cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Key to the Families

The illustrated identification key to the nymphs of the seven Anisoptera families of North America includes traditional distinctions and several new characters. Petaluridae are distinguished primarily by a prominent spiny process on the palpus and four movable spurs on all tibial apices. The Aeshnidae and Gomphidae have a flat labium, distinguishing them from the remaining four families that have a scoop-shaped labium; aeshnids have 6- or 7-segmented antennae, gomphids have 4-segmented antennae. The distal margin of the palpus in Cordulegastridae nymphs has large angular teeth and the ligula has a median bifid process. Macromiidae have mesothoracic femora 1.2–1.6 times the width of the head, compared to the Corduliidae and Libellulidae in which the mesothoracic femora are usually shorter than the head is wide (ratio 0.6–1.0, rarely 1.1). The main character separating the two most difficult families, Corduliidae and Libellulidae, is that Corduliidae nymphs have a definite ventromedial groove on the prementum. Additional diagnostic characters are provided.
Effects of intrastriatal dopamine D1 or D2 antagonists on methamphetamine-induced egocentric and allocentric learning and memory deficits in Sprague–Dawley rats

Methamphetamine (MA) is an abused psychostimulant that causes cognitive deficits after chronic use. Neostriatal dopamine receptors play a role in MA monoamine neurotoxicity. Blocking dopamine receptors prior to MA exposure in adult rats attenuates monoamine reductions and reactive gliosis. We tested whether blocking dopamine receptors protects against cognitive deficits. First, we determined the effects of MA alone versus MA in combination with the dopamine receptor D1 antagonist SCH-23390 or the dopamine receptor D2 antagonist sulpiride on cFos expression and monoamines at the age when rats in the cognitive experiment were to begin testing and monoamines in rats after cognitive testing. SCH-23390 infused into the neostriatum prior to systemic administration of MA attenuated MA-induced cFos activation while sulpiride induced cFos activation. Two weeks after MA, rats had dopamine and serotonin reductions that were attenuated by each antagonist. Other rats treated the same way, were tested for egocentric learning and memory in the Cincinnati water maze, for navigational strategy in a star water maze, and spatial learning and memory in a Morris water maze. Pre-treatment with SCH-23390 or sulpiride attenuated the effects of MA on egocentric and spatial learning and memory. MA-treated rats showed a shift from an egocentric to a disorganized strategy in the star maze that was less disorganized in groups receiving MA and an antagonist. Post-behavior monoamine reductions remained but were attenuated by the antagonists but not identically to what was seen in rats not behaviorally tested. The results show for the first time that dopamine receptors are mediators of MA-induced cognitive deficits.
The WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI) technology demonstration

The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), which is planned for launch in 2025, is NASA’s next large space observatory after the James Webb Space Telescope. It contains two primary science instruments: A Wide Field Instrument (WFI) to carry out surveys of galaxies in the near infrared; explore the properties of dark energy and dark matter; and carry out a microlensing survey to complete the census of exoplanets, and a Coronagraph Instrument (CGI) to demonstrate high-contrast technology for exoplanet imaging and spectroscopy. Understanding how to implement the technology for CGI is a critical step toward future, larger missions targeted at direct imaging of Earthlike planets in the habitable zone of nearby stars. This paper presents an overview of the current instrument design and requirements, highlighting the critical technologies being demonstrated. These include two types of coronagraphs, closed-loop wavefront control with two deformable mirrors, a visible-light, electron multiplying detector (EMCCD), and a lenslet based integral field spectrograph. Additionally, critical algorithms will be developed and tested for low- and high-order wavefront control, spectral extraction, and post-processing for planet detection. The paper will also describe the operational plans for the instrument. A participating scientist program (PSP) will enable members of the community to engage in the technology demonstration and, if warranted by instrument performance, will incorporate science focusing on imaging and spectra of large Jupiter size planets and protoplanetary and debris disks and a blind search program for undiscovered Jupiters and possibly mini-Neptunes.
Microwave-Assisted Biodiesel Production from Microalgae, Scenedesmus Species, Using Goat Bone–Made Nano-catalyst

The production of biodiesel from Scenedesmus algal oil is one of the best alternative forms of liquid fuel production from biomass to petrol diesel. Biodiesel plays a significant role in the carbon sequestration process during cultivation. Scenedesmus algal species was isolated and cultured in a bold basal medium by using nonheat releasing white florescence (2500 lx) for a 12:12-h dark and light cycle. Algae oil was extracted from dried microalgae biomass through a microwave digester–assisted solvent extraction method. Consequently, about 20.8% algal oil per gram was obtained. A waste-based calcium oxide (CaO) nano-catalyst prepared from goat bone was used in the transesterification process. The catalyst was calcinated at 900 °C and characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. The results revealed a mean particle size of 43.96 nm with an irregular shape, porous structure, and possession of many active sites. The optimized transesterification process offers an optimum biodiesel yield of 92% at the experimental conditions, i.e., at a reaction temperature of 60 °C, 2% (Wt.) catalyst loading and 11:1 methanol to algal oil molar ratio, 1500 rpm stirring speed, and 3 h reaction duration. The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were tested according to ASTM D6751 standards and are in good agreement.
The Reality of Aging Viewed from the Arterial Wall

An exclusive interview conducted by Professors Jeong Bae Park and Sungha Park with Dr. Edward Lakatta in Seoul while he was visiting for the Pulse of Asia 2013 in Seoul. In this interview, Dr. Lakatta explains and describes vascular aging and aging.
Healthcare disparities contribute to missed follow-up visits after cataract surgery in the USA: results from the perioperative care for intraocular lens study.

Objective To identify factors that contribute to missed cataract surgery follow-up visits, with an emphasis on socioeconomic and demographic factors. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 1 January and 31 December 2014 were reviewed. Second eye cases, remote and international patients, patients with foreign insurance and combined cataract cases were excluded. Results A total of 1931 cases were reviewed and 1089 cases, corresponding to 3267 scheduled postoperative visits, were included. Of these visits, 157 (4.8%) were missed. Three (0.3%) postoperative day 1, 40 (3.7%) postoperative week 1 and 114 (10.5%) postoperative month 1 visits were missed. Age 2 hours (aOR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.4), smokers (aOR=2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8) and complications identified up to the postoperative visit (aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1) predicted a higher rate of missed visits. Ocular comorbidities (aOR=0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) and previous visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/50–20/80 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and 20/90–20/200 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9), compared with BCVA at the previous visit of 20/40 or better, predicted a lower rate of missed visits. Gender, race/ethnicity, language, education, income, insurance, alcohol use and season of the year were not associated with missed visits. Conclusions Medical factors and demographic characteristics, including patient age and distance from the hospital, are associated with missed follow-up visits in cataract surgery. Additional studies are needed to identify disparities in cataract postoperative care that are population-specific. This information can contribute to the implementation of policies and interventions for addressing them.
Nasalis larvatus (Proboscis monkey)

Blood and/or skin biopsies from one male and two females were available through the courtesy of the San Diego Zoo. All gave similar results and confirm the original report on one female by Chiarelli. The karyotypes presented here came from skin cultures; that of the male is prepared with Giemsa banding.
The links between lean manufacturing practices and concurrent engineering method of new product development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relationships between lean manufacturing (LM) principles and concurrent engineering approach to new product development (CENPD).Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument based on a number of critical factors was used to examine if there are relationships between LM and CENPD. In addition to general organization and managerial profile items, the survey contained 44 items (22 paired) regarding similarities between LM and CENPD factors. Also, the survey instrument contained a number of questionnaire items on NPD performances for LM companies using CENPD and conventional companies.Findings – Statistical results show high degree of similarities between LM and CENPD factors. The results also indicate that LM organizations are able to develop new products with 63 per cent better quality, 52 per cent less development time, 45 per cent less development cost, and 36 per cent less manufacturing cost than conventional companies.Research limitations/imp...
Myopic Firm Behavior Thwarting Intent of Average-Revenue-Lagged Regulation

Recent papers have demonstrated that Average-Revenue-Lagged regulation(ARL) as applied to the single-product / multi-market firm is susceptible to strategicmanipulation even leading to global profit maximum pricing. This paper illustrates thatmyopic behavior within ARL under appropriate conditions on product demands andproduction costs can also produce profit maximum prices thus undermining obviousregulatory intent. The possibility of this outcome is another significant criticism that maybe leveled against this particular regulatory approach. (L43, L51)
Can Borrowing Shares Vindicate Shareholder Primacy

The recent use of borrowed votes to influence the outcome of proxy contests and takeovers has raised considerable alarm in the academic and financial press. In particular, commentators express concern about the consequences of freely decoupling the economic interests and voting power of shares trading in anonymous markets. I argue that a transparent public share borrowing market, if made available to institutional shareholders committed to long-term wealth maximization, could allay many such concerns. Moreover, such a market could empower institutional shareholders to take steps to improve corporate governance without the need to expand shareholder rights. I consider in turn the impact of facilitating share borrowing on the debate between managerial and shareholder primacy, on social welfare in various vote-buying transactions, and on existing securities loan markets.
Biosynthesis of the 4-O-Methyl-d-glucuronic Acid Unit of Hemicellulose B by Transmethylation from S-Adenosyl-l-methionine

Abstract A particulate enzyme preparation from immature corn cobs is capable of transferring the 14C-labeled methyl group from S-adenosyl-l-methionine to a macromolecular acceptor present in the particles. The radioactive product formed is shown to be hemicellulose B, labeled in the 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid unit. The transferase has optimal activity at pH 8.1, and is specifically stimulated by CoCl2 or MnCl2. Evidence is presented that the methylation of the plant heteropolysaccharide occurs at the macromolecular level.
One year survival of HIV-infected veterans with CD4 < 100 cells/mm3: data from a veteran cohort

Abstract Survival among HIV-infected patients markedly improved with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Easier to take and more effective HAART options have improved the one-year virologic success rate among naive patients. Numerous studies have shown that initiating HAART and restoration of CD4 cells positively impact survival. There are only a few evaluations that have been carried out on the changes in survival among patients who are severely immunosuppressed. We evaluated survival among a cohort of veterans with CD4<100 cells/mm3 (CD4 < 100) in three time periods reflecting early, mid, and recent HAART. Using the HIV clinic database, all patients with CD4 < 100 seen between 1996 and 2004 were identified (n=394). Patients entered Cohorts 1 (n=219), 2 (n=72), and 3 (n=103) in 1996–1998, 1999–2001, and 2002–2004, respectively. Data on demographics, AIDS-defining illnesses, co-morbidities, treatment, CD4, and viral load (VL) were abstracted. Survival analysis controlling for...
Methods for boosting revenue in combinatorial auctions

We study the recognized open problem of designing revenue-maximizing combinatorial auctions. It is unsolved even for two bidders and two items for sale. Rather than pursuing the pure economic approach of attempting to characterize the optimal auction, we explore techniques for automatically modifying existing mechanisms in a way that increase expected revenue. We introduce a general family of auctions, based on bidder weighting and allocation boosting, which we call virtual valuations combinatorial auctions (VVCA). All auctions in the family are based on the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism, executed on virtual valuations that are linear transformations of the bidders' real valuations. The restriction to linear transformations is motivated by incentive compatibility. The auction family is parameterized by the coefficients in the linear transformations. The problem of designing a high revenue mechanism is therefore reduced to search in the parameter space of VVCA. We analyze the complexity of the search for the optimal such mechanism and conclude that the search problem is computationally hard. Despite that, optimal parameters for VVCA can be found at least in settings with few items and bidders (the experiments show that VVCA yield a substantial increase in revenue over the traditionally used VCG). In larger auctions locally optimal parameters, which still yield an improvement over VCG, can be found.
NFATc1 in Inflammatory and Musculoskeletal Conditions

The nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors specify developmental pathways and cell fate in vertebrates. NFATc1, in particular, is crucial to multiple seemingly unrelated biologic processes, including heart valve formation, T-cell activation, osteoclast development, and the mitigation of hair follicle stem cell proliferation. Here, we review how our recently generated NFATc1 conditional knockout mouse has contributed to our understanding of this transcription factor in inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions and their treatment.
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria during antepartum care

Abstract The Griess test was used as a screening procedure for bacteriuria in 1,983 pregnant out patients in an antepartum clinic. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was found to be 6.6 per cent. The unmodified test was positive in 81 per cent of 94 patients with significant bacteriuria and was positive in 0.7 per cent of patients with sterile urine. However, 10 per cent of the positive Griess reactions are associated with sterile urine. The test was modified in 1,003 patients by in vivo or in vitro nitration of the urine. The results of the Griess test were not significantly altered by this procedure. The standard Griess test was compared with the STAT-Test in 500 patients. The STAT-Test gave positive results in 73 per cent of 40 patients with significant bacteriuria. Because of the simplicity and reliability of this test and the importance of diagnosing bacteriuria during pregnancy, it is strongly recommended as a routine part of antepartum care.
Ultrafast Photoluminescence from the Core and the Shell in CdSe/CdS Dot‐in‐Rod Heterostructures

With an ultrafast time-resolved photoluminescence system utilizing a Kerr gate, the time-resolved photoluminescence of core and shell constituents within CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod heterostructures is studied as a function of heterostructure size. Measurements performed at low excitation fluence generating, on average, less than one exciton per nanorod, reveal photoluminescence from direct recombination of carriers in the CdS heterostructure rod with lifetime generally increasing from 0.4 ps to 1.3 ps as the rod length increases. Decay of the CdS rod photoluminescence is accompanied by an increase in emission from the CdSe core on comparable time scales, also trending towards larger values as the rod length increases. The observed kinetics can be explained without invoking a non-radiative trapping mechanism. We also present alloying as a mechanism for enhancing electron confinement and reducing fluorescence lifetime at nanosecond time scales.
Synthesis of clean aluminide coatings on Ni‐based superalloys via a modified pack cementation process

With the aim of seeking a modified pack cementation process as a potential low-cost alternative to form clean and reproducible aluminide coatings for laboratory diffusion coating research, four non-contact arrangements were employed to coat Ni-based superalloy specimens. The advantages and disadvantages of each arrangement were discussed by comparing the cleanliness of coating surface, the homogeneity of surface Al content and coating thickness, as well as the easiness of preparation. By utilizing the arrangement with the best overall quality, an Ni-rich β-NiAl coating with a clean surface and a low S level (0.3 ppmw) was achieved, which was comparable to the coatings previously made by an ultra-clean laboratory chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Reactive element (RE) additions such as Hf, Zr, or Y were codeposited by including a small amount of the respective RE oxide in the pack mixture, and approximately 500 ppmw Hf was detected in the Hf-modified NiAl coating.
A least-squares approach for evaluating stress intensity factors from mixed-mode caustics

Abstract A least-squares approach for evaluating stress intensity factors from mixed-mode caustics is presented. The motivation for this work is first explained by illustrating the limitations of the commonly used method of principal diameters. It is then shown that the least-squares approach can be used successfully for different test cases including numerically and experimentally generated caustics.
Mechanism of the ferroelastic transition of BiVO4

Abstract BiVO4 has a pure ferroelastic transition at Tc = 528°K and atmospheric pressure. We elucidated the mechanism of this transition by studying the q≈0 soft optical phonon, with the symmetry of the ferroelastic strain, under large hydrostatic pressures at room temperature. A free-energy analysis, including the optical-acoustical phonon couplings, shows that the transition is driven by the q≈0 soft optical phonon.
Methyl versus acetylene as diamond growth species

We have modeled plasma-assisted diamond growth on substrates placed in a high velocity 1-dimensional flow. The gas consisted of methane or acetylene injected into a flow of partially dissociated hydrogen gas at 800 °C. Diamond is formed only near the injector. More diamond is formed when methane is the additive, and Raman spectra show that the quality of the diamond films is also higher when methane is the additive. The model, which includes detailed chemistry, convection, concentration diffusion, and thermal diffusion, shows that with this experimental arrangement only methane and methyl radicals are present in significant quantities when methane is added, while only acetylene is present when acetylene is added. We conclude that (1) Diamond films can be grown directly from methyl radicals (or, possibly, from methane) and from acetylene. This suggests that a variety of hydrocarbons could act as growth species. (2) An environment containing methane and methyl is much more effective for growing diamond films than one containing acetylene. (3) The quality of the diamond film depends on the identity of the growth species, with acetylene producing lower quality films than methyl (or methane). (4) The fall-off in diamond formation with distance from the injector is due to destruction of species crucial to diamond growth on the silicon substrates.
New production in the subarctic Pacific Ocean: Net changes in nitrate concentrations, rates of nitrate assimilation and accumulation of particulate nitrogen

Changes in water column nitrate and particulate nitrogen (PN) concentrations and rates of nitrate assimilation at 50°N 145°W were measured over a four-month interval for 1984, 1987 and 1988. Rates of nitrate depletion in the upper 80m of the water column averaged 12mg N m−2d−1, but most of the net depletion occurred during May when rates were high (∼75mg N m−2d−1) compared to later in the year. Particulate nitrogen (collected on GF/F filters) increased 2- to 3-fold during the month of May and accounted for 30–60% of the net nitrate depletion for May. Mean rates of PN accumulation for the 4-month intervals were 2.4mg N m−2d−1 and accounted for about 20% of the net nitrate depletion. Rates of nitrate assimilation (measured in incubation bottles with 15N) averaged 45.0±4.5mg N m−2d−1 (mean±SD), and appeared to decrease between May and September. A good correspondence between in situ and incubation estimates of nitrate assimilation was found for the 4-month comparison, but not for the month of May when net changes in nitrate concentrations were greatest. Vertical and horizontal inputs of nitrate are about the same order of magnitude as biological removal, thus the high inout of nitrate into the euphotic zone contributed to the continuously high nitrate concentrations in this region. Seasonal changes in nitrate and PN were significant and need to be considered in comparisons of new and export production.
Versatile organic (fullerene)-inorganic (CdTe nanoparticle) nanoensembles.

Novel organic (positively charged fullerene)−inorganic (negatively charged CdTe nanoparticle) nanoensembles were devised through electrostatic interactions and probed as versatile donor−acceptor hybrids. Photoirradiation of their homogeneous solutions, containing the electrostatically packed components, let to very long-lived (1.3 ms) charge separated states.
Human Antibodies (Abs) Specific for the High Molecular Weight (HMW) Adhesion Proteins of Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) are Opsonophagocytic

Human Antibodies (Abs) Specific for the High Molecular Weight (HMW) Adhesion Proteins of Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) are Opsonophagocytic
Omental transposition to the chronically injured human spinal cord.

4 malades operes. 3 presentent des modifications motrices et sensitives des les premiers jours apres l'intervention, qui progressent lentement pendant les mois suivants. Dans un cas, le traumatisme remontait a 15 ans auparavant
First Episode of Depression in Children at Low and High Familial Risk for Depression.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the development of first-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) in children at high and low familial risk for depression in a prospective study. Method High-risk children ( n = 76) who were free of any lifetime affective disorder and had at least one first-degree and one second-degree relative with a lifetime history of childhood-onset, recurrent, bipolar, or psychotic depression were included. Low-risk children ( n = 63) were included if they were free of any lifetime psychiatric disorder and had no first-degree relatives and fewer than 20% of their second-degree relatives with a lifetime affective disorder. Children and their parents were assessed in a prospective design using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Epidemiologic version (K-SADS-E). The average interval between follow-up interviews was 18 months, and the average follow-up period was 6 years. Results High-risk children had approximately a threefold increased risk of developing first-onset MDD compared with low-risk children (odds ratio = 3.21). The average age of new-onset MDD was 14.0 ± 2.9 years (range 9.5–19.5 years). Above and beyond the familial loading for MDD, mother's lifetime anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 2.84) and lifetime behavioral disorder (odds ratio = 3.25) in the child significantly added to the risk of developing a first-onset MDD. Conclusions Having high familial loading for affective disorders, a mother with and anxiety disorder, and a behavioral disorder in the child all significantly contributed to the risk of developing depression.
The generalized entry flow problem and the establishment of Poiseuille flow in locally constricted tubes.

The problem of the relaxation of laminar flow in a tube from an arbitrary velocity profile to Poiseuille is solved using an extension of a technique first discussed by Lew and Fung to linearize the convective derivative. A method of evaluating the technique is also presented.
Dehalogenation of ethylene dibromide by nickel‐schiff base compounds

Bromide released in methanolic solutions of ethylenedibromide (5 mM) was measured after six hours at room temperature and 62/sup 0/C. Bromide release is enhanced (two-fold at 30/sup 0/C, relative to a blank) in the presence of a nickel(II) chelate compound, bis(N-n-butylsalicylaldiminato)nickel(II). Implications are considered.
A systematic study of methanol + n-alkane vapor–liquid and liquid–liquid equilibria using the CK-SAFT and PC-SAFT equations of state

Abstract In this work, we present a systematic study of the ability of the SAFT equation of state with the dispersion term of Gross and Sadowski (PC-SAFT) and the dispersion term of Chen and Kreglewski (CK-SAFT) to model vapor–liquid (VLE) and liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) for methanol + n-alkane systems. In addition to using pure component SAFT parameters derived from the standard method of fitting to liquid density and saturated vapor pressure, CK-SAFT with associating parameters determined from two different methods of molecular orbital quantum mechanic (MO) calculation, the Hartree–Fock (HF) and Becke-3LYP (B3), are also used to reproduce experimental data. One adjustable temperature-dependent binary interaction parameter, kij, is used to fit the calculated results to the experimental data. Both CK- and PC-SAFT reproduce experimental VLE data for methanol + alkane systems quantitatively when kij is fit to experimental data and both qualitatively predict experimental results when kij = 0. For these systems, widely used cubic equations of state, like the Peng–Robinson or Soave, Redlch and Kwong, are incapable of quantitatively reproducing VLE for these highly non-ideal systems. MO-based CK-SAFT parameters show agreement with the experimental results at approximately 298 K, but at higher temperatures, no kij value can reproduce the experimental data without introducing liquid–liquid splitting. For VLE calculations, a correlation for predicting kij based on molecular weight and temperature is presented, which is also shown to provide reasonable estimates for the kij need to reproduce LLE data. LLE calculations show good agreement with experimental data for pentane through heptane. Calculations for alkanes longer than heptane show only qualitative agreement with experimental data.
Bridging Incommensurate Discourses A Response to Mackay

Mackay (2003) argues that the meaning-making literature places an emphasis on meaning from a `meaning as salience' perspective, which he claims constructionists use, illogically, to support an anti-realist view. In response, first, this article attempts to articulate language (from a constructionist stance) as an engaged activity, not a tool used to talk about the world. It is the discursive emphasis on language as an activity, as opposed to the semiotic emphasis on linguistic systems as a means through which we obtain knowledge, that positions constructionists differently vis-a-vis issues of truth, reality, meaning and objectivity. Second, this article attempts to perform constructionism-in-action by offering a way to bridge incommensurate discourses in such a manner that we can create meaningful and useful ways of going on together.
In Vivo Stimulation of Prolactin Secretion in the Rat by Thyrotropin Releasing Factor, Related Peptides and Hypothalamic Extracts

pGlu-His-Pro-NH2 (TRF) is shown to be a potent stimulator of PRL secretion in the estrogen-progesterone-pretreated male (EP) rat. A series of structural analogues of pGlu-His-Pro-NH2 were found to have comparable potencies to stimulate both PRL and TSH in the EP rat. Using pGlu-His-Pro-NH2 as a standard, the amount of PRL releasing activity in various hypothalamic extracts, as determined in the EP rat, is in agreement with the amount of TSH releasing activity as measured by a mouse TRF assay, but is not in agreement with the amount of TSH releasing activity determined by measurement of plasma TSH levels in the EP rat as the assay animal. This discrepancy is best explained by a differential sensitivity of the two methods, to TSH release inhibiting substances such as somatostatin. The PRL releasing activity as well as the TSH releasing activity of hypothalamic extracts is destroyed by incubation in rat serum. These results suggest that the hypothalamic substance(s) responsible for PRL releasing activity pos...
The Science of Romantic Love: Distinct Evolutionary, Neural, and Hormonal Characteristics

Romantic love is a psychological state that encompasses extreme euphoria and feelings of passion and intimacy for another individual. It can be characterized using Dr. Helen Fisher’s system of evolutionary, neural, and hormonal profiles that are distinct from those of attraction and attachment, which are two additional love-related processes. A broad review of scientific articles, classic literature, and popular culture is employed to define romantic love, and to explore its distinct evolutionary, neural, and hormonal characteristics. The possibility of romantic love under special circumstances is then explored. The discussion is specifically focused on the prospect of love without physical contact as featured in Spike Jonze’s 2013 film, Her. Results of this literature and research review support the theory that romantic love is an inebriating condition that suppresses judgment, and thus romantic love under these specific conditions is, indeed, possible. Throughout this composition, socio-cultural, evolutionary, psychological, and physiological theoretical perspectives are presented in an informal dialogue to make this topic accessible to an interdisciplinary audience. Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James S. Ferraro
Effect of posterior cut angle on tibial component loading.

Abstract Although clinical studies have shown that posterior cut angle affects tibial component stability, biomechanical studies are lacking. Fifteen Sawbones tibiae were divided into 5 groups and prepared with 0°, 3°, 6°, 9°, and −5° tibial surface cuts, and a tibial component was implanted with cement. Using a standard and then a highly congruent polyethylene insert, the knee was loaded at 0° and 30° of flexion. There were statistically significant increases in anterior micromotion of the standard polyethylene component for each increase in posterior slope cut angle, which increased for the highly congruent polyethylene component. The anterior slope cut (−5°) led to significant posterior micromotion of the tibial polyethylene component. Increased posterior slope cut angle significantly decreased tibial anterior compressive strains and significantly increased tibial posterior compressive strains. The highly congruent insert significantly increased this posterior strain. The results indicate that cutting the articular surface of the tibia at a 0° or 3° posterior slope provides the greatest tibial component stability.
The Chemistry and Applications of Antimicrobial Polymers: A State-of-the-Art Review

Microbial infection remains one of the most serious complications in several areas, particularly in medical devices, drugs, health care and hygienic applications, water purification systems, hospital and dental surgery equipment, textiles, food packaging, and food storage. Antimicrobials gain interest from both academic research and industry due to their potential to provide quality and safety benefits to many materials. However, low molecular weight antimicrobial agents suffer from many disadvantages, such as toxicity to the environment and short-term antimicrobial ability. To overcome problems associated with the low molecular weight antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial functional groups can be introduced into polymer molecules. The use of antimicrobial polymers offers promise for enhancing the efficacy of some existing antimicrobial agents and minimizing the environmental problems accompanying conventional antimicrobial agents by reducing the residual toxicity of the agents, increasing their efficiency and selectivity, and prolonging the lifetime of the antimicrobial agents. Research concerning the development of antimicrobial polymers represents a great a challenge for both the academic world and industry. This article reviews the state of the art of antimicrobial polymers primarily since the last comprehensive review by one of the authors in 1996. In particular, it discusses the requirements of antimicrobial polymers, factors affecting the antimicrobial activities, methods of synthesizing antimicrobial polymers, major fields of applications, and future and perspectives in the field of antimicrobial polymers.
Midlatency evoked potentials attenuation and augmentation reflect different aspects of sensory gating.

Abstract A broad definition of sensory gating refers to the ability of the brain to modulate its sensitivity to incoming sensory stimuli. This definition allows the concept of gating to include both the capacities to minimize or stop responding to incoming irrelevant stimuli (gating out) and to re-respond when a novel stimulus is presented or a change occurs in ongoing stimuli (gating in). In order to further characterize the function of sensory gating, we examined the attenuation (decreased responding) and augmentation (increased responding) of the P50 EP amplitudes in 22 normal volunteers. Three EP paradigms, each including a number of conditions, designed to examine both EP habituation (inhibition) and dishabituation (excitation) were administered to each subject. In conditions designed to examine habituation (identical pairs of clicks or trains of repetitive identical clicks), the P50 behaved, as expected, with decrease of the amplitude with repetition. In conditions designed to examine dishabituation the amplitude of the P50, EP did not decrease as much (and frequently increased) with stimulus change. The results suggest that the P50 EP is sensitive to the effects of stimulus repetition and stimulus change and can be used to study the different aspects of sensory gating.
Cerebral energy reserves and glycolysis in neural tissue of 6-aminonicotinamide-treated mice.

Cerebral energy metabolism was studied in brains of mice treated with the nicotinamide analog, 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), which is converted to a potent inhibitor of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in viro. Six hours after administration of 6-AN, the level of cerebral 6-phosphogluconate was increased at least 170-fold, whereas substrates for other NADP +-dependent dehydrogenases either did not change or increased only slightly. Large increases in 6-phosphogluconate were observed in the cerebral cortex, three layers of the cerebellum, and the dorsal column and anterior horn regions of the spinal cord after administration of 6-AN. Thus, glucose was metabolized via the oxidative enrymes of the pentose phosphate pathway in a wide variety of neuronal structures in vivo. Highest concentrations of 6-phosphogluconate were observed in the cerebellar molecular layer. Energy use rates and glycolysis were studied by measuring the disappearance of the major energy reserves during periods of anoxic-ischemia imposed on cerebral tissue of 6-AN-treated mice. Production of lactate and utilization of glycogen during anoxic-ischemia were reduced in brain of 6-AN-treated mice, which is in accord with the suggestion that glycolysis is inhibited in cerebral tissue of 6-AN-treated animals. Levels and ratios of pyridine nucleotides in cerebral tissue were not altered by 6-AN treatment. From changes in levels of ATP, phosphocreatine, glucose, and glycogen in brain during ischemia, the rate of energy use was calculated to be 21.7 mmol · kg wet tissue−1 · min−1, which was not significantly different from that observed in normal adult mouse brain. Therefore, despite an apparent slowing of hexose utilization in cerebral tissue 6-AN-treated mice, normal cerebral energy use was maintained during the initial period of anoxic-ischemia.
Decreased vascular compliance after reimplantation of the left lower lobe in young pigs

The effects of chronic denervation on pulmonary vasculature are not well understood. Three groups of young pigs were prepared: (1) those receiving sham thoracotomy, (2) those having left upper lobectomy alone (innervated left lower lobe), and (3) those receiving left pneumonectomy followed by reimplantation of the left lower lobe (denervated left lower lobe). At 10 weeks after operation, animals were anesthetized and instrumented for study. No changes in baseline pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output, or pulmonary vascular resistance were observed. With diversion of the entire cardiac output to the left lung or lobe, however, the group with reimplanted lobes had a significantly higher pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance than the other groups. This may result from chronic denervation of the pulmonary vasculature and receptor upregulation.
Role of nucleotide hydrolysis in microtubule assembly

MICROTUBULE assembly in vitro requires (in normal conditions) that GTP be bound to the exchangeable nucleotide-binding site of tubulin1–3. The bound GTP is hydrolysed during polymerisation and the resulting GDP remains bound to the microtubule while the phosphate is released into the medium. Although hydrolysis normally occurs during polymerisation, microtubules will form in a non-hydrolysable analogue of GTP, guanylyl imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP)4–6. We have observed6, as also has Arai5, that microtubules polymerised in GMP-PNP are not depolymerised by concentrations of Ca which completely depolymerise GTP microtubules. We have now found that GMP-PNP microtubules do not display evidence for a rapid equilibrium between polymer and subunit. The irreversible behaviour of GMP-PNP microtubules may explain the insensitivity to Ca and suggests a function for nucleotide hydrolysis during tubulin polymerisation.
The neuropharmacology of the autoinhibition of monoamine release

Abstract Monoamine neurons possess presynaptic autoreceptors, sensitive to the neuron's own neurotransmitter, which modulate the calcium-dependent, stimulus-evoked release of transmitter from the nerve endings. Agonists reduce, whereas antagonists enhance evoked release. What are the mechanisms underlying autoreceptor-mediated effects at monoamine nerve terminals, and does this phenomenon play a physiological role in vivo ? In the following review James Tepper, Philip Groves and Stephen Young summarize recent biochemical and electrophysiological findings on the autoinhibition of monoamine release in the mammalian CNS.
Introduction to the ISPOR Lipid Conference.

I n November 199.?, the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) (then known as APOR) held its first disease-specific conference on lipid therapy pharrnacoeconomics and outcomes research in Orlando, Florida. The concept of meeting periodically to discuss current pharmacoeconornics and outcomes research for a specific disease or therapeutic state seemed sound, and after sufficient corporate sponsorship was obtained to implement this conference, we pushed ahead with it. Based on participant feedback, this maiden conference exceeded many people's expectations in providing practical and scientifically rigorous assessment and exchange of opinion for current lipid therapy options. Since much valuable information was presented at the conference, it was always intended that we would share conference proceedings with the ISPOR membership and other interested readers in a. peer-reviewed scientific publication, We are theretore very pleased that the launch of ISPOR's new journal, Value in Health, allows these proceedings to be presented in our society's flagship publicati~n, In this issue of Value in Health we provide the first group of presentations, which focused ~n current clinical understanding and controversies regarding cholesterol, lipid therapy, and the ~thero­ sclerosis disease process, This includes the first set of speaker presentations, a debate, and a reactor panel discussion. In subsequent issues we will publish the second group of presentations, which focused on lipid pharmacoeconomic modeling, and the third group of presentations focused on using pharrnacoeconornic analyses in real-world lipid therapy decision-making.
Pain, motor and gait assessment of murine osteoarthritis in a cruciate ligament transection model

Summary Objective The major complaint of Osteoarthritis (OA) patients is pain. However, due to the nature of clinical studies and the limitation of animal studies, few studies have linked function impairment and behavioral changes in OA animal models to cartilage loss and histopathology. Our objective was to study surrogate markers of functional impairment in relation to cartilage loss and pathological changes in a post-traumatic mouse model of OA. Method We performed a battery of functional analyses in a mouse model of OA generated by cruciate ligament transection (CLT). The changes in functional analyses were linked to histological changes graded by OARSI standards, histological grading of synovitis, and volumetric changes of the articular cartilage and osteophytes quantified by phase contrast micro-computed tomography (μCT). Results OA generated by CLT led to decreased time on rotarod, delayed response on hotplate analysis, and altered gait starting from 4 weeks after surgery. Activity in open field analysis did not change at 4, 8, or 12 weeks after CLT. The magnitude of behavioral changes was directly correlated with higher OARSI histological scores of OA, synovitis in the knee joints, cartilage volume loss, and osteophyte formation. Conclusion Our findings link functional analyses to histological grading, synovitis, comprehensive three-dimensional assessment of cartilage volume and osteophyte formation. This serves as a reference for a mouse model in predicting outcomes of OA treatment.
Method of effective-potential expansion for the many-body problem: Two-dimensional electron gas in two-body approximation

Following previous work in which a variational method for the many-body problem was proposed wherein an effective potential $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{V}$ was introduced as a variational parameter to construct a trial wave function, we apply the method to the two-dimensional electron gas. In the method, every physical quantity is expanded in powers of $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{V}$ instead of the bare potential as in the usual perturbation-theoretic approach. Because of this choice of expansion parameter, the expansion series converges rapidly even in the strong-coupling region. The result for the correlation energy in the two-dimensional electron gas agrees very well with that given by the variational Monte Carlo method even in the lowest-order calculation (i.e., to second order in $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{V}$). The difference is within several percent for $1l{r}_{s}l100$.
Relationship between the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire and key ventilatory expired gas measures during exercise testing in patients with heart failure.

PURPOSE This study assessed the relationship between the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ) and key ventilatory expired gas measures during a symptom-limited exercise test in the heart failure (HF) population. Specifically, is there evidence to indicate that perceived quality of life (QOL) influences exercise performance independent of physiologic function in the HF population? METHODS Thirty-one subjects (21 male/10 female), diagnosed with compensated HF, underwent exercise testing and completed the MLWHFQ. Mean age and left ventricular ejection fraction were 52.8 years and 27.2%, respectively. Partial correlation, controlling for age and sex, assessed the relationship between MLWHFQ (overall and subscores) and key ventilatory expired gas measures. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was used to determine reliability of the MLWHFQ. RESULTS MLWHQ overall score (mean = 38.9, median = 36.0), physical subscore (mean = 14.8, median = 16.0), and psychosocial/symptomatology subscore (mean = 24.1, median = 19.0), were significantly correlated (P < or =.05) with peak oxygen consumption (VO2). The relationship between MLWHFQ and the minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope was, however, not significant. ICC analysis revealed high reliability (0.95) for the MLWHFQ. CONCLUSIONS The MLWHFQ demonstrates a significant relationship with peak VO2, a measure whose validity is dependent upon subject effort. VE/VCO2 slope, which is independent of subject effort and therefore potentially a better predictor of true physiologic function, does not appear to have a relationship with perceived QOL. These findings have implications for how the MLWHFQ is assessed, related to an exercise test, and used during clinical practice.
Factors Associated with Diabetes-related Distress: Implications for Diabetes Self-Management

As 7.8% of the U.S. population is affected by diabetes, health care providers are tasked with providing resources to assist patients toward self-management. Psychosocial issues have an effect on diabetes self-care. Diabetes-related distress is associated with self-management and lower A1C. This cross-sectional study seeks to understand how demographic factors, psychological orientations, support, and diabetes management behaviors predict diabetes-related distress. This study uses data from 267 adults with Type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) is a 17-item scale measuring diabetes-related distress including emotional distress, physician-related distress, regimen distress, and interpersonal distress. Hierarchical regression was conducted in four stages. The final model explains 48% of the variance in DDS. Significant factors related to lower DDS were older age, lower body mass index, higher self-efficacy, higher levels of health care provider support, and a healthy diet. Findings of this study help health care providers know where to focus to reduce diabetes-related distress. Health care provider support is significant in reducing DDS. Diabetes education may want to include strategies that increase self-efficacy and assist people with diabetes to obtain a healthy weight through a more healthful diet.