cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of the Inflammasome and Enhanced Migration of Microparticle-Stimulated Dendritic Cells to the Draining Lymph Node

Porous silicon microparticles presenting pathogen-associated molecular patterns mimic pathogens, enhancing internalization of the microparticles and activation of antigen presenting dendritic cells. We demonstrate abundant uptake of microparticles bound by the TLR-4 ligands LPS and MPL by murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC). Labeled microparticles induce concentration-dependent production of IL-1β, with inhibition by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK supporting activation of the NLRP3-dependent inflammasome. Inoculation of BALB/c mice with ligand-bound microparticles induces a significant increase in circulating levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Stimulation of BMDC with ligand-bound microparticles increases surface expression of costimulatory and MHC molecules, and enhances migration of BMDC to the draining lymph node. LPS-microparticles stimulate in vivo C57BL/6 BMDC and OT-1 transgenic T cell interactions in the presence of OVA SIINFEKL peptide in lymph nodes, with intact nodes imaged using two-photon microscopy. Formation of in vivo and in vitro immunological synapses between BMDC, loaded with OVA peptide and LPS-microparticles, and OT-1 T cells are presented, as well as elevated intracellular interferon gamma levels in CD8(+) T cells stimulated by BMDC carrying peptide-loaded microparticles. In short, ligand-bound microparticles enhance (1) phagocytosis of microparticles; (2) BMDC inflammasome activation and upregulation of costimulatory and MHC molecules; (3) cellular migration of BMDC to lymphatic tissue; and (4) cellular interactions leading to T cell activation in the presence of antigen.
Comparison of five types of synthetic estimation filters for pose parameter estimation

Synthetic estimation filters, introduced by Juday and Monroe, have been shown to be very useful in the estimation of pose parameters of objects from their images. These filters are designed from a composite image made up of a linear combination of images which have undergone variations in their position by a known amount. Each filter is designed such that its response for each of the constituent images lies on a straight line. The peak response of the filter was chosen as the response of interest. Though these filters were designed to have an affine response with respect to the pose parameter, the resulting response in general is not affine and this causes considerable error in the estimate. On a detailed study of the SEF filter design, it is found that this discrepancy results because of the use of the maximum response of the filter rather than the response at the origin. Hence, in this paper, new types of synthetic estimation filters constructed on the basis of the filter response at the origin are proposed. These filters, except the phase-only filters, yield exactly the desired response for the constituent images. Three filters of this type -- matched, phase-only, and composite phase filters -- are considered in this paper. Simulation results conducted on these filters using a set of images are presented. The accuracy of estimation is compared with the previous two SEFs - - matched and phase-only filters. It is found that the new filters possess better estimation accuracy. Noise analysis of these filters were also carried out. Both analytical and simulation studies were made. The matched SEFs designed on the basis of the response at the origin were found to possess good noise resistance characteristics.
Multidimensional maximum likelihood failure detection and estimation

An algorithm for maximum likelihood failure detection and estimation is provided for multidimensional processes as an extension of the theory given in [1]. It is shown that failure identification is enhanced by selecting the observation matrix H to satisfy an orthogonality condition.
Moldable tissue equivalent bolus for high‐energy photon and electron therapy

In radiation therapy, there is often a need to treat irregular surfaces with electron and photon beams. These surfaces require smoothing to achieve uniform doses at depth and proper buildup of dose at the surface. The surface smoothing and dose buildup is achieved by applying bolus. To deliver a known dose, produce a known central axis depth dose, and beam flatness for successful treatment, it is necessary that water or tissue equivalent bolus material is used. This material must also be able to fill extremely irregular voids. Several moldable materials, currently or formerly used in dental clinics, were evaluated for adequacy as tissue equivalent bolus. Availability was also considered during evaluation. Polyflex, a hydrocolloid, was found to be near water equivalent for electron and photon beams. It was also inexpensive, readily available, and held up well over time.
Amperometric biosensing of alcohols at electrochemically pretreated glassy-carbon enzyme electrodes

Substantial improvements in the performance of amperometric biosensors for alcohols are achieved by subjecting the glassy carbon transducer to an electrochemical pretreatment prior to the immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase. The enzymatically generated dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) can thus be detected at a substantially (∼340 mV) lower potential compared to the untreated surface. Hence, highly sensitive low-potential amperometric sensing of alcohols is accomplished without the assistance of a surface-bound electron mediator. Applicability to alcoholic beverages is illustrated.
Traumatic intraspinal pneumocele

Traumatic intraspinal pneumocele (TIP) is a radiologic finding in which air is visualized within the spinal canal on routine cervical spine x-rays following a head injury. TIP may be the initial radiologic evidence of a severe central nervous system injury. The presence of TIP will alert a physician to the severity of the head injury, as well as the need for further radiologic investigations.
Metabolism of vasoactive peptides by vascular endothelium and smooth muscle aminopeptidase M.

Abstract The cellular localization of vascular plasma membrane aminopeptidase M (AmM;EC 3.4.11.2) was examined in cultured porcine aorta endothelium and smooth muscle cells. AmM was 14-fold higher on smooth muscle (117 ± 16 units/mg) than on endothelium (8.4 ± 0.2). Proportional to its cellular distribution, AmM hydrolyzed the N-terminus of kallidin to produce bradykinin, and degraded des(Asp 1 )angiotensin I, angiotensin III, hepta(5-ll)substance P and Met 5 -enkephalin. In contrast, bradykinin, angiotensin II and substance P were resistant to AmM-mediated hydrolysis. Peptide metabolism was optimal at pH7.0 and was inhibited by o -phenanthroline, bestatin ( K i = 2.2 ± 0.1 μ M) and amastatin ( K i , = 25 ±5 nM). Des(Asp 1 )angiotensin I and angiotensin III had the highest affinity (lowest K m ) for AmM ( K m = 2.2 ± 0.5 and 2.0 ±0.4 μ M respectively), followed by hepta(5–11)substance P (53.9 ± 1.7 μM) and Met 5 -enkephalin (75.7 ± 3.5 μ M). In contrast, maximal velocities of hydrolysis were higher for Met 5 -enkephalin (313 ± 2 nmol/min/mg) than for hepta(5–11)substance P (109 ± 18 nmol/min/mg) or angiotensin III (26.5 ±1.0 nmol/min/mg). As expected for hydrolysis by a common enzyme, AmM-mediated enkephalin degradation was inhibited competitively by angiotensin III ( K i = 0.34 ± 0.04 μ M), hepta(5-ll)substance P (43.7 ± 6.3 μ M) and kallidin (62 μM). These data suggest that vascular AmM may modulate vasoactive peptide levels in vivo , particularly within the microenvironment of endothelial and smooth muscle cell surface receptors.
Cancer pain and neurolysis

C ancer related pain is still a problem that affects many patients despite advances in detection and treatment of cancer. It is estimated that more than 1.2 million new cases of cancer (excluding skin cancer) will be diagnosed in 2002 and approximately one-half of a million people will die in the United States as a result of cancer. ~ It is the second leading cause of death after heart diseases with I of every 4 deaths because of cancer in the US. ~ Unforttmately, a significant portion of patients continue to experience moderate to severe pain during the latter stages of cancer. Advances in cancer treatment continue to increase survival among cancer patients. In fact, as the overall survival of these patients improved, pain as a consequence of the disease and its treatment will become more prevalent. Pain is a common symptom in cancer and next to incurability, it is the most teared complications. Thus, quality of life has increasing importance, The incidence of pain in patients with cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. It is estimated that 40% of patients experience moderate to severe pain in the intermediate stage while 75-90% of patients have moderate to severe pain with advanced cancer. 2 The World Health Organization (WHO) developed an analgesic ladder to help provide treatment lbr cancer pain more than a decade ago, The WHO ladder is a three tier protocol for the selection of pain medication depending on severity of the pain. It outlines the use of nonopioid, opioid, and adjuvant analgesics, alone or in combination (Fig. I ). When initiating therapy, it is important that the patient start at the appropriate step of the ladder. For mild pain. the patient should start with nonopioid analgesics (step 1); opioids for moderate pain (step 2); more potent opioids for severe pain (step 3). For most cancer patients this ladder has been effective to control pain. However, despite this ladder, 10-30% of patients continue to have inadequately controlled pain or intolerable side effects from these medicat ions) Such side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, and nausea and vomiting. In addition, one must recognize that opioids may not be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain. 4'5 Hence, a revised approach to cancer pain treatment that incorporates interventional analgesic techniques has been developed and includes use of neuroablative procedures and neuraxial delivery of analgesic medication (Fig. 2). ~'
Functionalized (X-PEO)2-(PS-Y)2 Star Block Copolymers at the Interfaces: Role of Terminal Groups in Surface Behavior and Morphology

We focus on the role of functional terminal group combinations for (X-PEO)2-(PS-Y)2 heteroarm star copolymers with respect to their interfacial behavior and surface morphology. We synthesized a series of star copolymers with combinations of bromine, amine, TBDPS, hydroxyl, and carboxylic terminal groups. The study concluded that hydrophilic functional groups attached to hydrophobic chains and hydrophobic functional groups attached to hydrophilic chains resulted in the stabilization of the spherical domain morphology, rather than cylindrical morphology predicted for the given chemical composition of star copolymers. The replacement of functional groups of hydrophobic polymer chains was found to be even more effective in creating stable and very fine circular domain morphology. In addition, for (COOH-PEO)2-(PS-NH2)2 star polymer the ionization of carboxylic terminal groups at higher pH led to greater solubility of PEO chains in the water subphase, which along with deionization of amine terminal group preven...
Synergistic toughening in rubber modified blends

Abstract Particle size and particle adhesion are two factors involved in the rubber toughening of glassy polymers. The role of each has been examined in the toughening of polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). An SBS block copolymer and an emulsion rubber particle with a PMMA grafted shell were compared as modifiers for these polymers and subsequently used in combination. The styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) particles were irregularly shaped with dimensions of 1–5 μm, while the emulsion particles were uniform and 0.18 μm in diameter. The SBS particles toughened PS significantly, as expected, but did not improve the properties of PMMA or the SANs appreciably. The emulsion particles toughened PMMA and SANs (14.7 and 25.0% AN) with which its PMMA shell was miscible. It did not toughen PS or a SAN (6.3% AN) with which its PMMA shell was immiscible. Emulsion particle size as well as adhesion were responsible for its poor performance in the latter case. When used in combination for the matrix SAN (25% AN by weight), a synergistic toughening effect well beyond that of either additive alone was observed.
Additive bit-serial algorithm for discrete logarithm modulo 2k

A novel algorithm for computing the discrete logarithm modulo 2 k that is suitable for fast software or hardware implementation is described. The chosen preferred implementation is based on a linear-time multiplier-less method and has a critical path of less than k modulo 2 k shift-and-add operations.
The physics and astrophysics of Type Ia supernova explosions

1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA 2Physics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA 3Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA 4National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA E-mail: ∗guidry@utk.edu, †bmesser@ornl.gov
When Sex Is on the Air: Impression Formation After Exposure to Sexual Music

The present study examines how young men and women, when primed with sexual cues in entertainment media, incorporate these cues into their first impressions of an unfamiliar target. Respondents (n = 188) were exposed to popular music either with or without sexual lyrics. Respondents in the sexual music condition recognized the sexual conveyance of that music. Respondents in the other condition rated the sexuality in their music as low. After exposure, respondents evaluated unknown targets—job applicants represented by their resumes. Sexual conveyance elevated ratings of sexual qualities attributed to the targets, suggesting sexual objectification of the targets. Sexual quality ratings then predicted evaluations of the targets’ merit, including knowledge and integrity. Although the association between sexual quality and overall merit ratings were positive for both men and women, men exhibited a significantly stronger association than women did. Findings support a postconscious automatic processing interpretation of media priming effects and corroborate prior observations that sexual media primes yield sexualized evaluations. Findings also suggest a need to measure initial affective responses to media primes, as different sexual depictions might trigger sexual thoughts with either a positive or negative connotation.
Ammonium influence on nitrogen assimilating enzymes and protein accumulation in suspension cultures of Paul's Scarlet rose

The influence of NH4+ on protein accumulation was examined by growing suspension cultures of Rosa cv. Paul's Scarlet on two defined media. Both contained 1920 μmol of NO3− but only one contained 72.8 μmol of NH4+. At the conclusion of a 14-day growth period, cultures grown with NH4+ possessed twice as much protein as cultures grown without NH4+. The influence of NH4+ did not appear to be a substrate effect, since the amount of NH4+ provided accounted for only 10% of the nitrogen recovered in protein. The provision of NH4+ in the starting medium increased the activity (μmol substrate. h−1· g−1 fr wt) of glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamate synthase, and reduced the activity of glutamine synthetase. A comparison of the total activity per culture for each of these enzymes with the rate of nitrogen incorporation into protein showed that the enzymatic potential of glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase greatly exceeded the actual in vivo rate of nitrogen assimilation through the respective pathways. Thus it was concluded that the availability of either of these enzymes does not limit nitrogen assimilation in rose cells and the fluctuations in their level brought about by NH4+ was of no physiological importance. The activity of glutamate synthase per culture approximated the rate of nitrogen incorporation into protein during early stages of growth, and for that reason may have limited nitrogen assimilation or caused a diversion of nitrogen through the alternative pathway to glutamate catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase.
Partial restoration of B cell development in Jak‐3–/– mice achieved by co‐expression of IgH and Eµ‐myc transgenes

Jak-3 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in coordinating signals received through a wide range of cytokine receptors, including the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R). Jak-3-deficient mice have a profound block in B cell development at the pro-to-pre-B cell transition and have very few peripheral B cells. This block has been postulated to reflect the inability of Jak-3(-/-) pro-B cells to respond to IL-7. Here we demonstrate that B cell development can be partially restored in Jak-3-deficient mice when they are bred to mice carrying both a rearranged Ig heavy chain (IgH/Igmu) transgene and a c-myc transgene expressed in the B cell lineage. Jak-3(-/-) mice expressing both of these transgenes exhibit significant increases in the number of B cells in the bone marrow and, to a lesser extent, in the spleen. However, very few rescued B cells were detectable in mice greater than 4 months of age. To determine whether resident hyperactivated Jak-3(-/-) peripheral T cells are responsible for the elimination of the rescued B cells in older mice, we bred IgH transgenic (Igmu Tg)/myc Tg/Jak-3(-/-) mice to T cell-deficient (TCRalpha(-/-)) mice. Data from these experiments suggest that the paucity of B cells in older Jak-3(-/-) mice is largely attributable to the lack of Jak-3 in the B cells themselves. Thus, Jak-3 seems to play several important roles in B cells: during development, to enable cell division, Ig gene rearrangement and cell differentiation, and in mature cells, to promote B cell survival in the periphery.
Contrasting effects of alpha, beta, and gamma interferons on nonspecific suppressor function in multiple sclerosis

Interferons are biological molecules with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory actions. Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and -beta are potentially useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). IFN-gamma, in contrast, increases the frequency of exacerbations of MS. In this study, we compared the effect of recombinant human IFN-alpha, -beta, and -gamma on suppressor function in patients with MS. Nonspecific suppressor cell function, measured in a concanavalin A suppressor assay, was significantly decreased in 16 patients with progressive MS (mean percent suppression +/- SEM, 14.4 +/- 5.5 in patients with MS, 33.5 +/- 4.8 in 16 normal subjects; p less than 0.001). Recombinant human IFN-beta augmented suppressor function in MS to 45.4 +/- 5.1% (p less than 0.001) and in control subjects to 56.8 +/- 3.8% (p less than 0.001). Similarly, recombinant human IFN-alpha improved suppression in MS to 43.0 +/- 5.6% (p less than 0.001) and in control subjects to 51.1 +/- 5.9% (p less than 0.001). In contrast, recombinant human IFN-gamma had no effect on suppressor function in patients with MS and in control subjects. This study shows that IFN-alpha and -beta augment deficient suppressor function in MS, whereas IFN-gamma has no effect on suppressor function in the progressive phase of the disease.
The preparation of a highly purified antibody and a solid-state immunoassay for porcine pancreatic α-amylase

Abstract Porcine pancreas and parotid cell suspensions provide model systems in which to study the mechanism of induction of a specific protein, α-amylase, by hormones acting via cAMP. A highly purified antibody against porcine pancreatic α-amylase was prepared using affinity chromatography of the total IgG fraction derived from rabbit anti-α-amylase antiserum and was used to develop a radioimmunoassay for α-amylase. The antigen-antibody complex was separated from unbound α-amylase using either glutaraldehyde gelled α-amylase or a second antibody technique; a linear standard curve was achieved over a 100- to 1000-fold range of α-amylase concentration. Tissue homogenates did not interfere with this assay, and assayed levels of α-amylase in porcine pancreas were linear using 10–200 μg of homogenate. No levels or very low levels of α-amylase were detected in control tissues.
Response hierarchies measured by two techniques

Two procedures have been used to measure response hierarchies of sense-impression categories to word stimuli, the judgmental and the associational procedures. The judgmental procedure was used to obtain dominance values (the percent of S s who assign a word stimulus to a particular response category) for each of 40 sense-impression categories to each of 24 word stimuli. The results suggest first that the judgmental procedure is reliable. Second, the judgmental procedure results in higher dominance values than the associational procedure. Third, more response categories are assigned to the word stimuli in judging than are evoked in association. Fourth, the judgmental technique provides measures of dominance for response categories lower in the response hierarchy than does the associational procedure.
Peer-to-peer ink messaging across heterogeneous devices and platforms

Pen and touch interfaces for personal and shared devices are becoming increasingly relevant today, in the context of mobility and ease of use. A key capability enabled by pen-interfaces is that of messaging using handwritten, as opposed to text messages. Not only are ink messages easier to enter than text messages (especially when a full keyboard is not present), they allow the incorporation of other elements such as drawings and doodles into instant messaging. However since ink formats are typically platform-specific and proprietary, messaging across different platforms such as Tablet PCs and Linux-based PDAs poses an interoperability problem. In this paper, we show how Ink Markup Language (InkML), an open draft standard from W3C, can be used to address this problem. In particular, we propose an Ink messaging protocol, and a system architecture for implementing the protocol operations. We have implemented this protocol as an extension to the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), an open IETF standard.
Study on Cyclic Voltammetry in Na3AlF6-Al2O3-LiF Molten Salt Electrolysis

Electrochemistry reaction of the Al3+ by means of cyclic voltammetry. The results show that the Al3+ was reduced to Al metal in a single step. During the electrochemical process, metal Na and Li did not deposit out on tungsten electrode. After adding LiF, the oxidation peak of Al was weakened and the oxidation quality of Al decreased. Compared with cyclic voltammetry curves at different CR ratio (CR=molar ratio of NNaF/NAlF3 in the bath), LiF is more effective in the low CR system for electrolyte. The XRD analysis shows that Li-Al alloy was soluble in the molten salt while Li + and Al3+occured alloying reaction.
Lysyl oxidase‐like 2 promotes migration in noninvasive breast cancer cells but not in normal breast epithelial cells

A growing number of studies indicate the importance of the lysyl oxidase family in the promotion of epithelial neoplasms towards their more aggressive forms. However, the role of individual family members in carcinoma progression has yet to be ascertained. In this study, we analyzed LOXL2 expression in malignantly transformed MCF-7 and normal MCF-10A mammary epithelial cell line clones stably transduced with LOXL2 in vitro, and in normal and cancerous breast tissue samples in vivo. We found LOXL2 to be catalytically active in both MCF-7 and MCF-10 clones. LOXL2 overexpression promoted a more mesenchymal morphology in both cell types, but LOXL2-induced increase in migratory ability could only be established in MCF-7 clones. We demonstrated altered localization of the LOXL2 protein in breast cancer tissue compared to normal mammary tissue, and altered localization and processing of LOXL2 protein in breast cancer cell lines compared to normal cell lines, which may allow LOXL2 to interact with different intra and extracellular components during tumor progression. Results support the role of LOXL2 in selectively promoting a metastatic phenotype in breast tumor cells. Additional data suggest epigenetic molecular mechanisms in tumor specific regulation of LOXL2 expression that could be explored as a molecular target in the prevention of breast cancer progression.
Effects of the Antiandrogen Cyproterone Acetate on Reproduction in Male and Female Ring Doves

Abstract The present experiment was designed to study the role of increased plasma androgens which are seen in male and female doves during courtship. In pairs of doves either the male or female was injected daily with oil or with 6 or 15 mg of cyproterone acetate (CA), starting 3 days before pairing. Cyproterone acetate at both dose levels reduced the amount of bow-cooing shown by the male on the day of pairing, and at the higher dose resulted in a reduction of nest soliciting by injected males and their untreated mates over the 7 days of testing. At the high dose only, the size of the testes was reduced. In pairs where females received CA, there was a decrease in levels of nest soliciting by both partners and ovarian development was blocked. The results are discussed in terms of the possible significance of fluctuating androgen levels found in doves during the prelaying period.
A caveat. Synthesis and structure of N,N′-propylenebis- (salicylideneiminato)nitrato[O,O]iron(III)

Abstract Crystals of N , N ′-propylenebis(salicylideneiminato)nitrato[ O , O ]iron(III), Fe(salpn)O 2 NO, were obtained from an attempt to prepare crystals of the corresponding dipropylenetriamine complex. The source of the complex is discussed. An X-ray crystal structure study showed that the nitrate ion was bonded to the iron atom in a symmetrical bidentate fashion. The salpn ligand has a non-planar cis -configuration.
Dynamic probing for intrusion detection under resource constraints

We consider a large-scale cyber network with N components. Each component is either in a healthy state or an abnormal state. To model scenarios where attacks to the network may not follow a stochastic process and the attackers may adapt to the actions of the intrusion detection system (IDS) in an arbitrary and unknown way, we adopt a non-stochastic model in which the attack process at each component can be any unknown deterministic sequence. Due to resource constraints, the IDS can only choose K (K <; N) components to probe at each time. An abnormal component incurs a cost per unit time (depending on the criticality of the component) until it is probed and fixed. The objective is a dynamic probing strategy under the performance measure of regret, defined as the performance loss compared to that of a genie who knows the entire attack processes a priori and probes optimally (under certain constraints) based on this knowledge. We propose a policy that achieves sublinear regret order, thus offers the same time averaged performance as that of the omniscient genie.
Familiarity, relative distinctiveness, and the generation effect

In Experiment 1, psychology experts and novices showed generation effects with both psychology related and other words. In Experiment 2, music experts who were sports novices and sports experts who were music novices showed a generation effect in a recognition test for all words regardless of domain (music or sports). Moreover, the effect was greater for words from the subjects’ “nonexpertise” area. In Experiments 3A and 3B, music experts showed a greater generation effect for sports words than for music words in a free recall test but only when the sports and music words were studied together. These results are inconsistent with the semantic elaboration -requirement for the generation effect that predicts less of an effect, if any, with less familiar materials. Rather, they provide evidence for the idea that the generation effect is influenced by relative distinctiveness of the to-be-remembered items.
The action of N-bromosuc-cinimide on chymotrypsin.

Abstract The reaction of chymotrypsin with N -bromosuccinimide (NBS) has been investigated. In addition to the oxidation of tryptophan residues, one of the tyrosine residues is also affected by treatment of the protein with N -bromosuccinimide under the conditions employed in these studies. The oxidiitive modification of the enzyme resulted in a loss of catalytic activity toward typical protein and ester substrates. Such partially inactivated enzymes still possessed the ability to incorporate phosphoryl or acetyl groups upon reaction with diisopropyl phosphofluoridate or p -nitrophenylacetate, respectively. Oxidation of chymotrypsin by NBS seems to retard both the acylation and deacylation steps in the catalytic process without, affecting the K m value. A direct measurement of the rate of deacetylatioti of acetylchymotrypsin-C 14 has been made.
The effects of alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists on circulation and respiration

Abstract In December 1999, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved dexmedetomidine, the active isomer of medetomidine, a veterinary anaesthetic, for use in the ICU. Dexmedetomidine is far more potent and selective as an α 2 -agonist than clonidine, and it is the first of its class in the USA to be available for intravenous administration to critically ill patients. The clinical approval of dexmedetomidine stimulated this review of the applications of α 2 -adrenergic agonists in the critically ill to modulate adrenergic output, to provide sedation and to limit narcotic analgesic use in this challenging group of patients. This chapter focuses on the salient features of the effects of α 2 -adrenergic agonists on cardiovascular and respiratory function, commenting on the special aspects of the dynamic state of critical illness. The bulk of this review is devoted to a discussion of pertinent human trials of dexmedetomidine. The remainder of the chapter briefly addresses the effects of epidural clonidine administration and the comparative circulatory effects of two other α 2 -adrenergic agents, mivazerol and tizanidine.
Forage Quality and Yield of Wheat-Vetch at Different Stages of Maturity and Vetch Seeding Rates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage quality of wheat-vetch with four vetch seeding rates at different stages of maturity. In the fall of 1983 and 1984, field plots were established at the University of Illinois South Farm at Urbana, IL. Wheat was planted alone at a rate of 324 pure live seeds (PLS) per square meter, or in combination with hairy vetch at rates of 0, 54, 108, or 162 PLS/m 2 in a Flanagan silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aquic Argiudoll) soil. The forage was harvested when wheat was in the boot, anthesis, and milk stages of maturity. Mixed samples and individual fractions were analyzed using standard forage quality procedures
Future Profitability, Operating Cash Flows, and Market Valuations Associated with Offshoring Arrangements of Technology Jobs

ABSTRACT: We investigate profitability, operating cash flows, and value relevance associated with offshoring arrangements of technology‐oriented jobs. Offshoring is the business practice of moving substantial portions of a firm's business operations (and jobs) to another country usually to take advantage of lower labor costs or other production factors in developing countries. Offshoring carries social costs as local jobs are lost which may limit realization of benefits. We find that firms that offshore technology‐oriented jobs report greater earnings and operating cash flows following an offshoring event as the relative size of the offshoring arrangement increases. Consistent with these results, the market only values offshoring beyond the impact recognized in the financial statements for larger offshoring arrangements. A valuation discount actually exists for smaller offshoring arrangements suggesting either (1) costs exceed potential benefits or (2) the perception that benefits are only realized throug...
Generic constraint problem solving based on general systems models

Results of ongoing research at the College of Staten Island are presented. The goal of the research project described is to investigate, design, and implement a knowledge-based system shell using general systems models as knowledge templates. A knowledge-based system shell is provided for representing knowledge in a computer such that, in many cases, it mirrors experts' conceptual models. In addition, the shell provides generic problem-solving methodologies which may be utilized in implementing problem-solving across disciplines. The investigations led to a class of scheduling problems which involve constraint satisfaction and to generic methodologies which are associated with such problem-solving. This in turn leads to a distinction among constraints imposed on data, and constraints imposed on behavior and constraints imposed on structure. Classes of constraints which can suggest intuitively natural ways to partition constraint problem-solving are identified and formalized. >
Performance of a YSO/LSO detector block for use in a PET/SPECT system

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using conventional SPECT scintillation cameras for PET imaging, however, the count rate performance is a limiting factor. The modular block detectors used in modern PET systems do not have this limitation. In this work, the performance of a detector block design which would have high resolution and high count rate capabilities in both detection modes is studied. The high light output of LSO (/spl sim/5-6 times BGO) would allow the construction of a detector block that would have similar intrinsic resolution characteristics at 140 keV as a conventional high resolution BGO block detector at 511 keV (/spl sim/4 mm FWHM). However, the intrinsic radioactivity of LSO prevents the use of this scintillator in single photon counting mode. YSO is a scintillator with higher light output than LSO but worse absorption characteristics than LSO. YSO and LSO could be combined in a phoswich detector block, where YSO is placed in a front layer and is used for low energy (SPECT) imaging and LSO in a second layer is used for PET imaging. Events in the two detector materials can be separated by pulse shape discrimination, since the decay times of the light in YSO and LSO are different (70 and 40 ns, respectively). Although the intrinsic resolution of the block detector with discrete elements is worse than for a NaI camera, this would not be a limiting factor. Simulations of a 20 cm diameter hot spot phantom imaged at different collimator distances using a high resolution collimator and scintillation camera system was compared to a block detector camera. No appreciable difference in resolution was seen in the reconstructed images between the two camera systems, including the ideal situation of zero distance between collimator and phantom.
Application of a Standardized Assessment Methodology Within the Context of an Evidence-Based Treatment for Substance Abuse and Its Associated Problems

Administrators of community-based treatment programs are increasingly being required to utilize psychometrically validated instruments to measure the effectiveness of their interventions. However, developers of psychometric measures have often failed to report strategies relevant to the administration of these measures in nontraditional settings outside the therapy office. Moreover, with few exceptions, developers of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) have insufficiently disseminated methods for integrating assessment measures into treatment planning. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review an assessment methodology that may be utilized to support EBT for individuals who are identified for substance abuse or related problem behaviors. The application of this methodology is demonstrated utilizing Family Behavior Therapy to exemplify "real world" scenarios involving adolescents and adults. Although many of these strategies are evidence supported, most are based on clinical experiences occurring in clinical trials and dissemination efforts within community settings.
A generalization of andô's theorem and parrott's example

Ando's theorem states that any pair of commuting contractions on a Hilbert space can be dilated to a pair of commuting unitaries. Parrott presented an example showing that an analogous result does not hold for a triple of pairwise commuting contractions. We generalize both of these results as follows. Any n-tuple of contractions that commute according to a graph without a cycle can be dilated to an n-tuple of unitaries that commute according to that graph. Conversely, if the graph contains a cycle, we construct a counterexample.
Synopsis of the Oriental mayfly genus Eatonigenia (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae)

Abstract The burrowing mayfly genus Eatonigenia Ulmer is distributed throughout tropical Asia and contains six nominal species, including four species previously described in the genus as well as Eatonigenia chinei (Dang) [= Heterogenesia chinei Dang], New Combination, and Eatonigenia philippina (Navas) [= Hexagenia philippina Navas], New Combination. Heterogenesia Dang (described in the family Palingeniidae) is shown to be a junior synonym of Eatonigenia, New Synonym. Catalogue information is given for each of the species, and names are maintained pending further associations of larval and adult stages becoming available.
Shear-induced mixing and transport from a rectangular cavity

Measurements were conducted in the vicinity and downstream of two-dimensional cavities filled with a dense miscible fluid subjected to purging by an overlying wall-bounded turbulent shear flow. Two cavities with aspect ratios 1 and 2 were used, based on previous observations that the mechanism for entraining dense fluid into the flow above is different for these cases. Scaling for the downstream variation of the vertical concentration (buoyancy) distribution of dense fluid is advanced based on dimensional arguments and tested using laser-induced fluorescence measurements, The mean flow and turbulent statistics in the vicinity and downstream of the cavity were also measured. A notable increase of shear stress and turbulent intensities was observed above the higher aspect ratio cavity due to intense vertical exchange between the cavity and the flow above. The influence of the cavity could be detected for several cavity widths, or distances equal to several eddy turnover times. However, the flow above the lower aspect ratio cavity exhibits dramatically less vertical exchange between the cavity and the flow above, as indicated by subtle wisps of fluid transported downstream by the free-stream flow. The shear stress and turbulent intensities for this case have only a minor influence of the cavity.
Redox Factor-1 Activates Endothelial SIRTUIN1 through Reduction of Conserved Cysteine Sulfhydryls in Its Deacetylase Domain

Apurinic/Apyrmidinic Endonuclease 1/Redox Factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a reductant which is important for vascular homeostasis. SIRTUIN1 (SIRT1) is a lysine deacetylase that also promotes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. We asked if APE1/Ref-1 governs the redox state and activity of SIRT1, and whether SIRT1 mediates the effect of APE1/Ref-1 on endothelium-dependent vascular function. APE1/Ref-1 maintains sulfhydryl (thiol) groups of cysteine residues in SIRT1 in the reduced form and promotes endothelial SIRT1 activity. APE1/Ref-1 stimulates SIRT1 activity by targeting highly conserved vicinal thiols 371 and 374 which form a zinc tetra-thiolate motif in the deacetylase domain of SIRT1. Cysteine residues in the N-terminal redox domain of APE1/Ref-1 are essential for reducing SIRT1 and stimulating its activity. APE1/Ref-1 protects endothelial SIRT1 from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation of sulfhydryls and from inactivation. APE1/Ref-1 also promotes lysine deacetylation of the SIRT1 target endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). SIRT1 mutated at cysteines 371 and 374, which renders it non-reducible by APE1/Ref-1, prevents lysine deacetylation of eNOS by APE1/Ref-1. SIRT1 free thiol (reduced sulfhydryl) content and deacetylase activity are diminished in all examined tissues of APE1/Ref-1+/− mice, including the vasculature. Overexpression of SIRT1 in aortas of APE1/Ref-1+/− mice restores endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and bioavailable nitric oxide (NO) to levels similar to those observed in wild-type mice. Thus, APE1/Ref-1, by maintaining functionally important cysteine sulfhydryls in SIRT1 in the reduced form, promotes endothelial SIRT1 activity. This reductive activation of endothelial SIRT1 by APE1/Ref-1 mediates the effect of APE1/Ref-1 on eNOS acetylation, promoting endothelium-derived NO and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.
ALD Approach toward Electrodeposition of Sb2Te3 for Phase-Change Memory Applications

This paper describes various studies undertaken to devise a deposition cycle for the formation of Sb 2 Te 3 , a phase-change memory material, by electrochemical atomic layer deposition (EC-ALD). The importance of deposition potentials to the formation of deposits of Sb and Te, were investigated. The resulting potentials were then used in an EC-ALD cycle to form deposits one atomic layer at a time, using a sequence of surface limited reactions. The optimal deposition potentials for the Sb 2 Te 3 EC-ALD cycle, on a Au substrate, consisted of -0.22 V for Sb deposition, and -0.35 V for Te. Bulk Te stripping at was performed at -0.70 V. The conditions using a TiN substrates included Sb deposition at -0.20 V, Te deposition, and bulk stripping at -0.35 and -0.70 V, respectively. The deposits obtained were stoichiometric, with a Te/Sb atomic ratio of 1.5 from electron probe microanalysis. Glancing angle X-ray diffraction studies showed a (015) preferred orientation for the deposit. Sb 2 Te 3 was shown to grow successfully on patterned TiN substrates with 200 nm vias.
A patient with phonologic alexia can learn to read "much" from "mud pies"

People with phonologic alexia often have difficulty reading functors and verbs, in addition to pseudowords. Friedman et al. [Friedman, R. B., Sample, D. M, & Lott, S. N. (2002). The role of level of representation in the use of paired associate learning for rehabilitation of alexia. Neuropsychologia, 40, 223-234] reported a successful treatment for phonologic alexia that paired problematic functors and verbs with easily read relays that were homophonous nouns (e.g. "be" paired with "bee"). The current study evaluates the efficacy of pairing problematic grammatical words with relays that share initial phonemes, but vary in the relationship of their final phonemes. Results showed that reading of target grammatical words improved to criterion level (90% accuracy over two consecutive probes) in all experimental conditions with shared phonology, but remained far below criterion level in control conditions. There was a significant correlation between degree of phonologic relatedness and error rate. Maintenance of the treatment effect was poor as assessed by traditional measurement, however a dramatic savings during relearning was demonstrated during a subsequent treatment phase. The finding that reading can be re-organized by pairing target words not only with homophones, but with other phonologically related relays, suggests that this approach could be applied to a wide corpus of words and, therefore, potentially be of great use clinically. We suggest, within a connectionist account, that the treatment effect results from relays priming the initial phonologic units of the targets.
The Naked Body of Alia: Gender, Citizenship, and the Egyptian Body Politic

In November 2011, 20-year-old Egyptian blogger Alia al-Mahdy posted a nude picture of herself on her blog. The photograph received 1.5 million hits within a week of its posting and drew condemnations from conservatives and liberals alike in the critical period leading up to the deeply polarized first post-Mubarak parliamentary election. How was Alia’s nudity framed in mainstream public discourse and by Alia herself? Drawing on a corpus of primary sources, 60 articles from mostly Egyptian and Arab newspapers, this article argues that the public controversy transcends contentious media representations of women to reach into the heart of Egyptian revolutionary citizenship. While mainstream Egyptian and Arab media discourse framed Alia’s nudity as “merely cultural” and “Westernized,” Alia described it as an artistic social commentary. These rhetorical frames reveal the reconfiguration of political dissent—its forms, channels, and actors—and the tensions around national identity that animate the contemporary A...
Understanding women's attitudes towards wife beating in Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors associated with attitudes towards wife beating among women in partnerships in Zimbabwe in order to assist public health practitioners in preventing intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: A nationally representative survey of 5907 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) was conducted in Zimbabwe. Women were asked about their attitudes towards wife beating in five situations. The survey included sociodemographic characteristics, partnership characteristics, and household decision-making. FINDINGS: Over half of all women in Zimbabwe (53%) believed that wife beating was justified in at least one of the five situations. Respondents were most likely to find wife beating justified if a wife argued with her spouse (36%), neglected her children (33%), or went out without telling her spouse (30%). Among women in partnerships (n = 3077), younger age, living in rural areas, lower household wealth, schooling at a lower level than secondary, and lower occupational status were associated with women reporting that wife beating is justified. Women who reported that they make household decisions jointly with their partners were less likely to say that wife beating is justified. CONCLUSIONS: Zimbabwe has a long way to go in preventing IPV, particularly because the younger generation of women is significantly more likely to believe that wife beating is justified compared with older women. Given the current social and political climate in Zimbabwe, finding means to negotiate rather than settle conflict through violence is essential from the household level to the national level.
Coronary Artery Catheterization in the Intact Dog

A technic is described for selective catheterization of individual coronary arterial branches in intact dogs by means of special catheters which permit intracoronary injections of pharmacologic agents or radio-opaque materials. All the main coronary arteries (right, left anterior descending, left circumflex) have been successfully catheterized and injected, both alone and in combination.
Exploration of Deadbeat Control for DC-DC Converters as Hybrid Systems

The concept of large signal controllability for switched electrical networks is reviewed for DC-DC converters. Small signal models and controllers are limited by assumptions of fixed operating point. Hybrid system representations allow use of geometric control methods including sliding mode and boundary based switching controls. The comparison of geometric control response with small signal response shows a fundamental difference: only geometric methods are capable of deadbeat (finite time duration) recovery to steady-state after a transient disturbance. However, these deadbeat geometric laws are only known for second order systems. The possibility of deadbeat control for higher order DC-DC converter systems is examined