cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low- versus Moderate-Sodium Diet in Patients with Recent Hospitalization for Heart Failure: The PROHIBIT Sodium Pilot Study

Background Currently, there are knowledge gaps that prevent the proper design of an efficacy trial to determine optimal dietary sodium intake in high-risk patients with HFrEF. Objectives (1) Assess what % of patients recently hospitalized with HFrEF would be willing to participate in a 12-week feeding trial and eligible from a dietary sodium intake perspective. (2) Randomize 50 patients to meals with 1500 vs. 3000 mg sodium daily for 12 weeks to estimate on-study retention and compliance; trends in clinical events and NT-proBNP; quality of life and food satisfaction; and safety. Methods and Results Out of 196 patients (admitted 1/2015-12/2017) approached ≤2 weeks after hospitalization for a primary diagnosis of HF and LVEF ≤40%, who were on optimal medial therapy, functionally independent, and able to communicate, 83 (47.4%) consented to participate. Of these, only 27 (age, 62±11 years; 22 men; 20 White; LVEF 26±8%) had 24-h urine sodium ≥3000mg and agreed to receive meals with either 1500 mg (N=12) or 3000 mg (N=15) sodium daily. On-study retention at 12 weeks was 77.4% (82.5% vs. 73.3%; P=0.53); 6 patients (2 in 1500 mg, 4 in 3000 mg) withdrew before study completion. Quality of life and food satisfaction questionnaires indicated that both diets were well tolerated. Average compliance with meals was 52% (based on urinary sodium) with numerically lower compliance in the 1500-mg arm (42% vs. 60%; P=0.25). Both arms exhibited reduced 24-h urinary sodium while on study meals (Fig. 1), but NT-proBNP was not affected (Fig. 2). There were 24 hospitalizations and ED visits in 9 patients by 24 weeks; event rates were 41.7% (1500 mg) vs. 26.7% (3000 mg); P=0.50. One patient (1500 mg) developed persistently low blood pressure and 1 patient (3000 mg) creatinine increase >0.5 mg. Conclusions Despite providing prepared meals, an efficacy study to assess optimal dietary sodium in HF is associated with significant challenges. These include need for extensive screening, overcoming unwillingness to participate in a feeding study, retention, and compliance. However, both 1500-mg and 3000-mg diets reduced urinary sodium without any adverse safety signal and while maintaining quality of life.
Anytime motion planning for prehensile manipulation in dense clutter

Many methods have been developed for planning the motion of robotic arms for picking and placing, ranging from local optimization to global search techniques, which are effective for sparsely place...
God in the Qur'an. By Jack Miles. (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2018. Pp. 241. $26.95.)

Jack Miles has completed a stunning trilogy on God‐talk. He began with the Pulitzer‐Prize‐winning book, God: A Biography (1995), which focused on the Jewish Bible, followed this with Christ: A Cris...
Real-time, high-resolution imaging of tumor cells in genetically engineered and orthotopic models of thyroid cancer

Genetically engineered and orthotopic xenograft mouse models have been instrumental for increasing our understanding of thyroid cancer progression and for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in a setting that is more physiologically relevant than the classical subcutaneous flank implants. However, the anatomical location of the thyroid gland precludes a non-invasive analysis at the cellular level of the interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment and does not allow a real-time evaluation of the response of tumor cells to drug treatments. As a consequence, such studies have generally only relied on endpoint approaches, limiting the amount and depth of the information that could be gathered. Here we describe the development of an innovative approach to imaging specific aspects of thyroid cancer biology, based on the implantation of a permanent, minimally invasive optical window that allows high-resolution, multi-day, intravital imaging of the behavior and cellular dynamics of thyroid tumors in the mouse. We show that this technology allows visualization of fluorescently tagged tumor cells both in immunocompetent, genetically engineered mouse models of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and in immunocompromised mice carrying orthotopic implanted human or mouse ATC cells. Furthermore, the use of recipient mice in which endothelial cells and macrophages are fluorescently labeled allows the detection of the spatial and functional relationship between tumor cells and their microenvironment. Finally, we show that ATC cells expressing a fluorescent biosensor for caspase 3 activity can be effectively utilized to evaluate, in real-time, the efficacy and kinetics of action of novel small molecule therapeutics. This novel approach to intravital imaging of thyroid cancer represents a platform that will allow, for the first time, the longitudinal, in situ analysis of tumor cell responses to therapy and of their interaction with the microenvironment.
Oddness, modularity, and exhaustification

According to the ‘grammatical account’, scalar implicatures are triggered by a covert exhaustification operator present in logical form. This account covers considerable empirical ground, but there is a peculiar pattern that resists treatment given its usual implementation. The pattern centers on odd assertions like #Most lions are mammals and #Some Italians come from a beautiful country, which seem to trigger implicatures in contexts where the enriched readings conflict with information in the common ground. Magri (Nat Language Semant 17(3):245–297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11050-009-9042-x , 2009; Semant Pragmat 4(6):1–51. https://doi.org/10.3765/sp.4.6 , 2011) argues that, to account for these cases, the basic grammatical approach has to be supplemented with the stipulations that exhaustification is obligatory and is based on formal computations which are blind to information in the common ground. In this paper, I argue that accounts of oddness should allow for the possibility of felicitous assertions that call for revision of the common ground, including explicit assertions of unusual beliefs such as Most but not all lions are mammals and Some but not all Italians come from Italy. To adequately cover these and similar cases, I propose that Magri’s version of the Grammatical account should be refined with the novel hypothesis that exhaustification triggers a bifurcation between presupposed (the negated relevant alternatives) and at-issue (the prejacent) content. The explanation of the full oddness pattern, including cases of felicitous proposals to revise the common ground, follows from the interaction between presupposed and at-issue content with an independently motivated constraint on accommodation. Finally, I argue that treating the exhaustification operator as a presupposition trigger helps solve various independent puzzles faced by extant grammatical accounts, and motivates a substantial revision of standard accounts of the overt exhaustifier only.
Enhancement-Mode Atomic-Layer-Deposited In 2 O 3 Transistors With Maximum Drain Current of 2.2 A/mm at Drain Voltage of 0.7 V by Low-Temperature Annealing and Stability in Hydrogen Environment

In this article, we demonstrate atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) indium oxide (In2O3) transistors with a record high drain current of 2.2 A/mm at ${V}_{DS}$ of 0.7 V among oxide semiconductor transistors with the enhancement-mode operation. The impact of back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible low-temperature annealing is systematically studied on these highly scaled In2O3 transistors with channel length ( ${L}_{ch}$ ) down to 40 nm, channel thickness ( ${T}_{ch}$ ) down to 1.2 nm, and equivalent oxide thickness (EOTs) of 2.1 nm, at annealing temperatures from 250 °C to 350 °C in N2, O2, and forming gas (FG, 96% N2/4% H2) environments. Annealing in all different environments is found to significantly improve the performance of ALD In2O3 transistors, resulting in enhancement-mode operation, high mobility, reduced bulk and interface trap density ( $\text{D}_{it}$ as low as $6.3\times 10^{11}$ cm $^{-2}\cdot $ eV−1), and nearly ideal subthreshold slope (SS) of 63.8 mV/dec. Remarkably, the ALD In2O3 devices are found to be stable in hydrogen environment, being less affected by the well-known hydrogen doping issue in indium–gallium–tin-oxide (IGZO). Therefore, low-temperature ALD In2O3 transistors are highly compatible with the hydrogen-rich environment in BEOL fabrication processes.
Real-world particle and NOx emissions from hybrid electric vehicles under cold weather conditions.

Abstract Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology is critical to reduce the impact of the internal combustion engines on air pollution and greenhouse gases. HEVs have an advantage in market penetration due to their lower cost and higher driving range compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). On the other hand, HEVs use an internal combustion engine and still emit air pollutants. It is hypothesized that HEV performance is impacted by the weather conditions as a result of many factors. It was beyond the scope of this work to systematically evaluate all factors so instead we measured emissions from two vehicles driving city and highway routes in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the winter (−5 °C) and looked for major differences in emissions relative to each vehicle and relative to results that would be obtained from a chassis dynamometer in a controlled laboratory setting at a higher temperature approximately 20 °C). The study then looked to associate differences in emissions with the prevailing conditions to gain new insights. Emissions of interest included the total particle number (TPN), solid particle number (SPN), particulate matter mass (PM), and NOx. One key difference in vehicle engine technology was PFI (port fuel injection) versus GDI (gasoline direct injection). We found the frequency at which the Prius hybrid engine reignited was much higher than the Sonata for city and highway driving, although for both vehicles the catalyst temperature remained high and appeared to be unaffected by the reignitions, despite the cold weather. For most conditions, the Prius emitted more NOx but fewer particles than the Sonata. In some cases, NOx and particle emissions exceeded the most comparable laboratory-based emissions standards.
Targeted chromosomal Escherichia coli:dnaB exterior surface residues regulate DNA helicase behavior to maintain genomic stability and organismal fitness

Helicase regulation is vital for replisome progression, where the helicase enzyme functions to unwind duplex DNA and aids in the coordination of replication fork activities. Currently, mechanisms for helicase regulation that involve interactions with both DNA strands through a steric exclusion and wrapping (SEW) model and conformational shifts between dilated and constricted states have been examined in vitro. To better understand the mechanism and cellular impact of helicase regulation, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to study four previously identified SEW-deficient mutants of the bacterial replicative helicase DnaB. We discovered that these four SEW mutations stabilize constricted states, with more fully constricted mutants having a generally greater impact on genomic stress, suggesting a dynamic model for helicase regulation that involves both excluded strand interactions and conformational states. These dnaB mutations result in increased DNA damage and chromosome complexity, less stable genomes, and ultimately less viable and fit strains. Notably, while two mutations stabilized fully constricted states, they have distinct effects on genomic stability, suggesting a complex relationship between helicase regulation mechanisms and faithful, efficient DNA replication. This work explores the genomic impacts of helicase dysregulation in vivo, supporting a combined dynamic regulatory mechanism involving SEW and conformational changes and relates current mechanistic understanding to functional helicase behavior.
Promissory shock, broken future: COVID-19 and state-led speculations in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in South Korea

Abstract This research examines institutional responses to shocking events, in this case, the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. I argue that our analysis should consider state-led nationalism in finance and financialization especially when new modes of financial accumulation can be correlated with state projects of crisis management. Also, in dealing with shocking events, which are an inevitable aspect of capitalism, I claim nationalistic deregulations and speculation stimulated by institutional discourse can put ordinary people into permanently unpayable debt and reshape social exclusion. Drawing from interpretative policy analysis, I examine how early COVID-19 management by the Korean government took advantage of sloganeering of upper-K words, initiated by the Korean Wave, as discursive tools in invoking nationalistic sentiments. The instutional nationalism in the upper-case K as prefix is examined in promoting Korean biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and their stocks. Further, I demonstrate how the accumulation strategies of this nationalistic COVID-19 management regarding bio and pharma industries were already practiced before COVID-19 in Korea, by the regulatory sandbox policy along with the Korean legitimation crisis. This set of practices has eventually accelerated the financialization of everyday life and Othering. I call for a critical lens to analyze the pressing agenda of discursive practices in institutional crisis responses.
Visual Functions in Monkeys after Total Removal of Visual Cerebral Cortex1

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a detailed account of a study conducted on 82 rhesus monkeys with total bilateral ablation of the striate cortex. This study revealed a wide repertoire of visual functions retained or recovered after surgery. The lateral geniculate nuclei of the destriated monkeys contained viable neurons that were identified as local circuit interneurons with ubiquitous membrane properties for developing presynaptic sites at any region of the cell surface. The results of additional lesions demonstrated the critical role assumed by various structures in the absence of striate cortex. The primate striate cortex has a preeminent role in all types of visual functions, with the exception of pupillary and blink reactions. Some sort of reorganization must occur in other structures after striate resections. These studies have influenced significantly the search for residual capacities in humans with lesions of the geniculostriate system, which have revealed a retention or recovery similar to that shown by experimentally damaged monkeys.
7-Iron ferredoxin revisited.

The crystal structure of the 7Fe ferredoxin from Azotobacter vinelandii has been redetermined using area detector data to 2.7-A resolution and a new derivative. Tetragonal crystals of the protein were maintained at pH 8.0. The results show that the structure previously reported was in error and confirms a recent independent report of the structure (Stout, G.H., Turley, S., Sieker, L. C., and Jensen, L. H. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, in press). The protein fold is similar to the homologous 8Fe ferredoxin structure for the N-terminal half of the protein; the C-terminal residues wrap around this structure. The structure contains a 3Fe cluster coordinated by cysteines 8, 16, and 49 and a 4Fe cluster coordinated by cysteines 20, 39, 42, and 45. However, there are two free sulfhydryls, cysteines 11 and 24, in the new model. Cysteine 24 is in contact with the [4Fe-4S] cluster. Cysteine 11 is shielded from solvent by residues 86-90.
The Solar System and Its Place in the Galaxy

Abstract Our solar system began with a collapsing interstellar cloud, and 4.567 billion years later we have begun to explore it in great detail. What we see is a complex system of bodies ranging in size from interplanetary dust to Jupiter and the Sun. This chapter provides an introduction to the solar system as a whole, seeking to describe its architecture and also its place in the Milky Way galaxy. We begin to understand the physical and chemical processes that formed and shaped the solar system and which continue to do so today.
An alternative explanation for the “Buried Channels” on Mars: The gravity signal from a sharp boundary on partially compensated, long‐wavelength topography

[1] A trough observed in the free-air gravity of Mars along the edge of Tempe Terra has been interpreted as a large channel that has been completely buried by sediments. Here, we show that this trough is likely real and not a product of ringing in a truncated harmonic expansion, but that it is poorly resolved. A detailed examination of the high-resolution topographic data displays no evidence for a buried channel, instead showing that the trough straddles the highlands-lowlands boundary. As an alternative, we propose this gravity trough in a large way arises from the surface topography, due to an effect that occurs when there exists a relatively sharp boundary on a long-wavelength, partially compensated feature.
Differential photonic time-stretch analog-to-digital converter

A new differential scheme is proposed for mitigating spectral/time nonuniformity and pulse-to-pulse variations in the photonic time-stretch analog-to-digital converter. Digitization at 120 GSamples/s with 24 GHz analog bandwidth is demonstrated.
Alignment of radars with location errors and azimuth misalignments

A mathematical model for the alignment of reference frames of radars with location errors and azimuth misalignments is developed. The alignment of reference frames in a multiple radar system is necessary to share data effectively between the radars. A nonstatistical least-square estimator is constructed to estimate the alignment parameters that define the mathematical model. This algorithm can be employed in situations not requiring extremely accurate sensor alignment, and where the biases in the range, elevation, and time are negligible. >
Giant resonances in excited Sn isotopes

The giant dipole resonance built on excited states was studied in $^{110}$,112Sn nuclei at excitation energies of 62, 80, 110, and 130 MeV, by measuring \ensuremath{\gamma} rays following heavy ion fusion reactions $^{16}$O${+\mathrm{}}^{94}$Mo and $^{19}$F${+\mathrm{}}^{93}$Nb. The energy of the dipole resonance was found to be 14.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 MeV independent of excitation energy. This value is approximately 1 MeV below the extrapolated ground state value. The width increases almost quadratically from 6.7 MeV at 62 MeV to 10.8 MeV at 130 MeV. This agrees qualitatively with a theoretical prediction that the increase in width for these nuclei is mainly due to an averaging of strength functions over various oblate shapes induced at high spin and temperature. The sensitivity to the isovector quadrupole vibration was found to be small even at the highest excitation energy. No convincing conclusion could be made for its existence in these Sn nuclei.
New technical developments in magnetic resonance imaging of epilepsy

Within the last several years a number of technical developments have been made in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can potentially impact clinical and research MR imaging applications in epilepsy. These include developments in instrumentation and in pulse sequences. Advances in instrumentation include higher capacity gradient systems and multiple receiver coils as directed to brain imaging. Advances in pulse sequence include use of fast or turbo-spin-echo techniques, variants of echo-planar imaging, and sequences such as fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) targeted to specific applications of brain imaging. The purpose of this paper is to review several of these developments.
Iliac vein obstruction caused by retroperitoneal abscess in newborn infants

Summary Two cases of iliac vein obstructiondue to iliac retroperitoneal abscess are reported. This condition as a presenting sign of retroperitoneal abscess has not been reported in the literature to date. The literature is reviewed and commonsigns and symptoms of this condition are described. The argument for circumcision site as the portal of entry of the infection is presented.
Intraindividual peak flow variability.

Objectives To quantify intraindividual variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured with peak flowmeters and to define factors affecting PEF variability. Methods Three hundred one healthy subjects (aged 4 to 84 years) were recruited from sites at sea level (n=220) and at 1,400 m altitude (n=81). All testing was done with the same model peak flowmeter. Each subject was actively coached through five to eight successive PEF maneuvers. Three meters of the same model were tested using a mechanical waveform simulator at three different flows at both testing altitudes (sea level and at 1,400 m). Results Excluding outliers, the mean PEF was 523 L/min, mean standard deviation (SD) was 22 L/min, and mean coefficient of variation (CV) was 4.6%. The upper 95th percentile for CV was 8% for adults and 10% for youths. Analyzing only the three highest peak flows for each subject, the mean PEF was 539 L/min, mean SD was 12 L/min, and mean CV was 2.4%. The upper 95th percentile for CV was 6% for adults and 9% for youths. Linear regression analysis revealed a small but statistically significant correlation (p Conclusions These estimates of intraindividual variability in healthy subjects are generally lower than those previously reported. Meter variability accounts for only a small part of total intraindividual variability. The 95th percentile data suggest that a fall in PEF of 6 to 8% in adults and 9 to 10% in youths would be statistically significant.
Subgame perfect reaction function equilibria in discounted duopoly supergames are trivial

Abstract This paper is concerned with infinitely repeated duopoly games with discounting. A question which has been open since Friedman's (Rev. Econ. Stud. 35 (1968), 257–272) reaction function article is settled for a general class of games. The question is wheter nontrivial reaction function equilibria can be subgame perfect. This question is answered in the negative. Such equilibria must be trivial in the sense of prescribing the stage game noncooperative equilibrium actions in every period, independent of prior history.
Evaluating appendicitis scoring systems using a prospective pediatric cohort.

Study objective This article evaluates the performance of the previously published Alvarado and Samuel appendicitis scoring systems in a prospectively identified pediatric cohort. Methods A prospective cohort of patients, aged 3 to 21 years, being evaluated for appendicitis was enrolled during 20 consecutive months at a large, urban, pediatric hospital. Study forms were completed by pediatric emergency medicine attending physicians before imaging or surgery. Final diagnosis was determined by pathology or follow-up telephone call. Each score was tested as proposed by the original authors. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for all patients and prepubertal patients younger than 10 years. Results Five hundred eighty-eight patients were studied. The median age was 11.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 8.5; 14.9 years). Thirty-four percent of patients had appendicitis. An Alvarado score greater than or equal to 7 yielded a sensitivity of 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66% to 78%), specificity 81% (76% to 84%), negative predictive value (NPV) 85% (81% to 89%), and positive predictive value (PPV) 65% (59% to 72%). A Samuel score greater than or equal to 6 yielded a sensitivity of 82% (77% to 87%), specificity 65% (60% to 70%), NPV 88% (84% to 91%), and PPV 54% (48% to 60%). When analysis was limited to patients younger than 10 years, n=206, an Alvarado score greater than or equal to 7 yielded a sensitivity of 73% (62% to 84%), specificity 80% (73% to 86%), NPV 89% (83% to 94%), and PPV 58% (45% to 69%). A Samuel score greater than or equal to 6, when patients younger than 10 years were considered, yielded a sensitivity of 77% (66% to 87%), specificity 65% (56% to 72%), NPV 88% (82% to 94%), and PPV 45% (35% to 55%). Receiver operator characteristic curves had an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.86) (Alvarado) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.85) (Samuel). Conclusion Although the Alvarado and Samuel scores provide measurably useful diagnostic information in evaluating children with suspected appendicitis, neither method provides sufficient PPV to be used in clinical practice as the sole method for determination of the need for surgery.
Pharmacokinetics of Ibuprofen in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

An exaggerated inflammatory response is responsible for the decline of lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Ibuprofen is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that demonstrates inhibition of neutrophil activity in vitro at concentrations between 50 and 100 mg/L, whereas lower concentrations result in an increase in inflammatory mediators. Significant decline in the rate of deterioration of pulmonary function and increased nutritional status were observed in children with CF who were administered long-term high-dosage ibuprofen therapy. As with many other drugs, CF patients appear to exhibit altered pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen (reduced bioavailability, increased volume of distribution, and more rapid clearance) when compared with healthy controls. However, the absence of studies with intravenous ibuprofen as well as protein binding measurements in patients with CF currently limits the ability to compare the pharmacokinetics with those in other populations. Current studies indicate that there is high interpatient variability in ibuprofen pharmacokinetics among CF patients. Some of this variability can be explained by differences in ibuprofen formulation administered. Therapeutic drug monitoring of high-dosage ibuprofen therapy is recommended because of the biphasic response to inflammatory mediators demonstrated in vitro as well as the high interpatient variability in pharmacokinetics. Due to the differences in absorption characteristics between ibuprofen formulations, the timing of obtaining blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis is critical. Maximum a posteriori Bayesian analysis has been shown to provide more accurate and precise estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters of ibuprofen in children with CF, and may also be a useful tool to further investigate the relationship between measures of drug exposure and efficacy/toxicity outcomes.
Pneumoperitoneum with diaphragmatic paralysis in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

The histories and the results and complications of therapy in twelve cases of pulmonary tuberculosis treated with pneumoperitoneum and phrenic paralysis were tabulated and discussed: 1. Of these, six were far advanced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and six moderately advanced. 2. The results were excellent in 7 (58 per cent); fair in 3 (25 per cent) and poor in 2 (17 per cent). 3. Cavities in the upper thirds of the lung fields were closed in 9 out of 11 cases. 4. In 8 out of 9 cases thoracoplasties were avoided by the use of pneumoperitoneum with hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis. 5. It was suggested that the estimation of diaphragmatic elevation and the volume of lung collapsed should be based on lateral as well as postero-anterior roentgenologic examination of the chest. 6. Pneumoperitoneum alone does not result in effective diaphragmatic elevation; it should be used with phrenic interruption to obtain the greatest benefits.
Optical excitations along CuO chains in copper oxides.

Optical responses in a one-dimensional two-band Peierls-Hubbard model near 5/8 filling (i.e., near 1/4 filling in the effective one-band model) are studied within inhomogeneous Hartree-Fock and random-phase approximations. Low-energy collective excitations are produced by a sliding motion of a spin-density wave. In the commensurate case (i.e., at 5/8 filling) or near this filling with moderate strength of intersite electron-lattice coupling, the spin-density wave (with polaronic defects in the latter case) is pinned by commensurability with the lattice, and the lowest-frequency optical response lies in the infrared regime. Otherwise, the spin-density wave is incommensurate and moves freely unless it is pinned by extrinsic impurities. Implications for midinfrared absorptions observed in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ and ${\mathrm{PrBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ compounds are discussed. With sufficiently weak hopping between the Cu and O sites, a ferromagnetic phase is found.
Mechanism of the effects of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids on vascular smooth muscle contractility

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that receptors to both mineralocorticoids (MC) and glucocorticoids (GC) exist in the arterial wall and that treatment with GC markedly increases Na + and Ca 2+ influx in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells, whereas treatment with MC increases only Na + influx. We now report the results of the study aimed at the elucidation of the mechanism(s) of these effects. Unidirectional influx of Na + and Ca 2+ was measured in cultured cells of rabbit aortic media, using 22 Na and 45 Ca as tracers, in the presence of ouabain. The cells were treated for different periods with dexamethasone (DEX) or aldosterone (ALDO) in physiologic or supraphysiologic concentrations, in the presence or absence of competive inhibitors of GC-receptor binding, RU 486, or MC-receptor binding, K-prorenoate. DEX in 50 nM concentration increased Na + influx by 98 ± 18% and Ca 2+ influx by 100 ± 20%, and the maximum effect was seen after 48 hour cell-treatment. ALDO in 5 nM concentration increased Na + influx by 90 ± 12% and had no effect on Ca 2+ influx, and the maximum effect was seen after 7–10 days of cell-treatment. The enhancing effect of both DEX and ALDO on the influx rate of Na + was prevented by actinomycin D and by cycloheximide. RU 486 completely inhibited DEX from exercising its enhancing effect of Na + influx, but diminished influx rate of Na + increased by ALDO only by 25%. Prorenoate (PRN) did not have any effect on DEX-increased Na + influx, but completely inhibited ALDO from exercising its effect. At 50 nM concentration, ALDO increased Na + influx after only 24–48 hours treatment; this effect was similar to that of DEX and was inhibited by RU 486, but not by PRN. The effects of selective blockers of various Na + and Ca 2+ transport systems were examined in separate experiments: 1) amiloride (AMIL), 1.5 μM; 2) ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIP-A); 3) dichlorobenzamil (DCB); 4) bumetanide (BUM); and 5) nifedipine (NIF). AMIL (almost exclusively Na + channel blocker at the low concentration used) and BUM (inhibitor of Na + , K + , 2Cl − cotransport) diminished each by 65% and 35%, respectively, the increase in Na + influx elicited by DEX; the two effects were additive. In contrast, BUM had no effect on Na + influx increased by 5 nM ALDO, but AMIL inhibited 98% of this influx. NIF inhibited 70% of Na + transport increased by DEX, but did not affect that increased by 5 nM ALDO. We therefore conclude that: 1) Increases in Na + influx induced by GC and MC in VSM cells are mediated through intracellular vascular receptors for these steroids; 2) in physiologic concentrations, GC and MC act through distinct GC- and MC-receptors; 3) both GC and MC are physiologic modulators of intracellular Na + concentrations in VSM, and consequently, the contractility of VSM; 4) the described mechanisms may play a major role in the pathogenesis of GC- and MC-induced hypertension.
The solute dependence of bias factors in irradiated FeNi alloys

Abstract The interstitial and vacancy biases for an edge dislocation in a binary alloy were examined, assuming the existence of an equilibrium Cottrell atmosphere around the line defect. The Larche and Cahn treatment of stress relaxation due to a solute atmosphere was employed with the Wolfer and Ashkin formulation for the bias of an edge dislocation to compute the bias as a function of nickel concentration in the Fe-Ni system. Using the minimum critical void radius concept, the concentration-dependent bias offers a plausible explanation for the minimum in swelling observed at intermediate nickel levels and the gradual increase in swelling at higher nickel levels.
Explanation information and source in service recovery initiatives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to specifically consider two interactional aspects that are likely to contribute to the success of an explanation of why a service failed: the adequacy of information provided and role of the person providing the information. Design/methodology/approach – Two empirical studies were conducted using a between-subjects 2 (information: low vs high) × 2 (employee: frontline vs manager) experimental design. The first study was designed to better understand when the information provided might have a more positive impact on the customer. The second study was conducted to understand why the effects exist. Findings – In Study 1, an interaction effect was seen that suggests that the most positive outcome is when the manager (vs the frontline employee) provides a full explanation (vs limited explanation) of the mishap. Results from Study 2 indicate that source credibility is in play. Research limitations/implications – Participants were asked to respond to service failure and re...
Symbolic Analysis of Analog Circuits By Boolean Logic Operations

In this brief, the author proposes a novel symbolic analysis method for analog behavioral modeling by Boolean logic operations and graph representation. The exact symbolic analysis problem is formulated as a logic circuit synthesis problem where we build a logic circuit that detects whether or not a given symbolic term is a valid product term from a determinant. The logic circuit is represented by binary decision diagrams (BDDs), which can be trivially transformed into zero-suppressed BDDs (ZBDDs). ZBDDs are essentially determinant decision diagram (DDD) representation of a determinant. The proposed BBD-based method gives the circuit logic interpretation of symbolic terms in a determinant and exploits such logic interpretation during the BDD/DDD construction process. It demonstrates an inherent relationship between symbolic circuit analysis and logic synthesis. It is the first symbolic analysis method that is not based on traditional Laplace expansion or topological methods. Experimental results show the speedup of our new method over the existing flat method and its improved analysis capacity over both existing flat and hierarchical symbolic analyzers
De novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis: cloning, sequencing and expression of a chicken PurH cDNA encoding 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleotide transformylase-IMP cyclohydrolase.

Abstract The PurH cDNA, encoding 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleotide (AICAR) transformylase-inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC), was cloned by functional complementation of an Escherichia coli purH mutant using a chicken liver cDNA expression library. This represents the first report of the cloning of any eukaryotic ATlC-encoding cDNA (PurH). The avian ATIC mRNA is 2.3 kb long and encodes a protein with an Mr. of 64422. The deduced amino acid sequence is 36% identical to the bacterial purH-encoded enzymes from Bacillus subtilis and E. coli. The avian cDNA was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein that was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography. A novel vector was employed which permits rapid and highly efficient cleavage of the GST fusion protein yielding 10 mg of purified PurH product per liter of bacterial culture. Km values were determined with the purified fusion protein utilizing AICAR and (6-R) N10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate as substrates. These values compare favorably with the isolated avian enzyme, supporting the idea that kinetic, as well as other physical properties of the recombinant fusion protein are similar to the native avian enzyme. Large quantities of purified enzyme and the ability to generate site-directed mutations should make mechanistic studies possible. The recombinant enzyme also affords a simple and reliable approach to identifying new antifolates.
Identification of Cytokines and Signaling Proteins Differentially Regulated by Sumatriptan/Naproxen

Objectives The goal of this study was to use protein array analysis to investigate temporal regulation of stimulated cytokine expression in trigeminal ganglia and spinal trigeminal nuclei in response to cotreatment of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium or individual drug.
Measurement of induced birefringence in film samples using a balanced polarization ring interferometer

A new method for measuring the induced birefringence due to e.g. the electro-optic response of film samples is proposed, described and verified experimentally. The method uses a polarization ring interferometer which allows for the total cancellation of the residual dichroism and birefringence of the apparatus and of the sample. The method is ideally suited for modulation measurements and frequency analysis of the electro-optic response.
Measured impact of a rooftop photovoltaic system

A 35-kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The system, located on the flat roof that connects NIST's Administration Building to its adjoining conference and cafeteria facilities, produced NIST's first site-generated renewable energy on September 14, 2001. In addition to providing electrical energy and reducing monthly peak electrical loads, the rear surface of each module is laminated to 51 mm of extruded polystyrene enhancing the thermal performance of the roof A unique ballast system secures the photovoltaic system, eliminating the need for roof penetrations. An instrumentation and data acquisition package was installed to record the ambient temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and the electrical energy delivered to the grid. Additional solar radiation instruments were installed after determining that the original solar radiation sensor was influenced by reflections from the south-facing wall of the Administration Building's tower. NIST's electric utility billing schedule includes energy and peak demand charges. The generation charges vary significantly depending upon the time interval-off-peak, intermediate, and on-peak-during which the energy is consumed. The schedule is divided into summer billing months (June-October) and winter billing months (November-May). During the winter billing months, the distribution, transmission, and generation peak demand charges are based on the greatest power demand imposed by the site on the grid. During the summer billing months, an additional demand charge is imposed to capture electrical demand during the on-peak time interval. This paper summarizes the monthly and annual measured performance of the photovoltaic system. The monthly energy produced by the system is tabulated. The system has provided 35676 kWh of electrical energy during its first year of operation. Conversion efficiencies-computed using solar radiation measurements from a single photovoltaic cell radiation sensor, four thermopile-based radiation sensors located around the perimeter of the photovoltaic array, and a remotely located thermopile-based radiation sensor-are presented. Annual conversion efficiencies of 10.8%, 8.8%, and 7.4% were achieved using cell, module, and foot print areas, respectively. Using the electric utility's rate schedule, the monetary savings credited to the photovoltaic system is determined by combining the cost of the displaced energy with the reduction in peak demand charges attributable to the photovoltaic system. During its first year of operation, the system has saved $2678 with savings in demand charges, essentially equivalent to savings as a result of displaced energy. Finally, using utility provided data and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Benefits Calculator, estimates are made of the avoided emissions of the photovoltaic system over its projected life span.
Attachment Anxiety, Conflict Behaviors, and Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adults' Romantic Relationships

The present study examined attachment anxiety, conflict behaviors (attacking and compromising), and depressive symptoms in a sample of 45 emerging adults ages 18–25 years (M = 19.51). Emerging adults’ romantic partners also participated in the study. In order to assess the study variables, emerging adults and their romantic partners completed self-report questionnaires. Using hierarchical regression analyses, a statistical model was tested wherein emerging adults’ depressive symptoms were regressed on their own and their partner’s attributes. Emerging adults’ own attachment anxiety and attacking behaviors and their romantic partner’s attacking behaviors, each explained significant portions of the variance in emerging adults’ depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of considering the role of emerging adults’ and their romantic partners’ attributes in their depressive symptoms and offer important targets for therapeutic intervention.
Function of Piwi, a nuclear Piwi/Argonaute protein, is independent of its slicer activity

The Piwi protein subfamily is essential for Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis, transposon silencing, and germ-line development, all of which have been proposed to require Piwi endonuclease activity, as validated for two cytoplasmic Piwi proteins in mice. However, recent evidence has led to questioning of the generality of this mechanism for the Piwi members that reside in the nucleus. Drosophila offers a distinct opportunity to study the function of nuclear Piwi proteins because, among three Drosophila Piwi proteins—called Piwi, Aubergine, and Argonaute 3—Piwi is the only member of this subfamily that is localized in the nucleus and expressed in both germ-line and somatic cells in the gonad, where it is responsible for piRNA biogenesis and regulatory functions essential for fertility. In this study, we demonstrate beyond doubt that the slicer activity of Piwi is not required for any known functions in vivo. We show that, in transgenic flies with the DDX catalytic triad of PIWI mutated, neither primary nor secondary piRNA biogenesis is detectably affected, transposons remain repressed, and fertility is normal. Our observations demonstrate that the mechanism of Piwi is independent of its in vitro endonuclease activity. Instead, it is consistent with the alternative mode of Piwi function as a molecule involved in the piRNA-directed guidance of epigenetic factors to chromatin.
Airborne microbial allergens: impact and risk assessment.

Despite their evolution in more natural niches, a variety of microorganisms have also successfully colonized man-made interiors. Such adaptable agents require fairly simple carbon and nitrogen sources, in limited amounts, and find these on surfaces and in fluid collections. Available moisture is also a critical permissive factor. Survival and growth indoors are fostered by the presence of stored biogenic materials and by soiling of surfaces with organic films derived from foodstuffs, soaps, volatile hydrocarbons and organic dusts. Commonly, predators such as protozoa, mites, insects and nematodes graze on a variety of established early invaders so that complex mixed populations are common. At the least, bacteria, fungi and their extracellular products regularly coexist on even marginal substrates.
Unequal representation of the temporal and nasal retina in an anomalous projection to the lateral thalamus.

Study of an anomalously regenerated, nontopographically organized retinal projection in the frog olfactory cortex revealed that the temporal retina is the main source of this projection, suggesting the existence of specific temporal fiber-directed attractant or trophic influences. In the present study, we examined the organization of an anomalous retinal projection that forms in the frog thalamus after ablation of the optic tectum. The projections from different sectors of the retina were studied by means of the anterograde transport of biotinylated dextran-amine (BDA) delivered to incisions made across the nerve fiber layer in frogs surviving ablation of the contralateral tectal hemisphere for 13-46 weeks. The projections from nasal retinal sectors were always lightly constructed in the aberrant terminal field, whereas their projections to the lateral geniculate complex remained reasonably strong. In contrast, the projections from temporal retinal sectors, though also weak initially, in time became robust and filled the aberrant field over most of its extent. The specific amplification of the temporal fiber projection now observed in two foreign targets provides further evidence for the existence of target-based, attractant/trophic molecules with functional specificity for temporal retinal fibers. That such agents can exist or be inducible in a foreign area would suggest that they belong to a family of molecules having natural biological activity in normal development or regeneration. However, the possibility that the augmented role of the temporal retina in these projections is a result of experience-based plasticity is also discussed.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for the treatment of adolescent morbid obesity in the United States: a safe alternative to gastric bypass

Abstract Background Morbid obesity (MO) has reached epidemic proportions and is a major health problem in developed nations. In the adolescent with MO, early intervention can minimize obesity-related comorbidities, avoid premature mortality, improve quality of life, and prevent obesity-related diseases as these patients mature into adulthood. The primary surgical treatment of adolescent patients meeting National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery has been the gastric bypass (GB). Although GB has led to weight loss and improvement of comorbid conditions, concerns remain over the high incidence of postoperative complications and life-style–altering long-term sequelae of gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. Based on the excellent results from international adult series as well as the authors' own experience of more than 300 adult patients, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) as an alternative to GB to eligible adolescents was offered. Methods After medical, psychologic, and nutritional screening, 4 patients (ages 17-19 years) with a body mass index of 40 or more (range, 40-61) who failed medical attempts at weight loss were selected for LAGB. Results The operative time was 40 to 90 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery. There were no early complications. One patient had cholecystitis 6 months after surgery requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For the 4 patients, the amount of excess weight loss was 57% at 30 months, 34% at 12 months, 87% at 7 months, and 15% at 4 months, respectively. Conclusions In this preliminary series of the US experience in the use of LAGB for the management of adolescents with MO, the lack of operative morbidity, short operative time/hospital stay, and encouraging initial weight loss mirror the adult experience and illustrate that the LAGB is a safe and effective alternative to GB. These encouraging results support further evaluation of LAGB as a surgical option in a comprehensive adolescent weight loss program.