cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of receptor-coupled phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the rat hippocampus after intradentate colchicine

Lesions produced by intradentate hippocampal administration of colchicine have been reported to produce several time-dependent behavioral and neurochemical changes, including a possible change in the signal transduction process for the cholinergic muscarinic receptor. To characterize further the effects of colchicine on receptor-coupled hydrolysis of phosphoinositides, colchicine was injected stereotaxically into the dentate gyrus of rats at a dose of 2.5 micrograms/site. The animals were killed 1, 3, or 12 weeks after injection and the hippocampi removed and sliced. [3H]Inositol was incorporated into slices, and various receptor agonists known to stimulate inositol phosphate (IP) metabolism were studied. Colchicine administration altered agonist-stimulated turnover in the hippocampus in a time-dependent manner. This hyperstimulation was receptor-mediated, because it was blocked by pirenzepine. The hyperstimulation of turnover was observed also with norepinephrine and serotonin. Colchicine had no effect on IP turnover in vitro. The effect of the colchicine lesion was observed only in the hippocampus, because no change in cholinergic muscarinic receptor-stimulated phosphatidylinositol turnover was observed in the cortex. These studies indicate that intradentate administration of colchicine produces a compensatory change in the signal transduction process in the hippocampus detectable 12 weeks after the lesion.
Surface morphology and strain of GaN layers grown using 6H-SiC(0001) substrates with different buffer layers

Abstract The evolution of both the surface morphology and the strain in GaN layers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on either AlN or Al x Ga 1− x N ( x ≈0.15) buffer layers previously deposited on 6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) substrates has been investigated by varying the layer thickness from one GaN bilayer to 4 μ m. The GaN surfaces initially contained pits and undulations; the latter became smoother with continued growth. The growth of a 1–1.5 nm thick and continuous wetting layer and the subsequent formation of islands within the undulations are characteristic of the Stranski–Krastanov growth mode observed for the growth of GaN on AlN. The islands coalesced within the first 10 nm. Instead, a step-flow growth mode was observed for the growth of GaN on AlGaN. Increasing the thickness of the GaN grown on either AlN or AlGaN caused these biaxially stressed layers to gradually change their state of stress from compression to tension with regard to both their average strain and their local strain along the growth direction. The compressive and tensile stress components are attributed to the mismatch in lattice parameters between the GaN and the buffer layer and the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion between GaN and SiC, respectively. A portion of the compressive stress is relieved within the first 20 nm of GaN grown on AlN buffer layer. The relief of the remaining stress follows an exponential dependence on the thickness of the GaN layer with values for the characteristic decay length of 0.24 and 0.64 μ m for the AlN and AlGaN buffer layer, respectively. The relaxation mechanism is discussed in terms of the formation of misfit dislocations via surface undulations.
Phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of water-soluble isolates from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Numerous polyphenolics have been identified in peanuts, but information relating to their storage stability and contributions to total antioxidant capacity are lacking. This study investigated contributors to the antioxidant capacity of six peanut cultivars by means of fractionation from reversed phase C18 cartridges. Five water-soluble peanut isolates were prepared and subsequently stored at 35 °C and evaluated for individual and total polyphenolics, antioxidant capacity, total reducing equivalents, and total amino acids after 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The relative contribution of each isolate to total antioxidant capacity for each cultivar was additive, with the C18 non-retained fraction containing 100% of the p-coumaric acid and 82% of the total amino acids. During storage relatively small changes were observed for antioxidant activity and total reducing equivalents among cultivars and isolates, indicating the lack of oxidative or condensation reactions among the isolated constituents. Results demonstrated the overall stability and diversity of antioxidant polyphenolics found in peanuts, information that advances the marketability of the crop.
The glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia – a possible resolution

The glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia, the aggravation of delayed neuronal damage by preischemic hyperglycemia, is a well-documented phenomenon. Recently, we demonstrated that corticosterone (CT) plasma levels were significantly elevated within 30 min after glucose administration (i.p.) only to return to baseline levels by 120 min. In this study we examined the postulate that preischemic glucose loading aggravates the postischemic outcome via the induction of a short-lived, massive elevation in CT plasma levels. Hence, we tested the ability of the CT synthesis inhibitor metyrapone (MT) and the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, mifepristone (RU486), to attenuate the aggravated delayed neuronal damage in a rat model of cardiac-arrest-induced transient global cerebral ischemia (TGI). Seven different groups of 24-h-fasted rats were used and were administered several treatments prior to TGI that were aimed at either inhibiting CT synthesis (MT, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or at blocking the brain glucocorticoid receptors (RU486, 40 mg/kg, i.p.). Plasma glucose and CT levels were measured 2 min pre-TGI. Neuronal damage was assessed 7 days post-TGI in hippocampal slices using electrophysiological means. Plasma glucose levels were not reduced in MT- or RU486-treated rats. Both MT and RU 486 prevented preischemic hyperglycemia-aggravated ischemic damage, the former presumably via inhibition of CT synthesis, the latter by glucocorticoid receptor antagonism. The present data strongly suggest that preischemic hyperglycemia-aggravated neuronal damage, i.e. the glucose paradox, results from glucose-induced CT release, rather than intensification of lactic acidosis in the ischemic brain.
Modified Method for Thymectomy of the Rat

Summary Thymectomy was performed on 237 rats at various ages. The modified technique for thymectomy of the rat at the age of 19 to 21 days was found to be successful, simple, and virtually free from surgical complications. Zusammenfassung Veranderte Methoden zur Thymektomie bei der Ratte Bei 237 Ratten wurde in verschiedenem Alter eine Thymektomie ausgefuhrt. Die veranderte Technik zur Thymektomie bei der Ratte im Alter von 19 bis 21 Tagen zeigte sich als erfolgreich, einfach und tatsachlich frei von chirurgischen Komplikationen. Resume Une methode de thymectomie modifiee chez le rat On effectua chez 237 rats une thymectomie a des ages differents. La technique modifiee utilisee chez des rats de 19 a 21 jours se montra efficace, simple et exempte de complications chirurgicales. Resumen Tecnica modificada en la timectomia de la rata En 237 ratas se procedio a la timectomia en diversas edades. La tecnica alterada para la timectomia en ratas a la edad comprendida entre 19 y 21 dias se mostro efectiva, sencilla y verdaderamente libre de complicaciones quirurgicas. Summary Thymectomy was performed on 237 rats of various ages. The ideal age for the operation was found to be 19–21 days. Surgery was performed under moderate depth ether anesthesia. The ventral surfaces of the neck and thorax were shaved after swabbing with merthiolate. A 1–2 cm. skin incision was made along the midline in this area, and the sternum was split from the manubrium sterni to the level of the second or third rib. The incision was spread and the thymus dissected out with forceps. The sternum was reunified with 00 gut suture. Skin closure was accomplished with wound clips. The method was found to be simple and the results excellent. Five figures illustrating the procedures are included.
The truth, goodness, and beauty of Darwinism

As a young proponent of “creation science,” I rejected Darwinian biology as false, bad, and ugly. Now I defend Darwinism as true, good, and beautiful. Moreover, I now see Darwinism as compatible with the natural piety that arises as one moves from nature to nature's God.
Durable hydrophobic cotton surfaces prepared using silica nanoparticles and multifunctional silanes

Durable non-fluorine hydrophobic cotton surfaces were obtained by treating woven cotton fabrics using combinations of silica nanoparticles and multifunctional silanes. Both the hydrophobicity and durability of treated cotton surfaces were controlled by selectively adjusting the alkyl chain length of silane hydrophobes and the surface chemistry, surface area, and content of silica nanoparticles. It was found that with an increase in the alkyl chain length of the silane hydrophobes, the hydrophobicity of treated cotton surfaces increased: the maximum surface durability was obtained at an alkyl chain length of 12 carbon atoms. Hydrophilic silica nanoparticles significantly improved the hydrophobicity and durability of treated cotton surfaces, whereas the hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were found to reduce them. The surface area of the silica nanoparticles did not have a significant impact on the cotton fabric hydrophobicity, however, a larger silica surface area resulted in better durability. The highest h...
Multipolar magnetic fields in neutron stars

The small periods and period derivatives of millisecond pulsars permit interesting upper bounds to be placed on the strength of multipole components in their magnetic fields if the loss of rotational energy may be approximated by vacuum electromagnetic radiation formulas. The surface field strength of millisecond pulsars may be as high as about 10 to the 12th G if the dominant multipole component is l not less than 3. Significant multipole moments may help explain the unusual pulse morphology of millisecond pulsars. If the magnetic fields in gamma-ray burst sources (old neutron stars?) have the same evolutionary history as in millisecond pulsars, the about 10 to the 12th G local fields observed in several gamma-ray bursts must be due to multipole moments with l not less than 3.
Chiral transition of N=4 super Yang-Mills theory with flavor on a 3-sphere

We use the AdS/CFT correspondence to perform a numerical study of a phase transition in strongly-coupled large-${N}_{c}$ $\mathcal{N}=4$ Super-Yang-Mills theory on a 3-sphere coupled to a finite number ${N}_{f}$ of massive $\mathcal{N}=2$ hypermultiplets in the fundamental representation of the gauge group. The gravity dual system is a number ${N}_{f}$ of probe D7-branes embedded in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}^{5}$. We draw the phase diagram for this theory in the plane of hypermultiplet mass versus temperature and identify for temperatures above the Hawking-Page deconfinement temperature a first-order phase transition line across which the chiral condensate jumps discontinuously.
Poliovirus 3C protease-mediated degradation of transcriptional activator p53 requires a cellular activity.

Abstract Infection of HeLa cells with poliovirus leads to rapid shut-off of host cell transcription by RNA polymerase II. Previous results have suggested that both the basal transcription factor TBP (TATA-binding protein) and transcription activator proteins such as CREB (cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein) and Oct-1 (the octamer-binding factor) are cleaved by the viral-encoded protease, 3C Pro . Here we demonstrate that the transcriptional activator (and tumor suppressor) p53 is degraded by the viral protease 3C both in vivo and in vitro. Unlike other transcription factors that are directly cleaved by 3C pro , degradation of p53 requires a HeLa cell activity in addition to 3C Pro . The degradation of p53 by 3C Pro does not appear to involve the ubiquitin pathway of protein degradation. Vaccinia virus infection of HeLa cells leads to inactivation of the cellular activity required for 3C Pro -mediated degradation of p53. The vaccinia-encoded protein (CrmA) is known to inhibit caspase I (ICE protease) that converts inactive IL-1β to an active secreted form. Incubation of HeLa cells with caspase I inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk does not interfere with 3C Pro -mediated degradation of p53. The cellular activity present in extracts of HeLa cells can be fractionated through phosphocellulose. A partially purified fraction that elutes at 0.6 M KCl from phosphocellulose contains the activity that degrades p53 in a 3C Pro -dependent manner. These results suggest that both poliovirus-encoded protease 3C Pro and a cellular activity are required for the degradation of p53 observed in cells infected with poliovirus.
Infrared spectrophotometry of OH 231.8 + 4.2 identified with OH 0739-14

Infrared spectrophotometry from 2.1 to 4.1 microns and from 7.7 to 13.3 microns of the peculiar OH maser source OH 231.8 + 4.2 identified with OH 0739-14 is reported. Deep absorption features are found at 3.1 microns and from 8 to 13 microns, and are identified with absorption by cold ices and silicates in the line of sight to the infrared source. The infrared flux is also found to vary. These infrared observations present new difficulties in understanding the nature of the object. Several possibly useful observations of OH 231.8 + 4.2 are suggested.
Thermodynamic description of the relaxation of two-dimensional turbulence using Tsallis statistics

Two-dimensional Euler turbulence and drift turbulence in a pure-electron plasma column have been experimentally observed to relax to metaequilibrium states that do not maximize the Boltzmann entropy, but rather seem to minimize enstrophy. We show that a recent generalization of thermodynamics and statistics due to Tsallis [Phys. Lett. A 195, 329 (1994); J. Stat. Phys. 52, 479 (1988)] is capable of explaining this phenomenon in a natural way. In particular, the maximization of the generalized entropy ${S}_{q}$ with $q=\frac{1}{2}$ for the pure-electron plasma column leads to precisely the same profiles predicted by the restricted minimum enstrophy theory of Huang and Driscoll [Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 2187 (1994)]. These observations make possible the construction of a comprehensive thermodynamic description of two-dimensional turbulence.
Effect of isoproterenol on force transient time course and on stiffness spectra in rabbit papillary muscle in barium contracture.

To determine whether catecholamines produce alterations in myocardialmyosin-actin cycling kinetics, we investigated the effects of isoproterenol upon mechanical characteristics of constantly activated heart muscle thought to reflect crossbridge behavior. In isolated rabbit right ventricular papillary muscles in barium contracture at 24°C, we found that 10 μ m isoproterenol caused: (a) a 23% reduction of the 10 to 90% rise time of slow tension recovery in force transients induced by rapid, small amplitude stretches; and (b) a 23% increase in the frequency of sinusoidal length perturbation at which stiffness amplitude exhibited a minimum. Based upon previous mechanistic interpretations of force transients, and on an analysis developed here to relate crossbridge events to the frequency-dependence of stiffness, we argue that our observations provide evidence that isoproterenol induces an acceleration of crossbridge cycling rate. This raises the intriguing prospect that β-adrenergic stimulation regulates contraction, not only by well-known alterations in calcium metabolism, but also by intrinsic modulation of the force-generating machinery itself.
Recognition and management of pregnant adolescents in the pediatric emergency department

The early initiation of comprehensive prenatal care is essential to avoid the complications associated with the more than one million adolescent pregnancies in the United States each year. Pediatric emergency physicians can play an important role in the initial diagnosis and appropriate referral of pregnant teenagers. However, previous studies have shown that the diagnosis of pregnancy can be difficult. The goals of this study were to characterize the spectrum of presenting complaints and to evaluate the assessment and disposition of pregnant teenagers presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 94 adolescents who presented with 95 pregnancies to our PED over an 18-month period. The mean age was 15.7 years (range 12 to 19 years). Only 8% mentioned pregnancy in their chief complaint at triage, and a concern about pregnancy was revealed by only 36% during the history of present illness. Ten percent denied they were sexually active. The most frequent complaints were gastrointestinal (77%); other complaints were gynecologic, urinary, or nonspecific. A concurrent sexually transmitted disease (32%) or urinary tract infection (31%) was frequently clinically suspected. At disposition, 26% were transported to an general emergency department for urgent obstetric evaluation; others were referred to a primary caregiver (23%) or obstetrician (39%). Pregnant teenagers present to the PED with a wide variety of complaints that may suggest other diagnoses. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose pregnancy in adolescent girls so that appropriate care and referral can be initiated.
Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase: structure, energetics, and catalytic and regulatory mechanisms

STRUCTURE 72 General Description of the Molecule . .. . . . . . ... .... . . ... . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . 72 Effects ofN·Phosphonoacetyl-L-aspartate 74 Effects of CTP 75
Comparative study of an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst performance in stirred tank slurry and fixed-bed reactors

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was studied on a precipitated iron catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor under both supercritical (propane or n-hexane as supercritical fluids; P = 4.1-7.0 MPa) and conventional operating conditions (P = 1.48 MPa), as well as in a stirred tank slurry reactor (STSR) under conventional conditions. Catalyst activity in the supercritical mode of operation was slightly higher than during conventional FTS in the fixed-bed reactor (FBR). This is attributed to higher diffusivities of reactants in supercritical fluids relative to the conventional mode of operation (pores filled with liquid hydrocarbon wax). Catalyst activity was significantly lower in the STSR than in the FBR, due to incomplete reduction of the catalyst in the STSR. Hydrocarbon selectivities in the FBR were similar in both modes of operation. Methane selectivity in the STSR was lower and C 5 + selectivity higher than in the FBR, due to better temperature control in the former and differences in the extent of mixing and 1-olefin readsorption. Total olefin selectivity of high molecular weight olefins was lower and 2-olefin selectivity was higher in the STSR than in the FBR at similar conversions. This indicates that olefin selectivity is not controlled by intraparticle diffusion. It appears that the olefin selectivity in the STSR is largely determined by the residence time of high molecular weight 1-olefins in the liquid phase, 1-olefin solubility dependence on carbon number, and adsorption/desorption phenomena at the catalyst surface.
TWO METHODS FOR INVESTIGATING THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF DIURNAL PRECIPITATION PATTERNS

Two alternative approaches for the depiction of the geographic distribution of diurnal precipitation patterns are presented. The standard deviation method results in a plot of significant peak precipitation hours for several locations along a transect. The correlation fields approach allows researchers to visualize geographic patterns significantly associated with a given diurnal precipitation distribution. These techniques may be applied to reveal changes in diurnal patterns over both space and time.
Elastic wavefield separation for VTI media

The separation of wave modes from isotropic elastic wavefields is typically done using Helmholtz decomposition. However, Helmholtz decomposition using conventional divergence and curl operators in anisotropic media does not give satisfactory results and leaves the different wave modes only partially separated. The separation of anisotropic wavefields requires the use of more sophisticated operators which depend on local material parameters. We construct operators for anisotropic wavefield separation based on the polarization vectors evaluated at each point of the medium by solving the Christoffel equation using local medium parameters. These polarization vectors can be represented in the space domain as localized convolutional operators, which resemble conventional derivative operators. The spatially-variable “pseudo ” derivative operators perform well in heterogeneous VTI media even at places where the media are changing rapidly. Synthetic results indicate that the operators can be used to separate wavefields for VTI media with arbitrary degree of anisotropy. This methodology is applicable for elastic reverse time migration (RTM) in heterogeneous anisotropic media.
Severity of health conditions identified in a pediatric cancer survivor program.

Background The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 (CTCAE) was designed for reporting acute and late effects of cancer treatment. To date, no study of pediatric-aged cancer survivors has graded health conditions using CTCAE, for patients in active follow-up in a cancer survivor program. Procedure Medical records were reviewed on 519 survivors of non-central nervous system childhood malignancies seen in the Cancer Survivor Program between January 1, 2001 and December 15, 2005. Health problems identified through histories, physicals, and recommended evaluation using the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer were graded using the CTCAE. Results Overall, 1,625 adverse health conditions were reported or detected in 519 pediatric-age cancer survivors (mean age at diagnosis 4.8 years; mean age at first survivor visit 12.1 years). The majority of conditions were mild (47.4% Grade 1) or moderate (35.2% Grade 2); however, 17.4% of conditions were severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening/disabling (Grade 4). Only 12.1% of survivors had no adverse condition, and 36.2% of survivors had a Grade 3 or 4 condition. In a Cox multivariate analysis risk factors for a Grade 3 or 4 condition included minority race, diagnosis of other malignancy, older age, and a history of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Conclusions The majority of adverse health conditions in pediatric-aged cancer survivors are mild; however, a significant percentage will have a serious condition. Long-term follow-up with a multidisciplinary approach is essential to detect and intervene in health problems early. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:976–982 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Using the dorsal, cavernosal, and external pudendal arteries for penile transplantation: technical considerations and perfusion territories

Background Penile transplantation may provide improved outcomes compared with autogenous phalloplastic reconstruction. The optimal approach to vascularizing penile allografts is unknown. In penile replantation, typically only the dorsal arteries are repaired, but using the cavernosal and external pudendal arteries may improve erectile function and shaft skin perfusion, respectively. The authors sought to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using the dorsal, cavernosal, and external pudendal vessels for penile transplantation and to assess differences in their perfusion territories. Methods Cadaveric penile transplantation was performed. Different colored dyes were injected at physiologic pressure into the dorsal, cavernosal, and external pudendal arteries, and tissue perfusion territories were assessed visually. Results Cavernosal artery exposure and repair required minimal dissection of the corpora cavernosa; extra length taken from the donor compensated for resultant shortening of the proximal shaft stump. The external pudendal system was easily accessed in the groin. Dye injected into the cavernosal artery strongly perfused the corpora cavernosa, with minimal communication to skin. The dorsal artery principally perfused the glans and corpus spongiosum. The external pudendal artery perfused the shaft and surrounding skin. Conclusions Anastomosing the cavernosal arteries may augment corporal inflow, which is necessary for erection. Although the dorsal arteries are critical for distal penile skin perfusion, the external pudendal artery should be used in proximal transplantation to ensure adequate shaft skin perfusion. Each of these arteries has a distinct and seemingly important perfusion territory that should be considered in the setting of penile transplantation.
Cognitive Radio Network for the Smart Grid: Experimental System Architecture, Control Algorithms, Security, and Microgrid Testbed

This paper systematically investigates the novel idea of applying the next generation wireless technology, cognitive radio network, for the smart grid. In particular, system architecture, algorithms, and hardware testbed are studied. A microgrid testbed supporting both power flow and information flow is also proposed. Control strategies and security considerations are discussed. Furthermore, the concept of independent component analysis (ICA) in combination with the robust principal component analysis (PCA) technique is employed to recover data from the simultaneous smart meter wireless transmissions in the presence of strong wideband interference. The performance illustrates the gain of bringing the state of the art mathematics to smart grid.
Detecting nonlinear dynamics of functional connectivity

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique that is sensitive to correlates of neuronal activity. The application of fMRI to measure functional connectivity of related brain regions across hemispheres (e.g. left and right motor cortices) has great potential for revealing fundamental physiological brain processes. Primarily, functional connectivity has been characterized by linear correlations in resting-state data, which may not provide a complete description of its temporal properties. In this work, we broaden the measure of functional connectivity to study not only linear correlations, but also those arising from deterministic, non-linear dynamics. Here the delta-epsilon approach is extended and applied to fMRI time series. The method of delays is used to reconstruct the joint system defined by a reference pixel and a candidate pixel. The crux of this technique relies on determining whether the candidate pixel provides additional information concerning the time evolution of the reference. As in many correlation-based connectivity studies, we fix the reference pixel. Every brain location is then used as a candidate pixel to estimate the spatial pattern of deterministic coupling with the reference. Our results indicate that measured connectivity is often emphasized in the motor cortex contra-lateral to the reference pixel, demonstrating the suitability of this approach for functional connectivity studies. In addition, discrepancies with traditional correlation analysis provide initial evidence for non-linear dynamical properties of resting-state fMRI data. Consequently, the non-linear characterization provided from our approach may provide a more complete description of the underlying physiology and brain function measured by this type of data.
Short-term inhibition of prolactin secretion by naloxone treatment in the pregnant gilt*

Abstract The involvement of endogenous opioids in modulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion during pregnancy in the pig was studied. Twenty-four crossbred pregnant gilts (150 ± 10 kg) were cannulated via the cephalic vein 24–48 h before treatment with 1 mg kg −1 body weight of naloxone (NAL) or 3 ml of saline (CONT) i.v. at Day 40 (NAL, n = 6; CONT, n = 6) or Day 70 (NAL, n = 6; CONT, n = 6) of pregnancy. Blood plasma was collected at 15 min intervals from 1 h before to 3 h after treatment with NAL or saline. At Day 40 of pregnancy, administration of NAL caused a decrease in mean plasma PRL concentrations at 60 min, 120 min and 180 min post-treatment (NAL, 19.1 ± 1.3 ng ml −1 , P −1 , P −1 , P −1 , 21.6 ± 0.6 ng ml −1 and 22.4 ± 0.5 ng ml −1 , respectively). Mean plasma estradiol concentration was higher ( P P −1 , 16.2 ± 1.5 ng ml −1 and 14.8 ± 0.4 ng ml −1 , respectively) compared with the CONT group (33.4 ± 1.7 ng ml −1 , 34.1 ± 1.3 ng ml −1 and 29.1 ± 0.9 ng ml −1 , respectively). Estradiol concentrations were not different ( P > 0.05) between groups in this stage of gestation. Mean concentrations of progesterone were similar during the pre- and post-treatment periods in both stages of pregnancy. These data would suggest a possible role of the opioids in modulation of PRL secretion at these stages of pregnancy in the pig.
Analytical formulae for the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption coefficient

Simple analytical expressions for calculating the electron-ion, free-free Gaunt factor for high electron temperatures (>or=1eV/k) and long wavelengths (>or=0.1 mu m) are presented. The values of the Gaunt factor are displayed in a graphical form for wavelengths in the range 0.1-100 mu m.
Flexural and fatigue strengths of denture base resin

Statement of problem Mechanical properties of denture acrylic resins are important for the clinical success of multiple types of prostheses. Acrylic resins must be strong and resilient so as to withstand impact. Few studies utilize cyclic loads to characterize material response to repeated stress. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate static and dynamic flexure properties of a variety of acrylic resins utilized in the fabrication of prostheses: (1) heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), powder-liquid type, and (2) a newly introduced, visible light-polymerized urethane dimethacrylate dough type. Material and methods Twenty rectangular bars each of 4 PMMA acrylic resin materials (Diamond D, Fricke HI-I, Lucitone 199, Nature-Cryl Hi-Plus) and 1 urethane dimethacrylate (Eclipse) were fabricated and stored in 100% humidity for 30 days. Half of the specimens for each group were submitted to a static 3-point flexure test. The other half was submitted to cycling loading at 5 Hz for 10 4 cycles. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and 2-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey HSD or Bonferroni post hoc tests when necessary (α=.05). Results Mean static flexure strength (SDs) in MPa were: Eclipse, 127.11 (5.83); Diamond D, 84.92 (5.10); Lucitone 199, 83.96 (11.96); HI-I, 79.54 (5.84); and Nature-Cryl Hi-Plus, 75.82 (6.96). Mean flexural strengths (SDs) in MPa postcycling were: Eclipse, 113.36 (31.29); Diamond D, 88.26 (5.46); Nature-Cryl Hi-Plus, 81.86 (4.93); HI-I, 79.18 (6.60); and Lucitone 199, 74.34 (4.95). Conclusions The visible light-polymerized urethane dimethacrylate resin (Eclipse) showed greater flexure strength than all PMMA heat-polymerized resins for both static and cycled groups ( P
The Mössbauer effect in109Ag revisited

The 40-sec, 88-keV, first-excited state of109Ag provides a difficult case for the observation of the Mossbauer effect. The major difficulty is associated with the long lifetime which corresponds to a natural linewidth of only 10−17 eV. Our results indicate a 0.2% Mossbauer effect.
Immunologic consequences of feeding infants with cow milk and soy products.

. Various products and regimens proposed for feeding infants when the mother's milk is not available have been evaluated intensively for capacity to achieve optimal nutrition. The immunologic consequences of feeding the foreign proteins contained in the various products have received much less attention and no systematic investigations have been done for comparable immunologic evaluation. Sera obtained at intervals from normal infants fed cow milk and soybean products from birth in different regimens were analyzed for antibodies to five major milk proteins and a soy protein isolate. Antibody levels increased slowly during the first 4 months, reaching a peak about 6 months of age. In infants fed cow milk products or a soy product from birth to 112 days of age and then given various cow milk products the following antibody responses were observed: The level of serum antibodies attained was highest with pasteurized cow milk and lower with heat-treated cow milk or a milk base formula of lower protein content. Feeding a soy product from birth for 112 days did not prevent a brisk antibody response to cow milk introduced subsequently, comparable to or greater than the antibody response seen when cow milk products were fed from birth. Clinically no immunologic disorders were detected in association with antibody responses to the various products and regimens. The implications of the findings for infant feeding and immunologic disorders are discussed.
Integration of workstation, job, and team structure design in complex human-machine systems: A framework

Abstract The common causes of failures of complex technological systems (e.g., nuclear power and chemical processing plants; modern w weapon systems) are analyzed. It is demonstrated that in addition to independent and isolated problems at the individual subsystem levels — workstation (interface), job (task) and team (organizational) structure — there is a serious lack and need for a coherent framework to coordinate these subsystems' formation, as well as their integration, in the context of the total system design. It is proposed and demonstrated that the skill, rule, and knowledge (SRK) model, developed by Rasmussen (1983), is a high-potential and powerful conceptual framework that could be utilized for the integration of workstation, job, and team (organizational) design in the complex human-machine systems.
Electron-Microscopic Study of Silver Iodide as Contact or Sublimation Nuclei

Abstract Experiments of ice nucleation by silver iodide were conducted in a cold chamber at various temperatures. The seeded ice crystals were replicated and an examination of the position of AgI nuclei in individual ice crystals was made using an electron microscope. The mechanism of ice nucleation is discussed.
FINITE ELEMENT SOLUTION OF NON-FOURIER THERMAL WAVE PROBLEMS

A finite-element computational methodology is presented for the solution of transient non-Fourier heat conduction equations that describe the thermal wave propagation during the processing of thin films by ultrashort pulsing lasers. These problems are of hyperbolic type and possess both diffusion and wavelike behaviors. The problems are formulated within the framework of the Galerkin weighted residuals, and the Newmark time-stepping algorithm is used to carry out the time integration. The computer algorithm is validated using the analytical solution for 1-D thermal wave equations. Numerical simulations are made for 2-D and 3-D thermal wave propagations in single-phase media exposed to laser pulses. Incorporation of the method into the existing finite-element codes for structure analysis and/or for thermal fluids analysis is also discussed.
Evaluation of head and neck motion with the hemispherical shell method

Abstract This paper presents the development of a simple method for the measurement of head motion for patients with neck injuries. The patients with neck injuries pose unique problems and the existing methods mostly using goniometers are not suitable for their evaluation in a clinical setting. The presented method involves the use of a hemispherical shell mounted with the help of a frame over the head of the patient. Two light sources are mounted on the patient's head and the readings are taken from circular scales marked on the outer shell surface. Equations are developed to convert these readings into the ranges of head motion. The results obtained with the presented method for normal adults are compared with the results from the previous methods. The data for the patients with neck injuries will be useful in the individualized design of instruments such as headstick operated keyboards, computers or keyboard-like devices. Relevance to industry For the industrial employment of patients with neck injuries, an accurate evaluation of their abilities is important, particularly when job modifications are needed so that they can be viable employees in industry. The head motion obtained with this new method for patients with neck injuries will be useful in the individualized design of instruments such as headstick operated keyboards, computer interfaces, communication devices or keyboard-like devices. The proposed method is simple, inexpensive, reasonably accurate and can be used in a clinical setting.
Regulation of Notch and Wingless signalling by phyllopod, a transcriptional target of the EGFR pathway

Spatial and temporal control of Notch and Wingless (Wg) pathways during development is regulated at multiple levels. Here, we present an analysis of Phyllopod as a coordinated regulator of these two critical signal transduction pathways. Phyl specifically helps traffic Notch and Wg pathway components within early endocytic vesicles, thereby controlling the amount of processed signal available for causing a transcriptional response within the nucleus. In Drosophila, the EGFR pathway transcriptionally activates phyl whose product then blocks Notch and Wg signalling pathways. This provides a mechanistic basis for an antagonistic relationship between receptor tyrosine kinase and Notch/Wg pathways during development. Furthermore, this study identifies a Phyl-regulated class of endosomal vesicles that specifically include components of Notch and Wg signalling.
Constraints of knowing or constraints of growing? : Fishing and collecting by the children of mer.

Recent theoretical models suggest that the difference between human and nonhuman primate life-history patterns may be due to a reliance on complex foraging strategies requiring extensive learning. These models predict that children should reach adult levels of efficiency faster when foraging is cognitively simple. We test this prediction with data on Meriam fishing, spearfishing, and shellfishing efficiency. For fishing and spearfishing, which are cognitively difficult, we can find no significant amount of variability in return rates because of experiential factors correlated with age. However, for shellfish collecting, which is relatively easy to learn, there are strong age-related effects on efficiency. Children reach adult efficiency more quickly in fishing as compared to shellfish collecting, probably owing to the size and strength constraints of the latter.
An Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Membrane Complex Composed of SPFH1 and SPFH2 Mediates the ER-associated Degradation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors

How endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins that are substrates for the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway are recognized for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation is largely unresolved. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) form tetrameric calcium channels in ER membranes, whose primary role is to control the release of ER calcium stores, but whose levels are also regulated, in an activation-dependent manner, by the ERAD pathway. Here we report that the ER membrane protein SPFH1 and its homolog SPFH2 form a heteromeric ∼2 MDa complex that binds to IP3R tetramers immediately after their activation and is required for their processing. The complex is ring-shaped (diameter ∼250A), and RNA interference-mediated depletion of SPFH1 and SPFH2 blocks IP3R polyubiquitination and degradation. We propose that this novel SPFH1/2 complex is a recognition factor that targets IP3Rs and perhaps other substrates for ERAD.
The interaction of insecticide synergists with nonenzymatic model oxidation systems

Abstract Insecticide synergists such as the 1,3-benzodioxoles, the 1,2,3-benzothiadiazoles and the phenyl-2-propynyl ethers inhibit the epoxidation of aldrin to dieldrin by a modified Fenton's reagent (H 2 O 2 , Fe 2+ , EDTA and bovine serum albumin). Inhibition appears to result from the ability of the synergists to compete with aldrin for the OH· radicals generated by the system, and as a result of this interaction the synergists are themselves chemically modified. In the case of the 1,3-benzodioxoles the reaction results in the formation of the corresponding catechols and the rate at which this occurs correlates favorably with the ability of the synergist to inhibit aldrin epoxidation in the system. Although a number of nonenzymatic systems generating radical species other than OH· are also capable of aldrin epoxidation, these are not affected by the presence of insecticide synergists and the synergists are not themselves modified by these systems. The possible relevance of these results to the mode of action of synergists is discussed.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection in kidney transplant recipients.

Background We sought to describe the epidemiology and risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010.
An Alternate Approach to Indicator Development

In the previous paper Professor Malizia develops two tests “correspondedness” and “correctness” and uses them for comparing two sets of indicators. He seeks an “evaluation methodology which is 'objective' in that it does not depend upon the attitudes of managers or public officials.” Here, a different approach to the problem of evaluating or designing indicators is suggested. Rather than attempting to design multi-purpose indicators, one might deliberately seek to match indicator specifications systematically to the requirements of different managers and public officials. The crucial technical refinements of data definition and measurement precision can then be undertaken in the context of a knowledge of the eventual usage of the indicators being developed.
The invisibility of the world

Running back then, we can collect a few salient facts about the Invisible World: 1) While things in it are visible, the World itself upon which they are conditioned is not and can not be in principle. 2) Among things in the world, contingency or surprize is a central feature, making possible both the content of perception and the possibility of action, and is in effect some sort of synonym for life. The contingency means both the nondeducibility of what happens as well as the dependence of each thing upon the others in varying degrees of relevance. 3) The World of events and things, certainly ourselves, is composed of singulars, unrepeatable and unique occurrences or things; singularity also derives from the World Itself, the invisible singular condition of Fact. 4) Within the world, each thing appears within a horizon, a last limit of visibility for us wherever we are, but that horizon is itself movable as we move our existential point of view. Beyond one horizon there are other things not too unlike ontologically the ones we see, and so emerges what Jaspers calls a ‘horizon of horizons.’ In short, we remeet that famous ‘etc.’ almost invariably bound up with what the world of things is for us. This ‘horizon of horizons’ itself derives from another aspect of the World as Invisible: its absolute self-enclosed infinity. How else could such an absolute cause or condition express itself seriatim except through endlessness? 5) The last feature we noted was the fracture within the world of things: to wit, that while complete in one sense, in another our world is far from constituting a whole. We are there, too, and are not members of it no matter how much some would like to be so.
Trauma research ascendancy.

ONCE DISMISSED by a renowned (nonsurgical) researcher as an oxymoronic term, trauma research may be on the ascendancy as a result of two recent initiatives: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Trauma Research Task Force and the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Trauma Care Information Management System. Although it has taken many years to develop, successful implementation of these initiatives is pivotal to the future of the many facets of trauma research, and their outcomes could substantially change the impetus of trauma research and broaden its scope in the very near future. BACKGROUND The 1966 report 1 by the National Research Council identified injury as the neglected disease of modern society. Specifically, the report stated that although injury in the United States caused more years of lost productivity and cost more per year than any other disease, research on injury prevention, epidemiology, acute care, and rehabilitation was sadly lacking. The
A statistical screening procedure for goal programming algorithm selection

Abstract Many of the linear goal programming algorithms that are available today are based on a simplex type solution method that begins with an initial simplex tableau whose solution set variables (i.e. basic variables) consist of all negative deviational variables or all positive deviational variables. Prior research has shown that computational solution effort can be reduced if the appropriate all negative or all positive deviational variable algorithm is selected. This paper presents a practical statistical screening procedure that can be used in conjunction with previously published selection criteria to reduce computational effort by selecting the appropriate algorithm for all types of applied goal programming models. Results of the study reveal the accuracy of the statistical screening procedure when it is applied to a large sample of goal programming problems.
Renal manifestations of a mutation in the uromodulin (Tamm Horsfall protein) gene.

Abstract Background: Uromodulin (Tamm Horsfall glycoprotein) is the most abundant protein found in normal human urine. Its function has yet to be determined. Identifying mutations in the uromodulin gene may be helpful in understanding the function of uromodulin. There has been 1 report of 4 families suffering from mutations in the uromodulin gene, resulting in the autosomal dominant transmission of hypouricosuric hyperuricemia and chronic renal failure. This case report describes another family with similar clinical manifestations. Methods: A family was identified with clinical characteristics of hypouricosuric hyperuricemia and renal failure occurring in a mother and daughter. Clinical characteristics were identified, and laboratory studies were obtained in the proband and the proband's daughter. A genetic analysis was performed to evaluate for mutations in the uromodulin gene. Results: The proband suffered from hyperuricemia at an early age and progressive renal failure with end-stage renal disease developing at age 49 years. The proband's daughter suffered from hyperuricemia, a reduced fractional excretion of uric acid, and mild renal insufficiency. A g.2105G > A mutation in exon 4 of the uromodulin gene resulting in a substitution of tyrosine for cysteine was identified in both the proband and the proband's daughter. The clinical characteristics were similar to those of other patients suffering from uromodulin mutations and to those of patients suffering from medullary cystic kidney disease type 2 and familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy. Conclusion: Uromodulin associated kidney disease results in hyperuricemia and renal failure. The specific uromodulin mutation found in this family is consistent with the hypothesis that mutations disrupt highly conserved cysteine residues in the uromodulin protein. Potential mechanisms for these pathologic changes are discussed. The authors would appreciate referral of other families for screening for mutations.
Repair of severe muscle belly lacerations using a tendon graft

Fourteen patients with 58 severe forearm muscle belly lacerations had muscle repair using tendon grafts. At mean follow-up of 14 months, results of manual muscle testing (N = 58) were: grade 5, 42%, grade 4, 14%, grade 3, 9%, grade 2, 9%, grade 1, 12%, and grade 0, 15%. Mean grip strength of the injured extremity, in pounds per square inch, was 33.5 compared with 83.4 on the noninjured side. Tendon excursion and joint mobility were maintained, and there were no postoperative complications. Tendon grafting of severe muscle lacerations is an effective method to overcome extensive defects.