cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Horseradish peroxidase evidence for a spinal projection from the preoptic area of the goldfish, a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was applied to the transected spinal cord of goldfish labeled neurons in the preoptic area. Since leakage of HRP into the blood could produce the labeling of neurosecretory cells, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of HRP were made with a wide range of dosages in order to intentionally label preoptic neurosecretory cells. The distribution of preoptic neurons labeled after spinal HRP application was far more restricted than the labeling via uptake of HRP from the blood, even when cells in the spinal cord-transected fish were intensely labeled. Furthermore, in HRP electron microscopic material, morphological differences were observed between neurons labeled by the two procedures. Large numbers of dense core vesicles and well-developed stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum, features typical of cells projecting to the pituitary, were not observed in cells labeled via the spinal cord. These findings indicate that in goldfish a direct projection exists from the preoptic area to the spinal cord which could be homologous to one arising from the paraventricular nucleus of mammals. Both i.p. injection and spinal transection also produced labeling more caudal periventricular diencephalic cells which resemble preoptic cells in efferent projections as well as ultrastructural features.
Aquatic fungi of iceland: Phlyctochytrium schroeter

Descriptive notes on morphological variations are given for these species of Phlyctochytrium in Iceland: P. biporosum, P. bullatum, P., equale, P. hallii, P. irregulare, P. indicum, and P. mucronatum. A Phlyctochytrium with urn-shaped sporangia possessing large discharge pores is described but is not named. Sporangial shape in this plant is nearly identical to that of Phlyctidium marinum, a Rhizophydium sp. reported by Sparrow and Koch, and two species of Chytriomyces. A second unnamed species resembling P. longicollum but having a more distinctive sporangium and a large apophysis, is reported from pine pollen.
Mathematical analysis of a biochemical oscillator with delay

In this work we analyze a nonlinear delay differential equation (DDE) model with negative feedback and constant time delay. The model is constructed from a previously studied biochemical reaction network of gene transcription and protein synthesis. Linear analysis of the associated DDE model gives a critical time delay beyond which a periodic motion is born in a Hopf bifurcation. The method of multiple scales is then used to analyze the nonlinear system to obtain expressions for the amplitude and frequency of oscillation as a function of the system parameters. We use our closed form analytical expressions to study the importance of a well-balanced ratio between synthesis and degradation rates in the existence of periodic solutions. We show that our theoretical results are in agreement with numerical simulations and with experimental evidence found in the biological literature.
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a spectrum of disorders that includes stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). CVD is the UK's biggest cause of death, with over 191 000 deaths a year. The extent to which CVD affects the health of the population and the financial burden this places on the National Health Service (NHS) makes it an important modifiable disease. Preventing CVD is now a significant role of the general practice team.
A theoretical study of acoustic emission from a crack extension event

Abstract The acoustic emission signals resulting from a small extension of an existing crack in a body under tensile stress are calculated using a particular model of the crack extension event. The dependence of the signal on the duration of the event is evaluated; and it is shown that the signal strength depends markedly on the position and characteristics of the transducer and on the crack orientation. Simultaneous measurements with an array of transducers on the surface of the specimen could therefore provide additional information about the nature of the crack extension event.
Catabolism of Aspen Sapwood in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The only investigation of the quantitative changes in principal components of wood by our most destructive native subterranean termite genus, Reticulitermes , resulted in a questionably high depletion of the lignin (Seifert and Becker 1965). Moreover, nitrogen balance has not been established for metabolism of wood by Reticulitermcs . This paper reports attack on aspen sapwood (Populus grandidentata Michx.) by Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and chemical analysis of the principal wood components and nitrogen in the termite-wood system.
Human and primate poxviruses: I. Growth characteristics of cytolytic and tumor variants.

The dual potential of poxviruses to be cytolytic and tumorogenic has been extended. Yaba monkey tumor virus formed foci on monkey and human embryonic cells. Cytolytic or plaque-forming virus was isolated from Yaba tumor homogenates by selective sucrose centrifugation and passage through monkey or human embryonic cells. Monkey pox virus (MPV) was cytolytic for monkey cells or human embryonic cells, but upon passage onto young monolayers of human carcinoma cells, HeLa, produced a restricted cytopathic effect on first transfer, foci on second transfer and cytolysis after the fourth transfer. If HeLa monolayers were compact, the rapid growth precluded overt expression of cytolytic MPV. Electron micrographs of cytolytic Yaba indicated that Yaba development was similar to vaccinia and MPV but not totally organized. Growth curves of vaccinia, MPV and cytolytic Yaba were essentially identical in monkey and human embryonic cell lines.
Endotracheal drug administration during out-of-hospital resuscitation: where are the survivors?

Abstract Background: Drugs administered endotracheally are effectively absorbed during normal spontaneous cardiac activity. However, animal cardiac arrest studies and limited clinical investigations do not support either the use of endotracheal (ET) drugs in doses currently recommended for adults or the method of direct endotracheal instillation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous (IV) and ET drug therapy on outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to all cardiac arrest rhythms. Design: Five and one-half year retrospective cohort study. Setting: Municipal, university affiliated hospital. Patients: Consecutive patients >18 years of age in nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who received advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) medications by only the ET or IV route were included. Interventions: None. Results: Five hundred and ninety-six patients met inclusion criteria (IV drugs=495, ET drugs=101). There was no difference between groups in the rate of witnessed arrest and the frequency of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the ET drug group, a significantly greater number of patients had an initial documented arrest rhythm of asystole compared to the IV drug group (56 vs 37%, P =0.01). The rate of return of spontaneous circulation (27 vs 15%, P =0.01) and survival to hospital admission rate (20 vs 9%, P =0.01) were significantly greater in the IV drug group. No patient who received ET drugs survived to hospital discharge compared to 5% of those receiving IV drugs ( P =0.01). Conclusion: For our out-of-hospital advanced rescuer system, ET drugs at recommended doses (twice the IV dose) injected into an ET tube during cardiac arrest and CPR were of no benefit.
Strategic considerations for centralization of services across the pharmacy enterprise

A perpetual challenge for the chief pharmacy officer (CPO) is deciding which services within the pharmacy enterprise should be centralized. In large systems, these decisions are particularly weighty because once the decision is made to centralize, there are often considerable time and money devoted
Ethical Guidelines for Designing and Conducting Evaluations of Social Work Practice

We review selected aspects of current ethical guidelines pertaining to the design and conduct of social work evaluation and research studies. We contend that there are significant differences between social science research and evaluation studies, and that the uncritical application of ethical guidelines suitable for regulating social science research may hinder social workers undertaking clinical and program evaluations. What is needed are ethical guidelines that distinguish between retrospective and prospectively designed studies, which enumerate when voluntary and informed consent may not be necessary in order to use data obtained from clients, and clearer standards pertaining to exempting evaluation studies from oversight by Institutional Review Boards.
Morphology-property relationships in oriented PET films: A role of in-plane crystalline orientation distribution on the film properties

The role of in-plane crystalline, amorphous, and overall molecular orientation on various properties in the plane of the films was investigated using a variety of techniques. It is shown that for a fixed value of crystallinity the in-plane crystalline orientation and the nature of the constraint imposed by the crystallites on the molecules play an important role in obtaining isotropic in-plane expansion or shrinkage properties. Achievement of in-plane isotropic tensile strength and elongation at the break are found to depend entirely upon an isotropic distribution of the amorphous orientation; the orientation of crystallites plays no detectable role. Furthermore, the deformation mechanisms of sequential and simultaneous biaxial stretching processes have been investigated and compared. The simulteneous stretching process is considered to be a more controlled film-fabricating method compared to sequential stretching in achieving balanced, in-plane film properties. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
“God Is Like a Drug…”: Explaining Interaction Ritual Chains in American Megachurches†

Megachurches have been criticized as superficial sources of entertainment that do not produce significant feelings of belonging, moral responsibility, or spirituality. This article challenges popular criticisms of megachurches and, drawing on interaction ritual theory, proposes that megachurches are successful interaction ritual venues and powerful purveyors of emotional religious experience. We predict that these interaction rituals produce positive emotional energy, membership symbols that are charged with emotional significance, feelings of morality, and a heightened sense of spirituality. From a census of 1,250 known megachurches in America, 12 were selected that closely represent the national megachurch profile. At each church, focus groups were conducted and attendees participated in a survey. We combine these data sources to provide a more comprehensive picture of the megachurch interaction ritual. The combined qualitative and quantitative results provide strong support for our predictions.
Discovery of an orally active small-molecule irreversible inhibitor of protein disulfide isomerase for ovarian cancer treatment

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, catalyzes disulfide bond breakage, formation, and rearrangement. The effect of PDI inhibition on ovarian cancer progression is not yet clear, and there is a need for potent, selective, and safe small-molecule inhibitors of PDI. Here, we report a class of propynoic acid carbamoyl methyl amides (PACMAs) that are active against a panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines. Using fluorescent derivatives, 2D gel electrophoresis, and MS, we established that PACMA 31, one of the most active analogs, acts as an irreversible small-molecule inhibitor of PDI, forming a covalent bond with the active site cysteines of PDI. We also showed that PDI activity is essential for the survival and proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, PACMA 31 showed tumor targeting ability and significantly suppressed ovarian tumor growth without causing toxicity to normal tissues. These irreversible small-molecule PDI inhibitors represent an important approach for the development of targeted anticancer agents for ovarian cancer therapy, and they can also serve as useful probes for investigating the biology of PDI-implicated pathways.
Distribution of platinum chemotherapeutic complexes in normal tissues and in tumors.

Abstract Pharmacokinetic studies in animals and in man have reported poor penetration of the parent platinum complex, cis -dichloroammineplatinum ( cis -DDP), into the brain. In this study, levels of a 195m Pt-labeled analog, malonato-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) (PHM), were measured in tissues of normal and brain tumor-bearing rats between 1 and 30 hr after injection. Higher concentrations of platinum were recorded in tissues of tumor-bearing rats compared to tissues of normal animals and in intracerebral brain tumors compared to normal brain. A peak of a secondary maximum of uptake was observed at 24 hr. Results predict that it should be possible to obtain levels of platinum in the brain tumors on the order of levels that produced enhanced radiation effects in previous studies using cultured mammalian cells.
Biologic basis for a risk assessment model for cleft palate.

Abstract A biologic model for palatogenesis is presented, Intended as a basis for risk assessment. It comprises a sequence of developmental stages: growth and migration of neural crest cells, downward growth of palatal buds, elevation of palatal shelves, and differentiation of the epithelium followed by shelf fusion. Several events representing these stages and amenable to mathematical translation may be measurable in the form of biomarkers such as DNA and protein synthesis, phospholipid metabolism, and signal transducing systems. Interrupting components of the model will result in cleft palate. Teratogens with known mechanisms of action are compared with the model. The quantitative risk of cleft palate is conceived as a sequence of mathematical probabilities that any stage of the model runs an abnormal course. Stage-specific probabilities are determined by a chemical's potency and dose, and by duration of exposure and gestational age. Species or strain sensitivity may be expressed as quantitative differe...
In vivo antitumor activity of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1, 2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(II) formulated in long-circulating liposomes.

A lipophilic cisplatin derivative, cis-bisneodecanoato-trans-R,R-l,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(II) (NDDP), was formulated in liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (Chol) additionally containing monosialoganglioside (GM1) or polyethyleneglycol conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). These NDDP-containing long-circulating liposomes were examined for in vivo antitumor activity using the mouse RIF-1 solid tumor as a target residing outside the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Biodistribution studies, using C3H/HeJ mice and 111In-labelled DTPA-SA as a lipid marker, showed that the activity of GM1 and PEG-PE in prolonging the circulation times of liposomes was preserved in the presence of 3.0 mol% of NDDP in the liposome membranes. The high levels of liposomes remaining in the blood for PC/Chol/GM1 and PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes were associated with high levels of platinum in the blood as determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These NDDP-containing long-circulating liposomes showed approximately a three-fold increase in tumor accumulation as compared to the conventional PC/Choi liposomes. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using RIF-1 tumor cells showed that the presence of PEG-PE, but not GM1, significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of liposomal NDDP. RIF-1 tumor-bearing C3H/HeJ mice were treated twice with 25 mg/kg NDDP in various liposomal formulations on days 12 and 16 after tumor cell inoculation. A significant reduction in the tumor growth rate was observed when NDDP was formulated in PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes which support both efficient tumor accumulation and enhanced cytotoxicity of liposomal NDDP. On the other hand, NDDP formulated in PC/Chol/GM1 liposomes, which display only a high tumor accumulation, had no effect on the tumor growth rate. Furthermore, NDDP formulated in dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG)-containing liposomes, exhibiting in vitro cytotoxicity comparable to NDDP formulated in PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes, but showing poor tumor accumulation, was also not effective. These results indicate a potential effectiveness of NDDP formulated in PEG-PE-containing liposomes for therapy of tumors in non-RES organs.
Nicotine effects on learning in zebrafish: the role of dopaminergic systems

Nicotine improves cognitive function in a number of animal models including rats, mice, monkeys, and recently, zebrafish. The zebrafish model allows higher throughput and ease in discovering mechanisms of cognitive improvement. To further characterize the neural bases of nicotine effects on learning in zebrafish, we determined changes in dopaminergic systems that accompany nicotine-enhanced learning. Nicotine improved learning and increased brain levels of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), the primary dopamine metabolite. There was a significant correlation between choice accuracy and DOPAC levels. The nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine blocked the nicotine-induced increase in DOPAC concentrations, in line with our previous finding that mecamylamine reversed nicotine-induced learning improvement. Dopamine systems are related to learning in zebrafish; nicotine exposure increases both learning rates and DOPAC levels; and nicotinic antagonist administration blocks nicotine-induced rises in DOPAC concentrations. Rapid cognitive assessment of drugs with zebrafish could serve as a useful screening tool for the development of new therapeutics for cognitive dysfunction.
Risk of emergent bradycardia associated with initiation of immediate- or slow-release metoprolol.

Metoprolol is the most widely prescribed oral beta blocker in the United States. In 2008, its prescription volume exceeded 68 million, making it the third most widely prescribed drug.1 It has various indications including hypertension, angina, and myocardial infarction. Bradycardia is a potentially serious adverse effect of metoprolol. Its incidence in large clinical trials is low, ranging from 0.8-9%.2,3 Despite widespread use of the drug, however, the incidence in clinical practice outside of controlled experimental settings is unknown. Metoprolol reduces heart rate by antagonizing beta1 receptors in the heart. Importantly, the degree of heart rate reduction positively correlates with the blood concentrations of metoprolol.4-6 Thus, patients with elevated metoprolol blood concentrations may have an increased risk of bradycardia. Two oral formulations of metoprolol are available: immediate release (IR; metoprolol tartrate) and slow release (SR; metoprolol succinate). Because of the different release kinetics, the IR formulation is usually administered twice a day versus once a day for the SR formation. In clinical practice, they are interchanged based on a total daily dose. For example, the IR formulation 50 mg twice daily is commonly interchanged with the SR 100 mg once daily. However, the two formulations have different pharmacokinetics, which may produce different pharmacodynamics including the degree of heart rate reduction.7-9 Thus, the objective of the study was to estimate and compare the risk of emergent bradycardia, measured at emergency department visits or hospitalizations due to bradycardia, associated with initiation of the two formulations of metoprolol (IR and SR) used in routine clinical practice.
Which nation? Language, identity and republican politics in post-revolutionary France

(1993). Which nation? Language, identity and republican politics in post-revolutionary France. History of European Ideas: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 31-46.
The implant-supported prosthesis for the edentulous arch: Design considerations

Abstract Statement of problem. Edentulous patients who require implant-supported prostheses have diverse jaw anatomy and functional, esthetic, and economic concerns. Four main prosthetic designs have been used to meet these needs. Purpose. In this article, the fixed ceramometal, fixed detachable, overdenture, and fixed removable prostheses are discussed with emphasis on indications and limitations. An in-depth diagnosis and informed treatment planning will maximize implant success and patient satisfaction. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:28-33.)
The Isotopic Constitution of Lead and the Measurement of Geological Time. III

A mass spectrographic measurement of the relative abundances of the isotopes in eight samples of radiogenic lead and thirteen samples of common lead has been made. As five of the radiogenic lead samples originated from minerals containing both uranium and thorium, three independent determinations of the age could be made. One of the samples was the oldest so far studied and appears to have an age close to two billion years. The common lead samples were found to have large variations in the relative abundances of the same sort as were reported in a previous investigation of twelve other samples.
Identification and expression of GnRH2 and GnRH3 in the black sea bass ( Centropristis striata ), a hermaphroditic teleost

We cloned two cDNAs for two gonadotropin-releasing hormones, GnRH2 (chicken GnRH-II) and GnRH3 (salmon GnRH), respectively, from the black sea bass (Centropristis striata). Black sea bass are protogynous hermaphroditic teleosts that change from females to males between 2 and 5 years of age. Similar to other GnRH precursors, the precursors of black sea bass GnRH2 and GnRH23 consisted of a signal peptide, decapeptide, a downstream processing site, and a GnRH-associated peptide. Our analyses failed to identify GnRH1. GnRH3 precursor transcript was more widely distributed in a variety of tissues compared with GnRH2. Further examination of GnRH expression and gonadal histology was done in black sea bass from three different size groups: small (11.4–44.1 g), medium (179.4–352.2 g) and large (393.8–607.3 g). Interestingly, GnRH3 expression occurred only in the pituitaries of males in the small and medium groups compared with expression of GnRH2. Future functional studies of the sea bass GnRHs will be valuable in elucidating the potential underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms of black sea bass reproduction and may ultimately contribute to management advances in this commercially important fish.
The Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute: Britain's Colonial Legacy In Latin America

The expiration in 1982 of the Protocol of Port-of-Spain reheated a border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana that had been frozen since 1970, Almost at once, Venezuelan ultranationalists asserted the need to recover by force the Essequibo region of Guyana--two-thirds of that country--which Venezuela had long claimed. While rejecting force as a solution, the Venezuelan government has indicated that the Protocol will not be renewed, thus pushing the economically and politically vulnerable Guyana toward new and uncertain negotiations. This book describes the actors and their stake in the conflict, the capacity of each to develop the disputed region, and the implications of the Venezuelan claim for both sides. Incorporating a critical examination of the conflict's historical-legal background, Dr. Braveboy-Wagner chronicles the progress of the dispute through its various stages and describes the attempts of both sides to elicit outside support, especially from other Third World nations. Finally, she assesses the possibilities for a solution by force and by compromise and considers the potential for U.S. involvement.
Induced abortion: a world review, 1990.

The worldwide trend toward liberalization of abortion laws has continued in the last 4 years with changes in 10 countries. Laws have also become more restrictive in 4 countries but in ways that will affect few women. 40% of the worlds population now lives in countries where no specific justification is required to obtain an abortion and 25% lives where an abortion is allowed only if the womens life is in danger. Legal abortion rates range from a high of at least 112 abortions/1000 women of reproductive age in the Soviet Union to a low of 5/1000 in the Netherlands. In recent years abortion rates have been increasing in Czechoslovakia England and Wales New Zealand and Sweden and declining in China France Iceland Italy Japan the Netherlands and South Korea. Mortality from legal abortion averages 0.6 deaths/100000 procedures in developed countries with data. Abortion services are increasingly being provided outside of hospitals and for those performed in hospitals overnight stays are becoming less common. Suction curettage and dilation and evacuation the safest methods are increasingly being used in developed countries but are unavailable in some developed as well as developing areas especially where abortion is legally restricted. (Authors).
Extracting Reynolds Stresses from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Measurements in Wave-Dominated Environments

Abstract Surface waves introduce velocity correlations that bias and often dominate Reynolds stress estimates made using the traditional variance method for acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs). This analysis shows that the wave bias is the sum of a real wave stress and an error due to instrument tilt, both of which have a large uncertainty. Three alternative extensions to the variance method for calculating Reynolds stress profiles from ADCP measurements in wavy conditions are analyzed. The previously proposed variance fitting method (Variance Fit) is evaluated and two more general methods that use along- and between-beam velocity differencing with adaptive filtering (Vertical AF and Horizontal AF) are derived. The three methods are tested on datasets containing long-period monochromatic swell (Moorea, French Polynesia) and shorter-period mixed swell (Santa Barbara, California). The Variance Fit method leaves a residual wave bias in beam velocity variances, especially for intermediate waves, but gi...
Learning Commons: A Learning-Centered Library Design

The emergence of the learning commons as a central element in contemporary library design offers an opportunity to transform the library's role on campus from a provider of information to a facilitator of learning. We demonstrate how informing space and program design with basic principles of human learning can shape student engagement with the library while better meeting institutional goals.
Eruptive probability calculation for the Yucca Mountain site, USA: statistical estimation of recurrence rates

Investigations are currently underway to evaluate the impact of potentially adverse conditions (e.g. volcanism, faulting, seismicity) on the waste-isolation capability of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA. This paper is the first in a series that will examine the probability of disruption of the Yucca Mountain site by volcanic eruption. In it, we discuss three estimating techniques for determining the recurrence rate of volcanic eruption (λ), an important parameter in the Poisson probability model. The first method is based on the number of events occurring over a certain observation period, the second is based on repose times, and the final is based on magma volume. All three require knowledge of the total number of eruptions in the Yucca Mountain area during the observation period (E). Following this discussion we then propose an estimate of E which takes into account the possibility of polygenetic and polycyclic volcanism at all the volcanic centers near the Yucca Mountain site.
Protein chips: from concept to practice

A series of exciting reports over the past two years has established the usefulness of protein chips and made important advances in preparing protein arrays. However, several technical challenges must still be addressed to make these tools available to the wider community of researchers. Here, we discusses these challenges and survey recent opportunities for creating quantitative assays, preparing and immobilizing large numbers of proteins, using detection methods to analyze the results of chip-based experiments, and using informatics tools to interpret these results.
The manifestation of aphasic symptoms in Spanish

Abstract Few systematic descriptions of aphasia characteristics are available about the Spanish language. Three different language aspects are examined in this paper: phonology, aphasic substitutions (paraphasias), and morphosyntax. It has been observed that phonological errors in Spanish speaking aphasies more frequently involve vowels than consonants. It is proposed that this is related to the salience of vowels observed in Spanish. Phonological paraphasias are about 10 times more frequent than verbal paraphasias in conduction aphasia. In Broca's aphasia, they are only five times more frequent, whereas in Wernicke's aphasia the number of phonemic and verbal paraphasias is roughly the same. It is difficult to know how well this distribution fits in other languages, due to the absence of cross-linguistic comparisons. Agrammatism in Spanish has certain distinguishing characteristics, particularly due to the significant flexibility of the word order in the sentence and the use of some preposition to distinguish the object from the subject. Certain aspects of Spanish grammar are relatively resistant in cases of brain pathology, such as the subject-verb concordance. Some relatively unusual types of sentences, such as passive sentences, are significantly impaired in cases of agrammatism. Obviously, those grammatical aspects that are stronger (i.e., more crucial to distinguish the agent and the patient, such as the use of the preposition “a”) are also better preserved in cases of Broca's aphasia associated with agrammatism. It is concluded that, despite similarities with aphasia described in other Indo-European languages, certain aphasia features can be considered characteristic of the Spanish language.
NASA lacks funds for Earth science decadal survey projects

NASA does not have the resources to complete all of the projects set forth in the U.S. National Academies decadal survey for Earth Sciences, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin told the U.S. House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee at a 22 March hearing. Griffin said that although he respects the advice put forth by the National Academies, “we cannot do every mission in the Earth science decadal [survey] with the money that we have.” He noted that the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for NASA, the subject of the hearing, does provide a modest 3% increase in funding for the agency. However, he admitted that the budget “does not purchase all of the things that all of us would like to purchase.”
Developmental changes in serum IGF-1 and IGFBP levels and liver IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in intrauterine growth-retarded and control swine.

Abstract The 29 M r x 10−3 IGFBP was significantly elevated ( P ) in IUGR piglets at 90 days fetally and at birth. Developmentally, 29 M r x 10−3 IGFBP levels were higher fetally and at birth than at 21 and 49 days of age ( P ). At 90 days fetally, hepatic IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were very high, while circulating levels of IGFBP-3 were extremely low whereas postnatally, hepatic IGFBP-3 mRNA and serum IGFBP-3 levels were parallel. This study provides new information concerning the developmental expression of IGFBP-3 and the relationship between serum levels of the 29 M r x 10−3 IGFBP and IUGR in swine.
Estimating Drought Conditions for Regions with Limited Precipitation Data

Abstract Three closely related issues that affect drought estimation in regions with limited precipitation data are addressed by investigating methods for filling missing daily precipitation data, handling short-term records, and deriving drought information for unsampled locations. The analysis yields three general conclusions: 1) it is better to conduct spatial interpolation prior to calculating drought index values, 2) using weather stations with moderate lengths of records (usually at least 10 years) improves the spatial–temporal characterization of drought, and 3) alternative precipitation sources of the National Weather Service multisensor precipitation rainfall estimates and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite monthly rainfall product (3B43) do not outperform spatially interpolated daily precipitation data in most regions, except in the western United States where the TRMM-based precipitation data work better than the spatially interpolated values for drought monitoring.
Lateral hypothalamus modulates gut-sensitive neurons in the dorsal vagal complex

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) regulates metabolic, behavioral and autonomic functions. The influence of the LH on gastrointestinal function and feeding behavior may be mediated by the dorsal vagal complex (DVC). In the present experiment, we used tract tracing and neurophysiologic techniques to evaluate the interrelationship between the LH and DVC. Using the tracer DiI, we demonstrated that the LH projects to both the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV). We determined the effects of electrical stimulation of the LH and/or distention of the gastrointestinal tract on the firing rates of 107 DMNV neurons and 68 NST neurons. As previously reported, the majority of the DMNV neurons were inhibited and the majority of the NST neurons were excited by gastrointestinal distention. Electrical stimulation of the LH significantly changed the spontaneous activities of 71% of the DMNV neurons (46 excited and 30 inhibited). Of the 68 NST neurons characterized, 25 neurons were inhibited and 8 were excited by LH stimulation. In a separate experiment, we characterized the effects of both electrical and chemical stimulation of the LH on 36 DMNV and 14 NST neurons. Glutamate (0.8 nM) induced similar responses in the DVC neurons as electrical stimulation of the LH. The results indicate that the LH influences the electrical activity of DVC neurons. This effect may be the mechanism by which the LH modulates gastrointestinal function and feeding behavior.
Amorphous germanium contacts on germanium detectors

Abstract The rectification properties of sputtered amorphous germanium contacts made under a variety of conditions on germanium detectors have been measured as a function of temperature and electric field. The leakage current increased as a function of voltage above depletion voltage. The rectifying amorphous–crystalline heterojunction theory derived by Dohler and Brodsky describes the behavior well. Values of barrier height were measured to be ∼0.30–0.35 eV and the density of states was found to be N F ∼10 18 eV −1 cm −3 .
Setting precedents for eu environmental liability? the polluter pays principle and the UK Cambridge water case

While the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) lies at the foundation of EU environmental policy, its usefulness as an applicable concept remains limited. Following recent policy developments from the Council of Europe and from the European Commission relating to environmental liability, the UK courts have recently come to a final decision in a liability case which has been described as the most important legal case in the UK this century. Given its importance, and the potential impact that it has on EU policy, this paper sets out the issues surrounding the case, particularly in relation to the application of the PPP.
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Processes of Polymer Blends and Block Copolymers in the Presence of Pressurized Carbon Dioxide

Environmentally-responsible materials processing is becoming an important global consideration in a wide variety of technologies, especially those wherein volatile and/or residual organic solvents cannot be tolerated. In this context, polymer processing has benefited tremendously from advances achieved using high-pressure CO2 as a viscosity modifier, plasticizing agent, foaming agent, and reaction medium. Pressurized CO2 is environmentally benign, inexpensive, sustainable, and versatile owing to its gas-like viscosity and liquid-like solubility, which can be tuned through judicious choice of temperature and pressure. The addition of high-pressure CO2 to homopolymer blends and block copolymers can have a profound impact on polymer thermodynamics and kinetic processes since the number of interacting species increases. As a result, the compressibility as well as plasticization and intermolecular screening effects become non-negligible. In this work, we review how these factors influence such polymeric systems, and discuss commercial polymer processes and applications that benefit from the use of high-pressure CO2.
Equation of state for cubic ferromagnets

The scaling equation of state for ferromagnets with interactions of cubic symmetry is derived to first order in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=4\ensuremath{-}d$, where $d$ is the dimensionality of space. Finite susceptibilities are found at zero field below ${T}_{c}$. These diverge, however, as the number of spin components approaches ${n}_{c}$ (\ensuremath{\simeq}3.13 at $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=1$) from above, where the cubic fixed point coincides with the usual Heisenberg fixed point.
Understanding integrated global sourcing

The ability to satisfy customer demands while responding to relentless competitive pressure requires creative and often complex approaches to managing a firm's supply chain. Perhaps more than any other area, executive managers increasingly believe that a concept called globalization offers the best opportunity to achieve major performance gains. One area where many companies can begin to capture the benefits of globalization is global sourcing, which involves the worldwide integration of engineering, operations, and procurement centers within the upstream portion of a firm's supply chain. Unfortunately, capturing the benefits potentially offered by globalization is often limited by a lack of understanding concerning how to pursue this important topic. To help overcome this limitation this article presents a five‐level continuum that illustrates the differences between international purchasing and global sourcing, examines the factors that are the most critical to global success, and concludes with a brief discussion of future global sourcing directions.
Attitudinal Stumbling Blocks to Geriatric Rehabilitation

Attitudes held by geriatric patients, their families, and hospital staff are frequent obstacles to successful rehabilitation following acute illness. These attitudes interfere with patients' motivation for increasing physical independence and result in patients' becoming stranded at a more dependent level of function. Three distinct attitudes frequently encountered in geriatric rehabilitation are identified: the prejudice of ageism, the right of dependency, and the apathy of fatigue. Recognition of these attitudinal syndromes permits effective treatment interventions to enable poorly motivated geriatric rehabilitation patients to progress towards functional independence.
A2b adenosine receptors can change their spots

Recently, a central role for the A2b adenosine receptor in a variety of cardiovascular functions including inflammation, erectile function, coronary artery dilation, asthma and cardioprotection has been demonstrated. Despite this evidence, the low-affinity A2b adenosine receptor is still poorly understood. This receptor appears to be very promiscuous in its coupling. In most tissues, it couples to Gs much like its cousin, the A2a adenosine receptor, but in mast cells and now, most recently, in cardiac fibroblasts, the A2b receptor also couples to Gq. Because of its low affinity, this receptor was originally thought unlikely to play any important physiological role. But the sensitivity of A2b adenosine receptors can be greatly increased by interaction with protein kinase C (PKC) making this receptor, under various conditions, both an activator and a target of PKC. We have recently documented a third coupling involving Gi. This plasticity and versatility of A2b adenosine receptors position them as potential triggers of signalling in multiple signalling cascades in many physiological responses, making this a most interesting receptor indeed. This article is a commentary on Feng et al., pp. 1598–1607 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00558.x
Studies with carcinogens and tumor-promoting agents in cell culture.

Abstract Transformation into permanent cell lines of hamster embryo fibroblasts was induced by benzo(a)pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Cells of the transformed lines had altered karyotypes, and the benzo(a)pyrene-induced line was tumorigenic in hamsters. Several lines of mouse fibroblasts of altered morphology were obtained following pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene exposure, but these cells were not tumorigenic when injected in cortisonized mice. 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene inhibited the cellular proliferation of an untransformed line (3T3) of mouse fibroblasts to a lesser extent than in a polyoma virus-transformed variant of the same line. At doses that were not toxic to growth of mass cultures, exposure to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene caused a reduction in the subsequent cloning efficiency of the 3T3 line. Similar inhibitory effects were obtained with tobacco smoke condensate, a phorbol ester fraction from Croton tiglium L. and benzo(a)pyrene. The toxic effect of bcnzo(a)pyrene was demonstrable 20 generations after exposure. No transformation was observed in the 3T3 cell line with any chemical treatment. The toxic and transforming effects of carcinogens in cell culture systems is discussed.
Coupling of Rayleigh-Wood anomalies and the circular Bragg phenomenon in slanted chiral sculptured thin films

Slanted chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) are introduced as nano-engineered materials that are effectively periodic in two orthogonal directions. Their periodicities normal and parallel to the substrate plane are related by a slant angle. A coupled wave theory is formulated and implemented for the planewave response of a slanted chiral STF of finite thickness. Numerical results show that the nonspecular remittances and the Rayleigh-Wood anomalies due to periodicity parallel to the substrate plane are tightly coupled to the specular nature of the circular Bragg phenomenon displayed due to periodicity normal to the substrate plane. In the Bragg regime, the left- and the right-circularly polarized components of the incident plane wave are redirected in non-trivially different directions. The potential of slanted chiral STFs as narrowband circular polarization beamsplitters is established.
Agility and Perturbation Training Techniques in Exercise Therapy for Reducing Pain and Improving Function in People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Impairment-based exercise programs have yielded only small to moderate benefits in reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It has previously been proposed that adding agility and perturbation training to exercise programs for people with knee OA may improve treatment effects for pain and function. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of adding agility and perturbation techniques to standard exercise therapy compared with the standard exercise program alone for people with knee OA. Design This was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting The study was conducted in the outpatient physical therapy clinic of a large, university-based health center. Participants One hundred eighty-three people with knee OA (122 women, 61 men) participated. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to either a group that received agility and perturbation training with standard exercise therapy or a group that received only the standard exercise program. Measurements The outcome measures were self-reported knee pain and function, self-reported knee instability, a performance-based measure of function, and global rating of change. Results Although both groups exhibited improvement in self-reported function and in the global rating of change at the 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods, there were no differences between groups on these outcomes. There was no reduction in knee pain or improvement in performance-based function in either group. Limitations It is possible that more-intense application of the interventions or application of the interventions to participants with knee OA who were at greater risk for falling may have yielded additive effects of the agility and perturbation training approach. Conclusions Both intervention groups exhibited improvement in self-reported function and the global rating of change. Our results, however, did not support an additive effect of agility and perturbation training with standard exercise therapy in our sample of individuals with knee OA. Further study is needed to determine whether there are subgroups of individuals who might achieve an added benefit with this approach.
Biosynthesis of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Yeast: Correlation of Biochemical Blocks and Genetic Lesions in Leucine Auxotrophs

The three enzymatic steps in the conversion of α-ketoisovalerate to α-ketoisocaproate were examined in wild-type and in leucine auxotrophic stocks of yeast. Procedures for the reliable assay of each of the enzymatic steps in crude extracts were devised. Crude extracts of the prototrophic haploid stock catalyzed all three enzymatic steps. Examination of a series of leucine auxotrophs permitted a correlation between the three enzymatic steps and the genetic lesions affecting 10 different loci. This examination revealed that a single locus (le-6) affected primarily α-isopropylmalate synthetase, the first step in the pathway. Lesions in six loci (le-1, le-4, le-5, le-7, le-8, and le-10) lead primarily to a deficiency in the activity of the second enzyme in the pathway, α-isopropylmalate isomerase. Stocks with lesions in three loci (le-2, le-3, and le-9) were primarily blocked in the third step of the pathway, catalyzed by β-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase. The results with the mutants provide strong evidence that the pathway for leucine biosynthesis proposed by Strassman and his colleagues is the sole significant pathway in yeast.
Model-based determination of QT intervals

A method is presented to determine the QT interval by fitting a nonlinear artificial ECG model to segmented regions of a human ECG. The model consists of a set of temporally Gaussian functions with different widths and heights. These parameters are fitted to a given ECG (segmented around the QRS complex to include the P and T wave) using a nonlinear least squares optimization routine. The Q onset and T offset can be determined precisely (in a statistical sense) from the parameters of the Gaussian. Since the fitted waveform contains no noise, the differential is smooth. Waveform boundaries can also be determined by searching for the minimum of a differential. Furthermore, the residual error provides an estimate of the confidence in the fit, and hence, the derived QT interval. Using the human expert-annotated PhysioNet QT database, various QT interval estimation schemes were compared using the model-fitted ECG to find an optimal marker of the QT interval. It was found that humans are inconsistent and almost always under-estimate the T-offset (if defined to be the end of any repolarization). This is probably due to the truncation of any human estimation when the T wave tail is consumed by noise. We therefore propose an alternative QT end point. Finally, an entry based on the most favourable technique was submitted in the PhysioNet / Computers in Cardiology Challenge 2006; QT Interval Measurement, which is intended to produce a comparison of several automatic and human annotators on the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt diagnostic ECG database. A follow-up paper to address differences between those generated by our method and the consensus of the other entries will be submitted shortly.