cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ibuprofen attenuates cardiopulmonary dysfunction by modifying vascular tone in endotoxemia

Abstract Ibuprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, improves pulmonary and cardiovascular injury in endotoxemia. We studied the mechanism of the beneficial effects of ibuprofen in relation to production of inflammatory mediators which influence vascular tone in endotoxemia. Rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control, (2) endotoxemia alone; and (3) ibuprofen pretreatment and endotoxemia. Plasma and lung lavage concentrations of tumor necrosis factor, thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2 ), leukotriene (LT) C 4 ,D 4 ,E 4 and nitric oxide (NO) were determined over a 2 h period. Pretreatment with ibuprofen resulted in increased survival, and attenuation of pulmonary and cardiovascular dysfunction when compared to the rats receiving endotoxin alone. The marked elevation in plasma TXB 2 concentration in endotoxemic rats was prevented by pretreatment with ibuprofen. Similarly, pretreatment with ibuprofen prevented the decrease in lung lavage NO levels in endotoxemic rats. The improved survival and cardiopulmonary protection in endotoxemic rats pretreated with ibuprofen appears to be related to decreased thromboxane production and preservation of endothelial production of nitric oxide.
SU-D-211-06: The Effect of Motion in RapidArc Lung SBRT Delivery.

Purpose: RapidArc is routinely used for stereotactic radiotherapy for lungcancer. While treatment dose is optimized and calculated on a static CTimage, the motion of the target in conjunction with the motion of the MLC may Result in a delivered dose deviating from the planed dose. In this study, we investigate the dosimetric consequences of the inter‐play effect by simulating dynamic dose delivery on a dynamic CT dataset of real patients. Methods: The target motion in 20 patients was analyzed and 5 patients with >10 mm motion were chosen for this study. The RapidArc plan for eachpatient is optimized on a free‐breathing CT using 2 arcs. Inherent in each plan is data on the associated parameters such as timestamp, MLC leave position, gantry angle and delivered beam MUs for each control point. Simulated dynamic delivery is performed by associating these parameters with each of the breathing phases of the 4D‐CT. The starting breathing phase is selected randomly for each of the two arcs. Dose from the derived partial plans associated with each phase of the 4D‐CT dose is recalculated in Eclipse. Accumulation of dose is performed using deformable image registration from each phase of the 4D‐CT to the exhale phase of the 4D‐CT. Results: The coverage of the GTV and PTV shows negligible variations from the interplay effect. But the Homogeneity Index is affected by the motion. The prescription isodose volume is smaller than what was from the treatment plan dose. There were both intra‐ and inter‐fraction effects seen inthe OARs dose in some patients. Conclusions: We investigated the motioneffect in RapidArc LungSBRT delivery in 5 patients. Negligible variations were shown for target coverage. However the motion effects were observed in high dose distribution and volume. Some OARs dose distributions were affected by the motion.
The Lateral Line System of Hagfishes (Craniata: Myxinoidea)

The morphology of the peripheral lateral line system in Eptatretus stoutiiis described using a combination of electron microscopical, histological and immunocytochemical techniques. The epidermis and cranial nerves of Myxine glutinosawere also examined for evidence of a lateral line system. Together with results previously published by other researchers, we conclude that most or all eptatretid hagfish possess a lateral line system composed of shallow trenches, or grooves, lined with a single class of flask-shaped receptive cells. No species of myxinid hagfish has been shown to possess any component of this system. Three groups of lateral line grooves are present in eptatretids: preoptic, dorsal postoptic, and ventral postoptic groups. The preoptic grooves are innervated by a single pair of ganglionated cranial nerves and the two postoptic series of grooves are innervated by a pair of cranial nerves which each possess two ganglia, possibly as a result of fusion of two pairs of ganglionated nerves. Morphometric analysis indicates that these grooves continue to grow throughout life and that the variability in the distribution of grooves between animals may result from developmental instability in lateral line ontogeny. The morphology of the receptive organs is compared to neuromasts of the vertebrate lateral line system and ciliated receptor cells of other chordates. The morphology of hagfish lateral line receptors may represent the primitive condition for craniate lateral line organs, or more likely, they are highly derived as a result of regressive evolution. © 1997 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Functional characterization of visual and nonvisual pigments of American chameleon (Anolis carolinensis)

Using only 11-cis 3, 4-dehydroretinal as a chromophore in the pure-cone retina, American chameleon (Anolis carolinensis) detects a wide range of color from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared. We previously characterized its visual opsin genes sws1Ac, sws2Ac, rh1Ac, rh2Ac, and LwsAc that encode SWS1Ac, SWS2Ac, RH1Ac, RH2Ac, and LWSAc opsins, respectively, and the pineal gland-specific opsin (PAc) gene. Here we present the light absorption profiles of the visual pigments obtained by expressing these opsins and reconstituting them with 11-cis retinal using the COS1 cell cDNA expression system. The purified SWS1Ac, SWS2Ac, RH1Ac, RH2Ac, LWSAc, and PAc pigments have the wavelengths of maximal absorption at 358, 437, 491, 495, 560, and 482 nm, respectively. SWS1Ac is the first vertebrate UV opsin whose spectral sensitivity has been directly evaluated. RH1 pigments, orthologous to the rod pigments of other vertebrates, are sensitive to hydroxylamine in the dark, exhibiting a cone pigment-like characteristic, probably reflecting their adaptation to the pure cone retina. Interestingly, the blue-sensitive SWS2Ac pigment shows an exceptionally low level of sensitivity to hydroxylamine, possessing a rod pigment-like characteristic.
Peptide cation-radicals. A computational study of the competition between peptide N-Cα bond cleavage and loss of the side chain in the [GlyPhe-NH2 + 2H]+. Cation-radical

Cation-radicals and dications corresponding to hydrogen atom adducts to N-terminus-protonated N(alpha)-glycylphenylalanine amide (Gly-Phe-NH(2)) are studied by combined density functional theory and Moller-Plesset perturbational computations (B3-MP2) as models for electron-capture dissociation of peptide bonds and elimination of side-chain groups in gas-phase peptide ions. Several structures are identified as local energy minima including isomeric aminoketyl cation-radicals, and hydrogen-bonded ion-radicals, and ylid-cation-radical complexes. The hydrogen-bonded complexes are substantially more stable than the classical aminoketyl structures. Dissociations of the peptide N-C(alpha) bonds in aminoketyl cation-radicals are 18-47 kJ mol(-1) exothermic and require low activation energies to produce ion-radical complexes as stable intermediates. Loss of the side-chain benzyl group is calculated to be 44 kJ mol(-1) endothermic and requires 68 kJ mol(-1) activation energy. Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) and transition-state theory (TST) calculations of unimolecular rate constants predict fast preferential N-C(alpha) bond cleavage resulting in isomerization to ion-molecule complexes, while dissociation of the C(alpha)bond;CH(2)C(6)H(5) bond is much slower. Because of the very low activation energies, the peptide bond dissociations are predicted to be fast in peptide cation-radicals that have thermal (298 K) energies and thus behave ergodically.
The robust joint solution for channel assignment and routing for wireless mesh networks with time partitioning

Joint channel assignment and routing is an essential yet challenging issue for multi-radio multi-channel wireless mesh networks. Though several works are presented in the existing literature to approach this problem, the key question - how to ensure that the resulting network performance can closely track the optimal solution under high traffic variability without incurring too much overhead, remains unanswered. In this work, we present a new solution called ''Robust joint Channel Assignment and Routing with Time partitioning (RCART)'' for WMNs. RCART consists of three steps: (1) Time Partitioning and Traffic Characterization, which accomplishes the goal of partitioning time into periodic intervals with consistent properties which can be routed efficiently, (2) Robust Routing, which finds a robust routing scheme that provides an upper bound on the worst-case network performance for traffic demands that fall into a convex region, (3) Channel Assignment, which allocates radios to fixed channels during the time interval identified in step 1 and based on the knowledge of traffic distribution from step 2, using the worst-case congestion ratio as a robustness metric in its objective. Introducing time partitions as an additional control variable in the robust mesh routing RCART solution significantly improves average-case performance. Performance evaluation is conducted for RCART using real traffic demand traces. The results show that our RCART solution significantly outperforms the existing works without time partitioning or with simpler traffic profile models.
Assessment of a countywide stormwater pond improvement program

Numerous approaches have been advocated to improve pollutant removal in stormwater retention and detention ponds. The Hillsborough County (FL) Adopt-A-Pond program is one such application. However, ex post evaluation of these approaches is particularly limited. Water quality and vegetative characteristics were assessed at participating Adopt-A-Pond sites to explore potential impacts of the program on measurable environmental parameters. Statistical analysis of the results failed to demonstrate significant environmental improvements associated with the Adopt-A-Pond program, and measures of program activity did not illustrate a consistently positive influence. These results illustrate the need for ex post evaluations and indicate a general need to readdress the policies and implementation of the program. Poor compliance by program volunteers, evident by the limited span of group participation (mean = 2.5 years) and relatively low percentage of actively involved residents, is a possible culprit, as the effic...
Tipping in Hong Kong restaurants

Abstract In Hong Kong most restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill and tipping is at the discretion of customers. This voluntary aspect of tipping over and above a service charge raises questions about why people tip and the factors that affect its size. This paper reports upon a study of 342 restaurant customers. Results indicate that Hong Kong diners tipped 3.57% in addition to the service charge. The tip size and percentage were positively related to the bill size and the frequency of visits, and negatively related to party size, confirming past studies. Hong Kong customers increased their tip when they received value for money. Cash paying customers left 33% more tips than did customers paying by credit card. However, no relationship was found between perceived service quality and the amount of the tip. This could be attributed to the fact that a service charge was already included in the bill. The findings are compared to the literature with an emphasis on the USA environment, where the majority of tipping studies have been conducted and service charges are not customary.
Ubiquitin branches out.

In recent years, there has been a marked expansion of recognized roles for ubiquitin (Ub) in processes other than proteasome-dependent proteolysis, as well as a proliferation of Ub-like proteins that also function through covalent attachment to other proteins. The full diversity of functions for these proteins was on display at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) meeting on “Non-Traditional Functions of Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Proteins” held at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado (August 11–14th, 2002).
Remote observing from the bottom up: the architecture of the WIYN telescope control system

Remote observing has many definitions, ranging from unattended batch-mode use through simple remote logins to fully faithful off-site observing centers indistinguishable from the on- site telescope control room. There are problems with each of these ideas: batch mode operation, for example, precludes remote interactive target acquisition and remote access to targets of opportunity. Simple remote login suffers from network problems such as full-duplex character latency; shipping screens instead of the underlying data can cause bandwidth problems and interferes with analyzing or archiving data. Brute-force reproduction of the control room requires expensive fiber or satellite connections. The WIYN Telescope control system was designed to be inexpensive to build and inexpensive to maintain. We emphasized the use of standard tools, portable implementations, and network friendliness. These techniques and features are precisely those that underlie a powerful remote observing capability. The WIYN Telescope control system therefore supports remote observing from the very lowest levels, and does so effectively and inexpensively using a carefully planned architecture, standard software and network tools, and innovative methods to ship large digital images over low bandwidth connections such as phone lines. Even before the construction was complete, these techniques proved their value by allowing remote access for the purposes of eavesdropping, troubleshooting, and servo tuning. This paper presents a block diagram and detailed descriptions of the WIYN Telescope control system architecture. Each aspect of the control system is discussed with respect to its contribution to the overall goal of remote observing, including multi-user access, bandwidth conservation, interoperability, and portability.
Assessment of shock effects on amphibole water contents and hydrogen isotope compositions: 2. Kaersutitic amphibole experiments

To constrain the influence of impact shock on water and hydrogen isotope signatures of Martian meteorite kaersutites, we conducted shock recovery experiments on three terrestrial kaersutite crystals. Homogeneous impact shock to 32 GPa, commensurate with shock levels experienced by Martian meteorite kaersutites, led to increases in kaersutite water contents (ΔH_2O = 0.25–0.89 wt.%), decreases in Fe^3+/ΣFe (4–20%), and enrichments in hydrogen isotope composition (ΔD = + 66 to + 87‰) relative to pre-shock values. The latter values represent the largest shock-induced hydrogen isotope fractionations measured to date. These observations are explained most completely by a two-step shock process. First, shock-induced devolatilization led to hydrogen isotope enrichment through preferential loss of H relative to D. Second, reaction of the kaersutite with the ambient atmosphere led to increased water contents and reduced Fe. Fe reduction and water addition via the reaction Fe^2+ + OH^− ↔ Fe^3+ + O_2− + ½H_2 explain the Fe^3+/ΣFe data and some of the water data. Further water addition mechanisms (irreversible adsorption, shock implantation) are necessary to fully explain the increased water contents. Addition of water from the terrestrial atmosphere, which is isotopically light relative to the experimental kaersutite compositions, means the measured hydrogen isotope enrichments are likely minima. The measured (minimum) levels of hydrogen isotope enrichment are relevant to the hydrogen isotope variability within and among Martian kaersutites, but are minor relative to their absolute δD values. Alternatively, addition of water from the enriched Martian atmosphere could explain both Martian kaersutite hydrogen isotope variability and absolute δD values. However, the low Martian kaersutite water contents leave little room for significant water addition. The importance of the ambient atmosphere to the outcome of the shock experiments makes it difficult to translate our results to Mars given the unknown influence of its more tenuous atmosphere on the processes observed in the experiments. Our results suggest that shock is a feasible mechanism for influencing Martian kaersutite water contents and hydrogen isotope compositions but that its complex signature precludes precise determination of that influence.
Domain interplay in mice and men: New possibilities for the “natural kinds” theory of emotion

Abstract The recent challenge to the long-held assumption that emotions are natural kinds (i.e., discreet naturally-distinguishable phenomena) has raised the necessity for a closer look into the nature of affective research. If emotions are not natural kinds, there will be widespread consequences for the theoretical foundations of behavioral neuroscience and grave implications for the validity of animal models of emotion and affective disorders. This paper presents the evidence against the hypothesis of emotions as natural kinds, and offers the “domain-interplay” concept as a novel and effective experimental method for establishing the theoretical rationale of non-human animal research in the neurosciences.
Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma with angiomyomatous stroma: a histological, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in situ hybridization study

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a novel tumor entity that was recently recognized as a new distinct epithelial tumor within the current classification system. Nonclassic morphologic variants have rarely been reported. We present six challenging cases of CCPRCC with prominent (>75 %) tubular, acinar, and/or solid component and angioleiomyomatous stroma. The tumors lacked well-organized papillary architecture. All tumors had a variously thick capsule formed by a layer of bands of smooth muscle. The leiomyomatous tissue often entirely encased patches of tubular structures, or it formed only small leiomyomatous islands within the epithelial component. There was a remarkable relationship between the vascular network and the epithelial component in the sense that every single tubule or acinus was associated with a fine capillary network, with the capillaries intimately surrounding the tubular or acinar circumference. CCPRCC with variant morphology expressed carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) in cup-shaped distribution. In addition, the tumor cells stained positive for cytokeratin 34betaE12, CK7, and vimentin. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), P504s/AMACR, Melan A, and HMB45 were negative in tumor cells in all cases examined. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies showed the presence of a normal copy number for chromosomes 7, 17, 3q, and 3p. CCPRCC with variant morphology seems to have a favorable prognosis. In the current series, tumor stage was low at presentation, and none of the patients had local recurrence or metastatic disease. The distinction between CCPRCC with variant morphology and clear cell RCC is critical because no case of CCPRCC has behaved aggressively.
Community pharmacists, Internet and social media: an empirical investigation.

Abstract Background Use of social media and Internet for health information sharing is expanding among patients, physicians, and other health care professionals. Research on professional use of social media by community pharmacists is limited. Objectives 1) To determine the extent to which Texas (U.S. state) independent community pharmacists use text messaging, email, Facebook, Twitter, and/or other information technology for professional communication with patients and health care professionals and identify the perceptions of Texas independent community pharmacists toward such usage; 2) to determine the extent to which Texas independent community pharmacists develop and employ their pharmacy websites to provide drug information and patient care services. Methods A 25-item survey with questions addressing the objectives of the study as well as basic demographic questions (gender, age, and type of pharmacy degree) was mailed to a random sample of 1196 independent community pharmacists in Texas in January 2012. Results The study response rate was 23.7%, with 284 usable questionnaires returned. The majority of respondents reported that Internet access is available at their pharmacies (98% (278)), and 91% (258) are familiar with the term ‘social media'. To communicate with health care professionals, 56% ( n = 160) of respondents use email, 34% ( n = 97) use text messages and 5% ( n = 14) use Facebook. To communicate with patients, 36% ( n = 102) of respondents use email, 30% ( n = 86) use text messages and 7% ( n = 19) use Facebook. The perceptions of pharmacists who communicate with patients using electronic tools about information related to drug therapy once a month or more frequently were more positive than those of pharmacists who never or hardly ever communicate with patients via electronic tools about drug therapy ( P Conclusions This study is the first U.S. statewide assessment of the use of electronic communication and social media for professional pharmacist's communications and perceptions toward the use of social media in patient–pharmacist communications among independent community pharmacists in Texas. Future studies conducted in other states as well as nationwide will contribute to a better understanding of the use of electronic communication, Internet, and social media in the daily professional activities of independent community pharmacists.
Dominant frequencies of resting human brain activity as measured by the electrocorticogram

The brain's spontaneous, intrinsic activity is increasingly being shown to reveal brain function, delineate large scale brain networks, and diagnose brain disorders. One of the most studied and clinically utilized types of intrinsic brain activity are oscillations in the electrocorticogram (ECoG), a relatively localized measure of cortical synaptic activity. Here we objectively characterize the types of ECoG oscillations commonly observed over particular cortical areas when an individual is awake and immobile with eyes closed, using a surface-based cortical atlas and cluster analysis. Both methods show that [1] there is generally substantial variability in the dominant frequencies of cortical regions and substantial overlap in dominant frequencies across the areas sampled (primarily lateral central, temporal, and frontal areas), [2] theta (4-8 Hz) is the most dominant type of oscillation in the areas sampled with a mode around 7 Hz, [3] alpha (8-13 Hz) is largely limited to parietal and occipital regions, and [4] beta (13-30 Hz) is prominent peri-Rolandically, over the middle frontal gyrus, and the pars opercularis. In addition, the cluster analysis revealed seven types of ECoG spectral power densities (SPDs). Six of these have peaks at 3, 5, 7 (narrow), 7 (broad), 10, and 17 Hz, while the remaining cluster is broadly distributed with less pronounced peaks at 8, 19, and 42 Hz. These categories largely corroborate conventional sub-gamma frequency band distinctions (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) and suggest multiple sub-types of theta. Finally, we note that gamma/high gamma activity (30+ Hz) was at times prominently observed, but was too infrequent and variable across individuals to be reliably characterized. These results should help identify abnormal patterns of ECoG oscillations, inform the interpretation of EEG/MEG intrinsic activity, and provide insight into the functions of these different oscillations and the networks that produce them. Specifically, our results support theories of the importance of theta oscillations in general cortical function, suggest that alpha activity is primarily related to sensory processing/attention, and demonstrate that beta networks extend far beyond primary sensorimotor regions.
Mechanism of Carbon Monoxide Electrooxidation on Monocrystalline Gold Surfaces: Identification of a Hydroxycarbonyl Intermediate

Kinetic data are presented for the electrooxidation of aqueous solution carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide on two monocrystalline gold surfaces, Au(210) and (110), with the objective of elucidating the reaction mechanism, especially regarding the nature of adsorbed intermediate(s). Tafel plots (i.e., log rate versus electrode potential) were obtained by means of linear sweep voltammetry, particularly as a function of the solution reactant concentration and over a wide range (0−13.5) of the electrolyte pH. Under most conditions, the reaction order in CO was found to be near unity, as anticipated from the low coverages of adsorbed CO ascertained from infrared spectroscopy. Interestingly, the log rate−pH dependence observed on both surfaces display three distinct regions. At low (≤2) and higher (≥4) pH values, essentially unit slopes were obtained (i.e., a unity reaction order in [OH-]), these regions being separated by one displaying apparently pH-independent kinetics. The potential region over which conveni...
Involvement of the IL-23/IL-17 axis and the Th17/Treg balance in the pathogenesis and control of autoimmune arthritis

The T helper (Th) cell subsets are characterized by the type of cytokines produced and the master transcription factor expressed. Th1 cells participate in cell-mediated immunity, whereas Th2 cells promote humoral immunity. Furthermore, the two subsets can control each other. Thereby, Th1-Th2 balance offered a key paradigm in understanding the induction and regulation of immune pathology in autoimmune and other diseases. However, over the past decade, Th17 cells producing interleukin-17 (IL-17) have emerged as the major pathogenic T cell subset in many pathological conditions that were previously attributed to Th1 cells. In addition, the role of CD4+CD25+T regulatory cells (Treg) in controlling the activity of Th17 and other T cell subsets has increasingly been realized. Thereby, examination of the Th17/Treg balance in the course of autoimmune diseases has significantly advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of these disorders. The differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells from naive T cells is inter-related and controlled in part by the cytokine milieu. For example, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is required for Treg induction, whereas the same cytokine in the presence of IL-6 (or IL-1) promotes the differentiation of Th17. Furthermore, IL-23 plays a role in the maintenance of Th17. Accordingly, novel therapeutic approaches are being developed to target IL-23/IL-17 as well as to modulate the Th17/Treg balance in favor of immune regulation to control autoimmunity.
Alcohol-induced liver injury in mice lacking Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase.

Because alcoholic liver disease has been linked to oxidative stress, we investigated the effect of a compromised antioxidant defense system, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (Sod1) deficiency, on alcohol-induced liver injury. C57BL/129SV wild-type (Sod1+/+) and Sod1 knockout (Sod1−/−) mice were fed dextrose or ethanol (10% of total calories) liquid diets for 3 weeks. Histologic evaluation of liver specimens of Sod1−/− mice fed ethanol showed the development of liver injury ranging from mild to extensive centrilobular necrosis and inflammation. Sod1+/+ mice fed ethanol showed mild steatosis; both Sod1+/+ and Sod1−/− mice fed the dextrose diet had normal histology. Alanine transaminase levels were significantly elevated only in Sod1−/− mice fed ethanol. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2e1) activity was elevated about 2-fold by ethanol in Sod1+/+ and Sod1−/− mice. Ethanol consumption increased levels of protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation aldehydic products in the liver of Sod1−/− mice. Hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was reduced dramatically in Sod1−/− mice fed ethanol in association with a decrease in the mitochondrial reduced glutathione (GSH) level and activity of MnSOD. Immunohistochemical determination of 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) residues in liver sections of the Sod1 knockout mice treated with ethanol showed a significant increase of 3NT staining in the centrilobular areas. In conclusion, a rather moderate ethanol consumption promoted oxidative stress in Sod1−/− mice, with increased formation of peroxynitrite, protein carbonyls, and lipid peroxidation and decreased mitochondrial GSH and MnSOD. We speculate that the increased oxidative stress causes mitochondrial damage and reduction of ATP content, leading to alcoholic liver injury. This model may be useful in further mechanistic studies on alcohol-induced liver injury.
Extracellular alkalinization evoked by GABA and its relationship to activity‐dependent pH shifts in turtle cerebellum.

1. The effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on extracellular pH (pHo) was investigated in the turtle cerebellum, in vitro, using double-barrelled, H(+)-selective microelectrodes. Responses evoked by GABA were compared with pHo shifts evoked by repetitive stimulation of the parallel fibres. 2. In media buffered with 35 mM-HCO3- and 5% CO2, superfusion of GABA (1 mM) elicited an abrupt alkaline shift in the molecular layer, which averaged 0.05 +/- 0.02 pH units (+/- S.D., range 0.02-0.12 pH units). pHo often recovered in the continued presence of GABA, and displayed a rebound acidification upon wash-out. 3. The GABA-evoked alkaline shift was blocked by picrotoxin and was mimicked by the GABAA agonists isoguvacine and muscimol. The GABAB agonist baclofen did not elicit an alkaline shift. Alkaline shifts evoked by stimulation of the parallel fibres were unaffected by picrotoxin. 4. In nominally HCO3(-)-free solutions, buffered with 35 mM-HEPES, superfusion of GABA caused either no pHo change or a slow acid shift. In contrast, the alkaline shift evoked by stimulation of the parallel fibres became enhanced in HEPES-buffered media. 5. The alkaline shift evoked by GABA was accompanied by an increase in extracellular K+ ([K+]o) which averaged 1.7 mM above baseline. Experimental elevation of [K+]o to a comparable level always caused a pure acid shift in the extracellular space. 6. The GABA-evoked alkaline shift persisted when synaptic transmission was blocked using 4 mM-kynurenic acid or saline prepared with nominally zero Ca2+ and 10 mM-Mg2+. The alkaline shift evoked by repetitive stimulation of the parallel fibres was completely abolished in these media. 7. Although the GABA-evoked alkaline shift was blocked in nominally HCO3(-)-free media, substitution of 35 mM-formate for HCO3- restored the GABA response. Superfusion of 1 mM-GABA in formate saline produced an alkaline shift of 0.040 +/- 0.034 pH units. 8. These results indicate that gating of GABAA channels in the vertebrate CNS gives rise to an HCO3- efflux which can significantly increase the pH of the brain microenvironment. However, this mechanism cannot account for the extracellular alkalinization caused by parallel fibre stimulation. Extracellular alkaline shifts capable of modulating local synaptic operations may therefore be a consequence of either excitatory or inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Intestinal Permeability and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Based on a systematic PubMed search, this short review addresses why intestinal permeability may be important in the pathobiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the evidence of abnormal permeability in patients with IBS, and the pros and cons of the different probe molecules available to assess intestinal permeability. While a subgroup of patients with IBS appears to have evidence of increased intestinal permeability, improvements in the methods and validation are key to further research in this field in order to better understand intestinal barrier functions in IBS.
Scattering Functions for Neutrino Transport

We derive an expression for the scattering functions for electron-neutrino and electronanti-neutrino Compton scattering in a form suitable for a numerical solution of the neutrino transfer equations. An analytical expression is given for the case of large electron degeneracy. The modification due to possible neutral currents is discussed.
A fractographic study of tungsten and dilute tungsten-rhenium alloys.

Ductility enhancement of tungsten by rhenium addition due to modification of grain boundary precipitate morphology
Instabilities in multi-hole converging flow of viscoelastic fluids

Studies of the onset of instabilities were conducted on single hole and multi-hole contractions using laser speckle visualization. A well characterized elastic fluid was used with constant viscosity of 13.1 Pa · s and elasticity characterized by a longest relaxation time constant of 2.233 s. The onset of instabilities was characterized in terms of the Deborah number and the contraction ratio. Three types of instabilities were observed: pulsing vortices, azimuthally rotating vortices, and swirling vortices. For the single hole contractions the critical Deborah number for instability increased from 4.4 to 5.07 to 5.25 as the contraction ratio increased from 4: 1 to 8: 1 to 12: 1. The magnitude of the instabilities was much greater for the 4: 1 contraction than for the other two contraction ratios. For the multi-hole contraction a square array of nine holes was used and the ratio of the hole diameter to hole spacing was varied. The height of the vortices is very similar for the single hole and multi-hole contractions at low Deborah numbers. At high Deborah numbers the effect of adjacent holes is to reduce the height of the vortices by a factor of three. For the 4: 1 spacing no secondary vortex was observed below a Deborah number of De = 3.7. Secondary vortices occurred for the 8:1 and 10:1 spacing at all Deborah numbers. Unstable pulsing vortices appeared for all spacings at a critical Deborah number around 5.5. Adjacent holes decreased the strength of the unsteady vortex motions. The centerline velocities were measured for the multi-hole contraction at shear rates of 5, 30, and 300 s−1. The elongational strain rates are similar at a low shear rate of 5 s−1. As shear rate is increased the onset of stretching occurs closer to the plane of the contraction for the smaller contraction ratios.
Chronic imaging of cortical blood flow using Multi-Exposure Speckle Imaging

Chronic imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is an important tool for investigating vascular remodeling after injury such as stroke. Although techniques such as Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) have emerged as valuable tools for imaging CBF in acute experiments, their utility for chronic measurements or cross-animal comparisons has been limited. Recently, an extension to LSCI called Multi-Exposure Speckle Imaging (MESI) was introduced that increases the quantitative accuracy of CBF images. In this paper, we show that estimates of chronic blood flow are better with MESI than with traditional LSCI. We evaluate the accuracy of the MESI flow estimates using red blood cell (RBC) photographic tracking as an absolute flow calibration in mice over several days. The flow measures computed using the MESI and LSCI techniques were found to be on average 10% and 24% deviant (n=9 mice), respectively, compared with RBC velocity changes. We also map CBF dynamics after photo-thrombosis of selected cortical microvasculature. Correlations of flow dynamics with RBC tracking were closer with MESI (r=0.88) than with LSCI (r=0.65) up to 2 weeks from baseline. With the increased quantitative accuracy, MESI can provide a platform for studying the efficacy of stroke therapies aimed at flow restoration.
Mechanism of Stimulatory Action of Growth Hormone on Ovarian Steroidogenesis in Spotted Seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus

The mechanism of growth hormone's (bovine growth hormone, bGH) stimulatory action on steroidogenesis was examined using ovarian tissue of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) in an in vitro incubation system and compared to that of a gonadotropin (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG). Testosterone and estradiol production by seatrout ovaries in vitro were stimulated even with low concentrations of bGH (50 ng/ml), and increasing concentrations demonstrated a concentration-dependent relationship similar to that observed with hCG. The steroidogenic responses to combined treatments with bGH and hCG approximately equaled the sum of the stimulatory effects of the two hormones, possibly indicating that bGH does not potentiate the action of gonadotropin. Cyanoketone treatment of vitellogenic follicles inhibited bGH-induced estradiol production, but the stimulatory effect of bGH on the conversion of exogenous testosterone to estradiol was not altered by cyanoketone, which suggests that GH stimulates aromatase activity in addition to an earlier step in the biosynthetic pathway for estradiol production. The stimulatory effects of bGH and hCG on aromatase activity were mimicked by forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP, both of which are known to raise the intracellular level of cAMP. These results suggest that bGH- as well as hCG-induced increases in aromatase activity are mediated through adenylate cyclase-cAMP-dependent mechanism(s). The cAMP content of ovarian follicles was markedly increased within 15 min of bGH stimulation and was maximal at 1 hr, whereas steroid production did not increase significantly until 30 min and was maximal after 3 to 9 hr of incubation. The cAMP response to bGH, like that of steroid production, was concentration-dependent. The time-course and concentration-response effects of bGH on cAMP accumulation and steroid production were similar to those of hCG and forskolin, although the magnitude of the responses was less. The addition of cycloheximide or actinomycin D to the media did not affect the basal production of estradiol but completely blocked the bGH and hCG stimulation of the aromatization of exogenous testosterone to estradiol. These results suggest that the stimulatory effects of bGH and hCG on aromatase activity depend upon the synthesis of new RNA and regulatory protein(s).
Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: case report and immunohistochemical study.

A case is presented of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma involving the arm of a 52-year-olcl man. Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a recently described neoplasm of the deep and subcutaneous soft tissue which demonstrates a spectrum of histologic images. The current case demonstrated the typical patterns of intermixed, sweeping bands of fibrous and myxoid tissue, homogeneous foci of fibrous and myxoid tissue, focal areas of storiforming, and concentric perivascular cuffs of slender spindle cells, all lacking the nuclear anaplasia, mitotic activity, and necrosis generally associated with sarcomas. Immunohistochemical analysis performed on paraffin-embedded sections demonstrated strong labeling of the tumor cells by anti-CD34 antibody, moderate labeling for vimientin, and rare, focal positivity for muscle-specific actin. Tumor cells were negative for markers of epithelial, muscular, neural, histiocytic, melanocytic, and vascular differentiation. The constellation of histopathologic features described in this arid previous reports is characteristic of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. Based on this case, it appears that the immunohistochemical features of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma can help to exclude many cutaneous and deep soft tissue tumors from the differential diagnosis. The findings support the interpretation that the neoplasm is essentially fibroblastic in nature.
A bisection method for computing the H ∞ norm of a transfer matrix and related problems

We establish a correspondence between the singular values of a transfer matrix evaluated along the imaginary axis and the imaginary eigenvalues of a related Hamiltonian matrix. We give a simple linear algebraic proof, and also a more intuitive explanation based on a certain indefinite quadratic optimal control problem. This result yields a simple bisection algorithm to compute the H∞ norm of a transfer matrix. The bisection method is far more efficient than algorithms which involve a search over frequencies, and the usual problems associated with such methods (such as determining how fine the search should be) do not arise. The method is readily extended to compute other quantities of system-theoretic interest, for instance, the minimum dissipation of a transfer matrix. A variation of the method can be used to solve the H∞ Armijo line-search problem with no more computation than is required to compute a single H∞ norm.
Activation marker expression on bovine peripheral blood γδ T cells during post-natal development and following vaccination with a commercial polyvalent viral vaccine

Understanding the immunological function of bovine gammadelta T cells is essential for evaluating their role in the response to infectious agents and for determining the potential of targeting this population with vaccines. This study examined the age dependent changes of circulating CD2(+) and CD2(-) gammadelta T cells as well as differences in the expression of activation markers between these two populations. Changes in activation marker expression following vaccination with Vira Shield 5 are also discussed. CD62L was expressed on all CD2(-) gammadelta T cells but only a subset of CD2(+) gammadelta T cells and following vaccination there was a significant decrease in the percentage of CD2(-)/CD62L(+) gammadelta T cells but not CD2(+)/CD62L(+) gammadelta T cells. Both CD2(-) and CD2(+) gammadelta T cells consistently expressed high levels of CD44. The majority of both CD2(-) and CD2(+) gammadelta T cells also expressed CD45R, however, more of the CD2(-) cells were CD45R(neg/lo). Following vaccination there was a significant decrease in the percentage of CD2(-) and CD2(+) gammadelta T cells that expressed CD44 and CD45R. These data indicate significant differences in activation expression on CD2(-) and CD2(+) gammadelta T cells, which adds to the growing evidence that there may be functional as well as phenotypic differences between these two populations of bovine gammadelta T cells.
"Horrible Impossible": Henry James's Awkward Stage

This article reads the formal peculiarity of The Awkward Age (written almost entirely in dialogue) as a document of James's ambivalence about the psychological novel of which he was shortly to become the acknowledged master. Approximating the form and texture of an impossible or unperformed play, The Awkward Age explores the depsychologizing possibilities of drama and shows James resisting precisely the interiorizing narrative techniques he bequeathed to the twentieth-century novel. In the process, the paper argues, James also hypothesized a community of erotic dissidence and evaded the preoccupation with sexual secrecy that dominates his later career.
Nonlinear Terahertz Pump-Terahertz Probe Measurements of Semiconductor Carrier Dynamics

The field dependence of THz absorption in semiconductors is studied. Nonlinear absorption of ultrafast THz pulses is observed and can be attributed to free carrier excitation by the intense THz field.
Ball detection in soccer images using isophote's curvature and discriminative features

Ball recognition in soccer matches is a critical issue for automatic soccer video analysis. Unfortunately, because of the difficulty in solving the problem, many efforts of numerous researchers have still not produced fully satisfactory results in terms of accuracy. This paper proposes a ball recognition approach that introduces a double level of innovation. Firstly, a randomized circle detection approach based on the local curvature information of the isophotes is used to identify the edge pixels belonging to the ball boundaries. Then, ball candidates are validated by a learning framework formulated into a three-layered model based on a variation of the conventional local binary pattern approach. Experimental results were obtained on a significant set of real soccer images, acquired under challenging lighting conditions during Italian "Serie A" matches. The results have been also favorably compared with the leading state-of-the-art methods.
Microjointing in Basement, Middle Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming

Microjoints, defined as four or more macroscopic subparallel fractures spaced closer than 3 mm, appear as pervasive fracture systems in about half the Precambrian basement outcrops of Montana and Wyoming. Six thousand five hundred orientation measurements of the microjoints indicate that the common local pattern is two nearly vertical, perpendicular sets. Persistent vertical orientation at most, but not all, mountain fronts which have undergone demonstrable Laramide rotation of basement indicates microjoints developed subsequent to the bulk of Laramide deformation. The microjoints are interpreted as expansion features in Laramide block mountains, created as the blocks were lifted free of the confines of the adjacent basin floors. Microjoint systems simulate the orientations of ordinary joints, of Precambrian dikelets, and of most planes of microscopic fluid inclusions but are independent in degree of development. In thin section the microjoints are represented by one class of very tiny fluid inclusions paralleling and locally reopening older planes of inclusions. The microscopic fluid inclusion planes are interpreted as a system of Precambrian weakness directions partially controlling the orientations of all subsequent fracture systems including Laramide microjoints. On a regional scale the microjoints have a number of recurring directions similar to Spencer9s (1959) common joint directions in the Beartooth Mountains, Montana. Thus, the available measurements suggest a regional system of eight recurring fracture directions.
Percutaneous transcatheter coil occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus aided by the nitinol snare: further observations.

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of the nitinol snare to aid in the delivery of a Gianturco coil in percutaneous occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Urinary tract infections in the frail elderly: Issues for diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in frail elderly adults, whether they are community dwelling, live in long term care facilities (LTCFs) or are hospitalized. UTIs cause substantial morbidity and mortality in frail elderly men and women. While many major risk factors in these individuals may not be modifiable, improved attention to incontinence management, judicious use of antimicrobials and urinary catheters, and, in women, appropriate use of topical estrogen may be useful in reducing UTIs. Future strategies may also include the appropriate use of new urinary catheter technology and emerging vaccines.
Hydroxybenzamide/pyrrole pair distinguishes T·A from A·T base pairs in the minor groove of DNA

A new aromatic pair, 2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzamide/1-methylpyrrole at the terminal position of hairpin polyamides has been designed for distinguishing T·A from A·T base pairs and both from G·C/C·G in the minor groove of DNA. Four eight-ring hairpin polyamides with benzamide (Bz), 2-hydroxybenzamide (Hb-1), 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzamide (Hb-2), and 2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzamide (Hb-3) at the N-terminal position were synthesized. The equilibrium association constants (K_a) were determined at four DNA sites which differ at a single common position, 5‘-TNTACA-3‘ (N = T, A, G, C). Quantitative DNase I footprint titration experiments reveal that (Hb-3)PyPyPy-(R)^H2^Nγ-ImPyPyPy-β-Dp (4) bound the sequences 5‘-TTTACA-3‘ and 5‘-TATACA-3‘ with high affinity; K_a = 2.6 × 10^(10) M^(-1) and K_a = 8.4 × 10^9 M^(-1), respectively, a 3-fold specificity for T vs A was found. Importantly, the sequences 5‘-TGTACA-3‘ and 5‘-TCTACA-3‘ are bound with 50 and 200 times lower affinity, revealing an overall specificity of Hb-3/Py of T > A ≫ G > C. These results expand the repertoire of sequences targetable by hairpin polyamides.
How Principals Can Build a Culture of Quality That Supports Standards of Excellence

This article outline specific guidelines useful for principals who recognize the importance of providing a culture of quality in their schools so that students can realize their potential. Guidelines are based on research that involves placing students in demanding, long-term intellectual environments and requires that teachers and principals agree on quality indicators.