cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subcellular distribution of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rat brain and hypothalamus

Abstract TRH localization in rat brain and hypothalamic tissue was studied by determining of immunoassayable TRH in subcellular fractions prepared from homogenates of these tissues. In both hypothalamus and brain, most of the TRH was found in a crude mitochondrial fraction and its concentration was higher in the synaptosomal fraction isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Electron microscopy was used to verify the composition of the fractions. Exposure of the brain crude mitochondrial fraction to osmotic shock resulted in solubilization of TRH which then was sedimented by centrifugation at 96,000 × g. TRH added to brain homogenates in vitro was rapidly destroyed by incubation at 37°C, but no endogenous TRH was lost by such incubation. The localization of TRH of hypothalamic and brain tissue to subcellular fractions consisting largely of synaptosomes and synaptic vesicles is compatible with a neurotransmitter function for this substance.
Relationships between 8-mo. performance on the Bayley scales of infant development and 48-mo. intelligence and concept formation scores.

6 measures of performance on the Bayley Scales of Mental and Motor Development at H mo. were correlated with 48-mo. Stanford-Binet IQs and the Graham-Ernhart Block Sort Test (N = 384). All but one correlated significantly (p < .05) with IQ (range .13 to .15), while three were predictive of the Block Sort scores (range .12 to .14). Scores derived from item analyses of the Bayley Scales and the 48-mo. tests also yielded significant correlations with later performances (range .17 to .28). Weighting items did not substantially increase relationships. These results are similar to previous data: there are statistically, but not practically, significant correlations between infant and preschool test performances.
Vanadium exposure induces olfactory dysfunction in an animal model of metal neurotoxicity

Epidemiological evidence indicates chronic environmental exposure to transition metals may play a role in chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Chronic inhalation exposure to welding fumes containing metal mixtures may be associated with development of PD. A significant amount of vanadium is present in welding fumes, as vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), and incorporation of vanadium in the production of high strength steel has become more common. Despite the increased vanadium use in recent years, the neurotoxicological effects of this metal are not well characterized. Recently, we demonstrated that V2O5 induces dopaminergic neurotoxicity via protein kinase C delta (PKCδ)-dependent oxidative signaling mechanisms in dopaminergic neuronal cells. Since anosmia (inability to perceive odors) and non-motor deficits are considered to be early symptoms of neurological diseases, in the present study, we examined the effect of V2O5 on the olfactory bulb in animal models. To mimic the inhalation exposure, we intranasally administered C57 black mice a low-dose of 182μg of V2O5 three times a week for one month, and behavioral, neurochemical and biochemical studies were performed. Our results revealed a significant decrease in olfactory bulb weights, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and increases in astroglia of the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb in the treatment groups relative to vehicle controls. Neurochemical changes were accompanied by impaired olfaction and locomotion. These findings suggest that nasal exposure to V2O5 adversely affects olfactory bulbs, resulting in neurobehavioral and neurochemical impairments. These results expand our understanding of vanadium neurotoxicity in environmentally-linked neurological conditions.
Superoxide dismutase mimetic reduces hypoxia-induced O2*-, TGF-beta, and VEGF production by macrophages.

Normal tissue injury poses a major limitation to the success of radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of solid tumors. We propose that radiation-induced lung injury is a result of chronic oxidative stress propagated by hypoxia-induced macrophage activation and cytokine production. Therefore, the objective of our study was two-fold. First, in vivo studies were conducted to support our hypothesis suggesting radiation injury is characterized by chronic hypoxia associated with increased macrophage infiltration/activation and pro-fibrogenic/angiogenic cytokine production. Second, we investigated the proposed mechanism of radiation injury in vitro. We demonstrate that hypoxia (0.5% O2) elicits macrophages to produce higher levels of , TGF-β, and VEGF than normoxia. Our hypothesis that is contributing to increased macrophage cytokine production was supported by a significant reduction in TGF-β and VEGF when redox signaling was minimized using a small molecular weight metalloporphyrin antioxidant, MnTE-2-PyP5+ .
Remarks on Russian Philosophy, Soviet Philosophy, and Historicism

This paper concerns two themes: my personal experience of Russian philosophy and Russian philosophers, on the one hand, and historicism on the other. My account of my limited experience of Russian philosophers and philosophy will be mainly autobiographical. My remarks about historicism will concern a single aspect of the philosophical consequences of the Soviet experience for Russian philosophy. When I come to Russia, I am always surprised by the degree of interest in a historical approach to knowledge, an interest that, so far as I know, is unique to Russian philosophy. This difference in perspective as concerns the historical character of cognitive claims needs to be explained. It needs to be explained why contemporary Russian philosophers and contemporary Russian philosophy are so hospitable to a historical approach to knowledge, an approach which has always been rare, even unusual elsewhere. My hypothesis, which I examine the paper, is that there is a deep link between the contemporary Russian interest in a historical approach to knowledge and Soviet philosophy. In particular, there is a link to Marx, who is a historical thinker, and to pre-Soviet Russian philosophy, as distinguished from Marxism, which is basically a-historical.
Software quality assurance in the 1996 performance assessment for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), located in southeast New Mexico, is a deep geologic repository for the permanent disposal of transuranic waste generated by DOE defense-related activities. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), in its role as scientific advisor to the DOE, is responsible for evaluating the long-term performance of the WIPP. This risk-based Performance Assessment (PA) is accomplished in part through the use of numerous scientific modeling codes, which rely for some of their inputs on data gathered during characterization of the site. The PA is subject to formal requirements set forth in federal regulations. In particular, the components of the calculation fall under the configuration management and software quality assurance aegis of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME) Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA) requirements. This paper describes SNL's implementation of the NQA requirements regarding software quality assurance (SQA). The description of the implementation of SQA for a PA calculation addresses not only the interpretation of the NQA requirements, it also discusses roles, deliverables, and the resources necessary for effective implementation. Finally, examples are given which illustrate the effectiveness of SNL's SQA program, followed by a detailed discussion of lessons learned.
Design of Shielded Cables Using Saturable Ferromagnetic Materials

Previously, a numerical solution was evolved that may be used to analyze the effect of material saturation on the low frequency shielding characteristics of a thin ferromagnetic cable shield. Numerical solutions are difficult to employ in design problems and so a simplified theory has also been developed. This supplemental theory, described here, yields simple equations useful in the design of ferromagnetic cable shields to provide protection against some anticipated intense low frequency environment.
An extension of Bruen chains

One way to obtain a new non-Desarguesian translation plane is by constructing a new spread that is not subregular. Chains of reguli in a regular spread of PG(3,q) were first introduced by Bruen as a method of obtaining a non-subregular spread. In this paper, we shall extend Bruen's notion of a chain of reguli. Let Ω be a regular spead of PG(3,q). A collection of reguli in Ω such that every line of Ω is contained in exactly none or two of these reguli will be called anest of reguli. Let γ be the spread obtained by replacing in Ω the lines of the nest with the lines of some other partial spread of PG(3,q) covering the same points. We shall show that in the case where the number of reguli in the nest is no more thanq, γ is not subregular and its full collineation group is the inherited group.
The application of Kingdon's Multiple Streams Theory for human papillomavirus-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Aims This paper presents a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of redefining human papillomavirus-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia as a problem of sexually active people by using Kingdon's Multiple Streams Theory to examine possible policy solutions for increasing anal cancer screening. Background Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Anal cancer associated with human papillomavirus infections is increasing in incidence in both men and women. The prevalence of anal cancer does not decrease with age. Data source Pubmed was searched for articles and internet references from 1995–2012. Discussion Although a large body of literature suggests that human papillomavirus-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia is a problem, no effective policy solutions have emerged. However, as almost the entire sexually active population is exposed to human papillomavirus, it should be thought of as every person's problem. This suggests that human papillomavirus-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia calls for different types of problem definitions and policy solutions to address the disease. The issue of anal cancer is typically defined as a problem of HIV-positive individuals. Implications for Nursing Nurses are focused on improving patient outcomes. We play a key role in helping to identify problems, moving problems onto policymaker's agendas, and influencing the creation of new healthcare policies. Conclusion Human papillomavirus-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia demands attention and the development of national level policies to ensure public health and safety. Kingdon's Multiple Streams Theory has provided a pragmatic framework to evaluate the problem.
Some new microchemical techniques used in the preparation and study of transplutonium elements and compounds

Abstract The design of experiments for the thermal reduction of actinidc trifluorides with lithium vapor and for the study of high-temperature phase relationships in transplutonium elements and compounds suggested the need for heating systems of low total heat capacity so that thermal equilibrium could be attained rapidly on both heating and cooling (quenching) of the system. Several such systems are described here that have been used successfully to prepare samples of Cm, Bk, and Cf metals and of Cm and Bk nitrides and that have allowed the study at room temperature of the high-temperature modifications of CfF 3 and metallic Cm. Although the techniques were designed to be compatible with the small size and radioactivity of the transplutonium element samples, they are seen as generally applicable techniques for other microscale investigations.
Periodontal Disease Associated with Preleukemic Syndrome

A case of preleukemic syndrome associated with severe periodontal disease has been presented for the first time. The clinical, radiographic and hematologic findings have been discussed, as well as medical and periodontal therapy.
5-axis machining of sculptured surfaces with a flat-end cutter

Abstract In theory, the 5-axis machining of sculptured surfaces offers many advantages over 3-axis machining, including faster material-removal rates, improved surface finish, and the elimination of hand finishing. In practice, 5-axis machining suffers from a number of drawbacks, which are mostly related to gouge avoidance. The paper describes research on algorithms for the generation of gouge-free, nonisoparametric 5-axis tool paths across composite surface patches. The approach includes (a) the tesselation of the parametric surfaces into triangles, (b) algorithms for the placement of a cylindrically shaped cutting tool onto the triangulated surface, and (c) interference detection and tool-position correction.
Synthesis of Molecular Brushes by “Grafting onto” Method: Combination of ATRP and Click Reactions

Molecular brushes (densely grafted polymers or bottle-brush macromolecules) were synthesized by the “grafting onto” method via combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and “click” reactions. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) polymers were synthesized first by ATRP. After esterification reactions between pentynoic acid and the hydroxyl side groups, polymeric backbones with alkynyl side groups on essentially every monomer unit (PHEMA-alkyne) were obtained. Five kinds of azido-terminated polymeric side chains (SCs) with different chemical compositions and molecular weights were used, including poly(ethylene glycol)-N3 (PEO-N3), polystyrene-N3, poly(n-butyl acrylate)-N3, and poly(n-butyl acrylate)-b-polystyrene-N3. All click coupling reactions between alkyne-containing polymeric backbones (PHEMA-alkyne) and azido-terminated polymeric SCs were completed within 3 h. The grafting density of the obtained molecular brushes was affected by several factors, including the molecular we...
Magnetic resonance elastography: A review

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a rapidly developing technology for quantitatively assessing the mechanical properties of tissue. The technology can be considered to be an imaging-based counterpart to palpation, commonly used by physicians to diagnose and characterize diseases. The success of palpation as a diagnostic method is based on the fact that the mechanical properties of tissues are often dramatically affected by the presence of disease processes, such as cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. MRE obtains information about the stiffness of tissue by assessing the propagation of mechanical waves through the tissue with a special magnetic resonance imaging technique. The technique essentially involves three steps: (1) generating shear waves in the tissue, (2) acquiring MR images depicting the propagation of the induced shear waves, and (3) processing the images of the shear waves to generate quantitative maps of tissue stiffness, called elastograms. MRE is already being used clinically for the assessment of patients with chronic liver diseases and is emerging as a safe, reliable, and noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for staging hepatic fibrosis. MRE is also being investigated for application to pathologies of other organs including the brain, breast, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, lungs, and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this review article is to introduce this technology to clinical anatomists and to summarize some of the current clinical applications that are being pursued. Clin. Anat. 23:497–511, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A perspicuous technique for directly visualizing radiation‐damage artefacts in biological electron microscopy

SUMMARY Levels of impairment of electron-microscopic images of biological specimens stemming from radiation damage are assessed in a rapid visual procedure that involves taking a pair of low-fluence micrographs of a specimen area before and after a fraction of the picture area has been more seriously damaged by applying a measured electron fluence. The pair of micrographs is treated as a mock-stereo pair and is given contrasting colours. Lateral displacements of specimen details appear as false relief and changes in electron lucency as false colour.
African Easterly Waves and Their Association with Precipitation

Summer tropical synoptic-scale waves over West Africa are quantified by the 850 mb meridional wind component from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis project. Their relationships with surface precipitation patterns are further explored by applying the data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite in combination with other satellite observations during 1998-2002. Evident wavelet spectral power peaks are seen within a period of 2.5 - 6 days in both meridional wind and precipitation. The most intense wave signals in meridional wind are concentrated along 15 deg N- 25 deg N. Wave signals in precipitation and corresponding wavelet cross-spectral signals between these two variables, however, are primarily located at 5 deg N- 15 deg N, the latitudes of major summer rain events. There is a tendency for the perturbations in meridional wind component to lag (lead) precipitation signals south (north) of 15 deg N. In some cases, either an in-phase or out-of-phase relationship can even be found between these two variables, suggesting a latitude-dependent horizontal structure for these waves and probably implying two distinct wave-convective coupling mechanisms. Moreover, the lagging relationship (and/or the out-of-phase tendency) is only observed south of 15 deg N during July-September, indicating a strong seasonal preference. This phase relationship is generally consistent with the horizontal wave structures from a composite analysis.
Spinal κ-opiate receptor involvement in the analgesia of pregnancy: effects of intrathecal nor-binaltorphimine, a κ-selective antagonist

Abstract In a variety of laboratory animals as well as humans, pregnancy has been associated with an activation of a maternal opioid system(s) and with a concomitant elevation in the threshold for maternal responsiveness to aversive stimuli. This analgesia is mediated via the activation of spinal opiate receptors and does not require an intact peripheral opioid system(s). The recently developed κ-selective opioid antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), significantly reduces the threshold for reflexive jumping in response to electric foot shock when administered to the lumbar intrathecal (i.t.) space of pregnant rats (day 20 of gestation). In contrast, i.t. nor-BNI when administered to non-pregnant rats as well as systemic (i.p.) administration of an intrathecally effective dose of nor-BNI to pregnant rats is without effect on the jump thresholds. These data indicate that the κ-type of opiate receptor mediates, at least in part, the analgesia observed during gestation, thus providing an important physiological function for this receptor type.
Homogeneity Test for Two Negative Binomial Populations

This paper presents a brief review of a conditional test for the equality of parameters for two negative binomial populations, provides a set of fairly extensive tables of critical values for the test, and gives a new approximation for estimating probabilities outside the range of the tables.
Host innate recognition of an intestinal bacterial pathogen induces TRIF-dependent protective immunity

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which signals through the adapter molecules myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and toll/interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β (TRIF), is required for protection against Gram-negative bacteria. TRIF is known to be important in TLR3-mediated antiviral signaling, but the role of TRIF signaling against Gram-negative enteropathogens is currently unknown. We show that TRIF signaling is indispensable for establishing innate protective immunity against Gram-negative Yersinia enterocolitica. Infection of wild-type mice rapidly induced both IFN-β and IFN-γ in the mesenteric lymph nodes. In contrast, TRIF-deficient mice were defective in these IFN responses and showed impaired phagocytosis in regional macrophages, resulting in greater bacterial dissemination and mortality. TRIF signaling may be universally important for protection against Gram-negative pathogens, as TRIF-deficient macrophages were also impaired in killing both Salmonella and Escherichia coli in vitro. The mechanism of TRIF-mediated protective immunity appears to be orchestrated by macrophage-induced IFN-β and NK cell production of IFN-γ. Sequential induction of IFN-β and IFN-γ leads to amplification of macrophage bactericidal activity sufficient to eliminate the invading pathogens at the intestinal interface. Our results demonstrate a previously unknown role of TRIF in host resistance to Gram-negative enteropathogens, which may lead to effective strategies for combating enteric infections.
The Floodgates of Change

It has been a great honor to serve as president and, for 2 years before that, as president-elect of AGU. I was drawn to AGU more than 30 years ago as a graduate student because it was an exciting and supportive organization of scientists working together to solve big problems to make the world a better place. My first AGU Fall Meeting left an indelible impression, reinforced every year since: a weeklong celebration of science—sharing, learning, and discovering—amid a sea of exuberant participants from around the globe. In AGU I found a community that nurtured my professional development and provided me with exceptional opportunities for career advancement. So when I was asked to run for president, it was an easy decision. I welcomed the chance to give back to the organization that had contributed so much to my growth as a scientist.
Truncation error, dissipation and dispersion terms of fifth order WENO and of WCS for 1D conservation law

In this paper, a derivation and a comparison of the truncation errors and the dissipation and dispersion terms of the fifth-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory scheme and of the weighted compact scheme are presented. The schemes are compared for smooth functions (by Fourier analysis), and near a shock.
Kaon photoproduction from nuclei in a relativistic nuclear model.

The formation of hypernuclei through the photoproduction of kaons is formulated in the framework of a relativistic distorted wave impulse approximation. The basic production operator is based on diagrammatic techniques and includes low-lying baryon and meson resonances. Relativistic single-particle wave functions obtained by solving the Dirac equation with scalar and timelike vector potentials are employed to describe the nucleon and hyperon bound states. The nuclear and hypernuclear structure is described in a pure single-particle single-hole model. Evaluating the matrix elements in momentum space allows straightforward treatment of Fermi motion and naturally includes nonlocalities arising from the production operator. Different nonrelativistic limits involving the upper and lower component of the Dirac wave function and a p/M expansion of the operator are investigated. The final-state interaction of the weakly absorbed kaon is incorporated via an optical potential. A variety of angular distributions for p-shell nuclei is presented and the sensitivity of the hypernuclear cross sections to the elementary operator is shown to be important. Relativistic effects are found to be important along with effects of nonlocalities for low-spin states while high-spin states with large cross sections are less affected. Kaon distortion for p-shell nuclei only provides a slight reduction in cross sectionmore » for most transitions.« less
New Molecular Players in Capacitative Ca2+ Entry

Capacitative Ca2+ entry links the emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores to the activation of store-operated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. In the twenty years since the inception of the concept of capacitative Ca2+ entry, a number of activation mechanisms have been proposed, and there has been considerable interest in the possibility that TRP channels function as store-operated channels. However, in the past two years, two major players in both the signaling and permeation mechanisms for store-operated channels have been discovered: Stim1 and the Orai proteins. Stim1 is an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor. It appears to act by redistributing within a small component of the endoplasmic reticulum, approaching the plasma membrane, but does not seem to translocate into the plasma membrane. Stim1 signals to plasma membrane Orai proteins, which constitute pore-forming subunits of store-operated channels.
Quantum manifestation of roaming in H + MgH → Mg + H2: the birth of roaming resonances.

The dynamics of the H + MgH → Mg + H2 reaction at low collision energies is analyzed with both quasi-classical trajectory and quantum wave packet methods on an improved potential-energy surface for the ground electronic state of MgH2. Three microscopic reaction channels, namely, direct abstraction, roaming via a loose roaming transition state, and complex decaying via a tight transition state, are identified. It is shown that the reaction is dominated at low collision energies by the direct abstraction channel, whereas the roaming channel is responsible for about 20% of the reaction flux. The pathway via the tight transition state plays almost no role at the energy of study. The two dominant channels produce similar highly excited vibrational distributions for the H2 product. Finally, it is shown that roaming is manifested quantum-mechanically by a large-amplitude vibration that emerges just below the reaction threshold and is guided by the roaming transition state. Its continuation into the continuum lea...
Components of the serum protein-bound iodine following administration of I-131-labeled hog thyroglobulin.

Following the oral administration of I131-labeled hog thyroglobulin to 3 healthy human subjects, the labeled products found in the blood were only in part thyroxine. The other labeled substances were not identified, but they were neither iodoaminoacids nor their degradation products. The clinical implication of these findings is discussed.
A Numerical Method for Near-Field Array Synthesis

A numerical method for near-field array synthesis is developed for arbitrary array geometries. The intended application is for generating a planar field in a test volume for electromagnetic susceptibility testing, but the method is valid for arbitrary field distributions. A uniqueness theorem is utilized to allow the field conditions to be enforced on the surface of the test volume rather than throughout the volume. The synthesis method is a least-squares solution with a constraint on the source norm; the constraint keeps the field small outside the test volume. Numerical results are shown for the case of synthesizing a plane wave in the near field of an array of line sources.
Poverty Point as Structure, Event, Process

A multiscalar analysis of the Poverty Point mound and ridge complex of northeast Louisiana illustrates the value of agency and practice theories to historical interpretations of monumental architecture. The architects of Poverty Point included both ancient mounds in their design and, arguably, symbolic representations of the far-flung places and peoples from which Poverty Point residents acquired raw materials for tools and ornaments. The conjunction of the past with the present, and the local with the nonlocal was the logic of a new social order that was both corporate and pluralistic. Extrapolation of the geometry of Poverty Point earthworks at increasingly larger scales encompasses the places and histories of communities whose migrations, shifting alliances, and transformations contributed to the genesis of Poverty Point culture.
Treating trismus with dynamic splinting: a cohort, case series

Introduction The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effect of the Dynasplint® Trismus System (DTS; Dynasplint Systems Inc, Severna Park, Md, USA) for patients who were recently diagnosed with trismus following radiation therapy, dental treatment, oral surgery, or following a neural pathology such as a stroke.
Thickness‐dependent sorption and effects of physical aging in a polyimide sample

The solubility of a relatively noninteracting gas (CH4) was measured and compared for samples of vastly different thicknesses (25.4 vs 0.1 μm) to investigate the possibility of thickness-dependent sorption and physical aging in glassy polymers. Changes in the sorption due to physical aging in these dense samples were observed and compared. To further compare the tendency of free-volume relaxations in samples of different thicknesses, a variety of conditioning sorption tests were performed in which increases in the CH4 sorption due to high-pressure CO2 exposure were observed and then compared after sample degassing. The reduction in CH4 solubility was related to excess free-volume relaxations, and response comparisons of samples of widely different film thicknesses supported the notion of thickness-dependent physical aging in glassy polymers. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first direct observation of a significant differences in gas solubility in glassy polymers due to the film thickness and aging time. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1115–1121, 2005
Approaches to Interactive Video Anchors in Problem-based Science Learning

This paper is an invited adaptation of the IEEE Education Society Distinguished Lecture Approaches to Interactive Video Anchors in Problem-Based Science Learning. Interactive video anchors have a cognitive theory base, and they help to enlarge the context of learning with information-rich real-world situations. Carefully selected movie clips and custom-developed regular videos and virtual simulations have been successfully used as anchors in problem-based science learning. Examples discussed include a range of situations such as Indiana Jones tackling a trap, a teenager misrepresenting lead for gold, an agriculture inspection at the US border, counterintuitive events, analyzing a river ecosystem for pollution, and finding the cause of illness in a nineteenth century river city. Suggestions for teachers are provided.
Valproic acid potentiates both typical and atypical antipsychotic-induced prefrontal cortical dopamine release.

Abstract Antipsychotic drugs (APD)s and anticonvulsant mood-stabilizers are now frequently used in combination with one another in treating both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We have recently reported that the atypical APDs, e.g. clozapine and risperidone, as well as the anticonvulsant mood-stabilizers, valproic acid (VPA), zonisamide, and carbamazepine, but not the typical APD haloperidol, increase dopamine (DA) release in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The increased DA release was partially (atypical APDs) or completely (mood-stabilizers) blocked by the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor antagonist WAY100635. Diminished prefrontal cortical DA activity may contribute to cognitive impairment in virtually all the patients with schizophrenia and, perhaps, bipolar disorder. Thus, the enhanced release of cortical DA by these agents may be beneficial in this regard. It is, therefore, of considerable interest to determine whether combined administration of these agents augments prefrontal cortical DA release, and if so, whether the increase is dependent upon 5-HT1A receptor activation. VPA (50 mg/kg), which was insufficient by itself to increase prefrontal cortical DA release, potentiated the ability of clozapine (20 mg/kg) and risperidone (1 mg/kg) to increase DA release in the mPFC, but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAC). VPA (50 mg/kg) also potentiated haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg)-induced DA release in the mPFC; this increase was completely abolished by WAY100635 (0.2 mg/kg). These results suggest that, in combination with VPA, both typical and atypical APDs produce greater increases in prefrontal cortical DA release than either type of drug alone via a mechanism dependent upon 5-HT1A receptor activation. Furthermore, they provide a strong rationale for testing for possible clinical synergism of an APD and anticonvulsant mood-stabilizer in improving the cognitive deficits present in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Wetting Transitions in Two-, Three-, and Four-Phase Systems

We discuss wetting of rough surfaces with two-phase (solid–liquid), three-phase (solid–water–air and solid–oil–water), and four-phase (solid–oil–water–air) interfaces mimicking fish scales. We extend the traditional Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter models to these cases. We further present experimental observations of two-, three-, and four-phase systems in the case of metal-matrix composite solid surfaces immersed in water and in contact with oil. Experimental observations show that wetting transitions can occur in underwater oleophobic systems. We also discuss wetting transitions as phase transitions using the phase-field approach and show that a phenomenological gradient coefficient is responsible for wetting transition, energy barriers, and wetting/dewetting asymmetry (hysteresis).
Does the metabolic syndrome exist

In recent years, several organizations have proposed that the metabolic syndrome be introduced into clinical practice as a multidimensional risk condition for both atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and type 2 diabetes (rev. in 1). This proposal generally has been well received. Recently, however, Kahn et al. (2) questioned whether evidence for the existence and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome is sufficiently developed to support its inclusion in clinical practice. Several critical issues were broached in their article. The present commentary will attempt to briefly respond to the issues raised. Five risk factors of metabolic origin (atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose, a prothrombotic state, and a proinflammatory state) commonly cluster together (1). This aggregation is frequently observed in clinical practice, and it has been convincingly documented in prospective studies by cluster analyses (3). Risk factor clustering cannot be explained by chance occurrence alone. Thus, if the metabolic syndrome is defined as multiple risk factors that are metabolically interrelated, then the syndrome certainly exists. The commonly observed aggregation of metabolic risk factors has gone by several different names: syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dysmetabolic syndrome, plurimetabolic syndrome, cardiometabolic syndrome, dyslipidemic hypertension, hypertriglyceridemic waist, and deadly quartet (1). No single term has been universally accepted, and terminology likely will continue to be a topic of some disagreement. Kahn et al. have misgivings regarding whether the clustering of risk factors deserves the name “syndrome,” although most investigators are accepting of it. Among the various names, “metabolic syndrome” is widely used and broadly accepted in both cardiovascular and diabetes fields. It is general and does not commit to a particular pathogenesis. Consequently, it is reasonable to employ the term because of precedent and common usage. The term appears to be at least as good as any of the alternatives. For …
Halogen substituents on the aromatic moiety of the tetracaine scaffold improve potency of cyclic nucleotide-gated channel block

A series of new tetracaine derivatives with substituents on the aromatic ring was prepared and evaluated for block of retinal rod cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. Aromatic substitutions had little effect starting with the basic tetracaine scaffold, but electron-withdrawing substituents significantly improved the blocking potency of an octyl-tail derivative of tetracaine. In particular, halogen substitutions at either the 2- or 3-position on the ring resulted in compounds that were up to eight-fold more potent than the parent octyl-tail derivative and up to 50-fold more potent than tetracaine.
In vitro alteration of macrophage phenotype and function by serum lipids.

Diabetes (type I and type II) affects approximately 13 million people in the United States. Delayed and incomplete healing of wounds can be a major problem for diabetic patients. Macrophages are an important cell in the complex process of wound repair representing the major source of cytokines throughout the wound-healing process. Cytokines mediate many of the cellular responses critical to timely wound repair. It has been suggested that diabetes impairs wound healing through disruption of local cytokine production. Our previous in vivo studies in rats demonstrated that diabetes-induced and diet-induced hyperlipidemia cause changes in macrophage phenotype and function (Iacopino 1995; Doxey et al. 1998), suggesting that alterations in macrophage cytokine profiles represent the cellular/molecular mechanism responsible for delayed wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate how monocyte maturation/differentiation and cytokine production were altered by serum lipids in an in vitro system using human cells. Commercially prepared purified human monocytes were cultured and exposed to serum lipids. Phenotypic analysis of differentiated macrophages was then performed by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy using surface antigens specific for various macrophage subsets. Selected cytokines in conditioned medium were assayed using commercial human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. We demonstrate that serum lipids cause an increase in monocytic differentiation leading to an inflammatory macrophage phenotype rather than a reparative/proliferative phenotype. We also show that serum lipids cause a generalized decrease in macrophage cytokine production using interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) as marker cytokines. Our present in vitro results using human cells confirm our previous in vivo studies in the rat and support the hypothesis that diabetes-induced hyperlipidemia alters the monocyte differentiation process resulting in changes of macrophage subsets and cytokine release at the wound site, ultimately impairing the wound-healing process.
Significance of two frequency bands in long distance vocal communication in the green treefrog

VOCAL communication is crucial in the reproductive biology of the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea). The male calls at night near a suitable breeding site : the acoustic signal serves for both localisation and species recognition by the female1–3. A typical mating call has two frequency bands of about the same relative amplitude : the lower one consists of one component of about 1 kHz; the upper one consists of one to four (usually two) components at about 2.7–3.3 kHz (ref. 2). Both frequency bands are pertinent for species discrimination at a moderate sound pressure level (SPL), corresponding to the SPL at 2–4 m from vocalising males4,5. This report discusses the significance of the two frequency bands in communication over greater distances. Not only does the SPL decrease with distance, but also the relative amplitudes of the two spectral peaks change because excess attenuation is frequency dependent. In general, high frequencies attenuate more rapidly than do low frequencies6,7. I found that a low frequency component of the call was more attractive to females than were high frequency components. Furthermore, in discrimination experiments females detected attenuation of a 3-kHz component relative to a 0.9-kHz component at moderate to high SPL but failed to do so at low SPL.
Experimental characterization of focusing by high-numerical-aperture zone plates

High-numerical-aperture zone plates have important applications in high-resolution optical maskless lithography as well as scanning confocal microscopy. We describe two methods to experimentally characterize the focusing properties, i.e., the point-spread function, of such diffractive lenses. The first method uses spot exposures in photoresist and the second uses a conventional knife-edge scan. The experimental results agree well with rigorous theoretical calculations.
Evaluating edge detection through boundary detection

Edge detection has been widely used in computer vision and image processing. However, the performance evaluation of the edge-detection results is still a challenging problem. A major dilemma in edge-detection evaluation is the difficulty to balance the objectivity and generality: a general-purpose edge-detection evaluation independent of specific applications is usually not well defined, while an evaluation on a specific application has weak generality. Aiming at addressing this dilemma, this paper presents new evaluation methodology and a framework in which edge detection is evaluated through boundary detection, that is, the likelihood of retrieving the full object boundaries from this edge-detection output. Such a likelihood, we believe, reflects the performance of edge detection in many applications since boundary detection is the direct and natural goal of edge detection. In this framework, we use the newly developed ratio-contour algorithm to group the detected edges into closed boundaries. We also collect a large data set (1030) of real images with unambiguous ground-truth boundaries for evaluation. Five edge detectors (Sobel, LoG, Canny, Rothwell, and Edison) are evaluated in this paper and we find that the current edge-detection performance still has scope for improvement by choosing appropriate detectors and detector parameters.
Embolic stroke after carotid stenting: microscopic computed tomography analysis of en bloc surgical specimen demonstrating ulceration.

The precise sequence of events leading to carotid plaque vulnerability is as yet unknown, and the majority of ischemic strokes seem to result from atherosclerotic plaque rupture or thrombus propagation at the carotid bifurcation.1 Traditionally, the surgical approach of carotid endarterectomy is well accepted for the treatment of symptomatic and severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.2,3 More recently, carotid artery stenting has arisen as the preferred, less invasive technique for the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe stenosis in patients with anatomically or physiologically high-risk features.4,5 To date, the mechanisms of recurrent stroke after carotid artery stenting have not been well characterized. A 79-year-old woman with a history of recurrent left hemispheric strokes underwent surgical resection of her left carotid artery 3 years after its stenting. The patient initially presented with recurrent ischemia after a left hemispheric stroke. Carotid ultrasound revealed a severe unilateral left internal carotid stenosis (peak systolic velocities were measured to be 408 cm/s with an internal carotid artery/common carotid artery ratio of 8.87). The patient was enrolled in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial and randomized to receive a stent.6 A tapered 8 mm to 6 mm×40 mm open cell self-expanding stent (Acculink, Abbott Vascular, Abbott …
Heat and mass transfer in a channel with surface mass addition: Application to phase change processes

The heat and mass transfer processes in a binary mixture flowing in a parallel plate channel with mass addition at the bounding surfaces are investigated analytically. The rate of mass addition, the temperature, and the mass fraction are arbitrarily prescribed at each of the bounding walls. Similarity solutions are evaluated numerically to yield pressure gradient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number results for a wide range of each of three governing parameters. It is found that increasingly strong surface mass addition markedly increases the magnitude of the axial pressure gradient. Mass addition decreases the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers at the channel wall at which the injection is strongest but may actually increase these moduli at the opposite wall. A generalizing analysis is performed to accommodate phase change processes as well as to accommodate the specification of plenum conditions rather than wall surface conditions. Application is made to the evaporation of liquid water by an air stream. It is shown that the rate of evaporation is augmented as the rate of air injection increases, but the extent of the augmentation is less than the causative increase in the air flow rate.
The new product learning cycle

This paper summarizes our extensive study (n = 158) of new product success and failure in the electronics industry. Conventional “external factor” explanations of commercial product failure based on the state of the economy, foreign competition and lack of funding, were found not to be major contributors to product failure in this industry. On the other hand, factors that can be strongly influenced by management such as coordination of the create, make and market functions, the quality and frequency of customers' communications, value of the product to the customer, and the quality and efficiency of technical management explained the majority of the variance between successful and unsuccessful products. From these findings a framework for understanding and managing the new product development process that places learning and communication in the center stage was developed. Successes and failures in our sample were strongly interrelated. The knowledge gained from failures was often instrumental in achieving subsequent successes, while success in turn often resulted in unlearning the very process that led to the original success. This observation has led us to postulate a new product “learning cycle model” in which commercial successes and failures alternate in an irregular pattern of learning and unlearning.
“Call for Partnerships:” an innovative strategy to establish grassroots partnerships to transform the food and fitness environments

Building an effective citywide movement to transform the food and fitness environments requires the people who experience the greatest burden of health inequities to be at the forefront of this tra...
Variability of dissolved trace metals in the mississippi river

Abstract The concentrations of eight dissolved trace metals were measured in the lower Mississippi River seven times at various flow stages during a two-year interval. Using trace metal sampling and analysis techniques demonstrated to be reliable, these metals are shown to occur at levels lower than frequently reported. There are systematic relations between the metals and discharge which can serve as predictors of metal variability. Anthropogenic contributions cannot be assessed accurately from these data but do not appear to cause the concentrations of most of these metals to be significantly higher than observed in less disturbed systems, with the possible exception of Ni and Cd.
Improving healthcare efficiency.

The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research recently sponsored the 17th Annual International Meeting. The meeting represented researchers and practitioners including pharmacists, physicians, economists and other professionals involved in pharmacoeconomic analysis and health outcomes assessment, as well as users of this information in healthcare decisions such as in hospitals, managed care and pharmacy benefit design organizations personnel.
Frames of reference and normal movement

Latash & Anson propose that so-called abnormal movements may be stable and adaptive coordination and control solutions to task goals in action. Their interpretation of this established viewpoint is confused throughout in the persistent crossing of frames of reference, both in the description of movement and action and the proposed theory for motor control.
Dealing with assumptions underlying statistical tests

The validity of a hypothesis test is partly determined by whether the assumptions underlying the test are satisfied. In the past, a preliminary analysis of the data has been suggested prior to the use of the statistical test. In this article, the authors describe several limitations of preliminary tests (e.g., influence on significance levels). Another strategy that uses theoretical knowledge in conjunction with prior empirical evidence and reason, prior to data collection, is described. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 495–502, 2007.