cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endotoxin differentially impairs cyclic guanosine monophosphate-mediated relaxation in the pulmonary and systemic circulations

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of endotoxin on alpha1-adrenergic receptor vasoconstriction and both endothelium-dependent and -independent cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated vasodilation in the pulmonary and systemic circulations. DESIGN Prospective, multiple group, controlled experimental study. SETTING Medical school research laboratory. SUBJECTS Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250 to 350 g. INTERVENTIONS Six hours after endotoxin (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or saline, the response to the a) alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine; b) endothelium-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine; and c) the endothelium-independent vasodilator, sodium nitroprusside, was determined in isolated rat pulmonary artery and thoracic aortic rings. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Endotoxin caused a significant decrease in the response to phenylephrine in the aorta but did not affect the response in the pulmonary artery. Endotoxin caused significant impairment of relaxation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in the pulmonary circulation. In control rings, only 4 +/- 1% of the preconstricted tension remained in response to acetylcholine vs. 77 +/- 3% following endotoxin administration (p < .05). Similarly, sodium nitroprusside resulted in complete pulmonary ring relaxation in controls vs. 18 +/- 3% tension remaining following endotoxin administration (p < .05). On the other hand, only the response to acetylcholine was dysfunctional in the thoracic aorta. In thoracic aortic rings from control rats, acetylcholine caused complete relaxation; however, 23 +/- 5% of the preconstricted tension remained following endotoxin administration. The response to sodium nitroprusside in the thoracic aorta from endotoxin-treated rats was not different from control. CONCLUSIONS From these data, we conclude that endotoxin causes organ-specific changes in vascular reactivity. These changes in vascular reactivity favor a decrease in vascular pressure and resistance in the systemic circulation, and an increase in vascular pressure and resistance in the pulmonary circulation in response to endotoxin.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK): Processing-structure and properties studies for a matrix in high performance composites

The processing, structure and properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) semicrystalline thermoplastic as matrix polymer for high performance composites has been investigated in this work. In processing PEEK samples with different crystallinities, a specially designed mold capable of cooling the polymer in excess of 115°C/s from its melt temperature was constructed. In addition, during processing studies, a reaction of PEEK in the presence of copper was discovered. Analysis of the samples in terms of their crystallinity values also provided a new method for measuring crystallinity of the matrix in the composite. Crystallization of low crystalline samples at room temperature in the presence of methylene chloride was also confirmed for the first time with polarized microscopy. However, at the same time, the excellent hygrothermal resistance of PEEK was also confirmed. Finally, dynamic mechanical and stress-strain experiments with samples of different crystallinities elucidated the dependence of these properties to crystallinity. However, this study also elucidated that under normal processing conditions for high performance composites, PEEK properties may not be strongly affected by different levels of crystallinity.
Potential-well model in acoustic tweezers-comment [Correspondence]

The production of acoustical vortices-based potential wells for particle trapping is not only restricted to the use of a Laguerre-Gaussian beam. Other useful types of vortex beams include an r-vortex beam, a non-diffracting high-order Bessel and Bessel-Gauss beam, a fractional (diffracting) highorder Bessel beam, a non-diffracting high-order Bessel beam of fractional type α, and a hypergeometric beam to name a few. Representative types of vortex beams are chosen here, but the examples are not exhaustive and additional categories of vortex beams may be reported and investigated. Expressions for the incident acoustic pressure field of various vortex beams are provided. The results should assist in the development of a multitude of vortex-based potential-well models for particle entrapment and manipulation.
Multimodal imaging of adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy

Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD) is a clinically heterogeneous maculopathy that may mimic other conditions and be difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by late onset, slow progression and high variability in morphologic and functional alterations. Diagnostic evaluation should include careful ophthalmoscopy and imaging studies. The typical ophthalmoscopic findings are bilateral, asymmetric, foveal or perifoveal, yellow, solitary, round to oval elevated subretinal lesions, often with central pigmentation. The lesions characteristically demonstrate increased autofluorescence and hypofluorescent lesions surrounded by irregular annular hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography studies demonstrate homogenous or heterogeneous hyperreflective material between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neurosensory retina. The visual prognosis is generally favorable, but visual loss can occur from chorioretinal atrophy and choroidal neovascularization.
Comparison of results of electromyographic and radiographic examinations in patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome

Temporomandibular joint radiographs and electromyographic data for normal persons and patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome were compared to determine diagnostic reliability. Temporomandibular joint radiographs and electromyographic data for 22 study participants, some of whom had myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome, were compared for diagnostic reliability. On the radiographs, measurements were made to establish the condylar symmetry of anterior and posterior joint spaces; on the electromyograms, the duration of the silent period that follows the jaw jerk reflex was measured. Eleven patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome had abnormally long silent periods and asymmetric joint spaces; two others with the condition had abnormally long silent periods, but had symmetric joint spaces. Measurement of the silent period is more reliable diagnostically than radiographs of the temporomandibular joints.
Specificity of Mnt ‘master residue’ obtained from in vivo and in vitro selections

Mnt is a repressor from phage P22 that belongs to the ribbon‐helix‐helix family of DNA binding factors. Four amino acids from the N-terminus of the protein, Arg2, His6, Asn8 and Arg10, interact with the base pairs of the DNA to provide the sequence specificity. Raumann et al .( Nature Struct. Biol., 2, 1115‐1122) identified position 6 as a ‘master residue’ that controls the specificity of the protein. Models for the interaction have residue 6 of Mnt interacting directly with position 5 of the operator. In vivo selections demonstrated that protein variants at residue 6 bound specifically to operator mutations at that position. Operators in which the wild-type G at position 5 was replaced by T specifically bound to several different protein variants, primarily hydrophobic residues. The obtained protein variants, plus some others, were used in in vitro selections to determine their preferred binding sites. The results showed that the residue at position 6 influenced the preference for binding site bases predominantly at position 5, but that the effects of altering it can extend over longer distances, consistent with its designation as a ‘master residue’. The similarities of binding sites for different residues do not correlate strongly with common measures of amino acid similarities.
The reactions of hydrogen with nitrogen dioxide, oxygen, and mixtures of oxygen and nitric oxide

The homogeneous gas-phase reactions of hydrogen with nitrogen dioxide, oxygen, and mixtures of oxygen and nitric oxide were studied in an adiabatic flow ractor. Measurements of reaction rates, reaction orders, and over-all activation energies were made in a nitrogen carrier gas over the temperature range of 850° to 1110°K and at a total pressure of 1 atmosphere. Measured rates are summarized below. hydrogen/nitrogen dioxide: d[H2]/dt=−k{[H2]1.4[NO2]/([NO2]+[NO])} k=1014.26 exp (−46,200/RT) cc0.4 mole−0.4 sec−1 hydrogen/oxygen: d[H2/dt=−k[H2] k=1010.71 exp (−39,500/RT) sec−1 hydrogen/oxygen + nitric oxide (1:2): d[H2]/dt=−k[H2] k=1016.47 exp (−68,600/RT) sec−1. Nitric oxide was found to accelerate the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen when added at low concentrations and to inhibit the reaction at high concentrations.
3-D Multicomponent GPR to Characterize Shallow Subsurface Flow Paths In an Epikarst Limestone, Edwards Plateau, Texas

We acquired and analyzed 3-D multicomponent groundpenetrating radar (GPR) data to better understand the subsurface flow conduits at a hydrologic experimentation site. Previous workers conducted a set of shallow (< 2.5 m) subsurface hydrology experiments during simulated rainfall events within fractured and karsted limestone of the Edwards Aquifer region near San Antonio, Texas. They observed at an observation trench located on the down slope side of the site that lateral subsurface flow is guided by open joints, bedding planes and karst features. They also utilized tracer experiments, which showed a high degree of variability in tracer recovery, advection speed, and concentration depending on the location of the application of the tracer. We utilized the 3-D multicomponent GPR data in an attempt to identify the main conduits of flow within the experimentation site in order to explain the observed tracer experiments. The GPR revealed that the most obvious conduits run nearly parallel with the observation trench, with some conduits able to quickly move water away from the trench. This information helps explain the high spatiotemporal variability in the tracer data. Our study demonstrates that multicomponent GPR provides a technique that can improve future subsurface hydrologic experimentation.
HLA-B27 binding of peptide from its own sequence and similar peptides from bacteria: implications for spondyloarthropathies

The spondyloarthropathies are associated by an unknown mechanism with HLA-B27 and certain bacteria. HLA-B27 shares sequence with proteins from enteric bacteria. The B*2705 sequence contains a nonapeptide, LRRYLENGK, predicted to bind in the binding cleft of B27. Some nonapeptides from enteric organisms that share sequence with this nonapeptide of B27 also bind B27. These observations suggest an unappreciated mechanism for autoimmunity that may operate in the B27-associated spondyloarthropathies involving peptides bound to and derived from histocompatibility alleles.
Media Review: Feminist Blogging Blurs Boundaries for Teaching and Learning

This media feature discusses one example of using a course blog as a feminist digital space to disrupt traditional learning and teaching paradigms within a higher education seminar.
A simple calibration for upper limb motion tracking and reconstruction

This paper extends the work of inertial sensor based upper limb motion tracking by introducing a simple calibration method to automatically construct a global reference frame and estimate arm length. The method has effectively eliminated the requirement of manually aligning the sensors' local reference frames when multiple sensors are used to track the movements of the individual arm segments. The capacity of arm length estimation also makes it possible to reconstruct position trajectories of the elbow and the wrist joints in a reference frame with the shoulder joint as the origin. Verification of the algorithm has been done by comparing the estimated arm length with the Kinect captured pseudo ground truth. Effectiveness of the algorithm can be observed by visualizing the reconstructed position trajectories of the arm joints.
Occupational stress intervention

The topic of occupational stress has received considerable research attention during the last decade and has emerged as an important occupational safety and health concern. Worker compensation claims for stress-related illnesses, for example, were the fastest growing type of claim in the 1980s, comprising more than 11% of all such claims. Concern over problems associated with occupational stress and their costs has fostered interest in intervention strategies. While specific work stressors and their resulting physical and mental health consequences have been identified, relatively few successful interventions have been documented in the literature. This article discusses primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions efforts in the area of occupational stress and argues for efforts to increase understanding of the occupational stress intervention process. (This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.) © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Asymptotically efficient rules in multiarmed Bandit problems

Variations of the multiarmed bandit problem are introduced and a sequence of results leading to the work of Lai and Robbins and its extentions is summarized. The guiding concern is to determine the optimal tradeoff between taking actions that maximize immediate rewards based on current information about unknown system parameters and making experiments that may reduce immediate rewards but improve parameter estimates.
Electron-Spin-Resonance Absorption Spectrum of Monovalent Iron in Single-Crystal Thorium Oxide

The magnetic-resonance absorption spectrum of an $S=\frac{3}{2}$ system having tetragonal symmetry has been observed in single crystals of thorium oxide. The spectrum is readily observed at temperatures of 100 K and below, while above this temperature region the spectral components lose their peak intensities due to what is believed to be lifetime broadening induced by spin-lattice interaction. For Zeeman fields of up to 16 000 Oe using either 0.32- or 1.2-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ radiation, the over-all spectrum consists of three components each of which is interpreted as being associated with a site of tetragonal symmetry whose principal axis is directed along one of the three cube edges. At 77 K, the fine-structure spectral parameters are estimated to be ${g}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=2.0117$, ${g}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=2.0630$, and $D=2.95$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ while the hyperfine structure parameters associated with $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ are ${A}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=11.9$ Oe and ${A}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=8.8$ Oe. It is suggested that the paramagnetic ion responsible for this spectrum is monovalent iron located at distorted eightfold-coordinated metal-ion sites of thorium oxide. Spin-lattice-relaxation-time data obtained from 1.25 to 45 K and from 100 to 200 K are reported and discussed with respect to spectroscopic data.
THE DESIGN OF JOURNALISTIC MAPS / PURPOSES, PARAMETERS AND PROSPECTS

Journalistic maps are used extensively by the North American news media to show the locations of places featured in the news and to help explain spatial aspects of news stories. These maps are produced within a demanding set of conditions which often influences the effectiveness of their designs. A general model of map design factors is introduced here and used as a basis for discussing specific constraints on journalistic maps. Actual maps that accompanied news accounts of the 1983 Korean airliner shooting demonstrate the important role that the map designer plays in the look of journalistic maps. Les media d'Amerique du Nord utilisent beaucoup les cartes pour indiquer les endroits mentionnes dans les nouvelles et pour eclaircir les donnees spatiales des reportages. Ces cartes sont produites dans des conditions contraignantes qui influencent souvent l'efficacite de leur conception. On presente un modele general de facteurs cartographiques et on l'utilise comme base d'une discussion sur les contraintes pr...
Motor preparation aspects of cardiovascular reactivity to psychological challenge

Neural control of the circulation has evolved in such a way that behavioral responses to psychological stress may be accompanied by a dramatic activation of the cardiovascular system. This study was designed to address the hypothesis that such instances of cardiovascular mobilization reflect a functional motor preparation response. Twenty-four healthy young men participated in reaction time (RT) tasks which involved responding by squeezing a handgrip dynamometer. Motor preparation demands were manipulated by varying the temporal predictability of response requirements as well as the physical effort involved in responding, while controlling for other factors previously established to influence cardiovascular reactivity to psychologically challenging tasks. Physiological response measurements included heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen consumption. Increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure during the RT tasks showed a general pattern which was consistent with the predictions of the motor preparation hypothesis, with the greatest elevations occurring in association with low temporal predictability and high physical effort. The possibility is discussed that factors such as incentives and elements of uncertainty may influence cardiovascular reactivity by accentuating behavioral arousal, of which motor preparation may be an inextricable component.
How to Study the Influence of Intensity of Treatment on Generalized Skill and Knowledge Acquisition in Students with Disabilities.

Seven empirical studies from this special issue and an overview chapter are reviewed to illustrate several points about studying the possible effects of treatment intensity manipulations on generalized skill or knowledge acquisition in students with disabilities. First, we make a case in favor of studying intensity as separate from complexity and expense of treatment. Second, we encourage researchers to define dependent variables in a way that allows us to determine whether treatment intensity effects on child skills and knowledge are highly generalized versus potentially context bound. Third, we acknowledge that effects of treatment intensity on generalized knowledge and skills will likely vary according to student characteristics. Finally, we discuss important research design and measurement issues that are relevant to isolating the likely conditional effects of treatment intensity on generalized outcomes.
The surface and grain boundary free energies and the self-diffusion coefficient of 5Al2.5Sn titanium alloy

Abstract Using the method of zero creep in fine wires, previously undetermined absolute values of the surface boundary free energy γs and the grain boundary free energy γgb of the titanium alloy Ti5Al2.5Sn (where the composition is given in approximate weight per cent) were determined in the temperature range 1377–1583 K in an inert atmosphere. The results were best fitted by γ s = -0.00203T + 4.57 (J m -z ) , γ gb = -0.000931T + 2.093 (J m -2 ) where T(K) is the absolute temperature. Sufficient information was available from the creep tests to determine self-diffusion coefficients for the alloy under a Nabarro-Herring mechanism. The self-diffusion coefficient D was best fitted by the Arrhenius expression D = 5.7 × 10 −6 exp − 1.82×10 8 RT (m 2 s −1 ) where R (J kmol−1 K−1) is the gas constant. The results of this study when compared with results of similar studies on titanium and other titanium alloys show reasonable agreement.
Diet‐induced Changes in Intra‐abdominal Adipose Tissue and CVD Risk in American Women

The aim of the study was to determine what effect weight loss had on intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in 135 premenopausal overweight African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) women matched for BMI. Blood lipids, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and IAAT (computed tomography determined) were examined prior to and after an 800 kcal/day diet producing 12 kg-weight loss. Significant decreases in IAAT (∼38%), total cholesterol (TC; 3%), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs: 6%), triglycerides (TGs: 27%), cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio (C/HDL ratio: 18%), SBP (3%), and DBP (3%) occurred while HDL increased (16%), following weight loss and 1 month energy balance. Significant interactions between time and race showed that AA women decreased TG and increased HDL proportionately less than EA women. After adjusting for ΔIAAT, none of the CVD variables significantly changed after weight loss with the exception of HDL and C/HDL ratio. After adjusting for ΔLF (leg fat), ΔTC, ΔTG, ΔLDL, and ΔC/HDL ratio were significantly different. Multiple regression showed that independent of each other, ΔIAAT was significantly and positively related to ΔTC (adjusted β = 0.24) and ΔTG (adjusted β = 0.47), and ΔLF was negatively related to ΔTC (adjusted β = −0.19) and ΔTG (adjusted β = −0.18). Overweight and premenopausal AA and EA women benefitted from weight loss by decreasing IAAT and improving CVD risk. The changes in IAAT were significantly related to blood lipids, but loss of LF seems to be related to reduced improvement in TC and TG. Based on these results, interventions should focus on changes on IAAT.
Critical Voltage Monitoring Using Sensitivity and Optimal Information Machine Learning

This paper is motivated by the basic need to develop methods for on-line detection of abnormal conditions in large electric power systems. In order to implement truly effective near-automated tools for this purpose, it is necessary to overcome several problems such as: (1) excessive computational complexity; (b) unacceptable approximations; and, (3) dependence on full state measurements. In an attempt to overcome these major roadblocks, we combine tools capable of producing accurate results over broad ranges of conditions, such as off-line data mining and machine learning, with the approximate, well-understood deterministic methods, such as sensitivity-based methods. The resulting approach indirectly overcomes the dependence on full state measurements; the actual choice of the most relevant measurements becomes a result of such a combined approach. The proposed approach is illustrated on an example of detecting a given voltage threshold violation.
Monte Carlo study of correlated continuum percolation: Universality and percolation thresholds.

Critical exponents of the continuum-percolation system of two-dimensional distributions of disks in the penetrable concentric shell model are determined by Monte Carlo simulations and by real-space Monte Carlo renormalization-group techniques. In this model, each disk of diameter \ensuremath{\sigma} is composed of a mutually impenetrable core of diameter \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\sigma} (0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\le}1) encompassed by a perfectly penetrable shell of thickness (1-\ensuremath{\lambda})\ensuremath{\sigma}/2. Pairs of particles are connected when the interparticle distance is less than \ensuremath{\sigma}. We find that the susceptibility exponent \ensuremath{\gamma} is given by 2.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 for an impenetrability parameter \ensuremath{\lambda}=0.8 and the correlation-length exponent \ensuremath{\nu} to be between 1.30 and 1.35 for various values of \ensuremath{\lambda}. Both results consistently suggest that continuum percolation in the penetrable concentric shell model for nonzero hard-core radii belongs to the same universality class as that of ordinary lattice percolation and of randomly centered disks, as far as the geometrical critical exponents are concerned. We also present the critical reduced number densities and critical area fractions for selected values of \ensuremath{\lambda}.
Changes in L-type calcium channel abundance and function during the transition to pacing-induced congestive heart failure

Objective: The development of congestive heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by left ventricular (LV) and myocyte contractile dysfunction. However, time-dependent cellular and ionic events which contribute to the initiation and progression of CHF remain unclear. This study tested the central hypothesis that changes in L-type Ca2+ channel current ( I Ca) and abundance ( B max) are early events in the transition to CHF. Methods: LV fractional shortening by echocardiography, isolated LV myocyte shortening velocity by videomicroscopy, I Ca by voltage-clamp, and B max by [3H]nitrendipine binding were determined at each week during the progression of pacing-induced CHF in pigs (240 bpm; n =6/week for 3 weeks). Myocyte and L-type Ca2+ channel function were determined under basal conditions and after β-adrenergic receptor stimulation with 25 nM isoproterenol. Results: After 1 week of pacing, myocyte and L-type Ca2+ current responses to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation were reduced by 20% from control values and was accompanied by over a 210% increase in plasma catecholamine levels. After 2 weeks of pacing, reductions in LV fractional shortening and myocyte shortening velocity from control values (20±1 vs. 34±2% and 36.7±2.9 vs. 50.6±2.4 μm/s, respectively, P <0.05) were paralleled by decreased I Ca (2.47±0.10 vs. 3.63±0.25 pA/pF, P <0.02) and B max (149±16 vs. 180±12 fmol/mg, P <0.03). After 3 weeks of pacing, LV fractional shortening was reduced by over 50%, myocyte shortening velocity by 37%, and I Ca and B max were reduced by over 25% from control values. Furthermore, after 3 weeks of pacing, the I Ca/ B max ratio was reduced from control values (16.2±0.9 vs. 20.6±1.2 [fA/pF]/[fmol/mg], P <0.03), which suggests functional defects in the remaining L-type Ca2+ channels. Conclusions: An early event during the transition to pacing-induced CHF was diminished β-adrenergic receptor augmented L-type Ca2+ current, which was followed by an absolute loss of steady-state L-type Ca2+ current and channel abundance. The development of severe CHF was accompanied by a loss of Ca2+ carrying capacity through residual channels. These unique findings suggest that a contributory molecular mechanism for the initiation and progression of CHF is changes in the structure and function of the L-type Ca2+ channels.
A State-Trajectory Control Law for DC-to-DC Converters

Mathematical representations of a state-plane switching boundary employed in a state-trajectory control law for dc-to-dc converters are derived. Several levels of approximation to the switching boundary equations are presented, together with an evaluation of the effects of nonideal operating characteristics of converter power stage components on the shape and location of the boundary and the behavior of a system controlled by it. Digital computer simulations ions of d-to-dc converters operating in conjunction with each of these levels of control are presented and evaluated with respect to changes in transient and steady-state performance.
Colon cancer genetics

The terms "hereditary," "sporadic," and "familial" colorectal cancer (CRC) suggest a knowledge of causation; however, current understanding of CRC does not permit categorization of differing CRC risks in accord with their cause per se. Despite these serious shortcomings, these terms are defined operationally on the basis of a family history of cancer, and when available, additional phenotypic information. The sporadic type occurs in the absence of a family history of CRC in a first-degree relative. The familial type occurs when at least one first-degree relative has CRC. Both these categories require the exclusion of hereditary CRC. In the case of hereditary CRC, this type is defined as a family history of CRC occurring in a pattern that indicates autosomal-dominant inheritance, which also may involve certain phenotypic signs (depending on the specific disorder, i.e., florid adenomatous polyps, benign and malignant extracolonic lesions, cancer of unusually early onset, and multiple primary cancer, particularly synchronous and metachronous CRC). Although this operational classification does not produce etiologically homogeneous groups, it is believed to have pragmatic utility with respect to planning targeted surveillance and management strategies. Because of the distinctive natural history of CRC in hereditary syndromes, it is of paramount clinical importance to identify hereditary CRC when it does occur. Even in patients with no evidence of hereditary CRC syndrome, their family history may be second only to age in determining the best CRC screening program for those who are asymptomatic. In an attempt to provide a perspective on the clinical evaluation of CRC risk, research was reviewed on pathologic features and biomarkers that may be related to CRC causes, especially the genetic basis of CRC susceptibility. The long-term objective of studies on the genetic epidemiology of CRC is primary and secondary prevention through development of targeted management and surveillance recommendations (based on an understanding of CRC causation) that is relevant to hereditary, familial, and sporadic CRC.
Ginkgo biloba promotes short-term retention of spatial memory in rats

This study examines possible interactions between exposure to Ginkgo biloba extract and enriched environments on the acquisition and retention of spatial learning following massed and spaced trials. After 4 weeks of exposure to either ginkgo or vehicle, 8-week-old rats were tested using a Morris Water Maze in either massed or spaced trials. While ginkgo did not have an effect on maze acquisition or long-term retention, it did promote short-term retention of spatial memory. Following reversal training, ginkgo promoted short-term retention for two groups but impaired retention for a third. These results suggest that ginkgo has powerful effects on short-term retention that vary with training conditions.
Urologic manifestations of AIDS.

Abstract A retrospective analysis of 60 patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seen between 1981–1985 was performed to determine the genitourinary manifestations of this disease. Twenty-two per cent were found to have significant proteinuria, while 7 per cent had nephrotic syndrome which was associated with an extremely rapid demise. Renal insufficiency occurred in 27 per cent and renal biopsy results, when abnormal, revealed focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. Pyuria was found in 52 per cent of patients, and urinary tract infections occurred in 20 per cent. Atypical pathogens including Candida, Salmonella, Acinetobacter calcoaticus, and cytomegalovirus were encountered.
Laboratory evaluation of liver disease.

The primary function of the laboratory with respect to liver disease is to identify the presence of disease. Although single tests are not available that permit specific diagnoses and accurate prognoses, it may be possible to tentatively identify the principle lesion and its severity from the pattern of changes that occur in several tests. The primary purpose of this article is to review the significance and stress the limitations of the most useful and widely available laboratory parameters affected by liver diseases.
Chondroitin 6-sulfate glycosaminoglycan is a major constituent of primate cone photoreceptor matrix sheaths

Recent work suggests that chemically and structurally distinct domains of the interphotoreceptor matrix ("cone matrix sheaths") surround cone photoreceptor outer segments and ellipsoids. This specific regionalization of at least some molecular constituents of the interphotoreceptor matrix may establish a unique cone-associated microenvironment. Previous histochemical and biochemical investigations have shown that a variety of glycosaminoglycans are components of the interphotoreceptor matrix and that the structural integrity of cone sheaths is slightly disrupted by glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzymes. In order to pursue the possibility that specific glycosaminoglycan species establish cone matrix sheath domains, monoclonal antibodies directed against various unsaturated glycosaminoglycans have been screened on sections of primate retina. The results of these studies identify chondroitin 6-sulfate glycosaminoglycan as a specific component of primate cone matrix sheaths.
AGGREGATION OF SOIL PARTICLES BY ALGAE1

SUMMARY Chlorella pyrenoidosa Chick (Indiana University Number 252), Nostoc commune Vaucher (I.U. 584), and Oscillatoria prolifica (Grev.) Gomont (I.U. 1270) were grown separately on Peoria loess soil material to measure their effects on the water stability of soil aggregates. Each alga significantly (10% LSD) increased the percentage of soil aggregates after 6 weeks of incubation as compared with the soil without algae. Oscillatoria, Chlorella, and Nostoc increased water stability of aggregates >74 μ in diameter by 3.4, 1.1, and 0.6%, respectively. Nostoc and Oscillatoria produced measurable water stable aggregates in the 1000–2000 μ diameter range; Chlorella formed them in the 500–1000 μ range, while the control soil showed no aggregates >295 μ.
Regional cancer chemotherapy for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma

The conventional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been surgical resection, typically by segmentectomy, lobectomy, or trisegmentectomy. The large majority of patients, however, cannot have their tumors resected, either because of underlying cirrhosis and liver damage, making resection hazardous, or because of the multifocal or bilobar spread of the hepatoma. In those patients with resectable tumors, the recurrence rates and survival have been found to depend mainly on stage of disease [1,2]. The best results have been with TNM stage I disease, with stage II and resectable stage III disease typically having < 30% survival at 3 years. Factors adversely influencing prognosis have included diffuse disease, multifocal primaries, vascular invasion, and lymph node involvement. Causes of Recurrence After Resection The evidence from liver transplantation specimens indicates that much clinically evident hepatoma is either multifocal or widespread. This suggests that disease that has been diagnosed by angiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan consistently underestimates the amount of spread of disease in the liver. Thus, there is a reasonable probability of undetected residual microscopic disease in the remaining liver, which would account for the high recurrence rates.
Magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity of La Mn O 3 , Ca Mn O 3 , and La 1 − x Sr x Mn O 3 ( 0.13 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.45 ) in the temperature range 300 – 900 K

Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$ and electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}$ are reported in the temperature range $300\text{--}900\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, with $x=0$, 0.13, 0.20, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45, and for $\mathrm{Ca}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. The main focus of this work is to develop a better understanding of the Curie-Weiss paramagnetism and the temperature-independent contributions to the magnetic susceptibility due to Pauli $({\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathit{\text{Pauli}}})$ and Van Vleck paramagnetism. Measurements of the electrical resistivity in the same temperature range were conducted to learn about the electrical conduction mechanisms, and whether or not charge carriers are present which might contribute to ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathit{\text{Pauli}}}$.
A Survey of E1 Transitions in the Rare Earth Region

Publisher Summary In the rare-earth region of the periodic table, there are several nuclei in which E1 transitions exhibit anomalous conversion coefficients. The enhancement of K-, L I -, and L II -conversion is observed to be as high as ten times the theoretical values. A survey of all predominantly E1 transitions in the rare-earth region was made in order to establish the cause of the observed anomalies. The data on measured conversion coefficients were divided into groups consistent with the penetration-conversion picture. The penetration-matrix-element formalism may be used to distinguish three ways in which the nucleus gives up energy: (1) photon emission, (2) normal internal conversion, and (3) penetration-conversion, in which the electron is present inside the nucleus. The chapter also illustrates the three interactions that affect the penetration-conversion: (1) the nuclear charge, (2) the intranuclear currents, and (3) the nucleon spin-currents.
An Overview of Transborder Data Flow Issues

Included in the scope of the term "transborder data flows is the transmission over computer-communicational systems of automated data to be processed and stored in foreign data processing systems. A number of issues, including privacy protection and data security, arise in various transborder data flow (TDF) situations and are discussed in this paper, especially the potential effects on TDF of national privacy protection laws and pending international agreements. Sets of associated technical requirements are examined.
Study of a tuned vibration absorber using piezoelectric patches with active shunt circuits

A patch of piezoelectric material driving a negative impedance shunt circuit can be attached to a flexible structure for vibration damping as well as altering the effective stiffness of the overall structure and shift its resonant frequency. This work uses a truly coupled mechanical/electrical analysis where the negative impedance converter (NIC) circuit is modeled using fundamental operational analysis modeling technique, enabling a straightforward analysis of circuit stability, while clarifying the effect of each parameter in the NIC circuit on the overall circuit impedance, and ultimately, the mechanical response of the structure. Two types of piezoelectric materials are considered, a piezoelectric polymer and a macrofiber composite. Also examined in this work is an alternative approach to load impedance tuning which seeks circuit parameter settings that equate the load impedance to the complex conjugate of the mechanical impedance of the piezoelectric for a particular out-of-plane vibration mode. Additionally, the effects of circuit stability and variations of the reference capacitor are investigated. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results are presented.
Do outside independent directors strengthen corporate boards

Purpose – Recent changes in corporate governance require firms to maintain boards with a majority of outside independent directors. The belief seems to be that outside independent directors will strengthen corporate boards by monitoring the actions of management and ensuring that management decisions are made in the best interests of the stockholders. This belief, however, may be founded on an assumption that has its roots in public perception and not in fact. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether or not outside independent directors strengthen corporate boards.Design/methodology/approach – Five areas within corporate boards of directors, including board composition, CEO duality, audit committees, compensation committees and nominating committees, are examined. The results of studies aimed at discerning the effects that outside independent directors have on increased firm performance and shareholder wealth through strong corporate governance are discussed.Findings – The conclusion reached is t...
Molecular Nature of Spontaneous Mutations in Mouse Lactate Dehydrogenase-A Processed Pseudogenes

The presence of at least ten mouse LDH-A pseudogenes was demonstrated in the genomic blot analysis, and four different processed pseudogenes have thus far been isolated and characterized. In this report, the nucleotide sequences of two different mouse lactate dehydrogenase-A processed pseudogenes, M11 and M14, were determined and compared with the protein-coding sequences of the mouse and rat LDH-A functional genes. In the pseudogene M11, the sequence of 64 nucleotides from codon no. 257 to 278 was tandemly duplicated. In the pseudogene M14, the sequence of 22 nucleotides from codon no. 68 to 75 was replaced by an inserted repetitive sequence of 242 nucleotides homologous to a mouse truncated R element. The pattern of nucleotide substitutions accumulated in mouse LDH-A pseudogenes M11 and M14, as well as that of pseudogene M10 identified previously, was analyzed, and the substitution frequencies of the C or G at the CG dinucleotide were found to be high.
Managing energy-performance tradeoffs for multithreaded applications on multiprocessor architectures

In modern computers, non-performance metrics such as energy consumption have become increasingly important, requiring tradeoff with performance. A recent work has proposed performance-guaranteed energy management, but it is designed specifically for sequential applications and cannot be used to a large class of multithreaded applications running on high end computers and data servers.To address the above problem, this paper makes the first attempt to provide performance-guaranteed energy management for multithreaded applications on multiprocessor architectures. We first conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of energy adaptation on thread synchronizations and show that a multithreaded application suffers from not only local slowdowns due to energy adaptation, but also significant slowdowns propagated from other threads because of synchronization. Based on these findings, we design three Synchronization-Aware (SA) algorithms, LWT (Lock Waiting Time-based), CSL (Critical Section Length-based) and ODP (Operation Delay Propagation-based) algorithms, to estimate the energy adaptation-induced slowdowns on each thread. The local slowdowns are then combined across multiple threads via three aggregation methods (MAX, AVG and SUM) to estimate the overall application slowdown.We evaluate our methods using a large multithreaded commercial application, IBM DB2 with industrial-strength online transaction processing (OLTP) workloads, and six SPLASH parallel scientific applications. Our experimental results show that LWT combined with the MAX aggregation method not only controls the performance slow down within the specified limits but also conserves the most energy.
Silent blood chimaerism in a mare confirmed by DNA marker analysis of hair bulbs

Summary Microsatellite DNA markers in a mare's hair bulbs not concordant with markers in her blood confirmed the hypothesis of chimaerism which had been proposed to explain the apparent parentage exclusion of the mare from her suckling foal. Parentage analysis for this foal based on genetic markers not originating from blood cells of its dam supported a parentage verification conclusion.
Gene expression profiling of lobular carcinoma in situ reveals candidate precursor genes for invasion

Purpose: Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is both a risk indicator and non-obligate precursor of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). We sought to characterize the transcriptomic features of LCIS and ILC, with a focus on the identification of intrinsic molecular subtypes of LCIS and the changes involved in the progression from normal breast epithelium to LCIS and ILC. Methods: Fresh-frozen classic LCIS, classic ILC, and normal breast epithelium (N) from women undergoing prophylactic or therapeutic mastectomy were prospectively collected, laser-capture microdissected, and subjected to gene expression profiling using Affymetrix HG-U133A 2.0 microarrays. Results: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of 40 LCIS samples identified 2 clusters of LCIS distinguished by 6431 probe sets (p < 0.001). Genes identifying the clusters included proliferation genes and other genes related to cancer canonical pathways such as TGF beta signaling, p53 signaling, actin cytoskeleton, apoptosis and Wnt-Signaling pathway. A supervised analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (p < 0.001) between normal epithelium, LCIS, and ILC, using 23 patient-matched triplets of N, LCIS, and ILC, identified 169 candidate precursor genes, which likely play a role in LCIS progression, including PIK3R1, GOLM1, and GPR137B. These potential precursor genes map significantly more frequently to 1q and 16q, regions frequently targeted by gene copy number alterations in LCIS and ILC.
DESIGNING A REQUIREMENT DRIVEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

This paper presents a technique to obtain a Design Structure Matrix (DSM) from a Design Matrix (DM). This technique enables us to obtain the design information flow pattern at early stage of the design, and apply the DSM system analysis and management techniques at the time when the most important decisions about the system and the design are made. The validity of this method is proven using a case study on the design integration process of an electrostatic chuck used in semiconductor wafer processing. The algorithm underlying this technique is also proven logically and mathematically to be valid. Introduction The product development process of complex products such as cars and airplanes takes the collaborative effort of hundreds even thousands of people over the course of several years. These products themselves usually consist of hundreds or thousands of parts and assemblies, all of which must be designed, tested, integrated, and tested again to meet customer requirements. Two large and interacting systems emerge in this picture—the system of the parts and assemblies forming the product, and the system of people and teams involved in the design process. In order to design a product development process that delivers quality products better, faster, and cheaper, we must address the following three issues. First, we must be able to capture, understand, and manage the interactions occurring in the system of the product and the system of the design teams. Second, we must also be able to capture and analyze the system interactions as early as possible in the product development process, when the most important decisions about the product design and the design process are made, and the cost of changes is at its minimum. Third, we must ensure the product design and the process are closely aligned with the product requirements.
Cross-Hemispheric Functional Connectivity in the Human Fetal Brain

Compelling evidence indicates that psychiatric and developmental disorders are generally caused by disruptions in the functional connectivity (FC) of brain networks. Events occurring during development, and in particular during fetal life, have been implicated in the genesis of such disorders. However, the developmental timetable for the emergence of neural FC during human fetal life is unknown. We present the results of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging performed in 25 healthy human fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (24 to 38 weeks of gestation). We report the presence of bilateral fetal brain FC and regional and age-related variation in FC. Significant bilateral connectivity was evident in half of the 42 areas tested, and the strength of FC between homologous cortical brain regions increased with advancing gestational age. We also observed medial to lateral gradients in fetal functional brain connectivity. These findings improve understanding of human fetal central nervous system development and provide a basis for examining the role of insults during fetal life in the subsequent development of disorders in neural FC.