cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of alpha 1-adrenergic vascular desensitization in conscious dogs

To investigate the mechanisms of alpha 1-adrenergic vascular desensitization, osmotic minipumps containing either saline (n = 9) or amidephrine mesylate (AMD) (n = 9), a selective alpha 1-adrenergic receptor agonist, were implanted subcutaneously in dogs with chronically implanted arterial and right atrial pressure catheters and aortic flow probes. After chronic alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation, significant physiological desensitization to acute AMD challenges was observed, i.e., pressor and vasoconstrictor responses to the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist were significantly depressed (p < 0.01) compared with responses in the same dogs studied in the conscious state before pump implantation. However, physiological desensitization to acute challenges of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) (0.1 micrograms/kg per minute) in the presence of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade was not observed for either mean arterial pressure (MAP) (30 +/- 7 versus 28 +/- 5 mm Hg) or total peripheral resistance (TPR) (29.8 +/- 4.9 versus 28.9 +/- 7.3 mm Hg/l per minute). In the presence of beta-adrenergic receptor plus ganglionic blockade after AMD pump implantation, physiological desensitization to NE was unmasked since the control responses to NE (0.1 micrograms/kg per minute) before the AMD pumps were now greater (p < 0.01) than after chronic AMD administration for both MAP (66 +/- 5 versus 32 +/- 2 mm Hg) and TPR (42.6 +/- 10.3 versus 23.9 +/- 4.4 mm Hg/l per minute). In the presence of beta-adrenergic receptor, ganglionic, plus NE-uptake blockade after AMD pump implantation, desensitization was even more apparent, since NE (0.1 micrograms/kg per minute) induced even greater differences in MAP (33 +/- 5 versus 109 +/- 6 mm Hg) and TPR (28.1 +/- 1.8 versus 111.8 +/- 14.7 mm Hg/l per minute). The maximal force of contraction induced by NE in the presence or absence of endothelium was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in vitro in mesenteric artery rings from AMD pump dogs compared with saline control dogs. Furthermore, alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density, as determined by [3H]prazosin binding in membrane preparations from vessels in the mesentery, was decreased (8.2 +/- 1.0 versus 18.4 +/- 1.4 fmol/mg protein, p < 0.001) without any change in Kd in the AMD pump dogs compared with the saline pump dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS).
Optical network optimization considering maintenance-related operational expenditure

We propose a highly reliable optical network architecture which optimizes total cost considering maintenance-related Operational Expenditure (OPEX). Numerical evaluations show that the proposed architecture achieves lower total cost compared to conventional one with 1+1 protection.
Phosphate depletion arrests progression of chronic renal failure independent of protein intake.

Phosphate depletion arrests progression of chronic renal failure independent of protein intake. Following 5/6 nephrectomy, 18 rats were fed a normal diet. After 30 days, serum creatinine (SCr), urine protein excretion and urine volume were increased compared to pre-nephrectomy (0.27 ± 0.1 vs. 1.62 ± 0.6 mg/deciliter, 17.0 ± 10.3 vs. 257.6 ± 13.4 mg/24 hr, and 16.6 ± 4.4 vs. 39.2 ±11.7 ml/24 hr, respectively, all P 2+ ) were normal, the rats were separated into two groups, matched and paired by body weight and SCr, and housed separately in metabolic cages. Animals of one group ingested a normal diet supplemented with dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate (DHAAA), 15 g%, to induce phosphate depletion (PD). The second group ingested the same diet supplemented with 7.5% glycine and was the phosphate replete (PR) group. All rats were pair fed throughout the study to maintain similar caloric, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral intakes. At six weeks after separation, SPi was decreased in PD vs. PR group (2.85 ± 0.8 vs. 6.71 ± 1.2 mg/deciliter, P 2+ was increased in the PD group (11,98 ± 0.7 vs. 10.03 ± 0.7 mg/deciliter, P
Excitation-Curves for Fluorine and Lithium

Observations on the alpha-particles emitted by lithium and the gamma-rays emitted by lithium and fluorine when bombarded with protons of energies up to 1000 kv have been improved by the use of a corona-free, 10,000-megohm voltmeter-resistor for voltage-measurements. By this means the accuracy of our measurements has been brought to two percent on an absolute scale and about one percent on a relative scale. Oscillograph-studies of voltage-fluctuations have shown that up to 1000 kv the voltage is constant to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4 percent "peak-ripple." For the distribution-curve for voltage versus time the "half-maximum" width is about one percent at 1000 kv. Results thus far obtained for the gamma-ray resonances are as follows: There is an indication of a weak multiplet structure in fluorine in the region between 500 and 700 kv with a broad but fairly prominent "resonance" at 650 to 700 kv. The existence of a resonance in lithium at 850 kv was not confirmed.
Synthesis of hexagonal Y type zeolites in the presence of Gd(III) complexes of 18-crown-6

Abstract Zeolite hexagonal Y was successfully synthesized in the presence of both 18-crown-6 and the Gd(III) complexes of 18-crown-6 as templates. The crystallization times as well as the gadolinium content in the hexagonal Y were found to increase with increasing ratios of Gd3+ -18-crown-6/SiO2 in the initial gel compositions. The resulting hexagonal Y zeolites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM. Partial evidence for the template role and encapsulation of Gd3+ -18-crown-6 are described. The room temperature proton relaxivities of aqueous suspensions of hexagonal Y entrapped Gd3+-18-crown-6 were measured. The pH stability of the hexagonal Y samples was also determined. Based on these results the potential application of hexagonal Y synthesized with Gd3+-18-crown-6 as oral MRI contrast agent is discussed.
Stress analysis and design criteria for prestressed concrete mine sets

Abstract Prestressed concrete mine sets have proved to be more economical than wood or steel sets for semi-permanent installations in Formosan mines. Photoelastic stress analysis on models of such sets indicates that more economical and equally effective sets could be designed with less reinforcing wire, and that concrete cushion pieces at the joints of the sets could reduce maintenance costs. The recommended joint is a concrete cushion piece with thin wooden buffers between the cushion and the concrete members.
Photographic analysis of coring

Abstract Photographs taken by cameras mounted on piston corers at 132 sampling stations provide a dramatic documentation of the coring process. While being lowered through the water column, corers rotate between 1°–30° per 5 sec (the time interval between pictures) and hang from the wire at inclinations or at deviations from vertical of up to 12°. With tripping, free-fall and penetration, rotational movements increase considerably: during 49% of the stations, rotations were between 31° and 150° per 5 sec; during 43% of the stations, rotations were 1°–30°; only 8% of the stations indicated slight or no rotational movement. Inclinations increased from descent to full penetration by up to 8° on 70% of the stations, between 9° and 12° on 11% of the stations, and was greater than 12° on 15% of the stations; no increase was recorded on only 4% of the stations. Additional corer movement such as continued slow penetration or abrupt rotations followed initial penetration on approximately one-third of the 102 stations where good photographs were taken while the equipment remained in the sea-floor. Comparisons between measured penetration of the piston corer and recorded mud-line levels on core barrels, indicate mud-line measurements were within ± 5% of penetration on 78% of the stations, demonstrating the value of the mud-line as a penetration indicator. Core-recovery ratios (core recovered: penetration) averaged 0.78 for 75 stations where piston-corer penetration was measurable. Not considering stations where flow-in, pre-tripping, bending of pipes, sub-surface hard grounds, etc., produced disturbed sedimentary sequences in cores or inhibited penetration, average recovery ratios were 0.86 (49 stations); no relationship to sediment type is apparent. Recovered core lengths exceeded penetration (recovery ratios > 1.00) on five stations although stratigraphic disturbances were not noticeable in the cores. Recovery ratios of
Acoustic Wave Chemical Microsensors in GaAs

High sensitivity acoustic wave chemical microsensors are being developed on GaAs substrates. These devices take advantage of the piezoelectric properties of GaAs as well as its mature microelectronics fabrication technology and nascent micromachining technology. The design, fabrication, and response of GaAs SAW chemical microsensors are reported. Functional integrated GaAs SAW oscillators, suitable for chemical sensing, have been produced. The integrated oscillator requires 20 mA at 3 VK, operates at frequencies up to 500 MHz, and occupies approximately 2 mmz. Discrete GaAs sensor components, including IC amplifiers, SAW delay lines, and IC phase comparators have been fabricated and tested. A temperature compensation scheme has been developed that overcomes the large temperature dependence of GaAs acoustic wave devices. Packaging issues related to bonding miniature flow channels directly to the GaAs substrates have been resolved. Micromachining techniques for fabricating FPW and TSM microsensors on thin GaAs membranes are presented and GaAs FPW delay line performance is described. These devices have potentially higher sensitivity than existing GaAs and quartz SAW sensors.
Resistance of Strawberry Cultivars to Crown Rot Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolates from Florida Is Nonspecific

MacKenzie, S. J., Legard, D. E., Timmer, L. W., Chandler, C. K., and Peres, N. A. 2006. Resistance of strawberry cultivars to crown rot caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates from Florida is nonspecific. Plant Dis. 90:1091-1097. Isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and native grape were tested for virulence on strawberry cultivars in field experiments for three seasons. Isolate aggressiveness and cultivar resistance were determined by the proportion of plants killed at a defined time. Each year, four to six isolates were inoculated on four to seven different cultivars, with a subset of isolates and cultivars evaluated again the next season. On the dates that disease was evaluated, incidence ranged from 10 to 84% for individual cultivars. Cultivar and isolate effects were significant in all three seasons, but there was no significant cultivar by isolate interaction in any season. Thus, resistance to C. gloeosporioides appears to be nonspecific. In the third season, one isolate of Colletotrichum fragariae from strawberry and one from oak were included. There was no significant cultivar by isolate interaction detected for this species, although there were significant differences among cultivars and isolates. When the resistance of cultivars to both species was compared, the rankings of cultivars were similar, but a modest cultivar by species interaction was evident. The cultivar Treasure was more resistant to crown rot caused by either species than any other cultivar tested. Additional keywords: Colletotrichum crown rot, Glomerella cingulata
Subwavelength resonant nanostructured films for sensing

We present a novel subwavelength nanostructure architecture that may be utilized for optical standoff sensing applications. The subwavelength structures are fabricated via a combination of nanoimprint lithography and metal sputtering to create metallic nanostructured films encased within a transparent media. The structures are based on the open ring resonator (ORR) architecture which has a characteristic resonance frequency. Any perturbation of the nanostructured films due to chemical or environmental effects can shift the resonant frequency and provide an indication of the external stimulus. This shift in resonance can be interrogated remotely either actively using either laser illumination or passively using hyperspectral or multispectral sensing. These structures may be designed to be either anisotropic or isotropic, which can also provide polarization-sensitive interrogation. Due to the nanometer scale of the structures, they can be tailored to be optically responsive in the visible or near infrared spectrum with a highly reflective resonant peak that is dependent solely on structural dimensions and material characteristics. We present experimental measurements of the optical response of these structures as a function of wavelength, polarization, and incident angle demonstrating the resonant effect in the near infrared region. Numerical modeling data showing the effect of different fabrication parameters such as structure parameters are also discussed.
ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS FOR CURRENT SHEET STRUCTURE DETERMINED BY SELF-CONSISTENT, ANISOTROPIC TRANSPORT PROCESSES IN A GRAVITATIONAL FIELD

A Harris sheet magnetic field with maximum magnitude B 0 and length scale L is combined with the anisotropic electrical conductivity, viscosity, and thermoelectric tensors for an electron-proton plasma to define a magnetohydrodynamic model that determines the steady state of the plasma. The transport tensors are functions of temperature, density, and magnetic field strength, and are computed self-consistently as functions of position x normal to the current sheet. The flow velocity, magnetic field, and gravitational force lie along the z-axis. The plasma is supported against gravity by the viscous force. Analytic solutions are obtained for temperature, density, and velocity. They are valid over a broad range of temperature, density, and magnetic field strength, and so may be generally useful in astrophysical applications. Numerical examples of solutions in the parameter range of the solar atmosphere are presented. The objective is to compare Joule and viscous heating rates, determine the velocity shear that generates viscous forces that support the plasma and are self-consistent with a mean outward mass flux comparable to the solar wind mass flux, and compare the thermoelectric and conduction current contributions to the Joule heating rate. The ratio of the viscous to Joule heating rates per unit mass can exceed unity by orders of magnitude, and increases rapidly with L. The viscous heating rate can be concentrated outside the region where the current density is localized, corresponding to a resistively heated layer of plasma bounded by viscously heated plasma. The temperature gradient drives a thermoelectric current density that can have a magnitude greater than that of the electric-field-driven conduction current density, so thermoelectric effects are important in determining the Joule heating rate.
Superposition of nonlinear plasma waves.

We report results showing that spatially periodic Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) waves, which are exact nonlinear traveling wave solutions of the Vlasov-Maxwell equations for collisionless plasmas, satisfy a nonlinear principle of superposition in the small amplitude limit. The analysis explicates the notion of superimposed BGK waves which, as recent numerical calculations suggest, is crucial in the proper description of the time-asymptotic state of a plasma when a large amplitude electrostatic wave undergoes nonlinear Landau damping.
Evidence for an NO-rebound, mechanism for production of N2O from nitrite by the copper-containing nitrite reductase from Achromobacter cycloclastes

Abstract Reduction of NO − 2 by the Cu-containing nitrite reductase from Achromobacter cycloclastes produces NO as the primary product initially, but as NO accumulates, NO production levels-off and N 2 O production becomes significant. Reaction of the enzyme with NO − 2 in the presence of NO increases the amount of N 2 O product significantly, while trapping the NO product as nitrosylhemoglobin or rapid, removal of NO by sparging results in no detectable N 2 O production. Reaction of the enzyme with 15 NO − 2 in the presence of 14 NO results in rapid formation of the mixed isotope product ( 14 N, 15 N)O in ca. 45% yield. In contrast, the presence or absence of NO has no effect on N 2 O production by a prototypical heme cd 1 -containing nitrite reductase. These results are consistent with formation of a labile Cu + −NO + species in the copper enzyme, which normally decomposes to NO. Production of N 2 O requires that the released NO must rebind to the enzyme to combine with a second NO − 2 or a species derived therefrom.
On the Assessment of Monte Carlo Error in Simulation-Based Statistical Analyses

Statistical experiments, more commonly referred to as Monte Carlo or simulation studies, are used to study the behavior of statistical methods and measures under controlled situations. Whereas recent computing and methodological advances have permitted increased efficiency in the simulation process, known as variance reduction, such experiments remain limited by their finite nature and hence are subject to uncertainty; when a simulation is run more than once, different results are obtained. However, virtually no emphasis has been placed on reporting the uncertainty, referred to here as Monte Carlo error, associated with simulation results in the published literature, or on justifying the number of replications used. These deserve broader consideration. Here we present a series of simple and practical methods for estimating Monte Carlo error as well as determining the number of replications required to achieve a desired level of accuracy. The issues and methods are demonstrated with two simple examples, one evaluating operating characteristics of the maximum likelihood estimator for the parameters in logistic regression and the other in the context of using the bootstrap to obtain 95% confidence intervals. The results suggest that in many settings, Monte Carlo error may be more substantial than traditionally thought.
SU-GG-J-111: Evaluation of Reproducibility of Immobilization Device for Head-And-Neck Radiotherapy

Purpose: To evaluate two commercially available Head‐and‐Neck immobilization devices for daily treatment setup and their correlations to anatomy changes. The study represents an early implementation experience with the Orfit mask, which was new to our clinic. Method and Materials: Twenty‐one patients enrolled in an in‐house adaptive radiotherapy protocol 3171 using daily CT guided treatment were randomly assigned to one of two different thermoplastic masks: 5‐Point Efficast mask from Orfit (ORFIT Industries, Jericho, NY) or the extended S‐Board mask from Civco (CIVCO/MedTec, Orange City, IA). The daily setup displacements in each of the antero‐posterior(AP), supero‐inferior(SI), and medio‐lateral(ML) direction were determined using a 3D rigid image registration technique with the C2 vertebral body as the bony landmark. Systematic and random setup errors were computed for each group. The Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between parotid shrinkage and the magnitudes of 3D displacements. Results: The random errors in AP, SI, and ML directions for Orfit mask (10 patients) were 0.13, 0.12, 0.11cm, and 0.12, 0.16, 0.11cm for the Civco mask (11 patients), respectively. The systematic errors were 0.20, 0.12, 0.16 cm for the Orfit mask, and 0.16, 0.16, 0.13 cm for the Civco mask, respectively. The Orfit mask significantly reduced the setup error in SI direction. However, in the AP and ML directions the systematic error increased with the Orfit mask, although the random errors were similar. The magnitude of the total (3D) shift was found to be correlated with the percent of parotid shrinkage for the Civco mask (p=0.026), but not for the Orfit mask. Conclusion: Although the Orfit mask reduced setup error in SI direction due to its head rest design, setup errors in AP and ML directions increased mainly due to increased systematic mask preparation errors. User training may be important.
Effect of oral captopril on premature ventricular complexes in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function: a randomized clinical trial.

Some studies have suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in patients with heart failure is associated with a decrease in frequency of spontaneous premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). It is not clear whether such a finding represents a primary effect of ACE inhibition or, instead, a secondary result of treatment of heart failure. For a primary drug effect to be present, PVC suppression during ACE inhibition should also occur in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function. We therefore undertook a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial to assess the effect of oral captopril (50 mg. b.i.d.) on ventricular arrhythmia frequency in 11 patients with > 30 PVCs/h (during a 48-h ambulatory recording) and a left ventricular ejection fraction of > or = 45% (measured by radionuclide multigated acquisition scan). Pharmacologic activity of the administered drug was evidenced by an increase in median plasma renin activity to 2.4 ng/AI/ml/h from a value of 1.1 ng/AI/ml/h during placebo (p = 0.001) and an 8.5 +/- 10.3 drop in mean diastolic blood pressure during captopril versus placebo (p < 0.03). During captopril treatment, a mean of 491 +/- 378 PVCs/h were observed compared with 389 +/- 169 PVCs/h during placebo, a nonsignificant difference. There was also no significant change in left ventricular ejection fraction, plasma catecholamines, or serum potassium during captopril treatment. Thus, ACE inhibition in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function fails to suppress ventricular ectopic activity. Extrapolated to patients with heart failure, our observations argue against a primary PVC suppressive action of ACE inhibitors but do not rule out possible secondary antiarrhythmic effects of these agents.
Local non-Calderbank-Shor-Steane quantum error-correcting code on a three-dimensional lattice

We present a family of non-Calderbank-Shor-Steane quantum error-correcting code consisting of geometrically local stabilizer generators on a 3D lattice. We study the Hamiltonian constructed from ferromagnetic interaction of overcomplete set of local stabilizer generators. The degenerate ground state of the system is characterized by a quantum error-correcting code whose number of encoded qubits are equal to the second Betti number of the manifold. These models (i) have solely local interactions; (ii) admit a strong-weak duality relation with an Ising model on a dual lattice; (iii) have topological order in the ground state, some of which survive at finite temperature; and (iv) behave as classical memory at finite temperature.
Effect of UV radiation on survival of non-haired mice.

— Patterns of mortality in a series of photocarcinogenesis experiments were examined. All experiments involved chronic irradiation of genetically non-haired mice with simulated sunlight from a Xe lamp. Experimental variables included genetic origin of the test animals, incident dose of radiation, and the spectral quality of the radiation. In 16 experiments involving 10 genetic origins of mice the following patterns were detected: (1) survival was inversely proportional to the delivered radiation dose; (2) within origins the life-shortening efficacy of radiation was closely correlated with its carcinogenic efficacy; (3) between genetic origins the carcinogenicity and lethality of a radiation dose were qualitatively correlated, but relative efficacy for the two effects varied; (4) altering the source spectrum by modifying the short-wave (UVB) cutoff produced similar changes in carcinogenicity and lethality, suggesting that UVB was a significant contributor to lethal efficacy; (5) nature and relative timing of the carcinogenic response were such that carcinogenesis was not likely to have caused the observed mortality. It is speculated that systemic effects, possibly immunologic or toxic, are produced by chronic UV irradiation, and that these apparently cumulative, dose-dependent effects result in premature death of non-haired mice.
Neutron–Deuteron Scattering Observables at E lab = 14.1 MeV

Inelastic neutron–deuteron scattering is studied on the basis of configuration-space Faddeev equations. Calculated are neutron–deuteron breakup amplitudes using AV14 nucleon–nucleon potential at incident neutron energy of 14.1 MeV. The results of calculations are presented for the differential cross sections under quasi free scattering and space–star configurations, and compared with those of the previous calculations and experimental data. The choice of the cutoff radius Rcutoff for asymptotic conditions is discussed.
Effects of dorsomedial thalamic lesions on spontaneous alternation, maze, activity and runway performance in the rat.

Abstract A group of 15 Long Evans rats with bilateral electrolytic lesions of the dorsomedial area of the thalamus (DMT) and a group consisting of 14 sham-operated and one normal rat were compared on maze activity, spontaneous alternation, runway acquisition and extinction, and response to a novel alley. The DMT-damaged rats were found to spontaneously alternate at chance level. Also, relative to controls, the experimental animals were slower to habituate locomotion in the maze and more resistant to extinction in the runway. The two groups did not differ significantly on response to novelty.
STUDIES ON SOME INTERMEDIATES AND PRODUCTS OF THE PHOTOREDUCTION OF 9,10-ANTHRAQUINONE *,†

Abstract— The mechanism of the photoreduction of 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) in alcohol and hexane has been studied by flash photolysis. The fluorescence spectrum of the photoproduct, 9,10-dihydroxy anthracene shows a large shift between hexane and ethanol. The quantum yields of photoreduction for AQ are solvent-dependent, the reaction between the solvent radical and AQ determining the quantum yield. The absorption spectrum of the 9,10-anthrasemiquinone (AQH.) has a long-wavelength absorption band with peaks at 631 and 678 nm. The second-order decay constants for AQH. were estimated to be 1.3 × 109, 6.7 × 108 and 2.0 × 108M-1 sec-1 in ethanol, 2-propanol and ethylene glycol, respectively. A long-wavelength absorption band was observed for 9,10-anthrasemiquinone radical anion, having peaks at 776 and 860 nm; epsi;max= 1900 at 776 nm. This spectrum is compared with the spectra of 9,10-dihydroxy anthracene mono- and di-anions. The 9,10-anthrasemiquinone radical anion was found to photoreduce quantitatively to 9,10-dihydroxy anthracene mono-anion with a quantum yield of 0.1.
An Efficient and Impurity-Free Process for Telmisartan: An Antihypertensive Drug§

Telmisartan (1), a substituted dibenzimidazole derivative, is an antihypertensive drug, essentially used to control blood pressure. An improved, cost-effective, and impurity-free process for telmisartan (1) suitable for large-scale production is described here by addressing various process development issues. The overall yield obtained from this newly developed process is around 50% (over five steps) compared to the literature reported process (21%, over eight steps).
The impact of school-to-work and career and technical education in the United States: evidence from the national longitudinal survey of youth, 1997

Abstract This study explores changes in school-to-work and career and technical education participation between the1996-97 and 1998-99 school years in the United States. Employing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the author focused on changes in student characteristics. The study concludes that there are fewer differences between participants in school-to-work in the two years after the initial data collection. There also appears to be a trend toward less participation at each grade level in activities identified as school-to-work although there has been an increase in the proportion of students identified as a career and technical education (CTE) concentrator.
Retrieval search for category and thematic information in memory by children and adults

Abstract Retrieval search for the last target word of four noun category (Bus-Airplane-Car-Train) and thematic (Suitcase-Coat-Ticket-Train) stimuli by children and adults was examined in four experiments. Stimulus classification at acquisition was ensured by orienting questions. Associative search structures were externalized more or less at retrieval by providing cues reinstating the whole (Bus-Airplane-Car) or only part (Bus-Airplane, or Bus) of the associative context, cues with the same or changed (Car-Bus-Airplane) word order, or cues representing the stimulus classification (Vehicle). The results suggest that the associative structures of memory help constrain and mediate retrieval search for stimulus information, and that these structures as well as representations of the stimulus events in memory seem to differ for thematic and category events, and for children and adults, contributing to search differences.
936-85 Intrathymic Injection of Donor Splenocytes Prolongs Rat Cardiac Allograft Survival but Does not Inhibit Graft Arteriosclerosis

Chronic rejection, manifested by the development of graft arteriosclerosis, remains the leading cause of late death in cardiac transplant recipients. Immunologic mechanisms have been implicated in both experimental and clinical studies, yet the pathogenesis of chronic allograft rejection remains poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that intrathymic (i.t.) injection of donor cells or processed allo-MHC antigens with or without transient immunosuppression induces specific systemic T cell tolerance and prevents acute allograft rejection in several experimental transplantation models. In this study we examined the effects of i.t. injection of donor cells with or without systemic anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS) on the development of chronic rejection in the Lewis-to-F344 rat cardiac allograft model. Recipients were divided into 4 groups: control group A was pre-treated with saline i.t., group B was pre-treated with a one-time dose of ALS (1 mI) via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.). group C received donor (Lewis) splenocytes i.t. (2 × 106), and group D received both the splenocytes i.t. and a one-time dose of ALS i.p. two weeks prior to transplantation. Allografts were followed by daily palpation and graded from 0–4 (grade 0 = rejection, grade 4 = normal heartbeat). Graft survival on post-op day 90 for all three experimental groups was 100% vs. 33% for the control (n = 6/group). Moreover, mean heartbeat grade for the three experimental groups (B = 2.83 ± 0.17, C = 2.0 ± 0.41, D = 2.67 ± 0.21) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the control group (A = 0.4 ± 0.24). Histologic and immunocytochemical analysis of 90-day old grafts revealed the following results: GROUPS Inflammation % Vessels Diseased % Luminal Occlusion Intima:Media Ratio Control(A) severe 89 ± 1 64 ± 5 0.97 ± 0.33 Splenocyte only (C) moderate-severe 79 ± 8 57 ± 7 068 ± 0.16 ALS only (B) minimal 25 ± 7** 8 ± 3** 0.09 ± 0.04* Splenocyte + ALS (D) minimal 27 ± 4** 8 ± 3** 0.07 ± 0.03* * p < 0.02. ** p < 0.003 vs. Control Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV Conclusions (1) The induction of systemic unresponsiveness with donor splenocyte i.t. plus ALS i.p. or ALS i.p. alone markedly reduced inflammation and inhibited graft arteriosclerosis indicating that the immune response and graft inflammation playa critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft rejection. (2) The donor cells i.t. alone significantly prolonged graft survival and prevented rejection as measured by functional criteria but did not significantly inhibit graft inflammation or graft arteriosclerosis. These results suggest that partial suppression of the immune response without significant inhibition of graft inflammation prolongs rat cardiac allograft survival but does not prevent graft arteriosclerosis.
Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis of Ca1.24Co1.62O3.86 thermoelectric powders

Abstract Thermoelectric oxide, Ca 1.24 Co 1.62 O 3.86 , was prepared by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) followed by a short heat treatment. Prepared powders were characterized by XRD for phase purity. Thermal analyses (TG/DSC) were used to establish the reaction mechanism of the process and study the product thermal stability under different gas atmospheres. Temperature history of the SHS process was measured and the activation energy of the reaction was calculated from the temperature history. Electrical conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the prepared power were measured.
Phenotypic and functional analysis of lymphocytes in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

The hematologic disorder paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) arises from a somatic mutation within the Piga gene important for the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. The PNH defect has been identified in all cells of the myeloerythroid lineage, but involvement of the lymphoid lineage in PNH is more controversial. We therefore analyzed lymphocytes from 22 patients with PNH to characterize phenotypically the GPI-deficient population, and to investigate the functional consequences of GPI deficiency. GPI-deficient T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and NK cells were identified, but at a lower percentage than granulocytes and erythrocytes. CD8+ lymphocytes were significantly more affected than CD4+ T cells, and CD45RA+ lymphocytes were significantly more affected than CD45RO+ cells. Proliferation assays demonstrated that lymphocytes from PNH patients, either unfractionated or purified GPI-deficient cells, responded normally to in vitro stimuli. When stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), naive CD45RA+ GPI-deficient T lymphocytes acquired the memory CD45RO+ phenotype. In addition, GPI-deficient T lymphocytes had a relative growth advantage as compared to normal T cells. The results demonstrate that PNH involves the lymphoid as well as the myeloerythroid lineage, and therefore arises from a totipotent bone marrow stem cell. The in vitro growth advantage of GPI-deficient lymphocytes in PNH may have important implications for the pathogenesis of some puzzling clinical aspects of PNH, including predominance of the PNH clone, defective hematopoiesis, and leukemogenesis.
Latinos and Latinas in the borderlands of education Researching minority populations in engineering

We use the “borderlands of education” as a metaphor for studying processes of educational exclusion in engineering and the social forces that create them. Latinas in engineering education occupy intersecting borderlands. On the path to higher education, they face numerous societal obstacles. As women, they are on the margins of the masculine space of engineering. Though Latinas in engineering comprise a very small group, through their voices and experiences, we illuminate broader structural problems within engineering education.
Acute inactivation of MAP1b in growing sympathetic neurons destabilizes axonal microtubules.

Microtubule-associated-protein 1b (MAP1b) is abundant in neurons actively extending axons. MAP1b is present on microtubules throughout growing axons, but is preferentially concentrated on microtubule polymer in the distal axon and growth cone. Although MAP1b has been implicated in axon growth and pathfinding, its specific functions are not well understood. Biochemical and transfection studies suggest that MAP1b has microtubule-stabilizing activity, but recent studies with neurons genetically deficient in MAP1b have not confirmed this. We have explored MAP1b functions in growing sympathetic neurons using an acute inactivation approach. Neurons without axons were injected with polyclonal MAP1b antibodies and then stimulated to extend axons. Injected cells were compared to controls in terms of axon growth behavior and several properties of axonal microtubules. The injected antibodies rapidly and quantitatively sequestered MAP1b in the cell body, making it unavailable to perform its normal functions. This immunodepletion of MAP1b had no statistically significant effect on axon growth, the amount of microtubule polymer in the axon, and the relative tyrosinated tubulin content of this polymer, and this was true in sympathetic neurons from rat, wild type mice, and tau knockout mice. Thus, robust axon growth can occur in the absence of MAP1b alone or both MAP1b and tau. However, immunodepletion of MAP1b significantly increased the sensitivity of microtubules in the distal axon and growth cone to nocodazole-induced depolymerization. These results indicate that MAP1b has microtubule-stabilizing activity in growing axons. This stabilizing activity may be required for some axonal functions, but it is not necessary for axon growth. Cytoskeleton 60:48–65, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Achievement of Coalesced Oriented Diamond Films on Nickel by Optical Process Control and Methane Enrichment

Real time in-situ laser reflectometry was used to investigate changes in surface morphology observed during the nucleation of oriented diamond on Ni in a hot filament chemical vapor deposition reactor. Characteristic features observed in the intensities of reflected and scattered light were interpreted by comparison with scanning electron micrographs of the diamond seeded substrates quenched at sequential stages of the process. Based on this analysis, a process was developed in which the scattered light signal was used as a steering parameter. Using this process, oriented nucleation and growth of diamond on Ni can be repeatedly achieved. For the purpose of both countering the loss of carbon atoms and to maximize the density of oriented diamond, different concentrations of methane were added during the high temperature annealing stage to find the optimized conditions. It was found that 0.5% methane in the gas phase produced the best degree of orientation and uniformity. Substrates nucleated at these conditions were grown out into coalesced, 30 μm thick films. Both, (100) and (111) oriented films showed a high degree of orientation. Raman spectra obtained from each orientation showed an intense and narrow diamond signature peak with negligible sp2 carbon or background luminescence.
Experimental verification of a GPS network: characterization and removal of multipath effects

The aging Civil Infrastructure System (CIS) in the United States has prompted the need for more effective structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have shown great promise for SHM, as they allow the total displacement of a structure to be measured, unlike other traditional sensors (i.e. accelerometers and strain gages). However, past research efforts have shown GPS to suffer from the effects of multipath interference, greatly reducing its accuracy in urban areas. In this study, a testing program was developed in which a controlled multipath source was introduced into a GPS network to allow for the characterization and removal of this phenomenon. In addition, the GPS performance was benchmarked against two more widely accepted sensor technologies: a terrestrial positioning system (TPS) and an accelerometer, to demonstrate its utility for monitoring CIS.
Influence of head-neck posture on airflow and pulmonary mechanics in preterm neonates

The influence of head-neck posture (neutral, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees extension and flexion) on airflow and pulmonary mechanics was evaluated in 10 spontaneously breathing healthy preterm neonates (mean +/- SD; birth weight, 1.32 +/- 0.23 kg; gestational age, 29.4 +/- 2.4 weeks; study age, 36.6 +/- 1.6 weeks) who had had respiratory distress syndrome. Head-neck postures were quantified using specially constructed wooden wedges. Airflow was measured by a pneumotachometer via face mask. Lung compliance (CL) and resistance (RL) were measured using an esophageal balloon. Airflow interruption was designated as mild (10-40%), moderate (40-80%), and severe (> 80-100%) decrease of airflow. At neutral head-neck posture, 42.8 +/- 7.5% SEM of breaths had airflow interruption (71.4% mild, 19.9% moderate, 8.7% severe). There was no significant change with 15 degrees and 30 degrees head-neck flexion and extension. However, at 45 degrees flexion the overall incidence of airflow interruption (77.3 +/- 4.8%, P < 0.05) and RL (86.6 +/- 6.7 vs. 64.2 +/- 3.9 cmH2O/L/s, mean +/- SEM; P < 0.05) significantly increased. Extension to 45 degrees caused severe airflow interruption and increased RL in some infants, but no statistically significant change for the whole group. The incidence of severe airflow interruption significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 8.7% at neutral head-neck posture to 26.3% at hyperflexion (45 degrees). No changes in CL were observed. We conclude that minor (15-30 degrees) deviations from neutral neck posture are insignificant, whereas hyperflexion, and in some infants, hyperextension, can significantly affect airflow and pulmonary mechanics.
Inhibition of aldose reductase prevents angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo

We have recently shown that aldose reductase (AR, EC 1.1.1.21) a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent aldo–keto reductase, known to be involved in oxidative stress-signaling, prevents human colon cancer cell growth in culture as well as in nude mice xenografts. Inhibition of AR also prevents azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci formation in mice. In order to understand the chemopreventive mechanism(s) of AR inhibition in colon cancer, we have investigated the role of AR in the mediation of angiogenic signals in vitro and in vivo models. Our results show that inhibition of AR significantly prevented the VEGF- and FGF -induced proliferation and expression of proliferative marker Ki67 in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Further, AR inhibition or ablation with siRNA prevented the VEGF- and FGF –induced invasion and migration in HUVEC. AR inhibition also prevented the VEGF- and FGF- induced secretion/expression of IL-6, MMP2, MMP9, ICAM, and VCAM. The anti-angiogenic feature of AR inhibition in HUVEC was associated with inactivation of PI3 K/AKT and NF-κB (p65) and suppression of VEGF receptor 2 protein levels. Most importantly, matrigel plug model of angiogenesis in rats showed that inhibition of AR prevented infiltration of blood cells, invasion, migration and formation of capillary like structures, and expression of blood vessels markers CD31 and vWF. Thus, our results demonstrate that AR inhibitors could be novel agents to prevent angiogenesis.
Gender, Rhetoric, and International Political Systems: Angela Merkel's Rhetorical Negotiation of Proportional Representation and Party Politics

This article assesses the ways in which electoral systems present unique rhetorical challenges for women running for elective office, using German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a case study. In proportional systems, much of the rhetorical work occurs at the level of the party, requiring the political woman to capitalize on the rhetorical resources of the party structure in which she finds herself, advancing to party leadership, and eventually localizing the national election via the party structure. However, Merkel's performance demonstrates that the presence of women and of feminine norms of communication can sometimes mask the hegemonic masculinity that continues to govern democratic electoral systems. The authors conclude by considering the utility of the theory of “feminine style.”
Techniques for assessment of flexible space structure control performance

Several multivariable concepts are presently applied to both the open-loop and closed-loop analysis of a wrap-rib antenna space structure. After evaluating the alternative placements of sensors and actuators by means of controllability, observability, and transmission-zero concepts, the linear quadratic gaussian/loop transfer recovery method is used to synthesize a control law for suppression of the transient vibrations that are typically encountered during maneuvers. The integration of these techniques and associated computer programs into a larger spacecraft design system is also discussed.
Modified sandwich vacuum pack technique for temporary closure of abdominal wounds: an African perspective

AbstractIntroduction: South Africa has very high levels of accidental trauma as well as interpersonal violence. There are more admissions for trauma in South Africa than for any other disease; therefore it can be regarded as the Number 1 disease in the country. Complex abdominal injuries are common, requiring specific management techniques. The aim is to document our experience with the Modified Sandwich Vacuum Pack technique for temporary closure of abdominal wounds.Methods: After providing a short historical overview, we will demonstrate the technique which we carefully adapted over the last decade to the present Modified Sandwich Vacuum Pack technique.Results: In the last 5 years we utilized our Modified Sandwich Vacuum Pack technique 153 times in 69 patients. Five (5) patients were under the age of 12 years. In the patient group over 12 years the most common indication for using our technique were penetrating injuries (40), abdominal sepsis (28), visceral edema (10), abdominal compartment syndrome (9)...
Foreign Object Damage of Two Gas-Turbine Grade Silicon Nitrides in a Thin Disk Configuration

Foreign object damage (FOD) behavior of two commercial gas-turbine grade silicon nitrides, AS800 and SN282, was determined at ambient temperature through post-impact strength testing for thin disks impacted by steel-ball projectiles with a diameter of 1.59 mm in a velocity range from 115 to 440 m/s. AS800 silicon nitride exhibited a greater FOD resistance than SN282, primarily due to its greater value of fracture toughness (K(sub IC)). The critical impact velocity in which the corresponding post-impact strength yielded the lowest value was V(sub c) approx. 440 and 300 m/s for AS800 and SN282, respectively. A unique lower-strength regime was typified for both silicon nitrides depending on impact velocity, attributed to significant radial cracking. The damages generated by projectile impact were typically in the forms of ring, radial, and cone cracks with their severity and combination being dependent on impact velocity. Unlike thick (3 mm) flexure bar specimens used in the previous studies, thin (2 mm) disk target specimens exhibited a unique backside radial cracking occurring on the reverse side just beneath the impact sites at and above impact velocity of 160 and 220 m/s for SN282 and AS800, respectively.
FREQUENCY OF AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN IN PATIENTS WITH LEUKÆMIA IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Abstract The definition of certain populations susceptible to persistence of Australia antigen Au(1) has led to the hypothesis that these people also have some inherent defect(s) which makes them susceptible to leukaemia. The frequency of persistent Au(1) in patients with leukaemia or Hodgkin's disease in the United States was compared with the frequency in similar patients in Canada, Denmark, and Finland. Au(1) was not found in the non-U.S. patients but was found in frequencies as high as 12.6% in the U.S. patients. The most significant comparison was that based on only the transfused patients. The U.S. patients commonly receive blood from professional donors—known to have Au(1) in higher frequency—unlike the patients from Canada, Denmark, and Finland. It is likely that this is the cause of the different frequencies in the leukaemia patients.
An algorithm for finding the shortest element of a polyhedral set with application to lagrangian duality

Abstract An algorithm is developed which finds the point in a compact polyhedral set with smallest Euclidean norm. At each iteration the algorithm requires knowledge of only those vertices of the set which are adjacent to a current reference vertex. This feature is shown to permit the adoption of the technique to find iteratively the shortest subgradient (i.e. the direction of steepest ascent) of the lagrangian dual function for large scale linear programs. Procedures are presented for finding the direction of steepest ascent in both the equality constraint and the inequality constraint cases of lagrangian duality.