cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac magnetic resonance versus SPECT: are all noninfarct myocardial regions created equal?

Current myocardial viability studies suggest that, independent of the noninvasive technique used, quantification of myocardial infarct size is important and provides a reasonable likelihood for recovery of function after revascularization. The likelihood of recovery of function is closely related to the ratio of the admixture of scarred and viable myocardium within the dysfunctional regions. The greater the extent of scarred myocardium, the lower the probability for recovery of function. However, the notion that all noninfarct myocardial regions are “created equal,” and are viable, may be an oversimplification of the rather complex relationship between cardiac myocytes and nonmyocyte cells (such as fibroblasts), extracellular matrix collagen and metalloproteinases, perivascular fibrosis, and regional contraction. Noninfarct but dysfunctional regions of the left ventricle may represent areas of stunned, hibernating, or remodeled myocardium. Although the argument can be made that differentiation between stunned and hibernating myocardium may be clinically extraneous, as both dysfunctional regions will improve function after successful revascularization, a similar argument cannot be made for viable but remodeled myocardium. Successful revascularization may not necessarily translate to im-proved global LV function if the remote, remodeled myocardium has significant interstitial fibrosis interspersed within normal-appearing myocytes. In such patients perhaps aggressive medical therapy with ACE inhibitors (combined with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers or other drugs) may be more appropriate. Medical therapy may prevent or even regress LV remodeling. 24 Future randomized clinical trials could provide further insight into the strengths and limitations of these noninvasive techniques and our understanding of myocardial processes in dysfunctional but viable myocardium.
Studies of the metabolism of myelin basic proteins in various regions of the central nervous system of immature and adult rats

Summary The metabolism of the myelin basic proteins of the rat CNS was investigated by intracisternal injection of radioactive tryptophan into immature and adult animals. Myelin from frontal lobe, forebrain, brain stem and spinal cord was isolated, and the two myelin basic proteins were extracted and purified by preparative gel electrophoresis. The specific radioactivity of each of the two proteins was determined. The radioactivity appeared to be present solely in the tryptophan residues. The ratio of the specific activity of the two myelin basic proteins found for all of the CNS areas of both mature and immature animals suggested, to a first approximation at least, that the same pool of tryptophan was utilized in the synthesis of both proteins. Striking differences were found in the labeling patterns of the myelin basic protein isolated from the different regions of the developing CNS, with maximal labeling of the proteins occurring within 4–5 days after injection of the isotope. Turnover of the myelin basic proteins continued in the adult, fully differentiated animals with possible regional differences. In each of the areas of the adult CNS examined it took longer than 5 days for the specific activity of the myelin basic proteins to reach a maximum after injection of the isotope, suggesting that newly formed basic proteins were incorporated more slowly into the myelin sheath in the adult than in the immature animal.
Collaboration Between Architects and Planners in an Urban Design Studio: Potential for Interdisciplinary Learning

Design professionals need to acquire competencies in interdisciplinary, collaborative design practice. Proceeding from this assumption, this paper analyses a case study of a joint project between an architecture studio at Bowling Green State University and a planning seminar at the University of Toledo. Students working in extramural teams developed proposals for the revitalisation of a plaza in Toledo, a historic city in Ohio. The plaza, which in architectural terms represents a blend of Gilded-Age finery, high-order contemporary work and stretches of decay, is in the process of slow regeneration. The main goals were: 1) pedagogical ? to enhance the students' learning experiences by providing them with the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams; and 2) research-orientated ? to examine the differences, if any, in design approaches between the architectural and the planning students. Summary outcomes include an enhanced understanding of the architectural-planning differences and a greater appreciation of the potential for mutual learning.
Purification of Bovine Kidney and Heart Pyruvate Dehydrogenaseb Phosphatase on Sepharose Derivatized with the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from mitochondrial extracts of both beef heart and beef kidney. An essential step in this three-step purification is affinity chromatography of a largely purified phosphatase fraction using Sepharose beads to which pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is covalently bound through the lipoic acid residues of the dihydrolipoyl transacetylase component of the complex. The purified phosphatase, which has a native relative molecular mass, Mr, of about 140000, is composed of two nonidentical subunits of Mr 89000 and 49000.
Clinical practice. Long-term care after hematopoietic-cell transplantation in adults.

A 35-year-old man who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation two years earlier for acute myeloid leukemia has recently moved to a new town. He comes in for a general checkup because he tires easily and has frequent bouts of sinusitis. Physical examination reveals small central cataracts, some patches of vitiligo, and a dry mouth. What are the major issues in the long-term follow-up of patients after successful hematopoietic-cell transplantation?
Electrical conductivity and tracer diffusion in sodium germanate glasses

Abstract Measurements of the electrical conductivity using ac complex impedance techniques and the tracer diffusion coefficient of 22Na have been performed in a series of (x)Na2O(1−x) GeO2 glasses (where 0.0006 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.156). The compositional form of the Haven ratios, calculated from these data, have been interpreted in terms of a single defect model which considers a number of distinctly different jump frequencies for the alkali ion; the magnitude of these different jump frequencies is determined by the proximity of the diffusing alkali ion to a charge-compensating center within the glass network. Attractive interactions between the positive alkali ions and the negative charge-compensating centers cause successive jump directions of the alkali ions to become correlated. In the sodium germanate glasses the negatively-charged centers probably correspond to the six-fold coordinated sites formed upon addition of alkali oxide to GeO2. These negatively-charged trapping centers correspond to non-bridging oxygen sites in alkali silicate glasses.
Coupling a Sensory Artefact to the Brain

THE construction of artificial analogues of sensory receptors has recently become practicable. There are a number of electronic and electro-mechanical techniques for converting external stimuli into discharge trains similar to those initiated by receptors in the afferent peripheral nerves. It is more difficult, however, to devise satisfactory ways of coupling this type of mechanism to the brain so that the sensory influx provides information resulting in the evolution of a realistic motor programme. Although progress has been made in unravelling the “sensory coding” along some receptor channels1,2, much remains to be learned about the nature of sensory signals, their spatio-temporal organization and their interaction patterns. This communication briefly describes an attempt to couple a sensory artefact to brain, which uses a biologically destructive stimulus as an input source and which feeds a neural centre, the output of which has been empirically determined to be appropriate to such an input.
Effects of multiple sessions of true and placebo heart rate biofeedback training on the heart rates and anxiety levels of anxious patients during and following treatment.

Fifty-six adult males who were hospitalized with anxiety related problems were randomly assigned to the conditions formed by a 2 (instructions to increase heart rate, instructions to decrease heart rate) × 3 (true biofeedback, placebo biofeedback, no biofeedback) factorial plus 1 (no-treatment control) design. Subjects were seen for 4 heart rate training/recording sessions and 1 subsequent transfer-test session. Results indicated that: a) neither instructions alone nor the combinations of instructions and true or placebo biofeedback were more effective than simply sitting quietly (adaptation) for decreasing heart rate, b) instructions plus true biofeedback was more effective than instructions alone or instructions plus placebo biofeedback for increasing heart rate, c) multiple sessions of training did not enhance the level of control achieved early in the first session, d) the control achieved with biofeedback did not transfer to a subsequent no-biofeedback situation, and e) biofeedback training did not influence subjects' subjective anxiety levels.
Photic Stimulation as an Aid in Electroencephalography A Report of Three Cases

Summary Three cases of epilepsy are reported, all examined by means of eleotroenceplialography :hiid photic stimulation. This activation method increases the accuracy of the EEG exsniination, and 4 to 8 % of tlie epileptics react positively. During the EEG examinations, the eyes are illuminated from A stroboscope with a lamp emitting very short, brilliant light impulsee of different frequencies. Many normal subjects respond to the intermittent light impulses at certain frequencies with synchronous brain rhythms. Some epileptics will be subjected to seizure discharges in the EEG at certain light frequencies, or tlie patient ail1 have clinical seizures. This was the matter in the three cases described. Resume On rapporte trois cas d'epilepsie, qui ont tous ete examines a l'aide de l'electro-encephalographie et de la stimulation lumineuse. Cette methode d'activation augmente la precision de l'examen EEG et 4 a 8% des epileptiques reagissent positivement. Pendant les examens EEG, les yeux sont illumines par un stroboscope avec une lampe emettant des impulsions tres breves de forte lumiere de differentes frequences. Beaucoup de sujet normaux repondent a la stimulation intermittente de lumiere a certaines frequences par des rythmes synchroniques du cerveau. Certains epileptiques seront soumis a des ondes pathologiques dans EEG a certaines frequences lumineuses, ou le sujet aura des chocs cliniques. Cela a ete le cas chez les trois sujets examines. Zusammenfassung Drei Falle von Epilepsie werden mitgeteilt, welche elcktroencephalografisch mit Lichtstimulation untersucht wurden. Diese Methode, auf welche 4—8% der Epilepsiefalle positiv reagieren, steigert den Wert der EEG-Untersuchung. Die Augen werden vermittelst eines Stroboscopes mit einer Lampe, die sehr kurze scharfe Lichtimpulsen mit wechselnder Frequenz aussendet, beleuchtet. Viele normale Personen reagieren auf die intermittenten Lichtimpulse mit gewissen Frequenzen mit synkronen Gehirnwellen. Gewisse Epileptiker zeigen bei bestimmten Lichtfrequenzen EEG-Veranderungen. In einige Falle wird auch ein kli-nischer Anfall ausgelost, so in samtlichen drei mitgeteilten Fallen. Resumen Nos presenta tres casos de epilepsia, los cuales han sido examinados con ayuda dela electroencefalografia y de estimulos foticos. Este metodo de activar aumenta la precision del examen EEG y de 4 a 8% de los epilepticos reaccionan positivamente. Durante los examenes EEG, los ojos se iluminan por un estroboscopio con una lampara que emite impulsiones muy cortas de luz fuerte de diferentes frecuencias. Muchos de los sujetos normales responden a las impulsiones intermitentes de luz a ciertas frecuencias con ritmos sincronicos del cerebro. Algunos epilepticos seran sometidos a ondas patologicas en EEG a ciertas frecuencias luminosas o el individuo tendra choques clinicos. Este ha sido el caso en los tres individuos examinados.
Statistics gathering converters: System level metrics, simulated performance, and process variation robustness

Analog to digital conversion is often a critical component of a digital communication link. However, the designs of typical architectures for analog to digital converters (ADCs) are focused primarily on signal reconstruction rather than gathering information for the reliable detection of symbols sent through a channel. Therefore, we consider new architectures for statistics gathering converters (SGCs), and demonstrate that these architectures achieve good communication performance while removing the artificial constraints imposed by the typical ADC design metrics. In this paper, we extend previous work on system level metrics for statistics gathering converters (SGCs). For the particular case of the delay-line based SGC, we demonstrate two important facts. First, we consider the comparison between the performance indicated by system level metrics (BER and LMMSE) with the results of a simulated communication scenario utilizing a low complexity least mean squares equalizer. Simulations demonstrate that the system level metrics are an accurate representation of the realizable communication performance of a system using the converter in question, and that such performance can be nearly achieved by the delay-line SGC using a specially designed low complexity (LMS) equalizer that takes into account the particular structure of the SGC. Second, we demonstrate that the communication performance of the delay-line SGC is robust to significant levels of process variation, which manifest in random realizations of the values of the various SGC circuit elements. Notably, this is contrary to the strict requirements on process variation imposed by traditional metrics (SNDR, SFDR, THD) on conventional analog to digital converter designs.
Incorporation of UMTS Future Capabilities for MUOS Evolution

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is DoD's next generation UHF SATCOM system. The MUOS design is based on the commercial 3G UMTS/WCDMA architecture. As a commercial architecture, UMTS is continually evolving to provide new and improved features and services to its customers. By leveraging this architecture and much of its associated ground components, MUOS may also be able to incorporate new UMTS features and services with limited development. This paper discusses some UMTS future capabilities that may be considered for incorporation into future upgrades of MUOS. This includes discussion of the possible benefit to MUOS users, and the extent of interest from commercial vendors in providing these features. The former helps characterize the potential need for the feature, while the latter helps us speculate on how strongly MUOS may leverage evolution of the commercial product.
Wide bandgap III-nitride nanomembranes for optoelectronic applications

Single crystalline nanomembranes (NMs) represent a new embodiment of semiconductors having a two-dimensional flexural character with comparable crystalline perfection and optoelectronic efficacy. In this Letter, we demonstrate the preparation of GaN NMs with a freestanding thickness between 90 to 300 nm. Large-area (>5 × 5 mm2) GaN NMs can be routinely obtained using a procedure of conductivity-selective electrochemical etching. GaN NM is atomically flat and possesses an optical quality similar to that from bulk GaN. A light-emitting optical heterostructure NM consisting of p-GaN/InGaN quantum wells/GaN is prepared by epitaxy, undercutting etching, and layer transfer. Bright blue light emission from this heterostructure validates the concept of NM-based optoelectronics and points to potentials in flexible applications and heterogeneous integration.
Sleep Quality and Alcohol Risk in College Students: Examining the Moderating Effects of Drinking Motives.

AbstractObjective: Sleep problems and alcohol misuse are common issues experienced by college students that can have detrimental effects on overall health. Previous work indicates a strong relationship between poor sleep quality and alcohol risk in this population. This study explored the moderating effect of drinking motives in the relationship between global sleep quality and experience of alcohol-related negative consequences. Participants: College students (N = 1,878) who reported past-month drinking. Methods: Participants completed online surveys assessing sleep and alcohol-related behaviors. Results: Poorer sleep quality and higher drinking motives (coping, conformity, and enhancement) predicted greater alcohol-related consequences, controlling for drinking. Further, coping motives moderated the relationship between sleep quality and consequences such that participants reporting poor sleep and high coping motives experienced heightened levels of consequences. Conclusions: These findings advance the ...
Preparation and analysis of thin polysulfone films under high and low gravitational field environments

The formation of a polymer membrane structure via a solvent casting process is strongly influenced by the rate of solvent removal from the casting solution, the time required to form a thin polymeric layer or skin on the casting solution surface and quenching or exposure of the casting solution to a nonsolvent media. The physical-chemical processes associated with the formation of the membrane are diffusion, mass transfer, convection and precipitation. This study is concerned with a solvent evaporation process that creates thin polysulfone polymer membrane structures that have pore sizes around 1800 A. The solvent evaporation and the polymer/solvent concentration variables were held constant and the only major variable was the gravitational environment which was varied between 2 and 10−5 g. A theoretical model was identified which correlated the mass transfer coefficient (kc) of the solvent removal process with the gravitational environment. Low gravitational fields were observed to reduce the ability of the solvent to be removed from the polymer coating solution which strongly influenced the final morphology of the resulting polysulfone membrane film. The intent of this research program was to better understand the influence of a gravitational field on certain parameters important to the commercial preparation of membrane structures in a ground base environment.
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Contextual Performance: Application to Automated and Vending Service Industry Executives

This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and contextual performance among members of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), representing leaders of the vending, coffee service, and food service management industries. Canonical analysis was used to investigate the relationships between three dimensions of EI—IN, OUT, and RELATIONSHIPS—and two dimensions of contextual performance—Interpersonal Facilitation and Job Dedication. Canonical analysis of the responses of 191 individuals demonstrated that there is a positive relationship between EI scores and contextual performance of NAMA members, as predicted.
Multiphoton ionization photoelectron spectroscopy: a new method for determining vibrational structure of molecular ions

Abstract By selecting various vibronic levels of the intermediate state in resonant two-photon ionization, different vibrational distributions are observed in the resulting photoelectron spectrum. In this manner additional vibrational information is obtained, compared to that found in one-photon VUV PES, including the observation of non-totally symmetric modes. This is illustrated for the chlorobenzene molecule.
Analytical and computational results regarding scalar property in a striatal-beat frequency model of interval timing

The capability of performing interval timing is essential for survival, adaptation and its impairment leads to sever cognitive and/or motor dysfunctions. Although the localization of brain regions essential for interval timing is not yet clear, some progress has been made. For example, both temporal production and temporal perception are strongly connected to striatum and its afferent projections from the substantia nigra pars compacta [1]. Since interval timing deficiencies were found both in peak-interval procedure [1] and the duration bisection procedure [2], it suggests that lesions of these cortical areas and not simple motor deficiencies are the leading causes. We used a distributed network model - the beat frequency model – for modeling the neural network involved in interval timing. The striatal-beat frequency (SBF) model assumes that neural oscillators, loosely localized in prefrontal cortex, produce beats that have periods spanning a much wider range of periods than their intrinsic values [3]. It is assumed that at the beginning of each trial all oscillators are reset and start in phase. At the time of reinforcement or feedback, the oscillators can be read out to determine whether they are spiking. The small group of neurons that are spiking at the time of reinforcement could be considered to represent a neural code for that duration and could be encoded via Hebbian strengthening of the activated synapses. A temporal prediction could be brought about on a new trial by a threshold driven comparison between the number of strengthened neurons currently firing and the number of neurons that fired previously at the time of reinforcement. We investigated both analytically and numerically the properties of the output function generated by the SBF model. This output function mimics behavioral responses of animals in interval timing experiments. We found analytically and checked numerically that in the absence of any kind of variability in the parameters of the SBF model, the width of the output function that measures the spread of behavioral responses only depends on the number of oscillators and the range of frequencies they cover. Therefore, in the absence of parameter variability, the scalar property is violated. However, if variability is allowed, for example in the memorization/retrieval of criterion time, then the output function of SBF model is always Gaussian, which is a consequence of the central limit theorem, regardless the probability distribution function (pdf) of fluctuating parameter. Moreover, we found that the scalar property is also preserved regardless the pdf of fluctuating parameters.
1,2-Naphthoquinone: A mediator of non-enzymatic benzo(a)pyrene oxidation

Abstract 1,2-Naphthoquinone can function as an electron transport component in the non-enzymic oxidation of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]. With reducing equivalents supplied by NADPH, the reaction is proportional to time and the increasing concentrations of 1,2-naphthoquinone, NADPH and B(a)P. The B(a)P metabolites which are formed are comprised of three quinones, two phenols and one dihydrodiol. The nature of the electron transport process in this system is examined.
Clinical Determinants of Mortality in Patients With Angiographically Diagnosed Ischemic or Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives. We sought to characterize the clinical determinants of mortality in patients with angiographically diagnosed ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Background. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy may have a worse prognosis than patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Few studies have assessed the effect of ischemic versus nonischemic etiology on outcomes. Methods. We analyzed prospectively collected data on 3,787 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were considered to have ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 3,112) if they had a history of myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft surgery or at least one major epicardial coronary artery with ≥75% stenosis; all others were considered to have nonischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 675). Results. The median age, ejection fraction and proportion of patients with New York Heart Association functional class III or IV symptoms for the nonischemic and ischemic groups were 55 years versus 63 years, 27% versus 32% and 57% versus 25%, respectively. After adjustment for baseline clinical risk factors and presenting characteristics, ischemic etiology remained an important independent predictor of 5-year mortality (p Conclusions. Ischemic etiology is a significant independent predictor of mortality in patients with cardiomyopathy. However, the extent of coronary artery disease contributes more prognostic information than the clinical diagnosis of ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Further research is needed to refine the clinical definition of ischemic cardiomyopathy so that physicians can appropriately prescribe treatment and accurately predict outcome.
The effect of fast electronic relaxation times on the 1H and 7Li magnetic relaxation dispersion modulated by the translational encounter of cation/cation pairs

Abstract 1 H and 7 Li magnetic relaxation dispersion data are presented, showing the field dependence of the spin–lattice relaxation rates of (H3C)4N+ and Li(H2O)n+ in Gd(III) and Mn(II) solutions. The limit of short electronic relaxation time is observed for Gd(III) up to about 7 T, in contrast to Mn(II) solutions wherein the intermolecular contribution to nuclear relaxation is dominated by relative translational diffusion. These results contradict the assumption made by Fries et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett. 286 (1998) 93) that the electron relaxation times may be neglected in the analysis of tetramethylammonium proton relaxation rates in Gd(III) solutions.
Hydrogen bonding effects on molecular structure: crystallographic studies of barbiturates

Abstract X-ray crystal structure determinations show systematic perturbations of the order of 0.01 A in the oxopyrimidine rings of twelve barbiturate molecules. They appear to be related to the mode of intermolecular NHβO hydrogen bonding.
BIMS/filler interactions. I. Effects of filler structure

Polymer/filler interactions have been found to affect the performance of tire tread, sidewall, innerliner, or carcass and other industrial rubber products that are all based on filled elastomers. Identification of types of various polymer/filler interactions and ranking of their impacts have been elusive. Isobutylene-based polymers have relatively saturated structures and contain very low concentrations of functional group. Examples are BIMS (a brominated isobutylene/p-methylstyrene copolymer) containing p-bromomethylstyrene and p-methylstyrene; bromobutyl rubber containing Br and olefin; chlorobutyl rubber containing Cl and olefin; and butyl rubber containing olefin. On the other hand, high diene rubbers, such as polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and styrene/butadiene rubber, have unsaturated backbones and high olefin contents. Hence, different types and extents of interaction with reinforcing fillers, such as carbon black (CB) or silica, are expected in these two classes of elastomer. This work employs bound rubber (solvent extraction), viscoelasticity, stress–strain measurements, and solid state NMR to identify, differentiate, and scale polymer/filler interactions in unvulcanized BIMS/CB, BIMS/silica, SBR/CB, and SBR/silica composites, where SBR denotes a styrene/butadiene rubber. Four different types of CB and one type of silica have been studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4943–4956, 2006
The meaning of friendship across the life‐span: Two studies

Details of two studies aimed at the initial exploration of friendship among the elderly and across the life‐span are reported in this article. In Study One, twenty elderly subjects were interviewed to determine the way in which they conceptualize friendship. The interview data were reduced through analytic induction and cluster analysis. Results produced nine (9) definitional clusters consisting of: (1.) Devotion; (2.) Commonality; (3.) Reciprocity; (4.) Relational Stratification; (5.) Frequent Contact; (6.) Positive Attributions; (7.) Positive Impact; (8.) Understanding; and (9.) Familial Comparison. Based on the results obtained in the first study, the second study developed and piloted an interval level instrument for the assessment of friendship intimacy. The General Inventory of Friendship Intimacy (GIFI) was factor analyzed and found to have two dimensions. The factors were labeled: (1.) Reciprocation, and (2.) Absent Dysfunction. The second study also compared elderly responses to the GIFI scale wi...
Influence of Clinical Characteristics and Shock Occurrence on ICD Patient Outcome: A Multicenter Report

Data on 1,281 patients from the Bilitch impIantabje cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) registry were reviewed to evaluate ICD patient characteristics and survival, and the impact of ICD shock occurrence on outcome. The mean ejection fraction was 34.3%; 78% had coronary disease, 471 patients had at least one shock thought to be appropriate, and 231 patients died. Causes of death included: arrhythmic (41%), nonarrhythmic cardiac (37%), and noncardiac (22%). Cumulative survival from all-cause mortality at 1, 3, and 5 years was 89%, 76%, and 64%; survival from all-cause cardiac death was 93%, 90%, and 76%; survival from arrhythmic death was 96%, 92%, and 87%. Patients who had received a shock had a trend towards a worse long-term prognosis. Shock patients also had a small increase in the prevalence of coronary disease and a somewhat lower ejection fraction than the remainder of the population.
Effects of Induced Mild Hyperthyroidism on Serum Protein-Bound Iodine, Thyroxine Distribution Volume, and Biological Half-Life of Thyroxine-131I in Dairy Cattle,

Abstract Lactating and dry dairy cattle of several breeds were injected with exogenous l-thyroxine at levels 25 and 50% in excess of the normal thyroid hormone secretion rate. The biological half-life of l-thyroxine 131 I became shorter as the degree of induced hyperthyroidism increased. Serum protein-bound iodine levels increased markedly above control values as the level of injected l-thyroxine increased. Thyroxine distribution volume showed an apparent increase over control values at 125 and 150% of normal thyroid secretion rate, but values at the 150% level declined below those at the 125% level. Thyroid secretion rates of control animals as determined by replacement technique and isotope dilution technique were in fair agreement with each other. The calculated utilization rates of l-thyroxine at the 125 and 150% of normal thyroid secretion rate level were two to three times higher than the known amounts of l-thyroxine injected daily. Excess thyroxine, up to 50% above normal secretion rate, seemed to have been eliminated from the body by rapid removal from the blood after the thyroxine-binding proteins were saturated.
Similarity of bacteriorhodopsin structural changes triggered by chromophore removal and light-driven proton transport

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is the light-driven proton pump found in the purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarium. A series of conformational changes occur during the bR photocycle which involve alterations in buried-helical structure as well as in the protonation state of Asp residues which are part of the proton transport pathway. Here we report evidence that similar conformational changes occur upon removal of the retinylidene chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin to form the apoprotein bacterioopsin (bO). This suggests a simple ligand-binding model of proton transport in bacteriorhodopsin which may have relevance to other transport and signal transducing membrane proteins including the visual photoreceptor rhodopsin.
PERIPHERAL BLOOD FLOW IN INFANTS WITH HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE

Blood flow was studied by venous occlusion plethysmography in 13 infants requiring either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or assisted ventilation for hyaline membrane disease. Infants were studied at one to 5 days of age. Individual infants were studied on up to 4 different days. The system used consisted of a blood pressure cuff applied to the thigh and a mercury strain gauge applied circumferentially to the mid-calf (Kidd et al, 1966). Arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured directly. Venous occlusion was accomplished by inflating the cuff to a pressure below that of the diastolic BP. Blood flow ranged from 3.8 to 14.3 ml/100 gm of tissue/ minute. For each infant, values were reproducible on a given day, but labile from day to day. The observed values were higher than those reported by Kidd et al, possibly because of changing practices regarding intravenous fluids and blood transfusion. Changes in blood flow could not be predicted from changes in BP, central hematocrit, or volume of blood withdrawn for laboratory studies. Blood lactate, base deficit or requirements for intravenous bicarbonate could not be predicted from blood flow. CPAP at pressures up to 6 cm H2O did not significantly reduce blood flow. A low blood flow in the first 24 hours suggested that blood transfusion was morelikely to be required subsequently during the course of the disease.
The logic of existence

IT IS commonly believed that questions of existence are properly topics of enquiry belonging to the empirical sciences or to some branch of philosophy-like metaphysics-other than logic. In this paper, I hope to show that logic has never completely avoided some involvement with certain questions about existence; that when certain of these involvements which had been implicit were made explicit, the power and utility of the logic were enhanced; that there still remain tacit or implicit involvements of logic with questions of existence; and that these can be removed in ways that will make modern logic a more powerful instrument of analysis than it can become in its present form. Tacit Presuppositions of Abstract Systems. Every system of logic is an abstract, formal system. Every abstract, formal system-hence every system of logic-is developed against a background of presuppositions and assumptions. Some of these presuppositions or assumptions are made explicit in
Gender Differences in Nitric Oxide Production by Alveolar Macrophages in Ethanol plus Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Rats

Abstract Alveolar macrophages (AMs) constitute an important first line of host defense against infection in the lung, and NO is an essential component of the microbicidal activity of cytokine-activated macrophages. Previously we studied the respiratory burst, protein kinase C activity, and NO generation in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated AMs and gender differences in phagocytosis in ethanol (EtOH)-intoxicated rats. Now we have investigated NO production by AMs in EtOH plus LPS-treated male and female rats. Rats were infused iv with EtOH for 3 h to a blood level of ∼180 mg/dl. At 90 min of infusion,Escherichia coliLPS (750 μg/kg) was injected iv. Controls received saline (SAL) + LPS. AMs were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage and cultured for 20 h in the absence and presence of LPS, interferon-γ (IFN), and LPS + IFN. Nitrite was determined in the medium and was taken as an index of NO production. EtOH alone resulted in no significant differences compared with SAL infusion. LPS treatment caused a decrease in basal and an increase in LPS and IFN-stimulated generation of NO in males and females. EtOH + LPS treatment vs EtOH showed no significant differences. There are gender differences in both spontaneous andin vitrostimulated NO production by AMs. AMs of female rats treated with SAL + LPS released significantly more NO spontaneously than AMs of equally treated male rats. Cells of SAL + LPS-treated male rats activatedin vitroby LPS and IFN-γ produced significantly greater amounts of NO than AMs of female rats. These differences in activated induction of NO production were abrogated by ethanol treatment.
Adenosine differentially amplifies luteinizing hormone- over follicle-stimulating hormone-mediated effects in acute cultures of rat granulosa cells.

Adenosine has been shown to acutely amplify LH-dependent events in luteal cells and FSH-dependent events in granulosa cells. In this study, the specificity of purines on mature rat granulosa cell ATP levels in short term culture was assessed, and a comparison of the relative effect of adenosine on amplification of FSH- and LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation was made. Adenosine rapidly and significantly increased ATP levels in granulosa cells. This effect was maximal (∼2-fold) within 60 min of culture and occurred in the absence or presence of FSH or LH. The increase in granulosa cell ATP levels by adenosine was dose dependent, with half-maximal and maximum responses of 10 and 30 μM adenosine, respectively. Dipyridamole (10 μM), a purine transport inhibitor, blocked the adenosine-dependent increase in granulosa cell ATP levels. Adenosine and 5′-AMP were equipotent in increasing cell ATP levels; adenine also increased ATP levels, but was significantly less active ∼(50% of adenosine), whereas hypoxanthine, inos...
Nature of bonding in the sulfuryl group.

The SO sulfuryl bond in a number of representative sulfoxides and sulfones has been studied at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level in the atoms-in-molecules (AIM) approach involving the AIM delocalization index and the Cioslowski–Mixon localized orbitals and associated covalent bond order. The sulfuroxygen covalent bond is strongly polarized toward oxygen and the oxygen lone pairs provide significant backbonding to create short and strong SO bonds, similar in nature to those found in the analogous phosphoryl (PO) bond. Although the sulfoxides in general have larger delocalization indices than the sulfones, there is no correlation between these quantities and the bond dissociation energies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 734–738, 2004
Fundamental Limit to Delay-Bandwidth Product in One-Dimensional Linear Optical Structures

This delay-bandwidth product is shown to be bounded essentially by the maximum available relative dielectric constant times the length of the structure in wavelengths, and is otherwise independent of structure design and dielectric constant spectrum.
Dependence of the 3p electron energy loss spectra of nickel on momentum transfer

Abstract The Fano lineshape of the threshold region in nickel 3p electron energy loss spectra is observed to change as the incident electron energy is lowered from 1000 to 150 eV. This change is attributed to changes in momentum transfer over the energy range investigated. The lineshape changes are consistent with a change of Fano's parameter q from 0.95 to 1.2, with significant deviations from the predicted Fano lineshape at the lowest incident energy. A satellite peak ∼12 eV above the 3p threshold is observed to decrease in intensity relative to the principal line.
Holliday Junction Processing Activity of the BLM-Topo IIIα-BLAP75 Complex

BLM, the protein mutated in Bloom's syndrome, possesses a helicase activity that can dissociate DNA structures, including the Holliday junction, expected to arise during homologous recombination. BLM is stably associated with topoisomerase IIIα (Topo IIIα) and the BLAP75 protein. The BLM-Topo IIIα-BLAP75 (BTB) complex can efficiently resolve a DNA substrate that harbors two Holliday junctions (the double Holliday junction) in a non-crossover manner. Here we show that the Holliday junction unwinding activity of BLM is greatly enhanced as a result of its association with Topo IIIα and BLAP75. Enhancement of this BLM activity requires both Topo IIIα and BLAP75. Importantly, Topo IIIα cannot be substituted by Escherichia coli Top3, and the Holliday junction unwinding activity of BLM-related helicases WRN and RecQ is likewise impervious to Topo IIIα and BLAP75. However, the topoisomerase activity of Topo IIIα is dispensable for the enhancement of the DNA unwinding reaction. We have also ascertained the requirement for the BLM ATPase activity in double Holliday junction dissolution and DNA unwinding by constructing, purifying, and characterizing specific mutant variants that lack this activity. These results provide valuable information concerning how the functional integrity of the BTB complex is governed by specific protein-protein interactions among the components of this complex and the enzymatic activities of BLM and Topo IIIα.
The ophthalmic innervation of the uvea in monkeys.

Abstract The distribution of ophthalmic nerve fibres in the uvea of four rhesus and two cynomolgous monkeys was determined using the electron microscope in conjunction with ophthalmic neurotomy or crushing. Ophthalmic fibres entered the eyeball in the ciliary nerves, which passed in the suprachoroid to the anterior regions of the eye. No evidence of ophthalmic fibres terminating in the choroid was found. Ophthalmic fibres were observed in the anterior stroma of the ciliary body. Many of these fibres lay close to the filtration angle and appeared to terminate in this region. Others passed through the ciliary muscle without distributing to it. Some monkeys lacked an ophthalmic innervation of the iris and others had a small ophthalmic supply, which was concentrated near the root. Ophthalmic nerve lesions did not induce a cellular reaction in the uvea other than the neural one. Many ophthalmic nerve fibres in the intra-ocular ciliary nerves are myelinated but upon dividing the myelin sheath was usually lost. It is argued that the ophthalmic nerve fibres in the anterior stroma of the ciliary body and in the iris root are responsible for serving the sensation of pain, although it is possible that some of these fibres form the afferent link in a neural control of the intraocular pressure. Since no ophthalmic fibres were seen to distribute to the ciliary muscle, it is unlikely that they are conveying proprioception.
Replication of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Importance Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important cause of posterior uveitis in tuberculosis-endemic regions. Clinical and histopathologic evidence suggests that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can harbor M tuberculosis . However, the mechanism of M tuberculosis phagocytosis and its growth in RPE is not clear. Objective To investigate M tuberculosis phagocytosis, replication, and cytopathic effects in RPE cells compared with macrophages. Design, Setting, and Participants Human fetal RPE and monocytic leukemia macrophage (THP-1) cell lines were cultured, and RPE and THP-1 cells were exposed to avirulent M tuberculosis H37Ra. Mycobacteria were added to RPE and THP-1 cells with a 5:1 multiplicity of infection. Nonphagocytized M tuberculosis was removed after 12 hours of exposure (day 0). Cells were harvested at days 0, 1, and 5 to count live and dead cells and intracellular mycobacteria. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry; intracellular bacillary load, following TLR2 and TLR4 blockade. Main Outcomes and Measures Number of intracellular M tuberculosis , cell survival, and TLR2 and TLR4 expression in RPE and THP-1 cells following exposure to M tuberculosis . Results At day 0, an equal number of intracellular M tuberculosis was observed per THP-1 and RPE cells (0.45 and 0.35 M tuberculosis per RPE and THP-1 cells, respectively). Mean (SD) number of intracellular M tuberculosis at day 5 was 1.9 (0.03) and 3.3 (0.01) per RPE and THP-1 cells, respectively ( P P M tuberculosis counts in RPE but not in THP-1 cells. Conclusions and Relevance Mycobacterium tuberculosis is phagocytized by RPE to a similar extent as in macrophages. However, RPE cells are better able to control bacillary growth and RPE cell survival is greater than that of THP-1 cells following mycobacterial infection, suggesting that RPE can serve as a reservoir for intraocular M tuberculosis infection.
High Performance Base Materials Made by Powder Coating Technology

VIALAMreg Series, manufactured by Atotech's Advanced Epoxy Powder Technology are high performance build-up materials for HDI and IC Packaging industries. The manufacturing technology exclusively employs dry powder formulations without the need for costly and environmentally impacting organic solvents. In addition it allows for a greater manufacturing and formulation flexibility in creating dielectric resins of precise electrical, physical and mechanical properties better attuned to the needs of electronics designers and PWB manufacturers Atotech's process, in contrast to the conventional liquid coating process, utilizes an extruded dielectric resin, which is milled and then applied onto the foil, with the resin always in a dry powder form. The foil then passes through a melting step that converts the dry powder into a "B" staged homogeneous coating fully ready for use at the customer. In addition Atotech has developed the technology to reinforce the coated foil with woven glass fabrics to fulfill the market needs for ultra thin reinforced substrates with low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) values and highest reliability. The paper will address material properties achieved through this innovative manufacturing technology.
Pulmonary artery stiffness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) - the mesa copd study

Arterial stiffness had been proposed as the cause of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with COPD. Vascular studies in COPD patients were mainly assessed by carotid-femoral (aortic) pulse wave velocity using micromanometer applanation tonometry. The evaluation of pulmonary artery (PA) elasticity in COPD has not been assessed. This study seeks to evaluate indices of PA stiffness in patients with COPD. We hypothesized that patients with COPD would have increased pulmonary artery stiffness compared to healthy individuals. To test this we determine the pulmonary artery area change (distensibility or pulsatility in %) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and related PA distensibility to the severity of COPD.
Corporate social accounting in the United States of America: State of the art and future prospects

Abstract In the past 5 years, accounting researchers, management consultants and corporate executives have been attempting to develop operational frameworks for the implementation and institutionalization of corporate social accounting. This has produced a tremendous diversity in the measurement models and reporting frameworks that have been developed. This paper synthesizes the major approaches in the U.S.A. to measurement and reporting of the impact of an organization on society. It also suggests future research needs in this area.
Properties of a Level Set Algorithm for the Visibility Problems

We study an implicit visibility formulation and show that the corresponding closed form formula satisfies a dynamic programming principle, and is the viscosity solution of a Hamilton-Jacobi type equation involving jump discontinuities in the Hamiltonian. We derive the corresponding discretization in multi-dimensions and prove convergence of the corresponding numerical approximations. Finally, we introduce a generalization of the original Hamilton-Jacobi equation and the corresponding discretization that can be solved efficiently using either the fast sweeping or the fast marching methods. Thus, the visibility of an observer in non-constant media can be computed. We also introduce a specialization of the algorithms for environments in which occluders are described by the graph of a function.