cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 11 Modulation of Na+, K+-ATPase Expression in Renal Collecting Duct

Publisher Summary The renal cortical collecting duct (CCD) plays a central role in maintaining Na + and K + balance in the mammal by regulating the rates of Na + reabsorption from, and K + secretion into, the tubular lumen of this early collecting duct segment. Numerous humoral, neural, and physical factors are known to modulate the rates of ion transport in these cells, although the interrelationships among these factors are only partially understood. Perhaps the most important and well-characterized modulator of Na + and K + transport in this segment is the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone. The actions of aldosterone on Na + and K + transport in the CCD may in part be modulated by other factors such as Na + entry into the cells. It has long been known that the Na + load presented to renal tubular cells can modulate the Na + , K + -ATPase levels and the actions of aldosterone on this enzyme. The purpose of this chapter is to present work on the aldosterone-induced expression of the Na + , K + –ATPase activity in the rabbit CCD and the role of Na' entry in modulating this expression. Emphasis is on the interrelationship of early and late phases of aldosterone actions, the possible modes of up-regulation of Na + , K + -ATPase activity, and the signal transduction paths by which Na + entry could act as a modulator.
EM Algorithm in Telecommunications

Since the introduction of turbo codes in 1993, iterative decoding algorithms have seen tremendous use in telecommunications. Even before 1993 though, the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, an iterative procedure for producing maximum-likelihood (ML) estimates introduced in a unified form in 1978, was applied to a number of problems in telecommunications. This article provides a brief overview of the EM algorithm with emphasis on its applications to problems in telecommunications. Some of the results in the article are new and have not been previously published. Keywords: maximum-likelihood; estimation; detection; expectation-maximization algorithm; convergence; sequence estimation; synchronization; fading channels; interference; SNR estimation
Infrared Fixed Point of the 12-Fermion SU(3) Gauge Model Based on 2-Lattice Monte Carlo Renomalization-Group Matching

I investigate an SU(3) gauge model with 12 fundamental fermions. The physically interesting region of this strongly coupled system can be influenced by an ultraviolet fixed point due to lattice artifacts. I suggest to use a gauge action with an additional negative adjoint plaquette term that lessens this problem. I also introduce a new analysis method for the 2-lattice matching Monte Carlo renormalization group technique that significantly reduces finite volume effects. The combination of these two improvements allows me to measure the bare step scaling function in a region of the gauge coupling where it is clearly negative, indicating a positive renormalization group $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function and infrared conformality.
Bid purchasing of radiopharmaceuticals and radiopaque contrast media

Use of product standardization and competitive-bid purchasing for radiopharmaceuticals and radiopaque contrast media in a 1000-bed teaching hospital is described. The hospital's use of radiopharmaceuticals was reviewed, and all agents were listed with their product specifications and order quantity or frequency. Manufacturers and wholesalers were asked to submit unit prices for each of their products. Similar procedures were followed for radiopaque contrast media; wholesalers and manufacturers were asked to submit unit prices that would be guaranteed for a 12-month contract period. A nuclear pharmacist and radiologists reviewed the submitted bids and awarded contracts, basing their decisions primarily on product acceptability and selection criteria and then on relative costs of the agents. Annual costs were reduced 16% ($16,500) for radiopharmaceuticals and 21.3% ($66,500) for radiopaque contrast media. The program also resulted in decreased inventory of radiopaque contrast media and in faster and less expensive acquisition of emergency orders. Working with the radiology department to compile a standard list of radiopharmaceuticals and radiopaque contrast media and soliciting competitive bids by vendors of these products resulted in annual savings of more than $83,000.
Effect of β-3-Thienylalanine on Antibody Synthesis V. Immunosuppression in Mice by Short Diet and Drug Treatments

The analogue of phenylalanine, β-3-thienylalanine, depresses severely the primary and secondary immune response to sheep erythrocytes in mice when administered for a few days immediately before and after each injection of antigen. For this immunosuppression to occur, animals must be maintained on a phenylalanine-free diet during the times of drug injection since dietary phenylalanine will restore anamnestic response. With these experimental conditions, the number of direct and indirect plaque-forming cells is greatly reduced during immune responses. The finding that marked immunosuppression can be obtained with a very short drug and diet treatment points to a potential usefullness of the analogue as a powerful immunosuppressant.
Electrophysiological Studies of a Water Receptor Associated With the Taste Sensilla of the Blowfly

Electrophysiological evidence is given that water is the specific stimulus for a fourth sensory cell associated with the taste sensilla of the blowfly. Water elicited impulses from a single cell which responded in two distinct phases: an initial rapid rate of discharge followed by a lesser, sustained steady rate. The latter, in the case of sucrose solutions, was inhibited in direct proportion to the log of the osmotic pressure over a 104 range of pressures. Other non-electrolytes inhibited, but the effect could not be simply correlated with parameters of the solutions. Electrolytes inhibited the water response more sharply and at lower concentrations. The inhibition in all cases was not dependent on impulses in the other sensory cells of the taste sensillum.
Collaboration in Frontline Health Care Delivery Examining the Contractual Relationship Between Local Governments and Emergency Medical Services Agencies

Contracting for complex human services has presented the field of public administration with a number of difficult and enduring questions. Emergency medical services (EMS) provide an ideal arena for further investigation into this topic. We utilize a relational contracting framework to examine key questions associated with trust in the collaborative provision of EMS. The findings indicate that contract specificity, provider performance, and administrative professionalization influence trust in these relationships.
PLATE WASTE OF BACON CURED WITH AND WITHOUT SODIUM NITRITE

Bacon cured with and without NaNO2 was served in a student dining hall as part of the regular breakfast menu selection. Plate waste was measured. Mean percentage plate waste was 13.7% and 13.4%, respectively, for bacon cured with and without NaNO2. The presence or absence of NaNO2 did not appear to be a determinant of the quantity of bacon consumed by these institutional food service facility patrons.
Observation of Δ|k − l| = 3 Transitions in the ν3Band of H3O+

Although the vibration-rotation spectrum of H3 O+ has been studied extensively, there has been no experimental information on the value of the C rotational constant because of the absence of any observed Delta|k - l | not equal 0 forbidden transitions. However, as pointed out by Verhoeve et al. in their far-infrared spectroscopic work [P. Verhoeve, M. Versluis, J. J. Ter Meulen, W. L. Meerts, and A. Dynamus, Chem. Phys. Lett. 161, 195-201 (1989)], a near degeneracy exists between some (J , 0)+ and (J , 3)- ground state rotation-inversion levels, which causes sizable shifts in these levels due to off-diagonal centrifugal distortion. These shifts were observed in the ground state combination differences of the nu3 fundamental transitions. We have observed 11 forbidden Delta|k - l | = 3 transitions to the nu3 band induced by the mixing in the ground state and involving the J = 7, 9, and 11 levels, and determined the energy difference between different K levels, the C rotational constant, and the off-diagonal centrifugal distortion mixing coefficient.
Seasonal and social correlates of changes in hair, skin, and scrotal condition in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) of Amboseli National Park, Kenya

In a 20-month study of six groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, I documented changes in hair loss in all individuals, and scrotal color and hyperpigmentation in all adult males. Hair loss occurred seasonally and was most pronounced in low-ranking individuals, especially males. The mean shade of scrotal color for all males and the percentage of males with scrotal hyperpigmentation both covaried with hair loss over time. Scrotal color was strongly negatively correlated with scrotal hyperpigmentation. The underlying causes are not yet known. I present three scenarios based on nutrition, stress from competition, or a combination of the two, that might explain these patterns. Awareness of these easily observable changes may provide field-workers with a quickly assessed visual measure of physical or emotional stress in free-ranging vervets. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
County-level Unemployment Change and Trends in Self-rated Health

Recent research using national-level data finds that economic recessions are associated with improved population health in the United States. The present study utilizes data from Ohio to assess whether these conclusions hold at the county level, occur immediately at the onset of a recession, and vary by education and race. The data show that at the beginning of the period, higher cross-sectional unemployment rates were associated with worse average self-rated health. Yet, as unemployment rapidly increased over the study period, average health improved. The rate at which unemployment rates rose had less effect on those with college degrees compared to those with the least education. For whites, slower rate of unemployment growth was associated with more rapidly improving average self-rated health. However, blacks' self-rated health trended more strongly positive in locations with rapid unemployment growth. The paper concludes by discussing implications for future research on how economic conditions affect ...
New models of cellular control: membrane cytoskeletons, membrane curvature potential, and possible interactions.

Abstract The concepts of “membrane cytoskeletons” (proteins attached to the cytoplasmic face of the membrane to give rigidity and control of lateral protein diffusion) and of membrane curvature potential are briefly reviewed. Possible modes of attachment of the membrane cytoskeleton to the bilayer are discussed, and a detailed calculation of possible sources of membrane curvature potential in the red cell is made. The 2 control systems are then used to illustrate possible mechanisms for some cellular processes, such as vesicle formation and release, pseudopod formation, and red cell aging. It is concluded that combination of these concepts allows control mechanisms which appear to act at a distance, or have other unusual systems properties.
Human exposures to tilmicosin reported to poison centres, Texas, 1998-2003

Tilmicosin, or 20-deoxo-20-(3,5-dimethylpiperidin-1-yl)-desmycosin, is a macrolide antibiotic primarily utilized in livestock. This study examined 46 human exposure calls involving tilmicosin received by Texas poison centres during 1998-2003. The majority (91%) of the calls were received from northern and central Texas. All of the cases were unintentional exposures. The most frequent route of exposure was parenteral (48%). The majority of the patients were males (80%) and adults (84%). Only 46% of the patients were managed outside of health care facilities. Some sort of adverse medical outcome was reported in 93% of parenteral exposures and 54% of other-route exposures. However, only 21% of parenteral exposures and 15% of other-route exposures involved medical outcomes that were judged to be moderate or worse. No deaths were reported. The most frequently reported clinical effects among parenteral cases were dermal (79%), while only 9% of other-route exposures had dermal effects. Cardiovascular clinical effects were observed in a single case of parenteral exposure and a single case of other-route exposure. Although the majority of cases were managed with the assistance of health care facilities, the medical outcomes were usually not serious. Outcome depended on the route of exposure.
Plasma Actuators for Cylinder Flow Control and Noise Reduction

In this paper, the results of flow-control experiments using single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators to control flow separation and unsteady vortex shedding from a circular cylinder in crossflow are reported. This work is motivated by the need to reduce landing gear noise for commercial transport aircraft via an effective streamlining created by the actuators. The experiments are performed at Re D = 3.3 x 104. Using either steady or unsteady actuation, Karman shedding is totally eliminated, turbulence levels in the wake decrease significantly, and near-field sound pressure levels associated with shedding are reduced by 13.3 dB. In the case of unsteady plasma actuation, an actuation frequency of St D = 1 is found to be most effective. The unsteady actuation has the advantage that total suppression of shedding is achieved for a duty cycle of only 25%. However, because unsteady actuation is associated with an unsteady body force and produces a tone at the actuation frequency, steady actuation is more suitable for noise-control applications.
Functional Interaction of Jun and Homeodomain Proteins

Abstract We have used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with the N-terminal region of c-Jun, which is known to be involved in regulatory interactions. One of the proteins identified is the homeodomain-containing protein Hex. The Hex homeodomain is sufficient for interaction; moreover, the homeodomains of several other transcription factors also interact. Mutations within helix III of the Hex homeodomain greatly reduce the interaction.In vitro, c-Jun/c-Fos, JunB/c-Fos, and JunD/c-Fos all interact with the Hex homeodomain more strongly than the respective Jun proteins (or c-Fos) alone, suggesting that heterodimerization exposes reactive regions in the N termini of the Jun proteins. In transfected cells, Hex expression inhibits Jun- or Jun/c-Fos-dependent transcription of a reporter gene; the presence of Hex-binding sites in the promoter enhances the inhibitory effect. Jun-dependent activation of transcription from the basic fibroblast growth factor gene, previously shown to be regulated by both Jun and homeodomain proteins, was also dramatically reduced by Hex expression. Furthermore, in contrast to the reduction of Jun-mediated transcription by Hex, we found that expression of the Drosophilaultrabithorax gene enhanced c-Jun-dependent transcription. We conclude that the functional interaction between members of the Jun and homeodomain families of transcription factors could play a critical role in regulating developmental and differentiation programs.
Stephen H. Schneider (1945–2010)

Stephen H. Schneider, a pioneering climate scientist, prolific author, and inspirational teacher, passed away on 19 July 2010 while on travel in Europe. He was 65. As is clear from the outpouring of testimonials since his passing, atmospheric science has lost a towering figure, one whose impact as a scientist and communicator was exceeded only by his extraordinary human qualities. Steve Schneider touched lives; built bridges of communication to the public, to policy makers, and across disciplines; and established a distinguished record of seminal scientific breakthroughs.
Gene structure for mouse glutathione reductase, including a putative mitochondrial targeting signal.

Glutathione reductase (GR) is an important component of cellular antioxidant defense functions. Although GR activities are found in mitochondria and cytoplasm, the sorting mechanisms of mammalian GR into mitochondria have not been elucidated. To identify the mouse GR gene structure, including a sequence for a potential mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS), we screened a mouse genomic library and isolated four contiguous clones that covered the entire coding region of the gene. The coding region is composed of 13 exons. Exon 1 has two in-frame start codons separated by a sequence for an arginine-rich peptide segment. Expression studies, in which Chinese hamster ovary cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid containing the first 78 bp of the mouse exon 1 attached 5′ to the human GR cDNA, showed marked and selective increases in mitochondrial GR activities. The data indicate that this 78 bp sequence encodes a potential MTS for GR in mice.
Short-Term Outcome Analysis of Total Pelvic Reconstruction With Mesh:: The Vaginal Approach

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe our experience with transvaginal total pelvic reconstruction using a mesh with 4-point fixation for patients with genitourinary prolapse with or without stress urinary incontinence.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 consecutive patients who underwent sacrospinous fixation using mesh material since March 1999 for genitourinary prolapse were analyzed retrospectively. In all patients defect specific repair was done, including hysterectomy (in 13). For isolated vault prolapse a rectangular mesh was interposed between the peritoneum and vaginal vault, with each corner anchored to the sacrospinous ligament using a suture-capturing device. For vault prolapse associated with anterior vaginal wall prolapse an “H” shaped, 1-piece sling was used to support both entities. Additionally, posterior and perineal repairs were done through separate incisions if needed.Results: Of the 29 patients 19 (65.5%), 7 (26.92%) and 11 (39.29%) had associated symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, urg...
Quality Assessment for Clinical Proteomics

Proteomics has emerged from the labs of technologists to enter widespread application in clinical contexts. This transition, however, has been hindered by overstated early claims of accuracy, concerns about reproducibility, and the challenges of handling batch effects properly. New efforts have produced sets of performance metrics and measurements of variability that establish sound expectations for experiments in clinical proteomics. As researchers begin incorporating these metrics in a quality by design paradigm, the variability of individual steps in experimental pipelines will be reduced, regularizing overall outcomes. This review discusses the evolution of quality assessment in 2D gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling, tandem mass spectrometry-based protein inventories, and proteomic quantitation. Taken together, the advances in each of these technologies are establishing databases that will be increasingly useful for decision-making in clinical experimentation.
A liquid medium for the large-scale production of Hirsutella thompsonii in submerged culture

Abstract Comparative nutritional studies showed that dextrose and sucrose at an optimum concentration of 5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml, respectively, were the most effective sources of carbon (produced the greatest increases in weight) among sugars tested for use in the large-scale production of the fungal pathogen Hirsutella thompsonii in submerged culture. Inorganic nitrogen in a basal dextrose-salts medium was unsuitable, but a combination of yeast extract and peptone at an optimum concentration of 5 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively, was the most effective source of organic nitrogen. Higher concentrations of yeast extract appeared to have an inhibitory effect. The vitamin equivalents of yeast extract produced less growth than yeast extract itself, an indication that amino acids influence growth more than vitamins. Although excellent growth occurred over a range of p H values from 6.0 to 9.2, the optimum p H appeared to be 7.5. Aeration was essential for growth. Sporulation did not occur in submerged culture. From nutritional characters, H. thompsonii appears similar to H. gigantea .
Pseudopod-like basal cell processes in intestinal cholecystokinin cells

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by neuroendocrine cells comprising 0.1%-0.5% of the mucosal cells in the upper small intestine. Using CCK promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in transgenic mice, we have applied immunofluorescence techniques to analyze the morphology of CCK cells. GFP and CCK colocalize in neuroendocrine cells with little aberrant GFP expression. CCK-containing cells are either flask- or spindle-shaped, and in some cells, we have found dendritic processes similar to pseudopods demonstrated for gut somatostatin-containing D cells. Most pseudopods are short, the longest process visualized extending across three cells. Pseudopods usually extend to adjacent cells but some weave between neighboring cells. Dual processes have also been observed. Three-dimensional reconstructions suggest that processes are not unidirectional and thus are unlikely to be involved in migration of CCK cells from the crypt up the villus. Abundant CCK immunostaining is present in the pseudopods, suggesting that they release CCK onto the target cell. In order to identify the type of cells being targeted, we have co-stained sections with antibodies to chromogranin A, trefoil factor-3, and sucrase-isomaltase. CCK cell processes almost exclusively extend to sucrase-isomaltase-positive enterocytes. Thus, CCK cells have cellular processes possibly involved in paracrine secretion.
Surgical Excision of the Burn Wound

Early excision of the burn eschar has been one of the most significant advances in modern burn care. Historical advances in understanding of the pathophysiology of burn injury and the systemic inflammatory response fueled by the burn wound, and refinements in the techniques of tangential and fascial excision, have led to earlier excision and grafting of the burn wound with improvements in morbidity and mortality. Efforts to control blood loss, and good operative planning and attention to special areas, can lead to the safe excision and grafting of large burns.
Characterization of electroplated Bismuth-Tin alloys for electrically conducting materials

Electrically conducting adhesive materials are promising alternatives for lead (Pb)-containing solders in microelectronic applications. However, most common silver-filled epoxy materials have various limitations to meet the requirements of the solder joints yet. To overcome these limitations, several new formulations have been developed recently. Among them, a new high conductivity Pb-free, conducting adhesive developed for low temperature applications has been previously reported. This conducting adhesive contains a conducting copper filler powder coated with a low melting point metal or alloy, such as Sn or BiSn alloys. The low melting point layer serves as a joining material among the filler particles as well as to the substrate. In this paper, characterization of electroplated BiSn alloys on a Cu substrate is reported for their microstructure, electrical properties, oxidation behavior, and others. The experimental results have provided a better understanding of the joining mechanism of the newly developed Pb-free conductive adhesive materials.
The Handling and Disposal of Residuals From the Treatment of Urban Stormwater Runoff From Separate Storm Drainage Systems

Abstract Given the magnitude of stormwater runoff (from separate storm drainage systems) and its pollutional contribution, the treatment of stormwater would generate residuals in amounts equal to or in excess of the volume of sludge now generated by municipal wastewater treatment. The characteristics of stormwater runoff differ substantially from that of wastewater or combined sewer overflow (CSO) in several important parameters, most notably suspended solids (SS) and organic content. The increased SS content of stormwater runoff results in higher volumes of residuals and increased handling and disposal costs. Similarly, the lower organic and nutrient content of stormwater runoff limits both the effectiveness of conventional biological treatment processes and land application disposal options. Several treatment and handling approaches are discussed and evaluated, including both centralized and satellite options. In addition, the primary and secondary economic (e.g. cost, land requirements) and environmental (e.g. air and water pollution, public health, etc.) impacts of stormwater runoff residuals treatment, handling, and disposal are reviewed.
Possible effect from shear stress on maturation of somatic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies).

Somatic embryogenesis is the only method with the potential for industrial scale clonal propagation of conifers. Implementation of the method has so far been hampered by the extensive manual labor required for development of the somatic embryos into plants. The utilization of bioreactors is limited since the somatic embryos will not mature and germinate under liquid culture conditions. The negative effect on mature embryo yields from liquid culture conditions has been previously described. We have described the negative effects of shear stress on the development of early stage somatic embryos (proembryogenic masses; PEMs) at shear stresses of 0.086 and 0.14 N/m2. In the present study, additional flow rates were studied to determine the effects of shear stress at lower rates resembling shear stress in a suspension culture flask. The results showed that shear stress at 0.009, 0.014, and 0.029 N/m2 inhibited the PEM expansions comparing with the control group without shear stress. This study also provides validation for the cross-correlation method previously developed to show the effect of shear stress on early stage embryo suspensor cell formation and polarization. Furthermore, shear stress was shown to positively affect the uptake of water into the cells. The results indicate that the plasmolyzing effect from macromolecules added to liquid culture medium to stimulate maturation of the embryos are affected by liquid culture conditions and thus can affect the conversion of PEMs into mature somatic embryos. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1089–1099. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The total eosinophil count in a nonatopic population

Abstract It is concluded that the total eosinophil count of healthy nonatopic individuals is lower and exhibits a significantly narrower range than the published data for "normal" values would indicate. The data also suggest that skin reactivity to extracts of common airborne allergens might serve as a basis for reassessment of the genetic transmission of atopy.
The effects of upstream mass injection on downstream heat transfer

Laminar boundary layer downstream heat transfer to sharp and blunt nosed isothermal flat plates under upstream mass injection, discussing insulating effect
A statistical analysis of the daily streamflow hydrograph

Abstract In this study a periodic statistical analysis of daily streamflow data in Indiana, U.S.A., was performed to gain some new insight into the stochastic structure which describes the daily streamflow process. This analysis was performed by the periodic mean and covariance functions of the daily streamflows, by the time and peak discharge -dependent recession limb of the daily streamflow hydrograph, by the time and discharge exceedance level (DEL) -dependent probability distribution of the hydrograph peak interarrival time, and by the time-dependent probability distribution of the time to peak discharge. Some new statistical estimators were developed and used in this study. In general features, this study has shown that: (a) the persistence properties of daily flows depend on the storage state of the basin at the specified time origin of the flow process; (b) the daily streamflow process is time irreversible; (c) the probability distribution of the daily hydrograph peak interarrival time depends both on the occurrence time of the peak from which the inter-arrival time originates and on the discharge exceedance level; and (d) if the daily streamflow process is modeled as the release from a linear watershed storage, this release should depend on the state of the storage and on the time of the release as the persistence properties and the recession limb decay rates were observed to change with the state of the watershed storage and time. Therefore, a time-varying reservoir system needs to be considered if the daily streamflow process is to be modeled as the release from a linear watershed storage.
Sudden respiratory insufficiency in a previously healthy 47-year-old man.

short ofbreath with stridor while on a commercial airline. Upon arrival attheairport terminal, hesustained a cardiopulmonary arrest. Endotracheal intubation was complicated bythepresence ofanapparent massinhis upperairway. Subsequent history revealed that hehad symptoms ofasinusproblem afewdays earlier andhad taken over-the-counter sinusmedications. Thepatient smoked apack ofcigarettes aday. There was nohistory of alcohol abuse, allergies, orforeign body aspiration. Hedid nottake anyprescription medications. Physical Examination Onarrival intheICU, histemperature was 37.2°C; pulse, 144beats/min; BP,150/95 mm Hg; respirations, 14 breaths/min on mechanical ventilation. Hewas ahealthy appearing man whowasintubated endotracheally. There was norash orlymphadenopathy; physical examination of thehead, neck, chest, abdomen, andextremities was normal. Neurological exam was notable forprofound coma with no response tonoxious stimuli, intermittent generalized myoclonic jerks, diminished deep tendon reflexes, and anextensor plantar response bilaterally.
The microcomputer user services specialist an evolving role

The microcomputer user services specialist is a role which has emerged because campus computer centers needed to meet the changing needs of their users. Historically, campus computer centers supported mainframe users with staff consultants who were programmers and computer generalists. Now they support new microcomputer users with a consulting staff of computing generalists and microcomputer specialists. Microcomputer user services specialists aid campus users in five areas-programming assistance, educational services, purchasing advice, testing and development of micro-related products, and the installation and maintenance of hardware and software. Two challenges which computing centers face in creating this role are finding new funding sources for microcomputer staff salaries and operations, and deciding which hardware and software will be supported by the specialists. Specific examples of the role and how current trends affect it are provided in a discussion of the function of the microcomputer user services specialists at Duke University. The role will continue to evolve as new computers arrive on the campuses and new user support services are required.As microcomputers begin to proliferate on college campuses, traditional university computer centers are becoming hard-pressed to meet the new demands placed on them. Computer centers, which have prided themselves for many years on the level of support they have provided to their mainframe users, are finding themselves baffled by the unique support needs of the growing community of microcomputer users. To meet these needs, a number of university computer centers have begun to hire and train members of their consulting staff to serve as a new support resource-the microcomputer user services specialist.
The part played by physicians in the patient's path to the mental hospital.

The important role played by nonpsychiatric physicians as “gatekeepers” in the pathway to the mental hospital is shown in this survey of 52 first admissions to Maryland state mental hospitals. Physicians were consulted more than all other community resources combined in the initial step taken toward professional help. The extensive use of physicians appears to be a result of their perceived expertness, accessibility, and appropriateness as sources of limited treatment and referral to more specialized facilities. People seeking help from doctors held realistic expectations and evaluations of what the doctor could and did offer.
Sulfate inhibition of thiosulfate utilization by certain strains of Neurospora crassa.

Results of experiments with one thiosulfateless and two sulfiteless mutants of Neurospora show that sulfate competitively inhibits the utilization of thiosulfate but not the utilization of sulfite. These results suggest that there is a division in the biosynthetic pathway at the sulfite level.
Effects of Feeding Deoxynivalenol (DON, Vomitoxin)-Contaminated Wheat to Female White Leghorn Chickens from Day Old Through Egg Production

White Leghorn chickens one day of age were fed starter and grower diets containing either a control (noncontaminated) wheat diet or a naturally contaminated deoxynivalenol (DON) wheat diet (18 mg DON/kg) from 1 day of age to the onset of egg production. The hens were then placed on their respective layer diets of control wheat or DON-contaminated wheat (18 mg DON/kg) for six 28-day egg production periods. Feeding the DON-contaminated diet did not significantly influence body weights during the growing or the laying phases. Overall, hen-day egg production and egg weights were significantly higher for hens receiving the DON diet. Feeding DON contaminated wheat caused no significant changes in percent shell, albumen height, percent fertility, percent hatch of fertile eggs, percent hatch of eggs set, or weight of chicks at hatch. There were slight, although significant, changes in shell weight and shell thickness and in some serum chemistry values. There were no significant differences in the hematology parameters measured or in prothrombin times. None of the eggs collected from hens fed the control and the DON-contaminated wheat diet contained detectable quantities of DON. Microscopic examination of sections of the liver, kidney, and proventriculus of control and treated hens revealed no unusual histopathology. The results indicate that feeding DON at relatively high levels beginning at 1 day of age and continuing through six egg production periods had only slight effects on the parameters measured.
Morphology of the rat carotid sinus nerve. I. Course, connections, dimensions and ultrastructure

An analysis of the morphology of the carotid sinus nerve in 39 rats revealed that the nerve emerged from the glossopharyngeal nerve (nerve IX) 0.6-1.0 mm beyond the distal extent of the petrosal ganglion. In 68% of cases the nerve consisted of a single bundle of axons; two bundles were present in the other nerves. Near the rostral pole of the carotid body, the nerve divided into multiple bundles of axons. Most axon bundles entered the carotid body, but some instead joined sympathetic nerves from the superior cervical ganglion. Some of the latter group of sinus nerve axons innervated the wall of the carotid sinus. Other presumptive baroreceptor axons reached the carotid sinus from the sinus nerve by first traversing the carotid body. The sinus nerve had an average length of 2.0 +/- 0.13 mm (mean +/- S.E.M., range = 1.3-2.9 mm, N = 15) and was elliptical in cross-section (major axis = 77 microns, minor axis = 46 microns). The nerve contained an average of 625 axons, 86% of which were unmyelinated. The perineurial sheath that enveloped the circumference of the nerve was comprised of 3 or 4 layers of cells interconnected by gap junctions and tight junctions. Near the carotid body, the perineurium extended into the nerve where it compartmentalized fascicles of axons. The endoneurium consisted mainly of collagenous fibres (mean diameter 40 nm) that were only half the size of those outside the perineurium. Endoneurial connective tissue cells were sparse, being only 5% as numerous as Schwann cells. The one blood vessel in the nerve (mean luminal diameter 12.4 +/- 1.2 microns) usually arose from vessels in nerve IX and terminated in a venule at the rostral surface of the carotid body. Ganglion cells were located in nerve IX near the origin of the sinus nerve and along the length of the sinus nerve itself. All ganglion cells examined were postsynaptic to vesicle-containing nerve terminals, and therefore were presumed to be autonomic rather than sensory. Ganglion cells were more numerous in terminal branches of the sinus nerve on the ventral surface of the carotid body. Most other ganglion cells in the carotid body were located among axons of the ganglioglomerular nerve, although some were associated with a small branch of the vagus nerve. Paraganglia were located within the sinus nerve in 15% of cases, and in another 10% of cases they were found nearby in nerve IX. The paraganglia, which measured approximately 50 X 50 X 100 microns, were innervated by axons that resembled sensory nerves of the carotid body.
Application of the hybrid ABV procedure for assessing community risk to hurricanes spatially

In 2011, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the coastal population of the US that lives within 50 miles of the shoreline exceeded 50 % for the first time in history in spite of a high level of exposure to hurricanes and related flooding. Hurricane Andrew (1992), Mitch (1998), Ivan (2004), Katrina (2005), and Sandy (2012) are recent reminders of both the financial and human toll that result from hurricanes. Generally, hurricanes bring with them torrential rains and storm surges which enable destructive flooding inland and at the coastal (land–sea) interface and cause extensive and severe damages to residential structures and fatalities. An improved understanding of hurricanes and its interactive effects on the built environment will significantly reduce structural and non-structural damage and loss of life. This paper presents the method and results of a study that focused on application of a hybrid loss model which combines structural and non-structural damage vulnerabilities to quantify the damage and subsequent loss as a result of hurricanes, but particularly the extension to the community level. The methodology presented in this paper will help enable designers and/or planners to assess the change in anticipated losses at the community level as a result of one or more mitigation strategies as well as provide insight into land use planning.
Evolutionary selective pressure on three mitochondrial SNPs is consistent with their influence on metabolic efficiency in Pima Indians

We investigated whether the effect of evolutionary selection on three recent Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial sub-haplogroups of Pima Indians is consistent with their effects on metabolic efficiency. The mitochondrial SNPs impact metabolic rate and respiratory quotient, and may be adaptations to caloric restriction in a desert habitat. Using TreeSAAP software, we examined evolutionary selection in 107 mammalian species at these SNPs, characterising the biochemical shifts produced by the amino acid substitutions. Our results suggest that two SNPs were affected by selection during mammalian evolution in a manner consistent with their effects on metabolic efficiency in Pima Indians.
Are the Mast Cells Antigen Presenting Cells

Mast cells have an important role in allergic reactions secreting histamine and other mediators of immediate hypersensitivity. In the present study we evaluated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression in mast cells and their possible role in antigen presentation. In rats, 10% of mast cells isolated from the pleural cavity expressed MHC class II antigen; after incubation with gamma interferon (INF) 80% of the cells were positive. These findings suggest that mast cells, in addition to their secretory function in allergic reactions, may also function as antigen presenting cells.
Cyclic Capacity Fade Plots for aging studies of Li-ion cells

Abstract The article introduces a Cyclic Capacity Fade Plot, to depict the deterioration of a lithium-ion cell material, as a graph between a factor based on State of Charge (ΔSOC*SOCmean) and the % capacity loss per cycle. The plots are generated entirely using experimental data. A variant of this plot is presented as Log(cycle life) vs. ΔSOC*SOCmean, that is analogous to Stress–Number of Cycles (S–N) type limit curves used in the study of cyclic fatigue of metallic materials. The monotonic variation and in some cases near linear nature of these plots, valid for different temperatures, is noteworthy. These plots provide a wealth of information at a quick glance and are shown to be useful in comparing the performance of different cell materials. The utility of the Cyclic Capacity Fade Plots is demonstrated illustratively for two (Li Manganese Oxide) LMO-graphite cells studied in-house and for an olivine system reported in the literature. These plots are expected to be useful in electrode material development, accelerated testing, battery health management etc.
Computer programs for the analysis of immunohistochemically labeled spinal cord sections

A microcomputer based image processing system has been developed to analyze the density of immunohistochemical labeling within neural tissue. The system permits the tracing of anatomical regions seen on a digitized image and the determination of the area and the mean gray level of all pixels lying within each defined region. Corrections are made for uneven screen illumination and for nonlinearity of the video camera's response to gradations in optical density. A standardization procedure ensures that the same level of incident illumination is used during each experiment. An example of an application of this system is described in which unilateral changes in immunohistochemical staining density were determined within the rodent spinal cord following partial spinal injury. This system provides a sensitive and objective means of analyzing such changes.
Classification of slit ventricle syndromes using intracranial pressure monitoring

The term slit-ventricle syndrome appears to have different meanings to different authors. This study proposes a sublcassification of headaches in shunted children based on data obtained from chronic monitoring of intracranial pressure in 7 symptomatic children. Five distinct syndromes are identified: (1) intermittent, extremely low pressure headaches that are analogous to spinal headaches, (2) intermittent proximal obstruction, (3) shunt failure with small ventricles ('normal volume hydrocephalus'), (4) intracranial hypertension with working shunts (hydrocephalic pseudotumor), and (5) headaches unrelated to shunt function. We would prefer to limit the use of the term slit-ventricle syndrome to the triad of intermittent headaches lasting 10-30 min, smaller than normal ventricles on imaging studies, and slow refill of shunt-pumping devices. In other situations, a description relating to the presumed pathogenesis should be used.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study of the Electrochemical Oxidation Product of Methanol on Platinum Black

The adsorbate resulting from the potentiostatic, catalytic decomposition of methanol (0.1 M CH3OH in 0.5 M H2SO4) on a platinum black electrode has been studied via 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, at open cell potential. Cyclic voltammetry results indicate that coverage is a function of electrodecomposition time and potential. The spin−spin relaxation time T2 is dependent on surface coverage and ranges from ∼3 to ∼1.8 ms at coverages ranging from 0.3 to 0.75 ML, due to the increased effectiveness of 13C−13C dipolar interactions at high coverage. At 0.5 ML, the temperature dependence of the 13CO T2 (in a 2H2O-exchanged electrolyte system) has been determined from 80 to 250 K. There is a well-defined peak in relaxation rate at ∼170 K which can be modeled using a simple diffusional model having an activation energy of 7.9 ± 2.0 kcal/mol. Spin−lattice relaxation results from 10 to 250 K reveal Korringa behavior, with a T1T product (and Knight shift) that is independent of surface coverage, and ha...
Errata to “Distributed Full-Duplex Via Wireless Side-Channel”

In this paper (J. Bai and A. Sabharwal, “Distributed Full-Duplex via Wireless Side- Channels: Bounds and Protocols,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 4162–4173, Aug. 2013), there are revisions to theorems and formulas that are presented.
Why don't diabetes patients achieve recommended risk factor targets? Poor adherence versus lack of treatment intensification.

Background Despite the availability of effective hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia therapies, target levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), and hemoglobin A1c control are often not achieved.
Selective Inhibition of Thrombin Receptor-mediated Ca2+ Entry by Protein Kinase C β

Thrombin initiates many physiological processes in platelets and other megakaryocyte-lineage cells by interacting with surface receptors and generating rises in cytoplasmic Ca2+; these rises result from both Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry. Regulators that limit Ca2+ entry after its initiation by thrombin have not been identified. In this study, prevention of expression of a single protein kinase C isoenzyme (PKC beta) by antisense cDNA overexpressed in HEL cells, a human megakaryoblastic cell line that expresses thrombin receptors, promotes thrombin receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry without altering thrombin-induced intracellular release of Ca2+. The cytoplasmic Ca2+ rise initiated by endoperoxide analogs was not affected by inhibiting PKC beta. Overexpression of a cDNA encoding wild-type PKC beta mutated to prevent recognition by the antisense cDNA abolished the enhancement of Ca2+ influx following thrombin. Thus, PKC beta appears to be a specific negative regulator of thrombin receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry.
Meta-Analysis: Some Clinical and Statistical Contributions in Several Medical Disciplines

Meta-analysis in its present form of statistically integrating information from several studies all with a common underlying theme has been around for over 25 years. The medical field has seen many attempts by many investigators to pull summary data together from various sources within a discipline with the goal of making some definitive statement about the state of the science in that discipline. Likewise authors of manuscripts in the background and rationale section of their paper always summarize what they believe to be the state of affairs up to the time of the presentation of their own results in that particular paper. The new data and results they present in their current publication is an attempt to update the progress in that field. Thus in a sense they have performed a partial meta- analysis of summarizing information from the past, presenting their added contribution and thus updating the knowledge base. They have not quite integrated past data in a rigorous statistical way with their new data, but have merely used the data history to justify their current research which pretty much stands on its own. Thus meta-analysis is an after the fact attempt to pull together the current knowledge base whether it be publications or raw data and present a statistical synthesis of all the information and reach a conclusion as to the best treatment or intervention strategy based on all these past contributions. Now it's time to look back at some of these meta-analyses and determine what contributions, if any, they have made to the knowledge base within certain medical disciplines. Many disciplines including psychiatry have been visited by meta- analysis. One now examines some of these studies in the areas of oncology, orthopedics, psychiatry, pediatrics and cardiology. The purpose is to determine, given the information presented, what contributions, statistical challenges and peripheral issues in these disciplines have been brought to light in these meta- analyses.