cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Extracellular Glutamate and Dopamine in the Ventral Pallidum of Alcohol-Preferring AA and Alcohol-Avoiding ANA Rats after Morphine.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of ventral pallidal opioidergic mechanisms in the control of ethanol intake by studying the effects of acute administration of morphine on the levels of GABA, glutamate, and dopamine in the ventral pallidum. The study was conducted using the alcohol-preferring AA (Alko Alcohol) and alcohol-avoiding (Alko Non-Alcohol) rat lines that have well-documented differences in their voluntary ethanol intake and brain opioidergic systems. Therefore, examination of neurobiological differences between the lines is supposed to help to identify the neuronal mechanisms underlying ethanol intake, since selection pressure is assumed gradually to lead to enrichment of alleles promoting high or low ethanol intake, respectively. The effects of an acute dose of morphine (1 or 10 mg/kg s.c.) on the extracellular levels of GABA and glutamate in the ventral pallidum were monitored with in vivo microdialysis. The concentrations of GABA and glutamate in the dialysates were determined with a HPLC system using fluorescent detection, while electrochemical detection was used for dopamine. The levels of glutamate in the rats injected with morphine 1 mg/kg were significantly above the levels found in the controls and in the rats receiving morphine 10 mg/kg. Morphine 10 mg/kg also increased the levels of dopamine. Morphine could not, however, modify the levels of GABA. The rat lines did not differ in any of the effects of morphine. The data suggest that the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems in the ventral pallidum may mediate some effects of morphine. Since there were no differences between the AA and ANA lines, the basic hypothesis underlying the use of the genetic animal model suggests that the effects of morphine detected probably do not underlie the different intake of ethanol by the lines and contribute to the control of ethanol intake in these animals.
Effects of region-of-interest length on estimates of myocardial ultrasonic attenuation and backscatter

Measurements of tissue properties using an image-based technique that makes use of an external reference may have the potential for practical clinical implementation in echocardiography. The objective of this study was to quantify the ability of this technique to distinguish myocardial attenuation and backscatter properties for specific lengths of the region-of-interest (ROI). We chose to exploit the anisotropic properties of the myocardium as a model for distinguishing tissue with different acoustic properties. Excised lateral wall segments from seven healthy adult sheep hearts were imaged using a commercially available (Philips/ATL) clinical scanner operating in the fundamental imaging mode with a linear array (L 7-4). Statistical and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate the ability of the video signal analysis method to differentiate midmyocardial from subendocardial regions based on measurements of the acoustic properties for specific lengths of the ROI. Results demonstrate that the ability to distinguish tissue properties increases with ROI length for both slope of attenuation and backscatter coefficient measurements. Statistically significant differences were observed for measurements utilizing the ROI lengths as short as 0.4 cm with corresponding progressively increasing areas under the ROC curves for increasing ROI lengths. [NIH R37 HL40302]
Speech and Swallowing Function After Anterior Tongue and Floor of Mouth Resection With Distal Flap Reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative functioning of oral cancer patients with resections of the anterior tongue and floor of mouth, reconstructed with distal flap closure. Spee...
Cost-effectiveness of a smoking cessation program after myocardial infarction

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a smoking cessation program initiated after acute myocardial infarction. Background. The value of allocating health care resources to smoking cessation programs after myocardial infarction has not been compared with the value of other currently accepted interventions. Methods. A model was developed to examine the cost-effectiveness of a recently reported smoking cessation program after an acute myocardial infarction. The cost was estimated by considering the resources necessary to implement the program, and the effectiveness was expressed as discounted years of life saved. Years of life saved were estimated by modeling life expectancy using a single declining exponential approximation of life expectancy based on data from published reports. Results. The cost-effectiveness of the nurse-managed smoking cessation program was estimated to be $220/year of life saved. In a one-way sensitivity analysis, the cost-effectiveness of the program remained <$20,000/year of life saved if the program decreased the smoking rate by only 3/1,000 smokers (baseline assumption 26/100 smokers), or if the program cost as much as $8,840/smoker (baseline assumption $100). In a two-way sensitivity analysis, even if the cost of the program were as high as $2,000/participant, the cost-effectiveness of the program would be <$10,000/year of life saved so as the an program helped an additional 12 smokers quit for every 100 enrolled. Conclusions. Over a wide range of estimates of costs and effectiveness, a nurse-managed smoking cessation program after acute myocardial infarction is an extremely cost-effective intervention. This program is more cost-elective than beta-adrenergic antagonist therapy after myocardial infarction.
Ritz method for slip flow in super-elliptic ducts

Abstract A Ritz method for solving slip flow in general ducts is introduced. The method is robust and efficient. It is applied to the slip flow in super-elliptic ducts which are difficult to treat by existing methods. Super-elliptic ducts, resembling rectangular ducts with rounded corners, are extensively used in microfluidics.
SU-FF-T-44: Dosimetric Analysis of the Effect of Edema in 131Cs Prostate Permanent Seed Implants

Purpose: To investigate the effect of edema on different dosimetric parameters in 131 Cs prostate permanent seed implants. Materials and Methods: Transrectal ultrasound(US) and computertomography(CT)images were used to determine pre‐ and post‐needle implant volumes, and post‐implant prostate volumes in 31 patients who had received 131 Cs implant. Dose volume histograms(DVH) were generated to determine the prostate volumes that received 100%, 150% and 200% of prescribed dose to calculate quality indices(QIs) and fractional D90(FD90) for each set of volumes for all patients. Results: No statistical differences were found between post‐needle and post‐implant(day 0) volumes obtained by US and CTimages(p=0.56). The half life of the edema was found to be 9.72days. The change in mean values of coverage index(CI), dose non‐uniformity ratio(DNR), overdose index(ODI), relative dose‐homogeneity index(DHI) and FD90 can be described by CI ( t )= CI (0)+[1− CI (0)][1− exp (−λ CI t )] (1) DNR ( t )= DNR (0)+[1− DNR (0)][1− exp (−λ DNR t )] (2) ODI ( t )= ODI (0)+[1− ODI (0)][1− exp (−λ ODI t )] (3) DHI ( t )= DHI (0) exp (−λ DHI t ) (4) and D 90( t )=( R 0 /λ) exp (−λ t ){ FD 90(0)+[ FD 90(0)− a ][1− exp (−λ FD t )]} (5) differential equations. The values of correlation coefficients and time constants obtained from least square fit of these equations were found to be 0.9867 & 0.0316 for CI, 0.9988 & 0.0148 for DNR, 0.9958 & 0.00148 for ODI, and 0.9983 & 0.0125 for DHI, respectively. Conclusions: CI, DHI and FD90 decreased, while DNR and ODI increased from pre‐implant plans to post‐implant plans at day 0 due to edema formation. CI, DNR, ODI and FD90 increased and DHI decreased with increasing post‐implant time and attained optimal values in 4 weeks. During this period 85% dose is delivered due to short half life of 131 Cs seeds. Therefore, it is important to account for the effect of edema at the time of implant while defining seed positions. Implants performed based on pre‐implant volume study only result in poor dosimetric results in 131 Cs implants.
Kinetic analysis of lactate dehydrogenase using integrated rate equations

The reaction catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase was analyzed under fully second-order conditions using integrated rate equations. A two-step regression analysis was utilized to fit twenty-one progress curves repeated in sextuplicate to the general mechanism second-order integrated rate equation with additional terms of substrate inhibition. The fitting error was less than one percent. The resulting kinetic constants support a ternary complex mechanism; in no case were constants supporting another mechanism predicted. The inhibition constant for oxamate was also determined.
Pre-Bond Probing of Through-Silicon Vias in 3-D Stacked ICs

Through-silicon via (TSV)-based 3-D stacked ICs are becoming increasingly important in the semiconductor industry, yet pre-bond testing of TSVs continues to be difficult with current technologies. In this paper, we present a test and discrete Fourier transform method for pre-bond testing of TSVs using probe technology. We describe the on-die test architecture and probe technique needed for TSV testing, in which individual probe needles make contact with multiple TSVs at a time. We also describe methods for capacitance and resistance measurements, as well as stuck-at and leakage tests. Simulation results using HSPICE are presented for a TSV network. We demonstrate that we can achieve high resolution in these measurements, and therefore high accuracy in defect detection when we target one or multiple TSVs at a time. We also show that the test outcome is reliable even in the presence of process variations or multiple defective TSVs.
Search with learning: understanding asymmetric price adjustments

In many retail markets, prices rise faster than they fall. We develop a model of search with learning to explain this phenomenon of asymmetric price adjustments. By extending our static game analysis to the dynamic setting, we demonstrate that asymmetric price adjustments arise naturally. When a positive cost shock occurs, all the searchers immediately learn the true state; the search intensity, and hence the prices, fully adjust in the next period. When a negative cost shock occurs, it takes longer for nonsearchers to learn the true state, and the search intensity increases gradually, leading to slow falling of prices.
Linear and Cyclophosphates as Sources of Phosphorus for Corn

Abstract Cyclophosphates are not adsorbed by soil constituents and can be mobile in the soil profile. Mobile phosphorus (P) sources are of interest in soil science and for agronomic practices. Cyclotri (Na3P3O9; C3P), and cyclotetraphosphate (Na4P4O10; C4P) were compared to linear, ortho‐, pyro‐, and tripolyphosphate in four soils with different chemical, physical, and biological properties to determine their mobility and availability to corn (Zea mays, L.) in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Cyclophosphate (C3P and C4P) hydrolysis products were evaluated by ion chromatography after incubating for 6 to 192 h with 100 and 200 µg P g−1 soil. Phosphorus distribution and mobility, and plant availability and uptake with time, were determined in 45‐cm columns for four soils. Cyclophosphates sorbed less and moved deeper in all soils compared to the linear phosphates. The results showed that after 24 h a large proportion of cyclophosphates (34% of C3P and 37% of C4P) remained unhydrolyzed in Falba sandy aci...
Discriminating the structure of rotated three-dimensional figures.

Visualizing the structure of transformed (by rotation) three-dimensional (3-D) figures is an important aspect of information processing for computer-graphics tasks. However, little research exists to establish the speed and accuracy in which subjects perform discrimination tasks for transformed images and the effects of rotation variables on perceiving transformed images. This research tests the effects of figural complexity, angles and axes of rotation on the speed and accuracy in which subjects discriminate the structure of rotated 3-D wireframe images. Results show that response times are affected more by angles than axes of rotation, the specific form of the image affects error rates, and the number of 90° bends which determine the structure of an image may be an inadequate measure of form complexity for the task described here.
Irradiation effects on fracture toughness of four nuclear reactor pressure vessel submerged-arc welds

Abstract This study applies statistical analyses to fracture toughness results for four irradiated “current practice” submerged-arc welds and an A533 grade B class 1 plate. Charpy V-notch, tensile, and 25 mm thick compact specimens were irradiated at 288°C to neutron fluences of 0.7 to 2.0 × 1023 neutrons/m2 (>1 MeV). The plate material contained 0.14% Cu and 0.67% Ni. The four submerged-arc welds contained 0.04 to 0.12% Cu and 0.10 to 0.63% Ni. The plate material showed a Charpy V-notch impact transition temperature increase of 68°C, and a Charpy V-notch upper-shelf energy drop of 16%. The four submerged-arc welds showed smaller changes than the plate material did. The fracture toughness results from the 25 mm thick compact specimens showed approximately the same temperature shift as the Charpy V-notch results. The results imply that submerged-arc welds with both low-copper and low-nickel contents can exhibit essentially zero radiation embrittlement and that nickel can contribute to radiation embrittlement even when the copper content is low.
Vasodepressor Syncope from Neck Cancer with Associated C‐6 Dermatome Neuralgia

An unusual case of neck cancer with associated C-6 dermatome neuralgia causing vasodepressor syncope episodes is discussed. Pacemaker therapy proved not to be required. When evaluating syncope with bradycardia, it is important to search for underlying causes and to ascertain whether or not pacemaker therapy is indicated.
Sensitivity Analysis of Blast Furnace Gas Combustion

Simplification of the detail reaction mechanism is critical to the numerical simulation of BFG (Blast Furnace Gas) combustion. The software CHEMKIN was used for solving a one-dimensional mathematical model of steady-state premixing combustion. By analyzing the effects of BFG’s basic species on the burning rate, the simplified reaction mechanism was obtained. Compared the results of simplified mechanism with that of detail mechanism, the consumed time of the former was less than 1 second but that of the latter was about 18 seconds. The differences between the molar fractions of BFG species which were computed by the two mechanisms were less than 0.4%. Therefore the reliability of the simplified reaction mechanism is verified.
Longitudinal Change in the BODE Index Predicts Mortality in Severe Emphysema

Rationale: The predictive value of longitudinal change in BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity) index has received limited attention. We hypothesized that decrease in a modified BODE (mBODE) would predict survival in National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) patients. Objectives: To determine how the mBODE score changes in patients with lung volume reduction surgery versus medical therapy and correlations with survival. Methods: Clinical data were recorded using standardized instruments. The mBODE was calculated and patient-specific mBODE trajectories during 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up were estimated using separate regressions for each patient. Patients were classified as having decreasing, stable, increasing, or missing mBODE based on their absolute change from baseline. The predictive ability of mBODE change on survival was assessed using multivariate Cox regression models. The index of concordance was used to directly compare the predictive ability of mBODE and its separate components. Measurements and Main Results: The entire cohort (610 treated medically and 608 treated surgically) was characterized by severe airflow obstruction, moderate breathlessness, and increased mBODE at baseline. A wide distribution of change in mBODE was seen at follow-up. An increase in mBODE of more than 1 point was associated with increased mortality in surgically and medically treated patients. Surgically treated patients were less likely to experience death or an increase greater than 1 in mBODE. Indices of concordance showed that mBODE change predicted survival better than its separate components. Conclusions: The mBODE demonstrates short- and intermediate-term responsiveness to intervention in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Increase in mBODE of more than 1 point from baseline to 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up was predictive of subsequent mortality. Change in mBODE may prove a good surrogate measure of survival in therapeutic trials in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00000606).
SU-FF-I-139: Low Dose Breast CT with Photon Counting Detectors: A Phantom Study

Purpose: To investigate image quality improvement of breast computed tomography(CT) using a photon countingdetector as compared to an energy integrating flat panel detector.Method and Materials: A cone‐beam CTsystem was built that utilized a CsI‐based flat panel detector. The system consisted of a standard tungsten target x‐ray tube and a CsI indirect flat panel detector (Paxscan 4030CB) mounted on an optical bench. The photon countingCTsystem was built with the same setup, but with the flat panel detector replaced by a row of cadmium .. (CZT) detector (eV2500, eV Products). The CZT detector consisted of 64 pixels with a pitch of 0.8 mm and five energy bins for spectral separation. A Lucite phantom (2.5 cm in diameter) was constructed with iodine and calcium contrast materials. Tomographic data were acquired with both systems and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio was compared. The data from CZT was energy weighted before analysis. Results: Image quality improved when comparing the CZT energy weighted images to flat panel images. The CNR improvements were 24% and 19% for calcium and iodine, respectively. Conclusions: Phantom results showed significant improvement in CNR for breast CT using an energy resolving photon countingdetector as compared with an energy integrating flat panel detector.
Thermodynamic Studies of 10-Hydroxy-camptothecin in Aqueous Solutions

Physicochemical characterization of 10-hydroxy-camptothecin (10-HC) was carried out to fully characterize the poor aqueous solubility and hydrolytic instability that severely limit its efficient de...
Risks of Risk Decisions

The analytical approaches utilized for evaluating the acceptability of technological risk originate from analogies to financial cost-benefit risk analysis. These analogies appear generally valid for viewing risk from a societal basis, but are not applicable to individual risk assessments. Conflicts arising from these different views of risk assessment provide insights to the origins of individual, intuitive evaluations. Societal risk decisions made under conflict represent political compromises, and the resulting decision process creates substantial conflict costs. The pragmatic use of quantitative risk criteria (safety targets) may be useful in reducing these costs.
Ca/Mg of brines in Miocene/Oligocene clastic sediments of the Texas Gulf Coast: Buffering by calcite/disordered dolomite equilibria

The compositions of brine collected from geopressured and nongeopressured sediments of the northeast Texas Gulf Coast were used to predict the Ca/Mg activity ratios of water in equilibrium with calcite and dolomite to 150°C. Ca/Mg activity ratios of these water samples show an excellent linear correlation with temperature giving the equation, log(aCa++/aMg++) = −0.22 + 7.21T(°C)/1000 (r = 0.94, n = 51). This line parallels and is very near to the equilibrium surface for calcite/disordered dolomite, suggesting that equilibrium between calcite and poorly ordered dolomite may control the Ca/Mg activity ratios in the water samples. In these sediments, Fe-rich dolomite and calcite cements are the last cementation phases (Loucks et al., 1984), indicating they are the most likely minerals affecting the present water chemistry. In addition, in these sediments calcite cements precipitated in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with present-day water and calcite and dolomite cements coprecipitated in oxygen isotopic equilibrium (Milliken et al., 1981). Other possible processes such as mixing, cation exchange, and water-rock interaction involving other carbonate and silicate minerals may act as sinks or sources for both Ca and Mg, but they appear not to control the Ca/Mg activity ratios at the study site. The Ca/Mg activity ratios of brines from other groundwater systems (clastics and dolomite-poor carbonates) of the U.S. Gulf Coast agree well with the Ca/Mg temperature trend determined in this study, suggesting equilibrium with calcite and similar composition disordered dolomite in all these sediments. Water from dolomite-rich carbonate sediments did not fit the Ca/Mg activity ratio curve presented in this study and is more likely in equilibrium with calcite and more ordered dolomite, a possible effect of dedolomitization. This linear Ca/Mg trend was used to estimate the ordering parameter s = 0.4 and with that the ΔG°f = −516.05 kcal/mol, ΔH°f = −554.20 kcal/mol, and a solubility product constant of 10−16.9 at 25°C and 1 bar were calculated for the disordered dolomite found in these sediments. This dolomite is likely typical of that found in other clastic and dolomite-poor carbonate sediments.
Theory and teen dating violence victimization: Considering adolescent development

Abstract Teen dating violence is an important public health problem, with implications for the future health and well-being of adolescents. However, most work on teen dating violence has developed separately from literature on normative adolescent romantic relationships and development; understanding teen dating violence within the framework of adolescent psychosocial development may provide new areas for research. Thus, the present paper summarizes five theories of adolescent development that are relevant to the study of teen dating violence victimization, as well as empirical literature that demonstrates support for key theoretical tenets in research examining adolescent romantic relationships. We also present questions for future dating violence study that arise from these key theoretical tenets and past empirical research. Researchers interested in dating violence victimization can use the presented theories to guide new directions in research inquiry, so that findings are situated within the broader field of adolescent development.
Determinants of intra‐firm trust in buyer‐seller relationships in the international travel trade

Creating and sustaining trust in buyer‐seller relationships constitutes a critical strategic skill in the international travel trade. After conceptualizing the importance of trust between wholesale buyers and suppliers in a tourism context, this paper proposes a model composed of the factors that influence both the level and type of trust. Trust is an essential part of successful buyer‐supplier relationships and this model identifies and explains a number of factors known to influence supplier trust in the business‐to‐business relationship.
Detection of carbon monoxide from biological tissue using difference frequency generation in periodically poled lithium niobate near 4.6 μm

A mid-IR gas sensor using difference frequency generation was developed to measure trace levels of biological carbon monoxide (CO). A periodically-poled lithium niobate crystal is pumped by a continuous wave Ti:Sapphire laser and a compact diode pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 864.86 and 1064.6 nm, respectively. The strong IR transition R(6) at 2169.2 cm-1 is chosen for convenient CO detection without interference from other gas species. Carbon monoxide is collected and flowed into a multipass cell with an effective optical path length of 18.3 m. Using such an experimental arrangement, we detected the generation of CO at levels of 30 ppb during a 30 min period from living vascular smooth muscle cells in basal state.
A mutagenic in vivo metabolite of sodium azide

Experimental evidence is presented for the presence of a mutagenic metabolite formed in vivo in barley embryos exposed to sodium azide. The mutagenic substance found in extracts after removal of free azide by acidification was partially purified by liquid column chromatography and eluted. The fractions were collected and tested for mutagenicity with strain TA 1530. The mutagenic substance eluted as a single nearly symmetrical peak in fractions 37 through 49. Preliminary experiments indicate that the metabolite is quite stable to acid and heat and is insoluble in a number of organic solvents. Data reported here indicate that a mutagenic metabolite was formed. The nature of this metabolite is not yet known. The failure of sodium azide to react with DNA in vitro to produce mutagenic lesions as well as single strand breaks in calf-thymus DNA supports the possibility of in vivo activation of azide.
An LC/MS method for the quantitative determination of 7α-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA: an application for the study of the metabolism of DHEA in rat brain

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important neurosteroid with neuronal protection and memory enhancement functions. 7α-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA are the two important metabolites of DHEA in the brain. We have developed an LC/MS method to quantitatively analyze 7α-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column with gradient elution using mobile phases of formic acid in acetonitrile and in water formic acid. Mass spectral detection was performed with a ThermoFinnigan LCQ advantage quadruple ion trap mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization. Positive ion chromatograms were acquired using single ion monitoring. The protonated molecule was 305 m/z, but the most abundant ion (269 m/z) was used for quantification. This method was validated and applied to investigate the 7-hydroxylation of DHEA. When incubating DHEA with rat brain microsomes, both 7α-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA were observed, but 7α-OH DHEA was the major metabolite. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A role of catalase in S-methyl group oxidation.

Abstract The over-all oxidation of the methyl group of l -methionine to CO 2 by a partially purified rat liver enzyme was investigated. Additions of reduced glutathione, Co ++ , and NAD to the rat liver enzyme gave a pronounced stimulation of the reaction. The role of this combination of additives appears to be the generation of H 2 O 2 . Further stimulation was obtained by supplementation with crystalline beef liver catalase. Incubations with crystalline catalase alone, along with a H 2 O 2 -generating system, revealed a potential for the S -methyl group oxidation reaction. The peroxidatic function of catalase appears to be involved in the oxidation of S -methyl groups to CO 2 .
The role of tumor necrosis factor α and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in modulating the effects of fumonisin in mouse liver

Abstract Fumonisins are mycotoxins that are produced by Fusarium verticillioides found in corn and corn-based foods, and are suspected human esophageal carcinogens. Exposure of rodents to fumonisin B 1 causes hepatotoxicity and results in alterations in the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in the liver. As the cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) also modulate hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis, we tested the hypothesis that fumonisin-induced hepatotoxicity in the liver is modulated by these factors. We examined the effects of dietary exposure to a fumonisin-containing culture material (CM) of the fungus F. verticillioides for 8 days or 5 weeks in the livers of mice lacking either TNFα or PPARα. Compared to wild-type mice TNFα-null mice exhibited increased hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis. In contrast, PPARα-null and wild-type mice were found to exhibit similar patterns of hepatocyte apoptosis and proliferation when fed the CM diet. Overall, these findings provide evidence that TNFα, but not PPARα, plays a role in modulating fumonisin-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.
Mechanism of negative feed-back inhibition of norepinephrine release by alpha-adrenergic agonists.

The mechanism of alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated feedback regulation of [3H]norepinephrine release was studied in the guinea-pig heart. The overflow of [3H]norepinephrine evoked by stimulation (1 Hz for 60 s) was inhibited up to 90% in a dose-dependent manner by norepinephrine (58.5 and 177 nM) and epinephrine (54 and 164 nM). These inhibitory effects were antagonized by 20 mM tetraethylammonium. The overflow of [3H]norepinephrine was near normal when the calcium concentration of the perfusion medium was reduced from a control value of 2.5 to 0.25 mM in the presence of 20 mM tetraethylammonium. Norepinephrine exerted its typical inhibitory effect on the overflow induced in low [Ca2+] and high [tetraethylammonium] solution. Similarly, the inhibitory effects of epinephrine became evident in the presence of 20 mM tetraethylammonium and 0.25 mM calcium ions. Another K-channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine, was also effective in antagonizing the presynaptic actions of norepinephrine; the effect was more pronounced at lower than higher concentrations of norepinephrine. However, after reduction of the calcium ion concentration to 0.2 mM in the presence of 1 mM 4-aminopyridine, all concentrations of norepinephrine significantly reduced the overflow of [3H]norepinephrine. We conclude that the alpha-adrenergic agonists directly influence the availability of calcium ions needed for the transmitter release, and that this effect is brought about without altering the electrical properties (i.e. nerve conduction, action potential size, resting membrane potential of the nerves, etc.). This is in contrast to the actions of acetylcholine and adenosine which, in an earlier study, were shown to inhibit [3H]norepinephrine release primarily by modifying the electrical properties of the nerves.
FTICR mass spectrometry for qualitative and quantitative bioanalyses

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) is playing an increasing role in the characterization of cellular systems owing to its capabilities for providing higher confidence of identification, increased dynamic range and sensitivity unmatched by other MS platforms. Particularly in proteomics, where global and quantitative approaches are essential, the attributes of FTICR-MS are poised to make significant contributions. Recent advances in the field that have particular importance for proteomic applications include the use of high-performance micro-capillary column separation techniques coupled to FTICR, as well as methods that improve protein identification, sensitivity, dynamic range and throughput.
The reshaping of land use and urban form in Denver through transit-oriented development

Abstract As large cities seek to expand their transit systems to accommodate increasing travel demand, provide alternatives to growing road traffic congestion, and improve accessibility, more research attention has been focused on the land use effects of transit, most notably in the form of transit-oriented development (TOD). Many cities in the USA are starting or expanding rail transit systems with objectives that include more focused economic development near transit stations and along transit corridors. Denver, Colorado is one of the cities that is aggressively expanding its rail transit system and encouraging high-density, mixed-use development in the station areas. This study analyzes TOD data from the Denver Regional Transportation District and the Denver Regional Council of Governments for 0.5-mile areas around current and proposed rail transit stations. Early evidence indicates that the scope of transit-oriented development in Denver is considerable, resulting in nearly 18,000 residential dwelling units, 5.3 million square feet of retail space, 5.4 million square feet of office space, and 6.2 million square feet of medical space within one-half mile of existing or planned transit stations from 1997 to 2010. As one of the critical elements of the regional land use and transportation plan, the rail transit system and the emphasis on transit-oriented development is contributing to an increase in the average density of the Denver urbanized area.
The association of venous and cavernous malformations. Report of four cases and discussion of the pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications.

Four cases of venous malformation associated with a cavernous malformation are reported. Because cavernous malformations are often angiographically occult and do not have a characteristic appearance on computed tomography (CT), they are seldom recognized preoperatively and may be missed if the surgical specimen is not carefully reviewed.
An exercise outpost in weight regain territory.

markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health are consistently improved with modest weight loss; yet, from a physiological perspective, weight loss is a very tough task to achieve ([3][1]). Changes during weight loss affect neural, endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine responses that orchestrate
Luteinizing Hormone Activity in Plasma during the Menstrual Cycle

Daily determinations of luteinizing hormone activity in plasma throughout a menstrual cycle in ten young women showed a sharp peak of activity lasting less than 48 hours around midcycle and higher mean values during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase in nine instances.
Spectroscopic investigation of Pb(II) complexes at the γ-Al2O3/water interface

Abstract We have characterized the structure and composition of aqueous Pb(II) complexes sorbed onto γ-Al2O3, in situ, using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Qualitative comparison of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra from Pb(II) sorbed on γ-Al2O3, aqueous Pb(II) nitrate solution and crystalline Pb-O model compounds suggests that Pb is not sorbed as hexaaquo Pb(II) in an outersphere complex and does not form a three-dimensional solid precipitate or large multinuclear complex. Analysis of radial structure functions derived from extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of sorbed Pb(II) (5 and 15 mM initial Pb concentrations or 0.4 and 1.3 μmmoles Pb/m2) yielded one O atom at 2.23 A and two O at 2.46 A. Further analysis of the 15 mM sorption sample yielded approximately one second-neighbor Pb atom at 3.45 A and one second-neighbor Al atom at 3.72 A, in addition to the three first-neighbor O ligands. These data suggest that Pb(II) bonds directly to the γ-A12O3 surface as an inner-sphere complex and rule out the possibility of outer-sphere complexes, surface precipitates, or diffusion into the adsorbent. The presence of Pb atoms in the second coordination shell suggests that at least some Pb is sorbed as small multinuclear complexes; the number or size of these complexes apparently increases with increasing surface coverage. Based on the presence of second-neighbor Al and the observed interatomic distances, we infer that the adsorption site is monodentate.
On the enhancement of impact damage tolerance of composite laminates

This paper examines the use of a thin layer of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) on the outer surface of carbon/epoxy composite materials as a method of improving impact resistance and damage tolerance through hybridization. Flat 16-ply laminates as well as honeycomb sandwich structures with eight-ply facesheets were tested in this study. Instrumented drop-weight impact testing was used to inflict damage upon the specimens. Evaluation of damage resistance included instrumented impact data, visual examination, C-scanning and compression after impact (CAI) testing. The results show that only one lamina of UHMWPE did not improve the damage tolerance (strength retention) of the 16-ply flat laminate specimens or the honeycomb sandwich beams, however, a modest gain in impact resistance (detectable damage) was found for the honeycomb sandwich specimens that contained an outer layer of UHMWPE.
Therapy of chronic delta hepatitis with interferon alfa-2b

In this pilot study, 12 patients with chronic delta hepatitis were studied. The diagnosis was based on the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis delta antigen in the serum and hepatitis delta virus RNA and hepatitis delta antigen in the serum and liver. All patients were also positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. The infection was presumed to have been transmitted by intravenous drug abuse in six of the patients, blood transfusion in one and by sexual contact in four (two had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus in their serum, but did not show signs of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). In one further patient, the source of infection was unknown. Interferon alfa-2b (INTRON A, Schering-Plough Corporation) was initiated at 5 million units per day subcutaneously for at least 4 months, being reduced by half if side effects occurred. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels, hepatitis delta virus RNA and hepatitis delta antigen were measured at monthly intervals for up to 12 months in some patients. Interferon therapy resulted in decreased serum levels of these three markers. On cessation of therapy, most patients experienced a relapse over 6 months, but alanine amino transferase levels could be normalized once more by restarting interferon therapy. In conclusion, interferon decreased hepatic inflammation by the inhibition of hepatitis delta virus replication, although relapse occurred when interferon was stopped and long-term therapy is required to achieve permanent control of the disease. Care will be required when treating patients with advanced or decompensated liver disease.
Toxicity of Alexandrium lusitanicum to gastropod larvae is not caused by paralytic-shellfish-poisoning toxins

Abstract Laboratory grazing experiments compared ingestion of two subclones of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium lusitanicum by gastropod veliger larvae ( Nassarius sp.). While the two prey subclones originated from the same monoclonal isolate of A. lusitanicum , one possessed the ability to produce paralytic-shellfish-poisoning toxins (PSTs), while the other did not. Ingestion rates on the two Alexandrium subclones were not significantly different over a range of prey concentrations (approximately 100–660 cells ml −1 ), indicating that PSTs did not serve as a grazing deterrent for these larvae. However, ingestion rates on both subclones were low at the higher prey concentrations tested. Mortality of the predators also increased linearly with concentration of either subclone. These observations indicated that both A. lusitanicum subclones produced an unknown substance that inhibited and killed the grazers. Veliger mortality was not induced by culture filtrates or lysates, suggesting either that the substance was either highly labile or that contact with intact cells was required. Because toxic algae can produce multiple bioactive substances, experimental demonstrations of alleopathic effects of toxic species should not be assigned to known toxins without supporting evidence. In addition, the results show that the effectiveness of algal grazing deterrents can increase with cell concentration, which may have implications for bloom dynamics.
Flowshop scheduling with identical jobs and uniform parallel machines

The single-stage scheduling problem to minimize the makespan of identical jobs on uniform parallel machines is known to be solvable in polynomial-time. We extend this work to consider multi-stage systems with flowshop configuration. We show that the 2-stage problem may also be solved in polynomial-time and for the number of stages greater than two, the problem is shown to be NP-hard. We present a branch and bound procedure which provides an optimal solution to the 3-stage problem, and a fast heuristic procedure that is shown to provide good approximate solutions on sample problems. This heuristic is a natural extension of the 2-stage polynomial-time procedure. We develop theoretical bounds showing that the maximum deviation between the solution derived by the heuristic procedure and the optimal solution is bounded by the maximum processing time of a machine at the second stage, independent of the number of jobs and the processing times at the first and third stages. We also show that the heuristic provides an approximate solution bounded by a ratio of 1.75 to the optimal solution.
Chemoimmunotherapy: reengineering tumor immunity

Cancer chemotherapy drugs have long been considered immune suppressive. However, more recent data indicate that some cytotoxic drugs effectively treat cancer in part by facilitating an immune response to the tumor when given at the standard dose and schedule. These drugs induce a form of tumor cell death that is immunologically active, thereby inducing an adaptive immune response specific for the tumor. In addition, cancer chemotherapy drugs can promote tumor immunity through ancillary and largely unappreciated immunologic effects on both the malignant and normal host cells present within the tumor microenvironment. These more subtle immunomodulatory effects are dependent on the drug itself, its dose, and its schedule in relation to an immune-based intervention. The recent approvals of two new immune-based therapies for prostate cancer and melanoma herald a new era in cancer treatment and have led to heightened interest in immunotherapy as a valid approach to cancer treatment. A detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of interactions between chemotherapy drugs and the immune system is essential for devising the optimal strategy for integrating new immune-based therapies into the standard of care for various cancers, resulting in the greatest long-term clinical benefit for cancer patients.
A novel fuzzy logic approach to mammogram contrast enhancement

Breast cancer continues to be a significant public health problem in the United States. Primary prevention seems impossible since the causes of this disease still remain unknown. Early detection is the key to improving breast cancer prognosis. Mammography has been one of the most reliable methods for early detection of breast carcinomas. However, it is difficult for radiologists to provide both accurate and uniform evaluation for the enormous number of mammograms generated in widespread screening. Automated breast cancer diagnosis attracts much attention of the researchers. However, the fuzzy nature of the mammograms and the low contrast between the breast cancer and its surroundings make the automated breast cancer detection very difficult. Mammogram contrast enhancement is critical and essential to breast cancer diagnosis.This paper uses an adaptive fuzzy logic contrast enhancement method to enhance mammographic features. We first normalize the mammograms to reduce the effects of different illuminations. Then, we fuzzify the normalized images based on the maximum fuzzy entropy principle. The local contrast is measured and enhanced by utilizing both the global and local information so that the fine details of mammograms can be enhanced and the noise can be suppressed. The histogram of the mammogram provides the global information and the fuzzy entropy of local window is computed to analyze the local information. Then, we use both the global and local information to define and enhance the contrast. Finally, the defuzzification is performed to transform the enhanced mammogram back to the spatial domain. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively enhance the contours and fine details of the mammographic features which will be useful for breast cancer diagnosis.
A generalized theory of transistor bias circuits

ONE of the important problems met in the design of transistor circuits is how to arrange the bias network to obtain the proper operating point and how to maintain this condition within specified limits, subject to environmental changes such as temperature, or to a range of parameters due to production spread in device manufacture. Several bias circuits have been proposed and are being used which give good performance. The question naturally arises as to what essential features do these circuits have in common? It is the purpose of this paper to introduce a very general method of analyzing bias circuits and begins by first showing that almost all 3-terminal bias circuits can be reduced to the same simple standard form. The analysis for this standard-form circuit will then be presented. Finally, an example drawn from current practice will be given showing the unifying concepts which result from the general theory.
Application of Multiple Imputation in Analysis of Data from Clinical Trials with Treatment Related Dropouts

Many longitudinal clinical studies suffer from nonignorable dropouts. Ramakrishnan and Wang (2005) proposed a mixed effects analysis treating missing data as missing due to truncation (MDT), estimated the parameters under a multivariate truncated normal model, and suggested an adjustment to the degrees of freedom to account for the implicit estimation of the missing data. We propose a multiple imputation (MI) in conjunction with the MDT method as an alternative to accurately accommodate the uncertainty introduced by imputation. The data used in Ramakrishnan and Wang (2005) is considered for illustration. A comparison of various methods using a simulation study is presented.
Integral functionals on Souslin locally convex spaces

Frank H. Clarke [4] has proved some subdifferential formulas for locally Lipschitz, not necessarily convex, integral functionals defined on the LebesgueeBochner space L;(Q), where X is a separable Banach space. Those results are extended to the case where the range of the measurable functions on which the integral functional acts, is a Souslin locally convex space. We also have necessary and sufficient conditions for the Gateaux differentiability of the integral function. In Section 4, we have some new results on constrained stochastic optimization and we also prove several other useful properties of integral functionals. In the next section for the convenience of the reader we will recall a few basic facts about Souslin locally convex spaces, Pettis integration, and measurable multifunctions.
Platinum(IV) extraction with supported liquid membrane containing trioctylamine carrier

Etude effectuee dans le cadre de l'application pratique des membranes liquides a la separation et la concentration des metaux en solution. mecanisme du transfert de masse. Vitesse de permeation