cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Location and recycling of mitochondrial α-tocopherol

Vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol is crucial for mitochondrial integrity. We studied the distribution of alpha-tocopherol in rat muscle mitochondria in relation to the capacity of the electron transport chain to recycle the vitamin. Fractionation studies showed that almost 90% of the alpha-tocopherol in mitochondria is located in the outer membrane. This distribution was confirmed with the finding that ferricytochrome c, which does not penetrate the outer membrane, oxidized 70-80% of mitochondrial alpha-tocopherol in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Despite the predominant outer membrane distribution of alpha-tocopherol, succinate and other mitochondrial respiratory substrates spared alpha-tocopherol from oxidative loss by both agents. Sparing of alpha-tocopherol by succinate was prevented by 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone, but not by myxothiazol, which suggests that ubiquinol is the electron donor. Ferricytochrome c significantly increased total F2-isoprostanes, an effect that was prevented by succinate. Most alpha-tocopherol in muscle mitochondria is located in the outer membrane, where it is susceptible to oxidative loss. Nonetheless, alpha-tocopherol is partially spared by ubiquinol in the electron transport chain.
Metabolism, pulmocutaneous water loss and respiration of eight species of ground squirrels from different environments.

Abstract 1. 1. The night time metabolism of eight species of ground squirrels ( Spermophilus spp.) is described by the allometric relationship: metabolism ( ml/hr ) = 3·2G 0·66 ± 0·1176 (2 S.E.)—60 per cent of the metabolism for other mammals of comparable size. 2. 2. The circadian cycle of T b has an amplitude of 1·9°C, with a nocturnal T b of 35·7 ± 0·2 (2 S.E. ) . 3. 3. The Q 10 of metabolism vs. T b between 1·96 and 5·4. 4. 4. The dry conductance of six species decreased at T a of 35°C and above. 5. 5. Breathing rate was 2·25−2·75 times minimal values resulting in 100 per cent dissipation of metabolic heat at T a between 38·7 and 42°C, inclusive. 6. 6. There were distinct differences between species in their tolerance to high T a .
Brain, behavior, mental stress, and the neurocardiac interaction.

Imagine that you are stranded at the airport. You have spent a week at the meeting you were obliged to attend only to find that your flight is overbooked. It does not help that the agent at the counter does not pick up his head to make eye contact, and when he does, it is to smile “hello” to someone else. You insist that your reservation was made in advance and your ticket is in order; apparently, it is not the same information that the computer has on file. You will miss your child’s birthday and your work is piling on your desk and you are not there! Feelings of anger, disappointment, and guilt may occur alternatively and/or collectively. Often these emotional responses may be associated with diaphoresis, palpitations, headaches, and dizziness with or without chest pain. This all-too-common experience provides just one example of how the brain, in transducing the events going on around us, draws on past experience and learning history in the mobilization of a genetically programmed stress response that prepares the body for action no longer appropriate to the times. As a result, this brain-initiated mobilization that occurs chronically throughout one’s day results eventually in end organ damage, such as that associated with diseases of the heart. It is indeed remarkable how willing we are to accept these responses to our daily lives without thought to the long-term consequences. This review explores the relationship of our response to psychosocial stress and its influence on the presence and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), with an emphasis on the brain-heart pathways that underlie the stress-disease relationship. We will discuss psychosocial stress from initiation in the central nervous system (CNS) to effector output to the cardiovascular system. This review will discuss cardinal questions concerning affect and the neurocardiac interaction and will address the following:
Creating and Consuming Web 2.0 in Art Education

ABSTRACT Web 2.0 has the potential to dramatically affect educational practices in a variety of ways. Within the field of art education, students and teachers can utilize Web 2.0 to further student understanding and art-making. The potential for students to create the Web is an aspect of Web 2.0 that is particularly well suited for an art classroom. Through examples from teachers and from the author's own practice, this article details potential uses of delicious, flickr, blogs, podcasts, and wiki. Through these technologies, students may collaboratively build knowledge, develop a deeper understanding of their own artworks and those of other artists, and interact with artworks in new ways.
Effects of Distance on the Visual Reception of Speech

Two talkers with normal hearing and speech presented with voice 240 common nouns (80 monosyllables, 80 trochees, 80 spondees) to six profoundly deaf children whose task was to lipread without acous...
Dissociation in Italian conjugations: a single-route account.

Say and Clahsen (S&C) report an experiment involving assignment of past participle suffixes to nonce words in Italian. Their evidence suggests a dual-route model that assigns the theme vowel of the 1st conjugation, while storing it lexically in other conjugations. However, these nonce words were assigned suffixes by a computer algorithm that determined the past participle of the nonce items on the basis of phonological similarity to existing inflected forms. The outcome of the simulation mirrors that of the subjects closely, suggesting that the dissociations found by S&C are not adequate evidence for a dual-route model of Italian stem formation.
A simple method of repairing inadvertent filtering blebs after cataract surgery.

We have developed a simple, safe, and effective procedure for repairing inadvertent filtering blebs after cataract surgery with several interrupted 7-0 or 8-0 silk sutures placed externally over the bleb and through the wound cleft, and without opening the conjunctiva or the anterior chamber. We have treated more than 20 eyes successfully with this method.
Exact convergence rates for the bounded law of the iterated logarithm in Hilbert space

In a previous paper we obtained upper and lower class type results refining the bounded LIL for sums of iid Hilbert space valued mean zero random variables, whose covariance operators satisfy certain regularity assumptions. We now establish precise convergence rates for the bounded LIL in the “non-regular” case. It turns out that the almost sure behavior in this case is entirely different from the behavior in the previous situation.
Pseudonym-based cryptography for anonymous communications in mobile ad hoc networks

Key management for anonymous communication in mobile ad hoc networks is a critical but unsolved problem. Many current anonymous mobile ad hoc routing protocols assume that mobile users share pairwise secrets before they start an anonymous communication session. This assumption is impractical for many ad hoc scenarios where pairwise shared keys are difficult to be set up in advance. Public-key based solution, such as identity-based cryptographic solutions have been proposed for anonymous communications. However, these approaches assume that a centralised Trust Authority (TA) is in charge of the private key generation. Thus, the anonymous communications are not anonymous to the TA. To solve the above mentioned problems, we present pairing-based encryption/decryption, key exchange, blind certificate and revocation solutions for anonymous communications. Our approach provides the following properties compared to traditional approaches: (1) an Anonymous User's (AU's) identity (i.e. a pseudonym) can be used as his/her public key (i.e. the same as traditional identity-based solution); however, each AU can self-derive his/her private key based on a set of publicly known system parameters and his/her chosen pseudonym (this is different from the traditional identity-based solution); (2) a pair of AUs can derive a shared key based on each other's pseudonym without using interactive key exchanging protocols; (3) an AU can self-choose his/her pseudonym that can be blindly signed by a certificate authority and only the pseudonyms with a verifiable certificate are authorised to participate in the anonymous communications (the certificate can be verified by using a set of publicly known system parameters) and (4) the certificate authority is able to revoke AUs' pseudonym. Due to these properties, our approach reduces key management overhead and is suitable for large-scale and ad hoc anonymous services.
Perception as purposeful inquiry: We elect where to direct each glance, and determine what is encoded within and between glances

In agreement with Barsalou's point that perceptions are not the records or the products of a recording system, and with a nod to an older system in which perception is an activity of testing what future glances bring, I argue that the behavior of perceptual inquiry necessarily makes choices in what is sampled; in what and how the sample is encoded, and what structure across samples is pursued and tested; and when to conclude the inquiry. Much of this is now being hectically rediscovered, but a comprehensive approach like the one Barsalou proposes should help preserve what progress is made.
Variational determination of the coefficient of sound dispersion in binary gas mixtures

The propagation of plane linear acoustic wave in a mixture of inert gases is considered by means of a variational formulation of the Boltzmann equations, through which the sound speed c is expressed with errors of order .c2 in terms of trial functions determined with errors of order c. This feature allows the exact determination of the coefficient of sound dispersion d, 3 [dc/dw2] at zero frequency (w = 0), in terms of trial functions known from the Chapman-Enskog theory. Explicit results for d, are given for all combinations of noble gases from He to Xe, assumed to interact through the Lennard-Jones potential. Comparison with previous approximate descriptions and with experiments is made.
A Comparison of “Hard” and Commercially Softened Water in the Ration of Lactating Dairy Cows

Summary There were no significant differences observed between the two treatments in the production of 4 per cent F.C.M. or in changes in body weight. The cows while on the hard water produced 33.0 lb. of milk daily and gained an average of 8 lb. in body weight each. The cows while on softened water produced 33.2 lb. of milk daily and gained an average of 1 lb. in body weight each during the experimental period. No difference was observed in the average daily water consumption. All the cows consumed an average of 97.1 lb. of water daily regardless of the total hardness of the water. The ratio of water consumed to milk produced was 2.9 and the ratio of water consumed to dry matter intake also was 2.9.
Growth kinetics and nitrogenase induction in Frankia sp. HFPArI 3 grown in batch culture

Kinetics of growth and nitrogenase induction in Frankia sp. ArI3 were studied in batch culture. Growth on defined medium with NH 4 + as the N source displayed typical batch culture kinetics; however, a short stationary phase was followed by autolysis. Removal of NH 4 + arrested growth and initiated vesicle differentiation. Vesicle numbers increased linearly and were paralleled by a rise in nitrogenase (acetylene reduction) activity. Nitrogenase activity (10 mM C2H4 · mg protein−1 · min−1) was sufficient to support growth on N2 and protein levels rose in parallel with nitrogenase induction. Optimal conditions for vesicle and nitrogenase induction were investigated. Maximum rates of acetylene reduction were obtained with 5 to 10 mM K2 HPO4/KH2PO4, 0.1 mM CaCl2 and MgSO4. The optimum pH for acetylene reduction and respiration was around 6.7. The amount (5 to 10µg protein/ml) and stage (exponential) of growth of the ammonium-grown inoculum strongly influenced the subsequent development of nitrogenase activity. Propionate was the most effective carbon source tested for nitrogenase induction. Respiration in propionate-grown cells was stimulated by CO2 and biotin, suggesting that propionate is metabolized via the propionyl CoA pathway.
Integration of General Amino Acid Control and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) Regulatory Pathways in Nitrogen Assimilation in Yeast

Two important nutrient-sensing and regulatory pathways, the general amino acid control (GAAC) and the target of rapamycin (TOR), participate in the control of yeast growth and metabolism during changes in nutrient availability. Amino acid starvation activates the GAAC through Gcn2p phosphorylation of translation factor eIF2 and preferential translation of GCN4, a transcription activator. TOR senses nitrogen availability and regulates transcription factors such as Gln3p. We used microarray analyses to address the integration of the GAAC and TOR pathways in directing the yeast transcriptome during amino acid starvation and rapamycin treatment. We found that GAAC is a major effector of the TOR pathway, with Gcn4p and Gln3p each inducing a similar number of genes during rapamycin treatment. Although Gcn4p activates a common core of 57 genes, the GAAC directs significant variations in the transcriptome during different stresses. In addition to inducing amino acid biosynthetic genes, Gcn4p in conjunction with Gln3p activates genes required for the assimilation of secondary nitrogen sources such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gcn2p activation upon shifting to secondary nitrogen sources is suggested to occur by means of a dual mechanism. First, Gcn2p is induced by the release of TOR repression through a mechanism involving Sit4p protein phosphatase. Second, this eIF2 kinase is activated by select uncharged tRNAs, which were shown to accumulate during the shift to the GABA medium. This study highlights the mechanisms by which the GAAC and TOR pathways are integrated to recognize changing nitrogen availability and direct the transcriptome for optimal growth adaptation.
Efficient data transfer protocols for big data

Data set sizes are growing exponentially, so it is important to use data movement protocols that are the most efficient available. Most data movement tools today rely on TCP over sockets, which limits flows to around 20Gbps on today's hardware. RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) is a promising new technology for high-performance network data movement with minimal CPU impact over circuit-based infrastructures. We compare the performance of TCP, UDP, UDT, and RoCE over high latency 10Gbps and 40Gbps network paths, and show that RoCE-based data transfers can fill a 40Gbps path using much less CPU than other protocols. We also show that the Linux zero-copy system calls can improve TCP performance considerably, especially on current Intel “Sandy Bridge”-based PCI Express 3.0 (Gen3) hosts.
Evidence for the role of connexin 43-mediated intercellular communication in the process of intracortical bone resorption via osteocytic osteolysis

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the predominant gap junction protein in bone. Mice with a bone-specific deletion of Cx43 (cKO) have an osteopenic cortical phenotype. In a recent study, we demonstrated that cKO mice are resistant to bone loss induced by hindlimb suspension (HLS), an animal model of skeletal unloading. This protective effect occurred primarily as a result of lower osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Interestingly, we also documented a significant increase in cortical osteocyte apoptosis and reduced sclerostin production. In the present study, we investigated whether osteocytic osteolysis – bone resorption by osteocytes within lacunae – is induced by HLS and the potential effect of Cx43 deficiency on this process during unloading. 6-month-old male Cx43 cKO or wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to three weeks of HLS (Suspended) or normal loading conditions (Control) (n = 5/group). Lacunar morphology and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining were assessed on sections of femur cortical bone. Experimental groups were compared via two-way ANOVA. Empty lacunae were 26% larger in cKO-Control vs. WT-Control (p 0.05). Similarly, there was a trend (p = 0.06) for 11% larger lacunae containing viable osteocytes for cKO-Control vs. WT-Control, with no apparent effect of loading condition. There was no difference in the proportion of TRACP + cells between WT-Control and cKO-Control (p > 0.05); however, WT-Suspended mice had 246% more TRACP + osteocytes compared WT-Control mice (p 0.05). Prior to undergoing apoptosis, osteocytes in cKO mice may be actively resorbing their respective lacunae via the process of osteocytic osteolysis. Interestingly, the proportion of TRACP + osteocytes increased dramatically following unloading of WT mice, an effect that was not observed in cKO mice subjected to HLS. The results of the present study provide initial evidence that osteocytic osteolysis is occurring in cortical bone in response to mechanical unloading. Furthermore, Cx43 deficiency appears to protect against osteocytic osteolysis in a manner similar to the inhibition of unloading-induced osteoclast activation that we have documented previously.
A national study on midlevel leaders in higher education: The unsung professionals in the academy*

A national study was conducted toexamine the quality of midlevel leaders'worklife, satisfaction, morale and theirintentions to leave. The study included 4,000midlevel leaders who were randomly selectedfrom a total national population of 11,300 fromboth public and private institutions withinfive Carnegie classifications (e.g.,Doctoral/research-extensives and intensives,Baccalaureate generals and Liberal arts) acrossthe United States. Three separate mailingsyielded 2,000 responses for a 50 percent returnrate and 1966 useable surveys. Midlevel leadersare defined as academic or non-academic supportpersonnel within the structure of highereducation organizations (e.g., directors andcoordinators of admissions, institutionalresearch, registrars, computing and technology,human resources, alumni affairs, studentaffairs, placement and counseling services,financial aid, development and planned giving).This national study proposes: (1) to examinethose demographic characteristics and worklifeissues that may have an impact on theperceptions of midlevel leaders' morale,satisfaction and intent to leave; and (2) todemonstrate the role satisfaction and moralehas on midlevel leaders' intentions to stay orleave their current position or career. Thefindings indicate that individual perceptionsof midlevel leaders' professional andinstitutional worklife are powerful variablesthat have an impact on their satisfaction,morale, and turnover intentions.
Effects of involvement, argument strength, and source characteristics on central and peripheral processing of advertising

The reported experiment tested predictions made by the elaboration likelihood model (ELM). Manipulations of message processing involvement, argument strength, and favorability of source information were used to examine predicted effects on cognitive response activity and attitude change. Major study findings reveal general support for ELM predictions concerning cognitive response activity, as well as support for central and peripheral attitude change predictions. In addition, central route attitude change was influenced by message cognitions, while peripheral route attitude change was determined by both message cognitions as well as simple perceptions of the source. A theoretical interpretation of the results and implications for advertising practice are offered.
Two-dimensional dipolar scattering

We characterize the long-range dipolar scattering in two dimensions. We use the analytic zero energy wave function including the dipolar interaction; this solution yields universal dipolar scattering properties in the threshold regime. We also study the semiclassical dipolar scattering and find universal dipolar scattering for this energy regime. For both energy regimes, we discuss the validity of the universality and give physical examples of the scattering.
Azathioprine therapy in the management of persistent erythema multiforme

SUMMARY Two cases of recurrent erythema multiforme of unknown aetiology are reported. The term ‘persistent’ is appropriate as the lesions recurred whenever steroid therapy was discontinued. Both patients were eventually controlled with azathioprine alone, and one patient required treatment for 3 years.
Regional cerebral oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass

A significant number of patients suffer transient neuropsychological dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Recent studies have implicated reduced levels of O2 supply/demand ratio during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Using a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system that permits continuous noninvasive monitoring of regional cerebral O2 saturation (rSO2), we investigated rSO2 during CPB. Following Institution Review Board approval and informed consent, 10 patients undergoing elective CABG were studied. Nonpulsatile CPB with a membrane oxygenator, haemodilution and alpha-state pH management was used. The NIRS system consisting of two low-power laser diode sources (780 nm and 810 nm) with a photodetector placed on the frontal cortex was used to measure continuously haemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin and cerebral blood volume. Continuous rSO2 measurements were obtained before, during moderate hypothermia, and during the rewarming phase of CPB. A rSO2 < 50% was defined as abnormal. Onset of rSO2 < 50% was at 32 degrees C, and the highest incidence occurred during the late stages of rewarming (35-37 degrees C). On rewarming from hypothermic CPB, 70% of our patients sustained a rSO2 < 50% for an average total duration of 9.3 minutes, primarily at the end of the rewarming period. This suggests a transient global imbalance in cerebral O2 supply and demand in a large percentage of patients during the rewarming phase of CPB. However, it has not been determined how long a rSO2 < 50% can be permitted before neuropsychological dysfunction is induced. Additional studies correlating psychometric testing with rSO2 measurements should prove useful in detecting episodes of impaired cerebral oxygenation, and help define rewarming protocols.
A novel multimode waveguide coupler for accurate power measurement of traveling wave tube harmonic frequencies

This paper presents the design, fabrication and test results for a novel waveguide multimode directional coupler (MDC). The coupler fabricated from two dissimilar waveguides is capable of isolating the power at the second harmonic frequency from the fundamental power at the output port of a traveling-wave tube (TWT). In addition to accurate power measurements at harmonic frequencies, a potential application of the MDC is in the design of a beacon source for atmospheric propagation studies at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Structural investigation of molecular organization in self-assembled monolayers of a semifluorinated amidethiol

A new fluorocarbon-chain-containing molecule, CF[sub 3](CF[sub 2])[sub 7]C(O)N(H)CH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]SH, for self-assembly was synthesized using a simple and general technique. Self-assembled monolayers of this molecule were studied using ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, grazing-incidence infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. The films were found to be uniform and reproducible, presenting a fluorocarbon surface ([theta][sub adv](H[sub 2]O) = 114[degree]) with predominantly CF[sub 3] groups exposed. The C=O and N-H dipoles are found to be oriented parallel to the gold surface, with the fluorocarbon axis oriented perpendicular to the surface. 50 refs., 8 figs., 5 tabs.
Reduced basal release of serotonin from the ventrobasal thalamus of the rat in a model of neuropathic pain.

Drugs that inhibit reuptake of monoamines are frequently used to treat pain syndromes, e.g. neuropathy or fibromyalgia, where mechanical allodynia is present. Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of supraspinal sites of action of these drugs. However, a direct study of supraspinal serotonin (5-HT) or norepinephrine (NE) release in an animal model in which allodynia is expressed, e.g. neuropathy, has not been done. The ventrobasal (VB) thalamus and the hypothalamus are major supraspinal projection regions for spinal neurons that transmit nociceptive information and are innervated by monoaminergic fibers. This study determined if peripheral neuropathy would induce changes in extracellular monoamines in VB thalamus and hypothalamus. Male Sprague-Dawley rats had spinal nerve roots L5 and L6 tightly ligated (neuropathic rats; NP) or sham (SHAM) surgery; contralateral and ipsilateral VB thalamus and contralateral hypothalamus were dialyzed with modified artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF), with and without fluoxetine. NP rats had significantly decreased 5-HT content in dialysates of the contralateral VB thalamus compared with SHAM rats with (82% decrease) or without (63% decrease) fluoxetine in the perfusion medium over the 180 min of the study. There were no differences in the ipsilateral VB thalamus. In contrast, release of 5-HT was unchanged in the hypothalamic dialysates of SHAM vs. NP rats. NE release was not different in dialysates of either the VB thalamus or hypothalamus of SHAM vs. NP rats. Synthesis of 5-HT, as assessed by accumulation of 5-hydroxytrytophan after treatment with an L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, was not different between NP and SHAM rats in VB thalamic and hypothalamic brain tissue. This study is the first to demonstrate changes in monoamine release supraspinally in NP rats. The differential effect between VB thalamus and hypothalamus suggests that a terminal field change may be involved. Putative mechanisms for mediating this change include alterations of GABA-ergic systems and/or plasticity related to alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation and nitric oxide release related to afferent hyperactivity induced by neuropathic pain.
Preparation of Ag-Sheathed (Tl, Bi)–Ca–Sr–Cu–O Superconducting Wire

In the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O system, Tl-O single layered and double layered structures with general formulas Tl1Can-1Ba2CunO2n+3(n=1~6) and Tl2Can-1Ba2 CunO2n+4 (n=1 ~4) have been obtained. We fabricated Ag-sheathed Tl-Ca-Ba- Cu-O superconducting wires using powders of Pb-added Tl1Ca 3Ba2Cu4+O11 and of Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 phases whose critical temperatures are the highest among the respective structures. The production process of the wires was cold- working and heat treatment. The measurement of transport critical current was carried out in the range of magnetic fields from zero to 2.5T. The critical current density Jc at 77K for the wire of (Tl,Pb)1Ca 3Ba2Cu4O11 is 10800A/cm2, and that value for Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 wire is 5500A/cm2. There is a tendency for the wire specimens with homogeneous structure of superconducting phases to have high Jc values. The Jc of the (Tl,Pb)1Ca3 Ba2Cu4O11 wire decreases rapidly by 0.1T, while the decrease of Jc above 1T is not so remarkable. The magnetic field dependency of Jc of the Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 wire shows a two-step decrease in Jc versus B curves; the first step is from zero to 0.1T, and the second step is beyond 1T. The direction of the magnetic field against the plane of the wire does not considerably influence the Jc values of either of the wires, because the anisotropic property of the wire is small.
Energy and angular distributions of atoms sputtered from polycrystalline surfaces: Thompson and beyond

Abstract We present a new analytic model for the energy and angular distributions of atoms ejected due to keV particle bombardment at normal incidence from polycrystalline solids. The main modification from the Thompson model is to assume that the velocity distribution near the surface region is not isotropic. The model presented here predicts that the peak in the energy distribution shifts to lower energies as the polar angle increases and that the polar distribution becomes narrower as the energy of the particles increases. We have shown from computer simulations that the anisotropy in the surface region is due to the inherent asymmetry of the surface-vacuum interface. Finally, we and others have shown that the energy cost to remove an atom from the solid is greater than the heat of sublimation.
High-dose trigeminal neuralgia radiosurgery associated with increased risk of trigeminal nerve dysfunction.

Objective Stereotactic radiosurgery is being used with more frequency in the management of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. To improve facial pain outcomes, many centers have increased the prescribed radiation dose to the trigeminal nerve. Methods Between April 1997 and December 1999, 68 patients underwent radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia with use of the Leksell gamma knife (Elekta Instruments, Norcross, GA) and a single 4-mm isocenter of radiation. Twenty-seven patients (40%) received 70 Gy (low dose) of irradiation and 41 patients (60%) received 90 Gy (high dose). The groups were similar with regard to age, sex, duration of pain, number of prior surgeries, and preexisting trigeminal deficits. The primary facial pain outcomes for analysis were excellent (pain-free, no medications) and good (pain-free, reduced medications). The mean length of follow-up after radiosurgery was 14.4 months (range, 2-36 mo). Results At last follow-up examination, 11 (41%) of the 27 patients with low-dose radiosurgery remained pain-free compared with 25 (61%) of the 41 patients with high-dose radiosurgery (P = 0.17). Additional surgery was performed in 12 low-dose patients (44%) and 8 high-dose patients (20%) (P = 0.05). High-dose radiosurgery was associated with an increased rate of permanent trigeminal nerve dysfunction (54% versus 15%, P = 0.003). Bothersome dysesthesias occurred in 13 high-dose patients (32%), whereas only 1 low-dose patient had this complication (P = 0.01). Three high-dose patients (8%) developed corneal numbness after radiosurgery. Pain recurred with more frequency in patients not developing trigeminal nerve dysfunction after radiosurgery (9 of 22 patients, 41 %) compared with those who sustained facial numbness, paresthesias, or dysesthesias (4 of 27 patients, 15%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Conclusion Higher doses of radiation may correlate with better facial pain outcomes after radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia. However, the incidence of significant trigeminal nerve dysfunction is markedly increased after radiosurgery for patients receiving high-dose radiosurgery. Because of the nonselective nature of this ablative technique, dose prescription should be limited to less than 90 Gy.
Response to Chemotherapy in Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis: T Cell-Dependent but Interferon-γ- and Interleukin-2-Independent

The capacity of Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice to respond to conventional chemotherapy with pentavalent antimony (Sb) is T cell dependent and, in nude mice, can be restored in part by treatment with the T cell lymphokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or interleukin-2 (IL-2). To document the presumed role of endogenous IFN-gamma and IL-2 in responsiveness to antileishmanial chemotherapy in the T cell-intact host, L. donovani-infected euthymic BALB/c mice were treated with anti-IFN-gamma or anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) before and after Sb administration. Treatment with MAbs exacerbated visceral infection but did not inhibit the in vivo efficacy of Sb. Thus, while combination therapy of Sb plus IFN-gamma or IL-2 may prove beneficial in T cell-deficient hosts with visceral leishmaniasis, T cell activities other than or in addition to IFN-gamma or IL-2 production may mediate in vivo responsiveness to antileishmanial chemotherapy in the euthymic host.
EFFECTS OF TOP PREDATOR SPECIES ON DIRECT AND INDIRECT INTERACTIONS IN A FOOD WEB

Current theory on trophic interactions in food webs assumes that ecologically similar species can be treated collectively as a single functional unit such as a guild or trophic level. This theory implies that all species within that unit transmit identical direct and indirect effects throughout the community. We evaluated this assumption by conducting experiments to compare the direct and indirect effects of three top-predator species, be- longing to the same hunting spider guild, on the same species of grasshopper and on old- field grasses and herbs. Observations under field conditions revealed that each spider species exhibited different hunting behavior (i.e., sit-and-wait, sit-and-pursue, and active hunting) and occupied different locations within the vegetation canopy. These differences resulted in different direct effects on grasshopper prey. Grasshoppers demonstrated significant be- havioral (diet) shifts in the presence of sit-and-wait and sit-and-pursue species but not when faced with actively hunting species. Grasshopper density was significantly reduced by spider species that occupied lower parts of the vegetation canopy (sit-and-pursue and actively hunting species), but it was not significantly reduced by the sit-and-wait spider species that occupied the upper parts of the canopy. These direct effects manifested themselves differ- ently in the plant trophic level. The sit-and-wait spider caused indirect effects on plants by changing grasshopper foraging behavior (a trait-mediated effect). The sit-and-pursue spider caused indirect effects by reducing grasshopper density (density-mediated effects); the effects of changes in grasshopper behavior were thus not reflected in the plant trophic level. The actively hunting spiders had strictly density-mediated indirect effects on plants. The study offers mechanistic insight into how predator species within the same guild can have very different trophic effects in food webs. Thus classical modeling approaches that treat all predator species as a single functional unit may not adequately capture biologically relevant details that influence community dynamics.
Measuring legislative collaboration: The Senate press events network

Abstract Scholarship regarding the causes and consequences of legislative collaboration has drawn several insights through the application of network analysis. Previously used measures of legislative relationships may be heavily driven by non-relational factors such as ideological or policy-area preferences. We introduce participation in joint press events held by U.S. Senators as records of collaboration and the networks they comprise. This measure captures intentional relationships between legislators along the full timeline of collaboration. We show that there is substantial community structure underlying press event networks that goes beyond political party affiliation, and that press event collaboration predicts overlap in roll call voting.
Craze and fatigue resistance of glassy polymers

Abstract The fracture characteristics of several glassy polymers subject to monotonic tensile loading and to alternating tension-compression loading are described and compared. In both cases, a reflected light method is used to detect craze initiation at an early stage. Various methods have been investigated to enhance the craze and fatigue resistance of PS. It is shown that increases in mean fatigue life of 2 to 3 decades are possible by increase of molecular weight and reduction in number of chain ends but that no increases occur if molecular weight is raised by cross-linking and radiation. The use of surface treatments and surface coatings as additional methods for enhancing fatigue performance is explored. It is found that chemical treatments can be even more effective, in some cases, than mechanical polishing and that surface coatings of flexible compatible oligomers, as well as surface layers of viscous hydrogen-bonding liquids, can enhance fatigue lifetimes by inhibiting or delaying crazing. Severa...
Splitting of supported metal catalysts

A model was developed which assumes that a supported hemispherical metal particle splits by the following mechanism: a metal oxide layer forms, creates a lattice mismatch which results in a strain; the strain is relieved by a crack that divides the particle into two quarter-spheres which then reform into two hemispherical particles with an oxide layer of less than the critical cracking thickness. Based on this model, the critical oxide thickness was calculated and used to determine the dimensions of the new hemispherical particles formed. The splitting rate was described by a simple linear relationship of the surface area. The model is relevant to the regeneration by oxygen of sintered noble metal catalysts on oxide support, e.g., in refineries or automobile pollution control.
Long-term effectiveness of behavioral treatments for Raynaud's disease

Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodic digital vasospasms of unknown etiology. Although surgical and pharmacologic treatments have been problematic, behavioral procedures have shown considerable efficacy. Temperature biofeedback reduces reported symptom frequency and enables patients to voluntarily increase finger temperature and capillary blood flow for 1 year after treatment. Symptomatic improvement persists for up to 3 years. This procedure is mediated by a nonneural beta-adrenergic vasodilating mechanism rather than through physiological relaxation. Relaxation-based procedures, such as autogenic training, produce smaller symptom reductions at one-year follow-up with no retention of physiological effects. The effects of classically conditioned vasodilation are retained for 1 year in normal persons and may be of value in the treatment of Raynaud's disease.
Load monitoring in multiwire strands by interwire ultrasonic measurements

ABSTRACT Nearly 90% of the bridges in California are post-tensioned box-girders. Prestressing (PS) tendons are the main load-carrying components of these and other post-tensioned structures. Despite their criticality, much research is needed to develop and deploy techniques able to provide real-time information on the level of prestress and on the presence of structural defects (e.g. corrosion and broken wires) in the PS tendons. In collaboration with Caltrans, UCSD is investigating the combination of ultrasonic guided waves and embedded sensors as an approach to provide both prestress level monitoring and defect detection capabilities in concrete-embedded PS tendons. This paper will focus on the prestress level monitoring by first discussing the behavior of ultrasonic guided waves propagating in seven-wire, 0.6- in diameter twisted strands typically used in post-tensioned concrete structures. A semi-analytical finite element analysis is used to predict modal an d forced wave solutions as a function of the applied prestress level. This analysis accounts for the chan ging inter-wire contact as a function of applied loads. A feature shown sensitive to load levels is the inter-wire energy leakage. In order to monitor such feature, the method uses low-profile piezoelectric sensors able to probe the individual, 0.2- in wires comprising the strand. Results of load monitoring in free and embedded strands during laboratory tests will be presented. Keywords: Semi-analytical finite element method, Prestr essing strands, Structural Health Monitoring.
LIGATION OF THE NATIVE URETER IN RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Purpose: Native ureteral ligation may be required in renal transplantation when ureteroureterostomy is performed. Native nephrectomy has been done to avoid the complication of hydronephrosis after native ureteral ligation. We reviewed the records of renal transplant recipients who underwent native ureteral ligation to determine the incidence of post-ligation symptoms and need for native nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,275 renal transplants performed from January 1986 through September 1999, including 278 cases (22%) of native ureteral ligation. The majority of patients had anuria or oligouria before transplantation, although 3 were not dialysis dependent. Followup was 1 to 140 months. Charts were reviewed for flank pain, infection and the need for native nephrectomy.Results: Six of 278 patients (2.2%) required native nephrectomy 7 to 82 months after transplantation with flank pain as the indication in all. The cause of renal failure was polycystic disease in 3 of the 6 cas...
Synoptic monitoring of water's return to Mesopotamian marshlands

The Mesopotamian Marshlands are a recorded element of Sumerian culture since 5000 B.C. [Thesiger, 1964],and have withstood multiple impacts over the centuries until the twentieth century development of dams on the Tigris-Euphrates systems and greater water demand in Turkey Syria, and Iraq [Gruen,2000] increased their vulnerability to human impact. Devastation of >90% of ∼20,000 km2 of the marshlands [Partow, 2001] occurred over a remarkably short period of time near the end of the twentieth century, when the majority of the area was drained beginning in 1991. The late twentieth century barren landscape showed little hope of a return to its aquatic character until a 2003 military strategy, implemented March through May resulted in return of water to areas that had not been inundated for >10 years. Ali Shaheen, chief of the Iraqi Irrigation Department in Nasiriyah, reported that the tactic of flooding the marshes was designed to interfere with military advances from the south [Axon, 2003].
Twenty years later: We do know how to prevent child abuse and neglect

CAN FAMILIES STOP hurting their children? Can abuse and neglect be prevented? I contend that the answer to both of these questions is yes and that, in fact, we do know how to prevent abuse and neglect. The interventions that are needed are easy to describe but difficult and expensive to provide. 1 offer this commentary as a reminder of what is needed to prevent abuse and neglect and to suggest that the cogent question is not whether we, as clinicians, can prevent these types of maltreatment from occurring (because the answer is yes), but whether we, as a society, can afford the resources to provide the necessary preventive services to families.
The solubilizing detergents, Tween 80 and Triton X-100 non-competitively inhibit α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function in Xenopus oocytes

Because many studies rely upon detergents to solubilize lipophilic agents such as cannabinoid drugs, we examined the effect of commonly employed detergents on the function of the cloned alpha(7) subunit of the nicotinic ACh receptor. Homomeric alpha(7) receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique was used to assess their electrophysiological properties. The detergents Tween 80 and Triton X-100 reversibly inhibited ACh (100 microM)-induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) values of 610 nM and 1.4 microM, respectively. The effects of these detergents were independent of membrane potential, and they were not mediated by endogenous Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels, since they were unaffected by intracellularly injected BAPTA, and recorded in Ca(2+)-free bathing solution containing 2 mM Ba(2+). Both detergents also decreased the maximal effect of ACh, without significantly affecting its EC(50), indicating a non-competitive interaction with the nACh alpha(7) receptors. In contrast to the effects of these detergents, we found that cholic acid (10 microM), DMSO (10 microM) and Tocrisol (0.01% v/v) did not cause a significant effect on nicotinic responses. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the detergents Tween 80 and Triton X-100 are potent inhibitors of neuronal nACh alpha(7) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and we suggest that studies utilizing these detergents to solubilize lipophilic drugs should be scrutinized for such effects.
Preparation and magneto-optical properties of NdDyFeCoTi amorphous films

Amorphous NdDyFeCoTi films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering onto glass substrates at zero bias, low Ar pressure of 3 - 7 mTorr and low input sputtering power of 100 - 300 W. They were overcoated by a SiO 2 protective layer. The magnetic and magneto- optical properties of these films were studied by VSM, Kerr hysteresis tracer, Auger electron spectrum, and electron microprobe. The Kerr angle (theta) k of 0.3 degree(s) and the coercive force Hc of 3 - 5 KOe have been found. The stability of the films was examined by exposure in dry air for one month and annealing at 100 - 250 degree(s)C. The coercive force Hc changed with the film thickness. It was found that the preparation conditions had obvious effects on the structure and properties of the film. The Ar pressure and substrate bias voltage affected the microstructure, magneto-optical properties, and the stability. The films prepared under these conditions have dense, smooth, featureless, highly disorder amorphous structure without any obvious void and columnar microstructure. The aging experiment showed that these films had good oxidation and corrosion resistance. The NdDyFeCoTi films prepared under optimal conditions exhibited excellent magneto-optical recording performance with recording laser power of 5 mW and applied magnetic field of 500 Oe.
Endoscope lens with dual fields of view and resolutions for multiphoton imaging

We report the development of a miniaturized dual-optical-zone endoscope objective lens. The lens has two foci, with 0.18 and 0.50 NAs. We demonstrate multiphoton imaging with dual fields of view and resolutions using the new lens. A combination of multiphoton and single-photon microscopic imaging is also demonstrated.
Same-Sex Partner Preference in Zebra Finches: Pairing Flexibility and Choice

This study examined flexibility and choice in same-sex pair-bonding behavior in adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Zebra finches form life-long monogamous relationships and extra pair behavior is very low, making them an ideal species in which to study same-sex pairing. We examined same-sex behaviors using both semi-naturalistic choice paradigms and skewed sex ratios. In the first experiment, we allowed zebra finches to pair in aviaries with equal sex ratios as part of multiple experiments. On average, 6.4 % (N = 78) of unmanipulated pairs were same-sex: all but one was female–female. In a second experiment, we identified pairs from same-sex cages and selected 20 total same-sex pairs (10 of each sex). We then gave pairs a chance to court and pair with members of the opposite sex and observed their behavior for three days. Females did not retain their partner, but most paired with males. In contrast, some males did retain their partner. Similarly, females were more likely to engage in pairing behaviors with males than with their partners or other females whereas males were equally likely to engage in same-sex and opposite-sex pairing behaviors. These findings suggest that same-sex partnerships in zebra finches can be facultative, based on the sex ratio of the group in which they live, but can also be a choice, when opportunities to pair with opposite-sex individuals are possible. Furthermore, it is possible that females are more flexible in this choice of same-sex partnerships than are males.
Process-based view of agility: The value contribution of IT and the effects on process outcomes

Abstract Understanding the value of information technology continues to be of interest for managers at the intersection of accounting and information systems. Information Systems literature conceptualizes that IT is a platform for agility that derives value to the firm. This paper examines the value contribution by understanding the components of agility at the process level. Business process agility is conceived as a second-order formative construct formed by responsiveness, reconfigurability, employee adaptability, and a process-centric view. A survey focused on manufacturing industries is used to validate business process agility for the purchasing and order fulfillment processes. Business process agility is then used to test a theoretical model positing that IT is a platform for agility in which a subsequent value is derived. Findings suggest that IT is a platform for business process agility that affects process efficiency and quality outcomes. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed as well as future research opportunities.