cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of renal inflammation with vitamins A and E in ascending pyelonephritis in rats.

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated the effects of vitamin A and E supplementation alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the development of inflammation in an animal model of ascending pyelonephritis.Materials and Methods: Ascending pyelonephritis was induced in adult rats by surgical bladder inoculation with P-pili-forming Escherichia coli. Treatment of pyelonephritic rats was initiated at 72 hours post-infection. Treatment groups included no treatment, or a five day regimen of antibiotic only, antibiotic plus vitamins A and E, or antibiotic, vitamins and either of two NSAIDs. Kidneys were harvested at six weeks post-infection and assessed for histopathologic inflammation.Results: Antibiotic treatment of pyelonephritic rats with vitamins A and E alone or in combination with NSAIDs resulted in significantly less kidney inflammation, as compared with untreated rats or rats treated with antibiotic alone. There was no significant difference in inflammation between animals t...
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage are major contributors to neuronal loss. Free radicals, typically generated from mitochondrial respiration, cause oxidative damage of nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Despite enormous amount of effort, however, the mechanism by which oxidative damage causes neuronal death is not well understood. Emerging data from a number of neurodegenerative diseases suggest that there may be common features of toxicity that are related to oxidative damage. In this review, while focusing on Huntington's disease (HD), we discuss similarities among HD, Friedreich ataxia and xeroderma pigmentosum, which provide insight into shared mechanisms of neuronal death.
Altered development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in P-glycoprotein-deficient mice.

Abstract Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) that reside in the intestinal epithelium are known to exhibit phenotypic and functional characteristics that are distinct from other T cells. We have recently shown that peripheral T cells exclusively express an isoform of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by the mdr1a gene, but do not require mdr1a expression for normal proliferative, cytokine, or cytotoxic responses. In the present study, we have used mdr1-type knockout (KO) mice to demonstrate that IEL also utilize mdr1a, but only preferentially, in that the mdr1b isoform can be expressed in the absence of mdr1a expression. We also report that a high level of P-gp activity appears to be necessary for the normal development of certain IEL subpopulations. In specific, while the total number of IEL was relatively unaffected by the absence of mdr1a expression, the proportions of CD8αβ and TCRαβ+ IEL increased significantly in mdr1a and mdr1a/b KO mice at the expense of CD8αα and TCRγδ+ IEL, respectively. Moreover, these subset alterations also appeared to have functional consequences, in that proliferative, IL-2, and IFN-γ responses of IEL from KO mice were distinct from those of normal IEL. In summary, our data suggest that mdr1a expression is required for the development of certain IEL subpopulations, most notably TCRγδ+ cells, and thereby indirectly influences the balance of T cell subsets in the intestinal epithelium.
Characteristics of a satellite-like virus of tobacco ringspot virus

Abstract A heterogeneous population of viral particles (SL-TRSV), some of which sediments almost as fast (122 S) as the bottom component (126 S) of tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV), was discovered as an unexpected part of a mixed infection with TRSV. Although SL-TRSV appears to be dependent upon TRSV for its own replication, SL-TRSV commonly becomes the major portion of the virus population. SL-TRSV is not as homogeneous as either middle or bottom component of TRSV, but rather sediments with a range of rates between middle and bottom component of TRSV (91–126 S); yet the nucleic acid extracted from SL-TRSV is homogeneous and sediments at only 7.3 S in contrast to the nucleic acids extracted from TRSV, which sediment at 24 S and 32 S. The 7.3 S nucleic acid of SL-TRSV appears to be single-stranded and RNase sensitive. Thus, according to Gierer's formula, a molecular weight of only 86,000 daltons is indicated for the nucleic acid of SL-TRSV. Both SL-TRSV and TRSV are indistinguishable in size and shape and in serological tests. SL-TRSV was not detected in plants inoculated either with the 7.3 S nucleic acid alone or with TRSV (strain ST) alone, but was detected in plants inoculated with a mixture of the 7.3 S nucleic acid and TRSV. Lesions in blackeye cowpeas resulting from inoculation with the mixture were distinct from those induced by TRSV alone. The 7.3 S nucleic acid alone induced no visible lesions at 5 μg/ml; but the 7.3 S nucleic acid at 0.004 μg/ml, in combination with TRSV, induced some tiny lesions typical of SL-TRSV. These results suggest that SL-TRSV cannot replicate in the absence of TRSV; and that each capsid of SL-TRSV, which may be identical to a capsid of TRSV, can contain from 14 to 26 strands of nucleic acid of uniform length. The nucleic acid strands within the capsid, or extracted from the capsid, are biologically active when used in inoculum together with TRSV.
1009 THE BACTERIOLOGY AND CYTOLOGY OF CHRONIC MIDDLE EAR EFFUSION

Middle ear effusions often persist in children with serous and mucoid otitis media despite medical therapy. Residual bacterial colonization of effusion may contribute to the pathogenesis of these conditions and was investigated by examining middle ear effusion for bacteria by culture and gram stain, and for cellularity by Papanicolaou stain. Effusion was obtained at the time of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion from 509 ears of 317 children age 1 to 11 years; 362 effusions were mucoid, 79 were serous, and 60 were purulent. Mucoid otitis media was found most frequently in younger children, while serous otitis media predominated in older children. Bacteria were cultured from 30% of ears and included H. influenzae (15%), S. epidermidis (6%), N. catarrhalis (6%), S. pneumoniae (4%) and others (3%). An equal percentage of mucoid, serous and purulent effusions yielded bacteria by culture or gram stain. Bacteria were observed by gram stain in 16% of the sterile effusions, and the majority of the organisms were gram positive cocci. Phagocytes were noted on Papanicolaou stained smears in 37% of culture positive effusions, but were less frequent (23%) in sterile effusions. These results suggest that bacteria which are known pathogens in acute otitis media, persist in many chronic serous, mucoid and purulent middle ear effusions. The presence of bacteria as well as phagocytes in these effusions indicates chronic inflammatory stimulation which may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media with effusion.
Thermodynamic and Structural Effects of Macrocyclic Constraints in Protein−Ligand Interactions

The thermodynamic and structural effects of macrocyclization as a tactic for stabilizing the biologically active conformation of Grb2 SH2 binding peptides were investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography. 23-Membered macrocycles containing the sequence pYVN were slightly more potent than their linear controls; however, preorganization did not necessarily eventuate in a more favorable binding entropy. Structures of complexes of macrocycle 7 and its acyclic control 8 are similar except for differences in relative orientations of corresponding atoms in the linking moieties of 7 and 8. There are no differences in the number of direct or water-mediated protein−ligand contacts that might account for the less favorable binding enthalpy of 7; however, an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the pY and the pY+3 residues in 8 that is absent in 7 may be a factor. These studies highlight the difficulties associated with correlating energetics and structure in protein−ligand interactions.
Suppression of third-order dispersion radiation in solid-state soliton lasers.

A new method to suppress the radiation that is due to third-order dispersion in a soliton-like self-mode-locked laser is suggested. We propose to exploit the dispersion of the nonlinearity in the vicinity of two-photon resonance to counteract the radiative effects. A perturbative approach combined with numerical solutions demonstrates the effectiveness of this scheme to increase the stable operating domain and shorten the output pulses. Suggestions for experimental realizations are given.
Optimal fixed-structure control for linear nonnegative dynamical systems

In this paper we develop optimal output feedback controllers for set-point regulation of linear nonnegative dynamical systems. Specifically, using a constrained fixed-structure control framework we develop optimal output feedback control laws that guarantee that the trajectories of the closed-loop system remain in the nonnegative orthant of the state space for nonnegative initial conditions. In addition we characterize domains of attraction predicated on closed and open Lyapunov level surfaces contained in the nonnegative orthant for unconstrained optimal linear-quadratic output feedback controllers. Output feedback controllers for compartmental systems with nonnegative inputs are also given.
An Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Based Genetic Algorithm for Simultaneous Area and Wirelength Minimization in VLSI Floorplanning

VLSI floor-planning in the gigascale era must deal with multiple objectives including wiring congestion, performance and reliability. Genetic algorithms lend themselves naturally to multi-objective optimization. In this paper, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is proposed for floorplanning that simultaneously minimizes area and total wirelength. The proposed genetic floorplanner is the first to use non-domination concepts to rank solutions. Two novel crossover operators are presented that build floorplans using good sub-floorplans. The efficiency of the proposed approach is illustrated by the 18% wirelength savings and 4.6% area savings obtained for the GSRC benchmarks and 26% wirelength savings for the MCNC benchmarks for a marginal 1.3% increase in area when compared to previous floorplanners that perform simultaneous area and wirelength minimization.
Semantic Interference in Mild Alzheimer Disease: Preliminary Findings

OBJECTIVE The authors evaluated the usefulness and psychometric properties of the Semantic Interference Test (SIT) in patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS Subjects were first presented with 10 common objects to be learned over three trials. Proactive interference was assessed by having subjects recall 10 new objects that were semantically related to the previous ones. Retroactive interference was assessed by having subjects recall the original 10 objects. RESULTS Controlling for overall memory impairment, very mildly impaired AD patients demonstrated significantly greater proactive and retroactive interference effects than the normal, community-dwelling comparison group. The proactive score alone and the combined proactive-plus-retroactive score index were more effective than traditional neuropsychological measures of delayed recall in distinguishing between the very mildly impaired AD group and the normal-comparison group. CONCLUSION The authors discuss the potential usefulness of the SIT in identifying vulnerability to semantic interference in early AD.
Metrics, standards and industry best practices for sustainable manufacturing systems

Substantial global climate changes due to global warming and the growing rate resource depletion have compelled several researchers to focus their research in the area of sustainability. Ensuring a sustainable future requires a systems approach. Sustainable systems are characterized by interlinked interactions at various levels spanning economic, ecological and societal issues. Emphasis on interactions within and across these levels is critical to the fundamental understanding of sustainable design and manufacturing systems, because tackling any one of the issues in isolation can result in unintended consequences along other dimensions. Sustainable systems are best understood in terms of information across products, processes, management (operational) aspects. In this paper, we outline several issues related to sharing this information across engineering and business units. We outline the information infrastructural needs to realize sustainable manufacturing, namely, trusted system of measurement methods and metrics, information models, simulation models, databases for toxic materials, and manufacturing products/processes, standards and best practices relevant to sustainable manufacturing, and validation, simulation and testing methodologies for information models and standards.
Information ethics in the context of smart devices

In this paper, we employ Extended Cognition as a background for a series of thought experiments about privacy and common used information technology devices. Laptops and smart phones are now widely used devices, but current privacy standards do not adequately address the relationship between the owners of these devices and the information stored on them. Law enforcement treats laptops and smart phones are potential sources of information about criminal activity, but this treatment ignores the use of smart devices as extensions of users' cognitive capability. In Philosophy of Mind, Extended Cognition is a metaphysical theory about the relationship between consciousness or cognitive activity and various external tools or aids that agents employ in the service of cognition. Supporters of Extended Cognition argue that mental activity must be understood as taking place both within the brain and by way of tools such as a logician's pen and paper, a mathematician's calculator, or a writer's word processing program. While Extended Cognition does not have universal support among philosophers of mind, the theory nevertheless describes how agents interact with their "smart devices." We explore the the implications of taking Extended Cognition seriously with regard to privacy concerns by way of a series of thought experiments. By comparing the differences in expectations of privacy between a citizen and the government, between an employee of a corporate firm, and between citizens alone, we show that expectations of privacy and injury are significantly affected by taking the cognitive role of smart devices into account.
Early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy for the mucopolysaccharidoses

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare genetic disorders caused by defects in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism, are progressive, multi-systemic diseases with a high burden of morbidity. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available for MPS I, II, and VI, and may improve walking ability, endurance, and pulmonary function as evidenced by data from pivotal trials and extension studies. Despite these demonstrable benefits, cardiac valve disease, joint disease, and skeletal disease, all of which cause significant morbidity, do not generally improve with ERT if pathological changes are already established. Airway disease improves, but usually does not normalize. These limitations can be well understood by considering the varied functions of GAG in the body. Disruption of GAG catabolism has far-reaching effects due to the triggering of secondary pathogenic cascades. It appears that many of the consequences of these secondary pathogenic events, while they may improve on treatment, cannot be fully corrected even with long-term exposure to enzyme, thereby supporting the treatment of patients with MPS before the onset of clinical disease. This review examines the data from clinical trials and other studies in human patients to explore the limits of ERT as currently used, then discusses the pathophysiology, fetal tissue studies, animal studies, and sibling reports to explore the question of how early to treat an MPS patient with a firm diagnosis. The review is followed by an expert opinion on the rationale for and the benefits of early treatment.
Four-body potentials reveal protein-specific correlations to stability changes caused by hydrophobic core mutations.

Mutational experiments show how changes in the hydrophobic cores of proteins affect their stabilities. Here, we estimate these effects computationally, using four-body likelihood potentials obtained by simplicial neighborhood analysis of protein packing (SNAPP). In this procedure, the volume of a known protein structure is tiled with tetrahedra having the center of mass of one amino acid side-chain at each vertex. Log-likelihoods are computed for the 8855 possible tetrahedra with equivalent compositions from structural databases and amino acid frequencies. The sum of these four-body potentials for tetrahedra present in a given protein yields the SNAPP score. Mutations change this sum by changing the compositions of tetrahedra containing the mutated residue and their related potentials. Linear correlation coefficients between experimental mutational stability changes, Delta(DeltaG(unfold)), and those based on SNAPP scoring range from 0.70 to 0.94 for hydrophobic core mutations in five different proteins. Accurate predictions for the effects of hydrophobic core mutations can therefore be obtained by virtual mutagenesis, based on changes to the total SNAPP likelihood potential. Significantly, slopes of the relation between Delta(DeltaG(unfold)) and DeltaSNAPP for different proteins are statistically distinct, and we show that these protein-specific effects can be estimated using the average SNAPP score per residue, which is readily derived from the analysis itself. This result enhances the predictive value of statistical potentials and supports previous suggestions that "comparable" mutations in different proteins may lead to different Delta(DeltaG(unfold)) values because of differences in their flexibility and/or conformational entropy.
Algebraic Signal Processing Theory: Foundation and 1-D Time

This paper introduces a general and axiomatic approach to linear signal processing (SP) that we refer to as the algebraic signal processing theory (ASP). Basic to ASP is the linear signal model defined as a triple (A,M,Phi) where familiar concepts like the filter space and the signal space are cast as an algebra A and a module M, respectively. The mapping Phi generalizes the concept of a z-transform to bijective linear mappings from a vector space of signal samples into the module M. Common concepts like filtering, spectrum, or Fourier transform have their equivalent counterparts in ASP. Once these concepts and their properties are defined and understood in the context of ASP, they remain true and apply to specific instantiations of the ASP signal model. For example, to develop signal processing theories for infinite and finite discrete time signals, for infinite or finite discrete space signals, or for multidimensional signals, we need only to instantiate the signal model to one that makes sense for that specific class of signals. Filtering, spectrum, Fourier transform, and other notions follow then from the corresponding ASP concepts. Similarly, common assumptions in SP translate into requirements on the ASP signal model. For example, shift-invariance is equivalent to A being commutative. For finite (duration) signals shift invariance then restricts A to polynomial algebras. We explain how to design signal models from the specification of a special filter, the shift. The paper illustrates the general ASP theory with the standard time shift, presenting a unique signal model for infinite time and several signal models for finite time. The latter models illustrate the role played by boundary conditions and recover the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and its variants as associated Fourier transforms. Finally, ASP provides a systematic methodology to derive fast algorithms for linear transforms. This topic and the application of ASP to space dependent signals and to multidimensional signals are pursued in companion papers.
Statistical issues in studies of toxicity modifiers

The primary focus of oncology is the search for a cure. In pursuit of this goal, therapeutic regimens have increased in intensity, often causing increased normal tissue morbidity. Pharmacologic agents are being developed to ameliorate or prevent these toxicities. The stepwise investigation of these agents requires a different paradigm from standard drug development. Traditionally, phase I studies are designed to find the maximum tolerated dose of an experimental drug; however, in pharmacologic agents that aim to reduce toxicity, defining the maximum tolerated dose, may not be necessary. The focus of phase I studies in these agents is the establishment of the maximum effective dose. Phase II studies traditionally are designed to establish efficacy of an experimental regimen before advancing to a phase III study. To determine potential efficacy, predictable efficacy levels must be available in the literature for standard therapy. In this manner, the phase II study can be evaluated against the historical control to determine if a phase III study should be conducted. This generally is not possible in the context of toxicity modifiers. Because of variability in toxicity assessment, prior rates of toxicity may not be reliable when evaluated against a phase II study focusing on toxicity amelioration. Because the assessment of toxicity is subjective, retrospective comparisons may be biased and lead to the wrong conclusion. One method to correct for this bias is to conduct placebo-controlled, randomized phase II studies. Phase III studies of toxicity modifiers have toxicity amelioration or prevention as the primary objective. These studies should be designed to assess the subjective and objective components of toxicity, evaluate quality of life, and assess possible adverse effects on therapeutic outcomes. Design and analysis issues are discussed in this report.
Evolving strategies for focused web crawling

The rapid growth of the World Wide Web has created many challenges for both general purpose crawling, search engines and web directories, making it difficult to find, index, and classify web pages based on a topic. Topic driven crawlers can complement search engines because they pre-classify the pages retrieved by the crawl. To implement such a focused crawler, a strategy for ordering the crawl frontier is required. Such a strategy can only use information gleaned from previously crawled pages to estimate the relevance of a newly observed URL. Because the best strategy for ranking URLsin the crawl frontier is not immediately apparent, we discover strategies by evolving them using a genetic algorithm. Strategies are learned by evaluating the results of crawls simulated using a database generated by a previous, more general crawl. We conclude that a rank function that combines analysis of text and link structure yields effective strategies. The evolved strategies perform better than the commonly used Best First strategy.
Comparison of presentation and outcome for patients 18 to 40 and 60 to 70 years old with solid renal masses.

ABSTRACT Purpose: We compared histological subtype, pathological features and outcome of patients with solid renal masses who were 18 to 40 years old vs patients who were 60 to 70 years old. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic Nephrectomy Registry from 1970 to 2000, and identified 124 patients 18 to 40 years old and 1,067 patients 60 to 70 years old available for analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of benign solid renal masses between patients 18 to 40 years old and those 60 to 70 years old (13.7% vs 10.2%). Among patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), younger patients were more likely to have chromophobe RCC (13.1% vs 3.6%) and less likely to have clear cell RCC (70.1% vs 81.5%) than older patients. Among patients with clear cell RCC, younger patients were more likely to have stage pT2b or lower tumors (82.7% vs 69.9%) and a higher incidence of cystic clear cell RCC (10.7% vs 2.2%) than older patients. Younger patients had an improved cancer specific survival compared with older patients but this difference was not statistically significant (risk ratio 0.71, p=0.127). Conclusions: We found that patients 18 to 40 years old were more likely to have chromophobe and less likely to have clear cell RCC compared with patients 60 to 70 years old. We did not identify a higher incidence of papillary RCC in younger patients. Patients with clear cell RCC 18 to 40 years old had a higher incidence of low stage and cystic tumors compared with patients 60 to 70 years old, features which have been shown to have a favorable prognosis. These factors likely contributed to improved cancer specific survival for younger patients.
Caffeine decreases phospho-Chk1 (Ser317) and increases mitotic cells with cyclin B1 and caspase 3 in tumors from UVB-treated mice.

Oral administration of caffeine to mice inhibits UVB-induced carcinogenesis, and these results are paralleled by epidemiology studies indicating that caffeinated coffee and tea intake (but not decaffeinated beverage intake) is associated with decreased incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Topical applications of caffeine to the skin of SKH-1 mice that had previously been treated with UVB inhibited subsequent skin tumor development and stimulated apoptosis in tumors but not in non-tumor areas of the epidermis. The present study sought to determine the basis of these differential effects on tumor vs non-tumor sites that can be induced by caffeine long after all UVB treatment has ceased. The activation status of the ATR/Chk1 pathway in UVB-induced tumors and uninvolved skin was determined by quantitating phospho-Chk1 (Ser317) and induction of lethal mitosis in vivo in the presence and absence of topical caffeine treatment. In the absence of caffeine, we found that UVB-induced tumors often had islands of phospho-Chk1 (Ser317) staining cells that were not present in non-tumor areas of the epidermis. Treatment of mice with topical caffeine significantly diminished phospho-Chk1 (Ser317) staining and increased the number of mitotic cells that expressed cyclin B1 and caspase 3 in tumors, consistent with caffeine-induced lethal mitosis selectively in tumors. We hypothesize that compared to adjacent uninvolved skin, UVB-induced skin tumors have elevated activation of, and dependence on, the ATR/Chk1 pathway long after UVB exposure has ceased and that caffeine can induce apoptosis selectively in tumors by inhibiting this pathway and promoting lethal mitosis.
The dynamic packet reservation multiple access scheme

The performance of the dynamic packet reservation multiple access (DPRMA) protocol for medium access control (MAC) is investigated in this work. This MAC protocol is designed for use in a wireless ATM system. A primary feature of DPRMA is the centralized controller, a base station in a cellular system, whose responsibility is to allocate resources on the uplink channel. The base station does this in an intelligent fashion based on the resource demands submitted by each active mobile and the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of each type of user. Each user is responsible for providing updated information about its immediate bandwidth needs. The ability of the mobile to dynamically change its bandwidth reservation request is another primary feature of the system. The system investigated in this work contains voice, video conferencing, and data traffic.
Novel approaches in fighting herpes simplex virus infections

The development of novel strategies to eradicate herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a global public health priority. While acyclovir and related nucleoside analogues provide successful modalities for treatment and suppression, HSV remains highly prevalent worldwide and is a major cofactor fueling the HIV epidemic. HSV is the predominant cause of genital ulcerative disease, and neonatal and sporadic infectious encephalitis. Asymptomatic shedding, which occurs more frequently than previously appreciated, contributes to viral transmission. Acyclovir resistance may be problematic for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for new safe and effective agents. Ideally, vaccines to prevent infection, drugs to inhibit the establishment of or reactivation from latency, or vaginal microbicides to prevent sexual and perinatal transmission are needed to control the epidemic. This review summarizes current therapeutic options and strategies in development.
The role of nitric oxide, K(+)(ATP) channels, and cGMP in the preconditioning response of the rabbit.

Background. The role of nitric oxide (NO), K+ATP channels, and cyclic GMP (cGMP) in preconditioning is unknown. Material and methods. Isolated rabbit hearts were pretreated with the NO precursor l-arginine (l-Arg), both alone and after infusion of the NO synthetase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME). Guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (MB) was infused prior to l-Arg in a separate group of hearts. To contrast the mechanisms of NO preconditioning and potassium channel opener (PCO) preconditioning, we infused the PCO pinacidil after l-NAME and the PCO blocker glibenclamide before l-Arg. Control hearts had no drug infused. The LAD coronary artery was occluded for 1 h and reperfused for 1 h in all hearts. Action potential duration (APD50), coronary flow (CF), and left ventricular developed pressure (DP) were measured, and infarct size (IS) was determined and expressed as a percentage of the area at risk. Results.l-Arg prolonged APD50 at 60 min of reperfusion (94 ± 6 ms vs 69 ± 2 ms (control) vs 70 ± 2 ms (l-NAME) vs 74 ± 3 ms (MB), P < 0.05). l-Arg reduced IS compared with control (24 ± 2% vs 49 ± 3%, P < 0.05); this was reversed by either l-NAME (53 ± 4%, P < 0.05) or MB (43 ± 3%, P < 0.05), but not by glibenclamide (20 ± 4%), unlike the increase in CF during l-Arg infusion, which was blocked by glibenclamide. Pinacidil infusion decreased IS (26 ± 2%), but this effect was blocked by l-NAME (53 ± 7%, P < 0.05 vs pinacidil), although l-NAME did not blunt the increase in CF. There were no significant differences in DP among groups. Conclusion.l-Arginine preconditions the heart through NO generation, and this response is mediated through a cGMP-dependent mechanism, but is independent of the K+ATP channels. Coronary vasodilation is mediated through a mechanism different from that responsible for cardiomyocyte preconditioning.
Searching for life in the Universe: unconventional methods for an unconventional problem.

The search for life, on and off our planet, can be done by conventional methods with which we are all familiar. These methods are sensitive and specific, and are often capable of detecting even single cells. However, if the search broadens to include life that may be different (even subtly different) in composition, the methods and even the approach must be altered. Here we discuss the development of what we call non-earthcentric life detection – detecting life with methods that could detect life no matter what its form or composition. To develop these methods, we simply ask, can we define life in terms of its general properties and particularly those that can be measured and quantified? Taking such an approach we can search for life using physics and chemistry to ask questions about structure, chemical composition, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Structural complexity can be searched for using computer algorithms that recognize complex structures. Once identified, these structures can be examined for a variety of chemical traits, including elemental composition, chirality, and complex chemistry. A second approach involves defining our environment in terms of energy sources (i.e., reductants), and oxidants (e.g. what is available to eat and breathe), and then looking for areas in which such phenomena are inexplicably out of chemical equilibrium. These disequilibria, when found, can then be examined in detail for the presence of the structural and chemical complexity that presumably characterizes any living systems. By this approach, we move the search for life to one that should facilitate the detection of any earthly life it encountered, as well as any non-conventional life forms that have structure, complex chemistry, and live via some form of redox chemistry.
The word problem for inverse monoids presented by one idempotent relator

Abstract We study inverse monoids presented by a finite set of generators and one relation e = 1, where e is a word representing an idempotent in the free inverse monoid, and 1 is the empty word. We show that (1) the word problem is solvable by a polynomial-time algorithm; (2) every congruence class (in the free monoid) with respect to such a presentation is a deterministic context-free language. Such congruence classes can be viewed as generalizations of parenthesis languages; and (3) the word problem is solvable by a linear-time algorithm in the more special case where e is a “positively labeled” idempotent.
MRI-based measurements of temporal lobe and ventricular structures in patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorders

Objective: There have been relatively few quantitative MRI studies of temporal lobe structures and the lateral ventricles in bipolar patients and a lack of agreement across studies as to whether these structures differ significantly in size from control subjects. Also there have been no quantitative MRI studies of bipolar II patients. The present study measured temporal lobe and ventricular structures in both bipolar I and bipolar II patients, as well as control subjects. Method: Twenty-five bipolar I patients, 22 bipolar II patients and 19 control subjects underwent MRI brain scans. The 5 mm coronal slices of each subject were coded and measured by a rater who was blind with respect to subject diagnosis. Volume estimates of the temporal lobe and hippocampus were calculated for each hemisphere by measuring the area of the structure in each slice in which it appears, multiplying by 5 mm and summing. In addition to these volume estimates, the area of the lateral ventricle and the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle, the lateral ventricle to cerebrum area ratio (LV/C) and the temporal lobe to cerebrum area ratio (TL/C), were calculated for each hemisphere in one reference slice only. The area of the third ventricle was also measured. Volume estimates and area ratios were then compared among diagnostic groups. Results: There were no significant differences in temporal lobe or hippocampal volume estimates, in the third ventricle and inferior horn of the lateral ventricle area measurements, and in the TL/C area ratio among diagnostic groups. The lateral ventricle area and LV/C area ratio were significantly larger in bipolar I patients than either bipolar II patients or control subjects only in the left hemisphere. Furthermore, these measures were approximately twice as large in the bipolar I patients as the other groups. Conclusions: The current study adds to a growing literature that bipolar I disorder, particularly in males, may show different neurobiological alterations compared to bipolar II patients or control subjects. The pathophysiologic implications of this accumulating evidence of increased left ventricular size in bipolar I disorder remains to be further elucidated.
Performance of a launch and on-orbit isolator

A recently qualified Honeywell vibration isolation system does two things well. It supports and protects its payload during launch environments, and subsequently provides micro-inch level jitter reduction on-orbit. An elliptical hexapod provides six-degree-of-freedom support and isolation. The fluid-damped D-Strut isolation system maintains its payload optical alignment after vibration and thermal exposure. Vibration tests at one micro-inch input and at one- tenth of an inch input show almost identical damping and isolation responses. The 70-lb test payload was made from wood with an aluminum backbone. The payload provided accurate mounting geometries for the six isolator struts, and precision locations for ten accelerometers and an optical cube. Shock testing, launch-level random vibration, and launch sine vibration were imposed. The system was also subjected to thermal cycling. Functional transmissibility tests were performed before, midway, and after launch environments, at 0.25-g and 2.5-g sine input levels. Honeywell's Matlab Isolator Design Tool predicted transmissibility between 6 degrees-of-freedom inputs and the six rigid body outputs. Another analysis code took these 36 transmissibilities and used optical element transfer functions to calculate an overall jitter number. Finally, 18 measured transmissibility curves from functional tests were fed through the optical jitter code.
Cranial postoperative site: MR imaging appearance

The ability to diagnose adverse postcraniotomy or postcraniectomy events is essential for proper postoperative care. The importance of identifying postoperative changes on CT has previously been shown. The purpose of this study is to assess the normal and abnormal MR changes that may be seen in the postcraniotomy/postcraniectomy period. The postoperative MR, CT, and medical records of 41 postcraniotomy patients and 26 postcraniectomy patients were reviewed. Reasons for choosing craniectomy over craniotomy included decompression, infected flap, bony involvement by tumor, and posttraumatic skull. In general, the postoperative normal anatomy was better seen with MR. Postoperative events included hemorrhage (two), infection (five), cyst formation (10), and recurrent tumor (five). In general, MR was found to be more useful than CT for the detection of hemorrhage and infection after craniotomy or craniectomy and for the proper localization of postoperative cysts. MR proved to be a useful method for following postoperative sites in the skull.
Metabolic Conversion of Lindane to Chlorophenols, Hydrophobic Acids, and More Hydrophilic Products by Streptomyces PSI

Several streptomycetes known to metabolize organochlorides or lignocellulose were tested for their ability to break the recalcitrant carbon-chlorine bond using the insecticide lindane (hexachlorocyclohexane) as a model substrate. Streptomyces PSI rapidly converted [U-14C] lindane to a mixture of water-soluble metabolites when grown on tryptone-yeast extract at 28°C for one to five days. Chemical analysis of the products showed extensive aromatization with formation of a trichlorophenol, as well as extensive conversion to water-soluble acids, other more hydrophilic products, and CO2. Several pigment-negative mutants were isolated which still converted lindane to the same metabolites, but the wild-type organism would not grow on lindane as its sole carbon source. With higher concentrations of lindane (0.1 mg/ml), both the wild-type and a pig-mutant strain converted 20% to water solubility in six days.
Translational biomaterials — the journey from the bench to the market — think ‘product’

Biomaterial research has been gaining popularity over the past decades and, in parallel, the number of biomaterial-based therapies has been increasing. There is still however, a disconnection between the number of developed biomaterials and those that make it to the market. In this context, a review of the biomaterial development trends in both industry and academia, specifically of biomaterials that were successfully translated from bench side to the clinic and the market, is warranted.
The differential effect of anticipated work-family conflict on the STEM major embeddedness of men and women

THE DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF ANTICIPATED WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT ON THE STEM MAJOR EMBEDDEDNESS OF MEN AND WOMEN Dante P. Myers Old Dominion University, 2015 Director: Dr. Debra A. Major It is nationally concerning that many students who begin as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors do not complete their degrees. Of additional concern is that among the STEM students who do persist to degree completion, women are severely underrepresented. The present research investigates the extent to which anticipated conflicts between work and family life (AWFC) are negatively related to students’ embeddedness in their STEM majors, especially the STEM embeddedness of women. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling in Mplus-7 with a sample of 218 STEM students from an archival database. As hypothesized, work-family decision making self-efficacy had a negative relationship with both anticipated work interference with family (AWIF) and anticipated family interference with work (AFIW). Notably, only AFIW was negatively related to major embeddedness and only the indirect effect of WFSE on major embeddedness through AFIW was positive and significant, partially supporting each corresponding hypothesis. Additionally, the relationships among study variables did not significantly differ by gender. However, the relationship between AFIW and major embeddedness approached significance for women. Implications of this research, future directions, and study limitations are discussed.
Effects of hexamethonium and decamethonium on end-plate current parameters.

The effects of neuromuscular blocking concentrations of hexamethonium and decamethonium on end-plate current parameters have been studied in frog sartorius nerve-muscle preparations. In the presence of either drug, hyperpolarization of the cell membrane reduces the peak amplitude of the end-plate current despite the increase in driving force. The effect is larger for hexamethonium than for decamethonium. In the presence of decamethonium, hyperpolarization reduces the time to peak of the end-plate current and splits the decay phase into two components, one faster and the other slower than in controls. Similar but less dramatic effects on parameters of end-plate current shape occur in the presence of hexamethonium. For both drugs, the decay of the end-plate current can be fitted by the sum of two exponential functions. Hyperpolarization speeds the initial fast component and slows the subsequent slow component. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that both drugs act in part by direct block of open ion channels.
CHARACTERIZATION AND IMPACT OF COMORBIDITY AMONG GENDER AND RACIAL SUBGROUPS HOSPITALIZED WITH HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is challenging to treat in part due to its phenotypic heterogeneity. There are limited data on differences in characteristics and outcomes of gender and race subgroups. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we examined 2,102,780
Density regulation inSarsia tubulosa (Hydrozoa)

The majority of wild-caughtSarsia tubulosa M. Sars medusae are less dense than the surrounding water. The bell ofS. tubulosa is the buoyant structure; the tentacles and manubrium sink if cut off from the bell.S. tubulosa individuals placed in dilute seawater sink initially but recover positive or neutral buoyancy and normal activity within a couple of hours. In all cases observed animals were able to achieve positive buoyancy in seawater of 20.25 ‰ S and some individuals were able to adjust to lower salinities. In most cases where positive buoyancy was not attained within two hours the animal did not achieve positive buoyancy within twelve hours and died within that period. While the mechanism of regulation is not known, ionic pumping, possibly involving the extrusion of sulphate ion, has been suggested to be responsible for the buoyancy of mesoglea in other jellyfishes.
Mechanisms of endothelium-dependent vascular smooth muscle relaxation elicited by bradykinin and VIP.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which bradykinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) relax bovine intrapulmonary artery and bradykinin, but not VIP, relaxes i...
Alcohol Ablation of Renal Cyst

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for alcohol ablation of renal cyst procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
A molecular dynamics study of a short-chain polyethylene melt.: II. Transient response upon onset of shear

Using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation, we have studied the response of a C100H202 model polyethylene melt to a step change from equilibrium to a constant, high shear rate flow. The transient shear stress exhibits pronounced overshoot at the strain value predicted by the reptation model, in striking similarity to melts of longer, entangled polymer governed by reptation motion. The Doi‐Edwards theory is found to be applicable but only by taking into account the shear-rate-dependence of the terminal relaxation time (which is also consistent with the calculated shear-rate-dependence of the xx component of melt’s self-diffusion tensor). We also analyze the molecular origins of stress overshoot behavior in short polymer chains by decomposing the shear stress and normal stress differences into the contributions from various molecular interactions and by examining the shear-induced ordering in the C100H202 melt. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Trust Development With the Spanish-Speaking Mexican American Patient: A Grounded Theory Study

Interpersonal trust between patient and nurse is important in patient-centered care. Trust development may be more difficult if the patient and nurse do not speak the same language. In this grounded theory study, Spanish-speaking Mexican American adults ( n = 20) hospitalized on a medical-surgical or obstetric unit in the Midwestern United States were interviewed. Through data analysis, a model of how trust develops between nurse and patient revealed eight categories and the core category Caring for Me Well Even When Not Understanding Me. The beginning phase had four categories: Asking for Help, Bothering, Communicating, and Understanding. The middle phase had two categories: Platicando (chatting) and Being Available. The end point category was Having Trust, and outcomes were Feeling Comfortable and Feeling Supported. The language barrier was a hindrance to trust development but the nurse's way of being (personality) was more important. Therefore, the patient did develop trust with nurses who did not speak Spanish.
Functional genomic screens and identification of signaling pathways in oxaliplatin-resistance in colorectal cancer.

3611 Background: In colorectal cancer, many patients develop resistance to oxaliplatin, which is a challenge given the limited number of therapeutic options in the treatment of this disease. While ...
Corus: A Holographic Candle System with Intuitive Gestural Interaction and Ambient Feedback to Promote Co-Sleeping

Corus is a concept for a holographic candle system that helps cohabitating couples become more synchronized in their sleep routines. The components of our proposed system design are a main candle in the bedroom and other "satellite" candles around the home. In our proposed design, holographic candles will offer calming notification and ambient feedback. Users will also be able to interact with the candles through natural, intuitive, and form-specific gestural inputs, as well as through a mobile app. These proposed inputs and ambient feedbacks are integral to Corus. Moving forward, we would like to explore how our proposed interactions work in real home environments, further prototyping the inputs and feedbacks using Leap Motion and more sophisticated hologram projection.