cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potato chip scraps as a source of energy in the diet of nursery pigs

Seventy-two pigs (average weight 26.9 lb) were used in an experiment to determine the effect of feeding scrap potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) chips as a source of energy on the performance of nursery pigs (Sus scrofa). Nursery pigs were stratified by sex and weight, and within strata, randomly assigned to three treatments in a randomized complete block design experiment. Each treatment consisted of two pens, each holding 12 pigs. In treatment one (control), 24 pigs were fed a diet consisting of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal and corn (Zea mays L.) supplemented to meet NRC requirements. In treatments two and three, on an as-is basis, 10% and 20% of the corn, respectively, were replaced with 10% and 20% potato chip scraps (PCS). After 10 d of adaptation to the diets and the pens, a performance trial was conducted over 14 d to measure feed intake (FI), total gain (TG), average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G/F) for these pigs. Individual pig weights and pen feed consumption were determined on a weekly basis. The gross energy (GE), ether extract (EE), and Na content of the control diet were numerically lower than the 10% and 20% PCS diets. Total gain (P = 0.24) and ADG (P = 0.16) were numerically higher and Fl was lower (P = 0.10) for pigs fed PCS vs. the control diet (linear contrast). However, these insignificant (P = 0.16) increases in TG and ADG, and the decrease (P = 0.10) in FI resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.01) in G/F for pigs receiving potato chips over the control group. No quadratic effects were noted for any of the variables measured in this study. This experiment demonstrates that PCS can be an effective substitute for corn in the diet of nursery pigs.
Demodulation of MFSK Baseband Signal

This paper describes a circuit designed to determine the presence of one of n frequencies over a constant time interval called a bit period. The method used is a microprogram that performs a series of arithmetic operations on samples of input signal and samples stored for each of the n frequencies. The resulting output is an indication of the symbol present at the input, the validity of the data, and a clock synchronized with the bit rate.
Using First-Person Sources in Social and Cultural History: A Working Bibliography

(1994). Using First-Person Sources in Social and Cultural History: A Working Bibliography. Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 87-93.
Teaching Anthropology through Performance

L'enseignant detaille les objectifs de ses methodes pedagogiques employees avec des etudiants en anthropologie, methodes visant a faciliter l'assimilation de certains principes a travers la pratique du theâtre. Dans ce cas precis, les etudiants devaient s'impliquer completement dans l'etude du Mexique, ce qui leur permettait d'avoir une comprehension approfondie de la diversite et du comportement culturel a travers leur role au theâtre, d'ameliorer la comprehension de l'histoire culturelle du Mexique, de les aider a analyser critiquement leur propre culture et enfin de mieux se connaitre eux-memes a travers une reflexion comparative...
Recent progress in 'artificial vision'

Previous research suggests that direct electrical stimulation of the visual cortex with an array of electrodes may be a viable means to provide a limited restoration of a lost visual sense to the profoundly blind. More recent work indicates that this goal may only be achieved by passing currents into the cortex via arrays of electrodes which penetrate into the visual cortex. An electrode array possessing a unique three dimensional architecture is described which could form the cornerstone of an 'artificial vision system'. A system for inserting such complex structures into cortical tissues is also described. Finally, estimates are made regarding the extent of visually guided task performance which may be expected from the limited, pixelized visual sense which could be produced with an artificial vision system.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Morphology of the larval stages of Elaeophora schneideri in the intermediate and definitive hosts with some observations on their pathogenesis in abnormal definitive hosts.

Morphology of the larval stages of Elaeophora schneideri from the horse fly and the normal definitive host (Odocoileus hemionus) are described. Development of larvae in the horsefly begins in the fat bodies, but larvae enter the haemocoele early in the first-stage of development and remain in the haemocoele until they are third-stage (infective) and then migrate to the head and mouth parts. Infective larvae in the definitive host begin development in the leptomeningeal arteries and are immature adults in 2 weeks. At 3.5-4 weeks they migrate into the carotid arteries and grow to sexual maturity about 4.5 months later. In abnormal definitive hosts (Cervus canadensis or Ovis aries) larvae remain in the leptomeningeal arteries for 5 weeks or longer initiating the clinical manifestations of elaeophorosis.
Row Pattern, Plant Density, and Nitrogen Rate Effects on Corn Yield in the Southeastern US

It is uncertain how corn (Zea mays L.) yield would be affected by planting in a twin-row orientation in the southeastern US. The objectives were to compare corn grain yield when: (i) planted in single and twin rows, (ii) plant densities at recommended (1R) and twice the recommended (2R) rate, and (iii) N rates of 168 and 336 kg/ha. Corn was irrigated using a subsurface drip irrigation system. The single and twin row with 1R seed density had the same corn grain yield (10069 kg/ha), stalk diameter (18.1 mm), and test weight (700 kg/m 3 ). Twinrow 2R had lower grain yield (6967 kg/ha) and smaller stalk diameter (12.8 mm) compared with single- or twin-row 1R. Increased N did not affect grain yield or stalk diameter, but did increase grain test weight. Seed cost for the twin-row R2 was two times that of single- or twin-row R1. Seed cost percentage of gross revenue for single and twin R1 was 8% compared with 30% for twin-row R2. Overall, this research implies corn can be planted in a twin-row pattern without loss of yield or gross revenue provided the plant population does not exceed the recommended rate.
Performance of Sidelobe Blanking Systems

Sidelobe blanking systems are useful in preventing acquisition of strong targets in the antenna sidelobes and also in rejecting pulsed interference originating in the sidelobes. The analysis of a common two-channel system is presented in which the relationship between the probability of main-lobe detection and the probability of sidelobe detection are given in terms of false-alarm probability, signal-to-noise ratio, and the ratio of sidelobe levels of the two channels. The numerical results given provide a basis for the selection of the sidelobe blanking channel antenna gain and threshold levels.
Accession and cycling of elements in a coastal stand of Pinus radiata D. Don in New Zealand.

The accession and cycling of elements in a 14-year-old coastal stand ofPinus radiata D. Don was measured for one year. The element contents (mg m−2 year−1) of bulk precipitation and throughfall respectively were: NO3−N 41, 12; NH4−N 133, 154; organic-N 157, 396; Na 4420, 9700; K 387, 2900; Ca 351, 701; Mg 486, 1320. Of the increase in element content of rainwater beneath the forest canopy 20% (NH4−N), 70% (organic-N), 3% (Na), 90% (K), 20% (Ca) and 30% (Mg) was attributed to leaching; the remainder to washing of aerosols filtered from the atmosphere by the vegetation. The canopy absorbed approximately 40 mg m−2 year−1 of NO3−N. Litterfall was the major pathway for the above-ground biogeochemical cycle of N (93%), Ca (96%) and Mg (74%), and leaching was the major (73%) pathway for K.
Brain Stimulation as a Cue for Event-Related Potentials in Rat Cortex: Amphetamine Effects

Slow potential (SP) responses were recorded bilaterally from the frontal cortex of rats with permanently implanted silver-silver chloride electrodes. Trials were presented at variable intervals from 15 to 50 sec and the interval between the pulse cue and onset of the rewarding train was 2 sec. The cue stimulus was a single 0.5 msec monophasic square wave pulse of the same current intensity as rewarding stimulation (100 Hz, 500 msec train). Appropriate current strength was determined by prior testing for self-stimulation. The single pulse by itself failed to evoke an SP response but after repeated pairings, large negative SP responses developed which were bilaterally equal. These responses extinguished rapidly when rewarding stimulation was discontinued. d-Amphetamine (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, SC) produced a dose-related depression of the SP response to the pulse cue, an effect comparable to that observed using an auditory cue with either food or MFB stimulation reinforcement. The results indicate that f...
On-line identification of parameters of a linear multivariable discrete-time system and their convergence characteristics

Abstract A recursive algorithm for on-line identification of the parameters of linear, discrete-time, multi-input, multi-output nondynamical, and dynamical systems using noisy input and output measurements is presented in detail. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of the recursive algorithm, under certain restrictive assumptions, for arbitrary choice of initial values of the matrices described in the sequel are explicitly derived, which is one of the new results of this paper.
Modification of tyrosine residues in dihydrofolate reductase from Lactobacillus casei

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase from Lactobacillus casei was inactivated by reaction with tetranitromethane and 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-l,3-diazole. Loss of activity occurred with modification of four of the five tyrosine residues present in the enzyme. The presence of either substrate, NADPH or 7,8-dihydrofolate, as well as NADP and folate, provided extensive protection against inactivation, while NADH and tetrahydrofolate exhibited none. This protection from inactivation occurred on protection of two of the four susceptible tyrosines from modification. Nitration of the enzyme adversely affected its ability to bind substrates. Restoration of the p K a of the nitrated tyrosines by reduction of the nitro group to an amino group did not result in a regeneration of enzymatic activity. However, fluorotyrosine-containing enzyme, prepared by growing the bacterium in the presence of fiuorotyrosine, exhibited specific activity identical to that of native enzyme over the pH range of 4.5–8. These results suggest that inactivation of dihydrofolate reductase by tyrosine modification occurs primarily due to a steric effect and that the active site tyrosines may parficipate in substrate binding.
Welfare Reform: Discussion

Welfare has been a controversial policy issue for several decades. Consequently, it is not surprising that welfare reform has been difficult to achieve. Schiller (p. 228) refers to it as "the eternal quest of social policy." Proposals introduced in the 1970s, namely the Family Assistance Plan and the Program for Better Jobs and Income, were not adopted by Congress. A decade later, Congress reached agreement on welfare reform, and the Family Support Act of 1988 was signed into law. It was heralded as a "fundamental rethinking of the welfare system" (Barnhart, p. 13). This act emphasized self-sufficiency through employment, improved the system for establishing and collecting child support payments, provided supportive services (e.g., child care, transportation) for persons participating in programs to improve their human capital, and provided transitional benefits (i.e., child care, Medicaid) for persons exiting the program due to employment. A centerpiece of the 1988 act was the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, which was based on welfare-to-work experiments in various states. Following enactment of the Family Support Act, Gramlich observed, "Perhaps the country is at long last on the road to developing a transfer system that will become popular with taxpayers and beneficiaries alike" (pp. 195, 196). Yet, much dissatisfaction remained regarding the welfare system. McFate indicated that educational programs and supportive services for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients were more expensive than originally anticipated. According to Schiller, funding limitations hampered the effectiveness of the 1988 act. He argues that "Congress appropriated relatively little money for the [JOBS] program and many services were dependent on cost-sharing by the states. When the economy slipped into the 1990-91 recession, the states could not afford their share of program costs" (p. 234). Moreover, many rural counties did not offer the JOBS program' because of local labor market conditions and the relatively small number of AFDC recipients (Whitener). These factors run counter to Barnhart's insights regarding steps necessary to achieve reform of the welfare system. She contends, "We will change the character of the welfare system only if we involve AFDC recipients in activities that reduce dependence, ranging from job search to intensive education, thereby making the need for cash assistance temporary" (p. 13). McFate was prophetic in assessing welfare refor beyond the 1988 act. She stated, "If politicians and the general public come to believe that inability to move into the labor force stems from a lack of motivation on the part of the poor themselves, rather than from the limited opportunities available to them, the stage could be set for a more punitive approach in the next round of welfare reforms" (p. 7).
Oxygen isotope constraints on metamorphic fluid flow, Townshend Dam, Vermont, U.S.A.

Fluid-rock interaction during amphibolite-facies metamorphism has been investigated for rocks exposed in a single 400 m long, lithologically heterogeneous outcrop near Townshend, Vermont, USA. Oxygen isotopic compositions have been measured in profiles across single garnet crystals from thirteen samples, and from hornblende and garnet separates from thirty-three fine-grained samples. This outcrop was previously studied, who measured large oxygen isotope gradients (3{per_thousand}) in garnets from one sample, and inferred large amounts of pervasive fluid flow. All of the garnets that we have analyzed show less isotopic zonation, {le}1{per_thousand}, twelve of them have zonation <0.5{per_thousand}, and the mineral separate data imply both a strong correlation of isotopic composition with rock type and large gradients in peak metamorphic fluid isotopic compositions. Although devolatilization reactions in these rocks must have produced metamorphic fluids, the data preclude cross-foliation time-integrated fluid fluxes greater than 300-600 cm{sup 3}/cm{sup 2} during prograde amphibolite-facies metamorphism. The isotopic trends can all be interpreted in terms of closed-system behavior, channeled fluid flow, or diffusive exchange of oxygen in an interconnected grain-boundary fluid, and within uncertainty cross-strike advective fluxes could have been zero. Any significant flow at this locality was dominantly either layer parallel or channeled out of the system in veins.more » If all fluid flow occurred in veins, then their spacing must have been less than 300-600 m. The data are inconsistent with massive and pervasive metamorphic fluid flow across strike but do not address layer parallel flow.« less
Hydrothermal alteration and past and present thermal regimes in the western moat of Long Valley caldera

Abstract Hydrothermal alteration in caldera-fill Early Rhyolite and Moat Rhyolite was investigated in six western moat drillcores in Long Valley caldera, with an emphasis on clay mineralogy. In two of the cores examined, a complete sequence was observed in argillic alteration of tuffaceous rocks, progressing from smectite (often with kaolinite) to mixed-layer illite-smectite (I/S) to illite with increasing depth. Portions of this sequence were observed in the other four drillcores. Lower-permeability rhyolitic lavas typically showed much sparser clay alteration than tuffs. In cores where alteration progressed through smectite to I/S or illite, the distribution of the clay minerals, and of compositional and structural variation in the I/S phases, allowed estimation of pre-existing alteration temperatures and thermal gradients. I/S (and illite) occurred at the shallowest depths and highest elevations in the Shady Rest ( sr ) core, and comparable alteration occurred at progressively deeper levels in plv -1 and inyo -4. Presently observed temperatures are well below preexisting temperatures at comparable depths in these three holes, with the exception of the deeper portion of sr . Paleotemperatures in the zone of I/S alteration in the sr hole (∼ 200–250 m depth) were ⩾65° C higher than at present, with a thermal gradient at least twice the steep gradient existing there now. In plv -1, temperatures near the base of the hole have declined even further than in sr , despite the steep gradient currently observed. In inyo -4, hydrothermal circulation, somewhat cooler than that in SR and plv -1, occurred at one time in the deeper portion of the hole, and the steep thermal gradient currently observed at shallower levels in inyo -4 may be the truncated remnant of a gradient that once continued to greater depth. In mlgrap -1, hydrothermal circulation occurred previously near the base of the hole, but at temperatures probably not far above present ones. No evidence of high-temperature alteration was observed in cores from mlgrap -2 or plv -2.
Tachyphylaxis of dipsogenic activity to intracerebroventricular administration of angiotensins.

Abstract Repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of angiotensin II (AII) and angiotensin III (AIII) induced dipsogenic tachyphylaxis in the Sprague-Dawley rat. AIII caused a rapid suppression of drinking, whereas AII showed a progressive decline of water consumption with repeated injections. Tachyphylaxis due to the repeated i.c.v. application of AII failed to abolish subsequent drinking induced by neurotensin or carbachol, suggesting that the tachyphylaxis may be specific to the angiotensinergic system. However, AII-induced tachyphylaxis caused a complete elimination of bestatin-induced drinking which was anticipated given the likelihood that this aminopeptidase B inhibitor has its dipsogenic effect by inhibiting degradation of endogenous angiotensins. Angiotensin-induced tachyphylaxis responses could not be attributed to diminished dipsogenic activity due to volemic expansion of either the cerebroventricular space or gastrointestinal tract. These results concerned with central tachyphylaxis are consistent with previous findings in the periphery and suggest that desensitization of angiotensin receptors occurs in both populations
Drama-based education to motivate participation in substance abuse prevention

The substance abuse prevention goal of the theatre production "TUNNELS" was to provide community education on substance abuse to an audience in Durham, NC and surrounding communities. The education effort intended to increase awareness and understanding of the risk and protective factors associated with alcohol and other drug use, and to promote pro-active behaviors in substance abuse prevention within the adult community. It was hypothesized that community-based education via drama would change attitudes toward alcohol and substance abuse, and increase participation in family and community activities aimed at substance abuse prevention. A focus group comprised of educators, substance abuse researchers and local substance abuse counselors developed "life stories" of users of alcohol and other drugs and a local playwright incorporated these and other experiences into a series of six vignettes. The production was publicized throughout the Durham area, and 700 adults attending the play signed a consent form and completed the pre-play survey. The participant pool was restricted to those adults who completed both the time-1 and time-2 surveys and resided within Durham and surrounding communities. Paired comparisons of mean responses were analyzed using a paired sample two-tailed t-test. A telephone survey three months after the play assessed attitudes toward substance abuse as a disease, and whether the respondents had increased their participation in prevention activities including discussions of the play with others. Viewing the play increased the knowledge base of participants regarding substance abuse as a disease, even though the audience demonstrated an appreciation of risk and protective factors prior to attending the performance. In the pre-play survey, participants indicated a strong opinion that parental involvement in teen life was important, and therefore this was not increased as a result of viewing the play. It was found that the drama increased intent to participate in substance abuse prevention activities at home and in the community. Follow-up surveys performed three months after the performance indicated that participants had discussed the play with others and had increased their participation in substance abuse prevention activities, particularly regarding donations of money. Drama incorporates a component of emotional response to the informational content, and the combination of emotion and information works together to promote individual intentions to become more involved in family and community prevention activities. This study demonstrates the efficacy of drama as a mechanism to educate and motivate. Support for this mechanism is warranted at the level of state, local community, school district, and faith-based and community organizations.
Lithium insertion/extraction mechanism in alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries

The electrochemical performance of alloy anodes has been reviewed in a previous paper [1]. In this work, the fundamental understanding of lithium-insertion/extraction mechanism in alloy anodes is discussed. The article summarizes the different types of lithium-reaction processes observed in Si, Sn, Sb, Al, Mg and their alloys, with particular emphasis on the characteristics unique to alloy anodes, including the sloping voltage profiles, lithiation amorphization, cycling hysteresis and reaction-potential depression. These unique characteristics are discussed with respect to the effect of interface and surface energies on the phase transformation and thermodynamic stability of fine alloy particles.
Mechanism of extracellular calcium regulation of intestinal epithelial tight junction permeability: role of cytoskeletal involvement.

Recent studies suggest that an abnormal increase in intestinal tight junction (TJ) permeability may be an important etiologic factor in number of diseases including Crohn's disease, NSAID-associated enteritis, and various infectious diarrheal syndromes. The intracellular processes involved in regulation of intestinal epithelial TJ permeability, however, remain poorly understood. In this study, we used cultured Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells to examine the intracellular processes involved in extracellular Ca(++) modulation of intestinal epithelial monolayer TJ barrier. Incubation of the filter-grown Caco-2 intestinal monolayers in Ca(++)-free solution (CFS), consisting of modified Krebs-buffer solution containing 0 mM Ca(++) and 1 mM EGTA, resulted in a rapid drop in Caco-2 epithelial resistance and increase in epithelial permeability to paracellular markers mannitol and inulin, indicating an increase in TJ permeability. The increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability was rapidly reversed by the re-introduction of Ca(++) (1.8 mM) into the incubation medium. The CFS-induced increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability was associated with separation of the cytoplasmic and transmembrane TJ proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, and formation of large intercellular openings between the adjoining cells. The CFS-induced modulation of TJ barrier was associated with activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity and centripetal retraction of peri-junctional actin and myosin filaments. The inhibition of CFS-induced activation of Caco-2 MLCK with MLCK inhibitor (ML-7) prevented the CFS-induced retraction of actin and myosin filaments and the subsequent alteration of TJ barrier function and structure. Our results suggested that the CFS-induced alteration of TJ proteins and functional increase in TJ permeability was mediated by Caco-2 MLCK activation and the resultant contraction of the peri-junctionally located actin-myosin filaments. Consistent with the role of MLCK in this process, selected inhibitors of Mg(++)-myosin ATPase and metabolic energy, but not protein synthesis inhibitors, also prevented the CFS-induced retraction of actin and myosin filaments and the subsequent increase in TJ permeability. In conclusion, our results indicate that extracellular Ca(++) is crucial for the maintenance of intestinal epithelial TJ barrier function. The removal of extracellular Ca(++) from the incubation medium causes activation of Caco-2 MLCK, which in turn leads to an increase in intestinal monolayer TJ permeability.
The Problem of Democracy in Cuba: Between Vision and Reality

Drawing on years of field research in Cuba, this text examines the relationship between socialism and democracy, in classical Marxist theory and in the practice of the Cuban revolution. While the author notes the roles that underdevelopment and external threat have played in undermining the possibility for democratic socialism in this century, she focuses specifically upon a theoretical heritage plagued by silences, absences and simplifications concerning key political questions. Within this framework, she then turns to the Cuban revolution and, in a revisionist interpretation, identifies the succession of critical moments at which the question of democracy was raised and the nature of the leadership's response, or lack thereof. She maintains that the consistency with which the leadership reined in, at these moments, the possibilities it itself had evoked, compounded by its extreme paternalism, has been as destructive of the social project of the revolution as the dire economic straits in which Cuba finds itself in a post-socialist world. This probing analysis provides a unique and informative look at the ideological legacy of a nation struggling to endure the changing tides of history.
Remarks on fixed point theorems of contractive type

THE CONTRACTION mapping principle (known under a number of names including those of Picard, Banach and Cacciopoli) has long been one of the simplest and most useful tools in the study of nonlinear problems. During the past two decades, the development ofnonlinear functional analysis has taken a diversity of forms and used a great variety of more sophisticated tools and methods. Yet in many of the theories which have been created, from one point of view, these more sophisticated results can be regarded as far-reaching extensions of the contraction mapping principle in contexts of richer structure. Over the same decades, however, there has grown an extensive literature devoted to sharper forms of the contraction mapping principle on its native terrain, i.e. for mappings of complete metric spaces. As can be seen from a recent survey by Rhoades [1] (in which 149 different conditions are analysed and compared), this literature has reached a point of such scholastic complexity and unreadability that its usefulness is open to serious question. It is our purpose in the present discussion to show that a large part of this complexity can be subsumed under an intuitive and simple mode of argument. We present a fixed point theorem of great generality and complexity which includes all the detailed cases which the author has seen in the literature. We deduce this principle in an easily comprehensible way from a simpler more conceptual principle. The proof of the latter is a slight variant of an earlier proof given for contractice fixed point theorems by the writer in [2,3]. We begin with the following definition.
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losartan in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losartan and its active metabolite, E-3174, were studied in 8 stable, hypertensive continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Following a 1-week washout period, subjects received 100 mg of losartan orally for 7 days. On Days 1 and 7, hemodynamic and hormonal responses were determined, as were PK parameters on Day 7. Peritoneal equilibration testing was performed pre-Day 1 and on Day 7. AUC0-24 and t1/2 for losartan and E-3174 were 95 +/- 49.9 micrograms.min/mL and 176 +/- 82.1 micrograms.min/mL and 172.5 +/- 86.7 minutes and 628 +/- 575 minutes, respectively. These values are similar to those of normal subjects and subjects on hemodialysis. Peritoneal clearance of losartan and E-3174 was negligible. All subjects demonstrated a substantial reduction in blood pressure with at least a 10 mmHg drop in diastolic BP. Plasma renin activity (PRA) values increased, but aldosterone, endothelin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine values did not change following 7 days of losartan. Losartan was well tolerated in all study subjects.
Effect of verapamil on basal and pentagastrin‐stimulated gastric acid secretion

The role of calcium in gastric acid secretion is still uncertain. The effect of verapamil on basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was evaluated in eight normal men. Submaximal pentagastrin tests (2 micrograms/kg/hr) were performed after pretreatment with intravenous verapamil at a concentration of 0.1 mg/kg and followed 1 hr later with a second bolus injection of 0.15 mg/kg. On a separate day, subjects received a placebo injection of saline solution at the same designated times as the verapamil. Verapamil did not alter basal or stimulated gastric acid secretion. All subjects showed ECG evidence of significant calcium-channel blocking (i.e., prolongation of PR interval). Data indicate that therapeutic doses of a calcium slow-channel antagonist do not alter gastric acid secretion in normal subjects. Results support the concept that in vivo, secretory function of the human parietal cell is not affected by alteration in cellular calcium flux.
Electroencephalographic activity after prolonged sleep loss.

Abstract The P 4 -O 2 EEG of four subjects was measured by visual inspection and by auto-spectral analysis before, during and after 205 h of total sleep deprivation. A marked reduction of alpha activity which overrode circadian variations and individual differences was observed. Alpha reduction was paralleled by deterioration of subjective ratings on feeling and effort, by deterioration of tracking performance, and by reports of hypnagogic illusions. These findings are not unlike those made during the sleep stage 1. After 120 h of sleep loss, there was a slight increase of alpha activity which was accompanied or “anticipated” by partial returns of oral temperature, subjective ratings, and 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids to pre-sleep deprivation levels. The increase of alpha activity and other changes are postulated to reflect shifts in basic coping mechanisms. After 2 nights of recovery sleep (12 h and 8 h), the return to the pre-deprivation levels was complete for all variables, except the absolute alpha activity of one subject. The follow-up study conducted 1 month or 2 months later showed that all subjects had a complete recovery. Alpha activity can be reasonably estimated by alpha index and, as such, it will be sufficient to indicate a gross sleep debt. In those who lack dominant alpha activity, the simple subjective ratings associated with standardized tasks may be used for detection of sleep debt. The poor indicators of sleep loss were 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, oral temperature, and time- off -target. Respiration rate, heart rate, and arterial pressure were useless in detecting even a gross sleep starvation.
NO decomposition by CO over Pd catalyst supported on TiO2 nanofibers

Abstract Titania nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning for use as a catalyst support structure for the reduction of NO and CO gases. Palladium nanoparticles were incorporated into the titania electrospun fibers by adding PdCl2 salt particles to the electrospinning solution. The composition and properties of the fibers were characterized by SEM, XEDS, TEM, XRD, and BET. These fibers were fabricated into a disk-shaped nonwoven porous medium. Experiments were conducted to measure the outlet gas composition after the NO and CO gases passed through the porous medium as a function of reaction temperature. The test results showed significant conversion of NO and CO to N2 and CO2 due to the presence of Pd nanoparticles in the fibers. Higher catalyst loading resulted in higher conversion efficiency at lower temperatures.
The effect of sublethal concentrations of zinc on reproduction in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio Hamilton-Buchanan

Abstract Adult zebrafish, when held in water containing a threshold concentration (5 ppm) of zinc for a 9-day period in which the gametes were maturing, showed a delay in spawning. When spawning did occur, the experimental pairs of fish produced an average of 165 eggs of which only 21·1% were viable. In contrast, control pairs of fish produced an average of 434 eggs of which 90·2% were viable. In addition, survival of the eggs to hatching was significantly lower than in controls, the survival rate for the experimentals being 0·9%, that of the controls, 63·3%. The adverse effects on zebrafish of exposure to zinc can be reversed by returning the fish to a zinc-free environment.
Real-time visualization of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment using ultrasound imaging

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and conventional B-mode ultrasound (US) imaging were synchronized to develop a system for real-time visualization of HIFU treatment. The system was tested in vivo in pig liver. The HIFU application resulted in the appearance of a hyperechoic spot at the focus that faded gradually after cessation of HIFU exposure. The duration of HIFU exposure needed for a hyperechoic spot to appear, was inversely related to the HIFU intensity. The threshold intensity required to produce a hyperechoic spot in liver in < 1 s was 970 W/cm(2), in situ. At this HIFU dose, no immediate cellular damage was observed, providing a potential for pretreatment targeting. The real-time visualization method was used in hemostasis of actively bleeding internal pelvic vessels, allowing targeting and monitoring of successful treatment. Real-time US imaging may provide a useful tool for image-guided HIFU therapy.
Intramammary lymph nodes: Patterns of discovery and clinical significance

Background We sought to determine how often axillary node metastases were present in patients with intramammary lymph node (IMLN) metastasis and if the method of IMLN discovery impacts likelihood of axillary node metastasis. Methods A retrospective review of our breast cancer database was conducted to identify patients in whom an IMLN was found. IMLNs were classified into 2 groups: those found “preoperatively” (evident on mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or lymphogram), and those found “incidentally” (found by the surgeon intraoperatively or on pathologic review). Patterns of discovery and their correlation with axillary disease were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. Results Between March 1994 and October 2007, IMLNs were identified in 93 breast specimens. Twenty-three IMLNs were found preoperatively, while 70 were identified incidentally. Thirty-two patients (34%) harbored cancer in IMLNs with additional axillary node involvement present in 22 (69%). Metastasis was more frequent in the IMLNs detected by imaging (10/23, 43%) than in IMLNs detected incidentally (22/70, 31%, P = NS). Patients with positive IMLNs were more likely to have axillary disease than patients with negative IMLNs (69% versus 18%, P Conclusion The majority of identified IMLNs are histologically negative. If breast cancer is identified in an IMLN, additional axillary lymph node disease is common, regardless of the method of detection of the IMLN.
Interrater reliability of hemodynamic profiling of patients with heart failure in the ED

Abstract Objective Hemodynamic profiling (HP) of patients with heart failure (HF) based on clinical assessment of central congestion and peripheral perfusion has been widely used by cardiologists to help guide therapy and determine prognosis but has never been tested or validated in the emergency department (ED). We hypothesized that the interrater reliability of HP in the ED would be good or greater than 0.6. Methods Study design. This was a prospective, observational study. Setting. It was conducted in an academic suburban ED with emergency medicine residency. Subjects. A convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED with suspected acute decompensated HF was enrolled. Measures. Demographic and clinical information was collected using standardized data collection forms. Two emergency medicine physicians (masked to each other) evaluated all patients and classified them into 1 of 4 hemodynamic categories based on the presence or absence of central congestion (wet or dry) and peripheral hypoperfusion (cold or warm): warm and dry, warm and wet, cold and dry, and cold and wet. B-type natriuretic peptide levels, objective test of cardiac function, and final cardiologist diagnoses were obtained. Data analysis. Interrater reliabilities for overall hemodynamic profile and individual elements of congestion and perfusion were calculated using κ coefficients. Results Sixty-eight patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 72 ± 14 years, 53% were female, and 78% were white. Of the patients, 79% had a final diagnosis of HF. Most patients (>60%) were considered wet and warm. Interrater agreement for HP was 64%, κ = 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.51). Interrater agreement was poor to fair for all elements of congestion and perfusion except peripheral edema ( κ = 0.67) and a narrow pulse pressure ( κ = 0.66). Conclusions Hemodynamic profiling of patients with HF by emergency physicians in the ED is not highly reliable. One in 5 patients thought to have HF in the ED did not have a final diagnosis of HF.
ConfChem Conference on Case-Based Studies in Chemical Education: You (Want To) Call Yourself a Case Study Teacher?

Much has been written about case study teaching resources and methods and, more recently, about the learning benefits attributable to case-based methods. However, it is not enough to be an excellent case study teacher with excellent outcomes. Bias towards one's own personal teaching perspective, and the influence of how we were taught as students as opposed to how we were taught to teach, means that case study teachers may be vulnerable to self-doubt while wrestling with the perceived juxtaposition of content coverage versus contextualized instruction and also to an unpropitious peer reception. Effective case study teaching in chemistry requires not only effective pedagogies, but also effective politics, and success requires positive perceptions on the part of students being taught by the case study method, on the part of the case teacher him or herself, on the part of the case teacher's peers, and on the part of the case teacher's chair or department as a whole. This communication provides a brief synopsis of published research findings in this area, with opportunities to overcome barriers to the adoption of case study-based teaching in chemistry presented in Supporting Information.
75. Protease-Activated Receptor 2 as a Novel Target for Immune Modulation for AAV-Mediated Gene Transfer to Skeletal Muscle

Intramuscular injection (IM) of adeno-associated viral (AAV)-2 vectors is a safe strategy to achieve long-term transgene expression in humans with hemophilia B. The development of AAV-based on alternative serotypes with higher transduction efficiency than AAV-2 is an attractive approach to the use of skeletal muscle as target tissue. However, in a series of studies in large animal models using AAV derived from serotypes (|[minus]|1,|[minus]|5,|[minus]|7,|[minus]|8), the immune response to the transgene has been a major complication. In mice, we showed that IM injection of AAV1-human-FIX induces antibody formation in all injected animals. However, in mice injected with high doses of AAV-1, the inhibitory antibody eventually disappear overtime. Blood proteases play an important role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). PARs family is a member of a larger G protein coupled receptor family. To date, four such cleavable receptors have been described (PAR1-4). Mice lacking PAR-1 (|[minus]|/|[minus]|) or PAR-2 (|[minus]|/|[minus]|) alleles presented amelioration of immune- or infectious-mediated diseases. Here we sought to determine whether PAR-1 or PAR-2 inactivation would provide a strategy to prevent immune responses following AAV-mediated gene transfer to skeletal muscle.
The effect of phosphonoformic acid on wild type and mutant S49 cell lines.

Phosphonoformic acid was synthesized In 1924 by Nylen (1) and has been investigated recently as an antiviral agent because of its inhibition of viral DNA polymerase (2,3,4). Herpes simplex virus polymerase activity is quite sensitive to PFA Inhibition (Ki=3.5 uM) (2). Partially purified mammalian (calf thymus) DNA polymerase is less sensitive to PFA Inhibition, and this sensitivity depends on the enzyme concentration (K.>3.5 uM) (2).
Differential modulation of angiotensin II and hypertonic saline-induced drinking by opioid receptor subtype antagonists in rats

Opioid modulation of ingestion includes general opioid antagonism of different forms of water intake, mu 2 receptor modulation of deprivation-induced water intake and delta 2 receptor modulation of saccharin intake. Water intake is stimulated by both central administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) and peripheral administration of a hypertonic saline solution; both responses are reduced by general opioid antagonists. The present study examined whether specific opioid receptor subtype antagonists would selectively alter each form of water intake in rats. Whereas systemic naltrexone (0.1-2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) reduced water intake induced by either peripheral ANGII (500 micrograms/kg, s.c.) or hypertonic saline (3 ml/kg, 10%), intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) naltrexone (1-50 micrograms) only inhibited central ANGII (20 ng)-induced hyperdipsia. Both forms of drinking were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by the selective kappa antagonist, nor-binaltorphamine (Nor-BNI, 1-20 micrograms). Whereas both forms of drinking were transiently reduced by the mu-selective antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA, 1-20 micrograms), the mu 1 antagonist, naloxonazine (40 micrograms) stimulated drinking following hypertonic saline. The delta 1 antagonist, [D-Ala2, Leu5, Cys6]-enkephalin (DALCE, 1-40 micrograms) significantly reduced drinking following ANGII, but not following hypertonic saline; the delta antagonist, naltrindole failed to exert significant effects. These data indicate that whereas kappa opioid binding sites modulate hyperdipsia following hypertonic saline, mu 2, delta 1, and kappa opioid binding sites modulate hyperdipsia following ANGII. The mu 1 opioid binding site may normally act to inhibit drinking following saline.
Expert Opinion and Ground-Water Quality Protection: The Case of Nitrate in Drinking Water

Ground-water protection strategies have been constrained by the limited consideration of varied and new options relevant to particular problems. Consequently, management practices have tended to maintain the status quo regarding legislation and water-quality standards. To examine the responses to specific issues, we presented an analysis of the problem of nitrate contamination of ground water in the Midwest to a community of experts. Ninety-seven individuals, through a formal questionnaire, responded to a variety of questions pertaining to the issue. They showed definite preferences in dealing with certain aspects of the problem, although there was significant variability in responses due to such factors as length of ground-water-related professional experience and residential status. It was clear that respondents preferred immediate preventive or corrective action in a world of incomplete knowledge over extensive research; were willing to undertake personal action to seek nitrate-free water rather than wait for official action; and favored local and state level involvement over federal intervention. Findings based on this survey research can be used effectively in the planning of future work to establish actual preferences in communities with serious nitrate contamination problems.
Outcomes of a Structured Family Group in an Outpatient Alcohol/Other Drug Treatment Setting

Abstract The substance abuse field has long recognized the need to have the family and other support persons involved in an individual's recovery effort; unfortunately most mental health facilities still lack family education services of any type for a variety of reasons. This pilot study focused on utilizing a structured family group in an outpatient alcohol/other drug treatment setting. It represents a preliminary effort to study patients' and family members' experiences and level of satisfaction with the group process. Participants reported having an overall positive experience within the multi-family group. The data suggests that being able to share in an open environment and family/support participation in the group were more important than the specific topic that was covered. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with their counselors, the group process, and the positive impact the group had on their marital and/or family relationships.
The dynamics of hypertension--an overview: present practices, new possibilities, and new approaches.

Abstract Contemporary clinical evaluation of hypertensive patients must include observations encompassing the impact of environment, behavior, and sociologic factors on metabolism and physiology. As evidenced by animal and human studies, catecholamines are an important mediator between psychologic factors and cardiovascular physiology, but direct measurement of catecholamine levels has not proved useful. Measurement of hemodynamic variables—blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume—during standardized psychophysiologic challenges is advocated. With low-challenge standardized stressors that include α- and β-adrenergic stimuli, inappropriate reactors can be classified according to whether blood pressure is elevated primarily by cardiac output, total systemic resistance, or a combination of both. Hypertensive patients can be similarly distinguished, and medication can then be custom-tallored to the underlying physiology. Extensive laboratory and clinical evidence points to significant interrelationships between the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, cardiovascular physiologic and metabolic perturbances are distinctly different under conditions of mental vs physical stress. Most clinical testing assesses physical performance whereas the real-life challenges of today are primarily mental.
The resonance fluorescence spectrum of an atom driven by two coherent fields

Abstract The spectrum of spontaneously emitted radiation from a three-level system may undergo considerable modifications when the atom is driven simultaneously by two coherent fields. In particular, our calculations, based on the quantum regression theorem, predict the appearance of strong narrowing of the spectral features when a second transition sharing a common level with the first is driven to saturation and its spontaneous decay rate is smaller than that of the fluorescing process.