cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-30a-5p in the prefrontal cortex controls the transition from moderate to excessive alcohol consumption.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) induce messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation and repress mRNA translation. Several miRNAs control the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The BDNF signaling pathway is activated by moderate intake of alcohol to prevent escalation to excessive drinking. Here, we present data to suggest that the transition from moderate to uncontrolled alcohol intake occurs, in part, upon a breakdown of this endogenous protective pathway via a miRNA-dependent mechanism. Specifically, a mouse paradigm that mimics binge alcohol drinking in humans produced a robust reduction in BDNF mRNA levels in the medial PFC (mPFC), which was associated with increased expression of several miRNAs including miR-30a-5p. We show that miR-30a-5p binds the 3′ untranslated region of BDNF, and that overexpression of miR-30a-5p in the mPFC decreased BDNF expression. Importantly, overexpression of miR-30a-5p in the mPFC produced an escalation of alcohol intake and a preference over water. Conversely, inhibition of miR-30a-5p in the mPFC using a Locked Nucleic Acid sequence that targets miR-30a-5p restored BDNF levels and decreased excessive alcohol intake. Together, our results indicate that miR-30a-5p plays a key role in the transition from moderate to excessive alcohol intake.
Effect of Hyperimmune Rabbit Serum on Intracellular Growth of Mycobacterium bovis

SummaryThe interaction between M. bovis and the J-111 cell was influenced by the serum component of a yeast extract-serum nutrient medium. Anti-BCG hyperimmune serum enhanced phagocytosis, suppressed intracellular growth, and prevented loss of infected cells to a greater extent than did normal or antityphoid sera.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of surfactant-mediated epitaxy of Ge on Si(111): strain relief mechanisms and growth kinetics

Abstract The role of strain relief and kinetics in surfactant-mediated epitaxial growth of Ge on Si(111) was studied with scanning tunneling microscopy. For coverages of up to ≈ 20 ML the images reveal a variety of strain relief mechanisms which include trench formation and increasing surface roughness. Additionally, at 10 ML, the onset of a periodic surface undulation is observed which coincides with the injection of misfit dislocations at the Ge-Si interface . For coverages larger than 20 ML, the Ge epilayer grows as defect-free atomically-flat large terraces.
Dynamic loads resulting from fuel motion in missile tanks

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted with scale models to determine the fuel motion and impact pressures on the fuel tank bulkheads of a missile which result from a sudden change in acceleration from forward to aft. From considerations of dimensional analysis, dynamically similar models were fabricated and tested to simulate a 6-ft diameter, 12-ft long prototype tank. A specially designed, gas operated, test apparatus drove the models through a stroke of about two feet at accelerations ranging from 10 to 50 g which corresponded to prototype decelerations of 0.12 to 0.60 g. High-speed motion pictures of transparent models with both spherical and conical heads, half and quarter full of opaque liquid, were taken corresponding to various accelerations and angles of inclination, and in addition, impact pressures on the heads were measured with flush-mounted pressure cells. The measurements indicate that peak impact pressures are approximately proportional to acceleration, and are greater for inclined rather than vertical motion; the pressures are, however, relatively independent of angle of inclination to the vertical, above a fairly small angle. Pressures are considerably higher on conical than on spherical heads, and are appreciably reduced by tank ring stiffeners.
Borohydride reduction of alkyl phenyl ketones within a reversed‐phase liquid chomatographic column

The reductions of propiophenone and octanophenone to 1-phenylpropan-1-ol and 1-phenyloctan-1-ol, respectively, with sodium borohydride and tetrabutylammonium borohydride were performed on a reverse-phase highperformance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column of macroporous 10-μm poly(styrene–divinylbenzene) undr HLPC conditions. In these reactions a lower concentration of tetrabutylammonium borohydride than of sodium borohydride was needed to effect the same extent of reduction, and modest substrate selectivity was obtained.
Metabolic engineering strategies for the production of beneficial carotenoids in plants

Adequate consumption of carotenoids including lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin have many benefits for human health. In plants, carotenoids are derived from isoprenoid precursors from the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway located in plastids. The MEP pathway is also required for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, terpenoids, plant hormones, and other metabolites. Despite its complexity and difficulty, various strategies have been successfully used to improve the carotenoid biosynthesis in plants through metabolic engineering. Here, these metabolic engineering strategies are reviewed. In addition, the development of gene stacking technologies for carotenoid biosynthesis is evaluated. These technologies will expedite our efforts to bring the health benefits of carotenoids and other nutritional compounds to our diet.
Fusing Technical and Political Rationality in Community Development: A Prescriptive Model of Efficiency-Based Strategic Geographic Targeting

Recognizing the challenges and shortcomings of community-based development to date, funders are increasingly requiring communities to target revitalization resources to achieve greater impact. Studies of one type of targeting approach—efficiency-based strategic geographic targeting—have demonstrated that it can restabilize a neighborhood's housing market, making it possible to remove revitalization resources and direct them to other neighborhoods. However, communities are still reluctant to use this approach. Analysis of several case studies of efficiency-based targeting efforts reveals the barriers to political stakeholder alignment around this type of resource targeting and suggests technical program features that may create the basis for stakeholder alignment. Using these findings, we propose a prescriptive model of efficiency-based strategic geographic targeting that funders might use to encourage this fusion of technical and political rationality.
Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites.

Background Ethnic disparities in healthcare quality have been documented, but knowledge of differences in cardiovascular risk factor prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites remains incomplete. Methods Cross-sectional analysis in 2005 of nationally representative data collected from 2256 Mexican-American and 4624 non-Hispanic white adults aged 20 years and over who participated in the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results Type 2 diabetes is significantly more prevalent in Mexican Americans (13% age and gender adjusted) than in non-Hispanic whites (8%); however, Mexican Americans are more likely to be both diagnosed (77% vs 65%) and treated (63% vs 47%). There is no significant difference in the adjusted prevalence of hypertension, at 28% for non-Hispanic whites compared to 26% for Mexican Americans. Mexican Americans have a slightly lower adjusted prevalence of dyslipidemia, at 31% versus 35%. Awareness of hypertension and dyslipidemia are significantly lower in Mexican Americans (57% vs 71% for hypertension, and 33% vs 56% for dyslipidemia). Treatment rates for hypertension and dyslipidemia are also significantly lower in Mexican Americans (42% vs 61% for hypertension; 14% vs 30% for dyslipidemia). Multivariate logistic regression controlling for age, gender, education, and access to care indicate that Mexican Americans are significantly more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be aware and treated for their diabetes, but significantly less likely to be aware and treated for their hypertension or dyslipidemia. Conclusions The significantly higher prevalence of diabetes in Mexican Americans, in contrast to hypertension and dyslipidemia, may sensitize healthcare providers to its detection and treatment. Communicating the importance of hypertension and dyslipidemia is essential for eliminating disparities.
Relative rates of tectonic uplift as determined from episodic turbidite deposition in marine basins

The frequency of preserved turbidite sedimentation events is inferred from graded cycles in Deep Sea Drilling Project cores recovered from submarine fans in the Coral Sea and the Sea of Japan. Such depositional events are correlated to times of maximum tectonic uplift in the Owen-Stanley Range, Papua, and the Hida Range, Japan, respectively. Trends of both increasing and decreasing frequency of preserved turbidite depositional events correlate to trends of increasing and decreasing tectonic uplift rates, respectively. The frequency of individual preserved turbidite depositional events in sedimentary basins thus provides an independent measurement of relative rates: of tectonic uplift in adjacent source terrains.
The Merchant Adventurers of England: their origins and the Mercers’ Company of London

The history of the adventurers, or overseas merchants, trading to the Low Countries is taken back to their earliest privileges, those from Brabant 1296–1315, to the establishment of their fraternity of St. Thomas c.1300, and to their common origin with the staplers. This discounts the theories that they owed their beginnings to the Mercers’ Company of London. The rise of the London mercers to an increasingly dominant position among the Adventurers to the Low Countries is traced from c.1400, and their records, the frequently misleading acts of court, are re-examined. The theory that the Company of the Merchant Adventurers of England was created at the end of the fifteenth century is similarly discounted.
Gas Enclosures in a Temperate Glacier

Techniques are described for separating gas from glacier ice and analyzing for oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. A systematic survey of a temperate glacier for enclosed gas showed 1) no general loss of gas from the glacier, but a specific loss of oxygen from the gas from the upper to the lower part of the glacier, and 2) the gas pressure and ice density increased from the upper to the lower part of the glacier. Present evidence indicates that a chemical reduction is responsible for the oxygen loss. The various data are discussed in relation to glacier mechanics. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1956.tb01244.x
HANDS: A heuristically arranged non-backup in-line deduplication system

Deduplicating in-line data on primary storage is hampered by the disk bottleneck problem, an issue which results from the need to keep an index mapping portions of data to hash values in memory in order to detect duplicate data without paying the performance penalty of disk paging. The index size is proportional to the volume of unique data, so placing the entire index into RAM is not cost effective with a deduplication ratio below 45%. HANDS reduces the amount of in-memory index storage required by up to 99% while still achieving between 30% and 90% of the deduplication a full memory-resident index provides, making primary deduplication cost effective in workloads with deduplication rates as low as 8%. HANDS is a framework that dynamically pre-fetches fingerprints from disk into memory cache according to working sets statistically derived from access patterns. We use a simple neighborhood grouping as our statistical technique to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. HANDS is modular and requires only spatio-temporal data, making it suitable for a wide range of storage systems without the need to modify host file systems.
Genomic-polygenic evaluation for ultrasound and weight traits in Angus–Brahman multibreed cattle with the Illumina3k chip

Abstract The objectives of this study were to estimate the proportion of additive genetic and phenotypic variances explained by the SNP markers in the Illumina3K chip for 4 postweaning ultrasound carcass and weight traits, to compare rankings of calf predicted additive genetic values with 3 models, and to evaluate trends of calf predictions as Brahman fraction increased from 0 to 1. Traits were postweaning ultrasound measures of ribeye area (UREA), backfat thickness (UFAT), intramuscular fat (UPIMF), and body weight at time of ultrasound (UW). Models were genomic-polygenic, genomic, and polygenic. Phenotypes and genotypes were from 623 bulls, heifers, and steers ranging in breed composition from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman fed for 90 d at a GrowSafe automated feeding facility from 2006 to 2010. Variance components were estimated with Markov Chain Monte Carlo procedures (option VCE, program GS3) using a single-trait genomic-polygenic model. Fixed effects were contemporary group (year-pen), age of dam, sex of calf, age of calf, Brahman fraction of calf, and heterozygosity of calf. Random effects were additive SNP, animal polygenic, and residual effects. Models without polygenic effects were used for genomic predictions, and without additive SNP effects for polygenic predictions. Fractions of additive genetic variances explained by the SNP in the Illumina3K chip were 9% for UREA, 38% for UBF, 6% for UPIMF, and 8% for UW. Phenotypic variance fractions explained by Illumina3K SNP were 3.7% for UREA, 9.7% for UBF, 3.2% for UPIMF, and 4.6% for UW. Substantially higher rank correlations existed between genomic-polygenic and polygenic models (0.89 to 0.99) than between genomic-polygenic and genomic (0.64 to 0.79), and genomic and polygenic (0.51 to 0.65) models. Genomic-polygenic, genomic, and polygenic predicted values tended to decrease as Brahman fraction of calf increased suggesting that calves with higher percentage Brahman grew more slowly and had less desirable ultrasound carcass traits. However, there were calves with high, medium, and low predicted genetic values across the Angus–Brahman spectrum, suggesting that selection of animals with desirable postweaning ultrasound carcass and growth traits using a genomic-polygenic strategy would be effective in this multibreed population. Insofar as this multibreed herd represents commercial operations in Florida and the Southern region of the US, selection of commercial calves for these postweaning traits would likely increase their rate of improvement in Brahman and Brahman crossbred populations.
57 Hepatic Cyst Rupture as a Presenting Feature of ADPKD

HEPATIC CYST RUPTURE AS A PRESENTING FEATURE OF ADPKD Sanjay Chaudhary, Qi Qian. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Although the PKD gene mutation has a 100% penetrance of kidney cyst formation, a majority of the affected individuals are asymptomatic or symptoms are mild at the early stages of ADPKD. To our knowledge, acute abdomen due to liver cyst rupture as a presenting feature of ADPKD has not been previously described. A 45-year-old Caucasian female, previously healthy, developed acute onset upper abdominal pain associated with nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension. Apart from taking oral contraceptive pills, she was not on any other medication. She had four pregnancies in the past and had delivered 5 full term babies. She denied a known family history of ADPKD. The physical examination was remarkable for tenderness in right upper quadrant, guarding and increase in abdominal girth. Laboratory studies revealed normal blood counts, renal function, and liver enzymes. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed perihepatic ascites along with multiple cysts in the liver and bilateral kidneys, consistent with ADPKD. No other abnormality was identified. She received antiemetic and analgesics and her symptoms subsided within 24 hours. On three months follow-up, she remained asymptomatic, and the ascites had resolved completely. This case indicates that sudden rupture of hepatic cyst can occur and be an initial presenting feature of ADPKD. High level of estrogen exposure because of multiparity and oral contraceptive use might have contributed to the liver cyst growth and rupture in this patient.
PCR Detection of Clavibacter michiganensis Subsp. sepedonicus-infected Tuber Samples in a Plate Capture Assay

The speed and sensitivity of PCR-based assays allow shorter turnaround times for the detection of pathogens for which culture and serological methods are difficult or unavailable. PCR was performed with primer sets Cms50 and Cms72, designed previously by Millset al. (1997) through subtractive hybridization to detectClavibacter michiganensis subspeciessepedonicus (Cms). In bacterial suspensions, fewer than three cells/10 ul reaction were detected after PCR amplicons were hybridized with specific DIG-labeled DNA probes in an enzyme-linked oligonucleosorbent assay (ELOSA). In naturally infected tuber samples representing three cultivars of potato, the diagnostic sensitivity of PCR/ ELOSA was 96%, while the specificity exceeded 99%. PCR/ELOSA detectedCms in infected tuber samples with equal sensitivity regardless of colony morphology, potato cultivar, or primer sets.
Contrast in stream-channel response to major storms in two mountainous areas of California

The generally catastrophic effects of major storms on the geometry of intermediate- and high-order channels in northwestern California contrast with localized storm-related channel changes found in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sediment delivery in northwestern California during storms overwhelms transport capacities throughout the length of most intermediate- and high-order channels and causes long-lasting changes in geometry. In contrast, sediment delivery during storms in the Santa Cruz Mountains overwhelms transport capacities only in localized reaches. This contrast in channel behavior is at least partially caused by contrasts in the style of landsliding found in the two areas.
Evaluation of the Palmaz Stent in the Trachea and Mainstem Bronchi of Normal Dogs

Objective— This study evaluates the efficacy of the Palmaz balloon expandable intraluminal stent in the trachea and mainstem bronchi of normal dogs. Study Design— Effects of the stent were evaluated by physical examination, thoracic radiography, respiratory tract fluoroscopy and endoscopy, tracheal diameter measurement, postmortem examination, and airway histomorphometry. Animals or Sample Population— Ten normal beagle dogs. Methods— Stent size was estimated from thoracic radiographs in awake dogs. Group I dogs (n = 4) had two stents placed: one in the thoracic trachea (TT) plus a randomly chosen mainstem bronchus (MB). Group II dogs (n = 3) had stents placed in the MB (one stent), TT (one stent), and mid- or proximal cervical trachea (CT) (one or two stents). Three dogs were used as sham-operated controls (group III). Temperature, pulse, respiration, and cough were measured twice daily. Dogs were evaluated at 21 and 49 to 56 days after stent placement, euthanatized, and tissues were collected for histomorphometric analysis of stent integration and epithelial pathology. Results— Mean tracheal diameters of awake (10.5 ±1.7 mm) and anesthetized dogs before stent implantation (13.9 ± 2.0 mm) were significantly different (P <.01). Complications associated with stent placement included acute pulmonary edema (n = 2), stent migration (n = 7), stent collapse (n = 4 CT, 2 TT, and 1 MB), and positive tracheal culture (n = 10). Group II dogs coughed more at rest, exercise, and with tracheal palpation than dogs in other groups (P <.01). Group I dogs coughed more at rest than group III dogs (P <.01). Stent integration ranged from 0 to 91.3%. Squamous metaplasia and epithelial ulceration associated with stents ranged from 0 to 57.5% and 0 to 32.7%, respectively. Conclusions— Determination of stent size should be based on measurements taken on anesthetized dogs because use of inappropriately sized stents may promote stent migration, squamous metaplasia, and/or ulceration. Epithelialization over stent struts may occur if the stent is closely associated with tracheal epithelium. Clinical Relevance— Palmaz stents do not appear to be appropriate for placement in the CT of dogs; however, with technical modifications, application in the TT and MB may be feasible.
Photoemission cross section for a copper surface state

We present the results of a theoretical investigation of the photoemission cross section for the surface-state band on the (111) face of copper. The calculations were done using reasonably accurate models for both the initial and final (outgoing) states. We pay particular attention to the influence of the details of the polarization of the optical field on the angular dependence of the cross section. The energy dependence of the cross sections is reported, and comparison to experiment is made where possible.
Effect of protein quality and evaporative cooling on lactational performance of Holstein cows in hot weather.

Twenty-four Holstein cows in midlactation during summer in southern Arizona were fed diets supplemented with a combination of blood, fish, and soybean meals (high quality protein) or corn gluten meal (low quality protein). Diets were balanced for CP content and estimated ruminal protein degradability, but they differed in Lys concentration (.98 vs. .59% of DM). Milk yield for the 56-d trial was higher by 11% for cows fed high than for cows fed low quality protein and higher by 9% for cows receiving evaporative cooling plus shade than for cows receiving shade alone. Milk fat and protein yields also were greater for high than for low quality protein and for evaporatively cooled plus shade than for shade treatments. Intake of DM tended to be higher for cooled cows but was unaffected by protein source. Cooled cows had lower rectal temperatures (38.6 vs. 39.1 degrees C) and respiration rates (64 vs. 82/min) than noncooled cows. Interactions between protein quality and cooling method were not statistically significant; however, cooled cows fed high quality protein had higher milk yield than noncooled cows. Digestibility of DM was higher for the low than for the high quality diet, but CP digestibilities were not different. Cows fed supplemental protein of higher Lys content were more productive.
The use of clonidine in the treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs: An open trial

Abstract Behavioral medications may be used to augment behavioral treatments for fear-based problems in dogs, particularly when the signs are severe or the feared stimulus is impossible to control. In some cases, a single pharmacologic treatment may not completely manage fear and thus multiple medications may be required. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an alpha-2 agonist clonidine for PRN (pro re nata) treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs that are hyporesponsive to other pharmacologic strategies. A total of 22 dogs of various breeds, age, and both genders determined to have fear-based behavior problems were divided into 2 groups, A and B, on the basis of their primary behavioral diagnosis. In group A, the primary diagnoses were separation anxiety, noise phobia, storm phobia, or a combination of these conditions. In group B, the primary diagnoses were fear aggression or a combination of fear and fear-based territorial aggression. Dogs in both groups were treated with PRN dose schedule of clonidine as well as behavior modification. In group A, the clinical outcome was compared with previous pharmacologic treatments according to owner assessments. Similarly, in group B, the clinical outcome was compared with previous treatments. In both groups, the most effective PRN dose of clonidine and any adverse effects were noted. According to global assessment by owners, 7 of the 10 owners (70%) in group A reported that clonidine was more effective as compared with the previously given medications. Of the 12 owners (92%) in group B, 11 reported that clonidine reduced the intensity of aggressive response of the dogs during the drug's active phase. Only one adverse effect was reported and that involved a noise phobic dog displaying increased sound sensitivity. The results suggest that PRN use of clonidine may be useful in addition to being well tolerated for the treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clonidine in dogs.
New inorganic proton conductors

High values of proton conductivity have been observed in a class of hydrated metal oxide pyrochlores, HMO/sub 3/.xH/sub 2/O (M = Sb, Nb, Ta). Two new polymorphs of HSbO/sub 3/.xH/sub 2/O have been synthesized and are also found to be good proton conductors. One polymorph has a layer structure and is derived from KSbO/sub 3/ with the ilmenite structure. The other new HSbO/sub 3/.xH/sub 2/O polymorph has the cubic KSbO/sub 3/ structure. A correlation of TGA, IR, NMR, and proton conductivity data suggests that the best inorganic proton conductors (10-2-1 at 80/sup 0/C) are hydrates; this supports a Grotthus-type conduction mechanism analogous to that observed in aqueous media.
Impact of Early Lifetime Trauma in Later Life: Depression Among Holocaust Survivors 60 Years After the Liberation of Auschwitz

Rationale Holocaust survivors, who experienced trauma 60 years ago, provide an opportunity to explore the impact of early lifetime trauma in later life and, in particular, the interplay of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, the authors contrast depressed Holocaust survivors (HD), nondepressed Holocaust survivors (HND), and older depressed persons (CD). Methods The sample consisted of 36 consecutive Holocaust survivors (mean age: 79 years) treated in a primary care practice, among whom 20 (56%) were diagnosed as having a major depressive disorder and 16 as nondepressed; 18 depressed non-Holocaust Jewish primary care patients served as controls (mean age: 84 years). The authors examined nine clinical and social variables. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and χ 2 tests were used to contrast the groups. The authors used a conservative significance level of .01. Results In contrast to the CD group, the HD group was significantly older, more likely to report PTSD and guilt symptoms, to have higher Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores, and to have more impaired social functioning. In contrast to the HND group, the HD group was significantly more likely to report PTSD and guilt feelings, to have higher Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), BAI, and BPRS scores, and to have more impaired social functioning. In contrast to the CD group, the HND group was significantly more likely to have PTSD symptoms and to have lower HAM-D and BPRS scores. Conclusions The prevalence of depression and PTSD symptoms were very high among survivors. Depressed survivors had significantly worse psychologic and social functioning than depressed controls. Depressed survivors had more PTSD symptoms than nondepressed survivors, although it is unclear as to the causal direction of the relationship between depression and PTSD.
Rate theory of methyl recombination at the low temperatures and pressures of planetary atmospheres

Abstract The recombination of methyl radicals in low pressures of hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen to form ethane controls the concentrations observed for methyl and the photochemical synthesis of higher hydrocarbons above the Jovian planets. Few measured or theoretical rate constants are available to provide reliable model predictions. RRKM and master equation calculations are reported here, using three levels of transition state detail, to describe existing data and provide consistent and reliable expressions for this rate constant at 65–300 K and any pressure. This gives k∞=3.59×10−10T−.262 e−37/T cm3/molec/s and k0(H2)=3.32×10−15T−4.28 e−131/T cm6/molec2/s.
Impact of subthreshold hump on bulk-bias dependence of offset voltage variability in weak and moderate inversion regions

This paper analyzes impact of subthreshold hump on bulk-bias dependence of offset-voltage variability σ(ΔVg) in weak and moderate inversion regions. In nanometer scaled MOSFET with STI structure, full suppression of subthreshold hump is difficult. As a result, σ(ΔVg) behavior differs for every wafer also at operation current level of sub μA. By using ring gate structure, we have found that bulk-bias dependence of σ(ΔVg) becomes predictable even at operation current level of sub nA.
Zebrafish mutants: Behavioral genetic studies of visual system defects

Zebrafish are a promising model for behavioral and genetic studies of vertebrate visual system development and retinal degeneration. In the past few years, numerous studies on zebrafish vision have been published. While most of the studies focus on the molecular and cellular characterization of mutations that disrupt zebrafish visual system structure in early development, others examine the mechanisms that underlie inherited visual system disorders in adults. Behavioral assays, along with morphologic and electrophysiological methods, are powerful tools for functional analyses of zebrafish visual development and performance.
Behavioral interactions of postweaning male and female rats with a complex environment

Rats reared from weaning in a complex environment with other rats and numerous objects display sex differences in several brain areas, yet there is little systematic information on the types of interactions that rats have within complex environments or whether there are sex differences in these interactions. Therefore, male and female rats were observed in the complex environment over a 15-30 day period in three separate replications that included same-sex and mixed sex groups of rats. The rats spent considerably more time interacting with the objects than in social interactions in all replications, and the types of interactions varied little over the length of the study. A few sex differences appeared, such as in play fighting, but these differences were small and not consistent across replications. Male and female rats interacted with the environment in a very similar manner.
Index inhomogeneity effects on imaging systems

Large field of view, high power, lithography, and laser fusion systems are all limited by refractive index variations of their constituent glass elements. To estimate how the image degrades, a model of the bulk index inhomogeneity must be formed.
Stimulation of calcium uptake into aortic microsomes by cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Enhancement of calcium uptake into rabbit aortic microsomes was seen at a cyclic AMP concentration of 10−6M in the presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP: protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37). Protein kinase alone also increased calcium uptake, but cyclic AMP alone was without effect. The results suggest that stimulation of calcium sequestration may be the mechanism of cyclic AMP involvement in vascular smooth muscle relaxation.
Enlarged right superior temporal gyrus in children and adolescents with autism

Abstract The superior temporal gyrus has been implicated in language processing and social perception. Therefore, anatomical abnormalities of this structure may underlie some of the deficits observed in autism, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. In this study, volumes of the left and right superior temporal gyri were measured using magnetic resonance imaging obtained from 18 boys with high-functioning autism (mean age = 13.5 ± 3.4 years; full-scale IQ = 103.6 ± 13.4) and 19 healthy controls (mean age = 13.7 ± 3.0 years; full-scale IQ = 103.9 ± 10.5), group-matched on age, gender, and handedness. When compared to the control group, right superior temporal gyral volumes was significantly increased in the autism group after controlling for age and total brain volume. There was no significant difference in the volume of the left superior temporal gyrus. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase of the right posterior superior temporal gyral volume in the autism group, before and after controlling for age and total brain volume. Examination of the symmetry index for the superior temporal gyral volumes did not yield statistically significant between-group differences. Findings from this preliminary investigation suggest the existence of volumetric alterations in the right superior temporal gyrus in children and adolescents with autism, providing support for a neuroanatomical basis of the social perceptual deficits characterizing this severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
The Effect of Hypertonic Sodium and Dantrolene on Propranolol Cardiotoxicity

Objective: To evaluate whether measures that lower cytosolic calcium (Ca) can reverse propranolol (prop) toxicity in the isolated, perfused rat heart. Methods: Isolated rat hearts were perfused on a Langendorff apparatus with Krebs-Henseleit-bicarbonate (KHB) buffer solution. Toxicity was produced by perfusing the hearts with prop (5 (μg/mL) for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the hearts were treated for 30 minutes with buffer containing prop plus experimental treatment. Three treatments were chosen: hypertonic sodium (Na) (160 mmol), to stimulate Na-Ca exchange, dantrolene (dan) (10 μmol), to inhibit Ca release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, and combined hypertonic Na and dan. The hearts were paced after 20 minutes of treatment. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular peak systolic pressure (LVP), the first derivative of LVP (dP/dt), and coronary flow were measured. Results: prop decreased HR and rendered the hearts refractory to pacing, prop did not alter dP/dt. prop increased LVP consistent with increased cytosolic Ca. Combined hypertonic Na and dan treatment restored the ability to pace PROP-toxic hearts to the basal HR. Individually, hypertonic Na or dan treatment partially restored the ability to pace toxic hearts. As experimental treatments increased HR, dP/dt and LVP decreased, consistent with decreased cytosolic Ca availability. Conclusion: These data are consistent with the hypothesis that bradycardia during β-blocker cardiotoxicity is mediated by altered Ca homeostasis.
Induced Thermotolerance in Bovine Two-Cell Embryos and the Role of Heat Shock Protein 70 in Embryonic Development

Induced thermotolerance is a phenomenon whereby exposure to a mild heat shock can induce heat shock proteins (HSP) and other cellular changes to make cells more resistant to a subsequent, more severe heat shock. Given that the 2-cell bovine embryo is very sensitive to heat shock, but can also produce HSP70 in response to elevated temperature, experiments were conducted to test whether 2-cell embryos could be made to undergo induced thermotolerance. Another objective was to test the role of the heat-inducible form of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70i) in development and sensitivity of bovine embryos to heat shock. To test for induced thermotolerance, 2-cell bovine embryos were first exposed to a mild heat shock (40 degrees C for 1 hr, or 41 degrees C or 42 degrees C for 80 min), allowed to recover at 38.5 degrees C and 5% (v/v) CO2 for 2 hr, and then exposed to a severe heat shock (41 degrees C for 4.5, 6, or 12 hr). Regardless of the conditions, previous exposure to mild heat shock did not reduce the deleterious effect of heat shock on development of embryos to the blastocyst stage. The role of HSP70i in embryonic development was tested in two experiments by culturing embryos with a monoclonal antibody to the inducible form of HSP70. At both 38.5 degrees C and 41 degrees C, the proportion of 2-cell embryos that developed to blastocyst was reduced (P < 0.05) by addition of anti-HSP70i to the culture medium. In contrast, sensitivity to heat shock was not generally increased by addition of antibody. In conclusion, bovine 2-cell embryos appear incapable of induced thermotolerance. Lack of capacity for induced thermotolerance could explain in part the increased sensitivity of 2-cell embryos to heat shock as compared to embryos at later stages of development. Results also implicate a role for HSP70i in normal development of bovine embryos.
Cellular kinetics, cell cycles and cell killing

Techniques available for the calculation of the time variation of the number of viable mammaliar cells in a cell population are reviewed. Events in the course of the cell's growth may include one or more exposures to ionizing radiations or other cytotoxic agents. The dependence of cell killing upon the cell's position in the cell cycle is emphasized, and a unified model for calculation of cell kinetics and cell survival is discussed. For a cell population not limited in growth by contact inhibition or by nutritional factors, experimental data agree with predictions of the model.
A new species of Sasatrombicula (Acari: Trombiculidae) from a horseshoe bat collected in Korea

Abstract Sasatrombicula chejudoensis is described as new from specimens collected from the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum taken in Korea.
Antisense fosB RNA inhibits thrombin-induced hypertrophy in cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

Background—We have previously reported that fosB mRNA is induced by hypertrophic stimuli (thrombin, angiotensin II) but not proliferative stimuli (platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) (J Biol Chem. 1994;9:6399–6404). Our aim in the present study was to investigate the potential role of FosB in PASMC hypertrophy. Methods and Results—Adenoviruses carrying sense or antisense fosB RNA expression cassettes were used to infect cultured PASMCs with the aim of increasing or inhibiting fosB expression, respectively. We examined whether fosB expression modification affected the growth of quiescent PASMCs, thrombin-induced hypertrophy, or platelet-derived growth factor–induced proliferation. PASMC growth was assessed by daily cell number count, determination of [3H]leucine incorporation, and quantification of total cellular protein. Neither an increase nor a decrease in FosB protein expression caused a significant change in the growth of q...
Issues facing child psychiatric nursing in the 1990s.

JCPN Commentary presents a series of observations, opinions, and analyses of issues and trends in education and practice in psychiatric and mental health nursing, and social policy factors that influence, families, or the delivery of health services to youth and their families.
Hepatotoxicity of Sodium Valproate and Other Anticonvulsants in Rat Hepatocyte Cultures

Valproic acid has recently been shown to be associated with liver disease in man. Rat hepatocyte cultures were used to test the hepatotoxicity of valproic acid and several other anticonvulsants. Dose-related hepatotoxicity was demonstrated for valproic acid at concentrations ranging from 10 to 320 micrograms/ml, therapeutic concentrations being 50-100 micrograms/ml. Hepatotoxicity could not be demonstrated for phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and clonazepam. It is concluded that valproic acid is a dose-related hepatotoxin.
Imaging of femoral acetabular impingement syndrome.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and subtle hip dysplasia (DDH) are implicated as etiologies of early hip osteoarthritis. These morphologic abnormalities demonstrate minimal radiographic abnormalities, especially compared with the clinical complaints. This review discusses the radiographic abnormalities seen in FAI and DDH, as well as the imaging characteristics of their associated cartilage and labral injuries.
Myocardial microvascular function during acute coronary artery stenosis: effect of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia.

Aims Coronary collateral arteries (CCA) reduce cardiovascular events. We tested the hypothesis that new microvessels that proliferate in early atherosclerosis may be associated with myocardial protection during acute subtotal coronary artery obstruction (CAO). Methods and results Acute left anterior descending CAO was induced by a balloon catheter in pigs after 12 weeks of high-cholesterol (HC) diet, renovascular hypertension (HTN), or normal control. Cardiac structure, myocardial perfusion, and functional response to iv adenosine and CAO were studied in vivo using electron beam computed tomography (CT). The intra-myocardial microvessels were subsequently evaluated ex vivo using micro-CT, and myocardial expression of growth factors using immunoblotting. Basal myocardial perfusion and microvascular permeability were similar among the groups, whereas their responses to adenosine were attenuated in HC and HTN. A significant decline in myocardial perfusion in normal pigs during acute CAO was attenuated in HC and abolished in HTN. CAO also elicited an increase in normal anterior wall microvascular permeability (+202 ± 59%, P < 0.05), which was attenuated in HC and HTN (+55 ± 9 and +31 ± 8%, respectively, P < 0.05 vs. normal). Microvascular (<200 µm) spatial density was significantly elevated in HC and HTN, accompanied by increased myocardial growth factor expression. Conclusion This study demonstrates that early exposure to the cardiovascular risk factors HC and HTN protects the heart from decreases in myocardial perfusion during acute subtotal CAO. This protective effect is associated with and potentially mediated by pre-emptive development of intra-myocardial microvessels that might serve as recruitable CCA.
Efficient computational methods for a practical performance index and the exact voltage collapse point in electric power systems

The authors develop a new performance index based on the center manifold voltage collapse model as well as a new characteristic equation for computation of the exact collapse point. This index provides a direct relationship between its value and the amount of load demand that the system can further withstand before collapse. This relation makes the performance index readily interpretable to operators, making it more practical than existing ones for assessing potential voltage collapse. The exact point of collapse is computed using a novel (n+1)-dimensional characteristic equation instead of the generic (2n+1)-dimensional one generally offered in the literature. Simulation on the IEEE 39-bus system and the Tai-power 234-bus system has been carried out, with promising results. >
The Bactericidal Properties of Excretions of the Maggot of Lucilia sericata.

The excretions of the blowfly maggot, Lucilia sericata, have been found to contain a potent bactericide, and the technique for the collection of this material is given. There is evidence that other insects besides the one investigated may also produce this substance.The active principle is not destroyed by autoclaving at 10 pounds' pressure for 20 minutes and desiccation does not inactivate it.The bactericidal action of the substance was demonstrated by tests on seven species of bacteria, most of which are of aetiological importance in osteomyelitis and other suppurative infections. The lethal action against such organisms seems to be an important factor in the good results obtained with maggot therapy.The work seems to open a field in which interesting investigations could be conducted with possibilities of producing other new and useful disinfectants from living organisms.
An Optimum Time Slot Assignment Algorithm for an SS/TDMA System with Variable Number of Transponders

In this paper we consider an SS/TDMA system with M uplink beams, N downlink beams, and K, 1 \leq K \leq \min (M, N) transponders. An optimal time slot assignment algorithm for any M, N, K, and any traffic matrix is presented, where optimality means achieving the minimal possible total duration for the given traffic matrix. The number of switching matrices generated by the algorithm is bounded above by N^{2} - N + 1 for K = M = N and MN + K + 1 otherwise. Extensive simulation results on randomly generated matrices are carried out, showing that the average number of switching matrices generated is substantially lower than the bounds.
Optical parametric generation in lithium niobate waveguides

Single-pass optical parametric generation in lithium niobate waveguides yielded a record low threshold of 200 pJ. Near-transform-limited near-infrared picosecond pulses are obtained from cascaded optical parametric generation.
Statistical Timing Analysis Considering Spatial Correlations using a Single Pert-Like Traversal

We present an efficient statistical timing analysis algorithm that predicts the probability distribution of the circuit delay while incorporating the effects of spatial correlations of intra-die parameter variations, using a method based on principal component analysis. The method uses a PERT-like circuit graph traversal, and has a run-time that is linear in the number of gates and interconnects, as well as the number of grid partitions used to model spatial correlations. On average, the mean and standard deviation values computed by our method have errors of 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively, in comparison with a Monte Carlo simulation.
Correction of Retractile Concealed Penis

Several different mechanisms may account for the concealed appearance of the penis. A particular type of concealed penis is the retractile penis, due to dysgenetic fibrous bands tethering the penis to the prepubic subcutaneous tissue. The retractile nature of the concealment can be confirmed by flexion of the hips. A simple technique for surgical correction of the retractile penis is described. While there are many different methods to correct a concealed penis, proper selection of the technique based on understanding of the pathophysiology is critical to a successful outcome.
High-average-power 1-/spl mu/m performance and frequency conversion of a diode-end-pumped Yb:YAG laser

Using a diode-end-pumped technology, a Yb:YAG laser capable of delivering up to 434 W of CW power has been demonstrated. The system incorporates a unique composite rod design which allows for high-average-power operation while simultaneously suppressing parasitic oscillations. Modeling and experimental data to support the quenching of parasitics are discussed. Beam quality measurements for CW operation with several cavity configurations are presented. In particular, beam quality measurements at 340-W CW yielded a beam quality factor of M/sup 2/=21. Predictions of a quasi-three-level model are compared with the experimental data for several output coupler reflectivities. An observed dependence of the cavity mode fill as a function of output coupler reflectivity is discussed. Employing a single acoustooptical switch, the system was Q-switched at 10 kHz and generated output powers up to 280 W with a measured beam quality of M/sup 2/=6.8 at 212 W, With an external dual-KTP crystal configuration, the Q-switched output was frequency converted to 515 nm and produced up to 76 W at 10 kHz in a 30-ns pulse length.