cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of ACh-GABA Cotransmission in Detecting Image Motion and Motion Direction

Starburst amacrine cells (SACs) process complex visual signals in the retina using both acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but the synaptic organization and function of ACh-GABA corelease remain unclear. Here, we show that SACs make cholinergic synapses onto On-Off direction-selective ganglion cells (DSGCs) from all directions but make GABAergic synapses onto DSGCs only from the null direction. ACh and GABA were released differentially in a Ca(2+) level-specific manner, suggesting the two transmitters were released from different vesicle populations. Despite the symmetric cholinergic connection, the light-evoked cholinergic input to a DSGC, detected at both light onset and offset, was motion- and direction-sensitive. This input was facilitated by two-spot apparent motion in the preferred direction but supressed in the null direction, presumably by a GABAergic mechanism. The results revealed a high level of synaptic intricacy in the starburst circuit and suggested differential, yet synergistic, roles of ACh-GABA cotransmission in motion sensitivity and direction selectivity.
Evaluating requirements on the Spitzer Mission operations system based on flight operations experience

The Spitzer Space Telescope launched in August 2003, and has been in its nominal operations phase since December 2003. This paper will review some of the pre-launch, high-level project requirements in light of our operations experience. We discuss how we addressed some of those requirements pre-launch, what post-launch development we've done based on our experience, and some recommendations for future missions. Some of the requirements we examine in this paper are related to observational efficiency, completeness of data return, on-board storage of science data, and response time for targets of opportunity and data accountability. We also discuss the bearing that mission constraints have had on our solutions. These constraints include Spitzer's heliocentric orbit and resulting declining telecom performance, CPU utilization, relatively high data rate for a deep space mission, and use of both on-board RF power amplifiers, among others.
Histogenesis of the cerebellar climbing fiber in the rat

Early climbing fiber metamorphosis has been studied in 250 Golgi preparations of 5–12 day postnatal rat cerebellum, and in less numerous 12–18 day ones. EM controls were provided for the early phase covering maturation of Purkinje cytoplasm, status of axonal neuropil, and synapses between the evanescent nid structure and Purkinje soma membrane. Ramon y Cajal (1890, '11), Athias (1897) and others have contributed extensively to climbing fiber histogenesis. Our results are confirmatory but support more varied developmental detail including that of axonal collateralization within the granular layer, all of which may not persist to maturity. Distinguishing characteristics of climbing fibers are recognized early in histogenesis, including varicosities, redundancies in course, and a manner of branching called cross-over. The curvaceous path a climbing fiber pursues across the granular layer can be corrected at the ganglionic level by a horizontal segment having length equivalent to the offset. These and other redundancies may straighten out with areal expansion of cortical surface as compared to the restricted white matter base. While supporting multiple innervation of nids by local collateralizations proceeding from stem axons in white matter, the study does not preclude a one to one relationship between adult climbing fiber and Purkinje cell as basic design. Unknown factors are the relative amounts of local collateralization proceeding from several versus a single axon stem, and the extent to which branches are issued from a single fiber to different folia.
Oxide formation upon thermolysis of a Pb(II)/Zr(IV) alkoxide

While Pb({mu}-O{sup t}Bu){sub 3}Zr(O{sup t}Bu){sub 3} is stable for days in refluxing toluene, addition of stoichiometric [Pb(O{sup t}Bu){sub 2}]{sub 3} prior to reflux yields {sup t}BuOH, H{sub 2}C=CMe{sub 2}, and Pb{sub 3}ZrO(O{sup t}Bu){sub 8}, which was characterized by multinuclear NMR and X-ray diffraction. Highly pure [Pb(O{sup t}Bu){sub 2}]{sub 3} itself is unchanged in refluxing toluene, although it is slowly converted to Pb{sub 4}O(O{sup t}Bu){sub 6} by catalytic quantities of {sup t}BuOH, LiNme{sub 2}, or HN(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}, but not by Pb metal. Stoichiometric water converts [Pb(O{sup t}Bu){sub 2}]{sub 3} completely to Pb{sub 4}O(O{sup t}Bu){sub 6}, which reacts at 25{degree}C with Zr(O{sup t}Bu){sub 4} to give Pb{sub 3}ZrO(O{sup t}Bu){sub 8}. The mechanism of the formation of Pb{sub 3}ZrO(O{sup t}Bu){sub 8} is suggested to involve O/C heterolysis and C-H bond scission as the rate determining step during thermolysis. Convenient syntheses of Pb{sub 4}O(O{sup t}Bu){sub 6} and Pb{sub 6}O{sub 4}(O{sup t}Bu){sub 4} are described, and {sup 207}Pb and {sup 17}O NMR spectra of all species are described. Crystallographic data for Pb{sub 3}ZrO(O{sup t}Bu){sub 8} (at -174{degree}C) include a = 16.663(2) A, b = 12.608(1), c = 21.117(2), and Z = 4 in space group Pbc2{sub 1}. 27 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
Regulation of pituitary beta-endorphin secretion in aging rats: In vitro responsiveness to dopamine

Abstract The intermediate lobe of the mammalian pituitary is highly responsive to dopamine inhibition of beta-endorphin secretion. In this study, the ability of aged (12 months) intermediate lobes to respond to dopamine was compared to that of young (6 weeks) tissue, using a short-term in vitro incubation of isolated rat neurointermediate lobes, with measurement of peptide release by radioimmunoassay. Tissue from the aged rats released greater amounts of betaendorphin peptide than amounts measured from young tissue at all time periods studied. The aged lobes were also found to be significantly more sensitive to dopamine than young glands, as measured by percent change of each group compared to respective baseline release. In comparison, incubation of tissue from young animals in which the intermediate lobe had been acutely denervated by treating rats with injections of the catecholamine neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine, did not differ in responsiveness to dopamine as compared to tissue from control rats. The observations suggest that aging intermediate lobe, while being hypersecretory, is supersensitive to dopamine, perhaps as the result of gradually reduced innervation.
Hepatic resection in the management of complex injury to the liver.

Background: Nonoperative management has become the standard for >80% of the blunt liver injuries. In the cases where operation is required, current operative management emphasizes packing, damage control, and early utilization of interventional radiology for angiography and embolization. Liver resection is thought to have minimal role in the management of hepatic injury because of the high morbidity and mortality in many reports. The objective of this study was to show that the management of complex liver injuries with anatomic or nonanatomic resection can be accomplished by experienced trauma surgeons, in conjunction with liver surgeons in some cases, with low morbidity and mortality related to the procedure. Delayed, planned anatomic resection was also applied. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study, on patients admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)-Presbyterian from December 1986 through March 2001. The patients included in this report underwent hepatic resection for complex liver injuries (grade 3, 4, and 5) according to the American for Association the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale. Age, sex, mechanism of trauma, type of resection (nonanatomic, segmentectomy, lobectomy, and hepatectomy), surgical complications, hospital length of stay, and mortality were the variables analyzed. Results: Two hundred sixteen adult patients were admitted with complex liver injury, during the period of December 1986 to March 2001. Fifty-six patients of this series underwent liver resection: 21 anatomic segmentectomies, 23 nonanatomic resections, 3 left lobectomies, 8 right lobectomies, and 1 hepatectomy with orthotopic liver transplant. The median age was 31 years (range, 15-83 years). The Injury severity Score average was 34 ± 10 (range, 16-59). Mechanism was blunt in 62.5% and penetrating in 37.5%. The grades of hepatic injury were 9 grade III, 32 grade IV, and 15 grade V. A total of 28.5% (16 of 56) of patients had concomitant hepatic venous injury. The overall morbidity was 62.5%. The morbidity related to liver resection was 30%. The overall mortality of the series was 17.8%. Mortality from liver injury was 9% in this series of patients undergoing liver resection for complex hepatic injury. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that liver resection should be considered as a surgical option in patients with complex injury, as initial or delayed management, and can be accomplished with low mortality and liver related morbidity.
Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis, and transient gene expression in sweet potato protoplasts.

A method for regenerating plants from petiole protoplasts of the in vitro-raised sweet potato cultivar Jewel is described. Protoplast yields of 3.0–5.0×106 were obtained following 4–6 h digestion of 1- to 2-cm petioles (1 g fresh weight) with 1% Cellulase-R10, 2% Macerozyme-R10, and 0.3% Pectolyase Y-23 in a washing solution with 9% mannitol. A plating density of 105 protoplasts/ml was optimal for subsequent division. An initial division frequency of 12–15% was obtained in liquid or agarose-solidified KP8 culture medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0.9 μm), and zeatin (2.3 μm). Colonies consisting of 100–200 cells were formed after 4 weeks in the dark at 24±2°C. The frequency of colony formation was improved by the gradual addition of fresh liquid KP8 medium of lower osmoticum. Protocalli (1–2 mm in diameter) were formed after an additional 4–6 weeks under continuous illumination and regular dilution with fresh culture medium. Morphogenic callus formed globular and heart-shaped embryos that developed into cotyledon stage embryos, following transfer of calli onto medium containing 2,4-D (11.3 μm) and benzylaminopurine (2.2 μm). Subsequently, embryo conversion to plantlets was obtained on basal medium with 2% sucrose and 3.5 μm gibberellic acid. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transplanted in soil. Mature plants appeared phenotypically normal. The same petiole protoplast populations showed transient expression of the gusA gene introduced using electroporation.
Investigation of Aerosol Penetration Through Individual Protective Equipment in Elevated Wind Conditions

A methodology to characterize particle penetration characteristics of individual protective equipment (IPE) under elevated wind conditions was developed. Performance of a complete IPE system can be determined from the knowledge of the performance characteristics of the IPE subsystems, or components. Here, particle penetration characteristics of a cylindrical-shaped component, consisting of an outer fabric sleeve enclosing an inner appendage, were studied as a function of particle size and ambient wind conditions. A component particle penetration model was developed by combining a potential flow model to calculate flow through and around a component with a filtration model. The filtration model combines classical filtration theory with simple bench-top experiments to determine net particle penetration. The component model predictions of particle penetration through a cylindrical component suggest that its filtration performance is strongly dependent on particle size and ambient wind velocities. To test mod...
Mechanisms preventing allergen-induced airways hyperreactivity: Role of tolerance and immune deviation

Abstract Background: Aeroallergens continuously enter the respiratory tract of atopic individuals and provoke the development of asthma characterized by airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and inflammation. By contrast, nonatopic individuals are exposed to the same aeroallergens, but airway inflammation does not develop. However, the mechanisms that prevent allergen-induced respiratory diseases in nonatopic subjects are poorly characterized. Objective: In this study we compared the role of allergen-specific T-cell tolerance and immune deviation in conferring protection against the development of allergen-induced AHR. Methods: We exposed mice to intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) to induce T-cell tolerance and examined its effects on the subsequent development of AHR and inflammation. Results: We demonstrated that exposure of mice to intranasal OVA resulted in peripheral CD4 + T-cell unresponsiveness that very efficiently prevented not only the development of AHR but also greatly inhibited airway inflammation and OVA-specific IgE production. The induction of peripheral T-cell tolerance and protection against AHR were not dependent on the presence of IFN-γ or IL-4. The development of AHR was also prevented by an OVA-specific T H 1-biased immune response induced by inhalation of OVA in the presence of IL-12. However, the OVA-specific T H 1 response was associated with a significant degree of pulmonary inflammation. Conclusion: These results indicate that both allergen-specific T-cell tolerance and T H 1-biased immune deviation prevent the development of AHR, but T H 1 responses are associated with significantly greater inflammation in the lung than is associated with T-cell unresponsiveness. Therefore CD4 + T-cell unresponsiveness critically regulates immune responses to aeroallergens and protects against the development of allergic disease and asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:239-46.)
IED based Protection & Control equipment with Non-Standard primary system arrangements - An approach to application

This paper describes an approach/philosophy that can be adopted when applying Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) based Protection and Control (P&C) Solutions to Non-standard substation topology - the approach aims at reducing P&C costs and risks associated with application design errors. (5 pages)
Dimensionality and higher-order factor structure of self-reported emotional intelligence

In 1990, Salovey and Mayer posited a ten-dimensional model of Emotional Intelligence that included three broad areas: (a) Appraisal and Expression of Emotion, (b) Regulation of Emotion, and (c) Utilization of Emotion. In the intervening decade and a half, researchers have not yet demonstrated that all of these dimensions can be empirically distinguished using self-report measures. Furthermore, research has not established what higher-order factors may relate these dimensions to each other, or whether higher-order factors can explain the relationships between the first-order factors. The Multidimensional Emotional Intelligence Assessment (MEIA; Tett, Fox, & Wang, 2005) is a new self-report measure designed to provide separate measurement of the ten Salovey and Mayer dimensions. This study shows that a ten-dimensional model fit the data well, and the ten factors had mostly small to moderate correlations. Higher-order factors exist, but were not able to account for the relationships between the first-order factors: correlated disturbance terms were also needed. There appears to be a trade-off between separate measurement of all dimensions and the simplicity of the higher-order factor structure. Researchers and test users should continue to report scores on the first-order scales, rather than summarizing scores at the level of higher-order factors.
Immunoprecipitins in Schistosoma mansoni infections. I. Mouse infections.

Abstract Sera from six acute and sixty-five chronic infections of humans with active schistosomiasis have been analyzed for the presence of precipitins to S. mansoni somatic antigens. Sera from acute cases gave stronger precipitin lines to cercarial, adult worm, and egg extracts than did sera of the chronic cases. All sera reacted against at least one antigenic extract. Immunoelectrophoretic analyses of the sera revealed increases of serum IgC and serum IgM. By simple radial diffusion these are shown to be approximately 1.5 times that of normal controls. Following fractionation of these sera the precipitin response is found in two fractions differing in molecular weight and believed to correspond to serum IgG and serum IgM.
An experimental study of the effect of structured videotape feedback on adolescent group psychotherapy process.

Group psychotherapy with disturbed undersocialized adolescents requires modification of traditional group psychotherapy methods. The effectiveness of a structured, brief video-tape feedback and discussion on group psychotherapy process with this population was studied by an analysis of detailed ratings of each “statement”, or process unit; in randomly selected videotapes from a control and experimental group during a nine-month period. Significant differences in level of intimacy of verbal content and in frequency of feedback about behavior in content indicate that this technique is effective in facilitating group psychotherapy goals.
Vasopressin modulates social recognition-related activity in the left temporoparietal junction in humans

The neuropeptide vasopressin is a key molecular mediator of social behavior in animals and humans, implicated in anxiety and autism. Social recognition, the ability to assess the familiarity of others, is essential for appropriate social interactions and enhanced by vasopressin; however, the neural mechanisms mediating this effect in humans are unknown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an implicit social recognition matching task, we employed a double-blinded procedure in which 20 healthy male volunteers self-administered 40 UI of vasopressin or placebo intranasally, 45 min before performing the matching task in the scanner. In a random-effects fMRI analysis, we show that vasopressin induces a regionally specific alteration in a key node of the theory of mind network, the left temporoparietal junction, identifying a neurobiological mechanism for prosocial neuropeptide effects in humans that suggests novel treatment strategies.
PALM OIL IN LIPID METABOLISM

Abstract Historically, research relating to effects of edible oils has involved diets in which the oils under study were the only ones fed and in which one oil was always totally substituted for another. While the results thus obtained are valid considering the type of experiment they do not reflect effects of fats or oils as they are normally used. Using those modalities, various authors arrived at formulae for predicting plasma cholesterol changes based on alterations in dietary fat and cholesterol. These formulae proved to have utility although one study concluded that palmitic acid was the most hypercholestorelemic fatty acid and another concluded that it was myristic. In both sets of studies stearic acid did not fit the formulation. It is of interest that recent work has suggested that oleic acid, which had been thought of as neutral, possesses hypocholesterolemic properties. Studies carried out on the basis of total substitution and often using formula diets have shown, generally, that substitution of any formula for ordinary diet may be hypocholestorelemic and that the effects on plasma cholesterol in man are predictable based on fatty acid spectrum. It is noteworthy that in comparing coconut, beef tallow and safflower oil in real diets one study concluded that beef tallow (whose fatty acid pattern resembles that of palm oil) could not be regarded as a saturated fat. Recent data from experiments in which palm oil has been fed as part of a diet have suggested that it may not exhibit hypercholeserolemic properties in man. Some investigators have devised a variety of oil mixes to provide fats of a range of different fatty acids which fats were fed to three different strains of monkeys and showed that fats rich in lauric or myristic acid were significantly more cholesterolemic than those containing high levels of palmitic acid. For example, the fat mix containing 23% palmitic acid and 1% lauric plus myristic acid gave total serum cholesterol levels 15% lower than the one containing 25% palmitic acid and 19% lauric plus myristic acid. The LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio of monkeys fed the first mix was 15% lower than that of monkeys fed the second. It is hoped that these experiments will set a new standard for dietary studies in which fats will be fed at levels consistent with their usual intake.
DNA-RNA hybridization studies on ecdysone-induced wing development in the Cecropia silkmoth

Abstract By means of competitive DNA-RNA hybridization, RNA from Cecropia wing tissue at several stages of adult development and during diapause has been qualitatively compared. RNA was labelled by incubation of excised tissue with 3H-uridine or cytidine for 1 hr, purified, and tested for hybridization with DNA on membrane filters at 67°C for 16 hr. The RNA which hybridizes under these conditions is shown to be highly species-specific and distinctly tissue-specific, and to anneal with DNA sequences of heterogeneous base composition. There is a significant though small difference between the RNA present 18 hr after wing development has been initiated by ecdysone and that found at other stages, indicating a selective effect of the hormone on gene expression. When tested as competitors of RNA labelled at 18 hr of development, however, preparations from diapause and from more advanced stages of development are indistinguishable from one another. This restricts possible roles for the hybridizing RNA in the regulation of cell synthetic activity.
Grain refinement of T91 alloy by equal channel angular pressing

Abstract We report on the grain refinement of modified 9Cr–1Mo ferritic-martensitic steel (T91) by equal channel angular pressing, a severe plastic deformation method. Microstructural refinement depends on processing temperature (300–700 °C) and extrusion strain (1.2–2.3). The average grain size has been refined by over an order of magnitude down to 300 nm, accompanied by a hardness increase of up to 70%. The refined microstructure undergoes little grain growth or softening up to 500 °C. At an annealing temperature of 700 °C or higher, significant softening occurs as a result of grain growth.
Neocarzinostatin activation: molecular modeling revisited

Abstract Molecular modeling studies of a neocarzinostatin-DNA complex were performed in an attempt to investigate the feasibility of several recent proposals.
Nuclear Envelope Phosphatase 1-Regulatory Subunit 1 (Formerly TMEM188) Is the Metazoan Spo7p Ortholog and Functions in the Lipin Activation Pathway

Lipin-1 catalyzes the formation of diacylglycerol from phosphatidic acid. Lipin-1 mutations cause lipodystrophy in mice and acute myopathy in humans. It is heavily phosphorylated, and the yeast ortholog Pah1p becomes membrane-associated and active upon dephosphorylation by the Nem1p-Spo7p membrane complex. A mammalian ortholog of Nem1p is the C-terminal domain nuclear envelope phosphatase 1 (CTDNEP1, formerly "dullard"), but its Spo7p-like partner is unknown, and the need for its existence is debated. Here, we identify the metazoan ortholog of Spo7p, TMEM188, renamed nuclear envelope phosphatase 1-regulatory subunit 1 (NEP1-R1). CTDNEP1 and NEP1-R1 together complement a nem1Δspo7Δ strain to block endoplasmic reticulum proliferation and restore triacylglycerol levels and lipid droplet number. The two human orthologs are in a complex in cells, and the amount of CTDNEP1 is increased in the presence of NEP1-R1. In the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, expression of nematode CTDNEP1 and NEP1-R1, as well as lipin-1, is required for normal nuclear membrane breakdown after zygote formation. The expression pattern of NEP1-R1 and CTDNEP1 in human and mouse tissues closely mirrors that of lipin-1. CTDNEP1 can dephosphorylate lipins-1a, -1b, and -2 in human cells only in the presence of NEP1-R1. The nuclear fraction of lipin-1b is increased when CTDNEP1 and NEP1-R1 are co-expressed. Therefore, NEP1-R1 is functionally conserved from yeast to humans and functions in the lipin activation pathway.
Physical state of inhibitor fatty acids and linoleate solutions under lipoxygenase assay conditions

A variety of fatty acids, which are potential competitive inhibitors of soybean lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.12), give kinetically unstable mixtures in standard assay solutions containing linoleate (substrate). In the assay solution (pH 10, 0.1 M borate, 1.63% ethanol), each fatty acid by itself shows normal surface tension vs concentration behavior; but, despite a range of solubilization techniques in the presence of 10 μM or higher linoleate and low concentrations of these materials, irreproducible surface-tension readings and inhibition kinetics results. This inhomogeneity (or kinetic instability) disappears as the concentration increases. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of mixtures are not additive, and binary mixture behavior depends on fatty acid structure. Several lines of observation, including CMC values and actual surface tension (γ) values for several systems, suggest premicellar heterodimer or higher mixed aggregate formation. Lipids with Ki significantly above the irreproducible surface-tension range give good kinetic behavior, and Ki is reported. The results are in accord with earlier work on aspects of these systems. Complementary solution physical studies must be done for any kinetic (or specificity) determinations of enzymes using lipids.
Recursion versus non-recursion in Pascal: recursion can be faster

A timing study of two Pascal programs on three machines provides some evidence that, for modern machines and compilers, the cost of removing recursion in non-trivial situations can sometimes be greater than the cost of the recursive procedure calls.
Beyond Orthography and Phonology: Differences between Inflections and Derivations

Abstract The influence of morphological structure was investigated in two types of word recognition tasks with Serbian materials. Morphological structure included both inflectional and derivational formations and comparisons were controlled for word class and the orthographic and phonological similarity of forms. In Experiments 1, 2, and 3, the pattern of facilitation to target decision latencies was examined following morphologically-related primes in a repetition priming task. Although all morphologically related primes facilitated targets relative to an unprimed condition, inflectionally related primes produced significantly greater effects than did derivationally related primes. In Experiments 4, 5, and 6 subjects were required to segment and shift an underlined portion from one word onto a second word and to name the result aloud. The shifted letter sequence was sometimes morphemic (e.g., the equivalent of ER in DRUMMER) and sometimes not (e.g., the equivalent of ER in SUMMER). Morphemic letter sequences were segmented and shifted more rapidly than their nonmorphemic controls when they were inflectional affixes but not when they were derivational affixes. These results indicate that (a) morphological effects cannot be ascribed to orthographic and phonological structure, (b) the constituent morphemic structure of a word contributes to word recognition and (c) morphemic structure is more transparent for inflectional than for derivational formations.
Guenther Tulip Filter Retrieval from a Left-sided Inferior Vena Cava

Optional (retrievable) inferior cava filters (IVC) may have advantages over permanent filters in a certain subset of patients, especially in view of recent concerns about the long-term thrombotic complications of the latter. Retrieval of the Guenther Tulip Filter (GTF), an optional filter, has been reported in a total of 76 patients. We present the first description of GTF retrieval from a left-sided IVC using the right internal jugular approach.
Hierarchical neural networks in quantitative coronary arteriography

Quantitative coronary arteriography (QCA), a method to detect and quantify coronary arteries, is important to prevent misinterpretation of arteriograms. We propose a hierarchical neural network QCA system. The system uses classical supervised feedforward networks using backpropagation learning with an unfair weight update technique. The learning process is slow but does not impede the quantifying process because it is done off-line. The hierarchical structure works for: fast detection of the location of the artery; fast computation of the orientation; taking into account of the intensity ratio between stenotic lesion and the normal part of the artery; and dimension reduction (two dimensional to one dimensional signal processing).
Adverse Influence of Systemic Vascular Stiffening on Cardiac Dysfunction and Adaptation to Acute Coronary Occlusion

Background Age is an independent risk factor for increased mortality from ischemic heart disease. Arterial stiffening with widening of the pulse pressure may contribute to this risk by exacerbating cardiac dysfunction after total coronary artery occlusion. Methods and Results To test the above hypothesis, 14 open-chest dogs underwent surgery in which the intrathoracic aorta was bypassed with a stiff plastic tube. Directing ventricular outflow through the bypass widened the arterial pulse pressure from 41 to 115 mm Hg at similar mean pressure and flow. Hearts ejecting into the native aorta (NA) exhibited only modest dysfunction after 2 minutes of mid–left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. However, the same occlusion applied during ejection into the bypass tube (BT) induced far more severe cardiodepression (ie, systolic pressure fell by −41±10 mm Hg for BT versus −15±3 mm Hg for NA, and end-systolic volume rose by 15±3 versus 6±2 mL), with a threefold greater decline in ejection fraction. This ...
Epitaxial and endotaxial semiconductor quantum dots: A brief review on atomic ordering and the void-mediated formation mechanism

Abstract On the basis of experimental evidence that was presented in earlier original works and reviews, the suggestion is made that atomically ordered quantum dots which are grown by either epitaxy or endotaxy may in addition to their larger quantum confinement potentials possess superior long-term structural stability. Such atomically ordered quantum dots should, therefore, be superior to random alloy quantum dots as far as prospective device applications are concerned. The theoretical basis for this suggestion is simple thermodynamic calculations. The predictions from our simple model are in agreement with high resolution electron phase contrast transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic resolution Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (Z-STEM) observations on epitaxially grown atomically ordered In(Sb,As), (In,Ga)Sb, (Cd,Zn)Se, (Cd,Mn,Zn)Se quantum dots, epitaxial Pb(Se,Te) quantum dot predecessor islands, and endotaxially grown (In,Si,As) quantum dots in Si matrix. Endotaxially grown (Sn,Si) quantum dots in Si matrix are also discussed. It is suggested that the void-mediated formation mechanism of such (Sn,Si) quantum dots in Si may be employed for other endotaxially grown QDs systems.
Properties of a DNA ligase mutant of Escherichia coli. II. Intermediates in DNA replication.

Abstract A fast-renaturing component has been recovered from DNA replicated under restrictive conditions in a DNA ligase-deficient mutant of Escherichia coli . This component exists as an intermediate during DNA replication, and may represent the forked molecule proposed in the model of Kornberg.
Time-specific and population-level differences in physiological responses of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) exposed to copper

The influence of exposure time on gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity and metabolic rate in populations of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) hatcheries in Ohio (OH) and Pennsylvania (PA) when exposed to sublethal concentrations of copper (Cu) was examined. The pattern of change in gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity was similar in all species/populations and results support expectations based on the concept of acclimation. In all populations, Na+/K+ ATPase activity declined significantly compared to reference values within 24 h, recovered by 48 h, and then continued to increase before exceeding reference values by 192 h. With the exception of PA fathead minnows, Na+/K+ ATPase activities returned to reference levels by 384 h. Although metabolic rates of individual fish were not strongly correlated with Na+/K+ ATPase activities, the pattern of change in mean values of these physiological parameters was very similar. However, OH populations of both fathead minnows and golden shiners demonstrated much more dramatic changes in metabolic rate compared to PA fish. At 24 h, metabolic rate of PA fathead minnows had decreased by 16% compared to the reference value whereas the OH population had decreased by 31%; metabolic rate of PA golden shiners declined by 23% compared to 59% in OH shiners at 24 h. Similar differences were observed in the maximum metabolic rates achieved at 192 h. While the increased sensitivity of OH fish to Cu is not readily explainable by genetic or environmental factors, results suggest the need for considering population level differences when evaluating the physiological effects of toxicants.
Complex subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm causing failure of endovascular stent repair with salvage by percutaneous thrombin injection

We report a case of traumatic right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm, which failed initial treatment by endovascular covered stent. Subsequent catheter angiogram demonstrated filling of the pseudoaneurysm from retrograde flow of the right vertebral artery with outflow through the internal mammary artery. With access to the pseudoaneruysm obstructed, percutaneous thrombin injection was performed. The complex connections of the pseudoaneurysm to the right subclavian, vertebral, and internal mammary arteries resulted in the initial failure of the covered stent to induce thrombosis because of inflow from the right vertebral artery, a so-called "back door vessel".
Treatment of Sustained Ventricular Arrhythmias: Which Therapy to Use?

Excerpt During the last 10 years major advances (1-9) have occurred in pharmacologic, surgical, and electrical therapies for arrhythmias. These advances make each form of therapy an acceptable alte...
Test–retest reliability of a self-administered Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in primary care patients

Abstract The time required to conduct drug and alcohol screening has been a major barrier to its implementation in mainstream healthcare settings. Because patient self-administered tools are potentially more efficient, we translated the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) into an audio guided computer assisted self interview (ACASI) format. This study reports on the test–retest reliability of the ACASI ASSIST in an adult primary care population. Adult primary care patients completed the ACASI ASSIST, in English or Spanish, twice within a 1–4week period. Among the 101 participants, there were no significant differences between test administrations in detecting moderate to high risk use for tobacco, alcohol, or any other drug class. Substance risk scores from the two administrations had excellent concordance (90–98%) and high correlation (ICC 0.90–0.97) for tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The ACASI ASSIST has good test–retest reliability, and warrants additional study to evaluate its validity for detecting unhealthy substance use.
A model-based framework for the integration of software metrics

Abstract Because of the proliferation of software metrics, there is a need for analytical methodologies that integrate both software complexity metrics and various measures describing the software development environment. To facilitate this integration, a model-based framework is presented that provides for both software metrics research and the application of research results to software project assessment. A number of analytical methodologies are discussed to develop models predicting software quality factors.
Current controlled liquid phase epitaxial (CCLPE) growth of InGaAs on (100) InP

High quality epitaxial layers of InxGa1−xAs (x = 0.53) were grown on semi-insulating (Fe-doped) (100) InP sub-strates. The layers were grown at a constant furnace temperature of 640°C by passing a direct electric current (0–10A/cm2) from the substrate to the melt. In order to minimize the out-diffusion of Fe atoms from the bulk of the substrate during the melt saturation, the substrate was kept at a cold temperature region (340°C) within the growth chamber and remotely loaded in the graphite boat just prior to the initiation of the growth cycle. In addition to pre-venting the out-diffusion of Fe atoms, this procedure sub-stantially reduced the thermal degradation of the InP sub-strate surface. The above technique produced high quality layers having uniform thickness and good surface morphology. A study of the dependence of growth rate on the applied current density yielded an average growth rate of 0.06µm/ A-min. Room temperature Hall measurements on layers grown by CCLPE resulted in Hall mobilities µ300 = 8900cm2/V-sec at a carrier concentration of 6.2 × l016cm−3. The improve-ment in the mobility achieved by the CCLPE technique is attributed to a reduced out-diffusion of scattering centers from the substrate into the growth layer, as well as to the higher quality of epitaxial layers normally achieved by CCLPE.
An alternative model of political reasoning

The primary instrument of dispute management in political liberalism is a form of political thinking and talking that tries to reconcile opposed positions with an impartial settlement based on fair arrangements and mutual respect, one that is careful to treat rival views equitably, and reasoned through from start to finish with open methods that lead to a public justification understandable to the disputants. But this model of reasoning is notoriously deficient in resolving disputes among radically different communities. A more effective form of political reasoning for these disputes that yet respects the background values of liberalism is found in the languages of state depicted in realist accounts of international relations. These languages avoid liberal appeals to be reasonable, reciprocity controlled by moral criteria, and the quest for common reasons. They represent a deliberative search for an accord that will meet the interests of the disputing parties as they define these interests and understand the settlements, and in this sense are welcome models to manage divisive issues in pluralist democracies. A complete version of political reasoning would contain both liberal and realpolitik models and a mechanism to adjudicate the appropriate uses of each model.
A low-power low-noise bioamplifier for multielectrode neural recording systems

This paper presents an ultra-low-power low-noise bioamplifier for neural recording applications. The bioamplifier manifests a supply insensitive first gain stage and a CMOS-inverter-based second gain stage. The entire system is designed in 0.13-µm standard RF CMOS process. The bioamplifier operates at 0.6 V supply with a power consumption of only 198.6 nW. The midband gain of the amplifier is 24.94 dB with a lower cut-off frequency at 0.1 Hz and a higher cut-off frequency at 9.51 KHz. The input-referred noise of the proposed bioamplifier is 0.9133 µV rms .
An Introduction to the Hospitalist Model

Motivated by a search for improved quality and efficiency, increasing numbers of hospitals and physicians are moving from systems in which all primary care providers manage their own hospitalized p...
DETECTION OF INFREQUENT AND MULTIPLE K-RAS MUTATIONS IN HUMAN TUMORS AND TUMOR-ADJACENT TISSUES

Abstract A sensitive method was developed and applied to examine the distribution of K- ras gene mutations in histologically differing areas of lung tissues obtained from lung cancer patients. This method, which combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mutation allele enrichment (MAE), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), allows detection of one K- ras mutant allele present in 10 4 to 10 5 wild-type alleles. It was applied to analyze mutations in codon 12 of the K- ras gene in 43 tissue sites microdissected from paraffin-embedded sections obtained from 8 archival cases of lung cancer, all previously shown to have codon 12 K- ras mutations by direct sequencing. In four cases, mutations were detected only in the tumor, while in the other four cases, the same mutations were also found in tissues adjacent to tumors, using the MAE + DGGE method. No mutations were detected among normal-appearing cells in areas distant from the tumors in any of the cases studied. These findings demonstrate that K- ras mutations can be detected at low frequencies in normal-appearing cells from tissues adjacent to the tumor in some lung cancer cases. In addition, this approach also allowed detection of multiple mutations in colorectal tissues obtained from colorectal cancer patients. Thus, the MAE + DGGE method may be applicable to study of K- ras mutations in premalignant or morphologically suspicious lesions in bronchial mucosa or other types of human cancer.
Optimal Bundling Strategies in Multiobject Auctions of Complements or Substitutes

We consider a problem at the interface of auctions and bundling. Our revenue-maximizing seller seeking to auction one unit each of two complements or substitutes in the best-of-three formats: the auction of the bundle, separate auctions of the individual items, and a combinatorial auction. We draw on an analytical model to address the following questions: i Which of the auctioning strategies is optimal under the second-price, sealed-bid format? ii What is the optimal strategy for the bidders? iii When the objects are asymmetrically valued e.g., Super Bowl ticket versus souvenir, what is the optimal auctioning sequence under the pure components strategy? Our results suggest that separate auctions of the two objects are superior to the auction of the bundle for most substitutes and even moderate complements when there are at least four bidders. The auction of the pure bundle is better suited for strong complements or with too few bidders. When the combinatorial auction is an available option, it weakly dominates the auction of the pure bundle but has domains of inferiority relative to the separate auctions. When the objects are asymmetric in value, it is optimal to auction the higher-valued object first.
Enzyme estimates of infarct size correlate with functional and clinical outcomes in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background: Cardiac biomarkers are routinely obtained in the setting of suspected myocardial ischemia and infarction. Evidence suggests these markers may correlate with functional and clinical outcomes, but the strength of this correlation is unclear. The relationship between enzyme measures of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular performance and adverse clinical outcomes were explored. Methods: Creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB data were analyzed, as were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by angiogram, and infarct size by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in patients in 2 trials: Prompt Reperfusion In Myocardial-infarction Evolution (PRIME), and Efegatran and Streptokinase to Canalize Arteries Like Accelerated Tissue plasminogen activator (ESCALAT). Both trials evaluated efegatran combined with thrombolysis for treating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Results: Peak CK and CK area-under-the-curve (AUC) correlated significantly with SPECTdetermined infarct size 5 to 10 days after enrollment. Peak CK had a statistically significant correlation with LVEF, but CK-AUC and LVEF correlation were less robust. Statistically significant correlations exist between SPECT-determined infarct size and peak CK-MB and CK-MB AUC. However, there was no correlation with LVEF for peak CK-MB and CK-MB AUC. The combined outcome of congestive heart failure and death were significantly associated with CK AUC, CK-MB AUC, peak CK, and peak CK-MB measurements. Conclusion: Peak CK and CK-MB values and AUC calculations have significant correlation with functional outcomes (LVEF- and SPECT-determined infarct size) and death or CHF outcomes in the setting of STEMI. Cardiac biomarkers provide prognostic information and may serve as valid endpoint measurements for phase II clinical trials.
Fire Severity in Conifer Forests of the Sierra Nevada, California

Natural disturbances are an important source of environmental heterogeneity that have been linked to species diversity in ecosystems. However, spatial and temporal patterns of disturbances are often evaluated separately. Consequently, rates and scales of existing disturbance processes and their effects on biodiversity are often uncertain. We have studied both spatial and temporal patterns of contemporary fires in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA. Patterns of fire severity were analyzed for conifer forests in the three largest fires since 1999. These fires account for most cumulative area that has burned in recent years. They burned relatively remote areas where there was little timber management. To better characterize high-severity fire, we analyzed its effect on the survival of pines. We evaluated temporal patterns of fire since 1950 in the larger landscapes in which the three fires occurred. Finally, we evaluated the utility of a metric for the effects of fire suppression. Known as Condition Class it is now being used throughout the United States to predict where fire will be uncharacteristically severe. Contrary to the assumptions of fire management, we found that high-severity fire was uncommon. Moreover, pines were remarkably tolerant of it. The wildfires helped to restore landscape structure and heterogeneity, as well as producing fire effects associated with natural diversity. However, even with large recent fires, rates of burning are relatively low due to modern fire management. Condition Class was not able to predict patterns of high-severity fire. Our findings underscore the need to conduct more comprehensive assessments of existing disturbance regimes and to determine whether natural disturbances are occurring at rates and scales compatible with the maintenance of biodiversity.
Sustained signaling by canonical helper T cell cytokines throughout the reactive lymph node

Cytokines are soluble proteins that regulate immune responses. The present paradigm is that cytokine production in lymphoid tissues is tightly localized and signaling occurs between conjugate cells. Here we assess cytokine signaling during infection by measuring in vivo phosphorylation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. We show that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) signaled to the majority of lymphocytes throughout the reactive lymph node and that IL-4 conditioning of naive, bystander cells was sufficient to override opposing T helper type 1 (T(H)1) polarization. Our results demonstrate that despite localized production, cytokines can permeate a lymph node and modify the majority of cells therein. Cytokine conditioning of bystander cells could provide a mechanism by which chronic worm infections subvert the host response to subsequent infections or vaccination attempts.