cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

In 1969 Skillman and colleagues reported a clinical syndrome of lethal stress ulceration in 7 of 150 (5 %) consecutive ICU patients. These patients had in common respiratory failure, hypotension and sepsis [1]. Pathological examination demonstrated multiple superficial ulcers which were confined to the gastric fundus. Following this report, these authors performed a randomized controlled study in which 100 critically ill ICU patients at risk of “stress ulceration” were randomized to either antacid prophylaxis (titrated to keep the gastric pH above 3.5) or no prophylaxis [2]. Two of 51 (4 %) treated patients had gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) as compared to 12 of 49 (25 %) control patients (p < 0.005). Subsequent studies confirmed this finding and two meta-analysis published by Cook and colleagues demonstrated that both histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2RB) and sucralfate decreased the risk of bleeding from stress ulceration when compared to placebo [3, 4]. Stress-ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) become regarded as the standard of care in patients admitted to the ICU and this intervention is currently endorsed by many professional bodies [5, 6]. The universal use of SUP has been reinforced with the adoption of “ventilator bundles.” Currently the Joint Commission and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement recommend universal stress ulcer prophylaxis as a core “quality” measure for mechanically ventilated patients [7]. Estimates indicate that approximately 90 % of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU receive some form of stress ulcer prophylaxis.
Recent Advances in the Computation of Turbulent Flows

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the central themes of contemporary methods with reference to individual sources for more detailed descriptions. It provides a brief account of the state-of-the-art of turbulent-flow computations and explains the computation of turbulent flows and its recent advancements using mean-velocity field (MVF) closure, Mean Turbulent Energy (MTE) Closure, and Mean Reynolds-Stress (MRS) Closure through citation of appropriate theories and examples. The MVF equations assume that the turbulence adjusts immediately to changes in mean conditions and that a universal relationship exists between the turbulent stresses and the mean strain rates. To avoid these assumptions, differential equations must be included for the Reynolds stresses. There is a more fundamental objection to the structural mean turbulent energy (MTES) idea. The homogeneous flows do not really reach equilibrium and that instead the turbulence time (and length) scales continually increase. It is required to employ the structure of the turbulence to compute the same. In this chapter, the approach has been to construct a comprehensive model, with numerous universal constants, and then to select these constants by optimizing the average fit to a number of selected flows.
Autonomic nervous system and adipose tissue

The sections in this article are: 1 The Dynamic State of the Triglyceride-FFA Cycle 2 Effects of Changing the FFA Output on the Triglyceride-FFA Cycle 3 The Sympathetic Nervous System and the Triglyceride-FFA Cycle 3.1 Sympathetic Innervation of Adipose Tissue 3.2 Effects of Exogenous Catecholamines on the Triglyceride-FFA Cycle 3.3 Release of FFA by Stimulation of Sympathetic Nerves in Vitro 4 The Physiological Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System in Mobilizing Energy Substrates in Response to Environmental Stimulation 4.1 Temperature 4.2 Drugs 4.3 Energy Dynamics of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine 4.4 Muscle Exercise 5 Interaction of the Adrenal Cortex and the Sympathetic Nervous System 5.1 Interaction of Sympathetic and Adrenocortical Systems on Enzymes Which Mobilize Energy Substrates 6 Interaction of Miscellaneous Hormones and Stimuli with Triglyceride-FFA Cycle 6.1 Polypeptides 6.2 Thyroxine 6.3 Cold Acclimatization 6.4 Starvation 7 Neural and Endocrine Signals in the Control of Energy Processes
The Laurent expansion for a nearly singular matrix

Abstract Let A 0 , A 1 be n × n matrices of complex numbers and let E n be the vector space of n × 1 matrices of complex numbers. Let N 1 = \s{ x ∈ E n ¦ A 1 x = 0\s}, N 0,-1 = \s{0\s} ⊂ E n , and for k ⩾− 1 define R 1 k = A 1 N 0 k and N 0 k +1 ={ x ∈ E n ∣ A 0 x ∈ R 1 k }. In any case μ = min{ k ⩾ − 1 ∣ N 0, k +1 = N 0, k exists and μ ⩾ 0 or μ = − 1 according as A 0 is singular or not. The main result presented is the following: There exists δ> 0 such that the matrix A 0 + zA 1 is invertible for all complex numbers z such that 0 z ¦ N 1 ⋂ N 0 k = \s{0\S} for all ⩾ 0. Moreover, if this condition holds, then there exist n × n matrices Q k such that , the series converging for 0 z ¦ 0, and Q -μ-1 ≠ 0.
Influence of Root-Applied Epibrassinolide and Carbenoxolone on the Nodulation and Growth of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seedlings

Epibrassinolide belongs to the brassinosteroid family of plant hormones, and carbenoxolone is a synthetic analogue of glycyrrhizic acid that inhibits enzymes important in steroid and prostaglandin action in animals. The eAect of these compounds on root nodulation, root growth and shoot growth of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Tracy M was examined. Epibrassinolide reduced total nodulation, plant wet weight, root length, shoot length, first internode length and number of lateral roots. EAects were observed at concentrations as low as 0.1 lM. Carbenoxolone reduced lateral root formation, but did not reduce nodule numbers, root length or weight, nor stem length or weight.
Inferring propeller inflow and radiation from near-field response, Part 1 : Analytic development

In general, the physics of the relationship between the pressure field surrounding a rotating propeller in subsonic flow and the flow characteristics is understood. However, quantification of this relationship in a way that allows engineering analysis of propeller noise is limited by complete definition of the inflow distortions. Therefore, a way of inferring this relationship and the distortion characteristics unobtrusively and in situ has been developed. The technique is based on the assumption that measurements of the unsteady pressure on the blades are available. From the pressures, the technique predicts the radiated acoustic far field, infers incoming flow characteristics, and defines Green's function between the near and far pressure fields. The analysis combines theoretical and empirical treatments of pressure data to infer the acoustic quantities. Thus, the turbulence ingestion problem is approached in a practical manner without the need for many of the simplifying assumptions required by purely theoretical means. The technique is developed for use on experimental data. The technique is subsequently applied to a propeller operating downstream of large-scale, mean-flow distortions, and ingesting broadband turbulence (Minniti, R. J., Blake, W. K., and Mueller, T. J., Inferring Propeller Inflow and Radiation from Near-Field Response, Part 2: Empirical Application, AIAA Journal, Vol. 39, No. 6, 2001, pp. 1037-1046).
Isolation and metabolism of granular pneumocytes from rat lungs.

A population of rat lung cells enriched in granular pneumonocytes (type II cells) was prepared by modification of the method of Kikkawa (Lab. Invest.30, 76, 1974). Lungs were minced, mechanically agitated and incubated with a fluorochemical emulsion and 1% trypsin. The isolated cells were centrifuged in a discontinuous Ficoll gradient. Granular pneumonocytes were identified by the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions on Papanicolaou and acid phosphatase staining and a strongly positive alkaline phosphatase reaction. The yield at the interface between 1.058 and 1.100 density Ficoll was (4.0 ± 1.5) × 106 (mean ± SD) cells per g of lung tissue consisting of 72.7 ± 9.0% granular pneumonocytes and 20.3 ± 8.4% alveolar macrophages. O2 uptake by the cells at room temperature was 46.9 ± 5.8 nmol/h per 106 cells (mean ± SE; n=5). Respiration was inhibited by oligomycin and subsequently stimulated by an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. During incubation with [U-14C] glucose, the cells produced14CO2, lactate and pyruvate at rates of 17.0 ± 2.9, 17.1 ± 1.6 and 8.7 ± 0.8 nmol/h/106 cells, respectively. These results show that a cell population enriched in granular pneumonocytes can be isolated by lung trypsinization. The cells in this preparation show respiration that is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and intact glycolytic pathways.
Is being out about sexual orientation uniformly healthy? The moderating role of socioeconomic status in a prospective study of gay and bisexual men.

Stress associated with concealing sexual orientation is a possible mechanism for health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, disclosing one’s sexual orientation might not be uniformly healthy across social contexts. The present study tested whether being out is less healthy for gay and bisexual men of lower socioeconomic status (SES) relative to higher SES men. Using longitudinal data on gay and bisexual men (N = 564, ages 18–72), we examined whether the association between outness and physical health differs by SES. SES significantly moderated associations between outness and physician visits, nonprescription medication use, and physical symptoms. Outness predicted physical health benefits for higher SES men but health problems for lower SES men. The common assumption that disclosing one’s sexual orientation is uniformly healthy may be less accurate (or inaccurate) for lower status groups. Future research should explore SES as context for minority stress and LGB health disparities.
Aristotle and Hamilton on Commerce and Statesmanship

Aristotle and Hamilton on Commerce and Statesmanship. By Michael D. Chan. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2006. 248p. $44.95. In the terms of the debate over the relative liberalism and republicanism of the American founders, Alexander Hamilton's advocacy of manufacturing, public credit, and a national bank would seem to classify him as characteristically modern and liberal. Hamilton's unswerving dedication to an energetic and powerful central government oriented toward financial stability and military security contrasts with classical republican concerns about individual virtue, the nature of good lives, and the problem of individual and institutional corruption. As much by its neglect of classical topics like civic education as by its new treatment of perennial political subjects, the new political science he announced in The Federalist and elsewhere broke with the ideals of the good republic held by the ancients.
In Vivo MRI Visualization of Acute Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion in Ferrets by the Persistent Action of the Contrast Agent Gd(BME-DTTA)

Background Contrast agent–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to visualize myocardial ischemia. To date, however, no agent has been found that has a sustained effect that allows MRI detection for the entire duration of ischemia and reperfusion and thus is useful in conjunction with stress test MRI. In this article, we introduce the gadolinium complex of N3,N6-bis(2′-myristoyloxyethyl)-1,8-dioxo-triethylene-tetraamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid [Gd(BME-DTTA)], an agent potentially useful for such a purpose. Methods and Results Four protocols were carried out. ECG-triggered, partially T1-weighted, spin-echo MRI was used in protocols A through C. In protocol A, in nonischemic ferrets, 50 μmol/kg Gd(BME-DTTA) induced a 70±5% intensity enhancement lasting 3 hours. In protocol B, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded, and a 99mTc-sestamibi–induced autoradiographic contrast verified (r=.87, P<.01) a Gd(BME-DTTA)-induced (n=5) or Gd(DTPA)- induced (n=4) MRI contrast. In...
The many faces of ecosystem-based management: Making the process work today in real places

Abstract Despite the widely accepted need for ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine systems, many managers struggle with how to put these principles into practice. Commonly voiced concerns include complicated and expensive implementation, prohibitive data requirements, and lack of testing with long-term applications. We address some of these perceived barriers by providing guidance on strategies and approaches that can be used for the steps of one ecosystem-based management process, the integrated ecosystem assessment framework, including scoping, defining indicators, setting thresholds, risk analysis, management strategy evaluation, monitoring and evaluation. Importantly, we demonstrate how an ecosystem-based management approach can be utilized in a variety of contexts which vary widely in data quality and availability, governance structure, and time frame. We then illustrate the suggested steps in the process by exploring two case studies that represent realistic ends of the data/governance/time frame spectrum: Puget Sound, Washington, USA and Raja Ampat, Indonesia. By providing concrete suggestions for how to move forward with key steps in an integrated management process, we show that ecosystem-based management is feasible from a range of starting points and that for any given starting point there are numerous productive paths forward.
The Impact of Anticipated Consequences, Respondent Group, and Strength of Affirmative Action Plan on Affirmative Action Attitudes:

Two experiments found that affirmative action attitudes varied with the respondent's racioethnic group, strength of affirmative action plan (AAP), anticipated consequences of the AAP, and interacti...
Misunderstanding Standardized Language in Research Interviews

SUMMARY Leaving the interpretation of words up to participants in standardized survey interviews, aptitude tests, and experiment instructions can lead to unintended interpretation; more collaborative interviewing methods can promote uniform understanding. In two laboratory studies (a factorial experiment and a more naturalistic investigation), respondents interpreted ordinary survey concepts like ‘household furniture’ and ‘living in a house’ quite differently than intended in strictly standardized interviews, when the interpretation was left entirely up to them. Comprehension was more accurate when interviewers responded to requests for clarification with non-standardized paraphrased definitions, and most accurate when interviewers also provided clarification whenever they suspected respondents needed it. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrated electron revisited via the feynman path integral route

Abstract The Feynman path integral formulation of quantum statistical mechanics is used to study the hydrated electron. The results show that no shell structure is apparent at room temperature and the electron aligns the water molecules by the O-H bond dipole and not the molecular dipole.
Indoor Fire Ant Sting Attacks: A Risk for Frail Elders

ABSTRACT Objective We have previously reported 10 indoor sting attacks by imported fire ants, most of which involved frail elderly people in the Southeastern United States. Since the range of these insects is expanding and attacks often attract media attention, we hypothesized that additional attacks of which we were unaware may have occurred and were reported in local newspapers. Methods We searched the archives from 1989 until 2004 of 182 US newspapers in fire ant endemic areas in 10 states. Results Ten additional cases of indoor fire ant sting attacks were reported in local newspapers between 1991 and 2004. This brings the total to 16 attacks on adults and four on infants. Most adult attacks occurred in long-term care facilities, but three involved hospitalized patients. Morbidity ranged from nightmares to death in seven adults. One of the infants died and two suffered long-term morbidity. Six of the 20 sting victims died within 1 week of the attack. Seven of the 10 attacks reported in newspapers did not result in significant medical consequences, as compared with only two of the 10 attacks in previously published reports. Conclusion Increasing numbers of indoor fire ant sting attacks are occurring in the United States, and frail elderly people and infants are at risk. They should be removed from indoor areas where ants are present until the ants are eradicated.
Dynamical aspects of behavior generation under constraints

Dynamic adaptation is a key feature of brains helping to maintain the quality of their performance in the face of increasingly difficult constraints. How to achieve high-quality performance under demanding real-time conditions is an important question in the study of cognitive behaviors. Animals and humans are embedded in and constrained by their environments. Our goal is to improve the understanding of the dynamics of the interacting brain–environment system by studying human behaviors when completing constrained tasks and by modeling the observed behavior. In this article we present results of experiments with humans performing tasks on the computer under variable time and resource constraints. We compare various models of behavior generation in order to describe the observed human performance. Finally we speculate on mechanisms how chaotic neurodynamics can contribute to the generation of flexible human behaviors under constraints.
On entropy-preserving stochastic averages

Abstract When an n × n doubly stochastic matrix A acts on R n on the left as a linear transformation and P is an n-long probability vector, we refer to the new probability vector AP as the stochastic average of the pair ( A , P ) . Let Γ n denote the set of pairs ( A , P ) whose stochastic average preserves the entropy of P : H ( AP ) = H ( P ) . Γ n is a subset of B n × Σ n where B n is the Birkhoff polytope and Σ n is the probability simplex. We characterize Γ n and determine its geometry, topology,and combinatorial structure. For example, we find that ( A , P ) ∈ Γ n if and only if A t AP = P . We show that for any n, Γ n is a connected set, and is in fact piecewise-linearly contractible in B n × Σ n . We write Γ n as a finite union of product subspaces, in two distinct ways. We derive the geometry of the fibers ( A , · ) and ( · , P ) of Γ n . Γ 3 is worked out in detail. Our analysis exploits the convexity of x log x and the structure of an efficiently computable bipartite graph that we associate to each ds-matrix. This graph also lets us represent such a matrix in a permutation-equivalent, block diagonal form where each block is doubly stochastic and fully indecomposable.
The Weber problem revisited

Abstract The Weiszfeld algorithm is a well-known and widely used method for solving the Weber problem, a two dimensional continuous location problem. Alternative methods based on gradient information are explored, one of which is shown to be a superior alternative to the Weiszfeld algorithm in most cases.
High voltage electron microscopy on microgametogenesis of Haemoproteus columbae.

The microgametogenesis of Haemoproteus columbae was investigated by high voltage and conventional electron microscopy and the results were compared. The features of microgametogenesis which have become clear by high voltage electron microscopy include the distribution and arrangement of axonemes in the microgametocyte and the budding process and structure of the microgametes. High voltage electron microscopy shows that prior to exflagellation the axonemes occupy a major portion of the microgametocyte cytoplasm, and are arranged in an orderly fashion. Conventional electron microscopy suggests that the axonemes are randomly distributed in the microgametocyte cytoplasm. High voltage electron microscopy shows that a short portion of the axoneme protrudes outward in the early stage of microgamete budding, while the major portion remains within the cytoplasm. The microgamete of H. columbae as observed by the high voltage electron microscope, is composed of a slender nucleus and an axoneme which run along the same axis and spiral one another. The nucleus is slightly bulbous at the anterior end and at the midportion of the microgamete. These findings have not been obtained with certainty by conventional electron microscopy because the thin section technique could not provide a sufficient profile of the long wavy microgamete.
Emission spectra of high Rydberg states in a plasma: Stark-broadened neutral oxygen in the 7.5-μm region

Plasma-broadened visible spectra have long been used to infer plasma parameters. In this work we examine the use of high Rydberg states in plasma spectroscopy for low-density plasmas. For low densities the high Rydberg states may be very useful because of their large widths and the fact that they are less susceptible to ion dynamical effects. We have calculated plasma-broadened spectra of the neutral oxygen n=6\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n=5 transition in the 7.5-\ensuremath{\mu}m region for a temperature around 10 000 K and electron densities 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{13}$\char21{}${10}^{16}$ e/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and found that these spectra can be a useful probe for low-density plasmas. We also describe how selection rules can be used to greatly reduce the computational requirements.
Geometric features of d4 metal dicarbonyl monomers with cis-π-donor ligands

Abstract Molecular orbital descriptions for five closely related cis -dicarbonyl tungsten(II) d b4 model complexes are presented. The idealized compounds considered are [H 3 W(CO) 2 (SH) 2− , [H 3 W(CO) 2 (OH) 2− , [H 3 W(CO) 2 (NH 2 )] 2− , [H 3 W(CO) 2 (NMe 2 )] 2− , and [H 3 W(CO) 2 (HCCH)] − . These five compounds were chosen to reveal the interplay between the OCWCO bond angle and the orientation of a cis single-faced π-donor ligand, and the conclusions are based on Extended Huckel calculations. These compounds display similar orientations for the π-donor ligand with respect to the OCWCO angle, and each π-donor ligand encounters a barrier to rotation around the tungsten-ligand axis. Coordinates for the computer model [H 3 (CO) 2 W(HCCH) − were based on the results of a single-crystal x-ray diffraction study of [Tp′W(CO) 2 (PhCCMe)][BPh 4 ] (Tp′= tris (3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl) borate) that is reported here.
Altering Genomic Integrity: Heavy Metal Exposure Promotes Transposable Element-Mediated Damage.

Maintenance of genomic integrity is critical for cellular homeostasis and survival. The active transposable elements (TEs) composed primarily of three mobile element lineages LINE-1, Alu, and SVA comprise approximately 30 % of the mass of the human genome. For the past 2 decades, studies have shown that TEs significantly contribute to genetic instability and that TE-caused damages are associated with genetic diseases and cancer. Different environmental exposures, including several heavy metals, influence how TEs interact with its host genome increasing their negative impact. This mini-review provides some basic knowledge on TEs, their contribution to disease, and an overview of the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence TE-mediated damage.
Myosin gene mutation correlates with anatomical changes in the human lineage

Powerful masticatory muscles are found in most primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas, and were part of a prominent adaptation of Australopithecus and Paranthropus, extinct genera of the family Hominidae. In contrast, masticatory muscles are considerably smaller in both modern and fossil members of Homo. The evolving hominid masticatory apparatus--traceable to a Late Miocene, chimpanzee-like morphology--shifted towards a pattern of gracilization nearly simultaneously with accelerated encephalization in early Homo. Here, we show that the gene encoding the predominant myosin heavy chain (MYH) expressed in these muscles was inactivated by a frameshifting mutation after the lineages leading to humans and chimpanzees diverged. Loss of this protein isoform is associated with marked size reductions in individual muscle fibres and entire masticatory muscles. Using the coding sequence for the myosin rod domains as a molecular clock, we estimate that this mutation appeared approximately 2.4 million years ago, predating the appearance of modern human body size and emigration of Homo from Africa. This represents the first proteomic distinction between humans and chimpanzees that can be correlated with a traceable anatomic imprint in the fossil record.
Growth of a pogonophore: a study of Polybrachia canadensis with a discussion of the development of taxonomic characters

Heptabrachia canadensis, previously known from one juvenile specimen, has been redescribed from new material and transferred to the genus Polybrachia. About 1400 specimens were available for study, including a series of developmental stages ranging from juveniles less than 0.1 mm in diameter to adults 0.6 mm in diameter. The smallest juveniles have one tentacle while most adults have 30 to 40 tentacles. Juveniles differ from adults in diameter, length, number of tentacles and type of tube. The most important observation to emerge is the variability of characters hitherto thought to distinguish different genera, and the need for care in the diagnosis of new species from limited material.
Comparison of Plasma, Serum, and Whole Blood Ethanol Concentrations

The differences in ethanol concentrations, as measured by direct injection gas chromatography, among plasma, serum, and whole blood from living human subjects are examined. The samples containing serum and the corresponding ones containing whole blood arrived at the laboratory as part of the same submission. The ratio of the concentration of ethanol in serum to that in plasma is 1.00 +/- 0.01:1 with a range of 0.98:1 to 1.04:1. The serum/whole blood ratio and plasma/whole blood ratio are both 1.12 +/- 0.02:1. The former has a range of 1.09:1 to 1.18:1 and the latter ranges from 1.09:1 to 1.17:1.
Isokinetic strength, endurance, and fiber type composition in elite American paddlers.

Muscle fiber type and isokinetic strength and fatigue were examined in nine highly trained canoe and kayak paddlers. Needle biopsies were taken from the right vastus lateralis and biceps brachii muscles and the samples stained for myofibrillar ATPase. Baseline elbow flexion and knee extension isometric (0 degrees . s-1) and isokinetic (60 degrees . s-1 or 1.05 rad . s-1 and 180 degrees . s-1 or 3.14 rad . s-1) peak torques were determined. Each subject then performed two series of 50 isokinetic contractions at an angular velocity of 180 degrees . s-1: elbow flexion and knee extension series, separated by 3 h. The percentage of slow twitch fibers was similar in the biceps brachii (43.9%) and the vastus lateralis (43.3%). The fast twitch/slow twitch fiber area ratio was significantly higher in the more highly trained biceps brachii due to larger FT fibers. No relationship was found between fiber type composition and baseline peak torques or decline in peak torque due to the fatigue regimens. Baseline peak torque correlated with initial strength level, body weight, and limb girth. The results suggested that for these paddlers muscle strength and the decline in strength induced by repetitive isokinetic contractions were more dependent on characteristics of body size than on fiber type composition.
The Intentional Stance

How are we able to understand and anticipate each other in everyday life, in our daily interactions? Through the use of such "folk" concepts as belief, desire, intention, and expectation, asserts Daniel Dennett in this first full-scale presentation of a theory of intentionality that he has been developing for almost twenty years. We adopt a stance, he argues, a predictive strategy of interpretation that presupposes the rationality of the people - or other entities - we are hoping to understand and predict.These principles of radical interpretation have far-reaching implications for the metaphysical and scientific status of the processes referred to by the everday terms of folk psychology and their corresponding terms in cognitive science.While Dennett's philosophical stance has been steadfast over the years, his views have undergone successive enrichments, refinements, and extensions. "The Intentional Stance" brings together both previously published and original material: four of the book's ten chapters - its first and the final three - appear here for the first time and push the theory into surprising new territory. The remaining six were published earlier in the 1980s but were not easily accessible; each is followed by a reflection - an essay reconsidering and extending the claims of the earlier work. These reflections and the new chapters represent the vanguard of Dennett's thought. They reveal fresh lines of inquiry into fundamental issues in psychology, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary theory as well as traditional issues in the philosophy of mind.Daniel C. Dennett is Distinguished Arts and Sciences Professor at Tufts University and the author of "Brainstorms" and "Elbow Room." "The Intentional Stance," along with these works, is a Bradford Book.
Coherent spin transfer between molecularly bridged quantum dots.

Femtosecond time-resolved Faraday rotation spectroscopy reveals the instantaneous transfer of spin coherence through conjugated molecular bridges spanning quantum dots of different size over a broad range of temperature. The room-temperature spin-transfer efficiency is ∼20%, showing that conjugated molecules can be used not only as interconnections for the hierarchical assembly of functional networks but also as efficient spin channels. The results suggest that this class of structures may be useful as two-spin quantum devices operating at ambient temperatures and may offer promising opportunities for future versatile molecule-based spintronic technologies.
Military Usage Scenario and IEEE 802.11s Mesh Networking Standard

Due to its low cost, high-data rate and ease of setup feature, IEEE 802.11 WLAN has become an attractive solution for military wireless tactical network deployments. However, the current 802.11 specifications do not support mesh networking which is one of the essential requirements for military tactical operation. IEEE 802.11s was formed in May 2004 to develop standards for mesh networking between access points (APs). MITRE has submitted contributions to shape the direction of 802.11s standard development such that military requirements can be included in the standards texts. This paper provides an overview of 802.11s and MITRE's efforts/contributions (in usage scenario, mesh discovery, mesh resource allocation, and cross-layer optimization) to this task group.
Diagnostic significance of precordial ST-segment depression

Confusion abounds regarding the genesis of electrocardiographic ST-segment depression in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly precordial ST-segment depression associated with evolving Q-wave inferior AMI. In general, much of the controversy stems from the persistent notion that the scalar electrocardiogram reliably distinguishes ischemia from infarction and that the direction of ST segment shifts, i.e., ST-segment elevation versus depression, represent bona fide markers of evolving acute “transmural” or “subendocardial” ischemia, respectively. Moreover, the realization that “transmural” and “subendocardial” or “nontransmural” infarction cannot be characterized accurately by electrocardiographic criteria has evolved slowly over a decade,*-6 to the point where Q-wave and non-Q-wave AMIs have emerged as more generically accurate descriptors of gross infarct subtypes based solely on electrocardiographic parameters.7 While old beliefs grounded in traditional nomenclature restrict the application of more precise terminology, it is now abundantly clear that the terms of Q-wave and non-Q-wave AM1 have more than mere descriptive meaning; scientific information from carefully conducted prospective clinical studies validates the concept that Q-wave and non-Q-wave AMIs differ not only electrocardiographically, 8,9 but pathophysiologically,l”J1 anatomically,12J3 angiographically14J5 and prognosti
Long-Term Localized High-Frequency Electric Stimulation Within the Myocardial Infarct Effects on Matrix Metalloproteinases and Regional Remodeling

Background— Disruption of the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and MMP inhibitors (TIMPs) within a myocardial infarct (MI) contributes to left ventricular wall thinning and changes in regional stiffness at the MI region. This study tested the hypothesis that a targeted regional approach through localized high-frequency stimulation (LHFS) using low-amplitude electric pulses instituted within a formed MI scar would alter MMP/TIMP levels and prevent MI thinning. Methods and Results— At 3 weeks after MI, pigs were randomized for LHFS (n=7; 240 bpm, 0.8 V, 0.05-ms pulses) or were left unstimulated (UNSTIM; n=10). At 4 weeks after MI, left ventricular wall thickness (echocardiography; 0.89±0.07 versus 0.67±0.08 cm; P<0.05) and regional stiffness (piezoelectric crystals; 14.70±2.08 versus 9.11±1.24; P<0.05) were higher with LHFS than in UNSTIM. In vivo interstitial MMP activity (fluorescent substrate cleavage; 943±59 versus 1210±72 U; P<0.05) in the MI region was lower with LHFS than in UNSTIM. In...
Subchronic, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of a fluorotelomer-based urethane polymeric product.

A commercial fluorotelomer-based urethane polymeric dispersion, consisting of polymer, surfactant, and water, was evaluated in subchronic, reproduction, and developmental toxicity studies. The dispersion was administered daily by gavage to rats at dosages of 0, 50, 250, or 1000 mg polymer/kg/day or with 70 mg/kg/day of the sulfonate surfactant. Dose levels of 0, 50, 250, or 1000 mg polymer/kg/day were also used for the reproductive and developmental studies. Nasal olfactory epithelial degeneration and necrosis occurred in all dose groups in the 90-day study. Nasal adhesions were observed only in rats administered surfactant alone. Liver-enzyme alterations at 250 and 1000 mg/kg were considered to be potentially adverse effects. The subchronic no-observed-adverse-effects level (NOAEL) was 50 mg/kg. For the reproduction study, rats were dosed for 10 weeks prior to cohabitation and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. There were no effects on reproductive function in males or females at any dosage. Th...
The amazing astrocyte

Two regions of the brain in adult mammals contain stem cells that can generate new neurons. It seems that astrocytes — cells once viewed merely as padding in the brain — can stimulate the neuron-generating process.
Erratum to “Cortico-limbic response to personally challenging emotional stimuli after complete recovery from depression” [Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 171(2) (2009) 106–119]

Erratum to “Cortico-limbic response to personally challenging emotional stimuli after complete recovery from depression” [Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 171(2) (2009) 106–119] Jill M. Hooley⁎, Staci A. Gruber, Holly A. Parker, Julien Guillaumot, Jadwiga Rogowska, Deborah A. Yurgelun-Todd Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA Cognitive Neuroimaging and Neuropsychology Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA McLean Hospital, Belmont MA, USA
Metabolism of prostaglandin E2 in the isolated perfused kidney of the rabbit.

In the Krebs-perfused rabbit isolated kidney, [3H]PGE2 (5 μCi, 165 Ci/mmole) was infused intra-arterially for 5 min; venous and urinary effluents were collected every 2 min for 20 min. Efflux of radioactive material peaked at 8 min and declined thereafter. The kidney retained 35% of the infused 3H. Samples were extracted for acidic lipids; PGE2, PGF2α and metabolites were separated by TLC and quantified by a radiometric method. Efflux of [3H]PGF2α into urinary and venous outflows increased progressively over the first 12 min and then plateaued for the remaining 4 min. By 12 min, conversion of [3H]PGE2 to [3H]PGF2α was 70 and 80% as determined by radiolabeled products recovered in the urinary and venous effluents respectively. Estimates of total conversion of [3H]PGE2 to [3H]PGF2α were 62 and 52% of the radiolabeled material exiting in the urinary and venous effluents respectively. The 15-keto and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolites of [3H]PGF2α appeared in the urine but were not found in the venous outflow. We conclude that PGE-9-ketoreductase (PGE-9KRD) activity is high in the rabbit isolated perfused kidney. Further, the extent of conversion of PGE2 to PGF2α and metabolism of newly formed PGF2α may differ within the vascular and tubular compartments of the kidney. PGE-9KRD activity may be important in the regulation of renal vascular tone, compliance of veins, and salt and water balance.
915-79 Nitric Oxide is a Preferential Subendocardial Vasodilator

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on myocardial blood flow (MBF) have been studied previously by observing responses to agents that stimulate or block endogenous NO release. To study the direct in vivo effects of endoluminally administered NO on transmural myocardial perfusion, we studied 4 anesthetized dogs using a new method for intracoronary NO administration. NO gas was bubbled through deoxygenated saline to achieve the saturation constant (2–3 mM). During ventricular pacing at 100 beats/min, the solution was infused into the left main coronary artery at doses of 0.2 and 16 μ mol/min, Transmural myocardial perfusion and coronary blood flow were measured with radioactive microspheres after 2 minutes of infusion. Changes in MFB (ml/gm/min) induced from continuous NO infusion were compared to endothelially mediated NO release induced by intracoronary administration of acetylcholine (Ach 2,0 μ mol/min) and non-NO mediated vasodilitation by intracoronary adenosine (AD 1.2 μ mol/min). Results: Basal NO 0.2 NO 16 Ach AD MBF(mean) 0.8 ± 0.03 1.4 ± 0.10 * 1.6 ± 0.08 * 1.6 ± 0.06 * 2.5 ± 0.11 * ED MFB 0.7 ± 0.03 1.4 ± 1.4 * 1.8 ± 0.12 * 1.8 ± 0.08 * 2.7 ± 0.13 * EDIEP 0.7 ± 0.02 1.0 ± 0.06 * 1.3 ± 0.07 * 1.2 ± 0.05 * 1.3 ± 0.07 * mean ± sem * p l 001 vs. basal ED/EP = endocardial to epicardial blood flow ratio High dose NO (16 μ mol/min) caused an increase in endocardial and total myocardial blood flow which was similar to that produced by acetylcholine. Conclusions Nitric oxide causes dose dependent increases in myocardial blood flow and the endocardial to epicardial blood flow ratio. High dose endoluminal NO infusion causes changes in myocardial blood flow and transmural myocardial perfusion which are equivalent to that caused byendothelial derived NO, Moreover, whether administered exogenously or released endogenously, NO is a preferential sub-endocardial vasodilator.
The effect of ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the reaction between the guinea-pig C5 convertase and guinea-pig C5

Guinea-pig C5 was reacted with EAC1423 in the washed-cell intermediate assay in the presence of glucose gelatin veronal buffer (GGVB), Zn2+-GGVB (0.025 mM), GGVB2+ containing Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ or EDTA (0.013 M)-GGVB. The EDTA inhibited the formation of competent SAC14235, while Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ had a slight enhancing effect compared to GGVB alone and Zn2+ gave a four-fold increase. Similar results were obtained by using human C5 with guinea-pig C5 convertase and functionally pure guinea-pig C6, C7, C8 and C9. When guinea-pig C6 was incorporated into these various reaction mixtures with guinea-pig C5, its addition markedly reduced the inhibition by EDTA, while Zn2+ still showed an enhancing effect. These results demonstrate that EDTA inhibited formation of competent SAC14235 by preventing activation of C5. The association of C6 with C5 can partially overcome the inhibition of C5 conversion by EDTA and may account for C5 activity in reaction mixtures containing C-EDTA.
Compressive imaging of subwavelength structures: periodic rough surfaces

A compressed sensing scheme for near-field imaging of corrugations of relative sparse Fourier components is proposed. The scheme employs random sparse measurement of near field to recover the angular spectrum of the scattered field. Surprisingly, it can be shown heuristically and numerically that under the Rayleigh hypothesis the angular spectrum is compressible and amenable to compressed sensing techniques. Iteration schemes are developed for recovering the surface profile from the angular spectrum. The proposed nonlinear least squares in the Fourier basis produces accurate reconstructions even when the Rayleigh hypothesis is known to be false.
Aggregation for material balances

Abstract In an input-output system, let final demands and gross outputs be iteratively balanced by successive approximations. The speed of convergence will depend, among other things, on the initial choice of gross outputs. Suppose that, using some aggregation weights, aggregate supply is made equal to aggregate demand in the initial plan. The current paper finds the set of aggregation weights that yields speediest convergence. An economic interpretation of the “optimal” aggregation weights is given, and some examples are calculated. J. Comp. Econ., March 1978, 2(1), pp. 1–11. Boston University, Boston, Mass., and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
Positive solutions of elliptic equations in nondivergence form and their adjoints

On considere des operateurs uniformement elliptiques de la forme L=Σ i,j=1 n a ij (X)•D XiXj 2 +Σ i=1 n b i (X)•D Xi a coefficients bornes mesurables de R n . On demontre un theoreme de comparaison pour des solutions positives de Lu=0 dans un domaine de Lipschitz borne D de R n
Breeding the mare with frozen semen

Summary Breeding with frozen semen has become more commonplace. For a successful outcome, it is important to select fertile mares and to use quality frozen semen. The method/timing of insemination will be determined primarily by the number of semen doses available per cycle. Direct insemination of semen straws is preferred as this technique results in less loss of spermatozoa in insemination equipment. Ovulatory agents are crucial to help with timing of ovulation with respect to insemination. A post breeding examination should be performed to confirm ovulation and to examine the mare for possible complications such as post mating induced endometritis. With attention to details, frozen semen can be used with very good results.
Wind performance evaluation of fully bonded roofing assemblies

Abstract Wind performance investigation is critical in the design of durable roofing assemblies. In North America, mainly two types of low slope roofs, conventional and inverted, are in practice depending on the placement of the membrane in the system. The present study focuses on the wind uplift performance of fully bonded single ply roofing assembly. Past studies focused on the wind uplift resistance evaluation of mechanically attached systems with different waterproofing membranes. However, no studies exist in the literature documenting the performance of fully bonded assembly (FBA). Recent field investigations of roof failures after major hurricanes indicated that these assemblies are equally susceptible to high wind events. The present study investigated three parameters that could influence the wind uplift performance of the FBA namely, curing time of the assembly, bonding strength between the membrane and insulation fastener plate and insulation thickness. The optimal curing time appears to be near 28 days, at which maximum adhesive bond is achieved between the membrane and the insulation facer. Use of metal fastener plates with smooth surface provides good bonding with the membrane compared to the plastic and textured plates, and thereby improves the wind uplift rating of FBA. Arranging the insulation in staggered fashion can minimize the airflow into the assembly and improve the wind uplift rating.
Involvement of peripheral and central catecholamine systems in neural-immune interactions

Abstract In this review, we have attempted to delineate the current state of knowledge of the relationships between the immune system and one chemically specific component of the nervous system, the noradrenergic system, both in the brain and the periphery. We have discussed recent work describing the presence of noradrenergic innervation in lymphoid tissues in the major lymphatic organs. Our findings demonstrate clearly that the regions in which lymphocytes (mainly T cells) reside, and through which they recirculate, recieve direct sympathetic neural input. The immune system can, therefore, be considered ‘hard-wired’ to the brain. The evidence for receptors on cells of the immune system capable of receiving signals from the brain is discussed. The significance of this ‘hard-wiring’ to the function of the immune system is considered, both with regard to the effect of its disruption on immune responses, and to the direct and indirect effects of sympathetic neurotransmitter substances on lymphocytes and their behavior in vitro and in vivo. Finally, our detailed analysis of changes occurring in central noradrenergic pathways as a result of stimulation of the immune system leads to an emerging picture of feedback loops from the immune system to the brain. Such circuits employ endocrine, and probably autonomic, outflow to modulate and regulate immune responses.
Impaired renal adenylate cyclase response to parathyroid hormone in the calcium-deficient rat.

The PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase of rat renal cortex was impaired in the vitamin D-replete animal fed a low calcium diet. Male weanling rats were fed a vitamin D-deficient diet containing either 0.47% calcium (controls) or 0.02% calcium (low calcium) and 0.36% phosphorus. Both groups were treated with 70 IU vitamin D2 twice weekly. Circulating immunoreactive PTH was elevated over control levels by 7 days, and by 4 weeks was more than 5-fold greater than control. Total serum calcium was decreased by the low calcium diet at all time points studied with a maximum decrease of 2–3 mg/100 ml. The PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase activity of renal cortical membranes prepared from rats fed the low calcium diet exhibited a significant decrease compared to those receiving the control diet. The basal enzyme activity and the stimulation by fluoride, salmon calcitonin, and vasopressin were similar in both groups. In studies with renal cortical slices, control tissue exhibited a 3.5-fold increase in cAMP content over...
Measuring Moments of Protein Conformation Distributions using Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is often used to characterize the concentration and secondary structures of proteins in a variety of static and dynamics samples. Our work develops new methods to compare the structure, dynamics and function of nearly identical protein samples, in order to help characterize bio-similar protein therapeutics. We have developed a method to describe protein conformational variations around the average molecular values. By comparing the moments of the protein structural distributions and amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange methods, we explore the relationships between protein stability and dynamics. Examples include lysozyme and albumin in solution, cytochrome c interacting with lipid membranes of varying net-negative surface charge density, and bacteriorhodopsin during its photocycle.
Is equilibrium always an entropy maximum

A systematic development is given of the view that in the case of systems with long-range forces and which are therefore nonextensive (in some sense) some thermodynamic results do not hold. Among these is the relationU − TS + pΝ = ΜN and the Gibbs-Duhem equation. If a search for an equilibrium state is made by maximization of the entropy one may obtain misleading results because superadditivity may be violated. The considerations are worked out for a simple gas model, but they are relevant to black hole thermodynamics. Rather general conclusions can be drawn which transcend special systems.