cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lithium-chloride-induced conditioned taste aversions in the Lewis and Fischer 344 rat strains

Conditioned taste aversions (CTAs) are differentially induced by cocaine and morphine in the Lewis and Fisher 344 (LEW and F344, respectively) rat strains. Although the acquisition of LiCl-induced aversions has recently been reported to be comparable between the two strains, these aversions were induced by the oral consumption of LiCl, and the possibility exists that, given their different weights, that differential doses were functionally administered. To address the issue of LiCl-induced aversions in LEW and F344 rats (and to control for this possible confound), the present study assessed the ability of intraperitoneally (ip) administered LiCl to induce aversions in the two strains. Specifically, rats from both strains were given 20-min access to saccharin and injected immediately, thereafter, with 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2 mEq/kg, 0.15 M LiCl (or its distilled water vehicle). Under these conditions, both strains acquired dose-dependent aversions that increased over repeated trials. Although there was no overall strain difference in LiCl-induced aversions, LEW rats displayed a stronger aversion at the 0.3 mEq/kg dose (on Trial 3) and acquired the aversion at this dose more rapidly than the F344 rats did (by Trial 2 vs. Trial 3). Although evident, this strain difference with LiCl does not parallel that reported with morphine (in which F344 rats are more sensitive than LEW rats) or with cocaine (in which the differences between LEW and F344 rats are larger and occur at more doses and on more trials). These cross-drug comparisons suggest that strain differences in aversion learning are drug dependent. Because drug acceptability has been reported to be a function of the balance between the reinforcing and aversive effects of various compounds, the examination of possible strain differences in aversion learning with a range of such compounds may provide insight into drug acceptability (and use) in these strains.
Testability and Ockham’s Razor: How Formal and Statistical Learning Theory Converge in the New Riddle of Induction

Nelson Goodman’s new riddle of induction forcefully illustrates a challenge that must be confronted by any adequate theory of inductive inference: provide some basis for choosing among alternative hypotheses that fit past data but make divergent predictions. One response to this challenge is to distinguish among alternatives by means of some epistemically significant characteristic beyond fit with the data. Statistical learning theory takes this approach by showing how a concept similar to Popper’s notion of degrees of testability is linked to minimizing expected predictive error. In contrast, formal learning theory appeals to Ockham’s razor, which it justifies by reference to the goal of enhancing efficient convergence to the truth. In this essay, I show that, despite their differences, statistical and formal learning theory yield precisely the same result for a class of inductive problems that I call strongly VC ordered, of which Goodman’s riddle is just one example.
Capacity Planning for Large Multilocation Systems: Approximate and Incomplete Dynamic Programming Approaches

Methods for planning capacity expansion typically have been restricted to problems with many locations in a static environment or a few locations in a dynamic environment. Two approaches are developed here for dynamic capacity planning problems with many locations. The first is an approximate approach based on an equivalent annual cost measure, and the second is a procedure for systematic improvement of the approximate solution. The method for improvement is called “incomplete dynamic programming” since it consists of an approximation to the first cycle of the dynamic programming policy iteration approach. Computational results are reported for tests of the methods against dynamic programming solutions for small problems. Applications are made to two versions of a large-scale problem of planning capacity expansion for India's nitrogenous fertilizer industry, and results are compared with those for other approaches.
The linear arrangement problem on recursively constructed graphs

The linear arrangement problem on graphs is a relatively old and quite well-known problem. Hard in general, it remains open on general recursive graphs (i.e., partial k-trees, etc.), which is somewhat frustrating since most hard graph problems are easily solved on recursive graphs. In this paper, we examine the linear arrangement problem with respect to these structures. Included are some negative (complexity) results as well as a solvable case. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Membranes with Myotoxin A Isolated from Crotalus viridis viridis Venom Studied by Raman Spectroscopy

Myotoxin a is a muscle-degenerating toxin isolated from the venom of Crotalus viridis viridis (prairie rattlesnake). It is composed of 42 amino acid residues with four disulfide bonds. The presence of myotoxin a and related myotoxins is common in various snake venoms. It was found recently that myotoxin a is an uncoupler of calcium ion influx in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Myotoxin a is known to interact with artificial membranes. Since the biological action of myotoxin a affects the calcium pump that is present in the SR membranes, it is of interest to investigate the interaction of SR membrane with myotoxin a by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is particularly useful in membrane study because the C-C and C-H stretching vibrational bands are particularly sensitive in phospholipid phase transition from gel to liquid crystal.
Relationships among some chi-square goodness of fit statistics

Relationekips among the Rao-Robson, Dzhaparidze-Xikulin, and Pearson-Fisher chi-square goodness of fit statistics are estabiished. These statistics are also shown to be related to a atatistic which compares the msximum likelihood estimator baaed on the original observations with the maximum iikeirhood estimator based on the cell frequencies and a statistic proposed by Hauan. These relationahipa are used as a basis to underarand the performance of the atatistice and to suggest a new goodness of fit statiatic.
On relations of electromagnetism in the international and Gaussian systems of units

A method of direct informal mutual conversion in the Maxwell equations and in the main laws of electromagnetism from the International System of Units (SI) to the Gaussian GS system of units and vice versa is proposed.
Automated localization of nerve damage: hypothesis, technique and performance appraisal

Abstract Needle-EMG is a common procedure performed and relied on by neurologists, physiatrists and neurosurgeons to localize focal nerve damage. However, despite its popularity, there is no standardization of this diagnostic process rendering it error prone. An automated diagnostic program may help the electromyographer by providing an objective second opinion and a statistical measure of its strength. Such a program is presented and evaluated in this manuscript. The electromyographer samples a set of muscles and grades each muscle for neuropathic changes. The Program accepts the electromyographer’s graded muscle set. The Program then compares it to muscle-sets derived from all possible combinations of nerve damage and finds that combination that results in the best match. The latter is the anatomical diagnosis. Eighty-five cases from the literature, each with an impartial expert diagnosis, were analyzed using this Program. The Program precisely matched the expert electromyographers’ diagnoses in 79% of the cases, partially matched in 15%, and did not match in 6% of the cases. In the latter, not necessarily the Program was in error. The Program proved to be a reliable diagnostic tool that may help electromyographers by offering a second opinion. It may also assist in teaching of residents and fellows.
Deposition of Straight Chain Aggregates in the Human Lung

A mathematical model is developed to determine the deposition of straight chain aggregates in the human respiratory tract. The expressions for collection efficiencies of various deposition mechanisms, both in the airways and in the head region, are derived. Total and regional results are obtained for aggregates of different primary sphere diameters and for different numbers of spheres in the chain.
The Role of Globalization, Time Acceleration, and Virtual Global Teams in Fostering Successful Global Product Launches

The present article presents a conceptualization of how firms can respond to the issues of globalization and time-based competition through the use of virtual global teams to foster successful global product launches. It is argued that by combining input, managerial, and transformation-based competencies effectively, the firm can configure a repertoire of strategic choices (e.g., marketing plans throughout the product development process) based on the national competitive environment, while at the same time being mindful of the need to maintain consistency within the firm's intermediaries operations—both in product development and global product launch. It is further argued that the linkages between globalization and time-based competition necessitate managerial adjustments in decision frameworks to incorporate accelerated timescapes to maximize effectiveness in global product launch. In an effort to capture the varying impact of time on global decision makers a timescapes perspective is employed, where timescapes are analogous to landscapes because they include the temporal features of socioeconomic events in a variety of socially constructed contexts inclusive of timeframe, tempo, degree of path dependency, synchronization of events, sequence, anticipation, and ubiquity. The recognition of timescapes accentuates the contextual complexity of competition and creates the interface among events, environments, and individuals beyond the traditional numeric concept of clock time, thus requiring modification of a manager's decision-making perspective. Further, it is argued that due to the rapid pace of globalization, many multinationals in their global product launches require that products, services, technical support, and prices throughout the world need to be coordinated. To effectively accomplish this goal of coordination as an accommodation, firms and their networks can form global virtual teams (i.e., culturally diverse, geographically dispersed, electronically communicating work group of members, who think and act in concert with the diversity of the global environment and intermediary needs–expectations) to enhance global product launch success. Lastly, it is argued that the hypercompetitive global marketplace cannot be managed ex post due to the level of cognitive complexity but must be managed ex ante by developing strategies capable of maintaining flexibility. To accomplish the task of competing in a hypercompetitive landscape, management must understand and incorporate a timescape of events that integrates the various perspectives of those involved in the global product development and launch decision-making processes. Without a well-articulated perspective of social time, managers will limit their ability to effectively coordinate global product development and launch across markets, thus hindering the firm's ability to maximize returns.
Influence of age, sex, and cold exposure on susceptibility to reserpine-induced gastric lesions.

Abstract Reserpine-induced lesions in Osborne-Mendel rats were influenced by age, sex, and cold exposure during a 7-hour test period. Gastric lesions did not develop in 24-hour-old rats given reserpine at a dose of 20 mg/kg. In 10-day-old rats, small gastric lesions developed in 4 of 30 at a dose of 2 mg/kg and in 13 of 20 at 20 mg/kg. A lesion severity index was used for the 3-week-old, 7-week-old, and 20-week-old groups because of the high incidence of lesions (95–100%). Lesion scores in the 3-week-old group increased with time after reserpine (5–7 hours) and with dose (2–10 mg/kg), but a sex difference or a cold stress difference, which was observed in the 7-week-old and 20-week-old animals, was not seen. Fewer than 1% of controls given saline showed lesions. Seven-week-old male rats had significantly higher ulcer scores than females at 22° for the 7-hour test period at 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg doses of reserpine. Both males and females in this age group had higher ulcer scores at 5° than at 22°. Twenty-week-old males had slightly higher ulcer scores than females at 5, 6, and 7 hours of observation; both sexes showed an enhancement of the reserpine-induced ulcer effect when exposed to 5°. The body temperatures of the 20-week-old animals were followed during the study. Control rats were able to maintain their body temperatures at both 22° and 5°, whereas reserpine-treated rats showed decreased body temperatures at 22° and 5°. The decrease in body temperature was more pronounced at 5° than at 22° in the reserpine-treated rats.
Latex: A potential hidden “food” allergen in fast food restaurants

cologist when the procedure was prematurely terminated. The extracts used for RASTs were primarily carbohydrate. Protein was measured with the Pierce protein assay reagent (Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.) with a bovine serum albumin reference. The supernatant of the aqueous extract of L. saccharina, prepared from 20.3 mg/ml, contained 7 Ixg/ml of protein. The purified laminarin at 10.2 mg/ml contained about 0.5 txg/ml of protein or 0.005%. The tents did not contain sufficient material to analyze for protein. It appears that the allergen may be the carbohydrate, but it is not possible to rule out that the activity results from the trace amount of protein in the purified carbohydrate. Although postcoital allergy to proteins in human seminal fluid is a well-recognized syndrome, there are few reports in the literature of anaphylaxis in response to pharmaceutical agents applied intracervically. Two cases of anaphylactic reactions to bovine serum albumin during artificial insemina-tion were recently reported, g, 5 These reports show the potential risks of repeated exposure to allergenic substances by this route.
DC reactive magnetron sputtered NbN thin films prepared with and without hollow cathode enhancement

A comparison was made between NbN thin films prepared with and without hollow cathode enhancement of DC reactive magnetron sputtering. The hollow cathode arc source is used in a triode configuration with the magnetron. This design allows sputtering to take place at pressures as low as 5*10/sup -4/ torr and has been shown to improve process control in the sputtering of oxides from metal targets. These films were investigated for application in NbN Josephson junctions. Film deposition parameters have been related to growth rate, stoichiometry as measured by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), transition temperature, growth texture as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD,), and ellipsometric parameters. The relationships were investigated using factorial experimental design. An important pressure-power interaction which leaves T/sub c/ nearly invariant was observed. This interaction is explained in terms of the counteracting effects of ion bombardment. The maximum T/sub c/'s achieved were 14.18 K and 14.75 K with and without the use of the hollow cathode, respectively. The data suggest that the effect of the hollow cathode is to increase ion bombardment of the substrate, at least when used with small magnetrons.
Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor–mediated Transport of Sulfamidase Across the Blood–brain Barrier in the Newborn Mouse

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA), which is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by inherited deficiency of sulfamidase, is characterized by severe, progressive central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to treat CNS storage is challenging, because the access of enzymes to the brain is restricted by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In a prior study, we found that phosphorylated β-glucuronidase (P-GUS) could be transcytosed across the BBB in newborn mice by the mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) receptor. In order to determine whether sulfamidase can utilize this pathway, we examined brain influx and the specificity of uptake of sulfamidase after intravenous (IV) injection in 2-day-old and 8-week-old mice. [131I]Sulfamidase was transported across the BBB in neonates at rates higher than that of simultaneously injected [125I]albumin. In contrast, the transport of [131I]sulfamidase was negligible in 8-week-old mice, thereby showing that the BBB transport mechanism is developmentally downregulated. Capillary depletion revealed that 83.7% of the [131I]sulfamidase taken up by the brain was in the parenchyma, demonstrating transfer across the capillary wall. The uptake of [131I]sulfamidase into the brain was significantly reduced by co-injections of M6P and P-GUS. That is, the transport of sulfamidase into the brain parenchyma in early postnatal life is mediated by the M6P receptor, which is shared with P-GUS and is likely accessible to other M6P-containing lysosomal enzymes.
Modern techniques in osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus

Abstract Osteoplastic flap access to the frontal sinus remains a valuable approach for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions of the sinus and posterior table, as well as for sinus obliteration. Even in the age of endoscopic sinus surgery, frontal sinus obliteration remains a definitive procedure for control of severe frontal sinus disease. Obliteration is successful in 90% of cases, despite these patients having had multiple prior surgeries. We present techniques for safe elevation of an osteoplastic flap and effective methods of sinus obliteration. Management of complications is also discussed.
Time-series measurement of hydrothermal heat flux at the Grotto mound, Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge

Abstract Continuous time-series observations are key to understanding the temporal evolution of a seafloor hydrothermal system and its interplay with thermal and chemical processes in the ocean and Earth interior. In this paper, we present a 26-month time series of the heat flux driving a hydrothermal plume on the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge obtained using the Cabled Observatory Vent Imaging Sonar (COVIS). Since 2010, COVIS has been connected to the North East Pacific Time-series Underwater Networked Experiment (NEPTUNE) observatory that provides power and real-time data transmission. The heat flux time series has a mean value of 18.10 MW and a standard deviation of 6.44 MW. The time series has no significant global trend, suggesting the hydrothermal heat source remained steady during the observation period. The steadiness of the hydrothermal heat source coincides with reduced seismic activity at Endeavour observed in the seismic data recorded by an ocean bottom seismometer from 2011 to 2013. Furthermore, first-order estimation of heat flux based on the temperature measurements made by the Benthic and Resistivity Sensors (BARS) at a neighboring vent also supports the steadiness of the hydrothermal heat source.
Aprotinin, but not ε-aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid, exerts neuroprotection against excitotoxic injury in an in vitro neuronal cell culture model

Objective Lack of availability of aprotinin has resulted in increased clinical use of the alternative antifibrinolytic agents, e-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA), which are known to be associated with an increased risk of seizures. In contrast, aprotinin has previously been demonstrated to be neuroprotective through suppression of excitotoxicity-mediated neuronal degeneration via the extracellular plasminogen/plasmin system. This study compares the effect of antifibrinolytic agents on neuronal and mixed glial/neuronal cell cultures. Methods Mixed cortical cultures containing neuronal and glial cells were prepared from fetal mice and plated on a layer of confluent astrocytes from postnatal pups. A primary neuronal culture was obtained from the same gestational stage and plated in multiwall vessels. Slowly triggered excitotoxicity was induced by 24-hour exposure to 12.5 mM N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA). Apoptotic neuronal cell death was induced by exposure of primary neural cultures to 24 hours of serum deprivation. Results Compared with NMDA alone, no significant changes in cell death were observed for any dose of TXA or EACA in mixed cultures. Conversely, a clinical dose of aprotinin significantly reduced cell death by −31% on average. Aprotinin reduced apoptotic neuronal cell death from 75% to 37.3%, and to 34.1% at concentrations of 100 and 200 kIU/mL, respectively, and significantly decreased neuronal nuclear damage. These concentrations of aprotinin significantly inhibited caspase 9 and 3/7 activations; 250 kIU/mL aprotinin exerted maximal protection on primary cortical neurons. Conclusions In contrast to aprotinin, EACA and TXA exert no protective effect against excitotoxic neuronal injury that can occur during cardiac surgery.
Th1/M1 Conversion to Th2/M2 Responses in Models of Inflammation Lacking Cell Death Stimulates Maturation of Monocyte Precursors to Fibroblasts

We have demonstrated that cardiac fibrosis arises from the differentiation of monocyte-derived fibroblasts. We present here evidence that this process requires sequential Th1 and Th2 induction promoting analogous M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated) macrophage polarity. Our models are: (1) mice subjected to daily repetitive ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) without infarction and (2) the in vitro transmigration of human mononuclear leukocytes through human cardiac microvascular endothelium. In the mouse heart, leukocytes entered after I/R in response to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which is the major cytokine induced by this protocol. Monocytes within the heart then differentiated into fibroblasts making collagen while bearing the markers of M2 macrophages. T cells were seen in these hearts as well as in the human heart with cardiomyopathy. In the in vitro model, transmigration of the leukocytes was likewise induced by MCP-1 and some monocytes matured into fibroblasts bearing M2 markers. In this model, the MCP-1 stimulus induced a transient Th1 and M1 response that developed into a predominantly Th2 and M2 response. An increase in the Th2 product IL-13 was present in both the human and the mouse models, consistent with its known role in fibrosis. In these simplified models, in which there is no cell death to stimulate an anti-inflammatory response, there is nonetheless a resolution of inflammation enabling a profibrotic environment. This induces the maturation of monocyte precursors into fibroblasts.
Sputum matrix metalloproteases: comparison between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Summary Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are different conditions with contrasting airway inflammation and parenchymal disease patterns. A number of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of COPD and asthma. Different profiles of airway MMPs may, therefore, be expected in asthma and COPD. The present study compared MMP profiles in the airways of non-smokers, non-symptomatic cigarette smokers, and patients with COPD or asthma ( n = 15 subjects per group). Induced sputum was assessed for MMP-1, -2, -3, -8 and -9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 by ELISA. Gelatinase activity was determined by zymography. Sputum from COPD patients contained increased levels of MMP-1, -8 and -9 compared with the other groups (2–7-fold, depending upon group). MMP-9 activity was elevated in COPD sputum by 3–12-fold above the other groups. Sputum from COPD patients had 3-fold higher levels of TIMP-1 than samples from asthmatics or controls, but was not different to smokers. FEV 1 correlated negatively with MMP-1, -8, -9, MMP-9 activity and TIMP-1, whereas percent neutrophils in sputum correlated positively with MMP-1, -8, -9, TIMP-1 and MMP-9 activity. The MMP profile in COPD differs to that in asthma and cigarette smokers. This may contribute to, or be a marker of, different pathophysiologies of asthma and COPD.
A value analysis method for the evaluation of telecommunication systems bid proposals

The drafting of technical specifications and the evaluation of proposals are important steps in the procurement of equipment and/or systems of a complex nature such as those used for telecommunications. Many times, success in the procurement of goods depends on the accuracy of the technical specifications and on the evaluation techniques used to select the best proposals. Two classic methods used for the evaluation of proposals are discussed and described. In addition, a third method, based on multiple binary decisions that can best be applied if taken into consideration when drafting the bid specifications, is described. This last method leads the evaluation process through a series of simple, binary decisions based on preestablished criteria, minimizing the addition of value judgements during the evaluation process.
Deposition patterns of ragweed pollen in the human respiratory tract

Abstract Inhaled particle deposition sites must be identified to effectively treat human airway diseases. We have determined distribution patterns of a selected aeroallergen, ragweed pollen, among human extrathoracic (ET: i.e., oro-nasopharyngeal) regions and the lung. A predictive model validated by inhalation exposure data from human subjects was utilized. Deposition locations were primarily functions of 1. ragweed particle parameters (size: 14–20 μm, shape: spherical, and density: 1.14 g cm-3) and 2. mode of breathing. In the general population, two styles of inhalation are prevalent: normal augmentors (NAs), and mouth breathers (MBs), their clinical definitions are based on intra-ET airflow divisions. For a NA-mode breathing, sedentary (10 L min-1) adult, 88% of inhaled ragweed pollen was removed by the ET compartment and 7% collected within the lung. For a MB, the respective deposition efficiencies were 68% and 25%. To apply the model, we used a daily springtime ragweed pollen concentration of 300 gr...
Allee dynamics generated by protection mutualisms can drive oscillations in trophic cascades

Understanding the relative effect of top predators and primary producers on intermediate trophic levels is a key question in ecology. Most previous work, however, has not considered either realistic nonlinearities in feedback between trophic levels or the effect of mutualists on trophic cascades. Here, we develop a realistic model for a protection mutualism that explicitly includes interactions between a protected herbivore and both its food plant and generalist predators. In the absence of protection, herbivores and plant resources approach a stable equilibrium, provided that predation is not so high as to cause herbivore extinction. In contrast, adding protection by mutualists increases the range of dynamical outcomes to include unstable equilibria, stable and unstable limit cycles, and heteroclinic orbits. By reducing the impact of predators, protection by mutualists can allow herbivores to exert strong negative effects on their host plants, which in turn can lead to repeated cycles of overexploitation and recovery. Our results indicate that it may be essential to consider protection mutualisms to understand the dynamics of trophic cascades. Conversely, it may be essential to explicitly include dynamical feedback between plants and herbivores to fully understand the population and community dynamical consequences of protection mutualism.
Fundamental considerations in the chemotherapy of acute pneumonias

Abstract The present treatment programs prescribed for the acute pneumonias have been helpful in reducing mortality and morbidity rates. Attainment of truly satisfactory results, however, has not been reached despite the availability of many antimicrobial agents. Many infections simple to treat, such as pneumococcic pneumonia, have been made more complicated by the common prescription of antibiotics in excessive, clumsy and expensive fashion. Other pneumonias, viral in origin, are being needlessly treated with drugs and probably often should not be. Klebsiella pneumonia can be made a less morbid and mortal infection in certain instances by combined therapy with massive amounts of both penicillin and streptomycin, in addition to one of the tetracyclines. These and other considerations in the chemotherapy of acute pulmonary infections have been discussed. Most importantly, however, it is emphasized that unless each patient with pneumonia is studied carefully and even exhaustively prior to prescription of drugs, knowledge will not be increased and the unsolved problems will remain needlessly enigmatic. It has been shown that the morbidity and mortality of acute pulmonary infections can be reduced impressively; from 1900 to 1948 there were yearly improvements. However, they are not yet perfect and should be better. The empiric prescription of antimicrobial agents for all pneumonia may be lulling too many physicians into a state of false security about the infection. Further careful and detailed studies into the many unanswered problems about pneumonia are warranted and are encouraged.
Relaxation-induced anxiety: additional findings.

Students in an undergraduate psychology course were given the opportunity to take a pill containing either meprobamate or aspirin prior to a classroom examination. The drug interacted with sex, with women benefitting from meprobamate and men's performance being depressed. The author interprets these results as related to Heide and Borkovec's findings that relaxation may induce anxiety.
Cytokine regulation of interleukin-6 gene expression in astrocytes involves activation of an NF-κ B-like nuclear protein

The cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression in astrocytes. The molecular mechanism(s) by which these cytokines activate IL-6 expression was examined by transient transfection of the human IL-6 promoter linked to the reporter gene CAT (IL-6-CAT) in primary rat astrocytes. We show that both IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha exert their effects through the IL-6 promoter to increase CAT activity, indicating that the cytokines act at the transcriptional level. Use of deletion mutants revealed that the NF-kappa B-like binding site is required for cytokine induction of IL-6 promoter activity. The correlary effects of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha on DNA-binding proteins specific for this element were examined. Treatment of astrocytes with either cytokine leads to a rapid activation (15 min) of a nuclear protein which specifically complexes with the NF-kappa B-like binding region in the IL-6 promoter. These results suggest that TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta activate IL-6 gene expression in astrocytes by a mechanism(s) involving activation of an NF-kappa B-like protein.
P2X7 Receptor Inhibition Increases CNTF in the Subventricular Zone, But Not Neurogenesis or Neuroprotection After Stroke in Adult Mice

Increasing endogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) expression with a pharmacological agent might be beneficial after stroke as CNTF both promotes neurogenesis and, separately, is neuroprotective. P2X7 purinergic receptor inhibition is neuroprotective in rats and increases CNTF release in rat CMT1A Schwann cells. We, first, investigated the role of P2X7 in regulating CNTF and neurogenesis in adult mouse subventricular zone (SVZ). CNTF expression was increased by daily intravenous injections of the P2X7 antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG) in naive C57BL/6 or Balb/c mice over 3 days. Despite the ~40–60 % increase or decrease in CNTF with BBG or the agonist BzATP, respectively, the number of proliferated BrdU + SVZ nuclei did not change. BBG failed to increase FGF2, which is involved in CNTF-regulated neurogenesis, but induced IL-6, LIF, and EGF, which are known to reduce SVZ proliferation. Injections of IL-6 next to the SVZ induced CNTF and FGF2, but not proliferation, suggesting that IL-6 counteracts their neurogenesis-inducing effects. Following ischemic injury of the striatum by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), a 3-day BBG treatment increased CNTF in the medial penumbra containing the SVZ. BBG also induced CNTF and LIF, which are known to be protective following stroke, in the whole striatum after MCAO, but not GDNF or BDNF. However, BBG treatment did not reduce the lesion area or apoptosis in the penumbra. Even so, this study shows that P2X7 can be targeted with systemic drug treatments to differentially regulate neurotrophic factors in the brain following stroke.
Incidence and Prevalence of Dating Partner Abuse and Its Relationship to Dating Practices

Although physical violence between couples has been widely researched, few estimates of the extent of psychological abuse between intimates have been published. A sample of 623 college-age women completed the Abusive Behavior Inventory with reference to the previous 6-month period (incidence) and their entire dating history (prevalence). The 6-month incidence rate of physical abuse (26.8%) was comparable to previously reported rates. Over 77% reported experiencing some form of psychological abuse during the same 6-month period. Lifetime prevalence was 43.1% for physical abuse and 91.2% for any psychologically abusive incident. Participant responses estimating the number of previous sexual and emotional partners, the amount of perceived male partner control in the typical relationship, and the length of the typical relationship accounted for a small but significant proportion of the variance in levels of both physical and psychological abuse.
Pediatric hydration therapy: historical review and a new approach.

A 4-year-old boy weighing 15 kg presented with a 3-day history of vomiting, decreased appetite, and 2 days of nonbloody diarrhea. He was “warm to the touch” according to the parents, but no direct measurement of temperature was taken. An older sibling had had a similar illness 5 days prior to the onset of vomiting by the patient. For the previous 2 days, the patient had ingested only water, apple juice, and non-cola soft drinks. The parents believed that his urine output had dropped but only in the previous 12 hours. The patient’s past medical history and review of systems were unremarkable. He took no medications on a chronic basis, although acetaminophen in appropriate doses was used by the family “when the child felt warm” (2–3 times/day). On physical examination, he was mildly irritable and appeared somewhat uncomfortable while sitting quietly on his parent’s lap. The oral temperature was 38.2◦C;
Disclosure of HIV Serostatus to Sex Partners: A New Approach to Measurement

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess measurement of full HIV serostatus disclosure (before sex), delayed disclosure (after sex), and no disclosure to both current and recent past (in the last year) sex partners.Goal:The goal of this study was to propose a refined measure of HIV disclo
Lactic dehydrogenase activities in invertebrates in relation to environment and mode of gas exchange

Abstract 1. 1. Specimens of ten genera of arthropods and annelids were homogenized and centrifuged, and the lactic dehydrogenase activities of the supernatants were determined. 2. 2. The insects which obtain oxygen through tracheae had markedly lower LDH activities than the organisms which obtain oxygen through gills or the body surface. 3. 3. Organisms which can survive anoxia had essentially the same LDH activity as organisms which cannot survive anoxia. 4. 4. Previous exposure to anoxia did not affect the LDH activity of Chironomus larvae.
Dynamics and intrinsic statistical fluctuations of a gene switch.

We studied a simple gene regulatory network, the toggle switch. Specifically, we examined the means and statistical fluctuations in numbers of proteins. We found that when ω, the ratio of rates of protein−gene unbinding to protein degradation, was between ∼10-3 and ∼10, the fluctuations were much larger than those we would have expected from Poisson statistics. In addition, we examined characteristic time values for system relaxation and found both that they increased with ω and that they have significant phase transition effects, with a secondary time scale appearing near the boundary between bistable and other phases. Last, we discuss the bistability of the toggle switch.
A note on numerical accuracy

Evaluation de la precision des solutions numeriques d'equations aux derivees partielles en particulier en mecanique des fluides
Formation of monazite via prograde metamorphic reactions among common silicates: implications for age determinations

Abstract Three lines of evidence from schists of the Great Smoky Mountains, NC, indicate that isogradic monazite growth occurred at the staurolite-in isograd at ∼600°C: (1) Monazite is virtually absent below the staurolite-in isograd, but is ubiquitous (several hundred grains per thin section) in staurolite- and kyanite-grade rocks. (2) Many monazite grains are spatially associated with biotite coronas around garnets, formed via the reaction Garnet + Chlorite + Muscovite = Biotite + Plagioclase + Staurolite + H2O. (3) Garnets contain high-Y annuli that result from prograde dissolution of garnet via the staurolite-in reaction, followed by regrowth, and rare monazite inclusions occur immediately outside the annulus and in the matrix, but not in the garnet core. Larger monazite grains also exhibit quasi-continuous Th zoning with high Th cores and low Th rims, consistent with monazite growth via a single reaction and fractional crystallization during prograde growth. Common silicates may host sufficient P and LREEs that reactions among them can produce observable LREE phosphate. Specifically phosphorus contents of garnet and plagioclase are hundreds of parts per million, and dissolution of garnet and recrystallization of plagioclase could form thousands of phosphate grains several micrometers in diameter per thin section. LREEs may be more limiting, but sheet silicates and plagioclase can contain tens to ∼100 (?) ppm LREE, so recrystallization of these silicates to lower LREE contents could produce hundreds of grains of monazite per thin section. Monazite ages, determined via electron and ion microprobes, are ∼400 Ma, directly linking prograde Barrovian metamorphism of the Western Blue Ridge with the “Acadian” orogeny, in contrast to previous interpretations that metamorphism was “Taconian” (∼450 Ma). Interpretation of ages from metamorphic monazite grains will require prior chemical characterization and identification of relevant monazite-forming reactions, including reactions previously viewed as involving solely common silicates.
The effect of botulinum: A toxin on patients with severe urge urinary incontinence

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined the effect of 150 units of botulinum-A toxin (Botox, Allergan, Irvine, California) on subjects with severe urge urinary incontinence (UUI).Materials and Methods: This was an open label uncontrolled clinical trial. Subjects were recruited from the female urology and urogynecology clinics at Duke University. Inclusion criteria included evidence of UUI on 3-day bladder diary, a 24-hour pad weight of 100 gm or greater, absent or minimal stress leakage, absent detrusor dysfunction, and a history of failed anticholinergic and physical therapies. Exclusion criteria included evidence of a urinary tract infection, or other correctable or neurological etiology for UUI. The detrusor of each subject was injected with 150 units of botulinum-A toxin. Evaluations were performed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after injection. Outcome measures included daily incontinence episodes, Urogenital Distress Inventory and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, 24-hour pad weights, daily ...
Toxicity identification evaluation of wet and dry weather runoff from the Tijuana River

2 , two-thirds of which is in Mexico, lies astride the California-Baja California section of the United States-Mexico Border. For decades, raw sewage from the city of Tijuana, Mexico has flowed into the Tijuana River and across the international border into the United States. Rapid population growth and urbanization, poor land-use practices, and inadequate sewage treatment and collection facilities (Ganster 1996) have caused pollution in Mexico. The fastest growing aspect of Tijuana industry has been the maquiladoras, which are companies that import components for assembly and re-export. The maquiladora industry, fueled primarily by foreign investment, has grown faster than the capability of the municipality to deliver services to them. Moreover, the lack of pollution prevention measures for industry and other businesses in Tijuana, coupled with a deficiency in proper enforcement of existing regulations, has generated non-point source pollution that contaminates the Tijuana River (SCCWRP 1992). As part of a 1988 study of toxicity of surface runoff in a number of southern California rivers, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) measured the toxicity of runoff from the Tijuana River using the Microtox TM test based on bacterial photoluminescence (SCCWRP 1990). Samples from the Tijuana River had the highest flow-weighted toxicity among all the rivers sampled, perhaps due to the raw sewage and industrial wastes discharged into the river south of the International Border. In light of the rapid increase in industrial development of the Tijuana region over the past decade, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of both wet and dry weather runoff from the Tijuana River using the standard test organism Ceriodaphnia dubia. Toxicity identification evaluations (TIE) were also performed in order to determine the general category of chemicals that caused such toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Reliability analysis of a low voltage power supply design for the front-end electronics of the atlas tile calorimeter

We present a reliability study on a new low voltage power supply design for the front-end electronics of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter. Using the reliability data from the manufacturers of the components, we derive an estimate of the expected number of failures per year during the normal operating lifetime of the power supply bricks. This may be useful for other power supply designs or front-end electronics designs where high reliability is required. We discuss the factors in the design that limit reliability, and present conclusions for improvements to the power distribution system for the LHC Phase 2 upgrade.
Combining site specificity of antipneumococcal type VIII horse immunoglobulins cross-reactive with mild acid-treated Xanthomonas campestris polysaccharide

Following mild acid treatment (pH 1.1 for 1 h at 100°C), the extracellular polysaccharide of Xanthomonas campestris (NRRL B-1459) acquires a weak cross-reactivity with horse antipneumococcal type VIII (anti-Pn VIII) serum. The interaction of mild acid-treated xanthomonal polysaccharide with anti-Pn VIII was examined by quantitative precipitation and hapten inhibition and compared with data similarly obtained for oat glucan. Immunoglobulins isolated by a cellobiose-strong salt extraction of specific precipitates formed by anti-Pn VIII with xanthomonal antigen, oat glucan, lichenin, and types III and VIII Pn capsular polysaccharides were identified by the use of monospecific anti-equine heavy chain reagents. Various oligosaccharides, including di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentasaccharides of β -(1 →4)-linked glucose as well as G β (1→3) G β (1→4)G and G β (1→3) G β (1→4) G β (1→4)G, were assayed for their ability to inhibit anti-Pn VIII precipitation by xanthomonal antigen. The inhibition data obtained show that combining sites of antibody cross-precipitated by xanthomonal antigen optimally accommodate a cellodextrin structure consisting of a terminal or internal sequence of only two β -(1→4)-linked glucose units. Inhibition data showing an ordering (cellopentaose = cellotetraose > cellotriose > cellobiose) in the relative ability of cellodextrins to inhibit oat glucan precipitation establish that a sequence for four consecutive glucose units in β -(1→4) linkage provides the optimal cellodextrin ligand structure accommodated by combining sites of the anti-Pn VIII fraction interacting with oat glucan.
Scheduling of Verticillium lecanii and Benomyl Applications to Maintain Aphid (Homoptera: Aphidae) Control on Chrysanthemums in Greenhouses

A commercial formulation of Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.) Viegas (Vertalec, Tate and Lyle, Reading, Great Britain) was evaluated to determine its efficacy in controlling the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the chrysanthemum aphid, Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette), on chrysanthemums in greenhouses, its persistence on chrysanthemum foliage, and the effect of benomyl foliar sprays on its activity. A single aqueous spray of Vertalec consistently and effectively controlled M. persicae. However, control of M. sanborni was inconsistent and commercially unacceptable. The half-life of conidia on chrysanthemum foliage at humidity levels ranging daily from ca. 65 to 90% RH was 4.18 ± 0.152 days. Viable spores were detected for as long as 2 weeks after treatment. Benomyl applied as a foliar spray inhibited Vertalec activity when the fungicide was applied 3 days before and immediately before Vertalec applications. Spray intervals of ∼7 days between a Vertalec application and a previous benomyl application appeared to have no deleterious effects on the bioaphicide.
High versus low performing virtual design teams: a preliminary analysis of communication

One way that firms have adapted to competitive pressures in today's global marketplace is to use asynchronous communication technologies to support virtual project teams. To better understand the effectiveness of these dispersed teams, we compare the asynchronous communication transcripts of high and low performing virtual teams working on the early stages of software design. We also compare these results with data gathered from actual design teams working in a traditional face-to-face environment. Preliminary findings show that the high performing virtual teams significantly out-communicated the low performing virtual teams in terms of the number of lines communicated between team members. High performing teams sent more communications regarding design alternatives and also spent considerably more effort summarizing their work and discussing the write-up of the design deliverable. Additionally, high performing teams mirrored the face-to-face teams from the field study in terms of the distribution of communication covering various design activities.
Lidar observations of a large high-altitude sporadic Na layer during active aurora

A large sporadic Na layer was observed near 109 km during active aurora at Poker Flat, Alaska, on the night of 12–13 January 1996. This sporadic layer is significantly denser and broader than previously reported thermospheric sporadic layers; having a peak concentration equal to the peak concentration of the background Na layer, a FWHM of 4.7 km, and a column abundance of 40% of the background Na layer. The appearence of the Nas layer coincided with a significant OH temperature gradient across the sky but did not coincide with the presence of a discrete arc overhead nor a distinct signature in the local magnetometer data. The presence of such a large amount of neutral Na at these altitudes contradicts the current models of Nas layer formation. The observations are discussed in the light of other observations, current models, layered auroral phenomena, and meteoric ablation.
Network effects of age-related NMDA reduction in a model of working memory

Specific cognitive deficits in working memory tasks are associated with normal aging in humans and nonhuman primates, even in the absence of pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease. Because normal aging does not involve widespread neuron death or gross morphological degeneration, the cause of these deficits remains unclear, although subtle anatomical and physiological effects are likely to play a causal role [1]. NMDA glutamate receptors in spines mediate synaptic communication and are critical in long-term potentiation (LTP) and learning. NMDA's dependence on postsynaptic depolarization has been proposed to enhance network stability through synaptic bistability [2]. Reduced NMDA expression is associated with aging in macaque monkeys and rats [3].