cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary calcium supplementation on blood pressure and calciotropic hormones in mineralocorticoid-salt hypertension.

In order to determine the effect of dietary calcium supplementation on blood pressure and calciotropic hormones, we studied two groups (n = 12 each) of mineralocorticoid [deoxycorticosterone (DOC)]-salt hypertensive rats, one receiving a normal-calcium diet (0.6% calcium, as calcium carbonate) and the other a high-calcium diet (2.5% calcium), over an 8-week period. Dietary calcium supplementation significantly attenuated the rise in blood pressure. Serum ionized calcium concentrations were significantly decreased from baseline levels in both groups but tended to be higher among the calcium-supplemented rats. Serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D) were significantly higher in the DOC-salt rats than in normotensive rats fed normal rat chow [PTH: 49 +/- 4 versus 15 +/- 0.9 pg/ml (means +/- s.e.m.); 1,25-D: 108 +/- 7 versus 73 +/- 13 pg/ml, in DOC-salt and normotensive rats, respectively]. In the DOC-salt rats, dietary calcium supplementation did not significantly lower the elevated serum concentration of PTH (from 49 +/- 4 to 40 +/- 4 pg/ml; NS), but did significantly reduce that of 1,25-D (from 108 +/- 7 to 66 +/- 8 pg/ml; P less than 0.01). Since 1,25-D may increase vascular smooth muscle calcium uptake, dietary calcium supplementation may lower blood pressure in DOC-salt hypertension, in part, by suppressing 1,25-D.
The sequence of changes in cholinesterase activity during reinnervation of muscle

Abstract The following evidence supports the view that cholinesterase (ChE) activity of muscle is regulated by its nerve supply: denervation produces a more rapid decrease in ChE than in total protein, and tenotomy produces loss of protein without change in ChE. The present study concerns changes in ChE during regeneration of nerve fibers into denervated muscle. In twenty rats the nerve to the sternomastoid was crushed at the muscle. Alternate, frozen, serial, cross-sections of muscle were stained histochemically or assayed quantitatively for ChE. Sole-plate ChE was distinguished from background or non-sole-plate ChE by comparing regions of muscle having sole plates with regions of muscle lacking them. Background ChE and sole-plate ChE both decreased to 68% of normal at 1 week postoperatively and increased gradually to 93% of normal by 6 weeks. The ratio of background ChE to sole-plate ChE was constant at 1, 3, and 6 weeks, indicating a similar rate of reappearance of enzyme at both sites. Inasmuch as reinnervation of the muscle was probably complete at 2 weeks, the subsequent increase in ChE probably reflects a slow rate of synthesis rather than a slow addition of newly reinnervated muscle fibers. This slow, gradual synthesis following reinnervation contrasts markedly with the rapid decrease in ChE (40% in 3 days) following denervation. Total protein showed no similar gradual restoration, being about 93% of normal 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively.
The use of Sexually Anatomically Detailed dolls in the assessment of sexual abuse

Abstract The use of sexually anatomically detailed (SAD) dolls in the assessment of child sexual abuse is reviewed, and research which provides evidence relevant to the psychometric properties of SAD dolls with this population is examined. There are a number of unanswered questions concerning the reliability, standardization of administration procedures, adequacy of norms, criterion-oriented validity, incremental validity, external validity, and mechanisms by which this assessment method works, as well as underlying theory predicting differential responding of sexually abused children to SAD dolls. Recommendations for future research are given.
Computer Automation of a Dry-Dust Generating System

AbstractAn automated system to minimize variability in an aerosol concentration over time in an animal exposure chamber was developed. This system includes a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor to regulate the speed of a dust generator, a real-time aerosol monitor to instantaneously measure chamber aerosol concentrations, and a personal computer with an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, serial port, and relay board for signal input and output. A computer program was written to use these devices to produce a chamber concentration near a level chosen by the operator. This program was also written to start and stop an exposure after a specified time period and to continuously display the data received from the aerosol monitor on the computer screen during the exposure. A combination of operating conditions, which include a moderately high chamber flow rate (0.32 m3/min) and high generator rotation speed while using a small scraper blade, optimized the performance of the automated system by minimizing th...
Sjögren syndrome: advances in the pathogenesis from animal models.

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by hyposecretion of the lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in dryness of the eyes and mouth. Individuals may experience primary Sjogren syndrome or a secondary form accompanying another rheumatic autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. The pathogenic mechanisms of Sjogren syndrome remain largely unknown, in part a consequence of the heterogeneity of the disease. Animal models have shed light on the connections between specific pathways and symptoms, but an ideal system is wanting. Improved disease models will enable a better understanding of Sjogren syndrome, including how immune tolerance is lost and potential therapeutic interventions. Most importantly, an optimal model will enable detection of disease biomarkers, since injury to the salivary glands may precede lymphocytic infiltration. This review aims to characterize available mice models of Sjogren syndrome, including advantages and disadvantages, from the researcher's perspective.
Survival in good, bad, and ugly times: attaining personal and professional excellence

Purpose – This article aims to present the findings from data gathered from 1,160 individuals who participated over the course of five years in a series of workshops, university courses and business dialogue sessions on the subject of personal and professional excellence.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered from dialogue sessions and workshops with LA‐based workforce members, and classroom sessions in higher business education. The shift from general management teaching to focused self‐management dialogues was explained, emerged themes from five years of data gathering were examined and the themes and keywords were visualized and results noted.Findings – The paper finds that in today's rapidly changing world of work, people are seeking ways to reinvent themselves in order to become more resilient. The findings listed in this paper are not exhaustive but should rather be used as a pragmatic tool for further research on the topic.Research limitations/implications – The population used for data w...
COMPUTATION OF CANONICAL CORRELATION BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE OF A TIME SERIES

. The canonical correlation between the past and future of a stationary time series is shown to be the limit of the canonical correlation between the infinite past and finite future, and computation of the latter is reduced to an eigenvalue problem invovling finite matrices. This provides a convenient finite-dimensional algorithm for computing canonical correlations and components of a time series. An upper bound is conjectured for the largest canonical correlation.
A horizon-prioritizing method can identify gaps among genomic application guidelines.

In light of the increasing need by decision makers for a method of evaluating genomic applications based on the weight of evidence for their efficacy, several agencies have developed systems of classification. Here I review the horizon-scanning method for prioritizing genomics applications as described by Dotson et al. in this issue of CPT. Using the examples of the authors’ Tier 1/Green classification for KRAS and Tier 2/Yellow for TPMT, I discuss differences between the guidelines issued by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and those by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Additionally, I offer suggestions regarding classification of the Tier 3/Red genomics applications and the reproducibility of the data-curating algorithm of the horizon-scanning method. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2014); 95 4, 368–369. doi:10.1038/clpt.2014.16
Opposites and measures of extremism in concepts and constructs

Abstract We discuss the distinction between different types of opposites, i.e. negation and antonym, in terms of their representation by fuzzy subsets. The idea of a construct in terms of Kelly's theory of personal construct is discussed. A measure of the extremism of a group of elements with respect to concept and its negation, and with respect to a concept and its antonym is introduced.
Feminist theology: The challenges for muslim women

(1996). Feminist theology: The challenges for muslim women. Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies: Vol. 5, No. 9, pp. 53-65.
Refractory neonatal hypoxemia: Diagnostic evaluation and pharmacologic management

Hypoxemia refractory to oxygen administration and assisted ventilation is found in many clinical conditions and results from a variety of pathophysiologic disorders. Recent clinical and laboratory experience has demonstrated that the choice of therapy for an infant with refractory hypoxemia depends upon identification of the underlying etiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. The ideal therapies for many of these conditions have not yet been defined. We have provided, based on our experience, guidelines for selection of the most appropriate of the currently available therapies for many of these patients.
Quantitative response of the dysentery bacillus to nicotinamide and related compounds.

SummaryBy means of a titration method for estimation of bacterial growth it was found that growth is proportional to the quantity of nicotinamide present. Nicotinamide is more active than an equivalent amount of either pyridine-containing coenzyme. Hydrolysis increases the activity of the latter, indicating that the function of nicotinamide is not based entirely on synthesis to either of the known coenzymes. A method has been developed for determining nicotinamide and related substances in blood. The values obtained are higher if autoclaved blood is used.
Habitat shifts in rainbow trout: competitive influences of brown trout

We compared habitat use by rainbow trout sympatric (three streams) and allopatric (two streams) with brown trout to determine whether competition occurred between these two species in the southern Appalachian Mountains. We measured water depth, water velocity, substrate, distance to overhead vegetation, sunlight, and surface turbulence both where we collected trout and for the streams in general. This enabled us to separate the effects of habitat availability from possible competitive effects. The results provided strong evidence for asymmetrical interspecific competition. Habitat use varied significantly between allopatric and sympatric rainbow trout in 68% of the comparisons made. Portions of some differences refelected differences in habitats available in the several streams. However, for all habitat variables measured except sunlight, rainbow trout used their preferred habitats less in sympatry with brown trout than in allopatry if brown trout also preferred the same habitats. Multivariate analysis indicated that water velocity and its correlates (substrate particle size and surface turbulence) were the most critical habitat variables in the interaction between the species, cover in the form of shade and close overhead vegetation was second most important, and water depth was least important.
The influence of low temperature on the frequency of translocations produced by X-rays inDrosophila melanogaster

1. It is shown that the influence of cold temperature applied to the mature sperm cells ofDrosophila melanogaster during irradiation increases the effect of X-rays in producing translocations. 2. Observations of other workers that cold temperature produces sterility are confirmed. 3. The correlation of lethal mutations and translocations suggest that the mechanisms responsible for both changes are related. 4. The minor spiral of the chromonema in mature sperms is suggested as an ideal mechanism for small loop formation leading to chromosome breakage and interchange. 5. The relationship of translocations and crossingover is interpreted as indirect evidence in favor ofSerebrovsky's “crossingover” theory of the formation of translocations and other chromosomal aberrations. 6. It is concluded that translocations, as well as other genetic changes are profoundly affected through changes in the immediate environment of the gene. 7. Some suggestions concerning methods of influence by environmental factors are discussed. X-rays and radioactive agents may be more effective than other factors because they can penetrate to the chromosomes, whereas the influence of other factors may be expended in superficial tissues. Perhaps the normal capacity of living substance for repair is lowered in extreme temperatures.
Labor arbitrators’ performance: Views from union and management perspectives

Analyses were carried out relating performance evaluations of labor arbitrators by union representatives to similar evaluations of the same arbitrators by management representatives. It was found that these evaluations are either unrelated or, in some cases, negatively related. An important consideration in the evaluations is whether an arbitrator’s awards tend to favor union or management. These results are dicussed in terms of the disparate values and “good arbitrator” views of arbitrator performance. Both views find some support.
SnapShot: Histone Lysine Methylase Complexes

-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to the e-amino group of a lysine residue on a histone to generate mono-, di-, and trimethylated histones. KMTs exist either singly or within complexes, in which the members of each complex modulate the activity of the enzymes. KMTs have been implicated in diverse roles in DNA-templated processes, and their mutations, deletions, or translocations have been linked with various human diseases. Known KMTs contain a SET domain (named after
Situating pre‐service reading teachers as tutors: implications of teacher self‐efficacy on tutoring elementary students

This research examined the impact of high teacher efficacy on tutoring elementary students in reading. The Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) was adapted to create a reading‐specific teacher efficacy scale, which is referred to as the RTSES. This scale was used to investigate whether tutors with high efficacy used more reading strategies while teaching elementary students to read. The study also examined whether high efficacy was correlated with reading strategy use. Analyses of pre‐test and post‐test data showed that reading efficacy and strategy use were not correlated, and that tutors with high efficacy scores did not use a significantly higher number of reading strategies while tutoring than those with low efficacy scores. The findings suggest that pre‐service teachers' efficacy did not affect their reading strategy use while tutoring elementary students. There is a need for more research to further investigate the impact that high efficacy has on tutoring.
A method for classifying commercial tree species of an uneven-aged mixed species tropical forest for growth and yield model construction

The sparse distribution of timber species in the tropical rainforest has been a major obstacle in the construction of timber growth and yield models for forest management planning. Models for individual species usually have biased parameter estimates because of the sparse representation of those species (Vanclay, 1991). We present a technique for pooling species with similar growth characteristics into groups to minimize the level of bias in the estimation of model parameters. Principal component, canonical discriminant, and approximate covariance estimation for clustering procedures (Milligan and Cooper, 1985) were used to transform and improve the sphericity and separation of multivariate diameter increment data. The k-th nearest neighbor clustering technique (Wong and Lane, 1983) was used to evaluate the most likely number of species clusters within the population covered by the data. The average linkage, complete linkage, and Ward's minimum variance hierarchical clustering procedures (Milligan, 1981) were separately applied to the transformed data to identify the characteristics of inherent structures as the basis for classifying similar species into groups. An objective reclassification criterion was used to evaluate the performance of the three clustering methods. Optimal species groupings were attained, with 86.3% cluster recovery, by applying Ward's minimum variance method to data transformed by the canonical discriminant procedure. Consequently, six species growth classes were formed on the basis of the similarities of species growth increment patterns. This objective procedure is guaranteed to produce optimal species groups, with minimal internal variations, suitable for developing unbiased estimates of growth model parameters. The analytic procedure should be applicable to most tropical forest ecological types similar to the moist semi-deciduous forest.
The Transport Properties of Potassium and Electron-Electron Scattering

The measured transport properties of Potassium display two unusual features at high temperatures: deviations from the Wiedemann-Franz relation, and deviations from linearity in the thermopower. We present here an analysis which shows that both these deviations can be consistently explained in terms of normal electron-electron scattering. The magnitude of this effect, in terms of the thermal resistivity, is Wee/T ~ 190 × 10−6 cm/W.
Factors Related to Social Service Workers' Job Satisfaction: Revisiting Herzberg's Motivation to Work

Drawing on Herzberg's concept of motivation to work, we investigate characteristics related to job satisfaction among social service workers. Logistic regression analyses support Herzberg's insights with a motivation variable—variety and creativity—having the most predictive value and a maintenance variable—experiences with supervisors—also predicting job satisfaction. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Some Applications Of Picosecond Optical Range Gating

The application of picosecond optical range-gating techniques to ophthalmology is described. By directing picosecond light pulses into the eye and detecting the backscattered pulses with an ultrafast Kerr cell shutter it is possible to: 1) measure the location of index discontinuities and cataracts with a resolution of 1 mm; 2) measure scattering particle size distributions in the micron range; and 3) visualize the retina through a dense cataract. The techniques have been successfully tested on simulated eyes and are being used on animal eyes in vivo. Another application discussed is the extension of the ultrafast gating technique to picosecond X-ray cinematography.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Design and Control of Path-Following Compliant Mechanisms

A control algorithm to manipulate the input actuation forces on hinge-free compliant mechanism models synthesized utilizing continuum topology optimization formulations is implemented and successfully tested in this work, such that the mechanisms follow their specified trajectories and nearby trajectories with high degree of accuracy even when confronted with different resistance forces. The validity of the proposed formulations is tested and demonstrated on number of practical problems involving finite deformation.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A survey: Recent results, conjectures, and open problems in labeling graphs

In this paper we organize and summarize much of the work done on graceful and harmonious labelings of graphs. Many open problems and conjectures are included.
Characterization of a bifunctional cytidine 5'-monophosphate N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase cloned from Streptococcus agalactiae

Recombinant CMP-sialic acid synthetase, cloned from Streptococcus agalactiae serotype V strain 2603 V/R, is bifunctional having both CMP-sialic acid synthetase and acetylhydrolase (acylesterase) activities. The enzyme is active over a wide pH range with an optimal CMP-sialic acid synthetase activity at pH 9.0 and an optimal acetylhydrolase activity at pH 8.0. A metal cofactor (either Mg(2+) or Mn(2+)) is required for the CMP-sialic acid synthetase activity but is not for acetylhydrolase activity. Both catalytic functions, however, are impaired by high concentrations of Mn(2+).
The disappearance of leaf litter under different woodland conditions

A method is described by which quantitative studies can be made on the course of disappearance of leaf litter under woodland conditions. The litter samples are placed in the field in nylon hairnets. Results are given for a variety of litters placed on different soils.
Priming of pop-out: II. The role of position.

In an earlier paper (Maljkovic & Nakayama, 1994) we showed that repetition of an attention-driving feature primes the deployment of attention to the same feature on subsequent trials. Here we show that repetition of the targetposition also primes subsequent trials. Position priming shows a characteristic spatial pattern. Facilitation occurs when the target position is repeated on subsequent trials, and inhibition occurs when the target falls on a position previously occupied by a distractor. Facilitation and inhibition also exist, though somewhat diminished, for positions adjacent to those of the target and distractors. Assessing the effect of a single trial over time, we show that the characteristic memory trace exerts its strongest influence on immediately following trials and decays gradually over the succeeding, approximately five to eight, trials. Throughout this period, target-position facilitation is always stronger than distractor-position inhibition. The characteristics of position priming are also seen under conditions in which the attention-driving feature either stays the same or differs from the previous trial, suggesting that feature and position priming operate independently. In a separate experiment, using the fact that position priming is cumulative over trials, we show that position priming is largely object- or landmark-centered.
Thermal Annealing Behavior of Si-DLC Ibad Coatings

Amorphous, 700 nm thick, diamond-like carbon coatings containing silicon (Si-DLC), farmed by Ar+ ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) on silicon substrates, were annealed in air at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 600°C for 30 minutes. RBS analysis showed that the composition of the films remained the same up to 200°C, but at higher temperatures the Si-DLC coatings began to oxidize at the outer surface of the coating, forming a surface layer of SiO2. After in-air annealing at 600°C the coating had been completely converted to SiO2, with no trace of carbon seen by RBS. FTIR spectra of the unannealed coatings showed a very broad mode typical of Si-DLC bonding as well as some absorption features associated with Si and SiO2. Above 200°C the transmission mode shifted to higher frequencies which may be caused by the growth of SiO2 and the decrease of the Si-DLC film thickness. The room temperature ball-on-disk friction coefficient of the coating against a 1/2′′ diameter 440 C steel ball at 1 N load ranged from 0.2 for the original coating up to 0.5 after a 100° anneal and returned to 0.2 after annealing at 200-400°C and fell to 0.12 after a 500°C exposure. The average Knoop microhardness (uncorrected for substrate effects) was 10 GPa (1,000 KHN) for coatings annealed at temperatures as high as 400°C. All coatings up to 500 °C passed the qualitative “Scotch Tape” test.
Modified trans-oral approach with an inferiorly based flap

The trans-oral approach allows direct access to pathologies of the anterior craniocervical junction. However, the classic midline incision of the posterior pharyngeal wall can be surgically burdensome and limits lateral exposure. We reviewed the medical records of nine patients undergoing the trans-oral approach. The sites of the pathology ranged from the clivus to C2, and surgical exposure ranged from the clivus to C3. Each operation utilized an inferiorly based flap. None of the patients experienced vascular or neurologic complications, and no patient had a cerebrospinal fluid fistula, pseudomeningocele, or meningitis postoperatively. The trans-oral approach with an inferiorly based flap can therefore be safely and effectively performed with minimal oropharyngeal and neurologic morbidity. Not only does a U-shaped flap allow adequate exposure from the lower half of the clivus to C3, a flap improves lateral exposure, provides a clear operating field, and allows superficial mucosal closure not directly overlying the operative field.
Role for Tissue Factor Pathway in Murine Model of Vascular Remodeling

Abstract —Tissue factor (TF) is a low-molecular-weight glycoprotein that initiates the extrinsic clotting cascade and is considered a major regulator of arterial thrombogenicity. TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a major physiological inhibitor of TF-initiated coagulation. The aim of this study was to define the complex interplay between TF and TFPI and the regulation of vascular thrombogenicity in a model of vascular remodeling. To determine the levels and pattern of vascular expression of TF and TFPI associated with vascular remodeling, a murine model of flow cessation was studied. TF activity of the arteries increased after ligation ( P <0.05). Quantitative analysis of homogenates of remodeled carotid arteries revealed increased TF expression but unchanged TFPI expression compared with normal carotid arteries, resulting in enhanced TF activity. To determine the potential therapeutic role of TFPI in this thrombogenic state, mice were treated with intravascular adenoviral delivery of either murine TFPI (Ad-mTFPImyc) or a control adenovirus (Ad-ΔE1). Overexpression of TFPI decreased vascular TF activity compared with viral control ( P <0.01). Overexpression of TFPI inhibited neointimal formation ( P =0.038), resulting in enhanced luminal area ( P =0.001) 4 weeks after flow cessation. In this murine model of vascular remodeling, an imbalance between TF and TFPI expression is generated, resulting in increased TF activity. Overexpression of TFPI in this model inhibits vascular TF activity and results in attenuation of vascular remodeling associated with flow interruption.
Singularities in motion and displacement functions for a 7 degree‐of‐freedom manipulator

The authors propose a method for the determination of singularities in motion and displacement functions for a seven degree-of-freedom manipulator. The manipulator is considered, hereby, as a set of six degree-of-freedom manipulators. It is proven that two types of singularities in motion can occur at link positions that are independent and dependent with respect to the trajectory to be executed. The relations between the structure of singularity equations and displacement equations are discussed. The derivation of displacement equations for a manipulator with singularities of the second type is based on the idea of modeling of a manipulator by two open kinematic chains and invariants that may be found for these chains. The inverse kinematic equations and the equations of singularities in motion have been derived using a symbolic computer program which can handle manipulators of general structure (with five, six, and seven degrees-of-freedom). This program is written in the Symbolic Computation Language REDUCE.
Role of Fyn kinase in oocyte developmental potential

Fyn kinase is highly expressed in oocytes, with inhibitor and dominant-negative studies suggesting a role in the signal transduction events during egg activation. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that Fyn is required for calcium signalling, meiosis resumption and pronuclear congression using the Fyn-knockout mouse as a model. Accelerated breeding studies revealed that Fyn-null females produced smaller litter sizes at longer intervals and exhibited a rapid decline in pup production with increasing age. Fyn-null females produced a similar number of oocytes, but the frequency of immature oocytes and mature oocytes with spindle chromosome abnormalities was significantly higher than in controls. Fertilised Fyn-null oocytes frequently (24%) failed to undergo pronuclear congression and remained at the one-cell stage. Stimulation with gonadotropins increased the number of oocytes ovulated, but did not overcome the above defects. Fyn-null oocytes overexpressed Yes kinase in an apparent effort to compensate for the loss of Fyn, yet still exhibited an altered pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. In summary, Fyn-null female mice exhibit reduced fertility that appears to result from actin cytoskeletal defects rather than calcium signalling. These defects cause developmental arrest during oocyte maturation and pronuclear congression.
Bailment and the Property/Contract Interface

This article seeks to contribute to both the theory of private law and our understanding of bailment doctrine. Building on earlier work by Thomas Merrill and Henry Smith, I offer a revised model of the interplay between property and contract, one that incorporates the concept of license. Applying this model to bailment doctrine, I find that it resolves certain problems that have long vexed the field, including the nature of a constructive bailment and the standard of liability for so-called “contractual deviation.”
Mechanism of Insulin Resistance in A-ZIP/F-1 Fatless Mice

Insulin resistance is a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and may be related to alterations in fat metabolism. Fatless mice have been created using dominant-negative protein (A-ZIP/F-1) targeted gene expression in the adipocyte and shown to develop diabetes. To understand the mechanism responsible for the insulin resistance in these mice, we conducted hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in awake fatless and wild type littermates before the development of diabetes and examined insulin action and signaling in muscle and liver. We found the fatless mice to be severely insulin-resistant, which could be attributed to defects in insulin action in muscle and liver. Both of these abnormalities were associated with defects in insulin activation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and -2-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity and a 2-fold increase in muscle and liver triglyceride content. We also show that upon transplantation of fat tissue into these mice, triglyceride content in muscle and liver returned to normal as does insulin signaling and action. In conclusion, these results suggest that the development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes may be due to alterations in the partitioning of fat between the adipocyte and muscle/liver leading to accumulation of triglyceride in the latter tissues with subsequent impairment of insulin signaling and action.
Stopping Time: The Genetics of Fly and Mouse Circadian Clocks

Forward genetic analyses in flies and mice have uncovered conserved transcriptional feedback loops at the heart of circadian pacemakers. Conserved mechanisms of posttranslational regulation, most notably phosphorylation, appear to be important for timing feedback. Transcript analyses have indicated that circadian clocks are not restricted to neurons but are found in several tissues. Comparisons between flies and mice highlight important differences in molecular circuitry and circadian organization. Future studies of pacemaker mechanisms and their control of physiology and behavior will likely continue to rely on forward genetics.
Endotracheal flumazenil: A new route of administration for benzodiazepine antagonism☆

The purpose of this study was to determine if flumazenil is absorbed from broncho-pulmonary tissue after intratracheal administration and whether therapeutically significant plasma concentrations can be obtained. Six elective surgical patients received a dose of 1.0 mg flumazenil in 10 mL saline intratracheally during general anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn for 6 hours after administration and plasma concentrations were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An average peak plasma flumazenil concentration of 65.9 ± 43.1 ng/mL was attained within 1 minute after administration. No patients reported chest discomfort or dyspnea upon awakening and there were no other side effects noted. Administration of flumazenil via an endotracheal tube results in rapid attainment of therapeutic blood levels.
The analysis and comparison of actual to predicted collector array performances

The Hottel-Whillier-Bliss (HWB) equation has been the standard tool for the evaluation of collector thermal performance for four decades. This paper presents a technique that applies the criteria of ASHRAE Standard 93-77 to the determination of the HWB equation coefficients from field-derived data. Results of the analysis of a sample collector array illustrate the technique. Actual dynamic performances of various collector arrays in the field are compared to those predicted by the steady-state efficiency models for the individual panels. In certain cases, the HWB model produces deviations of over 100%, from measured hourly performances and 35% from measured monthly performances when compared with the single-panel laboratory-derived model. However, when the field-derived HWB model is used as the basis of comparison the performance deviations were typically less than 5%.
Analysis of Organic Surface Contaminants by Plasma Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy and Raman Microprobe Techniques

A major problem in the analysis of surface contaminants is the identification and characterization of organics, especially of small areas. The frequently-used surface analytical techniques provide elemental information which is insufficient for organic analysis. Plasma chromotography-mass spectroscopy and the laser Raman microprobe technique are useful in characterizing organic surface contaminants. Both techniques are described and examples of application of the techniques are given.
The Recent Parliamentary Elections in Sweden

With the tense international situation as an ominous background, the regular quadrennial parliamentary elections for the lower house were held in Sweden in September, 1940. Four years ago, the autumn of 1936 witnessed spirited and warmly contested parliamentary elections in both Sweden and Norway. Because Norway's constitution was amended in 1937 to provide for quadrennial rather than triennial elections, the autumn of 1940 would—save for the German invasion of the Norwegian democracy—have seen nation-wide parliamentary elections in both countries of the Scandinavian peninsula. With Sweden as the only Scandinavian nation remaining free and independent, it has been interesting to note what effect, if any, the tremendous pressures from the surrounding totalitarian states has had on democratic processes in the Swedish state. Over a year ago, the Swedish cabinet was reorganised into a National Cabinet with all leading political parties represented. As the time for the elections approached, some of the minority parties expressed willingness to postpone the contest, even to the extent of ignoring the constitutional provision for quadrennial elections. The remarkable expression of confidence by the smaller parties in the largest party—the Social Democrats—was countered by an equally remarkable stand taken by the leader of the Social Democrats, Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson, who insisted that the democratic processes of a popular election should be continued. The prime minister's view was accepted by all parties, since it was felt by all leaders that in such a time of stress it would be an indication of democratic strength for the parliament to go to the people. All were agreed also that the parties which would, in normal times, be in opposition should continue as vital going concerns.
Novel sensing of utility currents along transmission line spans

Some experimental and computational efforts to sense Line Currents (IL), Air Charging Currents (ACC) & Leakage Currents (ILK.), which are normally associated with the High Voltage (HV) utility power systems, are exerted. The low cost Giant Magneto Resistive (GMR) sensors are successfully manipulated to measure very large values of IL. GMR manipulations such as distance and angle alterations are performed in order to prevent magnetic saturation and remain in linear ranges. In parallel, a Nonmagneto Equipotential Capacitive (NEC) sensor is constructed in laboratory to measure discrete values of ACC & ILK. The designed NEC prototype is to be installed and remotely controlled along the most critical Transmission Line (TL) spans. Accurate measurements of IL, ACC & ILK are utilized to estimate other electrical and mechanical quantities, such as HV, Sag and Conductor surface Temperatures. Measurements of IL, ACC & ILK are also utilized to implement certain sophisticated protection & control schemes, such as Dynamic-Line-Ratings (DLR). Unlike the existing methodology of sensing AC circuits only, our proposed sensing is applied indiscriminately to both AC and DC circuits. The primary experimentation, simulation and estimation have proved the basic concept and fusibility of the proposed method.
Cost of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Versus Conventional Immunosuppressive Therapy in Patients with Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUNDIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an expensive biologic agent used to treat patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) nonresponsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapy (CIST). The high cost of IVIG is of concern to healthcare providers and insurance companies.OBJECTIVETo compare the cost of IVIG with that of CIST in treating a cohort of 15 patients with severe and extensive MMP.METHODSFifteen patients with biopsy-proven MMP nonresponsive to CIST were subsequently treated with IVIG and demonstrated a positive clinical response. This was a comparative, retrospective study; the mean total duration of the observation period was 8.4 years. A comparison of the cost of IVIG with that of CIST during the study period and the annual cost was performed. The cost of CIST was defined as the actual cost of the drug plus the cost of management of the multiple adverse effects, including hospitalizations, produced by CIST. In the same patient cohort, no significant adverse effects to IVIG were obse...
High-speed long-haul optical transmission using four-dimensional LDPC-coded modulation

In this paper, we study the four-dimensional LDPC coded-modulation scheme for use in long-haul beyond 100 Gb/s serial optical transport. With this novel coded-modulation scheme, transmission distance can be extended to 6500 km at 160 Gb/s aggregate date rate per single wavelength. Compared to the traditional polarization-multiplexed two-dimensional coded-modulation schemes, transmission distance is doubled.
Genome Evolution in Malaria Parasites: I. Core Genome Components

Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases that affect millions of people globally. It is caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. Existing antimalarials have lost efficacy thanks to the emergence of resistant parasite populations and the incidence of the disease is on the rise. It is believed that the completion of the genome sequence of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its sibling species will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying parasite biology and complex parasite-host interactions. In this study we focus on the investigation of genome evolution and genome plasticity in six malaria parasite species with various mammalian hosts, ranging from humans to rodents. We identify core genome components that are commonly present in these species. These components play important roles in fundamental functions as well as in parasite-specific activities.
Schemes for eliminating transient-width clock overhead from SET-tolerant memory-based systems

In the presence of radiation, particle strikes can cause temporary signal errors in ICs. Particle strikes that directly affect memory are known as single event upsets (SEUs), while strikes that affect combinational logic and spread to memory are called single event transients (SETs). In this paper, we propose two novel approaches to hardening integrated circuits against SEUs and SETs. The proposed approaches are fully-differential dual-interlocked storage cell (DICE) and triple path DICE (TPDICE). The fully-differential DICE and TPDICE approaches are compared against two existing approaches, which are triple modular redundancy (TMR) and basic SET-tolerant DICE. All approaches except for the basic SET-tolerant DICE scheme share a common theme, which is the ability to bypass SEUs and SETs. This is critical for performance, as it allows the system to proceed with subsequent operations while a cell is recovering from the effects of a particle strike. SET pulse widths can be substantial (up to 2 ns), and so high-performance systems cannot afford to pause operations while these pulses are present. The minimum clock periods obtained for the basic SET-tolerant approach were 515 ps with no SET, and 1310 ps with a 500 ps SET (in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS). In contrast, the clock periods for the bypass-capable approaches with no SET/500 ps SET were 628/749 ps for TMR, 348/480 ps for fully-differential DICE, and 434/552 ps for TPDICE. Among the approaches that bypass transient pulses, TPDICE is the most balanced. TMR suffers from overhead due to its need for external voting circuitry. In addition to this, fully-differential DICE cannot be used with combinational logic, while TPDICE can.
Low-Temperature Homoepitaxial Growth of Gan Using Hyperthermal Molecular Beams

In situ cleaning of MOCVD-grown GaN/AlN/6H-SiC substrates using NH 3 -seeded supersonic molecular beams was investigated. Removal of surface carbon and oxygen contaminants was achieved by heating at 730°C under a hyperthermal NH 3 beam. Oxygen is removed primarily by thermal desorption; however, carbon removal requires an NH 3 flux. Atomically smooth surfaces with regular steps are obtained after NH 3 beam cleaning. Homoepitaxial growth of smooth, highly textured GaN films was accomplished at 700°C by employing a 0.61-eV NH 3 beam and an effusive Ga source.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWER THEORY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STATE DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES*

The ability of state leaders to influence economic growth and diversity within their states is a disputed issue within the literature on state economic development policy-making. This research contributes to this debate by developing comparative measures of state development agency power drawn from the emerging theory on organizational power. If state policy leaders have independent control over the economic performance of their states and if that influence is exercised through the administrative unit responsible for that activity, states which have supplied their agencies more resources and freedom in using those resources should outperform those states which have not.
Graded Levels of FGF Protein Span the Midbrain and Can Instruct Graded Induction and Repression of Neural Mapping Labels

Graded guidance labels are widely used in neural map formation, but it is not well understood which potential strategy leads to their graded expression. In midbrain tectal map development, FGFs can induce an entire midbrain, but their protein distribution is unclear, nor is it known whether they may act instructively to produce graded gene expression. Using a receptor-alkaline phosphatase fusion probe, we find a long-range posterior > anterior FGF protein gradient spanning the midbrain. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) is required for this gradient. To test whether graded FGF concentrations can instruct graded gene expression, a quantitative tectal explant assay was developed. Engrailed-2 and ephrin-As, normally in posterior > anterior tectal gradients, showed graded upregulation. Moreover, EphAs, normally in anterior > posterior countergradients, showed coordinately graded downregulation. These results provide a mechanism to establish graded mapping labels and more generally provide a developmental strategy to coordinately induce a structure and pattern its cell properties in gradients.
A linear-array WSI architecture for improved yield and performance

A new architecture is proposed for constructing a linear array from cells on a partially defective wafer. Each cell connects to its four nearest neighbors in a way that guarantees a fixed delay between any pair of communicating cells. Phase-shifted synchronous clocking further improves performance. A simple configuration scheme is presented, and is shown to exceed 96% harvest of working cells when the configuration logic yield is above 75%. The architecture is shown to compare favorably to existing schemes in terms of performance, yield and overhead. >
Institutions and Environmental Performance in Seventeen Western Democracies

This article examines the relationship between national political and economic institutions and environmental performance since the early 1970s in seventeen OECD countries. After presenting hypotheses about some of the effects of the most important structural and institutional variables on performance, I test these hypotheses using a multiple regression analysis. I find that neo-corporatist societies experience much better environmental outcomes than more pluralist systems. However, neither the degree of ‘consensual’ political democracy nor traditional political factors can explain much variation in environmental performance. These relationships hold even after controlling for other structural factors such as income and manufacturing intensity. The results are robust despite perennial small-n statistical problems encountered in comparative political economy.
Toward the Theory of Stochastic Condensation in Clouds. Part II: Analytical Solutions of the Gamma-Distribution Type

The kinetic equation of stochastic condensation derived in Part I is solved analytically under some simplifications. Analytical solutions of the gamma-distribution type are found using an analogy and methodology from quantum mechanics. In particular, formulas are derived for the index of the gamma distribution p and the relative dispersion of the droplet size spectra, which determines the rate of precipitation formation and cloud optical properties. An important feature of these solutions is that, although the equation for p includes many parameters that vary by several orders of magnitude, the expression for p leads to a dimensionless quantity of the order 1‐10 for a wide variety of cloud types, and the relative dispersion sr is related directly to the meteorological factors (vertical velocity, turbulence coefficient, dry and moist adiabatic temperature lapse rates) and the properties of the cloud (droplet concentration and mean radius). The following observed behavior of the cloud size spectra is explained quantitatively by the analytical solutions: narrowing of drop size spectra with increased cooling rate, and broadening of drop size spectra with increasing turbulence. The application of these solutions is illustrated using an example of a typical stratus cloud and possible applications for the convective clouds are discussed. The predictions of this solution are compared with some other models and with observations in stratus and convective clouds. These analytical solutions can serve as a basis for the parameterization of the cloud microphysical and optical properties for use in cloud models and general circulation models.
A Comparison of Merger Remedies in the US and EU

This article compares the key similarities and differences in the likely future acceptance of merger remedies in Europe and the United States.