cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of TLR2 and TLR4 in regulation of articular chondrocyte homeostasis.

Summary Objective Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated catabolic responses are implicated to contribute to osteoarthritis (OA). However, deficiency of TLRs has little chondroprotection in mice in vivo. Here, we studied the effect of deficiency of TLR2 and TLR4 in articular chondrocytes on cellular stress responses in vitro. Design Chondrocytes isolated from TLR2 and TLR4 double knockout (TLR2/4dKO) and wild type (WT) mice and recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) and LPS were used. Expression of anti-oxidant and DNA repair enzymes including SOD1, SOD2 and OGG1, and phosphorylation of H2AX (a marker for DNA damage) were examined by Western blotting. MitoSOX Red staining was used for assessing mitochondrial superoxide generation. Autophagic activity was monitored by flow cytometry analysis of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of GFP and RFP in chondrocytes transfected with a tandem GFP-mRFP-LC3 plasmid, and by Western blot analysis of expression of LC3 and p62, a selective autophagy adaptor. Results Basal expression of SOD2 but not SOD1 was largely reduced in TLR2/4dKO compared to WT chondrocytes, correlated with significantly enhanced menadione-induced mitochondrial superoxide generation (2.85–3.92 and 3.39 to 8.97 with mean difference 3.39 and 6.18 for 25 and 50μM menadione, respectively) and phosphorylation of H2AX. LPS and rHMGB1 induced expression of SOD2, OGG1 and p62 in WT but not TLR2/4dKO chondrocytes. Autophagy flux was impaired in TLR2/4dKO chondrocytes after acute nutrient stress and by LPS and rHMGB1. Conclusions TLR2 and TLR4 deficiency appears to reduce chondrocyte anti-oxidative stress and autophagy flux capacity, which may compromise cartilage homeostasis as a result of chondrocyte dysfunction.
CGMP LEVEL IN PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION VS. PULMONARY HYPERTENSION DUE TO HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION, BOTH AT REST AND AT PEAK EXERCISE

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) plays an important role as pulmonary vasodilator and currently there are targeted therapy to stimulate cGMP in the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension. It is known that patients with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure have impairment of cGMP
Obliteration by Divergence in Scientific Networks: The Case of Ego Depletion

Scientific literatures provide a valuable context to understand how ideas evolve within social networks. Seminal research concerns obliteration by incorporation: how as a scientific idea is reprodu...
Structural and Spectroscopic Comparison of Soft‐Se vs. Hard‐O Donor Bonding in Trivalent Americium/Neodymium Molecules

Covalency is often considered to be an influential factor in driving An3+ vs. Ln3+ selectivity invoked by soft donor ligands. This is intensely debated, particularly the extent to which An3+ /Ln3+ covalency differences prevail and manifest as the f-block is traversed, and the effects of periodic breaks beyond Pu. Herein, two Am complexes, [Am{N(E=PPh2 )2 }3 ] (1-Am, E=Se; 2-Am, E=O) are compared to isoradial [Nd{N(E=PPh2 )2 }3 ] (1-Nd, 2-Nd) complexes. Covalent contributions are assessed and compared to U/La and Pu/Ce analogues. Through ab initio calculations grounded in UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray structures, we observe differences in f orbital involvement between Am-Se and Nd-Se bonds, which are not present in O-donor congeners.
The Truth Will Set You Free... Or Not: A Critique of the Flawed Reasoning in Farrar v. Raemisch

The Tenth Circuit in Farrar v. Raemisch, 924 F.3d 1126 (10th Cir. 2019), created a split with the Ninth Circuit when it held that the government must have known that it was offering false testimony when it did so for habeas relief to be appropriate. The Ninth Circuit in Hall v. Dir. of Corr., 343 F.3d 976, 981–85 (9th Cir. 2003), held that habeas relief is appropriate if the government unknowingly offered false testimony. The Tenth Circuit's reasoning was flawed when the court relied only on other Tenth Circuit cases and ignored U.S. Supreme Court precedent holding that uncorrected false evidence is a constitutional violation if it could have affected the jury's judgment.
Examining retirees perceptions of the effects of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on leisure participation and social relationships

In response the designation of COVID-19 as a global pandemic in March of 2020, people across the world have been tasked with adopting extreme social distancing protocols and lockdowns resulting in ...
Patterns and Predictors of Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Related Cerebral Microbleeds.

Abstract Objectives Recent case-reports have described an atypical cerebral microbleed (CMB) topography after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence, radiographic patterns, and clinical correlates of possibly-ECMO-related (PER) CMB. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective study of 307 consecutive patients receiving ECMO support at our tertiary-care University Hospital (2013–2018). PER CMB were defined as CMB present in corpus-callosum and/or middle cerebellar peduncle with/without involvement of other lobar/deep structures. Leukoaraiosis was quantified using the Wahlund age-related white matter changes scale. Patient characteristics were compared between cohorts with and without PER CMB. Results Forty patients (median age 60 years; 33% vv-ECMO and 67% va-ECMO) received at-least one MRI-brain within 3 months of ECMO support. CMB were present in 77.5% (n = 31) patients with 39% (n = 12), 17% (n = 5), and 44% (n = 14) having low ( 30 CMB) burden respectively. Among CMB-positive patients, 71% (n = 22) had PER CMB, with 91% of such cases demonstrating involvement of splenium. Leukoaraiosis did not corelate to PER CMB presence (p = 0.267) or burden (ρ = 0.09). Patients with PER CMB had higher rates of ischemic stroke (50 vs. 33%), intracranial hemorrhage (41 vs. 17%), and all-cause mortality (27 vs. 17%); with survivors demonstrating no differences in their discharge disposition or modified Rankin Score. Conclusions Post-ECMO cerebral microbleeds have a distinct distribution pattern that commonly involves the splenium of corpus-callosum. Their etiopathogenesis may be independent of microvascular lipohyalinosis. This requires further study in a larger sample-size.
Continuing Education - Whose Responsibility

The rapid and recent advancements in engineering technology clearly indicate that there is a positive need for many forms of continuing education to serve a wide variety of groups and needs. The problem is magnified, since recent graduates of engineering colleges have been trained in areas which did not exist during the years of formal education for many engineers. With the wide variety of necessary continuing education programs, no one group or individual is responsible for the entire program. The responsibility of providing facilities and encouraging faculty participation rests with the universities. The professional societies should encourage continuing education for their members and help to organize programs. Other groups, such as the press and management, must lend support. Management must be willing to, subsidize conferences and allow time off for employees. Other professions should work with engineers in planning interdisciplinary programs. Finally, the individual must support all programs, recognize his own need for continuing education, be willing to give time to programs, and submit ideas for programs he feels are of interest.
Changes in soil bulk density resulting from construction and conventional cable skidding using preplanned skid trails

A harvesting system consisting of chainsaw felling and cable skidder extraction was studied to determine soil bulk density changes in a central Appalachian hardwood forest site. Soil bulk density was measured using a nuclear gauge preharvest and postharvest systematically across the harvest site, on transects across skid trails, and for a subset of skid trail transects closest to log landing after each of the first ten loaded machine passes. Bulk density was also measured in skid trails after their construction but prior to skidding. Bulk density did not change significantly across the harvest site, because the extraction equipment stayed on the preplanned skid trails. Bulk density increased on the skid trails as a result of construction by crawler bulldozer and during skidding. Bulk density in the skid trail increased by 30% because of construction by a crawler bulldozer. Fifty-five percent of the increase in bulk density attributable to skidding occurred after one loaded pass, and 80% of the bulk density increase was experienced after two loaded passes. Bulk density increased by only 5% between passes five and ten.
The fixed point approach to nonlinear programming

In this paper we consider the application of the recent algorithms that compute fixed points in unbounded regions to the nonlinear programming problem. It is shown that these algorithms solve the inequality constrained problem with functions that are not necessarily differentiable. The application to convex and piecewise linear problems is also discussed.
Non-linear Arrhenius plots in temperature-dependent kinetic studies of enzyme reactions. I. Single transition processes.

Abstract In the present studies, I have attempted to formulate mathematical expressions for the apparent activation energies of two rate parameters, kαand kβ, of steady-state enzyme kinetics. In these expressions, perturbation terms, φ(H), called shape factors can adequately predict the transition curvatures in Arrhenius plots of the kinetic parameters. Factors that may produce non-linearity in Arrhenius plots and that determine φ(H) functions can be classified into two categories: (i) thermodynamic factors including all of secondary equilibrium reactions that modify the elementary processes of enzyme reactions, and (ii) kinetic factors that are attributed to changes in rate-limiting steps occurring in experimental temperature ranges. The expressions of φ(H) terms can vary with mechanisms of enzyme reactions. In the case of a single-step transition mechanism, φ(H) = Δ H∘ (1 + ϑ) where ϑ = K or K [ A ] for unimolecular or bimolecular reactions respectively. ΔH∘ terms are the enthalpy changes in the equilibrium reactions that modify the elementary kinetic processes and determine the sharpness of the curvatures in Arrhenius plots. The φ(H) functions represent the effective fraction of the enthalpy changes that offset the primary activation energies and suggest continuity of the transition curvatures of Arrhenius plots. Non-linearity in Arrhenius plots seen in enzyme reactions can be attributed to the susceptibility of enzyme proteins to temperature as well as complexity of reaction mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, and can be readily explained by various factors we have considered. It is suggested that one ought to be able to analyze properly the temperature-dependent behavior of kinetic parameters in terms of reaction mechanisms before discussing the true meaning of the activation energies of enzyme reactions.
Modulation Solitons and Internal Waves

The propagation of a modulation soliton in a medium with inhomogenities is considered. It is shown that the center of the wave packet obeys a Newtonian force equation with the inhomogenity acting as the force. The model equation is compared with numerical solutions of the inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
A Rapid and Sensitive Turbidimetric Method for Serum Lipase Based Upon Differences Between the Lipases of Normal and Pancreatitis Serum

A rapid turbidimetric method for the determination of serum lipase is described. The substrate is a nearly pure triglyceride in Tris buffer, with sodium deoxycholate as the emulsifying agent. The method is equal in sensitivity to the titrimetric measure of serum lipase using a modified Cherry-Crandall substrate. The serum of patients with acute pancreatitis contains a lipase with optimal action at pH 9.1 and sodium deoxycholate concentration of 0.35%. These are different from the optimal pH and bile salt requirement for lipase activity in normal serum or duodenal contents.
KTK: configurable objects and invocations

The Kernel Toolkit (KTK) is an object-based operating system kernel and programming library that offers explicit support for on- and off-line object configuration. We first present the basic configuration mechanisms offered by KTK. We address the utility of KTK by reference to results that use these mechanisms for the dynamic configuration of an application-level abstraction in a parallel program: a global queue in a parallel branch-and-bound code for solving the travelling salesman problem (TSP). We also present results of additional performance gains, attained by online configuration of a second abstraction in TSP, a mutex lock protecting the global queue. >
Effects of various antihistamines on oxotremorine-induced hypothermia in mice.

Abstract The hypothermic effect of oxotremorine, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., in mice, at an environmental temperature of 22°C, has been found to be antagonized by atropine and a variety of antihistamines in a dose-related manner. The relative molar potency, at the ED5 0 was atropine cyproheptadine chlorpheniramine diphenhydramine tripelennamine pyrilamine (mepyramine) chlorcyclizine; promethazine was inactive. Protection by these antihistamines could not be correlated with the relative antihistaminic or anticholinergic potencies of the compounds tested. Cyproheptadine caused a 2–3°C drop in temperature at a dosage range of 5–20 mg/kg.
Well-posedness of the Fokker–Planck equation in a scattering process

Abstract The Fokker–Planck equation is usually used as an approximation of the linear transport equation for a highly forward peaked scattering process. In this note, we provide a rigorous proof for the solution existence and uniqueness of a boundary value problem to the Fokker–Planck equation. In addition, we present a result on the positivity of the solution.
Crystal and molecular structure of [H3O·18-crown-6]2-[ReCl6] isolated from a liquid clathrate medium

The crystal and molecular structure of [H3O·18-crown-6]2[ReCl6]1 is reported. Crystal data for1: trigonal, space group R\(\bar 3\),a=13.857(2) A,c=10.154(2) A,Dc=2.85 g/cm3,Z=3,Rf=0.073,Rw=0.064. The oxonium ion is observed to be crystallographically disordered lying 0.37 A on both sides of the plane defined by the crown ether oxygen atoms. The anion resides on a crystallographic\(\bar 3\) position forming a slightly distorted octahedron.
Biologic Basis of Nerve Decompression Surgery for Focal Entrapments in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The most recent (2011) National Diabetes Fact Sheet states the combined diagnosed and undiagnosed number of diabetes cases in the United States is approaching 25 million, and another 79 million are prediabetic. Of the diabetes patients, 60-70% suffer from mild to severe neuropathy. This combined loss of sensory and motor control in diabetic limbs is usually considered an irreversible, progressive process. Patients suffering from these losses are at a significantly higher risk for development of foot ulceration, frequently leading to infection and partial or major limb amputation. However, a review of focal nerve entrapment surgical decompression literature suggests that several diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) symptoms and complications are potentially partially reversible or preventable. Decompression surgery represents a paradigm shift in treatment protocols because it both relieves pain and restores protective sensation, while providing significant protection against a cascade of serious foot complications. This review surveys current research regarding the biological basis for diabetic focal entrapment neuropathy. Metabolic dysfunction related to aldose reductase, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products are considered and correlated to peripheral nerve enlargement and entrapment. In addition, observational studies correlated to that biological basis are presented as well as surgical outcomes illustrating the effect of decompression on DSPN symptomatic relief, nerve function, and protection against complications.
CELL DIVISION AND THE ROLE OF THE PRIMARY WALL IN THE FILAMENTOUS DESMID ONYCHONEMA LAEVE (CHLOROPHYTA)1

Cell division and the role of the primary wall in filament formation in the desmid Onychonema laeve Nordst. were investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, sequential chemical extractions and enzyme treatments were performed, on cell walls of intact filaments. Interphase cells are deeply constricted, consisting of two semicells, each elliptical in front view and circular in side view. In addition to two short lateral spines, each semicell has two apical processes that originate on opposite sides at an angle of about 15° from the central axis and overlap the adjacent cell. Division is initiated as in other desmids by a slight separation of the semicells and development of a girdle of primary wall material at the isthmus. In O. laeve the girdle of primary wall expands to form a spherical vesicle (termed a division vesicle) between the separating semicells. Nuclear division and septum formation occur in this vesicle when it is nearly the full diameter of the filament. Morphogenesis of the apical processes begins with completion of the septum, before the secondary wall appears. At maturity each apical process is surrounded by a thick layer of both secondary and primary wall, except that its capitate tip protrudes through the shroud of primary wall. Sequential treatment with hot ammonium oxalate, 4% NaOH, 17.5% NaOH and 10% chromic acid or various enzyme solutions did not cause filament breakage. SEM and TEM views of O. laeve after these treatments show intact secondary walls and intact primary wall material covering and connecting the apical processes of adjacent cells. It is the persistence of the primary wall between cells and around the apical processes that maintains the long, unbranched filamentous morphology of Onychonema laeve.
Allelic Association, Chemical Characterization and Saccharification Properties of brown midrib Mutants of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Genetic improvement of biomass crops can significantly reduce the overall cost of biomass-to-ethanol conversion. The conversion of cellulose to monomeric sugar units is affected by lignin content and composition. Sorghum has attracted the attention of the scientific and industrial community as a promising source of biomass for bioenergy due to its great yield potential and tolerance to stresses. The brown midrib (bmr) mutants of sorghum are characterized by brown vascular tissue associated with altered lignin content. Twenty-eight bmr mutants have been identified since the late 1970s, but the allelic relationships have not been fully established, and the function of only one of the Bmr loci has been unequivocally established. In this study, we combined genetic and chemical approaches to establish that there are mutations at least four independent bmr loci, represented by the bmr2, bmr6, bmr12 and bmr19 groups. Since each allelic group presents unique staining characteristics, rapid classification of emerging bmr lines into the existing groups can be achieved using phloroglucinol-HCl as a histochemical stain. In addition, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enabled the characterization of changes in subunit lignin composition in each of the allelic groups, to help predict the genes underlying the mutations. Enzymatic saccharification of stover from plants representing each allelic bmr group demonstrated that lignin changes in lines belonging to the bmr2, bmr6 and bmr12 groups can increase glucose yields, up to 25% compared to wild-type isolines. In order to expedite the selection of the bmr mutant alleles in breeding populations, we have developed molecular markers specific for bmr7 and bmr25, two novel mutant alleles of the gene encoding caffeic acid O-methyl transferase. Based on the results from this study, we propose to rename the bmr mutants in a manner that reflects the number of independent loci.
Case series: use of ziprasidone for maladaptive symptoms in youths with autism.

ABSTRACT Objective To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of ziprasidone in children, adolescents, and young adults with autism. Method Twelve patients (mean age ± SD, 11.62 ± 4.38 years; range, 8–20 years) with DSM-IV – defined autism ( n = 9) or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified ( n = 3) received open-label treatment with ziprasidone (mean daily dose, 59.23 ± 34.76 mg; range, 20–120 mg) for at least 6 weeks (mean duration, 14.15 ± 8.29 weeks; range, 6–30 weeks). Results Six (50%) of the 12 patients were considered responders based on a Clinical Global Impression Scale rating of "much improved" or "very much improved." Transient sedation was the most common side effect. No cardiovascular side effects, including chest pain, tachycardia, palpitations, dizziness, or syncope, were observed or reported. The mean change in body weight for the group was –5.83 ± 12.52 lb (range, –35 to +6 lb). Five patients lost weight, five had no change, one gained weight, and one had no follow-up weight obtained beyond the baseline measurement. Conclusions Ziprasidone appears to have the potential for improving symptoms of aggression, agitation, and irritability in children, adolescents, and young adults with autism. Significant weight gain was not observed in this short-term trial. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to substantiate these preliminary findings.
The use of immunohistochemistry in metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma to the breast

Since the introduction of hormonal therapy for the treatment of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma, there have been 33 reports of metastases of prostate carcinoma to the breast. We report two cases of diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated patients with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma who developed breast masses. The lesions had infiltrative patterns simulating primary breast carcinoma. Immunoperoxidase stains, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) were positive, identifying these cases as metastatic prostatic carcinoma to the breast. Differentiating primary from secondary tumors in these patients is difficult since there have been 10 reports of primary breast carcinoma occurring in DES-treated patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Their differentiation is important to direct appropriate therapy, and PSA and PAP immunoperoxidase stains are important in their correct classification.
A model for tropical-extratropical transport of volcanic ash in the lower stratosphere

Large nonspherical volcanic ash particles up to 30 micrometer in size were collected between 17-19 km altitude over the Northern Hemisphere at high latitudes between October 1988 and April 1990. These particles may be derived from minor Plinian eruptions in the tropics rather than from localized volcanic activity close to the collection region. Ash particles were injected into the lower equatorial stratosphere where they entered a regime of efficient transport just above the tropopause from the tropical region towards the northern extratropical region. Transport is enhanced by stable autorotation that generates a sufficient lift force to loft nonspherical ash with a rough surface during transport, and by the gradually decreasing altitude of the tropopause from the tropics to the polar regions.
A More Efficient and Video Friendly Spatial Resizing Algorithm

Arbitrary spatial resizing of compressed video is a useful transcoding operation that can be used to match the video stream to a low bandwidth channel or to end user devices with a different resolution from that of the original source material. By performing this transcoding in the compressed domain the computational cost of the operation can be minimized. Our proposed algorithm resizes a video stream by modifying functional blocks in an existing transcoding architecture to permit spatial resizing. In order for the algorithm to function, a new motion compensation operation suitable for resized video was derived. The algorithm retains the advantages of permitting tradeoffs between computational cost and final quality while re sizing by any rational fraction. Additionally, the algorithm operates on an arbitrary supporting area and complements motion compensation.
Interaction of penicillin with its receptors in bacterial membranes

Abstract The details of the mechanism of action of penicillin are still being investigated actively. Recent studies have shown that penicillin and substrate acylate the same active site serine in cell wall carboxypeptidas. s-Lactamases probably evolved from cell wall biosynthetic enzymes.
Regeneration and proliferation of embryonic and adult rat hippocampal neurons in culture.

Adult mammalian CNS neurons appear to be terminally differentiated and postmitotic. However, this conclusion may be due to nonpermissive conditions in the brain or in culture media. If embryonic rat hippocampal neurons are cultured in Neurobasal/B27 with FGF2, nearly all neurons proliferated until a maximum density was reached. Similarly, adult neurons can be cultured that fire action potentials and display immunoreactivity for neurofilament, MAP2, tau, and glutamate. Seventy percent of the 3000 isolated adult cells per milligram of brain tissue began to proliferate after 3 days in culture and incorporated BrdU. By 4 days of regeneration in culture, virtually all neuron-like cells with asymmetric processes were glutamate positive and immunoreactive for neurofilament. Immunoreactivity of the intermediate filament stem cell marker nestin increased in adult cells to levels present in freshly isolated embryonic neurons. These are the first studies to demonstrate that over 50% of adult CNS cells with neuron-like characteristics retain regenerative and proliferative potential.
Precipitation in CF-8M duplex stainless steel welds

Welds of CF-8M, a cast 316-type stainless steel which normally solidifies as primary delta-ferrite, were induced to solidify as primary austenite by the addition of nitrogen to the shielding gas used during gas tungsten arc welding. Those welds which experienced a shift in solidification mode formed eutectic ferrite during the terminal transient stage of solidification. Primary delta-ferrite and eutectic ferrite are differentiated by their location in the dendritic microstructure. The shape of the ferrite/austenite interface tends to be rounded for primary delta-ferrite and more angular for eutectic ferrite. Elemental profiles were plotted from STEM/EDS measurements across the two types of ferrite, and showed differences between the composition of the austenite immediately adjacent to the primary delta-ferrite, as opposed to the eutectic ferrite. In addition, while the primary delta-ferrite/austenite interfaces are largely devoid of precipitation, the eutectic ferrite/austenite interfaces are densely covered with small precipitates ofx-phase. The mean stoichiometry of this phase has been calculated from STEM/EDS data on extraction replicas, and approximates Fe50Cr32Mo13Ni5. Intragranular inclusions were also examined and found to be complex, with most of them containing varying quantities of Mn, Si, and S.
Lode Dependences for Isotropic Pressure-Sensitive Elastoplastic Materials

Experimental investigations indicate that the third stress invariant; Lode angle α affects significantly the behavior of pressure sensitive materials. The present communication presents a formulation to account for α in isotropic pressure-sensitive elastoplastic materials. Seven Lode dependences are reviewed
Data and signal processing of rotating shadowband spectroradiometer (RSS) data

The Rotating Shadowband Spectroradiometer (RSS) is a tandem-prisms spectrograph that uses a CCD array to measure solar direct and diffuse irradiances. Two versions of the RSS were designed at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at the State University of New York at Albany to measure UV from 295-370 nm and VIS-NIR from 360-1050 nm. A number of prototypes have been deployed at two sites of DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program since 1996. The first commercial UV RSS built by Yankee Environmental Systems, Inc. was deployed in 2001 and the VIS-NIR RSS is slated for permanent installation at the ARM SGP site in 2002. The paper describes instrument characterization procedures, spectral and radiometric calibrations. Mathematical algorithms applied to the spectra to correct wavelength shifts, to reduce stray light effects, and to correct drifts in radiometric calibration are described.
In Defense of a Steady-State Economy

T HE case against continuous exponential growth in the physical coordinates of our economy has already been made [1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 24] but has not yet won majority acceptance. Rather than repeat the arguments establishing the necessity and desirability of a steady-state economy, I will confine myself to a critique of a number of counter-arguments and objections which have been raised against the steady-state view by those who remain committed to the orthodox growth paradigm. What follows then is a kind of catechism of pro-growth fallacies, sophistries, casuistries, obfuscations, nonsequiturs, question-beggings, and misunderstandings, which, if properly refuted, should indirectly make the case for a steady-state economy.
Structure-activity relationship studies on a series of piperazinebenzylalcohols and their ketone and amine analogs as melanocortin-4 receptor ligands.

Abstract A series of piperazinebenzylalcohols were prepared and studied to compare with their ketone and amine analogs as MC4R antagonists. Several benzylalcohols such as 14a and 14g displayed low nanomolar binding affinities (Ki
Synthesis and evaluation of some new retinoids for cancer chemoprevention

Many derivatives and analogs of the natural vitamin A compounds have been synthesized, and some of these retinoids are very active in various bioassays that may be predictive for cancer chemopreventive activity. Analogs have been synthesized in which parts of one, or more, of the three traditional subdivisions of the retinoid structure--the terminal polar group, the conjugated side chain, and the cyclohexenyl region--have been altered or replaced. In addition, structural alterations have produced compounds (arotinoids) in which two, or more, aromatic rings replace much of the classical retinoid structure. Further structural modifications that effected replacement of the entire retinoid structure by aromatic groups and certain linking groups have been made. Some of the arotinoids and further structural variants, which appear superficially to represent immense alteration of the classical retinoid structure, have potent activity in various retinoid bioassays. Four types of new classical retinoids (retinoylamino acids, bifunctional analogs, retinyl ethers, and 4-oxoretinoid derivatives) have been synthesized and evaluated in our laboratories. All-trans- and 13-cis-retinoyl alpha-amino acids are active in a hamster trachea organ culture assay and show much promise in potentiating immune responses. Retinoic acid analogs that have a bifunctional terminus bind to CRABP even though they have a bulky alpha-substituent, induce differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, and have good activity in an immune-potentiation assay. A new retinyl either, retinyl propynyl ether, has chemopreventive activity against mammary carcinogenesis in vivo. Oral administration of this retinoid produces high and sustained concentrations in the rat mammary gland. New congeners of 4-oxoretinoic acid demonstrate high activity in a spectrum of bioassays.
SAN performance evaluation testbed

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing interest in high performance storage (HPS) using different SAN (Storage Area Network) solutions. Our growing needs for high performance storage solutions in Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil producing company, has provided an opportunity to evaluate some of the top SAN providers available in the market as an alternative to typical storage solutions. In this paper, we describe our testbed environment and show the I/O benchmark results for some of the major SAN solution providers in the market. The benchmarks show the best read and write I/O performance numbers for these SAN solutions using various numbers of Linux client nodes.
Angiotensin II receptors in the lumbar spinal cord of the rat

Locations of cells responsive to microiontophoretically applied angiotensin II (AII) were compared to distributions of AII receptor binding sites identified by autoradiography in the lumbar enlargement region of the rat spinal cord. Angiotensin II receptor binding sites were densely concentrated in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn. Considerably lower densities of binding sites were present in the remaining gray matter. Effects of microiontophoretically applied AII on lumbar spinal cord cells did not vary with location within the gray matter. AII facilitated firing of most cells in the lumbar cord whether the cells were in superficial or deeper laminae of the dorsal horn or in the ventral horn. The distribution of AII binding sites and the distribution of cells that were responsive to AII suggest that AII may play a role in modulating both sensory and motor functions of the spinal cord.
Neuroinflammation and Memory: The Role of Prostaglandins

Neuroinflammation is a complex response to brain injury involving the activation of glia, release of inflammatory mediators within the brain, and recruitment of peripheral immune cells. Interestingly, memory deficits have been observed following many inflammatory states including infection, traumatic brain injury (TBI), normal aging, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prostaglandins (PGs), a class of lipid mediators which can have inflammatory actions, are upregulated by these inflammatory challenges and can impair memory. In this paper, we critically review the success of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which prevent the formation of PGs, in preventing neuroinflammation-induced memory deficits following lipopolysaccharide injection, TBI, aging, and experimental models of AD in rodents and propose a mechanism by which PGs could disrupt memory formation.
Criminal justice pioneers: A content analysis of biographical data

Abstract This study used relational content analysis to assess the relative importance of criminal justice pioneers (N = 44) as identified by Jones (2005). Comparisons were made in terms of race, gender, area of focus, level of education, era of birth, longevity, and the amount of space (i.e., pages) devoted to each biography. The results were threefold: (1) most of the designated pioneers were born between 1901 and 1950 where a significant number contributed in the area of law enforcement, (2) all women pioneers were Caucasian and outnumbered African American pioneers by more than more than a 2:1 ratio, and (3) men were ten times more likely than women to be regarded as pioneers. The implications of these findings are discussed regarding the perceived relative importance of certain personalities based on the amount of space devoted to their bibliography.
Enhanced strain aging of niobium by cyclic deformation

Abstract Niobium specimens containing interstitial solute were prepared in the form of 0.037 in. diam. wires which were cyclically loaded in tension at room temperature under load control. The return of discontinuous yielding and the increase in flow stress have been compared with conventionally strain-aged specimens. It was found that strain-aging was accelerated by cyclic deformation and the yield drop and flow stress increase were greater than in specimens aged at the same temperature, but without cycling. It is suggested that the effect is due to the interaction of solute atoms with the moving dislocations rather than to diffusion of solute to stationary dislocations, thereby pinning them.
Wormhole effects on masses of vector and gravitino fields

Abstract We examine the effect of wormholes on the masses of vector and gravitino fields, by explicit harmonic expansions on S 4 in the unitary gauge after the (super) Higgs effect. We find that wormholes tend to destabilize any small masses of these fields, and drive the vector mass and the gravitino mass towards the wormhole scale.
Spontaneous Recovery from Stuttering

To investigate the puzzle of the nonpersistence of stuttering in many cases in which it begins, structured interview- and sentence-completion data were gathered on all incoming University of Califo...
Holographic storage — the quest for the ideal material continues

Abstract Throughout the 30-year history of holographic storage, an enormous number of material systems have been studied for use as the recording medium. In spite of the years and effort expended, the ideal material has not been identified and interest in holographic storage has waned. Recently, however, advances in both organic and inorganic photorefractive materials has rekindled interest in volume holography, not only for information storage but also as a technology that may be important for optical interconnects, neural networks and optical computing. Interest is further enhanced by continuing development in some of the enabling technologies, such as CCD arrays and spatial light modulators, necessary to make a viable storage product. After a brief introduction to holographic storage, this paper will concentrate on defining the systems requirements that drive material selection and review recent advances in photorefractive materials and techniques that address key issues. Included will be a discussion of multiplexing methods as well as various means to inhibit, or at least manage, destructive writing and reading. The paper will conclude with a discussion of the remaining critical issues as a focus for continued research and development.
Automatic removal of unexposed background in digital radiographs

In digital radiographs with significant collimation, there is a noticeable amount of unexposed background remaining in the image. This unexposed portion appears as bright white on the video display. We have developed a method that automatically removes this unexposed background and converts it to black background. This is less distracting to the viewer when the image is displayed on a video monitor. The algorithm first searches for the raw edges of an image. The next stage is to reconcile these edges to find the corner points. From these corner points, we interpolate to obtain straight line boundaries. The estimated boundaries are then checked with an error-correction procedure to verify that these points are outside the image. The error-corrected contour is then drawn using smooth line techniques and setting points outside the contour to black. This method has been implemented in a PACS environment and works well for images with significant collimation (i.e., pediatric cases and hand images). The amount of distracting unexposed background has been noticeably reduced. In a survey of CR images needing background removal, 89.5% of all images had all or part of the background removed and 10.5% had no background removed.
High fidelity, general reflection-mode coherent diffractive imaging with a tabletop EUV source

We demonstrate the most general, highest fidelity, reflection mode coherent diffractive imaging to date. By combining tabletop high harmonics with ptychography and keyhole coherent diffraction techniques, images are reconstructed with < 3 nm axial resolution.
Structure and defects in the amorphous Si:As:H system

Abstract Raman and ESR measurements were used to study the atomic bonding and defect concentrations. Features are identified in the Raman spectra which can be attributed to configurations containing SiSi, SiAs and AsAs bonds. Features due to all three of these configurations were found to simultaneously exist, thus excluding a chemically ordered model of the bonding. However, the composition dependences of the features do not follow exactly a random bonding model either. The H bonding configurations were reflected in features at ∼2000 cm−1 in the Raman spectra. It was found that the H bonding changed dramatically in the As doping to 5% As alloying region. The ESR measurements indicated a low level of singly occupied defect states in all the samples studied.
Developing Young Athletes: A Sport Psychology Based Approach to Coaching Youth Sports

Youth sport is a social institution designed to help improve the health and wellness of the athletes and provide an opportunity for positive youth development. Coaches have a strong influence upon the benefits experienced by youth athletes. Given the importance of the coaching role, the purpose of this article is to outline several positive steps that coaches can take to help youth athletes develop life skills in the areas of leadership, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and decision making.
Factors associated with non-reimbursable activity on an inpatient pediatric consultation-liaison service.

The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to clinician time spent in non-reimbursable activity on an inpatient pediatric consultation-liaison (C-L) service. A retrospective study was conducted using inpa- tient C-L service data on 1,246 consecutive referrals. For this patient population, the strongest predictor of level of non-reimbursable clinical activity was illness chronicity and the number of contacts with C-L service clinicians during their hospital stay. Patients with acute life-threat- ening illnesses required the highest mean amount of non- reimbursable service activity. On average, 28 % of total clinician time in completing a hospital consultation was spent in non-reimbursable activity. Effective C-L services require a proportion of time spent in non-reimbursable clinical activity, such as liaison and coordinating care with other providers. Identifying referral and systemic factors contributing to non-reimbursable activity can provide insight into budgeting/negotiating for institutional support for essential clinical and non-clinical functions in provid- ing competent quality patient care.
Seasonal patterns of production in the sandy-beach amphipod Haustorius canadensis☆

Abstract The Haustorius canadensis population at Long Sands beach in southern Maine was studied over a period of 45 months. The length-weight relationship was examined over 24 months; it showed no difference due to either sex or month. Caloric content of the population displayed a seasonal cycle around a mean of 18·381 KJ gm−1 dry weight, peaking in mid to late summer. The increment summation, instantaneous growth, removal summation and size-frequency methods of calculating production were used and the results compared. The increment summation and instantaneous growth methods provided the best estimates of production, averaging 98·1 gm m−1 y−1 and 100·2 gm m−1 y−1, respectively. The annual production to mean biomass ratio averaged 1·48. The population exhibited strong peaks of production; the four summer months accounting for 4·65 times the production during the remainder of the year. Most of the production was due to one-year-old individuals.
Transient thermocapillary flow in rectangular tanks with phase change

insulated rectangular tank. The liquid is suddenly heated by a line source or cooled by a line sink being placed at the center of the free surface to initiate a thermocapillary force. Evaporation or condensation takes place on the free surface. A finite-difference technique is employed to numerically integrate the unsteady vorticity and heat transport equations. Numerical results are obtained to determine the effects of dimensionless governing parameters on the transfer phenomena. In an evaporative system with low Marangoni number (Ma), three distinct convective mechanisms are identified: surface. tension-driven, buoyancy-driven and mixed types. The differences in the flow behavior are disclosed between condensation, evaporation and no phase change. Theory is in qualitative agreement with evaporation experiments in high Ma systems.
The Use of Thoracoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pleural Disease

• Seventeen patients (ten male and seven female) between the ages of 21 and 76 years underwent thoracoscopy from 1976 through 1978 by the Stanford University Thoracic Surgical Service. There was no morbidity or mortality. This technique was used when other conventional methods such as thoracentesis and pleural biopsy failed to obtain a diagnosis of suspected thoracic pathology. Thoracoscopy was diagnostic in 16 of 17 cases. The diagnosis of malignancy was made in 11 cases, whereas benign disease was found in the remaining six cases. Of the latter group, there was one false-negative result, which on subsequent thoracotomy was diagnosed as recurrent Hodgkin's disease. The current revival of thoracoscopy as a diagnostic entity is proving to be very valuable in the evaluation of thoracic disease. An increased awareness of the tool and its use should decrease the number of major thoracotomy procedures. ( Arch Surg 115:420-421, 1980)
THE USE OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN IN UROLOGY

AbstractPurpose: We review the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in urology, and present the mechanisms of hyperoxia action in whole body hyperbaric chamber treatments, patient outcomes and patient selection criteria.Materials and Methods: The literature on hyperbaric oxygen use in urology was reviewed.Results: Hyperbaric oxygen is a treatment alternative for patients with an underlying ischemic process unresponsive to conventional therapy. Specific factors which may influence patient selection of hyperbaric oxygen include cancer and absolute contraindications of active viral disease, intercurrent pneumothorax and treatment with doxorubicin or cisplatin. This technique is particularly useful in the treatment of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to pelvic radiation therapy. Further investigation of the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen is warranted for patients with necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier's gangrene), posttraumatic ischemic injury and/or impaired wound healing.Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen is...
Applied Eyewitness Research: The Other Mission*

We have argued that ongoing debates in the eyewitness literature risk leaving readers with the impression that the sole purpose of eyewitness research lies in the ability of eyewitness experts to assist the triers of fact in evaluating eyewitness accuracy. However, there is a broader mission of much eyewitness research that is often overlooked in these debates. System variable research seeks not to improve the accuracy of juror discriminations, but to improve the accuracy of eyewitness identifications. The fundamental distinction between a system variable and an expert testimony approach is one of procedural versus distributive justice. Most of the criticisms regarding expert testimony on the reliability of eyewitness identifications become irrelevant when the focus is shifted onto procedural justice concerns.
Work-related deaths in construction painting

Analysis of investigation records of the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning work-related deaths in Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 1721, construction painting, showed a higher risk of fatal injury than expected from cohort studies including injuries on and off the job. Work-related death rates were 2.3 x 10(-4)/year (ie, three to five times that of general industry). Of the 129 deaths investigated, the largest category was falls (N = 65), followed by electrocution (N = 40) and asphyxiation from solvents or oxygen deficiency (N = 6). Eighteen deaths had other causes. The average OSHA fine for the employer was USD 607.00/fatality. Only 31% of the deaths occurred at firms covered by a union contract. Risk of fatal injury was the highest for small firms with fewer than 10 employees. Cohort mortality studies based on records from unions or large employers probably exclude many small firms and so underestimate the risk of fatal injury to painters.