cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sertoli cells--immunological sentinels of spermatogenesis.

Abstract Testicular germ cells, which appear after the establishment of central tolerance, express novel cell surface and intracellular proteins that can be recognized as ‘foreign antigens’ by the host's immune system. However, normally these germ cells do not evoke an auto-reactive immune response. The focus of this manuscript is to review the evidence that the blood–testis-barrier (BTB)/Sertoli cell (SC) barrier along with the SCs ability to modulate the immune response is vital for protecting auto-antigenic germ cells. In normal testis, the BTB/SC barrier protects the majority of the auto-antigenic germ cells by limiting access by the immune system and sequestering these ‘new antigens’. SCs also modulate testis immune cells (induce regulatory immune cells) by expressing several immunoregulatory factors, thereby creating a local tolerogenic environment optimal for survival of nonsequesetred auto-antigenic germ cells. Collectively, the fortress created by the BTB/SC barrier along with modulation of the immune response is pivotal for completion of spermatogenesis and species survival.
The effect of surface steps on the critical thickness for spreading of threading dislocations in thin epitaxial films

Experimentally, there is a critical thickness of an epitaxial thin film, below which misfit dislocations are not observed and above which threading dislocations are found to glide. There are several theoretical critical thicknesses that may or may not coincide with the observed value. We show that the presence of a properly aligned surface step can strongly influence the motion of a threading dislocation, enhancing or retarding its motion. Anisotropic elastic and elastic inhomogeneity effects are considered. The results are discussed in terms of the critical thickness concept. The anisotropic elastic prediction of the critical thickness for spreading agrees well with the experimental results for a Ni film on Cu.
Safe and efficient wind power for urban area

The paper outlines a wind turbine coupled to a permanent magnets synchronous generator (PMSG). The PMSG is not located in the horizontal axis of the turbine, but in the blades' tip instead. The basic magnetic topology is constituted by sixty magnets mounted on the surface of the rotor and a conventional stator winding. This wind generator is coupled to a shroud that can increase power output and is a safety factor to protect installations, equipment and people. So the system is compounded by a horizontal axis wind turbine, a PMSG and a shroud. These three main parts were designed to be operated in urban areas. Therefore, the priority is efficiency and safety.
Treatment-emergent mania/hypomania during antidepressant monotherapy in patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Objective: To study treatment-emergent mania/hypomania (TEM) associated with second-generation antidepressant monotherapy in patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder (RCBD). Methods: Data of patients with RCBD (n = 180) enrolled into two clinical trials were used to study the risk for TEM during second-generation antidepressant monotherapy. History of TEM was retrospectively determined at the initial assessment by asking patients whether they were exposed to second-generation antidepressants and if a hypomania/mania episode emerged during the first four weeks of treatment. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression. Results: Of the 180 patients (bipolar I disorder, n = 128; bipolar II disorder, n = 52) with RCBD, 85% (n = 153) had at least one antidepressant treatment. Among these patients, 94.1% (144/153) had at least one antidepressant monotherapy treatment. Overall, 49.3% of patients had at least one TEM and 29.1% (116/399) of treatment trials were associated with TEM. In regression analysis, an inverse association between the number of mood episodes in the last 12 months and TEM was observed with an odds ratio of 0.9. However, gender, bipolar subtype, a lifetime history of comorbid anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, or psychosis, and age of mood disorder onset were not associated with TEM. For individual antidepressants, the rates of TEM varied from 42.1% for fluoxetine to 0% for fluvoxamine and mirtazapine. As a group, there was no difference between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine or bupropion in the incidence of TEM. Conclusions: Use of second-generation antidepressants as monotherapy in RCBD is accompanied by clinically relevant rates of TEM. Even in patients with RCBD, differential vulnerabilities to antidepressant TEM may exist.
Application of geostatistical inverse modeling to contaminant source identification at Dover AFB, Delaware

Analysis of subsurface soil cores from the site of a field-scale groundwater remediation experiment at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, has revealed that tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene contamination extends into an aquitard underlying a groundwater aquifer. Geostatistical inverse modeling is used to make inferences regarding the historical concentration conditions in the overlying aquifer. Because geostatistical inverse modeling is a stochastic approach, it treats parameters as jointly distributed random fields. Therefore, this approach is used to compute confidence intervals in addition to best estimates. This framework is also used to compute large numbers of conditional realizations, which are equally probable solutions given the data, and which allow for a better understanding of the form of the unknown function. Finally, a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method combined with the application of Lagrange multipliers is used to enforce concentration non-negativity.
Interferometric characterization of the flexure-beam micromirror device

The flexure-beam micromirror device (FBMD) developed by Texas Instruments, Inc., is presently being considered for use in communication and imaging systems. This device consists of thousands of individually addressable micromirror elements with phase-mostly responses, greater than 70% active area, and response times of 10 microseconds. Accurate determination of individual mirror element amplitude and phase responses versus address voltage is important for understanding the effect this device will have in the various applications. an experimental setup based on a laser microscopic interferometric technique was used to precisely map the surface displacement of individual mirror elements as a function of address voltage. The test structure consisted of an 8 X 8 array of 25 X 25 micrometers square flexure-beam elements. A phase response of greater than 2(pi) radians at a wavelength of 632.8 nm was observed for address voltages ranging from 0 to 5.8 V. The phase versus voltage relationship is shown to be nonlinear.
How Can a Developmental Perspective Help Us in Considering Clinical Process: Discussion of Judith Pickles's Case of Ann

Recent thinking from the Boston Change Process Study Group is brought to bear on considering the case of Ann. The importance of considering the moment-to-moment interactive exchange is emphasized. The prominence of dissociation is discussed, as is special consideration of the dynamic of being unknown as it affects the therapist and the treatment.
A Note On the Maximum Peirce Skill Score

Abstract Binary classifiers are obtained from a continuous predictor using a threshold to dichotomize the predictor value into event occurrence and nonoccurrence classes. A contingency table is associated with each threshold, and from this table many statistical indices (like skill scores) can be computed. This work shows that the threshold that maximizes one of these indices [the Peirce skill score (PSS)] has some important properties. In particular, at that threshold the ratio of the two likelihood distributions is always 1 and the event posterior probability is equal to the event prior probability. These properties, together with the consideration that the maximum PSS is the point with the “most skill” on the relative operating characteristic curve and the point that maximizes the forecast value, suggest the use of the maximum PSS as a good scalar measure of the classifier skill. To show that this most skilled point is not always the best one for all the users, a simple economic cost model is presented.
HYDROXYLATION OF OLEIC ACID BY CELL-FREE EXTRACTS OF A SPECIES OF TORULOPSIS,

Abstract The “12000 × g supernatant fraction” from extracts of cells of a yeast, a species of Torulopsis, converts oleic acid to 17- l -hydroxyoleic acid. The hydroxylating system is apparently a mixed-function oxidase since it requires O 2 and NADPH. Enzymatic activity is maximal close to pH 7.1, and can be sedimented at 48000 × g. It is strongly inhibited by CO but not by CN- or N 3 -.
Quantifying the Influence of Specimen Geometry on the Results of the Restrained Ring Test

Over the last decade, the restrained ring test has trequently been used to assess the cracking susceptibility of a concrete mixture when it is restrained from shrinking treely. Despite the trequent use of the ring test, limited analysis has been performed to understand how the specimen geometry influences the results of the test. This paper discusses the influence of specimen geometry on the results of the ring test considering three conditions: (1) uniform shrinkage of the concrete ring, (2) shrinkage caused by drying from the top and bottom surfaces of the concrete ring, and (3) shrinkage caused by drying from the outer circumference of the concrete ring. The role of moisture gradients, thickness of the concrete and the restraining (i.e., steel) rings, and the stiffness of concrete are considered in a series of numerical simulations. Results from these simulations can enable better selection of test specimen geometries and interpretation of the results from the ring test. Analytical expressions are provided to use for determining the geometry of the ring specimen that better simulates specific field conditions while providing the most useful information from the test.
Interactions between Toxoplasma gondii and its mammalian host cells

Toxoplasma is a protozoan parasite that is uniquely adapted for invading and surviving within a wide range of host cells. The parasite actively invades the cell, forming a novel vacuole that originates from the host cell plasma membrane. The vacuole membrane is rapidly modified to remove host cell proteins and this compartment subsequently resists fusion with all other host cell endocytic compartments. Shortly after invasion, the parasite secretes a variety of proteins by a process of regulation exocytosis and elaborates an extensive array of membranous tubules that form a network connecting with the vacuolar membrane. Understanding the formation and modification of this unique vacuole may reveal novel mechanisms for subverting host cell endocytic pathways that lead to intracellular survival.
Classification probabilities for the disequilibrium model

Abstract In econometric models of disequilibrium, observations are generated by one of two regimes. This paper discusses alternative methods of classifying observations into the two regimes and provides a Monte Carlo assessment of the most widely applicable classification rule.
Line-blanketing variations in the irradiance spectrum of the Sun from maximum to minimum of the solar cycle

Solar irradiance spectra obtained at or near the maximum and minimum phases of the solar magnetic activity cycle are compared. The characteristics of these spectra are related to the irradiance measurements available from the Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM) of the SMM. An interpretation based on sunspots and faculae being added to the atmosphere at solar maximum can account for less than 4 percent of the ACRIM decrease to be arising in the 500-560 nm range. The UV, with its much greater line-blanketing, is more important, in agreement with the finding of Lean (1989).
Differentiation of basal ganglia dopaminergic involvement in behavior after hippocampectomy

Abstract Large bilateral aspiration lesions of the hippocampus in rats lead to a variety of changes in spontaneous behavior measured in an open field/hole board, relative to sham and neocortically lesioned controls. These changes include increased locomotion, and decreased grooming frequency and rearing bout duration. When animals were injected with the dopamine (DA) agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylamino-2-imidazoline (DPI: 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 μg) into the nucleus accumbens one week after surgery, the behavior of hippocampally lesioned rats was restored to levels not different from control lesioned rats. Haloperidol injections (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 μg) into the caudate nucleus were not able to do this. Further, DPI injected into the caudate nucleus one month after surgery was also able to attenuate some of the effects of hippocampal damage. On the other hand, haloperidol injections into the nucleus accumbens did not influence behavior. The results are interpreted in terms of hippocampal lesion-induced alteration of a balance in basal ganglia DA systems, indicated by modified response to pharmacological intervention and which mediate the behavioral effects of the lesion.
Desulfurization of liquid fuels by adsorption on carbon-based sorbents and ultrasound-assisted sorbent regeneration

Several carbon-based adsorbents, CuCl/AC, PdCl2/AC, and Pd/AC (where AC denotes activated carbon), were studied for desulfurization of a model jet fuel by selective adsorption of thiophenic molecules. Comparisons with γ-Al2O3 support and desulfurization of a commercial jet fuel were also studied. The results showed that the selective sulfur adsorption capacity of PdCl2 was higher than that of CuCl and Pd0, in agreement with molecular orbital results. It was also found that the activated carbon is the best support for π-complexation sorbents to remove sulfur-containing compounds, i.e., benzothiophene and methylbenzothiophene. Among all the adsorbents studied, PdCl2/AC had the highest capacity for desulfurization. A significant synergistic effect was observed between the carbon substrate and the supported π-complexation sorbent, and this effect was explained by a geometric effect. The saturated sorbent was regenerated by desorption assisted by ultrasound with a solvent of 30 wt % benzene and 70 wt % n-octan...
Optically pumped multi-line NH3 laser

Abstract We have observed more than 40 new laser lines in NH 3 pumped by a TEA CO 2 laser operating on the R(30) 9.2 μm transition. The new lines span the region from 9.3 μm to 13.8 μm. Energy transfer from the pumped antisymmetric to the lasing symmetric levels in the ν 2 band causes simultaneous inversion on many transitions. A wedged transverse pumping scheme allows efficient use of pump energy and a compact device design. This laser system has potential for application to isotope separation of UF 6 .
Metabolic interrelations of hydroxy-substituted ether-linked glycerolipids in the pink portion of the rabbit harderian gland.

Abstract The pink portion of the rabbit harderian gland is known to contain a preponderance of ether-linked glycerolipids consisting primarily of 1-( O -acyl)hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols and smaller amounts of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols. In the present study, we have used a combination of chemical, enzymatic, and chromatographic techniques to identify two minor lipid components in the gland as 1-hydroxyalkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycerols and 1-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols. The long-chain acyl groups occurring in the 1-hydroxyalkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycerols and 1-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols are almost exclusively hexadecanoic acid, whereas the 1-( O -acyl)hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols have a ratio of hexadecanoic acid to octadecanoic acid of 2 1 . The 1-( O -acyl) hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols and the 1-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols also contain a short-chain acyl moiety identified as 3-methylbutanoic acid (isovaleric acid). This acid was found to occupy the 3-position of the glycerol backbone in these lipid classes. Metabolic experiments demonstrate that 3-methylbutanoic acid in the lipids of the gland is derived from the catabolism of l -leucine. Pulse-chase data show a precursor-product relation between the 1-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols and 1-( O -acyl-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols and rule out direct hydroxylation of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols as a possible biosynthetic route to the 1-( O -acyl)hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols. Characterization of the alkyl and acyl groups and the positional distributions of the acyl moieties in combination with the metabolic information indicated the acylation sequence involved in the formation of 1-( O -acyl)hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerol is 1-hydroxyalkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycerols → 1-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols → 1-( O -acyl)hydroxyalkyl-2,3-diacyl- sn -glycerols. The data also suggest that hydroxylation of the alkyl side-chain occurs before or at the alkylacylglycerol stage.
Morphologic variation in the mandible of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus): A study of populational skeletal variation by principal component and canonical analyses

A principal component analysis revealed that the two major components of mandibular shape variation among individuals within breeding groups of white-tailed deer in Canada and the United States involve contrasts between the mandible and the dentition and between the premolars and the molars. Size variation appeared to account for 34% of the total variation within the groups, and the two major shape variations accounted for 23% and 8% respectively. A canonical analysis was used to identify the major components of mandibular variation among the breeding groups and to provide measures of the proportion of the total variation accounted for by each component. Among male groups, size variation was associated with latitude, and the major shape variation was closely associated with longitude, so a bivariate plot of the first two canonical variates reflected the general geographic orientation of the populations. The mandibular size in a Tennessee population that descended from Wisconsin and Michigan ancestors appears to have not decreased appreciably in the more southerly habitat after introduction more than 20 years ago. Changes in range conditions in eastern Upper Michigan over the past 30 years have not influenced local mandibular morphology as reflected by the first two canonical variates. Regardless of general smallness of individuals, the mandibular morphology of the deer from the Cross Timbers area in Kansas appears to approximate more closely that of northern populations than that of the more southerly populations from Oklahoma and Texas. Sexual dimorphism on the first two canonical axes was observed.
Intracoronary amiloride prevents contractile dysfunction of postischemic "stunned" myocardium: role of hemodynamic alterations and inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange and L-type Ca2+ channels.

Objectives. This study sought to establish the effect of amiloride on stunned myocardium and to determine the role of hemodynamic alterations and inhibition of sodium/proton (Na + /H + ) exchange and L-type cytosolic calcium (Ca 2+ ) channels. Background. Amiloride is a nonspecific agent that may reduce reperfusion injury, but its effect on reversible dysfunction or stunned myocardium is unclear. Methods. Ninety-seven open chest dogs undergoing 15 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion with monitoring of hemodynamic variables, systolic shortening and myocardial blood flow were randomized to seven intracoronary infusions: control dogs (5% dextrose, n = 16); low dose amiloride (1 mg/min, n = 14); high dose amiloride (5 mg/min) with (n = 12) and without (n = 16) atrial pacing; sodium nitroprusside (20 μ g/min, n = 16); hexamethylene amiloride (a specific inhibitor of Na + /H + exchange, 60 μ g/min, n = 14); and nifedipine (a specific inhibitor of l -type Ca 2+ channels, 5 μ g/min, n = 9). Drug infusions were started 40 min before occlusion and stopped at 30 min after reperfusion. Results. Forty-three dogs were excluded because of ventricular fibrillation or high collateral flow. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation was similar in all groups to that in control dogs. Systolic shortening completely recovered (p = NS vs. baseline; p Conclusions. Amiloride prevented the contractile dysfunction of myocardial stunning but did not prevent arrhythmias. Hemodynamic alterations, increased myocardial blood flow and inhibition of Na + /H + exchange or l -type Ca 2+ channels alone did not account for the improved function. Inhibition of Na + /Ca 2+ exchange may be the mechanism of improved postischemic function.
Theoretical description of phase equilibrium in binary alloys

Abstract A phenomenological model for the description of solid-solid and solid-liquid phase equilibrium in binary alloys is presented. The emphasis is placed on the calculation of the configurational contributions to the free energy of the solid phases. In particular, the configurational entropy for disordered solid solutions and for ordered compounds are calculated using the tetrahedron approximation of the cluster variation method. The total energy of formation is written as the sum of the energy of a reference random state plus the ordering energy which explicitly takes into account short range order. The energy of the random mixture is approximated by a polynomial expansion in the average concentration, whereas the ordering energy is expressed in terms of effective pair interactions. For simplicity, the pair interactions are restricted to first nearest neighbors in f.c.c.-based structures and to first and second nearest neighbors in b.c.c.-based structures. Vibrational contributions to the free energy of pure and stoichiometric compound phases are described using available experimental data. The lattice stability functions developed by Kaufman are used to characterize metastable phases of the pure elements. For the free energy of the liquid phase, a subregular solution model is adopted. As an example, the energy parameters needed to fully characterize the free energies of all phases observed in the Ni-Al system are determined from the experimental phase diagram and from available thermochemical data.
Augmented analgesic effects of L-tryptophan combined with low current transcranial electrostimulation.

Abstract The analgesic effects of low current transcranial electrostimulation are both naloxone and pCPA-reversible, suggesting that they may be mediated in part by endogenous opioid and serotonergic activity. The present experiments indicate that pretreatment with the serotonin precursor L-tryptophan results in an increased analgesic effect of electrostimulation as measured by the 50°C wet tail flick test in the rat. Rats receiving both L-tryptophan and electrostimulation displayed significantly more analgesia than rats receiving electrostimulation and injection vehicle alone, rats receiving drug and sham stimulation or rats receiving vehicle and sham stimulation.
An unconstrained convex programming approach to solving convex quadratic programming problems

In this paper, we derive an unconstrained convex programming approach to solving convex quadratic programming problems in standard form. Related duality theory is established by using two simple inequalities. An ∊-optimal solution is obtained by solving an unconstrained dual convex program. A dual-to-primal conversion formula is also provided. Some preliminary computational results of using a curved search method is included
The Wiener--Askey Polynomial Chaos for Stochastic Differential Equations

We present a new method for solving stochastic differential equations based on Galerkin projections and extensions of Wiener's polynomial chaos. Specifically, we represent the stochastic processes with an optimum trial basis from the Askey family of orthogonal polynomials that reduces the dimensionality of the system and leads to exponential convergence of the error. Several continuous and discrete processes are treated, and numerical examples show substantial speed-up compared to Monte Carlo simulations for low dimensional stochastic inputs.
Probability of growth and toxin production by nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum in rockfish fillets stored under modified atmospheres

Abstract Whether toxin production by Clostridium botulinum precedes or follows spoilage of fish stored under modified atmospheres (MA), remains unclear. In this factorial design study we inoculated a pool of nonproteolytic C. botulinum spores (5 type E, 4 type B, and 4 type F strains) at 6 levels (104 to 10−1) between two rockfish fillets and then incubated the fillets at 4, 8, 12 and 30°C under vacuum, 100% CO2 and 70% CO2+30% air for 21 days. The probability of toxigenesis by one spore was significantly affected (P 0.1) by MA, MA×T or MA×St. At the 10° spore/sample level, the earliest time to detect toxin production at 4,8,12 and 30°C under all MAs was >21, 15–21, 6–9 and 2 days, respectively. No toxin production was detected at 4°C. Only type B toxin was present in the toxic samples. At 30°C storage, spoilage of fillets followed toxigenesis. Using linear and logistic regression models, equations were derived that could estimate the lag phase and predict the probability of one spore initiating growth under a particular storage condition.
Colonization of the Galaxy

Abstract A colonizing, space-faring civilization which exercises population control will colonize the Galaxy in about 5 × 10 6 years. This result assumes population growth rates and emigration rates appropriate to human experience and a 0.1c ship speed. The results are independent of the optimum population. Only with extreme assumptions is the colonization wave velocity less than 0.01 c.
On the relation between joint moments and pedalling rates at constant power in bicycling.

Joint moments are of interest because they bear some relation to muscular effort and hence rider performance. The general objective of this study is to explore the relation between joint moments and pedalling rate (i.e. cadence). Joint moments are computed by modelling the leg-bicycle system as a five-bar linkage constrained to plane motion. Using dynamometer pedal force data and potentiometer crank and pedal position data, system equations are solved on a computer to produce moments at the ankle, knee and hip joints. Cadence and pedal forces are varied inversely to maintain constant power. Results indicate that average joint moments vary considerably with changes in cadence. Both hip and knee joints show an average moment which is minimum near 105 rotations min-1 for cruising cycling. It appears that an optimum rotations min-1 can be determined from a mechanical approach for any given power level and bicycle-rider geometry.
N-Acetylcysteine and contrast-induced nephropathy: A meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials

Background Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following coronary angiography increases morbidity and mortality. Randomized trials of small sample size have evaluated whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevents CIN in patients with renal dysfunction. Methods To conduct a meta-analysis of the randomized trials the following databases were searched: MEDLINE (1966-2003), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, ACP Journal Club online, published abstracts presented at the major cardiology and nephrology meetings, references from reviews. Two authors independently evaluated all relevant randomized trials. Eligibility criteria were (1) randomized placebo controlled trials of NAC, (2) patients with impaired renal function (creatinine >1.2 mg/dL) undergoing coronary angiography, (3) patients receiving intravenous fluids and low-osmolarity nonionic contrast media, (4) the primary outcome was CIN (increases in creatinine of either at least 0.5 mg/dL or 25% from baseline to 48 hours). Of 589 trials reviewed 3 disagreements were easily resolved by mutual discussion and 13 were selected. Data extraction included patient characteristics, intravenous fluid regimen, type and dose of contrast media, dosing regimen, creatinine at baseline and 48 hours and CIN requiring dialysis. Results Four of the 13 trials reported statistically significant results. In meta-analysis of the 13 trials, which included 1892 patients, the RR was 0.68 (95%CI, 0.46-1.01). The addition of the trial of patients undergoing computerized tomography, which had formulated the hypothesis, yielded a statistically significant reduction (RR 0.64 [95%CI 0.42-0.96]) as did an earlier meta-analysis of 7 trials. Conclusions Our meta-analysis of the most currently available randomized data concerning NAC before coronary angiography to prevent CIN in patients with impaired renal function is neither conclusive nor provides proof beyond a reasonable doubt to influence clinical practice and public policy. The intervention has minimal toxicity but the width of the 95% CI remains compatible with a range from a large benefit to none at all. In addition, the trials used change in creatinine as the measure of outcome. Further randomized trials of large sample size and with clinical outcomes will add importantly relevant information to the totality of evidence and allow the most rational clinical decisions for individual patients as well as policy decisions for the health of the general public.
Pre-embolization evaluation of high-flow priapism: magnetic resonance angiography of the penis

Purpose High-flow priapism is often a sequela of perineal trauma resulting in an arteriocavernosal fistula (ACF) between a cavernosal artery and lacunar spaces of the penis. We report our experience utilizing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in addition to color Doppler Sonography (CDS) in the workup and treatment planning of 4 patients with high-flow priapism.
Hierarchical test generation and design for testability of ASPPs and ASIPs

In this paper, we present design for testability (DFT) and hierarchicaltest generation techniques for facilitating the testingof application-specific programmable processors (ASPPs) andapplication-specific instruction processors (ASIPs). The methodutilizes the register transfer level (RTL) circuit description of anASPP or ASIP and tries to generate a set of test microcode patternswhich can be written into the instruction read-only memory(ROM) of the processor. These lines of microcode dictate a newcontrol/data flow in the circuit and can be used to test moduleswhich are not easily testable. The new control/data flow is used tojustify precomputed test sets of a module from the system primaryinputs to the module inputs and propagate output responses fromthe module output to the system primary outputs. If the derived testmicrocode cannot test all untested modules in the circuit, then testmultiplexers are added to the data path to test these modules andthus testability of all modules is guaranteed. This scheme has theadvantages of low area and delay overheads (average of 3.1% and0.4% respectively), high fault coverage (>99.6% for all cases) andat-speed testing. Test generation times are about three orders ofmagnitude smaller than an efficient gate-level sequential test generator.Only one external test pin is required for the DFT method.
APPLICATION OF GIBCS TO THE COMPUTATION OF RESONANT FREQUENCIES FOR UNIAXIAL CYLINDRICAL RESONATORS

Numerical analysis for computing resonant frequencies of uniaxially anisotropic cylindrical resonators is presented. The resonator is placed on a grounded isotropic substrate and is covered with a metallic tuning plate. The generalized impedance boundary conditions are employed along the axis of the resonator to simplify the boundary-value problem. Ample numerical results are presented, explicitly showing the dependent of the resonant frequency on the variation in the elements of the permittivity tensor. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pulmonary nocardiosis: computed tomography features at diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To review the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) at the time of initial presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients from 1991 to 2008 with PN were identified (n=105). Patients without CT scan available at initial presentation were excluded (n=52). For the remaining 53 patients, standardized radiographic features were recorded. The patients were grouped by predisposing condition. Analysis includes descriptive summary statistics as well as associations among radiographic findings, associated findings, and host characteristics. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 6 to 82 y). Some form of immunosuppression was present in 83% of the cases. Preexisting structural abnormalities of the lung were uncommon (bronchiectasis, 7; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3). Twenty (38%) patients had interstitial opacities. Airspace disease was seen in 34 (64%) cases. Thirty (57%) cases revealed discrete nodules, 25 patients had 1 to 6 nodules (mean, 2), and 5 patients had fewer than 6 nodules, with the mean size of the largest nodule being 1.67 cm. Masses were seen in 11 patients (21%), 9 of whom had concomitant nodules. Cavitary lesions, including nodules, masses, or airspace disease, occurred in 40% of the cohort. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was present in 8 (15%) patients. Fifteen patients (28%) had pleural effusions; the effusions were unilateral in 10 patients. Analysis of radiographic associations with patient groups found discrete nodules to be more often associated with immunosuppression compared with the nonimmunosuppressed group (66% vs. 11%; P=0.0067). CONCLUSION: The CT presentation of PN is heterogeneous. Airspace disease appeared most frequently (in 64% of the cases), and nodules were present in 57% of the cases. Nocardiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunosuppressed patients with new nodules or masses.
MgADP Promotes a Catch-Like State Developed through Force-Calcium Hysteresis in Tonic Smooth Muscle

Tonic rabbit femoral artery and phasic rabbit ileum smooth muscles permeabilized with Triton X-100 were activated either by increasing [Ca2+] from pCa > 8.0 to pCa 6.0 (calcium-ascending protocol) or contracted at pCa 6.0 before lowering [Ca2+] (calcium-descending protocol). The effects of, respectively, high [MgATP]/low [MgADP] [10 mM MgATP + creatine phosphate (CP) + creatine kinase (CK)] or low [MgATP]/[MgADP] (2 mM MgATP, 0 CP, 0 CK) on the "force-[Ca]" relationships were determined. In femoral artery at low, but not at high, [MgATP]/[MgADP] the force and the ratio of stiffness/force at pCa 7.2 were significantly higher under the calcium-descending than calcium-ascending protocols (54% vs. 3% of Po, the force at pCa 6.0) (force hysteresis); the levels of regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation (9 +/- 2% vs. 10 +/- 2%) and the velocities of unloaded shortening V0 (0.02 +/- 0.004 l/s with both protocols) were not significantly different. No significant force hysteresis was detected in rabbit ileum under either of these experimental conditions. [MgADP], measured in extracts of permeabilized femoral artery strips by two methods, was 130-140 microM during maintained force under the calcium-descending protocol. Exogenous CP (10 mM) applied during the descending protocol reduced endogenous [MgADP] to 46 +/- 10 microM and abolished force hysteresis: residual force at low [Ca2+] was 17 +/- 5% of maximal force. We conclude that the proportion of force-generating nonphosphorylated (AMdp) relative to phosphorylated cross-bridges is higher on the Ca2+-descending than on the Ca2+-ascending force curve in tonic smooth muscle, that this population of positively strained dephosphorylated cross-bridges has a high affinity for MgADP, and that the dephosphorylated AMdp . MgADP state makes a significant contribution to force maintenance at low levels of MLC20 phosphorylation.
An interpretation of ΔJ for cyclically unsaturated materials

Characterization of fatigue crack growth rate in terms of the range of stress intensity parameters, AK, has universal acceptance. However, AK loses its significance in the presence of extensive cyclic plastic deformation at the crack tip. As a crack tip parameter for this case, Dowling and Begley [1] employed an operationally defined parameter which they called AJ. A more rigorous definition of AJ has since been given by Lamba [2] and by Wiithrich [3] and by Tanaka [4]. In this report, the latter parameter is denoted as AJ R to distinguish it from Dowling's AJ. The object of this report is to examine the conditions under which AJ R and the AJ are not identical. These parameters have often been used interchangeably without full consideration to their differences.
MDC1 interacts with Rad51 and facilitates homologous recombination

Mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein-1 (MDC1) is a recently identified nuclear protein that participates in DNA-damage sensing and signaling. Here we report that knockdown of MDC1 by RNA interference results in cellular hypersensitivity to the DNA cross-linking agent mitomycin C and ionizing radiation and in impaired homology-mediated repair of double-strand breaks in DNA. MDC1 forms a complex with Rad51 through a direct interaction with the forkhead-associated domain of MDC1, not the BRCA1 C-terminal domain. Depletion of MDC1 results in impaired formation of Rad51 ionizing radiation-induced foci, reduced amounts of nuclear and chromatin-bound Rad51, and a corresponding increase in Rad51 protein degradation. Together, our findings suggest that MDC1 functions in Rad51-mediated homologous recombination by retaining Rad51 in chromatin.
Theory, Experiment and Computation of Half Metals for Spintronics: Recent Progress in Si-based Materials

Since the term “spintronics” was conceived in 1996, there have been several directions taken to develop new semiconductor-based magnetic materials for device applications using spin, or spin and charge, as the operational paradigm. Anticipating their integration into mature semiconductor technologies, one direction is to make use of materials involving Si. In this review, we focus on the progress made, since 2005, in Si-based half metallic spintronic materials. In addition to commenting on the experimental growth techniques, we review the computational models and the theory behind the non-spin-polarized and spin-polarized forms of density functional theory and the Kohn-Sham equations. Two software packages, associated with the computational methods, are also discussed. Both experimental and theoretical aspects, leading to recent design of half metallic quantum structures, will be reviewed.
A new mechanism for steroid unresponsiveness: Loss of nuclear binding activity of a steroid hormone receptor

Abstract The glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, binds to the specific cytosol receptors of a steroid-resistant mouse lymphoma cell line with the same affinity as to the receptors of the steroid-responsive parental cells. In the sensitive cells, the receptor-steroid complex translocates to the nucleus, whereas in the resistant cells nuclear transfer is greatly diminished. "Activated" receptor-dexamethasone complex from sensitive cells binds to isolated nuclei from both sensitive and resistant cell types, whereas the complex from the resistant cells binds to neither nuclei. Furthermore, the activated complex from sensitive cells binds to isolated homologous and heterologous DNA, whereas the complex from the resistant cells displays greatly reduced binding activity, implying that DNA plays a significant role in nuclear binding. These results suggest that the normal glucocorticoid receptor has two active domains: one for steroid binding, and the other for interaction with nuclear acceptor sites. The resistant cells described in this paper contain a receptor apparently defective in the latter activity.
Inhibition of Verbal Memory Retrieval as a Consequence of Prior Retrieval

On each trial of the experimental procedure for this study, the words from a sentence were presented, one at a time, in scrambled order. After this, a recognition probe was presented. In the crucial condition, a noun occurred once early in the scrambled sentence and again as the last word in the sentence. The test word was another noun from the sentence. The test noun was recognized less well in this condition than when (1) the scrambled sentence was truncated before the repeated noun so that the test noun was presented immediately before the point at which the repeated noun would have occurred, (2) the repeated noun was replaced with an adverb, and (3) the repeated noun was replaced with a noun that had not occurred previously in the scrambled sentce. These results suggest that the test noun was inhibited in memory following the processing of repeated noun. The inhibition evidently occurred as a consequence of the retrieval of the earlier occurrence of the repeated noun. The same sort of inhibition may occur for nonantecedents following the processing of a repeated-noun anaphor.
The role of LH in the luteotrophic process of lactating rats.

The role of LH in the luteotrophic process was examined by evaluating progesterone secretion in pregnant, lactating, and pregnant lactating rats, and the response of these rats to antisera against LH (LHAS) was observed. Ovarian venous progesterone concentration in lactating rats was elevated as litter size increased. Treatment with LHAS on day 8 postpartum of rats nursing 12 pups significantly decreased peripheral progesterone levels within 24 hr. Treatment with LHAS on days 8 and 9 of pregnancy terminated gestation in all normal pregnant animals but in similarly treated pregnant lactating rats gestation was maintained until day 14 in 4 of 10 rats. If the litter was removed from pregnant lactating dams at the time of initiation of LHAS treatment, pregnancy was interrupted in all 12 animals. Ovarian venous progesterone concentration was reduced by greater than 90% 24 hr after LHAS treatment on day 8 of normal pregnant rats and 20α-OH-P increased such that the concentration of total progestins remained con...
Is 0406 + 121 the reddest BL Lac object?

0406 + 121 is a flat-spectrum variable radio source first discovered by Shimmins et al.1 and later studied by Condon et al.2. While no optical counterpart was identified, similar sources were often found to be either BL Lac-type objects or high redshift QSOs. Recently, Rieke et al. detected the object in the near-IR, where it was observed to vary in luminosity over the six-month period between August 1978 and March 1979. A Kitt Peak 4-m plate taken on 29 November 1978 and published by Rieke et al. revealed a stellar image (V = 20.5 ± 0.4 mag) at the radio (and IR) position, which lies ∼30 arc s north of an anonymous spiral galaxy. Rieke et al. suggested that 0406 + 121 and some similar sources they detected having steep power law spectra were a possible new type of QSO discriminated against in conventional optical searches. To clarify the nature of 0406 + 121 further, we obtained a spectrum in good seeing conditions on the night of 27 February 1979 using the Steward Observatory 2.25-m telescope and intensified Reticon spectrograph. The object, clearly visible on an intensified TV guider, was wobbled every 80 s between two circular apertures 2.5 arc s in diameter spaced 20 arc s apart. Eighty-five minutes of integration time, calibration with the spectroscopic standard EG 67 (ref. 4) and a HeAr comparison lamp, and eight point smoothing of the 10 A resolution spectrum gave the results shown in Fig. 1.
Ascl2 reinforces intestinal stem cell identity.

Ascl2 is a Wnt-responsive master transcription factor that controls the Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell gene expression program. Now in Cell Stem Cell, Schuijers et al. (2015) report an Ascl2 positive feedback loop, tuned by previous Wnt pathway activity, that perpetuates intestinal stem cell identity in response to Wnt/R-spondin stimulation.
Molecular diagnosis of inherited neuromuscular disease.

Inherited disease has occupied an increasing proportion of canine and feline practice in the last three decades for two main reasons. First, the general availability of high-quality pet food and effective vaccination and deworming schemes has greatly reduced the incidence of nutritional and infectious diseases, although prevention of inherited disease has not kept pace. The second reason is intrinsic to the inbred structure of current pet populations. An increasing number of pet and working dogs and cats presented to veterinarians are purebred or breed identified. 11 A breed is a group of animals that, by mutual agreement, are only produced in matings of animals chosen from the same group. As a result, all members of a single breed are more or less inbred and more or less related to each other. A contributing factor is that one or more popular breeding animals, usually sires, have often made a disproportionately large contribution to the breed gene pool. If a popular breeding animal carries disease alleles in addition to alleles for its desirable traits, these can become widely distributed in the breed, and inbreeding in subsequent generations increases the probability that recessive disease traits are expressed in the offspring. Inherited disorders constitute a significant proportion of diseases that cause poor quality of life or death in all breeds of dogs and cats. The breed of an affected animal is one of the most useful distinguishing diagnostic criteria of inherited disorders. Some useful compendia of
Supercritical fluid and compressed solvent effects on metallic nanoparticle synthesis in reverse micelles

This paper presents the formation of nanosized metallic particles synthesized in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles in compressed propane and supercritical fluid (SCF) ethane solutions. Silver nanoparticles were produced in AOT reverse micelles in compressed propane by the reduction of the silver salt, AgNO3. Copper nanoparticles were produced in compressed propane and SCF ethane solvents, with added isooctane cosolvent, by the reduction of the functionalized surfactant, Cu(AOT)2. Particle growth rates in the compressed fluids are compared with those in normal liquid solvents to illustrate the effects of the compressed fluids on the growth behavior of these nanoparticles within the reverse micelles. The metallic nanoparticles were characterized using both in situ UV−vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The use of compressed fluids and SCFs for nanoparticle formation in AOT reverse micelles can result in growth rate behavior different from that in normal liquid ...
Factors Associated With Participating in a Romantic Relationship in a Work Environment1

Questionnaires were administered to graduate students employed by a large university to assess part of Pierce, Byrne, and Aguinis's (1996) model of workplace romance. Based on data from 297 respondents, results indicate that (a) females held less favorable attitudes toward romance and sexual intimacy at work than did males, (b) participating in a romantic relationship with a member of the same organization was positively associated with a participant's self-appraised job performance, and (c) consistent with an affective spillover hypothesis, degree of loving feelings for a current romantic partner was positively associated with an individual's own level of intrinsic work motivation, job involvement, and satisfaction with his or her type of work. Results are discussed in light of Pierce et al.'s (1996) model, and potential study limitations are addressed.
On the aesthetics of children's computational modeling for learning science

We posit that in the context of learning science using generative computational media, the lens of aesthetic experiences can provide us with a framework to understand how learners begin to develop representational fluency by appropriating computational tools into personally meaningful, computational expressions. We report two cases to illustrate how students' experiences of computational modeling activities, using agent-based visual programming and musical composition environments, can represent Dewey's notion of aesthetic experience. We highlight two important aspects of the process through which children transform these computational tools into expressive media for modeling: engaging in personal excursions and leveraging multi-modality. The children's work was both personally meaningful and representative of the curricular goals.