cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological and psychological symptoms and predictors in early nicotine withdrawal

The present study assessed the structure and intensity of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome in 30 (22 male, 8 female) heavy smokers across three experimental conditions: smoking, brief abstinence (3.5 h), and extended abstinence (18 h). Physiological variables (heart rate and blood pressure) and psychological variables (anxious and depressed mood) were examined in terms of symptom validity and as predictors of nicotine withdrawal intensity. As length of abstinence increased, heart rate and blood pressure decreased, and anxious and depressed mood increased. Only anxious and depressed mood were significant individual predictors of withdrawal intensity. The symptom structure of withdrawal did not change over time as abstinence levels increased; each symptom's contribution to nicotine withdrawal intensity remained stable throughout the first 18 h of abstinence.
Effects of polar group incorporation on crazing of glassy polymers: Styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer and a dicyano bisphenol polycarbonate

The degree of swelling and attendant reduction in the glass transition temperature have been determined for a 70% styrene–30% acrylonitrile copolymer in a large number of organic liquids. The critical strain ϵc for crazing or cracking has been determined also in air and in each agent. Limited crazing data have been obtained also on a dicyano bisphenol polycarbonate in which the CN groups take the place of the methyl groups in bisphenol A (BPA) polycarbonate. The two resins are compared with polystyrene and BPA polycarbonate, respectively, in terms of crazing resistance, swelling, and other properties. In both systems CN incorporation raises ϵc (air) and reduces susceptibility to liquids of low solubility parameter δ; Tg and shear yield stress are raised in the polycarbonate but not in the styrene system. The volume efficiency of CN in raising ϵc (air) is greater in the polycarbonate system than the styrene system; for the rise in polymer solubility parameter, CN efficiency is apparently reversed. These changes are discussed in terms of the differences in molecular architecture of the two systems. For glassy polymers, ϵc (air) is shown to depend in semiquantitative fashion on polymer Tg, δ, and resistance to shear deformation.
Validation of a simplified method for determination of cimetidine in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

A HPLC method was developed for determination of cimetidine in human plasma and urine. Plasma samples were alkalinized followed by liquid extraction with water-saturated ethyl acetate then evaporated under nitrogen. The extracts were reconstituted in mobile phase and injected onto a C(18) reversed-phase column; UV detection was set at 228 nm. Urine samples were diluted with an internal standard/mobile phase mixture (1:9) prior to injection. The lower limit of quantification in plasma and urine were 100 ng/ml and 10 microg/ml, respectively; intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation were </=4.2%. Advantages of this validated assay include a readily available internal standard, simplified plasma extraction and urine dilution methods, and applicability to clinical studies investigating the renal handling of cimetidine.
Orientalist and Revisionist Histories of ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Jabarti

‘Abd al-Rahman al-Jabarti (1754–1825) commands a privileged place in the historiography of the modern Middle East. With the possible exception of Ibn Khaldun, the works of this Egyptian historian h...
Oral administration of fomepizole produces similar blood levels as identical intravenous dose

Introduction. Fomepizole is available intravenously (IV) for the treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. Few studies demonstrate that fomepizole achieves effective serum concentrations after IV or oral (PO) use. The objective was to describe the comparative pharmacokinetics of fomepizole after a single PO and IV dose. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized, crossover trial in 10 healthy volunteers. Each received 15 mg/kg fomepizole, PO and by 30 minute IV infusion. Serum was collected at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours (h) and stored at −70°C. Candidate models were fit to the IV and PO data, simultaneously, using iterative 2-stage analysis weighted by the estimated inverse observation variance. Time above the MEC (T>MEC) was determined by numeric integration of the fitted functions using 10 μmoles/L as the minimum effective concentration (MEC). Results. Seven females and 3 males were enrolled. Sole complaints included headache and dizziness in 3 subjects and 10/10 repo...
O/W emulsification for the self-aggregation and nanoparticle formation of linoleic acid-modified chitosan in the aqueous system.

Chitosan was modified by coupling with linoleic acid through the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide-mediated reaction to increase its amphipathicity for improved emulsification. The micelle formation of linoleic acid-modified chitosan in the 0.1 M acetic acid solution was enhanced by O/W emulsification with methylene chloride, an oil phase. The fluorescence spectra indicate that without emulsification the self-aggregation of LA-chitosan occurred at the concentration of 1.0 g/L or above, and with emulsification, self-aggregation was greatly enhanced followed by a stable micelle formation at 2.0 g/L. The addition of 1 M sodium chloride promoted the self-aggregation of LA-chitosan molecules both with and without emulsification. The micelles of LA-chitosan formed nanosize particles ranging from 200 to 600 nm. The LA-chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated the lipid soluble model compound, retinal acetate, with 50% efficiency. Keywords: Chitosan; linoleic acid; chemical modification; micelles; nanoparti...
Effects of solvent on the furfuryl alcohol polymerization reaction: UV Raman spectroscopy study

Abstract The effect of alcohol as a solvent on the acid-catalyzed conversion of furfuryl alcohol ( FA ) into polymerized furfuryl alcohol ( PFA ) has been studied by UV Raman spectroscopy. The major peak intensity ratios were compared to gain quantitative information about the extent of polymerization in various solvents. The reaction rate of the polymerization has been found to significantly decrease with increasing concentrations of ethanol or butanol ( n -butanol and iso -butanol). Compared to ethanol, longer or branched chain alcohols such as n -butanol and iso -butanol can marginally reduce the acid-catalyzed polymerization at room temperature. The plot of reciprocal intensity of the characteristic Raman band of FA vs. the reaction time suggests that the polymerization reactions follow second-order kinetics.
Temperature dependence of the Verdet constant in several diamagnetic glasses.

Measured temperature dependences of the Verdet constants of SiO2, SF-57, and BK-7 are ~10−4/K within 3–20% of Becquerel formula estimates.
Electrophysiologic delineation of the intraventricular His bundle in two patients with endocardial Cushion type of ventricular septal defect

Two patients who had an endocardial cushion type of ventricular septal defect underwent electrophysiologic studies for detection of specialized conduction tissue during operative repair. In one patient, with an inferior leftward frontal plane QRS axis on the ECG, we recorded an intraventricular His bundle electrograms from both the anterosuperior and posteroinferior margins of the defect, suggesting dual atrioventricular conduction tracts (branching intraventricular His bundle). These anatomic and electrophysiologic findings may account for the more normally oriented QRS frontal plane axis on the surface ECG of both of these patients and support the hypothesis that the changes observed on the ECGs of patients with the various forms of endocardial cushion defect can be explained by alterations in the anatomic configuration of the specialized atrioventricular conduction tissue.
Visual assessment of hemolysis in red blood cell units and segments can be deceptive

BACKGROUND: Blood components that appear hemo-lyzed are discarded. However, visual inspection is subjec-tive and criteria for excessive hemolysis are poorly defined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Packed RBCs (10 CPDA-1, 10 Adsol) were collected. Half of each unit was leukoreduced. Plasma Hb was measured and compared in segments and units by three methods: 1) a HemoCue Plasma/Low Hb Photometer system; 2) a tetramethyl-benzidine (TMB) chemical method, and 3) a free Hb visual comparator. RESULTS: Visual assessment tended to overestimate hemolysis. Chemical methods were comparable (r2= 0.894; HemoCue = 0.043 +[0.770]× TMB; n = 400; range, 0.01-0.5 g/dL), although the mean plasma Hb (g/dL) for the HemoCue method was higher than that of the TMB method (0.12 vs. 0.10 g/dL, respectively; p < 0.001). No units would have been discarded based on a hemolysis level of at least 0.6 g/dL (approx. 1%) if measured by a chemical method. However, 50 percent of CPDA-1 and 10 percent of Adsol units would have been discarded if only visual criteria were used. Leukoreduction did not increase plasma Hb levels. Discrepancies in plasma Hb levels were noted between units and their corresponding segments. CONCLUSION: Visual assessment of hemolysis can result in unnecessary wastage of blood components. HemoCue offers an alternative, objective method to assess plasma Hb in the setting of blood collection and processing facilities for routine quality control and process validation, and may aid in the development of objective criteria for excessive hemolysis in blood components.
Performance of a Transverse Flow Gas Lens

Abstract The performance of a gas lens is presented in which a gas flow between two cooled (or heated) parallel plates generates a parabolic variation of index of refraction in the region between the plates. A laser beam, propagating normal to the gas flow, can then be diverged (or converged, or focused). A single module acts like a cylindrical lens. The use of two or three modules, arranged in an orthogonal manner, provides a spherical lens. A proof-of-principle experiment employing a single cooled (diverging) module was assembled and tested at gas-to-wall temperature differences of up to 99°C. For a plate separation distance of 0.569 cm this device yielded a beam divergence of 22.6 mrad for the maximum temperature differential. This corresponds to a twenty-two-fold increase in laser beam divergence over that produced by diffraction alone. Our measurements of beam divergence as a function of temperature differential are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Laser beam divergence was shown to increase at a rate greater than linear with increasing temperature differential. This nonlinear behavior is a result of the parabolic index gradient which is established along the entire extended length (30 cm) of the beam path as it traverses the lens. The output beam was refocussed and scanned in the far field and was shown to be of high optical quality. In addition, the output beam is of high stability, both temporally and spatially.
Sources of energy utilized by natural populations of the mosquito, Culex tarsalis, for overwintering

During the fall and winter Culex tarsalis adults feed on sugars, presumably from plants, which they utilize for the synthesis of triglycerides and perhaps directly. Glucose and fructose are the predominant compounds identified in crop liquids, but melezitose sometimes accounts for about one-third of the total sugars and trehalose and raffinose frequently account for about 5 to 10 per cent. The usual absence of sucrose in the crop sugars may largely be due to the action of salivary enzymes which readily cleave it to monosaccharides. Trehalose and raffinose are relatively stable to the action of the salivary enzymes, but melezitose is slowly cleaved to monosaccharides. In laboratory cage experiments C. tarsalis females obtained sugars from the flowers of weeds as well as from other plant sources which were offered, e.g. sugar beet tubers and raisins; thus, this mosquito appears to be able to obtain energy from a wide variety of sources.
Influence of Season on Timed Inseminations of Dairy Heifers Synchronized by Postagladin F2α1

Abstract Sixty-six cycling Holstein heifers were given two injections of prostaglandin F 2α (25mg intramuscular) at an 11-day interval. Average time of first observation of estrus differed little between July (55.7±5.3h) and December, 1980 (50.6±5.1h). Heifers were inseminated artifically at either 65 or 80h following the second injection of prostaglandin. Synchronized heifers inseminated at 65h had a higher conception rate in July (9/18; 50%) than in December (3/15; 20%). However, heifers inseminated at 80h had a similar conception rate in July (9/18; 50%) and in December (8/15; 53%). Progesterone in blood serum was measured prior to the second prostaglandin F 2α injection before insemination and on day 21 postbreeding. Averages of progesterone for the 65-h group were 3.91±.48, .39±.07, and 3.80±.76ng/ml in July and 4.25±.44, .33±.08, and 3.91±.63ng/ml in December for the three collections. Averages for the 80-h group were 3.62±.28, 1.06±.56, and 3.60±.65ng/ml in July and 2.17±.35, .22±.07, and 2.77±.43ng/ml in December. An influence of season on response to prostaglandin and timed inseminations in dairy heifers may affect estrus behavior and conception rate.
Disparate Cellular Basis of Improved Liver Repair in β-Catenin-Overexpressing Mice After Long-Term Exposure to 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine

Administration of a hepatotoxic diet containing 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) induces biliary damage followed by hepatocyte injury, which is repaired through atypical ductular proliferation and oval cells and their subsequent differentiation to bile duct cells and hepatocytes. In this study, we examine whether excess β-catenin in transgenic (TG) mice would provide any reparative advantage in response to DDC. No differences in appearance or numbers of total A6-positive oval cells were observed after DDC administration. However, an increase in A6-positive "atypical hepatocytes" in the TG livers was observed after 14 and 28 days, coinciding with an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive hepatocytes. Intriguingly, after chronic DDC administration for 150 days, a further increase in atypical hepatocytes was evident in TG mice, with higher numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive hepatocytes exhibiting cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin and α-fetoprotein but not CK19, HNF1β, or Trop-2. Coincidently, we observed an improvement in intrahepatic cholestasis as seen by decreases in both serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels in TG mice, indicating an overall improvement in hepatic repair. TG mice exposed to DDC for 4 weeks followed by 2 days of normal chow showed decreases in alkaline phosphatase, atypical ductular proliferation, and periportal inflammation compared with wild-type animals, verifying improved biliary repair in TG livers. Thus, we report a potential role of β-catenin in liver repair, especially in enhancing the resolution of intrahepatic cholestasis after DDC injury.
Understanding knowledge transfer dynamics in information system support: an exploratory study of procurement system support

Post-adoptive use of information technology is challenged by various knowledge barriers. Substantial insights can be obtained by examining the knowledge transfer activities between information system (IS) professionals and end-users. Drawing upon studies on knowledge transfer and on IS post-adoptive use, we conducted an exploratory study of knowledge transfer dynamics in procurement system support. Our analysis of 591 support tasks revealed a complex array of knowledge, categorized by two domains (technology vs. business) and three dimensions (process, data, and workflow). Moreover, IS support personnel were found to engage in two knowledge transfer activities (informational and diagnosing) and act three roles (technical expert, business analyst, and boundary spanner). By focusing on the interplays between knowledge characteristics and knowledge transfer activities, our study developed a contingency view on managing knowledge in IS post-adoptive support. Findings of this study offer organizations useful guidelines for adapting IS support services to enhance technology use.
ERP training and user satisfaction: a case study

Training is still a neglected part of most ERP implementation projects. This case study investigates the relation between training satisfaction and â€¢ the perceptions of ease of use, â€¢ the perception of usefulness, â€¢ effectiveness and â€¢ efficiency in implementing an ERP system at a mid-sized organization. Training satisfaction is viewed as a necessary condition for technology acceptance. A survey of 143 employees involved in the implementation of ERP in a mid-sized university was conducted. ANOVA and t-tests were used to explore differences in training satisfaction among groups of users by gender, job type, and education level. We found that training satisfaction differed based on job type and gender but not education level. Multiple regression analysis found (1) post implementation training satisfaction related to ease of use and (2) current training satisfaction and user participation related to perceived efficiency and effectiveness of the ERP systems in doing respondentsâ€™ jobs.
Effects of Temperature Excursions on Mean Kinetic Temperature and Shelf Life

The international acceptance of the definition of controlled room temperature (CRT) has given additional impetus to the use of mean kinetic temperature (MKT) as a method of quantifying temperatures during transport and storage and consequent possible effects on drug product stability. The present paper explores some of the implications of the MKT concept and considers the effect of temperature excursions on MKT values and hence on stability of drug products.
Disorders of distal acidification

The final site of titration of the urinary buffers is the collecting tubule. When this process fails urinary acid excretion is unable to match the 1 to 1.5 mEq/kg body weight of nonvolatile acid generated daily as a consequence of the high protein diet consumed by most Westerners. The clinical expression of such a defect is distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). Over the past decade numerous laboratory and clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that dRTA is a group of syndromes which results from a variety of defects in distal urinary acidification. If 100mEq of nonvolatile acid are generated a day, the kidney must reclaim all of the filtered bicarbonate and excrete 100mEq of acid to preserve homeostasis. Since the urine pH cannot fall below about 4.5, the acid must be excreted in buffered form as titratable acid or as ammonium. Though the nephron can reabsorb bicarbonate along its entire length, bicarbonate reclamation is mainly a proximal event. Similarly, the tubule titrates the urinary buffers at all sites. The collecting tubule, however, is the location of the greatest lowering of urinary pH and bears the major responsibility for acid excretion. In this paper I will discuss the mechanisms that might be responsible for the clinical syndromes of renal tubular acidosis and present a classification of these disorders. Many of these mechanisms can only tentatively be offered as a model since our knowledge is not far enough advanced to be certain about them. The model will doubtless require modification as more information is obtained.
Case report: Fatal pulmonary embolism due to osteogenic sarcoma in a child

A case of fatal pulmonary embolus in a 9-year-old child is presented, in which there is an unusual underlying cause. Whilst pulmonary embolism is rare in childhood, it must be considered when the clinical and radiological circumstances are appropriate. Extensive thrombosis of the lower limbs can occur without clinical signs and the value of venography is emphasised.
Simultaneous Enantioseparation and Tandem UV−MS Detection of Eight β-Blockers in Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Using a Chiral Molecular Micelle

The feasibility of using a new and more versatile polymeric chiral surfactant, i.e., poly(sodium N-undecenoxy carbonyl-L-leucinate (poly-L-SUCL) is investigated for simultaneous enantioseparation and detection of eight structurally similar beta-blockers with tandem UV and MS detection. Three optimization approaches, i.e., direct infusion-MS, capillary zone electrophoresis-MS, and chiral micellar electrokinetic chromatography-mass spectrometry (CMEKC-MS), were investigated to optimize sheath liquid parameters, spray chamber parameters, and CMEKC separation parameters for maximum sensitivity and chiral resolution. Compared to unpolymerized micelle of L-SUCL, the use of micelle polymer (i.e., poly-L-SUCL) provided significantly higher separation efficiency, lower separation current, and higher detection sensitivity for CMEKC-ESI-MS of beta-blockers. It was also observed that, unlike monomeric L-SUCL, polymeric L-SUCL provided enantioseparation of all beta-blockers even at the lowest surfactant concentration (i.e., 5 mM poly-L-SUCL). Under optimum CMEKC and ESI-MS conditions (15 mM poly-L-SUCL, 25 mM each of NH4OAc and TEA (pH 8.0); 80% (v/v) methanol sheath liquid containing 40 mM NH4OAc (pH 8.0); sheath liquid flow rate, 5.0 microL/min; drying gas flow rate, 5 L/min; drying gas temperature, 200 degrees C; nebulizing pressure, 6 psi (0.414 bar); capillary voltage, +2.5 kV; fragmentor voltage, 85 V), baseline enantioseparation of eight beta-blockers was achieved by tandem UV (in approximately 30 min) and MS (in approximately 60 min) detection. Calibration curves for all beta-blockers were linear in the range of 0.01-0.6 mM for both CMEKC-UV and CMEKC-MS methods, but the later method provided better concentration limit of detection with similar RSD for migration time and peak areas. The CMEKC-ESI-MS method appears suitable for use as a routine procedure for high-throughput separation of beta-blockers with high sensitivity.
Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Herbicide Tolerance in Bermudagrass

Contamination of newly planted bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) varieties by undesirable off-type bermudagrass genotypes is an ever increasing concern for turf managers because selective control options are limited. In 2009, a sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} tolerant bermudagrass genotype (93-175) was identified during herbicide screening at the University of Georgia in Tifton. The objective of this research was to assess the tolerance of 93-175 to three Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) herbicides in comparison to the susceptible genotypes Tifway and common bermudagrass. Greenhouse and field trials were performed between August 2011 and April 2013. Factors in the field experiment included ACCase herbicides, application rates, bermudagrass genotypes, and locations. Turfgrass injury ratings taken 42 days after treatment (DAT) and during greenup the following spring supported initial preliminary findings. At the 1x rate of sethoxydim (280 g a.i. ha–¹), 93-175 displayed 50 to 87% less injury in comparison to the susceptible genotypes. In the spring of 2013, 93-175 plots treated with a 1x rate of sethoxydim reached 100% recovery during the same time period as non-treated controls, while common and Tifway had only recovered to 48 and 60%, respectively. The tolerance mechanism of 93-175 to sethoxydim did not confer an appreciable reduction of clethodim {(E,E)-(6)-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} or fluazifop {(6)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid} herbicide treatment effects. 93-175 will continue to be studied to determine transferability of herbicide tolerance to progeny and the mechanism of the observed tolerance.
Localization of binding sites in protein structures by optimization of a composite scoring function

The rise in the number of functionally uncharacterized protein structures is increasing the demand for structure-based methods for functional annotation. Here, we describe a method for predicting the location of a binding site of a given type on a target protein structure. The method begins by constructing a scoring function, followed by a Monte Carlo optimization, to find a good scoring patch on the protein surface. The scoring function is a weighted linear combination of the z-scores of various properties of protein structure and sequence, including amino acid residue conservation, compactness, protrusion, convexity, rigidity, hydrophobicity, and charge density; the weights are calculated from a set of previously identified instances of the binding-site type on known protein structures. The scoring function can easily incorporate different types of information useful in localization, thus increasing the applicability and accuracy of the approach. To test the method, 1008 known protein structures were split into 20 different groups according to the type of the bound ligand. For nonsugar ligands, such as various nucleotides, binding sites were correctly identified in 55%-73% of the cases. The method is completely automated (http://salilab.org/patcher) and can be applied on a large scale in a structural genomics setting.
Rat Endovascular Perforation Model

Experimental animal models of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have provided a wealth of information on the mechanisms of brain injury. The rat endovascular perforation (EVP) model replicates the early pathophysiology of SAH and hence is frequently used to study early brain injury following SAH. This paper presents a brief review of historical development of the EVP model and details the technique used to create SAH and considerations necessary to overcome technical challenges.
Assortative marriage for specific cognitive abilities in Korea.

Abstract Age‐adjusted spouse correlations for performance on tests of specific cognitive abilities were substantially higher for couples tested in Korea than for Americans of European or Japanese ancestry tested in Hawaii. It was hypothesized that this greater spouse resemblance in Korea may be due to cultural factors such as the Korean practice of arranged marriages.
Dendritic effects in networks of electrically coupled fast-spiking interneurons

Abstract We examine how the location of weak electrical coupling affects phase-locking in a pair of model fast-spiking interneurons. Each model neuron consists of a somatic compartment and a passive dendritic compartment. At relatively low frequencies, the phase-locking structure for somatic and dendritic coupling is qualitatively the same: below a critical frequency, stable synchronous and anti-phase activity co-exist, and only synchrony is stable above this critical frequency. At higher frequencies, the synchronous state remains stable for somatic coupling, but for dendritic coupling, the synchronous state becomes unstable and anti-phase oscillations become stable.
Low-complexity FPGA implementation of compressive sensing reconstruction

Compressive sensing (CS) is a novel technology which allows sampling of sparse signals under sub-Nyquist rate and reconstructing the image using computational intensive algorithms. Reconstruction algorithms are complex and software implementation of these algorithms is extremely slow and power consuming. In this paper, a low complexity architecture for the reconstruction of compressively sampled signals is proposed. The algorithm used here is Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) which can be divided into two major processes: optimization problem and least square problem. The most complex part of OMP is to solve the least square problem and a scalable Q-R decomposition (QRD) core is implemented to perform this. A novel thresholding method is used to reduce the processing time for the optimization problem by at least 25 %. The proposed architecture reconstructs a 256-length signal with maximum sparsity of 8 and using 64 measurements. Implementation on Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA runs at two clock rates (85 MHz and 69 MHz), and occupies an area of 15% slices and 80% DSP cores. The total reconstruction for a 128-length signal takes 7.13 μs which is 3.4 times faster than the state-of-art-implementation.
Sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors induced by intradermal capsaicin involves the peripheral release of calcitonin gene-related Peptide driven by dorsal root reflexes.

Abstract Neuropeptides released from axons of primary afferent nociceptive neurons are the key elements for the incidence of neurogenic inflammation and their release is associated with dorsal root reflexes (DRRs). However, whether the release is due to the triggering of DRRs and plays a role in inflammation-induced pain still remain to be determined. The present study assessed the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors induced by activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV 1 ) after intradermal injection of capsaicin and determined if this release is due to activation of primary afferent neurons antidromically by triggering of DRRs. Under dorsal root intact conditions, primary afferent nociceptive fibers recorded in anesthetized rats could be sensitized by capsaicin injection, as shown by an increase in afferent responses and lowering of the response threshold to mechanical stimuli. After DRRs were removed by dorsal rhizotomy, the capsaicin-evoked sensitization was significantly reduced. In dorsal root intact rats, peripheral pretreatment with a CGRP receptor antagonist could dose-dependently reduce the capsaicin-induced sensitization. Peripheral post-treatment with CGRP could dose-dependently restore the capsaicin-induced sensitization under dorsal rhizotomized conditions. Capsaicin injection evoked increases in numbers of single and double labeled TRPV 1 and CGRP neurons in ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia (DRG). After dorsal rhizotomy, these evoked expressions were significantly inhibited. Perspective These data indicate that the DRR-mediated neurogenic inflammation enhances sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors induced by capsaicin injection. The underlying mechanism involves antidromic activation of DRG neurons via upregulation of TRPV 1 receptors whereby CGRP is released peripherally.
Granulomas Induced byMycobacterium leprae

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects primarily the skin, mucous membranes, and peripheral nerves. It is characterized by a spectrum of symptoms, largely a result of the immunological response of the host to the antigens of M. leprae. At one pole [lepromatous leprosy (LL)] there is an enormous growth of the bacilli in the tissues resulting from a specific and profound lack of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) of the host to M. leprae. At the opposite pole [tuberculoid leprosy (TT)], patients are responsive to M. leprae antigens, and there are few bacilli present in the lesions. A variety of techniques have been applied in the analyses of leprosy granulomas, from standard histological examination to molecular immunological probes. Each technique provides a limited, yet distinctive, look into the constitution of the granuloma. Together, they offer a comprehensive view into the regulation of leprosy granuloma development.
Left ventricular conduction delays induced by right ventricular apical pacing: effect of left ventricular dysfunction and bundle branch block.

Background: RV apical pacing (RVP) may be deleterious, possibly by simulating LBBB, i.e., prolonging QRS duration (QRSd) and LV activation (LVAT). However, determinants of electrical delays are unknown. Hypothesis: LV dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 40%, HF) and pre-existing conduction system abnormalities may modulate RVP's effects, compared to LBBB. Methods: RVP-induced QRSd and LVAT were compared in normal LV to HF, with normal QRS (<120 ms), RBBB, or LBBB. LVAT was estimated by interval from QRS onset to basal inferolateral LV depolarization. Results: During LBBB and RVP, LVAT/QRSd was ≥85%, i.e., LVAT indicated terminal LV depolarization. In normal LV, LVAT during intrinsic conduction (55 ± 18 ms) was delayed by RVP (129 ± 20 ms, n = 58, P 120 ms]: QRSd 216 ± 27, LVAT 191 ± 20 ms, [n = 72] vs RVP normal QRS: QRSd 193 ± 24, LVAT 169 ± 24 ms, n = 31, P < 0.001). In patients with LBBB (n = 41), delays during intrinsic conduction (QRSd 163 ± 29, LVAT 137 ± 33 ms, n = 41) were enhanced by RVP (QRSd 218 ± 28, LVAT 191 ± 22 ms, P < 0.001). RVP's effects were similar in patients with LBBB and RBBB (P = NS). Conclusion: RVP simulated LBBB in normal LV. In HF, RVP induced greater conduction delays than LBBB, enhanced by accompanying conduction disease. These variations may contribute to RVP's mixed clinical effects.
The thermodynamic characterization of the H-induced amorphization of CeFe2 and the determination of the energy site distribution using reaction calorimetry

The enthalpy of reaction for the hydrogen-induced amorphization of CeFe{sub 2} has been determined as a function of n = H/CeFe{sub 2}. At 323 K the enthalpy for this amorphization reaction is constant equal to {minus}37 kJ/mol {1/2}H{sub 2} from n = 0 to 1.8; it then declines in magnitude to about {minus}24 kJ/mol {1/2}H{sub 2} at n = 3.0. The hydrogen pressure is too small to measure at 323 K except for n {ge} 2.5. Hydrogen can be partially removed from the amorphized hydride at, e.g., 573 K, permitting the determination of the reaction enthalpy for the reintroduction of the hydrogen into the hypostoichiometric amorphous hydride. Enthalpies could be determined using this technique from about n = 2 to 3. From the relationship between these calorimetrically measured {Delta}H{sub H} values and n for the reintroduction of hydrogen into the hypostoichiometric hydride, i.e., n < 3.0, a part of the energy distribution function for the occupation of the interstices with hydrogen can be determined. The distribution function can be closely described by a Gaussian function with {sigma} = 14 kJ/mol {1/2}H{sub 2} with an average value of {Delta}H{sub H}{sup av} = {minus}54 kJ/mol {1/2}H{sub 2}. If the distribution is indeedmore » a Gaussian, the {Delta}H for the following reaction can be obtained, i.e., CeFe{sub 2}(c) {yields} CeFe{sub 2}(a) {Delta}H(c{yields}a) = 51 kJ/mol CeFe{sub 2}.« less
Trade‐offs between water for food and for curbing climate change

Earth's growing human population needs fresh water for drinking and food production. However, fresh water is also needed for the growth of biomass, which acts as a sink of carbon dioxide and thus could help mitigate climate change. Does the Earth have enough freshwater resources to meet these competing demands? Rockstrom et al. estimate the order of magnitude of freshwater consumption needed to feed a population of 9 billion people by 2050 and the amount of water needed to realize the planet's full biomass carbon sequestration potential. The researchers analyze these uses of freshwater in a framework of “planetary boundaries” within which the Earth system is resilient; beyond the boundaries, abrupt and irreversible change could take place. For instance, river ecosystems can collapse if water levels become too low due to water withdrawal for human uses.
The Effect of Maldistribution on Separation in Packed Distillation Columns

For a packed bed in a distillation column, fmax. is the maximum fractional liquid maldistribution that can be tolerated in a parallel column model whilst still being able to achieve the design separation. It was previously shown that fmax can be easily calculated from a conventional column simulation output and it is a measure of the sensitivity of a packed bed to maldistribution. In this paper, fmax is applied to examples taken from air separation and ethylbenzene-styrene distillation. Using air separation plant data, it is shown that design separation shortfalls can be correlated against fmax When fmax
Enhancement of Nonviral Gene Transfer to Endothelial Cells Using Lipofection of Histone-Complexed DNA

Arterial gene transfer represents a novel approach for the treatment of a variety of vascular diseases. Lipofectamine (DOSPA/DOPE)-mediated transfer of pCMVβgal (7.2 kbp) to subconfluent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) resulted in a transfection efficiency of 5.7 ± 2.35% of cells staining positive for β-galactosidase for a 10:1 ratio by weight of lipid/plasmid. Using histones up to 1 histone per 5 bp increased efficiency over 3-fold higher to a level of 18.2 ± 1.8%. In confluent BAEC, which are more difficult to lipofect, the use of histones increased the transfection efficiency over 10-fold to a level of 4.5%. Histones form a tight compact structure with the DNA and also protect DNA from DNase degradation. Using histones as a compacting agent while lowering the amount of lipofectamine resulted in a large drop in transfection efficiency, demonstrating that a critical liposome/plasmid ratio had to be maintained. When histones were not used, posttransfection treatment of endothelial cells with 100 µM...
Toward global mapping of river discharge using satellite images and at-many-stations hydraulic geometry

Rivers provide critical water supply for many human societies and ecosystems, yet global knowledge of their flow rates is poor. We show that useful estimates of absolute river discharge (in cubic meters per second) may be derived solely from satellite images, with no ground-based or a priori information whatsoever. The approach works owing to discovery of a characteristic scaling law uniquely fundamental to natural rivers, here termed a river’s at-many-stations hydraulic geometry. A first demonstration using Landsat Thematic Mapper images over three rivers in the United States, Canada, and China yields absolute discharges agreeing to within 20–30% of traditional in situ gauging station measurements and good tracking of flow changes over time. Within such accuracies, the door appears open for quantifying river resources globally with repeat imaging, both retroactively and henceforth into the future, with strong implications for water resource management, food security, ecosystem studies, flood forecasting, and geopolitics.
Family history of suicidal behavior and earlier onset of suicidal behavior

The study examined whether having a family history of suicidal behavior is associated with an earlier age of first attempting suicide. Interviews were conducted with 545 patients who had attempted suicide about their family history of suicidal behavior and about their age of first suicide attempt. The results showed that attempters with a family history of suicidal behavior, particularly attempters with two or more such family members, had first attempted suicide at an earlier age than attempters who did not have a family history of suicidal behavior. These results suggest that a family history of suicide, which is known to increase the risk of suicidal behavior, may also be associated with an earlier age of first attempting suicide.
Positron annihilation rates in lanthanum hydrides

Positron annihilation rates ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$ are reported for a series of lanthanum hydride samples of compositions from La${\mathrm{H}}_{2.0}$ to La${\mathrm{H}}_{2.9}$. From La${\mathrm{H}}_{2.0}$ to La${\mathrm{H}}_{2.7}$, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ was approximately constant at 3.36 ${\mathrm{nsec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. At higher compositions, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ increased with increasing hydrogen content. A slower rate component ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$ was observed for annihilation in lanthanum hydrides, but the associated intensity was very low. New data are also reported for lithium hydride as follows: ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}=3.12$ ${\mathrm{nsec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}=0.68$ ${\mathrm{nsec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and ${I}_{2}=6.30%$.
Methylation and silencing of the Thrombospondin-1 promoter in human cancer

Neovascularization is a common feature of many human cancers, but relatively few molecular defects have been demonstrated in genes regulating angiogenesis. Decreased expression of Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), a P53 and Rb regulated angiogenesis inhibitor, has been observed in some human tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To study whether methylation-associated inactivation is involved in down-regulating THBS1 expression in cancer, we analysed the methylation status of THBS1 in several cell lines and primary tumors. Three cell lines (RKO, CEM and RAJI) were completely methylated at several CpG sites within the THBS1 5' CpG island, and had no detectable expression by RT-PCR. THBS1 expression was readily reactivated using the methylation-inhibitor 5-deoxy-azacytidine in all three lines. Furthermore, THBS1 methylation was present in 33% (14/42) of primary GBMs. Thus, de novo methylation may serve as a potential way to inactivate THBS1 expression in human neoplasms.
Studies of persistent poration dynamics of cell membranes induced by electric pulses

Summary form only given. Experimental studies have been conducted to investigate the plasma membrane response of HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells to pulsed electric fields (PEFs) with pulse widths ranging from 125 nanoseconds to 1 millisecond. Both single and trains of monopolar PEFs were delivered to HL-60 cells suspended in micro-fabricated micro-cuvettes. The cells were monitored in real-time via optical microscopy. Four different types of experiments were performed by monitoring the uptake of trypan blue (TB) into the cell cytoplasm: 1) single pulses with pulse widths from 125 ns to 1 ms; 2) a pulse train of ten 1 mus pulses with different pulse intervals from 250 ns to 1 s at 1 Hz, and a single 10 mus pulse; 3) pulse trains with different numbers of pulses (from 1 to 10) for different pulse widths (from 1 mus to 100 mus); 4) one or ten pulses for different ion (Ca 2+ and Mg2+) concentrations of the suspension media. Experimental results qualitatively agree with previous experimental observations as well as theoretical predictions on pulse accumulation effects due to persistence of large pores, and rapid relaxation times of transient small pores. For single pulses, estimates of the required pulse ohmic dissipation energy delivered to cell populations were analyzed, resulting in a pulse energy curve exhibiting a local minimum. This local minimum can be related to both the pore relaxation time and the pore diffusion constant, a fundamental parameter associated with the rapidity with which pore size can change in response to a driving force. Also, based on the transient aqueous pore theory for electric field induced cell membrane dynamics, a quantitative estimate for the product of the pore diffusion constant and the line-tension pore energy parameter can be inferred from our data. Meanwhile, variable interpulse spacing was employed to examine different attributes of membrane dynamics (pore generation, evolution, size distribution, and resealing time). These measurements indicated a transient pore relaxation or resealing time of approximately 250 ns for HL-60 cells, in close agreement with the value inferred from the pulse-energy-versus-pulse-width data. For pulse trains, the required electric field decreased monotonically with the number of pulses. This can be explained in terms of a pulse accumulation effect. Finally, the effect of increasing the cell suspension medium's Ca2+ and Mg 2+ ionic concentration was observed to impede electroporation
A Computer Engineering Nucleus for Electrical Engineering Curricula

An approach is proposed for including a sequence of four computer engineering courses in required undergraduate electrical engineering curricula. Justification of the need is presented in terms of the modern electrical engineer's involvement with the digital computer. Each course is described in terms of objectives, content, prerequisites, laboratory, credit, scheduling, and possible texts. Implementation of the sequence is also considered in relation to laboratory facility needs, availability of qualified instructors, and accommodation in existing curricula. Experience with a similar arrangement at Auburn University is related.
An intravenous fluid bolus is not necessary before administration of intrathecal fentanyl for labor analgesia

Abstract Study Objective: To determine if an intravenous (IV) fluid bolus is necessary to prevent any possible hemodynamic sequelae after administration of intrathecal fentanyl in laboring parturients. Design: Prospective, randomized study. Setting: Labor suite of a women's tertiary care hospital. Patients: 30 ASA physical status I and II parturients in active labor requesting labor analgesia. Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15. One group received no IV fluid prior to the administration of 25 μg of intrathecal fentanyl, and the other group received 500 ml of lactated Ringer's solution before the block. Measurements and Main Results: Blood pressures [systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean (MAP)], heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI; using impedance cardiography), and visual analog scores were measured before the block, after fluids, and then every 5 minutes for 45 minutes after the block. Prenatal baseline blood pressures before the onset of labor were obtained from the obstetrician's office records. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance. All patients reported good pain relief. No patient from either group required treatment for hypotension. In the no fluid group, SBP and MAP decreased 10% and 14%, respectively ( p = 0.05), following intrathecal fentanyl administration compared with preblock values obtained during labor but not when compared with prelabor prenatal values. In the fluid group, no significant changes occurred in SBP after intrathecal fentanyl but MAP decreased approximately 12% only in comparison to preblock values. No significant changes were noted in CI in either group. Fluid infusion itself caused an increase in HR and CI of approximately 12% and 9.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Intrathecal fentanyl produces only minimal hemodynamic changes with or without prior fluid administration.
Changes in olfactory responsiveness by the domestic chick after early exposure to odorants.

There is increasing evidence that odorants are important in the formation of attachments by the domestic chick, Gallus gallus domesticus. We investigated whether early exposure to nonaversive odorants altered the responses of 1-day-old chicks to a number of odorants from naturalistic sources, including feathers and faeces of adult chickens, wood litter and food (chick starter mash). The odorants were delivered by dynamic olfactometry, in which air containing different concentrations of each odorant was presented separately to individually housed chicks together with a small, coloured bead at which they could peck. When tested with a faecal odorant, but not the other odorants, control chicks, incubated and reared under standard conditions, shook their heads more but their pecking responses did not vary for any of the odorants tested. Chicks that had been exposed to a moist-food odorant from embryonic day 20 to 18 h posthatching and tested with odorants from either moist or dry food pecked less than controls but shook their heads the same amount. Early exposure to the moist-food odorant did not affect responses to the odorants of feathers or faeces. Chicks apparently learn about their olfactory environment during the later part of incubation and in the early posthatching period and the memory formed alters behaviour on day 1 posthatching. (C) 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.