cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biofeedback and Cardiovascular Self-regulation: Neurophysiological Mechanisms

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews a research on biofeedback and the self-regulation of cardiovascular processes, emphasizing the control of human blood pressure. The importance of examining patterns of central and peripheral neural mechanisms in the self-regulation of blood pressure is emphasized. First, the research is presented demonstrating the specificity of control of heart rate, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure and patterning of heart rate, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure. Then, the research is presented applying pattern biofeedback procedures to the regulation of combinations of EEG and cardiovascular responses. This research provides a new paradigm for studying neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular self-regulation in the intact person. Finally, the research is presented examining both inter- and intrahemispheric electroencephalography patterning as a means of illustrating some of the central mechanisms involved in learned cardiovascular self-regulation. Implications for the study of hypertension are described, including a neurophysiological model of disregulation in psychosomatic disorders. It is argued that these neurophysiological considerations provide a necessary foundation for the behavioral treatment of certain types of hypertension.
Fas Ligand Induction in Human NK Cells Is Regulated by Redox Through a Calcineurin-Nuclear Factors of Activated T Cell-Dependent Pathway

Fas ligand (FasL) on cytotoxic lymphocytes is important for mediating apoptosis of activated lymphocytes and other target cells. We have reported that NK cell functions, such as proliferation, cell death, and killing activity, are subject to regulation by cellular redox status. Here, we report that expression of FasL protein and mRNA in activated NK cells is also regulated by redox. Ligation of CD16 on IL-2-preactivated NK cells resulted in reduction of intracellular peroxide level as well as induction of FasL expression. This CD16-induced FasL expression was suppressed by oxidative stress, including thiol deprivation or treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Addition of thiol-reducing compounds, such as l-cystine, 2-ME, or N -acetyl cysteine, restored FasL expression. These data suggest that CD16 stimulation requires cellular reducing status for FasL induction in NK cells. Because FasL gene activation following CD16 cross-linking is regulated by the NF of activated T cells (NFAT), we examined the effect of oxidative stresses on NFAT activation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that both thiol insufficiency and H 2 O 2 treatment suppressed DNA-binding activity of NFAT and that addition of thiol-reducing compounds reversed or even enhanced it. Furthermore, these oxidative stresses inhibited activity of calcineurin, a serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates NFAT activation. These results suggest that suppression of calcineurin and NFAT activation is a mechanism by which oxidative stress inhibits FasL induction in activated NK cells and further support the hypothesis that thiol-reducing compounds might be required for maintenance of optimal NK functions under physiologic oxidative conditions.
On the determination of total deposition to remote areas

Abstract Discussion of “critical loads” and “total deposition” has focused attention on the importance of such concepts in the regulatory and policy processes, yet actual quantification of either is exceedingly demanding. Here, alternative measurement and modeling approaches will be explored, and the effects of complicating factors like terrain complexity and vegetation inhomogeneity will be considered. Patchy surfaces tend to receive more deposition than is indicated by a simple area-weighting, as can be easily demonstrated for patches of trees on a grassy countryside. The magnitude of the difference is greatest for substances that are transferred with low surface resistance. In general, for applications that demand consideration of target areas that are currently unstudied, an exploratory measurement program is desirable, coupled with modeling, activity that is then benchmarked against the observational data base. Without models, the measurement programs can only address those specific areas that are studied. Without measurements, the models risk failing to allow for site-specific peculiarities that may be dominant. Thus, in general an integrated approach seems optimal, though perhaps difficult to attain in many practical situations.
Mecanismos celulares que son la base de los efectos antidepresivos de la ketamina: papel de los receptores del ácido alfa-amino-3-hidroximetilisoxazol-4-propiónico

Fundamento: La ketamina tiene efectos antidepresivos potentes, rapidos y relativamente sostenidos en pacientes con depresion mayor. La comprension de los mecanismos que son la base de los efectos fascinantes de los antagonistas de la N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDA) podria dar lugar a nuevos farmacos con un inicio rapido de accion. Metodos: Para investigar los efectos conductuales de la ketamina en ratones se usaron los examenes de indefension aprendida, natacion forzada y evitacion pasiva. Se efectuaron experimentos bioquimicos y conductuales adicionales para determinar si en las propiedades de tipo antidepresivo de la ketamina y otros antagonistas de la NMDA participa la produccion del receptor del acido alfa-amino-3-hidroxi-5-metilisoxazol-4-propionico (AMPA). Resultados: El tratamiento con dosis de ketamina inferiores a las anestesicas dio lugar a efectos agudos y sostenidos de tipo antidepresivo. En estas dosis, la ketamina no deterioro la retencion de los recuerdos relacionados con el miedo. MK-801 (dizocilpina) y RO25-6981, un antagonista NR2B selectivo, tambien tuvieron efectos de tipo antidepresivo; sin embargo, estos no fueron tan sostenidos como los de ketamina. El pretratamiento con NBQX, un antagonista del receptor de AMPA, atenuo tanto la conducta de tipo antidepresivo inducida por la ketamina como la regulacion de los receptores AMPA hipocampicos Glu1R1 fosforilados. Conclusiones: Los antagonistas de la NMDA pueden producir efectos rapidos de tipo antidepresivo aumentando el AMPA en relacion con la produccion de NMDA en circuitos neuronales decisivos.
Cutting Edge Commentary: Chemokine Regulation of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: Temporal and Spatial Expression Patterns Govern Disease Pathogenesis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a CD4+ Th1-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that serves as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). There are several considerations that suggest a role for chemokines in the disease process. First, chemokines are highly expressed in the central nervous system with a tight temporal relationship to disease activity. Second, in vivo neutralization studies showed a distinct role for specific chemokines in the evolution of the process. Third, the selective and differential expression of chemokines in differing models of EAE bears a close relationship to the patterns of inflammatory pathology. Fourth, the spatial distribution of chemokine expression could plausibly contribute to lesion architecture. Finally, preliminary observations in MS material suggest that chemokine expression observed in EAE may provide useful information regarding the pathogenesis of inflammation in MS. We propose that temporal and spatial expression of chemokines are crucial factors, complementing adhesion molecule up-regulation, that regulate EAE disease activity.
The Role of the B12 Coenzyme in the Conversion of 1,2-Propanediol to Propionaldehyde

Abstract When 1,2-propanediol-1-3H is converted to propionaldehyde in the presence of dioldehydrase and 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolylcobamide 5'-deoxyadenosine, 2 hydrogen atoms per mole of the coenzyme are replaced by tritium. The tritiated coenzyme so obtained transfers tritium to the product when it is added to unlabeled 1,2-propanediol and dioldehydrase. The coenzyme containing tritium at C-5' of the adenosyl moiety was prepared synthetically; when it was added to dioldehydrase and unlabeled 1,2-propanediol, all of the tritium initially present in the coenzyme was found in the propionaldehyde. From these results we concluded that the hydrogen transfer that occurs in the conversion of 1,2-propanediol to propionaldehyde involves two steps: transfer of hydrogen from C-1 to the carbon bonded to the cobalt of the coenzyme and, from this position, to C-2 of the product.
Heritability of Quasi-Continuous Skeletal Traits in a Randombred Population of House Mice

Heritabilities of 11 quasi-continuous skeletal traits were estimated in randombred house mice of three separate ages (1, 3, and 5 months). Three separate methods—regression, maximum likelihood correlation, and Falconer's Method—were used to obtain heritabilities for each of the separate age groups. Significant differences in the incidences of seven of the skeletal traits were found among ages, but they did not affect the heritability estimates, these estimates being pooled over ages. Heritabilities calculated from female parents were consistently higher (by about 13%) than those from male parents, indicating the presence of maternal effects. Mid-parent estimates made by all three methods gave very similar mean levels (0.17 — 0.20). Although low, this level compared favorably with that expected on the basis of previously estimated rates of accumulation of genetic variance. Maternal effects estimated from full sib correlations averaged 0.08.
Learning an intersection of k halfspaces over a uniform distribution

We present a polynomial-time algorithm to learn an intersection of a constant number of halfspaces in n dimensions, over the uniform distribution on an n-dimensional ball. The algorithm we present in fact can learn an intersection of an arbitrary (polynomial) number of halfspaces over this distribution, if the subspace spanned by the normal vectors to the bounding hyperplanes has constant dimension. This generalizes previous results for this distribution, in particular a result of E.B. Baum (1990) who showed how to learn an intersection of 2 halfspaces defined by hyperplanes that pass through the origin (his results in fact held for a variety of symmetric distributions). Our algorithm uses estimates of second moments to find vectors in a low-dimensional "relevant subspace". We believe that the algorithmic techniques studied here may be useful in other geometric learning applications. >
Large-scale cytological profiling for functional analysis of bioactive compounds

Cytological profiling (CP) is an unbiased image-based screening technique that uses automated microscopy and image analysis to profile compounds based on numerous quantifiable phenotypic features. We used CP to evaluate a library of nearly 500 compounds with documented mechanisms of action (MOAs) spanning a wide range of biological pathways. We developed informatics techniques for generating dosage-independent phenotypic "fingerprints" for each compound, and for quantifying the likelihood that a compound's CP fingerprint corresponds to its annotated MOA. We identified groups of features that distinguish classes with closely related phenotypes, such as microtubule poisons vs. HSP90 inhibitors, and DNA synthesis vs. proteasome inhibitors. We tested several cases in which cytological profiles indicated novel mechanisms, including a tyrphostin kinase inhibitor involved in mitochondrial uncoupling, novel microtubule poisons, and a nominal PPAR-gamma ligand that acts as a proteasome inhibitor, using independent biochemical assays to confirm the MOAs predicted by the CP signatures. We also applied maximal-information statistics to identify correlations between cytological features and kinase inhibitory activities by combining the CP fingerprints of 24 kinase inhibitors with published data on their specificities against a diverse panel of kinases. The resulting analysis suggests a strategy for probing the biological functions of specific kinases by compiling cytological data from inhibitors of varying specificities.
Intelligent probing: a cost-effective approach to fault diagnosis in computer networks

We consider the use of probing technology for cost-effective fault diagnosis in computer networks. Probes are test transactions that can be actively selected and sent through the network. This work addresses the probing problem using methods from artificial intelligence. We call the resulting approach intelligent probing. The probes are selected by reasoning about the interactions between the probe paths. Although finding the optimal probe set is prohibitively expensive for large networks, we implement algorithms that find near-optimal probe sets in linear time. In the diagnosis phase, we use a Bayesian network approach and use a local-inference approximation scheme that avoids the intractability of exact inference for large networks. Our results show that the quality of this approximate inference "degrades gracefully" under increasing uncertainty and increases as the quality of the probe set increases.
Digital Image Quality And Interpretability: Database And Hardcopy Studies

Two hundred fifty transparencies, displaying a new digital database consisting of 25 degraded versions (5 blur levels x 5 noise levels) of each of 10 digitized, first-generation positive transparencies, were used in two experiments involving 15 trained military photointer-preters. Each image is 86 mm square and represents 40962 8-bit pixels. In the "interpretation" experiment, each photointerpreter (judge) spent approximately two days extracting essential elements of information (EEls) from one degraded version of each scene at a constant Gaussian blur level (FWHM = 40, 84, or 322 Am). In the scaling experiment, each judge assigned a numerical value to each of the 250 images, according to its perceived position on a 10-point NATO-standardized scale (0 = useless through 9 = nearly perfect), to the nearest 0.1 unit. Eighty-eight of the 100 possible values were used by the judges, indicating that 62 categories, based on the Shannon-Wiener measure of information, are needed to scale these hardcopy images. The overall correlation between the scaling and interpretation results was 0.9. Though the main effect of blur was not statistically significant in the interpretation experiment, that of noise was significant, and all main factors (blur, noise, scene, order of battle) and most interactions were statistically significant in the scaling experiment.
Theoretical NMR study of the chemical exchange of amide protons of proteins

A model is proposed to evaluate the rate of exchange between the amide protons of proteins and the solvent water molecules. Using this model we determined the extent of the error for the chemical exchange rate constant when cross relaxation was neglected; both selective inversion and saturation-transfer techniques were evaluated. Furthermore, the fluctuations in the NOE intensities were determined when the exchange rate was varied.
Gas trapping with high-frequency ventilation: Jet versus oscillatory ventilation

Gas trapping was evaluated during high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in nine adult rabbits under basal conditions and after instillation of a mixture of 20% human meconium (2 mL/kg). The anesthetized animals underwent tracheostomy and were placed inside a body plethysmograph. Respiratory compliance and resistance were calculated from alrway pressure and simultaneous flow, and volume was measured with a pneumotachograph. Gas trapping was measured as the change in volume observed in the plethysmograph after clamping the jet or the oscillatory line at respiratory rates of 10 and 15 Hz and tidal volumes of 1.0 and 2.0 mL/kg. Mean airway pressure was similar with both ventilators. Inspiratory/expiratory ratios were 1:4 at 10 Hz and 1:2 at 15 Hz with HFJV, and 1:1 during HFOV. Under all conditions, gas trapping was significantly greater with HFJV than with HFOV. More gas trapping was observed with higher tidal volume (2 mL/kg) and respiratory rate (15 Hz) during HFJV, before and after meconium instillation. After meconium instillation, gas trapping during HFJV at 15 Hz and tidal volume 2 mL/kg decreased significantly (32.7±10.4 to 24.9±10.3; P
ENTHALPY CHANGE OF THE REACTION 3/2 ENSTATITE + CORUNDUM = PYROPE AND THE ENTHALPY OF FORMATION OF PYROPE

Abstract The enthalpy of formation (ΔHf0) of pyrope has been redetermined by solution calorimetry in lead borate solvent at 700°C (973 K) on synthetic pyrope and on mixtures of synthetic enstatite + corundum on pyrope composition. Attempts to obtain ΔHf0 more directly by dissolving oxide mixtures on pyrope composition failed because of incomplete dissolution of MgO. ΔHf0 (pyrope) is obtained from the reaction 3 2 Mg 2 Si 2 O 6 + Al 2 O 3 = Mg 3 Al 2 Si 3 0 12 enstatite corrundum pyrope, using measured solution values for each side of the reaction combined with an enthalpy of formation of enstatite. Measured solution values for reaction (A), at 973 K, are (kJ/mole) as follows: ΔH sol ( 3 2 En + Cor) = 139.22 ± 3.74, n = 14 ΔHsol(Py) = 111.49 ± 2.18, n = 19. Uncertainties are twice the standard deviations on the means (δ). Using these values and the ΔHf,10730 (enstatite) from alkali borate solution calorimetry of Brousse et al. (1984) on synthetic enstatite, the calculated enthalpy of formation of pyrope at 298 K, corrected with measured heat content data, is ΔHf,2980 (Py) = −72.01 ± 6.98 kJ/mole. This value agrees well with the −70.96 kJ/mole value from the internally consistent dataset of Holland and Powell (1990) and with the value of Berman (1988) of −74.25 kJ/mole. This agreement indicates that major discrepancies no longer exist between thermodynamic measurements and experimental phase equilibrium data for pyrope. Anomalous solution behavior of MgO in Pb2B2O5, most likely incomplete dissolution, is the most probable reason for the substantially more negative ΔHf0 of pyrope found by Charlu et al. (1975).
Anthocyanin production in strawberry leaf disks

Abstract Leaf disks of Fragaria vesca L. var. “Alpine” floated on sucrose solutions produced anthocyanin at a constant reproducible rate for several days. Light was necessary to initiate anthocyanin production and stimulated its continued synthesis which was maximal at 25–30°, and with illuminated disks, at a sucrose concentration of 0·1 molal. Much higher sucrose concentrations were required for maximum production in the dark. Dinitrophenol was an effective inhibitor of anthocyanin production at 7·5 x 10 −5 M in both light and darkness; NaF was inhibitory at 0.02 M , but only in darkness. Adenosine triphosphate stimulated production in the light only when sucrose was not supplied, but in the dark only when combined with sucrose. It was not effective if supplied at the beginning of the induction stage.
Electro-thermal simulation studies for pulsed voltage induced energy absorption and potential failure in microstructured ZnO varistors

Time-dependent, two-dimensional simulations based on random Voronoi networks have been developed to study the internal heating and related breakdown effects in ZnO varistors in response to high-voltage pulsing. Our simulations allow for dynamic predictions of internal failures and the progression of hot-spots and thermal stresses. Results show that application of high voltage pulses can lead to the attainment of Bi2O3 melting temperatures in the grain boundaries and an accelerated progression towards failure. It is argued that reduction in grain size would help lower the maximum internal stress and enhance the hold-off voltage for a given sample size.
Comparative structural analysis of calmodulins from Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, T. vivax, Tetrahymena thermophila and bovine brain

Calmodulin is an intracellular calcium receptor protein utilized extensively by eukaryotic cells to mediate responsiveness to calcium signals. The present study evaluates the effects on protein structure of amino acid substitutions in trypanosome calmodulin. Calmodulin conformation, hydrophobicity and antigenic determinants are compared among Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax, Tetrahymena thermophila and bovine brain. Trypanosome calmodulin differs from brain and Tetrahymena calmodulins based upon isoelectric point, retention time on a C-2/C-18 reverse phase column and interaction with polyclonal antibodies against trypanosome calmodulin by radioimmunoassay or Western procedures. These same analyses do not distinguish trypanosome calmodulins from each other. Polyclonal antibodies against Tetrahymena calmodulin are equally specific and do not recognize the trypanosome or brain calmodulins. Calcium-induced exposure of hydrophobic binding sites are quantitated using the fluorescent probe, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. All calmodulins, regardless of source, enhance the fluorescence of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine 3–fold in the presence of calcium. These data demonstrate the extent to which functional calmodulins vary in their structures. We conclude that African trypanosomes share a common calmodulin that is structurally distinct from calmodulin of vertebrates or Tetrahymena.
Evaluation of outpatient treatment with ertapenem in a double blind controlled clinical trial of complicated skin/skin structure infections

Abstract Objectives . The patient characteristics and the efficacy and safety of ertapenem 1 g once daily vs. piperacillin-tazobactam 13.5 g divided Q6H were examined in patients who received outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) during a clinical trial of complicated skin/skin structure infections. Methods . The population analyzed included 363 patients treated at US sites in a large randomized double-blind study. Results . In this analysis, 146 (40%) patients at 19 (66%) sites were managed by OPAT. A lower proportion of treated patients who received OPAT had severe infection (12% vs. 20%, P =0.03). In evaluable patients managed by OPAT, 45 (83.3%) of 54 treated with ertapenem and 41 (82.0%) of 50 treated with piperacillin-tazobactam were cured at the test of cure assessment 10–21 days post-therapy (OR 1.2 (95% CI, 0.4–3.2), P =0.78). The safety profile of both drugs was generally similar; diarrhoea was the most common adverse event in both groups. Conclusions . In this trial of complicated skin/skin structure infection, OPAT was commonly used by US investigators. Among patients who received OPAT, ertapenem 1 g daily was as effective as piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 g Q6H.
EFFECT OF CITRULLINE FOR ARGININE REPLACEMENT ON THE STRUCTURE AND TURNOVER OF PHOSPHOPEPTIDE SUBSTRATES OF PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE-1

Abstract Phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of a decapeptide corresponding to residues 9 to 18 of glycogen phosphorylase were compared using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance with assignment of both peptides done by the sequential method. Both forms had little secondary structure, but there was evidence for an interaction between arginine-16 and phosphorylated serine at position 14. A change in the chemical shift for the ϵ-nitrogen hydrogen of arginine in position 16 was observed in the spectrum of the phosphorylated peptide and was not evident in a phosphopeptide having citrulline in place of arginine-16. Hydrolysis catalyzed by protein phosphatase-1 was decreased with the citrulline-containing phosphopeptide compared to the arginine-containing phosphopeptide with effects observed on both k cat and K m of the phosphatase reaction. Alkaline phosphatase hydrolyzed these peptides and a di-citrulline peptide equally well. These results are consistent with arginine being favorable in the recognition of substrates by phosphatase-1, possibly recognition as an arginine–phosphoserine complex. As a model study, arginine and two analogs, citrulline and canavanine, were examined for association with inorganic phosphate by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. 31 P-NMR measurements showed that arginine and canavanine caused a shift in the phosphate resonance at 20°C. Citrulline caused no change. Changes in chemical shift were measured over the pH range 5–9 with arginine and canavanine both causing a slight decrease in the apparent p K a of inorganic phosphate (Δp K a ≈ 0.15). NaCl, NH 4 Cl, and guanidine hydrochloride showed little effect on the resonance signal position of inorganic phosphate at pH 6.5, consistent with selectivity for the guanidino group. Temperature (6°, 20°, and 37°C) caused little change in the effect of arginine, but there was some dependency with canavanine, decreasing with temperature. Citrulline caused no change in the chemical shift of phosphate at any temperature. It was concluded that hydrogen bonded complexes were formed between the dianion of phosphate and the protonated form of arginine or canavanine with a bifurcated structure having preference for the ω-hydrogens.
Oxidation of bromide ion on tin oxide electrodes

Abstract Acidic bromide solutions gave two anodic waves on tin oxide electrodes. One wave appeared at a highly soaked electrode especially when the concentration of bromide ion was high and was in the potential region usually expected at platinum electrodes. The other large wave was observed regardless of soaking of the electrode and occurred at potentials adjacent to oxygen evolution. It was concluded that hydration of the electrode played an important role for the former wave to appear. The mechanism of appearance and disappearance of the wave is discussed.
Metabolic pathways for photobiological hydrogen production by nitrogenase- and hydrogenase- containing unicellular cyanobacteria Cyanothece

Current biotechnological interest in nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria stems from their robust respiration and capacity to produce hydrogen. Here we quantify both dark- and light-induced H2 effluxes by Cyanothece sp. Miami BG 043511 and establish their respective origins. Dark, anoxic H2 production occurs via hydrogenase utilizing reductant from glycolytic catabolism of carbohydrates (autofermentation). Photo-H2 is shown to occur via nitrogenase and requires illumination of PSI, whereas production of O2 by co-illumination of PSII is inhibitory to nitrogenase above a threshold pO2. Carbohydrate also serves as the major source of reductant for the PSI pathway mediated via nonphotochemical reduction of the plastoquinone pool by NADH dehydrogenases type-1 and type-2 (NDH-1 and NDH-2). Redirection of this reductant flux exclusively through the proton-coupled NDH-1 by inhibition of NDH-2 with flavone increases the photo-H2 production rate by 2-fold (at the expense of the dark-H2 rate), due to production of additional ATP (via the proton gradient). Comparison of photobiological hydrogen rates, yields, and energy conversion efficiencies reveals opportunities for improvement.
A record of Appalachian denudation in postrift Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary deposits of the U.S. Middle Atlantic continental margin

Abstract The complex interplay between source-terrain uplift, basin subsidence, paleoclimatic shifts, and sea-level change, left an extensive sedimentary record in the contiguous offshore basins of the U.S. middle Atlantic margin (Salisbury Embayment, Baltimore Canyon Trough, and Hatteras Basin). Isopach maps of 23 postrift (Lower Jurassic to Quaternary) a allostratigraphic units, coupled with a revised stratigraphic framework, reveal that tectonism, by regulating sediment supply (accumulation rate), dominated the interplay of forcing mechanisms. Tectonic pulses are evidenced by abruptly accelerated sediment accumulation, marked latitudinal shifts in the location of depocenters, and regional changes in lithofacies. Relatively rapid tectonic subsidence during the Early and Middle Jurassic history of the basins may have enhanced sediment accumulation rates. Beginning in the Late Jurassic, however, subsidence rates decreased significantly, though occasional short pulses of subsidence may have effected relative sea-level rises. Sea-level change heavily influenced the distribution and redistribution of sediments one they reached the basins, and paleoclimate regulated the relative abundance of carbonates and evaporites in the basins. We conclude that source terrains of the central Appalachian Highlands were tectonically uplifted, intensely weathered, and rapidly eroded three times since the Late Triassic: (1) Early to Middle Jurassic (Aalenian to Callovian); (2) mid-Early Cretaceous (Barremian); and (3) Late Cenozoic (Middle Miocene). Intervals of tectonic quiescence following these three tectonic pulses provided conditions suitable for the formation of regional erosion surfaces, geomorphic features commonly reported to characterize the central Appalachian Highlands. This series of three, irregularly spaced, tectonic/quiescent cycles does not, however, match the traditional four-cycle concept of post-Triassic Appalachian “peneplanation”.
Stroke Code Chest Radiographs Are Not Useful

Background: Routine chest radiographs at the time of hospital admission are not recommended for stroke patients in the absence of pulmonary symptoms. The usefulness of the test in patients being evaluated by a stroke team for hyperacute stroke symptoms was assessed. Methods: Demographic information, chest radiograph results, and the impact of the test on the emergency department (ED) management of a consecutive series of patients evaluated by a stroke code team between 2005–2006 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: Chest radiographs were obtained in the ED for 92% of patients (n = 113). The sole indication for the test was ‘stroke’ in 91% (one patient had a normal study performed for chest pain; the remainder were performed in association with endotracheal intubation). Chest radiographs were completely normal in 70% with 25.2% having incidental and 3.8% having potentially relevant findings. No patient had a finding that otherwise affected their ED management. Conclusion: Routine chest radiographs obtained as part of the emergent evaluation of patients with acute stroke symptoms rarely provide useful information, expose the patient to unnecessary radiation, add costs, and can interfere with other more critical parts of the patient’s emergent assessment.
Evaluation of Crossbar Architectures for Deadlock Recovery Routers

The performance of interconnection networks is significantly affected by router speed and routing adaptivity, which can be competing factors. To achieve a high-speed, true-fully-adaptive router design, this paper explores the exploitation of dynamic routing behavior identified as routing locality. When routing locality is exploited, it enables the internal crossbar of a router to be partitioned into smaller and faster units without sacrificing true-fully-adaptive routing capabilities. Extensive evaluation of partitioned crossbar designs which exploit routing locality shows that the increased adaptivity offered by deadlock recovery-based routing algorithms can be implemented in routers without sacrificing router speed. The partitioned crossbar designs reduce average message latency by up to 65% and increase maximum network throughput by up to 51%.
Endocrine and neurologic outcome in childhood craniopharyngioma: Review of effect of treatment in 42 patients

Forty-two cases of craniopharyngioma in children are reviewed. Only 9.5% had sought medical attention because of symptoms, suggesting hormonal deficit; however, growth retardation was present in 53% and growth hormone deficiency was documented in 72% before treatment. Multiple hypothalamic-pituitary hormone deficiencies were present in all patients after treatment. Eleven percent had normal skull radiographs at presentation; pneumoencephalograms and computed tomographic brain scans were abnormal on every occasion on which they were performed. Recurrence and mortality rates as well as the neurologic outcome of survivors were similar in children treated by radical excision and those treated by limited excision plus radiotherapy. The neurologic prognosis was poorest in those children who had limited excision or drainage without radiotherapy. Additional hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction following treatment was less common in children who had limited excision plus radiotherapy than in children who had either limited excision or attempted total removal. Unless gross total tumor excision can be readily achieved, limited excision by transsphenoidal microsurgery or craniotomy plus radiotherapy appears to be the treatment of choice for craniopharyngioma in childhood.
Isolation and characterization of a pseudogene related to human core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase.

In a previous study, we isolated genomic clones encoding core 2β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT) and blood group IGnT and proposed that these two genes were produced from a common ancestral gene by duplication, diversion and intron insertion. In the present study, we have isolated a pseudogene which is highly related to the gene ofC2GnT. The sequence analysis of this pseudogene indicated that the pseudogene was produced by duplication of a common precursor gene forC2GnT. These results taken together strongly suggest that the ancestral gene was first duplicated and one of the duplicated genes directly evolved into theIGnT gene. The other duplicated gene was further duplicated to produce theC2GnT gene and the pseudogene.
Solution to a 440-year-old Zoological Mystery: The Case of Aldrovandi's Dragon

SummaryIn his book Serpentum et Draconum Historiae Libri Duo, the sixteenth-century Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi described and illustrated an alleged dragon that had supposedly been killed in 1572. The ‘dragon’ became famous and was the centrepiece of Aldrovandi's museum. The specimen, a long-necked, long-tailed, scale-covered biped with a thickened torso and a forked tongue, was unlike any currently known bipedal animal and is therefore suspicious. Even so, an explicit description of its true nature has not been published before now. Here we examine Aldrovandi's description and illustration, compare these with extant animals, and conclude that the specimen was a taxidermic hoax. It was made by attaching the forelimbs of a common toad (Bufo bufo) to a European grass snake (Natrix natrix) the midsection of which had been replaced by that of a fish. Fake dragons abounded in the museums of Renaissance Europe, but only in a few cases has the mystery of their true nature been investigated. Aldrovandi's...
MMSE Infinite Length Symbol-by-Symbol Linear Equalization Achieves Full Diversity

This paper investigates the diversity order of single-carrier, symbol-by-symbol linear equalization (LE). It is shown that minimum mean square error (MMSE) linear equalizers achieve full diversity of v + 1 (the number of channel taps) independent of spectral efficiency. Our results also provide a new proof for the full diversity of decision feedback equalization (DFE), which was shown originally in A. Medles and D.T.M Slock (2004).
Rate-splitting for the deterministic broadcast channel

We show that the deterministic broadcast channel, where a single source transmits to M receivers across a deterministic mechanism, may be reduced, via a rate-splitting transformation, to another (2M - 1)-receiver deterministic broadcast channel problem where a successive encoding approach suffices. Analogous to rate-splitting for the multiple access channel and source-splitting for the Slepian-Wolf problem, all achievable rates (including non-vertices) apply. This amounts to significant complexity reduction at the encoder
On the average case analysis of some satisfiability model problems

Abstract The average time required by backtracking is analyzed over four models of random conjunctive normal form formulas. Each model gives a result of exp { O(ν (s−α) (s−1) ) }, where ν is the number of variables from which literals may be formed, s is the number of literals per clause, and ν α (1 α s ) is the number of clauses in the predicate. This indicates that the analysis methods used are insensitive to small changes in the random model.
Strong P and T noninvariances in a superweak theory

We show, by explicit construction of a highly convergent superweak theory of $\mathrm{CP}$ nonconservation, that the problem of natural suppression of strong $P$ and $T$ noninvariances---in the presence of instantons---may be resolved without invoking symmetries which imply massless quarks or nearly massless bosons.
THE OCCURRENCE AND PRESENT CHEMICAL STATUS OF THE FEMALE SEX HORMONE

The chemical identity of the female sex hormone has been established only between certain rather wide limits. The methods of assay are all biological and consist of the following: 1. Noting a growth producing action on the uterus, vagina and breasts of immature virgin rabbits, or of castrated rabbits (Figs. 1 and 2). 2. Noting the change produced by injection of extracts on the vaginal spreads obtained from spayed rats. The vaginal spread of the castrated rat consists mainly of leukocytes. When potent extracts are injected, after an interval of between twelve and forty-eight hours, the spread changes to squamous nonnucleated epithelium similar to the spread obtained from normal rats at estrus (Figs. 3 and 4). 3. Noting the spontaneous, rhythmic contraction rate of the uterus of the white rat when suspended in a chamber filled with Locke’s solution. The uterus of the castrated rat has a rhythm identical with that of the early interestrus period of the normal rat. The uterus of a rat whose vaginal smear had...
EFFECTS OF BREAST FEEDING ON INCIDENCE OF OTITIS MEDIA IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE. 1005

Most recent epidemiologic studies identify breast feeding as a significant protective factor for the development of otitis media. However, the magnitude of its potential effects with respect to actue otitis media (AOM) and chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) warrants further research. We followed consecutively enrolled infants from shortly after birth until 24 months of age. Peak incidence occurred between 8 and 12 months of age. Infants exclusively formula fed for the first 3 months of life demonstrated a marginally elevated risk of middle ear disease compared to infants exclusively breast milk fed (RR=1.22, 95% CI:.97-1.54). The nearly 30% elevated risk(RR=1.28, 95% CI:1.03-1.59) shown for exclusively formula fed infants at 6 months suggests (immunologic) protection may be imparted with duration of breast feeding. Infants who were formula fed during the first 6 months had a 40% elevated risk of a first episode of AOM but not OME occurring in infancy. Additionally, formula feeding did not appear to be related to elevated risk of recurrent episodes of AOM or OME. This finding implies that the putative benefit of breast milk observed in this infant cohort provides little protection against re-infection.
The Career Assessment Diagnostic Inventory: A New Career Indecision Assessment Tool

Career decision making is an important aspect of life. At some point, one must decide what type of job to apply for or whether to seek the education required for a specific career. Many individuals struggle with these decisions. However, multidimensional measures of uncertainty are needed in providing guidance to such persons, because it appears that the indecision phenomenon is multi dimensional and not restricted only to a need for career information. The present study evaluated a 98-item multidimensional measure of six career-indecision factors. Based on data provided by 539 college students, scale scores on the Career Assessment Diagnostic Inventory (CADI) had alpha coefficients ranging from .81 to .93 (M = .89). Factor analysis and convergent validity results were both supportive of a conclusion that CADI scores are valid.
PERSONALIZED TEACHING IN LARGE CLASSES

ABSTRACT At UC Davis, lecture sections of calculus often are large, consisting of 120 to 400 students. In this article, we refute the seemingly unquestioned assumptions that large classes must be impersonal, lecture style, and presented in a straight theorem-proof-example format. We will discuss successful strategies for space use, classroom management, and collecting student feedback that prevent students from being lost in the crowd and enable students to participate in an active learning environment.
Theory of draw resonance: Part I. Newtonian fluids

Draw resonance in isothermal spinning is explained by using kinematic wave theory. The throughput wave equation and the expression for the throughput wave velocity are derived from the governing equations of the system, that is, the continuity, momentum, and constitutive equations. A comparison is made between twice the wave residence time and the threadline residence time from the spinneret to the take-up in order to find the stable and draw resonance regions in terms of the drawdown ratio. For Newtonian fluids, the critical drawdown ratio to cause the onset of draw resonance is 19.744. Part II will deal with draw resonance in the spinning of power law fluids and Maxwell fluids using the same wave theory. Calculation of the draw resonance amplitude when the drawdown ratio exceeds the critical values for Newtonian, power law, and Maxwell fluids will be explained in Part III.
Electronic Factors Governing Ethylene Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Activity of Pseudomorphic PdML/Re(0001), PdML/Ru(0001), Pd(111), and PdML/Au(111) Surfaces

Abstract DFT-GGA periodic slab calculations were used to examine the chemisorption, hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation of ethylene on pseudomorphic monolayers of Pd(111) on Re(0001) [PdML/Re(0001)], PdML/Ru(0001), Pd(111), and PdML/Au(111). The computed (□3×□3) di-σ binding energy for ethylene on PdML/Re(00001), PdML/Ru(0001), Pd(111), and PdML/Au(111) are −10, −31, −62, and −78 kJ/mol, respectively. Hydrogen chemisorption follows trends very similar to the adsorption of ethylene with calculated dissociative adsorption energies of +2, −6, −78, and −83 kJ/mol, on the PdML/Re(00001), PdML/Ru(0001), Pd(111), and PdML/Au(111) surfaces, respectively. The elementary reactions of ethylene hydrogenation to form a surface ethyl intermediate and the dehydrogenation of ethylene to form a surface vinyl species were examined as model reactions for metal-catalyzed coupling and adsorbate bond-breaking reactions, respectively. Activation barriers and energies of reaction were computed for these elementary C–H bond-forming and C–H bond-breaking reactions over all the aforementioned surfaces. Calculations indicate that the activation barriers for the C–H bond breaking of surface-bound ethylene and ethyl intermediates correlate linearly with the corresponding overall energies of reaction for different Pd overlayer surfaces, with a slope of 0.65. The C–H bond activation barriers appear to be lower on surfaces where the reaction is more exothermic, consistent with the Evans–Polanyi postulate. Finally, we demonstrate that both the trends in the adsorption energy of ethylene and the activation barriers for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of ethylene are correlated to the intrinsic electronic properties of the bare metal surface. Using concepts derived from frontier-orbital theory, we extend the simple surface-activity model developed by Hammer and Norskov (Surf. Sci.343, 211 (1995)) to predict the chemisorption and surface reactivity of both ethylene and ethyl on different surfaces. The d-band for the bare Pd overlayer is observed shifting closer to the Fermi energy as the substrate metal is changed from a reactive metal such as Re to a noble metal such as Au. Since C–H bond activation of ethyl and ethylene is primarily guided by electron-backdonation to the antibonding σCH* orbital, the activation barriers for C–H bond breaking were found to be lower on surfaces where the d-band is closer to the Fermi level. The converse is true for the microscopic reverse, C–H bond formation reaction.
SU‐FF‐T‐241: High Precision Data Set For Benchmarking of Electron Beam Monte Carlo

Purpose: In treatment planning, and particularly in beam commissioning, Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithms are finding increasing application. This research aims to create high accuracy reference data, which will be used for benchmarking of Monte Carlo models. Method and Materials: Using the Vickers research linac with beam energy known to 0.5 % and a translational stepping slide with positioning accuracy of 0.2 mm in‐air beam profiles were obtained. The measurements were made using an Exradin A16 microchamber and PTW Electron Diode type 60012 and these were compared to a BEAMnrc Monte Carlo simulation and also to ICRU report 35 mass scattering powers. Results: An experimental data set has been obtained using a well‐known beam energy, spot size and irradiation geometry. Measurement data was acquired for a range of scattering foils and with different scattering gases between foil and detector. The uncertainty in the detector position is 0.2 mm and the uncertainty in the measured fluence is 0.1 %. i) There was good agreement between the profiles measured by the two detectors. ii) The initial Monte Carlo results indicated that a divergence of the incident beam must be included in the simulation to give agreement with the experimental data. A simple scattering model, using mass scattering powers from ICRU report 35, was used to obtain an estimate of the initial beam divergence. A value of 10 – 15 mrad was obtained, which is in good agreement with the Monte Carlo results. Conclusion: We now have a high accuracy data set for the benchmarking of electron beamMonte Carlo models at better than 1 % /1 mm level. An initial BEAMnrc calculation has indicated that the angular divergence of the beam has a significant affect on the width of the in‐air beam profile. Acknowledgment: Support from NIH grant R01 CA104777‐01A2.
Specific heat of soft carbons between 0.4 and 4.5°K—III

Abstract A more extensive and thorough investigation of the specific heat of two series of soft carbons heattreated to various temperatures from 600 to 3000°C and of a series of samples of an AS graphite neutron irradiated to various doses, was carried out. In particular, efforts were concentrated on mapping out the exact shape and position of the low temperature peak. A spectroscopic analysis of the impurity content of several of the investigated samples was made and the concentrations of localized spins were determined for all samples by means of the ESR technique. The most important result of this study is, that as the temperature is lowered, a fraction of all localized spins condenses at around 0.65°K into an antiferromagnetic phase, the fraction varying from about 2% for lowest up to 20% or more for the highest spin concentrations. An interpretation of the results is suggested and some other questions and difficulties brought out by this work are discussed.
Heart-rate learning in the noncurarized state, transfer to the curarized state, and subsequent retraining in the noncurarized state ☆

Abstract One group of freely-moving rats was trained to increase, and another to decrease, heart rate in order to avoid and/or escape electric shock. This training produced a statistically reliable difference between the groups. This difference persisted when the rats subsequently were tested and then given additional training while paralyzed with curare and maintained on artificial respiration. The same difference also persisted during subsequent nonreinforced tests without curare and was further increased by additional reinforced training in the normal, free-moving state. During the initial session of noncurarized training, the group rewarded for increases in heart rate showed more activity than the one rewarded for decreases, but there were no reliable differences in respiration rate. At the end of the second session of noncurarized training, the difference between the groups did not approach statistical reliability in activity (t=0.7), respiration rate (t=0.2), or the variability of that rate (t=0.6), but was highly reliable in heart-rate (t=7.2, df=12, p