cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regenerative repair in the severed optic nerve of the newt (Triturus viridescens): effect of nerve growth factor.

Abstract At 14 days after transection those regenerating newt (Triturus viridescens) optic nerves receiving anti-nerve growth factor treatment were easily distinguished from regenerating controls. Quantitative analysis revealed that antiserum treatment significantly reduced nerve diameter and cross-sectional areas compared to the control groups. Quantitation from electron microscope montages of nerve cross sections revealed similar results. In addition, antiserum treatment significantly reduced the area of regenerating axon fascicles per nerve cross section compared to the control groups. Most significantly, the mean number of regenerating axons per nerve decreased more than 50% in the antiserum-treated group. Regenerating axons appeared normal in all three groups. Axons were filled with clear cytoplasm containing neurofilaments, neurotubules, and an occasional mitochondrion. Axon density was not significantly different among the three groups and axon diameters were similar from 0.1 to 0.8 μm. Distention of glial cell processes surrounding fascicles of axons and increased intra- and extracellular debris may indicate an alteration of glial cell activity in the antiserum group. Many of the 14-day antiserum-treated nerves have the appearance of an untreated transected optic nerve 6 to 10 days after lesion.
246 EVIDENCE OF FOCAL ADHESION ASSEMBLY IN BOVINE OOCYTES

Integrins are located on the plasma membrane of bovine oocytes and have been implicated in bovine fertilization and activation (Campbell et al. 2000; Sessions et al. 2006). In response to signals from the extracellular matrix, activated integrins cluster at focal adhesions and interact with the cytoskeleton via signalling molecules, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), α-actinin, phosphotyrosine, and talin. Immunohistochemistry was used to illustrate the formation of focal adhesions at the site of sperm binding in bovine oocytes during fertilization. To confirm antibody specificity, proteins were recovered from bovine oocyte lysate, separated by electrophoreses, and exposed to Western blotting. Specificity was confirmed based on antibody binding to the correctly sized bovine protein in the blot. Bovine oocytes were recovered, matured in vitro, and exposed to spermatozoa as described previously. Antibodies were then used to directly identify co-localization of FAK, α-actinin, phophotyrosine, and talin with each other in addition to localization with β-integrin isotypes within the bovine oocyte plasma membrane. Appropriate controls were performed in which all steps were duplicated with the elimination of the primary antibodies, to confirm that immunohistochemistry was specific for the proteins of interest. The results of immunohistochemistry indicate a co-localization of FAK protein clusters that involves specific oocyte membrane integrin proteins during fertilization. These findings illustrate the formation of focal adhesions via colocalization of signalling molecules with integrin β subunits in bovine oocytes and further support the hypothesis that induction of signalling pathways is initiated with sperm–oocyte binding in the bovine.
An almost linear time algorithm for field splitting in radiation therapy

In this paper, we study an interesting geometric partition problem, called optimal field splitting, which arises in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). In current clinical practice, a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) with a maximum leaf spread constraint is used to deliver the prescribed intensity maps (IMs). However, the maximum leaf spread of a MLC may require to split a large intensity map into several overlapping sub-IMs with each being delivered separately. We develop a close-to-linear time algorithm for solving the field splitting problem while minimizing the total complexity of the resulting sub-IMs, thus improving the treatment delivery efficiency. Meanwhile, our algorithm strives to minimize the maximum beam-on time of those sub-IMs. Our basic idea is to formulate the field splitting problem as computing a shortest path in a directed acyclic graph, which expresses a special ''layered'' structure. The edge weights of the graph satisfy the Monge property, which enables us to solve this shortest path problem by examining only a small portion of the graph, yielding a close-to-linear time algorithm. To minimize the maximum beam-on time of the resulting sub-IMs, we consider an interesting min-max slope path problem in a monotone polygon which is solvable in linear time. The min-max slope path problem may be of interest in its own right. Experimental results based on real medical data and computer generated IMs showed that our new algorithm runs fast and produces high quality field splitting results.
Effects of genetically altered brain glucocorticoid receptor action on behavior and adrenal axis regulation in mice

Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with vulnerability to a number of psychiatric diseases including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. The HPA axis is activated in response to stress and in a characteristic circadian rhythm, resulting in the release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal cortex. These hormones act on peripheral target tissues to restore homeostasis to the organism and engage glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the CNS to control the intensity and duration of the stress response. Alterations in this glucocorticoid sensing system may underlie the HPA axis changes associated with psychiatric disorders. Recently, a number of lines of mice with genetically altered GR signaling in the CNS have been generated to address this hypothesis. Here, we summarize findings from new genetic models that indicate a critical role for GR signaling in the CNS in normal regulation of the HPA axis and behavioral/emotional stability.
Microcomputer control of radiochemical processes

Abstract A system for control of radiochemical processes has been designed and constructed. Control passes through a single 8-bit port (6522 VIA) to up to 64 on-off sensors and 64 on-off switches. The outputs are latched; they are switched one at a time.
Alternative implementations of Prolog: the microarchitecture perspective

An area that should provide opportunities for obtaining improvements in the performance of Prolog programming is explored: the microarchitecture of the uniprocessor engine. Alternative execution models are examined for a uniprocessor microengine, and their performance is measured on 14 separate benchmark programs; the resulting data is presented and analyzed. The author also examines the program size explosion that results from compiling directly to a low-level instrument assembly. The characteristics of an optimal microarchitecture are identified and opportunities for further improvement at the microengine level are discussed. >
Four semesters of medical humanities at the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba

Introduction: Medical humanities is using subjects traditionally known as the humanities for specific purposes in medical education. Methods: In this report the author shares his experience of facilitating a module for four semesters at the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba. Results: The sessions were conducted in small groups and used case scenarios, role-plays, paintings and debates among other modalities to explore various aspects of medical humanities. Conclusion: The author has been successful in conducting medical humanities sessions in an offshore Caribbean medical school. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10455 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 124-128
Rebuttal From Dr Mehta et al

We appreciate Drs Nathanson and Oulette’s 1 response and concur that American College of Chest Physicians (now branded as CHEST) evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) are rigorously prepared and are of high quality. Notwithstanding their considerable value, CHEST EBGs still fail to achieve global coverage. To off er global coverage and relevance, EBGs must satisfy the condition of addressing clinical issues and circumstances of global patient populations (ie, patients throughout the range of socioeconomic circumstances and access to health-care technology and expertise). Our colleagues off er four lines of reasoning to defend their “pro” position; we believe that this rebuttal debunks each.
Exposure to insecticides of Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA

Abstract Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas were studied following applications of eleven insecticides to nearby sugarcane or cotton fields. During the study no wildlife were found dead. Mean brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of great-tailed grackles ( Quiscalus mexicanus ) and mourning doves ( Zenaida macroura ) was significantly lower than controls following application of some organophosphorous insecticides. Brain AChE activity varied significantly among chemicals, days after exposure and application rates. Mean brain AChE activity of white-winged doves ( Zenaida asiatica ) and three small mammal species was not significantly different than their respective controls following application of insecticides. Mean brain AChE activity of grackles was inhibited significantly more than white-winged doves after application of Bolstar®, EPN-methyl parathion, and Azodrin® and significantly more than that of mourning doves after applications of Bolstar® and EPN-methyl parathion. Our data indicate that there were no adverse effects on most brushland wildlife. Exposure was probably dependent upon use of the agricultural fields as feeding or resting sites and only grackles and mourning doves were regularly present in the fields.
Trends in HIV/AIDS behavioural research among homosexual and bisexual men in the United States: 1981-1991.

Reviewing the existing research this article traces the behavioral change among homosexual and bisexual men in the US between 1981-91 and discusses behavioral research goals for the future. First detected in 1981 AIDS quickly became associated with the homosexual and bisexual male community. Between 1981 and 1984 the research community made remarkable advances in coming to understand the epidemic. Case-control studies pointed out the high AIDS risk associated with some of the sexual practices of homosexual and bisexual men: multiple sex partners anonymous partners and unprotected anal intercourse. With the aid of behavioral experts the gay community began conducting an array of information and education programs. In 1983 the Center for Disease Control developed "safer sex" guidelines which revolved around the use of condoms. From 1984-88 education efforts led to dramatic behavioral changes which led some to believe that AIDS had been conquered among the homosexual and bisexual population. But the AIDS epidemic brought along with it discrimination against gays. Calls for HIV counseling and testing intensified. As the epidemic moves into its second decade researchers have noticed a relapse into unsafe sexual practices. Researchers have also found that the incidence of HIV has not decreased among special subgroups of the homosexual and bisexual community: younger men who recently became sexually active blacks and Hispanics men of lower socioeconomic status those who life outside large urban centers and those who do not identify with the gay lifestyle. For this decade behavioral research goals include maintaining the existing educational programs and revising them as new developments necessitate and working towards long-term maintenance of behavioral change.
Location-price equilibria in a spatial model of discriminatory pricing

Abstract A location-price equilibrium is derived for a market with a constraint on the number of different prices each firm can charge. The sequence of these equilibria is shown to converge to the equilibrium in a market with perfect price discrimination.
Rab4GTPase modulates CFTR function by impairing channel expression at plasma membrane.

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, is caused by the disruption of biosynthesis or the function of a membrane cAMP-activated chloride channel, CFTR. CFTR regulatory mechanisms include recruitment of channel proteins to the cell surface from intracellular pools and by protein–protein interactions. Rab proteins are small GTPases involved in regulated trafficking controlling vesicle docking and fusion. Rab4 controls recycling events from endosome to the plasma membrane, fusion, and degradation. The colorectal cell line HT-29 natively expresses CFTR and responds to cAMP stimulation with an increase in CFTR-mediated currents. Rab4 over-expression in HT-29 cells inhibits both basal and cAMP-stimulated CFTR-mediated currents. GTPase-deficient Rab4Q67L and GDP locked Rab4S22N both inhibit channel activity, which appears characteristically different. Active status of Rab4 was confirmed by GTP overlay assay, while its expression was verified by Western blotting. The pull-down and immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that Rab4 physically interacts with CFTR through protein–protein interaction. Biotinylation with cell impermeant NHS-Sulfo-SS-Biotin implies that Rab4 impairs CFTR expression at cell surface. The enhanced cytosolic CFTR indicates that Rab4 expression restrains CFTR appearance at the cell membrane. The study suggests that Rab4 regulates the channel through multiple mechanisms that include protein-protein interaction, GTP/GDP exchange, and channel protein trafficking. We propose that Rab4 is a dynamic molecule with a significant role in CFTR function.
Vagus nerve stimulation and food cravings: A response to Gibson and Mohiyeddini

Recently, we conducted the first study to date on the effects of VNS on food cravings among depressed adults and concluded that VNS activation appears to acutely alter food cravings in depressed adults. Interestingly, we found that VNS device activation was associated with acute increases in cravings in some participants, and decreases in others. We then implemented exploratory regression analysis to determine some potential variables that accounted for this variability in VNS-related changes in food cravings for future studies to consider for further study. Gibson and Mohiyeddini critically examined this paper and despite acknowledging that the concept is interesting, they suggest that our design, analysis and interpretation should be reconsidered. Specifically, they had concerns about the validity of our dependent measure, the way in which we operationalized alteration in cravings, and possible problems with our regression analysis. However, a review of the methods commonly employed in the literature for assessing acute changes in cravings supports the validity of our cravings measure. We believe that our procedures for extracting VNS-related alterations in food cravings, while imperfect, strike a nice balance between the difficult challenges of research design regarding acute VNS-related behavioral changes and meaningful inference. Additionally, logical flaws and unfounded speculation regarding the assumptions of our regression analyses led Gibson and Mohiyeddini to make faulty assertions regarding potential problems with our exploratory model. We contend that the inferences and conclusions we reached in the original paper are sound.
Changes in the incorporation of different RNA precursors into the maternal liver during pregnancy.

Changes in the Incorporation of Different RNA Precursors into the Maternal Liver during Pregnancy
Effect of lactate-enhancement, modified atmosphere packaging, and muscle source on the internal cooked colour of beef steaks☆

Abstract Earlier studies on lactate-mediated colour stability in beef did not address the possible influence on cooked colour. Our objective was to examine the effect of lactate-enhancement, muscle source, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the internal cooked colour of beef steaks. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Psoas major (PM) muscles from 16 (n = 16) beef carcasses (USDA Select) were randomly assigned to 4 enhancement treatments (non-injected control, distilled water-enhanced control, 1.25% and 2.5% lactate), and fabricated into 2.54-cm steaks. Steaks were individually packaged in either vacuum (VP), high-oxygen MAP (HIOX; 80% O2 + 20% CO2), or carbon monoxide MAP (CO; 0.4% CO + 19.6% CO2 + 80% N2), and stored for 0, 5, or 9 days at 1 °C. At the end of storage, surface and internal colour (visual and instrumental) was measured on raw steaks. Steaks were cooked to an internal temperature of 71 °C, and internal cooked colour (visual and instrumental) was evaluated. Lactate-enhancement at 2.5% level resulted in darker (P
Inhibition of sulfhydryl enzymes by formamidine disulfide.

Abstract Papain, urease, and arginine-glycine transamidinase are strongly inhibited by formamidine disulfide. Evidence is presented which indicates that formamidine disulfide reacts with sulfhydryl groups of sensitive enzymes; presumably the initial reaction product is a mixed disulfide, analogous to the known mixed disulfide of cysteine and isothiourea. Formamidine disulfide reacts rapidly with enzyme sulfhydryl groups; the excess reagent decomposes within a few minutes at physiological pH. Utilizing these characteristics, evidence has been obtained which suggests that the essential sulfhydryl group of transamidinase is located at the active center of the enzyme.
Quadratic algebras from steiner triple systems

On utilise des systemes triples de Steiner pour construire une grande classe d'algebres quadratiques non associatives
Red blood cell and fibroblast membranes in Duchenne and myotonic muscular dystrophy.

The literature concerning red blood cell and fibroblast protein studies in Duchenne and myotonic muscular dystrophy is critically reviewed. In this review, we emphasize methodological and technical considerations in order to promote an appreciation of the complexities of this area of research to clinical scientists interested in muscle disease.
Eddy Current Analysis Using a Nyström-Discretization of the Volume Integral Equation

A high-order Nystrom discretization of a volume integral equation derived for quasi-magnetostatic, time-harmonic eddy current analysis is presented. The formulation is based on the coupled magnetic field and magnetic vector potential integral equations. Both magnetic and conducting materials are included in the formulation. Analytic results for canonical problems are used to corroborate the high-order convergence of the method. Data for the TEAM Workshop problem 7 are presented.
Surgery: An integral part of core curriculum

Abstract The surgical clerkship is under attack from several quarters and has been reduced or eliminated in many schools. Exposure to the diagnosis and management of routine surgical disease is thus impaired, and training in the care of acutely ill or traumatized patients is virtually eliminated. A well-balanced “core” curriculum demands such exposure, and these objectives are being fulfilled by a structured 11-week surgical rotation at Wayne State University. Instruction in elective surgery assumes three forms: (1) morning tutorials, where each of five groups of seven junior clerks meets daily with a staff member for a 1-hour, predefined, case-oriented tutorial; (2) ward rounds, where each division meets with its staff member two times weekly for a student-oriented round based on student presentation of an interesting case; and (3) specialty sessions, where all students meet weekly with the surgical specialties for an introduction to basic concepts and clinical management. Instruction in care of the acutely ill is provided in a 3 1 2 -week rotation on the Emergency Service at Detroit General Hospital. The students participate in (a) patient management problems twice weekly, directed toward emergency situations; (b) night duty every third night, on a 1:1 basis with a surgical resident, resuscitating injured patients; (c) daily tutorials designed to cover various specialty-oriented emergencies; and (d) instruction in orthopedic and neurosurgical emergencies. Student critiques provide guidance on deficiences in logistic support. Cognitive behavioral objectives are evaluated by multiple-choice, multidiscipline midterm and final examinations; behavioral objectives in the affective domain are evaluated by detailed rating scales of eight traits considered important in a physician. Ceaseless curriculum revision is invaluable in establishing an organized surgical course which provides a broad exposure to all areas of surgical management. Our aim is to produce a curriculum under constant revision of objectives and methods based upon evaluation of student performance. Such a dynamic curriculum is requisite to medical school education and must not be allowed to vanish from the scene.
Contraception in mares heteroimmunized with pig zonae pellucidae

Ten fertile feral mares and 6 domestic horses (4 fertile mares, 1 infertile mare, 1 gelding) were immunized with heat-solubilized pig zonae pellucidae by 4 injections equivalent to 2000 or 5000 zonae each at 2-4-week intervals and a booster injection of 20,000 zonae 6-10 months after the last of the initial inoculations. The immune response was reflected by high antibody levels as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized pig zona antigen. In-vivo inhibition of fertility occurred in 12 (86%) of the 14 fertile mares studied and persisted for a minimum of 7 months. Repeated mating of the fertile domestic mares resulted in conception when anti-pig zona antibody concentrations had decreased from initial peak absorbance ratios (greater than 1.0) to relatively lower levels (0.64 or less with one exception). An indirect immunofluorescence assay, revealed a considerably lower cross-reactive antibody titre with horse oocytes as compared to pig oocytes. Clinical, endocrinological and histological analyses of the ovaries and their function following regained fertility after immunization revealed no abnormalities. One mare remained infertile.
Cadaveric flatfoot model: Ligament attenuation and Achilles tendon overpull

Flatfoot deformity is characterized by loss of the medial longitudinal arch, forefoot abduction, hindfoot eversion, and often Achilles tendon contracture. Our objectives were to validate a cadaveric flatfoot model that involves selective ligament attenuation and to determine if Achilles tendon overpull is associated with increased pes planus severity. We measured the three-dimensional (3D) orientation of the bones of interest in the unloaded, loaded, and Achilles tendon overpull conditions. A flatfoot model was created by attenuating ligaments involved in the pes planus deformity followed by cyclic axial loading, and bone orientations were acquired in the three conditions. Significant differences seen between normal feet and flat feet were consistent with those seen with the pes planus deformity. The first metatarsal dorsiflexed and abducted relative to the talus. The navicular abducted relative to the talus. The calcaneus everted relative to the tibia. The talus plantar flexed and adducted. Achilles overpull resulted in first metatarsal-to-talus dorsiflexion and navicular-to-talus abduction. Thus, selective ligament attenuation followed by cyclic axial loading can create a cadaveric flatfoot model consistent with the in vivo deformity. Longitudinal arch depression, hindfoot eversion, talonavicular joint abduction, forefoot abduction, and talar plantar flexion were seen. Simulated Achilles tendon contracture increased the severity of the deformity, particularly in arch depression and forefoot abduction.
Structure and Function in Teleost Auditory Systems

Morphological, behavior, and physiological data indicate that there is considerable interspecific variation in auditory function among the more than 20 000 teleost species. This variation includes mechanisms for sound reception, pathways of sound conduction to the ear, excitation patterns within the ear, and possibly, the mechanisms for information processing by the auditory nerve and central nervous system. Although it is still difficult to understand hearing function in terms of our present conceptions of the underlying physiology and structure, it is becoming clear from limited behavioral and physiological data that the auditory systems in at least several teleost species are well adapted for temporal analysis of acoustic signals. This suggestion is in accordance with recent observations that the temporal rather than the spectral patterns of teleost sounds are significant for communication. [Work supported by grants from NIH and NSF to ANP and NSF to RRF.]
Astyanax mexicanus, the blind Mexican cave fish: A model for studies in development and Morphology

INTRODUCTIONThe perpetual darkness of caves has two important consequences for permanent inhabitants. First, eyes and pigmentation lose their primary functions. Second, in the absence of photosynthesis, food is rare. For these reasons, cave-adapted species typically have reduced eyes and pigmentation and increased or more efficient metabolisms. Additionally, other senses are usually augmented to compensate for the loss of vision. Identifying the genetic bases underlying these phenotypic changes will enhance our understanding of the specific pathways involved in control of these phenotypes and, in general, the evolutionary process. Unfortunately, the genetics of most cave animals cannot be studied because they are not easily bred. Blind Mexican tetras, Astyanax mexicanus, are the valuable exception to this rule because fish from the various cave populations are fully interfertile with one another and with eyed sister forms still living in nearby surface streams. Hybrids between surface and cave forms permit genetic analysis of their differences, and study of the pure forms as well as of hybrids allows study of their developmental differences. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis has already identified some specific genes responsible for differences between cave and surface forms as well as other likely candidates; more will be added in the future. This system is a valuable addition to the array of existing models for the study of developmental and evolutionary genetics because cave populations are repositories of numerous naturally occurring mutations affecting development of the eyes and other senses, pigmentation, bone structure, metamerism, and metabolism. These alleles have been prescreened by natural selection for high viability, which simplifies their study. In contrast, new alleles obtained through mutagenesis in other model species are typically burdened with lower viability.
TRP channels as emerging targets for pain therapeutics.

Background: The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels are a large and diverse group that have received increased attention in recent years. The sub-family of thermo-TRPs which are regulated by temperature, among other physical and chemical stimuli, are of particular interest for the development of potential pain therapeutics. Objective/methods: We review the advances in the field in recent years, focusing on a rationale for pain therapy and potential challenges associated with these targets. Results/conclusions: Vanilloid-type TRP 1 (TRPV1) is the most well studied and advanced member of the family, with selective agonists and antagonists already in clinical use or development, respectively. Among other thermo-TRPs (including TRPV2 – 4, Ankyrin type TRP 1 (TRPA1) and melastatin type TRP 8 (TRPM8)), TRPA1 and TRPM8 are emerging as promising novel pain targets.
On Dobbert et al., ‘Cultural Transmission…’

The work of Dobbert was conceived and reported a decade ago (Dobbert 1975) and has been pursued intelligently by her and her associates through the years since. The continuing work may prove to be one of the more long-lasting and influential research efforts in anthropology in this decade. The importance is due in part to the fact that the efforts address the vexing realm of cultural transmission. In this article the authors describe a conceptual framework couched in the idiom of systems theory and describe a set of entailed methodological procedures. It is intended that together these will generate the behavioral and cultural content of a general theory of cultural transmission. The article also describes early results derived from the examination of three societies. (I shall refer hereafter to the whole as "the Dobbert model," or simply "the model.") Decent candor requires this confession: I see out there, when I read, not one Marion Dobbert, but two. It may be double vision. This article reports on an activity Dobbert calls ethnography. There also exists a Dobbert book, Ethnograpbic Research (1982). In this book, ethnography is explicitly eclectic: at one point structural, at another cause-and-effect-ish; here behavioral, there mental, including even a short section on how to see what people see. The book is written by one of the Marion Dobberts. But when I look at the initial 1975 report and at the article now before us, I see a single-minded ethnography, another Marion Dobbert. The two articles bracket the book in time, and what I see unfolding in these articles is social physics asserting itself, taking over in 1975 and again now. The discussion that follows is about that-a failing vision on my part, those vacillations or chance aberrations on Dobbert's part, that whatever-it-is. (But not to overstate the contrast: in both manifestations ethnography is "Darwinian" in her apt phrase, proceeding by a nicely open-ended dialectic between the phenomena observed and the questions put to those phenomena, each affecting the other; and in both, ethnography is adamantly holistic and comparative.) Recall: this is a confession, not a claim. Well, today we know enough about the nature of conversation to recognize that the sender of a message is simultaneously receiving, and the receiver is simultaneously sending, and the nervous systems of both are processing all the while. If anything communicative is happening, "it" is something in between, something they jointly get done. So when Dobbert writes and Gearing writes (that small slice out of much larger conversation), the two are-what shall we call it?-"informationing." About what? About informationing that
Fugitive Slaves in Britain: The Odyssey of William and Ellen Craft

Early on a December morning in 1848, long before anyone else stirred, two slaves, a man and woman, made their bid for freedom from a plantation, just outside Macon, Georgia. She, almost white, was dressed as a slave master, he as her valet. In four days they were in Philadelphia; three weeks later they moved to the safer city of Boston where they remained until the passing of the infamous Fugitive Slave Bill in September 1850 forced them to flee to England. Nineteen years were spent under the “ mane of the British lion ” free from the “ claws of the American eagle.” Finally, after the Civil War they returned as farmers to their native Georgia. Their bold odyssey in 1848 brought them fame and renown. It was a story of love, determination and resilience, the virtues of frontier America, conquering all odds. No other escape, with the possible exception of Frederick Douglass' and Josiah Henson's, created such a stir in ante-bellum America as did the Crafts'.
Synergistic Cytotoxicity for L929 Cells of Polyriboinosinic-Polyribocytidylic Acid and Amphotericin B Methyl Ester: Brief Communication

A synergistic impairment in cell growth of L929 mouse fibroblasts resulted from treatment with a combination of amphotericin B methyl ester and polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid. This effect, which may result from the altered membrane permeability induced by polyenes, may augment the therapeutic efficacy of polyribonucleotides as antitumor compounds.
Association of ApoE genetic variants with obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Abstract Background and purpose Although several studies have reported an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the chromosomal region containing the Apolipoprotein E ( ApoE) gene, findings about the exact location in the ApoE gene have been inconsistent. The objective of our study was thus to determine the allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies at several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of ApoE and test their association with OSA status in children. Patients and methods Caucasian children, ranging in age from 2 to 21 years, with polysomnographic evidence of OSA (>1 obstructive apnea or obstructive hypopnea episodes per hour of sleep) were recruited in the case group. Our race- and gender-matched control group was recruited from a population-based cohort of children enrolled in the Princeton School District Study. Results Comparison of allele and genotype frequencies between cases ( n =92) and controls ( n =92) revealed significant differences for SNPs rs405509 and rs7412. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with age and body mass index (BMI) as covariates revealed a significant association between OSA status and SNPs rs157580, rs405509, rs769455 and rs7412. The sliding window haplotype trend regression test revealed that SNP rs405509 was included in all haplotypes that are significantly associated with OSA status. Conclusions We conclude that polymorphisms involving more than one locus in the ApoE gene and its regulatory region are associated with OSA in children. Further studies replicating these findings in different populations are needed as are studies involving fine mapping of this region.
Recurrent Childhood Animal Cruelty Is There a Relationship to Adult Recurrent Interpersonal Violence

Recent studies have begun to establish an association between childhood acts of animal cruelty and later violence against humans. Even so, research has failed to establish a strong correlation between the two, perhaps because previous studies have failed to examine the commission of violence against animals and humans in terms of their frequencies. In a replication of Tallichet and Hensley (2004) and based on survey data from 180 inmates at a medium- and maximum-security prison in a Southern state, the present study examines the relationship between the demographic characteristics of race, level of education, the residential location of an offender's formative years, and recurrent acts of childhood cruelty and their impact on later repeated acts of interpersonal violence. Only repeated acts of animal cruelty during childhood was predictive of later recurrent acts of violence toward humans, showing a possible relationship between the two.
Agricultural Policies and Development: A Socioeconomic Investigation Applied to Sri Lanka

This paper explores the interrelationship between agricultural policies and development by means of a dynamically recursive, computable general equilibrium model applied to Sri Lanka. The goals considered are the levels and growth rates of GNP and employment, the distribution of income, and the real income level of the lowest income group. The study provides a quantitative assessment of the association between policies and goals and identifies the key economic mechanisms in this association. Compared to other economy-wide planning models, this model has several distinctive characteristics: (i) greater focus on agricultural sectors and differential rural-urban behavior patterns; (ii) detailed consideration of household mobility; y(iii) incorporation of a flexible exchange rate and the possibility of intrasectoral substitution through a changing ratio of imported to domestic consumer goods; and (iv) assumption of an endogenously determined level of investment.
Right and left ventricular geometry and myocyte contractile processes with dilated cardiomyopathy: myocyte growth and β-adrenergic responsiveness

Objectives: Comparison of the effects of supraventricular tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy on left and right ventricular isolated myocyte geometry and function. Background: Chronic ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia cause left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in humans. However, it is unknown whether supraventricular tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy is a homogenous process for both the left and right ventricles. Methods: Dilated cardiomyopathy was induced by rapid atria1 pacing (240 beats/min, 3 weeks) in 5 pigs. Five age- and weight-matched pigs served as controls. Ventricular mass was measured, myocyte dimensions were obtained, and isolated right and left ventricular myocyte contractile performance was evaluated at baseline and after fi-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Results: With the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, there was no change in left ventricular mass. In contrast, right ventricular mass was increased, as was right ventricular myocyte cross-sectional area. In the control group, baseline right ventricular myocyte contractile function was increased compared to left ventricular myocytes. Padrenergic receptor stimulation increased myocyte contractile function in both left and right ventricular myocytes. With supraventricular tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, both left and right ventricular myocyte contractile function and p-adrenergic responsiveness were reduced. Conclusions: This study demonstrated differences in left and right ventricular myocyte growth with supraventricular tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy and this differential growth response was associated with changes in contractile performance. Thus, in this model of cardiomyopathic disease, left and right ventricular growth and changes in contractile performance are not a homogenous process.
Update 2001: dextrorphan inhibits the release of excitatory amino acids during spinal cord ischemia

Abstract As Originally Published in 1994: by Chris K. Rokkas, MD, Loring R. Helfrich, Jr, BS, Douglas C. Lobner, PhD, Dennis W. Choi, MD, PhD, and Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, and Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. The release of excitatory amino acids, particularly glutamate, into the extracellular space plays a causal role in irreversible neuronal damage after central nervous system ischemia. Dextrorphan, a noncompetitive N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, has been shown to provide significant protection against cerebral damage after focal ischemia. We investigated the changes in extracellular neurotransmitter amino acid concentrations using in vivo microdialysis in a swine model of spinal cord ischemia. After lumbar laminectomies were performed, all animals underwent left thoracotomy and right atrial–femoral cardiopulmonary bypass with additional aortic arch perfusion. Microdialysis probes were then inserted stereotactically into the lumbar spinal cord. The probes were perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid and 15-minute samples were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Group 1 animals (n = 9) underwent aortic clamping distal to the left subclavian and proximal to the renal arteries for 60 minutes. Group 2 animals (n = 7) were treated with dextrorphan before application of aortic clamps, and during aortic occlusion and reperfusion. Five amino acids were studied, including two excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate and aspartate) and three putative inhibitory neurotransmitters (glycine, γ-amino-butyric acid, and serine). Somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials were monitored. Glutamate exhibited a threefold increase in extracellular concentration during normothermic ischemia compared with baseline values and remained elevated until 60 minutes after reperfusion. In animals treated with dextrorphan, glutamate concentrations decreased to one-third of baseline levels before aortic clamping and remained unchanged during ischemia and reperfusion. There was early loss of somato-sensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials during ischemia in group 1 animals. Group 2 animals demonstrated unchanged somatosensory-evoked potentials and only mild (20%) decrease in the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials. These results suggest that dextrorphan inhibits the release of excitatory amino acids in the spinal cord during ischemia and, therefore, may have a protective effect on spinal cord function during operations on the thoracoabdominal aorta.
Perceptions and the politics of finance: Junk bonds and the regulatory seizure of First Capital Life

In May 1991, one month after seizing Executive Life, California regulators seized First Capital Life (FCLIC). Both insurers were Drexel clients with large junk bond holdings, and both had experienced ‘bank runs’. FCLIC’s run followed regulators’ televised comments that its poor condition necessitated a substantial cash infusion. Yet FCLIC’s statutory capital - with junk bonds, real estate, and mortgages marked to market - was far from lowest among major insurers with California policyholders. It becomes lowest if junk bonds alone are marked to market at year-end 1990 (ignoring larger market declines in real estate/mortgages and the junk bond market’s 21% return in early 1991). Our findings suggest a regulatory bias against junk bonds in the political backlash against the 1980s.
Complete classification of finite-dimensional estimation algebras of maximal rank

The idea of using estimation algebras to construct finite-dimensional non-linear filters was first proposed by Brockett and Clark, and Mitter independently. In his famous talk at the International Congress of Mathematics in 1983, Brockett proposed to classify all finite-dimensional estimation algebras. In this paper we explain why the theory of estimation algebras plays an important role in non-linear filtering. We show how to use the Wei-Norman approach to construct finite-dimensional filters from finite-dimensional estimation algebras. We survey some results in estimation algebras after 1984. We give a self-contained proof of complete classification of finite-dimensional estimation algebras of maximal rank in one place. The proof given here is simpler than those proofs scattered in several papers. This provides the readers with a complete coherent view of the important topic of the classification of finite-dimensional estimation algebras.
Compute-unified device architecture implementation of a block-matching algorithm for multiple graphical processing unit cards

We describe and evaluate a fast implementation of a classical block-matching motion estimation algorithm for multiple graphical processing units (GPUs) using the compute unified device architecture computing engine. The implemented block-matching algorithm uses summed absolute difference error criterion and full grid search (FS) for finding optimal block displacement. In this evaluation, we compared the execution time of a GPU and CPU implementation for images of various sizes, using integer and noninteger search grids. The results show that use of a GPU card can shorten computation time by a factor of 200 times for integer and 1000 times for a noninteger search grid. The additional speedup for a noninteger search grid comes from the fact that GPU has built-in hardware for image interpolation. Further, when using multiple GPU cards, the presented evaluation shows the importance of the data splitting method across multiple cards, but an almost linear speedup with a number of cards is achievable. In addition, we compared the execution time of the proposed FS GPU implementation with two existing, highly optimized nonfull grid search CPU-based motion estimations methods, namely implementation of the Pyramidal Lucas Kanade Optical flow algorithm in OpenCV and simplified unsymmetrical multi-hexagon search in H.264/AVC standard. In these comparisons, FS GPU implementation still showed modest improvement even though the computational complexity of FS GPU implementation is substantially higher than non-FS CPU implementation. We also demonstrated that for an image sequence of 720 × 480 pixels in resolution commonly used in video surveillance, the proposed GPU implementation is sufficiently fast for real-time motion estimation at 30 frames-per-second using two NVIDIA C1060 Tesla GPU cards.
Differential effects of fat and sucrose on the development of obesity and diabetes in C57BL/6J and A J mice

We have previously demonstrated that the C57BL/6J (B/6J) mouse will develop severe obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia if weaned onto a high-fat, high-sucrose (HH) diet. In the present study, we compared the effects of fat and sucrose separately and in combination on diabetes- and obesity-prone B/6J and diabetes- and obesity-resistant A/J mice. After 4 months, the feed efficiency ([FE] weight gained divided by calories consumed) did not differ across diets in A/J mice, but B/6J mice showed a significantly increased FE for fat. That is, B/6J mice gained more weight on high-fat diets without consuming more calories than A/J mice. The increase in FE was related to adipocyte hyperplasia in B/6J mice on high-fat diets. Fat-induced obesity in B/6J mice was unrelated to adrenal cortical activity. In the absence of fat, sucrose produced a decreased in FE in both strains. Animals fed a low-fat, high-sucrose (LH) diet were actually leaner than animals fed a high-complex-carbohydrate diet. Fat was also found to be the critical stimulus for hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in B/6J mice. In the absence of fat, sucrose had no effect on plasma glucose or insulin. These data clearly show that across these two strains of mice, genetic differences in the metabolic response to fat are more important in the development of obesity and diabetes than the increased caloric content of a high-fat diet.
Hybrid Simulation of RC and ECC Frames with an Experimental Module at Small- Scale

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) are a fiber-reinforced high-performance material developed as a replacement for conventional concrete. ECC is characterized by high damage tolerance, shear resistance and energy absorption. This paper provides detailed information regarding the hybrid tests performed as a part of a broader experimental program, which was conducted to comparatively investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) and reinforce ECC structures. The capabilities of the testing facility and the details of the experimental setup and software used to perform hybrid tests are provided. The results of this comparative investigation performed at the component and system levels favor ECC over conventional concrete in terms of the considered seismic response metrics. The advanced small-scale testing equipment alongside the hybrid simulation methodology allows for evaluation of the system performance at a fairly low cost compared to other experimental methods.
Deactivation of Unwelcomed Deep Web Extraction Services through Random Injection

Websites serve content both through Web Services as well as through user-viewable webpages. While the consumers of web-services are typically 'machines', webpages are meant for human users. It is highly desirable (for reasons of security, revenue, ownership, availability etc.) for service providers that content that will undergo further processing be fetched in a prescribed fashion, preferably through a supplied Web Services. In fact, monetization of partnerships within a services ecosystem normally means that website data translate into valuable revenue. Unfortunately, it is quite commonplace for arbitrary developers to extract or leverage information from websites without asking for permission and or negotiating a revenue sharing agreement. This may translate to significant lost income for content providers. Even in cases where website owners are happy to share the data, they may want users to adopt dedicated Web Service APIs (and associated API-servers) rather than putting a load on their revenue-generating websites. In this paper, we introduce a mechanism that disables automated web scraping agents, thus forcing clients to conform to the provided Web Services.