cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrathymic cyst: Clinical and radiological features in surgically resected cases

Aim To investigate radiological and clinical characteristics of pathologically proven cases of intrathymic cysts. Materials and methods The study population consisted of 18 patients (five males, 13 females; median age 56 years) with pathologically confirmed intrathymic cysts who underwent thymectomy and had preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) available for review. The patient demographics, clinical presentation, and preoperative radiological diagnoses were reviewed. CT images were evaluated for shape, contour, location of the cysts and the presence of adjacent thymic tissue, mass effect, calcifications, and septa. The size and CT attenuations of the cysts were measured. Results The most common CT features of intrathymic cysts included oval shape (9/18; 50%), smooth contour (12/18; 67%), midline location (11/18; 61%), the absence of visible adjacent thymic tissue (12/18; 67%), and the absence of calcification (16/18; 89%). The mean longest diameter and the longest perpendicular diameter were 25 mm (range 17–49 mm) and 19 mm (range 10–44 mm), respectively. The mean CT attenuation was 38 HU (range 6–62 HU) on contrast-enhanced CT, and was 45 HU (range 26–64 HU) on unenhanced CT ( p = 0.41). The CT attenuation was >20 HU in 15 of 18 patients (83%). Preoperative radiological diagnosis included thymoma in 11 patients. Conclusion In surgically removed, pathologically proven cases of intrathymic cyst, the CT attenuation was >20 HU in most cases, leading to the preoperative diagnosis of thymoma. Awareness of the spectrum of imaging findings of the entity is essential to improve the diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
Role of gas-phase reaction and gas-solid thermal nonequilibrium in reverse combustion

Abstract The process of adiabatic reverse combustion when air is supplied through a packed bed of wood particles is analyzed in the oxygen-limited regime when both the gas-phase homogeneous reaction and the gas-solid surface reaction are significant. This is an extension of an earlier study where the gas-solid surface reaction was assumed dominant and the local thermal equilibrium was assumed between the gas and solid phases (i.e. the single-medium model). Here allowance is made for the local thermal and chemical nonequilibria between the phases (i.e. the two-medium model) and the model is used to describe the propagation of the reaction front through the fuel bed. The role of the air pore velocity and the homogeneous reaction rate in the front speed, the adiabatic final temperature, the degree of solid consumption and the unburnt volatiles concentration in the post gas-phase oxidation region, are examined parametrically. The volumetric solid-phase pyrolysis is considered to be the mechanism producing the volatile fuel. First-order Arrhenius kinetics are used in the single-step reaction models. It is found that the gas-phase reaction becomes dominant over the heterogeneous reaction at high air pore velocities, thus reducing the degree of solid consumption. These predictions are in agreement with the earlier experimental results and the predicted results of the single-medium treatment.
G.O.3

Mutations in ACTA1 have been associated with nemaline myopathy, intranuclear rod myopathy, actin myopathy, cap myopathy, and congenital fiber type disproportion. Myofibrillar myopathies (MFM) are morphologically distinct but genetically heterogeneous muscular dystrophies arising from mutations in Z-disk related proteins. A 26-month-old boy was hypotonic and weak at birth, had significantly delayed motor development, and was mechanically ventilated and tube-fed since birth. At age 26 months he had cup-shaped low-set ears, a high-arched palate, contractures of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, and facial diplegia with diffuse muscle weakness and reduced tendon reflexes, but had good head control and could sit with support. The EMG showed prominent fibrillation potentials and myopathic motor unit potentials. The muscle biopsy revealed abnormal variation in fiber size, fiber splitting, increased internal nuclei, vacuolar change, myofibrillar disorganization, hyaline structures, focal decreases of oxidative enzyme activity as well as scattered necrotic and regenerating fibers with marked increase of endomysial and perimysial connective tissue. Many structurally abnormal fibers displayed ectopic or abnormal expression of desmin, alphaB-crystallin, myotilin, dystrophin, and NCAM. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated a previously published in-frame insertion of two amino acids in ACTA1 . The mutant actin was expressed at ∼11% of wild-type in COS7 and C2 cells. C2 cells expressing mutant actin displayed cytoplasmic actin aggregates of different sizes whereas cells expressing wild-type actin displayed mostly filamentous actin. We conclude that (1) mutations in ACTA1 can cause MFM pathology; (2) MFM can be present at birth; (3) mutations in ACTA1 should be considered in patients with severe congenital hypotonia associated with muscle weakness and MFM pathology.
Asymmetric Interface Densities on n and p Type GaN MOS Capacitors

Both n-type and p-type GaN MOS capacitors with plasma-enhanced CVD-SiO2 as the gate oxide were characterized using both capacitance and conductance techniques. From a n type MOS capacitor, an interface state density of 3.8×1010/cm2-eV was estimated at 0.19eV near the conduction band and decreases deeper into the bandgap while from a p type MOS capacitor, an interface state density of 1.4×1011/cm2-eV 0.61eV above the valence band was estimated and decreases deeper into the bandgap. Unlike the symmetric interface state density distribution in Si, an asymmetric interface state density distribution with lower density near the conduction band and higher density near the valence band has been determined.
An ion-mobility spectrometer for radiochemical applications

Abstract We report the design of a novel instrument for measuring mobilities of ionic species in gases at pressures of about 1 atm. The device is designed especially, although not exclusively, for the measurement of the mobility of the ions of radioactive species recoiling from a source into a gas subsequent to a nuclear reaction. Measurements have been obtained on a variety of fission fragment species in helium and also on the major charge-carrying nonradioactive species present.
A rural telecommunications system: Trempealeau county's not so impossible dream

The first cooperatively owned and operated county‐wide cable communications system in the world is located in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. To cable Trempealeau County in the 1970s and 80s required the same cooperative “spirit”; that was needed to bring electricity and telephone services to this rural county in the 1930s. The residents of Trempealeau County wanted a system that would meet the future communication needs of every resident of the county and were not interested in merely bringing in a few more commercial television channels. The Western Wisconsin Communications Cooperative was formed; and regulatory, ownership and economic problems were solved. The result is a multimillion dollar county‐wide communications system that will serve the public, the schools, the government and the business interests in the entire 735 square miles of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin.
A Lipoprotein Receptor Cluster IV Mutant Preferentially Binds Amyloid-β and Regulates Its Clearance from the Mouse Brain

Soluble low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (sLRP1) binds ∼70% of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in human plasma. In Alzheimer disease (AD) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment converting to AD, plasma sLRP1 levels are reduced and sLRP1 is oxidized, which results in diminished Aβ peripheral binding and higher levels of free Aβ in plasma. Experimental studies have shown that free circulating Aβ re-enters the brain and that sLRP1 and/or its recombinant wild type cluster IV (WT-LRPIV) prevent Aβ from entering the brain. Treatment of Alzheimer APPsw+/0 mice with WT-LRPIV has been shown to reduce brain Aβ pathology. In addition to Aβ, LRPIV binds multiple ligands. To enhance LRPIV binding for Aβ relative to other LRP1 ligands, we generated a library of LRPIV-derived fragments and full-length LRPIV variants with glycine replacing aspartic acid residues 3394, 3556, and 3674 in the calcium binding sites. Compared with WT-LRPIV, a lead LRPIV-D3674G mutant had 1.6- and 2.7-fold higher binding affinity for Aβ40 and Aβ42 in vitro, respectively, and a lower binding affinity for other LRP1 ligands (e.g. apolipoprotein E2, E3, and E4 (1.3–1.8-fold), tissue plasminogen activator (2.7-fold), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (4.1-fold), and Factor Xa (3.8-fold)). LRPIV-D3674G cleared mouse endogenous brain Aβ40 and Aβ42 25–27% better than WT-LRPIV. A 3-month subcutaneous treatment of APPsw+/0 mice with LRPIV-D3674G (40 μg/kg/day) reduced Aβ40 and Αβ42 levels in the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebrospinal fluid by 60–80% and improved cerebral blood flow responses and hippocampal function at 9 months of age. Thus, LRPIV-D3674G is an efficient new Aβ clearance therapy. Background: Wild type LRP1 cluster IV (WT-LRPIV) binds plasma Aβ and reduces Aβ-related pathology in APPsw+/0 mice. Results: A novel LRPIV-D3674G mutant binds Aβ with a higher affinity than WT-LRPIV and clears brain Aβ better than WT-LRPIV. LRPIV-D3674G reduces effectively Aβ pathology in APPsw+/0 mice. Conclusion: LRPIV-D3674G is an efficient Aβ clearance agent. Significance: Aβ clearance therapy is critical for treatment of Alzheimer disease.
TREATMENT WITH FOCUSED ULTRASOUND WAVES SOFTENS THE RAT CERVIX DURING PREGNANCY

Application of focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) to the rat cervix during pregnancy has significant physiologic effects. One-millisecond-long pulses of 680-kHz ultrasound with a repetition frequency of 25 Hz, at ISPTA (spatial-peak, temporal-average intensity) of 1, 2 and 4W/cm(2), were applied to the rat abdomen over the cervix. FUS produced a significant change in cervical elasticity known as softening, which is part of the ripening process, comparable to the degree seen just before delivery. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were used. During gestation, the FUS system was applied to the cervix for variable times up to 1 h. Daily measurements of cervix light-induced florescence were made to estimate changes in softening. In addition, cervical stretch estimates of softening were made of isolated cervices of control and FUS-treated rats to measure distensiblity. The ultrasound power with ISPPA (spatial-peak, pulse-average intensity) of 40 W/cm(2) was considered tolerable; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory limit is 190 W/cm(2) for both the body periphery and the fetus. This is the first report of alterations induced by ultrasound in the connective tissue of the cervix and suggests the therapeutic application of ultrasound for the facilitation of labor and delivery.
Mass‐Directed Normal‐Phase Preparative HPLC with Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Detection

Abstract A novel approach to auto‐purification of a wide variety of organic compounds is described. It is based on normal‐phase (NP) gradient high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), performed on a 2 × 15 cm cyano column hyphenated with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, and a single quad mass spectrometer (MS). A commercially available preparative HPLC–MS system, equipped with mass‐directed fraction collection capabilities, has been successfully used for NP purification of neutral, acidic, and basic pharmacologically active compounds. Samples of 10–100 mg were chromatographed in gradients of methanol in hydrophobic organic solvents, and collected using generic chromatographic, detection and fraction collection experimental parameters. “Smart” collection—one component–one collection vessel—with 90–95% recovery, was achieved by controlling injection volume and gradient slope and by adding acetic acid and diethylamine to the mobile phase to keep peak elution volumes below 50 mL. A...
A Pedagogical Mode of Instruction for Interactive Videodisc.

The U.S. Army Videodisc Interpersonal Skills Training and Assessment project (VISTA), was initiated to determine if the instruction of leadership/counseling skills could be enhanced with current computer-assisted instruction/videodisc training technology. The present article describes the Pedagogical mode of instruction, which is one of two instructional modes designed for VISTA. The Pedagogical mode was designed to incorporate established principles of programmed instruction as well as exploit the capabilities of the new computer-assisted instruction/videodisc technology. The result was a standardized role playing simulation in which immediate feedback is given after each critical decision point. This feedback is in the form of realistic consequences presented in a video segment and also in specific textual feedback. Five instructional features are highlighted which are believed to be unique to interpersonal skills training.
Managing postoperative clinical recurrence of Crohn's disease: is it time to shift our paradigm?

Reinisch W, Angelberger S, Petritsch W, et al. Azathioprine versus mesalazine for prevention of postoperative clinical recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease with endoscopic recurrence: efficacy and safety results of a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre trial. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Effects of benzene on splenic, thymic, and femoral lymphocytes in mice

Chronic exposure to high concentrations of benzene, primarily by inhalation, can affect the function of the human immune system. Limited data are available on the immunotoxic effects of low concentrations of benzene. This study evaluated the effects of 1, 5, 10, 100, and 200 ppm benzene on lymphocytes in mice exposed by inhalation for up to 8 weeks. Exposure to 100 or 200 ppm benzene induced rapid and persistent reductions in femoral B-, splenic T- and B-, and thymic T-lymphocytes. The percentage of femoral B-lymphocytes and thymic T-lymphocytes in apoptosis was increased 6- to 15-fold by 200 ppm benzene compared to controls. Replication of femoral B-lymphocytes was increased during the exposure period in the bone marrow as a compensation for the lymphocyte loss induced by 100 and 200 ppm benzene. Exposure of mice to 10 ppm benzene or less did not have a statistically significant effect on numbers or replication of the lymphocyte populations evaluated. A reduced number of splenic B-lymphocytes after 2 weeks of exposure to benzene appeared to be the most sensitive end point and time point for evaluating benzene cytotoxicity in this study.
Transcriptional noise and the fidelity of initiation by RNA polymerase II

Eukaryotes transcribe much of their genomes, but little is known about the fidelity of transcriptional initiation by RNA polymerase II in vivo. I suggest that 90% of Pol II initiation events in yeast represent transcriptional noise, and that the specificity of initiation is comparable to that of DNA-binding proteins and other biological processes. This emphasizes the need to develop criteria that distinguish transcriptional noise from transcription with a biological function.
Reduction of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume following Cold Exposure in Patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon

In a previous study we induced digital vasospasm with cold pressor stimulus, and an acute decrease in the lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (Dsb) resulted. We hypothesized its cause to be spasm occurring simultaneously in the pulmonary vasculature and the digital arteries. We measured in this study the Dsb, the diffusing capacity of the pulmonary membrane (Dm), and the volume of blood in the pulmonary capillaries (Vc) after cold-induced digital vasospasm in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Control subjects showed no significant decrease in Dsb, Dm, or Vc after cold exposure. Eight of 12 subjects with Raynaud's phenomenon had a significant decrease in Dsb 60 min after testing (25.3 ± 6.6 vs 19.8 ± 6.1 ml/min/mm Hg, p (Chest 1988; 94:1195-99)
He ++ Transport in the PDX Tokamak

Etude du transport de particules et du confinement dans des plasmas de fusion a haute temperature, par spectroscopie de recombinaison avec echange de charge de He ++ dans des decharges PDX a chauffage ohmique
An enzymatic assay for adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleoside triphosphates and determination of the specific radioactivity of the terminal P

Abstract ATP can be assayed by transferring its terminal phosphate group to tritium-labeled glycerol with glycerokinase and measuring the radioactivity of the resultant glycerophosphate. The observed tritium activity is proportional to the ATP content of the sample. If the terminal P of ATP is radioactive, the 32 P 3 H ratio of the glycerophosphate is a selective measure of the specific activity of that P atom. The assay is useful over a range of 0.01–10 nmoles of ATP and is suitable for the assay of small volumes of tissue extracts. The assay is not specific for ATP and can be used to determine the other nucleoside triphosphates. However, the method can be modified with some loss of convenience to be specific for ATP.
Negation in logic programming

Abstract We define a semantics for negation as failure in logic programming. Our semantics may be viewed as a cross between the approaches of Clark [5] and Fitting [7]. As does [7], our semantics corresponds well with real PROLOG in the standard examples used in the literature to illustrate problems with [5]. Also, PROLOG and the common variants of it are sound but not complete for our semantics. Unlike [7], our semantics is constructive, in that the set of supported queries is recursively enumerable. Thus, a complete interpreter exists in theory, although we point out that there are serious difficulties in building one that works well in practice.
Severe peritonitis caused by Citrobacter freundii and successful treatment with double antibiotic coverage.

Serratia , Pseudomonas/Providencia, indole-positive Proteus/Acinetobacter/Morganella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter and Hafnia group of organisms cause peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis with high morbidity and mortality. Peritonitis caused by Citrobacter freundii is uncommon, and it may lead to catheter removal despite antimicrobial treatment. We describe a case of PD-related peritonitis caused by C. freundii, which was successfully treated with double antibiotic coverage.
The structure of Octopus dofleini hemocyanin

Abstract 1. 1. Octopus dofleini hemocyanin has a molecular weight of 3,580,000 determined by sedimentation equilibrium and a sedimentation coefficient, S 20,w 0 , of 51.0S. 2. 2. The 51S hemocyanin is stable in 50 mM Mg 2+ and 10 mM Ca 2+ from pH 7.0 to pH above 9.5, but dissociates in 10 mM EDTA at pH 8.0 to a single subunit. This dissociation is fully reversible. 3. 3. The subunit has a molecular weight of 359,000 and a sedimentation coefficient, S 20 ,w 0 , of 11.1S. 4. 4. At pH 7.0 the 51S hemocyanin did not appear to be fully oxygen-saturated in the ultracentrifuge. Physiological implications of this observation are considered.
Toward a systems approach to power-electronically switched T&D equipment at value

This paper concerns the difficult problem of dynamic management of T&D controllable equipment. This approach is likely to be necessary in order to ensure reliable operations as the system inputs are becoming very dynamic and hard to predict accurately. Complexity of congestion caused by voltage- and stability-related operating problems will require systematic software tools for managing slow mechanically-switched as well as fast power-electronically-controlled T&D equipment. For the first time sensing and communications technology is available to enable genuine automation of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS). Systematic design of widely dispersed power-electronically controlled T&D equipment, together with software-enabled on and off line switching and dispatch of set points on mechanically controlled T&D equipment jointly could enable highly efficient and clean utilization in future electric energy systems without endangering system reliability. To the contrary, it is illustrated using small examples in this paper that, unless this approach is implemented, the system may become highly vulnerable during previously unexperienced operating conditions. In addition to the technical challenge underlying systematic dynamic T&D equipment management, major open R&D questions remain concerning the design of protocols for dynamic and interactive risk management by both the T&D owners and operators and the system users themselves.
The debate over the U.S. government's role in health care financing:"deja vu, all over again"

Yogi Berra's famous quote captures the continuing debate over the legitimate role of the U.S. government in health care financing. The issues of individual choice, equity of access, and concern about income security are just as unresolved today as they were in the early twentieth century. Until we engage in an explicit national debate on these issues and come to a national consensus on the human and political values underlying our current health care situation, a “solution” to the health care financing problems will never be found. This article discusses the history of the issue of government's involvement in health care financing, American ambivalence about government regulation, and the role of American business as a major health care insurer.
The research methods script

In a classroom activity for a research methods course, students identify and evaluate their own procedural knowledge of the research process. For comparative and diagnostic purposes, students generate scripts from their event-based mental representations of the research process. Students then compare their own research scripts to a script derived from expert psychologists. The activity familiarizes students with the major steps of the research process and guides their further organization and comprehension of course material. The activity also can be used to open class discussions on specific methodological topics that are script events, such as formulating hypotheses, obtaining subjects, and reporting research findings.
Sampling for formaldehyde in workplace and ambient air environments--additional laboratory validation and field verification of a passive air monitoring device compared with conventional sampling methods

Results of three extensive plant field tests using both area and personal sampling and involving 51 sets of comparison samples show the Du Pont Pro-Tek Formaldehyde Badge to have excellent correlation with three commonly used formaldehyde monitoring methods. In addition, comprehensive laboratory validation tests are reported which confirm an overall accuracy of +/- 9.6 to +/- 11.6% for the badge over an exposure range of 0.12-6.8 ppm. Laboratory test data are also included showing that the badge: (1) meets NIOSH and OSHA accuracy requirements of less than or equal to +/- 25% down to 1.6 ppm-hours (200 ppb) for an 8-hour TWA exposure; (2) is capable of accurately sampling for 15-minute exposures; and (3) is not affected by pressure or relative humidity variations.
Management of Hemorrhage in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract The aim of this paper is to discuss various effective medical and surgical modalities to control bleeding. Preoperative patient evaluation and management, various operative interventions, and postoperative care are discussed. Aggressive and appropriate intervention is required to control hemorrhage and reduce both morbidity and mortality of the patient. (J GYNECOL SURG 25:7)
DNA-DNA hybridization at low temperature using DNA chemically labeled with 14C-dimethyl sulfate.

Abstract Purified P22 and P221 DNAs were labeled by methylation with 14C-dimethyl sulfate at 4°C. This labeled moiety was unstable at high temperature. About 60% of the radioactivity was released from the DNA by incubation at 65°C for 20 hrs. Using the 14C-methylated DNA, the maximal efficiency of DNA-DNA hybridization was obtained by hybridization at 27°C in the presence of 30% formamide. Determination of the homology between partially genetically related phages proved that this hybridization technique is a useful tool for genetic study.
A Singular Cauchy Problem

Abstract Consider the singular Cauchy problem for the quasi-linear equation ux2muxx − uyy + f(x, y, u(x, y)) = 0, with initial conditions u(x, 0) = 0, uy(x, 0) = ϑ(x), x ϵ I, where m is any positive real number less than 1 and I = [α, β] is a finite closed interval. Using a result of Ogawa (J. Math. Anal.13 (1966), 527–535) and the method of successive approximations, it is shown that under mild smoothness conditions on f and ϑ, this problem has a unique solution in a neighborhood (y > 0) of I.
Measurements and analysis of farfield scattering from a prolate spheroid

The farfield acoustic scattering by a prolate spheroid with axial point sources near the tip of the body was measured. Data were taken for ka between 10–160 where (a) is the semi‐major axis of the spheroidal. Comparisons were made with numerical results obtained by an integral equation based on the simple source method with appropriate coordinate stretching introduced to permit high‐frequency solutions with a minimal number of grid points. Theory and experiment agree within experimental error except for the highest frequencies in the shadow region where very rapid changes in pressure make precise measurements difficult.
The Transformation of Public Housing Policy, 1985–2011

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Local housing authorities across the U.S. have demolished and disposed of close to 260,000 units of public housing in the past 25 years. While some of thes...
A derivation of the recursive solution to the autocorrelation normal equations [Lecture Notes]

ACNE plays an important role in many aspects of signal processing and time series analysis. The recursive solution to these equations presented in this article is developed independently of any specific application context and utilizes the basic principles of LTI systems, resulting in the lattice filter structure as a by-product.
Person Perception Accuracy as a Function of Ethnic Group and Familiarity.

A survey of the literature indicates that the effect of race on person perception accuracy has been neglected in spite of the fact that studies (e.g., Byrne & McGraw, 1964) have shown that one's perception of others is influenced by race. This study investigated the effect of race and familiarity on perceptual accuracy.
Retinoic acid stimulates expression of the functional osteoclast integrin αvβ3: Transcriptional activation of the β3 but not the αv gene

The capacity of osteoclasts to resorb bone depends, in part, on the surface expression of the integrin alpha v beta 3. We have investigated whether the steroid hormone retinoic acid, known to stimulate bone resorption, regulates the appearance of the alpha v beta 3 complex in avian osteoclast presursors. Using surface labeling, followed by immunoprecipitation with a alpha v beta 3-specific antibody, we show that retinoic acid increases surface expression of the heterodimer in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Northern analysis reveals that the high basal steady-state levels of alpha v mRNA do not change, while those for beta 3 rise significantly from their initially low levels. Nuclear run-on studies confirm that steroid treatment stimulates transcription of the beta 3, but not the alpha v gene. Osteoclast precursors treated with retinoic acid exhibit increased multinucleation and expression of the osteoclast marker enzyme tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. However, the fused cells do not have an increased capacity to resorb bone. In summary, multinucleated cells generated in this study do not represent fully differentiated bone-resorbing polykaryons. These results suggest that treatment of osteoclast precursors with retinoic acid is necessary, but insufficient, for expression of the mature osteoclast phenotype.
Contribution of spontaneous activity to daily energy expenditure of adult obese and lean Zucker rats

The contribution of somatomotor activity to daily energy expenditure was estimated in 10-month-old, weight-stable, obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/?) Zucker rats. Total and resting heat production were assessed by recording oxygen consumption and stabilimeter activity each minute for five consecutive days in free-feeding animals. The number of activity counts, as well as their circadian pattern of occurrence, were highly similar in lean and obese groups. Likewise, the percentage of daily energy expenditure committed by the obese rats to activity was nearly identical to that of leans (19.3 vs. 19.7%, respectively). Observing these rats for one additional day under postabsorptive conditions produced similar estimates of their daily expenditure on activity. Thus, unlike prior estimates based on wheel-running behavior, continuous measurement of stabilimeter behavior indicates that both the proportion of daily expenditure on activity by fa/fa rats and its temporal pattern of occurrence are notably normal. Accordingly, it is concluded that maintenance of obesity in weight-stable adult obese Zucker rats does not depend upon a reduced expenditure on activity.
Student nurse opinions about the importance of health promotion practices

Senior nursing students (N=505) attending 13 schools in the NY metropolitan area were administered a questionnaire to assess their beliefs about the importance of health promotion behaviors to the average person. Respondents rated 23 health promotion practices on a Likert scale. The five most important items concerned: knowledge of drug contents and their side effects; the elimination of cigarette and cigar smoking; eating a balanced diet; and using a seat belt. The least important item concerned having an annual exercise test. These results were similar to those found for other health care providers, including physicians, dieticians, and pharmacists. Further, the results were similar to those found in an earlier survey of student nurses. Nurses' attitudes and beliefs seem supportive of health promotion and disease prevention. These attitudes also seem associated with the nurse's role as health promoter. Positive nurse attitudes/beliefs toward health promotion are posited as precursors to the alteration of patient behaviors, although further exploration in this area is needed.
A quantitative description of FBI public relations

Abstract Of all federal government agencies in the U.S. from the 1930's to the 1980's, the Federal Bureau of Investigation probably had the most successful media relations program. The Bureau's leaders seemed to be masters at getting good publicity and avoiding bad. By describing a quantitative analysis of the FBI's publicity over that 50-year period, this article attempts to show why those efforts were so successful. It identifies the themes that typified the verbal component of Bureau publicity, and the broad spectrum of mass communication channels that were tapped.
An analysis of problem areas and counseling experiences of gay white males

An analysis of problem areas and counseling experiences of gay white males was performed in preparation for a larger study. Subjects were members of several gay organizations. A number of relationships among demographic variables and problem areas were found. Two factors, a general social functioning factor and a factor relating to acknowledging one's gayness to others (coming-out), accounted for almost 70% of the variance in a structure of problem areas. Approximately half of the respondents reported having had counseling experience. Of those reporting their satisfaction with the experience, the majority were satisfied. Results suggested that white, educated, middle-class gay males may not be underserved with respect to psychological service delivery.
Extreme streaming: business optimization driving algorithmic challenges

Organizations are striving for competitive advantage. As a result, business optimization is being pushed to new heights in terms of volume and speed. Areas such as customer profitability, campaign profitability or customer insight for better service are driving new analytical challenges as well as new algorithms over large volumes of data.Using Telecom as an example, this talk will discuss business demands which are driving an evolution of analytics over extremely high volumes of streaming data being ingested into a warehouse -- this business direction is forcing algorithms to evolve. In this environment, we are forced to deal with (1) massive continuous ingest rates, data changes/updates while the same data is being consumed by applications, users and processes, (2) dealing with scalability without disruption, and (3) overcoming the physical limits of the infrastructure (e.g., IO).This talk will address both how these technical challenges are being addressed at a high-level, as well as known problem areas for further research. This talk will also highlight issues of new algorithmic approaches arising from the business needs and the research issues associated with them. Examples include (1) streaming analytics, (2) social analytical algorithms integrated into data mining approaches within these continuously streamed environments and (3) new data types such as voice and textual analytics for customer calling pattern and churn analysis.
A study of the effects of welding parameters on electron beam welding in the space environment

This study was undertaken in order to be sure that no hazard would exist from impingement of hot molten metal particle detachments upon an astronauts' space suit during any future electron beam welding exercises or experiments. The conditions under which molten metal detachments might occur in a space welding environment were analyzed. The safety issue is important during welding with regards to potential molten metal detachments from the weld pool and cold filler wire during electron beam welding in space. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate if molten metal could detach and come in contact with astronauts and burn through the fabric of the astronauts' Extravehicular Mobility Unit during electron beam welding in space. Molten metal detachments from either the weld/cut substrate or weld wire could present harm to an astronaut if the detachment was to burn through the fabric of the astronauts' space suit. Theoretical models were developed to predict the possibility and size of the molten metal detachment hazards during the electron beam welding exercises at Low Earth Orbit. Some possible ways of obtaining molten metal drop detachments would include an impulse force, or bump, to the weld sample, cut surface, or filler wire. Theoretical models were developed for these detachment concerns from principles of impact and kinetic energies, surface tension, drop geometry, surface energies, and particle dynamics. A weld pool detachment parameter for specifying the conditions for metal weld pool detachment by impact was derived and correlated to the experimental results. The experimental results were for the most part consistent with the theoretical analysis and predictions.
Steroid metabolism in Antarctic soft corals

Whole body tissue preparations of the Antarctic soft corals Alcyonium paessleri and Clavularia frankliniana were incubated in vitro with the radiolabelled precursors 3H-progesterone and 3H-androstenedione to determine steroidogenic capacity. Steroidal metabolites were identified using TLC, derivitization, and recrystallization techniques. The Antarctic soft corals converted labelled precursors (3H-progesterone and 3H-androstenedione) into a maximum of five metabolites, potentially indicating the activity of the following enzymes: 5α-reductase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, and acyl transferase. Both species exhibited similar steroidogenic capacity. Radioimmunoassays verified the presence of relevant concentrations of progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol in whole body extracts from each species of soft coral. Alcyonium paessleri and Clavularia frankliniana actively converted precursors at temperatures up to 10°C above the ambient encountered by these species. Although similar steroidal compounds are produced in other phyla of benthic invertebrates, conversion rates for these soft corals are substantially lower. The role of these steroids is as yet unidentified; however they may be related to reproduction, and be important in chemical signaling or as defensive metabolites, or they may serve as transient intermediates to the production of other bioactive derivatives.
Programmatic efforts encouraging women to enter the information technology workforce

For over a decade the National Science Foundation (NSF) has been supporting projects designed to improve opportunities for women in computing. From an initial emphasis on increasing the number of women in graduate school studying computer science and engineering, NSF's current emphasis has broadened to include research studies examining the underlying reasons why women are underrepresented in the information technology (IT) workforce. This paper describes the recent history of NSF's activities in this area and the subsequent emergence of a research portfolio addressing the underrepresentation issue.
The Šventoji project: 18th century plans for a Lithuanian port

(1977). The Sventoji project: 18th century plans for a Lithuanian port. Journal of Baltic Studies: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 28-50.
Thyroid tumours in the senile guppy, Lebistes reticulatus (peters).

We have previously described a thyroid growth which had arisen spontaneously in a few senile fish from a laboratory population of guppies, Lebistes (Poecilia) reticulatus. We believed that this growth was neoplastic. Our histological interpretation has been questioned. In view of the problems in distinguishing between neoplastic and goitrous thyroid tissue in teleost fishes, we show photomicrographs of kidney and liver metastases from this tumor to support our earlier diagnosis.
Comparison of activities of acid β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, n-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and α-galactosidase in jejunum and ileum of adult and suckling rats

Abstract 1. 1. Because the activity of various lysosomal hydrolases shows strikingly similar patterns in both distribution along the lenght of the small intestine and in developmental changes, the question arose, whether observer changes are not a result of a simple quantitative difference in the presence of the same “unit”. 2. 2. Activity of four acid glycosidases (acid β-galactosidase, α-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) was compared in the same mucosal homogenates of different sections of the jejunoileum of 14-day-old and 3-month-old rats. 3. 3. A detail d comparison of their activity along the jejunoileum in suckling and adult rats ras revealed a substantial variation in their mutual ratio. This indicates, that the similarities apparent on the firsts lance are only a manifestation o of more complicated changes.
Accelerated in vitro Degradation of Optically Clear Low β-sheet Silk Films by Enzyme-Mediated Pretreatment

Results: Low b-sheet content (17%–18%) and enzymatic pretreatment provided film stability in aqueous environments and accelerated degradation of the silk films in the presence of human corneal fibroblasts in vitro. The results demonstrate a direct relationship between reduced b-sheet content and enzymatic pretreatment, and overall degradation rate of the protein films. Conclusions: The novel protocol developed here provides new approaches to modulate the regeneration rate of silk biomaterials for corneal tissue regeneration needs. Translational Relevance: Patterned silk protein films possess desirable characteristics for corneal tissue engineering, including optical transparency, biocompatibility, cell alignment, and tunable mechanical properties, but current fabrication protocols do not provide adequate degradation rates to match the regeneration properties of the human cornea. This novel processing protocol makes silk films more suitable for the construction of human corneal stroma tissue and a promising way to tune silk film degradation properties to match corneal tissue regeneration.
RESTORING PHYSIOLOGY TO THE UNDERGRADUATE BIOLOGY CURRICULUM: A CALL FOR ACTION

The National Research Council-sponsored report, BIO 2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists, describes a number of significant changes that should be made to the undergraduate biology curriculum if we are to adequately train students to become the researchers of the 21st century. What should be of concern to the physiology community is the lack of identifiable physiology in the proposed revisions. This article describes the report and suggests some steps that physiologists can take to enhance our discipline in the undergraduate biology curriculum.
Functional Coupling of Oxygen Binding and Vasoactivity inS-Nitrosohemoglobin

Abstract S-Nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb) is a vasodilator whose activity is allosterically modulated by oxygen (“thermodyamic linkage”). Blood vessel contractions are favored in the oxygenated structure, and vasorelaxant activity is “linked” to deoxygenation, as illustrated herein. We further show that transnitrosation reactions between SNO-Hb and ambient thiols transduce the NO-related bioactivity, whereas NO itself is inactive. One remaining problem is that the amounts of SNO-Hb present in vivo are so large as to be incompatible with life were all theS-nitrosothiols transformed into bioactive equivalents during each arterial-venous cycle. Experiments were therefore undertaken to address how SNO-Hb conserves its NO-related activity. Our studies show that 1) increased O2 affinity of SNO-Hb (which otherwise retains allosteric responsivity) restricts the hypoxia-induced allosteric transition that exchanges NO groups with ambient thiols for vasorelaxation; 2) some NO groups released from Cysβ93 upon transition to T structure are autocaptured by the hemes, even in the presence of glutathione; and 3) an O2-dependent equilibrium between SNO-Hb and iron nitrosylhemoglobin acts to conserve NO. Thus, by sequestering a significant fraction of NO liberated upon transition to T structure, Hb can conserve NO groups that would otherwise be released in an untimely or deleterious manner.
Preferential Behaviour of Sarotherodon (Oreochromis) Mossambicus (Pisces: Cichlidae) Fry To Maternal Models and Its Relevance To the Concept of Imprinting

The effect of previous exposure on the later preferential responsiveness of Sarotherodon mossambicus fry to maternal models was investigated. All fry were removed from their mother's mouth as eggs and hatched and reared under artificial conditions so that they were never exposed to natural maternal stimuli. In all experimental groups fry were exposed to a maternal model on day 10 post-hatching (the first day they are normally released from the mother's mouth) and tested 24 h later for their preferential responsiveness toward two models. In Experiment I separate groups of fry were exposed on day 10 to one of two maternal models of intermediate innate "attractiveness". Control fry exhibited no preferential behaviour on day 11 while all groups of experimental fry responded preferentially to the same ('split') model, regardless of the model to which they had been previously exposed. In Experiment II fry exposed for 15 or 60 min on day 10 responded preferentially to a potentially supernormal 'black pit' model as opposed to the 'split' model, again regardless of the model to which they had been previously exposed. In Experiment III groups of fry were exposed to one of two 'preserved female fish' models which differed in the degree of contrast between their broody colouration and the background colouration of the fish; virtually no preferential behaviour was exhibited by these fry. The results showed that after fry have been exposed to maternal stimuli they will then respond preferentially to whichever model forms a closer match with their initial perceptual schema of the broody mother. All experimental groups of fry in Experiment I responded preferentially to the 'split' model, regardless of which model they had previously been exposed to; the same pattern emerged in Experiment II. The fry failed to respond preferentially in Experiment III possibly because they could not discriminate between the two models or because both models fit their initial perceptual schema equally well. It was concluded that while social bond formation in S. mossambicus fry is affected by early experience, there are stronger innate constraints on the process than would be expected from traditional studies of imprinting.
Serum Carnitine Level in Phenylketonuric Children under Dietary Control in Greece

Although total, free and esterified carnitine blood levels were found to be low (p less than 0.001) in phenylketonuric patients under dietary treatment compared to controls, no clinical signs of carnitine deficiency were noticed. Exclusion from the PKU diet of nutrients rich in carnitine has been suggested. Supplementation of the diets with carnitine or preferably enrichment of the PKU formulas with carnitine will rectify the restriction of extrinsic carnitine in PKU dietary treatment.
Practical dependence testing

Precise and efficient dependence tests are essential to theeffectivermss ofaparallelizing compiler. This paper proposes a dependence testing scheme based on classifyingpairs ofsubscripted variable references. Exact yet fast dependence tests are presented for certain classes ofarray references, as well as empirical results showing that these references dominate scientific Fortran codes. These dependence tests are being implemented at Rice University in both PFC, aparallelizing compiler, and ParaScope, a parallel programming environment,
After-effects in the decay of 133Cs in glycerol

The perturbed gamma—gamma directional correlation function has been measured for the 356 keV–81keV cascade decay of 133Cs in glycerol at 295 K and 265 K. Fourier analysis of the data gives time-averaged quadrupole interaction frequencies of 500 MHz and 1700 MHz. The interaction is shown to be due to the highly excited Cs ion electron shell caused by the electron capture decay of 133Ba.
The Geopolitics of Parazit, the Iranian Televisual Sphere, and the Global Infrastructure of Political Humor

This article examines Parazit, a weekly Persian-language satiric news program that is often called the Iranian Daily Show. Although funded by the United States and circulated via an integrated global communication infrastructure to the dismay of the Iranian government, Parazit has become a popular program in Iran. After discussing the geopolitical context of Parazit, the article considers the form and content of the show in terms of global intertextuality, its techniques of satire, and the political orientation of Parazit’s creators. Additionally, it argues the interviews on Parazit and the show itself exemplify globally inflected discursive integration, with noteworthy ramifications for the Iranian political culture.
Effects of Hydration on Cognitive Function of Pilots

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of fluid intake and possible dehydration on cognitive flight performance of pilots. A repeated-measures, counterbalanced, mixed study design was used to examine differences in working memory, spatial orientation, and cognitive flight performance of 40 randomly selected healthy pilots after having high and low fluid intakes. Serial weights were also analyzed to determine differences in cognitive flight performance of the dehydrated (1–3% weight loss) and hydrated study participants. Results showed flight performance and spatial cognition test scores were significantly (p < 0.05) poorer for pilots who had low fluid intakes and experienced dehydration in comparison to the hydrated pilots. These findings indicate fluid intake differences resulting in dehydration may have safety implications because peak cognitive performance among pilots is critical for flight safety.