cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimum duration of treatment with 6-mercaptopurine for Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: 6-Mercaptopurine (6MP) and azathioprine are immunomodulators used in the treatment of refractory Crohn’s disease. Studies have confirmed their efficacy and value in maintenance of remission, but it is our purpose to determine how long 6MP/azathioprine should be continued once remission has been accomplished. METHODS: Careful follow-up was accomplished in patients with Crohn’s disease seen at one medical center who were treated with 6MP for ≥6 months, who achieved remission within 1 yr of initiation of therapy, and who were in prolonged clinical remission (≥6 months without steroids). The time-to-relapse was calculated in those who continued treatment, in those who stopped treatment for reasons other than a relapse, and in the whole sample, taking into account that they could be treated with the drug, or could not, as a function of time. The influence of concomitant variables on the time-to-relapse rate was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients met the inclusion criteria. The cumulative probabilities of relapse at 1, 2, 3, and 5 yr for those who continued to take 6MP and for those who stopped the therapy for reasons other than a relapse are as follows: Patients maintained on 6MP (n = 84): 1 yr, 29%; 2 yr, 45%; 3 yr, 55%; 5 yr, 61%. Patients who terminated 6MP (n = 36): 1 yr, 36%; 2 yr, 71%; 3 yr, 85%; 5 yr, 85%. Sex, distribution of disease, duration of disease, time to remission on 6MP, and concomitant 5-ASA use did not influence the relapse rates. Younger age was associated with a higher rate of relapse in patients who were maintained on 6MP. A higher daily dose of 6MP was associated with a higher relapse rate. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of 6MP, while Crohn’s disease is in remission, leads to higher relapse rates and continuation of 6MP reduces the likelihood of relapse. Therefore, we favor the indefinite use of 6MP once remission has been achieved.
Direct effect of triiodothyronine on glucose utilization in adipocytes from obese and nonobese Zucker rats.

Abstract 1. 1. The direct effects of l -T 3 (triiodothyronine) on glucose utilization, 2-deoxyglucose uptake and O 2 consumption were evaluated in vitro in isolated adipocytes from 6-week-old obese and nonobese Zucker rats. 2. 2. Adipocytes treated for 30 min with l -T 3 had a 20–25% decrease in glucose conversion to CO 2 fatty acids and glyceride-glycerol and uptake of 2-deoxyglucose. 3. 3. Incubation of adipocytes with either d -T 3 or rT 3 (reverse T 3 ) did not decrease utilization of glucose. 4. 4. T 3 also decreased the insulin-stimulated fatty acid synthesis from glucose in both obese and nonobese adipocytes. 5. 5. Adipocyte O 2 consumption was decreased by T 3 in media that contained glucose but not in media that contained either acetate or no exogenous substrate. 6. 6. These data indicate that T 3 has a direct, immediate and specific action on adipocyte glucose utilization and may act to modulate adipose lipogenesis and lipolysis.
Electroantennogram responses of male Sphinx perelegans hawkmoths to floral and 'green-leaf volatiles'

Electroantennograms (EAGs) from field-collected male Sphinx pereleganshawkmoths were recorded in response to 10 individual floral scent compounds identified from Clarkia breweri (Onagraceae), 21 additional volatiles characteristic of other night-blooming flowers, and eight ‘green leaf’ volatiles. Measurable EAG responses were elicited to all compounds tested, but the most effective antennal stimulants were benzyl acetate, linalool, methyl salicylate and trans-2-hexenal. Mean, pooled EAGs to oxygenated terpenoids, aromatic esters and fatty acid derivatives were larger in magnitude than those in response to aromatic aldehydes/alcohols, monoterpenes and nitrogen-bearing compounds. The rank order of male S. perelegans’ EAGs did not differ significantly from that of previously recorded responses of male Hyles lineata to the same scent compounds, and EAG magnitudes were generally larger for S. perelegans than for H. lineata. Both hawkmoth species are shown to have broad olfactory receptivities and could potentially respond to a wide array of plant volatiles as floral attractants.
Change of chromatographic properties of gas—liquid chromatography columns by addition of organic vapor to the carrier gas

Abstract Advances in the technique of bonding liquid phases to solid supports have made possible columns that are both more thermostable and more resistant to the effect of organic vapor. Since not all liquid phases can be bonded with the same permanence, it was thought of interest to explore the possibility of changing the relative separation factors of columns temporarily by adding volatile organic compounds to the carrier gas. Coupling an ultraviolet absorbance or fluorescence detector to the gas—liquid chromatography column permitted us to study this possibility. Organic liquid was delivered to the gas—liquid chromatography oven inlet either by a 50-ml syringe pump at ca . 0.010 ml/min for addition to the carrier gas as a vapor or by an high-performance liquid chromatography pump at ca . 0.2 ml/min for a complete carrier gas. Mixtures of aromatic acids, hydrocarbons, and alcohols were separated on columns containing Tenax stationary phase coupled to ultraviolet absorbance detectors. Primary alkyl amines and polyamines were separated on the same columns and detected by their fluorescence after post-column reaction with o -phthalaldehyde. Addition of methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile or hexane shortened retention times of polar more than non-polar compounds. The effect was reversible; flushing the column with helium overnight increased the retention times to their original values.
Morphing robotic environment shaped by and shaping kindergarteners, reaching for the stars

Our world is digital, physical, social and technological. Informal learning environments that are likewise digital, physical, social and technological have the potential to afford children with creative, informal learning explorations. Following from Antle's concept of "embodied child-computer interaction" and Vygotsky's "cycle of creative imagination," we demonstrate an intelligent, robotic informal learning environment at room-scale targeted for K-3 visitors to a regional children's museum. Our reconfigurable environment is, in essence, co-adaptive, allowing the physical learning environment and young students to mutually change and develop through iterative interactions.
mTOR Interacts with Raptor to Form a Nutrient-Sensitive Complex that Signals to the Cell Growth Machinery

mTOR/RAFT1/FRAP is the target of the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin and the central component of a nutrient- and hormone-sensitive signaling pathway that regulates cell growth. We report that mTOR forms a stoichiometric complex with raptor, an evolutionarily conserved protein with at least two roles in the mTOR pathway. Raptor has a positive role in nutrient-stimulated signaling to the downstream effector S6K1, maintenance of cell size, and mTOR protein expression. The association of raptor with mTOR also negatively regulates the mTOR kinase activity. Conditions that repress the pathway, such as nutrient deprivation and mitochondrial uncoupling, stabilize the mTOR-raptor association and inhibit mTOR kinase activity. We propose that raptor is a missing component of the mTOR pathway that through its association with mTOR regulates cell size in response to nutrient levels.
Modern Approach to Surgical Intervention of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Operative intervention on the parathyroid and thyroid glands has become more minimally invasive and selective over the past decade. This requires high-quality preoperative imaging evaluation for better knowledge of the relevant anatomical considerations and potential localization. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy has become the operation of choice for most patients presenting with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (when the suspected parathyroid tumor is localized preoperatively). Preoperative imaging helps guide the surgeon as to which patients with thyroid pathology require intervention and the extent of resection. The imaging modalities reviewed include ultrasonography, technetium-99m sestamibi imaging, and four-dimensional computed tomography. Imaging modalities are discussed within the categories of benign and neoplastic parathyroid and thyroid pathology.
Electrical resistivity and antiferromagnetism of chromium-platinum alloys

Abstract Electrical resistivity, ϱ, has been measured as a function of temperature, T, of Cr alloys containing 0.47, 0.93, and 1.63 at.% Pt. The onset of antiferromagnetism causes anomalies in the ϱ vs T curves which increase with increasing Pt concentrations. Using the criterion that at the Neel temperature, TN, dϱ/dT is minimum, it has been determined that the values of TN are (430 ± 10)K, (490 ± 5)K, and (535 ± 5)K for the above-mentioned alloys. The nature of the antiferromagnetic state and the corresponding anomalies in the electrical resistivity in the Cr-Pt system are very similar to those found in Cr-Ir solid solutions.
On the mechanisms and effects of feedback in group psychotherapy

Group psychotherapists commonly see feedback as one of the primary mechanism that furthers the goals of the group. This paper will summarize the research that has been done on the mechanisms leading members to produce feedback, the factors that induce members to accept feedback (for example, feedback valence and timing), and the effects of feedback on outcome and aspects of group process such as group cohesion. The article will address the practical implications of these findings for the interventions of the group psychotherapist. As will be discussed, the emphasis on the importance of feedback in the interpersonal group psychotherapy literature exceeds the programmatic research that has been done on basic questions. This paper will identify major lines of future investigation that could yield findings critical to the delivery of effective group psychotherapy such as the information processing sequences that underlie feedback delivery and reception.
A novel urinary biomarker profile to identify acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill neonates: a pilot study

Background The goal of this study was to assess the value of a urinary biomarker profile comprised of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), to detect acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill neonates.
Lipase-catalyzed synthesis and properties of estolides and their esters

Eight lipases were screened for their ability to synthesize estolides from a mixture that contained lesquerolic (14-hydroxy-11-eicosenoic) acid and octadecenoic acid. With the exception ofAspergillus niger lipase, all 1,3-specific enzymes (fromRhizopus arrhizus andRhizomucor miehei lipases) were unable to synthesize estolides.Candida rugosa andGeotrichum lipases catalyzed estolide formation at >40% yield, with >80% of the estolide formed being monoestolide from one lesquerolic and one octadecenoic acyl group:Pseudomonas sp. lipase synthesized estolides at 62% yield, but the product mixture contained significant amounts of monoestolide with two lesquerolic acyl groups as well as diestolide. ImmobilizedR. miehei lipase was chosen to catalyze the esterification of mono-and polyestolide, derived synthetically from oleic acid, with fatty alcohols or α,ω-diols. Yields were >95% for fatty alcohol reactions and >60% for diol reactions. In addition, the estolide linkage remained intact through the course of the esterification process. Esterification of estolides improved the estolide’s properties—for example, lower viscosity and higher viscosity index—but slightly raised the melting point. Estolides and, particularly, estolide esters may be suitable as lubricants or lubricant additives.
New cloud activity on Uranus in 2004: First detection of a southern feature at 2.2 μm

Abstract On 4 July 2004 UT, we detected one of Uranus' southern hemispheric cloud features at K′ (2.12 μm); this is the first such detection in half a decade of adaptive optics imaging of Uranus at the Keck 10-m telescope. When we observed again on 8 July UT the feature's bright core had faded. By 9 July UT it was not seen at K′ and barely detectable at H. The detection and subsequent disappearance of the feature indicates rapid dynamical processes in the localized vertical aerosol structure.
Approach to quantify the mechanical behavior of the intact embryonic chick heart.

The heart undergoes remarkable changes during embryonic development due to genetic programing and epigenetic influences such as mechanical loads. An important goal is to develop mathematical models that describe and predict the influence of mechanics on cardiac development, yet the data needed to develop such models remain scant. In particular, prior data from embryonic hearts have come from one-dimensional tests, which reveal well the general characteristic behaviors but are not sufficient for quantifying the complex material behavior exhibited by most soft tissues. We developed a computer-controlled system for quantifying in vitro the multiaxial, regionally dependent mechanical response of the intact embryonic chick heart to controlled distension pressures; such tests have not been accomplished heretofore but promise to contribute to our understanding for they better mimic the native loading conditions and geometry. Calibration of the device indicated that distending the hearts using low flow rates avoids significant viscous losses and thereby allows pressure to be measured directly over small ranges (0–2 mmHg) with good resolution (0.01 mmHg). Likewise, an on-line video system allows two-dimensional strains to be measured regionally by tracking the motions of triplets of closely spaced (100 μm) microspheres to reasonable resolution (2.5 μm/pixel). Illustrative data from 18 hearts show the utility of the new system, confirm previous findings with regard to the strong viscoelastic response of the stage 18 embryonic chick heart, and provide guidance for the design of future experiments. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Oral contraceptives and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage A meta-analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage produced by oral contraceptive use. Methods: Studies published since 1960 were identified using MEDLINE, Cumulated Index Medicus, Dissertation Abstracts On-line, and bibliographies of pertinent articles. Two independent reviewers screened published cohort and case-control studies that evaluated the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with oral contraceptives. Eleven of 21 pertinent studies met predefined quality criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Relative risk(RR) estimations evaluating subarachnoid hemorrhage risk in oral contraceptive users compared with nonusers were extracted from each study by two independent reviewers. Study heterogeneity was assessed by design type, outcome measure(mortality versus incidence), exposure measure (current versus ever use), prevailing estrogen dose used, and control for smoking and hypertension. Results: The overall summary RR of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to oral contraceptive use was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.80; p = 0.004). When the two study results failing to control for smoking were excluded from the analysis, a slightly greater effect was seen, with an RR of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.26 to 1.91; p p = 0.0003). High-estrogen oral contraceptives appeared to impart a greater risk than low-dose preparations in studies controlling for smoking, but the difference was not significant (high-dose RR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.56; low-dose RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.92). Conclusions: This meta-analysis of observational studies suggests that oral contraceptive use produces a small increase in the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Effects of ozone and endotoxin coexposure on rat airway epithelium: potentiation of toxicant-induced alterations.

Tropospheric ozone is the major oxidizing component in photochemical smog and is one of the most pervasive problems to human health of the criteria air pollutants for which the National Ambient Air...
Low-frequency restoration.

In magnetic resonance imaging, if the object of interest is known to be spatially bounded within the image field-of-view. then the high-intensity, low spatial frequencies can be determined by postprocessing. This allows the system receiver gain to be increased, thereby decreasing the quantization noise from the analog-to-digital converters. No imaging sequence modifications are required. © 1989 Academic Press. Inc.
Role of the β3-Adrenergic Receptor and/or a Putative β4-Adrenergic Receptor on the Expression of Uncoupling Proteins and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1

Abstract Administration of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonists, especially β3-AR agonists, is well known to increase thermogenesis in rodents and humans. In this work we studied the role of the β3-AR in regulating mRNA expression of genes involved in thermogenesis, i.e., mitochondrial uncoupling proteins UCP2 and UCP3, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1), in mouse skeletal muscle. For this purpose, different β3-AR agonists were administered acutely to both wild type mice and mice whose β3-AR gene has been disrupted (β3-AR KO mice). CL 316243 increased the expression of UCP2, UCP3 and PGC-1 in wild type mice only. By contrast, BRL 37344 and CGP 12177 increased the expression of UCP2 and UCP3 in both wild type and β3-AR KO mice, whereas they increased the expression of PGC-1 in wild type mice only. Finally, acute (3 h) cold exposure increased the expression of UCP2 and UCP3, but not PGC-1, in skeletal muscle of both wild type and β3-AR KO mice. These results show that selective stimulation of the β3-AR affects the expression of UCP2, UCP3 and PGC-1 in skeletal muscle. This effect is probably indirect, as muscle does not seem to express β3-AR. In addition, our data suggest that BRL 37344 and CGP 12177 act, in part, through an as yet unidentified receptor, possibly a β4-AR.
Flavonoid patterns and systematics in Eleusine

Abstract A survey of leaf flavonoids was conducted on Eleusine coracana ssp. coracana and ssp. africana, E. indica, E. multiflora, E. tristachya, E. floccifolia, and E. compressa. Twenty phenolic compounds were detected. Those identified were: orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, saponarin, violanthin, lucenin-1, and tricin. The study revealed a general generic flavonoid pattern except for E. compressa, which occupies an isolated position in Eleusine. Flavonoids of the perennial E. floccifolia and the annuals E. multiflora and E. tristachya are markedly different from those of cultivated E. coracana, suggesting that these species are only distantly related to the crop. The morphologically well defined E. coracana—africana—indica group also forms a unit in respect of flavonoids. Subspecies africana exhibits a higher flavonoid similarity to ssp. coracana (finger millet) than does E. indica. The weedy race of ssp. africana usually combines flavonoids of both the wild and domesticated subspecies. The flavonoid pattern of the dedza race of ssp.africana is identical to that of finger millet, suggesting either a direct origin of the crop from this race, or extensive introgression from the crop into ssp. africana. A lack of qualitative differences in flavonoids between cultivated races of finger millet is indicative of the genetic stability of these compounds. The flavonoid data confirms the domestication of finger millet from ssp. africana.
Elution of Kidney-Bound Antibody by pH-Shift Does Not Discriminate between Antibodies Differing in Functional Affinity for Their Ligand

Antibodies eluted from kidneys by traditional methods of pH shift have been used as reagents in a wide variety of experimental analyses without knowledge of whether their ligand affinity influenced th
Evolution-Based Design of an Injectable Hydrogel

A new class of simple, linear, amphiphilic peptides are developed that have the ability to undergo triggered self-assembly into self-supporting hydrogels. Under non-gelling aqueous conditions, these peptides exist in a random coil conformation and peptide solutions have the viscosity of water. On the addition of a buffered saline solution, the peptides assemble into a β-sheet rich network of fibrils, ultimately leading to hydrogelation. A family of nine peptides is prepared to study the influence of peptide length and amino acid composition on the rate of self-assembly and hydrogel material properties. The amino acid composition is modulated by varying residue hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity on the two opposing faces of the amphiphile. The conformation of peptides in their soluble and gel state is studied by circular dichroism (CD), while the resultant material properties of their gels is investigated using oscillatory sheer rheology. One weight percent gels formed under physiological conditions have storage modulus (G′) values that vary from ≈20 to ≈800 Pa, with sequence length and hydrophobic character playing a dominant roll in defining hydrogel rigidity. Based on the structural and functional data provided by the nine-peptide family members, an optimal sequence, namely LK13, is evolved. LK13 (LKLKLKLKLKLKL-NH2) undergoes triggered self-assembly, affording the most rigid gel of those studied (G′=797 ± 105). It displays shear thin-recovery behavior, allowing its delivery by syringe and is cytocompatibile as assessed with murine C3H10t1/2 mesenchymal stem cells.
“He hath not dealt so with any. nation”: Three Recent Books on Religion, Economy, and Society in Colonial Mexico

The Wages of Conquest: The Mexican Aristocracy in the Context of Western Aristocracies. By HUGO G. NUTINI. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1994. Pp. xviii, 444. Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Origins and Sources of a Mexican National Symbol, 1531–1797. By STAFFORD POOLE. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1995. Pp. 325. The History of Capitalism in Mexico: Its Origins, 1521–1763. By ENRIQUE SEMO. Trans. LIDIA LOZANO. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993. Pp. 231.
Expression and function of NK cell receptors in CD8+ T cells

A wide variety of inhibitory and stimulatory NK cell receptors are expressed by some CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mice and humans. Recent data address the induction of these receptors on activated or memory CD8+ T cells and have led to hypotheses addressing their function in the CD8+ T cell response.
Existence of solutions for third-order boundary value problems on a time scale

Abstract Let T be a closed subset of R with inf T = −∞ and sup T = +∞. For the third-order nonlinear equation, uΔ3 = f(t, u, uΔ, uΔΔ), t ϵ T, where f: T × R3 → R is continous, we assume solutions of initial value problems are unique and extend to T. We consider questions of the uniqueness of solutions implying the existence of solutions for conjugate boundary problems on T.
Polysilicon TFTs for AMLCD applications with gate oxides grown in a low-temperature N2O plasma

It has been reported that single crystal silicon transistors whose gate oxides were grown in N2O or treated to a post oxidation anneal in N2O demonstrated better resiliency under electrical stress. However, normal oxidation in single crystal silicon processing to form gate oxides is incompatible with the low temperature processes required for polysilicon TFTs designed for AMLCDs. In this work, we have used our previously reported process for a double layer gate oxidation, the bottom layer being a grown oxide formed in a low temperature, high density oxygen plasma and the top layer being a deposited oxide, to build the first low temperature polysilicon TFTs with a nitrogen passivated oxide/polysilicon interface. Our devices were constructed with the bottom 10 nm layer of gate oxide being grown in either an N2O or an O2 plasma, followed by a deposition of 100 nm of SiO2 by PECVD. The devices were then subjected to prolonged periods of stress at Vds equals Vgs equals 20 V. While having similar pre-stress device characteristics, the devices made with the oxide grown in the N2O plasma demonstrated a greater degree of stability than those with an oxide grown in an oxide grown in an O2 plasma.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The genetics and epigenetics of autoimmune diseases

Self tolerance loss is fundamental to autoimmunity. While understanding of immune regulation is expanding rapidly, the mechanisms causing loss of tolerance in most autoimmune diseases remain elusive. Autoimmunity is believed to develop when genetically predisposed individuals encounter environmental agents that trigger the disease. Recent advances in the genetic and environmental contributions to autoimmunity suggest that interactions between genetic elements and epigenetic changes caused by environmental agents may be responsible for inducing autoimmune disease. Genetic loci predisposing to autoimmunity are being identified through multi-center consortiums, and the number of validated genes is growing rapidly. Recent reports also indicate that the environment can contribute to autoimmunity by modifying gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. This article will review current understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, using systemic lupus erythematosus as the primary example. Other autoimmune diseases may have a similar foundation.
The initiation of single corrosion sites on iron by focused laser illumination

Abstract An experimental method has been developed for selective depassivation of small regions on an otherwise passive metal surface with the use of a focused laser radiation. A nitrogen pumped dye laser provided a pulsed beam which was focused to a diameter of approximately 5 μm. The method was used to create corrosion sites on iron immersed in a solution of 0.1 M Na 2 B 4 O 7 containing NaCl in the range of 0.01 to 0.03 M. It was found that the corrosion rate was controlled by transport through a covering of corrosion products which precipitated over the site. The corrosion current from single sites increased with the square root of time, and with a proportionality factor that depended upon both the applied potential and chloride ion concentration.
A Simple Method for Culturing Neonatal Biomphalaria glabrata Snails

abstract: A simplified method for the culture of neonatal Biomphalaria glabrata snails on a diet of the cyanobacteria Nostoc sp. has been developed. Previous studies reported using Nostoc sp. grown on a mud-based medium to feed neonatal snails; this medium is difficult to prepare and gives inconsistent growth between laboratories due to variations in the soil used in its preparation. Here, we report the use of Bg-11 medium supplemented with sodium nitrate for the culture of Nostoc sp. as a food source for neonatal B. glabrata snails. Bacteria grown in the medium may be maintained in continuous culture and used exclusively as the nutrient source for neonatal snails. Neonatal snails fed with these bacteria exhibit a growth rate of 1–2 mm per week and may be transferred to standard culture conditions after 2–3 wk. Survival of neonatal snails after 2 wk on the Nostoc sp. diet was 60–80%, while survival after switching to standard culture conditions approached 100%. Analysis of the growth rate and survival of...
Regression evidence of safety-net support in Canada and the U.S., 1893–1992

Abstract Using annual deviations between the stock market and accounting valuations of major banks, this paper constructs synthetic century-long time series for the intangible safety-net capital generated by reporting and supervisory policies in Canada and the U.S. The credibility of the modeling exercise that produces these synthetic time series is supported by evidence that, in each country, all sustained surges in the value of estimated safety-net capital correlate in appropriate ways with regulatory events and crisis pressures. We invite others to test the qualitative usefulness of our framework by applying the method to data from other countries.
Amniotic fluid volume responses to amnio-infusion of amniotic fluid versus lactated Ringer's solution in fetal sheep.

The present study tested the hypothesis that an intra-amniotic infusion of amniotic fluid (AF) would produce a more sustained increase in AF volume than an infusion of lactated Ringer’s solution. Five chronically catheterized, late-gestation fetal sheep were studied over two 5-day periods with AF volume measured daily. After baseline measurements on day 1, 1 L of either warmed, previously frozen AF or warmed lactated Ringer’s solution was infused intra-amniotically over 60 minutes. Two days later, the other fluid was infused. During the second week, fluids were infused in the opposite order. Analysis of variance (AN OVA) was used for statistical testing. Following intra-amniotic infusion (n = 20) of 1007 ± 7 (SE) mL of either AF or Ringer’s solution, intra-amniotic retention of the infused fluid was only moderate after 1 day (37.2% ± 7.9%, P < .001) and was not significantly different from zero after 2 days (16.5% ± 9.5%, P = .1). There were no significant differences in AF volume following infusion of AF versus lactated Ringer’s solution or the order in which they were infused. AF compositional changes were similar except that pH and bicarbonate concentration were reduced as expected immediately after lactated Ringer’s solution with a return to normal values after 1 day. AF lactate increased after lactated Ringer’s solution infusion, declining to baseline values after 2 days. Fetal urine flow rate increased by 75% ± 24% at 1 day postinfusion and there was no difference between infusates. The expansion of AF volume over 2 days following amnio-infusion does not appear to depend on minor compositional differences or the presence of microconstituents such as hormones, cytokines, or growth factors that are normally present in AF.
Determining the primary problem of visual perception: A Gibsonian response to the “correlation” objection

Abstract Fodor & Pylyshyn (1981) criticize J. J. Gibson's ecological account of perception for failing to address what I call the ‘correlation problem’ in visual perception. That is, they charge that Gibson cannot explain how perceivers learn to correlate detectable properties of the light with perceptible properties of the environment. Furthermore, they identify the correlation problem as a crucial issue for any theory of visual perception, what I call a ‘primary problem‘—i.e. a problem which plays a definitive role in establishing the concerns of a particular scientific research program. If they are correct, Gibson's failure to resolve this problem would cast considerable doubt upon his ecological approach to perception. In response, I argue that both Fodor & Pylyshyn's problem itself and their proposed inferential solution embody a significant mistake which needs to be eliminated from our thinking about visual perception. As part of my response, I also suggest a Gibsonian alternative to Fodor & Pylyshy...
Cardiac epinephrine synthesis. Regulation by a glucocorticoid.

BACKGROUNDThe heart can synthesize epinephrine. Homogenates of rat heart, which contain the enzymes phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and nonspecific N-methyltransferase (NMT), methylate norepinephrine to form epinephrine. The cardiac atrium contains primarily PNMT and the cardiac ventricle contains both PNMT and NMT.METHODS AND RESULTSRats were given the glucocorticoid dexamethasone at doses ranging from 0.2 to 20 mg/kg. Twenty-four hours later, cardiac atria, ventricle, skeletal muscle, and adrenal had increases in PNMT activity to as much as 230% of baseline. NMT activity was unchanged. Longer-term treatment with 1 mg/kg dexamethasone daily for 12 days increased cardiac PNMT activity about fivefold and also increased atrial epinephrine levels. Dexamethasone did not alter ventricular epinephrine levels but increased levels of both PNMT and catechol-O-methyltransferase, the major catabolic enzyme for epinephrine. After dexamethasone treatment, greater volumes of anti-PNMT antiserum were neede...
HIGH FLARE ACTIVITY IN THE LATE DECLINING PHASE OF CYCLE 23

In the declining phase of the current solar cycle (23), a large number of major flares were produced. In this cycle, the monthly sunspot number continuously remained below 100 since October 2002. However, during four epochs since then, flare activity became very high. Compared to this, each of cycles 21 and 22 produced only one epoch of high activity in the declining phase. In the declining phase of cycle 20, similarly to this cycle, there were four epochs of high flare activity. During 2003 and 2004, the distribution of flare sizes measured in GOES classes was much harder (i.e., proportionately more energetic flares) than during the maximum years. Such pronounced hardening of the size distribution was not observed in the previous cycles. It is of theoretical interest to understand why some cycles are very active in the declining phase, and the high level of activity in the declining phase has practical implications for planning solar observations and forecasting space weather.
Multitype multiprogramming models

We have presented models for multitype job traffic in a simple cyclic queueing model of a multiprogramming computer system (termed MM models), and have shown how such models may yield numerical results by use of a variation of the Gauss-Seidel iteration algorithm. Lastly, we have indicated the manner in which a simple Gordon and Newell Markov model be fitted to MM data, and have shown that satisfactory predictions of some system characteristics may be obtained thereby.
Progressive genomic instability in the Nup98-HoxD13 model of MDS correlates with loss of the PIG-A gene product

The Nup98-HoxD13 (NHD13) fusion gene was identified in a patient with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). When transgenically expressed in hematopoietic cells, mice faithfully recapitulate human disease with serial progression from peripheral blood (PB) cytopenias and increased bone marrow (BM) blasts to acute leukemia. It is well accepted that genomic instability in dysplastic hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) drives the evolution of MDS to acute leukemia. Findings here demonstrate that reticulocytes, myeloid and lymphoid PB cells of NHD13 mice, display an increase in the age-associated loss of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked surface proteins versus wild type controls. These data correlate with a progressive increase in the DNA damage response as measured by γ-H2AX activity, accumulating BM blasts as the disease progresses and finally development of acute leukemia. These findings clearly demonstrate a state of progressive genomic instability that increases the likelihood of a “second hit” or complimentary mutation later in the disease to trigger development of acute leukemia and underscores the mechanistic nature of how the NUP98-HoxD13 transgene induces progression of MDS to acute leukemia. Additionally, these data support the use of the PIG-A assay as an efficient, real-time surrogate marker of the genomic instability that occurs in the MDS HSPCs. Key Point The PIG-A assay is a sensitive, nonlethal method for the serial assessment of genomic instability in mouse models of MDS.
On the equivalence of an Egd to a set of Fd's

The question “Is a given join dependency equivalent to some set of multivalued dependencies?” led to the development of acyclicity theory [1]. The central question of this paper is: “Is a given equality-generating dependency equivalent to a set of functional dependencies?” An algorithm is presented that answers that question in polynomial time without using the chase process and, in the case of a “yes” answer, can be used to find (a cover of) the set of functional dependencies involved. This question is also related to the similar question about join dependencies and multivalued dependencies by proving a result about the hypergraph representation of an egd. It is interesting to note that a minimal representation of an egd must be b-acyclic for the egd to be equivalent to a set of fd's, in contrast to the jd/mvd case, in which only a-acyclicity is needed. The b-acyclicity of an egd not necessarily minimal is always sufficient for the egd to be equivalent to a set of fd's as shown. Finally, the algorithm is extended for a single egd to answer the question whether a set of egd's with the same right-hand-side column is equivalent to a set of fd's.
The confirmation of superconductivity in the BiSrCaCuO system

Abstract By exploring more than 30 compositions in a quaternary oxide system BiSrCaCuO, we have (1) confirmed the existance of superconductivity up to 114K and (2) located the composition range for the superconducting phase. Several compositions in the proximity of the BiSrCaCu compositions 6:5:3:6 and 2:2:1:2 revealed identical diffraction patterns, indicating a broad homogeneity range for the superconducting phase. The equilibrium phase exhibits a TC ∼ 86K. Depending upon the heat treatment conditions, multiple superconducting transitions at temperatures above and below 86K have been observed.
On Continuous AI and Meta‐knowledge

Points out how the philosophy of cybernetics may be helpful for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). Starts with the notion of continuous AI and discusses its relationship with meta‐knowledge (namely, knowledge about knowledge). The conjecture is that meta‐knowledge can capture a kind of continuity. Also summarizes the use of meta‐knowledge in knowledge‐based systems.
A technique for studying the 3-dimensional shape of corrosion pits

Abstract A technique has been developed for studying the 3-dimensional shapes of corrosion pits. The technique involved the preparation of epoxy replicas of pits and has been demonstrated in preliminary studies of pitting corrosion in a 2024-T3 aluminum alloys. The replicas are shown to be faithful reproductions of the corroded surface, reflecting all of the key features of small and large corrosion pits. They provide a 3-dimensional perspective that is heretofore missing from surface observations and serial sectioning techniques, and can aid in the quantitative assessments of the kinetics and the mechanistic understanding of pitting corrosion. Measurement techniques are being developed to capture the key geometric information from the replicas. Further studies of the mechanism and kinetics of pitting corrosion in the high-strength aluminum alloys using these techniques are in progress, and will be reported.
Determinations of radiogenic Sr87 and Rb87 of an interlaboratory series of lepidolites

Abstract Ratios radiogenic Sr87/Rb87 have been determined for five lepidolites ranging in age from 100 to 2700 m.y. The data agree with those obtained several years ago in this laboratory and demonstrate the reproducibility of the method of isotope dilution and the applicability of the Rb87 decay to mineral age measurements on lepidolites over the whole extent of geologic time
Threshold helium concentration required to initiate cracking during welding of irradiated stainless steel

Abstract Results of this study show that severe HAZ cracking occurs in type 316 stainless steel containing 1.5, 5.2 and 10 appm He. Macrocracks, visible to the naked eye, were found to occur in 3 to 66% of total weld length. Fusion zone cracking was also observed in steels with He concentrations as low as 2.5 appm. No cracking was found in either the fusion zone or HAZ in the welds with 0.7 appm helium. Studies were also conducted to develop repair welding techniques which minimize the effects of helium-induced cracking in the heat-affected zone. The most promising of these repair welding techniques uses the application of a compressive stress during welding to overcome heat-affected zone cracking. The application of a compressive stress during welding was found to suppress the previously observed catastrophic cracking. The results of this work suggest the stress modified welding techniques may be used to suppress and control helium-induced cracking during repair welding of irradiated materials.
Lipid peroxidation: A possible mechanism of cephaloridine-induced nephrotoxicity

Cephaloridine produces renal cortical injury, but the precise mechanism responsible for this nephrotoxicity remains unclear. Recently cephaloridine has been shown to deplete reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration selectively in renal cortex. Cephaloridine nephrotoxicity can be potentiated by diethyl maleate (a GSH depletor), but no glutathione conjugate can be detected. Thus, it was of interest to investigate further the mechanism of depletion of renal cortical GSH by cephaloridine. In the present study, cephaloridine markedly decreased GSH in rat and rabbit renal cortex while concomitantly increasing oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Furthermore, cephaloridine increased lipid peroxidation specifically in renal cortical cells. Conjugated diene formation (an index of lipid peroxidation) was increased in renal cortex but not in the liver shortly following administration of cephaloridine. Removal of selenium and/or vitamin E from the diet, which should enhance lipid peroxidation, potentiated cephaloridine nephrotoxicity and enhanced cephaloridine-induced morphological damage in the kidney. These findings are consistent with a major role of lipid peroxidation in the etiology of cephaloridine nephrotoxicity.
Expression of cFos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cortex and hippocampus of ethanol-withdrawn male and female rats

Objective: To map areas of brain activation (cFos) alongside changes in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to provide insights into neuronal mechanisms contributing to previously observed sex differences in behavioral measures of ethanol withdrawal (EW). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of cFos and BDNF levels using protein-specific antibodies and visualization with nickel-enhanced DAB staining in 3 cortical and 4 hippocampal regions was used to assess EW-induced expression of these proteins. Results: EW male and female rats showed significantly higher levels of cFos expression compared to controls in the hippocampal regions whereas EW OVX rats showed higher levels compared to controls only at 1 day EW in the dentate gyrus. Males expressed higher basal levels of cFos in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus and in the motor cortex than either intact or OVX female rats. BDNF immunoreactivity was also significantly higher in EW rats compared to that in controls, varying with sex and brain region at 1 and 3 days EW. Conclusions: Sex-and brain region-specific changes in expression of cFos and BDNF occurring during 1 and 3-day EW, suggest that differential activation and expression of neurotrophins may influence the observed sex differences and support the suggestion that EW is a chronic stressor, eliciting sequential neuronal activation and neurotrophin regulation.
Multiple Signaling Pathways in Flow-Mediated Endothelial Mechanotransduction: PYK-ing the Right Location

The endothelial monolayer is a signal transduction interface for blood-borne mechanical as well as chemical stimuli. The structural deformation arising from a mechanical stimulus, such as a change of hemodynamic shear stress, is conceptually different from the binding of a hormone or other agonist to its specific receptor, yet both elicit important endothelial signaling responses. Mechanical and chemical signaling appear to use common as well as unique pathways downstream of the initial stimulus. For example, signaling pathways arising from membrane deformation and hormone-receptor coupling may appear to converge through activation of phospholipases1 or nuclear factor κB transcription factor complex2 but later diverge at the level of DNA binding3 (Figure 1). However, simple interpretations of mechanotransduction are confounded by intracellular and pericellular force transfer, principally by the cytoskeleton,4,5⇓ that results in the generation of transduction pathways at multiple sites throughout the cell, ie, decentralized mechanotransduction.6,7⇓ Thus, although flow-induced shear stress acts at the luminal surface of the endothelial monolayer, the forces are transmitted to cell junctions, nuclear structures, basal adhesion sites, and organelles that are structurally interconnected. This spatial organization of intracellular signaling may result in the stimulation of multiple parallel, convergent, and/or divergent mechanotransduction pathways. The mechanism of transduction of a purely mechanical signal to second messenger pathways such as IP3-driven intracellular calcium mobilization8 or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activation9 is unknown. Major efforts are therefore underway to understand endothelial mechanotransduction in terms of the initial stimulus, the generation of …
Variability in Common Dimensions of Managerial Values due to Value Orientation and Country Differences.

This study identifies twelve common dimensions of values of managers in five countries, describes the content of the value dimensions identified, and locates the differences in these value dimensions due to value orientation and country effects and their interaction. Value orientation and country differences account for a substantial portion of the variance in six of the dimensions. The results extend studies of managers' values to underlying dimensions and provide directions for future research on the correlates of value dimensions.
Sonography of wrist ganglion cysts: variable and noncystic appearances.

OBJECTIVE In our clinical practice, we have noted wrist ganglion cysts that do not fulfill the criteria for simple cysts. This study retrospectively evaluated the sonographic features of wrist ganglia. METHODS After Institutional Review Board approval, medical records from 1993 through 2003 were searched using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and key words, and sonography log books from 2000 through 2004 were reviewed, which identified 20 wrist ganglion cysts in 16 patients that were proven at surgery or aspiration. A retrospective review of sonographic images was carried out by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists by consensus. Images were evaluated for cyst location, volume, largest dimension, joint or tendon extension, echogenicity, septations, internal echogenicity, posterior acoustic enhancement, margins, lobularity, and vascularity. RESULTS Of the 20 wrist ganglia, 15 were volar (10 between the flexor carpi radialis and the radial artery), and 5 were dorsal (2 over the scapholunate ligament). The mean volume was 2081 mm3 (range, 90-15,000 mm3), and the mean largest dimension was 17.3 mm (range, 7-30 mm). Seven volar ganglia showed joint communication. Ten ganglia were anechoic; 7 were hypoechoic; and 3 had anechoic and hypoechoic areas. Eight had septations; 8 had internal echogenic areas; 15 had posterior acoustic enhancement; 13 had well-defined margins; 12 were lobular; and none were vascular. Cysts that were anechoic (P < .0001) or with posterior acoustic enhancement (P = .04) were significantly larger than those that were hypoechoic or without posterior acoustic enhancement. CONCLUSIONS Small wrist ganglion cysts (< or = 10 mm in the mean largest dimension) often appear hypoechoic without posterior acoustic enhancement and do not fulfill the criteria for a simple cyst.
Theoretical analysis of overmoded dielectric photonic band gap structures for accelerator applications

An overmoded accelerator structure is proposed based on a dielectric photonic-band-gap (PBG) disk-loaded structure. The structure consists of dielectric rods and metal disks with irises. It is advantageous for application in high frequency (17 GHz and higher) linacs because of the large dimensions of the structure. The operating mode is a higher-order TM/sub 02/ mode. One unique feature is that the fundamental TM/sub 01/ mode is not supported by the structure. Along with that, the dipole mode TM/sub 11/ is strongly suppressed. The dielectric PBG structure can also be attractive for application in a dielectric wakefield accelerator.