cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic and midbrain control of sexual receptivity in the female rat

Abstract The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) appears to be one site of action for estrogen with respect to the induction of sexual receptivity. Lateral efferents from the VMN pass through a region capping the lateral part of the cerebral peduncle and constitute a “lateral pathway” connecting the VMN with midbrain structures. Bilateral lesions of this peripeduncular region markedly reduced the display of lordosis by estrogen or estrogen-progesterone primed female rats in sex behavior tests with males. Sexual receptivity was comparably reduced when a sagittal knife-cut lateral to the VMN on one side of the brain was combined with a lesion of the peripeduncular region on the other side of the brain. In other words, asymmetric brain damage which nevertheless bilaterally interrupts axons of the lateral pathway connecting the VMN and midbrain markedly reduces the occurrence of lordosis, and we conclude that the integrity of the lateral pathway is essential for the hormonal induction of sexual receptivity in female rats. This pathway may be one avenue through which the action of estrogen on cells of the VMN may bias activity in midbrain structures directly concerned with the elicitation and/or execution of the lordosis reflex, to bring about the occurrence of sexual receptivity in the female.
Class III beta-tubulin isotype (beta III) in the adrenal medulla: III. Differential expression of neuronal and glial antigens identifies two distinct populations of neuronal and glial-like (sustentacular) cells in the PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line maintained in a Gelfoam matrix system.

Background: The rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line provides an established system for the study of neuronal differentiation. To our knowledge, glial differentiation has not been reported in this cell line. Methods: We have studied, by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot- ting, the presence of neuronal cytoskeletal antigens (class III b-tubulin isotype (b III), microtubule associated proteins MAP2, MAP1B and tau, and different neurofilament (NF) protein components), and synaptophy- sin in comparison with the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 protein in the PC12 cell line. In three different experiments, PC12 cells were maintained in a three-dimensional gelatin foam (Gelfoam) matrix system for up to 34 days with and without treatment with 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic (dc)AMP. Immunohistochemistry was performed on explants rang- ing from 2 to 32 days-in vitro, which were fixed in either Bouin's solution, 70% ethanol, or 10% neutral-buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Immunoblotting was performed on Gelfoam explants with a panel of antibodies against all aforementioned neuronal and glial markers. Addi- tional immunoblot experiments using anti-GFAP and anti-b III monoclo- nal antibodies in cell suspensions and homogenates from PC12 monolayer cultures were carried out to compare growth conditions in relation to the expression of these proteins.
Comparative Responses of Two Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars to Salinity Stress

Little information is available concerning physiological responses of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG) cultivars to salinity. Growth and physiological responses of Limousine' and Kenblue' KBG to a range of salinity levels were investigated. Grasses were grown in solution culture and exposed to salinity levels of 2.2, 5.2, 8.2, 11.2, and 14.2 dS m -1 for 10 wk. Though both cultivars exhibited increased leaf firing with increasing salinity, Limousine exhibited less leaf firing than Kenblue at salinity levels above 5.2 dS m - 1 . In addition, salinity levels that caused 25% shoot growth reduction were 3.2 dS m -1 for Kenblue and 4.7 dS m -1 for Limousine, indicating that Limousine has better salinity tolerance. Under moderate (8.2 dS m -1 ) salinity stress, Limousine produced ∼50% more root growth than Kenblue. Water relations diverged between cultivars at 8.2 and 14.2 dS m -1 , as Limousine had higher leaf water and osmotic potentials, as well as more positive turgor. While glycinebetaine was not detected in either cultivar, proline increased in leaves with increasing salinity, and was higher in Kenblue than Limousine at 8.2, 11.2, and 14.2 dS m -1 . This suggests that compatible solute accumulation is not a salinity tolerance mechanism of KBG, and that proline accumulation is merely an indication of salt injury. Limousine maintained 52% lower shoot Na + , 30.4% lower Cl - , and 52% higher shoot K + /Na + ratio than Kenblue at the highest salinity level. These results suggest that salinity tolerance in KBG is largely attributable to maintenance of higher root growth, and more positive turgor, higher K + /Na + ratio, and less Cl accumulation in shoots. These traits may serve as useful selection criteria in breeding efforts to develop salt tolerant KBG.
Improved energy efficiency in the industrialized countries Past achievements, CO2 emission prospects

Abstract This paper explores the contribution which energy efficiency might make to future reductions in CO 2 emissions. Trends in key energy-use sectors and recent changes that may signal a slowdown in the rate of improvement of energy efficiency are examined. The OECD countries reduced their energy-use through greater efficiency by nearly 32 EJ, or 16 million bbl/day oil equivalent between 1972 and 1985. But the pace of these improvements in energy-use has begun to slow. Prospects for increased efficiency in each sector, and the barriers to achieving those increases, are discussed.
Theory of slickenline patterns based on the velocity gradient tensor and microrotation

Abstract Brittle fault zones commonly are characterized by a multitude of lineated shear planes having a wide distribution of orientations. In our model, we assume the faulted rock comprises an aggregate of rigid blocks whose surfaces are the shear planes. We define two independent scales of motion to distinguish the local rigid rotation of the blocks with their shear planes (the “micromotion”) from the average deformation of the material on a macroscopic scale (the “macromotion”). The macromotion is defined by the macrovelocity gradient tensor, which is separated into symmetric and antisymmetric parts, the deformation rate and the macrospin tensors respectively; the micromotion is defined by a microspin tensor. On any shear plane, slickenlines form parallel to the direction of the maximum rate of shear, which we assume is determined by the direction of the maximum component of the macrovelocity gradient tensor tangent to the shear plane and by a component of the microspin in the shear plane. For a restricted kinematic model, patterns of slickenline orientations are defined on a uniform distribution of shear plane orientations by the values of D and W . D is a ratio of differences in the principal values of the deformation rate tensor, and W is a ratio of the net spin to the maximum rate of macroshear. We distinguish between instantaneous slickenline patterns and finite-deformation patterns. The two are different if the shear planes rotate relative to the principal deformation rate axes, in which case finite-deformation slickenlines form curved or crossing lineations. If W = 0, the instantaneous slickenline patterns have orthorhombic symmetry (0 D D = 1 or 0). If W ≠ 0, the instantaneous slickenline patterns have monoclinic symmetry. For pure shear in an isotropic body, instantaneous slickenline patterns have orthorhombic symmetry ( W = 0, D = 0.5) whereas for pure shear accommodated by shear on a planar anisotropy ( W = −1 , D = 0.5), the pattern is monoclinic. For simple shear with the rigid rotation of local shear planes defined by the shear-induced spin ( W = 0, D = 0.5), the instantaneous slickenline pattern is orthorhombic but the finite-deformation pattern is monoclinic. For simple shear with no shear plane rotation ( W = −1, D = 0.5), the instantaneous pattern is monoclinic. Special cases of our hypothesis are equivalent to the hypothesis that slickenlines are parallel to the direction of maximum resolved shear stress (e.g. Angelier, 1979, 1984). The slickenline patterns predicted for this case are always of orthorhombic or higher symmetry, and are equivalent to our instantaneous patterns for which W = 0 and to our finite-deformation patterns for which, in addition, there is no microspin.
Computational mechanics of fatigue and life predictions for composite materials and structures

A multiscale fatigue analysis model is developed for brittle composite materials. The mathematical homogenization theory is generalized to account for multiscale damage effects in heterogeneous media and a closed form expression relating nonlocal microphase fields to the overall strains and damage is derived. The evolution of fatigue damage is approximated by the first order initial value problem with respect to the number of load cycles. An efficient integrator is developed for the numerical integration of the continuum damage based fatigue cumulative law. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed model for both low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue are investigated by numerical experimentation.
Global climatic anomalies associated with extremes in the Southern Oscillation

Abstract Composite temperature and precipitation anomalies during various stages of an event in the Southern Oscillation (SO) have been computed for several hundred stations across the globe. Large regions of coherent, significant signals are shown to exist for both extremes of the SO, with warm event signals generally opposite to those during cold events. In addition, during the year preceding the development of an event in the SO (year −1), climatic anomalies tend to be opposite to those during the following year (year 0). This confirms that the biennial tendency of the SO over the Pacific/Indian ocean sectors is also present in more remote regions with climatic signals related to the SO. Many of the signals are consistent enough from event to event to be useful for extended range forecasting purposes.
Ribosomal Dna Sequences of Encephalitozoon Hellem and Encephalitozoon Cuniculi: Species Identification and Phylogenetic Construction

. A segment of ribosomal DNA, about 1,350 base pairs long, was amplified from the microsporidian species Encephalitozoon hellem, isolated from AIDS patients, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi. the amplified DNA segment extends from position 530 in the small ribosomal RNA subunit to position 580 in the large ribosomal RNA subunit. A comparison of sequence data from this region for Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi shows relatively high sequence similarity, supporting the placement of these two organisms in the same genus. At the same time, sequence differences between the two organisms confirm that they are not the same species. Three separate isolates of E. hellem were sequenced in the highly variable intervening spacer region. the sequence was identical for all three isolates. Within the amplified DNA segment, regions were sequenced which yield highly variable, moderately variable and highly conserved sequence information, appropriate for comparison with other species in the phylum Microspora at all taxonomic levels. We suggest that sequence data from these regions be included in future species descriptions for the purposes of species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Restriction digests of the amplified region are presented and give a rapid method for distinguishing between the two Encephalitozoon species.
Laser induced chemical solution deposition of nanomaterials: A novel process demonstrated by manufacturing SnO2 nanotubes

Abstract We describe a novel chemical solution-based deposition method induced by laser for manufacturing nanomaterials. This new method is several orders of magnitude faster than the state of the art of the processing methods for making SnO2 nanotubes. Furthermore, it has higher consistency and good scalability.
A 222pn upper bound on the complexity of Presburger Arithmetic

The decision problem for the theory of integers under addition, or “Presburger Arithmetic,” is proved to be elementary recursive in the sense of Kalmar. More precisely, it is proved that a quantifier elimination decision procedure for this theory due to Cooper determines, for any n, the truth of any sentence of length n within deterministic time 222pn for some constant p > 1. This upper bound is approximately one exponential higher than the best known lower bound on nondeterministic time. Since it seems to cost one exponential to simulate a nondeterministic algorithm with a deterministic one, it may not be possible to significantly improve either bound.
Clutch and egg size variation in the banded darter, Etheostoma zonale, from three sites in Arkansas

We studied variation in clutch and egg size of the banded darter, Etheostoma zonale, using museum specimens representing three geographically separated populations from central and northern Arkansas. We found significant differences in standard length-adjusted mean clutch size and mean ovum mass. Clutch size varied by more than three hundred percent between sites, and egg mass by approximately twenty percent, demonstrating that comparative studies of interspecific variation in life history based upon a single population for each species may be misleading.
Exploring rhetoric of public diplomacy in the mixed-motive situation: Using the case of President Obama's ‘nuclear-free world’ speech in Prague

Within the theoretical framework of the mixed-motive model of public relations, this case study of President Obama's speech in Prague, calling for ‘a world without nuclear weapons’, analyzes the dynamics of rhetoric of public diplomacy in the mixed-motive situation. The analysis shows that the speech presented a two-way symmetrical worldview. At the same time, it made asymmetrical advocacy by stressing the US leadership, continuing the containment theme and justifying the continued possession of the nuclear arsenals by the United States, corroborating the mixed-motive model's assumption of divided loyalty. To reduce the tensions caused by such mixed motives, the speech presented a constructivist worldview that emphasized on the power of ideas, morality, norms and the possibility of change. Its emphasis on the long-term nature of the cause echoed Grunig's (2001) argument that in the mixed-motive model asymmetrical tactics may be used within the win-win zone because such practices are bounded by a symmetrical worldview that ‘respects long-term relationships’. In the speech, President Obama mostly relied on ethos to make his call credible. Pathos is the second major rhetorical strategy by appealing to fear and shame. The least used appeal is logos. The varied weight of the appeals revealed potential rhetorical strategies in a mixed-motive situation. The findings of the research confirm Gilboa's (2008) argument that application of the constructivism approach to public diplomacy may produce fresh insights. This research contributes to the research in the Excellence Theory and public diplomacy.
Incorporation of hands-on sterile technique instruction in an introductory pharmacy practice experience.

Objective. To examine sterile technique and basic sterile compounding procedures among third-year pharmacy students.Design. Third year pharmacy students participating in an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) in 2012 (n=126) and 2013 (n=119) performed a modified low-risk compounded sterile product (CSP) media fill challenge test, then prepared a 5 mg/mL vancomycin solution that was subsequently analyzed for accuracy.Assessment. To identify deficiencies in sterile procedures, students were observed while performing a modified low-risk CSP media fill challenge test. In the first year of conducting the challenge test (2012), 3 deficiencies were identified: hand washing before compounding, cleaning items with alcohol prior to start, and cleaning work area upon completion. In 2013, significant improvements were observed in these 3 areas after students watched a demonstration video. Examination of CSPs revealed less than 1% contamination in both years. Analysis of compounded vancomycin solutions sh...
Transforming uncertainty into security margins

Summary form only given. Power systems are often operated with deterministic security margins determined by experience and by running simulations of selected contingencies. One way to introduce uncertainty into this framework is to model the sources of uncertainty, translate the sources of uncertainty into uncertainty in the margin and then set a margin so that there is a high probability that the system will remain secure. This high probability of security may be chosen. Choosing a higher probability of security will of course determine a larger margin. Consider a transfer capability margin in a situation in which the transfer capability margin limits some profit-making bulk power transaction. Then changes in the transfer capability margin can be translated into changes in profit made on the transfer. If the costs of the security violation can be estimated, this allows the tradeoff of security versus profit to be quantified. The translation of uncertainty into margins outlined above can be solved in a practical way for some security violations and for some sources of uncertainty. We first discuss some solved cases and then consider an unsolved case. We present NERC data showing power tails in the blackout size probability and discuss how this might relate to cascading failure.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Reassessing Her Significance for Feminism and Social Economics

Gilman was a committed feminist and social economist who intended to change society by insisting on an ethical, rational, indeed, “natural” order that acknowledges and encourages mothering as its basis, regardless of sex. For this reason, a consistent interpretation of Women and Economicsmust incorporate an analysis of the relationship between the position of women and the larger community. Specifically, Gilman believed that society had the potential to evolve institutionally into a healthier, freer, more socially interdependent state. She articulates this theme through a comparison of the “social body” to an organism. Newly liberated women would have a crucial role to play in this society by responsibly fulfilling their capacity to be mothers who were educated, productive, and happy. Women and Economicsis a book about restructuring societal institutions beginning with, but certainly not restricted to, the economy of the home. For Gilman, personal fulfillment and individual economic freedom could be obtai...
Pertussis toxin reverses adenosine receptor-mediated inhibition of renin secretion in rat renal cortical slices.

Abstract Adenosine analogs selective for the A 1 subclass of adenosine receptors, such as N 6 -cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), inhibit renin secretion in vitro preparations. Ca chelation blocks the inhibitory effect, consistent with mediation by increased intracellular free Ca 2+ , and it has been suggested that intracellular Ca 2+ could increase as a result of receptor-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase followed by decreased Ca efflux from the renin-secreting cells. Pertussis toxin blocks receptor-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase in many cells, and in others, it blocks receptor-induced phosphotidylinositol response. In the present studies, pertussis toxin treatment stimulated the basal renin secretory rate of rat renal cortical slices and blocked the inhibitory effect of CHA but not the inhibitory effect of K-depolarization. These data support the hypothesis that a pertussis toxin substrate, such as N i , is involved in CHA-, but not in K-depolarization, -induced inhibition of renin secretion.
The tor pathway: a target for cancer therapy

Rapamycin, a macrocyclic lactone, is a highly specific inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein kinase target of rapamycin (TOR). Although it is clear that TOR controls initiation of protein translation, recent results indicate that TOR is a central controller, integrating a plethora of signalling pathways that respond to growth factors and nutritional status. In addition to the role of rapamycin as an immune suppressant, emerging data indicate that genetic and metabolic changes accompanying malignant transformation might cause hypersensitivity to TOR inhibition.
Laminarly orthogonal excitation of fast-spiking and low-threshold-spiking interneurons in mouse motor cortex

In motor cortex, long-range output to subcortical motor circuits depends on excitatory and inhibitory inputs converging on projection neurons in layers 5A/B. How interneurons interconnect with these projection neurons, and whether these microcircuits are interneuron and/or projection specific, is unclear. We found that fast-spiking interneurons received strong intralaminar (horizontal) excitation from pyramidal neurons in layers 5A/B including corticostriatal and corticospinal neurons, implicating them in mediating disynaptic recurrent, feedforward, and feedback inhibition within and across the two projection classes. Low-threshold-spiking (LTS) interneurons were instead strongly excited by descending interlaminar (vertical) input from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons, implicating them in mediating disynaptic feedforward inhibition to both projection classes. Furthermore, in a novel pattern, lower layer 2/3 preferentially excited interneurons in one layer (5A/LTS) and excitatory neurons in another (5B/corticospinal). Thus, these inhibitory microcircuits in mouse motor cortex follow an orderly arrangement that is laminarly orthogonalized by interneuron-specific, projection-nonspecific connectivity.
Intraseasonal Tropospheric Circulation Variability and its Association with Concurrent Atmospheric and Oceanic Fields

Abstract Interseasonal variability for a portion of the Northern Hemisphere has been quantified by using grid-point standard deviations of five-day mean 700 mb height for individual seasons, standard deviations of empirical orthogonal function amplitude time series for individual seasons, and a specially derived variability index (VI). The various measures or intraseasonal variability of 700 mb height were used in stratification studies (i.e., using difference maps based on high versus low variability) or correlation analyses so that relationships between intraseasonal variability and seasonal mean circulation or sea-surface temperature anomalies could be determined. Approximately 39 years of data (1948–76) were employed. Principal findings include: 1) Intraseasonal variability, characterized by the VI, generally showed little if any persistence from one season to the next. The exception was the autumn-winter period when the autocorrelation was 0.52. The largest contribution to this persistence came from ...
One Way Ticket to the Opportunity of a Career: An Interview with Ruth A. Pagell, University Librarian, Li Ka Shing Library, Singapore Management University

ABSTRACT In June 2005, Ruth Pagell became University Librarian of the Li Ka Shing Library, Singapore Management University. Except for one year spent abroad with the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, Ruth worked her entire professional life in the United States until this move. Beginning her career as a reference librarian in a New Jersey public library, she assumed positions of increasing responsibilities in university business libraries in Philadelphia and Atlanta. Now, as University Librarian, Ruth has the opportunity of a career to influence University administrators, as well as the challenge of organizing services in a brand new library. The position in Singapore offered her everything she sought in a world class city. Ruth shares her perspective on her journey and offers advice for those contemplating a similar adventure.
Role of chromatin structure in zygotic gene activation in the mammalian embryo

Changes in chromatin structure, rather than changes in the activity of the transcriptional apparatus, may underlie the timing and basis for zygotic gene activation in the mouse embryo. The transcriptional capacity of the male and female pronuclei differs and the first mitosis is associated with development of a transcriptionally repressive state such that efficient gene expression requires a functional enhancer. This repressive state is also relieved by increasing the level of histone H4 hyperacetylation. Zygotic gene activation is also associated with the transient enrichment of chromatin containing hyperacetylated histone H4 and RNA polymerase II at the nuclear periphery. Depletion of maternally-derived histones as the signal for zygotic gene activation is explored.
Direct Evidence for Sequence Ordering of Random Semicrystalline Copolyesters during High-Temperature Annealing

In an effort to study sequence ordering during annealing in semicrystalline copolyesters, the carbonyl carbon of p-hydroxybenzoic acid was 13C tagged and then solution polymerized with 2-hydroxy-6-...
New insights into the structure and function of potassium channels

Potassium channels are surprisingly modular proteins. Well-defined regions that determine functional properties such as ion conduction and gating have recently been identified.
Response to Comment on: Morden et al. Further Exploration of the Relationship Between Insulin Glargine and Incident Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Older Medicare Patients. Diabetes Care 2011;34:1965–1971

We appreciate the discussion initiated by Badrick et al. (1) and thank them for the questions raised. In an ideal world, we would have a randomized trial with the enormous sample necessary to answer this question as well as decades of follow-up. In an imperfect world, our analysis reveals the experience of a significant fraction of U.S. patients with diabetes using insulin glargine over 3 years of observation. Regarding our prevalent users cohort and fixed treatment group assignment, we acknowledged the reasonable but unproven assumption that our observed exposure reflects unobserved exposure, preceding 2006 (Part D inception). Under this assumption, assignment to treatment observed in the earliest observation window is the best exposure …
Parenteral glutamine supplementation does not reduce the risk of mortality or late-onset sepsis in extremely low birth weight infants.

Background Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids in both plasma and human milk, yet it is not included in standard intravenous amino acid solutions. Previous studies have suggested that parenteral nutrition (PN) supplemented with glutamine may reduce sepsis and mortality in critically ill adults. Whether glutamine supplementation would provide a similar benefit to extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is not known. Methods We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of early PN supplemented with glutamine in decreasing the risk of death or late-onset sepsis in ELBW infants. Infants 401 to 1000 g were randomized within 72 hours of birth to receive either TrophAmine (control) or an isonitrogenous study amino acid solution with 20% glutamine whenever they received PN up to 120 days of age, death, or discharge from the hospital. The primary outcome was death or late-onset sepsis. Results Of the 721 infants who were assigned to glutamine supplementation, 370 (51%) died or developed late-onset sepsis, as compared with 343 of the 712 infants (48%) assigned to control (relative risk: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.97-1.17). Glutamine had no effect on tolerance of enteral feeds, necrotizing enterocolitis, or growth. No significant adverse events were observed with glutamine supplementation. Conclusions Parenteral glutamine supplementation as studied did not decrease mortality or the incidence of late-onset sepsis in ELBW infants. Consequently, although no harm was demonstrated, routine use of parenteral glutamine supplementation cannot be recommended in this population.
A Learning Collaborative Supporting the Implementation of an Evidence-Informed Program, the “4Rs and 2Ss for Children with Conduct Difficulties and their Families”

In this qualitative study the authors examine factors associated with the successful implementation and plans for continued use of an evidence-informed intervention, the 4Rs and 2Ss Program for Strengthening Families, in a sample of 29 New York State, Office of Mental Health licensed child mental health clinics. A learning collaborative (LC) approach was used as a vehicle for supporting training and implementation of the program. The PRISM theoretical framework (Feldstein & Glasgow, 2008) was used to guide the data analysis. Data were analyzed using a multi-phase iterative process, identifying influences on implementation at multiple levels: the program (intervention), the external environment, implementation and sustainability infrastructure, and recipient characteristics. Clinics that were more proactive evidenced staff with advanced organizational skills were able to take advantage of the trainings and supports offered by the LC and fared better in their ability to adopt the intervention. The ability t...
Using Monte Carlo methods to commission electron beams: a feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Monte Carlo methods to assist in the commissioning of electron beams for a medicallinear accelerator. The EGS4/BEAM code system was used to model an installed linear accelerator at this institution. Following an initial tuning of the input parameters, dosimetry data normally measured during the machine commissioning was calculated using the Monte Carlo code. All commissioning data was calculated for 6- and 12-MeV electron beams, and a subset of the commissioning data was calculated for the 20-MeV electron beams. On central axis, calculated percentage depth dose, cross-beam profiles, cone-insert ratios, and air-gap factors were generally within 2% of D max or 1 mm of the measured commissioning data; however, calculated open-cone ratios were not within 2%, in most cases. Calculated off-axis dose profiles for small fields were generally within the 2% (1-mm) criteria; however, calculated dose profiles for larger (open cone) fields frequently failed the 2% (1-mm) criteria. The remaining discrepancies between Monte Carlo calculations and measurement could be due to flaws in the Monte Carlo code, inaccuracies in the simulation geometry, the approximation of the initial source configuration, or a combination of the above. Although agreement between Monte Carlo calculated and measured doses was impressive and similar to previously published comparisons, our results did not prove our hypothesis that Monte Carlo calculations can generate electron commissioning data that is accurate within 2% of D max or 0.1 cm over the entire range of clinical treatment parameters. Although we believe that this hypothesis can be proved, it remains a challenge for the medical physics community. We intend to pursue this further by developing systematic methods for isolating causes of these differences.
Steady-State Crack Propagation in Pressurized Pipelines Without Backfill

Battelle Memorial Institute's Columbus Laboratories and Ohio State University have formulated a method of predicting the manner in which crack propagation occurs in gas-pressurized pipelines without backfill from theoretical considerations and small-scale laboratory tests. The theoretical model for axial crack propagation takes explicit account of the interaction between the pipe deformation and the dynamics of the escaping gas and incorporates a fully plastic region behind the crack tip. For steady-state conditions, the result is expressed in terms of the dynamic energy-release-rate parameter, which is a function of the crack speed, the pipe dimensions and mechanical properties, the gas properties, and the pipeline operating conditions. By equating this quantity to the dynamic energy absorption rate determined for the pipe material in a laboratory test, a prediction of the manner in which crack propagation occurs in a pipeline can be made. Because the results are obtained from theoretical considerations and small-scale laboratory tests only, this approach provides the first realistic predictive capability that is completely independent of full-scale tests.
GATA-2 and HNF-3β Regulate the Human Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1A (ADH1A) Gene

In this paper, we have identified several distal cis-acting elements that contribute to the regulation and tissue- specificity of ADH1A, which encodes an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) that metabolize...
Electrophysiologic study demonstrating triple antegrade AV nodal pathways in patients with spontaneous and/or induced supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract Ten patients are described with two discrete discontinulties in AV nodal conduction curves suggesting triple antegrade AV nodal pathways. This represents approximately 6% of patients seen in this laboratory with dual AV nodal pathways. Patients ranged in age from 18 to 63 (mean ± Sd, 48 ± 15 years). Six of the 10 patients had organic heart disease and four did not. The effect of cycle length on triple pathways could be analyzed in 8 of 10 patients who had atrial extrastimulus testing at two or more cycle lengths. Three of these eight patients had triple pathways at all tested cycle lengths. Four patients had triple pathways only at shorter cycle lengths. One patient had triple pathways only at longer cycle lengths. Intact retrograde conduction was demonstrated in seven of ten patients, all of whom had atrial echoes (two patients) or inducible supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (five patients). Echoes or SVT were induced on the slow pathway is all seven patients, but also on the intermediate pathway in three. However, sustained SVT usually reflected antegrade slow and retrograde fast pathway conduction. In conclusion. triple AV nodal pathways may be demonstrated in occasional patients during atrial extrastimulus testing. Thereby, functional longitudinal dissociation of the AV node is not limited to two pathways.
The influence of a targeted deletion of the IFNgamma gene on emotional behaviors.

Abstract Evidence suggests that interferon-gamma (IFNγ) plays an important role in CNS function and development. While the paucity of agents that selectively modify IFNγ production or interaction with its receptors makes analyses of its potential behavioral relevance difficult, mice with null mutations of the IFNγ gene have been used to investigate the potential role of IFNγ in emotional behaviors. C57Bl/6 (B6) mice with null mutations of the IFNγ gene (IFNγ (−/−)) showed significantly increased emotionality compared to the wild-type (IFNγ (+/+)) B6 mice. This was manifested in performance in the elevated plus maze as well as increased defecation scores and decreased locomotor activity both in novel environments and following a sonic stimulus. In contrast, the general level of emotionality of both IFNγ (+/+) and (−/−) BALB/c (C) mice was substantially greater than that of either of the B6 mouse groups. While C IFNγ (−/−) showed increased immobility in response to novelty, other indices of emotionality of C IFNγ (−/−) mice were not significantly different from those of the C IFNγ (+/+) mice. In summary, the lack of IFNγ appears to contribute to increased emotionality, but the basal behaviors of the parental strain (e.g., BALBc) may overshadow the expression of this emotionality. While mice with null mutations of the IFNγ gene may be useful tools for investigating the role of IFNγ in brain function and behavior, the influence of the parent strain genome(s) on the behaviors in question must be taken into account.
The impact of the acreage allotment program on rice farming

This paper designs an acreage response model under the acreage allotment farm program incorporation a policy-inducing variable. The single-equation regression model for each rice-producing state is estimated by the ordinary least squares mulitiple regression procedure. The estimated parameter shows a significant direct relationship between the rice acreage planted and plicy-inducing price in all the rice-growing states. The estimated short-run elasticities for Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were 0.72, 0.59, 0.67, 0.66, and 0.81 respectively. The heterogeneity in the magnitude of the elasticities during the acreate allotment period suggests considering a rice program formulation in response to each state's variability in physical restraints, availability of irrigation water, average yields, and return over cost, thereby providing risk management incentives to rice growers to respond positively to the farm program.
Tolerance to anorectic drugs: pharmacological or artifactual.

Abstract The results of three studies are presented which demonstrate that the anorexia produced by amphetamine and fenfluramine is secondary to a direct weight suppressing effect of these drugs. Furthermore, these data strongly suggest that the decreasing weight loss and the return to normal appetite that occurs with repeated drug usage is not due to pharmacological tolerance, but rather reflects a successful physiological and behavioral adjustment to a lowered level of body weight.
The action of norepinephrine, epinephrine and isopropyl norepinephrine on the rhythmic function of the heart.

The actions of norepinephrine and isopropyl norepinephrine on the rhythmic property of the heart were studied and compared with that of epinephrine. Norepinephrine does not abolish cardiac standstill by carotid sinus stimulation, has no effect on the ventricular rate of heart block and induces a sinus bradycardia. Isopropyl norepinephrine acts similarly to epinephrine in that it abolishes the induced cardiac standstill, increases the ventricular rate of heart block and produces a sinus tachycardia. In the treatment of cardiac arrest, the isopropyl compound appears to possess optimum features as it is very potent in the prevention of cardiac standstill and does not predispose to ventricular fibrillation.
CYCLIN B1 PROMOTER ACTIVITY AND FUNCTIONAL CDK1 COMPLEX FORMATION IN G1 PHASE OF HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELLS

Overexpression of cyclin B has been detected in various human breast cancer cell lines, breast tumor tissues, and immortalized but nontransformed breast cells. The cause of this overexpression has not been thoroughly investigated, nor is it known if cyclin B protein forms a functional complex with its partner, cdk1, at inappropriate cell cycle periods. In this study we examined the pattern of cyclin B1 promoter activity in three breast cancer cell lines, BT-549, MDA-MB-157, T-47D, and the immortalized breast cell line MCF-10F. Using cells stably transfected with a cyclin B1 promoter-luciferase reporter, luciferase activity was measured throughout the cell cycle in lovastatin synchronized cells and in G1 and S/G2 phases of asynchronized cells by flow cytometry. Results demonstrate that the cyclin B1 promoter activity increases, as expected, during the S/G2 period in all the cell lines. However, some promoter activity can be detected in G1 phase of the different cell line with BT-549 displaying the more altered pattern. Functional cyclin B1-cdk 1 protein complex was detected in G1 phase of BT-549 and T-47D cell lines. These results suggest that in a subset of transformed breast cancer cells altered cyclin B1 promoter activity may contribute to the misexpression of cyclin B protein.
What can be done about resistance to antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is now generally accepted as a major public health issue, but it is less clear which interventions should be used and which will work. Our principal objective is to minimise antibiotic resistance and increase the likelihood that standard treatments continue to be effective, for many decades, in patients who genuinely need them. We also wish to eliminate adverse reactions and waste in health funding due to unnecessaryuse. Streptococcus pyogenes Direct evidence of the positive effects of intervention on reducing resistance is scanty. We know that it is possible to reduce antibiotic consumption in communities and countries. For instance, in the five years to 1994 per capita usage of antibiotics actually dropped in Australia, but in six other Western countries consumption has increased steadily over a decade.1 Similar sharp drops in use of penicillin in Hungary followed the discovery of high rates of resistance in pneumococci.2 In neither case is there yet direct evidence that resistance rates have dropped as a result. Recently, investigators in Finland have shown a considerable drop in the prevalence of erythromycin resistant Streptococcus pyogenes after a national campaign to reduce use of macrolides.3 Other researchers, however, have shown significant variation in the prevalence of erythromycin resistance in S pyogenes in the absence of any intervention to change macrolide use,4 suggesting that natural fluctuations in the spread of strains may also influence prevalence of resistance. Thus we are left largely with empirical and commonsense strategies. Several learned groups, such as the Fogarty International Centre, a task force for the American Society for Microbiology, and the World Health Organisation, have produced recommendations about appropriate action.5–7 International experts have also offered sound …
Patterns of Hospice Care Among Military Veterans and Non-Veterans

Context Historically, hospice use by veterans has lagged behind that of non-veterans. Little is known about hospice use by veterans at a population level.
Results of the 1997 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology

Rationale and Objectives. The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology annually surveys residency programs on a variety of issues related to residency training. The survey results allow individual programs in compare features of their programs with national averages and to gauge trends in radiology residency training. Materials and Methods. Questionnaires were mailed to the chief residents in 180 accredited radiology residency programs in the United States. A variety of demographic and common-interest questions were asked. The 1997 survey focused on American Board of Radiology (ABR) examination preparation, residency curriculum, and socioeconomic issues relevant to graduating radiology residents. Results. Completed surveys from 73 programs (41%) were returned. Areas of curriculum concern among chief residents reflected primarily current turf issues. A higher than expected percentage of residents considered their training to be inadequate in nonneurologic magnetic resonance imaging and chest, musculoskeletal, and genitourinary radiology. Job security is a major emerging concern for radiology residents who are considering careers in private practice. The practice of remembering and transcribing questions from the ABR written examination is common, and these questions are a valued resource in preparing for the diagnostic section of the written examination. Most residents attend a commercial review course before the oral examination, and the majority of programs also provide internal review courses. Conclusion. A higher than expectd percentage of chief residents expressed concern regarding training in subspecialties of radiology that are neither areas of turf dispute nor areas where certificate of additional qualification examinations are offered. Radiology programs and residents expend substantial resources on preparation for the ABR examinations in addition to the usual 4-year curriculum. The most valued resource for the diagnostic section of the examination is almost certainly not equally available. Radiology residents are increasingly concerned about future job security.
Decline in Fingernail Clam Populations (Family Sphaeriidae) from Backwater Lakes of the Upper Mississippi River

ABSTRACT The populations of fingernail clams, family Sphaeriidae, of eight backwater lakes of the upper Mississippi River were compared over an 18-year period based upon 284 grab samples. Lakes ranged in size from 2 to 255 hectare surface area, mean depths from 0.2 to 0.9 meters, and mean water exchange times from 0.5 to almost 57 hours. The benthos of these lakes has been dominated by four taxa: Sphaeriidae, Hexagenia sp, Chironomidae, and Oligochaeta. Populations of Sphaeriidae during the mid-1970's showed substantial between-lake variations, but differences between years were not significant (p>0.05). By the 1989–91 period there had been a significant (p<0.05) overall decline in Sphaeriidae populations from these lakes. By the 1989–91 period the early summer populations of Sphaeriidae declined to only about 9 percent of their mid-1970 levels, which accounted for most of the 38 percent decline in total benthic population size. Anaerobic conditions near the bottom waters of one lake (Green Lake) could ac...
The Pathophysiology of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

The pathophysiology of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complex process that can be conceptualized in three phases. In the first phase, high-dose chemoradiotherapy causes damage to host tissues, including a self-limited burst of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin 1. These cytokines activate host antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In the second phase, donor T-cells recognize alloantigens on host APCs. These activated T-cells then proliferate, differentiate into effector cells, and secrete cytokines, particularly interferon (IFN)-γ. In the third phase, target cells undergo apoptosis mediated by cellular effectors (eg, donor cytotoxic T-lymphocytes) and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. TNF-α secretion is amplified by stimuli such as endotoxin that leaks across damaged gastrointestinal mucosa injured by the chemoradiotherapy in the first phase. TNF-α and IFN-γ cause further injury to gastrointestinal epithelium, causing more endo-toxin leakage and establishing a positive inflammatory feedback loop. These events are examined in detail in the following review.Int J Hematol. 2003;78:181-187. 2003 The Japanese Society of Hematology
Cell phones and motor vehicle fatalities

We examine real-world data on 6,700 motor vehicle crashes and data on cell phone usage in a mid-sized European country. In a non-experimental context, we document a positive correlation at the cell-tower level between call volumes and the likelihood of a nearby motor vehicle accident leading to a serious injury. We demonstrate that these correlations are robust to a series of controls. Scaling our estimates by the number of crashes in our data, we estimate that a 100% increase in call volumes is associated with a 15% to 43% increase in the likelihood of a serious crash. Language: en
A new type of microphone using flexoelectric barium strontium titnate

A flexoelectric bridge-structured microphone using bulk barium strontium titanate (Ba0.65Sr0.35TiO3 or BST) ceramic was investigated in this study. The flexoelectric microphone was installed in an anechoic box and exposed to the sound pressure emitted from a loud speaker. Charge sensitivity of the flexoelectric microphone was measured and calibrated using a reference microphone. The 1.5 mm×768 μm×50 μm micro-machined bridge-structured flexoelectric microphone has a sensitivity of 0.92 pC/Pa, while its resonance frequency was calculated to be 98.67 kHz. The analytical and experimental results show that the flexoelectric microphone has both high sensitivity and broad bandwidth, indicating that flexoelectric microphones are potential candidates for many applications.