cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Osmotic Shock on Release of Bacterial Proteins and on Active Transport

Osmotic shock is a procedure in which Gram-negative bacteria are treated as follows. First they are suspended in 0.5 M sucrose containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate. After removal of the sucrose by centrifugation, the pellet of cells is rapidly dispersed in cold, very dilute, MgCl2. This causes the selective release of a group of hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, there is selective release of certain binding proteins. So far, binding proteins for D-galactose, L-leucine, and inorganic sulfate have been discovered and purified. The binding proteins form a reversible complex with the substrate but catalyze no chemical change, and no enzymatic activities have been detected. Various lines of evidence suggest that the binding proteins may play a role in active transport: ( a ) osmotic shock causes a large drop in transport activity associated with the release of binding protein; ( b ) transport-negative mutants have been found which lack the corresponding binding protein; ( c ) the affinity constants for binding and transport are similar; and ( d ) repression of active transport of leucine was accompanied by loss of binding protein. The binding proteins and hydrolytic enzymes released by shock appear to be located in the cell envelope. Glucose 6-phosphate acts as an inducer for its own transport system when supplied exogenously, but not when generated endogenously from glucose.
Density functional theory calculation of platinum surface segregation energy in Pt3Ni (111) surface doped with a third transition metal

Abstract We have used density functional theory method to calculate the Pt surface segregation energy in the Pt3Ni (111) surface doped with a third transition metal M and thus investigated the influence of component M on the extent of Pt segregation to the outermost layer of these Pt3Ni/M (111) surface. As a third component in the Pt3Ni/M (111) surface, V, Fe, Co, Mo, Tc, Ru, W, Re, Os, and Ir were predicted to lead to even more negative Pt surface segregation energies than that in the based Pt3Ni (111) surface; Ti, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zr, Nb, Rh, Hf, and Ta would still retain the preference of Pt segregation to the surface but with less extent than the replaced Ni, while Pd, Ag, and Au would completely suppress the Pt segregation to the Pt3Ni/M (111) surfaces. Furthermore, we examined the relation between the Pt surface segregation energy in the Pt3Ni/M (111) surfaces and the material properties (lattice parameter, heat of solution, and Pt surface segregation energy) of binary alloys Pt3M. It was found that the surface energy effect, strain effect, and heat of solution effect induced by the doped element M would collectively affect the Pt surface segregation energy in the Pt3Ni/M (111) surfaces.
Trigeminal projections in snakes possessing infrared sensitivity

The first order of projections of the trigeminal nerve were studied in four species of snakes, three of which are infrared sensitive, utilizing silver degeneration and cobalt iontophoresis techniques. The trigeminal nerve projected ipsilaterally to a main sensory nucleus, descending spinal nucleus, ventral trigeminal field and solitary nucleus with a contralateral projection to the base of the descending spinal nucleus in all four species. A major additional projection to the lateral nucleus of the trigeminal was present in all three infra-red sensitive species but absent in the other. Iontophoresis of cobalt chloride into a trigeminal branch composed entirely of infrared sensitive fibers and into a trigeminal branch containing no infrared fibers indicated that the lateral nucleus of the trigeminal nerve was the sole first target of the infrared system.
An optical tactile sensor for manipulators

Abstract A touch sensor for robots was designed, built and demonstrated. It is based on a deformable elastic reflective surface and optical fiber technology. The device is relatively immune to electromagnetic noise and may be used in environments where it is important to protect sensitive electronic equipment from such noise. The sensed touch pattern is easily read and interpreted by a computer using current video technology. The design allows for extremely high spatial resolution (2100 sensitive spots per square inch achieved here). Spatial resolution must be traded off with sensor pad thickness to retain adequate sensitivity.
Friendship and Adjustment: A Focus on Mixed-Grade Friendships

Research on friendship and adjustment has traditionally focused on same-sex, same-grade, and same-school peers. Recent evidence, however, suggests that many adolescents have other-sex and other-school friends that significantly impact their adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine young adolescents’ experiences with mixed-grade friendships (friendships between adolescents in the same school but of different grades), a type of friendship about which little is known. Participants were 179 seventh grade and 178 eighth grade students (55 percent female; M age = 13.2 years, SD = .68) who reported on their same-grade and mixed-grade friendships and loneliness. Peer nominations of same-grade aggression, anxious-withdrawal, victimization and rejection were also collected. Descriptive analyses revealed that 83 percent of students reported having a mixed-grade friend, 36 percent of these friendships being mutual. Adolescents who made mixed-grade nominations and who had mutual mixed-grade friendships reported less loneliness than other adolescents. Results also suggested that mixed-grade friends may protect same-grade friendless girls from feelings of loneliness, and eighth grade same-grade friendless adolescents and anxious-withdrawn boys from victimization. Taken together, findings strongly suggest that mixed-grade friendships are developmentally significant peer relationships during early adolescence.
Time response of electron gun strain control of piezoelectric materials

In this paper the dynamic strain response of a piezoelectric material subjected to an electron beam charge input is examined. A piezoelectric material plate (PZT5h) was prepared with a single distributed electrode on one face and the second face subjected to a variety of electron beam inputs. Strain gages were attached atop the electrode to measure the strain response due to the combined effects of the electrode potential and the charge from the electron gun. When the electrode potential is stepped from 0 to 100 volts the strain needs only 1 second to reach steady state position, but when the electrode potential is stepped down it needs almost 1 minute to reach steady state. This phenomenon can be explained as follows: raising the electrode potential increases the energy of the electrons, so the secondary electron yield falls well below one and negative charge builds up quickly. Dropping the electrode potential decelerates the incoming beam, so the secondary yield becomes only slightly higher than one, so the negative charge decreases at a much lower rate, thus it takes longer to reach steady state.
Resolution of impacts of runoff events on a water supply reservoir with a robotic monitoring network

: A robotic water quality monitoring network is used to resolve the coupled patterns of a natural tracer, specific conductance (SC), and metrics of light scattering and turbidity for Schoharie Creek and downstream Schoharie Reservoir, with particular emphasis on the impacts of runoff events. Strong relationships between these parameters and streamflow, and the propensity for this tributary to plunge in the reservoir in summer and fall based on its lower temperature, are reported. The entry of this stream, the primary tributary, into the reservoir as a turbid density current during runoff events is depicted as distinct and vertically coincident subsurface SC minima and peaks in measures of light scattering. The magnitudes of these signatures imparted to the reservoir's water column are demonstrated to be strongly dependent on the magnitude of the runoff event. The time course of the diminishment of these signatures and longitudinal differences in turbidity within the reservoir are described. The documented patterns of SC and metrics of light scattering provided by the robotic monitoring network offer a rare opportunity to support development and testing of a turbidity model with the necessary attributes of fine temporal and spatial resolution.
Predesigned protection scheme for WDM ring networks

We consider a packet-switched network overlaid on a wavelength-routing optical network. A pre-designed path protection scheme to restore traffic upon a single link or node failure in bidirectional rings is presented. An approach to restore affected traffic using a pre-designed logical topology that is embedded after failure on the surviving topology is discussed. We present several logical topology designs with the goal of minimizing the maximum logical distance between any two nodes. The designs are rigorously analyzed and bounds (which are tight in some cases) are presented.
Gaussian kernels have only Gaussian maximizers

A Gaussian integral kernel G(x, y) on Rn x Rn is the exponential of a quadratic form in x and y; the Fourier transform kernel is an example. The problem addressed here is to find the sharp bound of G as an operator from L p(Rp) to L q(Rn) and to prove that the L P(Rn) functions that saturate the bound are necessarily Gaussians. This is accomplished generally for 1 q in some special cases. Besides greatly extending previous results in this area, the proof technique is also essentially different from earlier ones. A corollary of these results is a fully multidimensional, multilinear generalization of Young’s inequality.
Food allergy: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

This review focuses on advances and updates in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of food allergy over the past 3 years since our last comprehensive review. On the basis of numerous studies, food allergy likely affects nearly 5% of adults and 8% of children, with growing evidence of an increase in prevalence. Potentially rectifiable risk factors include vitamin D insufficiency, unhealthful dietary fat, obesity, increased hygiene, and the timing of exposure to foods, but genetics and other lifestyle issues play a role as well. Interesting clinical insights into pathogenesis include discoveries regarding gene-environment interactions and an increasing understanding of the role of nonoral sensitizing exposures causing food allergy, such as delayed allergic reactions to carbohydrate moieties in mammalian meats caused by sensitization from homologous substances transferred during tick bites. Component-resolved diagnosis is being rapidly incorporated into clinical use, and sophisticated diagnostic tests that indicate severity and prognosis are on the horizon. Current management relies heavily on avoidance and emergency preparedness, and recent studies, guidelines, and resources provide insight into improving the safety and well-being of patients and their families. Incorporation of extensively heated (heat-denatured) forms of milk and egg into the diets of children who tolerate these foods, rather than strict avoidance, represents a significant shift in clinical approach. Recommendations about the prevention of food allergy and atopic disease through diet have changed radically, with rescinding of many recommendations about extensive and prolonged allergen avoidance. Numerous therapies have reached clinical trials, with some showing promise to dramatically alter treatment. Ongoing studies will elucidate improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Transient hydride fuel behavior in LWRs

The transient response of a uranium zirconium hydride (U0.31ZrH1.6) fuel element to conditions typical of a light water reactor reactivity insertion accident has been studied. Hydrogen diffusion within the fuel is treated as a function of the time-dependent temperature profile. Temperature and hydrogen concentration dependence of thermal properties of the fuel is also considered. The set of coupled equations describing the transient conduction of heat and diffusion of hydrogen are solved with a Crank–Nicolson discretization scheme for heat diffusion and an explicit Euler scheme for hydrogen diffusion.
Molassamide, a Depsipeptide Serine Protease Inhibitor from the Marine Cyanobacterium Dichothrix utahensis†

A new dolastatin 13 analogue, molassamide (1), was isolated from cyanobacterial assemblages of Dichothrix utahensis collected from the Molasses Reef, Key Largo, Florida, and from Brewer’s Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. This is the first peptide reported from the cyanobacterial genus Dichothrix and the first natural product isolated from marine Dichothrix spp. Its planar structure was determined by NMR spectroscopic techniques, and the configurations of the asymmetric centers were assigned after chiral HPLC analysis of the hydrolysis products. The depsipeptide 1 exhibited protease-inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.032 and 0.234 μM against elastase and chymotrypsin, respectively. There was no apparent inhibition of trypsin at 10 μM, the highest concentration tested.
Models and messengers of resilience: a theoretical model of college students’ resilience, regulatory strategy use, and academic achievement

We tested a theoretical model of college students’ ratings of messengers of resilience and models of resilience, students’ own perceived resilience, regulatory strategy use and achievement. A total of 116 undergraduates participated in this study. The results of a path analysis indicated that ratings of models of resilience had a direct effect on students’ perceived resilience and that perceived resilience directly influenced regulatory strategy use (i.e. effort regulation, self-regulation and time management), which influenced academic achievement (as measured by grade point average). The implications of our findings are further discussed, along with avenues for future research.
Prediction of the Stability Envelope of Rotor-Bearing System

A method is developed for predicting the stability envelope of a rotor-bearing system using the Hopf bifurcation theory. Results are compared to published literature obtained using a trial-and-error method.
Psychosocial models of the role of social support in the etiology of physical disease.

Although there has been a substantial effort to establish the beneficial effects of social support on health and well-being, relatively little work has focused on how social support influences physical health. This article outlines possible mechanisms through which support systems may influence the etiology of physical disease. I begin by reviewing research on the relations between social support and morbidity and between social support and mortality. I distinguish between various conceptualizations of social support used in the existing literature and provide alternative explanations of how each of these conceptualizations of the social environment could influence the etiology of physical disease. In each case, I address the psychological mediators (e.g., health relevant cognitions, affect, and health behaviors) as well as biologic links (e.g., neuroendocrine links to immune and cardiovascular function). I conclude by proposing conceptual and methodological guidelines for future research in this area, highlighting the unique contributions psychologists can make to this inherently interdisciplinary endeavor.
LOOKING BACK-A 25-YEAR REVIEW AND APPRAISAL OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS RESEARCH*

The past quarter-century of research in social problems has been marked by a considerable broadening of analytic perspective. This is evident within each of the various specialized fields of social problems research. It is evident, too, in the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness of social problems, both in their underlying conditions and in their consequences. Yet, the methodological rigor of research in social problems still falls short of the best work in the behavioral sciences, and we still fail to take advantage of many opportunities for fruitful inquiry. Some of the principal opportunities are to be found in the analysis of the psychological impact of social structure, in cross-national research, in the analysis of social and individual change, in analysis of the interaction of social and other conditions, and in research on intervention.
Ablation of the sphenopalatine ganglion does not attenuate the infarct reducing effect of vagus nerve stimulation

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve reduces infarct size by approximately 50% after cerebral ischemia in rats. The mechanism of ischemic protection by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is not known. In this study, we investigated whether the infarct reducing effect of VNS was mediated by activation of the parasympathetic vasodilator fibers that originate from the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) and innervate the anterior cerebral circulation. We examined the effects of electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve in two groups of rats: one with and one without SPG ablation. Electrical stimulation was initiated 30 min after induction of ischemia, and lasted for 1 h. Measurement of infarct size 24 h later revealed that the volume of ischemic damage was smaller in those animals that received VNS treatment (41.32 ± 2.07% vs. 24.19 ± 2.62% of the contralateral hemispheric volume, n = 6 in both; p 0.05). In both SPG-intact and SPG-damaged animals VNS treatment resulted in better motor outcome (p
Use of the oxygen transfer slope and estimated membrane oxygen transfer to predict PaO2

The purpose of this investigation was threefold: (1) could the perfusionist accurately estimate oxygen transfer (VO2/minute) while on CPB; (2) could this estimate, and its position on the oxygen transfer slope (OTS), predict resultant PaO2 values within a specific range; and (3) could previously derived performance 'normals' be used during this study. Fifty-four sets of samples (both arterial and venous) from 27 oxygenators were used in this study. Each oxygenator provided one normothermic and one hypothermic set of samples. In 48 of the 54 samples (88.9%) the predicted VO2/minute was within +/- 10% of the actual VO2/minute. Thirty-nine of these 48 (81.25%) had resultant PaO2 values within our target range of 140 +/- 30 mmHg. The PaO2 for these 39 samples ranged from 110 to 168 mmHg with a mean of 133 mmHg. The percentage of predicted shunt (POPS) ranged from 59.0 to 192.4% with a mean of 109.3% (SD = 23.81%). With this degree of variability, we concluded that the perfusionist must assess VO2/minute as well as POPS in order to predict the resultant PaO2.
Boron nitride nanoribbons become metallic

Standard spin-polarized density functional theory calculations have been conducted to study the electronic structures and magnetic properties of O and S functionalized zigzag boron nitride nanoribbons (zBNNRs). Unlike the semiconducting and nonmagnetic H edge-terminated zBNNRs, the O edge-terminated zBNNRs have two energetically degenerate magnetic ground states with a ferrimagnetic character on the B edge, both of which are metallic. In contrast, the S edge-terminated zBNNRs are nonmagnetic albeit still metallic. An intriguing coexistence of two different Peierls-like distortions is observed for S edge-termination that manifests as a strong S dimerization at the B zigzag edge and a weak S trimerization at the N zigzag edge, dictated by the band fillings at the vicinity of the Fermi level. Nevertheless, metallicity is retained along the S wire on the N edge due to the partial filling of the band derived from the pz orbital of S. A second type of functionalization with O or S atoms embedded in the center o...
Enhanced electron-hole interaction and optical absorption in a silicon nanowire

We present a first-principles study of the correlated electron-hole states in a silicon nanowire of a diameter of $1.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ and their influence on the optical absorption spectrum. The quasiparticle states are calculated employing a many-body Green's function approach within the GW approximation to the electron self-energy, and the effects of the electron-hole interaction to optical excitations are evaluated by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation. The enhanced Coulomb interaction in this confined geometry results in an unusually large binding energy $(1--1.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$ for the excitons, which dominate the optical absorption spectrum.
An Optimization Technique for Computing Chromatic Corrections in Heavy Ion Focussing Systems

An optimization algorithm is described for computing field strengths for a set of corrective sextupole magnets in a heavy ion focussing system. Initial results are presented which show that, in some cases, the beam transmission through a 1 mm pellet canbe increased from an uncorrected value of about 60% to over 90%. The method should be useful for systems where, due to constraints or the presence of a number of abberations, no straight-forward theory exists for directly computing the field strengths.
Shades of Gray in DNA Drama

Despite its harsh portrait of Rosalind Franklin, Ziegler9s play offers an engaging perspective on her role in the discovery of the structure of DNA.
Development of the extraembryonic membranes and histology of the placentae in Virginia striatula (Squamata: Serpentes)

Development of the extraembryonic membranes and their structural alignment in the formation of the four placental categories that occur in Virginia striatula is similar to that of other Serpentes. The vascularized trilaminar omphalopleure contacts the uterine epithelium early in development to form the choriovitelline placenta, which subsequently extends over the surface of the yolk to its limit at the margin of the isolated yolk mass. As in other squamates, the isolated yolk mass is separated from the yolk sac by the growth of intravitelline cells into the yolk. The bilaminar omphalopleure (ectoderm, endoderm) of the isolated yolk mass contributes the fetal epithelium of the omphaloplacenta. During formation of the omphidoplacenta, the allantois makes its initial contact with the chorion dorsal to the embryo. As the allantois expands, the chorioallantoic placenta gradually replaces the choriovitelline placenta. The terminal placental stage is defined by an extensive chorioallantoic placenta and an omphalallantoic placenta associated with the isolated yolk mass. Although similar in most aspects to the omphalallantoic placentae of other snakes, a secondary yolk cleft develops in V. striatula. This structure, which separates the outer allantoic membrane from the isolated yolk mass, has not been described in other squamates. The choriovitelline placenta and most of the surface of the chorioallantoic placenta are characterized by close vascular apposition, whereas the omphaloplacenta and omphalallantoic placenta feature uterine and fetal epithelial cell hypertrophy in the absence of fetal vascular support. A narrow zone within the chorioallantoic placenta, lying on either side of the omphalallantoic placenta, contains hypertrophied epithelial cells with supporting capillaries on both fetal and maternal aspects.
The need for marital violence prevention efforts: A behavioral—cognitive secondary prevention program for engaged and newly married couples

Abstract The purpose of this paper is threefold: (a) to review research indicating that prevention efforts are needed for marital violence; (b) to present the rationale for a prevention approach derived from a behavioral—cognitive, social learning perspective; and (c) to describe a new behavioral—cognitive secondary prevention program that we are developing for engaged and newly married couples at risk for marital violence. Given these goals, we first present data demonstrating that physical aggression is often introduced early in a relationship and is likely to continue without intervention. After reviewing questions about the efficacy of marital violence treatment programs, we propose that prevention is a potentially important means of reducing and eliminating relationship violence. We then review behavioral—cognitive models of marital violence and the empirical data supporting these models. Based upon this review, we introduce a new behavioral—cognitive program (PREP/SAVE) designed to prevent relationship violence. Finally, we briefly present our pilot work and planned research on the efficacy of PREP/SAVE, along with some issues for consideration by future researchers.
Neogene Pacific microfossils and paleoceanography

Abstract This paper is a sequel and complement to an earlier work on Neogene biogeographic provinces of the Pacific Ocean plankton. Data on distribution and abundance of species of planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, and radiolaria in the Paleogene Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans were compiled from the Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project for the first 35 legs. Approximately 100 additional samples were examined at first-hand to supplement incomplete or inconsistent reporting in some cases. A standardized taxonomy was produced by eliminating or combining species that are not widely reported. Six time-slices were chosen for study on the basis of biostratigraphic zones reported at each site. These time-slices, each spanning about 2–3 m.y., cover periods of relative stability or slow change in oceanic conditions, and when compared show the effects upon the plankton of major oceanographic events. For each time-slice — ranging from the mid-Paleocene to the Late Oligocene — a synopsis of oceanic events is given, followed by a discussion of the plankton provinces produced by subjecting the data to factor analysis. Characteristic species for each province are identified. In the climatically equable Paleocene a Temperate Province in high southern latitudes can be distinguished from a Tropical Province. The latter primary shows changes in the abundance and preservation of calcareous microfossils in the eastern Pacific, with siliceous taxa becoming important in the Middle and Late Eocene. The position and composition of the province, however, have remained relatively consistent. The calcareous Temperate Province, on the other hand, disappeared at the end of the Eocene to be replaced by a siliceous Antarctic Province and a Subantarctic Province characterized by both calcareous and siliceous organisms. A Transitional Province appeared in the Early Eocene, and persisted through the Paleogene. This province, dominated by calcareous organisms, was characterized by a combination of cosmopolitan species and minor admixtures of Tropical and Temperate (or Subantarctic) species, rather than by an assemblage limited to the Transitional region.
Prolactin receptor diversity in humans: novel isoforms suggest general principles.

Abstract Novel short-form prolactin (PRL) receptors were recently identified in human tissues and cells. These receptor isoforms are analogous to rodent short PRL receptors that have long been known, but the splicing patterns for the human short PRL receptors are unique. The human short-form receptors compete with the signal-transducing long form for ligand, leading to reduced tissue sensitivity. The wide distribution of short PRL receptors in mammals suggests that tissues could use these ‘decoy' receptors to adapt to the high lactogen levels that occur during pregnancy and lactation. It remains possible that such short-form receptors couple with unknown signal transduction pathways in some cells or species.
The Truth Lies Within…and Between: The Theoretical and Empirical Implications of Longitudinal Data

We investigate the theoretical and empirical implications of longitudinal data in strategy research. Theoretically, longitudinal data allow strategy researchers to distinguish between relationships...
Role of oxidant species in aging

Organisms are constantly exposed to many different forms of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species that damage proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, leading to loss of biological function. The possibility that reactive oxygen/nitrogen-mediated protein damage contributes to the aging process is supported by results of many studies showing that aging is associated with the accumulation of such protein damage. Summarized here are results of studies, showing that the accumulation of,protein damage is a complex function of a multiplicity of factors that govern the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, on the one hand, and a multiplicity of factors that govern the degradation and/or repair of damaged proteins, on the other. Basic mechanisms involved in the modification of proteins by various forms of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are also discussed.
Concentrations of steroids and expression of messenger RNA for steroidogenic enzymes and gonadotropin receptors in bovine ovarian follicles of first and second waves and changes in second wave follicles after pulsatile LH infusion.

Abstract The objectives were to compare expression of mRNA for cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase (P450c17), cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Δ 4 , Δ 5 isomerase (3β-HSD), FSH receptor (FSHr) and LH receptor (LHr) in bovine ovarian follicles of the first and second waves of the bovine oestrous cycle and to determine if LH infusion changes growth, steroidogenesis and gene expression in second wave follicles. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to examine follicular size changes during the oestrous cycle in non-lactating Holstein cows ( n =31). Saline or purified bovine LH was infused intravenously into cows at emergence of follicular waves for 2 or 4 days using a computer-controlled syringe pump ( n =5–6 per treatment). Treatments were: wave 1, saline (W1S); wave 2, saline (W2S) or LH (25 μg/h; W2LH). During infusion, blood samples were collected at 12 min intervals for 8 h via i.v. catheters for measurement of serum LH concentrations. Ovaries were removed from cows on days 2 or 4 after emergence of follicular waves. Follicles were frozen and stored at −80°C. Follicular fluid (FF, 50 μl) was collected for determination of progesterone (P 4 ), oestradiol-17β (E 2 ) and androstenedione (A 4 ) concentrations. Frozen sections (14 μm) were used for in situ hybridization to measure expression of mRNA (% pixel intensity) for P450scc, P450c17, P450arom, 3β-HSD, FSHr, and LHr. LH infusion resulted in a serum LH pattern (high frequency) similar to the early luteal phase. There were no significant differences in size of follicles among the three treatment groups. Follicular fluid concentrations of E 2 and A 4 in W2S were lower than those of W1S on day 2 of a follicular wave. LH infusion into cows during the midluteal phase increased follicular fluid E 2 and A 4 concentrations in second wave follicles on day 2 of a follicular wave (W2LH) compared to those of W2S. The increase in follicular fluid E 2 on day 2 in wave 2 follicles after LH infusion occurred possibly through an increase in mRNA expression of P450c17 and 3β-HSD. In conclusion, follicular fluid concentrations of E 2 and A 4 were lower in W2S than in W1S and E 2 and A 4 concentrations were restored by infusion of LH in W2LH with an increase in mRNA expression of P450c17 and 3β-HSD.
Issues and perspectives on evaluating manufacturing modernization programs

Abstract The establishment of a national system of federal-state manufacturing modernization centers to serve small- and medium-sized manufacturing systems is a major experiment in the US. The system's rapid expansion has made it impossible to begin with an experimental design that would systematically permit tests of the variables and relationships likely to effect the long-term economic effectiveness of these centers or their political and financial stability. Relatedly, many existing evaluation studies and journalistic narratives are marred by serious analytical and empirical flaws. It is not too late to attempt to improve practice in future evaluations. Several areas of expanded evaluation are described, including theories of industrial restructuring, regional technology infrastructure, public management, financing, evaluation design, evaluability assessment, firm learning, and measurement of benefits and costs. In each case, evaluation is presented as a means of simultaneously yielding information relevant to formative and summative program-level decisions and to hypothesis testing.
Endorphins, ventilatory control and sudden infant death syndrome--a review and synthesis.

Abstract Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that sudden infant death syndrome and “near-miss” sudden infant death syndrome may be caused by overactivity of the endogenous opioid system (endorphins). The characteristic features of sudden infant death syndrome are listed, and then by reviewing effects that have been observed with (or which would be expected to result from) overactivity of the endogenous opioid system, it is shown that all of the characteristic features of sudden infant death syndrome may be opioid mediated effects. The hypothesis proposes that the endogenous opioid system is tonically overactive for weeks or months prior to death from SIDS causing the ventilatory abnormalities and subtle CNS dysfunction such as behavioral indifference, thermal instability and decreased responsiveness to pinprick which have been noted in these infants. Most significantly, excess CNS endorphin activity explains the quiet asphyxial death during sleep. Research strategies for proving the hypothesis are briefly discussed.
Topographic associations between DNA fragmentation and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology in the hippocampus

To identify whether the process of apoptosis bears a topographic relationship to selected aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, we used an in situ nick translation method (TUNEL) to map DNA fragmentation in hippocampal sections immunostained for abnormally phosphorylated tau, which exists in the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and in the dystrophic neurites associated with senile plaques. To ascertain associations of DNA fragmentation with glia, TUNEL was combined with immunohistochemistry for the astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), or the microglial antigen OX-42. Consistent with previous reports, the incidence of putative DNA fragmentation detected by TUNEL was much higher in the AD brain, compared to non-demented subjects. While most TUNEL-positive cells did not exhibit any systematic topographic relationship to senile plaques, which were visualized by immunostain of abnormally phosphorylated tau for dystrophic neurites, DNA fragmentation was found frequently within cells containing NFTs. In hippocampal sections prepared to visualize glia, DNA fragmentation was not observed in GFAP-positive astrocytes, but some OX-42-positive microglia exhibited TUNEL signals. Other TUNEL-positive cells were found frequently in proximity to glia. The data suggest that cells compromised by the deposition of NFTs are prone to initiate the process of apoptosis. Furthermore, some glial populations appear to be apoptotic in the AD brain.
7027 Comparison of flexible sigmoidoscopic findings in symptomatic individuals and in those referred for routine cancer screening.

Background: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) is frequently used as the initial diagnostic study in patients presenting with symptoms believed to indicate disease of the lower gastrointestinal tract such as iron deficiency anemia, rectal bleeding, and new onset change in bowel habit. However, it is unclear how predictive these symptoms are of colonic pathology. The present study was carried out to examine this issue and to compare the results obtained with those seen in a group of asymptomatic individuals referred for routine screening for colon cancer. Methods: A total of 701 subjects comprising of 577 individuals undergoing screening FS and 124 patients with lower GI symptoms were included in the study.The subjects were examined using a 60 cm flexible sigmoidoscope by a single observer.All subjects had a phosphate enema bowel prep. Results: All study subjects were males. The mean (±SD) age of the asymptomatic group (65±10 years) was significantly greater than symptomatic individuals (61±12 years; p
Nonlinear optics: High harmonics with a twist

Optical vortices usually break up when they propagate through nonlinear media. Now, however, experiments show the helical structure of an infrared beam can survive a high-harmonic-generation process. This could lead to a table-top source of attosecond helical light pulses.
Reduction of Cold-Induced Hypertension by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides to Angiotensinogen mRNA and AT1-Receptor mRNA in Brain and Blood

Abstract —Rats exposed chronically to mild cold (5°C/41°F) develop hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. This provides a unique model of hypertension that is environmentally induced. The blood renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play a role in both initiating and maintaining the high blood pressure (BP) in cold-induced hypertension. The mechanism also appears to involve both the tissue and brain RAS because there is increased mRNA for angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors in brain and peripheral tissues, an increased spontaneous drinking response, and an increased dipsogenic response to acute administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) in cold-treated rats. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODN), targeted to the RAS, have been shown to reduce BP in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Therefore, we injected AS-ODN in rats with cold-induced hypertension to test whether antisense inhibition was effective in reducing this nongenetic nonsurgical hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats were made hypertensive by cold exposure and injected intracerebroventricularly with AS-ODN to AGT mRNA (n=6) or AT1 receptor mRNA (n=6). Systolic BP was recorded by tail cuff 24 hours later for 2 or 7 days, respectively. Systolic BP decreased significantly in response to AGT–AS-ODN (40±6 mm Hg, P <0.01) within 1 day after injection and to AT1 receptor–AS-ODN ( P <0.05) for 3 days after injection. The maximum decrease was 41±10 mm Hg. Systolic BP then gradually increased to the preinjection level. The spontaneous drinking response to cold treatment also decreased significantly ( P <0.05) after AGT–AS-ODN or AT1 receptor–AS-ODN intracerebroventricular injection. Intracardiac injection of AT1–AS-ODN (n=6) reduced systolic BP by 36±8 mm Hg ( P <0.05) and decreased AT1 receptor as measured by autoradiography in aorta, adrenal glands, and kidneys 24 hours after injection. These data show that AS-ODN reduces BP in cold-induced hypertension and that the hypertension involves both peripheral tissues and central RAS in addition to blood-borne RAS mechanisms.
Single-ventricle palliation for high-risk neonates: The emergence of an alternative hybrid stage I strategy

Background Survival after stage I palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome or related anomalies remains poor in high-risk neonates. We hypothesized that a less invasive hybrid approach would be beneficial in this patient population. Methods The hybrid stage I procedure was performed in the catheterization laboratory. Via a median sternotomy, both branch pulmonary arteries were banded, and a ductal stent was delivered via a main pulmonary artery puncture and positioned under fluoroscopic guidance. Results Between October 2003 and June 2005, 14 high-risk neonates underwent a hybrid stage I procedure. Eleven of 14 had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Two also underwent peratrial atrial septal stenting, and 5 required percutaneous atrial stenting later. Two neonates with an intact or highly restrictive atrial septum had emergency percutaneous atrial stent placement. Hospital survival was 11 (78.5%) of 14. One patient required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for intraoperative cardiac arrest. He underwent cardiac transplantation but died later of sepsis. One patient died of ductal stent embolization, and a third died of progressive cardiac dysfunction. The first 4 patients required pulmonary artery band revisions. There were none after we modified our technique and added branch pulmonary artery angiograms. There were 2 interstage deaths from atrial stent occlusion and from preductal retrograde coarctation. Eight patients underwent stage II procedures, consisting of aortic arch reconstruction, atrial septectomy, and cavopulmonary shunt. Two patients died after stage II. One patient is awaiting stage II. Conclusions The hybrid stage I palliation is a valid option in high-risk neonates. As experience is accrued, it may become the preferred alternative. However, in aortic atresia, the development of preductal retrograde coarctation is a significant problem.
Treatment of elevated intracranial pressure with dimethyl sulfoxide.

Abstract : This report outlines our experience with the use of DMSO in a clinical setting to control elevated ICP of diverse etiology refractory to other therapeutic measures.
Quantifying shrinkage cracking in fiber reinforced concrete using the ring test

Tensile stress can develop in concrete when rest raint prevents the concrete from shrinking freely in response to drying, chemical reaction, or temperature reduction. When these tensile stresses exceed the tensile strength of the concrete, visible cracking may be expected to occur. While several test methods have been developed to assess a material's potential for early-age shrinkage cracking, this paper describes the use of the ‘ring-test’ for assessing the performance of a fiber reinforced concrete. An equation is presented that enables the residual stress that develops in the concrete ring specimen to be estimated. This expression is used to approximate the stress that is transferred across a crack. It is shown that for conventional fiber reinforced concrete (i.e., the mixtures described in this paper) the pre-peak mechanical properties (elastic modulus, splitting tensile strength and free shrinkage) are not influenced greatly by the addition of fibers. Rather, fibers appear to influence shrinkage-cracking behavior only after the crack begins to open. To better understand the role of fibers in mitigating early-age shrinkage cracking passive acoustic emission testing was used. Acoustic emission measurements indicate microcracking due to the heterogenous nature of the concrete and the presence of moisture gradients. The acoustic emission results highlight how a single crack begins to form into a visible crack. Finally, an approach is presented for estimating crack-width based on the strain data measured from the ring test. The role of the specimen geometry is discussed for comparing the ring test with field applications.
Capsule Commentary on Ritzwoller et al., Economic Analyses of the Be Fit Be Well Program: A Weight Loss Program for Community Health Centers

How to treat obesity cost-effectively remains a challenge to primary care clinicians. In this timely study, Ritzwoller et al. assessed the cost-effectiveness of an innovative web/phone-based weight loss program in community health centers.1 The program was estimated to cost $2,204 per kg loss per person, which is somewhat higher than that of similar studies.2–4 For primary care clinics, this study provided a good example of the economic resources needed for delivering a weight-loss program to “a low literacy, inner city” population. A detailed description of their program costs will inform primary care providers of the expected budget impact, as well as potential areas for improving program efficiency. When interpreting the results of Ritzwoller et al., three salient factors should be considered. First, the less favorable cost effectiveness ratio is driven not only by the higher cost, but also the lower effectiveness of the program. The program demonstrated an average weight loss of 1.07 kg per person over 2 years, which is considerably lower than the 3–5 % of body weight loss reported in previous studies.5 Second, no medical costs incurred or averted by the intervention were assessed in this study. Previous studies have suggested weight-loss programs reduce medical care costs outside interventions.2,4 If this was also true in this study and the reduction in the medical care costs had been accounted, the program might be more cost-effective. Third, a significant proportion of participants did not complete study assessments. Also, attrition was higher in the intervention group. It is unknown how attrition affected their program cost-effectiveness. If intervention group participants who experienced weight loss were less likely to be assessed than placebo group participants, cost-effectiveness of the program might be underestimated. Despite some limitations, this study provides valuable cost information needed for primary care clinics considering adoption of a behavioral weight-loss program. Future studies should consider collecting data on all the costs associated with interventions prospectively.
Characteristics of Two Mineral Springs in Northern Maine

We sampled soil and water at two mineral springs (salt licks) in Baxter State Park, ME, and describe chemical characteristics of each. One site (Wadleigh) is a small spring-fed pond and the other site (Hudson) is a spring with water emerging at the base of a bedrock outcrop; both drain into nearby streams. These sites are frequently visited by Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) and by Alces americanus (Moose). Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) concentrations in water were substantially higher at licks than at upstream control sites—Wadleigh Lick: K = 2.33 vs. 0.31 mg/L, Na = 15.7 vs. 1.9 mg/L; Hudson Lick: K = 0.95 vs. 0.19 mg/L, Na = 9.4 vs. 0.9 mg/L. Chloride at the Hudson Lick was 120 vs. 10.7 µeq/L in water upstream. Exchangeable calcium (Ca), K, and magnesium (Mg) in soil at the Wadleigh site were typical of Maine soils but Na was greatly elevated. The elevated concentrations of K and Na in the water are typical of groundwater that has circulated through bedrock, instead of overlying till.
Monolithic integration of CMOS and silicon nanophotonics for optical interconnects

Monolithic integration of silicon nanophotonic circuits into the front-end of standard CMOS process have been demonstrated [1-3]. This talk will review the development of CMOS-integrated nanophotonics and recent progress in deeply-scaled photonic devices.
Differential glucose uptake in retina- and brain-derived endothelial cells.

Microangiopathy is a systemic complication of diabetes that is especially severe in the retinal microcirculation. The objective of this study was to compare glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression between retinal endothelial cells and the closely related endothelial cells derived from the cerebral microcirculation. Endothelial cells isolated from bovine brain, bovine retinal, and rat heart microvessels were cultured in the presence of control (5 mM) and high levels of (30 mM) d-glucose for 1-5 days. Glucose uptake by cultured endothelial cells was determined by measuring the uptake of [(3)H]deoxy-d-glucose and glucose transporter protein expression was assessed by Western blot. Our results showed that glucose uptake was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in brain- and heart-derived endothelial cells than in retinal endothelial cells at both physiologic and high concentrations of glucose. High levels of glucose caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in glucose uptake in brain-derived and heart endothelial cells but had no effect on retinal endothelial cells. Similarly, in response to high glucose levels there was a significant (P < 0.01) down regulation of GLUT-1 in brain-derived endothelial cells but not in retinal endothelial cells. These results suggest that despite a low basal level of glucose uptake the inability of retinal endothelial cells to down regulate glucose uptake in the presence of high glucose levels could make them especially sensitive to the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia in diabetes.