cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovering the hidden health states in bearing vibration signals for fault prognosis

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in diagnosis and prognosis of motors and electrical drives. Effective and accurate prognosis and diagnosis of systems will eventually lead to condition based maintenance, which will decrease maintenance costs and system downtime. Much work has been done in diagnosing the state of a motor, however prediction of the health state at future times, and ultimately the prediction of the system's remaining useful life (RUL), still proves to be a challenge. One of the challenges to efficient prognosis is that in many applications, there is no labeled training data and the different health states of the system are not known a priori. In this paper, we propose an approach for learning the hidden health states of a bearing from vibration signals. The proposed approach is based on extracting multiple features from sensor signals and identifying change points in the state of the system based on these features.
Hypofibrinogenemia and the placenta

Abstract 1. 1. Six cases of hypofibrinogenemia associated with pregnancy have been reported and discussed, with attention to the deposition of fibrin in the placenta of each. Four of these were of the dead fetus syndrome, one of which was actually a missed abortion, and is thought to be the first such case described. Two cases were associated with abruptio placentae, one occurring at 4½months' gestation. 2. 2. The diagnosis and management of hypofibrinogenemia in pregnancy are discussed. 3. 3. It is proposed that hypofibrinogenemia results from the deposition of fibrin in the intervillous spaces of the placenta in the dead fetus syndrome, and from local deposition of fibrin at the site of placental separation in cases of abruptio placentae. Histologic studies of the placentas support this thesis.
Derogatory to Professional Character? Physician Innovation and Patents as Boundary-Spanning Mechanisms

This Article suggests that the historical evolution of physician patenting norms can be understood from a user innovation perspective. User innovator communities often eschew patenting, relying instead on reputation-based reward systems and sharing norms. While virtually all medical innovation was once the province of user innovator physicians, that is no longer the case. The rewards of reputation and use offered by the physician community are insufficient for innovations that require collaboration with outsiders. Patents, on the other hand, are a generally recognized currency for rewarding and governing innovation. I argue that physician patenting norms have evolved to track changes in the role physicians play in particular aspects of medical innovation. The resulting hypothesis that user innovator communities often will find patenting acceptable only when innovation requires collaboration with outsiders applies generally and can be tested in other technological arenas. The user innovator perspective also raises important questions about how patent law should accommodate anti-patenting norms in industries where user innovation is prevalent.
Behavioral Characteristics of Rat Lines Selected for Differential Hypothermic Responses to Cholinergic or Serotonergic Agonists

The present review will describe the formation of two pharmacologically selected lines of rats, their behavioral phenotypes, their responses to select drugs, their possible neurochemical correlates, and their use to detect the therapeutic potential of antidepressant drugs. The Flinders Line rats were established at Flinders University in Australia by selectively breeding for differential responses to an anticholinesterase agent from outbred Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats; the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats were more sensitive to the hypothermic and behavioral suppressing effects of this agent than the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats. The 8-OH-DPAT line rats were established at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by selectively breeding for differential hypothermic responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT; the high DPAT sensitive (HDS) line rats were more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of 8-OH-DPAT than the low DPAT sensitive (LDS) line rats. Studies of these two pairs of lines have indicated that the FSL and HDS rats are both more susceptible to stress-induced behavioral disturbances. Their usefulness in detecting potential antidepressant drugs and the relationship between mood disorders and drug abuse will be discussed.
Chapter 20 An Overview of Simulation Optimization via Random Search

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the use of random search methods for optimizing system performance via simulation. More specifically, we consider a broad class of optimization algorithms that sample a set of feasible system designs in each iteration, conduct simulations at the sampled designs in an effort to estimate the performance of these designs, and then use the simulation results to decide on what designs should be sampled in the next iteration and on the current estimate of the optimal system design. Consequently, the class of optimization algorithms under consideration is broad enough to include simulated annealing, tabu search, and genetic algorithms as special cases. We provide a discussion of when random search methods are guaranteed to converge almost surely to a globally optimal system design, as well as a description of desirable features such methods should have in order to yield attractive empirical performance.
Exploring pedagogical content knowledge of biology graduate teaching assistants through their participation in lesson study

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are responsible for teaching the majority of biology undergraduate laboratory sections, although many feel underprepared to do so. This study explored the impact...
Incident hypertension in older women and men with or at risk for HIV infection.

Objectives Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has prolonged the life expectancy of HIV-infected persons, increasing their risk of age-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis (AS). Decreased risk of AS has been associated with the prevention and control of hypertension (HTN). We conducted a cohort study of perimenopausal women and older men with or at risk of HIV infection to identify risk factors for incident HTN. Methods Standardized interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory examinations were scheduled at 6-month intervals. Interview data included demographics, medical, family, sexual behaviour and drug use histories, and physical activity. Results There were 330 women and 329 men eligible for inclusion in the study; 27% and 35% of participants developed HTN during a median follow-up period of 1080 and 1071 days, respectively. In gender-stratified analysis, adjusting for traditional HTN risk factors (age, race, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, family history of HTN, alcohol dependence, physical activity and high cholesterol), HIV infection was not associated with incident HTN in women [hazard ratio (HR) 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56, 3.06] or men (HR 1.67; 95% CI 0.75, 3.74). Among HIV-infected women, although exposure to ARVs was not significantly associated with incident HTN (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.26, 1.99), CD4 T-cell count was positively associated with incident HTN (HR 1.15 per 100 cells/μL; 95% CI 1.03, 1.28). Among physically active HIV-infected men, exposure to ARVs was negatively associated with incident HTN (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03, 0.78). Conclusions HIV infection was not associated with incident HTN in older men or women. This study provides additional evidence supporting a causal relationship between immune function and incident HTN, which warrants further study.
The role of S100 proteins and their receptor RAGE in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with low survival rates. Current therapeutic treatments have very poor response rates due to the high inherent chemoresistance of the pancreatic-cancer cells. Recent studies have suggested that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its S100 protein ligands play important roles in the progression of PDAC. We will discuss the potential role of S100 proteins and their receptor, RAGE, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer.
A reporting guideline for clinical platelet transfusion studies from the BEST Collaborative

BACKGROUND: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing platelet (PLT) transfusion therapy identified gaps in the descriptions of trial design, variables of the PLT products transfused, and outcomes. We aimed to systematically develop a reporting guideline to aid in designing, reporting, and critiquing PLT trials. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With the use of expert opinion, a preliminary checklist of 23 items was created. The Delphi method, an iterative forecasting method, was used to achieve consensus among experts to systematically improve upon the preliminary checklist. Items were ranked for inclusion using a 7-point Likert scale from “definitely should not” to “very important to” include. Criteria were established a priori based on the mean score: at least 5.5 accept, 2.6 to 5.4 intermediate, and not more than 2.5 eliminate. Intermediate items were edited and sent out in subsequent rounds for review. Three rounds were undertaken to determine the final checklist. RESULTS: Initially 33 experts participated, decreasing to 25 by the third round. The preliminary checklist consisted of 23 items spread over four sections: methods and intervention, PLT-specific outcomes, PLT-specific results, and PLT-specific adverse events. After three rounds of the Delphi method, the checklist was expanded and refined to include 30 items. The final checklist was further enhanced by adding an explanatory guide. CONCLUSION: Use of the Delphi method was successful in finding consensus on items to include in reports of a clinical PLT transfusion study. The final checklist and explanatory guide will be useful for authors and editors to improve the reporting of PLT transfusion trials.
Cholesterol Lowering Modulates T Cell Function In Vivo and In Vitro

Background The lipid milleu exacerbates the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis but its effect on T cell mediated immune response has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that lipid lowering would modulate T cell mediated immune function. Methods and results T cells isolated from human PBMC or splenic T cells from apoE-/- mouse had higher proliferative response to T cell receptor (TCR) ligation in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) compared to medium with 10% delipidated FBS. The differences in proliferation were associated with changes in lipid rafts, cellular cholesterol content, IL-10 secretion and subsequent activation of signaling molecule activated by TCR ligation. Immune biomarkers were also assessed in vivo using male apoE-/- mice fed atherogenic diet (AD) starting at 7 weeks of age. At 25 weeks of age, a sub-group was switched to normal diet (ND) whereas the rest remained on AD until euthanasia at 29 weeks of age. Dietary change resulted in a lower circulating level of cholesterol, reduced plaque size and inflammatory phenotype of plaques. These changes were associated with reduced intracellular IL-10 and IL-12 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Conclusion Our results show that lipid lowering reduces T cell proliferation and function, supporting the notion that lipid lowering modulates T cell function in vivo and in vitro.
Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndromes

Stroke from reversible cerebral arterial vasoconstriction has been described in a variety of conditions, including migraine, pregnancy, puerperium (postpartum angiopathy), use of vasoconstrictive drugs, Call-Fleming syndrome, and benign angiopathy of the central nervous system. Although vasoconstriction is an important cause of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in young individuals, vasoconstriction syndromes have not been well characterized and remain under-recognized. Misdiagnosis is common because the clinical and radiological features can overlap with conditions such as primary cerebral vasculitis. With the advent of newer, noninvasive angiography techniques and the escalating use of vasoactive drugs, it is likely that clinicians will encounter more patients with vasoconstriction-induced stroke. This article reviews the history, clinical and radiological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and management of cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.
Improving the CALIOP aerosol optical depth using combined MODIS-CALIOP observations and CALIOP integrated attenuated total color ratio

[1] This paper aims to evaluate CALIOP aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval using MODIS AOD with the goal of improving the CALIOP selection of the lidar ratio leveraging the vertical resolved CALIOP and multispectral MODIS observations. Comparing the MODIS fine mode ratio to CALIOP, we find that the CALIOP integrated attenuated total color ratio provides sensitivity to the aerosol size and type. This finding can be used to better constrain the lidar ratio and improve the CALIOP AOD independent from MODIS.To retrieve the aerosol optical depth from CALIOP requires knowledge of the aerosol lidar ratio that varies significantly as a function of aerosol type. For most CALIOP retrievals the lidar ratio is estimated by correlating CALIOP observables (depolarization and backscatter) with precomputed lidar ratio climatologies. Applying a lidar ratio not representative of the observed aerosols can result in significant AOD biases and is one of the primary sources of uncertainty in the current CALIOP AOD. We demonstrate that over ocean the MODIS sensitivity to the fine- and coarse-mode aerosol mixing ratios provides additional constraints to the aerosol lidar ratio. When MODIS fine-mode retrievals are collocated with CALIOP, the improved lidar ratio significantly reduces the CALIOP AOD mean biases from ∣0.064∣ to ∣0.020∣ when compared to MODIS. In addition, we demonstrate that the CALIOP integrated attenuated total color ratio is correlated with the MODIS fine and coarse mixing ratios in marine environments. This finding suggests that for a CALIOP-only AOD retrieval the integrated attenuated total color ratio can be used to better constrain the lidar ratio. Using the CALIOP integrated attenuated total color ratio, the CALIOP-only AOD retrieval improves the AOD mean biases (∣0.064∣ to ∣0.007∣) when compared to the MODIS AOD.
PZT actuated micromirror for fine-tracking mechanism of high-density optical data storage

Abstract A micromirror actuated by piezoelectric cantilevered unimorphs is proposed as a fine-tracking device for high-density optical data storage. Bending motions of the metal/PZT/metal unimorphs translate an integrated micromirror along the out-of-plane vertical direction. The micromirror alters the optical path of the incident laser beam and linearly steers the reflected laser beam by its out-of-plane parallel actuation. Numerical analysis shows that the actuated micromirror can satisfy the tracking speed imposed by the requirement on the access time for the high-density optical data storage up to few tens Gbit/in.2 owing to the light mass of the micromirror. In this paper, preliminary characteristics of the micromachined PZT actuated micromirror (PAM) are reported. Only a 3600 A-thick PZT film deposited by sol–gel process shows both good electrical and mechanical characteristics for the fine-tracking actuator. The micromirror can be easily actuated up to several micrometers under low voltage operation condition well below 10 V.
Engineered Early Embryonic Cardiac Tissue Increases Cardiomyocyte Proliferation by Cyclic Mechanical Stretch via p38-MAP Kinase Phosphorylation

Cardiomyocyte (CM) transplantation is one therapeutic option for cardiac repair. Studies suggest that fetal CMs display the best cell type for cardiac repair, which can finitely proliferate, integrate with injured host myocardium, and restore cardiac function. We have recently developed an engineered early embryonic cardiac tissue (EEECT) using embryonic cardiac cells and have shown that EEECT contractile properties and cellular proliferative response to cyclic mechanical stretch stimulation mimic developing fetal myocardium. However, it remains unknown whether cyclic mechanical stretch-mediated high cellular proliferation activity within EEECT reflects CM or non-CM population. Studies have shown that p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) plays an important role in both cyclic mechanical stretch stimulation and cellular proliferation. Therefore, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cyclic mechanical stretch (0.5 Hz, 5% strain for 48 h) specifically increases EEECT CM proliferation mediated by p38MAPK activity. Cyclic mechanical stretch increased CM, but not non-CM, proliferation and increased p38MAPK phosphorylation. Treatment of EEECT with the p38MAPK inhibitor, SB202190, reduced CM proliferation. The negative CM proliferation effects of SB202190 were not reversed by concurrent stretch stimulation. Results suggest that immature CM proliferation within EEECT can be positively regulated by mechanical stretch and negatively regulated by p38MAPK inhibition.
Networks, Space, and Residents’ Perception of Cohesion

Community scholars increasingly focus on the linkage between residents’ sense of cohesion with the neighborhood and their own social networks in the neighborhood. A challenge is that whereas some research only focuses on residents’ social ties with fellow neighbors, such an approach misses out on the larger constellation of individuals’ relationships and the spatial distribution of those relationships. Using data from the Twin Communities Network Study, the current project is one of the first studies to examine the actual spatial distribution of respondents’ networks for a variety of relationships and the consequences of these for neighborhood and city cohesion. We also examine how a perceived structural measure of cohesion—triangle degree—impacts their perceptions of neighborhood and city cohesion. Our findings suggest that perceptions of cohesion within the neighborhood and the city depend on the number of neighborhood safety contacts as well as on the types of people with which they discuss important matters. On the other hand, kin and social friendship ties do not impact cohesion. A key finding is that residents who report more spatially dispersed networks for certain types of ties report lower levels of neighborhood and city cohesion. Residents with higher triangle degree within their neighborhood safety networks perceived more neighborhood cohesion.
Evolution of Nitrate Reductase: Molecular and Structural Variations on a Common Function

The biological transformation of nitrogen oxyanions is widespread in nature and gives rise to a robust biogeochemical cycle. The first step in nitrate reduction is carried out by the enzyme nitrate reductase (NR). Although NR always catalyzes the same chemical reaction (conversion of nitrate into nitrite), its location in the cell, structure, and function are organism-dependent. We use protein sequence data to determine phylogenetic relationships and to examine similarities in structure and function. Three distinct clades of NR are apparent: the eukaryotic assimilatory NR (Euk-NR) clade, the membrane-associated prokaryotic NR (Nar) clade, and a clade that includes both the periplasmic NR (Nap) and prokaryotic assimilatory NR (Nas). The high degree of sequence similarity and a phylogenetic distribution that follows taxonomic classification suggest a monophyletic origin for the Euk-NR early on in the evolution of eukaryotic cells. In contrast, sequence conservation, phylogenetic analysis, and physiology suggest that both Nar and Nap were acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Nap and Nas share a lesser degree of similarity, with Nap a subclade of Nas. Nap from strict anaerobic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio desulfuricans is ancestral to facultative species and may provide an evolutionary link between Nap and Nas. We observed conserved binding sites for molybdenum and pterin cofactors in all four proteins. In pathways involving Euk-NR, Nas, and Nar, for which ammonia is the end product, nitrite is reduced to ammonia by a siroheme nitrite reductase. Nap, however, is coupled to a pentaheme nitrite reductase. In denitrification, whether Nar or Nap is involved, nitrite is reduced to nitric oxide by either a cytochrome cd1 or a copper-containing nitrite reductase. This complexity underscores the importance of nitrate reduction as a key biological process.
The Secrets of Successful Mediators

A survey of thirty experienced mediators showed that three-quarters of them regarded achieving rapport with the parties as central to their success in bringing about settlements. This article discusses how mediators achieve and make use of that rapport. The article also considers the implications for mediator training of the finding that achieving rapport with the parties is a key factor in successful mediation.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection of calves: infectious dose and direct contact transmission.

Cattle are considered to be a reservoir host of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and contaminated foods of bovine origin are important vehicles of human infection. In this study, the susceptibility of calves to experimental E. coli O157:H7 infection following low oral exposures was determined. Two of 17 calves exposed to very low ( 10(7) c.f.u./g, and for durations similar to the values previously reported for calves challenged by larger doses. The susceptibility of calves to infection following very low exposures or direct contact with infected calves has important implications for programmes for pre-harvest control of this agent.
The use of vancomycin powder reduces surgical reoperation in posterior instrumented and noninstrumented spinal surgery.

Background Surgical site infections can complicate posterior spine surgery. Multiple hospital admissions may be required to adequately treat a surgical site infection, which is associated with increased costs and lower patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic intra-wound vancomycin powder in reducing the incidence of repeat surgery for infections after posterior instrumented and noninstrumented spine surgery.
Determining the Importance of Combining Ability for Late Blight Resistance in Early Generations of Potato Breeding When Susceptible Clones are Discarded

At times it may be desirable to determine the importance, rather than the actual values, of general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) in parental materials. In screening large populations for disease resistance over years it may be difficult or impossible to accurately estimate these effects. Once a clone has been found to be susceptible it is usually discarded or lost to the disease, but multiple evaluations are desired before declaring a clone resistant. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of GCA and SCA for late blight resistance in tetraploid potatoes. Five late blight resistant females were crossed to four males in a design II mating scheme to generate 20 families. Progeny were evaluated for foliar late blight from 2002 to 2004. In the first 2 years progeny that had ≥90% late blight infected foliage were discarded; progeny with <90% infected foliage were retested. Sixty-seven clones had no more than 50% infected foliage each year. Individual χ 2 tests demonstrated the significance of GCA in four of the five female parents, however, GCA was not significant in any of the male parents. The proportion of resistant progeny from the female and male parents was used to calculate the expected proportion of resistant progeny for each parental combination. The probbnml function in SAS was used to calculate the probability that the actual number of resistant clones observed was as great or greater than expected. SCA was important in four of the families. Although this method does not give estimates of GCA or SCA, it does determine if GCA or SCA are significant and which parents or parental combinations have significant GCA or SCA, respectively.
Personality and Health Outcomes: Making Positive Expectations a Reality

Trait optimism is associated with better health, but the reason for this association is unclear. The present investigation focused on specific goals and negative emotions as potential pathways through which optimism can lead to better health. College students (n = 336) in the U.S. reported their mental and physical health at the start of an academic term and during finals. Over the course of the term, they reported three daily events and rated the extent to which they were motivated to attain positive outcomes (approach goals) or avoid negative outcomes (avoidance goals). Greater optimism predicted fewer mental and physical health symptoms at the end of the term, controlling for initial symptoms. This association between optimism and symptoms was mediated by the intensity of avoidance goals and negative emotion during the term. These findings suggest that positive expectations do predict better health and this relationship is partially due to the goals people set in their daily lives.
Can lesions of GPe correct HD deficits

The neural mechanisms underlying the role of the basal ganglia in motor control were for many years poorly understood, and the basal ganglia itself was considered an enigmatic structure (Marsden, 1982). A considerable advance was made in understanding the role of the basal ganglia with the development of what has come to be commonly called the direct pathway–indirect pathway model of basal ganglia functional organization (Albin et al., 1989; Crossman, 1987; DeLong, 1990; Penney and Young, 1986). While this model has been criticized for its failure to take into account many aspects of basal ganglia circuitry and its inability to explain all of the diverse motor dysfunctions attending diseases of the basal ganglia (Marsden and Obeso, 1994), the basic model better integrates information on basal ganglia anatomy, neurochemistry and physiology, and better predicts specific behavioral abnormalities attending disease-related or drug-related disturbances of specific neuronal populations of the basal ganglia than does any prior model. Moreover, while the model has been criticized as a simplification by some authors (Albin et al., 1995; Chesselet and Delfs, 1996) and expanded upon by others (Joel, 2001; Joel and Weiner, 1994, 1997), the basic tenets of the model appear to remain accepted. The model posits that two major output circuits arise from the striatal part of the basal ganglia, one from substance P (SP)-containing GABAergic neurons, and the other from enkephalin (ENK)-containing GABAergic neurons (Graybiel, 1990; Reiner and Anderson, 1990). Both types of neurons have low spontaneous firing rates and are activated by excitatory input from the cerebral cortex and/ or the thalamus (Gerfen and Wilson, 1996). The SP+ striatal neurons project to the internal segment of globus pallidus (GPi) or to the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra (SNr) of the midbrain, while the ENK+ striatal neurons project to the external segment of globus pallidus (GPe). Since the pallidal neurons and SNr neurons are GABAergic inhibitory neu-
Modeling Nitrogen Release during Devolatilization on the Basis of Chemical Structure of Coal

A model that predicts the amount and distribution between tar and light gas of nitrogen released during devolatilization has been developed and incorporated into the chemical percolation devolatili...
Physiological responses to successive days of intense training in competitive swimmers

To examine the physiological responses to successive days of intense training, 12 male collegiate swimmers doubled their training distance (4,266 +/- 264 to 8,970 +/- 161 m.d-1) while maintaining the intensity at approximately 95% VO2max for 10 d. Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise and immediately and 5 min after a sub-maximal (approximately 95% VO2max) front crawl swim (365.8 m) on days 0, 5, and 11. Swim performance was assessed from a maximal front crawl swim (365.8 m), two maximal front crawl sprints (22.9 m), and a semi-tethered swim power test. No significant changes were observed in performance. Pre-exercise serum cortisol (17.5 +/- 1.5, 19.5 +/- 1.6, and 20.6 +/- 1.2 micrograms.dl-1 for days 0, 5, and 11, respectively) and creatine kinase (56.2 +/- 7.7, 93.1 +/- 10.1, and 119.0 +/- 23.1 U.l-1 for days 0, 5, and 11, respectively) values were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05) on days 5 and 11 compared to day 0. Resting plasma catecholamine concentrations were higher but not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) at the end of the training period. Measurements of hemoglobin and hematocrit indicated a relative increase of 11.4 +/- 2.7% (P less than 0.05) in estimated plasma volume during the training period. Resting blood glucose values were unaffected by the training regimen while small but significant decreases in resting blood lactate values (1.01 +/- 0.06, 0.85 +/- 0.06, and 0.86 +/- 0.06 mmol.l-1 for days 0, 5, and 11, respectively) were observed on days 5 and 11. Resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure were not affected by the increased training load.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microwave Facilitation of Methylnaltrexone Antagonism of Morphine-Induced Analgesia in Mice

Exposure to low dose microwave irradiation has been postulated to influence effects of centrally active pharmacological agents. In this investigation, the analgesic dose, 50% (ADSO) for morphine in the mouse tail flick test was significantly increased by pretreatment with the centrally active opiate receptor blocker naltrexone, and the dose-response curve ms shifted significantly to the right. On the other hand, the AD50 and dose-response curve for morphine were not influenced by either the peripherally active opiate receptor blocker methylnaltrexone alone or microwave irradiation (2.45 GHz, 20 mW/cm2, CW, 10 min) alone. However, following both methylnaltrexone pretreatment and microwave exposure, there was both a significant increase in the AD50 as well as a significant rightward shift of the dose-response curve, indicating a competitive antagonism of morphine by methylnaltrexone. One possible explanation for this microwave-drug interaction is that microwave energy might facilitate entry of methylnaltrex...
Apoptosis in the development and maintenance of the immune system

Programmed cell death is essential for the development and maintenance of cellular homeostasis of the immune system. The Bcl-2 family of proteins comprises both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members. A subset of pro-apoptotic members, called 'BH3-only' proteins, share sequence homology only in the minimal death domain, designated the Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain. BH3-only proteins operate as upstream sentinels, selectively sensing both intrinsic and extrinsic death stimuli. They communicate this information to the pro-apoptotic 'multidomain' members Bax or Bak--a process that is antagonized by anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. The functional balance of pro-apoptotic versus anti-apoptotic influences, which operates at organelles, determines whether a lymphocyte will live or die. BH3-only molecules, often working in concert, compete for downstream multidomain pro- and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 members to control serial stages of lymphocyte development and homeostasis.
The reductionist ideal in cognitive psychology

I offer support for the view that physicalist theories of cognition don't reduce to neurophysiological theories. On my view, the mind-brain relationship is to be explained in terms of evolutionary forces, some of which tug in the direction of a reductionistic mind-brain relationship, and some of which which tug in the opposite direction. This theory of forces makes possible an anti-reductionist account of the cognitive mind-brain relationship which avoids psychophysical anomalism. This theory thus also responds to the complaint which arguably lies behind the Churchlands' strongest criticisms of anti-reductionism — namely the complaint that anti-reductionists fail to supply principled explanations for the character of the mind-brain relationship. While lending support to anti-reductionism, the view defended here also insures a permanent place for mind-brain reduction as an explanatory ideal analogous to Newtonian inertial motion or Aristotelian natural motion.
ELECTRON TRANSFER BETWEEN REACTANTS LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF LIQUID/LIQUID INTERFACES

A recently introduced method for interposing thin layers of organic solvents between graphite electrode surfaces and aqueous solutions was used to examine the effects of the nature and concentration of the supporting electrolytes on electrochemical responses for reactants dissolved in the thin layers of organic solvent. The method was also used to evaluate the rates of electron transfer between coreactants, each of which was confined to one of the two adjoining, immiscible phases. The rates of these electron-transfer reactions were shown not to be influenced by simultaneous cross-phase ion-transfer processes in cases where such processes were forced to proceed. The rates of the electron-transfer reactions exhibited only weak sensitivity to the driving force of the reactions. This insensitivity was tentatively interpreted as an indication that assembly of the reactant pairs into precursor complexes may be the step that limits the rate of the electron-transfer process.
Innovation in the U.S. Service Sector

This paper contributes to ard a better understanding of innovation in the service sector by focusing on the disparate nature of R&D in the U.S. service sector as learned through case studies of the U.S. telecommunications, financial services, systems integration services, and research and development testing services industries. Based on this understanding of the nature and scope of R&D therein, a new policy-oriented model of innovation specific to the service sector is posited. Also, policy recommendations are offered with regard to the public sector’s collection and interpretation of R&D data related to the service sector.
Hyperosmolar irrigation compared with a standard solution in a canine shoulder arthroscopy model.

Background A hyperosmolar irrigation solution may decrease fluid extravasation during arthroscopic procedures. Demonstrating the safety of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution with respect to chondrocyte viability and cartilage water content was deemed necessary before designing a clinical efficacy study. Methods We designed a translational animal model study in which hyperosmolar arthroscopy irrigation fluid (1.8%, 600 mOsm/L) was compared with normal saline (0.9%, 300 mOsm/L). Purpose-bred research dogs (n = 5) underwent bilateral shoulder arthroscopy. Irrigation fluid was delivered to each shoulder joint (n = 10) at 40 mm Hg for 120 minutes using standard ingress and egress portals. The percentage change in shoulder girth was documented at the completion of 120 minutes. Articular cartilage sections from the glenoid and humeral head were harvested from both shoulders. Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content were evaluated. Differences between groups and compared with time 0 controls were determined, with significance set at P Results The mean percentage change in shoulder girth was higher in the isotonic control group (13.3%) than in the hyperosmolar group (10.4%). Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content for glenoid and humeral head cartilage were well maintained in both treatment groups, and differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions The data from this study suggest that doubling the osmolarity of the standard irrigation solution used for arthroscopy was not associated with any detrimental effects on chondrocyte viability or tissue water content after 2 hours of arthroscopic irrigation. On the basis of potential benefits in conjunction with the safety demonstrated in these data, clinical evaluation of a hyperosmolar solution for irrigation during shoulder arthroscopy appears warranted.
Interaction between activated nordihydroguaiaretic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid

Abstract Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a natural product of the lignan family that has been shown to possess antimicrobial and antineoplastic properties in a variety of test systems. NDGA was observed by u.v.-visible spectroscopy to be unstable in an aqueous environment; however, by these same techniques NDGA was shown to be stable in the presence of mercaptoethanol. It is suggested that an activated NDGA is an intermediate in the O2-mediated oxidation of NDGA and that the activated NDGA forms a stable complex when reacted with duplex DNA. This DNA-activated NDGA complex was detected and studied by both fluorescence spectroscopy and CsCl density gradient techniques. The addition of DNA quenched the fluorescence of activated NDGA in a concentration-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the exposure of activated NDGA lowered the buoyant density of DNA, also, in a concentration-dependent manner. Since mononucleotides did not quench the fluorescence of activated NDGA, and heat-denatured DNA was less effective than fully duplex DNA in its ability to interact with activated NDGA, the duplex structure of DNA was determined to be important in the complex formation. Whereas activated NDGA bound to both poly dG · poly dC and poly (dA · dT), there appeared, by one method of analysis, to be a preference for poly dG · poly dC. Activated NDGA-DNA complex was stable to dialysis, but dissociated in the presence of Sarkosyl. No changes in the viscosity or melting temperature of DNA was induced by the addition of activated NDGA. These data suggest a mechanism in which the activated NDGA was bound to the more apolar regions of duplex DNA that are located in either the major and/or minor grooves.
Increased phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Elongation factor 2 (EF-2) is a phosphoprotein that mediates the translocation step of elongation during protein synthesis. We investigated its phosphorylation to characterize translational regulation of gene expression in Alzheimer's disease. EF-2 was identified on two-dimensional (2D) gels of brain homogenates by analyzing immunoblots with EF-2-specific antibody (Mr 96,000; pI 6.8). Four distinct charge variant isoforms were observed. We identified the two most acidic isoforms as being the phosphorylated forms by incorporation of radiolabeled phosphate. The phosphorylation of EF-2 in control and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain was directly measured as the distribution of the four polypeptides on silver stained 2D gels. The ratio of the phosphorylated forms to unphosphorylated forms was elevated 45% in AD homogenates compared to controls (1.07 ± 0.18; n = 9 vs 0.73 ± 0.20; n = 6; P
Maximizing sellers’ welfare in online auction by simulating bidders’ proxy bidding agents

Abstract This paper presents an agent-based simulation model to estimate the effects of auction parameters on the auction outcomes, and to find an optimal or, at least, a near-optimal infrastructure. In particular, this study intends to study how bidders’ personalities and bidding strategies with other auction parameters affect the closing prices in two auction mechanisms: English and Yankee auction. Experimental results show that the aggregated outcome of multiple English auctions is more favorable to auctioneers and sellers than that of a corresponding single Yankee auction. It is also shown that raising minimum bid increment or bid starting price positively affects the closing prices in both auction types. However, two auction systems respond differently to the changes in parameter values in terms of magnitude and robustness. Further, it is noted that the closing price of an auction is negatively related to the proportion of risk-takers who adopt sniping strategy to submit their bids. As the proportion of risk-takers increases, the closing price significantly decreases in hard-ending auctions (eBay-like system), but only marginally in soft-ending auctions (Amazon-like system). In particular, soft-ending auctions with less snipers and a longer time window of automatic extension return the most favorable closing price to sellers.
An ab initio electronic structure study of methyl adsorption and reaction on cluster models for the diamond surface

Abstract Electronic structure calculations were carried out for a series of hydrogen-terminated carbon clusters designed to model the 100- and 111-diamond surfaces, C d (100) and C d (111). The subjects of the calculations were: (1) methyl radical (CH 3 · ) adsorption on an activated diamond surface; and (2) hydrogen abstraction from adsorbed methyl via reaction with gas-phase atomic hydrogen. The largest clusters were treated at the MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G* level of theory. The results of higher level calculations on smaller clusters were used to estimate corrections to the MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G* energies. It is concluded that methyl adsorption is 6.8 kcal mol −1 more exothermic on C d (100) than on C d (111). Also, the barrier for hydrogen abstraction from methyl adsorbed on C d (100) is 2.4 kcal mol −1 lower than that for abstraction from methyl adsorbed on the C d (111) surface. Finally, the abstraction reaction energy is 0.8 kcal mol −1 lower for methyl adsorbed on C d (100) compared to methyl adsorbed on C d (111).
Effects of B-chlornaltrexamine on separation distress in chicks

Intraventricular B-chlornaltrexamine (2 micrograms) increased distress vocalizations (DVs) in chicks, and reduced the ability of intraventricular morphine (.1-.5 micrograms), to inhibit DVs. Object imprinting was not blocked by central CNA, but systemic naloxone (10 mg/kg) did attenuate imprinting to a green but not a red object.
Cerebrospinal fluid: electrophoresis and methods for determining immunoglobulin G compared

We describe the use of a microconcentrator membrane with a 10,000 dalton cutoff for treating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens before electrophoresis. We also examine immunochemical methods based on radial immunodiffusion, rate nephelometry, and nephelometry at quasi-equilibrium for quantifying IgG in CSF by studying calibrator crossover, imprecision at low IgG levels, and patient correlation. Calibrator crossover studies showed that values for all standard materials agreed well with assigned. At IgG quantities lower than 30.0 mg/L, we found the radial immunodiffusion (RID) method difficult to use; the rate and quasi-equilibrium methods were reliable to 11.2 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively. Above their respective cutoffs, correlation studies revealed that all three methods compared well. We performed IgG quantification and protein electrophoresis on 40 CSF specimens from patients having non-neurologic disease, finding normal reference intervals which generally agreed with those established previously; however, the albumin, beta, and gamma electrophoretic fractions we observed differed from those reported previously.
Evidence for Doubly Charged Negative Fluorine Ions from Electron Bombardment of CF 3 Cl

MULTIPLY charged negative ions are important because of their potential use in tandem accelerators. In such machines the ions are first accelerated as negative ions and then stripped to a multiply charged positive species which is further accelerated. Stuckey and Kiser1 have reported the observation of doubly charged negative ions of oxygen and the halogens using an omegatron for mass analysis. Since early theoretical analysis2 indicated that the lifetimes for such species would be less than 10−9 s and Fremlin3 pointed out that there may be alternative explanations of the omegatron observations, there has been doubt about the actual existence of multiply charged negative ions. More recently Baumann et al.,4 using a Penning ionization source and a 60° magnetic sector instrument for mass analysis, observed some peaks which correspond to a mass half of the negative ion X−. This peak could be due to X2− or it could be a metastable peak due to the dissociation of X2−⇐X−+X before reaching the analysing magnet. To distinguish between these processes they used a stage of electrostatic deflexion for the beam as it left the magnetic sector and definitely established the existence of X2− in several elements.
Brucella Abortus Agglutinins in Porcine Blood

animals and its relation to disease in man. Although the various investigators do not hold the same opinions concerning the source and the mode of entrance of the infection, much evidence has been accumulated to show that the drinking of raw milk containing certain strains of abortus is certainly one, and perhaps the chief, source for man. Others believe that the invasion takes place through the abraded skin or mucous membrane and that the greatest danger comes from handling infected swine carcasses or from caring for animals infected with abortus. The recognition of porcine abortion in America by Traum 1 in 1914 was approximately seventeen years after Bang2 described the cause of infectious abortion in cattle. His report, as well as those of many other investigators, indicates that the porcine cultures are more virulent for guinea-pigs than are many of the bovine strains. Carpenter and Baker 3 believe that swine originally became infected from cattle and that they are less susceptible to infection with Br. abortus than are cattle. Thus, only the most virulent strains of the bovine type are capable of infecting swine. Their opinion is based on the following facts: infectious abortion of swine was not described until 17 years after the causative agent of the disease in cattle was described and satisfactory methods for cultivating Br. abortus were known; they have isolated, from cattle, cultures of Br. abortus as virulent for guinea-pigs as is any porcine culture; abortion in swine has been produced by feeding the animals infected bovine placentas and fetuses as well as cultures of Br. abortus isolated from cattle.
Transferrin is a major cytosolic protein during early stages of involution of rat mammary gland

Cytosol prepared from rat mammary gland contained a glycosylated protein with an estimated molecular weight of 80,000 which comigrated with transferrin upon electrophoretic separation. This protein was recognized specifically by polyclonal antibody to rat transferrin, and had an amino-terminal 17 residue sequence identical to that of rat transferrin. There was a pronounced developmental regulation of cytosolic transferrin levels in mammary gland. During early and mid stages of pregnancy, transferrin accounted for about 1% of cytosolic protein. During late pregnancy, and throughout lactation, transferrin accounted for about 2% of cytosolic protein. Within 2 days after initiation of mammary gland involution, transferrin accounted for more than 15% of cytosolic protein, and then declined during later stages of involution to below 1.5% of cytosolic protein. Pronounced increases in transferrin early in mammary gland involution may serve as a marker for commencement of gland regression.
Antimutagenicity studies of chlorophyllin using the Salmonella arabinose-resistant assay system.

Abstract Studies with the arabinose-resistant Salmonella forward mutation assay system were performed to determine the antimutagenic activity of chlorophyllin against the mutagenic activity of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), 2-aminoanthracene (2AA), benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP), N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and solvent extracts of coal dust (CD), diesel emission particles (DE), airborne particles (AP), tobacco snuff (TS), black pepper (BP) and red wine (RW). Various concentrations of each chemical and complex mixture extract were assayed for mutagenic activity with and/or without S9 in a preincubation test. One concentration of each chemical and complex mixture extract was then tested with various concentrations of chlorophyllin. Results showed that chlorophyllin, at concentrations of 2.5 mg/plate or less, completely or almost completely inhibited the mutagenicity of 2AA, AFB 1 , BaP, MNNG and solvent extracts of CD, DE and RW. With concentrations from 1.25 to 5 mg/plate, chlorophyllin inhibited over 50% of the mutagenicity of AP, TS and BP extracts. These results further substantiate the antimutagenic efficacy of chlorophyllin against chemicals and complex mixtures.