cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular diastolic function: Comparison of pulsed doppler echocardiographic and hemodynamic indexes in subjects with and without coronary artery disease

To evaluate the influence of left ventricular chamber stiffness and relaxation on Doppler echocardiographic indexes of diastolic function, 35 patients (mean age 60 +/- 12 years) were examined; 24 had coronary artery disease and 11 (Group I) had no cardiovascular disease. Micromanometer left ventricular pressure was recorded simultaneously with Doppler echocardiograms of mitral valve inflow and M-mode echocardiograms of left ventricular diameter. The chamber stiffness constant (k) was derived from the pressure-diameter relation. Relaxation was assessed by the isovolumic relaxation time constant (tau) derived from the exponential left ventricular pressure decay. The patients with coronary artery disease were classified into two groups on the basis of complete (Group II; n = 10) and incomplete (Group III; n = 14) relaxation. In Group I (no coronary disease), significant correlations were demonstrated between the chamber stiffness constant and the peak early filling velocity (r = 0.73; p less than 0.02), peak early to atrial filling velocity ratio (r = 0.82; p less than 0.005), atrial time-velocity integral (r = -0.73; p less than 0.02), early to atrial time-velocity integral ratio (r = 0.70; p less than 0.05), percent atrial contribution to filling (r = -0.64; p less than 0.05) and one-half filling fraction (r = 0.73; p less than 0.02). In Group II (coronary disease with complete relaxation), the chamber stiffness constant correlated with peak early filling velocity (r = 0.68; p less than 0.05), early filling time-velocity integral (r = 0.65; p less than 0.05) and early to atrial time-velocity integral ratio (r = 0.74; p less than 0.02). No correlations between k and Doppler indexes were found in Group III (coronary disease with incomplete relaxation). However, Group III demonstrated significant correlations between tau and the peak early filling velocity (r = -0.71; p less than 0.005), percent atrial contribution to filling (r = 0.56; p less than 0.05) and mean acceleration rate of early filling (r = -0.79; p less than 0.002). Thus, in subjects with normal relaxation, increasing chamber stiffness was associated with an enhanced peak early filling velocity and volume and decreased filling during atrial systole. This finding differs strikingly from the proposed influence of chamber stiffness on diastolic filling postulated by several researchers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Bimodal initiation of smokeless tobacco usage: implications for cancer education.

Abstract One hundred fifty (150) randomly chosen adult male subjects (average age 37) drawn from a university general dental clinic were classified by self‐report into three equal categories of fifty smokeless tobacco users, fifty cigarette smokers (non‐smokeless tobacco users), and fifty non‐tobacco users. According to questionnaire results, a bimodal curve was exhibited among smokeless tobacco users with the two peaks of initiation at ages 12 and 18 compared to a unimodal age of initiation for cigarette smokers at age 16. Two different cohorts of smokeless tobacco users based on age of initiation were observed with differences reported in level of education, urban versus rural origin, average length of time in using smokeless tobacco, and the type of smokeless tobacco product used. Young initiators appeared to be primarily from rural communities having a strong parental or familial influence when initiating smokeless tobacco usage, whereas older initiators appeared to be primarily from more urbanized re...
The Sacral Foramina

The sacral foramina, particularly the first three, are not simple fenestrations. Each foramen is a Y-shaped complex of canals, all with indefinite margins. The complexes lie obliquely at approximately 45° to the coronal plane. An appreciation of these facts facilitates the recognition of the anatomy of plain films, tomographs, and computerized scans.
Mechanisms of siderophore sorption to smectite and siderophore-enhanced release of structural Fe3+

Abstract Sorption of the trihydroxamate siderophores desferrioxamine-B and -D (DFOB and DFOD, respectively) and of the monohydroxamate ligand acetohydroxamic acid (aHA) to smectite were examined in batch sorption studies (pH 5.5, 0.1 M ionic strength) coupled with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Both DFOB and DFOD, which have similar molecular structures but different charge properties (cationic versus neutral, respectively) showed a high affinity for smectite. In contrast, the smaller aHA molecule did not sorb appreciably. XRD analysis indicated that DFOB and DFOD each absorbed in the interlamellar region of the clay to give d -spacings of 13.4–13.7 A at equilibrium solution concentrations
pipath: An optimized algorithm for generating α-helical structures from PISEMA data

An optimized algorithm for finding structures and assignments of solid-state NMR PISEMA data obtained from alpha-helical membrane proteins is presented. The description of this algorithm, PIPATH, is followed by an analysis of its performance on simulated PISEMA data derived from synthetic and experimental structures. pipath transforms the assignment problem into a path-finding problem for a directed graph, and then uses techniques of graph theory to efficiently find candidate assignments from a very large set of possibilities.
Architecture for the Mentally Impaired Elderly

A model for the postoccupancy evaluation (POE) is suggested. Most actual POE fall short of the ideal. An example of a POE is presented of an environment designed for severely impaired, elderly residents of nursing homes. Because residents themselves could not be interviewed, evaluation was based primarily on the direct observation of resident behavior before and after transfer to the prosthetically designed building. Consumer evaluations were also performed by staff and by residents' relatives. Some hypothesized improvements were seen, and the major effect was suggested as a retardation of decline. The study is seen as a partial approach to the POE model.
Acousto-optic modulator as an electronically selectable unidirectional device in a ring laser

An acousto-optic modulator causes unidirectional operation of dye and Ti:sapphire ring lasers. The modulator has a low insertion loss in the cavity and can be used to switch the direction of the beam electronically. The ring-laser performance is characterized, and experiments to probe the origin of the unidirectional operation are described.
Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy in a Neonate Presenting With Hydrops Fetalis and Pulmonary Hypertension

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a recently recognized form of cardiomyopathy with a variable clinical presentation. This report describes NCCM of a newborn presenting with hydrops fetalis and pulmonary hypertension. To date, this has not been described in the literature. As knowledge of this condition grows, the need to recognize NCCM becomes more important.
Nano-columnar pore formation in the photo-electrochemical etching of n-type 6H SiC

We have fabricated columnar nano-porous SiC by photo-electrochemical etching on the C-face of n-type 6H SiC at constant voltage. SEM images reveal that the pores are long, straight and parallel with diameters of about 20 nm. We have produced such layers up to 250 μm thick. The pore morphologies for both Si and C-face SiC samples are compared and discussed as a part of the effort to understand the growth mechanism. It is found that the constant voltage etching condition on C-face SiC is crucial for this nano-columnar pore formation.
A postmodern critical theory of research use

The knowledge use field is in a state of conceptual disarray that has contributed to problems in the dissemination and use of knowledge. Examining the nature of knowledge in a critical realist epistemology results in a reconceptualization of knowledge use from a postmodern critical theorist perspective. This theory takes as its focus the study of research, dissemination, and use as cultural structure, ritual, and ideology; and addresses concerns about knowledge use by articulating a conceptual frame-work that triangulates among issues related to knowledge construction, power and action, and ethics and ideology, as integral to any concept of knowledge and its use.
Gust alleviation of highly flexible UAVs with artificial hair sensors

Artificial hair sensors (AHS) have been recently developed in Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) using carbon nanotube (CNT). The deformation of CNT in air flow causes voltage and current changes in the circuit, which can be used to quantify the dynamic pressure and aerodynamic load along the wing surface. AFRL has done a lot of essential work in design, manufacturing, and measurement of AHSs. The work in this paper is to bridge the current AFRL’s work on AHSs and their feasible applications in flight dynamics and control (e.g., the gust alleviation) of highly flexible aircraft. A highly flexible vehicle is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with finite-state inflow aerodynamics. A feedback control algorithm for the rejection of gust perturbations will be developed. A simplified Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller will be implemented based on the state-space representation of the linearized system. All AHS measurements will be used as the control input, i.e., wing sectional aerodynamic loads will be defined as the control output for designing the feedback gain. Once the controller is designed, closed-loop aeroelastic simulations will be performed to evaluate the performance of different controllers with the force feedback and be compared to traditional controller designs with the state feedback. From the study, the feasibility of AHSs in flight control will be assessed. The whole study will facilitate in building a fly-by-feel simulation environment for autonomous vehicles.
Adverse Neighborhood Conditions and Sanction Risk Perceptions: Using SEM to Examine Direct and Indirect Effects

The present study examines how individuals’ sanction risk perceptions are shaped by neighborhood context. Using structural equation modeling on data from waves 6 and 7 of the National Youth Survey, we assess the direct and indirect relationships between adverse neighborhood conditions and two dimensions of sanction risk perceptions: the certainty of punishment and perceived shame. In addition, the role of shame as a mediator between neighborhood context and certainty of punishment is also investigated. The results indicate that adverse neighborhood conditions indirectly affect both forms of sanction risk perceptions, and additional results show that perceived shame fully mediates the effect of neighborhood conditions on perceptions of the certainty of punishment. The perceptual deterrence/rational choice perspective will need to be revised to accommodate more explicitly the role of neighborhood context in shaping sanction risk perceptions.
Polyimide Coatings for OLED Applications

We developed novel positive-tone photosensitive polyimide coatings for insulation layers in organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. We evaluated the features of the novel coatings in comparison to other candidate polymers including novolak resin, acrylic resin, and polybenzoxazole. After curing, the novel coatings exhibited excellent and stable electrical and thermal properties, and good adhesion to various substrates with quite a low thickness loss during cleaning process, e.g., UV-O3, O2-plasma, etc. In addition we confirmed that the novel coatings could solve the "pixel shrinkage" problem in OLED displays.
Cardioviral internal ribosomal entry site is functional in a genetically engineered dicistronic poliovirus

HIGH mutation rates have driven RNA viruses to shorten their genomes to the minimum possible size1. Mammalian (+)-strand RNA viruses and retroviruses have responded by reducing the number of cis-acting regulatory elements, a constraint that has led to the emergence of the polyprotein2. Poliovirus is a (+)-stranded picornavirus whose polyprotein, encoded by an open reading frame spanning most of the viral RNA3, is processed by virus-encoded proteinases4,5. Despite their genetic austerity, picor-naviruses have retained long 5' untranslated regions6–8, which harbour cis-acting elements that promote initiation of translation independently of the uncapped 5' end of the viral messenger RNA9–12. These elements are termed 'internal ribosomal entry sites'10 and are formed from highly structured RNA segments13–15 of at least 400 nucleotides16. How these elements function is not known, but special RNA-binding proteins may be involved17. The ribosome or its 40S subunit probably binds at or near a YnXm AUG motif (where Y is a pyrimidine and X is a purine) at the 3' border of the internal ribosomal entry site17, which either provides the initiating codon16,18 or enables the ribosome to translocate to one downstream (E.W. et al., submitted). Initiation from most eukary-otic messenger RNAs usually occurs by ribosomal recognition of the 5' and subsequent scanning to the AUG codon19. Here we describe a genetic strategy for the dissection of polyproteins which proves that an internal ribosomal entry site element can initiate translation independently of the 5' end.
Complementation of genetic disease: A velocity sedimentation procedure for the enrichment of heterokaryons

Methodology is described to enrich for heterokaryons after mammalian cell fusion. A heterogeneous cell mixture can be separated on a Sta-Put apparatus into fractions of uniform size cells by sedimentation through a 1% bovine serum albumin-5% Ficoll gradient. Unfused RAG and LM/TK− cells, differing by 10% in diameter, have been sorted by size; following fusion, larger and faster sedimenting cells were shown to be hybrids. This methodology can be utilized in genetic complementation studies of human genetic diseases where selection procedures for proliferating hybrids do not exist. When fibroblasts from individuals with Tay-Sachs disease [deficient in hexosaminidase A (HEX A−)] and Sandhoff-Jatzkewitz disease (HEX A− and HEX B−) are fused, HEX A is generated, demonstrating complementation of two different mutations. After Sta-Put fractionation, the HEX A complementation product was associated with the faster sedimenting multinuclear cells and not with the mononuclear parental cells. This methodology will facilitate detection of genetic differences in fibroblasts from related inherited disorders.
Studies of myelin formation after transplantation of human schwann cells into the severe combined immunodeficient mouse

We have previously demonstrated (J. Neurosci., 14: 1309-1319) that Schwann cells (SCs) isolated from adult human peripheral nerve in tissue culture and then transplanted into an immune-deficient rat can enhance axonal regeneration and myelinate regenerating peripheral axons. We have now (a) compared the capacity of both primary and expanded populations of cultured human SCs to form myelin around regenerating mouse axons when transplanted into a gap within the sciatic nerve of severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice and (b) also compared the myelinating capability of these cultured SCs to their counterparts in the native human peripheral nerve xenograft. Schwann cells were isolated from adult human peripheral nerve. Semipermeable guidance channels were filled with a 30% Matrigel solution mixed with either primary human SCs or human SCs expanded with mitogens both at a density of 120 million cells/ml. These channels or a human peripheral nerve xenograft were implanted within a 5-mm gap in the transected sciatic nerve of the scid mice and analyzed after a period of 6 weeks. The presence of human myelin segments was confirmed in both the guidance channels containing human SCs and the xenografts by immunostaining with a monoclonal antibody (592) which specifically recognizes a prominent myelin component, P0, in the human but not in the mouse. Within both the guidance channels and the xenografts there was an invasion of the transplant by host SCs which went on to form myelin around regenerating mouse axons. In this report, we also demonstrate that human SCs that have been expanded in culture with mitogens are capable of forming myelin after transplantation in this experimental paradigm.
Continuity and Innovation in the Data Collection Protocols of the Second Wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

Background. The second Wave (W2) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of older adults now between the ages of 62 and 90, conducted approximately 3,400 interviews. Selected coresidential romantic partners as well as W1 panel nonrespondents were selected for W2. Data collection included in-person questionnaires, up to 15 biomeasures, and a post-interview questionnaire. Methods. A proxy questionnaire also collected data on respondents that were deceased or in too poor health to partici pate in W2. Biomeasure collection included height, weight, hip and waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, and preventricular contraction, timed walk and chair stands, smell, saliva collection using a Salivette (cortisol), saliva passive drool in a tube (dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone), dried blood spots (Epstein–Barr virus antibody titers, C-reactive protein, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein), whole blood in a microtainer (cytokines), urine (creatinine, vasopressin, oxytocin), Oragene (genotype), respondent-administered vaginal swabs (bacterial vaginosis,yeast, and vaginal cell cytology), and Actiwatch (sleep patterns and activity). Results. Measures, such as response and cooperation rates, are also pro vided to evaluate design and implementation. Discussion. This article describes both inno vation in the development and implementation of W2 as well as fidelity to W1 study design and data collection procedures.
Improved superconducting properties in melt-textured ErBa2Cu3O7−δ ceramic material

Abstract Magnetic properties of a melt-textured ErBa2Cu3O7−δ have been studied. The superconducting properties are much improved over those of the sintered sample. The inductive critical current density has the same order of magnitude as in YBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals and has a reduced magnetic field dependence. The density was measured as 7.04 g/cm3, which corresponds to 99.1% of the theoretical value. The lower critical field Hc1 is also determined via magnetization measurements.
Enhanced harvesting of red photons in nanowire solar cells: evidence of resonance energy transfer.

Modern excitonic solar cells efficiently harvest photons in the 350−650 nm spectral range; however, device efficiencies are typically limited by poor quantum yields for red and near-infrared photons. Using Forster-type resonance energy transfer from zinc phthalocyanine donor molecules to ruthenium polypyridine complex acceptors, we demonstrate a four-fold increase in quantum yields for red photons in dye-sensitized nanowire array solar cells. The dissolved donor and surface anchored acceptor molecules are not tethered to each other, through either a direct chemical bond or a covalent linker layer. The spatial confinement of the electrolyte imposed by the wire-to-wire spacing of the close-packed nanowire array architecture ensures that the distances between a significant fraction of donors and acceptors are within a Forster radius. The critical distance for energy transfer from an isolated donor chromophore to a self-assembled monolayer of acceptors on a plane follows the inverse fourth power instead of th...
Performance of Conventionally Reinforced Coupling Beams Subjected to Cyclic Loading

The behavior of coupled-wall buildings primarily depends on the performance of coupling beams. Existing coupled-wall buildings designed and built prior to the 1970s contain coupling beams reinforced with horizontal and vertical bars. Seismic evaluation of these older buildings is commonly performed using nonlinear static or dynamic analyses techniques. Results from nonlinear analyses depend on the quality of backbone curves that characterize the behavior of the individual coupling beams. Backbone curve construction must, therefore, focus on reliable estimates of the strength and deformation values used to characterize the behavior of the structural component. This paper presents experimental results of four conventionally reinforced coupling beams designed to exhibit different behavior modes during cyclic loading. The effect of different amounts of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement on behavior is highlighted. The measured shear strength of the beams is compared with values calculated using existin...
Centralized, colorless, wavelength reusable 25GHz spaced DWDM-PON with 10 Gb/s DPSK downstream and re-modulated 10Gb/s duobinary upstream for next-generation local access system

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel scheme of 25 GHz spaced DWDM-PON with 10 Gb/s DPSK downstream and remodulated 10 Gb/s duobinary upstream with 1 dB power penalty over 25 km SMF without dispersion compensation.
Optimization of solar powered hydrogen production using photovoltaic electrolysis devices

Abstract Hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles can be produced by using solar electric energy from photovoltaic (PV) modules for the electrolysis of water without emitting carbon dioxide or requiring fossil fuels. In the past, this renewable means of hydrogen production has suffered from low efficiency (2–6%), which increased the area of the PV array required and therefore, the cost of generating hydrogen. In this research, the efficiency of the PV-electrolysis system was optimized by matching the voltage and maximum power output of the photovoltaics to the operating voltage of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. The optimization process increased the hydrogen generation efficiency to 12% for a solar powered PV-PEM electrolyzer that could supply enough hydrogen to operate a fuel cell vehicle.
Where the bugs are

In this paper we propose one explanation of why some novice programs are buggier than others. Central to our explanation is the notion of merged goals/plans in which multiple goals are achieved in a single integrated plan. Our arguments are based on our theory of the knowledge — plans and goals — used by a novice in creating a program, and an analysis of actual buggy novice programs.
O/O2 emissions in the Venus nightglow

Abstract The oxygen green line is one of the most characteristic features in the terrestrial visible nightglow; it can be seen in the Venus nightglow, but with much greater intensity variation than in the terrestrial case. Here we synthesize our current understanding of the green line in the Venus nightglow and discuss what might be expected observationally in the rising phase of solar cycle 24.
Optimized data extrapolation off the boundary of an analytic function

Abstract We discuss the problem of extrapolation of a function whose real and imaginary parts are not equally well known on the boundary of its analytic domain. Using an integral equation for the error correlation function, we examine the optimized extrapolated value of the function and the probable error in extrapolation. For several cases, specific solutions are obtained which illustrate general properties and are also useful in phenomenological applications. Comparing with ordinary dispersion relations, we note when the extrapolation error may be uncontrolled, or only weakly constrained, by the input data, and how a knowledge of other properties of the function; e.g. its threshold or high energy behavior, may be necessary in order to reduce the extrapolation error.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase Signaling Activation by Resveratrol Modulates Amyloid-β Peptide Metabolism

Alzheimer disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide deposition into cerebral amyloid plaques. The natural polyphenol resveratrol promotes anti-aging pathways via the activation of several metabolic sensors, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Resveratrol also lowers Aβ levels in cell lines; however, the underlying mechanism responsible for this effect is largely unknown. Moreover, the bioavailability of resveratrol in the brain remains uncertain. Here we show that AMPK signaling controls Aβ metabolism and mediates the anti-amyloidogenic effect of resveratrol in non-neuronal and neuronal cells, including in mouse primary neurons. Resveratrol increased cytosolic calcium levels and promoted AMPK activation by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-β. Direct pharmacological and genetic activation of AMPK lowered extracellular Aβ accumulation, whereas AMPK inhibition reduced the effect of resveratrol on Aβ levels. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited the AMPK target mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) to trigger autophagy and lysosomal degradation of Aβ. Finally, orally administered resveratrol in mice was detected in the brain where it activated AMPK and reduced cerebral Aβ levels and deposition in the cortex. These data suggest that resveratrol and pharmacological activation of AMPK have therapeutic potential against Alzheimer disease.
Students as resurrectionists—A multimodal humanities project in anatomy putting ethics and professionalism in historical context

Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MinnesotaBecause medical students have many different learning styles, the authors, medicalstudents at Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine researched the history of anatomicalspecimen procurement, reviewing topic-related ﬁlm, academic literature, and novels,to write, direct, and perform a dramatization based on Robert Louis Stevenson’sTheBody-Snatcher. Into this performance, they incorporated dance, painting, instrumen-tal and vocal performance, and creative writing. In preparation for the performance,each actor researched an aspect of the history of anatomy. These micro-researchprojects were presented in a lecture before the play. Not intended to be a researchstudy, this descriptive article discusses how student research and ethics discussionsbecame a theatrical production. This addition to classroom and laboratory learningaddresses the deep emotional response experienced by some students and providesan avenue to understand and express these feelings. This enhanced multimodalapproach to ‘‘holistic learning’’ could be applied to any topic in the medical schoolcurriculum, thoroughly adding to the didactics with history, humanities, and teamdynamics.
A comparison between conventional and ultrasound-mediated heterogeneous catalysis: hydrogenation of 3-buten-1-ol aqueous solutions

Abstract A power flow scheme applicable to probe-type ultrasound reactors is presented, that has been deduced from both theoretical estimates and experimental measurements employing a thermal insulated vessel. Under typical conditions for water at 1 atm pressure, 77% of the electrical power is converted into mechanical motion of the probe, that in turn is dissipated to both acoustic power (∼12%) and cavitational heating (∼88%). Approximately 92% of the mechanical power of the probe was converted into heat, with the remaining power presumably converted into audible acoustic and/or mechanical motion. In a second type of experiment performed here, heterogeneous catalysis experiments have been performed at 298 K in an isothermal (i.e., jacketed) reaction vessel comparing chemistry in conventional (e.g., thermal) versus ultrasound-assisted systems. Both product state distribution and reaction rate measurements have been performed for the hydrogenation (using hydrogen gas) of aqueous 3-buten-1-ol solutions employing Pd-black powder. Products from the heterogeneous catalysis include isomerization to cis - and trans -2-buten-1-ol, as well as hydrogenation to 1-butanol. A reaction scheme involving surface-bound alkyl-radical species, consistent with previous published work, is proposed to explain product formation. Based on the observed differences in cis - to trans -2-buten-1-ol ratios in conventional versus ultrasound experiments, employing untreated and prereduced catalysts, it has been determined that ultrasound creates catalyst site(s) enhancing the cis -to- trans 2-buten-1-ol ratio from 0.25 to 0.55. In addition, comparing the total isomerization to hydrogenation ratio ( cis - plus trans -2-buten-1-ol to 1-butanol ratio), for ultrasound-assisted and conventional catalysis, reveal a ∼5-fold enhancement in isomerization relative to the more energetically favored hydrogenation due to the application of ultrasound. Finally, the product formation rates for 1-butanol, as well as isomerization plus hydrogenation, revealed that conventional and ultrasound experiments showed both a nonlinear dependence with applied ultrasound power and no differences between untreated and prereduced catalysts. The observed reaction rate enhancements were 1:36:183 for the conventional, 90 W ultrasound, and 190 W ultrasound experiments, respectively.
Measurement of free and bound 5-hydroxytryptophan in plasma by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Abstract A new method for the measurement of concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) in plasma is described. This method, which uses high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, was used to measure 5HTP in plasma of patients with the carcinoid syndrome, and also in the plasma of rats after injection of 5HTP (30 mg/kg). A significant proportion of 5HTP was bound to macromolecules in plasma both in the rats and in the patients.
Improving a drought early warning model for an arid region using a soil-moisture index.

Abstract This study modifies a drought early warning model for Jodhpur district of Rajasthan State in India. The model had employed only two variables derived from the daily rainfall data and estimated pearl millet yield in order to issue a drought early warning. In this study, the model is modified by including an additional variable derived from a soil-moisture index. The modified model explained up to 77.3 percent of the yield variation. When tested, the mean absolute percent error in the estimated yield was 13.7 percent in the case of the modified model as opposed to 18.5% in the case of the existing model. The soil-moisture index and other variables derived from the rainfall data could be potential candidates for developing drought early warning models for other arid regions.
Prolactin-regulated pim-1 transcription: identification of critical promoter elements and Akt signaling.

Previously we showed that the distal element (DE) (−427 to −336 bp) within the pim-1 promoter appeared to regulate its prolactin (PRL)-induced transcription. To determine which specific DE sequences conferred PRL responsiveness, seven 12-bp deletion mutants ligated upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene were transfected into FDC/Nb2 cells. Results from promoter/reporter studies showed that sequential 12-bp deletions of the DE significantly (p<0.001) reduced PRL responsiveness. An additional site, nuclear factor-1 (−224 to −217), was also mutated by deletion or point mutation; both abrogated promoter activation by PRL (p<0.0001). In other experiments, PRL signaling to pim-1 expression was investigated in FDC/Nb2 cells stably expressing the wild-type (WT) Jak2 cDNA or a carboxy-terminal kinase-deficient Jak2 mutant and in cells infected with adenoviral constructs of WT-Akt or dominant negative Akt. Altered Jak2 did not affect PRL-stimulated pim-1 expression while inhibition of Akt attenuated its transcription. We conclude that the DE and NF-1 half-site mediate PRL responsiveness of the pim-1 promoter. Moreover, the accumulated evidence does not support a role for the Jak2/Stat signaling pathway but, instead, implicates that Akt activation was a component of PRL-induced pim-1 transcription.
The Feasibility of Implementing an Evidence‐Based Core Set of Clinical Pharmacy Services in 2020: Manpower, Marketplace Factors, and Pharmacy Leadership

Development of a national plan to implement a core set of clinical pharmacy services in United States hospitals by 2020 requires assertive leadership from pharmacy organizations and state boards of pharmacy, and a commitment from the profession. Factors that may affect the development are grouped into three areas: manpower, marketplace variables, and pharmacy leadership. Although the number of pharmacy school graduates (7000) was about the same in 1990 and 2000, a greater number of pharmacy schools and high student enrollment, coupled with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's acceptance of foreign-trained pharmacists, suggest that the number of pharmacists will increase substantially in the near future. We estimate that the net increase in pharmacists (new pharmacy graduates less pharmacists who retire or die) in the United States will be 139,929 from 2000-2020, for a total of 335,040 pharmacists (71% increase). The number of pharmacy technicians increased substantially (66%), from 150,000 in 1996 to 250,000 in 2002. The number of residents in programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists increased 148%, from 435 in 1990 to 1080 in 2002. We conservatively project an increase of 33,000 pharmacists who complete residencies from 2000-2020. The pharmacy marketplace has changed dramatically over the last 12 years, with 10,754 independent community pharmacies closing (2.46 pharmacies/day) and 8459 chain outlets opening (1.93 chains/day). In recent years, mail-order pharmacies have expanded faster than other retail outlets and now process over 18% of U.S. prescriptions. Increased use of robotic systems (some can process 5000 prescriptions/hr) and technicians will diminish the demand for dispensing pharmacists. In addition, up to 10% of U.S. retail prescriptions may be filled outside the country's borders. These data indicate that there will be a sufficient supply of pharmacists and technicians in the future. Thus, it is feasible, based on manpower, marketplace factors, and pharmacy leadership, to implement a core set of clinical pharmacy services for patients in U.S. hospitals by 2020.
Natriuretic peptides in fish physiology.

Abstract Natriuretic peptides exist in the fishes as a family of structurally-related isohormones including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and ventricular natriuretic peptide (VNP); to date, brain natriuretic peptide (or B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP) has not been definitively identified in the fishes. Based on nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarity, the natriuretic peptide family of isohormones may have evolved from a neuromodulatory, CNP-like brain peptide. The primary sites of synthesis for the circulating hormones are the heart and brain; additional extracardiac and extracranial sites, including the intestine, synthesize and release natriuretic peptides locally for paracrine regulation of various physiological functions. Membrane-bound, guanylyl cyclase-coupled natriuretic peptide receptors (A- and B-types) are generally implicated in mediating natriuretic peptide effects via the production of cyclic GMP as the intracellular messenger. C- and D-type natriuretic peptide receptors lacking the guanylyl cyclase domain may influence target cell function through G i protein-coupled inhibition of membrane adenylyl cyclase activity, and they likely also act as clearance receptors for circulating hormone. In the few systems examined using homologous or piscine reagents, differential receptor binding and tissue responsiveness to specific natriuretic peptide isohormones is demonstrated. Similar to their acute physiological effects in mammals, natriuretic peptides are vasorelaxant in all fishes examined. In contrast to mammals, where natriuretic peptides act through natriuresis and diuresis to bring about long-term reductions in blood volume and blood pressure, in fishes the primary action appears to be the extrusion of excess salt at the gills and rectal gland, and the limiting of drinking-coupled salt uptake by the alimentary system. In teleosts, both hypernatremia and hypervolemia are effective stimuli for cardiac secretion of natriuretic peptides; in the elasmobranchs, hypervolemia is the predominant physiological stimulus for secretion. Natriuretic peptides may be seawater-adapting hormones with appropriate target organs including the gills, rectal gland, kidney, and intestine, with each regulated via, predominantly, either A- or B-type (or C- or D-type?) natriuretic peptide receptors. Natriuretic peptides act both directly on ion-transporting cells of osmoregulatory tissues, and indirectly through increased vascular flow to osmoregulatory tissues, through inhibition of drinking, and through effects on other endocrine systems.
A GOAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR ALLOCATING HUMAN RESOURCES FOR THE GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE REGULATIONS

The Food and Drug Administration's final Good Laboratory Practice regulation will have a far-reaching effect on testing laboratories that are conducting nonclinical laboratory safety tests. This paper develops a goal programming decision model suitable for setting objectives, meeting budgetary and operational constraints, planning personnel utilization, and evaluating different proposals for allocating laboratory personnel to implement a program.
Resistance, Drug Failure, and Disease Progression

The clinical significance of the reduced in vitro susceptibility of HIV to antiretroviral agents has been difficult to elucidate for nucleoside analogs such as zidovudine. However, the virological significance of resistance to nevirapine and other HIV-1-specific reverse transcriptase inhibitors has been established. With antiretroviral therapy, disease progression is not equivalent to drug failure, which is not equivalent to drug resistance. Clinical disease progression is only indirectly linked to HIV replication. Drug resistance is complex, and combining drugs does not appear to delay emergence of resistant strains of HIV although it may affect the specific amino acid substitutions. Drug resistance does appear to contribute to drug failure. The clinical trial ACTG 116B/117 found that the duration of prior zidovudine therapy was not related to the relative benefit of switching to didanosine. Preliminary results of analysis of resistant strains of HIV isolated from ACTG 116B/117 patients revealed that the relative hazard of progression was about threefold higher for patients with high-level resistance to zidovudine, syncytium-inducing biological phenotype, and an AIDS diagnosis at baseline. This study showed clearly that acquisition of an HIV strain with high-level resistance to zidovudine was a poor prognostic factor. Although nevirapine resistance emerges rapidly, preliminary data suggest that high dosages may be active against HIV even in the presence of resistant HIV strains. At the present time, viral resistance and biological phenotype are not useful in the management of individual patients.
High Bandwidth Silicon Ring Resonator Raman Amplifier

We report a high bandwidth silicon Raman amplifier using a ring resonator that has high-Q for the pump laser to enhance the intra-cavity power and low-Q for the signal wavelength to ensure high speed amplification
Simulating short-circuiting flow in a constructed wetland: the implications of bathymetry and vegetation effects

Short-circuiting flow, commonly experienced in many constructed wetlands, reduces hydraulic retention times in unit wetland cells and decreases the treatment efficiency. A two-dimensional (2-D), physically based, distributed modelling approach was used to systematically address the effects of bathymetry and vegetation on short-circuiting flow, which previously have been neglected or lumped in one-dimensional wetland flow models. In this study, a 2-D transient hydrodynamics with advectiondispersion model was developed using MIKE 21 and calibrated with bromide tracer data collected at the Orlando Easterly Wetland Cell 7. The estimated topographic difference between short-circuiting flow zone and adjacent area ranged from 0Ð 3t o 0Ð8 m. A range of the Manning roughness coefficient at the short-circuiting flow zone was estimated (0Ð022–0Ð045 s m � 1/3 ). Sensitivity analysis of topographical and vegetative heterogeneity deduced during model calibration shows that relic ditches or other ditch-shaped landforms and the associated sparse vegetation along the main flow direction intensify the short-circuiting pattern, considerably affecting 2-D solute transport simulation. In terms of hydraulic efficiency, this study indicates that the bathymetry effect on short-circuiting flow is more important than the vegetation effect. Copyright  2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing AAC Research and Intervention to Improve Outcomes for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs

There is a rapidly growing body of research that demonstrates the positive effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on the communication of children and adults with complex communication needs. Despite the positive impact of many AAC interventions, however, many individuals with complex communication needs continue to experience serious challenges participating in educational, vocational, healthcare, and community environments. In this paper, we apply the framework proposed by the International Classifi cation of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to illustrate the need to re-think AAC intervention to improve outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs, and to foster a new generation of intervention research that will provide a solid foundation for improved services. Specifi cally, the paper emphasizes the need to take a more holistic view of communication intervention and highlights the following key principles to guide AAC intervention and research: (a) build on the individual ’ s strengths and focus on the integration of skills to maximize communication, (b) focus on the individual ’ s participation in real-world contexts, (c) address psychosocial factors as well as skills, and (d) attend to extrinsic environmental factors as well as intrinsic factors related to the individual who requires AAC.
Application of a Growth Curve Approach to Modeling the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND: Studies using clinical measures to track AD progression often assume linear declines over the entire course of the disease, which may not be justified. The objective of this study was to model change in measures of the clinical severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) over time. METHODS: We developed a method to apply growth curve models to prospective data and characterize AD patients' functional change over time. Data from the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE) and measures of basic and instrumental ADL, administered semiannually for up to 5 years to 236 patients with probable AD, were modeled. RESULTS: The rate of decline in mMMS scores per 6-month interval gradually increased as scores dropped from the maximum of 57 to 20. The rate of decline then decreased as scores approached 0, resulting in an inverse "S" curve. The rate of increase in instrumental ADL scores per interval attenuated as the scores increased, while that for basic ADL scores across intervals was constant. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the pattern of progression of the three measures is in part a function of their psychometric properties. The progression curves may also reflect content-specific features of the instruments. Superimposition of the modeled decline in these three content areas suggests a hypothetical model of the relative timing of cognitive and functional changes in AD.
Towards De Novo Design of Deoxyribozyme Biosensors for GMO Detection

Hybrid systems that provide a seamless interface between nanoscale molecular events and microsystem technologies enable the development of complex biological sensor systems that not only detect biomolecular threats, but also are able to determine and execute a programmed response to such threats. The challenge is to move beyond the current paradigm of compartmentalizing detection, analysis, and interpretation into separate steps. We present methods that will enable the de novo design and development of customizable biosensors that can exploit deoxyribozyme computing (Stojanovic and Stefanovic, 2003) to concurrently perform in vitro target detection, genetically modified organism detection, and classification.
Schwinger-Dyson equation approach to chiral symmetry breaking in an external magnetic field.

We develop a method for using the nonperturbative Schwinger-Dyson equation to study chiral symmetry breaking in an external field. We apply it to massless QED in a constant magnetic field and obtain a nontrivial solution for the fermion self-energy at weak coupling, suggesting that chiral symmetry is dynamically broken. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
NF-κB Is Activated in the Rat Testis Following Exposure to Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate

The process of spermatogenesis requires a delicate balance of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling to maintain optimal sperm output. A major transcription factor known to regulate numerous apoptosis-related genes is NF-kB. Here we show that mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP, 1 g/kg) induces translocation of NF-kB subunits (p65, p50, and c-Rel) to germ cell nuclei in young rats (Postnatal Day 28) as early as 1 h after exposure. Immunohistochemistry of rat testes exposed to MEHP showed increased p50 and c-Rel presence in spermatocytes and spermatogonia. In addition, there was increased p65 nuclear positivity in Sertoli cells and germ cells after MEHP, while RelB localization was unchanged. These alterations correlated with increased nuclear NF-kB-binding activity after MEHP exposure, as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays of whole-testis nuclear protein extracts. The increased activity of this transcription factor was associated with a transient protection of the seminiferous epithelium manifested as a decreased number of germ cell apoptotic nuclei measured by TUNEL assay 6 h after MEHP exposure. These results suggest that NF-kB is involved in the testicular response to MEHP-induced injury. apoptosis, spermatogenesis, testis, toxicology
Regulation of Specialized Metabolism by WRKY Transcription Factors

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are well known for regulating plant abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. However, much less is known about how WRKY TFs affect plant-specialized metabolism. Analysis of WRKY TFs regulating the production of specialized metabolites emphasizes the values of the family outside of traditionally accepted roles in stress tolerance. WRKYs with conserved roles across plant species seem to be essential in regulating specialized metabolism. Overall, the WRKY family plays an essential role in regulating the biosynthesis of important pharmaceutical, aromatherapy, biofuel, and industrial components, warranting considerable attention in the forthcoming years.