cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tracking and Delay Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)-LIGHT: a space communications architecture

ABSTRACT There is a growing interest in applying the resources of the Tracking and Data Relay SatelliteSystem (TDRSS) as the primary support capability for future small satellite users. This interest isbased on a variety of benefits offered by the TDRSS, and not available with globally-distributedspace-ground links. An architecture based on an optical augmentation to the current TDRSS spacenetwork is discussed, including a candidate design for the user and relay terminals. 1. INTRODUCTION There is a growing interest in applying the resources of the Tracking and Data Relay SatelliteSystem (TDRSS) or augmentations thereof as the primary support capability for future smallsatellite users. This interest is based on a variety of benefits offered by the TDRSS, and notavailable with globally-distributed space-ground links. These benefits include: global coverage; asingle data collection node at White Sands; the availability of an existing space networkinfrastructure that supports all service scheduling, data transfer, and tracking needs; and thepotential for demand access operations. At the same time, concern has existed among the small satcommunity that the user communications subsystem might be unduly stressed, and thatcompetition for TDRSS service might prevent small sats from satisfying their data throughputneeds. 1
Heat transfer in helical, curved rectangular channels—comparison of type I and type II systems

Abstract An experimental study of the heat transfer coefficients for flow of air in curved rectangular channels was undertaken to determine the relative advantages of Type I (aspect ratio > 1) and Type II (aspect ratio
Detection of M. tuberculosis DNA using thermophilic strand displacement amplification.

Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) is an isothermal, in vitro method of amplifying DNA that is based upon the combined action of a DNA polymerase and restriction enzyme. Previously, a form of SDA was developed which utilizes the exonuclease deficient Klenow fragment of E. coli polymerase I (exo Klenow) and the restriction enzyme HincII to achieve 10(8)-fold amplification in 2 h at 37 degrees C (Walker, G.T., 1993, PCR Methods and Applications 3; 1-6). A new thermophilic form of SDA is reported here which uses a restriction endonuclease from Bacillus stearothermophilus (BsoBI) and a 5'-->3' exonuclease deficient polymerase from Bacillus caldotenax (exo Bca). SDA was used to amplify DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. An amplification factor of 10(10)-fold was achieved after 15 min of SDA at 60 degrees C. The new thermophilic system is much more specific than the previous mesophilic system as evidenced by a dramatic decrease in background amplification products. Thermophilic SDA was also optimized with dUTP substituted for TTP to enable amplicon decontamination using uracil-DNA glycosylase.
Karma, reincarnation, and medicine: Hindu perspectives on biomedical research

Prior to the completion of the Human Genome Project, bioethicists and other academics debated the impact of this new genetic information on medicine, health care, group identification, and peoples’ lives. A major issue is the potential for unintended and intended adverse consequences to groups and individuals. When conducting research in, for instance, American Indian and Alaskan native (AI/AN) populations, political, cultural, religious and historical issues must be considered. Among African Americans, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment is a reminder of racism and discrimination in this country. The goal of the current study is to understand reasons for participating, or not, in genetic research such as the HapMap project and other genetic/medical research from the perspective of the Indian American community in Houston, Texas. In this article, we report on a topic central to this discussion among Indian Americans: karma and reincarnation. Both concepts are important beliefs when considering the body and what should happen to it. Karma and reincarnation are also important considerations in participation in medical and genetic research because, according to karma, what is done to the body can affect future existences and the health of future descendants. Such views of genetic and medical research are culturally mediated. Spiritual beliefs about the body, tissue, and fluids and what happens to them when separated from the body can influence ideas about the utility and acceptability of genetic research and thereby affect the recruitment process. Within this community it is understood that genetic and environmental factors contribute to complex diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer; and acknowledgment of the significance of environmental stressors in the production of disease. A commitment to service, i.e. “betterment of humanity,” karmic beliefs, and targeting environmental stressors could be prominent avenues for public health campaigns in this population. This study suggests that minority status does not automatically indicate unwillingness to participate in genetic or medical research. Indian Americans were not skeptical about the potential benefits of biomedical research in comparison to other ethnic minority communities in the United States.
Attachment factors of Bordetella pertussis: mimicry of eukaryotic cell recognition molecules

Bacteria localize to specific target organs during infection by recognizing eukaryotic cell surface addresses. This address system exists to facilitate normal trafficking of host cells such as leukocytes. The mechanisms by which bacteria subvert host targeting codes provide a unique link between microbial pathogenesis and eukaryotic cell trafficking, and can point to a new array of antibodies and peptides of potential therapeutic value.
Susceptibility of Coccidioides immitis, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans to Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, and Clotrimazole

Toxicity and failure of treatment with amphotericin B are stimuli for researchers to evaluate alternative antifungal antimicrobics. Also, data from susceptibility tests of Coccidioides immitis are sparse. With use of a defined, synthetic culture medium, C. immitis (25 strains). Candida albicans (21 strains), and Cryptococcus neoformans (21 strains) were tested against flucytosine, clotrimazole, and amphotericin B. Molecule for molecule, the sequency of activity was: clotrimazole greater than amphotericin B greater than flucytosine (totally inactive) C. immitis; and clotrimazole greater than amphotericin B greater than flucytosine with C. albicans and C. neoformans. With four strains of C. immitis, the minimal inhibitory concentration (of amphotericin B) was the same when inocula of arthrospores were tested as when corresponding spherules/endospores were tested simultaneously and identically. The clinical outcome of coccidioidomycosis in 17 patients treated with amphotericin B correlated best with minimal inhibitory concentration after incubation of cultures for 48 hr; a favorable response was associated with minimal inhibitory concentrations of less than or equal 1.0 mug/ml. Because clinical isolates of fungi appear to vary in susceptibility, in vitro tests may have clinical utility.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF MOTHER-CHILD INTERACTION IN INFANCY AS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIFFERENTIATION

This is one of an evolving series of investigations into the sources of individual differences in level of psychological differentiation. In this study, exploratory in nature, a comparison has been made of mother-infant interactions as well as characteristics of infants who, when studied at ages six to nine, gave evidence of highly developed or limited differentiation. The study was stimulated and guided by the results of earlier cross-sectional studies of mother-child interaction patterns related to children’s level of differentiation (Witkin et al., 1962; Byk and Witkin, 1965); and it served, in turn, as a source of hypotheses and of relevant “places to look” for a more focused and more comprehensive longitudinal study now being started. The theoretical framework, based on the concept of dffferentiation, which guided our study, has been given in detail by Witkin et al. (1962, ch. 7). In this framework level of differentiation refers broadly
Design and optimization of a multiplex anti-influenza peptide immunoassay

Abstract Current flu vaccines are based on killed or attenuated virus vaccines that must be altered each year to include the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from a strain of virus predicted to predominate in the coming year. A vaccine that could protect against multiple strains of influenza A and B would be a major asset in the fight against flu-related mortality and morbidity. To support development of such a vaccine, we have developed a Flu Multiplex Assay based on a Luminex® platform to assess serum antibody levels to two conserved peptides derived from influenza A (M2 protein) and influenza B (hemagglutinin protein). The peptides were synthesized with a biotin label and subsequently coupled to two different LumAvidin™ microspheres. We then tested various sera against both types of peptide in the multiplex assay format. The data show that sera from Rhesus macaques immunized with a single peptide react only with the homologous peptide while Rhesus macaques immunized with both peptides respond well to both peptides. Additionally, we were able to specifically compete reactivity to both peptides. We have tested serial bleeds from 100 pediatric patients at ages ranging from 16 to 56 weeks as well as single bleeds from over 100 healthy adults. No overall trend in titer relative to pediatric age was detected. Both demographics exhibited a minimal response to either the A/M2 or B/HA 0 peptides. However, the average titer for the pediatric serum samples was significantly lower than that found in the adult population. The adult population exhibited a higher prevalence of low reactive samples. Assay reagents and parameters have been optimized and the assay is shown to be repeatable and robust. The assay will be used to support clinical vaccine trials of a bivalent peptide vaccine.
Heat transfer and pressure drop in horizontal annular two-phase, two-component flow

Abstract The static pressure drop and both the local and average heat-transfer coefficients were measured for the horizontal annular flow of water and air in a tube with an I.D. of 1 in. The electrically heated stainless steel heat-transfer section 60 in long was located approximately 105 in downstream of liquid injection. Tube wall temperatures were measured by fifty-seven buried and twenty-two surface thermocouples. The water flow rate varied from 0.0714 to 0.3836 lb/s; the air flow rate, from 0.0300 to 0.2573 lb/s; and the heat flux, from 7372 to 12772 Btu/h ft2. Sizeable circumferential variations in tube wall temperatures were observed at low air flow rates. A correlation for the heat-transfer coefficients was obtained. The pressure drop data agreed well with the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation and the prediction of the Wrobel-McManus wave roughness theory.
A Phase I study of raltitrexed and paclitaxel given every 3 weeks to patients with solid tumors.

BACKGROUND Raltitrexed is a novel thymidylate synthase inhibitor with single agent activity in colorectal, nonsmall cell lung, and breast carcinomas. The recommended Phase II dose of raltitrexed administered as a single agent is 3 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Paclitaxel also has a broad spectrum of activity. A Phase I study of both agents in combination therapy was conducted. METHODS Eligible patients had refractory solid tumors and a Cancer and Leukemia Group B performance status of 0 to 2. Cohorts of patients were treated with escalating doses of raltitrexed as a 15-minute intravenous infusion immediately followed by 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel administered over 3 hours. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as World Health Organization Grade 4 neutropenia with fever, Grade 4 thrombocytopenia requiring platelet transfusion, a nonhematologic toxicity of Grade 3 or higher (excluding nausea, emesis, and alopecia), or failure of toxicities to recover to Grade 1 or lower within 21 days after causing a dose delay. RESULTS A total of 33 patients enrolled in the study. Raltitrexed was escalated in increments of 0.5 mg/m2, from 0.5 mg/m2 to the recommended Phase II dose of 3 mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicity first was observed at a raltitrexed dose of 2 mg/m2. At a dose of 3 mg/m2, dose-limiting neutropenia was observed in 2 of 12 patients. Diarrhea was the other dose-limiting toxicity. Two patients achieved a partial response (one patient with carcinoma of the head and neck and another with gallbladder carcinoma). CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that raltitrexed and paclitaxel may be administered in combination at their respective single agent Phase II doses. Phase II testing of this combination is indicated. Cancer 1999;86:528–32. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Altered Transcriptional Control Networks with Trans-Differentiation of Isogenic Mutant-KRas NSCLC Models.

Background The capacity of cancer cells to undergo epithelial mesenchymal trans-differentiation has been implicated as a factor driving metastasis, through the acquisition of enhanced migratory/invasive cell programs and the engagement of anti-apoptotic mechanisms promoting drug and radiation resistance. Our aim was to define molecular signaling changes associated with mesenchymal trans-differentiation in two KRas mutant NSCLC models. We focused on central transcription and epigenetic regulators predicted to be important for mesenchymal cell survival. Experimental design We have modeled trans-differentiation and cancer stemness in inducible isogenic mutant KRas H358 and A549 non-small cell lung cell backgrounds. We employed large-scale quantitative phospho-proteomic, proteomic, protein-protein interaction, RNA-Seq and network function prediction approaches to dissect the molecular events associated with the establishment and maintenance of the mesenchymal state. Results Gene set enrichment and pathway prediction indicated BMI1, KDM5B, RUNX2, MYC/MAX, NFkB, LEF1, and HIF1 target networks were significantly enriched in the trans-differentiation of H358 and A549 NSCLC models. Physical overlaps between multiple networks implicate NR4A1 as an overlapping control between TCF and NFkB pathways. Enrichment correlations also indicated marked decrease in cell cycling, which occurred early in the EMT process. RNA abundance time course studies also indicated early expression of epigenetic and chromatin regulators, including CITED4, RUNX3, CMBX1 and SIRT4. Conclusions Multiple transcription and epigenetic pathways where altered between epithelial and mesenchymal tumor cell states, notably the polycomb repressive complex-1, HP1g and BAF/Swi-Snf. Network analysis suggests redundancy in the activation and inhibition of pathway regulators, notably factors controlling epithelial cell state.
Rod light response augmented by active phosphodiesterase

Light activates rod outer segment (ROS) phosphodiesterase (PDEase), as shown by previous biochemical and physiological studies. We have further investigated the role of PDEase in this system by injecting trypsin-activated PDEase, purified from bovine ROS, into single ROS of the isolated retina of the toad Bufo marinus. Injection of about 300 molecules of activated PDEase in darkness is without immediate detectable effect, as measured by intracellular membrane-voltage recording. The effect of the activated PDEase injections only becomes evident after illumination. The light response is augmented; kinetics of repolarization are slowed. We conclude that this augmentation of the light-dependent hyperpolarization results from the hydrolysis of endogenous cyclic GMP caused by injected PDEase. These results provide evidence that PDEase affects light-dependent channels of the vertebrate scotopic photoreceptors but do not specify whether the effects are exercised for the initial hyperpolarizing phase of the receptor potential and for the recovery phase or only for the recovery phase.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) differentiation of native and PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH and PEG-rhGH) in the rat model of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that has no FDA-approved treatment. The current standard of care does not address the regeneration of the damaged cartilage.Human growth hormone (hGH) is part of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis. There has been preclinical data that suggest its potential regenerative property in the joint.However, unformulated recombinant hGH (rhGH) is short-lived in the joint, and does not provide a desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile to support a clinical treatment paradigm.Polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylation is a potential method to extend the half-life of rhGH in the joint.The purpose of this study was to delineate the PK/PD profile of PEG-rhGH in the knee joint in a rat preclinical model of OA.After intra-articular (IA) injection of 100 μg into a rat knee joint that underwent medial meniscectomy, PEG-rhGH exhibits 2-fold longer half-lives in joint than native hGH. However, PEG-rhGH has a much longer systemic exposure. IA injections of PEG-rhGH also result...
Ethanol-induced flavor aversions in rats with subdiaphragmatic vagotomies.

In two experiments rats with subdiaphragmatic vagotomies were compared to sham-operated rats in the acquisition and extinction of a flavor aversion with ethanol as the illness-inducing agent. Vagotomized rats developed aversions equivalent to those of sham-operated rats whether the ethanol was administered intragastrically (Experiment 1) or intraperitoneally (Experiment 2). Because vagotomy eliminates the majority of sensory input from the gastrointestinal tract, ethanol must exert its aversive effects as a blood-borne toxin rather than as a gastrointestinal irritant.
Paraplegia in Childhood Malignant Disease

Summary 1. Five cases of paraplegia due to secondary malignant disease in children are described. 2. There was one case of generalized lymphosarcoma; one case of acute leukaemia who had recurrent neurological complications, paraplegia developing terminally; one case of metastatic Wilm's tumour; one case of Ewing's sarcoma; and one case in which the histological diagnosis was not confirmed, but was probably lymphosarcoma. 3. Tumours of the spinal cord and appendages are uncommon in children and are more often primary than secondary. 4. Spread to the spinal canal may be by direct extension from the abdomen or vertebrae or by blood-borne metastases. 5. The management of paraplegia includes care of the bladder, the bowels and of the skin.
Divided, but not disconnected: German experiences of the Cold War

Tobias Hochscherf, Christoph Laucht, and Andrew Plowman, New York, Berghahn Books, 2010, x+266 pp. Divided, But Not Disconnected seeks to contribute to and further post-1989 scholarship that has di...
Performing Autobiography: The Multiple Memoirs of Catherine The Great (1756–96)

When Alexander Herzen published Catherine the Great's Mimoires for the first time in his revolutionary London journal The Bell in 1859, he used the version she had produced in 1794, two years before her death. This work had reached him by a circuitous route. Written on gold-edged paper, displaying a new sententious opening and more polished writing than her earlier efforts, the 1794 version represented the longest, yet still unfinished draft in a sequence of autobiographical texts Catherine had written over the course of her long political life, from 1756 to 1796. These ranged in length from short historical anecdotes to hundreds of pages of continuous narrative. The entire bundle of autobiographical writings was sealed and willed to her hostile son and heir Paul, who allowed a copy to be made by his closest friend Alexander Kurakin before locking it away in the state secret archive. During Alexander I's reign the Kurakin copy was allowed to be copied by A. I. Turgenev, Mikhail Vorontsov, Nikolai Karamzin, and even Alexander Pushkin in Odessa, before Nicholas I ordered them impounded again. It was only after Nicholas's death that a copy resurfaced and was secretly delivered to Herzen, whose Bell publication aroused a furor of publicity in Europe and generated quick translations into four languages.1 Most recently Hilda Hoogenboom has embarked on a welcome scholarly
Integration and added value of the modern noninvasive vascular laboratory in vascular diseases management.

Background and Purpose. Today's vascular laboratory technology offers broad applications throughout vascular medicine. We explore the diagnostic work-up and management of selected peripheral vascular diseases by benchmarking the institutional mix of invasive and noninvasive technology utilization and associated cost burdens. Methods. Specialized diagnostic studies for prevention of stroke and pulmonary embolism, and diagnosis and management of femoral pseudoaneurysm were reviewed for our 355-physician clinic and hospital practice. The proportions and costs for invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures were tabulated for carotid stenosis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm. Current technology utilization mix cost burdens were compared to projected cost burdens for hypothetical equivalent medical value (ie, the same total test volume) in the theoretical absence of noninvasive laboratory services. Results. The technology utilization mix was dominated by noninvasive duplex ultra-sonography for all 3 vascular disease workups. The technology utilization mix benchmarks were 92% noninvasive for carotid stenosis, 98% noninvasive for DVT, and 100% noninvasive for pseudoaneurysm. Under hypothetical constant test volume normalized to utilization level for the 2-year period, the maximal range in cost burdens between current reliance on noninvasive diagnoses versus projected 100% reliance on invasive procedures for the 3 vascular applications is approximately $6 million. Conclusion. Benchmark indices reveal near total adoption of noninvasive technology for vascular diagnostic workups at our center. The benefits to institutions of benchmarking their technology utilization mix and costs are discussed in relation to identifying potential for cost-containment from modifying technology utilization practices.
Case management of a mast cell tumour

ABSTRACT:A nine-year-old female Boxer dog presented with a large infected mast cell tumour (MCT) on her left hock. Diagnosis confirmation and staging occurred prior to medical management to shrink the mass lesion, followed by surgical resection. Masitinib was then administered as follow-up treatment that has successfully prevented tumour re-occurrence for the last six months.
THOUGHTS ON SELECTION AND DESIGN OF RESERVOIR AERATION DEVICES

ABSTRACT Alternative devices for reservoir aeration are briefly reviewed. It is noted that each device is best suited for particular applications and objectives. It is recommended that care be taken by the designer to select the appropriate device for the particular application. Advantages and disadvantages of the various devices are given along with representative destratification and oxygenation efficiencies. Design considerations are discussed including techniques for sizing units, the effects of inflows and releases, the effects of reservoir stratification, evaluation of aeration impact on the reservoir temperature regime, and the possible development of nitrogen supersaturation.
Incomplete reversibility of an experimentally induced hypocholinergic state: biochemical and physiological, but not behavioral, recovery.

Abstract In previous reports, we described the experimental development of a hypocholinergic state in rats following the total replacement of dietary choline by an artificial isostere, N -aminodeanol (NADe). NADe shares most of the physicochemical characteristics of choline (Ch) but is utilized less efficiently in pathways leading to the formation of both acetylcholine and phospholipids. This experimental model mimics many of the features of human degenerative dementias. We now discuss the behavioral and physiological effects of restoring a normal diet after the hypocholinergic state has become well established. The procedure by which that state was induced has been described in detail in earlier publications. After replacing Ch in the diets of weanling rats for 270 days, NADe replaced 70–85% of the phospholipid-bound Ch in plasma, brain and peripheral tissue. When dietary NADe was removed and Ch was restored in the diet, NADe disappeared and erythrocyte (RBC) choline levels returned to normal within 30–60 days. Quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding showed that muscarinic receptors continued to be depressed in animals remaining on the NADe diet, but returned to control levels in the reversal group. There were no differences in cholinesterase activity among the three treatments. Choline acetyltransferase activity returned to control levels, while continuing to be lower in the NADe animals. Liver lipids were elevated in the latter and not significantly different in the control and reversal groups. Among physiological functions, body weight increased more rapidly in the reversal group than in animals continuing on the NADe diet. Brain weights of the reversal animals were significantly greater than those of animals not reversed, but less than controls. Core body temperatures did not differ from controls at any time during the reversal period. Behaviorally, nociceptive threshlds indicative of sensory-reflexive and sensory-perceptual responses remained significantly below normal, that is, a hyperalgesic state. Reversal animals also remained hyperactive and displayed memory significantly poorer than those on the normal diet, that is, no improvement over animals continuing on NADe. In general, the results suggest that behavioral losses induced by NADe reflect persisting changes in the CNS, despite essentially complete recovery of biochemical parameters. The changes may be morphological or be associated with adaptive changes in other neurochemical events in the CNS.
Characterization of a rice gene family encoding root-specific proteins.

Two cDNA clones (RCc2 and RCc3) corresponding to mRNAs highly expressed only in root tissues of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings were characterized. Respectively, they encode polypeptides of 146 (14.5 kDa) and 133 amino acids (13.4 kDa) that share high (<70%) sequence similarity with a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA (ZRP3) encoding an mRNA preferentially expressed in young maize roots. Genomic DNA blot analysis revealed that they are members of a small gene family and RCg2, the gene corresponding to RCc2, was isolated. A 1656 bp 5′-upstream sequence of RCg2 was translationally fused to a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and stable introduction of the chimeric construct into rice was confirmed by PCR and genomic DNA blot analyses. Histochemical analysis of transgenic rice plants containing the full-length chimeric gene showed high levels of GUS activity in mature cells and the elongation and maturation zones of primary and secondary roots, and in the root caps, but no GUS activity was detected in root meristematic regions. Surprisingly, high GUS activity was also detected in leaves of the same plants. This raises the possibility that the RCg2 5′-upstream element may not be sufficient for the proper spatial control of root specificity in transgenic rice.
Routine use of fluorescent incisionless cholangiography as a new imaging modality during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Intraoperative incisionless fluorescent cholangiography (IOIFC) has been described to identify extrahepatic biliary anatomy. Potential advantages of the routine use of intraoperative incisionless fluorescent cholangiography were evaluated in a consecutive series of cases. A total of 45 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January and July 2013 were consented and included in this study. We analyzed a prospectively collected database for feasibility, cost, time, usefulness, teaching tool, safety, learning curve, X-ray exposure, complexity, and real-time surgery of IOIFC. A single dose of 0.05 mg/kg of Indocyanine green was administered prior to surgery. During the procedure, a laparoscopic fluorescence system was used. IOIFC could be performed in all 45 patients, whereas intraoperative cholangiography could be performed in 42 (93 %). Individual median cost of performing IOFC was cheaper than IOC (13.97 ± 4.3 vs 778.43 ± 0.4 USD) per patient, p = 0.0001). IOFC was faster than IOC (0.71 ± 0.26 vs 7.15 ± 3.76 minutes, p < 0.0001). The cystic duct was identified by IOFC in 44 out of 45 patients (97.77 %). IOIFC appears to be a feasible, low-cost, expeditious, useful, and effective imaging modality when performing LC. It is safe, easy to perform and interpret, and does not require a learning curve or X-ray. It can be used for real time surgery to delineate the extrahepatic biliary structures
Posterior urethral valves: creatinine velocity, a new early predictor of renal insufficiency.

Abstract Aim Antenatal screening has led to early detection of posterior urethral valves (PUV). However, despite early intervention, a proportion of children will develop chronic renal insufficiency. We studied the trend of serum creatinine following urinary tract decompression during the neonatal period in infants as a possible predictor of chronic renal insufficiency. Methods Patients treated by endoscopic resection of posterior urethral valves between 1993 and 2004 were identified. From these, infants treated within the first 30days of life were identified. Serum creatinine values taken within the first 5days following initial drainage were recorded. A creatinine velocity for each patient was calculated by linear regression analysis. Creatinine was considered rising if velocity was >3μmol/L/day, or falling if velocity was Results Sixty-four neonates had decompression of the urinary tract. Of these, 16 had rising creatinine despite drainage, 10 had a plateau in creatinine level, and 36 had falling creatinine following drainage. Insufficient data were available in two to calculate creatinine velocity. Progression to renal insufficiency was significantly higher in patients with an initial rise in creatinine (62.5%) than in those with plateau creatinine (40%) or falling creatinine (8.6%) ( P ≤0.0005 by Fisher exact test). Mean follow-up was 9.2years. Conclusions Rising creatinine, even transiently, following urinary tract drainage in neonates with posterior urethral valves is significant and is a new and important indicator of long-term prognosis.
Effects of thymectomy on macromolecular synthesis by rat mesenteric lymphocytes in vitro.

Studies have been conducted to ascertain whether alterations occur in the metabolism of mesenteric node lymphocytes subsequent to thymectomy of rats at 25 days of age. Two to 4 weeks postoperatively, a significant decrease was found in the incorporation of RNA precursors into the total trichloracetic acid (TCA2) insoluble fraction of mesenteric lymphocytes. This decrease in RNA synthesis following thymectomy was correlated with a decrease in weight of the mesenteric lymph nodes. In contrast, thymectomy had no effect on the extent of incorporation by mesenteric lymphocytes in vitro of DNA or protein precursors. The decrease in RNA synthesis resulting from thymectomy was significantly prevented by subcutaneous implantation of isogeneic thymic tissue. The decreases in weight and in RNA metabolism of mesenteric lymph node cells consequent to thymectomy were also evident in thymectomizedadrenalectomized rats but not in animals subjected to both hypophysectomy and thymectomy. Hence, the influence of the thymus ...
Structural and functional neuropathology in transgenic mice with CNS expression of IFN-alpha.

Abstract Cytokines belonging to the type I interferon (e.g. interferon-α) family are important in the host response to infection and may have complex and broad ranging actions in the central nervous system (CNS) that may be beneficial or harmful. To better understand the impact of the CNS expression of the type I interferons (IFN), transgenic mice were developed that produce IFN-α1 chronically from astrocytes. In two independent transgenic lines with moderate and low levels of astrocyte IFN-α mRNA expression respectively, a spectrum of transgene dose- and age-dependent structural and functional neurological alterations are induced. Structural changes include neurodegeneration with loss of cholinergic neurons, gliosis, angiopathy with mononuclear cell cuffing, progressive calcification affecting basal ganglia and cerebellum and the up-regulation of a number of IFN-α-regulated genes. At a functional level, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological studies revealed impaired neuronal function and disturbed synaptic plasticity with pronounced hippocampal hyperexcitability. Severe behavioral alterations were also evident in higher expressor GFAP-IFNα mice which developed fatal seizures around 13 weeks of age precluding their further behavioral assessment. Modest impairments in discrimination learning were measured in lower expressor GFAP-IFNα mice at various ages (7–42 weeks). The behavioral and electrophysiological findings suggest regional changes in hippocampal excitability which may be linked to abnormal calcium metabolism and loss of cholinergic neurons in the GIFN mice. Thus, these transgenic mice provide a novel animal model in which to further evaluate the mechanisms that underlie the diverse actions of type I interferons in the intact CNS and to link specific structural changes with functional impairments.
Top Down Architecture for Commercial SATCOM Survivability

The Government's increasing reliance on domestic commercial communications satellite systems to support National Security and Emergency Preparedness requirements mandates that steps be taken to enhance their survivability. The key thrust of such activities should be to exploit the proliferation inherent in the system's ground and space segments to overcome fundamental system weaknesses. Early efforts should concentrate on those enhancements which can be accomplished quickly and with minimal investment In hardware. Longer term actions should be supported by near-term studies to select among available enhancement alternatives.
The Floridan Aquifer in Northeast Floridaa

The Floridan aquifer in northeast Florida is comprised of limestone and dolomite beds of Tertiary age. These formations in ascending order are: the Cedar Keys Formation of Paleocene age; the Oldsmar Limestone, Lake City Limestone, Avon Park Limestone, and the Ocala Group, all of Eocene age; locally the Suwannee Limestone of Oligocene age; and limestone and sand beds at the base of the Hawthorn Formation of Miocene age. The top of the Ocala Group ranges in elevation from 100 feet above sea level to 550 feet below sea level throughout the area. Except in the western part of the area where the Ocala Group is at the surface, impermeable beds in the Miocene to Recent deposits overlie the aquifer and confine the water under artesian pressure. Hard, impermeable beds within the aquifer separate the water-bearing zones. The coefficient of transmissibility ranges from about 50,000 gpd/ft (gallons per day /foot) to more than 1,000,000 gpd/ft and the coefficient of storage ranges from 1.5 × 10−4 to 1.7 × 10−2 in areas where the water in the aquifer is under artesian conditions. The estimated annual recharge averages one-half mgd (million gallons per day) in the western part of northeast Florida and 45 mgd in the south central part. Limited recharge also occurs throughout the central and eastern part of northeast Florida by downward leakage of water through the overlying confining beds. The coefficient of leakance of these confining beds ranges from about 1.7 × l0−2 to 1 ×10−3 gpd/ft3. Natural discharge occurs by perennial and intermittent springs and upward leakage through the confining beds in the areas of artesian flow. Artificial discharge by wells occurs principally in the farming, urban, and industrial areas in the eastern part of northeast Florida. Between 1940 and 1962 artesian pressures declined from 5 to 25 feet throughout the eastern part of northeast Florida. Seasonal declines of artesian pressure of 5 to 10 feet in the farming areas resulted in temporary increases of chloride content of water of 200 to 500 ppm (parts per million). The chloride content of water in the aquifer in the vicinity of Jacksonville and Fernandina has increased from 22 to 1400 ppm in wells more than 1,400 feet deep. Thus far, impermeable zones below the fresh water have prevented serious salt-water contamination in shallower wells at Jacksonville and Fernandiua.
Mathematical modelling education in U.S. business schools

This paper reviews the role played by the required undergraduate course in Management Science/Quantitative Methods, in U.S. business and management schools, in teaching modelling concepts and techniques to business students; it also reports the findings of a survey of this course in the business schools accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The findings clearly show a trend towards incorporating more applications, examples, cases from functional areas (marketing, production, finance and personnel) and microcomputer usage, and an effort to design the course in line with the reported corporate use of modelling techniques.
Availability of Cu, Zn and Mn in soils: II.—Chemical extractability

The interrelationships of the amounts of Cu, Zn and Mn extracted with four chemical extractants of varying pH and buffering capacities, and as influenced by soil pH, organic matter, and available P, were evaluated. Regression equations using 0·1 N-HCl, 0·01 M EDTA, and 0·005 M DTPA soil-extractable fractions in conjunction with the soil properties for the estimations of total Cu, Zn and Mn in divergent Wisconsin soils are also given. The relationship of the Mg(NO3)2-extractable fractions of the three elements to the above four fractions were better defined by quadratic than by linear equations. Exchangeable Zn had positive while exchangeable Mn had negative influence on exchangeable Cu in these soils with widely varying Cu supply. Both exchangeable Cu and Mn increased Mg(NO3)2-extractable Zn, whereas exchangeable Cu depressed the Mg(NO3)2-extractable soil Mn.
A unified quantum theory of mechanics and thermodynamics. Part III. Irreducible quantal dispersions

This part of the paper concludes the presentation of the unified theory. It is shown that the theory requires the existence of, and applies only to, irreducible quantal dispersions associated with pure or mixed states. Two experimental procedures are given for the operational verification of such dispersions. Because the existence of irreducible dispersions associated with mixed states is required by Postulate 4 of the theory, and because Postulate 4 expresses the basic implications of the second law of classical thermodynamics, it is concluded that the second law is a manifestation of phenomena characteristic of irreducible quantal dispersions associated with the elementary constituents of matter.
Influence of prostaglandins on cation movement in the lens.

Rabbit lenses incubated at 36°C for 20 hr in a medium containing 10−3 m prostaglandin (PG) E1, E2 or E2α exhibited a marked increase in sodium and decrease in potassium content; 10−3 m PGF1α was without effect. 10−3 m PGE1 caused a significant increase in cation permeability as evidenced by increased rubidium-86 efflux. Reduced rubidium-86 uptake was observed in lenses incubated in 10−3 m PGE1 and Fα. 10−4 m prostaglandins (E1, E2 and F2α) appeared to stimulate the lens cation transport mechanism. Recovery from a cold induced cation shift was enhanced, as was rubidium-86 uptake. Lenses subjected to reduced calcium level in the incubation medium survived better in the presence of 10−4 m PG. It is suggested that the effects of 10−4 m PG are mediated via the adenyl cyclase system. The effects of 10−3 m PG might be due to a large non-specific increase in lens cation permeability.
Combustion control using a multiplexed diode-laser sensor system

D.S. Baer, E.R. Furlong, R.K. HansonHigh Temperature Gasdynamics LaboratoryStanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-3032ABSTRACTA multiplexed diode-laser sensor system, comprised of two InGaAsP diode lasers and fiber-optic components, has beendeveloped to non-intrusively measure temperature and species concentration over a single path for closed-loop processconirol using laser absorption spectoscopy techniques. The system was applied to measure and control the gas temperaturein the post-flame gases 6 mm above the surface of a Hencken burner (multiple CH4-air diffusion flames). The wavelengths ofthe lasers were independently current-tuned across H20 transitions near 1343 mn (v1+v3 band) and 1392 nm (2v1, v1+v3bands), and temperature was determined from the ratio of measured peak absorbances. H20 concentration was determinedfrom the measured peak absorbance of one transition set at the measured temperature. The temperatures recorded using thesensor compared well with those measured by thermocouples. A computer-controlled closed-loop feedback circuit thatactuated the fuel flow in response to the difference between the measured and desired gas temperature was used to control theflame temperature in the probed region. The results obtained with this first generation system demonstrate the potential ofmultiplexed diode lasers for rapid, continuous, in situ measurements and control of gasdynamic parameters in combustionenvironments.keywords: diode laser, sensors, process control, fiber optics, absorption spectroscopy1. INTRODUCTIONNon-intrusive measurements of multiple flowfield parameters have been demonstrated in a variety of flowfields usingdiode-laser absorption diagnostics.13 Recently, the outputs of three, independently operated, diode lasers have beenmultiplexed into a single path using fiber-optic components to probe multiple absorption transitions of H20 and 02, or H20and CH4, simultaneously.4'5 These multi-species sensor systems are capable of measuring temperature, pressure, and speciesconcentrations at kHz rates along several paths simultaneously by using appropriate fiber splitters without increasing the
Estimation of noise level and signal to noise ratio of laplacian electrocardiogram during ventricular depolarization and repolarization

Body surface Laplacian ECG (LECG) has demonstrated its enhanced capability to localize cardiac electrical sources closest to the recording site. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the noise level and signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the LECG as compared to the potential ECG (PECG). Such evaluation is important to determine the applicability of the LECG to localizing and imaging of cardiac electrical activity in an experimental setting. Experimental studies were conducted in six healthy men. A 150-channel PECG was recorded from the anterolateral chest and the LECG was estimated using the finite difference algorithm. The noise level in the PECG and LECG was evaluated using multiple estimation protocols. The signal level during ventricular depolarization and repolarization was also estimated, and the corresponding SNR was calculated. Different filtering techniques were examined to evaluate their effects on the noise level and SNR of the LECG and PECG. The experimental results indicate that with basic signal processing techniques (baseline adjustment, three-point moving average filter, and Wiener spatial filter), the SNR of the LECG is about 30-40% of that of the PECG. Furthermore, the SNR estimated during ventricular depolarization is about three times that obtained during ventricular repolarization for the PECG and LECG. The present study indicates that the LECG derived from the PECG using a local finite difference estimation procedure has satisfactory SNR during the periods of ventricular depolarization and repolarization, and suggests the feasibility of estimating the LECG from the recorded PECG in human subjects in an experimental setting.
The effect of exogenous GM1 ganglioside on kindled-amygdaloid seizures

The effects of 12 daily doses of 30 mg/kg GM1 ganglioside i.p. on the acquisition of kindled-amygdaloid seizures in the rat was studied. No modification in the rate of kindling or the expression of the elicited seizures was noted during the acquisition phase. Further studies with additional fully amygdaloid kindled rats failed to show significant modification of suprathreshold or threshold elicited seizures after single 30-60 mg/kg i.p. doses of GM1 ganglioside. Despite previous studies which have shown antibodies to GM1 ganglioside to be convulsive, no anticonvulsant activity was demonstrated in this study with exogenous GM1 ganglioside using a battery of kindled-amygdaloid seizure tests in the rat.
Communications aspects of intercontinental deployment of enterprise wide applications

Using telecommunication networks and shared databases, modern enterprises may deploy the applications that will hold the operations fabric of their enterprises together and improve their worldwide competitiveness. Enterprise-wide applications deployment is a complex systems integration project, even in cases of single-country deployment, because the computing platforms, databases, applications, and communications infrastructure have to be planned and deployed in concert with each other. When the regional and corporate headquarters are on different continents, network planners, data processing (DP) personnel, and executive management alike find themselves dealing with this multidiscipline problem complicated by multicontinental logistics. We consider a number of technical architecture options for the enterprise-wide applications deployment of intercontinental multisite operations and qualify them in terms of their feasibility, technical risks, capital and operation costs, and user satisfaction. We also address the spongy keyboard problem, a condition that may make centralized solutions unsuitable for intercontinental deployment. In choosing the technical architecture to support enterprise-wide applications, we consider the following options: centralized processing, autonomous processing with centralized batch consolidation, regionalized processing with ongoing centralized consolidation, and regionalized processing with global distributed consolidation.
Effects of tensile force and nutrient availability on carbon uptake and cell wall synthesis in blades of juvenile Egregia menziesii (Turn.) Aresch. (Phaeophyta)

Abstract Although field studies have demonstrated that algal morphology and biomechanics are correlated with water motion, the physical cue(s) eliciting those whole plant responses are unknown, as are the physiological changes that underlie the responses. Because changes in morphology and biomechanics involve changes in C metabolism, juvenile feather boa kelp Egregia menziesii Turn. (Aresch.) were incubated in the presence of H14CO3− to identify experimentally synthesized materials. Four combinations of nutrient availability and tensile force (both varying with water motion) were employed to investigate the incorporation of 14C into whole tissue and cell wall compounds. Force significantly increased 14C incorporation into whole tissue, while nutrient availability and tissue age had no significant effect. The synthesis of cell wall materials was significantly increased by force application, was greater at low nutrient levels, and greater in younger tissue adjacent to the meristem. Tissue age and nutrient availability had significant interactive effects on cell wall synthesis.