cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroblastoma-induced inhibition of dendritic cell IL-12 production via abrogation of CD40 expression.

Abstract Background/Purpose CD40 expression by dendritic cells (DCs) critically regulates their maturation/antitumor activity. CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) signaling stimulates DC-mediated IL-12 production/cytotoxicity. Recent studies suggest that neuroblastoma (NB)-derived gangliosides impair DC maturation, IL-12 secretion, and NK/T-cell activity. Neuroblastoma ganglioside–mediated abrogation of CD40 expression by DC and tumor-induced tolerance has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to determine if NB inhibits DC IL-12 production via CD40. The contributory role of the NB-derived ganglioside G M3 in this process is also examined. Methods Dendritic cells were generated from bone marrow of mice injected with saline (control) or murine NB. Control DCs were matured with or without G M3 . Dendritic cells were cocultured with NB cells treated with or without a ganglioside synthesis inhibitor. Dendritic cell groups were analyzed for maturation/costimulatory markers. Control and tumor-derived DC were stimulated with CD40L or Staphylococcus aureus and studied for IL-12 expression. Results CD40 expression on DC generated from NB bearing mice decreased by 64% ( P M3 down-regulated DC maturation and CD40 expression. Only CD40-dependent IL-12 production was abrogated (60%, P Conclusions Neuroblastoma-induced inhibition of DC function may result from ganglioside-mediated CD40 signaling deficiency. Strategies to bypass/augment CD40-CD40L signaling may improve current NB immunotherapies.
Algorithms for the structural diagnosis and decomposition of sparse, underconstrained design systems

Most design systems and variational geometry scenarios are represented by a set of sparse constraints. Typically, such a system is underconstrained and is solved in an interactive framework by the specification of additional constraints (inputs) by the designer. At the onset of the design solution process, and also after every input operation, it must be determined if the complete set of design constraints (both initial and input) has any redundancies. This defines the structural diagnosis problem. The set of variables and constraints that can then be solved (solution set) has to be identified, along with the most efficient order of solving them. This is the structural decomposition problem. It has been demonstrated in literature that occurrence matrices can be used to represent the structure of design systems. In this context, the diagnosis of the design system can be accomplished by the maximum transversal, and the decomposition process involves the block decomposition of the occurrence matrix representing the system of design constraints. This paper uses certain existing sparse matrix decomposition algorithms to derive algorithms for the structural diagnosis and decomposition of sparse, underconstrained design systems using occurrence matrices.
Dynamics of nitric oxide release in the cardiovascular system.

The endothelium plays a critical role in maintaining vascular tone by releasing nitric oxide (NO). Endothelium derived NO diffuses to smooth muscles, triggering their relaxation. The dynamic of NO production is a determining factor in signal transduction. The present studies were designed to elucidate dynamics of NO release from normal and dysfunctional endothelium. The nanosensors (diameter 100–300 nm) exhibiting a response time better than 100 s and detection limit of 1.010 –9 mol L –1 were used for in vitro monitoring of NO release from single endothelial cells from the iliac artery of normotensive (WKY) rats, hypertensive (SHR) rats, and normal and cholesterolemic rabbits. Also, the dynamics and distribution of NO in left ventricular wall of rabbit heart were measured. The rate of NO release was much higher (1200 ± 50 nmol L –1 s –1 ) for WKY than for SHR (460 ± 10 nmol L –1 s –1 ). Also, the peak NO concentration was about three times higher for WKY than SHR. Similar decrease in the dynamics of NO release was observed for cholesterolemic rabbits. The dynamics of NO release changed dramatically along the wall of rabbit aorta, being highest (0.86 ± 0.12 mol L –1 ) for the ascending aorta, and lowest for the iliac aorta (0.48 ± 0.15 mol L –1 ). The distribution of NO in the left ventricular wall of rabbit heart was not uniform and varied from 1.23 ± 0.20 mol L –1 (center) to 0.90 ± 0.15 mol L –1 (apex). Both, the maximal concentration and the dynamics of NO release can be useful diagnostic tools in estimating the level of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular system efficiency.
Health Aspects of Low‐Level Ionizing Radiation

Biological effects of small multiples of the natural ionizing radiation environment are addressed and attention paid to potential public health problems in nuclear technology. Implications for the employment of radiation in the healing arts are discussed. Formidable mathematical obstacles are noted due to the fact that health effects at low-level radiation doses are generally inferred from observations at much larger doses. Practical cost-effective decision-making consistent with sound radiologic health must take into account the breadth of current scientific uncertainties. 22 references.
Stream computations organized for reconfigurable execution

Abstract Reconfigurable systems can offer the high spatial parallelism and fine-grained, bit-level resource control traditionally associated with hardware implementations, along with the flexibility and adaptability characteristic of software. While reconfigurable systems create new opportunities for engineering and delivering high-performance programmable systems, the traditional approaches to programming and managing computations used for hardware systems (e.g., Verilog, VHDL) and software systems (e.g., C, Fortran, Java) are inappropriate and inadequate for exploiting reconfigurable platforms. To address this need, we develop a stream-oriented compute model, system architecture, and execution patterns which can capture and exploit the parallelism of spatial computations while simultaneously abstracting software applications from hardware details (e.g., timing, device capacity, and microarchitectural implementation details) and consequently allowing applications to scale to exploit newer, larger, and faster hardware platforms. Further, we describe hardware and software techniques that make this late-bound platform mapping viable and efficient.
Detached crystal growth from melt by the axial heat processing technique

Detached/attached growth has been investigated in this study. Several antimony-doped germanium crystals have been grown by the axial heat processing technique with two different initial growth geometries, conical and round. Experiments have taken place in slow/fast flowing argon or in argon pressure. Growth velocities have ranged from 3 to 20 mm/h, and initial melt concentrations of up to 1.5×1020 Sb atoms/cm3 have been used. Experiments have showed that crystals grown with the conical initial geometry in all growth environments have attached to their crucibles after growth. This behavior has been attributed to the lack of a gap to compensate for the differential thermal contraction of graphite crucible and germanium crystal that has grown with the same diameter as the crucible. In contrast, crystals grown from a round seed have displayed detachment whenever an oxide scale has formed on the liquid meniscus. The oxide scale has increased the surface tension between the liquid and the crucible, stabilized the liquid meniscus, and helped detachment.
The 12cc Penn State Pulsatile Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device: Fluid Dynamics Associated With Valve Selection

The mortality rate for infants awaiting a heart transplant is 40% because of the extremely limited number of donor organs. Ventricular assist devices (VADs), a common bridge-to-transplant solution in adults, are becoming a viable option for pediatric patients. A major obstacle faced by VAD designers is thromboembolism. Previous studies have shown that the interrelated flow characteristics necessary for the prevention of thrombosis in a pulsatile VAD are a strong inlet jet, a late diastolic recirculating flow, and a wall shear rate greater than 500 s -1 . Particle image velocimetry was used to compare the flow fields in the chamber of the 12 cc Penn State pediatric pulsatile VAD using two mechanical heart valves: Bjork-Shiley monostrut (BSM) tilting disk valves and CarboMedics (CM) bileaflet valves. In conjunction with the flow evaluation, wall shear data were calculated and analyzed to help quantify wall washing. The major orifice inlet jet of the device containing BSM valves was more intense, which led to better recirculation and wall washing than the three jets produced by the CM valves. Regurgitation through the CM valve served as a significant hindrance to the development of the rotational flow.
Projections of a rebound in frequency of mental retardation from phenylketonuria.

Abstract The present decade marks the end of a unique generation—when the public benefited from the prevention of mental retardation from phenylketonuria (PKU) without having to deal fully with the problems which can be anticipated from the reproduction of successfully treated, phenylketonuric individuals. The dysgenic effect (increase in prevalence of the PKU gene) from this reproduction will have negligible influence on the frequency of mental retardation from PKU over the next few centuries. In contrast, a dysphenic effect from maternal PKU will cause a rebound in frequency of mental retardation within this decade. Failure of the PKU programs, as a result of maternal PKU, could affect the public attitude toward programs for the study and prevention of mental retardation and genetic diseases. Minimizing and explaining the rebound in frequency of mental retardation will be a difficult but necessary task for workers in the field of mental retardation.
How accurately do pregnant adolescents estimate their weight prior to pregnancy

An accurate determination of maternal prepregnancy weight (PPW) is critical because it is used to calculate weight gain during pregnancy and is one of the best correlates of infant birthweight. The PPW recorded in the prenatal record is usually obtained as part of the patient's history. This study compares PPWs reported by a group of 76 adolescent women (stated weight) with actual weights taken and recorded in medical and school health records by health professionals prior to conception. Simple correlations and a linear regression were used for data analysis. A highly significant correlation (0.98) was found between the stated and actual PPW. Overweight girls tended to underestimate their PPW. These findings suggest that the PPW estimates by adolescents with an identifiable source of medical care are accurate enough to be used to estimate weight gain during pregnancy.
Genetic differences in the effects of δ-aminolevulinic acid on seizure latency in mice

delta-Aminolevulinic acid, an intermediate in heme formation, is elevated in certain human disorders including acute intermittent porphyria, tyrosinemia, and lead poisoning. It has been implicated in the central nervous system manifestations of these disorders via interactions with the GABAergic system. This potential interaction was examined by testing whether or not delta-aminolevulinic acid could alter the latency to seizure in mice. Seizures were induced in a variety of inbred strains of mice including C57BL, C3H, DBA mice and in a heterogeneous stock of mice. Flurothyl and 3-mercaptopropionic acid were used to induce seizures in the presence and absence of delta-aminolevulinic acid administered either i.p. (0.5 and 1.5 mmol/kg), or i.c.v. (4.5 and 450 nmol). delta-Aminolevulinic acid increased the latency to myoclonic and clonic seizures induced by flurothyl when administered i.p.; i.c.v. injections also delayed clonic seizures induced by flurothyl, and increased the latency to tonic seizures induced by 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The degree to which delta-aminolevulinic acid altered seizure latency in all tests was dependent on strain of mouse tested. These data support the conclusion that delta-aminolevulinic acid can act as an anticonvulsant agent, and mimic the effects of GABA. Moreover, there is genetic variation in the sensitivity of the various strains of mice to delta-aminolevulinic acid.
In vivo cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing enzyme characterization using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The development of a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate in vivo phenotyping methodology for characterizing drug-metabolizing phenotypes with reference to the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes would be very beneficial. In terms of application, in the wake of the human genome project, considerable interest is focused on the development of new drugs whose uses will be tailored to specific genetic polymorphisms, and on the individualization of dosing regimens that are also tailored to meet individual patient needs depending upon genotype. In this investigation, chemical probes for CYP450 enzymes were characterized and identified with Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, gold-based metal colloid clusters were utilized to generate surface enhanced Raman spectra for each of the chemical probes. Results will be presented demonstrating the ability of SERS to identify minute quantities of these probes on the order needed for in vivo application.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Unionization and Job Design Under Programmable Automation

New findings from an original national survey indicate that machining jobs include major computer programming responsibilities far more commonly than received labor process theory would lead us to expect or predict. In unionized plants, workers are less likely to program their machines, perhaps because of management's desire to avoid the constraints imposed by collective bargaining agreements. Among recent adopters of the technology, informal bargaining through joint labor-management problem-solving committees neutralizes this negative union effect.
Relief of Autoinhibition Enhances Vta1 Activation of Vps4 via the Vps4 Stimulatory Element

The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) impact multiple cellular processes including multivesicular body sorting, abscission, and viral budding. The AAA-ATPase Vps4 is required for ESCRT function, and its full activity is dependent upon the co-factor Vta1. The Vta1 carboxyl-terminal Vta1 SBP1 Lip5 (VSL) domain stimulates Vps4 function by facilitating oligomerization of Vps4 into its active state. Here we report the identification of the Vps4 stimulatory element (VSE) within Vta1 that is required for additional stimulation of Vps4 activity in vitro and in vivo. VSE activity is autoinhibited in a manner dependent upon the unstructured linker region joining the amino-terminal microtubule interacting and trafficking domains and the carboxyl-terminal VSL domain. The VSE is also required for Vta1-mediated Vps4 stimulation by ESCRT-III subunits Vps60 and Did2. These results suggest that ESCRT-III binding to the Vta1 microtubule interacting and trafficking domains relieves linker region autoinhibition of the VSE to produce maximal activation of Vps4 during ESCRT function.
Case report of an abscess developing at the site of a hematoma following a direct lateral interbody fusion.

Abstract Background context A direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) is relatively new, yet commonly performed procedure in spine surgery. This procedure is associated with risk, including damage to nerve or vascular structures. However, to our knowledge, there has not been a case of an abscess developing at the site of a postoperative hematoma after this procedure. Purpose The objective was to document a case of the delayed presentation of an abscess at the site of a postoperative hematoma after a DLIF. Study design/setting The study was designed to be a case report and literature review. Methods We present a case of a 63-year-old patient who developed a large retroperitoneal hematoma after an L2–L5 DLIF. The patient developed a postoperative urinary tract infection with cultures positive for Pseudomonas . The infection was treated with oral antibiotics. Eight months after her procedure, the patient was found to have developed an abscess (measuring 11.6 × 8.4 × 10.0 cm) at the site of the prior hematoma. Results After radiological-guided aspiration and a 2-week course of oral antibiotics, the abscess resolved and the patient recovered with no sequelae. Conclusion Direct lateral interbody fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that may result in postoperative hematoma formation. We have reported a case of the development of an abscess at the site of a postoperative hematoma.
Meeting the Needs of All Students: Making Ability Grouping Work

Commitment to a professional devel opment program that equips all teachers with a knowledge of ability grouping research, a problem-solving and thinking skills curriculum, and varied instructional models is essen tial to make ability grouping positive for all students.
Ten years' experience with radioactive iodide.

IT IS over twelve years since radioactive iodide was first used in the treatment of thyroid disease by Saul Hertz and it is just over ten years since we started its use as a therapeutic agent without the subsequent addition of ordinary iodide. In 1946, it was the fortune of one of us (E.M.C.) to present before this Association meeting in Chicago, the results of these early definitive studies (1). At that time we reported our experience in treating 45 patients with diffuse goiter and hyperthyroidism who had been treated with only I130. We outlined then five points: 1. The use of radioactive iodide alone. 2. The definition of a single effective dose, the duration of its effect and the pattern of relapse, if any, of thyrotoxicosis. 3. The production of myxedema by a single dose. 4. The observation of the histologic changes in the same gland both before and after treatment. 5. The observation of the toxic effects of radioactive iodide.
Photoemission study of the development of the Ti/GaAs(110) interface

Photoemission spectra of the Ga and As 3d core levels, the Ti 3p core levels, and the valence bands have been used to study the formation of the Ti/GaAs(110) interface. These results indicate that a multicomponent interfacial zone forms with reaction initiated at ultralow coverage and a rapid shift of E/sub F/ as the Schottky barrier forms (core-level shift 625 meV). After the onset of reaction, the Ga 3d core level shifts continuously to lower binding energy with increasing coverage (total shift of 1.66 eV by roughly-equal60 A Ti deposition). The As core-level profile indicates immediate reaction, the formation of two Ti: As bonding configurations at low coverage, and the appearance of another which persists to very high Ti coverage (> or =160 A) and is characteristic of a Ti-metal-rich environment. Core-level intensity profiles show preferential out-diffusion of As at every stage of interface formation. Core studies of the evolving Ti 3p emission show gradual convergence to bulk Ti as the overlayer becomes increasingly Ti rich. Likewise, valence-band studies reveal predominantly As-derived states below metal d states at E/sub F/. Comparison to previous results for Cr, V, Ce, and Sm overlayers on GaAs shows parallel trends in interface formation withmore » differences related to the metal overlayer.« less
Even more on monetary policy in a small open economy

Abstract It is well known that in a small open economy with full capital mobility and a fixed exchange rate, monetary policy is ineffective in influencing real output (e.g. the works of Fleming [Int. Monetary Fund Staff Pap. 9 (1962) 369.] and Mundell [Can. J. Econ. Polit. Sci. 29 (1963) 475.]). However, Wu [Int. Rev. Econ. Finance 8 (1999) 223.] finds that when the credit channel is added to this model, monetary policy can have real effects under a fixed exchange rate system. This conclusion hinges on the assumption that open market operations have no effect on foreign exchange reserves of the central bank when evaluating how a change in monetary policy affects the loan market. This assumption is incorrect because under a fixed exchange rate regime, the quantity of foreign reserves becomes endogenous in the model. It is shown that when this assumption is relaxed, monetary policy is still ineffective in influencing output under a fixed exchange regime, even with an operative credit channel.
Muscadine grape products intake, diet and blood constituents of non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects

Abstract Objective Red wines and grape juices contain polyphenolics with antioxidant and antiplatelet properties that may be protective against oxidative stress leading to hypertension, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study evaluated the effects of supplementing meals of subjects with 150 mL of muscadine grape juice (MJ), muscadine grape wine (MW), and dealcoholized muscadine grape wine (Dz-W) on glycemic indices, blood constituents, lipid profile, anthropometric, and nutrient intakes of healthy and T2D subjects over a 28-d period. Methods Subjects with T2D were assigned to take MJ, MW, or Dz-W. Non-diabetics consumed MJ and controls were given no test drinks. Several metabolic indicators associated with diabetic conditions were measured at baseline and repeated after 28 d. Results Diabetics given MW and Dz-W showed lower levels of blood glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin, indicating better glycemic control. Elevated dietary vitamin C and E levels were observed in diabetics given Dz-W, indicating improved antioxidant status. Decreased red blood cell membrane saturated fatty acids and increased mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids for subjects with T2D given MW suggested improved membrane fluidity. Lower sodium and chloride values for subjects T2D given MW suggested lower risk for developing hypertension. Improved hepatic conditions were noted by decreases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase among subjects with T2D given MW, indicating better insulin sensitivity and decreased tendency toward impaired liver function. Conclusion Daily intake of 150 mL of MW or Dz-W with meals improved several metabolic responses among diabetics compared with diabetics given MJ.
Preparation of HUO2PO4·4H2O single crystals from gel

Abstract Single crystals of HUO2PO4·4H2O were grown by diffusing a solution of UO2(NO3)2·6H2O into a sodium metasilicate gel set with phosphoric acid. The crystals grew with a tetragonal morphology and had maximum dimensions of 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.4 mm.
Modulation of spontaneous fMRI activity in human visual cortex by behavioral state

The phenomenon of spontaneous fMRI activity is increasingly being exploited to investigate the connectivity of functional networks in human brain with high spatial-resolution. Although mounting evidence points towards a neuronal contribution to this activity, its functional role and dependence on behavioral state remain unclear. In this work, we used BOLD fMRI at 7 T to study the modulation of spontaneous activity in occipital areas by various behavioral conditions, including resting with eyes closed, eyes open with visual fixation, and eyes open with fixation and focal visual stimulation. Spontaneous activity was separated from evoked activity and from signal fluctuations related to cardiac and respiratory cycles. We found that spontaneous activity in visual areas was substantially reduced (amplitude (44%) and coherence (25%)) with the fixation conditions relative to the eyes-closed condition. No significant further modulation was observed when the visual stimulus was added. The observed dependence on behavioral condition suggests that part of spontaneous fMRI signal fluctuations represents neuronal activity. Possible mechanisms for the modulation of spontaneous activity by behavioral state are discussed. The observed linear superposition of spontaneous fMRI activity with focal evoked activity related to visual processing has important implications for fMRI studies, which ideally should take into account the effect of spontaneous activity to properly define brain activations during task conditions.
WARMER DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN SICKER: TEMPERATURE AND PREDATORS CAN JOINTLY DRIVE TIMING OF EPIDEMICS

Ecologists and epidemiologists worry that global warming will increase disease prevalence. These fears arise because several direct and indirect mechanisms link warming to disease, and because parasite outbreaks are increasing in many taxa. However, this outcome is not a foregone conclusion, as physiological and community-interaction-based mechanisms may inhibit epidemics at warmer temperatures. Here, we explore this thermal-community-ecology-based mechanism, centering on fish predators that selectively prey upon Daphnia infected with a fungal parasite. We used an interplay between a simple model built around this system's biology and laboratory experiments designed to parameterize the model. Through this data–model interaction, we found that a given density of predators can inhibit epidemics as temperatures rise when thermal physiology of the predator scales more steeply than that of the host. This case is met in our fish–Daphnia–fungus system. Furthermore, the combination of steeply scaling parasite physiology and predation-induced mortality can inhibit epidemics at lower temperatures. This effect may terminate fungal epidemics of Daphnia as lakes cool in autumn. Thus, predation and physiology could constrain epidemics to intermediate temperatures (a pattern that we see in our system). More generally, these results accentuate the possibility that warmer temperatures might actually enhance predator control of parasites.
Test Results for the Electron Lens Superconducting Magnets at RHIC

In order to partially compensate for head-on beam-beam effects from polarized proton collisions in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), two electron lenses (e-Lens) have been manufactured at BNL. For each e-Lens, one for each of the two RHIC rings, a low energy electron beam and the high energy proton beam will interact in a 2.5-m-long superconducting solenoid, which is also accompanied by four other smaller solenoids and 12 corrector dipoles, all of which are superconducting and provide various tuning and corrective functions during operations. The design of this multicoil assembly is a unique and complex one, and likewise, the simultaneous operation of the coils at 4.5 K is also challenging, due to high inductance and individual magnetic fields, which interact with each other. This paper reports on the results from extensive ramp and quench tests at 4.5 K, and the proper operating procedures determined from these tests.
Rhodium-catalyzed, regiospecific functionalization of polyolefins in the melt.

The rhodium-catalyzed, terminal-selective borylation of alkanes has been used to modify polyolefins. The functionalization of two materials, polyethylethylene (PEE) of molecular weights 1200 and 37 000, was conducted by combining bis-pinacoldiboron and 2.5 mol % [Cp*RhCl2]2 in neat polymer and heating at 150 °C. This procedure causes the polymer and boron reagent to melt, the catalyst to dissolve, and the reaction to form material with boryl groups at the terminal position of the polymer side chains. Oxidation of the borylated material generated polymers with hydroxyl groups at the terminal position of the side chains. The functionalization was conducted at various ratios of boron reagent to monomer. The resulting borylated and subsequent hydoxylated materials were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, as well as MALDI-MS and GPC. Little change in polymer molecular weight and polydispersity was observed, and these data indicate that scission of the main chain does not occur. Measurements of the Tg...
Fibrinogen deficiency, but not plasminogen deficiency, increases mortality synergistically in combination with sickle hemoglobin SAD in transgenic mice

Patients with sickle cell disease exhibit both acute and chronic activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. To test the relationship between sickle cell pathology and activation of the hemostatic system, mice with targeted deletions of plasminogen (Plg) or fibrinogen (Fib) were crossed with transgenic mice expressing Hb SAD [β6Glu-Val (HbS), β23Val-Ile (HbAntilles), and β121Glu-Gln (HbD-Punjab)]. Fibrinogen deficiency dramatically reduced the survival of mice with Hb SAD to a much greater degree than mice with normal hemoglobin. The combination of Hb SAD and fibrinogen deficiency had a greater effect on mortality than that obtained by adding the mortality risks of each defect alone. The deleterious effect of the combination of Hb SAD and fibrinogen deficiency on mortality was accelerated by hypoxia. The excess mortality associated with plasminogen deficiency was identical in SAD and control mice. The adverse effect of fibrinogen deficiency on mortality in SAD mice is not consistent with the simple hypothesis that fibrin deposition is uniformly deleterious in the context of vaso-occlusive sickle cell disease. Rather, our findings suggest that the contribution of fibrinogen to tissue repair may in some contexts limit sickle cell disease pathophysiology. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pupillary cholinergic sensitivity to pilocarpine increases in manic lithium responders

Abstract Background: The cholinergic hypothesis of affective disorders predicts that mania is a hypocholinergic state relative to monoaminergic activity. Treatments that increase cholinergic sensitivity are expected to improve manic symptoms. Methods: Ten male hypomanic or manic patients were treated with lithium carbonate (0.7–1.1 mEq/L) for 2 weeks. Cholinergic sensitivity was assessed prior to, and following treatments, using graded concentrations of pilocarpine eyedrops (.03–2.0%). Pupil size changes were quantified using an infrared pupillometer and ED50 values were referenced to maximal dilation with .5% tropicamide. Results: Lithium treatment decreased Bech mania ratings and ED50 values (p Conclusions: These results support the cholinergic-adrenergic hypothesis and suggest that one possible mechanism for the antimanic effects of lithium may involve increasing cholinergic activity in relation to monoaminergic neurotransmission.
Searching for targets: The effects of specific practice*

This study contrasts the effects of specific practice vs nonspecific practice in scanning for sets of five-letter targets. Ss were required to search for new targets after extended practice with one specific target set. Simultaneous memory search was not supported, since searching for one item remained faster than for several items. Serial exhaustive memory search was not supported since the search data were nonlinear. There is evidence that the categorization of a target, even after large amounts of specific practice, is not heavily dependent upon its physical features. A strategy change was detected during practice which allowed more efficient search. It is concluded that a single memory search process can account for the data under both high and low levels of specific practice.
Assembly and packaging of liquid-crystal-on-silicon displays

This paper reviews the assembly and packaging of miniature liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) displays. Reflective-mode LCOS displays require thin cell gaps with strict tolerances - a difficult optoelectronics assembly problem. Important assembly and packaging considerations include the substrate thermal properties, substrate flatness and packaging chronology. Two approaches are described: spatial light modulator assembly using self-pulling solder reflow and wafer scale display assembly using photo-definable resins. Simulation and experimental results are summarized.
Bovine sire effects on daughters' in vitro blood neutrophil functions, lymphocyte blastogenesis, serum complement and conglutinin levels.

Blood neutrophil functions, lymphocyte blastogenic responses, serum complement, and serum conglutinin activity of 98 lactating Holstein cows from two genetic lines were evaluated. The genetic lines were produced in a selection experiment that created and perpetuated genetic differences in milk production for up to seven generations. No significant differences between the two genetic lines of cows were found for neutrophil function, lymphocyte blastogenic responses, serum complement levels, or serum conglutinin levels. Significant differences between sire progeny groups within lines were found for unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis (P<0.0001), and almost all neutrophil functions (antibody independent neutrophil cytotoxicity, antibody dependent neutrophil cytotoxicity, ingestion of bacteria, iodination, chemiluminescence, chemokinesis, and chemotaxis (P≤0.05)). Sire progeny group differences (P≤0.0001) within lines for serum complement and conglutinin activity were also found. Neutrophil chemiluminescence activity (positive relationship; P≤0.001), concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis (positivee relationship; P≤0.004), and serum conglutinin activity levels (negative relationship; P≤0.01) each had small but significant associations with the total milk somatic cell count. Cows seropositive for bovine leukosis virus had increased resting and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenic activity and were associated with increased in vitro neutrophil random migration and production of superoxide anion. Estimates of genetic parameters of various immune cell functions, of serum complement and of conglutinin levels for daughters of 11 sires with 4–6 daughters in the data set were determined. In this report, genetic variation was demonstrated for nonspecific humoral and cellular immunity.
Prevention of Cattle Grub Infestation in Lactating Dairy Cows by Use of Daily Applications of Crotoxyphos

Lactating dairy cows were sprayed with 1 oz of a 2% crotoxyphos oil solution twice daily for 8 to 10 consecutive weeks during the heel fly season ( Hypodenna spp.) for cattle grub control. Grub control ranged from 74 to 96% in 4 tests.
Higgs multiplets of the quark-lepton family group

It is shown that realistic models can be constructed in which the Standard Model Higgs field is in a non-trivial multiplet of a non-abelian family group of the quarks and leptons. It is shown that the observed quark and lepton masses and mixing angles can be fit, while the coefficients of flavor-changing four-fermion operators mediated by the extra Higgs doublets are determined in terms of only a few unknown parameters.
Toward culture of single gametes: The development of microfluidic platforms for assisted reproduction

During the last few decades in vitro production of mammalian embryos and assisted reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and cloning have been used to produce and propagate genetically superior livestock. However, efficiencies of these technologies remain low. For these technologies to become more commercially viable, the efficiencies must improve. Despite this importance of reproduction for the livestock industry, little progress in decreasing embryonic mortality has been made. The livestock industry has succeeded in achieving large increases in average milk production of dairy cattle, growth rate in beef cattle and leanness in swine but reproductive efficiency has actually decreased. For example, research has provided little progress toward developing an objective method to examine viability of a single living embryo. At the same time, the growth of miniaturization technologies beyond integrated circuits and toward small mechanical systems has created opportunities for fresh examination of a wide range of existing problems. While the investigation and application of miniaturization technologies to medicine and biology is progressing rapidly, there has been limited exploration of microfabricated systems in the area of embryo production. Microfluidics is an emerging technology that allows a fresh examination of the way assisted reproduction is performed. Here we review the progress in demonstrating microfluidic systems for in vitro embryo production (IVP) and embryo manipulation. Microfluidic technology could have a dramatic impact on the development of new techniques as well as on our basic understanding of gamete and embryo physiology.
Intensity-Dependent Dispersion in Nonlinear Phononic Layered Systems

Phononic crystals are typically considered to operate in regimes where a linear constitutive relationship provides an adequate representation. For high intensity wave propagation, however, weak nonlinearities can affect performance. For example, a cubic nonlinearity gives rise to frequency shifting and thus a shift in band gap location. In the study of nonlinear optics, a cubic term has been treated using a quasi-linear constitutive relationship with intensity dependent properties. This technique is explored herein for generating nonlinear dispersion relationships for the elastic case. In addition, a perturbation method developed previously for discrete systems, used in conjunction with a finite element discretization, is proposed as an alternative dispersion analysis tool. Simulations of the fully nonlinear governing equations are provided as validation of the predicted dispersion curves.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Neuromuscular physiology and pharmacology of parasitic flatworms

The trematode and cestode flatworms include numerous parasitic forms of major medical and economic importance. A better knowledge of the neuromuscular physiology of these animals could lead to development of new control measures against these parasites. Since these animals are near the stem from which all other animals have evolved, better knowledge of these animals could also yield valuable information about the early evolution of nerve and muscle systems in the animal kingdom. This review focuses on what is known about the characteristics of the somatic muscle in these animals. The anatomy of the muscles is described along with a review of current information about their electrophysiology, including descriptions of the ion channels present. Also included is a summary of recently acquired data concerning the nature of serotonin, peptide, acetylcholine and glutamate receptors on the membranes of the muscles.
Norm-Induced Densities and Testing the Boundedness of a Convex Set

In this paper, we explore properties of a family of probability density functions, called norm-induced densities, defined as where K is a n-dimensional convex set that contains the origin, parameters t > 0 and p > 0, and ||·|| is any norm. We also develop connections between these densities and geometric properties of K such as diameter, width of the recession cone, and others. Since ft is log-concave only if p ≥ 1, this framework also covers nonlog-concave densities. Moreover, we establish a new set inclusion characterization for convex sets. This leads to a new concentration of measure phenomena for unbounded convex sets. Finally, these properties are used to develop an efficient probabilistic algorithm to test whether a convex set, represented only by membership oracles (a membership oracle for K and a membership oracle for its recession cone), is bounded or not, where the algorithm reports an associated certificate of boundedness or unboundedness.
Increases in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens by cocaine are inversely related to basal levels: effects of acute and repeated administration

Repeated administration of cocaine enhances several of the behavioral and neurochemical responses to subsequent cocaine injections, an effect that has been attributed, in part, to decreased somatodendritic autoreceptor sensitivity of mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons. Such changes in autoregulation may not only modify the direct effects of cocaine on extracellular DA levels but also result in tonically increased basal DA release in the terminal areas of the mesocorticolimbic DA system. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of repeated cocaine administration on basal extracellular DA concentrations in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) using in vivo microdialysis procedures in halothane-anesthetized rats. We subsequently examined the relationship between basal DA levels and the increase in extracellular DA produced by an acute injection of cocaine, and determined whether this relationship was altered by prior, repeated exposure to cocaine. Rats received one daily intraperitoneal injection of cocaine (30 mg/kg) or its vehicle (saline) for 10 consecutive days. On days 1, 3, or 7 after termination of the repeated cocaine treatment, extracellular DA levels in the NAC were determined under basal conditions and following a single intraperitoneal cocaine challenge injection (10 mg/kg) in separate groups of rats. Repeated cocaine administration produced a substantial increase in basal DA release in the NAC that was most prominent on day 1 post-cocaine (mean +/- SEM: 10.7 +/- 2.55 nM vs 3.55 +/- 0.56 nM) but was no longer apparent on day 7 post-cocaine. Higher extracellular DA levels were also observed after cocaine challenge in rats that received repeated cocaine treatments. Similar to the increase in basal release, this effect was most pronounced on day 1 post-cocaine (23.6 +/- 4.36 nM vs 12.61 +/- 1.76 nM) but did not persist through day 7 post-cocaine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A world in one dimension: Linus Pauling, Francis Crick and the central dogma of molecular biology.

In 1957, Francis Crick outlined a startling vision of life in which the great diversity of forms and shapes of macromolecules was encoded in the one-dimensional sequence of nucleic acids. This paper situates Crick's new vision in the debates of the 1950s about protein synthesis and gene action. After exploring the reception of Crick's ideas, it shows how they differed radically from a different model of protein synthesis which enjoyed wide currency in that decade. In this alternative model, advocated by Linus Pauling and other luminaries, three-dimensional templates directed the folding of proteins. Even though it was always considered somewhat speculative, this theory was supported by a number of empirical results originating in different experimental systems. It was eventu- ally replaced by a model in which the forms and shapes of macromolecules resulted solely from their amino acid sequence, dramatically simplifying the problem of protein synthesis which Crick was attempting to solve in 1957.
Risk assessment by grasshopper mice (Onychomys spp.) feeding on neurotoxic prey (Centruroides spp.)

Predators should benefit from assessing the risks posed by prey that differ in their dangerousness. Assessment might come at any phase of the predatory sequence: search/recognition, pursuit/attack and handling/subjugation. Grasshopper mice are voracious carnivores in North American deserts, feeding almost exclusively on arthropods. In certain regions, grasshopper mice co-occur with extremely neurotoxic bark scorpions, whose sting can prove lethal to vertebrates. We presented three different prey items to wild-caught grasshopper mice at several field sites in the southwestern U.S. The three items, listed in increasing order of dangerousness, were: laboratory crickets, Acheta domesticus, having few or no defences; two sister species of Vaejovis spp., a non-neurotoxic genus of scorpion; and two sister species of toxic Centruroides. Grasshopper mice made no distinctions among the prey in either the recognition or pursuit phases of the encounter, attacking crickets and both genera of scorpions with little hesitation. There were, however, significant differences in how the mice handled the three different prey types, with Centruroides requiring significantly more effort to subdue. The difficulties that mice had in dispatching Centruroides were not related to the neurotoxic components of these scorpions' venoms, to which the mice are resistant. Instead, the difficulties appeared to result from other constituents of Centruroides' venom that cause intense, short-term pain.
Twentieth century droughts and agriculture: Examples from impacts on soybean production in Kentucky, USA

Drought is a significant natural hazard that slowly evolves over time. Because of its character, drought is difficult to monitor and impacts are often poorly documented. Agriculture is one of the most sensitive sectors that are prone to drought. The objective of this research is to assess the impacts of drought on soybean production and revenue in Kentucky. Soybeans are one of Kentucky’s most important commodities. In this study, impacts of 1930–1931, 1940–1942, 1952–1955, 1987–1988, 1999–2000, and 2007 droughts were considered. It was found that over the recent years, up to 56 % of the revenue from soybeans was lost due to drought. During the first half of the twentieth century, revenue loss reached up to 77 %. This research is valuable to the general public as well as planners and policy makers. Proper documentation of impacts of past droughts will help identify drought vulnerabilities and results in better risk management and mitigation.
Prostacyclin receptor-mediated ATP release from erythrocytes requires the voltage-dependent anion channel

Erythrocytes have been implicated as controllers of vascular caliber by virtue of their ability to release the vasodilator ATP in response to local physiological and pharmacological stimuli. The re...
EFFECT OF HIGH‐INTENSITY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS ON SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K‐12 SUSPENDED IN MEAT INJECTION SOLUTIONS

Survival of Escherichia coli K12 suspended in solutions used for enhancing meat products after high-intensity pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments was examined. Solutions were prepared to provide 0.3% salt, 0.3% phosphate and/or 0, 1, 2 or 3% sodium lactate in a finished product enhanced to 110% of initial weight. Therefore, enhancement solutions contained water, 3% NaCl, 3% phosphate and/or 0, 10, 20 or 30% sodium lactate. Samples containing 0.1% NaCl were run as controls. Single PEF strengths used for PEF treatments were 12.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 3.5 kV/cm. For 12.5, 7.0 and 6.0 kV/cm, two levels of pulse controller resistance were used, oc and 200 ohm; for 5 and 3.5 kV/cm, only 200 ohm was tested. Above 7 kV/cm, arcing occurred which limited the application of this technology in these solutions. Electrical field strength at 7 kV/cm with a pulse controller resistance of 200 ohm resulted in a reduction of about 2 log cfu/mL when cells were suspended in the enhancement solution containing no lactate. Lower electrical field strengths (≥6 kV/ cm) were generally ineffective.
Index of Solar Radio Burst Activity at 10.7 cm

IT is now well established that the solar radio emission consists of (a) a basic component from the undisturbed Sun remaining constant for a considerable time; (b) a slowly varying component emitted from active centres on the solar surface showing a slow day to day variation in intensity; and (c) a rapidly varying component of short duration known as “bursts”. These bursts are closely correlated to flares and other centres of activity on the solar surface and are observed for a very wide range of frequencies covering centimetre and decimetre as well as metre wave bands. Although spectral studies have given much information about the mechanism of generation of radio bursts in the solar atmosphere at metre wavelengths, contributions from spot frequency observations are still regarded as valuable, particularly at microwave frequencies where bursts are of much simpler character and wider band-width. Furthermore, radio bursts in this frequency range are also accompanied by the enhanced emission of X-rays and ultraviolet rays of the electromagnetic spectrum and particles of different energies the various influences of which on the Earth are now well known. The significant role of microwave radio bursts in solar and geophysical studies can thus be appreciated and has led to the evaluation of an index of radio burst activity at 10.7 cm which, it is hoped, would supplement other indices of solar activity that already exist.