cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulence spectra measured during fire front passage

Abstract Four field experiments were conducted over various fuel and terrain to investigate turbulence generation during the passage of wildland fire fronts. Our results indicate an increase in horizontal mean winds and friction velocity, horizontal and vertical velocity variances as well as a decreased degree of anisotropy in TKE during fire front passage (FFP) due to fire-induced winds. Vertical velocity and temperature variances observed during FFP approached the local free convection prediction when represented as a function of stability parameter z/L under very unstable conditions. The results of our wavelet spectral analysis show increased energy in velocity and temperature spectra at high frequency during FFP for all four cases; we hypothesize this is caused by the shedding of small eddies generated from the fire front. Additionally, spectral energy of velocity components at low frequencies may be affected by cross-flow intensity, topography, presence of canopy layer, and degree of fire–atmosphere coupling. When the velocity spectra are normalized using the friction velocity u* following Monin–Obukhov scaling, the velocity spectra observed during the FFP collapsed into a fairly narrow band in the inertial subrange, suggesting that as far as inertial range is concerned, the friction velocity u* is a valid scaling parameter that can be used for wildfire application. When the temperature spectra are normalized by T*, the temperature spectra observed during the FFP did not show any systematic behaviors predicted by the similarity scaling due to the extreme surface heating environment of fires.
Effect of con A on tolerance to BGG in NZB-W mice.

SummaryNZB/W mice 4 weeks or older are not easily made tolerant by ultracentrifuged BGG. Younger mice can be made tolerant, but they escape rapidly. Recent studies have suggested a loss of regulatory or suppressor cells in the pathogenesis of immunologic abnormalities early in life in NZB/W mice. Several reports indicate that Concanavalin A (Con A) is capable of activating suppressor cells in normal mice. We found that Con A could prolong the period of tolerance in NZB/W mice when ultracentrifuged BGG was given at 20 days of age. NZB/W mice given ultracentrifuged BGG at 4 weeks of age were not tolerant to subsequent challenge with BGG in adjuvant unless they also received Con A. These studies are compatable with the hypothesis that Con A activates suppressor cell activity which is deficient in NZB/W mice. Alternative explanations of these phenomena are discussed.
What does PIN identify? Evidence from the T-bill market

Abstract The probability of informed trading (PIN) measure has been increasingly used in empirical research in finance. However, there is a growing debate as to whether PIN measures information-based or liquidity-based trading. We contribute to the discussion by estimating PIN using transaction data for one-month T-bills. Our PIN estimates exceed those reported for equities, despite it being unlikely that the probability of informed trading is higher in T-bills than equities. We conclude that PIN identifies trading clusters and that the source of the clustering depends on the economics of the market. The economics of the T-bill market suggest discretionary liquidity traders are the likely source of the clustering.
Perceptual entitlement and basic beliefs

1 . In Perception and Basic Beliefs : Zombies , Modules , and the Problem of the External World (Oxford University Press, 2009), Jack Lyons provides a psychological criterion of basicality to defend a broadly reliabilist account of perceptual warrant, while simultaneously raising a host of difficulties for evidentialism. I will focus on and criticize his response to the clairvoyant powers case. I will then offer him another solution to the clairvoyant powers case, which applies equally well to the brain-in-a-vat. Two birds with one stone, you might say.1 2. What's all the fuss about basic beliefs? Mental state foundationalists (MSF) thought beliefs formed through "acquaintance" or "immediate apprehension" about our own conscious sensations and conscious perceptual representations were basic.
A discrete particle swarm optimization method for feature selection in binary classification problems

Abstract This paper investigates the feature subset selection problem for the binary classification problem using logistic regression model. We developed a modified discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for the feature subset selection problem. This approach embodies an adaptive feature selection procedure which dynamically accounts for the relevance and dependence of the features included the feature subset. We compare the proposed methodology with the tabu search and scatter search algorithms using publicly available datasets. The results show that the proposed discrete PSO algorithm is competitive in terms of both classification accuracy and computational performance.
Biochemical and structural characterization of the capsid-bound tegument proteins of human cytomegalovirus

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most genetically and structurally complex human herpesvirus and is composed of an envelope, a tegument, and a dsDNA-containing capsid. HCMV tegument plays essential roles in HCMV infection and assembly. Using cryo electron tomography (cryoET), here we show that HCMV tegument compartment can be divided into two sub-compartments: an inner and an outer tegument. The inner tegument consists of densely-packed proteins surrounding the capsid. The outer tegument contains those components that are loosely packed in the space between the inner tegument and the pleomorphic glycoprotein-containing envelope. To systematically characterize the inner tegument proteins interacting with the capsid, we used chemical treatment to strip off the entire envelope and most tegument proteins to obtain a tegumented capsid with inner tegument proteins. SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses show that only two tegument proteins, UL32-encoded pp150 and UL48-encoded high molecular weight protein (HMWP), remains unchanged in their abundance in the tegumented capsids as compared to their abundance in the intact particles. Three-dimensional reconstructions by single particle cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) reveal that the net-like layer of icosahedrally-ordered tegument densities are also the same in the tegumented capsid and in the intact particles. CryoET reconstruction of the tegumented capsid labeled with an anti-pp150 antibody is consistent with the biochemical and cryoEM data in localizing pp150 within the ordered tegument. Taken together, these results suggest that pp150, a betaherpesvirus-specific tegument protein, is a constituent of the net-like layer of icosahedrally-ordered capsid-bound tegument densities, a structure lacking similarities in alpha and gammaherpesviruses.
Flare heating by energetic nonthermal electrons

A model has been developed which includes, in a self-consistent fashion, the energy degradation and attendant bremsstrahlung emission of a high-energy electron beam, heating of a flare plasma by the beam, and subsequent cooling by thermal conduction and radiation. To assist in the interpretation of experimental diagnostics, the model also characterizes the radiative behavior of iron ions present in the flare plasma. Electron deposition is described by the Fokker-Planck equation for an initial power-law particle distribution. Results are presented for the bremsstrahlung radiation emitted by the incident beam as it impinges on the disturbed atmosphere. A comparison is made between direct beam heating and thermal-conduction heating of the flare plasma. The radiation emitted by several selected spectral lines of Fe ions is determined as a function of time during and after deposition
Diel temperature effects on the exchange of elemental mercury between the atmosphere and underlying waters

Ample scientific literature demonstrates that elemental mercury evasion from natural waters displays a diel cycle; evasion rates measured during the day are typically two to three times the values observed at night. The traditional explanation for this phenomenon is that water column elemental mercury concentrations display a diel cycle, with elemental mercury concentrations occurring at their highest values during the day. The present study tests the hypothesis that diel atmospheric temperature cycles also may play a significant role in diel mercury evasion rates. A chemical potential model is used to provide a thermodynamic framework for the development of nonisothermal Henry's law constants to describe atmospheric–aqueous partitioning of elemental mercury under temperature disequilibrium conditions. The effects of temperature disequilibrium on aqueous diffusive layer transport properties also are examined. Findings suggest that under one set of real-world temperature disequilibrium conditions, diel evasion rate variations of up to 44% can be anticipated. Given the inability to consider the effects of temperature disequilibrium on aqueous diffusive layer thicknesses, the actual effects of temperature disequilibrium on rates of mercury evasion may exceed this value. Finally, the temperature disequilibrium phenomenon may be most significant for atmospheric–aqueous exchange of trace toxicants that do not experience dynamic environmental speciation behavior.
On-Demand One-Step Synthesis of Monodisperse Functional Polymeric Microspheres with Droplet Microfluidics

A simple and robust method for one-step synthesis of monodisperse functional polymeric microspheres was established by generation of reversed microemulsion droplets in aqueous phase inside microfluidic chips and controlled evaporation of the organic solvent. Using this method, water-soluble nanomaterials can be easily encapsulated into biodegradable Poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form functional microspheres. By controlling the flow rate of microemulsion phase, PLGA polymeric microspheres with narrow size distribution and diameters in the range of ∼50–100 μm were obtained. As a demonstration of the versatility of the approach, high-quality fluorescent CdTe:Zn2+ quantum dots (QDs) of various emission spectra, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and water-soluble carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to synthesize fluorescent PLGA@QDs, magnetic PLGA@Fe3O4, and PLGA@CNTs polymeric microspheres, respectively. In order to show specific applications, the PLGA@Fe3O4 were modified with polydopamine (P...
The values of whole algae and lipid extracted algae meal for aquaculture

This research applies hedonic pricing methods to value whole algae and lipid-extracted algae (LEA) for aquaculture. Prices and nutritional characteristics for commonly applied aquaculture feed ingredients are used to determine the values of whole algae and LEA based on their nutrient compositions. The results show that whole Chlorella pyrenoidosa will have a higher value than soybean meal and a lower value than menhaden fishmeal. Results show that whole Nannochloris oculata and N. oculata LEA will have a lower value than both soybean meal and menhaden fishmeal.
Second Harmonic Generation Correlation Spectroscopy for Nanocrystal Characterization

Many early trials at protein crystallization produce large amounts of sub-diffraction limited crystals. These nanocrystalline showers are challenging to quantitatively characterize by conventional optical methods; however, they can offer important indicators for improving crystallization conditions. Additionally, the advent and availability of ultrafast X-ray free-electron lasers now allows single-pulse diffraction from individual protein nanocrystals for structure determination. However, these and other applications of nanocrystals currently suffer major bottlenecks in sample characterization, limiting their broader utility. Second harmonic generation correlation spectroscopy (SHG-CS) is being developed to address this key characterization need. Under tight focus and high laser intensity, highly-ordered (crystalline) material lacking inversion symmetry; including the vast majority of protein crystals but not simple salt crystals, amorphous protein, solvents, etc.; allow for second harmonic generation, the frequency doubling of light. This provides a way to selectively track crystalline protein particles in solution. The size of the particles can be determined by taking advantage of the fact that the particles diffuse through solution. The amount of time spent in a particular pixel along with the size of the pixel allows diffusion constants to be extracted by autocorrelation. Although in principle, SHG-CS is similar to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, practical challenges arising from the use of high average power (>100 mW) require constant motion of the beam. The coherence of SHG can also present unique challenges and potential opportunities compared to fluorescence-based correlation methods.
Chemical Bonding and Off-Resonance Nonlinear Polarizabilities of Conjugated Organic Molecules

Abstract We employ the Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) Hamiltonian to calculate the three lowest polarizabilities (a, /3 and 'y) of Octatetraene. By applying a strongstatic electric field, the molecule undergoes a significant structural chane, which affects the optical polarizabilities. We find that these polarizabilities can be described using a small number of charge fluctuation modes. We further relate the magnitude and sign of these polarizabilities with some coarsefeatures of the ground state reduced single electron density matrix, which inturn is directly related to the chemical bonding. I. INTRODUCTIONConjugated organic molecules are important optical materials because of their large off-resonance hypolarizabilities [1—6} . Marder and co-workers [3] employed a four orbitals model [3,4] and used a semi-empirical procedure (AM1) [3] to study the static hypolar-izabilities of polyenes di-substituted with electron donor and acceptor. They related themagnitudes of ,@ and '-y with a structural property: the bond length alternation (BLA).
Functional reduction of SK3-mediated currents precedes AMPA-receptor- mediated excitotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons

In primary cultures of mesencephalon small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK) are expressed in dopaminergic neurons. We characterized SK-mediated currents (I(SK)) in this system and evaluated their role on homeostasis against excitotoxicity. I(SK) amplitude was reduced by the glutamatergic agonist AMPA through a reduction in SK channel number in the membrane. Blockade of I(SK) for 12 h with apamin or NS8593 reduced the number of dopaminergic neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of apamin was not additive to AMPA toxicity. On the other hand, two I(SK) agonists, 1-EBIO and CyPPA, caused a significant reduction of spontaneous loss of dopaminergic neurons. 1-EBIO reversed the effects of both AMPA and apamin as well. Thus, I(SK) influences survival and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and is part of protective homeostatic responses, participating in a rapidly acting negative feedback loop coupling calcium levels, neuron excitability and cellular defenses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.
Subsource characterization: Obsidian utilization of subsources of the Coso volcanic field, Coso Junction, California, USA

Six chemical subsource groups were identified in the analysis of 84 obsidian samples collected from subsource locations at Coso volcanic field, California. In prehistoric times, Coso provided obsidian for artifacts found from San Francisco Bay to San Diego to Death Valley to the eastern Mojave Desert. Subsource groups were defined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of 29 elements followed by cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and bivariate plotting. The new data are compared to previously published INAA and X-ray fluorescence data. Characterization of 55 obsidian artifacts from archaeological sites located approximately 100 miles from Coso suggests preferential usage of specific subsources as a function of the directionality of travel. The results are consistent with a bimodal (resident and itinerant) model of procurement. This research illustrates the importance of accurate sourcing of obsidian artifacts when attempting to define subsource usage. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal regulation of the Ke 6 gene, a new 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the cpk mouse kidney

The function encoded by the Ke 6 gene has been recently determined to be 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Previously, the abnormal expression of the Ke 6 gene has been intimately associated with development of recessive polycystic kidney disease. The Ke 6 gene is normally expressed at very high levels in the kidney and liver and is severely down regulated in all recessive murine models of polycystic kidney disease that have been examined to date. Here, we report a detailed examination of the promoter region of the Ke 6 gene in normal mouse kidney cells (CTA) and in cells derived from mouse kidneys homozygous for the cpk (congenital polycystic kidney) mutation, using transfection analysis and DNA-protein gel shift assays. The minimal promoter region, P1 (+1 to −96), and a putative enhancer site, P3 (−165 to −256), within the Ke 6 gene 5′ flanking sequence have been identified. We have also identified another region, P2 (−97 to −165), that may be responsible for the lower promoter activity of the Ke 6 gene in cpk cells. Furthermore, absence of binding of a 38 kDa nuclear protein to a 16 bp sequence element (P1A) within the minimal promoter of the Ke 6 gene suggests that the P1A element could be responsible for the overall reduction in promoter function in cpk cells.
The performance of minority students beyond the freshman year: Testing a “late-bloomer” hypothesis in one state university setting

This study examines the validity of standard admissions variables for predicting the long-term performance of minority and nonminority students in one state university. Special attention is given to what may be termed a “late-bloomer” hypothesis, according to which minority students may be expected to show relatively greater improvement in performance following the freshman year than their nonminority classmates. This hypothesis derives from the plausible argument that minority students face unique problems of adjustment to college which adversely affect their first-year but not their long-term performance. The predictive validity of admissions variables was found to be higher for minority than for nonminority students regardless of the criterion under consideration, and somewhat higher for longer-term cumulative GPA than for shorter-term GPA. Minority and nonminority students were more sharply differentiated by overall cumulative undergraduate GPA than by first-year GPA, inconsistent with the late-bloomer hypothesis.
Behavioural biology of the collared lemming Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill): II. Sexual behaviour

Abstract The motor patterns associated with copulation in captive collared lemmings is studied. Eight male acts and six characteristic of the female in a sexual encounter were denned. These acts were then recorded quantitatively in a series of 10-min tests performed on ten experienced pairs. The pairs were observed when females were in dioestrus and when they were in oestrus. Comparison of time scores and frequencies revealed significant differences in male acts, e.g. longer duration for allo-groom and perineal investigation and higher frequency for perineal investigation when females were in dioestrus; longer duration and higher frequency scores for mount, thrust, ejaculation and auto-groom perineum when females were in oestrus. Females scored significantly longer durations of auto-groom, mounting and lordosis while in oestrus. In these 10-min tests with oestrous females the ten males displayed considerable individual variability in measures of latency to mount, thrust, ejaculate and in number of bouts of thrust per ejaculation. Ten pairs of lemmings were subjected to 1-hr tests in which females were in oestrus. In terms of number of ejaculations achieved, males sorted out into four classes, i.e. three ejaculated once, five twice, one three times and one four times. For multiple-ejaculating males, the number of bouts of thrust, latency scores for successive episodes of ejaculation and post-ejaculation mount latencies all increased with successive ejaculations. These data are discussed in terms of the intrinsic importance of the measures of reproduction in the collared lemming. The possible relevance of certain aspects of female behaviour to reproduction in feral lemmings is considered.
The common periwinkle,Littorina littorea, Linne, attracted by sugars

In its natural habitat this marine snail was found to be very strongly attracted to an agar gel containing glucose. Sucrose and galactose were less but about equally attractive; manose barely attractive and fructose and manitol not attractive.
Solution processing of CdTe nanocrystals for thin-film solar cells

We describe solution-processed sintered nanocrystal solar cells. As the absorber layer, thin-films of CdTe nanocrystals were deposited using a layer-by-layer spin coating process. For Schottky barrier solar cells (ITO/CdTe/Ca/Al), an efficiency of 3.0±0.3% with V oc = 0.53±0.03 V, J sc = 13.2±0.2 mA/cm2, and FF=43.1±4.2% was measured under AM1.5G conditions. In order to overcome the limitations associated with the Schottky barrier structure, heterojunction solar cells incorporating solution-processed CdSe nanocrystals as an n-type layer were fabricated and characterized. Under darkness, heterojunction devices (ITO/CdTe/CdSe/Al) showed an improved current rectification ratio of 4.53×102 at ±1 V in comparison to Schottky barrier solar cells, indicating that a well-defined junction is formed between CdSe and CdTe. Under illumination (AM1.5G), the devices exhibited an average efficiency of ∼2% with V oc =0.50±0.02 V.
Enhancing the delay performance of dynamic backpressure algorithms

The backpressure algorithm for dynamic network resource allocation achieves throughput optimality by making use of one-hop queue length differences. This elegant algorithm, on the other hand, does not yield good delay performance in general. We introduce a new class of enhanced dynamic backpressure algorithms which make use of a general queue-dependent bias function to exploit queue state information beyond one hop. We prove the throughput optimality of the enhanced algorithms. We further elaborate on two specific algorithms within this class, which have demonstrably improved delay performance while maintaining acceptable implementation complexity.
Effects of cardiology review of the electrocardiogram in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes.

Abstract Background Misclassification of the electrocardiogram (ECG) contributes to treatment errors in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We hypothesized that cardiology ECG review could reduce these errors. Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of real-time cardiology ECG review in patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome. Methods A prospective observational study was done on weekdays, 8 am to 11 pm, from April 28, 2006, to October 27, 2006, in an urban academic medical center. Eligible subjects were those aged 21 years with chest pain or the equivalent. Those with ECGs considered "normal" or "unchanged from baseline" were excluded. Emergency physicians completed a data sheet and faxed the ECG to a cardiology fellow for review. The primary outcome was the effect of the cardiology review on emergency department (ED) triage and treatment decisions. We excluded those who eloped or left against medical advice (AMA) or those cases wherein the cardiology fellow came to evaluate the patient. Data included demographics, clinical and ECG characteristics, and a 3-month outcome. We used descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals. Results One hundred forty-nine ECGs were faxed to a cardiology fellow. One hundred twenty cases were analyzed. Excluded were AMA/eloped/ineligible (n = 11) and those whose cardiology forms were unavailable (n = 18). Subjects were aged (median) 50.5 years (range, 24-93 years), 50% (n = 60) were female, and 87.5% (n = 105) had cardiac markers in ED. Cardiology ECG review triggered callback in 6 cases (5.0%; 95% confidence interval, 1.5%-10.9%) with documented discussion with a cardiology fellow about treatment. In 3 cases (2.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.5%-7.1%), disposition was changed to coronary care unit and cardiac catheterization consulted, although none were emergently treated.
Drosophila Klarsicht Has Distinct Subcellular Localization Domains for Nuclear Envelope and Microtubule Localization in the Eye

The Drosophila klarsicht (klar) gene is required for developmentally regulated migrations of photoreceptor cell nuclei in the eye. klar encodes a large (∼250 kD) protein with only one recognizable amino acid sequence motif, a KASH (Klar, Anc-1, Syne-1 homology) domain, at its C terminus. It has been proposed that Klar facilitates nuclear migration by linking the nucleus to the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). Here we perform genetic and immunohistochemical experiments that provide a critical test of this model. We analyze mutants in the endogenous klar gene and also flies that express deleted forms of Klar protein from transgenes. We find that the KASH domain of Klar is critical for perinuclear localization and for function. In addition, we find that the N-terminal portion of Klar is also important for function and contains a domain that localizes the protein to microtubules apical to the nucleus. These results provide strong support for a model in which Klar links the nucleus to the MTOC.
A 650-MHz, IA-32 microprocessor with enhanced data streaming for graphics and video

This paper describes a new IA-32 architecture microprocessor that implements 70 additional instructions to further accelerate the performance of data-streaming applications such as three-dimensional graphics and video encode/decode. This processor is an enhancement over the previous implementation of this family through the addition of these new instructions along with circuit improvements in several key areas for higher clock frequency. The 10.17/spl times/12.10 mm/sup 2/ die contains 9.5 million transistors and is fabricated in a CMOS five-layer-metal 0.25-/spl mu/m process with a six-layer organic land grid array package using C4 interconnect technology. It has an operating range of 1.4-2.2 V and is currently running up to 650 MHz.
Are Prescription Stimulants “Smart Pills”?: The Epidemiology and Cognitive Neuroscience of Prescription Stimulant Use by Normal Healthy Individuals

Use of prescription stimulants by normal healthy individuals to enhance cognition is said to be on the rise. Who is using these medications for cognitive enhancement, and how prevalent is this practice? Do prescription stimulants in fact enhance cognition for normal healthy people? We review the epidemiological and cognitive neuroscience literatures in search of answers to these questions. Epidemiological issues addressed include the prevalence of nonmedical stimulant use, user demographics, methods by which users obtain prescription stimulants, and motivations for use. Cognitive neuroscience issues addressed include the effects of prescription stimulants on learning and executive function, as well as the task and individual variables associated with these effects. Little is known about the prevalence of prescription stimulant use for cognitive enhancement outside of student populations. Among college students, estimates of use vary widely but, taken together, suggest that the practice is commonplace. The cognitive effects of stimulants on normal healthy people cannot yet be characterized definitively, despite the volume of research that has been carried out on these issues. Published evidence suggests that declarative memory can be improved by stimulants, with some evidence consistent with enhanced consolidation of memories. Effects on the executive functions of working memory and cognitive control are less reliable but have been found for at least some individuals on some tasks. In closing, we enumerate the many outstanding questions that remain to be addressed by future research and also identify obstacles facing this research.
Design of Multilayer Coded Modulation for Nonergodic Block-Fading Channels

Multilayer coded modulation (MLyC) in single-antenna and multiple-antenna wireless fading channels is investigated. While the MLyC has been known to achieve ergodic fading channel capacity, the problem of interest here is to design practical and efficient MLyC for nonergodic block-fading channels. We develop a design methodology which maximizes the information rate of MLyC, subject to an upper bound on the decoding error probability. Moreover, we show that the MLyC performs closer to channel capacity when the overall diversity order of the channel is higher and proper spatial interleaving is employed. The relationship between the MLyC scheme and other transmission techniques, such as multilevel coded modulation and bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM), is also discussed. It is shown through simulation examples that in realistic block-fading channels, the MLyC with practical coded modulation outperforms the BICM without turbo receiver iteration. We propose the MLyC as a promising alternative to BICM, especially when turbo iterative processing is not desired, e.g., for progressive layered media transmission
Effects of polarization on wide-angle SAR classification performance

Including polarization to circular synthetic aperture radar imagery increases the diversity of information as compared to non-polarized collections. The additional information improves classification performance in a civilian vehicle identification application. Effects of azimuth extent are also investigated. Radar imagery is represented as sets of attributed scattering centers, and vehicles are identified by a pyramid match hashing based, point pattern classifier. The experiments contrast classification performance in a variety of experiments with and without polarization.
5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reduces total peripheral resistance during chronic infusion: direct arterial mesenteric relaxation is not involved

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) delivered over 1 week results in a sustained fall in blood pressure in the sham and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rat. We hypothesized 5-HT lowers blood pressure through direct receptor-mediated vascular relaxation. In vivo, 5-HT reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP), increased heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac index, and reduced total peripheral resistance during a 1 week infusion of 5-HT (25 µg/kg/min) in the normotensive Sprague Dawley rat. The mesenteric vasculature was chosen as an ideal candidate for the site of 5-HT receptor mediated vascular relaxation given the high percentage of cardiac output the site receives. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated that mRNA transcripts for the 5-HT2B, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT7 receptors are present in sham and DOCA-salt superior mesenteric arteries. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot validated the presence of the 5-HT2B, 5- HT1B and 5-HT7 receptor protein in sham and DOCA-salt superior mesenteric artery. Isometric contractile force was measured in endothelium-intact superior mesenteric artery and mesenteric resistance arteries in which the contractile 5- HT2A receptor was antagonized. Maximum concentrations of BW-723C86 (5- HT2B agonist), CP 93129 (5-HT1B agonist) or LP-44 (5-HT7 agonist) did not relax the superior mesenteric artery from DOCA-salt rats vs. vehicle. Additionally, 5-HT (10–9 M to 10–5 M) did not cause relaxation in either contracted mesenteric resistance arteries or superior mesenteric arteries from normotensive Sprague- Dawley rats. Thus, although 5-HT receptors known to mediate vascular relaxation are present in the superior mesenteric artery, they are not functional, and are therefore not likely involved in a 5-HT-induced fall in total peripheral resistance and MAP.
Sexual-Harassment Policies for the Workplace: A Tale of Two Companies

Abstract To avoid liability and legal costs, retain talented people, and preserve customers' goodwill, a company must have in place a carefully devised policy for dealing with sexual-harassment claims.
LOD Map - A Visual Interface for Navigating Multiresolution Volume Visualization

In multiresolution volume visualization, a visual representation of level-of-detail (LOD) quality is important for us to examine, compare, and validate different LOD selection algorithms. While traditional methods rely on ultimate images for quality measurement, we introduce the LOD map - an alternative representation of LOD quality and a visual interface for navigating multiresolution data exploration. Our measure for LOD quality is based on the formulation of entropy from information theory. The measure takes into account the distortion and contribution of multiresolution data blocks. A LOD map is generated through the mapping of key LOD ingredients to a treemap representation. The ordered treemap layout is used for relative stable update of the LOD map when the view or LOD changes. This visual interface not only indicates the quality of LODs in an intuitive way, but also provides immediate suggestions for possible LOD improvement through visually-striking features. It also allows us to compare different views and perform rendering budget control. A set of interactive techniques is proposed to make the LOD adjustment a simple and easy task. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach on large scientific and medical data sets
“Ether-à-go-go” proliferation of iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Focus on “Regulation of cell proliferation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells via ether-à-go-go 1 (hEAG1) potassium channel”

ion channels regulate the selective transport of ions and are fundamental to numerous physiological processes; including, but not limited to, muscle contraction, neuron firing and cellular homeostasis. The EAG or “ ether-a-go-go ” gene encodes a family of depolarization-activated or voltage-
Gynaecological tuberculosis after the age of 40

SummaryBetween 1 January 1951 and 1 June 1991, in 711 proved cases of gynaecological tuberculosis, 81 were aged over 40 years when the condition was first discovered (11 per cent). Fifty-five of these (68 per cent) were premenopausal and the remaining 26 (32 per cent) were postmenopausal. Fifty-seven per cent complained of irregular uterine bleeding and 20 per cent of pelvic pain. The average age when diagnosed increased in successive decades and the total numbers decreased. Seventy-five of the 81 patients were treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs, with a cure rate of 97 per cent.
Cutting Edge: TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4 Restricts IL-17–Mediated Pathology and Signaling Processes

The effector T cell subset, Th17, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and of other autoimmune diseases. The signature cytokine, IL-17, engages the IL-17R and recruits the E3-ligase NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) upon stimulation. In this study, we examined the role of TNFR-associated factor (TRAF)4 in IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Primary cells from TRAF4-deficient mice displayed markedly enhanced IL-17–activated signaling pathways and induction of chemokine mRNA. Adoptive transfer of MOG35–55 specific wild-type Th17 cells into TRAF4-deficient recipient mice induced an earlier onset of disease. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF4 and TRAF6 used the same TRAF binding sites on Act1, allowing the competition of TRAF4 with TRAF6 for the interaction with Act1. Taken together, the results of this study reveal the necessity of a unique role of TRAF4 in restricting the effects of IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated disease.
Chemiluminescence technique for measuring reactive oxygen species

Accurate assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations may help in the diagnosis of infertility. The chemiluminescence technique, which uses a luminometer to measure ROS, is a common method of assessment. A better understanding of the chemiluminescence technique will allow its proper application in reproductive medicine. A wide range of luminometers are available in the market, and laboratories should select the instruments that suit their individual needs.
Role of the Polar Properties of Water in Separation Methods

The role of the polar properties of water in separation methods are presented in two parts: Part I: Properties of Water General principles are given of the three non-covalent energy types acting upon non-polar as well as polar entities when these are immersed in water: Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW), Lewis Acid-Base (AB) and Electrostatic (EL) energies. The dominant one of these three is the Lewis acid-base (AB) interaction, which in biochemical and other organic interactions are about an order of magnitude stronger than the van der Waals and electrostatic energies combined. Included are the most important equations, describing these interactions when occurring in water. Part II: Forces Originating in Water and their Significance in Separation Methods • Hydrophobic attraction between particles. • Hydrophobic interaction between solute molecules immersed in liquid water is caused by the hydrogen-bonding free energy of cohesion between the water molecules which surround these particles or solute molecules. • T...
Effects of intratesticular and incisional local anesthetic administration for castration of alpacas anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine-xylazine-butorphanol.

Objective To determine the effects of intratesticular and incisional injection of local anesthetics on response to castration, surgical ease, and recovery in alpacas. Study Design Prospective, blinded, randomized, and clinical trial. Animals Intact male alpacas (n = 38). Methods Alpacas were anesthetized with intramuscular butorphanol, ketamine, and xylazine (BKX). Once recumbent, alpacas were instrumented with electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter, oscillometric blood pressure, and capnography. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded every minute. Treatment drug (lidocaine, bupivacaine, or saline) was infiltrated along the incision and into both testicles followed by a prescrotal closed castration. Timing of major events, presence of movement during the procedure, need for additional anesthesia, and ease of surgery were recorded. Alpacas were administered postoperative oral meloxicam and assessment was made 24 hours after recovery. Results Median RR and mean BP (MBP) were lower in the lidocaine compared with the saline treated group. Median RR, HR, and MBP were significantly lower in the bupivacaine group compared with the saline group. Fewer alpacas displayed physical response to surgical stimulus with bupivacaine. No significant differences were found between groups for timing of events, need for additional anesthesia, ease of surgery, or postoperative assessment. Conclusion Intratesticular local anesthetic blunts autonomic response and facilitates castration in alpacas anesthetized with BKX with minimal negative effects. Bupivacaine may have some benefit for local anesthesia during castration compared with lidocaine.
Middle Cambrian offshore microbialites and shoaling successions, western Wyoming Implications for regional paleography

Middle and Upper Cambrian strata in western Wyoming and throughout the Rocky Mountain region comprise relatively thick successions of nearshore and shelf siliciclastics and carbonates deposited during numerous marine transgressions and regressions. The overall pattern is one of an offshore (westward) transition from coarse-grained facies of the Flathead Sandstone into fine-grained siliciclastic and carbonate strata of the Gros Ventre and Gallatin Groups. Within each formation there is clear evidence of upsection shallowing conditions. This was due to shoreline progradation and/or development of offshore peritidal carbonate buildups The Middle Cambrian Death Canyon Limestone of the Gros Ventre Group contains both small-scale (typically less than a few meters thick) and larger scale (up to 10 m) cycles of shoaling-upward carbonates. The formation can be divided into lower and upper cliff-forming units. The lower cliff-forming unit is comprised of laminated dolomitic mudstones and packestones near the base that pass upward into fossiliferous and peloidal wackestones and packstones. Near the top of the lower unit intraclastic packstones occur. The overall trend reflects a transition from quiet water, subtidal settings to shallower subtidal and possibly intertidal conditions. The upper cliff-forming part of the formation contains the most striking evidence of shallow, peritidal deposition. This includes an overall increase upsection in the percentage of allochems such as peloids, ooids, intraclasts, and oncoids. Near the contact with the overlying Park Shale, the Death Canyon Limestone contains large microbial buildups in the forms of thrombolites and stromatolites. These domical mounds are up to 1 m in height and 1.5 m in width at their base. Thrombolites exhibit a coarse, clotted fabric and laminae, if present, are indistinct. The stromatolites are well laminated with the outer surface displaying small, discrete knobs. Associated with these buildups are inter-mound packstones containing ooids, large intraclasts, and skeletal debris. Flat-pebble conglomerates also occur locally. These algal mounds and the associated facies are similar to those found in modern shallow subtidal areas and lower intertidal flats. A depositional model of peritidal sedimentation around offshore, low-relief islands and within tidal channels is proposed. Thus, the upper Death Canyon Limestone comprises shoaling-upward successions that developed far offshore of the Middle Cambrian strand-line.
Distributed reconfiguration of fault tolerant VLSI multipipeline arrays with constant interstage path lengths

A new fault tolerant multipipeline array architecture and its diagnosis/reconfiguration algorithm is presented. This multipipeline array design methodology is characterized by constant, fault distribution independent interstage path lengths. Other features include a low hardware overhead and a high survival rate when it is compared to existing approaches. >
Using Meddra for Adverse Events in Cancer Trials: Experience, Caveats, and Advice:

The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) will be the standard coding dictionary for adverse events in the future. We will report our experience with MedDRA Version 2.1 in coding and analysis of adverse events from two cancer trials. We will highlight differences between MedDRA and conventional dictionaries such as Coding Symbols for a Thesaurus of Adverse Reaction Terms (COSTART), and we will summarize our experience with licensing, installation, and browsing and coding software for this novel dictionary, We will focus on our experience with MedDRA's extreme specificity: Slightly different verbatim terms are prone to be coded to different preferred terms and even entirely different system organ classes. This can have serious implications for statistical analysis that will also be discussed. We will develop recommendations on how these issues can be avoided by appropriate steps from clinical trial monitoring through data management to the statistical analysis plan.
Constraint-driven floorplan repair

Floorplanning algorithms have traditionally underperformed experienced designers, even when relatively simple interconnect metrics are concerned. However, the sheer scale of modern systems on chip makes an all-manual design flow infeasible. In this paper, we propose a new efficient automated approach to the floorplan repair problem, where a set of violated design constraints are satisfied by applying small changes to an existing rough floorplan. Such a floor-plan can be produced by a human designer, by a scalable placement algorithm, or result from engineering adjustments to a pre-existing floorplan. In all cases, overlapping modules must be separated, and in some instances, modules may need to be repositioned to satisfy other requirements. The algorithmic framework we propose is built upon an expressive graph-based encoding of constraints. While capable of representing floorplans with or without overlapping modules, it can also support the outline of the core area, fixed module locations, region constraints, proximity and alignment constraints, etc. Instead of applying randomized local search in the hope of satisfying these constraints, we track all implications of imposed constraints and resolve violations by invoking gradual modifications to the floor-plan. The primary focus of this paper is on a particularly efficient conflict-directed algorithm for floorplan repair and legalization. It is shown to completely eliminate overlaps from layouts produced by Capo 9.4, Feng Shui 5.1 and APlace 2.01 on IBM-HB benchmarks with hard blocks; typically requiring negligible runtime and increasing interconnect length by only several percent. Furthermore, we are able to generate legal solutions for these instances that surpass previously reported results in wirelength by an average of roughly 7%.
Acute and chronic toxicity studies with monochlorobenzene in rainbow trout

Abstract The toxicity of monochlorobenzene (CB) was investigated in rainbow trout following acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration and chronic exposure via the water in a continuously flowing system for 15 or 30 days. In the acute study overt toxicity and hepatotoxicity were monitored over a 96-h time period. Variables measured to assess toxicity included weight changes, liver weight to body weight ratios, behavioral changes, alanine aminotransferase activity (GPT), sulfobromophthalein (BSP) retention, total plasma protein concentration and liver histopathology. In the chronic study the same measures of toxicity were followed as well as food consumption and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Upon acute i.p. exposure the toxicant (9.8 mmol/kg) caused behavioral changes in the fish which were consistent with the known anesthetic properties of CB in mammals. Elevations in BSP retention and GPT activity, and histopathology indicated that CB was hepatotoxic in fish. The LC50 of CB in trout exposed via the water for 96 h was 4.7 mg/l. Chronic exposure of trout to 2 or 3 mg/l CB resulted in similar behavioral changes as seen in the acute study. Liver toxicity was evident from elevations in GPT activity. BSP retention and AP activity appeared to be affected by the nutritional status of the trout as much as by the CB treatment. After 30 days of exposure to 3 mg/l CB, trout appeared to have developed some tolerance to the toxic effects.
Male Zuska's disease

Subareolar abscess of the male breast is a rare condition, which can be complicated by a fistula from the areolar skin into a lactiferous duct. In 1951, Zuska et al first characterised this entity in women. Literature on mammillary fistulas in men is scarce and therefore standardisation of treatment does not exist. We present two cases of recurrent subareolar abscesses with draining fistulas. Both patients were successfully treated by complete excision of the lactiferous duct fistula, and continue to do well with no evidence of disease recurrence. When male patients present with a draining subareolar abscess, one should have a high index of suspicion for a mammillary fistula. Failure to identify and surgically excise the fistula may lead to recurrence of the abscess and prolonged morbidity. The most effective management of this uncommon entity includes complete excision of the lactiferous duct fistula.