cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of embryonic antigens in immunologic sterilization

Abstract Sterilization of female rats has been accomplished by both active and passive immunization with several different preparations of human placental lactogen (HPL). The degree of effectiveness in accomplishing the destruction of the pregnancy and subsequent sterilization has been variable. It appears that the most effective preparation of xenogeneic antibody used for passive sterilization is that which is directed against the earliest HPL preparation available to us. This latter material has been shown to contain embryonic and/or fetal antigens other than HPL against which antibodies are also directed.
Important procedures in the conservative treatment of eclampsia

Abstract Eclampsia is best treated by certain definite procedures which by their success or failure permit one to note the progress of the case. After delivery or death of the fetus a marked blood dilution takes place, during which period a diuresis occurs. Clinical improvement is closely associated with these phenomena. The eclamptic patient has an increased tolerance for glucose, probably due to the retention of chlorides found in pregnancy. The injection of large amounts of intravenous glucose solution will simulate temporarily at least the effect produced by delivery. The prognosis for the patient with a severe type of eclampsia is chiefly favored by delivery or early fetal death.
HLA-DR3 and DR4 and their relation to the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract Purpose Cross-sectional data from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy indicated that patients with HLA-DR4, but not DR3, were more likely to have prevalent proliferative retinopathy than those without both antigens. We describe the relation of HLA-DR3 and DR4 antigens to the 14-year incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema in this cohort. Design A population-based cohort study. Participants A probability sample of male and female patients receiving primary care for diabetes in 11 counties of southern Wisconsin. Methods Participants were invited for a baseline examination in 1980 to 1982, with follow-up examinations at 4, 10, and 14 years later. At the 4-year examination, a random sample of participants (n = 428) diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 30 and taking insulin were selected for HLA-DR typing. Main outcome measures Fourteen-year incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema based on masked stereoscopic fundus photographic grading. Results There was no relation between HLA-DR3 and DR4 status with the 14-year incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy, progression to proliferative retinopathy, and incidence of macular edema. Patients with either HLA-DR3 or DR4 were less likely to progress to proliferative retinopathy compared with those who were negative for both, although these relations were not statistically significant. The associations did not vary after adjusting for hypertension status, baseline retinopathy, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, or after stratifying by duration of diabetes (less than 10 years vs. 10 years or more) and age at diagnosis of diabetes (less than 15 years vs. 15 years or more). Furthermore, 10-year mortality and 14-year nephropathy rates did not differ by HLA-DR3 or DR4 status, suggesting that selective mortality did not explain the pattern of associations seen. Conclusions In contrast to the initial cross-sectional findings, these data suggest that HLA-DR3 or DR4 status is unrelated to 14-year incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The discrepancy may be related to increasing homogeneity of retinopathy and diminishing power to detect small differences, but it may also reflect the uncertain and inconsistent effects of HLA-DR3 or DR4 on the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Psychopharmacology: Child and Adolescent

This article provides an overview of the legal aspects of the prescription of medications for psychiatric and behavioral disturbances of children and adolescents as well as a review of the majority of these agents, their indications and some controversies surrounding their use. Keywords: Informed consent; child; adolescent; psychopharmacology; risk vs benefits; antidepressant; psychostimulant; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity; autism; psychosis; mood stabilizer; suicide; depression
The View-Constraint Duality in Database Systems, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering

In database systems, software engineering, and systems engineering, the concepts of constraints and views are commonly and effectively used. Considered distinct, they stand as well-established notions in each domain's body of knowledge. The focus of this paper is to explore the duality between views and constraints in these domains and investigate the efficacy of this duality in enabling more effective model interoperability. We provide empirical evidence for the duality and demonstrate cases where the duality is useful for constraint specification across modeling paradigms as commonly occurs across multiple organizations.
Pediatric ingested foreign body, acquired tracheoesophageal fistula – Endoscopic repair with cautery & fibrin glue (Tisseel): Case report and literature review

Abstract Foreign body ingestion is common in the pediatric population and the mainstay of treatment is typically endoscopic removal. Complications such as tracheoesophageal fistula may occur due to foreign body ingestion. The treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula following foreign body ingestion is controversial. We report the case of a 33 month-old former 25 week-old triplet who developed a tracheoesophageal fistula following her foreign body ingestion. Following initial foreign body removal, subsequent treatment with electrocautery and fibrin sealant facilitated closure of the fistula as seen on repeat esophagram performed six weeks post-operatively. We report this case as a reminder of this complication and its association with foreign body ingestion as well as its insidious presentation and to encourage consideration of this modality as a primary treatment for acquired tracheoesophageal fistulae secondary to foreign body ingestion.
An entity-based integration framework for modeling and evaluating data enhancement products

This paper describes ongoing research to develop a comprehensive, formal framework for modeling and analyzing information products derived through multi-source, entity-based integration. It describes how a previously proposed framework for defining integration selection operators can be extended to model data enhancement products, and suggests a methodology for evaluating such products based on four key factors - entities, attributes, utility, and cost. Even though many organizations make substantial investments in developing and maintaining entity-based enhancement products, little work has been done to develop evaluation models that accurately assess the impact of adding, dropping, or replacing sources in an effort to optimize the quality and economic performance of the product.
Vdd impact on propagation pulse width variation in PD SOI circuits

Pulse width variation through open-ended chains in partially depleted SOI is investigated. Vdd impact on the pulse variation (either compression or stretching) is intensively studied, as well as temperature and illumination contributions. A physical model using well-known capacitive coupling, generation, and recombination concepts is proposed with experimental data.
Is politics the problem and markets the answer? An essay review of Politics, Markets, and America's Schools

Abstract Politics, Markets, and America's Schools is an ambitious book that draws eclectically on concepts from political science, the sociology of organizations and educational learning theory. Chubb and Moe employ an extensive array of data seeking to link the mechanisms that control school operations to student achievement. They conclude that a total restructuring of the governance system of American education — from democratic to market control — is necessary. Our review scrutinizes a set of critical decisions made by Chubb and Moe in defining their key concepts and in the analytical models employed in this research. We argue that many of these decisions are not justified on either theoretical or methodological grounds. Moreover, the cumulative effect of the decision tends to tilt the empirical evidence toward supporting the authors' a priori beliefs. As a result, we conclude that Politics, Markets, and America's Schools is best viewed as a policy argument, where extensive, but not always solid empirical evidence has been artfully employed to advance the authors' preconceived notions about American schooling.
Mitotic mechanism based on intrinsic microtubule behaviour

THE molecular mechanism of mitosis in higher eukaryotic cells is largely unknown. Here, we state briefly some aspects of the mitotic mechanism that are well characterised, add information derived from our recent investigations, and offer a new model of mitotic movement based on intrinsic microtubule behaviour. We propose that two events, poleward-sliding of anti-parallel microtubules and an opposite end assembly/disassembly of all microtubules, occur constantly throughout mitosis and act coordinately to produce mitotic movement.
Assay validation and characterization of hepatic 5'-deiodinase activity in ring doves using reverse-T3 as substrate.

Abstract Adult ring dove hepatic 5′-deiodinase (5′D) activity was studied in vitro using reverse T 3 (rT 3 ) as substrate. A previous study of ring dove hepatic deiodinase in our laboratory did not include characterization studies and was unsuccessful in relating the pattern of 5′D development to that of plasma T 3 . In the present study we established valid assay conditions and characterized the hepatic 5′D in doves to provide a comparison with other avian species and for future use in developmental work. Our validation studies demonstrate that 5′D activity is proportional to enzyme concentration (as postmitochondrial fraction (PMF) protein) over the range measured (0–0.163 mg PMF protein/ml, representing 0–2.19 mg original tissue/ml). Activity was linear with time from 5 to 30 min of incubation at 0.163 mg PMF protein/ml. Our 5′D assays used 20 m M DTT; activity was maximal from 5 to 30 m M DTT. Using the validated conditions the following characteristics were found: the apparent K m was 0.44 μ M rT 3 , V max was 255 m M rT 3 degraded/min-mg PMF protein, and activity was completely inhibited by 1 m M PTU. Activity was maximal at pH 8.04 and at 37.5° (although this did not differ from activity at 41.5°, the body temperature of doves). In summary, this study demonstrates conditions that measure 5′D at initial velocities in dove liver and demonstrates that the hepatic 5′D enzyme in ring doves is similar to the deiodinase activity in liver of galliform birds and mammals.
Defining Professional Nursing Accountability: A Literature Review

Professional nursing accountability is described by both professional nursing organizations and nursing education credentialing agencies as a core aspect that underpins professional nursing practice. Although accountability is foundational to professional practice, a review of the literature revealed no consistent language or definition regarding professional nursing accountability. Instead, the literature itself reveals that professional nursing accountability is challenging to both describe and define. The ambiguity surrounding how to define professional nursing accountability contributes to challenges associated with both teaching and evaluating student nurse accountability within nursing education curricula. This article provides a reliable and comprehensive definition of professional nursing accountability derived from a synthesis of the literature. Recommendations for nursing education practice and recommendations for nursing education research are proposed.
Honeybee colony drone production and maintenance in accordance with environmental factors: an interplay of queen and worker decisions

Social insect colonies display a remarkable ability to adjust investment in reproduction (i.e., production of sexuals) in accordance with environmental conditions such as season and food availability. How this feat is accomplished by the colony’s queen(s) and workers remains a puzzle. Here, I review what we have learned about this subject in the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), specifically with regard to a colony’s production of males (drones). I identify five environmental conditions that influence colony-level patterns of drone production and then define five stages of drone rearing that are accomplished by the queen and workers. Using this framework, I detail our current understanding of how the queen or workers adjust their actions at each stage of drone rearing in response to each of the environmental conditions. Future investigations of this topic in honeybees and other social insect societies will lead to a better understanding of how colonies manage to flexibly and efficiently allocate their resources under changing environmental conditions.
Multifunctional Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites for Photonics

Multifunctional organic-inorganic nanocomposites are of considerable interest in photonics, optoelectronics, and biophotonics. This paper will focus on two topics. In the first part of the paper, we will focus on semiconductor nanocluster sensitized photoconductivity and photorefractivity. The results of photorefractivity studies in newly developed polymer composite PVK: TCP: CdS: NPP are presented. The composite contains charge transporting polymeric matrix of poly [N-vinylcarbazole] (PVK), thiocresol capped CdS photosensitizing nanoclusters, and second-order nonlinear optically active chromophore N-(4- nitrophenyl)-L-prolinol (NPP). Efficient plasticization of the host polymeric matrix was achieved with tricresyl phosphate (TCP). The electro-optic modulation, degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) diffraction efficiency and two-beam coupling properties of photorefraction were studied. In the second part of the paper, we investigate surface enhanced fluorescence in a silica matrix using dye in close association with silver nanoclusters. To optimize the photonic functions of 4-[N- (2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(methyl) amino phenyl]-4'-(6- hydroxyhexyl sulfonyl) stilbene (APSS) we have utilized the concept of plasmon enhancement, where resonance interaction with nanosize metal clusters enhances the various optical properties. Novel sol-gel processing has produced composites containing APSS and silver nanoclusters. The energy transfer between the plasmon resonance of the silver nanocluster and the excited state of APSS has been demonstrated.
Genetics and cytology of a new genic male-sterile soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Genetic and cytological studies were conducted with a new male-sterile, female-fertile soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] mutant. This mutant was completely male sterile and was inherited as a single-recessive gene. No differences in female or male gamete transmission of the recessive allele were observed between reciprocal cross-pollinations in the F1 or F2 generations. This mutant was not allelic to any previously identified soybean genic male-sterile mutants: ms1, ms2, ms3, ms4, ms5, or ms6. No linkage was detected between sterility and flower color (W1 locus), or between sterility and pubescence color (T1 locus). Light microscopic and cytological observations of microsporogenesis in fertile and sterile anthers were conducted. The structure of microspore mother cells (MMC) in male-sterile plants was identical to the MMCs in male-fertile plants. Enzyme extraction analyses showed that there was no callase activity in male-sterile anthers, and this suggests that sterility was caused by retention of the callose walls, which normally are degraded around tetrads at the late tetrad stage. The tapetum from male-sterile anthers also showed abnormalities at the tetrad stage and later stages, which were expressed by an unusual formation of vacuoles, and by accumulation of densely staining material. At maturity, anthers from sterile plants were devoid of pollen grains.
Multi-robot communication-sensitive reconnaissance

This paper presents a method for multi-robot communication sensitive reconnaissance. This approach utilizes collections of precompiled vector fields in parallel to coordinate a team of robots in a manner that is responsive to communication failures. Collections of vector fields are organized at the task level for reusability and generality. Different team sizes, scenarios, and task management strategies are investigated. Results indicate an acceptable reduction in communication attenuation when compared to other related methods of navigation. Online management of tasks and potential scalability are discussed.
An Histologic Comparison of Supra and Subgingival Plaque and Calculus

Supra and subgingival plaque and calculus were col­ lected according to the method described by Oshrain, et al. 1 Sandblasted mylar strips were inserted into pockets 4 mm or more in depth, limited to incisor teeth (Fig. 1). The gingiva of the pockets selected varied in appearance from that of slight inflammation to severe inflammation. Strips were removed at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 weeks and examined grossly, photographed, fixed and prepared for histologic study. Staining procedures included hematoxylin and erythrocin, tissue gram stain, Periodic Acid Schiff Re­ action, and the von Kossa stain for identification of cal­ cified areas. Observations were made on ten cases.
Measurements of Polarization Switching in LiNbO 3 -type ZnSnO 3 /ZnO Nanocomposite Thin Films

We report the measurements of ferroelectricity in LiNbO3 (LN)-type ZnSnO3 /ZnO nanocomposite thick films deposited on Pt-Si substrates using a novel combined chemical/physical technique. Phase-pure LN-type ZnSnO3 nanorods (NRs) were first synthesized using a low temperature solvothermal process and characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The prototype device for polarization measurements was fabricated by depositing the as-prepared LN-type ZnSnO3 NRs onto conducting Pt-Si substrates (also served as bottom electrodes). A dielectric filler-layer of polycrystalline ZnO was deposited on top using pulsed laser deposition to fabricate LN-type ZnSnO3 /ZnO nanocomposite films. Polarization measurements of the Pt/ZnSnO3+ZnO/Pt nanocomposite capacitors at 300K showed indication of polarization switching in the hysteresis loops with a remanent polarization (Pr) of 13 μC/cm2 at a low applied voltage of 8 V. The work provides information on the coherent design of future FE memory devices based on the emerging non-toxic Pb-free material LN-ZnSnO3.
Propagation Effects of Wind and Temperature on Acoustic Ground Contour Levels

Propagation characteristics for varying wind and temperature atmospheric conditions are identified using physically-limiting propagation angles to define shadow boundary regions. These angles are graphically illustrated for various wind and temperature cases using a newly developed ray-tracing propagation code.
Magnetostructural Effect in the Multiferroic BiFeO3-BiMnO3 Checkerboard from First Principles

Using first-principles calculations, we identify a magnetostructural effect in the BiFeO3-BiMnO3 nanocheckerboard that is not to be found in either the bulk parent compound or in BiFeO3-BiMnO3 superlattices with (001)-oriented Fe and Mn layers. The key role of the cation arrangement is explained by a simple model of the exchange coupling between cation spins, leading to magnetic frustration in the checkerboard. We also demonstrate that the atomic-scale checkerboard has a multiferroic ground state with the desired properties of each constituent material: polar and ferrimagnetic due to BiFeO3 and BiMnO3, respectively.
Educators and Youth Activists: A Negotiation over Enhancing Students' Role in School Life.

Recent attention to youth activism for school reform reveals positive student outcomes. Yet educators may object to the use of social actions in schools, diminishing opportunities for these benefits to accrue. This paper analyzes educators’ conceptions about the proper exercise of student voice within schools and how these coincide with activists’ tactics for school reform. The qualitative investigation rests on interviews with principals, teachers, community organizers, and students—all touched by a community-based program that encourages urban youth to organize and transform their schools. The paper seeks to bridge the perspectives of educators and activists in ways that enhance acceptance of a more robust role for students in school life.
Axillary Management After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients

According to the available data, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is proving to be an accurate staging technique with less post-surgical morbidity than standard axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Survival benefits associated with SLN biopsy and, as well as the significance of IHC detected micrometastases have yet to be determined. The long term results of several multicenter trials are pending, yet preliminary results are in favor of abandoning ALND in favor of the less invasive alternative. Despite this, ALND remains the standard of care in breast cancer patients with clinically palpable axillary lymph nodes that are suspicious for metastatic disease. Although controversial, many clinicians believe that axillary metastases will precede systemic spread of disease. Therefore, axillary clearance of clinically palpable nodes could potentially quell the progression of metastases. Regardless of whether or not this theory is true, not many would argue against debulking suspicious nodal disease.
Entry of Alphaherpesviruses Mediated by Poliovirus Receptor-Related Protein 1 and Poliovirus Receptor

A human member of the immunoglobulin superfamily was shown to mediate entry of several alphaherpesviruses, including herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 and 2, porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1). This membrane glycoprotein is poliovirus receptor-related protein 1 (Prr1), designated here as HveC. Incubation of HSV-1 with a secreted form of HveC inhibited subsequent infection of a variety of cell lines, suggesting that HveC interacts directly with the virus. Poliovirus receptor (Pvr) itself mediated entry of PRV and BHV-1 but not of the HSV strains tested. HveC was expressed in human cells of epithelial and neuronal origin; it is the prime candidate for the coreceptor that allows both HSV-1 and HSV-2 to infect epithelial cells on mucosal surfaces and spread to cells of the nervous system.
Stimulation of liver cell DNA synthesis by oncomodulin, an MW 11 500 calcium-binding protein from hepatoma.

Abstract Raising the calcium concentration, or adding the tumor-specific calcium-binding protein oncomodulin (but not a similar, calcium-binding protein such as skeletal muscle parvalbumin) stimulated DNA synthesis in non-neoplastic T51B rat liver cells, whose DNA-synthetic activity had been reduced by incubation in medium containing 0.02 mM calcium instead of the usual 1.8 mM calcium. A calcium: oncomodulin complex was probably the actual stimulator, because oncomodulin action was blocked by further reducing the ionic calcium concentration in the already calcium-deficient medium with EGTA. Oncomodulin was also able to stimulate DNA synthesis in T51B cell cultures, whose response to calcium addition had been blocked by trifluoperazine.
Predictor-corrector algorithm for solving P * (k)-matrix LCP from arbitrary positive starting points

A new predictor-corrector algorithm is proposed for solvingP*(ź)-matrix linear complementarity problems. If the problem is solvable, then the algorithm converges from an arbitrary positive starting point (x0,s0). The computational complexity of the algorithm depends on the quality of the starting point. If the starting point is feasible or close to being feasible, it has $$O((1 + \kappa )\sqrt {n/\rho _0 } L)$$ -iteration complexity, whereź0 is the ratio of the smallest and average coordinate ofX0s0. With appropriate initialization, a modified version of the algorithm terminates in O((1+ź)2(n/ź0)L) steps either by finding a solution or by determining that the problem has no solution in a predetermined, arbitrarily large, region. The algorithm is quadratically convergent for problems having a strictly complementary solution. We also propose an extension of a recent algorithm of Mizuno toP*(ź)-matrix linear complementarity problems such that it can start from arbitrary positive points and has superlinear convergence without a strictly complementary condition.
The Politics of Adjudication

The literature of the regulatory process deals extensively with disposition of formal cases by commissions and with legal problems in rule-making and the adjudication of disputes. Lawyers and law schools have succeeded in focusing concern upon problems of procedural due process, the extent to which the courts will review the decisions of the administrative agencies, and the possibilities of establishing a uniform code of procedure for all administrative agencies to follow in the course of their rule-making and adjudicatory activities. It is useful to review some of the more significant political and administrative aspects of the adjudicatory functions of commissions in order to place the legal studies of regulatory procedure in a broader perspective.
Determination of solubility limits of photocured PDLC systems using infrared microspectroscopy

Infrared microspectroscopy is used to determine the solubility limits of a UV-curable polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) system comprised of a low-molecular-weight liquid crystal (E7) and a photocurable monomer (NOA65). The LC is allowed to diffuse into the monomer by the contact method, and then the sample is subjected to curing. The morphology of the system after polymerizaton exhibits several distinct spatial regions, and the associated concentration gradients are measured. At an irradiation temperature of 30 C, the concentration of LC in the matrix is found to be +/- 27 3% , and at a temperature of 100 C, it is 65 +/- 3%.
Efficient modeling of optical waveguides and fibers with chemical sensing applications

The impedance boundary method of moments (IBMOM) for planar optical waveguides is reviewed. An extension of the IBMOM for optical fibers with truncated graded index profile is described. Results for a step index fiber show that virtually exact solutions for the modal field profile and propagation constant can be obtained with only three Legendre expansion functions. The IBMOM is applied in the design and analysis of an evanescent field optical waveguide chemical sensor which utilizes an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) structure and is implemented as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The ARROW structure allows the use of a 5 micrometer wide guiding region for efficient coupling into a single mode optical fiber. The ARROW sensor is designed for a sensitivity of 180 degrees/cm phase change for a change of 0.05 in refractive index.
Super fast and efficient channel equalizer architecture based on neural network

Broadband wireless communication systems are currently in a rapid evolutionary phase in terms of development of various technologies, development of various applications, deployment of various services and generation of many important standards in the field. Ever increasing demand on various services justifies the need for the transmission of data at the highest possible data rates. The multipath and fading characteristics of the wireless channels result in various impairments and distortions, the most important of those being the Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI) especially at relatively high data rates. Among the various possible solutions to mitigate ISI, the adaptive equalizer remains one of the most attractive solutions, particularly the algorithms requiring minimal or no training sequence and at the same time are computationally efficient. This paper presents a novel neural networks based architecture for channel equalizers that require only order of 20–40 training symbols to converge to the optimum solution and at the same time is computationally efficient.
On the effect of orientation on creep-fatigue behavior of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy

Results are shown that the deleterious orientation effect on creep and stress rupture resistance of super alloy single crystals due to slip complications may not occur during fatigue loading conditions even at high mean stresses at the 760/sup 0/ range. The major chemical constituents of MAR M200 and NASAIR 100 are given. In this study as a consequence of crystal availability NASAIR 100 single crystals were tested. X-ray determinations are also underway to determine slip systems through crystal rotation analysis.
Normal Cognitive Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Drawing the Fine Line

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional diagnostic category between normal cognitive aging and dementia. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a role in the management of MCI, particul...
Urinary free aldosterone in healthy people and in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Urinary free aldosterone was measured with a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Mean values were .35 ± .15 μg/day in 11 normal persons and .95 ± .59, μg/day in 9 patients with primary aldosteronism, the difference being significant (p < 0.001). A good correlation was found between excretion of free aldosterone and excretion of 18-aldosterone glucuronide in the patient group (r = 0.81, p < 0.01). Urine specimens from such patients occasionally contain normal amounts of aldosterone. Thus, measurement of either urinary free aldosterone or of 18-aldosterone glucuronide gives values of equal significance. This is unlike the excretion pattern encountered when cortisol is secreted in excess, i.e., an increasing ratio of free-to-conjugated steroid with increasing secretion rates. The established difference in protein-binding between cortisol and aldosterone probably accounts for these different patterns of excretion.
Assessing the Dynamics of Nuclear Glucocorticoid-Receptor Complex: Adding Flexibility to Gene Expression Modeling

A retrospective analysis was performed to modify our fourth-generation pharmacodynamic model for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) dynamics with incorporation of more physiological features. This modified model was developed by integrating previously reported free cytosolic GR and GR mRNA data following single (10, 50 mg/kg) and dual (50 mg/kg at 0 and 24 hr) intravenous doses of methylprednisolone (MPL) in adrenalectomized (ADX) male Wistar rats with several in vitro studies describing real-time kinetics of the transfer of rat steroid-receptor complex from the cell cytosol to the nucleus. Additionally, free hepatic cytosolic GR and its mRNA data from a chronic infusion dosing study of MPL (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/hr) in male ADX Wistar rats were used to verify the predictability of the model. Incorporation of information regarding in vitro receptor kinetics allowed us to describe the receptor-mediated pharmacogenomic effects of MPL for a larger variety of genes in rat liver from microarray studies. These included early responsive gene like CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β (CEBP-β), a transcription factor, as well as the later responsive gene for tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), a classical biomarker of glucocorticoid (GC) genomic effects. This more mechanistic model of GR dynamics can be applied to characterize profiles for a greater number of genes in liver.
Relationship between changes in vulvar-vaginal atrophy and changes in sexual functioning ☆

Abstract Objective Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) has demonstrated benefit in vulvar-vaginal atrophy (VVA, part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and the sexual function domain of the Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. The study’s objective was to determine the relationship of VVA symptoms and clinical parameters with MENQOL sexual functioning in postmenopausal women receiving VVA treatment. Study design Post hoc analysis data were derived from the 12-week SMART-3 trial, which evaluated CE/BZA’s effect on VVA in nonhysterectomized postmenopausal women (aged 40–65 years) experiencing one or more moderate to severe VVA symptoms (dryness, itching/irritation, pain with intercourse) and vaginal pH > 5.0 (N = 664). Main outcome measures Repeated measures models were used to determine relationships of VVA symptoms and clinical parameters (vaginal pH, parabasal/superficial cells) with sexual functioning; sensitivity analyses were performed to check assumptions of linearity. Results VVA symptoms showed an approximately linear relationship with sexual functioning. A 1-point improvement in pain on intercourse (which has a large effect size [ES] = 0.85) corresponded to medium improvement (ES = 0.57) in MENQOL sexual functioning. Equivalent improvements (in terms of ES) in dryness and itching/irritation corresponded to small to medium (ES = 0.35) and small (ES = 0.27) improvements in sexual functioning, respectively. The same ES improvement in clinical parameters corresponded to small-trivial improvements in sexual functioning. Conclusions VVA symptoms have an approximately linear relationship with sexual functioning. Sexual functioning was most improved when pain on intercourse was reduced. Similar magnitudes of improvements in other VVA symptoms were linked with smaller, though potentially beneficial, improvements in sexual functioning. Changes in clinical parameters had only small or trivial associations with sexual functioning. Trial registration number NCT00238732
On the Optimal Filters for a Fixed-Range Radar

The jointly optimal filters of a filter-sampler-filter system, representative of a fixed-range radar, are shown to each have impulse-response functions of the form a · cos(at), 0 ? t ? ?/2a.
RESPONSE SURFACE MODELS FOR THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, pH, SODIUM CHLORIDE, AND SODIUM NITRITE ON THE AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC GROWTH OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS 196E

The effects and interactions of temperature (12–45C), initial pH (4.5–9.0), NaCl (0.5–16.5%), and sodium nitrite (1–200 μg/ml) on the aerobic and anaerobic growth of Staphylococcus aureus 196E were studied using 50 ml portions of Brain Heart Infusion Broth in 250ml unsealed and sealed trypsinizing flasks, respectively. The flasks were inoculated to a level of approximately 103 cfu/ml, incubated on a rotary shaker, sampled periodically, and enumerated on Tryptic Soy Agar. Growth curves were generated by fitting the data to the Gompertz function using nonlinear regression analysis. The general growth characteristics of S. aureus in response to the five environmental variables were similar to those observed by other investigators including (1) enhanced growth in the presence of oxygen, (3) ability to grow at high sodium chloride concentrations, and (3) dependence of the bacteriostatic activity of sodium nitrite on pH and oxygen availability. Supplemental studies indicated that growth kinetics were independent of inoculum size, which allowed the Gompertz A term to be treated as a constant. However, the maximum population density (MPD) achieved by the cultures was dependent on the independent variables, requiring that it be modeled in addition to the Gompertz B and M terms. The MPD was then used to calculate the Gompertz C term. Quadratic and cubic response surface models were generated using various data transformations. Quadratic models using and LN-transformation provided reasonable predictions of the effects of the four variables on the growth kinetics of S. aureus, and should prove useful for providing initial estimates of the behavior of S. aureus in foods.
On the computation of multi-material flows using ALE formulation

Computation of compressible multi-fluid flows with a general equation of state using interface tracking and moving grid approach is discussed in this paper. The AUSM+, HLLC, and Godunov methods are presented and implemented in the context of arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation for solving the unsteady compressible Euler equations. The developed methods are fully conservative, and used to compute a variety of multi-component flow problems, where the equations of state can be drastically different and stiff. Numerical results indicate that both ALE HLLC and Godunov schemes demonstrate their simplicity and robustness for solving such multi-phase flow problems, and yet ALE AUSM+ scheme exhibits strong oscillations around material interfaces even using a first order monotone scheme and therefore is not suitable for this class of problems.
Treatment in Combined Medical Psychiatry Units: An Integrative Model

Approximately 14 medical psychiatry units have opened over the last 15 years due to the recognition of the frequent concurrence of medical and psychiatric illnesses. This article discusses the clinical problems encountered when medical care and psychiatric care are integrated and their impact on medical and nursing staff. Group therapy programs on medical psychiatry units may enhance psychiatric treatment and help maintain a psychiatric focus by both patients and staff, despite the patients' significant medical problems. Medical psychiatric units must adopt an integrative model of care that includes all disciplines involved on the units if they are to meet their goal of providing effective medical and psychiatric care.
root uv-b sensitive Mutants Are Suppressed by Specific Mutations in ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE2 and by Exogenous Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (vitB6) serves as an essential cofactor for more than 140 enzymes. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), active cofactor form of vitB6, can be photolytically destroyed by trace amounts of ultraviolet-B (UV-B). How sun-exposed organisms cope with PLP photosensitivity and modulate vitB6 homeostasis is currently unknown. We previously reported on two Arabidopsis mutants, rus1 and rus2, that are hypersensitive to trace amounts of UV-B light. We performed mutagenesis screens for second-site suppressors of the rus mutant phenotype and identified mutations in the ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE2 (ASP2) gene. ASP2 encodes for cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), a PLP-dependent enzyme that plays a key role in carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Genetic analyses have shown that specific amino acid substitutions in ASP2 override the phenotypes of rus1 and rus2 single mutants as well as rus1 rus2 double mutant. These substitutions, all shown to reside at specific positions in the PLP-binding pocket, resulted in no PLP binding. Additional asp2 mutants that abolish AAT enzymatic activity, but which alter amino acids outside of the PLP-binding pocket, fail to suppress the rus phenotype. Furthermore, exogenously adding vitB6 in growth media can rescue both rus1 and rus2. Our data suggest that AAT plays a role in vitB6 homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
Statically controlled cooling rate device

Abstract A new statically controlled cooling rate device consists of metal plates and insulators which can be modified so as to control heat flow and achieve a considerable range of specific cooling rates. It can thus be adapted to give the desired cooling rates for the cryopreservation of various biological materials. The cassette has been used effectively to cryopreserve human platelets and red blood cells. Its potential advantages over commercial instruments include simplicity of operation, improved reproducibility, and low cost.
Tannic acid, iron hematoxylin, alcian blue, and basic fuchsin for staining islets and reticular fibers of the pancreas.

In this technique alpha cells are stained by basic fuchsin, beta cells by iron-hematoxylin, reticular fibers by ferric tannate, and much by alcian blue. Among 6 commonly used fixatives tested, Bouin's fluid fixation (8-12 hr) gave the best staining results. Procedure: paraffin sections to water; 0.5% Li2CO3 to remove picric acid; 20% tannic acid, 15 min; wash well; 2-4 sec in 0.5% basic fuchsin containing 10% alcohol; rinse, then differentiate in 1% aniline in 90% alcohol until alpha cells are red and beta cells pink; 1% phosphomolybdic acid, 1 min; 5% hematoxylin in 2% iron alum, 0.5 min; wash well; 1% filtered alcian blue SGX, 15 sec; rinse, dehydrate, clear, and mount in synthtic resin. Results: reticular fibers, black; acinar cells, orange to gray; alpha cells, red; collagenous fibers, red; beta cells, gray granules; ducts, bluish-green. The method was tested on rat, rabbit, dog, hamster, cow and man.
IODC98 optical design problem: method of progressing from an achromatic to an apochromatic design

The choice ofthe optical design problem for IODC'98 produced an interesting challenge. One fellowoptical designer was relieved that the day is still to come when "the computer" will provide the winningdesign at the touch of a button. A hidden part of each entry is the actual procedure and thought processfollowed in the synthesis of a complex lens. In the hope that my design strategy may prove useful in otherdesign problems, I will describe how I progressed from an achromatic design to much improvedapochromatic design by a straight-forward design technique. I used a corrector triplet of special glasseswith 2 buried surfaces in several locations.COMMENTS ON THE BEST DESIGN:The optical design problem for IODC'98 boiled down to choosing suitable glasses to produce anapochromatic design. One can estimate just how apochromatic these winning designs ( merit function of1 micron ) are by comparing to a hypothetical achromatic design. The specified merit function was thecombined RMS spot size at 4 field points. Since the ratio ofRMS spot size to total spot size is also about1 :4, then one can say that a merit function of 1 .0 micron corresponds to a total spot size of about 1.0micron at each field point. In order to satisfy the mass requirement of less than 1 .0 kilogram, the focallength tended to be about 1 00 mm and hence the axial beam size turned out to be 56 mm (f/i .8). Anordinary achromatic design, using only standard glasses, would have the combined F and C focal planeseparated by about 1/2400 of the focal length from. the d focal plane. The total image spot size at bestfocus would be 56
Opioid pharmacology in the rat hippocampal slice

The ability of several opioids in potentiating the synaptic activation of CA1 pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampal slice were compared. Morphine and the opioid peptides, (D-ala2, D-leu5)-enkephalin (DADL), morphiceptin, beta-endorphin, and Tyr-D-Ser-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr (DSThr) caused a concentration-dependent, naloxone-reversible shift to the left in the input-output (IO) curve constructed by plotting the population spike as a function of the field EPSP. These opioids then produced an increase in the size of the population spike while leaving the EPSP unaffected. In contrast, the kappa agonist prototype, ethylketazocine, had no effect on the IO curve when perfused in concentrations up to 10 microM. The rank order of potency for the opioids in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was DADL greater than DSThr greater than beta-endorphin greater than morphiceptin greater than morphine much greater than ethylketazocine. Thus, opioids that are more specific for delta opiate receptors were the most potent and mu receptor agonists, the least potent in this action. Taken together with previous studies suggesting that morphine and DADL may interact with a common opiate receptor in the CA1 region, the results are consistent with the notion that these epileptiform effects may be primarily mediated by delta opiate receptors in this area although the potency of morphiceptin indicates that mu receptors play some role in this effect.
Extra‐ and intra‐cranial blood supply to brains of dog and cat

The dog and cat are useful experimental animals, and information regarding their cerebrovascular patterns and the source of blood supplying their brains is important. Blood vessels to brains and heads of cats and dogs were injected with various contrast media. Extracranial and intracranial arteries were studied grossly and in cleared sections. The proximal part of the internal carotid artery is small in the dog and non-functional in the cat. The largest single source of arterial blood supplying the brains of these species comes from the maxillary artery over an anastomotic ramus leading to an internal rete mirabile enmeshed in the cavernous sinus. The distal segment of the internal carotid arises from this anastomosis. The brain-stem of both animals is supplied by C1 branches of the vertebral arteries, and in the dog an occipital ramus makes a large contribution to it. In addition to an internal rete mirabile, the cat possesses a large external rete mirabile surrounding the maxillary artery and giving rise to all branches in the area. It is functionally equivalent to the ramus anastomoticus in the dog. Arterial patterns over brains of Carnivora are similar. They resemble those of lower mammals more than those of primates. Extensive extracranial arterial anastomoses located in the orbit, retia mirabilia and neck musculature are significant and make it difficult to render the brains ischemic.
Remote sounding of trace gases with the EOS/AIRS instrument

The AIRS instrument was launched on the Aqua satellite in May of 2002. In addition to the core level 2 products, that include cloud cleared radiances; temperature, moisture, and ozone profiles; surface skin temperature; NDVI (from AIRS visible channels); surface spectral emissivity and reflectivity; and cloud products, the AIRS science team is also developing research algorithms for the retrieval of carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH 4 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). These algorithms are being tested by the National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) in simulation and applied to real AIRS radiances. The trace gas retrievals require cloud free infrared radiances. In practice, we observe that AIRS measurements without cloud contamination occur less than 5% of the time. A key feature of the AIRS algorithm is the utilization of cloud cleared radiances that removes the effects of clouds and increases the yield of trace gas products to 50-60%. The increased yield should allow a better assessment of sources and sinks of these gases. Determination of sources and sinks of these trace gas requires an unprecedented precision for a remote sounding measurement. In addition, both the variability and errors in the trace gas products tend to be correlated with variability and errors in other products (e.g., clouds, temperature, moisture, and ozone profile). Multi-spectral, high-resolution measurements can minimize the effects of this correlation. Currently, for the AIRS products, we estimate a precision of 15% for CO, 0.5% for CO 2 and 1% for CH 4 . The remote sounding methodology for these trace gases is discussed in detail. The METOP IASI and NPOESS CrIS instruments can extend the continuity of these trace gas products over the next two decades. Simulation experiments are used to assess the relative performance of the trace gas retrievals from these sounders.