cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial differences in coronary vasomotor response or selection bias

To the Editor: Pristipino et al1 found that, compared with white patients in Italy, Japanese patients with myocardial infarction had a 3-fold-greater incidence of coronary spasm and a vasoconstrictive response to acetylcholine. The authors conclude that these “major racial differences in the coronary constrictor response...warrant further investigations because they may have relevant pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.” In my opinion, interpreting these differences as “racial” can be problematic, particularly in view of the possibility of selection bias stemming from the different risk profile of the study groups. Japanese patients in this study were much older than the white patients (mean age, 68.8 versus 54.8 years) and had much lower mean serum cholesterol levels (183 versus 247 mg/dL), serum triglyceride levels (87 versus 209 mg/dL), and body mass indexes (22.1 versus 26.5 kg/m2). These dramatic differences cast serious doubts on the comparability of the underlying disease process in the 2 groups. Atherosclerotic disease is an extremely complex multifactorial process in which many metabolic and physical factors …
Desulfurization with Raney Nickel

The conversion of an amine to an olefin by elimination of the nitrogen atom and an adjoining hydrogen atom is a useful procedure for degradation and synthesis. The Hofmann exhaustive methylation method has been used most often to bring about change, but other methods as the thermal decomposition of amine oxides and the pyrolysis of amine phosphates or acetyl or benzoyl derivative have often been employed to advantage. This chapter reviews the Hofmann elimination because of its extensive history. Alternative methods are considered. Keywords: olefins; amines; Hofmann elimination; amine oxide; pyrolysis; exhaustive methylation; amines; Hofmann rule; isomerization; side reactions; alkylations; quaternary compounds; mechanism; diamines
Active structural error suppression in MEMS vibratory gyroscopes

Due to restrictive tolerancing, structural imperfections that reduce the performance of fabricated micro devices are typical. While feedback control is normally used to compensate for these imperfections, we show that this is insufficient for suppressing errors without interfering with device performance. The only alternatives are costly and time consuming post processing or the implementation of a dual stage control architecture comprised of a feedforward and feedback control which compensates for errors without interfering with the performance of the device. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of such a control architecture for structural error suppression in MEMS vibratory gyroscopes. The feedforward portion of the control is used to "trim" large imperfections, while the feedback portion compensates for the remaining non-idealities and perturbations. The architecture includes self-diagnostic capabilities for in situ identification of structural imperfections used to set the feedforward control forces. The realization of this dual stage control architecture is demonstrated in a device using nonlinear electrostatic parallel plate actuators. We demonstrate successful compensation for a device with 10% error in ideal stiffness subjected to a further 1% perturbation during normal operation.
Electrothermal simulations of SiC GTO thyristors containing gate and drift regions of the same or opposite polarity in a clamped inductive-load circuit

Two-dimensional electrothermal simulations were done for various silicon carbide (SiC) gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor structures to increase their reliability when used in power conversion circuits for electric motor drive. Accurate high-temperature models to represent 4H-SiC bulk properties were included. The influences of having the gates on a region of the same or opposite polarity as the drift region and thermal resistance of the package are discussed.
Examining the reaction of NO and H2S and the possible cross-talk between the two signaling pathways

The small, low molecular weight molecules nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are all endogenously generated in mammalian systems via regulated enzymatic catalysis (1). Along with dioxygen (O2), these small molecules, as well as their derived species, constitute a unique and expanding class of signaling species with important biological function. These species play critical roles in numerous biological processes, including regulation of enzyme activity, protein structure and function, and cellular defense (1). The initial idea that low molecular weight species can be biosynthesized enzymatically for the purpose of regulating vital signaling function came from work on NO. It has been unequivocally demonstrated that NO is made via the actions of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. Biosynthesized NO then activates the ironheme-containing enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) via coordination to the ironheme, leading to increases in the second messenger cGMP (2). In the vascular system, the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway elicits smooth muscle relaxation and this pathway is a major mechanism for controlling vascular tone. Importantly, the discovery of NO as an endogenously generated small-molecule signaling species evolved from an initial understanding of its target, sGC, and the fact that exogenous/pharmacological addition of NO (or NO-donors) led to enzyme activation. The discovery that NO was biosynthesized for this purpose was a watershed moment in the understanding of physiological signaling because it represented a unique biological pathway whereby a small, freely diffusible, nonionic molecule, previously known mostly as a toxic species, could be synthesized, diffuse to its target, sGC, and elicit a biological response. Following this seminal work, other endogenously generated small-molecule species, such as CO and H2S, have also been shown to possess important signaling properties. However, unlike NO, whose biological target was known, the mechanisms by which these other signaling molecules elicit their … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: jon.fukuto{at}sonoma.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Residual stress measurements of a plasma-sprayed coating system using synchrotron X-ray radiation

Abstract Synchrotron X-ray radiation is used to determine the residual stress associated with the substrate surface beneath a thick plasma-sprayed Al2O3 coating.
Development of a Temperature‐Sensitive Composite Hydrogel for Drug Delivery Applications

To develop materials with improved controllability and specificity, we have investigated composite hydrogels with temperature-sensitive properties using photo cross-linking. Specifically, our novel composite materials are composed of nanoparticles made of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), temperature-sensitive hydrogels, and a photo cross-linker, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). PNIPAAm particles were synthesized by emulsion polymerization and by varying concentration of four main factors: monomers (N-isopropylacrylamide), cross-linkers (N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide), surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), and initiators (potassium persulfate). We found that the surfactant, SDS, was the most important factor affecting the particle size using the factorial design analysis. Additionally, both nano- and micro-PNIPAAm particles had excellent loading efficiency (>80% of the incubated bovine serum albumin (BSA)), and their release kinetics expressed an initial burst effect followed by a sustained release over time. Furthermore, BSA-loaded PNIPAAm nanoparticles were used to form three-dimensional gel networks by means of a photocuring process using a photo cross-linker, PEGDA, and a photoinitiator, Irgacure-2959 (I-2959). Results from scanning electron microscopy and in vitro BSA release studies from these hydrogels demonstrated that PNIPAAm nanoparticles were embedded inside the PEG polymeric matrix and the composite material was able to release BSA in response to changes in temperature. These PNIPAAm nanoparticle hydrogel networks may have advantages in applications of controlled drug delivery systems because of their temperature sensitivity and their ability of in situ photopolymerization to localize at the specific region in the body.
Protein synthesis is necessary for dendritic spine proliferation in adult brain slices

Dendritic spines, small protrusions from dendritic shafts, receive most of the excitatory synapses in cortical regions. Spines are highly plastic structures that can be rapidly produced or lost in response to a wide array of internal and external stimuli, and they proliferate in acute slice preparations [J. Neurosci. 19 (1999) 2876]. The goal of the present study was to determine if protein synthesis is necessary for this spine proliferation. We found that the addition of protein synthesis inhibitors to acute slices (in which spines otherwise proliferate) blocked new spine growth. Furthermore, a population of longer spines was observed after 2 h but these did not develop during protein synthesis blockade. These data suggest that protein synthesis is necessary for new spine growth in acute brain slice preparations and support literature suggesting that newly produced spines develop from filopodia-like protrusions.
Monarch: model-based development of software architectures

In recent work we showed that it is possible to separate, and combine formal representations of, application properties and architectural styles, respectively. We do this by defining style-specific mappings from style-independent application models to architectural models in given styles. This paper shows that this separation of concerns supports a model-based development and tools approach to architectural-style-independent application modeling, and architecture synthesis with style as a separate design variable. In support of these claims, we present a proof-of-concept tool, Monarch, and illustrate its use.
Effects of Cephenemyia spp. (Diptera: Oestridae) on the nasopharynx of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus).

A study was conducted to determine gross and microscopic tissue changes in the nasopharynx of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) infected with nasal bot fly larvae (Cephenemyia spp.). Paired retropharyngeal recesses were the preferred sites for the growing second and third stage larvae of two species of Cephenemyia (C. apicata and C. jellisoni). Retropharyngeal recesses distended into “pouches” that harbored up to 30 larvae. Pouches were oriented caudal laterally toward the basisphenoid bone of the cranium. Lateral support of the pouch mass was provided by the stylohyoid bone. The laryngeal orifice was never occluded by the enlarged recesses. The distal pouch wall was relatively thin and remained uniform in thickness as expansion progressed. Occasionally, aberrant larvae were found protruding through the distal wall of the pouch. Disruption of the epithelium and submucosa by larval mouth hooks and integumentary spines were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Histological examination...
Achieving consensus on withdrawing or withholding care for critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE To examine the decision-making process to withhold or stop life support. DESIGN Survey. SETTING Medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS Physicians and families of 15 critically ill patients; in seven cases patients also participated. MEASUREMENTS Meetings between physicians and family members concerning a decision to withhold or stop treatment of a critically ill family member were tape-recorded. Transcriptions of the meetings were analyzed for 1) process: how the physician introduced the need for a decision, framed the likely outcomes of options, and closed on a decision; 2) what decision was made; and 3) the outcome; died, discharged home, or discharged to another institution. RESULTS The concept of "patient's wishes" was a central orientation point for the negotiation of consensus regarding withholding or withdrawing therapy even when the patient was not a participant. Physicians tended to provide a direct and unambiguous introduction, give equal weights to options during decision framing, but narrow the options during decision closure to correspond to their judgments. Not every decision was consistent with the physician's judgment. CONCLUSIONS Decision making to withhold or withdraw life-support therapy from critically ill persons involves complex, difficult processes. Successful management of the tension among life extension, quality of life, patient autonomy, and social justice requires better understanding of these processes.
The Kelo Opportunity: A Loss for the Court, but a Gain for Public Administrators

Applying a normative-constitutionalist perspective on public administration ethics, this study explores the disconnect between the United States Supreme Court’s eminent domain decisions and the framers’ values of private property rights and the public good. Kelo v. New London (2005) presented the Court with an opportunity to reevaluate its stance on takings. Although the Court missed the opportunity, the case has been transformed into an opportunity for administrators in the implementation of eminent domain. An institutional ethic for takings is examined here to help inform the work of practitioners. Such an ethic should be grounded in the Court’s operationalization of the Takings Clause of the Constitution and tempered by the framers’ values.
Heat-producing elements in the lunar mantle: Insights from ion microprobe analyses of lunar pyroclastic glasses

Abstract We provide new estimates for the abundance of heat-producing elements in the lunar mantle by using SIMS techniques to measure the concentrations of thorium and samarium in lunar pyroclastic glasses. Lunar pyroclastic glasses are utilized in this study because they represent quenched products of near-primary melts from the lunar mantle and as such, they provide compositional information about the mantle itself. Thorium and samarium were measured because: (1) Th is not significantly fractionated from Sm during partial melting of the pyroclastic glass source regions, which are dominated by olivine and pyroxene. Therefore, the Th/Sm ratios that we measure in the pyroclastic glasses reflect the Th/Sm ratio of the pyroclastic glass source regions. (2) Strong correlations between Th, U, and K on the Moon allow us to use measured Th concentrations to estimate the concentrations of U and K in the pyroclastic glasses. (3) Th, Sm, U, and K are radioactive elements and as such, their concentrations can be used to investigate heat production in the lunar mantle. The results from this study show that the lunar mantle is heterogeneous with respect to heat-producing elements and that there is evidence for mixing of a KREEP component into the source regions of some of the pyroclastic glasses. Because the source regions for many of the glasses are deep (⩾400 km), we propose that a KREEP component was transported to the deep lunar mantle. KREEP enriched sources produce 138% more heat than sources that do not contain KREEP and therefore, could have provided a source of heat for extended periods of nearside basaltic magmatism. Data from this study, in conjunction with models for the fractional crystallization of a lunar magma ocean, are used to show that the average lunar mantle contains 0.15 ppm Th, 0.54 ppm Sm, 0.039 ppm U, and 212 ppm K. This is a greater enrichment in radiogenic elements than some earlier estimates, suggesting a more prolonged impact of radiogenic heat on nearside basaltic volcanism.
Retirement Financial Planning Among Black Professionals

The extent and patterns of financial planning among 234 black professionals was compared with those of white professionals. The data revealed similar expectations of continued income, supplementing finances by working in another occupation, pension income, and dependency on spouses for income. Although they invested less in stocks and bonds and bank certificates, income and age were the most significant predictors of financial planning.
Large Root Cortical Cell Size Improves Drought Tolerance in Maize

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that large cortical cell size (CCS) would improve drought tolerance by reducing root metabolic costs. Maize (Zea mays) lines contrasting in root CCS measured as cross-sectional area were grown under well-watered and water-stressed conditions in greenhouse mesocosms and in the field in the United States and Malawi. CCS varied among genotypes, ranging from 101 to 533 µm2. In mesocosms, large CCS reduced respiration per unit of root length by 59%. Under water stress in mesocosms, lines with large CCS had between 21% and 27% deeper rooting (depth above which 95% of total root length is located in the soil profile), 50% greater stomatal conductance, 59% greater leaf CO2 assimilation, and between 34% and 44% greater shoot biomass than lines with small CCS. Under water stress in the field, lines with large CCS had between 32% and 41% deeper rooting (depth above which 95% of total root length is located in the soil profile), 32% lighter stem water isotopic ratio of 18O to 16O signature, signifying deeper water capture, between 22% and 30% greater leaf relative water content, between 51% and 100% greater shoot biomass at flowering, and between 99% and 145% greater yield than lines with small cells. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that large CCS improves drought tolerance by reducing the metabolic cost of soil exploration, enabling deeper soil exploration, greater water acquisition, and improved growth and yield under water stress. These results, coupled with the substantial genetic variation for CCS in diverse maize germplasm, suggest that CCS merits attention as a potential breeding target to improve the drought tolerance of maize and possibly other cereal crops.
High-Field Antiferromagnetic Resonance in Mn F 2 Using Pulsed Fields and Millimeter Wavelengths

Preliminary observations of the high-field antiferromagnetic resonance mode in Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ from 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K up to ${T}_{N}$ are presented. The experiments, which employ pulsed magnetic fields and relatively low frequencies (4 and 8 millimeter wavelengths), are briefly described. The absolute value and general temperature dependence of ${(2{H}_{E}{H}_{A})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ are in close agreement with estimates made earlier by Keffer and recent high-frequency measurements by Johnson and Nethercot near ${T}_{N}$. The results demonstrate the general validity of the molecular-field approximation of antiferromagnetic resonance. Qualitative features of the resonance absorption and upper bounds of line widths are also presented.
Limit for thermal transport reduction in Si nanowires with nanoengineered corrugations

Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the thermal conductance of Si nanowires with periodic corrugations is lower than that of smooth wires with cross-sections equivalent to the constricted portions. This reduction in conductance is up to 30% and tends to plateau with increasing corrugation height. Spatially resolved temperature and heat current maps provide a microscopic understanding of this effect; we find that 80% of the heat current is carried through the constricted area even for high-amplitude corrugations. More importantly, we show that temperature gradient inversion and heat current vortices at the ridge peaks establish fundamental limits on maximum conductance reduction.
Chronic ingestion of a Western diet increases O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) protein modification in the rat heart.

Aims Protein O-GlcNAcylation is both a nutrient sensing and cellular stress response that mediates signal transduction in the heart. Chronically elevated O-GlcNAc has been associated with the development of cardiac dysfunction at both the cellular and organ levels in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. Development of these pathologies is often attributed to diets high in saturated fat and sugar (a “Western” diet; WES) but a role for O-GlcNAc in diet-induced cardiac dysfunction has not been established. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of chronic consumption of WES on cardiac O-GlcNAcylation and investigate associations of O-GlcNAc with cardiac function and markers of cellular stress.
Increased lymphoscintigraphic flow pattern in the lower extremity under evaluation for lymphedema.

Objective To analyze the clinical and scintigraphic features in four postoperative patients with lower limb edema. Design Four case reports are presented, and causes of increased lymphatic flow are discussed. Material and Methods Filtered 99m Tc-sulfur colloid (0.1 mL; 20 MBq) was administered by subcutaneous injection into the second web space of each foot. Sequential local (inguinal) and whole-body imaging was performed periodically up to 24 hours after the injections. The patients were three women who were 40, 51, and 86 years of age and an 81-year-old man. Results Each patient had unilateral lower extremity swelling and had recently undergone an ipsilateral lower limb operation. One female patient had previously undergone proximal femoral vein ligation, and another female patient had venous insufficiency demonstrated by Doppler ultrasonography. The male patient had a history of severe arterial insufficiency, and the remaining female patient had no venous or arterial abnormalities. On lymphoscintigraphy, all patients showed increased lymphatic flow in the edematous lower limb. Only the male patient also demonstrated abnormal dermal backflow pattern. Conclusion Increased lymphatic flow most likely is a normal response to lower limb edema in the presence of normal peripheral lymphatic structures. In the four described cases, a recent lower limb surgical procedure may have resulted in disturbance of normal proximal lymphatic channels. The role of sympathetic innervation of the peripheral lymphatic system is a potential factor determining lymphatic response to trauma or surgical intervention. Increased flow on lymphoscintigraphy may not necessarily represent normal flow, especially if other scintigraphic features of abnormal lymphatic function—such as dermal backflow pattern—are present.
Characterizing persistence in the IR detector within the Wide Field Camera 3 instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope

Like essentially all IR arrays, the IR detector in the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument on-board Hubble Space Telescope (HST) exhibits afterimages, known as persistence, following exposures to light levels that approach or exceed saturation of individual pixels of the detector. The nature of the persistence in the HgCdTe WFC3/IR detector is distinctly non-linear in that the amount of persistence is not simply proportional to the exposure level. Instead, the amount of persistence is small until the exposure reaches about half saturation at which point it rises fairly rapidly until the exposure reaches about twice saturation and then it increases gradually with increasing saturation. The persistence shows typical power law decay with time over the periods of time that are relevant to HST observations. Given the frequent usage of the WFC3/IR detector on HST, it is not possible to completely avoid the effects of persistence in observations obtained with HST by introducing time gaps between IR observations. Therefore, we have developed a parameterized persistence model that we are using to estimate the amount of persistence in all WRC3/IR images. These estimates are available for all existing WFC3/IR images through the Mikulski Archive at STScI (MAST) to help HST users remove persistence from their images. Here we discuss the characterization of persistence in the WFC3 detector in orbit, the fraction of observations that are affected by persistence, and the effectiveness of the tools we have developed to reduce the effects of persistence in WFC3 images.
BEAMS Lab: Novel approaches to finding a balance between throughput and sensitivity

Abstract Development of 14 C AMS has long pursued the twin goals of maximizing both sensitivity and precision in the interest, among others, of optimizing radiocarbon dating. Application of AMS to biomedical research is less constrained with respect to sensitivity requirements, but more demanding of high throughput. This work presents some technical and conceptual developments in sample processing and analytical instrumentation designed to streamline the process of extracting quantitative data from the various types of samples encountered in analytical biochemistry.
Comparison of krill oil and fish oil supplementation on serum and tissue fatty acid profiles in horses

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 321-399 342 0700, 0800, 0900, 1100, 1300, and 1500 hours. Psyllium supplementation lowered glucose (P<0.0001) concentrations, glucose AUC (P<0.0001), insulin AUC (P 1⁄40.0067), and increased time to peak glucose (P 1⁄40.0478).There was a treatment by sex interaction for insulin (P 1⁄40.0101), and peak insulin (P 1⁄40.0163) concentrations, glucose AUC (P 1⁄40.0253), and insulin AUC (P 1⁄40.0129). These variables were lowered to a greater extent in geldings than in mares. Higher NSC intake resulted in higher peak insulin (P 1⁄40.0398) in all horses. Older horses had higher peak insulin (P 0.0091), decreased time to peak glucose (P<0.0001) and decreased time to peak insulin (P 0.0005All characteristics of glucose and insulin decreased (P 0.0154) over the 30 day interval spent grazing pasture. These results indicate that supplementing psyllium in horses grazing cool season grasses lowered systemic glucose and insulin concentrations and these effects may reduce the risk of metabolic diseases, such as laminitis, in horses consuming NSCs. However, systemic glucose and insulin concentrations were effected to a greater extent in males
Structural Realism after the Cold War

Some students of international politics believe that realism is obsolete.1 They argue that, although realism’s concepts of anarchy, self-help, and power balancing may have been appropriate to a bygone era, they have been displaced by changed conditions and eclipsed by better ideas. New times call for new thinking. Changing conditions require revised theories or entirely different ones. True, if the conditions that a theory contemplated have changed, the theory no longer applies. But what sorts of changes would alter the international political system so profoundly that old ways of thinking would no longer be relevant? Changes of the system would do it; changes in the system would not. Within-system changes take place all the time, some important, some not. Big changes in the means of transportation, communication, and war ghting, for example, strongly affect how states and other agents interact. Such changes occur at the unit level. In modern history, or perhaps in all of history, the introduction of nuclear weaponry was the greatest of such changes. Yet in the nuclear era, international politics remains a self-help arena. Nuclear weapons decisively change how some states provide for their own and possibly for others’ security; but nuclear weapons have not altered the anarchic structure of the international political system. Changes in the structure of the system are distinct from changes at the unit level. Thus, changes in polarity also affect how states provide for their security. Signicant changes take place when the number of great powers reduces to two or one. With more than two, states rely for their security both on their
Whither P-type GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP?

P-type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) represent a complementary technology to the well developed and already commercialized n-type GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP technology. Since n-QWIPs require grating couplings for normal incidence absorption, p-type GaAs/AlGaAs QWIPs have emerged as a viable alternative in some applications. In this paper, progress in optimizing the performance of p-type GaAs/AlGaAs QWIPs through modeling, growth, and characterization is described. Our approach begins with the theoretical design of p-QWIPs based on calculations of optical absorption. Next, samples are grown by MBE according to the theoretical designs and their characteristics measured. p-type QWIPs were optimized with respect to the well and barrier widths, alloy concentration, and dopant concentration; resonant cavity devices were also fabricated and the temperature dependent photoresponse was measured. Based on the progress to date, it is now possible to make some comparisons between the n- and p-type approaches. Further avenues for improvement of p-QWIP photoresponse are being explored by exploiting the rich physics of this coupled multi-band system.
An Update from the TRANSFER Working Group

TRANSFER is an initiative of the UK Serials Group (UKSG) that seeks to address the issues that can arise when journals change publishers. The TRANSFER Code of Practice, first released in 2008, has made some important strides in improving the process by which journals transfer from one publisher to another. There is still much work to be done, and the TRANSFER Working Group is committed to continuing to develop and disseminate procedures and policies surrounding the transfer of journals between publishers so that the annual movement of journals causes less disruption for all parties involved.
Astronomy: Andromeda's extended disk of dwarfs

Deep-imaging observations of the Andromeda galaxy and its surroundings have revealed a wide but thin planar structure of satellite galaxies that all orbit their host in the same rotational direction. See Letter p.62 Giant spiral galaxies are assembled from smaller systems through a process known as hierarchical clustering. In orbit around these giants are dwarf galaxies, which are presumably remnants of the galactic progenitors. Recent studies of the dwarf galaxies of the Milky Way have led some astronomers to suspect that their orbits are not randomly distributed. This suspicion, which challenges current theories of galaxy formation, is now bolstered by the discovery of a plane of dwarf galaxies corotating as a coherent pancake-like structure around the Andromeda galaxy, the Milky Way's close neighbour and in many respects its 'twin'. The structure is extremely thin yet contains about half of the dwarf galaxies in the Andromeda system. The authors report that 13 of the 15 satellites in the plane share the same sense of rotation.
Splenocyte blastogenesis suppressed in rats implanted with an osmotic pump

Abstract Rats implanted subcutaneously with an empty osmotic pump connected by a polyethylene catheter to a jugular vein for 5 to 10 days evinced a decreased splenocyte responsiveness to blastogenic stimulation in vitro to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a known B cell stimulator, as well as to the plant mitogens pokeweed mitogen (PWM), a known stimulator of T and B cells, and concanavilan A, a known T cell stimulator. The surface of the implanted pumps became infiltrated with lymphoid cells, especially macrophages. Suppression of blastogenic responsiveness after implantation for 10 days with an empty pump or even a pump dispensing pyrogen free saline only in a continuous manner was nearly as marked as that endotoxin. These depressed blastogenic responses, although less, were also evident when rats were implanted with a catheter into a jugular vein connected by means of a swivel to either an empty pump or one dispensing pyrogen free saline. Suppression of blastogenic responsiveness was not related to alteration in serum complement or corticosteroid levels. Since administration of immunommodulatory substances systemically to individuals often involves implantation of an osmotic pump, investigation into the mechanisms of lymphoid cell suppression associated with an implanted pump itself has potential significance.
Selective activation of mGluR8 receptors modulates retinal ganglion cell light responses

Extracellular and whole-cell light-evoked responses of mouse retinal ganglion cells were recorded in the presence of the mGluR8 selective agonist, (S)-3,4-dicarboxy-phenylglycine (DCPG). Off-light responses were reversibly reduced in the presence of DCPG in wild-type but not in mGluR8-deficient retinas. On-responses were only marginally modulated by DCPG. During Off-responses, DCPG suppressed both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic conductances suggesting that mGluR8 receptor activity reduces glutamate release from bipolar cell terminals and possibly also the release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter from amacrine cell processes.
Structure of the Molybdenum Site of Dimethyl Sulfoxide Reductase

Molybdenum K-edge X-ray absorption and Mo(V) electron paramagentic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies have been used to probe the metal coordination in oxidized and reduced forms of both wild-type and a site-directed mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reductase. We confirm our earlier findings (George, G. N.; Hilton, J.; Rajagopalan, K. V. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 1113−1117) that the molybdenum site of the oxidized Mo(VI) enzyme possesses one terminal oxygen ligand (MoO) at 1.68 A, four thiolate ligands at 2.44 A, and one oxygen at 1.92 A and that the dithionite-reduced Mo(IV) enzyme possesses a desoxo species with three or four Mo−S at 2.33 A and two different Mo−O ligands at 2.16 and 1.92 A. Mo(V) EPR indicates the presence of one exchangeable oxygen ligand, most likely an Mo−OH, in the signal-giving species, probably originating from the MoO of the oxidized enzyme (Em8.5(IV/V) = +37 mV, Em8.5(V/VI) = +83 mV). The addition of dimethyl sulfide, in the reverse of the physiological...
Decomposition of Perfluoroalkylpolyethers (PFPE) in Ultra-High Vacuum Under Sliding Conditions

Reactions of perfluoroalkylpolyethers (PFPE: Fomblin, Demnum and Krytox) were studied during the sliding contact of stainless steel specimens under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. All three fluids reacted with the steel specimens during sliding. Fomblin, which has acetal linkages, decomposed under the sliding conditions generating gaseous products, (COF2 and fluorinated carbons) which were detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Gaseous products were not detected for the Demnum and Krytox fluids. The amount of gaseous products from Fomblin increased with increasing sliding speed. At the end of the sliding experiments, the wear scar and deposits on the specimens were examined by small spot size XPS. The oxide layer on the specimen surface was removed during sliding, and metal fluorides were formed on the worn surface. The surface of the wear scar and deposits were covered with adsorbed PFPE. Based on these results, it was concluded that the decomposition reaction on Fomblin was initiated by contacting the fluid with a fresh metal surface which was formed during sliding.
Ultrastructure, in vitro and in vivo, of staphylococci exposed to antibiotics

The ultrastructure of staphylococci from the peritoneal fluid of mice treated with oxacillin and from sputum of a patient treated with ampicillin was comparable to the structure of staphylococci grown on filter membranes exposed to oxacillin, but was different from the same organisms grown in broth with oxacillin. The selection of a solid phase support growth medium, such as a filter membrane for in vitro studies of drug induced morphology, appears necessary if such studies are to reflect bacterial ultrastructure in vivo.
Cohesion and device reliability in organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells

Abstract The fracture resistance of P3HT:PC60BM-based photovoltaic devices are characterized using quantitative adhesion and cohesion metrologies that allow identification of the weakest layer or interface in the device structure. We demonstrate that the phase separated bulk heterojunction layer is the weakest layer and report quantitative cohesion values which ranged from ∼1 to 20 J m−2. The effects of layer thickness, composition, and annealing treatments on layer cohesion are investigated. Using depth profiling and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on the resulting fracture surfaces, we examine the gradient of molecular components through the thickness of the bulk heterojunction layer. Finally, using atomic force microscopy we show how the topography of the failure path is related to buckling of the metal electrode and how it develops with annealing. The research provides new insights on how the molecular design, structure and composition affect the cohesive properties of organic photovoltaics.
Yeast suppressors of UAA and UAG nonsense codons work efficiently in vitro via tRNA

A cell-free protein-synthesizing system, containing an S-100 fraction from yeast, ribosomal subunits from Krebs ascites cells, and ribosome initiation factors from rabbit reticulocytes, translates yeast, adenovirus, and rabbit globin messenger RNAs and the RNA from bacteriophage Qbeta. An amber mutation in the Qbeta synthetase gene is suppressed in vitro if the S-100 fraction s from yeast strains carrying amber suppressor mutations. Suppressor SUP6-2 gives 16% suppression, and the recessive lethal suppressor RL-1 gives 50% suppression. Extracts from strain FM6, which has the ochre suppressor SUP4-1, give a longer protein product from the normal synthetase gene at Qbeta with an efficiency of 63%. This implies that UAA is the terminator for the synthetase gene, and that synthesis of this read through protein can be used as an assay for ochre suppression. Suppression in each of these cases is mediated by tRNA, since pufified tRNA is the only fraction from suppressing strains that is required in an otherwise nonsuppressing cell-free system.
Women, welfare, and work: One view of the debate

Abstract The high rate of women living in poverty and participating in programs such as income assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid health insurance is tied to their unique, gender-based obligation to care for others without compensation. It is important that nurses, who work in a field traditionally conceptualized as women's work, understand and participate in the formation and analysis of social policies that affect women living in poverty.
Evaluation of a sexual health approach to reducing HIV/STD risk in the transgender community

Despite reports of high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the transgender community, very little prevention education has targeted this population. To fill this gap, we developed and evaluated a transgender-specific intervention, All Gender Health, which incorporates prevention strategies into comprehensive sexuality education. Transgender participants (N=181) attended the two-day seminar in community-based venues. The curriculum was delivered via lectures, panel discussions, videos, music, exercises and small group discussions. Attitudes toward condom use, safer sex self-efficacy and sexual risk behaviour were evaluated before participation in the intervention (pre-test), immediately after participation (post-test) and at three-month follow-up. Compared to pre-test values, significant improvements were seen in attitudes toward condom use and in safer sex self-efficacy at post-test, and in attitudes toward condom use, increased monogamy and decreased sexual risk behaviour at three-month follow-up. Pre-test data identified unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex as the most commonly reported risk behaviours. Many respondents also indicated problems with social discrimination, depression, suicidal ideation and sexual functioning. Future interventions should address these risk co-factors. Alternative interventions need to be developed to target those who, as a result of social marginalization, are less likely to be reached with an intensive seminar-based intervention.
On the amplitude decay of strongly non-linear damped oscillators

The problem considered is that of the amplitude behavior of the strongly non-linear damped oscillator u + 2 ϵu + u + αf(u) = 0 where ϵ is small, u and f(u) are O(1), α may be arbitrarily large, and f(u) is an odd function. A simple approximation to the amplitude decay is obtained by first linearizing the static terms and then using the WKB approximation. Of particular interest is the influence of the non-linearity on the amplitude decay. Several examples which illustrate this influence are provided.
Interleukin 17 as a novel predictor of vascular function in rheumatoid arthritis

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with enhanced cardiovascular (CV) risk and subclinical vascular disease. The proinflammatory milieu has been linked to premature atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in RA. While interleukin 17 (IL-17) is considered pathogenic in RA, its role in determining vascular dysfunction in this disease has not been systematically assessed. Objectives To analyse candidate variables that might determine endothelial function in various vascular territories in a cohort of patients with RA receiving treatment with biological agents, with minimal traditional CV risk factors and low disease activity score. Methods Patients with RA (n=50) receiving stable treatment with biological agents underwent measurement of conduit artery endothelial function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation; arterial compliance by pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment; and endothelium-dependent microvascular testing with Endo-Pat2000 device to assess the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI). IL-17 was quantified by ELISA and disease activity was assessed by 28-joint count Disease Activity Score. Results IL-17 was the main determinant of lower RHI in univariate and multivariate analysis. Traditional and non-traditional CV risk variables determined PWV, with a signifi cant positive association with IL-17 in univariate and multivariate analysis. In contrast, conduit endothelial function was mainly determined by rheumatoid factor titres in univariate and multivariate analysis. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide titres, specific disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biological agents and disease activity did not determine vascular function. Conclusion In patients with RA treated with biological agents, IL-17 is a main predictor of microvascular function and arterial compliance. This study suggests that IL-17 may play a significant role in development of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in RA.
Relaxin Immunoactivity in Plasma During the Reproductive Cycle of the Female Guinea Pig

Plasma relaxin immunoactivity was measured in guinea pigs during the estrous cycle from midpregnancy to parturition as well as during acute suckling using a homologous porcine relaxin radioimmunoassay. Samples were collected at frequent intervals from an indwelling jugular vein catheter. The peak levels found during pregnancy, \.‘12 ng/ml, were higher than the peak levels during the estrous cycle and suckling (4-5 ng/ml). During the estrous cycle, relaxin levels were low at estrus and early diestrus and were high at late diestrus and proestrus preceeding the opening of the vaginal membrane. During late pregnancy, episodic secretion of immunoreactive retaxin was common and the timing of this secretion varied. In some guinea pigs, relaxin levels increased in mid to late pregnancy; others showed only a rise before parturition or only the mid to late pregnancy rise. Spectral analysis of the data revealed clear periodicities in the results from several animals but others showed no evidence of periodicity. The most common period was 18 h. In most animals, but not all, the onset of lengthening of the pubic ligament as determined by palpation was preceded by a period of relaxin production. There was no evidence for an acute effect of suckling to elevate relaxin secretion in this species; indeed suckling decreased relaxin immunoactivity with mean levels of control animals significantly higher than those of animals suckling their young.
Biochemical characterization and development of DNA polymerases α and δ in the neonatal rat heart

Abstract The ontogeny of DNA polymerase activity in the neonatal rat heart was studied. The DNA polymerase activities in rat heart extracts were identified as DNA polymerase α and DNA polymerase δ activities by their purification and characterization, by the use of a specific inhibitor (BuAdATP), and by a specific monoclonal antibody against DNA polymerase α. Using these inhibitors, it was shown that the two activities declined in parallel during the maturation and terminal differentiation of the heart.
Extra-hepatic hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as obstructive jaundice.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma is a neoplasm with a uniformly poor prognosis. Risk factors for its development include chronic hepatitis B or C infection, haemochromatosis and α-1-antitrypsin deficiency, but individuals with any type of chronic liver disease are predisposed. The incidence is significantly higher in Asia and Africa although it has been noted to be increasing in the United States. We present a patient with notable atypical clinical features for hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient had neither predisposing risk factors nor a primary liver lesion causing obstructive jaundice. After multiple tissue specimens were obtained, the final pathological diagnosis was established. Hepatocellular carcinoma generally requires a surgical cure, but patients who are icteric often portend poorer prognoses. For those at high risk, screening may be indicated to identify early curative treatment.
Mechanistic studies of the decomposition of halonitrobenzene anion radicals

Summary The electrochemical reduction of several halonitrobenzenes has been studied in dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile (AN), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The initial reduction is a one-electron process which yields the corresponding anion radical. Dissociation of the anion radicals to give a neutral nitrophenyl radical and halide ion occurs quite rapidly for o-bromonitrobenzene and the three isomers of iodonitrobenzene. Nitrobenzene is then formed as a result of an abstraction of a hydrogen atom from either the solvent or the supporting electrolyte by the nitrophenyl radical. The stability of the anion radicals in the three solvent systems decreases in the order: DMSO > AN > DMF. The order of the rates of the decomposition of the anion radicals is the same in all three solvents: o-iodo-> o-bromo- ≫ p-iodo- > m-iodonitrobenzene. The addition of iodide ion significantly decreases the decomposition rates of all iodonitrobenzene anion radicals. The addition of bromide ion has little or no effect on either the stability of the anion radical of o-bromonitrobenzene or the anion radicals of the iodonitrobenzenes.
A computational model of the human visual cortex

The brain is first and foremost a control system that is capable of building an internal representation of the external world, and using this representation to make decisions, set goals and priorities, formulate plans, and control behavior with intent to achieve its goals. The computational model proposed here assumes that this internal representation resides in arrays of cortical columns. More specifically, it models each cortical hypercolumn together with its underlying thalamic nuclei as a Fundamental Computational Unit (FCU) consisting of a frame-like data structure (containing attributes and pointers) plus the computational processes and mechanisms required to maintain it. In sensory-processing areas of the brain, FCUs enable segmentation, grouping, and classification. Pointers stored in FCU frames link pixels and signals to objects and events in situations and episodes that are overlaid with meaning and emotional values. In behavior-generating areas of the brain, FCUs make decisions, set goals and priorities, generate plans, and control behavior. Pointers are used to define rules, grammars, procedures, plans, and behaviors. It is suggested that it may be possible to reverse engineer the human brain at the FCU level of fidelity using nextgeneration massively parallel computer hardware and software. Key Words: computational modeling, human cortex, brain modeling, reverse engineering the brain, image processing, perception, segmentation, knowledge representation