cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of a human seminal vesicle specific protein: Charakteristik eines Bläschendrüsen‐spezifischen Proteins des Menschen

Summary The present paper is concerned with the temporal alterations and tissue localization of a seminal antigen scrected by the human seminal vesicle. This antigen is recognized by antibody MHS-5, which is one of a set produced in mice by immunization with human sperm. The respective clone produced an antibody of the IgG1 subtype, which reacted with seminal fluid from over 400 normal donors and 21 semen samples from vasectomized men. Incubation of seminal vesicle secretion with either prostatic fluid or prostate specific antigen (PSA) resulted in degradation on the antigen. The experiments showed that MHS-5 antigen is a substrate for the serine protease PSA: Immunohistochemical studies suggested that MHS-5 is a “sperm-coating” antigen and is exclusively synthesized and secreted by the seminal vesicle. Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Arbeit befast sich mit der zeitabhangigen Veranderung der Zusammensetzung und der topischen Lokalisation eines in der menschlichen Blaschendruse sezernierten Antigens. Dieses Antigen wird durch den Antikorper MHS-5 erkannt, das aus einer Reihe monoklonaler Antikorper nach Immunisierung von Mausen mit menschlichen Spermien gewonnen wurde. Der betreffende Klon produzierte einen Antikorper des IgG1-Subtyps, der mit dem Seminalplasma von uber 400 normalen Spendern und 21 Samenproben von vasektomierten Mannern positiv reagierte. Inkubation von Blaschendrusensekret mit Prostatasekret oder gereinigtem Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) hatte einen Abbau des Antigens zur Folge. Die Versuche zeigen, das das MHS-5 Antigen das Substrat fur die Serinprotease PSA darstellt. Die immunhistochemischen Untersuchungen beweisen die “Sperm coating antigen”-Natur des Proteins, das exklusiv in der Blaschendruse synthetisiert wird.
Schwann cells from human neurofibromas show increased proliferation rates under the influence of progesterone.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary disease caused by mutations of the NF1 gene at 17q11.2. Loss of the NF1 gene product in Schwann cells leads to the development of benign nerve sheath tumors. These neurofibromas may occur at any time but tend to arise during periods of hormonal imbalance, suggesting that hormones influence neurofibroma growth. As steroid hormone levels rise during these times, we hypothesized that progesterone has proliferative effects on neurofibroma-derived Schwann cells. We chose specific medium conditions for selective proliferation of NF (+/−) and NF (−/−) cells from human neurofibromas. Genetic characterization was not performed, but former works have shown that under the conditions used (+/−) and (−/−) cells can be selected. Different progesterone concentrations were added at different days with BrdU-staining was performed to investigate proliferation rates and DAB-staining to identify a progesterone receptor. We could demonstrate that Schwann cells from human neurofibromas express progesterone receptors. These cells show elevated proliferation rates (highest in NF(−/−) cells) under progesterone, whereas normal human Schwann cells were not affected. These data suggest that progesterone plays an important role in the development of neurofibromas in NF1.
Comparison of diffuse optical spectroscopies and electroencephalogram for cerebral monitoring during carotid endarterectomy

The cerebral blood flow responses to arterial clamping measured by near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopies were found to be significantly faster, larger and more sensitive than electroencephalogram (EEG) responses during carotid endarterectomy.
Gaussian feedback communication systems with weak noise in the feedback link

Abstract The feedback coding problem for a feedback communication system with additive white Gaussian noise is investigated. Using mean-square estimation error as a performance measure, a recursive algorithm is given for evaluating the asymptotically optimal code of a specified form to be used when the signal-to-noise ratio in the feedback link is high. The relationship between this code and the coding procedure of Butman is given. When the signal-to-noise ratio in the forward channel is low, the transmitted signal sequence is given explicitly, and is compared with center-of-gravity methods.
No advantage for chlorambucil maintenance therapy in gastric MALT lymphoma.

Introduction: In the 1980s, Isaacson and colleagues [1,2] described a malignant lymphoma that occurred in association with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). These small-cell lymphomas were shown to have an indolent course and sometimes were cured with surgery or involved-fi eld radiotherapy. These lesions were previously sometimes called “pseudo lymphomas.” It became apparent that they could occur at any site of epithelial tissue—not just at mucosal sites. The most common MALT lymphomas occur in the stomach. In the 1990s, Wotherspoon and colleagues [3] documented the association of gastric MALT lymphomas and Helicobacter pylori infection, and it was shown that the lymphoma could regress when the H. pylori was eradicated [4]. Although H. pylori eradication has become the standard therapy for patients with localized gastric MALT lymphomas with documented infection by the microorganism, other therapies are also effective. Patients can respond to single-agent or combination chemotherapy regimens, rituximab alone or in combination, and involved-fi eld radiotherapy. In fact, the highest proportion of durable remissions seems to be associated with radiotherapy [5]. In this study, investigators from the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group, the United Kingdom Lymphoma Group, and the Group d’Etude des Lymphomes de l’Adulte tested the value of adjuvant chlorambucil after H. pylori eradication therapy in patients with nonprogressive gastric MALT lymphomas.
Absorption of visible radiation in atmosphere containing mixtures of absorbing and nonabsorbing particles

Recent measurements of the single-scattering albedo omega(0) of tropospheric aerosols indicate the presence of a strongly absorbing material which has tentatively been identified as graphitic carbon (soot). Theoretical calculations, based on several different models of the way in which soot might be mixed with other aerosol materials, show that a minimum of 20% soot by volume is necessary to achieve the observed urban value of omega(0) = 0.6. Rural values of the order of 0.8 can be accounted for with 1-5% soot by volume. These same values of omega can be produced by similar amounts of the iron oxide magnetite, which is shown to be virtually indistinguishable from soot by optical measurements performed on bulk samples. Calculations of phase functions for various mixtures of soot also indicate the difficulty of determining aerosol composition by optical scattering techniques. The climatic effects of these absorbing aeorosols are computed using a simple one-layer model, and the results suggest that heating rates in urban pollution layers may be of the order of 4 K/day.
Reproducibility, Fidelity, and Discriminant Validity of mRNA Amplification for Microarray Analysis from Primary Hematopoietic Cells

Analysis of gene expression in clinical samples poses special challenges, including limited RNA availability and poor RNA quality. Quantitative information regarding reliability of RNA amplification methodologies applied to primary cells and representativeness of resulting gene expression profiles is limited. We evaluated four protocols for RNA amplification from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results obtained with 100 ng or 10 ng of RNA amplified using two rounds of cDNA synthesis and in vitro transcription were compared with control 2.5-μg RNA samples processed using a single round of in vitro transcription. Samples were hybridized to Affymetrix HG-U133A arrays. Considerable differences in results were obtained with different protocols. The optimal protocol resulted in highly reproducible gene expression profiles from amplified samples (r = 0.98) and good correlation between amplified and control samples (r = 0.94). Using the optimal protocol dissimilarities of gene expression between mononuclear cells from a normal individual and a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome were primarily maintained after amplification compared with controls. We conclude that small variations in methodology introduce considerable distortion of gene expression profiles obtained after RNA amplification from clinical samples and too strong a focus on a very small number of genes picked from an array analysis could be unduly influenced by seemingly acceptable methodologies. However, it is possible to obtain reproducible and representative results using optimized protocols.
Material mapping for 3D objects in hyperspectral images

Automated material characterization and identification from airborne imagery is an important capability for many applications including target recognition and geospatial database construction. Hyperspectral imagery provides a rich source of information for this purpose but utilization is complicated by the variability in a material's observed spectral signature due to the ambient conditions and the scene geometry. In this paper, we present a method that uses a single spectral radiance function measured from a material under unknown conditions to synthesize a comprehensive set of radiance spectra that corresponds to that material over a wide range of conditions. This set of radiance spectra can be used to build a hyperspectral subspace representation that can be used for material identification over a wide range of circumstances. We demonstrate the use of these algorithms for model synthesis and material mapping using HYDICE imagery acquired at Fort Hood, Texas. The method correctly maps several classes of roofing materials, roads, and vegetation over significant spectral changes due to variation in surface orientation. We show that the approach outperforms methods based on direct spectral comparison.
The coaching paradox

Abstract As managers have shifted from controlling to empowering their employees, coaching has become a vital managerial tool. The primary goal of this paper is to begin a dialog on coaching that will facilitate theoretical development and empirical testing. We surveyed hotel managers to determine what they think coaching is, how they approach it, and how often they attempt to use it. The results of this exploratory analysis uncovered two coaching paradoxes: (1) managers attest that coaching is imperative for developing high caliber employees, yet they do not understand how coaching fits into the psychodynamics of the workplace; and (2) managers believe that they spend a high proportion of their workday coaching employees, yet critical analysis of their coaching incidents reveals that much of what they believe to be coaching actually is not coaching. Studying both these paradoxes sheds light on three primary misconceptions about coaching: (1) coaching is reactive and either a form of discipline or reward; (2) coaching is training; and (3) coaching requires only part-time attention.
Adaptation of monoaminergic responses to phencyclidine in nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex following repeated treatment with fluoxetine or imipramine.

The adaptive neuronal changes that follow chronic administration of antidepressant drugs are thought to underlie clinical improvement in patient populations. Recent evidence suggests that alterations specific to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors may be a final common pathway to antidepressant action. To investigate this possibility, we sought to establish the effects of chronic fluoxetine or imipramine treatment on the monoamine stimulating effect of the non-competitive NMDA antagonist phencyclidine. Male, Sprague–Dawley rats (n=9/group) were treated with saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.), imipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 14 consecutive days. After a 7-day drug-free period, animals given an acute challenge of either saline or phencyclidine (5 mg/kg, i.p.). One hour later, animals were killed, brains were removed, and the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens were dissected. Samples were assayed for the monoamines and their primary metabolites by HPLC. Repeated treatment with fluoxetine or imipramine did not alter baseline dopamine or serotonin turnover. Acute phencyclidine treatment increased prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens dopamine turnover in saline-treated animals (P<0.01); however, the effect in the nucleus accumbens was prevented in animals pretreated with imipramine or fluoxetine. Acute phencyclidine challenge also increased serotonin turnover in prefrontal cortex of saline- or imipramine-pretreated rats (P<0.01), though this effect was attenuated in animals pretreated with fluoxetine. Overall, the data suggest that repeated antidepressant treatment alters monoamine turnover in specific brain regions in response to blockade of NMDA receptors. The data highlight the importance of adaptive responses to NMDA receptors resulting from chronic antidepressant treatment.
Using Ariel, RLG′s document transmission system to improve document delivery in the United States

Examines the nature, background, development, testing, advantages, and creative uses of Ariel, a software package that can send, receive and print images of documents via the Internet. Compares the capabilities of Ariel to fax transmissions. Surmises that Ariel offers benefits of higher resolution, telecommunications charges, transmission time, and flexibility, giving it the potential to become de facto standard for image transmission and to reduce turnaround time.
Zingiberene and Curcumene in Wild Tomato

Composition of ginger oil prepared from fresh ginger rhizomes, Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC‐mass spectrometric techniques. The main sesquiterpene hydrocarbons identified were α‐zingiberene (27–30%), α‐curcumene (8–9%), β‐sesquiphellandrene (4.8%), and bisabolene (3.2%). The function of zingiberene and curcumene as insecticides, repellents, and insect feeding deterrents has been previously reported. Other plant species having similar constituents might be found. Leaves of six wild tomato accessions of Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum (Mull); three accessions of L. hirsutum f. typicum (Humb & Bonpl.); two accessions of L. pennellii Corr. (D'Arcy); one accession of L. pimpinellifolium; and one commercial tomato L. esculentum cv. Fabulous were analyzed. Analysis of L. hirsutum f. typicum (Solanaceae) accessions indicated the presence of zingiberene, curcumene, and other lipophilic secondary metabolites in the leaves of two accessions (PI‐127826 ...
The cardiopulmonary system: research and training opportunities

The new biology has the potential to provide mechanistic insights into the causes and progression of complex cardiopulmonary diseases such as congenital heart disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Such research requires collaborative investigation supported by sophisticated infrastructures and core facilities. Translating basic observations to clinical outcomes will require networks for collaborative translational research. The research initiatives require excellently trained and motivated clinician-scientists, but there are numerous barriers to the training and support of clinician-scientists in cardiology and neonatology.
Effect of acute and chronic ethanol pre-treatment on the disposition of phencyclidine (PCP) in the rat

Abstract Disposition of [3H] Phencyclidine in brain, plasma and adipose tissue of rats acutely and chronically-treated with ethanol was studied using a method possessing high sensitivity and specificity for PCP. In rats acutely-treated with ethanol (5 g/kg PO dose) and PCP (10 mg/kg IP dose), dispositional factors did not play a role in the intensified pharmacological and behavioral effects of PCP. However in rats chronically-treated with 2.5 g/kg PO dose of ethanol twice a day for 19 days, the disposition of PCP (5 mg/kg IP dose) was significantly altered and the values of PCP in brain, plasma and adipose tissue were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although inhibition of PCP metabolism and a comparatively slower rate of its elimination appear to account for the potentiation of drug effects in animals chronically-treated with ethanol, interaction of drugs at the level of the central nervous system cannot be ruled out.
Electron diffraction studies of pulsed cluster beams

A pulsed nozzle source has been installed in the electron diffraction unit at the University of Michigan. The pulsed mode of operation is found to offer several important advantages in the investigation of clusters generated in nozzle flow. These advantages, including the feasibility of operating without a skimmer, are discussed. Design features and characteristic results are briefly outlined.
Respiratory function following application of MAST trousers

To determine whether counterpressure suits such as the medical anti-shock trousers (MAST) reduce functional ventilation, 25 consecutive patients who received MAST support were reviewed retrospectively. The indications for use of MAST were systolic pressure below 80 mm Hg or clinical signs and pressure below 100 mm Hg. In the five patients with head injuries severe acidosis developed, with a mean pH of 7.19. The other groups had only mild acidosis. Although counterpressure suits have been shown to affect mechanical pulmonary function, alveolar ventilation is not significantly impaired.
Co-zone {1¯012} Twin Interaction in Magnesium Single Crystal

Using in situ optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction analysis, and atomistic simulations, we studied co-zone {1¯012} twin interaction in magnesium single crystal under compression–tension along the [101¯0] direction. Two co-zone twins are activated and interact with each other, resulting in two types of tilt boundaries that have habit planes (0001) and (101¯0) and prevent twin-across-twin transmission but facilitate the propagation of a basal slip band. Upon strain reversal, the unfavorable dissociation of dislocations in the formed tilt boundaries hinder de-twinning.
Immunology of melanoma

It can be safely said that human melanomas are immunogenic. Virtually all the major principles of "tumor immunology" have been experimentally established in this model. It is now amply clear that melanoma cells display multiple antigens and peptide epitopes that are targetable by the host immune system and that patients with melanoma are capable of responding to these antigens and epitopes serologically as well as through the cell-mediated mechanisms. The immune responses against melanoma are, however, subject to regulation by the regulatory processes within the immune system itself and melanoma cells can resort to overt evasive activities. Indeed, the intrinsic as well as the extrinsic mechanisms within the immune system that are designed to control the magnitude as well as the duration of immune responses at times act as constraints against generating a robust and long-lasting antimelanoma response and melanoma cells are capable of using all the tricks (eg, downregulation of targetable molecules, elaboration of immunosuppressive cytokines) available to living organisms so as to evade immune recognition and destruction. As a result, the immune system often fails to protect the host against melanoma development and progression. The cumulative knowledge over the years on melanoma-associated antigens and epitopes, on methods of immunization, and on technologies for generating melanoma antigen-specific T cells, natural or engineered, have led to the development of immunotherapeutic strategies with "melanoma vaccines" and with T-cell-based adoptive immunotherapy for melanoma. Although these strategies have not been uniformly successful in all cases, durable complete regressions of metastatic melanoma can at times be obtained with active specific immunization or adoptive cell therapy. There is reason for hope that continued research in the field is likely to improve the outcome of melanoma immunotherapy: the ultimate goal of tumor immunology.
A computational analysis of the interaction of lattice and intramolecular vibrational modes in crystalline α-RDX

The vibrational spectrum of a computer model of crystalline RDX was studied using a 216-molecule periodic supercell, allowing for intra- and intermolecular degrees of freedom using the force field by Boyd et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 124, 104508 (2006)]. The normal modes were analyzed with regard to their activity involving molecule center-of-mass translations and rotations, as well as 15 intramolecular degrees of freedom, including bond stretches, bend and dihedral angle variations, and out-of-plane motions of the nitro groups. We correlate center-of-mass motions with the occupation of internal degrees of freedom for all of the normal modes in the model with particular attention to correlations between nitro rotations and lattice modes. Transfer of lattice energy to internal degrees of freedom can occur through doorway modes and is significant for the initiation of detonation. Several clusters of potential doorway modes are found which involve significant lattice motion as well as nitro rotations. Such groups ...
Results of a change to routine fluorocholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background. Early in our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was performed selectively with static imaging techniques. We subsequently changed to routine digital fluorocholangiography (FIOC) and evaluated the results of this strategy. Methods. In a consecutive series of 356 LCs, 11 patients (3%) were converted to open cholecystectomy. In the remaining 345 patients FIOC was attempted in 336 patients (97%) and was successfully completed in 328 patients (95%). Results of IOC and outcomes were compared prospectively in patients without indications for IOC (group 1, n = 185) with those with criteria for selective IOC (group 2, n = 160) and retrospectively with patients without indications for IOC undergoing static IOC (group 3, n = 56). Results. Time to perform FIOC was less than for static IOC (14 ± 1 versus 24 ± 1 minutes, p < 0.001). Aberrant ductal anatomy was appreciated by using FIOC in 11 % but affected operative management in only 3% of patients. Choledocholithiasis was detected in 23 patients (7%) undergoing FIOC ; only two of these patients with stones were in Group 1. Duct stones discovered by IOC were cleared laparoscopically in 89% of those attempted (73% of all patients). Neither morbidity nor duct injury caused by FIOC was noted. Conclusions. FIOC is much more rapid to perform than static IOC. Digital fluoroscopy is accurate and safe and permits rapid evaluation and management of bile duct stones. Selective use of FIOC efficiently assesses the common duct in the era of LC.
Making Decisions Based on Autobiographical Memories

A new human intracranial study by Foster et al. (2015) sheds light on the electrophysiological correlates of intrinsic and task-evoked functional connectivity in lateral and medial parietal cortex.
The interplay of neuronal mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics: Implications for Parkinson's disease

The dynamic properties of mitochondria (mitochondrial fission, fusion, transport biogenesis and degradation) are critical for neuronal function and health, and dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics has been increasingly linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics are interconnected, and this is of particular importance in neurons, which have a unique bioenergetic profile due to their energetic dependence on mitochondria and specialized, compartmentalized energetic needs. In this review, we summarize the interplay of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics, and its particular relevance for neurodegeneration. Evidence linking dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics to PD is presented from both toxin and genetic models, including newly emerging details of how PD-relevant genes PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin regulate fission, fusion, mitophagy and transport. Finally, we discuss how neuronal bioenergetics may impact PD-relevant regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and possible implications for understanding the role of mitochondrial dynamics in PD.
Marketing natural pork: An empirical analysis of consumers in the mountain region

The demand for organic meats, including beef and chicken, has grown dramatically in recent years. Yet, there are few branded pork products. This research examines the potential market for natural pork in the Intermountain West, with emphasis on targeting the market segment most likely to purchase this product at a significant premium. High-income, frequent pork consumers, and those that have purchased natural beef are most likely to purchase natural pork products. With respect to production-related attributes, those concerned about feed additives, and to a lesser degree, the effects of pork production on the environment, are likely target markets. [Econ-Lit subject codes: M310, Q130] © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COOPERATIVE RICEFIELD CULTIVATION AMONG THE SIANG DYAKS OF CENTRAL BORNEO2

THE ethnological reports on the primitive peoples of the world are regrettably lacking in the amount of information they contain pertaining to primitive labor. Nowhere is the literature more scant in this regard than in Indonesia, particularly with respect to the cultivation of the rice fields. In the reports on these peoples one seldom finds more than the merest mention of the actual labor of clearing, planting, harvesting. Full and elaborate information is frequently encountered as to the purely technical processes involved, the tools used, the technique of felling, or planting, or harvesting, with usually quite careful descriptions of the ceremonies and rituals which appear to be such a necessary adjunct of all tillage work and without which one gathers that the economic organization would collapse. But when one endeavors to find out who works, when they work, how, for how much or for how long, one finds either no mention at all of the actual conditions, or has to be content with a statement or implication that the working of the fields either is a very simple, communistic endeavor, in which all work and share alike, or that it is done with the help of relatives, friends, and neighbors. Ricefield cultivation in Indonesia is of two types: irrigated and nonirrigated. The former type, which may or may not be terraced cultivation, is, with few exceptions, employed by the more advanced peoples of the region who have had contact with Islamic, Indian, or Western civilization; the non-irrigated type, which with considerable certainty can be considered the earlier and more primitive, is practiced for the most part by the more backward and peripheral groups, inhabiting the less accessible, mountainous, and heavily wooded regions. Though one may find throughout Indonesia many minor variations in the non-irrigated cultivation, in general this "dry" culture, known also as "hill" or "slash and dibble" culture, and locally as ku, or kaingin, or jhum, or tavy culture, presents very much the same features wherever it is found. It consists in making, during the dry season of the year, a small clearing in the jungle, and planting, at the beginning of the wet season, a few grains of rice into holes made with a sharp-pointed planting stick or dibble. With few exceptions the population of these isolated regions is exceedingly sparse
Membrane stability (thermal) and nature of fatty acids in yeast cells

Abstract Yeast cells ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) grown at a higher temperature (40°C) synthesized more saturated fatty acids compared with the cells grown at 26°C which contained mainly palmitoleic acid and oleic acid. Under anaerobic conditions, yeast cells at 26°C synthesized a large amount of shorter chain fatty acids such as decanoic acid and dodecanoic acid. The cells grown at 40°C had greater thermal stability as shown in the Arrhenius plot of temperature vs. conductance which indicated a transition point at 60°C whereas a similar plot with yeast cells grown at 26°C shows a transition point at 50°C. Differential thermal stability of yeast cells was discussed in view of membrane integrity especially the orientation of membrane lipids.
Laser diode array pumped continuous wave Rubidium vapor laser

We have demonstrated continuous wave operation of a laser diode array pumped Rb laser with an output power of 8 Watts. A slope efficiency of 60% and a total optical efficiency of 45% were obtained with a pump power of 18 Watts. This laser can be scaled to higher powers by using multiple laser diode arrays or stacks of arrays.
Effect of Low Exposure to Polybrominated Biphenyl on Production and Other Indicators of Dairy Herd Performance

Abstract Michigan dairy herds with continuous Dairy Herd Improvement Association records 1969 to 1978 were identified. Herds that were exposed to polybrominated biphenyl in 1974 at concentrations generally not causing residues in tissue or milk fat greater than .3 μ g/g were compared with control herds of comparable size, breed, and location. Analysis of covariance with herd size as a covariable was used to compare measures of herd performance between groups. Relationships of exposure to response within the exposed group were evaluated by multiple regression of the measures on the mean logarithmic concentration of polybrominated biphenyl in tissue with herd size as a second independent variable. Herd size, milk production, and fat production were greater and age was less in exposed herds. Lack of interactions of year by group indicated that all differences predated exposure. Regressions of these characteristics on exposure within years were not significant. Data on other measures were available only for 1976 to 1978. Percent culls, number of culls, and number of new cows were greater for exposed than control herds, but regressions of these characteristics on exposure were negative in some years. Calving intervals were shorter for exposed herds than for control herds, but regressions on exposure were not consistent.
The vestibular system and cardiovascular responses to altered gravity

considerable evidence from experiments conducted on animals (e.g., Refs. [1][1], [5][2], [6][3], [10][4]) and human subjects (e.g., Refs. [4][5], [7][6]-[9][7], [11][8]) demonstrates that inputs from otolith receptors in the inner ear participate in regulating blood pressure during movement and
Efficient deformable model with sparse shape composition prior on compromised right lung segmentation in CT

We developed an automated lung segmentation method, which uses deformable model with sparse shape composition prior for patients with compromised lung volumes with severe pathologies in CT. Fifteen thoracic computed tomography scans for patients with lung tumors were collected and reference lung ROIs in each scan was manually segmented to assess the performance of the method. First, sparse shape composition model is constructed using training dataset. Next, the deformable model with SSC prior will be initialized according to the rough segmented right lung ROI. Then, the right lung with compromised lung volumes is segmented using the robust deformable model. Energy terms from ROI edge potential and interior ROI region based potential are combined in this model for accurate and robust segmentation. The quantitative results of our segmentation method achieved mean dice score of (0.86, 0.97) with 95% CI, mean accuracy of (0.93, 0.98) with 95% CI, and mean relative error of (0.07, 0.17) with 95% CI. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons show that our proposed method can achieve better segmentation accuracy with less variance compared with a robust active shape model method (RASM). The proposed method will be useful in radiotherapy assessment in thoracic computed tomography and image analysis applications for lung nodule or lung cancer diagnosis.
Role of nucleotide cyclases in the inhibition of pregnant rat uterine contractions by the openers of potassium channels

Abstract Objective: Our objective was to study the involvement of adenylate and guanylate cylases in spontaneous uterine contractions and inhibition induced by the opening of potassium channels. Study Design: Uterine rings from rats at mid and term gestation and from rats at term gestation in labor were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Concentration-response relationships to an opener of adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channels, levcromakalim, or to an opener of calcium-dependent potassium channels, NS 1619, were studied in the absence and presence of inhibitors of adenylate cyclase (MDL 12330 A, 2 × 10 –5 mol/L; SQ 22536, 10 –4 mol/L) or guanylate cyclase (LY 83583,3 × 10 –6 mol/L). Results: MDL 12330 A and SQ 22536 accentuated contractions in rings from rats at mid gestation but not at term gestation or at term gestation in labor. LY 83583 inhibited contractions in the rings from all 3 groups. Levcromakalim was equally effective in inhibiting contractions of rings from all 3 groups. MDL 12330 A, but not SQ 22536, decreased sensitivity and maximal inhibition induced by levcromakalim (term gestation greater than mid gestation greater than term gestation in labor). LY 83583 decreased the sensitivity to and maximal inhibition induced by levcromakalim in rings from pregnant rats at mid gestation. NS 1619 attenuated contraction of rings from rats at mid gestation and, to a lesser extent, at term gestation but accentuated contractions in rings from animals at term gestation in labor. MDL 12330 A, but not SQ 22536 or LY 83583, attenuated the changes induced by NS 1619 in rings from all 3 groups. Conclusions: (1) The influence of nucleotide cyclases on basal uterine contractility depends on gestational age. (2) The inhibition of uterine contractions that results from the opening of calcium-dependent potassium channels depends on adenylate cyclase, whereas that of adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channels depends on both adenylate and guanylate cyclases. 3. Activation of adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channels is more efficient than activation of calcium-dependent potassium channels. 4. The inhibition induced by calcium-dependent potassium channel openers, but not adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channel openers, decreases as pregnancy progresses, and at delivery the activation of spontaneous contractile activity is evident. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:913-8.)
A Model of Academic Self-Concept for High School Hispanic Students in New York.

This study examined how Hispanic students’ academic self-concept influences the independent variables of family academic expectations, peer relationships, schoolwork, and student–teacher relationships. A survey was administered to 222 ninth-grade students in Long Island, New York, 99 of whom self-identified as Hispanic. A structural equation model analyzed the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, academic self-concept. A multiple regression analysis indicated that peer relationships, family academic expectations, and schoolwork were significant predictors of students’ academic self-concept. Peer relationships was a modifying variable on students’ academic self-concept.
Significance of Considering Nonlinear Effects in Predicting the Dynamic Behavior of Rotating Machinery

Limitations of the currently practiced linearized analysis of industrial rotating machinery are dis cussed. An appreciation of these limitations is particularly significant for the development of new generation, high performance machinery in which new materials, rotor supports, coupling components, and sophisticated control systems will be used. In the absence of adequate familiarity and experience with the new systems, vari ous complex phenomena associated with their nonlinearities, which may lead to malfunction or catastrophic failure, could be missed altogether. A uniform approach to accurate modeling and analysis of rotor-support systems will therefore be essential. The present paper provides an exposition of recently published studies in nonlinear rotordynamics and their relevance to the design, analysis, and monitoring of rotating machinery. This includes a brief discussion of available analytical/computational methods and the various techniques proposed, which seek reducing the order of rotor syste...
An analysis of the probability of disparity changes in stereo matching and a new algorithm based on the analysis

The main contributions of this research are: (1) the derivation of the probability density function (pdf) of disparity changes in stereo matching based on the pdf of depth changes in the world and on the parameters of the stereo image formation process, (2) the definition of a match support equation based on the derived pdf, and (3) the incorporation of the support equation into a relaxation matching algorithm. The derived pdf and support equation are applicable to many existing stereo algorithms. >
Religiosity as a perceptual filter: examining processes of opinion formation about nanotechnology

Using national survey data, we examine how people use science media, factual knowledge related to nanotechnology, and predispositions such as strength of religious beliefs, to form attitudes about nanotechnology. We show that strength of religious beliefs is negatively related to support for funding of the technology. Our findings also confirm that science media use plays an important role in shaping positive attitudes toward the technology. Overall public support for funding nanotechnology is not directly related to levels of knowledge among the electorate, but on risk and benefits perceptions and the use of media frames. However, knowledge about the technology does tend to be interpreted through the lens of religious beliefs and therefore indirectly affect levels of support.
AMPA Receptor Subunits Underlying Terminals of Fine-Caliber Primary Afferent Fibers

Postembedding immunogold electron microscopy was used to determine the relation of primary afferent terminals in superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn with AMPA receptor subunits. Immunogold particles coding for GluR1 and GluR2/3 were concentrated at synaptic sites, between 30 nm outside and 40 nm inside the postsynaptic membrane. Immunopositive synapses displayed round vesicles and asymmetric specializations, characteristic of terminals releasing excitatory neurotransmitters; symmetric synapses, characteristic of terminals releasing inhibitory amino acids, were immunonegative. In superficial laminae, large terminals of two main types at the center of a synaptic glomerulus originate from primary afferents: C1 terminals are mainly endings of unmyelinated afferent fibers; C2 terminals are mainly endings of thinly myelinated afferent fibers. Terminals of both types were presynaptic to AMPA subunits, but in different proportions: C1 terminals were related more to GluR1 than to GluR2/3, whereas the reverse was true for C2 terminals. These results suggest that functional properties of peripheral afferents to the spinal cord may be specified by the density and combination of receptor subunits in the postsynaptic membrane, and raise the possibility that calcium-permeable AMPA channels may play a special role in the mediation of sensory input by unmyelinated fibers.
Physical Disintegration of Biochar: An Overlooked Process

Data collected from both artificially and field (naturally) weathered biochar suggest that a potentially significant pathway of biochar disappearance is through physical breakdown of the biochar structure. Via scanning electron microscopy, we characterized this physical weathering that increased the number of structural fractures and yielded higher numbers of liberated biochar fragments. This was hypothesized to be due to the graphitic sheet expansion accompanying water sorption coupled with comminution. These fragments can be on the microscale and the nanoscale but are still carbon-rich particles with no detectable alteration in the oxygen:carbon ratio from that of the original biochar. However, these particles are now easily dissolved and could be moved by infiltration. There is a need to understand how to produce biochars that are resistant to physical degradation to maximize long-term biochar C sequestration potential within soil systems.
Action and perception at the level of synergies

Meeting the challenge of assembling coherent organizations of very many muscles characterizes a functional level of biological movement systems referred to as the level of muscular–articular links or synergies. The present article examines the issues confronting the forming, regulating, and ordering of synergies and the hypothesized principles, both classical and contemporary, which resolve them. A primary goal of the article is to highlight the abstractness of the concepts and tools required to understand the level’s action-perception competence. Coverage is given to symmetry groups, task space, order parameters, metastability, biotensegrity, allometric scaling, and impredicative definitions.
ON AN EQUIVALENT CLASS OF NORMS FOR BMO

The BMO norm of / is equivalent to sup (f\f(y)-u(x,t)\"Pt(x-y)dy\ , where Pt is the Poisson kernel. In this note, we show that Pt can be replaced by a nonnegative radial function h, which is positive in a neighbourhood of 0, with J h(x) dx = 1 and J r™" 1 (Inr) p h(r) dr < oo, where h is the least decreasing radial majorant of h.
Microfabricated particles for engineered drug therapies: elucidation into the mechanisms of cellular internalization of PRINT particles.

Purpose To investigate the cellular internalization pathways of shape- and size-specific particles as a function of zeta potential in different cell types.
Correcting geo-location interpolation errors in NESDIS-produced AVHRR 1b data near the Poles

Researchers using AVHRR level 1b data produced by NESDIS Operations interpolate most geo-located pixels. Each scanline has count values for either 409 GAC or 2048 LAC pixels, but geo-locations at only 51 anchor pixels. Quadratic interpolation separately in longitude and latitude is commonly used to estimate the missing geo-locations. This is accurate, except for latitudes poleward of 86° N or 86° S. Interpolation errors can be 15 km near the poles, compared with 0.3 km at 40° N. Rapidly converging lines of longitude near the poles cause the problem. The Gnomonic map projection is an accurate representation of the Earth near a pole. The strategy-(1) convert the anchor pixel coordinates from (long, lat) to Gnomonic, (2) interpolate in the Gnomonic coordinates, and (3) convert the interpolated locations back to (long,lat) coordinates-reduces interpolation errors to 0.5 km, even near the poles.
Political and Reform Agendas' Impact on the Supply of Black Teachers

Bass de Martinez provides an overview of the impact of policy decisions, legisla tive mandates, and reform efforts on the supply of Black teachers. The author explores policy events over the last 15 to 20 years and suggests how change in the general populace's view of Black success coupled with a conservative ad ministrative policy have influenced the Black teacher supply.
P2P Distributed Data Replenishment

We investigate a class of randomized peer-to-peer (P2P) approach to Internet-wide distributed data storage systems that promises to reduce the coordination complexity and increases performance scalability. The core of these randomized P2P data storage systems is the data replenishment mechanism. The data replenishment automates the process of maintaining a sufficient level of data redundancy to ensure the availability of data in presence of peer departures and failures. The dynamics of peers entering and leaving the network is modeled as a stochastic process. A novel analytical time-backward technique is proposed to bound the expected time for a piece of data to remain in P2P systems. Both theoretical and simulation results are in agreement, indicating that a proposed data replenishment via random linear network coding (RLNC) outperforms other strategies that employ popular repetition and channel coding techniques. Specifically, we show that the expected time for a piece of data to remain in a P2P system, the longer the better, is exponential in the redundancy amount for the RLNC-based strategy, while they are quadratic for other strategies.
Diffusion of 51Cr in Cr-Doped MgO

Abstract An arc fusion technique was used to grow single crystals of MgO and Cr-doped MgO. Diffusion coefficients for 51 Cr in Cr-doped single crystals were measured at three temperatures 1383, 1444 and 1495°C using a high specific activity isotope 51 Cr. An approximately linear relationship between the concentration of Cr-ions in MgO and diffusion coefficients of 51 Cr was obtained. It is shown that the activation energy of 19.6 kcal mole obtained for the doped crystals is the difference between the energy for motion and the energy for association of the Cr-vacancy complexes. Using a previously determined value of 39.9 kcal / mol for the energy of motion, the energy of association for the Cr-vacancy complex is calculated to 20.3 ± 3 kcal / mol or 0.88 ± 0.13 eV.
Neuroendocrine control of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion: III. Is there a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-independent component of episodic FSH secretion in ovariectomized and luteal phase ewes?

Our previous studies in ovariectomized ewes have provided direct evidence that FSH secretion is comprised of basal and episodic modes. In those studies, each GnRH pulse coincided with an FSH pulse, but additional FSH pulses were noted. To determine whether non-GnRH-associated pulses of FSH represent a GnRH-independent component of FSH secretion, we determined whether episodic FSH secretion persists after blockade of GnRH action with a GnRH antagonist. Hypophyseal portal and jugular blood was collected from five ovariectomized and six luteal phase ewes at 5-min intervals for 6 h before and 6 h after a single iv injection of Nal-Glu (10 μg/kg body weight). Hypophyseal portal LH and FSH and jugular patterns of FSH were compared with patterns of GnRH. Before Nal-Glu, in both models, there was a one-to-one concordance between GnRH and portal LH pulses, and each GnRH pulse was associated with a FSH pulse. However, additional non-GnRH-associated pulses of FSH were present. Nal-Glu administration eliminated LH bu...
High-performance chip reliability from short-time-tests-statistical models for optical interconnect and HCI/TDDB/NBTI deep-submicron transistor failures

In high-performance chips, both Bragg gratings (used for signal separation in multi-signal optical interconnect alternatives to copper interconnect architectures) and deep-submicron transistors fail when the stress-induced activation of the performance enhancing hydrogen in the amorphous oxide generates enough defects to significantly degrade performance. By making an analogy to the more mature theory of Bragg gratings, disorder-induced variations in the activation (generation) energies of the defects, are shown to be a sufficient explanation for the sub-linear time dependence of HCI (hot carrier induced degradation), TDDB (time dependent dielectric [soft/hard] breakdown) and NBTI (negative bias temperature instability) deep-submicron transistor degradation modes. We then show that for all these degradation modes, Weibull (not lognormal as is sometimes assumed) intrinsic failure-time distributions result from the variations in defect activation energies and that the short-time device degradation can be used to extract tails of these semi-symmetric Weibull failure-time distributions. This also explains why Arrhenius defect generation rates yield nonArrhenius MTF in small devices. Combining the resulting failure statistics with a novel qualification methodology, "latent failures" can be avoided through design changes implemented for reliability.