cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A variable resolution approach for improved acquisition of hyperpolarized 13 C metabolic MRI.

Purpose To ameliorate tradeoffs between a fixed spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for hyperpolarized 13 C MRI. Methods In MRI, SNR is proportional to voxel volume but retrospective downsampling or voxel averaging only improves SNR by the square root of voxel size. This can be exploited with a metabolite-selective imaging approach that independently encodes each compound, yielding high-resolution images for the injected substrate and coarser resolution images for downstream metabolites, while maintaining adequate SNR for each. To assess the efficacy of this approach, hyperpolarized [1-13 C]pyruvate data were acquired in healthy Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4) and in two healthy human subjects. Results Compared with a constant resolution acquisition, variable-resolution data sets showed improved detectability of metabolites in pre-clinical renal studies with a 3.5-fold, 8.7-fold, and 6.0-fold increase in SNR for lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate data, respectively. Variable-resolution data sets from healthy human subjects showed cardiac structure and neuro-vasculature in the higher resolution pyruvate images (6.0 × 6.0 mm2 for cardiac and 7.5 × 7.5 mm2 for brain) that would otherwise be missed due to partial-volume effects and illustrates the level of detail that can be achieved with hyperpolarized substrates in a clinical setting. Conclusion We developed a variable-resolution strategy for hyperpolarized 13 C MRI using metabolite-selective imaging and demonstrated that it mitigates tradeoffs between a fixed spatial resolution and SNR for hyperpolarized substrates, providing both high resolution pyruvate and coarse resolution metabolite data sets in a single exam. This technique shows promise to improve future studies by maximizing metabolite SNR while minimizing partial-volume effects from the injected substrate.
Chirping birds and barking dogs: The interactive effect of ambient sensory cue source and valence on consumers’ choice of natural products

Abstract A longstanding assumption underlying retail atmospherics is that positive sensations are inherently more advantageous to sales than negative ones. Using an approach-avoidance motivation framework, we challenge this assumption and highlight situations where unpleasant sensations may be beneficial to both consumers and businesses. In two studies with consequential decisions involving natural and conventional/processed products, we demonstrate an interactive effect of ambient sensory cue source and valence on product choices. We find evidence for this effect across auditory and olfactory sensory modalities. We further demonstrate that this effect is mediated by accessibility of natural (vs. non-natural) concepts and that it occurs primarily among individuals who are intrinsically motivated to consume natural products. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that ambient sensory cues may have a strong impact on consumers’ product choices. Our findings extend prior work on ambient sensations within retail environments and highlight the role of affect-laden sensations, particularly negative ones – an area that has received very little attention in the literature.
Distributed Voltage Control for Network-level Optimization in Radial Power Distribution Systems

Effective management of variable power generation from distributed energy resources (DERs) in the power distribution systems requires new methods for voltage control and network-level optimization. In this paper, we propose a feedback-based distributed voltage control algorithm for smart inverters with the objective of minimizing the network power loss while maintaining the node voltages within the pre-specified operating limits. Each smart inverter requires solving a simple algebraic equation based on local measurements and communication with its physical neighbors. An analytical closed-form solution is obtained to update the decision variable, i.e., the reactive power dispatch from the smart inverters. The solution is then projected onto the feasible power flow space. The proposed method is validated using IEEE 13-bus and 123-bus test systems. Further, the proposed real-time control algorithm is compared against the optimal power flow methods based on centralized coordination and nonlinear programming. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is effective in reducing the line losses and maintaining the voltages within the operational limits irrespective of the DER generation variability.
To Screen or Not to Screen: Is the Pelvic Examination the Answer?

36-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, using a combined hormonal pill for contraception presents for an annual examination. She reports one new sexual partner since her last visit but denies any gynecologic, urinary, or gastrointestinal symptoms. She has no chronic disease. Her family history includes a maternal great aunt with ovarian cancer but is otherwise negative for malignancy. She had a negative cervical cytology and human papilloma virus (HPV) co-test 3 years ago for screening and denies any past abnormal results. She has recently read in a women’s health magazine that a pelvic examination may not be necessary and asks for your opinion on whether or not she needs an examination at this visit. Based on current evidence, you advise: A. To receive a refill of the combined hormonal contraceptive pill prescription, she needs to have a pelvic examination. B. A pelvic examination should be performed to screen for ovarian cancer, especially given her family history. C. As she is up to date on cervical cancer screening and is asymptomatic, a pelvic examination is not needed, but sexually transmitted infection screening is advised given her history. D. Because she has a new sexual partner, a pelvic examination must be performed to collect a specimen for sexually transmitted infection screening.
Admissible pruning strategies based on plan minimality for plan-space planning

Although plan space planners have been shown to be flexible and efficient in plan generation, they do suffer from the problem of "looping" - that is they may spend an inordinate amount of time. doing locally seemingly useful but globally useless refinements In this paper I review the anatomy of looping and argue that looping is intimately tied to the production of non minimal solutions I then propose two classes of admissible pruning techniques based on the notion of plan minimality I show that the first one is admissible for planners which do not protect their establishments but allow a precondition to be reestablished any number of times. The second one is admissible for planners which protect their establishments through causal links I also discuss the complexity of the proposed pruning strategies and then potential applications.
A cross-talk network that facilitates tumor virotherapy

To target and kill cancer cells, oncolytic viruses exploit signaling pathways that promote tumor growth. A new study shows that the cancer stromal fibroblast factor FGF2 is a crucial component of a tumor–TGF-β axis that renders cancer cells sensitive to virus infection.
A Remark About the "Geodesic Principle" in General Relativity

It is often claimed that the geodesic principle can be recovered as a theorem in general relativity. Indeed, it is claimed that it is a consequence of Einstein’s equation (via the conservation principle that is, itself, a consequence of that equation). These claims are certainly correct, but it may be worth drawing attention to one small qualification. Though the geodesic principle can be recovered as theorem in general relativity, it is not a consequence of Einstein’s equation (or the conservation principle) alone. Other assumptions are needed to drive the theorems in question. My goal in this short note is to make this claim precise.
Biosynthesis of Cellulose in Vitro from Guanosine Diphosphate d-Glucose with Enzymic Preparations from Phaseolus aureus and Lupinus albus

Abstract The incorporation of d-glucose-14C from guanosine diphosphate d-glucose-14C into a β-1,4-linked polymer (cellulose) is catalyzed by a particulate preparation from Phaseolus aureus and Lupinus albus. The particulate enzyme preparations from both plants can be solubilized by extraction with digitonin; the solubilized proteins are also active in synthesizing β-(1 → 4)-glucan as the original particulate preparations. The reaction reaches half the maximal incorporation in less than 1 min. Upon degradation of the polymer, β-(1 → 4)-radioactive cellodextrins are formed. However, a small proportion of mannose-14C is also obtained, indicating the presence of an epimerase which interconverts d-glucose and d-mannose. A glycolipid, is, apparently, not involved as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the β-(1 → 4)-glucan from GDP-d-glucose.
Methods for revoval of the vitelline membrane of sea urchin eggs. I. Use of dithiothreitol (Cleland Reagent).

Abstract A simple procedure is described for removing the vitelline membrane of sea urchin eggs. The method is based on the observation that brief incubation of unfertilized sea urchin eggs in 5–10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT or Cleland Reagent) at pH 9.2 effectively removes this membrane. Membrane removal and normal development have been obtained with the eggs of the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Lytechinus pictus . That DTT removes membranes, combined with other observations and experiments, indicates that the structural integrity of the vitelline membrane results in part from disulfide linkages between neighboring protein molecules.
Interaction at a distance between multiple operators controls the adjacent, divergently transcribed glpTQ-glpACB operons of Escherichia coli K-12.

The glp regulon of Escherichia coli encodes the proteins required for utilization of sn-glycerol 3-phosphate and its precursors. Transcription of the divergently transcribed glpTQ and glpACB operons is initiated at sites separated by 132 base pairs (bp) of DNA. These operons are controlled negatively by glp repressor and positively by the cAMP-cAMP receptor protein (CRP) complex. The locations of the binding sites for the glp repressor and for cAMP.CRP in the control regions of these operons were determined by DNase I footprinting. Binding of the glp repressor protected the region -32 to -51 (OT) in the glpTQ promoter, which was also the binding site for cAMP.CRP. Four repressor binding sites (-41 to -60 (OA1), -9 to -28 (OA2), +12 to -8 (OA3), and +52 to +33 (OA4)) and two cAMP.CRP binding sites (+11 to -11 and -30 to -51) were found in the glpACB promoter region. Comparison of the sequences of the repressor binding sites found in the glpTQ-glpACB control region with those operators previously described in the glpD operon allowed formulation of a consensus operator sequence which was the palindrome 5'-WATGTTCGWTAWC-GAACATW-3' (W is A or T). The role of each operator was assessed by measuring repression in constructs where individual operators were altered by site-directed mutagenesis. Alteration of OT did not significantly decrease repression of either operon. Each of the glpACB operators contributed to repression of both operons. These results suggest involvement of glpACB operator(s) in control of glpTQ expression perhaps via formation of a repression loop. Evidence supporting this hypothesis was obtained by measuring the degree of repression of the glpTQ promoter in constructs containing 6- or 10-bp insertions between the glpTQ and glpACB operators. A 6-bp insertion located within OA2 or between OT and OA1 eliminated repression of the glpTQ promoter, whereas significant repression was maintained in the case of a 10-bp insertion within OA2.
The Influence of an Intermittent Visual Stimulus on Perceptual Motor Skills in Aviation

The effect of a light flashing at 5 fps on performance of tasks representative of those required of a pilot was studied. The tasks were digit span, pursuit rotor, reaction time, and a combination of all three. Reaction time was longer in the combined task, and pursuit rotor performance was degraded by the flashing light. It was concluded that the longer reaction times were due to lowered vigilance, and the degradation of pursuit rotor performance was attributed to interference in the central processes by the flashing light.
I/sub DDQ/ testing: issues present and future

I/sub DDQ/ testing has emerged from a company specific CMOS IC test technology in the 1960s and 1970s to become a worldwide accepted technique that is a requirement for low defective parts per million levels and failure rates. It is the single most sensitive test method to detect CMOS IC defects, and an abundance of studies have laid a solid foundation for why this is so. The I/sub DDQ/ test uses the quiescent power supply current of logic states as an indication of defect presence. Its major requirement for maximum efficiency is that the design implement nanowatt power levels (nanoampere supply current) in the quiescent portion of the power supply current. No direct connections are allowed between V/sub DD/ and V/sub SS/ during the quiescent period. I/sub DDQ/ testing has increased significantly since 1990, highlighting problems and driving solutions not addressed by the high reliability manufacturers of earlier technologies. Faster I/sub DDQ/ instrumentation and better software tools to generate and grade I/sub DDQ/ test patterns result from this increased interest. We address two major issues confronting I/sub DDQ/ testing: yield loss and increased background current of deep submicron IC technologies projected by the Semiconductor Industry Association/Sematech road map. Both issues are points of controversy.
Structural and magnetic studies of Sr2IrO4.

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in doped copper oxides, which in their insulating forms are nearly ideal two-dimensional spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets, has stimulated great interest in finding additional examples of such magnetic systems. We find that ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{IrO}}_{4}$, which has the ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}$${\mathrm{NiF}}_{4}$ structure and should have a 5${\mathit{d}}^{5}$ low-spin (S=1/2) electronic configuration, develops a ferromagnetic moment near 250 K. The small size of the remanent moment (${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$), and our structural studies, however, imply that this is weak ferromagnetism which appears at the N\'eel temperature due to a Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction, in a manner analogous to that seen in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$.
Our Future Is Now

A partir de la gestion des Archives de guerre d'Austin, au Texas, et de ses liens avec les Archives nationales des Etats-Unis, une reflexion generale est menee sur le traitement de l'histoire par un service d'archives
Binocular summation in orientation discrimination depends on stimulus contrast and duration

Binocular summation, an improvement in visual performance with binocular viewing compared to monocular viewing, has been studied extensively in detection tasks. Monocular detection thresholds for stationary stimuli are typically about 40% higher than binocular thresholds. Binocular summation in discrimination tasks, however, is often lower and less consistent. A possible explanation for this difference is that saturation of responses limits the extent of binocular summation in discrimination tasks. To investigate this possibility, we used an orientation discrimination task and varied stimulus contrast and exposure duration. Monocular and binocular orientation discrimination thresholds were obtained using one-dimensional difference-of-Gaussian stimuli. For briefly exposed stimuli, binocular summation is greatest at low contrasts (e.g. 66% at 8% contrast) and is reduced systematically at higher contrasts so that monocular and binocular thresholds are approximately equal at contrasts above 15%. Binocular summation for low-contrast stimuli is greatest at a brief exposure duration (50 msec), is reduced at longer durations, and is not significant at durations of 100 msec or longer. Thus, binocular summation in orientation discrimination is greatest for relatively low-energy stimuli. These results are consistent with models of binocular energy summation and the hypothesis that saturation of responses after binocular combination can limit binocular summation in discrimination tasks.
Predictions of the electrical conductivity and charging of the aerosols in Titan's atmosphere

Abstract The electrical conductivity and electrical charge on the aerosols in atmosphere of Titan are computed for altitudes between 0 and 400 km. Ionization of methane and nitrogen due to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is important at night where these ions are converted to ion clusters such as CH + 5 CH 4 , C 7 H + 7 , C 4 H + 7 , and H 4 C 7 N + . The ubiquitous aerosols observed also play an important role in determining the charge distribution in the atmosphere. Because polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are expected in Titan's atmosphere and have been observed in the laboratory and found to be electrophilic, we consider the formation of negative ions. During the night, the very smallest molecular complexes accept free electrons to form negative ions. This results in a large reduction of the electron abundance both in the region between 150 and 350 km over that predicted when such aerosols are not considered. During the day time, ionization by photoemission from aerosols irradiated by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation overwhelms the GCR-produced ionization. The presence of hydrocarbon and nitrile minor constituents substantially reduces the UV flux in the wavelength band from the cutoff of CH 4 at 155 to 200 nm. These aerosols have such a low ionization potential that the bulk of the solar radiation at longer wavelengths is energetic enough to produce a photoionization rate sufficient to create an ionosphere even without galactic cosmic ray (GCR) bombardment. At altitudes below 60 km, the electron and positive ion abundances are influenced by the three-body recombination of ions and electrons. The addition of this reaction significantly reduces the predicted electron abundance over that previously predicted. Our calculations for the dayside show that the peaks of the charge distributions move to larger values as the altitude increases. This variation is the result of the increased UV flux present at the highest altitudes. Clearly, the situation is quite different than that for the night where the peak of the distribution for a particular size is nearly constant with altitude when negative ions are not present. The presence of very small aerosol particles (embryos) may cause the peak of the distribution to decrease from about 8 negative charges to as little as one negative charge or even zero charge. This dependence on altitude will require models of the aerosol formation to change their algorithms to better represent the effect of charged aerosols as a function of altitude. In particular, the charge state will be much higher than previously predicted and it will not be constant with altitude during the day time. Charging of aerosol particles, whether on the dayside or nightside, has a major influence on both the electron abundance and electrical conductivity. The predicted conductivities are within the measurement range of the HASI PWA instrument over most but not all, of the altitude range sampled.
Effect of Milk Constituents on the Persistence of Sodium Hypochlorite Sanitizer

Abstract Chlorine-based sanitizers are inactivated rapidly in the presence of whole milk, skim milk, and 30% cream. The most rapid rate of inactivation for individual milk components is in the following order: lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, casein, lactose, insoluble lipoprotein, soluble lipoprotein, and fat globule membrane lipids. On total reaction of milk components the results of sanitizer inactivation appear additive.
The Acute Management of Asthma

Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) or clinic with acute exacerbation of asthma (AEA) can be very challenging varying in both severity and response to therapy. High-dose, frequent or continuous nebulized short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) therapy that can be combined with a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) is the backbone of treatment. When patients do not rapidly clinically respond to SABA/SAMA inhalation, the early use of oral or parenteral corticosteroids should be considered and has been shown to impact the immediate need for ICU admission or even the need for hospital admission. Adjunctive therapies such as the use of intravenous magnesium and helium/oxygen combination gas for inhalation and for driving a nebulizer to deliver a SABA and or SAMA should be considered and are best used early in the treatment plan if they are likely to impact the patients' clinical course. The use of other agents such as theophylline, leukotriene modifiers, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta2 agonist, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist currently does not play a major role in the immediate treatment of AEA in the clinic or the ED but is an important therapeutic option for physicians to be aware of and to consider initiating at the time of discharge from clinic, hospital, or ED to reduce later clinical worsening and readmission to the ED and hospital. A comprehensive summary is provided of the currently available respiratory pharmaceuticals approved for asthma and other airway syndromes. Clinicians must be prepared to use the entire spectrum of medications available for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations and the agents that should be initiated to prevent worsening or additional exacerbations. They need to be familiar with the major potential drug toxicities associated with their use.
Structure and fragmentation in colloidal artificial molecules and nuclei

Motivated by recent experiments on colloidal systems with competing attractive and repulsive interactions, we simulate a two-dimensional system of colloids with competing interactions that can undergo fragmentation. In the absence of any other confining potential, the colloids can form stable clusters depending on the strength of the short range attractive term. By suddenly changing the strength of one of the interaction terms we find a rich variety of fragmentation behavior which is affected by the existence of “magic” cluster numbers. Such soft matter systems can be used to construct artificial nuclei.
Varying Overall Sound Intensity to the Two Ears Impacts Interaural Level Difference Discrimination Thresholds by Single Neurons in the Lateral Superior Olive

The lateral superior olive (LSO) is one of the earliest sites in the auditory pathway involved in processing acoustical cues to sound location. LSO neurons encode the interaural level difference (ILD) cue to azimuthal location. Here we investigated the effect of variations in the overall stimulus levels of sounds at the two ears on the sensitivity of LSO neurons to small differences in ILDs of pure tones. The neuronal firing rate versus ILD functions were found to depend greatly on the overall stimulus level, typically shifting along the ILD axis toward the excitatory ear and attaining greater maximal firing rates as stimulus level increased. Seventy-five percent of neurons showed significant shifts with changes in overall sound level. The range of ILDs corresponding to best neural acuity for ILDs shifted accordingly. In a simulation using the empirical data, when the overall stimulus level was randomly changed from one trial to the next, the neural discrimination thresholds for ILD, or ILD acuities, were worsened by 50–60% across the population of neurons relative to fixed stimulus levels whether ILD acuity was measured at the azimuthal midline or the ILD pedestal producing the best acuity. The impairment in ILD discrimination was attributed to the increased neural response variance imparted by varying the stimulus level. These results contrast to those observed in psychophysical studies where ILD discrimination thresholds under similar experimental conditions are invariant to overall changes in stimulus level. A simple computational model that incorporated the antagonistic inputs of bilateral LSO nuclei as well as the dorsal nuclei of the lateral lemniscus to the inferior colliculus produced a more robust encoding of ILD even in the setting of roving stimulus level. Testable predictions of this model and comparison to other computational models addressing stimulus invariance were considered.
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (Chaotic Atrial Tachycardia) Clinical Associations and Significance

Multifocal atrial tachycardia, also designated "chaotic atrial tachycardia," was identified in the records of 31 patients. It was particularly noted that the arrhythmia progressed to atrial fibrillation or flutter in 17 cases (55%). Unifocal or multifocal premature atrial contractions preceded the arrhythmia in 20 cases (64%). The arrhythmia developed during an acute illness in 18 cases (58%). However, it occasionally occurred in paroxysms without an apparent cause in patients with chronic disease. Significant acute or chronic pulmonary disease was present in 12 cases (39%). The arrhythmia was not associated with digitalis toxicity or with rhythm disturbances known to occur in digitalis intoxication such as paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block. In general, digitalis therapy seemed to have little effect on the course of the arrhythmia, but in some cases it appeared to be beneficial, especially if atrial fibrillation supervened. In several patients there seemed to be a transition from multifocal prematu...
Solution to a Class of Optimization Problems with Amplitude Constraints

Let H[s(\bullet),t] be a functional of the function s(\bullet) and the independent variable t . The criterion functional J(s) is defined to be the integral of H over T , a set of points t . The problem considered is the maximization of J(s) with respect to an amplitudeconstrained function s . Necessary conditons for the optimal solution are obtained, and a method of determining the optimum s is given. Some examples are presented to clarify the theorems and their applications.
Metabolism of testosterone in vitro by hypothalamus and other areas of rat brain.

Zusammenfassung Testosteronstoffwechsel in vitro im Hypothalamus und anderen Bezirken des Rattenhirns Verschiedene Hirnareale ausgewachsener mannlicher Ratten wurden in vitro mit 14C markiertem Testosteron inkubiert. Der Hauptmetabolit war 17β-OH-5α-androstan-3-on. Die Gewebe bildeten diesen Metaboliten in der absteigenden Reihenfolge von Mittelhirndach, Hypothalamus, Kleinhirn und dorsaler Hippocampus, Groshirnrinde und Mandelkerne. Es wurden minimale Konzentrationen anderer Metaboliten gefunden.
The Effect of Measurement Errors on Correlation Estimates in Spike-Interval Sequences

The serial correlogram (SCG) is used to determine the amount of dependence in spike-interval sequences. This communication demonstrates the effects of measurement errors [i.e., false alarms (FA's) and false dismissals (FD's) in spike-detection algorithms] on correlation coefficients when the sequence has a practical sample size.
Adaptor ligation-based polymerase chain reaction-mediated walking.

An improved method of adaptor ligation PCR was developed for isolation of unknown sequences flanking a known DNA sequence. It was determined that the specificity of the adaptor ligation-based walking technique could be significantly enhanced by using uniquely blocked adaptors along with removal of unligated genomic DNA by exonuclease III digestion. This technique was utilized to isolate three novel promoter regions from three different Zea mays (maize) peroxidase genes. Sequences encoding a putative maize 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase gene were also isolated and confirmed by sequence analysis. The described improvements could be applied to other existing adaptor ligation-based PCR walking techniques.
On the determination of activation energies in thermal desorption experiments

Abstract Equations relating Arrhenius kinetic parameters A and Ea, surface coverage θ, and linear heating rate β are reviewed. An equation is presented, ln ( T m 2 θ m n−1 β )= E a RT m ++ ln ( E a nAR ) , in which Tm and θm are the temperature and surface coverage at which the rate of desorption is maximum. This equation is correct for fixed A, Ea and β, and general for n⩾1 in experiments in which resorption is negligible. Computer simulated gas-evolution curves are calculated for n=1and2. Plots of both ln ( T m 2 β ) and ln ( T m 2 θ m n −1 θ ) versus 1 T m are made using the computer-simulated data for a variety of values of Ea, A and θ. It is shown that the slope of a plot of ln ( T m 2 β ) versus 1 T m reproduces the parametric activation energy with accuracy better than that achieved in most experiments. Thus the method traditionally used for determining Ea in first-order cases can be extended to second (and probably higher) order cases without regard to the kinetic order.
Notochordal cells interact with nucleus pulposus cells: regulation of proteoglycan synthesis.

The disappearance of notochordal cells is correlated with early degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. With increased disc degeneration there is a marked decrease in proteoglycan synthesis, resulting in loss of mechanical function. One possible mechanism for the decrease in proteoglycan synthesis is the loss of notochordal cells from the tissue. In this study, nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with notochordal cells exhibit an increase in proteoglycan synthesis. Interestingly, purified notochordal cells synthesize little proteoglycan as observed by [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans. The observed increase in proteoglycan synthesis does not appear to be dependent on cell-cell contact; rather it is the result of soluble factor(s) produced by notochordal cells. Finally, no difference in chondroitin sulfate chain size in notochordal-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells was observed which is consistent with an up-regulation in aggrecan core protein synthesis. These results are consistent with canine breeds where notochordal cells persist into adult age and disc degeneration is not observed. This suggests notochordal cells play a vital role in maintaining disc integrity.
Central cholinergic suppression of hyper-reactivity and aggression in septal-lesioned rats

Abstract Rats were made hyper-reactive by the mechanical placement of lesions in the septum. The systemic administration of a tertiary anticholinesterase agent (physostigmine) that readily penetrates to brain tissue suppressed the hyper-reactivity in a dose-related manner. This effect was not manifested by a quaternary anticholinesterase drug (neostigmine) that does not readily penetrate to brain tissue. Similarly, the effect of physostigmine was blocked by pretreatment with a tertiary cholinolytic drug (atropine) but not by pretreatment with a quaternary cholinolytic drug (methylatropine). These data, obtained from studies with septal-lesioned rats, are consistent with the proposition that hyper-reactive, aggressive behavior is suppressed by a centrally acting cholinergic system.
Divided we quarrel: the politics of congressional investigations, 1947-2004

Are congressional committee investigations into alleged executive-branch wrongdoing more common during periods of divided government? We analyze original data tracking congressional committee investigations into alleged fraud, waste, and abuse by the executive branch between 1947 and 2004. Countering David Mayhew's (1991) empirical finding, we show that divided government generates more and more-intensive congressional investigations, but this relationship is contingent on partisan and temporal factors. Our findings shed new light on the shifting dynamic between partisan institutional politics and congressional oversight.
Hispaniolanthus: A New Genus of Capparaceae Endemic to Hispaniola

Abstract. Hispaniolanthus (Capparaceae), a new genus segregated from Capparis, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by short simple hairs, minute stipules, spiral phyllotaxy, juvenile individuals with linear leaf blades, mature individuals with their young leaves conduplicate, flowers axillary and subterminal, solitary and/or rarely paired, without peduncles and on remarkably long-pedicels. The calyx is decussate with closed aestivation, bearing sepals similar in size to that of the petals, four erect to divergent nectary scales, and ca. 30 to 45 stamens on short filaments, 1.5–2.0 cm long. Hispaniolanthus is a monospecific genus known only from dry forests of western Haiti, facing the Island of Gonaives. It is represented by the new combination herewith transferred from Capparis: Hispaniolanthus dolichopodus. Its putative relationships with the morphologically closer genera of Capparaceae are discussed.
Soil Removal in Automatic Dishwashing

During preliminary testing, an egg yolk-calcium chloride complex was selected as a promising dishwasher test soil, and various factors were identified as being related to its removal in dishwasher washing of dishes. Data for statistical analysis were collected in con trolled laboratory tests using five water temperatures, five levels of calcium chloride in the yolk soil solution, two dishwasher positions, and two wash times. A series of tests was per formed in deionized water and a second series in hard water. Difficult soil removal was found to be related to all the main variables studied and the soil developed shows promise as a dishwasher test soil.
SQUID multiplexers for transition-edge sensors

We review the superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID) multiplexer schemes that are being developed to instrument large-format arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors. We discuss the choice of an orthogonal basis set to represent the multiplexed signal (such as time or frequency) and the practical issues of implementation, including bandwidth-limiting filters, SQUID noise, and power dissipation.
Cataracts in neutrophil donors stimulated with adrenal corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: A relatively young man (43 years old) was found to have a cataract after receiving prednisone before each of 35 neutrophil (PMN) donations over several years. Because corticosteroids are known to induce posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs), additional repeat PMN donors were examined ophthalmologically. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A controlled, blinded study was performed in 11 PMN donors who received prednisone with or without G–CSF before 17 to 46 leukapheresis donations over an average of 8.5 years. Control subjects were nine plateletpheresis donors of comparable age and donation experience, but they had never donated PMNs. A complete eye examination was performed by an ophthalmologist who was unaware of the donor's status (PMN vs. platelet). RESULTS: Mild PSCs were found in 36 percent (4/11) of PMN donors versus 0 of 9 platelet donors (p = 0.068). Five of the 22 PMN donor eyes involved versus 0 of the 18 platelet donor eyes involved exhibited PSCs (p = 0.040). Cortical and nuclear cataracts were found similarly in both groups of donors (82% PMN vs. 56% platelet donors; p = 0.217); this indicated that lifestyle factors, independent of corticosteroids, that might predispose to cataract formation probably were comparable. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids given before PMN donations by leukapheresis might increase the risk of PSCs. Because of widespread renewed interest in PMN transfusions, this potential risk factor—if confirmed by studies of additional PMN donors—is of great international importance. Other centers are urged to perform ophthalmologic examinations on repeat PMN donors to clarify this issue.
Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair.

Parastomal hernias are a common and challenging occurrence after stoma creation. There is no universally agreed upon classification system. Many risk factors for parastomal hernia are not modifiable. Imaging can serve as an adjunct to a history and physical exam in diagnosing parastomal hernia. Complications can vary in severity and may warrant operative intervention. Operative approach can be open or laparoscopic, but mesh repairs are preferred to non-mesh repairs. It is our preference to perform a laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker technique for both initial and recurrent parastomal hernias. Prophylactic mesh placement at the time of stoma creation has been shown to decrease rates of parastomal hernia development without increasing the rate of infectious complications.
Investigation of Pyridine Carboxylic Acids in CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrites: Potential Precursor Molecules for Ancient Coenzymes

The distribution and abundances of pyridine carboxylic acids (including nicotinic acid) in eight CM2 carbonaceous chondrites (ALH 85013, DOM 03183, DOM 08003, EET 96016, LAP 02333, LAP 02336, LEW 85311, and WIS 91600) were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection and high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. We find that pyridine monocarboxylic acids are prevalent in CM2-type chondrites and their abundance negatively correlates with the degree of pre-terrestrial aqueous alteration that the meteorite parent body experienced. We also report the first detection of pyridine dicarboxylic acids in carbonaceous chondrites. Additionally, we carried out laboratory studies of proton-irradiated pyridine in carbon dioxide-rich ices (a 1:1 mixture) to serve as a model of the interstellar ice chemistry that may have led to the synthesis of pyridine carboxylic acids. Analysis of the irradiated ice residue shows that a comparable suite of pyridine mono- and dicarboxylic acids was produced, although aqueous alteration may still play a role in the synthesis (and ultimate yield) of these compounds in carbonaceous meteorites. Nicotinic acid is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a likely ancient molecule used in cellular metabolism in all of life, and its common occurrence in CM2 chondrites may indicate that meteorites may have been a source of molecules for the emergence of more complex coenzymes on the early Earth.
Optimal control of precision paraboloidal shell structronic systems

Abstract Paraboloidal shells of revolution are commonly used in advanced aerospace, civil and telecommunication structures, e.g., antennas, reflectors, mirrors, rocket fairings, nozzles, solar collectors, dome structures, etc. A structronic shell system is defined as an elastic shell embedded, bonded or laminated with distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators and it is governed by either in situ or external control electronics. A closed-loop control system of paraboloidal shell structronic system consists of distributed sensors/actuators and controller coupled with an elastic paraboloidal shell. State equation for the paraboloidal shell structronic system is derived and optimal linear quadratic state feedback control is implemented, such that the “best” shell control performance with the least control cost can be achieved. The gain matrix is estimated based on minimizing a performance criterion function. Optimal control effects are compared with controlled responses with other non-optimal control parameters. Control effects of identical-sized sensor/actuator patches at different locations are studied and compared. Modal control effects for different natural modes are also investigated.
Super neutrino project: Design and development

BNL plans to create a very long baseline super neutrino beam facility by upgrading the AGS from the current 0.14 MW to 1.0 MW and beyond. The proposed facility consists of three major components. First is a 1.5 GeV superconducting linac to replace the booster as injector for the AGS, second is the performance upgrade of the AGS itself for higher intensity and repetition rate, and finally is the target and horn system for the neutrino production. The major contribution for the higher power is from the increase of the repetition rate of the AGS from 0.3 Hz to 2.5 Hz, with moderate increase from the intensity. The accelerator design considerations to achieve high intensity and low losses for the new linac and the AGS will be presented. The target and horn design for high power operation and easy maintenance will also be covered.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 and chronic neurological conditions in the United States: an administrative claims analysis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 and chronic neurological conditions in the United States: an administrative claims analysis
Primary Cosmic-Ray Intensity near Solar Maximum

Measurements of the primary cosmic-ray proton and alpha-particle fluxes and energy spectra were extended to the recent period of solar maximum. While the rigidity dependence of both components changed greatly during the solar cycle, it is observed that alpha particles and protons maintain the same relative rigidity spectra during the solar cycle. Measured geomagnetic cutoff values are in agreement with those obtained at solar minimum. An electric field model gives excellent agreement for the general form of the long-term change. However, at low rigidities this model predicts a splitting of the proton and alpha-particle differential rigidity spectra which is not observed. (auth)
Towards supporting awareness of indirect conflicts across software configuration management workspaces

Workspace awareness techniques have been proposed to enhance the effectiveness of software configuration management systems in coordinating parallel work. These techniques share information regarding ongoing changes, so potential conflicts can be detected during development, instead of when changes are completed and committed to a repository. To date, however, workspace awareness techniques only address direct conflicts, which arise due to concurrent changes to the same artifact, but are unable to support indirect conflicts, which arise due to ongoing changes in one artifact affecting concurrent changes in an-other artifact. In this paper, we present a new, cross-workspace awareness technique that supports one particular kind of indirect conflict, namely those indirect conflicts caused by changes to class signatures. We introduce our approach, discuss its implementation in our workspace awareness tool Palantir, illustrate its potential through two pilot studies, and lay out how to generalize the technique to a broader set of indirect conflicts
Heterozygosity for a hypomorphic Polβ mutation reduces the expansion frequency in a mouse model of the Fragile X-related disorders.

The Fragile X-related disorders (FXDs) are members of the Repeat Expansion Diseases, a group of human genetic conditions resulting from expansion of a specific tandem repeat. The FXDs result from expansion of a CGG/CCG repeat tract in the 5’ UTR of the FMR1 gene. While expansion in a FXD mouse model is known to require some mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, our previous work and work in mouse models of another Repeat Expansion Disease show that early events in the base excision repair (BER) pathway play a role in the expansion process. One model for repeat expansion proposes that a non-canonical MMR process makes use of the nicks generated early in BER to load the MMR machinery that then generates expansions. However, we show here that heterozygosity for a Y265C mutation in Polβ, a key polymerase in the BER pathway, is enough to significantly reduce both the number of expansions seen in paternal gametes and the extent of somatic expansion in some tissues of the FXD mouse. These data suggest that events in the BER pathway downstream of the generation of nicks are also important for repeat expansion. Somewhat surprisingly, while the number of expansions is smaller, the average size of the residual expansions is larger than that seen in WT animals. This may have interesting implications for the mechanism by which BER generates expansions.
Inhibitory effects of the κ opiate U50,488 in the substantia nigra pars reticulata

Abstract The effect of the selective κ opiate agonist U50,488 on the firing rate of neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) was investigated in a series of extracellular single unit recording experiments in rats. Intravenous administration of U50,488 produced a dose-related decrease in the spontaneouss firing rate of SNR neurons, an effect that was reversed by naloxone in most cases. Iontophoretic application of the κ agonist also inhibited the firing of SNR neurons, indicating a direct action of U50,488 in the SNR. U50,488 was particularly effective in inhibiting a local group of SNR neurons that exhibit increased firing in response to mechanical pressure. In separate experiments, it was determined that these pressure sensitive neurons (1) include nigrotectal and nigrothalamic cells, (2) are responsive to mild as well as painful levels of pressure, and (3) are not responsive to light flashes. This group of neurons may be a primary target of naturally occurring κ selective opioids of the prodynorphinergic striatonigral pathway.
A cation affinity series for a phosphinic acid ion-exchange resin

Abstract A cation affinity series was determined by the batch method for an ion-exchange resin with a phenylphosphinic acid group attached to a polystyrene/10% divinylbenzene matrix. The series in order of decreasing affinity is Pb(II), Mn(II), Cd(II), Ca(II), Zn(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Ba(II), Sr(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Cs(I), Li(I), Na(I), Rb(I). These affinities are expressed quantitatively in terms of selectivity coefficients, and all ion-exchange reactions can be described in terms of simple displacement equations.
Minor elements in Quaternary sediment from the Sea of Japan: A record of surface-water productivity and intermediate-water redox conditions

Sediment of Quaternary age from Oki Ridge (903 m depth) in the Sea of Japan (∼3500 m deep) records six episodes of high accumulation rates of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, U, V, and Zn. The high rates correspond to periods of sulfate reduction in the water column at the intermediate depth of Oki Ridge; the intervening low values correspond to periods of denitrification and oxygen respiration. The maxima have a period of 41 k.y., the youngest having an age of 1.10 Ma. The 41 k.y. cycle is similar to the cycle of δ 18 O values of open-ocean plankton of the same age. The similarity between the cycles of minor-element accumulation in Sea of Japan sediment and δ 18 O values of Atlantic Ocean foraminifera indicates that redox changes in the water column of the Sea of Japan during the Quaternary, forced by major shifts in water-column advection and minor shifts in photic-zone productivity, reflect global events.
The osmium-ethyl gallate procedure is superior to silver impregnations for mapping neuronal pathways

Ganglia processed through the osmium-ethyl gallate procedure (OEG) 19 retain more structural integrity than those processed through various silver impregnation methods. However, the OEG method continues to be neglected by most neuroanatomists. Both types of procedures have been used to trace large neuronal tracts, but during silver impregnation the neuropils lose many of their identifying characteristics. We demonstrate here the advantages of the OEG procedure by comparing it with two silver techniques, Rowell’s 11 and Holmes's 5 . The OEG method yields consistent and reliable results and is easier to carry out than silver protocols. Most importantly, the better preservation of the neuropils has led to the discovery and study of regional specializations that were previously undetected from silver preparations.
Duty hours for pharmacy residents

Pharmacy residency programs are subject to the duty-hour standards of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and those standards have been revised for 2011.[1][1],[2][2] However, the ASHP Commission on Credentialing (COC) will issue pharmacy residency programs a waiver