cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biphasic dose-response curves to arecoline in rat atria-mediation by a single promiscuous receptor or two receptor subtypes?

Arecoline produces a biphasic response in rat left atria, i.e., a depression of basal inotropy at low doses and a positive inotropic effect at higher doses. These present studies were designed to determine whether it can be shown that the two separate responses to arecoline are mediated by two distinct cell surface muscarinic receptors. The antagonists scopolamine, 4-DAMP and AF-DX 116 produced apparent simple competitive antagonism of the negative responses to arecoline. Schild analysis was used to measure the equilibrium dissociation constant of the antagonist-receptor complex for antagonism of this response to arecoline by these antagonists. In atria from rats treated with pertussis toxin, the negative inotropy to arecoline was abolished and only the positive inotropic effects were observed. The antagonism of the positive inotropic response to arecoline by these antagonists was studied separately in atria from rats treated with pertussis toxin by the Schild technique. The pKB estimates made from the Schild regressions indicated no evidence to suggest that the two responses to arecoline (negative and positive inotropy) were mediated by two separate receptors in rat left atria. These data are discussed in terms of a single muscarinic receptor in this tissue mediating these two responses by interaction with two G-proteins in the same cell membrane. These data also are discussed in terms of the use of agonist potency ratios for the classification of receptors.
Determinants of Outcome in Anticoagulation-Associated Cerebral Hematoma Requiring Emergency Evacuation

Objective To analyze the likelihood of recovery and prognostic factors in patients with massive anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage treated with surgical evacuation after reversal of anticoagulation. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Neurological-Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit at Mayo Clinic. Patients Seventeen consecutive patients with large anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage. Intervention Surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage. Main Outcome Measure Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Results Before surgery, all patients had pronounced (>1-cm) shift of the septum pellucidum and one third had clinical signs of uncal herniation. Still, favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score ≤3) was achieved by 11 patients (65%). All patients with good recovery awoke within 36 hours of surgery. Older age ( P = .05) and serious systemic complications after surgery ( P Conclusions Emergency surgery for select deteriorating patients with large anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage is compatible with favorable outcome despite the presence of clinical and radiological signs of herniation before the evacuation. Published online December 11, 2006 (doi:10.1001/archneur.64.2.noc60131).
Photopolymerization Kinetics and Structure Development of Templated Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Systems

The templating of the ordered nanostructures of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC) onto organic polymers has recently been of great interest. This work describes the polymerization and segregation behavior of polar and nonpolar monomers in an LLC environment. Nonpolar monomers partition to the oil-soluble domains of the LLC phase, whereas more polar monomers segregate at the interface of the liquid crystals. The polymerization kinetics in both cases are significantly influenced by the LLC phase morphologies although in different ways. The nonpolar monomers exhibit the fastest polymerization rates in micellar aggregates. This behavior is a result of an increase in the rate of propagation, induced by higher local concentrations of monomer in the micelles as compared to other mesophases. For more polar monomers, the opposite polymerization behavior is observed. The fastest polymerizations for these monomers are observed in the highly ordered lamellar mesophase with the minimum polymerization rate observed in th...
Aminooxyacetic acid: interactions with gamma-aminobutyric acid and the blood-brain barrier.

The hypothesis that the administration of aminooxyacetic acid, a competitive inhibitor of aminobutyrate aminotransferase, might allow γ-aminobutyric acid to cross the blood-brain barrier was tested by analyzing the brains of rats for this compound after intraperitoneal injection of aminooxyacetic acid, or a mixture of both acids, and by observing behavioral and physiological changes in cats after similar drug administrations. The results do not support the postulate that γ-aminobutyric acid enters the brain more readily after administration of aminooxyacetic acid.
2,8-Dihydroxyadeninuria disease

An 80-year-old Caucasian male was evaluated for delayed graft function (DGF) following renal transplantation. His past medical history was significant for end-stage renal disease of unknown etiology, requiring hemodialysis for 3 years, seizure disorder, and multiple episodes of nephrolithiasis >30 years prior. The patient underwent deceased-donor renal transplantation from a 63-year-old male who expired following blunt head injury. The cold ischemic time was 10.5 h. Following transplantation the patient had DGF, was discharged on hemodialysis on post-operative day 9, and was re-admitted on day 17 with shortness of breath, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated troponin levels. Cardiac catheterization revealed two-vessel disease and angioplasty was performed. By postoperative day 25 the patient had discontinued dialysis, although his creatinine level ranged from 3 to 4 mg/dl. Owing to the presence of persistent DGF, allograft biopsy was performed.
Interactions of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (RDX) with Metal−Organic Framework IRMOF-1

In this paper, we report on the interactions of 1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine, or cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), a highly explosive (HE) molecule, with the metal−organic frameworks (MOF) called IRMOF-1. IRMOFs are predicted to act as preconcentrators for explosive molecules or other adsorbates because of their high porosity and selectivity through changeable organic linkers. We choose IRMOF-1 as a benchmark test case for further investigations of MOF−HE interactions. We use the density-functional-theory-based code FIREBALL to estimate physisorption energies for the RDX molecules both in the interior and on surfaces of IRMOF-1 cages. Our calculations show that the RDX molecules interact more strongly with the exterior IRMOF-1 surface than with the interior one, suggesting an important role of steric hindrance inside periodic IRMOF-1 cages. We extended our investigations to molecular-dynamics simulations at room temperature to see if any trapping configurations of RDX molecule result from the configurati...
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and vascular hypertrophy in hypertension

The pathogenesis of hypertension is associated with a remodeling of vascular structure. Folkow has postulated that the decreased luminal area and thickened medial layer in hypertensive vessels enhances the vasoconstrictive response to vasoactive agents. It is hypothesized that this increase in vascular reactivity may serve to perpetuate hypertension. A growing body of evidence suggests that autocrineparacrine vasoactive substances and growth factors modulate vascular structure in hypertension. We speculate that therapeutic interventions that normalize blood pressure as well as reverse the vascular remodeling process may have special clinical value. The role of the paracrine renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in hypertension is discussed in this context.
Cytochemical studies on peroxisomes in rat and guinea pig myocardium

The enzymatic activity and distribution of peroxisomes (microbodies) in rat and guinea pig hearts were studied cytochemically, by means of oxidation of 3-3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and by using B-glycerophosphate and cytidine-5'-monophosphate as substrates. Peroxisomes were localized in proximity to mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum and measured from 0.2 micrometers to 0.5 micrometers in diameter in both animal species. DAB positive bodies were seen both at pH 9.0 and pH 5.0 in rat myocardial cells. However, in guinea pig myocardial cells the reaction was observed only at pH 9.0, or very faintly at pH 5.0. Acid and alkaline phosphatases were not demonstrated in the peroxisomes. Lipid droplets were surrounded by a ring of dense granular reaction product for enzymes, such as acid and alkaline phosphatase, and lipofuscin granules were limited by acid phosphatase or DAB reaction products. The pathophysiological function of peroxisomes is discussed.
Growth termination mechanism of vertically aligned centimeter long carbon nanotube arrays

Abstract The mechanism of abrupt growth termination for growing vertically aligned centimeter long CNT arrays in chemical vapor deposition process was studied. We found that the growth length increases linearly with increasing growth time and the CNT growth terminates abruptly for all the experimental conditions applied. We investigated the change of particle size distribution, particle number density and the catalyst composition on the surface of the substrate with the exposure time and temperature in the reactor. For this study X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were employed. Focused Ion Beam (FIB) was used for preparation of the STEM samples. The experimental results demonstrated that the formed catalyst nanoparticles undergo compositional and morphological changes during the heating step of the substrate, when the temperature of the reactor is rising from ambient to the growth temperature, and during annealing at the set growth temperature. Most of the changes in the catalyst composition and morphology were related to metal diffusion into neighboring substrate layers during heating up to the growth temperature. Based on the results, a new scenario of abrupt termination mechanism for growing centimeter long CNT arrays using an iron–gadolinium binary catalyst was proposed.
Spike voltage topography and equivalent dipole localization in complex partial epilepsy.

The EEG of 45 patients with complex partial epilepsy was recorded from standard and supplementary inferior temporal electrode sites for 2 or more days via cable telemetry onto video (VHS) tape (22–25 channels, common reference). Epochs with "temporal spikes" were read into a topographic EEG device where individual spikes were visually identified and averaged in sums of 8–32. Analysis of spike voltage topography revealed two distinct patterns - dipolar, Type 1 and non-dipolar, Type 2. One or the other spike type predominated in all but two patients. Application of source modeling techniques (3 shells, single dipole, 6 parameters) to the spike topography data revealed that both spike types had similar equivalent dipoles in terms of location and orientation, except for vector elevation. However, calculated dipoles for Type 1 spikes were more stable over the course of the spike peak. Correlations with clinical data and intracranial EEG suggest that Type 1 spikes originate in mesial temporal structures, while Type 2 spikes arise from temporal or frontal neocortex. Spike voltage topography and equivalent dipole localization appear to be useful in the presurgical evaluation of patients with focal epilepsy.
Erythromelalgia: New theories and new therapies

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that has remained an enigma diagnostically and therapeutically for decades. It has been assumed that erythromelalgia, which is characterized by hot, red, intensely painful feet or hands, may be the opposite of Raynaud's phenomenon. However, new research suggests that these two disorders are more similar than dissimilar. Erythromelalgia usually follows a chronic, sometimes progressive and disabling course. New evidence suggests that this may not be a disease entity at all, but a syndrome of dysfunctional vascular dynamics; recent studies demonstrate that this dysfunction is reversible in some patients. This review article presents the latest theories and successful treatments for erythromelalgia, and data from a survey of members of The Erythromelalgia Association, which was formed to provide information about erythromelalgia to doctors and patients.
FT-IR Photothermal Beam Deflection Spectroscopy of Solids Submerged in Liquids

FT-IR photothermal beam deflection (PBD) spectra were recorded of solids submerged in liquid CCl4 and in C2Cl4. Some PBD effects are described. Submerging the sample leads to PBD signals 40 times larger than those found with the sample in air, but the signal-to-noise ratio of FT-IR/PBD spectra is only increased by a factor of ten. Certain aspects of the technique and its utility are discussed.
Two- sided tolerance limits and confidence bounds for normal populations

Let (X1,...,n.) be a random sample from a normal population N(μ, σ2), also let and . The random variable is the coverage of the tolerance interval . (Φ(x) is the CDF of the standard normal variable.) Let E(q) denote the event Using the results of D.B. Owen (1965) on bivariate non-central t - variables, we obtain the exact value of the probability Pr[E(q)] under conditions that are satisfied in practical applications. Numerical algorithm is also suggested to calculate Pr[E(q)]. Applications include finding two-sided tolerance intervals for normal populations and calculating lower confidence bounds for the fraction of products conforming to two-sided specifications.
OSG-TEP-Wechsel nach 34 Jahren Standzeit – ein Fallbericht

Zusammenfassung Fallprasentation eines Patienten mit ausergewohnlich langer Standzeit von 34 Jahren nach zementierter Sprunggelenkstotalendoprothese Typ St. Georg 1973 bei posttraumatischer OSG-Arthrose. Verlaufsdokumentation vor und nach der Revisionsoperation mit einem Prothesenwechsel (STAR-Revisionsendoprothese 2007).
Reference intervals of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, and absolute CD4 values in asian and non-asian populations

A study to determine reference intervals in normal Asian and non-Asian populations for CD3 (T cells), CD4 (T helper/inducer cells), CD8 (T suppressor/cytotoxic cells), and for the CD4/CD8 ratio and absolute CD4 lymphocyte count was performed. Coulter Clone/Cytostat reagents were used. The samples were lysed using the Coulter Q-Prep and analyzed on the Coulter Profile II flow cytometer. The Asian population appeared to have a lower mean percentage of CD3 and CD4 cells, a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, and lower absolute CD4 lymphocytes. These findings indicate that race should be a consideration in determining reference intervals for immunophenotyping for CD3, CD4, and CD8.
Gallbladder Dyskinesia in Pediatric Patients 578

Gallbladder dyskinesia is defined as abnormal contractility of the gallbladder. This motility disorder of the biliary tree has not been extensively studied in the pediatric population. In this report we describe four patients presenting with chronic right upper quadrant abdominal pain who were evaluated with gallbladder emptying scans. Their mean age was 14.2±1.7 (range 11 to 18) years. All four patients were female. Abdominal complaints were prevalent for a mean of 6.3 ± 3.8 weeks. The following symptoms were also reported; nausea and vomiting in 3, epigastric pain in 2 and nocturnal pain in 2 patients. There was no clear correlation between the onset of the abdominal pain and the meals. No patients had pain radiating to the back or subscapular area. All patients had normal liver function tests initially. Evaluations included a normal abdominal ultrasound, upper G.I. series, and abdominal CT scan in all patients. Three patients had a normal upper endoscopy, with one patient demonstrating biopsy confirmed esophagitis. None of the patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori by serology, Clo-test or histology. Delayed gallbladder emptying was demonstrated utilizing cholescintigraphy with Tc99m Choletec. The mean ejection fraction measured in these patients was 12.9 ± 6.7%. Abnormal gallbladder ejection fractions after cholecystokinin were defined as less than 35% excretion. All 4 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Histology demonstrated mild chronic cholecystitis in all 4 patients. The mean follow-up was 13.0 ± 2.9 weeks (range 8 to 20 weeks). Three of the 4 patients have remained asymptomatic. One of the patients had a subsequent sphincterotomy because of persistent pain and elevated biliary pressure.In conclusion, delayed gallbladder emptying identified gallbladder dyskinesia in 4 of 4 children with chronic right upper quadrant pain. Symptoms resolved in 3 of 4 patients after cholecystectomy, while one patient required an endoscopic sphincterotomy. A gallbladder emptying study should be performed in children with right upper quadrant pain and negative routine evaluation.
The 120-kDa soluble ectodomain of type XVII collagen is recognized by autoantibodies in patients with pemphigoid and linear IgA dermatosis.

Background Type XVII collagen promotes adhesion of basal keratinocytes to epidermal basement membrane, and is the target of disease in patients with certain inherited or acquired blistering diseases. Two forms of type XVII collagen are produced by cultured human keratinocytes: a 180-kDa full-length, transmembrane protein, and a recently identified 120-kDa soluble fragment that corresponds to its collagenous ectodomain, Objectives We aimed to determine the incidence and pattern of reactivity of autoantibodies against the 180- and 120-kDa forms of type XVII collagen in sera from 40 patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP), pemphigoid gestationis or cicatricial pemphigoid (CP), as well as six patients with linear IgA dermatosis (LAD). Methods Various immunochemical techniques were used. Results These studies found that the 120-kDa fragment of type XVII collagen was bound by circulating autoantibodies in 13 of 38 patients with BP or CP and all six patients with LAD. While many pemphigoid sera had specific reactivity against one but not both forms of this protein, autoantibodies from patients with LAD bound only the soluble ectodomain. Conclusions These findings are consistent with the presence of both neoepitopes and cross-reactive epitopes on the ectodomain of type XVII collagen. The finding that sera from patients with LAD showed specific reactivity to epidermal basement membrane suggests that such neoepitopes are present in human skin and that their targeting by autoantibodies may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Preparation of the sulphides and phosphides of plutonium

Abstract The sulphides and phosphides of plutonium were synthesized by reaction of high-purity metal with gases. A fine powder of reduced plutonium hydride was reacted with hydrogen sulphide or phosphine over the temperature range 400–600°C. The reaction products were characterized by means of chemical analysis, metallographic examination and lattice constant measurements. The melting point of plutonium monosulphide was 2350°C. Plutonium monophosphide melted and decomposed at 2600°C.
Differential displacement and rotation in thrust fronts: A magnetic, calcite twinning and palinspastic study of the Jones Valley thrust, Alabama, US Appalachians

To test whether a displacement gradient along a curved fault structure requires rotation, we studied the northeast-striking, northwest-verging, large-displacement Jones Valley thrust fault of the Appalachian thrust belt in Alabama. Paleomagnetism, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and calcite twinning analysis, complemented by balanced cross-sections, were used to evaluate the presence and magnitude of any rotation. Remanence directions from the Silurian Red Mountain Formation reveal a prefolding magnetization acquired in the Pennsylvanian, whereas magnetic analysis shows a strong, bedding-parallel compaction fabric with a tectonic lineation. Paleomagnetic directions and magnetic lineations reveal no relative rotation between the hanging wall and footwall of the thrust fault. Rather than rotation, therefore, we interpret the Jones Valley thrust sheet as a structure that developed in a self-similar fashion, with lateral growth of the fault surface occurring coincident with growth into the foreland.
High-precision detector-switched monolithic GaAs time-delay network for the optical control of phased arrays

We report the fabrication and characterization of the two-bit monolithic optical time-delay network on GaAs. GaAs rib-waveguides and InGaAs waveguide-coupled MSM detectors serve respectively as delay-lines and optoelectronic switches on the photonic integrated circuit. From the linear RF differential phase observed between 1 and 11 GHz, we estimate that the measured time-delays are within 4 psec of their designed values. >
Clonidine produces a conditioned place preference in rats.

The possibility that the α-adrenergic agonist clonidine can act as a reinforcing agent was investigated using the conditioned place preference paradigm. Using two different variants of this method we were able to demonstrate reinforcing properties of clonidine at doses of 200 and 400 μg/kg. These results are consistent with those obtained by other investigators using the self-administration technique, and support the view that adrenergic mechanisms may be involved in reinforcement.
Static analysis of moderately-thick finite antisymmetric angle-ply cylindrical panels and shells

Abstract The analytical (exact in the limit) or strong (or differential) form of solutions to the bench-mark problems of (i) axisymmetric angle-ply circular cylindrical panels of rectangular planform and (ii) circumferentially complete circular cylindrical shells, subjected to transverse load and with SS2-type simply-supported boundary conditions prescribed at the edges, are presented. The problems investigated, which were hitherto thought to be incapable of admitting analytical solutions, have been solved, utilizing a recently developed novel boundary-discontinuous double Fourier series approach, for three kinematic relations, which are extensions of those due to Sanders. Love and Donnell to the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Numerical results presented for two-layer square antisymmetric angle-ply panels, which demonstrate good convergence, and show the effects of fiber orientation and thickness on the static response of these panels, should serve as baseline solutions (in the context of FSDT) for future comparison with various approximate weak forms of solutions with either local (e.g. finite element methods) or global supports (e.g. Raleigh-Ritz. Galerkin).
An edge in time saves nine: LP rounding approximation algorithms for stochastic network design

Real-world networks often need to be designed under uncertainty, with only partial information and predictions of demand available at the outset of the design process. The field of stochastic optimization deals with such problems where the forecasts are specified in terms of probability distributions of future data. In this paper, we broaden the set of models as well as the techniques being considered for approximating stochastic optimization problems. For example, we look at stochastic models where the cost of the elements is correlated to the set of realized demands, and risk-averse models where upper bounds are placed on the amount spent in each of the stages. These generalized models require new techniques, and our solutions are based on a novel combination of the primal-dual method truncated based on optimal LP relaxation values, followed by a tree-rounding stage. We use these to give constant-factor approximation algorithms for the stochastic Steiner tree and single sink network design problems in these generalized models.
Partial attenuation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis by SOD1 in ischemic renal epithelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute significantly to apoptosis in renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, however the exact mechanisms are not well understood. We used novel lentiviral vectors to over-express superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in proximal tubular epithelial (LLC-PK(1)) cells and determined effects of SOD1 following ATP depletion-recovery, used as a model to simulate renal IR. SOD1 over-expression partially protected against cytotoxicity (P < 0.001) and decreased superoxide (O(2) (*-)) in ATP depleted cells. The ATP depletion-mediated increase in nuclear fragmentation, an index of apoptosis and activation of caspase-3 was also partially blocked by SOD1 (P < 0.05). However, SOD1 over-expression was insufficient to completely attenuate caspase-3, indicating that ROS other than cytoplasmic O(2) (*-) are involved in ATP depletion mediated injury. To test the contribution of hydrogen peroxide, a subset of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and SOD1 (serum free and injured) cells were treated with polyethylene glycol-catalase (PEG-catalase). As expected there was 50% reduction in cytotoxicity and caspase-3 in SOD1 cells compared to EGFP cells; catalase treatment decreased both indices by an additional 28% following ATP depletion. To test the role of mitochondrial derived superoxide, we also treated a subset of LLC-PK(1) cells with the mitochondrial antioxidant, MitoTEMPO. Treatment with MitoTEMPO also decreased ATP depletion induced cytotoxicity in LLC-PK(1) cells in a dose dependant manner. These studies indicate that both SOD1 dependent and independent pathways are integral in protection against ATP depletion-recovery mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis, however more studies are needed to delineate the signaling mechanisms involved.
The clinical significance of isolated loss of lordosis on cervical spine computed tomography in blunt trauma patients: a prospective evaluation of 1,007 patients

Abstract Background A negative computed tomographic (CT) scan may be used to rule out cervical spine (c-spine) injury after trauma. Loss of lordosis (LOL) is frequently found as the only CT abnormality. We investigated whether LOL should preclude c-spine clearance. Methods All adult trauma patients with isolated LOL at our Level I trauma center (February 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012) were prospectively evaluated. The primary outcome was clinically significant injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), flexion–extension views, and/or repeat physical examination. Results Of 3,333 patients (40 ± 17 years, 60% men) with a c-spine CT, 1,007 (30%) had isolated LOL. Among 841 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, no abnormalities were found on MRI, flexion–extension views, and/or repeat examinations, and all collars were removed. Among 166 patients with Glasgow Coma Scale less than 15, 3 (.3%) had minor abnormal MRI findings but no clinically significant injury. Conclusion Isolated LOL on c-spine CT is not associated with a clinically significant injury and should not preclude c-spine clearance.
Secular or Sectarian History? A Critique of No Man Knows My History

When Herbert O. Brayer reviewed No Man Knows My History, Fawn Brodie's biography of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, in the Mississippi Valley Historical Review in 1946, his words were prophetic. “This book”, he said, “which purports to be a ‘definitive biography’ will probably be one of the most highly praised and highly condemned historical works of 1945.” The book has indeed been highly praised and highly condemned, with plaudits coming generously from professionals in the field of American history. It quickly became the standard life of Joseph Smith and the most influential book on early Mormonism, a status it has retained. Evidence of the respect it still commands is provided by Sidney Ahlstrom of Yale University who recently termed it a “sympathetic and insightful account” which is “unequaled” as a life of the Mormon prophet.
Decreased Mammography Utilization in the United States: Why and How Can We Reverse the Trend?

OBJECTIVE. Recent studies have demonstrated that mammography utilization in the United States has decreased. The purpose of this article is to review some of the causes and possible interventions to reverse the trend of decreased mammography utilization.CONCLUSION. Explanations for decreased mammography utilization include decreased availability of mammography sites, stress associated with mammography interpretation, the litigious environment of breast cancer diagnosis, and inappropriately low reimbursement. Possible approaches to rectifying these barriers are discussed.
The effectiveness of virtual reality for dental pain control: a case study.

The present study explored whether immersive virtual reality can serve as an effective nonpharmacologic analgesic for dental pain. Two patients (aged 51 and 56 years old) with adult periodontitis, a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease that affects gums, ligaments, and bones around the teeth, were studied in the treatment room of a periodontist. Each patient received periodontal scaling and root planing (scraping off/removing plaque deposits below the gum line, hereafter referred to as scaling) under three treatment conditions: (1) virtual reality distraction, (2) movie distraction, and (3) a no-distraction control condition. Condition order was randomized and counterbalanced. For each of the three treatment conditions, five visual analog pain scores for each treatment condition served as the dependent variables. On 0-10 labeled scales, both patients provided sensory and affective pain ratings, and subjective estimates of time spent thinking about his pain during the procedure. For patient 1, mean pa...
The unfolded protein response is shaped by the NMD pathway

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces the unfolded protein response (UPR), an essential adaptive intracellular pathway that relieves the stress. Although the UPR is an evolutionarily conserved and beneficial pathway, its chronic activation contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human disorders. The fidelity of UPR activation must thus be tightly regulated to prevent inappropriate signaling. The nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway has long been known to function in RNA quality control, rapidly degrading aberrant mRNAs, and has been suggested to regulate subsets of normal mRNAs. Here, we report that the NMD pathway regulates the UPR. NMD increases the threshold for triggering the UPR in vitro and in vivo, thereby preventing UPR activation in response to normally innocuous levels of ER stress. NMD also promotes the timely termination of the UPR. We demonstrate that NMD directly targets the mRNAs encoding several UPR components, including the highly conserved UPR sensor, IRE1α, whose NMD-dependent degradation partly underpins this process. Our work not only sheds light on UPR regulation, but demonstrates the physiological relevance of NMD's ability to regulate normal mRNAs.
Proneuropeptide Y processing in large dense-core vesicles: manipulation of prohormone convertase expression in sympathetic neurons using adenoviruses

The efficient delivery of foreign genes into postmitotic cells is becoming very important for studies of nervous system functions. Cultured sympathetic neurons synthesize neuropeptide Y (NPY) in addition to catecholamines, providing an experimental model for studying neuronal peptide biosynthesis. In this work, we have studied the biosynthetic processing of NPY in primary cultures of rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons. NPY activation is complex, requiring sequential actions of a prohormone convertase (PC), carboxypeptidase H, and peptidylglycine alpha-amidating mono-oxygenase. Northern analyses established that SCG neurons in the animal contain mRNAs for both PC1 and PC2, and simultaneous immunocytochemistry for NPY and PC1 or PC2 established a 1:1 correspondence between NPY and PC2 expression in two thirds of the neurons that express NPY, both in the animal and in tissue culture. Biosynthetic studies on proneuropeptide Y (pro-NPY) processing to mature NPY established a close similarity to the rates seen in endocrine cells expressing PC2 and established clear differences between the patterns in SCG neurons and in endocrine cells expressing PC1. Recombinant adenoviruses were used to increase the level of PC1 in the cultured neurons from negligible to a level comparable with the level of PC1 in the anterior pituitary, and pro-NPY processing was markedly accelerated. When the viruses were used to lower the endogenous PC2 levels, using an antisense construct, pro-NPY processing was retarded. Taken together, these results support a major role for PC2 as the pro-NPY converting enzyme, and they establish the cultured SCG neurons as a model to study neuronal peptide biosynthesis.
The Role of the Other in Self‐Evaluation

himself assumes, as Glaser and Strauss (1964) have pointed out, that the encounter of the person with others occurs in what these authors have called an "open awareness context" in which "each interactant is aware of the other's true identity and his own identity in the eyes of the other." Mead goes further to argue that, not only are persons thus aware of their identities in others' eyes, but that they see their own identities as they perceive these others to see them: The individual experiences himself as such, not directly, but only indirectly, from the particular standpoints of other individual members of the same social group, or from the generalized standpoint of the social group as a whole to which he belongs. For he enters his own experience as a self or individual, not directly or immediately, not by becoming a subject to himself, but only insofar as he first becomes an object to himself just as other individuals are objects to him or in his experience; and he becomes an object to himself only by taking the attitudes of other individuals toward himself within a social environment or context of experience and behavior in which both he and they are involved (Mead, 1934:138). Self-Evaluation There have been a number of attempts to apply Mead's orientation to an understanding of the social process within which self-evaluations arise. The difficulty in making this application may lie in the problem of applying the "open awareness context" assumption to the field of self-evaluations. When the social origins of personal "identity" or "conception" of the "Who Am I?" variety are being sought, the hypothesis that the person adopts the views of others toward himself as his own view of himself is not easy to challenge. Role-playing to audiences clearly generates identities that match the roles played.' But the idea "I am a woman," and the idea "I am a beautiful woman," are different in the sense
Impaired Heart Rate Baroreflex in Older Rats Role of Endogenous Angiotensin-(1–7) at the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii

Age-related baroreflex reductions in function may originate from central neural dysregulation as well as vascular structural/functional changes. We determined the role of 2 angiotensin (Ang) peptides at the nucleus tractus solitarii in age-related baroreflex impairment. Baroreflex sensitivity control of heart rate in response to increases in blood pressure was tested in younger (3 to 5 months) and older (16 to 20 months) anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats before and after bilateral solitary tract injections of the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist candesartan (24 pmol) or the Ang-(1-7) antagonist (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7) (144 fmol or 24 pmol). Basal reflex sensitivity of older rats was significantly lower than younger rats. In younger rats, the reflex was facilitated by bilateral candesartan injections and attenuated by bilateral (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7) injections. In older rats, the reflex was facilitated by AT1 blockade; however, (D-Ala7)-Ang-(1-7) injected into the solitary tract nucleus had no effect. Neprilysin mRNA in the medulla was lower in older rats compared with younger rats, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, and mas receptor mRNA levels of older rats did not differ from values of younger rats. Thus, opposing actions of endogenous Ang II and Ang-(1-7) in the solitary tract nucleus contribute to baroreflex function in response to increases in mean arterial pressure of younger rats. The attenuated counterbalancing effect of Ang-(1-7) on baroreflex function is lost in older rats, which may be attributable to diminished production of the peptide from neprilysin.
A 450 MS/s 10-bit time-interleaved zero-crossing based ADC

A 450-MS/s 10-bit time-interleaved zero-crossing based pipelined ADC is described. The prototype ADC, fabricated in a 90-nm CMOS process, occupies 1.3 mm2. A reference pre-charging technique is applied to reduce the voltage ripples on the reference voltages. Gain, offset, and timing calibration is applied to achieve an 8.7 ENOB with a 211 MHz input signal and dissipates 34 mW from a 1.2V supply for a FOM of 182 fJ/step.
The influence of DNA sequence on epigenome-induced pathologies

Clear cause-and-effect relationships are commonly established between genotype and the inherited risk of acquiring human and plant diseases and aberrant phenotypes. By contrast, few such cause-and-effect relationships are established linking a chromatin structure (that is, the epitype) with the transgenerational risk of acquiring a disease or abnormal phenotype. It is not entirely clear how epitypes are inherited from parent to offspring as populations evolve, even though epigenetics is proposed to be fundamental to evolution and the likelihood of acquiring many diseases. This article explores the hypothesis that, for transgenerationally inherited chromatin structures, “genotype predisposes epitype”, and that epitype functions as a modifier of gene expression within the classical central dogma of molecular biology. Evidence for the causal contribution of genotype to inherited epitypes and epigenetic risk comes primarily from two different kinds of studies discussed herein. The first and direct method of research proceeds by the examination of the transgenerational inheritance of epitype and the penetrance of phenotype among genetically related individuals. The second approach identifies epitypes that are duplicated (as DNA sequences are duplicated) and evolutionarily conserved among repeated patterns in the DNA sequence. The body of this article summarizes particularly robust examples of these studies from humans, mice, Arabidopsis, and other organisms. The bulk of the data from both areas of research support the hypothesis that genotypes predispose the likelihood of displaying various epitypes, but for only a few classes of epitype. This analysis suggests that renewed efforts are needed in identifying polymorphic DNA sequences that determine variable nucleosome positioning and DNA methylation as the primary cause of inherited epigenome-induced pathologies. By contrast, there is very little evidence that DNA sequence directly determines the inherited positioning of numerous and diverse post-translational modifications of histone side chains within nucleosomes. We discuss the medical and scientific implications of these observations on future research and on the development of solutions to epigenetically induced disorders.
Metaphoric and Metonymic Allegory: Ricoeur, Jakobson, and the Poetry of W. B. Yeats

Elsewhere, I have pointed out that Paul Ricoeur denies symbolic effect to language situations where the original sense of an expression is destroyed in the process of interpretation, calling such discourse “allegory”, the mere “rhetorical” and “didactic” procedure in which the literal meaning is “eliminated once it has done its job”. The point emerged that Ricoeur needs two categories — one in which the initial sense is destroyed (Ricoeur’s “allegory”), and the other in which the original meaning is retained and added to the second meaning (Ricoeur’s “symbol”). If we are to have a dual paradigm, I argued that it is more helpful to subject symbolism to Roman Jakobson’s paradigm, establishing two forms of symbolism, each signaled by contextual cues: the metaphoric symbol, in which the literal expression is discarded, and the metonymie symbol in which no such discarding occurs (Wilson 151). I concluded that under Jakobson’s paradigm, Ricoeur’s “allegory” is metaphorical symbolism and Ricoeur’s “symbolism” is metonymie symbolism.
Controller of vehicle active suspension systems using LQG method

The paper is concerned with an active suspension system for vehicles using a LQG control. The model created here is described by a linear system with four degrees of freedom, subject to random excitation from road surface. The control is determined from the view-point of ride comfort, minimizing a given perform index. The simulation results indicate that the proposed active suspension system performs effectively when compared with passive system in vehicle body acceleration, suspension travel and tire deflection, and proves to be effective in the vibration isolation of the suspension system.
YELLOW-BELLIED MARMOT POPULATION DYNAMICS: DEMOGRAPHIC MECHANISMS OF GROWTH AND DECLINE

Multiple environmental factors may act synergistically to influence demo- graphic characteristics, and ultimately the dynamics, of biological populations. Using pro- spective and retrospective analyses of demographic data from a 40-year study of individually marked animals, we investigated the demographic mechanisms of the temporal and spatial dynamics of a yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) population. Prospective elas- ticity analyses indicated juvenile survival ( Pj) would have the largest relative influence on the projected population growth rate (l). Relative magnitudes of elasticities did not differ between years characterized by positive ( l. 1.0) and negative ( l, 1.0) population growth. However, retrospective analyses of a life table response experiment (LTRE) revealed that changes in fertility (F), followed by age of first reproduction (a) made the largest contri- butions to observed annual changes in l. Changes in F and a made the largest contributions to annual declines in l, whereas changes in Pj also were important to cause increases in l. Population dynamic differences among marmot colonies were due primarily to spatial variations in a and Pj. Our results indicate that changes in reproductive parameters ( a and F) primarily drive the temporal dynamics of our study population, and that demographic mechanisms of population increases might differ from those of population declines. Studies of the regulation of yellow-bellied marmot populations should focus on the factors or processes influencing reproductive parameters.
Synthesis of dissipative nonlinear controllers for series resonant DC/DC converters

This paper describes analytical advances and practical experiences in a nonlinear controller design methodology for series resonant DC/DC converters. The control goal is to maintain the output voltage (which is the only measured variable) in the presence of large-load perturbations by varying the switching frequency. The proposed methodology utilizes large-scale, nonlinear switched, and generalized averaged models, and the resulting closed-loop system is exponentially convergent under typical operating conditions. The designer has a direct handle over the convergence rate, and the nonlinear controller requires only the usual output voltage measurements, while the load variations are estimated. The control structure allows for variations in both resistive and current loads. The dissipativity-based nonlinear controller is implemented in affordable analog circuitry and evaluated experimentally.
Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations of extended warm-season heavy precipitation episode over the US Southern Great Plains: data assimilation and microphysics sensitivity experiments

This study examines eight microphysics schemes (Lin, WSM5, Eta, WSM6, Goddard, Thompson, WDM5, WDM6) in the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-ARW) for their reproduction of observed strong convection over the US Southern Great Plains (SGP) for three heavy precipitation events of 27–31 May 2001. It also assesses how observational analysis nudging (OBNUD), three-dimensional (3DVAR) and four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation (DA) affect simulated cloud properties relative to simulations with no DA (CNTRL). Primary evaluation data were cloud radar reflectivity measurements by the millimetre cloud radar (MMCR) at the Central Facility (CF) of the SGP site of the ARM Climate Research Facility (ACRF). All WRF-ARW microphysics simulations reproduce the intensity and vertical structure of the first two major MMCR-observed storms, although the first simulated storm initiates a few hours earlier than observed. Of three organised convective events, the model best identifies the timing and vertical structure of the second storm more than 50 hours into the simulation. For this well-simulated cloud structure, simulated reflectivities are close to the observed counterparts in the mid- and upper troposphere, and only overestimate observed cloud radar reflectivity in the lower troposphere by less than 10 dBZ. Based on relative measures of skill, no single microphysics scheme excels in all aspects, although the WDM schemes show much-improved frequency bias scores (FBSs) in the lower troposphere for a range of reflectivity thresholds. The WDM6 scheme has improved FBSs and high simulated-observed reflectivity correlations in the lower troposphere, likely due to its large production of liquid water immediately below the melting level. Of all the DA experiments, 3DVAR has the lowest mean errors (MEs) and root mean-squared errors (RMSEs), although both the 3DVAR and 4DVAR simulations reduced noticeably the MEs for seven of eight microphysics schemes relative to CNTRL. Lower-tropospheric θ e and convective available potential energy (CAPE) also are closer to the observations for the 4DVAR than CNTRL simulations. Keywords: data assimilation, microphysics sensitivity, WRF evaluation, MMCR-equivalent reflectivity simulation, Southern Great Plains (Published: 17 July 2013) Citation: Tellus A 2013, 65 , 19599, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/tellusa.v65i0.19599 To access the supplementary material to this article, please see Supplementary files under Article Tools online.
Silicon masking layers for fabrication of high aspect ratio MEMS

This paper presents a fabrication technique for high-aspect ratio MEMS using a planar silicon layer bonded to a structured substrate. The bonded silicon layer provides a flat surface that can be patterned by conventional photolithography. These patterns are then transferred to the substrate through a series of etch steps. The bonded silicon layer is etched together with the substrate, so the use of additional silicon masking layers, followed by patterning and etching, can be repeated as many times as necessary. Using this approach, we have successfully demonstrated vertical mirror fabrication by a combination of KOH and DRIE etching in (110) silicon
Spatial Dimensions of the Savings and Loan Crisis

Large numbers of savings and loan companies (S&Ls) failed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This paper explores the origins and development of the S&L Crisis, embedding the topic within the wider theorization of the post-Keynesian state, particularly the critical role played by deregulation. Next it focuses on the geography of S&L failures and their causes. Third, an econometric analysis of the determinants of S&L failures finds them to be highly susceptible to local economic conditions. Fourth, it examines inter-regional transfers of failed S&L assets and liabilities, and measures statistically the importance of proximity between buying and selling regions as well as the economic structure of the purchasing region. The conclusion contrasts these findings to those of commercial bank failures.