cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Salvage of ischaemic myocardium by reperfusion: importance of collateral blood flow and myocardial oxygen demand during occlusion

Early reperfusion after coronary artery occlusion is used to treat acute myocardial infarction, but the factors that determine whether salvage of ischaemic myocardium actually occurs remain poorly defined. Differences in collateral blood flow to the region at risk, and haemodynamic variables during occlusion, may contribute to uncertainty as to the time beyond which reperfusion no longer reduces infarct size. To clarify this issue, open chest anaesthetised dogs underwent 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 hours of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion or permanent occlusion (n = 8 per group). Microspheres were injected before occlusion and 15 minutes after occlusion for regional myocardial blood flow determination, and heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured before occlusion and 10 minutes and 30 minutes after occlusion. At 96 hours after occlusion haemodynamic variables were again measured; the animals were then killed, and occluded bed size was determined by in vitro dye perfusion. The area of necrosis was quantified from histological sections and expressed as a percentage of occluded bed size (AN/OB). If duration of occlusion is considered alone, reperfusion beyond two hours did not salvage ischaemic myocardium in this model. If the results for occlusion equal to and greater than two hours are combined, the mean area of necrosis (27(2)%) was significantly greater than that produced by one hour of occlusion followed by reperfusion (10(4)%). For the animals undergoing occlusion for two or more hours or permanent occlusion, collateral blood flow significantly influenced the area of necrosis. When epicardial flow during occlusion was high (greater than 0.30 ml X min-1 X g-1 tissue) 13 out of 14 dogs undergoing occlusion for two or more hours or permanent occlusion developed small (AN/OB less than 27%) infarcts (mean AN/OB 17(2)%). In contrast, when epicardial collateral flow was low (less than 0.30 ml X min-1 X g-1) 14 out of 23 animals had large (AN/OB greater than 27%) infarcts (mean AN/OB 34(3)%). For the 23 dogs in which epicardial flow was low, heart rate during occlusion significantly influenced infarct size: the 14 dogs that developed large infarcts (AN/OB greater than 27%) had a higher mean heart rate (152(6) beats X min-1) than the nine that developed small infarcts (AN/OB less than 27%) (130(5) beats X min-1; p less than 0.025). Thus reperfusion at one hour after occlusion salvaged ischaemic myocardium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Visual space is represented by nonmatching topographies of distinct mouse retinal ganglion cell types.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USASummaryThe distributions of neurons in sensory circuits displayorderedspatialpatternsarrangedtoenhanceorencodespe-ciﬁcregionsorfeaturesoftheexternalenvironment.Indeed,visual space is not sampled uniformly across the vertebrateretina. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density increases anddendritic arbor size decreases toward retinal locations withhigher sampling frequency, such as the fovea in primatesandareacentralisincarnivores[1].Intheselocations,higheracuity at the level of individual cells is obtained because thereceptive ﬁeld center of a RGC corresponds approximatelytothespatialextentofitsdendriticarbor[2,3].Formostspe-cies,structurallyandfunctionallydistinctRGCtypesappearto have similar topographies, collectively scaling their celldensities and arbor sizes toward the same retinal location[4]. Thus, visual space is represented across the retina inparallel by multiple distinct circuits [5]. In contrast, we ﬁnda population of mouse RGCs, known as alpha or alpha-like[6],thatdisplaysanasal-to-temporalgradientincelldensity,size, and receptive ﬁelds, which facilitates enhanced visualsampling in frontal visual ﬁelds. The distribution of alpha-like RGCs contrasts with other known mouse RGC typesand suggests that, unlike most mammals, RGC topogra-phies in mice are arranged to sample space differentially.Results and DiscussionMouse ON Alpha-like RGCs Display a Nasal to TemporalGradient in Cell Density and Dendritic Arbor SizeAlpha-like mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) segregateinto three populations: ON-sustained (A
BASIC SPARSE MATRIX COMPUTATIONS ON THE CM-5

This paper presents a preliminary experimental study of the performance of basic sparse matrix computations on the CM-5. We concentrate on examining various ways of performing general sparse matrix-vector operations and the basic primitives on which these are based. We compare various data structures for storing sparse matrices and their corresponding matrix — vector operations. Both SPMD and Data parallel modes are examined and a comparison of the two modes is made.
Novel Reactions of Carbohydrates Discovered En Route to Natural Products

An approach to the synthesis of tetrodotoxin is described in which two key reactions are used to establish the densely functionalized carbocyclic ring. The [3:2:1]-bicyclic framework of 1,6-anhydro mannopyranose serves as the template, and in the first key reaction, oxazolidine ring formation is used to introduce the angular nitrogen and, simultaneously, to preorganize functional groups for the second key reaction. The latter involves formation of the carbocyclic ring via a radical cyclization process.
Role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the development of portal hypertension in the carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model

Portal hypertension (PHT) is a complication of liver cirrhosis and directly increases mortality and morbidity by increasing the propensity of venous hemorrhage. There are two main underlying causations for PHT, increased hepatic resistance and systemic hyperdynamic circulation. Both are related to localized aberrations in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and NO biosynthesis. This study investigates the importance of eNOS and systemic hyperdynamic-associated hyperemia to better understand the pathophysiology of PHT. Wild-type and eNOS(-/-) mice were given the hepatotoxin CCl(4) for 4-12 wk. Hepatic fibrosis was determined histologically following collagen staining. Portal venous pressure, hepatic resistance, and hyperemia were determined by measuring splenic pulp pressure (SPP), hepatic portal-venous perfusion pressure (HPVPP), abdominal aortic flow (Qao), and portal venous flow (Qpv). Hepatic fibrosis developed equally in wild-type and eNOS(-/-) CCl(4)-exposed mice. SPP, Qao, and Qpv increased rapidly in wild-type CCl(4)-exposed mice, but HPVPP did not. In eNOS(-/-) CCl(4) mice, Qao was not increased, SPP was partially increased, and HPVPP and Qpv were increased nonsignificantly. We concluded that the systemic hyperemia component of hyperdynamic circulation is eNOS dependent and precedes increased changes in hepatic resistance. Alternative mechanisms, possibly involving cyclooxygenase, may contribute. eNOS maintains normal hepatic resistance following CCl(4)-induced fibrosis. Consequently, increased portal pressure following chronic CCl(4) exposure is linked to hyperdynamic circulation in wild-type mice and increased hepatic resistance in eNOS(-/-) mice.
Simultaneous in vivo imaging of dual molecular contrasts in the retina with multimodal photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy

We combined photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy with autofluorescence imaging for simultaneous in vivo imaging of dual molecular contrasts in the retina using single light source. The dual molecular contrasts come from melanin and lipofuscin in the RPE.
The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4 and C2H4 at Cu/Nafion electrodes (solid polymer electrolyte structures)

The construction of copper/Nafion electrodes (solid polymer electrolyte structures) by an electroless plating method is described. These electrodes were used for the gas phase electrochemical reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon products, including CH4 and C2H4. The faradaic efficiencies of the electrodes under ambient conditions with a counter solution of 1 mM H2SO4 at a potential of −2.00 V vs. SCE reached a steady-state value of about 20% after 30 min of electrolysis. This corresponded to a rate of total hydrocarbon production of approximately 9.8×10−7 mole h−1 cm−2. Increasing the potential of the electrode to more negative potentials, or increasing the proton concentration of the counter solution, caused a decrease in the faradaic efficiencies due to a relative increase in the rate of proton reduction vs. that of CO2 reduction. If the proton concentration of the counter solution was decreased to an alkaline pH, hydrocarbon production quickly ceased because of proton starvation.
Thermal latency studies in opiate-treated mice.

Background: The change in the reaction time of a tail or paw exposed to a thermal stimulus is a measure of nociceptive activity in laboratory animals. Tail-flick and plantar thermal sensitivity (Hargreaves) tests are non-invasive, minimize stress, and can be used to screen animals for phenotype and drug activity. Objective: Hargreaves testing has been widely used in rats. We investigated its use to measure the activity of opiate analgesia in mice. Methods: Mice were used in thermal stimulus studies at 1-5 hours and 1-5 days to test acute and extended release preparations of buprenorphine. Results: Hargreaves testing had limited value at 1-5 hours because mice can have an obtunded response to opiate therapy. Tail-flick studies with restrained mice are not affected by the initial locomotor stimulation. Discussion: The present report describes a simple restraint system for mice. The utility of the system is demonstrated by examining the efficacy of acute and extended release buprenorphine injections in Balb/c and Swiss mice. Conclusion: Standardized tail-flick testing provides a sensitive robust method to monitor opiate activity in mice.
MULTIPLE & SINGLE DOCUMENT SUMMARIZATION USING DR-LINK

Our Tipster Phase III research objective for the Summarization task is to produce a single summary across multiple documents returned from a search on an information retrieval system. An established set of metrics to evaluate the performance of our system is not available in this field at present, so this research is also developing a procedure to evaluate the summaries we create. We hope to uncover useful metrics and evaluation variables that can be used by others working in this area.
CYTOPLASMIC DISTRIBUTION OF POLY(A)-CONTAINING RNA IN DEVELOPING NECTURUS MACULOSUS OOCYTES WITH REFERENCE TO ANNULATE LAMELLAE

The cytoplasmic distribution of poly(A)+ mRNA and its relationship to annulate lamellae were examined in developing Necturus maculosus oocytes by in situ hybridization with [3H]poly(U). The specificity of [3H]poly(U) binding was tested by incubating control ovarian sections with either KOH or RNase A before in situ hybridization. In both experiments, the silver grain densities were markedly reduced. Poly(A)+ RNA is uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm until the mid-growth phase and then later in vitellogenesis becomes localized in the subcortical ooplasm. The silver grain density in the cytoplasm varied during oogenesis and was greatest in previtellogenic oocytes. Annulate lamellae commonly are observed with the light microscope in oocytes prior to vitellogenesis. In such oocytes, the labeled mRNA probe is observed over cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae. The results suggests that a differential localization of messenger RNA occurs during oogenesis in Necturus maculosus. Furthermore, poly(A)+ RNA is present in cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae.
Interactions of chlorpheniramine ethanol combinations: Acute toxicity and antihistaminic activity

Abstract Significant toxicologic and pharmacologic interactions occurred between chlorpheniramine maleate and 25% v v ethanol at several dosage combinations. Conditions of both independence and antagonism of acute toxicity were observed in LD50 determinations of chlorpheniramine-ethanol combinations in mice, and confirmed expected results based on the toxicologic pattern of the agents when administered singly. Enhancement of the antihistaminic action of chlorpheniramine by ethanol was demonstrated during histamine-aerosol challenge studies in guinea pigs.
Intersexes in Culicoides spp. caused by Mermithid parasitism in Florida.

Certain mermithid nematodes have been found to parasitize 11 of the most abundant soil-dwelling (as larvae) species of Culicoides in Alachua County, Florida. The parasitism results in the production of intersexual forms in C. haematopotus Malloch, C. Stellifer (Coquillet). and C. crepuscularis Malloch, the genetically intended males being altered morphologically to resemble anterior-posterior type gynandromorphs while the females are not noticeably changed. The highest percentages of parasitism based upon males captured in emergence cages and light traps varied from 30 to 90% in localized areas. The nematodes are believed to effect a perceptible degree of natural control of Culicoides populations under favorable conditions.
HIV envelope proteins differentially utilize CXCR4 and CCR5 coreceptors for induction of apoptosis.

The involvement of CXCR4 and CCR5 coreceptors in apoptosis induced by the HIV envelope (Env) proteins has not been well defined. We found that simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) virus-like particles (VLPs) containing HIV Env proteins preferentially induce apoptosis of cells corresponding to their coreceptor usage in a CD4+ T cell line. We also demonstrated that induction of apoptosis by SHIV VLPs is correlated with coreceptor usage in a non-T cell line. We examined the effects of SHIV VLPs containing Env proteins derived from either a T-cell-tropic HIV (BH10) strain or a dual-tropic HIV (89.6) strain on induction of apoptosis in recombinant CD4+ human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells expressing either CXCR4 (HOS-CD4.CXCR4) or CCR5 coreceptors (HOS-CD4.CCR5). HOS-CD4.CXCR4 or HOS-CD4.CCR5 cells were activated with concanavalin A and cocultured with VLPs. By TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling) fluorescence staining and flow cytometry assays, SHIV BH10 VLPs were found to preferentially induce apoptosis in HOS-CD4.CXCR4 cells but not in HOS-CD4 or HOS-CD4.CCR5 cells. On the other hand, SHIV 89.6 VLPs induced an elevated level of apoptosis in both HOS-CD4.CXCR4 and HOS-CD4.CCR5 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. These data demonstrate that T-cell-tropic BH10 Env preferentially utilizes CXCR4, but not CCR5, for induction of apoptosis, whereas dual-tropic 89.6 Env induces apoptosis in both CXCR4- and CCR5-containing cell lines.
Strain effects in thin film/Si substrates revealed by X-ray microdiffraction

The local variation in strain and rotation of the Si substrate due to overlying Ni thin film features has been observed using X-ray microdiffraction. Residual tensile stress in 1 µm thick, 190 µm diameter Ni dots of 990 MPa imparted an average compressive stress in the underlying Si substrate. Ni Kα fluorescence scans, acquired simultaneously with Si (333) diffraction data, allow for a precise determination of the Ni feature edge location relative to the observed shift in Si (333) peak position. Rocking curve mesh scans, in which the sample was translated perpendicular and parallel to the diffraction plane, were used to deconvolute the effects of substrate strain due to d-spacing shifts and rotation of the local Si surface. In addition, shear strains at the dot edge imparted a significant shift in the Si (333) diffraction peak, producing a secondary diffraction peak in modified reciprocal space scans.
Modification of morphine, l-isomethadone, dl-alpha acetylmethadol, and n-allylnormorphine constipation by hydergine.

Abstract Small nonadrenolytic doses of Hydergine® (0.06 mg./Kg.) given before morphine in the rat and rabbit further increased constipation but did not significantly alter the intense constipation caused by l-isomethadone, n-allylnormorphine, and dl-alpha acetylmethadol. Hydergine, alone, depressed intestinal motility in both the rat and rabbit. In some rabbits it elicited a prompt defecatory response to give an increased scybala count for the first hour period of observation. _ By making periodic scybala counts in comparison with Eddy's procedure of measuring the percentage of rabbits failing to defecate after injection, the overall effect of small doses of Hydergine was to slightly increase analgetic constipation. These effects of nonadrenolytic doses of Hydergine (0.06 mg./Kg.) are probably due to central stimulation.
The location of disulphide bonds in α-type gliadins

Abstract Gliadin prepared from gluten of the cultivar Rektor by extraction with 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol adjusted to pH 5.5 was separated by RP-HPLC. Amongst 23 components obtained, two α-type gliadins (α3- and α8-gliadin) were selected for the determination of disulphide bonds. After both proteins were digested with thermolysin, differential RP-HPLC (chromatography prior to and after reduction of disulphide bonds) was used for the detection of cystine peptides. Two cystine peptides from α3-gliadin and three cystine peptides from α8-gliadin were isolated by RP-HPLC. The resulting peptides were reduced and alkylated with 4-vinylpyridine, separated by RP-HPLC and their amino acid sequences determined. The cystine peptides from both α-type gliadins had similar structures, and the corresponding fragments had homologous sequences. One cystine peptide of each gliadin was composed of three fragments linked by two disulphide bonds. The second cystine peptide consisted of two fragments linked by one disulphide bond. The third cystine peptide derived from α8-gliadin was different from the second peptide in one position of the sequences (glutamic acid instead of glutamine). Comparing complete sequences of α-type gliadins described in the literature, the cystine peptides from α3- and α8-gliadins were identical with corresponding sequences of clones A1235 and A212, respectively 11 . The structures of the cystine peptides analysed indicate one intramolecular disulphide bond within domain III of α-type gliadins and two disulphide bonds between domains III and V. The linkages found correspond to homologous linkages determined for low M r subunits of glutenin and glutenin-bound γ-type gliadins 6 . Obviously, these intramolecular disulphide bonds are not linked randomly, but are strongly directed.
Morphologies of self-organizing swarms in 3D swarm chemistry

A three-dimensional version of the Swarm Chemistry model is presented. Self-organization and morphogenesis of heterogeneous swarms in the 3D model were compared to those in the original 2D version. It was observed that the resulting patterns generally had remarkable robustness against dimensionality change, while some swarms were susceptible to the change. Further experiments showed that it was often sufficient to make minimal parameter adjustments in order to recover the original topological and dynamical properties of those susceptible swarms in 3D, although the dependence on parameters varied case by case with no generic parameter mapping between 2D and 3D.
Nonsustained lead noise alert associated with repeating pattern of signals on the ventricular channel: Is there true concern for lead malfunction?

Case summary A 25-year-old woman, relisted for cardiac transplantation, presented with symptoms of syncope and abdominal pain that correlated with periods of complete heart block on monitoring. Her past medical history included congenital Ebstein anomaly, Blalock-Taussig shunt, and eventual orthotropic biatrial cardiac transplant 15 years before the current presentation. She had persistent sinus tachycardia due to failing transplant secondary to allograft vasculopathy. Her ejection fraction was preserved with elevated filling pressures. There was no evidence of rejection on endomyocardial biopsy. Previous electrophysiologic evaluation revealed she had no residual donor-to-recipient atrial conduction, no retrograde ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction, or any other inducible arrhythmia that may have contributed to her functional deterioration. She had dual nodal physiology and conduction down the slow pathway with a long PR interval with heart rates 4120 bpm. She subsequently underwent dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement (St. Jude Medical [SJM] Fortify Assura, St. Paul, MN) for complete heart block associated with syncope. Pacing mode was programmed to DDDR with a base of 80 bpm. Hysteresis rate was set at 60 bpm. Paced atrioventricular (AV) delay was programmed to 225 ms with postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) of 275 ms. Lead impedances and sensing and pacing parameters were within normal limits. The alert shown in Figure 1A was received on the Merlin (SJM)
Drug-protein interactions: Mechanisms of potency.

Overcoming drug resistance requires drug–protein interactions that persist in spite of mutations, but such interactions are difficult to characterize. Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy can reveal the dynamics of how key molecular groups interact, allowing new insights into how some drugs overcome resistance.
A COMPARISON OF LARVAL AND JUVENILE STAGES OF THE LOBSTERS Homarus americanus, Homarus gammarus, AND THEIR HYBRID1

Previous studies have shown that H. gammarus progeny are generally larger than those of H. americanus at all stages (Gruffydd et al., 1975; Van Olst et al., 1976). In addition, the 2 nephropid lobsters are known to be similar genetically (Hedgecock et al., 1977). Recently these 2 closely related species have been successfully hybridized. A comparison of the growth rates of the progeny from these crosses with the parental types was conducted. The larvae of the 3 varieties reached the post-larval stage in approximately the same time, with no significant differences in survival. The H. gammarus and hybrid larvae were larger than the H. americanus larvae. A comparison of growth and survival for one year of culture showed no significant differences in the size attained by juveniles of the 2 lobster species or by their hybrids. Variation in morphological characters, pigmentation patterns, and behavior are discussed. Biochemical analyses of pereiopod tissue were performed to verify the pedigree of the hybrid progeny.
Compton imager for detection of special nuclear material

Abstract A Compton imager design for the detection of Special Nuclear Material (SNM), with specific focus on shielded Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) is presented. It is based on a large field-of-view Compton gamma-ray imager that uses 24 layers of 2 mm thick, position-sensitive (1.4 mm strips) silicon detectors, designed for room-temperature operation, as a scatterer and a position-sensitive NaI scintillator array as the absorber. Each layer of silicon detectors consists of double-sided silicon strip detectors daisy chained in a 3×3 array with a total active area of 729 cm2. The NaI detectors are 2.9×2.9 cm2 and 7.6 cm thick and will cover the bottom and sides of the instrument. Simulations of an ASIC-based readout system show that an energy resolution of 4.5 keV full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) at room temperature is attainable on each daisy-chained silicon strip assuming 35 pF of capacitance and 20 nA of leakage current. Full simulations of the current instrument design are shown and are demonstrated that it can detect 8 kg of shielded HEU at 2.5 m in 1 min in a realistic gamma-ray background environment.
Viscoelastic properties of the P17 and adult rat brain from indentation in the coronal plane.

This technical brief serves as an update to our previous work characterizing the region-dependence of viscoelastic mechanical properties of the P17 and adult rat brain in the coronal plane (Elkin et al., 2011, "A Detailed Viscoelastic Characterization of the P17 and Adult Rat Brain," J. Neurotrauma, 28, pp. 2235-2244.). Here, modifications to the microindentation device provided for the reliable measurement of load during the ramp portion of load relaxation microindentation tests. In addition, a correction factor for finite sample thickness was incorporated to more accurately assess the intrinsic mechanical properties of the tissue.The shear relaxation modulus was significantly dependent on the anatomic region and developmental age, with a general increase in stiffness with age and increased stiffness in the hippocampal and cortical regions compared with the white matter and cerebellar regions of the brain. The shear modulus ranged from ∼0.2 kPa to ∼2.6 kPa depending on region, age, and time scale. Best-fit Prony series parameters from least squares fitting to the indentation data from each region are reported, which describe the shear relaxation behavior for each anatomic region within each age group at both short (<10 ms) and long (∼20 s) time scales. These data will be useful for improving the biofidelity of finite element models of rat brain deformation at short time scales, such as models of traumatic brain injury.
A comparison of alcohol drinkers at a state and private university.

The purpose of this study was to compare the drinking behaviors of college students at a large state university to the drinking behaviors of their counterparts at a smaller church university.
Alignment of an inexpensive paraboloidal concentrator for hybrid solar lighting applications

We describe a practical method for precisely aligning the optical components of a low-cost solar concentrator developed for fiber optic solar lighting applications. A two-stage alignment process, involving both mechanical and optical alignment techniques, is described which allows the tilt, centering, and focal alignment of a large parabolic primary reflector relative to a segmented planar secondary mirror to be accurately determined. The alignment strategy is well suited to optical systems utilizing large reflectors with non-referenced optical axes and non-precision surface characteristics, as is typical of many inexpensive reflectors.
Parameter estimation and learning/classification threshold optimization applied to maxentropic adaptive pattern recognition

Abstract This paper discusses learning in pattern recognition in terms of parameter estimation. Methods of Estimation Theory are used to show that reinforcement learning is implemented by sequential parameter estimation which alters both a priori and spontaneously learned templates feature by feature. Spontaneous learning is handled as a problem in decision theory and optimum thresholds for learning or classification are developed in terms of Bayesian thresholds and decision statistics based on the mutual information of observables and templates.
A multiyear approach to student-driven investigations in exercise physiology

Many undergraduate institutions offer individual research opportunities for upper-level students in independent study courses and summer undergraduate research programs. These are necessarily limit...
greetings in the desert1

Tuareg men must frequently travel into the wilderness of the western Sahara. The stakes are high in encounters. The desert is vast and threatening; the solitary traveler is continuously reminded of man'sand his own-insignificance. The camel is the "ship of the desert, " and the sighting far off of another rider engenders tensions similar to those experienced by seafaring travelers in the days of ships of sail, viz., is the unknown stranger friend or foe? News and companionship are highly valued in the wilderness, but strangers may be or become enemies. Sensitivity to cues of identity has high survival value; adult males must also learn complex rules for the interpretation of verbal and other behaviors in the accomplishment of greetings and information exchange. A nalogs to encounters and greetings in other settings are adduced. A concluding section propounds some tentative universals on
Nanobody specific for oligomeric beta-amyloid stabilizes nontoxic form

While accumulation and deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) is a primary pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), increasing evidence has implicated small, soluble oligomeric aggregates of Aβ as the neurotoxic species in AD. Reagents that specifically recognize oligomeric morphologies of Aβ have potential diagnostic and therapeutic value. Using a novel biopanning technique that combines phage display technology and atomic force microscopy, we isolated the nanobody E1 against oligomeric Aβ. Here we show that E1 specifically recognizes a small oligomeric Aβ aggregate species distinct from the species recognized by the A4 nanobody previously reported by our group. While E1, like A4, blocks assembly of Aβ into larger oligomeric and fibrillar forms and prevents any Aβ induced toxicity toward neuronal cells, it does so by binding a small Aβ oligomeric species, directing its assembly toward a stable nontoxic conformation. The E1 nanobody selectively recognizes naturally occurring Aβ aggregates produced in human AD brain tissue indicating that a variety of morphologically distinct Aβ aggregate forms occur naturally and that a stable low-n nontoxic Aβ form exists that does not readily aggregate into larger forms. Because E1 catalyses the formation of a stable nontoxic low-n Aβ species it has potential value as a therapeutic reagent for AD which can be used in combination with other therapeutic approaches.
A qualitative assessment of the medicare prospective payment system

This paper employs commonly accepted criteria to evaluate the potential outcomes of the Medicare pricing mechanism. The analysis suggests that the recent revisions in the Medicare payment system have less potential to contain increases in total hospital costs than those embodied in all-payer systems. In addition, this paper also suggests that the pricing mechanism will jeopardize the financial viability of many hospitals while exacerbating inequities that emanate from differential pricing policies. Finally, when viewed from the perspective of insured beneficiaries, it is reasonable to expect that the payment mechanism will reduce not only access to inpatient care but also the use of service once admitted.
Variational solutions to simultaneous collisions between multiple rigid bodies

We present a method of resolving simultaneous collisions between multiple rigid bodies based on the least action principle. By using the generalized directional derivative of the action, we use that the solution is related to the outcomes of nearby trajectories that experience consecutive single impacts. We present an algorithm based on this result, and prove its effectiveness by applying it to several low dimensionality examples based on billiard ball interactions, including a simplified version of Newton's cradle.
High Waves in the Benguela Current

Abstract Analysis of merchant ship observations reveals a sharp ridge of high wave frequency along the axis of the Benguela Current, nearly coincident with the major shipping lane in that area. The authors could find no other reference to this wave regime in the literature. The majority of these waves are found to be southerly or southeasterly seas reinforced by swells of similar origin and direction. The steady winds within the stable subsiding air on the eastern edge of the semi-permanent subtropical South Atlantic Oceanic high pressure area are channeled to the northwest by the South African land mass, forming the driving mechanism that generates the waves. The thermal low over the continent further reinforces this regime, as does coastal upwelling. Resultant sharp local anomalies in air temperature, cloud cover and other elements are also present.
Synthesis and Characterization of Amino‐Based Columns for HPLC Made by Silanization/Hydrosilation

Abstract Synthesis and characterization of amino‐based stationary phases for high performance liquid chromatography is described. The amino‐based stationary phases for HPLC have been synthesized following a silanization/hydrosilation method. Three organic compounds, N‐(3‐butynyl) phthalimide, 4‐diethylamino‐2‐butyn‐1‐ol, and 3‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐butyne were chosen as bonding moieties for the hydrosilation reaction. The synthesized bonded phases were characterized by cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS‐NMR), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Chromatographic evaluation of the bare silica, silica hydride, endcapped silica hydride, N‐(3‐butynyl) phthalimide phase, amino phase via cleavage of N‐(3‐butynyl) phthalimide phase (4‐amino‐1‐butyne phase), and 3‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐butyne bonded phases was done by sugar analysis.
Characteristics of Trailer Thermal Environment during Commercial Swine Transport Managed under U.S. Industry Guidelines

Transport is a critical factor in modern pork production and can seriously affect swine welfare. While previous research has explored thermal conditions during transport, the impact of extreme weather conditions on the trailer thermal environment under industry practices has not been well documented; and the critical factors impacting microclimate are not well understood. To assess the trailer microclimate during transport events, an instrumentation system was designed and installed at the central ceiling level, pig level and floor-level in each of six zones inside a commercial swine trailer. Transport environmental data from 34 monitoring trips (approximately 1-4 h in duration each) were collected from May, 2012, to February, 2013, with trailer management corresponding to the National Pork Board Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) guidelines in 31 of these trips. According to the TQA guidelines, for outdoor temperature ranging from 5 °C (40 °F) to 27 °C (80 °F), acceptable thermal conditions were observed based on the criteria that no more than 10% of the trip duration was above 35 °C (95 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F). Recommended bedding, boarding and water application were sufficient in this range. Measurements support relaxing boarding guidelines for moderate outdoor conditions, as this did not result in less desirable conditions. Pigs experienced extended undesirable thermal conditions for outdoor temperatures above 27 °C (80 °F) or below 5 °C (40 °F), meriting a recommendation for further assessment of bedding, boarding and water application guidelines for extreme outdoor temperatures. An Emergency Livestock Weather Safety Index (LWSI) condition was observed inside the trailer when outdoor temperature exceeded 10 °C (50 °F); although the validity of LWSI to indicate heat stress for pigs during transport is not well established. Extreme pig surface temperatures in the rear and middle zones of the trailer were more frequently experienced than in the front zones, and the few observations of pigs dead or down upon arrival were noted in these zones. Observations indicate that arranging boarding placement may alter the ventilation patterns inside the trailer.
Fundamental concepts of Ion-Beam processing

The basic concepts underlying the response of materials to ion-beam irradiation are outlined. These include the slowing of energetic ions, the creation of defects, sputtering, ion-beam mixing, the acceleration of kinetic processes, and phase transformations. Several examples are cited to illustrate how each of these concepts can be exploited to modify materials in ways not easily achieved, or not even possible, by more conventional processing methods. The chapter attempts to provide a physical understanding of the basic effects of ion-beam irradiation on materials, to enable readers in other areas of research to better understand the more technical chapters that follow, and to develop ideas relevant to their own disciplines. We provide references to more quantitative treatments of the topics covered here.
Effect of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone on dimension Vista Digoxin Assay

Spironolactone, a potassium sparing diuretic metabolized to canrenone, is often used with digoxin to treat various conditions including congestive heart failure. Potassium canrenoate is a similar drug that is also metabolized to canrenone. Due to reported interference of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone with digoxin immunoassays, we investigated potential interference of these compounds with Dimension Vista Digoxin immunoassay using Flex reagent cartridge. Aliquots of a drug-free serum pool were supplemented with various amounts of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, or canrenone and apparent digoxin values were measured using Dimension Vista digoxin assay, we observed none-detected value except when aliquots were supplemented with higher amounts of spironolactone or canrenone. Similarly, when aliquots of a serum digoxin pool (prepared by pooling specimens from patients receiving digoxin) where further supplemented with various amounts of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, or canrenone, we observed moderately falsely elevated digoxin values only in specimens containing higher amounts of spironolactone or canrenone. We conclude that spironolactone and canrenone but not potassium canrenoate may cause modest interference with Dimension Vista digoxin assay but such interferences may not be clinically significant except with very high amounts of canrenone.
Merging systems biology with pharmacodynamics.

The emerging discipline of systems pharmacology aims to combine analysis and computational modeling of cellular regulatory networks with quantitative pharmacology approaches to drive the drug discovery processes, predict rare adverse events, and catalyze the practice of personalized precision medicine. Here, we introduce the concept of enhanced pharmacodynamic (ePD) models, which synergistically combine the desirable features of systems biology and current PD models within the framework of ordinary or partial differential equations. ePD models that analyze regulatory networks involved in drug action can account for a drug’s multiple targets and for the effects of genomic, epigenomic, and posttranslational changes on the drug efficacy. This new knowledge can drive drug discovery and shape precision medicine.
Assessing the Seeds of Relationship Decay Using Implicit Evaluations to Detect the Early Stages of Disillusionment

Using two longitudinal samples, we sought to identify the beginnings of relationship decay by validating the partner-focused go/no-go association task (partner-GNAT), an implicit measure assessing evaluations of romantic partners. In Study 1, we assessed positive and negative attitudes using generic positive and negative stimulus words (e.g., gift and death, respectively) as targets, whereas in Study 2, we used relationship-specific positive and negative stimulus words (e.g., accepting and attacking, respectively) as targets. Results from both samples showed that positive implicit partner evaluations were associated with a reduced risk of breakup over the following 12 months, even after controlling for self-reported relationship satisfaction, hostile conflict, and neuroticism. This suggests that the earliest seeds of relationship decay might be found within attitudes that subjects might be unaware of or are unable or unwilling to report. Both studies also offered support for the importance of negative implicit partner evaluations. In Study 1, this support was in the form of an interaction (revealing that individuals with both low positive and high negative evaluations were at greatest risk for breakup). In Study 2, this support was in the form of a main effect (negative implicit partner evaluations marginally predicted increased risk of breakup).
Vaginal Myeloid Dendritic Cells Transmit Founder HIV-1

We report that primary human vaginal dendritic cells (DCs) display a myeloid phenotype and express CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4. Vaginal CD13(+) CD11c(+) DCs rapidly and efficiently bound transmitted/founder (T/F) CCR5-tropic (R5) viruses, transported them through explanted vaginal mucosa, and transmitted them in trans to vaginal and blood lymphocytes. Vaginal myeloid DCs may play a key role in capturing and disseminating T/F R5 HIV-1 in vivo and are candidate "gatekeeper" cells in HIV-1 transmission.
Don't listen to Dr. Ruth-focus on performance

Competitive system performance does not simply happen-it requires focused design by all system component contributors. However, before system performance can be designed into new products, performance characteristics of existing products need to be analyzed and understood. This paper reports about system performance analysis activities performed by the System Design and Performance Analysis team in Commercial Systems Engineering at the Motorola Computer Group.
Quasiparticle Nernst effect in the cuprate superconductors from the d -density-wave theory of the pseudogap phase

We consider the Nernst effect in the underdoped regime of the cuprate high temperature superconductors within the $d$-density wave (DDW) model of the pseudogap phase. By a combination of analytical and numerical arguments, we show that there is a robust low-temperature positive peak (i.e., maximum) in the temperature dependence of the Nernst coefficient when the DDW state is ambipolar, i.e., when the broken symmetry supports the coexistence of both electron- and holelike quasiparticles in the excitation spectrum, and the electron pocket dominates at the low temperatures. In contrast, the Nernst coefficient is negative and there is no such positive peak if the underlying state is nonambipolar, i.e., when it supports only one type of quasiparticles. More generally, in the ambipolar state, the sign of the Nernst coefficient can be positive or negative depending on the dominance of the electron or hole pockets, respectively, in the low temperature thermoelectric transport. By modeling the pseudogap phase by a doping-dependent DDW order parameter with a Fermi surface topology that supports both hole and electron pockets, and assuming energy-independent transport scattering times, we analyze the evolution of the Nernst effect with doping concentration at low temperatures in the cuprate phase diagram. Even though the chosen ambipolar DDW state with a specific Fermi surface topology is not the only possible explanation of either the recent quantum oscillation experiments or the recent observation of a negative Hall coefficient at low temperatures in the underdoped cuprates, it is at least one possible state qualitatively consistent with both of these experiments. As such, the calculations in this paper present at least one possible scenario for the observed enhanced Nernst signals in the underdoped cuprates.
Levodopa therapy: Consequences of the nonphysiologic replacement of dopamine

Normal motor function is dependent on the highly regulated synthesis and release of the transmitter dopamine by neurons projecting from the substantia nigra to the corpus striatum. Parkinson9s disease involves the progressive degeneration of these neurons. Its core symptoms are a direct consequence of a striatal insufficiency of intrasynaptic dopamine. Levodopa, the standard of care for the treatment of PD, acts after its conversion to dopamine by restoring striatal dopaminergic transmission. However, there are significant differences between the normally functioning dopamine system and the restoration of function provided by standard levodopa treatment. Increasing clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that the intermittent stimulation of dopamine receptors resulting from current therapeutic regimens contributes to the response complications that ultimately affect most parkinsonian patients. It now appears that chronic nonphysiologic stimulation of dopaminergic receptors on striatal GABAergic neurons activates characteristic signaling pathways, leading to a potentiation of the synaptic efficacy of adjacent glutamatergic receptors of the N -methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) subtype. As a result, function of these GABAergic efferent neurons changes in ways that favor the appearance of motor complications. Conceivably, use of dopaminomimetic replacement strategies that provide more continuous dopamine receptor stimulation will act to prevent or alleviate these disabling complications. A number of promising approaches to achieving this goal are now under development.
Redistribution of Renal Blood Flow Produced by Furosemide and Ethacrynic Acid

Outer medullary blood flow ( 85 Kr method) is markedly reduced by furose-mide and ethacrynic acid injected into the renal artery of unanesthetized dogs; juxtamedullary cortical flow is also decreased. Anatomic localization of the redistribution was verified by autoradiography and by silastic injection studies. The injected specimens demonstrated a relative increase in the resistance of the peritubular capillaries of the juxtamedullary cortex and outer medulla, the blood supply of the juxtamedullary tubules, Henle9s loops and collecting ducts; the vasa recta were dilated. Total renal blood flow (Doppler Flowmeter) decreased 10% 1 min after injection, and then gradually began to increase at 2 to 3 min, reaching levels 25 to 30% above control as cortical blood flow increased. The vasodilatation in the cortex is probably localized in the pars radiata. The onset of the diuresis coincided with the decrease in renal blood flow, and persisted after total renal blood flow returned to control value. Thus, the time course of the dicresis correlated more closely with the sustained decrease in juxtameduiary and outer medullary blood flow.
Multimode WDM LAN using novel wavelength demultiplexer

Higher computer bandwidths have begun to create a bottleneck in fiber-optic backbones of premises LANs, where 62.5-/spl mu/m core graded-index multimode fiber is predominant. At 1.25 Gbit/s, where some LANs now operate, link lengths are limited to less than 300 m and 800 m at 850 nm and 1300 nm, respectively. At higher data rates, WDM will be required to achieve desired link lengths in multimode fiber. A WDM transceiver intended for the LAN market should have the same form factor and connector as a serial transceiver, be eye safe, and be cost effective. In the present work, four VCSELs are used with nominal wavelengths of 820, 835, 850, and 865 nm. The light is multiplexed into a multimode fiber using a simple 4-to-1 waveguide combiner made of Dupont Polyguide material. A GaAs p-i-n diode array and silicon bipolar laser driver and receiver arrays are also used.
Viscoelastic properties of branched whole polymers. I. Calculation of relaxation times

The calculations of the relaxation times of whole polymers has been extended to include the effect or branching. These relaxation times depend upon the weight average of the mean-square radii, 〈R〉w, of the branched polymer molecules. It is proposed that this quantity may be obtained in a θ solvent from the equation [η] = 61/2ΦC〈R〉w, where [η] is the limiting viscosity number, Φ is a universal constant, and C = Kb, where b is the root-mean-square of the end-to-end distance of a submolecule and K is the ratio of the number of submolecules to the molecular weight. The constant C may be obtained from measurements of [η] and 〈R〉 on linear, monodisperse polymers. Equations are given by which the effect of branching and molecular weight distribution on rheological measurements may be calculated.