cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial observations of the effects of gamma radiation on oxygen consumption, 32P uptake and phycobiont of Cladonia sylvatica (L.) Hoffm.

Observations of gamma irradiated and non-irradiated podetia of Cladonia sylvatica (L.) Hoffm. with respect to oxygen consumption, 32 P uptake, and phycobiont damage indicated that the lichen was able to survive doses through 1000 krad for post-irradiation periods of at least 6 weeks. Physical damage, a slight browning of podetia, was noted immediately after doses of 2000 krad. No other macroscopic damage was noted at any of the other irradiation dosages. Oxygen consumption of the irradiated podetia paralleled that of the non-irradiated podetia indicating that the lichen survived the irradiation. Radiation damage was indicated by the reduced uptake of 32 P by podetia which had received 1000 krad. Phycobiont damage was noted 2 weeks after doses of 100 krad, and immediately after doses of 1000 krad and 2000 krad. However, less than 10 per cent of the algal cells showed damage after the 6-week experimentation period.
Glucose uptake and metabolism in the Trichinella spiralis nurse cell

Isolated Trichinella spiralis nurse cells transport a significantly greater amount of glucose/mg of protein than the normal skeletal muscle cell line (L6). V(max) and K(m) estimations revealed that nurse cells have a much higher saturation point than L6 cells for glucose. The effects of numerous physiological conditions (Na(+) concentration, pH, and temperature) on nurse cell glucose uptake were investigated. It was determined that sodium concentration had no effect on glucose uptake. Low ( 7.3) pH and low (5 degrees C) temperatures significantly effected glucose uptake. The two hormones, insulin and epinephrine, appeared to have little, if any, influence on the rate of glucose uptake by nurse cells. Glucose uptake was inhibited in the presence of 6-carbon carbohydrates. The H(+)/glucose symport inhibitors, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) and Carbonyl cyanide 4-trifluoromethoxyphenlhydrazone (FCCP), and the facilitated diffusion inhibitor phloretin also inhibited glucose uptake. Oubain, a Na(+)/glucose symport inhibitor, did not inhibit glucose uptake. These data, in conjunction with Western blot analyses, revealed that the transport of glucose occurs via H(+)/glucose symport and facilitated diffusion, perhaps through the glucose transport proteins GLUT 1 and/or 4. It was also demonstrated that nurse cells are capable of synthesising glycogen. It appears that glycogen is in a constant state of flux and physiological conditions, such as glucose concentration, significantly influence the synthesis of this macromolecule. We conclude that these results are consistent with the hypothesis that nurse cells, at least maintained in vitro, are metabolically highly active but show significant divergence from normal muscle cells in several fundamental aspects of sugar metabolism.
Interest in internet lung cancer support among rural cardiothoracic patients.

Background The Internet may provide an alternative option for rural lung cancer patients who lack access to on-site cancer support; however, Internet access and use among rural patients is unknown. Methods An anonymous waiting-room survey was administered to all outpatient cardiothoracic surgery patients over 3 mo. Survey questions included age, gender, and diagnosis, possession of a home computer and Internet service, estimated Internet use, and use of the Internet for health information. Patients with known or suspected lung cancer were asked to indicate their interest in on-site and Internet cancer support. Results There were 597 returned surveys (response rate 96%). The mean age was 64.6 y (SE 0.55), and 58% were men. Diagnoses included known or possible lung cancer (15.4%), lung disease (9.5%), heart disease (30.4%), other diagnoses (13.9%), and undetermined (30.6%). There were 343 patients (57.4%) with a home computer and 299 (50.1%) with home Internet service. Average Internet use was 8.5 h per wk ( n = 298), and 225 patients used the Internet for health information. Of the 92 patients with lung cancer, 10 indicated interest in on-site support services while 37 expressed interest in Internet-based support. Conclusions Based on survey results, a slight majority of rural patients have a home computer and Internet access. Internet use for health information appears relatively common. Overall interest for support services among lung cancer patients appears modest with a greater interest in Internet-based services compared with on-site support.
Correlation of Magnetic Susceptibility, Electrical Conductivity, and Structural Parameters of Ti3O5 via EPR Spectroscopy

Variable temperature EPR studies of polycrystalline Ti3O5 have been interpreted in relation to magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and X-ray diffraction data obtained on samples from the same chemical run. Electronic mobility and electrical conductivity values have been calculated in both the metallic and semiconducting regions of Ti3O5 and have been discussed in relation to the experimentally determined conductivity values of Bartholomew and Frankl. In addition, the multiplet structure observed in the EPR spectrum has been interpreted in terms of an anisotropic g-factor and the randomness of the polycrystalline sample. EPR-Untersuchungen bei variabler Temperatur an polykristallinem Ti3O5 werden in Verbindung mit Werten der magnetischen Suszeptibilitat, elektrischen Leitfahigkeit und Rontgenbeugung interpretiert, die an Proben derselben chemischen Charge erhalten wurden. Werte der Elektronenbeweglichkeit und elektrischen Leitfahigkeit werden sowohl fur den metallischen als auch den halbleitenden Bereich von Ti3O5 berechnet und bezuglich der experimentell bestimmten Leitfahigkeitswerte von Bartholomew und Frankl diskutiert. Daruber hinaus wird die im EPR-Spektrum beobachtete Multiplettstruktur mit einem anisotropen g-Faktor und der zufalligen Verteilung der polykristallinen Probe interpretiert.
Editing Conservatism: How National Review Magazine Framed and Mobilized a Political Movement

This article examines how National Review magazine helped to spark the 1960s American conservative movement through its particular framing of conservatism and how the magazine has worked to sustain that influence even until today. Using research on frame alignment in social movements, the first issue of National Review is analyzed and placed in context with contemporaneous events and publications. The creation and editing of the magazine is found to parallel the creative and deliberate framing of the early conservative movement. The implications of National Review's success for today's political movements and for creators of political media messages are also discussed.
The Relationship Between Arm-Ankle Pressure Difference and Peak Systolic Velocity in Patients With Stenotic Lower Extremity Vein Grafts

The relationship between the measured arm-ankle pressure difference (AAPD), or the ankle/arm index (AAI), and the focal peak systolic velocity (PSV) at stenotic sites of infrainguinal vein grafts has not been determined. We attempted to relate these two parameters. We used Doppler systolic pressures and duplex ultrasonography to study 35 infrainguinal vein bypass grafts followed in a surveillance protocol. The following graft groups were identified: grafts in nondiabetic patients (n = 26), grafts in diabetic patients (n = 9), nonrevised stenotic grafts (n = 14), revised stenotic grafts (n = 14), and normal grafts (n = 7). AAPD and AAI were measured in both lower extremities. Pressure gradients across graft stenoses were indirectly estimated using the modified Bernoulli equation (delta P =4V2). Measured AAPDs and estimated pressure gradients showed moderate correlation in nondiabetic (r = 0.58) and diabetic (r = 0.63) patients. Correlation was fair (r = 0.3) prior to graft revision. There was no correlation (r = 0.1) in the nonrevised stenotic grafts. For individual patients with stenotic grafts who were followed in consecutive visits, the correlation varied from none to good (r range 0.01 to 0.71). We conclude that there is a lack of consistent correlation between the measured AAPD, or AAI, and the estimated stenotic graft pressure gradient. This finding illustrates the limitation of the AAI as a monitoring test to predict failure of stenotic infrainguinal vein grafts.
Effects of dexamethasone in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the neonatal rat.

To clarify the effects of corticosteroids in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, 7-day-old rats were subjected to unilateral common carotid artery ligation and hypoxia (Levine procedure) after bei
Social Internet Sites as a Source of Public Health Information

Social media websites, such as YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Second Life® are rapidly emerging as popular sources of health information especially for teens and young adults. Social media marketing carries the advantages of low cost, rapid transmission through a wide community, and user interaction. Disadvantages include blind authorship, lack of source citation, and presentation of opinion as fact. Dermatologists and other health care providers should recognize the importance of social media websites and their potential usefulness for disseminating health information.
Microenvironment of a corn-soybean-oat strip intercrop system

Abstract The microenvironment of a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)–oat (Avena sativa L.) narrow strip intercrop system was studied on four farms in Iowa, USA during 1991–1993 (one or two farms studied each year) with the objective of explaining previously observed patterns of strip-crop yields. Air and soil temperatures, humidity, wind, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for each row in a strip were recorded continuously during 4–13-day periods several times during each growing season; short-term measurements of light extinction through the corn and soybean canopies were made late in the 1993 growing season. Soybean biomass in September 1993 was also determined. Early in the growing season, there typically were no significant differences among rows within a strip in any environmental or growth variable. Later in the growing season, daily PPFD received varied more across each strip than any other environmental variable measured; the outer side of edge rows of corn in north–south rows typically received significantly higher daily PPFD (2–38% more) than inner rows in the strip, while the outside of the soybean row furthest from corn received 36–140% greater PPFD than the corn-side of the row next to the corn strip. Soybean height; leaf mass per leaf area; and leaf mass, stem mass, and pod mass per unit land area in September were strongly related to daily PPFD, with all except height increasing with greater PPFD. Total biomass increased by 32% from the row closest to corn to the row furthest from corn, although there was no change in the ratio of leaf:stem:pod with row position. Thus, PPFD varied the most across the strips of any environmental variable, and crop growth was closely related to PPFD received.
Neural tube defects and herbal medicines containing lead: A possible relationship

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common cause of potentially preventable congenital malformations in the human fetus. Even with the universal folate supplementation the incidence of NTDs remain higher is developing world than the industrialized countries. We think that lead, a component of many herbal medicines taken during pregnancy for generalized well being of mother and fetus may have a role to play. Lead, a bivalent ion, competes with zinc for crossing into the gut wall and hence slowly decreases the zinc stores in the body and replaces them with lead. As zinc is required at many steps in the absorption and synthesis of biologically active folate moiety, this state of zinc deficiency leads to lack of folate in the metabolically active cells. Hence, the DNA repair and nucleic acid biosynthesis are largely affected in the rapidly dividing embryo leading to NTDs and other abnormalities. We suggest that the marketing of the herbal medicines should be regulated and scientific studies should be carried out on them in order to know their potential effects.
Location of Transient Gamma-Ray Sources with Thin Flat Scintillators

Thin flat slabs of scintillator are a useful means of measuring angular location of gamma-ray fluxes of astronomical interest. A statistical estimate of position error has been made of two scintillator systems suitable for gamma-ray burst location from a balloon or satellite platform. A single rotating scintillator with associated flux monitor is compared with a pair of stationary orthogonal scintillators. Position error for a strong burst is of the order of a few arcmin if systematic errors are ignored.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of halide ions on colloidal silver: Simulation of silver-halide ion spectra

Abstract The surface enhanced Raman spectra of halide ions adsorbed on colloidal silver surfaces can be explained by an interacting dipole model of a discrete adsorbate superlattice. Both (100) and (111) surfaces have been modeled, and simulated spectra for a range of adsorbate coverage fractions and sol particle facet sizes give good agreement with experimental spectra. The model is useful for assessing the nature and extent of adsorbate coverage at the aqueous-metal interface.
Additional Comments Relating to the Choice between Absorption and Fluorescent Techniques

In a recent article, the absorption and fluorescence techniques were compared quantitatively for low concentration measurements with signal/noise ratio (SNR) considerations. The approach used is basically correct. It provides a simple but powerful means to focus on the basic SNR differences between fluorescence and absorption measurements. Some of the final conclusions reached in Ref. 1 are incorrect or not valid in some cases due to errors in some of the equations and due to some assumptions made. The purpose of this article is to correct the incorrect equations and to reevaluate certain conclusions.
Se exposure and temperature tolerance of fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas

1. 1.Upper temperature tolerance of fathead minnows, as measured by their critical thermal maxima (CTM), was significantly decreased by 24-h exposure to sublethal concentrations of selenate-Se. 2. 2.The best-fit least-squares model equalled: CTM (in °C) = 35.20 − 0.0016 (mg Se/l)2, with r = −0.70 and P < 0.01. The mean CTM of minnows exposed to the highest Se concentration, 58.8 mg/l, was nearly 6°C below the control mean of 35.1°C. This exposure concentration represents 72% of the selenate-Se 24-h LC50 for fathead minnows.
Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and radical prostatectomy in the treatment of clinical stage T3 cancer of the prostate

We evaluated the results of a treatment protocol that consisted of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy followed by radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinical stage T3 (cT3) prostate cancer. Sixty-six patients with cT3 prostate cancer underwent staging procedures that included metastatic work-up and evaluation under anesthesia. Neoadjuvant hormonal treatment was given for 3 to 6 months, followed by re-evaluation under anesthesia. Patients considered to have a resectable prostate following neoadjuvant treatment underwent operation. Disease-free survival [prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 0.1 ng/ml] was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method for cT3 patients and for a group of patients with clinical stage 1 and 2 disease (cT1-2), who underwent RRP without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Patients with pT3 disease in both groups received early adjuvant radiation treatment. Patients in the cT3 group who were not clinically downstaged were treated with radiation. Patients with positive lymph nodes continued hormonal therapy. The pretreatment PSA for the cT3 group was 43.6 ± 55.6 ng/ml, and 10.64 ± 7.18 ng/ml for the cT1-2 group (p < 0.05). Of 66 cT3 patients, 53 (80%) were clinically downstaged and operated on and 47 (71%) underwent RRP. At 36 months, there was no significant difference in the PSA relapse rate between these two groups; both had significantly lower rates than did patients in the cT3 without RRP. At 48 months, 79% (21 patients) of the patients in the cT3-RRP group were disease free compared with 50% of those in the cT3 without RRP (4 patients). Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy for stage cT3 prostate cancer selects patients whose cancer can be controlled by RRP for an extended period of time.
TLR2 Signaling is Required for the Innate, but Not Adaptive Response to LVS clpB

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is the best characterized pattern-recognition receptor for the highly pathogenic intracellular bacterium, Francisella tularensis. We previously identified a mutant in the live vaccine strain (LVS) of Francisella, LVS clpB, which is attenuated, but induces a protective immune response. We sought to determine whether TLR2 signaling was required during the immune response to LVS clpB. TLR2 KO mice previously infected with LVS clpB are completely protected during a lethal challenge with LVS. Furthermore, the kinetics and magnitude of the primary T cell response in B6 and TLR2 KO mice are similar indicating that TLR2 signaling is dispensable for the adaptive immune response to LVS clpB. TLR2 signaling was important, however, for the innate immune response to LVS clpB. We identified three classes of cytokines/chemokines that differ in their dependence on TLR2 signaling for production on day three post-inoculation in the broncheoalverolar lavage fluid. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-17, MIP-1α, and TNF-α production depended on TLR2 signaling while GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and VEGF production were completely independent of TLR2 signaling. IL-6, IL-12, IP-10, KC, and MIG production were partially dependent on TLR2 signaling. Together our data indicate that the innate immune response to LVS clpB requires TLR2 signaling for the maximal innate response whereas TLR2 is not required for the adaptive immune response.
Fenvalerate-induced aerial dispersal by the twospotted spider mite

In response to residue of a sublethal dose of the synthetic pyrethroid fenvalerate, twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, exhibited an aerial dispersal behavior in addition to a previously documented walk-off response. The magnitudes of the two responses were positively correlated, although the peak incidence of aerial dispersal behavior occurred 1.3 h after the peak of walk-off. Mite response was the same on treated and untreated non-feeding surfaces (31.2 and 36.2% walk-off, 58.4 and 55.6% aerial, respectively), suggesting that fenvalerate did not induce dispersal by direct irritancy. Response on treated leaf disks (40.6% walk-off, 41.6% aerial) was similar to that on the non-feeding surfaces, but few mites exhibited dispersal behaviors on untreated leaf disks (7% walk-off, 0% aerial). The difference between mite dispersal from treated and untreated leaf disks was attributed to a direct antifeedant effect of fenvalerate, which was thought to hasten desiccation by preventing imbibition. This hypothesis was supported by experiments in which mites on non-feeding surfaces responded more rapidly and in greater numbers when held at 10% relative humidity than at 95% r.h. regardless of fenvalerate residues on the substrate. The relationship among the different types of fenvalerate-induced mite dispersal behavior is discussed.
Testing Theories of Risky Decision Making Via Critical Tests

Whereas some people regard models of risky decision making as if they were statistical summaries of data collected for some other purpose, I think of models as theories that can be tested by experiments. I argue that comparing theories by means of global indices of fit is not a fruitful way to evaluate theories of risky decision making. I argue instead for experimental science. That is, test critical properties, which are theorems of one model that are violated by a rival model. Recent studies illustrate how conclusions based on fit can be overturned by critical tests.
Phosphate binders, Vitamin D and Calcimimetics in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorders (CKD-MBD) in Children

In order to minimize complications on the skeleton and to prevent extraskeletal calcifications, the specific aims of the management of chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) are to maintain blood levels of serum calcium and phosphorus as close to the normal range as possible, thereby maintaining serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) at levels appropriate for CKD stage, preventing hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands, avoiding the development of extra-skeletal calcifications, and preventing or reversing the accumulation of toxic substances such as aluminum and β2-microglobulin. In order to limit cardiovascular calcification, daily intake of elemental calcium, including from dietary sources and from phosphate binders, should not exceed twice the daily recommended intake for age and should not exceed 2.5 g/day. Calcium-free phosphate binders, such as sevelamer hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate, are safe and effective alternatives to calcium-based binders, and their use widens the margin of safety for active vitamin D sterol therapy. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent across the spectrum of CKD, and replacement therapy is recommended in vitamin D-deficient and insufficient individuals. Therapy with active vitamin D sterols is recommended after correction of the vitamin D deficiency state and should be titrated based on target PTH levels across the spectrum of CKD. Although the use of calcimimetic drugs has been proven to effectively control the biochemical features of secondary hyperparathyroidism, there is very limited experience with the use of such agents in pediatric patients and especially during the first years of life. Studies are needed to further define the role of such agents in the treatment of pediatric CKD-MBD.
Effective linear programming based placement methods

Linear programming (LP) based methods are attractive for solving the placement problem because of their ability to model Half-Perimeter Wirelength (HPWL) and timing. However, it has been technically difficult to model overlaps in LP. This difficulty in modeling overlaps restricted the domain of LP-based methods to incremental placers, where LP is used to calculate the optimal locations of a small subset of cells with no regard to overlaps. In this paper, we enlarge the scope of LP-based methods from just operating on a small subset of cells to operating on all cells of a functional block circuit. We show how to model, reduce and prevent overlaps in LP-based placement flows. We use our ideas to construct (1) a global optimal whitespace allocator, and (2) a global overlap remover and cell spreader. We also modify our methods to fit in a timing-driven placement flow. Compared to our default industrial flow, our results show an improvement by an average of 7.64% in wirelength, and by an average of 21% in total negative slack. Furthermore, we conduct a benchmarking study, where we surprisingly show that academic placers fail to consistently produce good results on relatively small functional blocks.
Augmented reality imaging technology for orthopaedic surgery

Augmented or hybrid reality is a display technique that combines the real world with the virtual world; it permits digital images or preoperative planning information to be combined with the surgeon's view of the real world. This technique gives surgeons “x-ray vision” without the use of ionizing radiation, allowing them to visualize parts of the patient's anatomy that are not typically exposed during a surgical procedure. Augmented reality can increase the surgeon's view of unexposed bones and other tissues during surgery while using less invasive techniques. These visualization devices will also allow the surgeon to view preoperatively determined locations of incisions and real-time medical images with proper spatial alignment during surgery. Augmented reality will eventually enable less invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques that are not technologically feasible at this time. In this article, the augmented reality technique is described and illustrated, showing examples of already existing medical systems that use this display technology. Possible orthopaedic applications of augmented reality are presented as well as current research and practical issues associated with making augmented reality a commonplace tool in surgical practice.
Modulation of outer hair cell compliance and force by agents that affect hearing

Force generated by outer hair cells is thought to be an essential source of mechanical input to the normal cochlea. Many disease processes in the inner ear act via outer hair cells. It is therefore plausible that such disease processes modulate outer hair cell force generation. The force generated by an isolated, electrically stimulated outer hair cell against a load may be represented by an intrinsic motor and a passive axial stiffness in series. Thus modulation of outer hair cell force generation may occur either by action on the motor or indirectly by an action on cell stiffness. In this study, the effects of agents that affect hearing on outer hair cell stiffness and force generation have been examined. Overstimulation and hypoosmotic challenge caused cells to decrease in length and increase in stiffness. The force generated by a constant voltage stimulus increased consequent to the stiffness increase. Hyperosmotic challenge elicited a stiffness decrease and a force decrease. In contrast, salicylate caused a decrease in force without stiffness change. The results suggest that outer hair cell force generation in vivo may be modulated in at least two ways.
Investigation of swellable poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) based hydrogels for drug delivery

Abstract The thermo-sensitive properties of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogels are modified by the addition of hydrophilic acrylamide comonomers and an interpenetrating network of sodium alginate for drug delivery applications near 37 °C. A mathematical model is presented to describe the mass transport kinetics during the hydrogel drug delivery process, which is accompanied by a volume change during phase transition. In this model, the transport in the polymer matrix is described by Fick's second law in cylindrical coordinates, with concentration dependent diffusion coefficients. The moving boundary problems caused by the polymer matrix swelling are also solved by numerical simulation. The models show that the Trypan blue release from the modified PNIPA-based hydrogels is strongly concentration dependent. The sodium alginate component is also shown to effectively facilitate the diffusion process. The results from the simulation are in good agreement with the measurements of diffusion and swelling observed from in vitro experiments. The implications of this work are also discussed for practical drug delivery systems.
The role of the thalamus in neuro-cognitive dysfunction in early unilateral hemispheric injury: A multimodality imaging study of children with Sturge–Weber syndrome

Background Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) with unilateral hemispheric involvement is a clinical model of early onset, chronic, often progressive hemispheric injury, resulting in variable neuro-cognitive impairment. Aims To evaluate if abnormal diffusion and metabolism of the thalamus, a central relay station with extensive cortical connections, may serve as a simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive dysfunction in SWS. Methods We obtained both diffusion tensor imaging and FDG PET in 20 children (11 girls; age range: 3–12.4 years) with unilateral SWS. Diffusion parameters as well as FDG uptake were measured in thalami, compared to normal control values, and correlated with the extent of cortical hypometabolism, deep venous abnormalities and cognitive (IQ) as well as fine motor functions. Results Children with SWS had significantly higher thalamic glucose metabolic asymmetry than controls (p = 0.001). Thalamic metabolic asymmetries correlated positively with the asymmetry of thalamic diffusivity (p = 0.001) and also with the extent of cortical hypometabolism (p < 0.001). Severe thalamic asymmetries of glucose metabolism and diffusion were strong predictors of low IQ (metabolism: p = 0.002; diffusivity: p = 0.01), even after controlling for age and extent of cortical glucose hypometabolism in children with left hemispheric involvement. Ipsilateral thalamic glucose hypometabolism was also associated with impairment of fine motor functions (p = 0.002). Conclusions Both diffusion and glucose metabolic abnormalities of the thalamus are closely related to cognitive functions, independent of age and cortical metabolic abnormalities, in children with unilateral SWS. Thalamic metabolic asymmetry is a robust but simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive outcome in children with early unilateral hemispheric injury caused by Sturge–Weber syndrome.
Irradiation-induced densification and PuO2 particle behavior in mixed-oxide pellet fuel

Abstract The in-reactor densification characteristics of mixed-oxide fuels and the extent of thermal and irradiation-induced U,Pu homogenization in mechanically blended, mixed-oxides for thermal reactors were investigated. These results are compared with the behavior of UO2 fuels irradiated under similar conditions. There are many similarities in the densification behavior of mixed-oxide and UO2 fuel types. Mixed-oxide fuel densification was not sensitive to plutonia concentration up to 6 wt% or PuO2 particle size covering a range from effectively zero to 500 μm dia. As in UO2 fuels, the densification behavior of the mixed-oxide fuel types is related to microstructural features such as grain size and pore size and can be predicted by behavior during out-of-reactor isothermal resintering tests. Significant PuO2 homogenization can occur during irradiation to relatively low burnups at fuel temperatures greater than about 1520°C. It was also shown that significant irradiation-induced PuO2 homogenization occurred at fuel temperatures as low as about 520°C at a fission rate of 6 × 10 12 f/cm3-sec.
Incarceration and blood pressure

Abstract Blood pressures of 912 male prison inmates are reported. Significantly lower pressures than those of the general population were found. The prevalence of hypertension was only 6% when defined by pressures in excess of 140/90 mm Hg. The association of blood pressure and incarceration was independent of age, sex, weight or race. The study was undertaken to establish mean pressures in a population in a stressful environment. The relationship of the expression of hostility, as measured by incarceration, to the control of blood pressure is discussed This population may represent one whose expression of hostility results in incarceration but has a blocking effect on the development of hypertension.
Effect of estrogen on rabbit gallbladder prostaglandin biosynthesis

Male and female gallbladder prostaglandin biosynthesis was compared by radiochromatographic analysis of microsomal membrane fractions. Normal female rabbit gallbladder total prostaglandin activity was 10-fold higher than the normal male rabbit gallbladder total prostaglandin activity. The normal male rabbit extracts produced PGF2 alpha and PGE2 as the major arachidonic acid metabolites. The normal female rabbit extracts synthesized PGI2 and PGE2 (20-fold higher activity than the normal male) as the major arachidonic acid metabolites present. The effect of estrogen was studied by comparing prostaglandin activity in ovariectomized female rabbits given high-dose estrogen, low-dose estrogen, and no estrogen. The zero estrogen group prostaglandin activity was 5-fold lower than the normal female group. Treatment with low- or high-dose estrogen restored the gallbladder prostaglandin activity to the level of the normal rabbit gallbladder prostaglandin activity.
IR-induced DNA damage is reduced in normal fibroblasts and enhanced in cancer cells by gammatocotrienol

Gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) is an isoform of vitamin E with high anti-oxidant activity. Studies by us have demonstrated that GT3 has low-toxicity and protects mice from lethal irradiation. A study on a limited number of mice has indicated that protective activity of GT3 is selective towards normal tissues, while towards tumors it acts as a radio-sensitizer. The mechanism of selectivity is still unknown. It has been proposed that GT3 accumulates in the tumor as a pro-oxidant quinone and enhances radiation-initiated oxidative stress while in normal cells GT3 act as an anti-oxidant. Oxidative stress from radiation results in DNA-damage and cell death. To study the mechanisms of differential response of GT3 to cancer and normal cells, we used MCF-7 breast cancer cells and AG01522 normal cells incubated in vitro with GT3 and irradiated. Following radiation, these cells were used to determine whether the presence of GT3 reflects in differential levels of DNA-damage. Material and methods: AG01522 normal fibroblasts and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were used for this study. Toxicity and proliferation were measured with the WST-1 assay. Viability was measured with CitoTox-One assay and Trypan Blue exclusion method. γ-H2AX immunostain was used to assess DNA-damage. Irradiation was done using a Co source (2 Gy, 0.6 Gy/min). Survival was determined by clonogenic assay. Results: Most radio-protectors/sensitizers fail in the clinical settings because of their high toxicity. GT3 exhibits levels of toxicity which are cell type dependent. AG01522 were more sensitive to GT3-induced toxicity than MCF-7, but were viable up to 5 ug/ml. Safety of the dose was confirmed by proliferation, viability and cell cycle distribution analysis. To determine radiation-induced DNA-damage in GT3-treated cells, we examined phosphorylation of H2AX (γ-H2AX) at various time points after irradiation by confocal microscopy. γ-H2AX localizes at sites of DNA double-strand-breaks; levels of γ-H2AX and kinetics of removal have been associated with DNA-repair and survival. GT3 reduced the number of γ-H2AX foci in AG01522 and increased the surviving fraction, while it increased DNA-damage and reduced survival in MCF7. Phosphorylation of H2AX was delayed and persistent in GT3-treated MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: In vitro irradiation of GT3-treated normal and cancer cells indicate that GT3 has selective radio-protective/sensitizing roles. Radio-protection of normal cells was associated with reduced DNA-damage, while radio-sensitization of cancer cells was associated with increased DNA-damage and persistent levels of γ-H2AX foci, suggesting a role for GT3 in differential modulation of DNA-repair.
Experimental autoimmune hearing loss

Understanding of autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) has been hindered by the inaccessibility of the inner ear to biopsy and the lack of workable animal models. A report in this issue of the JCI describes a mouse model of CD4+ T cell–mediated ASNHL induced by immunization with peptides from the inner ear–specific proteins cochlin and β-tectorin.
Recent results from fixed target charm and beauty experiments

In the last year there have been new observations of beauty by two fixed target experiments (E672/706 and E653). A few new results on charm have recently been presented by the photoproduction experiment E687 and by E789 and E769. An intriguing result on the purely muonic decay of charm comes from the CERN experiment WA75. These results are summarized and we conclude with a hint of the promise of E791, the very high statistics charm experiment, which is beginning to produce physics results
Towards a Computational Framework for Energy Estimation: Needs, Requirements, and Its Generic Shell

Excessive energy consumption has become a worldwide issue in today’s design and manufacturing industry. A framework for estimating energy consumption that could later be used to integrate with CAD/CAM systems is in demand. This paper initially presents needs and requirements for a computational framework to estimate energy consumption during a product life-cycle, i.e., from extraction of raw materials to recycling or disposal. Energy estimations allow for asset management, thereby reducing the negative impacts of the product to the environment. At the manufacturing stage, asset management can be based on energy efficient process planning and scheduling. As a first step, the research presented in this paper proposes a framework that represents a generic shell for computing energy.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A β2RARE-LacZ Transgene Identifies Retinoic Acid-Mediated Transcriptional Activation in Distinct Cutaneous Sites

Abstract Retinoic acid and its derivatives (retinoids) exert profound influences on epithelial growth differentiation in a variety of tissues, including the skin. How retinoic acid mediates these effects is not fully understood. The recent cloning of a series of nuclear receptors for retinoic acid (RARs) has demonstrated that these proteins can function as ligand-inducible transcriptional enhancing factors. Moreover, all receptors are members of the steroid/thyroid hormone multigene family. In vitro studies have demonstrated the expression of RARα, RARβ, and RARγ in various cell types found in the skin. While multiple isoforms exist for each of the three RARs, it is unclear where each of these receptors functions in vivo to mediate the tissue-specific effects of retinoic acid. As a first step in determining sites of retinoic acid-mediated transcriptional activation in the skin and its appendages, we developed a transgenic model in which the retinoic acid response element (RARE) of the RARβ2 isoform is linked to a β-galactosidase reporter gene. Our observations consistently demonstrate that retinoic acid transcriptionally activates the β2RARE in distinct areas of the skin. Of interest, certain of these areas are known to contain stem cells. These data clearly demonstrate that this type of transgenic "reporter" model can be used to further define retinoic acid-regulated signal transduction pathways in the skin, as well as other complex tissues. Furthermore, these observations raise the possibility that transcriptional activation of RARβ2 may regulate the growth and differentiation programs of selected populations of stem cells in the skin and its appendages.
Use of a local-density approximation for exchange-correlation potentials in multichannel atomic quantum-defect calculations

Multichannel quantum-defect theory provides an attractive framework for compact, a priori calculations of the binding energies or scattering resonances of highly excited, multielectron atoms. However, in addition to obtaining a good representation of interchannel interactions, it is difficult in practice to find a sufficiently accurate, selfconsistent, simple, one-electron potential for describing the average motion of a Rydberg electron in the multielectron core. Moreover, when there is a nonspherical core there is a significant non-Coulomb tail even at fairly large distances from the origin, and due to exchange and correlations, such a potential will be nonlocal. We describe a self-consistent, local-density approximation to calculate a single-particle potential with proper self-interaction corrections, which represents quite accurately the motion of the outer electron in the presence of a spherically averaged core. This is derived from the well-known solid-state calculational technique based on the Hedin-Lundqvist approximation. The channel interactions and nonspherical contributions to intrachannel potentials are then calculated by explicitly considering the motion of two electrons outside the outermost closed-shell configuration of the atom. This procedure permits greatly increased accuracy in the prediction of excited-state energies of the entire spectral series. Explicit numerical results for quantum-defect parameters are presented for many Rydberg series in several alkali-metal and alkaline-earth atoms.
Role of CaMKII in hydrogen peroxide activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, HSP27 and actin reorganization in endothelial cells.

Growing evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can function as important signaling molecules in vascular cells. H2O2-activated redox-sensitive pathways mediate both physiological and pathological responses given the location and concentration of H2O2. We showed previously for the first time that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is redox-sensitive in endothelial cells, mediating H2O2 upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. This response is always accompanied by an elongation phenotype of endothelial cells, implying modulation of actin cytoskeleton. In the present study, we investigated the role of CaMKII in H2O2 activation of p38 MAPK/heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) pathway and ERK1/2, both of which have been known to regulate actin reorganization in endothelial cells. Addition of H2O2 to bovine aortic endothelial cells increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activity, which was attenuated by a specific inhibitor of CaMKII, KN93. KN93 also prevented H2O2 activation of p38 MAPK. Transfection of endothelial cells with a CaMKII-specific inhibitory peptide (AA 281–309) reduced H2O2 phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. Furthermore, blockade of CaMKII or janus kinase 2 (JAK2, downstream of CaMKII) prevented H2O2 activation of HSP27. KN93 attenuated, whereas AG490 (JAK2 inhibitor) abolished, H2O2-induced formation of actin stress fibers. Blockade of ERK1/2 inhibited H2O2 phosphorylation of HSP27 transiently. It also partially prevented H2O2 induction of actin stress fibers. In summary, redox-sensitive activation of p38 MAPK/HSP27 pathway or ERK1/2 in endothelial cells requires CaMKII. These pathways are at least partially responsible for H2O2 induced reorganization of actin cytoskeleton.
Transport of electrolytes, water, and glucose in zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency in humans and animals results in failure to thrive, skin lesions, loss of hair, and diarrhea. The mechanism underlying the diarrhea seen in zinc deficiency is not known. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate net transport of water, electrolytes, and glucose from segments of small and large intestine in zinc-deficient, pair-fed control, and ad libitum-fed rats. An in vivo single-pass perfusion study was used. The results indicate that net water and sodium transport from the small and large intestine of zinc-deficient rats was significantly decreased compared to corresponding mean values for pair-fed controls and for ad libitum-fed rats. Net absorption of glucose and net secretion of potassium were not significantly different in the three groups. The results are in agreement with previous investigations showing decreased sodium transport in leukocytes and renal tubules of zinc-deficient animals and suggest that zinc may have a role in modulating membrane permeability.
Shortened hospitalization by means of adjusted-dose subcutaneous heparin for deep venous thrombosis

Adjusted-dose subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (SC heparin) was used in the initial management of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) to allow shortened hospital stay. Of 78 patients screened, 41% were eligible and 18 (23%) were enrolled. Follow-up venous ultrasound examination was performed 6 weeks after discharge. Of enrolled patients, 16 (89%) completed the protocol. Hospital length of stay was 2 days in protocol patients compared with 5 days for patients receiving conventional inpatient heparin with a continuous intravenous infusion (p = 0.0009). Very high heparin doses (mean 42,000 to 62,000 U daily, given in three divided doses every 8 hours) and a median time of 21 hours were required initially to achieve a target activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 55 seconds. Subsequently many patients had supratherapeutic levels, yet there were no bleeding complications. Four patients (25%) did not show improvement at follow-up ultrasound in spite of aPTTs > 55 seconds after the second injection. Clot regression was evident in remaining patients. Hospital cost savings were offset partially by the need for time- and labor-intensive outpatient monitoring after hospital discharge.
Bifurcation from Discrete Rotating Waves

. Discrete rotating waves are periodic solutions that have discrete spatiotemporal symmetries in addition to their purely spatial symmetries. We present a systematic approach to the study of local bifurcation from discrete rotating waves. The approach centers around the analysis of diffeomorphisms that are equivariant with respect to distinct group actions in the domain and the range. Our results are valid for dynamical systems with finite symmetry group, and more generally, for bifurcations from isolated discrete rotating waves in dynamical systems with compact symmetry group.
LEAVING THE CONSULTING ROOM TO PROVOKE ENACTMENT IN MARITAL THERAPY

Enactment of emotionally intense, intimate behaviors is often important in marital therapy. But clients' concerns for privacy and their dependence on the therapist as a facilitator of communication can deter them from exhibiting such behavior in the therapist's presence. By walking out of the consulting room, the therapist can stimulate the enactment that would have been inhibited otherwise. Three case examples illustrate the technique. Specific points of procedure are considered, and the technique's limitations and risks are noted.
Biomedical image segmentation for semantic visual feature extraction

Biomedical photographs comprise diverse optically acquired images. Accurate classification into meaningful subclasses is valuable in biomedical image retrieval systems. Conventional visual descriptors are limited in their ability to assign semantic labels to images for meaningful retrieval. In this paper we propose a Markov random field (MRF)-based biomedical image segmentation method to segment images into meaningful regions that can be associated with semantic labels. We focus on several tissue image types and develop two MRF models: (i) for tissue image detection from large photograph collection; and, (ii) for region segmentation and semantic labeling. Experimental results demonstrate that our method can detect tissue images in about 82% precision, and our proposed visual descriptors computed from the segmentation results outperform existing visual descriptors. This latter result can be effectively used in biomedical image retrieval systems for retrieving tissue images.
SANS Study of Third Phase Formation in the HCl‐TBP‐n‐Octane System

Abstract Third phase formation in the extraction of HCl by tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) in n‐octane has been investigated. The extraction of the acid is accompanied by the simultaneous extraction of large amounts of water and brings about organic phase splitting when the equilibrium HCl concentration in the aqueous phase is higher than 7.6 M. For a description of mechanism and energetics of these phenomena, a combination of coordination chemistry and concepts and techniques that are typical of colloid chemistry is needed. SANS data for organic phases loaded with progressive amounts of HCl and water have been interpreted using the Baxter model for hard spheres with surface adhesion. According to this model, the increase in scattering intensity in the low Q range observed when increasing amounts of solutes are extracted into the organic phase, arises from van der Waals interactions between reverse micelles containing up to seven TBP molecules. At the onset of third phase formation, the potential energy of at...