cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase-2-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid to 15-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid by rat intestinal epithelial cells.

Rat intestinal epithelial cells that permanently express the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene (RIES cells) were used to investigate COX-2-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. A targeted chiral lipidomics approach was employed to quantify AA metabolites that were secreted by the cells into the culture media. When intact RIES cells were treated with calcium ionophore A-23187 (1 µM) for 1 h, 11-(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) was the most abundant metabolite, followed by prostaglandin (PG) E2, 15-(S)-HETE, 15-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (ETE), and 15-(R)-HETE. Incubation for a further 23 h after the calcium ionophore was removed resulted in a substantial increase in PGE2 concentrations while HETE and 15-oxo-ETE concentrations decreased to almost undetectable levels. A similar metabolic profile was observed when RIES cells were treated with increasing concentrations of AA for 24 h. Incubation of the RIES cells with 10 µM AA revealed that maximal concentrations of 11-(R)-HETE, 15-(S)-HETE, and 15-oxo-...
Development of progesterone-facilitated lordosis in female guinea pigs: relationship to neural estrogen and progestin receptors.

Abstract Ovariectomized (OVX), 20-day-old female guinea pigs did not exhibit lordosis following treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone. Behavioral responsiveness to EB and progesterone developed abruptly; by 30 days of age, responses typical of adult females (>9weeks of age) were observed. In vitro assays of neural steroid receptors were performed to test the hypothesis that a deficiency in the concentration of hypothalamic and/or preoptic area estrogen and/or progestin receptors contributes to the lack of progesterone-facilitated lordosis in juvenile (20-day-old) females. Assay of cytosol progestin receptors in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA) of immature and adult females 40 h after injection of EB confirmed a previous report that the concentration of estradiol-induced cytosol progestin receptors in the MBH of juvenile females was slightly lower than that observed in adults. Furthermore, MBH cell nuclear accumulation of progestin receptors after progesterone injection was markedly lower (i.e. 42%) in immature, as compared to adult females. The concentrations of cytosol estrogen receptors in the MBH and POA did not differ between immature and adult OVX guinea pigs. Also, cell nuclear estrogen receptor accumulation in the MBH after estradiol injection was comparable in immature and adult females. These data suggest that a deficiency in cell nuclear progestin receptor accumulation in the MBH may contribute to the absence of progesterone-facilitated lordosis in estradiol-primed, immature female guinea pigs. This age-related difference in cell nuclear progestin receptor accumulation may be due, in part, to reduced concentrations of estradiol-induced cytosol progestin receptors. However, the deficient response to estradiol in immature females does not appear to be the result of reduced levels of cytosol estrogen receptors or to aberrant cell nuclear estrogen receptor accumulation in the MBH.
Catalytic cracking of the heavy fraction of a high-paraffin, low-sulfur petroleum on zeolite-containing and amorphous alumosilicate catalysts

1. The catalytic cracking of the 340–500°C fraction of a high-paraffin, low-sulfur, Stavropol petroleum on zeolite-containing AShNTs-3 and TsEOKAR-2 catalysts takes place with a higher degree of conversion of the crude stock (by 8.0–10.0%) and a higher yield of the naphtha fraction (by 9.0–11.0%) than on an amorphous alumosilicate catalyst. 2. The selectivity of the zeolite-containing catalysts is greater by 10.0% than that of an amorphous alumosilicate catalyst for the same degree of conversion of the crude stock.
Use of unproven therapies by people with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of unproven therapies for Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN: Descriptive survey using a written questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: 101 primary caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease who attended Alzheimer's disease support group meetings. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of caregivers reported that they had tried at least one alternative therapy to improve the patient's memory. Twenty percent of caregivers tried three or more unproven therapies. Vitamins were used most frequently (84%), and health foods (27%), herbal medicines (11%), “smart pills” (9%), and home remedies (7%) were also tried. Most caregivers reported trying the therapies in the early stage of the illness and did not notice significant improvement in the patient's memory. Twenty-five percent of caregivers had tried unproven therapies for behavior problems. There was no correlation between the use of alternative therapies and the sex of the caregiver, age of the caregiver, level of caregiver frustration, presence of problem behaviors, or perceived level of physician support. CONCLUSIONS: The use of unproven therapies by people with early Alzheimer's disease is common and cannot be predicted by characteristics of the primary caregiver. Although this use may be understandable, it exposes vulnerable people to possible side effects, increased costs, and possible exploitation. Health care workers should actively inquire about the use of alternative therapies, and explore the reasons behind their use, so that they can better understand and meet the needs of their patients and their caregivers.
Field-Based Detection and Monitoring of Uranium in Contaminated Groundwater using Two Immunosensors

Field-based monitoring of environmental contaminants has long been a need for environmental scientists. Described herein are two kinetic exclusion-based immunosensors, a field portable sensor (FPS) and an inline senor, that were deployed at the Integrated Field Research Challenge Site of the U.S. Department of Energy in Rifle, CO. Both sensors utilized a monoclonal antibody that binds to a U(VI)-dicarboxyphenanthroline complex (DCPI in a kinetic exclusion immunoassay format These sensors were able to monitor changes of uranium in groundwater samples from approximately 1 microM to below the regulated drinking water limit of 126 nM (30 ppb). The FPS is a battery-operated sensor platform that can determine the uranium level in a single sample in 5-10 min, if the instrument has been previously calibrated with standards. The average minimum detection level (MDL) in this assay was 0.33 nM (79 ppt), and the MDL in the sample (based on a 1:200-1:400 dilution) was 66-132 nM (15.7-31.4 ppb). The inline sensor, while requiring a grounded power source, has the ability to autonomously analyze multiple samples in a single experiment The average MDL in this assay was 0.12 nM (29 ppt), and the MDL in the samples (based on 1:200 or 1:400 dilutions) was 24-48 nM (5.7-11.4 ppb). Both sensor platforms showed an acceptable level of agreement (9 = 0.94 and 0.76, for the inline and FPS, respectively) with conventional methods for uranium quantification.
Persistence of Beliefs in an Investment Experiment

A number of behavioral finance theories posit that investors adhere to prior beliefs in spite of new information. This paper reports the results of an investment experiment which shows that subjects' inferences are biased by their prior beliefs in a manner that depends on investment outcomes. Specifically, their perception of new information was more positively biased for their prior favored assets when incurring losses than gains. This asymmetric bias may help explain empirical patterns such as loser momentum and suggests modifications to models of belief persistence in markets.
Design of Group III Nitrides as Novel Catalysts for Hydrodenitrogenation of Model Coal—Liquid compounds

Abstract Low-surface-area boron nitride was investigated for the HDN of the model compound quinoline. Pretreatment with H2S increases the overall conversion but has little effect on nitrogen removal. The pretreated catalyst has lower overall conversion than a commercial (NiMo) catalyst, but improved nitrogen removal. The combination of BN with NiMo leads to improvements in conversion and nitrogen removal.
Analysis of Diffusion and Sorption of Organic Solutes in Soil-Bentonite Barrier Materials

A series of laboratory studies was conducted to assess the transport of chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), and aniline in soil-bentonite (SB) slurry wall materials. Column transport experiments were conducted, with a primary emphasis on the measurement of spatial contaminant mass profiles within columns after 25−50 days of transport under diffusion-dominated conditions. The advective−dispersive−reactive (ADR) equation was found to provide good predictions of the results of the column experiments with calibrated diffusion parameters that were within the range observed by other researchers for earthen barrier materials. However, values of the porosity-corrected hindrance factor were higher than those observed in other studies of diffusive transport in SB, and sorption coefficients calibrated from the column experiments were significantly lower than values measured in batch isotherm tests conducted with unconsolidated SB. A number of factors could contribute to variability across experiments and investigator...
The Validity and Reliability of a Hybrid Reality Simulator for Wire Navigation in Orthopedic Surgery

Creating training simulators for orthopedic surgery presents unique and largely unexplored engineering challenges. One of these challenges is simulating both the large forces and subtle haptic feedback involved in drilling into bone. This paper involves a hybrid reality wire navigation simulator that combines a physical drill and plastic foam bone surrogate with 3-D graphics to mimic the radiographic imaging often used in a common surgical task. This paper describes experiments to test the simulator's face, content, and construct validity, as well as the precision of the motion-tracking system. The results suggest that the simulator has sufficient face validity to engage trainees and recreates the critical aspects of the wire navigation task. Experimental simulator trials reveal time and accuracy differentials between experts and novices, suggesting construct validity. The results also show that the tracking system is accurate within 3.6 mm.
NMR Studies of Drugs. Applications of Achiral and Chiral Lanthanide Shift Reagents to Medetomidine. Observations of "Anomalous Shifts."

Abstract The 60 MHz H NMR spectra of the potent, selective and specific α2-adrenoceptor agonist, medetomidine, have been studied in CDCl3 at 28±1° for the recemic free base, 1, with the added achiral lanthanide shift reagent (LSR), tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium(III), 2, for spectral simplification, and with the chiral LSRs, tris[3-(heptafluoropropylhydroxymethylene)-(+)-camphorato]europium(III), 3, and tris[3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)-(+)-camphorato] europium (III), 4, for potential enantiomeric shift differences. Substantial lanthanide-induced shifts (LIS) were observed with each added LSR, consistent with LSR binding at the basic imidazole nitrogen. The three LSRs gave distinctly different LIS results for the NH signal, with substantial “anomalous” (upfield) shifts observed with 2 and smaller anomalous shifts produced with 3, at low [LSR]:[1] ratios; normal downfield shifts resulted at higher LSR levels of 2 or 3. With LSR 4, only consistent “normal” dow...
Genetic Improvement of Sorghum as a Biofuel Feedstock: I. QTL for Stem Sugar and Grain Nonstructural Carbohydrates

Genetic improvement of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has traditionally focused on a single nonstructural carbohydrate, either grain starch or stem sugar. Sorghum starch and sugar may both be used as feedstocks for biofuel production. To investigate genetic tradeoffs between grain and stem sugar, a population derived from sweet sorghum cultivar Rio and grain sorghum ‘BTx623’ was evaluated for 27 traits related to grain and stem sugar yield and composition. Across three environments, a total of 129 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identifi ed. Tradeoffs identifi ed between grain and stem sugar yield QTL colocalized with height and fl owering time QTL. Most importantly, QTL were identifi ed that increased yield and altered the composition of stem sugar and grain without pleiotropic effects. For example, a QTL on chromosome 3 that explained 25% of the genetic variance for stem sugar concentration did not colocalize with any grain QTL. These results suggest that total nonstructural carbohydrate yield could be increased by selecting for major QTL from both grain and sweet sorghum types. We conclude that altering grain and stem sugar genetic potential for yield traits should lead to greater feedstock improvement than altering composition traits.
Effect of anesthetics on the stability of oxyhemoglobin S.

Abstract Using a mechanical shake method, the effect of various anesthetics on the rate of precipitation of oxyhemoglobin S was studied. It was found that at clinically used concentrations halogenated anesthetics, such as halothane, fluroxene, and enflurane markedly accelerated the precipitation of oxyhemoglobin S, while diethyl ether prevented the precipitation. Further experiments are necessary to evaluate the clinical significance of the present findings.
BRS gauge and ghost field supersymmetry in gravity and supergravity

Abstract Becchi-Rouet-Stora transformations are obtained for the following systems: (i) Pure Einstein gravity in first order form with vierbein and spin connection as independent fields. (ii) First order Einstein gravity coupled to Yang-Mills fields. (iii) Pure supergravity. For the first two systems the results are as in Yang-Mills theory. But for conventional supergravity the BRS transformations leave the effective action invariant only if the classical equations of motion are satisfied. New transformations of the gauge fields of supergravity have been proposed under which the supersymmetry algebra closes. The corresponding BRS transformations do leave the effective action invariant without the need to use the classical equation of motion; moreover, as in Yang-Mills theories, they are nilpotent and have unit Jacobian.
The Y chromosome

The Y chromosome has evolved to provide sex determination in mammals. In association with its evolution, genes important for spermatogenesis have been sequestered on this chromosome. Further, X chromosome inactivation has developed as a mechanism to prevent over-expression of genetic factors important for somatic function in females, with maintenance of their activity in males. The multi-repeat organization of the Y chromosome and limited regions of crossover with other chromosomes predisposes it to internal recombination and loss of genes that may be important for spermatogenesis. Y chromosome microdeletion testing of infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia provides prognostic information useful for management of these patients. In the presence of a complete deletion of the azoospermic factor a (AZFa) or AZFb regions, sperm retrieval is highly unlikely. Recent advances in our understanding of the organization and function of the Y chromosome are likely to enhance further the role of the Y chromosome in normal spermatogenesis and fertility.
World Wide Web telemedicine system

We have designed a teleradiology and telemedicine architecture over the World-Wide Web using current HIS, RIS and PACS. Our implementation allows remote access to hypermedia medical record and automatic management of interactive communications between referring physician and consultants. Security and privacy issues are also discussed. Its successful use in a telemedicine trial to China involving hundreds of doctors has shown the potential trend of telemedicine over the World-Wide Web.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Protein-protein interactions as a means of purification

Abstract Hetero-association-based separations are characterized by great specificity and large protein—protein interaction energies and are well suited to application early in separation trains. Research efforts involving reverse micellar extraction and affinity chromatography processes, particularly with respect to affinity ligand engineering and processing, are improving selectivity and decreasing process, but not molecular, complexity. Self-association-based separations are less specific because the underlying interaction energies are smaller; they are prone to interference from contaminants. Efforts in precipitation processes are improving our understanding of protein solubility behavior. In spite of recent progress, the full ultrapurification potentials of bulk crystallization and self-interaction chromatography processes remain unrealized.
The gluteus maximus muscle: experimental and clinical considerations relevant to reconstruction in ambulatory patients

The gluteus maximus muscle and other haemodynamically related structures have been used for the reconstruction of significant defects in the perineum, sacrum, lumbar area and hip in 35 patients. The preservation of muscle function was achieved in all of 20 ambulatory patients and documented by gait analysis, muscle strength testing and EMG studies. Dye injection studies of the first perforating artery, inferior gluteal artery and superior gluteal artery led to the design of new flaps based on this arterial system. They include: medial advancements with extension above the sacrum, lateral advancements, lower gluteus advancements, the tensor fasciae latae gluteal extension and modifications of the gluteal thigh flap. These findings significantly increase our ability to close difficult wounds within the perineal, sacral, lumbar and trochanteric regions.
The importance of the abdominal viscera to peritoneal transport during peritoneal dialysis in the dog.

ABSTRACT The authors sought to evaluate the dialyzing surfaces important for peritoneal dialysis. They reasoned that the most definitive way to evaluate whether any of the gut and associated membranes contributed to transport was to see if transport changed when they were removed. Paired studies measuring rates of peritoneal uptake of glucose, urea, and inulin were carried out in dogs. In the morning, the animals were tested with all peritoneal membranes intact. In the afternoon, the studies were repeated after evisceration. The mass transfer coefficients (MTC ml/min)—glucose (viscera 4.4 ± 0.7, no viscera 4.9 ± 0.3)—urea (viscera 16.8 ± 2.4, no viscera 13.8 ± 1.0);—inulin (viscera 1.6 ± 0.6, no viscera 2.2 ± 0.7) were not changed nor was the amount of mass absorbed significantly different. MTC and peritoneal absorption were unaffected by omentectomy, mesenterectomy, or evisceration. Whether these, results were due to nonparticipation of these structures in peritoneal transport or other mechanisms await further studies.
Ohrnstein—uhlenbeck process in a random potential

On considere le processus d'Ohmstein-Uhlenbeck sur R d ×R d , dans le potentiel aleatoire -Q~(x,ω). On montre que le processus d'echelle x e (t)=ex(t)e2) obeit au theoreme de la limite centrale en probabilite par rapport a ω
Myasthenia gravis with autoimmune autonomic neuropathy

Abstract The autoantibodies that impair neuromuscular junction transmission in myasthenia gravis are specific for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) of muscle. Antibodies specific for AChRs in ganglionic neurons are found in a majority of patients with subacute autonomic neuropathy. Dysautonomia is not a recognized feature of myasthenia gravis, but there have been rare reports of myasthenia gravis coexisting with autonomic failure, usually in association with thymoma. Here we report seven patients who had myasthenia gravis with subacute autonomic failure. Their autonomic dysfunction ranged from isolated gastroparesis to severe panautonomic failure. Gastrointestinal dysmotility was a common feature. All had antibodies against muscle AChR, and three (all of whom had thymoma) had antibodies against neuronal ganglionic AChRs. In several patients, gastrointestinal function improved clinically after administration of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. These observations support a rare but definite clinical association between myasthenia gravis and autonomic failure and strengthen the concept that subacute autonomic neuropathy is an autoimmune disorder.
The tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor adalimumab rapidly reverses the decrease in epidermal Langerhans cell density in psoriatic plaques.

Summary Background The pathophysiology of psoriasis is poorly understood, and the mechanism of action of biological agents interfering with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α that improve psoriatic plaques is completely unknown. Objectives To begin to unravel the mechanism of action, cellular changes occurring in plaques following administration of adalimumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, were investigated. Methods Thirteen different patients underwent sequential biopsies as part of a clinical trial. Each biopsy was immunostained and evaluated to calculate the relative density of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) before and after treatment (days 2, 7, 28, 84). To explore the basis for reduced epidermal LC densities in plaques, a SCID-Hu animal model was utilized. Acute psoriatic lesions were created within 2 weeks by injection of superantigen-activated CD4+ T cells into engrafted symptomless skin. Results Compared with symptomless skin, untreated plaques had a significantly reduced density of epidermal LCs. There was a rapid increase in density of epidermal LCs in plaques following treatment with adalimumab beginning as early as day 7. The paucity of epidermal LCs in plaques was contrasted to the prominent density of LCs in other skin disorders with chronic inflammation and alterations in keratinization, including lichen planus and inflamed seborrhoeic keratosis. Rapid creation of plaques using the SCID-Hu model was accompanied by loss of epidermal LCs, indicating that diminished LC density occurs at an early stage of lesion formation. Conclusions These data shed light on a new immunopathological perspective highlighting a rapid loss of epidermal LCs in acute psoriatic lesions, with sustained decreased density of LCs in chronic plaques. Furthermore, an unexpected insight into the mechanism of action was uncovered for adalimumab, in which rapid restoration of epidermal LC density was observed.
A semiautomatic method for resistor testing

This article describes a semiautomatic resistor test method and explains how this method implements the gathering of data necessary for reliability predictions. Also explained are the constructional details of the test system, including the various units and associated hardware.
Genetic combining ability of glucoraphanin level and other horticultural traits of broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., Italica Group) is a source of glucosinolates and their respective isothiocyanate metabolites that are believed to have chemoprotective properties in humans. Glucoraphanin (4-methylsulfinyl-butyl glucosinolate) is a predominant glucosinolate of broccoli. Its cognate isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, has proven a potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes that protect cells against carcinogens and toxic electrophiles. Little is known about the genetic combining ability for glucosinolate levels or the types of genetic variation (i.e., additive vs. dominance) that influence those levels in broccoli. In this study, a diallel mating design was employed in two field experiments to estimate combining abilities for glucoraphanin content. The diallel population was developed by crossing nine doubled-haploid (inbred) parents in all possible combinations (36), excluding the reciprocals. Horticultural traits of all entries were assessed on a plot basis. In fall 2001, glucoraphanin concentration of broccoli heads ranged from 0.83 to 6.00 μmol/gdw, and in spring 2002, ranged from 0.26 to 7.82 μmol/gdw. In both years, significant general combining ability was observed for glucoraphanin concentration and total head content, days from transplant to harvest, head weight, and stem diameter. Conversely, no significant specific combining ability was observed for any trait in either year. Results indicate that a given inbred will combine with others to make hybrids with relatively predictable levels of head glucoraphanin as well as, other important horticultural traits. This should allow identification of inbreds that typically contribute high glucoraphanin levels when hybridized with others.
Abstract A46: Identification of ALDH1A3 as an important biomarker and therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cancer stem cells (CSCs)

A considerable amount of evidence reveals the important roles of cancer stem cells (CSCs, also called “cancer initiating cells”) in tumor growth, metastasis, relapse and drug resistance. Our group has identified lung CSCs in both lung cancer cell lines and patient tumor samples by their elevated Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and demonstrated that NSCLC patients whose tumors are enriched in ALDH+ cells have inferior survival, and that the ALDH+ subpopulations (ranging from 0.5 to 30% of tumor cells) are self renewing, and significnatly more clonogenic and tumorigencic (in xenograft models) than the ALDH− population. To further define the molecular profile of lung CSCs and to identify key pathways involved in lung CSC function we performed genome wide microarray expression profiling of isolated ALDH+ and ALDH− cell populations from 8 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines representing a variety of oncogenotypes to determine genes that are differentially expressed in these two populations. Strikingly we found that different lung cancers exhibited different ALDH+ cell population expression profiles but that the ALDH1A3 isozyme was one of the few commonly genes whose expression was elevated. (Previously our group and other investigators in lung and other cancers had found the ALDH1A1 and not ALDH1A3 isozyme to be a marker of the ALDH+ population). ALDH1A3 differential expression was confirmed by q RT PCR and elevated ALDH1A3 protein levels which in turn was correlated with the % of ALDH+ tumor cells in each tumor. ALDH1A3 mRNA levels in (N = 182) resected lung adenocarcinoma samples showe that the highest levels of ALDH1A3 were associated with inferior survival. Of great importance, shRNA mediated knockdown of ALDH1A3 dramatically reduced both NSCLC cell colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo demonstrating the functional importance of ALDH1A3 expression in NSCLCs. However, ectopic expression of ALDH1A3 in NSCLC cells did not enhance lung cancer cell growth and tumor formation, suggesting that ALDH1A3 alone is not sufficient to promote lung cancer progression. We conclude that ALDH1A3 is the predominant ALDH isozyme responsible for ALDH activity in NSCLCs of many oncogenotypes, is of potential prognostic importance, and a new therapeutic target for eliminating NSCLC stem cells.
ACL prevention programs: fact or fiction?

Neuromuscular training has a significant effect on reducing relative ACL injury risk in female athletes in high-risk landing and cutting sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and team handball.
Soliton fission and supercontinuum generation in silicon waveguides

We show through numerical simulations that silicon waveguides can be used to create a supercontinuum extending over 400 nm by launching femtosecond pulses as higher-order solitons. The physical process behind continuum generation is related to soliton fission, self-phase modulation, and generation of Cherenkov radiation. In contrast with optical fibers, stimulated Raman scattering plays little role. As low-energy(≈1 pJ) pulses and short waveguides (<1 cm) are sufficient for continuum generation, the proposed scheme should prove useful for practical applications.
The effect of prestimulus alpha activity on the P300.

Trials on which highly discrepant, auditory ‘oddball’ stimuli were presented were sorted into two bins on the basis of prestimulus alpha band RMS magnitude. The trial bins were then separately averaged to produce a ‘high alpha’ auditory ERP (event-related potential) and a ‘low alpha’ ERP for each subject. Study 1 found that larger amplitude P300s were obtained in the ‘high alpha’ ERP. No effect of alpha was found on the N100. Study 2 employed extra factors of stimulus intensity change (increases and decreases) and alpha measurement period (before and after the ‘oddball’ stimulus). It was found that P300 amplitude enhancement was independent of both stimulus intensity and the amount of alpha poststimulus. The data are discussed in terms of cascaded inhibition from the mesencephalic reticular formation to nucleus reticularis of the thalamus to a thalamo-cortical system responsible for the generation of both alpha and the P300.
Nanoscale electrical properties of wide-bandgap Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 and Cu 2 ZnSn(SSe) 4 thin films

We report microscopic characterization studies of wide-bandgap Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) and wide-bandgap Cu 2 ZnSn(SSe) 4 (CZTSS) thin films using the nanoscale electrical probes of scanning Kelvin force microscopy and scanning spreading resistance microscopy. These films were deposited by the co-evaporation of the elements in a vacuum. The CIGSe films are NREL's recently improved wide-bandgap devices. The potential imaging shows significant increase in surface potential roughness with increasing the bandgaps, indicating degradation of the film surface by charge-trapping defects. These defects are expected to significantly affect open-circuit voltage after the surfaces are turned to junction upon device completion. The resistance imaging shows increase in both the overall resistance and resistance nonuniformity, likely because of defect scattering to carrier transport.
A review of: Random fields: Analysis and synthesis

Abstract by Erik Vanmarcke, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1983, xi + 382 pp., $45.00
Time-resolved photon echo and fluorescence anisotropy study of organically doped sol-gel glasses

We present the first time resolved photon echo measurements of homogeneous dephasing of organic dopants in an inorganic sol-gel glass and compare these results with recent hole- burning experiments. In addition, energy transfer mechanisms and chromophore spatial distributions are investigated by time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements.
Interaction of N1-unsubstituted and N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamines at h5-HT6 receptors

Abstract Despite possessing a common tryptaminergic scaffold, examination of 28 (i.e., 14 pairs of) compounds suggests that N1-unsubstituted and N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamines likely bind at h5-HT6 receptors in a dissimilar manner (r2 = 0.201). Additionally, an examination of two rotationally constrained N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamine analogs indicates that a non-coplanar relationship between the two aryl groups might be preferred for interaction with the receptors.
The association between social withdrawal and internalizing problems of children.

Children identified as low-frequency interactors or socially withdrawn were compared to outgoing children to evaluate whether socially withdrawn children display concurrent internalizing problems. From a sample of 640 children in grades 2–5, 48 children were identified by teachers as lowfrequency interactors and 72 children were selected as outgoing or sociable. When these two groups were compared on a battery of teacher, peer, and selfreport measures that assessed internalizing difficulties, the lowfrequency interactors were found to display concurrent problems in adjustment. Children who rarely interacted with peers were less well liked by their peers, displayed poorer self-concepts, and were more depressed and anxious than sociable children. In contrast to these findings regarding internalizing problems, the two groups did not differ on measures of externalizing problems. The results lend support to the concurrent validity of the low-interaction method of identifying socially withdrawn children.
What Would Be Different if Higher Educational Institutions Were Learning Organizations

The problem and the solution.What would be different if we structured our colleges and departments in higher education to be learning organizations? Using the dimensions of a learning organization,...
T cells and B cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: recent insights and therapeutic opportunities.

Among the earliest pathologic events in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the infiltration of mononuclear cells into the skin lesion. This inflammatory cell in filtration precedes the development of fibrosis, suggesting an integral role for the presence of these cells in the fibrotic events observed in the lesion. However, immunosuppressive therapies that are effective in other autoimmune disease have not been successful in the treatment of SSc, making the clinical management of this disease very difficult. The aim of this paper is to review the latest findings regarding the activation and the functional polarization of T cells and their role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furthermore, the potential role of B cells, a hitherto scantily investigated inflammatory cell in SSc, is discussed. Understanding the interplay between T and B cells, and the processes that promote the fibrotic cytokine pattern seen in these patients is of utmost importance for the development of effective therapies to treat the clinical complications.
Correction for Unequal Intensities of Left and Right Circularly Polarized Light in Steady-State and Lifetime-Resolved Fluorescence-Detected Circular Dichroism

A major difficulty in fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) and lifetime-resolved fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (LRFDCD) is the generation of equal excitation intensities of left circularly polarized light (LCPL) and right circularly polarized light (RCPL). In the presence of unequal intensities, the observed FDCD signal of an optically active sample, or the resolved FDCD signals of a multicomponent system in the case of LRFDCD, will be contaminated by a factor that is the ratio of the two unequal intensities. For optically inactive samples, a sample-independent, artifactual, nonzero signal of constant magnitude is observed. A general scheme is presented for the correction of these inaccuracies caused by unequal intensities of LCPL and RCPL. Large differences between LCPL and RCPL excitation intensities were artificially introduced in steady-state FDCD measurements, and the artifact was accurately corrected by the scheme. Corrected results for the different experimental approaches that have been described for LRFDCD showed similarly good accuracy. In a related consideration, inclusion of the total absorbance and absorption circular dichroism of the sample in the calculation of the FDCD signal is shown to be essential for samples with high absorbances.
Dyslexia and sequential order errors in reading

This paper reports a study of the antecedent-consequent model of reading dysfunction and possible relationships between verbal spatial order memory and sequence errors in word reading. It provides data on the nature and frequency of such errors. Performance by normal and dyslexic readers on a number of tasks was compared. The study supports the hypothesis that sequence errors of dyslexic readers are related to a developmental lag.
Neural uptake of (1,2-3H)progesterone in ovariectomized rats, guinea pigs and hamsters: correlation with species differences in behavioral responsiveness.

The time-course of neural uptake, metabolism, and release of [1, 2-3H]progesterone was studied in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters in an attempt to correlate species differences in these measures with previously noted differences in behavioral responses to the hormone. The principal findings were: (1) Rat and guinea pig brain took up progesterone in the same pattern; highest uptake was found in the midbrain followed by the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. Midbrain uptake was highest in hamster brain, but no consistent uptake pattern was found in the other brain tissues. (2) Guinea pig brain seemed to have a higher affinity for progesterone (indicated by tissue/plasma concentration ratios) than hamster brain, which took up more hormone than rat brain. This pattern was especially striking in midbrain and hypothalamus, where intracerebral progesterone implants have been reported to affect sexual receptivity. (3) Guinea pig and hamster brain retained injected progesterone for a longer time than rat brain. (4) Rat and hamster brain metabolized progesterone more extensively than guinea pig brain. (5) It is suggested that the species differences in neural affinity for progesterone might be responsible for the differential sensitivity to the facilitatory actions of progesterone on estrous behavior. In addition, the prolonged retention of progesterone by guinea pig and hamster brain could be the basis for the post-estrous refractoriness to exogenous hormones found in these species.
Exact multi-membrane solutions in AdS7

We study the properties of an exact multi-membrane solution in seven-dimensional maximal SO(5)-gauged supergravity. Unlike previously known multi-centered solutions, the present one is asymptotically anti-de Sitter. We show that this multi-membrane configuration preserves only a quarter of the supersymmetries. When lifted to eleven dimensions, this solution is interpreted as a set of open membranes ending on self-dual strings on a stack of M5-branes, in the near M5 limit.
Tissue strength analysis of autologous and cadaveric allografts for the pubovaginal sling

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of autologous rectus fascia (ARF), two groups of commercially available cadaveric fascia lata commonly used in pubovaginal sling surgery [freeze-dried (FD) and solvent-dehydrated (SD)], and commercially available cadaveric dermal grafts (DG) evaluate differences in tissue strength and stiffness. We prospectively studied the maximum load to failure (MLF) and stiffness in 20 specimens of ARF, 20 specimens of FD, 20 specimens of SD, and 10 specimens of DG. Autologous fascia was obtained from patients undergoing pubovaginal sling operation utilizing rectus fascia. Cadaveric fascia was re-hydrated in saline. All specimens were then tailored into 1 × 1-cm samples and mounted onto the Instron tensiometer. Samples were loaded to failure at a 100% strain rate and force-elongation curves were generated. MLF was defined as the minimum force needed to tear the tissue. Stiffness was determined by the slope of the linear portion of the force/elongation curve between 5 and 15% strain. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test. There is no statistical difference in both MLF and stiffness among ARF, SD, and DG. These data show that MLF and tissue stiffness of SD and DG are comparable to that of ARF. FD has a significantly lower MLF and is significantly less stiff than ARF, SD, and DG. The SD cadaveric fascia lata allograft and the cadaveric dermal allograft may be suitable alternatives to ARF for pubovaginal sling surgery. Neurourol. Urodynam. 18:497–503, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
REID ON SINGLE AND DOUBLE VISION: MECHANICS AND MORALS

When we look at a tree, two images of it are formed, one on each of our retinas. Why, then, asks the child or the philosopher, do we not see two trees?1 Thomas Reid offers an answer to this question in the section of his Inquiry into the Human Mind entitled ‘Of seeing objects single with two eyes’. The principles he invokes in his answer serve at the same time to explain why we do occasionally see objects double. In Part I of this essay, I examine the principles Reid uses to explain single and double vision. This part is mostly an exercise in the history of cognitive science, but it raises questions of interest to philosophers along the way. In Part II, I turn to a hard-core philosophical problem raised by double vision, namely, whether double vision constitutes an objection to the direct realist theory of perception, which was one of Reid's main philosophical purposes to promote.
Flow properties of superfluid systems of fermions

The nonspherically symmetric solutions to the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory are given a physical interpretation in terms of an anisotropic fluid model. These solutions have been used previously to predict a phase transition in liquid by He{sup 3} by Emery and Sessler and Anderson, Morel, Brueckner, and Soda. An investigation of the flow properties of such systems is made that involves the calculation of the effective mass for flow in a straight channel and the moment of inertia of a cylindrical container of the liquid. The angular dependent energy-gap characteristic of this type of theory leads to an effective mass for flow that depends on the angle between the axis of symmetry of the fluid and the direction of flow. It also vanishes as the absolute temperature tends to zero, although not as rapidly as for a spherically symmetric gap. The moment of inertia, when the symmetry direction for the fluid and the rotation axis are the same, is simply related to the mass for flow.
Review article: the biology, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

SummaryBackground Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract with an increasing incidence. Aims To review the biology, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Methods A PubMed search using the phrases ‘Gastrointestinal stromal tumor’, ‘imatinib’, ‘c-kit’. Results The diagnosis of GIST is established by histology supplemented by the immunohistochemical marker CD117, which is positive in 95% of cases. The most common site of the tumour is the stomach. Most GIST are benign with 20–30% malignant. Five-year survival for malignant GIST ranges between 35% and 65% and depends primarily on tumour size, mitotic index and location. The malignant behaviour of GIST is best assessed by invasion of adjacent structures and distant metastases. The gold standard for treatment is surgical resection. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the primary therapy for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic disease. Conclusions Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are rare tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and they vary in presentation. When surgical resection is not achievable, imatinib is the treatment of choice.
Work-life benefits and positive organizational behavior: is there a connection?

Focusing on the employee well-being component of positive organizational behavior (POB), this study explores the relationship between organization provided benefit programs and POB. Specifically, we ask the question: are employees' use and perceived value of a work-life benefit package associated with their positive attitudes and behaviors in the workplace? Grounded in social exchange theory and the norm of reciprocity, we develop and estimate a model identifying differential relationships of benefit use and perceived benefit value with employee attitudinal and performance outcomes. Employing the multigroup method, the hypothesized model was fit to the data of two dissimilar organizations. Results support our hypothesis that providing work-life benefits employees use and/or value is part of a positive exchange between the employee and employer. This exchange is positively related to employees' feelings of perceived organizational support and affective commitment to the organization and reciprocation in the form of higher levels of task and contextual performance behaviors. Results also revealed that employees' perceptions of benefit program value play a critical role regardless of actual program use in influencing attitudes and behavior. Our findings emphasize the importance of valuing employees and investing in their well-being inside as well as outside the workplace. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clinical approach to exercise tolerance testing in coronary artery disease

Data from exercise tolerance testing should be incorporated into clinical decision making. A strategy for stratification of individual patients into high, indeterminate, and low-risk categories using Bruce protocol exercise testing is outlined. This approach will help to ensure further evaluation of high-risk individuals without excessive testing of patients having excellent long-term prognoses.
Habitat preferences of an arboreal forage lichen in a Sierra Nevada old-growth mixed-conifer forest

The arboreal forage lichen Bryoria fremontii (Tuck.) Brodo & D.Hawksw. appears sensitive to conditions of prolonged hydration in wet forests of British Columbia. I estimated the abundance of this l...
Hubble ultra deep field object surface brightness variation

The technique of adjacent pixel brightness variation in log scale was applied to ultra deep field objects captured by the Hubble telescope. The local surface brightness fluctuation has a Gaussian–like distribution implying a random accretion of material, with collisions, as a random-walk motion. The larger fluctuation of log brightness in the mid to outer regions of some galaxies is consistent with the presence of dark matter. The absence of such fluctuation enhancement in two i -drop candidates at z ∼ 3 may mean that some dark matter is the result of nucleosynthesis in the evolution process. Large fluctuation in the B+V bands in contrast to the i +z band near the center in an i -drop candidate at z ∼ 3 was interpreted to be an AGN center. The distribution average shifts towards zero for more spiral galaxies, signifying the use of local surface brightness fluctuation distribution as a morphology parameter.
A Hazard Analysis for a Generic Insulin Infusion Pump

Background:Researchers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Center for Device and Radiological Health/Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories have been exploring the concept of model-ba...
An automated colorimetric method for the measurement of 3-hydroxybutyrate concentration☆

Abstract An automated colorimetric method is presented for analysis of dl -3-hydroxybutyrate concentration using the Technicon AutoAnalyzer. The method is capable of measuring dl -3-hydroxybutyrate concentration in hemolyzed “blood” or plasma, with greater sensitivity and less enzyme than a previous automated method applicable only to serum.
Glycoproteomics enabled by tagging sialic acid- or galactose-terminated glycans

In this paper, we present two complementary strategies for enrichment of glycoproteins on living cells that combine the desirable attributes of “robust enrichment” afforded by covalent-labeling techniques and “specificity for glycoproteins” typically provided by lectin or antibody affinity reagents. Our strategy involves the selective introduction of aldehydes either into sialic acids by periodate oxidation (periodate oxidation and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation (PAL)) or into terminal galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine residues by galactose oxidase (galactose oxidase and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation (GAL)), followed by aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation with aminooxy-biotin to biotinylate the glycans of glycoprotein subpopulations with high efficiency and cell viability. As expected, the two methods exhibit reciprocal tagging efficiencies when applied to fully sialylated cells compared with sialic acid-deficient cells. To assess the utility of these labeling methods for glycoproteomics, we enriched the PAL- and GAL-labeled (biotinylated) glycoproteome by adsorption onto immobilized streptavidin. Glycoprotein identities (IDs) and N-glycosylation site information were then obtained by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry on total tryptic peptides and on peptides subsequently released from N-glycans still bound to the beads using peptide N-glycosidase F. A total of 175 unique N-glycosylation sites were identified, belonging to 108 nonredundant glycoproteins. Of the 108 glycoproteins, 48 were identified by both methods of labeling and the remainder was identified using PAL on sialylated cells (40) or GAL on sialic acid-deficient cells (20). Our results demonstrate that PAL and GAL can be employed as complementary methods of chemical tagging for targeted proteomics of glycoprotein subpopulations and identification of glycosylation sites of proteins on cells with an altered sialylation status.