cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING DORMANCY, GERMINATION, AND SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT OF AEGINETIA INDICA L. (OROBANCHACEAE)

A B S T RA CT Dormancy in seeds of the parasitic phanerogam Aeginetia indica L. can be broken by chemical treatment with sodium hypochlorite, which also helps to control contaminating microflora. A germination medium was developed that suppressed microbial contamination and permitted long-term observation of these slow-germinating seeds. The medium consisted of 10 ppm streptomycin, 10 ppm penicillin, and 10-' M indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (or other growth regulator) in 1 % water agar. Optimum germination range was 25-30 C. Dormancy could also be broken by exposure on agar for several days at 3-5 C (stratification), or by brief exposures (15 min) to 50 C. Continuous light as low as 0.1 ft-c completely inhibited germination on this growth medium. Brief, intermittent light exposures depressed germination. Germination and growth in vitro of nondormant seed of Aeginetina indica L. can be described in five stages: (1) Germination: expansion of spheroidal cells or nodule at micropylar end of the seed, stimulated
Activation of MKK9‐MPK3/MPK6 enhances phosphate acquisition in Arabidopsis thaliana

Despite the abundance of phosphorus in soil, very little is available as phosphate (Pi) for plants. Plants often experience low Pi (LP) stress. Intensive studies have been conducted to reveal the mechanism used by plants to deal with LP; however, Pi sensing and signal transduction pathways are not fully understood. Using in-gel kinase assays, we determined the activities of MPK3 and MPK6 in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings under both LP and Pi-sufficient (Murashige and Skoog, MS) conditions. Using MKK9 mutant transgenic and crossed mutants, we analyzed the functions of MPK3 and MPK6 in regulating Pi responses of seedlings. The regulation of Pi responses by downstream components of MKK9-MPK3/MPK6 was also screened. LP treatment activated MPK3 and MPK6. Under both LP and MS conditions, mpk3 and mpk6 seedlings took up and accumulated less Pi than the wild-type; activation of MKK9-MPK3/MPK6 in transgenic seedlings induced the transcription of Pi acquisition-related genes and enhanced Pi uptake and accumulation, whereas its activation suppressed the transcription of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and anthocyanin accumulation; WRKY75 was downstream of MKK9-MPK3/MPK6 when regulating the accumulation of Pi and anthocyanin, and the transcription of Pi acquisition-related and anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. These results suggest that the MKK9-MPK3/MPK6 cascade is part of the Pi signaling pathway in plants.
Massive arterial hemorrhage from the stomach and lower esophagus: impact of embolotherapy on survival.

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses in 36 patients referred for angiographic evaluation of massive arterial hemorrhage from the stomach, gastroesophageal junction, and lower esophagus. Twenty-four patients underwent embolotherapy, and 12 were treated with nontranscatheter therapy such as surgery, Sengstaken-Blakemore tube placement, endoscopic submucosal injection of epinephrine, or supportive medical therapy. Bleeding was controlled completely in 15 (62%) and partially in three (13%) of the patients who underwent embolotherapy. In nine of the patients treated with nontranscatheter therapy (75%), bleeding control was complete. Sixteen patients died, including seven of 28 in whom bleeding was controlled. There was no significant difference in the mortality rates of patients treated with nontranscatheter therapy (46% and 42%, respectively). Survival correlated with the clinical condition at the time of intervention. All patients with multiorgan failure died, while 87% of the other pati...
Impact of Vertical Hydraulic Gradient on Rill Erodibility and Critical Shear Stress

Field observations and subsequent support from controlled lab experiments have shown the linkage between vertical hydraulic gradients and initiation of rills or incised channels. Nevertheless, current erosion prediction models do not include the hydraulic gradient effect in the erodibility parameters. The objectives of this study were to: (i) quantify the impact of a subsurface hydraulic gradient on rill erodibility and critical shear stress; and (ii) determine the intrinsic critical shear stress of the soil, which is the critical shear stress of the soil without the influence of the vertical hydraulic gradient. Two series of concentrated flow experiments were conducted on a silt loam soil subjected to hydraulic gradients varying from -2 to 2 m m -1 . The first series measured soil loss at a given shear stress, while the second was a direct measurement of the critical shear stress by calculating the shear stress at the point of incipient motion of particles. The intrinsic critical shear stress was determined using a fluidized bed approach. We found that the average erodibility under an upward or positive hydraulic gradient was 5.64 times larger than that under a downward hydraulic gradient. The critical shear stress decreased from 1.0 to 0.2 Pa as the hydraulic gradient was increased from -2 to 2 m m -1 . Using the fluidized bed approach, we obtained an inherent critical shear stress value of 1.61 Pa. We concluded that the presence of positive pore pressure near the soil surface was a major factor in reducing soil cohesion. We also concluded that with some improvements, the fluidized bed concept can be applied to determine the critical shear stress independent of the hydraulic gradient effect.
Pain relief by subarachnoid hypothermic saline injection

Summary Seventy patients with intractable pain underwent hypothermic saline spinal subarachnoid injection. Thirty-three patients had pain due to benign conditions and thirty-seven to neoplastic diseases. In all patients, pain was relieved for several days after saline injection. In the thirty-three patients with benign conditions, pain was relieved for one to three months in 50 per cent and for seven months in less than 20 per cent. In twenty-eight of the thirty-seven patients with neoplasm who were dead at the time of this evaluation, 75 per cent of the twenty-eight patients had excellent to fair pain relief after hypothermic saline injection until the time of death. The mechanism of pain relief by hypothermic subarachnoid saline injection is not clear; nevertheless, the low morbidity warrants its consideration for pain relief in patients with neoplastic diseases.
Intracerebroventricular passive immunization with anti‐Aβ antibody in Tg2576

Current Alzheimer's disease (AD) research has established the fact that excessive genesis of Abeta derived from amyloidogenic processing of beta-amyloid (Abeta) precursor protein is fundamental to AD pathogenesis. There has been considerable interest in using immunization strategies for clearing excessive Abeta. Studies in animal models of AD have shown that active immunizations or systemic passive immunizations reduced cerebral plaque load and improved behavioral deficits. However, clinical translation of an active immunization strategy was interrupted because of evidence for meningoencephalitis produced in some patients who received Abeta vaccine. Studies in animal models have shown perimicrovascular hemorrhages and inflammation after sustained systemic immunizations in animals with vascular amyloid. In this light, our data showing the effects of a single intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of anti-Abeta in the Alzheimer's Swedish mutant model Tg2576 are intriguing. We have previously demonstrated that a single ICV injection of anti-Abeta into the third ventricle of 10-month-old Tg2576 mice reduced cerebral plaques, reversed Abeta-induced depletion of presynaptic SNAP-25, and abolished astroglial activation as seen 1 month post-injection (Chauhan and Siegel [2002] J. Neurosci. Res. 69:10-23). The present report demonstrates that a single ICV injection of 10 microg anti-Abeta in 10-month-old Tg2576 mice reduced cerebral plaques, with decreased inflammation at this stage as evidenced by a reduced number of interleukin-1beta-positive microglia surrounding Congophilic plaques. Moreover, at this particular age, no microhemorrhage was discernible, as evidenced by the absence of hemosiderin deposition after a single ICV injection of anti-Abeta. This is the first report demonstrating absence of microhemorrhage and reduced inflammation after the ICV introduction of anti-Abeta in Tg2576 mice at 10 months of age. These facts indicate that, although invasive, ICV injection of anti-Abeta may be a safer method of vaccination in AD, possibly through reducing the vascular exposure to antibody. Further studies are warranted to determine the lasting effects of a single ICV anti-Abeta injection in animals with and without abundant plaque burden and at older ages.
THE INFLUENCE OF UPWARD FEEDBACK ON SELF‐ AND FOLLOWER RATINGS OF LEADERSHIP

The impact of upward feedback (followers' perceptions of leadership provided to leaders) on leaders' self-evaluations and followers' subsequent ratings of leadership was assessed in a field setting. Subjects were 978 student leaders and their 1,232 followers. Results indicated that overall, leaders' behaviors as rated by followers improved after feedback. Leaders' self-evaluations following feedback became more similar to the evaluations provided by followers. Interestingly, when leaders were grouped according to whether feedback was positive, neutral, or negative based on agreement between self- and follower ratings, differences between groups in post-feedback self-evaluations and follower ratings emerged. Self-evaluations for leaders receiving negative feedback (high self- relative to followers' ratings) went down, while self-evaluations for leaders receiving positive feedback (low self- relative to follower's ratings) went up. Follower ratings of leaders who received negative feedback improved following feedback to leaders, while there was no change in follower ratings for those receiving positive feedback. Implications for using upward feedback in organizations are discussed.
RSS based loop-free compass routing protocol for data communication in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) of Smart Grid

Communication is the heart of the Smart Grid. Smart Grid metering and control applications require fast, reliable and secured two-way communication network. In this study, random signal strength (RSS) based localization of smart meters of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has been proposed using the location information of meters whose position are known. Based on the location information, a loop free routing protocol has been developed. As a consequence, loop freedom, local routing decision and limited flooding, faster and reliable data transmission can be achieved.
Model reduction for discrete time systems

A modified approach for reducing the order of discrete time systems is presented. The objective of the reduction process is to preserve specific design parameters of the transfer function such as phase margin, gain margin, and bandwidth. This approach is attractive because it can be easily implemented and does not involve any complex algebra.
Regression of Renal Hypertrophy and Elevated Renal Na+,K+-ATPase Activity After Insulin Treatment in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

The effect of insulin treatment on the renal hypertrophy and elevated renal Na+,K+-ATPase activity in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes was examined. Rats with STZ-diabetes of 6- to 8-week duration had significantly lower body weights, higher plasma and urinary glucose concentrations, greater urinary volumes, increased kidney weights, and increased kidney/body weights and protein/kidney weight ratios compared to those in saline-citrate-injected controls. Specific Na+,K+-ATPase activity per mg protein in both cortical and outer medullary kidney homogenates was significantly elevated in diabetic us. control animals, as was total renal Na+,K+- ATPase activity. One week of insulin treatment returned elevated plasma glucose, urinary volume, the protein/kidney weight ratio, and cortical and outer medullary Na+,K+-ATPase activity per mg protein to control values. Kidney weights and kidney/ body weight ratios of diabetic animals remained elevated, as did absolute total renal Na+,K+-ATPase activity. ...
The monamine hypothesis, placebos, and problems of theory construction in psychology and psychiatry

Abstract Can there be scientific theories in psychology, medicine or psychiatry? I approach this question through an in-depth analysis of a typical experiment for clinical depression involving the monoamine hypothesis, drug action, and placebos. I begin my discussion with a reconstruction of Adolf Grunbaum’s conceptual analysis of what a placebo is. I then use his notion of “intentional placebo” to discuss a typical experiment using the monoamine hypothesis, two drugs, and a placebo. I focus on the theoretical aspects of the experiment, especially on the notion of causal explanation. I then raise five conceptual and methodological problems for theory construction. These problems focus on questions of the causal efficacy of placebos and drugs; ad hoc versus ceteris paribus explanations in biomedicine and psychology; and the falsifiability of the monoamine hypothesis. I conclude by pointing out the need for further, rigorous philosophical analysis concerning the possibility of theory construction in psychology, medicine or psychiatry.
Radiative transfer within the atmospheres of the major planets

Abstract A modified Eddington approximation is presented which describes radiative transfer due to the pressure-induced far infrared spectrum of hydrogen. When applied to the atmospheres of the major planets, the radiative transfer model produces atmospheric temperature profiles which are in good agreement with more detailed calculations. Solar absorption and infrared transmission by the fundamental bands of methane are further included for Jupiter and Saturn, resulting in a temperature inversion within both atmospheres above an altitude corresponding to a pressure of roughly 0.01 atm. This relatively high inversion region appears to be qualitatively consistent with infrared observations of methane and ammonia bands for Jupiter. Additional sources of solar absorption, consisting of the pressure-induced vibration-rotation bands of hydrogen and the overtones of the v3 methane fundamental, are shown to have a minor effect upon the atmospheric thermal structure for Jupiter and Saturn.
Surface relief and the mechanism of a phase transformation

Abstract Surface relief of the invariant plane strain type is invariably observed during martensitic transformations. However, some diffusion-controlled transformations also exhibit this effect. The observation of a surface relief effect is therefore no proof for a martensitic transformation mechanism. The same reasoning applies to the formation of groups of variants that accomodate each other's strain. Self-accommodating groups of four variants of martensite plates have been observed in several martensites but they are also found in precipitation reactions. While these observations cannot be used as proof for a martensitic mechanism, neither does the presence of structural ledges in a reaction interface necessitate diffusion. Both these arguments have been used by different sides in a recent controversy (1,2), and the present paper is an attempt to clarify the situation. Starting with the simple example of AlAg, the mechanism of surface relief in a diffusional fcc-hcp transformation and its relation to ledge growth will be examined. Applying the same mechanism to increasingly complex cases the relation to structural ledges, fcc-bcc transformations and finally a general martensite interface will be developed.
Reversal of attenuation of cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia by a nitric oxide donor after controlled cortical impact in a rat model of traumatic brain injury

Object. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) attenuates the cerebral vasodilation to hypercapnia. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) also transiently reduces hypercapnic vasodilation. The authors sought to determine whether the CSD elicited by a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury masks the true effect of TBI on hypercapnic vasodilation, and whether a nitric oxide (NO) donor can reverse the attenuation of hypercapnic vasodilation following CCI. Methods. Anesthetized rats underwent moderate CCI. Cerebral blood flow was monitored with laser Doppler flowmetry and the response to hypercapnia was determined for injured and sham-injured animals. The effect of the NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), on this response was also assessed. At an uninjured cortical site ipsilateral to the CCI, a single wave of CSD was recorded and the CO2 response at this location was significantly attenuated for up to 30 minutes (seven rats, p < 0.05). At the injured cortex, hypercapnic vasodilation continued to be attenua...
On the implications for LEFM of the three-dimensional aspects in some crack/surface intersection problems

Several elastic configurations containing cracks under transverse tension which intersect a free surface are investigated. In order to ensure reliable results two independent numerical methods are employed on a comparison problem, each method being tuned to handle the special features involved. The comparison provides confidence in other results which focus on the key quantity in linear elastic fracture mechanics, the energy release rate. These findings may be summarized as follows: that the decays in the energy release rates found as the free surface is approached in the various problems treated are probably not significant from a fracture toughness testing point of view and not of major consequence in cyclic life calculations, although there are some indications that this may not be the case if near-surface residual stress fields are present; and that these variations in energy release rate can be compensated for by relatively minor perturbations in crack-front profiles.
Interannual variability of the equatorial Pacific - Revisited

Wind-driven modeling results are presented which indicate that a significant portion of the observed interannual sea level variability of the eastern, central equatorial, and western Pacific may be accounted for by linear theory when reasonable estimates of the wind field are provided. It is noted that drastic shoaling of the pycnocline in the western Pacific during El Nino may be induced by Rossby waves that are excited by changes in strength and position of the northeast trades. In the eastern tropical Pacific, remotely forced Kelvin waves generated in the central and western Pacific are responsible for the El Nino pycnocline displacements.
Tunable laser spectroscopy of CO2 near 2.05 μm: Atmospheric retrieval biases due to neglecting line-mixing

Abstract Inclusion of line-mixing into spectroscopic models is required for precise and accurate dry-mole-fraction column CO 2 retrievals from a satellite instrument. We measure first-order line-mixing parameters of thirteen 12 CO 2 20 0 1 3 ←00 0 0 CO 2 transitions near 2.05 μm using tunable laser spectroscopy. We also report line position measurements of twelve 13 CO 2 and 18 OCO transitions in this spectral region. By incorporating line-mixing into a simple atmospheric model, we show how biases in CO 2 retrievals can be generated if line-mixing is ignored.
Multiple view zenith angle observations of reflectance from ponderosa pine stands

Reflectance factors (RF(lambda)) from dense and sparse ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands, derived from radiance data collected in the solar principal plane by the Advanced Solid-State Array Spectro-radiometer (ASAS), were examined as a function of view zenith angle (theta(sub v)). RF(lambda) was maximized with theta(sub v) nearest the solar retrodirection, and minimized near the specular direction throughout the ASAS spectral region. The dense stand had much higher RF anisotropy (ma)dmurn RF is minimum RF) in the red region than did the sparse stand (relative differences of 5.3 vs. 2.75, respectively), as a function of theta(sub v), due to the shadow component in the canopy. Anisotropy in the near-infrared (NIR) was more similar between the two stands (2.5 in the dense stand and 2.25 in the sparse stand); the dense stand exhibited a greater hotspot effect than 20 the sparse stand in this spectral region. Two common vegetation transforms, the NIR/red ratio and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), both showed a theta(sub v) dependence for the dense stand. Minimum values occurred near the retrodirection and maximum values occurred near the specular direction. Greater relative differences were noted for the NIR/red ratio (2.1) than for the NDVI (1.3). The sparse stand showed no obvious dependence on theta(sub v) for either transform, except for slightly elevated values toward the specular direction.
FETAL BLOOD-SAMPLING IN UTERO

Abstract A fetal blood-sample, adequate for the study of haemoglobin synthesis, can be obtained by aspiration of the anterior placenta. In a preliminary trial, the procedure was successful in 58% (eleven) of the nineteen cases and seemed to be safe.
Organizing the transfer of patient care information: the development of a computerized resident sign-out system.

Abstract Background The problem of safe and efficient transfer of care has increased over the years as new and complex diagnostic tools and more complex treatment options became available. Traditionally, residents ensured continuity of care by working long hours and minimizing the transfer of significant diagnostic or therapeutic responsibilities to other providers. The new 80-hour workweek has curtailed that practice and increased the pressure on trainees for workflow efficiency. We report on a study of information-handling routines among residents for the separate tasks of transfer of care (“sign-out”) and daily patient care work (ward work). Using these results, an institution-wide computerized system was developed to centralize information-handling tasks and facilitate the management and transfer of patient care information. Study design House staff from 31 resident-run inpatient and consult services at 2 teaching hospitals described current methods of maintaining patient information used during ward rounds and during sign-out. A subgroup of 28 residents then participated in the design of a computerized resident sign-out system to centralize patient information and produce lists for rounding and transferring care duties. Accuracy, flexibility, and portability were identified as key elements by the design team. Results Analysis of the type of information handled by residents caring for inpatients at our institution demonstrated common elements across many services. Most services used a paper patient list to manage both nightly sign-out and daily ward work, which required repeated recopying of patient data during the day. Utilizing medical information systems tools and rapid application development concepts, we constructed a computerized resident sign-out system (“UWCores”). This system combines the patient sign-out and daily ward work information in one central location. We believed this would improve the quality of information transferred during sign-out and enhance resident efficiency. During the design process, we identified rules that govern the type of clinical information that should be automatically versus manually updated. We observed an immediate acceptance by all residents and services that tried the system. Conclusions This study shows that by combining downloaded patient data from hospital systems with resident-entered patient details, a computerized resident sign-out system can be a feasible, powerful, and popular tool. While its effect on patient safety and resident efficiency await the results of further studies, our study shows that this tool rapidly captured the attention of resident physicians and became widely used as a valuable means to centralize and organize sign-out and daily ward work information.
Influence of Backbone Rigidity on the Thermotropic Behavior of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers Synthesized by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

The effect of backbone flexibility on the mesomorphic behavior of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization was investigated. The synthesis of norbornene and cyclobutene monomers containing a p-nitrostilbene moiety as the mesogenic group and polymerization of these monomers to produce side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with low polydispersities and defined molecular weights was accomplished. The relatively rigid poly(norbornene)s displayed enantiotropic nematic mesomorphism with glass transitions from 44 to 64 °C and isotropization temperatures between 108 and 121 °C, whereas the more flexible poly(butadiene)s showed enantiotropic smectic A mesomorphism with glass transition temperatures from 14 to 31 °C and isotropization temperatures between 74 and 111 °C. A diblock copolymer containing a 1:1 mixture of the poly(norbornene) and poly(butadiene) also exhibited a smectic A mesophase, clearly demonstrating the dominance of the poly(butadiene) backbone. ...
The kinetics of pack aluminization of iron from AlFe alloy packs

Abstract A study has been made of the aluminization of iron in fluoride-activated alloy packs in order to clarify the kinetics of metal deposition from a pack in which the source metal is present as a component of an alloy, rather than in pure form. By electron microprobe analyses of packs impregnated with a self-hardening epoxy resin the aluminum concentration of alloy powder in the pack could be accurately measured as a function of distance from the surface of the sample undergoing aluminization. The aluminum concentration profiles in packs with source alloys of varying aluminum concentration were determined and correlates with sample surface compositions and rates of mass gain. The results strongly support the idea that reactions at the gas-metal interfaces are rapid and that diffusion in the gas and solid phases controls the rate of aluminum deposition in the pack process. On the basis of the data obtained, a more realistic mathematical model of the kinetics of aluminization from an alloy pack than those presented in earlier studies has been formulated.
Role of brachytherapy in adult soft tissue sarcomas

The use of brachytherapy in the management of adult soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities has been applied in combination with conservative surgery in an attempt to avoid amputation. Retrospective studies and a single prospective trial currently underway suggest that this combination is highly effective in improving local control for high-grade tumors, independent of size, location in the extremity, and depth. However, no effect has been shown in preventing distant metastases, or in prolonging survival in high-grade tumors. Likewise, no effect has been documented on low-grade tumors. Whether adjuvant chemotherapy can improve overall and disease-free survival remains debatable. New innovative brachytherapy approaches are being investigated to eliminate radiation exposure associated with the use of low-dose-rate Iridium-192 (Ir-192), and to further improve the treatment results in all tumor grades.
Atmospheric marine boundary layer convective mixing velocities in the california coastal region

Abstract The Naval Postgraduate School has conducted five research cruises in California coastal waters for which sufficient data were obtained to allow boundary layer mixing velocities to be determined. The velocities have been calculated and correlated with meteorological conditions and geographical location and average values for use in air pollution models have been determined. A simplified method for calculating the convective mixing velocity from mean meteorological parameters is presented.
Problematic Energy Differences between Cumulenes and Poly-ynes: Does This Point to a Systematic Improvement of Density Functional Theory?

Relative energetics of the C3H4 (allene (1) and propyne (2)), C5H4 (penta-1,2,3,4-tetraene (3) and penta-1,3-diyne (4)), and C7H4 (hepta-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaene (5) and hepta-1,3,5-triyne (6)) cumulene and poly-yne structures were systematically examined using DFT (B3LYP, BLYP, and BP86), MP2, and CCSD(T) theories. The isomer energy separations, ΔE, were studied with three schemes: standard optimizations and energy determinations (CCSD(T)/cc-pVXZ//MP2/cc-pVTZ), heats of formation predictions via isodesmic and homodesmotic reactions (CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//MP2/cc-pVTZ), and BHLYP functional analysis fitted to experimental data. For the C3H4 isomers, ΔE was determined to be −1.4 and −1.4 kcal/mol for the first two schemes, with the BHLYP functional analysis being fit to the experimental ΔE of −1.4 ± 0.5 kcal/mol. The three schemes yield ΔE values of −8.8, −10.1, and −11.7 kcal/mol, respectively, for the C5H4 isomers 3 and 4. The C7H4 isomers 5 and 6 are separated by −14.3, −16.3, and −19.7 kcal/mol when the three sc...
Evolution of anaphylatoxins, their diversity and novel roles in innate immunity: insights from the study of fish complement.

Abstract Anaphylatoxins are small molecules (∼9 kDa) that are generated as a result of the activation of the complement system. These molecules play an important role in inflammation, and they are responsible for the activation of various innate and adaptive immune processes. The study of these important inflammatory molecules has been restricted to mammalian species so far. Recent studies have shown that teleost fish, unlike any other known animal species, contain multiple forms of the C3a anaphylatoxin, all of which are functionally active and play a prominent role in inducing superoxide production in fish leukocytes. The C5a anaphylatoxin has also been characterized in these animals, and like in mammals, it plays an important role in leukocyte chemotaxis and in triggering the respiratory burst of leukocytes. Interestingly, it has been shown that rainbow trout anaphylatoxins play an unexpected role in enhancing phagocytosis of particles. C5a and C3a receptors have recently been cloned and characterized in rainbow trout, suggesting that the duplication of these receptors from a common ancestor occurred before the emergence of teleosts. The studies derived from these molecules in teleost fish indicate that the basic structure and function of anaphylatoxins and their receptors, have been conserved for more than 300 million years.
Evaluation of resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest by paramedics

A series of 100 consecutive victims of cardiopulmonary arrest were evaluated for treatment in the field by paramedic teams and for the patients' subsequent course. Analysis of the data correlated success rates with specific factors, including response, treatment and transportation times, proximity to the emergency center, establishment of an intravenous line and administration of drugs, pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a bystander, cardiopulmonary arrest in the presence of the team, and other factors. Successful resuscitation was accomplished in 24% of cases, and 7% of the victims ultimately returned to their previous lifestyles. Therapeutic maneuvers which prolonged time at the scene worsened prognosis. These results were compared to recent reports from other institutions with specific reference to differences in technique regarding success rates. Although the basic policy of "rush the patient to the hospital" of past years has shifted to one of evaluation, emergency treatment and stabilization at the scene before transportation, the data suggest that specific guidelines consistent with the urgency of the situation are necessary to maximize the patient salvage rate.
Estrus and pregnancy after synchrony with lutalyse in conjunction with Syncro-Mate-B.

Estrous response and pregnancy rates are decreased for cows given Syncro-Mate-B (SMB) during metestrus (Day 1 to 5 of an estrous cycle). Data indicate these decreases are due, in part, to retention of a functional corpus luteum (CL). Our objective was to determine whether PGF2alpha administered in conjunction with SMB would improve estrous response and pregnancy rates in metestrous cows with no detrimental effects to cows in other stages of the estrous cycle. Three hundred seventy-three suckled beef cows were observed for estrus for 21 d before SMB administration to determine stage of an estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected 14 and 7 d before treatment and at SMB administration. Serum was assayed for concentration of progesterone to verify stage of estrous cycle or noncyclicity. All cows received the standard SMB regime and were allotted by age and stage of cycle to one of two groups. Cows denoted SMB + L received 25 mg of PGF2alpha 8 d after implantation, whereas cows denoted SMB served as controls. On Day 10, SMB implants were removed and females were observed for subsequent estrus. At this time, calves were removed from their dams for 48 h. Artificial insemination was performed 12 hr after observation of a standing estrus. Timed insemination was performed at 48 hr after implant removal for cows not inseminated at 24 or 36 hr after implant removal. Interval to synchronized estrus (within 5 d of implant removal) was lengthened for metestrous cows compared to cows in other stages of the cycle irrespective of treatment (P < 0.001). Cows receiving PGF2alpha had a greater pregnancy rate at 5 d compared to controls (P = .0672). Interval to estrus, estrous response, and pregnancy rate to A1 at d 28 or end of breeding season were not affected by administration of PGF2alpha in conjunction with SMB when compared to the standard SMB protocol.
Mapping the binding-site crevice of the dopamine D2 receptor by the substituted-cysteine accessibility method.

Abstract The binding site of the dopamine D2 receptor, like that of other homologous G protein-coupled receptors, is contained within a water-accessible crevice formed among its seven membrane-spanning segments. We have developed a method to map systematically all the residues forming the surface of this binding-site crevice, and we have applied this method to the third membrane-spanning segment (M3). We mutated, one at a time, 23 residues in and flanking M3 to cysteine and expressed the mutant receptors heterologously. Ten of these mutants reacted with charged, hydrophilic, lipophobic, sulfhydryl-specific reagents, added extracellularly, and were protected from reaction by a reversible dopamine antagonist. Thus, the side chains of these residues are exposed in the binding-site crevice, which like M3 extends from the extracellular to the intracellular side of the membrane. The pattern of exposure is consistent with a short loop followed by six turns of an α helix.
Oxidative Addition of Chlorohydrocarbons to a Rhodium Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Complex

The reactive fragment [Tp′Rh(PMe3)], generated from the thermal precursor Tp′Rh(PMe3)(Me)H, is found to cleave the C–Cl bonds of chlorohydrocarbons under mild conditions. Reaction with chloromethane gives clean formation of an initial C–H activation product, which rearranges to form the C–Cl activation product at 30 °C. Reaction with dichloromethane or benzyl chloride gives a mixture of C–Cl activation products as well as products from chlorination. Reaction with chlorocyclohexane gives a mixture of intermediates from C–H activation, which react further upon heating to give a C–Cl cleavage product as well as the β-chloride elimination product Tp′Rh(PMe3)(Cl)H plus cyclohexene. Complete conversion from a C–H activation product to a C–Cl activation product was observed in the reaction with 1,2-dichloroethylene, where β-elimination is circumvented. Activation of 1-chlorobutane, 1,2-dichloroethane, or 1,4-dichlorobutane gives a mixture of C–Cl activation products as well as Tp′Rh(PMe3)(Cl)H plus olefin. Simil...
The Effect of Display Format and Classification Strategy on a Diagnostic Decision Task

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of system state uncertainty and data reliability on a diagnostic decision task when system data was presented in three different display formats (Digital, Bargraph and Configural). Properties of an actual process control system were simulated in the experiment by varying both system state uncertainty and data reliability. Classification strategy emerged as a major determinant of classification performance across display conditions.
Gallium Arsenide Augments Antigen Processing by Peritoneal Macrophages for CD4+Helper T Cell Stimulation

Abstract Gallium arsenide (GaAs) suppresses numerous immunologic functions of leukocytes at distal locations from the exposure site. The effect of direct GaAs exposure on peritoneal cells was examined by ip administration of the chemical. No alteration in the frequency of various cell lineages, including macrophages, B cells, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, and granulocytes, occurred within the peritoneal population from GaAs-exposed mice. The ability of macrophages to function as antigen-presenting cells (APC) by processing a panel of soluble protein antigens was investigated by the stimulation of antigen-specific helper T cell hybridomas to secrete interleukin-2. On a per cell basis, GaAs-exposed macrophages were more efficient than vehicle control cells in activating the T cells with all native antigens examined. GaAs exposure increased the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, which are recognized by these T cells, on the surface of macrophages. However, the level of T cell activation with peptide fragments of the antigens, which do not require processing, was not enhanced with GaAs-exposed cells as APC. In contrast, the capability of latex bead-exposed macrophages to function as APC was comparable to that of vehicle control cells, suggesting that GaAs modulatory effects were not merely due to phagocytosis of particles. These findings suggest that direct GaAs exposure augments antigen processing, but not presentation, by macrophages perhaps by activating the cells, which may contribute to the immunotoxicity and inflammatory reaction caused by respiratory exposure to GaAs.
Vector-valued Malvar wavelets

Scalar-valued Malvar wavelets have been used to eliminate the blocking effects in scalar transform coding. In this paper, we introduce vector-valued Malvar wavelets for vector-valued signals. While constructing window vectors, we present a connection between vector-valued Malvar wavelets and vector Lemarie-Meyer band-limited wavelets. Similar to scalar-valued Malvar wavelets, vector-valued Malvar wavelets have applications in eliminating the blocking effects in vector transform coding.
The mechanics of winding and unwinding helices in recombination: torsional stress associated with strand transfer promoted by RecA protein

Abstract Homologous recombination usually involves the production of heteroduplex DNA, DNA containing strands contributed from two different duplexes. recA protein of E. coli can promote the formation of heteroduplex DNA in vitro by the exchange of DNA strands between two helical structures, duplex DNA and a helical recA nucleoprotein filament containing a single strand of DNA. Complete unwinding of the parental duplex and the rewinding of one strand with a new complement requires rotation of the helical structures about one another, or about their respective longitudinal axes. The observations described here demonstrate an association of torsional stress with strand exchange, and suggest that exchange is accomplished principally by concomitant rotation of duplex DNA and the recA nucleoprotein filament, each about its longitudinal axis.
Nitric Oxide and Cyclic GMP Regulate Retinal Patterning in the Optic Lobe of Drosophila

Abstract The photoreceptors of Drosophila express a nitric oxide–sensitive guanylate cyclase during the first half of metamorphosis, when postsynaptic elements in the optic lobe are being selected. Throughout this period, the optic lobes show NADPH-diaphorase activity and stain with an antibody to nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The NOS inhibitor L-NAME, the NO scavenger PTIO, the sGC inhibitor ODQ, and methylene blue, which inhibits NOS and guanylate cyclase, each caused the disorganization of retinal projections and extension of photoreceptor axons beyond their normal synaptic layers in vitro. The disruptive effects of L-NAME were prevented with the addition of 8-bromo-cGMP. These results suggest NO and cGMP act to stabilize retinal growth cones at the start of synaptic assembly.
Pediatric bipolar disorder: emerging diagnostic and treatment approaches

Children and adolescents who have bipolar disorder often are encountered in clinical settings and frequently require treatment with mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. New screening and diagnostic tools are available to aid in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. Additional data supporting the use of mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics in this population also are emerging. Combinations of existing psychotropics remain the most effective treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder at this point. This article reviews the phenomenology and clinical characteristics of pediatric bipolar disorder and current approaches to pharmacotherapy. It is becoming apparent that bipolar disorder is often a chronic disorder in children and adolescents, much like diabetes, and is best managed with a combination of medications and psychosocial therapy.
Exploiting dynamicity in graph-based traffic analysis: techniques and applications

Network traffic can be represented by a Traffic Dispersion Graph (TDG) that contains an edge between two nodes that send a particular type of traffic (e.g., DNS) to one another. TDGs have recently been proposed as an alternative way to interpret and visualize network traffic. Previous studies have focused on static properties of TDGs using graph snapshots in isolation. In this work, we represent network traffic with a series of related graph instances that change over time. This representation facilitates the analysis of the dynamic nature of network traffic, providing additional descriptive power. For example, DNS and P2P graph instances can appear similar when compared in isolation, but the way the DNS and P2P TDGs change over time differs significantly. To quantify the changes over time, we introduce a series of novel metrics that capture changes both in the graph structure (e.g., the average degree) and the participants (i.e., IP addresses) of a TDG. We apply our new methodologies to improve graph-based traffic classification and to detect changes in the profile of legacy applications (e.g., e-mail).
ADULT RAT MODEL TO STUDY GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL-INDUCED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. † 1206

Infants infected with group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteria often develop pulmonary hypertension. Morbidity and mortality remain a problem despite treatment with antibiotics. Presently, the most frequently utilized animals for such research are large animals (i.e. lambs, pigs), and an inexpensive small animal model would be useful. Adult male Wistar rats(450-600 grams) were anesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbital. A 24 gauge angiocatheter was inserted directly into the main pulmonary artery through a sternotomy incision and connected to a pressure transducer. Once animals had recovered from surgery, an injection (1 mL) of heat killed GBS(serotype III, strain 878) bacteria (1×109 CFU/mL) was injected into the external jugular vein in 6 rats. Pulmonary arterial pressure increased 10-25% above baseline pressures within one minute of the injection and returned to baseline within 20 minutes. Control injections of normal saline were used to ensure that the volume of fluid infused did not affect pressure. The same preparation of GBS (1 mL/kg) was infused into newborn lambs, producing a doubling of pulmonary arterial pressure within 1-2 minutes and a return to baseline pressures within 10 minutes. The GBS infusion produced a similar qualitative response in both animals, but the quantitative response was not as great in the rat. This smaller animal model will be useful in the purification of the substance responsible for the hypertensive effects observed with GBS bacteremia.
Does visual modularity increase over the course of development

Early in postnatal development, the brain produces exuberant connections, some of which are later retracted, a process that is thought to play a role in the formation of functionally segregated modules in the brain. In the case of visual development, retraction between visual areas might underlie the known psychophysical and neural segregation of processing for different aspects of vision (e.g., color, motion, form, depth) known to exist in adults. This review covers the psychophysical evidence for increasing dissociation between visual modules over the course of development, and provides insight into the possible functions of this developmental alteration.
Dynamic remodeling of the guinea pig intrinsic cardiac plexus induced by chronic myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with remodeling of the heart and neurohumoral control systems. The objective of this study was to define time-dependent changes in intrinsic cardiac (IC) neuronal excitability, synaptic efficacy, and neurochemical modulation following MI. MI was produced in guinea pigs by ligation of the coronary artery and associated vein on the dorsal surface of the heart. Animals were recovered for 4, 7, 14, or 50 days. Intracellular voltage recordings were obtained in whole mounts of the cardiac neuronal plexus to determine passive and active neuronal properties of IC neurons. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an immediate and persistent increase in the percentage of IC neurons immunoreactive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Examination of individual neuronal properties demonstrated that afterhyperpolarizing potentials were significantly decreased in both amplitude and time course of recovery at 7 days post-MI. These parameters returned to control values by 50 days post-MI. Synaptic efficacy, as determined by the stimulation of axonal inputs, was enhanced at 7 days post-MI only. Neuronal excitability in absence of agonist challenge was unchanged following MI. Norepinephrine increased IC excitability to intracellular current injections, a response that was augmented post-MI. Angiotensin II potentiation of norepinephrine and bethanechol-induced excitability, evident in controls, was abolished post-MI. This study demonstrates that MI induces both persistent and transient changes in IC neuronal functions immediately following injury. Alterations in the IC neuronal network, which persist for weeks after the initial insult, may lead to alterations in autonomic signaling and cardiac control.
Low cost high efficiency power generation

This paper presents a high efficiency power generation system using a low cost synchronous rectification scheme for an active MOSFET rectifier. The proposed system not only improves the efficiency by 5 percentage points and increases the output power by 12% at engine idle speed, but also has minimal impact on the overall package size of the generator, making it very suitable for production. The generator control concept is simulated and then verified on a proof-of-concept system built and tested in the lab.
The Determination of Cyclohexylamine in Aqueous Solutions of Sodium Cyclamate by Electron-Capture Gas Chromatography

A sensitive primary amine assay, capable of detecting 10 to the minus 11th g and utilizing the determination of the amine N-2,4-dinitrophenyl derivative by electron-capture gas chromatography is described. The method is exemplified by the determination of cyclohexylamine in sodium cyclamate.