cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Improved Synthesis of 2-Vinyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazole and Characterization of Its Polymers

An efficient synthesis of (1Z)-1-amino-1,2-dicyano-3-aza-1,3,5-hexatriene (acrodamn), via condensation of acrolein and diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN), is described. A larger laboratory-scale synthesis of 4,5-dicyano-2-vinylimidazole (vinazene) is described in detail. The alkylation of vinazene proceeds with strong electrophiles. The compound, 4,5-dicyano-1-methyl-2-vinylimidazole (1-methylvinazene), undergoes Michael addition with pyrrolidine, morpholine, and thiophenol and at higher temperatures with itself, resulting in step-growth oligomerization. Direct measurements of kinetic rates for vinylic radical addition polymerization of vinazene yielded kapp = kp/2√ktfkd values of (7.2 ± 0.25) × 10-3 and (6.6 ± 0.27) × 10-3. Direct measurements of kinetic rates for 1-methylvinazene yielded kapp = kp/2√ktfkd values of (4.3 ± 0.31) × 10-3 and (3.7 ± 0.06) × 10-3. Indirect measurements show the polymerization obeys first-order kinetics. The poly(vinazene) is an acidic material with molecular weights ranging from 100...
Large-scale neuroanatomical visualization using a manifold embedding approach

We present a unified framework for data processing, mining and interactive visualization of large-scale neuroanatomical databases. The input data is assumed to lie in a specific atlas space, or simply exist as a separate collection. Users can specify their own atlas for comparative analyses. The original data exist as MRI images in standard formats. It is uploaded to a remote server and processed offline by a parallelized pipeline workflow. This workflow transforms the data to represent it as both volumetric and triangular mesh cortical surfaces. We use multiresolution representations to scale complexity to data storage availability as well as graphical processing performance. Our workflow implements predefined metrics for clustering and classification, and data projection schemes to aid in visualization. Additionally the system provides a visual query interface for performing selection requests based on user-defined search criteria.
Hepatitis B Virology for Clinicians

A basic understanding of the molecular events involved in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle is essential to better appreciate the natural history and atypical presentations of the disease and to develop individual management plans based on readily available virologic tests. With the improved knowledge gained from studying the molecular biology of HBV, novel approaches to inhibition of viral replication are being explored, such as viral entry inhibitors, nucleocapsid inhibitors, and inhibitors of viral assembly. However, the ultimate goal of therapy is to identify strategies to eliminate covalently closed circular DNA from infected hepatocytes. This article serves to introduce the clinically relevant aspects of the HBV life cycle as they pertain to patient management.
Integrating the transition economies into the EU framework - an overview

From the moment the transitions in the eastern part of Europe erupted, the European scene has been surprisingly convoluted. The opportunities for remaking the continent as a whole offered by the “revolutions” in its eastern part have rarely been as promising. At the same time, resistance to seizing these unique chances has been pronounced. In many respects, ejforts to build upon the certainties of European integration and cohesion while jumping the hurdles of history and politics have foundered. It is important to gain a solid grasp of the reasons behind these paradoxical emanations of the quasi-unique chances forgone and the frustrations incurred in the process.
Heart rate variability is altered following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are known to suffer from autonomic failure as a result of their injury. The magnitude of the dysautonomia resulting from such an injury is difficult to predict or characterize and, in varying degree, it impedes the recovery of physiological homeostasis. This study is intended to investigate the effectiveness of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis as a method of quantifying and characterizing autonomic function in patients with traumatic spinal myelopathy. HRV analysis was carried out in 13 male SCI patients (six tetraplegic, seven paraplegic) and 13 age-matched, able-bodied controls. Twenty-four hour ambulatory and sleep ECG tracings were obtained. Time domain, amplitude, and power spectral analyses were used to study HRV and autonomic function. Both tetraplegic (20+/-12 ms, mean+/-SD) and paraplegic (22+/-8 ms) subjects demonstrated significant loss of low frequency 24-hour HRV compared to able-bodied controls (36+/-14 ms, p < 0.05) and during sleep. This was interpreted as being consistent with predominantly sympathetic denervation uninfluenced by degree of physical activity. There were no significant differences between groups in parasympathetically mediated high frequency HRV. We conclude that HRV analysis is capable of distinguishing between SCI or able-bodied humans and among tetraplegic and paraplegic patients. Patterns of altered HRV may be useful in more completely characterizing or stratifying changes in physiology associated with injury level and may have diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic significance.
Humoral and T cell-mediated immune responses to bivalent killed bovine viral diarrhea virus vaccine in beef cattle

The objective of this research project was to evaluate the antibody and cell-mediated immune responses to a multivalent vaccine containing killed bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2. Twenty castrated male crossbred beef cattle (350-420kg body weight) seronegative to BVDV were randomly divided into two groups of 10 each. Group 1 served as negative mock-vaccinated control. Group 2 was vaccinated subcutaneously twice, 3 weeks apart, with modified live bovine herpesvirus 1, parainfluenza 3 virus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus diluted in diluent containing killed BVDV type 1 (strain 5960) and type 2 (strain 53637) in an adjuvant containing Quil A, Amphigen, and cholesterol. Serum samples were collected from all cattle at days -21, 0, and days 21, 28, 35, 56 and 70 post-vaccination. Standard serum virus neutralization tests were performed with BVDV type 1 (strain 5960) and type 2 (strain 125C). Anticoagulated blood samples were collected at day 0, and days 28, 35, 56 and 70 post-vaccination. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, stimulated with live BVDV type 1 (strain TGAN) and type 2 (strain 890) and cultured in vitro for 4 days. Supernatants of cultured cells were collected and saved for interferon gamma (IFNgamma) indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four-color flow cytometry was performed to stain and identify cultured PBMC for three T cell surface markers (CD4, CD8, and gammadelta TCR) and to detect the activation marker CD25 (alpha chain of IL-2 receptor) expression. The net increase in %CD25+ cells (Delta%CD25+) of each T cell subset of individual cattle was calculated. The results of all post-vaccination weeks of each animal were plotted and the areas under the curve of each T cell subset were statistically analyzed and compared between groups. The mean area under the curve of the Delta%CD25+ data for days 0-70 of all subsets, except CD4-CD8+gammadelta TCR- (cytotoxic) T cell subset of both BVDV types 1 and 2 stimulated cells, of the vaccinated group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). IFNgamma production by PBMC from the vaccinated group showed significantly higher results (P<0.05) than the control group in the BVDV types 1 and 2 stimulated cells for at least some time points after vaccination. The vaccinated group also had significantly (P<0.0001) higher neutralizing antibody titers than the control group from day 28 onward.
Slow Light, Fast Light, and Backwards Light: Fundamentals and Applications

Recent advances in slow-light research are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the possibility of extreme propagation conditions, such as backwards propagation.
The Polarization Lidar Technique for Cloud Research: A Review and Current Assessment

The development of the polarization lidar technique is reviewed, and the current capabilities and limitations of the technique for the cloud research are discussed. At present, polarization lidar is a key component of climate-research programs designed to characterize the properties of cirrus clouds and is an integral part of multiple remote-sensor studies of mixed-phase cloud systems such as winter mountain storms, making it possible to discriminate between cloud phases and to identify some particle types and orientations. Recent theoretical approaches involving ice crystal ray-tracing and cloud microphysical-model simulations are expected to increase the utility of the polarization lidar technique.
Accurate quantitation of native Gc in serum and estimation of endogenous Gc: G-actin complexes by rocket immunoelectrophoresis.

Abstract Complex formation between purified Gc and G-actin caused increased rocket height on immunoelectrophoresis with monospecific Gc antiserum, and artefactually high calculated Gc levels. The increase in rocket height varied in log:linear fashion with the amount of G-actin present, up to a plateau attained at equimolarity. The raw Gc values could therefore be corrected to within ± 10% of known levels by addition of excess G-actin and use of standard plots obtained with Gc after saturation with G-actin. This also allowed quantitation of the percentage of Gc complexed with G-actin. In subsequent studies of whole human sera, comparison of normal controls with pregnant subjects and patients with liver disease showed evidence of differences both in absolute quantities of Gc and the relative proportion circulating as complex with G-actin. This appeared to be due to increased release of cellular actin into the extracellular space. These results show that rocket immunoelectrophoresis can be modified to provide accurate Gc levels, and also information concerning different molecular forms of this protein.
Effects of indomethacin and prostaglandin F2α on ovulation and ovarian contractility in the rabbit

Abstract The present investigation was carried out to determine whether inhibition of ovulation in the rabbit by administration of indomethacin can be correlated with any change in ovarian contractility at ovulation time and can be reversed by administration of prostaglandins. Indomethacin was adminstered intra-muscularly using three different schedules in a dose of 5 mg/kg. A reduced number of ruptured follicles following HCG was noted in all groups treated with indomethacin. Infusion of PGF2α into the aorta (1 μg/kg/min.) could reverse this effect. Less pronounced ovarian contractility was observed after indomethacin treatment, but infusion of PGF2α immediately enhanced contractility in ovaries from indomethacin treated rabbits. The inhibition of ovulation in the rabbit associated with indomethacin adminstration may be related to suppression of ovarian contractions. These data also suggest that prostaglandins may play a significant role in the mechanism of ovulation through an influence on ovarian contractility.
Determinants of Female Reproductive Senescence: Differential Roles for the Ovary and the Neuroendocrine Axis

Aging in women is a complex process that begins with the transition into reproductive senescence and evolves to impact not just women's procreative potential but also multiple health-related parameters including longevity. Although somatic aging is an equal opportunity nemesis, certain disease states correlate highly with ovarian failure and the menopause, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and compromised cognitive function. Epidemiological studies suggest that a delayed natural menopause confers longevity and decelerates the appearance of many of the debilitating morbidities associated with the menopause. However, recent randomized clinical trials assessing the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy during the postmenopause clearly suggest that attenuation of the negative consequences of reproductive aging involves much more than a simple add back of ovarian steroids in the postmenopause. Conflicts between observations in epidemiological studies and in randomized clinical trials give good reason for continued innovative research focused on identifying the mechanisms that bring about the transition from peak reproductive potential to female reproductive quiescence. This article provides a brief update on our current understanding of the physiological and cellular mechanisms that precipitate and/or commit women to transit into reproductive senescence.
Cytolytic saponin fraction from Asterias vulgaris

Abstract A lethal saponin fraction has been isolated from Asterias vulgaris , and found to have cytolytic activity against erythrocytes and lymphocytes. No differences were found in sensitivity for mouse, human, or rat erythrocytes, but lymphocytes appeared somewhat more resistant than rat erythrocytes as measured by 51 Cr release.
Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) production from whey permeate: process and economic analysis

Abstract About 28 billion lbs of liquid whey produced from cheese manufacture are being wasted in the US. An anaerobic fermentation process is developed to produce calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) from whey permeate. CMA can be used to replace salt as a noncorrosive road deicer. A co-culture consisting of homolactic and homoacetic bacteria was used to convert whey lactose to lactate and then to acetate in continuous, immobilized cell bioreactors. The acetate yield from lactose was ∼ 95% (w/w), and the final concentration of acetic acid obtained from this homofermentative process was 4%. The acetic acid produced from fermentation can be readily recovered by solvent extraction with a tertiary amine and reacted with dolomitic lime (CA/MgO) to form a concentrated (>25%) CMA solution. This CMA solution can then be dried to form the granular CMA deicer. About 40 tons CMA can be produced from a plant processing 1.5 million lbs whey permeate per day, at a cost of $215/ton. The total capital investment is estimated at ∼ 7 million dollars, with a return rate of less than 1.5 years at the current market price of $600/ton.
A revised framework for coupled human and natural systems, propagating thresholds, and managing environmental problems

Abstract Frameworks for solving environmental problems have been presented over the past 40 years from many organizations and disciplines, often with a strong focus on their own discipline. This paper describes a modification of an existing framework that can be better applied to manage environmental problems. Human well being, environmental policy, human activities, stressors (contaminants and habitat alterations), and ecosystem services are highlighted as five elements of the coupled human and natural system in the proposed framework. Thresholds in relationships among elements in coupled human and natural systems are key attributes of couplings because of their use in development of environmental criteria by facilitating stakeholder consensus and preventing catastrophic changes. Propagation of thresholds through coupled human and natural systems is hypothesized to be a significant driver of policy development. The application of the framework is related to managing eutrophication and algal bloom problems.
Making Sense Under a Midnight Sun: Transdisciplinary Art, Documentary Film, and Cultural Exchange

This essay analyzes the sense-making practices at work in directing a Russian–American youth arts program that included 2 weeks in Russia, and the production of a documentary film about that program. Both the filmmaker and the transdisciplinary art program director examine together their efforts to make sense of the event as their expectations for it collapse. We explore ways the creative practices of our disciplines shape our sense making and structure how we understand success, failure, and art. We trace how our experience both eludes sense and makes sense, and seek to reflect the provisional, incomplete, and emergent status of both our collaboration and our experiences of sense making. We struggle with the impulse that knowledge must be tamed and stabilized by narrative to be theoretically productive, and we suggest that the processes of thoughtfully and creatively contextualizing lived experiences have knowledge-value that exceeds the “success” or “failure” of their expression in conventional forms.
Asymptotically optimal transmission policies for large-scale low-power wireless sensor networks

We consider wireless sensor networks with multiple gateways and multiple classes of traffic carrying data generated by different sensory inputs. The objective is to devise joint routing, power control and transmission scheduling policies in order to gather data in the most efficient manner while respecting the needs of different sensing tasks (fairness). We formulate the problem as maximizing the utility of transmissions subject to explicit fairness constraints and propose an efficient decomposition algorithm drawing upon large-scale decomposition ideas in mathematical programming. We show that our algorithm terminates in a finite number of iterations and produces a policy that is asymptotically optimal at low transmission power levels. Furthermore, we establish that the utility maximization problem we consider can, in principle, be solved in polynomial time. Numerical results show that our policy is near-optimal, even at high power levels, and far superior to the best known heuristics at low power levels. We also demonstrate how to adapt our algorithm to accommodate energy constraints and node failures. The approach we introduce can efficiently determine near-optimal transmission policies for dramatically larger problem instances than an alternative enumeration approach.
Persistent coinfection of T lymphocytes with HTLV-II and HIV and the role of syncytium formation in HIV-induced cytopathic effect.

Abstract We previously demonstrated a high permissiveness of HTLV-II-transformed T lymphocytes (C3) to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vitro , and that this infection results in the lysis of cells ( D. C. Montefiori and W. M. Mitchell (1986) Virology 155, 726–731). We now show that a small percentage of HIV-infected C3 cells resist cell lysis, grow continuously in culture, and express antigens of both viruses. High levels of reverse transcriptase activity found in the culture fluid of these coinfected cells were associated with the presence of fully infectious HIV and an absence of detectable infectious HTLV-II. Virus production in C3 cells coinfected with the HIV isolate HTLV-III was approximately threefold greater than in C3 cells coinfected with the HIV isolate LAV, a result which suggests that HIV genomic diversity may give rise to differences in replicative capacities. Lysis resistance was found to be a cellular-determined function in that HIV produced in cultures of C3/HTLV-III cells retained the capacity to elicit a lytic response upon repeated infection. Small syncytia (less than five nuclei) were rarely observed in cultures of C3 and nonlytic C3/HIV cells, whereas large syncytia (more than five nuclei) were in abundance during the lytic phase of coinfection, a result which supports a role for syncytium formation in the mechanism of HIV-induced cytopathic effects. The results of these studies further demonstrate that there exists a lack of viral interference by HTLV-II infection, and that HTLV-II-transformed lymphocytes could act as a chronic reservoir for HIV in vivo .
Sex-related differences in the effect of cadmium on the induction of hepatic microsomal monooxygenases by phenobarbital in male and female rats.

3 days following an intraperitoneal injection of cadmium [Cd] (2.0 mg Cd/kg) an inhibition in hepatic microsomal drug metabolism for ethylmorphine and aniline was observed in male rats. Such treatment in female rats only inhibited metabolism of aniline. Following treatment with phenobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.p., for 4 days), the metabolism of both substrates was induced in rats of both sexes. In male rats, but not in female rats, Cd blocked the inducing action of phenobarbital.
Monitoring dynamic changes in lymph metabolome of fasting and fed rats by electrospray ionization-ion mobility mass spectrometry (ESI-IMMS).

Ambient pressure ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IMMS) has recently emerged as a rapid and efficient analytical technique for applications to metabolomics. An important application of metabolomics is to monitor metabolome shifts caused by stress due to toxin exposure, nutritional changes, or disease. The research presented in this paper uses IMMS to monitor metabolic changes in rat lymph fluid caused by dietary stresses over time. Extracts of metabolites found in the lymph fluid collected from dietary stressed rats were subjected to analysis by electrospray (ESI) IMMS operated both in positive and negative ion detection mode. Metabolites detected were tentatively identified based on their mass to charge ratio (m/z). In one sample, 1180 reproducible tentative metabolite ions were detected in negative mode and 1900 reproducible tentative metabolite ions detected in positive mode. Only biologically reproducible ions, defined as metabolite ions that were measured in different rats under the sam...
Temperature effects on acute copper toxicity to juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature on the acute toxicity of copper sulfate to juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Alkalinity and hardness were 30 and 26 mg l−1, respectively. The 7–10-g fingerlings were acclimated in four climate chambers at test temperatures of 21, 23, 25, and 27 °C for 2 weeks. After determining an acutely lethal copper dose, aerated tanks of 7.6 l were placed in each climate chamber in quadruplicate. To each, seven acclimated channel catfish fingerlings were added. The 72-h cumulative mortality from 20 mg l−1 copper sulfate was significantly lower in the 27 °C treatment (25%) compared to the 21, 23, and 25 °C treatments, where cumulative mortality was 79–96%. Total mortality at 72 h was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with decreasing temperatures (r=−0.91). This provides evidence of an inverse relationship between toxicity of copper sulfate and water temperature. Survival time, however, decreased with increasing temperatures.
Linear machinery for morphological distortion

Abstract In 1917 D'Arcy Thompson reduced the problem of comparing two homologous shapes to the construction and depiction of a mathematical distortion in the plane. Attempts at algorithms for this computation, found mostly in the biological literature, ignore the primacy of the boundary correspondence within the data. One can define roughness of a map as the extent to which the image of the centroid of a square deviates from the centroid of the images of its corners; analytically, this is the sum of the squared Laplacians of its real and imaginary parts. When data are supplied geometrically in the form of a boundary correspondence and homologous point paris, one can compute by wholly linear methods the function (splined over a mesh) which accords with geometric homologies and has least integral roughness. The necessary high-order matrix operations are available in the numerical-analysis literature under the rubric of “fast Poisson solvers.” The resulting explicit smooth functions lend themselves naturally to diagrammatic display in terms of the eigenstructure of the symmetrized geometric strain and integral curves of its principal directions.
β-Endorphin concentrations in serum, hypothalamus and central gray of hypophysectomized and mediobasal hypothalamus lesioned rats

Abstract The serum and brain concentrations of β-endorphin immunoreactivity have been studied in intact, mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) lesioned and hypophysectomized male rats. After hypophysectomy there is a major reduction (90%) of β-endorphin concentration in the serum but only a partial reduction (20%) in the mediobasal hypothalamus. However, MBH lesions enhance β-endorphin serum values in previously hypophysectomized rats. Long-term MBH lesions alone lead to an almost complete disappearance of β-endorphin in the central gray matter with a slight decrease in the serum. These data clearly show that: (1) the pituitary is the major source of β-endorphin in the serum; (2) the hypothalamus is the major source of β-endorphin in the central gray matter; and (3) there is clear influence of the pituitary on hypothalamic β-endorphin.
Development of a deployable aerosol/water vapor lidar to characterize the atmosphere

A trailer-based lidar, named Humidity and Aerosol Lidar (HAL), is being built as a remote sensing tool to characterize atmospheric aerosol and water vapor in the line-of-sight. Water vapor and aerosol in the lower atmosphere are critical components affecting the propagation of high-energy laser beams and microwave. The sensor is developed to collect high temporal and vertical resolution data of atmospheric aerosols and water vapor. This ground-based system also serves as a demonstration and an engineering study of a flight-capable sensor for real-time diagnostic of the atmosphere. The lidar, operating on the principles of differential absorption, could measure water vapor to 10 km altitudes. It also measures aerosols and cloud backscatter at altitudes up to 18 km and ranges up to 90 km. Operating with a hemispherical scanner, the sensor could map the 3-dimensional field of aerosols and water vapor and provide vertical as well as horizontal structures. A unidirectional Alexandrite ring laser, operating in single mode near 727.49 nm, is the laser source. The sensor is designed to operate in day and night time. A description of the system, its wavelength calibration unit, the transmitter-receiver system and projected performance will be discussed. Results of the photo-acoustic calibration cell and wavelength selections will be presented. Preliminary results of water vapor and aerosols will be discussed.
Forward and inverse dielectric modeling of oven-dried cement paste specimens in the frequency range of 1.02 GHz to 4.50 GHz

The use of radar non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for condition assessment of deteriorated civil infrastructure systems is an effective approach for preserving the sustainability of these systems. Radar NDE utilizes the interaction between radar signals (electromagnetic waves) and construction materials for surface and subsurface sensing based on dielectric properties and geometry. In the success of radar inspection, it is imperative to develop models capable of predicting the dielectric properties of the materials under investigation. The dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss factor) of oven-dried cement paste specimens with water-to-cement (w/c) ratios (0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55) in the frequency range of 1.02 GHz to 4.50 GHz were studied and modeled using modified Debye's models. An open-ended coaxial probe and a network analyzer were used to measure dielectric properties. Forward models are proposed and inversed for predicting the w/c ratio of a given oven-dried cement paste specimen. Modeling results agreed with the experimental data. The proposed models can be used for predicting the dielectric properties of oven-dried cement paste specimens. Also, the modeling approach can be applied to other cementitious materials (e.g., concrete) with additional modification.
Progressive image transmission and reconstruction

This paper describes a study in which several progressive image transmission and reconstruction (PITAR) methods were used to evaluate the Logical Bit-Slice technique, which was developed during this study. As defined in this paper, a method identifies which pixels are to be manipulated and a technique defines how those pixels are to be manipulated. The objective was to determine an efficient technique of extracting partial image information to improve image reconstruction. The measure was to identify which method resulted in the most recognizable image sequence with the least number of transmitted bits. The Logical Bit-Slice technique was incorporated into classical methods, e.g., Zig-Zag method, to create respective modified methods, e.g., Zig-Bit method. A feature of the Logical Bit-Slice technique is that it enables the signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed image to be adaptively set to a user- determined values. The principal conclusion was that incorporation of the Logical Bit-Slice technique into existing methods improved PITAR performance with minimal additional processing and complexity. Furthermore, the modified Block method, i.e., the Block-Bit method, provided superior visual reconstruction of high-contrast images.
Dose rate effects in indium-implanted Hg1-xCdxTe

In order to more clearly understand the effects of temperature and ion current on ion-implantation induced disorder in Hg0.7Cd0.3Te, we have implanted various doses of indium at 300 keV using different implant currents and heat sink conditions. Calculations of the transient temperature rise expected under the ion beam carried out for well heat sunk samples and for various heat sink conditions show acceptable values for moderate beam currents (1 μA cm-2). Experimental results indicate that considerable dynamic annealing occurs during implantation at temperatures greater than 77 K and that this annealing causes enhanced diffusion of indium the implant.
Interaction of cytochrome oxidases aa3 and d with nitrite.

I wish to report a reaction of reduced cytochrome oxidases aa3 and d with a common metabolite: the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide-cytochrome oxidase complex.
A MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE PATHWAY IS REQUIRED FOR MU -OPIOID RECEPTOR DESENSITIZATION

The mu-opioid receptor mediates not only the beneficial painkilling effects of opiates like morphine but also the detrimental effects of chronic exposure such as tolerance and dependence. Different studies have linked tolerance to opioid receptor desensitization. Agonist activation of the mu-opioid receptor stimulates a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, but the functional significance of this pathway remains unclear. We have focused on the MAPK signaling cascade to study mu-opioid receptor desensitization. We report that inhibition of the MAPK pathway blocks desensitization of mu-opioid receptor signaling as well as the loss of receptor density due to internalization. Our results suggest that a feedback signal emanating from the MAPK cascade is required for mu-opioid receptor desensitization.
Long-term effects of aldosterone blockade in resistant hypertension associated with chronic kidney disease

Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are effective in the management of resistant hypertension but are not widely used in CKD because of the risk of hyperkalemia. We retrospectively evaluated the long-term effects and safety of MRAs added to a pre-existing antihypertensive regimen in subjects with resistant hypertension associated with stage 3 CKD. In all, 32 patients were treated with spironolactone and 4 with eplerenone for a median follow-up of 312 days. MRAs induced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure from 162±22 to 138±14 mm Hg (P<0.0001) and in diastolic blood pressure from 87±17 to 74±12 mm Hg (P<0.0001). Serum potassium increased from 4.0±0.5 to 4.4±0.5 mEq l−1 (P=0.0001), with the highest value being 5.8 mEq l−1. The serum creatinine increased from 1.5±0.3 to 1.8±0.5 mg dl−1 (P=0.0004) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 48.6±8.7 to 41.2±11.5 ml min−1 per 1.73 m2 (P=0.0002). One case of acute renal failure and three cases of significant hyperkalemia occurred. MRAs significantly reduced blood pressure in subjects with resistant hypertension associated with stage 3 CKD, although close biochemical monitoring is recommended because of an increased risk of hyperkalemia and worsening of renal function.
Task-related EEG asymmetry: effects of age and ability.

EEG was recorded over parietal sites in 16 adult males while they were engaged in verbal and spatial tasks. A portion of the Modified Minnesota Paper Form Board Test was administered to obtain a measure of spatial ability. Computer analysis of 1 min of EEG during each task revealed relatively reduced amplitude of EEG alpha frequency (7–13 Hz) from the left hemisphere during the verbal task, while the opposite pattern held during the spatial task, with right hemisphere alpha reduced compared to the left hemisphere alpha. No task-related asymmetry was seen for the whole-band EEG. No relationship was found between spatial test scores and degree of task-related asymmetry, but degree of asymmetry increased with increasing age.
Analysis of Simulated Axial-Flow Turbomachine Wakes for Estimation of Frequency-Response Requirements for Fast-Response Pressure Probes

Various types of fast-response pressure probes are currently used in turbomachines. One application of these probes is for the measurement of time varying total pressures downstream of an aixal-flow machine rotor. In this paper, the frequency-response requirements for a probe placed in such a stream are estimated using a simulated wake pressure-time function. The analysis indicates that the minimum required response depends mainly on the maximum pressure difference from wake to free stream, the blade passing frequency and the blade row geometry. One of the assumptions made in the analysis is that a fast-response probe with a short total head tube in front of the transducer behaves approximately as a second-order dynamic system. Experimental results are given to illustrate probe behavior both in frequency-response tests and behind an axial-flow rotor. Improved probe frequency response using electronic filters is also illustrated.Copyright © 1974 by ASME
Insights into the bonding and electronic nature of heavy element materials

A long standing issue in heavy element science is what role electrons, especially the f-electrons, play in chemical and physical behaviors. This interest prevails not only for changes found between the two f-electron series and for the different elements in one series, but also for comparing a particular element's behavior in its elemental and combined states. Different types of experimental approaches over the years have been employed to probe and evaluate the nature of bonding and electronic configurations in these materials. In some instances the conclusions arrived from experiment and theory have differed, but theory and experiment have recently become more encompassing, sophisticated and in better accord with one another. Interpretations about the electronic interactions and bonding at ambient or elevated temperatures in the f-elements have been employed for many years and have generated important and guidelines Structural behaviors under pressure and the associated correlations with bonding via experimental methods have become especially enlightening in this regard. These experimental findings also generated increased theoretical efforts to probe these changes and offer new insights. Selected aspects of results obtained to date for f-electron materials using different experimental approaches and conditions will be examined and discussed here with regard to electronic configurations and the potential changes that occur in bonding. A useful approach in this regard is to employ correlations to establish trends as a function of electronic nature and configurations. Findings using this approach will be discussed here and compared to computational results for several materials.
A Probability Model for Initial Crack Size and Fatigue Life of Gun Barrels.

Abstract : With constant firing, metal fatigue produces cracks in a gun barrel. The useful life of the barrel comes to an end when a crack develops to a critical size. The theory of Fracture Mechanics suggests a formula for crack size growth rate. This formula can be used to determine the life of a barrel depending on the initial and critical crack sizes and other factors. The initial crack size turns out to be a dominant factor. Unfortunately, accurate measurements are not generally available on the initial crack size. In this paper, a simple probability model for the initial crack size is proposed and this, in turn, leads to a probability distribution of the life of the barrel. This last distribution is the well known exponential distribution with a location shift. The simplicity of this final result is one of the factors that make the model appealing. (Author)
Perivesical mass and vertical bladder caused by massive prostatic enlargement

Abstract Massive prostatic enlargement may present with the radiographic appearance of a perivesical mass and pear-shaped bladder. An explanation of this appearance, based on the computed tomographic findings, is offered. We discuss the differential diagnosis.
PRISM—liquid metal cooled reactor plant design and performance

Abstract The U.S. Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor (ALMR) program has focused on PRISM (Power Reactor Inherently Safe Module). This innovative concept utilizes inherent safety characteristics to simplify and improve operability and standardization and factory assembly of pre-certified modules to reduce owner's risk and costs. The relatively small size of each reactor module facilitates the use of passive, inherent reactor shutdown and decay heat removal features, which permit design simplification and reduction in the number of safety-related systems. Modular construction of the nuclear island and balance-of-plant facilities provides greater control of plant capital cost and construction schedule.
Mechanism of Adenovirus Neutralization by Human α-Defensins

Defensins are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that disrupt bacterial membranes and prevent bacterial invasion of the host. Emerging studies indicate that certain defensins also block virus infection; however, the mechanism(s) involved are poorly understood. We demonstrate that human alpha-defensins inhibit adenovirus infection at low micromolar concentrations, and this requires direct association of the defensin with the virus. Moreover, defensins inhibit virus disassembly at the vertex region, thereby restricting the release of an internal capsid protein, pVI, which is required for endosomal membrane penetration during cell entry. As a consequence, defensins hamper the release of adenovirus particles from endocytic vesicles, resulting in virion accumulation in early endosomes and lysosomes. Thus, defensins possess remarkably distinct modes of activity against bacteria and viruses, and their function may provide insights for the development of new antiviral strategies.
Discrimination formation as related to the amount of sΔ training

Rats were trained on a two-valued auditory-intensity discrimination. Daily sessions consisted of 1 hr. of SD and 1, 2, or 5 hr. of sΔ. Discrimination performance was directly related to the amount of sΔ training. Any given amount of sΔ exposure was equally effective whether presented under massed or distributed conditions.
Solubilization of benzodiazepine receptors from long- and short-sleep mice

Abstract Previous studies have shown that long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice, which were selectively bred for differential responses to the sedative-hypnotic actions of ethanol, also differ in response to several other agents that act at the GABAergic receptor. Binding at cortical benzodiazepine receptors is enhanced differentially by GABA and ethanol in membranes prepared from the two lines of mice with SS receptors enhanced to a greater extent. Heat denaturation studies and other biochemical characterizations of these receptors suggest that the GABAergic receptor complex from the two lines of mice differs. The present study examined whether perturbation of receptor-membrane interactions by treatment with detergent altered either GABA enhancement of [ 3 H]flunitrazepam binding or ethanol enhancement of this binding. Octylglucopyranoside (OCTG), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyldimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), or deoxycholate solubilization of cortical membranes resulted in a loss of the LS/SS difference in GABA enhancement. Ethanol's effects on binding were altered differently from those of GABA by treatment with OCTG as an increase, not a decrease, in enhancement was observed in both lines of mice. These results suggest that protein-membrane interactions play an important role in mediating LS/SS differences in the allosteric interactions within the GABAergic receptor complex.
World Wide Web Accessible Resources Related to Research on Social Work Practice

The World Wide Web offers resources related to research on social work practice, arranged in categories from the general to social work specific. Included are World Wide Web sites for general indexes, reference sources, search procedures, government resources, journals, measurement, psychology, other social sciences, social work professional issues, social work client issues, race and culture, and social work education.
A new chemotaxis device for cell migration studies

This study presents the design and optimization for in vitro use of a new versatile chemotaxis device called the NANIVID (NANo IntraVital Imaging Device), developed using advanced nano/micro fabrication techniques. The device is fabricated using microphotolithographic techniques and two substrates are bonded together using a thin polymer layer creating a sealed device with one outlet. The main structure of the device consists of two Pyrex substrates: an etched chemoattractant reservoir and a top cover, with a final size of 0.2 × 2 × 3 mm. This reservoir contains a hydrogel blend with EGF which diffuses out through a small (∼9.103 μm2) outlet. This reservoir sustains a steady release of growth factor into the surrounding environment for several hours establishing a consistent concentration gradient from the device. The focus of this study was to design and optimize the new device for cell chemotaxis studies in breast cancer cells in cell culture. Our results show that we have created a flexible, cheap, miniature and autonomous chemotaxis device and demonstrate its usefulness in 2D and 3D cell culture. We also provide preliminary data for use of the device in vivo.
Overcoming paradoxes of Drucker–Prager theory for unconsolidated granular matter

Abstract Drucker–Prager model of granular matter contradicts to experiments in several aspects some of which are quite “annoying”, like, for example, the steady shear paradox: in a steady simple shear flow the continuum extends indefinitely in the direction normal to the flow. In this paper we discuss modifications of Drucker–Prager model, which eliminate most obvious paradoxes while the most essential feature of the model, its simple variational structure, is preserved.
On geometric representations of dynamics

The solutions of dynamics problems are considered as trajectories in the configuration, event, state, and state-time spaces, and the effects of some axioms of particle mechanics on the geometry of these trajectories are examined. “Strictly Newtonian systems” (SN) are defined for whichNewton's second law holds always, and “Newtonian systems” (N) for which momentum is permanently bounded, andNewton's second law holds “almost always.” The continuity, smoothness and monotonicity of the trajectories of (SN) and (N) in the above-mentioned spaces is studied, as well as the geometric meanings of scleronomic, rheonomic, holonomic and nonholonomic constraints and ofLiapunov andPoincare stability. Finally, some examples from nonlinear vibration theory are used to illustrate the power of geometrical intuition in the solution of dynamics problems.
Retinoic acid and dexamethasone regulate the expression of PEDF in retinal and endothelial cells

Abstract Both all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Treatment of human Y-79 retinoblastoma and A-RPE 19 pigment epithelial cells with ATRA increased the levels of PEDF protein and RNA. Endothelial cells from bovine retina and human umbilical cord expressed PEDF and the levels were also increased by ATRA. Mouse Muller glial cells and rat C6 glioma cells showed at least a 2·5 fold increase in PEDF RNA levels after ATRA treatment, as measured by quantitative PCR. The PEDF promoter contains a retinoic acid receptor element (RARE). Plasmids containing a PEDF promoter regulating a luciferase gene were transfected into D407 and C6 cells and the luciferase activity measured after incubation in the presence or absence of ATRA. In both cell types ATRA increased the level of luciferase activity suggesting the RARE is functional. Dexamethasone was also effective at increasing PEDF RNA levels in both mouse Muller glial cells and C6 rat glioma cells. To test the effects of PEDF on retinoic acid function, expression of retinoic acid receptors in Y-79 and A-RPE 19 cells was measured by PCR. In Y79 cells, PEDF treatment increased the expression levels of RARα and RXRγ receptors and in the A-RPE 19 cells it resulted in a decrease in expression of the RARβ and RXRβ receptors. This study clearly indicates an interaction between PEDF and ATRA. The cell differentiation activities of PEDF may operate through mechanisms orchestrated by retinoids, and the converse may also be true. The differentiation, anti-mitotic, and apoptotic actions of PEDF and ATRA may utilize parallel pathways that converge at key junctional transduction molecules to coordinate cellular quiescence and maintain tissue mass in the presence of signals that stimulate abnormal cell proliferation. It will be an interesting therapeutic strategy to co-administer PEDF and retinoic acid in developing protocols for neovascular diseases in the eye and in cancer.
Signaling from the membrane via membrane estrogen receptor-α: Estrogens, xenoestrogens, and phytoestrogens

Estrogen mimetics in the environment and in foods can have important consequences for endocrine functions. When previously examined for action via genomic steroid signaling mechanisms, most of these compounds were found to be very weak agonists. We have instead tested their actions via several membrane-initiated signaling mechanisms in GH3/B6 pituitary tumor cells extensively selected for high (responsive) or low (nonresponsive) expression of the membrane version of estrogen receptor-alpha (mERalpha). We found many estrogen mimetic compounds to be potently active in our quantitative extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) activation assays, to increase cellular Ca++ levels, and to cause rapid prolactin release. However, these compounds may activate one or both mechanisms with different potencies. For instance, some compounds activate ERKs in both pM and nM concentration ranges, while others are only active at nM and higher concentrations. Compounds also show great differences in their temporal activation patterns. While estradiol causes a bimodal time-dependent ERK activation (peaking at both 3 and 30 min), most estrogen mimetics cause either an early phase activation, a late phase activation, or an early sustained activation. One xenoestrogen known to be a relatively potent activator of estrogen response element-mediated actions (bisphenol A) is inactive as an ERK activator, and only a modest inducer of Ca++ levels and prolactin release. Many different signaling machineries culminate in ERK activation, and xenoestrogens differentially affect various pathways. Clearly individual xenoestrogens must be individually investigated for their differing abilities to activate distinct membrane-initiated signal cascades that lead to a variety of cellular functions.
882 DECREASED PROSTACYCLIN OR PGI 2 PRODUCTION IN THE INFANT OF THE DIABETIC MOTHER (IDM). CORRELATION WITH MATERNAL HbA 1c

882 DECREASED PROSTACYCLIN OR PGI 2 PRODUCTION IN THE INFANT OF THE DIABETIC MOTHER (IDM). CORRELATION WITH MATERNAL HbA 1c
Gain-guided, index-antiguided fiber lasers

Optical fibers with large diameter cores having a negative index step from cladding to core combined with an adequately large gain coefficient in the core provide near-optimal mode properties for fiber lasers delivering robust single transverse mode operation with very large mode areas. Basic properties and simple design formulas for such fibers are presented.