cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aquaporin 0 enhances gap junction coupling via its cell adhesion function and interaction with connexin 50.

Both connexin 50 (Cx50) and aquaporin 0 (AQP0) have important roles in lens development and homeostasis, and their mutations are associated with human congenital cataracts. We have previously shown that Cx50 directly interacts with AQP0. Here, we demonstrate the importance of the Cx50 intracellular loop (IL) domain in mediating the interaction with AQP0 in the lens in vivo. AQP0 significantly increased (~20–30%) the intercellular coupling and conductance of Cx50 gap junctions. However, this increase was not observed when the IL domain was replaced with those from other lens connexins. The Cx50–AQP0 interaction had no effect on Cx50 hemichannel function. A fusion protein containing three extracellular loop domains of AQP0 efficiently blocked the cell-to-cell adhesion of AQP0 and attenuated the stimulatory effect of AQP0 on Cx50 gap junction conductance. These data suggest that the specific interaction between Cx50 and AQP0 enhances the coupling of Cx50 gap junctions, but not hemichannels, through the cell adhesion function of AQP0. This result establishes a physiological role of AQP0 in the functional regulation of gap junction channels.
Pancreas preservation with TP-IV: a hyperosmolar colloid solution

Abstract This study compares the efficacy of a new hyperosmolar colloid solution (TP-IV) with Euro-Collins solution for long-term (72 hr) hypothermic storage of canine pancreas autografts. Four experimental recipient groups and their survival (30-day study period) results were as follows: Gr. I ( n = 6) pancreatectomized controls, without autotransplant (X ± SD = 5.83 ± 3.06 days); Gr. II ( n = 6) fresh nonpreserved autografts (X ± SD = 23.83 ± 10.12 days, 5 of 6 > 30 days); and Gr. III ( n = 7) and Gr. IV ( n = 5) receiving pancreas autografts stored at 4 °C for 72 hr in either Euro-Collins or TP-IV, respectively (Gr. III, 13.85 ± 9.04 days; Gr. IV, 21.2 ± 12.37 days). The results appear to indicate that TP-IV is superior to Euro-Collins solution for 72-hr hypothermic storage of pancreas grafts. In fact, survival in the TP-IV-presented group was comparable to that of fresh, non-preserved autografts.
Quasar absorption lines and sites of absorbing media

A method for the determination of distances of quasars and sites of absorbing media is presented. It is illustrated by application to 3C 191 and PKS 0237-23. The results are compared with those obtained from the traditional Hubble Law.
The body wall of cheilostome Bryozoa, V. Frontal budding in Schizoporella unicornis floridana

Schizoporella unicornis floridanaOsburn from Maryland and New Jersey, USA, produces two types of autozoids: (1) “primogenial” zoids, arranged in the brick-like “quincunx” pattern usual among cheilostomes; (2) “adventitious”, or frontally-budded zoids. Adventitious zoids are produced by expansion of the epitheca of primogenial or other adventitious zoids. The old aperture is sealed over and the hypostega becomes the body cavity of a new zoid. Vertical walls of adventitious zoids all contain an intercalary cuticle; basal walls are the frontal walls of zoids beneath. This sometimes results in trepostome-like zoid columns arising from the substrate; zoid columns may bifurcate in a way similar to zoid row-bifurcation in primogenial zoids. Adventitious zoids communicate with zoids at the same depth in the colony through annular septulae; they communicate with younger and older zoids through areolae. Adventitious zoids may sometimes give rise to primogenial subcolonies, which overgrow the colony surface. Frontal budding allows the development of massive nodules, which are of geological importance. These findings indicate that the hypostegal coelom is at least potentially a bud, and that genetic “information” necessary for producing an autozoid may be transferred from one building site to another. This idea has important implications in studying evolution of positions of zoids in a colony.
Improving the design of nutrition labels to promote healthier food choices and reasonable portion sizes

Accurate and easy-to-understand nutrition labeling is a worthy public health goal that should be considered an important strategy among many to address obesity and poor diet. Updating the Nutrition Facts Panel on packaged foods, developing a uniform front-of-package labeling system and providing consumers with nutrition information on restaurant menus offer important opportunities to educate people about food's nutritional content, increase awareness of reasonable portion sizes and motivate consumers to make healthier choices. The aims of this paper were to identify and discuss: (1) current concerns with nutrition label communication strategies; (2) opportunities to improve the communication of nutrition information via food labels, with a specific focus on serving size information; and (3) important future areas of research on nutrition labeling as a tool to improve diet. We suggest that research on nutrition labeling should focus on ways to improve food labels' ability to capture consumer attention, reduce label complexity and convey numeric nutrition information in simpler and more meaningful ways, such as through interpretive food labels, the addition of simple text, reduced use of percentages and easy-to-understand presentation of serving size information.
Autoantigen discovery with a synthetic human peptidome

Immune responses targeting self-proteins (autoantigens) can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. Identification of these antigens is important for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. However, current approaches to characterize autoantigens have, in most cases, met only with limited success. Here we present a synthetic representation of the complete human proteome, the T7 peptidome phage display library (T7-Pep), and demonstrate its application to autoantigen discovery. T7-Pep is composed of >413,000 36-residue, overlapping peptides that cover all open reading frames in the human genome, and can be analyzed using high-throughput DNA sequencing. We developed a phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq) methodology to identify known and previously unreported autoantibodies contained in the spinal fluid of three individuals with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. We also show how T7-Pep can be used more generally to identify peptide-protein interactions, suggesting the broader utility of our approach for proteomic research.
Intracardiac echocardiography during atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale device closure in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Background Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is commonly used during interventional cardiac catheterization in adults, but data regarding the use of ICE in children are limited. There are no data available comparing the effectiveness of preprocedural transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with that of intraprocedural ICE in predicting atrial septal defect (ASD) size and rim adequacy for percutaneous closure in a pediatric population. The objectives of this study were to describe the investigators' experience using ICE in pediatric and adolescent patients and to compare the effectiveness of preprocedural TTE with that of ICE in predicting ASD size and rim adequacy for percutaneous closure. Methods In this retrospective study, all cases in which ICE was used during ASD or patent foramen ovale closure in patients ≤21 years of age at a single institution from January 2002 through October 2013 were reviewed. All studies were performed using the Acuson AcuNav ICE system. Results One hundred fifteen patients (65 female; mean age, 12 ± 6 years; range, 10 months to 21 years) were included. All intracardiac echocardiographic studies were performed by the interventional cardiologist performing the catheterization. ICE was used to facilitate ASD closure in 92 patients (81%) and patent foramen ovale closure in 23 (19%). Thirty-eight patients (34%) underwent cardiac catheterization and ICE without general anesthesia. ICE was correlated highly with preprocedural TTE in predicting ASD size ( r 2 = 0.76, P n = 8) or complex or multiple ASDs ( n = 1) that necessitated surgical closure. There were no major complications. Conclusions ICE can be performed safely and effectively in a large cohort of children and adolescents undergoing percutaneous device closure. ICE may obviate the need for general anesthesia in some patients and is a reasonable alternative to transesophageal echocardiography for this catheter-based procedure in children. ASD measurements with ICE correlate well with preprocedural measurements on TTE; however, ICE more accurately identifies the absence or deficiency of critical septal rims before device closure.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS ARISING FROM HIGH-SPEED SOLIDIFICATION

Abstract Convective mass transfer occurs during solidification because of the difference in mass density between the participant solid and liquid phases. The relationship between interphase mass transfer and the mechanical behavior of a bounded system undergoing rapid solidification is developed from an analysis of the kinematics and dynamics of dendritic freezing. The kinematic analysis yields theoretical expressions for the displacement, velocity, and acceleration imparted to the center of mass of a constrained melt by the solidification-induced mass transfer, whereas the dynamical analysis relates the changes in external force and internal pressure with the accelerations of the solidifying body's mass center. These analyses reveal that a critical degree of supercooling exists, above which the dendrite velocity can increase without a concomitant increase in the acceleration of the center of mass, and that this condition coincides with the onset of cavitation in the specimen. Some new experiments, which provide quantitative information on the mechanical behavior of rapidly freezing bismuth melts, are then discussed. The results obtained from these experiments justify the major assumptions employed in the theory, and substantiate several of the theoretical predictions. Finally, a unified approach to solidification dynamics is presented in a discussion of the following effects: 1. (1) the emission of acoustical disturbances during solidification; 2. (2) the occurrence of an anomalous refinement in the as-cast grain size of nickel and cobalt specimens frozen from highly supercooled melts; 3. (3) the development of cavitation pits on the constrained surfaces of rapidly frozen transition metal specimens; 4. (4) the presence of pressure pulses both during and after rapid dendritic growth.
A small aperiodic set of Wang tiles

Abstract A new aperiodic tile set containing only 14 Wang tiles is presented. The construction is based on Mealy machines that multiply Beatty sequences of real numbers by rational constants.
Entropy on covers

As a generalization of partitions, covers allow overlaps between their members. In this paper, we will propose a family of entropy-like measures over covers, which are anti monotonic with regard to the partial order defined by refinement relations of covers. In parallel to the entropy theory, we also develop their conditional forms, which in turn lead to a family of semi-metrics on covers. These make it possible to apply entropy-based techniques in data mining or machine learning to problems naturally modelled by covers.
Characterization of California aerosols—II. Aerosol size distribution measurements in the Mojave Desert☆

Abstract The results of aerosol measurements obtained at Goldstone in the Mojave Desert during the California Air Resources Board Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACHEX) in 1972 are presented. Simultaneously with the taking of filter and impactor samples for chemical analysis, the aerosol particle size distribution was measured with four on-line instruments over the particle size range from approx. 0.003 to 40 μm. Plots of ΔS / Δ Log D p and ΔV / Δ Log D p are presented. The lowest volumes ever recorded with the aerosol analyzing system (1.85 μm 3 cm −3 ) were obtained at Goldstone. More typical aerosols were also sampled. An incursion of well aged aerosol from the south coast basin was recorded ( total volume = 43.1 μn 3 cm −3 ). Average nuclei concentrations ranged from 47 cm −3 to 20000 cm −3 .
Angiotensin blocks substance P release from renal sensory nerves by inhibiting PGE2-mediated activation of cAMP.

Activation of renal sensory nerves involves PGE2-mediated release of substance P (SP) via activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway. The PGE2-mediated SP release is suppressed by a low- and enhanced by a ...
Suppression by ergocornine and iproniazid of carcinogen-induced mammary tumors in rats; effects on serum and pituitary prolactin levels.

SummaryMammary tumors were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intravenous injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene. After these tumors reached about 1 cm in diameter, the rats were injected for 15 days with ergocornine or for 25 days with iproniazid or dopamine. Erogocornine and iproniazid completely suppressed mammary tumor growth and prevented development of new tumors, whereas in the control and dopamine-treated rats, growth of initial tumors increased by about 59-102% and total number of tumors about doubled. Radioimmunoassays revealed that ergocornine significantly reduced serum and pituitary prolactin levels, whereas iproniazid and dopamine had little or no effect on prolactin levels. Ergocornine is believed to inhibit mammary tumor growth by depressing secretion of pituitary prolactin, but the mechanism(s) by which iproniazid inhibited mammary tumor growth is not clear.
B-meson trigger at high energies in e+e− annihilation

Abstract We propose a method of identifying B meson events at high energies in e + e − annihilation. This model independent method involves a cut in the transverse momentum ( k ⊥ ) of prompt leptons from B decays. The shape of the k ⊥ distribution is independent of e + e − energy. A criterion for the signal of B events can be established, taking into account charm contamination and the effect of primordial transverse momentum smearing.
Effective transceiver selection for mobile multi-directional free-space-optical modules

Demand for wireless data has increased significantly with the adoption of smartphones. To satisfy this huge demand, mobile operators are investing money and upgrading their infrastructure from 3G to 4G. However, it is expected that the demand will always stay hungry for more capacity and energy. This demand drives the need for alternate and complementary technologies in wireless communication. Free-space-optical (FSO) communication has the potential to serve as a complementary technology to RF for the future wireless networking. As a promising approach, multi-element spherical modules covered with multiple highly directional FSO transceivers has been shown to work well to handle mobility for FSO communication. Among other issues, the directionality of FSO communication necessitates a key problem to be solved in such modules: Maintaining the line-of-sight (LOS) among the mobile modules during an ongoing transmission. For FSO modules with many transceivers, reducing the modules' energy consumption becomes a crucial issue for the practicality multi-element FSO designs targeting mobile and ad- hoc settings. Although activating more transceivers on a module makes it easier to maintain LOS alignments between mobiles, it clearly uses more energy. In order to address explore tradeoff, this paper presents energy efficient mechanisms that aim to select an optimal subset of the directional transceivers in FSO modules. Index Terms—Free-space-optics; mobile ad-hoc networks; spherical FSO modules; channel selection algorithms
Internal Gravity Wave Reflection by a Layered Density Anomaly

Abstract Exact solutions are obtained for internal gravity waves incident upon a layered density anomaly embedded in a stably stratified fluid with otherwise constant Brunt-Vaisala frequency:where z increases downward; and N2−∞, N2+∞ and NH2 are parameters. The reflection coefficient is a complicated function of the horizontal and vertical wavenumbers and the parameters related to the Brunt-Vaisala profile. It is found that all wave energy is transmitted through the anomalous layer for waves propagating almost horizontally and a significant amount is reflected for vertically propagating ones, while the validity of a low reflection, WKB description is demonstrated for waves which possess a vertical wave-length much smaller than the scale height σ−1. Further, there can exist for some stratification conditions certain other directions of propagation for which the conditions for energy transfer are more favorable than they are for nearly contiguous angles θ+∞. The transmission “windows” are seen to accumulate...
Early mastication in fractures of the body and angle of the mandible

Thirty-two patients with fractures of the body and/or angle of the mandible were divided randomly into an experimental group (17 patients) and control group (15 patients). Open and closed reductions were performed as indicated. Mastication was initiated in the control group at six to eight weeks and in the experimental group two to three weeks after surgery. Postoperatively the patients were followed four to 18 months. There was no objective difference noted in the end results of the two groups studied.
Fuel variability following wildfire in forests with mixed severity fire regimes, Cascade Range, USA

Abstract Fire severity influences post-burn structure and composition of a forest and the potential for a future fire to burn through the area. The effects of fire on forests with mixed severity fire regimes are difficult to predict and interpret because the quantity, structure, and composition of forest fuels vary considerably. This study examines the relationship between fire severity and post-burn fuel characteristics in forests with mixed severity fire regimes. We sampled live and dead canopy and surface fuels across four fire severity classes on three wildfires that occurred on the east side of the Cascade Range, USA, in 2007 and 2008. We used empirical fuels data and stand structure and composition characteristics to calculate potential surface fire behavior for the four fire severity classes. Post-burn average canopy cover is 25–30% in the low severity class and
Cytochrome C phospholipid interaction: structural transitions associated with valency changes.

Abstract Cytochrome c is known to combine with phospholipids (1,2) and there is evidence that it also exists in the mitochondrial respiratory chain in close relationship with phospholipids (2,3). This study is concerned with structural transitions occurring in the cytochrome c-phospholipid complex when the valency of cytochrome c is changed. The fluorescent probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS) has a quantum yield and a maximum emission wavelength that are sensitive to the polarity of its environment (4). It has been used to monitor changes of the structure of the cytochrome c-phospholipid complex, reflecting a polarity change at the ANS binding site.
Changes in cytoskeletal proteins of polymorphonuclear leukocytes induced by chemotactic peptides

Changes in the state of polymerization of actin and phosphorylation of myosin have been observed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) soon after the addition of the chemotactic peptide N-formylnorleucylleucylphenylalanine. At a time when the cells are observed to extend many ruffles or lamellipodia from their surface, the fraction of the cellular actin present in a monomeric form is decreased by about 25% as assayed by the ability of the G-actin to inhibit DNAase. These changes are temporally correlated with an increase in the staining by nitrobenzooxadiazole (NBD)-phallacidin, a probe that binds F-actin selectively. The NBD-phallacidin staining is observed in the surface ruffles. When the peptide concentration is decreased by addition of a tenfold excess of buffer, cells withdraw their surface ruffles and form blebs. These changes correlate with an increase in the G-actin levels detected with the DNAase inhibition assay. An increase in phosphorylation of the 20,000-dalton light chain of myosin is also observed in leukocytes stimulated by addition of chemotactic peptide. These observations of changes in cytoskeletal proteins of PMNs provide a beginning for further studies on the regulation of cell motility by chemotactic factors.
Src and Rac Mediate Endothelin-1 and Lysophosphatidic Acid Stimulation of the Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide Promoter

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression accompanies cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET) may be involved in the development of these diseases. ET has also been shown to activate phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and the resulting metabolites are important second messengers. We studied how ET and PLA(2) metabolites regulate BNP gene expression. The human BNP (hBNP) promoter (from -1818 to +100) coupled to a luciferase reporter gene was transferred into neonatal ventricular myocytes (NVMs), and luciferase activity was measured as an index of promoter activity. ET induced BNP mRNA in NVMs as assessed by Northern blot. It also stimulated the hBNP promoter, an effect completely inhibited by actinomycin D. To test the involvement of different PLA(2) isoforms, transfected cells were treated with various PLA(2) inhibitors before stimulation with ET. Only Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) blockade prevented ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. The PLA(2) metabolite lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also activated the hBNP promoter, but arachidonic acid itself did not. ET regulation of the hBNP promoter is pertussis toxin-sensitive. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src and the small GTPase Rac mediate the effects of both ET and LPA in stimulation of the hBNP promoter. We studied the involvement of cis elements in ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. Deletion of BNP promoter sequences from -1818 to -408 and from -408 to -40 reduced the effect of ET by 60% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, ET-stimulated luciferase activity was reduced by 50% when the proximal GATA element was mutated. These data suggest that (1) ET activates the hBNP promoter through a transcriptional mechanism; (2) LPA, perhaps generated by iPLA(2), is involved in the effect of ET; (3) Src and Rac mediate ET and LPA stimulation of the hBNP promoter; and (4) ET regulation of the hBNP promoter targets both distal and proximal cis elements.
Decreased p38 MAPK Activity in End-Stage Failing Human Myocardium: p38 MAPK α is the Predominant Isoform Expressed in Human Heart

Short duration exposure to cellular stresses have been shown to activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in cultured rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and isolated perfused hearts; however, effects of chronic stress on p38 MAPK are not well understood. This study determined whether alterations in the p38 MAPK pathway occurred prior to end-stage human heart failure. The p38 MAPK alpha isoform was detectable in human cardiac tissue. However, carefully controlled analysis of protein and message in this study demonstrated an absence of the p38 MAPK beta -isoform. Low levels of message for the non-SB203580 sensitive p38 MAPK gamma and delta isoforms were also detected in both normal and failing human myocardium. Ischemic and idiopathic end-stage failing human hearts were compared to non-failing hearts for both p38 alpha MAPK protein level and total p38 MAPK activity. Western blotting techniques demonstrated no significant changes in total p38 alpha MAPK content. However, approximately 75% decreases in active/phosphorylated p38 MAPK (P<0.005) were observed in both ischemic and idiopathic failing hearts compared to non-failing hearts. In-gel kinase assays confirmed that activated p38 MAPK, detected by Western blotting, phosphorylated its potential downstream targets. When compared to non-failing hearts, approximately 46% decreases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAPK-2) were observed in ischemic and idiopathic failing hearts (P=0.03 and P=0.04 respectively). Active p38 MAPK was localized to sarcomeric structures in the cytosol of myocytes by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. The correlation between decreased MAPKAPK-2 phosphorylation and loss of active p38 MAPK in failing human myocytes suggests that decreases in the activation of p38 MAPK alpha, the predominant cardiac isoform, occur prior to end-stage heart failure.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter blockers influence activation-induced CBF response in the rat somatosensory cortex.

Abstract Effects of mitochondrial calcium signaling blockade on neural activation-induced CBF response were studied in urethane-anesthetized rats. Ruthenium red (RuR), a nonspecific inhibitor of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), and Ru360, a highly specific inhibitor of the MCU, were delivered intravenously (i.v.) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.). Baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral hyperemic response to whisker stimulation were measured through a thinned skull over the somatosensory cortex using laser Doppler imaging (LDI). Ruthenium red or Ru360 did not alter the baseline CBF at all doses used. However, the hyperemic response, defined as the activation area and amplitude of CBF increase in response to mechanical whisker stimulation, was significantly reduced in the presence of either RuR or Ru360 delivered i.c.v. The hyperemic response reduced significantly with a dose of 14.5 nmol RuR (i.c.v.), showing a further decrease with 29 nmol RuR (i.c.v.). A comparable decrease in the hyperemic response was observed during treatment with a relatively lower dose of 4.5 and 9 nmol Ru360 (i.c.v.). Delivered intravenously, Ru360 significantly diminished the cerebral hyperemic response at doses greater than 80 microg/kg i.v., up to a dose of 320 microg/kg i.v. However, RuR (i.v.) had an opposite effect with an enhancement in the cerebral hyperemic response at all doses studied. Ruthenium red or Ru360 had no significant effect on the cerebral reactivity to hypercapnia, indicating that altered cerebral hyperemic response to whisker stimulation was predominantly neural. We conclude that mitochondrial calcium signaling through the MCU mediates neural activation-induced CBF response in vivo.
Stability of metal ion complexes of 1,4,7-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacylclonane (TACN-TM) and molecular structure of In(C12H24N3S3)

The stability constants of 1:1 complexes of 1,4,7-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN-TM) with trivalent and divalent metal ions have been determined potentiometrically in KCl supporting electrolyte (0.100 M) at 25.0°C. The log stability constants for the In(III) and Ga(III) chelates are 36.1 and 34.2, respectively, while the values for the complexes with Zn(II) and Cd(II) are 23.9 and 23.7, respectively. The results of this work are compared with the stabilities of analogous ligands. The complex of In(III)-TACN-TM was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a=7.273(3), b=16.743(6), c=13.065(5) A, α=γ=90.0 and β=93.79(3)°,.
Reduction of Dietrich-Ruina attractors to unimodal maps

Abstract. We present a geometric analysis of a quasi-static single degree of freedom elastic slider with a state and rate dependent friction law. In particular, we examine and characterize the regime of chaotic motions displayed by the Dieterich-Ruina model. We do so by numerically reducing the chaotic attractors to a family of unimodal maps and discuss why this suggests complex behaviour in the dynamical system.
Is there a difference between a chief of cardiology and a chief of medicine

The job of Chief of Medicine demands considerably more administrative effort than the Chief of Cardiology. However, one can still maintain a significant presence in cardiology as a Chief of Medicine. Each job has its own merits, joys, and irritations.
Xinjiang's handicraft industry

Abstract This study examines the role of handicrafts in the development of tourism in Xinjiang, China. One year of fieldwork in Xinjiang involved surveys of handicraft factories. The proposition investigated is that international tourism causes an evolution of crafts into two types: touristic and ethnic crafts. The duality in form and function is matched by a duality in markets and resources. Within Xinjiang, Urumqi is found to be a modernized producer of touristic crafts while the significance of craft production in Turpan has been reduced. In contrast, tourism has encouraged certain types of craft production in Kashgar and Kucha, while less of an impact is present in Gulja.
Managing Cancer-Related Pain in Critical Care Settings

Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals who are in treatment for cancer and becomes more prevalent for those with more advanced stages of malignancy. Critical care nurses are essential in the management of cancer-related pain, which is a challenging problem when individuals who have a cancer diagnosis are admitted to the intensive care unit for emergent conditions. Regular, thorough, and patient-appropriate assessments by experienced critical care nurses guide selection of treatment modalities, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic techniques. In addition, existential pain necessitates spiritual care intervention, and involvement of other appropriate interdisciplinary team members can result in improved management of all types of pain experienced by critically ill individuals with cancer.
Muscarinic receptors and novel strategies for the treatment of age-related brain disorders

The muscarinic class of acetylcholine receptors is widely distributed throughout the body and mediates numerous vital functions in both the brain and autonomic nervous system. Within the brain, muscarinic receptors play an important role in learning, memory and the control of posture. There is a decrease in the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine in Alzheimer's disease, and damage to the ascending cholinergic system is thought to be an important determinant of the loss of memory and other functional deficits of this disease. Five subtypes of the muscarinic receptor (m1-m5) have been identified, and these receptors have a differential distribution throughout the body. The differential distribution of subtypes of the muscarinic receptor in the body suggests that centrally acting m1 and m4 muscarinic agonists might be efficacious in the treatment of age-related memory disorders, without causing peripheral side effects. In addition to the primary ligand binding site, muscarinic receptors also possess a secondary allosteric site that appears to be the target for some novel cardioselective muscarinic antagonists including the neuromuscular blocking agent gallamine. The existence of a secondary allosteric site on the muscarinic receptor suggests that it might be possible to develop novel allosteric muscarinic agonists that potentiate the effects of endogenous acetylcholine much in the same way that benzodiazepines potentiate GABA. Although no such allosteric muscarinic agonists have been identified to date, they could be very efficacious in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Knowledge based systems and Ada: an overview of the issues

The goal of this paper is to present an overview of the issues of using Ada in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The purpose of this paper is to act as a catalyst and a focus for these ongoing discussions. Our perspective is one from a cross-cultural vantage point. On one side is the Ada community that represents the engineer's "how to" culture; and, on the other side, the AI community that represents the scientist's "what" and "why" culture. Differences in communication media - i.e. programming languages - are the direct result of the different focus of the two cultures. We discuss some of the obstacles to a marriage of the two and assess what are the current promising development paths for overcoming these.
Probable Discovery of the Original Pyramid Lake Cutthroat Trout

(1979). Probable Discovery of the Original Pyramid Lake Cutthroat Trout. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 135-137.
Effects of injection angles on combustion processes using multiple injection strategies in an HSDI diesel engine

Effects of injection angles and injection pressure on the combustion processes employing multiple injection strategies in a high-speed direct-injection (HSDI) diesel engine are presented in this work. Whole-cycle combustion and liquid spray evolution processes were visualized using a high-speed video camera. NOx emissions were measured in the exhaust pipe. Different heat release patterns are seen for two different injectors with a 70-degree tip and a 150-degree tip. No evidence of fuel-wall impingement is found for the first injection of the 150-degree tip, but for the 70-degree tip, some fuel impinges on the bowl wall and a fuel film is formed. For the second injection, a large amount of fuel deposition is observed for the 70-degree tip. Weak flame is seen for the first injection of the 150-degree tip while two sorts of flames are seen for the first injection of the 70-degree tip including an early weak flame and a late luminous film combustion flame. Ignition occurs near the spray tip in the vicinity of the bowl wall for the second injection events of the 150-degree tip, however, it is near the injector tip in the central region of the bowl for the 70-degree tip. The flame is more homogeneous for the 150-degree tip with higher injection pressure with little soot formation similar to a premixed-charge-compression-ignition (PCCI) combustion. For other cases, liquid fuel is injected into flames showing diffusion flame combustion. More soot luminosity is seen for the 70-degree tip due to significant fuel film deposition on the piston wall with fuel film combustion for both injection events. Lower NOx emissions were obtained for the narrow-angle injector due to the rich air–fuel mixture near the bowl wall during the combustion process. Increasing injection pressure leads to increased NOx emissions for both injection angles because of the relatively leaner and faster combustion process with higher in-cylinder temperature for the increased injection pressure.
Flocculation of Unsensitized Bentonite Particles by Cancer Serum.

Discussion and summaryThe high degree of flocculation of unsensitized particles of bentonite by cancer sera and not by normal or by sera from other disease conditions, may be of help in developing a test for cancer diagnosis. Heating of the sera at 50°C for 30 minutes is required to establish the difference in reactivity between cancer and other sera. The factors affected by such heat treatment are not yet clear.Although the flocculation reaction occurs in cancer sera in a gradient and at high titers, no other indication could be found to show that this may be an antigen-antibody reaction, as could have been expected if the bentonite particles became coated with either excess antigen or antibody present in the sera. Also, addition of guinea pig complement did not restore the reaction in sera heated to 56OC for 30 minutes. Since in vivo antigen-antibody interaction has been considered to take place in some acute or chronic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis, this theory sh...
Small‐angle X‐ray scattering from block polymer micelles

It has been found that the AB block polymers of polystyrene and poly(dimethylsiloxane) form micelles in normal alkanes. The micelles are swollen by methylene chloride or cyclohexane which gives to an increased turbidity and an increased mobility of the polystyrene. Small–angle x–ray scattering data indicate that the polystyrene decreases in size as methylene chloride or cyclohexane are added. A model is proposed to explain these results.
Effect of varying titania surface coverage on the chemisorptive behavior of nickel

Abstract Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO and H2 from nickel surfaces containing varying amounts of titania showed that the effects of titania adspecies are predominantly short-ranged. Titania surface species block CO adsorption at strongly bound sites (believed to be sites atop individual Ni atoms) corresponding to heats of adsorption in the range 134–139 kJ · mol−1; in addition, titania enhances adsorption into more weakly bound sites (believed to be bridging and hollow sites between Ni atoms) with heats of adsorption from 91 to 107 kJ · mol−1. For hydrogen adsorption, overall adsorption strength was increased with increasing concentration of surface titania. In addition, a new, activated adsorption state was created and is believed to be associated with hydrogen at sites on titania. The variations of the initial sticking coefficients of CO and H2 as a function of titania precoverages show that at low titania coverage each Tiox moiety influences approximately 4–10 Ni surface atoms. The long-range electronic influence of titania at a concentration of 0.1 monolayer was estimated to be responsible for only a 6-kJ · mol-1 decrease in the CO heat of adsorption. Qualitatively, similar results were found for an alumina-containing Ni surface, although alumina appears to be more poorly dispersed than titania on Ni. This suggests that the effects of metal oxide species on metal surfaces may be generalized to include irreducible support materials.
Inferior vena cava filter removal after 317-day implantation.

A Gunther Tulip inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed prophylactically in a 22-year-old trauma victim with spinal injuries. Attempts to retrieve the filter at 21 and 25 days after placement were aborted as a result of clot trapped in the filter. Despite the possible risk of an IVC laceration, a third attempt was made 317 days after placement in view of the young age of the patient. The filter started collapsing into the retrieval sheath but could not easily be separated from the IVC. During attempted redeployment, the filter would not reopen. The filter was ultimately retrieved with use of additional force. A mild stenosis of the IVC was noted immediately after retrieval. However, the IVC returned to its preretrieval diameter as seen on a 3-month follow-up venogram.
Comparison of two immobilization techniques using portal film and digitally reconstructed radiographs for pediatric patients with brain tumors.

Abstract Purpose: To compare the accuracy of two immobilization techniques for pediatric brain tumor patients. Methods and Materials: We analyzed data from 128 treatments involving 22 patients. Patients were immobilized with either a relocatable head frame (12 patients) or a vacuum bag (10 patients). Orthogonal portal films were used as verification images. Errors in patient positioning were measured by comparing verification images with digitally reconstructed radiographs generated by a three-dimensional treatment-planning system. Results: With the head frame, systematic errors ranged from 1.4 mm to 2.1 mm; random errors, from 1.7 mm to 2.1 mm. With the vacuum bag, systematic errors ranged from 2.1 mm to 2.5 mm; random errors, from 2.0 mm to 2.6 mm. For the head frame, the mean length of the radial displacement was 4.4 mm; 90% of the total three-dimensional deviation was less than 6.8 mm. The corresponding values for the vacuum bag were 5.0 and 6.6 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The head frame and vacuum bag techniques limit the random and systematic errors in each of the three directions to within ± 5 mm. We have used these results to determine the margin used to create the planning target volume for conformal radiation therapy.
The NK homeodomain transcription factor Tinman is a direct activator of seven-up in the Drosophila dorsal vessel

A complex regulatory cascade is required for normal cardiac development, and many aspects of this network are conserved from Drosophila to mammals. In Drosophila, the seven-up (svp) gene, an ortholog of the vertebrate chick ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factors (COUP-TFI and II), is initially activated in the cardiac mesoderm and is subsequently restricted to cells forming the cardiac inflow tracts. Here, we investigate svp regulation in the developing cardiac tube. Using bioinformatics, we identify a 1007-bp enhancer of svp which recapitulates its entire expression in the embryonic heart and other mesodermal derivatives, and we show that this enhancer is initially activated by the NK homeodomain factor Tinman (Tin) via two conserved Tin binding sites. Mutation of the Tin binding sites significantly reduces enhancer activity both during normal development and in response to ectopic Tin. This is the first identification of an enhancer for the complex svp gene, demonstrating the effectiveness of bioinformatics tools in assisting in unraveling transcriptional regulatory networks. Our studies define a critical component of the svp regulatory cascade and place gene regulatory events in direct apposition to the formation of critical cardiac structures.
Synthesis, structure and properties of the isomeric dinuclear complexes [(DENC)2CuX2]2 (DENC = N,N-diethylnicotinamide; X = Cl or Br) and the kinetics of their reactions with DENC in methylene chloride

Abstract Tetrahalo - tetrakis - (N,N-diethylnicotinamide)dicopper(II) species [(DENC) 2 CuX 2 ] 2 (X = Cl or Br) differ in that while the chloro complex is bridged by two DENC molecules in the solid but two chloro groups in solution, the bromo complex is always bromo-bridged. These conclusions result from an X-ray structural determination of (DENC)Cl 2 Cu(DENC,DENC)CuCl 2 (DENC) and from spectroscopic comparisons. The kinetics of conversion of the respective dimers to monomeric (DENC) 3 CuX 2 species have been measured in methylene chloride solution.
Interrupted aortic arch with a right descending aorta and right ductus arteriosus, causing severe right bronchial compression

We report here a patient with interrupted aortic arch and a right descending aorta, in whom the surgical management was complicated by the development of right bronchus compression and unilateral emphysema, due to the presence of the right ductus arteriosus.
Some comparisons of US and USSR aircraft design developments

A review is given of the design and development of some US and USSR aircraft. The emphasis is on the historical development of large aircraft-civil and military transports and bombers. Design trends are somewhat similar for the two countries and indications are that some fundamental characteristics are dictated more by ideological differences rather than technological differences. A brief description is given in a more or less chronological order of the major bomber aircraft, major civil and military transport aircraft, and the development of the air transport systems.
A Striking Lack of Evidence for Nonbelief-Based Attitude Formation and Change: A Response to Five Commentaries

In a recent article (Fishbein & Middlestadt, 1995) we attempted to show that much of the evidence supporting nonbelief-based models of attitude formation and change could be viewed as methodological artifacts. Perhaps not surprisingly, the article has stimulated a number of responses. Unfortunately, many of these commentaries appear to be more a defense of a dual processing model of attitude formation and change than an attempt to address what we believe to be a fundamental methodological issue in attitude research—namely, can one demonstrate nonbelief-based attitude formation or change without appropriately assessing the belief structure that theoretically underlies the attitude? In this article, we review the three types of evidence that were presented in support of nonbelief-based attitude formation and change, and we conclude that there is little empirical evidence to support such a nonbelief-based view. Other theoretical and methodological issues raised by the commentaries are also addressed.
The effect of poly rI:rC on sRNA methylase activity in normal and leukemic mouse spleens.

Abstract We describe a new effect of either poly rI:rC, or interferon or both, which is the inhibition of sRNA methylase. Methylase activity is two- or more fold elevated in the spleens of leukemic AKR/J mice. Poly rI:rC-treated mice have levels of sRNA methylase, which are reduced by 50 per cent or greater compared with placebo-treated mice. Since poly rI:rC inhibited sRNA methylase to a similar extent in mice which developed leukemia despite poly rI:rC as in transplant recipients of a poly rI;rC-resistant leukemia whose growth was completely prevented, we question a direct relationship between sRNA methylation and oncogenesis, but cannot rule out its possible causal importance. Whether or not the effect of poly rI:rC on methylase is direct is unresolved. Considerable work is anticipated in the evaluation of sRNA methylase as a significant determinant of oncogenesis. It is unlikely that even complete inhibition of sRNA methylase might prevent leukemia.
STT-MRAM memory cells with enhanced on/off ratio

Resistive memory technologies are a path to high density, low static power on-chip memories. One such technology, STT-MRAM, exhibits high endurance and is capable of operating as a cache with high write activity. The typically small on/off resistance ratio of the device, however, complicates the sensing process. Two STT-MRAM memory cells are proposed to alleviate this issue. Of the three cells, the diode connected cell increases the resistance ratio by greater than 5x while consuming energy comparable to a standard memory cell during reads.
Stable high brightness radio frequency driven micro-discharge lamps at 193 (ArF*) and 157 nm ( F2* )

A stable discharge between two pin electrodes separated by several hundred micrometres in a high pressure rare gas (~900 mbar) halogen (~1 mbar) mixture is shown to yield continuous wave (CW) ultra violet (UV) and vacuum UV light sources. Lamps operating at 193 (ArF*) and 157 nm ( ) have been demonstrated. Total CW output power in the UV was measured to be 30 for ArF* and 20 mW for . The brightness of the light sources is estimated to be of the order of several W cm−2 sr−1. With direct current excitation, electrode lifetimes are limited to a few minutes due to fluorine salt deposits. However, using a radio frequency (RF) field to drive the discharge, the lifetime of the lamps increased to hundreds of hours. A one-dimensional model of the RF micro-discharge explaining the increase in electrode lifetime is presented. The technology described can be adapted to many other wavelengths and promises even higher powers in future.
Malignant mouse melanoma cells do not form tumors when mixed with cells of a non-malignant subclone: relationships between plasminogen activator expression by the tumor cells and the host's immune response.

Mouse melanoma clones B559 and B78 are highly tumorigenic when injected into C57BL/6J mice. Tumor formation by these cells is suppressed when they are mixed with nonmalignant bromodeoxyuridine-grown clone C3471 before injection. C3471 cells suppress tumor formation only in immunocompetent hosts; mixtures of B559 and C3471 cells or C3471 cells alone form tumors in antithymocyte serum (ATS)-treated mice. Explants of C3471 tumors grown in ATS-treated mice form tumors in immunocompetent mice, most of which regress. Inability of C3471 or mixtures of C3471 with malignant cells to grow in normal mice, as contrasted with ability to grow in immunosuppressed mice, indicates that host response is involved. Both tumorigenic clones have high plasminogen activator activity, whereas nontumorigenic clone C3471 has none. Mixture of either tumorigenic clone with C3471 cells decreases plasminogen activator in vitro. C3471 tumor explants from ATS-treated mice initially express plasminogen activator, but lose the capacity to express this activity upon prolonged cultivation in vitro. Explants from B559 tumors retain plasminogen activator in long term culture. Close physical contact between C3471 and B559 cells appears essential both for inhibition of plasminogen activator expression by B559 cells in vitro, and for tumor suppression in vivo. These findings suggest that production of plasminogen activators by tumor cells may play an important role in suppressing the host's immune response locally to an inoculum of syngeneic tumor cells.