cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal stability of the Experienced Control Scale within an alcoholic male population.

Several reports have suggested relations of alcohol abuse to level of control experienced over various life pressures or forces. This study assessed test-retest reliability of the Experienced Control Scale (EC) (Tiffany, 1967) within a male alcoholic sample. The EC was completed on two occasions 1 week apart by 48 inpatients on an alcoholism treatment unit. Resulting test-retest reliability coefficients were .57 for the Internal ratio score, .79 for the External ratio score, .72 for the sum of the two ratio scores, and from .56 to .69 for the four basic scores used in computing ratio scores. Intellectual ability as assessed by the Shipley Institute of Living Scale was unrelated to EC scores and occasionally but conflictingly related to temporal stability of EC scores. Neither age nor education showed a significant relationship to temporal stability of the EC or to ratio scores. Implications of findings for clinical and research applications of the EC are discussed, particularly support for combining the ratio scores rather than treating them separately. Possible determinants of the obtained stability of the EC also are explored.
Bed rest after embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective To determine whether bed rest after embryo transfer leads to improved pregnancy rates (PR). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting University reproductive health clinic. Patient(s) Women undergoing IVF. Intervention(s) Patients undergoing 164 cycles of IVF were randomized to 30 minutes of bed rest after embryo transfer or immediate discharge from the clinic. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical PR defined by visualized fetal heart beat and ongoing PR defined by viable intrauterine gestation beyond 11 weeks. Result(s) The clinical and ongoing PR for both groups were 50% and 46.3%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion(s) Thirty minutes of bed rest after embryo transfer does not improve PR.
Inheritance of Rate of Growth in Barred Plymouth Rocks

Abstract FROM statistical studies of six families of White Leghorns, Asmundson and Lerner (1933) concluded that there were genetic differences in the rates of growth of that breed of chickens. They conclude further that the differences can be found between the progeny of half-sisters and that growth rate is determined by multiple factors. Common observation has shown that chickens given the same environment may vary considerably in body weight. Statistical studies of the growth of White Leghorns by Funk, Knandel, and Callenbach (1930) show that the coefficient of variability may be as large as 19.4 at four weeks of age and that it varies from 14.6 to 19.4 in four different broods. At 16 weeks they found less variability of the individual weights, but between the heaviest and the lightest chicks, within each of the four broods, there were differences varying from a little less than one pound to one and . . .
Variable structure control of nonlinear multivariable systems: a tutorial

The design of variable-structure control (VSC) systems for a class of multivariable, nonlinear, time-varying systems is presented. Using the Utkin-Drazenovic method of equivalent control and generalized Lyapunov stability concepts, the VSC design is described in a unified manner. Complications that arise due to multiple inputs are examined, and several approaches useful in overcoming them are developed. Recent developments are investigated, as is the kinship of VSC and the deterministic approach to the control of uncertain systems. All points are illustrated by numerical examples. The recent literature on VSC applications is surveyed. >
Evidence for ecological matching of whole AM fungal communities to the local plant—soil environment

The range of ecological roles exhibited by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi depends on functional differences among naturally occurring local assemblages of AM species. While functional differences have been demonstrated among AM fungal species and among geographic isolates of the same species, almost nothing is known about functional differences among whole communities of naturally occurring AM fungi. In the greenhouse, we reciprocally transplanted whole AM fungal communities between plant-soil systems representing a serpentine grassland and a tallgrass prairie, using as hosts two grasses common to both systems. For Sorghastrum nutans, native fungi consistently enhanced plant growth more than fungi switched from the alternate system. For Schizachyrium scoparium, foreign and native fungi promoted plant growth similarly in both the serpentine and prairie systems. Thus, the use of foreign inoculum in restoration could change the relative performance, and potentially the competitive abilities, of co-occurring plant species. Moving AM fungal inocula into foreign environments also caused changes in the taxonomic composition of the resultant spore communities, demonstrating their response to environmental influences. These results provide strong evidence for functional differences among naturally occurring AM communities and suggest that a particular AM fungal community may be better matched ecologically to its local habitat than communities taken from other locations.
Purinergic modulation in the brain of the spiny lobster

Abstract Earlier studies identified purinergic chemoreceptors in the olfactory organ of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. In this study, electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that purinergic substances can modulate both the spontaneous activity and the evoked responses of neurons within the brain of this animal. Perfusion of the brain with 100μM adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) modulated the spontaneous activity of 71% of the brain interneurons that were monitored. AMP also modulated the electrically or chemically evoked activity of 25% of the monitored interneurons. The effects were dose-dependent (down to 1 μM) and reversible. The modulatory effects of adenosine were similar to those of AMP, and wer antagonized by the adenosine receptor antagonist 1, 3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine. The modulation by AMP or adenosine was depressive in most but not all neurons, as is the case with purinergic effects in the brain of vertebrates. We believe this is the first demonstration of modulatory effects of purinergic substances in the nervous system of any invertebrate.
Interpretation of changes in DlCO and pulmonary function after running five miles

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in pulmonary function after running five miles. Of particular interest was the reaffirmation of the previously reported 'uncoupling' or dissociation of pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO) and cardiac output (Q) after moderate or strenuous exercise. Cardiopulmonary assessments were made on eight runners before and after completing three separate five mile runs. There were significant reductions in vital capacity (5.7%) and volume at closing with increases in residual volume (22.5%) and closing capacity post-run. Although DLCO did not change, significant change in cardiac output occurred during the DLCO 10 sec breathhold maneuver. The pre-run DLCO maneuver produced a fall in stroke volume (SV) with an increase in HR while maintaining Q. The post-run Q fell during the DLCO maneuver due to a fall in SV with HR remaining constant. The primary basis for previous speculation of the development of a transient pulmonary edema during exercise has been the failure of DLCO to increase immediately after exercise when HR and presumably Q is elevated. To avoid any misinterpretation of changes in DLCO produced by exercise, Q should be measured at the time of the DLCO determination. Our findings suggest that values for DLCO post-exercise are entirely appropriate for the pulmonary blood flow at the time of the DLCO maneuver.
Effector Role of Neonatal Hepatic CD8+ Lymphocytes in Epithelial Injury and Autoimmunity in Experimental Biliary Atresia

Background & Aims: Lymphocytes populate the livers of infants with biliary atresia, but it is unknown whether neonatal lymphocytes regulate pathogenesis of disease. Here, we investigate this question by examining the role of T lymphocytes in the destruction of extrahepatic bile ducts of neonatal mice using an experimental model of biliary atresia. Methods: Inoculation of neonatal mice with rhesus rotavirus followed by multistaining flow cytometry to quantify expression of interferon-γ by hepatic lymphocytes, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This was followed by determining the consequences of antibody-mediated depletion of lymphocyte subtypes on the development of biliary obstruction, and coculture and cell transfer experiments to investigate the effector role of lymphocyte subtypes on neonatal biliary disease. Results: Rotavirus infection results in overexpression of interferon-γ by neonatal hepatic T cells. Among these cells, depletion of CD4+ cells did not change the course of inflammatory injury and obstruction of neonatal bile ducts. In contrast, loss of CD8+ cells remarkably suppressed duct injury, prevented luminal obstruction, and restored bile flow. Coculture experiments showed that rotavirus-primed, but not naive, CD8+ cells were cytotoxic to cholangiocytes. In adoptive transfer experiments, we found that primed CD8+ cells preferentially homed to extrahepatic bile ducts of neonatal mice and invaded their epithelial lining. Conclusions: Primed neonatal CD8+ cells can activate a pro-inflammatory program, target diseased and healthy duct epithelium, and drive the phenotypic expression of biliary atresia, thus constituting a potential therapeutic target to halt disease progression.
Case report 621

A 28-year-old woman with IgD myeloma was described. The patient presented with pain in the anterior wall of the chest, and tenderness over the ribs, thoracic spine, and right shoulder. A radionuclide bone scan showed increased uptake along the costochondral junctions, ribs, and shoulders, with the diffuse uptake in the costochondral junction being typical for costochondritis. Skeletal survey revealed small lucencies in the ribs, humeri, and shoulders, characteristic of MM. The patient's young age made the diagnosis of MM unlikely. The scintigraphic finding, typical of costochondritis, must be an extremely unusual pattern in MM since we were unable to find a similar case in the literature. It is speculated that MM may have been induced by chemical exposure.
Calmodulin stimulates polyamine-responsive protein kinase in the absence of Ca2+

Abstract A cyclic nucleotide-independent, polyamine-responsive protein kinase from the cytosol of Morris hepatoma 3924A, which phosphorylated heat-stable endogenous substrates and casein in the presence of polyamines (Criss, W.E., Yamamoto, M., Takai, Y., Nishizuka, Y. and Morris, H.P. (1978) Cancer Res. 38, 3540–3545) was observed to be stimulated by an endogenous protein activator. This protein activator was identified to be calmodulin. the polyamine-responsive protein kinase was also stimulated by purified calmodulin, but only in the presence of polyamines such as polylysine. This action of cadmodulin did not require Ca 2+ for activation of the enzyme; and activation occured in the presence of EGTA. DNA and RNA inhibited the polyamine-responsive protein kinase, either in the presence or absence of Ca 2+ . Purified calmodulin, in the presence of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP, did not activate the protein kinase. Therefore, polyamines such as polylysine are an absolute requirement for this expression of calmodulin action. The increased enzyme activity by calmodulin was accompanied with an increased V max and with no changes in the F m (ATP). High levels of cation, up to 100 mM Mg 2+ , did not effect the action of cadmodulin. These results indicate that tumor cytosolic polyamine-responsive protein kinase is regulated by calmodulin, the latter being increased in the tumor tissue.
Image Reconstruction From Finite Number of Projections: Method of Transferring Geometry

This paper introduces a novel method of image reconstruction from a finite number of projections by processing the image along parallel rays. The geometry from the image plane is transferred to the Cartesian lattice by means of using the original image's line-integrals to calculate the line-sums of the discrete image to be reconstructed. Such a transformation of geometry allows for the 2D discrete paired transform, whose complete set of functions is defined by directions, to be effectively used in the exact reconstruction of the original image. The model of image reconstruction is described, and both examples and experimental results of implementation of the proposed method are provided for reconstruction on the Cartesian lattice of size 2r×2r, where r ≥ 2.
Adsorption of ethylene on a nickel (100) substrate: A multiple-scattering Xα approach

Abstract Adsorbate bonding to a nickel surface has been studied by use of a multiple-scattering Xα (MSXα) model for the adsorption of ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) on a Ni substrate. The Ni(100) surface was simulated by a 10-atom Ni cluster of C 4v point group symmetry, to which an adsorbed ethylene molecule was then added. The Ni 10 (100) cluster was found to be a reasonable model for the Ni(100) substrate; it shows a high density of states near the Fermi level, and a d-bandwidth of ~2.6 eV, as compared to ~3.5 eV for bulk Ni. In addition, the pristine cluster has a weak magnetization of ~0.2 magneton/atom; this is a significant reduction not only from the bulk Ni value (0.54 magneton/atom) but from the values found for small cubic Ni clusters of comparable size. The level structure of the isolated C 2 H 4 molecule was then calculated and compared with that of a Ni 10 (100) + C 2 H 4 π-bonded cluster, and the level shifts analyzed. It is indicated that the reported difference in activation energies for ethylene hydrogenation on paramagnetic and ferromagnetic Ni may be due to shifts in the Ni spd levels relative to the ethylene 1b 3u bonding orbital energy level, via the exchange splitting of ~0.1 eV.
The Political Economy of Revenue-Forecasting Experience from Low-Income Countries

This paper analyzes interference and timeliness in the revenue-forecasting process, using new data on revenue-forecasting practices in low-income countries. Interference is defined as the occurrence of a significant deviation from purely technical forecasts. A theoretical model explains forecasting interference through government corruption. The data broadly supports the model, and the results are robust to alternative explanations. The paper also constructs three indices - transparency, formality, and organizational simplicity - that characterize revenue-forecasting practices, and assesses their effectiveness in producing an upfront - that is, timely - budget envelope. More transparent and simple forecasting processes lead to early budget constraints, while formality has no measurable effect.
Technique for breast irradiation using custom blocks conforming to the chest wall contour

A technique for the treatment of the breast and regional nodes is presented. The technique involves the use of tangential fields to treat the breast and chest wall. Customized blocks which conform to the slope of the chest wall are made for each tangent field. Simulation and treatment with this technique requires no special equipment. The setup is simple and quick. A three-field technique is also described using the custom half-beam blocks; this technique avoids the use of tangential field corner blocks, thus simplifying simulation and treatment.
Changes in Body Weight and Conformation of Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys During the Breeding Season

Abstract DIFFERENCES of opinion exist as to changes in body weight, breast width, and keel and shank lengths of Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys during the breeding season. Information of this nature is of interest to those working with turkey improvement programs. Marsden (1939) reported weight changes in Standard Bronze turkeys at intervals from 32 to 84 weeks. Similar data are available in a report by the Purdue Experiment Station (1934) for Bourbon Red turkeys. Weight and measurement data obtained from the 1947 Broad Breasted Bronze breeding flock at Oregon State College are presented here in view of the scarcity of such information. Description of the Experiment The breeding flock consisting of 20 toms and 159 hens was obtained from stock considered representative of the Broad Breasted Bronze variety. The birds reported by the grower to have been hatched the middle of May, were moved to the college poultry plant on December . . .
The Effects of Intake Plenum Volume on the Performance of a Small Naturally Aspirated Restricted Engine

Intake tuning is a significant method of boosting performance by enhancing volumetric efficiency in a naturally aspirated engine. Elements of intake tuning can involve varying intake runner length, geometry and plenum shape and volume. Previous research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of increasing plenum volume on engine torque. This objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of analytical and two computer based models (simple and complex) to accurately predict the effects of varying plenum volume on steady state and transient engine performance for a small restricted spark ignition engine. The computer models were only moderately successful in characterizing steady state performance. The simple model matched torque peak locations but failed to adequately predict the advantageous effect of plenum volume on torque. The complex model more effectively simulated torque effects of plenum volume increase but did not adequately capture torque peak locations. Both models underestimated mid-range torque by up to 20%. Transient manifold filling was estimated well with both the complex computer model and analytical methods. Transient torque response differed by only 1–2 engine cycles and was also well predicted by the computer simulation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Sliding Mode Sensorless Control of PM Synchronous Motor for Direct-Driven Washing Machines

The rotor position of PMSM is estimated by a novel sliding mode observer (SMO) operating over a wide speed range including deep flux-weakening region. By properly selecting equivalent control feedback gains, the estimation error of rotor position is reduced in low speeds and fast convergence of SMO guaranteed in high speeds. Compared to other PMSM systems for direct-driven washers using Hall Effect sensors, the control scheme features high torque production and fast dynamic response, especially in the deep flux weakening high-speed range. The sensorless control algorithm is robust to the armature reaction that seriously affects Hall Effect sensor signals and degrades torque production. The proposed sensorless control algorithm is verified by both computer simulation and experimental testing with a dynamometer as well as a direct-driven washer.
Correlated Hartree-Fock energy bands for diamond

The screened-exchange-plus---Coulomb-hole method has been used to add correlation to Hartree-Fock energy bands. These correlation corrections, or energy shifts, are state dependent due to the screened-exchange term. The Coulomb-hole term is constant throughout the zone in our diagonal approximation for the screening (dielectric) function. The energy shifts raise the occupied bands and lower the conduction bands with a resulting decrease in energy differences. The calculation has been done for diamond using linear combination of atomic orbitals Hartree-Fock bands and the Penn-model dielectric function. The energy shifts, which tend to flatten the bands, were computed at general points in the first zone. Values of 5.6 and 7.6 eV were obtained for the indirect and direct band gaps respectively, both of which are in close agreement with experiment. The diagonal part of the random-phase approximation was also used in the calculation and it was found to produce about two-thirds of the correlation obtained with the Penn model.
Precursor of a mitochondrial enzyme accumulates in the cytoplasm of preen glands for a specialized function

Abstract Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase in the mitochondria of the liver of goose is immunologically identical with the decarboxylase in the cytoplasm of the uropygial gland (Buckner et al. (1978) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 186, 152–163). Messenger RNA was isolated from the liver and the uropygial gland and translated in a rabbit reticulocyte system. Specific immunoprecipitation of the translation products with anti malonyl-CoA decarboxylase showed that in both cases the primary translation product was a 50 K dalton peptide identical in size to the cytoplasmic enzyme in the gland. Specific immunoprecipitation of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase from liver slices which had been incubated with [35S]methionine showed that the mature mitochondrial enzyme was a 47 K dalton peptide, 3 K daltons smaller than the primary translation product and the isolated cytoplasmic enzyme. These results suggest that the decarboxylase is proteolytically processed during transport into the mitochondria and that the large amount of the cytoplasmic decarboxylase found in the gland represents accumulation of the unprocessed precursor form of the normally mitochondrial enzyme.
EVALUATION OF AN INTERVIEWEE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM IN A NATURAL FIELD EXPERIMENT

The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of an interviewee skills training program in a field setting using a broad sample of interviewers, jobs, and candidates. The training program (n= 158) derived its content from previous literature and used multiple instructional techniques. An experimental design was employed with a self-study (placebo control) group (n= 140), random assignment, and many levels of evaluation criteria. Measures exhibited acceptable reliability, and statistical power was high for all analyses. Results indicated that class members responded positively to the program and demonstrated substantial learning. Interviewer evaluations of behavior failed to distinguish between experimental groups, however, and no differences were observed in job offers. Furthermore, no differences were observed between study participants and nonparticipants (n= 174) in terms of interview behavior and job offers. This study illustrates the danger of relying solely on reaction or learning criteria in the evaluation of training programs. Several explanations are offered for the findings.
Identification of a Topology Control Domain in the Tetracycline Resistance Protein

Abstract Two N-terminal fusion proteins combining Escherichia coli maltose-binding protein (MBP) and the 12-transmembrane-segment pBR322 tetracycline resistance protein (Tet) have been constructed to determine the strength and location of topology control signals within the N-terminal portion of the Tet protein. The fusions contain either a secretable (wild type) or a nonsecretable (MBPΔ2-26) MBP domain joined to the normally cytoplasmic N-terminus of the Tet protein. The effects of MBP targeting on Tet topology were investigated by analyzing the susceptibility of fusion strains to tetracycline and by proteolysis of the fusion proteins in inverted membrane vesicles and spheroplasts. The fusion protein containing MBPΔ2-26 conferred tetracycline resistance to the host strain and gave a normal pattern of Tet digestion fragments, indicating that its Tet domain is oriented and folded properly in the membrane. In contrast, the fusion containing secretable MBP was catalytically inactive apparently due to transfer of the Tet N-terminus to the periplasm with MBP. However, protease treatment of this fusion revealed that MBP secretion seems to affect only the topology of segments 1 and/or 2 of the Tet domain. Therefore, a strong topology control sequence appears to be located in the first cytoplasmic loop of the protein.
Double metallocene nanowires.

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of double metallocene nanowires PnM2 (Pn = C8H6, M = V, Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni) are investigated within the framework of gradient-corrected density f...
Autokinetic movement as a function of light-dark-ratio (LDR)

Measures of median latency of autokinetic movement of an intermittent light source demonstrate significant differences as a function of sex and LDR. Women appear to be more resistant to autokinetic movement. Relatively longer periods of darkness (lowering the LDR) in the light source result in an enhancement of the autokinetic effect.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and retrospectively reported stressor exposure: A longitudinal prediction model.

Abstract There has been recent concern about the degree to which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology influences reports of prior exposure to highly stressful life events. In this longitudinal study of 2,942 male and female Gulf War veterans, the authors documented change in stressor reporting across 2 occasions and the association between change and PTSD symptom severity. A regression-based cross-lagged analysis was used to examine the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and later reported stressor exposure. Shifts in reporting over time were modestly associated with PTSD symptom severity. The cross-lagged analysis revealed a marginal association between Time 1 PTSD symptom severity and Time 2 reported stressor exposure for men and suggested that later reports of stressor exposure are primarily accounted for by earlier reports and less so by earlier PTSD symptomatology.
Co‐occurrence of non‐mosaic trisomy 22 and inherited balanced t(4;6)(q33;q23.3) in a liveborn female: Case report and review of the literature

Trisomy 22 is the third most common autosomal trisomy occurring in about 0.4% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. Complete non-mosaic trisomy 22 is extremely rare in live births. Most affected children die before one year of age. To date, only 29 liveborn cases have been reported and none has carried an additional genetic lesion. In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, cytogenetic, and cytogenomic findings in a liveborn female with complete non-mosaic trisomy 22 as well as a paternally inherited, balanced reciprocal chromosomal rearrangement t(4;6)(q33;q23.3). The proband manifested features commonly seen in individuals with non-mosaic trisomy 22 such as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), single umbilical artery, cranial abnormalities, short neck, cleft lip and palate, dysmorphic ears, hypoplastic nipples, digital malformation, congenital heart defects, dysplastic kidneys, and genital anomalies. In addition, she had lobar holoprosencephaly, aqueductal stenosis, and limb and eye problems that have not been associated with complete trisomy 22 in previous reports. She died at 35 days of age of complex heart disease and renal failure. We are hereby expanding the cytogenetic and clinical spectrum of this rare chromosome disorder. Clinical features of liveborn children with non-mosaic trisomy 22 are reviewed and compared to those in our proband. The impact of genomic content in relation to the survival of trisomies in humans is also discussed.
Core ionization potentials in carbon monoxide

Abstract Conflicting values have been reported for the core ionization potentials in carbon monoxide. We have remeasured these and find 296.24 ± 0.03 for the carbon 1s ionization potential and 542.57 ∓ 0.03 for oxygen 1s. The carbon value is close to previously reported values; that for oxygen is higher by ∼ 0.5 eV. These results are compared with ionization potentials calculated from molecular orbital theory. The value predicted by near-Hartree-Fock calculations for oxygen is too low by ∼ 1eV and that for carbon is too high by ∼ 0.5 eV.
Paleomagnetism of the Late Permian—Early Triassic Koipato Volcanics, Nevada: implications for latitudinal displacement

Abstract We have obtained paleomagnetic directions for 11 basalt flows of the probable Early Triassic Koipato Volcanics from the South Tobin Range of western Nevada. The mean direction for these flows ( D = 350.3° ; I = 39.0° ; α 95 = 8.0° ) is discordant with respect to the APW path for North America. A positive fold test, a consistency-of-reversal test, the shape and amount of between-site dispersion, and other considerations strongly suggest that the magnetization is pre-folding and probably primary. The most likely explanation for this discordance is southward transport and clockwise rotation of the sampling area. The most probable amount of displacement and net rotation are 1400 km and 25°, respectively. These observations have considerable significance for the early Mesozoic tectonics of the Great Basin.
Swimming Upstream: A Rain Dance

Drawing from her experience working with women from a wide range of backgrounds and struck by the pervasive sense of disempowerment in post-disaster New Orleans, Eve Ensler saw the need for a catalyst that could help women through their enormous distress and also provide an outlet for them to convert their pain into power. Together with the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, Ensler formed a workshop that created Swimming Upstream from personal stories of grief, loss, infringement, violation, disempowerment, insight, resolution, recovery, healing, and resilience.
Sleep Disturbances in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders and exact a burden on our society greater than cardiovascular disease and cancer combined. While cognitive and motor symptoms are used to define AD and PD, respectively, patients with both disorders exhibit sleep disturbances including insomnia, hypersomnia and excessive daytime napping. The molecular basis of perturbed sleep in AD and PD may involve damage to hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei that control sleep-wake cycles. Perturbations in neurotransmitter and hormone signaling (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin) and the neurotrophic factor BDNF likely contribute to the disease process. Abnormal accumulations of neurotoxic forms of amyloid β-peptide, tau and α-synuclein occur in brain regions involved in the regulation of sleep in AD and PD patients, and are sufficient to cause sleep disturbances in animal models of these neurodegenerative disorders. Disturbed regulation of sleep often occurs early in the course of AD and PD, and may contribute to the cognitive and motor symptoms. Treatments that target signaling pathways that control sleep have been shown to retard the disease process in animal models of AD and PD, suggesting a potential for such interventions in humans at risk for or in the early stages of these disorders.
Metoclopramide versus ondansetron in prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are significant problems in laparoscopic surgery. This double-blind, randomized, prospective trial compares the prophylactic use of metoclopramide, ondansetron, and placebo for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Two hundred thirty-two patients aged 18 to 73 years were randomized into three groups. Patients received intravenously 10 mg of metoclopramide, 4 mg of ondansetron, or placebo in a double-blinded manner prior to surgery. Results: The incidence of nausea was 32% for metoclopramide, 45% for ondansetron, and 44% for placebo in the postanesthesia care unit or day surgery, which was not statistically significant. The incidence of vomiting was 8% for metoclopramide, 4% for ondansetron, and 22% for placebo in the postanesthesia care unit or day surgery. These differences were statistically significant when comparing both drugs to placebo but not when comparing both drugs to each other. Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of metoclopramide or ondansetron significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative vomiting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but neither drug was found to be significantly more effective than the other. Metoclopramide is a more cost-effective treatment.
Grafting the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb.

BACKGROUND Impaired olfactory function leads to a decrease in the quality of life for many patients. Surgical treatment options are limited, especially for those suffering from hyposmia or anosmia after posttraumatic injury to the olfactory nerves. Stem cells located in the olfactory epithelium (OE) have the capacity to grow new neurons, making the OE an ideal candidate for restorative tissue grafting. This study was performed to determine if strips of OE survive transplantation directly to the olfactory bulb (OB). METHODS Transgenic mice, expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP), were used to obtain the donor graft tissue. Strips of OE from GFP donor mice were transplanted directly to sites in the OB and cerebral cortex (CC; control sites) of wild-type mice. Graft survival rates at 30 days were determined for transplant sites in the OB and CC. RESULTS Strips of OE from transgenic mice survived transplantation to the OB and continued to express the GFP marker protein. The 30-day survival rate in the OB (83%, 5 of 6 grafts) was the same as in the CC (10 of 12 grafts). The morphology of the graft revealed characteristics found in normal OE. CONCLUSION We showed that strips of OE can be successfully grafted to both the OB and CC. Grafts of the OE, if strategically positioned on the ventral surface of the bulb and given access to the nasal cavity, could provide the basis for new surgical treatments to restore olfactory function.
Development and Validation of a Dynamic Biomechanical Model for Power Hand Tool Torque Build-up Reaction Force

This study models the human power hand tool operator as a dynamic single degree of freedom mechanical system for predicting the response to torque reaction forces produced by rotating spindle tools such as nutrunners or drills. The model represents the hand as mass, spring and damping elements that are dependent upon the posture used and the individual operator. It therefore considers tool shape (i.e., in-line, pistol, right angle), tool orientation (i.e., horizontal or vertical), horizontal location from the ankles, and vertical location from the ankles, in addition to gender. The apparatus used to quantify these elements measured the vibration frequency and amplitude change after an initial disturbance to a defined mechanical system. Twenty-five subjects (13 female, 12 male) participated in the experiment. A repeated measures design tested the effects of gender, work location, tool shape, and torque direction on the three passive elements in the model. The results show that stiffness for pistol grip and...
Neutrino transport with isoenergetic and neutrino-electron scattering

Solution to steady-state, bigroup neutrino transport with isoenergetic and neutrino-electron scattering have been obtained for idealized conditions representative of the outer core or envelope of a star whose inner core is undergoing gravitational collapse. The solutions are presented in a form suitable for comparison with other numerical schemes. The incident neutrino distribution was chosen to be nonequilibrium, and the solutions clearly show the tendency of the neutrinos to equilibrate via neutrino-electron scattering as they propagate through the material. Care is taken to compare solutions obtained by two completely different techniques to ensure that the solutions presented here are accurate and error free. The solutions are compared with those obtained by a simple diffusion scheme, and by a flux limited diffusion scheme. The solutions given by the latter agree well with the solutions derived here, except when the neutrino angular distribution becomes oblate.
Alterations in serum and tissue iron profiles associated with mutations in thefitness14226sb locus of mice

We investigated alterations in serum and tissue iron profiles that were associated with anN-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutation in thefitness 1 locus in chromosome 7 in mice. Mice hemizygous for thefitness 1 mutation [c fitness 14226SB/Df(c Mod2 shl)26DVT] had a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia which was associated with a lower concentration of iron in the serum compared to age-matched, control mice [cch+/cch+]. The hemizygous mutants had a greater total iron binding capacity and an increased unsaturated iron binding capacity compared to controls. The percentage transferrin saturation was significantly decreased in the hemizygous mutant mice compared to control mice. The concentration of iron within several body organs was determined and hemizygous mutant mice had a greater concentration of iron in the liver compared to controls. In contrast, the mutants had a lower concentration of iron within the spleen, kidneys and heart compared to control mice. Microscopic analysis of bone marrow smears indicated less iron in the smears from the hemizygous mutants. From these data, it was concluded that thefitness14226SB mutation in mice causes alterations in the serum iron profile that resemble iron deficiency. The alterations in tissue iron concentrations indicate an abnormal distribution or mobilisation of iron between organ systems. The exact mechanism(s) by which thefitness14226SB mutation mediates these abnormalities in iron distribution remains to be determined.
The impact of regulatory asymmetries in a globalising environment

Cross-border economic development can be either facilitated or impeded depending on how responsive it is to the needs of social structures and how intertwined it is with social development. The hypotheses offered are meant to be a set of principles upon which current analysis of major driving forces of global economic integration might be based and which may inspire further analysis. The analysis attempts to show the synergistic effects that result from a symbiotic relationship between economic and social development. Such synergistic effects include minimising cultural diversity and enhancing integration of social structures giving credence to socioeconomic development.
Baroclinic Instability and Isentropic Slope

Abstract The wavelength of maximum baroclinic instability (WMI), maximum growth rate (MGR), phase velocities, and other quantities, are computed for an atmosphere with an internal 100-mb layer having various shears and lapse rates and positioned at various levels in a baroclinically unstable troposphere. It is found that the WMI, MGR, and other properties are more closely related to slope of the isentropes, Sθ, in the layer than to Richardson number, Ri, or to shear and lapse rate individually. The results for the layer positioned in the lower, middle and upper troposphere are similar but show systematic variations. The largest WMIs (3000–6000 km) are found for intermediate isentropic slopes of the order of those observed. Much smaller WMIs are found for small and very large isentropic slopes. The MGRs are of the order of 1 d−1 for small and intermediate slopes, but much larger for large slopes (Sθ ≳6 × 10−3 or Ri ≲ 0.5). The results suggest temporal and upward increases of WMI as shear and static stabili...
Antagonism of glucocorticoid receptor transactivity and cell growth inhibition by transforming growth factor-β through AP-1-mediated transcriptional repression

We have examined the interaction of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signal pathways because of their mutual involvement in the regulation of cell growth, development and differentiation. Most studies of this cross-talk event have focused on the effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on TGF-beta responses. In this work, we show that TGF-beta can antagonize dexamethasone (Dex)-mediated growth suppression in mouse fibrosarcoma L929 cells. TGF-beta also repressed GR-mediated reporter (pMMTV-CAT) gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC(50) of 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta. Maximal inhibition (76%) was observed at 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta. Conversely, Dex inhibited TGF-beta-mediated promoter (p3TP-Lux) activity in these same cells. As TGF-beta inhibition of GR-mediated gene expression occurred after Dex-mediated nuclear translocation of GR, we conclude that TGF-beta inhibition of GR signaling occurs at the level of GR-mediated transcription activity. However, TGF-beta did not repress GR-mediated gene expression using the pGRE(2)E1B-CAT minimal promoter construct, suggesting that TGF-beta did not inhibit intrinsic GR activity but, rather, required DNA-binding factor(s) distinct from GR. As the MMTV promoter contains several putative AP-1 binding sites, we hypothesized that AP-1, a transcription factor composed of c-jun and c-fos proteins, might be involved in the TGF-beta inhibition of GR functions. Curcumin, a potent inhibitor of AP-1 expression, completely abolished the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta on GR-mediated gene expression without affecting GR activity in the absence of TGF-beta, and this drug blocked TGF-beta-induced binding of AP-1 to a response element derived from the MMTV sequence. Furthermore, curcumin abolished TGF-beta inhibition of Dex-induced growth suppression. Taken as a whole, our data suggest that TGF-beta can antagonize the growth inhibitory properties of GR by blocking GR transactivity at complex promoters through a mechanism involving transcriptional repression by DNA-bound AP-1.
Bounds on the size of tetrahedralizations

This paper gives lower and upper bounds on the complexity of triangulating the region between polyhedra. Particular attention is given to the case of convex polyhedra and terrains.
Culture-negative bivalvular endocarditis with myocardial destruction in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

Culture-negative endocarditis has long been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, but is usually asymptomatic or involves a single valve. We present a patient with destructive culture-negative endocarditis that remains without a microbial etiology despite an exhaustive workup using advanced diagnostic techniques in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Physical properties of acrylic resin polymerized by four different techniques

A utopolymerizing acrylic resin is used frequently in fixed prosthodontics to make provisional restorations, many of which are expected to remain in service for extended periods of time (Fig. 1). Physical properties of strength, density, and hardness may predict the longevity of such restorations. Provisiona restorations may be made intraorally or by an indirect technique. The indirect technique has significant advantages, including improved marginal integrity and prevention of pulpal injury caused by exothermic polymerization of the acrylic resin.lm3 Several techniques for polymerizing acrylic resin have been advocated, including processing under pressure in water to improve the physical properties.4,5 Scant scientific documentation exists to justify a particular technique.6 The purpose of this study was to determine the transverse strength, porosity, and hardness of an autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate resin processed under the following conditions: (1) polymerization in air, (2) polymerization under water, (3) polymerization under air pressure, and (4) polymerization under water under air pressure. Fig. 1. Provisional fixed partial denture processed in pressure pot functioned successfully for several months.
Supercritical flow past symmetrical airfoils

A numerical method is developed for computing steady supercritical flow about an ellipse at zero angle of attack. The flow is assumed to be two-dimensional, inviscid, isentropic and irrotational. The free-stream Mach number lies in the high subsonic range so that a shock wave occurs locally near the body. The full potential equations are solved by Telenin's method and the ‘method of lines’. Smooth interpolating functions are assumed for the unknown flow variables in selected co-ordinate directions. The resulting set of ordinary differential equations is then integrated away from or along the body depending upon whether the flow is smooth or discontinuous. Jump conditions of the governing equations are applied across the shock wave so that it is perfectly sharp. A doublet solution for flow past a closed body is used as the farfield boundary condition. Supercritical flow calculations have been performed for ellipses with thickness ratio of 0·2 and 0·4 at various free-stream Mach numbers. The present results are compared with the shock-capturing method, and good agreement is obtained.
Spatial Scale and Hazard Perception: An Exploratory Analysis

This study tests the relationship between spatial scale and hazard perception, accounting for selected sociodemographic and property-related factors. Results reveal significant relationships between spatial scale and wildfire hazard perceptions of survey respondents from Arizona's White Mountains. Hazard perception increased across four ascending spatial scalar levels (from home structure to community levels). Relationships between two (of eight) variables (property landscape hazard exposure, ecological knowledge) and hazard perception were significant when ignoring spatial scale; when accounting for spatial scale, however, significant relationships registered at specific levels for seven variables (home ignitability, property landscape hazard exposure, mitigation, property value, housing tenure, full-time/part-time residency, ecological knowledge). Residents with lower (vs. higher) home ignitability, residents of higher (vs. lower) value properties, and owner-occupants (vs. renters) had significantly low...
Structure determination in fuzzy modeling: a fuzzy CART approach

This paper presents an innovative approach to the structure determination problem in fuzzy modeling. By using the well-known CART (classification and regression tree) algorithm as a quick preprocess, the proposed method can roughly estimate the structure (numbers of membership functions and number of fuzzy rules, etc.) of a fuzzy inference system; the parameter identification is then carried out by the hybrid learning scheme developed in our previous work. Moreover, the identified fuzzy inference system has the property that the total of firing strengths is always equal to one; this speeds up learning processes and reduces round-off errors. >
Verbal memory in mania: effects of clinical state and task requirements.

Objectives: Manic patients exhibit impaired verbal learning and memory, particularly following longstanding illness. However, it is unclear whether recognition and recall performance are differentially influenced by a manic mood state. Methods: To examine this issue, we administered the California Verbal Learning Test and symptom-rating scales to inpatients with pure or mixed mania, euthymic outpatients, and healthy comparison subjects. Results: An overall performance difference was identified between groups. Manic and euthymic patients performed more poorly than healthy subjects on recall. However, manic patients performed more poorly than euthymic patients and healthy subjects on recognition. Conclusions: These results suggest that verbal retrieval deficits are stable vulnerability indicators in bipolar disorder, whereas verbal encoding deficits are manic episode indicators. The known subcortical dysfunction in this disorder may produce stable retrieval deficits while acute mood symptoms attenuate encoding during affective episodes only.