cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total body potassium and serum potassium among eating disorder patients

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine body composition, including total body potassium (TBK+), serum potassium, and lean body mass (LBM), in anorexia nervosa. Method: TBK+ measurements, serum potassium levels, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from four anorectic patients in the first week after their hospital admission. All four patients had normal serum potassium levels but three of the four had significant depletion of total body potassium. Two methods of calculating LBM, based on TBK+ measures or anthropometric assessment, produced different results. Results: TBK+ may be depleted even when serum potassium levels are normal. It was also concluded that the two methods of calculating LBM were inaccurate. Discussion: Patients may be at risk for cardiac arrhythmias and other physiological abnormalities even when serum potassium is normal since TBK+ may be low. The need for comprehensive assessment of body composition based on four compartment models is discussed. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multiple afferent innervation of primate facial hairs — Henry Head and Max Von Frey revisited

Large guard hairs as well as small vellus hairs are multiple innervated having lanceolate terminals of variable number. Ruffini corpuscles consisting of fine axonal ramifications are arranged circularly and located external to the lanceolate terminals. Free nerve endings (FNE's) can also be identified on some hairs distinct from Ruffini terminals. Ruffini terminals and FNE's are usually innervated by axons from the superficial dermal nerve net whereas lanceolate terminals are innervated by axons from the deeper portions of the dermal nerve net. All guard hairs have both types of terminals (lanceolate and Ruffini) confirming Hoggan and Hoggan49, Retzius92 and Symonowicz105, and most guard hairs have presumptive FNE's. Many vellus hairs have only small Ruffini endings or FNE's. The diameter of axons supplying Ruffini terminals is 1–2 μm and those to lanceolate terminals is 2–4 μm. Axons innervating lanceolate and Ruffini terminals branch rarely as correlated with small punctate receptive fields. FNE's branch widely and are correlated with large receptive fields of known nociceptors. The multiplicity of anatomically defined terminals is consistent with the known diversity of physiologically defined hair mechanoreceptive afferents as well as perceptual complexity of human hairy skin. The concept of multiple innervation of hairs confirms Head's prediction47 and could provide the anatomical basis of Head's basic thesis of altered sensibilities in nerve regeneration (i.e. epicritic and protopathic responses). Head's concept of two separate nervous systems, however, is an over-simplification in the light of current knowledge.
Penetration of shearing and nonshearing pins into dentin

An in vitro study was made of the penetration into human dentin of the shearing and nonshearing portions of TMS Minim two-in-one pins when placed manually and mechanically. It was found that the penetration of the first (shearing) portion of the pin was unaffected by the placement method. In contrast, the second (nonshearing) pin always penetrated further than the shearing pin. Mechanical placement resulted in better seating.
Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among healthy infants and young children in Sacramento, California

This cross-sectional study assessed vitamin D status of healthy infants and young children undergoing routine care in a medical center pediatric clinic in Sacramento, CA, and evaluated associations of status with markers of vitamin D function. Such data have not recently been reported from similar locations with sunny climates that should minimize risk of deficiency. Exposures included diet, supplement use, and sun exposure, and outcomes included plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and eight markers of immune activation. The median age of the 173 subjects was 12 months (range, 6–19); 49% were female. The median 25(OH)D was 85 nmol/l (range, 9–198); five subjects (2.9%) had <27.5 nmol/l, indicative of deficiency; 14 (8.1%) had <50 nmol/l, and 49 (28.3%) had <75 nmol/l. Most subjects (154; 89%) received some vitamin-D-fortified cow’s milk or formula while 19 (11%) received breast milk as the only milk source. Breastfeeding was associated with risk of vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Subjects with 25(OH)D <27.5 nmol/l had elevated PTH (p = 0.007). Only four of 35 breastfed infants (11%) consuming <500 ml/day vitamin-D-fortified formula or milk received vitamin D supplements. Plasma interleukin (IL)-1β was significantly higher (p = 0.036) in infants in the highest vs. lowest 25(OH)D decile. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency with elevated PTH remains a risk for breastfed subjects not receiving supplemental vitamin D even in a region with a sunny, temperate climate. Strategies to improve supplementation should be sought.
Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis in a man with an interstitial deletion of chromosome arm 5q.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited colon cancer syndrome caused by mutations in the APC gene on chromosome region 5q21. Patients typically present with several hundred to several thousand polyps throughout the colon. Benign and malignant extracolonic manifestations are often present. Attenuated FAP (AFAP) is a recognized variant of FAP in which patients present with fewer than 100 polyps and appear to have a delayed onset of the clinical manifestations of FAP. Mutations in specific regions of the APC gene are associated with AFAP. A full deletion of the APC gene region has previously been thought to be associated with typical FAP. We now report on a 39-year-old man with a cytogenetically visible interstitial 5q deletion. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis with two cosmid probes specific for the 5' and 3' ends of the gene indicated that the entire APC locus is deleted. The number of polyps (50-60) seen in this patient was consistent with AFAP, as was the absence of multiple congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE). This is the first reported case of AFAP associated with a germline deletion of the entire APC gene.
The problem of future knowledge

The paper argues that future knowledge will in substantial measure be inscrutable for us today, with the principal exception of facts about the past. The paper considers the reasons for this circumstance and examines its wider implications for the condition of human knowledge.
Ecological Characteristics of Aristida Longiseta and Agropyron Spicatum in West‐Central Idaho

Germination requirements, root development, phenology, and the effects of moisture—saturated soils were studied in Aristida longiseta and Agropyron spicatum. Agropyron germinated well at temperatures of 20°—22°C, but Aristida showed little response until temperatures were increased to 40°C. Prior stratification at 0°C had no appreciable effect on germination of either species. Rapid primary root elongation enabled Aristida to establish itself in droughty habitats, but saturated soils strongly inhibited its growth. In the field A. longiseta starts growth late in the spring, develops at a rapid rate, and flowers 10 days later than A. spicatum. The seed of Aristida matures slowly and is shed in September. Fall regrowth, which occurs normally in A. spicatum, is rare in A. longiseta. The hypothesis is developed that excessive grazing has so reduced the abundance of A. spicatum that A. longiseta has been able to replace it and form long—lived communities.
Prediction of trabecular bone principal structural orientation using quantitative ultrasound scanning

Bone has the ability to adapt its structure in response to the mechanical environment as defined as Wolff's Law. The alignment of trabecular structure is intended to adapt to the particular mechanical milieu applied to it. Due to the absence of normal mechanical loading, it will be extremely important to assess the anisotropic deterioration of bone during the extreme conditions, i.e., long term space mission and disease orientated disuse, to predict risk of fractures. The propagation of ultrasound wave in trabecular bone is substantially influenced by the anisotropy of the trabecular structure. Previous studies have shown that both ultrasound velocity and amplitude is dependent on the incident angle of the ultrasound signal into the bone sample. In this work, seven bovine trabecular bone balls were used for rotational ultrasound measurement around three anatomical axes to elucidate the ability of ultrasound to identify trabecular orientation. Both ultrasound attenuation (ATT) and fast wave velocity (UV) were used to calculate the principal orientation of the trabecular bone. By comparing to the mean intercept length (MIL) tensor obtained from μCT, the angle difference of the prediction by UV was 4.45°, while it resulted in 11.67° angle difference between direction predicted by μCT and the prediction by ATT. This result demonstrates the ability of ultrasound as a non-invasive measurement tool for the principal structural orientation of the trabecular bone.
Illusions of Accountability Credit and Blame Sensemaking in Public Administration

Accountability is normally taken for granted as a critical element of democratic public administration. However, the emphasis on individual credit and blame constructs illusions of understanding an...
Real-time design feedback: coupling performance-knowledge with design iteration for decision-making

Many commercial environmental analysis tools support the evaluation of a building model based on parameters assigned in the design process. However interoperability issues between different data exchange formats hinder the iteration between design and analysis. Because the engineering calculations involved in analysis and evaluation are not integrated with architectural design parameters, evaluation takes place after the design is already defined, and analysis in real-time is not possible. In this project we integrate architectural design and engineering constraints to support design evolution and decision making by using a set of performance objectives. We propose a framework for coupling performance knowledge with generative synthesis to address multidisciplinary design challenges in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. We develop a tool to support design evaluation based on performance criteria: energy consumption, comfort, and cost. Results show real-time information exchange as links between architectural geometry and engineering parameters. The outcomes of this research describe workflows and methods to evaluate alternative design proposals at early stages in real time.
Genetic manipulation of palmitoylethanolamide production and inactivation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Lipids can act as signaling molecules, activating intracellular and membrane-associated receptors to regulate physiological functions. To understand how a newly discovered signaling lipid functions, it is necessary to identify and characterize the enzymes involved in their production and inactivation. The signaling lipid N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is known to activate intracellular and membrane-associated receptors and regulate physiological functions, but little is known about the enzymes involved in its production and inactivation.
Joule‐Thomson effects in gas mixtures: The nitrogen‐methane‐ethane system

Pressure-temperature data were obtained along isenthalps for nitrogen, methane, and three ternary nitrogen-methane-ethane mixtures. These data were differentiated to obtain Joule-Thomson coefficients over the temperature range from ambient to 200°K. and at pressures from 165 atm. to about 5 atm. Data for nitrogen was obtained down to 140°K. The resulting Joule-Thomson coefficients were compared with predictions based on the Beattie-Bridgeman and Benedict-Webb-Rubin equations of state and on the virial equation of state truncated after the third virial coefficient. These comparisons show that the Benedict-Webb-Rubin equation could predict the data with a deviation averaging 1.7%. The Beattie-Bridgeman predictions were highly dependent upon the mixture rules used, with the best set of mixture rules giving an absolute average deviation of 4.8%. Predictions using the virial equation with virial constants obtained from the Lennard-Jones potential energy function using a geometric mean minimum potential energy deviated from the experimental data by 5%. In all of these comparisons, the virial coefficients of ethane appear to be in greatest uncertainty, and the predictions of mixture data high in ethane least satisfactory. Thus it appears that improved data on the pure components, particularly ethane, are vital to any satisfactory evaluation of mixture properties.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Steady and Modulated Transverse Jets at Low Blowing Ratios

The effects of jet flow pulsation were investigated in the case of a fully modulated vertical jet in crossflow over a flat plate using Mie scattering visualizations, hotwire anemometry and Large Eddy Simulations (LES). A preliminary steady state study was conducted over a wide range of blowing ratios to provide a baseline comparison to pulsed results in terms of vortical structures and performance. Based on observation of the vortical structures and hotwire signatures, two distinct regimes were identified separated by a transitional region. LES using the dynamic Smagorinsky sub-grid model were carried out to provide additional insights on vortical structures formation mechanisms and their effect on heat transfer results, showing good agreement with the experimental observations and measurements. The influence of the pulsing parameters such as mean, high and low blowing ratios, forcing frequency and duty cycle was explored in terms of jet coverage metrics and spanwise adiabatic effectiveness. Average blowing ratios of 0.250, 0.350 and 0.450, duty cycles of 25, 50 and 70% and forcing frequencies of St∞ = 0.008, 0.016, 0.079, and 0.159 were investigated. While in most of the cases, forced jets show a decrease in average performance compared to steady state configurations, some improvement was found in part of the forcing cycle. Vortical structures formed at the jet onset are consistent with the classification given by previous studies in terms of stroke-ratio and high blowing ratio over an overlapping range of conditions. The dynamics of the vortical structures formed at the pulse rise are highly responsible for the decrease in performance observed under forced conditions.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The Clinical use of a New Nerve Stimulator

SUMMARY The potential uses of a compact, light, battery-operated nerve stimulator are presented. It can be used in the operating room as a clinical device, as a teaching aid and for purposes of investigation. The nerve stimulator is a useful monitor for the continuous control of muscle relaxation during surgical procedures. It provides a reliable and harmless way of titrating the need for skeletal muscle relaxant and gives valuable information on the effects of anesthetic drugs and techniques on abdominal relaxation. It is particularly useful at the end of surgery when inadequate ventilation is present. It allows the rapid and precise differentiation between central and peripheral types of apnea. Finally, it determines the type of neuromuscular block and evaluates the reversal of the block by anticholinesterase agents. The nerve stimulator has a definite place among the standard monitoring equipment of the clinical anesthesiologist. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es wird uber die Anwendungsmoglichkeiten eines tragbaren, leichten, batteriegespeisten Nervstimulators berichtet. Er kann im Operationssaal als klinisches Hilfsmittel, als Lehrbehelf und fur Forschungszwecke verwendet werden. Der Nervstimulator ist ein brauchbares Uberwachungsgerat fur die kontinuerliche Kontrolle der Muskelerschlaffung wahrend operative Eingriffe. Er gestattet die verlassliche und harmlose Titrierung der erforderlichen Mengen von Muskelrelaxantien und gibt wertwolle Informationen uber die Wirkung der Agentien und Techniken der Narkose auf die Bauchdeckenentspannung. Besonders nutzlich ist das Gerat am Ende der Operation beim Vorliegen inadaquater Ventilation. Es gestattet die rasche und genaue Differenzierung zwischen zentraler und peripherer Atemlahmung. Schliesslich kann man damit den Typus des neuromuskularen Blocks bestimmen und die Wirkung der Antidote bewerten. Der Nervstimulator hat einen festen Platz im Armamentarium des klinischen Anaesthesiologen.
THE EFFECT OF NERVE‐FUSION ON THE PATTERNS OF NERVES CONTAINING DEGENERATED FIBRES

(1) Nerves containing degenerated tracts do not have their anatomical pattern much altered by the interposition of surgical neuromata produced by nerve fusion; the empty sheaths do not become refilled. (2) In the neuromata themselves marked distortion of pattern may occur, as in cases where normal nerves have been fused, but this is only a local thing and does not affect the anatomical pattern of the nerves below it. At the same time, such fibres as were not affected by the original lesion may form new central connections. (3) Taken all in all, these experiments give us data which are reconcilable with recognised views on nerve regeneration and chemotaxis. This being so, the evidence is to be regarded as rather unfavourable for justifying nerve anastomosis after lesions in the cord or roots, unless possibly the time-interval between the original lesion and the anastomosis is very short.
Fairness and Physical Layer Capture in Random Access Networks

While physical layer capture has been observed in real implementations of wireless devices which randomly accessing shared channels, fair rate control algorithms based on accurate channel models describing the phenomenon have not been developed. In this paper, using our general physical channel model, we formally present the characteristics of the feasible domain of a general fairness problem and utility fairness under physical layer capture. We show that the allocation domain is not convex and the previous optimization schemes cannot be applied. We further show the objective function for utility fairness is concave on the domain of channel access attempt probability. We clarify that the optimal attempt probability of the node in the log utility fairness is proportional to its interference effect on its neighbors. Based on our analysis, we propose a rate determination algorithm to achieve log-utility fairness for random access networks. Running in a fully distributed manner, our rate control algorithm can reach an assignment close to the optimum, in contrast of the previous algorithms causing node starvation in presence of physical layer capture. The accuracy of our algorithm is verified through simulations and our results indicate the accuracy error for log utility fairness is less than 5% for 97% of the nodes.
Cellular distribution of AMPA receptor subunits and mGlu5 following acute and repeated administration of morphine or methamphetamine.

Ionotropic AMPA receptors (AMPAR) and metabotropic glutamate group I subtype 5 receptors (mGlu5) mediate neuronal and behavioral effects of abused drugs. mGlu5 stimulation increases expression of striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase isoform 61 (STEP61 ) which internalizes AMPARs. We determined the rat brain profile of these proteins using two different classes of abused drugs, opiates, and stimulants. STEP61 levels, and cellular distribution/expression of AMPAR subunits (GluA1, GluA2) and mGlu5, were evaluated via a protein cross-linking assay in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral pallidum (VP) harvested 1 day after acute, or fourteen days after repeated morphine (8 mg/kg) or methamphetamine (1 mg/kg) (treatments producing behavioral sensitization). Acute morphine decreased GluA1 and GluA2 surface expression in mPFC and GluA1 in NAc. Fourteen days after repeated morphine or methamphetamine, mGlu5 surface expression increased in VP. In mPFC, mGlu5 were unaltered; however, after methamphetamine, STEP61 levels decreased and GluA2 surface expression increased. Pre-treatment with a mGlu5-selective negative allosteric modulator, blocked methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and changes in mPFC GluA2 and STEP61 . These data reveal (i) region-specific distinctions in glutamate receptor trafficking between acute and repeated treatments of morphine and methamphetamine, and (ii) that mGlu5 is necessary for methamphetamine-induced alterations in mPFC GluA2 and STEP61 .
Purification and Characterization of Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a DNA-binding protein that activates erythropoietin (Epo) gene transcription in Hep3B cells subjected to hypoxia or cobalt chloride treatment. HIF-1 DNA binding activity is also induced by hypoxia or cobalt in non-Epo-producing cells, suggesting a general role for HIF-1 in hypoxia signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Here we report the biochemical purification of HIF-1 from Epo-producing Hep3B cells and non-Epo-producing HeLa S3 cells. HIF-1 protein was purified 11,250-fold by DEAE ion-exchange and DNA affinity chromatography. Analysis of HIF-1 isolated from a preparative gel shift assay revealed four polypeptides. Peptide mapping of these HIF-1 components demonstrated that 91-, 93-, and 94-kDa polypeptides had similar tryptic maps, whereas the 120-kDa polypeptide had a distinct profile. Glycerol gradient sedimentation analysis suggested that HIF-1 exists predominantly in a heterodimeric form and to a lesser extent as a heterotetramer. Partially purified HIF-1 bound specifically to the wild-type HIF-1 binding site from the EPO enhancer but not to a mutant sequence that lacks hypoxia-inducible enhancer activity. UV cross-linking analysis with purified HIF-1 indicated that both subunits of HIF-1 contact DNA directly. We conclude that in both cobalt chloride-treated HeLa cells and hypoxic Hep3B cells HIF-1 is composed of two different subunits: 120-kDa HIF-1α and 91-94-kDa HIF-1β.
Physiological evidence of an arousal-based motivational bias in the defensive attribution of responsibility.

Abstract Previous research has indicated only indirectly that arousal may serve to mediate the defensive attribution of responsibility to a victim. Results of two experiments presented here, however, provide direct evidence of this relationship. Specifically, female observers' sympathetic autonomic arousal in response to another's apparent sexual victimization was positively associated with their subsequent attribution of responsibility to the victim. Data in the second experiment further demonstrated that the source of this arousal must be correctly perceived, otherwise the need to attribute responsibility in a defensive manner may be diminished.
Online fault testing of reversible logic using dual rail coding

Research in reversible logic is motivated by its application in quantum computing as well as its promise in extremely low power consumption by elimination of power dissipation due to information loss. In this paper we propose a set of novel dual rail reversible logic gates for online testable reversible logic design. Experimental results show that our technique detects 100% of single faults while reducing the area and the number of garbage outputs up to 6.4X and 4.6X, compared to previously proposed techniques, respectively.
Developmental Regulation of the Nuclear Ferritoid-Ferritin Complex of Avian Corneal Epithelial Cells: Roles of Systemic Factors and Thyroxine

Previously we observed that avian corneal epithelial cells protect their DNA from oxidative damage by having the iron-sequestering molecule ferritin - normally cytoplasmic - in a nuclear location. This localization involves a developmentally-regulated ferritin-like protein - ferritoid - that initially serves as the nuclear transporter, and then as a component of a ferritoid-ferritin complex that is half the size of a typical ferritin and binds to DNA. We also observed that developmentally, the synthesis of ferritin and ferritoid are regulated coordinately - with ferritin being predominantly translational and ferritoid transcriptional. In the present study we examined whether the mechanism(s) involved in this regulation reside within the cornea itself, or alternatively involve a systemic factor(s). For this, we explanted embryonic corneas of one age to the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of host embryos of a different age - all prior to the initiation of ferritin synthesis. Consistent with systemic regulation, the explants initiated the synthesis of both ferritin and ferritoid in concert with that of the host. We then examined whether this systemic regulation might involve thyroxine - a hormone with broad developmental effects. Employing corneal organ cultures, we observed that thyroxine initiated the synthesis of both components in a manner similar to that which occurs in vivo (i.e. ferritin was translational and ferritoid transcriptional).
A simple scheme for generating general curvilinear grids

Abstract An intuitively simple approach is presented for the computer generation of two-dimensional curvilinear grids suitable for finite difference solutions of problems in the field of continuum dynamics. An iterative process is employed to transform uniform networks of rectangular zones into more complex configurations. Ease of use and optimal adjustment are stressed, and numerous examples are given.
ACCIDENTS ON SUBURBAN HIGHWAYS--TENNESSEE'S EXPERIENCE

As part of a larger effort to develop guidelines for the design of arterial roads in areas undergoing suburbanization, a safety analysis of median design was undertaken using Tennessee data. The two median designs investigated were continuous two-way left-turn lanes (TWLTLs) and raised medians. All study sections had four basic through-lanes and were located in areas with various degrees of typical suburban commercial development (i.e., strip development). Several statistical techniques (analysis of covariance and multiple regression analysis) were used to determine the relative safety of the two designs. The study limited itself to highways where average daily traffic volumes were less than or equal to 32,500 vehicles per day. For this volume range, the study concluded that medians are generally safer than TWLTLs, but certain conditions exist where TWLTLs would have a more favorable safety experience (high driveway densities and low to medium traffic volumes). Regression analysis revealed that driveway d...
Estimates of flow direction for calc-alkaline welded tuffs and paleomagnetic data reliability from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility measurements: Central San Juan Mountains, southwest Colorado

Abstract Flow directions are estimated from the measurement of the magnetic fabric of 106 samples, collected at 18 sites in four welded tuff units in the central San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado. The estimates assume that the tuffs generally flowed directly away from the extrusive vents and that the lineations of magnetic grains within the tuffs represent the flow direction at individual sites. Errors in the estimation may arise from topographic variation, rheomorphism (post-emplacement mass flow) within the tuff, and other factors. Magnetic lineation is defined as the site mean anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility maximum azimuth. A test on the flow directions for individual units is based on the projection of lineation azimuths and their intersection within or near the known source caldera for the tuff. This test is positive for the four units examined. Paleomagnetic results for these tuffs are probably reliable indicators of the geomagnetic field direction in southwest Colorado, during the time (28.2–26.5 Ma) of emplacement.
The effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the hepatic estrogen and glucocorticoid receptors in congenic strains of Ah responsive and Ah nonresponsive C57BL/6J mice.

The present study examines the role of the Ah receptor in the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the binding capacity of the hepatic glucocorticoid (GC) and estrogen (E) receptors in female congenic C57BL/6J mice differing only at the Ah (aromatic hydrocarbon responsiveness) locus. The Ah locus is thought to encode the Ah receptor, which regulates the effects of TCDD and related compounds on cytochrome P450IA1 and appears to mediate most of the toxic effects of TCDD. The differences between Ah responsive (Ahb/b) and nonresponsive (Ahdd) mice appear to reflect differences in the affinity of the Ah receptor in the two strains for ligands such as TCDD. Administration of a single oral dose of TCDD (30 μg/kg) to Ahb/b mice produced approximately a 30% decrease in the maximum binding capacities of both the hepatic GC and E receptors, as well as a 50-fold induction of a P450IA1-mediated enzymatic activity, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD). Tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activity, which is mediated by the GC receptor, was also decreased ∼30% by TCDD. Dose-response curves indicated that Ah responsive mice are 10-fold more sensitive to induction of EROD than Ah nonresponsive mice (ED50 1.6 vs 15 μg/kg), as would be expected for an effect mediated by the Ah receptor. Dose-response curves also indicated that there was a statistical difference in the responsiveness of the hepatic E receptor to TCDD in the two congenic strains of mice (p < 0.01). Surprisingly, no significant differences in the dose-response curves for the effect of TCDD on hepatic GC receptor binding or TAT activity were observed in the two strains of mice in two separate experiments. These results indicate that the Ah receptor regulates the effects of TCDD on the binding of estrogen to the hepatic estrogen receptor, but suggest that the decrease in the binding capacity of the hepatic GC receptor does not appear to be mediated directly by the Ah locus.
Longevity Ancient and Modern

The article examines illustrations from ancient and modern societies to consider the connections between power, social elites and knowledge of techniques to promote longevity. In pre-modern societies, knowledge of practices and substances to promote longevity were cultivated by elites such as the Chinese imperial court. In modern societies, new technologies—cryonics, cloning, stem-cell applications and nanotechnology—will offer exclusive and expensive methods for prolonging life for the rich. However one important difference between the ancient and modern world is that with secularization longevity is no longer connected with a moral life; longevity is not a reward for sanctity. We have democratized the ambition for long life but not necessarily its realization. The modern quest for longevity appears to be connected with the desire of Baby Boomer generations to hold on to their assets, but while modern medicine may help us to survive forever, it cannot tell us how to live forever.
Internal iliac occlusion without coil embolization during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Purpose: When abdominal aortic aneurysms and common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms undergo concomitant endovascular repair, endograft limb extension into the external iliac artery is often necessary. Usually, the internal iliac artery (IIA) is coil embolized in such a case to prevent endoleak. It has been our practice to coil embolize the IIA only in cases where there is not adequate stent graft seal in the CIA immediately proximal to the IIA origin (effectively sealing the entire IIA origin). In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of this approach. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 204 consecutive endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center from 1996 to 2001. Computed tomographic angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction was the primary preoperative imaging modality, and the decision to cover the IIA without concomitant coil embolization was based before surgery on the presence of adequate graft oversizing (≥10% to 15%) in the most distal 5 mm of CIA and 15 mm of proximal external iliac artery, respectively. Results: The IIA was occluded 33 times in 31 patients. In 22 cases (67%), the IIA was covered without coil embolization (COVER group). The remaining 11 patients (33%) with inadequate graft oversizing in the CIA underwent IIA coil embolization (COIL group). The follow-up periods for the COVER and COIL groups were 19 ± 2 months and 10 ± 3 months, respectively. All operations in both groups were technically successful without evidence of endoleak at completion angiography. No endoleaks, graft migrations, or aneurysm enlargements were associated with the covered or coiled IIAs during the follow-up period. No clinical sequelae were seen in the COVER group, with the exception of buttock claudication in six patients (27%) that resolved completely in five patients. In the COIL group, five patients (45%) had buttock claudication. In addition, one case of buttock necrosis and one case of ischemic neuropathy occurred in the COIL group. Conclusion: Covering the IIA without coiling effectively excluded the CIA aneurysm in every case and was associated with a low incidence rate of complications compared with coil embolization. With detailed preoperative imaging and patient selection, IIA coil embolization may not be necessary in as many as two thirds of patients who need IIA occlusion. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:1138-45.)
Enhancing Object-Oriented Technologies with Semantic Web Technologies

This article presents how we can enhance object-oriented programming languages and object-oriented database technologies with the Semantic Web technologies. The Semantic Web technologies are very powerful, and they provide a fundamental addition to the power of the object-oriented technologies. The article shows how we can enhance the object-oriented data model with large parts of the OWL data model anywhere the object-oriented data model is used. We can use the OWL reasoning and rules in object-oriented programs. We can run SPARQL on any object-oriented data and post object-oriented data directly on the Semantic Web. We can also make object databases into triplestores, which may be a new way of making triplestores. The goals of the project are to make it easier to post object-oriented data on the Semantic Web, so that we can make the Semantic Web larger, and to improve the object-oriented technologies. The principles have been implemented to work with Java programs and Java object databases in the form of a Java library.
Snapin facilitates the synchronization of synaptic vesicle fusion

Summary Synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion is a fine-tuned process requiring a concert of fusion machineries. Using cortical neurons from snapin -deficient mice, we reveal a role for Snapin in facilitating synchronous release. In addition to reduced frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mini-EPSCs) and smaller release-ready vesicle pool (RRP) size, snapin deficiency results in EPSCs with multiple peaks and increased rise and decay times, reflecting "desynchronized" SV fusion. These defects impair both synaptic precision and efficacy during sustained neurotransmission. Transient expression of Snapin not only rescues the slowed kinetics of EPSCs, but also further accelerates the rate found in wild-type neurons. Furthermore, expression of Snapin-C66A, a dimerization-defective mutant with impaired interactions with SNAP-25 and Synaptotagmin, reduces the RRP size but exhibits less effect on synchronized fusion. Our studies provide mechanistic insights into a dual role of Snapin in enhancing the efficacy of SV priming and in fine-tuning synchronous SV fusion.
Comparison of Soil Thickness in a Zero-Order Basin in the Oregon Coast Range Using a Soil Probe and Electrical Resistivity Tomography

AbstractAccurate estimation of the soil thickness distribution in steepland drainage basins is essential for understanding ecosystem and subsurface response to infiltration. One important aspect of this characterization is assessing the heavy and antecedent rainfall conditions that lead to shallow landsliding. In this paper, we investigate the direct current (DC) resistivity method as a tool for quickly estimating soil thickness over a steep (33–40°) zero-order basin in the Oregon Coast Range, a landslide prone region. Point measurements throughout the basin showed bedrock depths between 0.55 and 3.2 m. Resistivity of soil and bedrock samples collected from the site was measured for degrees of saturation between 40 and 92%. Resistivity of the soil was typically higher than that of the bedrock for degrees of saturation lower than 70%. Results from the laboratory measurements and point-depth measurements were used in a numerical model to evaluate the resistivity contrast at the soil-bedrock interface. A dec...
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN BANGLADESH: AN ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTIONS OF PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS

Bangladesh achieved its independence in 1971. Since that time, the country has gone through several major policy changes regarding the ownership and control of industries with a view to promoting economic growth. One of the strategies the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) followed to accelerate economic growth was to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country. Immediately after the independence, the Government obtained control of a large number of industries abandoned by non‐Bangladeshi owners. Through the Nationalization Order of 1972, all key industries including jute, cotton textiles and sugar were vested upon the public sector. The wholesale nationalization of industries resulted in a low growth of the economy. The Gross National Product (GNP) per capita of the country grew at an average annual rate of 0.4 per cent until 1985 compared to 3.8 per cent for the group of “low income countries” (The World Development Report, 1989). The low growth performance of the economy put pressures on GOB to privatise major industries and to undertake economic reforms. As Karim (1996) mentions, external pressure from donors had a significant impact on the Government's investment policy. As a result, the GOB has taken a number of measures to attract FDI including the establishment of the Board of Investment (BOI) and wide publicity in foreign countries. Many believe that GOB has maintained an over‐valued exchange rate in order to attract FDI. These policy changes, along with other traditional factors (such as financial, political, regulatory and tax risks) have significant impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.
Stability of explicit advection schemes. The balance point location rule

We introduce the balance point location rule, providing specific necessary and sufficient conditions for constructing unconditionally stable explicit advection schemes, in both semi-Lagrangian and flux-form Eulerian formulations. The rule determines how the spatial stencil is placed on the computational grid. It requires the balance point (the center of the stencil in index space) to be located in the same patch as the departure point tier semi-Lagrangian schemes or the same cell as the sweep point for Eulerian schemes. Centering the stencil in this way guarantees stability, regardless of the size of the time step. In contrast, the original Courant Friedrichs Lewy (CFL) condition requiring the stencil merely to include the departure (sweep) point, although necessary, is not sufficient for guaranteeing stability. The CFL condition is of limited practical value, whereas the balance point location rule always gives precise and easily implemented prescriptions for constructing stable algorithms. The rule is also helpful in correcting a number of misconceptions that have arisen concerning explicit advection schemes
Cooper-pair-mediated coherence between two normal metals

The separation between two electrons bound in a Cooper pair in a conventional superconductor can extend up to several hundred nanometres. A new study shows that these long-range interactions can reach beyond the confines of a superconductor itself to coherently couple electrons in two normal metals either side of the superconductor.
Surface properties and platelet adhesion characteristics of acrylic acid and allylamine plasma‐treated polyethylene

Acidic oxygen-containing and basic nitrogen-containing functional groups were incorporated onto thin films formed by plasma polymerization of acrylic acid and allylamine in a lowpressure glow discharge. ESCA, ATR–FTIR spectroscopy, and static contact-angle measurements confirmed the presence of these functional groups. Surface hydrophilicity of the acrylic acid plasma polymer decreased with time due to the diffusion of hydrophilic oxygencontaining functional groups away from the surface of the plasma-treated polyethylene. In contrast, the hydrophilicity of the allylamine plasma polymer increased with time because of the extensive post-plasma-treatment oxidation with atmospheric oxygen. In assessing the blood compatibility of these two types of plasma polymer surfaces by platelet adhesion and spreading, the acidic acrylic acid plasma polymers showed an improvement in thromboresistance, but the basic allylamine plasma polymers were more thrombogenic than was the untreated low-density polyethylene base material. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improving Ethanol Life Cycle Energy Efficiency by Direct Combustion of Wet Ethanol in HCCI Engines

Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a relatively new engine technology with fundamental differences over conventional engines. HCCI engines are intrinsically fuel flexible, and can run on low grade fuels, as long as the fuel can be evaporated and heated to the point of ignition. In particular, HCCI engines can run on wet ethanol with high concentration of water. Considering that much of the energy required for processing the ethanol is spent in distillation and dehydration, direct use of wet ethanol in an HCCI engine considerably shifts the energy balance in favor of ethanol. The results of the paper show that an HCCI engine with efficient heat recovery can operate on a 35-65% volumetric mixture of ethanol and water, while achieving a high efficiency (38.7%) and very low NOx (1.6 parts per million, clean enough to meet any existing or oncoming emissions standards). Operation of the HCCI engine with 35% ethanol by volume reduces the energy required for distillation and dehydration from 37% to 3% of the overall energy of ethanol and coproducts. The net energy gain increases considerably, from 21% to 55% of the total energy value of the fuel and coproducts. Wet ethanol combustion in HCCI engines shows great potential for improving the ethanol energy balance, and merits more detailed analysis and experimental evaluation.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Two pathways of progesterone action in the human endometrium: implications for implantation and contraception.

The endometrium is the site of implantation and pregnancy. Preparation for this important biological event relies primarily on progesterone, which takes the estrogen-primed endometrium toward a state of receptivity. As a steroid target tissue, the endometrium is also prone to abnormal growth sometimes leading to the development of hyperplasia or cancer. It is the balance between estrogen and progesterone that maintains the endometrium in a state of health and provides the synchronous timing necessary for a successful implantation to occur. In our efforts to understand the role of progesterone in the endometrium we have focused on the use of specific protein biomarkers. Based on examination of a cell adhesion molecule, the αvβ3 integrin, and its ligand, osteopontin, we have come to conclude that progesterone action can be direct or indirect. Progesterone acting on the stromal compartment provides paracrine mediators that influence epithelial gene expression. Conversely, acting directly, progesterone may primarily stimulate gene expression of the endometrial epithelium. The complexity of the system is extended since progesterone itself works through two different receptor isoforms. Regulated differential expression of PR-A versus PR-B also appears to fine tune the effect of progesterone on specific genes. Progesterone may also inhibit specific genes that undergo cyclic variation during the menstrual cycle. Together, using in vitro models we have shown that progesterone dynamically regulates gene expression in the endometrium and that imbalances between estrogen and progesterone may have far reaching consequences on normal cycle fecundity and on the balance between health and disease in this hormone-target tissue.
Characterization and subcellular distribution of specific thyrotropin-releasing hormone binding sites in rat cerebellum.

The specific binding of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by 30,000g pellet fraction was ubiquitously distributed throughout various rat brain regions including cerebellum. Although the cerebellum had the lowest apparent density of specific TRH binding sites found in any of the brain regions studied, it represented a single class of high afinity receptor (K D=37.73±4.88 nM,B max=156.0±5.7 fmol/mg protein,n=4). Furthermore, the cerebellar synaptic plasma membrane fractions were richly endowed with TRH-binding, two other membrane fractions (light-synaptic plasma membrane and microsomal) exhibited high TRH-binding whereas nuclear, mitochondrial or myelin fractions were devoid of significant binding activity. These data show for the first time the existence of specific TRH-binding in cerebellum, and thus suggest that TRH may modulate cerebellar synaptic functions by acting through a specific high affinity-receptor.
Integrated computer-aided optimal design and finite element analysis of a plain milling cutter

This paper presents the computer-aided integration of solid modelling, optimization, and finite element analysis. Interactive (three-dimensional) solid modelling is used in the development of relatively efficient and fast solutions to the many constraints and/or limitations encountered in the design process. The study also addresses the fatigue analysis using 3D finite element analysis on a workstation. Throughout the study, interactive 3D solid modelling is used in the development of a practical and economical design procedure. The research highlights the interactive and integrated nature of the design tasks. An optimal formulation of an automatic design algorithm is also carried out. The cost minimization objective function along with design constraints and behavior constraints are developed. The optimal design parameters thus obtained are tested for stresses at the tip of the tool and at the fillets. Interactive application of optimization, solid modelling, and finite element techniques produce the acceptable optimal design. The design methodology presented in this paper is general and generic in nature. This has been illustrated through an example of design of a plain milling cutter.
The neural basis of auditory temporal discrimination in girls with fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common genetic disorder in which temporal processing may be impaired. To our knowledge however, no studies have examined the neural basis of temporal discrimination in individuals with FXS using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Ten girls with fragile X syndrome and ten developmental age-matched typically developing controls performed an auditory temporal discrimination task in a 3T scanner. Girls with FXS showed significantly greater brain activation in a left-lateralized network, comprising left medial frontal gyrus, left superior and middle temporal gyrus, left cerebellum, and left brainstem (pons), when compared to a developmental age-matched typically developing group of subjects who had similar in-scanner task performance. There were no regions that showed significantly greater brain activation in the control group compared to individuals with FXS. These data indicate that networks of brain regions involved in auditory temporal processing may be dysfunctional in FXS. In particular, it is possible that girls with FXS employ left hemispheric resources to overcompensate for relative right hemispheric dysfunction.