cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of zomepirac on experimental coronary artery thrombosis and ischemic myocardial injury in the conscious dog.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, zomepirac, was evaluated for its in vivo antithrombotic effects in conscious canines by inducing left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery thrombosis with low-amperage electrical stimulation (50 muA for 24 h) of the intimal surface of the vessel. Zomepirac, 10 mg/kg i.v., given at 0 and 12 h, prevented occlusive coronary artery thrombosis (seven of 10 controls developed occlusive thrombi, compared to one of eight zomepirac-treated animals; p = 0.02). LCX thrombus mass also was reduced by zomepirac (control: 24.0 +/- 4.0 mg; zomepirac: 10.2 +/- 2.4 mg, p less than 0.05; means +/- SEM). Left ventricular infarct mass due to occlusive LCX coronary artery thrombosis was likewise reduced. In a separate series of experiments, zomepirac (10 mg/kg i.v.), given 30 min before occlusion, failed to limit the extent of irreversible myocardial injury after temporary (90 min) LCX coronary artery occlusion in the canine. Infarct size, as a percent of the area at risk of infarction, averaged 47.8 +/- 3.9% in controls, and 40.4 +/- 7.5% in zomepirac-treated animals (means +/- SEM). No difference in the mass of myocardium at risk of infarction was observed between the two groups. In this latter study, zomepirac produced no significant hemodynamic effects. Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to collagen and arachidonic acid was decreased significantly by zomepirac, but aggregation to ADP was unaffected. These results suggest that zomepirac possesses anti-thrombotic properties, but lacks intrinsic cardioprotective effects. Therefore, zomepirac may be of potential value in the prevention of coronary artery thrombosis owing to its ability to modify platelet reactivity.
Emerging mass spectrometry-based approaches to probe protein–receptor interactions: Focus on overcoming physiological barriers ☆

Abstract Physiological barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier and intestinal epithelial barrier, remain significant obstacles towards wider utilization of biopharmaceutical products. Receptor-mediated transcytosis has long been viewed as an attractive means of crossing such barriers, but successful exploitation of this route requires better understanding of the interactions between the receptors and protein-based therapeutics. Detailed characterization of such processes at the molecular level is challenging due to the very large physical size and heterogeneity of these species, which makes use of many state-of-the art analytical techniques, such as high-resolution NMR and X-ray crystallography impractical. Mass spectrometry has emerged in the past decade as a powerful tool to study protein–receptor interactions, although its applications to investigate interaction of biopharmaceuticals with their physiological partners are still limited. We highlight the potential of this technique by considering several recent examples where it had been instrumental for understanding molecular mechanisms critical for receptor-mediated transcytosis of transferrin-based therapeutics.
Total cellular activity and distribution of a subpopulation of galactosyl receptors in isolated rat hepatocytes are differentially affected by microtubule drugs, monensin, low temperature, and chloroquine.

We studied the effects of low temperature (20–37°C), monensin, chloroquine, and microtubule drugs on the cellular distribution and activity of galactosyl (Gal) receptors in isolated rat hepatocytes. After equilibration at 37°C, hepatocytes were incubated at 37°C, 31°C, 25°C, or 20°C or treated with or without inhibitors at 37°C in the absence of ligand. The cells were then assayed at 4°C for 125I-asialo-orosomucoid binding, to measure receptor activity, or 125I-anti-Gal receptor IgG binding, to measure receptor protein. Surface or total (surface and intracellular) Gal receptor activity and protein were measured on intact or digitonin-permeabilized cells, respectively. These inhibitors fell into two categories. Type I inhibitors (sub-37°C temperatures or colchicine) induced receptor redistribution but not inactivation. Treated cells lost up to 40% of surface Gal receptor activity and protein. Lost surface receptors were recovered intracellularly with no loss of receptor activity. Type II inhibitors (monensin or chloroquine) induced receptor inactivation but not redistribution. Treated cells lost 50–65% of their surface Gal receptor activity but only ⩽ 15% of their surface receptor protein. These cells lost up to 60% of total cellular Gal receptor activity with no loss of total receptor protein. Of the total inactive Gal receptors, up to 50% and75%, respectively, were present intracellularly in monensin-and chloroquine-treated cells. Loss of ligand binding to permeable treated cells was not due to changes in receptor affinity. A third category, Type III inhibitors (metabolic energy poisons that deplete ATP) induce both Gal receptor redistribution and inactivation (Biochemistry 27:2061, 1988). We conclude that only one of the two previously characterized subpopulations of Gal receptors on hepatocytes, termed State 2 receptors (J Biol Chem 265:629, 1990), recycles constitutively. The activity and distribution of State 2 but not State 1 Gal receptors are differentially affected by these specific drugs or treatments.
The overshoot artifact as an aid in differentiating low densities on the computed tomographic scan

Summary This brief report describes an artifact that is seen as a thin, white rim outlining an air collection on the EMI 80 × 80 and 160 × 160 matrix CT scanners. This artifact is not associated with fat density and, therefore, its recognition allows presumptive differentiation between air and fat densities. The attenuation numbers of the lesion should then be obtained for confirmation.
Hormonal basis of reproductive defects in athymic mice: reduced gonadotropins and testosterone in males.

We wished to determine if congenitally athymic nude male mice have the same reduction in circulating concentrations of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids observed in their female counterparts when compared to their normal heterozygous littermates. We therefore quantitated pituitary and circulating concentrations of gonadotropins and circulating levels of testosterone in 102 congenitally athyinic mice and 101 of their heterozygous littermates ranging in age from 1 to 120 days. Although the developmental patterns observed for both circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were similar to those previously observed in rats and mice, the athymic mice had significantly reduced concentrations of both pituitary and serum LH and FSH in comparison to the heterozygotes. In general, the reduced secretion of gonadotropins was most marked prior to sexual maturation but persisted in adult athymic males. Circulating concentrations of testosterone were also markedly reduced in the adult athymic males. Histologically, the number of Leydig cells appeared reduced in testes from 20-day.old athymic mice. However, no differences could be detected in testes from 40-day-old animals, and spermatogenesis appeared normal. Thus, unlike athymic females, athymic male mice appear to have normal reproductive capacity despite these hormonal abnormalities.
Spin-dependent surface screening in ferromagnets and magnetic tunnel junctions

We have examined electron screening at the surface of a ferromagnetic metal. In an applied electric field, the surface develops an induced charge and magnetization. This can be described in terms of a novel spin-dependent screening electric field. A set of integrodifferential equations for screening potentials is derived and solved in some limiting cases. The significant implication relevant to spin-polarized transport in field emission and in magnetic tunnel junctions is discussed.
QEEG and neuropsychological profiles of patients prior to undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgical procedures.

One week after surgery neuropsychological (NP) deficits were quite common, occurring in 40.6% of the patients, with QEEG abnormality developing or increasing in the majority of patients. This change in the QEEG was an accurate predictor of NP performance 1 week after surgery. Two to three months after surgery evidence of continued NP performance deficits were still present in 28.1% of of the patients. Preoperative versus one week postoperative QEEG change showed higher levels of sensitivity and specificity for predicting neuropsychological performance 3 months after CPB surgery than did preoperative versus one week postoperative NP performance. The mean values of specificity plus sensitivity were 74.5% for NP performance and 89.1% for the QEEG. These high levels of sensitivity and specificity for QEEG change for predicting postoperative cognitive function may justify the utility of performing these evaluations in the general CPB surgical population. In addition, this evidence supports the need to study the role of intraoperative QEEG monitoring to determine when QEEG change occurs so that possible remediational measures can be taken as soon as possible.
Differences in Selected Psychological Characteristics of Participants and Nonparticipants in Activity.

Summary.-Comparisons of EPPS responses by 672 activity participants and 278 nonparticipants yielded 1 difference (endurance) significant at p.0~ and 4 differences at p.m. The magnitudes of these differences were so small as to be inconsequential for prediction. Studies related to the psychological differences between participants and nonparticipants in school activity indicate that in many cases differences do exist. Schendel (4) administered the California Psychological Inventory to a group of 334 high school and college age students. He found that the high-school age participants in athletics were significantly superior to the nonparticipants on 4 of the CPI scales. But at the college level the nonparticipants were significantly superior to the participants on 8 of the CPI scales. Werner (5), in a smdy using 456 cadets, condudes that little difference in personality development of athletes and non-athletes is shown by Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factor test. In a similar study Kroll (3) found football players were more outgoing and socially aggressive than a group of nonparticipants. He also found those who were on winning teams scored higher on dominance and leadership characteristics than the losers. Flanagan (2) concluded that the highly active groups of participants were less self-conscious and were better physically fit, while students in the less active groups were less fit and experienced some difficulty in social adjusunent. Data for this study were obtained from 950 male college freshman students enrolled in a required freshman physical education "concepts" course during the Fall and Spring
Origin of organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrites.

Carbonaceous chondrites, a class of primitive meteorite, have long been known to contain their complement of carbon largely in the form of organic, i.e., hydrocarbon-related, matter. Both discrete organic compounds and an insoluble, macromolecular material are present. Several characteristics of these materials provide evidence for their abiotic origin. The principal formation hypotheses have invoked chemistry occurring either in the solar nebula or on the parent body. However, recent stable isotope analyses of the meteorite carboxylic acids and amino acids indicate that they may be related to interstellar cloud compounds. These results suggest a formation scheme in which interstellar compounds were incorporated into the parent body and subsequently converted to the present suite of meteorite organics by the hydrothermal process believed to have formed the clay minerals of the meteorite matrix.
Optical vortex coronagraphy with an elliptical aperture

An optical vortex coronagraph that makes efficient use of a larger fraction of the clear aperture of a Cassegrain-type telescope is described. This design incorporates an elliptical subaperture rather than the conventional circular subaperture. We derive a new vortex phase mask that maintains the same theoretical contrast of a circularly symmetric vortex coronagraph.
Influences on Concentration Measurements of Liquid Aerosols by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Results are presented for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a method for measuring salt concentrations in seawater aerosol droplets. An excimer laser, operating at high pulse energy with KrF gas (λ = 248 nm) produces laser-induced breakdown plasmas in an aerosol spray. Emission lines of Na and H are monitored with an optical multichannel analyzer to characterize the plasma spatially and temporally. Studies of temporally resolved atomic line emissions from the plasma determine the optimum time for gating of the detector to be 2-4 μs after the excimer laser pulse arrives in the probe volume. Spatially resolved measurements of atomic emission line intensities are studied by positioning a stream of monodisperse droplets at various locations relative to the measurement probe volume. The electron temperature of the plasma is estimated to be 12,600 ± 4600 K, averaged over 1700 measurements during a 100-ns interval 2 μs after breakdown. Calibration curves are presented relating the Na(I) 589-nm to Hα 656.3-nm intensity ratio as a function of Na concentration, ranging from 100 to 10,000 ppm. Limits of detection for Na by the current method under the experimental conditions are estimated to be approximately 165 ppm for monodisperse sprays and 925 ppm for one case involving a polydisperse spray. Droplet diameter strongly influences the observed emission intensity ratio.
Synthesis of tubulin and actin during the preimplantation development of the mouse.

Abstract The relative rates of synthesis of actin and tubulin during mouse preimplantation development have been investigated utilizing O'Farrell's two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel system and internal protein markers. During mouse preimplantation development, rates of protein synthesis remain low and are little changed until the 8-cell stage when a rapid increase is evident. From the 8-cell stage on, a much higher rate of synthesis is maintained. The rate of synthesis of actin remains also at a steady low level in the unfertilized and fertilized ovum. However, by the 8-cell stage actin synthesis has increased 10-fold. Our measurements include the blastocyst, at that point in development actin synthetic rates are almost 90-fold higher than in the unfertilized ovum. While this precipitous increase is proceeding, incorporation of [3H]leucine into total protein increases only 7-fold. Synthesis of actin in the blastocyst represents 5.7% of total protein synthesis. The rate of tubulin synthesis, unlike actin, more closely parallels the increments in total protein synthetic rates. At the blastocyst stage it has increased 14-fold and its synthesis represents almost 2% of total protein synthesis. These results are discussed with reference to some of the physiological changes taking place during preimplantation development.
Bovine viral diarrhea virus in embryo and semen production systems

Although BVDV-free offspring have been produced from persistently infected bulls and heifers via advanced reproductive techniques, embryos and semen can potentially transmit the virus. Due to this potential for transmission, appropriate testing is necessary to ensure freedom of semen and embryos from BVDV. In the future, less constraining quality control measures may ensure freedom of embryos and semen from BVDV. These quality control measures require additional research to be validated.
Laparoscopic vs open partial nephrectomy in consecutive patients: the Cornell experience.

OBJECTIVE To compare a contemporary series of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) at one institution, to evaluate the size and types of tumour in each group and the early outcome after each procedure, as LPN is replacing open radical nephrectomy as the standard of care for uncomplicated renal tumours but partial nephrectomy remains significantly more difficult laparoscopically, especially if the goal is to duplicate the open surgical technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed the records of all patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at our institution from January 2000 to April 2004, identifying 66 who had LPN and compared them with 59 who had OPN (mean age at LPN and OPN, 62.1 and 64.2 years, respectively; 70% men in each group). Variables analysed included operative time, blood loss, creatinine levels before and after partial nephrectomy, time to resuming clear liquids and regular diet, length of stay, tumour size, tumour pathological type and complications. Groups were compared using Student's t-test, with P < 0.05 taken to indicate significance. RESULTS Of those having LPN, 59% had right-sided tumours, vs 53% in the OPN group; the respective mean tumour size was 2.2 and 3.4 cm, the mean operative duration 144 and 239 min (both P < 0.001), and the mean estimated blood loss 236 and 363 mL (P = 0.09). Seven patients in the OPN group had obligatory partial nephrectomy for either a solitary kidney (two) or azotaemia (five). No patient in the LPN group required an obligatory partial nephrectomy. Serum creatinine levels were measured before and 1 and 2 days after surgery, and were 88, 88 and 97 µmol/L for the LPN group, and 97, 106 and 106 µmol/L for the OPN group. Clear fluids were started a mean of 41 h after surgery, a regular diet resumed 76 h after and discharge was 129 h after surgery in the OPN group; the respective values for the LPN group were 24 h (P = 0.01), 49 h (P = 0.2) and 82 h (P < 0.001). Complications were similar in both groups but the pathological subtypes differed. CONCLUSIONS LPN offers early functional advantages over OPN in terms of earlier resumption of diet and slightly earlier discharge. However, the two groups of patients were clearly not evenly matched for size nor pathological subtypes, with larger, malignant subtypes more predominant in the OPN group. These results suggest that while LPN is a safe, effective treatment for small renal tumours, obligatory partial nephrectomy or large tumours continue to be performed using open techniques with good results.
American Democracy Promotion: Impulses, Strategies, and Impacts

Introduction PART I: US DEMOCRACY PROMOTION IN THEORY 1. Peace, Liberty and Democracy: Realists and Liberals Contest a Legacy 2. US Democracy Promotion: Realist Reflections 3. US Democracy Promotion: Critical Questions PART II: DEMOCRACY PROMOTION AS US GRAND STRATEGY? 4. National Security Liberalism and American Foreign Policy 5. America's Liberal Grand Strategy: Democracy and National Security in the Post-War Era 6. America's Identity, Democracy Promotion and National Interests: Beyond Realism, Beyond Idealism PART III: US DEMOCRACY PROMOTION: THE DOMESTIC CONTEXT 7. Promotion of Democracy as a Popular Demand? 8. Taking Stock of US Democracy Assistance 9. High Stakes and Low Intensity Democracy: Understanding America's Policy of Promoting Democracy 10. Wilsonianism Resurgent? The Clinton Administration and the Promotion of Democracy PART IV: US DEMOCRACY PROMOTION IN PRACTICE 11. Russia: Limping along towards American Democracy? 12. Three Frameworks in Search of a Policy: US Democracy Promotion in Asia-Pacific 13. The Impasse of Third World Democratization: Africa Revisited 14. Promoting Capitalist Polyarchy: The Case of Latin America 15. American Power, Neo-Liberal Globalization and Low Intensity Democracy: an Unstable Trinity
Conserved DNA structures in origins of replication

According to the model of Bramhill and Kornberg, initiation of DNA replication in prokaryotes involves binding of an initiator protein to origin DNA and subsequent duplex opening of adjacent direct repeat sequences. In this report, we have used computer analysis to examine the higher-order DNA structure of a variety of origins of replication from plasmids, phages, and bacteria in order to determine whether these sequences are localized in domains of altered structure. The results demonstrate that the primary sites of initiator protein binding lie in discrete domains of DNA bending, while the direct repeats lie within well-defined boundaries of an unusual anti-bent domain. The anti-bent structures arise from a periodicity of A3 and T3 tracts which avoids the 10-11 bp bending periodicity. Since DNA fragments which serve as replicators in yeast also contain these two conserved structural elements, the results provide new insight into the universal role of conserved DNA structures in DNA replication.
Current Moments at ELF of Lightning Discharges Associated with a Mature Tropical Hurricane

The mean spectrum of negative polarity ‘slow tail’ ELF atmospherics received during daytime from the area of a distant mature tropical storm (Hurricane Blanca, August 1966) is presented. The mean amplitude spectrum is used with established attenuation rates to calculate from zero-order mode theory the mean current moment associated with the waveform sources. It is suggested that the waveforms may be greatly controlled by intracloud lightning discharges associated with the degree of vertical development of the hurricane.
Organizational commitment for knowledge workers: The roles of perceived organizational learning culture, leader–member exchange quality, and turnover intention †

This article investigates the impact of perceived organizational learning culture and leader–member exchange (LMX) quality on organizational commitment and eventually on employee turnover intention. Employees exhibited the highest organizational commitment when they perceived a higher learning culture and when they were supervised in a supportive fashion. Employee turnover intention was fully mediated by organizational commitment. Overall, 43% of the variance in organizational commitment was explained by organizational learning culture and LMX quality. About 40% of the variance in turnover intention was explained by organizational commitment. Thus, perceived organizational learning culture and LMX quality (antecedents) impacted on organizational commitment, which in turn contributed negatively to employee turnover intention (consequence).
Improvement in psoriasis after intradermal administration of heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae

Background New treatments for psoriasis are being developed, but many are associated with limited efficacy, side-effects, or rapid recurrence after discontinuation. Thus, the aim of new agents is to induce longer term remissions with fewer side-effects. Preliminary studies have shown that Mycobacterium vaccae, a nonpathogenic organism prepared as a heat-killed suspension, may induce periods of remission in some psoriasis patients when administered intradermally. Methods To further assess the efficacy and tolerability of M. vaccae in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis (psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 12–35), we conducted an open label study whereby 24 patients received two intradermal inoculations of M. vaccae in lesion-free deltoid skin, separated by a period of 3 weeks. Results Twelve weeks after starting treatment, 14 of 24 patients (58%) showed marked improvement in the PASI score (greater than 50% reduction), two had moderate improvement (25–50% reduction), six were unchanged ( 5% increase). By 24 weeks, 11 of 22 patients continued to show greater than 50% improvement. Five patients had complete clearance of skin lesions that lasted for at least 6 months. Conclusions Intradermal administration of heat-killed M. vaccae suspension was well tolerated and induced clinically significant improvement in a majority of psoriasis patients in this cohort. Placebo-controlled testing to further define the efficacy of this treatment is warranted.
Effect of JP-8 jet fuel exposure on protein expression in human keratinocyte cells in culture

Dermal exposure to jet fuel is a significant occupational hazard. Previous studies have investigated its absorption and disposition in skin, and the systemic biochemical and immunotoxicological sequelae to exposure. Despite studies of JP-8 jet fuel components in murine, porcine or human keratinocyte cell cultures, proteomic analysis of JP-8 exposure has not been investigated. This study was conducted to examine the effect of JP-8 administration on the human epidermal keratinocyte (HEK) proteome. Using a two-dimensional electrophoretic approach combined with mass spectrometric-based protein identification, we analyzed protein expression in HEK exposed to 0.1% JP-8 in culture medium for 24 h. JP-8 exposure resulted in significant expression differences (p<0.02) in 35 of the 929 proteins matched and analyzed. Approximately, a third of these alterations were increased in protein expression, two-thirds declined with JP-8 exposure. Peptide mass fingerprint identification of effected proteins revealed a variety of functional implications. In general, altered proteins involved endocytotic/exocytotic mechanisms and their cytoskeletal components, cell stress, and those involved in vesicular function.
A Free-Boundary Problem for a Degenerate Parabolic System

Abstract : The degenerate parabolic system (1.1) in the introduction, serves as a model for heat conduction in a heterogeneous medium consisting of two components. The first component is made up of small pieces suspended in the second component, and the second component undergoes a change of phase at a prescribed temperature. This phenomenon occurs in a mixture of gravel and wet soil (for example, melting of frozen soil). Existence and uniqueness results of weak solutions of the degenerate parabolic problem are shown by employing monotone operator theory. Local regularity, such as continuity and boundedness of the solution is studied. A discussion is provided about the mutual interplay of the thermodynamic temperature (the temperature in the first component) and the conductive temperature (the temperature in the second component. (Author)
Nonlinear dimensionality reduction for structural discovery in image processing

Nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques are a thriving area of research in many fields, including pattern recognition, statistical learning, medical imaging, and statistics. This is largely driven by our need to collect, represent, manipulate, and understand high-dimensional data in practically all areas of science. Here we define “high-dimensional” to be where dimension d > 10, and in many applications d ≫ 10. In this paper we discuss several nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques and compare their characteristics, with a focus on applications to improve tractability and provide low-dimensional structural discovery for image processing.
Strong Vocational Interest Blank Profiles of Women in Law, Mathematics, Medicine, and Psychology:

Male form Strong Vocational Interest Blank protocols were obtained from 4 female samples: 40 law students, 44 mathematicians, 51 medical students, and 49 graduate students in psychology Each sample scored higher (p < .01) than the complement (other three samples pooled) on the appropriate occupational scale. Classificatory indices were defined for each sample, adding scores on four scales with positive differences and subtracting four with negative; no scale was used twice. Analyses of variance were significant (p < .01) for each index. The accuracy of each index in correctly assigning individuals to the designated occupation was also examined. Obtained vs chance hit rates were 78% vs 78% (law), 85% vs 76% (mathematics), 78% vs 72% (medicine), and 75% vs 73% (psychology).
Thoracic paravertebral block for treatment of postembolization syndrome

Summary Renal artery embolization (angio-infarction) of a large renal cell carcinoma, prior to excision, is an acceptable surgical option. It may reduce the tumour's size and vascularity. However, postembolization syndrome, as characterized by flank pain, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting, is a potential complication of such an approach. The flank pain of this syndrome may be resistant to conventional opioid therapy. Here we report the successful use of a unilateral paravertabral block for the control of the unilateral flank pain of postembolization syndrome secondary to renal artery embolization.
Liquid water: A very complex fluid

Although H2O has been the topic of considerable research since the beginning of the century, the peculiar physical properties are still not well understood. First we discuss some of the anomalies of this ‘complex fluid’. Then we describe a qualitative interpretation in terms of percolation concepts. Finally, we discuss recent experiments and simulations relating to the hyothesis that, in addition to the known critical point in water, there exists a ‘second’ critical point at low temperatures. In particular, we discuss very recent measurements of the compression-induced melting and decompression-induced melting lines of high-pressure forms of ice. We show how knowledge of these lines enables one to obtain an approximation for the Gibbs potential G(P, T) and the equation of state V(P,T) for water, both of which are consistent with the possible continuity of liquid water and the amorphous forms of solid water.
An isoparametric piecewise representation of the anisotropic strength of polycrystalline solids

Abstract A methodology for representing the anisotropic strength of polycrystalline solids using an isoparametric mapping is presented. A four-dimensional hypersphere in five-dimensional (deviatoric) deformation rate space is defined using Lagrange elements for a suite of deformation rate directions with a specified (reference) magnitude. Onto this surface are mapped values of the flow stress required to induce plastic flow for the corresponding values of the reference deformation rate. The flow stress values are evaluated from a combination of experimental data and computational results using polycrystal plasticity. The methodology is demonstrated for three example systems: Ti–6Al–4V plate, AA5182 hot rolled plate, and AL6XN hot rolled plate.
Microgyroscopes with dynamic disturbance rejection

This paper reports a novel micromachined gyroscope design with inherent disturbance-rejection capabilities. The proposed approach is based on increasing the degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the oscillatory system by the use of two independently oscillating proof masses. Utilizing dynamical amplification in the 4-DOF system, inherent disturbance rejection is achieved, providing reduced sensitivity to structural and thermal parameter fluctuations and damping changes over the operating time of the device. In the proposed system, the first mass is forced to oscillate in the drive direction, and the response of the second mass in the orthogonal direction is sensed. The response has two resonant peaks and a flat region between peaks. Operation is in the flat region, where the gain is insensitive to frequency fluctuations. Simulations indicate over 15 times increase in the bandwidth of the system due to the use of the proposed architecture. In addition, the gain in the operation region has low sensitivity to damping changes. Consequently, by utilizing the disturbance-rejection capability of the dynamical system, improved robustness is achieved, which can relax tight fabrication tolerances and packaging requirements and thus result in reducing production cost of micromachined gyroscopes.
An object-oriented information model for manufacturability analysis of printed circuit board fabrication

Abstract Assessing the manufacturability of a design is important for lowering the printed circuit board (PCB) cost, increasing process yield, and reducing the time-to-market. Many have recognized the need for a neutral information model for sharing product information, however, the modeling and exchange of manufacturing information is equally important to the successful manufacturability evaluation. Modeling the manufacturing information for PCBs is fraught with difficulty. The reasons are that the PCB industry experiences frequent technical advances, design knowledge is separated from process knowledge, and a great variation exists among companies in processes and capabilities. To address these issues an EXPRESS object-oriented manufacturing model of the manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process capabilities is proposed. The model is developed by considering PCB design and fabrication separately and then identifying the couplings between design decisions and the realization of those features in manufacturing. The data model captures equipment imposed limitations on designs and the couplings between design parameters and their impact on the manufacturing system. The model forms the basis of a manufacturability evaluation system for PCB fabrication and is illustrated through an example.
Effect of short-term ozone exposure on exogenous thyroxine levels in thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized rats.

Short-term ozone exposure (1 ppm X 24 hr) of male rats results in a significant reduction of circulating thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The reduction of thyroid hormone levels after ozone exposure has been hypothesized as a possible adaptive mechanism to enhance survival of rats during ozone exposure. In this study, the authors investigated the effect of ozone on thyroid hormone (T4) levels in thyroidectomized and hypophysectomized rats which received exogenous T4 in the drinking water. Groups of normal, intact rats, thyroidectomized rats maintained on T4 at doses ranging from 75 to 1000 micrograms/liter, and hypophysectomized rats maintained on 300 micrograms T4/liter were exposed to ozone (1 ppm X 24 hr), Plasma T4 concentrations were significantly reduced after ozone exposure, and the results indicated that the higher the circulating T4 levels before exposure the more they were reduced after ozone exposure. This reduction in T4 levels cannot be accounted for in these animals by reduced pituitary TSH levels or the effects of fasting, but is likely to be due to peripheral changes in plasma thyroid binding proteins initiated by ozone exposure.
P2Y12 receptor expression is a critical determinant of functional responsiveness to ATX’s MORFO domain

In the central nervous system, the formation of the myelin sheath and the differentiation of the myelinating cells, namely oligodendrocytes, are regulated by complex signaling networks that involve purinergic receptors and the extracellular matrix. However, the exact nature of the molecular interactions underlying these networks still needs to be defined. In this respect, the data presented here reveal a signaling mechanism that is characterized by an interaction between the purinergic P2Y12 receptor and the matricellular extracellular matrix protein autotaxin (ATX), also known as ENPP2, phosphodiesterase-Iα/ATX, or lysoPLD. ATX has been previously described by us to mediate intermediate states of oligodendrocyte adhesion and to enable changes in oligodendrocyte morphology that are thought to be crucial for the formation of a fully functional myelin sheath. This functional property of ATX is mediated by ATX’s modulator of oligodendrocyte remodeling and focal adhesion organization (MORFO) domain. Here, we show that the expression of the P2Y12 receptor is necessary for ATX’s MORFO domain to exert its effects on differentiating oligodendrocytes. In addition, our data demonstrate that exogenous expression of the P2Y12 receptor can render cells responsive to the known effects of ATX’s MORFO domain, and they identify Rac1 as an intracellular factor mediating the effect of ATX-MORFO-P2Y12 signaling on the assembly of focal adhesions. Our data further support the idea that a physical interaction between ATX and the P2Y12 receptor provides the basis for an ATX-MORFO-P2Y12 signaling axis that is crucial for mediating cellular states of intermediate adhesion and morphological/structural plasticity.
A 3 Millimeter VLBI Continuum Source Survey

A detection survey of bright extragalactic radio sources with 3 mm VLBI is described. The sample is based on a centimeter-wavelength flux density limit, with account taken of the spectral shape. Of the 116 sample members, 79 sources were observed and 14 were detected. This detection rate is considerably lower than had been anticipated, the discrepancy being fully attributable to attained sensitivities roughly a factor of 2 poorer than those planned, and routinely achievable with current arrays. The small number of detections precludes any firm conclusions about source detectability as a function of source type, redshift, or other variable. However, the results allow us to demonstrate that, at easily attainable sensitivity levels, between 30 and 50 sources would be detected in a similar survey. Because the sample does not include all potentially detectable sources, in particular those with inverted spectra above 5 GHz, these numbers represent a lower limit to the number of detectable continuum sources accessible to the current 3 mm VLBI network at any given time.
Discrete Boltzmann equation model for nonideal gases

A discrete model based on the Boltzmann equation with a body force and a single relaxation time collision model is derived for simulations of nonideal-gas flow. The interparticle interaction is treated using a mean-field approximation. The Boltzmann equation is discretized in a way that preserves the derivation of the hydrodynamic equations from the Boltzmann equation, using either the Chapman-Enskog method or the Grad 13-moment method. The previously proposed nonideal-gas lattice Boltzmann equation model can be analyzed with rigor.
Mathematical models for zooplankton swarms: Their formation and maintenance

Many aquatic invertebrates are known to form swarms and schools. Thus, zooplankton are usually distributed unevenly both in vertical and in horizontal directions. There are a great number of studies on zooplankton swarms ranging from simple records or observations to more extensive functional and behavioral investigations. Yet, no attempt has been made on mathematically modeling these phenomena, chiefly because of the lack of detailed data on individual movements in swarms.
Gender and sports studies : an historical perspective

Sport et Genre : une perspective historiqueA la fin des annees 1970, les chercheurs d’Amerique du Nord ont commence a integrer la notion de genre dans leur critique du sport contemporain. Peu de temps apres, les Europeens ont egalement adopte le genre comme concept pour etudier les transformations du sport. Dans un premier temps, les chercheurs se sont concentres sur l’etude des femmes athletes en menant des travaux disciplinaires. A l’issue de l’introduction du concept de genre dans les annees 1980, les chercheurs ont fait evoluer le statut de ce concept, d’abord apprehende en tant que categorie sociale, pour l’apprehender d’une maniere plus large en etudiant les rapports sociaux de sexe. La signification du concept de genre fut donc etendue et redefinie comme l’etude des rapports sociaux de sexe, permettant ainsi d’envisager de nouvelles directions et d’introduire de nouvelles theories et paradigmes dans les recherches. Les objets d’etude se sont alors deplaces. Apres s’etre concentres sur l’evolution du sport feminin, les travaux se sont progressivement inscrits dans une histoire culturelle et des perspectives interdisciplinaires. Plus recemment, le genre a ete vu a la fois comme analyseur interrelationnel et intersubjectif par l’intermediaire de travaux visant a contester le caractere generalisant du feminisme et de son uniformite dans les annees 1990. Un changement paradigmatique vers l’intersectionnalite a emerge et permis aux historiens du sport de critiquer la vision monolithique du genre en introduisant de nouvelles dimensions de l’experience humaine et de l’identite tels que l’â ge, l’ethnicite, la race et la classe sociale. Cette evolution s’explique aussi grâce a l’introduction de nouveaux objets tels que la langue, la puissance, la narrativite et la representation, permettant ainsi d’enrichir l’analyse savante du sport.
A note on the contamination of atmospheric particulate samples collected from ships

Abstract Collection of atmospheric particulate samples from ships is subject to severe contamination problems. This contamination can arise from direct stack effluents; dirt, paint, rust, etc. from the decks and superstructure carried by local wind eddies around the ship; sea salt from bow spray; and the pump and filter holder used for collection. A collection system for atmospheric particulates has been designed to avoid these contamination problems. Operation of the collector, which consists of a plastic filter holder and protective door mounted on an eight meter high bow tower, is controlled by relative wind direction. Condensation nucleus counts are also monitored at the top of the tower.
Speculative commodity holdings

Abstract Adopting a mean-variance approach, we characterize the optimal commodity holdings for a risk averse speculator within a discrete time framework. A new factor, namely covariance risk effect, arises which essentially represents the difference between the optimal stock of a risk averse speculator and that of a risk neutral one.
Cytonuclear genetic architecture in mosquitofish populations and the possible roles of introgressive hybridization

Spatial genetic structure in populations of mosquitofish (Gambusia) sampled throughout the south-eastern United States was characterized using mitochondrial (mt) DNA and allozyme markers. Both sets of data revealed a pronounced genetic discontinuity (along a broad path extending from south-eastern Mississippi to north-eastem Georgia) that corresponds to a recently recognized distinction between the nominal forms G. affinis to the west and G. holbrooki to the east. However, several populations from the general contact region exhibited unusual allelic associations in high frequency, suggestive of evolutionary processes within a zone of introgressive hybridization. These involve: (i) cytonuclear profiles representing corn binations of nuclear and mitochondrial genotypes that tended to be more nearly species-specific and concordant elsewhere; and (ii) significant nuclear gametic disequilibria, perhaps attributable to positive assortative mating and/or differential fitnesses of homospecific vs. recombinant genotypes. However, outside this suspected hybrid region, 'heterospecific' genetic markers also appeared in low frequency, thus complicating interpretations. These discordant alleles on a broader geographic scale may reflect: (a) the retention of polymorphisms from an ancestral gene pool; (b) occasional evolutionary convergence (especially with respect to electrophoretic mobility of allozyme alleles); (c) the 'footprints' of a moving hybrid zone; or (d) differential introgressive penetrance across the current hybrid region.
Topical antibiotic therapy is superior to systemic antibiotics for acute tympanostomy tube otorrhoea, but may not be necessary for all children

Commentary on: van Dongen TMA, van der Heijden GJMG, Venekamp RP, et al. A trial of treatment for acute otorrhea in children with tympanostomy tubes. N Engl J Med 2014;370:723–33.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Tympanostomy tube insertion is the most common ambulatory surgery performed on children.1 Discharge from the ear canal (otorrhoea) is the most common sequela of tubes, with a mean incidence of 26% in observational studies and up to 83% with prospective surveillance.2 ,3 Acute tympanostomy tube otorrhoea (TTO) is usually a manifestation of acute otitis media and may occur during a viral upper respiratory infection or when water penetrates the tube and enters the middle ear space. This open-label, pragmatic trial included 230 Dutch children aged 1–10 years with acute TTO (lasting up to 7 days) who were assigned randomly to three groups: (1) topical antibiotic eardrops … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEngl%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D370%26rft.spage%253D723%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1301630%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24552319%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1301630&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24552319&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F4%2F132.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000331531900007&link_type=ISI
Inequities in the broadband revolution

Residential broadband options such as cable and digital subscriber lines are growing in popularity. However, evidence suggests that urban areas are receiving the majority of infrastructure investment, thereby leaving many rural locations with few options for broadband access. With access to telecommunication infrastructure becoming an increasingly important component to local economic development, issues of infrastructure equity are significant. This paper explores telecommunication equity and its effect on economic development by addressing the impact of geography on infrastructure investment and growth. A comprehensive database of broadband service providers and data from the Ecom-Ohio project (http://www.ecom-ohio.org), are used to explore broadband access options in the state of Ohio by examining the characteristics of market demand that are driving cable and digital subscriber line infrastructure investment. In addition, this paper develops an explanatory framework for identifying key market characteristics indicative of demand for residential broadband services through the use of statistical models and a geographic information system. Results suggest that income, education, age, location, and competition from alternative broadband platforms influence digital subscriber line infrastructure investment.
Platelet inhibitor therapy: mechanisms of action and clinical use.

This article briefly reviews the mechanisms of action and clinical uses of platelet inhibitor therapy.
The indigenization of pharmaceuticals : therapeutic transitions in rural hausaland

A West African case study illustrates how indigenous understandings of disease and therapeutics may influence the utilization of biomedicines. This focus suggests a more comprehensive approach for the evaluation and design of health care delivery systems in developing world contexts.
Exploring Bilingual Pedagogies in Dual Language Preschool Classrooms.

In this paper, we present an analysis of the language practices of four Spanish/English dual language (DL) preschool teachers, focusing on the ways in which the teachers mediate bilingual interactions with students and distribute Spanish and English across different classroom discourse functions. Findings reveal teachers’ flexible and strategic use of each language to support children's developing bilingual competencies as well as to negotiate several communicative, academic, and management functions. Findings further illuminate the utility of bilingual speech/interaction as a communicative and academic resource and suggest that a strict language separation approach, as traditionally implemented in DL programs, may be at odds with the natural social interactions of bilinguals who draw on a number of communicative strategies, including codeswitching and tandem talk, to construct meaning.