cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum, urinary, and salivary nitric oxide in rheumatoid arthritis: complexities of interpreting nitric oxide measures

Nitric oxide (NO) may play important roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an inflammatory disease involving joints and other systems including salivary glands. To assess NO production in RA patients, we compared levels of serum, urine, and salivary nitrite and nitrate (NOx) in patients with RA and normal subjects, and we examined the relationships of these measures to disease activity. Serum, urine, and NOx levels as well as renal creatinine, NOx clearance and fractional excretion rates were compared in 25 RA patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Subjects were hospitalized for 3 days and placed on a NOxrestricted diet. NOx was assayed using nitrate reductase and the Griess reagent. RA activity was assessed using standard clinical and laboratory measures. While consuming a restricted diet for 3 days to eliminate the effects of oral intake of NOx, 24 hour urinary NOx excretion decreased in both RA patients and healthy controls. Urine NOx levels at all time points were not significantly different between RA patients and normal subjects. Serum NOx levels also decreased during the 3 days of NOx restriction, but RA patients had higher serum NOx levels at all time points compared with the control group. Likewise, serum NOx/creatinine ratios were higher in RA patients than in controls. Although basal salivary flow rate and tear flow were lower in RA patients, salivary NOx levels did not differ between normal and RA subjects. While renal creatinine clearance was not different between the two groups, we found that RA patients had lower renal NOx clearance and lower renal NOx fractional excretion. After correction of p values for multiple comparisons, there were no significant relationships for the RA group between measures of disease activity and the urinary NOx, serum NOx, or urinary NOx clearance. Despite interest in the use of NO as a marker of disease activity, alterations in renal NOx clearance and fractional excretion in RA make it difficult to assess in vivo NO production even with strict dietary restriction of NOx intake.
Molecular motion in thermotropic liquid crystals

The structure and dynamics of 4-n-butoxybenzylidene-4′-n-octylaniline (40·8) have been investigated in the isotropic, nematic, and smectic phases using frequency dependent deuterium nuclear spin relaxation measurements of p-diethynyl-d2-benzene, a well-ordered spin probe. In the isotropic phase the existence of local nematic structure is revealed by frequency dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rates. In the nematic and smectic phases, measurements of individual spectral densities of motion allow the separate determination of relaxation contributions from the reorientation of individual molecules and from long range, quasi-coherent director fluctuations. Director fluctuations contribute noticeably to spin relaxation only in the nematic and smectic A phases. In all phases, the reorientational motion of the probe is less strongly coupled to viscous modes than was found previously for this probe in a simple nematic solvent.
A Bayesian Approach to the Paradoxes of Confirmation

Publisher Summary On a Bayesian approach, this chapter focuses on the four classes of the paradoxes of confirmation and assigns each a prior probability in the universe of objects to predict the way this universe is to be characterized. For those who dislike decision-theoretic principles, the chapter discusses the principle that one should always try to take observations so as to maximize the probability of falsifying the hypothesis in question. This principle should be derivable from more general principles that do not invoke the concepts of decision theory. The question of what observations should be made is discussed in the framework of inductive logic. At present, partial beliefs or intuitive hunches can probably be analyzed more thoroughly in terms of probability distributions than in any other fashion.
Investigation of maternal genotype effects in autism by genome-wide association.

Like most psychiatric disorders, autism spectrum disorders have both a genetic and an environmental component. While previous studies have clearly demonstrated the contribution of in utero (prenatal) environment on autism risk, most of them focused on transient environmental factors. Based on a recent sibling study, we hypothesized that environmental factors could also come from the maternal genome, which would result in persistent effects across siblings. In this study, the possibility of maternal genotype effects was examined by looking for common variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) in the maternal genome associated with increased risk of autism in children. A case/control genome-wide association study was performed using mothers of probands as cases, and either fathers of probands or normal females as controls. Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and Illumina Genotype Control Database were used as our discovery cohort (n = 1616). The same analysis was then replicated on Simon Simplex Collection and Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment datasets (n = 2732). We did not identify any SNP that reached genome-wide significance (P < 10−8), and thus a common variant of large effect is unlikely. However, there was evidence for the possibility of a large number of alleles of effective size marginally below our power to detect. Autism Res 2014, 7: 245–253. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microtus Dry Bait Laboratory Efficacy Test Method

This laboratory test was designed to determine the effectiveness of toxic baits used against pine and meadow voles. The test is adaptable for both single-feeding and multiple-feeding rodenticides. A new challenge diet forvoles has also been developed, and the rationale for its use is discussed. A vole toxicant tested with this method is considered satisfactory if a 90 percent vole mortality is achieved.
Trends Among U.S. High School Seniors in Recent Marijuana Use and Associations With Other Substances: 1976–2013

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe historical trends in rates of recent substance use and associations between marijuana and other substances, among U.S. high school seniors by race and gender. Methods Data from Monitoring the Future (1976–2013; N = 599,109) were used to estimate historical trends in alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking (HED), cigarette use, and marijuana use. We used time-varying effect models to flexibly estimate changes in associations of substance use behaviors. Results Past-month marijuana use rates peaked in the 1970s, declined through 1990, then rose again to reach levels of use of more than 20% for both black and white participants. Recent years show increasing disparities across groups such that males, and in particular black youth, are on a trajectory toward higher use. This rise in marijuana use is particularly concerning among black youth, with rates far exceeding those for cigarette use and HED. The association of marijuana use with both cigarette use and HED is particularly high in recent years among black adolescents. Conclusions Substance use recently declined among high school seniors, except for marijuana use, particularly among black youth. The increasing association between marijuana and other substances among black adolescents suggests future amplification in critical health disparities.
SU‐DD‐A1‐03: On the Quantification of the Dosimetric Accuracy of Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition Algorithm for Small Lung Volumes Using IMRT

Purpose: To quantify the accuracy of a collapsed cone convolution superposition (CCCS) algorithm against Monte Carlo(MC) simulations for small lung lesions subject to electronic disequilibrium when very small segments are used during the IMRT optimization process. Method and Materials: IMRT plans for eleven (n=11) lung patients were created using Pinnacle3 7.6 planning system (TPS). Lung lesions measuring <3 cm in max. diameter and <27 cm3 were previously treated in our institution with SBRT techniques. The optimized intensity maps of each plan were then used to calculate the dose distributions using the CCCS algorithm. For each patient, seven optimized plans were created with varying MLC minimum segment sizes—0.25cm2 to 6cm2. The linear accelerator was modeled using MC code EGSnrc\BEAMnrc and verified against commissioned measured data. Intensity maps for each plan and the patient CT dataset from the TPS were exported to our MCsoftware. All patients were planned using a 5‐field IMRT plan (Millennium 120‐leaf MLC and Varian 2100C 6MV beam). Dose distributions were calculated and normalized so that the isocenter receives 45.0Gy. Isodose distributions, DVH, and ROI statistics were used for comparison between the two calculation methods. Results: Comparison of the DVHs from Pinnacle3 and MC show similar target coverage between CCCS algorithm and MC. Differences in the minimum, maximum and mean dose of the PTV were less than ±5% while doses to critical structures agreed within ±6% for all cases investigated. Discrepancies in the dose to very small structures have been observed and due to volume effects between the two systems. Conclusion: Good agreement exists in the dose distributions predicted by the CCCS algorithm and MC method. The CCCS algorithm can accurately predict doses to small lungtumors.
Striatal subregions are differentially vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine.

Abstract Methamphetamine (m-AMPH) or saline was repeatedly administered to rats. One week later, the caudate-putamen of the m-AMPH-treated rats revealed a decrease in both [3H]mazindol-labeled dopamine uptake sites and tissue dopamine content. Moreover, the resulting pattern of decline in these measures was regionally heterogenous. The ventral caudate-putamen displayed the greatest decrease in both [3H]mazindol binding and dopamine content while the neighboring nucleus accumbens and the dorsal caudate-putamen remained relatively intact. These results indicate a regional difference in the susceptibility of striatal dopaminergic terminals to the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine.
Considerations of Community The Context and Process of Volunteerism

In this article, the authors examine the role of community in understanding volunteerism. First, the authors present a model of the volunteer process that identifies three stages (antecedents, experiences, consequences) and three levels of analysis (individual, organization, social system). Next, the authors propose two features of community—community as context for volunteerism and psychological sense of community—and articulate the implications of these features for the processes of volunteerism. Then, empirical evidence from studies of AIDS volunteers and their clients is reviewed that suggests (a) how communities and psychological sense of community encourage people to volunteer and connect with others and (b) how connecting to communities appears to be beneficial for the functioning of people living with HIV. Finally, the authors argue that explicit considerations of community can also contribute to understanding other forms of individual and collective action as well as broader civic and societal pa...
Cerebral oximetry in patients with sickle cell disease

Background There is limited information concerning the brain's oxygen supply and demand in patients with sickle cell disease. Design We measured near-infrared spectroscopy of brain oxygenation in 27 patients with sickle cell disease regardless of vaso-occlusive crisis, 14 normal healthy controls, and five anaemic patients without sickle cell disease. We also measured pre- and post-transfusion cerebral oximetry in 14 additional sickle cell disease patients who were on transfusion programmes. Results The mean cerebral oxygen saturation in the combined steady-state and vaso-occlusive crisis population was found to be significantly lower than that in the controls and in anaemic patients without sickle cell disease (47·7% vs. 61·3%, 59·8%, P 0·5). However, cerebral oxygen saturation increased from 40·4% to 49·6% (P = 0·01) and correlated significantly with the haemoglobin level (r = 0·553, P = 0·003) in 14 subjects studied before and after transfusions. In seven subjects who received simple transfusions, cerebral oxygen saturation correlated strongly and positively with the haemoglobin level (r = 0·811, P = 0·001) and with percent normal haemoglobin (r = 0·786, P = 0·002), and negatively with abnormal sickle haemoglobin (r = −0·775, P = 0·003). None of these correlations was found to be statistically significant in the seven subjects given exchange transfusions. Cerebral oxygen saturation measured in the sickle cell disease subjects after transfusions was still significantly lower than in the anaemic subjects without sickle cell disease and in the normal controls (49·6% vs. 59·8% and 61·3%, P = 0·001). Conclusions We found that patients with sickle cell disease have subnormal values of cerebral oxygen saturation. Red cell transfusions significantly increased the brain oxygenation in these patients. Cerebral oximetry may be a useful, noninvasive method for assessing the effect of circulating normal red cells in sickle cell patients after transfusions.
Magnetic resonance detection of acute pulmonary emboli in a canine model with pathologic correlation

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in depicting acute pulmonary emboli at the lobar, segmental, and subsegmental levels. Methods. The authors induced 29 autologous emboli in five dogs and confirmed their location with angiography and anatomic dissection. MR images contained with four sequences were independently evaluated by two radiologists to detect amboli in each vascular segment. Sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies were calculated at segmental and lobar levels. Results. The fast short-tau inversion-recovery images provided the greatest conspicuity and highest overall accuracy (reader 1 = 74.3%, reader 2 = 80%). Accuracy of two-dimensional fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-recalled-echo images was limited by spatial resolution (reader 1 = 71.4%, reader 2 = 74.3%). The fast spin-echo T2-weighted and spin-echo T1-weighted sequences were intermediate in their depiction of acute emboli. Similar results were seen at the lobar level. Conclusion. MR images depict acute pulmonary embolism at the segmental and lobar levels with reasonable accuracy. Fast short-tau inversion-recovery sequences provided the greatest sensitivity and accuracy.
Managing Video in a One Frame per Second Environment

There is a vast and growing need within government agencies to collect, manage, analyze/exploit and disseminate video assets for the purposes of national security, battlefield intelligence, briefings and public communications. However, the infrastructures, workflows and exploitation tools available for video still fall short of intelligence analyst's needs to achieve optimum performance. Video at 30fps (Thirty Frames Per Second) provides a much greater challenge as apposed to the current paradigm of using or exploiting, 1fps (One Frame Per Second) images or photographs. When you add video to an already complex problem. sheer volume of data, number ofvideo formats to ingest and exploit, and a need to fuse imagery assets with video - the overall workflow processes must be improved. This paper examines the workflow processes and technologies that can merge these two worlds together allowing the intelligence community to leverage available assets and make better decisions.
A phase I trial of gemcitabine plus cladribine in patients with advanced hematologic malignant diseases

Gemcitabine and cladribine (2CdA) are nucleoside analogues that decrease DNA synthesis via inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase; the combination could be additive or synergistic. We conducted a dose escalation study to establish the maximum tolerable doses (MTD) of gemcitabine and 2CdA when given in combination in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies and to describe the toxicity profile of this combination. A total of 45 patients with advanced hematologic diseases were enrolled into two groups. Group A had adequate baseline hematopoiesis, defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1×109/l and platelet count >50×109/l. Group B did not meet these criteria. Hematologic dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) for group A was defined as grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia lasting >28 days; group B was not evaluated for hematologic toxicity. Nonhematologic DLT was defined similarly for both groups. Death occurring during the first cycle of treatment was considered a DLT event only if it was related to drug toxicity. Gemcitabine was administered as a 4-h intravenous infusion once every 28 days. 2CdA was administered over 1 h daily for the first 3 days of each 28-day cycle. The MTD was not reached in either group. Myelosuppression was common, but not dose-limiting. Febrile neutropenia and infections were also common, particularly in group B, and judged in most cases to be due to bone marrow failure at baseline. Nonhematologic toxicities were generally mild, and skin rash, the most frequently observed, was dose-limiting in one patient enrolled in each group. Four deaths (three during the first cycle of treatment) occurred at the highest dose level tested in group B (gemcitabine 5000 mg/m2 and 2CdA 16 mg/m2). Although only one of these deaths was dose-limiting by stated criteria, this dose level did not appear to be safely tolerated in this patient population. Several responses were observed in patients with Hodgkin’s disease. The combination of gemcitabine and 2CdA is feasible in patients with hematologic malignancies. Phase II studies of this combination should be considered, particularly in patients with Hodgkin’s disease.
Chemical-contrast imaging with pulse-shaping based pump-probe spectroscopy

Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and pulse-shaping techniques are providing new modes of contrast for the field of multiphoton microscopy. Endogenous species such as heme proteins show rich nonlinear spectroscopic signatures of excited state absorption, stimulated emission and ground-state bleaching. Commercially available octave-spanning Ti:sapphire oscillators offer new opportunities for imaging based on pump-probe contrast. Spatial light modulators take advantage of this large bandwidth, shaping pulses of light to selectively excite molecular structures with similar spectral properties. We present two-color pump-probe imaging of heme proteins solutions and red blood cells.
The C−H···M Interaction and Reactivity Differences of n-Octane on the (1×1) and (5×20) Surfaces of Pt(100)

The interaction and reactivity of n-octane adsorbed on the (1×1) and (5×20) surfaces of Pt(100) have been examined by reflection−absorption infrared (RAIRS), temperature-programmed reaction (TPRS), and Auger electron (AES) spectroscopies and by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). A strong C−H···M interaction between the adsorbate and the metal was present on both surfaces at 100 K, as evidenced by the presence of “softened modes” in the C−H stretching region of the vibrational spectra centered at ∼2630 and 2750 cm-1 for the (1×1) and (5×20) surfaces, respectively. The softened modes observed for n-octane on the (5×20) surface of Pt(100) are reminiscent of those seen when this molecule is adsorbed on Pt(111). On both of these surfaces (Pt(100)-(5×20) and Pt(111)) the molecule adopts an all-trans conformation and is adsorbed so as to align the plane of the C−C−C framework parallel to that of the surface. This organization leads to a series of bands appearing in the 2500−2840-cm-1 region which result fro...
Observations of kinetic energy levels in the antarctic circumpolar current at Drake Passage

Based on 31 nearly year-long records of current in Drake Passage the kinetic energy levels in the deep water (below 2000 m) across the passage and through the water column in the central passage are examined. The energy spectra show no significant temporal variability; by contrast, the spatial differences are pronounced, with more fluctuation kinetic energy (KF) in the northern than the southern passage and more above 1000 m than below. Partitioning by frequency bands shows that approx. 28% of the KF results from fluctuations with periods between 2 h (the Nyquist period for the sampling rate) and 2 days and that the energy level for this band is rather uniform across the passage. Large values of KF at northern passage locations result primarily from more activity in the period band between 2 and 50 days. Although that band accounts for almost half of the total KF, a large fraction (23%) of observed kinetic energy is associated with longer periods. The long-term records allowed examination of the representativeness of results—cumulative plots of KF and kinetic energy of mean motion (KM) vs time indicate that the kinetic energy densities reach equilibrium values (for specific long-term records) only after intervals of the order of 4 months. As in the case for the Gulf Stream system, abyssal KF values in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current system at Drake Passage are one or two orders of magnitude greater than KF values in the interior of the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. Moreover, deep KF values south of Cape Horn equal deep water values beneath the Gulf Stream. Values of KM from records deeper than 2500 m increase southward from northern to central locations in Drake Passage. In the central passage KM increases upward from values near 10 cm2 s−2 at 2700 m to over 300 cm2 s−2 at 300 m. KF increases from deep water values near 25 cm2 s−2 to just over 200 cm2 s−2 near 300 m. Relative to mid depths, ratios of KF to KM increase near the surface and near bottom in the central passage.
The McCollough effect obtained simultaneously on four orientations with four different colors

The McCollough effect, an orientation-specific color aftereffect, typically has been demonstrated with two adaptation orientations and two colors. In the present experiment, the McCollough effect is obtained simultaneously on four orientations with four different colors.
Regulatory standards in the WTO: Comparing intellectual property rights with competition policy, environmental protection, and core labor standards

The negotiation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) greatly expands the purview of the World Trade Organization (WTO) into domestic regulatory standards. This evolution immediately raises the question of whether other regulatory standards, including competition policy, environmental standards, and worker rights, should be added to the WTO agenda. Indeed, the Doha Declaration opened the door for negotiations on the environment and competition policy but not labor standards. In this paper I review the logic and evidence for this decision based on economic arguments for multilateral management of market externalities, policy coordination problems, and systemic trade issues. The review concludes that, conditional upon the protection of intellectual property rights in the WTO, a strong case may be made for including competition rules. The case is weaker for environmental regulation (if by that is meant a set of WTO rules on permissible standards) and quite weak for core labor standards.
Selectivity characterization of ethylene oxidation reactions: oxygen chemisorption

The oxidation of ethylene over silver has been the subject of numerous studies. The unique selectivity of the silver catalyst, structure-sensitive nature of the reaction, and complicated catalysis involving the adsorption of oxygen are some reasons for the attention. In this paper, an attempt is made to relate the selectivity to oxygen chemisorption behavior for the catalyst prepared, heat-treated, and sintered in a variety of ways.
Shock-tube study of HCN self-broadening and broadening by argon for the P(10) line of the ν1 band at 3 μm

A tunable infrared diode laser was used to measure the fully resolved absorption line shape of the P(10) line in the ν1 band (10°0–00°0) of HCN for shock-heated mixtures of HCN-Ar at temperatures of 1000, 1500 and 2000 K. The temperature dependence of the collision-broadening coefficients 2γ (cm-1 atm-1, FWHM) were inferred for both self-broadening and broadening by argon. For the assumed form 2γ = 2γ0(T0/T)n the exponent n was determined to be 0.63 ± 0.06 with 2γ0 = 0.11 cm-1 atm-1 and T0 = 300 K for argon-broadening in the range 300 < T < 2000 K, and 1.2 ± 0.6 with 2γ0 = 0.68 cm-1 atm-1 and T0 = 1000 K for self-broadening in the range 1000 < T < 2000 K.
Sachs-Wolfe effect induced by superhorizon-sized bubbles

Abstract We investigated the Sachs-Wolfe effect induced by superhorizon-sized true vacuum bubble perturbations. As with the (ad hoc) example of a superhorizon-sized isocurvature perturbation, we find that extended inflationary (EI) true vacuum bubbles can produce an observable dipole and smaller multipole moments of the cosmic background radiation. However, due to the small filling fraction of superhorizon-sized bubbles for viable EI models, we find that the probability of generating the observed dipole is at most 10-4.
A Comparison of On-Farm Methods for Estimating the Dry Matter Content of Feed Ingredients

Abstract On-farm methods for determining the DM content of ensiled feed ingredients were evaluated to determine ease of use, time required to conduct the determination, repeatability, and accuracy relative to a standard drying method. Methods evaluated were sequential drying in a microwave oven, Koster tester method, and electronic moisture tester method. A drying oven was used as the standard drying method. Feed ingredients evaluated were alfalfa silage, corn silage, and high moisture shelled corn (unground kernels). All on-farm methods gave highly repeatable DM results. The microwave oven method was more accurate than the standard method but required the most time to perform. The Koster tester tended to underdry feed ingredients and was not as repeatable as the microwave method. The electronic moisture tester was comparable with the other on-farm methods for alfalfa silage and most closely agreed with the standard method for high moisture shelled corn. However, compared with the standard method, the electronic moisture tester did not accurately determine the DM content of corn silage. The electronic moisture tester required the least operator skill and time.
RF Modulation Of A Semiconductor Laser In An External Cavity

Large-signal modulation of laser diodes generates harmonics which can be exploited to distribute millimeter wave reference signals via fiberoptic links. Experimental results of a large-signal modulation of a laser diode with optical feedback are presented, where the external cavity increases the optical intensity modulation depth. Period doubling has also been observed.
Rapid, Nonmechanical, Damage-Free Figuring Of Optical Surfaces Using Plasma-Assisted Chemical Etching (PACE): Part I Experimental Results

We present experimental results of an ongoing investigation demonstrating that Plasma Assisted Chemical Etching (PACE) can rapidly and controllably figure and smooth optical surfaces without mechanical contact; thus, removing the constraints on the design of optical elements imposed by mechanical processes, and, allowing higher quality optical surfaces. This process employs a plasma etch process originally developed to pattern micro-electronic circuits by etching through a relatively non-erodable lithographically patterned mask. The PACE process shapes the optical surface by removing material in a small area under a confined reactive gas plasma moved over the surface. Rates of removal as high as 10 m per minute are obtainable with accurate control. The removal footprint can be varied during the process. PACE inherently smooths or polishes while removing material, exposing a virgin surface free of process generated contamination and subsurface damage. Although other materials can also be figured by a PACE process, for this study, apparatus and processes were developed to explore the figuring of fused silica. Results will be shown demonstrating: repeatability and control of removal rate and footprint; predictability of material removal with plasma "tool" motion; and smoothing.
Segmental replacement of the thoracic esophagus with a Silastic prosthesis.

Abstract A resected segment of thoracic esophagus was replaced with a specially constructed Silastic prosthesis in thirteen dogs. Six early deaths, four late deaths, and three long-term survivors were produced. Failure of early and lasting healing and fixation appear to be the major problems preventing success in this venture.
Decadal-scale climate variability in the tropical and North Pacific during the 1970s and 1980s: observations and model results

An abrupt change in the large-scale boreal winter circulation pattern over the North Pacific was observed during the mid-1970s. Most notably, this change was marked by a southward shift and intensification of the Aleutian Low and prevailing westerlies over the mid-latitude central and eastern Pacific. Associated changes in diverse North Pacific climatological, hydrological, and biological variables have been noted by numerous researchers. Intriguingly, the timing of these changes in the extra-tropical circulation was coincident with a shift in the background state of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system over the tropical Pacific. These changes include increases in SST over broad regions of the central and eastern tropical Pacific and an eastward displacement of the region of persistent convection in the western Pacific. This paper presents a variety of observed data and model results to describe the climate shift, and to understand some of the links within the coupled climate system that produced it. Five main findings are emphasized: (1) evidence of abrupt, simultaneous, and apparently related changes can be found in many fields and in many model results; the climate shift is not an artifact, (2) over the tropical Pacific the climate change represents a shift in the state of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system, some aspects of which resemble features associated with El Nino episodes. However, the shift in state is not well characterized as due to a change in the frequency of intensity of El Ni~no episodes; it is better described as a change in background mean state, (3) when forced with observed SSTs, both a very simple atmospheric model and a full general circulation model (GCM) qualitatively simulate aspects of the decadal-scale shift over the tropical Pacific, (4) when forced with observed surface wind stress, two ocean models of the tropical Pacific, in which surface heat fluxes are parameterized as Newtonian damping, reproduce some aspects of the near-equatorial decadal SST signal. However, the models do not reproduce the large changes in SST observed at higher latitudes of the tropical Pacific, suggesting that altered surface heat fluxes dominated in producing these changes, and (5) an important new finding of this study is the success of a GCM in reproducing important aspects of the observed mid-1970s shift in winter northern hemisphere circulation. Comparative analyses of the observed and GCM simulated circulation suggest the altered patterns of tropical Pacific SST and convection were important in forcing the changes in the mid-latitude circulation, a finding corroborated by recent GCM experiments.
Plasma mb creatine kinase after vigorous exercise in professional athletes

Plasma MB creatine kinase (CK) activity was quantitatively evaluated by several independent methods in 9 young professional athletes after vigorous exercise in competitive football games. Seven of the 9 had elevated total plasma CK activity. None had clinical findings of myocardial injury. However, 4 of the 7 with total CK elevations also had elevated MB-CK. MB-CK elevations occurred in players with the highest elevations of total CK activity. It is known that well-trained athletes liberate less conventionally measured muscle enzyme into the blood after exertion than do untrained individuals. These results indicate that a substantial fraction of professional athletes who engage in unusually vigorous exercise have elevations of plasma MB-CK that should not be interpreted as necessarily indicative of myocardial ischemic injury.
Non-anemic iron depletion, oral iron supplementation and indices of copper status in college-aged females.

Objectives: Indices of copper status, specifically serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, and iron status, including serum ferritin, transferrin receptors, hemoglobin and hematocrit, were studied in 27 college-aged females with adequate iron versus low iron stores.Methods: Serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, serum ferritin, transferrin receptors, hemoglobin and hematocrit were studied in 15 females with non-anemic iron depletion before and after five weeks of iron supplementation and in 12 healthy iron-adequate females aged 19 to 28 years.Results: Mean hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin concentrations of the control group (144 ± 11 g/L, 43 ± 3% and 38 ± 15 μg/L, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the iron depleted group prior to supplementation (134 ± 9 g/L, 39 ± 2% and 11 ± 6 μg/L, respectively). The serum transferrin receptor to serum ferritin ratio was significantly greater fo...
Effect of indomethacin in vivo on prostaglandin content of several rabbit tissues

Abstract The prostaglandin (PG) content of several tissues and fluids from 6 day pregnant rabbits was evaluated following treatment with indomethacin or vehicle in vivo . PGE and PGF were measured by radioimmunoassay. More complete depletion of PGE and PGF was accomplished by 3 injections of indomethacin (s.c.) given during the 18 h before sacrifice at a dose of 10 mg indomethacin per kg body weight than was accomplished by 1 injection of the same amount of indomethacin (i.v.) 1.5 h before sacrifice. Levels of PGF were more easily depressed by indomethacin than were those of PGE. PG levels in the kidney and blastocysts were depressed to a greater extent by indomethacin than were those in the uterus, uterine fluid or peritoneal fluid. Evaluation of the effect of indomethacin on a particular physiological function should be interpreted with caution unless the extent of PG depletion in that tissue is also measured.
Inter-layer diffusion and motion of adatoms in the vicinity of steps

Abstract Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are extensively used to simulate the aggregation of atoms deposited on a surface during epitaxial growth. In almost all cases the rate constants for the displacements of the adsorbed atoms are guessed with the help of simple rules. Here we use effective medium theory to calculate the activation energies controlling the rates, for Pt atoms deposited on Pt(111). While the calculations are not highly accurate it is hoped that they represent qualitatively the relative magnitudes of the rates and are an improvement over simple rules (e.g. bond counting) used so far. We calculate the activation energy for a particle that starts on top of an island and descends from it onto the surface on which the island is located. The rate and the mechanism of this process depend on the step type and island size. At one type of the step the particle descends most rapidly from the island by rolling over the edge; at the other it inserts itself into the island by pushing an edge atom away. If the islands are very small the descent rate is very high, since the insertion process takes place with ease. The diffusion of an atom on the terrace towards the island is accelerated as the atom approaches the island, as inferred by Wang and Ehrlich. The diffusion of an atom along the two kinds of island edges differs little from one edge to another. This small difference is, however, essential for explaining why island shape is very sensitive to growth temperature.
RELIABLE VISCEROMOTOR RESPONSES ARE EVOKED BY NOXIOUS BLADDER DISTENTION IN MICE

ABSTRACTPurpose: A mouse model of bladder distension (UBD) induced acute visceral nociception was characterized. Murine models of nociception may allow for the investigation of mechanisms of pain and analgesia through the use of genetic models.Materials and Methods: Isoflurane anesthetized, spontaneously breathing female C3H/J mice had 24 gauge intravesical catheters transurethrally placed and electrodes implanted in the abdominal musculature and in upper limbs for electromyograms and electrocardiograms.Results: UBD (10 to 80 mm Hg for 20 seconds, phasic air distention) produced reliable, reproducible visceromotor responses (VMRs), that is increased abdominal muscle activity, which were graded with graded UBD. Heart rate and respiratory responses were reliable but not reproducible. Subcutaneous morphine (1 to 4 mg/kg) and intravesical lidocaine (500 μg) produced reversible VMR inhibition. Inflammation produced by intravesical mustard oil (2.5% for 15 minutes with an olive oil control) produced a marked in...
A combination gold and porcelain crown

Abstract Numerous techniques may be used to make a porcelain-faced crown. A stock facing may be ground, platinum pins may be used, or slides for retention or a small ☐ form may be cut in the wax. However, none of these procedures offers ease, final adaptation, and retention without critical steps. The one critical step in the technique described is the stage when the porcelain section is tried on the casting. Another important feature of the method is that a repair can be made with accuracy. A rubber-base impression is made and a cast of refractory investment material (ethyl silicate and quartz), into which porcelain may be baked and finished, is poured.
N-acetyl-L-histidine metabolism in the fish eye: evidence for ocular fluid--lens L-histidine recycling.

[14C]Acetate and l -[14C]histidine when injected into the anterior chamber of the eye of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) produce labeled n -acetyl- l -histidine in the lens after as short a time as 30 min. However, [14C]glucose and [14C]pyruvate do not label n -acetyl- l -histidine even after 48 hr. Labeled histidine in the lens reaches a peak after 2 hr and disappears over a period of 24 hr during which time increased label in n -acetyl- l -histidine is found. Maximum labeling of n -acetyl- l -histidine appears at about 24 hr from either acetate or histidine, and labeled n -acetyl- l -histidine is slowly lost from the lens over a period of days. When incubated in vitro in a lens-support medium, prelabeled n -acetyl- l -histidine leaks out as a function of time, with the specific activity of 14C label varying inversely with time, while other free amino acids are retained by the lens. l -[14C]Histidine has been found to be actively transported into the lens from the surrounding fluid and concentrated against a gradient, whereas n -acetyl- l -[14C]histidine is not. Since no acylase activity is found in the lens, although it is high in ocular fluid, a cycling phenomenon is indicated by which ocular fluid histidine is regenerated from lens n -acetyl- l -histidine. These observations indicate that there is a potential histidine pump mechanism operating at the lens surface although the exact nature of the transfer phenomenon involved is as yet obscure.
222Rn and 226Ra : indicators of sea-ice effects on air-sea gas exchange

222 Rn and 226Ra distributions beneath the sea ice of the Barents Sea revealed that ice cover has varied effects on air-sea gas exchange. Twice, once in late summer and once in late winter, seawater samples from the top meter below drill holes had 222Rn activities that were not lower than their 226,Ra activities, indicating the existence of secular equilibrium and a negligible net exchange of 222Rn and other gases with the atmosphere. However, seawater in the upper 20-85 m usually exhibited at least some 222Rn depletion; 222Rn-to-226Ra activity ratios tended to have ‘ice-free’ values (0.3-0.9) in the summer and values between 0.9 and 1.0 in the winter. Integrated 222Rn depletions and piston velocities in both seasons typically fell in the lower 25% of the ranges for ice-free seawater, suggesting that a moderate but far from total reduction in gas exchange is normally caused by ice cover and/or meltwater. The results demonstrate that sea-ice interference with the oceanic uptake of atmospheric gases such as CO, is not well understood and needs further investigation.
Application of methods for determining total organic contribution to diesel particulates

This paper describes the laboratory effort to relate quantities of diesel particulate volatile organics obtained by DFI/GC to those obtained by traditional methods of organic analysis. Experiments were designed to investigate the potential usefulness of DFI/GC for determining the organic fraction and unburned lubricating oil contributions of diesel particulate emissions for future technology engines. A 1991 Caterpillar 3176 was used to generate samples during several heavy-duty engine test cycles, including the cold- and hot-start transient FTP and several steady-state conditions. Particulate-laden filter samples were then analyzed for organics by DFI/GC, solvent extraction, and vacuum volatilization. Results obtained using the three techniques were compared useful for directly determining the organic fraction of diesel particulate, and provides a better estimation of unburned lubricating oil contribution to the organic fraction than the other methods evaluated.
Investigation of a reactor coolant pump seal from Indian Point Unit No. 2

Abstract A failure investigation was performed on a Westinghouse reactor coolant pump seal from the Indian Point No. 2 Nuclear Power Station. The investigation consisted of visual inspection and SEM/EDS evaluation of the rubber seals associated with the main seal. No operating/leakage history was available for the seal evaluated. The conclusions drawn from the investigation were that the only damage to sealing surfaces appeared to be associated with the rubber products (no obvious metal wear) which had their effective cross-sections severely worn. The report recommends the feasibility of only replacing the rubber components and the minimization or elimination of dry starts on the seals.
An overview of solar dynamic systems for space applications

Abstract Solar dynamic systems (heat engines) are being considered as alternatives to photovoltaics as the prime power source for the U.S. Space Station. The cu
Theoretical interpretation of the unperturbed aqueous solution configuration of pullulan

Abstract A structurally realistic theoretical model for the pullulan chain is developed and refined to be consistent with the experimentally measured unperturbed dimensions of aqueous pullulan and with the temperature dependence of the unperturbed dimensions. The model is based on the mean structural geometry for an α- D -glucose residue recommended by Arnott and Scott and incorporates, in estimates of the conformational energy of the chain, a treatment of the gauche , or exo -anomeric, effect proposed by Abe and Mark. The refined chain model is used to generate computer drawn images of the pullulan chain in conformations typical of those characterizing the pullulan random coil in aqueous solution. The propensity of the pullulan chain trajectory to persist in its original direction is described in terms of an appropriately defined residue vector correlation function. The conformational energy functions associated with the refined chain model suggest, in contrast to some other recent treatments, that the trans-gauche rotational isomeric state of the C(5)—C(6) bond contributes to the configurational properties of oligo- and polysaccharides containing the α- D -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-α- D -glucopyranosyl moiety.
Percutaneous therapies for valvular heart disease

Balloon valvuloplasty has been in clinical use for over 20 years, but the prospect of repairing and replacing cardiac valves via catheter-based techniques represents a truly recent development. This review introduces evolving technologies and their relevance to cardiovascular pathologists.
Activation of the ERK Pathway and Atypical Protein Kinase C Isoforms in Exercise- and Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide- 1-β-d-riboside (AICAR)-stimulated Glucose Transport

Exercise increases glucose transport in muscle by activating 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), but subsequent events are unclear. Presently, we examined the possibility that AMPK increases glucose transport through atypical protein kinase Cs (aPKCs) by activating proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (PYK2), ERK pathway components, and phospholipase D (PLD). In mice, treadmill exercise rapidly activated ERK and aPKCs in mouse vastus lateralis muscles. In rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, (a) AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-riboside (AICAR), activated PYK2, ERK and aPKCs; (b) effects of AICAR on ERK and aPKCs were blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, and MEK1 inhibitor, PD98059; and (c) effects of AICAR on aPKCs and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake were inhibited by genistein, PD98059, and PLD-inhibitor, 1-butanol. Similarly, in L6 myotubes, (a) AICAR activated PYK2, ERK, PLD, and aPKCs; (b) effects of AICAR on ERK were inhibited by genistein, PD98059, and expression of dominant-negative PYK2; (c) effects of AICAR on PLD were inhibited by MEK1 inhibitor UO126; (d) effects of AICAR on aPKCs were inhibited by genistein, PD98059, 1-butanol, and expression of dominant-negative forms of PYK2, GRB2, SOS, RAS, RAF, and ERK; and (e) effects of AICAR on 2DOG uptake/GLUT4 translocation were inhibited by genistein, PD98059, UO126, 1-butanol, cell-permeable myristoylated PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate, and expression of kinase-inactive RAF, ERK, and PKC-zeta. AMPK activator dinitrophenol had effects on ERK, aPKCs, and 2-DOG uptake similar to those of AICAR. Our findings suggest that effects of exercise on glucose transport that are dependent on AMPK are mediated via PYK2, the ERK pathway, PLD, and aPKCs.
Explaining Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antidepressant Use Among Adolescents

We investigate the extent to which antidepressant use among adolescents varies across racial and ethnic subgroups. Using a representative sample of U.S. adolescents, we find that non-Hispanic White adolescents are over twice as likely as Hispanic adolescents, and over five times as likely as non-Hispanic Black adolescents to use antidepressants. Results from a decomposition analysis indicate that racial/ethnic differences in characteristics, including household income, parental education, health insurance, and having a usual source of care explain between one half and two thirds of the gap in antidepressant use between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites. In contrast, none of the gap between Whites and Blacks in antidepressant use is explained by differences in observed characteristics. Further analysis suggests that there are large racial/ethnic differences in the extent to which behavioral and mental health problems prompt antidepressant use and that this may, in part, account for the large differences across race/ethnicity observed in our study.
Spontaneous Emulsification Produced by Chemical Reactions.

Spontaneous emulsification of small oil droplets was produced in three different systems by chemical reactions which converted lipophilic surfactants initially dissolved in the oil phase to hydrophilic surfactants. The resulting reversal of spontaneous curvature from a water-in-oil to an oil-in-water configuration reduced the solubilization capacity for oil to such an extent that supersaturation occurred, leading to nucleation of oil droplets. In one case a dilute solution of phenylboronic acid in water diffused into an oil phase containing a monoglyceride. The reaction converted the monoglyceride to an anionic surfactant. In another case a dilute aqueous solution of the sodium salt of EDTA diffused into an oil phase containing a calcium sulfonate surfactant. The EDTA complexed calcium ions, releasing sodium ions which formed the more hydrophilic sodium salt of the sulfonate. Finally, an enzyme was used to split a double-chain phospholipid into a lysolecithin and a fatty acid.