cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction and measurement of diuretic responsiveness after oral administration of furosemide to healthy dogs and dogs with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND In human patients, cumulative urine volume (uVol) and urine sodium (uNa) can be predicted using spot urine samples and these quantitative measures help detect low diuretic responsiveness (LDR). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Formulas using spot urine samples predict cumulative uVol and uNa output after oral administration of furosemide to dogs. ANIMALS Eight healthy dogs, 6 dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS Prospective interventional study. Spot urine samples at 180 and 270 minutes after furosemide (3 mg/kg PO) were used to predict cumulative uVol and uNa output over 7 hours. Differentiation of dogs fulfilling predefined criteria for LDR was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Predicted uNa output at 180 minutes (rs = 0.763, [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.375-0.923], P = .002) and 270 minutes (r = 0.816, [95% CI, 0.503-0.940], P < .001) was highly correlated to 7-hour uNa output. Predicted uVol at 180 minutes (r = 0.598, [95% CI, 0.098-0.857], P = .02) and 270 minutes (r = 0.791, [95% CI, 0.450-0.931], P < .001) was moderately correlated to 7-hour uVol. Predicted uNa using 180-minute (area under the curve [AUC], 0.933 [95% CI, 0.804-1.000]) and 270-minute (AUC, 0.911 [95% CI, 0.756-1.000]) samples identified dogs with LDR (n = 5) with high accuracy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Urinary Na excretion and uVol are complementary but distinct aspects of diuretic responsiveness in dogs. Quantification of diuretic responsiveness in the clinical setting opens new diagnostic, treatment, and monitoring strategies.
Strategic Investments by U.S. Firms in Transition Economies

Studies in international business (IB) have considered both theoretical and empirical analyses of investment strategies by multinational firms in transition economies. However, there is scant research on the impact of firm-specific factors on the likelihood, timing, and mode of entry decisions in these economies. We provide evidence on three aspects of the strategic decisions by U.S. firms to invest in transition economies. First, we find that firms entering the region have greater advertising intensity and sales growth relative to industry peers that did not enter the region, suggesting that market-seeking considerations motivate expansion. Second, we find that earlier entry is undertaken by firms with fewer industry competitors and higher sales growth, suggesting that the desire to secure market share ahead of competitors motivate entry timing. Finally, we investigate the choice of entry mode into the region and find that firms from concentrated industries are more likely to enter the region with high equity commitment, consistent with market-seeking motives. We also find that firms incorporate the degree of progress with market-oriented reforms in making decisions concerning entry timing and mode.
Photodynamic therapy of mycosis fungoides: A systematic review of case studies.

Mycosis fungoides (MF), while the most common subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), is largely orphaned in research endeavors because of its rarity. Its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated and treatment is typically palliative. Narrow-band ultraviolet light B (nbUVB) and psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA) are frequently utilized to treat MF. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photosensitizers is a newer addition to the menu of phototherapy options for MF.
Mast Cells Regulate Ductular Reaction and Intestinal Inflammation in Cholestasis Through Farnesoid X Receptor Signaling.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholestasis is characterized by increased total bile acid (TBA) levels, which are regulated by farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/FGF15. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) typically present with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mast cells (MCs) (i) express FXR and (ii) infiltrate the liver during cholestasis promoting liver fibrosis. In bile-duct-ligated (BDL) MC-deficient mice (B6.Cg-KitW-sh /HNihrJaeBsmJ [KitW-sh ]), ductular reaction (DR) and liver fibrosis decrease compared with BDL wild type, and MC injection exacerbates liver damage in normal mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that MC-FXR regulates biliary FXR/FGF15, DR, and hepatic fibrosis and alters intestinal FXR/FGF15. We found increased MC number and biliary FXR expression in patients with liver injury compared with control. Histamine and FGF19 serum levels and small heterodimer partner expression increase in patients PSC and PSC-IBD compared with healthy controls. MC injection increased liver damage, DR, inflammation, biliary senescence/senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), fibrosis, and histamine in KitW-sh mice. Inhibition of MC-FXR before injection reduced these parameters. BDL and KitW-sh mice injected with MCs displayed increased TBA content, biliary FXR/FGF15, and intestinal inflammation, which decreased in BDL KitW-sh and KitW-sh mice injected with MC-FXR. MCs increased ileal FXR/FGF15 expression in KitW-sh mice that was reduced following FXR inhibition. BDL and multidrug resistance 2/ATP-binding cassette family 2 member 4 knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mice, models of PSC, displayed increased intestinal MC infiltration and FXR/FGF15 expression. These were reduced following MC stabilization with cromolyn sodium in Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro, MC-FXR inhibition decreased biliary proliferation/SASP/FGF and hepatic stellate cell activation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that MC-FXR plays a key role in liver damage and DR, including TBA regulation through alteration of intestinal and biliary FXR/FGF15 signaling.
The rise of inconspicuous consumption: insight into the luxury context

Much of the early theoretical work on luxury elaborated on the socially oriented and the conspicuousness aspect of luxury consumption. More recently, researchers and practitioners have begun to challenge traditional views on conspicuous luxury consumption. Against this background, the present qualitative study sets to gain an in-depth understanding of the luxury consumer perceptions in a German context. Six prominent dimensions were identified that seem to convey how consumers perceive luxury brands: self-control and balance, discreet luxury, symbolic value of luxury, sustainable luxury, functional luxury and contemporary designs. The findings of this study illustrate the complexity of the luxury evaluation process. Participants seem to be trying to reconcile their need for self-restraint, social equality and environmental sustainability with some of the innate characteristics of luxury such as excess, conspicuousness and overindulgence. Away from generalised portraits of the conspicuous luxury consumer eager to display social status to inspire envy and to dissociate themselves from others, this article also points to the rise of inconspicuous consumption among luxury consumers.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

This chapter will review endoscopic myotomy and the diseases treated along with the goals of treatment. The equipment and supplies needed along with procedure set up will be reviewed and laid out in step by step instructions. Pre, intra and post procedure nursing considerations along with patient discharge instructions and follow up will be reviewed.
The reovirus σ3 protein inhibits NF-κB-dependent antiviral signaling

Viral antagonism of innate immune pathways is a common mechanism by which viruses evade immune surveillance. Infection of host cells with reovirus leads to the blockade of NF-{kappa}B, a key transcriptional regulator of the hosts innate immune response. One mechanism by which reovirus infection results in inhibition of NF-{kappa}B is through a diminishment in levels of upstream activators, IKK{beta} and NEMO. Here, we demonstrate a second, distinct mechanism by which reovirus blocks NF-{kappa}B. We report that expression of a single viral protein, {sigma}3, is sufficient to inhibit expression of NF-{kappa}B target genes. Further, {sigma}3-mediated blockade of NF-{kappa}B occurs without changes to IKK levels or activity. Expression of only a subset of NF-{kappa}B target genes is reduced. Among NF-{kappa}B targets, the expression of type I interferon is significantly diminished by {sigma}3 expression. Correspondingly, ectopic expression of {sigma}3 enhances viral replication. Expression of NF-{kappa}B target genes varies following infection with closely related reovirus strains. Our genetic analysis identifies that these differences are controlled by polymorphisms in the amino acid sequence of {sigma}3. This work identifies a new role for reovirus {sigma}3 as a viral antagonist of the NF-{kappa}B-dependent antiviral pathways. IMPORTANCEHost cells mount a response to curb virus replication in infected cells and prevent spread of virus to neighboring, as yet uninfected cells. The NF-{kappa}B family of proteins is important for the cell to mediate this response. In this study, we show that a single protein, {sigma}3, produced by mammalian reovirus, impairs the function of NF-{kappa}B. We demonstrate that by blocking NF-{kappa}B, {sigma}3 diminishes the hosts response to infection and promotes viral replication. This work identifies a second, previously unknown mechanism by which reovirus blocks this aspect of the host cell response.
Demographic and mental health assessments in the adolescent brain and cognitive development study: Updates and age-related trajectories

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study of 11,880 youth incorporates a comprehensive range of measures assessing predictors and outcomes related to mental health across childhood and adolescence in participating youth, as well as information about family mental health history. We have previously described the logic and content of the mental health assessment battery at Baseline and 1-year follow-up. Here, we describe changes to that battery and issues and clarifications that have emerged, as well as additions to the mental health battery at the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year follow-ups. We capitalize on the recent release of longitudinal data for caregiver and youth report of mental health data to evaluate trajectories of dimensions of psychopathology as a function of demographic factors. For both caregiver and self-reported mental health symptoms, males showed age-related decreases in internalizing and externalizing symptoms, while females showed an increase in internalizing symptoms with age. Multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (caregiver education, family income, financial adversity, neighborhood poverty) accounted for unique variance in both caregiver and youth-reported externalizing and internalizing symptoms. These data highlight the importance of examining developmental trajectories of mental health as a function of key factors such as sex and socioeconomic environment.
Coordinate regulation of downstream genes by extradenticle and the homeotic selector proteins.

Abstract Mutations in the Drosophila gene extradenticle (exd), a homologue of the human proto-oncogene pbx1, cause homeotic transformations by altering the morphological consequences of homeotic selector gene activity. exd has been proposed to act by contributing to the specificity of selector homeodomain proteins for their downstream targets. Here we show that exd is indeed required for the appropriate regulation of at least some of these target genes. Expression patterns of wingless, teashirt and decapentaplegic (dpp) are altered in the embryonic midgut of embryos lacking exd, while the expression of their respective regulators (abd-A, Antp and Ubx) remains normal. Co-regulation of dpp by exd and Ubx was investigated in greater detail by examining the expression of reporter constructs in exd embryos. These experiments not only define dpp regulatory regions responsive to exd, but also distinguish two functions of exd in the regulation of dpp. exd acts with Ubx to activate dpp expression in parasegment 7 (PS7), via a minimal visceral mesoderm enhancer, and exd represses dpp expression anterior to PS7. We show that even when Ubx is ubiquitously expressed at high levels in exd embryos, Ubx is incapable of activating dpp enhancer expression. Thus, exd is an indispensable component in target gene regulation by the homeotic selector proteins.
Abstract 17241: Impaired Left Atrioventricular Coupling Compromises Cardiac Performance in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background: In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), left ventricular (LV) systolic elastance (Ees) increases in tandem with increases in arterial elastance (Ea), which maintains ejection fraction but limits systolic reserve and precipitates volume sensitivity. The left atrium (LA) lies in series with the LV and contributes to LV stroke volume. We hypothesized that HFpEF is associated with increased LA systolic elastance (E LA ) and deranged atrioventricular (AV) coupling which may additionally compromise cardiac performance. Methods: HFpEF was modeled by experimental hypertension (bilateral renal wrap + DOCA) in elderly dogs (n=9). LA and LV structure, function (echo, MRI) and invasively assessed pressure-volume relationships (PVR, open-chest; pericardiotomy; admittance catheter) were compared to sham-operated young dogs (control; n=13). Results: As compared to controls, HFpEF dogs displayed concentric remodeling, with increased diastolic stiffness, Ea and Ees (p LA was steeper in HFpEF than control (2.7±0.9 vs 1.5±0.6mmHg/mL, p=0.01) and positively correlated with Ees (r=0.6, p=0.005) and Ea (r=0.66, p=0.002). However AV mismatch occurred as increases in E LA were not proportionate to increases in Ees (Ees/E LA 1.3±0.4 HFpEF vs 0.8±0.4 control, p LA ) was associated with lower LV stroke volume ( Figure ). Conclusion: In experimental HFpEF, despite enhanced LA contractility, AV coupling was deranged. Worse AV coupling may further contribute to reserve dysfunction, LA pressure rise, and susceptibility to pulmonary edema in HFpEF.
Satisficing Games and Decision Making: With Applications to Engineering and Computer Science

In our day-to-day lives we constantly make decisions which are simply 'good enough' rather than optimal. Most computer-based decision-making algorithms, on the other hand, doggedly seek only the optimal solution based on rigid criteria and reject any others. In this book, Professor Stirling outlines an alternative approach, using novel algorithms and techniques which can be used to find satisficing solutions. Building on traditional decision and game theory, these techniques allow decision-making systems to cope with more subtle situations where self and group interests conflict, perfect solutions can't be found and human issues need to be taken into account - in short, more closely modelling the way humans make decisions. The book will therefore be of great interest to engineers, computer scientists and mathematicians working on artificial intelligence and expert systems.
Experiences and Modeling of Hydrogen Cracking in a Thick-Walled Pressure Vessel

Abstract : Hydrogen cracking associated with armament structures has become more prevalent in recent times. Recent work by Troiano et al. has clearly shown that the utilization of specific barrier coatings, such as nickel, can impede the absorption of hydrogen and retard hydrogen-induced cracking. In this work, a thick-walled, autofrettaged pressure vessel was manufactured from ASTM A723 Grade 2 steel and heat treated to a yield strength of 1170 MPa. An outside diameter keyway was then machined. The keyway was exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid, leading to apparent cracking within 20 hours of exposure. An investigation of the affected keyway in the pressure vessel indicated that localized hardened areas were present. The base material possessed hardness values of Rc 37 to 39, while the keyway possessed localized hardened zones up to Rc 44. These zones extended to a depth of approximately 4-mm. The different hardness layers suggest that the environmental cracking incubated and propagated in two separate stages. Cracking in the hardened skin layer on the surface incubated quickly and propagated to approximately the 4-mm depth and arrested itself once it encountered the more ductile base material. Previously published crack growth (da/dt) test data, and new data verify that this process of incubation and propagation occurred in a matter of seconds (in the hardened skin layer). The cracking then resumed in the softer base material after approximately 300 hours of incubation time. Additional da/dt testing of this condition has been performed over a range of yield strengths and verifies that incubation times and crack propagation rates are similar to those observed in this pressure vessel.
Challenging Our Labels: Rejecting the Language of Remediation

For the past ten years, more than 60% of incoming freshmen have been placed in English courses labeled “remedial” at California State University, San Bernardino. Most published articles about this statistic have been written by professional educators; little has been said by the people experiencing it firsthand. We five were not happy with the consequences of these placements and wanted our voices to be heard. We did research and put ourselves in situations where we could gain more knowledge about the practices and language of remediation. We were shocked to discover how many people are ignorant of the definition or meaning of remediation. We add our scholarship to challenge this view of students and the language used to describe them.
Deafening Alters Neuron Turnover within the Telencephalic Motor Pathway for Song Control in Adult Zebra Finches

In the telencephalon of adult songbirds, projection neurons are lost and replaced within the efferent pathway controlling learned vocal behavior. We examined the potential role of auditory experience in regulating the addition and long-term survival of vocal control neurons in adult male zebra finches. Deafened and control birds were injected with the cell birth marker [3H]thymidine and then killed 1 or 4 months later. At the 1 month survival time, the number of [3H]-labeled neurons present in the high vocal center (HVC) was 70% lower in deafened birds compared with controls. This was true for all [3H]-labeled HVC neurons, as well as the subset that projected to the robust nucleus of the archistriatum. Over the next 3 months, two-thirds of the [3H]-labeled HVC neurons in control birds were lost, presumably through cell death. Surprisingly, deafened birds showed no loss over this interval. The total number of HVC neurons did not differ between control and deafened birds at either survival time. Nuclear diameters of [3H]-labeled HVC neurons decreased with cell age in both control and deafened birds, a process that may relate to the eventual death and replacement of these cells. These results suggest that experience influences the addition and also the longer-term fate of neurons formed in adulthood. We propose that auditory deprivation decreases the incorporation of new neurons and prolongs their life span. Alterations in the neuronal replacement cycle may relate to the gradual deterioration in song that occurs after deafening in adult zebra finches.
Determination of Trace Chlorine and Oxidants in Seawater by Differential Pulse Polarography

This paper describes a rapid and reliable technique for the determination of chlorine and other oxidants in power plant and industrial cooling waters, with particular emphasis on seawater systems. The analytical work is based upon the standard technique of chlorine and oxidant reduction by phenylarsine oxide. Excess phenylarsine oxide is detected quantitatively and nondestructively by differential pulse polarography and has a detection limit of less than 5 ppb chlorine equivalent. The procedures described in this paper are shown to be applicable for the analysis of total residual chlorine. However, extension of the principle to other types of oxidant determination under different conditions of pH and catalyst should be straightfoward.
A reliable test for inclusion of a point in a polygon

This paper takes a careful look at a well-known implementation of an algorithm that tests a point in the plane for inclusion in a given polygon. The implementation, coded in C++, appears in Robert Sedgewick's highly regarded book, Algorithms in C++, and has a number of flaws associated with special cases. The paper discusses the problems and a reliable implementation of the algorithm is developed.
Structural change and long-run reversion in the ex ante real interest rate

This study examines recent US data on Treasury inflation-protected securities and presents new evidence supporting the Fisher hypothesis. The real interest rate may appear to display no mean reversion when in fact it is mean-reverting and a structural shift is responsible. According to break date estimates, the structural change occurred shortly after the collapse of Lehman Brothers at the height of the US financial crisis. The timing also coincided with the launch of quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve.
Sooting and disruption in spherically symmetrical combustion of decane droplets in air

The paper presents the results of experiments on the burning of individual 1-2 mm decane droplets in air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The NASA Lewis 2.2 s drop tower was used as well as a newly designed droplet-combustion apparatus that promotes nearly spherically symmetrical combustion. Unanticipated disruptions related to sooting behavior were encountered.
The single‐fiber EMG in chronic demyelinating neuropathy

Various parameters of single- fiber electromyography (SFEMG) were studied in 19 patients with electrophysiologically and histologically proven chronic demyelinating neuropathy. The mean duration of disease at the time of testing was four years. Motor nerve conduction in the median nerve was abnormal in all patients, whereas sensory nerve conduction was abnormal in all but one. Needle EMG in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle showed rare fibrillations and fasciculations and some abnormal motor unit potentials in most of patients. SFEMG in the EDC muscle showed an increased fiber density in seven cases (37%) and minimally abnormal jitter in 14 cases (74%). Single-fiber action potentials were stable, whereas blocking was rare. Fiber density was significantly increased in patients with fibrillation in the conventional needle EMG. Our study showed that the SFEMG is mildly abnormal in many patients with demyelinating neuropathy and that this test is useful in detecting and quantitating axonal degeneration in demyelinating neuropathy.
Application of Measurement Models for Analysis of Impedance Spectra

Abstract Measurement models have been applied to electrochemical impedance data collected at the corrosion potential for a copper disk rotating in alkaline- and acid-aerated 0.5 M chloride solutions. Several applications of measurement models for the interpretation of experimental impedance data are demonstrated. Corrosion is a nonstationary process, and nonstationary behavior associated with corrosion frequently influences impedance data. If data can be shown to be consistent with the Kramers-Kronig relations, nonstationary influences can be neglected. Measurement models provide a quantitative method for identifying the portion of an impedance spectrum that is consistent with the Kramers-Kronig relations and, therefore, can be interpreted in terms of pseudo-steady-state models. Measurement models also provide a very sensitive means of interpreting impedance spectra in terms of the effects of physical parameters, such as immersion time and disk rotation speed.
Pro-Eating Disorder Communities on Social Networking Sites: A Content Analysis

The purpose of this study was to assess the number of pro-ana groups on social networking sites and to analyze their content. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the content. Two main themes emerged from the content analysis: social support and eating disorder specific content. Themes were similar across all groups; however, a linguistic analysis indicated differences between groups on the two different networking sites. There was an absence of content typically found on Internet sites. Pro-ana groups on social networking sites are focused on social interactions, and lack eating disorder specific content found on Internet sites.
Designing metaschemas for the UMLS enriched semantic network

The enriched semantic network (ESN) has previously been presented as an enhancement of the semantic network (SN) of the UMLS. The ESN's hierarchy is a DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) structure allowing for multiple parents. The ESN is thus more complex than the SN and can be more difficult to view and comprehend. We have previously introduced the notion of a metaschema for the SN as a compact abstraction to support SN comprehension. We extend the definition of metaschema to make it applicable to a DAG classification hierarchy, such as the one exhibited by the ESN. We specify the requirements for and describe the general process of deriving such a metaschema. We derive two particular metaschemas of the ESN based on a pair of partitious. These two metaschemas and their underlying partitions are compared. Both metaschemas serve as compact representations of the ESN, allowing for convenient viewing of its hierarchy and easier comprehension.
Mad hatters at the DNA tea party.

The only contemporary account by an observer of events surrounding the discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA has just been unearthed in the Rockefeller archives. The memorandum (reprinted in facsimile here) is from the diary of Gerard Roland Pomerat ("GRP"), assistant director of the natural sciences programme at the Rockefeller Foundation. Pomerat was at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge visiting its director, Sir Lawrence Bragg, whose research on protein structure was being funded by the Rockefeller. Pomerat's director, Warren Weaver ("WW"), was the first to use the phrase "molecular biology", having been, as Robert Kohler put it, "a midwife at what was later seen to be its birth"".
A Numerical Study of 2-D Synthetic Jet Formation

The formation of a two dimensional synthetic jet is studied numerically by solving the incompressible, unsteady, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations. Results for two exit geometries, a sharp exit and a rounded exit, and several dimensionless stroke lengths are compared. This study focuses on how the exit geometry and dimensionless stroke length change the following parameters: the power required to form the jet, the net momentum flux in the jet downstream of the exit, the formation threshold of the synthetic jet, and the location of the stagnation point during the suction portion of the cycle.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Is the world evolving discretely

This Post-Print is brought to you for free and open access by the Mathematics Department at Digital Commons @ Trinity. It has been accepted forinclusion in Mathematics Faculty Research by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Trinity. For more information, please contactjcostanz@trinity.edu.
Technology at home: a digital personal scale

This project is a conceptual study for the design of a digital personal scale that allows for user personalization and weight data tracking. The study is a demonstration of an integrated hardware/software development process, of an approach to ubiquitous computing and of the inclusion of socio-cultural study into the product development process. It is designed for the home market and special emphasis is given to providing a rich user experience.
Likelihood of Malignant Disease for Various Categories of Mammographically Detected, Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

To determine the likelihood of malignant disease for mammographically detected, nonpalpable breast lesions, we defined 11 morphologic categories and retrospectively reviewed the mammograms in 859 cases in which biopsy was performed after a wire localization procedure at our institution during 1989 and 1990. Within each category, the total number of lesions and the percentage of cases with a surgical pathologic diagnosis of malignant involvement were as follows: benign calcification, 25 (0% malignant); indeterminate calcification, 200 (22%); malignant calcification, 39 (92%); smooth mass, 84 (1 %); irregular mass, 337 (40%); architectural distortion, 45 (47%); asymmetric breast tissue, 37 (3%, or 1 case of asymmetrically prominent ducts); smooth mass with calcification, 3 (0%); irregular mass with calcification, 68 (66%); architectural distortion with calcification, 14 (57%); and asymmetric breast tissue with calcification, 7 (29%). The overall rate of malignant involvement for the 859 cases was 34%. If follow-up examinations rather than biopsies had been done for the lesions categorized as benign calcification, smooth mass, smooth mass with calcification, and asymmetric breast tissue (excluding asymmetrically prominent ducts), the overall positive predictive value would have increased from 34 to 41%, and 148 biopsies would have been deferred (17% of all biopsies). If morphologic criteria are applied to the evaluation of mammographically detected, nonpalpable lesions, the rate of malignant disease at biopsy may reach 40%. This rate correlates with that in recent large series.
Effect of adrenoceptor blocker and MAOI on postcoital utero-oviductal contractility, sperm transport, and sperm attachment to eggs in rabbits.

Adult female rabbits were injected with phenoxybenzamine (α-adrenoceptor blocker) (Group 1), propranolol (β-adrenoceptor blocker) (Group II), and Isocarboxazid (MAOI) (Group III). Physiological saline was injected in the controls. Treatment started one day before mating and continued until autopsy. At 3, 12, and 24 hr postcoitum (PC), utero-oviductal contractions were recorded in vivo using micro-balloon-ended, fluid-filled catheters as pressure receptors. At 24 hr PC, all groups were autopsied and flushings of the contralateral oviducts were evaluated for both sperm count and number of sperm attached and/or penetrating the eggs. Phenoxybenzamine induced reduction in the amplitude and frequency of both active contractions and resting pressure fluctuations. This suppressive effect was more remarkable at 12 and 24 hr PC than at 3 hr PC. Propranolol induced incoordination and instability in the utero-oviductal resting pressure and increased the amplitude of isthmic contraction, and in frequency of uterine an...
Entrepreneurship in the large corporation: a longitudinal study of how established firms create breakthrough inventions

We present a model that explains how established firms create breakthrough inventions. We identify three organizational pathologies that inhibit breakthrough inventions: the familiarity trap – favoring the familiar; the maturity trap – favoring the mature; and the propinquity trap – favoring search for solutions near to existing solutions. We argue that by experimenting with novel (i.e., technologies in which the firm lacks prior experience), emerging (technologies that are recent or newly developed in the industry), and pioneering (technologies that do not build on any existing technologies) technologies firms can overcome these traps and create breakthrough inventions. Empirical evidence from the chemicals industry supports our model. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modleing of drive induced oscillations: Capabilities and limitations

Drive Induced Oscillations (DIO) manifest themselves as spurious oscillations at frequencies close to the edges of pass-band of periodic structure in vacuum electronic devices operating in the large signal regime. DIO in coupled cavity TWTs (CC-TWTs) is most known effect and it has been extensively studied experimentally1 since it is the major limiting factor of achievable power of wide band CC-TWTs. However, DIO appearance is not limited to CC-TWTs. Modeling of DIO both numerically and analytically is challenging problem due to strong non-linear electron beam bunching and severely different built-up times for processes at operating and DIO frequencies2. We are presenting a new multi-frequency hybrid approach to DIO modeling implemented in 2D design code TESLA-CC3 and discussing advantages and limitations of this approach. The comparison between simulated and measured1 onsets of DIO in CC-TWTs shows very promising agreement.
Review of the clinical pharmacology of the monobactam antibiotic aztreonam

Serum and urine levels of aztreonam after 0.5, 1, and 2 g doses are potentially therapeutic for susceptible gram-negative organisms. Aztreonam is widely distributed in body fluids and tissues, and concentrations exceeding the minimal inhibitory concentrations of important gram-negative pathogens are attained in those compartments in which infections are most common. Aztreonam is eliminated primarily in the urine in unchanged form, although it is also secreted into the bile and is metabolized to a minor extent. Renal insufficiency may significantly impair the elimination of aztreonam, thus requiring modification of the dosage regimen. The monobactam can be cleared by hemodialysis but is only minimally cleared by peritoneal dialysis. Parenterally and orally administered aztreonam can selectively reduce the population of aerobic gram-negative bacteria in the gut without notably altering the number of anaerobic organisms.
Evolution of the TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Its Potential Role in the Ctenophore, Mnemiopsis Leidyi

The TGF-β signaling pathway is a metazoan-specific intercellular signaling pathway known to be important in many developmental and cellular processes in a wide variety of animals. We investigated the complexity and possible functions of this pathway in a member of one of the earliest branching metazoan phyla, the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. A search of the recently sequenced Mnemiopsis genome revealed an inventory of genes encoding ligands and the rest of the components of the TGF-β superfamily signaling pathway. The Mnemiopsis genome contains nine TGF-β ligands, two TGF-β-like family members, two BMP-like family members, and five gene products that were unable to be classified with certainty. We also identified four TGF-β receptors: three Type I and a single Type II receptor. There are five genes encoding Smad proteins (Smad2, Smad4, Smad6, and two Smad1s). While we have identified many of the other components of this pathway, including Tolloid, SMURF, and Nomo, notably absent are SARA and all of the known antagonists belonging to the Chordin, Follistatin, Noggin, and CAN families. This pathway likely evolved early in metazoan evolution as nearly all components of this pathway have yet to be identified in any non-metazoan. The complement of TGF-β signaling pathway components of ctenophores is more similar to that of the sponge, Amphimedon, than to cnidarians, Trichoplax, or bilaterians. The mRNA expression patterns of key genes revealed by in situ hybridization suggests that TGF-β signaling is not involved in ctenophore early axis specification. Four ligands are expressed during gastrulation in ectodermal micromeres along all three body axes, suggesting a role in transducing earlier maternal signals. Later expression patterns and experiments with the TGF-β inhibitor SB432542 suggest roles in pharyngeal morphogenesis and comb row organization.
A survey of grading scale variations in Doctor of Pharmacy programs

Abstract Objectives The first objective of this survey was to determine if there is a common grading scale utilized in Doctor of Pharmacy programs throughout the United States. Based on preliminary research, this question has not been addressed for professional pharmacy education. The study’s second objective was to begin to explore different aspects of grading scales used, academic freedom in grading, and the institutional breakdown of grading scales. Methods An online survey tool was developed and distributed to the School of Pharmacies’ respective Dean of Academic Affairs or alternate via e-mail to elicit responses. Subsequent second and third e-mail requests were sent at one-week intervals after a nonresponse. Results The net survey response rate was 61%. The overall study results determined that there was no grade scale predominately used by pharmacy schools or colleges, whether compared across all courses or across only specific type courses (didactic, laboratory, and experiential), and regardless of whether public or private, or what size the enrollment. There were significant consistencies in what constitutes a passing grade as well as the percentages that correlate to specific grades. Conclusions The results provide guidance for both established and new schools of pharmacy, in that any grading scale adoption is essentially acceptable among pharmacy schools. Future research should compare Doctor of Pharmacy program grading policies with other professional doctorate programs, to determine if other professional programs have developed common grading policies.
Multi-station observations of long-range backscatter from field-aligned irregularities in the F-layer

Abstract Differences in the behavior of long-range backscatter from field-aligned irregularities in the F -layer observed at several stations are discussed. Ray-path calculations show that consideration of the average propagation conditions appropriate to each station is able to resolve most of the apparent inconsistencies. It is concluded that the observed statistics on the occurrence and properties of such echoes obtained with fixed-frequency backscatter sounders depend primarily on the ionospheric propagation conditions and not on the behavior of the irregularities.
Neuromodulation and the evolution of a simple motor system

Abstract Comparative analysis of a simple motor system in decapod crustaceans, known as the stomatogastric system, has aided our understanding of how motor systems evolve. Most aspects of this system have been subject to evolutionary change but some structures are phylogenetically more variable than others. The neural circuits mediating behavior are highly conserved, whereas the large number of neuromodulatory inputs, which can reconfigure the circuits to produce multiple outputs, are more variable. These data suggest that, rather than changing neural circuits directly, evolution preferentially alters neuromodulatory inputs as a mechanism for evolving new behavioral outputs.
Mixed Methods Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: A Content Analysis.

Considering mixed methods research is gaining reputability in the marriage and family therapy field (Research methods in family therapy, Guilford, 2005), we conducted a mixed methods content analysis to examine the prevalence and quality of published mixed and multimethod research during the past 10 years in eight prominent MFT journals (N = 32). Our purpose was to determine the characteristics of studies that utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, the themes of the rationales for combining methods, and their respective topics of study. We found 16 mixed methods articles, many of which used surveys and interviews, focused on the process of therapy, and did not discuss their methodology as mixed. We encourage authors of mixed methods studies to explicitly define design types, to establish a clear rationale for the combination of methods, to state how qualitative and quantitative methods and data were mixed, and to use theory effectively.
Terahertz surface plasmon polaritons on freestanding multi-walled carbon nanotube aerogel sheets

We demonstrate that multi-walled carbon nanotubes exhibit highly anisotropic terahertz polarization behavior. We accomplish this by measuring the complex index of refraction of planar and periodically perforated carbon nanotube sheets for two orthogonal nanotube orientations.
Quantification of drosopterins in single eyes of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract A technique is described by which the pteridines can be separated in single eyes of D. melanogaster adults and the drosopterins can be measured quantitatively. The method utilizes cellulose acetate electrophoresis and densitometry. Males and females of mutant strains were analyzed by this technique; the level of drosopterins observed and compared to those obtained by other workers.
Heat Pump Applications in Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS)

This paper deals with application of a heat pump as a part of the dedicated outside air system (DOAS) unit. DOAS systems are known to provide the energy cost savings by dehumidifying the fresh ventilating air in conjunction with the energy and heat recovery systems and also in parallel with the sensible cooling system. The energy cost savings associated with these systems results from operating the sensible cooling systems at higher evaporating temperatures which results in a higher coefficient of performance for the sensible chiller, lower pumping costs and lower capital costs. It is found that the operation of DOAS unit with the radiant panel cooling systems raises the energy cost savings even more significantly. Using hourly weather data, the energy cost saving analysis is performed for several geographical locations and estimated cost savings exceed well above 30 percent of the corresponding commercial building operational costs using the traditional VAV systems for most of the locations in USA.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
13C n.m.r. studies of organosilanes: II—substituent chemical shift parameters for alkoxysilanes†

The 13C n.m.r. spectra of forty alkoxysilanes of the general type XnSi(OR)4–n (X = CH3, C6H5, H; R = CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, i-C3H7, n-C4H9, i-C4H9, s-C4H9, n-C5H11, CH(CH3)(C6H5), C6H5) have been recorded and assigned. The chemical shifts of the α-carbon resonances of the alkoxy groups are shown to depend on both the nature of the alkoxy group and the number and type of substituents on the silicon. Regression analyses of the data give empirical substituent chemical shift (SCS) parameters for the silyl substituents. The β-carbon resonances are shown to be dependent on the presence of the silyl group, but not the specific silyl substituents.
Fish-Eating Birds as Potential Vectors of Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract Intestinal and rectal smears from 137 birds (4 snowy egrets Egretta thula, 22 great egrets Casmerodius albus, 30 great blue herons Ardea herodias, and 81 double-crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus) were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test for the presence of Edwardsiella ictaluri. Edwardsiella ictaluri was detected in 53% of the birds sampled. Rectal samples from eight birds were placed in a special antibiotic broth for isolation of viable E. ictaluri. Two of these samples produced colonies of viable E. ictaluri, and the identity of these colonies was confirmed biochemically and serologically.
A test between rival theories for molecular weight distributions in heterogeneous polymerization: The effect of added terminating agent

Abstract The broad molecular weight distribution in heterogeneous polymerization may arise, as has been suggested by various authors, either because the elementary rate constants vary with chain length or because the catalyst centres are not uniform in their activity. Addition of a terminating agent modifies the molecular weight distribution and can serve as a means of testing these rival proposals. A method is developed by which the expected modification to the molecular weight distribution can be derived for each postulated mechanism of polymerization. With increasing concentration of the added terminating agent, the ratio D.P. w D.P. n is expected to decrease at first steeply and then slowly towards an asymptotic value of 2, if the termination rate constant is dependent on chain length. On the other hand, the ratio should remain constant, if the catalyst non-uniformity is responsible for the broad distribution. Derivation of these results involves, among others, an assumption concerning the termination reaction by the added agent: its rate constant varies parallel with that of the original termination step, from site to site, but is independent of the chain length. A numerical example is given and its comparison with experimental data in the patent literature suggests that the original termination rate constant is dependent on chain length, as has been proposed in the preceding paper.
Wavelet-based hyperspectral target detection using spectral fringe- adjusted joint transform correlation

Recently, the 1-D spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SFJTC) technique has been combined with the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) as an effective means for providing robust target detection in hyperspectral imagery. This paper expands upon earlier work that demonstrates the utility of the DWT in conjunction with SFJTC for detection. We show that using selected DWT coefficients at a given decomposition level can significantly improve the ROC curve behavior of the detection process in comparison to using the original hyperspectral signatures. The DWT coefficients that are selected for detection are based on a supervised training process that uses the pure target signature and randomly selected samples from the scene. We illustrate this by conducting experiments on two different hyperspectral scenes containing varying amounts of simulated noise. Results show that use of the selected DWT coefficients significantly improves the ROC curve detection behavior in the presence of noise.
Highly Reliable MEMS Temperature Sensors for 275 $^{ \circ}\hbox{C}$ Applications—Part 2: Creep and Cycling Performance

The second part of this paper presents an experimental reliability assessment of microelectromechanical-system bimorph cantilever beams for high-temperature sensing applications. The sensor, presented in Part I, is shown to operate up to 275 °C and to have a quality factor of over 5000 at room temperature, a response time of under 600 μ s, and an inherent capacitance uncertainty of under 0.13 fF. In this part, the reliability of the bimorph component of the sensor is tested at sustained high temperatures (up to 275 °C), as well as throughout thermal cycling. The cantilevers are initially thermally annealed to relax the film stresses. During the anneal of the device, there is a decrease in room-temperature tip displacement from 120 to 70 μm and a decrease in the high-temperature tip displacement from 40 to 10 μm. After the thermal anneal, the devices show less than 3 μm of further creep after three months (over 2000 h) at 200 °C and over 120 h at 275 °C. Over 20 samples have been successfully tested up to 100 million cycles without failure. Record results are demonstrated to over 1.2 billion thermal cycles from fully relaxed to fully deflected states. Consisting of over 1000 beam profile measurements and dozens of individual fabricated chips, this represents one of the largest reliability studies of bimorphs to date.
More on universal superconformal attractors

We define a general class of superconformal inflationary attractor models [R. Kallosh et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 011303 (2014); J. High Energy Phys. 11 (2013) 198; A. Linde, arXiv:1402.0526, R. Kallosh, arXiv:1402.0527], which include, among others, inflationary models of ``induced gravity'' which were argued to retain perturbative unitarity up to the Planck scale [G. F. Giudice and H. M. Lee, arXiv:1402.2129]. The choice of the function $f(\ensuremath{\phi})$ in superconformal attractors for the models introduced by Giudice and Lee [arXiv:1402.2129] is $f(\ensuremath{\phi})={\ensuremath{\phi}}^{n}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. We present both superconformal and supergravity versions of these models, which were derived by Kallosh et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 011303 (2014); J. High Energy Phys. 11 (2013) 198]; Linde [arXiv:1402.0526], Kallosh [arXiv:1402.0527] for arbitrary $f(\ensuremath{\phi})$, together with the universal conditions required for stabilization of the extra three moduli present in the superconformal attractors, in addition to the inflaton.