cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional finite element study of arching behavior in slope/drilled shafts system

Two-dimensional slope stability analysis for a slope with a row of drilled shafts needs a mechanism to take into account the three-dimensional effect of the soil arching due to the spaced drilled shafts on slope. To gain a better understanding of the arching mechanisms in a slope with evenly spaced drilled shafts socketed into a stable stratum (or a rock layer), the three-dimensional finite element modelling technique was used for a comprehensive parametric study, where the nonlinear and plastic nature of the soil and the elastic behavior of the drilled shafts as well as the interface frictions were modelled. Various factors were varied in the parametric study to include (1) the rigidity of the drilled shafts as influenced by its diameter, modulus of elasticity, and total length; (2) shafts spacing and location on the slope; (3) the material properties of rock and the socket length of shaft; and (4) the soil movement and strength parameters. Evidences of soil arching and reduction in the stresses and displacements through the load transfer mechanisms due to the presence of the drilled shafts were elucidated through the finite element method (FEM) simulation results. Design charts based on regression analysis of FEM simulation results were created to obtain a numerical value of the load transfer factor for the arching mechanism provided by the drilled shafts on the slope. Observations of the arching behavior learned from the FEM simulations provide an insight into the behavior of drilled shafts stabilized slope. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the direct determination of metals in lubricating oils by ICP

Abstract New equipment and procedures are evaluated for the direct analysis of metals in lubricating oils without the need for sample pretreatment or dilution. A modified Babington principle nebulizer equipped with a sample heater is shown to be capable of producing aerosols from undiluted oils, which are suitable for introduction into an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer. Heating the samples immediately prior to nebulization greatly increases the output of aerosol and reduces output variations in emission intensity due to differences in oil manufacture and viscosity. The type of organometallic complex used in the preparation of standards is shown to be unimportant if the plasma observation region is properly chosen. Performance of a conventional plasma geometry and an inverted torch geometry on analysis of field collected oil samples is presented.
An anti-steganographic approach for removing secret information in digital audio data hidden by spread spectrum methods

In this paper, we present and investigate a method to multimedia steganography removal methodand remove multimedia steganography in digital audio data. Among the existing steganography methods that can be used to hide secret data in digital audio carriers, the Spread Spectrum methods are among the most effective and robust for embedding steganography data. Though there are currently a few research efforts on removing or destroying steganography in multimedia, there have been very few efforts on removing steganography from audio. In this paper, we have introduced a simple but very effective anti-steganography approach for removing hidden information from digital audio data embedded using Spread Spectrum methods. The main concept in our approach is to leverage limited pseudo-random shuffling of the samples in the audio stream so that the synchronization information necessary for decoding Spread Spectrum steganography information cannot be attained. Our simulation results in this paper have demonstrated great performance in removing audio steganography by achieving a 50% bit error rate after applying our anti-steganography approach to the digital audio data while maintaining the audio quality.
An exploration of critical personalities in research and development organizations

Abstract The characterization of research and development (R&D) as a problem solving function has motivated considerable research on the identification of personalities who perform critical R&D activities. This paper reviews the typologies proposed for R&D personalities and reports the results of a study that (a) replicates the presence of four prototypic personalities in an R&D unit of a corporation that supports both supply and demand driven innovations and (b) identifies traits and trait levels that differentiate four prototypic R&D personalities. The study was conducted in the Central Research Laboratories (CRL) of 3M Corporation. The supervisory population ( n = 27) of CRL was able to distinguish four prototypic personalities along 14 traits. Implications for future research are discussed.
Electron-electron interaction and two-center effects in projectile ionization at backward emission angles

We analyze the electron emission spectrum into backward angles for projectile ionization in 0.5-MeV/u ${\mathrm{H}}^{0}$ and ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ on He collisions. The energy and angular distributions of the ejected electron are calculated taking into account both scattering correlations and two-center effects. Two-center effects are treated using the continuum-distorted-wave approximation and the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method. Correlation effects are described in terms of a Born series including contributions up to second order. Both contributions are found to enhance significantly the electron-loss cross section in near-symmetric projectile-target collision systems. We find improved agreement with experiment for ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ on He collisions. Extensions to heavier targets are also discussed.
Raman lidar measurements of aerosol distribution and cloud properties

ABSTRACT Measurements obtained by the PSU Lidar Atmospheric Profile Sensor (LAPS) Raman lidar, during different periods, provide a comprehensive dataset to characterize cloud properties and aerosol distributions. The PSU Raman lidar measures the profiles of molecular nitrogen, molecular oxygen and the rotational Raman scatter (the mixture of all molecular species) at both visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, which are then used to generate vertical aerosol extinction profiles from the incremental extinction. Since the optical extinction at different wavelengths is strongly dependent on the size distribution of aerosols, variations in the profile of the size distribution can be inferred over an interesting range corresponding to accumulation mode particles, 50 nm to 1µm. The variation in the extinction profiles at different wavelengths is also used along with the water vapor profiles to observe the formation, growth and dissipation of cloud structures. The water vapor concentrations have been seen to decrease in regions surrounding a growing cloud as the particles increase in size by absorbing the water. Also, the water vapor concentration is found to increase as clouds begin to dissipate. The change in the size of the cloud particles during the different stages can also be observed in the multi-wavelength aerosol extinction. Results obtained from different locations, and for a wide range of atmospheric conditions, are used to compare and contrast the aerosol distributions and also to study the physical properties of clouds.
Rotational Motion in Liquid Water Is Anisotropic: A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Experimental NMR measurements of the deuterium and (17)O T(1) relaxation times in deuterium-enriched liquid water have been performed from 275 to 350 K. These relaxation times can yield rotational correlation times of appropriate molecule-fixed unit vectors if the quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry parameters are known. We determine the latter from ab initio studies of water clusters and experimental chemical shift measurements. We find that the rotational correlation time for the OD bond vector in D(2)(16)O varies from 5.8 ps at 275 K to 0.86 ps at 350 K, and that the rotational correlation time for the out-of-plane vector of dilute D(2)(17)O in D(2)(16)O varies from 4.4 ps at 275 K to 0.64 ps at 350 K. These results indicate that the rotational motion of water is anisotropic. Molecular dynamics simulations of liquid water are in good agreement with these experiments at the higher temperatures, but the simulation results are considerably faster than experiment at the lower temperatures.
An effective robot trajectory planning method using a genetic algorithm

Abstract In this paper, we propose a novel trajectory planning method for a robot manipulator whose workspace includes several obstacles. To generate the robot’s trajectory we developed a genetic algorithm (GA) to search for valid and optimal solutions to the trajectory in task space. In this method, a polynomial based on Hermite cubic interpolation is applied to approximate the time histories of the trajectory in task space. The GA determines the parameters, which are the interior points to be interpolated to formulate the polynomial representing the trajectory, to minimize the fitness of the desired objective function. It does not need a special formulation and can evaluate the trajectory to an optimal one quickly. The effectiveness and capability of the proposed approach are demonstrated through simulation studies.
X-ray study of the Debye-Waller factor of Nb3Sn

The Debye-Waller (DW) factors for Nb and Sn atoms in the intermetallic compound ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Sn have been determined by x-ray intensity measurements on a single crystal. The results are found to be in satisfactory agreement with the theory for both the angular and temperature dependence of the scattering. The data can be fitted by assigning Debye temperatures of 318 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 262 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to the Nb and Sn atoms, respectively. We are unable to confirm the anomalously large value of the DW factor found in a M\"ossbauer-effect study.
Protein intake and ovulatory infertility.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate whether intake of protein from animal and vegetable origin is associated with ovulatory infertility. Study Design A total of 18,555 married women without a history of infertility were followed up as they attempted a pregnancy or became pregnant during an 8 year period. Dietary assessments were related to the incidence of ovulatory infertility. Results During follow-up, 438 women reported ovulatory infertility. The multivariate-adjusted relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval [CI]; P for trend) of ovulatory infertility comparing the highest to the lowest quintile of animal protein intake was 1.39 (1.01 to 1.90; 0.03). The corresponding RR (95% CI; P for trend) for vegetable protein intake was 0.78 (0.54 to 1.12; 0.07). Furthermore, consuming 5% of total energy intake as vegetable protein rather than as animal protein was associated with a more than 50% lower risk of ovulatory infertility (P =.007). Conclusion Replacing animal sources of protein with vegetable sources of protein may reduce ovulatory infertility risk.
Weak convergence of Markov chain sampling methods and annealing algorithms to diffusions

Simulated annealing algorithms have traditionally been developed and analyzed along two distinct lines: Metropolis-type Markov chain algorithms and Langevin-type Markov diffusion algorithms. Here, we analyze the dynamics of continuous state Markov chains which arise from a particular implementation of the Metropolis and heat-bath Markov chain sampling methods. It is shown that certain continuous-time interpolations of the Metropolis and heat-bath chains converge weakly to Langevin diffusions running at different time scales. This exposes a close and potentially useful relationship between the Markov chain and diffusion versions of simulated annealing.
Vaccines to prevent neonatal GBS infection.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the leading bacterial cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in the United States. Although antibiotic prophylaxis has decreased the infection rate, the best long-term solution lies in the development of effective vaccines. The GBS capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is a major target of antibody-mediated immunity. While antibody to CPS is protective, uncoupled CPS is variably immunogenic in humans, a finding that led to the development of GBS CPS-protein conjugate vaccines. GBS CPS-protein conjugate vaccines of all clinically important serotypes have been produced and tested in animals. Mice and baboons immunized with CPS conjugates transplacentally transferred functionally active GBS-specific IgG to their offspring. Phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials have shown that GBS conjugate vaccines are safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic in healthy adults. Moreover, human antibodies elicited by the conjugate vaccines are functionally active both in vitro and in animal models of invasive GBS disease.
Multiple Ontologies in Pain Management: Toward a Postplural Rhetoric of Science

This article uses data obtained from a 2-year study—observation, survey, written- and verbal-artifact analysis, and interviews—of an interdisciplinary organization of pain management professionals to illustrate the analytic advantages of Mol and Latour's multiple-ontologies theories over incommensurability theory in understanding interdisciplinary practice. We demonstrate that pain science and medicine encompass a variety of practices that transcend disciplinary boundaries in ways not accounted for with incommensurability theory. After explicating multiple ontology theory and illustrating its analytic potential, we conclude by recommending a postplural model for inquiry into rhetoric of science.
A “Replacement” Procedure for Reducing the Bias of Nonresponse

Abstract The effects of nonresponse can be reduced by simulating an increase in the number of recalls. The procedure consists in adding to the addresses of current surveys the nonresponse addresses from similar recent surveys.
The ontogeny of corticosterone and dexamethasone receptors in rat brain.

Abstract The ontogeny of [ 3 Hcorticosterone and [ 3 Hdexamethasone receptor macromolecules in cytosol derived from brains of adrenalectomized rats 2–30 days of age was studied. The binding of [ 3 Hcorticosterone in male rats perfused at sacrifice with ice-cold isotonic sucrose in buffer, 2–8 days of age, ranged from 100 to 133 fmoles/mg protein. Binding increased from 133 to 356 fmoles/mg protein between 8 and 19 days of age, then decreased slightly between 19 and 30 days of age. [ 3 HDexamethasone binding under similar conditions was comparable to that of corticosterone from 3 to 8 days of age, but in older animals the amount of receptor-bound [ 3 Hdexamethasone was two-thirds that of corticosterone. Binding of these steroids in female rats was similar to that in male rats. The apparent dissociation constants for [ 3 Hcorticosterone and [ 3 Hdexamethasone were equal, and they did not change with age. In all age groups studied, unlabeled corticosterone competed more strongly for [ 3 Hcorticosterone binding sites than did unlabeled dexamethasone, but both steroids competed equally well for [ 3 Hdexamethasone binding sites. Although qualitatively similar at all ages, competition by unlabeled corticosterone and dexamethasone binding sites showed quantitative differences as the animal matured. For example, there was less competition for binding sites in 5-day-old animals than in older animals. These results indicate that binding sites for [ 3 Hcorticosterone and [ 3 Hdexamethasone in neonatal brain may be less specific than in the more mature brain. Also, the increase in the number of binding sites with age can be correlated with known physiological changes in the developing pituitary-adrenal axis.
An efficient heuristic for code partitioning

Abstract In this paper, we propose a heuristic for code partitioning for distributed memory multiprocessors (DMMs). Our method is data-flow based where all levels of parallelism can potentially be exploited. Given a weighted directed acyclic graph (DAG) representation of the program, our partitioning algorithm automatically determines the granularity of parallelism by partitioning the graph into tasks to be scheduled on the DMM. The granularity of parallelism depends only on the program to be executed and on the target machine parameters. The output of our algorithm is passed on as input to the scheduling phase. Unlike the scheduling problem as defined by Yang [A. Gerasoulis, T. Yang, IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems 4 (6) (1993) 686–701; T. Yang, Ph.D. Thesis, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, May 1993; T. Yang, A. Gerasoulis, IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems 5 (9) (1994) 951–967], the method presented in this paper uses task merging rather than task clustering . Finding an optimal solution to this problem is NP-complete. Due to the high cost of graph algorithms, it is nearly impossible to come up with close to optimal solutions that do not have very high cost (higher order polynomial). Therefore, our goal is to find a heuristic that gives good performance, and that has relatively low cost. Given a DAG with E edges and N nodes, the time complexity of our partitioning algorithm is O( E · N 3 ) in the worst case. For some cases, the average time complexity of the algorithm is O( N ( E + N )).
Alterations in the temporomandibular joint

Abstract A histologic and radiographic study of seventeen adult temporomandibular joints was initiated in order to assess factors which may contribute to alterations in joint morphology. Disc perforation was found in five of the specimens, particularly those from females. One case in particular demonstrated a drastic alteration of condylar form which appeared to be associated with a large defect in the articular disc. The extent of this remodeling was not revealed by lateral oblique radiographic projections but was demonstrated by radiographs which outlined the condyle in the near-frontal plane.
Electrospinning and heat treatment of whey protein nanofibers

Abstract The ability to develop nanofibers containing whey proteins presents a unique opportunity to exploit the inherent benefits of whey protein with that of the desirable attributes of nanofibers. In this study, aqueous whey protein solutions, both whey protein isolate (WPI) and one of its major components beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), are electrospun into nanofibers in conjunction with a spinnable polymer, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). WP:PEO solution composition as high as 3:1 and with average fiber diameters ranging from 312 to 690 nm are produced depending on polymer composition and concentration. WP/PEO solutions are also successfully electrospun at acidic pH (2 ≤ pH ≤ 3), which could improve shelf life. FTIR analysis of WP/PEO fiber mat indicates some variation in WP secondary structure with varying WPI concentration (as WPI increases, % α-helix increases and β-turn decreases) and pH (as pH decreases from neutral (7.5) to acidic (2), % β-sheet decreases and α-helix increases). XPS also confirms the presence of WP on the surface of the blend fibers, augmenting the FTIR analysis. Interestingly, WP/PEO composite nanofibers maintain its fibrous morphology at temperatures as high as 100 °C, above the 60 °C PEO melting point. In addition, the mats swell in water and retain a fibrous quality which makes them desirable for application in regenerative medicine. Finally, we incorporate a small hydrophobic molecule Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model flavonoid into WP/PEO nanofiber mats. The BLG:PEO nanofibers qualitatively exhibit improved fiber quality and RhB distribution compared to PEO nanofibers; however, no effect on the release profile is observed.
Papilloedema in Myxoedema

A 26-year-old man with a history of hypothyroidism and end stage renal disease presented with a three week history of severe body aches, inability to ambulate, and transient visual obscurations. Clinical examination and laboratory findings revealed myxoedema as the cause of the papilloedema.
Heat acclimatization, its decay and reinduction in young Caucasian females

The loss of heat acclimatization and the number of days necessary for reinduction to the acclimatized state as a function of the length of the decay period were studied for periods of four, eight, and twelve days. Six females between 18 and 30 years of age (mean VO2 max = 38.7 mL/kg/min) were concurrently heat acclimatized for ten days by treadmill walking at 5.0 km/hr for 100 minutes per day in an environment of 33.5 °C WBGT. Both 35% and 75% relative humidities were utilized to achieve the 33.5 °C WBGT with half the subjects exposed to each condition. Physiological measurements included heart rate, sweat rate, core temperature, and mean skin temperature. Of these measurements, only the sweat rate proved not to be affected by any of the independent variables. Predictive equations were developed for heart rate, core temperature and mean skin temperature for decay periods of four through twelve days in length and end of work values attainable for one through four days of successive work after decay. Signif...
A 19F-NMR Study of the Equilibrium Unfolding of Membrane-Associated d-Lactate Dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli†

Partially folded protein intermediates have been observed by 19F-NMR spectroscopy during the equilibrium unfolding of the membrane-associated d-lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH) of Escherichia coli by a denaturant, guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn.HCl). The results from 19F-NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies suggest that the intermediates observed at low Gdn.HCl concentrations (<3.5 M) exhibit features similar to “molten globules” that contain considerable amounts of secondary and tertiary structure. The results of 19F-NMR studies on 5F-Trp-labeled d-LDH, such as the chemical shift changes, nuclear Overhauser effect, and solvent-induced isotopic shift effect, show that different regions of d-LDH unfold nonuniformly in Gdn.HCl in the presence of lysophosphatidylcholine. The polypeptide appears to unfold in a general order from the carboxyl end to the amino end, in agreement with previous findings from our laboratory that the carboxyl-terminal region of d-LDH is largely exposed to the solvent while th...
Turkey under the Justice and Development Party: Between Transformation of ‘Islamism’ and Democratic Consolidation?

Secular and Islamic Politics in Turkey: The Making of Justice and Development Party, edited by Umit Cizre (London: Routledge, 2008), 238 pages, US$130. Turkish politics has been going along a bumpy...
In Vivo Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Monitoring of Tumor Response to Combretastatin A-4-Phosphate Correlated With Therapeutic Outcome

Purpose To develop a combination treatment consisting of combretastatin A-4-phosphate (CA4P) with radiation based on tumor oxygenation status. Methods and Materials In vivo near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were applied to noninvasively monitor changes in tumor blood oxygenation and necrosis induced by CA4P (30 mg/kg) in rat mammary 13762NF adenocarcinoma, and the evidence was used to optimize combinations of CA4P and radiation treatment (a single dose of 5 Gy). Results NIRS showed decreasing concentrations of tumor vascular oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin during the first 2 h after CA4P treatment, indicating significant reductions in tumor blood oxygenation and perfusion levels ( p p p Conclusions Noninvasive evaluation of tumor oxygen dynamics allowed us to rationally enhance the response of syngeneic rat breast tumors to combined treatment of CA4P with radiation.
Evaluating a Modified Heuristic for the Multiple-Vehicle Scheduling Problem

Abstract This paper outlines a modified heuristic procedure for solving the multiple vehicle scheduling problem. The solution method alternates between a time saved heuristic and Little's Sequential Tour Building method [12]. The major impact of the heuristic procedure breaks the problem into feasible tours solving each of the tours with an optimizing procedure. To demonstrate how the modified heuristic works, a state wide bakery example was used. A comparison of the modified heuristic and two well known routing heuristics resulted in the selection of the modified heuristic as the method of choice. Given these preliminary results, a more complete testing of the heuristic and the well known Clark and Wright heuristic was performed. In this formal experiment both methods were modified to achieve route balance. The results indicated that the modified routing method showed an overall average improvement over the Clark and Wright heuristic. The results also showed a significant trade off between the number of ...
Subcellular Structure of Endosperm Protein in High-Lysine and Normal Corn

Optical microscopy shows that the protein network in endosperm cells of normal corn is composed of an amorphous matrix in which granules averaging about 2 microns in diameter are embedded. That these granules are rich in zein is demonstrated by their solubility in 80 percent ethanol. High-lysine corn, with submicroscopic granules clearly resolved only in the electron microscope, has a much lower content of zein than normal corn. The small size of subcellular protein granules in high-lysine maize as compared with normal corn correlates with the reported difference in zein content of the two types of corn.
A rapid and sensitive method for determination of dimethyl benzoylphenyl urea in human plasma by using LC/MS/MS

Dimethyl benzoylphenyl urea (BPU), a poorly water-soluble benzoylphenyl urea derivative, inhibits tubulin polymerization and causes microtubule depolymerization in vitro with activity against solid tumors. BPU is currently being tested in Phase I clinical trials. A rapid, sensitive and specific method using LC/MS/MS has been developed for the quantitation of BPU in human plasma to perform pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies of BPU administered orally once a week. BPU is extracted from plasma into acetonitrile-n-butylchloride and separated on a Waters X-Terra MS C18 (50 x 2.1 mm, 3.5 microm) column with acetonitrile/water mobile phase (80:20, v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid using isocratic flow at 0.15 ml/min for 5 min. The analyte of interest was monitored by tandem-mass spectrometry with electrospray positive ionization with a cone voltage 15 V for BPU and 30 V for the internal standard, paclitaxel. The detector settings allowed the monitoring of the [MH](+) ion of BPU (m/z 470.3) and the [MH](+) of internal standard paclitaxel (m/z 854.5), with subsequent monitoring of the product ions of BPU (m/z 148.0) and paclitaxel (m/z 286.1). Calibration curves were generated over the range of 0.05-10 ng/ml with values for coefficient of determination of >0.99. The values for precision and accuracy were <20 and < or =15%, respectively. Following administration of BPU 5 mg as a weekly oral dose to a patient with advanced solid tumor malignancies, the maximum plasma concentration was 6.5 ng/ml and concentrations were quantifiable up to 173 h after administration. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.05 ng/ml allows for successful measurement of plasma concentrations in patients receiving therapy with BPU as a once weekly oral dose.
Neurotensin studies in alcohol naive, preferring and non-preferring rats∗

Abstract Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide, present in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract in man and animals. Previous studies in mice selectively bred for differences in hypnotic sensitivity to ethanol have provided data to suggest that neurotensinergic systems may mediate differences in ethanol's actions in these animals. The present study sought to determine if brain neurotensin levels differed between two lines of rats which have been selectively bred for alcohol preferring or non-preferring behaviors. In addition, electroencephalographic and event-related potential responses to intracerebroventricular saline and neurotensin (10 or 30 μg) were evaluated between the rat lines. Similar to human subjects at high genetic risk for alcoholism, preferring rats were found to have more electroencephalographic fast frequency activity and lowered amplitude of the P3 component of the event-related potential in cortical sites under the saline condition. Overall, electrophysiological response to neurotensin, in the two rats lines, was substantially similar to what has been reported previously in outbred Wistar rats, and consisted of dose-related decreases in overall electroencephalographic spectral power concomitant with increases in amplitude and decreases in the latency of the N1 component of the event-related potential. However, differences in neurotensin responses between the preferring and non-preferring rat lines were also found. The differences in electroencephalographic high-frequency activity and in P3 amplitude seen between the rat lines under control conditions were eliminated by administration of neurotensin. In addition, preferring rats appeared to be more sensitive to neurotensin-induced increases in N1 amplitude. Brain neurotensin concentrations were also found to differ between the lines. Significantly lower concentrations of neurotensin were found in the frontal cortex of preferring rats when compared to non-preferring rats or outbred Wistars. Taken together, these studies suggest that differences in the regulation of neurotensin neurons may contribute to the expression of behavioral preference for ethanol consumption in selective rat lines. Additionally, drugs targeting the neurotensinergic system may plausibly be of utility in the treatment of alcoholism.
Non-immobilizers put to the test: F6 and the GABAA receptor

Abstract In the ongoing search for the mechanisms of anesthetic action, a promising paradigm introduced approximately a decade ago was the use of non-immobilizers [D.D.,Koblin, et al., Polyhalogenated and perfluorinated compounds that disobey the Meyer–Overton hypothesis, Anesth. Analg. 79 (6) (1994) 1043–1048] [1]. These drugs have physicochemical properties similar to those of anesthetics but, except for amnesia, do not induce an anesthetic state. Since the GABAA receptor figures prominently in the list of general anesthetic targets, we investigated the effects of F6 (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane, a.k.a. 2N) in vitro on expressed and native GABAA receptors and in vivo on field potentials in the hippocampus. The experiments in vitro were aimed at analyzing the interaction of F6 with the GABAA receptor, and in vivo on testing the hypothesis that nonconvulsive seizures cause F6-induced amnesia. We used three different types of preparations: transfected HEK-293 cells combined with a rapid drug application system for studies of expressed receptors; acute hippocampal slices from juvenile rats for investigations of synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors; and multisite electrodes chronically implanted into adult rats for experiments on hippocampal field potentials. All animal experiments were conducted in accordance with APS guidelines and with the approval of the IACUC. We found that with expressed receptors, F6 blocked currents mediated by α1β2 receptors with an EC50 of 8 μM (approx. 0.5 times predicted MAC) but did not alter current kinetics. By contrast, α1β2γ2s-containing receptors were insensitive to F6. Native GABAA receptors at subsynaptic and extrasynaptic locations on hippocampal pyramidal cells were also insensitive to F6. In vivo recordings showed no evidence of F6-induced nonconvulsive seizure activity at amnestic concentrations. We conclude that F6 causes amnesia neither by altering inhibition of hippocampal pyramidal neurons nor by inducing nonconvulsive hippocampal seizures. Instead, amnesia may result from effects on other types of hippocampal neurons or on receptors other than the GABAA receptor.
Quantitative Validation of a Finite Element Model of a Knee-Thigh-Hip Complex of a 50th Percentile Male

Traditionally the validation process of FE models is carried on by visually comparing two curves, respectively from an experimental test and the numerical simulation. A more rigorous way to quantitative compare two curves in the validation process would be provided by comparison metrics.In this work the component validation of the Finite Element model of a Knee-Thigh-Hip complex was carried on by quantitatively comparing the results from the experimental tests with the corresponding numerical curves. An LSDYNA finite element model of the lower extremities was developed and the condyle, pelvis and femur and components were carefully validated using three comparison metrics. The good match.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Grandparents Affected by Parental Divorce: A Population at Risk?

When parents divorce. grandparents who have bonded with grandchildren may be affected, particularly when denied visitation. In this article the author reviews normative aspects of grandparenthood and how grandparents are affected by parental divorce. Legal and ethical issues and counseling interventions are discussed.
Penetration of the zona-free mouse egg by capacitated epididymal sperm: Cinemicrographic observations

Conditions were established for routine cinemicrographic examination of sperm incorporation by living zona-free mouse eggs employing oil immersion objectives and Nomarski optics. Initial sperm attachment to the egg plasma membrane, which was reversible and appeared to require flagellar activity, involved localized areas of the head corresponding approximately to the position of the equatorial segment. Penetrating sperm lay flat on the egg and, during incorporation, appeared to sink into the egg cytoplasm, accompanied by short bursts of flagellar activity and subsequent rotation of the flagellum around its insertion point. Ensuing sperm head decondensation involved dissociation of individual particulate structures and a dramatic localized clearing in the egg cytoplasm. The normalcy of the penetration process and the potential applicability of this approach was attested to by the observations that polar body extrusion, male and female pronuclear formation, and migration through the egg cytoplasm in preparation for syngamy occurred in several sequences followed for extended time periods.
Exploratory Study of High-Energy Neutrino Interactions

We report the results of an initial investigation of high-energy neutrino interactions using a dichromatic neutrino beam. Two bands of neutrinos, from pion decay (〈Eν〉≈50 GeV) and kaon decay (〈Eν〉≈145 GeV), were incident on a counter-spark-chamber detector. We discuss analysis of events of the type νμ+N→μ-+hadrons. Qualitative comparisons are made with lower-energy neutrino results and the deep-inelastic e-N scaling structure functions.
Tasting colors in the disregarded films of Dušan Makavejev

How can film studies address the work of Dusan Makavejev beyond his films’ critique of ideology and the director's perceived disregard for narrative and visual conventions? This question addresses the prevailing approach to Makavejev that trumpets his earlier work for its stylistic and political daring while disregarding some of the director's later films. Taking up his films from the later 1980s, The Coca-Cola Kid (1985) and Manifesto (1988), this essay studies how approaches to Makavejev's work can be revised to address the director's concerns with fundamental aspects of the film medium and of the film viewing experience. By addressing the use and reception of color in these two films, this essay studies the sensual experience of watching The Coca-Cola Kid and Manifesto. By considering how the earlier film addresses the viewers’ sensorium and how the later was received, the essay offers methodological alternatives to viewing Makavejev's films solely as aesthetic vehicles of ideological critique.
Isotopic Determination of Food Web Origins in Restoring and Ancient Estuarine Wetlands of the San Francisco Bay and Delta

We compared the extent to which ancient and restoring wetlands in three estuary regions of San Francisco Bay support estuarine ecosystems through food web contributions. In comparison to mature marshes, we hypothesized that food webs of increasingly younger restoration sites would display increased dependency upon allochthonous subsidies due to nominal internal production. Using multiple stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) in a mixing model, we traced links among primary producers and estuarine consumers. Results indicate that food webs of estuarine marshes are heavily dependent upon autochthonous marsh materials (76 ± 17%), even within the youngest restoration marshes (11 years). Nearly all sampled organisms relied upon autochthonous marsh materials, with the exception of Neomysis kadiakensis, a mysid shrimp, which derived the majority of its support from freshwater-produced phytoplankton. Marsh-derived organic matter (OM) support was consistent both temporally throughout the year and spatially along the three estuary regions, but evidence suggests that the specific type of OM supporting estuarine consumers depends on position along the estuarine gradient and on seasonal shifts in freshwater flow. These results indicate that wetland restoration rapidly provides important contributions to marsh consumers and potentially bolsters food web linkages in shallow-water ecosystems.
Extracellular norepinephrine reduces neuronal uptake of norepinephrine by oxidative stress in PC12 cells.

Cardiac norepinephrine (NE) uptake activity is reduced in congestive heart failure. Our studies in intact animals suggest that this effect on the cardiac sympathetic nerve endings is caused by oxid...
Comparison of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) and d-amphetamine for in vivo efflux of catecholamines from rat brain

Abstract The neurochemical effects of DOM and d -amphetamine were compared under several conditions in unanesthetized rats implanted with chronic-indwelling push-pull cannulae in a cerebral lateral ventricle. Brain cate-cholamine storage sites were previously pulse-labelled with 14 C-norepinephrine administered intraventricularly. During the perfusion of the lateral ventricles with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, the animals were injected i.p. with 1.5 mg/kg of DOM, 2.0 mg/kg of d -amphetamine or 1.0 ml/kg of isotonic saline. Analysis of the perfusate in successive samples indicates an increased efflux of 14 C-radioactivity in rats administered DOM or d -amphetamine. Increased proportions of 14 C-norepinephrine and 14 C-normetanephrine were detected in samples of perfusate 15 to 30 min after drug injection. Pretreatment of other animals with 6-hydroxydopamine intraventricularly, which decreased brain levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine, blocked the increased efflux of 14 C-radioactivity induced by DOM or d -amphetamine. Pretreatmentof rats with 6-hydroxydopa i.p., which depleted brain norepinephrine selectively, reduced to about half the d -amphetamine-induced efflux of 14 C-radioactivity for all samples during the time course of the effect. However, animals pretreated with 6-hydroxydopa and then tested for DOM effects showed a different pattern of 14 C-radioactivity efflux. The efflux for the initial samples was increased as with the DOM control, but the 6-hydroxydopa pretreatment attenuated the DOM-induced efflux for the later samples. The results suggest DOM and d -amphetamine share qualitatively similar effects in releasing and/or blocking the reuptake of catecholamines at brain periventricular nerve terminals. Nevertheless, DOM appears to differ from d -amphetamine in the temporal pattern of net catecholamine release.
Ludwig angina in children

IN 1 836, V o N L U D W I G described five cases of "gangrenous induration of the connective tissues of the neck. ''1 Since this initial report, Ludwig angina has remained an unusual entity but one with great clinical significance. Antibiotic usage has reduced its occurrence, but the associated respiratory obstruction makes it imperat ive that the practicing pediatrician be familiar with its presentation. Four children with Ludwig angina have recently been treated, and these cases are reported to underl ine the clinical presentation.
Is atopic dermatitis a predisposing factor for experimental acute irritant contact dermatitis

Proclivity to acute irritant contact dermatitis has been reviewed by comparing the response in patients with atopic dermatitis to controls. Although several controlled studies demonstrate such a proclivity, others do not, suggesting that the mechanisms involved are complex.
A holistic program and critical success factors of corporate transformation

Abstract Corporate transformation is fundamentally changing how all employees in an organization perceive, think, and behave — so that they can satisfy the diverse needs of all key stakeholders for an extended period of time. Due to our turbulent global economy, achieving corporate transformation continues to be at the forefront of senior management's attention — and responsibility. Yet this incredibly complex problem is often addressed as if it were quite simple. Otherwise, why would senior executives continually subject their organizations to singular, quick-fix approaches that rarely, if ever, result in long-term survival and success? In this article, Ralph Kilmann presents a holistic approach for succeeding at corporate transformation by identifying — and integrating — the great variety of improvement activities that are usually implemented in a singular manner. The essence of this holistic approach is a sequence of eight interrelated tracks, which consists of five system tracks (culture, skills, team, strategy-structure, reward system) and three process tracks (gradual process, radical process, learning process). This paper concludes by highlighting eighteen critical success factors that were learned by implementing this approach in a variety of organizations — in both the US and Europe.
High-dose Bosentan in the Prevention and Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-induced Cerebral Vasospasm: An Open-label Feasibility Study

To evaluate the safety of high-dosages of the endothelin ETA/B receptor antagonist bosentan in SAH patients at high-vasospasm risk. Ten Fisher group-3 SAH patients, enrolled within 96 h of ictus, received bosentan in a dose-escalation manner (20, 30, 40 mg/kg/day orally every 4 hours on treatment days 1, 2, and 3 respectively, to a maximum dose of 4000 mg/day), followed by maintenance of the maximum tolerated dose until 14 days post-SAH or vasospasm resolution. Further management followed standard protocols: nimodipine in all patients; daily transcranial Doppler (TCD); “triple-H”/endovascular treatment, as indicated. Two of the ten patients never developed any clinical or TCD signs of vasospasm; the other eight patients exhibited some elevation of TCD velocities during the vasospasm watch period. Four of the eight patients remained asymptomatic; of them, one had only mild elevation on peak systolic velocities, thought to represent hyperemia. The other three were further assessed with CT-angiography; this revealed moderate vasospasm (asymptomatic) in only one patient. The remaining four patients developed symptomatic vasospasm requiring endovascular treatment; two developed cerebral infarction; both had started bosentan relatively later than the other subjects. The most common adverse drug effects were flushing and transient liver enzyme elevations, reversible in all. Two patients had ALT/AST elevations >3× normal limit, requiring bosentan-dose reduction or discontinuation (one case each). High-dose bosentan (up to 40 mg/kg/day) appears to be safe in SAH patients at high risk of developing vasospasm. Further studies are required to properly investigate the efficacy of this regimen in the prevention and treatment of SAH-induced vasospasm.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the 5′ and 3′ Ends of Vaccinia Virus Early mRNAs Delineates Regulatory Sequences of Annotated and Anomalous Transcripts

Poxviruses are large DNA viruses that encode a multisubunit RNA polymerase, stage-specific transcription factors, and enzymes that cap and polyadenylate mRNAs within the cytoplasm of infected animal cells. Genome-wide microarray and RNA-seq technologies have been used to profile the transcriptome of vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype member of the family. Here, we adapted tag-based methods in conjunction with SOLiD and Illumina deep sequencing platforms to determine the precise 5' and 3' ends of VACV early mRNAs and map the putative transcription start sites (TSSs) and polyadenylation sites (PASs). Individual and clustered TSSs were found preceding 104 annotated open reading frames (ORFs), excluding pseudogenes. In the majority of cases, a 15-nucleotide consensus core motif was present upstream of the ORF. This motif, however, was also present at numerous other locations, indicating that it was insufficient for transcription initiation. Further analysis revealed a 10-nucleotide AT-rich spacer following functional core motifs that may facilitate DNA unwinding. Additional putative TSSs occurred in anomalous locations that may expand the functional repertoire of the VACV genome. However, many of the anomalous TSSs lacked an upstream core motif, raising the possibility that they arose by a processing mechanism as has been proposed for eukaryotic systems. Discrete and clustered PASs occurred about 40 nucleotides after an UUUUUNU termination signal. However, a large number of PASs were not preceded by this motif, suggesting alternative polyadenylation mechanisms. Pyrimidine-rich coding strand sequences were found immediately upstream of both types of PASs, signifying an additional feature of VACV 3'-end formation and polyadenylation.
The RIVUR study: a review of its findings

The conclusion drawn by the authors of the Randomized Intervention for Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux (RIVUR) trial is that antimicrobial prophylaxis reduces the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)—but not of renal scarring—in patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). A review of the findings showed that the decreased recurrent UTI rate was only present at the end of the 2-year follow-up period and was only slightly increased (12.3 %) above the 10 % cutoff for statistical significance. The difference was not observed in children younger than two years of age with VUR grade III and IV. In addition, the rate of new renal scarring was not statistically different between the prophylaxis and placebo groups (8.2 vs. 8.4 %, respectively). A high rate of uropathogen antibiotic resistance was observed in the prophylaxis group (68.4 vs. 24.6 %, respectively). The analysis of the RIVUR findings questions the validity of its authors suggestion that the results may warrant reconsideration of the current recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics on obtaining a voiding cystourethrogram after the first febrile UTI and the use of urinary antibiotic prophylaxis in VUR patients.