cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraocular pressure after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

The ocular effects of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery were prospectively studied in 46 patients. We examined preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, body weight, fluids infused during surgery, hematocrit, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. On the first postoperative day mean intraocular pressure increased 2.1 mm Hg (P = .003) from baseline preoperative levels. Over the first postoperative day intraocular pressure increased in 29 (63%) of the patients. Three patients (7%) had a greater than 10 mm Hg rise. The mean intraocular pressure returned to baseline by the third postoperative day. Patient weight increased from preoperative levels an average of 9.3 lbs (P
Right Stellate Ganglion Block for Treatment of Hypertension after Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Right stellate ganglion block was performed on 24 patients in whom hypertension developed after cardiopulmonary bypass. Changes in blood pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate were evaluated. Most patients evidenced a decrease in systolic blood pressure (average, 40 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (average, 19 mm Hg). Systemic vascular resistance was measured in 8 patients, and 7 demonstrated a decrease (average reduction, 6.7 resistance units). Changes in cardiac output were variable. Although stellate ganglion block can be safely performed and, in most patients, markedly reduces systolic blood pressure, the results suggest that other hypotensive agents may be more advantageous in the treatment of hypertension subsequent to coronary artery operation.
Modeling reaction control system effects on Mars Odyssey

During the Mars 2001 Odyssey aerobraking mission, NASA Langley Research Center performed 6 degree of freedom (6-DOF) simulations to determine rotational motion of the spacecraft. The main objective of this study was to assess the reaction control system models and their effects on the atmospheric flight of Odyssey. Based on these models, a comparison was made between data derived from flight measurements to simulated rotational motion of the spacecraft during aerobraking at Mars. The differences between the simulation and flight derived Odyssey data were then used to adjust the aerodynamic parameters to achieve a better correlation.
Synthesis and Single-Molecule Imaging of Highly Mobile Adamantane-Wheeled Nanocars

The synthesis and single-molecule imaging of two inherently fluorescent nanocars equipped with adamantane wheels is reported. The nanocars were imaged using 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) as the chromophore, which was rigidly incorporated into the nanocar chassis via Sonogashira cross-coupling chemistry that permitted the synthesis of nanocars having different geometries. In particular, studied here were four- and three-wheeled nanocars with adamantane wheels. It was found that, for the four-wheeled nanocar, the percentage of moving nanocars and the diffusion constant show a significant improvement over p-carborane-wheeled nanocars with the same chassis. The three-wheeled nanocar showed only limited mobility due to its geometry. These results are consistent with a requisite wheel-like rolling motion. We furthermore developed a model that relates the percentage of moving nanocars in single-molecule experiments with the diffusion constant. The excellent agreement between the model and t...
Sticking coefficients of CO, O2 and Xe on the (110) and (100) planes of tungsten

Abstract Sticking coefficients for oxygen, CO and Xe on the (110) and (100) planes of tungsten are presented as functions of absolute coverage, surface and gas temperature. Sticking coefficients for CO are in general higher and show simpler behavior than those for oxygen. Sticking coefficients for all gases studied are higher on (100) than on (110) under comparable conditions. It is concluded that simple Kisliuk models are applicable over much of the temperature range for CO on (110) and (100), but not for oxygen, where adsorption and reflection coefficients on first impact vary with coverage, and surface and gas temperatures in complicated fashion. For Xe, at low surface temperatures sticking coefficients are close to unity and increase with coverage, indicating better energy accomodation on Xe-covered than on clean tungsten.
Heisenberg pentamer: insights into inelastic neutron scattering on magnetic clusters.

Assuming Heisenberg interactions and the symmetric case of a spin $S\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{S}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ pentamer, the energy eigenstates can be determined exactly. With the energies known, the inelastic neutron scattering intensities are then calculated for the special case of a $1\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}1/2$ pentamer. Through an analysis of these results, two main insights are gained. (1) Because of symmetry constraints, not all $\ensuremath{\Delta}{S}_{\mathrm{tot}}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ transitions are accessible by inelastic neutron scattering (INS). This constrains the standard selections rules for magnetic excitations. (2) The INS signatures of magnetic clusters are directly dependent on the state and component that is excited.
A Losing Battle Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Thin-Ideal Images on Dieting and Body Satisfaction

The present study examined prolonged exposure effects of thin-ideal media messages. College-aged females participated in seven online sessions over 10 days including a baseline measures session, five daily measures, and a posttest. Two experimental groups viewed magazine pages with thin-ideal imagery. One of those groups was induced to engage in social comparisons with the thin-ideal models. The control group viewed messages with body-neutral images of women. Prolonged exposure to thin-ideal messages led to greater body satisfaction. This finding was attributed to the fact that the experimental groups reported more dieting behaviors. A mediation analysis showed that the impact of thin-ideal message exposure on body satisfaction was mediated by dieting.
2-(2-aminoethylamino)-5-nitropyridine as a basic matrix for negative-mode matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis of phospholipids

Fast and easy analysis of phospholipids (PLs) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has been well demonstrated. However, when using common organic matrices, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), the detection of most PL classes in positive-ion mode is difficult when PLs containing zwitterionic groups, such as phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins (SMs) are present. To reduce this limitation, 2-(2-aminoethyloamino)-5-nitropyridine (AAN), a basic compound, was evaluated as an alternative matrix. Negative-ion spectra showed enhanced detection of phosphatidyl ethanolamines (PEs), phosphatidyl serines (PSs), phosphatidyl glycerols (PGs), and phosphatidyl inositols (PIs) in simple mixtures and in a crude methanolic soybean extract. The relative ionization efficiency (RIE) was highest for PIs and lowest for PGs, PSs, and PEs. Compared to DHB and para-nitroaniline, AAN resulted in greater sensitivity for the detection of PL classes in the negative mode. Indeed, the S/N ratio was nearly an order of magnitude higher than that reported for similar PI concentrations but with DHB. MALDI spots produced with AAN were homogeneous thus allowing automation and improved reproducibility. Positive-mode traces could also be acquired with AAN as the matrix, but with lower sensitivity than in the negative mode.
THE UROPHYSIS AND THE CAUDAL NEUROSECRETORY SYSTEM OF FISHES

Summary 1. The caudal neurosecretory system is defined in teleosts as a complex of secretory neurones (Dahlgren cells) in the caudal spinal cord leading by a tract to neurohaemal tissue organized as a typical neurosecretory storage-release organ: the urophysis. 2. The teleost urophysis is generally a distinct, easily recognizable, lobate structure of variable external form. Significant morphological variations lie in the organization of the neurosecretory fibres in relation to the vascular bed and in the degree of penetration of the meninx by the neurosecretory fibres to form an organ external to the spinal cord proper. 3. The elasmobranch caudal system is composed of large cells with short axons projecting to a diffuse vascular bed; there is no organized urophysis. 4. The caudal neurosecretory system and its urophysis appear late in post larval development by comparison with the hypothalamic neurosecretory system. The Dahlgren cells originate from the ependyma in development and also during regeneration of the caudal system in adult life. 5.The elasmobranch system may represent the more primitive condition, and stages in the evolution of the advanced urophysial types can be visualized. The particular histology shown by the caudal system appears to have taxonomic significance. 6.The cytology of the Dahlgren cell and its neurosecretory material is described. The proteinaceous neurosecretory material has an affinity for acid stains but not for the Gomori stains or reagents demonstrating SH/SS groups. The inclusions visible at the light-microscope level are aggregates of elementary neurosecretory granules, 800–2500A diameter, which originate from Golgi centres. The possible participation of preterminal axonal regions–and tubular systems evident therein—in the formation of neurosecretory material is considered. 7.The structure of the axon terminals raises questions about the way in which neurohormone may be released into the blood. Small vesicles have been variously interpreted as cholinergic synaptic vesicles and as products of the fragmentation of membranes of elementary neurosecretory granules. Evidence for the release of ‘neuro-secretion centripetally’ into the cerebrospinal fluid also exists. 8.Functional analysis of the caudal neurosecretory system has proven most difficult, The bulk of earlier data and more recent information indicate a role in ionic regulation. Increased sodium uptake by the gills of goldfish has been reported, as a result of administration of urophysial extract, and electrophysiological studies indicate a responsiveness of the system to variations in blood sodium ion concentration. The urophysis also has a definite pressor effect in eels and will stimulate water retention in anurans. The early claim of Enami that the system was involved in buoyancy regulation has never been substantiated. It must be admitted that the function of this system, virtually ubiquitous in teleost and elasmobranch fishes at least, has been anything but established and still represents a major challenge to comparative physiologists.
930-105 Xanthine-Oxidase Inhibition Improves Coronary Endothelium-Mediated Relaxation in Patients with Early Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis impairs endothelium-mediated relaxation (EMR) in the human coronary artery. Endothelial xanthine oxidase (XO) generates superoxide anion, an inactivator of nitric oxide. In the hypercholesterolemic rabbit aorta, endothelial XO-induced superoxide anion production is reduced by oxypurinol, restoring normal EMR. We hypothesized that XO inhibition with allopurinol would improve coronary EMR in patients with atherosclerosis. To assess the effects of XO inhibition on EMR, we studied 18 patients (risk factors + mild atherosclerosis) with serial intracoronary infusions of acetylcholine (ACH) (10 -8 to 10 -6 M) before and after IV allopurinol (150 mg/m 2 over one hour) (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10). All patients received intracoronary infusions of an endothelium-independent dilator ladenosine [2.2 mg/min] or nitroglycerin [40 μg]). A blinded analysis of arterial responses was performed using automated quantitative angiography. In Placebo patients, serial responses to ACH were identical (-19 ± 4%/ - 18 ± 5%, P = ns) (expressed as percent change pre/post placebo). However, in Allopurinol patients, ACH responses were dramatically improved after IV allopurinol (-20 ± 5%/-10 ± 5%, P = 0.01). Allopurinol did not affect resting coronary dimensions. Endotheliumin dependent responses were similar in both groups. Thus, XO inhibition improves coronary artery EMR in patients with coronary risk factors and early atherosclerosis. This suggests that XO-generated superoxide anion, via destruction of nitric oxide, contributes to the impairment of EMR in coronary atherosclerosis.
Photoperiodic and thermal regulation of antifreeze protein levels in the beetle Dendroides canadensis

Abstract The importance of photoperiod, temperature and their interaction in controlling the seasonal pattern of haemolymph antifreeze protein levels in larvae of the beetle Dendroides canadensis was investigated. A complete photoperiodic response curve for antifreeze protein production was generated at 20°C with larvae collected in early fall. Individuals exposed to a 10-h photoperiod or less, including constant darkness, had significantly elevated antifreeze levels over those maintained in an 11-h photoperiod or more, including constant light. The critical daylength resulting in 50% population response lies between LD 11:13 and LD 10:14. This photoperiodic response was masked at sufficiently low (threshold between 15 and 10°C) and high (threshold between 25 and 30°C) temperatures. Partial photoperiodic response curves (at 17 and 25°C) obtained within this specified temperature range indicate that the position of the critical photoperiod (between 10 and 11 h) is stable while the amplitude of the response curve is temperature dependent. Experiments investigating the mechanisms controlling the spring depletion of protein antifreeze levels suggest that both photoperiod and temperature are important. The dominant response of photoperiod in the fall along with the modifying effects of temperature are considered to provide the necessary precision to assure adequate cold tolerance early in the fall and the flexibility to protect the species from yearly variation in weather conditions.
Emerging Methods for the rapid determination of enantiomeric excess

Methods for enantiomeric excess determination using a variety of spectroscopic techniques are summarized. Particular attention is paid to techniques that have promise for application to problems of combinatorial catalyst discovery but have not yet been so employed.
Lateralization of lexical codes in auditory word recognition

Three experiments examined the lateralization of lexical codes in auditory word recognition. In Experiment 1 a word rhyming with a binaurally presented cue word was detected faster when the cue and target were spelled similarly than when they were spelled differently. This orthography effect was larger when the target was presented to the right ear than when it was presented to the left ear. Experiment 2 replicated the interaction between ear of presentation and orthography effect when the cue and target were spoken in different voices. In Experiment 3, subjects made lexical decisions to pairs of stimuli presented to the left or the right ear. Lexical decision times and the amount of facilitation which obtained when the target stimuli were semantically related words did not differ as a function of ear of presentation. The results suggest that the semantic, phonological, and orthographic codes for a word are represented in each hemisphere; however, orthographic and phonological representations are integrated only in the left hemisphere.
Study of Fuel Ratios on the Fusion Reactivity in an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Device Using a Residual Gas Analyzer

Gridded Inertial Electrostatic confinement (IEC) devices are of interest due to their flexibility in burning advanced fuels, their tuning ability of the applied voltage to the reaction cross-section. Although this device is not suitable for power production in its present form, it does have several near term applications. The number of applications of this device increases with increasing fusion reactivity. These devices are simple to operate but are inherently complicated to understand and an effort to incrementally understand the device to improve its operational efficiency is underway at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Of all the parameters under study we are focusing on the effects of flow rate and flow ratio on the fusion reactivity in the present paper. Experiments were conducted to understand the influence of fuel flow ratio on the fusion reactions. The residual gas analyzer (RGA) was used to study the impurity concentration as the flow ratio was changed. It was observed that the higher flow rate resulted in reduced impurity levels and hence an increase in fusion rate. Several different species of gases were detected, some of these molecules formed inside the RGA analyzer. The flow ratio scan revealed that the optimum mixture of D2 with 3He to be D2:3He::1:2 for maximum D–3He fusion rate.
Geocasting with guaranteed delivery in sensor networks

In a geocasting problem, a message is sent from one node to all the nodes located in a designated region. For example, a monitoring center needs to contact all active sensors within a monitored area to either gather data from them periodically or provide its location to sensors covering a certain area for event reporting. Intelligent flooding methods exist for this task when all active sensors belong to the monitored area. However, when a particular area containing only a small subset of active sensors needs to be monitored, the problem reduces to geocasting. Most existing geocasting solutions are shown not to guarantee delivery. We describe three approaches to guarantee delivery. Two of them are face traversal schemes, based on depth-first search of the face tree and traversal of all faces that intersect the border of the geocasting region, respectively. In the entrance zone multicasting-based approach, the monitoring center divides the entrance ring of a geocast region into zones of diameter equal to the transmission radius. The problem is decomposed into multicasting toward the center of each zone, and flooding from these nodes. Improvements to all methods can be made by applying neighbor or area dominating sets and coverage, and converting nodes that are not selected to sleep mode. All solutions that guarantee delivery are reported here for the first time (except a message inefficient version of the face tree traversal scheme).
The sodium-potassium pump in volume expanded hypertension.

Decreased arterial Na+ -K+ pump and cardiac Na+, K-+ ATPase activities have now been demonstrated in several types of experimental volume expanded hypertension. The changes are not secondary to elevated pressure since they also occur in veins and right ventricle where the pressure is not elevated. Decreased arterial Na+ K+ pump activity can be reproduced by acute volume expansion of the normal rat and plasma extracts from this rat suppress pump activity when applied to arteries from another rat. Suppression of Na+ -K+ pump activity in arteries, veins and heart, with ouabain for example, leads to increased contractile activity. Thus the volume expansion, reduced pump activity, and hypertension appear to be causally related through an ouabain-like humoral agent. Certain other evidence suggests that the pump defect extends to the sympathetic nerve endings, thereby reducing the efficiency of neural compensatory mechanisms.
Effects of initial particle size on the tableting properties of L-lysine monohydrochloride dihydrate powder.

Abstract l -lysine monohydrochloride (LMH) dihydrate was crystallized and the resulting powder was sieved to obtain various size fractions. The influence of other factors, such as crystallinity and crystal shape, was minimized by using the same batch of crystals. Compression of smaller particles at low compaction pressures resulted in tablets of greater porosity. The differences in porosity decreased with increasing compaction pressure. At the same compaction pressure, smaller particles formed tablets of greater tensile strength. However, fragmentation of the larger particles tended to equalize the particle size and reduce its influence. The differences were reduced for particles larger than 710 μm. For crystals of all size fractions, tensile strength increased with increasing compaction pressure. The tensile strength increased more rapidly for smaller crystals. Tensile strength decreased exponentially with increasing porosity for all fractions. The dependence of tensile strength on porosity is explained in term of tablet structure. Yield strength, calculated from ‘out-of-die’ Heckel analysis, increased with increasing particle size.
High-Potential Geothermal Energy Resource Areas of Nigeria and Their Geologic and Geophysical Assessment: ABSTRACT

The widespread occurrence of geothermal manifestations in Nigeria is significant because the wide applicability and relative ease of exploitation of geothermal energy is of vital importance to an industrializing nation like Nigeria. There are two known geothermal resource areas (KGRAs) in Nigeria: the Ikogosi Warm Springs of Ondo State and the Wikki Warm Springs of Bauchi State. These surficial effusions result from the circulation of water to great depths through faults in the basement complex rocks of the area. Within sedimentary areas, high geothermal gradient trends are identified in the Lagos subbasin, the Okitipupa ridge, the Auchi-Agbede area of the Benin flank/hinge line, and the Abakaliki anticlinorium. The deeper Cretaceous and Tertiary sequences of the Niger de ta are geopressured geothermal horizons. In the Benue foldbelt, extending from the Abakaliki anticlinorium to the Keana anticline and the Zambuk ridge, several magmatic intrusions emplaced during the Late Cretaceous line the axis of the Benue trough. Positive Bouguer gravity anomalies also parallel this trough and are interpreted to indicate shallow mantle. Parts of this belt and the Ikom, the Jos plateau, Bauchi plateau, and the Adamawa areas, experienced Cenozoic volcanism and magmatism. Geothermal gradients indicate that steam would be encountered at a depth of about 6,000 ft (1,800 m) in the Lagos and Auchi-Agbede areas, and at about 4,250 ft (1,300 m) in the Abakaliki area. A combination of heat-flow measurements and analysis of existing aeromagnetic data would provide a basis for the determination of geothermal gradients in the undrilled resource areas and the determination of depths to Curie isogeotherm (about 570°C, 1,058°F) in the basement complex and the intrusive areas from thermal attenuation of the remanent magnetic field. The separate but preferably combined application of gravity analysis, and electrical, refraction-seismic, electromagnetic, and telluric methods would help in the accurate delineation and evaluation of Nigeria's known and suspect d geothermal resource areas for future detailed investigations and possible exploitation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 450------------
Bubble levitation and translation under single-bubble sonoluminescence conditions

Bubble levitation in an acoustic standing wave is re-examined for conditions relevant to single-bubble sonoluminescence. Unlike a previous examination [Matula et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 1522-1527 (1997)], the stable parameter space [Pa,R0] is accounted for in this realization. Forces such as the added mass force and drag are included, and the results are compared with a simple force balance that equates the Bjerknes force to the buoyancy force. Under normal sonoluminescence conditions, the comparison is quite favorable. A more complete accounting of the forces shows that a stably levitated bubble does undergo periodic translational motion. The asymmetries associated with translational motion are hypothesized to generate instabilities in the spherical shape of the bubble. A reduction in gravity results in reduced translational motion. It is hypothesized that such conditions may lead to increased light output from sonoluminescing bubbles.
Stimulation of area postrema by vasopressin and angiotensin II modulates neuronal activity in the nucleus tractus solitarius

There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that the area postrema (AP) is involved in the central actions of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and angiotensin II (Ang II) on cardiovascular regulation. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that activation of the AP facilitates the response of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurons to tractus stimulation. In the present study, using the perfused rabbit brain slice preparation, we examined the response of NTS neurons when AVP and Ang II were microinjected onto the AP. Spontaneous or solitary tract stimulation-induced neuronal activity was recorded extracellularly from the medial NTS before, during and after AVP or Ang II application. An increase or decrease in activity by more than 30% of the baseline value was considered excitatory or inhibitory. The effects of AVP were studied in 57 NTS cells, 14 of which were spontaneously active and 43 were driven by tract stimulation. Of the cells with evoked activity, 49% were excited, 19% were inhibited, and 32% did not respond. The percentage of cells responding to AVP was similar in spontaneously active cells. The effects of Ang II were tested in 85 cells including 54 with evoked activity and 31 with spontaneous activity. In NTS cells with evoked activity, AP application of Ang II caused inhibition in 37%, excitation in 7%, while 56% did not respond. The proportion of cells responding to Ang II was similar in spontaneously active cells. These results suggest that AVP may act on the AP to increase the excitatory response of NTS neurons while the actions of Ang II result in an inhibitory influence.
Dispersion Characterization of Nanoclay in Molded Epoxy Disks by Combined Image and Electron Microbeam Analysis

The state of nanoclay dispersion in a molded epoxy disk and its effects on the thermo-mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposite are analyzed. A commercially available nanoclay, Cloisite® 25A, is mechanically mixed at 2wt.% with EPON 815C epoxy resin. The epoxy/clay compound is then mixed with EPI-CURE 3282 curing agent by a custom made molding setup and injected into a disk shaped mold cavity. Upon completion of curing, nanoclay dispersion is quantified using Cameca SX50 Electron Microprobe Analyzer (EMPA) on a sample cut along the radius of the composite disk. Dispersion of nanoclay clusters larger than 1.5μm are analyzed by digital image processing of scanning electron micrographs taken radially along the sample, whereas dispersion at smaller scales is quantified by compositional analysis of clay via wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS). Digital images of the microstructure indicate that amount of nanoclay clusters that are larger than 1.5μm remain approximately constant along the radius. However, size analysis of nanoclay clusters revealed that they are broken down into finer clusters along the radius, possibly due to high shear deformation induced through-the-thickness during mold filling. Compositional analysis by WDS signified that approximately 0.4wt.% of the nanoclay is dispersed to particles smaller than 1.5μm which are not visible in micrographs. Tensile and three-point bending tests are conducted on additional samples cut from the molded disks. Except for slight reduction in flexural strength, up to 9.5% increase in tensile strength, stiffness and flexural modulus are observed. Glass transition temperature is determined under oscillatory torsion and observed to increase by 4.5% by the addition of nanoclay.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Comparison of energy partitioning by the reactions of fluorine atoms with hydrogen sulphide, water, hydrogen peroxide, and methane

The infrared chemiluminescence arising from the hydrogen abstraction reactions of fluorine atoms with H2O, H2S, H2O2 and CH4 was investigated at low pressure in a flow apparatus. Emission was found only from the HF product. The relative HF vibrational populations were determined under conditions which minimized vibrational relaxation.
FRET-FLIM microscopy

Visualizing and quantifying protein-protein interactions is a recent trend in biomedical imaging. The current advances in fluorescence microscopy coupled with the development of new fluorescent probes provide the tools to study protein interactions in living specimens. Spectral bleed-through or cross talk is a problem in one- and two-photon microscopy to recognize whether one is observing the sensitized emission or the bleed-through signals. In contrast, FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy) or lifetime measurements are independent of excitation intensity or fluorophore concentration. The combination of FLIM and FRET will provide high spatial (nanometer) and temporal (nanoseconds) resolution when compared to steady state FRET imaging. Importantly, spectral bleed-through is not an issue in FLIM imaging because only the donor fluorophore lifetime is measured. The presence of acceptor molecules within the local environment of the donor that permit energy transfer will influence the fluorescence lifetime of the donor. By measuring the donor lifetime in the presence and the absence of acceptor one can accurately calculate the FRET efficiency and the distance between donor- and acceptor-labeled proteins. Moreover, the FRET-FLIM technique allows monitoring more than one pair of protein interactions in a single living cell.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The presence and function of phosphodiesterase type 5 in the rat myometrium.

Abstract Objective Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a diverse enzyme group with multiple regulatory properties and wide tissue distribution. Such activity includes cyclic adenosine (cAMP) and guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) breakdown. The type 5 isoform (PDE-5, cGMP specific) is the target of specific antagonists (ie, sildenafil, Viagra). We tested the hypothesis that PDE-5 is present in rat myometrium and modulates myometrial activity. Study design Full-thickness uterine wall was collected from nonpregnant (n = 3) and pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats on days 10 (n = 4), 17 (n = 6), 22 nonlabor (n = 5), and 22 during term labor (TL, n = 4). Preterm labor (PTL, n = 3) was induced in some animals on day 16 with 15 mg/kg mifepristone (RU 486). Tissue samples were prepared for Western blotting using a monoclonal antibody against rodent PDE-5. In a second series, cumulative doses of sildenafil (0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) were administered and the effect on uterine contractility recorded in vivo during term (TL, n = 7) and preterm labor (PTL, n = 6). Saline solution–injected rats provided temporal control. Uterine contractility was estimated from intrauterine pressure (IP) measured electronically with a sensor tip pressure catheter. Heart rate was recorded simultaneously using electrodes attached to the chest and connected to the same data acquisition system. Results PDE-5 immunoreactivity was present in the nonpregnant rat uterus and at all gestational times studied, although the expression was unaffected by either pregnancy or the state of labor (preterm or term). A dominant antibody-specific band was identified at 86 kd in the uterine samples, contrasting with lung where the 100-kd PDE-5 isoform was most abundant. Two additional lower molecular weight (55 and 32 kd) bands were also identified as antibody specific. Despite the lack of change in PDE-5 during pregnancy, sildenafil reduced IP during TL and PTL beginning at 0.5 mg/kg. The highest dose of sildenafil reduced IP during both TL and PTL by 45% and 59% of baseline, respectively (two-way analysis of variance, P Conclusion PDE-5 is constitutively present in the rat uterine wall. There was no observed change in the PDE-5 protein expression throughout pregnancy. In contrast to the lung, the uterus expresses an 80-kd PDE-5 isoform. Sildenafil in pharmacologic doses inhibits mechanical uterine activity and might be of benefit if selectively used for treatment of preterm labor.
Skill generalization relevant to robotic neuro-rehabilitation

Upper limb extremity rehabilitation practices are increasingly involving robotic interaction for repetitive practice, and there is increasing skepticism whether such systems can provide the relevant practice that can be generalized (or transferred) to functional activities in the real world. Most importantly, will patients be able to generalize in three critical ways: (1) to unpracticed directions, (2) to unpracticed movement distances, and (3) to unpracticed weight-eliminated conditions? Rather than presuming that patients could generalize in three conditions, this study tested whether there was any evidence of such generalization ability in healthy individuals. We found that there was some evidence in all conditions except for the ability of healthy subjects to generalize to large movements after practicing small. Such results suggest that larger robotic systems are advantageous for training the functional motions that can include large actions.
Hospital-Acquired Infection Underlies Poor Functional Outcome in Patients with Prolonged Length of Stay

Introduction. Prolonged length of stay (pLOS) following ischemic stroke inflates cost, increases risk for hospital-acquired complications, and has been associated with worse prognosis. Methods. Acute ischemic stroke patients admitted between July 2008 and December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed for pLOS, defined as a patient stable for discharge hospitalized for an additional ≥24 hours. Results. Of 274 patients included, 106 (38.7%) had pLOS (median age 65 years, 60.6% female, 69.0% black). Patients with pLOS had higher admission NIHSS than patients without pLOS (9 versus 5, ). A larger proportion of patients with pLOS developed an infection (), and after adjusting for covariates, these patients had greater odds of poor short-term functional outcome (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.17–4.32, ). Adjusting for infection, the odds of patients with pLOS having poor short-term functional outcome were no longer significant (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.83–3.35, ). Conclusions. The contraction of a hospital-acquired infection was a significant predictor of pLOS and a contributor of poor short-term outcome following an ischemic stroke. Whether the cause or the consequence of pLOS, hospital-acquired infections are largely preventable and a target for reducing length of stay.
(+)-Morphine and (−)-morphine stereoselectively attenuate the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition via the naloxone-sensitive sigma receptor in the ventral periaqueductal gray of the rat

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that (+)-morphine and (−)-morphine pretreated spinally for 45 min stereoselectively attenuates the tail-flick inhibition produced by (−)-morphine given spinally in the mouse. The present study is then undertaken to determine if the same phenomenon observed in the mouse spinal cord can also take place in the ventral periaqueductal gray of the rat. Pretreatment with (+)-morphine for 45 min at 0.3 to 3.3 fmol dose-dependently attenuated the tail-flick inhibition produced by (−)-morphine (9 nmol) given into the ventral periaqueductal gray. Likewise, pretreatment with (−)-morphine for 45 min at a higher dose (3–900 pmol), which given alone did not affect the baseline tail-flick latency, also dose-dependently attenuated the tail-flick inhibition produced by (−)-morphine. Thus, (+)-morphine is approximately 270,000-fold more potent than (−)-morphine in attenuating the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition. The attenuation of the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition induced by (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine was dose-dependently reversed by (+)-naloxone (27.5 to 110 pmol) pretreatment for 50 min given into the ventral periaqueductal gray. Pretreatment with the sigma receptor antagonist BD1047 ( N -[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]- N -methyl-2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine dihydrobromide) (11–45 nmol) for 45 min given into the ventral periaqueductal gray also reversed dose-dependently the attenuation of the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition induced by (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine, indicating that the effects are mediated by the activation of the sigma receptors. Since (+)-morphine, (−)-morphine and (+)-naloxone do not have any affinity for the naloxone-inaccessible sigma receptors, we therefore propose that (+)-morphine and (−)-morphine attenuate the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition via the activation of the naloxone-sensitive sigma receptor originally proposed by Tsao and Su [Tsao, L.T., Su, T.P., 1997. Naloxone-sensitive, haloperidol-sensitive, [ 3 H](+)-SKF-1047-binding protein partially purified from rat liver and rat brain membranes: an opioid/sigma receptor. Synapse 25, 117–124.].
Morphology and chemistry of the mandibular gland complex in the primitive termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen) (Isoptera : Hodotermitidae)

Abstract A pair of cephalic exocrine glands are described in the primitive termite Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen) (Isoptera : Hodotermitidae). One of the glands, the accessory mandibular gland, is apparently undescribed and is located ventrally near the mandibular gland. The 2 glands are located on either side of the head and open in a region of intersegmental cuticle between the maxilla and the lateral margins of the head capsule. Together, the 2 glands are termed the mandibular gland complex. The morphology of the 2 glands is described using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The accessory mandibular gland is formed as an invagination of intersegmental cuticle, has the shape of a 3-fingered glove, and empties via a single large pore. The mandibular gland empties via numerous pores into a pore plate which, when folded, becomes a “pocket” or reservoir. Individual accessory mandibular glands were dissected free of intersegmental cuticle and the 2 major components of the secretion of the gland were identified as n -heneicosane and n -tricosane. It is suggested that the secretion of the accessory mandibular gland may function as a recognition pheromone and/or as a spreading agent for the secretion of the mandibular gland.
IDENTIFICATION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AS A PHOTOPRODUCT TOXIC TO HUMAN CELLS IN TISSUE-CULTURE MEDIUM IRRADIATED WITH "DAYLIGHT" FLUORESCENT LIGHT

Hydrogen peroxide, lethal for human cells, is produced in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's tissue culture medium when exposed to “daylight” fluorescent light. Addition of pure H2O2 and use of the enzyme catalase demonstrate that about 40% of the toxicity in irradiated medium is due to generated peroxide. Riboflavin and tryptophan, or riboflavin and tyrosine, are the components necessary for formation of lethal levels of H2O2 during light exposure.
The utility of a dilatation and evacuation procedure in patients with symptoms suggestive of ectopic pregnancy and indeterminate transvaginal ultrasonography.

. Objectives: To ascertain the overall frequency of obtaining chorionic villi (CV) in patients with indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound (US) examinations who have had a dilatation and evacuation (D+E) procedure performed, to determine whether the frequency of obtaining CV is dependent on whether the endometrial cavity is empty at US, and to determine the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy in patients without CV after D+E and with or without an empty endometrial cavity at US. Methods: A retrospective review was made of consecutive ED patients presenting to an urban teaching hospital from August 1991 through August 1997 with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding and a positive beta-human chorionic gonatropin (β-hCG) test. Patients who had a transvaginal US that was read as indeterminate (no extrauterine findings of ectopic pregnancy, and no intrauterine fetal pole or yolk sac) and who had a D+E performed within 48 hours of the ED visit were eligible. US exams were subdivided into two groups, those with empty endometrial cavities and those with endometrial cavities that contained fluid, echogenic material, or sac-like structures. The presence or absence of CV was based on the official pathology report. Patients were excluded if pathology results were not available. Results: A total of 255 patients met eligibility criteria. Of these, pathology results were not available for five patients. Of the remaining patients, 177 of 250 (70.8%: 95% CI = 64.7% to 76.3%) had CV identified in the pathology specimen. The difference in the frequencies of obtaining CV in those with empty endometrial cavities (35/78; 44.9%: 95% CI = 34% to 56%) vs those without empty endometrial cavities (142/172; 82.6%: 95% CI = 76% to 88%) was significant (p < 0.001). Ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed in 17 of 42 (40.0%) with empty uteri at US and no CV at pathology vs 5 of 26 (19.2%) in whom the uterus was not empty and no CV were obtained (p = 0.07). Conclusion: In symptomatic patients with indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound exams, CV will be identified after D+E in approximately 70% of cases. Although CV were found with increased frequency when the endometrial cavity was not empty, still almost half of the patients with empty uteri had villi identified. Finally, although the frequency of ectopic pregnancy was higher in the patients with empty uteri and no CV at D+E, vs those without an empty uterus and no CV, this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Tariff protection in developed and developing countries: a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis

Four political models (the international system, rational domestic economic policy, intragovemmental politics, and interest group influence) may explain the cross-national structure of average nominal levels of tariffs on manufactures. Using available data measuring or approximating the explanatory variables for the time periods 1902 and 1971, selected hypotheses were tested in regression equations. The 1971 tariff levels are best predicted by rational economic policy variables while for 1902, international power variables provide the best predictions of the tariff. In general, the causal forces influencing the cross-national pattern of tariff levels appear to have shifted in the 20th century from those indicating international power to those measuring domestic politico-economic development. These results provide evidence relevant to some of the general propositions about size and development suggested by the contemporary political economy literature. They also lend support to those who argue that a rising level of international interdependence has resulted in long-term changes in the pattern of influences on national public policies.
Attitudes Toward Seat Belt Use and In-Vehicle Technologies for Encouraging Belt Use

Objectives: In-vehicle seat belt reminders and interlocks can encourage belt use, but widespread adoption of these features depends on the degree of acceptance among both belted and unbelted occupants. The current study collected information about attitudes toward belt use and in-vehicle technologies for encouraging belt use. Methods: A national telephone survey of 1218 adult drivers and passengers was conducted using random samples of landline and cell phone numbers. Part-time belt users and nonusers were oversampled. All respondents were asked about frequency of belt use, buckling routines, and support for different types of belt interlocks. Part-time belt users and nonusers were queried in more depth about different types of reminders and reminder strategies. Results: Almost all respondents said that they always use their seat belts (91%). Few said that they did not always (8%) or never (1%) used belts. Driving a short distance (67%), forgetting (60%), and comfort (47%) were common reasons why part-tim...
Regression-quantile graduation of Australian life tables, 1946–1992

Abstract Regression-quantile methods developed since 1978 by Koenker and Bassett and others are being applied increasingly, especially by economists, to a wide variety of problems (e.g., Buchinsky, 1994; Manning et al., 1995). A prominent feature of these methods is the use of absolute deviation rather than squared deviation to measure lack of fit to data. The Schuette method of graduation, which can be seen as a special case of these methods, has not been used very much by actuaries. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the method via some examples, which may offer some insights into its advantages. Recently developed programs allow the graduator to find quickly the graduations for all values of the smoothing parameter, to view them serially as an aid to selecting one or more, and to obtain, in addition to the initial graduations (which are analogous to medians), estimates of the curves of conditional quantiles (e.g., 25th and 75th percentiles).
Ion detection with photonic crystal microcavities

We have experimentally demonstrated a cation and anion sensor by using short linear photonic crystal microcavities with an embedded quantum dot active region. The photonic crystal microcavity covered with an ion-selective polymer forms a submicrometer optical detection system sensitive to small changes of perchlorate anion (ClO4(-)) and calcium cation (Ca2+) concentrations.
Developmental analysis of schedule-induced polydipsia.

Summary.-In a developmental analysis of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP), 8 female, albino rats were exposed to either a FI-60-sec. or a VI-60-sec. reinforcement schedule with 4 Ss in each group. Results indicated that the adventitious reinforcement explanation for SIP is not tenable, since licks did not occur with equal probabi1.t~ in all periods of the interpellet interval during SIP development; lick bursts coming in contact with pellet deliveries were a result rather than a cause of SIP; and SIP developed more slowly on the VI than on the FI schedule. An interesting and unusual phenomenon that has attracted the attention of an increasing number of investigators in recent years is the tendency for an organism to ingest excessive amounts of water when exposed to an intermittent food-reinforcement schedule. In an early experiment, Falk ( 1961 ) reported chat naive rats, which were receiving 45-mg food pellets on a VI-1-min. schedule, drank an average of 92.5 m: of water in a 3-hr. session, whereas the average 24hr. water intake of a rat in the home cage was about 20 to 25 rnl. Falk (1964) labeled the phenomenon "regulatory polydipsia" because it was presumed to occur as a result of a dysfunction of thirst control centers in the central nervous system rather than as a result of some physiological need or organic pathology. Alternative labels for the phenomenon are "schedule-induced polydipsia" (SIP) and "psychogenic polydipsia" because (1) presentation of food on an intermittent schedule of reinforcement is a necessary condition for the occurrence of excessive water-intake and (2) the phenomenon is reversible when the animal is removed from the reinforcement schedule. A preponderance of the research on SIP has been concerned with determining the principles which explain the development and maintenance of polydipsia. Segal and Oden ( 1965 ) proposed that excessive drinking develops as a result of any one or a combination of determinants including emotional pacification akin to compulsive eating in humans; thirst after eating a dry food pellet; adventitious reinforcement as a result of the contiguity of drinking to reinforcement; and timing to help the organism respond efficiently on time-contingent schedules or fill the time between pellets arriving on other intermittent schedules. The research on these determinants has resulted in a controversy between pro
High pressure modification of Mg sub 2 SiO sub 4 crystal structure and crystallochemical and geophysical implications.

Magnesium silicate crystal structure, discussing transformations under high pressure, crystallochemistry and implications for physics of earth mantle