cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in serotonin level in the hypoglossal nucleus region during carbachol-induced atonia

Abstract The excitability of hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons innervating genioglossal muscles is markedly suppressed during the rapid-eye-movement (REM) stage of sleep. This may contribute to airway obstructions in sleep apnea patients. Based on our earlier studies in decerebrate cats using injections of carbachol into the pons to induce a REM sleep-like atonia and microinjections of serotonin (5HT) into the XII motor nucleus, we hypothesized that a sleeprelated withdrawal of the serotonergic excitatory input to XII motoneurons may play a major role in these processes. To test one aspect of this hypothesis, we inserted microdialysis probes into the XII nucleus region of decerebrate, paralyzed, vagotomized and artificially ventilated cats. The probes were perfused without or with the addition of a 5HT reuptake blocker, clomipramine. The levels of 5HT and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), were determined using HPLC and electrochemical detection in dialysate samples collected over successive 20 min periods under four successive experimental conditions: control (at least 2 h after probe insertion); during the postural atonia and respiratory depression produced by pontine microinjection of carbachol; recovery from the effects of carbachol produced by pontine microinjection of atropine; and, to verify that the presence of 5HT in the dialysate was related to the activity of serotonergic cells of the brainstem, following administration of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5HT 1A receptor agonist known to suppress activity in the serotonergic cells of the raphe system. After correcting for recovery rates of individual probes, the mean control 5HT level in the extracellular space of the XII nucleus region was 7.9 ± 4.4nM (S.D.) in eight experiments without reuptake blockers. During the carbachol-induced depression, it was reduced to 70 ± 20% of the pre-carbachol level. It increased to the original control level 98 ± 27% after pontine injection of atropine. 8-OH-DPAT reduced the 5HT level to 43 ± 14% of the post-atropine level. Changes in the 5HIAA level were not as consistent as for 5HT and did not reach statistical significance under any of the experimental conditions. Thus, a functionally significant amount of 5HT is present in the extracellular space within the XII nucleus region, and its decrement during carbachol-induced, REM sleep-like atonia is likely to reflect that occurring during natural REM sleep; this may contribute to the decreased tone of upper airway muscles and airway patency.
Incentives to Innovate: Improve the Past or Break with It?

Does more expansive copyright law increase creativity by discouraging adaptations of existing work? The author discusses examples from cooking, boatbuilding, and the theater.
Transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing analysis of rat skeletal muscle feed arteries. II. Impact of exercise training in obesity

We employed next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology to determine the extent to which exercise training alters global gene expression in skeletal muscle feed arteries and aortic endothelial cells of obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Transcriptional profiles of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle feed arteries (SFA and GFA, respectively) and aortic endothelial cell-enriched samples from rats that underwent an endurance exercise training program (EndEx; n = 12) or a interval sprint training program (IST; n = 12) or remained sedentary (Sed; n = 12) were examined. In response to EndEx, there were 39 upregulated (e.g., MANF) and 20 downregulated (e.g., ALOX15) genes in SFA and 1 upregulated (i.e., Wisp2) and 1 downregulated (i.e., Crem) gene in GFA [false discovery rate (FDR) < 10%]. In response to IST, there were 305 upregulated (e.g., MANF, HSPA12B) and 324 downregulated genes in SFA and 101 upregulated and 66 downregulated genes in GFA, with an overlap of 32 genes between arteries. Furthermore, in aortic endothelial cells, there were 183 upregulated (e.g., eNOS, SOD-3) and 141 downregulated (e.g., ATF3, Clec1b, npy, leptin) genes with EndEx and 71 upregulated and 69 downregulated genes with IST, with an overlap of 35 between exercise programs. Expression of only two genes (Tubb2b and Slc9a3r2) was altered (i.e., increased) by exercise in all three arteries. The finding that both EndEx and IST produced greater transcriptional changes in the SFA compared with the GFA is intriguing when considering the fact that treadmill bouts of exercise are associated with greater relative increases in blood flow to the gastrocnemius muscle compared with the soleus muscle.
Sharp Hydrophilicity Switching and Conformality on Nanostructured Surfaces Prepared via Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) of a Novel Thermally Responsive Copolymer

A novel thermally responsive copolymer p(NIPAAm-co-DEGDVE) is synthesized using the substrate independent method of iCVD and exhibits a sharp lower critical solution temperature (LCST) transition centered at ≈28.5 ± 0.3 °C determined via quartz crystal microbalance measurements with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Swelling with water below the LCST produces a reversible change of ≈3 x in film thickness. The layer is conformal on nanostructured surfaces including MWCNT forests and electrospun nanofiber mats. Modified planar substrates exhibit ≈30°change in static contact angle over the LCST, while through conformal coating on nanostructured substrates changes in static contact angle up to 135° are achieved. Additionally, coated surfaces exhibit temperature sensitive BSA adsorption measured by QCM-D and is reversible as shown through fluorescence imaging of a coated electrospun nanofiber mat.
Speciation and Changing Environment

The current genetical theories regarding the effects of environmental changes in shaping new species are first reviewed briefly; Matthew's concept based upon paleontological and zoogeographic data is then compared and found in accord with the genetical set. This theory proposes that changing climates, whether of an annual or long-term nature, induce speciation. Accordingly the north temperate continental land-masses are viewed as the main arenas of vertebrate evolution, especially temperate Eurasia. A more recent concept from biogeographic sources, that of Darlington, proves discordant to all the foregoing but agrees more closely with observed facts of recent distribution and the geologic record. Its major premises are that speciation proceeds most rapidly under tropical conditions and in regions of vast extent; hence, the Old World tropics are pointed to as the principal theater of speciation. These two zoogeographic concepts are then harmonized by showing that, during the period in which most of the evolution of the vertebrate taxa occurred, the tropical belts were much more extensive than at present and included what are now north temperate regions. The genetic theories are shown to be especially valuable in elucidating the changes involved in the life cycle of a species rather than the effects of major climatic changes.
PROGENY SEX RATIO IN A SEXUALLY MONOMORPHIC UNGULATE, THE COLLARED PECCARY (TAYASSU TAJACU)

Polygynous ungulates are commonly used to test the Trivers–Willard hypothesis that high-quality females should produce a higher proportion of male than female offspring given certain assumptions. We studied relationships among age, maternal condition, and sex ratio of progeny in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), a sexually monomorphic ungulate, in southern Texas to examine this hypothesis. We collected data on litter size and sex ratio from 264 peccaries from 1989 to 2003. The overall fetal sex ratio was male-biased (P ¼ 0.04) at 54.8% male. Sex ratio varied by age, with individuals in age class 2 (of 4) being responsible for most of the skew in the ratio. Condition indices (body mass, carcass mass, and kidney fat index) did not vary in females categorized by sex ratio of litters. Logistic regression revealed that increasing condition of peccaries was associated with a more male-biased litter, but these relationships were weak (P ¼ 0.10–0.20). Our results were consistent with recent work showing sex ratio–age relationships and reviews documenting decreasing support for the Trivers–Willard hypothesis in ungulates with less sexual dimorphism.
Diabetes in overweight pediatric patients.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing problem among youth. Although type 1 (insulin-dependent) DM is a disease typically diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, estimates indicate that ≤45% of new diabetes cases in children are type 2. Children with new-onset type 2 DM are often overweight, aged 10 years or older, have a family history of the disease, and are members of a racial/ethnic minority group. DM treatment has progressed greatly in recent decades. Inadequate therapy, urine testing, glycosylated hemoglobin levels of >10%, and high rates of diabetic complications that were common in the past have yielded to more effective treatments, accurate monitoring, and better outcomes. Insulin pumps and insulin analogues represent promising new avenues that have enhanced convenience, cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and metabolic control of childhood DM.
Immunologic relevance of the cuticle and epicuticle of larval Dirofilaria immitis and Toxocara canis.

Abstract Investigations of the immunobiology of tissue stages of larval nematodes reveal several common, immunologically relevant features associated with the cuticle and epicuticle. First, commonality exists between surface and excretory-secretory antigens. Second, larval surfaces are often directly involved in evasion of host immune responses. Third, antigens present on the parasite surface can be involved in immunopathology, either directly through tissue damage or via systemic immunomodulatory events,. Finally, in some instances, correlations can be inferred between immune protection and surface antigens. These concepts are illustrated through research on larval Dirofilaria immitis and Toxocara canis .
Comparative reactivities of 125I-secretin and 125I-6-tyrosyl secretin with guinea pig and rabbit anti-secretin sera

Abstract Since secretin contains only an N-terminal histidyl and no tyrosyl residue, a synthetic secretin has been commercially prepared containing tyrosine in place of phenylalanine to facilitate the preparation of a radioiodine labeled tracer. We have found that although the rate of iodination of 6-Tyr-secretin is more rapid than that of secretin, the efficiency of iodination is not greatly increased and the shelf-life of the labeled product is not prolonged. The striking disadvantage of the use of 125I-6-Tyr-secretin as a tracer in radioimmunoassay is its diminished immunoreactivity with several guinea pig and rabbit antisera compared to 125I-secretin.
Development of low-profile piezoelectric energy harvester for high load application

This paper examines the feasibility of a low-profile piezoelectric energy harvester that is particularly useful in application where it is used as power source from high mechanical load and imbedding it in the limited space. Two low-profile energy harvesting devices - a piezoelectric ring transducer and set of PZT stacks are designed and tested. The first proposed energy harvester is composed of a ring transducer, metal outer ring, and cymbal metal end caps. The top and bottom cymbal metal end caps are placed inside the ring and transfer the applied mechanical load on the apex to the inner circumference of the piezoelectric ring transducer by compressing it. The new design is beneficial because applied load gives rise to compressive stress in the piezoelectric layer. A second design is introduced using an array of piezoelectric stacks arranged around cymbal shaped springs. By using compressive stress to the PZT, energy generating performance of the proposed design can be significantly improved comparing to the previous cymbal design using either PZT mono-layer or unimorph PZT. In addition, for the new design high shear strength of the bonding layer is not required to resist amplified radial stress through metal end caps comparing to the previous design.
ALTERNATIVE LOGLINEAR SMOOTHING MODELS AND THEIR EFFECT ON EQUATING FUNCTION ACCURACY

This simulation study evaluated the potential of alternative loglinear smoothing strategies for improving equipercentile equating function accuracy. These alternative strategies use cues from the sample data to make automatable and efficient improvements to model fit, either through the use of indicator functions for fitting large residuals or by averaging raw and smoothed frequencies. The strategies were studied across equating conditions based on rights-scored and formula-scored test data. Sample sizes were also manipulated. The results showed that the considered strategies produced equating functions with improved on-average accuracy but with added random variability. Of the considered alternative strategies, the frequency averaging strategy produced the most accurate equating functions for most of the evaluations done in the study. The frequency averaging strategy is recommended for circumstances where the desired loglinear model appears to fit the data poorly and where time constraints and/or data conditions make traditional modeling approaches unrealistic.
GreenBase: An energy-efficient middleware for baseband units in radio access networks

Recently, power consumption of radio access networks (RAN) has attracted a lot of attention since energy cost takes up a vast portion of operational expenditure (OPEX). Specifically, more than half of the energy is consumed by base stations (BS). Baseband Unit (BBU), which is responsible for baseband signal processing, is an important part of BS but still lacks effective power management solutions to improve energy efficiency. We present a power management middleware, GreenBase, to improve energy efficiency for BBUs. GreenBase consists of a software-based power metering tool, power and performance monitors as well as managers, an extensible power management policy library, and an energy efficiency analyzer. To evaluate this middleware, we construct a BBU testbed running video streaming applications based on software-defined radio platform GNU Radio/USRP. The experimental results validate GreenBase can achieve power and performance target with integrated power management policies. In particular, we find GreenBase can reduce total energy consumption by about 13% while satisfying target statistic QoS using a stochastic QoS controller.
Testing for no effect via splines

A spline-based test statistic for a constant mean function is proposed based on the penalized residual sum-of-squares difference between the null model and a B-spline model in which the regression function is approximated with P-splines approach. When the number of knots is fixed, the limiting null distribution of the test statistic is shown to be the distribution of a linear combination of independent chi-squared random variables, each with one degree of freedom. A smoothing parameter is selected by setting a specified value equal to the expected value of the test statistic under the null hypothesis. Simulation experiments are conducted to study the proposed spline-based test statistic’s finite-sample properties.
Characterization of Tumor-associated Chk2 Mutations

The integrity of the DNA damage response pathway is essential for prevention of neoplastic transformation. Several proteins involved in this pathway including p53, BRCA1, and ATM are frequently mutated in human cancer. Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) is a DNA damage-activated protein kinase that lies downstream of ATM in this pathway. Recently, heterozygous germline mutations in Chk2 have been identified in a subset of patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a highly penetrant familial cancer phenotype, suggesting that Chk2 is a tumor suppressor gene. In this study, we have reported the biochemical characterization of the four tumor-associated Chk2 mutants. Two of the reported Chk2 mutations identified in Li-Fraumeni syndrome result in loss of Chk2 kinase activity. Whereas one mutation within the Chk2 forkhead homology-associated (FHA) domain, R145W, retains some basal kinase activity, this mutant cannot be phosphorylated at an ATM-dependent phosphorylation site (Thr-68) and cannot be activated following gamma radiation. Wild-type Chk2 exists mainly in a protein complex of M(r) approximately 200,000 whereas the R145W mutant forms a larger, presumably inactive complex in the cell. The other FHA domain mutant, I157T, behaves as wild-type Chk2 in all the assays used here. Because the FHA domain is involved in protein-protein interactions, this mutation may affect associations of Chk2 with other proteins. Additionally, we have shown that Chk2 can also be inactivated by down-regulation of its expression in cancer cells. Thus, Chk2 may be inactivated by multiple mechanisms in the cell.
Depressive symptoms, antidepressant use, and future cognitive health in postmenopausal women: the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.

Background Antidepressants are commonly prescribed medications in the elderly, but their relationship with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and probable dementia is unknown. Methods The study cohort included 6,998 cognitively healthy, postmenopausal women, aged 65-79 years, who were enrolled in a hormone therapy clinical trial and had baseline depressive symptoms and antidepressant use history assessments at enrollment, and at least one postbaseline cognitive measurement. Participants were followed annually and the follow-up averaged 7.5 years for MCI and probable dementia outcomes. A central adjudication committee classified the presence of MCI and probable dementia based on extensive neuropsychiatric examination. Results Three hundred and eighty-three (5%) women were on antidepressants at baseline. Antidepressant use was associated with a 70% increased risk of MCI, after controlling for potential covariates including the degree of depressive symptom severity. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were both associated with MCI (SSRIs: hazard ratios (HR), 1.78 [95% CI, 1.01-3.13]; TCAs: HR, 1.78 [95% CI, 0.99-3.21]). Depressed users (HR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.24-4.80]), non-depressed users (HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.13-2.85]), and depressed non-users (HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.13-2.32]) had increased risk of incident MCI. Similarly, all three groups had increased risk of either MCI or dementia, relative to the control cohort. Conclusions Antidepressant use and different levels of depression severity were associated with subsequent cognitive impairment in a large cohort of postmenopausal women. Future research should examine the role of antidepressants in the depression-dementia relationship and determine if antidepressants can prevent incident MCI and dementia in individuals with late-life depression subtypes with different levels of severity.
A comparative examination of systems analysis techniques

Though many analysis tools and techniques are available to systems professionals, none of them completely support the analysis process. Traditional techniques tend to clarify input and output detail, along with physical information flows. More current techniques tend to concentrate on considerations of system structure. This paper presents a set of dimensions which support the comparative examination of analysis methods. A number of methods are compared to clarify their similarities and differences. The comparison technique supports professionals in the combination of tools to ensure complete analysis products.
Deep Sedation With Propofol in Patients With Rett Syndrome

Herein we present the largest retrospective case-control series of deep sedation in patients with Rett syndrome, including discussion of the unique aspects of Rett syndrome that make these patients at high risk for sedation. Twenty-one patients with Rett syndrome and 21 control patients who received propofol for deep sedation to facilitate lumbar puncture were compared. Patients with Rett syndrome required significantly less propofol than control patients when standardized for weight and the duration of the procedure (P = .004). Seven of the 21 patients with Rett syndrome compared with none of the control patients experienced a serious adverse event, most of which were due to prolonged apnea (P = .004). All adverse events were transient, and all patients returned to their baseline after the procedure was completed. Sedation of patients with Rett syndrome is associated with a relatively high rate of complications and should not be done without appropriate personnel available who recognize the risks of sedating this unique population.
Pt Viz: towards a wearable device for visualizing knee rehabilitation exercises

We present a wearable sensory display for visualizing knee rehabilitation as part of an in-home physical therapy program. Currently, patients undergoing knee rehabilitation have limited ways of assessing exercise form and extent of movement at home. To address this issue, we developed an exploratory wearable electronic prototype to visualize knee bend. We evaluated the device with physical therapy patients to get feedback on the design and to help us understand some of the challenges they face. We discovered that our current design is better suited for patients recovering from surgery as opposed to patients with chronic conditions.
Changes in collagen cross‐linking in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis

Collagen cross-linking was analyzed in lungs of rats, two, four, and ten weeks after intratracheal instillation of 1.5 units of bleomycin. Similar analyses were performed on lungs of mice 18 months after intratracheal instillation of bleomycin with or without subsequent exposure to 70% oxygen (O2) for 72 hours. Lungs were analyzed to determine the content of the reduced difunctional cross-links dihydroxylysinonorleucine (DHLNL) and hydroxylysinonorleucine (HLNL) and of the nonreducible trifunctional cross-link hydroxypyridinium (OHP). Ratios of DHLNL:HLNL were elevated in the rat lungs at two and four weeks, due to increased levels of DHLNL. There were no changes in the difunctional cross-links in any of the mouse lungs. Hydroxypyridinium content was elevated in the rat lungs at ten weeks and in the mouse lungs exposed to bleomycin and oxygen. We conclude that increases in DHLNL may serve as an early indicator that potentially "fibrotic collagen" is being synthesized in lungs acutely exposed to fibrogenic stimuli, while increases in OHP may serve as a permanent marker of a fibrogenic event that could have occurred months to years earlier.
Branching in the β+ decay of the 42Sc ground state

Abstract The β+ branch of the decay of the 42Sc 0+ ground state to the 1.83 MeV 0+ state in 42Ca is estimated to have an intensity of 0.06%. A preliminary measurement is reported showing Г 0 + 1 Г 0 + 1 −3
A novel UWB feeding mechanism for reflector IRA and TEM horn antenna

This paper proposes a method for feeding a balanced UWB antenna with an unbalanced transmission line. This method is based on the current distribution on the surface of the antenna. The MoM simulations show for the impulse radiating antennas (IRA) there are some areas with low current density in comparison to the current density of the feeding points. The coaxial cable is attached to the antenna body all the way from the feeding point to an area of low current density and extends out of the antenna structure at that point. The TEM horn antenna and the reflector IRA are constructed and simulated at UCLA and the simulation results have been used to design the proper feed.
Hepatic metabolism and pulmonary toxicity of monocrotaline using isolated perfused liver and lung

Monocrotaline is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid obtained from the seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis. When perfused through an isolated liver, monocrotaline is metabolized to Ehrlich reactive (E+) metabolites. Metabolism of monocrotaline was faster in livers from male rats than female rats, was inducible with phenobarbital pretreatment, and was inhibited by coperfusion with the P-450 mixed-function oxidase inhibitor SKF-525A, anoxic perfusion conditions, and low temperatures. When metabolites generated by an isolated liver were perfused through isolated lungs in a recirculatory manner, serotonin transport by the pulmonary endothelium was reduced in correlation with the amount of E+ material contained in the perfusion medium. When metabolism of monocrotaline by the liver was inhibited with SKF-525A, low temperature perfusions or anoxic conditions, serotonin transport by the pulmonary endothelium was unchanged from controls. Monocrotaline alone had no effect on the lung. Thus, isolated perfused livers metabolized monocrotaline to chemical species which produced pulmonary damage in vitro. This provides direct evidence that liver metabolites can cause one of the pneumotoxic effects of monocrotaline observed in vivo.
Syntheses of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate affinity ligands.

Abstract A mixture of 2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-4,5-di- O -benzyl- d - myo -inositol and 1,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-4,5-di- O -benzyl- d - myo -inositol, obtained during our synthesis of d - myo -inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [C.E. Ballou and W. Tegge, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. , 86 (1989) 94–98], was separated after tetrahydropyranylation of the free hydroxyl group in each. 2,3,6-Tri- O -benzoyl-4,5-di- O -benzyl-1- O -(tetrahydro-2-pyranyl)- d - myo -inositol was debenzylated and the two free hydroxyl groups were phosphorylated by a dibenzyl phosphoramidite procedure. The tetrahydropyranyl group was then removed, and phosphorylation at position 1 with benzyl 3-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propyl di- N -isopropylphosphoramidite, followed by oxidation and deprotection, provided 1-[3-aminopropoxy(hydroxy)phosphinyl]- d - myo -inositol 4,5-bis-phosphate. This compound was coupled to activated agarose to prepare an affinity matrix for the isolation of d - myo -inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding proteins, and it was coupled to 4-azido-2-hydroxybenzoic acid to give a product that was labeled with 125 I to prepare a photoactivable derivatizing reagent. The new derivatives retain significant biological activity as assessed by their ability to stimulate the release of stored Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum of permeabilized rat basophilic leukemia cells.
Quantitative microdialysis of neuropeptide Y

Abstract The feasibility of using the difference method of quantitative microdialysis to measure neuropeptide Y (NPY) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The accuracy of this method was tested in vitro under steady-state conditions for 3 test solutions containing known concentrations of NPY. The estimated concentrations of NPY were 1.2 ± 0.6, 3.7 ± 0.9, and 15.1 ± 0.7 pg/μl (mean ± SEM) in agreement with the actual concentrations of NPY in the test solutions which were 1.1 ± 0.8, 4.6 ± 0.6, and 14.6 ± 0.5 pg/μl (mean ± SEM of solution samples), respectively. The responsiveness of the estimated NPY ext measure to changes in the external concentration of NPY was also evaluated in vitro. An accurate estimate of NPY ext was obtained within the first sampling period (within 15 min) after a 2–3-fold increase in the test solution concentration of NPY and within 2–3 sampling periods (15–45 min) in response to a 2–3-fold decrease in the test solution concentration of NPY. In vivo, the estimated basal concentration of NPY in dialysis samples from probes in the medial basal hypothalamus of anesthetized female rats ( n = 4) was 4.0 ± 1.6 pg/μl and increased to 9.5 ± 0.3 pg/μl during K + stimulation. Relative recovery was 22% in vivo under steady-state conditions and ranged from 14% to 30% during dynamic conditions. These results demonstrate that the difference method of quantitative microdialysis accurately estimates picomolar concentrations of NPY in vitro, and is sufficiently sensitive to detect basal and increasing concentrations of NPY in vivo.
Hypothermia-mediating dopamine receptors in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus of the cat

Microinjections of dopamine (DA) or norepinephrine (NE) into the preoptic anterior hypothalamic region lowers midbrain temperature in unanesthetized cats. Either systemic or central pretreatment with haloperidol, a DA receptor blocker, prevents the DA- but not the NE-induced hypothermia. Evidently, dopaminergic as well as α-adrenergic receptors in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus play a key role in regulation of midbrain temperature.
Test-driven modeling for model-driven development

A new software development process called test-driven modeling applies the Extreme Programming test-driven paradigm in a model-driven development environment. (The basis of this article is a project in Motorola's iDEN division that is extending and migrating a large legacy telecommunication system to new platforms using TDM.) This process involves automatic testing through simulation and using executable models as living software system architecture documents. In TDM, we use the same message sequence charts (MSCs) for both system analysis (or design documents) and unit test cases. Similarly, we use the same high-level modeling diagrams for both automatic code generation and living software architecture documents to guide the system's detailed implementation in later phases. Practical results show that developers can effectively apply TDM to large projects with high productivity and quality in terms of the number of code defects.
Comparison of serum amylase pancreatic isoamylase and lipase in patients with hyperamylasemia

We compared results of measurements of total serum amylase, pancreatic isoamylase, and lipase measurements in patients with hyperamylasemia. Serial measurements of these three enzyme levels in patients recovering from acute pancreatitis indicated that pancreatic isoamylase and lipase were elevated above normal to a greater extent and remained elevated much longer than did the total amylase. This finding indicates an appreciable sensitivity advantage of the pancreatic isoamylase and lipase over total amylase measurement during the recovery phase of pancreatitis. Comparison of pancreatic isoamylase and lipase levels in selected sera indicated a good correlation (r=0.84) between these two measurements in patients who did not have macroamylasemia. Lipase was normal in sera with amylase elevations due solely to salivary isoamylase. Thus, in nonmacroamylsemic sera, pancreatic isoamylase and lipase appear to be roughly interchangeable markers of the level of pancreatic enzymes in the blood. An advantage of the lipase assay is that this enzyme is normal in hyperamylasemia caused by macroamylasemia, whereas the inhibitor assay indicates that the pancreatic isoamylase is elevated. Development of automated assays for either pancreatic isoamylase or lipase should lead to the routine use of one of these assays in place of the present reliance on total amylase measurements in the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Quantum well intersubband heterodyne infrared detection up to 82 GHz

We demonstrate the heterodyne detection of two CO2 laser signals offset in frequency up to 82.16 GHz using a multiple quantum well intersubband infrared photodetector. The high frequency is reached by down conversion using the detector itself as a microwave or millimeter-wave mixer.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Utilization of biomass in the U.S. for the production of ethanol fuel as a gasoline replacement—I terrestrial resource potential

Abstract With relatively minor adjustments in the agricultural sector, large additional amounts of starch derived from feed corn, surplus and distressed grain, and set-aside land could presently be used for ethanol production. The quantity of ethanol that could be produced would be sufficient to replace anywhere from 5 to 27 per cent (5.5–30 billion gallons) of present gasoline requirements. Thus, the ethanol requirement for total gasohol use (10 per cent) in the U.S. could be met in the short period of time required for facility construction with no evident impact on food production. Increased supplies of ethanol will make feasible the introduction of ethanol fueled engines. High-yield sugar crops planted on new acreage could provide an additional 10 billion gal. of ethanol by the year 2000; conversion of the waste biomass from this crop to ethanol could also add substantially to this amount. Utilization of novel cellulose conversion technology can provide fermentable sugars from municipal wastes, agricultural and forest wastes, and ultimately, highly productive silvicultural operations. The wastes alone could yield over 36 billion gal. of 192° PR ethanol-fuel by the year 2000. Fast-growing woody species from silviculture are expected to yield a conservative average of 10 over-dry tons per acre per yr, convertible to 710 gal. of ethanol in a process that has 37 per cent yield. Advantages over sugar/starch crops include year-round harvesting, and use of marginal acreage. Commercial forest land presently suitable for silviculture is about 100 million acres in large tracts plus 200 million acres in small private tracts. The potential additional yield of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass appears to be well in excess of liquid fuel requirements of an enhanced efficiency transport sector in the U.S. at present mileage demands. No conflict with food production would be necessary.
Evaluation of derivatives of 3-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine) hexahydro-1H-azepine-2-one as dermal penetration enhancers: side chain length variation and molecular modeling

Abstract The present study examined the enhancement effect of two series of compounds derived from 3-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine)hexahydro-1H-azepine-2-one. One series possessed alkyl side chains (series I) and the other alkyl ester side chains (series II). An in vitro diffusion study was performed to investigate the effect of variation in alkyl/alkyl ester side chain length of two series of compounds on the permeation of hydrocortisone (HC) across hairless mouse skin. The permeability coefficient (P), 24 h receptor concentration (Q24) and skin content (SC), as well as the enhancement ratios (ER) for each parameter were recorded. A parabolic relationship was observed between the ERP, and the alkyl side chain length of the enhancers. The relationship between the length of ester side chains and ERP appeared to be relatively linear with R2 of 0.9676. The relationship between the calculated lipophilicity (CL) and enhancement activity of the enhancers showed that for CL 5–9, series I showed higher P values compared with Azone®, but this was not observed with series II. For CL values 4.57–7.75, a significant correlation existed between P of HC and CL of series II compounds (R2=0.9967). 1-Tetradecyl-3-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine)-e-caprolactam showed the highest P and Q24, with 40.5- and 18.6-fold increases over the control. In conclusion, the alkyl side chain series of compounds showed more enhancing activity than the alkyl ester side chain series.
Peptides enhance magnesium signature in calcite: insights into origins of vital effects.

Studies relating the magnesium (Mg) content of calcified skeletons to temperature often report unexplained deviations from the signature expected for inorganically grown calcite. These “vital effects” are believed to have biological origins, but mechanistic bases for measured offsets remain unclear. We show that a simple hydrophilic peptide, with the same carboxyl-rich character as that of macromolecules isolated from sites of calcification, increases calcite Mg content by up to 3 mole percent. Comparisons to previous studies correlating Mg content of carbonate minerals with temperature show that the Mg enhancement due to peptides results in offsets equivalent to 7° to 14°C. The insights also provide a physical basis for anecdotal evidence that organic chemistry modulates the mineralization of inorganic carbonates and suggest an approach to tuning impurity levels in controlled materials synthesis.
Recovery requirements of branch prediction storage structures in the presence of mispredicted-path execution

Execution along mispredicted paths may or may not affect the accuracy of subsequent branch predictions if recovery mechanisms are not provided to undo the erroneous information that is acquired by the branch prediction storage structures. In this paper, we study four elements of the Two-Level Branch Predictor: the Branch Target Buffer (BTB), the Branch History Register (BHR), the Pattern History Tables (PHTs), and the Return Address Stack (RAS). For each we determine whether a recovery mechanism is needed, and, if so, show how to design a cost-effective one. Using five benchmarks from the SPECint92 suite, we show that there is no need to provide recovery mechanisms for the BTB and the PHTs, but that performance is degraded by an average of 30% if recovery mechanisms are not provided for the BHR and RAS.
Acceleration by aerosol of a radiative-thermodynamic cloud feedback influencing Arctic surface warming

[1] Recent work suggests that short-lived pollutants with mid-latitude origins are contributing to observed warming of the Arctic surface. Candidate mechanisms include an “aerosol indirect effect” associated with increases in cloud longwave emissivity: small cloud droplets associated with polluted conditions are efficient absorbers and emitters of longwave radiation. Here, we argue that the associated surface warming can be temporarily amplified: particulate pollution, by increasing cloud emissivity, additionally accelerates a pre-existing positive feedback loop between cloud top radiative cooling and new droplet condensation.
Contemporary Challenges of Participatory Field Research for Land Use Change Analyses: Examples from Kenya

This article discusses the evolution of participatory methods and their benefits and pitfalls in contributing to land use and land cover change (LULCC) analyses. Participation has become a practical means of developing a more complete assessment of societal change by bringing local people’s narratives and understandings to bear on the interpretation of data collected using more extractive methods, such as the household survey, or data collected remotely, such as satellite images. Their methodological value lies in their ability to provide insights into the local mediation of external political, economic, and cultural processes. However, the realization of these contributions to LULCC analysis requires sensitivity to community differentiation, competing narratives of change, and the broader social context in which participatory forums take place. Examples from Kenya suggest that participatory feedback workshops present distinct empirical advantages that allow researchers to develop an understanding of critical intersections of social and environmental change through a dialogical process whereby participants themselves frame the central categories and change processes.
The Analysis of IgG-Protein A binding effect by quartz crystal microbalance biosensor

In this study, we present experimental, modeling and simulation results for affinity binding between human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and protein A using an AT-cut quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor. A multilayer configuration transmission line model was built to predict the IgG-Protein A binding affinity on the QCM surface. The influence of antibody-antigen bonding effect on resonance frequency was analyzed by varying the IgG concentrations. The experiments registered 440 Hz, 360 Hz, 215 Hz and 110 Hz for IgG concentrations of 100 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml and 5 µg/ml respectively, while the simulation resulted in 480 Hz, 409 Hz, 298 Hz and 130 Hz, respectively.
On the Rocky Road to the First Global Civilization

Because the main arenas of our world society have become more multidimensionally interdependent, we postulated (1) the emergence of the first global civilization, (2) that leaders and their constituencies due to national transparency around the world are beginning to recognize the axiological unpreparedness of their international, national, and local institutions for this kind of civilization, and (3) that a new social architecture for these organizations is needed that fits better with this emerging civilization. The core proposition of this paper goes beyond the assertion that civilization is reaching global coherence. The first global civilization, it is proposed, has a thematic pattern or development valence towards a social architectural mindset based on symbiotic societal (Paradigm S) values related to but distinctive from both industrial (Paradigm I) and de-industrial values (Paradigm D). We find evidence for three theories of the future of global civilization which we call: Homogenizing Westerniza...
Transfection Protocol for Antisense Oligonucleotides Affects Uniformity of Transfection in Cell Culture and Efficiency of mRNA Target Reduction

In an effort to optimize the transfection of cell lines with antisense oligonucleotides, we examined cellular accumulation of a labeled oligonucleotide by flow cytometry. We were surprised to observe that a routinely used transfection protocol, a fixed lipid/oligonucleotide ratio, resulted in variable transfection efficiency depending on the concentration of oligonucleotide used. A significant population of cells, especially at lower doses of oligonucleotide and cationic lipid, were untransfected. We investigated lipid/oligonucleotide ratios, different lipid preparations, and different cell types and found that these variables did not alter the percentage of cells transfected at these lower doses of oligonucleotide. However, when lipid-oligonucleotide complexes were formed at the high dose and then diluted into a solution of lipid or a complex of lipid and unlabeled, negative control oligonucleotide, a constant percentage of cells was transfected. Under these conditions, mRNA target reduction dose-response curves were also shifted to lower doses. We hypothesize that poor transfection observed at a low concentration of lipid-oligonucleotide complex when diluted in medium is due to loss of active complexes, either by adsorption to the substrate or by changes in physical characteristics of complexes. By maintaining a constant lipid concentration, more consistent transfection was achieved.
Quantitative correlations between solute molecular structure and solubility in supercritical fluids

Abstract There is a current need in the fields of supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for rapid and simple methods of estimating a solute's solubility level in the dense gaseous solvent. Utilizing the solubility parameter theory developed by Giddings, we have developed a method which permits the quantitative estimation of solute solubility levels in dense and liquefied gas media over a range of pressure and temperatures. The described method incorporates the ratio of the solubility parameters of the extraction gas to that of the dissolved solute, thereby permitting correlations to be made for a number of solute—gas combinations. Techniques are also presented that permit solute solubilities to be estimated from a knowledge of the solute's molecular structure. The above methods have been applied to such applications as the extraction of organic solutes from aqueous media with liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical fluid chromatography.
Distribution of Genetic Marker Concentrations for Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Sewage and Animal Feces

Very little is known about the density and distribution of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) genetic markers measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in fecal pollution sources. Before qPCR-based FIB technologies can be applied to waste management and public health risk applications, it is vital to characterize the concentrations of these genetic markers in pollution sources (i.e., untreated wastewater and animal feces). We report the distribution of rRNA genetic markers for several general FIB groups, including Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Bacteroidales, as determined by qPCR on reference collections consisting of 54 primary influent sewage samples collected from treatment facilities across the United States and fecal samples representing 20 different animal species. Based on raw sewage sample collection data, individual FIB genetic markers exhibited a remarkable similarity in concentration estimates from locations across the United States ranging from Hawaii to Florida. However, there was no significant correlation between genetic markers for most FIB combinations (P > 0.05). In addition, large differences (up to 5 log10 copies) in the abundance of FIB genetic markers were observed between animal species, emphasizing the importance of indicator microorganism selection and animal source contribution for future FIB applications.
Attunement of maternal and child adrenocortical response to child challenge

Abstract Although a great deal is known about physiological responding to stress in nonhuman animals, and also about individual differences in behavioral attunement in humans, physiological attunement between human mothers and their children has never been studied. The current study examined attunement in adrenocortical response between mother and child in the context of the child's exposure to a novel and potentially challenging task. Children ranging in age from two to four years of age walked on a balance beam for the first time while mothers watched on a monitor from the next room. Saliva samples were collected from both mothers and children before and 30 minutes following the beam walk. Individual differences in behavioral attunement were assessed from a videotaped mother–child teaching task, and coded for maternal sensitivity. We expected that mothers rated as highly sensitive would show better physiological attunement with their children's adrenocortical response to the balance beam walk than less sensitive mothers. We did not expect that all children would show a cortisol elevation in response to the task. Rather, we were interested in the degree to which mothers “matched” children's adrenocortical fluctuations, regardless of elevations or decreases in cortisol. Results supported the hypothesis. In the highly sensitive group, mothers' and children's adrenocortical responses to the child beam walk were significantly correlated, and in the less sensitive group the responses were not significantly related. Findings suggest that physiological attunement may co-occur with behavioral sensitivity in normal mother–child relationships.
Improved compensation of the fluorochrome AmCyan using cellular controls

Background: Implementation of polychromatic flow cytometry in the clinical laboratory often requires the use of newer fluorochromes, with which experience may be comparatively limited. In the course of implementing polychromatic flow cytometry in our laboratory, we have observed significant differences in compensation values derived for the violet-excited dye, AmCyan, when cells rather than a commercially available set of polystyrene microparticles (BD CompBeads) are used as compensation controls. Methods: Compensation values were calculated for AmCyan and several other fluorochromes using the BD CompBeads Set according to the manufacturer's protocol, and using unstained and singly stained lymphocytes as compensation controls. Results: When the BD CompBeads Set was used to determine compensation values, spillover from AmCyan into V450 was overcompensated, while spillover from AmCyan into FITC was undercompensated. In contrast, when compensation values were calculated using unstained and singly stained lymphocytes, spillover into V450 and FITC from cells stained brightly with AmCyan-conjugates was compensated appropriately. Although significant differences were observed in the compensation of spillover from AmCyan into V450 and FITC using cells rather than the BD CompBeads Set as compensation controls (P < 0.0001, two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test), such differences were not observed in control experiments using fluorochromes excited by the blue (FITC and PE) or red (APC) lasers. Conclusion: Improved compensation of the violet-excited dye, AmCyan, is obtained when cells rather than the BD CompBeads Set are used as compensation controls. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society