cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive neuromodulation using rTMS and the electromagnetic-perceptive gene (EPG) facilitates plasticity after nerve injury

Abstract Background Twenty million Americans suffer from peripheral nerve injury. These patients often develop chronic pain and sensory dysfunctions. In the past decade, neuroimaging studies showed that these changes are associated with altered cortical excitation-inhibition balance and maladaptive plasticity. We tested if neuromodulation of the deprived sensory cortex could restore the cortical balance, and whether it would be effective in alleviating sensory complications. Objective We tested if non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) which induces neuronal excitability, and cell-specific magnetic activation via the Electromagnetic-perceptive gene (EPG) which is a novel gene that was identified and cloned from glass catfish and demonstrated to evoke neural responses when magnetically stimulated, can restore cortical excitability. Methods A rat model of forepaw denervation was used. rTMS was delivered every other day for 30 days, starting at the acute or at the chronic post-injury phase. A minimally-invasive neuromodulation via EPG was performed every day for 30 days starting at the chronic phase. A battery of behavioral tests was performed in the days and weeks following limb denervation in EPG-treated rats, and behavioral tests, fMRI and immunochemistry were performed in rTMS-treated rats. Results The results demonstrate that neuromodulation significantly improved long-term mobility, decreased anxiety and enhanced neuroplasticity. The results identify that both acute and delayed rTMS intervention facilitated rehabilitation. Moreover, the results implicate EPG as an effective cell-specific neuromodulation approach. Conclusion Together, these results reinforce the growing amount of evidence from human and animal studies that are establishing neuromodulation as an effective strategy to promote plasticity and rehabilitation.
Asymptotic plateau problem in $${\mathbb H}^2\times {\mathbb R}$$ H 2 × R

We give a fairly complete solution to the asymptotic Plateau Problem for area minimizing surfaces in $${\mathbb H}^2\times {\mathbb R}$$ . In particular, we identify the collection of Jordan curves in $$\partial _\infty ({\mathbb H}^2\times {\mathbb R})$$ which bounds an area minimizing surface in $${\mathbb H}^2\times {\mathbb R}$$ . Furthermore, we study the similar problem for minimal surfaces, and show that the situation is highly different.
Security for wireless sensor networks

This chapter identifies the vulnerabilities associated with the operational paradigms currently employed by Wireless Sensor Networks. A survey of current WSN security research is presented. The security issues of Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks and infrastructure supported wireless networks are briefly compared and contrasted to the security concerns of Wireless Sensor Networks. A framework for implementing security in WSNs, which identifies the security measures necessary to mitigate the identified vulnerabilities is defined.
How certain are we? Development of an ensemble based framework for assessing astronaut cancer risks from space radiation

I.A new approach to NASA space radiation risk modeling has successfully extended the current NASA probabilistic cancer risk model to an ensemble framework able to consider sub-model parameter uncertainty as well as model-form uncertainty associated with differing theoretical or empirical formalisms. Ensemble methodologies are already widely used in weather prediction, modeling of infectious disease outbreaks, and certain terrestrial radiation protection applications to better understand how uncertainty may influence risk decision-making. Applying ensemble methodologies to space radiation risk projections offers the potential to efficiently incorporate emerging research results, allow for the incorporation of future models, improve uncertainty quantification for underlying sub-models, and reduce the impact of subjective bias on risk projections. Moreover, risk forecasting across an ensemble of multiple predictive models can provide stakeholders additional information on risk acceptance if current health/medical standards cannot be met for future space exploration missions, such as human missions to Mars. In this work, ensemble risk projections implementing multiple sub-models of radiation quality, dose and dose-rate effectiveness factors, excess risk, and latency as ensemble members are presented. Initial consensus methods for ensemble model weights and correlations to account for individual model bias are discussed. In these analyses, the ensemble forecast compares well to results from NASAs current operational cancer risk projection model used to assess permissible mission durations for astronauts. However, a large range of projected risk values are obtained at the upper 95th confidence level where models must extrapolate beyond available biological data sets. Closer agreement is seen at the median + one sigma due to the inherent similarities in available models. Identification of potential new models, epidemiological data, and methods for statistical correlation between predictive ensemble members are discussed. Alternate ways of communicating risk and acceptable uncertainty with respect to NASAs current permissible exposure limits are explored.
Treatment Outcomes in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Based on the 12-Item Short Form Survey.

BackgroundAspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is optimally managed by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) followed by aspirin therapy after desensitization (ATAD). Most AERD quality of life (...
Renal Complications After Bariatric Surgery

Metabolic and bariatric surgery significantly outperforms medical treatment in remitting the dangerous consequences of obesity, diabetes, and related comorbidities. Kidney disease is closely linked to metabolic disease and it is important to understand what the emerging evidence tells us regarding the safety, complications, risk reduction, and physiologic impact metabolic surgery has on overall kidney health and those at risk for renal dysfunction. This chapter will review renal outcomes of bariatric and metabolic surgery, including renal complications after surgery, risk reduction, and changes in kidney function in the short and long term.
Autonomous Safe Landing Site Detection for a Future Mars Science Helicopter

Future Mars Rotorcrafts require advanced navigation capabilities to enable all terrain access for science investigations with long distance flights that are executed fully autonomously. A critical component is the ability to safely land in hazardous terrain as part of a mission, or triggered by an emergency situation. In this paper, we present an advanced navigation system for continuous on-board terrain reconstruction for the purpose of hazard-free landing site detection for the autonomous navigation of a Mars Science Helicopter - a JPL research concept that investigates the feasibility of flying a multi-kilogram science payload at various Mars science locations, with flight ranges of multiple kilometers per flight. Our approach builds on a vision-based perception system that incorporates an on-board visual-inertial state estimator augmented by a laser altimeter (range-VIO), and a structure-from-motion 3D reconstruction approach that uses a single, downward-looking camera to provide dense depth measurements while the vehicle is in motion. Depth measurements are accumulated in a local, robot-centric, multi- resolution elevation map that is analyzed by a landing site detector to extract safe landing areas below the rotorcraft, based on a heuristic that includes slope, roughness and the presence of landing hazards. Detected landing sites are prioritized by an on-board autonomy engine that either selects suitable landing sites for immediate landing maneuvers, or can explore a terrain location as part of a mission in order to find a best landing site in a pre-planned area. We demonstrate and evaluate our approach on simulated data and data acquired with a surrogate unmanned aerial system (UAS) executing flights over relevant terrain.
Redefining Bean Iron Biofortification: A Review of the Evidence for Moving to a High Fe Bioavailability Approach

Iron biofortification of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) commenced in earnest approximately 18 years ago. Based on knowledge at the time, the biofortification approach for beans was simply to breed for increased Fe concentration based on 3 major assumptions: 1) The average bean Fe concentration is approximately 50 µg/g.; 2) Higher Fe concentration results in more bioavailable Fe delivered for absorption.; 3) Breeding for high Fe concentration is a trait that can be achieved through traditional breeding and is sustainable once a high Fe bean sample is released to farmers. Current research indicates that the assumptions of the high Fe breeding approach are not met in countries of East Africa, a major focus area of bean Fe biofortification. Thus, there is a need to redefine bean Fe biofortification. For assumption 1, recent research indicates that the average bean Fe concentration in East Africa is 71 µg/g, thus about 20 µg/g higher than the assumed value. For assumption 2, recent studies demonstrate that for beans higher Fe concentration does not always equate to more Fe absorption. Finally, for assumption 3, studies show a strong environment and genotype by environment effect on Fe concentration, thus making it difficult to develop and sustain high Fe concentrations. This paper provides an examination of the available evidence related to the above assumptions, and offers an alternative approach utilizing tools that focus on Fe bioavailability to redefine Fe biofortification of the common bean.
CONTROL DE CAMBIOS EN CHILE DESPUÉS DE LA GRAN DEPRESIÓN: EL ROL DEL CONDECOR Y SU MODUS OPERANDI, C.1942-1952

This article addresses the policy of exchange controls implemented by Chile from 1931 through to the mid-1950s in the face of the balance of payments crisis triggered by the Great Depression. In particular, it analyzes the role played by the Foreign Trade Council (CONDECOR), a state institution created in 1942 to implement exchange rate and currency controls and establish import quotas and licenses and export permits. Although the exchange controls applied by Chile are understood in broad terms, little or nothing was known about the modus operandi of this public institution. For the first time, we accessed the minutes of the meetings of CONDECOR’s board in 1942-1952, revealing how CONDECOR worked, its main players and how contemporaries evaluated this Chilean public institution. The study also shows the conflicts between bureaucratic structures that existed about the delimitation of the foreign trade and exchange control policies set out by the government.
Antibody immobilization to high-performance liquid chromatography supports: Characterization of maximum loading capacity for intact immunoglobulin G and Fab fragments

This study examined various factors that affect the maximum amount of intact immunoglobulin G (IgG) or Fab fragments that can be covalently immobilized to silica and other HPLC-grade supports for use in immunoaffinity chromatography or immunoextractions. Factors that were considered included the amount of surface area available for immobilization, the pore size of the support, the type of immobilization method and the nature of the support matrix. The main factor in determining the extent of immobilization was found to be the relationship between the support's surface area and the ability of the IgG or Fab fragments to reach this surface. Access to the support surface was a function of the size of the protein being immobilized and the support porosity, with maximum immobilization being obtained with supports having pore sizes of approximately 300 A for intact IgG and 100 A for Fab fragments. Some differences in the maximum level of immobilization were noted between different coupling methods. Supports like Poros and Emphaze gave similar results to those seen with HPLC-grade silica when a comparison was made between materials with comparable pore sizes. Many of the trends observed in this work for IgG and Fab fragments should apply to other proteins that are to be immobilized to HPLC supports.
Which Expenditure Saving to Sustain Medium-Term Fiscal Consolidation?

France’s fiscal deficit widened markedly during the crisis (from 2.7 percent of GDP in 2007 to 7.5 percent of GDP in 2009). The fiscal consolidation undertaken since 2010 has heavily relied on tax increases and needs to switch to expenditure containment. The purpose of this paper is to identify the areas of expenditure saving that could sustain medium term fiscal consolidation. The first section discusses the size of the fiscal adjustment needed to meet the objective of a balanced budget. The second section draws lessons from international experience with fiscal consolidation for the design of an expenditure-based consolidation in France. The last section identifies possible areas of expenditure saving.
Effect of Estrogens and Antiestrogens on Growth-regulatory Enzymes in Human Breast Cancer Cells in Tissue Culture

Abstract The effect of estrogens and antiestrogens is examined on three enzymes the activities of which are known to correlate with cell growth. Estrogen treatment increases thymidylate synthetase binding sites up to 4-fold over controls. The extent of induction is dependent on incubation time and the basal rate of cell growth in untreated cells. Amount of active enzyme generally shows a positive correlation with rates of DNA synthesis and cell growth. Thymidine kinase activity and the number of dihydrofolate reductase binding sites are similarly induced by estrogen treatment. Conversely, the effect of antiestrogens on MCF-7 cells is exceedingly complex in that responses in enzyme activities and several generally accepted indices of cell growth (cell number, protein content, rate of DNA synthesis) are dissimilar. Dose response, magnitude of response, and direction of response (increase or decrease) are distinct for each enzyme and for each measure of cell growth with each antiestrogen tested. These results suggest that specific cellular activities are modulated independently by estrogens and antiestrogens and that changes in ligand-receptor complex cannot be the sole explanation for the specificity of estrogen and antiestrogen action. Some degree of specificity and heterogeneity may reside at the level of receptor interaction with the various genes subject to estrogenic modulation.
Remark on intersecting solitons in 4D noncommutative scalar field theory

We examine the intersections, fluctuations and deformations of codimension two solitons in field theory on a noncommutative Euclidean ${R}^{4},$ in the limit of large noncommutativity. We find that holomorphic deformations are zero modes of flat branes, and we show that there is a zero mode localized at the intersection of two solitons.
Stream Processor Architecture

Stream Processor Architecture presents the architecture of the Imagine streaming media processor, which delivers a peak performance of 20 billion floating-point operations per second. Imagine efficiently supports 48 arithmetic units with a three-tiered data bandwidth hierarchy. At the base of the hierarchy, the streaming memory system employs memory access scheduling to maximize the sustained bandwidth of external DRAM. At the center of the hierarchy, the global stream register file enables streams of data to be recirculated directly from one computation kernel to the next without returning data to memory. Finally, local distributed register files that directly feed the arithmetic units enable temporary data to be stored locally so that it does not need to consume costly global register bandwidth. The bandwidth hierarchy enables Imagine to achieve up to 96% of the performance of a stream processor with infinite bandwidth from memory and the global register file.
Gamete Spawning and Fertilization in the Gymnolaemate Bryozoan Membranipora membranacea

The simultaneously hermaphroditic zooids of Membranipora membranacea colonies spawn primary oocytes and spermatozeugmata (aggregates of 32 or 64 spermatozoa) into ambient seawater. Eggs are released through the intertentacular organ (ITO) whereas spermatozeugmata are spawned through the tips of the two distomedial tentacles. Fertilized eggs undergo planktotrophic development to form long-lived cyphonautes larvae. Examination of ovarian, coelomic, and spawned oocytes for sperm nuclei, using either Bisbenzimide H33342 or aceto-orcein staining, revealed that a single sperm fuses with primary oocytes during or shortly after ovulation. In M. membranacea, egg activation does not immediately follow sperm-egg fusion, but occurs after oocytes are spawned through the ITO. The period between sperm-egg fusion and egg activation may last up to four days. Once zygotes begin to develop, they follow an Ascaristype of fertilization pattern (Wilson, 1925). Internal sperm-egg fusion does not preclude cross-fertilization in ...
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1-specific immunity after genetic immunization is enhanced by modification of Gag and Pol expression

Immunity to human immunodeficiency virus virion-like structures or a polyprotein has been examined after DNA immunization with Rev-independent expression vectors. A Gag-Pol fusion protein stimulated cytotoxic T lymphocyte and antibody responses to Gag and Pol, while a Gag-Pol pseudoparticle did not elicit substantial Pol responses. This fusion protein may be useful for AIDS vaccines.
Alteration of gastric myoelectrical and autonomic activities with audio stimulation in healthy humans.

ObjectiveCold or emotional stress was reported to affect gastric myoelectrical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of music or noise on gastric myoelectrical activity and autonomic function in healthy volunteers.Material and methodsThe study was performed in 10 fasted healthy volunteers and included 30 min at baseline, 30 min of classical music via headphones and 30 min of loud household noises via headphones. The electrogastrogram (EGG) readings were recorded simultaneously with the electrocardiogram (ECG) recording.ResultsBoth classical music and noise altered the regularity of gastric slow waves. The percentage of normal 2–4 cycles/min (cpm) waves was reduced from 77.9±4.7% at baseline to 66.9±5.4% during music (p<0.006) and 67.7±5.4% during noise (p<0.05). The reduction was attributed to a significant increase in bradygastria (15.8±3.9% versus 9.8±2.6%, p<0.04) with the music and a significant increase in arrhythmia (7.4±1.6% versus 2.0±1.1%, p<0.02) with the noise. The domi...
Squamous cell carcinoma complicating hidradenitis suppurativa.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a very rarely reported late complication of hidradenitis suppurativa. Aggressive treatment on discovery is in order.
Early-onset obesity and the unwanted promise of thrombosis.

Obesity is rapidly becoming a global epidemic of unparalleled proportions. While the initial alarm was sounded by the National Center for Health Statistics in 1994 (reviewed in Ref. [1]), changes in body mass index have accelerated rapidly in the past 5 years among children, adolescents and adults. In addition to its association with several atherogenic states, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension and dyslipidemia, obesity is an independent and strong risk factor for thrombosis as a proximate cause of stroke, myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism [2, 3]. Data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey support a 2 to 3-fold increased risk for both obese men and women, particularly in those who are less than 40 years of age [4]. With obesity comes the unwanted promise of thrombosis among an entire generation of people with childhood and adolescent (early) onset obesity.
Solidification of Phase Change Materials Infiltrated in Porous Media in Presence of Voids

Infiltration of phase change materials (PCM) into highly conductive porous structures effectively enhances the thermal conductivity and phase change (solidification and melting) characteristics of the resulting thermal energy storage (TES) composites. However, the infiltration process contributes to formation of voids as micron-size air bubbles within the pores of the porous structure. The presence of voids negatively affects the thermal and phase change performance of TES composites due to the thermophysical properties of air in comparison with PCM and porous structure. This paper investigates the effect of voids on solidification of PCM, infiltrated into the pores of graphite foam as a highly conductive porous medium with interconnected pores. A combination of the volume-of-fluid (VOF) and enthalpy-porosity methods was employed for numerical investigation of solidification. The proposed method takes into account the variation of density with temperature during phase change and is able to predict the volume shrinkage (volume contraction) during the solidification of liquids. Furthermore, the presence of void and the temperature gradient along the liquid–gas interface (the interface between void and PCM) can trigger thermocapillary effects. Thus, Marangoni convection was included during the solidification process and its importance was elucidated by comparing the results among cases with and without thermocapillary effects. The results indicated that the presence of voids within the pores causes a noticeable increase in solidification time, with a sharper increase for cases without thermocapillary convection. For verification purposes, the amount of volume shrinkage during the solidification obtained from numerical simulations was compared against the theoretical volume change due to the variation of density for several liquids with contraction and expansion during the freezing process. The two sets of results exhibited good agreement.
US host nationals' attitudes toward Japanese: the role of communication and relational solidarity in the intergroup contact hypothesis

Guided by the intergroup contact hypothesis and intergroup contact theory, the authors examined US Americans' (N=403) communication experiences and relational solidarity with their most frequent Japanese contact and associations with their attitudes toward Japanese as a cultural group. Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) results showed that both communication frequency and quality had an indirect effect through relational solidarity on affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes, demonstrating the critical mediating role of relational solidarity. Results also revealed that communication quality was positively and directly associated with the attitudinal measures. Implications of the findings are discussed with respect to prior literature on relational communication in intergroup and intercultural contexts.
AN IMPROVED CELL FRACTIONATION PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF RAT LIVER MEMBRANE-BOUND RIBOSOMES

A cell fractionation procedure is described which allows the preparation from rat liver of a rough microsome population containing almost 50% of the membrane-bound ribosomes of the tissue. The fraction is not contaminated with free ribosomes or smooth microsomes, and, by various other criteria, is suitable for studies of ribosome-membrane interaction.
Hydrocephalus complicating lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) disease is a human zoonotic infection acquired by contact with infected mice, hamsters or their excreta.1 The reported spectrum of LCMV-associated central nervous system (CNS) disease ranges from mild aseptic meningitis to fatal meningoencephalitis. Hydrocep
Subepidermal bullous disease and glomerulonephritis in a child

The infant described in this report had a generalized, subepidermal bullous eruption and concurrent glomerulonephritis. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrating deposition of immunoglobulin and complement in the skin and kidney suggest a common pathogenesis for the two disorders. The elevation of this infant's serum immunoglobulins and depression of serum complement support an immunologic process as the likely mechanism. It is important for clinicians caring for children with bullous skin diseases to search for evidence of renal disease and complement abnormalities.
Government-introduced price distortions and growth: Evidence from twenty-nine developing countries

From the time Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations was published in 1776 until today, the role of the state in the economic affairs of nations has been probably one of the most debated subject matters not only among economists but also among other social scientists. A free competitive market and pricing system has since been recognized as a crucial factor in the allocation of resources, indeed in the economic development of nations. At the national as well as international levels there is a growing interest in the role of governmental policies, in particular those policies that directly or indirectly influence the working of the market mechanism and the incentive system in the context of nations' economic growth. An example of the growing interest is the rather unequivocal focus placed in recent years by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the need for liberal, competitive, and outward-looking policies in promoting economic growth in developing countries. An area of particular concern has been that of the government introduced price distortions in several developing nations. Historically speaking, such policies have grown over time as a part of the so-called grand socialistic and planned economic policies and programs undertaken by several developing nations since they attained political independence. These nations embarked upon such policies in pursuance of the promises that were made by their political leaders during their freedom movements against the colonial powers. The imposition of controls by governments over domestic prices, interest rates, wages, foreign trade and exchange rates, for example, has caused severe distortions in the economies of these nations. And, such distortions are not without bearing on economic growth. According to the World Bank (1983),2 "coun-
Physiologic Studies in Mitral Valvular Disease

Physiologic findings obtained by cardiac catheterization on 29 patients with mitral valvular disease are discussed. Cardiac outputs, intracardiac pulmonary arterial and pulmonary pressures are determined during rest and exercise. It is shown that the resting cardiac output is reduced in all patients with mitral disease and that exercise results either in a fall or a small increase in the minute volume of circulation. The pulmonary artery and capillary pressures are elevated with rest and rise further with exercise. A clear differentiation by physiologic means between mitral stenosis and mitral insufficiency is difficult. However, in patients with mitral insufficiency the resting cardiac output is lower, the arterial venous oxygen difference is higher and exercise causes a greater fall in the cardiac output. A comparison is made between the physiologic manifestations of mitral disease and myocardial failure: the residual volume of blood of the right ventricle is usually increased in patients with mitral di...
The hemolytic and complement-activating properties of pneumolysin do not contribute individually to virulence in a pneumococcal bacteremia model

The virulence of pneumococcal capsular type 2 strain D39 and derivatives with mutations in the pneumolysin gene were examined in a mouse bacteremia model. In CBA/N-XID mice D39 is known to exhibit exponential growth in the blood until the death of the mice at 24 to 36 h. In contrast, PLN, a pneumolysin-deficient derivative of D39, reaches a plateau in growth that is maintained for several days. The growth patterns of D39 and PLN observed in CBA/N-XID mice were also observed in C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeOuJ mice, but not in 129/SvJ and C57BL/6J mice. These results demonstrate that the effect of pneumolysin on bacteremia is dependent on the genetic background of the mice. D39 derivatives with point mutations which abolish the cytotoxic or complement-activating properties of pneumolysin did not have major individual effects on virulence in CBA/N- XID and C3H/HeOuJ mice. A derivative with mutations affecting both the cytotoxic and complement- activating properties resulted in a modest, yet statistically significant, increase in survival time of i.v. challenged CBA/N-XID mice. However, the effect was less marked than that seen with PLN. These findings suggest that the virulence effects of pneumolysin in bacteremia must be due in part to properties other than hemolysis and complement fixation.
Micro‐scale Method for Determining Foaming Properties of Protein

A 5% protein suspension (4 mL) was whipped in a modified 50-mL centrifuge tube using a tissumizer equipped with a flat-bottom generator. Drainage time at 50% liquid weight and the weight of the foam formed/ unit volume were used for calculating foam stability and foam overrun, respectively. The foaming properties of a variety of milk proteins were determined using this method. This method distinguished differences in foaming properties among the proteins. Values for overrun confirmed published results. Compared with standard methods, this method required much less sample (about 1/20) and less measuring time (about 1/5 to 1/10).
Role of Vasopressin Deficiency in the Vasodilation of Septic Shock

Septic shock is a form of distributive shock most commonly caused by infection with gram-negative bacteria.1 2 The hallmark of septic shock is marked peripheral arteriolar vasodilation, which results in low systemic vascular resistance, high cardiac output, severe hypotension, and inadequate tissue perfusion. Therapy typically includes administration of fluids and vasopressor agents. The mechanism of the vasodilation of septic shock remains incompletely understood, but considerable evidence implicates abnormalities of vasodilator mechanisms. Much attention has been focused on bacterial lipopolysaccharide or endotoxin, the administration of which reproduces many of the cardiovascular alterations that occur in septic shock.3 Endotoxin stimulates the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, and other cytokines, and these substances in turn increase the generation of the vasodilator nitric oxide. Thus, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reverses endotoxin- or cytokine-induced hypotension in experimental animals4 5 6 7 and increases systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure in patients with septic shock who have not responded to conventional therapy.8 In addition to increased generation of nitric oxide, there may also be activation of the vascular ATP-sensitive K+ channel in septic shock.9 Opening of this channel hyperpolarizes vascular smooth muscle and reduces Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, thereby inducing vasodilation. There may also be abnormalities in vasoconstrictor mechanisms in septic shock. In this issue, Landry and associates10 present evidence that deficiency of vasopressin, now recognized as an important vasoconstrictor peptide, contributes to the hypotension of septic shock. Vasopressin is a peptide hormone that is synthesized in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary, where it is stored. It is released into the circulation upon stimulation by increased plasma osmolality or as a baroreflex response to decreases in blood volume or blood pressure.11 Release …
A theory of computational implementation

I articulate and defend a new theory of what it is for a physical system to implement an abstract computational model. According to my descriptivist theory, a physical system implements a computational model just in case the model accurately describes the system. Specifically, the system must reliably transit between computational states in accord with mechanical instructions encoded by the model. I contrast my theory with an influential approach to computational implementation espoused by Chalmers, Putnam, and others. I deploy my theory to illuminate the relation between computation and representation. I also rebut arguments, propounded by Putnam and Searle, that computational implementation is trivial.
Surrender and the Body

I went outside and lay down in the yard, in the cooling breeze. I looked up. On my left, from down up, a rising tree. I moved my eyes to the right: there was the dusk—blue sky, then the edge of the house, which defined all. I thought somebody would perceive such a blend but might doubt that I could: I was too coarse: I don’t see rigidity and life, straight, undulating House and tree, manmade and not, hard, soft, How they are laundered by the moon.
1250 VARIATION IN CREATININE EXCRETION DURING 24 HOUR PERIODS IN PRETERM INFANTS

Two consecutive 12 hour period's creatinine excretion was longitudinally studied in 30 premature appropriate-for-gestational age infants, who were of 26 to 34 weeks gestation. This study was undertaken to determine whether there was variation in creatinine excretion (expressed as mg/kg/hour) for infants between 26-30 weeks which is different than for infants between 30-34 weeks. Creatinine excretion was significantly lower (p <.05) in the more immature group. This difference was only apparent at 1-3 days postnatal age and disappeared by 10-15 days postnatal age. We also demonstrated considerable variation in creatinine excretion between two consecutive 12 hour periods. We suggest that creatinine clearance determinations based on short time period urine collections and creatinine excretion may not accurately represent 24 hour creatinine clearance in prematures.
On getting a T-cell clone and being assured you have one.

Abstract Cellular immunology has for years been plagued by the heterogeneity in function and specificity of antigen recognition present within the populations of lymphocytes available for study. The ability to clone single T cells from those populations is therefore a most useful technology because the progeny in any one clone will be of a single functional subtype and, at the very least, will have the great specificity associated with monoclonality. Cloning is being widely used to push forward our understanding of both the antigens that elicit response and the cells that respond. My purpose here, however, is not to review those very exciting applications but rather to address the sometimes thorny issues of the definition of clonality, how it is achieved, and the circumstances in which ‘proof' of clonality is or is not essential to the interpretation of data.
Blue/green pn junction electroluminescence from ZnSe‐based multiple quantum‐well structures

The successful p doping of ZnSe by substitutional nitrogen using a plasma cell incorporated into the molecular beam epitaxy chamber has led to the development of electroluminescent devices based on carrier injection at a pn junction. The light emitting diode structures described here are grown on a GaAs substrate using a tetragonally distorted (In,Ga)As buffer layer to provide lattice matching between the substrate and the active II–VI region. The result of the incorporation of the buffer layer is an essentially dislocation‐free active region. The letter discusses optical properties as well as the x‐ray and transmission electron microscopy characterization of the quantum well device structures.
Characterization of the Escherichia coli AaeAB Efflux Pump: a Metabolic Relief Valve?

Treatment of Escherichia coli with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) resulted in upregulation of yhcP, encoding a protein of the putative efflux protein family. Also upregulated were the adjacent genes yhcQ, encoding a protein of the membrane fusion protein family, and yhcR, encoding a small protein without a known or suggested function. The function of the upstream, divergently transcribed gene yhcS, encoding a regulatory protein of the LysR family, in regulating expression of yhcRQP was shown. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that several aromatic carboxylic acid compounds serve as inducers of yhcRQP expression. The efflux function encoded by yhcP was proven by the hypersensitivity to pHBA of a yhcP mutant strain. A yhcS mutant strain was also hypersensitive to pHBA. Expression of yhcQ and yhcP was necessary and sufficient for suppression of the pHBA hypersensitivity of the yhcS mutant. Only a few aromatic carboxylic acids of hundreds of diverse compounds tested were defined as substrates of the YhcQP efflux pump. Thus, we propose renaming yhcS, yhcR, yhcQ, and yhcP, to reflect their role in aromatic carboxylic acid efflux, to aaeR, aaeX, aaeA, and aaeB, respectively. The role of pHBA in normal E. coli metabolism and the highly regulated expression of the AaeAB efflux system suggests that the physiological role may be as a "metabolic relief valve" to alleviate toxic effects of imbalanced metabolism.
Expression of the A56 and K2 Proteins Is Sufficient To Inhibit Vaccinia Virus Entry and Cell Fusion

Many animal viruses induce cells to fuse and form syncytia. For vaccinia virus, this phenomenon is associated with mutations affecting the A56 and K2 proteins, which form a multimer (A56/K2) on the surface of infected cells. Recent evidence that A56/K2 interacts with the entry/fusion complex (EFC) and that the EFC is necessary for syncytium formation furnishes a strong connection between virus entry and cell fusion. Among the important remaining questions are whether A56/K2 can prevent virus entry as well as cell-cell fusion and whether these two viral proteins are sufficient as well as necessary for this. To answer these questions, we transiently and stably expressed A56 and K2 in uninfected cells. Uninfected cells expressing A56 and K2 exhibited resistance to fusing with A56 mutant virus-infected cells, whereas expression of A56 or K2 alone induced little or no resistance, which fits with the need for both proteins to bind the EFC. Furthermore, transient or stable expression of A56/K2 interfered with virus entry and replication as determined by inhibition of early expression of a luciferase reporter gene, virus production, and plaque formation. The specificity of this effect was demonstrated by restoring entry after enzymatically removing a chimeric glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored A56/K2 or by binding a monoclonal antibody to A56. Importantly, the antibody disrupted the interaction between A56/K2 and the EFC without disrupting the A56-K2 interaction itself. Thus, we have shown that A56/K2 is sufficient to prevent virus entry and fusion as well as formation of syncytia through interaction with the EFC.
An Analysis of Reicher-Task Effects

Abstract Three experiments conducted to investigate aspects of the word-nonword version of the Reicher task were motivated, in part, by the recent series of experiments by Prinzmetal (1992). He found a word-superiority effect (WSE) with unlimited exposure durations, in contrast to the typical Reicher-task method involving limited exposures, raising the issue of whether lexical access is involved in the WSE with brief exposures. An interactive-activation account (Rumelhart & McClelland, 1982) might suggest that the feedback from lexical access that would boost the perceptibility of the letters in a word would be more helpful with brief, masked stimulus exposures, with lexical access playing a negligible role with unlimited exposures. Positive evidence for lexical access with brief exposures was found with lexical priming (Experiment 1), homophone spelling (Experiment 2), and pseudohomophone repetition (Experiment 3). The converging evidence also revealed the applicability of the Reicher-task method to a va...
Verification of the coulometric method of analysis of hydrogen in iron

Abstract The coulometric method of analysis for hydrogen sorbed in iron was checked against the volume of hydrogen evolved from the iron on standing. The two methods were in agreement.
Determinants of a social clause in international trade negotiations

Survey data are used to examine the determinants of a “social clause” in international trade negotiations. Proponents of such a clause argue that the inclusion of labor laws, environmental impacts, and other social issues in international trade negotiations would ensure fair competition, an equitable distribution of the benefits of free trade, and, in the case of labor, protect the basic rights of workers. Opponents see these arguments as a disguised form of protectionism and self-interest based on the protection of labor-intensive industries in developed countries. Results from a logit model indicate a decreased likelihood for the inclusion of a social clause in international trade negotiations across farm sizes. In particular the results suggest that agricultural producers with annual gross sales including government payments between US$500,000 and US$999,000, are 40% less likely to want labor laws, environmental impacts, and food safety standards to be included as part of international trade negotiations. The results also show that agricultural producers with college experience or college degrees are less likely to want these social interventions while second generation farmers and first generation farmers with a master's degree want labor laws, environmental impacts, and food safety standards to be included as part of international trade negotiations.
(1) Obstacles and options for big-data applications in biomedicine: The role of standards and normalizations

Advances in computing capabilities are palpably evident throughout many industries manifest by unprecedented, large-scale data integration and inferencing. Branded as "big-data" in many cases, the question of whether such techniques can leverage advances in biomedicine and clinical practice are obvious. High-throughput clinical analytics, synthesizing genomic and clinical attributes of a particular patient, portends predictive models that can directly influence clinical care decisions. However, to make this widely shared vision practical and scalable, barriers attributable to data heterogeneity dominate. Methods and strategies to increase the comparability and consistency of healthcare related data will be discussed.
Influencing Help-Seeking Among People With Elevated Depressive Symptomatology Mistargeting as a Persuasive Technique

We conducted two experimental studies influenced by the overheard communication technique in which we assessed whether a depression public service announcement (D-PSA) that appeared to be intended for someone else (e.g., “Do you have a friend who is depressed?”) could influence help-seeking inclinations among people with elevated depressive symptomatology. In Study 1, participants (N = 335) viewed a print D-PSA that was either direct or mistargeted. In Study 2, participants (N = 1,195) viewed a direct or mistargeted video D-PSA or no video. In support of the utility of the mistargeted-communication technique, the mistargeted D-PSA resulted in significantly more help-seeking intentions from a romantic partner and close friends than did a direct D-PSA among people with heightened levels of depressive symptomatology (Study 1). In Study 2, among people with heightened levels of depressive symptomatology, assignment to the mistargeted D-PSA condition, compared with the direct D-PSA and the no D-PSA control con...
Increased Nitration of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase in Human Heart Failure

Background— Reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a isoform) activity is a major determinant of reduced contractility in heart failure. Ca2+-ATPase inactivation can occur through SERCA2a nitration. We therefore investigated the role of SERCA2a nitration in heart failure. Methods and Results— We measured SERCA2a levels and nitrotyrosine levels in tissue from normal and failing human hearts using Western blots. We found that nitrotyrosine levels in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathic (DCM) hearts were almost double those of control hearts in age-matched groups. Nitrotyrosine was dominantly present in a single protein with the molecular weight of SERCA2a, and immunoprecipitation confirmed that the protein recognized by the nitrotyrosine antibody was SERCA2a. There was a positive correlation between the time to half relaxation and the nitrotyrosine/SERCA2a content (P<0.01) in myocytes isolated from control and DCM hearts. In experiments with isolated SR vesicles from porcine hearts, we also sh...
The Cloze Procedure as a Measure of Mathematical English.

How can we determine the relative readability of various instructional materials in mathematics? It has been argued that readability formulas devised for ordinary English prose are not appropriate for use with mathematical material (Kane, 1968, 1970). The need for readability formulas specially devised for the language of mathematics seems clear. The results of this study will suggest that the cloze procedure (Taylor, 1953, 1954, 1957) is adaptable to the language of mathematics, is usable as a measure of readability within that language, and is likely to serve as a criterion variable in the production of readability formulas for the language of mathematics. Traditionally, the readability of ordinary English materials has been measured by mean performance on reading comprehension tests covering sample passages from the material-the higher the mean comprehension score the more readable the material. Formulas to predict readability were devised by using the mean comprehension score as a criterion variable to determine the best linear combination of predictor variables, generally from the domains of vocabulary difficulty and syntactic complexity. Thus, the readability of ordinary English materials could be assessed without recourse to a direct experiment involving comprehension test data collection (Klare, 1963). Producing comparable readability formulas for the language of mathematics would require from 50 to 100 passages, each with a reliable and valid reading comprehension test. The production of this many comprehension tests would be a formidable task because there are potential weaknesses in such tests that are difficult to insure against-the reading level of a test and its passage may not be the same; the writing style of the passage may not be retained in the test; or test items may require inferences that were not intended by the passage author. In the context of ordinary English, the cloze procedure, as a substitute for comprehension tests, overcomes these problems. A cloze test is constructed by deleting certain words and symbols from a passage (usually every fifth word) and replacing them with blanks. The subject attempts to complete the passage. His cloze score for a passage is the number of responses that match the deleted material. In ordinary English, cloze scores are
Fire spread and flame shape

In laboratory tests, the size of a flame front can significantly affect the rate of fire spread. The configuration factor of a given flame shape provides a method for relating flame fronts of various widths. The author discusses an analog system for determining the configuration factor of an irregularly shaped flame and the effects of flame width and height on the rate of spread.
Some remarks on Boolean control systems: Controllability domains and realization theory

We construct a theory of realizations and controllability domains for linear stationary systems in the category of finitely generated free semimodules over a Boolean semiring. We show that the classical realization theorems cannot be generalized to this case, and we prove some incomplete analogs of these theorems. We analyze the structure of controllability domains and the reachability and observability characteristics. In particular, we define a geometric object representing the reachability properties of a system, namely, the generalized reachability topology on the state space.