cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of psychoactive drugs on plasma catecholamines during stress in rats

Abstract In unstressed rats, morphine, pentobarbital, diazepam and alprazolam were without effect on plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels. Amphetamine increased the levels of both catecholamines. In stressed rats, morphine did not affect the stress induced increases in NE and E. Amphetamine enhanced the catecholamine stress-response further. Diazepam reduced stress-induced increases of NE levels. Pentobarbital and alprazolam attenuated stress-induced increases of both NE and E levels; this effect was particularly marked with alprazolam. The rise in plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels during stress has been well documented (DeTurck and Vogel, 1982; McCarty and Kopin, 1979). Considerably less is known about the effects of drugs on these stress-induced increases in biogenic amine levels. In rats, ganglionic blockade by chlorisondamine and blockade of NE release by bretylium has been shown to decrease or reverse stress-induced increases in plasma NE and/or E (McCarty and Kopin, 1979). These effects are not surprising, due to the known action of these drugs on the autonomic nervous system. However, drugs unrelated to the autonomic nervous system can also affect the biogenic amine levels during stress. Fentanyl-oxygen anesthesia reduces plasma NE and E in man during surgery (Stanley, Berman, Green and Robertson, 1980), and diazepam reduces NE levels during third molar extraction without affecting E level (Goldstein, Dionne, Sweet, Gracely, Brewer, Gregg and Keiser, 1982). Recently, we observed that ethanol can reduce stress-induced increases in rat plasma levels of both NE and E (DeTurck and Vogel, 1982). In that case, it has been speculated that this reduction is due to the sedative or anxiolytic properties of alcohol (DeTurck and Vogel, 1982). To test the possibility that these properties can indeed affect stress-induced increases in NE and E, we measured the effects of several psychoactive drugs on plasma catecholamine levels during stress. The drugs were the stimulant amphetamine, the sedative drugs morphine and pentobarbital, and the anxiolytic/sedative drugs diazepam and alprazolam.
Analysis of behavioral risk factor surveillance system data to assess the health of Hispanic Americans with diabetes in El Paso County, Texas.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine and describe the health of Hispanic Americans who live in El Paso County, Texas, along the US-Mexico border, particularly the multidimensional self-management practices of those with diabetes. This study also assesses Hispanic Americans with diabetes consistent with Healthy People 2010 diabetes goals and objectives. Methods Data from the 2002 Paso del Norte Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System are used for analysis of behavioral health risk factors associated with diabetes among Hispanic Americans in El Paso County, Texas. One- and two-way frequency tables with logistic regression and tests for comparison of means are used for data analysis. Results The greatest numbers of Hispanic American residents are younger, with those diagnosed with diabetes aged 45 years and older and with lower level of education, lowest income level, and unable to work. The odds of having diabetes are 4 times greater with increasing age and 6 times greater with lower income level. The type of medical treatment is consistent with the frequency of various diabetes self-management behaviors to optimize health. Hispanic Americans are within the goal for several Healthy People 2010 targets for diabetes. Conclusions Hispanic Americans along the US-Mexico border remain at risk for development of diabetes, although several self-management behavioral activities are recognized as important for prevention of diabetes to optimize quality of life.
Growth Responses of Baldcypress to Wastewater Nutrient Additions and Changing Hydrologic Regime

We used tree-ring analysis to evaluate the combined effects of rising water levels and 13 years of municipal wastewater addition on growth of baldcypress in a subsiding swamp forest in southern Louisiana. Trees in the treatment, downstream outflow, and adjacent untreated control areas all experienced increased growth coinciding with a period of widespread rapid subsidence and water-level increases in the late 1960s. Tree growth in the treatment and outflow sites began to decrease before wastewater application began in 1992, and afterward was apparently unaffected by treatment. In contrast, trees in the control site have not experienced growth declines. Hydrological changes caused by subsidence have apparently overwhelmed any effect of wastewater treatment on baldcypress growth. Increasing inundation may have increased growth initially by eliminating competition from species less tolerant of inundation; however, after a decade of sustained higher water, growth declined steadily. Release of baldcypress from competition continues at the topographically higher control site, but growth will likely subsequently decrease as ongoing subsidence and eustatic sea-level rise cause more prolonged inundation. We conclude that short-term increases in water level stimulated growth of baldcypress, but long-term increased inundation was a net stressor and was more important than nutrient limitations in controlling growth at this site.
A Kinetic Analysis of the Ground Leg During Sprint Running

Abstract Fifteen highly skilled sprinters were filmed while running at maximum velocity. The results were digitized and computer processed with interest focused on the muscle moments generated about the hip, knee, and ankle of the ground leg. Muscle activity about the hip consisted of extensor (concentric) dominance from foot descent, through foot strike, and into mid-support. Muscle dominance shifted to the hip flexors (eccentric) during mid-support and continued through takeoff. Muscle dominance at the knee demonstrated a pattern of flexor (eccentric, then concentric) dominance from foot descent through foot strike and into mid-support. Knee extensors (eccentric, then concentric) then achieved dominance through takeoff. During the later stages of takeoff, the dominance decreased or reversed briefly to flexor (eccentric) activity prior to a period of minimal activity following the toe-off position. From a period of minimal activity prior and subsequent to ground contact, the plantar flexors (eccentric, t...
Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock using polymerized hemoglobin compared to blood.

Abstract The development of an alternative to blood transfusion to treat severe hemorrhage remains a challenge, especially in far forward scenarios when blood is not available. Hemoglobin level (Hb)–based oxygen (O 2 ) carriers (HBOCs) were developed to address this need. Hemopure (HBOC-201, bovine Hb glutamer-250; OPK Biotech, Cambridge, MA), one such HBOC, has been approved for clinical use in South Africa and Russia. At the time of its approval, however, few studies aimed to understand Hemopure's function, administration, and adverse effects compared to blood. We used intravital microscopy to study the microcirculation hemodynamics (arteriolar and venular diameters and blood flow and functional capillary density [FCD]) and oxygenation implications of Hemopure administration at different Hb concentrations—4, 8, and 12 gHb/dL—compared to fresh blood transfusion during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock. Experiments were performed in unanesthetized hamsters instrumented with a skinfold window chamber, subjected to hemorrhage (50% of the blood volume), followed by 1-hour hypovolemic shock and fluid resuscitation (50% of the shed volume). Our results show that fluid resuscitation with Hemopure or blood restored systemic and microvascular parameters. Microcirculation O 2 delivery was directly correlated with Hemopure concentration, although increased vasoconstriction was as well. Functional capillary density reflected the balance between enhanced O 2 transport and reduced blood flow: 12 gHb/dL of Hemopure and blood decreased FCD compared to the lower concentrations of Hemopure ( P 2 transport and tissue perfusion can provide superior resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock compared to blood transfusion by using a low Hb concentration of HBOCs relative to blood.
High frequency generation of fertile transgenic rice plants after PEG-mediated protoplast transformation

An efficient method for the transformation and regeneration of fertile transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants is presented. In this protocol seed calli from the varietiesNipponbare andTaipei 309 were used to produce rice suspension cultures in General Medium. Protoplasts were isolated from suspension cells (8 × 106 protoplasts perg fresh weight), then were incubated with sterile DNA in the presence of MaMg solution, followed by addition of PEG to a final concentration of 25%. A hygromycin phosphotransferase (hph) gene under the plant transcriptional regulatory signals was used as a selectable marker gene. Hygromycin-resistant colonies were selected in the presence of 95 μM hygromycin B with apparent frequencies of 2×10−4 and 5×10−4 forNipponbare andTaipei 309, respectively. Plantlets were regenerated from resistant colonies in Murashige and Skoog plant regeneration medium. Among 628 transgenic plants grown to maturity in the greenhouse, two-thirds bore viable seeds.
Twenty-four hour simulation of solar chimneys

Abstract A model for time dependent analysis of solar chimneys is presented. The energy balance equations for three components of solar chimneys, absorbing plate, cover glass and air-gap are discretized with respect to time using an implicit finite difference model. The discretized nonlinear energy balance equations are solved for numerous time steps over a 24-h period using the Newton–Raphson method. The time dependent solar irradiation is determined using the clear sky model. The model's performances for various parameters of solar chimney that affect the thermal mass of the absorbing plate are tested. It was determined that a solar chimney with a relatively large thermal-mass produces airflow well into night and early morning when no solar irradiance is present. Also, a high thermal mass of the absorbing plate results in smaller variations in the airflow rate. The results of the present model for a solar chimney with no thermal storage compare well with the previously published data.
Bioinorganic chemistry: Enzymes activated by synthetic components

Synthetic analogues of the catalytic subsite of the hydrogen-producing enzyme HydA1 have been disappointingly inactive. The incorporation of such analogues into the enzyme's active site reveals the requirements for activity. See Letter p.66 [FeFe]-hydrogenases are metalloenzymes involved in microbial energy metabolism in various bacteria and algae, capable of extremes of catalytic performance that would be extremely useful if translated into a means of producing and using hydrogen in fuel cells. In these enzymes catalysis occurs at a unique di-iron centre containing a bridging dithiolate ligand, three CO ligands and two CN− ligands. In this manuscript, the authors show that three synthetic mimics of this di-iron centre can be loaded onto the [FeFe]-hydrogenase maturation protein HydF and then transferred to the algal variant apo-HydA1. Full activation of HydA1 was achieved only with the HydF hybrid protein that contained the mimic with an azadithiolate bridge, confirming the presence of this ligand in the active site of native [FeFe]-hydrogenases. This is the first example of controlled metalloenzyme activation using the combination of a specific protein scaffold and active-site synthetic analogues.
Demographic effects on the natural rate of unemployment or baby booms and unemployment

Abstract This paper establishes the importance of demographics on both the actual rate and the natural rate of unemployment. The actual dynamics can be quite complex, and the natural rate is shown to depend crucially on population shifts.
On assessing the construct validity of two multidimensional constructs

Abstract Occupational commitment and occupational (career) entrenchment are two multidimensional constructs in the “early development” stages. The construct validity evidence to date for each multidimensional construct is constructively critiqued. Suggestions for building stronger measures of occupational commitment and occupational entrenchment are offered. It is argued that using longitudinal research designs and revisiting the nomological net can provide stronger discriminant validity evidence for each multidimensional construct. Finally, research simultaneously studying both constructs is needed. Preliminary work suggests that occupational entrenchment can be integrated within the continuance dimension of occupational commitment. Human resource implications for studying such occupational-level constructs are discussed.
Current Measurements along the Shelf Break in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract Data from current moorings at four sites near the shelf break in the Gulf of Alaska are used to present information on the flow, to examine the effects of local winds, and especially to investigate momentum transfer between the offshore and inshore circulation. Net flow at the shelf break in the central and western appears to be similar through the year, but it intensifies appreciably in winter in the northeast Gulf. Only records in the northeast Gulf suggest significant effects on flow by local winds. The eddy fluxes of momentum at the shelf break were extremely small. Although the offshore Alaskan Stream was previously found to transfer momentum toward shore, this flux apparently does not reach the shelf break and influence shelf waters. It appears rather that the gradients of heat and salt observed near the shelf edge result from offshore effects of the coastal flow.
Speleothems as proxy for the carbon isotope composition of atmospheric CO2

We have measured the stable isotope ratios of carbon in a suite of recent cave deposits (less than 200 years) from the San Saba County, Texas, USA. The methodology for dating these deposits using excess Pb-210 was recently established (Baskaran and Iliffe, 1993). The carbon isotope ratios of these samples, spanning the time period approximately 1800-1990 AD, reflect the carbon isotope ratio of atmospheric CO2 for the same period. The pathways by which the delta C-13 of atmospheric CO2 is imprinted on these speleothems can be explained using a model developed by Cerling (1984). The results suggest that the carbon isotope ratios of speleothems can be used to develop long-term, high-resolution chronologies of the delta C-13 of atmospheric CO2 and, by implication, the concentration of the atmospheric CO2.
International public relations as a predictor of prominence of US news coverage

Abstract This study aims to test the public relations efforts of other countries as a predictor of their newsworthiness in the US news media, after controlling for national traits and social significance. Based on a content analysis of US newspaper and television news coverage ( New York Times , Washington Post , ABC , NBC , CBS , and CNN ) of 97 countries, this study found that the public relations of other countries’ governments is a significant predictor of these countries’ prominence in the US news coverage.
Studying Treatment Intensity: Lessons from Two Preliminary Studies

Determining how best to meet the needs of learners with Down syndrome requires an approach to intervention delivered at some level of intensity. How treatment intensity affects learner acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of skills can help optimize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of interventions. There is a growing body of research on the effects of treatment intensity but almost no systematic study of it with children with Down syndrome, providing little guidance about how to approach the study of intensity. In two preliminary studies, we manipulated different aspects of the dose of treatment intensity and measured effects on skill acquisition using single-subject experimental designs. Intensity varied in terms of number of opportunities per session, session duration, and spacing of opportunities (interstimulus interval). Matched responses within a skill area were randomly assigned to a level of intensity and acquisition was compared. Results reveal lessons about what aspects of intensity to manipulate and how, selecting experimental designs, measuring multiple outcomes, and the influence of learner characteristics. These lessons highlight directions for future approaches to tease apart the relative contributions of different aspects of intensity on skill acquisition and determine the most effective intensity of early intervention for children with Down syndrome.
Adjuvant recombinant human growth hormone stimulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 secretion in critically ill trauma patients

The early catabolic phase of severe injury is associated with acute growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) deficiency. The metabolic half-life of circulating IGF-1 is prolonged by its binding to IGFBP-3. The role of this binding protein in nutritionally repleted multiple-injury patients has not been previously evaluated. We have measured plasma levels of these polypeptides and nitrogen (N) balance in 18 adult (15 males/3 females ; mean age, 45 years), severely injured, hypermetabolic, and highly catabolic trauma patients within 48 to 60 hours after injury, when they were receiving maintenance fluids without calories or N and during 6 days of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Before instituting TPN, the patients were randomized to receive (group H, n = 9) or not to receive (group C, n = 9) daily recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), 0.15 mg/kg IM. Adjuvant rhGH significantly increases plasma levels of GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and insulin. In addition, it shows better improvement in N balance. The bioavailability of IGF-1 is increased, as indicated by the decrease in IGFBP-3 :IGF-1 ratio. A significant correlation between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels is present in the trauma patients who received TPN and rhGH. A GH/IGF-1/IGFBP-3 axis that closely regulates the metabolic status of the patient is established in trauma.
Impulsivity, attention, memory, and decision-making among adolescent marijuana users

Rationale Marijuana is a popular drug of abuse among adolescents, and they may be uniquely vulnerable to resulting cognitive and behavioral impairments. Previous studies have found impairments among adolescent marijuana users. However, the majority of this research has examined measures individually rather than multiple domains in a single cohesive analysis. This study used a logistic regression model that combines performance on a range of tasks to identify which measures were most altered among adolescent marijuana users.
Notes on density matrix model for coherent x‐ray diffraction

It is shown how an idempotent density matrix provides a proper model for interpretation of the x-ray coherent diffraction experiment. 10 references.
Siderophore mediated iron(III) uptake in Gliocladium virens. 2. Role of ferric mono- and dihydroxamates as iron transport agents

The Fe(III) transport properties of the monohydroxamates, cis-fusarinine (cF) and trans-fusarinine (tF), and the dihydroxamate, dimerum acid (DA), the major siderophores of the fungus, Gliocladium virens ATCC 24290, have been investigated using labeled ferric siderophores. Fe(cF)3, Fe(tF)3 and Fe2(DA)3 (and also one of the minor trihydroxamates, ferricrocin) transport extracellular 55Fe(III) very efficiently into the fungus. Coprogen, another minor trihydroxamate, behaves as a weak Fe(III)-transporting agent. The respiratory poisons, KCN and NaN3, significantly inhibit uptake activity, indicating that the Fe(III) uptake mediated by Fe(cF)3, Fe(tF)3, and Fe2(DA)3 involves active transport systems in the membrane. A number of fungal species, both producers and nonproducers of cF, tF, and DA, show ability at varying degrees to transport 55Fe(III) bound to these siderophores.
Mechanical strain downregulates C/EBPβ in MSC and decreases endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Exercise prevents marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adipogenesis, reversing trends that accompany aging and osteoporosis. Mechanical input, the in-vitro analogue to exercise, limits PPARγ expression and adipogenesis in MSC. We considered whether C/EBPβ might be mechanoresponsive as it is upstream to PPARγ, and also is known to upregulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. MSC (C3H10T1/2 pluripotent cells as well as mouse marrow-derived MSC) were cultured in adipogenic media and a daily mechanical strain regimen was applied. We demonstrate herein that mechanical strain represses C/EBPβ mRNA (0.6-fold ±0.07, p<0.05) and protein (0.4-fold ±0.1, p<0.01) in MSC. SiRNA silencing of β-catenin prevented mechanical repression of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ overexpression did not override strain’s inhibition of adipogenesis, which suggests that mechanical control of C/EBPβ is not the primary site at which adipogenesis is regulated. Mechanical inhibition of C/EBPβ, however, might be critical for further processes that regulate MSC health. Indeed, overexpression of C/EBPβ in MSC induced ER stress evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in the pro-apoptotic CHOP (protein 4-fold ±0.5, p<0.05) and a threshold reduction in the chaperone BiP (protein 0.6-fold ±0.1, p = 0.2; mRNA 0.3-fold ±0.1, p<0.01). ChIP-seq demonstrated a significant association between C/EBPβ and both CHOP and BiP genes. The strain regimen, in addition to decreasing C/EBPβ mRNA (0.5-fold ±0.09, p<0.05), expanded ER capacity as measured by an increase in BiP mRNA (2-fold ±0.2, p<0.05) and protein. Finally, ER stress induced by tunicamycin was ameliorated by mechanical strain as demonstrated by decreased C/EBPβ, increased BiP and decreased CHOP protein expression. Thus, C/EBPβ is a mechanically responsive transcription factor and its repression should counter increases in marrow fat as well as improve skeletal resistance to ER stress.
Spontaneous breaking of parity in quenched lattice QCD with Wilson fermions

Abstract By using a parity breaking magnetic field H in the Wilson fermion action we establish the spontaneous breakdown of parity at K c in the limit H ↦0.
The South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ): A review

The circulation features associated with the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) and its accompanying cloud band are reviewed and discussed. The paper focuses on the following topics: location, structure, and characteristics of the SPCZ; theories and observations concerning its existence; the significance and scope of the SPCZ in global-scale circulation patterns; quasi-periodic changes in its location and strength; and synoptic-scale features within its regional influence (e.g., cyclones, subtropical jets). It concludes with some challenging problems for the future.
Lattice-Type Polymers from an Adduct of C60 and 2-Methylaziridine

A one to ten adduct of C60 and 2-methylaziridine was prepared and copolymerized with Novolac, Epon and Bisphenol A to obtain three dimensional polymers containing C60 with low coefficients of friction and good wear properties, which bode well for their potential use as solid lubricants.
Optical properties of molecular beam epitaxy-grown ZnSexTe1−x II–VI semiconductor alloys

A series of ZnSexTe1−x alloys with varying compositions that cover the entire range between the two binaries ZnSe and ZnTe were grown to determine the index of refraction, n, as a function of both wavelength and the alloy concentration. The ZnSexTe1−x alloys were all grown directly on GaAs (100) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. X-ray diffraction experiments were performed to determine the quality and the compositions of each of the ZnSexTe1−x specimens. The n was then measured with an accuracy of at least 0.1% at four discrete wavelengths using a prism coupler method. Since these data points are inadequate to ascertain, an accurate dispersion of the index of refraction, we next performed reflectivity measurements on each of the samples to complement the prism coupler data. The reflectivity and the prism coupler data allow us to arrive at the dispersion relations of the indices of refraction of ZnSexTe1−x ternary alloys very accurately. We also find that, unlike most semiconductors, the values of n of ZnSexTe1−x alloys do not follow an inverse relationship with the energy gap.
A Feminist Group Counseling Model to Address Asian Female Pastors' Self-Esteem Related Issues

A feminist group counseling model for Asian female pastors was developed and introduced in this manuscript. A major issue that this feminist group counseling model presented was based on Asian female pastors’ lives and work in a patriarchal church structure guided by traditional patriarchal theology and culture. This model is applicable to the improvement of Asian female pastors’ self-esteems and gender-related issues such as Asian female pastors’ leaderships, intimate relationships, family of origins, and finance independence. This model is based on the positive feedback from 25 group sessions of five groups that were applied to 27 Asian female pastors. The application and recommendations for using this model are included in this article.
Rapid and sensitive protein similarity searches

An algorithm was developed which facilitates the search for similarities between newly determined amino acid sequences and sequences already available in databases. Because of the algorithm's efficiency on many microcomputers, sensitive protein database searches may now become a routine procedure for molecular biologists. The method efficiently identifies regions of similar sequence and then scores the aligned identical and differing residues in those regions by means of an amino acid replacability matrix. This matrix increases sensitivity by giving high scores to those amino acid replacements which occur frequently in evolution. The algorithm has been implemented in a computer program designed to search protein databases very rapidly. For example, comparison of a 200-amino-acid sequence to the 500,000 residues in the National Biomedical Research Foundation library would take less than 2 minutes on a minicomputer, and less than 10 minutes on a microcomputer (IBM PC).
Implementing Legacy-C Algorithms in FPGA Co-Processors for Performance Accelerated Smart Payloads

Accurate, on-board classification of instrument data is used to increase science return by autonomously identifying regions of interest for priority transmission or generating summary products to conserve transmission bandwidth. Due to on-board processing constraints, such classification has been limited to using the simplest functions on a small subset of the full instrument data. FPGA co-processor designs for SWM classifiers will lead to significant improvement in on-board classification capability and accuracy. We implemented a SWIL classifier, developed for the Hyperion instrument on the EO-1 spacecraft, on the Xilinx Virtex-4FX60 FPGA as a baseline challenge. We have taken advantage of Impulse Ctrade, the commercially available C-to- HDL tool by Impulse Accelerated Technologies, which supports the development of highly parallel, co-designed hardware algorithms (from software) and applications. This paper describes our approach for implementing the Hyperion linear SVM on the Virtex-4FX FPGA, as well as additional experiments with increased numbers of data bands and a more sophisticated SVM kernel to show the potential for better on-board classification achieved with embedded FPGAs over current in-flight capabilities.
Academics and the transition to retirement

The purposes of this study were (a) to provide descriptive information on the transition of academics to retirement and (b) to compare factors related to satisfaction of academics before and after retirement. One hundred four professors who were retiring from a major state university were interviewed several months before retirement and 1 year after retirement. Correlational analysis showed that health, rated importance of teaching, research and consulting roles, and rated importance of leisure activities were positively related to satisfaction both before and in retirement. Perceived financial adequacy, number of hours per week spent in consulting, and participation in unpaid, voluntary activities were positively related to satisfaction in retirement only. Multiple regression results showed that self‐perceived health was the most consistent predictor of satisfaction before retirement, whereas rated importance of research or other creative work was the most consistent predictor of satisfaction in retirement.
The role of dissipation on wave shape and attenuation in granular chains

Abstract The role of dissipation on wave shape and attenuation in dry and saturated granular chains is considered experimentally and numerically. The wave dynamics in these chains includes a dissipative term based on Stoke’s drag and on a new mechanism of liquid expulsion from the developing elastic contact. The latter mechanism will be shown to be necessary for comparisons of experimental and numerical results. The dissipation of energy in the region of particle contact may serve as a model for hot-spot formation in granular materials undergoing high strain-rate deformation. The shock wave profiles in granular chains, including viscous dissipation, were analytically obtained with the long wave approximation. The critical viscosity, which describes the transition from and oscillatory to a monotonous wave profile is validated using a comparison of the analytical and discrete numerical models, which agree well with one another.
Influence of SQ 29,548 on vasoconstrictor responses in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat

Abstract The effects of SQ 29,548, a thromboxane (TX) receptor blocking agent, on vasoconstrictor responses were investigated under conditions of controlled blood flow in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Intravenous injection of SQ 29,548 at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg had no significant effect on systemic arterial pressure but caused a significant reduction in hindquarters perfusion pressure. Injection of the TXA 2 mimics, U44069 and U46619, into the perfusion circuit caused dose-dependent increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure with U46619 being approximately 3 times more potent than U44069. Following the administration of SQ 29,548, pressor responses to both U44069 and U46619 were reduced significantly, and the dose-response curves for both TXA 2 mimics were shifted to the right in a parallel fashion. SQ 29,548 had no significant effect on the dose-dependent increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to angiotensin II or BAY K8644, a nifedipine analog which promotes calcium entry. The TXA 2 receptor blocking agent had no significant effect on increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation or injections of norepinephrine and tyramine. These findings suggest that SQ 29,548 blocks responses to the TXA 2 mimics in a competitive manner, and that this inhibitory effect is selective. These data suggest that the TXA 2 receptor antagonist might be a useful probe for studying the role of TXA 2 in physiological and pathophysiological processes in the regional circulation of the cat, and that endogenously released TXA 2 does not modulate adrenergic responses in the hindquarters vascular bed. It is concluded that SQ 29,548 is a potent and selective TXA 2 receptor antagonist in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat.
Expression of a lactogen-dependent insulin-like growth factor-binding protein in cultured mouse mammary epithelial cells

The ability of normal mouse mammary epithelial cells (MECs) to express insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) was examined. MECs were isolated from day 11 pregnant mice and cultured on floating collagen gels in serum-free basal medium. After 24 h, the medium was replaced with fresh medium with/or without mouse PRL (mPRL), mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I), mPL-II, mouse GH (mGH), IGF-I, and IGF-II, either alone or in combinations. The MECs were cultured for an additional 5 days before collection of conditioned medium (CM). The relative amount of IGFBPs present in the CM was determined by Western ligand blotting, and alpha-lactalbumin content was determined with a specific RIA. The CM of the MECs contained two IGFBPs, with approximate mol wt of 29K and 40-45K. The 40-45K IGFBP appears to be the mouse equivalent of IGFBP-3, but the identity of the 29K IGFBP is not presently known. The 29K IGFBP was not N-glycosylated and did not cross-react with antiserum to rodent IGFBP-2 or human IGFBP-1. B...
A cartesian grid method for modeling multiple moving objects in 2D incompressible viscous flow

We present an efficient method for solving 2D incompressible viscous flows around multiple moving objects. Our method employs an underlying regular Cartesian grid to solve the system using a streamfunction-vorticity formulation and with discontinuities representing the embedded objects. The no-penentration condition for the moving geometry is satisfied by superposing a homogenous solution to the Poisson's equation for the streamfunction. The no-slip condition is satisfied by generating vorticity on the surfaces of the objects. Both the initial Poisson solution and the evaluation of the homogenous solution require embedding irregular discontinuities in a fast Poisson solver. Computation time is dictated by the time required to do a fast Poisson solution plus solve an integral form of Laplace's equation. There is no significant increase in computational cost if the geometry of the embedded objects is variable and moving relative to the underlying grid. We test the method against the canonical example of flow past a cylinder, and obtained new results on the flow and forces of two cylinders moving relative to each other.
Propagation of Epileptic Discharge, as Revealed by Activated Electroencephalography

SUMMARY 1. A detailed examination of 1300 consecutive EEGs revealed 151 (11%) in which gross foci were observed that were associated with exacerbations of activity sufficient to permit a study of the modes of propagation of focal discharge when recorded by means of homologous runs obtained simultaneously and when activated by hyper-ventilation and other methods. 2. In addition to local cortical spread, two types of propagation of activated focal discharge were observed. 3. Gross generalized exacerbations were found in 51 % of the focal records, while focal exacerbation of the contralateral homologous region was definite in 47%. Both types were observed in the records of some patients. 4. The characteristics of the generalized and bilaterally synchronous exacerbations were such that they could only be explained in terms of a subcortical “pacemaker”. The characteristics of the more focal, contralateral homologous spread seemed to justify attributing it to commissural transmission. 5. Generalized activation occurred predominantly in the convulsive group, and activation of this type that was sufficient to obscure the primary focus occurred only in the convulsive cases. 6. Focal activation of contralateral homologous regions occurred predominantly in the nonconvulsive group. 7. The significance of these findings, in terms of the propagation of epileptic discharge and of EEG differential diagnosis was discussed. RESUME 1. L'examen detaille de 1300 EEG consecutifs revele que dans 151 (11%) des cas on a observe de grands foyers associes a des exacerbations d'activite suffisantes pour permettre une etude des modes de propagation de la decharge focale enregistree a l'aide de derivations homologues obtenues simultanement et activee par hyperventilation ou autres methodes. 2. Deux types de propagation d'une decharge focale activee ont ete observes conjointement avec une extension corticale locale. 3. De fortes exacerbations generalisees ont ete constatees en 51% des enregistrements focaux, tandis qu'une exacerbation focale de la region contralaterale homologue a ete observee en 47% des cas. Les deux types ont ete observes dans les enregistrements de quelques malades. 4. Les caracteristiques des exacerbations synchrones generalisees et bilaterales etaient telles qu'on ne peut les expliquer que par l'emploi du terme “pacemaker” subcortical. Il semble juste d'attribuer les caracteristiques d'une extension focale contralaterale et homologue a une transmission commissurale. 5. L'activation generalisee se produit principalement dans le groupe convulsif; l'activation de ce type suffisante pour masquer le foyer primaire ne se produit que dans des cas convulsifs. 6. Une activite focale de regions homologues contralaterales se presente surtout dans le groupe non-convulsif. 7. Discussion de la signification de ces decouvertes quant a la propagation d'une decharge epileptique et quant au diagnostic differentiel de l'EEG.
AskERIC and the Virtual Library: Lessons for Emerging Digital Libraries.

AskERIC was begun as a pilot project by the ERIC system of the US Department of Education in the fall of 1992. Since its inception, the project has grown from a pilot study to one of the major education digital libraries on the Internet. Major issues in creating and maintaining Internet services are explored, particularly the use of user input to drive and shape the service. It is the emphasis on the user and the inclusion of the human intermediary that makes AskERIC a model for other Internet services.
Barbiturate enhancement of bilirubin conjugation and excretion in young and adult animals.

Extract: Glucuronide conjugation of bilirubin in mammalian liver is catalyzed by the microsomal enzyme uriding phosphoglucuronyltransefrasc (UDPGT). Enzymic activity as measured in vitro is low in the young of many species. The present study was designed to determine whether UDPGT activity could be modified in adult, young, and newborn animals. Following intraperitoneal injection of saline and sodium barbital in control and experimental mice, respectively, for three consecutive days, the UDPGT activity in liver homogenates was measured on the fourth day. A significant increase in the enzyme acctivity was found in all ages. Results (μg bilirubin conjugated/g protein/20 min) include; newborn of dam trated during pregnancy, 96, vs control, 38; 4 days of age, treated (3 groups with 3 different levels of barbiturate for 3 days) 240, 362, and 533, vs control, 186; adult (treated) 181 vs control, 103. These increases were not influenced by adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy, or orchiectomy. Rabbits also responded with a similar increase in UDPGT activity after pretreatment with phenobarbital given by subcutaneous injection and were utilized in clearance studies. In adult rabbits, following rapid intravenous infusion of bilirubin (8 mg/kg), an enchancement in excretion into bile and an increase in bile flow were observed. Bile flow (μl bile/100 g body weight/min) increased in adult animals following treatment: 2–3 vs control of 1–2. Total bilirubin excreated as a precent of the infused load was: treated, 76% vs control, 33%. In young rabbits, disappearance of bilirubin from serum was faster in the phenobarbital-pretreated animals than in controls. The excretion of bilirubin (Δ bilirubin mg/100 ml serum) in newborn animals was: treated, 3.01; untreated, 1.13. In 4-day-old animals, the excretions was: treated, 3.89 vs controls, 2.61. It is proposed that several mechanisms may be responsible for the barbiturate effect and they may participate differently at various ages. Speculation: Barbiturates were found to be effective enhancers of bilirubin conjugation and excretion in animals. A similar approach may have important threapeutic value in the human. Newborn and premature infants with a deficient glucuronide conjugating mechanism and a probable defect in hepatic transport can benefit from this pharamacologic approach. Applicability to patients with hyperbilirubinemia on an inherited metabolic bases also can be considered.
Underwater imaging of polarized targets

The analysis of images of several underwater targets that exhibits different polarization properties measured using an underwater camera in various water conditions is presented. The measurements are compared with an imaging model which combines vector radiative transfer simulations by the RayXP program for the propagation of light in the atmosphere-interface-ocean system and the Monte Carlo simulations for the near horizontal imaging in the water. Modeling includes analysis of the vector point spread function (PSF) from the target and the contribution of the veiling light between the target and the camera.
Substituted Isoquinolines and Quinazolines as Potential Antiinflammatory Agents. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor α

A series of isoquinolin-1-ones and quinazolin-4-ones and related derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their ability to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) production in human peripheral blood monocytes stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In an effort to optimize the TNFalpha inhibitory activity, a homologous series of N-alkanoic acid esters was prepared. Several electrophilic and nucleophilic substitutions were also carried out. Alkanoic acid esters of four carbons were found to be optimum for activity in both the isoquinoline and quinazoline series. Ring substituents such as fluoro, bromo, nitro, acetyl, and aminomethyl on the isoquinoline ring resulted in a significant loss of activity. Likewise, similar groups on the quinazoline ring also reduced inhibitory activity. However, the 6- and 7-aminoquinazoline derivatives, 75 and 76, were potent inhibitors, with IC(50) values in the TNFalpha in vitro assay of approximately 5 microM for each. An in vivo mouse model of pulmonary inflammation was then used to evaluate promising candidate compounds identified in the primary in vitro assay. Compound 75 was selected for further study in this inhalation model, and was found to reduce the level of TNFalpha in brochoalveolar lavage fluid of LPS-treated mice by about 50% that of control mice. Thus, compounds such as 75, which can effectively inhibit proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha in clinically relevant animal models of inflammation and fibrosis, may have potential as new antiinflammatory agents. Finally, a quinazoline derivative suitable to serve as a photoaffinity radiolabeled compound was prepared to help identify the putative cellular target(s) for these TNFalpha inhibitors.
Iterative methods for treating the multiple scattering of radio waves

Abstract An iterative method is developed for treating multiple scattering in an extended random medium. The basis of the method is to use the single-scatter theory to derive a recurrence relation for the complex field. Since no restriction is placed on the incremental layer thickness, the single scatter theory can always be applied in this manner, subject only to the narrow-angle-scatter restriction. Indeed, in the differential limit of zero layer thickness, the recurrence relation, which is a difference equation, converges to the parabolic wave equation. The recurrence relation for the complex field is then used in conjunction with the Markov assumption to derive recurrence relations for the complex field moments of all orders. The recurrence relations for the general complex field moments converge to well known differential equations in the limit of zero layer thickness. The result is derived without constraints on the stastics of the index of refraction fluctuations. Moreover, the method of development suggests that the conditions for narrow-angle scattering alone are sufficient to guarantee the validity of the Markov approximation. Finally, a local phase-screen approximation is used to develop alternative recurrence relations for the complex field and the general complex field moments that are conceptually simpler and more efficient for numerical computation. Throughout the development, a formulation is used that retains an explicit dependence on the propagation angles relative to an arbituary but fixed co-ordinate system.
Smart glass based on electrochromic polymers

Five-layer-structured electrochromic glass (window), containing a transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ionic conductive layer, an ionic storage layer and a second conductive transparent layer, was fabricated. The electrochromic glass adopts the conjugated polymer, poly[3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine] (PProDOT-Me2), as a blue electrochromic active layer, vanadium pentaoxide film as an ion storage layer and polymer gel electrolyte as the ionic transport layer. Dimension of smart glass up to 12 x 20 inch was developed. UV curable sealant was applied for the sealing devices. Color changing or switching speed of 12 x 20 inch smart glass from dark state to the transparent state (or vise versa) is less than 15 seconds under applied 1.5 voltages. Besides the long open circuit memory (the colored state or transparent state remains the same state after the power is off), the smart window can be adjusted easily into the intermediate state between the dark state and the transparent state by just simply turn the power on or off. No space consuming or dirt collecting shades, curtains or blinds are needed. The applications of the smart window, e.g. in the aircrafts, automobiles and architectures were discussed as well.
Characterization of the calcium-induced disruption of neurofilaments in rat peripheral nerve.

Abstract Transverse frozen sections of desheathed rat peripheral nerve were incubated in media of different composition prior to fixation and processing for electron microscopic examination. Neurofilaments remained intact when these tissues were incubated in calcium-free media. A loss of neurofilaments and their replacement by granular debris occurred in myelinated and unmyelinated fibers following incubation in media containing 2 mM calcium. The calcium-mediated disruption of neurofilaments was inhibited by preincubation or incubation with 1 mM p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). The inhibition by preincubation with PCMB could be partially reversed by subsequent preincubation with 10 mM dithioerythritol (DTE). Calcium-mediated breakdown of neurofilaments did not occur after prolonged preincubation in calcium-free media, a finding which suggested that neurofilament disruption was dependent upon a tissue which could be lost or inactivated in frozen-sectioned nerve tissues. The findings of the present study provide morphological evidence that neurofilament disruption in mammalian peripheral nerve is mediated by a calcium-activated, PCMB-sensitive enzyme in the axoplasm of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers.
Bayesian compressed sensing using generalized Cauchy priors

Compressed sensing shows that a sparse or compressible signal can be reconstructed from a few incoherent measurements. Noting that sparse signals can be well modeled by algebraic-tailed impulsive distributions, in this paper, we formulate the sparse recovery problem in a Bayesian framework using algebraic-tailed priors from the generalized Cauchy distribution (GCD) family for the signal coefficients. We develop an iterative reconstruction algorithm from this Bayesian formulation. Simulation results show that the proposed method requires fewer samples than most existing reconstruction methods to recover sparse signals, thereby validating the use of GCD priors for the sparse reconstruction problem.