cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Level for Alfalfa and Corn Silage-Based Diets: II. Nitrogen Balance and Manure Characteristics

This N balance study was completed with 48 multiparous Holstein cows (body weight [BW] = 653 kg; days in milk = 89) blocked by calving date and assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The total mixed ration included alfalfa silage (AS) or corn silage (CS) as the primary forage source (41 and 14% vs. 14 and 41% of diet dry matter (DM), respectively) and were formulated for recommended (RP) or excessive (HP) amounts of rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) according to the guidelines of the National Research Council (NRC). Crude protein (CP) averaged 16.5, 18.0, 16.4, and 17.3% for the AS-RP; AS-HP; CS-RP; and CS-HP diet, respectively (DM basis). Regardless of primary forage source, the reduction in dietary CP to the NRC guidelines tended to improve milk yield (43.4 vs. 41.0 kg/d) but did not alter 3.5% fat-corrected milk (37.0 kg/d) or milk true protein yield (1167 g/d). In this trial, cows fed the CS-based diets consumed less DM than those fed the AS-based diets in part because of rumen acidosis. The adverse effect of low rumen pH was accompanied by an increase in urinary N (UN) as a percentage of N intake, but did not alter milk yield. Notwithstanding partial confounding, fecal N (FN) was 49 g/d lower (213 vs. 164 g/d), UN was unchanged (229 g/d), but milk N tended to be higher (194 vs. 206 g/d) when cows were fed the CS-based diets compared with AS-based diets. Compared with the HP diets, cows fed the RP diets had similar FN (189 g/d) and milk N (200 g/d), but UN and urine urea N were reduced by 41 g/d (249 vs. 208 g/d) and 40 g/d (210 vs. 171 g/d), respectively. Fecal N concentration was higher for CS-based diets, but urinary N concentration was higher for AS-based diets. The reduction in dietary CP did not influence these concentrations but lowered urine volume. The metabolic relationships between energy and protein in determining the fate of excess dietary N (primarily in the form of excess RUP in this trial) was illustrated by a 17% increase in the UN to FN ratio for cows fed AS-HP compared with the AS-RP diet and a 42% increase in the UN to FN ratio for CS-HP compared with CS-RP diet, when cows' energy status was compromised because of rumen acidosis. In this trial, UN ranged from 150 to 320 g/d, and was best predicted as UN (g/d) = 0.0283 x BW (kg) x milk urea N (mg/dL). The NRC protein guidelines should not be exceeded to avoid unnecessary losses of manure N and, in particular, urine urea N.
Tripelennamine effects on body and organ weights, water intake, and several behaviors of rats

Abstract The effects of 14 daily injections of tripelennamine on several dependent measures were determined in groups of rats that received 0.0 (vehicle only), 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, or 16.0 mg/kg of the drug. Tripelennamine did not affect body weights, organ weights (heart, liver, adrenals, kidneys), or blood glucose levels. Daily water intake was, however, directly and significantly related to tripelennamine dose. The drug failed to influence performance in a grasping response assay, or locomotion as measured in running wheels when rats received footshocks immediately before assessment of locomotion. Tripelennamine did significantly reduce locomotion when rats were not shocked before testing. Nociception, as measured via a hot-plate assay, also was altered by the drug. Here, rats exposed to 16 mg/kg evinced paw-lick latencies far greater than those that received lower doses. These results indicate that tripelennamine produces observable behavioral effects at doses which are not obviously toxic.
A ten-coordinate lead complex with an unusual 2-6-2 coordination polyhedron

Etude structurale du complexe Pb(PHENSC) (NO 3 ) 2 avec PHENSC=diformyl-2,9 phenanthroline-1,10 disemicarbazone
Mutations of the conserved DRS motif in the second intracellular loop of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor affect expression, activation, and internalization.

The GnRH receptor is an unusual member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily with several unique features. One of these is a variant of the conserved DRY motif that is located at the junction of the third transmembrane domain and the second intracellular (2i) loop of most GPCRs. In the GnRH receptor, the Tyr residue of the conserved triplet is replaced by Ser, giving a DRS sequence. The aspartate and arginine residues of the triplet are highly conserved in almost all GPCRs. The functional importance of these residues was evaluated in wild type and mutant GnRH receptors expressed in COS-7 cells. Mutants in which Asp138 was replaced by Asn or Glu were poorly expressed, but showed significantly increased internalization and exhibited augmented inositol phosphate generation to maximal agonist stimulation compared with the wild type receptor. In contrast, receptors in which Arg139 was substituted with Gln, Ala, or Ser showed reduced internalization, and the GnRH-induced inositol phosphate respon...
A revision of Rhododendron section Pentanthera

Rhododendron sect. Pentanthera G. Don (Ericaceae) comprises a group of closely related, highly ornamental plants which are commonly called ‘azaleas'. Thirteen of the fifteen species recognized in this section are indigenous to North America. One species (R. molle) is native to Japan and China, and one species (R. luteum) is indigenous to the Caucasus region. Phylogenetic analysis of the species within the section indicates that R. molle is the sister to the rest of the section. It is the sole member of R. subsect. Sinensia. The remaining species form a monophyletic group recognized as R. subsect. Pentanthera. Within this subsection the presence of a blotch on the upper corolla lobe defines two primarily orange to red-flowered groups. The first group has a Tertiary Period disjunct distribution and comprises R. luteum, R. austrinum and R. occidentale. The second group is indigenous to eastern North America and comprises R. calendulaceum, R. cumberlandense, R. flammeum, R. prunifolium and R. alabamense. In both groups the cladistically basal species has white flowers with a yellow blotch on the upper corolla lobe (R. occidentale, R. alabamense, respectively). The pink to white early flowering species R. canescens, R. periclymenoides and R. prinophyllum do not form a monophyletic group.Phenetic analyses indicate that the eastern Asian taxon, R. molle, is best recognized as one species with two geographical subspecies; Rhododendron prinophyllum is quite distinct from R. canescens and R. periclymenoides. The latter two species are very similar morphologically, but their similarities are due to the retention of primitive characters and they should be recognized as distinct species. Rhododendron calendulaceum can be distinguished from R. cumberlandense using a combination of morphological and phenological characters. The various taxa previously segregated out of R. viscosum are merely extreme forms of a widespread and variable species and are not given any formal rank. No subspecific taxa are recognized for R. occidentale. Distribution maps, keys to the species, species descriptions and specimen citations are included.
A study of scheduling under the theory of constraints

In this study, the implementation of the theory of constraints (TOC) rules for job-shop systems to advance the state of research on constraint scheduling is investigated. Most previous studies have applied the TOC concepts and rules to simple process flows, but the nature of job-shop systems adds complexity to scheduling. The current rules of thumb for scheduling based on the TOC are implemented for a case study in the automotive industry. A number of simulation scenarios are discussed, providing insights into the master production schedule (MPS), the drum–buffer–rope (DBR) scheduling method, the role of setup times in scheduling, the impact of free products (those that do not use constraint resources) on throughput, and the effect of priority rules in resource assignment to free products. Moreover, optimization techniques are used to find optimal and/or satisfactory solutions for input variables in the simulation experiment. Our findings suggest that the current rules of thumb should be modified for real-world applications and complex job-shop systems.
Mirror enclosures for double-exposure solar collectors

Abstract A conventional flat-plate collector panel can be employed in a double-exposure configuration when the panel is glazed on both sides and when mirrors are provided to reflect solar radiation onto the back side of the panel. In this paper, several flat-mirror configurations are evaluated and optimal configurations are determined for different solar energy applications at lat. 35, 40 and 45°. The various mirror configurations are evaluated theoretically by calculating direct-beam and diffuse solar radiation enhancement factors. The enhancement factors are defined as the ratio of the solar flux absorbed by both sides of a double-exposure panel to that absorbed by an identical single-exposure panel tilted at the latitude angle from the horizontal. The enhancement factors are calculated using the method of images and take account of the variation of glazing transmittance with incident angle. Optimal mirror configurations were determined for direct-beam solar radiation for both fixed-mirror configurations and adjustable-mirror configurations with semi-annual mirror rotations. Optimal fixed-mirror configurations were obtained for both winter space-heating and year-round applications. An adjustable-mirror configuration, however, was determined to be optimal for year-round solar collection and overall to be most adaptable to a variety of solar energy applications. The same adjustable-mirror configuration was determined to be optimal at all three latitudes and therefore a single design can be employed at diverse locations.
The management of stages I, II, and III Hodgkin's disease with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

An analysis and progress report is presented of the randomized clinical trials testing the value of adjuvant MOPP chemotherapy with irradiation in the management of Hodgkin's disease. The 213 patients with Stages IA through IIIB have been followed for periods of up to 64 months. The chemotherapy controls the occult disease, resulting in significant improvement in disease-free survival (p = .002). Over-all survival is not yet affected, however, with combined 5-year survival results of 92% and 88% in the two groups. The treatment program is difficult but feasible. No increased incidence of second malignancies has been observed in this study group. It is premature to conclude that adjuvant MOPP chemotherapy is indicated in the radiation management of Hodgkin's disease.
EJPH Policy Forum: risk adjustment strategies in three social health insurance countries.

It is not uncommon for national decision makers to find themselves wrestling Lacoon-like with inextricably contradictory health policy impulses. The effort to combine the economic efficiencies of competitive markets with the social responsibility of solidaristic health insurance can be viewed as one such instance.' The complexity of this conceptual struggle in Social Health Insurance (SHI) systems is intensified by a desire to enable citizens to choose their health insurance provider, in the belief that this will increase the quality of care they receive from health care providers. Attempts to resolve this prickly health policy conundrum typically have placed considerable emphasis on one or another relatively intricate mechanism of risk compensation. According to economic theory, such mechanisms can encourage both competitive behaviour among multiple health insurers and citizen choice of insurer without allowing the types of opportunistic behaviour (risk relation, selective disenrollment) that would jeopardize solidarity. These risk compensation mechanisms are often highly technical in nature and, as a consequence, discussions of their composition and character have tended to occur on the specialist periphery of the health reform debate. The central role that these mechanisms play, however, in the policy outcomes observed in SHI systems suggest that their composition should be more widely understood. A variety of approaches to risk compensation are currently utilized in European SHI systems. The papers that follow present arrangements in place in three differently structured SHI health systems: Germany, The Netherlands, and Israel. Taken together, these papers suggest both the diversity of possible solutions as well as the complexity of the process required to initiate and maintain a reasonably appropriate risk compensation scheme. A brief enumeration of differences in approach pursued among these three countries indicates a range of possible policy options. Israel adjusts its capitation payment only for age; Germany adjusts for age, sex, disability, and level of sick pay benefits; while Netherlands adjusts for age, sex, region, employment status, and disability. Both Israel and Netherlands collect funds in one central pot, and then
Underestimation of Soft Tissue Entrapment by Computed Tomography in Orbital Floor Fractures in the Pediatric Population

Purpose To compare the timing, radiologic, and clinical indications for surgical management of orbital floor fractures in the pediatric and adult populations. Design Retrospective observational case series. Participants Twenty-four pediatric and 31 adult patients who underwent primary repair of an orbital floor fracture. Methods The records of all patients presenting to the oculoplastics service for primary repair of orbital floor fracture over an 8-year period were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Time to surgical intervention, clinical indication for surgery, radiologic evidence, and intraoperative findings of entrapment. Results Pediatric orbital floor fractures were repaired an average of 3 weeks earlier than adult fractures. The most common clinical indication for surgery was entrapment in the pediatric group versus enophthalmia in the adult group. There was a significant underestimation of entrapment reported on computed tomography (CT) in the pediatric group when compared with the clinical indications and intraoperative findings. Conversely, there was good concordance between radiologic and intraoperative findings in the adult group. Conclusions Pediatric orbital floor fractures are often of the trapdoor type, which require earlier surgical intervention. Entrapment and incarceration of orbital soft tissue contents as imaged by CT can be missed by radiologists. Our study demonstrates the poor concordance between radiologic and intraoperative evidence for entrapment in the pediatric population. It is important for the clinician to review all radiologic studies and to perform a thorough ophthalmologic evaluation to aid with clinical decision making. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Social recovery and therapeutic mission.

Social recovery is defined as restoration to effective social functioning. The Social Recovery Inventory, an instrument derived from role and social exchange theories, is demonstrated as a method of measuring recovery vis-a-vis occupational, familial, and civic functioning. Conditions for social recovery are examined, with discussion of implications for treatment, in-service training, and administration.
Zinc Absorption Adapts to Zinc Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: To determine if human Zn absorption adapts to chronic high Zn intakes.Methods: Zn absorption was measured at 0, 8, and 16 wk in healthy postmenopausal women who consumed controlled diets with ∼5 mg Zn from food, supplemented to 14 (n = 6), 32 (n = 3), or 47 (n = 3) mg Zn/d for 22 wk. Zn absorption for 1 day was determined by 65Zn-labeling of meals and whole body scintillation counting.Results: At wk 0, less Zn was absorbed from diets with 14, compared with 32 or 47 mg/d (4.6, 8.7, and 10.3 mg/d, respectively; pooled SE = 0.9; p < 0.05). These differences were not apparent at wk 8 (5.4, 5.8, 6.4; NS) and became negligible by wk 16 (5.0, 5.0, 5.1; NS). Plasma Zn concentrations were unaffected. The results are consistent with a saturation response model of Zn absorption.Conclusion: Within several weeks, postmenopausal women biologically adapted to absorb a relatively uniform amount of 5 mg Zn/d when controlled, Zn-supplemented diets supplied consistent Zn intakes between 14 and 47 mg/d.
A small mixed-method RCT of mindfulness instruction for urban youth.

Objective We aimed to explore the specific effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for urban youth by comparing it with an active control program, designed to control for time, positive peer-group experience, and positive adult instructor. Methods Patients between the ages of 13–21 years who received primary pediatric care at our urban outpatient clinic were eligible for study participation. Those who were interested were consented and randomly assigned to an eight-week program of MBSR or Healthy Topics (HT), a health education curriculum. To increase sensitivity to outcomes of interest, mixed methods were used to assess psychological symptoms, coping, and program experience. Analysis of variance and regression modeling were used; interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and coded for key themes. Results A total of 43 (26 MBSR, 17 HT) youths attended one or more sessions, of whom 35 [20 MBSR (77%), 15 HT (88%)] attended the majority of the sessions and were considered completers. Program completers were African American, 80% female, with average age of 15.0 years. Statistical analysis of survey data did not identify significant post-program differences between groups. Qualitative data show comparable positive experiences in both programs, but specific differences related to MBSR participants׳ use of mindfulness techniques to calm down and avoid conflicts, as well as descriptions of internal processes and self-regulation. Conclusions Compared with an active control program, MBSR did not result in statistically significant differences in self-reported survey outcomes of interest but was associated with qualitative outcomes of increased calm, conflict avoidance, self-awareness, and self-regulation for urban youths. Importantly, based on qualitative results, the HT program functioned as an effective active control for MBSR in this sample, facilitating a more rigorous methodological approach to MBSR research in this population. We believe the promising effects elucidated in the qualitative data have the potential for positive affective and behavioral outcomes.
A non-equilibrium thermodynamics framework for domain evolution: phase field models and finite element implementation

A continuum thermodynamics framework for the diffuse interface or "phase field" approach to domain evolution is presented. The theory distinguishes the fundamental balance laws which are universal (i.e. mechanical equilibrium, Gauss' law, and a new micro-force balance) from the constitutive laws, which describe the behavior of a specific material. A finite element formulation based on a virtual work statement is implemented using mechanical displacements, electrical potential, and polarization components (the vector "order parameter") as nodal degrees of freedom. The finite element code is then applied to simulate the growth of a 180° domain needle through a parent domain.
Effects of Route and Formulation on Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Interleukin-2

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a hormone of the immune system responsible for control of the proliferation and cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells as well as the proliferation of B lymphocytes. Recombinant IL-2 has been only minimally to modestly successful to date in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, largely because the drug is associated with toxicity and a narrow therapeutic index.
Can a cysteine challenge assay predict the in vivo behavior of 99mTc-labeled antibodies?

Abstract Recent investigations have shown that transchelation to cysteine is a principal mode of in vivo instability of 99m Tc-labeled antibodies. In this investigation, a cysteine challenge assay was used to measure the in vitro instability of 99m Tc directly labeled to two IgG antibodies (B72.3 and C110) via two established direct labeling methods employing mercaptoethanol and stannous ion for antibody reduction and by a novel method using glutathione for this purpose. For both antibodies, the greatest instability to cysteine occurred with stannous ion reduction. The stability of glutathione-reduced B72.3 was indistinguishable from mercaptoethanol-reduced B72.3 whereas glutathione-reduced C110 showed stability roughly intermediate between that of the other reducing agents for this antibody. Results obtained in normal mice were in the direction predicted by the assay: for both antibodies, urinary clearance of 99m Tc was fastest in mice receiving antibodies labeled via stannous ion reduction, presumably because of the increased transchelation of label to cysteine in vivo . Urinary clearance was slower and identical in mice receiving B72.3 labeled via glutathione or mercaptoethanol whereas clearance in the case of glutathione-reduced C110 was intermediate between that of the other two reducing agents. At both time points, higher radioactivity levels were observed in kidneys and lower levels in blood and most other tissues for both antibodies in the case of stannous ion reduction as expected for the label of greatest instability. In the B72.3 case, with only one exception, tissue and blood levels following administration of glutathione-reduced antibody were indistinguishable from that following administration of mercaptoethanol-reduced antibody. In the C110 case, significant differences in activity levels were observed in several tissues between glutathione- and mercaptoethanol-reduced antibodies. In conclusion, the relative in vivo behaviour of 99m Tc when administered to mice while labeled to two IgG antibodies were successfully predicted based on the results of an in vitro cysteine challenge assay.
Recent Widows' Kin Support and Orientations to Self-Sufficiency

This paper examines two issues: the role of the adult child network in task support to widows, and whether widows' attitudes toward independence result in lower levels of task support. Data on recently widowed women suggest that many are quite self-sufficient; however, in those areas where support is needed, they largely rely on children. Widows' past experiences and attitudes toward independence influence the amount of overall help they receive, whereas income, number of children, and perceived willingness of children to help affect the proportion of help that comes from children.
Sustaining the heart of education: finding space for wisdom and compassion

How is it possible for those of us involved in education to bring to life the language and ways of being together in schools that sustain the heart of education, cultivating wisdom and compassion in ourselves and those in our midst, while tending to our educational responsibilities associated with standards and assessment? This inquiry led us to educators, children and classrooms in the UK and US, in urban cities and small towns, where conversation and space is being held for the cultivation of wisdom and compassionate action. Primary data were gathered from interviews employing a semi‐structured interview protocol developed specifically for the wisdom‐and‐compassion research and derived from wisdom teachings as set out in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Through observations and interviews we discovered examples that bring to life the ongoing cultivation of dynamic wisdom, mindful awareness and compassionate action in schools and classrooms today.
Mirex induces ornithine decarboxylase in female rat liver.

Ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis, was significantly induced in female rat liver following oral administration of the pesticide mirex. After dual oral exposure (120 mg /kg of mirex; 21 and 4 hr prior to sacrifice), ornithine decarboxylae activity in rat liver cytosol was 70-fold higher than control values. A single oral dose of mirex (180 mg /kg) induced hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity 55-fold over controls. After a single oral dose of mirex the maximal induction of ODC activity occurred at 36 hr. Mirex is an unusually potent and long-lasting inducer of rat hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity.
Parallel neural systems for classical conditioning: support from computational modeling.

Classical conditioning has been explained by two main types of theories that postulate different learning mechanisms. Rescorla and Wagner (1972) put forth a theory in which conditioning is based on the ability of the US to drive learning through error correction. Alternatively, Mackintosh (1973) put forth a theory in which the ability of the CS to be associated with the unconditioned stimulus is modulated. We have proposed a reconciliation of these two mechanisms as working in parallel within different neural systems: a cerebellar system for US modulation and a hippocampal system for CS modulation. We developed a computational model of cerebellar function in eyeblink conditioning based on the error correction mechanism of the Rescorla-Wagner rule in which learningrelated activity from the cerebellum inhibits the inferior olive, which is the US input pathway to the cerebellum (Gluck et al., 1994). We developed a computational model of the hippocampal region that forms altered representations of conditioned stimuli based on their behavioral outcomes (Gluck & Myers, 1993; Myers et al., 1995). Overall, computational modeling and empirical findings support the idea that, at least in the case of eyeblink conditioning, there may be two different neural systems: the cerebellum which mediates US-based error correction and hippocampus which alters representations of CSs.
Direction of bacteriophage λ DNA replication in a thymine requiring Escherichia coli K-12 strain. Effect of thymidine concentration

Abstract The direction of replication was established for the first round of bacteriophage λ DNA replication in thymine requiring E. coli K-12 cells exposed to different concentrations of thymidine. It was found that a dramatic decrease in the proportion of bidirectionally replicating molecules followed a decrease in the concentration of thymidine. Moreover, the rightward mode of replication appears to be exclusively favored in unidirectionally replicating molecules found at low concentrations of thymidine.
CDOs cubed: The first-ever triple derivative

This paper examines the newly created ‘CDOs Cubed’, which are the first-ever triple derivative, that is, a derivative of a derivative of a derivative. Not surprisingly, CDOs Cubed are often called, ‘derivatives on steroids’. Unlike traditional derivatives, which are utilised for risk reduction and/or leveraged speculation, this innovation has created thousands of new investment assets, covering the entire spectrum of risk and return. This paper traces the evolution of this innovation, and examines how this triple derivative is created, structured, and priced.
Political goals versus scientific truths: A response to Jackson (2003)

Three fundamental issues separate Jackson's (2003) methodological views from mine. One, whereas he believes an absolute moral view can prevail in a democracy, I assume moral pluralism is an inevitable byproduct of an open society. Two, Jackson feels that psychology can identify a correct moral position, whereas I postulate natural science psychology is only capable of revealing the empirical consequences of competing social policies and their moral implications. Three, Jackson espouses a politically active psychology that from my perspective is antithetical to a democratic and scientific ethic. In sum, Jackson's coupling of science with political advocacy will lead to a mistrust of psychology that will deny a democracy the opportunity to base its social policies on reliable psychological information.
Axial birefringence due to electromagnetic fields: Spin chiral effects

Abstract The Maxwell equation is solved for axial birefringence caused by a circularly polarised power laser parallel and anti-parallel to a weak unpolarised probe laser. This class of electromagnetically induced axial birefringence is called “spin chiral”, mediated by new third rank molecular property tensors. The spin chiral class of axial birefringence is due to vector products of electric and magnetic conjugate components of the intense, circularly polarised, electromagnetic field.
Thiol redox disturbances in children with severe asthma are associated with posttranslational modification of the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2

Background Airway thiol redox disturbances, including depletion of the antioxidant, glutathione, are differentiating features of severe asthma in children. Objectives Given the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2 (Nrf2) in maintaining glutathione homeostasis and antioxidant defense, we quantified expression and activity of Nrf2 and its downstream targets in the airways and systemic circulation of children with asthma. We hypothesized that Nrf2 activation and function would be impaired in severe asthma, resulting in depletion of thiol pools and insufficient glutathione synthesis and conjugation. Methods PBMCs and airway lavage cells were collected from children 6 to 17 years with severe (n = 51) and mild-to-moderate asthma (n = 38). The thiols glutathione and cysteine were quantified, and expression and activity of Nrf2 and its downstream targets were assessed. Results Children with severe asthma had greater oxidation and lower concentrations of glutathione and cysteine in the plasma and airway lavage. Although Nrf2 mRNA and protein increased in severe asthma as a function of increased thiol oxidation, the Nrf2 expressed was highly dysfunctional. Nrf2 activation and downstream targets of Nrf2 binding, including glutathione-dependent enzymes, were not different between groups. The duration of asthma was a key factor associated with Nrf2 dysfunction in severe asthma. Conclusion Children with severe asthma have a global disruption of thiol redox signaling and control in both the airways and systemic circulation that is associated with posttranslational modification of Nrf2. We conclude that the Nrf2 pathway is disrupted in severe asthma as a function of chronic oxidative stress, which ultimately inhibits glutathione synthesis and antioxidant defense.
Vibrational spectra and structure of cyclopentylamine

The Raman spectra of gaseous, liquid and solid cyclopentylamine and the infrared spectra of the gaseous and solid phases have been recorded. Raman depolarization ratios and infrared band contours in the gas phase indicate that cyclopentylamine exists primarily with a gauche orientation of the —NH2 group, and the torsional fundamental for this conformer has been observed at 232 cm−1. In the solid state the temperature characteristics in certain spectral regions are consistent with the existence of two low temperature phases, and the higher temperature phase appears to exist over a range of approximately only 7°C. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed, and the structural features of cyclopentylamine are discussed.
Seismic fragility analysis of electric substation equipment and structures

This paper presents a seismic fragility analysis of equipment and structures in an electric substation in the eastern United States, using Substation 21 in Memphis as an example. The fragility data of substation equipment and structures can be generated using actual earthquake damage data, experimental data, or analytical approaches. Seismic damage to electric facilities in the eastern United States is rare and information on dynamic testing of electric equipment similar to those installed in the substation is not available; thus, an analytical approach is used to perform the fragility analysis in this study. The fragility analysis results can reveal the expected performance of equipment and structures in the substation in the event of an earthquake. The fragility analysis results also provide the necessary data for the seismic performance evaluation of an entire electric substation and for a system reliability analysis of an electric system.
Influence of the Extracellular Matrix on Type 2 Cell Differentiation

Growth and division of type II pulmonary epithelial cells are important components of the pathway by which the alveolar surface is repaired following several forms of lung injury. These processes, which result in reepithelialization of the denuded alveolar basement membrane, involve loss of type II cell differentiation and transition to a type I epithelium. As in other cells, the extracellular matrix appears to be an important determinant of type II cell differentiation. This effect on the type II cell is exerted by both simple and complex matrices and may be modulated by active synthesis and remodeling of the matrix components by the pneumocytes themselves. In general, laminin or laminin-rich complex surfaces favor cellular differentiation; fibronectin or fibronectin-rich complex matrices accelerate loss of differentiated form and function. In both cases, matrix-initiated changes in the type II cell involve regulation of cell shape and morphology, hormone responsiveness, secretory activity, phospholipid synthesis, protein turnover, and gene expression. These influences of the extracellular matrix, along with the effects of locally acting soluble factors, likely direct the cellular transitions required for restoration of a physiologically competent alveolar surface during the repair of lung injury.
JunD mediates survival signaling by the JNK signal transduction pathway.

Abstract The c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK) can cause cell death by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. However, JNK is also capable of signaling cell survival. The mechanism that accounts for the dual role of JNK in apoptosis and survival signaling has not been established. Here we demonstrate that JNK-stimulated survival signaling can be mediated by JunD. The JNK/JunD pathway can collaborate with NF-κB to increase antiapoptotic gene expression. This observation accounts for the ability of JNK to cause either survival or apoptosis in different cellular contexts. Furthermore, these data illustrate the general principal that signal transduction pathway integration is critical for the ability of cells to mount an appropriate biological response to a specific challenge.
Acquisition of intracranial self-stimulation in medial prefrontal cortex of rats facilitated by amphetamine

Two groups of rats were trained to lever press for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using a uniform amount of stimulation for all animals. One group acquired the lever pressing task very gradually during saline pretreatment but dramatically improved its rate of acquisition during the third week of training when pretreated with d-amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg). Administration of amphetamine to the other group of rats before each of the first five training sessions greatly facilitated acquisition of the ICSS task, and a significant improvement in performance over the saline control group appeared on the third day of training. After ICSS performance had stabilized, testing the animals revealed a significant amphetamine-induced increase in rate over the dose range of 0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg. These effects of amphetamine suggest that ICSS in mPFC is sensitive to changes in catecholamine neurotransmission during both the acquisition and maintenance of this behavior.
Role of ghrelin-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation in modulation of gastric mucosal inflammatory responses to Helicobacter pylori

A peptide hormone, ghrelin, is recognized as an important modulator of gastric mucosal inflammatory responses to Helicobacter pylori through the regulation of Src/Akt-dependent activation of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) by phosphorylation. In this study, we report on the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in the processes of Src/Akt activation in gastric mucosal cells exposed to H. pylori LPS. We demonstrate that cNOS activation through phosphorylation induced by ghrelin is associated with PI3K activation which occurs upstream of cSrc, and that PI3K is required for cSrc activation of Akt. We show further that ghrelin-induced activation of PI3K, as well as that of Src and Akt, was susceptible to suppression by the inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73122) and protein kinase C (BIM). Both these inhibitors also blocked the ghrelin-induced membrane translocation of PI3K and cSrc, whereas the inhibitor of PI3K (LY294002) blocked only the membrane translocation of cSrc. Collectively, our findings suggest that the modulatory influence of ghrelin in countering gastric mucosal responses to H. pylori LPS relies on PI3K activation that depends on PLC/PKC signaling pathway, and that PI3K activity is required for the induction of cSrc/Akt activation.
Thrombolytic therapy: Adjuvant mechanical intervention for acute myocardial infarction

Following successful pharmacologic thrombolysis, early coronary angiography frequently shows a tight residual stenosis in the infarct-related artery at the site of recent occlusion. Approaches to the management of the residual stenosis have undergone a gradual evolution from an aggressive strategy of immediate balloon dilation to a more conservative approach. Randomized, controlled trials have indicated that immediate percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is associated with no greater recovery in regional or global left ventricular function, and a tendency toward an increased incidence of complications, including the need for emergency coronary artery surgery and blood transfusion. The role of immediate rescue PTCA for failed thrombolysis has not been as rigorously investigated, but selected patients, including those with evidence of ongoing myocardial ischemia or hemodynamic instability, may benefit from this approach. A major source of current controversy is the value of routine coronary angiography after uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Two carefully conducted trials have indicated that a conservative strategy of clinically indicated, predischarge cardiac catheterization may be associated with an increased need for readmission and late, elective cardiac catheterization when compared with a more invasive strategy of routine coronary angiography, but that the conservative approach is not associated with an increased incidence of death or reinfarction. Provision was not made in these studies, however, for evaluating the positive economic and psychologic impact of early coronary angiography, early hospital discharge, and early return to work of patients with a favorable postinfarction prognosis. It is concluded that early mechanical revascularization following thrombolysis should be considered for ongoing myocardial ischemia, but should otherwise be deferred pending the results of predischarge functional studies. For most patients, routine coronary angiography is likely to remain an important diagnostic tool and an integral component of the management of the convalescent phase of acute myocardial infarction.
Casting The Net: Surveying an Internet Population

At any given moment there are thousands of surveys and polls being conducted on the web, yet surprisingly little scholarly research is reported about this new technique. After a summary review of the comparative literature on e-mail and “snail mail” and a more extensive review of research involving web-based methods, this article contrasts e-mail and web-based survey techniques used in an ongoing study of the web presence provider industry. Practical issues of web-surveying methods are highlighted, such as programming pitfalls, sample-building, and incentives.
Two methods of contemplation: Yoga and hesychast prayer: An exercise in comparative religion

Using Arvind Sharmas’s comparative method of reciprocal illumination, this essay examines two contemplative methods, the Hindu yogic, as defined in Patanjali’s Yoga-sūtra, and the hesychast, as developed primarily within the Eastern Christian monastic tradition. Despite differences in the overall theological context, the similarities in several aspects of the technique are worth noting as they point out that the practice, rather than theory, reveals the common ground – a similar understanding of the nature of human mind, and its inner workings. Key words: comparative religion, contemplation, Hinduism; Yoga-sūtra, Eastern Christianity, hesychasm; Jesus Prayer
Determinants for receptor interaction and cell killing on the avian retrovirus glycoprotein gp85

The virion envelope glycoprotein gp85 confers a high degree of subgroup specificity for interaction with distinct cell receptors. Specific subgroups of gp85 have been associated with a cytopathic virus-cell interaction, most likely resulting from reduced resistance to superinfection, which allows the buildup of excessive amounts of viral DNA. Previous nucleotide sequence analysis of the gp85 coding region identified small regions of variable amino acid sequence within a conserved framework. To define the role of these variable regions we constructed a series of molecular clones carrying novel combinations of variable regions from viruses. Analysis of rescued virus shows that receptor binding is determined by the interaction of two major regions and one minor region in the middle of gp85. Cytopathogenicity is not associated with any specific variable region but rather with the ability to recognize the subgroup B receptor on chicken cells.
A patient with partial duplication 2q and partial deficiency 11q

A patient with partial duplication 2q and partial deficiency 11q is reported. The propositus was delivered at 30 weeks gestation, with a birth weight of 1,390 g. He had severe hyaline membrane disease, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, hearing loss, and other anomalies including a short bitemporal diameter, prominent occiput, low-set ears, exophthalmos, short nose with depressed nasal root, downturned mouth corners, narrow high-arched palate, micrognathia, a deep longitudinal groove over the sacrococcygeal region, clinodactyly, and abnormal dermatoglyphics. Chromosome analysis showed the following karyotype: 46,XY,der 11,t(2:11)(q32.2;q25)pat.
An analytical design model for hybrid salient-pole machines

An analytical design model is presented for a salient hybrid synchronous machine topology that utilizes both a field winding and permanent magnets (PMs). The model is designed to be used in a multi-objective design process to establish the trade-off between mass and loss. Within the model, the field distribution as well as qd-axis model parameters are established from design data, containing material properties, stator and rotor geometries, and winding layout. The calculated parameters include resistances, inductances, and the back-emf of the machine. The model is validated by comparing predicted results with those obtained using finite element analysis (FEA).
Hydrotalcite observed in mortars exposed to sulfate solutions

We identified the formation of minor quantities of hydrotalcite in sulfate-resistance test mortars prepared from 50:30 blends of granulated blast furnace slag cement and ASTM Type I cement after prolonged (-9 mo.) e%posure to 0.352 mol/L magnesium sulfate solutions (6). The studieb were made by a aombination of x-ray diffraction, scanning electron mioroscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), thermogravimetrio (TC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA).
Enhanced diagnostic power of exercise testing for myocardial ischemia by addition of postexercise left ventricular ejection time

To improve both the sensitivity and specificity of the multistage treadmill test, postexercise systolic time intervals were prospectively studied in 73 patients with angina-like chest pain and normal resting ST-T segments. The decision to perform coronary angiography was made independent of the exercise test. Twenty-three patients had normal coronary arteries and 50 had more than 50 percent reduction of luminal diameter of one or more major coronary arteries. The systolic time intervals were measured before and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 minutes after exercise. Of all the systolic time intervals, the 4 minute postexercise left ventricular ejection time proved most discriminating between normal subjects and those with coronary artery disease. The deviations of this interval from the normal regression with heart rate both before and after exercise were used to calculate the net delta left ventricular ejection time after exercise. A net increase of more than 31 msec represented 2 standard deviations above normal. Twenty-three (46 percent) of the patients with coronary artery disease had an abnormal net delta ejection time after exercise. Twenty-five (50 percent) had a positive electrocardiographic response with a 9 percent false positive rate. Thirteen (26 percent) had only a positive postexercise net delta ejection time so that a total of 76 percent of patients with coronary artery disease were identified. Thus, measurement of the postexercise net delta ejection time is a simple and useful adjunct to multistage treadmill testing.
Energy Analysis of a Pulsed Inductive Plasma Through Circuit Simulation

Current profiles of a cylindrical ringing theta-pinch are compared with SPICE simulations of an established circuit model and a least squares estimate is performed to determine plasma resistance and inductance for argon, hydrogen, and xenon plasmas with prefill pressures ranging from 10 to 100 mTorr. Plasma resistance is found to vary from 25.8 to 51.6 m \(\boldsymbol{\Omega }\) with the lowest resistance occurring at 10 mTorr. Argon and xenon follow a similar trend with the xenon resistance averaging 4.2-m \(\boldsymbol{\Omega }\) (12.3%) larger than argon from 40 to 100 mTorr. Hydrogen resistance is found to increase rapidly as prefill pressure increases above 40 mTorr. Calculated plasma resistivity of 214–429 \(\boldsymbol{\Omega }\) - \(\mu \) m agrees with established literature. Plasma inductance varies from 41.3 to 47 nH and is minimized at 30 mTorr for argon and hydrogen, whereas xenon inductance is minimized at 20 mTorr. Hydrogen yields the highest inductance, averaging 1.9 nH (4.5%) more than argon over the pressure range tested. Temporal evolution of the energy partitioning into capacitive, inductive, and resistive loads is presented. Plasma inductive energy is found to be maximized when discharge current reaches its peak negative value of −23.5 kA. Xenon shows the greatest amount of inductive energy storage with a peak of 6.4 J (8.1%) of the initial 79.2 ± 0.1 J while argon dissipates the least energy through ohmic losses at most pressures. Hydrogen has the least inductive energy storage at all pressures and greatest ohmic losses above 60 mTorr. Xenon presents the largest ohmic losses over the 10–60-mTorr range.
Thermal and photochemical silicon-carbon bond activation in donor-stabilized platinum(0)-alkyne complexes

Reaction of Pt(COD)2 with Me3SiC⋮CPh and a bidentate chelating ligand leads to the formation of the corresponding donor-stabilized Pt-η2-alkyne complexes (PN)Pt(η2-Me3SiC⋮CPh) (1) and (dcpe)Pt(η2-Me3SiC⋮CPh) (3) (PN = (diisopropylphosphinodimethylamino)ethane; dcpe = bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane). The nitrogen donor ligand in 1 facilitates the cleavage of the Si−C(sp) bond, and the Pt(II) complex (PN)Pt(SiMe3)(C⋮CPh) (2) is formed at room temperature. In contrast, the bisphosphino-substituted compound 3 has been isolated as a thermally robust Pt(0) complex. However, the silicon−carbon bond in the latter compound can be photochemically activated, and the oxidative addition product (dcpe)Pt(SiMe3)(C⋮CPh) (4) is generated. Both Si−C(sp) bonds in Me3Si−C⋮C−C⋮C−SiMe3 have been thermally activated by a (PN)Pt fragment to afford the dinuclear Pt(II) species (PN)Pt(SiMe3)−C⋮C−C⋮C−Pt(SiMe3)(PN) (6).