cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyoxazolidones for High Temperature Applications

Polyoxazolidones of different crosslink densities were prepared by reacting NCO-terminated oxazolidone quasi-prepolymers with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. The NCO-oxazolidone quasi-prepolymers were prepared at a 5/1 NCO/epoxy ratio, utilizing three different types of isocyanates: 4,4'-methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), polymeric MDI (PMDI) and 4,4'-methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H12MDI). These resins were prepared at isocyanate indices of 105 and 120, and in the case of PMDI, with an additional index of 200. The viscoelastic properties of these resins during curing were studied using rheometric dynamic spectroscopy. The chemical structure of the NCO-terminated oxazolidone quasi-prepolymers and of the resulting poly-oxazolidones were determined using infrared spectroscopy. Stress-strain response, flexural strength and modulus, compressive strength and modulus and shear strength were evaluated, as well as adhesion properties (lap shear strength). The measured properties were found to be very...
Torsemide: A new loop diuretic

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of torsemide are reviewed. Torsemide belongs to the pyridine-sulfonylurea class of loop diuretics. Its primary site of activity is the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, where it blocks active reabsorption of sodium and chloride, resulting in diuresis, natriuresis, and other effects. Torsemide has high bioavailability, a relatively long half-life, and a prolonged duration of activity. It is highly protein bound. Clinical trials indicate that torsemide is effective in the treatment of hypertension and of edema and other symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), hepatic dysfunction, or congestive heart failure (CHF). Torsemide has infrequent, mild, and transient adverse effects; among the most common are orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, and nervousness. The recommended initial oral dosages of torsemide are 10-20 mg/day for CHF, 20 mg/day for CRF, 5 mg/day for hypertension, and 5-10 mg/day (in combination with a potassium-sparing diuretic or aldosterone antagonist) for hepatic cirrhosis. In most patients, the pharmacokinetic advantages of torsemide over other loop diuretics are unlikely to translate into a substantial edge in clinical outcomes, and in practice there may be no cost advantages. Although torsemide does not offer major advantages over other loop diuretics, it may be of benefit in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other agents.
La protección jurídica de la persona en los sinodos chilenos del periodo indiano (Siglos XVII y XVIII)

Las constituciones sinodales son las normas que, a propuesta de la asamblea sinodal, ha sancionado el obispo -unico legislador de su diocesis-, en las que se determinan los cauces por donde ha de discurrir la actividad de la diocesis, ya postulando y promoviendo aquellas conductas que estima laudables, ya recortando, limitando o derechamente prohibiendo aquellas otras que estima reprobables.
Reproductive Management of Lactating Dairy Cows Using Synchronization of Ovulation

Lactating dairy cows have poor reproductive efficiency because of low fertility and low rates of estrus detection. To eliminate the dependence on detection of estrus, we have recently developed a timed artificial insemination (AI) protocol that synchronized the time of ovulation using GnRH and PGF2 alpha. The effectiveness of this protocol as a management tool was compared with standard reproductive management. Lactating dairy cows (n = 333) from three herds were randomly assigned at parturition to two groups. Control cows were managed according to the typical reproductive strategy of the farm that relied on detection of estrus, the a.m.-p.m. breeding rule, and periodic use of PGF2 alpha. Treated cows had timed AI after synchronization of ovulation with GnRH and PGF2 alpha. For both groups, the voluntary waiting period was 50 d postpartum. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound between 32 and 38 d post-AI. Nonpregnant cows were inseminated again using the original treatment until diagnosed as pregnant or until culled from the herd. Median days to first AI (54 vs. 83) and days open (99 vs. 118) were lower for treated cows than for control cows, respectively. Pregnancy rates for the first AI were similar (37% vs. 39%) for the two groups even though treated cows were bred at an earlier time postpartum. More treated cows than control cows were pregnant at 60 d (37% vs. 5%) and at 100 d (53% vs. 35%) after calving. Thus, this protocol allowed effective management of AI in lactating dairy cows without the need for estrus detection.
Mode-converters for rectangular-core fiber amplifiers to achieve diffraction-limited power scaling

ABSTRACT A rectangular-core ber that guides and amplies a higher-order-mode can potentially scale to much higheraverage powers than what is possible in traditional circular core large-mode-area bers. Such an amplierwould require mode-conversion at the input and output to enable interfacing with TEM 00 mode seed sourcesand generate diraction-limited radiation for various applications. We discuss the simulation and experimentalresults of a mode conversion technique that uses two diractive-optic-elements in conjugate Fourier planes toconvert a diraction limited TEM 00 mode to the higher-order-mode of a ribbon core ber. Our experimentsshow that the mode-conversion-eciency exceeds 84% and can theoretically approach 100%.Keywords: Mode conversion, Diractive Optics, Rectangular-core bers 1. INTRODUCTION Scalable, high average power lasers are needed for materials processing and defense systems. Scientic applica-tions such as laser-based guide stars for astronomy, gravitational wave detection, coherent remote wind sensingand laser based particle acceleration could also benet from high average power lasers with diraction-limitedoutput radiation. Considerable attention has been focused on ber-based lasers and ampliers due to theirpotential for high average power combined with high beam quality and eciency, compactness, and reliability.
Simple alternate routing for differentiated services networks

Recent work on differentiated services in the Internet has defined new notions of Quality of Service (QoS) that apply to aggregates of traffic in networks with coarse spatial granularity. Most proposals for differentiated services involve traffic control algorithms for aggregate service levels, packet marking and policing, and preferential treatment of marked packets in the network core. The issue of routing for enhancing aggregate QoS has not received a lot of attention. This study investigates the potential benefit of using alternate routing strategies in support of differentiated services. We propose a traffic control scheme, called Simple Alternate Routing, wherein portions of unmarked packet flows can be assigned to alternate paths through a Service Provider Network (SPN) in response to congestion feedback information. The scheme is simple, requiring only minor changes to the SPN border routers so that alternately routed packets can be tunneled via conventional paths to an intermediate border node and then tunneled from there to the original egress border node. We present distributed algorithms for (1) discovering congestion within the SPN, and (2) allocating traffic to alternate paths that are uncongested. We have implemented the scheme in a packet-level simulation, and we have examined the transient response of the algorithm to perturbations in the nominal traffic levels experienced by the SPN. The experimental study of this paper provides some understanding of the scheme''s ability to adapt in routing packets around congestion. Our results indicate that the alternate routing framework shows promise and warrants further consideration.
The effect of pertussis toxin on the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated by serum or platelet-derived growth factor

The involvement of a Gi- or G(o)-related G-protein as a regulator of the growth of guinea pig thoracic aorta smooth muscle (TASM) cells was studied by investigating the effects of pertussis toxin (PTX) on the growth of these cells. PTX treatment decreased the growth rate of TASM cells by 70-100%. This effect was apparent within 24 h after exposure to the toxin and persisted for at least 10 days after starting the treatment. The effect of the toxin appeared to be the result of the inactivation of a G-protein because 1) TASM cell membranes contained a 40-kilodalton substrate for the toxin in in vitro assays that was absent in membranes prepared from cells pretreated with toxin; and 2) the effect required both the enzymatic component (A-protomer) of the toxin that inactivates Gi/G(o)-related G-proteins and its B-oligomer necessary for binding and internalization of the A-protomer. The effect of the toxin was not due to an increased level of intracellular cAMP brought about by inactivation of a G-protein that...
Nucleic acid contents and growth of first-feeding walleye pollock larvae in response to prey densities typical of sub-Arctic ecosystems

The growth, nucleic acid and protein contents of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma larvae reared at prey densities of 10, 30, 50, and 500 prey l-1 were measured for the first 9 days after the feeding initiation at 6° C. Incremental growth rates of larvae (mm day-1) were low and variable for the first 7 days after feeding initiation. Growth rates and rates of RNA, DNA, and protein accumulation by larvae reared at 500 prey l-1 were positive while those of larvae reared at the lower prey levels did not differ significantly from zero. The RNA/DNA ratio was variable and exhibited no significant trend among food treatments. Estimates of instantaneous protein growth rates ranged from -6·7 to 13·2% day-1 at food densities of 10 and 500 prey l-1, respectively, and were moderately correlated with larval RNA/DNA ratios (r=0·628). The results suggest that in situ protein growth rates of first-feeding pollock larvae may be influenced by prey fields within the range of ambient food densities reported for sub-Arctic ecosystems.
Lexical Acquisition in Alcoholic Korsakoff Psychosis

Abstract Recent studies have underlined the importance of the distinction between “declarative” and “procedural” aspects of memory functioning. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relative deficits in these two aspects of anterograde memory in an amnesic population with midline diencephalic lesions, to determine whether this apparently fundamental distinction in memory types is honored even under real-world conditions. Eight alcoholic Korsakoff patients were examined for their lexical acquisition capacity, including both their application of word-learning procedures to a new lexical domain and their eventual recall of the facts represented by the new word. The findings revealed that each Korsakoff patient successfully applies at least some of the procedures subserving the word-learning process to the new lexical domain. By comparison, the Korsakoff patients subsequently acquire little of the factual knowledge represented by the new word. Specifically, almost all of the patients recognize only the object used during the exposure period to demonstrate the new word. Quantitative and qualitative features of the patients' declarative and procedural memory deficits are discusses in the context of real-world processing advantages and limitations.
Graphitic interlayer states: A carbon K near-edge x-ray-absorption fine-structure study

We have measured the carbon K near-edge x-ray-absorption fine structure of graphite by transmission, electron yield, and fluorescence yield. A rounded and prominent peak is identified in the near-edge spectrum, among the other well-known spectral features. With the aid of a full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave band calculation, this feature is interpreted as originating from interlayer states in low-symmetry regions of the Brillouin zone. This finding is relevant to interpreting the near-edge structure of graphite intercalation compounds specially of the alkali-metal type.
Isolation of α2 Macroglobulin Subunits from Human Serum

Abstract Subunits of α2 macroglobulin (α2M) with sedimentation rates lower than 10 S were found in ultrafiltrates (through macroglobulin-stopping membranes) of normal human sera. Five to six percent of the total α2M in human sera exists in subunit form. After isolation by means of ammonium sulfate precipitation, curtain electrophoresis, gel filtration and ultrafiltration these subunits were shown to have sedimentation rates of 5–10 S.
Sexuality, Masculinity, and Taint Management Among Firefighters and Correctional Officers: Getting Down and Dirty With “America's Heroes” and the “Scum of Law Enforcement”

Based on qualitative field and interview data, this comparative analysis of dirty work by firefighters and correctional officers demonstrates that taint management and its relative utility is inextricably bound to and embedded within macro-level discourses. While firefighters labor to fulfill expectations as “America's heroes,” correctional officers work to squelch images as “professional babysitters” and the “scum of law enforcement.” The authors' analysis illustrates how discourses of occupational prestige and masculine heterosexuality allow firefighters to frame their work in preferred, privileged terms while correctional officers struggle to combat taint discursively associated with low-level feminized care work or with brutish, deviant sexuality. This study extends theoretical understandings of identity construction, dirty work, taint management, and organizational performances of masculinity and sexuality. The authors' analysis concludes with limitations, future directions, and practical application...
Effects of p-chloroamphetamine on locomotor activity and brain 5-hydroxyindoles

Abstract p-chloroamphetamine increased locomotor activity in rats for up to three days following a single injection; the peak increase in drug-induced activity occurred on the second day. Spinal cord and brain regional concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were reduced within two days after administration of p-chloroamphetamine, with the greatest reductions occurring in forebrain areas. Brain 5-hydroxyindoles were still reduced in all areas except the midbrain and spinal cord for as long as one week after drug treatment. The effects of p-chloroamphetamine on both locomotor activity and brain 5-hydroxytryptamine were blocked by pretreatment with Lilly 110140, a selective uptake inhibitor in brain serotonin neurones. These results suggest that brain serotonin neurones may normally inhibit locomotor activity and that p-chloroamphetamine destroys this inhibitory system. The basal levels of activity return to normal even though brain serotonin is reduced chronically. The possible reasons for these effects are discussed.
Shape-memory stapes prosthesis for otosclerosis surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a shape-memory alloy, Nitinol, as a component of an improved stapes prosthesis. Study Design: Prospective laboratory and clinical study to develop a Nitinol stapes prosthesis. Methods: Various diameters of Nitinol wire and temperature transition variants were analyzed with regard to ease of deformation, response to heating, and strength. The size and geometry of the closed hook was determined by measurement of 50 incus cadaver bones. Several heat sources for activating the shape memory were evaluated, including electrocautery, lasers, and warm water. Trial surgeries were then performed on human temporal bones in the laboratory. The closure characteristics of the Nitinol loop were studied. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing at 1.5 Tesla was performed to determine safety during MRI studies. Preliminary human subject trials were then instituted. Results: In all cases, a low heat condition was ample to activate the shape memory characteristics of the hook and return it to a closed position after it had been opened. Laser power was generally set well below the power needed for removing bone. The Nitinol loop closed snugly around the incus with application to the top of the hook with a low temperature laser setting. Almost any heat source was effective. MRI testing at 1.5 Tesla showed no movement of the prosthesis. Preliminary results in human subjects showed excellent air-bone closure. The Nitinol loop holds uniform contact around the incus. Conclusions: The Nitinol piston greatly simplifies the stapedectomy procedure by taking the need for a hand operated instrument out of the surgeon's hands. Because of the nature of the Nitinol wire, it can never over-crimp. All these characteristics make the prosthesis advantageous for otosclerosis surgery.
Tannin mediated alveolar macrophage protein phosphorylation.

Experiments were designed to determine if cotton bract tannin, a component of cotton mill dust, would promote the phosphorylation of alveolar macrophage proteins in doses potentially achievable in vivo. Rabbit alveolar macrophages were loaded with 32PO4 and challenged with various doses of tannin for time periods ranging from two seconds to 120 minutes. Changes in protein phosphorylation began after two seconds and were maximal at five to fifteen minutes. Dose response studies using an exposure time of one hour showed phosphorylation changes began at 1 µg/mL and were maximal at 10 to 30 µg/mL. Phosphorylation changes were similar to but not identical to those induced by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Calcium ionophore, A-23187 had no clear effect either alone or in conjunction with PMA. These results indicate that cotton bract tannin is able to rapidly promote protein phosphorylation of alveolar macrophages at doses potentially achievable in vivo. Other mechanisms in addition to those of protein kinase C appear to be involved in this protein phosphorylation process.
Stone-Čech compactifications of products

As is well known from the work of Tychonoff [10], Stone [8], and Cech [1], every completely regular space X can be imbedded as a dense subspace of a compact Hausdorff space β(X) in such a way that continuous (real valued and bounded) functions on X extend continuously to β(X); indeed the resulting compactification of X, the Stone-Cech com-pactification, is uniquely determined by just these properties. For a set of completely regular spaces, the naturally induced imbedding of their product PX α as a dense subspace of Pβ(X α ) yields a compactification of their product, and the question arises as to when one can identify(2) this with the Stone-Cech compactification. The main purpose of this paper is to show that aside from a trivial case, this identification is possible if and only if PX α is pseudo-compact(3) [5], i.e., if and only if every real valued continuous function on it is bounded, or, equivalently, every bounded continuous function assumes its bounds(4). A side result of the investigation is the fact that every product of uncountably many compact spaces, each having at least two points, is the Stone-Cech compactification of certain proper subspaces, yielding a fairly accessible body of nontrivial Stone-Cech compactifications. Finally we shall give several conditions sufficient to insure that a product of pseudo-compact spaces be pseudo-compact, and briefly discuss a related Question.
Neuroprotection with herpes simplex vectors expressing virally derived anti-apoptotic agents.

A large body of literature dealing with neurotoxicity has focused on trying to define the exact nature of cell death following a neurological insult. While there is some debate in the field, it has been shown that a number of neurons in a given population can respond to an acute insult stimulus by activating the apoptotic cascade. To what extent, however, these insults result in the classical manifestations of either apoptosis or necrosis, or whether a mixture of the two results, is highly controversial, in part dependent on the particular system utilized. In this paper, we investigate the role of particular apoptotic signals in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, following acute excitotoxicity, metabolic poisoning, and heat stress. In particular, we examine these effects by utilizing a modified herpes simplex viral vector to specifically deliver viral anti-apoptotic genes. We have selected a battery of viral genes (crmA, p35, γ34.5, KsBcl-2) that have evolved to suppress suicidal host responses to infection. We examine these inhibitors in the face of the above classes of insults and report that each viral agent tested has a unique profile in its ability to protect hippocampal neurons following acute neurological insults. Specifically, the effects of domoic acid excitotoxicity can be alleviated only with crmA, p35 and γ34.5 whereas all genes tested can protect against heat stress. Conversely, no genes tested can protect against metabolic poisoning by cyanide. Such a study helps us to further understand the nature of apoptotic signals in different insults.
The RNA Polymerase II CTD Kinase CTDK-I Affects Pre-mRNA 3′ Cleavage/Polyadenylation through the Processing Component Pti1p

Abstract There are several kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that phosphorylate the CTD of RNA polymerase II, but specific and distinct functions of the phospho-CTDs generated by the different kinases are not well understood. A genetic screen for suppressors of loss of yeast CTD kinase I (CTDK-I) function (by deletion of the catalytic subunit gene CTK1 ) identified PTI1 , a potential 3′ cleavage/polyadenylation factor. Genetic and physical interactions connect Pti1p to components of CF IA and CF II/CPF, and mutations of PTI1 or CTK1 affect 3′ cleavage site choice and transcript abundance of particular genes. Therefore, one important function of the CTDK-I-generated phospho-CTD appears to be the coupling of transcription to 3′ processing of pre-mRNAs by a Pti1p-containing complex.
WELD—an environment for Web-based electronic design

Increasing size and geographical separation of design data and teams has created a need for a network-based electronic design environment that is scaleable, adaptable, secure, highly available, and cost effective. In the WELD project we are evaluating aspects of the network integration and communication infrastructure needed to enable such a distributed design environment. The architecture of WELD and the components developed to implement the system, together with performance results, are described and evaluated.
Heterogeneous nanostructural and nanoelastic properties of pericellular and interterritorial matrices of chondrocytes by atomic force microscopy

Abstract Hyaline cartilage consists of sparse chondrocytes and abundant extracellular matrix. There is a paucity of experimental data in support of the notion of conceivable regional differences in the mechanical properties of chondral matrices. Upon visual differentiation of the pericellular and interterritorial matrices in each of 19 fresh growth plate samples with toluidine blue and alizarin red labels, nanoindentation was applied separately to the pericellular matrix and interterritorial matrix to using fluid-phase atomic force microscopy and real-time imaging. The interterritorial matrix demonstrated elongated parallel ridges, whereas the pericellular matrix showed irregular, short-range elevations with characteristic pores and canals. Analysis of surface contours at 600 nm2 scan size revealed that the interterritorial matrix had significantly greater surface roughness (71 ± 18 nm; mean ± SE) than the pericellular matrix (24 ± 4 nm) (P
Identification of two storage hexamers in the ant, Camponotus festinatus: Accumulation in adult queenless workers

Abstract Two electrophoretically and immunologically distinct storage hexamers (Hex 1 and Hex 2) have been identified in Camponotus festinatus workers. The molecular weights of the native molecules were estimated to be 460,000 (Hex 1) and 580,000 (Hex 2) by pore limiting gradient electrophoresis. Hex 1 partially dissociates with moderate alkaline pH. Both proteins are composed of a single type of apoprotein of approx. 73 (Hex 1) and 80 kDa (Hex 2). While most of Hex 2 is sequestered by the fat body before pupation, Hex 1 remains largely in the hemolymph during the last larval and pupal stages. Both proteins were detected only in low concentrations in the hemolymph of newly emerged adults, and they gradually disappear from adult workers maintained in the colonies. In queenless workers, however, Hex 1 and Hex 2 accumulate in the hemolymph and fat body, constituting the most abundant proteins together with vitellogenin. Camponotus festinatus storage hexamers bear some homologies in their N-terminal sequence with the arylphorins of Diptera and Lepitoptera, as well as with a crab hemocyanin. However, with respect to their amino acid composition, they can not be classified as arylphorins.
Resveratrol enhances the suppressive effects of arsenic trioxide on primitive leukemic progenitors

Efforts to enhance the antileukemic properties of arsenic trioxide are clinically relevant and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for the management of certain hematological malignancies. We provide evidence that concomitant treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells with resveratrol potentiates arsenic trioxide-dependent induction of apoptosis. Importantly, clonogenic assays in methylcellulose demonstrate potent suppressive effects of the combination of these agents on primitive leukemic progenitors derived from patients with AML or CML. Taken together, these findings suggest that combinations of arsenic trioxide with resveratrol may provide an approach for targeting of early leukemic precursors and, possibly, leukemia initiating stem cells.
Bacterial Resistance to Quinolones: Mechanisms and Clinical Importance

An overview of bacterial resistance to new quinolones is presented with a consideration of mechanisms, clinical importance, and approaches to suppression of the emergence of resistance. Single-step mutation to high-level resistance occurs at a frequency of less than or equal to 10(-10) for many bacterial species but can be readily selected by serial exposure of cells to increasing drug concentrations. Two mechanisms of resistance have been identified: alteration in the target enzyme DNA gyrase and decreased drug permeation. Emergence of resistance to clinically useful quinolones thus far has been uncommon. Superinfection has been documented but also has been uncommon. Emergence of resistance appears to occur more often with certain bacterial species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In the special setting of cystic fibrosis, patients with P. aeruginosa infections often respond favorably despite emergence of resistance. Methods to minimize the emergence of quinolone resistance should be evaluated in an effort to preserve the clinical utility of these drugs.
Progression and complications after external beam radiation therapy for carcinoma of prostate

Abstract Sixty patients with prostatic carcinoma localized to the pelvis have been treated by external beam radiation therapy: 2 patients (2 %) were Stage A, 12 (20 %) Stage B, 14 (23 %) Stage C, and 32 (53 %) Stage Dl. Twenty-two patients received adjuvant therapy (11 estramustine phosphate [Estracyt] and 11 cyclophosphamide [Cytoxan]) after radiation. Progression occurred in 22 patients (37 %): 6 (10 %) had local recurrence while 16 (27 %) failed distally. The incidence of late major complications was 12 percent.
Oxaprozin disposition in renal disease

Effects of renal disease on the disposition kinetics of oxaprozin, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic, were assessed in 15 subjects who were normal, renally impaired, or who had been undergoing hemodialysis. Oral dose clearance (Cloral), volume of distribution at steady-state (V88d), and elimination half-life (t 1/2) did not substantially differ among the three groups. Mean fraction unbound oxaprozin in plasma (fup) increased from 0.08% in the normal group to 0.18% and 0.28% in the two azotemic groups. Consequently, unbound drug kinetic parameters, including intrinsic clearance (Clint) and V88du of unbound drug were reduced from 2.9 l/hr/kg and 193 l/kg in normal subjects to approximately 1.6 l/hr/kg and 91 l/kg in azotemic patients. The smaller volume of distribution is consistent with a decrease in oxaprozin tissue binding in azotemia. The decreased plasma and tissue binding and lower Clint suggest that, in the treatment of azotemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the dose of oxaprozin should begin at 600 mg once a day.
Monocular depth perception in rats.

64 male hooded rats were tested on a visual depth discrimination task in a modified Lashley Jumping Stand. The monocular Ss (n = 32) were operated upon to close either the left or right eye and the control Ss (n = 32) were sham operated. There were no significant differences in jumping performance between the binocular and the monocular Ss although the task was facilitated for both groups when a visual depth was increased. However, the monocular Ss showed significant orienting responses toward the “unoperated” side before they jumped. The results suggest that motion parallax overcomes both monocular and binocular visual weakness in a jumping-stand discrimination situation.
Effects of naloxone on Morris water maze learning in the rat: enhanced acquisition with pretraining but not posttraining administration

Pretraining administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone on the first 4 of 5 days of training enhanced the acquisition of spatial information in the Morris water maze. Naloxone-treated rats learned to find an invisible escape platform located in a fixed position relative to environmental cues more rapidly than did control rats. Naloxone-treated rats also displayed better knowledge of the platform location during a probe trial conducted in the absence of the escape platform on Day 5. In contrast, posttraining administration of naloxone did not significantly affect performance, even when a higher dose was used or when the training protocol was altered. These results suggest a role for endogenous opioid-peptidergic systems in the acquisition of spatial information.
Micromachined field emission devices

We present the application of micromachining technology to silicon-based field emission devices. Silicide formation on the emitter is shown to lead to lower voltage emission. Integration of series resistors and heaters is achieved by silicon bulk-micromachining. Multiple levels of tungsten electrodes are integrated by surface micromachining. This allows the integration of an entire micromachined electron gun array (MEGA) on a single silicon substrate. We review simulation results to illustrate the electron-optical properties of MEGA and show fabrication results and emission data.
Statistics of remnant speckles in an adaptively corrected imaging system

Understanding the statistics of remnant speckles in the halo of an adaptively-corrected point-spread function is critically important to using adaptive optics in high-dynamic-range searches for faint companions. It has been clear for some time that photon (Poisson) statistics alone do not adequately account for noise in the halo, as the coherent nature of speckles gives them a temporal persistence that leads to a much larger noise contribution, termed speckle noise. I consider in this paper the physical mechanism for speckle formation, and show that residual speckles, in the case of highly corrected adaptive optics systems, tend to be pinned to secondary maxima (Airy rings) in the underlying diffraction-limited point-spread function, affecting their spatial distribution in an important way. Further, in current practical adaptive optics systems, the structure of the Airy rings will shift over relatively short time scales in response to flexure-induced non-common-path errors, modifying the temporal evolution of the statistics of the speckle distribution as well.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Coseismic slip distribution of the 2002 MW7.9 Denali fault earthquake, Alaska, determined from GPS measurements

[1] On 3 November 2002 an Mw7.9 earthquake occurred in central Alaska. The earthquake ruptured portions of the Susitna Glacier, Denali, and Totschunda faults. Inversion of the GPS-measured displacement field indicates that the event was dominated by a complex, right-lateral strike-slip rupture along the Denali fault. GPS sites closest to the epicenter show the effect of thrust motion on the Susitna Glacier fault. The preferred coseismic slip model, with M w 7.8, indicates relatively low slip on the western part of the rupture and high slip from about 60 km east of the hypocenter extending to the junction of the Denali and Totschunda faults. We find mostly shallow slip from the surface to 15 km depth, but the inversion suggests one large deep slip patch about 110 km east of the hypocenter. Our model predicts surface slip in good agreement with surface geological observations, where model resolution is good.
Dolomite-magnesian calcite relations at elevated temperatures and CO2 pressures

Abstract The equilibrium thermal decomposition curve of dolomite has been determined up to a CO2 pressure of 20,000 lb/in.2, at which pressure dolomite decomposes at 857°C. Equilibrium was approached from both directions, by the breakdown and by the solid-state synthesis of dolomite. At elevated temperatures and pressures, calcites in equilibrium with periclase as well as those in equilibrium with dolomite contain Mg in solid solution. In the former, the Mg content increases with increasing CO2 pressure, and decreases with increasing temperature. In the latter, it is a function of temperature only. The exsolution curve of dolomite and magnesian calcite has been determined between 500° and 800°C; at 500° dolomite is in equilibrium with a magnesian calcite containing ~6 mol per cent MgCO2; at 800°, ~22 mol per cent. There appears to be a small but real deviation from the ideal 1 : 1 Ca : Mg ratio of dolomite, in the direction of excess Ca, for material in equilibrium with magnesian calcite at high temperature. The experimental findings indicate that very little Mg is stable in the calcites of sedimentary environments, but that an appreciable amount is stable under higher-temperature metamorphic conditions, if sufficient CO2 pressure is maintained.
MBE Growth and Transfer of HgCdTe Epitaxial Films from InSb Substrates

An investigation of the heteroepitaxial growth of HgCdTe films onto InSb(211)B substrates is reported. High-quality HgCdTe(211)B single-crystal films have been successfully deposited onto InSb(211)B substrates and have been characterized with x-ray diffraction rocking curve analysis, etch pit density analysis, and surface void defect mapping. X-ray rocking curve (422) reflection full-width at half-maximum of 60 arcsec has been obtained for 7-μm-thick x = 0.22 HgCdTe epitaxial films, and etch pit densities of 3 × 106 cm−2 to 3 × 107 cm−2 have been observed. A significant reduction in HgCdTe void defect densities to 100 cm−2 to 200 cm−2 has been observed on InSb, including a complete absence of large “void cluster” defects that are often observed for growth on CdZnTe. Wafer bow induced by the growth of HgCdTe on InSb is less than 1 μm for 2-inch-diameter substrates. Significant diffusion of In into HgCdTe is observed for HgCdTe/InSb wafers that are subjected to Hg anneals at 250°C to 300°C. A preliminary investigation of the transfer of HgCdTe films from InSb onto Si substrates has also been undertaken, using an adhesive wafer bonding approach evaluated with scanning acoustic microscopy. The infrared transmission characteristics of the bonding adhesive have been investigated with respect to postgrowth annealing procedures to establish the compatibility of the bonding approach with HgCdTe device processing and detector operation.
Clinical Efficacy and Toxicity of Anti-EGFR Therapy in Common Cancers

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cell surface molecule and member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Its activation leads to proliferation, antiapoptosis, and metastatic spread, making inhibition of this pathway a compelling target. In recent years, an increasing number of clinical trials in the management of solid malignancies have become available indicating the clinical efficacy of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This review addresses frequently used EGFR inhibitors, summarizes clinical efficacy data of these new therapeutic agents, and discusses their associated toxicity and management.
Structure determinations and synthesis of pharmacologically active phospholipids from kidney and intestine.

The chemical structures of an acidic phospholipid originally isolated from equine intestine by Vogt and of a phospholipid isolated from rabbit kidney medulla by Walaszek are shown by total synthesis to be similar mixtures of 2-alkyl (and alkenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane-dihydrogen phosphate esters. In these materials, the alkyl residues derive primarily from oleyl, palmityl and linoleyl aldehydes. The smooth muscle contracting activity observed in the natural substances is shown to reside exclusively in the oleyl aldehyde derivative.
Immunology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Molecular Targets for Biologics

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated disease and involves a complex interplay of host genetics and environmental influences. Recent advances in the field, including data from genome-wide association studies and microbiome analysis, have started to unravel the complex interaction between host genetics and environmental influences in the pathogenesis of IBD. A drawback of current clinical trials is inadequate or lack of immune phenotyping of patients. However, recent advances in high-throughput technologies provide an opportunity to monitor the dynamic and complex immune system, which may to lead to a more personalized treatment approach in IBD.
The Garrick Collection at the Folger Shakespeare Library: New Initiatives

David Garrick might be considered the Elvis of his age. His image appeared everywhere, not only in paintings, statues, and engravings, but on jugs, tiles, matchboxes, watch fobs, textiles, loving-cups—almost anything to which an image could be attached. If the eighteenth century had worn T-shirts, undoubtedly he would have been depicted there as well. A theatrical impresario and popularizer of Shakespeare, Garrick seems to have known everyone in the artistic and literary circles of the time, and to have been recognized by thousands more. One might say that he single-handedly created the Shakespeare “industry.” He produced twenty-four of the plays, acted in nineteen Shakespearean roles, and orchestrated the great Shakespeare Jubilee at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1769, the first event that made that sleepy country town a tourist mecca. Today scholars who want to work on Garrick make their pilgrimage to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., site of the largest collection in the world of Garrick manuscripts and related items, including a ticket for the Jubilee Oratorio, signed by George Garrick, the actor's brother (Fig. 1), and the intricately carved Rococo chair made for Garrick's Temple of Shakespeare around 1756.
Protection of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by zinc: Role of metallothionein

The dose-dependent release of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase into plasma 24 hr following various doses of CCl4 (ip) was markedly lower in rats pretreated for 3 days with zinc chloride (150 μmol/kg/day) than in control rats. Although this dose of zinc produced a 34% decrease in hepatic concentration of cytochrome P-450 and a 50% decrease in binding of 14C derived from 14CCl4 to hepatic microsomal protein and lipid in vitro, prior treatment with a single injection of zinc (250 μmol/kg) resulted in protection against CCl4 toxicity without changing P-450 concentrations or 14C binding. Administration of a single dose (250 μmol/kg) of zinc or pretreatment on 3 consecutive days with 150 μmol/kg zinc produced a 700 or 1900% increase in hepatic concentration of metallothionein (MT), respectively. Following administration of 14CCl4 to zinc-treated rats, radioactivity was present in the same elution volume as MT following gel filtration (G-75) of liver cytosol. This suggests that MT may protect against CCl4-induced liver damage by sequestering reactive metabolites of CCl4.
Role of fusion in radiotherapy treatment planning.

The fusion of functional imaging to traditional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is currently being investigated in radiotherapy treatment planning. Most studies that have been reported are in patients with lung, brain, or head and neck neoplasms. There is a potential role for either positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to delineate biologically active or tumor-bearing areas that otherwise would not be detected by CT or MRI. Furthermore, target volumes may be modified by using functional imaging, which can have a significant impact in the modern era of three-dimensional radiotherapy. SPECT may also be able to identify "nonfunctional" surrounding tissue and may influence radiotherapy beam arrangement.
Crystal structure and conformational flexibility of the unligated FK506-binding protein FKBP12.6.

The primary known physiological function of FKBP12.6 involves its role in regulating the RyR2 isoform of ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channels in cardiac muscle, pancreatic β islets and the central nervous system. With only a single previously reported X-ray structure of FKBP12.6, bound to the immunosuppressant rapamycin, structural inferences for this protein have been drawn from the more extensive studies of the homologous FKBP12. X-ray structures at 1.70 and 1.90 A resolution from P21 and P3121 crystal forms are reported for an unligated cysteine-free variant of FKBP12.6 which exhibit a notable diversity of conformations. In one monomer from the P3121 crystal form, the aromatic ring of Phe59 at the base of the active site is rotated perpendicular to its typical orientation, generating a steric conflict for the immunosuppressant-binding mode. The peptide unit linking Gly89 and Val90 at the tip of the protein-recognition `80s loop' is flipped in the P21 crystal form. Unlike the >30 reported FKBP12 structures, the backbone conformation of this loop closely follows that of the first FKBP domain of FKBP51. The NMR resonances for 21 backbone amides of FKBP12.6 are doubled, corresponding to a slow conformational transition centered near the tip of the 80s loop, as recently reported for 31 amides of FKBP12. The comparative absence of doubling for residues along the opposite face of the active-site pocket in FKBP12.6 may in part reflect attenuated structural coupling owing to increased conformational plasticity around the Phe59 ring.
Transport in branched systems I : steady-state response

Abstract Branched or fractal-like extended surfaces are commonly found in natural systems and in engineered systems such as heterogeneous catalysts to enhance the rates of heat or mass transfer, or chemical reaction. Simple models can be derived to simulate the effectiveness and efficiency of these structures and provide some speculation concerning transport limitations affecting the evolutionary design of natural branching structures. Though the surface area of branching structures increases with each successive generation, their efficiency and effectiveness quickly approach asymptotic values. The transport limitations inherent in the structures render subsequent branching ineffective. Such limitations, characterized by environmentally driven, external transport resistances, may affect branching patterns found in plant root systems, mammalian motoneurons, and animal circulatory systems
Retinal detachment following phacoemulsification in highly myopic cataract patients

Abstract Purpose: To assess whether modern, small incision phacoemulsification techniques significantly reduce the retinal detachment (RD) risk in highly myopic patients who have visually significant cataracts. Setting: University-associated ophthalmology practice. Methods: This retrospective study included 80 eyes in 61 patients with preoperative myopia of 7.00 diopters (D) or more. Sixty-four eyes had an axial length of 25.0 mm or greater. All surgery was performed superiorly using a frown-shaped, selfsealing, scleral tunnel. The incision size ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 mm. Capsulorhexis was performed and then four-quadrant cracking phacoemulsification. The posterior capsule was routinely polished. A posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in the capsular bag in all cases. Results: No RDs occurred during the mean follow-up of 43 months (range 9 to 77 months) or the mean follow-up after neodymium:YAG capsulotomy of 20 months. No intraoperative complications occurred. Seventy-one of 80 eyes (89%) achieved best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Conclusions: Retinal detachments following modern cataract surgery in high myopia are much less common than previously reported. We attribute this to small incision size, continued maintenance of the anterior chamber, posterior chamber IOL implantation, and lack of intraoperative complications.
Time and Frequency Domain Modeling, Simulation, and Measurement of a Non-Standard Cabled PCI Express® Channel

PCI-Expressreg1 specifications have recently been updated to account for transmission across a cabled interface. These specifications are intended to be used with a "standard" cable, and budgeted according to the channel losses and jitter. This paper describes the design and verification of four x8 PCIereg channels which are neither a standard motherboard/plug-in interface, nor a standard cable interface. The channel consists of a commercially available bridge chip and an IBM ASIC driven through two printed circuit boards, two GigArrayreg High-Speed Mezzanine connectors, and a flex cable. Total channel length is roughly 25 inches (~64 cm), with nearly 15 inches in the flex cable. Standard-loss and low-loss dielectric laminates were considered for the flex cable, significant effort was spent carefully designing the flex element. A standard frequency-domain simulator was used to estimate the channel loss based on known transmission constructs in the PCBs and flex cable. Budgets were developed to the PCIe specifications and enforced with PCB and flex cable design constraints from analysis and spec requirements. Prototypes were fabricated in both standard-loss and low-loss materials, and measurements were made on both sets of hardware. A software compliance package (installed on a digital sampling oscilloscope) was used to judge the performance of the channel during system operation. Time-domain HSPICEreg simulation was used to achieve model-to-hardware correlation, and in-situ VNA measurements were used to correlate channel loss budgets in the frequency domain. Based on measurements and analysis, the interface margin on the subsequent production pass of the hardware designs was significantly improved.
Phospho-Tyrosine(s) vs. Phosphatidylinositol Binding in Shc Mediated Integrin Signaling

The Shc adaptor protein, particularly its p52 isoform, has been identified as a primary signaling partner for the tyrosine(s)-phosphorylated cytoplasmic tails of activated β3 integrins. Inspired by our recent structure of the Shc PTB domain in complex with a bi-phosphorylated peptide derived from β3 cytoplasmic tail, we have initiated the investigation of Shc interaction with phospholipids of the membrane. We are particularly focused on PtdIns and their effects on Shc mediated integrin signaling in vitro. Here we present thermodynamic profiles and molecular details of the interactions between Shc, integrin, and PtdIns, all of which have been studied by ITC and solution NMR methods. A model of p52 Shc interaction with phosphorylated β3 integrin cytoplasmic tail at the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane is proposed based on these data.