cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time course of effects of brief inhalations of nitrous oxide in normal volunteers.

Nitrous oxide is commonly used (abused) recreationally by inhaling it in a bolus form (i.e. single or several breaths). The time course of the psychoactive effects of nitrous oxide, via this mode of inhalation, has not been adequately characterized and thus formed the basis for this study. Twelve healthy volunteers participated in four sessions, using a randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled design. In each session one of the following four measures were assessed: self-reported strength of drug effects, mood, memory and psychomotor performance. Within sessions, subjects were exposed to four different concentrations of nitrous oxide in a randomized fashion: 0% (oxygen-placebo), 40%, 60% and 80%. At each concentration, or "trial", subjects took four deep breaths of the gas. Peak drug effects, as reported by our subjects, occurred within 30 seconds after the last inhalation of nitrous oxide, persisted for about a minute, and then gradually subsided to near-baseline levels by 5 minutes post-inhalation. Certain aspects of mood were briefly affected by nitrous oxide, generally in a dose-related fashion with increases in visual analog scale ratings of "anxious", "stimulated", "coasting (spaced out)", "lightheaded", "confused", and "high". Free recall of wards that had been presented between 30 and 60 seconds post-inhalation was significantly reduced after 80% nitrous oxide, relative to oxygen-placebo. There was a trend towards psychomotor impairment (Concentration x time: p = 0.08), as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, with peak decrements in performance (about a minute after inhalation) being greater after 80% nitrous oxide than after 0% nitrous oxide. Our results suggest that there arc acute, albeit brief, adverse effects of inhaling bolus concentrations of nitrous oxide.
The LCL Zone and Cumulus Onset

Abstract Variations of the lifting condensation level (LCL) of surface layer air are documented based on data from the BLX83 field experiment in Oklahoma. For example, within a 25 km long region near Chickasha, the local LCL height was found to vary by 15–30% of its average height. This zone of variation, centered on the mean LCL height, is identified as the “LCL zone”. It is analogous to the entrainment zone for the local mixed layer depth. Cumulus clouds first form when the top of the entrainment zone reaches the bottom of the LCL zone. As more of the entrainment zone overlaps and reaches above the LCL zone, the cloud cover increases. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the diagnosis of cumulus onset time and cloud cover amount using this overlap technique. Combined radar, aircraft, rawinsonde, and surface observations indicate that some of the air observed at cloud base has the same low LCL as that of the mean surface layer air. This leads us to speculate that some surface layer air is rising...
Immune cells in the corpus luteum: friends or foes?

The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. In the absence of a viable embryo, the corpus luteum must regress rapidly to allow for development of new ovulatory follicles. In many species, luteal regression is initiated by uterine release of PGF 2α , which inhibits steroidogenesis and may launch a cascade of events leading to the ultimate demise of the tissue. Immune cells, primarily macrophages and T lymphocytes, are present in the corpus luteum, particularly at the time of luteolysis. The macrophages are important for ingestion of cellular remnants that result from the death of luteal cells. However, it has also been hypothesized that immune cells are involved directly in the destruction of luteal cells, as well as in the loss of steroidogenesis; this hypothesis is reviewed in the first part of this article. An alternative hypothesis is also presented, namely that immune cells serve to abate an inflammatory response generated by dead and dying luteal cells, in effect, preventing a response that would otherwise damage surrounding ovarian tissues. Finally, the changes in immune cells that accompany maternal recognition of pregnancy and rescue of the corpus luteum are discussed briefly. Inhibition of immune cells in the corpus luteum during early pregnancy may be due to embryonic or uterine signals, or to maintenance of high progesterone concentrations within the luteal tissue.
The effects of grinding parameters on the strength and surface finish of two silicon nitride ceramics

Abstract The effects of various grinding parameters on the flexural bending strength, surface-roughness parameters, and surface microstructure of two ceramic materials, reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) and silicon-infiltrated reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN), are reported in this paper. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect on grit size, depth of cut, material removal rate, and table feed on the strength and surface finish of these ceramics. Surfaces were ground in the longitudinal direction in accordance with common practice for modulus-of-rupture test specimens. The grinding parameters did not have any significant effect on the average strength of these materials, but there were some effects of grit size on the standard deviation in strength of SRBSN. There was an improvement only for the SRBSN material in the surface finish with a decrease in the grit size of the grinding wheel. Scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surface features generated during grinding did not vary significantly with the variation in grinding parameters. The mechanical behavior may therefore be more sensitive to the presence of larger flaws in the bulk than to the residual grinding damage at the surface.
Muscle fiber-type changes induced by botulinum toxin injection in the rat larynx.

Abstract This study examined muscle fiber–type alterations after single or multiple botulinum toxin (BT) injections to better understand possible morphologic changes induced by therapeutic BT injections in patients with spasmodic dysphonia. Muscle fiber staining was accomplished in rat intrinsic laryngeal muscles with antibodies to specific myosin heavy chains. Results indicated that the typical baseline distributions of type II muscle fibers (ie, types IIa, IIb, IIx, and IIL) were altered by BT injection, while no change was observed in type I fibers. Embryonic fibers were observed only along the needle insertion site at 7 days post BT injection. Although inferences from these animal data to human neuromuscular function must be made with caution, our findings provide insight into the possible cellular and molecular changes characterizing BT-injected muscles. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;120:876-83.)
Bioactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib: implications for pulmonary and hepatic toxicities.

Gefitinib is an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase and has been approved for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer refractory to established cancer treatments. Several cases of adverse hepatic and pulmonary events have been reported, which led to discontinuation of therapy. While the mechanism of toxicity remains unknown, we present evidence that gefitinib accumulates in the liver and lung, and it can be bioactivated in hepatic, intestinal, and pulmonary microsomes to form a reactive metabolite. The reactive metabolite was trapped by the peptide mimetic GSH, indicating that the metabolite was sufficiently reactive to bind to the cysteine groups of proteins. Two cytochrome P450-dependent gefitinib−GSH adducts were detected, and P450 1A1 and 3A4 were found to be the major enzymes responsible for adduct formation. The mechanism of bioactivation is proposed to involve oxidative defluorination of gefitinib to form a reactive quinone-imine. Clinical reports have noted ...
Superconductivity. Is kinky conventional

An explanation for superconductivity in high-temperature, or 'unconventional', materials remains elusive. New experiments may indicate a surprising similarity to their low-temperature counterparts.
Growth of the non-native Pinus nigra in four habitats on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan

Abstract We examined the post-planting success of the non-native Pinus nigra Arnold (Austrian pine) in four habitats in a Lake Michigan sand dune system, into which approximately 26 000 seedlings had been introduced between 1956 and 1972. Growth (height, diameter, and stem volume) of P. nigra on the dunes was compared to that of individuals of similar age in managed plantations and in the native European range. Tree size differed more within than among dune habitats, indicating that the coarse-scale differences in environmental factors among habitats, such as distance from the lake, soil moisture, and wind exposure, account for only some of the variation in growth. Comparisons with native European populations indicate that P. nigra grows as well or better on the dunes of southern Lake Michigan than in its native range. The broad ecological tolerance of P. nigra appears to be a major attribute in its successful establishment in a variety of dune conditions.
Amyloid heart disease: the deathly protein invasion--a personal perspective.

Abstract The gusts of cold wind were harsh as I treaded the wild terrain of despair. As a physician, I carried the torch of hope, a bestowment that conferred immense responsibility. I felt the burden of divine expectation, from the wounded to deftly navigate this unchartered terrain and offer a respite from suffering. Upon entering the battle-zone, I could not fail to notice the despondency in their eyes — and with it a glimmer of hope from the reflection of my torch. As I approached the edge of a steep cliff, I saw him: a meek, astonished, and badly wounded man holding on to his dear life with his last vestige of strength. His desperate, helpless family stood by, with their hands tied and their voices loud with cries for help. A sense of relief dawned on them when they heard my footsteps in the distance. As I stumbled through the terrain, I tried to estimate how long his weak hands could hold on to the edge, and how fast I needed to leap and grab-on and initiate my fight with the demons of death. The fog...
Possibility of a 44 A line component in the diffuse cosmic X-ray flux

Line emission in diffuse cosmic X ray continuum, discussing probable interstellar or intergalactic matter source
What's in the Pipeline? New Immunosuppressive Drugs in Transplantation

In the pipeline, there are a number of novel immunosuppressive drugs in preclinical development or in early clinical trials. The major target of new agents are cell-surface molecules important in immune cell interactions (especially the costimulatory pathway), signaling pathways that activate T cells, T-cell proliferation and trafficking and recruitment of immune cells responsible for rejection. The most promising biologic agents include a humanized anti-CD11a (anti-LFA1), humanized anti-B7.1/B7.2, a second-generation CTLA4Ig (LEA29Y) and a humanized antibody to anti-CD45 RB. Inhibitors of T-cell activation and signaling are still in preclinical development. The most interesting inhibitors of T-cell proliferation include inhibitors of the Janus protein tyrosine kinase, JAK3, and FK778, a leflunomide analog. Chemokines play an important role in rejection by virtue of their critical role as regulator of trafficking and activation of lymphocytes. Early trials of FTY720, a synthetic small molecule with functional homology to sphingosine-1 phosphate leading to lymphocyte sequestration, appear very promising; however, enthusiasm for this drug is mitigated by its potential cardiac side-effects. Antagonists to several chemokine receptors, including CCR1, CXCR3 and CCR5, have been shown to be effective in experimental transplantation and are likely to be considered for clinical development.
Brazilian Immigration to North America

This article is a comparative study of Brazilian immigration to Canada and the United States. Analysis of recently collected data in Toronto Ontario and in a medium-size U.S. community facilitated the examination of the adaptation and adjustment experiences of a new group of immigrants to North America. This article begins with a discussion of the origins of this recent immigrant group and its rapid expansion. Next it focuses on the labor force activities of Brazilian immigrants and compares and contrasts their experiences in the United States and Canada. A final section examines social adaptation in North America by exploring linguistic and cultural dimensions. This article closes with a section on the future aspirations of these immigrants. (EXCERPT)
THE EVOLUTION AND PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN COLOR VISION : INSIGHTS FROM MOLECULAR GENETIC STUDIES OF VISUAL PIGMENTS

The author would like to thank Hui Sun, Clark Riley, and Philip Smallwood for assistance with Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 5 and Samir Deeb, John Mollon, Ed Pugh, and Ted Sharpe for helpful comments on the manuscript.
Speechreading and the synthesis of distorted printed sentences.

The hypothesized relationship between subject performance on a speechreading task and on a task requiring synthesis of distorted orthographic material was examined. Fifty normal hearing college stu...
Improving Thermoelectric Properties of Chemically Synthesized Bi2Te3-Based Nanocrystals by Annealing

The power factors of chemically synthesized Bi2Te3 and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanocrystals (NCs) were improved up to 2.4 and 7.8 μW cm−1 K−2, respectively, which are significantly higher than previously reported values for chemically synthesized Bi2Te3 NCs and even comparable to the recently reported highest power factor of 5 μW cm−1 K−2 for Bi2Te3 NCs consolidated by spark plasma sintering. This improvement was achieved by annealing the NCs under argon protection, and the crystal structures and morphologies of these annealed NCs were characterized via XRD, SEM, and TEM measurements. The temperature-dependent thermoelectric properties of these modified NCs were explored on cold-pressed pellets of NCs. Improvement of the thermoelectric performances of the pellets resulted primarily from an increase in electrical conductivity (σ), while only weakly increasing the lattice thermal conductivity (κL), which was still kept lower than bulk values. Hall carrier concentration studies suggest that the improvement of the elec...
Experimental infection of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) with aerosolized monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in humans results in clinical symptoms very similar to ordinary smallpox. Aerosol is a route of secondary transmission for monkeypox, and a primary route of smallpox transmission in humans. Therefore, an animal model for aerosol exposure to MPXV is needed to test medical countermeasures. To characterize the pathogenesis in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), groups of macaques were exposed to four different doses of aerosolized MPXV. Blood was collected the day before, and every other day after exposure and assessed for complete blood count (CBC), clinical chemistry analysis, and quantitative PCR. Macaques showed mild anorexia, depression, and fever on day 6 post-exposure. Lymphadenopathy, which differentiates monkeypox from smallpox, was observed in exposed macaques around day 6 post-exposure. CBC and clinical chemistries showed abnormalities similar to human monkeypox cases. Whole blood and throat swab viral loads peaked around day 10, and in survivors, gradually decreased until day 28 post-exposure. Survival was not dose dependent. As such, doses of 4×104 PFU, 1×105 PFU, or 1×106 PFU resulted in lethality for 70% of the animals, whereas a dose of 4×105 PFU resulted in 85% lethality. Overall, cynomolgus macaques exposed to aerosolized MPXV develop a clinical disease that resembles that of human monkeypox. These findings provide a strong foundation for the use of aerosolized MPXV exposure of cynomolgus macaques as an animal model to test medical countermeasures against orthopoxviruses.
The geometry of cation radicals: The structure of triphenylamine in the condensed versus the vapor phase

Abstract The geometry of triphenylamine cation radicals is determined by comparison of measured and calculated photoelectron spectra. The centralCN bonds form a planar sp2 configuration with the phenyl twist angle being φ = 80 ± 3° in the vapor phase and φ = 47 ± 5° in condensed thin films.
Calculation of the thermal expansion of metals using the embedded-atom method

The linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the fcc metals Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, and Pt are computed using the semiempirical embedded-atom method to determine the energetics. The results are in good agreement with experiment. The importance of including the equation of state in the determination of the empirical functions is discussed.
Human Cytomegalovirus Inhibits Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression By Disruption of the Jak/Stat Pathway

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that is able to persist for decades in its host. HCMV has evolved protean countermeasures for anti-HCMV cellular immunity that facilitate establishment of persistence. Recently it has been shown that HCMV inhibits interferon γ (IFN-γ)–stimulated MHC class II expression, but the mechanism for this effect is unknown. IFN-γ signal transduction (Jak/Stat pathway) and class II transactivator (CIITA) are required components for IFN-γ–stimulated MHC class II expression. In this study, we demonstrate that both a clinical isolate and a laboratory strain of HCMV inhibit inducible MHC class II expression at the cell surface and at RNA level in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Moreover, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analyses demonstrate that neither CIITA nor interferon regulatory factor 1 are upregulated in infected cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal a defect in IFN-γ signal transduction, which was shown by immunoprecipitation to be associated with a striking decrease in Janus kinase 1 (Jak1) levels. Proteasome inhibitor studies with carboxybenzyl-leucyl-leucyl-leucine vinyl sulfone suggest an HCMV-associated enhancement of Jak1 protein degradation. This is the first report of a mechanism for the HCMV-mediated disruption of inducible MHC class II expression and a direct virus-associated alteration in Janus kinase levels. These findings are yet another example of the diverse mechanisms by which HCMV avoids immunosurveillance and establishes persistence.
Commentary the Corporate University is not an Ivory Tower: Possibilities for Ensuring a Critical Space for Anthropologists

U.S. universities, as well as universities in other advanced capitalist countries, have increasingly come to function as resource bases for corporations, in part as a response to funding cutbacks by state and federal governments and corporate-based foundations. According to Robert Ovetz in "Assailing the Ivory Tower: Student Struggles and the Entrepreneurialization of the University," (Our Generation 24(1):71-95. 1993), "[u]niversities have not simply tightened and transformed their partnerships with business, but have become business themselves through various forms of profit making ventures based on university resources, faculty, and a pool of cheap and unpaid student labour" (p. 71). Universities often buy and sell their stocks on the market to maximize their operating expenses. Furthermore, they are often directly or indirectly involved in business ventures that developed out of campus research activities. Sociologist Stanley Aronowitz notes in The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the Corporate Universi...
Corrosion and mechanical behavior of ion implanted bearing steels for improved fretting behavior

Abstract Ion implantation of AISI 52100 and 1070 steels was conducted in order to improve the corrosion, wear and ultimately the fretting behavior of the steels. Implantations consisted of 1 × 1017 Ta+ cm-2, 3 × 1017 Ti+ cm-2 + 1.5 × 1017 C+ cm-2, and 3.1 × 1017 Ti+ cm-2 + 1.55 × 1017 N+2 cm-2. All implantations were successful in improving the corrosion resistance. On average, the peak anodic current was reduced by over 300 mV, the passivation potential was reduced, and the pitting potential was increased by over 1000 mV in 0.01 M NaCl. Ti + C and Ti + N implantations increased the load-carrying capacity in lubricated scuffing tests by 60% and 40% respectively. Ta produced no improvement in scuffing resistance. Ti + N implantation increased the hardness by 25% over the unimplanted steel and both Ti + C and Ta implantation reduced the surface hardness. Fretting wear was reduced only slightly in the Ta implanted sample and increased in both the Ti + C and Ti + N implanted samples with the latter showing 4–5 times the weight loss as the unimplanted sample. The correlation between fretting and hardness supports a mechanism in which the hard surface layer breaks into fine particles which act as an abrasive under the intense load of the balls.
A β-disordered chain transition in oligo(Tyr-Ala-Glu)☆

Abstract The polytripeptide (Tyr-Ala-Glu)n, n∼-175, has been reported to undergo an α-helix-disordered chain transition in aqueous medium (Ramachandran, J., et al. (1971) Biopolymers, 10, 1829–1851). We find from circular dichroism and infrared spectroscopy that, upon transferring (Tyr-Ala-Glu)9 from aqueous buffer at neutral pH to dioxane-containing media at acidic pH, and in certain other circumstances, a transition from the disordered state to the antiparallel β structure occurs. Molecular weight studies and the independence of the transition from concentration suggest that the β structure is intramolecular. (Tyr-Ala-Glu)4 shows no evidence for the occurrence of any conformational change under similar conditions.
Sensitivity analysis in linear optimum estimation algorithm

Sensitivity of a posteriori statistics with respect to a change in a priori statistics in a minimum variance filter is investigated. Analytical expressions for the sensitivity are derived by means of a Green's function and an auxiliary function.
Winter climate and atmospheric circulation patterns in the Sonoran desert region, USA

The goal of this research is to identify key features of atmospheric circulation that influence winter climate variability in the Sonoran Desert region, and to determine how much variability in climate can be explained by these features. The relationship between winter climate and atmospheric circulation is investigated through the use of circulation indices, which describe the principal features of circulation patterns. A set of six circulation indices was used. Existing indices used include the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and a sea-surface temperature index (SST) from the equatorial Pacific. Derived indices include a modified Pacific North American (PNA) index, a cyclone frequency index, a south-western trough index, and a Pacific-high–south-western low index. Winter climate is described in terms of numbers of rainy days and average maximum temperatures at a network of 40 to 50 climate stations across southern California, Arizona, and western New Mexico. A rotated principal components analysis on the six indices yielded a component containing SOI, SST, and PNA indices and a component containing the cyclone frequency, south-western trough, and Pacific-high– south-western low indices. These two components appear to be defining two types of circulation mechanisms influential to climate; an El Nino– Southern Oscillation and PNA mechanism, and a South-western Low mechanism, although it is likely that the two are not independent. The two components explained up to 63 per cent of the variation in numbers of rainy days and up to 82 per cent of the variation in maximum winter temperatures. These results suggest that there are two main circulation features that influence climate variation in this area, and have important implications for how changes in global- to hemispheric-scale circulation features may influence climate in the Sonoran Desert region. © 1997 by the Royal Meteorological Society. Int. J. Climatol., 17: 859–873 (1997) (No. of Figures: 7. No. of Tables: 4. No. of References: 23.)
Use of the invariance principle for target tracking in active sonar geometries

The propagation of broadband acoustic waves in shallow water channels is a complicated phenomenon that depends critically on the attributes of the water column and bottom structure, and it is characterized by the interference between propagation modes. In the far field, multiple interactions of the acoustic wave with the boundaries of the channel result in signal attenuation and multipath propagation which makes the interpretation of sonar signals difficult. For the passive case, it has been shown that the time-frequency structure resulting from this propagation can be explained with the principle of a waveguide invariant and that this description does not require precise knowledge of the propagation environment. The invariance principle has been successfully applied to the interpretation of passive sonar lofargrams where the signal travels a single path between the source and the receiver, but little work has been done for active sonar applications in which the acoustic wave follows a bistatic path. In this paper, experimental results from the Shallow Water Active Detection/Classification (SWAC) project are presented. Frequency analysis of the acoustic data reveals the presence of striations similar to those found in passive sonar lofargrams and this suggests the existence of a bistatic invariance principle. Physics-based simulations using the measured sound speed profile are also presented and they are in agreement with the observed results. The identification of a bistatic invariance principle for active sonar could lead to the implementation of robust processing methods and simultaneously decrease the complexity of tracking algorithms by adding constraints in the search domain
An APL program for bilinear transformations

An efficient APL [1], [2] computer program is presented for the calculation of the bilinear transformations Z = (S + 1)/(S - 1) or S = (Z + 1)/(Z - 1) using the Q -matrix of Fielder [6]. The program utilizes the extremely efficient matrix manipulation and computational properties afforded by the APL language.
An ESR study of vanadyl(IV) tartrate and methyl-substituted tartrate complexes

Abstract ESR spectra have been determined for nine binuclear, exchange-coupled complexes of vanadyl(IV) with tartrate(4−), monomethyltartrate(4−) and dimethyltartrate(4−) ligands in frozen glasses at 77 K. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters have been obtained from the spectra collected for these triplet state species using an axial symmetry approximation. The fact that the zero-field splitting parameter, D, increases with increasing methyl substitution indicates a corresponding decrease in the metal-metal distance.
In Vitro Model for Testing Novel Implants for Equine Laryngoplasty

Objective— To develop an in vitro laryngeal model to mimic airflow and pressures experienced by horses at maximal exercise with which to test laryngoplasty techniques. Study Design— Randomized complete block. Sample Population— Cadaveric equine larynges (n=10). Methods— Equine larynges were collected at necropsy and a bilateral prosthetic laryngoplasty suture was placed with #5 Fiberwire™ suture to achieve bilateral maximal arytenoid abduction. Each larynx was positioned in a flow chamber and subjected to static flow and dynamic flow cycling at 2 Hz. Tracheal pressure and flow, and pressure within the flow chamber were recorded at a sampling frequency of 500 Hz. Data obtained were compared with the published physiologic values for horses exercising at maximal exercise. Results— Under static flow conditions, the testing system produced inspiratory tracheal pressures (mean±SEM) of −33.0±0.98 mm Hg at a flow of 54.48±1.8 L/s. Pressure in the flow chamber was −8.1±2.2 mm Hg producing a translaryngeal impedance of 0.56±0.15 mm Hg/L/s. Under dynamic conditions, cycling flow and pressure were reproduced at a frequency of 2 Hz, the peak inspiratory (mean±SEM) pharyngeal and tracheal pressures across all larynges were −8.85±2.5 and −35.54±1.6 mm Hg, respectively. Peak inspiratory flow was 51.65±2.3 L/s and impedance was 0.57±0.06 mm Hg/L/s. Conclusions— The model produced inspiratory pressures similar to those in horses at maximal exercise when airflows experienced at exercise were used. Clinical Relevance— This model will allow testing of multiple novel techniques and may facilitate development of improved techniques for prosthetic laryngoplasty.
Isolation and characterization of melanocyte stimulating factors from the pituitary gland of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus.

Abstract 1. 1. Three melanocyte stimulating principles were extracted from the pituitary of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus . 2. 2. The extracts were purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 and by ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex C-25. 3. 3. The specific activities of the substances at all stages of the isolation were determined. 4. 4. The molecular weight of the principles was estimated to be in the lower 2000's. 5. 5. The activity of mullet melanocyte stimulating hormone was found to be blocked by alpha adrenergic blockade but not by beta blockade. 6. 6. One of the MSH active principles is tentatively identified as ACTH.
Headaches and Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a spectrum of clinicopathologic disorders defined by inflammation of systemic and central nervous system (CNS)arteries and veins of differing caliber with variable tissue injury. At the onset of systemic vasculitis, headache can occur in association with constitutional symptoms without imminent danger to the individual. In the advanced stages of systemic vasculitis and in selected other vasculitic disorders, headache should arouse suspicion of CNS involvement and therefore warrant prompt evaluation and treatment to forestall progression and prevent cerebral ischemia and infarction.
Aerodynamic Performance of an Active Flow Control Configuration Using Unstructured-Grid RANS

This research is focused on assessing the value of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methodology for active flow control applications. An experimental flow control database exists for a TAU0015 airfoil, which is a modification of a NACA0015 airfoil. The airfoil has discontinuities at the leading edge due to the implementation of a fluidic actuator and aft of mid chord on the upper surface. This paper documents two- and three-dimensional computational results for the baseline wing configuration (no control) with the experimental results. The two-dimensional results suggest that the mid-chord discontinuity does not effect the aerodynamics of the wing and can be ignored for more efficient computations. The leading-edge discontinuity significantly affects the lift and drag; hence, the integrity of the leading-edge notch discontinuity must be maintained in the computations to achieve a good match with the experimental data. The three-dimensional integrated performance results are in good agreement with the experiments in spite of some convergence and grid resolution issues.
Pallmann Method for Mass Sampling of Soil, Water, or Air Temperatures

Mass sampling of temperature is required in many types of earth science problems. An accurate, precise, and economical technique for mean temperature determination in soil, water or air is afforded by the Pallmann solution method, which relies on the irreversible breakdown of sucrose sugar into the simpler forms, d glucose and d(−) fructose. These sugars are optically active, thus, changes in their concentration result in measurable changes in the optical properties of the solution. Since optical rotation ratios are proportional to chemical concentration ratios, one may determine the reaction velocity coefficient, which in turn depends on temperature according to the van9t Hoff-Arrhenius Law. Thus, if an acidified, buffered sucrose solution is exposed over a known time period and if its optical properties are measured before exposure, at the time of interest and at the end point of the reaction, then the mean temperature to which the solution was exposed during that period can be determined. Sensor analysis is accomplished with apparatus commonly found in a well-equipped organic chemistry laboratory. A highly successful field test of the method, applied to mean soil temperature determination, was conducted in the Mo-hawk River Valley west of Schenectady, New York, during the winter of 1968–1969.
Sex-Based Prevalence of Growth Faltering in an Urban Pediatric Population

Objective To determine the sex-based prevalence of growth faltering in a pediatric primary care setting. Study design A total of 33 476 children attending 4 urban pediatric primary care practices affiliated with a tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2002 and June 2005 were studied. Growth faltering was defined as height z -score by ≥ 1.5 standard deviations (SD) before age 18 months or by ≥ 1 SD thereafter. The growth-faltering and nonfaltering groups were compared in terms of sex, race, age, number of clinic visits, and insurance, and by US census tract, socioeconomic status and parental education. Similar comparisons were made for children with height z -scores below −2.25 SD. Results Growth faltering was present in 3007 of the children studied (9%). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant associations between growth faltering and younger age ( P P P P P P P Conclusions The sex disparity in subspecialty growth center referrals (2:1 male:female) is not due to male predominance in growth faltering among children in the urban primary care setting.
Improving collaboration among medical, nursing and respiratory therapy students through interprofessional simulation

This project involved the implementation of simulation-based scenarios to train students within nursing, respiratory therapy and medical fields in interprofessional practice. Students participated in experiential learning that included active participation in patient care, interprofessional practice on healthcare teams and reflective practice through debriefing and observing. Given the severity of preventable medical errors, healthcare professionals need to take advantage of technological advances like simulation training to ensure patient safety. As evidenced through their evaluations, participants also became aware of and alluded to other team members' areas of expertise, what they brought to the team and began to understand how the team operated collectively. Our study suggests that simulated scenarios can help interprofessional collaboration.
Repetitively Pulsed Nonequilibrium Plasmas for Magnetohydrodynamic Flow Control and Plasma-Assisted Combustion

This paper demonstrates significant potential of the use of high-voltage, nanosecond pulse duration, high pulse repetition rate discharges for aerospace applications. The present results demonstrate key advantages of these discharges: 1) stability at high pressures, high flow Mach numbers, and high-energy loadings by the sustainer discharge, 2) high-energy fractions going to ionization and molecular dissociation, and 3) targeted energy addition capability provided by independent control of the reduced electric field of the direct current sustainer discharge. These unique capabilities make possible the generation of stable, volume-filling, low-temperature plasmas and their use for high-speed flow control, nonthermal flow ignition, and gasdynamic lasers. In particular, the crossed pulsersustainerdischargewasusedformagnetohydrodynamic flowcontrolincoldM � 3 flows,providing firstevidenceof cold supersonic flow deceleration by Lorentz force. The pulsed discharge (without sustainer) was used to produce plasma chemical fuel oxidation, ignition, and flameholding in premixed hydrocarbon–air flows, in a wide range of equivalence ratios and flow velocities and at low plasma temperatures, 150–300 � C. Finally, the pulser-sustainer discharge was used to generate singlet oxygen in an electric discharge excited oxygen–iodine laser. Laser gain and output power are measured in the M � 3 supersonic cavity.
Manual Specimen Retrieval Without a Pneumoperitoneum Preserving Device for Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We present a novel method of kidney retrieval based on a modified Pfannenstiel incision and insertion of the assistant hand into the abdominal cavity without a device for pneumoperitoneum preservation. This maneuver is performed as the last step in pure laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Also, we assessed the effect of this technique on warm ischemia time compared with the standard laparoscopic bag retrieval technique.Materials and Methods: A total of 70 laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies were performed at our institutions between October 1998 and March 2001. The first 43 cases were completed using an EndoCatch bag device (Auto Suture, Norwalk, Connecticut) for specimen retrieval, while the last 27 were done using a novel manual retrieval technique through a modified Pfannenstiel incision. We retrospectively analyzed the results in regard to warm ischemia time and intraoperative complications related to the procedure.Results: A statistically significant difference was noted in the En...
Inducible expression of neuronal glutamate receptor channels in the NT2 human cell line.

Abstract Glutamate receptor (GluR) channels are responsible for a number of fundamental properties of the mammalian central nervous system, including nearly all excitatory synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, and excitotoxin-mediated neuronal death. Although many human and rodent neuroblast cell lines are available, none has been directly shown to express GluR channels. We report here that cells from the human teratocarcinoma line NT2 are induced by retinoic acid to express neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA GluR channels concomitant with their terminal differentiation into neuron-like cells. The molecular and physiologic characteristics of these human GluR channels are nearly identical to those in central nervous system neurons, as demonstrated by PCR and patch clamp recordings, and the cells demonstrate glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.
EXISTENCE OF NONCONTRACTIBLE PERIODIC ORBITS OF HAMILTONIAN SYSTEM SEPARATING TWO LAGRANGIAN TORI ON T T n WITH APPLICATION TO NON CONVEX HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS

In this paper, we show the existence of non contractible pe- riodic orbits in Hamiltonian systems dened on T T n separating two La- grangian tori under certain cone assumption. Our result answers a question of Polterovich in (P) in a sharp way. As an application, we nd periodic orbits
Induction of chick liver xanthine dehydrogenase by purines.

Abstract Previously it has been shown that feeding allopurinol to chicks causes a 2- to 3-fold increase in liver xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and, furthermore, that this increase is due to an increase in the rate of enzyme synthesis. In such chicks it was found that the concentration of hypoxanthine plus xanthine was elevated several fold, and on this basis it was suggested that allopurinol acts by means of substrate-induced synthesis of XDH. Results in the present paper show that feeding adenine induces a doubling in the level of chick liver XDH, an increase in the rate of enzyme synthesis and that, when adenine and allopurinol are fed at the same time, the level of this enzyme can be increased approximately 6-fold. In addition it was found that adenine causes an increase in hypoxanthine plus xanthine concentration in chick liver and that the combination causes an even higher concentration of these substances. Careful examination of the time response of hypoxanthine plus xanthine concentration changes and enzyme activity changes shows that the substrates increase in concentration prior to the increase in enzyme activity. These results suggest that regulation of chick XDH activity involves substrate induction of enzyme synthesis.
Time Inconsistency, Expectations and Technology Adoption: The case of Insecticide Treated Nets

Economists have recently argued that time inconsistency may play a central role in explaining intertemporal behavior, particularly among poor households. However, time-preference parameters are typically not identied in standard dynamic choice models and little is known about the fraction of inconsistent agents in the population. We formulate a dynamic discrete choice model in an unobservedly heterogeneous population of possibly time-inconsistent agents motivated by specically collected information combined with a eld intervention in rural India. We identify and estimate all time-preference
Mechanism of brain tumor headache.

Background Headaches occur commonly in all patients, including those who have brain tumors. Using the search terms “headache and brain tumors,” “intracranial neoplasms and headache,” “facial pain and brain tumors,” “brain neoplasms/pathology,” and “headache/etiology,” we reviewed the literature from the past 78 years on the proposed mechanisms of brain tumor headache, beginning with the work of Penfield. Findings Most of what we know about the mechanisms of brain tumor associated headache come from neurosurgical observations from intra-operative dural and blood vessel stimulation as well as intra-operative observations and anecdotal information about resolution of headache symptoms with various tumor-directed therapies. Conclusion There is an increasing overlap between the primary and secondary headaches and they may actually share a similar biological mechanism. While there can be some criticism that the experimental work with dural and arterial stimulation produced head pain and not actual headache, when considered with the clinical observations about headache type, coupled with improvement after treatment of the primary tumor, we believe that traction on these structures, coupled with increased intracranial pressure, is clearly part of the genesis of brain tumor headache and may also involve peripheral sensitization with neurogenic inflammation as well as a component of central sensitization through trigeminovascular afferents on the meninges and cranial vessels.
Optimal Thermal Design of Forced Convection Heat Sinks-Analytical

For fully developed flow in closed finned channels used to augment heat transfer, there exists an optimal geometrical design of the size and number of cooling channels. In this paper, the problem is generalized with a statement of dimensionless thermal resistance in terms of 9 the number of channels 9 a fin to channel thickness ratio 8 the length to width {planar dimensions) ratio of the heat source, and 9 a specified fin efficiency or fin length 9 a fluid to fin thermal conductivity ratio 9 the Prandtl Number of the coolant 8 a dimensionless pressure term, which incorporates the maximum allowable pressure drop through the cooling channels or alternatively, 9 a dimensionless work rate term, which incorporates the maximum allowable cool­ ant pumping power required, An optimization scheme is described and used for comparison with two previously published cases wherein both designs were restricted to a fixed fin to channel thickness ratio and laminar flow; one by Goldberg (1984) using air and copper and a second one only by Tuckerman and Pease (1981) for water-cooled Silicon wafers. Results from the present optimization scheme show that upon reexamination of the first study by Goldberg, significant reduction of thermal resistance can be obtained by using fin/channel dimensions other than unity. A similar reduction is found in the second instance (Tuckerman and Pease) with the relaxation of the laminar limitation.
Calculation of thermodynamic hydricities and the design of hydride donors for CO2 reduction

We have developed a correlation between experimental and density functional theory-derived results of the hydride-donating power, or “hydricity”, of various ruthenium, rhenium, and organic hydride donors. This approach utilizes the correlation between experimental hydricity values and their corresponding calculated free-energy differences between the hydride donors and their conjugate acceptors in acetonitrile, and leads to an extrapolated value of the absolute free energy of the hydride ion without the necessity to calculate it directly. We then use this correlation to predict, from density functional theory-calculated data, hydricity values of ruthenium and rhenium complexes that incorporate the pbnHH ligand—pbnHH = 1,5-dihydro-2-(2-pyridyl)-benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridine—to model the function of NADPH. These visible light-generated, photocatalytic complexes produced by disproportionation of a protonated-photoreduced dimer of a metal-pbn complex may be valuable for use in reducing CO2 to fuels such as methanol. The excited-state lifetime of photoexcited [Ru(bpy)2(pbnHH)]2+ is found to be about 70 ns, and this excited state can be reductively quenched by triethylamine or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane to produce the one-electron-reduced [Ru(bpy)2(pbnHH)]+ species with half-life exceeding 50 μs, thus opening the door to new opportunities for hydride-transfer reactions leading to CO2 reduction by producing a species with much increased hydricity.
The dark side of green fluorescent protein

Summary • Here, severe interference of chlorophyll with green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence is described for medicago (Medicago truncatula), rice (Oryza sativa) and arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). This interference disrupts the proportional relationship between GFP content and fluorescence that is intrinsic to its use as a quantitative reporter. • The involvement of chlorophyll in the loss of GFP fluorescence with leaf age was shown in vivo, by the removal of chlorophyll through etiolation or by ethanol extraction, and in vitro, by titration of a GFP solution with chlorophyll solutions of various concentrations. • A substantial decrease in fluorescence in early development of medicago and rice leaves correlated with chlorophyll accumulation. In all three species tested, removal of chlorophyll yielded up to a 10-fold increase in fluorescence. Loss of GFP fluorescence in vitro was 4-fold greater for chlorophyll b than for chlorophyll a. • Differences exist between plant species for the discrepancy between apparent GFP fluorescence and its actual level in green tissues. Substantial errors in estimating promoter activity from GFP fluorescence can occur if pigment interference is not considered.
On the properties of capacity regions in multi-user networks

Motivated by work by Yeung (1994) on the convexity of capacity regions for a multi-user channel, we formulate the general properties of the capacity region for any network of users. In particular, in addition to the usual properties of dominance and convexity, we also consider the bit masking property that a message could be sent to a larger number of receivers than necessary. We derive a general inner bound on the capacity region of a multiuser network without feedback using these properties.
Multiphoton effects in the polydiacetylene poly bis(p-toluene sulfonate) of 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol (pts)

Multiphoton absorption was investigated in single crystals of the polymer poly bis(p-toluene sulfonate) of 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol (PTS). Using modified growth and polymerization techniques, high optical quality crystals were grown and their linear absorption spectrum measured. Very large four-photon absorption was measured using Z-scan with a value of α4=0.3 cm5/GW3 obtained at 1600 nm. From the known one and two-photon absorption spectra, the three- and four-photon spectra are predicted to overlap. This leads to three-photon enhanced, four-photon absorption which is interpreted as the mechanism responsible for such large four-photon absorption.