cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[26] Immunological, pharmacological, and electrophysiological detection of T-cell-modulating properties of substances of abuse

Publisher Summary The chapter describes immunobiological, immunopharmacological, and immuno electrophysiological techniques that are useful for in vitro reconstruction of the in vivo milieu associated with substance abuse. When studying the complexities involved with the in vivo effects of opiates and other substances of abuse such as cocaine and alcohol, it is important to realize that the initial site of interaction of the immune system with such substances and the products they induce within the neuroimmune system is the surface membrane of the immune cell. To simplify studies of the etiology of these interactions, the chapter has taken an in vitro , reductionistic approach aimed at determining the influence of opiates, other substances of abuse, and neuroimmune produces induced by these substances, on membrane-receptor and ion-channel phenomena. To further reduce the complexity of this task while maintaining the relevance of the studies to cell-mediated immune deficits encountered by substance abusers, the chapter targeted T cells for study.
Cylindrical Wave Functions

This chapter contains sections titled: The Wave Functions The Circular Waveguide Radial Waveguides The Circular Cavity Other Guided Waves Sources of Cylindrical Waves Two-dimensional Radiation Wave Transformations Scattering by Cylinders Scattering by Wedges Three-dimensional Radiation Apertures in Cylinders Apertures in Wedges This chapter contains sections titled: Problems
Path planning for highly redundant manipulators using a continuous model

There is a need for highly redundant manipulators to work in complex, cluttered environments. Our goal is to plan paths for such manipulators efficiently. The path planning problem has been shown to be PSP ACE-complete in terms of the number of degrees of freedom (DOF) of the manipulator. We present a method which overcomes the complexity with a strong heuristic: utilizing redundancy by means of a continuous manipulator model. The continuous model allows us to change the complexity of the problem from a function of both the DOF of the manipulator (believed to be exponential) and the complexity of the environment (polynomial), to a polynomial function of the complexity of the environment only.
An experience report: porting the MG-RAST rapid metagenomics analysis pipeline to the cloud

Existing applications in computational biology typically favor a local cluster based integrated computational platform. We present a lessons learned type report for scaling up an existing metagenomics application that outgrew the available local cluster hardware. In our example, removing a number of assumptions linked to tight integration allowed to expand beyond one administrative domain, increase the number and type of machines available for the application, and also improved scaling properties of the application. The assumptions made in designing the computational client make it well suitable for deployment as a virtual machine inside a cloud. This paper discusses the decision process and describes the suitability of deploying various bioinformatics computations to distributed heterogeneous machines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems for smoking cessation: where are we?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have surged in popularity since their introduction in 2007. Sales of e-cigarettes and related products in the US were expected to exceed $1B in 2013. With the popularity of the electronic cigarette on the rise, physicians are sure to get questions from patients about the safety of e-cigarettes and their effectiveness as tools for smoking cessation or reduction. Most users of the electronic cigarette are so-called dual users—current cigarette smokers who also use e-cigarettes. The appeal of these devices is largely based on a perception that they are not as harmful as traditional cigarettes. Other factors that contribute to the popularity of e-cigarettes are that they have the look and feel of a traditional cigarette, that they can be used in locations where cigarette smoking is forbidden, and that they are perceived by smokers as tools to help to reduce or eliminate the smoking of traditional cigarettes. At present, e-cigarettes are not formally regulated for safety or quality control. As a result, nicotine delivery with these devices is not consistent. There is significant concern in the medical community that these e-cigarettes may not be as safe as is publicly perceived, particularly in the context of dual use. The use of e-cigarettes in harm-reduction strategies is a very divisive one in the public health arena. During the last few years, there have been longitudinal, cross-sectional, and randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of electronic cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. This review presents a focused analysis of these studies.
Electromyography of the opercularis muscle of Rana catesbeiana: an amphibian tonic muscle.

The opercularis muscle of Ram catesbeiuna originates on the suprascapular cartilage of the shoulder girdle and inserts on the otic opercular element. It is part of the levator scapulae musculature and lies dorsomedial to the levator scapulae superior and inferior muscles. Bipolar electrode recordings from all three muscles show electrical activity linked to cyclical firing of the posterior intermandibularis muscle, an important ventilatory muscle. The op- ercularis muscle shows low amplitude, erratic signals when animals are sub- merged. Upon emergence of the snout region, the opercularis muscle shows rhythmic low amplitude activity at twice the rate of buccal pumping. Lung ventilation is synchronized with this rhythm and at ventilation the opercularis muscle shows higher amplitude activity. Upon submergence, opercularis activity again shows low level activity with no rhythmic pattern. Opercularis muscle activity has a major low frequency component (about 30 Hz) that probably corresponds to ac- tivity of tonic muscle fibers. Higher frequency signals (about 200-250 Hz) com- parable to those of the levator scapulae muscles are also present and probably represent activity of phasic muscle fibers. Activity of the opercularis muscle is correlated with conditions in which aerial respiration is possible, and this pattern of activity supports an opercularis role in aerial hearing and/or detection of sub- strate vibrations. As far as we know, this is the first report of electromyographic analysis of a vertebrate tonic muscle. An opercularis muscle, originating on the suprascapular cartilage of the shoulder girdle and inserting on the otic opercular element, occurs in almost all frogs and salamanders. Both the opercularis muscle and opercular ele- ment are features unique to frogs and sala- manders among vertebrates, and their pres- ence in amphibians is correlated with terrestriality. Obligate aquatic amphibians lack both the muscle and the otic element (Eiselt, '41; Monath, '65). The opercularis muscle is derived from the levator scapulae musculature, which develops from cervical myotomes in frogs and certain salamanders (Eiselt, '41; Monath, '65). In these salamanders, the entire levator scapulae usu- ally inserts on the operculum, forming the "op- ercularis" muscle, whereas in frogs the oper- cularis muscle is usually a relatively small slip of the levator. In the plethodontid salaman- ders, the opercularis muscle is a slip of the cucullaris muscle, a branchiomeric muscle which originates on the scapulocoracoid. Wever ('79) has reported that in certain species of ranid frogs a distinct part of the levator scapulae
Physicochemical properties of Agrobacterium tumefaciens phage LV-1 and its DNA.

Abstract Agrobacterium tumefaciens phage LV-1 and its DNA were studied by physical and chemical methods. The phage has a bipyramidal head attached by a “neck” to a flexible tail composed by helically arranged substructures. The buoyant density of the virus in CsCl is 1.505 g/ml. and its sedimentation coefficient ( s ) is 430 S. The phage DNA is double-stranded and linear, and the single strands are intact for the length of the molecule. The sedimentation coefficient was 34.5 S for the native DNA, and the contour length was 14.2 μm. The s value and the length are consistent with a linear molecule of molecular weight 31 × 10 6 daltons. The melting temperature, buoyant density in CsCl, and chromatography of the phage DNA indicate that the mole fraction of guanine-cytosine (G-C) is 57%. This compares to 61% G-C for the DNA of the host bacterium, A. tumefaciens , which is lysogenized by the virus.
Design Optimization of Hybrid Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers for WDM Transmission Systems

Abstract For realizing wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems, one of the most important devices is the erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), which exhibits a flat gain, a high pumping efficiency, and a low noise figure (NF). To meet these requirements, we have optimized the hybrid EDF configurations composed of cascaded Al codoped EDF and P/Al codoped EDF. Their characteristics have been theoretically and experimentally examined, and it has been shown that the hybrid EDF is superior in terms of both the gain flatness and the pumping efficiency, but the NF tends to be worse than conventional EDF configurations. Thus a midway isolator should be inserted. As a result of the design optimization, three-section hybrid EDF configurations have been proposed, and two types of EDFAs have been developed for use as in-line amplifiers and preamplifiers. Both types exhibit a passband spanning about 15 nm. In experiments employing a five-cascaded in-line amplifier chain, a total gain deviation of less than 2 dB has been demonstrated, while the total loss budget is about 125 dB.
Molecular Markers Help Characterize Neuroendocrine Lung Tumors

Background The terms large cell and mixed small-large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNC, MNC) have been proposed to describe distinct types of high-grade neuroendocrine lung tumors. However, cytologic appearance and neuroendocrine immunohistochemical stains cannot uniformly distinguish these from other neuroendocrine tumors, such as typical and atypical carcinoids or small cell carcinoma, or nonendocrine lung cancers such as large cell undifferentiated carcinoma. This study sought to determine the patterns of expression in LCNC and MNC of several molecular markers often abnormally expressed in lung cancers. Methods Primary lung tumors with neuroendocrine features operated on between 1984 and 1994 were reviewed and classified as typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), LCNC, MNC, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) based on mitotic rate, extent of necrosis, and cytoarchitectural features. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies MIB-1 for Ki67, pAb1801 for p53, OP-66 for Rb, 31G7 for EGFR. Staining was scored as 0 to 4+ (0 = less than 5%, 1+ = 5% to 20%, 2+ = 20% to 50%, 3+ = 50% to 80%, 4+ = more than 80%) for p53, Ki67, and EGFR; and negative, focal, or positive for Rb. Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors compared by log rank test. Results Ninety-two tumors were examined: 25 TC, 7 AC, 24 LCNC, 18 MNC, 18 SCLC. The LCNC and MNC presented more frequently as stage II or III tumors (n = 28, 66%) than TC and AC (n = 5, 15%). Median survival for LCNC and MNC was 18.7 months, for SCLC 14.3 months, and has not been reached for TC and AC tumors. TC and AC tumors were uniformly characterized by low proliferative rate, absent p53, and normal Rb staining. LCNC, MNC, and SCLC showed a high proliferative rate, abnormal p53, and absent Rb staining. Overexpression of EGFR was frequent in all five tumor types. Conclusions (1) Ki67, p53, and Rb help distinguish LCNC and MNC from TC and AC. (2) Small numbers of patients preclude comparison of survival rates, but LCNC/MNC have a median survival similar to comparable early stage SCLC, and clearly worse than TC/AC. These results justify a sharp separation of high-grade neuroendocrine tumors from carcinoids, and suggest a close relationship between LCNC, MNC, and SCLC.
Evaluation of feeding glycerol on free-fatty acid production and fermentation kinetics of mixed ruminal microbes in vitro

Ruminant-derived foods contain high proportions of saturated fats as a result of ruminal biohydrogenation that rapidly saturates and thus limits the availability of free unsaturated fatty acids for assimilation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glycerol on ruminal free-fatty acid (FFA) production rates and in vitro fermentation kinetics of alfalfa hay. In vitro incubations demonstrated 48% and 77% reductions in rates of FFA accumulation in incubations supplemented with 2% and 20% glycerol as compared to controls. In vitro incubations with alfalfa hay demonstrated that increasing levels of glycerol did not affect NDF digestibility of the hay. Additionally, increasing amounts of glycerol decreased the acetate to propionate ratio in the rumen. These results suggest that inhibiting bacterial fat degradation may promote ruminal passage of total lipid, thereby providing greater proportions of beneficial unsaturated fat for incorporation into beef products.
Contrasting effects of errorless naming treatment and gestural facilitation for word retrieval in aphasia

We compared the effects of two treatments for aphasic word retrieval impairments, errorless naming treatment (ENT) and gestural facilitation of naming (GES), within the same individuals, anticipating that the use of gesture would enhance the effect of treatment over errorless treatment alone. In addition to picture naming, we evaluated results for other outcome measures that were largely untested in earlier ENT studies. In a single participant crossover treatment design, we examined the effects of ENT and GES in eight individuals with stroke-induced aphasia and word retrieval impairments (three semantic anomia, five phonological anomia) in counterbalanced phases across participants. We evaluated effects of the two treatments for a daily picture naming/gesture production probe measure and in standardised aphasia tests and communication rating scales administered across phases of the experiment. Both treatments led to improvements in naming of trained words (small-to-large effect sizes) in individuals with semantic and phonological anomia. Small generalised naming improvements were noted for three individuals with phonological anomia. GES improved use of corresponding gestures for trained words (large effect sizes). Results were largely maintained at one month post-treatment completion. Increases in scores on standardised aphasia testing also occurred for both ENT and GES training. Both ENT and GES led to improvements in naming measures, with no clear difference between treatments. Increased use of gestures following GES provided a potential compensatory means of communication for those who did not improve verbal skills. Both treatments are considered to be effective methods to promote recovery of word retrieval and verbal production skills in individuals with aphasia.
Mine detection performance evaluation for NVESD

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has recently adapted tools and algorithms - developed as part of mission efforts - to support the U.S. Army Night Vision And Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) in its attempt to determine the capability of various sensors to detect small metal and plastic mines in various clutter environments. Images from different sensors and detection results from various processing algorithms can be imported into the ARL evaluation environment for quick visualization, analysis, and performance evaluation. This paper describes the capability of this “environment” and describes how it enables us to quickly assess mine detection performance using data obtained from various sensors. The paper also discusses recent findings from these data collections and the impact that may have on detection performance.
Alienation, an organizational societal comparison

Comparable composite measures of powerlessness felt toward the work organization and toward society were related to a modified version of Blauner's occupational typology using data from four companies. These analyses indicate that (1) degree of powerlessness workers felt in their work organization and in their society was not related to their type of work, and (2) there were no significant differences in the degree of powerlessness which workers felt in their work organization and in their society.
High-repetition-rate tabletop x-ray lasers

Work in progress at M.I.T. toward construction of a tabletop x-ray laser with a repetition rate on the order of 0.1 Hz is reviewed. Potential collisionally pumped laser schemes in Nilike Mo and Nd-like U are described. The use of whisper gallery mirrors as an oscillator cavity is discussed. The design and construction of a zig-zag slab laser producing 5J in 100 psec pulses with a repetition rate of 0.1-1 Hz is reviewed.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Origins of Stereoselective Carbene 1,2-Shifts and Cycloadditions of 1,2-Dichloroethylidene: A Theoretical Model Based on CBS-Q and B3LYP Calculations

Bonneau et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 3829−3827) have proposed that carbene−olefin π-complexes can mediate the stereoselectivity of 1,2-dichloroethylidene (1) rearrangements. Computational studies at MP2 and CBS-Q theoretical levels confirm the experimentally observed preference for rearrangement of 1 to give (Z)-1,2-dichloroethylene. Studies of this and related rearrangements have led to a model to explain the origin of this stereoselectivity. Density functional calculations using Becke3LYP/6-31G* theory suggest that carbene−olefin complexes do not exist as intermediates in the cycloadditions of 1 to ethylene or to tetramethylethylene. The experimental results can be explained by an alternative model in which 18.7% of the diazirine precursor produces alkene product without intervention of the carbene. Becke3LYP/6-31G* calculations on the 1,2-shift of hydrogen concerted with loss of nitrogen and on rearrangement of the diazirine to a diazo intermediate show that these processes are not likely to be...
Pharmacy Technicians and Immunizations

Objective:To provide background on immunizations and community pharmacies and identify opportunities for pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists in providing community pharmacy-based immunization programs.Methods:Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE/PubMed (1950–July 2010) with the following search terms: vaccination and technician, immunization and technician, vaccination and pharmacist, and immunization and pharmacist. Additionally, immunization resources from the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used.Results:Pharmacy technicians can help facilitate immunization programs and help reduce some of the barriers to providing superior services. Specific tasks that can be performed by pharmacy technicians include documentation, billing, assisting in the reporting of adverse events, and facilitating communication. Technicians can also take an active role in pharmacy-based immunization p...
In situ modification of the surface of gold colloidal particles. Preparation of cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes supported on gold nanospheres

A new method for the surface derivatization of gold colloidal particles is reported. The method is based on the aqueous solubilization of aliphatic thiols by α-cyclodextrin, which effectively binds to the aliphatic chains and carries the hydrophobic thiol molecules to the surface of the gold particles, where they undergo chemisorption. This method can be used to prepare gold colloidal particles (diameter > 10 nm) modified with long chain alkanethiolates. If the alkanethiol contains a bulky terminal group, such as ferrocene, the α-cyclodextrin host is trapped after surface attachment, yielding cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes supported on the gold nanospheres.
The vowel systems of Quichua-Spanish bilinguals. Age of acquisition effects on the mutual influence of the first and second languages.

This study investigates vowel productions of 20 Quichua-Spanish bilinguals, differing in age of Spanish acquisition, and 5 monolingual Spanish speakers. While the vowel systems of simultaneous, early, and some mid bilinguals all showed significant plasticity, there were important differences in the kind, as well as the extent, of this adaptability. Simultaneous bilinguals differed from early bilinguals in that they were able to partition the vowel space in a more fine-grained way to accommodate the vowels of their two languages. Early and some mid bilinguals acquired Spanish vowels, whereas late bilinguals did not. It was also found that acquiring Spanish vowels could affect the production of native Quichua vowels. The Quichua vowels were produced higher by bilinguals who had acquired Spanish vowels than those who had not. It is proposed that this vowel reorganization serves to enhance the perceptual distinctiveness between the vowels of the combined first- and second-language system.
Vortex Tube Applications in Micro-Power Generation

The purpose of this paper is to study vortex tube performance characteristics and the use of vortex tubes to increase the total efficiency of power systems, especially micropower systems. A vortex tube is a device in which compressed air is made to swirl and separate into two low-pressure streams, one with higher temperature than the entry and the other lower. The lack of moving parts and electricity make the vortex tube attractive for a number of specialized applications where simplicity, robustness and reliability are desired. Vortex tubes are currently used for industrial cooling applications, separation technologies, and chemical analysis. It is well known that the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the vortex tube scales with the pressure drop. Also, at any pressure drop, the temperatures and flow rates are dependent on the flow fractions between the hot and cold sides. Data is available for large pressure drops, but this paper presents experimental results at low-pressure drops optimizing the operational modes for various applications. The micro-power systems under consideration include micro-turbines, which evolved out of automotive turbocharger technology. The use of vortex tubes in power systems has received some attention but the use of both the hot and cold streams has never been considered. In this work, we consider such dual use. As an example of an application, the vortex tube is considered in conjunction with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The vortex tube splits the turbine exhaust flow into hotter and cooler streams. The cooler stream is still hot enough to supply all needed heat in the economizer section, leaving the hotter stream to increase the exit temperature from the superheater. In this way both the air leaving the HRSG and going to the steam turbine will have an increased enthalpy and cycle efficiencies are improved. In addition, steam turbine exit quality is increased.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Formation of gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles using TiO2 as a bridging material

TiO2 nanoparticles with embedded magnetite were suspended in aqueous HAuCl4 and ultraviolet irradiated to photodeposit gold on the surface. The degree of gold coating and the wavelength of absorbance could be controlled by adjusting [HAuCl4]. Absorbance maxima were between 540-590 nm. Particles exhibited superparamagnetic properties (blocking temperature ~170 K) whether or not coated with gold. These particles have potential applications as drug delivery agents, magnetic imaging contrast agents, and magnetically separatable photocatalysts with unique surface properties.
Adrenergic receptors regulate macrophage secretion.

Abstract Macrophages have been shown to possess both α 2 and β 2 -adrenergic receptors which appear to antagonize each other. The ability of these two kinds of receptors to mediate macrophage secretion was tested, using α- and β-antagonists, idazoxan and propranolol. Both antagonists could inhibit hydrogen peroxide and superoxide secretion, although the timing of the inhibition is different. However, only idazoxan has the ability to reduce nitrite accumulation, while propranolol fails to affect macrophage production. In addition, sodium nitrite was able to inhibit hydrogen peroxide and superoxide secretion, and hydrogen peroxide could reduce nitrite accumulation, suggesting that a negative cross-feedback mechanism exists.
A software library for quantifying regional-scale nitrogen transport within river basin systems

A software library for quantifying nitrogen fate and transport at the regional-scale is presented as a tool for managing river basin systems. The tool is based on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) SPAtially Referenced Regression on Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model and implements the prediction portion of SPARROW to quantify overland and in-stream losses of nitrogen within a river basin system. The intention of the software library is to serve as an Application Programmers Interface (API) that can be used to construct analysis and visualization tools that address a variety of management scenarios. By leveraging the API along with other existing open source and freely available software libraries for visualization, numerical methods, and network algorithms, it is possible to produce decision support tools that relate pollution sources to downstream loadings. These tools can be used by water resource managers to understand how hypothetical regional-scale changes to the landscape (e.g. land use change) might impact water quality conditions. The use of the model API is demonstrated with a case study that addresses three potential management questions regarding nitrogen fate and transport in the Upper Neuse River Basin of North Carolina.
Soft-error resilience of the IBM POWER6 processor input/output subsystem

The soft-error resilience of the IBM POWER6™ processor I/O (input/output) subsystem was measured using proton beam irradiation to accelerate the effect of single-event upsets. Test programs exercised each of the adapters on the chip. Error rates were measured for various cases ranging from idle to high I/O bandwidth and utilization. The POWER6 processor and I/O hub subsystem work together to maintain resiliency even under strenuous irradiation conditions.
Generation of end-inhibition in the visual cortex via interlaminar connections

To understand the mechanisms by which the receptive field properties of visual cortical cells are generated, one must consider both the thalamic input to the cortex and the intrinsic cortical connections. In the cat striate cortex, layer 4 is the main recipient of input from the lateral geniculate nucleus, yet the cells in that layer possess several receptive field properties that are distinct from the geniculate input, including orientation specificity, binocularity, directionality and end-inhibition, the last of which allows cells to respond to edges of a restricted length. These properties could be generated by connections within the layer, by its input from the claustrum or by the massive projection that layer 4 receives from layer 6. In the present study, we attempted to determine the functional role of the layer 6 to layer 4 projection by reversible inactivation of layer 6 using the inhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). After inactivating layer 6, cells in layer 4 lost end-inhibition. Cells in layer 2 + 3, which receive their principal input from layer 4, were similarly affected. The elimination of end-inhibition was specific, other receptive field properties, such as direction selectivity or orientation specificity, remaining intact.
Growth, feed efficiency and body composition of second- and third-year channel catfish fed various concentrations of dietary protein to satiety in production ponds

Abstract Two pond-feeding experiments were conducted with channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ), one for second-year fish and the other for third-year fish, in which the fish in 400-m 2 earthen ponds were fed five practical-type diets that contained 24, 28, 32, 36 or 40% crude protein. The diets were similar to those used commercially, with major ingredients being soybean meal, grain products, fish meal, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Protein concentration of the diets was increased by substituting a fixed ratio of soybean meal to fish meal (5 : 1) for corn. Energy concentration of the diets was not regulated. All diets were adequate in essential amino acids on a percentage-of-protein basis. In experiment 1, the fish were fed from an average size of 20 g to 488 g (151 days) at a stocking density of 13 590 fish per ha and in experiment 2 the fish were fed from an average size of 594 g to 1632 g (141 days) at a stocking density of 4942 fish per ha. Each diet was fed in four replicate ponds, once daily to satiation through the growing seasons. Increasing dietary protein concentration had no significant effect on weight gain of second-year fish and a negative linear effect on weight gain of third-year fish. Increasing dietary protein had no significant effect on feed consumption of second-year fish and a negative linear effect on feed consumption of third-year fish. Weight gain was positively correlated with feed consumption in both groups and feed conversion was not significantly affected by the dietary protein concentration. Efficiency of protein utilization decreased linearly as dietary protein increased. Dressing percentage increased as dietary protein increased from 24 to 36% and decreased as dietary protein increased from 36 to 40% in second-year fish, but dressing percentage was not affected by dietary protein concentration in thirdyear fish. In both groups muscle fat decreased linearly, while protein and moisture increased, as dietary protein increased. Second-year fish had lower feed conversion, lower dressing percentage and less muscle fat than third-year fish. The results indicate that second- and third-year channel catfish in highly intensive cultures will gain maximally on feeds containing no more than approximately 24% crude protein with satiate feeding, although muscle fat content will be higher and dressing percentage (of second-year fish only) will be lower with the low-protein diet. Second-year fish have advantages over third-year fish in higher feed efficiency and less muscle fat, but have the disadvantage of lower dressing yield.
Free Boundaries on Two-Dimensional Cones

We study two phase problems posed over a two-dimensional cone generated by a smooth curve $$\gamma $$ on the unit sphere. We show that when $$length(\gamma )<2\pi $$ the free boundary avoids the vertex of the cone. When $$length(\gamma )\ge 2\pi $$ we provide examples of minimizers such that the vertex belongs to the free boundary.
The Molecular Cloud near the Hard X-Ray Source 1E 1740.7–2942

We carry out calculations of the influence of the hard X-ray source 1E 1740.7-2942 on the dense molecular cloud in which it may be embedded. From the thermal, chemical, and ionization structure, we obtain the spatial distribution of the HCO+ 1-0 emission line. It matches the interferometric observations of the line well and supports the view of Phillips & Lazio that the source lies within the cloud near to its eastern edge. The intensity profiles of the 3-2 and 4-3 transitions of HCO+ are given. Their observation would provide further information on the location of the source. The abundances and spatial distribution of other molecular species are predicted.
Wet wound healing.

Wound treatment in a flexible transparent chamber attached to the perimeter of the wound and containing a liquid has been extensively tested in preclinical experiments in pigs and found to offer several advantages. It protects the wound; the liquid medium or saline in the chamber provides in vivo tissue culture-like conditions; and antibiotics, analgesics, and various molecules can be delivered to the wound through the chamber. The wound chamber causes no injury to the wound itself or to the surrounding intact skin. Topical delivery of, for instance, antibiotics can provide very high concentrations at the wound site and with a favorable direction of the concentration gradient. A series of 28 wounds in 20 patients were treated with a wound chamber containing saline and antibiotics. Most patients had significant comorbidity and had not responded to conservative or surgical management with debridement and delayed primary closure or skin grafts. Six wounds had foreign bodies present; four of these were joint prostheses. Seven patients were on corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and four patients had diabetes. Most patients were treated with the wound chamber in preparation for a delayed skin graft or flap procedure, but one was treated with a wound chamber until the wound healed. Twenty-five of the wounds (89 percent) healed, and five wounds (18 percent) required additional conservative management after the initial chamber treatment and grafting procedure. Of the three wounds that did not heal, one healed after additional chamber treatment, one had a skin graft that did not take, and one required reamputation at a higher level. Antibiotic delivery was less than one intravenous dose daily, which avoided the potential for systemic absorption to toxic levels. Antibiotics such as vancomycin and gentamicin could be used in concentrations of up to 10,000 times the minimal inhibitory concentration. Forty-eight hours after application, 20 percent or more of the original antibiotic concentration was present in the wound chamber fluid. In conclusion, the wound chamber provides a safe, powerful tool in the treatment of difficult infected wounds.
Noncardiac Surgery After Coronary Revascularization More Contemporary Evidence Needed

Although largely based on expert opinion and limited by paucity of data, current guidelines recommend that elective surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of a drug-eluting stent should be delayed until completion of 1 year of dual antiplatelet therapy (APT) to avoid the risk of adverse cardiac events.1 Recent data have challenged this recommendation, and timing of surgery beyond 6 months after stent implantation may not affect the risk for adverse outcomes in those undergoing noncardiac surgery.2 In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions , Tokushige et al3 in a retrospective analysis of the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto) PCI/coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) registry cohort 2, now add to the evidence describing outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery after coronary revascularization.3 Article see p 482 Consecutive patients were enrolled in the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG registry cohort 2 after first coronary revascularization among 26 centers in Japan between January 2005 and December 2007. In this analysis, the authors compared the incidence and outcomes of surgical procedures between the PCI and CABG groups. Timing of surgery from the time of coronary revascularization was classified as early (within 42 days) and late (beyond 42 days). Primary ischemic (death or myocardial infarction) and primary bleeding (moderate or severe bleeding by the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue plasminogen activator for Occluded coronary arteries classification) outcomes were assessed at 30 days after the noncardiac surgical procedure. Perhaps, as expected, surgical procedures were performed more frequently after CABG than after PCI (cumulative 3-year incidence, 27% versus 22%; unadjusted P <0.0001). This observation was largely …
State-space modeling for aeroelastic panels with linearized potential flow aerodynamic loading

This article presents a new method for the state-space modeling of aeroelastic panels subject to linearized potential flow aerodynamic loading. This is accomplished by approximating the aerodynamic generalized forces on the panel with discrete, infinite impulse response (IIR) filters. The IIR filters are created using Prony's method for a least-squares-fit to the aerodynamic influence functions. These filters are coupled to the in vacuo panel dynamic system as feedback, creating a coupled, aeroelastic system. The accuracy of the model is established by comparing the panel flutter boundaries of the approximate system with those found in past studies.
Evidence for Distinct Aggregation Factors and Receptors in Cells

SINCE the original observations by Wilson1 that dissociated sponge cells could reassociate in vitro, cell aggregation (or reaggregation) has been widely used as an operational criterion for the study of intercellular adhesion2. The introduction of rotation-mediated methods to promote cell aggregation3,4 led to the possibility of obtaining reproducible quantitative data. In these methods, suspensions of dissociated single cells are shaken under defined conditions of speed and temperature and cell aggregation is measured by either the size of aggregates or the number of single cells. The aggregation of dissociated cells from sponges5, chick and mouse embryos4 and tissue culture cells6 has been investigated with this method. Cells maintained in vitro seemed particularly suitable for studying mechanisms of cell aggregation as they represent a histotypically homogeneous population.
Dissertation Abstracts OnDisc — a review

Dissertation Abstracts OnDisc consists of a set of compact discs containing citations to dissertations and the software, ProQuest, which is used to search those discs. The discs are arranged in chronological order, with the first disc covering 1861–1980. This first disc contains citations only, with the author, title, date, subject of the dissertation with a reference to the appropriate volume and page of Dissertation Abstracts, and the UMI order number, if available. From 1980 on, the discs also contain the abstract of the dissertation, if available. The discs are available in at least two versions: the one supplied for this review consists of six discs with the discs divided chronologically and by section, with Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences and Section B: Sciences. The set of discs in the reviewer's library consists of four discs, only divided chronologically. The reviewer assumes that the further division is designed to allow subscribers to choose Section A or Section B only.
Organic carbon mineralization in the Santa Catalina Basin: benthic boundary layer metabolism

Abstract Organic carbon mineralization rates in the benthic boundary layer (BBL) of the Santa Catalina Basin (1300 m depth) were estimated to identify the primary sites and organisms involved in the turnover of carbon and to compare these rates with the supply of particulate organic matter entering the system from above. Concurrent in situ measurements of macrozooplankton, epibenthic megafauna, and sediment community oxygen consumption, and bacterioplankton and total microbial (microplankton) metabolism were made on 12 dives with DSRV Alvin in November 1984. Pore water and solid phase chemistries, and sediment microbial activity were measured on samples from box cores. Macrozooplankton oxygen consumption, integrated over the 100 m BBL, was 25.8 μmol O 2 m −2 d −1 (0.3 mg C m −2 d −1 ). Microplankton carbon mineralization rates were 13–29 mg C m −2 d −1 for the BBL with an assimilation efficiency of 80–90%. The estimated oxygen consumption of the dominant population of epibenthic megafauna, Ophiophthalmus normani , at observed densities was 237.8 μmol O 2 m −2 d −1 (2.4 mg C m −2 d −1 ). Sediment community oxygen consumption was 2776.8 μmol O 2 m −2 d −1 (28.6 mg C m −2 d −1 ) which is similar to the estimated microbial carbon mineralization estimate for the sediments of 32 mg C m −2 d −1 assuming a 90% assimilation efficiency. These rates were corroborated further by the observed total inorganic carbon pore water gradients from which a mineralization rate of 10–31 mg C m −2 d −1 was estimated. The combined carbon mineralization by the three consumer groups ranged from 25.7 to 63.7 mg C m −2 d −1 . For comparison, the oxygen consumption in the BBL based on hydrographic data from the center and sills of the basin was 3.1–20.0 mg C m −2 d −1 . Given the large uncertainties in all of the calculations, there was reasonable agreement between these diverse methods of estimating carbon mineralization. The concurrently measured flux of small particulate organic carbon into the BBL using sediment traps was 11.1 ± 2.4 mg C m −2 d −1 , providing 17–43% of the estimated carbon mineralized by the three consumer groups.
An Investigation of Some Distributional Characteristics of the Measure of Sampling Adequacy

The distributional characteristics of Kaiser's Measure of Sampling Adequacy (MSA) were investigated in sample matrices generated from multivariate normal populations of specified correlation levels (LC). Systematic variation of sample size (SS) and number of variables (NV) revealed the overall MSA to be most influenced by NV. The implications of these findings for use of the index were discussed.
Transient Model for CW and Pulsed Laser Machining of Ablating/Decomposing Materials—Approximate Analysis

Approximate, quasi-one-dimensional conduction models have been developed to predict the changing shape of holes, single grooves, or overlapping grooves carved by ablation into a thick solid that is irradiated by a moving laser source. For CW or pulsed laser operation a simple integral method is presented, which predicts shapes and removal rates with an accuracy of a few percent, while requiring one order of magnitude less CPU time than a three-dimensional, numerical solution. For pulsed operation a full-pulse model is presented, computing the erosion from an entire pulse in a single step, and reducing computer time by another order of magnitude.
trans-Bis(N,N-diethyl-ethylenediamine)-nickel(II) dibromide.

The structure of the title compound, [Ni(C6H16N2)2]Br2 or [Ni(Et2en)2]Br2 (Et2en is asymmetric N,N-diethyl­ethylene­diamine), containing an NiII atom (site symmetry \overline{1}) in square-planar NiN4 coordination, is described and contrasted with related structures containing NiII in octa­hedral coordination with axial X− ligands (X− = variable anions). The dialkyl­ated N atom has an appreciably longer bond length to the NiII atom [1.9666 (13) A] than does the unsubstituted N atom [1.9202 (14) A]. The Ni—N bond lengths in [Ni(Et2en)2]Br2 are significantly shorter than corresponding values in tetra­gonally distorted [Ni(Et2en)2X2] compounds (X = −O2CCF3, OH2, or −NCS), which have a triplet ground state. The electronic configuration in these axially ligated [Ni(Et2en)2X2] compounds populates the metal-based dx2-y2 orbital, which is Ni—N anti­bonding in character. Each Et2en ligand in each [Ni(Et2en)2]2+ cation forms a pair of N—H⋯Br hydrogen bonds to the Br− anions, one above and below the NiN4 square plane. Thus, a ribbon of alternating Br− pairs and [Ni(Et2en)2]2+ cations that are canted at 65° relative to one another is formed by hydrogen bonds.
Organization of Vanadyl and Metal-Free Tetraphenoxyphthalocyanine Complexes on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite in the Presence of Paraffinic Solvents: A STM Study

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is employed to demonstrate that the presence of the vanadyl ion (VO2+) in the 2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine complex (VOPcPhO) has a pronounced effect on the organization of the complex at the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)−n-alkyl benzene (n = 6, 7, 8, and 10) interface. VOPcPhO forms at least three different stable architectures, as compared to only one type of structure resulting from the adsorption of the metal-free tetraphenoxyphthalocyanine analog (H2PcPhO) on HOPG under conditions similar to VOPcPhO. All three observed VOPcPhO monolayer structures have high packing density and are commensurate with the underlying graphite lattice, whereas H2PcPhO forms a lower packing density incommensurate adlayer. The VOPcPhO structures display a small rectangular unit cell (1 molecule/cell) with lattice vector lengths of 1.28 and 1.48 nm, a larger rectangular unit cell (6 molecules/cell) with lattice vector lengths of 4.43 nm 2.98 nm, and an oblique u...
The ultrastructure of the adrenal cortex of the rat under normal and experimental conditions

The adrenal glands of rats were fixed by intra-arterial perfusion of glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide under normal conditions and after short-term administrations of Dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Sections of the entire cortex and part of the medulla were analyzed in the electron microscope at magnifications ranging between 200 × and 60 000 ×. This allowed for great accuracy in identifying the zones of the cortex. In all cases, blood vessels and sinusoids remained open and the fenestrated endothelium was well preserved throughout the cortex and the medulla. The parenchymal cells were also well preserved, including those of the zona reticularis, and signs of cell death were no more common in one or the other zone. The mechanism of accumulation and depletion of lipid droplets was studied, particularly in the zona fasciculata. Under the influence of Dexamethasone, lipid droplets accumulated in large numbers 25 hours after administration. The ACTH effect was evidenced 10 minutes after injection by a disappearance of lipid droplets and by a reduced amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The lipid droplets appeared to arise either from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum or from Golgi elements. As the droplets enlarged, they became surrounded by an increasing number of profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The profiles merged to form a continuous membranous casing near the boundary membrane of the droplet. As a final step, the peripheral part of the membranous casing fused with the surface membrane of the cell. The content of the lipid droplet was discharged into the subendothelial space together with the boundary membrane and the central part of the casing of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. A membranous ghost remained temporarily. It is proposed that this represents the elaboration and release of corticosteroid hormones by a modified apocrine secretion which we would term endoplasmocrine secretion for the purposes of satisfactorily distinguishing it from other modes of endocrine and exocrine secretion.
Effects of recombinant human growth hormone therapy on bone mineral density in adults with growth hormone deficiency: a meta-analysis.

Design: A thorough search of the literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Register) was performed. Relevant studies were divided and analyzed according to their design (randomized/ controlled or prospective/retrospective) and duration of rhGH therapy (12 months and 12 months). Results: Administration of rhGH led to a significant increase in lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD in randomized/controlled studies of more than 1 year [weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval)] of 0.038 g/cm 2 (0.011–0.065) and 0.021 g/cm 2 (0.006–0.037) at the LS and FN, respectively, and a nonsignificant drop at the same sites in studies of shorter duration. In prospective studies, a significant increase in the LS and FN BMD was obtained. On meta-regression, a negative association was observed between the change in LS and FN BMD and subjects’ age and a positive association between the BMD change and treatment duration. In a subgroup analysis, the increase in LS and FN BMD was significant in men [0.048 g/cm 2 (0.033–0.064) and 0.051 g/cm 2 (0.003–0.098), respectively] but not in women. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of rhGH replacement on BMD in adults with GH deficiency. This effect is affected by gender, age, and treatment duration. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effect of rhGH on fracture risk. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 99: 852–860, 2014)