cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous induction of breathing in perinatal rats

We tested the hypothesis that cutaneous stimulation present during perinatal life induces and maintains breathing in fetal and neonatal rats. Late-gestation (Day 21) rat fetuses with intact umbilical connections were externalized from the uterus of a spinally transected dam. In the first experiment, fetuses were externalized into air heated to intrauterine temperature (37.5°C) and were either stroked with a brush for 2 min to mimic the dam’s postpartum licking or not stroked. The single episode of stimulation more than doubled fetal breathing rates for the duration of a 1-h test, demonstrating facultative effects of cutaneous stimulation on perinatal respiratory behavior. In the second experiment, we investigated the effects of simulated maternal licking on pups’ postpartum breathing rates. Fetuses were exposed to a regime mimicking birth in which the amniotic sac was removed, the fetus was exposed to postpartum nest temperature (26°C), and its umbilical cord was occluded. Subjects were then exposed to (1) brush stroking, to mimic maternal licking at birth; (2) body compression, to simulate effects of uterine contractions during labor; (3) body compression followed by stroking; or (4) neither compression nor stroking. Compressed and/or stroked pups showed similar, rapid respiratory rates. Most of the noncompressed, nonstroked controls did not; only 25% of the nonstimulated pups were respiring at the end of the test. The third experiment addressed potential confounds which might arise from the fetuses’ exposure to anesthesia prior to respiratory measurements. Fetuses delivered by cesarean section without anesthesia were either stroked or remained undisturbed. Pups in a vaginal delivery control group were removed from the nest after 2 min of postpartum licking by the dam. All of the stroked and vaginally delivered pups were respiring after 1 h, in contrast to 25% of the nonstroked controls. Together, these results suggest that cutaneous stimulation, delivered in amounts that approximate biological values, provides a powerful stimulus to perinatal respiratory behavior. In conjunction with previous work, these findings support the view that fetal sensory experience plays an important role in mediating the cascade of adaptive adjustments required for the transition from fetus to newborn.
Elucidating the Nature and Mechanism of Tic Improvement in Tourette Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Background: For unclear reasons, many Tourette syndrome (TS) children report near‐complete tic remission by young adulthood. Immature maturation of brain networks, observed with resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fc‐MRI) in adolescents and adults with TS, might evolve to a mature pattern in adults who experience tic improvement or remission. We explored the feasibility of testing this hypothesis in our population of young adult TS males, each with prior clinical assessments completed during childhood as part of a separate TS Association Genetics Consortium study. Methods: A total of 10 TS males (off tic suppressing drugs for at least 6 months) aged 19–32 years, mean follow‐up interval 7.5 (2 to 13) years, and 11 neurologically normal controls were enrolled and underwent 3‐Tesla structural and rs‐fc‐MRI sequences. Results: The mean change in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was −31.5% (total) and −26.6% (YGTSS motor+vocal). Two subjects reported resolution of tic‐related disability, with drops from mean 45 to 16.5 (YGTSS‐total) and 25 to 11.5 (YGTSS motor+vocal.). Rs‐fc‐MRI revealed significantly increased connectivity between the ipsilateral anterior and mid cingulate cortex and striatum, increased connectivity between local connections, and decreased connectivity between more distant connections; representing an immature connectivity pattern. Discussion: Similar to previous reports, we found immature patterns of functional connectivity in adult TS subjects. Despite a lack of complete tic remission, two subjects exhibited dramatic drops in tic severity that correlated with tic‐related disability improvement. More work is needed to elucidate the mechanism of such dramatic improvement in TS.
Mitochondrial energy-transducing nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase. Purification and properties of the proteinase K-bisected enzyme.

Abstract The mitochondrial proton-translocating nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase is embedded in the inner membrane as a homodimer of monomer Mr = 109,288. Its N-terminal 430 residues and C-terminal 200 residues protrude into the matrix, whereas its central 400 residues appear to intercalate into the inner membrane as 14 hydrophobic clusters of about 20 residues each (Yamaguchi, M., and Hatefi, Y. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 5728-5735). Treatment of mitoplasts (mitochondria denuded of outer membrane) with several proteolytic enzymes cleaves the transhydrogenase into a 72-kDa N-terminal and a 37-kDa C-terminal fragment. The cleavage site of proteinase K was determined to be Ala690-Ala691, which is located in a small loop of the transhydrogenase exposed on the cytosolic side of the inner membrane. This paper shows that the bisected transhydrogenase can be purified from proteinase K-treated mitoplasts with retention of greater than or equal to 85% transhydrogenase activity. The inactivation rate of the bisected enzyme by trypsin and N-ethylmaleimide was altered in the presence of NADP and NADPH, suggesting substrate-induced conformation changes similar to those reported previously for the intact transhydrogenase. Also, like the intact enzyme, proteoliposomes of the bisected transhydrogenase were capable of membrane potential formation and internal acidification coupled to NADPH----NAD transhydrogenation. The properties of the bisected transhydrogenase have been discussed in relation to those of the two-subunit Escherichia coli transhydrogenase, the bisected lac permease (via gene restriction), and the fragmented and reconstituted bacteriorhodopsin.
Soil signature simulation in the thermal infrared

Soil emissivity signatures were constructed using the digital imaging and remote sensing image gen- eration (DIRSIG) model and Blender three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design software. Using these tools, the geometry, radiometry, and chemistry of quartz were exploited to model the presence of particle size effects in the thermal spectra of disturbed soil. Using the physics engines within the Blender 3-D graphic design software, a physical representation of a granular soil scene was created. Chemical and optical properties of pure quartz were assigned to particles in the scene based on particle size. The spectral signature of disturbed soil was modeled by the physical mixture of small fine particles (50 μm diameter) and larger grains (500 μm diameter). The study demonstrated that by combining realistic target geometry and spectral measurements of pure quartz, emissivity of complex soil mixtures could be modeled without functional data fitting or rigorous analysis of material dynamics. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction
The End of Anthropology, Again: On the Future of an In/Discipline

ABSTRACT The “End of Anthropology” has been predicted many times and for many different reasons—among them, its disappearing object of study, its political imbrication in colonialism, the loss of its distinctive concepts, and the effects of globalization in diffusing its received subject matter. And yet, both institutionally and discursively, the discipline is very much alive, producing new species of knowledge, new theoretical discourses, new empirical interests, new arguments. How, in light of this, do we read the history of its present? By what means is its “end” to be avoided, its future(s) assured? Where should it go from here, empirically, methodologically, theoretically? One answer lies in a new indiscipline, a discourse that, in dialectic tension with the contemporary world in which it is embedded, redefines the scale, the conceptual foundations, and the techniques of knowledge production of anthropology.
Enhancement of (polyA+)RNA synthesis in light in isolated intact photoreceptor cells of the rat.

Abstract Incorporation of [3H]-cytidine into messenger RNAs (polyadenylated RNAs) was enhanced in light in isolated intact photoreceptor cells of the rat. The increase in polyadenylated (PolyA+)RNAs appeared selective relative to other photoreceptor RNAs since incorporation of [3H]-cytidine into this fraction was up to 10-fold higher while labeling of total cellular RNAs was only two-to three-fold higher in light compared with dark. The photoreceptor cells were isolated in vivo through destruction of inner retina neurons with injections of combinations of neurotoxic substances during early postnatal development. The photoreceptor cells attained normal adult morphology and function: the a-wave of the electroretinogram, as well as the thickness of the outer nuclear layer and the length of photoreceptor inner and outer segments, were found to be within the normal range at 4 and 10 weeks of age. In addition to RNA synthesis, such photoreceptor cell preparations when incubated in vitro demonstrated a capacity for regulating light-dependent sodium fluxes comparable to that within the intact retina. The potential usefulness of this model for exploring the molecular biology of photoreceptor cells is discussed.
Polyhalo-organometallic and -organometalloidal compounds XXIV. Perhaloaromatic organosiloxanes☆

Abstract From the reaction of pentahalogenophenyllithium and pentachlorophenylmagnesium chloride wit α,ω-dichloropolysiloxanes, linear di- and tri-siloxanes, end-blocked with perhaloaromatic groups were prepared. Siloxane analogs of paracyclophanes were prepared by the reaction of 1,3-dichlorotetramethyldisiloxane with 1,4-dilithio-2,3,5,6-tetrahalobenzene. Infrared spectral data are given for some of the compounds reported.
Suppression of spontaneous LH surges in estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats by microimplants of antiestrogens into the preoptic brain.

Studies by others have shown that parenteral administration of antiestrogens blocks the positive feedback effect of estrogen on the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge mechanism. Since all estrogen-accumulating cells could be affected by this treatment, it is difficult to identify the site(s) at which this steroid acts to affect LH surges. In the present study we attempted to deprive specific hypothalamic neurons of estrogen by stereotaxically implanting antiestrogen-containing microcannulae into the brains of ovariectomized (OVX) rats which, otherwise, were completely estrogenized. The animal model used in these studies was the 14-day OVX rat into which 2 estradiol-containing Silastic capsules were inserted s.c. on day 14 (day 0). Microcannulae were placed into either the medial or lateral preoptic nuclei (MPN, LPN) on day 0 and the effects on LH release were examined 2 days later (day 2). When empty cannulae were placed into the MPN or LPN, 6 of 7 and 8 of 8 rats, respectively, had normal spontaneous LH surges. In contrast, when cannulae containing either CI-628, LY 10074 or Keoxifene were implanted into MPN only 33.3, 0, and 14.3% of the rats, respectively, had LH surges by 16.00 h on day 2 (time of LH peak). When antiestrogen-containing cannulae were placed into the LPN, all rats displayed normal LH patterns of release and concentrations. The antiestrogens did not prevent estrogen from suppressing elevated high post-ovariectomy plasma LH concentrations (negative feedback). To evaluate whether Keoxifene affected releasable luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), we examined the effects of MPN-Keoxifene implants on LH secretion evoked by electrochemical stimulation (ECS) of the MPN or the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). In ketamine-anesthetized rats with empty cannulae, plasma LH increased significantly to reach peak concentrations 30-45 min after ECS. Similar LH concentrations and release patterns occurred in rats with the antiestrogen implant. Other studies examined the effects of MPN-Keoxifene implants on norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and rate constants following administration of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. NE concentrations and rate constants in the MPN and median eminence did not differ significantly in rats which had received empty versus Keoxifene-containing microcannulae. In the final series of studies we examined the response of LH-RH neurons to an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of norepinephrine (20 micrograms). Plasma LH peaked within 10 min after i.c.v. NE and, thereafter, declined towards baseline. Keoxifene did not affect LH-RH neuronal responsiveness to i.c.v. NE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Energy levels of 175 Hf

The reaction175Hf(d, t)175Hf was studied using 12 MeV deuterons from the Florida State University super FN tandem Van de Graaff accelerator. The outgoing tritons were analyzed by means of a Browne-Buechner type broad range magnetic spectrograph. Twenty-four states in175Hf have been identified and fifteen states have been given wave function assignments on the basis of the spectroscopy associated with rotational band structure in deformed odd-A nuclei. TheQ-value for the reaction was measured to be −1925±8 keV.
Contamination control engineering design guidelines for the aerospace community

Thermal control surfaces, solar arrays, and optical devices may be adversely affected by a small quantity of molecular and/or particulate contamination. What is rarely discussed is how one: (1) quantifies the level of contamination that must be maintained in order for the system to function properly, and (2) enforces contamination control to ensure compliance with requirements. This document is designed to address these specific issues and is intended to serve as a handbook on contamination control for the reader, illustrating process and methodology while providing direction to more detailed references when needed. The effects of molecular contamination on reflecting and transmitting surfaces are examined and quantified in accordance with MIL STD 1246C. The generation, transportation, and deposition of molecular contamination is reviewed and specific examples are worked to illustrate the process a design engineer can use to estimate end of life cleanliness levels required by solar arrays, thermal control surfaces, and optical surfaces. A similar process is used to describe the effect of particulate contamination as related to percent area coverage (PAC) and bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). Relationships between PAC and surface cleanliness, which include the effects of submicron sized particles, are developed and BRDF is related to specific sensor design parameters such as Point Source Transmittance (PST). The pros and cons of various methods of preventing, monitoring, and cleaning surfaces are examined and discussed.
Identifying Tiers of Influence in Artificial Intelligence Research: I

As a step in the direction of helping researchers, students, and developers to stay abreast of ongoing research work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in general, and expert systems (ES) in particular, we have conducted a large-scale citation analysis to identify the most influential journals for AI/ES research. We use a multifaceted methodology for assessing journal influence (i.e. quality and relevance). The methodology assesses each cited journals from two sets of base journals on several dimensions: breadth of recognition, consistency of recognition, trend of recognition, and intensity of recognition. Here, in Part I, we describe how these assessments are established objectively via data collected from base journals with a general AI focus. Part II will extend the set of base journals to include those that are devoted to expert systems (ES) research. The main results are tiers and a ranking that identify the most influential, important journals publishing AI/ES research. © 1996 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Green Health: Urban Planning and the Development of Healthy and Sustainable Neighborhoods and Schools

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that alterations in individual behaviors alone are not sufficient to change the course of the enduring public health epidemics such as childhood obesity. Ins...
Fibrinogen seattle II: Congenital dysfibrinogenenia with an ARG (Aα16) → his substitution

Abstract Incubation of fibrinogen Seattle II with thrombin (17 u/ml) resulted in the release of two forms of fibrinopeptide A (FpA) which were resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography. Amino acid analysis disclosed that the abnormal FpA contained histidine in place of arginine. At lower, approximately physiologic thrombin concentrations only half the normal amount of FpA was released, and fibrinopeptide B (FpB) release was delayed. The effect of this substitution on the time course of fibrinopeptide release is consistent with conclusions drawn from other studies on the kinetics of fibrino-peptide release, viz, that prior removal of FpA is not required before FpB hydrolysis by thrombin, and that optimal rates of FpB release occur after formation of fibrin I polymer.
Ultrasound‐aided extrusion process for preparation of polypropylene–clay nanocomposites

Two methods for the fabrication of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites using a continuous ultrasound assisted process are compared. In the first approach, a two-stage process was implemented. The nanocomposites were prepared by using a corotating twin-screw extruder followed by a single-screw extruder equipped with an ultrasonic die attachment. In the second method, a single-stage process was used. The nanocomposites were compounded by using a single-screw extruder with mixing elements and an ultrasonic die attachment. Two regimens of feeding were realized, namely, starved and flood feeding. The gap size in the ultrasonic treatment zone was varied. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. Similarities and differences of nanocomposites obtained by these two methods are discussed on the basis of their rheological and mechanical properties and their structural characteristics. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 13:40–45, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
SIMS depth profiling of deuterium labeled polymers in polymer multilayers

Abstract Thin planar polymer films are model systems for probing physical phenomena related to molecular confinement at polymer surfaces and polymer/polymer interfaces. Existing experimental techniques such as forward recoil spectrometry (FRES) and neutron reflectometry (NR) have been used extensively for analysis of these systems, although they suffer from relatively low depth resolution (FRES) or difficulties associated with inversion to real space (NR). In contrast, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) can provide real-space depth profiles of tracer labeled polymers directly with sufficient depth resolution for optimal analyses of these systems. Deuterated polystyrene (dPS) has been employed as the tracer polymer and has been embedded in a matrix of either unlabeled polystyrene (PS) or poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (PCHMA). These doped films have been placed on either poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (P2VP) and thermally annealed. Varied analysis conditions for a magnetic sector SIMS instrument (CAMECA IMS-6f) were used to optimize the depth resolution and detection sensitivity while minimizing matrix effects and sample charging. Both Cs+ and O2+ primary ions have been used along with detection of negative and positive secondary ions, respectively. Impact energy and primary ion species have been shown to affect matrix secondary ion count rate for the various films studied.
A prairie perspective on global warming and climate change

The Great Plains blankets eight states. It is dotted with oil patches, public utilities, farms, ranches, feed lots, meat-packing plants, medium size cities, military bases and tiny towns feeding on agricultural activity. The question is: what can leaders do for a desperate and aging population in a global warming environment to bring full employment to the region. This paper explores opportunities to capitalise upon environmentally friendly farming practices and agricultural waste to produce jobs, money, commercial opportunities, marketable sod, fertilisers, methane, electricity and securities (from the Chicago Climate Exchange) as answers for this question. The paper recounts the use of man made wetlands to sequester CO2; by-products from coal fired power plants; landfill methane; methane digesters and soil carbon projects to arrest heat and contribute to the campaign against global warming.
Measurement variability in infant and maternal behavioral assessment

Evaluations of methodological assessments sometimes show similar, sometimes different patterns of findings reflective of different approaches to the same problem. In this study, frequencies of behaviors of infants and mothers in two cultures based on continuous coding were compared with frequencies based on time-sampling, and resulting patterns of findings were evaluated. Time-sampling and continuous coding give different estimates of absolute frequency of typical infant and maternal behaviors between individuals and between cultural groups. However, time-sampling adequately preserves the relative ranking of infant and mother behaviors among individuals and between cultural groups. If research is concerned with the relative standing of individuals and/or groups on frequency of infant or maternal behavior, then (under specified circumstances) time-sampling and continuous coding yield comparable results.
Clonal analysis of in vivo activated CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes from a melanoma patient responsive to active specific immunotherapy

To study in vivo activated cytolytic T cells, CD8+ T cells clones were isolated from a melanoma patient (HLA A2, A11) treated with active specific immunotherapy for 5 years. CD8+ T lymphocytes, purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, were cloned directly from the peripheral blood without antigen-presenting cells in the presence of irradiated autologous melanoma cells and recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4. These conditions were inhibitory to de novo in vitro immunization. Of the 28 cytolytic CD8+ T cell clones, 21 lysed the autologous melanoma cell line (M7) but not the autologous lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL-7) nor the two melanoma cell lines, M1 (HLA A28) and M2 (HLA A28, A31), used to immunize the patient. The remaining 7 clones were also melanoma-specific, although their reactivities were broader, lysing several melanoma cell lines but not HLA-matched lymphoblastoid cells. Eight clones from the first group, ostensibly self-MHC-restricted, were expanded for further analysis. All expressed cluster determinants characteristic of mature, activated T cells, but not those of thymocytes, naive T cells, B cells or natural killer (NK) cells. They also expressed CD13, a myeloid marker. Of the 8 clones, 3 expressed both CD4 and CD8, but dual expression was not correlated with specificity of lysis. Two CD8+ and 2 CD4+ CD8+ clones were specific for the autologous melanoma cells, the other 4 were also reactive against other HLA-A2-positive melanomas. Cytotoxicity for both singly and doubly positive clones was restricted by HLA class I but not class II antigens. Analysis of the RNA expression of the T cell receptor (TCR) Vα and Vβ gene segments revealed heterogeneous usage by the A2-restricted clones and, perhaps, also by the broadly melanoma-specific clones. Apparent TCR-restricted usage was noted for the self-MHC-restricted clones; 2 of the 4 expressed the Vα17/Vβ7 dimer. Since the T cell clones were derived from separate precursors of circulating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), the Vα17/Vβ7 TCR was well represented in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of this patient. In summary, we show that melanoma cells presented their own antigens to stimulate the proliferation of melanoma-reactive CD8+ CTL. CTL with a range of melanoma specificities and different TCR αβ dimers were encountered in this patient, perhaps as a result of hyperimmunization. Restricted TCR gene usage was noted only for classical self-MHC-restricted CD8+ T cell clones, although lysis of the autologous melanoma cells was effected by a variety of TCR structures. Molecular definition of the TCR repertoire of well-characterized T cell clones in this and other patients should provide new insight into the human antitumor immune response.
Microseisms from Superstorm Sandy

Abstract We analyzed and visualized the microseisms generated by Superstorm Sandy as recorded by the Earthscope Transportable Array (TA) during late October through early November of 2012. We applied continuous, frequency-dependent polarization analysis to the data and were able to track the course of Sandy as it approached the Florida coastline and, later, the northeastern coast of the U.S. The energy level of Sandy was roughly comparable to the background microseism level generated by wave–wave interactions in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. The maximum microseismic power and degree of polarization were observed across the TA when Sandy sharply changed its direction to the west–northwest (specifically, towards Long Island, New York) on October 29. The westward turn also briefly changed the dominant microseism period from 5 s to 8 s. We identified three other microseismic source regions during the 18 day observation period. In particular, peak-splitting in the double frequency band and the orientation of the 5 s and 8 s polarization vectors revealed two contemporaneous microseism sources, one in the North Atlantic and one in the Northeast Pacific, for the dates of November 3–4. Predictions of microseismic excitation based on ocean wave models showed consistency with the observed microseismic energy generated by Sandy and other storms.
Myofascial pain syndromes from trigger points

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common cause of acute and chronic pain that can complicate other medical illnesses and injuries. It is both defined by and diagnosed by the presence of the myofascial trigger point. Current studies indicate that the trigger point is a dysfunctional motor end plate whose abnormal activity is modulated in some way by the sympathetic nervous system. Pain syndromes arise from trigger points as causes of local pain and of referred pain. Referred pain from a few or from many muscle trigger points produces regional or generalized pain. Treatment requires the elimination of the trigger point by manual therapy or by trigger point injection and correction of the mechanical and medical factors that initiate and perpetuate it.
Abdominal irradiation in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas

The incidence of subdiaphragmatic relapses in a group of 170 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas treated with radiation to lymph-node bearing areas above and below the diaphragm is described. In patients treated with the standard inverted "Y" abdominal radiation portals, subdiaphragmatic relapses occurred in 29% of 132 patients. This high local failure rate may be attributed to the exclusion of many of the mesenteric lymph nodes and most of the liver and intestines from the irradiated fields. A safe and apparently effective radiation technique which treats the whole abdomen, used at Stanford in 38 patients since 1973, is described. Full thickness lead blocks protect the right hepatic lobe during the initial 1500-rad whole abdominal treatment (through anterior-posterior opposed fields). Horizontal decubitus (cross-table) lateral fields are then used to bring the para-aortic and mesenteric lymph node radiation doses to 3000 rads, followed by an additional 1400 rads through wide anterior-posterior ports, for a total central abdominal dose of 4400 rads. Dosimetric considerations, anatomic descriptions of subdiaphragmatic lymphatic drainage, complications of treatment, and the initial results of whole abdominal radiation therapy are also presented.
Biomarkers of exposure in community settings.

Biomonitoring is a valuable tool for assessing human exposures to chemical contaminants in the environment. Biomonitoring tests can be divided into biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility. In studies of community exposure to an environmental contaminant, biomarkers of exposure are most often used. The ideal biomarker should be sensitive, specific, biologically relevant, practical, inexpensive, and available. Seldom does a biomarker meet all of these criteria— most biomarkers represent a compromise of these criteria. In designing a community exposure study, consideration should also be given to the selection of the test population, the practicality of collecting biological samples, temporal or seasonal variations in exposure, the availability of background comparison ranges, and interpretation of the test results. Biomonitoring tests provide unequivocal evidence of exposure, but they do not typically identify the source of exposure. Furthermore, rarely do the test results predict a health outcom...
Applications of the PLATO computer system to research in social psychology

The use of the PLATO CAI system in psychological research is discussed. This discussion covers the use of the PLATO system for research in personal space, attribution, person perception, and group decision making. The aspects of the PLATO system that facilitate research in each of these topic areas are discussed in detail. Further modifications of the PLATO system that would enhance its applicability to psychological research are also discussed.
Prevention of Endotoxin-Induced Systemic Response by Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Mice

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) appear to be important in repair of the chronic lung injury caused by bleomycin in mice. To determine effects of these BMDMSCs on an acute infla...
Ecological systems engineering: toward integrated management of natural and human complexity in the ecosphere

Abstract Sustainability of the biosphere requires conscious and responsible management of available resources on a global scale. Up to now it has not been possible to deal with the full complexity of interaction between human society and nature. The complexity of tasks required to assure the base of human existence calls for means to overcome disciplinary fragmentation of knowledge. This paper discusses how modelling activities can contribute to interdisciplinary planning on a regional scale as parts of a global interaction network. Conceptual modelling workshops are advocated as the basis for a new type of institution elaborating management scenarios and political decision alternatives on the level of geographic landscape units. Interdisciplinary modelling, in its conceptualization phases, is seen as the basis for organizing such institutions to provide an interface between science and government, and achieve a more integrative science of holism to meet the needs of the next decades.
The Budd–Chiari Syndrome

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction may develop at the level of the hepatic venules, the large hepatic veins, the inferior vena cava, or the right atrium. Outflow obstruction results in increased hepatic sinusoidal pressure and portal hypertension. This review summarizes the causes of the Budd–Chiari syndrome and current management, including the use of anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytic therapy, transjugular intrahepatic shunts, surgical portosystemic shunts, and liver transplantation.
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization

Carbon and N mineralization in dried soils that are rewetted has been proposed as a rapid index of C and N mineralization potential and to reflect soil management, but further research is needed on effects of soil type and drying temperature for this approach. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maintaining soil field moisture or drying soil at 40, 60, or 100°C followed by rewetting and a 3-d incubation on C and N mineralization across diverse soil types. Strong correlations between C mineralized in 24 d from field moist soils vs. C mineralized in 24 h from soils dried at 40 or 60°C were observed. Carbon mineralization values for 24 vs. 3 d resulted in nearly linear relationships for all drying treatments. Nitrogen mineralization in 24 d from moist vs. dried at 40 or 60°C and rewetted soils were also highly correlated with field moist N mineralization. The drying and rewetting pre-incubation of soil followed by a 3-d incubation was shown to be a useful indicator of longer-term (24 d) C mineralization potential. Nitrogen mineralization potential may also be obtained after drying/rewetting at 40 or 60°C without the need for keeping soil in a continuously field-moist state.
Growth of normal faults: Displacement-length scaling

The form of the scaling relation between the displacement and length of faults has been a subject of considerable controversy because of insufficient scale range and scattered data. Here we report on displacement and length data collected from well-exposed normal faults located on the Volcanic Tableland in northern Owens Valley, California. These data, which exhibit little scatter, are from a fault population that spans three orders of magnitude in fault length and were gathered in a relatively uniform lithologic and tectonic setting. With the upper cooling surface of the middle Quaternary Bishop Tuff used as a marker, the displacement distribution along individual faults can be mapped in detail. The displacement distribution profiles are consistent with a linear relation between displacement and fault length.
All charm tetraquarks

We investigate four-body states with only charm quarks. Working in a large but finite oscillator basis, we present a net binding analysis to determine if the resulting states are stable against breakup into a pair of $c\overline{c}$ mesons. We find several close-lying bound states in the two models we examine.
Effects of the beta-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone on nicotine withdrawal and nicotine-induced reinstatement of preference in mice

Rationale Several studies suggest that repeated nicotine administration causes alterations in glutaminergic transmission that may play an important role in developing and maintaining nicotine addiction. Chronic nicotine administration in rats decreases the expression of the glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and cysteine–glutamate exchanger (system xC−) in the nucleus accumbens. We hypothesized that ceftriaxone, a GLT-1 and system xC− activator, would decrease murine behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence.
Generic terms and generic sentences

Whether or not the particular view of generic sentences articulated above is correct, it is quite clear that the study of generic terms and the truth-conditions of generic sentences touches on the representation of other parts of the grammar, as well as on how the world around us is reflected in language. I would hope that the problems mentioned above will highlight the relevance of semantic analysis to other apparently distinct questions, and focus attention on the relevance of linguistic problems to other already established areas of inquiry.
Acidity and electronegativity enhancement of C60 derivatives through cyano groups

We report the synthesis, characterization and physical properties of cyano and hydrocyano C60 derivatives. Electrochemical studies using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) have shown that cyano groups on C60 increase the reduction potential and acidity of the proton on C60. It was shown that the reduction peak of C60(CN)4 is 280 mV more positive than the corresponding C60 peak. It was also found that C60H(CN)3 is highly acidic. This compound was estimated to be a stronger acid than dichloroacetic acid.
Change-of-type behavior in viscoelastic slender jet models

In this paper a slender jet model of viscoelastic fluids which is asympotically derived from the full free surface boundary-value problem. The model system consists of four coupled quasi-linear differential equations in one space dimensions, where the nonlinear characteristics are given in closed form. Two characteristics are always real, two others may be real or complex, leaving open the possibility for change-of-type from hyperbolic to mixed elliptic/hyperbolic type. We proceed to exhibit exact solutions (constant, steady time dependent and space-time dependent) along which this model system undergoes a variety of change-of-type phenomena. Viewed purely as a one-dimensional (1-D) model for change-of-type, we explain the significance of type for the stability of these solutions and describe the numerical implications for each type. We also explain the physical significance of these model phenomena with respect to the original 3-D system, since these asymptotic equations are no longer valid once small-scale instabilities develop. Remarkably, these special solutions of the model system that exhibit change-of-type correspond to exact solutions of the 3-D Maxwell model with cylindrical free surface. The 1-D model equations, however, are not an invariant reduced system of the full 3-D free surface Maxwell model, so that the change-of-type exhibited here in the 1-D model is not directly responsible for a 3-D free surface change-of-type. Regularizations of this model as a catastrophic change-of-type develops are suggested.
Diagnostic Modeling of the Indian Monsoon Onset. Part II: Budget and Sensitivity Studies

Abstract A one-dimensional diagnostic coupled air–sea model (described in the companion paper) is applied to the analysis of the heat and moisture budgets over the Arabian Sea during the 1979 monsoon onset period. The surface energy budget, which is dominated by a balance between net shortwave radiation and latent heat during the preonset period, is significantly altered just prior to the onset itself. At that time, cloud cover sharply increases and the net shortwave flux correspondingly decreases. Subsequently, increasing surface winds produce a large increase in the latent heat flux a few days after the onset. In the free atmosphere, the heat budget displays a similarly dramatic change. At 500 mb, radiative fluxes and horizontal and vertical advection dominate the heat budget before the onset. After the onset, however, the budget is primarily a balance between deep convective heating and vertical advective cooling. The 500-mb moisture budget displays a correspondingly strong effect. Before the onset, ho...
Adsorption effects in rejection of macromolecules by ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract Rejection of adsorbing solutes by ultrafiltration membranes is not adequately described by the steric rejection theory [3]. Solute adsorption (fouling) changes the shape of the rejection curve. Typically, the measured curves are steeper than the theoretical curve. The shape of the curve can be predicted qualitatively from simple theoretical considerations. For adsorbing solutes, single-solute and multiple-solute ultrafiltration experiments give different results. Relative thickness of adsorbed solute layer in a membrane pore was found to depend on (1) solute size, (2) solute hydrophobicity, (3) pH and ionic strength for a protein solute, (4) solute concentration, and (5) time of adsorption. Large differences observed between water fluxes and fluxes of very dilute polymer solutions through the same membrane are also interpreted in terms of solute adsorption.
The dust shells of novae and supernovae

Abstract Over a decade ago the infrared observations of classical novae showed conclusively that these objects are associated at outburst with substantial dust shells. Even before such observations were made however, theoretical work had predicted that supernovae should be sites of extensive dust formation. In this review we describe in detail the observational and theoretical work subsequently carried out for both types of object. As is often the case, many results are surprising, others verify suggestions stretching back to the mid 1930's. Overall the work described herein not only tells us much about the physics of Cosmic dust formation, but also a great deal about the outbursts of classical novae and supernovae in general.
Nanocatalyst fabrication and the production of hydrogen by using photon energy

Abstract An experimental and analytical study of nanocatalyst fabrication and the production of hydrogen utilizing photon energy was carried out. The porous structure of the nanocatalyst provides a high surface to volume ratio of the catalytic layer thereby increasing the activity of the catalyst. An experiment was carried out to obtain an effective nanocatalyst by using pulsed laser ablation (PLA) technology. The properties of the nanocatalyst are directly related to the performance of the catalytic reaction and are analyzed. Experiments and analyses were carried out to evaluate the activity enhancement of the nanocatalyst. Photonic energy provides the heat for the endothermic steam–methanol reforming reaction producing hydrogen. It is shown that photonic induced steam–methanol reforming in a nanocatalyst reformer is feasible and promising.
Long-term culture of contractile mammalian heart cells in a defined serum-free medium that limits non-muscle cell proliferation

Myocardial cells are conventionally maintained in a healthy state in tissue culture by including animal serum in the incubation medium. However, serum-containing media are complex, undefined, and variable mixtures of hormones, nutrients, binding proteins, growth factors and other constituents that may hinder biochemically defined experiments. In addition, serum-associated mitogens stimulate proliferation of non-myogenic cells that usually contaminate these cultures. Thus, long-term metabolic experiments on cultured cardiac cells usually involve a mixture of cell types. We demonstrate here that rat myocardial cells can be maintained in a viable, contractile state for many weeks in a simple serum-free medium that contains certain chemically defined supplements. We screened various serum constituents that are known to be anabolic for myocardium, but that are not mitogenic for mesenchymal cells (e.g. fibroblasts). We found that a mixture of insulin, thyroid hormone, testosterone, and the iron-binding protein transferrin maintained levels of protein synthesis in myocardial cell cultures near the levels achieved with fetal bovine serum supplement, and reduced catabolism of proteins measured directly and by monitoring net changes in protein levels in the cultures. Although insulin alone accounted for the amelioration of protein balance, the other hormone supplements contributed to long-term preservation of contraction and morphologic integrity. In contrast to serum, these supplements alone or in combination did not support the proliferation of non-contractile fibroblastoid cells isolated from rat myocardium. Application of this novel approach should facilitate many types of heretofore difficult studies that require biochemical definition and cellular homogeneity.
NMR Characterization of the Structure and Dynamics of a Cavitand–SDS Complex

A combination of NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling yields the structure of the host–guest complex formed between sodium dodecyl sulfate and a cavitand. Nuclear Overhauser enhancements and ring-current shifts indicate that bound SDS adopts two conformations. Molecular modelling and an analysis of exchange-broadened NMR line shapes support the kinetic model for the binding.
Community engagement as a component of revitalization: Lessons learned from the Technical Outreach Services to Communities programme

Abstract Community involvement has been identified as an important factor in the successful redevelopment of contaminated land, and access to technical resources has been a barrier for some communities. This paper describes how the US Environmental Protection Agency funded Technical Outreach Services to Communities programme was used to support four communities involved in land revitalization. The four New England case studies were used to retrospectively draw lessons learned that could be useful to others interested in similar community work. We suggest that the broad lessons point to four factors for success, namely, where there is: (1) a common vision in the community; (2) a cohesive community; (3) an opportunity for co-learning; and (4) a commitment among the parties for long-term engagement. We conclude that technical support can serve as a useful framework for developing trustful and long-term relationships with communities.
An incentive to shirk, privately held information, and managers' project evaluation decisions

Abstract A significant body of research indicates that managers often continue projects which logically should be discontinued to prevent subsequent losses to their firms. Affective explanations are usually provided for these apparently illogical decisions; for example, feelings of personal responsibility may bias the managers' evaluation of a project. In contrast, this study employs two agency theory concepts to investigate whether a rational explanation may exist for these decisions. A decision-making experiment was performed to examine the prediction that project managers who both experienced an incentive to shirk and possessed privately held information would exhibit a greater tendency to continue a project which was expected to become unprofitable than would those who experienced only one or neither of these conditions. Consistent with agency theory, the results indicate these two factors interact, providing support for the predicted relationships. Implications for the design of management incentive and control systems and suggestions for further research are presented.
Resection of ‘recurrent’ colorectal metastases to the liver

Hepatic resection is the only treatment for patients with colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver that has resulted in long-term survival. This apparent efficacy of hepatectomy has prompted efforts to expand the surgical approach for disease progression within the liver. A review of personal experience and of the literature was performed in an attempt to define the role of surgery for disease progression. Twenty-one patients who underwent hepatic resection between 1983 and 1991 for isolated disease progression in the liver were retrospectively reviewed. The median follow-up of patients still alive was 1.7 years (range 4 months to 4.5 years). The median survival from the date of repeat hepatic resection was 3.4 years with an estimated actuarial survival rate of 43 per cent at 4 years. These patients experienced no significant morbidity and the mortality rate was 5 per cent. Hepatic resection of metastatic colorectal carcinoma can produce long-term survival without prohibitive risk. These findings support an aggressive surgical approach for metastatic progression in the liver from colorectal carcinoma.