cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycans In The Immune system and The Altered Glycan Theory of Autoimmunity: A Critical Review

Abstract Herein we will review the role of glycans in the immune system. Specific topics covered include: the glycosylation sites of IgE, IgM, IgD, IgE, IgA, and IgG; how glycans can encode “self” identity by functioning as either danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or self-associated molecular patterns (SAMPs); the role of glycans as markers of protein integrity and age; how the glycocalyx can dictate the migration pattern of immune cells; and how the combination of Fc N-glycans and Ig isotype dictate the effector function of immunoglobulins. We speculate that the latter may be responsible for the well-documented association between alterations of the serum glycome and autoimmunity. Due to technological limitations, the extent of these autoimmune-associated glycan alterations and their role in disease pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Thus, we also review the current technologies available for glycan analysis, placing an emphasis on Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM), a rapid high-throughput technology that has great potential for glycan biomarker research. Finally, we put forth The Altered Glycan Theory of Autoimmunity, which states that each autoimmune disease will have a unique glycan signature characterized by the site-specific relative abundances of individual glycan structures on immune cells and extracellular proteins, especially the site-specific glycosylation patterns of the different immunoglobulin(Ig) classes and subclasses.
Measuring pad-pad pinch strength in a non-human primate: Macaca fascicularis.

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to establish a methodology for determining and perhaps predicting (via regression analysis of anthropometric measures) Macaca fascicularis isometric pinch strength for a specific task. The larger purpose of this work was to properly scale a pinching task for the monkeys in order to study dose-response relationships in a non-human primate model for carpal tunnel syndrome. Three female and one male macaque ( n =4) of varying size and age were trained to perform a left-handed pad–pad pinch. The task required 60° of wrist flexion at a static pinching distance of 3cm between the thumb and fingers. Subjects were trained for a period of 20-weeks. After that time, an analysis of performance gradients found that they had each reached a plateau in their force output. Pinch strength for the four animals ranged from 29.4 to 59.8N. Regression analysis revealed that body mass (kg) and wrist circumference (cm) were both predictive of pinch strength, exhibiting adjusted R 2 values of 0.93 ( p =0.024) and 0.96 ( p =0.015), respectively. Thus, the results suggest that maximal pinch strength could be acceptably estimated in future subjects using either the wrist circumference or the body mass measures, as both were strong predictors of pad–pad pinch strength.
Assessment of estuarine water-quality indicators using MODIS medium-resolution bands: initial results from Tampa Bay, FL

Using Tampa Bay, FL as an example, we explored the potential for using MODIS medium-resolution bands (250- and 500-m data at 469-, 555-, and 645-nm) for estuarine monitoring. Field surveys during 21–22 October 2003 showed that Tampa Bay has Case-II waters, in that for the salinity range of 24–32 psu, (a) chlorophyll concentration (11 to 23 mg m−3), (b) colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption coefficient at 400 nm (0.9 to 2.5 m−1), and (c) total suspended sediment concentration (TSS: 2 to 11 mg L−1) often do not co-vary. CDOM is the only constituent that showed a linear, inverse relationship with surface salinity, although the slope of the relationship changed with location within the bay. The MODIS medium-resolution bands, although designed for land use, are 4–5 times more sensitive than Landsat-7/ETM+ data and are comparable to or higher than those of CZCS. Several approaches were used to derive synoptic maps of water constituents from concurrent MODIS medium-resolution data. We found that application of various atmospheric-correction algorithms yielded no significant differences, due primarily to uncertainties in the sensor radiometric calibration and other sensor artifacts. However, where each scene could be groundtruthed, simple regressions between in situ observations of constituents and at-sensor radiances provided reasonable synoptic maps. We address the need for improvements of sensor calibration/characterization, atmospheric correction, and bio-optical algorithms to make operational and quantitative use of these medium-resolution bands.
Vasoconstrictive Action of Epinephrine Following Staphylococcal Enterotoxin.

SummaryThe effects of staphylococcal enterotoxin on the sensitivity of the micro-vasculature of the rabbit meso-appendix to epinephrine was studied. Intravenous injection of even 0.2 μg/kg of the food poisoning toxin induced a significant increase in the vasoconstrictive effect of topically applied epinephrine within 3 hours, Maximum sensitivity occurred about 10 hours after toxin administration and persisted over 18 hours with toxin levels of 1 to 10 μg/kg. A rapidly developing state of hyporeactivity to epinephrine resulted from much larger enterotoxin challenges. Except for the much slower evolution of the state of increased responsiveness to epinephrine, these results are similar to those induced by bacterial endotoxin.
Surface-initiated polymerization of superhydrophobic polymethylene.

We report a new surface-initiated polymerization strategy that yields superhydrophobic polymethylene (PM) films from initially smooth substrates of gold and silicon. The films are prepared by assembling a vinyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer, followed by exposure of the surface to a 0.1 M solution of borane, and polymerizing from the borane sites upon exposure to a solution of diazomethane at −17 °C. Surface-initiated polymethylenation (SIPM) presents rapid growth in relation to other surface-initiated reactions, producing PM films thicker than 500 nm after 2 min of reaction and 3 μm after 24 h of reaction. AFM and SEM images show the presence of micro- and nanoscale features that enable the entrapment of air when exposed to water. Consistent with this result, these films exhibit advancing water contact angles greater than 160°, dramatically different than 103° measured for smooth PM films, and hysteresis values ranging from 2° to 40°, depending on the substrate and polymerization time. The superhydr...
Parents of disabled children burn-out too: counseling parents of disabled children on stress management

This paper explores the problems faced by parents of disabled children with respect to stress-related factors. Parents of disabled children experience tremendous stress in the responsibilities and problems that they face. Counselors who become involved with parents of disabled children need to be capable of assisting these parents in developing and implementing stress management programs. The counselor needs to teach the parents effective ways of reducing stress, in their everyday activities centered around the disabled child. This paper will discuss some of the circumstances that cause stress and suggest procedures for training parents in becoming aware of the stressors and learning to manage them. The paper will also discuss promoting self-awareness and developing coping skills for parents of the disabled children. Counselors are encouraged to use these and other stress management techniques in helping parents become more effective in managing the stressors and developing appropriate coping skills.
Evaluation of hollow-fiber ultrafiltration primary concentration of pathogens and secondary concentration of viruses from water.

Abstract Tangential flow hollow-fiber ultrafiltration (HFUF) was evaluated for virus and Cryptosporidium parvum concentration from water. Recovery of viruses at a low filtration rate was found to be significantly greater than at a higher filtration rate, with the recoveries of bacteriophage MS2 at high and low filtration rates shown to be 64.7% and 98.7%, respectively. Poliovirus recoveries from tap water were similar to MS2, with recoveries of 62.9% and 104.5% for high and low filtration rates, respectively. C. parvum , which was only tested at high filtration rates, had an average recovery was 105.1%. In addition to the optimization of the primary concentration technique, this study also compared several secondary concentration procedures. The highest recovery (89.5%) of poliovirus from tap water concentrates was obtained when a beef extract–celite method was used and the virus was eluted from the celite with phosphate buffered saline, pH 9.0. When HFUF primary concentration and the optimal secondary concentration methods were combined, an average recovery of 97.0 ± 35.6% or 89.3 ± 19.3%, depending on spike level, was achieved for poliovirus. This study demonstrated that HFUF primary concentration method is effective at recovering MS2, poliovirus and C. parvum from large volumes of water and that beef extract–celite method is an effective secondary concentration method for the poliovirus tested.
Native American Kids: American Indian Children's Well-Being Indicators for the Nation and Two States.

American Indian/Alaska Native well-being, survival-based data are rare. This study explores the question of whether or not it is possible to produce such well-being information using secondary data sources. The answer is yes, with some limitations. Hence, Native American data for 10 well-being indicators nationally and for New Mexico and South Dakota, using a model like Kids Count (Annie E. Casey Foundation: 2003a, 2001 KIDS COUNT Data Book: State profiles of child well-being (Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, MD)) are reported; thereby reducing the gap in survival indicators for U.S. Indigenous children and youths. Comparisons between all children and American Indian children demonstrate that Native American children have comparatively worse well-being rates at the national level and in South Dakota, whereas New Mexico Native kids compare favorably to their non-Native peers. Policy recommendations conclude the paper.
The case of facebook Japan: cross-cultural design in postcolonial conditions

Centering on the unfolding development of Facebook Japan case, this work-in-progress research poster seeks to engage the audience in a conversation on critical sensibility the cross-cultural design community should develop in postcolonial conditions.
Analysis of oxidative coupling of methane in dense oxide membrane reactors

Abstract Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) in dense oxide membrane reactors is analyzed using a model based on equations that describe OCM kinetics on membrane surface, oxygen permeation through the membrane, and mass transfer and reactions in membrane CSTR or PFR. The membrane consists of an oxygen ionic conducting oxide layer with one surface serving as catalyst for OCM. The kinetic equations considering the involvement of lattice oxygen in the catalytic reactions are derived and extended, with the same parameters, to describe OCM kinetics on the oxide layer operated in the membrane mode. Calculation results show a possibility of achieving much higher C 2 yielss (> 70%) for OCM in the dense oxide membrane reactors than in conventional packed-bed reactors. Using an impervious but highly oxygen permeable ceramic membrane with an OCM catalytically active surface is essential to achieving the high C 2 yields for OCM in a membrane reactor. The yield is also very sensitive to characteristics of membrane, reaction conditions and reactor size. A high C 2 yield can be achieved only under the conditions that the oxygen permeation flux, methane flow rate and intrinsic reaction rate match each other. Parametric analysis is presented to examine the effects of several important parameters on the performance of OCM in membrane CSTR and PFR.
The effect of miscibility on the morphology and properties of blends of poly(ether imide) with liquid crystalline polymers

A poly(ether imide) (Ultem), which is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic, was melt blended with two liquid crystalline polymers: one based on p -hydroxybenzoic acid and 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid (Vectra A900) and the other based on phenylhydroquinone, ethylphenylhydroquinone and terephthalic acid (Granlar). The miscibility of these two blend systems was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (d.m.t.a.), scanning electron microscopy (s.e.m.) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It was found that the Ultem/Vectra system is immiscible, while the Ultem/Granlar system is partially miscible. As revealed by d.m.t.a., the partial miscibility of the latter can be improved by increasing the degree of mixing in a single-screw extruder. The flexural and tensile moduli of the in situ reinforced composites based on these two blend systems were determined as a function of blend composition. For similar mixing conditions it was found that the flexural moduli of the Ultem/Granlar system showed a positive deviation from the simple rule of mixtures while those of the Ultem/Vectra system showed a negative deviation. The tensile moduli of the Ultem/Vectra system also showed a pronounced positive deviation only for blends with high Vectra compositions. These results are interpreted in terms of the differences in miscibility.
Liver endogenous antioxidant defenses in mice fed AIN-76A diet and infected with murine AIDS.

Abstract The effects of murine AIDS infection on endogenous antioxidant defenses in mice fed the AIN-76A liquid diet were investigated. C57BL/6 female mice were divided into 2 groups: one group was injected interperitoneally with LP-BM5 murine retrovirus (MAIDS) stock, and the other group served as the non-infected control. Two weeks after the infection, the mice were killed and livers were excised for biochemical analysis of the antioxidant defenses. Liver reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of both cytosolic Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mitochondrial SOD were significantly depressed by MAIDS infection. Activities of glutathione reductase (GR), selenium (Se)-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) were not affected by MAIDS infection. A previous study by this laboratory using the Lieber-DeCarli (L-D) all purpose liquid diet caused a decline in total SOD activity and GPx activity, but not GSH levels. The results suggest that MAIDS infection depresses liver antioxidant defenses; however, MAIDS infection of mice fed the AIN-76A liquid diet depresses different liver antioxidant defense parameters when compared to those of the mice fed the L-D all purpose liquid diet.
Nonlinear Formulation of the Bulk Surface Stress over Breaking Waves: Feedback Mechanisms from Air-flow Separation

Historically, our understanding of the air-sea surface stress has been derived from engineering studies of turbulent flows over flat solid surfaces, and more recently, over rigid complex geometries. Over the ocean however, the presence of a free, deformable, moving surface gives rise to a more complicated drag formulation. In fact, within the constant-stress turbulent atmospheric boundary layer over the ocean, the total air-sea stress not only includes the traditional turbulent and viscous components but also incorporates surface-wave effects such as wave growth or decay, air-flow separation, and surface separation in the form of sea-spray droplets. Because each individual stress component depends on and alters the sea state, a simple linear addition of all stress components is too simplistic. In this paper we present a model of the air-sea surface stress that incorporates air-flow separation and its effects on the other stress components, such as a reduction of the surface viscous stress in the separated region as suggested by recent measurements. Naturally, the inclusion of these effects leads to a non-linear stress formulation. This model, which uses a variable normalized dissipation rate of breaking waves and normalized length of the separation bubble, reproduces the observed features of the drag coefficient from low to high wind speeds despite extrapolating empirical wave spectra and breaking wave statistics beyond known limits. The model shows the saturation of the drag coefficient at high wind speeds for both field and laboratory fetches, suggesting that air-flow separation over ocean waves and its accompanying effects may play a significant role in the physics of the air-sea stress, at least at high wind speeds.
Magnitude of tolerance to fentanyl is independent of μ-opioid receptor density

The effect of a mu-opioid receptor irreversible antagonist on the development of tolerance to fentanyl was determined in mice. Mice were injected with saline or clocinnamox (3.2 mg/kg, i.p.) and 4 h later mice implanted s.c. with a placebo pellet or an osmotic minipump that infused fentanyl (0.165 mg/kg per day) for 3 days. Fentanyl pumps and placebo pellets were removed on the third day following implantation and 4 h later mu-opioid receptor saturation binding studies in whole brain ([3H][D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin: DAMGO) or fentanyl analgesic dose-response studies (tailflick assay) were conducted. Fentanyl infusions and clocinnamox both significantly reduced the potency of fentanyl by 2.8- and 2.4-fold, respectively. When fentanyl and clocinnamox were administered together, a significant 5.0-fold reduction in fentanyl potency relative to the saline-placebo group was observed, which represents an additive effect of clocinnamox and fentanyl. The ED50 of fentanyl in clocinnamox-treated mice was shifted 2.1-fold by fentanyl infusion relative to the clocinnamox-placebo group. This is comparable to the 2.8-fold shift in the ED50 produced by fentanyl infusion in saline-treated mice. In binding studies, fentanyl produced a small (-9%) reduction in Bmax, while clocinnamox significantly reduced (-41%) mu-opioid receptor density without altering affinity (Kd). In the clocinnamox-fentanyl group, there was a 50% reduction in Bmax, which is similar to the additive effect observed in analgesia studies. These data indicate that changes in mu-opioid receptor density prior to the development of tolerance to fentanyl do not impact on the magnitude of tolerance.
On the activity of ribulosediphosphate carboxylase with CO2 and O2 from leaf extracts of Zea mays

Abstract Ribulosediphosphate carboxylase, partially purified from corn leaves, demonstrates a low K m (CO 2 ) of 19 μM if stabilized with ribose-5-phosphate during extraction. It also exhibits a ribulosediphosphate dependent uptake of oxygen, similar to that observed with spinach carboxylase. The low K m (CO 2 ) is similar to the apparent K m (CO 2 ) for photosynthesis by intact corn tissue and requires reconsideration of the hypothesis that CO 2 is concentrated in the bundle sheath cell by the C 4 pathway during photosynthesis.
Centrifugal Fast Analyzers in Clinical Laboratory Analysis

(1974). Centrifugal Fast Analyzers in Clinical Laboratory Analysis. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 129-191.
Single crystal growth, and magnetic and electronic properties of EuGa4

Abstract Large single crystals of the title compound were synthesized from the pure elements using an excess of molten Ga as a solvent. EuGa 4 crystallizes in the body-centered tetragonal space group I 4/ mmm (BaAl 4 -structure type) with unit cell parameters a =4.407(1) A and c =10.635(3) A, and c / a ratio of 2.413. Temperature (2–350 K) dependence of the DC magnetization, along with the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity and electronic heat capacity, is presented. According to these measurements, EuGa 4 orders antiferromagnetically near T N =15 K.
Functional analysis through site-directed mutations and phylogeny of the Candida albicans LYS1 -encoded saccharopine dehydrogenase

Candida albicans LYS1-encoded saccharopine dehydrogenase (CaLys1p, SDH) catalyzes the final biosynthetic step (saccharopine to lysine + α-ketoglutarate) of the novel α-aminoadipate pathway for lysine synthesis in fungi. The reverse reaction catalyzed by lysine-α-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) is used exclusively in animals and plants for the catabolism of excess lysine. The 1,146 bp C. albicans LYS1 ORF encodes a 382 amino acid SDH. In the present investigation, we have used E. coli-expressed recombinant C. albicans Lys1p for the determination of both forward and reverse SDH activities in vitro, compared the sequence identity of C. albicans Lys1p with other known SDHs and LKRs, performed extensive site-directed mutational analyses of conserved amino acid residues and analyzed the phylogenetic relationship of C. albicans Lys1p to other known SDHs and LKRs. We have identified 14 of the 68 amino acid substitutions as essential for C. albicans Lys1p SDH activity, including two highly conserved functional motifs, H93XXF96XH98 and G138XXXG142XXG145. These results provided new insight into the functional and phylogenetic characteristics of the distinct biosynthetic SDH in fungi and catabolic LKR in higher eukaryotes.
Some magnesium status indicators and oxidative metabolism responses to low-dietary magnesium are affected by dietary copper in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objective A study with human volunteers was conducted to ascertain whether a low intake of copper (Cu) would exacerbate the response to a deficient intake of magnesium (Mg). Methods Nineteen postmenopausal women, age 47 to 78 y, completed a metabolic unit study as designed. For 162 d, nine women were fed a diet containing 1.0 mg of Cu/2000 kcal and 10 women were fed 3.0 mg of Cu/2000 kcal. Diets contained 99 or 399 mg of Mg/2000 kcal for 81 d in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Differences were considered significant when statistical analysis yielded P ≤ 0.05. Results Magnesium balance was highly positive when the dietary magnesium was high but non-positive when dietary magnesium was low. Copper balance was more positive when dietary copper was high than when it was low. Plasma ionized magnesium was decreased by magnesium deprivation. Several variables measured indicated that low dietary copper affected the response to magnesium deprivation or vice-versa. Red blood cell magnesium was lower when dietary copper was low than when it was high. When dietary magnesium was low, serum copper was lower in the women fed marginal copper than in those fed luxuriant copper. When dietary magnesium was high, low dietary copper did not affect serum copper. Magnesium deprivation decreased red blood cell superoxide dismutase when dietary copper was luxuriant; when dietary copper was low, magnesium deprivation did not have much of an effect. Apolipoprotein A1 was lowest when dietary magnesium and copper were low. The order in which the magnesium restriction occurred affected the response of a number of variables to this treatment including concentrations of serum magnesium and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions The findings indicated that, in short-term magnesium depletion experiments, the response to depletion can be influenced by other dietary factors including copper intake and a high magnesium intake before depletion, and that 100 mg of Mg/d is inadequate for postmenopausal women.
Involvement of Host Cell Integrin α2 in Cryptosporidium parvum Infection

Cryptosporidium parvum is an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. It is an intracellular but extracytoplasmic parasite residing in a host cell-derived parasitophorous vacuole. It is still poorly understood how this parasite interacts with host cells. We observed that expression of the integrin α2 (ITGA2) gene in host cells was significantly upregulated upon C. parvum infection, and a higher level of ITGA2 protein was present in the parasite infection sites. The infection could be reduced by the treatment of antibodies against ITGA2 and integrin β1 (ITGB1) subunits, as well as by type I collagen (an integrin α2β1 ligand). We also generated stable knockdown of ITGA2 gene expression in HCT-8 cells and observed consistent reduction of parasite infection in these knockdown cells. Collectively, our evidence indicates that host cell ITGA2 might be involved in interacting with Cryptosporidium during infection, probably acting as part of the regulatory elements upstream of the reported recruiting and reorganization of F actin at the infection sites.
Measuring historical word sense variation

We describe here a method for automatically identifying word sense variation in a dated collection of historical books in a large digital library. By leveraging a small set of known translation book pairs to induce a bilingual sense inventory and labeled training data for a WSD classifier, we are able to automatically classify the Latin word senses in a 389 million word corpus and track the rise and fall of those senses over a span of two thousand years. We evaluate the performance of seven different classifiers both in a tenfold test on 83,892 words from the aligned parallel corpus and on a smaller, manually annotated sample of 525 words, measuring both the overall accuracy of each system and how well that accuracy correlates (via mean square error) to the observed historical variation.
E-tribalized Marketing?: The Strategic Implications of Virtual Communities of Consumption

Abstract On the Internet, electronic tribes structured around consumer interests have been growing rapidly. To be effective in this new environment, managers must consider the strategic implications of the existence of different types of both virtual community and community participation. Contrasted with database-driven relationship marketing, marketers seeking success with consumers in virtual communities should consider that they: (1) are more active and discerning; (2) are less accessible to one-on-one processes, and (3) provide a wealth of valuable cultural information. Strategies for effectively targeting more desirable types of virtual communities and types of community members include: interaction-based segmentation, fragmentation-based segmentation, co-opting communities, paying-for-attention, and building networks by giving product away.
Do Off-Campus Students Still Use Document Delivery? Current Trends

The tremendous increase in the availability of full text electronic resources has been particularly beneficial to distance education students who do not have easy access to print collections. However, Western Michigan University (WMU) has been experiencing a decrease in requests for traditional document delivery of print based materials. This article presents a case study of WMU document delivery services for the distance education community. A survey was also conducted of libraries serving distance education programs to determine whether other institutions are also experiencing a decrease in usage of document delivery. Survey results show a more universal trend toward decreasing requests for delivery of print based articles; book requests are also decreasing but not at the same rate. The article concludes with some possible reasons for the decrease in usage of document delivery for distance education.
Pre-cutting of seed potatoes

Pre-cutting of seed was investigated to overcome problems of delayed emergence, slow uneven development and reduced plant stands, frequently associated with cultivars Shepody and Yukon Gold grown in Michigan. Pre-cutting consisted of cutting seed potatoes 2 weeks before planting. Seed potatoes were taken from 5°C storage and warmed to 15°C for 2 days, then cut and stored for 2 weeks at 15°C and 85–90% RH. In 1986, pre-cut seed of cultivar Shepody was compared with fresh cut seed. In 1987, the tests were repeated with Shepody and Yukon Gold. In both years, one-half of the cut seed was treated with fungicide Tops 2.5Di. Pre-cut seed of both cultivars exhibited increased early vigor and increased plant stands compared to fresh cut seed. The pre-cut seed showed a 75% emergence count 6–8 days earlier with about a 15% increase in final plant stand. Pre-cut seed produced a significantly higher tuber yield compared to that of fresh cut seed. No significant emergence, plant stand or yield responses were observed with fungicide treatments either as pre-cut or fresh cut seed. The interaction effects between time of cutting and fungicide treatments were not significant.
Reality and nonreality in student expectations of college.

(1966). Reality and Nonreality in Student Expectations of College. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 41-48.
Endocrine effects of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, nizatidine (LY139037), in the male rat.

Abstract A new orally active histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist, nizatidine (LY139037), was evaluated in male rats for effects on mechanisms regulating accessory sex organ growth and function. Cimetidine antagonized androgen binding to cytosolic receptors in vitro while nizatidine had no effect. Nizatidine and cimetidine were administered at the ED50, 5 × ED50, or 10 × ED50 doses for inhibition of gastric acid secretion previously determined using in vivo dog and rat models. The relative potencies of both agents to antagonize histamine H 2 -receptor-mediated gastric acid secretory responses have been confirmed in human clinical trials. Neither nizatidine nor cimetidine antagonized the in vivo uptake or nuclear translocation of radiolabeled androgen into the hypothalamic-preoptic-amygdala, pituitary, or ventral prostate. Nizatidine, given at doses equal to and 10× the ED50 gastric acid secretion inhibitory values, and cimetidine (10× ED50 value) had no effect on the response of male accessory sex organs to a submaximally stimulating dose of androgen in castrated rats. High doses of dietary nizatidine (>500 mg/kg-day) administered for 6 months did not alter intact rat male accessory sex organ weights or circulating androgen levels relative to untreated controls. Acute administration of either nizatidine or cimetidine produced transient elevations in plasma prolactin (PRL) levels. Cimetidine was more potent and consistent than nizatidine in producing these increases in circulating PRL. The data described herein support the contention that unlike cimetidine, nizatidine is not a pharmacological antagonist of androgen action and has less of a stimulatory effect upon plasma prolactin. Taken together, these studies indicate that in the male rat, nizatidine exhibits a large therapeutic index between its gastric antisecretory activity and potential endocrinological effects.
A reconsideration of the propriety of the "pressure-tension" hypothesis.

Abstract Ninety-nine young male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in a study of dimensional and metabolic changes incident to the placement of elastic bands between the maxillary first and second molars. Several conventionally accepted hypotheses on the nature of tooth movement changes were not confirmed. An attempt has been made to account for the differences between our observations and those of previous workers, and a testable alternative hypothesis has been proposed.
Helium: impending crisis for radiology, or just more hot air?

It is one of the most ubiquitous elements in the universe, second only to hydrogen. Balloons filled with it are almost everywhere and can be purchased for only a few dollars. One can easily be forgiven for assuming that helium, which plays a currently irreplaceable role in the superconducting magnets used in MRI and particle accelerators, is not only relatively easily obtained but in inexhaustible supply. Unfortunately, the reality of the global helium supply may come as a surprise even to those of us who directly rely on it. According to a report published in 2010 by the National Academy of Sciences, helium is a precious resource at risk of permanent depletion in the very near future, with major and potentially devastating shortages as early as 2015. How did we get here? And what can be done to avert a possible crisis for our specialty, which accounts for approximately a quarter of all the helium used in the United States? The United States first identified helium as a critical strategic resource in the 1920s and began aggressively stockpiling helium in 1960, with almost the entire world’s supply now stored within 250 miles of Amarillo, Texas. In 1996, however, the government decided to get out of the helium business. The Helium Privatization Act passed by Congress that year required that all of the helium in the Federal Helium Reserve be sold
Theoretical studies of the dynamic structure function of liquid 4He.

The dynamic structure factor S(k,\ensuremath{\omega}) for liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ is studied with the use of perturbation theory in a correlated basis generated by the Feynman-Cohen (FC) excitation operator acting on the interacting ground state. We consider the coupling of one FC excitation to two FC excitations and sum the important contributions to all orders in perturbation theory. S(k,\ensuremath{\omega}) is calculated for many values of k in the interval (0.8 A${\r{}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, 4.5 A${\r{}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$). We find a low-energy \ensuremath{\delta}-function peak which corresponds to the phonon-maxon-roton spectrum and report its energy e(k) and Z(k) as a function of k. ``Two-quasiparticle'' peaks are also found and they may be identified as roton-roton, maxon-maxon, and maxon-roton contributions. At high k, most of the strength of S(k,\ensuremath{\omega}) is distributed in the neighborhood of quasifree scattering energy \ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\simeq}${\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}^{2}$${k}^{2}$/2m, and the results are comparable with results of the impulse approximation. Semiquantitative agreement is found between the calculated S(k,\ensuremath{\omega}) and that inferred from neutron inelastic scattering experiments.
Time-resolved imaging of the microbunching instability and energy spread at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The microbunching instability (MBI) is a well-known problem for high brightness electron beams and has been observed at accelerator facilities around the world. Free-electron lasers (FELs) are particularly susceptible to MBI, which can distort the longitudinal phase space and increase the beam’s slice energy spread (SES). Past studies of MBI at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) relied on optical transition radiation to infer the existence of microbunching. With the development of the x-band transverse deflecting cavity (XTCAV), we can for the first time directly image the longitudinal phase space at the end of the accelerator and complete a comprehensive study of MBI, revealing both detailed MBI behavior as well as insights into mitigation schemes. The fine time resolution of the XTCAV also provides the first LCLS measurements of the final SES, a critical parameter for many advanced FEL schemes. Detailed MBI and SES measurements can aid in understanding MBI mechanisms, benchmarking simulation codes, and designing future high-brightness accelerators.
Pesticide Induced Muscle Necrosis: Mechanisms and Prevention

The nerve agent soman, as well as other organophosphates such as paraoxon and phospholine in concentrations that caused cholinergic symptoms induced a progressive dose-related necrosis in rat skeletal muscle fibers. The severity of the myopathy depended on a critical decrease in activity and duration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The number of muscle fibers affected was greatest with soman, followed by tertiary phospholine, paraxon , and quaternary phospholine. The necrotic nerve fibers were repaired within 1 week. Atropine and gentamycin in concentrations that do not block neuromuscular transmission, attenuate the necrotic action of the organophosphates by interacting with the presynaptic Ca2+ uptake mechanism. The half-time recovery rate of AChE after exposure to soman varied between 12 hr for sciatic nerve, 5-9 days for muscle, and 14 days for brain. AChE activity of peripheral nerve was minimally inhibited by soman and had recovered to control activity within 24 hr. The reason for this apparent insensitivity of the nerve AChE to soman may be due to the high activity of an enzyme that hydrolyzes soman. AChE at the neuromuscular junction in part has a protective and regulatory function through its control of free acetylcholine (ACh). By limiting the accumulation of ACh and the extent of its interaction with pre- and postsynaptic membranes, the morphological integrity of nerve terminals and muscle is preserved.
Experimental analysis of sequence dependence on energy saving for error tolerant image processing

We present experimental analysis to exploit the sequence dependence on energy saving in error tolerant image processing. Our analysis shows that the error distributions depend not only on combinational inputs but also on the previous state of the logic. We present a new sequential model for low-power delay faults. Our experimental results demonstrate the importance of considering the state of logic when analyzing errors and its dependence on output quality and energy saving. The results show that different input image type leads to very different output quality. This means that more error tolerant image can be operated at lower voltage. The sequence dependence in output quality and energy saving provide a new perspective to design low power multimedia system.
Sciatic hernias: choice of optimal prosthetic repair material in preventing long-term morbidity

The case of a 77-year old female who presented with a buttock lump is reported. A sciatic hernia was diagnosed clinically. A transabdominal approach revealed this to be a greater sciatic hernia, which was repaired using an onlay of Gore-Tex dual mesh. Sciatic hernias are extremely rare, and it is the authors' opinion that use of such an inert material within the pelvis may prevent morbidity due to adhesions. The rationale for using this material in preference to other commonly used materials is discussed.
A programmable power processor for a 25 kW power module

This paper presents a discussion of the power processor for an electrical power system for a 25 kW Power Module that could support the Space Shuttle program during the 1980's and 1990's, and which could be a stepping stone to future large space power systems. Trades that led to selection of a microprocessor controlled power processor are briefly discussed. Emphasis is given to the power processing equipment that uses a microprocessor to provide versatility that allows multiple use and to provide for future growth by reprogramming output voltage to a higher level ( to 120 V from 30 V). Component selection and design considerations are also discussed.
Evaluation of a Direct Contact Downhole Steam Generator in a Field Environment-Final Results

A test program to demonstrate the operation of down-hole steam generators (DSG) in an oil field environment was conducted in the Wilmington field at Long Beach, California. Two DSG design variations were used. One burned diesel fuel in air and was placed down hole; the other burned diesel in oxygen and was located on the surface. Gas communication was established with all wells in the production patterns. Relative rates of movement of nitrogen, CO/sub 2/ and CO were inferred and the wells were monitored for any production changes. Operating lifetimes of both prototype units were limited by the corrosion of various system components. Metallurgical analyses of degraded components of the generator and support systems have been completed.
WILLIAM JAMES ON OVERBELIEFS' AND LIVE OPTIONS'

What William James said of other philosophies is particularly true of his own: it expresses the moral character of its author and it sanctions his deepest sentiments about life. That is why some of James's readers are so unsympathetic in their judgment of his work; they lack the moral and religious impulses which his pragmatism enshrines. Others are more forgiving; they share these impulses and feel at home in the attempt to rationalize them. Perhaps I should say at the ouset, therefore, that I am a sympathizer. I would not want to shield his philosophy from criticism, but in re-examining James's thinking I would rather err on the side of generosity. In James's recurrent discussions of reason and faith, for example, one finds more than enough to question. When he suggests that religious beliefs might be selfcertifying, or that "faith in a fact can help [to] create that fact," then one must object.1 That line of defense threatens to dissolve the cognitive significance of religious claims in a bath of relativism. Yet when James simply describes faith claims and the kind of judgment which they require, then one can admire his insight. Religious teachings, he says, are really 'overbeliefs.; and their credibility depends on the 'electric connection' which they make with our needs and sensibilities. Only those beliefs which elicit our passions come alive, and only 'living options' inspire faith.
Assessment of right ventricular size and function: echo versus magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective. The assessment of right ventricular (RV) size and function is important in the management of many patients with heart disease. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for quantitation of ventricular volumes and systolic function, subjective assessment (“eyeball”) by echocardiography is the modality most often used for the RV. The echocardiographic “eyeball” method of assessing RV size and systolic function was compared with quantitative MRI. Design. Patients with right-sided congenital heart disease who underwent an echocardiogram within 6 months of MRI formed the study group. Four echocardiographers blinded to the MRI results reviewed the echocardiograms to subjectively assess RV size and systolic function. The reliability of an echocardiographer in accurately identifying a severely dilated RV and moderately to severely diminished RV systolic function was measured using the Kappa coefficient. Inter-rater agreement was also assessed using Kappa. Results. The study group consisted of 22 patients aged 16.6 ± 7.1 years, with interval between MRI and echocardiogram of 49 ± 54 days. Using echocardiography, reliability for accurately identifying a severely dilated RV was “slight” with a prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK) of 0.25; and for identifying moderately to severely diminished RV systolic function was fair with a PABAK of 0.43. Inter-rater agreement analysis was poor for both with Kappas of 0.07 (P = .22) and 0.12 (P = .09), respectively. Conclusion. The usefulness of the echocardiographic “eyeball” method to estimate RV size and systolic function in patients with right heart disease has limitations when compared with MRI, specifically in regard to the variability between echocardiographers.
Zinc coordination and substrate catalysis within the neuropeptide processing enzyme endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.15. Identification of active site histidine and glutamate residues.

Abstract Endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.15 (EP24.15) is a zinc metalloendopeptidase that is broadly distributed within the brain, pituitary, and gonads. Its substrate specificity includes a number of physiologically important neuropeptides such as neurotensin, bradykinin, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone, the principal regulatory peptide for reproduction. In studying the structure and function of EP24.15, we have employed in vitro mutagenesis and subsequent protein expression to genetically dissect the enzyme and allow us to glean insight into the mechanism of substrate binding and catalysis. Comparison of the sequence of EP24.15 with bacterial homologues previously solved by x-ray crystallography and used as models for mammalian metalloendopeptidases, indicates conserved residues. The active site of EP24.15 exhibits an HEXXH motif, a common feature of zinc metalloenzymes. Mutations have confirmed the importance, for binding and catalysis, of the residues (His473, Glu474, and His477) within this motif. A third putative metal ligand, presumed to coordinate directly to the active site zinc ion in concert with His473and His477, has been identified as Glu502. Conservative alterations to these residues drastically reduces enzymatic activity against both a putative physiological substrate and a synthetic quenched fluorescent substrate as well as binding of the specific active site-directed inhibitor,N-[1-(RS)-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]-Ala-Ala-Tyr-p-aminobenzoate, the binding of which we have shown to be dependent upon the presence, and possibly coordination, of the active site zinc ion. These studies contribute to a more complete understanding of the catalytic mechanism of EP24.15 and will aid in rational design of inhibitors and pharmacological agents for this class of enzymes.
Inhibition of morphine tolerance and dependence by diazepam and it's relation to CNS opioid peptides

Abstract Daily injections of diazepam (0.025–2.5 mg/kg) inhibited tolerance to antinociception in rats implanted with morphine pellets. Diazepam administration (0.25 mg/kg) also decreased the degree of jumping behavior observed following naloxone injection in morphine pellet implanted rats. Met-enkephalin levels decreased in the hypothalamus and spinal cord of morphine tolerant-dependent rats and in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cortex and spinal cord of abstinent rats. Diazepam treatment reversed this decrease in the met-enkephalin levels in both tolerant-dependent and abstinent animals. Diazepam treatment also enhanced β-endorphin levels in hypothalamus and spinal cord, and dynorphin levels in the pons/medulla of morphine treated animals during abstinence. These results implicate met-enkephalin in diazepam induced inhibition of morphine tolerance and dependence.
Underground Siting of Nuclear Power Plants: Insights From Fukushima

Siting of nuclear power plants in an underground nuclear park has been proposed by the authors in many previous publications, first focusing on how the present 1200 to 1600 MW-electric light water reactors could be sited underground, then including reprocessing and fuel manufacturing facilities, as well as high level permanent waste storage. Recently the focus has been on siting multiple small modular reactor systems. The recent incident at the Fukushima Daiichi site has prompted the authors to consider what the effects of a natural disaster such as the Japan earthquake and subsequent tsunami would have had if these reactors had been located underground. This paper addresses how the reactors might have remained operable — assuming the designs we previously proposed — and what lessons from the Fukushima incident can be learned for underground nuclear power plant designs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Marital influence in the decision ‐making process for services

Spousal influence in the decision‐making process has been studied by marketing researchers for many years. Although the knowledge base has increased substantially on this topic, the empirical research has generally focussed on goods. As services continue to dominate the gross domestic product, understanding marital influence in the decision‐making process for services becomes critical. Reports an initial study of the relative influence of husbands and wives and the decision‐making process for four different services. Results suggest that for experiential services, joint decision making is the norm. However, for services higher in credence qualities, role specialization tends to occur during the decision‐making process.
Sizing of manufacturing systems considering process flexibility

This paper addresses the problem of determining the capacity requirements for a manufacturing system that consists of versatile metal removing machines, each of which may be configured to perform several different operations at varying levels of efficiency and cost. Alternative formulations are presented to address non-splitting of a batch and non-splitting of the processing of a part.