cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antihypertensive effects of 1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine on on plasma renin activity and catecholamine responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract Fourteen 23 week old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into saline control or phospholipid (1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine) treatment groups. Four weeks of baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) measurements were determined via tail plethysmography. On week 25 of the baseline period a 1.5 ml blood sample was taken by tail clip for analysis of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and plasma renin activity (PRA). On the following week, a single injection of phospholipid (11 ug/kg, s.c.) was given to the experimental animals following baseline SBP and HR determinations. A similar procedure was employed for control subjects, except they received an injection of normal saline (0.5 ml, s.c). Systolic BP and HR responses were monitored for 24 minutes following the injection. A 1.5 ml blood sample was taken at the end of the 4th minute for NE, E, and PRA assays. A significant drop in SBP (202 ± 5 mmHg to 124 ± 6 mmHg) and an increase in HR (431 ± 17 bpm to 519 ± 21 bpm) were observed for experimental animals, but not for control subjects. Plasma NE increased significantly (446 ± 42 pg/ml to 1099 ± 77 pg/ml), but E remained unchanged following treatment with the phospholipid. Plasma renin activity increased for both groups, but this change was only significant for the experimental group (18.1 ± 5.7 ng Al/ml/hr to 34.3 ± 3.6 ng Al/ml/hr). Thus, it appears that 1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine i is a potent antihypertensive vasodilating agent which stimulates baroreceptor mediated sympathetic discharge to the heart and kidneys of the SHR.
The Kirchhoff theory for elastic pre-strained shells

Abstract Applying methods of Γ -convergence, we introduce and justify a variant of the Kirchhoff theory for pre-strained shells. The effective 2d energy represents bending relative to the desired Riemannian metric. We also develop the analogue of this theory in the presence of the incompressibility constraint with respect to the metric.
Identification of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids as Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factors

Endothelial cells release several compounds, including prostacyclin, NO, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), that mediate the vascular effects of vasoactive hormones. The identity of EDHF remains unknown. Since arachidonic acid causes endothelium-dependent relaxations of coronary arteries through its metabolism to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) by cytochrome P450, we wondered if the EETs represent EDHFs. Precontracted bovine coronary arteries relaxed in an endothelium-dependent manner to methacholine. The cytochrome P450 inhibitors, SKF 525A and miconazole, significantly attenuated these relaxations. They were also inhibited by tetraethylammonium (TEA),an inhibitor of Ca2+-activated K+ channels, and by high [K+]0 (20 mmol/L). Methacholine also caused hyperpolarization of coronary smooth muscle (-27 +/- 3.9 versus -40 +/- 5.1 mV), which was completely blocked by SKF 525A and miconazole. In vessels prelabeled with [3H] arachidonic acid, methacholine stimulated the release of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1alpha, 12-HETE, and the EETs. Arachidonic acid relaxed precontracted coronary arteries, which were also blocked by TEA, charybdotoxin, another Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor, and high [K+]0. 14,15-EET, 11,12-EET, 8,9-EET, and 5,6-EET relaxed precontracted coronary vessels (EC50, 1 X 10(-6) mol/L). The four regioisomers were equally active. TEA, charybdotoxin, and high [K+]0 attenuated the EET relaxations. 11,12-EET hyperpolarized coronary smooth muscle cells from -37 +/- 0.2 to -59 +/- 0.3 mV. In the cell-attached mode of patch clamp, both 14,15-EET and 11,12-EET increased the open-state probability of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel in coronary smooth muscle cells. This effect was blocked by TEA and charybdotoxin. These data support the hypothesis that the EETs are EDHFs.
A Test Of Objectification Theory: The Effect Of The Male Gaze On Appearance Concerns In College Women

This study extends the research on objectification theory by examining the effect of anticipating a male or female gaze on appearance-related concerns in 105 female undergraduates. Gaze anticipation was manipulated by having participants believe they would be interacting with a man or woman before completing several self-report measures. Results demonstrated that anticipating a male gaze produced significantly greater body shame and social physique anxiety than anticipating a female gaze, while no differences were observed for dietary intent. Discussion centers on the pervasiveness of the experience of self-objectification and the implications of these findings for future research.
A mathematical model to predict the inelastic response of a steel frame: Formulation of the model

The purpose of this research is to use data from experiments to formulate a mathematical model that will predict the non-linear response of a single-storey steel frame to an earthquake input. The process used in this formulation is system identification. The form of the model is a second-order non-linear differential equation with linear viscous damping and Ramberg—Osgood type hysteresis. The damping coefficient and the three parameters in the hysteretic model are to be established. An integral weighted mean squared error function is used to evaluate the [goodness of fit] between the model's response and the structure's response when both are subjected to the same excitation. The function includes errors in displacement and acceleration and is integrated from zero to a time T, which may be the full duration of the recorded response or only a portion of it. The parameters are adjusted using a modified Gauss-Newton method until the error function is minimized. The computer program incorporating these steps in the system identification process is verified with simulated data. Results given in the paper show that in every case the program converges in few iterations to the assigned set of parameters.
Effect of structured lipid on alveograph characteristics, baking and textural qualities of soft wheat flour

The effect of substituting canola oil/caprylic acid structured lipid (SL) for partially hydrogenated shortening (at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels) on the rheology of soft wheat flour dough (28.4% total lipid on flour weight basis, 43% moisture) was determined using the Alveograph. The effect of SL substitution on baking and textural qualities of sugar-snap cookies was also investigated. Addition of shortening to soft wheat flour dough resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in dough resistance to deformation (P), dough extensibility (L), and dough baking strength (W), suggesting a less developed gluten network. SL substitution for shortening did not affect P and W. The cookies incorporating SL (50 and 75% SL substitution) were similar (P<0.05) to the shortening control cookies in both baking and textural qualities, but exhibited some baking and textural quality differences at the 25 and 100% SL substitution levels. Correlations (P<0.05) were found between some Alveograph characteristics, and baking and textural qualities.
Adaptation to heat stress

From the physiological and anatomical point of view, the lateral visual field of the human operator is approximately 180�. Although a number of visual functions including visual acuity and the ability to detect light decrease in the peripheral regions, a normal observer generally makes discriminations out to 80� on either side of the midline and beyond. Such data as these are obtained primarily from standard experiments in which the subject, seated comfortably in an experimental room reports on the presence and nature of stimuli presented to his peripheral visual field. A different situation arises, however, When similar data are taken under non-standard laboratory conditions. If the subject is under physical or emotional stress, frightened, inexperienced, under the effects of drugs, etc., a decrement in the ability to detect peripheral stimuli is observed, This phenomenon has given rise to the concept of the functional visual field implying that although the anatomical and physiological mechanisms are present, stimuli presented to the periphery cannot be detected, or are detected at a lower level of efficiency, under conditions of stress. In connection with an experiment designed to determine the physiological effects of severe water loss as a result of heat stress, an opportunity was provided to also test the subject's ability to detect peripherally presented stimuli. Eight subjects worked on a standard treadmill according to a 20 minutes on-off duty cycle for six hours. The speed and inclination of the treadmill were adjusted so as to produce, on different days, either 5% or 2.5% weight loss. Half the subjects were male, half female, half lean and half obese. In addition, at the end of the 6 hour session, a maximum performance test was given to each subject. Data were obtained not only on the ability to detect peripheral thresholds, but also on central reaction time. The results indicate no effect whatsoever of any of the conditions of the experiment on any of the measurements taken. These data are in marked contrast to those of previous studies in which even the slightest changes in stimulus conditions produced loss of peripheral discrimination. The discrepancy between this and previous studies is attributed to the fact that the subjects had previous training in the use of the apparatus, that they were highly motivated, and that they were required to respond only for short prearranged duty cycles.
Estimates of derivatives of random functions I

Abstract Approximate formulas for the derivatives of functions of several variables contaminated by noise are given. Error estimates are derived. The formulas are optimal in some sense.
Learning from Each Other: A Portrait of Family-School-Community Partnerships in the United States and Mexico.

Family-school-community partnerships are critically important for the academic success of all students. Unfortunately, in the face of specific barriers, Mexican immigrants struggle to engage in partnership efforts. In the hopes of promoting the engagement of Mexican immigrant families in partnerships, this article presents the findings of a transnational ethnography, exploring family-school-community partnership experiences of Mexican nationalists in Veracruz and Mexican immigrants in North Carolina. A portrait of partnerships in Mexico is contrasted with a portrait of partnerships in the United States, highlighting similarities and differences in role, structure, and function. School counselors are offered strategies for utilizing the knowledge of partnerships in Mexico to promote and support the engagement of Mexican immigrants in partnerships in the United States.
Cloning and Expression of the Benzoate Dioxygenase Genes from Rhodococcus sp. Strain 19070

The bopXYZ genes from the gram-positive bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain 19070 encode a broad-substrate-specific benzoate dioxygenase. Expression of the BopXY terminal oxygenase enabled Escherichia coli to convert benzoate or anthranilate (2-aminobenzoate) to a nonaromatic cis-diol or catechol, respectively. This expression system also rapidly transformed m-toluate (3-methylbenzoate) to an unidentified product. In contrast, 2-chlorobenzoate was not a good substrate. The BopXYZ dioxygenase was homologous to the chromosomally encoded benzoate dioxygenase (BenABC) and the plasmid-encoded toluate dioxygenase (XylXYZ) of gram-negative acinetobacters and pseudomonads. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis failed to identify any plasmid in Rhodococcus sp. strain 19070. Catechol 1,2- and 2,3-dioxygenase activity indicated that strain 19070 possesses both meta- and ortho-cleavage degradative pathways, which are associated in pseudomonads with the xyl and ben genes, respectively. Open reading frames downstream of bopXYZ, designated bopL and bopK, resembled genes encoding cis-diol dehydrogenases and benzoate transporters, respectively. The bop genes were in the same order as the chromosomal ben genes of P. putida PRS2000. The deduced sequences of BopXY were 50 to 60% identical to the corresponding proteins of benzoate and toluate dioxygenases. The reductase components of these latter dioxygenases, BenC and XylZ, are 201 residues shorter than the deduced BopZ sequence. As predicted from the sequence, expression of BopZ in E. coli yielded an approximately 60-kDa protein whose presence corresponded to increased cytochrome c reductase activity. While the N-terminal region of BopZ was approximately 50% identical in sequence to the entire BenC or XylZ reductases, the C terminus was unlike other known protein sequences.
Do terminal deletions of 11q23 exist? Identification of undetected translocations with fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on bone marrow or peripheral blood cells thought to contain a del(11)(q23q25) from four patients who had acute leukemia or myelodysplasia. Cells from all patients were shown to contain translocations that involved chromosome 6 in three of them. Our data suggest that a large proportion of presumptive del(11)(q23) or del(11)(q23q25) chromosomes may represent previously unidentified translocations that can be detected by FISH. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An analysis of the efferent connections of the septal area in the cat.

Abstract The neuroanatomical organization of the efferent connections of the septal area in the cat was analyzed by the use of anterograde ([3H]leucine radioautography) and retrograde (horseradish peroxidase histochemistry) tracing techniques. The results indicate that the lateral septal nucleus projects to the nuclei of the diagonal band, preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, and supramammillary region. The projections of the septofimbrial nucleus supply the nuclei of the diagonal band and the medial habenular nucleus. Projection targets of the vertical limb of the diagonal band are widespread and include the preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, anterior limbic cortex, amygdala, medial habenular nucleus, interpeduncular nucleus and hippocampal formation. The projection from the vertical limb to the hippocampal formation is organized in a topographical manner in such a fashion that cells positioned near the midline project to the dorsal hippocampus and adjoining subicular cortex while fibers originating from cells situated more laterally project to more ventral parts of the hippocampal formation. In general, the projections from the horizontal limb were similar to those from the vertical limb, but several differences were noted. Fibers arising from the horizontal limb are distributed to the ventral tegmental area and interpeduncular nucleus but this region seems to lack a projection to either the habenular complex or to the ventral aspect of the hippocampal formation. Fibers arising from the bed nucleus of the anterior commissure are distributed to the preoptic region, lateral hypothalamus, supramammillary region, posterior aspect of the medial mammillary nucleus and lateral habenular nucleus.
Cavitation and fracture of mechanically alloyed aluminium at high homologous temperatures

The tensile behaviour of mechanically alloyed (dispersion strengthened) IN90211 was characterized at strain rates between 0.0001 and 340 sec−1 at temperatures between 425 and 475 ° C, At strain rates above 0.1 sec−1, superplastic elongations were obtained (maximum elongation 525% at 475 ° C, 2.5sec−1. Large elongations were possible due to the lack of cavitation, even though the strain-rate sensitivity was lower (m ≈ 0.25) than usually found in superplasticity. Cavitation was precluded by the morphology of the platelet-shaped grains in which low-angle subgrain boundaries were predominantly perpendicular to the tensile axis. Grain-boundary sliding was observed along high-angle grain boundaries which were generally parallel to the tensile axis. At the high homologous testing temperatures (0.76 to 0.81), concurrent grain-boundary sliding and lattice slip was made possible by the rapid lattice diffusivity and easy climb of lattice dislocations over dispersions in the matrix and grain boundaries.
Development of a second order approximation for the Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract The purpose of this paper is the development of a 2nd order finite difference approximation to the steady state Navier-Stokes equations governing flow of an incompressible fluid in a closed cavity. The approximation leads to a system of equations that has proved to be very stable. In fact, numerical convergence was obtained for Reynolds numbers up to 20,000. However, it is shown that extremely small mesh sizes are needed for excellent accuracy with a Reynolds number of this magnitude. The method uses a nine point finite difference approximation to the convection term of the vorticity equation. At the same time it is capable of avoiding values at corner nodes where discontinuities in the boundary conditions occur. Figures include level curves of the stream and vorticity functions for an assortment of grid sizes and Reynolds numbers.
A Raman Spectrometer-Minicomputer Data Acquisition and Analysis System

A minicomputer-based hardware and software system has been developed for the acquisition and analysis of Raman spectra. The interface is capable of controlling a Cary 82 laser-Raman spectrometer or other similar units. Software routines have been developed for instrument control and data acquisition and for the analysis and manipulation of Raman data. Routines for baseline correction, peak finding, and curve fitting have been investigated. Data smoothing techniques, including Fourier analysis methods, have also been utilized.
The use and significance of biologic markers in the evaluation and staging of a child with cancer.

Cellular and humoral markers of malignancy play several roles at many levels in the evaluation and staging of children with cancer. Cytogenetic analysis of constitutional cells can be used to determine the genetic risk of developing certain cancers, such as retinoblastoma and Wilms' tumor in high-risk families. Urinary metabolites of neuroblastoma have been studied not only for accurate diagnostic ability in children with “small round cell” tumors, but as a screen for the presence of the tumor in large normal populations. Markers are valuable as prognostic factors at the time of cancer diagnosis; for example, the use of cell surface antigens and cytogenetics in leukemia phenotyping, leading to alterations in initial therapy. Once found at diagnosis, both specific and nonspecific markers can then be utilized to follow the regression and recurrence of a malignancy, such as serum ferritin in neuroblastoma or lactate dehydrogenase in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Presence of cell surface antigens to which monoclonal antibodies can be directed are becoming increasingly helpful in both tumor localization, such as in radioisotope scanning, and in therapeutic intervention, such as in purging autologous bone marrow of malignant cells prior to use as a rescue after massive cytoreduction. Finally, cellular markers have lead to a better understanding of the basic biology of particular neoplasms; for example, gene rearrangements in lymphoma, which will ultimately lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic ability. Cancer 58:442-448, 1986.
Intestinal Microbiota Transplantation, a Simple and Effective Treatment for Severe and Refractory Clostridium Difficile Infection

Restoring normal fecal flora through intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) was successful in curing recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). However, only a few cases have been reported of IMT being utilized for the treatment of severe or fulminant CDI. Is IMT a simple and effective treatment for severe and recurrent CDI? In this retrospective study, we report 14 patients with severe CDI refractory to conventional medical therapy, who underwent IMT. Fresh donor stool specimen was manually homogenized with warm tap water, filtered through gauze and then instilled through nasogastric tube (NGT). The primary outcome was clinical cure, defined as less than 3 loose bowel movements a day on day 7 after IMT and no need for further CDI therapy. The secondary outcomes were recurrence of CDI within 100 days of IMT and 30-day mortality after IMT. Descriptive statistics were done. Fourteen patients with severe and refractory CDI received IMT. Mean age was 73.4 ± 11.9 years (range 52–92). IMT was given via NGT in 13 of the 14 patients. Eleven patients (79 %) achieved cure after IMT. No recurrence was seen in the patients who responded to IMT and were alive within the 100 day follow-up period. IMT was well tolerated. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 29 %, all 4 patients died as a result of their underlying cancer. No patients died as a result of CDI or IMT. IMT performed at the bedside via NGT is effective and safe for the treatment of severe and refractory CDI, and prevents recurrence.
The challenge of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

Infectious diseases have for centuries ranked with wars and famine as major challenges to human progress and survival. They remain among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Against a constant background of established infections, epidemics of new and old infectious diseases periodically emerge, greatly magnifying the global burden of infections. Studies of these emerging infections reveal the evolutionary properties of pathogenic microorganisms and the dynamic relationships between microorganisms, their hosts and the environment.
ADMINISTRATIVE LOBBYING EFFECTIVENESS: WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

This paper compares the administrative lobbying efforts of women's and environmental groups to nudge the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to conform with Congressional mandates. In 1973, Congress mandated that AID involve women in its development programs, and AID responded with the establishment of a small, resource-poor monitoring office whose leader nurtured a wider constituency for the issue. In contrast, AID ignored its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act, but once established environmental groups initiated a suit against AID, its General Council joined the environmental monitoring office and other executive branch advocacy units to increase environmentally sound programming. The progress of these two issues is compared, focusing on interest groups, internal AID structure, and the issues themselves.
Small area right angle bends fabricated with hybrid conventional and interference lithography

A technique to fabricate high-resolution, photonic features in selected areas aligned to large features such as waveguides, sources, or detectors without e-beam lithography is demonstrated. This low-cost parallel technique can be readily extended to produce resonant cavities and photonic-crystals integrated into conventional waveguide structures. A right-angle bend using integrated Bragg reflectors is designed and characterized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1300–1303, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22408
The use of the Trellis-6 thrombectomy device in the management of acute limb ischemia due to native vessel occlusion: challenges, tips, and limitations.

The role of endovascular therapy is expanding in the treatment of acute limb ischemia (ALI). In addition to catheter-based thrombolysis, there are multiple devices which allow for clot disruption and aspiration. The Trellis catheter system provides mechanical agitation of thrombus coupled with chemical thrombolysis. We present two cases of native arterial occlusions in which the Trellis catheter was used for thrombolysis. Procedural tips and challenges associated with the use of this device in native vessels are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreased Phosphorylation and Increased Methionine Oxidation of α-Synuclein in the Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A Knockout Mouse

Previously, we have showed that overexpression of methionine-oxidized α-synuclein in methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) null mutant yeast cells inhibits α-synuclein phosphorylation and increases protein fibrillation. The current studies show that ablation of mouse MsrA gene caused enhanced methionine oxidation of α-synuclein while reducing its own phophorylation levels, especially in the hydrophobic cell-extracted fraction. These data provide supportive evidence that a compromised MsrA function in mammalian brain may cause enhanced pathologies associated with altered α-synuclein oxidation and phosphorylation levels.
Extraction and purification of tRNA from fruit tissues

Abstract Readily measurable yields of undamaged t RNA were obtained from tomato, pear and apple fruits by phenolic extraction at pH 8.8, removal of interfering alcohol insoluble substances by precipitation with 0·2 volumes of iso -PrOH and final purification by DEAE chromatography. Various other commonly used extraction and purification procedures were tested and found to be less effective. Active synthetases were isolated from acidic fruit tissues by adequate control of pH and maceration in the frozen state. After acylation with a radioactively labelled amino acid, fruit isoacceptor t RNA species were separated by reverse phase chromatography.
Ich-1, an Ice/ced-3-related gene, encodes both positive and negative regulators of programmed cell death

We report here the isolation and characterization of Ich-1, a gene related to the C. elegans cell death gene ced-3 and the mammalian homolog of ced-3, interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE). Alternative splicing results in two distinct Ich-1 mRNA species. One mRNA species encodes a protein product of 435 amino acids (ICH-1L) that is homologous to both the P20 and P10 subunits of ICE (27% identity) and the entire CED-3 protein (28% identity). The other mRNA encodes a 312 amino acid truncated version of ICH-1L protein (ICH-1S). Overexpression of IchL induces programmed cell death, suggesting that Ich-1 is also a mammalian programmed cell death gene. More interestingly, overexpression of the Ich-1S suppresses Rat-1 cell death induced by serum deprivation. These observations suggest that Ich-1 plays an important role in both positive and negative regulation of programmed cell death in vertebrate animals.
Novel electrode designs for electrochemotherapy

Direct current pulses for electrochemotherapy treatment are typically administered using two parallel plate electrodes that are placed on either side of the tumor. This simple design has produced high response rates (70 to 85%) in animal studies and in clinical trials. However, parallel plate electrodes are not suitable for all situations. This study describes five novel electrode designs and compares their effectiveness to a parallel plate design for treating melanoma tumors in mice. Results for the 2 x 2 needle array design showed 50% increases in doubling time and in complete response rate compared to the standard parallel plate electrode.
Getting SMARTS on Novae: Highlights of the Early Evolution of Nova V475 Sct

There is a disconcerting global trend of retiring telescopes of modest aperture, supplanting them instead with fewer expensive telescopes of quite large aperture. As a consequence, the available time and feasibility of following transient objects in astrophysics is diminishing. We show the utility of having a suite of small to moderate aperture telescopes capable of conducting imaging and spectroscopic observations in a service queue mode. The example we provide is the high-cadence early observations of the classical nova V475 Scuti (2003) carried out with the SMARTS suite of telescopes located at CTIO.
Distance Education: The Role of the Site Advisory Committee

SUMMARY This paper describes the role of the Site Advisory Committee (SAC) as a link between the off-campus sites and the host university. The role of the SAC is to provide advice, regional perspectives, and suggestions for distance education program enhancement. SAC activities, structure, and a program evaluation plan will be addressed.
Relationship between land cover and insectivorous bat activity in an urban landscape

Despite the clear importance of conserving biodiversity in urbanized areas, research on how bats are influenced by urbanization has is only recently catching up to the more established body of research for urban birds. Much of the extant research has been limited to urban parks and other natural areas. Here I present the results of an acoustic survey of bats throughout the agricultural/forest/suburban/urban mosaic of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Activity indices by each of the six recorded species (Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, Lasiurus borealis, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Myotis sp., and Perimyotis subflavus) were used as response variables with land cover variables in a series of statistical models. Because bats may perceive the landscape at different scales, candidate models included land cover variables within 100, 500 and 1,000 m of the sampling location. Activity of L. noctivagans was negatively related to the amount of impervious surface and open habitat in the immediate landscape. L. borealis activity was positively correlated with immediate tree cover and with impervious surface at the 1,000 m scale. Tree cover and proximity to water were positively related to activity levels of Myotis sp., L. cinereus and P. subflavus, but only the latter was influenced by the amount of surrounding impervious surface. These results suggest that a one-size fits all approach to bat conservation in human modified landscapes is not appropriate, but also that certain species appear to do well in urban environments provided that there is sufficient tree cover.
Review article financing postsecondary education in the U.S.A.

The National Commission on the Financing of Postsecondary Education. (1973).Financing Postsecondary Education in the United States. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. (December).
Resource use by large catfishes in a reservoir: is there evidence for interactive segregation and innate differences?

Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, two large-bodied piscivore-omnivores in Lake Texoma, Texas-Oklahoma, U.S.A., showed very high overlap in food use, but substantial differences in use of habitat during the year. Both species primarily ate fishes, aquatic insects, vegetation and detritus, terrestrial insects, seeds and zooplankton, with overall overlap = 98%. Diet breadth indices were very similar (blue catfish=4.31, channel catfish = 4.53). Quantitative and qualitative feeding varied seasonally and food habits changed ontogenetically. Feeding intensity was greatest in winter and lowest in late summer. Aquatic insects were eaten more from May to October and fishes more in winter. At body sizes from 100 to 299 mm Ls, both species primarily ate aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, fishes or zooplankton, whereas the diets of individuals >300 mm Ls of both species were dominated by fishes. Overall, their overlap in distribution across major habitat types was only 58%, with blue catfish most abundant in deep water offshore, and channel catfish more common in shallow cove habitats. Blue catfish that did occur in coves were in the deeper parts of those habitats, essentially not occurring in the littoral zone. In lakes without blue catfish, channel catfish are widely dispersed in various habitats and it is suspected that displacement of channel catfish by blue catfish may influence habitat differences of the two species in Lake Texoma. Because the spatial separation of the species also reflects their typical interspecific differences in unimpounded drainages, however, the habitat differences observed in Lake Texoma probably also reflect evolved, historical differences in ecology of the two species.
The Pulmonary Manifestations of Left Heart Failure

Determining whether a patient's symptoms are the result of heart or lung disease requires an understanding of the influence of pulmonary venous hypertension on lung function. Herein, we describe the effects of acute and chronic elevations of pulmonary venous pressure on the mechanical and gas-exchanging properties of the lung. The mechanisms responsible for various symptoms of congestive heart failure are described, and the significance of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart disease is considered. While the initial clinical evaluation of patients with dyspnea is imprecise, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide levels may prove useful in this setting.
THE EVOLUTION OF 1 AU EQUATORIAL SOLAR WIND AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE HELIOSPHERIC CURRENT SHEET FROM SOLAR CYCLES 23 TO 24

The solar wind can be categorized into three types based on its 'freeze-in' temperature (T {sub freeze-in}) in the coronal source: low T {sub freeze-in} wind mostly from coronal holes, high T {sub freeze-in} wind mostly from regions outside of coronal holes, including streamers (helmet streamer and pseudostreamer), active regions, etc., and transient interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) usually possessing the hottest T {sub freeze-in}. The global distribution of these three types of wind has been investigated by examining the most effective T {sub freeze-in} indicator, the O{sup 7+}/O{sup 6+} ratio, as measured by the Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer on board the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) during 1998-2008 by Zhao et al. In this study, we extend the previous investigation to 2011 June, covering the unusual solar minimum between solar cycles 23 and 24 (2007-2010) and the beginning of solar cycle 24. We find that during the entire solar cycle, from the ascending phase of cycle 23 in 1998 to the ascending phase of cycle 24 in 2011, the average fractions of the low O{sup 7+}/O{sup 6+} ratio (LOR) wind, the high O{sup 7+}/O{sup 6+} ratio (HOR) wind, and ICMEs at 1 AU are 50.3%, 39.4%, and 10.3%, respectively;more » the contributions of the three types of wind evolve with time in very different ways. In addition, we compare the evolution of the HOR wind with two heliospheric current sheet (HCS) parameters, which indicate the latitudinal standard deviation (SD) and the slope (SL) of the HCS on the synoptic Carrington maps at 2.5 solar radii surface. We find that the fraction of HOR wind correlates with SD and SL very well (slightly better with SL than with SD), especially after 2005. This result verifies the link between the production of HOR wind and the morphology of the HCS, implying that at least one of the major sources of the HOR wind must be associated with the HCS.« less
Notes from the 2003 American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting.

C 9 KEY ASPAN LEADERS attended the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California from October 11 to 15, 2003. President Sandra Barnes, Vice President/ President Elect Dina Krenzichek, Director of Foundation Maureen Iacono, and ASPAN Liaison to the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Denise O’Brien attended the opening ceremonies on October 12 as President Barnes was introduced to the House of Delegates and officers of the ASA. On the following days, the ASPAN National Office Staff, Kevin Dill, CEO, and Dennis Johnson, Marketing & Exhibits Manager, met with exhibitors, while Ms. Barnes, Ms. Krenzichek, and Ms. O’Brien visited the exhibits, attended lectures and presentations, and participated in meetings of the Anesthesia Care Team and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation.
Simulation of a subharmonic excitation of series integrated resonant tunneling diodes

A subharmonic pulse excitation of an oscillator of series-integrated RTD's is considered and simulated. Linearized considerations are used to analyze the nonlinear system dominated by two major frequencies. A voltage-dependent current source is adopted to separate the input and output power for convenient simulation. Simulations show, for example, a 100-GHz integrated RTD oscillator can be excited by a 50-GHz pulse with 1-ns decay time without the DC instability problem, while a voltage ramp of 1-ns rise or fall time is far too slow to initiate such an oscillator. >
Is cutaneous malignant melanoma associated with the use of antibacterial soaps

Since 1960, the incidence of melanoma has increased dramatically in Caucasians worldwide, and during the past decade has risen at a rate of 6% a year in the USA. A hypothesis regarding this increased incidence suggests that the prevalent use of antibacterial soaps that contain photosensitizing compounds may be a risk factor for the development of cutaneous malignant melanoma. These antibacterial soaps were introduced in the 1960s and compounds with photosensitizing properties are still present in various soaps throughout the industrialized world. The use of these antibacterial soaps, in combination with sun exposure, leads to free radical production in the skin. These free radicals are hypothesized to cause damage to melanocytes, leading to the development of melanoma. Various epidemiological findings regarding melanoma are consistent with this hypothesis. A significant reduction in the number of new cases of melanoma could be achieved if this hypothesis is correct.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of New Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background—Dabigatran, an oral thrombin inhibitor, and rivaroxaban and apixaban, oral factor Xa inhibitors, have been found to be safe and effective in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of the 3 new agents based on data from their published warfarin-controlled randomized trials, using the method of adjusted indirect comparisons. Methods and Results—We included findings from 44 535 patients enrolled in 3 trials of the efficacy of dabigatran (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy [RELY]), apixaban (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation [ARISTOTLE]), and rivaroxaban (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation [ROCKET-AF]), each compared with warfarin. The primary efficacy end point was stroke or systemic embolism; the safety end point we studied was major h...
The Yentl syndrome is alive and well

This editorial refers to ‘Are we using cardiovascular medications and coronary angiography appropriately in men and women with chest pain?’[†][1], by N. Johnston et al. , on page 1331 and ‘Factors influencing underutilization of evidence-based therapies in women’[‡][2], by R. Bugiardini et al. , on page 1337 More women than men die annually from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in the developed world. This represents a reversal of fortune from previous decades and places women firmly as the new majority now impacted.1 Notably, the adverse IHD gender gap is the widest in relatively young women, where myocardial infarction (MI) mortality is 2-fold higher in women under 50 years compared with age-matched men.2 While it is now clear that there are many gender differences in IHD outcomes, including more frequent angina diagnosis, more office visits, more avoidable hospitalizations, higher MI mortality, and higher rates of heart failure in women compared with men,1 the aetiologies contributing to these differences are less clear. A number of paradoxes are evident with regard to sex differences in IHD.2 First, women have a higher prevalence of angina compared with men, yet have an overall lower prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Secondly, symptomatic women undergoing coronary angiography have less extensive and severe obstructive CAD, despite being older with a higher risk factor burden compared with men. Thirdly, despite relatively less obstructive CAD, women have a more adverse prognosis compared with men. We have hypothesized an alternative, female-specific pattern of IHD due to the relatively high frequency of microvascular coronary dysfunction (MCD) in symptomatic women with and without obstructive CAD3−5 which we have … [1]: #fn-2 [2]: #fn-3
Inhibition of the glycine decarboxylase multienzyme complex by the host-selective toxin victorin.

Victoria blight of oats is caused by the fungus Cochliobolus victoriae. This fungus is pathogenic due to its ability to produce the host-selective toxin victorin. We previously identified a 100-kD protein that binds victorin in vivo only in susceptible genotypes and a 15-kD protein that binds victorin in vivo in both susceptible and resistant genotypes. Recently, we determined that the oat 100-kD victorin binding protein is the P protein of the glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC). In this study, we examined the effect of victorin on glycine decarboxylase activity (GDA). Victorin was a potent in vivo inhibitor of GDA. Leaf slices pretreated for 2 hr with victorin displayed an effective concentration for 50% inhibition (EC50) of 81 pM for GDA. Victorin inhibited the glycine-bicarbonate exchange reaction in vitro with an EC50 of 23 microM. We also identified a 15-kD mitochondrial protein that bound victorin in a ligand-specific manner. Based on amino acid sequence analysis, we concluded that the 15-kD mitochondrial protein is the H protein component of the GDC. Thus, victorin specifically binds to two components of the GDC. GDA in resistant tissue treated with 100 micrograms/mL victorin for 5 hr was inhibited 26%, presumably as a consequence of the interaction of victorin with the H protein. Victorin had no detectable effect on GDA in isolated mitochondria, apparently due to the inability of isolated mitochondria to import victorin. These results suggest that the interaction of victorin with the GDC is central to victorin9s mode of action.
Ontogeny of Th1 Memory Responses against a Brucella abortus Conjugate

Naive T helper cells can differentiate into one of two subsets, known as Th1 or Th2, depending on the context of the initial stimulation they receive (10). In the presence of interleukin-12 (IL-12) Th1 cells, which secrete IL-2, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β), develop. On the other hand, induction of IL-4 favors the development of Th2 cells, which produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 (11, 25). Antibody class switching in the mouse is influenced by T-cell cytokines such that IFN-γ promotes secretion of immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) antibodies, and IL-4 promotes secretion of IgG1 and IgE (1, 4). T-cell subsets are also capable of cross-regulation: IFN-γ inhibits the actions of IL-4 on resting B cells, including secretion of IgE and IgG1 isotypes (18). IL-4, on the other hand, down-regulates the secretion of IFN-γ by CD4+ T cells (14). Antigen-specific responses have not been studied in detail at early stages of immune development. Host protection against intracellular infections, such as Brucella abortus infections, involves a Th1-like response (9). Heat-killed B. abortus (HKBA) has been shown to up-regulate the secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ (2, 12, 21) and is considered a strong Th1 stimulus (2, 19). We have recently demonstrated that a single injection of B. abortus, when injected together with ovalbumin adsorbed to alum (OVA-A) into adult mice, has the ability to abolish antigen-specific IgE-mediated allergic responses to repeated OVA-A challenge and to increase production of IgG2a in vivo (12, 13). This effect of B. abortus on isotype switching correlated with an increase in IFN-γ and a decrease in IL-4-secreting-cells (12). Thus, B. abortus has the ability to alter the antigen-specific cytokine profile from Th2- to Th1-like when injected together with OVA-A in adult mice. This has implications for mounting effective immune responses against B. abortus, as well as enabling B. abortus to be used as a vaccine adjuvant or carrier in situations where Th1 reactivity is beneficial. In this report we examine the ontogeny of this Th1-to-Th2 switch in young mice using OVA conjugated to HKBA (HKBA-OVA) as a Th1 stimulus. The results have implications for immunization and protection against bacterial infections. In addition, they provide insights into approaches that could prevent allergic disease.
Absorption and Conversion of 11,12-3H-β-Carotene to Vitamin A in Sprague-Dawley Rats of Different Vitamin A Status

The aim of this study was to determine the bioavailability and bioconversion to vitamin A of a single oral dose in oil or an aqueous dispersion of labeled beta-carotene in rats of different vitamin A status. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a vitamin A-deficient diet and supplemented for 4 wk with 0, 7, 21 and 63 micro g/(rat. d) of retinyl acetate. The rats, of different vitamin A status, were then given a single oral dose of 11,12-(3)H-beta-carotene (0.15 micro mol) dissolved in corn oil or dispersed in aqueous Tween 80. The rats were killed 4 or 24 h after the dose, and serum, liver, the entire digestive tract, other tissues, urine and feces were analyzed for carotenoids, retinoids and associated radioactivity. At 4 h after the dose, 85 +/- 9% of the administered radioactivity was recovered. Almost 50% of the dose was present as intact beta-carotene in the large intestine where further absorption and conversion was ruled out. The absorption of beta-carotene was very low, and < 5% of the radioactive dose was converted to retinoids. The absorption and conversion to vitamin A did not differ among rats of different vitamin A status. The results suggest that a single oral dose of beta-carotene might not be an effective way of raising vitamin A stores in the body.
A Morphometric and Immunopathologic Study of Retinal Photic Injury in Primate

Clinical, histopathological, and ultrastructural studies examining the pathogenesis of retinal photic injury in animal models were performed by methods and yielded important qualitative information1,2. Morphometric studies of retinal photic injury in rodents had provided us with additional understanding of the more subtle pathophysiologic factors. For example, with morphometric techniques, it was determined that superior and temporal quadrants of the rodent retina arc more sensitive to retinal photic injury than the inferior and nasal quadrants3; aging rats are more susceptible to retinal photic injury4; light-adapted animals suffer less than the dark-adapted animals5; and different schedules of light exposure inflicted different severity of retinal lesions6. Hormonal influences on the severity of retinal lesions have also been defined7. Furthermore, with morpho-metric comparative methods, pharmacologic agents such as vitamin C8, dimethylthiourea9, flunarizine10, dexamethasone11, and methylprcdnisolone12 were demonstrated to rescue photoreceptor cells from light exposure.