cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terapia celular para la insuficiencia cardiaca

Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org Se reconoce mundialmente que la pandemia de la cardiopatia isquemica es una de las principales causas de mortalidad. Debido a que las modalidades modernas de tratamiento para el infarto agudo de miocardio han reducido la mortalidad en la fase temprana, ahora hay mayor incidencia de insuficiencia cardiaca cronica entre los supervivientes. Las repetidas hospitalizaciones y la muerte prematura, muy prevalente en esta poblacion de pacientes, junto con la incapacidad de los actuales tratamientos, en gran parte paliativos, han creado la necesidad de abordar la destruccion tisular masiva que se produce tras el infarto. El deficit miocitario en la insuficiencia cardiaca inducida por el infarto es de unos mil millones de celulas, con una perdida del 25% de la masa del ventriculo izquierdo1. La caracteristica distintiva de esta enfermedad maligna es el progresivo remodelado desadaptativo del miocardio, que desencadena una disfuncion contractil y conduce finalmente a un claro sindrome de insuficiencia congestiva. La reparacion del corazon infartado constituye un formidable reto que la medicina cardiovascular debe afrontar teniendo en cuenta no solo la magnitud de la perdida de celulas cardiacas, sino tambien la necesidad de restablecer un aporte optimo para satisfacer las demandas funcionales y estructurales2. Hay, pues, una acuciante necesidad clinica de establecer terapias cardiovasculares innovadoras que amplien el alcance de la medicina actual. En este contexto, la aparicion de la medicina regenerativa —vanguardia en los paradigmas de la asistencia sanitaria— ha empezado a transformar las perspectivas de la practica clinica3. Aplicados al tratamiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, los instrumentos de la medicina regenerativa tienen como objetivo permitir un restablecimiento funcional de los tejidos cardiacos danados, y no una simple atenuacion o reduccion de los sintomas. En consecuencia, el esfuerzo integral y continuo de la comunidad cientifica y sanitaria es un paso esencial para el desarrollo de algoritmos que tengan un uso clinico mas amplio y permitan una aplicacion segura y efectiva de los conocimientos fundamentales de la terapia de reparacion con celulas cardiacas. De hecho, teniendo en cuenta los rapidos avances en la biologia de celulas madre, el uso de los principios de la medicina regenerativa promete traer efectos beneficiosos y significativos a la salud humana, con resultados tangibles en cuanto a calidad de vida y mejora de la asistencia futura de los pacientes.
Non-pharmacologic treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research on the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions for children, adolescents and adults with social anxiety disorder. Data are presented on the relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs), pharmacotherapy and combination treatments. We also discuss research on specific clinical conditions that are likely to influence treatment success. Method: Relevant studies were identified through literature searches, reference lists and research databases. Results: Non-pharmacologic treatments for social anxiety disorder. particularly CBTs, have gained substantial empirical support over the last two decades. However, questions remain about how to maximize the benefit of available treatments. Conclusion: New directions for future research in this area are discussed.
GASTRO-INTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) OF ILLINOIS

Two deer populations, one in northern Illinois the other in southern Illinois, were examined by necropsy (n = 44 and 40 respectively) for helminth parasites of the gastro-intestinal tract and abdominal cavity. Both herds were parasitized by Apteragia odocoilei, Haemonchus contortus, Gongylonema pulchrum, Setaria yehi, Trichuris ovis, and Moniezia benedeni. Nematodirus sp. was found only in deer of northern Illinois. Ostertagia mossi, Capillaria sp., Cooperia sp., and Oesophagostomum sp. were found only in deer of southern Illinois.
A modified chew-in and functional impression technique

Abstract A technique has been described by which the patient chews in a kinetic record of his own jaw movements in gliding and masticatory mandibular excursions. The technique is most advantageous for the construction of complete dentures against a natural or mixed dentitions. The technique, with modifications, is of value in numerous partial and immediate denture situations in which articulator movements cannot duplicate natural movements within a range of movement and harmony that is within the accommodative ability limits of the patient.
GALS Test Chip on 130nm Process

We present a Globally Asynchronous Locally Synchronous test chip fabricated on a 130nm silicon process. The primary design goals of this chip were to measure the stability of local clocks on a deep submicron process technology, evaluate difficulties using GALS in a standard design flow, and to measure power consumption. The original Asynchronous Wrapper building blocks were used to construct a configurable data pipeline that can be tuned to emulate the operation of many different types of algorithms.
Insight into the Degradation of Type-I Collagen Fibrils by MMP-8

Although a number of studies have shed light on the mechanism of collagen degradation in solution, the precise mechanism of collagenolysis in the native fibrillar state remains unclear. To gain insight into the mechanism of fibrillar degradation, we calculated the conformational free-energy landscape for unfolding regions of the α2 chain of type-I collagen within the context of the microfibril. Our data suggest that, relatively, imino-rich sequences maintain the canonical triple-helical structure at body temperature. By contrast, the unique MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) cleavage site adopts conformations where the α2 chain is dissociated from the rest of the fibril—behavior that is similar to what was observed in unfolding simulations of isolated collagen-like model peptides in solution. However, the dissociated cleavage site does not fit within the catalytic site of MMP-8, a representative fibrillar collagenase. Additional free-energy simulations suggest that the presence of the catalytic domain leads to a reorientation of the α2 chain such that it adopts a pose that is complementary to the enzyme's active site. These observations argue that, in the fibrillar state, there is a synergy between the normal thermal fluctuations of the substrate when the enzyme is absent and the fluctuations of the substrate when the enzyme is present. More precisely, our findings suggest that thermal fluctuations serve as the driving force for a degradative process that requires both an unfolded cleavage site and the presence of the enzyme.
Delay analysis of the approximate maximum weight scheduling in wireless networks

We provide bounds for the expectations of the stationary delay and the sum of the stationary queue sizes under the approximate maximum weight scheduling (MWS) policy and under the longest-queue-first (LQF) policy in one-hop wireless networks. For MWS, our results improves the previously provided bounds; for LQF, the results are new. In the derivation of the new bounds, a connection with certain graph theory quantities has been established. We also derive bounds for the sum of the second moments of the stationary queue sizes, which are also bounds for the sum of the queue-size variances. The method is general and it can be used to derive bounds for the sum of even higher moments of the stationary queue sizes. However, for the approximate MWS policy, the bounds for the second or higher moments are only valid when the average arrival rate vector is confined to a subset of the capacity region that depends on the order of the moment.
Are cherries now ripe for use as a complementary therapeutic in gout? Appraisal of the state of evidence

Commentary on: Zhang Y, Neogi T, Chen C, et al. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis Rheum 2012;64:4004–11.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] The prevalence of gout has risen in the USA and many other countries, owing to a ‘perfect storm’ of factors, including increased prevalence of comorbid conditions, and diet and alcohol consumption megatrends. Resultant increase in clinical complexity of gouty arthritis and hyperuricaemia management is compounded by relatively poor patient adherence compared to many other medical conditions. This is partly because of gaps in patient and physician education. Notwithstanding, there is substantial interest by patients and clinicians in inexpensive and health-promoting non-pharmacological modalities to potentially improve gout management. Cherries and cherry products, buttressed by an initial uncontrolled study,1 are a popular folk remedy for gout, as evidenced by more than 1 600 000 ‘hits’ (as of January 2013) in an internet search for … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DArthritis%2Band%2Brheumatism%26rft.stitle%253DArthritis%2BRheum%26rft.aulast%253DZhang%26rft.auinit1%253DY.%26rft.volume%253D64%26rft.issue%253D12%26rft.spage%253D4004%26rft.epage%253D4011%26rft.atitle%253DCherry%2Bconsumption%2Band%2Bdecreased%2Brisk%2Bof%2Brecurrent%2Bgout%2Battacks.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1002%252Fart.34677%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23023818%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1002/art.34677&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23023818&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F6%2F230.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000311706300021&link_type=ISI
On Actualizing Person-Centered Theory: A Critique of Textbook Treatments of Rogers's Motivational Constructs

The Rogerian motivational constructs of actualization and self-actualization were inadequately presented in the large majority of introductory textbooks we examined. This phenomenon may partly refl...
Food for thought: a receptor finds its ligand.

In C. elegans, social and solitary feeding behavior can be determined by a single amino acid change in a G protein–coupled receptor. A new study identifies ligands for this receptor and suggests how changes in behavior evolve at the molecular level.
Subdividing the embryo: a role for Notch signaling during germ layer patterning in Xenopus laevis.

Abstract The development of all vertebrate embryos requires the establishment of a three-dimensional coordinate system in order to pattern embryonic structures and create the complex shape of the adult organism. During the process of gastrulation, the three primary germ layers are created under the guidance of numerous signaling pathways, allowing cells to communicate during development. Cell–cell communication, mediated by receptors of the Notch family, has been shown to be involved in mediating diverse cellular behaviors during development and has been implicated in the regulation of cell fate decisions in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. In order to investigate a role for Notch signaling during boundary formation between the mesoderm and endoderm during gastrulation, we manipulated Notch signaling in gastrula stage embryos and examined gene expression in resultant tissues and organs. Our findings demonstrate a much broader role for Notch signaling during germ layer determination than previously reported in a vertebrate organism. Activation of the Notch pathway, specifically in gastrula stage embryos, results in a dramatic decrease in the expression of genes necessary to create many different types of mesodermal tissues while causing a dramatic expansion of endodermal tissue markers. Conversely, temporally controlled suppression of this pathway results in a loss of endodermal cell types and an expansion of molecular markers of mesoderm. Thus, our data are consistent with and significantly extend the implications of prior observations suggesting roles for Notch signaling during germ layer formation and establish an evolutionarily conserved role for Notch signaling in mediating mesoderm–endoderm boundaries during early vertebrate development.
A decision support system for real-time monitoring and control of dynamical processes

This article presents the concept and development of a prototype diagnostic decision support system for real-time control and monitoring of dynamical processes. This decision support system, known as Diagnostic Evaluation and Corrective Action (DECA), employs qualitative reasoning, in conjunction with quantitative models, for monitoring and diagnosis of malfunctions in dynamical processes under routine operations and emergency situations. DECA is especially suited for application to time-constrained environments where an immediate action is needed to avoid catastrophic failure(s). DECA is written in common Lisp and has been implemented on a Symbolics 3670 machine; its efficacy has been verified using the data from the Three Mile Island No. 2 Nuclear Reactor Accident.
Some rotations like it hot: selective energy partitioning in the state resolved dynamics of collisions between CO2 and highly vibrationally excited pyrazine

Abstract The collisional quenching of highly vibrationally excited pyrazine by CO2 molecules has been studied with high resolution diode laser spectroscopy. The vibrationally hot pyrazine molecules are formed by 248 nm excimer laser pumping, followed by rapid radiationless transitions to the ground electronic state. The nascent rotational population distributions in the 0000 and 0001 vibrational levels of CO2 produced by collisions with hot pyrazine were probed at short times following excitation of pyrazine by the excimer laser pulse. In addition, the CO2 translational recoil velocity was measured for a number of rotational levels in each vibrational state. The results of these experiments reveal that very little rotational and translational excitation accompanies the energy transfer from hot pyrazine to excited vibrational levels of CO2. In contrast, rotational excitation of the CO2 ground state due to collisions with highly excited pyrazine is significant and is accompanied by a substantial enhancement in the CO2 translational energy. These results are consistent with a picture in which vibration-vibration (V → V) energy transfer processes, leading to vibrational excitation of the bath, are dominated by long range attractive forces, and vibration-translation/rotation (V → T/R) energy transfer, which leaves the bath vibrations unexcited, is dominated by short range repulsive forces.
Advection of Pore Fluids Through Sediments in the Equatorial East Pacific

Measurements of the ratio of helium-4 to helium-3 and of calcium ion in the pore waters of sediments at two locations in the eastern equatorial Pacific indicate that solution advection is occurring through the sediments. Both the helium ratio and the calcium ion profile yield velocity values for advective flow of about 20 centimeters per year. Mass balance constraints are also consistent with the interpretation presented. Flow appears to be occurring thorugh relatively thick sediments, on the order of 300 meters.
Full-Scale Field Testing for Injected Foam Stabilization of Portland Cement Concrete Repairs:

A series of foam-injected repairs was performed on a portland cement concrete (PCC) test section at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Repairs consisted of uncompacted backfill overlaid by a 9-in. rapid-setting cementitious cap. A series of injection tubes was inserted through the cap into the uncompacted debris backfill, and a two-component rigid polyurethane foam was injected into this backfill. The test matrix compared the performance of three different repairs using various volumes of injected foam. A fourth repair was constructed without injected foam as a control item. Three hours after cap construction, the repairs underwent simulated aircraft traffic with an F-15E load cart. The performance of the four repairs was measured by passes to failure. The results of traffic testing were used to evaluate foam-injection technology for rapid repair of PCC pavements. The performances of foam-injected repairs were also compared with poured foam and traditional full-depth backfill repairs, each capped with rapid-setting materials. Comparisons were made about pavement performance, costs, and total duration required for installing the repair. Results showed that injection of excessive foam was detrimental to the repair surface, because it induced cracking before traffic application, and could lead to premature development of foreign object damage. However, repairs using moderate amounts of foam and pure backfill sustained the required traffic levels, defined by the research sponsor, of 200 passes within 4 h of initiating the pavement repair. For cost and repair duration, those repairs that did not include foam were more effective.
Effect of BN interfacial coating on the strength of a silicon carbide/silicon nitride composite

Boron nitride has been identified as a good fiber/matrix interface coating for SiC fibers in a Si3N4 matrix. Boron nitride thin films prepared from BCl3 and NH3 at 1000°C and from B2 H6 and NH3 at 550°C were deposited on SiC (Nicalon®) cloth in a low pressure chemical vapor deposition reactor. The coating thickness was varied from 0.1 μm up to 4 μm. Six layers of cloth for each coating thickness were incorporated into a chemical vapor infiltrated matrix of amorphous Si3N4. Flexural strength data and composite toughness were obtained from three-point bend tests. Scanning electron microscopy and metallographic analysis of fracture surface morphology were used to determine the failure mode.
A Splitting Theorem for Manifolds.

Chapter I : Below the Middle Dimension 1. Ambient Surgery below the Middle Dimension . . . . . . . 78 2. Review of Covering Space Theory and Related Algebra . . . .79 3. Handle Exchanges and Low Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . 86 4. Homology Computations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 5. Completion of Proof of Lemma 1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Appendix: Geometry of Normal Form for GI *, G, and J * , { t } 11 1
Physiological responses of hybrid striped bass under sedation by several anesthetics

Abstract Several aquatic anesthetics, in doses low enough not to change the swimming behavior, alone and in combination with NaCl, were evaluated for their effectiveness to suppress the stress response in sunshine bass ( Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis ). Clove oil, Aqui-S®, metomidate, MS-222, quinaldine, and quinaldine sulfate were used alone or combined with 5 g/l NaCl. The stress response was evaluated by measuring plasma cortisol, glucose and chloride concentrations in fish after exposure to each of the compounds and after exposure in fish subjected to stress while exposed to each of the compounds. Stress was induced by lowering the water in the aquarium for 15 min. Exposure to all of the compounds, except metomidate, resulted in a significant increase in plasma cortisol and glucose. The cortisol increase induced by exposure to NaCl alone was transient, but NaCl did not reduce the response due to stress. The same pattern of response occurred when the anesthetics were given with NaCl. Only exposure to quinaldine resulted in an increased glucose concentration and plasma glucose was higher than controls in stressed fish exposed to clove oil and quinaldine sulfate. Metomidate may have promise in suppressing the stress response in hybrid striped bass; however, the only approved anesthetic for use in food fish is MS-222. Exposure of fish to MS-222 induced the stress response and did not suppress the magnitude of the stress response in fish exposed to low-water stress. These data point out the importance of continuing to develop and approve compounds for use in aquaculture.
Advanced querying interface for biochemical network databases

Querying biochemical networks in flexible ways over the web is important to facilitate ongoing biological research. In this paper, we present a querying interface for biological networks, more specifically, metabolic networks. The interface allows for the specification of a large class of containment, path, and neighborhood queries with ease from a web browser. The query specification process is user-friendly, employs hierarchically arranged relationships among biological entities, and uses autocomplete features. The interface is provided as part of PathCase, a system to store, query, visualize and analyze metabolic pathways at different levels of detail.
GRANDPARENTS’ ADJUSTMENT TO GRANDCHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Thirty‐two grandparents of children with special needs were interviewed regarding their knowledge of their grandchild's disability and the impact and emotional consequences this has had on their lives and the lives of their immediate family. Results indicated that only a small number of grandparents knew in advance about their grandchild's disability. Initially, most grandparents experienced feelings of grief. Soon after, a large number of them became involved in providing emotional and financial support for their children and grandchildren. The grandparents expressed fears and concerns regarding their grandchild's future ability to live independently and the ability of their grandchild's parents to sustain the stress associated with the disability. Only a small number of grandparents reported seeking help by accessing support groups, counseling, or forums to discuss and share information concerning their grandchild's disability. Most of their support came from their spouses and immediate family. Educatio...
Increased glycosylation of human lens epithelial basement membrane in diabetes mellitus

We studied the nonenzymatic glycosylation of lens epithelial basement membranes (LEBM) of senile cataractous lenses of both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The human LEBMs were isolated from surgically removed senile cataracts and purified by osmotic lysis and detergent treatments. Glycosylation assay of LEBMs was done using the colorimetric method of Fluckiger and Winterhalter. The glycosylation value ranged from 16.39 to 92.56 n mol/mg protein overall, with a mean of 63.54 +/- 24.56 n mol/mg protein for the diabetic specimens and a mean of 29.97 +/- 14.48 n mol/mg protein for the nondiabetic controls (P = 0.009). The study confirms our previous observation of in vivo glycosylation of the LEBM and further establishes that diabetic patients have a twofold increase in the amount of LEBM glycosylation when compared to their nondiabetic counterparts.
Target site and enzyme changes associated with selection of subcolonies of a multiresistant house fly strain with methyl parathion or permethrin

Abstract The effects of intensified selection pressure on subcolonies of a multiresistant house fly strain were determined with studies of different parameters associated with the responses of insects to insecticides. This study included three resistant strains (R, routinely selected by dual exposure to malathion and permethrin; Rmp, a substrain of R selected intensively with methyl parathion; Rper, a substrain of R selected intensively with permethrin); and S, an insecticide-susceptible strain. The Rmp and Rper strains were tested after selection of 20 consecutive generations. Topical toxicity tests indicated resistance of the Rmp strain to methyl parathion increased 17-fold compared with the parental R strain, but there was only a slight increase in tolerance to permethrin. Resistance to permethrin increased 2.6-fold in the Rper flies while tolerance to methyl parathion was unchanged. Compared with the S insects, there was a substantially decreased sensitivity of brain AChE to in vitro inhibition by methyl paraoxon in all three resistant strains. The order of AChE sensitivity to inhibition among strains was S > Rper = R > Rmp. Susceptible or resistant isomeric forms of AChE, respectively, were homogeneous in the S and Rmp strains, but were a heterogeneous mixture in R and Rper insects. Studies of the specific binding of [ 3 H]saxitoxin by brain membrane receptors demonstrated significant differences between susceptible and resistant strains in sodium channel density; the order of maximal binding capacity ( B max ) was S > R = Rmp = Rper. In vitro studies of key enzyme systems demonstrated that, compared with the parental R strain, there were substantial increases in titers of microsomal oxidases and glutathione- S -transferases in the Rmp and Rper flies. There were no major differences among the three resistant strains in cuticular penetration of trans -permethrin or in titers of DDT-dehydrochlorinase or permethrin esterase. All these enzyme systems were more active in the three resistant strains than in S insects.
Effects of ecbolic agents on measurements of uterine involution in the mare

Thirteen postparturient mares were used to investigate the effects of ecbolic agents on the rate of uterine involution. Mares were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group S = intravenous injection of 2 ml saline twice daily for 10 days post partum (n=4); Group O = intravenous injection of 20 units oxytocin twice daily for 10 days post partum (n=4); and Group P = intramuscular injection of 500 mcg fluprostenol twice daily for 10 days post partum (n=5). Ovulation was determined by daily transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries. On Days 6, 11 and 16 post partum, transrectal ultrasonography was used to measure cross-sectional diameters of the uterine body, uterine horns and fluid within the uterine lumen. Uteri were swabbed for aerobic bacteriologic culture on Days 11 and 16 post partum. Uterine biopsies were obtained from the base of the previously gravid uterine horn on Days 11 and 16 post partum for subjective assessment of endometritis and morphometric analysis of endometrial histoarchitecture. Mean values for all measurements of uterine involution did not differ among groups (P>0.05). For all mares, the diameter of luminal fluid was not correlated to diameter of the uterine body or uterine horns, or to morphometric measurements of endometrial histoarchitecture of the previously gravid uterine horn (P>0.05). Likewise, accumulation of fluid within the uterine lumen was not associated with endometritis or recovery of potential bacterial pathogens (P>0.05). Mean diameter of the previously gravid uterine horn was negatively correlated with morphometric measures of endometrial histoarchitecture of the previously gravid uterine horn (P<0.01).
Postnatal behavioral effects in mice after prenatal exposure to methylmercury.

Abstract CFW mice were injected with methylmercury hydroxide (1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 mg/kg as mercury) on Day 8 of gestation. Mice treated with 3, 5 or 10 mg/kg averaged 1 3 fewer pups than controls. Pups from these treated animals weighed less than controls and the weight differences persisted through weaning but were no longer significant at 56 days of age. Mice exposed to methylmercury in utero showed significant differences from controls in their behavior in a 2-way active avoidance shuttle box and in a punishment situation but not when tested in an open field, a water escape runway or a conditioned suppression paradigm. Neither the mothers nor progency of the mice exposed prenatally to methylmercury showed behavioral deficits.
Photochemically initiated intracellular astrocytic calcium waves in living mice using two-photon uncaging of IP(3).

We have developed a caged IP3 analogue for two-photon photolysis in living animals. This probe is a cell permeable version and was coloaded with a fluorescent Ca2+ dye into astrocytes in layer 1 of the somatosensory cortex of anesthetized mice. Two-photon irradiation of single cells at 720 nm produced rapid and robust increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations monitored using two-photon microscopy at 950 nm. The photoevoked intracellular Ca2+ waves were similar in magnitude to intrinsic signals in wild type mice. These waves did not propagate to other cells beyond the targeted astrocyte. In contrast, we observed intercellular astrocytic Ca2+ waves in two mouse models of familial Alzheimer’s disease. These data suggest that Alzheimer’s might perturb gliotransmission but not IP3 signaling per se in mouse models of the disease.
Evoked response 'forward masking' patterns in chinchillas with temporary hearing loss.

Abstract Evoked response “forward masking” data were measured from the inferior colliculus of the chinchilla before and during a temporary threshold shift. The hearing loss was induced by a 2 kHz pure tone of 85 dB SPL presented from 5–8 days. The exposure elevated thresholds by approximately 35 dB at the mid frequencies, but had no effect on low frequency hearing. The exposure also altered the time course of the evoked response forward masking data. Time constants fitting the forward masking data increased by up to a factor of three at the frequency with the greatest loss, but remained within normal limits at the low frequencies where hearing was normal. The increase in the forward masking time constants became most noticeable once the hearing loss exceeded 25 dB. These physiological results are consistent with psychophysical forward masking data from hearing impaired listeners.
Development of a bacterial bioassay for atrazine and cyanuric acid detection.

The s-triazine herbicides are compounds which can disseminate into soils and water. Due to their toxic effects on living organisms, their concentrations in drinking water are legislated by WHO recommendations. Here we have developed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, an alternative method for physicochemical quantification using two bioluminescent bacterial biosensors: E. coli SM003 for cyanuric acid detection and E. coli SM004 for both atrazine and cyanuric acid detection. The concentration of cyanuric acid detection for E. coli SM003 ranges from 7.83 µM to 2.89 mM, and for E. coli SM004 ranges from 0.22 µM to 15 µM. Moreover, atrazine detection by E. coli SM004 ranges from 1.08 µM to 15 µM. According to WHO recommendations, the cyanuric acid detection range is sensitive enough to discriminate between polluted and drinking water. Nevertheless, the detection of atrazine by E. coli SM004 is only applicable for high concentrations of contaminants.
THE IMPACT OF LOW INTEREST RATES ON THE ECONOMY (Discussion)

WE HAVE HEARD two valuable and illuminating papers on the monetary policy followed in the United States since the end of World War II. The two papers agree on many points but there are substantial differences between them in emphasis and in general judgment as to the soundness of the policy followed. Professor Chandler, whose paper I am to discuss, is, on the whole, critical of this policy. He holds that with only a "moderately restrictive" tightening of credit during the postwar period, the inflationary movement would have been "inhibited to a useful degree." He does not indicate precisely what he means by the phrase "moderately restrictive," but one can infer that he is thinking of policy involving increases in interest rates of the order of perhaps i per cent, plus or minus. One gains the impression that he is surely not thinking of increases of several percentage points or of an adjustment of interest rates to the returns earned on business investments. I am inclined to agree that a somewhat tighter credit policy might have contributed in a minor way to the control of inflation during the past five years. At least, I think that such a policy would not have caused serious harm. But, like Professor Chandler, I express this view from the vantage point of the present and with the aid of hindsight. If, on the other hand, we view this monetary policy in the context of the legitimate expectations, and the conflicting considerations at the various points in time when it was formulated, I would be willing to argue that this policy was a reasonable one and perhaps the only realistic one. The postwar rise in prices, or at least the rise in the price indexes, took place almost entirely during the two-year period from the middle of 1946 when decontrol occurred to the middle of 1948 when prices turned downward. Our problem, then, is: could a different and feasible credit policy have appreciably influenced the course of prices during this two-year period? I am inclined to answer this question negatively.
Cholinomimetic and anticholinergic drugs used to investigate an acetylcholine hypothesis of affective disorders and stress

The cholinomimetic agents, physostigmine, neostigmine, and arecoline, and the anticholinergic agents, atropine, scopolamine, and methscopolamine, have been used to explore an acetylcholine hypothesis of affect disorders and stress. Cholinomimetic drugs cause many of the same effects as do naturally occurring stressors. These include increases in negative affect, the induction of affective disorders, increases in stress neuroendocrines including ACThH, cortisol, beta-endorphin, growth hormone, prolactin, epinephrine, and noprepinephrine, increases in blood pressure and pulse rate, and increases in analgesia. These parallel effects, combined with the effect of stress on central acetylcholine activity, suggest a stress-acetylcholine linkage.
Charge Transfer Across the Nanocrystalline-DNA Interface: Probing DNA Recognition

Hybrid nanocomposites that electronically link TiO2 nanoparticles to DNA oligonucleotides were developed. The linking of biomolecules with inorganic components was achieved by using bridging enediol ligands, such as dopamine (DA), which facilitate hole transfer across the interface, establishing efficient crosstalk between the biomolecule and metal oxide nanoparticles. The inherent programmability of oligonucleotides builds recognition properties into the hybrid system, allowing selective binding of nanoparticles to targeted molecules. The inorganic nanoparticles are inherently photoresponsive and therefore serve as a source of photogenerated charges that act as reporters of the electronic properties of the biomolecules. These photoactive bioinorganic TiO2/DA/DNA triads are capable of complex photo chemistries such as light induced manipulation of biomolecules and their switching functions. Consequently, light induced extended charge separation in these systems was found to be a fingerprint of DNA oligonu...
Fluorography of tritium-labeled proteins in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels

Silver-staining of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)-separated proteins allows sensitive detection of proteins but severely reduces the ability to detect weak beta-emitters present in the protein band. A simple procedure is described in which silver can be removed from a silver-stained PAGE gel (deargentation) using photographic fixer, and the silver-free gel can be enhanced and used for fluorography. A quantitative study of sensitivity is reported for 3H-labeled bovine serum albumin with a one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE slab gel.
Treating mastitis in the cow - : a tradition or an archaism

Intramammary infection of the dairy cow is much less common than 40 years ago due to the impact of a control programme. This has changed the aetiology of the infection. The problem remains one of the costliest affecting farm animal health, estimated at £300 million annually in the UK. The successful control relies much on antibiotic treatments. The use of antibiotics in food animals is under challenge, particularly use of broad spectrum, multicomponent products and use of prophylactic treatment. Recent research has confirmed that antibiotic treatment is practical and cost-effective. Moreover, it remains essential for animal welfare.
Studies of the chromosomal RNA and of the chromosomal RNA-binding protein of higher organisms

Abstract We have studied the properties of chromosomal RNA (cRNA) and its binding protein. cRNA molecules of rat ascites tumor are highly sequence heterogeneous, although all or nearly all possess 5′ terminal pCp and 3′ terminal pyrimidine pGOH groups. cRNA molecules of ascites tumor are also length homogeneous as judged by their chromatographic behavior. cRNA molecules are covalently bound to protein. That the bond is through the dihydropyrimidine groups of cRNA is suggested by the fact that all dihydropyrimidine-containing oligonucleotides resulting from nuclease digestion of pronase-digested cRNA also contain bound peptides. The protein to which cRNA is bound in ascites tumor chromatin appears to be of a single species.
Towards a resilient deployment and configuration infrastructure for fractionated spacecraft

Fractionated spacecraft are clusters of small, independent modules that interact wirelessly to realize the functionality of a traditional monolithic spacecraft. System F6 (F6 stands for Future, Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying spacecraft) is a DARPA program for fractionated spacecraft. Software applications in F6 are implemented in the context of the F6 Information Architecture Platform (IAP), which provides component-based abstractions for composing distributed applications. The lifecycle of these distributed applications must be managed autonomously by a deployment and configuration (D&C) infrastructure, which can redeploy and reconfigure the running applications in response to faults and other anomalies that may occur during system operation. Addressing these D&C requirements is hard due to the significant fluctuation in resource availabilities, constraints on resources, and safety and security concerns. This paper presents the key architectural ideas that are required in realizing such a D&C infrastructure.
DFT models for active sites on high temperature water-gas shift catalysts

Abstract A simple two-step regenerative model for the kinetics of high temperature water-gas shift provided a good fit to published experimental data for a commercial ferrochrome catalyst. The fitting process yielded an enthalpy of localization of oxygen adatoms on the surface equal to −611 kJ mol−1, and it predicted that virtually all adsorption sites were covered by oxygen adatoms at reaction conditions. Cluster models were created to represent possible active sites on {1 0 0}, {1 1 0} and {1 1 1} surfaces of Fe3O4, the active state of the catalyst. Energies of localization of oxygen adatoms on exposed cation sites were calculated using density functional theory. The computed energies were found to vary in proportion to the number of oxygen anions missing from the normal octahedral coordination of the cation adsorption sites. Comparing the results from the kinetic modeling to the computed energies of localization suggests that on average, the active site on the working catalyst is coordinated to 3.2 oxygen anions, not counting the oxygen adatom.
Ultraviolet Lamp Pass-Through Cabinet for Use in Boll Weevil Mass-Rearing Facility

A two-door ultraviolet (uv) or germicidal lamp pass-through cabinet and control system were developed for use in an Anthonomus grandis Boheman mass- rearing facility. The unit allows passage of materials between rooms, or between rooms and the outside, with better contamination control than is possible by using ordinary doorway passages. Tests showed that microbial organisms, which were suspended in air or spread in thin layers on filter paper, were destroyed when exposed to the radiation produced by the lamps in the unit. The control system was designed and installed so that only one door of the cabinet could be opened at one time. When either door was opened and then closed, both doors were locked and the uv lamps were activated and remained on for a preset length of time before either door could be opened. The uv lamps could not be operative when either door was open. Lamp fixtures were mounted in the cabinet so that any packages or containers placed in the cabinet were surrounded by germicidal lamp rays. (auth)
Announcing a New Editorial Team and Mission for International Studies Perspectives

This volume and issue marks the beginning of a new editorial era for International Studies Perspectives . The previous editorial team, led by Douglas A. Van Belle and Jacqui True, opened the journal up to wide-ranging and diverse scholarship. Volume 16 (2015) will continue to reflect that editorial team's interest in intellectual diversity and inclusivity because, of course, major journals carry a backlog of accepted articles. The new editorial team—Editor Laura Neack and Assistant Editors Julia Prus and Emma Szczupakiewicz …
Mechanical Properties and Water Vapor Permeability of Edible Films from Whey Protein Isolate and N-Ethylmaleimide or Cysteine

The role of sulfhydryl/disulfide interchange in determining the water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties of edible films from whey protein isolate (WPI) was investigated. Nearly total inhibition of sulfhydryl/disulfide interchange by the sulfhydryl blocking agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) reduced protein solubility by 50%, but had no effect on WVP, Young's modulus, yield stress, or breaking stress. Breaking strain was reduced significantly at high levels of added NEM. Reduction of disulfide bonds with cysteine had no effect on WVP. The effects of hydrogen bonding far outweigh those of disulfide bonding in WPI films. Keywords: Edible films; biodegradable films; elastic modulus; tensile stress; sulfhydryl/disulfide interchange; thiol/disulfide interchange
Secure Collaborative Sensing for Crowd Sourcing Spectrum Data in White Space Networks

Collaborative Sensing is an important enabling technique for realizing opportunistic spectrum access in white space (cognitive radio) networks. We consider the security ramifications of crowdsourcing of spectrum sensing in presence of malicious users that report false measurements. We propose viewing the area of interest as a grid of square cells and using it to identify and disregard false measurements. The proposed mechanism is based on identifying outlier measurements inside each cell, as well as corroboration among neighboring cells in a hierarchical structure to identify cells with significant number of malicious nodes. We provide a framework for taking into consideration inherent uncertainties, such as loss due to distance and shadowing, to reduce the likelihood of inaccurate classification of legitimate measurements as outliers. We use simulations to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach against attackers with varying degrees of sophistication. The results show that depending on the attacker-type and location parameters, in the worst case we can nullify the effect of up to 41% of attacker nodes in a particular region. This figure is as high as 100% for a large subset of scenarios.
Optimization of direct whole blood PCR amplification with applications on a static thermostat chip

In this paper, direct whole blood PCR amplifications on a static chip thermostat without sample purifications are demonstrated; in these amplifications, problems such as cross-interferences and contaminations could be avoided. The amplification conditions, such as the compositions of reagents and thermal programs, were investigated systematically by a GeneAmp PCR system with a native p53 gene segment (about 543 bp) of human genome and an exterior lambda DNA segment (about 500 bp) as targets. Direct amplifications of p53 and K-ras (about 157 bp) gene segments from 0.5 microL blood samples were successfully demonstrated by a static PCR chip with an indium tin oxide glass substrate. The chip thermostat has a typical size of 25 mm x 25 mm, and a polyethylene tube was used as the PCR vial on the glass surface of the chip. Fuzzy proportional integration-differentiation algorithms were adopted in temperature controls of the chip with an aid of a micro-Pt100 sensor. In the direct PCR with the thermostat chip, the whole process only involves automatic thermal programs. This work demonstrated that a chip PCR for field test without desktop facilities is possible either for a point of care test or for forensic analysis.
High-performance liquid chromatography of oligoguanylates at high pH

Because of the stable self-structures formed by oligomers of guanosine, standard high-performance liquid chromatography techniques for oligonucleotide fractionation are not applicable. Previously, oligoguanylate separations have been carried out at pH 12 using RPC-5 as the packing material. While RPC-5 provides excellent separations, there are several limitations, including the lack of a commercially available source. This report describes a new anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography method using HEMA-IEC BIO Q, which successfully separates different forms of the guanosine monomer as well as longer oligoguanylates. The reproducibility and stability at high pH suggests a versatile role for this material.
Perfluorocarbons as blood substitutes

The development of perfluorocarbon (PFC) solutions as clinically useful oxygen-carrying agents has been a slow process because PFC is immiscible in aqueous solutions, including blood. Therefore, it has been necessary to develop emulsions for IV infusions. One such emulsion (fluosol) has been the most extensively studied and has been clinically tested. It has been shown that fluosol can transport oxygen in vivo when very high inspired oxygen concentrations are used and when high arterial oxygen tensions are achieved. Furthermore, it appears that the oxygen dissolved in PFC is very effectively delivered to and used by the tissues. In severely anemic patients, the PFC may deliver a very significant portion of the total consumed oxygen. It has been difficult to prove, however, whether fluosol has been clinically beneficial. It has a limited half-life (13 hours), the amounts infused have been quite limited, and the effect on patient outcome is unclear. Further, a number of adverse effects have been related to fluosol administration, most likely related to the emulsifying agents. PFC solutions thus remain experimental. Their greatest future use may be not as a blood substitute for treatment of anemia, but rather as an agent to improve microcirculatory oxygen delivery for treatment of ischemic tissues (ie, in stroke, myocardial infarction, burns, ischemic extremities). Further development of PFC emulsions is ongoing.
An interactive computer program for chromosome analysis.

Abstract A computer program for analysis of chromosomes has been written which allows human intervention at critical points to correct errors due to imperfect algorithms. The human also handles the problem of overlapping chromosomes. Conventional methods of assigning chromosomes to groups, in which each chromosome is considered independently, are inadequate. Several alternatives are discussed.
Direct microsensor measurement of nitric oxide production by the osteoclast.

Nitric oxide (NO) triggers marked osteoclast retraction which closely resembles that due to Ca2+. The effect of Ca2+has been attributed to a stimulated release of NO. Here, we show for the first time, by direct measurement with a microsensor, that osteoclasts do indeed produce NO and that this production is enhanced by a high Ca2+. We also show that the Ca2+ionophore, A23187, mimics the latter. Furthermore, osteoclasts on dentine produce more NO than osteoclasts on glass and NO release from dentine-plated osteoclasts is much less sensitive to stimulation by Ca2+. Finally, the microsomal Ca2+store-depleting agent, thapsigargin, attenuates NO release only from osteoclasts on glass, suggesting that stored Ca2+has the dominant effect in modulating NO release from non-resorbing cells. NO is a powerful inhibitor of bone resorption: a direct demonstration of its production is therefore strong evidence for a role in modulating osteoclast function.