cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrolysis of exogenous [3H]phosphatidylcholine by brain membranes and cytosol.

Phosphatidylcholine, in addition to the widely studied inositol phospholipids, is cleaved to produce second messengers in neuronal signal transduction processes. Because of the difficulty in labelling and measuring the metabolism of endogenous phosphatidylcholine in brain tissue, we investigated the utility of measuring the hydrolysis of exogenous labelled substrate incubated with rat cerebral cortical cytosol and membrane fractions as has been successful in studies of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. In the cytosol [3H]phosphatidylcholine was hydrolyzed at a linear rate for 60 min of incubation and GTPγS stimulated hydrolysis by 63%. The products of phospholipase C and phospholipase D, phosphorylcholine and choline, contributed only 44% of the [3H]phosphatidylcholine hydrolytic products in the cytosol, with phospholipase D activity slightly predominating. GTPγS stimulated cytosolic phospholipase C and reduced phospholipase D activity. [3H]Phosphatidylcholine was hydrolyzed much more slowly by membranes than by cytosol. In membranes the production of [3H]phosphorylcholine and [3H]choline were approximately equal, contributing 27% of the total [3H]phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, and GTPγS only caused a slight stimulation of phospholipase C activity. Chronic lithium treatment (4 weeks) appeared to slightly reduce [3H]phosphatidylcholine metabolism in the cytosol and in membranes, but no statistically significant reductions were achieved. Cytosol and membrane fractions from postmortem human brain metabolized [3H]phosphatidylcholine slowly, and GTPγS had no effects. In summary, exogenous [3H]phosphatidylcholine was hydrolyzed by brain cytosol and membranes, and this was stimulated by GTPγS, but the complex contributions of multiple metabolic pathways complicates the application of this method for studying individual pathways, such as phospholipase D which contributes only a fraction of the total processes hydrolyzing exogenous [3H]phosphatidylcholine.
Upregulation of choline acetyltransferase activity in hippocampus and frontal cortex of elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), loss of cortical and hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity has been correlated with dementia severity and disease duration, and it forms the basis for current therapies. However, the extent to which reductions in ChAT activity are associated with early cognitive decline has not been well established. We quantified ChAT activity in the hippocampus and four cortical regions (superior frontal, inferior parietal, superior temporal, and anterior cingulate) of 58 individuals diagnosed with no cognitive impairment (NCI; n = 26; mean age 81.4 ± 7.3 years), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 18; mean age 84.5 ± 5.7), or mild AD (n =14; mean age 86.3 ± 6.6). Inferior parietal cortex ChAT activity was also assessed in 12 subjects with end-stage AD (mean age 81.4 ± 4.3 years) and compared to inferior parietal cortex ChAT levels of the other three groups. Only the end-stage AD group had ChAT levels reduced below normal. In individuals with MCI and mild AD, ChAT activity was unchanged in the inferior parietal, superior temporal, and anterior cingulate cortices compared to NCI. In contrast, ChAT activity in the superior frontal cortex was significantly elevated above normal controls in MCI subjects, whereas the mild AD group was not different from NCI or MCI. Hippocampal ChAT activity was significantly higher in MCI subjects than in either NCI or AD. Our results suggest that cognitive deficits in MCI and early AD are not associated with the loss of ChAT and occur despite regionally specific upregulation. Thus, the earliest cognitive deficits in AD involve brain changes other than simply cholinergic system loss. Of importance, the cholinergic system is capable of compensatory responses during the early stage of dementia. The upregulation in frontal cortex and hippocampal ChAT activity could be an important factor in preventing the transition of MCI subjects to AD.
Defining and Measuring Unintended Pregnancy: Issues and Concerns

Summary This article of the past and current measures of unintendedness of pregnancy has been offered in the hope that investigation into this area can be expanded. Current information available from available national surveys is not comparable due to different survey questions, inclusion criteria, and timing of interviews. What are often reported as rates of unintendedness may be rates of unwantedness—a completely different concept. Many studies fail to delineate the distinction between those unintended pregnancies that are indeed unintended versus those that were mistimed. Potentially, these existing data sets could be reanalyzed by using specific inclusion criteria for unintendedness, maternal age, and marital status. This information might be helpful in improving the comparability between the surveys and in assessing trends in unintendedness. In the future, to accurately measure unintendedness of pregnancy, we must use a consistent definition that takes into account the complexities of the issue. Valid and reliable scales that reflect the value of unintendedness from the mother's perspective need to be developed to reflect the potential change in intendedness over time. The adequate measurement of unintendedness of pregnancy is the first step in addressing the Healthy People 2000 goal and measuring progress in addressing the nation's reportedly high rate in the long-term goal of addressing the risk factors of unintended pregnancy.
Dependence of radiochromic film response kinetics on fractionated doses.

Abstract Because the rate and magnitude of the post-exposure growth of the MD-55 radiochromic film (RCF) dosimeter response depends significantly on total dose, we have investigated the influence of fractionation and protracted dose delivery on optical density (OD) as a function of total dose and the exposure-to-densitometry time interval for a 633-nm scanning laser densitometer. Both measurements and models demonstrate that fractionation induces transient OD over responses, which can be as large as 20%, but rapidly dissipate within 24 h. However, the superposition model predicts 2–5% over responses that persist as long as 700 h.
Apoptosis and loss of virus-specific CD8+ T-cell memory.

Abstract CD8 + T-cell memory to viruses is stable in the absence but volatile in the presence of other infections. Apoptotic events that occur early in acute infections delete pre-existing memory T cells, leaving the host with reduced memory (except for cross-reactive responses) to previously encountered viruses. Apoptotic events also silence the acute immune response, leaving the host with a residual population of memory T cells. Persistent infections can induce apoptotic deletions of memory T cells that are specific to the persisting virus and to previously encountered pathogens.
Response to comments of Z.J. Kabala and G. Sposito on the paper “On the stochastic theory of solute transport by unsteady and steady groundwater flow in heterogeneous aquifers” by M.L. Kavvas and A. Karakas (Journal of Hydrology Vol. 179 (1996) 321–351)

Abstract It is shown that the comment of Kavvas and Karakas (J. Hydrol., 179: 321–351, 1996) concerning the inapplicability of Eqs. (A10) and (6) in Kabala and Sposito (Water Resour. Res., 27: 341–350, 1991) to transport by nonstationary flow is correct, and that Eqs. (A10), (6) and (7) of Kabala and Sposito (1991) are incorrect for the transport case treated in that paper. The correct expressions for Eqs. (A10) and (6) in Kabala and Sposito (1991) are provided. It is also shown that the claims of Kabala and Sposito (1998) concerning the theoretical developments in Kavvas and Karakas (1996) have no basis.
Cloudiness as a Climatic Feedback Mechanism: Effects on Cloud Amounts of Prescribed Global and Regional Surface Temperature Changes in the NCAR GCM

Abstract In a series of January experiments, prescribed changes of 2 K to the ocean surface temperatures of the NCAR GCM are imposed either globally or in one of two zonal strips centered at 5°S and 15°N. The global perturbations cause a global response in 3 km cloudiness of opposite sign to the surface temperature change, whereas a warm surface temperature perturbation at 15°N, under the subsiding branch of the Hadley cell, causes a cloudiness increase over the strip and smaller cloudiness decreases in zones adjacent to the strip. On the other hand, a 2 K strip placed at 5°S under the ascending branch of the Hadley cell causes little cloudiness response over the strip, but a statistically significant cloudiness decrease in adjacent zones. It is concluded that, in addition to a term which accounts for the effects on global cloudiness of global temperature changes, a comparably important additional term is needed to compute the global cloudiness feedback problem. This additional term integrates the local c...
The relation of the Kerr effect to depolarized Rayleigh scattering

(1979). The relation of the Kerr effect to depolarized Rayleigh scattering. Molecular Physics: Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 1643-1647.
Regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy or strain is associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients independent of blood pressure reduction – A LIFE review

Cornell product criteria, Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria and electrocardiographic (ECG) strain (secondary ST-T abnormalities) are markers for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and adverse prognosis in population studies. However, the relationship of regression of ECG LVH and strain during antihypertensive therapy to cardiovascular (CV) risk was unclear before the Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) study. We reviewed findings on ECG LVH regression and strain over time in 9193 hypertensive patients with ECG LVH at baseline enrolled in the LIFE study. The composite endpoint of CV death, nonfatal MI, or stroke occurred in 1096 patients during 4.8±0.9years follow-up. In Cox multivariable models adjusting for randomized treatment, known risk factors including in-treatment blood pressure, and for severity ECG LVH by Cornell product and Sokolow-Lyon voltage, baseline ECG strain was associated with a 33% higher risk of the LIFE composite endpoint (HR. 1.33, 95% CI [1.11-1.59]). Development of new ECG strain between baseline and year-1 was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of the composite endpoint (HR. 2.05, 95% CI [1.51-2.78]), whereas the risk associated with regression or persistence of ECG strain was attenuated and no longer statistically significant (both p>0.05). After controlling for treatment with losartan or atenolol, for baseline Framingham risk score, Cornell product, and Sokolow-Lyon voltage, and for baseline and in-treatment systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 1 standard deviation (SD) lower in-treatment Cornell product was associated with a 14.5% decrease in the composite endpoint (HR. 0.86, 95% CI [0.82-0.90]). In a parallel analysis, 1 SD lower in-treatment Sokolow-Lyon voltage was associated with a 16.6% decrease in the composite endpoint (HR. 0.83, 95% CI [0.78-0.88]). The LIFE study shows that evaluation of both baseline and in-study ECG LVH defined by Cornell product criteria, Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria or ECG strain improves prediction of CV events and that regression of ECG LVH during antihypertensive treatment is associated with better outcome, independent of blood pressure reduction.
Pyridoxamine, a versatile inhibitor of advanced glycation and lipoxidation reactions

Abstract Pyridoxamine (PM), a second-generation inhibitor of advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation, inhibits AGE formation from Amadori adducts on protein, as well as chemical modification of proteins by advanced lipoxidation end-products (ALEs) in vitro. In recent studies, we have shown that PM inhibits the increase in formation of AGE/ALEs in skin collagen of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague–Dawley rats and Zucker obese, non-diabetic rats. Inhibition of AGE/ALE formation was accompanied by attenuation of increases in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol in both animal models. PM also provided potent protection against early renal disease in both animal models, measured by effects on the rise in plasma creatinine and urinary albumin and protein concentrations. The combination of efficacy and low toxicity suggests that PM may be useful for retarding the progression of renal and other pathologies associated with diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Topology of the electron density of multicenter bonding in the anion TCNE 2 2

For TCNE2 2− the role of bond paths in the electron density is emphasized to show that the anion contains multicenter bonding interactions across 4 central carbon atoms conferring inherent stability to it, consistent with experimental, and theoretical studies of other authors.
Immunological detection of membrane-associated human luteinizing hormone correlates with gene expression in cultured human cancer and fetal cells.

We have demonstrated the expression of membrane-associated hCG and its subunits and fragments by cells from 78 human cancer cell lines of different types and origins, indicating that such expression is a common phenotypic characteristic of cultured human malignant cells. Because human (h) LH beta has 80% homology with hCG beta and is coded by one of the seven genes in the gene cluster located in chromosome 19, it was important to determine whether hLH and its beta-subunit are also expressed as membrane-associated proteins by cells from human cancer cell lines. Thus, 11 cancer cell lines of different types and origins were adapted to grow in serumless medium, with Nutridoma-HU or SP as serum substitute, and analyzed by flow cytometry using two monoclonal antibodies directed to different conformational epitopes of intact hLH and a monoclonal antibody reacting with an epitope of hLH beta-free. The cells were also analyzed simultaneously for the expression of hCG and its subunits and fragments. Determination ...
Finding a cold needle in a warm haystack: infrared imaging applied to locating cryocooled crystals in loops

Thermally imaging the cryocooling processes of crystals has been demonstrated showing the progression of a cold wave through a crystal from the face closest to the origin of the coldstream ending at the point furthest away. During these studies large volume crystals were clearly distinguished from the loop holding them. Large volume crystals, used for neutron studies, were chosen deliberately to enhance the imaging. The different infrared transmission and reflectance properties of the crystal in comparison to the cryo-protectant are thought to be the parameter that produces the contrast making the crystal visible. As an application of the technology to locating crystals, more small crystals of lysozyme and a bFGF/dna complex were cryo-protected and imaged in large loops. The crystals were clearly distinguished from the vitrified solution. In the case of the bFGF/dna complex the illumination had to be carefully manipulated to enable the crystal to be seen in the visible spectrum. These preliminary results will be presented along with advantages and disadvantages of the technique and a discussion of how it might be applied.
Informal Markets: Street Vendors in Mexico City

Abstract The central question this article addresses is: What are the functions of street vendor organizations? The study of street vending in Mexico City shows that vendor organizations perform mainly two central functions. (1) Organizations as negotiators or deal-makers; street vendors choose to become members of these organizations as a means to overcome red tape or complex bureaucracies. (2) Organizations as managers of social assets; organizations limit membership and access to informal markets and manage conflicts among vendors. The article shows that social capital, family, friends, etc., play an important role among street vendors whenever access to stalls in the informal market is at stake. The article raises questions regarding the way policies to formalize street vending are being implemented. Governments are attempting to control and regulate street vendors without taking into account their organizations. The article points out that future policies need to be designed in such a way that government and social institutions, like street vendor organizations, share responsibilities for the smooth functioning of informal markets. Finally, the article concludes that social institutions could represent an efficient solution to problems such as service delivery and others that people in developing countries face.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the quantitation of albumin in human serum

Capillary reversed-phase liquid chromatography was coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for determining the concentration of human serum albumin (HSA) in a fresh frozen serum reference material. A biotinylated HSA (bHSA) was prepared and used as an internal standard for the serum albumin determination. The average HSA concentration of the serum sample was determined by mass spectrometry to be 41.5 ± 2.8 g/L at the 95% confidence limit for the measured value. The HSA concentration of the fresh frozen serum was also assayed using the bromocresol green dye-binding method, producing a value of 42.3 ± 1.5 g/L. Calibration curves generated from HSA standards spiked with bHSA showed excellent linearity and the relative standard deviation for replicate analysis of a bHSA spiked serum sample was less than 3%.
Reduction of radiation-induced conductivity in poly(ethylene terephthalate) : Effect of dopant structure

Abstract This paper focuses on developing radiation tolerant polymeric films by incorporating small molecule dopants into the material formulation. The radiation tolerance is imparted to the polymer by dopants capturing the mobile electrons generated upon radiation exposure. A wide range of conjugated small molecules was utilized for the reduction of radiation-induced conductivity (RIC) in semi-crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate). Using these results, the process of electron and hole trapping by π-conjugated molecules may be generalized to many organic systems. All conjugated ring cores examined, when substituted with an appropriate electron-withdrawing species, led to excellent RIC reduction. The nitro group is the strongest electron-withdrawing substituent, and therefore leads to the lowest RIC, but other substituents also reduce RIC, and the interactions may be quantified by the Hammett parameter. It was also found that the dopant must be present in a certain range of concentrations, between 10 and 200 mol/m 3 (6 × 10 18 and 1 × 10 20 molecules/cm 3 ), for proper trapping of the photo-induced electron-hole pairs. This understanding of the interactions between conjugated dopants, photons, and electrons will benefit other applications, such as controlled conductivity in coatings and organic electronics.
A mechanism for virilization of female spotted hyenas in utero

Female spotted hyenas exhibit male-like genitalia and dominance over males. Hyena ovarian tissues incubated in vitro produced large quantities of the steroid hormone precursor androstenedione. The activity of aromatase, which converts androstenedione to estrogen, was one-twentieth as great in hyena versus human placental homogenates. In comparison, the activity of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts androstenedione to testosterone, was equal in the two homogenates. The limited aromatase activity may allow the hyena placenta to convert high circulating concentrations of androstenedione to testosterone, which results in virilization of the fetal external genitalia and possibly destruction of fetal ovarian follicles. Androstenedione production by residual ovarian stromal cells during reproductive life accounts for the epigenetic transmission of virilization in female spotted hyenas.
NanoLaser/Microfluidic BioChip for Realtime Tumor Pathology

Through recent interdisciplinary scientific research, modern medicine has significantly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, little progress has been made in reducing the death rate due to cancer, which remains the leading cause of death in much of the world. Pathologists routinely rely on microscopic examination of cell morphology using methods that originated over a hundred years ago. These staining methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and frequently in error. New micro-analytical methods1 (JBM, 1998; Harrison et al., 1993; Ramsey et al., 1995; Mauro Ferrari, Lynn Jelinski, 1994; Anderson et al., 1996; Carlson et al., 1996) for high speed (real time) automated screening of tissues and cells are critical to advancing pathology and hold the potential for improving diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
Measurement of Shear Strength, Bulk Density, and Pore Pressure in Recent Marine Sediments by in-situ Probes: Results of 1967 Shallow-Water Tests: ABSTRACT

Three telemetering probes designed to rest on or in fine-grained sediments of the sea floor and to make in-place measurements were used successfully at sea from the USCG water depths ranged from 240 to 290 m. A tower about 4 m high and 2.4 m wide at the base was lowered to the sea floor. Within the tower was contained a motor-driven shaft to which was attached either a torque assembly and a vane for measuring shear strength, or a two-legged probe containing a Cs-137 isotope source in one leg and a scintillation detector in the other for measuring bulk density by gamma-ray transmission. The motor was operated remotely by command from the s ip. Vane rotation measurement made by strain gauges was telemetered through 3.6 km of electrical cable to the surface and recorded on an x-y plotter aboard the vessel. Pulses from the gamma-ray apparatus were transmitted directly over the electrical cable to the ship, where they were counted. Shear strength was measured at eight localities in successive 30-cm intervals to a depth of 2.5 m below the bottom. Bulk density was measured at five localities in successive 2.5-cm intervals to a depth of 1.5 m below the bottom. The in-place results have been compared with laboratory measurements of shear strength and bulk density made on sediment cores collected in 1966 from the same localities. In-place vane shear strength distinctly is higher than laboratory vane shear strength and lower than laboratory Swedish fall-cone shear strength. All bulk density values determined by in-place and laboratory gamma-ray transmission methods and by the weight/volume laboratory method are nearly identical. Pore pressure was measured successfully in place at one location by a differential piezometer probe that telemetered results over the electrical cable to a shipboard computer. The results obtained from this probe are not conclusive because of problems with the cable. End_of_Article - Last_Page 547------------
Analysis of the Human Kinome Using Methods Including Fold Recognition Reveals Two Novel Kinases

Author(s): Briedis, Kristine M; Starr, Ayelet; Bourne, Philip E | Abstract: BackgroundProtein sequence similarity is a commonly used criterion for inferring the unknown function of a protein from a protein of known function. However, proteins can diverge significantly over time such that sequence similarity is difficult, if not impossible, to find. In some cases, a structural similarity remains over long evolutionary time scales and once detected can be used to predict function.Methodology/principal findingsHere we employed a high-throughput approach to assign structural and functional annotation to the human proteome, focusing on the collection of human protein kinases, the human kinome. We compared human protein sequences to a library of domains from known structures using WU-BLAST, PSI-BLAST, and 123D. This approach utilized both sequence comparison and fold recognition methods. The resulting set of potential protein kinases was cross-checked against previously identified human protein kinases, and analyzed for conserved kinase motifs.Conclusions/significanceWe demonstrate that our structure-based method can be used to identify both typical and atypical human protein kinases. We also identify two potentially novel kinases that contain an interesting combination of kinase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase domains.
A Note on Interval Estimation of the Simple Difference in Data with Correlated Matched Pairs

When we employ cluster sampling to collect data with matched pairs, the assumption of independence between all matched pairs is not likely true. This paper notes that applying interval estimators, that do not account for the intraclass correlation between matched pairs, to estimate the simple difference between two proportions of response can be quite misleading, especially when both the number of matched pairs per cluster and the intraclass correlation between matched pairs within clusters are large. This paper develops two asymptotic interval estimators of the simple difference, that accommodate the data of cluster sampling with correlated matched pairs. This paper further applies Monte Carlo simulation to compare the finite sample performance of these estimators and demonstrates that the interval estimator, derived from a quadratic equation proposed here, can actually perform quite well in a variety of situations.
Trauma, Transience, and Resilience in Chronic Illness: A Perspective on the Physician–Patient Relationship

This essay derives from a three-part discussion of asymmetry and mutuality in the patient–physician relationship. In this section, I emphasize the patient's reaction to the diagnosis of chronic/ter...
Stimulation of group III and IV muscle afferents reflexly decreases total pulmonary resistance in dogs.

Abstract Although previous investigations have shown that stimulating group III and IV afferents reflexly decreased transverse tension from the trachealis muscle, these measurements provided no functional information about airway caliber. We therefore electrically stimulated gracilis muscle afferents in paralyzed, chloralose anesthetized dogs while recording total pulmonary resistance breath by breath. In addition, we recorded compound action potentials to determine which afferents were stimulated by current intensities of 3, 5, 20, 70 and 200 times motor threshold. We found that stimulating (20 Hz) the nerves at 3 times threshold, a current intensity which activated only group I and II afferents, had no effect on total pulmonary resistance, whereas stimulating teh nerves at 5, 20 and 70 times threshold, current intensities which activated group I, II and III afferents, significantly decreased this variable. Stimulating the nerves at 200 times threshold, a current intensity which activated group IV as well as group I, II and III afferents, decreased total pulmonary resistance significantly more than did stimulating the nerves at 5, 20 or 70 times threshold. In addition stimulating the nerves at 200 times threshold but at frequencies of 2 and 5 Hz significantly decreased total pulmonary resistance. The decrease in total pulmonary resistance evoked by electrically stimulating the nerves at 200 times threshold was unaffected by propranolol but was abolished by atropine methylnitrate. We conclude that stimulating group III and IV gracilis muscle afferents in dogs reflexly decreases total pulmonary resistance, an effect due to the withdrawal of a tonic cholinergic input to the airways.
A review of two surgical procedures in the management of genuine stress urinary incontinence: a survey of overall patient satisfaction

Abstract Objective: To determine the overall patient satisfaction following the Burch procedure versus the paravaginal/Burch procedure in the treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSUI). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients operated for GSUI between January 1996 and April 1998 was performed. Patient satisfaction was assessed by means of telephone interviews asking four predetermined questions: 1) Did you feel that your recuperation while in the hospital was complicated? 2) Have you had any recurrence of symptoms postoperatively? 3) Do you have any urinary discomfort to report? 4) Are you satisfied with the results achieved after the surgery? Results: Twenty percent of patients with the Burch reported their hospital course as complicated, compared with 12% of the paravaginal group. Symptoms of detrusor instability were reported in 4/25 (16%) and 2/25 (8%) patients after Burch and paravaginal/Burch, respectively. There were two cases of recurrent GSUI, one in each group. Lower urinary tract symptoms were reported in 7/25 (28%) and 3/25 (12%) patients following Burch and paravaginal/Burch procedures. The overall patient satisfaction was 56% following the Burch procedure and 76% for the paravaginal/Burch procedure. Conclusions: The paravaginal/Burch procedure seems to have greater patient satisfaction, compared with the Burch procedure. A more detailed study looking at different parameters of surgical outcome is needed in assessing the variables surrounding patient satisfaction.
Surface Flashover Characteristics of Nano Particle Cast EPOXY Resin

Surface flashover across solid insulators in vacuum has found applications in the area of space power systems. One scenario where surface flashover in vacuum can be a problem in space power systems is a spacecraft operating in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) or low earth orbit (LEO) interacts with the local space environment resulting in the differential charging of the spacecraft to electrical potentials of many hundreds to few thousand volts. When this charging reaches a critical value, surface flashover on the solid dielectric insulator may occur, resulting in loss of high voltage isolation and damage to the space power systems on board. Similarly, surface flashover can also occur across insulators in the utility power system in atmospheric pressures as well. In general, random emission of a small number of electrons at the cathode results in positive charging of the dielectric surface at the triple junction, thus initiating surface flashover across the dielectric. In this paper, we present experimental results of surface flashover characteristics of epoxy resin and epoxy resin cast with powdered Al2O3. The samples used in the experiments were produced by using either epoxy resin of known properties or by mixing known quantities of Al2O3 with epoxy. The electrode material placed over the dielectric samples was copper. The flashover studies were conducted using DC and AC signals separately, and surface flashover voltage characteristics and the breakdown voltage wave forms of samples were determined.
Spring constants of composite ceramic/gold cantilevers for scanning probe microscopy

Abstract A combination of finite element analysis (FEA) calculations and resonant frequency measurements are applied for determining the normal and lateral spring constants of microfabricated ceramic/gold cantilevers for friction force mode of scanning probe microscopy (SPM). The cantilever Si 3 N 4 and Au layers are combined analytically into an equivalent single composite layer. Bending and torsion behavior of the cantilever are determined through FEA. Effective Young’s modulus for the composite Si 3 N 4 -Au beam is determined through assimilation of FEA and fundamental resonant frequency measurements. Several current analytical solutions are compared with the full FEA evaluation. A new analytical expression is derived for obtaining the ratio of lateral to normal spring constants and thereby the evaluation of absolute values of friction coefficients. Calibration plots are presented for the assessment of both vertical and torsion spring constants of bi-component cantilevers by measuring their resonant frequencies and thickness of gold overlay. The complex relationship between resonant frequency, f o , and spring constants, k , can be presented in scaling form k ∼ f o α with α ≈2.60 for a wide range of compositions of cantilever beams. Deviations from the simple cubic relationship k ∼ f o 3 known for a homogeneous beam are related to the bi-component nature of cantilevers with ceramic layer and gold overlay. The calibration plots are proposed and analytical expression is derived to make more accurate assessment of spring constants for composite SPM cantilevers.
A phylogeographic perspective on endemism in the Alexander Archipelago of southeast Alaska

Conservation plans for the North Pacific Coast are beginning to acknowledge that the old-growth forests remaining on the extensive archipelagos of the region may require a new management paradigm. Extensive timber harvesting activities on these islands may impact wildlife populations and be particularly detrimental to the large number of endemics. Because insular biotas have suffered a disproportionate number of documented extinctions worldwide, the documentation of taxonomic validity and spatial distribution of endemics should be a priority for management efforts. To date, few North Pacific coastal endemics have been reevaluated since their original descriptions. This study provides an independent view of endemism in the Alexander Archipelago of southeast Alaska through a phylogeographic assessment of eight species of mammals (Sorex monticolus, Glaucomys sabrinus, Microtus longicaudus, Clethrionomys rutilus, Clethrionomys gapperi, Martes americana, Mustela erminea, Ursus americanus). The molecular data (mitochondrial sequence variation of the cytochrome b gene) suggest a dynamic history of faunal interchange in the region. While some purported endemics show minimal levels of genetic divergence from other conspecific populations, other taxa appear to be more divergent than recognized by current taxonomy. Some species in the region are comprised of multiple clades or evolutionarily significant units. These reciprocally monophyletic lineages may be the result of multiple Holocene invasions (neoendemics) or they may have persisted in refugia (paleoendemics) in the region during Pleistocene glacial advances. This emerging historical perspective should have direct implications for the management of these endemic taxa.
Human and Rabbit Newborn Lung Macrophages Have Reduced Anti-Candida Activity

ABSTRACT: Bronchoalveolar macrophages (BAM) protect the adult lung from low level microbial contamination. The antimicrobial activity of human newborn RAM is unknown. BAM were isolated from effluents of suctioned, intubated newborns and from bronchoalveolar lavage of healthy, nonsmoking adult volunteers. An in vitro cytologic slide assay was developed and used to ascertain: 1) inhibition of intracellular filamentation of Candida albicans (active yeast growth) and 2) killing + digestion of ingested C. albicans. The ability to restrict intracellular yeast filamentation was markedly different for human newborn versus adult BAM. Adult BAM were five times more effective in restricting intracellular filamentation of Candida compared to newborn cells (p 1200 g = 30.2 ± 11.1 % (n = 16), mean ± S.D.]. Neonatal BAM were able to destroy C. albicans at a level equivalent to adult cells because there newborn phagocytes allowed intracellular Candida to enter a state of active growth, thereby rendering the yeast more susceptible to killing and digestion. The anti-Candida activity noted in lung macrophages recovered from normal 1-day-old and adult rabbits was similar to that seen in human BAM. Kinetic studies of intra- and extracellular yeast filamentation with time revealed that extracellular yeast were unrestricted in their ability to grow (filamentation = 98 ± 0.5% by 2 h). Bonchoalveolar macrophages recovered from rabbits exposed to 95 + % O2 for 96 h after birth had a 2-fold higher rate of intracellular Candida filamentation when compared to BAM lavaged from newborn rabbits raised in room air [66.3 ± 5.9% versus 33 ± 13.5% (mean ± SD, p < 0.025)]. Oxygen exposure did not alter macrophage phagocytosis. We conclude that oxygen therapy may be an important factor underlying the fungistatic limitations of BAM from newborns undergoing intensive care.
Voriconazole is safe and effective as prophylaxis for early and late fungal infections following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Seventy-two patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation were treated with voriconazole (VOR) as antifungal prophylaxis starting from day -2 of transplantation and continuing until withdrawal of immunosuppression. Patients were assessed for safety and the incidence of definite, probable, or possible fungal infection throughout transplantation was evaluated. VOR was well tolerated. Only 14% of patients required interruption of VOR therapy because of toxicity: liver toxicity (8%), cardiac Q-T interval prolongation (1%), or other side effects (5%). In the early post-transplant period ( 120 days), no patients developed probable or definite fungal infection while receiving VOR. No Candida infections were seen in either period. These data suggest that fungal prophylaxis with VOR following allogeneic transplantation is safe and effective.
Novel report of an adrenal adenoma in a newborn

An adrenal mass in a newborn usually suggests a diagnosis of neuroblastoma or hemorrhage. A 6-week-old girl was referred for evaluation of a left adrenal mass. The initial findings were most consistent with an adrenal hemorrhage. On surveillance imaging, the lesion was characterized as a complex cystic mass. The patient subsequently developed lesions in the right adrenal gland and liver as well as multiple cutaneous lesions. Although the contralateral adrenal and hepatic lesions resolved spontaneously, the left adrenal and cutaneous lesions persisted. Subsequent imaging revealed that the mural components of the left adrenal mass had increased in size, and at age 13 months, a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed. A benign adrenal adenoma with myxoid changes was reported on surgical pathology. This is the first reported case in a newborn.
P02.102. Evaluating the role of expectancy during stress-reducing aromatherapy in healthy older adults

Methods To date, 54 participants (mean age 58.7, 82% female) were randomized to either: 1) lavender (stress-reducing aroma), 2) coconut (detectable placebo), or 3) water (non-detectable placebo). The detectable placebo group was used to assess aroma-mediated expectancy. Further, half of the participants in each group, along with their aroma, received a prime suggesting they are inhaling a powerful stress-reducing aroma. The prime was used to evaluate verbally-mediated expectancy. Participants completed a visit during which they experienced the assigned aroma while undergoing a stress battery. Before and after the stress battery, we assessed participants’ subjective stress-related measures, cognitive function, salivary stress biomarkers, and physiologic measures including EEG and ECG. ANOVAs were used to detect group differences with all outcomes reflecting post-stress percent change from baseline.
Effect of Cup Length on Film Profiles in Gas-Centered Swirl-Coaxial Injectors

Recent interest in LOX-hydrocarbon rocket engines has resulted in the need for design criteria and scaling laws for injectors which work well in such an environment. One injector type that has been shown to work well in LOX-hydrocarbon engines is a Gas-Centered Swirl-Coaxial (GCSC) Injector. While earlier work has focused on a number of the important parameters, one that has been left unexplored is the injector cup length. In this study the effect of the injector cup length on the atomizing film in GCSC injectors is explored. The length of the atomizing film is used as reference parameter for the overall spray quality. Using lasersheet illuminations along with water and nitrogen as the working fluid, film lengths were determined in six unique injector geometries and over a number of flow conditions. Each injector geometry and flow condition was tested with two injector cup lengths. Results will show that the injector cup length has little effect on the films for test conditions with momentum flux ratios greater than 400 as long as the film is completely broken up within the cup.
Differential in vitro hepatic and intestinal metabolism of ifosfamide in the rat.

1. Metabolism of ifosfamide (IF) in intestinal and hepatic microsomes has been investigated in the rat. The generation of three primary metabolites, 4-hydroxyifosfamide (HOIF), N2-dechloroethylifosfamide(N2D) and N3-dechloroethylifosfamide (N3D),was followed. 2. Microflora in rat small intestine showed no metabolic activity towards IF. The overall metabolic activity was higher in the hepatic microsomes than in the intestinal microsomes, and the hydroxylation pathway accounted for 53.6% of total IF metabolism in the hepatic microsomes. In contrast, hydroxylation of IF in intestinal microsomes was only 9.8% of the total monitored metabolic activity and N3-dechloroethylation of IF was a major pathway, constituting 73.0% of the monitored activity. 3. In summary,the intestinal metabolism of IF was demonstrated for the first time and these in vitro data indicate that the intestinal metabolism of IF could contribute significantly to the overall first-pass metabolism.
Determining the Gaussian probability distribution of the best-fit ellipsoid of revolution for a polymer chain from planar projections

This paper introduces an algorithm to obtain the probability distribution of the best-fit ellipsoid of an individual random-walk polymer chain from planar projections. This algorithm allows the true three-dimensional behaviour of polymer chains to be inferred from planar experimental measurements such as those obtained by light microscopy. Our algorithm is effective in retrieving the Gaussian probability density functions (PDFs) of evolving best-fit prolate and oblate ellipsoids with axial symmetry. The implementation depends on the properties of the projections of rigid ellipsoids from which the desired PDFs can be retrieved by optimization. Detailed derivation of the relevant formulae is provided, and examples are given to help to explain the algorithm. An error analysis shows that the algorithm has good properties of convergence and robustness. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is applicable to the analysis of data obtained from experiments.
On the robust variance estimator in generalised estimating equations

SUMMARY The variance matrix of the estimated regression coefficient in the Liang-Zeger generalised estimating equation approach can be consistently estimated by the so-called sandwich or robust estimator. In this note, we propose a modification to the Liang-Zeger prescription for implementing the robust variance estimator. Analytical and numerical evidence shows the superior performance of our proposal.
Typical and atypical regeneration and overgrowth of hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory tract after partial or complete hypophysectomy in the goldfish.

Abstract In partly or completely hypophysectomized goldfishes the cut axons of the infundibular stalk regenerate and establish a new relationship with nearby blood vessels to form a new neurohypophysis-like organ, as reported in other vertebrates. A varying number of these axons, or groups of them, exhibit apparent uncontrolled growth, and they penetrate into the connective tissue in different degrees of dispersion or aggregation into a stalk. Though many outgrowing axons end upon blood vessels, those that terminate in the connective tissue, or even upon muscle, are not uncommon. Often, but not invariably, these axons carry abundant AF-positive neurosecretory material. In a partly hypophysectomized fish where the entire pars intermedia and most of the proximal pars distalis were removed, the growth of neurohypophysial axons in stalk form was maximum. Factors which may regulate growth and regenerative properties of the hypothalamic neurosecretory axons are considered.
A framework integrating attribute-based policies into role-based access control

Integrated role-based access control (RBAC) and attribute-based access control (ABAC) is emerging as a promising paradigm. This paper proposes a framework that uses attribute-based policies to create a more traditional RBAC model. RBAC has been widely used, but has weaknesses: it is labor-intensive and time-consuming to build a model instance, and a pure RBAC system lacks flexibility to efficiently adapt to changing users, objects, and security policies. Particularly, it is impractical to manually make (and maintain) user to role assignments and role to permission assignments in industrial context characterized by a large number of users and/or security objects. ABAC has features complimentary to RBAC, and merging RBAC and ABAC has become an important research topic. This paper proposes a new approach to integrating ABAC with RBAC, by modeling RBAC in two levels. The aboveground level is a standard RBAC model extended with "environment". This level retains the simplicity of RBAC, supporting RBAC model verification/review. The "underground" level is used to represent security knowledge in terms of attribute-based policies, which automatically create the simple RBAC model in the aboveground level. These attribute-based policies bring to RBAC the advantages of ABAC: they are easy to build and easy to adapt to changes. Using this framework, we tackle the problem of permission assignment for large scale applications. This model is motivated by the characteristics and requirements of industrial control systems, and reflects in part certain approaches and practices common in the industry.
DNA methylation levels in normal and chemically-transformed mouse 3T3 cells

Abstract Normal mouse embryo 3T3 cell cultures and those oncogenically transformed by the chemical carcinogens benzo(a)pyrene and methylcholanthrene were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the 5-methylcytosine to cytosine base ratios in their total genomic DNA. The DNA methylation levels appear to be approximately equal in the three cell lines examined.
Patient Rights: The Yale Experience

Abstract The development of a policy of confidentiality and privacy at the Division of Mental Hygiene, Yale University Health Services, is traced from the earliest reference to it in 1933 through the present. The factors relating to confidentiality within the university are distinguished from those relating to inquiries from outside agencies. The distinction between information requested in connection with further therapy and information requested for use in evaluation for employment or selection is made. In the latter instance, the establishment of a policy of releasing no information to outside agencies, even with a waiver from the patient, is described and explained.
Low‐frequency impact sound transmission through floor systems

An extensive series of measurements of airborne and impact sound insulation on joist floors of various types was recently completed at NRC. About 190 floors with different joist types, subfloors, ceiling types, ceiling support systems, and type and thickness of sound absorber were constructed and sound insulation measured to frequencies lower than required by standards. The joist types comprised solid wood, wood trusses, I‐joists, and steel joists. Glass, rock, and cellulose fiber sound‐absorbing materials were used. Three concrete slabs were included in the series and a few of the joist floors had concrete toppings installed. Impact devices used on the floors included the standard ISO/ASTM E492 tapping machine, a walker, a JIS 1419 tire impactor, and two experimental rubber balls. The impact measurements provide an extensive, consistent set for examining alternative impact tests and possible modifications to standard tests using the ISO tapping machine. Correlations among the sound levels from the different impactors show that levels from the ISO tapping machine correlate well with those from a walker at low frequencies although the spectra are quite different in shape. The data and the prospects for a new test method and rating system will be discussed.