cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of pregabalin on the EC50 of intravenous alfentanil in capsaicin induced pain.

Objective To apply the sequential up-down method to a human experimental pain model in order to examine the opioid-sparing effect of oral pregabalin on intravenous alfentanil. Design Double-blind, randomized, crossover. Setting Academic University Medical Center. Subjects 31 healthy males. Methods The EC50 of intravenous Alfentanil was determined under two conditions: Alfentanil alone (PHASE I) and Alfentanil + Pregabalin (300 mg po) (PHASE II). The alfentanil plasma level (using a computer-controlled infusion) producing a success criterion (at least 30% intradermal capsaicin induced pain reduction compared to placebo) was used to determine higher or lower doses of each sequential subject. The median dose producing a success criterion and its confidence interval was determined. Results Based on the t-test for a difference across phase and regression coefficients across groups, there was no opioid sparing effect of pregabalin on alfentanil. Four subjects in phase I and 5 subjects in phase II did not complete the study. Two in phase I were technical failure with the rest in both phases stopped due to side effects. Of the subjects who completed the study, 6 of 19 subjects in phase I and 11 of 12 subjects in phase II reported side effects. Conclusions Using the intradermal capsaicin induced pain model in healthy volunteers, oral pregabalin had no opioid sparing effects on intravenous alfentanil. This experimental model may be useful in studying analgesic interaction.
Freeway Automation Policy Issues

In this paper, the authors examine policy issues that are associated with freeway automation and identify areas upon which research should be focused. The authors show that policy analysis can be useful in helping to focus research in productive directions.
Stochastic Estimation of Conditional Structure

In a general sense, stochastic estimation is the approximation or estimation of a random variable in terms of some other random variables which are known. In the context of turbulent structure identification the estimated variable is typically the velocity field u′ =u(x′,t′) for some domain of positions and times, and the known vari ables are associated with the occurrence of certain events at one or more points in the field. Their totality is referred to as the event data vector, E. We shall denote the estimate of u′ by u′.
A Distributed System Reference Architecture for Adaptive QoS and Resource Management

This paper deals with large, distributed real-time systems that have execution times and resource utilizations which cannot be characterized a priori. (The motivation for our work is provided in part by the characteristics of combat systems.) There are several implications of these characteristics: 1) demand space workload characterizations may need to be determined a posteriori, and 2) an adaptive approach to resource allocation may be necessary to accommodate dynamic workload changes. Thus, we present a scheme for dynamically managing distributed computing resources by continuously computing and assessing QoS and resource utilization metrics that are determined a posteriori. Specifically, the paper presents an adaptive distributed system reference architecture that is suitable for such an approach. This reference architecture provides the capabilities and infrastructure needed to construct multi-component, replicated, distributed object real-time systems that negotiate for a given level of QoS from the underlying distributed computing resources.
Angiomatosis of skin with local intravascular immunoglobulin deposits, associated with monoclonal gammopathy. A potential cutaneous marker for B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A report of unusual case with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence correlation and review of the literature.

Reactive cutaneous vascular proliferation or angiomatosis is associated with various conditions, but is rarely seen secondary to vascular occlusion. We report an unusual case of a 79-year-old female who presented with 8 month history of purpuric facial plaques, with painful crusted ulceration of the nose, later developing similar eruptions on hands, thighs and trunk. Biopsies showed marked angioproliferation, with intravascular (IV) hyaline deposits (PAS +, fibrin ±: IgM +, fibrinogen+, and C3+), associated with endothelial hyperplasia (Factor VIII+ Vimentin+). Immunofluorescenee showed IV IgM, fibrinogen, and granular C3 deposits within vessel walls. Initially, extensive investigations only showed minimal monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and repeatedly negative cryoglobulins. After a 3-year follow-up, the patient developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). This case illustrates a difficult diagnostic challenge. Although this condition resembles other forms of reactive angiomatosis, it shows distinct features and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual vascular proliferations of the skin. The cutaneous lesions are also considered a potential marker for an underlying systemic condition, which may require prolonged clinical follow-up. We believe this condition to be related to other rare cutaneous vascular proliferations associated with plasma cell and lymphoproliferative disorders. Furthermore, we suggest a common pathogenetic pathway resulting from the IV immunoglobulin deposits causing vascular injury, finally leading to the angiomatosis.
Mechanisms of corticosteroid action on lymphocyte subpopulations. IV. Effects of in vitro hydrocortisone on naturally occuring and mitogen-induced suppressor cells in man.

Abstract The effects of in vitro hydrocortisone (OHC) on human peripheral blood (PB) suppressor cell function were investigated. Two types of suppressor cells were studied: (i) the naturally occurring PB suppressor cell seen in 10% of normal people whose lymphocytes do not respond to in vitro PWM stimulation with direct anti-SRBC PFC responses, and (ii) Con A-generated suppressor cells. The addition of OHC to PWM-stimulated cultures from nonresponders reconstituted the PFC response in two of three individuals. The addition of OHC to allogenic cocultures of nonresponder and responder lymphocytes completely inhibited the ability of the naturally occurring suppressor cell of the nonresponder cultures to inhibit the PFC responses of normal responders. Preincubating the nonresponder cultures in 10 −5 M OHC for 30 min followed by washing did not inhibit suppressor function, whereas readdition of OHC to cocultures did inhibit nonresponder suppressor cell function. The addition of up to 10 −4 M OHC to previously generated Con A-activated suppressor cell-fresh cell cocultures in vitro did not prevent or inhibit mitogen-activated suppressor cell function. However, preincubation of PB cells for 6 hr prior to the addition of Con A prevented the generation of suppressor cells and in two of eight experiments generated a population of cells which were in and of themselves mitogenic for autologous fresh PB. Thus, the function of naturally occurring suppressor cells as well as the induction but not the function of Con A-activated suppressor cells is sensitive to pharmacologic levels of OHC. The effect of OHC on naturally occurring suppressor cell function or on the generation of suppressor cells by Con A did not involve cell lysis, but rather was a reversible phenomenon requiring the continued presence of OHC in culture.
Dynamic Kanban semiconductor inventory management system

A manufacturing management tool which utilizes the current Texas Instruments Inc. Semiconductor Manufacturing System (SMS) and a modified Kanban JIT (just in time) scheduling approach is described. The main objectives of the SMS/Kanban program are to identify waste, and assure dynamic line balance and minimal wafer flow variation operation to operation and hour to hour, while maintaining an optimum factor inventory level. Operating experience with the SMS/Kanban system at a fabrication facility is discussed. >
Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company: 1969–2001

Previous studies suggested increased cancer incidence and mortality in workers exposed to solvents and other chemicals in computer manufacturing jobs. Most previous studies were of small cohorts and findings were inconsistent. A lawsuit involving a large U.S. company produced a data file for analysis. This study sought to elucidate patterns of mortality in workers who were engaged manufacturing computers and related electronic components in the largest database available to date. A proportional mortality and proportional cancer mortality analysis of deaths in eligible workers between 1969 and 2001 was carried out, with U.S. population mortality data as the standard for comparison. Mortality and work history data was from corporate mortality and work history files produced during litigation and standard U.S. and state mortality files. The study base comprised 31,941 decedents who died between 1969 and 2001, who had worked for at least five years and whose death information was collected in the corporate mortality file. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and Proportional Cancer Mortality Ratios (PCMRs) and their 95% confidence intervals were computed for 66 causes of death in males and females. PMRs for all cancers combined were elevated in males (PMR = 107; 95% CI = 105–109) and females (PMR = 115; 95% CI = 110–119); several specific cancers and other causes of death were also significantly elevated in both males and females. There were reduced deaths due to non-malignant respiratory disease in males and females and heart disease in females; several specific cancers and other causes of death were significantly reduced in both males and females. Proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) for brain and central nervous system cancer were elevated (PCMR = 166; 95% CI = 129–213), kidney cancer (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 124–212), melanoma of skin (PCMR = 179; 95% CI = 131–244) and pancreatic cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI = 101–157) were significantly elevated in male manufacturing workers. Kidney cancer (PCMR = 212; 95% CI = 116–387) and cancer of all lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 121–218) were significantly elevated in female manufacturing workers. Mortality was elevated due to specific cancers and among workers more likely to be exposed to solvents and other chemical exposures in manufacturing operations. Due to lack of individual exposure information, no conclusions are made about associations with any particular agent.
Mental Health and Social Networks

According to the social network perspective, the behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, and values of individuals are shaped through contact and communication with others. The structure of linkages between people in a network, the resources shared by network members, and the ideas and information flowing through networks are critical determinants of mental health. This entry describes social network theory and methodology and reviews major findings linking these to mental health and illness. Mechanisms underlying the effects of social networks and social ties on mental health outcomes are discussed, including social psychological and biological benefits of connectedness, social contagion and influence, as well as access to resources through social networks. In addition, the influence of mental illness on social networks is reviewed, citing the psychiatric perspective, social support processes, stigma and labeling, and caregiver burden. Keywords: mental health; mental illness; social networks; social support
New Perspectives on the Fracture of Nicalon Fibers

Experimental studies have been conducted to examine the strength and fracture behavior of monofiliment Nicalon{sup 3} SiC fibers ranging in diameter from 8 to 22 {mu}m. The effects of varying fiber diameter, flaw location and flaw population on the tensile behavior of individual fibers were investigated using fractography. Results indicate that variations in fiber diameter influence the apparent fiber fracture toughness K{sub 1c}, with higher K{sub 1c} values observed for decreasing fiber diameters. Observations also suggest that the location of the critical flaw may play a role in the fracture of Nicalon fibers. In addition to surface flaws, three distinct internal flaw populations are seen to cause fracture in Nicalon fibers.
A Comparative Study of Minimum Norm Inverse Methods for MEG Imaging

The majority of MEG imaging techniques currently in use fall into the general class of (weighted) minimum norm methods. The minimization of a norm is used as the basis for choosing one from a generally infinite set of solutions that provide an equally good fit to the data. This ambiguity in the Solution arises from the inherent non-unique-ness of the continuous inverse problem and is compounded by the imbalance between the relatively small number of measurements and the large number of source voxels. Here we present a unified view of the minimum norm methods and describe how we can use Tikhonov regularization to avoid instabilities in the solutions due to noise. We then compare the Performance of regularized versions of three well known linear minimum norm methods [51 [7] with the non-linear iteratively reweighted minimum norm method [11 and a Bayesian approach described in our companion paper (“MEG-based Imaging of Focal Neuronal Current Sources,” Phillips J.W., Leahy R.M., Mosher J.C.).
Survey of power, QR, and oepomo’s iterative methods for solution of largest eigenvalue of essentially positive matrices

Abstract Many of the popular methods for the solution of largest eigenvalue of essentially positive irreducible matrices are surveyed with the hope of finding an efficient method suitable for electromagnetic engineering, radiation problems, system identification problems, and solid mechanics. Eigenvalue computations are both fundamental and ubiquitous in computational science and its fast application areas. Some comparisons between several known algorithms, i.e. Power and QR methods, and earlier theory of Oepomo iterative techniques for solving largest eigenvalue of nonnegative irreducible matrices are presented since there is a continuing demand for new algorithm and library software that efficiently utilize and adapt to new applications.
Terminal arbors of axons projecting to the somatosensory cortex of the adult rat. I. The normal morphology of specific thalamocortical afferents

A characteristic feature of the rat somatosensory neocortex is a discrete topographic representation of the facial whiskers. Afferent fibers projecting to this vibrissae representation were "bulk-labeled" by injecting horseradish peroxidase into the white matter. Terminal arbors with the morphological characteristics of Lorente de No's (1949) "specific" thalamocortical afferents were then reconstructed through serial sections. These terminal arbors, characterized by the discrete organization of their dense plexus in layer IV, have a laminar distribution of boutons that parallels the laminar pattern of terminal degeneration resulting from lesions of the ventral posterior nucleus of the thalamus. The regional distribution of different-sized arbors corresponds to the distribution of vibrissae-related clusters of different sizes. Larger arbors were found in the posteromedial region corresponding to the mystacial vibrissae representation, while smaller arbors were found in the anterolateral region corresponding to the representation of the anterior sinus hairs. Terminal arbors were also reconstructed from sections stained simultaneously to demonstrate the pattern of vibrissae-related clusters. The greatest concentration of boutons on these axons occurred within a single vibrissae-related cluster. Furthermore, when 2 fibers terminated within a single cluster, their terminal arbors appeared to be largely coextensive. The morphology, size, and distribution of these terminal arbors support the hypothesis that the layer IV plexus of a single specific thalamocortical afferent tends to fill a vibrissae-related cluster. Thus, the organization of specific thalamocortical afferents may be responsible for clustered organization within the somatotopic map of the rodent neocortex.
How to build hadron multiplets from stable particles

New realizations of SU(3)-hadron multiplets are given in terms of stable particles, proton, electron, neutrino, and μ-meson, considered as a magnetically excited state of electron. Magnetic interactions between these particles can produce pairings of leptons and further coupling of these pairs with the proton. A shift of ⅔ of the leptonic charge to the electric charge relates leptons to quarks. Internal quantum numbers of hadrons and many rules of hadron interactions acquire simple physical interpretations.
A physical model for seismic noise generation from sediment transport in rivers

Measuring sediment flux in rivers remains a significant problem in studies of landscape evolution. Recent studies suggest that observations of seismic noise near rivers can help provide such measurements, but the lack of models linking observed seismic quantities to sediment flux has prevented the method from being used. Here, we develop a forward model to describe the seismic noise induced by the transport of sediment in rivers. The model provides an expression for the power spectral density (PSD) of the Rayleigh waves generated by impulsive impacts from saltating particles which scales linearly with the number of particles of a given size and the square of the linear momentum. After incorporating expressions for the impact velocity and rate of impacts for fluvially transported sediment, we observe that the seismic noise PSD is strongly dependent on the sediment size, such that good constraints on grain size distribution are needed for reliable estimates of sediment flux based on seismic noise observations. The model predictions for the PSD are consistent with recent measurements and, based on these data, a first attempt at inverting seismic noise for the sediment flux is provided.
AFM characterization of adhesion force in micro-relays

Characterization of adhesion force using atomic force microscopy is adapted for micro-relay applications. Measurements indicate that micro-relays with W contacting electrodes have low adhesion force (≪16.5nN/µm2). Adhesion force, as expected, scales with contact force and contact area. TiO 2 coating to improve relay reliability comes at a trade-off in surface adhesion force, which will ultimately limit energy efficiency.
Single and double ionization of helium by neutral-particle to fully stripped ion impact

New measurements of direct single and double ionization of helium by hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen ions are presented for projectile charge states ranging from 0 to 3+. These data are combined with previously published values to provide a detailed description of direct double ionization of helium for a wide range of experimental parameters, i.e., projectile ions include protons through oxygen, impact energies from 25 to 5000 keV/u, and projectile charge states ranging from neutral to fully stripped. The charge-state and impact-velocity dependencies of the measured cross sections are compared with the dependencies predicted by an independent electron multiple-ionization model. It is found that a multistep mechanism (i.e., the independent ionization of both target electrons) is the dominant direct double-ionization mechanism for charged-particle impact energies above 100 keV/u. This mechanism dominates until some maximum impact velocity, which depends on the projectile charge, is reached. For higher velocities a single-step ionization mechanism becomes important. The limited neutral-particle impact data indicate that the single-step mechanism becomes dominant at much lower impact velocities and there is no evidence of the multistep mechanism in the neutral-particle impact energy range investigated.
Divergent Selection for Secondary Traits in Upland Tetraploid Switchgrass and Effects on Sward Biomass Yield

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is currently undergoing intensive breeding efforts to improve biomass yield. Consideration must be made regarding the relative importance of spaced plantings to sward plots for evaluation and selection for increased biomass yield. It has previously been suggested that selection schemes using secondary plant morphological traits as selection criteria within spaced plantings may be an efficient method of making genetic gain. The objective of this study was to empirically test the effects of direct selection for plant height, tiller count, flowering date, and visual selection for biomass yield within spaced plantings on biomass yield and morphology traits within sward plots. Divergently selected populations for each trait were developed from the WS4U upland tetraploid germplasm and evaluated for biomass yield at five locations in Wisconsin during two growing seasons. Significant variation was observed between maternal parents of the selected populations for both selected and nonselected traits. Despite substantial differences between parent plant populations for plant morphology, significant differences were not observed for sward-plot biomass yield or sward-plot morphology relative to the base population. Late flowering selections yielded 2.0 Mg/ha greater biomass than early flowering selections (29 % increase). Plant height within sward plots was observed to have a strong positive correlation with biomass yield. Tiller count was observed to have a weak correlation with biomass yield. Based on the observed results, it is recommended that greater emphasis be placed on evaluation of biomass yield using sward plots.
The fight against Ebola

Medical treatment and community interventions are needed to stop the spread of a killer disease in West Africa. But predicting and preparing for all cases of Ebola – both reported and unreported – is easier said than done. Maimuna Majumder reports
Factors affecting survivability of transferred whole and demi-embryos in a commercial dairy herd.

Abstract Sixty Holstein donor cows were superovulated and embryos were collected during a 6-d (27 cows) and a 4-d (33 cows) period approximately 60 d apart. Forty-three donor cows yielded embryos. Ninety-one embryos graded 1 or 2 were split and transferred to 181 recipient Holsteins. Demi-embryos were graded 2, 2-, 3 and 3- prior to transfer. Pregnancy and calving percentages were similar for all demi-embryo grades, averaging 59 and 53% from the two donor groups, respectively. Twin demi-embryo pregnancies averaged 36 and 19% for embryos split at the compacted morula and blastocyst stages, respectively. Twin demi-embryo calvings averaged 30 and 15% for these same groups. Progesterone levels of recipients (of either whole or demi-embryos) of second period donors were measured. Pregnancy rate increased generally with level of progesterone; however, calving percentage was slightly greater for recipients with intermediate levels of progesterone (2–6 ng/ml). Multiparous cow (20) recipients of demi-embryos had 45% pregnancy and 40% calving, while nulliparous heifer (161) recipients averaged 59 and 53% pregnancy and calving, respectively.
A pilot study of imatinib, low-dose cytarabine and idarubicin for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in myeloid blast phase

Imatinib is the single most effective agent in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blast phase (BP), inducing hematologic responses in 30 - 50% of patients. However, only a few of these are complete (CHR) and durable. Imatinib is synergistic with idarubicin and cytarabine. We administered imatinib 600 mg/day, cytarabine 10 mg/day subcutaneous, and idarubicin 12 mg/m2 intravenous every 14 days in 19 patients with CML in myeloid BP. Fourteen patients (74%) achieved a hematologic response: CHR in 9 (47%) (3 with complete and 1 with minor cytogenetic responses) and return to chronic phase (RTC) in 5 (26%). Median duration of response was 10 weeks (range, 2 - 89). Six patients received allogeneic stem cell transplantation: 4 CHR, 1 chronic phase and 1 BP. Median survival was 5 months (range, 2 - 20 months). This outpatient regimen is effective and well tolerated and perhaps superior to single-agent imatinib for patients in myeloid BP.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak after acoustic neuroma surgery

BACKGROUND CSF rhinorrhea is a common complication of acoustic neuroma surgery. METHODS Twenty cases of persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, 2 of transient leaks, and 2 of late meningitis occurring in a series of 156 posterior fossa acoustic neuroma removals were studied. Prophylaxis of leaks was usually attempted by filling opened air cells in the drilled internal auditory canal (IAC) with bone wax. Communications were repaired by rewaxing the IAC, or by fat packing of either the mastoid or the eustachian tube, middle ear, and mastoid. RESULTS Most leaks were diagnosed within 1 week of surgery, although 1 occurred 4 years postoperatively. Those seen later were usually recurrences of a previously repaired leak or cases of meningitis. Leaks were more common later in the series when a more lateral unroofing of the IAC was used. The communication usually occurred through air cells opened while unroofing the canal, but two were via the vestibule and oval window. Treatment failed in 38% of cases in which canal rewaxing was used. There were no failures when the communication was sealed by fat obliteration of the eustachian tube, middle ear, and mastoid. CONCLUSIONS Leaks are more common with a more lateral unroofing of the IAC. A leak may occur into the middle ear via the oval window. Optimal treatment is packing of the middle ear and mastoid with fat.
A description of the skull and postcrania of Hadrodelphis calvertense Kellogg 1966, and its position within the Kentriodontidae (Cetacea; Delphinoidea)

ABSTRACT An associated skeleton of a large delphinoid from the Calvert Formation (lower middle Miocene) of Maryland is referable to Hadrodelphis calvertense Kellogg 1966, and includes the skull and periotic, as well as postcranial material. For the first time, a thorough description of this poorly known species is possible. Hadrodelphis is classified as a lophocetine kentriodontid based on features of its cranial vertex. Members of this subfamily possess rostro-caudally elongate nasals, and have a vertex which is transversely compressed, resulting in the maxillae becoming pinched or concave lateral to the vertex. Hadrodelphis calvertense exhibits a vertex which is extremely compressed and elevated, but the nasals are not inflated. Dental characters of H. calvertense and morphology of the periotic are essentially primitive. Although the family kentriodontidae appears to have been cosmopolitan in geographic distribution, species of Hadrodelphis have not been reported from the Pacific basin.
Tribological behavior of diamond-like carbon: effects of preparation conditions and annealing

Abstract Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are characterized by, among other properties, very low friction coefficients, high wear resistance, and high corrosion resistance. Depending upon the testing environment, the coefficient of friction can be as low as 0.01. As-deposited films are wear resistant in vacuum as well as in atmospheric ambient. This paper will discuss the general tribological behavior, in different environments, of DLC films deposited under a variety of conditions, and proposed mechanisms explaining the very low friction coefficients observed. The specific properties of DLC films deposited from acetylene by r.f. plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition will then be presented. The films were deposited at substrate temperatures between 100 °C and 250 °C, at various substrate biases. The films were annealed in vacuum at temperatures up to 590 °C. The tribological properties of the as-deposited as well as annealed DLC films will be presented as a function of the deposition parameters. The observed behavior will be discussed and related to other physical properties of the films.
Supporting Query Formulation for Text Retrieval Applications in Software Engineering

Text Retrieval (TR) techniques have been successfully used to leverage the textual information found in software artifacts with the purpose of aiding developers with their daily tasks. TR techniques require a query as input and the usefulness of the results they retrieve depends greatly on this query. While some queries retrieve relevant information for the current task, others do not, therefore pointing developers in the wrong direction. Developers have a hard time realizing this before going through the search results, which, in the case of "bad" queries means time and effort lost looking at irrelevant information. In this scenario, developers have to reformulate the query, often without pointers on how to improve it. The work presented in this paper introduces novel approaches to address these challenges and makes two main contributions: 1) defines the first approach for predicting the success of a TR query in the context of SE tasks, 2) introduces automatic approaches that analyze a query and improve it by finding the most suited reformulation for it. The approaches were evaluated for the task of concept location in source code and the results of the performed studies reveal their usefulness.
Association of sICAM-1 and MCP-1 with coronary artery calcification in families enriched for coronary heart disease or hypertension: the NHLBI Family Heart Study

Data accumulated from mouse studies and in vitro studies of human arteries support the notion that soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) play important roles in the inflammation process involved in atherosclerosis. However, at the population level, the utility of sICAM-1 and MCP-1 as biomarkers for subclinical atherosclerosis is less clear. In the follow-up exam of the NHLBI Family Heart Study, we evaluated whether plasma levels of sICAM-1 and MCP-1 were associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a measure of the burden of coronary atherosclerosis. CAC was measured using the Agatston score with multidetector computed tomography. Information on CAC and MCP-1 was obtained in 2246 whites and 470 African Americans (mean age 55 years) without a history of coronary heart disease (CHD). Information on sICAM-1 was obtained for white participants only. In whites, after adjustment for age and gender, the odds ratios (ORs) of CAC (CAC > 0) associated with the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of sICAM-1 compared to the first quintile were 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–1.63), 1.15 (0.84–1.58), 1.49 (1.09–2.05), and 1.72 (1.26–2.36) (p = 0.0005 for trend test), respectively. The corresponding ORs for the second to fifth quintiles of MCP-1 were 1.26 (0.92–1.73), 0.99 (0.73–1.34), 1.42 (1.03–1.96), and 2.00 (1.43–2.79) (p < 0.0001 for trend test), respectively. In multivariable analysis that additionally adjusted for other CHD risk factors, the association of CAC with sICAM-1 and MCP-1 was attenuated and no longer statistically significant. In African Americans, the age and gender-adjusted ORs of CAC associated with the second and third tertiles of MCP-1 compared to the first tertile were 1.16 (0.64–2.08) and 1.25 (0.70–2.23) (p = 0.44 for trend test), respectively. This result did not change materially after additional adjustment for other CHD risk factors. Test of race interaction showed that the magnitude of association between MCP-1 and CAC did not differ significantly between African Americans and whites. Similar results were obtained when CAC ≥ 10 was analyzed as an outcome for both MCP-1 and sICAM-1. This study suggests that sICAM-1 and MCP-1 are biomarkers of coronary atherosclerotic burden and their association with CAC was mainly driven by established CHD risk factors.
Two problems in antisense biotechnology: in vitro delivery and the design of antisense experiments.

Antisense oligonucleotides are invaluable reagents for the specific downregulation of gene expression. In the absence of a carrier, charged oligonucleotides (e.g., phosphorothioates) can interact with a large number of cell surface proteins, but tend to be internalized into the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. However, they can be successfully delivered to the nuclei of diverse cell types via the use of a wide variety of reagents, including cationic lipids, and cationic polyamines. Over the past several years, a more general understanding of the rules governing the interpretation of data derived from antisense experiments has been reached. These are discussed with emphasis on how to avoid some of the confounding features of this important, emerging technology.
Using Two-photon Excited Fluorescence Intensity- and Lifetime-based NADH Imaging to Investigate Cochlea Metabolism

Metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be involved in many different hearing disorders including noise induced hearing loss and presbycusis. We have employed two-photon fluorescence imaging of intrinsic mitochondrial reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to study the metabolic status of the different cell types in excised yet intact mouse organ of Corti preparations. Recent published studies employ fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to determine the ratio of the free to enzyme-bound fluorophores populations that occur during changes in metabolism. We have compared traditional intensity based methods to FLIM in order to evaluate the two different methods in both cultured cells and the excised organ of Corti. Treatment with both metabolic uncouplers and inhibitors caused systematic shifts in both the lifetime and populations of the free and bound pools of NADH, resulting in significant differences in the calculated concentration of NADH when compared to using intensity alone to calculate the same value. Mapping of the locations of the individual lifetimes, shows that the lifetime of NADH varies in different cellular locations as well as in different cell types. Possible implications for the study of hearing loss will be discussed.Supported by NIH DC 08895, NIH P20 RR016475 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources., and NIH R15-GM085776.
Private payment systems, collateral, and interest rates

Recent developments in private payments arrangements, particularly at the wholesale level, (including recent innovations in China) challenge central banks’ longstanding monopoly on the provision of the ultimate means of settlement for financial transactions. This paper examines competition between public payments arrangements and private intermediaries, and the effect on central banks’ role in monetary policy. Central to the issue is the role of collateral both as a requirement for participation in central bank sponsored payments arrangements and as the backing for private intermediary arrangements. The presence of private systems serves as a check on the ability of a monetary authority to tighten monetary policy.
Removal of hydantoin products of 8-oxoguanine oxidation by the Escherichia coli DNA repair enzyme, FPG.

An intriguing feature of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2‘-deoxyguanosine (OG) is that it is highly reactive toward further oxidation. Indeed, OG has been shown to be a “hot spot” for oxidative damage and susceptible to oxidation by a variety of cellular oxidants. Recent work has identified two new DNA lesions, guanidinohydantoin (Gh) and spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp), resulting from one-electron oxidation of OG. The presence of Gh and Sp lesions in DNA templates has been shown to result in misinsertion of G and A by DNA polymerases, and therefore, both are potentially mutagenic DNA lesions. The base excision repair (BER) glycosylases Fpg and MutY serve to prevent mutations associated with OG in Escherichia coli, and therefore, we have investigated the ability of these two enzymes to process DNA duplex substrates containing the further oxidized OG lesions, Gh and Sp. The Fpg protein, which removes OG and a variety of other oxidized purine base lesions, was found to remove Gh and Sp efficiently opposite all four of the na...
Building Blocks of Eumelanin: Relative Stability and Excitation Energies of Tautomers of 5,6-Dihydroxyindole and 5,6-Indolequinone

Computation methods were used to examine the tautomerization equilibria for 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI, 2) and 5,6-indolequinone (IQ, 3). Relative energies were calculated at the B3LYP and PBE0 level of theory; solvent effects were modeled by using the CPCM method. Nine tautomers of 2 were examined. Our data showed that the generally accepted molecular structure of 2 corresponds to the most stable tautomer in both gas phase and aqueous solution. In aqueous solution, the quinone methide tautomer was the second most stable structure, being destabilized by 6 kcal mol-1. In contrast, gas-phase DFT calculations on four tautomers of 3 suggest this compound exists as a mixture of two tautomers, the quinone and the quinone methide. The relative concentration of the quinone methide is predicted to be sufficient to be detected experimentally. The energy difference between these two tautomers increases in solution so concentration of quinone methide should be negligible in polar solvents. Vertical excitation energies ...
Visual inputs to the mushroom body calyces of the whirligig beetle Dineutus sublineatus: Modality switching in an insect

The mushroom bodies are prominent lobed centers in the forebrain, or protocerebrum, of most insects. Previous studies on mushroom bodies have focused on higher olfactory processing, including olfactory-based learning and memory. Anatomical studies provide strong support that in terrestrial insects with mushroom bodies, the primary input region, or calyces, are predominantly supplied by olfactory projection neurons from the antennal lobe glomeruli. In aquatic species that generally lack antennal lobes, the calyces are vestigial or absent. Here we report an exception to this in the whirligig beetle Dineutus sublineatus (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae). This aquatic species lives on water and is equipped with two separate pairs of compound eyes, one pair viewing above and one viewing below the water surface. As in other aquatic insects, the whirligig beetle lacks antennal lobes, but unlike other aquatic insects its mushroom bodies possess robust calyces. Golgi impregnations and fluorescent tracer injections revealed that the calyces are exclusively supplied by visual neurons from the medulla of the dorsal eye optic lobes. No other sensory inputs reach the calyces, thereby showing a complete switch of calyx modality from olfaction to vision. Potential functions of the mushroom bodies of D. sublineatus are discussed in the context of the behavioral ecology of whirligig beetles.
Miniature magnetoresistance probe for high-field mapping

Abstract A miniature magnetoresistance probe, made of pure copper wire, has been developed for mapping magnetic fields. The probe has been used to map field profiles up to 15 T, with a resolution in field Δ B of better than 2×10 −4 T at 15 T. The small size of the probe, 1 mm diam.×2.5 mm length, makes it useful for measuring field homogeneity and field profile. While the present measurements were made from 2 to 4.2 K, the probe may be used down to 1 mK.
Thunderclap Headaches: A Focus on Etiology and Diagnostic Evaluation

"Thunderclap headaches" are severe intensity headaches that reach maximum intensity in less than 1 minute. There are numerous etiologies of thunderclap headache, some associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and others with benign outcomes. Evaluation of the patient with thunderclap headache must occur urgently in order to assess for dangerous etiologies such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. When a cause for thunderclap headache is not identified after initial testing that includes brain computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, additional testing is typically indicated to determine the etiology. "Primary thunderclap headache" is diagnosed when a complete evaluation fails to identify a specific cause for thunderclap headache.
Diffusion properties and phase transitions of the metallic glass a-Zr2PdHx

NMR measurements were made to deduce hydrogen diffusion parameters in amorphous a-Zr/sub 2/PdH/sub 2/ /sub 9/. Non-Arrhenius temperature dependence as well as enhanced hydrogen mobility was found for glassy a-r/sub 2/PdH/sub 2/ /sub 9/ in contrast to the Arrhenius behavior in two crystalline c-Zr/sub 2/PdH/sub 2/ /sub 90/ phases. Differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction indicate that both the initial a-Zr/sub 2/Pd alloy and the amorphous hydride undergo irreversible transformations at elevated temperatures. Although a-Zr/sub 2/Pd forms the crystalline intermetallic, a-Zr/sub 2/PdH/sub 2/ /sub 9/ can generate either crystalline Zr/sub 2/PdH/sub x/ or ZrH/sub x/ as the major decomposition product.
From L'État, c'est moi to L'État, c'est l'État: Mapping in Early Modern France

Abstract Using the printed works of two French cartographers, Alexis-Hubert Jaillot and Guillaume Delisle, I investigate how the changing interests of the government directed not only the process of map-making but the rhetoric evident in printed maps and atlases. Jaillot, a commercial map publisher flourishing during the second half of the seventeenth century, produced maps that participated in the fabrication of the image of Louis XIV. Maps served this “cult of image” and contributed to a multimedia show to glorify the reign of the Sun King and to support his personal state – l’etat, c’est moi. In the eighteenth century, while a rhetoric of image was still present on printed maps, the “cult of image” was dead and mapping appealed to the rise of the impersonal or bureaucratized state – l’etat, c’est l’etat. Delisle produced maps as instruments of statecraft that aided the state in furthering its domestic and international interests. In particular, printed maps of the Americas served the government's need ...
Dynamic and selective nucleosome repositioning during endotoxin tolerance

Sepsis is encoded by a sequel of transcription activation and repression events that initiate, sustain, and resolve severe systemic inflammation. The repression/silencing phase occurs in blood leukocytes of animals and humans following the initiation of systemic inflammation due to developing endotoxin tolerance. We previously reported that NF-κB transcription factor RelB and histone H3 lysine methyltransferase G9a directly interact to induce facultative heterochromatin assembly and regulate epigenetic silencing during endotoxin tolerance, which is a major feature of sepsis. The general objective of this study was to assess whether dynamic temporal, structural, and positional changes of nucleosomes influence the sepsis phenotype. We used the THP-1 sepsis cell model to isolate mononucleosomes by rapid cell permeabilization and digestion of chromatin with micrococcal nuclease and then compared tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) proximal promoter nucleosome alignment in endotoxin-responsive and -tolerant phenotypes. We found differential and dynamic repositioning of nucleosomes from permissive to repressive locations during the activation and silencing phases of transcription reprogramming and identified the following mechanisms that may participate in the process. 1) Two proximal nucleosomes repositioned to expose the primary NF-κB DNA binding site in endotoxin-responsive cells, and this “promoter opening” required the ATP-independent chaperone NAP1 to replace the core histone H2A with the H2A.Z variant. 2) During RelB-dependent endotoxin tolerance, the two nucleosomes repositioned and masked the primary NF-κB DNA binding site. 3) Small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of RelB expression prevented repressive nucleosome repositioning and tolerance induction, but the “open” promoter required endotoxin-induced NF-κB p65 promoter binding to initiate transcription, supporting the known requirement of p65 posttranslational modifications for transactivation. 4) Sustaining the permissive promoter state after RelB knockdown required ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeler BAF complex. Moreover, we found that forced expression of RelB in responsive cells induced repressive nucleosome positioning and silenced TNFα transcription, demonstrating the plasticity of nucleosome remodeling and its dependence on RelB. Our data suggest that nucleosome repositioning controls both the induction and epigenetic silencing phases of TNFα transcription associated with sepsis.
A comparison of cocaine and its metabolite norcocaine: effects on locomotor activity.

Abstract Intraventricular and intraperitoneal administration of cocaine and its metabolite norcocaine were studied in adult male rats. Norcocaine (10–100 μm) had no behavioral activity following central infusiion but proved to be toxic at high doses (50–100 mg/kg) when given peripherally. Cocaine at high doses (100 μm), produced possible hypoactivity after central injections but produced significant hyperactivity after peripheral administration (20 mg/kg).
Sex differences and similarities in communicator style

This research investigates sex differences in self perceptions of communicator style. In two studies, 736 and 382 subjects completed the Communicator Style Measure— Short Form. The findings indicate that males see themselves as significantly more precise than females see themselves. Females report higher levels of animated style than males. Male and female subjects report no consistent differences in behaviors associated with impression leaving, contentious, open, dramatic, dominant, relaxed, friendly, and attentive styles. Dominant and impression leaving styles consistently predicted communicator image for both sexes. The results are discussed in terms of their impact upon communication and social sex role research.
BrdU-dye characterization of late replication and meiotic recombination in Armenian hamster germ cells.

In vivo BrdU-dye methodology is used to reveal patterns of replication kinetics and meiotic recombination in male germ cells of the Armenian hamster. Analogue substitution over a fraction of the DNA synthesis period results in distinctive 33258 Hoechst fluorescence staining of late replicating chromatin, detectable at spermatogonial or spermatocyte I and II stages. Spermatogonial cells which are extensively substituted with BrdU over the penultimate synthesis period reveal sister chromatid differentiation in all chromosomes of primary or secondary spermatocytes. In chiasmatic regions, exchanges between unlike-stained non-sister chromatids are indicated by isolabelled segments, while those occurring between like-stained non-sister chromatids are not directly detected. In sex chromosomes from young animals, these alternative images occur in a ratio of 1∶1, which supports the concept that homologue non-sister chromatid regions are randomly broken and reunited in the process of chiasma formation. Deviations from randomness appeared to occur in older animals. Sex bivalent chiasmata are either coincident with points of visible exchange, or they appear to have variable degrees of terminalization. Secondary spermatocytes display sharp chromatid contrast, and aid in mapping the positions and frequencies of homologue exchanges.
Factors that Differentiate Mathematics Students in Cyprus, Hong Kong, and the USA

The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine how attitudinal and instructional variables differentiated 4th-grade students in Cyprus, Hong Kong, and the USA; and to determine how those variables were related to math performance on the TIMSS test. A discriminant analysis was performed to examine how those variables differentiated the students in the 3 countries. The most striking result was that the students from all 3 countries, who were similar to the average students in Cyprus, had the highest achievement within their countries. Thus, 4th-grade students who liked math, who thought it was important to do well in math for their friends, who did not need private instruction, and who had not been taught using computers or small group procedures, tended to be the better students. However, students who were similar to the average USA student had the lowest achievement within each of the 3 countries.