cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of olfaction on sexual behavior in the male golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Ablation of the olfactory bulbs terminates the sexually oriented behavior patterns shown by the male hamster towards the female. All aspects of overt copulatory behavior including mounting are immediately eliminated. Investigatory behavior is decreased significantly and orientation of attention to the hindquarters of the animal being investigated (sexual orientation) is lost over a one to two week interval. This disruption of sexually oriented behavior patterns occurs regardless of the degree of experience of the male in mating prior to the bulbectomy. Unilateral bulbectomy or sham bulbectomy does not disrupt, even temporarily, the mating pattern. Evidence that the lack of mating behavior following bulbectomy is indeed due to anosmia was provided by rendering animals temporarily anosmic by use of zinc sulfate in the nasal cavities. Full recovery of sexual activity occurred within four to six days following this treatment. A second treatment produced a similar result. Naive males, raised in isolation, can show a normal copulatory pattern on first exposure to a receptive female. Naive males do not distinguish between diestrus (non receptive) and estrus (receptive) vaginal secretions from the female. The release of sexual arousal requires olfactory input in the male hamster, conditioning to other cues does not occur. However, differentiation between receptive and non-receptive females appears to be a positive learned response. The absolute dependence of the male hamster on olfactory cues for sexual arousal has an obvious adaptive value in a species where the female tends to be dominant in encounters and the male, if unable to escape, can be maimed or killed during the course of a fight.
A cell-free microtiter plate screen for improved [FeFe] hydrogenases.

Background [FeFe] hydrogenase enzymes catalyze the production and dissociation of H2, a potential renewable fuel. Attempts to exploit these catalysts in engineered systems have been hindered by the biotechnologically inconvenient properties of the natural enzymes, including their extreme oxygen sensitivity. Directed evolution has been used to improve the characteristics of a range of natural catalysts, but has been largely unsuccessful for [FeFe] hydrogenases because of a lack of convenient screening platforms. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe an in vitro screening technology for oxygen-tolerant and highly active [FeFe] hydrogenases. Despite the complexity of the protocol, we demonstrate a level of reproducibility that allows moderately improved mutants to be isolated. We have used the platform to identify a mutant of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii [FeFe] hydrogenase HydA1 with a specific activity ∼4 times that of the wild-type enzyme. Conclusions/Significance Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using the screen presented here for large-scale efforts to identify improved biocatalysts for energy applications. The system is based on our ability to activate these complex enzymes in E. coli cell extracts, which allows unhindered access to the protein maturation and assay environment.
Nitrogen mineralization and nitrification following land conversion in montane Ecuador

Abstract The lower montane zone of northwestern Ecuador, like many parts of the tropics, is undergoing rapid conversion from native forest vegetation to crop and pastureland. The current landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land, forest fragments and second-growth vegetation in various stages of development. While there is abundant research documenting the effects of land-use change in the lowland tropics, such information is scarce for montane regions on young volcanic soils. We compared foxtail pasture (Setaria sphacelata, [(Schumach.) Stapf and C.E. Hubb.]) and traditional, mixed-species pasture with undisturbed old-growth forest, 15–20 y-old secondary forest and 5–10 y-old shrubby regrowth. At two replicates of each vegetation class, we measured soil nitrogen and carbon pools, in situ net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification, soil respiration and soil physical properties. Setaria pasture decreased soil NO−3-N pools and net mineralization and nitrification rates compared to mature forest, secondary vegetation, and mixed-species pasture. Soil NO−3-N in Setaria pastures, during wet and dry seasons, was 40 and 25% of amounts measured in other vegetation types. Net nitrification rates were also lower beneath Setaria during both seasons, the greatest difference occurring during the wet season. Net nitrification rates increased considerably (two-fold and greater) under wet season conditions beneath all vegetation types except Setaria pasture. Soils beneath both pasture types were wetter and had higher bulk density than mature and second-growth forests. Conversion to pasture produces widely varying effects on soil N dynamics depending on characteristics of the pasture species, such as Setaria’s extremely dense root system. Reduced soil N availability beneath Setaria pasture will affect both long-term pasture productivity and subsequent forest regeneration in abandoned pastures.
Just noticeable difference of tone pitch contour change for English- and Chinese-native listeners

Just noticeable differences of tone pitch contour discrimination were examined for young English- and Mandarin Chinese-native listeners to examine categorical features of tone perception for the two groups of listeners. Three types of stimuli were used: A Mandarin Chinese vowel, an English vowel, and tonal glides. Level, rising, and falling tones within or across tone boundaries served as the standard stimuli to measure thresholds of tone pitch discrimination. Performance was equivalent between English- and Chinese-native listeners for level tones, but significantly differed for rising and falling tones, regardless of the type of stimuli. English listeners showed significantly lower thresholds at the offset of F0 shifts than Chinese listeners, while Chinese listeners discriminated tone pitch changes at the onset with significantly lower thresholds than their English peers. These psychophysical results, combined with tone perception reported in other studies, indicated that Mandarin-native listeners perceived lexical tones in a categorical manner, based on their lexical tone experience, whereas English-native listeners perceived tones on a psychophysical base.
Ageing and Environmental Manifestations in Pyruvate Metabolism of Rabbit Fœtal and Neonatal Liver

FŒTAL and perinatal cell differentiation may be considered as a sequence of progressive metabolic alterations determined in part by genetic and in part by environmental influences. Implied in genetically organized differentiation are the biological processes of maturation, growth and senescence which are collectively referred to as the ageing of the cell.
Diffusive, Synaptic, and Synergetic Coupling: An Evaluation Through In-Phase and Antiphase Rhythmic Movements.

Abstract The in-phase and antiphase patterns of interlimb 1:1 frequency locking were contrasted with respect to models of coordination dynamics in biological movement systems that are based on diffusive coupling, synaptic coupling, and synergetic principles. Predictions were made from each model concerning the stable relative phase φ between the rhythmic units, its standard deviation SDφ and the self-chosen coupled frequency ω c The experimental task involved human subjects oscillating two handheld pendulums either in-phase or antiphase. The eigenfrequencies of the two hand-pendulum systems were manipulated by varying the length and mass of each pendulum individually. Relative to an eigenfrequency difference of δωequal to zero, |Δ| > 0 displaced φ from φ = 0 and φ = π, and amplified SDφ. ω c decreased with |Δω|. Both the displacement of φ and SDφ were greater in the antiphase mode. Additionally, the displacement of φ increased more sharply with |Δω| for antiphase than for in-phase coordination. In contras...
Cancer incidence among Hispanic children in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To directly compare cancer incidence among Hispanic children and non-Hispanic white children in California and Florida, two states in the United States of America that include nearly one in three Hispanic children in the country. METHODS: Cross-sectional data for 1988 through 1998 pertaining to all incident pediatric cancer cases (age < 15 years) with race/ethnicity coded as either Hispanic or non-Hispanic white came from the Florida Cancer Data System database and the California Cancer Registry database. The results were expressed as age-standardized incidence rates, standardized to the world standard million population. Hispanic rates and non-Hispanic white rates were compared using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs.). RESULTS: The SIR for all cancers for Hispanic children compared to non-Hispanic white children was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.05). For selected tumor types, SIRs indicated higher incidences among Hispanic children for leukemia (SIR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.34), Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.54), and germ cell tumors (SIR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.96). There were lower incidences for the Hispanic children for central nervous system tumors (SIR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.78) and for sympathetic nervous system tumors (SIR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.87). In terms of interstate differences, the incidence of lymphoma, central nervous system tumors, sympathetic nervous system tumors, and malignant bone tumors was highest among Hispanic youth in Florida; the incidence of hepatic tumors was highest among Hispanic youth in California. CONCLUSIONS: While the overall cancer incidence rate among Hispanic children was similar to that for non-Hispanic white children, significant differences for specific tumor types were identified. Since Hispanic ethnicity may be a confounder for other cancer risk factors (e.g., familial, socioeconomic, or environmental), it is recommended that future research into Hispanic pediatric cancer risk investigate these risk factors.
Study of the BMIM-PF6: Acetonitrile binary mixture as a solvent for electrochemical studies involving CO2

A series of binary mixtures ranging from 0 vol.% to 100 vol.% CH3CN in BMIM-PF6 were investigated to identify an optimum ratio for use in electrochemical studies involving CO2. Density, viscosity and conductivity were measured for the range of binary mixtures and compared to previously published data. The electrochemistry of a model compound, azobenzene, was studied as well. The data indicated that a binary mixture containing 15–20 vol.% (approximately 0.5 mol fraction) CH3CN in BMIM-PF6 was optimal for electrochemistry, and FTIR of CO2 saturated solutions demonstrated that the solubility of CO2 in the 15–20% CH3CN mixtures was only about 10% lower than that seen in the neat BMIM-PF6.
Compressed retinotectal projection in hamsters: fewer ganglion cells project to tectum after neonatal tectal lesions.

After partial ablation of the superior colliculus (tectum) in neonatal hamsters, the whole extent of the visual field comes to be represented in a compressed map on the remaining tectal fragment. However, the total volume of tectal tissue in which retinotectal fibers arborize is less than normal. These observations suggest that the retinal ganglion cells which arborize in this reduced volume might arise throughout the whole extent of the retina but be fewer in number than normal. Alternatively, the ganglion cells which project to the tectum might be normal in number but reduced in terminal arbor size. To distinguish between these possibilities, we have used tectal injections of horseradish peroxidase to label retinal ganglion cells which project to the tectum. The numbers of labelled cells per mm2 of retina were counted in selected regions. In hamsters with small lesions, which left 80–85% of the tectum intact, the density of labelled retinal ganglion cells was normal. However, in hamsters with larger lesions, the density of labelled cells was significantly lower than normal.
Optimization of axially loaded non-prismatic column

Abstract A column design problem has been formulated into an optimization problem. The modern optimization technique, generalized reduced gradient method, has been used to select the design variables at nodal points. The optimum designs so obtained are reasonable and verifiable. This procedure may be used in the design of axially loaded members for mass production. Considerable savings can be achieved due to the effective use of material through the best proportioning of the shape of the column.
Gingival RAGE Expression in Calorie-Restricted Versus ad Libitum–Fed Rats

Background: The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand receptor expressed in a number of cell types, including gingival epithelia. RAGE mediates inflammation and induces cellular oxidative stress. Upregulation of RAGE is associated with various diseases, such as periodontal and cardiovascular diseases. This study examines the hypothesis that the gingiva of rats fed a calorie-restriction (CR) diet expresses lower levels of RAGE than the gingiva of rats fed an ad libitum (AL) diet. Methods: Male F344BN rats (n = 16) from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) were fed a CR (n = 8) or AL (n = 8) diet according to NIA recommendations. Rats were sacrificed by guillotine at 8 (n = 5), 18 (n = 3), 29 (n = 4), and 38 (n = 4) months of age. The gingiva from around the molars was dissected and submitted for histologic and molecular analyses. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed that RAGE was expressed in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of gingival epithelial cells and endothelial cells from both groups. RAGE mRNA levels were quantified relative to levels of GAPDH mRNA by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The mean relative RAGE mRNA level in the CR group (7.26 – 0.54) was lower than in the AL group (10 – 1.4) (P <0.05). There were no detectable differences in RAGE expression according to animal age. Conclusion: Gingival RAGE expression in rats is reduced by calorie restriction. J Periodontol 2010;81:1481-1487.
A moderate gain extremely short HF monopole antenna

An extremely short HF monopole antenna with moderate gain is presented. The height and lateral dimension of the proposed antenna are λ/300 and λ/100 × λ/100 at 20MHz, respectively. The antenna is designed using two short in-phase vertical elements. To achieve in-phase radiation from the short vertical pins a modified T-type 180 degree phase shifter utilizing a capacitive impedance inverter is used [1]. An important advantage of the proposed antenna is omnidirectional radiation pattern and high gain. It is found that the gain of the proposed antenna is about 6dB higher than that of the conventional spiral-shaped inverted-F antenna on high dielectric-constant substrate (e=10.2) occupying the same volume but about 200 times heavier.
Why politicians want constitutional courts: the Russian case

Abstract Why are judicial review mechanisms being incorporated into so many democratizing states? This study analyzes why politicians create an independent judicial institution with the authority to overrule their own decisions. It sheds light on the role constitutional courts play in the consolidation phase of a democratic transition, focusing on one of those countries with no tradition of independent judicial review or of democratic forms of governance—Russia. Past practices and historical precedent do not support the formation of an independent judiciary in Russia, and yet a potentially powerful constitutional court now exists. Moreover, during the course of the transition from the Soviet state to the Russian Republic, there were three attempts to create an independent judicial review mechanism only one of which could be termed a success. This analysis focuses on the self-interested calculations of politicians in forming each of these three institutions, demonstrating that political actors establish a constitutional court to enhance their democratic credibility.
Numerical Simulations of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Blades

A recent research project has been focused on the design, manufacture, and testing of novel, vertical-axis turbines which can be directly attached to existing structures (such as communication towers) for local power generation, particularly in areas of the world where grid-connected electricity is unavailable. The proposed turbine has undergone a multitude of design stages, including the wing design, prototype fabrication, wind-tunnel testing, and manufacture. This report discusses the initial design process utilized to create the turbine wing. That process relied upon numerical simulations of the unsteady flow patterns which occur when the wing rotates. Results from the simulation were used to modify the wing design and significant improvements in performance were realized. Based on wind-tunnel tests, improvements on the order of 300% were obtained, compared to the initial design. Improvements of this magnitude have allowed the progression from prototype testing to large-scale manufacturing. The simulations allowed the implementation of novel design features such as preferentially deployed vents which allowed an increase of torque and a decrease of transverse loads. Results from the simulation were compared with experimental results obtained from a wind-tunnel test. In addition, data was extracted from an in situ test facility which was installed with wind-speed and data acquisition equipment. It was found that the results of the simulation were in close agreement with both the results from the wind tunnel and the in situ tests. The congruence gave added confidence to the veracity of the simulations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Chromatin structure in neuronal and neuroglial cell nuclei as a function of age.

: Nuclei from the cerebral cortices of animals of different ages were separated into neuronal and neuroglial populations. Nuclei from cerebellar neurons were also studied. Using the enzyme micrococcal nuclease as a probe for chromatin structure, we found that the DNA from both neuronal preparations showed a decreased susceptibility to digestion during aging, although the onset of this alteration varies. In addition, both neuronal populations showed dramatic increases in the nucleosome spacing of the chromatin. Cerebral neuronal chromatin has a repeat length (nucleosome core and linker region) of 164 base pairs at 22 days and 11 months, 186 base pairs at 24 months, and 199 base pairs at 30 months. Cerebellar neuronal chromatin has a repeat of 188 base pairs at both 22 days and 11 months, 208 base pairs at 24 months, and 243 base pairs at 30 months. Neuroglial chromatin, on the other hand, showed no change in either accessibility to nuclease or repeat length.
Total Emission Detection for Efficient and Affordable Two-Photon Fluctuation Correlation Spectroscopy (2P-Fcs)

Two-photon excitation is a convenient means to generate a tiny “privileged” excitation volume in solution or within a cell; within that sub-fL volume, one may glean photophysical properties: triplet quantum yield, diffusion rate, blinking probability, brightness, conformational mobility, etc. We recently developed the Total Emission Detection (TED) method and devices to recover the entirety of emission from cells and tissues being probed with multiphoton excitation (Combs et al., J Microsc. 2007, v.228,pp.330-7). TED is being exploited now for single (few) molecule spectroscopy studies such as FCS, PCHA, FLIM-FCS, etc. These approaches demand not only high light collection and detection efficiency but also negligible contribution from artifacts arising from detector dark noise and after-pulsing. The latter usually necessitate the use of expensive TE-cooled avalanche photodiodes (APDs) or hybrid PMTs.In this study we show that conventional large-area photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), tightly coupled with TED devices, help overcome challenges arising from highly scattering samples, low signal-to-noise ratios and afterpulses coming after true fluorescence photon detection. In some TED versions, a conventional non-descanned detection (NDD) pathway for fluorescence is still available, so a second PMT can be employed for one- or two-color cross-correlation (FCCS).In short, TED increases “effective” quantum efficiency enough for one to use less expensive PMTs as FCS/FCCS detectors, and this also permits one to select among PMTs with better picosecond, nanosecond or microsecond behaviors compared to APDs.
Reliability evaluation of thermally actuated micromachined relays for space applications

This paper reports results on electrical characteristics, evaluation of design, and reliability of the first commercially available micromachined relays. The parts have been characterized in a wide range of temperatures (from 100 degrees C to +180 degrees C) and load conditions (voltages from 10 V to 70 V and currents from 5 mA to 200 mA). Mechanical integrity of the parts has been evaluated by subjecting them to multiple mechanical shocks in the range from 100 G to 1000 G up to 10,000 shocks. Life testing was performed at different contact voltages and current loads during 10 8 switching cycles. To simulate space operation conditions, characteristics of the parts were monitored during vacuum testing. Typical failure modes associated with different test conditions are discussed.
The truth will out: interrogative polygraphy ("lie detection") with event-related brain potentials.

The feasibility of using Event Related Brain Potentials (ERPs) in Interrogative Polygraphy (“Lie Detection”) was tested by examining the effectiveness of the Guilty Knowledge Test designed by Farwell and Donchin (1986, 1988). The subject is assigned an arbitrary task requiring discrimination between experimenter-designated targets and other, irrelevant stimuli. A group of diagnostic items (“probes”), which to the unwitting are indistinguishable from the irrelevant items, are embedded among the irrelevant. For subjects who possess “guilty knowledge” these probes are distinct from the irrelevants and are likely to elicit a P300, thus revealing their possessing the special knowledge that allows them to differentiate the probes from the irrelevants. We report two experiments in which this paradigm was tested. In Experiment 1, 20 subjects participated in one of two mock espionage scenarios and were tested for their knowledge of both scenarios. All stimuli consisted of short phrases presented for 300 ms each at an interstimulus interval of 1550 ms. A set of items were designated as “targets” and appeared on 17% of the trials. Probes related to the scenarios also appeared on 17% of the trials. The rest of the items were irrelevants. Subjects responded by pressing one switch following targets, and the other following irrelevants (and, of course, probes). ERPs were recorded from Fz, Cz, and Pz. As predicted, targets elicited large P300s in all subjects. Probes associated with a given scenario elicited a P300 in subjects who participated in that scenario. A bootstrapping method was used to assess the quality of the decision for each subject. The algorithm declared the decision indeterminate in 12.5% of the cases. In all other cases a decision was made. There were no false positives and no false negatives: whenever a determination was made it was accurate. The second experiment was virtually identical to the first, with identical results, except that this time 4 subjects were tested, each of which had a minor brush with the law. Subjects were tested to determine whether they possessed information on their own “crimes.” The results were as expected; the Guilty Knowledge Test determined correctly which subject possessed which information. The implications of these data both for the practice of Interrogative Polygraphy and the interpretation of the P300 are discussed.
Robust control and rate coordination for efficiency and fairness in ABR traffic with explicit rate marking

The problem of efficiency and fairness of Available Bit Rate (ABR) traffic with Explicit Rate (ER) marking is investigated from a control point of view. It is revealed that due to significant uncertainty on time delays in ABR traffic and strong interaction among switches, ABR traffic imposes a great challenge to control strategy development. Focusing on robustness of congestion control and asymptotic fairness, we propose a new control strategy that employs robust control to accommodate delay uncertainty and rate coordination for fairness. Interaction between these two control actions leads to a non-standard multi-objective control problem. Overall stability of the system and convergence to fairness are rigorously analyzed. Conditions are presented under which robust stability and convergence are guaranteed. Simulation tests are then performed to demonstrate that a redesign of feedback controllers may become necessary to satisfy these conditions.
Transforming traditional Tai Ji Quan techniques into integrative movement therapy—Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance

Tai Ji Quan, developed as a martial art, has traditionally served multiple purposes, including self-defense, competition/performance, and health promotion. With respect to health, the benefits historically and anecdotally associated with Tai Ji Quan are now being supported by scientific and clinical research, with mounting evidence indicating its potential value in preventing and managing various diseases and improving well-being and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. The research findings produced to date have both public health significance and clinical relevance. However, because of its roots in the martial arts, transforming traditional Tai Ji Quan movements and training approaches into contemporary therapeutic programs and functional applications is needed to maximize its ultimate utility. This paper addresses this issue by introducing Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, a functional therapy that involves the use of Tai Ji Quan principles and Yang-style-based movements to form an innovative, contemporary therapeutic approach that integrates motor, sensory, and cognitive components to improve postural control, gait, and mobility for older adults and those who have neurodegenerative movement impairments. It provides a synergy of traditional and contemporary Tai Ji Quan practice with the ultimate goal of improving balance and gait, enhancing performance of daily functional tasks, and reducing incidence of falls among older adults.
Regulation of Initiation and Transcription by E. coli RNA Polymerase Sigma Region 1.2 and Promoter Sequence

Although much progress has been made in the study of transcription initiation by E. coli RNA polymerase (RNAP), many questions still remain regarding the “isomerization” steps which open the DNA and stabilize the transcription-competent open promoter complex. Large scale conformational changes in RNAP and promoter DNA occur, and allosteric communication occurs over large distances, but the details are poorly understood. are these mechanistic steps universal or promoter-specific? How do they relate to transcriptional output? To address these questions, we are determining the kinetics of transcription initiation and transcription product distribution at the model bacteriophage promoters T7A1 and ΔPR, which exhibit very different kinetic and transcriptional behavior, as well as several variants of both. These promoter sequences differ greatly in the “discriminator” region between the −10 element and the transcription start site. The nontemplate strand of the discriminator region is known to interact with region 1.2 of the RNAP σ subunit, stabilizing the open promoter complex. Our results show that this interaction is coupled to the assembly of RNAP downstream mobile elements (DME) on duplex promoter DNA. Together, σ 1.2-discriminator interactions and DME assembly increase lifetimes of open complexes up to 105-fold and control the RNA product distribution (i.e., short abortives versus long transcripts). The DME are also targets of regulation by proteins such as T7 gp2, and are proposed to be involved in interactions between RNAP and far upstream DNA which affect the kinetics of putting the downstream duplex in the active site cleft and opening it. These studies show that discriminator interactions with σ 1.2 control the structure, lifetime, and transcriptional outputs of the final open complex, suggesting that the discriminator region may be critically important for transcription regulation in the cell.
Teachers and laypersons discern quality differences between narratives produced by children with or without SLI.

Purpose To examine the functional impact of specific language impairment (SLI). Specific goals were to determine whether (a) subjective ratings of narrative quality differentiate children with SLI ...
Cell-Based Therapies for Diabetes: Progress towards a Transplantable Human β Cell Line

Achieving normoglycemia is the goal of diabetes therapy. Potentially, there are many ways to achieve this goal, including transplantation of cells exhibiting glucose-responsive insulin secretion. However, to be applicable to the large number of people who might benefit from beta cell replacement, an unlimited supply of beta cells must be found. To address this problem, we have been developing cell lines from the human endocrine pancreas. In one case, a cell line, betalox5, has been developed from human islets that can be induced under some circumstances to differentiate into functional beta cells exhibiting appropriate glucose-responsive insulin secretion. Inducing differentiation is complex, requiring the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including those downstream of those involved in cell-cell contact and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. In addition, transfer of the PDX-1 gene is also necessary to render the cells competent for differentiation. However, it is clear that many other genes are involved in maintaining the commitment of betalox5 cells towards the beta cell lineage. Understanding the complement of genes required to establish and maintain a beta cell lineage commitment would be enormously helpful in efforts to develop a cell line that can be used for beta cell replacement therapies. Here, we provide further information on the characteristics of cell lines that we have developed from the human pancreas that are relevant to the development of a beta cell replacement therapy for diabetes.
Prospective evaluation of a discriminant function for prediction of recurrent symptomatic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in coronary artery disease patients receiving amiodarone and having inducible ventricular tachycardia at electrophysiologic study

Induction of ventricular tachycardia (VT) at electrophysiologic study in patients taking amiodarone poorly predicts recurrence of VT. Consequently, a discriminant function was developed (using parameters based on retrospective data) that appeared to identify high-risk patients. These parameters included ventricular effective refractory period, corrected QT interval, initiation of a repetitive ventricular response and the mode of VT induction. In the present study these parameters were prospectively evaluated in 60 patients with coronary artery disease and sustained VT or ventricular fibrillation (VF), in whom VT was still induced at electrophysiologic study during amiodarone therapy. Thirteen patients had recurrent events (sudden death in 8 and sustained VT in 5) and 47 patients had no symptomatic arrhythmia recurrence (follow-up for 16 +/- 2 months, mean +/- standard error of the mean). The ventricular effective refractory period, corrected QT interval and presence of a repetitive ventricular response did not discriminate between patients with and without symptomatic arrhythmia recurrence. However, an easier mode of VT induction during amiodarone therapy versus control was highly predictive of arrhythmia recurrence: 9 of 13 (69%) recurrences were in this group. In contrast, only 4 of 44 (9%) patients who had either the same or harder mode of VT induction had a recurrent event. Overall, 9 of 16 (56%) patients with an easier mode of VT induction had a recurrence, including 6 of the 8 patients with subsequent sudden cardiac death. It is concluded that electrophysiologic testing during amiodarone therapy is useful to identify high-risk patients.
Development and Validation of an Echocardiographic Model for Predicting Progression of Discrete Subaortic Stenosis in Children

Abstract The clinical course of discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) varies considerably between patients. This study was performed to identify echocardiographic characteristics of DSS that distinguish progressive from nonprogressive disease. The study included 100 patients from 2 institutions and was performed in 2 stages. In phase I, a prediction model was developed based on multivariate analysis of morphometric and Doppler variables obtained from the initial echocardiogram in 52 children with DSS from Texas Children’s Hospital. In phase II, the performance characteristics of the prediction model were tested in 48 patients with DSS followed at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Patients were divided into 3 outcome groups: nonprogressive, progressive, and intermediate progression. In phase I, multivariate analysis identified 3 independent predictors of progressive disease: indexed aortic valve to subaortic membrane distance, anterior mitral leaflet involvement, and initial Doppler gradient. The logistic regression equation—Probability = [1 + e −(−3.22+0.334X 1 +4.06X 2 −0.708X 3 ) ] −1 , where X = initial gradient in mm Hg; X 2 = absence (0) or presence (1) of mitral leaflet involvement; and X 3 = indexed distance between aortic valve and subaortic membrane in mm/body surface area 0.5 were used to predict progression. When the prediction model was applied to phase II study patients, none of the patients with nonprogressive DSS had a prediction value >0.29 and none of the patients with progressive DSS had a prediction value 0.55 yielded a 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for distinguishing progressive from nonprogressive DSS. Patients with intermediate progression were indistinguishable from progressive DSS but were clearly separable from nonprogressing patients. We conclude that progressive subaortic obstruction in children with DSS can be predicted from morphologic, morphometric, and Doppler echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular outflow.
Scientific Work Environments In The Next Decade

The applications of contemporary computer graphics to scientific visualization is described, with emphasis on the nonintuitive problems. A radically different approach is proposed which centers on the idea of the scientist being in the simulation display space rather than observing it on a screen. Interaction is performed with nonstandard input devices to preserve the feeling of being immersed in the three-dimensional display space. Construction of such a system could begin now with currently available technology.
Power spectral density of subsonic jet noise

The power-spectrum density (PSD) of the far-field noise of a subsonic unheated axisymmetric jet is investigated by analysis of about 80 sets of published noise spectra and of spectra obtained using 12.7 and 25.4-mm-diameter compressed-air jets at exit velocities 66 and 104 m/s and 67 and 91 m/s, respectively, in the NASA Langley anechoic flow facility. The results are presented in tables and graphs and characterized in detail. Findings reported include Strouhal-number scaling of the PSD at theta = 30 deg or more, scaling with the product of the Helmholtz number and the Doppler factor at theta less than 30 deg, best collapse at source convection Mach number 0.5, variation of PSD amplitude as U to the 6.5th at theta = 90 deg, and no sharp PSD-amplitude variation at any critical Reynolds number.
Reliability of the psychophysical approach to manual lifting of liquids by females.

The psychophysical method for setting lifting standards was evaluated by having seven, female college students lift at four diiferent frequencies (1, 3, 6 and 12 lifts min−1). Only one lifting session was performed in a 24 hour period. During the 4 hour lifting task, subjects were asked to select the amount of water that they believed they could lift comfortably for 8 hours. Subjects were encouraged to make as many weight changes as they needed. Each time the weight was changed the carton was weighed and the time was recorded. At 15 min intervals, subjects were asked about their degree of confidence (DOC) that the current weight was the maximum acceptable one for an 8 hour shift. Oxygen consumption was measured at 30,120 and 240 min of the task. The weights chosen by the subjects at 30 min did not differ significantly from the 4 hour values for frequencies of 1, 3 and 6 lifts min−1. However, at 12 lifts min−1 the weight decreased with time such that the 4 hour value was 23% lower than the weight chosen af...
Planning for the Future A Model for Using the Principles of Transition to Guide the Development of Behavior Intervention Plans

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates the implementation of a behavior intervention plan based on a functional behavioral assessment when a student’s behavior necessitates...
Lysis of cariogenic and noncariogenic oral streptococci with lysozyme.

A method is described for lysing cariogenic and noncariogenic streptococci with lysozyme. It suggests that the lysozyme may affect oral populations of streptococci.
REDUCED TRANSITION PROBABILITIES FOR HIGH SPIN STATES IN 232Th

Abstract The lifetimes and reduced transition probabilities for spins 6 + − 18 + in the ground-state rotational band of 232 Th have been measured by recoil-distance, Doppler-broadened lineshape, and multiple Coulomb excitation methods using 84 Kr and 136 Xe projectiles. Within the limits of experimental uncertainty, transition probabilities from all of the methods are consistent with those of a good rotor for spins 6 + − 18 + . The descrepancy with the prediction of simple β-band mixing and centrifugal stretching models is discussed.
Predictive relationship of osteopathic manual medicine grades and COMLEX-USA Level 1 total scores and osteopathic principles and practice subscores.

CONTEXT Osteopathic manual medicine (OMM) encompasses hands-on diagnosis and treatment as part of patient care. The area of osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) is considered a core competency for students and practitioners of this medical tradition. The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA (COMLEX-USA) is a useful tool for assessing candidates' competency. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship of COMLEX-USA Level 1 total scores and OPP subscores with OMM course grades, and to determine if these grades are predictive of COMLEX-USA Level 1 OPP performance. METHODS The authors collected data-COMLEX-USA Level 1 total and OPP subscores, OMM grades (written, practical, and total for first and second academic years), sex, and age-for a cohort of osteopathic medical students at a single institution, and these data were then analyzed by means of correlation analysis. RESULTS Records were obtained from a second-year class of osteopathic medical students (N=217). The authors' analysis of total scores and OPP subscores on COMLEX-USA Level 1 yielded a statistically significant correlation with all variables. Although the correlations were moderate, second-year written examination grades showed the strongest association with the COMLEX-USA Level 1 OPP subscores (r=0.530) and total scores (r=0.566). CONCLUSION Performance in the second-year OMM written examination could identify students potentially at risk for poor performance on COMLEX-USA Level 1.
Quantitative histochemistry of cartilage. Alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in different zones of rachitic rat cartilage during healing.

1. The quantitative distribution of alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in proliferating and hypertrophic zones of rachitic rat cartilage during healing induced by vitamin D administration or starvation is presented. 2. Alkaline phosphatase activity in the hypertrophic zone is about three times greater than that of the proliferating zone of the normal weanling rat and approximately four times greater in the rachitic rats. 3. Following a single dose of vitamin D (8000 I. U.) there was a significant elevation in alkaline phosphatase activity of the proliferating zone. A less significant increase was observed in the proliferating zone of rats which had breen fasted 48 hours. 4. There was a significant decrease in the alkaline phosphatase activity of the central region of hypertrophic zone of cartilage after vitamin D treatment. No such decrease was observed in the fasted rats. 5. In the normal weanling rat glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) activity was greater in the proliferating zone as compared to the hypertrophic zone. In the untreated rachitic rat the enzyme content was about the same in the two zones. 6. Following vitamin D treatment there was an appreciable decrease in the G-6-PDH activity. No such decrease was observed in the fasted rat.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the neurotoxic effects of DSP-4 identifies two populations of noradrenergic axon terminals

Abstract N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) is a potent and highly selective neurotoxin which induces degeneration of noradrenergic axons. The effects of DSP-4 vary considerably in different brain regions: the drug produces nearly complete depletion of noradrenaline in neocortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord, but only partial depletion in hypothalamus and brainstem. In this study we have employed an immunohistochemical method to assess the neurotoxic effects of DSP-4 on the structural integrity of central noradrenergic neurons in the rat, and to identify those noradrenergic axons that remain in the central nervous system 2–4 weeks after DSP-4 treatment. The staining results identified noradrenergic axon terminals as the principal site of action of DSP-4; noradrenergic cell bodies and preterminal axons were not noticeably affected. DSP-4 produced an almost all or none neurotoxic effect on noradrenergic axon terminals in different brain regions. Nearly all noradrenergic axon terminals were destroyed in the neocortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, thalamus, tectum, cerebellum and spinal cord dorsal horn. In contrast, most noradrenergic axons were unaffected in the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, reticular formation, brainstem motor nuclei and spinal cord ventral horn. These remaining noradrenergic axon terminals differed morphologically from sensitive axons by their thickness, size and spacing of their varicosities and their dense arborizations within terminal fields. The distribution of noradrenergic axons susceptible to DSP-4 correlates very closely with the distribution of locus coeruleus axons and possibly all regions in which noradrenergic terminals are unaffected by DSP-4 receive their major noradrenergic input from non-locus coeruleus neurons. This study provides the first direct evidence that DSP-4 destroys noradrenergic axon terminals from the locus coeruleus, but not those from non-locus coeruleus neurons. This profound differential sensitivity of noradrenergic axons to DSP-4 is matched by distinct differences in their morphology and their topographic projections. The results support the view that locus coeruleus and non-locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons constitute two separate subsystems, which differ not only in their projections but also with respect to the pharmacological properties of their axon terminals.
Audiovisual Spoken Word Recognition by Children with Cochlear Implants

This study examined how prelingually deafened children with cochlear implants combine visual information from lip-reading with auditory cues in an open-set speech perception task. A secondary aim was to examine lexical effects on the recognition of words in isolation and in sentences. Fifteen children with cochlear implants served as participants in this study. Participants were administered two tests of spoken word recognition. The LNT assessed isolated word recognition in an auditory-only format. The AV-LNST assessed recognition of key words in sentences in a visual-only, auditory-only and audiovisual presentation format. On each test, lexical characteristics of the stimulus items were controlled to assess the effects of lexical competition. The children also were administered a test of receptive vocabulary knowledge. The results revealed that recognition of key words was significantly influenced by presentation format. Audiovisual speech perception was best, followed by auditory-only and visual-only pr...
Par6α signaling controls glial-guided neuronal migration

Neuronal migrations along glial fibers provide a primary pathway for the formation of cortical laminae. To examine the mechanisms underlying glial-guided migration, we analyzed the dynamics of cytoskeletal and signaling components in living neurons. Migration involves the coordinated two-stroke movement of a perinuclear tubulin 'cage' and the centrosome, with the centrosome moving forward before nuclear translocation. Overexpression of mPar6α disrupts the perinuclear tubulin cage, retargets PKCζ and γ-tubulin away from the centrosome, and inhibits centrosomal motion and neuronal migration. Thus, we propose that during neuronal migration the centrosome acts to coordinate cytoskeletal dynamics in response to mPar6α-mediated signaling.
Bioluminescence of colonial radiolaria in the western Sargasso Sea

Abstract Colonial radiolaria (Protozoa: Spumellarida) were a conspicuous feature in surface waters of the Sargasso Sea during the April (1985) Biowatt cruise. The abundance of colonies at the sea surface at one station was estimated to be 23 colonies · m −2 . Bioluminescence by colonial radiolaria, representing at least six taxa, was readily evoked by mechanical stimuli and measured by fast spectroscopy and photon-counting techniques. Light emission was deep blue in color (peak emissions between 443 and 456 nm) and spectral distributions were broad (average half bandwidth of 80 nm). Single flashes were 1–2 s in duration at ≈23 °C, with species-dependent kinetics which were not attributed to differences in colony morphology, since colonies similar in appearance could belong to different species (even families) and display different flash kinetics. Although the presence of dinoflagellate symbionts was confirmed by the presence of dinoflagellate marker pigments in the colonies, luminescence in the radiolaria examined most likely did not originate from symbiotic dinoflagellates because of (1) differences in the emission spectra, (2) unresponsiveness to low pH stimulation, (3) differences in flash kinetics and photon emission of light emission, and (4) lack of light inhibition. The quantal content of single flashes averaged 1 × 10 9 photons flash −1 , and colonies were capable of prolonged light emission. The mean value of bioluminescence potential based on measurements of total mechanically stimulated bioluminescence was 1.2 × 10 11 photons · colony −1 . It is estimated that colonial radiolaria are capable of producing ≈2.8 × 10 12 photons · m −2 of sea surface. However, this represented only 0.5% of in situ measured bioluminescence potential.