cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Bone Marrow Eosinophilia in Mice Induced byAspergillus fumigatusAntigens

Abstract A model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) developed by exposing mice toAspergillus fumigatusantigen (Af) exhibits peripheral blood (PB), lung, and bone marrow (BM) eosinophilia. Because the BM is a site of eosinophilopoiesis, we have investigated the role of Af in the induction of this process in the BM. Groups of mice were exposed intranasally (i.n.) or intraperitoneally (ip) to Af. BM cells from mice were cultured with either Af or allogenic spleen cell supernatant stimulated with Af. Eosinophil counts in different lymphoid compartments, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and mRNA for cytokines and IgE in BM cells were studied. Results indicate that the eosinophil numbers were significantly elevated in PB and BM of all Af-exposed mice. Lung lavage eosinophils increased only in the i.n. group. Af induced EPO activity only in BM cultures from Af-exposed mice. The EPO activity was further enhanced by supernatants from spleen cells from Af-exposed mice. mRNA transcription of IL-3 and IL-5 were measurable in BM cells of the ip exposed mice. These findings suggest that Af mediates eosinophil development in BM of mice and this process is promoted by hematopoietic factors generated within the BM and in other lymphoid tissue such as the spleen.
Novel subsets of human T cells (CD4+ CD8+ TCRγδ and CD4− CD8− TCRαβ) and T-cell development

Donnees recentes sur les sous-populations de lymphocytes T humains definies par un recepteur de type α/β ou un recepteur de type γ/δ (TCRα/β ou TCRγ/δ): mise en evidence de la sous-population CD4 + CD8 − TCRγ/δ et de la sous-population double negative CD4 − CD8 − TCRα/β
Cyclic AMP negatively controls c-myc transcription and G1 cell cycle progression in p210 BCR-ABL transformed cells: inhibitory activity exerted through cyclin D1 and cdk4

Raised intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) has been demonstrated to exert an antiproliferative effect in myeloid cells. How the antiproliferative activity of cAMP is exerted in p210 BCR-ABL transformed myeloid cells was the subject of this investigation. It was hypothesized that cyclin dependent kinase 4, cdk4, might be a critical target enzyme to affect the related events of c-myc transcription and progression through G1 phase of the cell cycle within cells transformed by p210 BCR-ABL, and further, that cdk4 might be downregulated by cAMP to inhibit proliferation. In order to investigate the regulatory role of cdk4, synchronized cells were studied. In p210 BCR-ABL transformed cells transiting early G1 phase, treatment with a cAMP analogue led to inhibition of cyclin D1 synthesis, and marked reduction of cdk4 kinase activity. Within cells in which cdk4 was inhibited by cAMP, there was augmented interaction of E2F1 with the retinoblastoma protein, pRb in a nuclear matrix-associated cell fraction. As a result of E2F1 sequestration, raised intracellular cAMP was found to inhibit c-myc transcription in p210 BCR-ABL transformed myeloid cells synchronously transiting the early G1 phase of the cell cycle. A target of this transcriptional suppression exerted by cAMP was the E2F site of the c-myc P2 promoter. On the other hand, cyclin D1 content was not reduced by cAMP in these cells when it was applied at a later cell cycle stage at the interface between G1 and S. Corresponding to lack of cyclin D1 inhibition in these later G1-to-S phase cells, cdk4 activity was only modestly suppressed, and c-myc mRNA expression was also inhibited to a lesser degree. These studies show that Rb interaction with E2F1 is regulated by cdk4 and cyclin D1 within p210 BCR-ABL transformed leukemia cells in early G1 phase of the cell cycle. In this context, both cyclin D1 and cdk4 are subject to the level of intracellular cAMP. This interaction between Rb and E2F1, which is subject to the level of cAMP, is critical to transcriptional control of c-myc. Further, pRb regulation of E2F activity affects cellular potential for G1-S phase transition in p210 BCR-ABL transformed myeloid cells, in part, via its effect on c-myc transcription.
Comparing the effects of scopolamine on operant and aggressive responses in squirrel monkeys

Abstract The anticholinergic drug, scopolamine, causes disinhibition or an increase in response that an animal normally suppresses. Experiment 1 confirmed this effect in squirrel monkeys. Experiment 2 explored the implications of drug-produced disinhibition on aggressive interactions. In Experiment 1, scopolamine produced increased unreinforced responding on a DRL schedule and increased responding during unreinforced (Time Out) periods. In contrast, the peripheral control drug, methyl scopolamine, caused decreased responding in both situations. In Experiment 2, social rank and drug treatment interacted. When space was restricted so that the opportunity for social interactions was maximized, scopolamine consistently increased aggressiveness in the dominant monkey and decreased aggressiveness in a submissive monkey. When space was increased so that the opportunity for social interactions was minimized, scopolamine caused decreased aggressive responses in all monkeys. Neither the effective dosage nor the drug's effect on the operant task could be easily generalized to aggressive responses.
Clinicopathological features and histopathology of experimental hepatic capillariasis in muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

Ten muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) each were infected with 17,000 eggs (long-term study) and eight muskrats each were infected with 8,000 eggs (short-term study) of Capillaria hepatica (Nematoda). Food intake, body weight, and selected clinicopathological parameters were measured every 2 days for 28 days in the short-term study and every 14 days for 184 days in the long-term study. Muskrats in the short-term study had moderate to severe necrotizing granulomatous hepatitis associated with mild anorexia and weight loss, varying degrees of leukocytosis with eosinophilia and elevation of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. No significant changes in packed cell volume, hemoglobin, total plasma protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase or alkaline phosphatase were found among animals from the short-term study. Muskrats in the long-term study had severe necrotizing granulomatous hepatitis associated with marked anorexia, weight loss and 60% mortality over 39 days post-inoc...
Water extrusion in isolated subcellular fractions VI. Osmostic properties of swollen phospholipid suspensions

Abstract Suspensions of phospholipids were prepared from soya bean or mitochondria phosphatides or from purified egg lecithin. Using photometric, volumetric or gravimetric determinations it could be shown that the intraparticulate water present in these suspensions is lost by the addition of an osmotically active compound. The loss of intraparticulate water follows the Boyle—Van't Hoff law. By extrapolation of these data it can be shown that all the intraparticulate water present in the suspension would be lost at infinite osmotic concentration. Very little intraparticulate water is lost when glycerol is used as the solute. Freezing and thawing of the suspension decreases the amount of water in the phospholipid particles. With 0.17 mM Ca2 there is an increase in the amount of intrapartculate water lost in the presence of different concentrations of sucrose. At this concentration of Ca2+ no intraparticulate water is lost in the absence of sucrose indicating that the Ca2+ effect is not osmotic. 1.7 mK K1 does not produce the effect observed with Ca2+. Suspensions of phospholipids extracted from mitochondria swollen with ascorbate do not lose water in the presence of sucrose.
A long pollen record from St. Lawrence island, Bering Sea (Alaska)

Abstract A core of lake sediments from St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea has been examined by means of pollen analysis as part of an investigation into the environmental history of Arctic Alaska. A three-zone pollen sequence is compared with the three pollen zones at Imuruk Lake which span the Wisconsin Glaciation and the Postglacial period. The St. Lawrence Island record is thought to go back at least until the Late Glacial period, though an absolute chronology by radiocarbon in only available to 6,000 years ago. The pollen suggests a cold arctic tundra on the land bridge, a conclusion which is in accordance with records from other sites adjacent to the Bering Sea. Sands of a marine transgression, thought to be of Sangamon Interglacial age contain pollen suggesting a tundra similar to that of modern times.
Oxidative enhancement of the χ(3) values of solutions of cis-Mo(CO)4L2 (L=PPh3, AsPh3, PPh2Np) complexes as measured by DFWM

Abstract Detailed degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) studies of four molybdenum complexes, cis-Mo(CO)4(PPh3)2, cis-Mo(CO)4(AsPh3)2, cis-Mo(CO)4(PPh2Np)2 and cis-Mo(CO)4(P(OPh)3)2 are reported in this paper. Upon exposure to air/oxygen, the χ(3) values of solutions of the first three complexes increase dramatically with time. However, when excess free ligand is added to any of the solutions, no additional increase in the χ(3) value is observed. Hence, it is possible to obtain solutions with high χ(3) values by first oxidizing the solution and then adding excess ligand to stabilize the solution. Further, the increase in the χ(3) values of the solutions parallels the increase in the linear absorption, but it is unclear whether the increased linear absorption plays any role in the increase in the χ(3) values of the solutions. This study also shows how degenerate four wave mixing can be used as a very sensitive technique to detect the chemical change in a solution when the third order optical nonlinearities of the reactant and product are very different.
Forecasting US exports: An illustration using time series and econometric models

Abstract Forecasting exports efficiently enables policy makers to plan more appropriately and thus to help to improve the US balance of trade. Exports traditionally are forecast using econometric methods. This study focuses on a comparison of various simple time series models and an econometric model. The results show that simple time series techniques can forecast exports more accurately than can an econometric model. Future emphasis needs to be placed on complementary forecasting approaches, careful data analysis and understanding of the variables and forecasting environment.
Effect of short-duration low-magnitude cyclic loading versus immobilization on tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction in a rat model

Background: Successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with use of soft-tissue grafts requires healing between tendon and bone. Little is known about the effect of mechanical load on the cellular and molecular cascade of tendon-to-bone healing. Understanding these mechanical influences has critical implications for postoperative rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that, compared with perioperative immobilization, short-duration low-magnitude cyclic axial loading would result in impaired tendon-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a rat model. Methods: Fifty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with use of a flexor digitorum longus autograft. The patellar tendon, capsule, and ligamentous structures were circumferentially released, and an external fixator parallel to the anterior cruciate ligament graft was placed across the knee. Mechanical loading, consisting of cyclic displacement of the femur and tibia constrained to axial translation parallel to the graft, was applied daily. The rats were randomly assigned to immobilization or daily loading, for fourteen or twenty-eight days. Biomechanical, micro-computed tomographic, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on the bone-tendon-bone complexes. Results: The load measured across the knees during cyclic displacement increased over time (p < 0.05). Load-to-failure testing of the isolated femur-anterior cruciate ligament graft-tibia specimens revealed no significant differences between groups at two or four weeks. By two weeks postoperatively, a greater number of ED1+ inflammatory macrophages (phagocytic cells involved in the initial injury response) were seen at the tendon-bone interface after loading in the cyclically loaded group than in the immobilized group (p = 0.01). Compared with the baseline values, the number of trabeculae was significantly lower after loading for four weeks (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Short-duration low-magnitude cyclic axial loading of the anterior cruciate ligament graft in the postoperative period is not detrimental to the strength of the healing tendon-bone interface but appears to be associated with greater inflammation and less bone formation in the tunnel in this rat model. Clinical Relevance: Further investigation of varied timing and magnitude of graft-loading may help guide postoperative rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with soft-tissue grafts.
Research Note: Efficacy of a Manganese-Protein Chelate Compared with that of Manganese Sulfate for Chicks

Based on bone manganese (Mn) accumulation during a 14-day feeding period. Mn bioavailability in a Mn-proteinate product was judged to be not significantly different than that provided by MnSO4.H2O. Bone and bile Mn concentrations were reduced markedly when 10% wheat bran was added to a phytate and fiber-free casein-dextrose diet that contained 1,000 mg/kg supplemental Mn from either MnSO4.H2O or the Mn-proteinate.
A Momentary Sampling Study of the Affective Experience Following Coital Events in Adolescents

Abstract Purpose To describe the affective experience following sexual intercourse among sexually active adolescents. We hypothesized that these youth would experience more positive and less negative affects following sexual intercourse than at other times in their daily lives. Methods Approximately every 3 waking hours, sexually active adolescents aged 15–21 years used a handheld computer to report current affect and recent sexual intercourse in response to random signals. Participants also completed a report after sexual intercourse. Affect was determined by eight states, as well as composite variables for positive and negative affect. Generalized estimating equations compared affect on reports that did and did not include sexual intercourse. Each model included average affect, affect variability (standard deviation), and significant interactions with the occurrence of sexual intercourse. Based on their distribution, outcome variables were modeled as presence/absence of affect. Results Sixty-seven youth completed 1385 random and 392 event reports. There were 266 unique coital reports (median 2.6/participant/week); 94% were with a main partner and 49% involved condom use. Youth were more likely to report positive affect and less likely to report negative affect when they were also reporting recent sexual intercourse, as compared to noncoital reports. In multivariate analyses, participants had greater odds of reporting well being and alertness and lower odds of reporting stress and anger following sexual intercourse compared to other times. Conclusions Adolescents report improvement in specific positive and negative affective states following sexual intercourse. Determining how feeling more positive and less negative after sexual intercourse may motivate or reinforce sexual intercourse will be important in understanding adolescent sexual behavior.
Honey bee hygienic behavior and defense against Varroa jacobsoni

On a teste la capacite de colonies presentant un comportement hygienique (colonies «hyg») et de colonies ne le presentant pas (colonies «non-hyg»), issues de la souche «Starline» d'Apis mellifera, a eliminer les nymphes infestees par l'acarien Varroa jacobsoni. Les lignees «hyg» et «non-hyg» ont ete selectionnees et elevees sur la base de leur reponse a eliminer du couvain tue par le froid. Une boite Jentet® a ete utilisee pour tester l'elimination des nymphes infestees experimentalement selon les methodes de Boecking et Drescher (1992). Deux supports ont ete utilises: la boite Jenter@, qui comporte des cellules avec une base en plastique, et le rayon en cire naturelle. On a compare le taux d'elimination des nymphes infestees en fonction du support. On a aussi determine le succes reproducteur des varroas, le degre de comportement de toilettage et l'estimation de la charge des varroas dans les colonies. En 1994, au 10 e jour apres l'infestation, les quatre colonies «hyg» avaient elimine significativement plus de nymphes infestees par un acarien/cellule (69,2 ± 16,41) que les colonies «non-hyg» (10,0 ± 10,0) et que les temoins des deux groupes. En 1995, les sept colonies «hyg» n'ont pas elimine significativement plus de nymphes infestees (24,7 ± 20,06) que les quatre colonies «non-hyg» (11,3 ± 6,29), quand un varroa etait introduit par cellule. Quatre de ces colonies «hyg» ont elimine ≤ 15 % des nymphes infestees et les trois restantes 45,5 % ± 6,46. Neanmoins, il y a eu plus de nymphes eliminees que dans les temoins quand il y avait deux acariens par cellule. Au 10 e jour, chez les colonies «hyg», il n'y a pas eu de difference significative entre les deux types de supports dans l'elimination des nymphes infestees et des nymphes temoins (tous les tests t par paires > 0,05). Le succes reproducteur des varroas, qui n'etaient pas elimines avec les nymphes par les abeilles, a ete bas. En 1995, sur l'ensemble des varroas introduits, le pourcentage de varroas avec une descendance a ete de 17,2 % (cellules de la boite Jenter) et de 27,1 % (cellules en cire naturelle) chez les colonies «hyg» et, respectivement, de 7,3 % et 37,0 % chez les colonies «non-hyg» (tableau III). Quand un varroa introduit ne se reproduisait pas, il deposait souvent des feces sur les nymphes plutot que sur la paroi de la cellule comme il le fait normalement. Le pourcentage de varroas leses par le toilettage, calcule d'apres le nombre de varroas qui tombaient pendant l'experience sur les planchers collants, a varie entre 6,0 et 42,3 % selon les colonies. Il n'y a pas eu de difference entre les colonies «hyg» et les «non-hyg» (p > 0,05). Il n'y a pas eu de difference significative entre le nombre de varroas recoltes sur les planchers collants pendant l'experience (tableau IV). D'autres experiences sont necessaires pour determiner dans quelles mesure le comportement hygienique diminue la charge des acariens dans une colonie.
The effects of a comprehensive teaching assistant training program on teaching anxiety and effectiveness

This experiment investigated the effects of a comprehensive teaching assistant (TA) training program on the teaching anxiety and effectiveness of TAs. Twenty-seven TAs in the English department of a research university were divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups participated in a one-week workshop and a sixteen-week theory and pedagogy course during a fall semester. TAs in the experimental group also participated in a consultant observation program and peer mentoring activities. Data resulting from the completed pretests and posttests for teaching anxiety and effectiveness were analyzed using either at-test or an analysis of covariance. Conclusions from the study include: (1) Declines in teaching anxiety for TAs in the experimental group were significantly greater. (2) Neither group of TAs improved in teaching effectiveness, as measured by general student evaluations. However, based on posttest means for these student ratings, the teaching effectiveness of the experimental group was rated significantly higher. (3) Student ratings of teaching effectiveness in composition for TAs in the experimental group were significantly higher. (4) There were no significant differences between pre- to posttest changes in the self-appraisals of teaching effectiveness for the groups.
Stimulation of the retinoid X receptor facilitates beta-amyloid clearance across the blood-brain barrier.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative process characterized, in part, by the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins (Aβ) in the brain. Evidence now suggests that the excessive Aβ accumulation is the result of impaired clearance from the brain. Recent studies have indicated that retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation stimulates the metabolic clearance of Aβ and rapidly reverses Aβ-induced behavioral deficits, doing so in an apoE-dependent manner. Previously, we reported that soluble apoE (i.e., not bound to Aβ) facilitated Aβ transit across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). As Aβ clearance from the brain involves both metabolic and BBB-mediated processes, the current studies investigated the impact of RXR stimulation on Aβ clearance across the BBB. Treatment with RXR agonists increased Aβ clearance across the BBB both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, this processes appeared to involve apoE as RXR agonism did not stimulate Aβ BBB clearance when apoE was absent. Thus, RXR activation could mitigate Aβ brain burden by promoting both the metabolic and BBB clearance of Aβ, offering a novel approach to the treatment of AD.
Correlation of observed nocturnal pruritus and actigraphy in dogs.

PRURITUS, the cutaneous sensation causing the desire to scratch, is the most common presenting complaint in the field of veterinary dermatology. Nocturnal canine pruritus may impact negatively on the quality of life of both a dog and its owner ([McMillan 2003][1]). Measuring the severity of canine
Exploring information systems outsourcing in U.S. hospital-based health care delivery systems

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors associated with outsourcing of information systems (IS) in hospital-based health care delivery systems, and to determine if there is a difference in IS outsourcing activity based on the strategic value of the outsourced functions. IS sourcing behavior is conceptualized as a case of vertical integration. A synthesis of strategic management theory (SMT) and transaction cost economics (TCE) serves as the theoretical framework. The sample consists of 1,365 hospital-based health care delivery systems that own 3,452 hospitals operating in 2004. The findings indicate that neither TCE nor SMT predicted outsourcing better than the other did. The findings also suggest that health care delivery system managers may not be considering significant factors when making sourcing decisions, including the relative strategic value of the functions they are outsourcing. It is consistent with previous literature to suggest that the high cost of IS may be the main factor driving the outsourcing decision.
All Mortis, No Rigor

Like Caesar’s view of Gaul, Stephen Walt’s evaluation of the recent rational choice literature in strategic studies is divided into three parts.1 But all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not put his article back together again: the analysis of the second section does not follow from the arst, and the conclusions of the third cannot be drawn from the second. In the end, Walt’s discussion provides a clear illustration of why formal models are so valuable: they provide the strongest possible protection against improper argumentation. Walt’s arst section is a reasoned and balanced discussion of the underlying premises of rational choice theory and the rationale for formal modeling. In fact, Walt’s summary of the foundations of this methodological technique is refreshing. Unlike many other efforts to evaluate the contributions of game theory to international affairs, it is no caricature.2 Also uplifting is the absence of vitriol that turned one recent exchange between scholars into an intellectual food aght.3 Walt begins by noting the usefulness of mathematical models in ensuring logical consistency, one of three criteria he lists as important for evaluating theories and bodies of literature. Insightfully, he recognizes that the formal literature is not monolithic, that there are important differences among those who use game theory to analyze international politics. As well, Walt’s discussion demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the rationality postulate. Although he does not discuss the issue explicitly, he does not fall into the
UCLA Loneliness Scale and Effects of Stress

This study sought to determine how successfully lonely and non-lonely subjects (UCLA Loneliness Scale) cope with recent stressful life events. Correlational analysis indicated the higher the loneliness score the more emotional and somatic complaints were indicated on the Cornell Medical Index Form N2.
Offense–Defense Theory: An Empirical Test

War and the Engineers: The Primacy of Politics over Technology. By Keir A. Lieber Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2005. 256 pp., $39.95 (ISBN: 0-8014-4383-0). In the field of strategic studies, offense–defense theory contends that a state's relative ease of attack and defense provides a powerful predictor of war initiation and international conflict. Specifically, when offensive military operations are advantaged, international conflict and war become more likely. In contrast, defensive advantages decrease the likelihood of war (see Jervis 1978; Glaser and Kaufmann 1998; Van Evera 1998, 1999). Proponents of offense–defense theory have touted its ability to predict war and international conflict, but they have met much criticism along the way. Scholars have attacked the theoretical basis of the theory, as well as its inability to operationalize the offense–defense balance for empirical testing (see, for example, Levy 1984; Betts 1999). Indeed, even though many scholars have written on the theoretical and methodological aspects of offense–defense theory, few have attempted to test the theory empirically (see Adams 2003–2004; Gortzak, Haftel, and Sweeney 2005). As a result, Keir Leiber's War and the Engineers provides a much-needed systematic empirical evaluation of this approach. Offense–defense theory offers an explanation of both military and political outcomes in strategic military competitions. The relative ease of attack and defense explains military outcomes; the perception of this offense–defense balance shapes political outcomes. Lieber tests two hypotheses concerning military outcomes: (1) that mobility-improving technologies (such as the railroad and the tank) advantage offense and, therefore, produce quicker and more decisive warfare; and …
Maternal Investment in Captive Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata)

The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether differences in the number of male and female offspring produced by high- and low-ranking bonnet macaques were offset by differences in the amount of investment allocated toward male and female progeny. There were no significant sex differences in the duration of interbirth intervals or survival to weaning, and no significant differences in the effects of immature male and female progeny on maternal mortality or ability to invest in future offspring. Thus, in this population, low-ranking females appeared to allocate more investment toward their sons than toward their daughters. The data suggest that in the long run, low-ranking females may also benefit more from investing in males than in females. The daughters of low-ranking females suffered high mortality as juveniles, and the daughters of low-ranking females who survived to adulthood achieved low dominance ranks. By the end of the report period, low-ranking females had produced no surviving grandchil...
Ambulatory intraaortic balloon counterpulsation

A technique is described for the retroperitoneal placement of a balloon pump that preserves patient mobility. This technique may be superior to standard femoral placement when prolonged support is required for cardiac transplant candidates awaiting donor organs.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Marijuana Use Initiation During Adolescence

Background. This study identified similarities and differences in risk factors for marijuana use initiation from grades 7 to 8, grades 8 to 9, and grades 9 to 10, and examined differences between earlier initiates, later initiates, and nonusers on various problem behaviors at grade 10. Method. Longitudinal data were used to examine predictors and outcomes associated with marijuana initiation from grade 7 (N = 1,955) to grade 10 (N = 909). Participants completed yearly surveys to assess problem behaviors, social influences, and marijuana-related attitudes and behavior. Results. Earlier initiates were more likely than later initiates to exhibit problem-related marijuana use, hard drug use, polydrug use, poor grades, and low academic intentions at grade 10. Across ages, initiation was predicted by smoking, frequency of marijuana offers, and poor grades. Results provided some evidence for a shift from familial to peer influence on marijuana initiation with increasing age. Marijuana-related beliefs were relatively weak predictors of initiation at all ages after controlling for pro-marijuana social influences and engagement in other types of substance use and delinquent behavior. Conclusions. Results emphasize the importance of early intervention and identify a wide range of potentially modifiable risk factors that may be targeted.
On being an expert witness.

“We’re looking for an expert witness to defend a radiologist who is accused of missing a lesion on a CT scan of the head,” said the defense attorney to the prospective witness. “I’ve looked at the scan and I’ll be glad to testify as an expert,” was the reply. “Are you steadfast and consistent in your opinions?” “Yes, of course.” “Are you thin-skinned or do you get easily rattled?” “No, of course not.” “Is your radiologic knowledge current, rather than rusty?” “Yes, of course.” “Do you have the heart to testify according to your beliefs, even under a tough and well-oiled cross-examination by the opposing attorney?” “Why are you asking me all these questions-are you afraid I won’t hold up on the witness stand?” (Fig. 1).
Cardioactive substances in blood: the actions of serotonin on isolated guinea-pig atria.

Abstract 1. 1. Serotonin has cardioactive effects on several isolated heart muscle preparations. 2. 2. Serotonin derives from platelets and the handling of blood samples affects the amount released into serum or plasma. 3. 3. The inotropic effect of serum or plasma on guinea-pig atria may be accounted for by the amount of serotonin in the sample, as determined chemically. 4. 4. Serotonin may obscure effects due to substances with lower activity. 5. 5. Qualitative aspects of the response to substances in blood help to identify them; these include time course of the response, slope of the dose response curve, and concordance, or not, of inotropic and chronotropic responses.
Green, Red and White: The problems of Muslim soldiers in today's Russian army

Muslims in the Russian Army today face systematic institutional discrimination in relation to their ethnic Russian counterparts. This ethnically‐based subjugation of Muslims in the Russian Army is a continuation of discrimination that existed in the Soviet and Tsarist eras. It is kept alive today through lingering attitudes and prejudices among the Russian military leadership, almost all of whom served alongside Muslims in Soviet times, particularly in Afghanistan. In the search for a post‐Soviet ideology, the Russian Army was subjected to both official and unofficial attempts to give it a Russian‐Christian character. Though reconciliation attempts continue, Muslims are greatly underrepresented in the Russian Army, and this poses a larger risk to the welfare of the Russian state as a whole.
Assertion strategies and aggression during early childhood: A short-term longitudinal study

Although research on assertion has made important advances in our understanding of young children's behavior within their peer group, there has been a significant limitation in that prior studies have generally not given attention to the gender specific social goals of girls. To advance the literature, this short-term longitudinal study uses a naturalistic observational measure of assertion, which includes assessments of relationally assertive behaviors. This multi-method study uses naturalistic observations of aggression and assertion (i.e., over 8, 860 min or 148 h of total observation) and teacher reports of assertion and sociometric status. Findings from the preschool sample (M = 49.68 months old; S.D. = 7.66) indicate that aggression subtypes and assertion strategies are related but conceptually unique constructs with differential predictions to indices of sociometric status. Ways in which these findings extend the developmental and early childhood literature are discussed.
Flavin-linked mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase of Candida utilis

Abstract The 150-fold purification of the l -α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase of Candida utilis electron-transport particles by very mild procedures is described. The active enzyme contains FAD, iron and copper. The function of the metals, if any, is not clear. Its molecular weight is about 5·10 5 . The subunit composition is complex and remains unresolved because the enzyme is contaminated with protease(s). The activity of this enzyme is very low in Saccharomyces cerevisiae unless the cells are grown in glycerol. The NAD-dependent cytoplasmic α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase is present in C. utilis but could not be demonstrated in glucose-grown S. cerevisiae .
Computational Studies on the Effects of DNA Methylation on its Structure and Dynamics

DNA methylation occurs in CpG dinucleotides when a methyl group is added at the carbon 5 position of the C base ring, and it has an important role in regulating gene expression in higher eukaryotes. It is known that when cytosine bases are methylated, gene is silenced, but the precise role of methylated DNA in this process is still debated, and the mechanism by which methylation affects gene expression remains poorly understood.One hypothesis is that the methylation state of a DNA segment can alter the positions of nucleosomes, which in turn, determine gene expression. Several studies point to a strong link between CpG methylation and nucleosome positioning, but these effects might be indirect because methylation influences the binding of other factors, which could in turn trigger nucleosome repositioning. Because methylation chemically modifies DNA, the methylation status of a DNA sequence could influence its flexibility and, thus, its affinity to the nucleosome. Recent experimental studies suggest that CpG methylation can decrease the ability of DNA to bend into the major groove at the methylated site, and can thereby influence nucleosome positioning.To test the idea that methylation affects the ability of DNA to bend, we performed MD simulations of short DNA segments using an all atom force field. DNA conformations were characterized using the six rigid body base-pair step parameters, the minor groove width and the hybridization state. These properties were measured and compared for dsDNA segments in both the unmethylated and methylated states. In addition, all atom trajectories for both the cases were analyzed to extract a new set of parameters for a coarse grain model for DNA that can now be used to study the effects of methylation in larger DNA systems such as nucleosomes.
Apparatus and procedure for measuring release rates from formulations of lepidopteran semiochemicals.

An apparatus was developed wherein a vacuum source was used to pull air across a controlled-release-formulation dispenser or a planchet containing a known quantity of a semiochemical and into a collector filled with a polymeric adsorbent. After a set time, the semiochemical was eluted with solvent and was quantified by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). High percentages of known quantities of the lepidopteran semiochemicals (Z)-7-dodecen-l -ol acetate (Z7DDA), boiling point (bp) 275 ° C/1 atm, (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol formate (Z9TDF), bp 289 °C/1 atm, and (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (ZZODDA), bp 490 °C/1 atm, were recovered. The semiochemicals did not oxidize and were recovered quantitatively from the adsorbent. The release rates of Z9TDF from a controlled-release dispenser were found to be directly proportional to the airflow rates. Release rate measurements on the Z9TDF dispensers were made for the purpose of estimating the method's precision. The method was shown to give internally consistent results by measurements on another Z9TDF formulation. The accuracy of the method is discussed.
The relationship between visual field index and estimated number of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

Author(s): Marvasti, Amir H; Tatham, Andrew J; Zangwill, Linda M; Girkin, Christopher A; Liebmann, Jeffrey M; Weinreb, Robert N; Medeiros, Felipe A | Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between visual field index (VFI) and the estimated number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma.MethodsA multicenter study of 1,245 healthy, glaucomatous and suspected glaucomatous eyes of 1,245 subjects recruited from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) and African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES). All eyes underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) and time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT). Estimates of RGC count and percentage of RGCs remaining, compared to age-matched healthy eyes, were calculated from TD-OCT using a previously described formula. Smoothing spline curves were fitted to examine the relationship between VFI and the percent remaining RGCs. The first derivative (i.e., slopes) of these curves was used to explore the relationship between changes in these measures.ResultsThe relationships between the VFI and both estimated RGC counts and the percent remaining RGCs were nonlinear. A unit number of VFI loss corresponded to substantially greater loss of estimated RGCs and estimated percentage of RGCs remaining in early compared to late disease.ConclusionsThe relationship between VFI and estimated RGC counts is nonlinear and the index substantially underestimates the amount of neural loss early in the disease. Disease severity should be taken into account when interpreting rates of VFI change over time.
QUALE: quantum architecture layout evaluator

The theoretical study of quantum computation has yielded efficient algorithms for traditionally very hard problems. Correspondingly, the experimental work on technologies for implementing quantum computers has yielded many of the essential discrete components. Combining these components to produce an efficient and accurate quantum architecture is an open problem and exploring this design space requires an efficient evaluation framework. To date, all such frameworks have been either highly theoretical (ignoring vital issues like spatial constraints, resource contention, and the durative nature of quantum operations), or limited to systems with less than 40 qubits because of reliance on simulating the exact quantum state of qubits in the system. To address these issues the authors present QUALE, a set of tools for the design and analysis of microarchitectures for ion-trap quantum computers. QUALE allows the user to specify a quantum program in an existing quantum language, apply error correction, schedule the resulting computation on a proposed layout, and determine an upper bound on the expected accuracy of the resulting computation. By conducting analysis on a program-architecture pair QUALE takes into account realistic architectural constraints; by targeting simulation to error as opposed to the whole quantum state, QUALE is able to efficiently simulate large systems containing thousands of quantum bits.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A modulated molecular beam study of the extent of H2O dissociation on TiO2(110)

Abstract The adsorption-desorption kinetics of H2O have been studied on three well-defined surface configurations of TiO2(110) using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and modulated molecular beam scattering in order to measure the extent of dissociative adsorption. The condensation coefficient for H2O is unity below 150 K and falls to zero near 200 K. The sticking coefficient is unity for all coverages and temperatures investigated. The adsorption-desorption kinetics are the same on the 1 × 1, 1 × 2 and argonsputtered surfaces at the high coverages probed in TPD measurements. Small differences are observed at coverages between 10−2 and 10−4 monolayers probed in the beam studies. Separate monolayer and multilayer desorption peaks are observed with TPD, but it is not possible to distinguish between dissociative and non-dissociative adsorption based on a peak shape analysis. Based on the temperature dependence of the scattered H2O waveforms and the linearity of the kinetics as revealed by a Fourier analysis of the waveforms, several models for the adsorption-desorption kinetics can be ruled out. These include first- and second-order desorption from a uniform surface, and defect-mediated first-order desorption in the limit of rapid surface diffusion prior to desorption. The data are best fit by a model which assumes first-order desorption from an immobile adsorbate on a heterogeneous surface for all three surface phases. The degree of heterogeneity deduced from the modulated beam measurements is consistent with the TPD data. A very small degree of non-linearity in the desorption kinetics is the only evidence of H2O dissociation for surface temperatures as high as 500 K. We conclude that very few of the water molecules incident on the surface undergo dissociative adsorption, even in the limit of zero coverage.
Colored Charge-Transfer Complexes from N,N-Dimethyl-p-Toluidine

Yellow mixtures form on adding essentially colorless N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) to colorless methacrylate monomers containing phthalate, isophthalate, or terephthalate diester groups. The color-causing interactions between the amines and monomers were investigated using ultraviolet spectroscopy. Equations were derived from predicting interactions between formulation ingredients and DMPT that would lead to undesired color.
Computing with 2 × 2 matrices

Abstract In a precise way the ring of m generic 2 × 2 matrices and related rings are described.
Somatosensory areas S2 and PV project to the superior colliculus of a prosimian primate, Galago garnetti.

As part of an effort to describe the connections of the somatosensory system in Galago garnetti, a small prosimian primate, injections of tracers into cortex revealed that two somatosensory areas, the second somatosensory area (S2) and the parietal ventral somatosensory area (PV), project densely to the ipsilateral superior colliculus, while the primary somatosensory area (S1 or area 3b) does not. The three cortical areas were defined in microelectrode mapping experiments and recordings were used to identify appropriate injection sites in the same cases. Injections of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) were placed in S1 in different mediolateral locations representing body regions from toes to face in five galagos, and none of these injections labeled projections to the superior colliculus. In contrast, each of the two injections in the face representation of S2 in two galagos and three injections in face and forelimb representations of PV in three galagos produced dens...
ROLE OF COMPLEMENT IN NEPHROTOXIC NEPHRITIS.

AN immunological mechanism has been postulated to explain some features of human glomerulonephritis1. In acute glomerulonephritis in man and in the acute stage of experimental nephrotoxic (Masugi) nephritis the level of serum complement (C′) drops2,3 and C′ has been demonstrated in the kidney lesions by immuno-fluorescent techniques4,5. Since C′ is a lytic agent for some bacteria and for isolated mammalian cells ‘sensitized’ by specific antibodies, the question arises whether C′ plays an active or an incidental part in these kidney lesions. The evidence in favour of an active role is, as yet, only circumstantial, since C′ is bound in serological reactions not only when it is necessary for them, as in immune lysis, but also when it is not, as in agglutination or precipitation. More pertinent is the observation that avian antisera, reportedly poor complement fixers, usually cause nephrotoxic nephritis only after a latent period of several days, while rabbit antisera can cause it immediately6. The delayed nephritis has been ascribed to the rat's own antibodies against the heterologous anti-kidney anti-bodies, localized in kidneys. However, this comparison between avian and rabbit antisora is of dubious validity because of our ignorance of the serological specificity of those antisera (which may or may not be identical) as well as of their antibody content (which is usually compared only on the basis of their nephrotoxic effect—the very variable under investigation).
Ballistic-penetration resistance and its measurement

Heretofore, the resistance of a barrier to ballistic penetration has been characterized chiefly by a specific ballistic-limity V50, the velocity at which a specified projectile has an even (50–50) chance of perforating a plate in a specified manner. Conventional procedures for measuringV50 involve statistical sampling. For each situation, a number of rounds must be fired; each round must have the same geometrical attitude at impact.
Increased extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine in cortex and hippocampus following vagus nerve stimulation in the rat

The vagus nerve is an important source of afferent information about visceral states and it provides input to the locus coeruleus (LC), the major source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain. It has been suggested that the effects of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve on learning and memory, mood, seizure suppression, and recovery of function following brain damage are mediated, in part, by the release of brain NE. The hypothesis that left vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) at the cervical level results in increased extracellular NE concentrations in the cortex and hippocampus was tested at four stimulus intensities 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mA. Stimulation at 0.0 and 0.25 mA had no effect on NE concentrations, while the 0.5 mA stimulation increased NE concentrations significantly in the hippocampus (23%), but not the cortex. However, 1.0 mA stimulation significantly increased NE concentrations in both the cortex (39%) and hippocampus (28%) bilaterally. The increases in NE were transient and confined to the stimulation periods. VNS did not alter NE concentrations in either structure during the inter-stimulation baseline periods. No differences were observed between NE levels in the initial baseline and the post-stimulation baselines. These findings support the hypothesis that VNS increases extracellular NE concentrations in both the hippocampus and cortex.
The Dynamic Multimodeling Exchange Language

The web has made it easy to create multimedia content, which is then viewable by the general community at large. By extending multimedia to include the area of modeling, we make it possible to share and process model structures in the same way as the typical web page. For models of the geometric variety, the new X3D (eXtensible 3D) standard will allow sharing and presentation of 3D scene graphs within the web browser. We have created a dynamic model counterpart to X3D, which we call DXL (Dynamics eXchange Language). DXL is low-level XML-based language, comprising blocks, ports, and connectors. We will define how DXL is used for constructing individual level models, as well as multimodels over multiple abstraction layers.
Quartz-ceramic batchers for steelcasting on CICM

The material VIO-20N based on fused quartz does not react with chrome-nickel alloys and is not wetted by their melts. Tests carried out with floating bowls of this material demonstrated the efficient action of flat-bottomed batchers in the casting of chrome-nickel alloys.