cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing for cumulative impacts in ecosystem-based management through ocean zoning

Multiple activities affect the marine environment in concert, yet current management primarily considers activities in isolation. A shift towards a more comprehensive management of these activities, as with recent emphasis on ecosystem-based approaches to management, requires a means for evaluating their interactive and cumulative impacts. Here we develop a framework for this evaluation, focusing on five core concepts: (1) activities have interactive and cumulative impacts, (2) management decisions require consideration of, and tradeoffs among, all ecosystem services, (3) not all stressors are equal or have impacts that increase linearly, (4) management must account for the different scales of activities and impacts, and (5) some externalities cannot be controlled locally but must be accounted for in marine spatial planning. Comprehensive ocean zoning provides a powerful tool with which these key concepts are collectively addressed.
Multiple measures of the orienting reaction and their dissociation after amygdalectomy in monkeys

Abstract In an earlier study we proposed that amygdalectomy results in the dissociation of the orienting reaction. One component of this reaction, the galvanic skin response (GSR) disappears after amygdalectomy and we made the hypothesis that failure to habituate was closely linked to this failure in the orienting GSR. We called this GSR component an indicator of “registration”. The present study was undertaken to discover what other measures of orienting could be classified with the GSR as indicators of registration. Accordingly, six bilaterally amygdalectomized and four shamoperated rhesus monkeys were given 50 irregularly repeated presentations of a pure tone while GSR, heart rate, respiratory rate, EEG, and ear movements were recorded. Amygdalectomized monkeys failed to show the GSR, heart-rate, and respiratory-rate components of the orienting reaction while EEG activation and ear movement-orienting responses remained essentially intact.
Quantum scattering calculations of the H + O2 → O + OH reaction

We report quantum mechanical calculations of the H + O 2 → OH + O reaction for total angular momentum quantum number J = 0 in the absence of recombination. Our calculations employ two different potential energy surfaces-the widely used semiempirical double many-body expansion (DMBE IV) potential surface of Pastrana et al. (J. Phys. Chem. 1990, 94, 8073) and an ab initio potential surface by Troe and Ushakov (J. Chem. Phys. 2001, 115, 3621) which is yet to be tested against detailed quantum dynamics calculations. We explore the sensitivity of the dynamics to details of the potential energy surface. The reaction is dominated by narrow resonances due to the formation of the HO 2 radical, and results are sensitive to details of the potential energy surfaces. Thermal rate coefficients evaluated using a J-shifting approximation differ by about 50% on the two potential surfaces. Calculations show that, within the J-shifting approximation, the Troe-Ushakov potential surface yields rate coefficients that are in better agreement with experiments.
Trishear kinematic modeling of extensional fault-propagation folding

We present a new non-linear 2-D numerical trishear model that is capable of modeling both symmetrical and asymmetrical trishear zones and a strain prediction approach based on the velocity field within the trishear zone. A simple relationship exists between the shape factor (r) of the velocity field, the hanging wall apical angle, and footwall apical angle. The implication of this relationship is that when dealing with a real deformed state cross-section, one can measure the hanging wall and footwall apical angles to determine the r value to specify the velocity field within the trishear zone for either the forward modeling or restoration. The new trishear model can accurately reproduce the geometry of two experimental clay models and an extensional fault-propagation fold from the Gulf of Suez. Predicted strain is greatest directly above the fault tip and decreases with distance from the fault tip, as in the experimental models. Greater strain occurs in the hanging wall because of the greater velocity gradient there, whereas the footwall is much less intensely deformed. Consequently, secondary faulting and fracturing, if present, should be better developed along the fault tip line or in the hanging wall. The orientation of fractures or minor faults can be predicted from the strain ellipses calculated from the trishear velocity field.
Onset of vorticity in a rotating annulus of helium II

We present measurements of the critical angular velocity for the onset of vorticity in a rotating annulus. The measurements of the critical velocity were made over a temperature range from 1.5 to 2.165 K, and are consistently lower than theoretical predictions by about 20%. Nor do our results agree within experimental uncertainty with previous measurements of the critical velocity in an annulus. It appears that the discrepancies can be explained by the presence and growth of high concentrations of residual vorticity which prevent the system from achieving the lowest free energy state. We find that vorticity perpendicular to the axis of rotation grows as the angular velocity is increased and that the axial mutual friction coefficientB″ is 0.
Coulomb excitation in 180Hf

Abstract Coulomb excitation studies have been performed to measure transition probabilities of collective quadrupole vibrational states in 180 Hf. The I = 2 level of the K π = 2 + collective γ-band is established at 1200.5 keV with B (E2) exc = (11.0 ± 1.1) × 10 −50 e 2 · cm 4 (3.6 ± 0.4 s.p.u.). The angular distribution of the de-exciting γ-rays from this level yields δ = 9.6 +22 −5.8 or, less likely, 0.7 ± 0.2 for the 1107.2 keV 2 γ + → 2 g + transition. The B (E2) exc for any K π I = 0 + 2 state or other 2 + states up to 1500 keV is less than 5 × 10 −51 e 2 · cm 4 (
THE INFLUENCE OF THYROIDECTOMY ON THE VARIABILITY OF NEUROMUSCULAR ACTIVITY IN THE RAT

IT is GENERALLY AGREED that thyroidectomy leads to a reduction in the level of neuromuscular activity (1). The converse, however, does not hold. Feeding thy roid hasbeen shown to result in a decrease rather than an increase in activity (2). The decreasedactivity following thyroidectomy may be attributed in part to lowered levels of excitation and irritability of the nervous system. This hypothesis tends to be confirmed by experiments indicating lowered resistance to narcotics (3), increased thresholds to light and sound stimulations (4), decreased speed of simple reaction to an electric shock (5), and lowered rate of cortical alpha-rhythms (6) in the hypothyroid state. Since the variabilityof behavior is in large part a function of sensitivity to environmental stimuli, andassuming that the thyroid secretion maintains the normal level of irritability of the nervoussystem, it is reasonable to predict that the daytO-day variability of spontaneous activity would be less in hypothyroid than in normal animals.
Hypoxia inhibition of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL).

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress. Particularly, the center of rapidly growing solid tumors is easily exposed to hypoxic conditions. Thus, tumor cell response to hypoxia plays an important role in tumor progression as well as tumor therapy. However, little is known about hypoxic effect on apoptotic cell death. To examine the effects of hypoxia on TRAIL-induced apoptosis, human lung carcinoma A549 cells were exposed to hypoxia and treated with TRAIL protein. Hypoxia significantly protected A549 cells from apoptosis induced by TRAIL. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that hypoxia increased expression of antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and IAP family members. The increase of these antiapoptotic molecules is believed to play an hypoxia-mediated protective role in TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our findings suggest that an increase of antiapoptotic proteins induced by hypoxia may regulate the therapeutic activity of TRAIL protein in cancer therapy.
Oxidation state of Mn in the Mn oxide produced by Leptothrix discophora SS-1

Abstract Leptothrix discophora SS-1 excretes at least one Mn2+-oxidizing protein that, in association with acidic exopolymers, catalyzes a rapid oxidation of Mn2+. Iodometric titration of Mn oxide product showed that the oxidation state of Mn increased with age of the oxide from 3.32 in samples 11 hours old to 3.62 in samples formed over a period of 30 days. Electron diffraction of 90-day old samples showed evidence of poorly crystalline Mn(IV) oxides. Simultaneous measurement of oxygen consumption and Mn oxide formation during 15 min reaction periods indicated that the initial Mn product possessed an average oxidation state no greater than 3.6. Results suggest that the Mn2+-oxidizing system of Leptothrix discophora SS-1 first generates Mn oxide with an average oxidation state close to Mn(III). Aging increases this oxidation state to give the mixed Mn(III, IV) oxide product observed in older samples.
Equilibrium topology of the intermediate state in type-I superconductors of different shapes.

A high-resolution magneto-optical technique was used to analyze flux patterns in the intermediate state of bulk Pb samples of various shapes---cones, hemispheres, and discs. Combined with the measurements of macroscopic magnetization, these results allowed studying the effect of bulk pinning and geometric barrier on the equilibrium structure of the intermediate state. Zero-bulk pinning discs and slabs show hysteretic behavior due to topological hysteresis---flux tubes on penetration and lamellae on flux exit. (Hemi)spheres and cones do not have a geometric barrier and show no hysteresis with flux tubes dominating the intermediate field region in both regimes. It is concluded that flux tubes represent the equilibrium topology of the intermediate state. Real-time video is available in the EPAPS Document No. ..
Mechanism of decreased heat-induced activation of plasminogen in the presence of cysteine

Abstract The mechanism by which activation of plasminogen (PG) is reduced by heating in the presence of free sulphydryl groups was characterized, and the effect on PG structure was evaluated. Activity assays were performed on PG or milk containing 3–4 cysteine concentrations and heated at three temperatures. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was carried out in one and two dimensions to visualize changes in PG. Activity assays with other sulphydryl- and non-sulphydryl-containing reducing agents, β-mercaptoethanol, glutathione and sodium borohydride, were performed. In heated PG samples, increasing cysteine concentration decreased activation of PG; temperature had less affect. Electrophoresis results confirmed the presence of disulphide-bonded PG polymers and the reversibility of polymerization. Activity assays with the other reducing agents confirmed that the mechanism was related to free sulphydryl groups. Activation of PG in milk can be partially controlled by addition of cysteine before pasteurization, due to a sulphydryl-reducing and polymerization mechanism.
Isolated portacaval adenopathy in Hodgkin lymphoma CT and US findings

We report a case of isolated portacaval adenopathy as the initial presenting feature in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma. The differential diagnosis of masses located in the portacaval space is discussed and signs useful to localized tumors to this space are described.
Elevated systemic expression of ER stress related genes is associated with stress-related mental disorders in the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study

Summary Background The role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in mental illness is not well understood. Human studies and animal models of depression show elevated brain ER stress response. In addition, some ER stress associated disorders (e.g. cardiovascular disease) show higher rates of depression compared to the general population, raising the possibility that ER stress response contributes to depression risk. It remains unknown, however, if ER stress response is present among individuals suffering from other stress-related mental illness, and whether such a response would be evident in a non-clinical sample. This study tests for systemic changes in ER stress response associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among community-dwelling individuals. Methods We analyzed expression of BiP , EDEM1 , CHOP , and XBP1 , the major indicators of ER stress response, with real-time PCR in leukocyte-derived RNA samples from 86 participants of the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study. Participants were selected based on the presence of either past year MDD or past year PTSD; controls were age and sex matched. Results Relative to controls, MDD is associated with a 1.34-fold increase in BiP ( P = 0.004), 1.35-fold increase in EDEM1 ( P = 0.001), 1.68-fold increase in CHOP ( P = 0.002), and 1.60-fold increase in XBP1 ( P = 0.004). These results remained significant after correction for multiple testing. In contrast, PTSD is associated with a 1.27-fold increase in EDEM1 expression only ( P = 0.027), a result that is attenuated to non-significance following adjustment for multiple testing; however, a subsample of participants with past month PTSD showed elevated expression of BiP and EDEM1 (uncorrected P value 0.049 and 0.017, respectively). Conclusions These data indicate systemic and persistent activation of the ER stress response pathway in MDD among community-dwelling individuals. Systemic activation of the ER stress response may also occur in PTSD among persons with more recent symptoms.
A Convolutional Neural Network approach for classifying leukocoria

We use Convolutional Neural Networks to detect leukocoria, or white-eye reflections, in recreational photography. Leukocoria is the most prominent symptom of retinoblastoma, a solid-tumor cancer of the eye that occurs most often in young children. We trained several networks for the task, using training images downloaded from Flickr. We achieved low error rates (<;3%) for classification of eye images into three classes: normal, leukocoric, and pseudo-leukocoric. We also provide a method for tuning the outputs of a trained network to match desired true-positive/false-positive rates.
Glutaredoxin 1 regulates cigarette smoke-mediated lung inflammation through differential modulation of IκB kinases in mice: impact on histone acetylation

Glutaredoxin 1 (Glrx1) is a small dithiol protein that regulates the cellular redox state and redox-dependent signaling pathways via modulation of protein glutathionylation. IκB kinase (IKK), an es...
Ultra-wideband continuous-wave random noise arc-SAR

A coherent ultra-wideband random noise radar system operating in the 1-2-GHz frequency range has been developed at the University of Nebraska. A unique signal processing procedure based on heterodyne correlation techniques preserves phase coherence within the system, thereby enabling it to be used for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. Data acquisition is performed using a rotating boom with antennas installed atop a van containing radar equipment. This setup facilitates a simple and low-cost mobile SAR implementation, best suited for short-range quasi-stripmap Arc-SAR imaging. The use of ultra-wideband signals provides reasonable resolution of the obtained imagery. The amplitude and the phase response of the system are used to form the frequency-domain target scattering profile matrix, which are then transformed into a SAR image. The paper discusses the theory of SAR imaging using random noise signals and presents a detailed description of the radar and experimental imagery obtained using this system.
Istradefylline for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Introduction: Despite several available therapeutic options to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), there are currently no agents that halt or slow the progression of disease. Istradefylline is a selective adenosine A2A antagonist that is currently of interest for the treatment of motor complications in PD. Areas covered: This paper reviews the limitations of currently available treatment options and discusses the results seen in both animal models and human clinical trials that have explored the benefits of istradefylline in PD. Expert opinion: The studies outlined continue to suggest that istradefylline may be a promising non-dopaminergic therapy for the treatment of PD. It has not been proven to be more efficacious than other currently available dopaminergic drugs, nor has it been shown to be of significant benefit as monotherapy; however, it seems to be a safe and well-tolerated drug that may help with wearing-off fluctuations. Istradefylline is not yet an FDA-approved drug. At this time, t...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: A Case for Omega-3 Index as a New Risk Factor

The omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) found in fish and fish oils (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, EPA and DHA) have been reported to have a variety of beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases. Ecological and prospective cohort studies as well as randomized, controlled trials have supported the view that the effects of these FAs are clinically-relevant. They operate via several mechanisms, all beginning with the incorporation of EPA and DHA into cell membranes. From here, these omega-3 FA alter membrane physical characteristics and the activity of membrane-bound proteins, and once released by intracellular phospholipases, can interact with ion channels, be converted into a wide variety of bioactive eicosanoids, and serve as ligands for several nuclear transcription factors thereby altering gene expression. In as much as blood levels are a strong reflection of dietary intake, it is proposed that an omega-3 FA biomarker, the omega-3 index (erythrocyte EPA+DHA) be considered at least a marker, if not a risk factor, for coronary heart disease, especially sudden cardiac death. The omega-3 index fulfils many of the requirements for a risk factor including consistent epidemiological evidence, a plausible mechanism of action, a reproducible assay, independence from classical risk factors, modifiability, and most importantly, the demonstration that raising tissue levels will reduce risk for cardiac events. For these and a number of other reasons, the omega-3 index compares very favourably with other risk factors for sudden cardiac death.
Surveillance of work-related asthma in new york state.

Objective. The objective of this paper is to determine the percent of adults with asthma attributable to work and describe characteristics of the work-related asthma population in New York State. Sociodemographic and control characteristics of those with and without work-related asthma are compared. Methods. Data from three population-based surveys and one case-based surveillance system were analyzed. Work-relatedness of asthma was determined by self-report for the population-based surveys and by physician report for the case-based system. Self-reported sociodemographic and control characteristics were analyzed for the population-based surveys by work-relatedness. Results. The percent of work-relatedness among adults with current asthma in New York State ranged from 10.6% to 44.5%. Significantly more adults with work-related asthma had poorly controlled asthma than those without work-related asthma. More adults with work-related asthma also tended to be employed in the manufacturing, educational services,...
Pubertal testosterone influences threat-related amygdala–orbitofrontal cortex coupling

Growing evidence indicates that normative pubertal maturation is associated with increased threat reactivity, and this developmental shift has been implicated in the increased rates of adolescent affective disorders. However, the neural mechanisms involved in this pubertal increase in threat reactivity remain unknown. Research in adults indicates that testosterone transiently decreases amygdala–orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) coupling. Consequently, we hypothesized that increased pubertal testosterone disrupts amygdala–OFC coupling, which may contribute to developmental increases in threat reactivity in some adolescents. Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal study by examining the impact of testosterone on functional connectivity. Findings were consistent with hypotheses and advance our understanding of normative pubertal changes in neural systems instantiating affect/motivation. Finally, potential novel insights into the neurodevelopmental pathways that may contribute to adolescent vulnerability to behavioral and emotional problems are discussed.
The predictive value of daily vs. retrospective well-being judgments in relationship stability

The present study examined the role of daily and retrospective judgments of well-being and relationship satisfaction in relationship longevity. Participating couples completed a 14-day diary report of well-being and relationship satisfaction. After the daily diary survey, they evaluated the 14-day period. Participants also rated their global relationship satisfaction at that time. Retrospective judgments of daily well-being predicted later relationship status better than daily ratings of well-being did, whereas daily ratings of relationship domain satisfaction predicted later status better than retrospective judgments of daily relationship domain satisfaction did. Furthermore, global relationship satisfaction predicted later relationship status better than daily ratings of relationship domain satisfaction did. In general, global, summary judgments had a greater predictive value of future relationship status than did specific, daily judgments. Finally, synchronicity of daily fluctuations of well-being between partners predicted later relationship status.
Methods and impact of reducing salt in dyeing cellulose: a case study with CI Direct Blue 90

The addition of large amounts of salt is one of the most important environmental problems in the dyeing of cellulosic fibres with direct or reactive dyes. This study was undertaken to determine an accurate and effective method for measuring the impact of salt on the dyeing process. This method has been applied to the case of CI Direct Blue 90 by utilising real-time measurements of dye exhaustion for different salt and dye concentrations. Reductions in salt by a factor of 4 were achieved with no effect on the final shade. It is proposed that this method could be used to reduce the amount of salt for many other direct dyes, or to enable the dyer to quantify the trade-off between time to final exhaustion and salt addition.
Uroguanylin Treatment Suppresses Polyp Formation in the ApcMin/+ Mouse and Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells via Cyclic GMP

The enteric peptides, guanylin and uroguanylin, are local regulators of intestinal secretion by activation of receptor-guanylate cyclase (R-GC) signaling molecules that produce cyclic GMP (cGMP) and stimulate the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-dependent secretion of Cl− and HCO3−. Our experiments demonstrate that mRNA transcripts for guanylin and uroguanylin are markedly reduced in colon polyps and adenocarcinomas. In contrast, a specific uroguanylin-R-GC, R-GCC, is expressed in polyps and adenocarcinomas at levels comparable with normal colon mucosa. Activation of R-GCC by uroguanylin in vitro inhibits the proliferation of T84 colon cells and elicits profound apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, T84. Therefore, down-regulation of gene expression and loss of the peptides may interfere with renewal and/or removal of the epithelial cells resulting in the formation of polyps, which can progress to malignant cancers of the colon and rectum. Oral replacement therapy with human uroguanylin was used to evaluate its effects on the formation of intestinal polyps in the Min/+ mouse model for colorectal cancer. Uroguanylin significantly reduces the number of polyps found in the intestine of Min/+ mice by ∼50% of control. Our findings suggest that uroguanylin and guanylin regulate the turnover of epithelial cells within the intestinal mucosa via activation of a cGMP signaling mechanism that elicits apoptosis of target enterocytes. The intestinal R-GC signaling molecules for guanylin regulatory peptides are promising targets for prevention and/or therapeutic treatment of intestinal polyps and cancers by oral administration of human uroguanylin.
Selective Message Forwarding in Delay Tolerant Networks

It is challenging to deliver messages in a network where no instant end-to-end path exists, so called delay-tolerant network (DTN). Node encounters are used for message forwarding. In this paper, we propose a DTN routing protocol SMART. SMART utilizes the travel companions of the destinations (i.e. nodes that frequently meet the destination) to increase the delivery opportunities while limiting message overhead to a bounded number. Our approach differs from related work in that it does not propagate node encounter history nor the delivery probabilities derived from the encounter history. In SMART, a message source injects a fixed number of message copies into the network to forward the message to a companion of the destination, which only forwards the message to a fixed number of the destination's companions. Our analysis and simulation results show that SMART has a higher delivery ratio and a smaller delivery latency than the schemes that only use controlled opportunistically-forwarding mechanism and has a significantly smaller routing overhead than a pure flooding scheme.
Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Genetic Disease of Altered Cell Adhesion and Wound Healing, and the Possible Clinical Utility of Topically Applied Thymosin beta4

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB), having an overall incidence of only about 19 in every 1 million live births, encompasses many phenotypically and genotypically distinct diseases characterized by the presence of recurrent blisters, mechanical fragility of the skin and other epithelial structures (most notably the cornea and gastrointestinal tract), and scar formation. Each disease is the result of mutations within any of 10 specific structural proteins (keratins, laminins, collagens, integrins) within the basilar keratinocyte or the skin basement membrane zone. Two of the more severe subtypes, junctional and dystrophic EB, often involve many extracutaneous tissues. If severe, these conditions may be life threatening. Recent studies in wounds that had been artificially induced on normal skin, both in rodents and in human volunteers, have suggested that thymosin beta4 may be effective in promoting epithelial migration across the wounds. A randomized double-blind clinical trial has been recently organized to determine whether this novel biologic agent may be beneficial in promoting wound healing in patients with junctional and dystrophic EB. To do so, a solitary noninfected cutaneous wound of standardized size will be treated topically on a daily basis with either one of three concentrations of thymosin beta4 or a placebo control. Serial wound healing will be quantitated by computerized digital-imaging technique. At the same time, the occurrence of adverse effects will be sought, so as to confirm the safety of thymosin beta4 when applied to EB skin, both in children and in adults. Although as yet unproven, topically applied thymosin beta4 may prove to be an extremely important addition to the overall management of patients with this potentially devastating disease.
Structural and isotopic microanalysis of presolar SiC from supernovae

We report on the microstructure, crystallography, chemistry, and isotopic compositions of seven SiC X grains and two mainstream grains from the Murchison meteorite. TEM crystallographic analysis revealed that the X grains (approximately 3 lm) are composed of many small crystals (24-457 nm), while the similarly sized mainstream grains are composed of only a few crystals (0.5-1.7 lm). The difference in crystal size likely results from differences in their formation environments: the X grain crystals evidently formed under conditions of greater supersaturation and rapid growth compared to their mainstream counterparts. However, the same polytypes are observed in both mainstream and X grains. Six X grains and both mainstream grains are entirely the 3C-SiC polytype and one X grain is an intergrowth of the 3C-SiC and 2H-SiC polytypes. EDXS measurements indicate relatively high Mg content in the X grains ((5 atomic%), while Mg was undetectable in the mainstream grains. The high Mg content is probably from the decay of 26 Al into 26 Mg. Estimates of the 26 Al⁄ 27 Al ratios, which range from 0.44-0.67, were made from elemental Mg⁄Al ratios. This range is consistent with the 26 Al⁄ 27 Al ratios inferred from previous isotopic measurements of X grains. We also report the first direct observations of subgrains in X grains, including the first silicides ((Fe,Ni)nSim). Diffraction data do not match any previously observed presolar phases, but are a good fit to silicides, which are predicted stable SN condensates. Eight subgrains with highly variable Ni⁄Fe ratios (0.12-1.60) were observed in two X grains.
Neurotrophin gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

In vitro and in vivo studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown that neurotrophic factors can prevent neuronal cell death and augment neuronal function in rodent and nonhuman primate models of neurodegenerative diseases. The translation of these studies into clinical trials has, initially, been slowed by the inability to deliver growth factors in a localized manner at sufficiently high doses to obtain therapeutic effects in the adult brain, without significant adverse effects. Recent progress in the targeted delivery of neurotrophic factors by gene therapy allows investigators to determine for the first time, in clinical trials, whether growth factors can influence neuronal function in the diseased human nervous system. A Phase I study of cellular nerve growth factor delivery in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease has provided promising results. Additional studies examining the neuroprotective effects of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands in Parkinson’s disease have been conducte...
The finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) method for numerical modeling of electromagnetic scattering

Recent applications of the finite-difference-time-domain (FD-TD) numerical modeling approach for Maxwell's equations are reviewed. The objects modeled to date range from simple 2D geometric shapes to extremely complex 3D aerospace and biological systems. General characteristics of FD-TD are presented. Four applications dealing with electromagnetic scattering by canonical two and three-dimensional targets are examined: four circular dielectric/permeable cylinder, conformally modeled; metal cube, broadside incidence; 3D T-shaped conducting target with a monostatic radar-cross-section (RCS) pattern; and trihedral metal corner reflector with a monostatic RCS pattern. It is shown that FD-TD predictive data for near fields and RCSs are in excellent agreement with the benchmark data. >
Use of phosphatidylcholine to improve the function of turkey semen stored at 4°C for 24 hours

The ability to store turkey semen for 24 h in vitro without a significant loss in fertility would benefit the commercial turkey industry. We investigated the use of exogenous phosphatidylcholine to improve the viability, mobility, hydrolyzing ability, and fertility of stored turkey sperm. For experiment 1, semen was diluted 1:1 with extender containing 0.0 (control), 0.5, 2.5, or 10.0 mg/mL of phosphatidylcholine labeled with a fluorochrome and maintained under aerobic conditions for 24 h at 4°C. Semen aliquots were removed at 30-min intervals during the first 4 h and at 1-h intervals from 8 to 24 h of storage for fluorometric evaluation by flow cytometry. Turkey sperm incorporated labeled phosphatidylcholine in a dose-dependent manner during the first 12 h of storage (P 0.05) the viability or mobility of stored sperm. At 2.5 mg/mL, phosphatidylcholine improved the hydrolyzing ability of stored sperm compared with control or other phosphatidylcholine treatments (P<0.05). The mean fertility rate of eggs from hens inseminated with control semen was 33.5%±4.5. Use of 0.5, 2.5, or 10.0 mg phosphatidylcholine/mL improved (P<0.05) the fertility rates during the first 11 wk of egg production; higher fertility rates occurred with 2.5 mg phosphatidylcholine/mL compared with other phosphatidylcholine treatments for 5 of those 11 wk (P<0.05). We conclude that supplemental phosphatidylcholine appears to counteract the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation or enzymatic degradation during in vitro storage by providing exogenous phospholipids for incorporation into the turkey sperm plasma membrane.
Intersections of descending sequences of affinely equivalent convex bodies

Here it is shown that a set in Euclidean space can be represented as the intersection of a descending sequence of sets affinely equivalent to a given convex body, or arbitrarily closely approximated from above by sets affinely equivalent to the body, if and only if it is affinely equivalent to an affine retract of the body. For the special case in which the body is a simplex, the statement concerning descending sequences is a well-known result of Borovikov.
The Anterior Subcallosal Approach to Third Ventricular and Suprasellar Lesions: Anatomical Description and Technical Note

Background Surgical access to the third ventricle is challenging, given the depth of the operative field and close proximity of vital neural structures that must be traversed. For anterior third ventricular lesions, approach options include anterior transcallosal or transcortical, subfrontal, frontotemporal, or endonasal. The subcallosal approach, a translamina terminalis approach, is unique in that the surgical corridor is just below the corpus callosum, minimizes retraction and preserves corpus callosum integrity. Case examples are provided, and an anatomical study delineating the dimensions of the surgical corridor is performed. Methods Two latex-injected cadaver heads were used to describe the subcallosal corridor. A magnetic resonance imaging scan was obtained and registered with neuronavigation for correlative anatomical illustration. Depth, dimensions, and cross-sectional area were measured for the subcommunicating and supracommunicating corridors. Results The surgical depth for anterior transcallosal, subcallosal, and subfrontal approaches was 7.5 cm, 7.7 cm, and 7.6 cm respectively. The average corridor dimensions for the subcallosal approach were 14.75 × 6.63 mm compared with 8.88 × 5.38 mm for the subcommunicating corridor. Cross-sectional area of the subcommunicating corridor was 30.62 mm 2 compared with 80.42 mm 2 for supracommunicating. This was easily enlarged to 156.62 mm 2 with gentle retraction. Conclusions The anterior subcallosal approach is a safe approach for lesions of the third ventricle that avoids splitting the corpus callosum and resecting unnecessary brain and minimizes brain retraction. This corridor is superior to the traditional subfrontal approach in terms of working space and compares favorably to the anterior transcallosal approach without disrupting the corpus callosum.
A Cytochrome P450–Independent Mechanism of Acetaminophen-Induced Injury in Cultured Mouse Hepatocytes

Mouse hepatic parenchymal cells (HPCs) have become the most frequently used in vitro model to study mechanisms of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. It is universally accepted that APAP hepatocellular injury requires bioactivation by cytochromes P450 (P450s), but this remains unproven in primary mouse HPCs in vitro, especially over the wide range of concentrations that have been employed in published reports. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that APAP-induced hepatocellular death in vitro depends solely on P450s. We evaluated APAP cytotoxicity and APAP-protein adducts (a biomarker of metabolic bioactivation by P450) using primary mouse HPCs in the presence and absence of a broad-spectrum inhibitor of P450s, 1-aminobenzotriazole (1-ABT). 1-ABT abolished formation of APAP-protein adducts at all concentrations of APAP (0–14 mM), but eliminated cytotoxicity only at small concentrations (≦5 mM), indicating the presence of a P450-independent mechanism at larger APAP concentrations. P450-independent cell death was delayed in onset relative to toxicity observed at smaller concentrations. p-Aminophenol was detected in primary mouse HPCs exposed to large concentrations of APAP, and a deacetylase inhibitor [bis (4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP)] significantly reduced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, APAP hepatocellular injury in vitro occurs by at least two mechanisms, a P450-dependent mechanism that operates at concentrations of APAP ≦ 5 mM and a P450-independent mechanism that predominates at larger concentrations and is slower in onset. p-Aminophenol most likely contributes to the latter mechanism. These findings should be considered in interpreting results from APAP cytotoxicity studies in vitro and in selecting APAP concentrations for use in such studies.
Homeostasis: The Dynamic Self-Regulatory Process that Maintains Health and Buffers Against Disease

Homeostasis, as currently defined, is a self-regulating process by which biological (or mechanical) systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing conditions. This concept explains how an organism can maintain more or less constant internal conditions that allow it to survive in the face of a changing and often hostile external environment. Our awareness of homeostasis has slowly emerged over the centuries and has become the central tenet of physiology. If one does not understand this self-regulating process, then it is not possible to comprehend fully the function of the body in health and disease. The disruption of homeostatic mechanisms is what leads to disease, and effective therapy must be directed toward re-establishing these homeostatic conditions, working with rather than against nature. The purpose of this essay is to describe the evolution of our understanding of homeostasis and the role of physiological regulation and dysregulation in health and disease.
Variable Contribution of Heart Failure to Quality of Life in Ambulatory Heart Failure With Reduced, Better, or Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Abstract Objectives The relative contribution of heart failure (HF) compared with other medical and nonmedical factors on diminished quality of life (QOL) across subtypes with reduced, better, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large ambulatory HF population was evaluated. Background Dominant factors influencing limited QOL in patients with HF have not been investigated. Methods Before routine HF clinic visits, 726 patients with ambulatory HF (mean age 56 ± 15 years, 37% women) completed a 1-page questionnaire that assessed QOL and relative contributions of HF compared with other medical and nonmedical factors to their QOL limitations. Visual analogue scales were used to assess overall QOL, breathing, and energy level. Results were compared across reduced (57%), preserved (16%) and better (improvement in LVEF ≥50%) (19%) subtypes. Results Just under one-half of patients (48%) rated QOL as limited dominantly by HF, 19% rated HF and medical problems as equally limiting, 18% cited medical problems as dominant, and 15% cited nonmedical factors. Patients with HF with better LVEF had the highest overall QOL score and less dyspnea burden than those with HF with preserved EF. Independent correlates of HF-dominated diminished QOL were prior cardiac surgery, worse New York Heart Association functional class, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone antagonism, use of diuretic agents, lower body mass index, lower LVEF, and lack of arthritis or history of cancer. Conclusions Fewer than one-half of patients with ambulatory HF rated HF as the greatest limitation to their QOL, suggesting that this important outcome will be difficult to affect by HF-targeted therapies alone, particularly in those with higher LVEFs and comorbidities. Patients with HF with better LVEF represent a distinct subtype with better overall QOL.
A system for quantifying behavior of neonate caterpillars and other small, slow-moving animals

We have developed a system for recording and quantifying animal behavior on artificial or natural substrates. The system is designed for subjects such as insects and mites with movement rates as high as 4 cm/min. The principle is the same as in automatic stage or sphere centering devices (Berg 1971; Kramer 1976; Thiery and Visser 1986), but the compensations are made manually by an observer who may also simultaneously enter codes for specific behaviors on a microcomputer keypad. Data files produced are analyzed or plotted using programs in SAS® (SAS Institute 1985a) or similar data analysis packages.
Circuit models for Salisbury screens made from unidirectional carbon fiber composite sandwich structures

Carbon fiber composite materials have many useful structural material properties. The electromagnetic perfor- mance of these materials is of great interest for future applications. The work presented in this paper deals with the construction of Salisbury screen microwave absorbers made from unidirectional carbon fiber composite sand- wich structures. Specifically, absorbers centered at 7.25 GHz and 12.56 GHz are investigated. Circuit models are created to match the measured performance of the carbon fiber Salisbury screens using a genetic algorithm to extract lumped element circuit values. The screens presented in this paper utilize unidirectional carbon fiber sheets in place of the resistive sheet utilized in the classic Salisbury screen. The theory, models, prototypes, and measurements of these absorbers are discussed.
Effect of Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation on Sow Performance through Two Parities

One hundred fifty-three gilts were maintained in three breeding groups and fed gestation-lactation diets supplemented with either 0 (control), 1.65 or 6.62 mg of supplemental folic acid/kg of diet for two consecutive parities. Serum folate concentrations of sows were linearly (P less than .05) increased by dietary additions of folic acid during both gestation and lactation, but serum glucose and urea concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Serum folate concentrations decreased from breeding to d 60 and 90 of gestation and then increased through lactation for all treatments. Number of pigs born and live pigs at birth, d 14 and d 21 were quadratically (P less than .05) increased by folic acid additions. Average pig weights were similar among treatments (P greater than .10) on both d 0 and 14 of lactation but were less (P less than .01) than the other treatment groups on d 21 for pigs from sows fed the 1.65 mg/kg treatment. Litter weights were quadratically (P less than .01) increased on d 0 and d 14 by folic acid supplementation. Sow weight gain and backfat thickness loss were unaffected by treatment during gestation (P greater than .06); sow weight loss and backfat thickness loss increased quadratically with increasing level of folic acid during lactation (P less than .06 and .05, respectively). More control sows exhibited estrus by d 7 postweaning than sows receiving folic acid supplementation in parity I (P less than .05); however, no differences (P greater than .10) were detected among treatments by d 14, nor were any differences observed by d 7 in parity II. Conception rate was unaffected by folic acid additions. Dietary folic acid supplementation improved sow reproductive performance by increasing the number of pigs born alive.
Hepatitis C virus infection. How does the host respond

The interaction between the host and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) results either in elimination of the virus or establishment of chronic infection. The principal mechanisms defining the outcome of infection are complex and largely yet to be determined. The perceived lack of a robust immune response against viral replication in chronic infection may actually reflect a dangerous homeostasis reached as the virus and immune system co-exist over time. Perturbing this contemporaneous relationship by aiming to control HCV replication, or eradicate the virus, may instead bring about an undesired self-destructive immune response. Recent studies have provided us with a better understanding of the virus-host interactions and may help us unravel the immunologic components necessary for successful HCV clearance.
6 – Phosphoric acid fuel cells

Publisher Summary Advances in materials have largely driven the development of fuel cells and Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs) are no exception. This chapter presents a few significant advances of PAFCs. The liquid nature of the phosphoric acid electrolyte makes establishing a stable three-phase interface critical to achieving good power density and to the long-term operation of PAFCs, particularly at high current densities. Materials, structures, and processing methods to improve and stabilize this contact have been critical in the development of PAFCs. With the exception of membrane degradation, PAFCs have faced virtually the same challenges during their development over the past couple of decades. As the developers move toward higher temperatures for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the lessons learned from PAFCs become more and more relevant. PAFCs are best suited for installations where the waste heat can be used or in applications where premium power is needed. Although the majority of installations operate off natural gas, PAFCs operating on hydrogen, propane, and digester gas have been demonstrated. Thus, stationary applications of PAFCs have been and are expected to continue to dominate for the foreseeable future.
Disorders Affecting the Skin

This chapter will comprehensively address dermatologic emergencies beginning with immune disorders and specific life-threatening disorders along with diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Descriptions and images of other emergent skin orders are presented in a systematic and logical fashion for easy study. It will additionally provide the learner with information regarding laboratory assessment if required as well as with information regarding imaging (if required) that is essential for passing examinations.
From Humanitarian Relief to Holocaust Rescue: Tracy Strong Jr., Vichy Internment Camps, and the Maison des Roches in Le Chambon

American relief worker Tracy Strong Jr. played a key role in obtaining the transfer of young prisoners from Vichy internment camps in southern France to the Maison des Roches—a residence that he helped establish in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon—and in subsequently helping some of these young men to escape over the Swiss border. The author of this article bases his research primarily on journals and letters that Strong wrote at the time, which provide contemporary evidence for the central importance of the town’s Huguenot congregation and its pastor, Andre Trocme—an importance that some writers recently have attributed to postwar exaggeration and myth-making.
Radon: A Tracer for Geochemical Exploration

Radon can be detected at extremely low levels of activity (e.g. one pico Curie) in air and water which provides the basis for a very sensitive geochemical exploration tool. Translation of the common observations on the spatial and temporal variability of radon activities in soil air and groundwater to the identification of uranium ore or hydrocarbon deposits or geothermal resources or impending earthquakes and/or volcanic eruption imply that radon transport processes below earth’s surface is well-understood. In this chapter, the two commonly used transport mechanisms, earth-mechanical and fluid convection mechanisms of transport are discussed. The meteorological parameters that affect the transport time scale of radon from subsurface to surface are presented. Earlier studies on the uranium exploration using aerial gamma-surveys, airborne and surface gamma-ray surveys to petroleum exploration are summarized. One of the most commonly used techniques in oil industry is the gamma radiation intensity measurements (which is a measure of the concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium and their progeny) to obtain information on lithology, variations in organic carbon, permeability, and potential recognition of fracture systems in conventional downhole logging method is also summarized.