cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of sodium ions in the response of the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials to osmotic changes in the neuromuscular junction.

WHEN the osmotic pressure of the external medium is increased within a certain range, the frequency of the miniature end-plate potentials (mepps) increases1–4.
Arrhythmically singing crickets: thermoperiodic reentrainment after bilobectomy

The circadian control of the calling song of crickets is abolished by severance of the optic lobes. The arrhythmic singing activity of operated animals is unaffected by all possible light conditions, yet the singing can be reentained by a daily temperature cycle. The characteristics of this reentrainment indicate the that temperature is acting as an actual Zeitgeber. In light of these results the current hypothesis which ascribes a driving oscillator function to the optic lobes must be reevaluated.
Noninvasive surface coverage determination of chemically modified conical nanopores that rectify ion transport.

Surface modification will change the surface charge density (SCD) at the signal-limiting region of nanochannel devices. By fitting the measured i–V curves in simulation via solving the Poisson and Nernst–Planck equations, the SCD and therefore the surface coverage can be noninvasively quantified. Amine terminated organosilanes are employed to chemically modify single conical nanopores. Determined by the protonation–deprotonation of the functional groups, the density and polarity of surface charges are adjusted by solution pH. The rectified current at high conductivity states is found to be proportional to the SCD near the nanopore orifice. This correlation allows the noninvasive determination of SCD and surface coverage of individual conical nanopores.
A Comparative Study of Teacher Stress in American and British Middle Schools

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of stress and the relationship between job-related stress and sources of stress for teachers in the United States in comparison to their counterparts in England. Self-report questionnaires from 773 middle school teachers served as the sample. Teachers in the survey reported a higher level of job-related stress than teachers surveyed in England in a previous study. A standard multiple regression analysis was used to determine the degree of association between levels of stress and sources of stress for teachers in urban, suburban, and rural middle schools. The multiple R's for cases in American urban, suburban, and rural schools were .56, 41, and .47, respectively. The standardized beta weights from the multiple regression procedures were analyzed and significant sources of teacher stress were identified. The results of the current study supported the previously reported findings of research based on a sample of teachers in the United Kingdom.
Primal and mixed variational principles for dynamics of spatial beams

A general formulation is presented for static and dynamic analysis of spatial elastic beams capable of undergoing finite rotations and small strains. The tangent maps associated to the finite rotation vector are used to compute the tangent iteration matrices used to integrate implicitly the equations of motion in descriptor form. A total Lagrangian primal corotational method and an updated Lagrangian mixed variational method are proposed to compute the tangent stiffness matrix. The tangent inertia matrices, including the gyroscopic and centrifugal terms, are also obtained by using the tangent maps of rotation. The numerical examples analyzed in this paper include static (pre- and postbuckling) and dynamic analysis of flexible beams structures. The new finite elements show a very good performance, in terms of fewer number of elements used and accuracy during the simulation, both for static and dynamic problems.
Doppler detection of tricuspid regurgitation following Kawasaki disease

Between June 1984 and April 1985, five patients (4.2%) had tricuspid regurgitation detected on pulsed Doppler echocardiography among 119 patients with Kawasaki disease. The grade of tricuspid regurgitation was moderate in three and mild in two patients; conventional cardiac examinations revealed no evidence of this complication. All patients had associated coronary artery aneurysms except one, but no patients developed subsequent myocardial infarction. The occurrence of tricuspid regurgitation following Kawasaki disease has been considered to be causally related to the carditis, a frequent complication during the acute febrile period of the illness. The present data indicate that tricuspid regurgitation is an additional cardiovascular complication of Kawasaki disease and that Doppler echocardiography is useful in detecting this disorder.
A novel PON-based mobile distributed cluster of antennas approach to provide impartial and broadband services to end users

In this research paper we propose a novel Passive Optical Network (PON) based Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) access network architecture to provide high capacity and performance multimedia services to mobile WiMAX users. Passive Optical Networks (PON) networks do not require powered equipment; hence they cost lower and need less network management. WiMAX technology emerges as a viable candidate for the last mile solution. In the conventional WiMAX access networks, the base stations and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas are connected by point to point lines. Ideally in theory, the Maximum WiMAX bandwidth is assumed to be 70 Mbit/s over 31 miles. In reality, WiMAX can only provide one or the other as when operating over maximum range, bit error rate increases and therefore it is required to use lower bit rate. Lowering the range allows a device to operate at higher bit rates. Our focus in this research paper is to increase both range and bit rate by utilizing distributed cluster of MIMO antennas connected to WiMAX base stations with PON based topologies. A novel quality of service (QoS) algorithm is also proposed to provide admission control and scheduling to serve classified traffic. The proposed architecture presents flexible and scalable system design with different performance requirements and complexity.
Fluoroethers and other next generation fluids

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been predominantly chosen as the zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) alternatives for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants. Since there might be other types of zero ODP compounds more preferable than HFCs as working fluids, several organizations have investigated fluorinated ethers, alcohols, amines, silicon, and sulfur compounds. Evaluation criteria included toxicity, nonflammability, stability, atmospheric lifetime, refrigeration performance, and manufacturing feasibility/cost. Although a few of the compounds have predicted refrigeration performance close to HFCs, at this stage of the evaluations none appear to have a balance of refrigerant fluid requirements to challenge HFCs.
Proteolysis of whole cell extracts with immobilized enzyme columns as part of multidimensional chromatography

This paper describes the efficacy of immobilized trypsin columns in the digestion of cellular extracts that contained thousands of proteins. Effectiveness of proteolysis was evaluated with extracts of Escherichia coli by size-exclusion chromatography. Immobilized trypsin columns were operated in either the continuous-flow or stopped-flow mode at temperatures ranging from ambient to 37 degrees C with incubation times of 0-2 h. The results of these studies indicate that reduced and alkylated extracts of proteins from E. coli can be digested in 20 min when the enzyme column is operated at elevated temperature. The advantage of immobilized enzyme columns is that they can be easily incorporated into multidimensional separation systems for automated proteomics.
Magnetic resonance diffusion/perfusion phantom experiments†

Recently, several models for determining microcirculatory parameters using magnetic resonance imaging have been proposed. These include the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model, the intravoxel coherent motion (IVCM) model, and various tracer models. In order to evaluate these models before extension into physiological systems, phantom studies were used to assess model assumptions, measurement uncertainties, and sensitivity to changes in perfusion. Emphasis is placed on the IVIM model, but the techniques discussed could be extended to evaluation of other models as well. An overview of considerations in pulse sequence development, phantom design, and data interpretation is presented for a variety of phantoms ranging in complexity from stationary volumes of fluid and mechanically pumped phantoms to isolated animal kidneys and finally to an in vivo animal model.
Repeat Dilation of Intravascular Stents in Congenital Heart Defects

Background Intravascular (Palmaz) stents have been successfully implanted in patients with congenital and acquired branch pulmonary stenosis. Early results are excellent; however, there is no information on restenosis and repeat dilation in patients with congenital heart disease. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence of restenosis and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of repeat dilation of stents in this group of patients. Methods and Results Of 94 patients with 163 implanted stents in this single-center study, 43 patients with 73 implanted stents underwent recatheterization. Only 2 of 73 restudied stents (3%) developed significant restenosis. In 20 patients, 30 stents were redilated. At stent implantation, the mean age of this subgroup was 14.2 years, the mean intraluminal diameter increased from 4.9 to 10.7 mm (P=.0001), and the systolic gradient (mean) across the stent decreased from 52 to 11 mm Hg (P=.0001). At recatheterization (mean, 13 months), all stents were patent. The mean diam...
Coronal Dynamics and the AIA on SDO

We provide a brief overview of present-day studies of inner corona dynamics, with examples of mass ejections (CME), flares and active region dynamics. While the names of the topics have not changed in several decades, the internal details and the language used to express the nature of the problem have changed considerably. We conclude with a short discussion of the contribution to studies of coronal dynamics to be expected from the Atmospheric Imager Assembly (AIA) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Demography of Aging in China and the United States and the Economic Well-Being of their Older Populations

Today China has the world's largest older population, defined as aged 65 and over. The size of the older population in the United States is also large, ranking third in the world in 2000. The combined older populations of China and the United States represented 29 percent of the world's population 65 and older in 2000. The large older populations in these two countries are projected to more than double in size over the next three decades. Although currently China is younger than the United States and many other countries, its aging process will accelerate in the next few decades, with a speed surpassing the experience of many Western European countries and the United States. This paper examines the current and future situation of the older population in China and compares China's aging with that of the United States, using 2000 and earlier censuses from both countries as well as the population projections data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Growth of the older population, changes in the age distribution in China with comparisons to the United States, and the projections of the older population's future growth are analyzed and presented. The paper also discusses sources of financial support and living arrangements in China and the United States. Finally, the paper assesses trends in the older population support ratio and the implications for the economic well-being of an aging population.
Harvest efficiency and fishery discards under harvest uncertainty and trading restrictions

Abstract We study harvesting efficiency and the problem of discards under harvest uncertainty in a fishery that is managed with quotas. With only idiosyncratic harvest uncertainty, we show that frictionless post-harvest quota trade can achieve full efficiency and eliminate quota-overage discards completely. In the absence of such trade, we deduce an ad valorem tax/subsidy that eliminates discards while delivering a desired aggregate harvest target. Alternatively, we show that a hybrid policy, i.e., a combined quota and landings fee, can implement a manager׳s aggregate target harvest level efficiently and without discards. When harvest shocks, in addition, have a fishery-wide common component, post-harvest quota trading per se cannot eliminate discards; policy intervention in the form of either landing taxes or a hybrid scheme is needed. Given the prevalence of trading restrictions in many quota-managed fisheries worldwide, our paper offers important policy advice.
Phosphorus Bioavailability, True Metabolizable Energy, and Amino Acid Digestibilities of High Protein Corn Distillers Dried Grains and Dehydrated Corn Germ

There is currently much ongoing research and interest for developing new processing technologies to produce corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The current study evaluated a high protein (HP) distillers dried grains (DDG) and a dehydrated corn germ, which are products that can be produced by a modified dry milling process. Two chick experiments were conducted to determine the P bioavailability based on tibia ash. In addition, precision-fed rooster assays were conducted to determine TME(n) and amino acid digestibility. In the first chick assay, a P-deficient cornstarch-dextrose-soybean meal basal diet containing 0.10 to 0.13% nonphytate P was supplemented with 0.0, 0.05, and 0.10% P from KH(2)PO(4) or 7 and 14% conventional DDGS, HP DDG, and corn germ. In the second experiment, the P-deficient basal was supplemented with 7 and 14% conventional DDGS and 12.5 and 25% HP DDG. New Hampshire x Columbian female chicks were fed the experimental diets from 9 to 22 d posthatch, and bioavailability of P was estimated using the slope-ratio method where tibia ash was regressed on P intake. The total P content (90% DM basis) of the conventional DDGS, HP DDG, and corn germ were 0.76, 0.33, and 1.29%, respectively. Bioavailabilities of the P in conventional DDGS, HP DDG, and corn germ relative to KH(2)PO(4) were found to be 60, 56, and 25%, respectively. The TME(n) in conventional roosters was found to be significantly reduced for HP DDG and increased for the corn germ when compared with the conventional DDGS. The protein content (90% DM basis) of the HP DDG and corn germ was 33 and 14%, respectively, and the total lysine as a % of CP was approximately 2 times greater for the corn germ than for the HP DDG. Amino acid digestibilities in cecectomized roosters were consistently higher for the corn germ than for the HP DDG, which was similar to conventional DDGS.
The tonic neck reflex in the human infant

Summary 1. The tonic neck reflex (T.N.R.) is an asymmetric postural attitude, so basic that it is found in lower animals as well as in man. It involves the total action system, but particularly arms and head. 2. It is a normal characteristic of the human infant during the first 12 weeks of waking life, spontaneously manifested in the supine position. At 20 weeks it is normally supplanted by symmetric head and arm postures. 3. Marked persistence of the T.N.R. beyond the first half year is indicative of retarded, arrested, or defective development. 4. In association with basal ganglion lesions it is a prognostic indication that the child will not “learn” to walk. 5. The T.N.R. is a natural but not a stereotyped reflex. It undergoes progressive growth changes. It serves useful adjustments in the fetus as well as the infant in neonatal life. It is morphogenetically so fundamental that it has clinical value both as an index of maturity and as a symptom of neurological abnormalities.
Modeling and Control of the Oxygen Saturation in Neonatal Infants

In this work, a nonlinear model is developed to simulate the respiratory system of neonatal infants. The nonlinear model is based on a model proposed by other researchers, but with varying parameters based on the oxygen saturation output [1]. The nonlinear model response is compared to the response of a linearized model given small and large step inputs. For small step sizes, the nonlinear and linear models responses are nearly identical. For larger step sizes, the nonlinear model has a higher steady state response. The linear and nonlinear models are also compared to clinical data taken from a bedside monitor. An error model is also developed given known ranges for model parameter variations. Since the varying parameters change performance, a robust controller is designed using the error model and performance specifications using a μ-synthesis optimization. The controller is shown to have robust stability and performance.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Trace ahalysis of ecdysones by gas-liquid chromatography, radioimmunoassay and bioassay

Abstract A radioimmunoassay was compared to a gas-liquid Chromatographic assay and a bioassay as a method for quantifying ecdysone titers in arthropods. In addition a continuous-development thin layer Chromatographic technique was evaluated as a means for separating various ecdysone analogues. The carboxyuethoxyamine derivative of β-ecdysone was synthesized and characterized by several spectral methods. This derivative was conjugated to bovine serum albumin to afford a suitable antigen and injected into rabbits. The antisera produced shows a moderate affinity for β-ecdysone and cross-reacts with many ecdysone analogues. Ecdysones were also quantified directly as trlmethylsilyl ethers using a 63Ni electron capture detector in a gas-liquid Chromatographic system. Less than 50 pg of material could be detected per injection. Both of these techniques and the Mosca domeetica bioassay were used for the comparative analysis of a number of biological samples. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are discussed.
Performance on the ITPA following cerebral commissurotomy and hemispherectomy

Abstract Patients with complete cerebral commissurotomy, partial cerebral commissurotomy, and right and left hemispherectomy all show subnormal and erratic mental age and scaled score profiles on the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities. Lateralized testing of the visual channel subtests in two complete commissurotomy patients shows bilateral deficit and generally superior left hemisphere scores. Free-vision scores in these patients are often superior to either hemisphere alone. This suggests interhemispheric interaction on some tests, especially the Visual Sequential Memory, even in the absence of the neocortical commissures. Left as against right hemispherectomy, as well as early vs late right hemispherectomies, have some differential patterns and divergent longitudinal changes of ITPA profiles. But the ITPA subtests did not receive a natural hemispheric interpretation. The ITPA deficit of the disconnected and isolated left hemispheres which appear to have no dysphasia suggest that the psycholinguistic abilities assessed by the ITPA subtests may be irrelevant to mature language processing even if they are prerequisites to normal language development.
An examination of the effect of variation in datum targets on part acceptance

The use of datum targets within Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is commonplace in industry today. Datum targets are used primarily for manufacturing and inspection setups where it is not practical to have tooling that contacts the entire surface of the datum. Establishing a simulated datum from datum targets may be done physically or mathematically. In the process of establishing a simulated datum, there are several possible sources of variation. Any variation or error in establishing the datum will manifest itself as variation or error in the measurement of the distance between the feature and the datum. This paper examines the effect of variation in datum targets on part acceptance using both mathematical analysis and simulation. The focus of this examination is diametric positional tolerance of holes that reference the datum established by datum targets. A three-dimensional mathematical model of the hole position error with respect to the datum target variation is developed. Then, simulation is adopted to identify the major sources of hole position error due to errors in datum targets. It is found that the datum target variation has a profound effect on the measured location of holes referencing those datums. Explanation and validation for accepted practice are offered and some additional basic guidelines are developed for the placement of datum targets relative to hole patterns.
Have americans increased their fruit and vegetable intake? : The trends between 1988 and 2002

Background Previous research indicates that few Americans meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption, and that adequate fruit and vegetable consumption may decrease the risk for chronic disease. Methods Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data from NHANES III, 1988-1994 (n=14,997) and NHANES 1999-2002 (n=8910) were used to assess adult (equal to or more than 18 years) trends in daily fruit and vegetable consumption (number of servings and types). Results In 1988-1994, an estimated 27% of adults met the USDA guidelines for fruit (equal to or more than two servings) and 35% met the guidelines for vegetables (equal to or more than three servings). In 1999-2002, 28% and 32% of adults met fruit and vegetable guidelines, respectively. There was a significant decrease in vegetable consumption over time (p=0.026). Only 11% met USDA guidelines for both fruits and vegetables in 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, indicating no change in consumption (p=0.963). In both data sets, non-Hispanic blacks were less likely to meet USDA guidelines compared to non-Hispanic whites (p Conclusions Despite the initiation of a national fruit and vegetable campaign in 1991, the findings indicated that Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption did not increase in 1999-2002, and only a small proportion met the related dietary recommendations. Greater public health efforts and approaches are needed to promote healthy eating in the United States.
Repeated Cocaine Administration Decreases Calcineurin (PP2B) but Enhances DARPP-32 Modulation of Sodium Currents in Rat Nucleus Accumbens Neurons

Our previous studies have demonstrated that repeated cocaine (COC) administration reduces voltage-sensitive sodium and calcium currents (INa or VSSCs and ICa or VSCCs, respectively) in medium spiny nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons of rats. The present findings further indicate that chronic COC-induced INa reduction in NAc neurons is regulated by decreased dephosphorylation and enhanced phosphorylation of Na+ channels. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings revealed that dephosphorylation of Na+ channels by calcineurin (CaN) enhanced INa, while inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) by phosphorylated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (Mr=32 kDa) (DARPP-32) at the site of threonine 34 (p-Thr.34-DARPP-32) suppressed INa, in freshly dissociated NAc neurons of saline-pretreated rats. However, the effects of CaN on enhancing INa were significantly attenuated, and the action of p-Thr.34-DARPP-32 to decrease INa was mimicked, although not potentiated, by repeated COC pretreatment. Dephosphorylation of Na+ channels by PP1 also enhanced INa, but this effect of PP1 on INa was not apparently affected by repeated COC administration. Western blot analysis indicates that the protein levels of CaN and DARPP-32 were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, while the PP1 levels were unchanged, in the COC-withdrawn NAc as compared to saline-pretreated controls. Combined with previous findings, our results indicate that both CaN and PP1 modulate the increase in INa via enhancing dephosphorylation, while p-Thr.34-DARPP-32 reduces INa by inhibiting PP1-induced dephosphorylation, thereby stabilizing the phosphorylation state, of Na+ channels in NAc neurons. They also suggest that chronic COC-induced INa reduction may be attributed to a reduction in Ca2+ signaling, which disrupts the physiological balance of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of Na+ channels.
Cerebral blood flow and neurologic outcome when nimodipine is given after complete cerebral ischemia in the dog.

Ten minutes of complete cerebral ischemia was produced in 26 dogs by temporary ligation of the aorta and the venae cavae. Twenty dogs received nimodipine, a calcium entry blocker, 10 μg kg−1 i. v. 2 min after the ischemic period, followed by 1 μg kg−1 min−1 for 2–3 h. Six dogs received only the solvent used for nimodipine. Fourteen dogs received nimodipine for 3 h and were subsequently evaluated neurologically up to 48 h postischemia. In the 12 other dogs, CBF and metabolism were followed for 2 h postischemia while either nimodipine or the solvent only was infused. The results were compared to previously published results for untreated dogs and dogs given nimodipine before the ischemic event. Nimodipine had the same effect on postischemic CBF whether started before or after the ischemic event, nearly doubling the flow when compared with untreated controls, whereas the solvent alone caused only a slight increase in CBF over control. By contrast, nimodipine initiated in the preischemic period significantly ...
A transformation similarity constraint for groupwise nonlinear registration in longitudinal neuroimaging studies

Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders often show a similar spatial distribution of volume change throughout the brain over time, but this information is not yet used in registration algorithms to refine the quantification of change. Here, we develop a mathematical basis to incorporate that prior information into a longitudinal structural neuroimaging study. We modify the canonical minimization problem for non-linear registration to include a term that couples a collection of registrations together to enforce group similarity. More specifically, throughout the computation we maintain a group-level representation of the transformations and constrain updates to individual transformations to be similar to this representation. The derivations necessary to produce the Euler-Lagrange equations for the coupling term are presented and a gradient descent algorithm based on the formulation was implemented. We demonstrate using 57 longitudinal image pairs from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) that longitudinal registration with such a groupwise coupling prior is more robust to noise in estimating change, suggesting such change maps may have several important applications.
Identification and Quantitation of Solubilized I blood Group Substance by Wheat Germ Agglutinin Using Quantitative Immunoelectrophoresis

Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) has been shown to react specifically with solubilized I blood group substance, purified from papain treated human erythrocyte membranes. WGA and I react to form an affinity precipitate in immunodiffusion gels, a reaction which can be blocked by the incorporation of N-acetyl glucosamine into the gel. The I material was a strong inhibitor of both anti-I cold hemagglutination and WGA hemagglutination reactions. Utilizing the techniques of crossed Immunoelectrophoresis we have clearly established that WGA and anti-I IgM cold antibody are reacting with the same membrane macromolecule (I antigen). WGA was then used in a rocket affinoelectrophoretic assay system to quantitate I substance. The limits of detection in this system was 25 ng.
A comparison of TMGa and TEGa for low-temperature metalorganic chemical vapor deposition growth of CCl 4 -doped InGaAs

Factors which influence the alloy composition and doping level of CCl4-doped In0.53Ga04.7As grown at low temperatures (450°C < Tg < 560°C) by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) have been investigated. The composition is highly dependent on substrate temperature due to the preferential etching of In from the surface during growth and the temperature-dependent growth efficiency associated with the Ga source. The lower pyrolysis temperature of TEGa relative to TMGa allows the growth of CCl4-doped InGaAs at lower growth temperatures than can be achieved using TMGa, and results in improved uniformity. High p-type doping (p ∼ 7 × 1019 cm-8) has been achieved in C-doped InGaAs grown at T = 450°C. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of a Cdoping spike in InGaAs before and after annealing at ∼670°C suggests that the diffusivity of C is significantly lower than for Zn in InGaAs. The hole mobilities and electron diffusion lengths in p+-InGaAs doped with C are also found to be comparable to those for Be and Zn-doped InGaAs, although it is also found that layers which are highly passivated by hydrogen suffer a degradation in hole mobility. InP/InGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with a C-doped base exhibit high-frequency performance (ft = 62 GHz, fmax=42 GHz) comparable to the best reported results for MOCVD-grown InP-based HBTs. These results demonstrate that in spite of the drawbacks related to compositional nonuniformity and hydrogen passivation in CCl4-doped InGaAs grown by MOCVD, the use of C as a stable p-type dopant and as an alternative to Be and Zn in InP/ InGaAs HBTs appears promising.
Influence of outcome valence in the subjective experience of episodic past, future, and counterfactual thinking

Recent findings suggest that our capacity to imagine the future depends on our capacity to remember the past. However, the extent to which episodic memory is involved in our capacity to think about what could have happened in our past, yet did not occur (i.e., episodic counterfactual thinking), remains largely unexplored. The current experiments investigate the phenomenological characteristics and the influence of outcome valence on the experience of past, future and counterfactual thoughts. Participants were asked to mentally simulate past, future, and counterfactual events with positive or negative outcomes. Features of their subjective experiences during each type of simulation were measured using questionnaires and autobiographical interviews. The results suggest that clarity and vividness were higher for past than future and counterfactual simulations. Additionally, emotional intensity was lower for counterfactual simulations than past and future simulations. Finally, outcome valence influenced participants’ judgment of probability for future and counterfactual simulations.
Hydration characteristics and electrical resistivity of stratum corneum using a noninvasive four-point microelectrode method.

We have used a four-microelectrode probe to study the relationship between electrical resistivity (ρ), water content (w f ), water binding, and electrolyte levels in samples of plantar stratum corneum. Untreated samples characteristically showed an exponential relationship between log ρ and w f . This characteristic was retained but altered quantitatively by factors which increase and decrease the ratio of bound to unbound water, by lipid extraction, and (following extraction) by electrolyte presoak. The theoretical aspects of obtaining similar data from intact stratum corneum are discussed.
Not Everybody is "Different-From-Me": Toward a Historico-Cultural Account of Prejudice:

In this article, the authors critique the assumption that physical difference per se leads to intergroup conflict. Building on the social psychology of WE.B. Du Bois, it is contended that the universalist perspective of mainstream social psychology-which holds that the in-group/out-group bias of European Americans is replicated in African Americans and in other minority groups-reflects the mainstream, White-oriented thinking of North American society in general and North American psychology in particular The authors argue that many mainstream psychologists havefailed to acknowledge the limitations oftheirown sociohistorical circumstances and that what they have treated as universal characteristics has typically been their own limited experience fallaciously generalized. Only by acknowledging the limitations of each group 's perspectives and the sociohistorical background of those perspectives can mainstream psychologists develop inclusive, accurate theories of the personal and interpersonal functioning of...
What Is Wrong With the Allosteric Disulfide Bond Hypothesis

Series Editor: Nigel Mackman Mark B. Taubman ATVB In Focus Tissue Factor: Past, Present, and Future Initial models of coagulation postulated a strict separation of the initiator of coagulation, tissue factor (TF), from the coagulation factors in blood. More recent studies have shown low but detectable levels of TF in blood1 (reviewed in2). This suggests that TF activity is under some level of control beyond simple expression levels. One mechanism of control is suggested by the observation from cell culture studies that TF activity on cells can be rapidly and substantially increased without significant changes in TF antigen. …
IPF-1 gene variation and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin promotor factor-1 (IPF-1) is a gene critical for pancreatic development and insulin transcription. We genotyped U.S. Caucasians with (n = 217) and without (n = 176) Type 2 diabetes to determine if three previously identified variants (Cys18Arg, Asp76Asn, Arg197His) in the IPF-1 gene play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. The Cys18Arg and Arg197His variants were not present in any subjects. The Asp76Asn variant was found in one control subject (0.9%) and none of the diabetic subjects. Similarly, none of the variants were detected in African American subjects with (n = 78) and without (n = 82) Type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, these variants are rare or absent in U.S. Caucasians and African Americans and therefore, unlikely to play a significant role in the development of Type 2 diabetes in these populations.
Antibody formation to dog pulp tissue altered by formocresol within the root canal

Abstract After pulpal extirpation of twenty teeth in each of five dogs, these animals were primarily immunized intramuscularly by combining formocresol with the dog's own pulp (three dogs), saline solution with pulp (one dog) and injecting sheep erythrocytes (one dog). A sixth dog was used as a control for the Arthus skin test. Secondary immunizations were accomplished via the root canal every 7 days over a 28-day period. Arthus skin-test reactions demonstrated less of a response to the formocresol alone than when the dogs' pulp was combined with this material. In vitro analysis of hemagglutinating antibody titer showed a tremendous increase when pulp was incubated with formocresol as compared to the saline-treated pulp. Therefore, dogs' pulp tissue became antigenically altered by the formocresol recognized by the host, and a specific humoral response resulted.
Computer and laboratory simulation of interactions between spacecraft surfaces and charged-particle environments

Cases where the charged-particle environment acts on the spacecraft (e.g., spacecraft charging phenomena) and cases where a system on the spacecraft causes the interaction (e.g., high voltage space power systems) are considered. Both categories were studied in ground simulation facilities to understand the processes involved and to measure the pertinent parameters. Computer simulations are based on the NASA Charging Analyzer Program (NASCAP) code. Analytical models are developed in this code and verified against the experimental data. Extrapolation from the small test samples to space conditions are made with this code. Typical results from laboratory and computer simulations are presented for both types of interactions. Extrapolations from these simulations to performance in space environments are discussed.
Determinants of infarct size in non-human primates.

To achieve a better understanding of the major factors that determine infarct size in non-human primates, a mathematical model was constructed using stepwise regression analysis. The model was developed on the basis of infarct size measurements, including the anatomical area at risk, regional myocardial blood flow measurements and hemodynamic determinants obtained in 23 control baboons undergoing up to 2 h of coronary artery thrombosis followed by thrombolysis. In this model, the size of the perfusion bed of the occluded coronary artery and the duration of coronary artery occlusion were found to be the only important predictors of infarct size (expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass). R2 (square or the multiple correlation coefficient) was 70% in this model. Collateral blood flow and rate-pressure product were not identified as important predictors of infarct size. In a second group of eight baboons, atenolol (0.1 mg.kg-1) was administered intravenously 15 min after the onset of coronary artery thrombosis. Predicted infarct size (based on the mathematical model obtained in the control group) was larger than the observed infarct size in seven out of eight cases. In four instances observed infarct size was smaller than the 95% lower limit of the predicted value. It is concluded that the determinants of infarct size in non-human primates differ from those in canine models with respect to collateral flow and estimates of myocardial oxygen consumption (rate pressure product). The developed mathematical model of infarct size prediction allows the detection of cardioprotective drug effects with an acceptable efficacy.
Effect of in utero exposure of iodinated intravenous contrast on neonatal thyroid function.

Purpose Administration of radioactive iodine to a pregnant woman for thyroid ablation has been shown to affect neonatal thyroid levels. Thus, there is a theoretical risk in affecting a neonate's thyroid level upon birth with prior administration of intravenous contrast containing iodine to a pregnant woman during a computed tomographic scan. However, there is no literature to support this theoretical risk. This study attempted to determine if there is any effect on a newborn's thyroid levels after exposure to this type of contrast material in utero. Materials and methods The medical charts of 96 pregnant women during the years 2004 through 2009 on whom computed tomographic scans were performed were reviewed. A total of 29 charts were excluded secondary to missing neonatal records, missed abortions, and intrauterine fetal demise. The rest were subdivided into those who received intravenous (IV) ± oral contrast material and those who did not. The medical records of the newborns of these patients were also reviewed. The subject group consisted of 61 pregnant women who received IV ± oral contrast and their 64 neonates. The control group consisted of 6 pregnant patients who did not receive IV contrast and their 6 neonates. Results Of the 64 neonates in the subject group, only one neonate was found to have a low thyroxine level with a normal thyroid stimulating hormone level. This infant was severely premature, being born at the 25th week of gestation, and developed respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis, which were potential confounding factors. All of the 6 neonates in the control group had normal thyroid levels. Conclusion This study concludes that there is no significant adverse clinical risk of thyroid function abnormalities to the fetus after IV iodinated contrast material to their mothers.
Band mixing in 156 Gd and 158 Gd

A detailed investigation of the energies and intensities of the γ-rays that depopulate the low spin levels of the β- and γ-vibrational bands of156Gd and the γ-vibrational band of158Gd has been conducted. Both singles and γ-γ coincidence measurements were made on sources of 15-d156Eu and 46-min158Eu by use of large volume, high resolution Ge(Li) detectors.
Clostridium difficile colitis: An increasing hospital-acquired illness*

Background Colitis caused by itClostridium difficile is receiving increased attention as a nosocomial hospital-acquired infection. Methods To determine the incidence of C difficile colitis in our facility and the relative proportion of patients dying from the colitis or requiring colectomy for it, we retrospectively reviewed 201 cases of colitis caused by C difficile from 1984 to 1994. Results The incidence of C difficile colitis appears to be sharply increasing and is associated with the use of cephalosporins. Among patients who subsequently developed C difficile colitis, the most frequent indication for antibiotic use was perioperative prophylaxis; surgical patients comprised 55% of the total cases. Surgical intervention was required for 5% of patients with C difficile colitis, with an operative mortality of 30%. The overall mortality was 3.5% and was associated with a delay in diagnosis. The only discriminative factor between patients who died and those who survived was length of time from symptoms to treatment-5.43 days for survivors versus 10.7 days for those who died ( P Conclusions Most cases of C difficile colitis seen by surgeons have followed the use of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics. Strict guide-lines for using perioperative antibiotics should be observed. Prompt recognition of C difficile colitis and aggressive therapy for it are essential for a favorable outcome.
Correlation effects for interstitial-type self-diffusion mechanisms in b.c.c. and f.c.c. crystals

Abstract The tracer correlation factor, the quasi-elastic neutron scattering and the Mossbauer line broadening have been investigated in terms of the encounter model for a number of interstitial-type self-diffusion mechanisms in f.c.c. and b.c.c. crystals. In particular, the migration of (100) dumb-belle in the f.c.c. lattice and both the two- and three-dimensional migration of (110) dumb-bells in the b.c.c. lattice have been considered. From a comparison with similar calculations for vacancy-type mechanisms in both the f.c.c. and b.c.c. lattices, it is concluded that (1) the differences in the predicted correlation effects between monovacancy and dumb-bell interstitialcy mechanisms are substantial, but that (2) experiments aiming at distingusihing between the divacancy and dumb-bell mechanisms via correlation effects may not be very useful because of the rather small differences predicted. Our results are compared with recent experiments in solid sodium by means of quasi-elastic neutron scattering (Goltz...
Myelin basic protein autoantibodies, white matter disease and stroke outcome.

Abstract Antibodies to brain antigens are present in stroke survivors. In this study, we assessed autoantibody responses to white matter antigens, their correlation to white matter disease and stroke outcome. Antibody titers (immunoglobulin G [igG]) to myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP) and tetanus toxoid (TT) were available at one or more time points for 112 subjects with ischemic stroke. In comparison to the control subjects (N = 40), there was a global decrease in IgG titers to TT early after stroke. Patients with white matter disease on magnetic resonance imaging had elevated titers of antibodies to both MBP and PLP at 30 days after stroke, and anti-MBP antibodies were associated with worse outcome. The potential pathologic consequences of antibodies to white matter, especially MBP, is deserving of further investigation.
Sry promoters from domesticus (Tirano) and C57BL/6 mice function similarly in embryos and adult animals

Introduction of the Y chromosome from a Mus musculus domesticus (Tirano) subspecies into the Mus musculus musculus C57BL/6 (B6) inbred strain background results in sex reversal in XY offspring. It has been hypothesized that the domesticus testis-determining Y (Tdy) locus is misregulated in B6 genome, thereby impairing sex determination in B6.YDom animals. The identification of a gene in the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (Sry) as the Tdy has provided a means to experimentally examine this hypothesis. We have generated several lines of B6 transgenic mice harboring a green fluorescent protein gene directed by a Sry promoter from the domesticus (Tirano) Y chromosome. Detailed analysis of the transgene expression was conducted in both fetal and adult tissues of the transgenic mice. The domesticus Sry promoter was capable of directing the expression of the green fluorescent protein gene in a pattern similar, if not identical, to that of the endogenous B6 Sry gene. These observations suggest that the domesticus Sry promoter is not involved in the postulated misregulation of the domesticus (Tirano) Sry gene in the B6 genomic background. These results are discussed with reference to a second hypothesis invoking incompatible protein interaction(s) as a mechanism of aberrant sex determination in B6.YDom animals. J. Exp. Zool. 290:632–641, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Is meta-analysis the platinum standard of evidence?

An astonishing volume and diversity of evidence is available for many hypotheses in the biomedical and social sciences. Some of this evidence—usually from randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—is amalgamated by meta-analysis. Despite the ongoing debate regarding whether or not RCTs are the ‘gold-standard’ of evidence, it is usually meta-analysis which is considered the best source of evidence: meta-analysis is thought by many to be the platinum standard of evidence. However, I argue that meta-analysis falls far short of that standard. Different meta-analyses of the same evidence can reach contradictory conclusions. Meta-analysis fails to provide objective grounds for intersubjective assessments of hypotheses because numerous decisions must be made when performing a meta-analysis which allow wide latitude for subjective idiosyncrasies to influence its outcome. I end by suggesting that an older tradition of evidence in medicine—the plurality of reasoning strategies appealed to by the epidemiologist Sir Bradford Hill—is a superior strategy for assessing a large volume and diversity of evidence.
Papillomavirus Genomes Associate with BRD4 to Replicate at Fragile Sites in the Host Genome

It has long been recognized that oncogenic viruses often integrate close to common fragile sites. The papillomavirus E2 protein, in complex with BRD4, tethers the viral genome to host chromatin to ensure persistent replication. Here, we map these targets to a number of large regions of the human genome and name them Persistent E2 and BRD4-Broad Localized Enrichments of Chromatin or PEB-BLOCs. PEB-BLOCs frequently contain deletions, have increased rates of asynchronous DNA replication, and are associated with many known common fragile sites. Cell specific fragile sites were mapped in human C-33 cervical cells by FANCD2 ChIP-chip, confirming the association with PEB-BLOCs. HPV-infected cells amplify viral DNA in nuclear replication foci and we show that these form adjacent to PEB-BLOCs. We propose that HPV replication, which hijacks host DNA damage responses, occurs adjacent to highly susceptible fragile sites, greatly increasing the chances of integration here, as is found in HPV-associated cancers.
Molecular Weight and Compositional Dependence of Isotopic Blends

The chain length and compositional dependence of the effective chi parameter, χs, in model isotopic polyethylene blends were determined at two different temperatures using our recently developed optimized cluster theory for polymer mixtures. χs was found to have a concave-up compositional dependence that decreased with increasing temperature and molecular weight, in agreement with neutron scattering measurements. A best fit to the chain length dependence of χs at constant temperature and composition had the form, χs = χs(∞) + D/N, where N is the number of segments comprising the polymers. In addition, the calculated compositional dependence of χs could be accurately described by a simple functional form that was previously proposed to fit experimental data on isotopic blends. However, the theory underestimates the breadth of the compositional dependence reported in the literature.
Electron localization for a model of layered metallic structures

Abstract Several exact results are presented for a one-dimensional tight-binding model of layered binary metallic structures for the cases of arbitrary, random, incommensurate, and commensurate layer sequences.