cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noise-induced cochlear neuropathy is selective for fibers with low spontaneous rates

Acoustic overexposure can cause a permanent loss of auditory nerve fibers without destroying cochlear sensory cells, despite complete recovery of cochlear thresholds (Kujawa and Liberman 2009), as measured by gross neural potentials such as the auditory brainstem response (ABR). To address this nominal paradox, we recorded responses from single auditory nerve fibers in guinea pigs exposed to this type of neuropathic noise (4- to 8-kHz octave band at 106 dB SPL for 2 h). Two weeks postexposure, ABR thresholds had recovered to normal, while suprathreshold ABR amplitudes were reduced. Both thresholds and amplitudes of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions fully recovered, suggesting recovery of hair cell function. Loss of up to 30% of auditory-nerve synapses on inner hair cells was confirmed by confocal analysis of the cochlear sensory epithelium immunostained for pre- and postsynaptic markers. In single fiber recordings, at 2 wk postexposure, frequency tuning, dynamic range, postonset adaptation, first-spike latency and its variance, and other basic properties of auditory nerve response were all completely normal in the remaining fibers. The only physiological abnormality was a change in population statistics suggesting a selective loss of fibers with low- and medium-spontaneous rates. Selective loss of these high-threshold fibers would explain how ABR thresholds can recover despite such significant noise-induced neuropathy. A selective loss of high-threshold fibers may contribute to the problems of hearing in noisy environments that characterize the aging auditory system.
Electrically-pumped vertical-cavity lasers with Al x O y -GaAs reflectors

We have fabricated the first electrically-pumped vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) which use oxide-based distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) on both sides of the gain region. They require a third the epitaxial growth time of VCSELs with semiconductor DBRs. We obtain threshold currents as low as 160 /spl mu/A in VCSELs with an active area of 8 /spl mu/m/spl times/8 /spl mu/m using a two quantum well InGaAs-GaAs active region. By etching away mirror pairs from the top reflector, quantum efficiencies as high as 61% are attained, while still maintaining a low threshold current of 290 /spl mu/A.
Effects of luminance and flicker on ocular dominance shift in kitten visual cortex.

We raised monocularly deprived kittens in visual environments with low level illumination that was either steady or flickering. With steady scotopic luminance ocular dominance shifted as it does in normal photopic lighting. In flickering light with an average frequency of 2 Hz there was virtually no ocular dominance shift, while in flickering light averaging 0.1 Hz there was a significant shift. Recordings from the 2 Hz flicker-reared were similar to the dark-reared recordings. The flickering illumination was produced in one case by a high contrast-low brightness TV near the cage, and in another case, by a low voltage incandescent bulb driven by a pseudo-random sequence generator. This circuit delivered either a maximum ON time of 1.7 s or a maximum of 40 s, for the 2 Hz and 0.1 Hz respectively. Both the TV and flickering bulb produced average illumination comparable to the dim (0.01 cd/ m2) steady scotopic illumination. We conclude that dim flickering light is not a sufficient stimulus for promoting ocular dominance shift in kittens in the critical period unless the flicker rate approaches 0.1 Hz. Furthermore results from the TV rearing suggest that flicker may be capable of preventing an ocular dominance shift expected from a concurrent steady low light level background.
Synthesis of Functionalized Microspheres with High Magnetic Concentration for Microscale Force Application

Magnetic microspheres are commercially available in a wide range of diameters and with a variety of chemical functionalities for applications such as cell sorting, protein isolation, or microscale force spectroscopy. The most commonly-used products are magnetic spheres one micron in diameter or larger. These spheres generally consist of a polymer core which is swollen in a solvent and saturated with a solution of iron oxide nanoparticles. This top-down process tends to result in incomplete saturation of the polymer spheres and therefore a diminishing magnetic concentration as spheres grow larger since the magnetic content does not scale with volume.We present here a bottom-up approach to microsphere fabrication which begins with a high-permeability magnetic fluid consisting of magnetite nanoparticles complexed with poly(dimethyl siloxane-co-aminopropylmethyl siloxane). The magnetic content of the fluid may be adjusted smoothly from 0 - 50% wt. without any nanoparticle aggregation, resulting in a highly-magnetic silicone fluid which is homogenous at scales well below 100 nm. Using this material, we demonstrate the production of solid, spherical microbeads in diameters ranging from 2 - 30 microns. Since magnetic nanoparticles are distributed uniformly throughout the material, magnetic content scales directly with volume, resulting in a significant advantage over competitors in terms of magnetic force application at larger sizes. Controlling for diameter, the high magnetic content of these spheres results in nearly four times the force-generating capabilities of the leading 2.8-micron competitor, with advantages increasing in larger spheres. In addition, we use a cell-targeting assay to demonstrate our ability to functionalize the microsphere surface with a variety of ligands.
Glucose absorption during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are exposed to a continuous infusion of glucose via their peritoneal cavity. We performed studies to quantitate the amount of energy derived from dialysate glucose. Net glucose absorption averaged 182 +/- (SD) 61 g/day in 19 studies with a dialysate dextrose concentration of 1.5 or 4.25 g/dl. The amount of glucose absorbed per liter of dialysate (y) varied with the concentration of glucose in dialysate (x), (y = 11.3x - 10.9, r = 0.96). The amount of glucose absorbed per day during a given dialysis regimen was constant. Energy intake from dialysate glucose was 8.4 +/- 2.8 kcal/kg of body wt per day, or 12 to 34% of total energy intake. This additional energy may contribute to the anabolic effect reported during CAPD. The ability to vary glucose absorption by altering the dialysate glucose concentration may prove a useful tool to modify energy intake.
Comparative performance of impregnated molybdenum-sulphur catalysts in hydrogenation of Spanish lignite

Abstract Hydrogenation of a Spanish lignite of 12% sulphur content was conducted using three molybdenum-containing catalysts impregnated into the lignite: ammonium tetrathiomolybdate, a sulphided ammonium heptamolybdate, and molybdenum disulphide. The conversions to liquids and hydrodesulphurization were investigated for a series of residence times and temperatures. At 275 °C, the ammonium salts provide no greater conversion or sulphur removal than obtained in the absence of catalyst, because these salts have not decomposed to an active catalyst at this temperature. However, lignite impregnated with molybdenum disulphide does experience greater conversion and desulphurization than lignite reacted without catalyst. At 325 °C, the lignite impregnated with the ammonium salts gives conversions and desulphurization substantially superior to that achieved with molybdenum disulphide or without catalyst. This is attributed to the superior dispersion that can be achieved by impregnation using a solution of a soluble salt rather than a slurry of the insoluble disulphide. The best conversions, liquid yield, and desulphurization are achieved using impregnated sulphided ammonium heptamolybdate.
Erythropoietin promotes erection recovery after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a retrospective analysis.

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction persists as a major functional complication of nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy. Aim To evaluate retrospectively the potential benefit of erythropoietin administration to improve erectile function recovery following radical prostatectomy. Methods Preoperatively potent patients who underwent nerve‐sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy between March 2005 and February 2006 elected to receive erythropoietin treatment (40,000 IU subcutaneously, single injection on their preoperative day; treatment group, N = 15). A contemporaneous clinically matched cohort comprising patients who elected postoperative standard surveillance only served for comparison (control group, N = 21). Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor “on‐demand” use was applied. Potency evaluations were monitored by International Index of Erectile Function‐5 questionnaires administered preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Main Outcome Measure Erection recovery. Results Health comorbidities as well as erectile function status were demonstrated to be no different between groups at baseline. Erythropoietin‐treated patients demonstrated significantly higher postoperative International Index of Erectile Function‐5 questionnaire scores than control group patients at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively with or without use of PDE5 inhibitors ( P P = 0.213), although the erythropoietin‐treated patients had a significantly greater ability to perform sexual intercourse with minimal or no difficulty ( P Conclusion Erythropoietin administration on the preoperative day before undergoing nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy in men reporting normal erectile function preoperatively may confer improved erectile function recovery postoperatively. Burnett AL, Allaf ME, and Bivalacqua TJ. Erythropoietin promotes erection recovery after nerve‐sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: A retrospective analysis. J Sex Med 2008;5:2392–2398.
Combinatorial peel tests for the characterization of adhesion behavior of polymeric films

The adhesion behavior of an optically smooth poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film (100 nm in thickness) on different evaporated metal substrates has been investigated using a combinatorial method approach. In this investigation through high-throughput peel tests, the relationship between annealing time, annealing temperature, surface energy, and ultraviolet degradation to the film adhesion has been examined. In addition, atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy techniques have been adopted to elucidate the observations on the adhesion behavior from the peel tests. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed combinatorial approach to characterize the dependence of adhesion on adhesion-controlling parameters has the potential to assess various factors affecting the adhesion.
Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits: Hemostatic alterations and postoperative blood loss

This prospective, randomized study involving patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting investigated whether the use of heparin-coated bypass circuits with an uncoated cardiotomy reservoir (n = 10) compared with standard uncoated bypass circuits (n = 10) resulted in differences in patient outcome and hemostatic alterations. There were no differences in postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and routine coagulation test results between groups. Immunoassays for platelet alpha-granule constituents platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin, thrombin generation by-product F1.2, fibrinopeptide A, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and fibrinolysis by-product D-dimer also demonstrated no significant differences between groups, although trends for lower platelet secretion with heparin coating were noted. Increases were found in beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 concentrations at 10 (p < 0.03) and 30 minutes (p < 0.001) of CPB, respectively, and continuing throughout CPB (p < 0.001) for both groups versus values measured before incision. No significant differences were seen between levels 5 minutes prior to aortic cross-clamp release and those obtained 8 and 45 minutes after cross-clamp release. Conversely, no significant increases in F1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and D-dimer were seen prior to release of the aortic cross-clamp, but afterward increases occurred that were highly significant (p < 0.001). The temporal data suggest that platelet activation occurs primarily as a result of contact with the cardiopulmonary bypass circuitry, whereas thrombin generation and fibrinolytic activity are not significant until reperfusion of the heart and lungs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A New Turgor/Membrane Potential Probe Simultaneously Measures Turgor and Electrical Membrane Potential

: A new combined turgor/membrane potential probe (T-EP probe) monitored cell turgor and membrane potential simultaneously in single giant cells. The new probe consisted of a silicone oil-filled micropipette (oil-microelectrode), which conducted electric current. Measurements of turgor and hydraulic conductivity were performed as with the conventional cell pressure probe besides the membrane potential. In internodal cells of Chara corallina, steady state turgor (0.5-0.7 MPa) and resting potentials (-200 to −220 mV) in APW, and hydraulic conductivity (0.07 to 0.21 × 10∼5 m s−1 MPa−1) were measured with the new probe, and cells exhibited healthy cytoplasmic streaming for at least 24 h during measurements. When internodal cells of Chara corallina were treated with 30, 20, 10, and 5 mM KCI, turgor responded immediately to all concentrations, and the osmotic changes in the medium were measured. Action potentials, which brought the membrane potential to a steady depolarization that measured the concentration difference of K+ in the medium, were induced in a concentration — dependent delay and occurred only 30, 20, and 10 mM of KCl. When the solution was changed back to APW, the repolarization of membrane potential consisted of a quick and a following slow phase. During the quick phase, which took place immediately and lasted 1 to 3 min, the plasma membrane remained activated. The membrane was gradually deactivated in the slow phase, and entirely deactivated when the membrane potential recovered to the resting potential in APW. Although the activated plasma membrane was permeable to K+, no major ion channels were activated on the tonoplast, and therefore, internodal cells of Chara corallina did not regulate turgor when osmotic potential changed in the surrounding medium.
Dihydroxylation of 4-substituted 1,2-dioxines: a concise route to branched erythro sugars.

The synthesis of 2-C-branched erythritol derivatives, including the plant sugar (±)-2-C-methylerythritol 2, was achieved through a dihydroxylation/reduction sequence on a series of 4-substituted 1,2-dioxines 3. The asymmetric dihydroxylation of 1,2-dioxines was examined, providing access to optically enriched dihydroxy 1,2-dioxanes 4. The synthesized 1,2-dioxanes were converted to other erythro sugar analogues and tetrahydrofurans through controlled cleavage of the endoperoxide linkage.
Exploring Relative Mortality and Epoetin Alfa Dose Among Hemodialysis Patients

Background Confounding-by-indication is a bias in nonexperimental studies that occurs when outcomes are compared for treated and untreated patients and the treatment or medication dose is related to predictors of the outcome. Two recent publications reported that greater epoetin alfa (EPO) doses were associated with increased mortality rates. We assessed whether confounding-by-indication might account for these results. Study Design We used a retrospective cohort study design. Setting & Participants Hemodialysis patients were randomly selected from a large dialysis organization from July 2000 to June 2002 and were required to have completed a 9-month baseline period. Predictor EPO dose assessed during months 7 to 9 of the baseline period and monthly throughout the follow-up period. Hemoglobin (Hb) was assessed as average value during months 4 to 6 of the baseline period and monthly throughout the follow-up period. All other covariates were assessed during months 1 to 6 of the baseline period. Outcome All-cause mortality during the 1 year of follow-up. Baseline Cox models were fitted with log EPO and Hb with and without adjustment for baseline patient characteristics. Time-dependent models were fitted with time-varying log EPO and Hb and, separately, lagged log EPO and Hb, with adjustment for baseline patient characteristics. Results 22,955 patients met our inclusion criteria. In the unadjusted model, we observed increased mortality risk with increasing EPO dose (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31 per log unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 1.36). Adjustment for baseline patient characteristics resulted in an appreciably decreased HR (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.28). In the lagged time-dependent analyses, estimates ranged from HR of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.92 to 0.95) to HR of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.99 to 1.03) for the 1- and 2-month lagged models, respectively. Limitations This analysis was limited to prevalent hemodialysis patients, and inhospital EPO dosing information was unavailable. Conclusions The observed mortality risk estimates associated with EPO dose in nonexperimental studies in dialysis patients may be highly sensitive to the analytic method used. This highlights the complexity of evaluating the association between EPO dose, Hb level, and mortality in these studies.
Modeling program resource demand using inherent program characteristics

The workloads in modern Chip-multiprocessors (CMP) are becoming increasingly diversified, creating different resource demands on hardware substrate. It is necessary to allocate hardware resources based on the needs of the workloads in order to improve system efficiency and/or ensure Quality-of-Service (QoS) at certain performance levels. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the resource demand of the workload in terms of the performance and power efficiency. Existing models are inappropriate for estimating resource demands as they require either partial simulations or time-consuming training. This paper presents an integrated framework that is able to identify the single-resource or multi-resource demands on an array of hardware resources ranging from the issue width of the processor to the memory bandwidth. With an analytical model based on program inherent characteristics, this framework does not require any detailed simulation or training yet is still able to capture the performance trend of the program accurately. Our experiment shows that the proposed framework on average provides no larger than 8.6% error to any given performance target for multi-resource demand estimation. By using the proposed performance model, the framework identifies the multi-resource demands up to 40X faster compared to the state-of-the-art analytical model. The proposed framework can be applied in workload capacity planning, hardware resource adaptation as well as coordinated resource management for QoS in CMP systems.
Gender Differences in Lifetime Psychiatric Disorders Between Sons and Daughters of Alcoholic Mothers: A Pilot Study

Lifetime prevalence of selected psychiatric disorders was assessed in 24 independent pairs of adult siblings (brother-sister) with an alcoholic mother, using the Diagnostic interview Schedule. Adult females were as likely as adult males to have had one or more lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorder. Lifetime prevalence of affective disorders was the same in male and female siblings. Although not statistically significant, compared with their sister, men were 3 times more likely to have had a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence, and 3.5 times more likely to have had a diagnosis of general anxiety disorder. When compared with their brother, women were 1.66 times more likely to have had a diagnosis of drug abuse/dependence, 3 times more likely to have had a diagnosis of panic disorder, and 6 times more likely to have been diagnosed with phobia; however, these differences were not significant.
Modification of the experimental stent technique for esophageal burns.

Abstract A new technique of treating full-thickness esophageal lye burns is presented. In conjunction with parenteral antibiotics and steroids, the treatment consists of confirmation of circumferential full-thickness' burns by immediate esophagoscopy and placement of a Silastic tube splint which is left in place for three weeks. The procedure is described in detail and the rationale for this mode of therapy is discussed.
The effects of serial casting on spasticity: a literature review

This article is a literature review of the research regarding the use of serial casting in the treatment of spasticity. Spasticity has serious consequences, which impact activities of daily living and the quality of life. Classical studies in physiology indicate that muscle tissue immobilized in the shortened position can be physiologically changed through prolonged stretch. Serial casting has proven effective in improving such factors as range of motion and clinical measures of spasticity in spastic limbs. Further research is needed to determine the most effective uses of serial casts in the treatment of spasticity.
COGNITIVE AND EVOLUTIONARY FACTORS IN THE EMERGENCE OF HUMAN ALTRUISM

One of the central tenets of Christian theology is the denial of self for the benefit of another. However, many views on the evolution of altruism presume that natural selection inevitably leads to a self-seeking human nature and that altruism is merely a facade to cover underlying selfish motives. I argue that human altruism is an emergent characteristic that cannot be reduced to any one particular evolutionary explanation. The evolutionary processes at work in the formation of human nature are not necessarily in conflict with the possibility of altruism; rather, aspects of human nature are uniquely directed toward the care and concern of others. The relationship between altruism, human nature, and evolution can be reimagined by adopting an emergent view of the hierarchy of science and a theological worldview that emphasizes self-renunciation. The investigation of altruism necessitates an approach that analyzes several aspects of altruistic behavior at different levels in the hierarchy of sciences. This research includes the study of evolutionary adaptations, neurological systems, cognitive functions, behavioral traits, and cultural influences. No one level is able to offer a full explanation, but each piece adds a unique dimension to a much larger puzzle.
The importance of similarity and understanding of partners' marital ideals to relationship satisfaction

This article extends earlier work on the association between relationship partners' similarity and understanding about marital ideals and relationship satisfaction by controlling for individual differences in stereotype endorsement or typical responding. For heterosexual couples we separated a measure of understanding into the general understanding of partners and understanding that is unique to the specific relationship partner. The measures of similarity and understanding were also separated into general similarity and understanding and into those that are unique between partners. We examined the contribution of each type of similarity and understanding to relationship satisfaction in 238 dating and married couples. Findings indicate that the more satisfied individuals believe that the partner endorses a “female” stereotype. Understanding does not relate to length of the relationship or satisfaction, but similarity in values does There is some indication that marital discord decreases with an increase in the male partners' understanding of their female partners.
Projective σ-compactness, ω1-caliber, and Cp-spaces

Abstract A space is called projectively σ -compact, if every separable metrizable continuous image of this space is σ -compact. In particular, we establish when C p ( X ) is projectively σ -compact. In the last section, a theorem on cardinality of Lindelof spaces is proved and then applied to obtain a result in C p -theory.
Heart rate of the land crab Gecarcinus lateralis during aquatic and aerial respiration

Abstract 1. 1. Gecarcinus lateralis were exposed to normoxic air and water environments as electrocardiograms were recorded. Heart rates average 160 beats/min in air during the first hour after electrode implantation and dropped to 87 beats/min during an hour of submergence in water. 2. 2. Bradycardia during submergence may be a response to the lower amounts of oxygen in water versus air. No compensatory tachycardia occurred when the crabs re-emerged into air, heart rate simply rapidly returned to normal. 3. 3. The bradycardia in water may indicate a decreased cardiac output. If so, it would be an important factor in the decreased oxygen extraction that is the probable cause of death during submergence.
Three new isopod species and a new occurrence of the tanaidacean Niveotanais brunnensis Polz, 2005 from the Jurassic Plattenkalk beds of Monte Fallano, Italy

Three new isopod species, Palaega furcillanatis, Archaeoniscus italiensis and Sphaeroma montefallanoense, and an occurrence of the tanaidacean Niveotanais brunnensis Polz, 2005, are described from the Jurassic Plattenkalk of Monte Fallano, Italy. Such a high-diversity, isopod assemblage in the context of the Triassic and Jurassic occurrence of later cosmopolitan taxa, and high diversity of European Jurassic isopods, suggests that isopod taxa whose geographic range was extensive in the Cretaceous, could have been endemic to the Tethys of Europe before the Cretaceous. Occurrence of a tanaidacean in the Monte Fallano Plattenkalk is significant, because it suggests that bottom water conditions were consistently dysoxic at the time of deposition. This second occurrence of N. brunnensis suggests that the niveotanaids represent the survival of the primarily Paleozoic anthracocaridomorphs into the Mesozoic.
Dynamic Across Time Autonomous — Sensing, Interpretation, Model Learning and Maintenance Theory (DATA -SIMLAMT)

A formal theory for the development of a generic model of an autonomous sensor is proposed and implemented. An autonomous sensor not only interprets the acquired data in accordance with an embedded expert system knowledge base, but is also capable of using this data to modify and enhance this knowledge base. Hence, the system is capable of learning and thereby improving its performance over time. The main objective of the model is to combine the capabilities of the physical sensor and an expert operator monitoring the sensor in real time. The system has been successfully tested using various simulated data sets as well as a real thermistor that has been instantiated as an autonomous sensor. Results are provided to show the various tasks associated with the model such as sensing, interpretation, maintenance and learning. DATA-SIMLAMT is a novel theory that can make a device capable of human-like reasoning about system behaviors. It finds applications in any field that incorporates the human in its control system. Autonomous sensing is but one application of this theory.
Aberrant S-nitrosylation mediates calcium-triggered ventricular arrhythmia in the intact heart

Nitric oxide (NO) derived from the activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) is involved in S-nitrosylation of key sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ handling proteins. Deficient S-nitrosylation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) has a variable effect on SR Ca2+ leak/sparks in isolated myocytes, likely dependent on the underlying physiological state. It remains unknown, however, whether such molecular aberrancies are causally related to arrhythmogenesis in the intact heart. Here we show in the intact heart, reduced NOS1 activity increased Ca2+-mediated ventricular arrhythmias only in the setting of elevated myocardial [Ca2+]i. These arrhythmias arose from increased spontaneous SR Ca2+ release, resulting from a combination of decreased RyR2 S-nitrosylation (RyR2-SNO) and increased RyR2 oxidation (RyR-SOx) (i.e., increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) from xanthine oxidoreductase activity) and could be suppressed with xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibition (i.e., allopurinol) or nitric oxide donors (i.e., S-nitrosoglutathione, GSNO). Surprisingly, we found evidence of NOS1 down-regulation of RyR2 phosphorylation at the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) site (S2814), suggesting molecular cross-talk between nitrosylation and phosphorylation of RyR2. Finally, we show that nitroso–redox imbalance due to decreased NOS1 activity sensitizes RyR2 to a severe arrhythmic phenotype by oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that nitroso–redox imbalance is an important mechanism of ventricular arrhythmias in the intact heart under disease conditions (i.e., elevated [Ca2+]i and oxidative stress), and that therapies restoring nitroso–redox balance in the heart could prevent sudden arrhythmic death.
Neutral monosaccharide composition of various fibrous substrates: A comparison of hydrolytic procedures and use of anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection of monosaccharides

Comparaison de trois methodes d'hydrolyse (acides trifluoroacetique ou sulfurique, a duree et temperature variables) des xylanes, de la cellulose microcristalline, du son ou de la paille de ble et des fibres de pomme ou de luzerne. Application a la mise au point d'une methode d'identification et de dosage, par CLHP, des monosaccharides ainsi obtenus. Effet des conditions d'hydrolyse sur la nature et la concentration de ces monosaccharides
Classification of tissue-types by combining relaxation labeling with edge detection

Classification of tissue-types in Magnetic Resonance (MR) images has received considerable attention in the medical image processing literature. Interpretation of MR images is based on multiple images corresponding to the same anatomy. Relaxation Labeling (RL) is a commonly used low-level technique in computer vision. We present a solution method for the classification of tissue-types in brain MR images using RL. Information from multiple images is combined to form an initial classification. RL is used to resolve the ambiguity present in the initial classification by incorporating user specified compatibility coefficients. A problem with RL is the smoothing of borders between tissue-types. We include edge information from the original images to overcome this problem. This results in a marked improvement in performance. We present results from patient images.
An account of the discrepancy between MRI and PET cerebral blood flow measures. A high-field MRI investigation

There is controversy concerning the discrepancy between absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) values measured using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To gain insight into this problem, the increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and extended T1 relaxation times of blood and tissue at 3.0 T were exploited to perform pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) MRI measurements as a function of spatial resolution and post-labeling delay. The results indicate that, when using post-labeling delays shorter than 1500 ms, MRI gray matter flow values may become as high as several times the correct CBF values owing to tissue signal contamination by remaining arterial blood water label. For delays above 1500 ms, regional PASL-based CBF values (n = 5; frontal gray matter: 48.8 ± 3.3(SD) ml/100 g/min; occipital gray matter: 49.3 ± 4.5 ml/100 g/min) comparable with PET-based measurements can be obtained by using spatial resolutions comparable with PET (5–7.5 mm in-plane). At very high resolution (2.5 × 2.5 × 3 mm3), gray matter CBF values were found to increase by 10–20%, a consequence attributed to reduction in partial volume effects with cerebrospinal fluid and white matter. The recent availability of MRI field strengths of 3.0 T and higher will facilitate the use of MRI-based CBF measurements in the clinic. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychiatric Consultation: Part II. Conceptual and Pragmatic Issues of Formulation

Seven principles governing the selection and organization of data during the process of psychiatric consultation are presented. These are based upon conceptual decisions implicitly made by the psychiatrist during his clinical investigation. Three case examples illustrate the principles, followed by discussion which focuses on the pragmatic considerations influencing how these decisions are made. Three additional case examples serve to illustrate the effects of the pragmatic factors. The entire analysis is based upon the general systems model developed in Part I.1
Involvement of tristetraprolin in transcriptional activation of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase by insulin

Several AU-rich RNA binding element (ARE) proteins were investigated for their possible effects on transcription of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) in normal rats. Using in vivo electroporation, four different siRNAs to each ARE protein were introduced together with HMGR promoter (−325 to +20) luciferase construct and compared to saline controls. All four siRNAs to tristetraprolin (TTP) completely eliminated transcription from the HMGR promoter construct. Since insulin acts to rapidly increase hepatic HMGR transcription, the effect of TTP siRNA on induction by insulin was tested. The 3-fold stimulation by insulin was eliminated by this treatment. In comparison, siRNA to AU RNA binding protein/enoyl coenzyme A hydratase (AUH) had no effect. These findings indicate a role for TTP in the insulin-mediated activation of hepatic HMGR transcription.
Analysis of the three-dimensional structure of the urinary bladder epithelial cell membranes

The three-dimensional structure of the luminal membrane of the mammalian urinary bladder has been determined using electron micrographs of tilted membranes preserved in neutralized potassium phosphotungstate stain. The density map consists of 12 stain-excluding regions, 57 A thick, that are organized as an inner ring of 6 and an outer ring of 6, plus a small stain-excluding feature directly on the sixfold axis. Only the luminal surface of the membrane can be observed suggesting that at the resolution of the reconstruction the cytoplasmic surface is smooth.
Television and conceptions about sex roles: Maintaining conventionality and the status quo

This paper explores the image of men and women in annual sample of primetime network dramatic television programming, and the relationship between television viewing and espousing sexist views of the roles of men and women in society. The analysis revealed that sex role images, over the past 10–15 years, have been quite stable, traditional, conventional, and supportive of the status quo. The cultivation analysis, a secondary analysis of data from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) General Social Surveys, provides some evidence that television viewing may be related to more sexist views of women's role in society.
Structure of soybean lipoxygenase L3 and a comparison with its L1 isoenzyme

Soybean lipoxygenase isoenzyme L3 represents a second example (after L1) of the X-ray structure (R = 17% at 2.6 A resolution) for a member of the large family of lipoxygenases. L1 and L3 have different characteristics in catalysis, although they share 72% sequence identity (the changes impact 255 amino acids) and similar folding (average C alpha rms deviation of 1 A). The critical nonheme iron site has the same features as for L1:3O and 3N in pseudo C3v orientation, with two oxygen atoms (from Asn713 and water) at a nonbinding distance. Asn713 and His518 are strategically located at the junction of three cavities connecting the iron site with the molecule surface. The most visible differences between L1 and L3 isoenzymes occur in and near these cavities, affecting their accessibility and volume. Among the L1/L3 substitutions Glu256/ Thr274, Tyr409/His429, and Ser747/Asp766 affect the salt bridges (L1: Glu256...His248 and Asp490...Arg707) that in L1 restrict the access to the iron site from two opposite directions. The L3 molecule has a passage going through the whole length of the helical domain, starting at the interface with the Nt-domain (near 25-27 and 254-278) and going to the opposite end of the Ct-domain (near 367, 749). The substrate binding and the role of His513, His266, His776 (and other residues nearby) are illustrated and discussed by using models of linoleic acid binding. These hypotheses provide a possible explanation for a stringent stereo-specificity of catalytic products in L1 (that produces predominantly 13-hydroperoxide) versus the lack of such specificity in L3 (that turns out a mixture of 9- and 13-hydroperoxides and their diastereoisomers).
Genomic patterns of recombination, clonal divergence and environment in marine microbial populations

Microorganisms represent the largest reservoir of biodiversity on Earth, both in numbers and total genetic diversity, but it remains unclear whether this biodiversity is organized in discrete units that correspond to ecologically coherent species. To further explore this question, we examined patterns of genomic diversity in sympatric microbial populations. Analyses of a total of ∼200 Mb of microbial community genomic DNA sequence recovered from 4000 m depth in the Pacific Ocean revealed discrete sequence-defined populations of Bacteria and Archaea, with intrapopulation genomic sequence divergence ranging from ∼1% to ∼6%. The populations appeared to be maintained, at least in part, by intrapopulation genetic exchange (homologous recombination), although the frequency of recombination was estimated to be about three times lower than that observed previously in thermoacidophilic archaeal biofilm populations. Furthermore, the genotypes of a given population were clearly distinguishable from their closest co-occurring relatives based on their relative abundance in situ. The genetic distinctiveness and the matching sympatric abundances imply that these genotypes share similar ecophysiological properties, and therefore may represent fundamental units of microbial diversity in the deep sea. Comparisons to surface-dwelling relatives of the Sargasso Sea revealed that distinct sequence-based clusters were not always detectable, presumably due to environmental variations, further underscoring the important relationship between environmental contexts and genetic mechanisms, which together shape and sustain microbial population structure.
Consumer preferences for western-style convenience foods in China

Abstract The demand for western-style convenience foods is growing around the world, especially in the People's Republic of China, a likely result of the modernization of food consumption patterns. Proper targeting of consumers who exhibit preferences for western foods will be essential to companies wishing to successfully enter the Chinese market. Data from a 2002 survey of consumers in Beijing is evaluated using an ordered logit model to determine which consumer characteristics and attitudes influence the probability of consuming three processed potato products. Results show that female gender, higher income levels, younger adults, the existence of children in the home, and positive opinions concerning the taste of western foods have a significant influence on processed potato consumption.
Analysis of Life-Cycle Maintenance Strategies for Concrete Bridge Decks

This paper presents the development of a project-level decision support tool for ranking maintenance scenarios for concrete bridge decks deteriorated as a result of chloride-induced corrosion. The approach is based on a mechanistic deterioration model and a probabilistic life-cycle cost analysis. The analysis includes agency and user costs of alternative maintenance scenarios and considers uncertainties in the agency cost and the corrosion rate in the deterioration model. The tool presented in this paper can be used to find the optimal condition index of a given bridge deck that minimizes life-cycle cost. Based on the results obtained on three existing bridge decks, it is shown that the total life-cycle cost (user cost plus agency cost) is a nonlinear function of the maximum tolerable condition of the deck, Sm, and that for a practical range of Sm, the relationship between total life-cycle cost and Sm is convex.
AB initio molecular orbital studies of CF3O2H, CF3O2F and CF2(OF)2

Abstract Ab initio calculations employing an extended 4-31G basis set have been applied to the highly fluorinated molecules, CF 3 O 2 H, CF 3 O 2 F and CF 2 (OF) 2 . Partial geometry optimizations have also been carried out on these molecules allowing a comparison between theory and the recently completed gas-phase electron diffraction results. The O-O bond distance in CF 3 O 2 H is found to be longer (by 0.02 A) than the corresponding bond in CF 3 O 2 F while the CO bond is found to be shorter (by 0.02 A) in CF 3 O 2 H. The OF bond in CF 3 O 2 F is found to be longer (by 0.03–0.04 A) than the corresponding bond in CF 3 OF or F 2 O. Torsional barriers have been computed for CF 3 O 2 H and CF 3 O 2 F with the aid of Fourier analysis of the potential curves. CF 3 O 2 H is found to have a torsional potential about the peroxide bond rather similar to that found for H 2 O 2 while in CF 3 O 2 F the cis and trans barriers are predicted to be much larger (14.6 and 8.4 kcal mol −1 , respectively). The threefold barrier to rotation of the CF 3 group in CF 3 O 2 F is predicted to be 4.4 kcal mol −1 . Various conformations of CF 2 (OF) 2 have also been studied with conformations consistent with the operation of the gauche -effect being most stable. Bond separation energies and molecular properties have also been computed for these molecules.
Distributed collaborative environments for virtual capability-based planning

Distributed collaboration is an emerging technology that will significantly change how decisions are made in the 21st century. Collaboration involves two or more geographically dispersed individuals working together to share and exchange data, information, knowledge, and actions. The marriage of information, collaboration, and simulation technologies provides the decision maker with a collaborative virtual environment for planning and decision support. This paper reviews research that is focusing on the applying open standards agent-based framework with integrated modeling and simulation to a new Air Force initiative in capability-based planning and the ability to implement it in a distributed virtual environment. Virtual Capability Planning effort will provide decision-quality knowledge for Air Force resource allocation and investment planning including examining proposed capabilities and cost of alternative approaches, the impact of technologies, identification of primary risk drivers, and creation of executable acquisition strategies. The transformed Air Force business processes are enabled by iterative use of constructive and virtual modeling, simulation, and analysis together with information technology. These tools are applied collaboratively via a technical framework by all the affected stakeholders - warfighter, laboratory, product center, logistics center, test center, and primary contractor.
Children's Over- and Underestimation of Academic Competence: A Longitudinal Study of Gender Differences, Depression, and Anxiety

A total of 807 third and sixth graders completed questionnaires about their academic competence, feelings of depression, and symptoms of anxiety, every 6 months for 3 years. Teachers provided objective measures of academic competence. Compared to teachers' ratings, boys overestimated and girls underestimated their academic competence. Gender differences first emerged in fourth or fifth grade and increased through eighth grade. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were negatively associated with academic overestimation. Furthermore, controlling for depression and anxiety eliminated most of the gender differences in academic over- and underestimation. Finally, self-reported depression and anxiety predicted changes in the tendency to overestimate academic competence over time. Evidence of the reverse relation was much weaker.
Cardiovascular correlates of disclosing homosexual orientation

Many people conceal their homosexuality. Concealment of homosexual orientation can be experienced as chronic stress and be associated with increased levels of physical symptoms. Research suggests that disclosure may produce a reduction in perceived stress, physical symptoms, and physiological activation. The cardiovascular activations levels of 27 healthy adult gay males were measured during resting baseline, a disclosure task (i.e. participants were instructed to talk about the difficulties associated with concealing one's sexual orientation), and a recovery phase. Several 2 (high/low concealment) × 2 (high/low disclosure) ANOVAs were conducted to determine if there was an interaction between level of concealment and level of disclosure during the recovery period. Results indicated that participants with a high concealment and high disclosure during the study exhibited significantly greater cardiovascular recovery than participants who engaged in a lower level of disclosure. These findings are discussed in light of Pennebaker's research on inhibition and confession. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A meshless integral method based on regularized boundary integral equation

A meshless integral method based on the regularized boundary integral equation is developed and applied to two-dimensional linear elasticity. The governing integral equation is obtained from the weak form of elasticity over a local sub-domain, and the moving least-squares approximation is used for meshless function approximation. The method is built on the LBIE method proposed by Atluri and co-workers, and several key improvements are introduced in this work that significantly enhance the accuracy and robustness of the method. The most critical improvement is the use of the subtraction technique to remove the strong singularity that results in a regularized governing integral equation. The technique is straightforward and efficient, and is much simpler and easier compared to other singularity removal techniques. A special numerical integration is employed for the calculation of integrals with weak singularity which further improves accuracy. The collocation method is employed to enforce the essential boundary conditions exactly, which is simple and computationally efficient. The natural boundary conditions are incorporated in the system governing equation and require no special handling. Numerical tests show that the meshless integral method is accurate and robust. The effects of weight function, support domain, sub-domain, and monomial basis are investigated and discussed.
Vanadate-induced cell growth arrest is p53-dependent through activation of p21 in C141 cells.

Abstract Vanadium is widely used in industry. It is a potent toxic agent and carcinogen. The mechanisms involved in its toxicity and carcinogenesis are still unclear. Improper cell growth is believed to be involved in cancer development. The present study investigated the regulation of p53 on vanadate-induced cell growth arrest using both p53 wild type C141 cells and p53 deficient embryo fibroblasts (p53 −/−). On vanadate stimulation, C141 cells exhibited a dose- and time-dependent S phase arrest as determined by DNA content analysis. In contrast, vanadate was unable to increase the percentage of S phase in p53 −/− cells. Luciferase assay showed that vanadate induced p53 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in p53 wild type C141 cells. Addition of pifithrin-α (PFT), a specific inhibitor of p53, reduced the activation of p53 with a concomitant decrease in growth arrest at S phase. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that vanadate caused a dose- and time-dependent increase of p21 level in C141 cells. Pretreatment of C141 cells with PFT decreased p21 expression induced by vanadate while the p21 expression did not vary in vanadate stimulated p53 −/− cells. The results obtained from the present study suggest that vanadate is able to induce S phase arrest through p53- and p21-dependent pathway.