cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Western diet consumption and cognitive impairment: Links to hippocampal dysfunction and obesity

Intake of saturated fats and simple carbohydrates, two of the primary components of a modern Western diet, is linked with the development of obesity and Alzheimer's Disease. The present paper summarizes research showing that Western diet intake is associated with cognitive impairment, with a specific emphasis on learning and memory functions that are dependent on the integrity of the hippocampus. The paper then considers evidence that saturated fat and simple carbohydrate intake is correlated with neurobiological changes in the hippocampus that may be related to the ability of these dietary components to impair cognitive function. Finally, a model is described proposing that Western diet consumption contributes to the development of excessive food intake and obesity, in part, by interfering with a type of hippocampal-dependent memory inhibition that is critical in the ability of animals to refrain from responding to environmental cues associated with food, and ultimately from consuming energy intake in excess of that driven solely by caloric need.
MMPI disability profile: the least known, most useful screen for psychopathology in chronic occupational spinal disorders.

Study design Prospective study on predicting psychopathology in chronic occupational spinal disorders (COSDs). Objective To assess prevalence of specific profiles on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and their ability to predict psychopathology in a COSD cohort. Summary of background data In the relatively small number of COSDs that develop chronic pain and disability, the MMPI-2 has been an important part of the psychosocial assessment. Certain profiles have been thought to have a high prevalence in COSD. They have also been widely popularized as predicting certain treatment outcomes, and have often been used to "screen" surgical and rehabilitation candidates. Method Of an initial cohort of 1,489 consecutive COSD patients completing a valid prerehabilitation MMPI-2, 1,185 patients (79.6%) were classifiable into one of four MMPI profile groups. A new Disability Profile (DP) group was identified, which was the most common profile. Patients attended a 5- to 7-week interdisciplinary rehabilitation program. They completed a psychosocial assessment battery, and a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV diagnosis (SCID-I and II) was administered as the "gold standard" for defining psychopathology. One year postrehabilitation, a structured clinical interview assessed socioeconomic outcomes. Results A previously unrecognized MMPI profile, now termed the DP, was found to have a prevalence of 53.2% of the whole group, and 66.9% of those with "classifiable" MMPI profiles in this large population of COSD patients. Only 6.9% of subjects had normal profiles (NP), while only 19.5% had profiles previously thought to occur commonly in this population. NP patients were twice as likely to retain work 1 year after treatment than the 3 abnormal MMPI groups combined. The DP group was 14 times more;1 likely to have an Axis I diagnosis (such as depression or anxiety) than the NP group, and was also almost 5 times more likely have an Axis II personality disorder diagnosis. Conclusions The prevalence of commonly cited MMPI profiles, often used for presurgical or chronic pain screening in this population, is relatively small. The prevalence of four or more elevations (DP), however, is large, representing two thirds of patients demonstrating any classifiable MMPI pattern. The DP group showed extremely high levels of associated psychopathology, which raises "red flags" to the surgeon likely to operate on such patients, or the interdisciplinary pain team. Screening COSD patients with the MMPI-2 may be effective in identifying psychopathology, but only if the physician is aware that the DP is commonplace and significant.
UV / Visible absorption spectroscopy of dark zones in solid-propellant flames

UV / Visible absorption spectroscopy, coupled with multiparameter least-squares analysis, was used to determine profiles of gas-phase temperature and NO concentration in the dark-zone region of two RDX-based solid propellants (XM39 and M43) at pressure up to 3.55 MPa. At low pressures (e.g. P < 1.6 MPa for M43 and P < 2.17 MPa for XM39), a uniform dark zone was observed between the burning surface and the luminous flame, with intermittent flamelet attachment to the burning surface. As pressure increased, flamelet attachment became very pronounced, and the uniform dark zone was rarely seen. Temperature and NO concentration profiles in the dark zone of both propellants were very uniform when a uniform dark zone existed. Under this situation, M43 and XM39 were found to have similar dark-zone temperatures (around 1050 K for M43 and 1180 K for XM39); however, M43 has about 5% more NO mole fraction than XM39 in the dark-zone region (20% vs 15%). On the other hand, when luminous flamelets were attached to the burning surface, line-of-sigh-averaged NO concentrations (where a fixed path length is used in data anlysis) exhibited a rapid reduction with increased distance from the burning surface. This reduction results from the shorter intercepted lengthy by the UV light beam in the dark zone as the vertical distance from the burning surface increases; the deduced NO concentration is thereby decreased if the whole propellant diameter is used as the path length in data analysis. According to video records, M43 has a smaller dark zone than XM39 at the same pressure, and its dark zone decreases more rapidly with an increase of pressure than XM39 in the pressure range studied. M43 was found to be able to maintain a stable “flame-burning” mode combustion at a lower pressure than XM39.
FY 1986 science budget overview

Continental lithosphere research, scientific ocean drilling, investigative surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and the Mars Observer were among those programs that fared best in the federal budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 1986 that President Ronald Reagan sent to Congress last week. However, the Sea Grant and Coastal Zone Management programs were among those that fell victim to the budget ax once again.
Structural characterization of myelin-associated glycoprotein gene core promoter.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is emerging as an important molecule involved in the plasticity and regeneration of the central nervous system. In this study, the structure of MAG gene promoter was characterized in cultured rat oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Heterogeneous transcription initiation with five major and eight minor start sites scattered within 72 bp was shown by primer extension analysis. This TATA-less core promoter contains no prominent initiator (Inr) elements associated with the transcription initiation sites, and hence, appears to utilize novel positioning mechanisms. Genomic footprinting analysis revealed several putative protein-binding regions overlapping the initiation sites and containing a multitude of CG-rich sequences. However, no conspicuous alterations in the protein-binding pattern were evident between O2A progenitors in which the gene is inactive, and mature oligodendrocytes with fully upregulated gene. The core promoter DNA features a differentiation-dependent demethylation as shown by genomic sequencing analysis. Three of eight cytosines are totally demethylated in oligodendrocyte chromosomes, indicating that these unmodified bases may be critical for full activation of the promoter. The core promoter is located within an internucleosomal linker, and the upstream regulatory region appears to be organized into an array of nucleosomes with hypersensitive linkers. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:928–936, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DNase I hypersensitivity and expression of the Shrunken-1 gene of maize.

The local chromatin structure of the Shrunken-1 (Sh) gene of maize was probed by analyzing DNase I hypersensitivity. Sh encodes the gene for sucrose synthetase, a major starch biosynthetic enzyme, which is maximally expressed in the endosperm during seed maturation. In addition to general DNase I sensitivity, specific DNase I hypersensitive sites were identified in endosperm chromatin that mapped near the 5′ end of the Sh gene. The pattern of hypersensitive sites and their relative sensitivity were altered in other non-dormant tissues that produce little or no enzyme. However, some changes in chromatin structure appear to be independent of Sh gene expression and may reflect general alterations associated with plant development. The chromatin structure of several sh mutations, induced by Ds controlling element insertions, was also analyzed. Although the insertions perturbed expression of the gene, there were no notable effects on local chromatin structure.
Effect of Endobronchial Radiation Therapy on Malignant Bronchial Obstruction

We evaluated the effect of endobronchial radiation therapy in 52 patients with malignant airway occlusion. Fifty-five endobronchial applications of the radioisotope iridium 192 were carried out. Response was assessed by change in performance status, symptom resolution, duration of symptom relief, roentgenographic reaeration, pulmonary function tests, and postimplant bronchoscopy. Thirty-three patients showed at least a one-level improvement in performance status. Of a total of 166 symptoms present prior to therapy, 131 resolved or improved. Approximately 70 percent of a patient's lifetime was rendered symptom improved or symptom free. A roentgenographic reaeration response of 30/41 (73 percent) was achieved. The average FEV1 and FVC improved from 1.5 to 2.1 L and from 2.3 to 2.9 L, respectively. Posttherapy bronchoscopy was performed between one and two months following the implant in 15 patients who agreed to undergo the procedure. Eleven (73 percent) of 15 had complete tumor regression. Major long-term complications were noted in seven patients. Endobronchial radiation, therefore, appears to be a safe and effective technique to palliate malignant airway occlusion.
The boriding of chromium photomasks for increased abrasion resistance

Abstract In the photolithographic processing of semiconductor material, 700–1000 A of chromium on soda-lime or borosilicate glass is the most commonly used masking material. During contact printing the chromium surface may become scratched or abraded so that the opaque regions lose the ability to block actinic radiation. The gas phase diffusion of boron into chromium is used to increase the hardness of the photomask surface and to improve the wear resistance. The boronizing process confers great resistance both to sliding wear and to abrasive wear. Boriding at elevated temperatures on a graphite substrate decreases the warpage of the photomask blank and improves the overall quality of the photomask without introducing defects or without affecting the plasma etching characteristics of the chromium. Thus the standard photomask fabrication techniques of resist application, patterning and etching may still be applied after boriding treatment to produce a longer life photomask.
Imaging of absorption coefficients and lifetimes in the scattering medium with heterogeneous fluorophore distribution using simply bound constrained minimization

In this contribution, the inverse optical imaging problem is formulated as both simply bound-constrained and unconstrained minimization problems in order to illustrate the reduction in computational time and storage. The Galerkin finite element method is used for the numerical solution of the excitation and emission diffusion equations. The inverse approach employs the truncated Newton method with trust region, and modified automatic reverse differentiation method is used to calculate the gradients thus sped up the computation of the optimization problem.
Evaluation of Teacher Attributes as Predictors of Success in Urban Schools

Urban schools are challenged to improve teacher retention and quality. Unfortunately, research on effective teaching and attributes of effective teachers rarely has considered urban contextual infl...
Quantitative cytokine gene expression in CF airway

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in cystic fibrosis (CF) shows increased inflammation, which could be due to abnormal cytokine regulation. Bronchial epithelial cells and migratory inflammatory cells produce these cytokines, but few quantitative in vivo data are available comparing young CF patients with controls. We hypothesized that IL-8 mRNA abundance was higher in young CF vs. non-CF disease control patients in lung epithelium and inflammatory cells. Bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) were obtained by brush biopsy, and airway inflammatory cells (BALFC) by bronchoalveolar lavage, in 17 CF and 21 non-CF patients <5 years old undergoing clinically indicated bronchoscopy. Cellular mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR and normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Abundance of IL-8/GAPDH in BEC was significantly higher in CF (14.8 ± 3.3) than non-CF (4.2 ± 0.6) samples, and this difference was also significant when patients were stratified according to infection. In BALFC, the difference in IL-8 expression did not reach statistical significance: CF (17.1 ± 6.5) vs. non-CF (6.8 ± 1.9), but BALF cell number/ml was significantly higher in CF. IL-10 mRNA was very low in all samples, without showing a decrease in CF vs. non-CF patients. We conclude that early in the disease, IL-8 mRNA expression in BEC is increased in CF in vivo. Although IL-8 mRNA in migratory cells was not significantly higher in CF, these cells may still contribute to elevated IL-8 in airway secretions, secondary to increased cell density in BALF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:393–399. © 2004 Wiely-Liss, Inc.
Viscoplastic flow of planar granular materials

Abstract A rate-dependent constitutive model for the viscoplastic flow of granular materials is presented. The kinematics is based on the rate-dependent sliding of layers of granules, which results in overall dilatant shearing of the granular medium. Stress-induced anisotropy in the elastic and inelastic instantaneous material response is incorporated. Typical results for monotonic and cyclic loading are presented for illustration, and are shown to accurately correspond to actual observations. Results from this model for various rate-sensitivity parameters at strain rates are compared with those of the rate-independent model.
Frequency-domain criterion for stability of stochastic linear time-varying systems

The objective of this paper is to extend the frequency domain critorion for predicting the stability of a clas9 of linear time-varying-gain systems, subject to white Gaussian noise input disturbance. It is shown that, if the noise is linearly related to the state of the system, a relatively simple frequency-domain inequality, that guarantees asymptotic stability with probability one (ASWPI) of the system, exists. The stochastic version of the second method of Lyapunov, along with a modified Moyer-Kalman-Yakubovich (M.K.Y.) lemma is used to derive such a condition. Finally geometric interpretation of the criterion is presented.
Of mice and Myc: c-Myc and mammary tumorigenesis.

The proto-oncogene c-myc is involved in regulating proliferation and apoptosis, and its deregulation via genomic and postgenomic mechanisms, contributes to the development and progression of multiple human cancers, including those of the breast. Deregulated expression of c-Myc also contributes to neoplastic transformation by altering cellular differentiation pathways and by facilitating mutagenesis through induction of genomic instability. Transgenic and gene-knockout mice are frequently utilized to resolve the mechanisms through which specific genes influence the development and progression of malignancies. In this review, we discuss how research findings obtained from various c-myc transgenic mammary tumor models help to improve our resolution of c-Myc's role both in tumorigenesis of the murine mammary gland and cancer of the human breast.
Henry S. Kaplan Distinguished Scientist Award Lecture 2007. The remarkable yin and yang of tumour hypoxia.

Purpose: To honour perhaps the most influential man in the radiation sciences, Henry S. Kaplan, by reviewing the field of tumour hypoxia, one of his many interests.Results: It was postulated over 50 years ago by Thomlinson and Gray that human solid tumours would contain hypoxic cells and that they would exert a negative influence on the outcome of radiotherapy, a prediction that has been amply validated. In addition to the ‘chronic’ hypoxia that they proposed we know that tumours also have ‘acute’ hypoxia produced by the unstable nature of tumour blood flow. The most hypoxic cells in the tumour are the key mediators of the response to large radiation doses (such as are given in stereotactic body radiotherapy), whereas cells at intermediate levels of hypoxia are the most important for standard fractionated radiotherapy. But tumour hypoxia can be exploited to preferentially activate anti-cancer drugs such as tirapazamine in tumours. In addition, hypoxia, through the transcription factor hypoxia inducible fa...
Steroid Hormone Metabolism in Skin and Isolated Sebaceous Glands: Preliminary Observations on the Effects of Age

We conducted this study to establish initial base line data for the metabolism of 3 H-steroid hormones (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and estradiol) in skin and its appendages, the isolated sebaceous glands. Additionally, we wished to know whether or not changes occurring in aging skin and a relative lack of endogenous hormones alter the skin's capacity to metabolize steroid hormones in vitro . Eighty-seven biopsy samples from the preauricular area of the cheeks were obtained from 13 young women (ages 18 to 30) and 3 postmenopausal women (ages 60 to 68). Values were obtained for the rate of metabolism of tritiated testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone in the isolated sebaceous glands and dermis of the women. Wide individual variation was observed in sebaceous gland metabolism in both young and old women. The patterns of 3 H-steroid metabolites contained in the dermis were similar in the younger and older women. However, the ratios of precursors to metabolites in the sebaceous glands of the older women differed from the ratios of the younger ones. The pattern of in vitro lipid synthesis from 14 C-acetate in sebaceous glands of the 2 groups was not significantly different. The most interesting relationships derived from this study were the relative molar uptakes of 3 H-steroids. Tritiated progesterone was present in much greater quantities than either 3 H-androgens or 3 H-estrogens, in both dermis and sebaceous glands. On a weight basis the sebaceous glands were much more active than the dermis in the metabolism of 3 H-steroid hormones. Initial data of this type may be used as a conceptual framework within which changes associated with various pathologic and physiological states such as aging, acne, hirsutism, and alopecia can be examined.
Implications of electronic commerce for managers in less‐developed countries

Abstract Commercial connections are the fastest‐growing component of the Internet today, as more and more companies move to establish closer links with customers, business partners, vendors, and information resources via the network. The implications of the emerging electronic commerce for managers in less‐developed countries are examined here. This paper focuses on the managerial need to (1) understand the evolution of countries’ and companies’ approaches to electronic commerce, (2) gain insight into development phases and type of commercial activity that exist today, and (3) track changes that suggest where development may be headed.
Estimation of time of generation of living cells.

THE use of tritiated thymidine as a labelling agent has greatly facilitated examination of nuclear reproduction and cellular proliferation1–4. In such work, it has been customary to focus attention on the proliferation and fate of the cells that are labelled. Mendelsohn, however, has studied the fate of both labelled and unlabelled cells in tumours of mice and has used data obtained from both the labelled and unlabelled cell populations to derive the ratio of proliferative cells to total cells (the growth fraction)5,6. In the method presented here, applicable whenever a cohort of cells (that is, a fraction of the population) is labelled, the data for the labelled and unlabelled cells are analysed separately. In this way more information is obtained than when either only the labelled cells are studied or when data for the two cell populations are combined. The generation time of both labelled and unlabelled cells can be determined and compared, thus providing a method by which one aspect of toxicity of tritiated thymidine can be examined.
Circularly coded x-ray tomography.

A 3-D radiographic transmission tomography technique based on coded-aperture imaging is described. In this technique an x-ray source moving on a circular path parallel to the film projects an image of the object onto the film and convolves this image with a circle. By applying the matched filter of the circle to the image recorded on the film, any selected plane of the 3-D object can be reconstructed. The performance of this technique is analyzed by computer simulation and preliminary physical experiments. This technique may be particularly useful for 3-D reconstruction of high spatial frequency objects such as a 3-D angiogram.
Estimation of unmodeled forces on a low-thrust space vehicle

The application of a sequential estimation algorithm, which compensates for random errors in the dynamic model, to the problem of estimating the state of a continuously thrusting solar electric propulsion space vehicle is investigated. The dynamic model errors, due to random anomalies in the propulsion system, are approximated successfully by both first order and second order Gauss-Markov processes to obtain a more accurate and stable orbit determination algorithm. The importance of correct dynamic and measurement modeling in achieving accurate estimates is demonstrated.
Comparison of the structure and stability of monolayers prepared with 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan and 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan.

Abstract Monolayers are prepared by self-assembly of 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan or 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan on gold substrates. Reflection–absorption infrared spectra of these monolayers show that the 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan monolayer forms a well-organized interface while 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan monolayers do not. Infrared spectra also suggest that the C1–C4 axis of the phenyl ring is largely parallel to the Au-substrate for 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan layers, but has a more perpendicular orientation relative to the substrate for 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan layers. Despite these structural differences, Zisman analysis of contact angle data shows that these monolayers have similar surface energies, 27.1 (±6.7) mN/m for 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan and 26.1 (±5.3) mN/m for 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan. Fowkes analysis of the contact angle data suggest that dispersive interactions account for all of the measured surface energy for both modified interfaces. The structural differences are, however, reflected in the lateral stabilization energy measurements where monolayers of 12-phenyldodecyl mercaptan are found to be 24 (±5) kJ/mol more stable than those of 11-phenoxyundecyl mercaptan.
Conformational Analysis of Retinoic Acids: Effects of Steric Interactions on Nonplanar Conjugated Polyenes

Retinoic acids and other vitamin A analogs contain a trimethylcyclohexenyl ring in conjugation with a polyene chain joined at carbon-6 (C6) and carbon-7 (C7). A MP2-SCS/cc-pVDZ// B3LYP/6-31G(d) 2-D potential energy surface was computed for all-trans retinoic acid, which had 6 minima (3 enantiomeric pairs). The global minima were distorted s-gauche enantiomers (6-7 = 53°) with half-chair conformations of the ring. Distorted s-gauche enantiomers (6-7 = 55°) with inverted half-chair ring conformations were 1.7 kJ/mol above the global minima. The s-trans enantiomers (6-7 = 164°) were 11.3 kJ/mol above the global minima. Steric energies were computed by the method of Guo and Karplus to identify key structural elements in retinoic acids which determines their conformation. Small molecule crystal structures in the CCDC database with trimethylcyclohexenyl ring and exocyclic double bonds have ring-chain geometries near to one of the 6 energy minima of retinoic acids, except for retinaldehyde iminium cations.
Pollen‐ And Seed‐Sterility In Hybrids

Sterility of hybrids in various forms and degrees is a phenomenon so frequently presented to the plant breeder and geneticist that in some form and in some degree it is rather to be expected. The first problem in its study demands a critical examination to determine in the life history the place of those conditions that bring about the sterility in question. In earlier days the gametes were generally expected to carry the blame of failure to reproduce the line. More recent studies have shown that responsibilities for sterility cannot be so easily placed. Sterility, as expressed by varying proportions of abortive pollen and abortive ovules, is very common, and since it is easily recognized this manifestation of sterility has received the greatest share of attention. It is expressed by failure of the pollen grain to attain full size, the structure shriveling and usually losing its protoplasmic contents. In a like manner, the megaspore or embryo sac does not reach a normal development in the ovule. Such behavior results in failure to produce gametes, and cytological studies, as far as they have gone, indicate that this form of sterility, at least frequently, has its causation in irregularities of the reduction divisions which immediately precede the differentiation of microand megaspores. During these mitoses spindles may not be normal in form, chromosomes may be distributed in varying and irregular numbers, and the preparations for the reduction divisions may show abnormalities. Such phenomena clearly indicate a breakdown in the mechanism of nuclear division at this critical stage in the life history. It seems reasonable to assume in these cases that the hybrid must carry a germ plasm the structural elements of which can not conduct themselves in the orderly manner so characteristic of meiosis. Speculation on the reasons for the obvious breakdown of the cell and nuclear mechanism at this point in the life history would lead us too far afield for the purposes of this paper. It seems clear, however, that the causes lie in the heterozygous nature of the germ plasm, since we do not find this form of sterility in pure material. Abnormalities of chromosome distribution are clearly invited when the two sets are of different genetical constitution, since irregularities of segregation are rendered much more likely. It should not be assumed, however, that the presence of abortive pollen and abortive ovules is proof positive that the parent plant is hybrid, although l Read in the symposium on "Sterility in Plants," at the joint meeting of Section G of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Botanical Society of America, and the American Phytopathological Society, at Cambridge, December 27, I922. 462
The Universality of Generalized Personality Statements

Researchers for three decades have assumed that generalized personality statements are nearly universally valid. In this study, undergraduate students indicated whether generalized personality statements were "true" or "false" as applied to themselves; then these same students and a group of graduate students estimated the percentage of college students who would answer each generalized statement "true." Only 7 of the 12 commonly-used, generalized personality statements were found to be nearly universally valid among the undergraduates; the other 5 were answered "true" by fewer than two-thirds of the undergraduates. Both groups undergraduates and graduate students were very accurate in estimating the percentage of students who would respond "true" to each statement. Thus, many supposed generalized statements are not nearly universally valid, and students are cognizant of the degree of universality of generalized statements. Results of prior research based on inappropriate assumptions about generalized sta...
Charge-density-wave switching behavior in an applied temperature gradient

Abstract We have investigated the effect of thermal gradients upon switching crystals of the charge-density-wave (CDW) conductor NbSe 3 . We find that drastically different effects occur depending upon the zero gradient nature of the I–V characteristic. In samples which normally depin via a single switch a finite gradient tends to break this switch into a number of much smaller swirches, while samples which normally depin via a number of small switches are unaffected by the gradient. From these results we determine the nature of the distribution of ultra-strong impurities which give rise to switching in NbSe 3 .
Helium-4 solid-liquid interface mobility and ultrasonic energy absorption mechanisms

The first measurements of acoustic reflection, together with acoustic transmission at the solid-liquid interface of4He, are used to determine the total relative acoustic energy absorption at the interface as a function of temperature. Based on these results, a new mechanism for the temperature dependence of the kinetics of growth and interface mobility is proposed.
Academic Decathletes Insights From the Metaphor and an Exemplar

Business school professors are facing increasing pressure to excel in diverse academic roles that require different knowledge and skills. The multiplicity and diversity of roles evoke the image of the professor as an academic decathlete. In this article, the author explores the metaphor of the academic decathlete through conversations with Professor Tom Lee who has been successful in multiple academic roles. The interview sheds light on the dimensions and capacities of an academic decathlete and various strategies that can be used as academics seek to perform at high levels of excellence in a range of roles.
Unsymmetrically Bridging Aryls of Iridium

The iridium(I) complex [(cod)IrCl]2 (1; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) reacts with 2,6-disubstituted aryl Grignard reagents to give air-stable diiridium complexes (cod)IrBr(μ,κ1:η6-Ar)Ir(cod) (Ar = 2,4,...
NO pathway in CF and non‐CF children

Controversy exists concerning abnormalities of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Although some studies suggested that NO activity is impaired in CF, changes in NO production in young children have not been studied. We hypothesized that nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) expression is decreased in young children with CF, leading to decreased production of lower airway NO, and that decreased NOS II expression is related to airway inflammation. Accordingly, we measured lower airway exhaled NO, nitrate, and NOS II expression in airway epithelium and macrophages by bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchial brushing in 13 children with CF, 4 adolescent patients with CF, and 14 disease control children. Lower airway NO and nitrate were not different between CF and disease controls. Immunostaining studies of NOS II expression in airway epithelial cells and macrophages were similar in CF and control patients. Within the CF group, however, expression of NOS II was inversely related to BAL neutrophil counts and IL-8, two markers of airway inflammation. We conclude that lower airway NO, nitrate levels, and NOS II expression are not different in young children with CF and disease control patients, but that NOS II expression decreases in CF as airway inflammation increases.
Transient rotordynamic analysis for the space-shuttle main engine high-pressure oxygen turbopump

A simulation study was conducted to examine the transient rotordynamics of the space shuttle main engine (SSME) high pressure oxygen turbopump (HPOTP) with the objective of identifying, anticipating, and avoiding rotordynamic problem areas. Simulations were performed for steady state operations at emergency power levels and for critical speed transitions. No problems are indicated in steady state operation of the HPOTP emergency power levels, although the results indicated that a rubbing condition will be experienced during critical speed transition at shutdown, particularly involving rotor deceleration rate and imbalance distribution rubbing at the turbine floating-ring seals. The condition is correctable by either reducing the imbalance at the HPOTP hot gas turbine wheels, or by a more rapid deceleration of the rotor through it critical speed.
Constructing a small laboratory animal imaging device based on scintillating fibers

Scintillating optical fibers have been used to build small detectors for whole-body imaging of small rodents by nuclear medicine techniques. Cylindrical detectors with entrance apertures of 6.8 cm and active lengths of 11.3 cm were constructed using both 3 mm and 1 mm BCF-10 fibers. Fiber readout was performed using position sensitive photomultipliers and a specialized flash ADC system. The efficiencies of these detectors were determined as a function of energy, their resolution was studied, and their potential use for SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) was explored.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patient stratification based on Activity of Daily Living score using Relational Self-Organizing Maps

Stratification is a valuable technique for providing an insight on the structure of the patient population based on some features such as Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scores. Grouping patients can play an important role in designing clinical trials or improving care delivery. In this paper, we present a method for stratifying patients based on their ADL scores. Every patient is represented by a time series consisting of ADL scores recorded over a period of up to two years. This approach relies on Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) technique to measure the similarity between two time series and then using Relational Self-Organizing Maps (RSOM) to discover patient clusters. The analysis was performed on a population of 6,000 patients. Six clusters were discovered: patients with high risk and steady ADL trajectory, low risk and steady trajectory, patients with sudden ADL score jumps, patients with declining ADL score and others with steady inclining trajectory.
STM Investigations of the Two-Dimensional Ordering of Perylenetetracarboxylic Acid N-Alkyl-diimides on HOPG and MoS2 Surfaces

The 2D structures of a variety of n-alkyl-substituted perylene diimides adsorbed onto HOPG and MoS2 surfaces from phenyloctane solutions were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Both rectangular, or herringbone-like, structures and row structures were observed. Surprisingly, the lattice constants, and thus the area per molecule of the rectangular structures, did not increase as expected when the alkyl chain length was increased. Protrusion of the alkyl tails into the solvent above the 2D layer is proposed to account for this behavior. Row structures, where the alkyl tails lie flat on the substrate surface, were also observed wherein the area per molecule increases as expected for the increase in the length of the alkyl tail. The formation of domains with a particular orientation with respect to the underlying lattice was observed for many of the 2D structures. The alignment of the molecular layers with the substrate could be explained with a point-on-line coincidence model. Formation and fi...
The Effects of Apolipoprotein F Deficiency on High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Metabolism in Mice

Apolipoprotein F (apoF) is 29 kilodalton secreted sialoglycoprotein that resides on the HDL and LDL fractions of human plasma. Human ApoF is also known as Lipid Transfer Inhibitor protein (LTIP) based on its ability to inhibit cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-mediated transfer events between lipoproteins. In contrast to other apolipoproteins, ApoF is predicted to lack strong amphipathic alpha helices and its true physiological function remains unknown. We previously showed that overexpression of Apolipoprotein F in mice reduced HDL cholesterol levels by 20–25% by accelerating clearance from the circulation. In order to investigate the effect of physiological levels of ApoF expression on HDL cholesterol metabolism, we generated ApoF deficient mice. Unexpectedly, deletion of ApoF had no substantial impact on plasma lipid concentrations, HDL size, lipid or protein composition. Sex-specific differences were observed in hepatic cholesterol content as well as serum cholesterol efflux capacity. Female ApoF KO mice had increased liver cholesteryl ester content relative to wild type controls on a chow diet (KO: 3.4+/−0.9 mg/dl vs. WT: 1.2+/−0.3 mg/dl, p<0.05). No differences were observed in ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity in either sex. Interestingly, ApoB-depleted serum from male KO mice was less effective at promoting ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from J774 macrophages relative to WT controls.
Number of ribosomal RNA cistrons in the marine mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta.

Abstract The number of rRNA cistrons in Ilyanassa was estimated by the RNA-DNA hybridization reaction. There were found 1.58 × 103 cistrons for the diploid DNA content of somatic cells. This redundancy in rRNA cistrons was correlated with genomic complexity.
ETV2 expression increases the efficiency of primitive endothelial cell derivation from human embryonic stem cells

Background Endothelial cells line the luminal surface of blood vessels and form a barrier between the blood and other tissues of the body. Ets variant 2 (ETV2) is transiently expressed in both zebrafish and mice and is necessary and sufficient for vascular endothelial cell specification. Overexpression of this gene in early zebrafish and mouse embryos results in ectopic appearance of endothelial cells. Ectopic expression of ETV2 in later development results in only a subset of cells responding to the signal.
Pegvisomant therapy for acromegaly.

Despite traditional, multimodality therapy that consisted of surgery, radiotherapy and medical therapies, many patients with acromegaly could not be adequately treated. Pegvisomant is a novel growth hormone receptor antagonist that became available for the treatment of acromegaly in 2003. This drug is a growth hormone variant that has nine mutations to human growth hormone. These give it high affinity for the growth hormone receptor as well as disrupting growth hormone receptor dimerization, with the net effect being antagonism of growth hormone at its receptor. Traditional methods of therapy for acromegaly treat the disease by reducing pituitary tumor secretion of growth hormone and, thus, lowering serum insulin-like growth factor-I levels. Pegvisomant, by contrast, blocks the actions of circulating growth hormone excess, but does not lower serum growth hormone levels. Its efficacy, therefore, is assessed by monitoring serum insulin-like growth factor-I levels. In clinical trials, pegvisomant has been sh...
Identification, localization and interaction of SNARE proteins in atrial cardiac myocytes

Atrial cardiac myocytes secrete the vasoactive hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) by both constitutive and regulated exocytotic fusion of ANP-containing large dense core vesicles (LDCV) with the sarcolemma. Detailed information, however, regarding the identity and function of specific membrane fusion proteins (SNARE proteins) involved in exocytosis in the endocrine heart is lacking. In the current study, we identified SNARE proteins and determined their association with ANP-containing secretory granules using primary cultures of neonatal and adult rat atrial cardiac myocytes. Using RT-PCR, cardiac myocytes were screened for SNARE and SNARE-associated transcripts. Identified SNARE proteins that have been implicated in exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells were further characterized by Western blot analysis. Functional interaction between SNARE proteins was demonstrated using immunoprecipitation. Using cell fractionation and immunocytochemical methods, it was revealed that VAMP-1, VAMP-2 and synaptotagmin-1 (the putative Ca(2+) sensor) localized to subpopulations of ANP-containing secretory granules in atrial myocytes. Currently, there is conflicting data regarding the role of Ca(2+) in ANP exocytosis. To judge whether secretory activity could be evoked by intracellular Ca(2+) elevation, time-resolved membrane capacitance measurements were used in combination with the flash photolysis of caged compounds to follow the exocytotic activity of single neonatal atrial myocytes. These studies demonstrated that multiple SNARE proteins are present in neonatal and adult cardiac myocytes and suggest the importance of Ca(2+) in exocytosis of ANP from neonatal atrial cardiac myocytes.
Validation and calibration of SAR imagery of Manu National Park, Peru

A joint calibration experiment between the synthetic aperture radars (SAR) onboard NASA/JPL's AIRSAR and Japan's NASDA J-ERS-1 satellite was performed by cotemporally imaging Manu National Park in Peru on June 7, 1993. The data from both instruments were subsequently processed and calibrated at their respective institutions. In situ data at the site in Peru consisting of ground and aerial photographs, GPS coordinates, dielectric measurements, ecological characterization, rainforest structural parameters, and vegetation species identification were collected in early September 1993. Some of the objectives of this experiment were to quantify the relative calibration of AIRSAR and J-ERS-1 data, identify ecological habitats from radar backscatter, and to classify backscatter response due to structural characteristics of the rainforest. Since temporal, global coverage of the J-ERS-1 L-band HH polarization SAR exists, data from this instrument may provide a means for both remote ecological habitat identification and the ability to monitor the extent and conversion of rainforests as man encroaches on ever more remote regions of the world. This paper includes a discussion of the calibration of the SAR instruments. >
Pulse-train uniformity in optical fiber lasers passively mode-locked by nonlinear polarization rotation

The generation of uniform soliton pulse trains by additive pulse mode locking has been experimentally demonstrated in a birefringent fiber laser with a passive polarizer. Numerical simulations of pulse propagation around such a fiber loop are presented which reveal that this mode-locking scheme does not result in strictly uniform pulse trains. Rather, the train of output pulses exhibits periodic fluctuations in intensity and polarization. A model for the pulse dynamics is developed which shows that these fluctuations depend on the strength of the fiber birefringence and the alignment of the polarizer with the fast- and slow-polarization axes of the fiber. It is also shown that increased uniformity of pulse trains is achieved with near alignment of the polarizer with the slow axis of the birefringence.
Materials Selection by the Design Engineer

This paper discusses the problems of materials selection by the design engineer in terms of properties, cost, availability, use, processing operations, reliability of performance, and health hazards. Examples are cited, with emphasis on electrical, electronics, and communications technologies. In view of the variety, complexity, and sometimes subtlety of the factor involved in materials selection, a systematic approach is essential if the best use is to be made of available information in terms of requirements. Design of a Selection Index is proposed as a means of quantitative comparisons. The Selection Index is based upon the categories listed above and permits weighting of the various factors involved in order to maintain flexibility.
Bardoxolone Methyl Decreases Megalin and Activates Nrf2 in the Kidney

Inflammation and oxidative stress are hallmarks and mediators of the progression of CKD. Bardoxolone methyl, a potent activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, increases estimated GFR and decreases BUN, serum phosphorus, and uric acid concentrations in patients with moderate to severe CKD. However, it also increases albuminuria, which is associated with inflammation and disease progression. Therefore, we investigated whether this bardoxolone methyl–induced albuminuria may result from the downregulation of megalin, a protein involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and lipid-bound proteins. Administration of bardoxolone methyl to cynomolgus monkeys significantly decreased the protein expression of renal tubular megalin, which inversely correlated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moreover, daily oral administration of bardoxolone methyl to monkeys for 1 year did not lead to any adverse effects on renal histopathologic findings but did reduce serum creatinine and BUN, as observed in patients with CKD. Finally, the bardoxolone methyl–induced decrease in megalin corresponded with pharmacologic induction of renal Nrf2 targets, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme activity and glutathione content. This result indicates that Nrf2 may have a role in megalin regulation. In conclusion, these data suggest that the increase in albuminuria that accompanies bardoxolone methyl administration may result, at least in part, from reduced expression of megalin, which seems to occur without adverse effects and with strong induction of Nrf2 targets.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF NAVAL PERSONNEL AND PERSONNEL PERFORMANCE

The productivity of enlisted personnel aboard ships is measured as a function of their personal characteristics. Ship readiness as measured by the material condition of shipboard equipment, depends on the size and composition of a ship’s crew, the complexity of equipment, and other factors. The productivity of enlisted personnel varies systematically with high school graduation, entry test scores, paygrade, experience, Navy training, race, and marital status. The importance of particular factors varies by occupation. More complex equipment is in worse condition and requires higher quality personnel. Ship age and overhaul frequency also affect material condition. Implications are drawn for policies regarding recruitment, retention, manning, rotation, and pay.