cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Projection of dorsal column nuclei and spinal cord to brainstem and thalamus in the tree shrew, Tupaia glis.

The aim of this study was to compare the projections of the dorsal column nuclei and spinal pathways to the brainstem and thalamus in Tupaia glis. Animals with unilateral lesions in the dorsal column nuclei or with lateral hemisections were perfused after 5 to 14 days survival time and sections were treated with Nauta or Fink/Heimer silver impregnation methods. The findings indicate that efferent fibers of dorsal column nuclei terminate not only in the thalamus but also in the dorsal accessory nucleus of the inferior olive and bilaterally in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus. Some fibers terminate in periaqueductal gray and a few in pontine nuclei. In the diencephalon, efferents of the dorsal column nuclei were found to terminate in the posterior group (PO), ventroposterior nucleus (VP) and zona incerta. Spinal efferents were traced to the medial and dorsal accessory nuclei of the inferior olive, medullary and mesencephalic reticular formation, facial and vestibular nuclei, cuneiform nucleus, locus caeruleus, parabrachial nuclei and periaqueductal gray, and also to the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus. Evidence was found of more limited additional spinal projections to PO intralaminar nuclei and VP. The results of this study indicate that the dorsal column system, generally considered to be a phylogenetically new direct pathway to the thalamus, contains other components comparable to some of the spinal efferent connections with the brainstem. Moreover, even in this intermediate form, whose exact taxonomic position is unsettled, the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system to the thalamus appears to be of greater volume than the anterolateral spinothalamic connection.
Missing isoscalar monopole strength in 58Ni.

The giant resonance region in ${}^{58}$Ni was studied with inelastic scattering of 240 MeV \ensuremath{\alpha} particles at small angles including 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. It is shown that the total isoscalar monopole strength in the region ${E}_{x}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}12$ to 25 MeV is $l50%$ of the $E0$ energy-weighted sum rule, and that the centroid of the $E0$ strength ${E}_{\mathrm{GMR}}g24.8\mathrm{MeV}$ in contrast to the ${E}_{\mathrm{GMR}}\ensuremath{\approx}17\mathrm{MeV}$ expected from systematics of other nuclei. If there is similar unobserved $E0$ strength in other nuclei, ${E}_{\mathrm{GMR}}$ for those nuclei may be significantly different from those used to extract nuclear matter incompressibility.
Hospital-based multidisciplinary teams can prevent unnecessary child abuse reports and out-of-home placements.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how often and for what reasons a hospital-based multidisciplinary child abuse team concluded that a report of alleged or suspected child abuse was unnecessary in young children with fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was completed of all children less than 12 months of age who, because of fractures, were referred to the hospital multidisciplinary child abuse team for consultation regarding the need to consider child abuse. RESULTS: The team received 99 consultations, reported 92 (93%) children as alleged or possible victims of physical abuse, and did not report 7 (7%). Age at presentation of those who were reported was 4.2 months compared to 3.0 months in the non-reported group. The average number of fractures in the reported group was 2.9 (SD 3.53) compared to 3.4 (SD 4.6) in the non-reported group. Factors that led to cases not being reported included: (a) a trauma history consistent with the fracture (n=4), (b) a diagnosis of bone fragility secondary to genetic, nutritional or medical therapy etiologies (n=2), and (c) iatrogenic fracture (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Seven percent of the children less than 12 months of age and with at least one fracture referred to the multidisciplinary team for evaluation of possible child abuse were not reported as alleged or suspected physical abuse. The involvement of the hospital multidisciplinary child abuse team may have prevented unnecessary investigation by the county social services agency and/or police, and possible out-of-home temporary placement. Language: en
Recursive valuation of defaultable securities and the timing of resolution of uncertainty

We derive the implications of default risk for valuation of securities in an abstract setting in which the fractional default recovery rate and the hazard rate for default may depend on the market value of the instrument itself, or on the market values of other instruments issued by the same entity (which are determined simultaneously). A key technique is the use of backward recursive stochastic integral equations. We characterize the dependence of the market value on the manner of resolution of uncertainty, and in particular give conditions for monotonicity of value with respect to the information filtration.
Analytical Prediction of the Transition to Chaos in Lorenz System

The failure of the linear stability analysis to predict accurately the transition point from steady to chaotic solutions in Lorenz equations motivates this study. A weak non-linear solution to the problem is shown to produce an accurate analytical expression for the transition point as long as the validity condition and consequent accuracy of the latter solution is fulfilled. The analytical results are compared to accurate computational solutions showing an excellent fit within the validity domain of the analytical solution.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Evaluation of high RAP-WMA asphalt rubber mixtures

This study focused on evaluating the stiffness, fatigue cracking, reflective cracking, rutting, moisture damage, and workability of asphalt rubber (AR) surface mixtures with reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) contents up to 40% with and without a warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology. RAP increased the stiffness of the mixtures; however, WMA mitigated that increase. The addition of RAP had an adverse effect on the resistance to fatigue and reflective cracking of the mixtures. This effect was magnified with the use of WMA regardless if RAP was incorporated in the mixture. Therefore, it was recommended to further investigate the proper drop in temperatures for AR mixtures that incorporate WMA. All mixtures passed the rutting and moisture damage test. The WMA technology improved the workability of the mixtures.
Behavioral Contrast as a Function of Changes in Reinforcement Frequency

After the responding of pigeons had stabilized on a MULT VI VI reinforcement schedule, one of the components was switched to a DRO contingency. The reinforcement frequency associated with the DRO component was either one-half, equal to, or twice as large as the reinforcement frequency during the constant VI component. The resulting changes in response rate extended previous work by Nevin (1968) and provided some contradictory evidence for Hughes' (1971) inverse hypothesis.
The Mixed Lineage Kinase DLK Utilizes MKK7 and Not MKK4 as Substrate

Mixed lineage kinases DLK (dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase) and MLK3 have been proposed to function as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases in pathways leading to stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation. Differences in primary protein structure place these MLK (mixed lineage kinase) enzymes in separate subfamilies and suggest that they perform distinct functional roles. Both DLK and MLK3 associated with, phosphorylated, and activated MKK7 in vitro. Unlike MLK3, however, DLK did not phosphorylate or activate recombinant MKK4 in vitro. In confirmatory experiments performed in vivo, DLK both associated with and activated MKK7. The relative localization of endogenous DLK, MLK3, MKK4, and MKK7 was determined in cells of the nervous system. Distinct from MLK3, which was identified in non-neuronal cells, DLK and MKK7 were detected predominantly in neurons in sections of adult rat cortex by immunocytochemistry. Subcellular fractionation experiments of cerebral cortex identified DLK and MKK7 in similar nuclear and extranuclear subcellular compartments. Concordant with biochemical experiments, however, MKK4 occupied compartments distinct from that of DLK and MKK7. That DLK and MKK7 occupied subcellular compartments distinct from MKK4 was confirmed by immunocytochemistry in primary neuronal culture. The dissimilar cellular specificity of DLK and MLK3 and the specific substrate utilization and subcellular compartmentation of DLK suggest that specific mixed lineage kinases participate in unique signal transduction events.
Academic Impairment and Impact of Treatments Among Youth with Anxiety Disorders

Global academic difficulties have often been reported in youth with anxiety disorders, however, little is known about the specific academic deficits in this population. To (a) evaluate the prevalence of seven specific academic impairments in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, (b) determine whether these impairments are associated with demographic (i.e., race, gender and age) and clinical characteristics (i.e., type of disorder, anxiety severity and global impairment) and (c) examine the impact of anxiety treatments on these impairments. As part of the Child-Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (a randomized controlled trial), academic impairments, anxiety severity and global impairment were measured in 488 youth (mean age = 10.7 years) with separation, social and/or generalized anxiety disorders. At baseline, 47 % of the sample was rated as impaired on 4 out of 7 items, and nearly 10 % of the sample was rated as academically impaired on 6 out of 7 items. Conversely, 28 % reported no impairment across the 7 items. There were no significant differences in parent-reported academic impairments by race, age or gender. Academic impairment was significantly, positively correlated with anxiety severity and negatively correlated with global functioning. Treatment responders were significantly more likely than non-responders to evidence improvement across all seven specific academic items. Specific academic impairments are prevalent among youth with anxiety disorders. The benefits of evidence-based treatments (i.e., medication/sertraline; CBT/Coping cat) extend beyond symptom relief to include improved academic performance, as perceived by parents, in youth with anxiety disorders.
1642 THE EFFECT OF A THERMAL STRESS ON RESPIRATION IN PREMATURE INFANTS DURING SLEEP

Cool temperatures have been associated with a reduction in the frequency of apnea. In premature infants, most respiratory pauses (RP) occur during periodic breathing (PB). A decreased frequency of RP during cooling may therefore be related to 1) a decrease of RP during PB, non-PB, or both and/or 2) a decrease in the relative amount of PB. To sort out these relationships, we evaluated the frequency of RP and the amount of PB in 5 premature infants subjected to a mild thermal stress during sleep. The infants were studied under radiant warmers for 6-8 hours while measurements of respiration and body temperature were made. Cooling was accomplished by allowing skin temperature to fall slowly for short periods 4-10 times during the study periods. Breathing pattern (PB or non-PB) and state were assessed, and an index (RI) reflecting the % of time apneic, was calculated for each 60 sec epoch. PB occurred in all subjects and accounted for 11-60% of the total sleep time. Most pauses occurred during PB compared to non-PB (mean RI=30±7% and 6±2%, respectively). During cooling the mean RI decreased (18.6±5.7% and 12±5.5% for warm and cool periods, respectively), but there was no change in the mean RI during cooling for episodes of either PB or non-PB when evaluated separately. However, the relative amount of PB decreased during cooling (43±15% to 22±14%, p<.05). We conclude that the decrease in the mean RI during cooling was due to a decrease in the relative amount of periodic breathing.
Design for a Portable, Modular Stream Enclosure/Exclosure Device

ABSTRACT We designed a portable, modular enclosure/exclosure device for in situ stream experimentation. The basic enclosure consists of interlocking panels to provide a 1 m2 area, and combines the easy transportation of small cages with the modular flexibility to construct large enclosures. In field experiments, we assessed: 1) the potential for mesh size to affect the presence of fish food items; 2) the influence of the enclosure mesh on restricting stream water velocity; and 3) the ability of the enclosure to retain fish over short experimental periods. The mesh size (3.2 mm) did not impose a restriction on movement of stream invertebrates during a 14 day colonization period. Flow was impeded, but not completely restricted by the enclosure mesh. The retention of fish within the enclosures was improved through the use of mesh skirting attached to the bottom edges of the enclosure and covered with the natural stream substrata.
Tracing of the entorhinal-hippocampal pathway in vitro

In vitro tract tracing allowing for continuous observation of the perforant path is a crucial prerequisite for experimental studies on the entorhinal-hippocampal interaction in an organotypic slice culture containing the entorhinal cortex, the perforant path, and the dentate gyrus (OEHSC). We prepared horizontal slices of the temporal entorhinal-hippocampal region of the rat on a vibratome, and the perforant path axons were traced by application of the fluorescent tracer Mini Ruby on the entorhinal cortex. After 2 days in vitro (div), the perforant path became visible in most cultures. Entorhinal neurons and single perforant fibers could be followed to the outer molecular layers of the dentate gyrus by in vitro fluorescence microscopy and it was possible to monitor the perforant path directly over a period of 25 div. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis proved the existence of traced perforant path boutons forming synapses with spines and dendritic shafts in the outer molecular layers of the dentate gyrus. Transsection of the prelabelled perforant path in vitro resulted in anterograde degeneration and subsequent phagocytosis of axonal material by activated microglial cells in the zone of denervation. In conclusion, in vitro tracing demonstrates the maintenance of the entorhinal-hippocampal pathway in OEHSCs and permits monitoring of dynamic changes in the prelabeled perforant path after various lesion paradigms, e.g., transsection or neurotoxin treatment. This approach permits further studies on the efficacy of neuroprotectants, cytokines, and growth factors in the treatment of lesion-induced neuronal degeneration. Hippocampus 1998;8:57–68. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Association between polymorphisms in the vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein A (VAPA) gene on chromosome 18p and bipolar disorder.

Linkage studies in bipolar disorder (BPD) suggest that a susceptibility locus exists on chromosome 18p11. The vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein A (VAPA) gene maps to this region. VAPA interacts with presynaptic proteins and is necessary for vesicular neurotransmission. Dysregulation of synaptic neurotransmission might contribute to the pathophysiology of BPD. In this study, we hypothesize that genetic variations in the VAPA gene contribute to BPD. We tested this hypothesis by genotyping 6 SNPs (rs494015; rs29193; rs29162; rs29145; rs29067; rs29066) in BPD patients (n = 570) and healthy controls (n = 730). Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups using Chi square contingency analysis. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers was calculated and estimated haplotype frequencies were compared between groups. Single marker analysis revealed an association of rs29067 and rs29066 with BPD; however, after permutation correction, only rs29066 showed a trend towards an allelic association (P = 0.066). Haplotype analysis did not show any significant association with disease after permutation correction. Our results provide suggestive evidence of an association between SNPs in the 3′UTR of the VAPA gene and BPD. Interestingly, these SNPs are in close proximity to the microsatellite marker D18S464, which showed significant signals in previous linkage studies of BPD. Additional studies are necessary to confirm and elucidate the role of VAPA as a susceptibility gene for BPD on chromosome 18p.
Supersymmetric effective Lagrangians for matter-goldstone multiplet interactions

Abstract The supersymmetric effective lagrangian describing the spontaneous breakdown of the group G to an invariant subgroup H is constructed, which includes the invariant coupling of the nonlinearly transforming Goldstone superfields to linearly transforming matter superfields.
Loss of plant species after chronic low-level nitrogen deposition to prairie grasslands.

The use of nitrogen fertilizers and fossil fuel burning is causing nitrogen deposition in industrialized countries at up to seven times the pre-industrial rate. A long-term (23-year) study of prairie grasslands in Minnesota now suggests that the effects of such extended nitrogen deposition have been underestimated. Chronic low-level nitrogen addition led to a gradual loss of plant species diversity, but diversity had recovered 13 years after nitrogen addition had ceased, suggesting that some of the harmful effects of past deposition are reversed by reductions in the rate of deposition. The results of a multi-decadal experimental study of the environmental consequences of chronic human-caused atmospheric nitrogen deposition are presented. Chronic low-level nitrogen addition led to a gradual loss of plant species diversity, but diversity recovered over the decade after cessation of nitrogen addition, suggesting that some of the harmful effects of past deposition can be reversed by reductions in the rate of deposition. Rates of atmospheric deposition of biologically active nitrogen (N) are two to seven times the pre-industrial rates in many developed nations because of combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural fertilization1,2. They are expected to increase similarly over the next 50 years in industrializing nations of Asia and South America2. Although the environmental impacts of high rates of nitrogen addition have been well studied3,4,5,6,7,8, this is not so for the lower, chronic rates that characterize much of the globe. Here we present results of the first multi-decadal experiment to examine the impacts of chronic, experimental nitrogen addition as low as 10 kg N ha-1 yr-1 above ambient atmospheric nitrogen deposition (6 kg N ha-1 yr-1 at our site). This total input rate is comparable to terrestrial nitrogen deposition in many industrialized nations2. We found that this chronic low-level nitrogen addition rate reduced plant species numbers by 17% relative to controls receiving ambient N deposition. Moreover, species numbers were reduced more per unit of added nitrogen at lower addition rates, suggesting that chronic but low-level nitrogen deposition may have a greater impact on diversity than previously thought. A second experiment showed that a decade after cessation of nitrogen addition, relative plant species number, although not species abundances, had recovered, demonstrating that some effects of nitrogen addition are reversible.
Laparoscopic training and practice in gynecologic oncology among Society of Gynecologic Oncologists members and fellows-in-training.

Abstract Objective . To determine the proportion of Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) members performing laparoscopic procedures and to determine SGO members' and fellows' opinions regarding indications for and the adequacy of training in laparoscopy. Methods . Surveys were mailed to SGO members and fellows-in-training in December 2002. Anonymous responses were collected by mail or through a Web site. The survey was mailed twice and was estimated to take 5 min to complete. The data were analyzed using frequency distributions and nonparametric tests. Results . Three hundred thirty-six SGO members (45%) and fifty-seven fellows (49%) responded. Among SGO members, 272 (84%) currently performed laparoscopic surgeries. Reasons cited for performing laparoscopy were decreased length of hospital stay (74%), improved patient quality of life (57%), patient preference (48%), improved cosmesis (46%), and better visualization (18%). Among those who did not perform laparoscopy, 50% cited increased operating time as their main reason. When asked to indicate the laparoscopic procedure most commonly performed in their practice, 69% reported diagnosis of an adnexal mass; 11%, prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies; and 10%, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and lymph node staging for uterine cancer. Only 3% of SGO respondents performed more than 50% of their procedures laparoscopically, and all respondents reported converting from laparoscopy to laparotomy less than 25% of the time. Most respondents had limited laparoscopic training during their fellowships: 39% received none , and 46% received limited (less than five procedures per month) training. Nevertheless, 78% of SGO respondents rated their laparoscopic skills as either very good or good . Among fellows, only 25% believed they were receiving very good or good laparoscopic training. Eighty percent of SGO respondents believe that at least six procedures per month were necessary for adequate training, yet only 33% of fellows performed that many procedures. Conclusions . Most SGO respondents used laparoscopy for selective indications, and most developed their laparoscopic skills after their fellowship training. SGO respondents believed laparoscopic instruction is an important part of training, but most fellows perceived their laparoscopic training as inadequate.
Comparison of keratometric values of healthy and diseased eyes measured by Javal keratometer, EyeSys, and PAR.

Purpose: To compare the simulated keratometric results of the PAR CTS and the EyeSys corneal imaging systems with Javal keratometer readings in keratoconus eyes, in eyes after corneal grafting, and in healthy eyes. Setting: Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Methods: This prospective study evaluated 69 patients divided into three groups (keratoconus; 6 to 12 months postkeratoplasty; normal corneas) treated at the Cornea Service. The eyes were measured with each of the three instruments. Keratometry results and number of attempts needed to obtain the results were collected. Results: Thirty keratoconus, 18 transplanted, and 21 normal corneas were examined. The PAR CTS imaged all corneas and the EyeSys, 86% (P = .000627). The PAR CTS and Javal flat and steep K-readings in all three groups were the same. The EyeSys simulated keratometry results were lower than those of the Javal keratometer in the flat K (P < .00001) and steep K (P < .00001) in the normal group and in the steep K in the transplanted cornea group (P = .00823). The EyeSys also measured less astigmatism than the Javal in the normal (P = .00124) and transplanted cornea groups (P = .00376). Conclusion: The PAR CTS was better able than the EyeSys to provide keratometric values that agreed with those obtained with the Javal keratometer.
Social Policy and Abortion: A Review of the Research

Since the Supreme Court's 1973 decision legalizing abortion, many states have enacted laws restricting women's access to an abortion. There has been considerable empirical research on the impact of these restrictive state abortion laws on women's pregnancy resolution decisions. This paper reviews the empirical evidence regarding restric- tions on abortion access. The empirical evidence indicates that demand-side policies (i.e., No Medicaid Funding, Parental Involvement Laws, Mandatory Counseling Laws, Mandatory Waiting Periods Laws, Partial-Birth Abortion Bans) have little effect on the incidence of abortion. TRAP laws, which are supply-side policies, have the greatest effect reducing abortion services. The U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion recognized that states have the right to regulate the procedure. During the first trimester of preg- nancy, states could not enact any laws or regulations that restricted a woman's access to an abortion. During the sec- ond trimester, states could enact laws regulating abortion access, but only if the law had a compelling interest in pro- tecting a pregnant woman's maternal health. During the third trimester, when the fetus is viable, states could enact laws restricting or even prohibiting abortions provided there was a medical exception to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman. In 1992, the Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey rejected Roe's rigid trimester pregnancy framework of state abortion regulation and replaced it with the "undue burden" standard. The court ruled that states could impose restrictions on a woman's ac- cess to an abortion provided that the state law or regulation did not have "… the purpose or effect of placing a substan- tial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion of a nonviable fetus". The ambiguity of the undue burden stan- dard enabled many states to enact a variety of restrictive abortion laws. Restrictive state abortion laws may influence the likeli- hood of women terminating an unwanted pregnancy in two ways. First, restrictive abortion laws may increase the finan- cial costs (e.g., out-of-pocket cost of the abortion, expenses on travel and accommodations, lost work time, childcare expenses) and the emotional costs (e.g., guilt, remorse, re- gret, humiliation, psychological trauma) incurred by women
A source of variability in Drake Passage

Abstract The pressure records from the north side of Drake Passage between 1975 and 1980 are used with sea level data along the west coast of South America to demonstrate sea level propagation poleward from 12 to 56°S. This signal is coherent between stations above the 90% level. The phase difference between stations suggests a propagation speed of 0.8 m s−1 for the data comprised of monthly means, and a slightly slower speed of 0.6 m s−1 for the data with monthly means removed. Computations of phase speed for the first four modes using hydrographic data from Drake Passage and along the west coast of South America indicate that the poleward propagation speeds found in the data are too slow for the first mode but are comparable to the mode 3 and 4 phase speeds. The large-scale atmosphere may force the coastal motions found here, but for the semi-annual period it has been shown that such signals do not influence the sea surface slope across Drake Passage. The results presented here suggest that future monitoring of Drake Passage to estimate volume transport should take into account coastal variability induced by poleward-propagating signals.
Oncogenes, growth, and the cell cycle: an overview.

In spite of the complexity of the network of regulatory factors which control the balance between the cell cycle and quiescence, a picture is emerging, if only in outline. Several dozens of protooncogenes participate in growth signal transduction and integration, and, when expressed inappropriately, generate growth signals that may override other cellular controls. Some of these controls are provided by the negatively regulating growth factors, and when these are lost (e.g. by chromosomal deletion), or inactivated (e.g. by binding to an inactive analogue or a DNA viral oncoprotein), cell cycle activity is favoured over quiescence. Embryonic tissues are rapidly growing, so their cells are actively cycling and expression of proto-oncogenes is usually observed (Schuuring et al., 1989). As embryonic and stem cells in adult tissues mature, expression of the active proto-oncogenes is generally lost, but other proto-oncogenes may now be expressed (e.g. Muller et al., 1982). These changes in proto-oncogene expression are not achieved by modulation of transcriptional rates alone; transcriptional attenuation, message processing and stability, and post-translational protein modifications are all known to be important for the regulation of proto-oncogene expression during the transition from growth to the differentiated state. When quiescent cells re-enter the cell cycle approximately 60 genes become up-regulated, including proto-oncogene c-fos, the jun family, and c-myc (Zipfel et al., 1989). Evidence is strong that fos and jun proteins are transcriptional regulators. Terminal differentiation, on the other hand, is sometimes accompanied by the up-regulation of the ras gene family, as well as of several other proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogene function is essential to the cell cycle traverse, but the genes involved are different in various cell types, and the precise order of oncogene expression may not turn out to be important. This is because cell cycle traverse appears to be more dependent on a critical threshold of growth signals propagated by parallel pathways, rather than on a strict order of predetermined steps. The participation of proto-oncogenes in growth signal transduction offers opportunities for errors, and abnormal growth may result from aberrant oncogene products generating a persistent or excessive growth signal, which shifts the balance of input to the integrating genes from quiescence to an active cell cycle. Thus, cancer may result from an entirely normal processing of growth signals that are abnormal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Possible endogeneous regulators of steroid inactivating enzymes and glucocorticoid-induced Na+ retention

Abstract Various endogenous substances which bear similar structural resemblances to glycyrrhetininc acid were screend for inhibitory activity against 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-OHSD) and 5β-reductase (5β-R). Among the compounds secreened, 3α, 5β-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5β-THP) was a potent inhibitor of 11β-OHSD and a moderate inhibitor of 5β-R. Of the bile acids tested, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was the most potent inhibitor of both 11β-OHSD and 5β-R. cholic acid (CA), a moderate inhibitor of 11β-OHSD was a weak inhibitor of 5β-R, whereas deoxycholic acid was a moderate inhibitor of 5β-R but a weak inhibitor of 11β-OHSD. 3α, 5β-THP and bile acids were also tested to determine whether, like GA, they could confer mineralocorticoid actions upon corticosterone (B). In adrenalectomized rats pretreated with CDCA or 3α,5β-THP, B caused a significant antinatriuresis; the effect of B plus CDCA was blocked by the antimeneralocorticoid, RU 28318. Thus we report on two structurally similar endogenous substance, 3α, 5β-THP and CDCA, which inhibit both 11β-OHSD and 5β-R activity, and which can confer mineralocorticoid upon the glucococorticoid, B. (Steroids 59: 352–356, 1994)
Real-time MAXbus compatible image compression board

This paper describes the prototype design of a real time color image compression board. The hardware implements image compression as defined by the Joint Photographic Experts Group commonly referred to as the JPEG standard. The architecture and supported image compression modes are described. The design utilizes LSI Logic's JPEG chipset and additional supporting hardware and resides on a 6U VME ProtoMax II prototyping board from Datacube. The design conforms to Datacube's MAXbus specification and can be run at full RS-170 frame rates. Data is input to the board in a 10 MHz pixel stream and emerges from the board at 10 MHz in a compressed format with appropriate byte stuffing and image marker codes. Future directions for supporting MPEG are discussed.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
S ‐Aryl‐ l ‐cysteine sulphoxides and related organosulphur compounds alter oral biofilm development and AI ‐2‐based cell–cell communication

Aims To design and synthesize a library of structurally related, small molecules related to homologues of compounds produced by the plant Petiveria alliacea and determine their ability to interfere with AI-2 cell–cell communication and biofilm formation by oral bacteria. Many human diseases are associated with persistent bacterial biofilms. Oral biofilms (dental plaque) are problematic as they are often associated with tooth decay, periodontal disease and systemic disorders such as heart disease and diabetes. Methods and Results Using a microplate-based approach, a bio-inspired small molecule library was screened for anti-biofilm activity against the oral species Streptococcus mutans UA159, Streptococcus sanguis 10556 and Actinomyces oris MG1. To complement the static screen, a flow-based BioFlux microfluidic system screen was also performed under conditions representative of the human oral cavity. Several compounds were found to display biofilm inhibitory activity in all three of the oral bacteria tested. These compounds were also shown to inhibit bioluminescence by Vibrio harveyi and were thus inferred to be quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. Conclusion Due to the structural similarity of these compounds to each other, and to key molecules in AI-2 biosynthetic pathways, we propose that these molecules potentially reduce biofilm formation via antagonism of QS or QS-related pathways. Significance and Impact of the Study This study highlights the potential for a non-antimicrobial-based strategy, focused on AI-2 cell–cell signalling, to control the development of dental plaque. Considering that many bacterial species use AI-2 cell–cell signalling, as well as the increased concern of the use of antimicrobials in healthcare products, such an anti-biofilm approach could also be used to control biofilms in environments beyond the human oral cavity.
Low power error control for wireless links

Energy efficiency, which directly affects battery life and portability, is perhaps the single most important design metric in hand-held computing devices capable of mobile networking over wireless radio links. By virtue of their being relatively thin clients, a high fraction of the power consumption in portable wireless computing devices is accounted for by the transport of packet data over the wireless link [Stemm96]. In particular, the error con-. trol strategy (e.g. convolutional and block channel coding for forward error correction (FBC), ARQ protocols, hybrids) used for wireless link data transport has a direct impact on battery power consumption. Error control has traditionally been studied by channel coding researchers from the perspective of selecting an error control scheme to achieve a desired level of radio channel performance. We instead study the problem of error control from a perspective more relevant to battery operated devices: the amount of battery energy consumed to transmit bits across a wireless link. This includes both the physical transmission of useful and redundancy data, as well as the computation of the error control redundancy. We first describe a novel error control where the most battery energy efficient hybrid combination of an appropriate FBC code and ABQ protocol is chosen, and adapted over time, for each stream (ATM virtual circuit or IP/RSVP flow). Next, we present analysis and simulation results to guide the selection and adaptation of the most energy efficient error control scheme as a function of quality of service, packet size, and channel state.
Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition on the Cerebral Vascular Response to Hypercapnia in Primates

Background and Purpose The role of nitric oxide in cerebrovascular response to changes in Pco2 is unclear. In the present study, we assessed responses at two levels of hypercapnia in a primate model before and after blockade of nitric oxide synthesis. Methods We compared the effects of two levels of hypercapnia, defined as Pco2 of ≈70 mm Hg (high-CO2 group, n=5) and Pco2 of ≈50 mm Hg (moderate-CO2 group, n=6), on increases in regional cerebral blood flow (microspheres) before and after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 60 mg · kg−1) in isoflurane-anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys (1.0% end-tidal concentration). Results Before L-NAME administration, hypercapnia increased flow in all regions (eg, forebrain: high-CO2 group, 69±10 to 166±15 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1; moderate-CO2 group, 49±7 to 93±15 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1) and decreased cerebral vascular resistance (high-CO2, 1.1±0.1 to 0.4±0.1 mm Hg · mL−1 · min · 100 g; moderate-CO2, 1.4±0.1 to 0.7±0.1 mm Hg · mL−1 · min · 100 g). During normocapnia, L-NAME decreased cerebral blood flow (high-CO2, 37±9%; moderate-CO2, 40±6%) and increased cerebral vascular resistance (high-CO2, 93±33%; moderate-CO2, 88±20%). After L-NAME, hypercapnia still increased blood flow in all regions (eg, forebrain: high-CO2, 56±7 to 128±3 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1; moderate-CO2, 36±5 to 57±8 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1) and decreased vascular resistance (high-CO2, 1.5±0.1 to 0.6±0.1 mm Hg · mL−1 · min · 100 g; moderate-CO2, 2.0±0.3 to 1.2±0.1 mm Hg · mL−1 · min · 100 g). In both groups L-NAME attenuated hypercapnia hyperemia by approximately 30% in cortex but not in other regions. Conclusions Nitric oxide contributes to basal vascular tone but is not a major contributor to the mechanism of hypercapnia-induced cerebral vasodilation, except in cortex, in primates.
Modelling of resist performance

Simulation of lithographic processes uksing novolac/diazonaphthoquinone resists has become widespread over the past 15 years. Several refinements to the original Dill model have been made to account for experimentally observed behavior. Models have also bee extended to cover other resist chemistry, including electron beam resists, chemically amplified resists and surface-imaging approaches. While these models are not yet mature, useful insight to the chemical mechanisms and processing can be gained through their use.
Chronic delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats: effect on social interactions, mouse killing, motor activity, consummatory behavior, and body temperature.

Behavioral and physiologic effects of daily administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were assessed over a 60-day period, investigating different dose levels (10, 20, 50 mg/kg), routes of administration (i.p., p.o.), drug vehicles [5%–18% propylene glycol(PG)/1% Tween 80-saline; sesame oil], and rat strains (Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, Long-Evans, Fischer). All THC-treated rats showed compulsive motor routines (i.e., forepaw treading, rhythmic jaw movements, prolonged head grooming, and biting of cage wires) after 3–4 weeks. Whether maintained on a restricted feeding regimen or not, three was no evidence for increased aggressive behavior between cagemates in any of the treatment groups. Mouse killing was induced in 70%–75% of all Sprague-Dawley (i.p., PG/Tween 80-saline vehicle) and Fischer rats (p.o., sesame oil vehicle), but not in the other THC-treated groups. Rearing activity was greatly decreased in all THC-treated groups throughout the treatment period. Food and water intake decreased by approximately 40% during the first 2–6 days of THC administration. Growth rate was reduced for the entire treatment period in THC-treated rats. THC decreased rectal temperature on the 1st day, and also on the 2nd day in Fischer rats receiving the drug in sesame oil, but not thereafter. This pattern of effects shows that tolerance develops rapidly to THC's effects on body temperature and consummatory behavior, but not to changes of certain motor activities.
Flight Characteristics of Flapping Wing Miniature Air Vehicles With “Figure-8” Spherical Motion

Hummingbirds and some insects exhibit “Figure-8” flapping motion that allows them to go through a variety of maneuvers including hovering. Understanding the flight characteristics of Figure-8 flapping motion can potentially yield the foundation of flapping wing UAVs that can experience similar maneuverability. In this paper, a mathematical model of the dynamic and aerodynamic forces associated with Figure-8 motion generated by a spherical four bar mechanism is developed. For validation, a FWMAV prototype with the wing attached to a coupler point and driven by a DC servo motor is created for experimental testing. Wind tunnel testing is conducted to determine the coefficients of flight and the effects of dynamic stall. The wing is driven at speeds up to 12.25 Hz with results compared to that of the model. The results indicate good correlation between mathematical model and experimental prototype.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The nature of a dynamic water table in a system of non-tidal, freshwater coastal wetlands

Abstract The Miller Woods wetland system contains over 150 individual minerotrophic fens. The fens are established in progradational beach complex of relict beach ridges and parabolic dunes and are in hydraulic connection with Lake Michigan. Large scale flow in the wetland system is horizontal to the northwest. The position of a ground-water divide which forms the southern hydrologic boundary does not coincide with geographical boundaries of the system and migrates in time and space. The position of the divide is not solely a function of topography, but is dependent on an interplay among evapotranspirative demands, antecedent soil moisture, and recent recharge. Small-scale, local flow systems develop and dissipate on variable temporal scales along the margins of individual wetlands in response to evapotranspirative demands by wetland vegetation and other climatic influences.
Production of chromosome pulverization specially associated with the effect of post-treatment with caffeine after treatment with different classes of clastogens in Chinese hamster V79 cells

The effect of post-treatment with caffeine on chromosomes was examined in Chinese hamster V79 cells pretreated with different classes of clastogens. The clastogens tested were ultraviolet light (UV), 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and mitomycin-C (MMC).The most striking effect of caffeine was to enhance production of chromosome pulverization. This enhancing effect was observed with each clastogen, only when they were combined with caffeine. Caffeine itself did not produce pulverizations under the conditions tested. Among the clastogens examined, MMC was the most potent inducer for pulverization followed by UV and 4NQO, while MNNG induced scarecely any. With increase in pulverized chromosomes, other types of aberrations, such as exchanges, were reduced in most cases, except with MNNG. The total aberrations (pulverizations and other aberrations) were increased in all cases by post-treatment with caffeine.
Radiation efficiency and directivity of monopole elements with disc ground planes on flat earth

Plots are presented of the radiation efficiency and directivity of a thin quarter-wave monopole element with a disc ground plane on flat Earth, as a function of the radius of the disc ground plane. Numerical results are from the Richmond method-of-moments program RICHMOND4.
Morphology and magnetic properties of electroplated Co-rich Co-Zn thin films

This work explores the microstructure and magnetic properties of electrodeposited Co-Zn thin films. Using pulse-reverse electroplating technique, Co-rich Co-Zn films are deposited 0.4–1.9 μm thick from aqueous sulfate-based baths at low temperature (55°C). The influence of current density (25–100 mA/cm2) and electrolyte Zn concentration (0–0.28 M) on the microstructure and magnetic properties are investigated. All of the Co-Zn films exhibit higher out-of-plane coercivity, as compared to in-plane. With increasing current density, the out-of-plane coercivity decreases from 50 to 40 kA/m (628–500 Oe). The influence of the Zn concentration in the electrolyte is more pronounced, affecting the grain size, film composition, and magnetic properties. The best magnetic properties were obtained from a bath with 0.21 M Zn and an average current density of 25 mA/cm2, resulting in a Co97Zn3 composition and an out-of-plane coercivity of 92 kA/m (1,160 Oe).
JAMES BRYCE ON PUBLIC OPINION: FIFTY YEARS LATER

Dr. Wilson is now Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington, and this autumn he will join the Political Science Department at the University of Illinois. He is the author of Labor in the League System and The Elements of Modern Politics. During 1931-32 he was a fellow of the Social Science Research Council to study the International Labor Organization. This article provides an interesting background for "Political Parties and Public Opinion," also in this issue.
CONSTRUCTING CHILDHOOD AND TEACHER AUTHORITY IN A WALDORF DAYCARE

Waldorf education, an alternative pedagogy imported to the USA from Germany in 1921, is rarely researched yet popularly conceptualized as a space of unusual educational freedom and creativity. However, viewed systematically through the lens of critical ethnography and discourse analysis, the Waldorf approach is quite the opposite, governed by rigid routines and adult control of children's bodies, activities, and language. Drawing upon the critical sociology of childhood and combining observational and interview data from a nine-month ethnography, I argue that Waldorf education's central tenet of ‘protecting childhood’ is fundamentally about adult control and a deficit notion of young children. Specifically, I use critical discourse analysis to illuminate how pronominal use in the teacher's discourse serves to justify her authority and deficit constructions of child development. The article concludes by considering the ways Waldorf education might be made more egalitarian by incorporating multiple concepti...
How Many of a Group of Random Numbers will be Usable in Selecting a Particular Sample

Abstract When a sample is selected from a finite population by employing random numbers, certain numbers may have to be discarded as not being usable. In the first place, some of the random numbers may not correspond to serial numbers in the population. In the second place, some random numbers may be duplicates of others. The number of usable random numbers remaining is a random variable with a probability distribution. Exact formulas for this distribution, and for the factorial moments of the difference between the number remaining and the population size, are derived and discussed. Approximations to the cumulative probability distribution are also suggested, and investigated for special cases. These approximations are of some importance in minimizing costs where high-speed computers are used in selecting or generating random numbers, and the initial selection of too many or too few numbers causes trouble and expense. The number of usable random numbers corresponds to the number of occupied cells for som...
Output monitoring tests reveal false memories of memories that never existed.

Three experiments were conducted to assess participants' beliefs about potential false memories that might have occurred during free recall tests. An inputoutput monitoring test was administered that required participants to discriminate between items that were studied and recalled, studied and not recalled, or were entirely new. Critical lures from Roediger and McDermott's (1995) paradigm were inserted into this test. The results demonstrated that participants believed erroneously recalled items were both studied and recalled. The intriguing finding was that unrecalled items were believed to have been studied approximately 80% of the time, and half of those were also believed to have been recalled. This result represents a dual false memory effect in which items were believed to have been studied and also to have been recalled. The ramifications of this new procedure are discussed in terms of proposed experiments that might clarify the genesis of these false memories.