cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-amplitude rotary induced-strain (LARIS) actuator proof-of-concept demonstrator

Induced-strain materials can produce very large forces and, hence, large energy density, but small actual displacements. A new concept for obtaining large-amplitude rotary displacements from small linear displacements generated by induced-strain material stacks is proposed. The concept utilizes the theory of twist-warping coupling in thin-wall open tubes. The theory of the proposed solid-state axial-to- rotary converter-amplifier, together with the appropriate bibliographical references, is given. A simple formula is generated for estimating the axial-to-rotary conversion- amplification coefficient from the geometrical length, L, and enclosed area, A, of the open tube. A large-displacement induced-strain rotary (LARIS) actuator proof-of-concept demonstrator was built and tested to verify and validate the theoretical developments. The LARIS actuator consisted of a 28 mm diameter, 1.2 m length open tube and a 120 micrometer, -1000 V PZT translator. The experimental set-up and the excitation and measuring equipment are fully described in the paper. A maximum rotary displacement of 8 degrees was measured, and the linear relationship between the rotation coefficient, the tube length, L, and the inverse of the enclosed area, A, was verified. An improved theoretical model, that accounts for the experimentally observed zero off-set, is also given. The theoretical developments and experimental tests presented in this paper show that the proposed LARIS actuator, based on a novel solid-state axial-to-rotary converter-amplifier utilizing the warping-torsion coupling of an open tube, is a viable design option, of great constructive simplicity and very low parts count. This concept can be successfully used in a series of aerospace and mechanical engineering applications, as for example in the actuation of adaptive control surfaces for aircraft wings and helicopter blades. The 8 degree rotary displacement capabilities measured on the proof-of-concept demonstrator can be easily scaled to other values to meet the operation requirements of specific applications. For very large angles (40 - 50 degrees), conventional electromechanical actuators (e.g., stepper-motors and ball-screws assemblies) can used.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Logic Programming and Prolog: A Tutorial

Logic programming offers significant advantages for the massively parallel computer systems of tomorrow. This tutorial examines the potential of Prolog to implement those advantages.
Three-dimensional echo-planar MR spectroscopic imaging at short echo times in the human brain.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of three-dimensional echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) at short echo time (13 msec) with a conventional clinical imager in the human brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodic inversions of a readout gradient were used during data acquisition to simultaneously encode chemical shift and one spatial dimension in one excitation. Aliasing artifacts were avoided with a modified acquisition-and-processing method based on oversampling. A double outer-volume suppression technique that adapts to the ovoid brain shape was used to strongly reduce extracranial lipid resonances. RESULTS: Three-dimensional spatial encoding in vivo of eight sections with 32 x 32 voxels each (0.75 cm3) was performed in 34 minutes with four signal averages. The spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of resonances of inositol, choline, creatine, glutamate and glutamine, and N-acetyl aspartate were consistent with those previously recorded with conventional phase encoding. CONCLUSION: ...
Surface-anchored poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl azlactone) brushes as templates for enzyme immobilization.

We explored surface-anchored poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl azlactone) (PVDMA) brushes as potential templates for protein immobilization. The brushes were grown using atom transfer radical polymerization from surface-anchored initiators and characterized by a combination of ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. RNase A was immobilized as a model enzyme through the nucleophilic attack of azlactone by the amine groups in the lysines located in the protein. The surface density of RNase A increased linearly from 5 to 50 nm. For 50 nm thick poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl azlactone) brushes, 7.5 μg/cm2 of RNase A was bound. The kinetics and thermodynamics of RNase A immobilization, the activity relative to surface density, and the pH and temperature dependence were examined. A Langmuir-like model for binding kinetics indicates that the kinetics are controlled by the rate of adsorption of RNase A and has an adsorption rate constant, kads, of 2.8 × 10−8 μg−1 s−1 cm3. A maximum relativ...
Cancer: When restriction is good.

Dietary restriction can prolong life and delay the onset of cancer. Suppressing the signalling pathway that is mediated by the hormone insulin might be crucial for the anticancer effects of reduced caloric intake.
Critical Theory as a Framework for Child Welfare Decision-Making: Some Possibilities

Child welfare workers daily make difficult, high-risk decisions regarding the lives of children and families. This article critiques two predominant perspectives informing child welfare decision-making and proposes critical theory as an alternative framework. Specifically, critical theory as a framework for child welfare decision integrates the insight gained through practice experience with data gathered through empirically driven assessment tools. With this integration, critical theory also highlights the importance of deconstruction, critical thinking, and reflection when responding to the complex cases in child welfare.
On the Notion of a "Subtle Phonetic Deficit" in Fluent/Posterior Aphasia

Phonetic investigations in the past decade or so have reported instances of a "subtle phonetic deficit" in the fluent aphasias, thereby challenging the traditional dichotomy of a motoric deficit characterizing the nonfluent aphasias and a selection deficit characterizing the fluent aphasias. This paper critically reviews the acoustic, physiological, and perceptual studies which have attempted to examine this phenomenon. These investigations have been evaluated in terms of differences in subject populations, task demands, subjects' performance, and problematic interpretations. Suggestions are offered for an experimental design which can help us operationalize this term and help us to better understand the speech production deficit in fluent aphasic patients.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: EPIDEMIOLOGY, EVALUATION, AND MANAGEMENT

Accurate documentation of UTIs in children is essential for proper evaluation and management. Urine cultures with multiple organisms or colony counts less than 50,000 to 100,000 CFU/ml should be considered suspect and require confirmation, particularly with clean-catch specimens. Children with well-documented UTIs should be evaluated based on their age and presenting symptoms. Infants and young children require imaging, usually with a cystogram and sonogram of the kidneys and bladder. Older girls with febrile UTIs and boys at any age should also be considered for urinary tract imaging. Renal cortical scintigraphy with 99mTc-DMSA has emerged as the imaging study of choice for acute pyelonephritis and renal scarring in children with UTIs. Treatment of UTIs in children ideally commences with culture-specific antimicrobial therapy, although treatment may be started in sick children before culture results are available. Short-course treatment (3-5 days) is sufficient for children with acute uncomplicated lower UTIs. Children with acute pyelonephritis require 10 to 14 days of antibiotics, which can be administered on an outpatient basis in older infants and children who are not toxic, as long as good compliance is expected. Patients with first-time UTIs who require imaging should be maintained on low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis until their workup is completed. Treatment of ABU does not seem necessary if the urinary tract is otherwise normal. Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for children with frequent symptomatic recurrences of UTI and for those with known VUR. Diagnosis and treatment of underlying voiding dysfunction and constipation is an essential component of the successful management of UTIs in children.
A spectroscopic and electron spin resonance study of similar N2O2 and N2S2 copper(II) Schiff base compounds

Abstract The preparation of several N2S2 Schiff base complexes of copper(II) is described. A comparison of the electron spin resonance and optical spectra of the Cu(II)N2S2 compounds and the corresponding Cu(II)N2O2 compounds shows that the sulfur analogs are significantly more covalent than the oxygen compounds. Resolutions of the 14N superhyperfine splittings in the ESR spectra further indicated that, even though the N2S2 compounds are more covalent, the CuN bonds in the presence of sulfur are more ionic. The optical bands for the N2S2 compounds are at the expected lower energies than the corresponding N2O2 compounds. The lower extinction for the CuN2S2 compounds are explained by a flattening of these systems compared to the CuN2O2 compounds. Comparisons are also made within each CuN2O2 and CuN2S2 series as substituents are changed and as the diamine bridge increases in length.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine corpus and its relation to pyometra

Following surgically-induced atresia of the cervix, a 69-year-old female developed pyometra with multicentric squamous cell carcinomas of the uterine corpus. Evidence is presented to justify the assumption that pyometra caused the tumors through the intermediate stages of squamous metaplasia, leukoplakia and carcinoma in situ of the endometrium.
Cryoablation for AVNRT: importance of ablation endpoint criteria.

Cryoablation for AVNRT. Background: For ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), cryoablation has been shown to be a safe alternative to radiofrequency ablation. However, previous studies have shown a higher recurrence rate with cryoablation compared to radiofrequency ablation. Objective: This study reviewed our experience using cryoablation for typical AVNRT using stringent endpoint criteria for slow pathway ablation, yet preserving the desirable safety profile of cryoablation. Methods: Seventy-five consecutive cases of typical AVNRT underwent cryoablation. Ablation of the AV nodal slow pathway was performed with the goal of eliminating tachycardia, AH jump, and retrograde atrial echo beats. The primary efficacy endpoint was freedom of recurrent supraventricular tachycardia at follow-up. Analysis of AVN characteristics, number of lesions, and complications was performed. Results: Seventy-two (96%) patients met the primary efficacy endpoint over an average follow-up of 34.6 (12.6–68.3) months. In patients who had complete elimination of the slow pathway, there were no recurrences. The presence of an AH jump with a single retrograde echo was highly associated with a recurrence (P = 0.0001). There were no complications, including AV conduction block. Conclusion: The efficacy of cryoablation for management of AVNRT can be comparable to radiofrequency energy if the suggested endpoint of elimination of tachycardia, AH jump with retrograde atrial beats, is met. Prior studies evaluating cryoablation in this setting did not require this endpoint, which could have contributed to the relatively higher rate of late recurrences. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 729-734, July 2012)
Quality attributes of yogurt with Lactobacillus casei and various prebiotics

The objective was to determine the effect of chain length of inulins on the characteristics of fat-free plain yogurt manufactured with Lactobacillus casei. Probiotic fat-free plain yogurts were manufactured using Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. casei. The treatments were inulins of short (P95), medium (GR) and long (HP) chain lengths. The inulins were incorporated at a concentration of 1.5 g/100 g yogurt mix. Inulins of various chain lengths did not affect viscosity, L*, a*, b* and appearance of yogurts manufactured with L. casei. Yogurt with HP had less syneresis compared to the control, while yogurt with P95 had syneresis comparable to the control. Yogurt with P95 had a significantly lower pH than the control, while the pH of the yogurts with other treatments was not different from the control. Flavor scores of the control were comparable to yogurt with P95. The flavor scores for yogurts with P95 were significantly higher than for yogurts with HP. The yogurts with HP had better body and texture compared to the control and P95. Chain length of prebiotics affected some characteristics of the yogurts.
Magnitude of sex differences in dichotomous ossification sequences of the hand and wrist.

Among the dichotomous (present/absent:absent/present) ossinication sequences individually ascertained in 3059 boys and girls with at least one but not more than 27 ossification centers of the hand and wrist, 54 such sequences exhibit statistically-significant sex differences in frequency, 32 of them at the 1% confidence level or better. Analyzed by regions (rows and rays, epiphyses and round bones), ten centers, primarily distals and those of the first digit, account for the majority of the significant sex differences.
SLA-driven workload management for cloud databases

Despite the fast growth and increased adoption of cloud databases, challenges related to Service-Level-Agreements (SLAs) specification and management still exist. Supporting application-specific performance goals and SLAs, assigning incoming query processing workloads to the reserved resources to avoid SLA violations and monitoring performance factors to ensure acceptable QoS levels, are some of the critical tasks that have not yet been addressed by the database community. In this position paper, we argue that SLA management for cloud databases should itself be offered to developers as a cloud-based automated service. Towards this goal, we discuss the design of a framework that a) enables the specification of custom applicaton-level performance SLAs and b) offers workload management mechanisms that can automatically customize their functionality towards meeting these application-specific SLAs.
Neuroblastoma and myoclonic encephalopathy: Two cases and a review of the literature

Abstract In 1968 the first in a series of reports appeared linking the abrupt onset of a movement disorder with a hidden neuroblastoma. 1 At first the significance of the coincidence was uncertain, but as more reports quickly appeared, the suggestion of an etiologic relation became inescapable. 2–11 The terminology used to describe the abnormal movements ranges widely 12–14 from acute cerebellar ataxia of unknown etiology to opsoclonus to polymyoclonus to myoclonic encephalopathy and the syndrome of "the dancing eyes and the dancing feet." Our experience with two more cases seen within a 6-mo period, together with the realization that the association is not yet widely appreciated by physicians, leads us to report these cases and to review the 21 cases from the literature.
THE MINERALOGY OF A RHÖNITE‐BEARING CALCIUM ALUMINUM RICH INCLUSION IN THE ALLENDE METEORITE

The meteoritic occurrence of rhonite-bearing calcium and aluminum rich inclusions (CAIs) appears to be restricted to the Allende meteorite. These inclusions, however, are very scarce as only four are known to the author. This report is primarily concerned with the descriptive mineralogy of one of these rare CAIs. The inclusion contains, in decreasing order of abundance, melilite (Ak15-Ak55), spinel, fassaite, rhonite, perovskite, grossular, Ni-Fe metal, hibonite, troilite, a vanadium-iron oxide (20–27 wt % V2O3), molybdenite, geikielo-ilmenite and magnetite. Although this mineral assemblage formed under nonequilibrium conditions from a molten drop, the coarse grained texture does not indicate rapid crystallization. Local chemistries evidently played a significant role in the formation of metastable phase relationships and symplectites, thereby confounding the construction of a plausible thermal history for this CAI.
Elastolytic enzymes in the vessel wall.

Summary If the enzymes of the elastase complex intervene in the aging processes of elastic tissue and initially control the deposition of atherosclerotic lesions in blood vessels, it must be assumed that these enzymes which are produced in the pancreas pass into the vascular tissues via the circulation. Hence experiments were conducted to determine whether or not they could be isolated from aortic tissue. Their presence was already demonstrated in blood. Small but consistently present amounts of the proteolytic elastase component (elastopro-teinase), of the mucolytic component (elastomucase), and of the elastoproteinase inhibitor could be isolated from calf and cow aorta powder. The presence of the third enzyme of the elastase complex (the lipolytic enzyme elastolipoproteinase) could not be definitely proved. The observation that the fraction which showed elastolytic activity, at the same time also inhibited the activity of highly purified pancreatic elastoproteinase could not be explained.
The Photosensitivity of Chick-Embryo Cells Growing in Media Containing Certain Carcinogenic Substances

When certain cancer-producing hydrocarbons were added to cultures of chick-embryo tissue, the cells developed photosensitivity to the electric light used for the study of cells in tissue cultures. The photo-dynamic action caused definite changes in the state of the cell protoplasm, which were often accompanied by inhibited cell division. This brought about a later occurrence of abnormalities of mitosis that duplicated many of the types of abnormal mitosis characteristic of malignant growths (Lewis and Lewis, 1932; Lewis and Strong, 1934). Method Four samples of hydrocarbons were used in these experiments: two of 1: 2: 5: 6-dibenzanthracene (one obtained from Dr. A. Grollman and one from Dr. H. B. Andervont), one of 1: 2-benzpyrene and one of methylcholanthrene (both obtained from Dr. G. O. Grey). The electric light was reflected from a W. Mazda 100 W. 115 V. round, frosted bulb covered with a green shade, the edge of which was placed against the stage of the microscope in such a manner as to shield the eyes of the observer from the glare. The light, reflected by the mirror of the microscope, served to illuminate the field under observation and the heat from the bulb kept the stage of the microscope at a temperature of 38° C.
Integrated Optical Regenerator on a Silicon Chip

We demonstrate all-optical regeneration in a silicon device consisting of a nano waveguide followed by an integrated bandpass filter. Nonlinear power transfer function was measured showing the device can operate at peak powers < 5W.
Treatment of cholecystocolic fistula by laparoscopy

Cholecystocolonic fistula is an unusual complication of biliary tract disease. Many of the signs and symptoms of these fistulas are nonspecific, so the diagnosis is often not suspected preoperatively. It is important to make the diagnosis then to prevent fecal contamination when the fistula is divided. We recently encountered a patient who, while undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, was found to have a fistula between the gallbladder and the proximal transverse colon. Important features in the management of this case are (1) maintaining a high index of suspicion for the presence of this complication, (2) use of cholecystography to establish the diagnosis, and (3) use of laparoscopic stapling techniques to divide the fistula while preventing fecal soilage.
On the Interior of “Fat” Sierpiński Triangles

For λ ∈ [0.6439, 0.6441]∪[0.6458, 0.6466]∪[0.6470, 0.6472], the “fat” Sierpinski triangle—the unique compact invariant set (“attractor”) Λλ of the iterated function system on , where p0 = (0, 0), p1 = (1, 0), p2 = (1/2, 1)—has interior points and hence positive Lebesgue measure and Hausdorff dimension 2. For these λ, standard techniques for determining the Hausdorff dimension (or Lebesgue measure) of Λλ do not apply, and its Hausdorff dimension has not been known for any specific such λ. The novelty of our approach is that instead of extending techniques developed for small λ, we significantly extend geometric methods developed by Broomhead, Montaldi, and Sidorov for larger values of λ.
Intergenerational Continuity of Risky Parenting: A Person-Oriented Approach to Assessing Parenting Behaviors

Limited research has investigated the long-term effects of childhood emotional abuse on later forms of parenting. This study utilized a person-centered approach to explore the relation between retrospectively-reported maternal childhood emotional abuse and observed parenting behaviors during a conflict discussion. Data were collected from 53 caregiver-child dyads with children ages 8–11. Results of a model-based clustering procedure (Mclust; Fraley and Raftery 2006) identified three parenting styles (negative, at-risk, positive) that were based on five observed parenting behaviors (emotion regulation, anger, hostility, psychological control, and psychological unavailability). Results indicated that higher levels of childhood emotional abuse were reported by women in the at-risk and negative parenting subgroups. Mothers in the negative parenting and at-risk parenting clusters exhibited greater levels of emotional abuse when compared to the positive parenting cluster. Possible implications are discussed, and results underscore the importance of emotionally abusive developmental experiences in the understanding of risk for maladaptive parenting behaviors.
Direct Polymerization of Vernonia Oil through Cationic Means

Vernonia oil is obtained by extraction from Vernonia galamensis seeds. It is a triglyceride containing 70–80 % vernolic acid (12,13-epoxy-9-decenoic acid). With approximately three epoxy groups per molecule, vernonia oil is a good raw material for new product development and many derivatives have been reported. In this work we report for the first time direct polymerization of vernonia oil through cationic means. The reaction entails the use of fluorosulfonic acid as a catalyst and 25–35 °C. Depending on the level of acid catalyst used, the products can range from a viscous oil to a completely insoluble resin. These products have been characterized by NMR and FT-IR. The polymer may perhaps find applications as a thickener in lubricants and oil-based commercial formulations.
Fast Ion Beams and Plasma Instabilities Excited by the Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering Subsystem (OMS) Engines

Two ionospheric modification experiments were carried out as part of the NRL shuttle ionospheric modification with pulsed localized exhaust (SIMPLEX) program. The experiments used 10 second burns of the dual orbital maneuver subsystem (OMS) engines to produce the injection of high speed molecules in the ionosphere near 380 km altitude. Charge exchange between the high speed exhaust molecules and the ambient oxygen ions yield unstable molecular ion beams that disturb the natural state of the ionosphere. Radar scatter from the Millstone incoherent scatter radar in Massachusetts provided measurements of the ion velocity distributions and plasma turbulence that result from the ion beam interactions. Direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) techniques have been used to provide the distribution of exhaust molecules up to a few hundred kilometers from the space shuttle engines. After ion-molecule charge exchange, these velocity distributions trigger ion-ion counter streaming instabilities. Prompt signatures of unstable, non-equilibrium ion distributions in the OMS engine plume are seen in ground radar data taken during the SIMPLEX III and IV experiments for the space shuttle flights STS-108 and STS-110, respectively. Strong backscatter in the UHF radar spectra is attributed to ion-acoustic waves driven by the pickup ion beams.
The histology of graft adhesion in descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose To describe the histologic findings of full-thickness corneas from penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 10 patients with a prior history of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty. Design Retrospective review of the histopathology of 10 PK specimens. Methods We reviewed histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and colloidal iron stains from 10 PK specimens, which had been trisected and submitted in their entirety. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical record. Results The interface between host and graft in most cases was barely perceptible with minimal changes in the degree of tissue eosinophilia, a subtle increase in keratocyte cellularity focally, or the presence of melanin granules within keratocytes. Residual host Descemet membrane (DM) was found in 8 of the 10 cases, most often at the edges of the graft. In no case did the presence of DM appear to hinder graft adhesion. Conclusion The adhesion of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty grafts is not associated with significant scarring or keratocyte proliferation. Contrary to previous assumptions, retained DM did not appear to hinder graft adhesion, raising the possibility that removal of DM may be unnecessary for endothelial transplantation.
Effect of adrenal tissue on desoxycorticosterone hypertension.

ConclusionsThese results indicate that in rats under these conditions, presence or absence of adrenal tissue has no effect on the severity of hypertension produced by desoxy-corticosterone administration.
Magnitudes and orientations of the 15N chemical shift tensor of [1-15N]-2'-deoxyguanosine determined on a polycrystalline sample by two-dimensional solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract The magnitudes and orientations of the 15 N chemical shift tensor of [1- 15 N]-2′-deoxyguanosine were determined from a polycrystalline sample using the two-dimensional PISEMA experiment. The magnitudes of the principal values of the 15 N chemical shift tensor of the N1 nitrogen of [1- 15 N]-2′-deoxyguanosine were found to be ς 11 = 54 ppm, ς 22 = 148 ppm, and ς 33 = 201 ppm with respect to ( 15 NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 in aqueous solution. Comparisons of experimental and simulated two-dimensional powder pattern spectra show that ς 33N is approximately collinear with the N–H bond. The tensor orientation of ς 33N for N1 of [1- 15 N]-2′-deoxyguanosine is similar to the values obtained for the side chain residues of 15 N ϵ1 -tryptophan and 15 N π -histidine even though the magnitudes differ significantly.
Abdominal Adiposity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Association With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Disease Characteristics

Objective Abdominal adiposity, especially visceral adiposity, is emerging as a recognized cardiometabolic risk factor. This study was undertaken to investigate how abdominal fat is distributed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its RA-related determinants. Methods Men and women with RA were compared with non-RA controls from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Participants underwent anthropometric studies and quantification of visceral and subcutaneous fat areas (VFA and SFA) using abdominal computed tomography. Results A total of 131 RA patients were compared with 121 controls. Despite similar body mass index and waist circumference between the RA and control groups, the adjusted mean VFA was 45 cm2 higher (+51%) in male RA patients versus male controls (P = 0.005), but did not significantly differ by RA status in women. The adjusted mean SFA was 119 cm2 higher (+68%) in female RA patients versus female controls (P < 0.001), but did not significantly differ by RA status in men. Elevated VFA (≥75th percentile) was associated with a significantly higher adjusted probability of having an elevated fasting glucose level, hypertension, or meeting the composite definition of the metabolic syndrome in the RA group compared with controls. Within the RA group, rheumatoid factor seropositivity and higher cumulative prednisone exposure were significantly associated with a higher mean adjusted VFA. Higher C-reactive protein levels and lower Sharp/van der Heijde scores were significantly associated with both VFA and SFA. Conclusion The distribution of abdominal fat differs significantly by RA status. Higher VFA in men with RA, and the more potent association of VFA with cardiometabolic risk factors in men and women with RA, may contribute to cardiovascular risk in RA populations.
Contribution of central μ-receptors to switching pulmonary C-fibers-mediated rapid shallow breathing into an apnea by fentanyl in anesthetized rats.

Our previous study has shown that activating peripheral μ-receptors is necessary for switching the bronchopulmonary C-fibers (PCFs)-mediated rapid shallow breathing (RSB) into an apnea by systemic administration of fentanyl. The brainstem nuclei, such as the medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) and the pre-Botzinger complex (PBC), are required for completing the PCF-mediated respiratory reflexes. Moreover, these areas contain abundant μ-receptors and their activation prolongs expiratory duration (TE). Thus, we asked if central μ-receptors, especially those in the mNTS and PBC, are involved in fully expressing this RSB-apnea switch by fentanyl. In anesthetized rats, the cardiorespiratory responses to right atrial injection of phenylbiguanide (PBG, 3–6 μg/kg) were repeated after: (1) fentanyl (iv), a μ-receptor agonist, alone (8 μg/kg, iv); (2) fentanyl following microinjection of naloxone methiodide (NXM, an opioid receptor antagonist) into the cisterna magna (10 μg/4 μl); (3) the bilateral mNTS (10 mM, 20 nl); or (4) PBC (10 mM, 20 nl). Our results showed that PBG shortened TE by 37 ± 6% (RSB, from 0.41 ± 0.05 to 0.26 ± 0.03 s, P < 0.01), but it markedly prolonged TE by 5.8-fold (an apnea, from 0.50 ± 0.04 s to 2.9 ± 0.57 s, P < 0.01) after fentanyl (iv). Pretreatment with NXM injected into the cisterna magna or the PBC, but not the mNTS, prevented the fentanyl-induced switch. This study, along with our previous results mentioned above, suggests that although peripheral μ-receptors are essential for triggering the fentanyl-induced switch, central μ-receptors, especially those in the PBC, are required to fully exhibit such switch. Summary statement: Our results suggest that the activation of central μ-receptors, especially those in the pre-Botzinger complex, is required for switching the pulmonary C-fiber-mediated rapid shallow breathing into an apnea by systemic administration of fentanyl.
Soils and fertilizer use in southwestern Australia

A number of factors have contributed to the development of eutrophication problems in south-western Australia. These include the climate of the region, the nature of the soils in the catchments of the waterbodies, and the practices necessary for the development of profitable agriculture. This paper provides a brief review of these factors, of the development of agriculture, and of management measures which have been developed to combat the causes of eutrophication.
Regulation of ERRα Gene Expression by Estrogen Receptor Agonists and Antagonists in SKBR3 Breast Cancer Cells: Differential Molecular Mechanisms Mediated by G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR30/GPER-1

In selected tissues and cell lines, 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates the expression of estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family. This effect is thought to be mediated by the estrogen receptor α (ERα). However in the ERα- and ERβ-negative SKBR3 breast cancer cell line, physiological levels of E2 also stimulate ERRα expression. Here, we explored the molecular mechanism that mediates estrogen action in ER-negative breast cancer cells. We observed that E2, the ERα agonist, as well as the ERα antagonists ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen (TAM), a selective ER modulator, stimulate the transcriptional activity of the ERRα gene and increase the production of ERRα protein in SKBR3 cells. Moreover, the ERRα downstream target genes expression and cellular proliferation are also increased. We show further that the G protein-coupled receptor GPR30/GPER-1 (GPER-1) mediates these effects. The GPER-1 specific ligand G-1 mimics the actions of E2, ICI 182,780, and TAM on ERRα expression, and changing the levels of GPER-1 mRNA by overexpression or small interfering RNA knockdown affected the expression of ERRα accordingly. Utilizing inhibitors, we delineate a different downstream pathway for ER agonist and ER antagonist-triggered signaling through GPER-1. We also find differential histone acetylation and transcription factor recruitment at distinct nucleosomes of the ERRα promoter, depending on whether the cells are activated with E2 or with ER antagonists. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of GPER-1/ERRα-mediated signaling and may be relevant to what happens in breast cancer cells escaping inhibitory control by TAM.
Antipsychotic drugs induce Fos protein in the thalamic paraventricular nucleus: a novel locus of antipsychotic drug action.

Abstract Monitoring expression of c- fos and other immediate-early genes has proven a useful method for determining potential sites of action of antipsychotic drugs. Most studies of the effects of antipsychotic drugs on immediate-early gene expression have focused on the basal ganglia and allied cortical regions. We now report that clozapine administration markedly increases both the number of cells expressing Fos protein-like immunoreactivity and the amount of Fos protein in the thalamic paraventricular nucleus, but not the contiguous mediodorsal thalamic nucleus. Comparable doses of several dopamine D 2 -like antagonists, including raclopride, sulpiride, remoxipride and haloperidol, did not induce Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus. However, loxapine and very high doses of haloperidol resulted in a small but significant increase in paraventricular nucleus Fos expression. The dopamine D 1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 did not induce Fos in the paraventricular nucleus or alter the magnitude of the clozapine-elicited increase in Fos expression. The serotonergic5-hydroxytryptamine 2a/2c antagonist ritanserin, alone or in combination with sulpiride, did not increase Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus. Similarly, the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 :D 2 antagonist risperidone did not change the amount of Fos protein in the paraventricular nucleus. Neither the α 1 adrenergic antagonist prazosin nor the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist scopolamine mimicked the effect of clozapine. The key placement of the paraventricular nucleus as an interface between the reticular formation and forebrain dopamine systems suggests that this thalamic nucleus may be an important part of an extended neural network subserving certain actions of antipsychotic drugs.
1650 THE EFFECT OF BETAMETHASONE (B) AND THYROTROPIN RE- LEASING HORMONE (T) ON LUNG (L) ANTI-OXIDANT ENZYME LEVElS IN THE FETAL (F) RABBIT

In the adult, administration of exogenous thyroxine or corticosteriods is associated with enhanced development of L oxygen toxicity. To determine if pharmacologic acceleration of F L maturation influences the L anti-oxidant enzyme levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GP) were measured in F rabbit pups at 28 days gestation following 48 hour maternal treatment with saline (S), B (0.1-0.2 mg/kg/day) or T (40 ug/kg/day). In the B and T groups, mean F body weight and lung weights were significantly lower compared to the S group; the mean F lung weight/body weight were similar in all three groups. Mean (± SEM) L DNA (ug/gram lung) and SOD, CAT and GP (units/mg DNA) are shown below. SOD was significantly decreased in B and T groups. L CAT and GP were similar in S and B groups but significantly decreased in T group. Conclusion: 1) Exposure of the F rabbit to B from 26 to 28 days gestation decreases L SOD levels. 2) Exposure of the F rabbit to T from 26 to 28 days gestation results in decreased L SOD, CAT and GP levels.
Risk factors for injuries in the U.S. Army Ordnance School.

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate risk factors for time-loss injuries among soldiers attending U.S. Army Ordnance School Advanced Individual Training. Methods: Injuries were obtained from an injury surveillance system. A health questionnaire provided data on age, race, rank, current self-reported injury and illness, and tobacco use. Fitness data was obtained from operations office. Results: Cumulative time-loss injury incidence was 31% for men and 54% for women. For men, higher risk of injury was associated with race, a current self-reported injury, smoking before entering the Army, lower sit-up performance, and slower 2-mile run times. For women, higher risk of injury was associated with race, a current self-reported injury, and slower 2-mile run times. Conclusion: Smoking cessation and fitness training before entry are potential strategies to reduce injuries among soldiers in the Ordnance School.
The Retinal Pigment Epithelium: II. Histologic Changes Associated With Age

The senescent changes in the human retinal pigment epithelium were studied by examining bleached flat mounts prepared from postmortem specimens. The change most characteristic of senescence of the retinal pigment epithelium in general was found to be a progressive pleomorphism involving the size and shape of the cells, nuclei, and pigment granules. In addition, the retinal pigment epithelial cells of the macular area of the aging eye were found to become progressively narrower, higher, and more densely and irregularly pigmented. The retinal pigment epithelial cells of the periphery of the aging eye were found to become progressively broader, lower, vacuolated, and markedly pleomorphic. Drusen which were felt to be the result of decompensation of the vortex venous system of the choroid were found to be associated with significant degenerative changes involving the retinal pigment epithelium of the macular area of the senile eye.
Normal and Superconducting State Properties of Doped CePt 3 Si

We report on X-ray powder diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements on samples of Ce1-xLaxPt3Si and CePt3Si1+δ in order to better understand this unusual heavy Fermion superconductor’s normal and superconducting state properties. By suppressing the antiferromagnetic transition, TN = 2.2 K, using La-doping on the Ce-site in CePt3Si, we find that in Ce1-xLaxPt3Si, x ≥ 0.8, ρ, χ, and C/T show non-Fermi liquid temperature dependences. C/T ~ Tα with α ~ 1 for the temperature range of 0.3–3 K while low-temperature (2–20 K) susceptibility data follow 1/χ−1/χ0 = aTη behavior with η = 0.36. In addition, χ and C/T exhibit single-ion behavior in this composition range (x ≥ 0.8), i.e. the measured values expressed per Ce-mole are independent of x. Via doping the Si-site with a small excess—2–4—of Si, we present specific heat data for the bulk superconducting transition at Tc ~ 0.8 K showing that this excess sharpens the transition, obviating the need for annealing. Measurements of the X-ray diffraction patterns, ρ, χ, and C/T of these CePt3Si1+δ samples, when compared to similar measurements on annealed CePt3Si samples, indicate that the microscopic mechanism for the strengthening and sharpening of ΔC(Tc) with Si-excess may be similar to that responsible in the annealed material.
Specificity of the WAIS-R Subtests with Psychiatric Inpatients

Subtest specificities were determined for each of the 11 WAIS-R subtests for a sample of 200 psychiatric inpatients. The subtest's shared variance (defined as the multiple squared correlation between a subtest and all remaining subtests) was subtracted from reliable variance (defined as the subtest's reliability) to yield a measure of subtest specificity. The Information, Arithmetic, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Similarities, Picture Arrangement, and Digit Symbol subtests were judged to have adequate to ample specificity for ipsative interpretation. The Object Assembly, Digit Span, Picture Completion, and Block Design subtests were judged to have inadequate specificity for ipsative interpretation. Implications for the interpretation of WAIS-R results with psychiatric inpatients are discussed.
Overcoming Resource Constraints on Product Innovation by Recruiting Talent From Rivals: A Study of the Mutual Fund Industry, 1986–1994

Although recruitment is a practical strategy young and poorly connected firms can use to overcome constraints on product innovation, it has received little attention. Younger firms and poorly conne...
Foaming properties of soap solutions

This paper reports results, obtained by the “liquid drainage” method and a modified “foam time” method, on the stability of foams from solutions of soaps and detergents. The two methods gave qualitatively equivalent results. Rates of drainage of liquid from soap and detergent foams were not proportional to the volumes of liquid in the foam.
Adriamycin cardiotoxicity in a child with Wilms tumor

A case of adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy in a 5 3/4-year-old girl with metastatic Wilms tumor is reported. Potentiation of the adriamycin cardiotoxicity by irradiation to the heart is proposed; the clinical and pathologic findings are discussed.
Belonging, political participation and ethno‐cultural minorities

Ethnic minorities in the United States and Canada, many of whom are newly naturalized, display low rates of political participation. I argue that these low rates of participation indicate a sense of exclusion from the polity they have joined. Previous explanations for low rates of participation ‐material, contextual and institutional ‐ all reflect a concern with exclusion. We have reason to focus directly on the concept of belonging as a way to encourage newcomers to participate in politics. I suggest four policy proposals that focus on erasing this sense of exclusion, and thus on generating a sense of belonging, among newcomers to Canada and the United States. These policies, I hope, will encourage political participation among newcomers.
Analgesic therapy and the prevention of bladder cancer

The aim of this study was to measure the association between analgesic use and risk of bladder cancer among patients seen at the James A. Haley Veterans' Administration (VA) Hospital in Tampa, FL. A total of 330 cases were obtained using a combination of computerized pathology records, and inpatient and outpatient diagnoses. Controls were randomly selected from the VA computerized administrative database, and 1293 controls were included for analysis. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of bladder cancer after adjusting for age, gender, and cigarette smoking. Among analgesic users, we were able to identify a nearly 20% reduction in risk potentially consistent with a protective role (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.63, 1.05). Nonsmokers had a 43% decrease in risk (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.98). While smoking is a strong and recognized cause of bladder cancer, 50% of bladder cancer cases are not attributable to tobacco consumption. Given that nonsmokers prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were observed to have a 43% reduction in risk, it is important to study whether nonsmokers may benefit from therapy with NSAIDs.
Afterbody Pressure Correlations for Vehicles with Ablated Nose Shapes

ACORRELATION method is presented for determining the afterbody pressure distributions over the conical afterbodies of slender re-entry vehicles at small angles of attack that have been severely ablated or eroded in the nosetip region. The technique utilizes flowfield solutions for the pressure distributions over symmetrical sphere-cone re-entry vehicles at zero angle of attack. The method is shown to reduce the afterbody pressure data obtained using seven distinctly different nosetip configurations to a single correlation curve. Contents A comprehensive wind tunnel test program to obtain pressure distribution data was conducted at M^ = 8 in tunnel B at the Arnold Engineering Test Center, Arnold Air Force Station, Tenn. The baseline sphere-cone model which was tested was a 6.7-deg half-angle conical afterbody with a bluntness ratio (RN/RB) of 0.227. The seven nose configurations shown in Fig. 1 were tested and the nose attachment plane was located at body station X/L = 0.173. The pressure data from the present experiments were correlated using the axial distance parameter (CPc /^Tc~A N . XS/DN) suggested by Mirels and Thornton1 and a pressure parameter, CP/CP where CP is the sharp cone pressure, DN is the diameter of the nose, CAN is the nose axial force coefficient referenced to the nose base area, and Xs is the axial distance from the nosetip sonic point. The experimental pressure data for each of the ablated nosetips is correlated against the spherical nosetip data in Fig. 2, using the modified distance parameter. The pressure parameter was not utilized in this exercise since experimental data were available for only one cone angle. It can be seen from the plot that the axial distance correlation parameter has quite effectively collapsed the afterbody pressure data that were obtained with rather diverse nose shapes to the correlation curve obtained for the spherical nose. The pressures in the region less than one nose diameter from the nosetip are not well correlated. The experimental results previously presented clearly indicate that reasonable afterbody pressure distributions for vehicles with severely ablated nosetips can be obtained from sphere-cone pressure distributions. The a = 0 pressure distribution along the length of a spherecone re-entry vehicle with a cone half-angle of 6.7 deg was calculated for M00=8, using the Rakich2 method of characteristics solution, out to a distance of 160 nose radii
Redundant coding of simulated tactile key clicks with audio signals

The present study examined the efficacy of using audio cues for redundant coding of tactile key clicks simulated with a piezoelectric actuator. The tactile stimuli consisted of six raised cosine pulses at two levels of frequency and three levels of amplitude. An absolute identification experiment was conducted to measure the information transfers associated with the tactile-audio signal set. Results from Condition 1 (C1) provided a baseline measure by employing only the tactile signals. In Conditions 2–4 (C2–C4), supplemental audio signals were used to encode amplitude cues only, frequency cues only, and both amplitude and frequency cues, respectively. The results showed that partial redundant coding of tactile cues with audio signals could increase information transfer, when the cue (amplitude) was not perfectly identifiable with tactile signals alone (C2). When the cue (frequency) was well perceived through tactile signals alone, audio supplemental cues did not improve performance (C3). With redundant coding of both amplitude and frequency cues (C4), audio signals dominated tactile signals. It was also found that increased information transfer was achieved at the cost of increased response time (C2), suggesting increased mental load associated with the processing of multisensory information. Our findings have implications for the design of simulated key-click signals for mobile devices, and the use of multimodal signals for redundant coding of information in general.