cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin E2 glycerol ester, an endogenous COX‐2 metabolite of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, induces hyperalgesia and modulates NFκB activity

Background and purpose: Recombinant cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) oxygenates 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in vitro. We examined whether prostaglandin E2 glycerol ester (PGE2-G), a COX-2 metabolite of 2-AG, occurs endogenously and affects nociception and immune responses. Experimental approach: Using mass spectrometric techniques, we examined whether PGE2-G occurs in vivo and if its levels are altered by inhibition of COX-2, monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase or inflammation induced by carrageenan. We also examined the effects of PGE2-G on nociception in rats and NFκB activity in RAW264.7 cells. Key results: PGE2-G occurs endogenously in rat. Its levels were decreased by inhibition of COX-2 and MAG lipase but were unaffected by carrageenan. Intraplantar administration of PGE2-G induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. In RAW264.7 cells, PGE2-G and PGE2 produced similar, dose-related changes in NFκB activity. PGE2-G was quickly metabolized into PGE2. While the effects of PGE2 on thermal hyperalgesia and NFκB activity were completely blocked by a cocktail of antagonists for prostanoid receptors, the same cocktail of antagonists only partially antagonized the actions of PGE2-G. Conclusions and implications: Thermal hyperalgesia and immunomodulation induced by PGE2-G were only partially mediated by PGE2, which is formed by metabolism of PGE2-G. PGE2-G may function through a unique receptor previously postulated to mediate its effects. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 2-AG is oxygenated in vivo by COX-2 producing PGE2-G, which plays a role in pain and immunomodulation. COX-2 could act as an enzymatic switch by converting 2-AG from an antinociceptive mediator to a pro-nociceptive prostanoid. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1538–1549; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.33; published online 25 February 2008
The Attraction of the Sizzle: A Service Investment Model

This paper presents the results of the first test of the investment model for predicting attitudinal loyalty in service industries.
A statistical approach predicts human microRNA targets

MicroRNAs are approximately 18-24 nt. noncoding RNAs found in all eukaryotes that degrade messenger RNAs via RNA interference (if they bind in a perfect or near-perfect complementarity to the target mRNA), or arrest translation (if the binding is imperfect). Several microRNA targets have been identified in lower organisms, but no mammalian microRNA targets have yet been validated experimentally. We carried out a population-wide statistical analysis of how human microRNAs interact complementarily with human mRNAs present in the RefSeq database, looking for characteristics that differ significantly as compared with scrambled control sequences. These characteristics were used to predict a list of 72 candidate mRNA targets with 81% confidence. Unlike the case in C. elegans and Drosophila, many human microRNAs exhibited long exact matches (10 or more bases in a row), up to and including perfect target complementarity. Human microRNAs hit putative mRNA targets within the protein coding region about 2/3 of the time. And, microRNA hits in the candidate list did not have better complementarity near their 5'-end than expected by chance. In several cases, an individual microRNA hit multiple mRNAs that belonged to the same functional class. The candidate list predicts a significant number of well-known and novel human genes that warrant experimental validation as mRNA targets, including several that may be regulated by RNA interference. The list also provides a training set and suggests an unified model to assist prediction of mRNA targets that do not have especially long regions of target complementarity.
The nature of lipomas and their significance in the oral cavity. A review and report of cases.

Abstract Clinicopathologic evaluation of sixteen intraoral lipomas is presented, and the nature and significance of these tumors in the oral cavity are considered. The lesions appear as asymptomatic, freely movable masses, most commonly in the cheek. Histologically, lipomas are composed of mature fat cells, although a variable collagenous component may be prominent. Their etiology is uncertain; development may reflect increased adipose mitotic activity via a traumatic or metabolic trigger mechanism. The malignant potential of the solitary lipoma is discussed.
Computer networks and systems: Queueing theory and performance evaluation

From the Publisher: This text, intended for a first course in performance evaluation, is a self-contained treatment covering all aspects of queuing theory. It starts by introducing readers to the terminology and usefulness of queuing theory and continues by considering Markovian queues in equilibrium, Little's law, reversibility, transient analysis, and computation, and the M/G/1 queuing system. A subsequent chapter covers networks of queues including the presentation of a recent and clear topological explanation for the existence of the product form solution. The final chapters explain techniques for numerical solutions, such as the convolution algorithm and mean-value analysis; discuss the PANACEA technique, discrete time queuing systems and simulation; and describe the new area of stochastic Petri networks. Case studies of distributed queuing networks arising in industrial applications are included. An appendix reviews probability theory. The third edition includes a new chapter on self-similar traffic, many new problems, and solutions for many exercises.
Fetal heart rate response to scalp blood sampling

Fetal heart rate acceleration in response to various stimuli has long been considered to be a reliable sign of fetal well-being in both the intrapartum and antepartum periods. In an effort to define the correlation between fetal heart rate response and fetal blood pH, we analyzed 200 fetal heart rate tracings of fetuses who had undergone scalp blood sampling in early labor. Data in regard to fetal heart rate response to endoscope placement, scalp puncture, and resultant scalp pH were then analyzed. In no case did a fetus with a scalp blood pH less than 7.20 respond to scalp puncture with an acceleration (defined as an elevation above the baseline of 15 bpm for at least 15 seconds). Among fetuses with a scalp blood pH greater than 7.28, 142 of 144 responded to scalp puncture with an acceleration. Exception occurred in one fetus who was 32 to 33 weeks' gestation, and in one fetus who was moderately Rh isoimmunized. Fetuses with scalp pH in the range of 7.21 to 7.28 showed a variable response. The correlation noted between a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and the absence of acidosis in conjunction with the inverse (73% of fetuses in whom no acceleration occurred were acidotic) is further verification of both the reliability and complementary nature of intrapartum fetal assessment by both biophysical and biochemical techniques.
Nature of the Blood Folates in Young Chicks and Poults Fed Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid or Pteroylheptaglutamates

Summary(1) Chick and poult blood folates were measured microbiologically, using L. casei, S. jaecalis and P. cerevisiae, with and without incubation with chicken pancreas conjugase. Before incubation with conjugase, folate activity was low in blood of both chicks and poults. It increased greatly, particularly for L. casei, following incubation with chicken pancreas. (2) The use of pteroylmonoglutamic acid or pteroylheptagluta-mates (in brewer's dried yeast) as different sources of dietary folic acid did not alter the form of folate activities found by L. casei, S. jaecalis, or P. cerevisiae in chick or poult blood, either before or after incubation with chicken pancreas. (3) The major folate activity in both chick and poult blood was present as a form which was most active for L. casei following chicken pancreas conjugase treatment. Therefore, folate appears to be present in chick and poult blood mainly as a conjugate of N5-methyl-tetra-hydropteroyl-glutamic acid. (4) Although the extent of dilution of po...
The Effect of Esthetic Crown Lengthening on Perceptions of a Patient’s Attractiveness, Friendliness, Trustworthiness, Intelligence, and Self-Confidence

Background: Smile esthetics have been shown to play a major role in the perception of whether a person is attractive, and whether they are perceived as friendly, trustworthy, intelligent, and self-confident. A proposed major determinant of the esthetics of a smile is the amount of gingival display, which can be excessive in cases of altered passive eruption. The aim of this study is to see whether altering the amount of gingival display of patients would affect dental professionals’ and laypersons’ perceptions of the aforementioned social parameters.Methods: Patients were identified as having altered passive eruption and excessive gingival display. Smiling “control” photographs were taken and then digitally altered so as to lengthen the teeth and thus reduce the amount of gingival display. These became the “test” photographs. The control and test photographs were shown in random order. The control group of evaluators consisted of senior dental students, and the test group of evaluators comprised students ...
Teacher–child and child–child interactions in inclusive preschool settings: do adults inhibit peer interactions?

Abstract We conducted real-time analyses of the videotaped free play of 24, 3–4-year-olds, half of whom had disabilities, in four University-sponsored, inclusive, child-centered preschool classrooms. There were 7–10, 20-minute observations for each child. Despite significant differences related to child condition in the frequencies of interactions with peers and one-on-one with adults, the same pattern obtained for both groups: Across observations, the proportions of time that each child spent interacting with peers and with adults were negatively correlated for 21 of the 24 children. Analyses of event-sequences revealed that adults were more likely than expected by chance to initiate interactions with a child when s/he was alone and less likely to do so when s/he was interacting with a peer. Within-child patterns of choices also indicated that, after an adult had initiated an interaction with them, the children were less likely to initiate an interaction with a peer and more likely than expected to initiate another interaction with an adult. Additional, exploratory analyses yielded results consistent with the view that some kinds of exchanges with adults may interfere with peer interactions. Implications both for theory and for planning curricula are discussed.
Hemostatic activation in a chemically induced rat model of severe hemolysis and thrombosis

Abstract Introduction In hemolytic diseases such as sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, the mechanisms of thrombosis are poorly understood, however erythrocyte/endothelium interactions are thought to play an important role. Appropriate animal models would increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of thrombosis and aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies. We previously reported that rats exposed to 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) develop hemolysis and enhanced adherence of erythrocytes to the extracellular matrix, possibly secondary to the recruitment of cellular adhesion molecules at the erythrocyte/endothelium interface. Methods We exposed rats to 250 mg/kg/day of 2-BE for 4 days, and collected blood for coagulation markers on each day. Results As previously observed, erythrocytes dropped precipitously (8.0 to 1.8 × 106/μl in 48 h), and diffuse microvascular thrombosis developed in the heart, lungs, liver, bones and eyes. Prothrombin times, activated partial thromboplastin times, fibrinogen, and antithrombin-III were unchanged between treated and control rats, indicating that hemostasis is largely unperturbed. However the thrombin–antithrombin III levels in the 2-BE treated rats for all days were 3–7 times greater than the control rats. The plasma intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels of 2-BE treated animals were approximately twice that of the controls on days 2 and 3 and 1.5 times the controls on day 4 (P Conclusion Our findings are consistent with the observations of increased erythrocyte aggregation, increased erythrocyte/endothelium interaction, and increased plasma ICAM-1 levels observed in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia patients. This model may be useful for studying therapeutic agents that disrupt erythrocyte/endothelium interactions.
Efficient computation of antenna coupling and fields within the near-field region

The theory, techniques, details of the important equations, and description of two computer programs are presented for calculating efficiently the mutual coupling at a single frequency between any two antennas arbitrarily oriented and separated in free space. Both programs emphasize efficiency and generality, and require, basically, the complex electric far field of each antenna, and the Eulerian angles designating the relative orientation of each antenna. Multiple reflections between the antennas are neglected but no other restrictive assumptions are involved. If an electric field component is desired instead of coupling, the receiving antenna is replaced by a virtual antenna with uniform far field. The first computer program computes coupling (or fields) versus transverse displacement of the antennas in a plane normal to their axis of separation. An efficient fast Fourier transform (FFT) program was made possible by "collapsing" the far-field input data and showing that inmost cases the spectrum integration need cover only the solid angle mutually subtended by the smallest spheres circumscribing the antennas. Limiting the integration to this solid angle artifically band limits the coupling function, thereby allowing much larger integration increments and reducing run times and storage requirements to a feasible amount for electrically large antennas. The second program is based on a spherical wave representation of the coupling function and rapidly computes coupling (or fields) versus separation distance between the antennas. The spherical wave representation emerged naturally from an intriguing characteristic proven for the mutual coupling function; it, like each rectangular component of electric and magnetic field in free space, satisfies the homogeneous wave equation.
William O. Douglas's “Political Ambitions” and the 1944 Vice‐Presidential Nomination: A Reinterpretation

(1999). William O. Douglas's “Political Ambitions” and the 1944 Vice‐Presidential Nomination: A Reinterpretation. The Historian: Vol. 62, No. 2, pp. 325-342.
Aerobic treatment of poultry wastes

Abstract A full scale oxidation ditch system located on a commercial poultry farm was monitored for a 12 month period. Mass balance results indicated a wide range in performance in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) removal. Analysis indicated that these variations were related to changes in solids retention time and level of oxygen transfer in the ditch. Both factors can be used to provide a firm basis for oxidation ditch design and operation.
Sliding mode control to the stabilization of a linear 2×2 hyperbolic system with boundary input disturbance

In this paper, sliding mode control approach is used to stabilize a 2×2 system of first-order linear hyperbolic PDEs subject to boundary input disturbance. Disturbance rejection is achieved, and with the designed first-order sliding mode controller, the resulting closed-loop system admits a unique (mild) solution without chattering. Convergence to the chosen infinite-dimensional sliding surface of state trajectories takes place in a finite time. Then on the sliding surface, the system is exponentially stable with a decay rate depending on the spatially varying system coefficients. A simulation example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of sliding mode control method.
Two new group-II twintrons in the Euglena gracilis chloroplast are absent in basally branching Euglena species

Studies of the phylogeny and chloroplast intron content of selected Euglena species have led to insights in our understanding of the timing of intron acquisition. In the current study, two new twintrons, found in E. gracilis, have been characterized by the analysis of partially spliced pre-mRNAs. Intron 1 of atpE is a 463-nt group-II intron interrupted by a second group-II intron 320 nt long. Intron 1 of psbD is also a group-II twintron with external and internal introns of 635 nt and 463 nt, respectively. The two introns composing the psbD twintron, as well as six additional group-II introns found in the E. gracilispsbD gene, are not present in several basally branching Euglena species, including E. myxocylindracea, E. stellata and E. viridis. The distribution of psbD introns in Euglena is consistent with a late evolutionary acquisition of group-II introns in this lineage.
Using well/substrate bias manipulation to enhance voltage-test-based defect detection

This paper proposes methods for taking advantage during voltage-based production test of the capability to control well and substrate (body) biases separately from the chip's VDD and GND. Such control is a by-product of a low-power design strategy that allows parts or all of the chip to go into low-power reduced-leakage states. The proposed test methods use body bias manipulation to increase or decrease transistor threshold voltages. Unlike related methods that rely on weakening transistors, the proposed methods are shown to enhance defect detectability by both weakening and strengthening transistors and by exploiting the ability to weaken/strengthen nfets/pfets separately.
A Role for H2B Ubiquitylation in DNA Replication

The monoubiquitylation of histone H2B plays an important role in gene expression by contributing to the regulation of transcription elongation and mRNA processing and export. We explored additional cellular functions of this histone modification by investigating its localization to intergenic regions. H2B ubiquitylation is present in chromatin around origins of DNA replication in budding yeast, and as DNA is replicated its levels are maintained on daughter strands by the Bre1 ubiquitin ligase. In the absence of H2B ubiquitylation, the prereplication complex is formed and activated, but replication fork progression is slowed down and the replisome becomes unstable in the presence of hydroxyurea. H2B ubiquitylation promotes the assembly or stability of nucleosomes on newly replicated DNA, and this function is postulated to contribute to fork progression and replisome stability.
Carbon-fiber/polymer-matrix composites as capacitors

Abstract A continuous carbon-fiber/epoxy-matrix composite with a paper interlayer (0.04 mm thick after composite fabrication) was found to exhibit a capacitance of 1.2 μF/m2 at 2 MHz, in contrast to a value of 0.21 μF/m2 for epoxy-impregnated paper (0.10 mm thick). The high capacitance is partly a consequence of the large area of the surface of a fiber layer sandwiching the paper interlayer. This area is twice the flat area. Without a paper interlayer, the composite failed to serve as a capacitor, because of the conductivity in the through-thickness direction.
The Effect of Platinum on Diffusion Kinetics in β‐NiAl: Implications for Thermal Barrier Coating Lifetimes

Platinum is added to thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) as it is observed empirically to extend their lifetime, but the mechanism by which Pt acts is unknown. Since Pt has been proposed to alter diffusivities in NiAl, a key component of TBCs, we use first-principles quantum mechanics calculations to investigate atomic level diffusion mechanisms. Here, we examine the effect of Pt on five previously proposed mechanisms for Ni diffusion in NiAl: next-nearest-neighbor jumps, the triple defect mechanism, and three variants of the six jump cycle. We predict that Pt increases the rate of Ni diffusion by stabilizing point defects and defect clusters that are diffusion intermediates. Previously, we predicted the triple defect mechanism to be a dominant Ni diffusion mechanism; it simultaneously results in long-range Al diffusion in the opposite direction. Since Pt increases the rate of Ni diffusion, it also increases Al diffusion in NiAl, which may be key to extending the coating lifetime.
TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS IN THE DECISION SCIENCES: THE USE OF STUDENT EVALUATIONS

This article presents the results of an AIDS-sponsored investigation of teaching effectiveness in the decision sciences. Two national samples were employed in the study: a sample of 247 business school deans and a sample of 3,292 students from 32 different business schools. Included among the findings are that 87 percent of the deans responding indicate they require some sort of faculty teaching effectiveness evaluation, and that great care must be exercised when interpreting student ratings of an individual instructor's teaching effectiveness.
Kin recognition cues in Rana cascadae tadpoles

The importance of chemical, visual, and auditory cues in kin recognition behavior in Rana cascadae tadpoles was tested in laboratory choice experiments. Tadpoles were given a choice of associating with siblings or nonsiblings by using visual and chemical stimuli together (standard tests), visual stimuli alone, or chemical stimuli alone. We also monitored sound production of tadpoles. We conclude that tadpoles can distinguish between siblings and nonsiblings by using waterborne chemical cues alone that are probably sensed by olfaction or taste. Visual stimuli alone are not sufficient for such discrimination and sound production as a means of communication in tadpoles is probably unimportant.
Demineralized bone promotes chondrocyte or osteoblast differentiation of human marrow stromal cells cultured in collagen sponges

Demineralized bone implants have been used for many types of craniomaxillofacial, orthopedic, periodontal, and hand reconstruction procedures. In previous studies, we showed that demineralized bone powder (DBP) induces chondrogenesis of human dermal fibroblasts in a DBP/collagen sponge system that optimized interactions between particles of DBP and target cells in cell culture. In this study, we test the hypothesis that DBP promotes chondrogenesis or osteogenesis of human marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) in 3-D collagen sponge culture, depending upon the culture conditions. We first confirmed that hMSCs have chondrogenic potential when treated with TGF-β, either in 2-D monolayer cultures or in 3-D porous collagen sponges. Second, we found that DBP markedly enhanced chondrogenesis in hMSCs in 3-D sponges, as assessed by metachromasia and expression of chondrocyte-specific genes AGGRECAN, COL II, and COL X. Human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) were used to define mechanisms of chondroinduction because unlike hMSCs they have no inherent chondrogenic potential. In situ hybridization revealed that hDFs vicinal to DBPs express chondrocyte-specific genes AGGRECAN or COL II. Macroarray analysis showed that DBP activates TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway genes in hDFs. Finally, DBP induced hMSCs to express the osteoblast phenotype when cultured with osteogenic supplements. These studies show how culture conditions can influence the differentiation pathway that human marrow stromal cells follow when stimulated by DBP. These results support the potential to engineer cartilage or bone in vitro by using human bone marrow stromal cells and DBP/collagen scaffolds.
Non-isothermal flow of polymers into two-dimensional, thin cavity molds: a numerical grid generation approach

Abstract Flow of polymers into planar mold cavities of irregular shapes is analyzed numerically. The Hele-Shaw approximations are used to simplify the general flow equations which are then solved over the irregularly shaped flow domain using a numerically generated grid. The non-isothermal nature of the flow is modelled, including a temperature and shear-rate dependent viscosity. The temperature distribution in the flow field is calculated using a three-dimensional, transient approach while the prediction of the free surface locations is made using a pseudo steady-state approximation, neglecting the inertial terms. The computational predictions are compared with analytical results and experimental observations indicating good accuracy. The applications of the approach are demonstrated through various examples.
Identification of a Bovine Coronavirus Packaging Signal

A region of the bovine coronavirus (BCV) genome that functions as a packaging signal has been cloned. The 291-nucleotide clone shares 72% homology with the region of mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) gene 1b that contains the packaging signal. RNA transcripts were packaged into both BCV and MHV virions when the cloned region was appended to a noncoronavirus RNA. This is the first identification of a BCV packaging signal. The data demonstrate that the BCV genome contains a sequence that is conserved at both the sequence and functional levels, thus broadening our insight into coronavirus packaging.
A Netform System for Resource Planning in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management

We report an effective model and solution procedure for a major resource management problem of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.), enabling large practical applications to be solved 20-300 times faster than previously possible. The resulting system has proved a useful analysis tool, providing model interaction capabilities that are employed routinely by the B.L.M. an average of 700 times a month throughout the U.S.
Relationship Between Atheroma Regression and Change in Lumen Size After Infusion of Apolipoprotein A-I Milano

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between atheroma regression and arterial wall remodeling. BACKGROUND Infusion of reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) containing recombinant apolipoprotein A-I Milano (AIM) has been reported to promote rapid regression of coronary atherosclerosis. The current study analyzed intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to define the changes that take place in the arterial wall that accompanied atheroma regression in this study. METHODS Forty-seven patients, ages 30 to 75 years, after an acute coronary syndrome were randomized to receive five weekly infusions of placebo or rHDL containing either low- or high-dose AIM. External elastic membrane (EEM) and lumen volumes were compared between coronary IVUS studies at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS In comparison with baseline, infusion of rHDL was associated with a 4.6% reduction in EEM volume. Lumen volume did not change. In 10-mm arterial subsegments with the greatest plaque burden at baseline, atheroma volume regressed by 10.9% with a similar reduction in EEM volume but with no change in lumen size. In contrast, EEM and atheroma volume did not change in the 10-mm segments containing the least plaque burden. The reduction in EEM in the most diseased segments was only apparent in subjects who underwent plaque regression. Reduction in EEM volume correlated with the decreased atheroma volume (r = 0.62), but there was no correlation between change in lumen size and change in plaque volume. CONCLUSIONS Remodeling of the arterial wall is a focal and heterogeneous process. After infusion of rHDL containing AIM, regression of coronary atherosclerosis is accompanied by reverse remodeling of the EEM, resulting in no change in luminal dimensions.
Diminished forearm vasomotor response to central hypervolemic loading in aerobically fit individuals

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of forearm vascular resistance (FVR) during central hypervolemic loading was less sensitive in exercise trained high fit individuals (HF) compared to untrained average fit individuals (AF). Eight AF (age: 24 +/- 1 yr and weight: 78.9 +/- 1.7 kg) and eight HF (22 +/- 1 yr 79.5 +/- 2.4 kg) voluntarily participated in the investigation. Maximal aerobic power (determined on a treadmill), plasma volume and blood volume (Evans blue dilution method) were significantly greater in the HF than AF (60.8 +/- 0.7 vs. 41.2 +/- 1.9 ml.kg-1.min-1, 3.96 +/- 0.17 vs 3.36 +/- 0.08 1, and 6.33 +/- 0.23 vs 5.28 +/- 0.13 1). Baseline heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP, measured by an intraradial catheter or a Finapres finger cuff), forearm blood flow (FBF, plethysmography), and FVR, calculated from the ratio (MAP-CVP)/FBF, were not different between the HF and the AF. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP, -5, -10, -15, and -20 torr) and passive leg elevation (LE, 50 cm) combined with lower body positive pressure (LBPP, +5, +10, and +20 torr) were utilized to elicit central hypovolemia and hypervolemia, respectively. Range of CVP (from LBNP to LE+LBPP) was similar in the AF (from -3.9 to +1.9 mm Hg) and HF (from -4.0 to +2.2 mm Hg). However, FVR/CVP was significantly less in the HF (-1.8 +/- 0.1 unit.mm Hg-1) than AF (-34 +/- 0.1 unit.mm Hg-1). The FVR decrease in response to increase in CVP was significantly diminished in the HF (-1.46 +/- 0.45 unit.mm Hg-1) compared to the AF (-4.40 +/- 0.97 unit.mm Hg-1), and during LBNP induced unloading the FVR/CVP of the HF (-2.01 +/- 0.49 unit.mm Hg-1) was less (P < 0.08) than the AF (-3.28 +/- 0.69 unit.mm Hg-1). We concluded that the cardiopulmonary baroreceptor mediated FVR reflex response was significantly less sensitive to changes in CVP in individuals who practice exercise training.
The weak Ekeland variational principle and fixed points

Abstract We use the weak Ekeland variational principle to obtain a new proof of an improved version of the Nadler fixed point theorem for set-valued mappings given by Dontchev and Hager (1994). Separately, we apply the fixed point theorem to obtain an unconventional existence result for differential inclusions.
Advantages and disadvantages of a rapid method to train drug discrimination.

Abstract In an effort to reduce the often extensive period of time needed to train rats to discriminate between a drugged and nondrugged state, a fast training regimen was employed with 1.5 mg/kg 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) used as the training drug in ten rats. This protocol consisted of one to three training sessions per day and it was compared to the more conventional method of once-per-day training in an equal number of rats. Results indicate that the fast-trained rats learned the discrimination in significantly fewer sessions than the slowly-trained rats. However, the subsequent dose-response experiments indicate that when the fast-trained rats are tested with various doses of MDMA, without prior vehicle treatment, their sensitivity to the drug is less than that of the slowly-trained rats. When a vehicle session is presented prior to drug dose-response testing, both groups perform similarly. It appears that the preceding vehicle sessions function as a reference point for the fast-trained rats and, although the more rapid training regimen allows for faster learning, these treatment regimens should be employed with caution when subsequent dose-responses tests and generalization tests with other drugs are conducted.
Interstitial Brachytherapy for Vaginal Recurrences of Endometrial Carcinoma

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of interstitial brachytherapy in the management of vaginal recurrences of endometrial carcinoma. Methods. Thirty patients received interstitial irradiation, with or without external beam radiotherapy. They were followed for a minimum of 5 years or until death. Results. The median age was 66 years at initial diagnosis of endometrial cancer. FIGO stages included Stage I ( n = 18), Stage II ( n = 7), and Stage III ( n = 5). All patients were treated originally by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without lymphadenectomy, and 13 (43%) also received postoperative adjuvant whole pelvis radiotherapy as part of their primary treatment. Vaginal recurrences were diagnosed at a mean interval of 29 months after hysterectomy (range, 3–119 months). No patient had clinical evidence of pelvic sidewall extension or of distant metastatic disease. All patients were treated with interstitial brachytherapy; each implant delivered a mean maximal tumor dose of 25.5 Gy. Eighteen patients (60%) also received external beam radiotherapy (mean dose, 48 Gy) as part of their treatment for vaginal recurrence. Twenty-eight patients (93%) experienced a complete clinical response. Ten patients relapsed in the vagina ( n = 5) or at distant sites ( n = 5). Eleven patients are dead of disease. From the time of vaginal recurrence, the median overall survival was 60 months and the cause of death adjusted 5-year survival rate was 65%. Major morbidity included radiation proctitis ( n = 2), fistula ( n = 2), and radiation stricture ( n = 1). Conclusion. Interstitial irradiation resulted in favorable local control as well as a 5-year survival rate and morbidity comparable to that reported previously for conventional brachytherapy.
Responses of hamsters to scent marks of different ages

An attempt was made to determine the fade-out times of two functionally distinct scent marks of golden hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus. Males responded to flank marks that were 40 days of age but not to those 50 days of age, suggesting a fade-out time of about 45 days. In contrast, males still sniffed and licked at vaginal marks that were 100 days old. The possible functional significance of such long persistences is discussed. In other experiments males responded more strongly to freshly deposited flank and vaginal marks (15–30 min of age) than to marks 1 day old, but there were no differences in their responses to scent marks 1 day and 10 days of age. These results suggest that hamsters may be able to use the changing odor quality of scent marks that are a few minutes to 24 hr of age to determine how recently another animal was in an area. This potential for “time-telling” is unique to chemical signals and needs to be investigated much more systematically in a variety of species.
A Unique Phosphorylation-dependent Mechanism for the Activation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase Type IV/GR

The activity of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV/Gr (CaMKIV/Gr) is shown to be strictly regulated by phosphorylation of three residues both in vitro and in response to antigen receptor-mediated signaling in lymphocytes. One residue, Thr-200, is indispensable for enhancement of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent basal activity by CaMKIV/Gr kinase. This event requires Ca2+/calmodulin in the full-length CaMKIV/Gr but is Ca2+/calmodulin-independent when a truncated version of CaMKIV/Gr is used as a substrate (ΔCaMKIV/Gr1-317 (Δ1-317)). The other two residues, Ser12 and Ser13, are apparently autophosphorylated by the Ca2+/calmodulin-bound CaMKIV/Gr. Phosphorylation of neither Ser12-Ser13 nor Thr312 (the residue in a homologous position to Thr286 of CaMKIIα influences the development of Ca2+/calmodulin-independent activity or any other property of CaMKIV/Gr examined. Similarly, removal of the NH2-terminal 20 amino acids has no effect on the activation or function of CaMKIV/Gr. However, mutation of both Ser12 and Ser13 residues to Ala in Δ1-317 completely abrogates activity, while individual substitutions have no effect. These results indicate that the NH2-terminal Ser cluster mediates a novel type of intrasteric inhibition and suggest that three events are required for CaMKIV/Gr activation: 1) Ca2+/calmodulin binding; 2) phosphorylation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-bound enzyme on Thr200 by a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase; and 3) autophosphorylation of Ser12-Ser13. This three-step requirement is unique among the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinases.
A Crystalline Germanate with Mesoporous 30-Ring Channels

A novel germanate |C6N2H18|30[Ge9O18X4]6[Ge7O14X3]4[Ge7O14.42X2.58]8[GeX2]1.73 (X = OH, F) with 30-ring channels built from Ge7O14X3 (Ge7) and Ge9O18X4 (Ge9) clusters was obtained under solvothermal conditions. It has a mesoporous pore of 13.0 × 21.4 A2, which represents the largest pore ring found in crystalline open-framework materials. The framework can be described as a 3-D net structure and viewed as introducing Ge7 and Ge9 clusters into the 4,8-heterocoordinated csq net.
Inhibition of reverse transcriptase from feline immunodeficiency virus by analogs of 2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphate.

Abstract The replication of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cultured cells was inhibited by 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (ddA) and by 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyI)adenine (PMEA) with IC 50 values of 0.98 and 0.95 μM, respectively. The effects of the presumed active forms of these inhibitors, ddATP and PMEA-diphosphate (PMEApp), upon the FIV reverse transcriptase (RT) were examined with two different template-primer systems. Both of these compounds were potent inhibitors of the FIV RT in reactions with primed φX-174 DNA, yielding K i values of 8.8 nM for ddATP and 5.0 nM for PMEApp. However, they were both poor inhibitors of the reaction with poly(rU)-oligo(dA); concentrations of ddATP or PMEApp greater than 10 μM were required to inhibit this reaction by 50%. Further analysis of the reaction with poly(rU)-oligo(dA) revealed that even in the absence of inhibitors the primers were extended by less than 20 nucleotides. In contrast, high molecular weight products were obtained in reactions with φX-174 DNA. These results suggest that the reaction of FIV RT with poly(rU)-oligo(dA) is not highly processive. The high degree of termination encountered during this reaction with poly(rU)-oligo(dA) may be responsible for the low inhibitory potential of ddATP and PMEApp.
The numerical solution of boundary value problems for second order functional differential equations by finite differences

The boundary value problem $$\ddot x(t) = g(t,x(t)) + (\mathfrak{F}x)(t)$$ , 0 <t < 1,x(0)=x(1)=0, is considered. Hereg:R 2?R 1 andF:C[0, 1] ?C[0, 1]. The solutionx is approximated using finite differences. For a large class of problems it is proved that the approximate solutions exist and converge tox. The method is illustrated by the numerical example.
Influence of aerosol estimation on coastal water products retrieved from HICO images

The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) is a hyperspectral sensor which was launched to the International Space Station in September 2009. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has been developing the Coastal Water Signatures Toolkit (CWST) to estimate water depth, bottom type and water column constituents such as chlorophyll, suspended sediments and chromophoric dissolved organic matter from hyperspectral imagery. The CWST uses a look-up table approach, comparing remote sensing reflectance spectra observed in an image to a database of modeled spectra for pre-determined water column constituents, depth and bottom type. In order to successfully use this approach, the remote sensing reflectances must be accurate which implies accurately correcting for the atmospheric contribution to the HICO top of the atmosphere radiances. One tool the NRL is using to atmospherically correct HICO imagery is Correction of Coastal Ocean Atmospheres (COCOA), which is based on Tafkaa 6S. One of the user input parameters to COCOA is aerosol optical depth or aerosol visibility, which can vary rapidly over short distances in coastal waters. Changes to the aerosol thickness results in changes to the magnitude of the remote sensing reflectances. As such, the CWST retrievals for water constituents, depth and bottom type can be expected to vary in like fashion. This work is an illustration of the variability in CWST retrievals due to inaccurate aerosol thickness estimation during atmospheric correction of HICO images.
Autologous anti-I and anti-M following liver transplant.

A patient who received a liver transplant subsequently developed autologous anti-I and anti-M. The antibodies were demonstrated in the serum and in eluates from the patient's red blood cells, and could be separated by cross-absorption with appropriate red blood cells. The patient received horse antilymphocyte globulin and the possibility could not be excluded that the anti-M was transferred passively.
Non-linear vibration absorbers using higher order internal resonances

Abstract This paper presents a study of controlling steady-state vibrations of a cantilevered skew aluminum plate using saturation phenomena due to higher-order internal resonances. PZT (lead zirconate titanate) patches are used as control actuators and sensors. Linear second order controllers are designed to couple with the plate via different orders of non-linear terms to establish energy bridges between the plate and controllers. Each linear second-order controller is designed to have a 1:2 or 1:3 or 1:4 internal resonance with one of the plate's vibration modes and hence is able to exchange energy with the plate around the specific modal frequency. Because of non-linearities and internal resonances, different orders of saturation phenomena exist and are used to suppress modal vibrations. Several non-linear vibration absorbers are designed based on the saturation phenomena and are analyzed to show their feasibility and efficiency. Perturbation analysis, direct numerical integration, and experiments are performed to validate these non-linear vibration absorbers.
Granulocytes utilize different energy sources for movement and phagocytosis

Granulocytes depend on anaerobic glycolysis for the energy required for chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbial killing. Two potential sources of the needed glucose are available: exogenous glucose and intracellular glycogen. These studies demonstrate that chemotaxin-induced movement of granulocytes induces accelerated uptake of exogenous glucose while phagocytosis does not, presumably utilizing instead the relatively slow process of glycogenolysis. As measured by incorporation of extracellular radiolabeled hexoses [1-14C]glucose or [3H]deoxyglucose), the soluble chemotaxin-aggregants of granulocytes, nF-met-leu-phe, CSades arg, bacterial filtrate, or arachidonic acid all augment transmembrane hexose uptake. This insulin-like activity closely parallels the dose-related effects of these agents on induction of granulocyte aggregation and chemotaxis. Insulin, itself, affects glucose transport minimally and mainly at supraphysiologic concentrations. In contrast, phagocytic stimuli fail to enhance hexose uptake at all, despite stimulating catabolism of glucose, which in turn is probably generated by glycogenolysis. These data show that granulocytes, whose motile function occurs in glucose-rich milieu, alter in tandem their cellular glucose uptake with their movement response. For phagocytosis, which often occurs in hypoglycotic, purulent exudates, granulocytes depend on stored energy supplies—probably glycogen. This coordination may be crucial in supporting granulocyte antimicrobial activity during acute inflammation.
Local fossil identification in time warp simulations

This paper presents an enhanced process model in an optimistic distributed simulation to develop a method for tracking causality and safe-time and its application in the design of a local fossil identification technique. The fossil identification process is reduced to a local operation that operates without requiring a GVT estimation method. The information needed for fossil identification is captured during normal event processing from the enhanced process model. This technique assumes FIFO communication channels and simulation model with static communication topology. A proof of correctness of the fossil identification technique using this enhanced process model is presented.
Severity Effects of Dual-Tandem and Dual-Tridem Repeated Heavier Aircraft Gear Loading on Pavement Rutting Performance

In this paper, the rutting behaviour of flexible test pavements subjected to multiple-wheel heavy aircraft gear loading at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) are characterized. Two series of traffic tests were conducted. During the first series, a Boeing 777 (B777) aircraft gear and a Boeing 747 (B747) gear were trafficked on two low-strength subgrade and two medium-strength subgrade flexible test sections until the test sections were deemed failed. The second series of traffic tests involved repeated loading of six-wheel aircraft gear (the same as B777 gear) and four-wheel gear on low-strength subgrade test sections with variable granular subbase thicknesses. The results showed that the mean rut depths (RD) accumulated under B777 loading and B747 loading were similar. For a similar number of load repetitions, low-strength subgrade test sections with reduced subbase thicknesses yielded larger RD. The NAPTF failure criteria did not yield consistent RD.
Lack of neuroleptic-like activity of l-fenfluramine.

Abstract Rats were trained to differentiate between the dopaminergically mediated discriminative stimuli produced by intraperitoneal administration of 4.8 mg/kg cathine and its vehicle. Once trained, three doses of l -fenfluramine (1.0, 2.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) were administered to determine if this agent would produce cathine-appropriate discriminative performance. All doses of l -fenfluramine were observed to produce vehicle-like responding. The 2.0 mg/kg dose of l -fenfluramine as well as 3.0 mg/kg chlorpromazine were administered in separate experiments prior to either cathine or vehicle. Chlorpromazien attenuated cathine-lever responding after cathine administration but did not affect vehicle responding. In contrast, l -fenfluramine had no effect upon cathine discrimination. The results indicate that l -fenfluramine shares neither agonist nor antagonist activity in the dopamine-mediated discriminative performance produced by cathine.
Two-dimensional, gray-scale abdominal ultrasonography. General interpretation and abdominal masses.

The techniques of and general interpretive principles of gray-scale, two-dimensional abdominal ultrasonography in small animals are described. Using case examples, commonly encountered imaging artifacts and categories of disease are integrated with a description of what was obtained by radiography. Tissue echogenicity as a basis for general assessment of organ abnormalities as well as the expectations (interpretive and prognostic) one should have of abdominal ultrasonography ate presented.
The changing face of peer review at the National Institutes of Health

Abstract Objective To discuss the new peer review system at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to present the process undertaken to accomplish these changes, with an emphasis on the reproductive sciences. Design A discussion of the many NIH committees and their composition and reports leading to the changes in peer review affecting the reproductive sciences. Result(s) and conclusion(s) The Center for Scientific Review (CSR), which reviews grants for all NIH Institutes, will initiate the Cellular, Molecular, and Integrative Reproduction, the Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction, and the Pregnancy and Neonatology study sections in February 2004. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)'s Division of Scientific Review has the following subcommittees, which started review in July 2003: Pediatrics; Developmental Biology; Biobehavior and Behavior Sciences; Population Science; Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Biology; Reproduction, Andrology, and Gynecology; and Function, Integration, and Rehabilitation Science.