cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myocardial uptake and metabolism of [3H] methylprednisolone in isolated cat hearts

Myocardial uptake of [3H] methylprednisolone was studied in isolated perfused cat hearts. With an exogenous steroid concentration of 0.81 μmol.ml−1, myocardial cellular uptake in the left ventricle reached 1.54±0.05 μmol.g−1 tissue at 60 min and 1.57±0.05 μmol.g−1 tissue at 120 min, resulting in tissue/perfusate ratios of 1.91±0.05 and 1.95±0.08 respectively. Myocardial tissue in the interventricular septum and right ventricle accumulated similar amounts of methylprednisolone. However, glucocorticoid uptake in atrial myocardial tissue and aorta were significantly lower than in ventricular myocardium. Radiochromatograms of left ventricular tissue homogenates on silica gel thin-layer chromatographic plates indicated that no appreciable degree of metabolic breakdown of the methylprednisolone took place during the first 2 h after administration of the steroid. Of the total cellular uptake, 11 to 16% of the label was bound to particulate material and 84 to 89% was recovered in the cytosol fraction. Charcoal adsorption revealed that the steroid in the cytosol was present as unbound free molecules. Further fractionation of the particulate components on sucrose density-gradient ultracentrifugation showed that the majority of the label was bound to cell membranes with significantly lesser amounts bound to other subcellular organelles. The present study provides evidence that the myocardium concentrates large quantities of the glucocorticoid, particularly in myocardial membranous components. These data are consistent with membrane stabilization as a mechanism of action of pharmacologic concentrations of glucocorticoids during myocardial ischemia.
The nature and development of sex attractant specificity in cockroaches of the genus Periplaneta. II. Juvenile hormone regulates sexual dimorphism in the distribution of antennal olfactory receptors

Sexual dimorphism of antennal sense organs appears only at the adult stage during normal development of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Adult males acquire approximately twice as many olfactory sensilla as females at the terminal ecdysis. When terminal instar larvae are subjected to unilateral antennectomy, most ecdyse to supernumerary larvae rather than adults. Sexual dimorphism is not evident in the intact (unamputated) antenna during the extra larval stage, but appears at the following ecdysis which leads to the adult stage. Allatectomy of male and female larvae in the penultimate instar produces adultoids which show antennal sexual dimorphism. Whole-body treatment of terminal instar larvae with exogenous juvenile hormone-mimic (JH-M) results in supernmerary larvae which lack antennal sexual dimorphism. When these superlarvae are removed from the influence of JH-M, they ecdyse to adults with antennal sexual dimorphism. Topical application of JH-M to male antennae early in the terminal larval instar results in the emergence of adults which lack the total male complement of antennal sensilla, but are otherwise normal-appearing. These results indicate that an inhibitory action of juvenile hormone prevents the appearance of antennal sexual dimorphism during normal larval development.
Personality risk factors associated with trajectories of tobacco use.

The purpose of this longitudinal, prospective study was to evaluate trajectories of smoking in a cohort of African-American and Puerto Rican young adults and describe personality and behavioral factors associated with specific smoking trajectory group membership. Participants consisted of African-American and Puerto Rican male and female young adults (N = 451, mean age 26) from an inner-city community. Data were collected at four time points over a period of 13 years using structured interviews. Interviews took place within the schools and the participants' homes. Scales with adequate psychometric properties were adapted from previously validated measures. Variables that were examined for this study came from the domains of internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, drug use, and demographic information. Data were analyzed using latent growth mixture modeling to explore discrete smoking trajectories. Logistic regression analyses were then used to examine the risk factors associated with the various...
Strabismus surgery among aged medicare beneficiaries

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of strabismus surgery among aged patients in the United States. Methods: The Medicare Part B claims experience (physician professional fee billing) for 1995 was reviewed for the number of times each strabismus surgical procedure recognized in Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) was performed. To determine the indications for the procedures that were performed, a 5% sample of claims was reviewed for the pertinent International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, diagnostic codes. Results: There were 27 million aged Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Part B benefits in 1995 in a fee-for-service setting. During that year physicians reported 9497 strabismus physician services. These represented 6585 separate procedures (CPT codes 67311 to 67343) and 277 botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for strabismus (CPT 67345) performed during 1995. Sixty-nine percent of the surgical procedures were for horizontal correction and 28% were for vertical correction. Adjustable sutures were used for only 1240 cases (19%). The add-on procedural code for reoperation surgery or surgery in the presence of restriction of the extraocular muscles was used in just 930 cases (14%). The most common diagnosis for horizontal surgery was exotropia. Paralytic strabismus and thyroid disease were identified for 17% of cases. Three percent of the diagnoses were inappropriate for the procedures performed and may have been reported in error. Conclusions: These data confirm a very low incidence of strabismus surgical procedures (210,000) and injections (1100,000) among aged Medicare beneficiaries. The strabismus surgery was most often performed to repair a horizontal deviation. The adjustable suture technique was used infrequently. These data may be extrapolated into the future to aid in determining the strabismus services that will be needed early in the next century.
Pyrethrum synergists in sesame oil. Sesamolin, a potent synergist

By the systematic entomological examination of chromotographic fractions of sesame oil two pyrethrum synergists, sesamin and sesamolin, were found to account for practically all the synergistic activity of the oil. Sesamolin, which had not been known to be synergistic, is about five times as active as sesamin and, even though usually present in smaller amount than sesamin, it is believed to account for most of the synergistic activity in sesame oil.
High Value Added Utilization of Vanadium Slag

Vanadium slag is a kind of common furnace slags in the metallurgical field that contains rich vanadium oxides and iron oxides. The high value added utilization of vanadium slag was exploratory studied in this paper. Under the existing experimental conditions, chemical reactions conducted between vanadium slag and concentrated sulfuric acid. Vanadium titanium catalyst was prepared with the lixivium (whose main ingredients were 44.42% of V2O5 and 29.36% of TiO2), which could meet the demand of industrial production; zeolite 4A was prepared creatively with leach residue of vanadium slag for the first time and its feasibility in CO2 capture was verified via detecting the CO2/N2 adsorption capacity. It is feasible to recycle solid wastes efficiently, reduce the environmental pollution and promote the development of CO2 reduction technology by this means.
Variability of chromosome structure in pathogenic fungi--of 'ends and odds'.

Chromatin structure can affect the organization and maintenance of chromosomes. Recent discoveries in several filamentous fungi suggest mechanisms for the clustering and co-regulation of secondary metabolite genes or pathogenicity islands. An extreme case of this may be fungal ‘accessory’, ‘conditionally dispensable’, or ‘supernumerary’ chromosomes that often confer beneficial traits. Fungal supernumerary chromosomes may be derived by similar mechanisms as animal or plant B chromosomes, and we thus propose that this term should be reconsidered to capture the wide variety of fungal accessory chromosomes. In some fungi, both the ‘ends’ of chromosomes and these ‘odd B chromosomes are enriched with a silencing histone modification, H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), suggesting parallel mechanisms in evolving subtelomeric or B-chromosomal pathogenicity islands and secondary metabolite clusters (SMCs).
Colposcopy to evaluate abnormal cervical cytology in 2008.

The rates of cervical cancer in the United States are low in comparison with developing nations. Whereas the Papanicolaou smear has performed well in terms of dectecting both precursors of squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, this test has been less successful at identifying those women with the highest-risk premalignant disease. The use of human papillomavirus testing has also contributed to the improved sensitivity of screening for cervical cancer. In light of this, the colposcopy clinic retains high referral rates yet has poor diagnostic accuracy. Unfortunately, patients are triaged to follow-up for abnormal Papanicolaou smears based on algorithms that rely on the less evidence-based techniques of colposcopy. Therefore, the need to improve the specificity of colposcopic-guided biopsy remains. The colposcopic procedure is highlighted in this review and evaluated in terms of current literature on technique, the colposcopic impression, cervical biopsy, and methods proposed to enhance appreciation of the highest-risk lesions. By outlining certain flaws in technique and discussing the proposal of new tests to supplement the current standard of care, this review aimed to highlight the need for future research to maintain sensitivity but improve the specificity of colposcopy.
Auditory brain stem responses from human adults and infants: Restriction of frequency contribution by notched‐noise masking

The frequency contribution to the click‐evoked ABR wave V was examined in adults and 3‐month‐old infants through the use of notch‐filtered broadband noise. Notch center frequencies were set at 1.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kHz. Responses were obtained at 20, 40, and 60 dBnHL during the simultaneous presentation of each notched‐noise masker as well as in an unmasked condition. The ABR wave V was analyzed for absolute latency and amplitude, as well as latency and amplitude changes resulting from the introduction of masking. Analyses showed wave V latency and amplitude values to be similar for adults and infants within the 1.0‐kHz notch. Differences between adult and infant groups were observed as the notch was shifted to the high frequencies. Further, latency and amplitude shifts resulting from the introduction of masking noise produced differential effects on infant responses when compared to adults.
Effects of land use on riparian birds in a semiarid region

Abstract We investigated the influence of landscape characteristics on avian species occupancy in riparian forests embedded in a matrix of urban and agricultural land use in a semiarid region of the Southwestern US. We conducted bird and vegetation (local-scale characteristics) surveys within 196 50-m radius sample points in 10 riparian forests in southern California. We quantified landscape composition within a 500 m-radius surrounding each point. For each species we developed 8 single-season occupancy models using principal components summarizing local- and landscape-scale characteristics and a spatial autocovariate as covariates. Of 21 species analyzed, occupancy by 11 was associated with landscape characteristics, by 6 with local vegetation characteristics, by 3 with both local and landscape characteristics, and by 1 with none. Five species positively responded to surrounding urban development (2 negative), whereas 4 negatively responded to agricultural land (1 positive). The amount of riparian forests had a strong positive effect on the occurrence of riparian obligates. Our results emphasize the importance of landscape characteristics on species occupancy patterns in riparian systems although relationships were also species-specific. Our results imply a positive effect of urbanization compared to agricultural land uses in this region, most likely due to enhanced vegetation development.
Effects of level of feed intake on body weight, body components, and mohair growth in Angora goats during realimentation

Abstract Sixteen Angora wethers (14 months of age and 33 ± 1.3 kg BW) consumed a 14.7% CP, 70% concentrate diet for 40 days at 51%, 65%, 83%, and 100% of ad libitum intake (severe restriction, moderate restriction, low restriction, and ad libitum intake, respectively), followed by 41 days of realimentation with ad libitum consumption, to evaluate mohair growth and BW change. BW change in the last 21 days of the realimentation phase increased linearly (p = 0.07) as the level of feed intake during the restriction phase decreased (87, 31, 36, and 14 g/day for severe restriction, moderate restriction, low restriction, and ad libitum intake, respectively SE 23.6). Clean fiber growth rate in the last 20 days of the restriction phase decreased linearly (p = 0.08) as level of feed intake decreased (15.2, 16.0, 15.8, and 18.1 g/day for severe restriction, moderate restriction, low restriction, and ad libitum, respectively; SE 0.99), as also occurred (p = 0.07) in the last 21 days of the realimentation phase (14.7, 13.2, 17.1, and 17.2 g/day for severe restriction, moderate restriction, low restriction, and ad libitum intake, respectively; SE 1.30). BW change and clean fiber growth rate within the latter period of restriction or realimentation phases were not correlated (p > 0.10). In conclusion, the level of feed intake can have a more prolonged effect on mohair growth than BW change.
Persistent urogenital sinus: Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy complications

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrocolpos caused by persistent urogenital sinus is described. The urethrovaginal communication allowed urine to empty from the bladder into the vagina, which subsequently dilated, causing bilateral hydronephrosis, distention of the fetal abdomen, decreased urinary output, oligohydramnios, and abdominal dystocia at delivery.
Intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus is more severe in combination with procaine than with lidocaine or bupivacaine

Abstract Background and Objectives: Fentanyl is used as an additive to prolong intrathecal anesthesia with both lidocaine and low-dose bupivacaine in the outpatient setting to minimize voiding or discharge delays. Pruritus is the most common side effect. When using procaine as a substitute for lidocaine, we perceived an increased frequency and severity of pruritus. We compared prospectively the frequency and severity of itching with combinations of fentanyl with lidocaine, bupivacaine, and procaine. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 135 patients requesting neuraxial anesthesia were asked to evaluate the presence and severity (using a 100 point verbal pruritus score [VPS]) of itching 30 minutes after injection of their spinal anesthetic, on arrival to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and at the time of resolution of their block. Choice of anesthetic drug and dose and the use of intravenous sedation was left to the discretion of the attending and resident anesthesiologist. Results: Thirty-three patients received lidocaine and fentanyl, 47 received bupivacaine and fentanyl, and 55 received procaine and fentanyl. In the lidocaine group, 21% of patients experienced pruritus compared with 55% of the bupivacaine group and 55% of the procaine group (P = .003). The average VPS at 30 minutes postblock was 18.4 in the procaine group compared with 0 and 5.5 in the lidocaine and bupivacaine groups (P = .06). On admission to the PACU, it was 37 compared with 16 and 20 for lidocaine and bupivacaine, respectively (P = .006). Conclusion: Procaine produces a higher frequency of pruritus than that seen with lidocaine-fentanyl combinations and a greater severity of pruritus than seen with lidocaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:252-256.
1398 EFFECT OF ENDOTOXIN ON SOMATIC GROWTH IN NEWBORN RATS

While the mortality of endotoxin shock (ETX) is wen described, the effects on growth among survivors are not documented. Therefore/ 13-day-old rat pups were injected with 1 mg/kg S. enteritidis ETX i.p.. Litter mate controls received i.p. saline. Hemodynamic study of a subset each group confirmed ETX shock at this dose. During study, pups were kept with mothers, and serial measurements were obtained. Results: 16 of 39 rats receiving ETX died within 24 hrs. Remaining ETX rats gained weight/ but at a slower rate than controls. By 7 days there was a 6 gm difference and at 14 days/ 13 gm (p<.05). Body length in ETX group was 93% of Control (p<.05). These data suggest that ETX has a significant effect on both body weight and length in neonatal animals. This model appears useful for study of the effects of neonatal sepsis on somatic growth.
Mechanisms of ascorbic acid stimulation of norepinephrine synthesis in neuronal cells

Ascorbic acid is well known to acutely stimulate norepinephrine synthesis in neurosecretory cells, but it has also been shown over several days to increase tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and norepinephrine synthesis in cultured neurons. Since tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis, an effect of ascorbate to increase tyrosine hydroxylase protein could contribute to its ability to increase or sustain catecholamine synthesis. Therefore, we evaluated whether tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression and function is increased in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by physiologically relevant intracellular ascorbate concentrations. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells did not contain ascorbate and had only very low levels of norepinephrine in culture with L-tyrosine, the substrate for tyrosine hydroxylase. However, treatment of cells with ascorbate for 6 h or more markedly increased norepinephrine synthesis, such that intracellular ascorbate and norepinephrine increased in parallel with half maximal intracellular concentrations of about 1 mM ascorbate and 150 μM norepinephrine. This increase was enhanced by supplementing tetrahydrobiopterin, but was not mimicked by several antioxidants or by catalase or superoxide dismutase. Tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression increased at intracellular ascorbate concentrations above 1.5 mM. This contributed to norepinephrine generation, which was decreased 50-60% by inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide at high intracellular ascorbate. These results suggest that expected physiologic neuronal ascorbate concentrations enhance norepinephrine synthesis both by maintaining tetrahydrobiopterin and increasing tyrosine hydroxylase expression.
Scaling of multidielectric nonvolatile SONOS memory structures

Abstract Present-day low-power, portable lap-top computers and consumer products require non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) operating at 5 V with a trend towards reducing this level to 3.3 V. The SONOS technology, an acronym for the polySilicon-blocking Oxide-Nitride-tunnel Oxide-Silicon structure used in capacitors and transistors, shows promise as a technology for present and future low voltage NVSM applications. The nitride layer in the dielectric sandwich permits the storage of charge resulting in adjustable threshold voltages. This paper examines the physics and characterization of scaled SONOS NVSM transistors in relation to reducing the programming voltage. We develop a model for the transient characteristics of the SONOS NVSM transistor with: (1) a simple closed-form solution valid for short programming times; and (2) a numerical solution covering the entire range of programming times. The simple closed-form solution clearly illustrates the dependence of the turn-on time and erase/white slope on the dielectric thicknesses, initial stored charge in the nitride, and programming voltage. In particular, we have examined: (1) decreasing the tunnel oxide thickness; and (2) scaling the blocking oxide thickness. By properly scaling the dielectric films (11 A tunnel oxide, 50 A nitride, 40 A blocking oxide), a ±8 V programmable SONOS device has been obtained with a 50 μs write time and a 100 μs erase time for a 3 V memory window, and a ±5 V programmable device with a 100 ms erase and write time for a 1.5 V memory window.
The effects of dissolved gas supersaturation on larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum)

Abstract. Gas bubble disease in larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), was characterized by overinflation of the swimbladder and the formation of intestinal bubbles. This accumulation of gas hindered normal swimming of the fish and in extreme cases resulted in floating fish. As gas accumulated in the gut, the inner mucosal lining was compressed down into a cuboidal epithelium and in more advanced cases nearly the entire digestive tract was reduced to a squamous inner epithelium surrounded by a thin serosa. A significant increase in swimbladder volume was observed at total gas pressures as low as 102.9% and mortality was increased at 105.6-106.0%. The older larvae (30-day-old) were less sensitive to gas supersaturation than 10- to 19-day-old larvae.
A Theoretical Analysis of the Impact of Task Scope on Employee Performance

A model is presented linking task scope to employee motivation and performance. Emphasis is given to the importance of objective, environmental (versus psychological) conceptualizations of task scope. Psychological reactions to variations in task scope are depicted as dependent on intervening constructs. Through an expectancy model, a formulation of a task scope/performance relationship leads to a complex, situationally specific set of predictions. Additional refinements of the model are suggested.
Application of Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) Processes in Hydrothermal Systems to Processes Near a High-Level Nuclear Waste Repository

Modeling of coupled processes in the geology near a high-level nuclear waste repository is similar to the modeling of coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) processes that occur in magma-hydrothermal systems. Former Professor Denis Norton and his colleagues at the Geoscience Department at University of Arizona studied magma-hydrothermal systems extensively. These hydro-thermal codes were verified by obtaining excellent matches between calculated δ18 O–values and measured δ18 O–values in three principal rock units: basalt, gabbro, and gneiss. This paper reviews the concept of transport theory used in the formulation of the conservation principle used to model the hydrothermal systems. In addition, the paper reviews conservation of mass, momentum, energy, and chemical component equations as applied to the multicomponent-multiphase systems related to hydrothermal systems and obtains parallels to reaction rates and radionuclide transport in the geology of a high level nuclear water repository. Further, this paper compares published results obtained by other researchers modeling coupled THMC process in the geology of high-level nuclear waste repositories.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Pressure-induced phase transitions in UN: A density functional theory study

Abstract We studied the structural behavior and phase stability of UN under high pressures up to 200 GPa and temperatures up to 1500 K using density functional theory calculations in the generalized gradient approximation. The results show that a pressure-induced structural transition from the cubic to the rhombohedral phase occurs at 23.5 GPa. The calculated structural and magnetic properties of the rhombohedral phase suggest that an isostructural transition occurs at 22.5 GPa. The low-pressure rhombohedral phase has a fcc-like structure. We predict that under further compression, an antiferromagnetic to nonmagnetic transition occurs. This phase transition has been not observed by experiment yet. To evaluate conditions under which other new phase transitions might occur, we studied the phase stability of UN at finite temperature by taking into account the lattice vibrational and thermal electronic contributions to Gibbs energy. Based on the Gibbs energy models, the pressure–temperature phase diagram of UN was studied and the phase boundaries of the antiferromagnetic rhombohedral phase were also determined. We predict that, although metastable, the antiferromagnetic rhombohedral phase might be stabilized at low-temperature by quenching from the high-pressure phase.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness ofChilocorus kuwanae(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Suppressing Euonymus Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Abstract A field experiment on the ability of a Chinese strain of Chilocorus kuwanae (Silvestri) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to suppress densities of euonymus scale ( Unaspis euonymi [Comstock]) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Euonymus spp. in southern New England was conducted from 1991 to 1995. Observations were made at three spatial scales: (1) a set of 27 sites, 14 of which received C. kuwanae releases and 13 served as checks, (2) a single apartment complex, with approximately 110 euonymus shrubs dispersed over 32 ha, at which a single release was made, and (3) the statewide Massachusetts residential and commercial landscape as a whole. Chilocorus kuwanae suppressed U. euonymi at 9 of 14 release sites. The beetle failed to establish large populations at three sites, and at two other sites the experiment was ended prematurely by shrub removal by owners. Of 13 check sites, nine were invaded by C. kuwanae over the course of the experiment and the beetle became abundant at three. Of the 10 check sites where C. kuwanae remained absent or rare, scale numbers increased at four locations, decreased at four, and were unchanged at two. At the 32-ha apartment site, C. kuwanae spread to 64% of all euonymus plants within 4 months and the proportion of plants with heavy euonymus scale infestations decreased from 46 to 13% within 1 year. At the statewide (MA) landscape level, by 1994 no significant change had yet occurred in the proportion of plants with heavy euonymus scale infestations.
Biochemische und biologische Veränderungen beim experimentellen Carcinom von Kaninchen und Mäusen

Die amBrown-Pearceschen Kaninchen-Ca. vorgenommenen chemischen und biologischen Untersuchungen, bei welchen alle Kaninchen vor der Impfung und nach Reifen des Tumors (4 Wochen spater) untersucht wurden, ergaben vor allem carcinomspezifische Veranderungen des Eiweiszuckers (starker Anstieg), und Magnesiums (Abfall) im Serum und der Reaktionen vonFreund undKaminer im Serum und Stuhl. Auserdem zeigten Kalium und Chlor im Serum einen Anstieg, Natrium einen Abfall bei 5 von 6 Tieren. Die Veranderungen des Mineralstoffwechsels gewinnen dadurch ihre Bedeutung, das sie unabhangig von den absoluten Werten, nach Angehen des Ca. am gleichen Tiere gefunden wurden. Mit dem Fortschreiten des Ca. kam es bei allen Tieren zu einer sekundaren Anamie. Eindeutige Veranderungen der Wasserstoffionenkonzentration, Bluteiweiskorper, des Cholesterins, Calciums und anorganischen Phosphors im Serum sowie der Blutkorperchensenkungsgeschwindigkeit konnten nicht nachgewiesen werden.
Purification and properties of tuna supernatant and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenases

Abstract The supernatant and mitochondrial forms of malate dehydrogenase ( l -malate: DPN oxidoreductase, EC I.I.I.37) have been purified from heart tissues of the Pacific yellow-fin tuna, Neothunnus macropterus . The mitochondrial enzyme was crystallized and was found to be homogeneous on ultracentrifugal analysis, having an S 20,w of 4.0. The molecular weights of both supernatant and mitochondrial enzymes were estimated to be 67 000 by chromatography on calibrated gel-filtration columns. The supernatant and mitochondrial enzymes could readily be differentiated on the basis of their susceptibility to substrate inhibition by oxaloacetate and by their reactivity with coenzymes analogs. The mitochondrial enzyme was found to be more thermolabile than the supernatant enzyme. A rabbit antiserum directed against the tuna mitochondrial enzyme readily inhibited this enzyme and reacted strongly with it, as judged by double diffusion in agar and by microcomplement fixation. The antimitochondrial malate dehydrogenase serum failed to inhibit or cross-react with the tuna supernatant enzyme, although the serum cross-reacted with the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenases of other fish.
Rotor systems research aircraft /RSRA/ rotor force and moment measurement system

The two Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) are flight vehicles with unique measurement capabilities. The primary goal of the RSRA is direct measurement of rotor forces and moments in flight. This is accomplished through a rotor force and moment measurement system comprised of load cells and/or hydro-pneumatic isolator units which are integral to the aircraft structure. Due to structural flexibility, the aircraft must undergo a physical calibration. A static calibration of the first RSRA has been completed, and data analysis has progressed through determination of a linear calibration algorithm. Design, development, and operation of the RSRA rotor force and moment measurement system and the Static Calibration Facility are described, and results of the calibration are presented.
Localized Eddy Current Compensation Using Quantitative Field Mapping

Eddy current effects induced by switched gradients in proximal conducting structures are traditionally reduced by applying preemphasis currents whose amplitudes and decay characteristics must be set to offset the eddy current fields. We present an expeditious, localized, and quantitative method for mapping and adjusting the parameters for eddy current compensation. Mapping is based on analysis of projections as used in the fast automatic shimming technique by mapping along projections (FASTMAP). Adjustment methods are demonstrated in high-field horizontal bore systems. The proposed localized eddy current mapping technique may also be used for localized measurements in situations where asymmetric conducting structures may cause nonlinear eddy current fields, such as in interventional MRI and open magnet designs.
Induction of lef1 during zebrafish fin regeneration

Because the transcription factor Lef1 is important for development of several vertebrate organs but has not been investigated for involvement in epimorphic regeneration, we examined its expression during regeneration of amputated adult zebrafish caudal fins. We found that lef1 is markedly up-regulated in the newly formed wound epidermis of the fin regenerate and is maintained in the basal epidermal layer during formation of the regeneration blastema. During regenerative outgrowth, lef1 expression is strongest in epidermal cells adjacent to newly aligned scleroblasts that secrete bone matrix, while it is low or undetectable in epidermis adjacent to mesenchymal areas with either mature bone or proliferative distal blastema cells. This localization is similar to that of the putative fin ray patterning signal Shh. In addition, brief treatments of fin regenerates with retinoic acid or the synthetic Fgfr1 inhibitor SU5402 down-regulate epidermal lef1, similar to their effects on shh. These results suggest a role for Lef1 in scleroblast alignment analogous to that proposed for Shh. Other Wnt signaling pathway members wnt3a, wnt5, and beta-catenin are also expressed in the fin regenerate. Our data suggest that Lef1 has specific roles in inducing and patterning vertebrate regenerating tissue.
Large-Eddy Simulations of Perfectly Expanded Supersonic Jets Using an Unstructured Solver

Large-eddy simulations of supersonic jets are performed to validate the development of a second-order finite volume unstructured solver for aeroacoustic applications. Two supersonic jets issuing from an axisymmetric nozzle at Mach number 1.4 are computed: one unheated jet with a Reynolds number of 150,000 and one heated jet with a Reynolds number of 76,000 and a temperature ratio of 1.75. Flow and noise results are compared with the experimental database fromNASAGlennResearchCenter. The nozzle is included in the computational domain.The present study shows that the results from the unstructured solver are in good agreement with the experimental data for time-averaged and fluctuating quantities, velocity spectra in the jet, and the sound obtained in the near field and the far field using the integration of the Ffowcs–Williams and Hawkings equation.
Ethnicity as a determinant of sex role identity: A replication study of item selection for the Bem Sex Role Inventory

An analysis of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was conducted to determine (1) whether the instrument is a valid indicator of current cultural definitions of masculinity/femininity, and (2) whether cultural definitions of masculinity/femininity, as indicated by the BSRI, differ between various cultural groups—specifically, African-American, Anglo, and Hispanic. Results indicate that the B[R]SRI, within limits, appears to still be a valid indicator of “American” cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity. However, the scale was found to be less valid as a measure of M/F among Hispanic-American and African-American subjects. The study calls for the development of culture-specific sex role inventories for use among non-Anglo segments.
Identification and treatment of children's mental health problems by primary care providers: A critical review of research

This article critically reviews research studies on the identification and treatment of children's mental health problems by primary care providers. Using a valid and reliable instrument to guide the review, the investigators examined the methods and findings of all 13 studies published on the topic from 1979 to 1994. Overall, primary care providers appeared to underidentify mental health problems among children and adolescents, especially those whose emotional impairments were not overtly severe. Large proportions of youngsters identified as having mental health problems did not receive needed treatment.
BRET3: a red-shifted bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based integrated platform for imaging protein-protein interactions from single live cells and living animals

Taking advantage of the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) phenomenon, we report the development of a highly photon-efficient, self-illuminating fusion protein combining a mutant red fluorescent protein (mOrange) and a mutant Renilla reniformis luciferase (RLuc8). This new BRET fusion protein (BRET3) exhibits severalfold improvement in light intensity in comparison with existing BRET fusion proteins. BRET3 also exhibits the most red-shifted light output (564-nm peak wavelength) of any reported bioluminescent protein that utilizes its natural substrate coelenterazine, a benefit of which is demonstrated at various tissue depths in small animals. The imaging utility of BRET3 at the single-cell level is demonstrated using an intramolecular sensor incorporating two mammalian target of rapamycin pathway proteins (FKBP12 and FRB) that dimerize only in the presence of rapamycin. With its increased photon intensity, red-shifted light output, and good spectral resolution (approximately 85 nm), BRET3 shows improved spatial and temporal resolution for measuring intracellular events in single cells and in living small animal models. The development of further BRET3-based assays will allow imaging of protein-protein interactions using a single assay directly scalable from intact living cells to small living subjects, allowing accelerated drug discovery.
Surface Selective1H/29Si CP NMR by NOE Enhancement from Laser Polarized Xenon

Abstract The surface proton spin polarization created by the spin-polarization-induced nuclear Overhauser effect from optically polarized xenon can be transferred in a subsequent step by solid-state cross polarization to another nuclear spin species such as 29 Si. The technique exploits the dipolar interactions of xenon nuclear spins with high γ nuclei such as 1 H, and is experimentally simpler than direct polarization transfer from 129 Xe to heteronuclei such as 13 C and 29 Si.
Arginase deficiency in multiple tissues in argininemia

A 5 9/12-year-old Mexican female with argininemia presented at 4 years of age with severe growth retardation, microcephaly, mental retardation, loss of ability to walk, spasticity and epileptiform electroencephalogram. At follow-up, blood ammonia was elevated only twice out of 30 determinations. Blood arginine was 544 to 1,074 mumol/l (normal 61 to 173); cerebrospinal fluid arginine was 88 mumol/l (normal 6 to 29); and urinary arginine, citruline and argininosuccinic acid were consistently elevated. Arginase activities in tissues from the propositus were 0.01 mU/mg hemoglobin in erythrocytes (normal 29.8 to 96.1); 9 mU/mg protein in liver (normal 1,522 to 5,491); and 5 mU/mg protein in stratum corneum (normal 2,856 to 7,556). The demonstration of arginase deficiency in liver and stratum corneum suggests a generalized deficiency and helps to explain the elevation of blood arginine. Therapeutic trials of orally administered lysine to enhance dibasic amino acid competition and of enzyme replacement using erythrocyte transfusion did not result in significantly decreased blood arginine or clinical improvement.
Measurement of the absolute temporal coupling between DNA binding and base flipping.

The absolute temporal couplings between DNA binding and base flipping were examined for the EcoRI DNA methyltransferase. The binding event (monitored using rhodamine-x fluorescence anisotropy) was monophasic with a second-order on-rate of 1.1 × 107 M-1 s-1 ≤ kon ≤ 2.25 × 107 M-1 s-1. Base-flipping kinetics (monitored using 2-aminopurine fluorescence intensity) were essentially synchronous with the binding kinetics, with less than a 4 ms delay between enzyme binding and target base flipping. The 4 ms delay translates into a base-flipping rate of at least 195 s-1, when the data are analyzed in terms of a sequential DNA binding and base-flipping reaction mechanism. Synchrony of binding and base flipping was only observed during the first 80% of the reaction, and an additional 20% base-flipping signal occurred well after DNA binding was complete. This additional 2AP fluorescence change, with an effective rate of 0.55 s-1, is an intramolecular isomerization reaction which greatly accelerates the dissociation o...
ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING (6th ed.) By William J. Hoyer and Paul A. Roodin

Hoyer and Roodin have produced their sixth edition of Adult development and aging published in 2009 by McGraw Hill. The text is designed to introduce the reader to adult development with specific r...
Quickest spectrum sensing in cognitive radio

Quickest detection is applied to frequency spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems. Distribution change in frequency domain is detected for vacating secondary radio networks from licensed frequency band. A successive refinement based quickest detection is proposed to tackle the problem of unknown parameters of primary radio signal. Cooperative quickest detection is used to enhance the performance of quickest spectrum sensing in secondary radio systems without data fusion centers. Performance is evaluated using theoretical analysis and numerical simulations.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg in athletes: evaluation and management.

AbstractChronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a well-known cause of activity-related lower leg pain in both athletes and nonathletes. In contrast to acute compartment syndrome, CECS is generally not related to trauma, and is often suspected in the outpatient setting by primary care physicians, podiatrists, sports medicine clinicians, and orthopedic surgeons. The diagnosis of CECS is often overlooked because patients avoid or withdraw from exacerbating physical activities instead of seeking treatment for their symptoms from a health care professional. A thorough history and physical examination of an individual with activity-related lower leg pain is necessary for correct diagnosis to occur. Appropriate diagnostic testing with measurement of intracompartmental pressures reliably confirms the diagnosis of CECS. Nonoperative treatments of CECS rarely leads to complete resolution of symptoms or an individual's ability to return to previous levels of recreational or athletic activity. Fasciotomy of...
Fuzzy logic based variable step size algorithm for blind delayed source separation

Convergence of blind delayed source separation algorithms, which use constant learning rates, is known to be slow. We propose a fuzzy logic based approach to adaptively select the learning rates, for estimates of delays and cross-weights, in the blind delayed source separation algorithm. We make use of the state of independence of the separated outputs. We also propose a performance index to measure the convergence of the blind delayed source separation algorithm. Simulation results show the improved performance of the proposed algorithm over the conventional delayed source separation algorithm under stationary as well as non-stationary mixing conditions.
Cold continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia: high versus low hematocrit.

Objective: Cold continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia (CCABCP) is used with different hematocrit values. We investigated the consequences of CCABCP with low hematocrit (LH: 20-25%) versus high hematocrit (HH: 40-45%). Methods: Anesthetized open chest pigs (25 kg) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hearts were arrested for 30 min by 6°C CCABCP with either LH or HH (n = 8, each): After an initial 3 min application of high potassium (20 mEq) BCP the hearts were arrested for subsequent 27 min by normokalemic 6°C cold blood delivered continuously antegradely. Thereafter the hearts underwent perfusion with warm systemic blood for an additional 30 min on CPB. Biochemical cardiac data (MVO 2 (ml min -1 100 g -1 ), release of creatine kinase (CK; units min -1 100 g -1 )) and lactate (mg min -1 100 g -1 )) and the coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI (mmHg ml -1 min g)) were measured during CPB. Total tissue water content (%) and left and right ventricular stroke work indices (LV-and RV-SWI (g m kg -1 )) were assessed 30 min after discontinuation of CPB and compared to pre-CPB controls. Results: The hearts of the LH group had no biochemical or functional disturbance. The HH group showed marked CK leakage (0.6 ± 0.2 * vs. 0.1 ± 0.1, * P < 0.05 for comparison of LH vs. HH with Student's t-test for unpaired data), impaired initial oxygen consumption (4 ± 1 * vs. 7 ± 1) after cardiac arrest, an increased CVRI (82 ± 12 * vs. 50 ± 8), the formation of myocardial edema (81.0 ± 1.3 * vs. 77.5 ± 1.2), and poor functional recovery (LVSWI 0.2 ± 0.1 * vs. 1.0 ± 0.1; RVSWI 0.1 ± 0.1 * vs. 0.5 ± 0.1). The absence of lactate production in both groups was in accord with the non-ischemic protocol. Conclusions: CCABCP with a low hematocrit of 20-25% is cardioprotective. In contrast, CCABCP with a high hematocrit of 40-45% jeopardizes the heart despite avoiding ischemic periods, and should be avoided.
Food habits of the two-line eelpout (Bothrocara brunneum: Zoarcidae) at two deep-sea sites in the eastern North Pacific

Two-line eelpouts were collected from two deep-sea sites in the eastern North Pacific in order to study food habits. The diet of this species is low in diversity, consisting primarily of shrimp-like crustaceans and secondarily of small zoarcid fishes. Although significant differences in diet exist between the two study sites, it appears that two-line eelpouts have a narrow dietary breadth. Previous and concurrent surveys of the region indicate that there is a wide range of potential prey available to two-line eelpouts; however, the species appears to be using a narrow range of benthopelagic fauna, suggesting that it is capable of some degree of prey specialization.
Heterologous complementation of a pyrF deletion in Caldicellulosiruptor hydrothermalis generates a new host for the analysis of biomass deconstruction

Background: Members of the thermophilic, anaerobic Gram-positive bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor grow optimally at 65 to 78°C and degrade lignocellulosic biomass without conventional pretreatment. Decomposition of complex cell wall polysaccharides is a major bottleneck in the conversion of plant biomass to biofuels and chemicals, and conventional biomass pretreatment includes exposure to high temperatures, acids, or bases as well as enzymatic digestion. Members of this genus contain a variety of glycosyl hydrolases, pectinases, and xylanases, but the contribution of these individual enzymes to biomass deconstruction is largely unknown. C. hydrothermalis is of special interest because it is the least cellulolytic of all the Caldicellulosiruptor species so far characterized, making it an ideal naive system to study key cellulolytic enzymes from these bacteria. Results: To develop methods for genetic manipulation of C. hydrothermalis, we selected a spontaneous deletion of pyrF, a gene in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway, resulting in a strain that was a uracil auxotroph resistant to 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA). This strain allowed the selection of prototrophic transformants with either replicating or non-replicating plasmids containing the wild-type pyrF gene. Counter-selection of the pyrF wild-type allele on non-replicating vectors allowed the construction of chromosomal deletions. To eliminate integration of the non-replicating plasmid at the pyrF locus in the C. hydrothermalis chromosome, we used the non-homologous Clostridium thermocellum wild-type pyrF allele to complement the C. hydrothermalis pyrF deletion. The autonomously replicating shuttle vector was maintained at 25 to 115 copies per chromosome. Deletion of the ChyI restriction enzyme in C. hydrothermalis increased the transformation efficiency by an order of magnitude and demonstrated the ability to construct deletions and insertions in the genome of this new host. Conclusions: The use of C. hydrothermalis as a host for homologous and heterologous expression of enzymes important for biomass deconstruction will enable the identification of enzymes that contribute to the special ability of these bacteria to degrade complex lignocellulosic substrates as well as facilitate the construction of strains to improve and extend their substrate utilization capabilities.
Relation of Field Cracking to Layer Stiffness of Cold In Situ Recycled Materials

In 1996 the Alliance for Transportation Research Institute completed a comprehensive evaluation of 45 cold in situ recycling (CIR) pavement sections on New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department routes built between 1984 and 1990. The results of further investigation into observed correlations between visual condition surveys, as an indicator of field performance, and the CIR stiffness measured on cores are reported. It was observed that CIR projects in New Mexico that are older than 9 years, with measured resilient modulus exceeding 6000 MPa and indirect tensile strength (ITS) exceeding 800 kPa, also exhibited reduced pavement condition index ratings based solely on environmental cracking distress. Reported is a direct comparison with some additional stiffness data and field performance for pavements recycled with different additives. Accelerated aging following Strategic Highway Research Program procedures was used to assess some samples tested. New sections evaluated were constructed by usi...