cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
5‐HYDROXYTRYPTOPHYL PEPTIDES: POTENT INHIBITORS OF A STORAGE COMPARTMENT OF SEROTONIN1

— Several analogues of 5-hydroxytryptophan were tested for their ability to inhibit the binding of serotonin to serotonin-binding protein (SBP), a protein found within serotonergic neurons which has a high affinity for serotonin. An N-substituted dipeptide, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophan-5-hydroxytryptophan amide, was found to be an inhibitor of this binding. The inhibition (50% at 1.0 μM) was specific, since it did not affect other known sites of serotonin binding. The binding of serotonin to its membrane receptor was not affected by the dipeptide (up to 10 μM). Uptake of serotonin by synaptosomes was only slightly affected (9% at 10 μM), and aromatic-L-amino-acid carboxy-lyase(EC 4.1.1.28) and amine: oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating) (flavin-containing) (EC 1.4.3.4) were not inhibited (10 μM and 5 mM respectively), The peptide was not hydrolyzed by honiogenates of brain or myenteric plexus. The 14C-labelled dipeptide was shown to be taken up by synaptosomes. However, the uptake of the peptide was not affected either by drugs that inhibit serotonin uptake or by serotonin itself although the uptake was abolished by excess 5-hydroxytryptophan. Intraventricular injection of N-acetyl dipeptide caused a biphasic effect depending on dose. Lower doses (10nmol) induced a decrease in serotonin brain levels (40%). Higher doses (300 nmol) caused a 95% increase in serotonin levels. It is suggested that 5-hydroxytryptophyl peptides may be used as potent specific inhibitors of SBP, a storage compartment of serotonin.
An updated coronary risk profile. A statement for health professionals.

Using a simple worksheet, a patient's 5- and 10-year CHD risks can be estimated. The components of the profile were selected because they are objective and strongly and independently related to CHD and because they can be measured through simple office procedures and laboratory results
Very slow M4 transitions and shell-model intruder states in 199, 201Bi

Abstract The isomeric decays of the 1 2 + shell-model intruder states in 199,201Bi have been investigated. In the case of 201Bi we show that the s 1 2 → h 9 2 isomeric transition is pure M4 within experimental error and is 2200 times slower than any other M4 transition observed in odd-mass nuclei. Its l-forbiddenness and the possibility of an E5 admixture and penetration effects are discussed.
Use of Bioenergetics Models to Predict the Effect of Increased Lake Trout Predation on Rainbow Smelt following Sea Lamprey Control

Abstract Chemical control ofsea lamprey Petromyzon marinus in Lake Champlain is predicted to cause a 5% increase in annual survival of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush. I used bioenergetics models to predict that this 5% increase in lake trout survival would result in a 70% increase in lake trout biomass and a subsequent 70% increase in lake trout consumption of rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax. However, because rainbow smelt are so abundant, this would cause only a 3% increase in rainbow smelt mortality. With a concomitant decrease in rainbow smelt cannibalism caused by increased lake trout predation on older fish, natural fluctuations in the smelt stocks may mask any effect of increased lake trout predation on rainbow smelt abundance.
Experimental Production of “Cretinism” by Thyro-Cytotoxin

SummaryA condition simulating cretinism was produced in six young rabbits by injecting them intraperitoneally every second day with an antiserum (3 cc.) prepared by injecting hens with the proteins of the thyroid gland that are soluble in normal saline solution.This work∗ was undertaken to ascertain if a condition simulating cretinism might be obtained by the injection of a “thyro-cytotoxic” serum into young rabbits. We were stimulated to make such a study in view of the work of Hektoen and Schulhof,1 who were able to prepare an “antithyroglobulin”, and of Portis,2 Yates,3 and MacCallum,4 who studied the histology of the thyroid after injecting “thyrocytotoxic” sera.The antigen was prepared as follows: Healthy adult rabbits were anesthetized and bled. The thyroid was then perfused via the carotids with normal saline solution, the thyroid being gently massaged occasionally, until the perfusate returned clear. The total time of perfusion was about 45 minutes. The thyroid was then removed, minced and ground ...
Associations of childhood eczema severity: a US population-based study.

Background Little is known about the predictors of eczema severity in the US population. Objectives We sought to determine the distribution and associations of childhood eczema severity in the United States. Methods We analyzed the data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, a prospective questionnaire-based study of a nationally representative sample of 91,642 children (range, 0-17 years). Results The prevalence of childhood eczema was 12.97% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 12.42-13.53); 67.0% (95% CI, 64.8-69.2) had mild disease, 26.0% (95% CI, 23.9-28.1) had moderate disease, and 7.0% (95% CI, 5.8-8.3) had severe disease. There was significant statewide variation of the distribution of eczema severity (Rao-Scott χ, P = 0.004), with highest rates of severe disease in Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. In univariate models, eczema severity was increased with older age, African American and Hispanic race/ethnicity, lower household income, oldest child in the family, home with a single mother, lower paternal/maternal education level, maternal general health, maternal/paternal emotional health, dilapidated housing, and garbage on the streets. In multivariate survey logistic regression models using stepwise and backward selection, moderate-to-severe eczema was associated with older age, lower household income, and fair or poor maternal health but inversely associated with birthplace outside the United States. Conclusions These data indicate that environmental and/or lifestyle factors play an important role in eczema severity.
Extracellular Matrix Molecules that Influence Neural Development

As developing neurons migrate, extend axons, and form synapses, much of their behavior is specific-that is, stereotypes and predictable. It is now clear that intrinsic neuronal predilections do not fully account for this specificity, but rather that extrinsic cues also influence neuronal choices. About ten years ago, experiments in several systems began to implicate the extracellular matrix (ECM) as an important source of this guidance: Contact with matrix was shown to influence neuronal migration, axonal growth, and synaptogenesis, as well as glial differentiation (reviewed in Sanes 1983). Once these phenomena had been documented, attention turned to a search for the ECM molecules that mediate them. Here, I summarize this recent work. In reviewing very new and often preliminary data, I have tried to indicate some general themes that are emerging, but to refrain from drawing prema­ ture conclusions from a rapidly evolving body of work. It has seemed, too, more valuable to be comprehensive than to be critical at this stage, even though this precludes consideration of three areas that form the back­ ground for molecular analysis of neural ECM. First, I have cited few papers published before 1983, and refer the reader to the earlier review (Sanes 1983) for more detailed consideration of previous work. Second, even though most work on ECM in the nervous system relies on earlier studies of nonneural cells, I have omitted this relevant background. Recent reviews on the general biology and biochemistry of ECM include those of Akiyama & Yamada (1987), Buck & Horwitz ( 1 987), Cunningham (1987), Hassell et al (1986), Hynes ( 1987), Mayne & Burgeson (1987), Martin & Timpl (1987), Ruoslahti ( 1 988), Ruoslahti & Piersbacher (1987), and
Self-Service Technologies and Generation Y: are they beyond the personal touch?

It is essential that academia understand the next generation of consumers' preferences, needs, and wants in the new service economy. This paper looks at the preference for and usage of SST options across a variety of service types for members of the Generation Y cohort group. Furthermore, respondent's Technology Anxiety, gender, and ethnicity were examined to determine which factors influence their technological preferences. Findings indicate that Gen-Y members may not be ready to abandon human interaction in the name of profits and convenience. Findings also indicate that differences in technology preference and TA exist between business and non-business Gen-Y members.
Preisach model for quantifying hysteresis in an atomic force microscope

Atomic force microscopes employ stacked or cylindrical piezoceramic actuators to achieve sub-angstrom resolution. While these devices produce excellent set-point accuracy, they exhibit hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities even at low drive levels. Feedback mechanisms can mitigate the deleterious effects of these nonlinearities for low frequency operation but such techniques fail at higher frequencies due to increased noise to signal ratios. In this paper, we quantify the hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities through a Preisach model. As illustrated through a comparison with experimental data, this provides a characterization which is sufficiently accurate for inclusion as an inverse compensator in various control designs.
Fast Methods for Solving Rough Contact Problems: A Comparative Study

A realistic description of rough surfaces will generally involve very large arrays of surface height data, which makes the application of conventional numerical methods of contact mechanics to rough contact analyses impractical. Recently, two fast numerical techniques have been applied to rough contact problems: the multi-level multi-summation (MLMS) and the fast Fourier transform (FFT). In this work, the computational efficiency of the two methods is compared by applying them to an example concentrated contact problem. It is shown that to achieve a numerical accuracy comparable to that of MLMS, the grid on which FFT is performed needs to be extended far beyond the contact area, which results in a dramatic increase in the computation time. When such a high accuracy is unnecessary, FFT can be applied on a smaller grid. However, the computational speed of MLMS can also be increased in this case by modifying certain algorithm parameters. Numerical results demonstrate that MLMS is more advantageous than FFT for solving three-dimensional concentrated contact problems, both when the maximum possible accuracy is desired and when a moderate accuracy goal is specified.
CDC's Leadership in Preventing, Detecting, and Controlling Cancer

Healthy People 2010 is a comprehensive set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for the nation. These national health objectives are designed to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and to establish national goals to reduce these threats. Specifically, Healthy People 2010 (objective 31) supports the reduction of the overall cancer death rate in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of various federal agencies that make this cancer-related objective a priority.
Creating long-lived neutral-atom traps in a cryogenic environment

We describe techniques for creating long-lived magneto-optical and magnetostatic traps for neutral atoms. These traps exist in a sealed cryogenic environment with a temperature near 4 K, where the background gas pressure can be extremely low. To date we have observed cesium magneto-optical traps with background-limited lifetimes in excess of 1 h, and magnetostatic traps with lifetimes of nearly 10 min. From these observations we use the known He-Cs van der Waals collision cross section to infer typical background gas pressures in our apparatus below 4×10^(-12) Torr. With hardware improvements we expect this pressure can be made much lower, extending the magnetostatic-trap lifetimes one to two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, with a cryogenic system one can use superconducting magnets and SQUID detectors to trap and to nondestructively sense spin-polarized atoms. With superconducting microstructures one can achieve very large magnetic-field gradients and curvatures, as high as ∼10^6 G/cm and ∼10^9 G/cm^2, respectively, for use in magnetic and magneto-optical traps.
Speech rate acceptance ranges as a function of evaluative domain, listener speech rate, and communication context

Models of speech evaluation suffer from insufficient empirical foundations. Examining one noncontent speech form, speech rate, we proposed that listeners’ impressions of a speaker were influenced by individual acceptance regions which are a function of the evaluative dimension employed and which may differ for various communication contexts. Three predictions were made. First, because of Stereotypic conceptions associating faster rates with competence, actual and perceived speaker rates should be linearly related to listeners’ competence judgments. Second, we proposed that judgments of social attractiveness would be mediated by the extent to which a speaker's rate was similar to a listener's. Thus, we expected listeners to find those speakers more socially attractive whose speech rates were relatively similar (actual and perceived) to their own than those speakers with relatively dissimilar rates. Because we thought listeners would have narrower acceptance regions for employment interviews than for conver...
Bradykinin Preconditioning Preserves Coronary Microvascular Reactivity During Cardioplegia–Reperfusion

Background Alterations of microvascular reactivity reduce myocardial perfusion after ischemic cardioplegia. We hypothesized that bradykinin preconditioning (BKPC) would preserve endothelium-dependent microvascular responses and improve myocardial function after cardioplegic ischemia–reperfusion. Methods Rabbit hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB). The hearts were arrested for 60 minutes with moderately cold (25°C) crystalloid cardioplegia (MCCP, n=8) or with cold (0° to 4°C) crystalloid cardioplegia (CCCP) (n = 6). The BKPC hearts received a 10-minute coronary infusion of 10 −8 M BK-enriched KHB, followed by a 5-minute recovery period, and then were arrested for 60 minutes with MCCP (BKPC + MCCP, n=8) or with CCCP (BKPC + CCCP, n=6). The hearts were reperfused for 30 minutes with KHB. Six control hearts were perfused with KHB for 90 minutes without cardioplegia-ischemia. Left ventricle performance was measured, and in vitro relaxation responses of precontracted coronary arterioles (internal diameter, 80 to 150 μm) were obtained in a pressurized no-flow state. Results Ischemic arrest with MCCP or CCCP markedly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation to adenosine 5′-diphosphate, substance P, and calcium ionophore (A23187). Both MCCP and CCCP significantly enhanced contractile responses to U46619 (10 −7 M), a thromboxane A 2 analogue, compared with control ( p p Conclusions BKPC preserves endothelium-dependent microvascular responses and prevents the hypercontractility to U46619. These effects may provide increased coronary perfusion and prevent arteriolar spasm after open heart surgery. They suggest that BK preconditions the coronary microvasculature during cardiovascular surgery.
Effect of Monoclinic Symmetry on the EPR Spectra of Gd3+‐Doped Hydrated Single Crystals of Rare‐Earth Trichlorides

Room-temperature X-band EPR data for Gd3+-doped isostructural rare-earth trichloride hexahydrates are analyzed using a rigorous least-squares-fitting procedure. Discussion of the three forms of spin Hamiltonian corresponding to the orientations of the two-fold monoclinic symmetry axis C2 parallel to the magnetic axes X, Y, and Z is provided. It is found that for, C2 ∥ Y, a significantly lower value of χ2, representing the goodness of fit, is obtained. A discussion of the determination of degree of monoclinicity, as revealed by the spin Hamiltonian parameters, is provided. Systematics of the spin Hamiltonian parameters b and b, as functions of the host–ion radius, are also studied. Les donnes de RPE en bande X, recueillies a temperature ambiante sur les echantillons d'ion Gd3+ dopant monocristaux de hexahydrate de trichloride de terre-rare, ete analysees utilisant une methode rigoureuse des moindres carres. Une discussion des trois formes des Hamiltonians de spin correspondant a trois orientations de C2, l'axe de syetrie a double rotation, parallele aux axes magnetiques X, Y, Z est inclue. On a trouve que, pour C2 ∥ Y, une valeur bien plus basse de χ2, representant la qualite d'adaptation, est obtenue. Une discussion de la determination de degre de monoclinicite comme revelee par les parametres de l'Hamiltonian de spin, est inclue. Les systematiques des parametres b et b de l'Hamiltonian de spin, comme fonctions du radius de l'ion-hǒte, sont aussi etudiees.
Correlation of the extravascular pharmacokinetics of azithromycin with in-vivo efficacy in models of localized infection

Infection models were used to clarify the roles of serum and extravascular concentrations in the in-vivo efficacy observed with azithromycin. In-vivo experiments were designed to give serum concentrations well below the MIC and tissue levels generally above the MIC at time of challenge and during the course of infection. The efficacy of azithromycin against a Salmonella enteritidis oral challenge (a tissue-associated infection model) in mice correlated directly with azithromycin liver levels, but not serum concentrations. The significance of extravascular pharmacokinetics was observed in a comparative study of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin against the salmonella challenge. Ciprofloxacin has a greater than 100-fold in-vitro potency advantage over azithromycin against this organism, but azithromycin (5 mg/kg) produced a greater reduction in cfu than ciprofloxacin (100 mg/kg) at the primary site of infection (liver). In another model, extravascular fluid levels, measured by bioassay of implanted paper discs, were compared with plasma levels in relation to control of a localized Staphylococcus aureus infection in rats. Extravascular fluid levels of azithromycin were greater than the MIC of the strain used for five days after a 100 mg/kg dose, while erythromycin levels were less than 20% of the MIC at 30 h after a 200 mg/kg dose. Serum concentrations of both compounds were less than 20% of the MIC at the time of challenge. The antibiotic levels at the site of infection correlated with the reduction of Staph. aureus cfu (99% with azithromycin compared with controls, P less than 0.01; 0% with erythromycin) recovered from inoculated discs. The significance of extravascular concentrations of azithromycin was further supported in other models of localized infections induced with Escherichia coli or a mixture of Staph. aureus and Bacteroides fragilis.
The effect of short-term α-glucosidase inhibition on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetics

Abstract With use of the α-glucosidase inhibitor bay g 5421 (acarbose), it is possible to improve glycemic profiles in diabetics without a concomitant increase in insulin levels or weight reduction. We have taken advantage of this feature to test whether an improvement in glycemic control alone can ameliorate some of the known abnormalities of type II diabetes (ie, impaired insulin secretion, elevated rate of basal hepatic glucose output, peripheral insulin resistance). We have studied eight type II diabetics (mean ± SE fasting serum glucose 193 ± 25 mg/dL) before and after 2 weeks of acarbose therapy (100 mg with each meal). Assessment of endogenous insulin secretion, peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (ATLPL) activity were performed. Results showed (1) significant lowering of postprandial glucose excursions above basal but no change in basal serum glucose levels, (2) marked reduction in fasting and day-long triglyceride levels and in spite of a reduction in ATLPL activity, (3) an increase in hepatic sensitivity to insulin's ability to suppress hepatic glucose output, and (4) no effect on peripheral insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, inhibition of carbohydrate digestion with α-glucosidase inhibitors ameliorates many of the metabolic abnormalities in type II (noninsulin-dependent diabetics), suggesting that agents of this type can be of therapeutic value.
Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty With Hydroxyapatite-Coated Implants: A 20-Year Follow-Up

Bilateral hip arthroplasty has been reported to be a safe and effective way to treat bilateral hip arthritis in a selective group of patients. We report a follow-up of 30 patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with hydroxyapatite implants and were followed for an average of 19.4 years. Patients had an average Harris Hip Score of 90 at the latest follow-up (range, 78-99). The average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index questionnaire index score was 12 (range, 0-41), with high functional results on the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Oxford 12 questioners. Using the Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with revision for any reason as an end point, survivorship was 94% at 12 years, 88% at 15 years, 74% at 18 years, and 61% at 23 years. All revisions were for the acetabular component, and the survivorship for the femoral component was 100% throughout the 23-year period. We conclude that bilateral uncemented total hip arthroplasty can provide satisfactory long-term clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients even with older-generation polyethylene liners and stem designs.
The estimation of growth yield and maintenance parameters for photoautotrophic growth

Methods are presented for examining the consistency of experimental data for microbial growth where light energy is converted to chemical energy through photosynthesis. True growth yield and maintenance parameters are estimated for several sets of available experimental data. Methods of parameter estimation are presented which allow all of the measured variables to be used simultaneously for parameter estimation. The results show that a wide range of values have been found for the true growth yield and maintenance parameters. Values of the true growth yield range from 0.04 to values above those predicted by the Z-scheme model for photosynthesis.
Early Archean to Mesoproterozoic evolution of the Wyoming Province: Archean origins to modern lithospheric architecture

Local preservation of 3.63.0 Ga gneisses and widespread isotopic evidence for crust of this age incorporated into younger plutons indicates that the Wyoming Province was a 100 000 km2 middle Archean craton, which was modified by late Archean magmatism and tectonism and Proterozoic extension and rifting. On the basis of differences in late Archean histories, the Wyoming Province is subdivided into five subprovinces: three in the Archean core, (1) the Montana metasedimentary province, (2) the Bighorn subprovince, and (3) the Sweetwater subprovince, and two Archean terrains that may be allochthonous to the 3.0 Ga craton, (4) the Sierra Madre  Medicine Bow block, and (5) the Black Hills  Hartville block. A thick, fast lower crustal layer, imaged by Deep Probe, corresponds geographically with the Bighorn subprovince and may be an underplate associated with ca. 2.70 Ga mafic magmatism. The Sweetwater subprovince is characterized by an eastwest tectonic grain that was established by three or more temporally ...
THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE

The third of three papers, given at the inaugural meeting of the Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship, July 3, 2004 “Worship makes me feel cared for. I feel an empathy and authenticity fro...
Effects of intravenous diltiazem on rapid atrial fibrillation accompanied by congestive heart failure.

Abstract Digoxin has long been the standard means for controlling the ventricular response in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (AF). 1 This is particularly true because its positive inotropic effects permit use without regard to left ventricular systolic function. Even when intravenous preparations of digoxin are administered, several hours elapse before a clinically significant reduction in heart rate is achieved. Intravenous diltiazem has been shown to slow AF quickly. 2 Although diltiazem has been used in patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction, 3 there is still concern about its use in patients with decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF). 4 Can diltiazem rapidly control the heart rate in such patients without further impairing left ventricular function? To answer this question, we administered intravenous diltiazem to 9 patients with rapid AF and acute, symptomatic CHF.
Race differences in response to combat stress

A number of authors have written poignantly about the Black experience in the Vietnam war; however, very little research has addressed this topic. The present report studied race differences in preservice, stressor, and outcome variables in a community sample of 181 war veterans. Blacks reported higher levels of stressors and outcome, particularly for PTSD-related symptoms. The results suggested that the relationship between stressors and outcome can be defined by a common regression line for Blacks and Whites, and that the high symptom levels observed for Blacks in the sample were accounted for by higher levels of stressors during their war experience. The cognitive coping mode of avoidance did not conform to this pattern and showed higher levels for Blacks even controlling for other factors. Potential cultural origins of this difference were noted.
Surface vibrational sum frequency and Raman studies of PAMAM G0, G1 and acylated PAMAM G0 dendrimers

The first surface vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopic studies of amine-terminated Starburst ® PAMAM G0 and G1 and acylated PAMAM G0 dendrimers at the glass–, gold–, and air–dendrimer interface are presented. Amine-terminated PAMAM G0 and G1 dendrimers as compared to the acylated PAMAM G0 dendrimer reveal significantly different surface SFG spectroscopic signatures. Raman spectra from PAMAM G0 and G1 dendrimers are presented for comparison of the bulk vibrational spectra to that of the surface. The SFG data is suggestive of skewed methylene conformations in a distribution about the normal of the surface. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Quality of life in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives To examine health-related quality of life (HRQL) in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared with healthy adolescents, and to determine whether clinically observed or self-perceived severity of illness affects their HRQL. Design and Setting Cross-sectional study of female adolescents conducted at an urban, hospital-based adolescent medicine clinical practice. Participants Ninety-seven adolescent patients with PCOS and 186 healthy patients who were seen for care between October 15, 1999, and March 2, 2001. Main Outcome Measures Health-related quality-of-life scores as determined by the Child Health Questionnaire–Child Self-Report Form. Results Adolescents with PCOS scored lower on subscales measuring general health perceptions, physical functioning, general behavior, and limitations in family activities because of illness. Patients scored higher on the change in health in the last year subscale, and most had been diagnosed and initiated treatment for PCOS in the last year. Patients who had higher self-perceived severity of illness also scored lower on the general health perceptions subscale, but clinical severity was not associated with differences in HRQL. Conclusions Adolescents with PCOS experience lower HRQL compared with healthy adolescents. Polycystic ovary syndrome and perceived severity of illness negatively affect HRQL in adolescents. This study suggests a need to develop interventions to reduce the distress that patients with PCOS may face as adolescents and young adults.
Simultaneous infrared-visible imager/spectrograph: a multipurpose instrument for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory 2.4 meter telescope

ABSTRACT The Simultaneous Infrared-Visible Imager/Spectrograph (SIRVIS) is a planned multi-purpose instrument for theMagdalena Ridge Observatory 2.4 m telescope located west of Socorro, NM. The primary science drivers are asteroidstudies, the rapid response to astrophysical transient phenomena and observations of artificial targets such as satellites.For asteroid science, the wavelength range 0.39-2.5 µ m gives the most mineralogically diagnostic information onsurface compositions using standard filters and low-resolution, R ~ 200, spectroscopy. For transients, the telescope'srapid 10° /second slew rate will facilitate acquisition of data on any target within one minute of receipt of notice. Forartificial targets, simultaneous two-color imaging will assist in unique determinations and overall conditionmonitoring. SIRVIS has two channels, a cryogenic NIR channel covering 0.85-2.5 µ m at 0.27 arcsec/pixel, and anambient temperature-pressure visible channel covering 0.39-1.0 µm at 0.15 arcsec/pixel. The beam is split by acryogenic, red-pass dichroic mirror located between the telescope focal plane and the respective collimators. Bothchannels use refractive optics. The instrument is being designed to initially phase in the visible channel, then the NIRchannel, and readily accommodate upgrades. For sky subtraction, the telescope is nodded between 30-60 second NIRintegrations. Long visible integrations are made possible by shifting the CCD charge in sync with the nod.Keywords: Infrared, Visible, Imager, Spectrograph, Magdalena Ridge Observatory
Plated-Tube Heat Exchanger: Analytical Investigation of a New Surface Concept

Typical cryogenic refrigeration cycles require heat exchangers of very high efficiency and limited pressure drop. To satisfy these requirements such exchangers must have relatively large heat transfer surfaces and short flow passages. Under those circumstances the axial heat conduction through the exchanger core in the flow direction becomes significant and can cause substantial performance reductions, or conversely, require larger heat transfer surfaces. At the same time, considerable flow uniformity is required to maintain high effectiveness [6].
Controversies in obstetric anesthesia

Obstetric anesthesia has become a widely evidence-based practice, with an increasing number of specialized anesthesiologists and a permanent research production. We believe that with the review of commonly discussed and controversial points the reader will be able to incorporate an evidence-based practice into their routine and offer to parturients and their babies a safe, reliable and consistent anesthesia care.
Low-Head Dam Reverse Roller Remediation Options

AbstractThe writers examine possible remediation options to mitigate the dangers found at low-head dams, using computational fluid dynamics and physical model tests. The objective was to identify an option that could be relatively simple to implement, would reduce the strength, or eliminate the dangerous reverse roller found downstream of low-head dams. Two promising options were identified, consisting of (1) ramps spaced along the channel width, or (2) horizontal platforms protruding from the downstream face of the dam. Many designs were investigated, resulting in six that were rigorously tested for flat-topped and ogee-crested weirs. The effectiveness of the options was evaluated based on entrapment times of dummies introduced into the flow. One of the platform designs was the most effective option on both dam shapes. A ramp design also had good results, but was only tested on flat-topped dams.
Trends in the Prevalence of Reduced GFR in the United States: A Comparison of Creatinine- And Cystatin C-based Estimates

Background The US prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine level increased during the decade ending in 2002. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cystatin C measurements recently were calibrated to the international standard, allowing for an independent test of the trend in prevalence of reduced eGFR using cystatin C level. Study design Cross-sectional surveys performed during 2 periods. Setting & participants Nationally representative subsamples of adult participants from NHANES III (1988-1994) and the NHANES 1999-2002 surveys. Predictor Survey period. Outcomes Prevalence of reduced GFR, defined as eGFR Measurements Serum cystatin C level, measured from stored samples in 2006, calibrated to the international standard in 2012. Results Between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, the prevalence of reduced eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys increased from 4.7% (95% CI, 4.1%-5.3%) to 6.5% (95% CI, 5.9%-7.1%) (P Limitations Likely underascertainment of persons with GFR Conclusions The prevalence of reduced eGFRcys in the US civilian noninstitutionalized population increased between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, confirming the increase observed in the prevalence of reduced eGFRcr.
Mechanism of action of GnRH: the participation of calcium mobilization and activation of protein kinase C in gonadotropin secretion.

The role of protein kinase C in luteinizing hormone (LH) release was analyzed in studies on the secretory responses to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and phorbol esters in pituitary cell cultures. 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), 4β-phorbol 12,13-bibenzoate, and 4β -phorbol 12,13-diacetate stimulated LH release with ED50s of 5, 10 and 1000 nM, respectively, and with about 70% of the efficacy of GnRH. Phorbol ester-stimulated LH secretion was decreased but not abolished by progressive reduction of [Ca2+] in the incubation medium, and the residual response was identical with that of GnRH in Ca2+-defficient medium. TPA increased [Ca2+i to a peak after 30 s in normal medium but not in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that protein kinase C promotes calcium entry but can also mediate secretory responses without changes in calcium influx and [Ca2+]i. The extracellular Ca2+-dependent action of TPA on LH release was blocked by CoCl2 but not by nifedipine. The secretory actions of TPA and GnRH were additive at low doses and converged to a common maximum LH response at high concentrations of the agonists. TPA caused rapid translocation of cytosolic protein kinase C to the particulate fraction, followed by a progressive decrease in total enzyme activity to < 10% after 6 h. Partial recovery of the cytosolic enzyme (to 20%) occurred after washing and reincubation for 15h. Such kinase C-depleted cells showed prominent dose-dependent reductions in the actions of both GnRH and TPA on LH release in normal and Ca2+-deficient media. These observations show that the actions of kinase C on LH release include extracellular Ca2+-dependent and independent components, and support the hypothesis that protein kinase C participates in the LH secretory response to GnRH in pituitary gonadotrophs.
Effect of drag-reducing polymers on pseudo-slugs––interfacial drag and transition to slug flow

Abstract Drag-reducing polymers were added to air and water flowing in a stratified configuration in a horizontal 2.54 cm pipe. The interface was covered with large amplitude roll waves, that have been called pseudo-slugs, over a range of flow conditions. The damping of small wavelength waves causes a large decrease in the interfacial stress and, therefore, an increase in the liquid holdup. At superficial gas velocities greater than 4 m/s the transition to slug flow is delayed in that it occurs at larger liquid holdups. This observation is interpreted by assuming that turbulence in slugs is damped. This increases the shedding rate of a slug and, therefore, its stability. The pressure drop can increase or decrease when polymers are added. The increase in holdup is accompanied by an increase in gas velocity, which causes an increase in the pressure drop. The decrease in the interfacial stress has the opposite effect.
Microclimatology of treeline spruce–fir forests in mountains of the northeastern United States

The objective of this study was to characterize the temporal and altitudinal variation in microclimate of high elevation spruce–fir ( Picea rubens–Abies balsamea) forests in three major mountain ranges of the northeastern United States. Mean lapse rates of air temperature were comparable to those previously reported for this region, but lapse rates varied considerably in relation to diurnal (and, to a lesser degree, seasonal) effects. Mean annual soil temperatures and soil temperature heat sums did not show a consistent pattern with regard to elevation. Within our study region, it has been suggested that frequent cloud immersion at high elevation results in radiation fluxes at that are dramatically reduced compared to those at mid and low elevation, but results of this study appear not to support this hypothesis. The frequency of very high ( ≥90%) relative humidities increased with elevation, but although clear-sky fluxes of photosynthetically active radiation increased moderately with increasing elevation, mean mid-day fluxes during the growing season were almost identical between mid and high elevation.
Multipath fading statistics of a direct sequence CDMA signal at 2 GHz, in microcellular and indoor environment

This paper describes the results of field tests consisting of received signal variations and multipath returns seen by a mobile receiver using direct sequence (DS) code division multiple access (CDMA) waveforms. The results reveal that the instantaneous received power lost due to fading (sometimes called the fade margin) increases dramatically as the signalling bandwidth decreases. It also shows that for most of the outdoor locations the significant multipath was confined primarily to 1/spl mu/s of excess delay with average delay of less than 200 ns. A broader band CDMA system, having a bandwidth exceeding 10-MHz could resolve the multipath components and could use a RAKE receiver to further reduce the transmitted power. However, a narrower band CDMA system could not resolve these multipath components and thereby would suffer signal fading which would have to be compensated by 15 dB or more signal amplification. As a result, a narrower band CDMA system would interfere with its other users and reduce its user capacity if no other forms of diversity are used. >
OXYGEN DEFICIENCY AND ROOT METABOLISM: Injury and Acclimation Under Hypoxia and Anoxia

Oxygen deficiency in the rooting zone occurs with poor drainage after rain or irrigation, causing depressed growth and yield of dryland species, in contrast with native wetland vegetation that tolerates such conditions. This review examines how roots are injured by O2 deficiency and how metabolism changes during acclimation to low concentrations of O2. In the root apical meristem, cell survival is important for the future development; metabolic changes under anoxia help maintain cell survival by generating ATP anaerobically and minimizing the cytoplasmic acidosis associated with cell death. Behind the apex, where cells are fully expanded, ethylene-dependent death and lysis occurs under hypoxia to form continuous, gas-filled channels (aerenchyma) conveying O2 from the leaves. This selective sacrifice of cells may resemble programmed cell death and is distinct from cell death caused by anoxia. Evidence concerning alternative possible mechanisms of anoxia tolerance and avoidance is presented.
Team Leadership: Critical Steps To Great Projects

In response to the challenge of assigning and conducting group projects, this article lays out a brief context for team projects and puts forth a positive vision of teams and leadership. The author...
Operational rate-distortion modeling for wavelet video coders

Based on our statistical investigation of a typical three-dimensional (3-D) wavelet codec, we present a unified mathematical model to describe its operational rate-distortion (RD) behavior. The quantization distortion of the reconstructed video frames is assessed by tracking the quantization noise along the 3-D wavelet decomposition trees. The coding bit-rate is estimated for a class of embedded video coders. Experimental results show that the model captures sequence characteristics accurately and reveals the relationship between wavelet decomposition levels and the overall RD performance. After being trained with offline RD data, the model enables accurate prediction of real RD performance of video codecs and therefore can enable optimal RD adaptation of the encoding parameters according to various network conditions
Secondary N-nitrosocarbamate Anions: Structure and Alkylation Reactions. A DFT Study

The current article reports theoretical studies (DFT: B3LYP/6-31CG(d)) on the structure and alkylation reactions of the anions of some secondary N-nitrosocarbamates, a class of ambident nucleophiles whose chemistry has been little explored. Several anions (1–4), with an increasing size of the carbamate alkyl (aryl) group were investigated, in an attempt to establish the influence of the size of that group on the thermal stability and regioselectivity of alkylation of the title anions. The conclusion is that thermal stability and the mode of reaction are affected significantly only in the presence of very large and branched carbamate groups. The thermal decomposition studies at the B3LYP/631CG(d) level of theory yield quantitative results that are in very good or excellent agreement with experimental data. A detailed study of N- vs. O-alkylation reactions was conducted, in an attempt to reveal the nature and origin of regioselectivity. Several factors seem to play prominent role: (1) charge distribution within the N-nitrosocarbamate anion; (2) exothermicity of alkylation; (3) size of electrophile and (4) size of the carbamate alkyl (aryl) group. Computational results on the alkylation reactions of N-nitrosocarbamate anions are compared to results for alkylation of the acetone enolate ion, the outcome for the latter being in sharp contrast to earlier, lower-level calculations. In addition, alkylation studies were conducted on the Z-isomers of the title anions and the results indicate that they undergo O-alkylation with significantly lower barriers compared to the E-isomers. However, Z-isomers are 5–6 kcal/mol less stable thermodynamically and application of the Curtin–Hammett principle leads to the conclusion that O-alkylation occurs almost exclusively on the E-isomers. q 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nitrate Reductase Phylogeny of Potato ( Solanum sect. Petota ) Genomes with Emphasis on the Origins of the Polyploid Species

Solanum section Petota is taxonomically difficult, partly because of interspecific hybridization at both the diploid and polyploid levels. There is much disagreement regarding species boundaries and affiliation of species to series. Elucidating the phylogenetic relationships within the polyploids is crucial for an effective taxonomic treatment of the section and for the utilization of wild potato germplasm in breeding programs. We here infer relationships among the potato diploids and polyploids using nitrate reductase (NIA) sequence data in comparison to prior plastid phylogenies and: 1) examine genome types within section Petota, 2) show species in the polyploid series Conicibaccata, Longipedicellata, and in the Iopetalum group to be derived from allopolyploidization, 3) support an earlier hypothesis by confirming S. verrucosum as the maternal genome donor for the polyploid species S. demissum as well as species in the Iopetalum Group, 4) demonstrate that S. verrucosum is the closest relative to the maternal genome donor for species in ser. Longipedicellata, 5) support the close relationship between S. acaule and diploid species from series Megistacroloba and Tuberosa, and 6) show the North and Central American B genome species to be well distinguished from the A genome species of South America.
Respiratory muscle work compromises leg blood flow during maximal exercise

Harms, Craig A., Mark A. Babcock, Steven R. McClaran, David F. Pegelow, Glenn A. Nickele, William B. Nelson, and Jerome A. Dempsey.Respiratory muscle work compromises leg blood flow during maximal ...
Mouse Models of Human Cancer: Role in Preclinical Testing and Personalized Medicine

In the last few decades, information about the human genome and the genetic landscape of human cancer has led to therapeutic strategies guided by specific genetic knowledge and executed with molecularly targeted drugs. The era of personalized medicine for cancer treatment is coming of age. Genetic knowledge leads to identification of potential drug targets that in turn is used to develop molecularly targeted therapies for cancer (see Chapter 28). Central to the pursuit of this approach are faithful mouse models of human cancer. As we discuss in this chapter, these models not only serve to define the critical and causal molecular events required for cancer, but they also provide powerful systems for preclinical testing of cancer drugs.
Measuring the relative impact of issues and the economy in democratic elections

It is generally accepted that issues and economic outcomes influence elections. In this paper we analyze the relative importance of issues and the economy in Canadian elections. We estimate a model of the 1988 and 1993 Canadian elections in which we include voter evaluations of the parties on a variety of issues, and voter evaluations of the national economy and their personal finances. We demonstrate that it is possible to compare the effects of issues and the economy on election outcomes. And we put this in the context of the impact of issues and elections in several other democracies. We show that even in elections where other factors are dominant, we can still see the impact of economic voting. And we argue that given the tenuous connection between the actions of elected officials and macroeconomic outcomes, this suggests that voters may be giving elected officials undue leeway in their non-economic policy-making functions.
Rate and timing of cortical responses driven by separate sensory channels

The sense of touch comprises multiple sensory channels that each conveys characteristic signals during interactions with objects. These neural signals must then be integrated in such a way that behaviorally relevant information about the objects is preserved. To understand the process of integration, we implement a simple computational model that describes how the responses of neurons in somatosensory cortex—recorded from awake, behaving monkeys—are shaped by the peripheral input, reconstructed using simulations of neuronal populations that reproduce natural spiking responses in the nerve with millisecond precision. First, we find that the strength of cortical responses is driven by one population of nerve fibers (rapidly adapting) whereas the timing of cortical responses is shaped by the other (Pacinian). Second, we show that input from these sensory channels is integrated in an optimal fashion that exploits the disparate response behaviors of different fiber types.
Intracranial Arteriopathy and Ischemic Stroke

Repeated vascular imaging findings and clinical charts of 79 children with anterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and unilateral intracranial arteriopathy of the internal carotid bifurcation were studied at the University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and other centers in France, UK, and Canada.