicing of a mammalian pre-mRNA in vivo.