cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laser and infrared techniques for measurement of the resting focus of accommodation: mean differences and long-term variability.

The resting focus of accommodation was measured in the same subjects with both a laser optometer and a high-speed infrared optometer. Although i.r. optometer and laser optometer measures produce similar estimates of the mean resting-focus level in some subjects, others were found to have different levels of resting focus with the two techniques. Control studies demonstrated that these differences were not due to the temporal sampling characteristics of the laser optometer, but resulted instead from making judgments about the direction of speckle motion during the laser optometer procedure. The temporal stability of the resting focus of accommodation was also investigated with i.r. measures obtained several minutes, 1 day, and 1 and 2 weeks apart. Results indicated long-term variability similar to that previously reported with the laser optometer.
The vocal load of Reform Jewish cantors in the USA.

Summary Objective Jewish cantors comprise a subset of vocal professionals that is not well understood by vocal health professionals. This study aimed to document the vocal demands, vocal training, reported incidence of voice problems, and treatment-seeking behavior of Reform Jewish cantors. Methods The study used a prospective observational design to anonymously query Reform Jewish cantors using a 35-item multiple-choice survey distributed online. Demographic information, medical history, vocal music training, cantorial duties, history of voice problems, and treatment-seeking behavior were addressed. Results Results indicated that many of the commonly associated risk factors for developing voice disorders were present in this population, including high vocal demands, reduced vocal downtime, allergies, and acid reflux. Greater than 65% of the respondents reported having had a voice problem that interfered with their ability to perform their duties at some time during their careers. Conclusion Reform Jewish cantors are a population of occupational voice users who may be currently unidentified and underserved by vocal health professionals. The results of the survey suggest that Reform Jewish cantors are occupational voice users and are at high risk for developing voice disorders.
Stability and potential inheritance of infanticidal behavior in prairie voles.

Naive female prairie voles show significant variability in their behavioral response to newborns. We investigated whether that behavioral response (a) was related to the quality of postpartum maternal behavior; (b) was affected by postpartum maternal experience; and (c) could be selectively bred. The behavior of females was recorded in three conditions: as naive in a nonreproductive context, as single lactating (no male present), and as experienced mother in a nonreproductive context. Finally, females and males with similar behavioral response to newborns were selectively bred for three generation. Males were removed before the offspring was born. Our results revealed that (a) naive females that attacked pups, spent more time distant from them after parturition than those that were maternal or ignored the pups (p < .05); (b) postpartum maternal experience did not reverse infanticidal behavior; and (c) at the third generation of selective breeding, 90% of the offspring of females that were nonmaternal as virgins, behaved as their mothers. These findings suggest that the infanticidal behavioral response is a stable behavioral trait and might be passed to the offspring.
Conventional and rush immunotherapy in canine atopic dermatitis

The purposes of this double-blinded, randomized study were to determine the success rate of rush immunotherapy in canine atopic dermatitis and compare it to conventional immunotherapy, and to assess if rush immunotherapy leads to a quicker reduction in clinical signs than conventional immunotherapy. Twenty-two atopic dogs diagnosed by history, physical examination and appropriate exclusion of differential diagnoses were included in the study. Offending allergens were identified with an intradermal test. All dogs were premedicated for 3 days with an antihistamine, and then hospitalized for 1 day. Injections with prepared treatment sets were administered every 30 min subcutaneously for 7 h; dogs were then discharged and continued on immunotherapy for 1 year. All dogs were evaluated monthly by their owners for 12 months, and by clinicians prior to therapy and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of therapy using a standardized scoring system to measure pruritus, lesions present and any concurrent medications given. Eleven dogs were treated with rush immunotherapy, and 11 dogs with conventional immunotherapy. Significant differences in mean pruritus, medication, lesion and total scores between groups were determined by use of a repeated-measures ANOVA. Mean pruritus scores decreased from 13.5 to 6.7 (P = 0.0333) and from 13.9 to 10.3, medication scores from 23.6 to 10.6 (P = 0.0001) and from 14.1 to 13.6, lesion scores from 5.9 to 1.6 (P = 0.0001) and from 3.0 to 1.9, and total scores from 42 to 18.1 (P = 0.001) and from 30.6 to 21.5 in the rush immunotherapy group and in the conventional immunotherapy group, respectively. Using a Tukey–Kramer Multiple Comparison test, differences between the total scores at the beginning of the study and at the various time points reached significance after 3 months. An improvement of >50% in pruritus was noted in six of 11 dogs in the rush immunotherapy group and in five of 11 dogs in the conventional immunotherapy group; similar improvements in lesion scores and total scores were observed in dogs treated with rush immunotherapy (seven of 11 and five of 11 dogs, respectively) and in dogs treated with conventional immunotherapy (seven of 11 and four of 11 dogs, respectively). Based on these results, rush immunotherapy seems to be associated with a higher success rate than conventional immunotherapy, and improvement is typically seen within the first 6 months of therapy. Funding: Morris Animal Foundation.
Simultaneous prime specializations of polynomials over finite fields

Recently the author proposed a uniform analogue of the Bateman-Horn conjectures for polynomials with coefficients from a finite field (that is, for polynomials in F q [T] rather than Z[T]). Here we use an explicit form of the Chebotarev density theorem over function fields to prove this conjecture in particular ranges of the parameters. We give some applications including the solution of a problem posed by Hall.
Quadrupled semitendinosus-gracilis autograft fixation in the femoral tunnel: a comparison between a metal and a bioabsorbable interference screw

Abstract Although semitendinosus-gracilis (SG) grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have many potential benefits, effective fixation remains a challenge. This study assessed differences between the maximum pullout forces needed to detach a quadrupled SG graft from a femoral tunnel when secured by either a metal or a bioabsorbable interference screw. Sixteen paired fresh frozen quadrupled SG autografts (x, 8.4 mm; range, 7-10 mm) from 8 donors were anchored into cadaveric femoral tunnels by either a 7-mm metal or a 7-mm bioabsorbable screw after bone mineral density (BMD) assessment and before undergoing a longitudinal 20 mm/min traction force. Statistical analysis compared BMD (gm/cm2), insertional torque (N-m), and maximum load at pullout (N) between screw types. Insertional torques (.28-1.21, N-m range) did not correlate ( P >.05) to BMD or maximum load at pullout (x ± S.D.) 242 ± 90.7 N (metal screw) and 341.1 ± 162.9 N (bioabsorbable screw). Differences did not exist between the maximum load at pullout for bioabsorbable or metal screw fixation ( P = .16). Careful graft preparation, sizing, and matched tunnel placement enables interference fit and fixation capable of reliably withstanding the low- level rehabilitation loads to which the graft is exposed until bony ingrowth occurs. Arthroscopy 1998 Apr;14(3):241-5
Agricultural University Institution Building in Brazil: Successes, Problems, and Lessons for Other Countries

Brazil has been very successful in developing institutions of higher education for its agricultural sciences. Undergraduate and graduate programs have proliferated since the sixties. Financial and other types of support came from many national and international sources.' By most measures of performance, these Brazilian institutions have performed very well. However, in the late 1980s university real salaries eroded and the universities experienced difficulties in paying the recurrent costs of the infrastructure developed during the period of USAID financial support (196378). This paper examines the successes of these programs, especially with regard to training of faculty and the development of graduate programs. The Brazilian model of agricultural research is differentiated from the land grant model, and the need for a new applied agricultural research model for Brazil is projected. Then the relevance of this experience for developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is onsidered. Finally, some concluding observations are made.
When studying schooling is not enough: Incorporating employment in models of educational transitions

Abstract Several recent studies have demonstrated the importance of incorporating qualitative differentiation within educational systems in the study of class inequality in student transitions. We extend these endeavors by broadening the definition of differentiation to include participation in the labor market. As increasing proportions of students continue their educational journeys beyond compulsory schooling, they are considering not only whether to stay in school but also whether to simultaneously enter the world of work. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth of 1997 (NLSY97), we show that family background influences not only whether students make specific educational transitions but also whether they combine those educational transitions with work. Student trajectories are also path dependent, with employment during one educational transition being related to specific transition patterns at a later point in time. Considering how students combine school and work reveals another dimension of differentiation which can be exploited by socioeconomically advantaged families to “effectively maintain” inequality in educational outcomes.
Genes of succinyl-CoA ligase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Succinyl-CoA ligase (succinyl-CoA synthetase) catalyzes the nucleotide-dependent conversion of succinyl-CoA to succinate. This enzyme functions in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and is also involved in ketone-body breakdown in animals. The enzyme is composed of alpha and beta subunits that are required for catalytic activity. Two genes, LSC1 (YOR142W) and LSC2 (YGR244C), with high similarity to succinyl-CoA ligase subunits from other species were isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The expression of these genes was repressed by growth on glucose and was induced threefold to sixfold during growth on nonfermentable carbon sources. The LSC genes were deleted singly and in combination. Unlike other yeast strains with defects in TCA cycle genes, strains lacking either or both LSC genes were able to grow with acetate as a carbon source. However, growth on glycerol or pyruvate was impaired. An antiserum against both subunits of the Escherichia coli enzyme was capable of recognizing the yeast succinyl-CoA ligase alpha subunit, and this band was absent in delta lsc1 deletion strains. Succinyl-CoA ligase activity was absent in mitochondria isolated from strains deleted for one or both LSC genes, but activity was restored by the presence of the appropriate LSC gene on a plasmid. The yeast succinyl-CoA ligase was shown to utilize ATP but not GTP for succinyl-CoA synthesis.
The long-term effects of repetitive mild head injuries in sports.

: At least 300 000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States annually. With millions of American athletes, the long-term effects of repeated concussion or mild traumatic brain injury are an important topic. Unfortunately, there is a lack of strong data on the causality or prevalence of long-term effects among athletes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy, with associated clinical, behavioral, and neuropathological findings, is an important clinical entity in need of further study. Diffusion tensor imaging can elucidate trauma-induced white matter damage, but the diagnosis of CTE cannot be proven until postmortem neuropathology shows characteristic neurofibrillary and astrocytic tangles. Concern exists that athletes subject to repeated concussive and even subconcussive blows may be at risk of CTE, but no definitive data exist due to the difficulty in diagnosis. Animal models suggest that mild traumatic brain injuries lead to primarily a metabolic derangement with increased excitotoxic neurotransmitter release, extracellular potassium, and intracellular calcium. Further understanding of the underlying pathophysiology may eventually lead to better therapeutic and diagnostic options for the treating clinician. ABBREVIATIONS:: AAN, American Academy of NeurologyAPOE, apolipoprotein ECSTE, Center for the Study of Traumatic EncephalopathyCTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathyTBI, traumatic brain injury. Language: en
The Pivotal Role of the Lymphovascular System in Cancer Metastasis: future perspectives.

Nodal status is the most important predictor in patients with solid cancer. In general, sentinel lymph node is the gateway to regional nodal metastasis and beyond. Biomarkers and gene profiles are being developed to stage and subgroup cancer patients more accurately for more effective personalized therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:639–641. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
U.S. Cybercrime Law: Defining Offenses

In recent years, a new term has arisen—“cybercrime”—which essentially denotes the use of computer technology to commit or to facilitate the commission of unlawful acts, or “crimes.” This article explains why we treat cybercrime as a special class of “crime” and why we need special statutes to define cybercrime offenses. It explains the relationship between state and federal law, notes the various types of cybercrimes and surveys the offenses that are created by state and federal law in the United States.
Customer profile of the “carryout” segment for restaurants

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to identify the customer profile for the “carryout” segment at all types of restaurants.Design/methodology/approach – Customers at two casual dining restaurants in the suburbs of a second‐tier city in Western Massachusetts were surveyed regarding their dining out habits, including carryout service.Findings – The carryout segment tends to be married with children, below the age of 55, and has slightly higher incomes than dine‐out only customers.Research limitations/implications – This study was exploratory and similar studies need to be performed covering more geographic locations at various times throughout the year. In addition, a probability sampling technique could be used with a good sampling frame.Practical implications – Casual dining restaurants need to determine whether they want to target the “carryout” segment. If so, the restaurant needs to focus more of its marketing efforts on reaching these customers and creating demand for the carryout product. Also, th...
Vascular resistance in the carotid artery: an in vitro investigation of embolic protection filters.

Purpose To assess in vitro performance of four embolic protection filters (EPFs) with a varying mass of injected particles. Evaluation is based on capture efficiency, pressure gradient, flow rate, and vascular resistance. Materials and Methods A bench-top flow apparatus was used for in vitro testing of four devices (Spider RX, FilterWire EZ, RX Accunet, and Emboshield). A silicone phantom with average human carotid artery dimensions and a 70% symmetric internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis was used to model the carotid bifurcation. A blood-mimicking solution (glycerol/deionized water) was circulated at the time-averaged mean peak velocity for the common carotid artery. Five and 10 mg of 200- or 300-μm-diameter microspheres were injected into the ICA to evaluate the capture efficiency of the devices. The normalized pressure gradient, flow rate, and vascular resistance in the ICA were calculated from measured values of pressure and flow rate. Results The Spider RX captured the most particles (99.9% for 5 mg, 98.4% for 10 mg) and was associated with the slightest increase in pressure gradient (+8%, +15%) for both masses of microspheres injected. The Spider RX and FilterWire EZ were associated with the slightest decreases in flow rate (Spider RX, −1.9% and −12.1%; FilterWire EZ, −3.5% and −8.2%) and the slightest increases in vascular resistance (Spider RX, +10.1% and +33.0%; FilterWire EZ, +20.5% and +32.7%). The device-specific porosity was calculated, and the Spider RX was found to have the greatest at 50.4%; the Emboshield had the lowest at 2.2%. Conclusions The Spider RX and FilterWire EZ had the best overall performances. Design features such as porosity and pore density are important parameters for improving the effectiveness of EPFs. Vascular resistance in the ICA is a flow-derived variable indicative of device performance and affected by the filter design features.
Drugs on cortical d.c. potentials and behavior of rats with septal area lesions

Abstract Cortical d.c. potentials were recorded from unrestrained control and septal-lesioned rats. Shifts of the steady potential related to spontaneous behavior and shifts evoked by sensory stimuli were observed. In addition, oscillations of the potential which were not correlated with behavioral activity were seen when the rat was undisturbed. During early recording sessions, septal rats showed lower voltage of the spontaneous EEG and fewer d.c. oscillations than controls. This difference disappeared as the animals adapted to the environment. Amphetamine in behaviorally stimulating doses blocked or reversed polarity of evoked shifts in all rats, while oscillations were almost completely absent. Chlorpromazine caused more behavioral depression in septal rats along with a greater blockade of evoked d.c. shifts. Atropine reversed evoked shifts in septal rats while inducing marked hyper-irritability. Pheniprazine, however, blocked evoked shifts equally in both groups but induced hyper-irritability only in septals. Drug-induced blood pressure changes in anesthetized rats were accompanied by inconsistent d.c. shifts. It is concluded that drug effects on d.c. potentials in conscious rats are, in general, correlated with the behavioral effects.
Testing the Selectivity Hypothesis in cause-related marketing among Generation Y: [When] Does gender matter for short- and long-term persuasion?

Cause-related marketing (CRM) can enhance corporate image and increase sales, but effects may vary depending on the audience. Findings from a national survey, Study 1, reveal that Generation Y women are more likely than Generation Y men to support CRM. Our research further demonstrates unique findings with respect to message processing and response to a CRM campaign. In an experimental setting, Study 2 shows different gendered responses to a CRM campaign over time. Results show that men's purchase intentions decrease after message exposure, but increase after a two-week delay; the opposite was true for women. In line with the Selectivity Hypothesis theory, only women integrated multiple cues into the formation of purchase intentions. Theoretical and managerial aspects of gender for CRM are discussed.
Group, One-on-One, or Internet? Preferences for Mindfulness Meditation Delivery Format and their Predictors

Objectives: Group mindfulness meditation interventions have improved symptoms in many health conditions. However, many people are unwilling to receive group treatment, so alternative delivery methods such as individual and internet may be a useful option. The study objective was to examine mindfulness meditation intervention delivery format preferences and their relationship to potential predictors. Design: An online survey was conducted of adult English speakers. Data was collected on interest and preference for internet, individual, or group formats of a mindfulness meditation intervention. Age, gender, personality, and posttraumatic stress disorder score and status and depression status were also collected. Results and Conclusion: 500 eligible participants completed the survey (mean age 39±15; range 18-70; 68% female). Participants were more interested in the Internet (n=356) and individual formats (n=384) than the group format (n=245). Fifty-five participants (11%) said they would refuse a group format. Internet was the first choice format for most participants (Internet 212 (43%), Individual 187 (38%), Group 97 (20%) and group was the last choice for most participants (Internet 140 (29%), Individual 70 (14%), Group 279 (57%)). Age, extraversion and emotional stability were significant in predicting first choice format. These results support the need for more research and implementation of alternative mindfulness meditation intervention delivery formats. Future research will incorporate additional predictors and include a broader range of participants.
The 2-length of groups whose Sylow 2-groups are of exponent 4

The p-length of a group was first investigated by Hall and Higman in [2]. They obtained best-possible bounds for 2, in terms of eD for the case in which p is odd. For p = 2, however, the best-possible result is not known. In [I] it is proved that if G is a finite solvable group, then l,(G) < max (0,2e,(G) 1). It was conjectured there that for the case e,(G) = 2, the stronger result I,(G) < 2 is true. It is the purpose of this note to prove this conjecture. A corollary is that l,(G) < max (e,(G), 2,(G) 2). It is still an open question as to whether this can be improved to 1,(G) < e,(G).
Calibration in water versus calibration in air for Cobalt-60 γ rays

In the United States it is common practice to calibrate Cobalt‐60 teletherapy machines ’’in air,’’ despite recommendations by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) and other organizations that calibration be accomplished by measurement at 5‐cm depth in a water phantom. A comparison has been made between the results of ionization measurements in air at 80.5‐cm distance from the source and in water at 80‐cm source–skin distance (SSD) for the determination of absorbed dose at three depth (5, 10, and 15 cm) for each of three field sizes (6×6, 10×10, and 20×20 cm2), for a total of 42 Cobalt‐60 machines. The mean of the ratio, absorbed dose from in‐water measurements to absorbed dose at the same depth calculated from in‐air measurements, ranged from 1.031±0.013 at 15‐cm depth for a 6×6‐cm2field size to 1.009±0.007 at 5‐cm depth for a 20×20‐cm2field size. Reasons for the differences are offered, and compliance with ICRU recommendations is suggested.
Presence of nuclear acidic-like proteins in synaptosomes

Abstract Using the method of polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis, a group of acidic proteins were detected in rat brain synaptosomes which were similar electrophoretically to nuclear acidic proteins.
Removal of glutathione produces apoptosis and necrosis in HepG2 cells overexpressing CYP2E1.

Background: Previous studies have shown that addition of ethanol, iron, or arachidonic acid to HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1 produced a loss in cell viability and caused apoptosis. These effects were enhanced when cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were lowered by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Overexpression of CYP2E1 in HepG2 cells could produce toxicity even in the absence of added toxin after BSO treatment. Studies were carried out to characterize this CYP2E1-and BSO-dependent toxicity. Methods: HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1 were treated with BSO for 1 to 4 days, and various parameters associated with apoptosis and cell viability were assayed. Results: Treatment of cells expressing CYP2E1 (E47 cells) with BSO resulted in apoptosis as well as necrosis. The apoptosis and necrosis were independent of each other. No toxicity was found with control HepG2 cells or HepG2 cells expressing CYP3A4 instead of CYP2E1 under these conditions. The antioxidant trolox partially prevented the apoptosis and necrosis, whereas diallylsulfide, a CYP2E1 inhibitor, was fully protective. The activity of caspase 3, but not caspases 1, 8, or 9, was increased in the BSO-treated E47 cells, and an inhibitor of caspase 3 prevented apoptosis. Damage to mitochondria appears to play a role in the CYP2E1- and BSO-dependent toxicity, because mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased and cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition, prevented the apoptosis and the necrosis. The fall in membrane potential was prevented by trolox and diallylsulfide, suggesting damage to the mitochondria by CYP2E1-derived reactive oxygen species. Conclusions: These results indicate the critical role of GSH in protecting against CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress and that mitochondria may be a target for CYP2E1-derived reactive oxygen species, and suggest that interactions between CYP2E1, mitochondria, and altered GSH homeostasis may play a role in alcohol-induced liver injury.
Thymidine kinase (TK) activity in herpes simplex virus type 1 recombinants that carry insertions affecting regulation of the TK gene.

Abstract Determinations of the possible importance of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) thymidine kinase (TK) expression in the pathogenesis of viral latency depend in part on the use of defined mutants. In a recent study by A. E. Sears, B. Meignier, and B. Roizman ( J. Virol. , 55 , 410–416 (1985)) , in which they utilized genetically engineered viral recombinants considered to be TK − , the role of HSV TK expression in latency was reported to be minimal. To further investigate this conclusion we intensively studied the TK phenotypes of their M316-2 and M316-10 HSV-1 mutants. TK activity was investigated by phosphorylation of thymidine, by arabinosylthymine (ara-T) inhibition and by virus plaque autoradiography. TK activity of the M316-2 and M316-10 HSV mutants was not detected in 5-min assays (as performed by Sears et al. ), but in longer assays substantial activity was apparent. In contrast, in assays of control TK − viruses, activity was minimal or absent at all time points. In ara-T inhibition assays the M316-2 and M316-10 viruses were inhibited more than 10-fold, consistent with viruses of intermediate TK activity. By plaque autoradiography both of these viruses produced plaques which incorporated significant amounts of thymidine. Based on these results we conclude that the M316-2 and M316-10 viruses should likely be considered to express intermediate levels of TK activity. HSV latency results using these mutants may need to be interpreted with this in mind.
Phenotypic variability within the JAK2 V617F-positive MPD: roles of progenitor cell and neutrophil allele burdens.

Objective The myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocytosis (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), differ phenotypically, but share the same JAK2 V617F mutation. We examined the relationship of the quantitative JAK2 V617F allele burden to MPD disease phenotype among the three MPD classes and within PV. Materials and Methods We measured the JAK2 V617F allele percentage in genomic DNA from neutrophils, CD34 + cells, and cloned progenitors in 212 JAK2 V617F -positive MPD patients and correlated the allele burdens to both disease class and disease features. Results In ET and PV, mean CD34 + cell JAK2 V617F allele burdens were lower than the corresponding neutrophil allele burdens, but these were equivalent in PMF. JAK2 WT progenitors were present in ET and PV when the CD34 + JAK2 V617F allele burden was lower than the neutrophil allele burden, but not in PV and PMF subjects in whom the CD34 + cell and neutrophil allele burdens were similar. CD34 + cell JAK2 V617F clonal dominance, defined as coherence between the CD34 + cell and neutrophil JAK2 V617F allele burdens, was present in 24% of ET, 56% of PV, and 93% of PMF patients, and was independent of the CD34 + cell JAK2 V617F genotype. Clonally dominant PV patients had significantly longer disease durations, higher white cell counts, and larger spleens than nondominant PV patients. Conclusions We conclude that the extent of JAK2 V617F CD34 + cell clonal dominance is associated with disease phenotype within the MPD and, in PV, is associated with extramedullary disease, leukocytosis, and disease duration.
An antiserum to idazoxan recognizes an immunoreactive substance in human serum and cerebral spinal fluid which is not agmatine

Abstract A polyclonal antibody was generated in rabbits to an idazoxan-albumin antigen. The anti-idazoxan antiserum had high affinity for unconjugated 3 H-idazoxan ( K d of 19.8 nM) in a radio-immunoassay (RIA). Of various drugs and native molecules only idazoxan potently ( K i of 24 nM) inhibited 3 H-idazoxan binding to the anti-idazoxan antibody. A few drugs weakly inhibited 3H-idazoxan binding (IC50 > 605 μM) with rank order of UK 14304 > guanabenz > cirazoline > amiloride > naphazoline. Neither agmatine, an endogenous clonidine displacing substance (CDS), catecholamines or imidazoles inhibited the binding of 3 H-idazoxan to the anti-idazoxan antibody. The anti-idazoxan RIA was 4–6 fold more sensitive than an antibody to para -amino clonidine. The CDS detected by ligand displacement from bovine brain dose-dependently inhibited 3 H-idazoxan binding. This immunoreactive (ir-) CDS activity was present in human (0.9–4.1 U/ml) and rat sera (1–2 U/ml) and in the cerebro-spinal fluid of eight patients with serious disease of the central nervous system, but not in controls. We conclude: (1) an anti-idazoxan RIA is a sensitive, selective and clinically applicable RIA for measuring ir-CDS; (2) ir-CDS is not agmatine; (3) CDS represents a family of endogenous ligands for imidazoline receptors including ir-CDS and agmatine.
Perceived irritation during ingestion of capsaicin or piperine : Comparison of trigeminal and non-trigeminal areas

The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of chemosensory irritation in the oropharyngeal region during the ingestion of irritants. In two experiments subjects sipped and swallowed small samples of an ascending concentration series of capsaicin or piperine and rated the intensity of sensations of irritation perceived at four locations: the anterior tongue, the posterior tongue, the roof of the mouth and the throat. Both experiments revealed that the responsiveness to irritation from capsaicin was significantly higher in the throat than at either the front or back of the tongue. There was no difference between irritation ratings for the throat and the roof of the mouth. Compared with capsaicin, the responsiveness to piperine was more uniform along the rostro-caudal axis; for example, irritation ratings for the throat were similar to those for the anterior tongue. These results support previous findings which indicated that the oral mucosae were not uniformly sensitive to chemical irritants, and suggest further that the throat, which is innervated by both the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, plays an important role in the perception of chemesthetic stimuli during ingestion.
Healing of the medial collateral ligament in unstable rat knees

Immobilization has been shown to be detrimental to healing ligaments while early motion and exercise increase healing ligament tensile strength. In order to take advantage of early motion and exercise without causing undesirable joint laxity in unstable rat knees we devised an internal joint restabilization procedure. The results in this well-established rat model were encouraging. Exercise in unstable rat knees caused increased medial collateral ligament laxity compared with a group allowed motion ad libitum. Joint laxity was significantly decreased in the restabilized groups and no adverse effects of exercise were noted. Tensile strength was increased in healing medial collateral ligaments of both exercise groups regardless of the stability of the joint. This study supports the use of early aggressive rehabilitation of injured joints considered stable and encourages the development of methods to provide secure dynamic internal or external stabilization of severely injured human joints.
Enhancement of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-induced reperfusion by recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide, a selective factor Xa inhibitor, in a canine model of femoral arterial thrombosis

Tick anticoagulant peptide (TAP) is a 60 amino acid protein originally isolated from the soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata, which exhibits potent anticoagulant properties due to its selective inhibition of blood coagulation factor Xa. We evaluated a recombinant version of TAP (rTAP) for its ability to accelerate recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) -mediated lysis of an occlusive thrombus and prevent acute reocclusion in a canine model of femoral artery thrombosis. An occlusive thrombus was formed by insertion of a thrombogenic copper coil into the femoral artery of anesthetized dogs. Blood flow velocity was monitored directly and continuously by Doppler flowmetry. 60 min after occlusion, dogs received an i.v. infusion of either saline or rTAP (0.5, 2.5 or 8.0 μg/kg/min), followed 45 min later by rt-PA (0.8 mg/kg, i.v. over 90 min; n=8/group). The saline and rTAP infusions were discontinued 1 h after stopping the rt-PA. All dogs achieved reperfusion, with a time to reperfusion in the saline-treated (vehicle) group (administered rt-PA alone) of 61 ±7 min. The time to reperfusion was slightly decreased in the 0.5ug/kg/min rTAP group (47±4min, p=NS). In the groups administered rTAP at 2.5 and 8.0 ug/kg/min, significant reductions in the time to reperfusion were observed (28±4 and 32±5mins, respectively, p<0.05). Following termination of the rt-PA, all vehicle dogs reoccluded in 37±11 min. The lowest dose of rTAP, 0.5 ug/kg/min, had no effect on either the reocclusion incidence or time (8/8 in 39±7min). In contrast, the two higher doses of rTAP maintained vessel patency in all dogs during the rTAP infusion period and dramatically delayed the time to reocclusion. However, 7/8 dogs eventually reoccluded in 117±12 and 140±9min for the groups receiving rTAP infusions of 2.5 and 8.0 ug/kg/min, respectively. Maximal elevations in activated partial thromboplastin time or template bleeding time associated with the rTAP administration were only 1.3- and 1.1-fold of baseline values, respectively. The dramatic effect of factor Xa inhibition on the efficacy of rt-PA-mediated reperfusion and acute reocclusion following rt-PA suggests that factor Xa inhibition may represent a potentially useful therapeutic adjunct to thrombolytic therapy.
Relationships among Locus of Control, Coronary-Prone Behavior, and Suicidal Ideation

This study examined how each of two factors, coronary-prone behavior and locus of control, are related to suicidal ideation in a college population. 43 students (23 men and 20 women) completed the Jenkins-Glass College Activity Survey, Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, and a self-assessment questionnaire of suicidal ideation. Scores on Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control and the Suicidal Ideation Scale were significantly positively correlated. A nonsignificant value obtained for scores on the Jenkins-Glass College Activity Survey and the Suicidal Ideation Scale.
Collaboration and the importance for novices in learning java computer programming

The authors propose that a correlation exists between collaboration and success by novices when learning computer programming. Research in an introductory course was conducted that focused on answering several questions: At what time in their learning java programming and algorithmic problem solving, would a student benefit best by collaboration? At what time during the problem solving process would the learner benefit greatest by collaboration? Would the student benefit greater by collaborating with 1 student in the class, a group, or an expert mentor/coach? What cognitive and affective strategies are used during various types of collaboration? Does collaboration increase problem solving performance by females. This research will advance fundamental knowledge of teaching and learning of computer science. It will further the understanding of problem solving and strategies used in learning computer programming and whether collaboration is important.
Evolution of the premartensitic state in the NiAl phase of a NiCoCrAlY bond coat during thermal cycling

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to investigate the evolution of the premartensitic state in the NiAl-based β-phase in NiCoCrAlY bond coats during thermal cycling. Bright-field imaging and diffraction analysis confirm that the lattice modulation is in the form of {110} ⟨110⟩ transverse displacement waves. High resolution electron microscopy (HREM) revealed an increase in modulation wavelength during thermal cycling due to the β-phase becoming progressively richer in Ni through superalloy–bond coat interdiffusion. Transverse modulations extending over large regions of the crystal were observed in the HREM images, inconsistent with previous theories attributing the origin of the premartensitic state to point defects that couple to the dynamic instability of the lattice.
Factors Affecting Degradation of Poultry Manure by Flies

Manure disposal can be a serious environmental problem in poultry-cage facilities for egg production. Flies can degrade manure and they offer a possibility of recycling products. All flies studied were inadequate to degrade accumulattons of anaerobic manure. Among several species of muscoid flies tested Musca domestica L. was most effective in degrading aerobic manure. Different strains thrived in manure variously according to their general vigor. Poultry manure provides an adequate source of protein for egg maturation for M. domestica and it is a suitable oviposition medium except when a more attractive medium is present. Manure is an adequate medium for maggot culture, although of lower quality than a standard medium; its quality diminishes with age. As manure is biodegraded, metabolic activity of contained organisms increases to a plateau, ammonia is produced, nitrogen is lost, and p H increases. Bacteria, rather than fungi and yeasts, are primarily responsible for these changes, but metabolism of bactcria and developing maggots interact. Some bacteria may retard fly development. Fly larvae perform a conspicuous role in aerating medium to favor aerobic bacteria and to hasten loss of nitrogen and moisture. The design of batch or continuous systems of manure degradation by flies should include developmental and behavioral characteristics of insects appropriate to the system.
A wavelet-based pulse shape discrimination method for simultaneous beta and gamma spectroscopy

Abstract In this paper, a novel pulse shape discrimination method in scintillator detectors for simultaneous beta and gamma spectroscopy is presented. This method is based on using wavelets to discriminate between pulse shapes in the frequency (scale) domain rather than in the time domain. The proposed method shows a better discrimination performance compared to other time-domain methods in terms of robustness to noise and reliability. This method is also able to detect pile-up events which could not be detected using other time-domain methods. This method can be easily implemented with FPGA technology and digital signal processors.
Evaporation from superfluid helium

Velocity distribution of atoms evaporating from superfluid He II at low temperatures, noting roton shifting and multiexcitation processes
Hepatic P450 expression in hypothyroid rats: differential responsiveness of male-specific P450 forms 2a (IIIA2), 2c (IIC11), and RLM2 (IIA2) to thyroid hormone.

Studies carried out in hypophysectomized adult rats have demonstrated that both thyroid hormone and GH can suppress hepatic expression of the steroid 6β-hydroxylase P450 2a (IIIA2). The present study further characterizes the influence of thyroid hormone on the expression of P450 2a and two other male-specific hepatic P450s, a steroid 2α/16α-hydroxylase, designated P450 2c (IIC11), and a steroid 15α-hydroxylase, designated P450 RLM2 (IIA2). These studies were carried out in rats rendered hypothyroid by treatment with methimazole, which allows for the nonsurgical depletion of circulating T4, and in hypophysectomized rats. Hypothyroidism led to an increase in hepatic P450 2a (IIIA2) protein and mRNA in both male and female rats that was fully reversed by T4 replacement. In contrast, hypothyroidism decreased by 70–80% the expression of P450 2c (IIC11) activity and mRNA, but did not significantly alter the expression of P450 RLM2 (IIA2). The decrease in P450 2c (IIC11) was not reversed by T4 replacement, sugg...
Talking about the future: People, technology and innovation

The world of computing is an incredibly vibrant space with exciting challenges ahead for technology achievement. The goal of this lunch presentation is to inspire researchers to open their minds, think creatively, and explore the myriad ‘what if’ possibilities at the intersection of culture and technology. How do you observe diverse sets of people of different age groups, professions, sex, and ethnicity in countries around the globe to understand how they use and think about technology and also extract deep consumer desire? How do you shape and deliver the technologies to the world to feed and ignite the customer's imagination, set aspirational targets and compel the people to be on the journey with the technology companies? With each leap down in the size of computing, there's been this interesting set of challenges. Was a smartphone just like a smaller laptop that made phone calls? Was a next-generation television like a big laptop? Smartphones only got interesting when people stopped thinking of them as phones. The central promise of a smartphone is that you'll never be bored again. You'll never be without something to do. Once people stopped being held hostage to the idea that smartphones were like old-fashioned phones, they could imagine that they needed to do all kinds of other things like good gaming and good photography. In this luncheon presentation, Dr Bell will discuss the future and what we might expect from it. This is not a talk about technology per se; instead this is a talk about people, and what makes us human, because ultimately we make our own futures. Drawing on 15 years of fieldwork and research with consumers around the world, Dr Bell identifies five areas where the biggest transformations in behavior appear to be occurring. She also outlines a series of open questions that might frame future technology developments.
Restoration of contractile function in the enlarged left ventricle by exclusion of remodeled akinetic anterior segment: surgical strategy, myocardial protection, and angiographic results.

A variant of the Dor cardioprotective approach for reducing ventricular volume was applied to 12 consecutive postinfarction patients with akinetic anterior segments. Cardioplegia was avoided for restoration, but used for revascularization and valve replacement. The continually perfused beating open heart was used for protection during surgical anterior ventricular restoration (SAVR). These ischemic cardiomyopathy patients (age 77 +/- 6 years) preoperatively had high LVEDVI (170 vs 75 mL/m2, normal) and LVESVI (132 vs 25 mL/m2, normal) and 20 +/- 8% ejection fraction (mean +/- S.D.). An oval patch with outer flange for hemostasis was used. Patients also underwent revascularization (10/12), reoperation (6/12), and valve procedures (6/12). Continuous perfusion of the beating open heart was used for cardiac protection during restoration. Blood cardioplegia was used for revascularization and valvular procedures. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) estimated intraventricular contractility in all patients, and biplane ventriculograms were used in 8 patients to measure cardioreduction. Immediate hemodynamic performance was excellent in all patients, despite 178 +/- 34 minutes of bypass. Extracorporeal circulation was stopped 10 minutes after closing the ventriculotomy. No intraaortic balloon pump or LV assist devices were needed. Ejection fraction estimated by TEE increased from 20% to 45%; and biplane ventriculograms showed 28% reduction of LVEDVI, 39% reduction of LVESVI, and raised ejection fraction from 20% to 35%. The spherical ventricular shape after akinetic infarction was made into a more normal elliptical contour by this procedure. Subsequently, restoration may become as important as revascularization in treating akinetic segments after anterior infarction.
Isotropic etching of silicon in fluorine gas for MEMS micromachining

Etching of silicon with molecular fluorine for the micromachining of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) has been evaluated. The etching process is carried out in a continuous flow etching system that uses a 25 vol% mixture of F2 in N2 and operates at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Fluorine etches silicon isotropically at a rate of 0.2 µm min−1 and is a viable etchant for bulk silicon micromachining. The F2 etch results in the formation of pits about 10–50 µm in size within the silicon features and roughness in the micrometer and sub-micrometer length scales. SiO2, Pt, Ni, Al and Ta do not etch or roughen after several hours of F2 exposure. In addition, F2 does not etch low-stress silicon nitride; a solid layer forms on the silicon nitride surface upon exposure to F2 that protects the underlying silicon nitride from further attack. In contrast, a commercial XeF2 etching system etches low-stress silicon nitride with a silicon nitride:silicon selectivity of approximately 1:200. The F2 etching system is used to release tubes of a MEMS fuel processor that have 2 µm thick low-stress silicon nitride walls.
Localized shear discontinuities near the tip of a mode I crack

In this paper we study the deformation and stress fields near the tip of a crack under plane strain mode I conditions. A fully nonlinear theory of finite deformations is used and the material, which is assumed to be homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible and elastic, is characterized by its stress-strain behavior in simple shear. For the class of materials considered the governing system of differential equations may lose ellipticity at sufficiently severe strains. The analysis is based on a direct asymptotic calculation. The results involve two curves, issuing from each crack-tip, across which the deformation gradient, the ‘effective shear’ and the stresses are discontinuous.
Macrophage hypo-responsiveness to interferon-γ in aged mice is associated with impaired signaling through Jak-STAT

Since macrophages (Mphis) are a first line of defense against pathogens, and are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, understanding the impact of aging on Mphi function is important. In the past studies, we and others have shown that aging decreases Mphi responsiveness to classical activating signals (e.g. IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide, LPS). In this study, we examined the impact of aging on Mphi signaling through the IFN-gamma receptor pathway. Mphis from male Balb/c mice aged 2 (young) and 18-24 (old) months were purified and then stimulated with IFN-gamma. Western blotting revealed a significant reduction ( approximately 50%) in IFN-gamma-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1) alpha and beta in Mphis from aged, when compared with young mice. This reduction in phospho-STAT-1 was associated with a significant constitutive reduction ( approximately 80%) in total STAT-1alpha protein and a complete inhibition of STAT-1 gene expression in response to IFN-gamma in old compared to young mice. These data may, in part, explain why classical Mphi responses like reactive nitrogen and oxygen species generation, tumor killing and microbicidal activity are lower in Mphis from aged subjects. We conclude that peritoneal Mphis from aged mice have an intrinsic defect in Jak-STAT signaling which prevents them from fully responding to IFN-gamma.