cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Bisphenol A on energy balance and accumulation in brown adipose tissue in rats

Some environmental contaminants have the potential to affect humans or animals by mimicking the effects of hormones. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a weak estrogen agonist when tested using in vitro or in vivo bioassays. In addition to the well documented effects of estrogens on reproductive functions, ovarian hormones also have salient effects on mammalian energy balance and feeding behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of BPA on body weight and food intake of ovariectomized adult female rats. Treatment with doses of 4 or 5 mg/day for 15 days resulted in a significant reduction of body weight gain with no reduction in food intake. A dose of 1 mg/day did not affect feeding or weight gain. BPA was detected in the blood, brain and adipose tissues of the BPA-treated animals but not in the vehicle control group. There was a preferential concentration of BPA in brown adipose tissue. These results indicate that BPA can affect energy balance and that brown adipose tissue may be a primary tissue into which BPA accumulates in mammals.
Regulation of glutamate receptors by cations.

Current evidence suggests that glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS)1; particularly, glutamate excites most neurones in the CNS. Until recently this effect was widely used to study glutamate receptors and to distinguish them from those of other excitatory amino acids2. The development of ligand binding studies for many neurotransmitters has facilitated the study of receptors at the molecular level and using these methods we recently reported the existence in hippocampal membranes of pharmacologically distinct sodium-dependent and sodium-independent glutamate binding sites3, the former related to high-affinity uptake and the latter exhibiting several characteristics of postsynaptic receptor sites4. We now report that, as with other neurotransmitters5–8, several ions regulate the Na-independent binding of glutamate; the monovalent cations induce a decreased binding while certain divalent cations enhance this Na-independent binding. Additionally, since some of these effects appear to be reversible, we propose that the regulation of glutamate binding by cations might account for the extremely long-lasting potentiation of synaptic responses found in the hippocampus following bursts of repetitive electrical stimulation (see ref. 9 for a review).
Delivering distance education through technology: a pioneer’s experience

Recent developments in technology have provided educators with an extremely wide variety of electronic tools to assist them in achieving one of their primary objectives – the transmission of knowledge to others. One of the most important uses of these technologies in higher education has been their employment for the delivery of distance education. This article describes the types of technology available for the delivery of distance education (computer‐assisted education systems, audio/video‐mediated education systems, and computer‐mediated education systems), and has documented the effectiveness of these tools. It also discusses the successful experience of the school that pioneered the use of technology to deliver distance in the discipline of social work.
Optical Coherence Tomography Grading Reproducibility during the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials

Objective To report reading center reproducibility during grading of Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) images obtained during the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). Design Prospective, clinical trial. Participants Independent reading teams reevaluated 270 OCT scans randomly sampled from the first 2 years of CATT enrollment. To assess temporal drift, a cohort of 23 scans submitted during the initial portion of the CATT study was longitudinally followed with serial reproducibility analysis. Intervention The CATT readers performed standardized grading of OCT images. A reader team, composed of 2 independent readers and a senior reader, evaluated each scan. Grading included the CATT OCT end points of total thickness at the foveal center point and intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), and subretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) fluid. Independent reading teams masked to the results of initial grading reevaluated scans to determine the reproducibility of qualitative grading and measurements. Main Outcome Measures Categorical grading agreement was reported using percent agreement and kappa statistic, and measurement agreement was reported using intraclass correlations and paired differences. Results Reading center teams reproducibly graded IRF (percent agreement=73%, kappa=0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.58), SRF (percent agreement=90%; kappa=0.80; 95% CI, 0.73–0.87), and sub-RPE fluid (percent agreement 88%; kappa=0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83). For independent reading center team measurements of total thickness at the foveal center point, the intraclass correlation was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99–0.99), and the mean paired difference between reading center teams was 4 μm (95% limits of agreement, −55 to 47 μm). There was no qualitative or quantitative grading drift. Conclusions The standardized protocols used to evaluate OCT scans from the CATT study were reproducible. The methods used are suitable to monitor OCT imaging data from a large, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, interventional, multicenter study. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
The origin of the support effect in supported metal oxide catalysts : in situ infrared and kinetic studies during methanol oxidation

Abstract The strong influence of the oxide support upon the turn-over frequency (TOF) of methanol oxidation over supported metal oxide catalysts has been well documented in recent years. However, the mechanistic origins (adsorption equilibrium of methanol to methoxy species, rate-determining methoxy surface decomposition, or product desorption equilibrium) of this interesting phenomenon are not completely understood. In order to obtain additional insight, the steady-state surface concentrations of adsorbed methoxy intermediates on monolayer catalysts (∼8 V atoms nm−2) of V2O5/(TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3 and ZrO2) have been quantified with in situ transmission infrared spectroscopy/mass spectrometry. Calculations of the adsorption equilibrium constant, Kads, show a ∼ six times increase for vanadia on oxide supports of Al
Trade-Off Analysis Approach for Multiobjective Transportation Investment Decision Making

AbstractTransportation planning is multidimensional, complex, and dynamic in nature. The decision-making process often involves multiple stakeholders with conflicting preferences. Effective decision outcomes can only be reached by explicitly addressing such conflicts. Over the last several decades, optimization techniques have been used for project-selection decisions to achieve maximized overall returns on investments. The existing methods for project selection capable of conducting trade-off analyses mainly focus on assessing trade-offs between project construction time, duration, and cost, as well as swapping between transportation agency costs and user costs. However, they have largely not addressed impacts on the overall economic returns by changing a few important decision factors such as differentiating relative importance of various transportation performance goals and measures, and different types of highway facilities, and further relaxing the budget constraints by management programs dealing wi...
Advanced soft fail characterization methodology for sub-28nm nanoscale SRAM yield improvement

CMOS device miniaturization and the rapidly growing demand for mobile or power-aware systems have resulted in an urgent need to lower down power supply voltage (Vdd). However, soft fails at low Vdd in SRAM Array become a major yield limiter due to process variation and VT mismatch. This paper describes an advanced characterization flow on soft fails with the combination of applying fail-specified functional memory patterns, circuit analysis and advanced PFA techniques. The flow was successfully applied in soft fail characterization for sub-28nm SRAM yield improvement.
The relationship between on-budget and off-budget government☆

Abstract This paper studies the hypothesis that controls on on-budget government spending leads to greater off-budget activity. Existence of a substitution effect suggests that our ability to control and measure the size of government is more difficult than previously thought.
Turbulence at the Nematic-Isotropic Transition at High Electric Fields in 7CB

Abstract Turbulence occurring at the nematic-isotropic phase transition at high electric fields is investigated for 4-cyano-4′-n-heptylbiphenyl (7CB). It is found that the size of the temperature interval over which turbulence is manifested is an increasing function of field strength, and for a particular field, the size of the turbulent interval is found to be the same on cooling as on heating. The implications for locating the nematic-isotropic critical point are discussed in the context of an experiment to measure the decrease in the discontinuity of the induced birefringence.
The long- and short-term effects of marriage on drinking

Descriptive and multiple regression analyses of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), a longitudinal survey conducted annually since 1979, offer support for the many studies that demonstrate a relationship between marital status and alcohol consumption. Race, gender, history of heavy drinking, and alcoholic relatives were additional key variables utilized in the analysis. Data from this ongoing survey indicate that long-term marriage is associated with decreased drinking, except among women with a history of heavy drinking. Separation and divorce are not associated with long-term effects on current drinking. Divorce is associated with decreased drinking, at least in the short term, for men and women with a family history of alcoholism.
Improved strategies for the treatment of renal osteodystrophy

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) encompasses several distinct skeletal complications resulting from the metabolic abnormalities associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Other manifestations of altered calcium and phosphorus homeostasis include an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are associated with these adverse events, and ultimately can lead to ROD. Dietary restriction of phosphorus, use of phosphate binding agents, and vitamin D therapy have been the mainstay of therapy for HPT. Recently, several new therapeutic agents have become available for the management of HPT. The nonelemental phosphate binder, sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®) has provided an alternative to calcium-containing binders for the management of hyperphosphatemia. This agent also decreases calcium load and minimizes the risk of hypercalcemia and skin and soft tissue calcifications. Research in the area of vitamin D receptors has lead to the development ...
Influence of Some Steroid Contraceptives on Incidence of Dental Caries and Changes in Salivary Glands in Female Rats

The synthetic steroid contraceptives, norethynodrel and mestranol, were injected subcutaneously beginning at weanling or pubertal age, into female rats. With increased doses of steroid(s), the caries incidence proportionally increased and with increased frequency of administration and duration of treatment, the total cariogenic dose of the steroid(s) decreased by 95%. A synergistic, or at least an additive, cariogenic effect existed between the two steroids. Absolute and relative salivary glandular weights decreased and increased, respectively, on administration of the steroid. Both the diameter of and relative number of submandibular granular tubules decreased as compared with those of the controls.
An XAD-1 column method for the rapid extraction of phytoplankton chlorophylls

Abstract A simple column method for the rapid filtration and extraction of phytoplanktonic chlorophylls has been developed. The method, tested on unialgal cultures (Chlorella vulgaris, Oocystis marssonii, Chlorococcum hypnosporum, Chlamydomonas moewusii, Oscillatoria tenius), hypereutrophic, mesotrophic and clean water field samples was found equivalent to or, in most cases, better than the conventional filtration/acetone extraction procedures. In the new procedure, samples were filtered through an XAD-1 resin (60–120 mesh) column. Chlorophylls were extracted from the algal cells with basic methanol which deposited these compounds in the top layer of the column. The chlorophylls were then eluted by benzene and quantitated for by spectrophotometry. One and one half hours was required for the complete analysis of a 1-l sample.
No nebular magnetization in the Allende CV carbonaceous chondrite

Abstract Magnetic fields in the solar nebula may have played a central role in mass and angular momentum transport in the protosolar disk and facilitated the accretion of the first planetesimals. Thought to be key evidence for this hypothesis is the high unblocking-temperature, randomly oriented magnetization in chondrules in the Allende CV carbonaceous chondrite. However, it has recently been realized that most of the ferromagnetic minerals in Allende are products of secondary processes on the parent planetesimal. Here we reevaluate the pre-accretional magnetism hypothesis for Allende using new paleomagnetic analyses of chondrules including the first measurements of mutually oriented subsamples from within individual chondrules. We confirm that Allende chondrules carry a high-temperature component of magnetization that is randomly oriented among chondrules. However, we find that subsamples of individual chondrules are also non-unidirectionally magnetized. Therefore, the high-temperature magnetization in Allende chondrules is not a record of nebular magnetic fields and is instead best explained by remagnetization during metasomatism in a
Measurement of the reaction rate of CFCl3 with atmospheric-like ions

Abstract Results are given for a preliminary rate constant measurement for the ion-molecule reaction of CFCl3 and equilibrated ions in air at atmospheric pressure and 202°C. The reaction rate for extraction of Cl− by ions of reduced mobility μ0 = 2.58 cm2·V−1·s−1 was found to be k = 6.9 × 10−10cm3·mol−1·s−1. The potential atmospheric significance is discussed.
Ultracentrifugal characterization of a lipoprotein occurring in obstructive jaundice

Abstract The abnormal lipoprotein which characterises obstructive jaundice has been prepared in a purified form by two methods. On examination in the analytical ultracentrifuge, these preparations presented a single boundary which had an average flotation rate of 15.9 svedbergs in NaCl solution of density 1.063 g/ml.
Kissing balloon technique in complex PTCA : single guiding catheter and dual wire rapid exchange system

This report is a description, based on four cases, of a variation from previously described approaches for accomplishing the “kissing balloon” technique for complex PTCA. We describe a case in which a single guiding catheter is utilized in combination with two over-the-wire monorail type balloon catheters allowing use of standard length (175 cm) guidewires. Various combinations of balloon diameters are described. We believe this approach has significant advantages over other techniques, principally in its rapid and easy usage. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
AlPO4-supported rhodium catalysts. VIII. Gas-phase adsorption of arenes by gas-chromatography

The adsorption of normal and α-methylated series arenes on rhodium supported on two kinds of AlPO4 has been studied by using a gas-solid chromatographic technique. The adsorption process was exothermic (δHads 0) the relative adsorption constants being fitted to the Pavelich-Taft equation in which the electrical effect of the alkyl substituent is the main influence.
Management of mandibular third molar extraction sites to prevent periodontal defects

Purpose Persistent periodontal defects on the distal aspect of the mandibular second molar (M2) is a reported complication of mandibular third molar (M3) extraction. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficacy of demineralized bone powder (DBP) or guided-tissue regeneration therapy (GTR therapy) in preventing periodontal defects on the distal aspect of the M2 following M3 extraction. Materials and methods We implemented a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial composed of a sample of subjects ≥ 26 years of age who required extraction of bilateral M3s. The primary predictor variable was treatment group. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive either DBP or GTR therapy. Within subjects, 1 M3 site was randomly selected to be the experimental site and the opposite M3 served as a control and was permitted to heal without intervention. The primary outcome variable was the change in attachment levels (AL) and probing depths (PD) on the disto-buccal aspect of M2 between T0 (immediate preoperatively) and T4 (26 weeks postoperatively). Appropriate sample size estimates, descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. Results Twelve subjects in the DBP group and 12 subjects in the GTR-therapy group completed the study. For both treatment and control sites, between T0 and T4, there were statistically significant improvements in AL (≥ 2.2 mm; P < .001) and PD (≥ 2.6 mm; P < .001). Within-subjects comparisons showed no significant differences in AL or PD between treatment and control M3 sites (P ≥ .3) at T0 or T4. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that attachment levels and probing depths improve after M3 removal. In this sample, DBP or GTR therapy did not offer predictable benefit over no treatment.
An Investigation of the Relationship between the Physical Organization of Religious Shrines and the Perceived Malevolence or Benevolence of the Gods

A cross-cultural study of the characteristic physical surroundings (cf. Barker's Behaviour Settings Theory, 1971) of sacred sites, using the HRAF files. Cultures with benevolent gods are found to have fewer, better defined and more accessible, but less visible shrines than cultures with primarily malevolent gods.
Preparing the new generation of CALL researchers and practitioners: What nine months in an MA program can (or cannot) do

As more and more teacher preparation programs realize the need to include courses that deal with computer-assisted language learning, a crucial decision as to what is taught needs to be made, taking into consideration the various post-graduation goals ranging from teacher or teacher-trainer to researcher. Thus, the question of whether to go beyond teaching the potential uses of the computer and the Internet and to delve into how to create relevant computer-based tasks using the WWW and to train teachers in the use of advanced web page development techniques, including Flash, web-enabled databases, and the interactive possibilities of the WWW needs to be addressed. This paper tackles these issues and illustrates a sample approach in dealing with the grooming of the new generation of CALL researchers and practitioners. What can be accomplished during the first year of an MATESL program that highlights the importance of technology is explored through a reflective questionnaire, a computer capabilities matrix, and an analysis of web-based course projects. Nine first-year M.A. students participated in the study, which revealed that despite widely differing initial computer and Internet expertise among these future teachers and researchers, their knowledge of creating and using web-based materials increased significantly, culminating in a project in which the skills acquired throughout the semester were successfully integrated.
Simulation of the Directional Dark Matter Detector ($D^{3}$) and Directional Neutron Observer (DiNO)

Preliminary simulation and optimization studies of the Directional Dark Matter Detector and the Directional Neutron Observer are presented. These studies show that the neutron interaction with the gas-target in these detectors is treated correctly by GEANT4 and that by lowering the pressure, the sensitivity to low-mass WIMP candidates is increased. The use of negative ion drift might allow us to search the WIMP mass region suggested by the results of the non-directional experiments DAMA/LIBRA, CoGeNT and CRESST-II.
Consequences of flight height and line spacing on airborne (helicopter) gravity gradient resolution in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Line spacing and flight height are critical parameters in airborne gravity gradient surveys; the optimal trade-off between survey costs and desired resolution, however, is different for every situation. This article investigates the additional benefit of reducing the flight height and line spacing though a study of a survey conducted over the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which is the highest-resolution public-domain airborne gravity gradient data set available, with overlapping high- and lower-resolution surveys. By using Fourier analysis and matched filtering, it is shown that while the lower-resolution survey delineates the target body, reducing the flight height from 80 m to 40 m and the line spacing from 100 m to 50 m improves the recoverable resolution even at basement depths.
Characterization of altered patterns of endothelial progenitor cells in sickle cell disease related pulmonary arterial hypertension

Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in sickle cell disease (SCD). A variety of evidence suggests that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an integral role in vascular repair. We hypothesized that SCD patients with PAH are deficient in EPCs, potentially contributing to endothelial dysfunction and disease progression. The number of circulating CD34+/CD14-/CD106+ EPCs was significantly lower in SCD patients with PAH than without PAH (P=0.025). CD34+/CD14-/CD106+ numbers significantly correlated with tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV, r=-0.44, P=0.033) 6-minute walk distance (6MWD, r= 0.72, P=0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP, r= -0.43, P=0.05), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, r=-0.45, P=0.05). Other EPC subsets including CD31+/CD133+/CD146+ were similar between both groups. Numbers of EPCs did not correlate with age, sex, hemoglobin, WBC count, reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), iron/ferritin levels, and serum creatinine. These data indicate that subsets of EPC are lower in SCD patients with PAH than in those without PAH. Fewer EPCs in PAH patients may contribute to the pulmonary vascular pathology. Reduced number of EPCs in SCD patients with PAH might not only give potential insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms but also might be useful for identifying suitable therapeutic targets in these patients.
Future role of desalting for water quality improvement - Colorado River Basin, U.S.A.

Abstract Up to the present time, the development of desalting technology has been mainly directed at water supply augmentation. In view of Federal and State legislation in the U.S.A. to support water pollution control and water quality improvement, along with advances in membrane desalting processes, an expanded new role for desalting is discussed. Potential desalting applications now under study by the Bureau of Reclamation's “Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program” are examined along with general constraints, cost-effective criteria, planning strategies, and water resources impacts. Specific desalting sites and time frames are briefly addressed from a planning viewpoint generally limited to the upper region of the Colorado River Basin. Estimates of plant capacities, general feedwater conditions, costs, and various types of processes under planning investigation are provided. The paper suggests key areas of membrane desalting research needs related to salinity control. Finally, this planning overview concludes that the economic differences between conventional salinity control techniques and desalting may be narrowing.
RIPPLE MARK INDICES AND THEIR USES

SUMMARY The following dimensionless parameters (two of them well-known and five of them new) are defined for determination of ripple mark geometry: ripple index (RI), ripple symmetry index (RSI), continuity index (CI), bifurcation index (BI), straightness index (SI), and two different parallelism indices (PI1 and PI2). In general, RI = 15 or less indicates wave or water current origin; RI = 17 or more indicates wind or swash origin. RSI = 1.5 or less indicates wave or swash types; RSI = 3 or more indicates wind or water current types. CI = 15 or more suggests wind or wave origin; CI = 10 or less suggests water current origin. BI = 10 or more suggests wave varieties; BI = 1 or less suggests wind varieties. SI = 102 or more indicates wind or deep-water wave types; SI = 15 to 102 indicates wind or wave types; SI =4 or less indicates current types. PI1 = 7 or more suggests wave origin; PI1 = 1 or less suggests water current origin. PI2 = 0.4 or more is probably the result of swash or water current action. PI2 = 0.2 or less is probably the result of wind or wave action. Longitudinal ripple marks (such as rib-and-furrow) and deformed or modified varieties (such as flat-topped tidal-flat ripple marks and nearly- flat-topped intermittent creek ripple marks) have been excluded, inasmuch as (1)they are commonly easy to identify from their appearance, and (2)they are difficult to measure with ordinary methods. Plots of two indices against each other on coordinate paper can be particularly useful; the best combinations are RI vs. RSI, and RI vs. PI1, although several other pairs are almost as good. Where all seven parameters can be obtained, the confidence one can have in the interpretation is close to 98%. The effects of current bias, or depth bias, on wave-type ripple marks, extend to both the symmetry (RSI) and to sediment-transport interpretations. Unless the investigator is reasonably sure that no such bias is present (i.e., RSI = 1.0 instead of some significantly higher value such as 1.5), wave-type ripple marks cannot be used to determine direction of either wave approach or sediment transport. If no such bias is present, wave-type ripple marks still cannot be used to determine precise sediment transport direction. If RSI = 1.0 precisely, it is not even necessary that the ripple crests parallel the waves that formed them. The same restrictions apply to the interpretation of micro-crossbedding (that is, ripple mark internal structure). Despite these seemingly severe limitations, general geometry commonly permits a reliable interpretation, and hence ripple marks can provide a great deal of useful data for paleogeographic interpretations. The swash-zone variety of ripple marks includes two sub-types: those modified by a small but unmistakeable hydraulic jump, and those not so modified. The RI can be used to distinguish between these two, even when they were not observed to form.
INDUCED RESISTANCE OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TO EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS : II. SEROTHERAPY IN WESTERN VIRUS INFECTION.

Under none of the experimental conditions here described was treatment of the infection induced by the virus of Western equine encephalomyelitis in mice and guinea pigs with specific hyperimmune rabbit serum effective if begun after the onset of signs of encephalitis. In mice, after intracerebral inoculation of virus, serum was ineffective when given even before that stage. After peripheral introduction of virus in guinea pigs the disease was completely arrested in certain animals by single or multiple doses of antiserum if treatment was begun within 24 to 48 hours after virus inoculation. In others the incubation period was prolonged to 2 or even as long as 7 weeks. In untreated guinea pigs, injection of virus alone led to active immunity in those which survived. Antiserum blocked the antigenicity of active virus in the serum-treated animals. The decrease in titer in the sera of all antiserum-treated animals proceeded at the same rate as in those of control guinea pigs which received antiserum alone. Thus it was not possible to predict which ones would survive and which would succumb after a prolonged incubation period. Delayed fatal disease occurred at a time when the neutralizing antibody of the treated guinea pigs had fallen to a low titer. It is therefore likely that the virus which persisted throughout this long incubation period had been prevented from passing to and infecting other cells but reached them when antibody fell to an ineffective level in the surrounding medium. The relative frequency of such delayed reactions limits to a further extent the degree to which antiserum can be depended on for effective treatment of infection with the virus of equine encephalomyelitis.
Transcriptional regulation of gene expression in Tetrahymena thermophila

The only well-characterized study of gene expression in Tetrahymena thermophila (1) demonstrates that the temperature dependent expression of the Ser H3 gene is regulated at the level of mRNA stability. A run-on transcription assay was developed to determine if regulation of RNA stability was a major mechanism regulating gene expression in Tetrahymena or if transcriptional regulation dominates. The relative transcriptional activities of 14 Tetrahymena genes were determined in different physiological/developmental states (growing, starved and conjugating) in which many of the genes showed striking differences in RNA abundance. In every case except Ser H3, changes in transcription accompanied changes in RNA abundance. Thus differential transcription, not differential RNA degradation, is the major mechanism regulating RNA abundance in Tetrahymena.
Lack of desensitization of neurokinin A due to partial agonist property of this peptide at parotid substance P receptors

Effects of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) on intracellular free calcium concentration (Cai) were compared in Fura2-loaded parotid acinar cells. SP produced a pronounced increase in Cai which rapidly desensitized. In contrast, NKA produced a smaller increase which was well maintained. Cells desensitized to SP were cross-desensitized to NKA. The absence of NKA-induced desensitization reflects the inability of NKA to fully activate parotid SP receptors; NKA is a partial agonist in the parotid. Similarly, the action of NKA as a partial agonist in other systems may explain findings that SP responses desensitize while NKA responses do not.
Destruction of hepatic and splenic tissue by freezing and heating

Abstract Penetrating wounds of the spleen and liver were treated by either freezing or heating, or both, using special instrumentation which could be cooled to − 190 °C or heated to 200 °C. The hemostatic and destructive effects were evaluated. Freezing produced maximal destruction while heating produced maximal hemostasis. Combined freezing/heating techniques produce maximal destruction while maintaining hemostatic control. The results of these experiments suggest that further investigation of the combined technique is warranted with the view toward application to the treatment of visceral tumors.
Subhypotheses testing against restricted alternatives for the Cox regression model

Abstract For the Cox regression model involving both design and concomitant variates, testing of subhypotheses against restricted alternatives based on the partial likelihood scores is considered. Orthant, ordered as well as the ordered orthant alternatives are considered in this context. Roy's union-intersection principle plays a vital role in this development. Properties of the proposed tests are also studied.
Soil biota and invasive plants

Interactions between plants and soil biota resist invasion by some nonnative plants and facilitate others. In this review, we organize research and ideas about the role of soil biota as drivers of invasion by nonnative plants and how soil biota may fit into hypotheses proposed for invasive success. For example, some invasive species benefit from being introduced into regions of the world where they encounter fewer soil-borne enemies than in their native ranges. Other invasives encounter novel but strong soil mutualists which enhance their invasive success. Leaving below-ground natural enemies behind or encountering strong mutualists can enhance invasions, but indigenous enemies in soils or the absence of key soil mutualists can help native communities resist invasions. Furthermore, inhibitory and beneficial effects of soil biota on plants can accelerate or decelerate over time depending on the net effect of accumulating pathogenic and mutualistic soil organisms. These 'feedback' relationships may alter plant-soil biota interactions in ways that may facilitate invasion and inhibit re-establishment by native species. Although soil biota affect nonnative plant invasions in many different ways, research on the topic is broadening our understanding of why invasive plants can be so astoundingly successful and expanding our perspectives on the drivers of natural community organization.
SU‐FF‐T‐316: Neutron Dose Equivalent at Depth in a Phantom

Purpose:Neutrons are a byproduct of high‐energy radiotherapy. Although these neutrons have been studied thoroughly in air, little work has been done to study these neutrons at depth in the patient. This study evaluates the fluence, energy, and average quality factor of neutrons as a function of depth in water.Method and Materials:MCNPX was used to develop a Monte Carlo model of a Varian 2100 accelerator operated at 18‐MV. This model was used to calculate the neutron fluence and energy spectra in air and at depths in water between 0.5cm and 19.5cm. The quality factor was also determined, based on the calculated spectrum and mono‐energetic quality factors and kerma factors. Results: Compared to the fluence in air, the presence of a phantom led to an increase in the fluence due to increased scatter. At increasing depth in the phantom, the fluence remained nearly constant until a depth of 3.5 cm and then decreased at deeper depths. The average neutronenergy decreased until approximately 7.5 cm depth and then remained nearly constant at deeper depths. The quality factor decreased from 16.7 (at 0.5 cm depth) to 13.9 at (19.5 cm depth). The percent depth dose equivalent curve generated by the neutron spectra produced by a medical accelerator was found to be different from a previously published percent depth dose equivalent curve generated by mono‐energetic neutrons of the same average energy. Using mono‐energetic neutrons overestimated the dose equivalent by up to 20% and underestimated the dose equivalent by up to a factor of 3 at deep depths. Conclusion: The neutron fluence and spectrum changed substantially with depth, as did the neutron quality factor. Therefore, when the neutrondose equivalent in a patient is being evaluated, it is necessary to evaluate the neutron spectrum and quality factor at the relevant depth.
The perception of telephone-processed speech by combined electric and acoustic stimulation.

This study assesses the effects of adding low- or high-frequency information to the band-limited telephone-processed speech on bimodal listeners’ telephone speech perception in quiet environments. In the proposed experiments, bimodal users were presented under quiet listening conditions with wideband speech (WB), bandpass-filtered telephone speech (300–3,400 Hz, BP), high-pass filtered speech (f > 300 Hz, HP, i.e., distorted frequency components above 3,400 Hz in telephone speech were restored), and low-pass filtered speech (f < 3,400 Hz, LP, i.e., distorted frequency components below 300 Hz in telephone speech were restored). Results indicated that in quiet environments, for all four types of stimuli, listening with both hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implant (CI) was significantly better than listening with CI alone. For both bimodal and CI-alone modes, there were no statistically significant differences between the LP and BP scores and between the WB and HP scores. However, the HP scores were significan...
A Regional Modeling Framework of Phosphorus Sources and Transport in Streams of the Southeastern United States

Garcia, Ana Maria, Anne B. Hoos, and Silvia Terziotti, 2011. A Regional Modeling Framework of Phosphorus Sources and Transport in Streams of the Southeastern United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(5):991-1010. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00517.x Abstract: We applied the SPARROW model to estimate phosphorus transport from catchments to stream reaches and subsequent delivery to major receiving water bodies in the Southeastern United States (U.S.). We show that six source variables and five land-to-water transport variables are significant (p < 0.05) in explaining 67% of the variability in long-term log-transformed mean annual phosphorus yields. Three land-to-water variables are a subset of landscape characteristics that have been used as transport factors in phosphorus indices developed by state agencies and are identified through experimental research as influencing land-to-water phosphorus transport at field and plot scales. Two land-to-water variables – soil organic matter and soil pH – are associated with phosphorus sorption, a significant finding given that most state-developed phosphorus indices do not explicitly contain variables for sorption processes. Our findings for Southeastern U.S. streams emphasize the importance of accounting for phosphorus present in the soil profile to predict attainable instream water quality. Regional estimates of phosphorus associated with soil-parent rock were highly significant in explaining instream phosphorus yield variability. Model predictions associate 31% of phosphorus delivered to receiving water bodies to geology and the highest total phosphorus yields in the Southeast were catchments with already high background levels that have been impacted by human activity.
Reconstitution of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Nuclear Egress Complex and Formation of Nuclear Membrane Vesicles by Coexpression of ORF67 and ORF69 Gene Products

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus nuclear egress complex is composed of two proteins, ORF67 and ORF69. In this study, we have recapitulated the KSHV complex by coexpression of these two proteins in insect cells using expression from recombinant baculoviruses. The proteins form a complex at the nuclear membrane as judged by live-cell analysis of protein fusions tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry. Ultrastructural analysis of infected cells showed that ORF67 expression results in reduplication of the nuclear membrane. When the two proteins are expressed together, numerous virion-size nuclear membrane-derived vesicles were evident at the nuclear margins.
Effect of Methyl Testosterone Treatment on Muscular Performance and the Central Nervous System of Older Men

IN AN EARLIER investigation (1) improvement of endurance in dynamic and static work, of finger ergograph performance, of the fusion frequency of flicker and, to a lesser extent, of muscular strength in four male subjects with diminished sexual hormone production (two eunuchoids, two castrates) were reported after four weeks' oral administration of methyl testosterone. An adequate level of male-sex hormone might be important for the maintenance of working capacity. If this is so, then the reduction and final cessation of the sex-hormone production with age might influence the reduction of working capacity with age. In other words, the reduction of working capacity with age might proceed differently if the sex-hormone concentration could be artificially maintained at a higher level. A very large amount of material would be necessary to prove or disprove this hypothesis. In the present paper we are reporting an investigation to determine whether exaggerated fatigue in older men might be partially due to redu...
Hemodynamic and Neurohormonal Predictors and Consequences of the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs With Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract Background Heart failure increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), which frequently results in heart failure progression. This prospective study examined the contribution of hemodynamic and neurohormonal activation to the spontaneous occurrence of AF in heart failure, and assessed the effects of AF on left ventricular (LV) function and neurohormonal activation. Methods and Results Heart failure (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] 25%–30%) was induced in 27 dogs via sequential coronary microembolizations. Hemodynamic and neurohormonal measurements were performed at 1 month (prior to development of AF) and 4 months post-embolization. During the time between measurements, 10 dogs developed spontaneous AF. Plasma norepinephrine concentration (PNE) at 1 month was higher in animals that subsequently developed AF (576 + 101 vs. 425 + 197 pg/mL, P = .03). There were no significant differences between the groups in 1-month LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), cardiac output, end-diastolic volume (EDV), LVEF, or plasma renin activity (PRA). At 4 months, cardiac output was lower (2.1 + .4 vs. 2.6 + .6 L/h, P = .02) and PNE was higher (1036 + 857 vs. 508 + 288 pg/mL, P = .03) in dogs with AF versus those in sinus rhythm. There were no significant differences between groups in 4-month LVEDP, PAWP, EDV, LVEF, or PRA. Conclusion Spontaneous AF in heart failure was preceded by a significant increase in PNE. In animals that developed AF, there was a further decline in cardiac output and increase in PNE.
Chromobacterium violaceum infections in 13 non‐human primates

Background Recently, an Indian-origin macaque was found dead and Chromobacterium violaceum was isolated from the skin wound, and hepatic and pulmonary abscesses. Methods By searching the database, a total of thirteen cases of C. violaceum infection in pigtail macaques (n = 8), rhesus macaques (n = 4), and one baboon were identified from 2001 to 2010 at Tulane National Primate Research Center. Medical records were reviewed for breed, sex, age, clinical findings, treatment, outcome, bacteriology, and gross and histological findings. Results Seven pigtail macaques and one Indian-origin rhesus macaque died of chromobacterial septicemia. All chromobacterial septicemic pigtail macaques were adult with higher incidence in female. Hepatic abscess and thrombosis were typical findings along with pulmonary abscess and thrombosis, renal venous thromboembolism, and necrosuppurative pleuritis, peritonitis, splenitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and meningoencephalitis. Skin wound, uterine infection, and oral and respiratory exposure were considered the points of entry for these animals. Conclusions This represents the first report of chromobacteriosis in pigtail, rhesus macaque, and baboon. Our experience suggests that chromobacterial infections may be more common in non-human primates than previously recognized.
The Impact of Sustained Engagement on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Synapse Project

In the research reported here, we tested the hypothesis that sustained engagement in learning new skills that activated working memory, episodic memory, and reasoning over a period of 3 months would enhance cognitive function in older adults. In three conditions with high cognitive demands, participants learned to quilt, learned digital photography, or engaged in both activities for an average of 16.51 hr a week for 3 months. Results at posttest indicated that episodic memory was enhanced in these productive-engagement conditions relative to receptive-engagement conditions, in which participants either engaged in nonintellectual activities with a social group or performed low-demand cognitive tasks with no social contact. The findings suggest that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities enhances memory function in older adulthood, but, somewhat surprisingly, we found limited cognitive benefits of sustained engagement in social activities.
Cardiorespiratory Exercise Testing in Adult Cancer Patients

The use of exercise testing to provide an objective assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness in clinical oncology research has increased dramatically over the past decade. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the major recommendations for the specific performance of exercise testing in clinical oncology research. The adoption of consistent, standardized formal exercise testing methodology and data reporting standards are required to ensure high-quality exercise testing research in clinical oncology. Overall, information presented in this chapter provides critical information to clinicians and exercise oncology researchers who are conducting exercise testing among patients with cancer.
Recalibrating the ratio: enacting accountability in intimate relationships using shared calendars

This study enriches the understanding of relationship work in the context of calendar sharing by examining how people negotiate and enact accountability in their intimate relationships with and around their shared calendars. We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative study of Google Calendar users. Our research discovered how participants develop understandings of how close friends and significant others structure their time using shared calendars, as well as how people negotiate and enact accounts within and beyond their intimate relationships. Our findings indicate ways in which Online Calendar Systems (OCS) can be better designed to more effectively support users' needs.
Response to RAG-mediated V(D)J cleavage by NBS1 and γ-H2AX

Genetic disorders affecting cellular responses to DNA damage are characterized by high rates of translocations involving antigen receptor loci and increased susceptibility to lymphoid malignancies. We report that the Nijmegen breakage syndrome protein (NBS1) and histone γ-H2AX, which associate with irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), are also found at sites of V(D)J (variable, diversity, joining) recombination–induced DSBs. In developing thymocytes, NBS1 and γ-H2AX form nuclear foci that colocalize with the T cell receptor α locus in response to recombination activating gene (RAG) protein–mediated V(D)J cleavage. Our results suggest that surveillance of T cell receptor recombination intermediates by NBS1 and γ-H2AX may be important for preventing oncogenic translocations.
Detection of coastal mud odors by loggerhead sea turtles: a possible mechanism for sensing nearby land

For sea turtles, an ability to detect land masses from a considerable distance away, and to distinguish coastal areas from the open sea, might be adaptive. The loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, can detect airborne odorants associated with food. To investigate whether sea turtles can also detect odors associated with land, we studied the responses of juvenile loggerheads to odors from coastal mud. Turtles were tested in a water-filled arena in which odorants could be introduced to the air above the water surface. Turtles exposed to air that had passed over a cup containing mud spent more time with their noses out of the water than did control turtles exposed to air that had passed over a cup containing distilled water. The results demonstrate for the first time that loggerheads can detect airborne odorants associated with land, an ability that might play a role in foraging, navigation, or both.