cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interlibrary Loan and Music Collections: A Survey of Current Practices

The recent interlibrary loan (ILL) literature does not tend to treat music items specifically. However, it does demonstrate three trends with lending audiovisual items generally via interlibrary loan (ILL): Authors cite fragility of items, legal problems, and the use of cooperative networks to share items. This study, a survey of subscribers to the Music Library Association listserv, asked respondents questions about local policies with regard to the sharing of several types of nonbook music items via ILL. The results suggest that most libraries within the sample of responses do not yet share most nonbook music items via ILL.
Regadenoson blood flow in type 1 diabetes (RABIT1D Study)

Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in type 1 diabetics (T1D). T1D patients have increased coronary artery calcification (CAC) compared to nondiabetics. We hypothesize that myocardial blood flow (MBF) reserve can be measured in long-standing T1D patients using regadenoson stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion imaging and is a marker of extensive atherosclerotic disease associated with CAC.
Isospin components of the giant dipole resonance in several germanium isotopes

Abstract Measurements of the (γ, np) cross sections of 70 Ge, 72 Ge, 74 Ge and 76 Ge and the (γ, p) cross section of 74 Ge are reported. The (γ, np) reaction is discussed as a channel for the observation of the T = T 0 + 1 component of the giant dipole resonance of the nuclear photo effect, and experimental evidence is presented in support of this conjecture in Ge isotopes.
Spectral selectivity of FM-FM neurons in the auditory cortex of the echolocating bat, Myotis lucifugus.

1. Spectral sensitivity was examined in delaysensitive neurons in the auditory cortex of the awake FM bat, Myotis lucifugus. FM stimuli sweeping 60 kHz downward in 4 ms were used as simulated pulse-echo pairs to measure delay-dependent responses. At each neuron's best delay, the pulse and/or echo were divided into 4 FM quarters (Ist, IInd, IIIrd, and IVth), each sweeping 15 kHz in 1 ms, and quarters essential for delay sensitivity were determined for both pulse and echo. 2. For the pulse, the IVth quarter was essential for delay sensitivity in the majority of neurons. For the echo, the essential quarter for most neurons was the IInd, IIIrd, or IVth. 3. Different quarters of the pulse and echo were essential for delay sensitivity in 68% of the neurons examined. 4. This study provides neurophysiological evidence linking both spectral and temporal processing in delaysensitive neurons of Myotis. Since spectral cues can provide target-shape information, sensitivity to both spectral and temporal parameters in single neurons may endow these neurons in FM bats with the potential for target analysis other than echo-ranging.
Dworkin and Casey on Abortion

This article responds to two important recent treatments of abortion rights. I will mainly discuss Ronald Dworkin's recent writings concerning abortion: his article "Unenumerated rights: whether and how Roe should be overruled," and his book Life's Dominion. In these writings Dworkin presents a novel view of what the constitutional and moral argument surronding abortion is really about. Both debates actually turn, he argues, on the question of how to interpret the widely shared idea that human life is sacred. At the heart of the abortion debate is the essentially religious notion that human life has value which transcends its value to any particular person; abortion is therefore at bottom a religious issue. Dworkin hopes to use this analysis to show that the religion clauses of the First Amendment provide a "textual home" for a woman's right to choose abortion. I wish to scrutinize this suggestion here; I want to probe the precise consequences for abortion rights of such an understanding of their basis. I will argue that the consequences are more radical than Dworkin seems to realize. The other work I will examine here is the important 1992 Supreme Court decision on abortion, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The controlling opinion in that case, written jointly by Justices Kennedy, O'Connor, and Souter, strongly reaffirmed Roe v. Wade, but also upheld most of the provisions of a Pennsylvania statute that had mandated various restrictions on abortion. The justices' basis for upholding these restictions was their introduction of a new constitutional standard for abortion regulations, an apparently weaker standard than those that had governed previous Supreme Court abortion decisions. I think there is a flaw in Casey's new constitutional test for abortion regulations, and I will explain, when we turn to Casey, what it is and why it bears a close relation to Dworkin's reluctance to carry his argument as far as it seems to go.
LINAC TECHNOLOGY FOR FREE-ELECTRON LASERS

Electron linear accelerator technology for high-power, short-wavelength free-electron lasers is reviewed.
5-drug adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

A series of 41 patients at the MGH who received 5-drug chemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine and prednisone, (CMF VP) as adjuvant to surgical treatment of operable breast cancer with 4 or more positive axillary nodes is compared to an analogous group of patients treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) reported by Bonadonna et al.1 in an effort to assess the contribution of the treatment program to disease control. The MGH pattern of disease free survival closely parallels that of Bonadonna.2 Median disease-free survival among the 24 patients who have not recurred is 27 months; among those who recurred 18 months. The analogous medians for treated patients in the Bonadonna study are 24 months and 16 months, as compared to 27 months and 8 months for his nontreated controls. The treatment program, carried out over a two year period, was well tolerated with excellent patient compliance. There was no significant impact, however, in the disease-free survival of postmenopausal patients. While use of this regimen improved disease-free survival in premenopausal individuals, it is clear that a great deal of room for improvement exists, and newer regimens should be investigated.
Nonlinear-evolution equations of physical significance

We present the inverse scattering method which provides a means of solution of the initial-value problem for a broad class of nonlinear evolution equations. Special cases include the sine-Gordon equation, the sinh-Gordon equation, the Benney-Newell equation, the Korteweg-de Vries equation, the modified Korteweg-de Vries equation, and generalizations.
IL-13 receptor α2 contributes to development of experimental allergic asthma.

Background IL-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) binds IL-13 with high affinity and modulates IL-13 responses. There are soluble and membrane forms of IL-13Rα2 generated by alternative splicing in mice, but human subjects express only the membrane form of IL-13Rα2 (memIL-13Rα2). Objective We determined the role of memIL-13Rα2 in the development of allergic inflammation in mouse models of asthma. Methods IL-13Rα2–deficient and memIL-13Rα2 lung epithelium–specific transgenic mice were challenged with house dust mite (HDM). Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation were assessed based on the airway pressure-time index, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, and lung histology. Mucus production was determined by means of periodic acid–Schiff staining of lung sections, Western blot analysis of chloride channel calcium activated 3 (CLCA3) expression in lung homogenates, and ELISA of Muc5ac in BAL fluid. The expression of cytokines and chemokines was determined by using RT–quantitative PCR. Results In IL-13Rα2–deficient mice AHR and airway inflammation were attenuated compared with levels seen in wild-type mice after HDM challenge. Lung epithelial overexpression of memIL-13Rα2 in the IL-13Rα2–deficient mice reconstituted AHR and inflammation to levels similar to those observed in HDM-challenged wild-type mice. Mucus production was attenuated in lungs from HDM-treated IL-13Rα2–deficient mice, whereas lung epithelial overexpression of memIL-13Rα2 increased mucus production. Lung epithelial overexpression of memIL-13Rα2 had no effect on levels of the soluble form of IL-13Rα2 in serum or BAL fluid and did not affect IL-13–dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 activation in the lungs. Conclusion These data collectively support a distinct role for memIL-13Rα2 in the lung and suggest that memIL-13Rα2 might contribute to allergic inflammation.
Inhibition of Amyloidogenesis by Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Their Hybrid Nitrates

Poor blood-brain barrier penetration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been blamed for the failure of the selective amyloid lowering agent (SALA) R-flurbiprofen in phase 3 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). NO-donor NSAIDs (NO-NSAIDs) provide an alternative, gastric-sparing approach to NSAID SALAs, which may improve bioavailability. NSAID analogs were studied for anti-inflammatory activity and for SALA activity in N2a neuronal cells transfected with human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Flurbiprofen (1) analogs were obtained with enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic properties compared to 1, however, esterification led to elevated Aβ1–42 levels. Hybrid nitrate prodrugs possessed superior anti-inflammatory activity and reduced toxicity relative to the parent NSAIDs, including clinical candidate, CHF5074. Although hybrid nitrates elevated Aβ1–42 at higher concentration, SALA activity was observed at low concentrations (≤ 1 µM): both Aβ1–42 and the ratio of Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 were lowered. This biphasic SALA activity was attributed to the intact nitrate drug. For several compounds the selective modulation of amyloidogenesis was tested using an immunoprecipitation MALDI-TOF approach. These data support the development of NO-NSAIDs as an alternative approach towards a clinically useful SALA.
Amount of experience and age affect the development of foraging skills of goats browsing blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima)

We studied how age and amount of experience browsing blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) affected the development of foraging skills in goats of different breeds (Alpine, Toggenburg, La Mancha, Spanish and Nubian). Six-month-old goats in 1990 and 18-month-old goats in 1991 were allowed to forage (either 0, 10, 20 or 30 days of experience) on a blackbrush pasture for 4 h day−1. Age affected the development of foraging skills. Young goats consistently maintained a higher number of bites and bite rates than did adult goats. Bite rates increased with more experience browsing on pasture. However, increments were higher in young than in adult goats. Bite rates increased only slightly after 20 days of browsing experience in adult goats, while they were still increasing after 30 days in young goats. Following the acquisition of browsing experience by young and adult goats on pasture, each goat was offered several branches of blackbrush, held erect in a wooden frame, for 5 min day−1 on 2 consecutive days. Performance of goats during these tests resembled that observed on pasture. In general, total number of bites, bite rates and intake of blackbrush during testing were higher for experienced than for inexperienced goats. However, the larger mouth size of adult goats allowed them to take bigger bites and, as a consequence, they had higher intakes than young goats. They also broke twigs of greater diameters. Within ages, goats selected twigs of similar size, but young inexperienced goats selected larger twigs (>1.4 mm) more frequently than did goats with 30 days of experience. Experience also affected prehension mode, i.e. chewing versus breaking twigs. Experienced goats, of either age, relied more heavily than inexperienced goats on breaking rather than chewing. They were also more successful than inexperienced goats at breaking twigs. We conclude that both age and the amount of experience affected the acquisition of foraging skills in goats and that goats forage more efficiently as a result of experience.
A new look at the difference between the GEE and the GLMM when modeling longitudinal count responses

Poisson log-linear regression is a popular model for count responses. We examine two popular extensions of this model – the generalized estimating equations (GEE) and the generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) – to longitudinal data analysis and complement the existing literature on characterizing the relationship between the two dueling paradigms in this setting. Unlike linear regression, the GEE and the GLMM carry significant conceptual and practical implications when applied to modeling count data. Our findings shed additional light on the differences between the two classes of models when used for count data. Our considerations are demonstrated by both real study and simulated data.
Implantable Cardiovascular Sensors and Computers: Interventional Heart Failure Strategies

Despite evidence-based medical and pharmacologic advances the management of heart failure remains challenging, whether in the ambulatory setting where daily weight monitoring has failed, or in the inpatient setting where readmission rates and morbidity remains high. There is an urgent need to develop strategies to reduce hospitalizations and readmission rates for heart failure in general. There may be a shift in the paradigm with respect to the treatment of heart failure, which may usher in an era of invasive heart failure therapies and specialists. Experimental invasive devices and monitors have the potential to be game-changing therapies, and cardiac resynchronization therapy has evolved beyond just resynchronization and has the potential to provide important real-time hemodynamic feedback.
Distribution of agrochemicals in the lower Mississippi River and its tributaries

Abstract The Mississippi River and its tributaries drain extensive agricultural regions of the Mid-Continental United States. Millions of pounds of herbicides are applied annually in these areas to improve crop yields. Many of these compounds are transported into the river from point and nonpoint sources, and eventually are discharged into the Gulf of Mexico. Studies being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey along the lower Mississippi River and its major tributaries, representing a 2000 km river reach, have confirmed that several triazine and acetanilide herbicides and their degradation products are ubiquitous in this riverine system. These compounds include atrazine and its degradation products desethyl and desisopropylatrazine, cyanazine, simazine, metolachlor, and alachlor and its degradation products 2-chloro-2′,6′-diethylacetanilide, 2-hydroxy-2′,6′-diethylacetanilide and 2,6-diethylaniline. Loads of these compounds were determined at 16 different sampling stations. Stream-load calculations provided information concerning (a) conservative or nonconservative behavior of herbicides; (b) point sources or nonpoint sources; (c) validation of sampling techniques; and (d) transport past each sampling station.
Interface Thermal Resistance and Length Effect on Thermal Conductivitiy of SWNT Bundles

Using different calculations and measurement methods, the results for the thermal conductivity in a single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) are compared. Then, the interface thermal resistance effects on the effective thermal conductivity of multiple SWNTs in a hexagonal packing system submerged in oil, air, and water are studied. The results show that as the interface thermal resistance increases, the effective thermal conductivity decreases. Moreover, length, length fraction, and volume fraction effects on the thermal conductivity of the system submerged in a water medium are approximated by including the interface thermal resistances of the nanotube-matrix and nanotube-nanotube. The systems’ length ranged between 500–3000 nm. The created models contain either vertically aligned or non-straight nanotubes. Non-straight nanotubes systems make one or two contact points with other nanotubes. These contact points’ location vary based on the length ratio known as the length fraction. It is found that the effective thermal conductivity of the SWNT bundle has the highest value when they are uniformly aligned and dispersed without contact. As the density and length of the SWNTs increase, the effective thermal conductivity of the bundle system also increases.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Molecular Structure of an Unusual Organoactinide Hydride Complex Determined Solely by Neutron Diffraction

The structure of an unusual organometallic complex, {Th[(CH 3 ) 5 C 5 ] 2 H(µ-H)} 2 · C 6 H 5 CH 3 , has been determined from neutron diffraction data, using only the direct-methods program MULTAN. Besides providing accurate metrical information on the first organometallic actinide hydride complex, these results have general and far-reaching implications concerning the complexity and size of crystal structures that can be elucidated solely on the basis of neutron diffraction data.
ATP-sensitive chemoreceptors: antagonism by other nucleotides and the potential implications of ectonucleotidase activity.

Abstract A measured by extracellular single-cell recording, the responses to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by ATP-sensitive chemoreceptors (ATP cells) on the olfactory organ of the spiny lobster are markedly suppressed by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and to a lesser extent, adenosine, when each is presented in binary mixture with ATP. In the presence of ADP, the dose-response function for ATP exhibits an apparent displacement to the right suggesting that this antagonism may occur via competition at the ATP receptor. Structure-activity relationships reveal that the structural requirements for antagonism by diphosphate analogs of ADP bear little relationship to the requirements for the agonistic activity of corresponding triphosphate analogs. Under Mg 2+ -free conditions, the desensitization of ATP cells tends to be delayed resulting in enhanced responses to ATP. Desensitization does not appear to be related to the generation of the antagonist, ADP, from ATP via ecto-ATPase activity. The results of this study suggest that the responses of ATP cells to the ATP contained in natural stimulus (odor) mixtures can be tempered by the suppressive interactions of other nucleotides in the mixtures. Furthermore, these interactions may be mitigated and/or intensified by the actions of sensillar ectonucleotidases.
THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTROLYTIC MASS TRANSFER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

Abstract A one-dimensional mathematical model of a photoelectrochemical cell is developed which accounts explicitly for the transport, generation, and recombination of electrons and holes in the semiconductor, the coupling among interfacial reactions, and transport of electrolytic species by diffusion, migration, and convection. This model is used to show the degree of coupling expected between processes taking place in the semiconductor and in the electrolyte. The influence of electrolytic mass-transfer was evaluated for an n-type GaAs semiconductor in contact with a 0.80 M K2Se2, 0.10 M K2Se2, 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. Calculated current-potential curves were shown to be relatively unaffected by limitations to electrolytic mass transfer, even at large fractions of the limiting current. The magnitude of charge held within the electrolytic double layer and the space-charge region of the semi-conductor is relatively invariant for currents significantly below the limiting current, but increases as the mass-tra...
Electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate thin films with a ZrO2 buffer layer on an electroless Ni-coated Cu foil

The effect of zirconia (ZrO2) buffer layers on the phase development and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT, 52/48) capacitors on an electroless Ni (P)-coated Cu foil was investigated. It was demonstrated that the buffer layer can be used to engineer the final properties. The incorporation of the ZrO2 buffer layers retained acceptable capacitance densities (>350 nF/cm2 for 50 nm thick ZrO2), while significantly reducing leakage currents and improving reliability (<10−7 A/cm2 after 1 h at 25 VDC for 100 nm thick ZrO2), compared with PZT thin films directly on electroless Ni (P). The results are particularly important for embedded capacitor applications.
Synthesis of the First Thorium-Containing Nitride Perovskite, TaThN3

Abstract TaThN 3 can be prepared from a reaction of Ta 2 Th 2 O 9 and Ca 3 N 2 at 1100-1500°C or from a reaction of Ta 3 N 5 and Th 3 N 4 at 1400°C. This black polycrystalline material crystallizes in the perovskite structure type with a = 4.020(6) A.
Repeat mammography: prevalence estimates and considerations for assessment

Despite recent controversies in mammography efficacy, encouraging women to obtain regular screenings is still an important public health priority. Published articles about repeat or regular screening were reviewed to determine trends in rates of mammography adherence. A search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO from January 1990 to December 2001 identified 45 empirical articles of U.S. samples that reported, or provided sufficient data to calculate, the percentage of women 50 years of age and older who obtained 2 or more consecutive, on-schedule mammograms. Keywords used in the searches included pairing mammography with regular, repeat, adherence, compliance, annual, rescreen, and maintenance. The weighted average repeat mammography percentage across all eventually included studies (N = 37) was 46.1% (confidence interval:39.4%, 52.8%). There was no substantial difference in the average repeat screening percentages comparing studies that collected data from 1995 to 2001 versus 1991 to 1994. Within each of 3 time periods of data collection (pre-1991, 1991–1994, 1995–2001), there was substantial variation in repeat rates. This variation appears to be due to several characteristics of study design and sampling, including the definition/methods of collecting data about the adherence measure, prior mammography status, and use of an upper age limit at recruitment. Consensus is needed regarding the definition of repeat mammography. National surveys must include items to assess repeat mammography in order to have estimates that accurately represent population-level rates. Although this study involved mammography, similar challenges in assessing prevalence rates can occur with other screening behaviors.
Subsets of hairy cell leukemia defined by unique membrane proteins

Abstract Leukemic cell membrane proteins of 27 patients with hairy cell leukemia were evaluated by SDS gel electrophoresis in order to identify subsets of these patients and to define molecules for isolation and the development of diagnostic reagents. [35S]methionine metabolic labeling, gel electrophoresis of isolated membranes and fluorography demonstrated about 100 membrane proteins. Variations in the amount of synthesis of two principal proteins, p35 and p15 (35,000 and 15,000 dalton proteins respectively), defined, in relative terms, three subtypes of hairy cell leukemias: (a) p35+, p15− cells, (b) p35−, p15+ cells, and (c) p35−, p15− cells. At this time, it is not known whether these subsets represent various related disease entities or stages in the progression of one disorder. Although p35 migrated in the gels with one component of the HLA-DR (p23,30) protein complex, immunoprecipitation studies with anti-p23, 30 serum indicated that it probably was not derived from HLA-DR antigen, which was, in fact, synthesized in addition to p35 on all hairy cells which were tested. Cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines established from the peripheral blood of hairy cell leukemia patients were substantially different in membrane protein patterns from the fresh leukemic cells. In particular, p35 and p15 were minimally expressed by cultured cells.
THE FUTURE OF ORGAN REPLACEMENT—NEEDS, POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS AND OBSTACLES TO APPLICATION

The supply of organs available for transplantation is already far smaller than the demand, and the demand may grow substantially in the near future. For this reason, it is timely to consider how organ function might be replaced in the future. In this article, we consider new technologies that might be used to replace organ function, the obstacles to applying new technologies, and how those obstacles might be overcome in the development of new strategies for organ replacement.
Optimization of gain bandwidth and gain ripple of a hybrid Raman/parametric amplifier for access network applications

We describe the mathematical model and present simulation results for the optimization of a hybrid Raman/optical parametric amplifier (HROPA), exhibiting a bandwidth of 170 nm and low ripple that covers the top half of the wavelength plan (e.g., 1441 to 1611 nm) of next generation coarse wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network systems. We show that a critical parameter in the proper amplifier parameter optimization is the inclusion of the fourth-order dispersion coefficient (β4). Omission of β4 can lead to over-estimation or underestimation of the gain bandwidth, and hence its inclusion in the analysis of the HROPA is necessary.
Too little, too late? The home office and the asbestos industry regulations, 1931.

L'amiante a ete utilisee dans de nombreux domaines, mais sa toxicite a l'origine de maladies pulmonaires et de cancers pose aujourd'hui un probleme de sante publique
The semi-regenerative method of simulation output analysis

We develop a class of techniques for analyzing the output of simulations of a semi-regenerative process. Called the semi-regenerative method, the approach is a generalization of the regenerative method, and it can increase efficiency. We consider the estimation of various performance measures, including steady-state means, expected cumulative reward until hitting a set of states, derivatives of steady-state means, and time-average variance constants. We also discuss importance sampling and a bias-reduction technique. In each case, we develop two estimators: one based on a simulation of a single sample path, and the other a type of stratified estimator in which trajectories are generated in an independent and identically distributed manner. We establish a central limit theorem for each estimator so confidence intervals can be constructed.
Unisite Catalysis without Rotation of the γ-ε Domain in Escherichia coliF1-ATPase

Abstract Unisite [γ-32P]ATP hydrolysis was studied in ECF1 from the mutant βE381C after generating a single disulfide bond between β and γ subunits to prevent the rotation of the γ/e domain. The single β-γ cross-link was obtained by removal of the δ subunit from F1 and then treating with CuCl2 as described previously (Aggeler, R., Haughton, M. A., and Capaldi, R. A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 9185–9191). The mutant enzyme, βE381C, had an increased overall rate of unisite hydrolysis of [γ-32P]ATP compared with the wild type ECF1 due to increases in the rate of ATP binding (k +1), Pi release (k +3), and ADP release (k +4). Release of bound substrate ([γ-32P]ATP) was also increased in the βE381C mutant. Cross-linking between Cys-381 and the intrinsic Cys-87 of γ caused a further increase in the rate of unisite catalysis, mainly by additional effects on nucleotide binding in the high affinity catalytic site (k +1 and k +4). In δ-subunit-free ECF1 from wild type or βE381C F1, addition of an excess of ATP accelerated unisite catalysis. After cross-linking, unisite catalysis of βE381C was not enhanced by the cold chase. The covalent linkage of γ to β increased the rate of unisite catalysis to that obtained by cold chase of ATP of the noncross-linked enzyme. It is concluded that the conversion of Glu-381 of β to Cys induces an activated conformation of the high affinity catalytic site with low affinity for substrate and products. This state is stabilized by cross-linking the Cys at β381 to Cys-87 of γ. We infer from the data that rotation of the γ/e rotor in ECF1 is not linked to unisite hydrolysis of ATP at the high affinity catalytic site but to ATP binding to a second or third catalytic site on the enzyme.
Dependence of polyethylene glycol-induced dipsogenesis on intravascular fluid volume depletion.

Abstract Rats injected with polyethylene glycol did not show changes in serum osmolality, Na + , K + , Cl − or extracellular fluid volume when measured 20, 120 or 240 min post injection. Progressive reduction in plasma volume was observed when estimated indirectly from hematocrit or plasma protein values or measured directly with Evans Blue dye. When such hypovolemia was prevented by continuous intravenous infusion, PG-induced drinking was abolished. These results were interpreted as support for the dependence of PG-induced dipsogenesis on intravascular hypovolemia.
Sensory irritation response to inhaled aldehydes after formaldehyde pretreatment

Pretreatment of Fischer-344 (F-344) rats with formaldehyde (HCHO) induces significant cross tolerance to the sensory irritation properties of Cl2. The purpose of this study was to determine if HCHO pretreatment would cause sensory irritation cross tolerance to other inhaled aldehydes. Male F-344 rats, weighing 190 to 210 g, were pretreated with 15 ppm HCHO, 6 hr/day for 9 days, and challenged on the 10th day with a saturated (acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and butyraldehyde), unsaturated (acrolein and crotonaldehyde), or cyclic (cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde, 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, and benzaldehyde) aldehyde. The sensory irritation response in these animals was quantified by measuring respiratory rate depression in a head-only inhalation chamber using plethysmographic techniques. Control animals were challenged identically without prior pretreatment. In naive (nonpretreated) animals, the concentration eliciting a 50% decrease in respiratory rate (RD50) was 23 ppm or less for unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes. For cyclic and saturated aliphatic aldehydes, the RD50 ranged from 600 to 1000 ppm and 3000 to 6800 ppm, respectively. Formaldehyde pretreatment resulted in cross tolerance only with acetaldehyde (RD50 increased 3.5-fold) and acrolein (RD50 increased 5-fold). These results indicate that the development of cross tolerance following HCHO pretreatment is not a general phenomenon. Prediction of acceptable concentrations of occupational exposure for the prevention of sensory irritation in humans has been based primarily on RD50 data for mice. Comparison of the RD50 values obtained for rats in this investigation with previously published results for mice varied by over one-half an order of magnitude, thereby disputing the usefulness of data from F-344 rats in setting threshold limit values for the prevention of sensory irritation.
FGFs, heparan sulfate and FGFRs: complex interactions essential for development

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a large family of developmental and physiological signaling molecules. All FGFs have a high affinity for the glycosaminoglycan heparin and for cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. A large body of biochemical and cellular evidence points to a direct role for heparin/heparan sulfate in the formation of an active FGF/FGF receptor signaling complex. However, until recently there has been no direct demonstration that heparan is required for the biological activity of FGF in a developmental system in vivo. A recent paper by Lin et al.(1) has broken through this barrier to demonstrate that heparan sulfate is essential for FGF function during Drosophila development. The establishment of a role for heparan sulfate in FGFR activation in vivo suggests that tissue-specific differences in the structure of heparan may modulate the activity of FGF. BioEssays 22:108-112, 2000.
Research on resilience to child maltreatment : Empirical considerations

Abstract Objective: To review the current research literature on resilience to maltreatment in childhood and adolescence. Method: First, this paper addresses the methodological issues applicable to this area of research. Second, it reviews the empirical literature on the protective factors believed to contribute to resilience to maltreatment and offers commentary on specific issues raised in each study. Results: The current findings are summarized and an integrated descriptive picture, based on the extant literature of the processes and factors contributing to the development of resilience to childhood maltreatment is outlined. Conclusion: Based on this extensive review and critique of the current empirical literature on resilience to maltreatment, suggestions for future investigations in this area are recommended. Spanish abstract not available at time of publication.
Taking charge of manufacturing: how companies are combining technological and organizational innovations to compete successfully

Examines the managerial, organizational, and technological issues that manufacturing managers must understand to implement new technologies. Provides a sound strategy to help managers automate factories and manufacturing processes, improve design and manufacturing techniques, and increase market performance.
Exhaled nasal nitric oxide output is reduced in humans at night during the sleep period.

Abstract The physiologic function of nasal nitric oxide (NO) release is unknown. In prior experiments, topical NG-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) on nasal mucosa reduced exhaled nasal NO output and caused daytime sleepiness. We hypothesized that nasal NO output is reduced at night during the sleep period. We measured exhaled nasal NO concentration and minute ventilation and calculated nasal NO output in humans over 24 h. Daytime awake NO output was greater than NO output at night during sleep or transient wakefulness. Exhaled NO concentration decreased during sleep along with minute ventilation. A daytime voluntary reduction in minute ventilation also decreased nasal NO output but exhaled NO concentration increased. Nasal NO output was not changed by body position. We conclude that exhaled nasal NO output is decreased at night due to decreased mass flow of NO into nasal air in addition to decreased minute ventilation. Our findings suggest a role of nasal NO in sleep or in the physiologic processes accompanying sleep.
Suppression of the mouse double minute 4 gene causes changes in cell cycle control in a human mesothelial cell line responsive to ultraviolet radiation exposure

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is the most frequently inactivated gene in human cancer identified to date. However, TP53 mutations are rare in human mesotheliomas, as well as in many other types of cancer, suggesting that aberrant TP53 function may be due to alterations in its regulatory pathways. Mouse double minute 4 (MDM4) has been shown to be a key regulator of TP53 activity, both independently as well as in concert with its structural homolog, Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2). The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of MDM4 suppression on TP53 and other proteins involved in cell cycle control before and after ultraviolet (UV) exposure in MeT5a cells, a nonmalignant human mesothelial line. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to investigate the impact of MDM4 on TP53 function and cellular transcription. Suppression of MDM4 was confirmed by Western blot. MDM4 suppressed cells were analyzed for cell cycle changes with and without exposure to UV. Changes in cell growth as well as differences in the regulation of direct transcriptional targets of TP53, CDKN1A (cyclin-dependent kinase 1alpha, p21) and BAX, suggest a shift from cell cycle arrest to apoptosis upon increasing UV exposure. These results demonstrate the importance of MDM4in cell cycle regulation as well as a possible role inthe pathogenesis of mesothelioma-type cancers.
Spatial and temporal variability in carbon dioxide and methane exchange at three coastal marshes along a salinity gradient in a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary

Carbon gas fluxes in tidal marshes vary spatially and temporally because of vegetation cover, subsurface biogeochemical processes, and environmental forcing. The objective of this study was to examine how ecosystem carbon gas exchange changes along an estuarine salinity gradient. We measured carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gas fluxes from three marshes representing a salinity gradient (0–32 ppt) in the Mobile Bay estuary, Alabama, USA. CH4 flux was relatively small with no significant differences across sites despite salinity differences. Interestingly, sediment porewater CH4 concentrations were significantly higher at the high salinity salt marsh and decreased with decreasing salinity. Midday net ecosystem exchange (where a positive rate indicates net carbon assimilated through photosynthesis) was greatest at the most fresh site (4.8 ± 0.3 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1), followed by the saline (2.8 ± 1.0 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1) and brackish (1.4 ± 0.6 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1) sites. However, net ecosystem exchange integrated diurnally revealed each marsh to be a net CO2 source to the atmosphere as a result of high ecosystem respiration with the freshwater marsh emitting more CO2 (−893.4 ± 187.9 g C m−2 year−1) than the brackish (−517.8 ± 85.2 g C m−2 year−1) and salt marsh (−410.2 ± 98.2 g C m−2 year−1). This finding leads to the conclusion that either the marshes are losing carbon or that they receive a subsidy of respirable carbon, possibly via tidal deposition. The extent to which sedimentation from tidal deposition contributes carbon to these ecosystems, however, remains unknown. Without such a subsidy, marshes in the study area will not be able to keep up with sea level rise.
Entropy nets: from decision trees to neural networks

How the mapping of decision trees into a multilayer neural network structure can be exploited for the systematic design of a class of layered neural networks, called entropy nets (which have far fewer connections), is shown. Several important issues such as the automatic tree generation, incorporation of the incremental learning, and the generalization of knowledge acquired during the tree design phase are discussed. A two-step methodology for designing entropy networks is presented. The methodology specifies the number of neurons needed in each layer, along with the desired output, thereby leading to a faster progressive training procedure that allows each layer to be trained separately. Two examples are presented to show the success of neural network design through decision-tree mapping. >
High-sensitivity accelerometer composed of ultra-long vertically aligned barium titanate nanowire arrays

A configuration that shows great promise in sensing applications is vertically aligned piezoelectric nanowire arrays that allow facile interfacing with electrical interconnects. Nano-electromechanical systems developed using piezoelectric nanowires have gained interest primarily for their potential in energy harvesting applications, because they are able to convert several different sources of mechanical energy into useful electrical power. To date, no results have demonstrated the capability to use aligned piezoelectric nanowire arrays as a highly accurate nano-electromechanical system based dynamic sensor with a wide operating bandwidth and unity coherence. Here we report the growth of vertically aligned (~45 μm long) barium titanate nanowire arrays, realized through a two-step hydrothermal synthesis approach, and demonstrate their use as an accurate accelerometer. High sensitivity of up to 50 mV g(-1) is observed from the sensor composed of vertically aligned barium titanate nanowire arrays, thus providing performance comparable to many of the commercial accelerometer systems.
Fattening by deprivation: methyl balance and perinatal cardiomyopathy.

Folate deficiency during pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight, and a low birth weight is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in adulthood. In the study by Moreno Garcia, Gueant-Rodriguez and colleagues reported in the current issue of the Journal of Pathology, the effect of methyl group deprivation in pregnancy on the neonatal myocardium was investigated. By utilizing a diet deficient in folate, vitamin B12 and choline, the authors created a significant deficit of methyl groups in the fetus. During the weaning period and the concomitant shift from the relative hypoxia and glucose dependence of the gestational period to the aerobic, milk-derived high-fat metabolic environment of the weaning phase, the offspring developed a myocardial hypertrophy associated with disordered fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction. The functionality of PGC-1α, a master regulator of metabolic pathways including mitochondrial energetics and fatty acid oxidation, was found to be reduced in the methyl-deprived group, due to an imbalance in the ratio of methylation to acetylation. This study demonstrates that maternal methyl deprivation could ‘prime’ the fetus by reducing its ability to oxidize fatty acids in the myocardium, thereby causing lipid accumulation and myocardial hypertrophy during exposure to high-fat diet in the weaning phase. This study has important implications for clinical perinatal cardiomyopathy and for the effect of maternal methyl group deprivation on the future risk of cardiovascular disease, and also potentially in enhancing the understanding of the elusive link between hyperhomocysteinaemic states in the adult and cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategies for enrolling diverse older women in an osteoporosis trial.

Objectives: This study reviewed a consumer-oriented process for recruiting research volunteers age 65 or older for an osteoporosis clinical trial. Methods: Odds ratios were used to estimate the relative importance of methods to enroll research volunteers from three racial or ethnic groups. Results: Nine hundred and four women were screened; 168 African American, White, and Hispanic women enrolled. Mailings and media were effective when the target population was large and knowledgeable about the disease and treatment being investigated. Efficiency of mailings was increased when individuals in the mailing list were familiar with research and the research center. An interpersonal approach was more effective than a media-based approach when the target population was small, unaware of their personal risk of the disease, and unfamiliar with research and research center. Discussion: Information on the characteristics of potential volunteers and their communities will enable readers to evaluate the applicability ...
Electrical responses evoked from the cerebellar surface by stimulating crus I.

Abstract We explored further the relationships between the cortex of vermis and hemispheres of the cerebellum. Cats were decerebrated under ether, the cerebellar surface exposed, and crus I stimulated unilaterally. Simultaneous bipolar and monopolar recordings were made of the electrical activity in the various parts of vermian lobules V through VIII and contralateral crus I. The largest and most consistent responses appeared in lobule VI and the most posterior folium of lobule V. Potentials of lesser amplitude than these were found in a more anterior position on lobule V and in sublobules VII A and VII B. The smallest responses seen were from lobule VIII, contralateral crus I, and the most anterior part of lobule V. Although there was occasional evidence of antidromic or monosynaptic connections, the great majority of the evoked potentials had latencies which indicated multisynaptic activity. The variation in responsiveness of the different vermal zones strongly resembled the variation found in a previous study with stimulating the vermis while recording from crus I. Under the experimental conditions, the vermis and hemispheres of the cerebellum are definitely interrelated structures.
Cross sections for K − −p interactions

Nine K−+p elastic scattering events and eight K− + p → → ɛ±+π∓ avents have been observed in nuclear emulsion. These events yield Σ(k−+ p→ k−+ p) = 33−9+12mb and Σ(k−+ p → ɛ+− + π−+)= 29−9+12mb averaged over the energy region 0/82 MeV. The data indicate that Σ(k− + p → ɛ+− + π−+)rises as the K− energy decreases.
Corruption, public finances, and the unofficial economy

In this sample of 49 Latin American, OECD, and transition economies, it is the ineffective and discretionary administration of tax and regulatory regimes--not higher tax rates alone--as well as corruption, that increases the size of the unofficial economy. And countries with a larger unofficial economy tend to grow more slowly. Johnson, Kaufmann, and Shleifer (1997) found that, in post-communist economies, the unofficial economy's share of GDP is determined by the extent of control rights held by bureaucrats and politicians. Exploring in detail the role of taxation and bribery, and using data from an expanded data set of 49 Latin American, OECD, and transition economies, Johnson, Kaufmann, and Zoido-Lobaton find that the unofficial economy accounts for a larger share of GDP where there is great bureaucratic inefficiency and discretion, and where firms experience a greater tax and regulatory burden, as well as more bribery and corruption. The unofficial economy is also much larger where there is less state revenue and where the rule of law is weak. They also find that countries with a larger unofficial economy tend to grow more slowly. Thus, this framework suggests an additional channel whereby corruption and ineffective regulatory and tax administration can result in lower growth: the unofficial economy. Wealthy OECD economies and some Eastern European economies find themselves in the "good equilibrium" of relatively low regulatory and tax burden (not necessarily low statutory tax rates), sizable revenue mobilization, good rule of law and control of corruption, and a small unofficial economy. Several countries in Latin America and the former Soviet Union exhibit characteristics consistent with a "bad equilibrium": the discretionary application of heavy regulatory and tax burdens, the weak rule of law, heavy bribery, and an active unofficial economy. In this large country sample (unlike in the earlier framework for transition economies only), the authors find that it is the ineffective and discretionary application of regulatory and tax regimes in many countries--not higher tax rates by itself--that increase the size of the unofficial economy. The tax burden reported by firms appears to be more a function of regulatory and bureaucratic inefficiency and discretion rather than of tax rates alone. This paper - a product of the Governance, Regulation, and Finance Group, World Bank Institute - is part of a larger effort in the institute to improve our understanding of institutional issues and their effects on development and of building a major new database on institutional indicators.
Computational Screening of Phthalate Monoesters for Binding to PPARγ

Phthalate esters are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that interact with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a family of nuclear receptors. Molecular docking and free energy calculations were performed in an effort to identify novel phthalate ligands of PPARγ, a subtype expressed in a wide range of human tissues. The method was validated using several agonists and partial agonists of PPARγ, whose binding orientations were correctly reproduced; however, reduced accuracy in docking was observed with ligands of increasing size and flexibility. Improved results were obtained by introduction of a more accurate scoring function based on the all-atom molecular mechanics potential CHARMM and a generalized Born/surface area solvation term ACE (analytical continuum electrostatics). Comparison of the lowest CHARMM/ACE energy of each phthalate vs the logarithm of the experimentally determined EC50 value for PPARγ trans-activation yielded a good correlation (R2 = 0.82). Thus, we can reliably dist...