cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solubility of Methyl Salicylate in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide at Several Temperatures

The solubility of methyl salicylate in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured in static mode at five different temperatures, (343.15, 363.15, 383.15, 403.15, and 423.15) K, at pressures up to 31 MPa. The experimental results were correlated by the Chrastil and Peng−Robinson equation of state with quadratic mixing rules. Critical constants of methyl salicylate were predicted with the Joback method and the Lee−Kesler method.
Efficient Computation of Subset Influence in Regression

Abstract The detection of influential cases is now accepted as an essential component of regression diagnostics. It is also well established that two or more cases that are individually regarded as noninfluential may act in concert to achieve a high level of joint influence. However, for the majority of data sets it is computationally infeasible to calculate the influence for all subsets of a given size. In this article we address this problem and suggest an algorithm that greatly reduces the computational effort by making use of a sequence of upper bounds on the influence value. These upper bounds are much less costly to evaluate and greatly reduce the number of subsets for which the influence value must be explicitly determined.
Optimizing a restaurants seating capacity: use dedicated or combinable tables?

Abstract In general, restaurant tables that can't be pushed together to serve large parties are superior to combinable tables because of the loss of productive time that occurs when combinable tables are placed “on hold” while awaiting adjacent tables to become available.
ATP-dependent canalicular bile acid transport: another piece of the puzzle.

The secretion of bile by the liver is primarily determined by the ability of the hepatocyte to transport bile acids into the bile canaliculus. A carrier-mediated process for the transport of taurocholate, the major bile acid in humans and rats, was previously demonstrated in canalicular membrane vesicles from rat liver. This process is driven by an outside-positive membrane potential that is, however, insufficient to explain the large bile acid concentration gradient between the hepatocyte and bile. In this study, we describe an ATP-dependent transport system for taurocholate in inside-out canalicular membrane vesicles from rat liver. The transport system is saturable, temperature-dependent, osmotically sensitive, specifically requires ATP, and does not function in sinusoidal membrane vesicles and right side-out canalicular membrane vesicles. Transport was inhibited by other bile acids but not by substrates for the previously demonstrated ATP-dependent canalicular transport systems for organic cations or nonbile acid organic anions. Defects in ATP-dependent canalicular transport of bile acids may contribute to reduced bile secretion (cholestasis) in various developmental, inheritable, and acquired disorders. Direct photoaffinity labeling of liver plasma membrane subfractions enriched in sinusoidal and canalicular membranes using [35S]adenosine 5′-O-(thiotriphosphate) ([35S]ATPγS) allows the identification of ATP-binding proteins in these domains. Comparative photoaffinity labeling with [35S]ATPγS and with the photolabile bile salt derivative (7,7-azo-3α,12α-dihydroxy-5β-[3β-H]-cholan-24-oyl)-2′-aminethanesulfonate followed by immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal antibody (Be 9.2) revealed the identity of the ATP-binding and the bile salt-binding canalicular membrane glycoprotein with the apparent Mr of 110,000 (gp110). The isoelectric point of this glycoprotein was 3.7. Transport of bile salt was studied in vesicles enriched in canalicular and sinusoidal liver membranes. Incubation of canalicular membrane vesicles with [H] taurocholate in the presence of ATP resulted in an uptake of the bile salt into the vesicles which was sensitive to vanadate. ATP-dependent taurocholate transport was also observed in membrane vesicles from mutant rats deficient in the ATP-dependent transport of cysteinyl leukotrienes and related amphiphilic anions. Substrates of the P-glycoprotein (gp170), such as verapamil and doxorubicin, did not interfere with the ATP-dependent transport of taurocholate. Reconstitution of purified gp 110 into liposomes resulted in an ATP-dependent uptake of [H]taurocholate. These results demonstrate that gp110 functions as carrier in the ATP-dependent transport of bile salts from the hepatocyte into bile. This export carrier is distinct from hitherto characterized ATP-dependent transport systems.
Evidence for localized bacterial loading as the cause of chronic beach closings in a freshwater marina.

Abstract We conducted a comprehensive regional spatial assessment of bacterial water quality in order to determine the points of entry of fecal pollution into a swimming beach area on Lake Michigan that historically has had numerous water quality advisories for elevated levels of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Intensive, consecutive-day water samples were collected during dry and rainy conditions across multiple shoreline and offshore sites, and E. coli levels were enumerated from these samples. For both dry and rainy days, shoreline sites demonstrated significantly higher E. coli levels than offshore regions. We found that offshore (10–150 m from shore) E. coli levels did not exceed 235 CFU/100 ml in more than 5% of the samples collected for 19 surveys ( n =209). In contrast, samples taken at the beach area exceeded 235 CFU/100 ml in 66% of the samples collected for 43 shoreline surveys ( n =675). Locally high E. coli levels coincided with bird presence and stormwater at the swimming beach located within the marina, and were unrelated to E. coli levels in connecting harbor waters. We conclude that beach water quality may be impacted by local, persistent contamination, which may confound routine beach monitoring and prevent the detection of regional pollution from other sources.
Superoxide mediates shock wave induction of ERK-dependent osteogenic transcription factor (CBFA1) and mesenchymal cell differentiation toward osteoprogenitors

Extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) is an alternative non-invasive method for the promotion of bone growth and tendon repair. In an animal model, we have reported that ESW promoted bone marrow osteoprogenitor growth through transforming growth factor-beta1 induction. We have further explored the mechanism for the ESW promotion of osteogenesis. Results showed that an optimal ESW treatment at 0.16 mJ/mm(2) for 500 impulses rapidly induced a higher O(2)(-) and ONOO(-) production associated with a decrease of nitric oxide level in 1 h, and induced a higher transforming growth factor-beta1 production in 24 h, and a higher colony-forming units-osteoprogenitor formation in 12 days. The colony-forming units-osteoprogenitor colonies revealed positive staining of bone alkaline phosphatase and turned into bone nodules in 21 days. Early scavenging of O(2)(-) but not Ca(2+), H(2)O(2), or prostaglandin E(2) suppressed osteoprogenitor cell growth and maturation. Scavenging of O(2)(-) by superoxide dismutase raised the nitric oxide level back to the basal level and suppressed ESW-promoted osteoprogenitor cell growth, whereas inhibition of ONOO(-) by urate or NO by N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester did not affect ESW promotion of osteogenesis, indicating that O(2)(-) acted as an early signal for ESW-induced cell growth. Further studies demonstrated that ESW induced ERK activation, and blockage of O(2)(-) production or inhibition of tyrosine kinase, but not protein kinase A and C inhibitors, suppressed ESW-induced ERK activation. In support that O(2)(-) mediated the ESW-induced ERK activation and osteogenic differentiation, we further demonstrated that scavenging of O(2)(-) by superoxide dismutase and inhibition of ERK activation by PD98059 decreased specific osteogenic transcription factor, core binding factor A1 activation, and decreased osteocalcin expression. Taken together, we showed that ESW-induced O(2)(-) production followed by tyrosine kinase-mediated ERK activation and core binding factor A1 activation resulted in osteogenic cell growth and maturation. Thus, an appropriate modulation of redox reaction by ESW may have some positive effect on the bone regeneration.
The effects of dopants on the properties of metal oxides

The effect of aliovalent dopants on the defect chemistry of metal oxides is reviewed. The discussion focuses on the stoichiometric solid solution obtained by combination of the stoichiometric dopant oxide and the stoichiometric host oxide without gain or loss of oxygen. The charge of the dopant centers is then compensated solely by ionic defects. As the oxygen activity is raised above that in equilibrium with the stoichiometric composition the lattice defects are gradually replaced by holes. Conversely, when the oxygen activity is reduced below that in equilibrium with the stoichiometric composition the lattice defects are gradually replaced by electrons. The near-stoichiometric region of a pure metal oxide is replaced by two regions with charge compensation by a product of reduction, e.g. oxygen vacancies or electrons, in the region of lower oxygen activity, and by a product of oxidation, e.g. cation vacancies or holes, in the region of higher oxygen activity.
Lattice covering by semicrosses of arm length 2

Using algebraic and graph theoretical methods we provide an algorithm to determine the integer lattice covering constant of a certain type of n-dimensional cubistic polyhedron. In particular, we verify a special case of a conjecture of S. K. Stein on covering finite abelian groups by cyclic subsets.
Suppression of complex I gene expression induces optic neuropathy

Optic nerve degeneration is a feature common to diseases with mutations in genes that encode complex I of the respiratory chain. Vulnerability of this central nervous system tract is a mystery, because of the paucity of animal models used to investigate effects of the mutated DNA in tissues rather than isolated in cultured cells. Using a ribozyme designed to degrade the mRNA encoding a critical nuclear-encoded subunit gene of complex I (NDUFA1), we tested whether oxidative phosphorylation deficiency can recapitulate the optic neuropathy of mitochondrial disease. Injection of adenoassociated virus expressing this ribozyme led to axonal destruction and demyelination, the hallmarks of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
A Comparison of the Respiratory Health of Mexican-American and Non-Mexican-American White Children

This study compares the respiratory health of Mexican-American and non-Mexican-American white school children. Using responses to questionnaires, the point prevalences of physician-confirmed asthma, attacks of shortness of breath with wheeze (without a diagnosis of asthma), and cough were compiled for each ethnic group. Using the results of yearly pulmonary function testing, initial and serial pulmonary function were also calculated. Asthma was reported by 6.5 percent of the non-Mexican-American children and 1.9 percent of the Mexican-American subjects (p 2 ). The rates of respiratory symptoms were nearly equal in the two groups. Initial and serial testing of pulmonary function showed non-Mexican-American children had significantly lower maximum expiratory flows ( V ˙ max50%) in each year of testing. These results confirm other reports of differences in both rates of asthma and pulmonary function in Mexican-Americans and non-Mexican-Americans. Inherent differences in the size of the airways could explain these findings.
Negotiating School-University Partnerships: Participants' Voices in Co-reform.

Although many educators recognize the importance of voice, fostering voice in those who have traditionally been voiceless has been difficult. This article, like the program that it describes, tackles that challenge by having participants speak for themselves. Specifically, the participants speak about their involvement in the first year of an alternative teacher education project. In describing their involvement, the participants focus on their roles and relationships as well as the type of partnership and collaboration that emerged from this project.
Japan's Goldilocks Strategy

Which Japanese leader will emerge to help build a consensus among the country's strategic choices: constructing a national identity as a great or middle power, defining its role in regional or global terms, and maintaining relations neither too close to nor too far from both Beijing and Washington?
Acknowledgments for “Best Practices in Systems-Based Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Fractures” (Osteoporosis International Volume 22, Supplement 3, August 2011)

Dear Editor, Osteoporosis International recently published a supplement entitled “Best Practices in Systems-Based Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Fractures” (Volume 22, Supplement 3, August 2011). The conference that formed the basis for this supplement was held in Washington, DC on December 9–10, 2010. The conference was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Lawrence Raisz, whose tireless efforts to promote bone health in the USA and elsewhere enhanced the lives of many. As the guest editors of this supplement, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the many supporters of the conference and the planning committee that worked diligently for 18 months to make the conference and supplement a reality: Conference and supplement support
Justice as cardiovascular therapy.

(2001). Justice as Cardiovascular Therapy. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 24-25.
Radiofrequency ablation annotation algorithm reduces the incidence of linear gaps and reconnection after pulmonary vein isolation

Background A common mechanism of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation is resumption of pulmonary vein (PV) conduction due to gaps in the ablation line. These gaps may go unrecognized owing to inadequate ablation lesion annotation. Objective To examine the utility of an automated radiofrequency (RF) ablation annotation algorithm for the detection and treatment of ablation gaps during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods Eighty-four patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent PVI. In 42 patients (group A), RF ablation was guided by an automated algorithm with predefined criteria of catheter stability range of motion ≤2 mm and impedance decrease ≥5% for individual ablation applications. In 42 control patients (group B), ablation was guided by the operator. Successful PVI, conduction recovery, and dormant conduction with adenosine were compared between the groups. Results Ipsilateral PVI at the completion of the initial anatomical line was obtained in 90.5% of group A patients (76 of 84 ipsilateral pairs of PVs) but only in 66.7% of group B patients (56 of 84 ipsilateral pairs of PVs) (P = .0001). Ineffective energy delivery was detected in 23% (1005 of 4362) of group A applications but only in 9% (368 of 4071) of group B applications (P = .0001). The frequency of conduction recovery was lower in group A than in group B (5.9% vs 25%; P = .001). Arrhythmia-free survival at 6 months trended higher in group A (38 of 42 [90%]) than in group B (32 of 42 [76%]; P = .07). Conclusion Automated ablation lesion annotation provides real-time feedback of RF ablation that may improve effective energy delivery.
Induction of zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) P450 in vivo and in cell culture

1. Induction of zebrafish P450 by 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was studied in liver tissue, primary liver cell culture and multipassage cell culture derived from zebrafish haploid and diploid embryos and liver. 2. TCDD induced two hepatic proteins (54 and 50 kDa) in vivo which were recognized by anti-trout P4501A1 IgG. The 54-kDa protein was induced by TCDD in primary and multipassage hepatocyte cultures and in haploid and diploid embryo-derived cells. The proteins in liver homogenates were not induced by aqueous exposure of zebrafish to beta-naphthoflavone (BNF). 3. Homogenates of zebrafish liver, cultured hepatocytes and embryo-derived cells also exhibited increased ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and 7-12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) hydroxylase activity following TCDD exposure.
Myocardial imaging with 99mTc-Tetrofosmin: Influence of post-stress acquisition time, regional radiotracer uptake, and wall motion abnormalities on the clinical result.

Background We previously demonstrated that early (15′, T1) post-stress myocardial imaging with Tetrofosmin could be more accurate than standard acquisitions (45′, T2) in identifying coronary artery disease.
Emphysematous Cholecystitis: A Rare Form of Acute Cholecystitis

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare form of acute cholecystitis. This condition is characterized by the presence of gas-forming bacteria in the gallbladder wall, lumen, and bile ducts. This disor...
Effects of angiographic contrast media on cardiac function

Abstract Alterations in cardiovascular dynamics after intravenous administration of angiographic media suggested that these effects might be due to the high sodium concentration of these agents. Experiments were performed on dog heart-lung preparations and intact dogs. Stroke volume, ventricular, atrial and arterial pressures, and serum osmolarity were measured. Responses were recorded to (1) conventional angiographic agents containing 2,000 to 2,500 milliosmols/ liter, (2) angiographic agents containing the same base but no sodium, (3) hypertonic glucose solutions and (4) hypertonic sodium solutions of equivalent osmolar concentrations. After injection of hyperosmolar sodium chloride or sodium-containing angiographic agents into the aortic root or left ventricle, left ventricular end-diastolic, left atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures increased and myocardial contractile force decreased for 10 to 15 minutes. Injection of hypertonic glucose solutions or angiographic agents containing no sodium produced no significant cardiovascular changes. Total serum osmolarity was similar after administration of each agent. These studies demonstrate that administration of hypertonic sodium solutions produces significant transient alterations in cardiovascular function and that it is one mechanism for changes observed with sodium-containing angiographic agents.
Radiocarbon dating of microgram samples: Accelerator mass spectrometry and electromagnetic isotope separation☆

Abstract An exploratory experiment was performed to investigate methods for extending the direct atom counting technique to natural radiocarbon samples containing only micrograms of carbon. A threefold approach was adopted for the study: direct measurement of a microgram-size sample, in the form of elemental carbon; dilution of a few micrograms of an environmental (atmospheric particulate) reference sample with inert (“dead”) carbon; and implantation of carbon ions (as CO+) into copper foil prior to placement in the tandem accelerator ion source. The last experiment, which linked work with the NBS variable-geometry electromagnetic isotope separator and the NSRL tandem Van de Graaff, automatically led to isotopic enrichment during the implantation step. All three phases of the experiment were unique (not previously attempted) and gave consistent results, indicating great promise for the future application of direct atom counting to individual trace chemical species of environmental or archaeological importance. The directly measured sample of elemental carbon was prepared from the new 14C dating standard, and it yielded a result having an imprecision of 3% where ions were counted for about 15 min using less than 40 μg carbon in the tandem ion source.
Cholinergic regulation of tachykinin- and enkephalin-gene expression in the rat striatum

Abstract Ninety-five percent of the neurons in the corpus striatum of the rat are medium spiny projection neurons, which contain tachykinins such as substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B and the opiate peptides, enkephalin and dynorphin. The remaining 5% consist of interneurons, of which a small but significant proportion are cholinergic. The influence of these cholinergic interneurons on the neuropeptidergic projection systems in the striatum is poorly understood at this time. The present study explores the relationship between cholinergic receptor activation or muscarinic blockade on striatal neuropeptide gene expression. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated chronically either with a cholinergic agonist (physostigmine: 0.5 mg/kg/3 x day), a muscarinic antagonist (scopolamine HCl: 0.4 mg/kg/3 x day), or vehicle (PBS: 0.1 ml/100 g) administered for 6 days (s.c.). In situ hybridization was performed with probes directed against rnRNAs for /3-preprotachykinin (a transcript containing substance P, neurokinin A, and other tachykinins), neurokinin B and preproenkephalin. Physostigmine administration resulted in a 12% decrease in the dorsolateral caudate-putamen and a 27% increase in the core of the nucleus accumbens in substance P/neurokinin A mRNA; and a 29% increase in the caudate-putamen and an 11% increase in the core of the nucleus accumbens in preproenkephalin mRNA levels. Scopolamine treatment resulted in a 28% and 48% decrease, respectively, in the caudate-putamen and in the shell of the nucleus accumbens in substance P/neurokinin A mRNA levels. Neurokinin B mRNA levels were increased by 50% in the shell of the accumbens after scopolamine. Preproenkephalin mRNA levels increased by 24% in the caudate-putamen and decreased by 20% in the core of the nucleus accumbens. From these results we tentatively conclude that cholinoceptive neuropeptidergic neurons are segregated along dorsoventral and mediolateral axes in the striatum, thus giving rise to non-homogenous responses upon cholinergic receptor activation or muscarinic blockade.
Traumatic bone cysts of jaws: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Abstract A summary of the findings in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of sixty-six previously unreported cases of traumatic bone cysts is presented. Four detailed cases are reported to illustrate the variability of the lesion. Accurate pulp vitality tests supported by good-quality roentgenograms are necessary to determine whether the lesion is pulpal in origin, requiring endodontic therapy, or another entity for which endodontic therapy is contraindicated. Most teeth involved, including the surrounding soft tissues, are normal in appearance. Involved teeth are asymptomatic without mobility and respond to electrical and thermal vitality tests as do adjacent uninvolved teeth. Treatment consists of making a semilunar incision over the lesion site, drilling a small hole to the lesion, aspirating contents at the bottom of the cavity for confirmation of the diagnosis, irrigation, aspirating dry, allowing blood to fill the cavity, and then suturing the mucoperiosteal flap to its original position. Healing is uneventful. Postoperative recalls with vitality tests should continue periodically until the cavity fills with bone.
Neural and mechanical contributions to the stretch reflex: a model synthesis.

A model for the soleus stretch reflex in the decerebrate cat was synthesized from models of the neural and muscular components, including the two proprioceptors (the muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ) and their associated afferents (Ia, II, and Ib), the α motoneuron pool with its reflex pathways, the branches of the α motoneurons to the intrafusal muscles (β innervation), and the extrafusal muscle. Parameters for the muscle and receptor models were chosen independently to match their responses in isolation. Reflex gains and γ inputs were estimated to fit the response to stretch measured by Nichols and Houk. The chosen reflex gains and γ inputs are not unique; many different combinations reproduced the characteristic stretch response. With a single set of fixed parameters, the model predicted many mechanical properties of the stretch reflex, including linearization effects (when the stretch magnitude and direction are varied), as well as the dependence on operating force and initial muscle length. The model did not accurately predict the responses at higher stretch velocities, due to failure of the extrafusal muscle model. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Abstract 2155: Novel combinations of nano-formulated ferulic acid and aspirin show high potential for chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth most deadly form of cancer in the United States with about 37,000 deaths each year. This study evaluated the chemopreventive potential of combinations of free and nano-encapsulated mixtures of ferulic acid (FA) and aspirin (ASP) in low doses to human pancreatic cancer cells, MIA PaCa-2 and Panc-1. Cell lines were tested according to published protocols wherein cells were seeded in 96-well microplates and incubated with the unmodified and modified combinations for 72 h and analyzed using MTS cell viability assay method. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Results demonstrated that free FA (200 µM) and ASP (1 mM) combinations on average reduced cell viability by 60% (P<0.001), and also induced cell apoptosis by 47% (P<0.001) on the two cell lines. However, when individual agents (FA 200 μM; ASP 1mM) were tested, they were virtually ineffective in reducing cell viability, thus indicating an additive/synergistic effect of the two agents in combination. Subsequently, nano-formulations of FA and ASP (nano-FA and nano-ASP) were prepared by encapsulating the agents within solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and tested on the same cell lines. Prior to this, nano-FA and nano-ASP were evaluated for particle sizes and encapsulation efficiencies. Initial particle sizes were 183± 46 nm (nano-FA) and 229±67 nm (nano-ASP), respectively. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiencies were high for both nano-FA (86%) and nano-ASP (78%). The combination mixture of nano-FA (25 µM) and nano-ASP (25 µM) reduced the cell viability of MIA PaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells by 70% (P<0.001), and also induced cell apoptosis by 30% (P<0.01), thus reducing the dosage of FA by 8-fold and that of ASP by 40-fold to elicit a comparable response as the mixture of the free FA and ASP. Finally, a trans-AM NF-κB transcription factor assay kit was used to help understand the mechanism. Our results demonstrate that nano-FA and nano-ASP combinations significantly down-regulated NF-κB DNA binding activity in MIA PaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells. In conclusion, convincing evidence is provided of the chemopreventive potential of combinations of FA and ASP against pancreatic cancer, especially when formulated within a nanotechnology-based delivery system. Citation Format: Arvind Thakkar, Jeffrey Wang, Sunil Prabhu. Novel combinations of nano-formulated ferulic acid and aspirin show high potential for chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2155. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2155
Characterization of a Partial cDNA for Lysyl Hydroxylase from Human Skin Fibroblasts; Lysyl Hydroxylase mRNAs Are Regulated Differently by Minoxidil Derivatives and Hydralazine

Abstract Lysyl hydroxylase (LH) is an essential enzyme in collagen biosynthesis that catalyzes the formation of hydroxylysine required for intermolecular crosslinking of collagen. We have isolated a partial (2.2-kb) cDNA for LH from human skin fibroblasts using PCR. DNA sequencing revealed 72% homology of the human coding sequence with the chick LH sequence at the nucleotide level and 76% homology predicted at the amino acid level. The LH cDNA hybridized strongly with two mRNA species of 2.4 and 3.4 kb on Northern blots of normal fibroblast RNA. Administration of minoxidil decreased both mRNA species without affecting levels of the mRNAs for the β subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (PH) or α1(I) collagen. Two derivatives of minoxidil (3′ hydroxyminoxidil and 4′ hydroxyminoxidil) produced similar decreases in LH mRNAs. In contrast hydralazine increased the mRNAs for LH in parallel with its previously reported effect on the mRNA for the β subunit of PH. This effect is accompanied by virtual elimination of the α1 (I) collagen mRNAs. These results on the action of minoxidil and hydralazine at the pretranslational level correlate well with their previously reported effect on enzyme activity and collagen biosynthesis and indicate that changes in steady state mRNA levels can account directly for changes at the protein level. Moreover, the unique action of minoxidil in specifically decreasing LH mRNAs contrasts with the less specific stimulatory effects of hydralazine and suggests that these pharmaceuticals are regulating expression of LH at a pretranslational level by different mechanisms.
Morphology and nutrition of the colonial green algaScenedesmus: 80 years later

This paper provides an overview of polymorphism in the colonial green alga,Scenedesmus, since discovery of this phenomenon over eighty years ago. Evidence is presented showing that the genus, as now generally considered, can be naturally sub-divided into two distinct groups which may be considered as separate genera. The extent of morphological variability in each group is discussed with particular attention given to the better-known, spine-bearing strains. Problems created by inclusion of both stable and unstable strains in the same taxon, as well as the complexity possible when variation in wall ornamentation is superimposed on colony-unicell transformations, are discussed. Data are presented showing that morphological type can be manipulated at will in some strains by careful control of nutrients. Experiments involving field incubations and laboratory studies using river water as a culture medium indicate that natural nutrient levels can regulate morphology and that polymorphic strains may be useful in providing assay organisms for assessment of water quality. Suggestions are offered as to how polymorphic strains, which have been ignored in all monographs to date, can be incorporated into a workable taxonomic scheme.
Near-equilibrium multiple-wave plasma states

We report results showing that spatially periodic Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) waves, which are exact nonlinear traveling wave solutions of the Vlasov-Maxwell equations for collisionless plasmas, satisfy a nonlinear principle of superposition in the small-amplitude limit. For an electric potential consisting of N traveling waves, cphi(x,t)= ${\mathcal{J}}_{\mathit{i}=1}^{\mathit{N}}$${\mathit{cphi}}^{(\mathit{i})}$(x-${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{i}}$t), where ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{i}}$ is the velocity of the ith wave and each wave amplitude ${\mathit{cphi}}^{(\mathit{i})}$ is of order \ensuremath{\epsilon} which is small, we first derive a set of quantities ${\mathit{scr}\mathit{\ifmmode \bar{E}\else \={E}\fi{}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}}^{(\mathit{i})}$(x,u,t) which are invariants through first order in \ensuremath{\epsilon} for charged particle motion in this N-wave field. We then use these functions ${\mathit{scr}\mathit{\ifmmode \bar{E}\else \={E}\fi{}}}^{(\mathit{i})}$(x,u,t) to construct smooth distribution functions for a multispecies plasma which satisfy the Vlasov equation through first order in \ensuremath{\epsilon} uniformly over the entire x-u phase plane for all time. By integrating these distribution functions to obtain the charge and current densities, we also demonstrate that the Poisson and Amp\`ere equations are satisfied to within errors that are O(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}^{3/2}$). Thus the constructed distribution functions and corresponding field describe a self-consistent superimposed N-wave solution that is accurate through first order in \ensuremath{\epsilon}. The entire analysis explicates the notion of small-amplitude multiple-wave BGK states which, as recent numerical calculations suggest, is crucial in the proper description of the time-asymptotic state of a plasma in which a large-amplitude electrostatic wave undergoes nonlinear Landau damping.
Mechanism-based medication development for the treatment of nicotine dependence.

Tobacco use is a global problem with serious health consequences. Though some treatment options exist, there remains a great need for new effective pharmacotherapies to aid smokers in maintaining long-term abstinence. In the present article, we first discuss the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine reward, and then review various mechanism-based pharmacological agents for the treatment of nicotine dependence. An oversimplified hypothesis of addiction to tobacco is that nicotine is the major addictive component of tobacco. Nicotine binds to α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located on dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system, which causes an increase in extracellular DA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). That increase in DA reinforces tobacco use, particularly during the acquisition phase. Enhanced glutamate transmission to DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area appears to play an important role in this process. In addition, chronic nicotine treatment increases endocannabinoid levels in the mesolimbic DA system, which indirectly modulates NAc DA release and nicotine reward. Accordingly, pharmacological agents that target brain acetylcholine, DA, glutamate, GABA, or endocannabonoid signaling systems have been proposed to interrupt nicotine action. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic strategies that alter plasma nicotine availability, metabolism and clearance also significantly alter nicotine's action in the brain. Progress using these pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic agents is reviewed. For drugs in each category, we discuss the mechanistic rationale for their potential anti-nicotine efficacy, major findings in preclinical and clinical studies, and future research directions.
Patterns with several multiple eigenvalues

Identified are certain special periodic diagonal matrices that have a predictable number of paired eigenvalues. Since certain symmetric Toeplitz matrices are special cases, those that have several multiple eigenvalues are also investigated further. This work generalizes earlier work on response matrices from cir- cularly symmetric models.
Design and Implementation of Control-Theory-Based Microscopic Traffic Flow Model:

A microscopic traffic flow model based on the constant-time-headway policy and McRuer's man-machine crossover model was designed. Automatic control theory concepts were employed in the model formulation. The constant-time-headway policy was used to generate the command model of a human driver's decision for vehicle acceleration or deceleration. This command is the input signal fed into the driver-vehicle dynamics suggested by the crossover model. The proposed model was mathematically formulated, designed, implemented, and numerically simulated. The stability properties and validity of the proposed model were analyzed on the basis of the simulation results. It was demonstrated that the proposed model can reproduce well-known traffic phenomena such as shock waves, intersection starting and stopping waves, and loop structures of flow-density and speed-density plots.
Local charge neutgrality condition, Fermi level, and carrier compensation of CdTe polycrystalline thin film in CdS/CdTe solar cells

In this paper we discuss the classification of localized intrinsic/impurity defect states in the band gap of semiconductors according to the charging and transition energy levels of the state being single or multiple, and according to the atomic configuration and formation of energy of the state being single or multiple. For semiconductors that have multi-level intrinsic/impurity defect states (such as Cd vacancies V Cd (o/−) and V Cd (−/2−) in CdTe thin film), the general formulation of charge neutrality condition is given to determine the Fermi level and majority carrier density. For semiconductors that have multi-configuration intrinsic/impurity defect states (such as acceptor Cu Cd and donor Cu i in CdTe), the concept of transformation of state and self-compensation is introduced and discussed. The effect of state transformation and self-compensation on charge neutrality condition, Fermi level, and majority carrier density is explored. Numerical examples are given for CdTe to illustrate the relevance and importance of multi-level and multi-configuration intrinsic/impurity defect states for understanding the performance of CdTe thin film photovoltaics (PV).
Establishment of parameters for congenital stenosis of the cervical spine: an anatomic descriptive analysis of 1066 cadaveric specimens

Purpose Congenital cervical stenosis (CCS) occurs when the bony anatomy of the cervical canal is smaller than expected in the general population predisposing an individual to symptomatic neural compression. No studies have defined CCS based on the normal population. The diagnosis is currently made based on clinical impression from radiographic studies. The aim of this study is to establish parameters that are associated with CCS, based on anatomic measurements on a large sample of skeletal specimens.
Maximum mouth opening of ethnic Chinese in Taiwan

Background/purpose Maximum mouth opening (MMO) is a significant diagnostic reference for many clinical conditions. However, the number of relevant studies is limited, and the relationship between age and MMO has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze the MMO of ethnic Chinese adults in Taiwan and to examine the possible relationship between age and MMO. Materials and methods A total of 1442 adult ethnic Chinese (Taiwanese) subjects aged 20–80 years (705 males, 737 females) were randomly selected. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 20–39 years (young), 40–59 years (middle), and ≥ 60 years (senior), and their maximum voluntary mouth opening was measured. Independent sample t test and one-way ANOVA followed by the post hoc Scheffe test were used to examine differences in MMO relative to sex and age groups. A simple linear regression model was used to estimate the relationship between MMO and age. Results The average MMO for sample subjects was 49.10 ± 6.30 mm, and the MMO of males (49.92 ± 6.55 mm) was significantly larger than that of females (48.32 ± 5.95 mm; P Conclusion Within the limits of this study, we concluded that both sex and age have significant influences on the MMO value of ethnic Chinese in Taiwan, and age is a significant predictor of MMO measurements.
Model for the Mating Protocol of Synchronously Flashing Fireflies

THE synchronous flashing behaviour of Asian fireflies has drawn the attention of Western naturalists for more than 100 yr, and was reported even earlier1. Recent research and interest have been devoted to the physiological mechanisms of synchrony and the group display phenomenon, and have neglected consideration of individual fireflies within the swarms, their mating behaviour, and the significance of synchronizing to the individual. In this article I deal with these aspects of the biology of these fireflies. In Melanesia I observed eight species of Pteroptyx, the synchronizing fireflies, and fifteen species of Luciola, an allied genus. From these observations, published notes of others concerning Pteroptyx and observations of ninety-six species in other firefly genera, a model for the basic mating protocol of these confusing fireflies can be constructed.
Instant recognition: the genetics of pitch perception.

For most of us, quick and accurate perception of the visual world is essential for getting around in life; we take for granted our instant recognition of color, shape, distance, and the physical relationships between objects. Many aspects of the auditory world are also apprehended in an effortless manner: a nighttime whistle is easily identified as a distant train, without any deliberation. However, identifying the pitch of an isolated whistle is beyond the abilities of most people. This is also the case for most musicians, despite the fact that they spend every day working in the context of a standardized system of pitch relationships.
A conformal ultrasound transducer array featuring microfabricated polyimide joints

Due to their increased angular coverage around body surfaces, conformal ultrasound transducers may potentially provide increased signal acquisition relative to rigid medical ultrasound probes and eliminate the need for mechanical scanning. This paper describes a novel, high efficiency, and robust conformal ultrasound transducer array based on a flexible substrate of silicon islands joined together using polyimide joints. The array incorporated diced bulk lead zirconate titanate (PZT) mounted atop the silicon islands as its piezoelectric material for its desirable electromechanical coupling factor and high piezoelectric coefficients. Parylene thin films deposited over the array reinforced the bendable joints, encapsulated the metal film interconnects, and formed, in conjunction with the silicon, an acoustical match between the PZT and soft tissue. Eight element linear arrays were fabricated with a pitch of 3.5 mm, operating at a center frequency of 12 MHz with a 6dB bandwidth of 27%. The robustness of the transducer was demonstrated by iterative bending around a 1 cm diameter cylinder, and the durability of the electrical traces and the frequency performance was measured using a vector network analyzer. This paper presents a robust, durable conformal ultrasound array with the versatility to scale to enable new applications in diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
THE ROLE OF HINDU THEOLOGY IN THE RELIGION AND SCIENCE DIALOGUE

I respond to three articles about my book, Hindu Theology and Biology, from David Gosling, Thomas Ellis, and Varadaraja Raman. I attempt to clarify misconceptions about Hindu intellectual history and the science and religion dialogue. I discuss the role of Hindu theologies in the contemporary world in response to the three articles, each of which highlights important areas of future research. I suggest that Hindu theology should be a critical discipline in which Hindu authors are interpreted in their own terms and in conversation with contemporary authors. I argue that Hinduism and science can find an intellectual space between New Atheism (which denies the intellectual value of religion) and Neo-Hinduism (which neglects the critical discourse within the history of Hindu thought).
Dynamic variation of hemodynamic shear stress on the walls of developing chick hearts: computational models of the heart outflow tract

Heart morphogenesis and growth are influenced by hemodynamic forces (wall shear stress and blood pressure) acting on the walls of the heart. Mechanisms by which hemodynamic forces affect heart development are not well understood, in part because of difficulties involved in measuring these forces in vivo. In this paper, we show how wall shear stress in the heart outflow tract (OFT) of chick embryos at an early developmental stage (HH18) are affected by changes in the geometry and motion of the OFT wall. In particular, we were interested in the effects of cardiac cushions, which are protrusions of the OFT wall toward the lumen and that are located where valves will later form. We developed idealized finite element models (FEM) of the chick OFT with and without cardiac cushions. Geometrical parameters used in these models were estimated from in vivo images obtained using optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques. The FEMs showed significant reverse blood flow (backflow) in the OFT, consistent with experimental observations in the chick heart at HH18, and revealed that cardiac cushions decrease backflow. In addition, our FEMs showed that the spatial distribution of wall shear stress is affected by cardiac cushions, with larger absolute peak values observed at the cushions. Differences in mechanical stimuli (wall shear stress) that the cells in the cardiac cushions and elsewhere are subjected to may affect valve formation and heart development.
Interrelationships among Production, Density, Growth, and Mortality of Northern Pike in Seven North-Central Minnesota Lakes

Abstract Secondary production can be an important indicator of performance for a fish population. In this study we examined how density, growth, and mortality operated together to alter production of northern pike Esox lucius in seven north–central Minnesota lakes. Estimated densities of age-2 and older northern pike were 3–59 fish/ha and estimated production rates were 0.77–8.31 kg·ha−1·year−1 across the seven lakes. The relationship between density and production among the lakes was curvilinear, production being moderated by slow growth rates at high northern pike densities. The negative relationship between indices of individual fish growth and production was counterintuitive and demonstrated the overwhelming influence of density on northern pike population dynamics. Relationships between total mortality and either density or production were not apparent. Recreational fisheries in Minnesota appear to be harvesting much of the annual production of northern pike. Yet many northern pike populations are ma...
Effect of irradiation on morphology and motility of canine small intestine

In addition to severe damage to the intestinal mucosa, there is evidence based on altered transit that irradiation affects intestinal motor function. A single dose of 938 cGy to the intestine of dogs consistently produced an acute intestinal radiation syndrome consisting of vomiting and diarrhea but was not lethal. In the fasting state, the migrating myoelectric complex was uniformly interrupted. After a meal, jejunal myoelectric activity analyzed by a computer program showed a progressive decline in the number, duration, and length of migration of spike bursts. There were occasionally bizarre motility patterns consisting of clusters of migrating spike bursts. Slow waves demonstrated irregular rhythm and nonuniform morphology. They occasionally migrated in an orad direction and at times were totally uncoupled. At 24 hr and four days after irradiation, the muscle and the neural plexus were nearly normal by light microscopy, but the mucosa exhibited severe necrosis. Therefore, irradiation produces profound functional abnormalities in intestinal muscle even though the morphology is minimally altered.
Product classifications, consumer characteristics, and patronage preference for online auction

Abstract An important unanswered question in the area of Internet auctions is what dynamics influences consumer preferences for shopping on these online auctions. Two key aspects of studying what sells on the Internet auctions are (a) the characteristics of products to be purchased and (b) consumer characteristics. This research focuses on the relationship between product purchase preference, prior experience, and socioeconomic characteristics for the online auction participants. It uses product classification theory rooted in information economics and marketing. The study results are based on a US national sample of online auction participants. The findings suggest that product class affects online auction patronage, yet socioeconomic characteristics may not be as influential as once perceived. The online merchants can benefit from the inquiry to improve auctions for search, experience, and credence goods. The five key contributions of the findings add value to the theory and practice of consumer behavior.