cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure for treatment of hypernasality.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether speech hypernasality in subjects born with cleft palate can be reduced by graded velopharyngeal resistance training against continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Design: Pretreatment versus immediate posttreatment comparison study. Setting: Eight university and hospital speech clinics. Patients: Forty-three subjects born with cleft palate, aged 3 years 10 months to 23 years 8 months, diagnosed with speech hypernasality. Intervention: Eight weeks of 6 days per week in-home speech exercise sessions, increasing from 10 to 24 minutes, speaking against transnasal CPAP increasing from 4 to 8.5 cm H20. Main Outcome Measure: Pretreatment to immediate posttherapy change in perceptual nasality score based on blinded comparisons of subjects' speech samples to standard reference samples by six expert clinician-investigators. Results: Participating clinical centers treated from two to nine eligible subjects, and results differed significantly across centers (interaction p...
Splanchnic microcirculation-evaluation with whole body computed tomography

A fast, volume scanning, CT method is used to explore the feasibility of quantitating functional aspects of the in situ splanchnic microcirculation. Anesthetized pigs were scanned during and following the injection of contrast agent into the aorta. The indicator dilution curves generated by the passage of contrast medium through an imaged region of interest in the gut wall or through the liver parenchyma, were used to compute regional tissue perfusion and intravascular blood content of the tissue. Splanchnic perfusion was modulated by intra-arterial injection of Bradykinin and by the intragastric infusion of alcohol or hydrochloric acid. The results are consistent with values obtained with more invasive traditional methods for estimating these parameters under similar experimental conditions. We conclude that the resolution of the CT imaging method permits quantitative evaluation of changes in those splanchnic microcirculation following physiologic stimuli. The importance of bowel motion is apparent in these analyses. Indeed, the poorly periodic motion of the gut, even though it is slower than that of the heart wall, presents a greater problem than does the rapid motion of the heart wall, which is gateable because of its cycle-to-cycle reproducibility.
Midbrain central gray GABAA receptor activation enhances, and blockade reduces, sexual behavior in the female rat.

The inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, has been implicated in the control of lordosis behavior. Previous studies indicate that modulation of GABAA transmission can have dual effects on lordosis, being facilitative in the ventromedial hypothalamus and inhibitory in the preoptic area. The midbrain central gray (MCG) is also known to be an important neural site for regulating lordosis as well as defensive and escape behaviors, and plays an integral role in the control of nociception. Because of the multitude of behaviors regulated at the level of the MCG, we utilized a two-chamber testing apparatus that allowed simultaneous measurement of the females' proceptive (hopping and darting), receptive and rejection behaviors, as well as an index of nociception and general motor activity. We found that microinfusion of the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline, into the MCG of steroid-primed female rats resulted in a significant decrease in lordosis and proceptive behaviors at 5 min post-infusion. There was full recovery to pretest levels by 60 min. Furthermore, microinfusion of the GABAA agonist, muscimol, to estrogen-treated females that displayed low levels of receptivity and high levels of rejection behavior during a pretest, resulted in a significant increase in lordosis responding and a decrease in rejection behaviors. Neither drug significantly affected time spent in the vicinity of the male, motor activity or vocalizations. It is concluded that the decrease in lordosis resulting from blockade of GABA transmission is not solely due to the induction of antagonistic behaviors since there was no increase in rejections after bicuculline administration. The current findings are consistent with the interpretation that GABA facilitates lordosis in the MCG via disinhibition. When the retrograde tracer, Fluoro-gold, was infused into the same cannula sites in the MCG as the GABAA drugs it demonstrated the presence of strong projections from the ventromedial nucleus, zona incerta, medullary reticular formation and spinal cord. These projections to the MCG may be important for the integration of the diverse behaviors regulated at the level of the MCG and GABAergic transmission may play a role in this integration.
Interacting and paradoxical forces in neuroscience and society

Discoveries in the field of neuroscience are a natural source of discourse among scientists and have long been disseminated to the public. Historically, as news of findings has travelled between communities, it has elicited both expected and unusual reactions. What scientific landmarks promote discourse within the professional community? Do the same findings achieve a place in the public eye? How does the media choose what is newsworthy, and why does the public react the way it does? Drawing on examples of past challenges at the crossroads of neuroscience and society and on a case study of trends in one neurogenetic disease, autism, we explore the dialectical forces interacting in scientific and public discourse.
The Measurement of Atmospheric Temperature.

Abstract The theory of air-temperature measurement at pressures between 1000 mb and 1 mb is discussed on the basis of the classical approach to heat-transfer problems. The theory so developed has been checked by measurements on ventilated and unventilated thermometers in a bell jar in which the pressure can be varied over the range of interest. The bell-jar experiments support the theory and indicate the way in which temperature-measurement errors may be evaluated under all possible conditions for thermometers in the atmosphere. Finally, a series of flight tests with thermometers of new design, as well as the conventional thermistors, verifies the prediction concerning thermometer errors and indicates the type of thermometer necessary in order to minimize these errors. The flight tests show, in addition to verifying the predictions concerning radiation and time-constant errors, that boundary layers from the balloon, equipment and associated lines may introduce errors at least as great as the systematic er...
Facile control of surface wettability in TiO2/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite films.

A facile method to produce very hydrophobic surface was developed simply using the mixture of TiO2 nanoparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). When the volume ratio of TiO2 to PMMA is between 35 vol.% and 50 vol.%, the mixture of two hydrophilic materials became very hydrophobic. Analysis of the molecular structure by infrared spectroscopy shows that the preferential orientation and attachment of a carbonyl group of a polymer molecule to the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles play a critical role in the appearance of the strong hydrophobicity. When this composite was exposed to UV light, PMMA on the surface of the mixture film was decomposed through a photocatalytic reaction and the very hydrophobic surface turned to the superhydrophilic one. The superhydrophilic property of UV-irradiated composite lasts as long as several months. This long lasting superhydrophilicity is ascribed to the porous structure, which provides high roughness and strong capillary interaction. Easy transition from strong hydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity in TiO2/PMMA composites could be applied to designing high contrast hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterns.
Problem Gambling Messages on College Counseling Center Websites: An Over-Time and Cross-Country Comparison

Gambling problems remain more prevalent among college students than any other adult population. Among the different informational services available to students struggling with this issue, the convenience, anonymity, and accessibility of the college counseling center website (CCW) make this a particularly appealing resource. This updated assessment explored the nature and frequency of problem gambling messages on U.S. CCWs. and assessed whether differences existed between U.S. and U.K. sites. Results showed that problem gambling remains disproportionately underrepresented on U.S. CCWs compared to other mental health concerns. Furthermore, in only one instance—links to pamphlets—did findings indicate any over-time increase in website communications. Overall, <11 % of U.S. CCWs mentioned anything regarding this topic. When assessing U.K. CCWs, results were relatively consistent with U.S. CCWs. Specifically, while significantly more U.K. sites mentioned anything regarding problem gambling than U.S. CCWs, this was mostly limited to links to self-help groups and issue-specific websites. Given the substantial health, social, and financial consequences linked to problem gambling behaviors, universities must focus on incorporating more information about this issue on CCWs and pursue initiatives to promote this service.
Passive, 100-ps, x-ray-driven pulser for gating microchannel-plate detectors

A means for electrically gating a microchannel-plate (MCP) detector using a fast rise-time, x-ray-driven Auston switch is presented. The Ga:As Auston switches which are used in the pulser were tested to stand off 7 kV DC bias, and can therefore be used without ramped biasing electronics. Calculations for the x-ray sensitivity of the Auston switches in the pulser are presented. The pulsers were tested with visible light and x rays and were shown to exhibit 90 ps rise-time between zero and 1 kV when triggered by a 1.2 mJ/cm2 flux of subkilovolt x rays as measured by silicon p-i-n diodes. The pulser was designed to trigger MCP detectors which were used to spectrally characterize an x-ray heated target. A major attribute of this pulser is that it can be preset to gate a detector with less than a few picoseconds timing jitter with no foreknowledge of the time of arrival of the triggering x-ray flux.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED 125I-EGF IS SECRETED INTO BILE AND LUMEN OF SUCKLING RAT STOMACH AND INTESTINE

Parenterally administered epidermal growth factor (EGF) produces trophic effects on various organs of suckling mammals. Present studies investigated distribution of intravenously administered rat EGF (rECF) in liver and GI tract of 12-day-old suckling rats anesthetized with fentanyl (6 μl/rat). The bile duct was cannulated, and 125I-rEGF (2-4 ng/rat) was administered via femoral vein. After 5, 30, 60 and 120 min, animals were killed and extracted radioactivity (RA) from tissue was characterized by immunoaffinity chromatography. The highest levels of RA were found in liver (46.1±3.0% of total); and 98% was immunoreactive (IR) at 5 min. Both total and IR-RA in liver decreased with time. Large amounts of administered RA were detected in bile at 60 min (2.2%) and 120 min (5.1%); more than 99% of the RA was IR. Concentrations of RA in bile were 15 X greater than that in blood. RA in wall and luminal flushings of stomach and small intestine increased with time. More than 95% of the RA extracted from wall and luminal flushings of small intestine was found to be IR. Cannulation of the bile duct caused a significant reduction in the levels of RA in luminal flushing of the small intestine; however, the percentage of IR was unaffected. IR in the wall and flushings of stomach was more than 60% at 30 min, decreasing to 7-9% at 60 and 120 min. These results suggest that IR EGF is secreted into the lumen via bile, as well as across the wall of the GI tract in suckling rats.
Density and solubility of nafion: recast, annealed, and commercial films.

The density of Nafion membranes wetted in water and acetonitrile and the solubility of Nafion in a 50:50 ethanol/water mixture are reported. Commercially available membranes, solution recast membranes, and recast membranes thermally processed for varying lengths of time were examined. Unheated recast membranes were found to be ∼20% less dense in water than both commercial membranes and recast membranes heated at 140 °C for 40, 50, and 60 min. For heating times of ≥40 min, the density of recast membranes in water was invariant and equal to the density of commercial films. Similarly, in acetonitrile, commercial membranes and films heated for 1 h had the same density; unheated recast films were ∼25% less dense. Nafion density in acetonitrile was ∼15% less than that in water. Acid pretreatment reduced Nafion film density by ∼15%. Unheated recast films were 22−100% soluble in a sonicated ethanol/water mixture. Commercial membranes and recast films heated for as little as 10 min were insoluble under the same co...
Formation of metal-humic acid complexes by titration and their characterization by differential thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Humic acid (HA) extracted from a Eustis loamy sand (Psammentic Paleudult, Red Yellow Podzolic soil) was flocculated by titration with Al 3+ -, Fe 3+ -, Cu 2+ -, Zn 2+ -, Mn 2+ -, Ba 2+ -, Ca 2+ -, and Mn 2+ -chloride solutions, respectively, to determine possible development of metal-HA complexes, as reported by Flaig et al . (1975), and Tiurin and Kononova (1962). Titration was conducted with HA solutions with an initial pH 11.5 or 7.0. The results indicated that the cations used, except Mg 2+ , yielded insoluble complexes with HA, irrespective of initial pH. After titration, the pH of the metal-HA flocs was 6.0–7.0, which was expected in view of the presence of cation exchange and buffering capacity of HA compounds. More complex formation through electrovalent and covalent bonding by COO − and phenolic OH groups of the HA molecule was only attained by the use of HA solutions with pH 11.5. On the other hand, less complex formation occurred by the use of HA solutions with an initial pH 7.0, through electrovalent bonding by COO − groups. Differential thermal analysis (d.t.a.) curves of HA showed shifts in temperatures of the main decomposition peak as a result of flocculation with the different metals. Based on the type of the cations involved, the metal-humic acid flocs could be listed in the following decreasing order of thermal stability: Al 3+ = Zn 2+ = Mg 2+ ≥ HA > Ca 2+ > Ba 2+ > Fe 3+ > Cu 2+ > Mn 2+ . A systematic relationship could not be found indicating that trivalent ions resulted in the formation of thermally less stable metal-humic acid flocs than divalent ions, as has been reported for HA-metal complexes. Physical mixtures of HA and metal hydroxides exhibited d.t.a. features resembling those of original (nontreated) HA, but not those of the HA-metal flocs. Infrared spectroscopy revealed increased absorption for COO − vibrations at 1620 and 1400cm −1 in spectrograms of metal-HA flocs compared to that of original humic acid, a phenomenon explained by many authors to be caused by bonding of the metal ions in hydrated form to the carboxyl or phenolic hydroxyl groups or both of the humic acid molecule. HA-flocs formed from solutions with an initial pH 11.5 had identical i.r. spectra compared with those formed from solutions with an initial pH 7.0.
TAKING ON INTENTIONS

I propose a model of intention formation and argue that it illuminates and does justice to the complex and interesting relationships between intentions on the one hand and practical deliberation, evaluative judgements, desires, beliefs, and conduct on the other. As I explain, my model allows that intentions normally stem from pro-attitudes and normally control conduct, but it is also revealing with respect to cases in which intentions do not stem from pro-attitudes or do not control conduct. Moreover, it makes the connection between forming an intention and altering one's deliberative framework transparent, and directly accounts for the fact that while intentions can affect how it makes sense for an agent to reason and what it makes sense for her to do, one cannot make an action that one is tempted to perform worth performing simply by forming a related intention.
An existence theorem for optimal controls

An existence theorem is given based on a criterion ensuring compactness of the controls in the metric corresponding to convergence in measure.
Examiner assessments of clinical performance: What do they tell us about clinical competence?

Abstract This paper presents and interprets examiner and participant performance data obtained from an experimental field test of the test item and case simulation libraries of the American Board of Emergency Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination. The 94 participants included a sample of 22 fourth year medical students, 36 second year residents in Emergency Medicine, and 36 peer nominated exemplar practicing emergency physicians. Analyses include inter-rater reliability studies, internal consistency (alpha) studies, factor analyses, and generalizability studies of the examiner-participant-simulated patient interactions. The results are interpreted as suggesting that examiners sense the general competence of the participant and do not identify and independently rate specific component skills. Examiners agree with each other and clearly identify case to case variability in performance within subjects and differences in general competence between subjects. Performance evaluations on at least five to seven cases are required for a reasonably accurate estimate of general competence of physicians.
Factors associated with the response of the cell to herpes simplex virus infection.

Four factors were shown to participate in the outcome of herpes simplex infection in tissue cultures: (a) the innate susceptibility of the cell (b) temperature (c) antibody and (d) interferon. Antibody appeared to function only to localize infection in KB cells (it failed to protect rabbit kidney cells) when added to the cultures following adsorption of virus. The critical factor in long-term protection of cells was a substance with several properties of interferon. The substance was produced when the entire infectious process was allowed to proceed at 35° C but was not produced under conditions where infected cells were first maintained at 25° C and later shifted to 35° C. Under the latter conditions antibody failed to restrain the progress of cellular destruction. Death of the total population occurred whenever interferon was not produced or was deliberately removed. Survival of the majority of cells was possible in the absence of antibody only as long as interferon was present in the culture. Certain findings also imply that although at 25° C there was neither virus multiplication nor interferon production, an early event(g) leading to the former and apparently blocking the latter takes place at this suboptimal temperature.
Mitral Valve Prolapse in the Elderly

This study included 40 patients over 60 years of age with echocardiographic findings of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Most of these patients were unaware of any cardiac disorder until the time of echocardiography. In the majority, the clinical manifestations were benign, and the duration of symptoms variable. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was noted in 10 patients (25 percent) who were unaware of having any cardiac disorders until the onset of their symptoms. In 5 patients (4 with CHF and 1 with endocarditis), surgical replacement of the prolapsed mitral valve was necessary. Endocarditis was present in 4 patients (10 percent), none of whom had been instructed in the prophylactic use of antibiotics. The physician's awareness of mitral valve prolapse in the elderly patient is important, since the disorder may not be as benign in aged patients as in younger ones, and life-threatening complications may occur.
Mating of Female Tobacco Budworms and Bollworms Collected from Light Traps

Tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F), and bollworm, H. zea (Boddie), moths were collected from 7 insect traps equipped with black light lamps during a 6-month period and dissected so a count of spermatophores be used to determine the number of matings of individual females. Both species most frequently mated 1 time, but some mated as many as 6 times. Unmated bollworm moths had more fat and more nonchorionated eggs than mated moths, and the percentage of chorionated eggs found in the lateral oviducts increased as the number of matings increased. The percentage of captured bollworms that were females ranged from 66.6 to 81.2% for a season could al average of 72.8%; 89.9% of the tobacco budworms collected were females. The bollworm showed a definite decrease in the percentage of mated moths between June 1 and Aug. 1.
Decay of the true vacuum in curved space-time

A field theory whose potential contains more than one stable or metastable minimum is considered. It is shown that if the vacuum energies are greater than zero gravitational effects make it possible for bubbles of a higher-energy ``false vacuum'' to nucleate and expand within a homogeneous region of a lower-energy ``true vacuum.'' A consequence of this is that in a de Sitter or de Sitter-like space-time any initial state will eventually evolve to a unique statistical mixture of all possible vacua. If the vacuum energies are relatively close, this statistical mixture can be described as a collection of subsystems in thermal equilibrium at the Hawking temperature.
Thermomechanical behavior and reliability of Au/Si MEMS structures

Our work with micromechanical structures investigates the magnitude and physics of inelastic behavior at various thermomechanical-loading conditions. We also seek to achieve greater mechanical stability, for example using nanometer-thick atomic-layer deposition (ALD) coatings.
A Controlled Study of Peer Relationships of Children Surviving Brain Tumors: Teacher, Peer, and Self Ratings

Objective: Evaluate the behavioral reputation and peer acceptance of children diagnosed and treated for brain tumors. Method: Twenty-eight children surviving brain tumors (8-18 years of age) were compared to 28 nonchronically ill, same classroom, same gender comparison peers (COMP). Peer, teacher, and self-report data were collected. Results: Relative to COMP, children who had been diagnosed with brain tumors received fewer friendship nominations from classmates and were described by peer, teacher, and self-report as socially isolated. Although they were no longer receiving therapy for their disease, peers perceived brain tumor survivors as being sick, more fatigued, and often absent from school. Conclusions: These data suggest that children surviving brain tumors are at risk for social difficulties even after treatment ends, although the specific cause(s) for this vulnerability were not investigated in the current study.
A Performance-Based Representation for Engineering Design

A design representation is developed to model multi-attribute systems utilizing multidimensional clipping and transformation algorithms. Given a linear system characterization, three types of supporting information is generated for the decision maker: (1) a function matrix that describes the performance attributes dependent upon the decision variables; (2) a decision space that corresponds to the feasible decision set that meets performance requirements, and; (3) a performance space that represents the feasible performance region and the Pareto Optimal set. The analytical method developed for solving these feasible spaces is described for a linear system model. A case study is presented to demonstrate how to utilize the representation to locate a feasible solution and proceed to the desired trade-off of multiple attributes. Moreover, the potential incorporations of the representation with other influential design methodologies are discussed.
On optimizing importance sampling simulations

The importance sampling technique can result in large savings in simulation time for simulation of tail probabilities, but only when performed optimally. In this paper, we derive criteria for optimal importance sampling simulation of an arbitrarily weighted sum of independent exponential variates. We illustrate the use of importance sampling for false alarm threshold settings in square law integrators and MTI delay line cancelers in the presence of gaussian spectrum correlated clutter. For these systems, importance sampling simulation can not be optimally performed. Hence, we apply a linear transformation to decorrelate the clutter and perform importance sampling simulation optimally on the transformed system.
Mammary arterial and venous concentrations of prolactin in lactating cows after milking or administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone or ergocryptine.

Concentrations of PRL were measured in samples of sera collected from a pudendal artery and a sc abdominal mammary vein of 12 lactating Holstein cows before and after milking, and before and after administration of TRH and/or ergocryptine. Concentrations of PRL before milking or TRH were 3-fold greater during early (5–12 weeks postpartum) compared with late (37–57 weeks postpartum) lactation. Before milking or TRH, PRL was not different in sera from arterial or venous blood. Milking and TRH increased PRL in sera approximately 2- to 10-fold within 6–14 min, respectively, but as lactation advanced, the quantities of PRL released to these stimuli decreased. Arterial PRL averaged 1.05 ng/ml (P ≃ 0.10) more than venous PRL for 20 min after milking during early lactation. Arterial PRL levels during 30 min after TRH were 2.6–7.7 ng/ml greater (P < 0.05) than concentrations in the mammary vein. Furthermore, arteriovenous differences tended to be greater during early, compared with lte, lactation. Ergocryptine or ...
Experimental results on preprocessing of path/cut terms in sum of disjoint products technique

Experimental results are presented showing the number of disjoint products and computer time involved in generating sum of disjoint product (SDP) terms. To help obtain the results, the authors have considered 19 benchmark networks containing paths (cuts) varying from 4 (4) to 780 (7376). Several SDP techniques are reviewed and are generalized into three propositions to find their inherent merits and demerits. An efficient SDP technique is, then, utilized to run input files of paths/cuts preprocessed using (1) cardinality, (2) lexicographic, and (3) Hamming distance ordering methods and their combinations. The experimental evaluation has been performed on an FPS 500 system. Results are analyzed, and it is shown that the preprocessing based on cardinality or its combinations with (2) and/or (3) performs better. >
Transnational Human Rights Networks

‘Transnational human rights networks' has become a hot research topic for international human rights studies in recent years. It mainly documents and theorizes the transnationalization or internationalization of human rights norms and practices during the last several decades. It began as a distinctive field of research scholarship and has grown to challenge the traditional approaches to international studies. This review introduces the major tenets of this field and, without downplaying their contribution to international studies, it also tries to point out several problems in the conceptualization, theorization and methodology of the current studies on human rights networks. This critical analysis is followed by some suggestions for future studies.
Nanofiber scaffold for cathode of solid oxide fuel cell

A high performance solid oxide fuel cell cathode using the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanofiber scaffold with the infiltrated La1−xSrxMnO3 (LSM) shows an enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction. Such a cathode offers a continuous path for charge transport and an increased number of triple-phase boundary sites.
High-throughput flow alignment of barcoded hydrogel microparticles

Suspension (particle-based) arrays offer several advantages over conventional planar arrays in the detection and quantification of biomolecules, including the use of smaller sample volumes, more favorable probe-target binding kinetics, and rapid probe-set modification. We present a microfluidic system for the rapid alignment of multifunctional hydrogel microparticles designed to bear one or several biomolecule probe regions, as well as a graphical code to identify the embedded probes. Using high-speed imaging, we have developed and optimized a flow-through system that (1) allows for a high particle throughput, (2) ensures proper particle alignment for decoding and target quantification, and (3) can be reliably operated continuously without clogging. A tapered channel flanked by side focusing streams is used to orient the flexible, tablet-shaped particles into a well-ordered flow in the center of the channel. The effects of channel geometry, particle geometry, particle composition, particle loading density, and barcode design are explored to determine the best combination for eventual use in biological assays. Particles in the optimized system move at velocities of ∼50 cm s−1 and with throughputs of ∼40 particles s−1. Simple physical models and CFD simulations have been used to investigate flow behavior in the device.
Local anesthesia for ultrasound guided prostate biopsy: a prospective randomized trial comparing 2 methods.

Purpose: Since the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, asymptomatic men often undergo transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. This procedure may cause significant discomfort, which may limit the number of biopsies. We performed a randomized prospective study to compare periprostatic infiltration with 1% lidocaine with intrarectal instillation of 2% lidocaine gel before prostate biopsy.Materials and Methods: From October 1999 to July 2000, 150 men underwent prostate biopsy at the Miami Veterans Administration and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Experienced senior residents performed all biopsies. Patients were randomized into 2 groups depending on the method of anesthetic delivery. A visual analog scale was used to assess the pain score. Statistical analysis of pain scores was performed using the Student t test.Results: Ultrasound guided prostate biopsy was done in 150 cases. There was a statistical difference in the mean pain score after periprostatic infiltration and intrarectal ...
ACE2 overexpression in the paraventricular nucleus attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Aims Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been shown to have both central and peripheral effects in mediating hypertension, for which the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is an important brain cardio-regulatory centre. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a negative regulator of the pro-hypertensive actions of Ang II. Recent findings from our laboratory suggest that Ang II infusion decreases ACE2 expression in the PVN. In the present study, we hypothesized that ACE2 overexpression in the PVN will have beneficial effects in counteracting Ang II-induced hypertension. Methods and results Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Bilateral microinjection of an adenovirus encoding hACE2 (Ad-ACE2) into the PVN was used to overexpress ACE2 within this region. Mean arterial pressure measured by radiotelemetry was significantly increased after 14 days in Ang II-infused (200 ng/kg/min) rats vs. saline-infused controls (162.9 ± 3.6 vs. 102.3 ± 1.5 mmHg). Bilateral PVN microinjection of Ad-ACE2 attenuated this Ang II-induced hypertension (130.2 ± 5.7 vs. 162.9 ± 3.6 mmHg). ACE2 overexpression also significantly decreased AT1R and ACE expression and increased AT2R and Mas expression in the PVN. Additionally, ACE2 overexpression in the PVN attenuated the Ang II-induced increase in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the PVN. Conclusion Our findings suggest that attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PVN in combination with the shift of the renin–angiotensin system towards the anti-hypertensive axis (ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas) may be responsible for the overall beneficial effects of ACE2 overexpression in the PVN on the Ang II-induced hypertensive response.
Teaching Self-Regulated Learning through a “Learning to Learn” Course:

This study addressed the impact of a semester-long course called Learning to Learn, an undergraduate psychology course designed to teach college students to be self-regulated learners. Results of pretesting and posttesting of 78 students with the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich, Smith, Garcia, & McKeachie, 1993) provided support for the intervention. Mean differences and correlational results suggest that students increased in their mastery orientation to learning and their self-efficacy for learning, increased in their valuing of the course and in cognitive strategy use, and declined in test anxiety over the term. These findings suggest that an intervention that targets a range of cognitive and motivational components can have utility for college students and that there is value to a stand-alone course in learning to learn at the college level.
Evolutionally guided enzyme design.

A combination of rational and irrational strategies for the creation of enzymes with novel properties is proving to be a powerful concept in the field of enzyme engineering. Guided by principles of physical organic chemistry, rational design strategies are used to identify suitable target enzymes and to choose appropriate molecular biological methods for engineering purposes. In contrast, irrational (or random) strategies are centered around the biological paradigm of stochastic molecular evolution. As illustrated in this review, such a hybrid approach is particularly useful for the design of new modular enzymes.
Expression of HIV gp120 protein increases sensitivity to the rewarding properties of methamphetamine in mice

Methamphetamine abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induce neuropathological changes in corticolimbic brain areas involved in reward and cognitive function. Little is known about the combined effects of methamphetamine and HIV infection on cognitive and reward processes. The HIV/gp120 protein induces neurodegeneration in mice, similar to HIV-induced pathology in humans. We investigated the effects of gp120 expression on associative learning, preference for methamphetamine and non-drug reinforcers, and sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding properties of methamphetamine in transgenic (tg) mice expressing HIV/gp120 protein (gp120-tg). gp120-tg mice learned the operant response for food at the same rate as non-tg mice. In the two-bottle choice procedure with restricted access to drugs, gp120-tg mice exhibited greater preference for methamphetamine and saccharin than non-tg mice, whereas preference for quinine was similar between genotypes. Under conditions of unrestricted access to methamphetamine, the mice exhibited a decreased preference for increasing methamphetamine concentrations. However, male gp120-tg mice showed a decreased preference for methamphetamine at lower concentrations than non-tg male mice. gp120-tg mice developed methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference at lower methamphetamine doses compared with non-tg mice. No differences in methamphetamine pharmacokinetics were found between genotypes. These results indicate that gp120-tg mice exhibit no deficits in associative learning or reward/motivational function for a natural reinforcer. Interestingly, gp120 expression resulted in increased preference for methamphetamine and a highly palatable non-drug reinforcer (saccharin) and increased sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced conditioned reward. These data suggest that HIV-positive individuals may have increased sensitivity to methamphetamine, leading to high methamphetamine abuse potential in this population.
The Expanded Use of Percutaneous Resection for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A 30-Year Comprehensive Experience

Abstract Introduction: The gold standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The role of endoscopic resection is limited to low-risk patients. In this study, we present our 30-year experience in the endoscopic management of UTUC. Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified 141 patients who underwent percutaneous UTUC resection. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including tumor characteristics, bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) and mitomycin use, tumor recurrence, progression to RNU, and overall survival (OS), and compared in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Median follow-up was 66 months. Recurrence occurred in 37% of low-grade patients and 63% of high-grade (HG) patients, with a median time to recurrence of 71.4 vs 36.4 months, respectively. Grade was the only predictor of recurrence (HR 2.12, p = 0.018). The latest time to recurrence occurred after 116 months of surveillance. RNU was avoided by 87% of patients. Age, im...
Evolution of brain lesions in a patient with TREX1 cerebroretinal vasculopathy.

A 44-year-old woman with a history of retinal vasculopathy presented with headaches and hemiparesis. MRI brain showed a right frontal peripherally enhancing mass with surrounding edema (figure 1) thought to represent a malignant glioma; however, pathology showed necrosis with reactive gliosis but no evidence of neoplasm (figure 2). Family history was significant for multiple relatives with similar lesions on head MRIs suspicious for neoplasm but excluded by biopsy. An underlying familial leukoencephalopathy was suspected, and a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1359G>T; p.Glu285* was identified in TREX1 , in which C-terminal frameshift mutations cause autosomal dominant retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy.1
A Comparative Study of Porphyrin Biosynthesis in Different Tissues

A comparative study has been made of the ability of nucleated erythrocytes (chicken) and of different tissues, as homogenates of fresh tissues (dog and human) and as "acetone powders" of tissues (several species) to synthesize porphyrinogens-porphyrins from either glycine and acetate or succinate or from ALA. With the exception of the nucleated erythrocytes, the tissues studied had no measurable ability to form copro- and protoporphyrins from glycine and acetate or succinate However, the various tissues can form copro- and protoporphyrins from ALA, and in the following order: nucleated erythrocytes > liver > adrenal > spleen > kidney > heart > skeletal muscle > brain. The spleen of the human infant was extremely active. Non-nucleated erythrocytes (dog) are active to the coproporphyrin(ogen) stage. Acetone powders of the same tissues show similar porphyrin-forming capacities. Little variation in porphyrin-forming activity was found among tissues from different mammalian species, but avian (pigeon) tissues appear to be more active in this respect. From these results it appears that different tissues, with the exception of the nucleated erythrocyte, may synthesize porphyrinogens-porphyrins from ALA, but only to a limited extent from glycine and acetate or succinate. ALA may probably be supplied to these tissues preformed, this apparently occurring primarily in the nucleated erythrocyte (bone marrow). The porphyrinogen-porphyrin-forming capacity of a given tissue appears to be related to the heme content and/or turnover rate in that tissue.
New Types of Premature Vulcanization Inhibitors

Abstract The activity of the thiosulfonamides and dithiotrichloromethanes as retarders is apparently a result of their ability to function as BTSH trapping agents. The effect of substituents on retarder efficiencies seems consistent with a mechanism involving a three-way competition between crosslinking, retardation, and decomposition of retarder to non-functional products. The key reaction responsible for trapping BTSH probably involves a nucleophilic displacement. Substituents which favor this type of displacement increase efficiency when they are on the portion of the retarder molecule which combines with BTSH; when they are on the portion which becomes the leaving group, they evidently promote decomposition, causing a net decrease in retarder efficiency.
Articulating Globalization: Exploring the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) Terrain:

Notwithstanding the ‘yawns of familiarity’ that globalization produces in some circles, there is little doubt that ‘globalization’ continues to provide direction and momentum to much of the present social and political configurations. With this in mind, the present study attempts to come to terms with globalization in one particular site: the much acclaimed bottom/base of the pyramid (BOP) approach. Employing Stuart Hall’s notion of articulation, I examine some of the ‘foundational’ BOP texts to understand how and to what ends globalization is constituted within the BOP project. Extrapolating from themes like markets, capitalism, poverty, and technology, the article attempts to highlight what remains unsaid and inexplicit about ‘globalization.’ At one level, the article explores the ‘metapragmatics of globalization’ (how account/talk about global phenomenon are put to use in different contexts), and, at another level, it offers a critical examination of some of the underlying themes of the BOP proposition...
An approach to Kalman filtering for oscillator tracking

Distributed MIMO communications involve multiple transmitters and receivers organizing themselves into virtual antenna arrays. As these carry individual clocks and oscillators that drift, maintaining sychronization requires that the frequency and the unwrapped phase of each oscillator be tracked using Kalman filters. Kalman filters in turn are sensitive to how well the process and measurement noise variances are known. Existing methods for estimating unknown system variances do not work well for oscillators as the process noise variances are very small (orders of 10−21). In this paper we modify the most advanced technique for estimating the noise variances to develop a scheme that leads to faster and more accurate estimation of the noise variances, using fewer observations.
Forming an ethical paradigm for morally sentient robots: Sentience is not necessary for evil

As society teeters on the verge of robotic automatons performing complex functions in every aspect of human existence, urgent questions arise concerning human accountability for ethics as they design robots capable of making moral decisions. The aim of this study considers a path toward an ethical paradigm for morally sentient robots. In order to determine the extent of human accountability, an ethical spectrum of robots is discussed. While seeking to define functional good in a robotic setting, the nature and degree of robotic sentience is explored. Subsequently, the divergent positions regarding an ethical paradigm for morally sentient robots must be examined. Following these experts' opinions, an analysis of a human/dog model for human/robot relations is explained. The constructs that frame the human/robot dynamic include Asimov's Laws, as well as necessary design considerations. An ethical paradigm results from a study of Plato's Republic through which emerges a means to find good for robots in a functional setting.
Characterization of nicotinamidases: steady state kinetic parameters, classwide inhibition by nicotinaldehydes, and catalytic mechanism.

Nicotinamidases are metabolic enzymes that hydrolyze nicotinamide to nicotinic acid. These enzymes are widely distributed across biology, with examples found encoded in the genomes of Mycobacteria,...
Attractants for the Western Pine Shoot Borer, Eucosma sonomana, and Rhyacionia zozana Determined by Field Screening

Males of the western pine shoot borer, Eucosma sonomana Kearfott, were attracted to a mixture of E -9 and Z-9-dodecenyl acetates. Maximum attraction occurred with between 5 and 50% E -isomer. Extracts of female abdomen tips appeared to contain these materials at E :Z ratios of between 1:3 and 1:2. The presence of Z-11-tetradecenyl acetate inhibited the response of E. sonomana to these attractants. While screening materials for E. sonomana , the related (Eucosmini) species Rhyacionia zozana (Kearfott) also was trapped.
Coarse-Grained Simulation Study of Sequence Effects on DNA Hybridization in a Concentrated Environment

A novel coarse-grained model is developed to elucidate thermodynamics and kinetic mechanisms of DNA self-assembly. It accounts for sequence and solvent conditions to capture key experimental results such as sequence-dependent thermal property and salt-dependent persistence length of ssDNA and dsDNA. Moreover, constant-temperature simulations on two single strands of a homogeneous sequence show two main mechanisms of hybridization: a slow slithering mechanism and a one-order faster zippering mechanism. Furthermore, large-scale simulations at a high DNA strand concentration demonstrate that DNA self-assembly is a robust and enthalpically driven process in which the formation of double helices is deciphered to occur via multiple self-assembly pathways including the strand displacement mechanism. However, sequence plays an important role in shifting the majority of one pathway over the others and controlling size distribution of self-assembled aggregates. This study yields a complex picture on the role of seq...
Dispersed Calcium Oxide as a Reversible and Efficient CO2−Sorbent at Intermediate Temperatures

Dispersion of calcium oxide on high surface area γ-Al2O3 creates a stable and reversible CO2−sorbent that overcomes the problems associated with bulk CaO, such as limited long-term stability, slow uptake kinetics, and energy-intensive regeneration. This sorbent is a candidate for the sorption-enhanced hydrogen production via steam reforming and/or water-gas shift reactions. CO2 uptake tests were performed in a 15% CO2/N2 atmosphere to evaluate the efficacy at typical hydrocarbon reformer gas partial pressure. CO2 uptake kinetics and capacities are investigated in TGA studies, while the long-term stability is shown in multicycle experiments. The dispersed CaO is an active sorbent at low temperatures and binds CO2 at 300 °C up to 1.7 times as efficiently as compared to bulk CaO powder. Furthermore, the sorbent can be regenerated in a CO2-free atmosphere at intermediate temperatures between 300 and 650 °C. Multicycle CO2 uptake and release has been tested for 84 cycles at a constant temperature of 650 °C and...
Primary investigation on population composition of flies in Anhui Province

Objective To primarily study the population composition,distribution and biology of flies in Anhui Province and supply technological method to control the breeding of flies.Methods Habitat spots to lure flies.Results The investigation captured 1 999 flies in the summer in 2009.The flies of Anhui belonged to 15 species,12 genera,4 families.Chrysomya megacephala,Lucillia sericata,Musca sorbens and Boettcherisca peregrina were the dominant or common species in summer.Conclusion The population of flies was related not only to the habitat type and quantity of breeding object,but also to the climate and physio-geographic regionalization.Integrated managements that suit local conditions should be taken to control flies.
Radial nerve paralysis.

Summary The need for skilled surgeons trained in the proper techniques of hand surgery has been emphasized in this survey of the reconstructive procedures used in radial nerve paralysis of the upper extremity. The most useful transfers have been found to be transfers of the pronator teres into the extensor carpi radialis brevis, the flexor carpi ulnaris into the extensor digitorum communis, and the palmaris longus into a rerouted extensor pollicis longus.
The Impact of the World Postwar Boom and Slump: 1919–22

Brazil’s macroeconomic instability in the three years following the return to peace as well as the difficult economic policy problems she faced until the mid-twenties have their roots in the violent worldwide postwar economic fluctuations and the ‘trail of devastation’ which, in the words of the late Professor Joslin, it left throughout Latin America.1