cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Reverse Agonist AM251 Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Cognitive Decrements

Despite advancements in the radiotherapeutic management of brain malignancies, resultant sequelae include persistent cognitive dysfunction in the majority of survivors. Defining the precise causes of normal tissue toxicity has proven challenging, but the use of preclinical rodent models has suggested that reductions in neurogenesis and microvascular integrity, impaired synaptic plasticity, increased inflammation, and alterations in neuronal structure are contributory if not causal. As such, strategies to reverse these persistent radiotherapy-induced neurological disorders represent an unmet medical need. AM251, a cannabinoid receptor 1 reverse agonist known to facilitate adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, may help to ameliorate radiation-induced CNS impairments. To test this hypothesis, three treatment paradigms were used to evaluate the efficacy of AM251 to ameliorate radiation-induced learning and memory deficits along with disruptions in mood at 4 and 12 weeks postirradiation. Results demonstrated that acute (four weekly injections) and chronic (16 weekly injections) AM251 treatments (1 mg/kg) effectively alleviated cognitive and mood dysfunction in cranially irradiated mice. The beneficial effects of AM251 were exemplified by improved hippocampal- and cortical-dependent memory function on the novel object recognition and object in place tasks, while similar benefits on mood were shown by reductions in depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors on the forced swim test and elevated plus maze. The foregoing neurocognitive benefits were associated with significant increases in newly born (doublecortin+) neurons (1.7-fold), hippocampal neurogenesis (BrdU+/NeuN+mature neurons, 2.5-fold), and reduced expression of the inflammatory mediator HMGB (1.2-fold) in the hippocampus of irradiated mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that AM251 ameliorates the effects of clinically relevant cranial irradiation where overall neurological benefits in memory and mood coincided with increased hippocampal cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and reduced expression of proinflammatory markers.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders in Dental Hygiene

The author reflects on the various opportunities in the dental hygiene profession as of August 2021, particularly in education like mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. Topics include the trends in the profession like the gradual reduction of the dental hygiene workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and the positive traits of Generation Z workers like their passion for equality and social justice.
Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review.

Summary Arterial blood pressure is the driving force for organ perfusion. Although hypotension is common in acute care, there is a lack of accepted criteria for its definition. Most practitioners regard hypotension as undesirable even in situations that pose no immediate threat to life, but hypotension does not always lead to unfavourable outcomes based on experience and evidence. Thus efforts are needed to better understand the causes, consequences, and treatments of hypotension. This narrative review focuses on the heterogeneous underlying pathophysiological bases of hypotension and their impact on organ perfusion and patient outcomes. We propose the iso-pressure curve with hypotension and hypertension zones as a way to visualize changes in blood pressure. We also propose a haemodynamic pyramid and a pressure–output–resistance triangle to facilitate understanding of why hypotension can have different pathophysiological mechanisms and end-organ effects. We emphasise that hypotension does not always lead to organ hypoperfusion; to the contrary, hypotension may preserve or even increase organ perfusion depending on the relative changes in perfusion pressure and regional vascular resistance and the status of blood pressure autoregulation. Evidence from RCTs does not support the notion that a higher arterial blood pressure target always leads to improved outcomes. Management of blood pressure is not about maintaining a prespecified value, but rather involves ensuring organ perfusion without undue stress on the cardiovascular system.
Control Mechanisms in Sperm Flagella

My title should read “Some Control Mechanisms in Sperm Flagella,” because I may neglect someone’s favorite control mechanism, and there may well be control mechanisms in spermatozoa that we do not yet suspect. Certainly the biochemical complexity of even simple flagellar axonemes, evidenced by the studies of David Luck and his colleagues on Chlamydomonas flagella (1) should inhibit any of us from taking a simplistic view of spermatozoa. The control mechanisms I will discuss are those with which I have some direct experience, and I will mainly discuss invertebrate sperm flagella.
Hepatic Bile Formation: Intracellular Trafficking of Bile Salts

Bile formation facilitates the digestion and absorption of lipids from the gut, and provides a mechanism for the elimination of a wide variety of potentially toxic compounds from the body. The primary organic solutes in bile are amphiphilic bile salts and phospholipids, with the substantial flux of bile salts through the liver as part of the enterohepatic circulation providing the major driving force for bile formation. Although biliary phospholipid appears to be derived from intracellular pools, the interactions of bile salts with intracellular membranes and their transport through the hepatocyte remain poorly understood. We have examined the role of bile salt hydrophilicity in regulating bile salt interactions with microtubule-dependent membrane-based transport mechanisms, and have developed a novel methodological approach for the ultrastructural localization of bile salts within hepatocytes.
Creating Brand Names: Strategic and International Considerations

A brand name is the foundation of a brand’s image. Successful brands are often a copmpany’s most valuable assets. The substantial and ever increasing cost associated with new brand introductions has prompted companies to take great care in the creation and development of new brand names. Creating a new brand name is not an easy task. A brand name should appeal to the customer while at the same time clear trademark registration-two goals thai can be conflicting. The overabundance of brand names in the marketplace complicates this task even further. The increasing globalization represents still another challenge. Managers can either standardize brand names or adapt brands to fit local markets. Research on global versus local marketing strategies, however, has been slow to address the issue of international branding.
American Respect for Manual Labor

American work ethic is unique because most cultures have denigrated handymen for centuries, entrenching a deep-seated prejudice against manual labor. For example, Hinduism has created a complex mythological framework to delegate physical work to lower castes. In fact, American respect for manual labor is an Islamic value.
Rothman, Douglas L.: In Flux Veritas: Contributions to the Development of in vivo 13C MRS

13C MRS and 1H–[13C] MRS have become valuable methods for the study of metabolism and disease in humans and animal models. In this article, I briefly describe my collaborative work in the development of MRS methods in in combination with 13C stable isotopes to measure metabolic rates and their application to study disease. Specific applications described are basic applications neuroenergetics and neurotransmission, neurological and psychiatric disease, and carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes. Methodologies covered include in vivo 13C and 1H–[13C] MRS as well as 1H MRS spectral editing. Keywords: 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy; metabolism; diabetes; neuroenergetics; neurotransmitter cycling; spectral editing
Nonequilibrium dynamics across an impurity quantum critical point due to quantum quenches

Whether a small quantum mechanical system is able to equilibrate with its environment once an external local perturbation drives it out of thermal equilibrium is a central question which cuts across many different fields of science. Here we consider such a problem for a correlated quantum impurity coupled to a fermionic reservoir and driven out of equilibrium by local quantum quenches such as those recently realized in optical absorption experiments on single quantum dots. We argue that equilibration in this problem is deeply connected to the occurrence of the Kondo effect at low energy and that a highly nontrivial dynamical behavior may emerge whenever a local quantum critical point intrudes between a conventional Kondo screened phase and a Kondo unscreened one. We discuss this issue in the context of the Anderson impurity model coupled to a pseudogap reservoir by using a correlated time-dependent variational wave function that is able to qualitatively describe this physics
Rotary engine combustion with hydrogen addition

The lean operating limit of a rotary combustion engine was extended by hydrogen-enriched fuel to equivalence ratios as low as 0.49. Reductions in NO sub x and CO emissions from baseline conditions were observed, although HC emissions increased significantly. The effect of hydrogen-induced lean combustion on indicated thermal efficiency was found to be dependent on the change in H sub 2/C sub 8 H sub 18 fraction with decreasing equivalence ratio. An increase in H sub 2/C sub 8 H sub 18 fraction with decreasing equivalence ratio has little effect on indicated thermal efficiency, whereas a constant or decreasing H sub 2/C sub 8 H sub 18 fraction led to a makred decrease. The brake thermal efficiency when compared at constant power increased marginally.
Abstract B178: Nanoscale quantification of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated ERK and MEK isoforms differentiates tumor and nontumor clinical specimens

The MAP Kinase pathway is commonly dysregulated in cancer. We have developed the use of a highly sensitive microfluidic nano‐immunoassay system (NIA) to perform detailed analysis of ERK and MEK activation in hematopoietic and solid tumors. We recently reported use of NIA for measurement of proteins in as little as 4 nanoliters of lysate from preclinical and clinical lymphoma and leukemia specimens (Fan et al, Nature Medicine 2009). Now, we present results measuring specific isoforms of MAP Kinase proteins in cells sampled from patients with solid tumors and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). First, we developed tissue collection, handling and processing protocols to produce reliable NIA results in a small number of cells obtained by minimally invasive techniques. We collected over 100 blood buffy coat and fine needle aspirate (FNA) specimens from normal controls and patients with MDS or solid tumors. Using a single antibody that recognizes both the phosphorylated and unphosphorylated isoforms of ERK, we can determine not only relative levels of phosphorylated isoforms of ERK protein, but also calculate the percent phosphorylation of ERK in each clinical specimen. We have developed a similar method to quantify MEK isoforms. NIA revealed that adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and MDS samples could be distinguished from non‐tumor specimens based upon different patterns of phosphorylated ERK isoforms. To determine if signaling changes can be detected by NIA upon treatment of cells with novel targeted therapies, human leukemic TF1 cells were treated with a polo‐1 kinase (PLK‐1) inhibitor, ON01910 (Onconova, Inc.). We found the surprising result that only 5% of ERK1 and ERK2 were found to be phosphorylated in the TF1 cell line, whereas 45% and 90% of MEK1 and MEK2 were phosphorylated, respectively. Additionally, NIA analysis revealed a 20% decrease in the percent of phosphorylated MEK2 after treatment with ON01910. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that NIA can be used to identify specific changes in MAPK signaling pathway that distinguish normal from malignant cells as well as quantitatively measure the response of malignant cells to a targeted therapeutic. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):B178.
A finiteness theorem in the galois cohomology of algebraic number fields

In this note we show that if k is an algebraic number field with algebraic closure k and M is a finitely generated, free Z/-module with continuous Gal(k/k)action, then the continuous Galois cohomology group Hl(k, M) is a finitely generated Z/-module under certain conditions on M (see Theorem 1 below). Also, we present a simpler construction of a mapping due to S. Bloch which relates torsion algebraic cycles and etale cohomology. The Galois cohomology of an algebraic number field is well-known to be important in the study of the arithmetic of the field and of algebraic varieties defined over the field. Unfortunately, this cohomology is not always well-behaved; for example, the Galois cohomology group Hl(k,Z,(l)) =: lim Hl(Gal(k/k), y/,,)
Simplifying laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: technical considerations for reproducible outcomes.

Abstract Objectives To present our technique, modifications, and experience of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Nephron-sparing surgery is an increasingly accepted treatment for selected T1a kidney tumors. Because of the more complex surgical technique involved, LPN is evolving more slowly than laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Methods The data of 41 consecutive patients with T1a tumors who had undergone LPN from October 2002 to March 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Four main considerations in our surgical technique were consistently used: (a) LPN was performed in the transperitoneal approach, (b) a suture traction system was placed on the kidney when tumor visualization was challenging, (c) sutures and bolsters were preloaded on the abdominal wall, and (d) hemostasis and closure of the renal defect was performed using Lapra-Ty clips, eliminating knot-tying. Results The mean patient age was 63.1 years. The mean warm ischemia time was 29.7 minutes, and the mean surgical time was 226.5 minutes. In 26 of 41 patients, the collecting system was entered and repaired. The median estimated blood loss was 150 mL, with a mean tumor size of 2.2 cm. Three cases were converted to open surgery. Five complications (13.2%) occurred. The median hospital stay was 2 days. Of the 41 specimens, 11 were benign. All surgical margins were negative. The mean follow-up was 7.5 months. Conclusions Although technically challenging, LPN is emerging as an alternative to open partial nephrectomy. With several easily applied technical considerations, we have simplified LPN, making the procedure more efficient. We believe that the technical considerations we describe can increase the feasibility and ease of LPN for Stage T1a exophytic renal tumors.
Value of a clinical morphology examination in autism

In an effort to delineate more homogeneous autism subgroups for genetic study, we evaluated 133 consecutive individuals referred to the University of Missouri Autism Center. Each index case underwent a diagnostic evaluation, including a clinical morphology examination, laboratory studies, brain MRI, EEG, and collection of historical, medical, and family data. The 71% (94/133) who fulfilled DSM-IV and CARS autism diagnostic criteria were included in this study. Six of 94 were diagnosed with a known genetic disorder. Of the remaining 88 with apparently "idiopathic autism," 58% (51/88) were phenotypically normal, 22% (19/88) were clearly abnormal, and for 20% (18/88) the clinical morphology examination was equivocal. The percentage of phenotypically abnormal individuals is higher than generally thought and disagrees with the perception that children with autism are usually normally formed. The phenotypically abnormal individuals were 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with a known genetic syndrome (21% vs. 2%) and were more than twice as likely (29% vs. 14%) to have structurally abnormal brain MRIs than the phenotypically normal propositi. Moreover, the male to female ratio correlated with the presence of physical anomalies. The total study group had a male to female ratio of 4.2:1; the morphologically normal subgroup, defined on the basis of a normal physical examination, had a sex ratio of 7.5:1 and the normal subgroup, defined on the basis of both a normal physical examination and a structurally normal brain by MRI had a 23:1 sex ratio. For the phenotypically abnormal subgroup, the sex ratio was 1.7:1. Since differences in sex ratio are presumably a reflection of differences in genetic constitution, we postulate that the phenotypically normal subgroup of individuals with "idiopathic autism" is genetically different from the phenotypically abnormal individuals and that differences in the sex ratio in different autism populations is one indicator of a population's genetic heterogeneity.
1098 DETERMINANTS OF IMMUNITY TO VARICELLA

There have been 18 breakthrough cases of mild varicella in 240 luekemic recipients of live attenuated OKA varicella vaccine in studies over the past 4 years. To determine why most vaccinees have been protected from illness after exposure but some have not, we analyzed immune responses to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in: 1)6 normals, years after natural infection, 2) 41 vaccinees before immunization, 3) 23 vaccinees protected from varicella after household exposure, & 4)18 vaccinees who developed varicella. VZV antibody was measured by fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) & cellular immunity (CMI) by lymphocyte stimulation to VZV antigen, expressed as a stimulation index (SI). These data indicate that in general, the higher the VZ antibody titer the better the protection against varicella. Vaccinees with a breakthrough illness, however, have partial immunity that appears to protect them from severe disease.
Mortality Rate of Bullous Pemphigoid in a US Medical Center

All patients at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals with a new diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) between May 1, 1997 and September 1, 2002 were included in this study. The age at onset, date of death or date of last follow-up visit, mode of treatment, co-morbidities, and initial and follow-up hospitalizations were noted. Thirty-eight new patients were identified and complete follow-up data were obtained on 37 of the patients. Patients were followed a minimum of 1 y or until the time of death. The mean duration of follow-up was 20 mo. Kaplan–Meier analysis of our population indicated a 1-y survival probability of 88.96% (standard error 5.21%), with a 95% confidence interval (75.6%, 94.2%). This survival rate was considerably higher than that recently reported in several studies from Europe (29%–41% first year mortality). Although the age at onset and co-morbidities of our patients were similar to those in the European studies, the rate of hospitalization of our patients was much lower than that of patients from Europe (1.5 d per patient vs 11–25 d per patient). This study suggests that differences in practice patterns may be an important factor in the reduced mortality rate in US BP patients compared with Europe.
Spontaneous Breakdown of Weak and Electromagnetic Interaction Symmetry

A unified theory of the weak and electromagnetic interactions of leptons and hadrons is constructed. The underlying symmetry group is taken to be the $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ generated by the weak lepton currents and the hadronic Cabibbo currents. This symmetry is destroyed by the spontaneous breakdown mechanism. In our theory, the weak coupling constant is the same as the electromagnetic coupling constant, and the mass of the charged intermediate boson is 37.4 GeV.
On finite linear groups

Let 0 be a finite group which has a faithful complex irreducible representation of degree d. Let p be a prime and let ‘$3 be a S,-subgroup of 0. If p > 2d + 1 then ‘p Q 0 (cf. [S]). Ifp > d + 1 then ‘p contains a subgroup !&, with 1 ‘p : ‘$J,, 1 d + 1 and y + 0. The main results of this paper provide a partial answer to this question. In particular, if 0 is simple the question is completely answered by these results. The following results are a slight generalization of those announced in [6].
Comparative analysis of laboratory freezing methods to establish cold tolerance of detached rhizomes and intact crowns in garden chrysanthemums (Dendranthema × grandiflora Tzvelv.)

Abstract Since 1926, the University of Minnesota herbaceous perennial breeding program has released N = 84 garden chrysanthemum cultivars (Dendranthema × grandiflora) with important traits for northern temperate climates, such as winter hardiness. Recent breeding objectives have identified the need for development of non-destructive phenotypic markers and destructive laboratory freezing tests for co-selection of cold tolerance in Dendranthema, Gaura, and other herbaceous perennial flower crops. Such methods have become critical to flower breeding programs in northern temperate regions during periods of above-average winter temperatures and minimal snow cover due to the ‘el Nino’ effect. Two different, destructive laboratory freezing tests were evaluated for their effectiveness in determining cold tolerance. Acclimated crowns of n = 6 garden chrysanthemum genotypes, ranging from hardy to non-hardy in USDA Z3-4, were used in Omega Block (using detached, emergent rhizomes) and chamber (using entire, intact crowns with emergent, non-emergent rhizomes) freezing test methods. Comparative winter survival in the field was monitored over locations and years. Cold tolerance was assessed at 0 to −12 °C with varying ramp and soak time periods. LT50 temperatures and number of living emergent rhizomes were also determined. Rhizome quality at 1, 3, and 5 cm depths was rated for regrowth on a 0 (dead) to 5 (undamaged) scale. The chamber freezing method was the most powerful to discern accurate LT50 values. Cold tolerant genotypes included ‘Duluth’ and Mn. Selection 98-89-7 (LT50 = −12 °C). Four genotypes were rated as non-hardy (LT50 = ≤−10 °C). Cold-tolerant genotypes also had significantly higher regrowth ratings for rhizomes at 1 and 3 cm depths. Future research will implement the chamber freezing method to assay the inheritance of winter hardiness in intact crowns of segregating populations.
Spatial Variability of the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test: Implications for Sampling in a Turfgrass System

Nitrogen fertilization of turfgrass continues to be scrutinized due to environmental concerns. Practices that reduce fertilizer inputs without sacrifi cing turfgrass quality are needed, but a reliable test of N status in turfgrass is not currently available. The Illinois soil N test has been developed to predict crop response to applied N by measuring the amount of amino sugar N in the soil. Amino sugar N does not fl uctuate as rapidly as other forms of N in soil. Our objective is to determine the spatial variation of amino sugar N in soil to determine sampling frequency requirements for use of the Illinois soil N test as a management tool on golf course fairways. Soil samples from 0 to 15, 15 to 30, and 30 to 45 cm were collected from golf course fairways in Minnesota and analyzed for amino sugar N concentration. Our data indicate that amino sugar N concentration decreases with depth but is not correlated to the concentration in the 0 to 15 cm layer. Amino sugar N concentrations measured on the four sampled fairways varied, but the spatial correlation present would allow for traditional soil sampling techniques to be used to assess the soil amino sugar N concentration within an area such as a golf course fairway. D.S. Gardner, Dep. of Horticulture and Crop Science, 2021 Coff
Non-local charges from zero-curvature for the supersymmetric sigma model

Abstract A one-parameter family of curvature-free covariant derivatives is given for the supersymmetric sigma model. Conserved non-local charges are then constructed using contour methods.
A Spiritually Based Group Intervention for Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Feasibility Study

Purpose: To assess the feasibility, effect sizes, and satisfaction of mantram repetition—the spiritual practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase throughout the day—for managing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Design: A two group (intervention vs. control) by two time (pre- and postintervention) experimental design was used. Methods: Veterans were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 14) or delayed-treatment control (n = 15). Measures were PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Findings: Thirty-three male veterans were enrolled, and 29 (88%) completed the study. Large effect sizes were found for reducing PTSD symptom severity (d = –.72), psychological distress (d = –.73) and increasing quality of life (d = –.70). Conclusions: A spiritual program was found to be feasible for veterans with PTSD. They reported moderate to high satisfaction. Effect sizes show promise for symptom improvement...
Statistical inference for simultaneous clustering of gene expression data.

Current methods for analysis of gene expression data are mostly based on clustering and classification of either genes or samples. We offer support for the idea that more complex patterns can be identified in the data if genes and samples are considered simultaneously. We formalize the approach and propose a statistical framework for simultaneous clustering. A simultaneous clustering parameter is defined as a function θ = Φ(P) of the true data generating distribution P, and an estimate is obtained by applying this function to the empirical distribution P n . We illustrate that a wide range of clustering procedures, including generalized hierarchical methods, can be defined as parameters which are compositions of individual mappings for clustering patients and genes. This framework allows one to assess classical properties of clustering methods, such as consistency, and to formally study statistical inference regarding the clustering parameter.
Infusion of long-chain fatty acids varying in saturation and chain length into the abomasum of lactating dairy cows.

Abstract Free long-chain fatty acids were infused into the abomasum of lactating dairy cows to determine postruminal effects on feed intake, production and composition of milk, nutrient digestibilities, and metabolites in blood. Four Holstein cows averaging 120 DIM and fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4×4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Treatments were abomasal infusions of 1) control, 168 g/d of meat solubles (carrier for fatty acids), 2) control plus 450 g/d of mostly saturated fatty acids (C 16 :C 18 = .75), 3) control plus 450 g/d of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (C 16 :C 18 = .40), and 4) control plus 450 g/d of mostly unsaturated fatty acids (C 16 :C 18 = .11). Production of milk and milk components, DMI, and intake of digestible energy decreased linearly as unsaturation and chain length of infused fatty acids increased. Percentages of fat, CP, and SNF in milk and total tract apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, ADF, NDF, energy, and fatty acids were not affected significantly by treatments. Infusing fatty acids decreased proportions and yields of short- and medium-chain fatty acids and increased proportions and yields of unsaturated C 18 fatty acids in milk fat. Increasing unsaturation and chain length of infused fatty acids linearly decreased proportion and yield of palmitic acid but increased proportions and yields of polyunsaturated C 18 fatty acids in milk fat. Infusing fatty acids increased concentrations of NEFA and cholesterol in blood plasma. The profile of fatty acids reaching the intestine may be an important determinant of responses to supplemental fats fed to lactating dairy cows.
Phytoremediation of Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil

Phytoremediation uses plants and their associated microorganisms in conjunction with agronomic techniques to remove or degrade environmental contaminants. The objective of the field study was to evaluate the effect of vegetation establishment plus fertilizer addition on the biodegradation of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a crude oil-contaminated soil. Four replications of the following treatments were used: non-vegetated non-fertilized control; fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) − ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) mixture + fertilizer; or bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) − fescue mixture + fertilizer. Vegetation was successfully established at the site that had an initial total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 9,175 mg/kg. While alkylated two-ring naphthalenes were degraded in all treatments equally, there was greater degradation of the larger three-ring alkylated phenanthrenes-anthracenes and dibenzothiophenes in the vegetated fertilized plots compared to the non-vegetated non-fertilized plots. In this field study, an increase in rhizosphere soil volume associated with increased root length along with nutrient additions resulted in increased total bacterial, fungal, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degrader numbers that most likely resulted in increased biodegradation of the more recalcitrant alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds in the crude oil-contaminated soil.
Protosporangium: a New Genus of Protostelids*

SYNOPSIS Protosporangium is described as a new genus of the mycetozoan order Protosteliida, with 3 new species: P. bisporum, P. fragile, and P. articulatum. The genus is characterized by minute, mostly 2-4-spored sporangia borne on long, slender, flexuous stalks. The spores produce flagellate cells (typically 8 per sporangium) during germination. The trophic stage is holozoic and uninucleate to plurinucleate but never reticulate. Plurinucleate protoplasts segment into uninucleate (sometimes binucleate) prespore cells that culminate to form sporocarps in the manner characteristic of protostelids.
Large degree of racemization observed in the amide bond forming reaction on silica gel.

Abstract A systematic study of racemization from the coupling of DNB- l -Leu and 3-aminopropyl silica gel with several amide coupling reagents was investigated. Significant amounts of racemization were observed from all except one coupling reagent. In comparison, similar reactions completed in homogeneous solution can be accomplished with much lower racemization and in much higher yields.
Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma with subsequent malignant degeneration

A 4 year old child was seen because of an enlarging epigastric mass and a rapidly falling hematocrit 31/2 years following steroid treatment for multiple hepatic hemangioendotheliomas. Technetium 99 m sulfur colloid liver scan and hepatic angiography confirmed the presence of a large, vascular mass involving the left lobe of the liver. A left hepatic lobectomy was performed and histopathology showed angiosarcoma. As children with hemangioendotheliomas of the liver begin to survive for longer periods of time, surveillance for the possible development of neoplastic disease is recommended.
Particle beam mass spectrometry of submicron particles charged to saturation in an electron beam

A particle beam mass spectrometer has been developed for measuring the size distribution of submicron (in this study ∼ 0.02–0.3 μm) particles in low-pressure environments. Particles are sampled into a differentially pumped system and focused into a narrow, low-divergence beam using aerodynamic lenses, charged to saturation in an electron beam, and then deflected electrostatically into a Faraday cup for measurement of the particle current. Measurements of particle current as a function of deflection voltage are combined with measured relationships between particle velocity and diameter, charge and diameter, and mass and diameter, to determine the particle size distribution. Results of measurements on KCl particles are in good agreement with size distributions obtained by differential mobility analysis. The maximum diameter resolution (DpΔDp) is about 10, a complete size distribution can be measured in about 2–3 min, and the detection limit is about 10 particles cm−3 when sampling from a pressure of 270 Pa.
Study on the external insulation performance of ±800 kV DC transmission lines at high altitudes

High altitudes and heavy pollution are special technical problems faced by UHV DC transmission line in China. Much research work of external insulation performance for ±800 kV DC Transmission Lines were carried out at National Engineering Laboratory for Ultra High Voltage (UHV) Engineering Technology (Kunming). For composite insulators, the shed design parameters have great influence on the flashover voltages. It was found that, with the same insulation distance, the flashover voltage had optimized values at a particular value of the radial extent of the shed and of the between-repeat distance. And the suspension patterns also play an important role in the flashover performance for composite insulators. The flashover voltage of the full scale post insulator decreased with the increasing of the SDD. The switching impulse strength of air gap clearance at a full scale conductor-to-tower model of Yunnan-Guangdong ± 800 kV UHVDC project is also studied.
Monte Carlo dose calculations for a new ovoid shield system for carcinoma of the uterine cervix

The dose distribution for an ovoid with a new tungsten shielding design was determined using Monte Carlo simulation. Standard Cesium-137 tube sources, tungsten shielding, and aluminum ovoid applicator were each modeled as a collection of solid objects. Dose was calculated in planes above, below, in front of, and on the sides of the colpostat. The Monte Carlo results were compared with the results from a parametrized calculation algorithm and good agreement was obtained. The dose distribution matrix derived from the parametrized algorithm can be used for clinical treatment planning.
Discriminant analysis with nonparametric estimates for subpixel detection of 3D objects in hyperspectral imagery

The large amount of spectral information in hyperspectral imagery allows the accurate detection of subpixel objects. The use of subspace models for targets and backgrounds allows detection that is invariant to changing environmental conditions. The non-Gaussian behavior of target and background distribution residuals complicates the development of subspace-based detection methods. In this paper, we use discriminant analysis for feature extraction for separating subpixel 3D objects from cluttered backgrounds. The nonparametric estimation of distributions is used to establish the statistical models using the length and direction of residuals. Candidate subspaces are then evaluated to maximize their discriminatory power which is measured between estimated distributions of targets and backgrounds. In this context, a likelihood ratio test is used based on background and mixed statistics for subpixel detection. The detection algorithm is evaluated for HYDICE images and a number of images simulated using DIRSIG under a variety of conditions. The experimental results demonstrate accurate detection performance on these data sets.
Water resistance improvement of paper by superhydrophobic modification with microsized CaCO3 and fatty acid coating

Nanoscaled surface roughness with a hydrophobically modified surface has been widely used for preparation of superhydrophobic materials. However, the complicated procedure, high cost and harmful compounds used in most superhydrophobic surface modifications limited their applications. This research aims at fabricating superhydrophobic cellulosic or semi-superhydrophobic papers with low cost and nontoxic materials. Commercial PCC (precipitated calcium carbonate) particles, hydrophobic stearic acid and polymer latex particles were used for surface roughness control, surface hydrophobic modification agent, and polymer binder, respectively. A simple coating or dipping method was used to produce high contact angle and high water resistance papers. It was found that the surface pretreatment of PCC with fatty acid salt prior mixing with polymer binder plays important role for improving the water contact angle (WCA). The combination of surface coating with dipping treatment will further increase the water contact angle and water resistance of the paper. A WCA near 150° over modified paper surface has been achieved. At the same degree of water resistance, the total cost of the paper can be significantly reduced by our method.
ERK8, a new member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family.

The ERKs are a subfamily of the MAPKs that have been implicated in cell growth and differentiation. By using the rat ERK7 cDNA to screen a human multiple tissue cDNA library, we identified a new member of the ERK family, ERK8, that shares 69% amino acid sequence identity with ERK7. Northern analysis demonstrates that ERK8 is present in a number of tissues with maximal expression in the lung and kidney. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the ERK8 gene to chromosome 8, band q24.3. Expression of ERK8 in COS cells and bacteria indicates that, in contrast to constitutively active ERK7, ERK8 has minimal basal kinase activity and a unique substrate profile. ERK8, which contains two SH3-binding motifs in its C-terminal region, associates with the c-Src SH3 domain in vitro and co-immunoprecipitates with c-Srcin vivo. Co-transfection with either v-Src or a constitutively active c-Src increases ERK8 activation indicating that ERK8 can be activated downstream of c-Src. ERK8 is also activated following serum stimulation, and the extent of this activation is reduced by pretreatment with the specific Src family inhibitor PP2. The ERK8 activation by serum or Src was not affected by the MEK inhibitor U0126 indicating that activation of ERK8 does not require MEK1, MEK2, or MEK5. Although most closely related to ERK7, the relatively low sequence identity, minimal basal activity, and different substrate profile identify ERK8 as a distinct member of the MAPK family that is activated by an Src-dependent signaling pathway.
Antenna functionalities in a cognitive radio environment

It is well known that a cognitive radio is based on software defined radio with cognition ability. For a cognitive radio device to function properly, it should follow a closed loop cycle. This cycle is based on (1) observing the channel activity, (2) deciding which part of the spectrum is suitable for communication, (3) acting appropriately to achieve the required mode of communication, and (4) learning from previous channel activity. A cognitive radio device operates in either “interweave” or “underlay” mode. In both types of operation, the unoccupied parts of the spectrum also called “white spaces” are always inspected. The primary and secondary users, once identified, are allocated dynamically to the different parts of the spectrum.
Strychnine alters the fusiform cell output from the dorsal cochlear nucleus.

Abstract Anatomical and physiological evidence suggests that fusiform cells, the major output neurons of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), receive significant inhibitory input. Fusiform cells often display strongly non-monotonic rate-intensity functions and pauser-buildup or buildup tone-evoked temporal responses, patterns which may be mediated by inhibitory neurotransmitters. Other neurons located within the fusiform cell layer or in the more superficial molecular layer display varied rate-intensity functions and temporal responses. Neurons displaying response properties characteristics of fusiform cells are sensitive to iontophoretic application of the inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter, glycine. Application of the glycine receptor antagonist, strychnine, alters the non-monotonic portion of the rate-intensity function at doses which do not alter spontaneous activity or near-threshold tone-evoked responses. These neurons are also sensitive to GABA and the GABAB agonist, (−)-baclofen, but are insensitive to the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline. DCN neurons which display monotonic rate-intensity functions and temporal response properties different than those associated with fusiform cells are sensitive to bicuculline, (−)-baclofen, and GABA. These data suggest that a glycinergic input onto fusiform cells may control the non-monotonic nature of the response of these neurons near characteristics frequency and therefore may contribute significantly to the nature of the output of the DCN.
Antipsychotic drug use among elderly nursing home residents in the United States.

Abstract Background: Antipsychotic utilization in elderly nursing home residents has increased substantially in recent years, primarily due to the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. However, few studies have examined antipsychotic utilization patterns in nursing home residents in the United States since the introduction of atypical agents in the 1990s. Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of and the factors associated with antipsychotic drug use among elderly nursing home residents in the United States. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional analysis of prescription and resident data files from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNNHS). The analysis focused on the use of 11 typical and 6 atypical antipsychotic agents among a nationally representative sample of elderly patients (aged ≥65 years). Descriptive weighted analysis was performed to examine antipsychotic prevalence patterns. Multiple logistic regression analysis within the conceptual framework of the Andersen behavioral model was used to examine the factors associated with antipsychotic drug use among the elderly nursing home residents. Results: According to the 2004 NNHS, 0.32 million elderly nursing home residents received antipsychotic medications, for an overall prevalence of 24.82%. Most received atypical agents (23.45%), while 1.90% received typical agents. Frequently reported diagnoses among the elderly using an antipsychotic agent were dementia (70%), depression (41%), and anxiety (18%). Among the predisposing characteristics, female gender and age (≥85 years) were negatively associated with antipsychotic drug use. Need factors such as increasing dependence in decision-making ability regarding tasks of daily life, depressed mood indicators, behavioral symptoms, history of falls, and bowel incontinence were positively associated with antipsychotic drug use. In addition to the use of antipsychotic agents in schizophrenia and bipolar mania, this study found high use in conditions such as dementia, anxiety, depression, and parkinsonism in the elderly. Conclusions: Nearly 1 in 4 elderly nursing home residents in the United States received antipsychotic agents. Predisposing and need factors played a vital role in determining the use of antipsychotic agents in these elderly patients. Overall, the study findings suggest that there is a need to monitor antipsychotic drug use by elderly patients in US nursing homes in light of recent efficacy and safety data on atypical agents.
Sex differences in childhood socialization patterns in African societies

Data on sex-role socialization patterns of 29 African and 79 non-African societies were analyzed to test a set of hypotheses about the extent of sex-typing displayed in the child-training processes of African societies. Findings suggest that clear sex differences in socialization emphases and behavioral outcomes exist within African societies; moreover, such differentials resemble those reported among societies from other world cultural regions. In addition, three interesting secondary findings suggest that (1) males experience greater overall levels of socialization anxiety than females; (2) greater overall normative pressure is exerted on males than females in the course of child training; (3) in the aggregate, male children tend to be more compliant in reproducing ideal role-related behavior patterns than female children.
Canine transurethral laser prostatectomy using a rotational technique

Conventional radical prostatectomy in the dog has historically been attended by unacceptably high incidence of urinary incontinence (80 - 100%). Ablation of the prostate can be accomplished in the dog by transurethral irradiation of the prostate with the Nd:YAG laser and a laterally deflecting fiber. Exposure has ranged between 40 and 60 watts for 60 seconds at 4 fixed locations. Although prostatectomies performed with the above described technique offers significant advantage over conventional prostatectomies, the high power density at each location can result in small submucosal explosions (`popcorn effect') that increase the potential for bleeding and rupture of the prostatic capsule. We describe a new technique in which the energy is applied continuously by a laser fiber rotating around a central point. Delivering 40 watts of Nd:YAG energy for 4 minutes using a new angle-delivery device (Urotek TM ), we produced results comparable to those of other previously reported techniques in the canine model with two added advantages: (1) a more even application of heat resulting in no `popcorn' effect and (2) a more reliably predictable area of coagulative necrosis within a given axial plane. This technique should provide additional safety for the veterinary surgeon performing visual laser ablation of the prostate in the dog.
Public Health Nursing Practice Guidelines: An Evalution of Dissemination and Use

Public health nursing needs to build a practice on research-based knowledge. Public health guidelines are one strategy to achieve this goal. Using research-based knowledge, the Minnesota Practice Enhancement Project (MPEP) developed positive parenting and family violence prevention guidelines for public health nurses (PHNs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dissemination and use of the MPEP guidelines using a survey of PHNs and telephone interviews of public health nursing directors. Results indicated that respondents viewed the guidelines as important, but identified numerous barriers to integrating the guidelines into their practice. Major barriers included lack of time in their work day, complex guideline structure, and competing agency demands and priorities. Findings were consistent with Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory, which describes factors associated with the adoption of a new idea or practice. Recommendations for effective dissemination include administrative support and structure to increase PHN intentional use of practice guidelines, a simplified guideline format, and mentorship in guideline use.
On the electrotonic coupling mechanism of crayfish segmented axons: temperature dependence of junctional conductance

It is generally accepted that the mechanism for electrotonic coupling involves the presence of hydrophilic channels connecting the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. These channels are presumed to be water filled holes. To test this hypothesis, we measured the temperature dependence of coupling parameters and calculated the specific resistance of junctional synapses of crayfish segmented axons. Results demonstrate that: (i) low temperature increases the junctional resistance in a manner that depends on the time course of cooling; (ii) the specific junctional resistance is, at most, 1-20 omega cm2. These results are consistent with a hypothesis of cell communication based on hydrophilic channels and suggest the presence of a temperature-dependent component of these channels.