cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Essential Fatty Acids and Phospholipids as Drugs in the Treatment of Alcoholism

This chapter will focus on the potential use of lipids and phospholipids as therapeutic agents in treating alcoholism, and on behavioral, biochemical and physiological interactions between alcohol, essential fatty acids, and prostaglandins. The rationale for these approaches is based on alcohol’s effects on membrane fluidity, lipid metabolism, and prostaglandin synthesis.
Profiling the initial burst of beneficial genetic diversity to anticipate evolution of a cell population

Clonal populations of cells continuously evolve new genetic diversity, but it takes a significant amount of time for the progeny of a single cell with a new beneficial mutation to outstrip both its ancestor and competitors to fully dominate a population. If genotypes with these driver mutations can be discovered earlier—while they are still extremely rare—it may be possible to anticipate the future evolution of these populations. For example, one could diagnose the likely course of incipient diseases, such as cancer and bacterial infections, and better judge which treatments will be effective, by tracking rare drug-resistant variants. To test this approach, we replayed the first 500 generations of a >70,000-generation Escherichia coli experiment and examined the trajectories of new mutations in eight genes known to be under positive selection in this environment in six populations. By employing a deep sequencing procedure using molecular indexes and target enrichment we were able to track 236 beneficial mutations at frequencies as low as 0.01% and infer selection coefficients for 180 of these. Distinct molecular signatures of selection on protein structure and function were evident for the three genes in which beneficial mutations were most common (nadR, pykF, and topA). We detected mutations hundreds of generations before they became dominant and tracked beneficial alleles in genes that were not mutated in the long-term experiment until thousands of generations had passed. Therefore, this targeted adaptome sequencing approach can function as an early warning system to inform interventions that aim to prevent undesirable evolution.
Leadership Titles in Radiology: Usage of Non-Inclusive Terminology among Academic Radiology Departments and Societies.

Rationale and Objectives To characterize the use of gender-specific (chairman) and non-inclusive terminology (chief) to describe departmental and divisional/sectional leadership within academic radiology department and radiological society websites. Methods From a total of 157 unique institutions identified, we gathered a list of 123 departments with functioning websites. We screened for use of “chairman” and “chief” on departmental home pages, welcome messages, faculty listings, and residency program pages, noting location on websites, and alternative terms, if present. We also assessed for use of “chairman” through a list of 14 radiological society websites. The overall usage of these terms was determined and the relationships between geographic region, faculty gender, and use of terminology were assessed. Results “Chairman” is common among radiology department websites, with 42.1% (51/121) of websites using the term at least once. Usage of “chairman” was higher in departments whose chairs were men (OR 4.32, 95% CI: 1.36-13.69) and lower in those located in the Midwest (versus Northeast, OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12-0.96). Use of “chief” is extremely common among departments listing divisional leadership, at 82.7% (67/81). Alternative terms used included “chair,” “head,” “chairperson,” and “director.” Among departments, the proportion of women in leadership roles is low, representing 19.7% (22/122) of chairs and 31.1% (272/874) of other leadership. Radiological societies were unlikely to use “chairman,” with only one website using the term. Conclusion Use of “chairman” and “chief” is frequent among academic radiology departments. Further efforts should be made to assess the usage of non-inclusive terminology and its potential impact within academic radiology departments.
Point-of-Care PET/Ultrasound Imaging for Detection of Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaque: A Feasibility Study

310 Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of a novel imaging system that will bring both PET and ultrasound imaging to patient bedside to support point-of-care (PoC) applications with near real-time interactive imaging capability. The initial application is to detect vulnerable plaque in carotid artery using [64Cu]DOTA-ECL1i, a PET tracer targeting C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) developed at Washington University which may identify high-risk plaques with inflammation. Methods: Our system will consist of a stationary PET detector panel placed behind a patient and a maneuverable probe comprising of PET detectors and an ultrasound transducer. The probe can be moved around a patient to collect coincidence events and ultrasound images from a region-of-interest. The location of the maneuverable probe relative to the fixed panel will be tracked to identify detector location in real-time. These events will then be used for list-mode image reconstruction in near real time to provide visual feedback to the operator who can interactively control the probe to collect additional counts to optimize image quality. To prove the concept, we set up a prototype that consists of two PET detectors each built with a Hamamatsu H8500 PMT coupled to 48x48 LSO crystals of 1.0x1.0x10.0 mm3 each. The maneuverable detector is mounted to a robotic arm and can be positioned at arbitrary locations around a subject. A GPU-based fully-3D list-mode Time-Of-Flight image reconstruction algorithm was developed to model dynamically changing geometry. We imaged a gel phantom embedded with a tubing that contains Cu-64 solution using the PoC-PET setup and a Philips EPIQ Elite system using a XL14-3 Transducer for 3D volumetric ultrasound images. We also acquired a series of 2D transverse images of a mouse with a 2mm step size using an Alpinion E-Cube ultrasound system. A mouse was injected with [64Cu]DOTA-ECL1i and imaged by a Siemens Inveon system first followed by the above PoC-PET setup. Results: We report preliminary PET, Ultrasound and fused PET/Ultrasound images of a gelatin phantom and a mouse model of vascular diseases. Additionally, we also show a fused PET/CT mouse image from Siemens Inveon PET/CT scanner for comparison. We are currently developing a proof-of-concept prototype with SiPM-based PET detectors to further enhance our PET image quality. Conclusions: The fused PET/Ultrasound images of a diseased mouse shows potential application of the proposed system for point-of-care ultrasound-guided PET imaging of vulnerable plaques. Future studies involving acquisition of ultrasound and PET data with an integrated setup will be performed and presented.
A High-Efficiency Lens-Coupled 60GHz On-Chip Antenna Module for Millimeter-Scale Wireless Transmitters

This work reports on a 2x2 miniature-sized high-efficiency integrated antenna array in a standard Silicon Germanium (SiGe) 130nm process for millimeter-scale millimeter-wave (mm-wave) applications, such as high data-rate wireless communications and high resolution radar sensing. The proposed 2x2 slot antenna module achieves 14.7dBi radiation gain and 48% radiation efficiency by design optimization on antenna elements and the array. The radiation gain is improved more than 13dB by optimization of array geometry as well as application of a high resistivity hemispheric silicon dielectric lens.
Generalizing the Concept of a Neural Optimal Control System: A Generic Neural Optimal Control System

The representation of the spinal motor control system in the form of a neural OCS can explain all major experimentally revealed peculiarities of the structure and function of this system. Now it is necessary to generalize the idea of a neural OCS in such a way that it can be applied to any subsystem of the nervous system.
Estimation of Risk Reduction

To the Editor: The recent editorial by Greenland and colleagues1 highlights the utility of cardiac risk prediction algorithms and points to several important advantages and disadvantages of existing risk equations based on the Framingham Heart Study. Although the excellent observational data obtained from Framingham may be useful for absolute risk estimation, it may not be the best source of information to estimate risk reduction. …
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of pyridoxal kinase from sheep brain

Crystals of pyridoxal kinase from sheep brain have been grown from solutions of ammonium sulfate or Na+/K+ phosphate. The crystals are trigonal, space group P3121 with axes a = b = 102.2 A and c = 58.5 A. The crystals are quite stable to x-rays and diffract at 2.2-A resolution. This macromolecule is a 80,000-kDa dimer and utilizes the 2-fold symmetry of the space group, resulting in one subunit/asymmetric unit.
Auditory stream segregation using amplitude modulated bandpass noise

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of spectral overlap and amplitude modulation (AM) rate for stream segregation for noise signals, as well as to test the build-up effect based on these two cues. Segregation ability was evaluated using an objective paradigm with listeners' attention focused on stream segregation. Stimulus sequences consisted of two interleaved sets of bandpass noise bursts (A and B bursts). The A and B bursts differed in spectrum, AM-rate, or both. The amount of the difference between the two sets of noise bursts was varied. Long and short sequences were studied to investigate the build-up effect for segregation based on spectral and AM-rate differences. Results showed the following: (1). Stream segregation ability increased with greater spectral separation. (2). Larger AM-rate separations were associated with stronger segregation abilities. (3). Spectral separation was found to elicit the build-up effect for the range of spectral differences assessed in the current study. (4). AM-rate separation interacted with spectral separation suggesting an additive effect of spectral separation and AM-rate separation on segregation build-up. The findings suggest that, when normal-hearing listeners direct their attention towards segregation, they are able to segregate auditory streams based on reduced spectral contrast cues that vary by the amount of spectral overlap. Further, regardless of the spectral separation they are able to use AM-rate difference as a secondary/weaker cue. Based on the spectral differences, listeners can segregate auditory streams better as the listening duration is prolonged-i.e., sparse spectral cues elicit build-up segregation; however, AM-rate differences only appear to elicit build-up when in combination with spectral difference cues.
Utilization of the impella 2.5 micro‐axial pump in children for acute circulatory support

Percutaneous circulatory support is widely available for use in adult patients. Options remain limited in the pediatric population due to limitations of vessel and patient size, resulting in the use of more invasive means of circulatory support. We present a case series of pediatric patients in whom the Impella 2.5 axial flow pump was able to be placed utilizing a hybrid approach that allowed for adequate distal perfusion while providing successful short-term hemodynamic support. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attributes of Effective Leader-Negotiators

This chapter introduces how a Leader-Negotiators' (L-Ns') thinking is seen in behavior and behavior is seen in the way an L-N uses power. The three powers of effective L-Ns are personal, professional, and situational. These three powers are influenced by the five attributes: self-control, emotional maturity, depersonalization, managing failure, and coping with imperfection. These attributes increase L-N intelligence. They are foundational to problem-solving, decision-making, taking effective action, building competent teams, and crafting strategy.
Dietary caffeine intake and bone status of postmenopausal women.

Dietary caffeine intake has been suggested as a risk factor for bone loss in postmenopausal women. We measured the bone density of both hips and the total body in 138 healthy, postmenopausal women aged 55-70 y who had either never used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or had used HRT for or = 5 cups caffeinated coffee per day). Caffeine intake was measured from diet records and by gas chromatography of each subject's brewed, caffeinated beverages. No association between caffeine intake and any bone measurement was observed. The anthropometric and nutrient intakes of the three groups were similar. Compared with caffeine intake based on chemical analysis of brewed beverages, 3-d prospective food records and computer-assisted analysis overestimated caffeine intake by nearly two-thirds. In conclusion, the habitual dietary caffeine intake of this cohort of 138 postmenopausal women ranged from 0-1400 mg/d and was not associated with total body or hip bone mineral density measurements. This study does not support the notion that caffeine is a risk factor for bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women.
An evaluation of factors influencing the discriminative effectiveness of a group of liver function tests. VI. Nature of the interrelationships among hepatic tests in viral hepatitis.

Summary The nature of the interrelationships among nine liver function tests in acute viral hepatitis has been studied in detail. As a group the highest intercorrelations among the tests were observed with the urine coproporphyrin and per cent cholesterol esters, the lowest with the zinc sulfate turbidity and urine urobilinogen tests. The observed effectiveness of each test in differentiating between hepatitis patients and normal individuals was wholly dependent upon factors accounting for the independent significance of four tests-the Bromsulf alein, zinc turbidity, hippuric acid, and urine coproporphyrin tests. Coproporphyrin factors contributed the largest amount to the observed eff ectivenes of the total bilirubin, thymol turbidity, per cent cholesterol esters, galactose tolerance, and urine urobilinogen tests. They also contributed significantly to the effectiveness of the Bromsulfalein and hippuric acid tests, but were relatively independent of the zinc turbidity test. Factors accounting for the independent significance of the hippuric acid test contributed appreciably to the observed effectiveness of each of the other tests, though less extensively than the coproporphyrin factors in all instances except that involving the zinc turbidity test. Bromsulfalein factors were most important in determining the observed effectiveness of the hippuric acid test. Though being of secondary importance, they also contributed significantly to the observed effectiveness of the galactose tolerance, per cent cholesterol esters, and urine coproporphyrin tests. All but two of the tests were relatively independent of zinc turbidity factors. The same four sets of basic physiologic factors are involved in both acute hepatitis and cirrhosis; however, the relative importance of each set differs greatly. In cirrhosis, the set of factors accounting for the independent significance of the Bromsulf alein test are by far of greatest importance. In acute hepatitis, the set of factors accounting for the independent significance of the urine coproporphyrin test are most important.
A new epitaxy technique for device isolation and advanced device structures

The authors introduce a novel silicon epitaxy technique useful for advanced device fabrication by providing for isolation between and within devices. Called CLSEG (confined lateral selective epitaxial growth), this technique involves selective growth of single-crystal silicon inside a thin but wide cavity formed on, but isolated from, a silicon substrate. Lateral-to-vertical dimension ratios (aspect ratio) of at least eight are possible, a result never before achieved with as-grown epitaxial films. Bipolar transistors and diodes fabricated entirely within CLSEG material show near-normal characteristics, indicating excellent crystal quality. CLSEG is a low-temperature processing technique, and is well-suited to stacked or three-dimensional device construction. Only standard equipment is needed to produce complete dielectric isolation, making CLSEG adaptable to production processes. A novel device concept is presented to show the advantages and applicability of the CLSEG technology. >
Insulin: pancreatic secretion and adipocyte regulation

Insulin is the primary acute anabolic coordinator of nutrient partitioning. Hyperglycemia is the main stimulant of insulin secretion, but other nutrients such as specific amino acids, fatty acids, and ketoacids can potentiate pancreatic insulin release. Incretins are intestinal hormones with insulinotropic activity and are secreted in response to food ingestion, thus integrating diet chemical composition with the regulation of insulin release. In addition, prolactin is required for proper islet development, and it stimulates β-cell proliferation. Counterintuitively, bacterial components appear to signal insulin secretion. In vivo lipopolysaccharide infusion acutely increases circulating insulin, which is paradoxical as endotoxemia is a potent catabolic condition. Insulin is a potent anabolic orchestrator of nutrient partitioning, and this is particularly true in adipocytes. Insulin dictates lipid accretion in a dose-dependent manner during preadipocyte development in adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular cell culture. However, in vivo studies focused on insulin's role in regulating adipose tissue metabolism from growing, and market weight pigs are sometimes inconsistent, and this variability appears to be animal, age and depot dependent. Additionally, porcine adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes a number of adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and so forth) that directly or indirectly influence insulin action. Therefore, because insulin has an enormous impact on agriculturally important phenotypes, it is critical to have a better understanding of how insulin homeostasis is governed.
Use of Hypertonic-Hyperoncotic Fluids for Resuscitation of Trauma Patients

Hypertonic sodium chloride solutions in concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 24% have been studied for use in the resuscitation of burn and hemorrhagic shock victims for many years. In animal studies, in the setting of small volume resuscitation, hypertonic sodium chloride is superior to standard isotonic crystalloid resuscitation for restoration of hemodynamic stability. The combination of hypertonic sodium chloride with a hyperoncotic colloid solution sustains hemodynamic improvements for an additional hour. Hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions restore vascular volume primarily by drawing water out of the cell and then selectively partitioning some of the newly recruited fluid within the plasma space. The hyperosmolar state also augments microcirculatory flow, reduces cerebral edema formation, and perhaps increases myocardial contractility. The ability to increase cardiac output with small volume hypertonic-hyperoncotic resuscitation may solve some of the problems related to fluid resuscitation in the preho...
The Origins of the IFLA Study on Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records

SUMMARY The IFLA FRBR Study has had a profound impact on international bibliographic control practices since its formal acceptance by IFLA in 1997. The article provides a brief history of the IFLA Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) Study that was undertaken by a study group appointed by the IFLA Standing Committee of the Section on Cataloguing and the IFLA Division of Bibliographic Control. This history describes the relationship between the FRBR study and a pivotal seminar on bibliographic control held in August 1990 in Stockholm. The article then explores the study group membership, including its commentators and consultants; the project charge; the study process; and several key issues leading up to the publication of its final report.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, apoptosis, and colorectal adenomas

Abstract Background & Aims: Observational studies indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of colorectal neoplasia. The mechanism of this effect could be via modification of apoptotic activity in colonic mucosa. We examined grossly normal rectal mucosa in patients with adenomas and adenoma-free controls to assess the associations between NSAID use, adenomatous polyps, and apoptosis. Methods: Study participants were drawn from consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy between August, 1998, and February, 2000. Biopsy specimens were taken from normal-appearing rectal mucosa 10 cm from the anal verge. Apoptosis was scored from coded, HE 95% CI: 0.2–0.7) compared with occasional or nonusers. Similarly, compared with the lowest tertile, persons in the highest tertile of rectal mucosal apoptotic activity were much less likely to have adenomas (OR 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07–0.20). NSAID use and apoptotic activity were not correlated (r = 0.10). Mucosal proliferation was not related to adenomas or NSAID use. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that NSAID use and higher levels of mucosal apoptosis are independently associated with a lower prevalence of adenomas. The study shows a strong field effect for apoptosis. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:1770-1777
Pathways for microstructural development in TiAl

Abstract Rapid solidification processing (RSP) of intermetallic alloys can provide alternative solidification paths and lead to the formation of metastable products. For the intermetallic TiAl with an equilibrium L10 structure, RSP has yielded a metastable hexagonal close packed (h.c.p.) α-Ti phase in both fine powder and melt-spun ribbon. Based on transmission electron microscopy observations of a fine antiphase domain structure, the h.c.p. phase orders to the Ti3Al (DO19) structure following solidification. A metastable phase diagram analysis indicates that a melt undercooling of about 100 °C is required for partitionless formation of an h.c.p. phase from an equiatomic melt and reveals other possible solidification pathways including the nucleation of metastable disordered body-centered cubic (b.c.c.) and face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) phases. Each of the potential pathways offers further opportunity for microstructural modification by solid-state annealing treatments.
Applications of the naturalness preserving transform to image watermarking and data hiding

The paper presents an image watermarking technique using the naturalness preserving transform (NPT). The goal is to produce an invisible and robust watermark that resists signal processing and geometric distortion attacks. Unlike traditional techniques, the proposed algorithm inserts and extracts the watermark via a special orthogonal transform class in between the spatial and frequency representations of the host image data. Two modified forms of the NPT employing the Hartley and discrete cosine transforms, respectively, are presented in order to improve the quality of the transformed image. Enhancements for the quality of the transformed images are achieved via reduction to the artifacts that occur to images transformed via the classical Hadamard-based NPT. The proposed watermark has demonstrated robustness against a variety of image attacks including, JPEG compression, low pass filtering, image cropping, and noise. The marked image must be severely degraded in order to prevent the reconstruction of the watermark.
Order-chaos transition of two trapped ions.

Phase transitions of trapped particles and ions, observed initially in 1959 by collisional cooling and recently by laser cooling, are explained as order-chaos transitions. Here, two trapped ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ ions are examined experimentally and by computer solution of the equations of motion. The ordered state, quasiperiodic with two frequencies, becomes chaotic when a bifurcation introduces a third frequency at a critical value of a control parameter. This route evolves from the nonlinear Coulomb coupling of the ion pair's axial and radial motions, displaying frequency locking and hysteresis, which is observed.
Triiodothyronine and hydrocortisone effects on Rana pipiens erythropoiesis

Abstract The effects of triiodothyronine and hydrocortisone individually and combined on Rana pipiens erythropoiesis have been studied in terms of their ability to stimulate hematocrit and 50 Fe uptake into peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen. The hormones individually stimulate erythropoiesis as indicated by increased isotope uptake into hemopoietic tissues and the hormones are approximately additive in terms of their ability to raise hematocrit and increase the % uptake of 50 Fe into peripheral blood and spleen. These hormones have been shown to be elevated in frogs during the season when erythropoiesis is also high. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that thyroid and adrenal cortical hormones are active in a general metabolic activity increase and thus stimulate erythropoiesis indirectly rather than by direct action on erythropoietic tissues.
Aerobic production and utilization of lactate satisfy increased energy demands upon neuronal activation in hippocampal slices and provide neuroprotection against oxidative stress.

Ever since it was shown for the first time that lactate can support neuronal function in vitro as a sole oxidative energy substrate, investigators in the field of neuroenergetics have been debating the role, if any, of this glycolytic product in cerebral energy metabolism. Our experiments employed the rat hippocampal slice preparation with electrophysiological and biochemical methodologies. The data generated by these experiments a) support the hypothesis that lactate, not pyruvate, is the end product of cerebral aerobic glycolysis; b) indicate that lactate plays a major and crucial role in affording neural tissue to respond adequately to glutamate excitation and to recover unscathed post-excitation; c) suggest that neural tissue activation is accompanied by aerobic lactate and NADH production, the latter being produced when the former is converted to pyruvate by mitochondrial lactate dehydrogenase (mLDH); d) imply that NADH can be utilized as an endogenous scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to provide neuroprotection against ROS-induced neuronal damage.
Transposition of the antropylorus for anal incontinence—An experimental model in the pig

An experimental model in the pig rendered incontinent of feces was developed to assess the sphincteric activity of the transposed antropylorus. In the control group, normal defecation was studied clinically, radiologically, and manometrically. Nineteen 7- to 10-week-old pigs were rendered incontinent by resection of 20 cm of colon and rectum to below the dentate line. The antropylorus was prepared on its own blood supply and transposed to the anus, initially with a colostomy, which was closed 15 to 21 days later. Clinically these pigs passed semisolid stool in a piecemeal fashion. Contrast defecography showed hold-up at the pylorus, reflux of contrast into the colon, with pyloric contraction independent of antral stimulation. Manometry showed pyloric contraction with rise in antral pressure and independence. The authors conclude that transposition of an antropyloric segment to the anus provides a sphincter-like mechanism and could have application in fecal incontinence.
Study of the spectrum of inflaton perturbations

We examine the spectrum of inflaton fluctuations resulting from any given long period of exponential inflation. Infrared and ultraviolet divergences in the inflaton dispersion summed over all modes do not appear in our approach. We show how the scale invariance of the perturbation spectrum arises. We also examine the spectrum of scalar perturbations of the metric that is created by the inflaton fluctuations that have left the Hubble sphere during inflation and the spectrum of density perturbations that they produce at reentry after inflation has ended. When the inflaton dispersion spectrum is renormalized during the expansion, we show (for the case of the quadratic inflaton potential) that the density perturbation spectrum approaches a mass-independent limit as the inflaton mass approaches zero, and remains near that limiting value for masses less than about 1/4 of the inflationary Hubble constant. We show that this limiting behavior does not occur if one only makes the Minkowski space subtraction, without the further adiabatic subtractions that involve time derivatives of the expansion scale factor a(t). We also find a parametrized expression for the energy density produced by the change in a(t) as inflation ends. If the end of inflation were sufficiently abrupt, then the temperaturemore » corresponding to this energy density could be very significant. We also show that fluctuations of the inflaton field that are present before inflation starts are not dissipated during inflation and could have a significant observational effect today. The mechanism for this is caused by the initial fluctuations through stimulated emission from the vacuum.« less
An Integrated Automatic Test Data Generation System

The Godzilla automatic test data generator is an integrated collection of tools that implements a relatively new test data generation method—constraint-based testing—that is based on mutation analysis. Constraint-based testing integrates mutation analysis with several other testing techniques, including statement coverage, branch coverage, domain perturbation, and symbolic evaluation. Because Godzilla uses a rule-based approach to generate test data, it is easily extendible to allow new testing techniques to be integrated into the current system. This article describes the system that has been built to implement constraint-based testing. Godzilla's design emphasizes orthogonality and modularity, allowing relatively easy extensions. Godzilla's internal structure and algorithms are described with emphasis on internal structures of the system and the engineering problems that were solved during the implementation.
The effect of barium and TEA on the ocellar electroretinogram

Abstract Changes in the waveform of the ocellar electroretinogram (ERG) were recorded when the ocellus of the cockroach Blaberus craniifer was exposed to barium or tetraethylammonium chloride. The components contributing to the ERG were affected differently. The component arising from the ocellar nerve fibres was abolished in both. The component of the ERG considered to originate in the retinula cell axons increased in magnitude. The sustained negative components were not affected greatly by TEA but decreased in size when exposed to barium. This indicates different mechanisms must be responsible for producing the components of the ERG. Possible explanations for the effect of barium and TEA are discussed.
MEASUREMENT OF ANN FOR [MATH] ELASTIC SCATTERING IN THE COULOMB INTERFERENCE REGION

ANN for [MATH] elastic scattering has been measured at 1.47 and 1.28 GeV/c in the Coulomb interference region. We present preliminary results of the measurement.
Buck-boost integrated forward converter

An integrated converter is a synthesized converter based on the overall system integration, which is simplified by the system objective and can implement the system functions similar to the discrete converters. An integrated converter consists of converter sets; each converter set has a special function defined by the designer. A family of DC/DC buck boost based integrated rectifier with two active switches can be derived by the integration concept. In this paper, buck boost + forward integrated converter is proposed and fully explained. Five different operating modes, formulation, waveforms, output/input voltage ratio characteristics, small-signal models, transfer function, simulation results, and experimental verification are presented in detail
NORTH AMERICAN MALTING BARLEY TRADE Differences in Quality and Marketing Costs

Differences between U.S. and Canadian marketing policies in malting barley have been identified as potential sources of trade distortions. Most important are issues related to quality control, yield differentials between feed and malting varieties, and differences in handling costs. This study analyzes effects of changes in selected marketing policies on trade flows and prices in the North American malting barley sector using a mathematical programming model. Simulation results illustrate impacts of relaxed variety release requirements, increased selection rates for malting barley, reduced Canadian handling costs and the effect of increased Canadian exports of malting barley to offshore markets. The results quantify effects of these strategic issues on both the United States and Canadian barley sectors. Les differences entre les regimes de commercialisation de l'orge de malterie-brasserie aux Etats-Unis et au Canada pourraient etre la cause de distorsions des echanges commerciaux. Mentionnons en particulier les questions touchant le controle de la qualite, les differences de rendement entre les varietes fourrrageres et les varietes brassicoles et les differences affectant les couts de manutention. Au moyen d'un modele de programmation mathematique, nous analysons les effets de modifications affectant certaines politiques de commercialisation sur les flux des echanges entre les deux pays et sur les prix aarts le secteur nord-americain de l'orge de brasserie. Les simulations mettent en evidence les impacts d‘une reglementation plus souple des conditions de mise au commerce des varietes, du relevement des criteres de selection pour l'orge brassicole, d'une diminution des couts de manutention canadien ainsi que l'effet d'un accroissement des exportations canadiennes d'orge brassicole vers les marches d'outremer. Les resultats permettent de quantifier les effets de ces questions strategiques sur le secteur de l'orge du Canada et des Etats-Unis.
On the origin of the competition between photofragmentation and photodetachment in hydrated electron clusters, (H2O)−n

Photoexcitation of size‐selected hydrated electron clusters, (H2O)−n , in the near IR results in a competition between photofragmentation and electron photodetachment. To investigate the origin of this competition, the decay probability into ionic fragments for the n=25 cluster was measured as a function of photon energy from 0.91≤hν≤3.49 eV. The photofragmentation probability increases rapidly with decreasing excitation energy in the general vicinity of the vertical detachment energy of this cluster (1.4 eV) determined via photoelectron spectroscopy. This result suggests that fragmentation accompanies photoexcitation of the excess electron with near zero kinetic energy. Thus, photofragmentation appears to proceed through an optically prepared intermediate similar to that reached in electron scattering from neutral clusters, which displays an enhanced dissociative attachment pathway with near zero kinetic energy electrons.
The TESOL Methods Course

This paper presents the results of an empirical study of the curriculum of the TESOL methods course in the United States. The survey sample consisted of 120 teacher preparation programs. The response rate was 78%; 94 respondents returned 77 questionnaires and 55 course syllabi. These provided information about the content of the TESOL methods course, its goals, requirements, instructional materials, and common problems, and they identified possible avenues for development and change.
Administration of adenosine receptor agonists or antagonists after controlled cortical impact in mice: effects on function and histopathology.

Abstract Adenosine is an endogenous neuroprotectant via anti-excitotoxic effects at A1 receptors, and blood flow promoting and anti-inflammatory effects at A2a receptors. Previous studies showed improved motor function after fluid percussion injury (FPI) in rats treated with the broad-spectrum adenosine receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine (2-CA). We studied the effects of 2-CA, a specific A1 agonist (2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, CCPA), and a specific A1 antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, DPCPX) on motor task and Morris water maze (MWM) performance, and histopathology (contusion volume, hippocampal cell counts) after controlled cortical impact (CCI) in mice. Each agent (12 nmol), or respective vehicle (saline or DMSO) was injected into dorsal hippocampus beneath the contusion immediately after CCI or craniotomy (sham). 2-CA treatment attenuated wire grip deficits after CCI (P
Mechanistic studies of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline formation under low temperature in 3-hydroxy-2-butanone/ammonium acetate model systems

Volatile compounds formed from the reaction of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone/ammonium acetate at 25, 55 and 85 °C were investigated. Six compounds were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (EI and CI). Among the volatile compounds identified, an interesting intermediate compound, 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline, was found. 15 N-Labeled ammonium acetate was used to confirm the structure of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline. The formation pathway of these volatile compounds was proposed. In these model systems, 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline was formed at the reaction temperature below 25 °C. On the other hand, tetramethylpyrazine was the major component when the reaction temperature was higher than 85 °C. The amounts of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline and tetramethylpyrazine increased linearly with the increasing heating time at 55 °C. Protic solvents did not promote 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline formation but did favor the formation of tetramethylpyrazine. A kinetic study of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,5-trimethyl-3-oxazoline formation was also performed, and the activation energy was found to be 16.5 kcal/mol.
‘THESE LAWS SHOULD BE MADE BY US’: CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE LAW, CODIFICATION AND POLITICAL AUTHORITY IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY COLONIAL GABON

This article analyzes the multiple and failed efforts to codify customary marriage law over the course of the twentieth century in colonial Gabon. It argues that these efforts illuminate the discursive arenas in which the colonial state, the church and African political leaders struggled to demarcate power and control over wealth-in-women. In a time of sociopolitical crisis and change state, chiefs and other elite African men all become involved in attempts to conceptualize, codify and administer customary marriage law. The contested process of codification reveals disjunctures in the articulation of male political authority in colonial Gabon.
Methylation of messenger RNA

Abstract Eukaryotic messenger RNA molecules contain methylated nucleotides, both at their 5′-terminal end in a unique ‘cap' structure, and internally as 6-methyladenylic acid. Similar methylation patterns are.found in heterogeneous nuclear RNA molecules.
Dual Pillar Spin Transfer Torque MRAM with tilted magnetic anisotropy for fast and error-free switching and near-disturb-free read operations

We propose a three terminal, dual pillar magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with tilted magnetic anisotropy for fast and error-free precessional magnetic switching with near-disturb-free magneto-resistive data sensing. Marginal tilting of magnetic anisotropy of the pinned layer in the write-in port enables fast (∼2ns) and error-free magnetic switching, subject to an electric current density of almost 70% lower than that required in a conventional STT-MRAM with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). A thicker tunnel barrier is incorporated in the spatially and electrically isolated read-out port for higher tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) and near-disturb-free read operations. Dual bit line memory architecture with just one access transistor per bit-cell is also proposed. The technology-circuit co-optimization of the proposed one transistor Dual Pillar Spin Transfer Torque (DPSTT) MRAM cell is carried out using effective mass-based spin transport [1] and finite temperature macro-magnetic simulations involving Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski (LLGS) equation [2–4]. The proposed DPSTT-MRAM bit-cell outperforms the state-of-the-art 1T-1MTJ STT-MRAM cell in terms of higher cell TMR, single supply voltage for read/write, near-disturb-free data access under parametric process variations with comparable or even lower critical switching current.
Ontogeny of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors in rat cerebellum and cerebral cortex

The development of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors was studied in rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum. In the cerebral cortex, which contains mostly β1-adnergic receptors, total β-adrenergic receptor density increased sharply between postnatal days 10 and 21. The density of receptors remained fairly constant through 6 weeks of age and then subsequently declined. The proportion of β1 and β2 receptors was relatively constant throughout the development of the cerebral cortex. The development of the two receptor subtypes thus paralleled the development of total β-adrenergic receptors in the cerebral cortex. The ontogeny of β-adrenergic receptors in the cerebellum, which contains mainly β2 receptors, was strikingly different from that observed in the cortex. Total cerebellar β receptor density exhibited a slow but steady increase from postnatal day 5 through day 42. The density of receptors then plateaued and remained constant until the animals were approximately 6 months of age. Unlike the results obtained in the cortex, the relative proportions of β1 and β2 receptors in the cerebellum changed markedly during development. Between postnatal days 8 and 13 approximately 18% of the receptors were of the β1 subtype. This proportion steadily decreased with age, and in 3- and 6-month-old animals only approximately 2% of the receptors were of the β1 subtype. The results demonstrate that two subtypes of β-adrenergic receptors can have different development patterns in the same brain area, and that a single receptor subtype can follow different development patterns in different brain regions. Possible correlations between the ontogeny of β1 and β2 receptors and various developmental events are discussed.
A Case for Limiting the Reach of Institutional Review Boards

Institutional review boards (IRBs) governing social and behavioral research seem to systematically exceed the guidelines established by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. We examine a clandestine study of prostitution and another of employment discrimination and conclude that IRBs, more concerned about being sued than they are about protecting research subjects, get in the way of science and cause ethical problems as a consequence. We discuss the ethical principles involved and call for a suspension of all IRB review in the social and behavioral sciences.
Comparison of RNA Terminal Sequences of Phages f2 and Qβ: Chemical and Sedimentation Equilibrium Studies

The terminal fragment obtained by hydrolysis with ribonuclease T 1 of the ribonucleic acid from the bacteriophage Qβ has been isolated and purified. The results of chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of this fragment and of the intact RNA itself indicate that the fragment has the composition (10 Cp, 4 Up), and that the RNA has the terminal sequence -GP(9 Cp, 4 Up) CpA. These conclusions are supported by the results of an application of the sedimentation-equilibrium method in which the molecular weight of the Qβ fragment was compared with that of the corresponding fragment from f2 phage RNA for which the terminal sequence, -GpUpUpApCpCpApCpCpCpA had previously been determined.
Patient risk taking and spending habits correlate with willingness to pay for novel total joint arthroplasty implants

In this study, we compare patients' risk-taking and spending behaviors to their willingness to pay (WTP) for novel implants in a joint arthroplasty. 210 patients were surveyed regarding risk-taking and spending behavior, and WTP for novel implants with either increased-longevity, increased-longevity with higher risk of complications, or decreased risk of complications compared to a standard implant. Patients with increased recreational risk-taking behavior were more WTP for increased-longevity. Patients who “rarely“ take health-risks were more WTP for decreased risk of complications. Patients with higher combined risk scores were more WTP for all novel implants. Patients who paid more than $50,000 for their current car were more WTP for decreased complications. This study shows that patients' risk taking and spending behavior influences their WTP for novel implants.
Endometrial color flow/image-directed Doppler imaging: Negative predictive value for excluding ectopic pregnancy

Purpose Visualization of an intrauterine pregnancy with transvaginal ultrasound virtually excludes an ectopic pregnancy. However, findings that might lower patients' risk for ectopic pregnancy have not been extensively investigated. We prospectively performed transvaginal color flow/image-directed Doppler imaging of the endometrium to determine the predictive value of endometrial blood flow for excluding ectopic pregnancy. Materials and Methods From April 1994 to August 1995, 211 consecutive women underwent transvaginal ultrasound examinations to exclude an ectopic pregnancy. Color flow/image-directed Doppler imaging of the endometrium was performed on each patient. Flow was considered to be present only if a Doppler signal could be obtained with the cursor located completely within the endometrium. All Doppler imaging parameters were optimized for each patient. Resistive indices were obtained if arterial signal was present, and receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed for RI and peak systolic velocity. Findings were correlated with surgical and pathology results. Results Of 211 total patients, there were 55 ectopic pregnancies (52 diagnosed for a sensitivity of 95%), 89 incomplete spontaneous abortions, 40 completed spontaneous abortions, and 27 intrauterine pregnancies. Of 55 ectopic pregnancies diagnosed with real time imaging, 9 had areas of endometrial blood flow (6 venous, 3 arterial), and 46 did not. Of the 156 patients that did not have an ectopic pregnancy, 107 had arterial blood flow within the endometrium, and 49 had no flow. Using only cases with arterial signal, the negative predictive value of endometrial blood flow for excluding an ectopic pregnancy was 97% (107/107 + 3). The optimal cutoff values (5% false-positive rate) for peak systolic velocity and refractive index (RI) were 15 cm/s and 0.55. Conclusions Arterial blood flow within the endometrium lowers the risk for ectopic pregnancy even when other findings that might indicate a high risk are present. Venous flow within the endometrium does not exclude an ectopic pregnancy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound25: 103–109, 1997.
Oxidative-reductionist approaches to stem and progenitor cell function.

Redox status is a critical modulator of stem and progenitor cell function. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Le Belle et al. (2011) demonstrate that oxidation promotes self-renewal of neuroepithelial stem cells, revealing fascinating differences—and surprising similarities—with how redox pathways regulate glial progenitor cells.
A Museum Course for the Non-Professional

The students and faculty of The University of Kansas City have a rare advantage in that a major art museum, the Nelson Gallery-Atkins Museum, is located adjacent to their campus. In a situation where most of the academic buildings are less than three-quarters of a mile from the museum building, classes can be held at the gallery whenever it is convenient for the course. The rich collections provide an exceptional opportunity for the use of original works of art in academic courses. In effect, we can make use of the museum as if it were part of the university. Advantageous as this might be, there are, of course, some serious problems associated with the effective use of museum collections in art history courses. A given course, for example the “Northern Renaissance,” ranges far beyond the possessions of any one museum; and the usual procedure of emphasizing established masters and masterpieces normally excludes a great deal of what this museum (or any other) happens to possess. And even where the holdings ...