cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of speed and grade change on the ability to reproduce a standard work effort.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the ability of subjects to reproduce the “feeling” of a standard treadmill exercise task under conditions of changing speeds and grades. Subjects (12 males, 9 females) first performed a standard treadmill run (6.0 mph, 0% slope) and then a run in an experimental condition of either a variable-grade, fixed-speed (3.5 mph) or a variable-speed, fixed-grade (5%). Under the experimental conditions subjects attempted to adjust the speed or grade so as to reproduce the work effort they had exerted on the standard exercise task. Results showed that the O2, CO2, E and HR under the fixed grade-variable speed condition were significantly greater than under the other conditions. While running up an incline at a speed chosen by themselves, subjects apparently will perceive the work effort to be the same as running on the level, when in fact it is costing them more energy.
Comparative studies of the responses of two strains of rats to an essential fatty acid deficient diet.

Abstract 1. 1. A comparative study of two strains of rats to an EFA deficient diet was conducted. Parameters of insulin status in BHE and Sprague-Dawley rats were measured. No differences in growth were observed. 2. 2. The strains differed in their hepatic and adipose tissue response to insulin stimulation of glucose oxidation and conversion to fatty acids. 3. 3. Hepatic tissue from EFA deficient BHE rats converted more glucose to fatty acid under the influence of insulin than their controls while diet had no effect on glucose oxidation. 4. 4. Hepatic tissue from EFA deficient Sprague-Dawley rats oxidized more glucose than their controls but diet did not affect fatty acid synthesis. 5. 5. A reverse of these strain and diet differences was observed in adipose tissue. 6. 6. These results suggest that the genetic heritage of the rat may determine the type of response to EFA deficiency.
Sprinting without myostatin : a genetic determinant of athletic prowess

Genetic studies in several species have demonstrated that myostatin (MSTN) normally functions to limit skeletal muscle mass. In a recent study, Mosher et al. reported that a mutation in the canine MSTN gene is responsible for the double-muscling phenotype seen in 'bully' whippets. Furthermore, they show that loss of even one functional MSTN allele seems to confer a competitive advantage to racing whippets, providing the first definitive evidence that loss of myostatin function can enhance athletic performance.
THE POWER OF CULTURE: A Review of the Idea of Africa's Influence on Family Structure in Antebellum America

American Indian, African, and European culture distinguish American histo ry from 1619 to 1870. Yet, African and American Indian cultures are given secondary importance in understanding the American population. This paper argues that culture is critical for a proper understanding of African American family patterns. The African Ameri can family is not simply a functional adaptation to new social conditions, but a product of history and culture that has been conducive to the survival of the African American family. The effect of racism and economic exploitation on the African population in America during slavery was tempered by its African past.
Enhancement of quality of downconverted white light

High-quality downconverted white light is important for many applications ,including general illumination. Downconversion of blue light from inorganic InGaN-based light emitting diodes to produce white light is demonstrated using red- and green-emitting phosphors. After characterization, films of the phosphors are prepared by mixing the powder into a polymethyl methacrylate host. The quality of light is improved and optimized by varying the weight ratio of green to red phosphors and the thickness of the phosphor layer.
Effects of Environmental Heterogeneity and Disturbance on the Native and Non-native Flora of Desert Springs

Vegetation often is used as a decision variable for conservation and resource management. Because time and money are limited, it is useful to identify predictable relationships between measures of vegetation diversity or status, the physical environment, and disturbance; native and non-native plants may have different functional responses. Working towards development of effective, practical strategies for management and ecological restoration in the Spring Mountains, an isolated mountain range in the eastern Mojave Desert (Nevada, USA) that is a focus of regional conservation planning, we examined whether native and non-native assemblages of spring-associated perennial plants have predictable relationships with elevation, springbrook length, and various land uses. We also tested whether elevation, springbrook length, and overall disturbance were associated with the degree of predictability of local species presence and absence. Consistent with work in other systems, species richness and cover of native plants tended to decrease as intensity of disturbance increased, whereas species richness (but not cover) of non-native plants tended to peak with intermediate disturbance. Our results may suggest that invasions of non-native plants at springs in the Spring Mountains are relatively recent, and that rapid restoration and management actions may help protect ecological processes and viability of native plants. Ability to predict the order in which individual species are likely to be extirpated from or colonize springs was limited, perhaps reflecting considerable environmental heterogeneity among springs.
Thyroxine and nifedipine reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species in an vitro model of anoxia and reoxygenization 1648

Reactive oxygen species have been reported to cause injury to various tissues exposed to reperfusion. This experiment was designed to create an in vitro model of anoxia-reoxygenization using a proximal tubule suspension obtained from renal cortex of New Zealand rabbits. Proximal tubules subjected to 15 min of anoxia followed by 45 min of reoxygenizaton generated 1454± 298 cpm/ mg protein of superoxide anion (Lucigenin chemiluminescence) vs 56 ± 21 in control tubules not exposed to anoxia-reoxygenization(p< 0.001,n=8) and 181 ± 64 vs 28 ± 6 cpm/ mg protein of reactive oxygen species measured by luminol cemiluminescence method, respectively (p< 0.001,n=8). Some proximal tubules exposed to anoxia-reoxygenization were pretreated with thyroxine and nifedipine.(Table).
Synthesis of the dysiherbaine tetrahydropyran core utilizing improved tethered aminohydroxylation conditions.

Abstract A concise stereoselective route to the dysiherbaine tetrahydropyran core was achieved in nine steps and 39% overall yield. Donohoe’s improved tethered aminohydroxylation conditions were employed to concurrently install the amino and alcohol groups and construct the tetrahydropyran ring, which features four contiguous cis -stereocenters.
Echocardiographic study of right ventricular wall motion in cardiac tamponade.

Abstract Twenty-one patients had M-mode echocardiographic recordings during cardiac tamponade. Seventeen of 21 had posterior motion of right ventricular endocardium at 0.05 second or longer after opening of the mitral valve. Sixteen of 17 patients with a large pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade had posterior right ventricular wall motion that ceased at 0.05 second or less after opening of the mitral valve. The finding of early diastolic posterior motion of the right ventricular wall may signify diastolic collapse of the right ventricle and aids the echocardiographic identification of cardiac tamponade.
Selection of Spectral Channels for Satellite Sensors in Monitoring Yellow Rust Disease of Winter Wheat

Remote sensing has great potential to serve as a useful means in crop disease detection at regional scale. With the emerging of remote sensing data on various spectral settings, it is important to choose appropriate data for disease mapping and detection based on the characteristics of the disease. The present study takes yellow rust in winter wheat as an example. Based on canopy hyperspectral measurements, the simulative multi-spectral data was calculated by spectral response function of ten satellite sensors that were selected on purpose. An independent t-test analysis was conducted to access the disease sensitivity for different bands and sensors. The results showed that the sensitivity to yellow rust varied among different sensors, with green, red and near infrared bands been identified as disease sensitive bands. Moreover, to further assess the potential for onboard data in disease detection, we compared the performance of most suitable multi-spectral vegetation index (MVI)-GNDVI and NDVI based on Qu...
Long-Term Efficacy of Amiodarone for the Maintenance of Normal Sinus Rhythm in Patients With Refractory Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of amiodarone to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation or flutter. One hundred ten patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, refractory to > or = 1 class I antiarrhythmic agents (mean +/- SD 2.5 +/- 1.5, median 2), were given low-dose amiodarone (mean maintenance dose 268 +/- 100 mg/day) to determine its efficacy to maintain normal sinus rhythm after chemical or electrical cardioversion. Fifty-three patients had chronic and 57 patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter. Mean age of the study population was 60 +/- 13 years, and the mean follow-up was 36 +/- 38 months (range 31 days to 137 months). Actuarial rates for maintenance of sinus rhythm were 0.87, 0.70, and 0.55 at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Twenty-one patients (19%) with arrhythmia recurrence had an increase in amiodarone dose, and after a mean additional follow-up of 2.5 years, 86% remained in normal sinus rhythm. The only observed predictor of atrial fibrillation or flutter recurrence was paroxysmal arrhythmia (40% recurrence vs 9% in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation or flutter; p < 0.001). Actuarial rates for withdrawal because of adverse effects were 0.08, 0.22, and 0.30 at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The most frequent adverse effects necessitating withdrawal were skin discoloration (4.5%), pulmonary fibrosis (3.6%; none fatal), and thyroid toxicity (2.7%). No deaths occurred during the study period. In conclusion, amiodarone sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, with a relatively low incidence of adverse effects necessitating withdrawal.
Nursing home theft: The hidden problem

Abstract To date the subject of nursing home theft, the stealing of patients' possessions, has been ignored by researchers. Data are presented from a survey of 281 employees at six nursing homes. Rates of self-reported theft and theft observed by others are given. The predictors of self-reported theft appear to be age, sex and race. Other factors related to theft include job dissatisfaction, negative attitudes toward patients, and approving attitudes toward theft.
Recurrence rates in Crohn’s disease: predicting the future and predicting the past

Phenotypic features at diagnosis of Crohn's disease may help predict subsequent disease flares and operations
Formation, characterization, and some photochemical properties of a hybrid plant virus

Abstract A hybrid plant virus composed of tobacco mosaic virus protein and potato virus X RNA has been assembled and found to be infectious. The hybrid virus has the physical appearance and serological reactivity of tobacco mosaic virus but exhibits the biological activity of potato virus X. A partial sensitivity to bovine pancreatic ribonuclease indicates some imperfection in the assembly of the hybrid. Both the rate of inactivation by 253.7 nm radiation and subsequent host photoreactivation reflect behavior of the protein donor, tobacco mosaic virus.
Half the Thrill Is in the Chase: Twisted Inferences from Embodied Cognitions and Brand Evaluation

Do our bodies control our minds? That people approach positive outcomes is not surprising, but do people also infer an outcome is rewarding from their bodily sensation of approaching it, and does this positivity transfer indirectly to other outcomes linked in memory to the original negative outcome? We posit that, because people usually approach reward, they mistakenly infer that approach must equal reward. Thus, a sensation of approach, even toward a negative outcome, makes them feel more positively toward the negative outcome and associated outcomes. Experiment 1 demonstrates a positive effect of embodied movement in space toward an otherwise aversive product. Experiments 2 and 3 additionally show positive effects of psychological movement in time, using evaluative conditioning procedures, to associated stimuli in memory. Implications for downward spirals in habit formation—the idea that approaching one bad habit might increase liking of other bad habits—and affect regulation are discussed.
The application of the extracellular base excess to children

The Base Excess of the Extracellular Fluid (BE-ecf) is the most complete model of acid-base physiology. It has gained considerable acceptance for use in adults as an index of the metabolic component of an acute acid-base disturbance. Several other commonly used indices were compared to the BE-ecf. The values of the Base Excess of Blood, Plasma Bicarbonate, Standard Bicarbonate, and T40-Bicarbonate differed significantly from the BE-ecf in 11.4, 6.3, 12.5, and 1.1% of samples, respectively. These differences are considered to be errors since the nonlinear relationship of the variables makes it difficult to clinically accommodate them. The standard (adult) form of the BE-ecf calculation overestimated the base excess by 1 meq/liter in 44.8% and by 2 meq/liter or more in 6.1% of samples from neonates and infants when compared to a form of the calculation which was individually adjusted based on the weight and hemoglobin concentration of each subject. Since it is no more difficult to make these corrections than to ignore them, if the BE-ecf is to be used in neonates and infants the correction should be applied.
Marqueurs des cancers digestifs : côlon–rectum, pancréas, foie

Resume L’ACE est le marqueur usuel des cancers colorectaux. Les donnees concernant les autres marqueurs sont insuffisantes pour juger de leur reelle utilite. Le dosage de l’ACE n’est recommande ni dans le depistage, ni dans le diagnostic des cancers colorectaux. La valeur pronostique pejorative d’une concentration serique initiale elevee est reconnue mais non exploitee. La place du dosage de l’ACE dans l’evaluation de l’efficacite des traitements reste limitee, en particulier du fait de la non-generalisation des etudes de la cinetique du marqueur lors des chimiotherapies. L’ACE est un excellent test de surveillance des patients traites, augmentant les chances de detection des recidives a un stade ou elles sont operables, en particulier depuis l’avenement de moyens d’imagerie tres performants comme la TEP-FDG pour localiser les recidives en cas d’augmentation du marqueur. Le CA 19-9 est le marqueur serique des adenocarcinomes pancreatiques, son utilite diagnostique est mediocre du fait de sa faible sensibilite aux seuils specifiques du cancer. Il participe au suivi et au pronostic des patients sous chimiotherapie. L’AFP est un parametre biologique dont l’efficacite est prouvee pour le depistage de l’hepatocarcinome chez les patients atteints de cirrhose. Son dosage est inutile en cas d’hepatite non cirrhotique.
Dispersion during bubble-train flow in capillaries

Abstract The name bubble-train flow is used to identify the cocurrent flow of gas bubbles and liquid slugs through a capillary. A model was developed to analyze mass transfer between bubbles and liquid slugs during bubble train flow. This mass transfer model, derived from the equations of transport, is based on the fluid flow profiles and has no adjustable parameters. A comprehensive account of the experiments designed to test the model is presented. The single capillary model was used to analyze mass transfer of a passive saline solution introduced as a pulse signal. Theoretical results were used to determine the concentration vs time distribution of the saline solution inside the capillary channels. These results were compared with experimental residence times determined using a conductimetric technique. Very good agreement between theory and experiments was found for single capillaries. The mass transfer model, however, must be modified to take into account macroscopic flow distribution effects before it can be used for the analysis of mass transfer and chemical reaction inside the monolith froth reactor.
X-ray diffraction of ruby (Al2O3:Cr3+) to 175 GPa

Abstract Compression data for ruby (Al2O3, ≈ 0.05% Cr+3) have been obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray scattering in a diamond-anvil cell to 175 GPa (1.75 Mbar) at room temperature. Ruby does not undergo any reconstructive structural transition to at least 175 GPa at room temperature, although there is comparatively large uncertainty in pressure due to the weakening and broadening of R1–R2 luminescence under nonhydrostatic compression. The unit-cell volume measured at the highest pressure (where V/V0 = 0.71) is consistent with the predictions of a Birch-Murnaghan equation of state with parameters obtained from low-pressure ultrasonic and single-crystal compression measurements (K0 ≅ 254 GPa, K'0 ≅ 4.3). Within error, the c/a ratio remains approximately constant indicating that the compression mechanism in Al2O3:Cr+3 is not strongly anistropic. Very close agreement is obtained with a first-principles calculation of the corundum equation of state at the highest pressure of the study.
A Portable Lidar Boundary-Layer Wind Profiling System

Abstract A rugged portable laser-ranging pilot balloon tracking system was developed to measure wind profiles in the boundary layer. The portable laser-ranging system provides digital output and can be operated by one relatively unskilled person. Additional personnel may be needed to launch the pilot balloons. Wind speeds were measured at 50-m intervals with an accuracy of 0.25 m s−1. Under clear sky conditions, the nominal range of the system is 3000 m.
The Early Socialization of Aggressive Victims of Bullying

This study reports the first prospective investigation of the early family experiences of boys who later emerged as both aggressive and bullied (i.e., aggressive victims) during their middle childhood years. It was hypothesized that a history of violent victimization by adults leads to emotion dysregulation that results in a dual pattern of aggressive behavior and victimization by peers. Interviews with mothers of 198 5-year-old boys assessed preschool home environments. Four to 5 years later, aggressive behavior and peer victimization were assessed in the school classroom. The early experiences of 16 aggressive victims were contrasted with those of 21 passive (nonaggressive) victims, 33 nonvictimized aggressors, and 128 normative boys. Analyses indicated that the aggressive victim group had experienced more punitive, hostile, and abusive family treatment than the other groups. In contrast, the nonvictimized aggressive group had a history of greater exposure to adult aggression and conflict, but not victimization by adults, than did the normative group, whereas the passive victim group did not differ from the normative group on any home environment variable.
Fatty acids in insects: Composition, metabolism, and biological significance

The composition, metabolism, and significance of fatty acids in insect biology are addressed. Fatty acids enter a number of metabolic pathways not directly related to energy storage and production; the unifying theme is that the fatty acids are not only structurally altered in these pathways, but that the alterations carry them from one area of biological significance into another. This theme is developed by offering a perspective on fatty acids in insects and then reviewing three major areas: 1) fatty acid composition, 2) biosynthesis of fatty acids (including polyunsaturated fatty acids and characteristics of certain biosynthetic enzymes), and 3) the biological significance of fatty acids. This last section includes discussions of the biochemistry of waxes, pheromones, and prostaglandins and the roles of fatty acids as components of defensive secretions. Little is known at the biochemical level about the regulation of fatty acid metabolism, and it is suggested that work in this area represents another frontier in insect biochemistry.
RETAIL MARKETING IN THE USA, 1976

Maintaining stock levels at an uneconomic point, an absence of merchandising skills at top management, using EDP without proper planning — all these are defects which Dr. Ellsworth sees at management level in his review of the performance of the American retail sector last year. He does not see much improvement in prospect this year.
Public Sector Information Technology Initiatives: Implications for Programs of Public Administration

On the 10th anniversary of the recommendations published by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) on information system instruction in schools and depart...
Finite‐element matrices for loss calculation in quasi‐tem analysis of microwave transmission lines

Finite-element matrices for loss calculation of a dominant quasi-TEM mode propagating along a uniform transmission line are given. These matrices refer to Nth-order polynomial expansions of the field and are independent of the shape of the triangular element. The dielectric and conductor losses are calculated using a perturbational approach.
National Human Resource Development: What in the World Is It?

The problem and the solution. Recent exploratory research has affirmed the variations in understanding of the meaning of human resource development (HRD) from country to country based on a number o...
Combined oral and topical mesalazine treatment for extensive ulcerative colitis

Background A 32-year-old white Jewish woman was referred to our clinic in October 2002 for a second opinion on the management of her active extensive ulcerative colitis that did not respond to oral mesalazine (mesalamine) 3.6 g/day. The severity of symptoms had affected her plans to have children. Investigations Laboratory investigations, including perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, stool cultures, and sigmoidoscopy to 40 cm from the rectum, with biopsies. Diagnosis Moderate-to-severe active extensive ulcerative colitis, unresponsive to mesalazine at 3.6 g/day. Management Oral mesalazine 4.8 g/day and 4 g mesalazine enemas nightly.
Choquet simplexes in finite dimension — A survey

This survey covers various geometric results related to Choquet simplexes in the Euclidean space Ed; it describes the known properties of Choquet simplexes and marks still open problems.
The dynamics of corporate debt management

During the last two decades wide attention has been given in the literature to the problem of "optimal capital structure" of a firm, that is, to the ratio of its debt to its equity. While it appears that two major theories have evolved, neither of the two has been fully accepted or rejected. On the other hand, they both seem to agree that a "target" capital structure exists to which the firm tends to adjust over time. Starting from this point, a less broad but nevertheless important problem deserves full attention: given the capital structure of the firm which is the "target" debt/equity ratio, what should be the proportion of short term to long term debt? Specifically, if the debt/equity ratio is a measurement of the so-called financial risk, how can this risk be controlled over a given planning horizon by a combination of different maturity debt issues? Or is it not true then that the age composition of debt provides a new dimension of financial risk? The goal of this study is two-fold:
Particle Production at Large Angles by 30- and 33-Bev Protons Incident on Aluminum and Beryllium

A mass analysis has been made of the relatively low momentum particles emitted from Al and Be targets when struck by 30- and 33-Bev protons. Measurements were made at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 13\textonequarter{}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to the direction of the Brookhaven AGS proton beam. Magnetic deflection and time-of-flight technique were used to determine the mass of the particles.
A new look at deep-sea video

Abstract A deep-towed photographic system with completely self-contained recording instrumentation and power can obtain color-video and still-photographic transects along rough terrane without need for a long electrically conducting cable. Both the video- and still-camera systems utilize relatively inexpensive and proven off-the-shelf hardware adapted for deep-water environments. The small instrument frame makes the towed sled an ideal photographic tool for use on ship or small-boat operations. The system includes a temperature probe and altimeter that relay data acoustically from the sled to the surface ship. This relay enables the operator to monitor simultaneously water temperature and the precise height off the bottom.
Rheumatic manifestations of cocaine use.

Purpose of reviewCocaine use is associated with several rheumatic syndromes. This review summarizes these clinical manifestations and highlights recent developments linked to levamisole-adulterated cocaine.Recent findingsCocaine use has been linked to several distinctive syndromes that can be diffic
Study of TI64 Vibration Laser Metal Deposition Process

This paper presents the usage of vibration in laser direct deposition of Ti64. The vibration is used to refine the crystalline structure of the deposition. The vibration device vibrates in the laser deposition system along the Z axis. A design of experiments approach is applied in studying the effect of vibration on the deposited material. Vibration during deposition led to grain refinement and an increase in microhardness over that of samples from no-vibration. Also, vibration frequency is a significant factor. From the experiment results, it is found that a vibration frequency greater than 20Hz is desirable.
Las normas fundamentales del trabajo durante la Administración de George W. Bush

Fuera de la Organizacion Internacional del Trabajo, los Estados Unidos se valen sobre todo de dos medios para promover el cumplimiento internacional de las normas del trabajo: los tratados comerciales, sean bilaterales o regionales, y la «diplomacia laboral». En un analisis de lo ocurrido en este ambito entre 2001 y 2008, el autor sostiene que la Administracion de G.W. Bush ha debilitado la capacidad de los Estados Unidos para fomentar las normas fundamentales del trabajo. Aunque el pais suscribio en ese periodo mas tratados de libre comercio que nunca, las clausulas laborales de los mismos carecen de mecanismos de seguimiento y fiscalizacion verdaderamente eficaces; ello parece indicar que responden mas a los objetivos generales de la politica exterior que a la defensa de los derechos de los trabajadores. Ademas, la labor del Consejo Consultivo en Diplomacia Laboral acabo siendo suspendida.
Continuum limit of QED2 on a lattice

Abstract A path integral is defined for the vacuum expectation values of Euclidean QED2 on a periodic lattice. Wilson's expression is used for the coupling between fermion and gauge fields. The action for the gauge field by itself is assumed to be a quadratic in place of Wilson's periodic action. The integral over the fermion field is carried out explicitly to obtain a Matthews-Salam formula for vacuum expectation values. For a combination of gauge and fermion fields G on a lattice with spacing proportional to N−1, NϵZ+, the Matthews-Salam formula for the vacuum expectation 〈G〉N has the form ( G )N=∫dnu;WN( G ,f), where dμ is an N-independent measure on a random electromagnetic field ƒ and W N (G, ƒ) is an N-dependent function of ƒ determined by G . For a class of G we prove that as N → ∞, W N (C, ƒ) has a limit W(G, ƒ) except possibly for a set of ƒ of measure zero. In subsequent articles it will be shown that ∫dnu;WN( G ,f) exists and limN→∞∫dnu;WN( G ,f).
Urodynamic and immunohistochemical evaluation of intravesical capsaicin delivery using thermosensitive hydrogel and liposomes.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Aqueous insolubility of the vanilloids such as capsaicin is a major disincentive in their intravesical therapy of detrusor hyperreflexia. We sought to overcome the delivery of this hydrophobic neurotoxin by entrapping it in a lipid bilayer of positively charged multilamellar lipid vesicles (liposomes) or in a hydrophobic polymer matrix of thermosensitive hydrogel.Materials and Methods: Liposomes, hydrogel and 30% ethanol/normal saline were prepared with or without 1 mM capsaicin (0.5 ml) and administered intravesically for 30 minutes to 7 groups of age matched, normal female adult Sprague-Dawley rats under halothane anesthesia. At 48 hours after intravesical instillation cystometric studies were performed using urethane anesthesia (0.04 ml per minute). The animals were subsequently sacrificed and whole bladders were harvested for histology and immunohistochemistry.Results: In normal urethane anaesthetized rats capsaicin in 30% ethanol and liposomes completely blocked micturition reflexes....
p38 and Activating Transcription Factor-2 Involvement in Osteoblast Osmotic Response to Elevated Extracellular Glucose

Poorly controlled or untreated type I diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia and is associated with decreased bone mass and osteoporosis. We have demonstrated that osteoblasts are sensitive to hyperglycemia-associated osmotic stress and respond to elevated extracellular glucose or mannitol by increasing c-jun and collagen I expression. To determine whether MAPKs are involved in this response, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were treated with 16.5 mm glucose, mannitol, or contrast dye for 1 h. Immunoblotting of phosphorylated p38 demonstrated activation of p38 MAPK by hyperosmotic stress in vitro and in vivo. Activation peaked at 20 min, remained detectable after 24 h, and was protein kinase C-independent. Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) activation followed the same pattern as phospho-p38. Transactivation of cAMP response element (CRE)- and c-jun promoter (containing a CRE-like element)-reporter constructs increased following hyperosmotic treatment. SB 203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) blocked ATF-2 phosphorylation, CRE transactivation, and c-jun promoter activation. Hyperosmotic activation of collagen I promoter activity was also inhibited by SB 203580, consistent with the involvement of c-jun in collagen I up-regulation. Therefore, we propose that hyperglycemia-induced increases in p38 MAPK activity and ATF-2 phosphorylation contribute to CRE activation and modulation of c-jun and collagen I expression in osteoblasts.
Hearing and the neural detection of acoustic patterns.

The neurophysiology of perception is discussed in terms of hearing and its role in adaptive behavior. The complexity which characterizes sounds of biological significance is contrasted with the emphasis on simple stimuli in the historical development of hearing theories and auditory neurophysiology. The auditory pathway is compared with the visual pathway for the purpose of deriving relationships between its information-processing task and its neurophysiological organization. Two concepts of the acoustic message are contrasted in relation to the question of how sound inputs are able to influence behavior.
Activin and bone morphogenetic proteins induce calcitonin gene-related peptide in embryonic sensory neurons in vitro.

Abstract The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expressed by one-third of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons mediates pain sensation and vasodilation. The developmental regulation of CGRP is poorly understood, but may involve target-derived factors from skin or viscera. Few embryonic DRG neurons in defined culture express CGRP, indicating inductive signals are required. Follistatin blocked CGRP expression induced by serum or skin-conditioned medium, implicating transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family members. Activin or bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2, 4, or 6 stimulated CGRP expression in 60% of DRG neurons. Brief BMP4 application supported maximal CGRP induction, suggesting that BMP4 is a “switch” rather than a continuous modulator of neuropeptide phenotype. DRG expressed corresponding receptor subunits and exhibited Smad1 transcription factor nuclear translocation following BMP stimulation. BMP mRNAs were present in embryonic targets innervated by CGRP-expressing neurons. Thus, specific TGFβ family members are candidate regulators of CGRP expression in sensory neurons.
ELEVATED CREATININE PHOSPHOKINASE-MYOCARDIAL BOUND FRACTION (CPK-MB) AND PAPILLARY MUSCLE INFARCTION IN STRESSED NEWBORNS SHOWING MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION WITH TRANSIENT TRICUSPID INSUFFIENCY (MD with TTI)

We have reported (Bucciarelli et al., Pediatrics, in press) 14 newborns stressed by acute birth hypoxia (and/or hypoglycemia) who developed congestive heart failure, tricuspid insufficiency, and electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia. Two infants died, each showing tricuspid papillary muscle infarction at autopsy. Subsequently, 13 more stressed newborns, clinically suggesting MD with TTI, have had determinations made of total CPK. Ten had a final clinical diagnosis of MD with TTI. In 9, total CPK was elevated (mean 874 IU/1), in 6 of whom the CPK-MB fraction was elevated to a degree consistent with acute myocardial infarction (mean 185 IU/1). Four of the 10 having MD with TTI died; 2 of these had elevated CPK-MB and papillary muscle infarction; 2 had normal CPK-MB and no infarction at autopsy. Three of the 13 studied had other final diagnosis; (1 with persistent fetal circulation, 2 with congenital heart disease). All had lower mean CPK (107 IU/1) and all had CPK-MB fractions <10 IU/1. We propose that myocardial infarction, particularly of papillary muscle, is part of MD with TTI and is associated with elevation of CPK-MB, and that this enzyme determination may aid differentiation from other cardiopulmonary disease states in the newborn.
Pulsed NMR of monolayer and near-monolayer films of 3He adsorbed on Grafoil at low temperatures

Pulsed NMR measurements at 30 ~IHz of near-monolayer coverages of 3He on Grafoil have been made between 4.2 and 0.I K. The time constants of the free induction decay indicate that below 4.2 K the mobility of 3He in an exact monolayer is smaller than that at lower coverages or at coverages above one monolayer, in agreement with the results found by Hegde and Daunt, by Cowan and co-workers, and by Roltefson. Furthermore, in spite of rf heating �9 �9 3 ~ �9 of the sample, we were able to conclude that the moblhty of He in nearmonoIayers films decreases as the temperature is decreased below 4.2 K. At 4 K and 30 MHz our measurements give T1 = 1 +0.3 sec for coverages between 0.6 and 1.35 monolayers. This is in agreement with previous work.
Gastric bypass patients’ goal-strategy-monitoring networks for long-term dietary management

Following gastric bypass surgery, patients must make dramatic dietary changes, but little is known about patients' perspectives on long-term dietary management after this surgery. This grounded theory, qualitative study sought to advance conceptual understanding of food choice by examining how gastric bypass patients constructed personal food systems to guide food and eating behaviors 12 months post-surgery. Two in-depth interviews were conducted with each of 16 adults, purposively sampled from bariatric support groups. Using constant comparative analysis of verbatim interview transcripts, researchers identified participants' goal-strategy-monitoring networks representing how participants used specific food and eating behaviors towards their main goals of: Weight Management, Overall Health, Avoiding Negative Reactions to Eating, and Integrating Dietary Changes with Daily Life. Linked to each main goal was a hierarchy of intermediary goals, strategies, and tactics. Participants used monitoring behaviors to assess strategy effectiveness towards goal achievement. Individuals' Weight Management networks were compared to uncover similarities and differences among strategy use and monitoring methods among those who maintained weight loss and those who regained weight. The complex, multilevel goal-strategy-monitoring networks identified illustrate the "work" involved in constructing new personal food systems after surgery, as well as advance understanding of strategies as a component of people's personal food systems. These findings provide researchers and practitioners with insight into the long-term dietary issues that gastric bypass patients face and a potential method for representing how people relate deliberate dietary behaviors to their goals.
Challenges to Radiology From Below, Astride and Afar

A famous quote goes something like this “I am condemned to live in interesting times”. Well, that condemnation applies to all of us because the times certainly are interesting as they are characterized by uncertainty, perhaps even foreboding, too. I am sure when you listen to these words the uncertainty in the economy will still be persisting. I need not go into detail about that. Uncertainty in the political arena will also continue to bedevil us or excite us but it will definitely challenge us. We as a nation must confront compelling domestic issues and try to reestablish or redefine our place in the world. Our once secure position as the global hegemon has now been buffeted by events and by increasingly hostile attitudes towards us from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We also must contend with uncertainty in the United States in the social arena. Our population is changing in its ethnic makeup. Immigration has continued to increase both for people of limited education attainments and for professionals. Moreover, these trends have been accompanied by modification in our collective assumptions of value, in our consumption patterns and in our regard for the importance of preserving the environment. At the same time we are now undergoing profound reassessment in our most highly valued institutions, specifically, the profession of medicine and precisely the specialty of Radiology.
Neural network learning based on stochastic sensitivity analysis

A comprehensive theoretical framework is proposed for the learning of a class of gradient-type neural networks with an additive Gaussian white noise process. The study is based on stochastic sensitivity analysis techniques, and formal expressions are obtained for the stochastic learning laws in terms of the functional derivative sensitivity coefficients. The present method efficiently processes the learning information inherent in the stochastic correlation between the signal and corresponding noise processes without the need for actually computing equations of the back-propagation type. New stochastic implementations of the Hebbian and competitive learning laws are derived to elucidate this theoretical development.
Individual and combined actions of calcium, sodium, and potassium ions on baroreceptors in the rat.

baroreceptors in the rat Individual and combined actions of calcium, sodium, and potassium ions on 1524-4571 Copyright © 1979 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0009-7330. Online ISSN: TX 72514 Circulation Research is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, 1979, 45:757-763 Circulation Research http://circres.ahajournals.org/content/45/6/757.citation located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
Can Identifying and Investigating Fraud Risks Increase Auditors’ Liability?

ABSTRACT: Legal scholars and accounting practitioners have expressed concern that the U.S. legal system might, in cases of undetected fraud, effectively penalize auditors for identifying and investigating fraud risks (AICPA 2004; Coffee 2004; Golden et al. 2006). This study draws on counterfactual reasoning theory to provide experimental evidence indicating that this concern is warranted. Consistent with counterfactual reasoning theory, I find that evaluators in a natural (i.e., between-participants) environment are more likely to hold auditors liable for failing to detect fraud when the auditors investigated for the perpetrated fraud, relative to when the auditors did not investigate for the fraud. Findings from a less natural within-participants experiment, however, indicate that the between-participant findings likely were unintentional: That is, the same evaluators, when later asked to judge alternative levels of fraud investigation simultaneously, are less likely to hold auditors liable for failing t...
Minimal cellular automata model of cardiac cells: initiation of reentrant activation from a single stimulation site

Minimal complexity cellular automata models are used to demonstrate that a structurally based spatial dispersion of refractory properties is unnecessary for initiating and maintaining reentrant activity in cardiac tissue. Rather, a spatial distribution of refractory properties can be generated functionally by the propagation of an excitatory wavefront. The resultant distribution of refractory states can be exploited to produce arrhythmic events by using a spatially separate stimulation site. Most importantly, using a two-dimensional model with anisotropic conduction and asymmetric stimulus-response latency, self-sustaining reentry can be generated from a single site. >
the transformation of agrarian patron‐client relations: illustrations from India

A multipurpose patron-client system vertically integrates people of disparate status, wealth, and power within an autonomous local polity and subsistence economy. It is well documented that the demise of this system is associated with the penetration of national and state institutions such as competitive politics and a commercial economy. The problem remains, however, of explaining why a multipurpose patron-client system is incompatible with these new circumstances. The necessity of the demise of such a form and its replacement with some other form are explained in this paper in terms of the changing properties and attendant shifts in substantive logic, rationale, and imperatives of the politicoeconomic system on which the patron-client system is based.
k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) for contrast manipulation in projection reconstruction MRI.

A novel technique for manipulating contrast in projection reconstruction MRI is described. The method takes advantage of the fact that the central region of k-space is oversampled, allowing one to choose different filters to enhance or reduce the amount that each view contributes to the central region, which dominates image contrast. The technique is implemented into a fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence, and it is shown that multiple T2-weighted images can be reconstructed from a single image data set. These images are shown to be nearly identical to those acquired with the Cartesian-sampled FSE sequence at different effective echo times. Further, it is demonstrated that T2 maps can be generated from a single image data set. This technique also has the potential to be useful in dynamic contrast enhancement studies, capable of yielding a series of images at a significantly higher effective temporal resolution than what is currently possible with other methods, without sacrificing spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 44:825–832, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How to position for the gastroenterology fellowship of your choice: The program director perspective

With fellowship match deadlines rapidly approaching, trainees around the country ask the question “What do program directors look for in applicants for GI fellowship?” There is not a simple “onesize-fits-all” answer. However, after reflecting on several
Assessment of Contaminant Retention in Constructed Wetland Sediments

The A-01 wetland treatment system (WTS) was designed to remove metals from an industrial effluent at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC. Sequential extraction data were used to evaluate remobilization and retention of Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Fe in the wetland sediment. Remobilization of metals was determined by the Potentially Mobile Fraction (PMF) and metal retention by the Recalcitrant Factor (RF). The PMF, which includes water soluble, exchangeable, and amorphous oxides fractions, is the contaminant fraction that has the potential to enter into the mobile aqueous phase under fluctuating environmental conditions. PMF values were low for Cu, Zn, and Pb (13-27 %) and high for Fe and Mn (62-70 %). The RF, which includes crystalline oxides, sulfides or silicates and aluminosilicates, is the ratio of strongly bound fractions to the total concentration of elements in sediment. RF values ranged from 73-87 % for Cu, Zn, and Pb, indicating high retention in the sediment and from 30-38 % for Fe and Mn, indicating low retention. Contaminant retention, which is determined by solid phase metal speciation, determines the potential mobility and bioavailability of captured metals in wetland sediments; hence, their likelihood of being released if chemical, physical, or biological conditions within the wetland change.
N : P stoichiometry and ontogeny of crustacean zooplankton: A test of the growth rate hypothesis

Recent studies have hypothesized that differences in elemental composition of zooplankton (N : P ratio) are related to differences in specific growth rate, as increased growth rate requires greater ribosomal RNA, which should result in increased %P and decreased N : P. This hypothesis was tested interspecifically using zooplankton taxa with different specific growth rates and intraspecifically using different ontogenetic stages within single species. Among all five species, growth rate was positively correlated with %N and %P and negatively correlated with N : P. However, %N increased only from ∼8% to ∼9% while %P varied fourfold across the observed range of growth rates, indicating that changes in %P drive the negative relationship between growth rate and N : P. Intraspecific comparisons showed that growth rate was positively related to %P and negatively related to N : P for Daphnia lumholtzi, but growth rate was unrelated to %P and N : P for D. magna and D. obtusa. Mean %P, %N, and N : P differed significantly among Daphnia spp. and among populations of Scapholebris mucronata and Bosmina longirostris. These data strongly support the growth rate hypothesis as an explanation for differences in body N : P in zooplankton and indicate that the biological stoichiometry of a rapid growth rate life-history is phosphorus intensive.
Mesh-free Galerkin simulations of dynamic shear band propagation and failure mode transition

A mesh-free Galerkin simulation of dynamic shear band propagation in an impact-loaded pre-notched plate is carried out in both two and three dimensions.The related experimental work was initially reported by Kalthoff and Winkler (1987), and later re-examined by Zhou et al.(1996a,b), and others. The main contributions of this numerical simulation are as follows: (1) The ductile-to-brittle failure mode transition is observed in numerical simulations for the first time; (2) the experimentally observed dynamic shear band, whose character changes with an increase of impact velocity, propagating along curved paths is replicated; (3) the simulation is able to capture the details of the adiabatic shear band to a point where the periodic temperature profile inside shear band at lm scale can clearly be seen; (4) an intense, high strain rate region is observed in front of the shear band tip, which, we believe, is caused by wave trapping at the shear band tip; it in turn causes damage and stress collapse inside the shear band and provides a key link for self-sustained instability. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.All rights reserved.