cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of in vivo molecular imaging with PET and SPECT in the elucidation of psychiatric drug action and new drug development

This paper reviews the contribution of human PET and SPECT neuroreceptor occupancy studies to the understanding of drug action in psychiatric illness, and how they can aid the development of new drugs. All effective antipsychotics show significant D(2) receptor occupancy. However, at least for atypical antipsychotics, there is no clear relationship between occupancy and clinical response. The mechanisms underlying antipsychotic efficacy, and the minimal effective D(2) occupancy, remain to be elucidated, particularly for drugs with modest or transient occupancy. The low liability of some atypical antipsychotics for extrapyramidal side effects does not appear to be explained by their 5-HT(2A) antagonism, and the muscarinic receptor occupancy of some drugs may be partly explanatory. Previous reports of apparent 'limbic selectivity' of atypical antipsychotics may be in error, and may be due to technical differences in radiotracers. For SSRIs, high occupancies at the serotonin transporter (SERT) are achieved at therapeutic doses, although the minimum SERT occupancy required for therapeutic response remains undefined. Previous attempts to augment the antidepressant effect of SSRIs by pindolol have generally used daily doses which result in inadequate 5-HT(1A) receptor occupancy. For benzodiazepines, clinical doses would appear to leave a wide margin of unoccupied receptors. For methylphenidate and cocaine, typical doses occupy more than 50% of dopamine transporters, and their profiles are extremely similar. In therapeutic drug development, these techniques may be used to assess receptor occupancy profiles, likely drug dosages and dosing intervals which cannot be reliably assessed in humans by other methods.
Single-dose caudal epidural morphine in children: safe, effective, and easy.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine whether a single epidural dose of morphine sulfate is effective in providing 12- to 24-hour pain relief in children. Design: A chart review of 113 consecutive pediatric patients having received a single dose of epidural morphine. Setting: An inpatient anesthesia and surgical service at a regional children's hospital. Patients: One hundred thirteen consecutive pediatric patients from 2 months to 15 years old who underwent major orthopedic, thoracic, genitourinary, or abdominal surgical procedures. Interventions: 60 μg/kg of preservative free morphine sulfate was administered epidurally after induction of anesthesia but before surgery began. The epidural space was accessed caudally, and a total volume of 1 ml/kg to a maximum of 20 ml was injected. No other intraoperative opioids were administered. Measurements and Main Results: Forty-seven percent of the patients required no parenteral analgesic for 12 hours after receiving a single dose of epidural morphine, and only 10% required more than 0.1 mg/kg of parenteral morphine during this 12-hour period. For infants younger than 1 year of age, the supplemental intravenous (IV) morphine requirement was almost identical to that of the entire study population. There was no respiratory depression. All patients except those who had thoracotomies were followed on regular pediatric nursing floors. Conclusions: Single-dose caudal epidural morphine in children is safe and effective when administered intraoperatively prior to surgery as the only opioid and coupled with appropriate monitoring, nursing education, and follow-up by the anesthesiologist. These patients can be followed on regular nursing floors with proper monitoring.
Phytoplankton Community Composition in the Tri-Lakes Area of Central Wisconsin, USA

Tri-Lakes (Upper and Lower Camelot, Sherwood, Arrowhead) in Adams County, WI, USA are man-made impoundments draining substantial agricultural lands and surrounded by considerable shoreline residential development. The planktonic algal community, as sampled from June to November 2000, was sparse-to-moderately dense, fairly diverse (69 genera from six divisions basin-wide), and unremarkable in taxonomic composition. All sites sampled displayed the general algal successional trends expected from northern-temperate, mildly eutrophic waters. These included sparse but taxonomically diverse communities in the spring; a late spring pulse of diatoms; a late summer pulse of green algae; and a steadily increasing component of Cyanobacteria leading to their community dominance by the end of the growing season. Upper Lake Camelot (55 genera) best represented this pattern. Lower Lake Camelot (53 genera) had a large green algal pulse but only a small diatom pulse. Lake Sherwood was the most taxonomically diverse body (63 genera) and had the most extreme pulses of diatoms and greens. Lake Arrowhead had the lowest taxonomic diversity (39 genera), was the most dominated by Cyanobacteria, and had only minor pulses of diatoms and greens. The algal communities indicate a mesotrophic to slightly eutrophic lake status. Continued agricultural and residential inputs of fertilizers and pesticides will likely exacerbate the cyanobacterial dominance leading to further reductions in aquatic health and aesthetic values. Previous chemical treatment and macrophyte removal have achieved limited success, and might have altered algal community dynamics. Remediation approaches that might improve water quality include: reducing upstream inputs via sediment traps or lagoons; reducing in-lake nutrients via sediment removal; reducing residential inputs via improved septic/sanitation systems; and shoreline vegetation filter strips.
A Large Piston Displacement MEMS Mirror With Electrothermal Ladder Actuator Arrays for Ultra-Low Tilt Applications

A large displacement piston motion micromirror is designed, fabricated, and tested with device features tuned to applications requiring ultralow tilt. The fabricated MEMS mirror is based on electrothermal actuation and has a footprint of 1.9 mm × 1.9 mm with a mirror aperture of 1 mm. The application optimized device holds key features of ultralow maximum tilt of 0.25 ° and a strongly linear motion of 90 μm achievable at only 1.2 V. This device is further characterized in an interferometric system to determine the piston mode and the accurate piston displacement as a function of voltage, power, and frequency.
Hydrogen peroxide contracts airway smooth muscle: a possible endogenous mechanism.

Abstract Both distal (canine lung strips) and proximal (bovine trachealis strips) airway smooth muscle contract in isolated organ baths as the percentage of environmental oxygen is increased from 12% to 95%. This effect is blocked by prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (indomethacin, 102−4M; meclofenamate, 10−4M). To determine whether this contractile response is due to molecular oxygen, or to other products of oxidative metabolism, we examined the effects of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide radical generating systems (paraquat and xanthine-xanthine oxidase) on the smooth muscle preparations. Ozone (3 ppm), paraquat (2 mM), and xanthine (10−3M)-xanthine oxidase (1 unit) were without effect. Hydrogen peroxide (10−5–10−3M) produced consistent contractions in both preparations, an effect which was appreciably greater in an hypoxic environment and which was blocked by both indomethacin and meclofenamate. Contraction from both hyperoxia and hydrogen peroxide was partially reversed by various oxygen radical scavengers, including methional (10 mM), ascorbic acid (10 mM), nitroblue tetrazolium (0.3 mM), butylated hydroxyanisole (1 mM), and 2′,7′ naphthalonediol (1 nM). These results suggest that hyperoxic contraction in airway smooth muscle is mediated by active oxygen species, perhaps by thier effects on prostaglandin metabolism.
Drinking Behavior is Modulated by CNS Administration of Opioids in the Rat

While opiate antagonists have been shown to reliably attenuate drinking following both central and peripheral administration, relatively few data exist on the effects of agonist agents on this behavior. To address this issue, two opiate agonists, morphine sulfate, a mu agonist, and [ d -ala 2 , d -leu 5 ]-enkephalin (DADLE), a semisynthetic delta analog of a delta agonist, were administered into several CNS sites in rats. There was a dose-related, naloxone-reversible reduction of water intake following morphine injections into the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and preoptic area (POA). In addition, injections of DADLE also attenuated drinking when injected into LH and POA, but not following the ventral tegmental area or zona incerta administration. These data are discussed in view of a role for the endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of drinking behavior.
Impact on the Marriage When One Spouse Moves to a Nursing Home

The case sludy method assesses how marriages change for healthy wivcs upon institutionalization of their husbands. Family systems theory suggests that healthy spouses are also affected by this residential change. Conversations with three women whose husbands moved to a nursing home dealt with issues such as expressions of love, physical affection, support systems, activities, needs, and expectalions. Despite sparse past research in this area, it appears that non-institutionalized spouses have problems unique to their circumstances. Those working with the elderly must recognize that nursing home patients are not the only individuals requiring care; non-institutionalized spouses may be the hidden clients.
T-cell receptor signaling to integrins

Summary: Integrin adhesion receptors are critical for antigen recognition by T cells and for regulated recirculation and trafficking into and through various tissues in the body. T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling induces rapid increases in integrin function that facilitate T-cell activation by promoting stable contact with antigen-presenting cells and extracellular proteins in the environment. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms by which the TCR signals to integrins and present a model that highlights four key events: (i) initiation of proximal TCR signals nucleated by the linker for activated T cells (LAT) adapter protein and involving Itk, phospholipase C-γ1, Vav1, and Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte-specific phosphoprotein of 76 kDa; (ii) transmission of integrin activation signals from the LAT signalosome to integrins by protein kinase (PK) C and the adapter protein, adhesion and degranulation-promoting adapter protein; (iii) assembly of integrin-associated signaling complexes that include PKD, the guanosine triphosphatase Rap1 and its effectors, and talin; and (iv) reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton by WAVE2 and other actin-remodeling proteins. These events coordinate changes in integrin conformation and clustering that result in enhanced integrin functional activity following TCR stimulation.
A TALE OF TWO TOWNS: GLOBALIZATION AND RURAL DEINDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE U.S.

This article examines the experiences of two rural communities that, since the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement, lost major employers. Rural deindustrialization has struck the Midwest particularly hard. While the disappearance of hundreds or thousands of jobs is devastating, some small towns have adapted faster than others. Farmington, Missouri has, for now, weathered the storm far better than another small town, Galesburg, Illinois. This article seeks to do something other than retell a familiar, if generally accurate, story about the suffering caused by the current wave of globalization, facilitated by trade deals. Rather, it will explore the possibility that corporate-driven globalization is not an unmitigated disaster for rural America and rural Americans. Rather, some towns struggle but persevere, some suffer tremendously, while still others create jobs, although all jobs seem ever more insecure in the increasingly global economy.
NEUTRAL MESON PRODUCTION IN n-p COLLISIONS

The angular distribution of neutral pions formed by 400-Mev neutrons in the process $n+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ has been measured using an experimental arrangement in which both of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ decay gamma-rays are detected in coincidence with the deuteron. The results can be described in the center-of-mass system by the function ${cos}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}+0.2$. The agreement between this distribution and the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ distribution of the process $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$, which has been measured by Whitehead and Richman and by Durbin, Loar, and Steinberger, gives evidence in support of the hypothesis of charge independence in meson-nucleon interactions.
Growth rate of fine root systems influences rootstock tolerance to replant disease

Aims Plant tolerance to herbivory has often been linked to plant growth rate, with faster growing plants that present high tissue turnover rates expected to be more tolerant than slower-growing plants. We tested whether this relationship also holds for rootstock growth rate and tolerance to apple replant disease (ARD).
Improved Prediction of Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity with the Mualem-van Genuchten Model

In many vadose zone hydrological studies, it is imperative that the soil's unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is known. Frequently, the Mualem-van Genuchten model (MVG) is used for this purpose because it allows prediction of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity from water retention parameters. For this and similar equations, it is often assumed that a measured saturated hydraulic conductivity (K s ) can be used as a matching point (K o ) while a factor S L e is used to account for pore connectivity and tortuosity (where S e is the relative saturation and L = 0.5). We used a data set of 235 soil samples with retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity data to test and improve predictions with the MVG equation. The standard practice of using K o = K, and L = 0.5 resulted in a root mean square error for log(K) (RMSE K ) of 1.31. Optimization of the matching point (K o ) and L to the hydraulic conductivity data yielded a RMSE K of 0.41. The fitted K 0 were, on average, about one order of magnitude smaller than measured K s . Furthermore, L was predominantly negative, casting doubt that the MVG can be interpreted in a physical way, Spearman rank correlations showed that both K 0 and L were related to van Genuchten water retention parameters and neural network analyses confirmed that K 0 and L could indeed be predicted in this way. The corresponding RMSE K was 0.84, which was half an order of magnitude better than the traditional MVG model. Bulk density and textural parameters were poor predictors while addition of K s improved the RMSE K only marginally. Bootstrap analysis showed that the uncertainty in predicted unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was about one order of magnitude near saturation and larger at lower water contents.
Simple Mathematical Models Do Not Accurately Predict Early SIV Dynamics

Upon infection of a new host, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replicates in the mucosal tissues and is generally undetectable in circulation for 1–2 weeks post-infection. Several interventions against HIV including vaccines and antiretroviral prophylaxis target virus replication at this earliest stage of infection. Mathematical models have been used to understand how HIV spreads from mucosal tissues systemically and what impact vaccination and/or antiretroviral prophylaxis has on viral eradication. Because predictions of such models have been rarely compared to experimental data, it remains unclear which processes included in these models are critical for predicting early HIV dynamics. Here we modified the “standard” mathematical model of HIV infection to include two populations of infected cells: cells that are actively producing the virus and cells that are transitioning into virus production mode. We evaluated the effects of several poorly known parameters on infection outcomes in this model and compared model predictions to experimental data on infection of non-human primates with variable doses of simian immunodifficiency virus (SIV). First, we found that the mode of virus production by infected cells (budding vs. bursting) has a minimal impact on the early virus dynamics for a wide range of model parameters, as long as the parameters are constrained to provide the observed rate of SIV load increase in the blood of infected animals. Interestingly and in contrast with previous results, we found that the bursting mode of virus production generally results in a higher probability of viral extinction than the budding mode of virus production. Second, this mathematical model was not able to accurately describe the change in experimentally determined probability of host infection with increasing viral doses. Third and finally, the model was also unable to accurately explain the decline in the time to virus detection with increasing viral dose. These results suggest that, in order to appropriately model early HIV/SIV dynamics, additional factors must be considered in the model development. These may include variability in monkey susceptibility to infection, within-host competition between different viruses for target cells at the initial site of virus replication in the mucosa, innate immune response, and possibly the inclusion of several different tissue compartments. The sobering news is that while an increase in model complexity is needed to explain the available experimental data, testing and rejection of more complex models may require more quantitative data than is currently available.
Derivative control of the steady state in Chua's circuit driven in the chaotic region

Experimentally demonstrates that Chua's circuit, operating in the double-scroll chaotic regime, may be brought to either of the two unstable, stationary state fixed points by means of derivative control. >
Occurrence of the aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases in high‐molecular weight complexes correlates with the size of substrate amino acids

One of the distinctive and mysterious features of mammalian aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) is the existence of stable high-molecular weight complexes containing 10 out of 20 AARSs. The composition and structure of these complexes are conserved among multicellular animals. No specific function associated with these structures has been found, and there is no evident rationale for a particular separation of AARSs in “complex-bound” and “free” forms. We have demonstrated a strong association between the occurrence of AARSs in the complexes and the volume of their substrate amino acids. The significance of this association is discussed in terms of the structural organization of translation in the living cell.
Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography in biological tissue: Theoretical and experimental studies

Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography in biological tissue was studied both theoretically and experimentally. Parallel detection of the speckle field formed by the transmitted laser light was implemented with the source-synchronous-illumination lock-in technique. Two-dimensional images of biological tissue were successfully obtained experimentally with a laser beam of either normal or oblique incidence, which showed that ultrasound-modulated optical tomography depends on diffuse light rather than ballistic light. Monte-Carlo modeling technique was used to simulate the ultrasound-modulated optical tomography.
Reversal of Misfolding: Prion Disease Behavioral and Physiological Impairments Recover following Postnatal Neuronal Deletion of the PrP Gene

The prionoses are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by a pathogenic protein, PrP scrapie, that derives from misfolding of a normal form, PrP c . These diseases progress through stages. A new study by Mallucci et al. in this issue of Neuron shows that prion disease may be reversed in mice by selective removal of the gene in neurons after early physiological, cognitive, and pathological features have developed.
Habit reversal training for trichotillomania: A group approach

The efficacy of Habit Reversal Training (HRT) in a group format for the treatment of trichotillomania was investigated. Original HRT procedures described by Azrin and Nunn (1973) were modified for use in a group context. Five patients were treated over a 6-week period. Treatment included self-monitoring, awareness training, competing response training, and homework assignments. Post-treatment data indicated decreases in measures of global severity of symptoms, severity of thoughts about hair-pulling, and severity of hair-pulling behavior, relative to pretreatment measures. Three of the 5 patients maintained improvement at 1-month follow-up, and 2 patients maintained treatment gains at 6 months. Follow-up scores for all patients continued to be lower than pretreatment scores. These case illustrations replicate and extend prior data, lending support to the viability of HRT in a group format as a meaningful approach to treating trichotillomania.
Motion Sickness: Comparison of Metoclopramide and Diphenhydramine to Placebo

Objectives: This is an evaluation of the efficacy of metoclopramide (MTCP) or diphenhydramine (DPH) to relieve symptoms of motion sickness in patients being transported via ambulance in a mountainous setting.Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of patients transported by ambulance in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Fresno County. Consenting patients who met the inclusion criteria were asked to rate their motion sickness every five minutes using a visual analog scale (VAS) during transport. If motion sickness occurred, they were randomized to receive MTCP (20 mg IV), DPH (50 mg IV), or placebo (normal saline), and remaining symptoms were recorded every five minutes. If signs and symptoms of motion sickness persisted after 15 minutes, a rescue dose of MTCP was offered.Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-two (84.6%) developed motion sickness and were randomized to MTCP, DPH, or placebo. Eight patients received MTCP, seven received DPH, and seven received placebo. The MTCP group showed a statistically significant decrease in the mean VAS score at 15 minutes compared to the DPH and placebo groups. There was no significant difference in the decrease in VAS score between the placebo and the DPH group. Twelve out of 22 patients requested a rescue dose of MTCP after 15 minutes. At 25 minutes, there was no significant difference in the VAS score between the three groups.Conclusion: During ambulance transport in a mountainous setting, the administration of MTCP is superior to both DPH and placebo in the treatment of motion sickness. Diphenhydramine is not superior to placebo. Language: en
Dislocation damping in copper single crystals of controlled substructure

Abstract The dislocation substructure of (111) Cu single crystals has been controlled by varying crystal solidification rates between 1.57–109 cm/hr. Etch pitting and X-ray diffraction show that the random or inter-cell dislocation network is independent of growth rate and equal to 1 × 10 6 cm −2 whereas the dislocation cell size and intra-cell misorientation increase with decreasing growth rates. Resonance bar damping measurements at a fundamental frequency of 25 kHz and ultrasonic pulse echo measurements at 5–75 MHz show that the exact form of the damping vs. frequency or damping vs. amplitude behavior of the crystals is a function of cell size, and in general, damping increases with increasing cell size. They also suggest that damping from dislocations in cell boundaries may overshadow that from random dislocations.
Binding of fluorescein and carboxyfluorescein by human serum proteins: significance of kinetic and equilibrium parameters of association in ocular fluorometric studies.

The binding of fluorescein and 5- and 6-carboxyfluorescein by human serum proteins was measured at 37 and 4 degrees C by equilibrium dialysis. The equilibrium association constants (KA) for fluorescein were 3.7 X 10(3) and 7.1 X 10(3)M-1, and for carboxyfluorescein were 3.5 X 10(3) and 7.5 X 10(3)M-1 at 37 and 4 degrees C equilibrium dialysis data, was 3.9 X 10(3) binding sites in human serum, determined from the 37 degrees C equilibrium dialysis data, was 3.9 X 10(-3)M for fluorescein and 3.3 X 10(-3)M for carboxyfluorescein. Utilizing these binding parameters it was calculated that a maximum of 93.5% of the total fluorescein and 92.0% of the carboxyfluorescein would be bound by undiluted human serum proteins at 37 degrees C. Experimental binding data obtained after prolonged equilibrium dialysis (four days) at low total fluorochrome concentrations (1.5 X 10(-4)M or less) indicated that 93.1 +/- 1.0 (S.D.)% of the fluorescein and 90.1 +/- 0.7% of the carboxyfluorescein were bound at 37 degrees C by undiluted human serum proteins. Stopped-flow kinetic spectrophotometric studies of the changes in absorptivity at 487-488 and 510 nm that occurred when the fluorochromes were bound by human serum proteins, indicated that the fluorescein and carboxyfluorescein binding reactions were 99% complete within 0.65 and 1.72 sec. These had second-order association rate constants at 25 degrees C of 3.0 X 10(3) and 1.5 X 10(3)M-1 sec-1, respectively. These findings offer a basis for calculation of bound and free fluorescein and carboxyfluorescein in vivo in human subjects.
Interface Problems in a Multipurpose Tester

This paper discusses an approach to the analysis of existing support systems and provides a guide for the planning of new systems. An analysis of the basic elements of a support system is presented and, having defined a set of basic elements for a support system, this paper then applies these elements to the special problems of a multipurpose tester. Several examples of the interface element are presented, each example providing a different approach to the solution of the interface problem, and the relative merits of each solution are discussed.
2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin mechanism of action to reduce lipoprotein lipase activity in the 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte cell line

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is important in the process of triglyceride storage in adipose tissue. Depression of LPL activity in adipose tissue is associated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced wasting syndrome and may have a role in the associated serum hyperlipidemia produced by TCDD. The 3T3-L1 cell line was used as an in vitro model, independent of hormonal, nutritional, or other interfering factors associated with in vivo studies, in order to systematically examine the mechanism of action of TCDD. TCDD produced a statistically significant (P < 0.05) time- and dose-dependent decrease in LPL activity. Results of experiments with Ah-receptor blockers and structure activity studies with different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dioxin congeners were consistent with reduction of LPL activity being mediated by the Ah receptor. Culturing of 3T3-L1 cells without glucose or with cytochalasin B, a blocker of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT), was effective in reducing LPL activity (P < 0.05). TCDD did not further reduce LPL activity in cytochalasin B pretreated 3T3-L1 cells or in 3T3-L1 cells cultured in glucose-free media. Dexamethasone pretreatment, which is known to increase GLUT expression in 3T3-L1 cells, prevented the reduction of LPL activity by TCDD. Protein tyrosine kinase activities, assayed using gamma-32P-ATP and RR-SRC, a src specific peptide substrate, were significantly increased (P < 0.05) over control levels by both TCDD and glucose deprivation. Furthermore, results of experiments treating 3T3-L1 cells with either insulin, EGF, 8-Br-cAMP, TPA, or genistein, alone or in combination with TCDD, were generally consistent with the hypothesis that lowered intracellular glucose and altered cellular kinase activities may be involved in reduction of LPL activities by TCDD. Further work is needed to confirm and better understand the role protein phosphorylation plays in TCDD-mediated alteration of glucose disposition and LPL activity. In summary, TCDD reduced LPL activity in 3T3-L1 cells as seen in vivo. Manipulation of glucose transport through a number of experimental approaches produced changes in 3T3-L1 LPL activity consistent with results of previous investigators showing glucose to be a positive regulator of LPL activity and consistent with our hypothesis that TCDD-mediated reduction of glucose transport is an important factor in the down regulation of LPL activity by TCDD.
Discrimination of the age of adolescent females on the basis of facial cues

In an ongoing study of adolescent maternal-infant interaction, we investigated the accuracy with which judges could assign the age of two groups of females, based on videotaped facial cues alone. The two groups were eight "adolescents," whose ages were less than or equal to 17 years, and 20 "adults," whose ages were greater than 20 years. Twenty-seven judges, whose average age was 28.7 years with a range from 27 through 44 years of age, were asked to judge the ages of the subjects in the two groups. Overall, the judges were successful in identifying adolescents 41.8% of the time. There was no relationship between the ages of the judges and the accuracy of their judgments. On the basis of facial cues alone, our results clearly suggest that the process of assigning an individual to an adolescent or adult group is essentially random, approaching a 50/50 breakdown. This study supports the concept that observed differences between adolescents and adults interacting with their infants is due to actual differences in behavior and not the cultural bias of the judge.
Beam pointing errors of phased arrays for digital switched beam acoustic radars

Abstract Phased array antennas and corresponding driving electronics units have been introduced in Atmospheric Acoustic probing. Using modern microprocessor systems in conjunction with suitable digital electronics, it is possible to implement an acoustic probing system, with full beam switching capabilities. The radiation pattern of a planar M × N phased array acoustic radar equipped with digital phase shifting circuits for the beam switching, is examined and all the necessary formulas are presented. For a given accuracy of phase quantization, the set of beam pointing directions which can be achieved without deterioration, due to this quantization, is computed and diagrams showing the mapping of the available beam pointing directions throughout space are presented. The relation between the cardinal number of this set of directions and the accuracy of the phase quantization is also presented. The beam pointing errors, due to the accuracy of the phase quantization and the dissimilarities among the array's e...
Rapamycin Blocks Fibrocyte Migration and Attenuates Bronchiolitis Obliterans in a Murine Model

Background Fibrocytes are integral in the development of fibroproliferative disease. The CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axis has been shown to play a central role in fibrocyte migration and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) after lung transplantation. Inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway with rapamycin has been shown to decrease expression of both CXCR4 and its receptor agonist CXCL12. Thus, we hypothesized that rapamycin treatment would decrease fibrocyte trafficking into tracheal allografts and prevent BO. Methods A total alloantigenic mismatch murine heterotopic tracheal transplant (HTT) model of BO was used. Animals were either treated with rapamycin or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 14 days after tracheal transplantation. Fibrocyte levels were assessed by flow cytometry, and allograft neutrophil, CD3 + T-cell, macrophage, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Tracheal luminal obliteration was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Results Compared with DMSO-treated controls, rapamycin-treated mice showed a significant decrease in fibrocyte levels in tracheal allografts. Fibrocyte levels in recipient blood showed a similar pattern, although it was not statistically significant. Furthermore, animals treated with rapamycin showed a significant decrease in tracheal allograft luminal obliteration compared with controls. Based on immunohistochemical analyses, populations of α-SMA–positive (α-SMA + ) cells, neutrophils, CD3 + T cells, and macrophages were all decreased in rapamycin-treated allografts versus DMSO controls. Conclusions Rapamycin effectively reduces recruitment of fibrocytes into tracheal allografts and mitigates development of tracheal luminal fibrosis. Further studies are needed to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the protective effect of rapamycin against BO.
Anoxic cerebral potassium accumulation reduced by phenytoin: mechanism of cerebral protection?

Results from a previous study suggested that the cerebral protective effect of phenytoin (PNT) might be linked to its ability to reduce cerebrospinal fluid potassium (K+) accumulation during anoxia. In the present study two PNT doses (50 and 150 mg/kg) were examined to determine the ability of PNT to reduce cerebrospinal fluid K+ in cisterna magna samples after 10 and 20 minutes of circulatory arrest. Also examined were two other protective treatments (pentobarbital, 33 mg/kg, and hypothermia to 35 C) which, in the hypoxic (F1O2 = 0.05) mouse, provide cerebral protection equivalent to PNT, 50 mg/kg. Both PNT doses significantly reduced cerebrospinal fluid K+ accumulation and tended to do so in a dose-related manner, similar to the dose-related cerebral protective effect of PNT. PNT, 50 mg/kg reduced K+ accumulation more effectively than either pentobarbital or hypothermia, whose protective effects are likely explained by a different mechanism (i.e., reduced cerebral metabolic rate). These data support the hypothesis that PNT-induced cerebral protection may be linked to its effect on cerebral K+ accumulation.
PCB metabolism by ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Since 1976 the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been banned in the U.S. Prior to this, commercial mixtures (Aroclors) had been used extensively as an industrial lubricant because of their nonflammable, nonreactive properties. These same properties are responsible for their persistent in the environment where they bind to soil particles and resist biodegradation. Decontamination of PCB-laden soil is expensive with excavation followed by either storage or incineration as the primary means of remediation. The use of microorganisms for PCB bioremediation has been gaining popularity in the past few years. Bacteria and/or fungi isolated from environmental samples have been used to degrade PCBs under laboratory conditions, but in field trials they have not been as effective. The most common explanation for the poor performance of PCB-degrading organisms introduced at contaminated sites is that they do not compete well with the existing populations. Plant-ectomycorrhizal systems may overcome this problem. Introduction and cultivation of a known host plant at a contaminated site has the potential of providing a survival advantage for ectomycorrhizal fungi that normally colonize the roots of the introduced plant. Ectomycorrhizal fungi exist naturally in the soil and normally grow in association with the roots of a host plant inmore » a mutualistic symbiotic relationship. Preliminary in vitro examination of this group of fungi for their ability to enzymatically degrade xenobiotics is very promising. In vivo studies have shown that some of these fungi have the ability to degrade chlorinated, aromatic compounds, such as 2,4-D and atrazine. The aspect of ectomycorrhizal metabolism was investigated further in the current study by determining the ability of 21 different fungi to metabolize 19 different PCB congeners with varying chlorine content and substitution patterns. 13 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less
The woolwich professors of mathematics, 1741–1900

Abstract The establishment of a Military Academy (which later became the Royal Military Academy, R.M.A.) in 1741 at Woolwich, near London, for training officers for the artillery and engineering arms of Britain's army, continued without massive changes for about one and a half centuries. During that period a succession of men - as Professors - were appointed to the mathematics Chair in the Academy and a few others in neighbouring subjects, and fulfilled theier duties mainly through research - principally in studying in its early formative years the subject of internal and external ballistics - by textbook-writing, and by sustaining interest and answering a national need for their professed subject. At this time the English universities failed to perceive or even neglected what today is thought of as their proper duty. As little is known about these men, collectively, by the present-day cognoscenti of applied mechanics and mathematics, this paper endeavours to outline their scientific contributions, describes the background, mainly humble, from which they came and aspects of the institution to which some of them gave their whole working life. Mention is also made of the long-running little known 18/19th century mathematical serial, The Ladies' Diary , and, in two short appended Notes, of King George III's Collection of Scientific Instruments and of the hardly known appointment, Master of Mechanics to the King, for the period 1681–1817.
Biotic and abiotic predictors of tick ( Dermacentor variabilis ) abundance and engorgement on free-ranging raccoons ( Procyon lotor )

We examined the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on the ability of adult Dermacentor variabilis ticks to attach and engorge with blood across 10 populations of free-ranging raccoons (Procyon lotor). We developed a priori models that represented explicit hypotheses based on the literature and tested the ability of these models to explain non-replete and replete (fully engorged with blood) tick infestation using generalized linear models and Akaike's Information Criterion. Abiotic models that included month and site of collection clearly provided a better fit for non-replete tick abundance data, while biotic models with host age and sex covariates best fit the replete tick data. Abiotic models of non-replete abundance were superior to biotic models because of large seasonal and site fluctuations in non-replete abundance that masked differences due to host characteristics. Conversely, best-fitting models of replete tick abundance included only age and sex and suggest that once a tick has reached a host, host-parasite interactions are the primary determinant of engorgement by female ticks. Host population structure may have a large influence on potential cohort size of ticks by reducing or increasing the total number and proportion that can become engorged and moult or lay eggs.
Geothermal Power Cycle Analysis for Commercial Applicability Using Sequestered Supercritical CO2 as a Heat Transfer or Working Fluid

Thermodynamic analysis has been conducted for geothermal power cycles using a portion of deep ground sequestered CO2 as the working fluid. This allows energy production from much shallower depths and in geologic areas with much lower temperature gradients than those of current geothermal systems. Two different system designs were analyzed for power production with varying reservoir parameters, including reservoir depth, temperature, and CO2 mass flow rate. The first design is a direct single-loop system with the CO2 run directly through the turbine. This system was found to provide higher system efficiency and power production, however design complications such as the need for high pressure turbines, two-phase flow through the turbine and the potential for water-CO2 brine mixtures, could require the use of numerous custom components, driving up the cost. The second design is a binary system using CO2 as the heat transfer fluid to supply thermal energy to an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). While this system was found to have slightly less power production and efficiency than the direct system, it significantly reduces the impact of design complications associated with the direct system. This in turn reduces the necessity for certain custom components, thereby reducing system cost. While performance of these two systems is largely dependent on location and operating conditions, the binary system is likely applicable to a larger number of sites and will be more cost effective when used in combination with current off-the-shelf ORC power plants.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ecological Costs of Livestock Grazing in Western North America

Livestock grazing is the most widespread land management practice in western North America. Seventy percent of the western United States is grazed, including wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, national forests, and even some national parks. The ecological costs of this nearly ubiquitous form of land use can be dramatic. Examples of such costs include loss of biodiversity; lowering of population densities for a wide variety of taxa; disruption of ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling and succession; change in community organization; and change in the physical characteristics of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Because livestock congregate in riparian ecosystems, which are among the biologically richest habitats in arid and semiarid regions, the ecological costs of grazing are magnified in these sites. Range science has traditionally been laden with economic assumptions favoring resource use. Conservation biologists are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing social and scientific dialogue on grazing issues. El pastoreo de ganado es la practica de manejo de la tierra mas ampliamente utilizada en el oeste de Norte America. El setenta por ciento del oeste de Estados Unidos se utiliza para pastoreo, incluyendo areas silvestres, refugios de vida silvestre, bosques nacionales e inclusive algunos parques nacionales. El costo ecologico de esta forma ubicua de uso de la tierra puede ser dramatico. Ejemplos de este costo incluyen perdida de la biodiversidad; decrecimiento de las densidades de poblacion para una amplia variedad de taxones; alteraciones en las funciones del ecosistem, incluyendo ciclos de nutrientes y sucesiones; cambios en la organizacion de la comunidad y cambios en las caracteristicas fisicas de habitas terrestres y acuaticos. Dado que el ganado se congrega en ecosistemas riberenos, los cuales estan entre los habitas biologicamente mas ricos dentro de las regiones aridas y semi-aridas, los costos ecologicos del pastoreo se magnifican en estos sitios. Tradicionalmente, la ciencia de pastizales, ha estado cargada de suposiciones economicas que favorecen el uso del recurso. Se alienta a los biologos conservacionistas a contribuir al dialogo social y cientifico en los problemas del pastoreo.
901-10 Demonstration of Blood Flow Through Transmyocardial Laser Channels

Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is a new procedure under investigation for treatment of patients with myocardial ischemia who are unresponsive to other conventional therapies. In theory, TMR channels passing from the LV chamber directly into the myocardium allow oxygenated blood to directly perfuse the myocardium, bypassing the coronary vessels. However, experimental evidence that blood actually flows through the channels has not been available previously. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test whether blood can reach the myocardium by passing through laser channels. An average of 28 channels/heart were made over the LAD distribution in 5 canine hearts using a pulsed holmium/YAG laser (20 pulses, 0.6J/pulse) with energy delivered from the endocardium through a 400 μ fiber optic cable introduced via the left atrial appendage. The heart was then excised while coronary perfusion pressure was maintained constant at 120 mmHg by retrograde aortic blood flow provided by a second dog (aortic valve always remains closed). The proximal LAD and epicardial collaterals were ligated. Collateral flow to the ischemic region, measured by colored microspheres injected into the coronary artery, was 20.5% of normal (0.42 ± 0.28 ml/g/min vs. 2.05 ± 0.68 ml/g/min in the non-ischemic region). Colored spheres were then injected into blood placed within the LV chamber to achieve peak LV pressure generation of 20 mmHg (low loading) and then 60 mmHg (high loading) (this blood is not ejected into the aorta). The number of spheres detected per gram of myocardium in the circumflex ILCX) region (control area without TMR channels) and in the LAD region with TMR channels are shown in the table as a function of LV loading: Region Low loading High loading LCX without channels 33.4 ± 64.5 5.84 ± 13.9 LAD with channels 2908 ± 249.8* 2205 ± 382.3 * * P l 0.0001 vs. control The number of spheres in the channel region was significantly higher than in the control region but did not vary with loading conditions. These data provide direct evidence that blood from the LV can reach the myocardium through TMR channels in the acute setting. Quantification of the flow and whether this can be maintained in the chronic setting are important questions for future research.
Multicompartment microfibers: fabrication and selective dissolution of composite droplet-in-fiber structures

We present a microfluidic method to continuously produce multicompartment microfibers, where embedded single or double emulsion droplets are regularly spaced along the length of the fiber. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds can be encapsulated in different microcompartments of the fiber for storage, selective dissolution, and delivery applications, as well as to provide multifunctionality.
Map for the Relaxation Dynamics of Hot Photoelectrons Injected into Liquid Water via Anion Threshold Photodetachment and above Threshold Solvent Ionization

The early time dynamics of electron photoejection and relaxation after one-photon UV photodetachment of iodide ions in aqueous solution is compared with that resulting from two-photon ionization of...
On the special status of "ego threats": Comment on Heatherton, Herman, and Polivy (1991).

This article comments on a recent article by Heatherton, Herman, and Polivy (1991) in which they suggest that ego threats are a prerequisite to affectively induced disinhibition of food intake in restrained eaters and current dieters. In contrast, the present review suggests that mood induction procedures that involve no apparent threat (e.g., viewing a frightening film) can also prompt disinhibition in restrained eaters. Thus, any mood induction procedure that does not directly physically threaten the S may disinhibit restrained eaters. It is concluded that recommendations to focus future research on ego threats are premature and may serve to obscure the mechanisms by which changes in affective state influence food intake in dieters.
The National Ignition Campaign on NIF

This talk will describe progress in the experiments campaign on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) that has the goal of igniting and burning DT fuel through Inertial Confinement Fusion utilizing the world's largest laser.
Family Permanence Versus the Best Interests of the Child

Historically, promoting family permanence (e.g., keeping the original parent-children relationships intact) has been controversial. At times, priority was given to the family of origin, but due to the best interests of the child principle, there has also been preference for foster placements and adoptions. This article presents the legal backdrop (e.g., the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997) and discusses history, as well as ethical and psychological issues. It is asserted that (1) at present, the concept of the best interests of the child is of foremost importance, and (2) biological and psychological parental qualities can be enhanced through preventive and remedial parent education in the family therapy context.