cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting mechanisms of hypertensive vascular disease with dual calcium channel and renin–angiotensin system blockade

Patients with hypertension, particularly those with diabetes mellitus, are at heightened risk for cardiovascular and renal disease. Accumulated evidence indicates that the majority of hypertensive patients at high risk will require more than one antihypertensive agent to reach their blood pressure (BP) target. A reasonable strategy is to use agents with complementary mechanisms of action to enhance BP-lowering efficacy and prevent target organ damage. In experimental models, the combination of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) with an agent that blocks the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, improves measures of endothelial function, inflammation, ventricular remodelling and renal function to a greater degree than these classes given as monotherapy. In clinical trials, calcium channel/RAS blockade combination therapy has been shown to provide greater BP reductions and improve renal function in patients with diabetic and nondiabetic renal disease earlier and to a greater extent than monotherapy. In addition, dual calcium channel/RAS blockade increases arterial compliance, arterial distensibility and flow-mediated vasodilation. Expanding upon extensive research on the benefits of calcium channel blockade and RAS blockade for the prevention of vascular events and preclinical and clinical trial evidence suggests added effects of combination therapy by targeting the underlying mechanisms of hypertensive vascular disease.
Differential spermatogenic response of mice to the induction of dominant-lethal mutations by n-propyl methanesulfonate and isopropyl methanesulfonate.

Abstract n -Propyl methanesulfonate (PMS) and isopropyl methanesulfonate (iPMS) induce dominant-lethal mutations in mice. The responses of the various spermatogenic stages to the induction of dominant-lethal mutations differ markedly for PMS and iPMS. PMS induces a high frequency of dominant-lethal mutations in mouse spermatozoa and late spermatids and a low frequency in early spermatids. No dominant-lethal mutations are induced in spermatocytes. The gametogenic response to PMS is similar to that seen after treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). In equimolar doses in mice the relative efficiencies of alkyl methanesulfonates in inducing dominant-lethal mutations in spermatozoa and spermatids are as follows: MMS > EMS > PMS. iPMS induces dominant-lethal mutations in all postspermatogonial stages. After injection of 200 mg/kg of iPMS the percentage of dominant-lethal mutations induced in spermatozoa, spermatids, and spermatocytes is above 75. The yield of induced dominant-lethal mutations after injection of 50 mg/kg of iPMS is low in spermatozoa, falls to the control level in early spermatids, but increases drastically in spermatocytes.
Electromagnetic signatures of the color glass condensate: dileptons

Abstract We evaluate the invariant cross section for production of dileptons in forward rapidities at RHIC and LHC, using the color glass condensate formalism and present results for the nuclear modification factor R d ( p ) A as a function of dilepton invariant mass for the most central deuteron (proton)–nucleus collisions.
The case for a martian origin of the shergottites: nitrogen and noble gases in EETA 79001

Nitrogen and noble gases have been measured in samples of a glass inclusion and its surrounding basaltic matrix in an Antarctic shergottite meteorite (EETA 79001). The nitrogen component was found trapped in the glass, but not the matrix, having a value of delta 15-N = +190 per mil. Ratios between abundances of Ar-40 and N-14, N-15 and N-14 in the glass are consistent with the dilution of a Martian atmospheric component. The trapped noble gases in the glass are similar to elemental and isotopic compositions measured in Mars atmosphere by the Viking lander, and are in general agreement with previous measurements. It is suggested that a sample of Martian atmosphere has been caught in the EETA 79001 glass, and that other shergottite, nakhilite, and chassignite meteorites with similar features probably also originated on Mars. A table is presented which lists the abundances of nitrogen and the noble gases found in the non-glassy matrix and in the EETA 79001 glass.
Free-Locomotion of a Fish-Like Robotic Swimmer Propelled by a Vibrating Ionic Polymer Metal Composite

In this paper, we study the free-locomotion of a miniature bio-mimetic underwater vehicle inspired by carangiform swimming fish. The vehicle is propelled by a vibrating Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) attached to a compliant passive fin. The IPMC vibration is remotely controlled through the vehicle’s onboard electronics that consists of a small-sized battery pack, an H-Bridge circuit, and a wireless module. The planar motion of the vehicle body is described using rigid-body dynamics. Hydrodynamic effects, such as added mass and damping, are included in the model to enable a thorough description of the vehicle’s surge, sway, and yaw motions. The time-varying actions exerted by the vibrating IPMC on the vehicle body, including thrust, lift, and moment, are estimated by combining force and vibration measurements with reduced order modeling based on modal analysis. The model predictions are validated through experimental results on the planar motion of the fish-like robotic swimmer.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Recrystallized Grain Size in Single Phase Materials

During large-strain plastic deformation, subgrain structures typically develop within the grains. At large enough equivalent strains above, say 0.5, recrystallization occurs via abnormal coarsening of the subgrain structure or abnormal (sub-) grain growth (AsGG). The fraction of subgrains that develop into new, recrystallized grains has been quantified as a function of texture spread (Grain Reference Orientation Deviation) using Monte Carlo simulation. When this fraction is combined with the known monotonic increase in mean misorientation with strain, the recrystallized grain size can be predicted as a function of von Mises strain. The prediction is in good agreement with experimental results drawn from the literature.
Nanowire Structural Evolution from Fe3O4 to ϵ-Fe2O3†

The e-Fe 2 O 3 phase is commonly considered an intermediate phase during thermal treatment of maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) to hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ). The routine method of synthesis for e-Fe 2 O 3 crystals uses γ-Fe 2 O 3 as the source material and requires dispersion of γ-Fe 2 O 3 into silica, and the obtained e-Fe 2 O 3 particle size is rather limited, typically under 200 nm. In this paper, by using a pulsed laser deposition method and Fe 3 O 4 powder as a source material, the synthesis of not only one-dimensional Fe 3 O 4 nanowires but also high-yield e-Fe 2 O 3 nanowires is reported for the first time. A detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study shows that the nanowires of pure magnetite grow along [111] and directions, although some stacking faults and twins exist. However, magnetite nanowires growing along the direction are found in every instance to accompany a new phase, e-Fe 2 O 3 , with some micrometer-sized wires even fully transferring to e-Fe 2 O 3 along the fixed structural orientation relationship, (001) e-Fe2O3 II (111) Fe3O4 , [010] e-Fe2O3 II Fe3O4 . Contrary to generally accepted ideas regarding epsilon phase formation, there is no indication of y-Fe 2 O 3 formation during the synthesis process; the phase transition may be described as being from Fe 3 O 4 to e-Fe 2 O 3 , then to α-Fe 2 O 3 . The detailed structural evolution process has been revealed by using TEM. 120° rotation domain boundaries and antiphase boundaries are also frequently observed in the e-Fe 2 O 3 nanowires. The observed e-Fe 2 O 3 is fundamentally important for understanding the magnetic properties of the nanowires.
A Heuristic Solution Procedure to Minimize T on a Single Machine

In this paper, a heuristic procedure utilizing the adjacent pairwise interchange (API) methodology to minimize mean tardiness (\(\overline{T}\)) in single-machine scheduling is presented. Results indicate that it provides a much better solution than does the Wilkerson-Irwin heuristic algorithm, which also tries to minimize \(\overline{T}\). Experimental results suggest that the heuristic solution is not affected by problem size, which is important if larger problems are to be solved. Also, the heuristic is not affected by the tightness of due dates.
The effect of aging on visual-vestibuloocular responses

To determine age-related changes in oculomotor function we measured vestibuloocular (VOR), optokinetic (OKN), and visual-vestibular responses in a large group of normal subjects over the age of 75 years and compared the results with those from a group of young adults. Compared with the young subjects, older subjects had: (1) an amplitude-dependent decrease in VOR gain, (2) a shorter dominant VOR time constant, (3) a lower OKN slow-phase velocity saturation, and (4) a decreased ability to enhance and suppress the VOR with vision. These functional changes in older subjects are presumably secondary to well-documented, age-related changes in the sensory and neural elements of the visualvestibulooculomotor pathways. They may be a contributory factor to the common complaints of dizziness and dysequilibrium in people over the age of 75 years.
Capacitated acrosome-intact mouse spermatozoa bind to Sepharose beads coated with functional neoglycoproteins.

Abstract Capacitated acrosome-intact mouse spermatozoa bind to the egg’s extracellular coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), in a carbohydrate-mediated receptor–ligand manner. The tight irreversible binding of the opposite gametes triggers a signal transduction pathway resulting in the exocytosis of acrosomal contents (i.e., induction of the acrosome reaction [AR]). Previously, we demonstrated that a hexose (mannose) and two amino sugars ( N -acetylglucosamine and N -acetylgalactosamine), when covalently conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) (functional neoglycoproteins, ngps), mimicked mZP3 and induced the AR [Biol. Reprod. 60 (1999) 94–101]. To further elucidate the specificity of sperm–ngp interaction and the mZP3 mimicking role of the functional ngps, we have examined binding of the mouse spermatozoa to Sepharose 4B beads coated with the functional and non-functional ngps as well as BSA, ovalbumin (OVA), or asialofetuin (ASF). A significantly greater number of capacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa bound to the beads coated with functional ngps than the beads coated with non-functional ngps, BSA, OVA, or ASF. The binding was temperature-sensitive and was highest when the sperm–bead assay was carried out at 37 °C. Blocking of in vitro capacitation, by including calmodulin antagonists in the incubation medium, prevented sperm from binding to the beads. Furthermore, inclusion of free sugars (mannose, N -acetylglucosamine, or N -acetylgalactosamine) in the binding assay, either individually or as a mixture, inhibited sperm–bead binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our data provide evidence strongly suggesting that binding of capacitated spermatozoa to the ngp-coated Sepharose beads is specific. The beads that mimic zona-intact eggs provide an excellent tool for examining pharmacological effects of reagents that alter the sperm function. In addition, the immobilized ngp(s) will be useful as an affinity medium to isolate the sperm surface receptor(s) that recognize and bind to the sugar residues.
Low-Temperature Plasma Ionization-Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Compounds in Organic Aerosol Particles

Low-temperature plasma ionization, a technique that causes minimal fragmentation during ionization, is investigated as an ionization technique for mass spectrometric detection of the compounds in ambient organic aerosols in real time. The experiments presented in this paper demonstrate that ions are generated from compounds in the aerosol particles. The utility of this technique for detection of both positive and negative ions from the pyrolysate of multiple natural polymers is presented. Ultimately, low-temperature plasma ionization is shown to be a promising ionization technique for detection of compounds in organic aerosols by mass spectrometry.
Towards assigning references using semantic, journal and citation relevance

Clinical knowledge systems (CKS) facilitate healthcare practitioners to make the best decisions at the point of care by having access to most recent knowledge. However, because of the overabundance of clinical research articles, it is time consuming to add new content manually to any CKS such as UpToDate© and to ensure that it is consistent with evidence. For this reason, many CKS such as Mayo Clinic's AskMayoExpert use expert-based (and not evidence-based) knowledge learned from peer-to-peer communication. The main motivation of this work is to explore methods for assigning references automatically to expert-written content. The system employs information retrieval (IR) techniques to retrieve related sentences from MEDLINE abstracts as evidence candidates and then uses a machine learning model trained with physician's evaluation score on certain journals for re-ranking. Finally, the system utilizes citation counts of individual articles for further refining the ranking. A preliminary evaluation using 59 UpToDate sentences and respective citations as gold standard showed that the median ranking improved 11 folds after adding the journal and citation relevance metrics on the top of baseline that only uses the semantic relevance metric. The system seems promising and ready for trials in real use-case scenarios with experts.
Quantum confinement point of view for mobility and stress responses on (100) and (110) SingleGate and double-gate nMOSFETs

Impact of quantum confinement on electron mobility and its stress responses for (100) and (110)-orientated single-gate (SG) and double-gate (DG) nMOSFETs is studied. Unstrained electron mobility in (110) DG nMOSFETs is found to be significantly higher than that of (110) SG devices. This paper discusses another physical explanation to the experimentally observed higher electron mobility in (110) FinFET sidewall channels as compared to that observed in planar (110) devices. It is also found that the electron mobility increases faster under uniaxial tensile stress for (110) devices than for (100) ones. The higher mobility in (110) DG devices is attributed to the lighter confinement effective mass of Δ4 valleys and the non-parabolicity of Δ2 valleys along the directions. With high enough tensile strain, DG nMOSFETs with (110) surface orientation are expected to outperform these on (100).
Structure of trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins

Mao et al. (1) published a paper describing a 3D structure of uncleaved, trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) at ∼6-A resolution, following a similar paper last year on the same structure at ∼11-A resolution (2). Examination of these two papers leads me to doubt that the structures presented are results of a reliable cryo-electron microscopic analysis of purified HIV-1 Env trimers.
Experimental test of a new method for kVp measurements.

We present the results of an experimental test of a new method for measuring the kVp of a diagnostic x‐ray beam. The method involves measuring x‐ray attenuation in copper or tin absorbers and plotting the attenuation curve in a new way. Our measurements were done at 60, 90, 100, and 120 kVp on a 3‐phase, 12‐pulse diagnostic generator. The kVp was measured with a calibrated voltage divider‐oscilloscope system. Except at 90 kVp, excellent agreement was found, with precisions on the order of ±1%. The 90‐kVp point appeared to be somewhat affected by characteristic tungsten radiation and gave agreement with a lower value of precision.
Effects of Policy Change on Nonstigmatized Employees

Although advocating for more supportive policies to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT) employees is indeed a worthwhile goal, King and Cortina (2010) did not emphasize the potential effects of policy changes on nonstigmatized employees. Beyond impacting the work experiences of LGBT employees, it is reasonable to assume that a change in policy will also affect the emotional well-being and behaviors of nonstigmatized employees. Although overlooked by King and Cortina, the well-being of nonstigmatized employees should not be dismissed by organizations and industrial–organizational (I–O) psychologists. Instead, efforts should be undertaken to consider the reactions of nonstigmatized employees to such a policy change and incorporate those insights, along with those designed to protect LGBT workers, into a more strategic and hopefully effective policy. In order to properly administer an effective policy change, organizations will need to consider the effects on nonstigmatized employees if changes in stereotypes and prejudice are ever to be realized.
Xanthomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas cepacia in lower respiratory tracts of patients in critical care units

Xanthomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas cepacia are Gram-negative bacilli that are considered to be opportunistic pathogens. These bacteria may cause colonisation and infection, especially in acutely ill patients. Between 1 July 1990 and 30 June 1992 suptum culture results from patients in the critical care units were surveyed daily. During the 2 year period, sputum from 27 patients grew X. maltophilia . It was hospital-acquired in 26 patients. A total of 26 patients were mechanically ventilated for between 1 day and 8 months (median 19 days) before sputum cultures grew X. maltophilia . Various antimicrobial agents were prescribed for 25 of the 27 patients before they acquired X. maltophilia infection. The case fatality was 44.4%. Sputum from 79 patients grew P. cepacia . It was hospital-acquired in all who were ventilated for between 1 day and 50 days (median 9 days) before sputum cultures grew P. cepacia . Several antimicrobial agents were given to 77 patients before P. cepacia was isolated from them. The case fatality was 51.9%. In the majority of cases, the positive cultures indicated colonisation. Patients with APACHE II scores >15 experienced a higher fatality (55.6% vs. 22.2%, P X. maltophilia and 56.9% vs. 28.6%, P P. cepacia ).
Finite-range DWBA calculations of the (6Li,d) reaction using an antisymmetrized 6Li wavefunction

Abstract The (6Li,d) reaction is well described by finite-range DWBA calculations that use 6Li and deuteron optical model parameters that fit elastic scattering when an antisymmetrized 6Li wavefunction is used.
Intelligent syntax-directed editor that models user proficiency

Current interactive software systems try to offer many features and a user-friendly interface to aid the user. However, where one system may suit one user, another user may find it difficult to use, because each user is different. User modeling techniques have been applied to make a system suitable for different users. This paper surveys research works for developing interactive systems that use user modeling techniques. After presenting the systems and techniques, we introduce a system called the Intelligent Syntax-Directed Editor (ISE) as an example to show how this approach can benefit the user as an intelligent tool. The ISE assists the user in (1) using the editor more efficiently through ISE's active suggestions and on-line help and (2) program development through the syntax-directed editor. In applying user modeling techniques, ISE builds a profile/model of the user and, based on this model, ISE offers a suitable amount of help and advice depending on the proficiency of the user toward the system. ...
The mind-body-spirit paradigm: crisis or opportunity?

The terms that people use to describe their world and their activities in it are social constructs, “products of historically situated interchanges among people” (Gergen, 1985, p. 31). The word “sc...
Parental behaviour of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) in relation to sex of offspring

Monogamous parents are predicted to invest equally in male and female offspring whereas polygynous parents in good condition are predicted to invest more in male than female offspring. Sex-biased parental investment can occur in three ways: (1) mothers and fathers invest different amounts of care in their offspring (effect of parent sex); (2) parents invest different amounts of care in male and female offspring (effect of offspring sex); and (3) one parent, but not the other, invests different amounts of care in male and female offspring (interaction between parent sex and offspring sex). Studies of parent–offspring interactions in rodents have focused on either effect of parent sex or effect of offspring sex, but not the interaction between parent sex and offspring sex, and most studies have examined only one species. We studied prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a monogamous species, and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus), a polygynous (or promiscuous) species, under laboratory conditions designed to simulate field conditions. For each species, we recorded the frequency and duration with which mothers and fathers licked their male and female offspring. We found that meadow vole fathers licked male offspring for longer durations than female offspring. However, prairie vole fathers, prairie vole mothers, and meadow vole mothers did not lick male and female pups for different durations. From the standpoint of the pups, male prairie vole pups, female prairie vole pups, and female meadow vole pups were licked for longer durations by their mothers than by their fathers. In contrast, for male meadow vole pups there was no difference in the duration with which they were licked by mothers and fathers. We also detected effects of litter size: as litter size increased, the frequency and duration of pup licking decreased for mothers and increased for fathers. For duration (but not frequency) of pup licking, these changes were more dramatic in meadow voles than in prairie voles. Our data are generally consistent with predictions that monogamous parents, such as prairie voles, should invest equally in male and female offspring whereas polygynous (or promiscuous) parents, such as meadow voles, should invest more in male offspring when conditions are favourable. Our data also highlight the complexity of parent–offspring interactions in rodents and emphasize the need to examine whether male and female offspring within a species differ in their behaviour or ability to obtain parental care.
The mechanics and energetics of human walking and running: a joint level perspective

Humans walk and run at a range of speeds. While steady locomotion at a given speed requires no net mechanical work, moving faster does demand both more positive and negative mechanical work per str...
Focus on technique: one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction.

Background:Direct-to-implant reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix has expanded the surgeon's repertoire and given the patient an opportunity to have a one-stage option after skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy. The technique produces total implant coverage without the need for expansion, repea
Noniterative Compact Modeling for Intrinsic Carbon-Nanotube FETs: Quantum Capacitance and Ballistic Transport

In this paper, an analytical model of intrinsic carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors is presented. The origins of the channel carriers are analyzed in the ballistic limit. A noniterative surface-potential model is developed based on an analytical electrostatic model and a piecewise constant quantum-capacitance model. The model is computationally efficient with no iteration or numerical integration involved, thus facilitating fast circuit simulation and system optimization. Essential physics such as drain-induced barrier lowering and quantum capacitance are captured with reasonable accuracy.
FtsZ regulates frequency of cell division in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Cell division is regulated so that it occurs only once per cell cycle. In Escherichia coli, a rod-shaped bacterium, division normally takes place at the center of the long axis of the cell; however, in the minicell mutant, division can also take place at the cell pole. Such divisions take place at the expense of normal divisions, resulting in an overall increase in nucleated cell length. We report here that increasing the level of FtsZ can completely suppress the cell length of the minicell mutant by increasing the frequency at which cell division events take place. This result suggests that the level of FtsZ controls the frequency of cell division in E. coli.
ICOS ligand costimulation is required for T-cell encephalitogenicity

The interaction of ICOS with its ligand on APC provides a costimulatory signal to previously activated T-cells. In these studies, we blocked the ICOS:ICOS ligand interaction with ICOS-Ig during the in vitro activation of MBP-reactive transgenic CD4(+) T-cells. The presence of ICOS-Ig in these cultures inhibited the ability of the transgenic T-cells to transfer EAE, although they entered the brains of the recipient mice. ICOS-Ig increased apoptosis in the transgenic T-cells, especially in the memory population. This enhanced apoptosis was accompanied by an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 mRNA ratio. ICOS-Ig did not prevent IL2 production, demonstrating that IL-2 production is ICOS ligand independent. IFN-gamma and IL-10 production by the transgenic T-cells, however, was suppressed. Finally, ICOS-Ig injection into mice after the first signs of EAE ameliorated clinical disease. Therefore, ICOSL provides a signal distinct from CD28 costimulation that is required for the activation and viability of encephalitogenic T-cells.
In situ Imaging at the NIST Neutron Imaging Facility

Neutron imaging as a method to perform in situ studies of hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage devices, heat pipes, and batteries has made tremendous progress in recent years. Neutrons are useful to study light elements mixed with heavy Z elements where penetration by other forms of radiation is either impossible or incapable of contrasting the light elements. Useful spatial resolution available at neutron imaging facilities is now approaching 10 micrometers. Complimentary time resolution of 30 fps or greater is also possible with a spatial resolution approaching 300 micrometers. Here we will provide an overview of the technique of neutron imaging and experimental studies with neutrons at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Examples of in situ studies of fuel cells, hydrogen storage devices, heat pipes and batteries will be discussed.
A compact beamspace DOA estimation and beamforming communication device

This paper describes our design of a compact and efficient beamspace direction of arrival (DOA) estimation and beamspace beamforming device. The robust functionality includes high resolution RF emitter DOA estimation and beamforming in a noisy environment with strong interference. Simulations for beamspace DOA estimation using beamspace MUSIC and beamspace Capon methods are presented in conjunction with beamspace Capon beamforming. The DOA estimation accuracy, resolution, and beamforming output signal quality have been carefully studied and quantified. The algorithms have been implemented to utilize an 8 element uniform circular array (UCA) and an 8 channel analog beamformer (BF) operating at 5.8 GHz. The simulations and initial experimental results show that the proposed system can achieve good accuracy once it is properly synchronized. In addition, a significant decrease in hardware is realized when operating in beamspace versus element space. 1 2
Guidelines for Variable Selection Problems When Dummy Variables are Used

Abstract When dummy variables are used to incorporate categorical information into a regression equation, it is standard procedure to use one less dummy variable than the number of categories considered. This work illustrates the pitfall of this approach when the forward selection procedure is used to identify categories that differ from a norm. In addition, the relation between zero residuals and potential outliers is demonstrated for regression studies with dummy variables.
Relationship between the moving and the product Preisach models

It has been shown that output-dependent Preisach models are not limited by the congruency property of other Preisach models. The problem of the relationship between two such models is addressed: the moving model and the product model. A study of the minor hysteresis loops generated by the two models highlights the essential difference between them. >
Direct Patterning of Three-Dimensional Periodic Nanostructures by Surface-Plasmon-Assisted Nanolithography

The technical applications of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures demand a fabrication technique that is convenient and yet offers design flexibility. We describe here a nanofabrication technique called surface-plasmon-assisted three-dimensional nanolithography (3D-SPAN). By utilizing optical near-field interference patterns generated by surface plasmons (SPs), we have fabricated different 2D/3D periodic polymeric nanostructures in a typical photolithography setup. We have also shown here that the nanostructures fabricated by 3D-SPAN can be controlled easily in terms of size, layout, and defects by designing the SPAN mask. Because of its design flexibility and fabrication convenience, 3D-SPAN could be used to develop "photonics on a chip", where signal processing is carried out by photons instead of electrons and be extended to other applications of direct-writing 3D functional nanostructures.
Distribution of mucins at the ocular surface

Mucins are vital for maintenance of a healthy, wet ocular surface. Once only thought to be secreted by goblet cells, mucins are now also known to be of the membrane-associated type. Stratified ocular surface epithelia express at their apical-tear fluid surface a repertoire of membrane-associated mucins including MUC1, MUC4, MUC16. These mucins are concentrated on the tips of the microplicae, forming a dense glycocalyx at the epithelial tear film interface. A major mucin of the secretory class is the goblet-cell-derived gel-forming mucin MUC5AC. A small soluble mucin, MUC7, is expressed by the lacrimal gland acini. Our hypothesis of the role/distribution of the secreted and membrane-associated mucins at the ocular surface is that the secreted mucins are soluble in the tear fluid, and are moved about and shunted to the nasolacrimal duct and by the eyelids during blinking. Thus, in the tears, the secreted mucins act as clean-up/debris removing multimeric networks that at the same time, through their hydrophilic nature, hold fluids in place and harbor defense molecules secreted by the lacrimal gland. Membrane-associated mucins, on the other hand, form a dense barrier in the glycocalyx at the epithelial tear film interface. This barrier prevents pathogen penetrance and is a lubricating surface that allows lid epithelia to glide over the corneal epithelia without adherence. The secreted mucins move easily over the glycocalyx mucins because both have anionic character that creates repulsive forces between them. Little is known regarding regulation of expression and glycosylation of mucins by ocular surface epithelia. Since ocular surface drying diseases alter both goblet cell and mucin production, and production and glycosylation of membrane-associated mucins, studies of mucin gene regulation and glycosylation may yield treatment modalities for these diseases.
Constant-load versus heart rate-targeted exercise: responses of systolic intervals.

Eight normal male volunteers were studied during bicycle ergometry at constant work loads of 50, 100, and 150 W for 4 min each and heart rate-targeted exercise to rates which matched those during t...
Arterial diastolic pressure augmentation by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation enhances the onset of coronary artery reperfusion by thrombolytic therapy.

BACKGROUNDThe early establishment of infarct artery reperfusion by intravenous thrombolytic therapy has improved survival after acute myocardial infarction. Investigations of reperfusion have focused on the effects of specific thrombolytic agents, anticoagulation, and platelet inhibition. However, little attention has been given to the relation of arterial blood pressure to thrombolysis, a factor that probably affects thrombolytic agent delivery to the obstructing thrombus.METHODS AND RESULTSThe effect of arterial diastolic pressure augmentation by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) on reperfusion after intravenous thrombolytic therapy was studied in a canine model. A critical left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis was created by an occluder. Acute thrombosis immediately proximal to the occluder was formed by local injection of a blood and thrombin mixture into a segment of the artery that had intimal damage (groups 1 through 3). Continuous coronary blood flow velocity was measured by...
Time Delay Systematic Instruction for Academic Tasks

Students labeled mildly handicapped often fail to memorize and retain information such as math facts, sight words, and spellings when taught by traditional instructional procedures. Time delay, a nearly errorless instructional procedure, has been effective in teaching these behaviors to a variety of students. This article reviews the time delay procedure and its application with mildly handicapped students. The procedure is outlined and data collection techniques are specified. Considerations for using time delay with learning disabled students are also discussed.
The Environmental Estrogen, Nonylphenol, Activates the Constitutive Androstane Receptor

Nonylphenol (NP) and its parent compounds, the nonylphenol ethoxylates are some of the most prevalent chemicals found in U.S. waterways. NP is also resistant to biodegradation and is a known environmental estrogen, which makes NP a chemical of concern. Our data show that NP also activates the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), an orphan nuclear receptor important in the induction of detoxification enzymes, including the P450s. Transactivation assays demonstrate that NP increases murine CAR (mCAR) transcriptional activity, and NP treatment can overcome the inhibitory effects of the inverse agonist, androstanol, on mCAR activation. Treatment of wild-type (CAR +/+) mice with NP at 50 or 75 mg/kg/day increases Cyp2b protein expression in a dose-dependent manner as demonstrated by Western blotting, and was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR of Cyp2b10 transcript levels. CAR-null (CAR -/-) mice show no increased expression of Cyp2b following NP treatment, indicating that CAR is required for NP-mediated Cyp2b induction. In addition, NP increases the translocation of CAR into the nucleus, which is the key step in the commencement of CAR's transcriptional activity. NP also induced CYP2B6 in primary human hepatocytes, and increased Cyp2b10 messenger RNA and protein expression in humanized CAR mice, indicating that NP is an activator of human CAR as well. In conclusion, NP is a CAR activator, and this was demonstrated in vitro with transactivation assays and in vivo with transgenic CAR mouse models.
The Pediatric Psychologist's Role in Differential Diagnosis: Vocal-Cord Dysfunction Presenting as Asthma

Patients whose symptoms are unresponsive to conventional medical approaches provide a great challenge for medical and psychosocial care providers. Initially, the treatment team may exhaust the realm of potential underlying or comorbid medical conditions by ordering multiple consultations and auxiliary evaluations. If these fail to clarify the disease picture, the medical care providers may consider the possibilities of nonadherence to medication regimens, malingering, or deliberate induction of symptoms as potential explanations for the clinical presentation. How staff address these concerns within the team and with the family can have a pivotal impact on treatment alliance and subsequent patient care.
The metabolic anatomy of tremor in Parkinson's disease

Objective: To identify regional metabolic brain networks related specifically to the presence of tremor in PD. Background: The pathophysiology of parkinsonian tremor is unknown. Because tremor in PD occurs mainly in repose, we used resting state PET with18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to identify specific metabolic brain networks associated with this clinical manifestation. Methods: We studied two discrete groups of eight PD patients with and without tremor using FDG/PET. Both patient groups were matched for gender, age, and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale ratings for akinesia and rigidity. Ten normal volunteer subjects served as controls. Results: Network analysis with the Scaled Subprofile Model was performed in two steps. 1) We computed the expression of the PD-related pattern (PDRP) identified by us previously in each of the PD patients and control subjects. Although PDRP subject scores were abnormally elevated in the combined PD cohort (p Conclusions: The findings suggest that PD patients with tremor are characterized by distinct increases in the functional activity of thalamo-motor cortical projections. Modulation of this functional anatomic pathway is likely to be the mechanism for successful interventions for the relief of parkinsonian tremor.
Developing collaborative tools to promote communication and active learning in academia

Groupware applications such as AOL's instant messenger and Microsoft's NetMeeting have been growing in popularity in the general public for many years, starting with students on college campuses and more recently gaining acceptance in the business world as effective tools to aid in communication and productivity. Although many of these technologies were first popularized on college campuses, their use has yet to be integrated into the student/instructor teaching relationship, remaining more widely used between students for social purposes. In this paper we present the Cimel collaborative tools, a set of integrated groupware applications designed to improve communication between students and instructors and promote an active learning environment for students. In addition to the standard contact list and text messaging functionality, the Cimel collaborative tools provide a desktop sharing tool and a course-specific frequently asked questions (FAQ) database.
Plasma glucose levels and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Plasma glucose levels were studied in 616 patients admitted within 72 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Glucose levels measured at admission showed a statistically significant association with Glasgow Coma Scale scores, Botterell grade, deposition of blood on computerized tomography (CT) scans, and level of consciousness at admission. Elevated glucose levels at admission predicted poor outcome. A good recovery, as assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 3 months, occurred in 70.2% of patients with normal glucose levels ( 120 mg/dl) (p = 0.002). The death rates for these two groups were 6.7% and 19.9%, respectively (p = 0.001). The association was still maintained after adjusting for age (> or 120 mg/dl) (p < 0.0001). Death occurred in 6.7% and 20.8% of the two groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). It is concluded that admission plasma glucose levels can serve as an objective prognostic indicator after SAH. Elevated glucose levels during the 1st week after SAH also predict a poor outcome. However, a causal link between hyperglycemia and outcome after delayed cerebral ischemia, although suggested by experimental data, cannot be established on the basis of this study.
Iraqi American Refugee Youths’ Exposure to Violence Relationship to Attitudes and Peers’ Perpetration of Dating Violence

This exploratory study examines the relationships between exposure to violence in the community, school, home and dating relationships among Iraqi American youth. As Iraqi American youth are traditionally not allowed to date, dating violence measures focused on attitudes about and perceptions of abuse occurring in the relationships of friends. The number of friends known who were secretly dating was the most significant predictor of acceptability of dating violence and perceived prevalence of abuse. Youth who experienced child abuse perceived higher rates of dating violence among their peers. Findings highlight the complexities of prevention and intervention of teen dating violence within secretive relationships.
Mineralization, alteration, and hydrothermal metamorphism of the ophiolite-hosted Turner-Albright sulfide deposit, southwestern Oregon

The Turner-Albright sulfide deposit, part of the Josephine ophiolite, formed on and below the seafloor during Late Jurassic volcanism at a back arc spreading center. Ore fluids were probably localized by faults which were active on the seafloor at the time of sulfide deposition. The uppermost massive sulfide formed on the seafloor at hydrothermal vents, similar to sulfide-depositing hot springs on modern spreading centers. The bulk of the sulfide mineralization formed below the seafloor within olivine basalt hyaloclastite erupted near the time of mineralization. Infiltration of hydrothermal fluid into the hyalo-clastite altered the rock to quartz + Fe-chlorite and quartz + sericite + Fe-chlorite. Intense alteration resulted in replacement of the protolith by quartz + sulfide. The fluid responsible for the hydrothermal alteration was evolved seawater with low pH and Mg and high Fe. Sulfide δ534S values average 4.7‰ and indicate contribution of sulfur from both basalt and seawater sulfate. The average value of sulfide δ34S and the difference between sulfide and contemporaneous seawater sulfate δ34S values are similar to ophiolite-hosted sulfide deposits in Cyprus. Chlorite-rich hydrothermally altered basalt has δ18O values of 3.0–6.8‰ due to high-temperature (250°–350°C) reaction with a seawater-derived ore fluid. Quartz in silicified basalt has higher δ18O values of 12.3–15.5‰, probably reflecting lower-temperature recrystallization of amorphous silica formed during initial alteration of basalt. Mudstone and clinopyroxene basalt above the sulfide horizons were not altered by the ore-transporting hydrothermal fluid, but these rocks were hydrothermally metamorphosed by altered seawater heated by deep circulation into hot oceanic crust. This subseafloor metamorphism produced a mineral assemblage typical of prehnite-pumpellyite facies metamorphism. Exchange with altered seawater increased the whole-rock δ18O of the basalts to values of 9.4–11.2‰.
A prospective study of electronic quality of life assessment using tablet devices during and after treatment of head and neck cancers

Summary Objectives Electronic data collection is increasingly used for quality of life (QOL) assessments in the field of oncology. It is important to assess the feasibility of these new data capture technologies. Materials and methods Patients at our institution who were 18 years or older with a pathological diagnosis of head and neck cancer were prospectively enrolled. Each patient completed two questionnaires [EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-H&N35] administered on a touch-screen tablet device (iPad™) at initial consult, during treatment, at the completion of treatment and at each subsequent follow up visit for one year after treatment. Results A total of 50 patients were included in this study. Although all patients completed the surveys at the initial consult, 86% of initially enrolled patients completed surveys at the end of radiation treatment, and 48% of initially enrolled patients completed surveys by the fourth follow-up visit. Average time to complete the survey for all patients over all time points was 9.8 min (standard deviation 6.1). Age as a continuous variable was significantly associated with time for survey completion ( p Conclusion QOL assessment using tablet devices in head and neck cancer patients is feasible, but may be more challenging in elderly patients. Patients ⩾70 years old may benefit from more assistance with electronic forms and should be allotted more time for completing tablet-based QOL surveys.
Molecular diagnosis of human cancer.

The discovery of oncogenes introduced an era in which it is possible to identify genetic elements involved in the initiation and progression of malignant diseases (9, 10, 36, 61, 75, 126, 167). In some cases, these genetic elements can be used as molecular markers of human cancers.
Pioneering Access for Those with Environmental Sensitivities: An Interview with Susan Molloy

Chemical and electrical sensitivities are often invisible disabilities. Those with electrical hypersensitivity experience symptoms that result from exposure to a variety of sources of electromagnetic fields and radiation, including electrical appliances, florescent lights, computers, and cell phones and their towers. Most research has been conducted in the area of chemical sensitivity; persons with chemical sensitivities experience a wide range of negative disabling reactions to common chemicals such as fragrances, pesticides, paints, cleaners, and exhaust fumes. Recent findings indicate that chemical sensitivity is found world-wide and crosses lines of gender, race, and age. Susan Molloy has been advocating for persons with environmental sensitivities since 1983. In this interview, Lauren Sledd put questions to Molloy to illuminate the history of her pioneering advocacy.
On the boundedness of pseudo-differential operators on Triebel–Lizorkin and Besov spaces

Abstract In this work we show endpoint boundedness properties of pseudo-differential operators of type ( ρ , ρ ) , 0 ρ 1 , on Triebel–Lizorkin and Besov spaces. Our results are sharp and they also cover operators defined by compound symbols.
Effect of exercise training and myocardial infarction on force development and contractile kinetics in isolated canine myocardium

It is well known that moderate exercise training elicits a small increase in ventricular mass (i.e., a physiological hypertrophy) that has many beneficial effects on overall cardiac health. It is also well known that, when a myocardial infarction damages part of the heart, the remaining myocardium remodels to compensate for the loss of viable functioning myocardium. The effects of exercise training, myocardial infarction (MI), and their interaction on the contractile performance of the myocardium itself remain largely to be determined. The present study investigated the contractile properties and kinetics of right ventricular myocardium isolated from sedentary and exercise trained (10-12 wk progressively increasing treadmill running, begun 4 wk after MI induction) dogs with and without a left ventricular myocardial infarction. Exercise training increased force development, whereas MI decreased force development that was not improved by exercise training. Contractile kinetics were significantly slower in the trained dogs, whereas this impact of training was less or no longer present after MI. Length-dependent activation, both evaluated on contractile force and kinetics, was similar in all four groups. The control exercise-trained group exhibited a more positive force-frequency relationship compared with the sedentary control group while both sedentary and trained post-MI dogs had a more negative relationship. Last, the impact of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol resulted in a similar increase in force and acceleration of contractile kinetics in all groups. Thus, exercise training increased developed force but slowed contractile kinetics in control (noninfarcted animals), actions that were attenuated or completely absent in post-MI dogs.