cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancement by vasoactive intestinal peptide of γ-interferon production by antigen-stimulated type 1 helper T cells

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuroendocrine mediator in immune tissues that affects many T cell functions through two homologous high-affinity G-protein-coupled receptors, termed VIPR1 and VIPR2. Antigen-stimulated secretion of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) by sperm whale myoglobin-specific Th1 cells of DBA/2 mouse I-Ed-restricted clones, which express VIPR1 and VIPR2, was enhanced by 10(-10) M to 10(-7) M VIP. Enhancement of IFN-gamma secretion reached a mean maximum of fourfold for VIP and threefold for a VIPR2-selective agonist, without any effect of a VIPR1-selective agonist. Secretion of IFN-gamma by PMA and ionomycin-stimulated clones of Th1 cells was not altered by VIP. Antigen-stimulated secretion of IFN-gamma by T cell receptor-transgenic, influenza hemagglutinin-specific, and cytokine-differentiated mouse lymph node Th1 cells, which also express VIPR1 and VIPR2, was enhanced by 10(-10) M to 10(-8) M VIP. Enhancement of IFN-gamma secretion increased to a maximum of 14-fold for VIP, 14-fold for the VIPR2-selective agonist, and 20-fold for the VIPR1-selective agonist. In contrast to VIP suppression of interleukin production and lack of effect on IFN-gamma production by T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody or a mitogenic lectin, generation of IFN-gamma by antigen-stimulated T cells is enhanced significantly by physiological concentrations of VIP.
Optimizing productivity using collaborative teams

This paper focuses on a strategy to optimize industrial productivity and then applies this strategy to projects in American industries. The strategy includes: defining the term optimization, identifying the constraints, selecting a collaborative model. >
Influence of skin depth on NMR coil impedance. Part II

We present a theoretical description of the interaction between an NMR coil system and a lossy conducting sphere. The influence of the finite skin depth or RF penetration and the relatively large dielectric constant of biological samples on the sample-induced electrical impedance of the coil is treated explicitly. The results are shown to be in good agreement with experiment and reduce to the more traditional expression for the coil impedance of Hoult and Lauterbur (1979) in the low conductivity or small sample size limit.
Shortest Paths in Random Weighted Graphs

We consider the probability distribution of the cost of shortest paths and the diameter in a complete, weighted digraph with non-negative random edge costs. Asymptotic results as the number of nodes goes to infinity are developed and applied to extend several probabilistic shortest path algorithms to edge cost distributions having a general Taylor's series at zero edge cost.
STUDIES OF RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY IN CHILDREN I. Mechanics of Respiration and Lung Volumes in 85 Normal Children 5 to 17 Years of Age

Determinations of lung volumes (residual volume, functional residual capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity) in 82 "hospital normal" and volunteer children are reported. These values correlated best with the individual9s height, but almost as well with weight and surface area. Values for lung compliance and flow resistance obtained from 77 children are also presented. Lung compliance correlated most closely with functional residual capacity and vital capacity. Resistance had a negative correlation with the height of the individual. End-expiratory intrapleural pressures as measured with an intra-esophageal balloon were found to average -6.3 cm of water for 41 of the children. Where data were available, relationships of lung volume, compliance and resistance were compared on the basis of height for infants, children and young adults, and found in most instances to be similar for all three groups.
The Effect of Prosody on Distributional Learning in 12‐ to 13‐Month‐Old Infants

Distributional information is a potential cue for learning syntactic categories. Recent studies demonstrate a developmental trajectory in the level of abstraction of distributional learning in young infants. Here we investigate the effect of prosody on infants' learning of adjacent relations between words. Twelve- to thirteen-month-old infants were exposed to an artificial language comprised of 3-word-sentences of the form aXb and cYd, where X and Y words differed in the number of syllables. Training sentences contained a prosodic boundary between either the first and the second word or the second and the third word. Subsequently, infants were tested on novel test sentences that contained new X and Y words and also contained a flat prosody with no grouping cues. Infants successfully discriminated between novel grammatical and ungrammatical sentences, suggesting that the learned adjacent relations can be abstracted across words and prosodic conditions. Under the conditions tested, prosody may be only a weak constraint on syntactic categorization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gonadal hormone specificity in the sexual behavior of ring doves

1. Specific effects of gonadal hormones on male and female sexual behavior in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) were studied as follows: Reproductively experienced male and female ring doves were castrated and (a) treated with testosterone proprionate (TP; ranging 200–800 μg) then tested with responsive females or (b) treated with estradiol benzoate (EB, ranging 50–200 μg) and tested with active males for sexual behavior. 2. The main findings were: (1) Male specific behavior patterns, such as bow-cooing and hop-charging are readily induced by TP but not by EB; conversely female specific behavior patterns, such as sexual squatting are readily induced in both sexes by EB but not by TP. (ii) Isomorphic behavior pattern, such as wingflipping and nest-soliciting are more easily induced by TP than EB in males, and EB than TP in females. 3. The results are interpreted in support of hormone specific effects and discussed in conjunction with relevant data on rats.
Volatile Organic Compound Detection Using Nanostructured Copolymers

Regioregular polythiophene-based conductive copolymers with highly crystalline nanostructures are shown to hold considerable promise as the active layer in volatile organic compound (VOC) chemresistor sensors. While the regioregular polythiophene polymer chain provides a charge conduction path, its chemical sensing selectivity and sensitivity can be altered either by incorporating a second polymer to form a block copolymer or by making a random copolymer of polythiophene with different alkyl side chains. The copolymers were exposed to a variety of VOC vapors, and the electrical conductivity of these copolymers increased or decreased depending upon the polymer composition and the specific analytes. Measurements were made at room temperature, and the responses were found to be fast and appeared to be completely reversible. Using various copolymers of polythiophene in a sensor array can provide much better discrimination to various analytes than existing solid state sensors. Our data strongly indicate that several sensing mechanisms are at play simultaneously, and we briefly discuss some of them.
Differential analgesic actions of serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the mouse

Abstract The present study examined the analgesic effects of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS-205-930, MDL-7222 and GR-38032F in mice using acute thermal, mechanical and chemical pain tests. Subcutaneous administration (1–10mg/kg) of these agents did not produce analgesia in either the thermal or mechanical pain tests. However, ICS-205-930, MDL-72222 and GR-38032F all produced dose-dependent analgesia in the chemical pain test, that was not altered by systemic naloxone administration (1mg/kg, s.c.). Intracerebroventrlcular administration of these drugs (0.1–10μg) was ineffective in producing analgesia in acute thermal, mechanical and chemical pain tests. These results suggest that peripheral 5-HT3 receptors play a role in chemical, but not thermal or mechanical nociceptive mechanisms.
Cytoplasmic filaments and morphogenetic movement in the amphibian neural tube.

Abstract Cells of the medullary plate and groove were studied with the electron microscope during neurulation in Hyla regilla and Xenopus laevis in an attempt to locate structures that might be involved in morphogenetic movement. The apices of the neural plate cells contain a thin band of filaments aligned parallel to the outer surface of the plate. As neurulation proceeds, the groove narrows and deepens; correspondingly, the cell apices narrow, the apical band becomes broader and crowded with oriented filaments, and the cell body assumes a long columnar or bottle shape. In Xenopus filaments are arranged circularly around the cell neck. The cell apices are tightly joined to one another. It is proposed that filament contraction causes the neural plate to invaginate. This theory is discussed in relation to other theories of neurulation and morphogenetic movements.
Experimental response modification of a four‐span bridge retrofit with shape memory alloys

A unique shape memory alloy (SMA) restrainer cable is developed and tested to evaluate its effectiveness in limiting the hinge opening in bridges. The SMA cables, connected at the deck–abutment interface, are tested on a four-span, one-quarter scale, concrete slab bridge. The bridge is subjected to a suite of ground motion to assess the performance of the SMAs under different magnitudes of loading. The results of the experimental tests show that the SMA cables were effective in reducing the potential for unseating by reducing the as-built openings by 47 and 32% for low-level and high-level loading, respectively. In addition, the hinge displacements were also accompanied by reductions in column drift. A detailed finite element (FEM) model of the test setup is developed and comparisons are made with the experimental tests. The results of the FEM compare favorably with the experimental tests. Using the FEM, a suite of 40 ground motion records are used to compare the expected performance of the bridge with SMA cables. The results of the analysis show that the SMA cables reduce the mean hinge openings by 57 and 69% for the low-level and high-level loading, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A transformation to avoid solutions at infinity for polynomial systems

In finding all solutions to polynomial systems, the existence of solutions at infinity makes the problem more difficult, particularly when a continuation method is being used as the solution technique. Systems with solutions at infinity do arise in applications; for example, in computer graphics and geometric modeling. In this paper, a simple transformation of the system is given which eliminates solutions at infinity.
Intranasal sufentanil for the treatment of acute pain in a winter resort clinic

Abstract Introduction Painful extremity injuries are common patient complaints in resort clinics, urgent care clinics, and emergency departments. We hypothesized that intranasal (IN) sufentanil could provide rapid, noninvasive, effective pain relief to patients presenting with acute extremity injuries. Methods This was an unblinded, nonrandomized, observational study that enrolled a convenience sample of patients presenting to a university-affiliated ski clinic with acute moderate to severe pain associated with a traumatic injury between the months of January and March 2011. Patients were excluded if they reported an allergy to sufentanil or had hypoxia, significant head injury, or hypotension. Nurses administered IN sufentanil using an IN atomizer device. The nurse recorded patient-reported pain scores (0-10 scale) on arrival and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after administration of sufentanil. Results During the study period, 40 patients were enrolled; 75% were men. The average age was 32 years (range, 16-60 years). The average dose of sufentanil was 37.7 μ g. Five patients (12.5%) were given additional IN analgesia. Average pain on arrival was 9 (on a 10-point scale), and the mean reduction in pain scores was 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.67-5.57) at 10 minutes, 5.79 (95% CI, 4.81-6.77) at 20 minutes, and 5.74 (95% CI, 4.72-6.76) at 30 minutes. Conclusion In this limited observational trial, IN sufentanil provided rapid, safe, and noninvasive pain relief to patients presenting with acute traumatic extremity injuries. Given the ease of administration, this may serve as a viable option for use in other settings, such as urgent care clinics and emergency departments.
Enhanced detection of metastatic prostate cancer cells in human plasma with lipid bodies staining

Reprogramming of energy metabolism of malignant cancer cells confers competitive advantage in growth environments with limited resources. However, not every process of cancer development is associated with competition for resources. During hematogenous transport, cancer cells are exposed to high levels of oxygen and nutrients. Does energy metabolism of cancer cells change as a function of exposure to the bloodstream? Could such changes be exploited to improve the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC)? These questions have clinical significance, but have not yet been sufficiently examined. The energy metabolism was examined as a function of incubation in nutrient-rich plasma in prostate metastatic cancer cells LNCaP and non-transformed prostate epithelial cells RWPE1. Uptake kinetics of a fluorescent glucose analog (2-NBD) and lipophilic dyes (DiD & Bodipy) were measured in both cell lines, as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). LNCaP cells exhibited hyper-acetylation of low molecular weight proteins compared to RWPE1 cells. Following plasma incubation, protein lysine acetylation profile was unchanged for LNCaP cells while significantly altered for RWPE1 cells. O-linked glycosylated protein profiles were different between LNCaP and RWPE1 cells and varied in both cell lines with plasma incubation. Maximal respiration or glycolytic capacities was unchanged in LNCaP cells and impaired in RWPE1 cells following plasma incubation. However, the uptake rates of 2-NBD and DiD were insufficient for discrimination of LNCaP, or RWPE1 cells from PBMC. On the other hand, both RWPE1 and LNCaP cells exhibited intracellular lipid bodies following plasma incubation; whereas, PBMC did not. The presence of lipid bodies in LNCaP cells permitted retention of Bodipy dye and allowed discrimination of LNCaP cells from PBMC with flow cytometry. Despite clear differences in energy metabolism, metastatic prostate cancer cells could not be efficiently distinguished from non-transformed prostate epithelial cells using fluorescent glucose or lipid uptake kinetics. However, metastatic prostate cancer cells in plasma could be clearly distinguished from blood nucleated cells due to the presence of intracellular lipid bodies. Fluorescent labeling of lipid bodies permitted a simple and sensitive means for high throughput detection of metastatic prostate cancer cells in human plasma.
The development of hydrogen sensor technology for aerospace applications

The motivation and present status of each of the major components of the NASA Lewis Research Center hydrogen sensor program. The testing facility used to test the sensors and the proposed expansion of this facility are discussed. The Schottky diode prototype sensors, the use of SiC as a semiconductor for a hydrogen sensor, and the present characterization of PdCr are addressed. Future directions for the program are examined. It is concluded that results thus far are encouraging and that further development work is necessary.
Impact of prenatal and/or postnatal growth problems in low birth weight preterm infants on school-age outcomes : An 8-year longitudinal evaluation

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the 8-year growth, cognitive, behavioral status, health status, and academic achievement in low birth weight preterm infants who had failure to thrive only, were small for gestational age only, had failure to thrive plus were small for gestational age, or had normal growth. METHODS. A total of 985 infants received standardized evaluations to age 8; 180 infants met the criteria for failure to thrive between 4 and 36 months9 gestational corrected age. The following outcome variables were collected at age 8: growth, cognitive, behavioral status, health status, and academic achievement. Multivariate analyses were performed among the 4 growth groups on all 8-year outcome variables. RESULTS. Children who both were small for gestational age and had failure to thrive were the smallest in all growth variables at age 8, and they also demonstrated the lowest cognitive and academic achievement scores. The children with failure to thrive only were significantly smaller than the children with normal growth in all growth variables and had significantly lower IQ scores. Those who were small for gestational age only did not differ from those with normal growth in any cognitive or academic achievement measures. There were no differences among the 4 groups in behavioral status or general health status. CONCLUSION. Low birth weight preterm infants who develop postnatal growth problems, particularly when associated with prenatal growth problems, demonstrate lower physical size, cognitive scores, and academic achievement at age 8. There does not seem to be an independent affect of small for gestational age status on 8-year cognitive status and academic achievement when postnatal growth is adequate.
General-relativistic decompression of binary neutron stars during dynamic inspiral

We investigate the dynamic stability of inspiraling neutron stars by performing multiple-orbit numerical relativity simulations of the binary neutron star inspiral process. By introducing eccentricities in the orbits of the neutron stars, significant changes in orbital separation are obtained within orbital timescales. We find that as the binary system evolves from apastron to periastron (as the binary separation decreases), the central rest mass density of each star decreases, thus stabilizing the stars against individual prompt collapse. As the binary system evolves from periastron to apastron, the central rest mass density increases; the neutron stars recompress as the binary separation increases.
The protein and lipid composition of arterial elastin in ageing and atherosclerosis.

Abstract Elastin was extracted by the method of Lansing from the intima of fetal, newborn and normal adult aortae of humans, dogs, pigs and monkeys as well as from the intima of atherosclerotic human aortae. The purified aortic elastin was analyzed for its amino acid and lipid composition. The results show that there are only minor differences in the protein and lipid composition of elastin from young and normal old aortic intimas in all species tested. However, when intimal elastin from plaque areas was compared with elastin from normal intimal areas striking differences emerged. They included a decrease in cross-linking amino acids, an increase in polar amino acids and a large increase in lipids, especially cholesterol, in plaque elastin. It is concluded that the alterations observed in plaque elastin are directly associated with atherosclerosis and not with ageing.
On the nature of laser-induced energy distributions in polyatomic molecules

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are found for the existence of a thermal distribution solution to the rate equations which describe radiative pumping in the quasicontinuum of closely spaced vibrational levels of a polyatomic molecule. Deviations from thermal behavior are illustrated.
Modeling Multi-Cylinder Intake Plenum Pressure in a Single-Cylinder Intake Plenum With Proportional and Poppet Valves Acting in Parallel

The main focus of this paper will be on the modeling of a simulated Intake Airflow Simulator (IAS), a patented device that can manipulate the gas dynamics of the intake plenum of an internal combustion engine, with the use of proportional and poppet pneumatic valves that operate in parallel with each other. The goal of the IAS, with regard to the Powertrain Control Research Laboratory (PCRL), is to simulate a multi-cylinder’s intake air gas dynamics on a single-cylinder research engine that is unique to the PCRL. This paper will include background of the technology developed in the PCRL, the methodology behind, current work, results obtained, conclusions inferred, and references used to model and control the simulated IAS [1].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A new phase of (SN)x

A new phase of (SN)x, with the same chain geometry as the monoclinic form but having orthorhombic symmetry and very different interchain interactions, can be produced by a martensitic-like phase transformation.
Teaching Delinquency: Using Research by Black Scholars in Undergraduate Courses.

M ULTICULTURALISM AND CULTURAL literacy are contemporary concerns in undergraduate sociology education (Adelman 1992; Brayfield, Adler, and Zablotsky 1990; Collins, Fischer, and MacMurray 1990; Downey and Torrecilha 1994; Dumont Jr. 1995). Collins et al. (1990:495) note that students need exposure to other perspectives to develop their awareness of social diversity. Brayfield et al. (1990:370) encourage teachers to facilitate effective learning by including the cultural referents of minorities. Downey and Torrecilha (1994:246) argue that instituting a multicultural requirement is only an initial step, that pedagogical strategies are also needed to fulfill the multicultural mission. One strategy is to include research by black scholars in more courses. During the 1970s, black sociologists challenged the discipline to recognize the accomplishments of blacks, past and present (Hare 1976; Ladner 1973; Staples 1976; Watson 1976; Wilson 1976). More recently, Young and Taylor Greene (1995) use the term "pedagogical reconstruction" to describe a process of identifying, analyzing, and integrating research by black scholars into criminology and criminal justice curriculum. Reconstruction provides an opportunity for students to become aware of what Collins et al. (1990) describe as the many ways a given problem or situation can be approached. Clearly, research by black scholars is already included in courses, especially those that focus on blacks or minorities in general (for example, sociology of black/minority families, race and ethnic relations, sociology of minority groups). A truly multicultural sociology should include black (and other minority) perspectives in the more traditional courses as well. In this paper, I review
Enhanced Toxicity for Mice of Combinations of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide and Vincristine

Sublethal doses of vincristine (VNC) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered simultaneously to adult male mice resulted in markedly enhanced mortality. All of 10 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested, 4 of 7 strains of Bacteroides, and 6 of 10 strains of Listeria monocytogenes were able to substitute for purified LPS in enhancing mortality in VNC-treated mice. Inoculation of mice with each of 10 strains of Pseudomonas, each of 7 strains of Bacteroides, and about half of the 10 strains of Listeria tested elicited increased resistance to the lethal action of purified LPS. The patterns of responses of mice receiving a lethal combination of 2 mg of LPS/kg and 1 mg of VNC/kg resembled those of mice receiving a lethal dose of 10 mg of VNC/kg alone or 15 mg of LPS/kg alone with respect to (i) serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase activity, (ii) hematocrit values, and (iii) thrombocytopenia. The patterns of responses of mice receiving a lethal combination of LPS and VNC resembled those of mice receiving a lethal dose of LPS alone with respect to (i) hypothermia, (ii) retention of sulfobromophthalein, (iii) fibrinogen level, (iv) prothrombin activity, (v) blood urea nitrogen levels, and (vi) time of death. These data are consistent with the proposition that the combination of VNC and LPS produces a fatal renal failure. Histological studies confirmed that there was extensive renal damage in mice treated with lethal doses of LPS alone or a lethal combination of LPS and VNC.
Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism

Given the tremendous proliferation of student plagiarism involving the Internet, the purpose of this study is to determine which theory of ethical reasoning students invoke when defending their transgressions: deontology, utilitarianism, rational self-interest, Machiavellianism, cultural relativism, or situational ethics. Understanding which theory of ethical reasoning students employ is critical, as preemptive steps can be taken by faculty to counteract this reasoning and prevent plagiarism. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that unethical behavior in school can lead to unethical behavior in business; therefore, correcting unethical behavior in school can have a positive impact on organizational ethics. To meet this objective, a content analysis was conducted on the written records of students formally charged with plagiarizing at a large West Coast university. Each case was classified according to the primary ethical reasoning that the student used to justify plagiarism. Results indicate that students predominately invoke deontology, situational ethics, and Machiavellianism. Based on these findings, specific recommendations are offered to curb plagiarism.
Novel targets for myeloma bone disease.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy in which osteolytic bone lesions develop in over 80% of patients. The increased bone destruction results from increased osteoclast formation and activity, which occurs adjacent to marrow sites involved with MM cells. This is accompanied by suppressed or absent osteoblast differentiation and activity, resulting in severely impaired bone formation and development of purely osteolytic lesions. Objective: The pathophysiology underlying this bone remodeling is reviewed, and potential new strategies to treat MM bone disease are discussed. Results: Recent advances in our understanding of factors involved in pathogenesis of MM bone disease have identified novel therapeutic targets. Several of these are or will be in clinical trials soon. Conclusion: Agents which target the tumor and bone-destructive process, such as the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) or bortezomib, in combination with novel anti-resorptives should be effective. These combinations shoul...
Selection for Stem Rust Resistance in Tall Fescue and Its Correlated Response with Seed Yield

Genetic resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia gram in is Pers.:Pers. subsp. graminicola Z. Urban) could reduce the need for fungicides to control the disease in tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. (=Festuca arundinacea subsp. arundinacea)] grown for seed. Two populations from 14 resistant forage-type plants (F) and 20 turf-types (T) were developed using polycross (PX) and open pollination (OP) progenies. A two-stage controlled environment inoculation was used for screening and selection for two cycles. Direct selection response was determined after two artificial inoculations in a controlled environment. Indirect selection response for seed yield was measured, using the same plants as the direct selection study, in the field using natural inoculation for 4 yr. Plants with resistant reaction, based on pustule type, increased from 5 to 54% in the F population and from 6 to 50% in the T after two cycles of PX selection and from 5 to 63%, and from 6 to 50% in the F and T populations, respectively, after one cycle of OP followed by one cycle of PX selection. In each selection scheme, the largest increase came from the first PX cycle. Seed yield of tall fescue with improved stem rust resistance was higher than for susceptible populations or cultivars with heavy stem rust presence (1998), but yields were similar with no rust pressure (1999). These results indicate that seed yields in tall fescue can be maintained using genetic resistance to stem rust sufficient to slow or eliminate disease epidemic development.
Nachweis der quantitativen Verteilung von Ni, Cr und anderen Elementen im Austenit und Ferrit mit Hilfe der Mikrosonde

Fur eine genaue Bestimmung des Ferritgehaltes mit Hilfe der magnetischen Waage ist es erforderlich, die chemische Zusammensetzung des Ferrites zu kennen. An Modellschmelzen im System Fe-Cr-Ni und an rostfreien Stahlen wurden quantitative Mikroanalysen mit Hilfe einer JEOL-Mikrosonde durchgefuhrt. Im Ferrit ist Cr, Mo, Si, P und S angereichert, dagegen Ni, Mn und Fe im Austenit. Die Korrektionsmethoden nachL. S. Birks undR. E. Ogilvie wurden miteinander verglichen; nach letzterer Methode erhalt man bessere Werte. Der Fehler aus 14 Bestimmungen betrug 2,3%. Die quantitative Verteilung der Elemente zwischen Ferrit und Austenit kann einwandfrei nur mit Hilfe einer Mikrosonde ermittelt werden.
Acrosomal bands: Specialized structures on the nuclear surface for holding the acrosomal granule

Nuclei of house cricket spermatids were isolated by a method that leaves their acrosomes attached and were spread on grids. They provide surface views of thin structures, called acrosomal bands, which bear the acrosomal granule. Acrosomal bands are distinctively shaped, with straight edges and pointed ends. In early spermiogenesis they are several times as long as wide. At middle spermiogenesis they become longer, compound structures which almost encircle the nuclei. Sections indicate that thin sheets of two types complex with the nuclear membranes to form the bands; one type occurs in the shorter bands and both types in longer bands. It is suggested that acrosomal bands function in the positioning of acrosomal granules as well as their initial attachment to nuclei, the shorter band carrying its granule along the nuclear surface from the posterior to the anterior, and the longer band stabilizing the granule at its final anterior position.
Prediction of limit strains in superplastic materials

A simple model has been developed to study the effects of static and dynamic grain growth and strain rate on the ductility of superplastic materials. One-half of a tensile specimen was modeled numerically using a power-law creep constitutive equation, with either a constant strain rate or constant extension rate. Static grain growth was shown to reduce material ductility at all rates of growth, except when the imposed strain rate was very low. Dynamic grain growth was shown to enhance ductility at lower growth rates and for intermediate imposed strain rates, while decreasing ductility at higher growth rates. Comparison of simulated and experimental results reveals the relationship between strain and grain size, thus justifying the treatment of dynamic grain growth as a function of accumulated strain.
Adsorption of vitamin B12 to alumina, kaolinite, sand and sandy soil

Abstract Vitamin B 12 is an important component of media used to stimulate the growth of many anaerobic microbes that dechlorinate aliphatic compounds. Its delivery to the subsurface is therefore a concern for enhanced in situ bioremediation and bioaugmentation. In situ circulation of vitamin B 12 and a chemical reductant has also been field tested for treatment of chlorinated methanes, ethanes, and ethenes. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of B 12 (added as cyanocobalamin) adsorption to aquifer solids. Batch studies indicated a minor amount of adsorption to kaolinite clay (Freundlich K f =1.5 (μg/g) (mL/μg) 1/ n and 1/ n =0.39) and sand ( K f =0.70 (μg/g) (mL/μg) 1/ n and 1/ n =0.84), and no detectable adsorption to alumina. Column studies using a 3 H 2 O tracer and vitamin B 12 in distilled water (10 μM) resulted in a B 12 retardation factor ( R ) of approximately 2 for both sand (0.14% organic carbon) and a sandy soil (2.5% organic carbon). Using groundwater containing organic carbon (2.8 mg/L) in place of distilled water did not significantly change R . The relatively low value for R indicates vitamin B 12 can be distributed throughout a contaminated aquifer without experiencing significant losses to adsorption.
Computational functions of neurons and circuits signaling injury: Relationship to pain behavior

The basic circuitry of the “pain pathway” mediating transmission of information from the periphery to the brain is well known, consisting of specialized sensory fibers known as nociceptors projecting to specific spinal cord neurons, which in turn project on to the thalamus and cerebral cortex. Here we survey some of the unique properties of these circuits, such as peripheral and central sensitization, and the segmental and descending modulatory control of synaptic transmission. We also review evidence indicating dissociation between nociceptor activity and behavioral indications of pain. Together, these considerations point to the need for a more quantitative approach to the nociceptive system, specifically the interactions at peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal levels as well as between them, to more fully understand how the activity in nociceptive neurons individually and collectively is related to the pain response.
AFib in special populations.

For physicians who see and treat patients who present with AFib in routine clinical practice there are 4 important factors to understand and bear in mind when diagnosing and planning treatment strategies: age, gender, prior or incident heart failure, and underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). (online video available at: http://education.amjmed.com/video.php?event_id=445s if that is irregular, then record the ECG and look for AFib. After these 2 simple steps, physicians should be aware of the 2 most important risk scoring systems at present, CHADS2, which has been updated as the CHAD2DS2 vascular score (CHA2DS2-VASc); the latter takes gender into account and is a more sensitive scoring system for differentiating truly low-risk patients from those who may appear to be low risk, but actually are at significant risk. As discussed, while the 2012 ESC guidelines recommend a shift toward a greater emphasis on identifying patients who are truly low-risk (vs those who are only apparently low risk), the US emphasis is on identifying the high-risk patients, and how use of the CHADS2 versus CHA2DS2-VASc to accomplish these 2 goals is outlined. Two further important subpopulations of AFib patients are those with congestive heart failure (CHF) and those with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). As discussed, the real progress that has been seen in the prognosis of CHF has not been seen for patients with CHF and concomitant AFib, meaning that even with optimal therapy, the patient with AFib who develops CHF is at higher risk of mortality. The challenge for patients with ACS and AFib is that their ACS will probably require antiplatelet therapy, and addition of anticoagulation therapy as prophylaxis against stroke and systemic embolism because of the AFib creates the problem of so-called "triple therapy." This review includes a clinical decision algorithm for balancing the lowest risk of thromboembolic events against the highest risk of bleeding in patients who must receive triple therapy. Finally, this review concludes with a brief overview of the possible benefits of the NOACs in these populations, while also emphasizing that all clinicians-especially primary care physicians, who may become the principal caregivers for these patients with AFib in the era of NOACs-should be familiar with one of current bleeding scores, perhaps the best of which is the HAS-BLED score, which includes patients who have hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function, bleeding history, predisposition or labile INR, elderly patients who are frail or >65 years, or with a history of drugs/alcohol concomitantly.
Relationship between Complement Activation and Renal Deposition of Immune Complexes Made with IgG2a Monoclonal Antibodies

Previous studies identified a single murine monoclonal IgG2a anti-dinitrophenyl antibody that, when combined with the antigen, formed immune complexes (IC) that were preferentially deposited in glomeruli. The present study examined the clearance and organ localization in Balb/c mice of expanded panels of radiolabeled IC containing murine monoclonal antibodies. The results identified a second IgG2a antibody that formed IC with a predilection for renal deposition. IC made with the two IgG2a antibodies that were preferentially deposited in the kidney were the least efficient binders of human C1q or homologous murine C3b and C4b within the IgG2a panel. These observations suggest a new model of IC-mediated renal disease initiation in which relatively weak complement activation leads to inefficient IC clearance by complement receptor-bearing circulating cells and consequent IC deposition in tissues susceptible to IC-mediated injury.
Misalignment and Resonance Torques and Their Treatment in the GP-B Data Analysis

Classical torques acting on the GP-B gyroscopes decrease the accuracy in the measurement of the relativistic drift rate. Based on measurements made during the year-long science data collection, tests done following the science data collection, and a theoretical analysis of potential torques, there are two dominant classical torques acting on the gyroscopes. The first torque, known as the misalignment torque, has a magnitude proportional to the misalignment between the gyroscope spin axis and the satellite roll axis and is aligned perpendicular to the plane containing these two vectors. The second torque, known as the resonance torque, mainly produces a permanent offset in the orientation of the gyroscope spin axis when a harmonic of the gyroscope polhode frequency is in the vicinity of the satellite roll frequency. These two torques have the same physical origin: an electrostatic interaction between the patch effect fields on the surfaces of the rotor and the housing. In the post-mission data analysis, the change in the gyroscope orientation due to both of these torques can be clearly separated from the relativistic drift rate.
Infrared excited resonance Raman spectra of lobster shell pigments in situ

Resonance Raman spectra, obtained with 676.4 and 752.5 nm excitation, are reported for the carotenoid molecule astaxanthin in situ in the shell of a lobster. The spectra show unusual frequency shifts and absolute intensity behaviour in the case of 676.4 and 752.5 nm excitation, respectively, and support the hypothesis that the shell contains astaxanthin bearing pigments which have not yet been isolated and characterized.
Five orders of magnitude reduction in energy coupling across corrugated graphene/substrate interfaces.

A normal full-contact graphene/substrate interface has been reported to have a thermal conductance in the order of 108 Wm–2K–1. The reported work used a sandwiched structure to probe the interface energy coupling, and the phonon behavior in graphene was significantly altered in an undesirable way. Here, we report an intriguing study of energy coupling across unconstrained graphene/substrate interfaces. Using novel Raman-based dual thermal probing, we directly measured the temperature drop across the few nm gap interface that is subjected to a local heat flow induced by a second laser beam heating. The thermal conductance (Gt) for graphene/Si and graphene/SiO2 interfaces is determined as 183 ± 10 and 266 ± 10 Wm–2K–1. At the graphene/Si interface, Gt is 5 orders of magnitude smaller than that of full interface contact. It reveals the remarkable effect of graphene corrugation on interface energy coupling. The measurement result is elucidated by atomistic modeling of local corrugation and energy exchange. By...
Hemi/Sphere: A Continuing Management Programme for Stroke Patients and Their Families

Hemi/Sphere is a new programme for the continuing care of stroke patients and their families following discharge from an acute hospital or rehabilitation centre. Located at The Wellesley Hospital in Toronto, this is a multi-disciplinary programme which stroke participants and family members may attend indefinitely. Prior to their admission to Hemi/Sphere the majority of participants had reached a plateau in their rehabilitation. Stabilization and maintenance were not being carried out and a resultant backslide and depression had occurred. The programme is described and a detailed case study is given. It is shown that this final stage of rehabilitation deserves further study and should become an essential part of the Health Care System. The article is based on a presentation given at the Seminar and Workshop on the Brain-Damaged Adult on April 22, 23, 1976, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
Sliding abrasion resistance assessment of metallic materials for elevated temperature mineral processing conditions

Abstract The multiplicity of harsh environments in mining, processing and transporting ore and related waste, cause severe wear, extremely high maintenance costs and lost production. Elevated temperature processing is one of the conditions that influence the performance of possible materials of construction. This takes the forms of reduced hardness and strength, deleterious changes in the structure and properties of materials during protracted exposure and increased oxidation and corrosion. Drag chain conveying of hot solids e.g. in smelting, typically results in three-body sliding abrasion and adhesive wear of connecting pins and hole surfaces in link assemblies and of moving paddles that impel the particulates in enclosed channels. Selected materials have been assessed for this type of service under reciprocating sliding abrasion contact conditions using an adapted Cameron-Plint TE77 wear rig at 20 °C and 350 °C. These include the current carburised low alloy steel, other steels, Cr white irons and Co-based alloys in bulk, overlay and surface treated forms. Examination of wear scars, using scanning electron microscopy, identified the main wear mechanisms affecting the highly resistant powder metallurgical (PM) tool steels and HVOF coating as micro-scratching and as indentation leading to micro-fracture. Materials with lowest resistance displayed evidence of significant material removal by micro-ploughing. The formation of oxide layers on some samples during testing appeared to be beneficial.
Odor identification as an early marker for Alzheimer's disease: impact of lexical functioning and detection sensitivity.

Abstract The impact of lexical functioning and detection sensitivity on the deficit of odor identification in Alzheimer's disease (AD) was studied in persons diagnosed with probable and questionable AD. Tests consisted of lexical-based odor identification, lexical-based picture identification, picture-based odor identification, and odor-detection threshold. Results suggest (1) that odor identification is poorer than picture identification in probable and questionable AD, (2) that odor identification continues to be poor even when lexical demands are eliminated, (3) that odor detection does contribute to the odor-identification deficit, but does not account for it completely, and (4) that odor identification tests have a correct classification rate of 83 – 100%. Odor identification tests can be very useful tools in diagnosing AD and should be considered an important addition to existing diagnostic test batteries.
A study of the applicability of in vitro microsomal assays for detection of a possible carbon monoxide-P450 complex formed in vivo

Abstract Direct experimentation indicated that the dissociation of carbon monoxide (CO) from cytochrome P450 is so rapid as to preclude the use of an in vitro assay for detection of a possible CO-P450 complex formed during in vivo exposure to carbon monoxide.
The stereochemistry and synthesis of Achillin

Abstract A synthesis of the guianolide Achillin (Ia) that determines the stereochemistry is reported. The difficulty of making stereochemical assignments in these systems from NMR coupling constants is noted.
The effect of the geomagnetic field on negative voltage spheres in the ionospheric plasma: fluid simulation

Abstract Experiments involving the interaction of spherical conducting objects biased with high voltages in the Low-Barth-Orbit (LEO) environment have been conducted and designed. In these experiments, both positive and negative voltages have been applied to the spheres, Previously, there have been theoretical and numerical studies of positive voltage spheres in plasmas with and without B fields. There also have been studies of negative voltage objects in unmagnetized plasmas. Here, we used a fluid Model to study the plasma response to a negative voltage sphere immersed in a magnetized plasma. Our main purpose was to investigate the rote of the B field during the early-time interaction between the negative voltage sphere and the ambient plasma in the LEO environment. In this study, different applied voltages, B field strengths, and risetimes of the applied voltages were considered. It was found that with the strength of the geomagnetic field the ions are basically not affected by the B field on the time scale of hundreds of plasma periods considered in this study. The ion density distribution around the sphere and the collected ion flux by the sphere are basically the same as in the case without the B field. The electron motion is strongly affected by the B field. One effect is to change the nature of the electron overshoot oscillation from regular to somewhat turbulent. Although the electrons move along the B field much more easily than across the B field, some redirection effect causes the electron density to distribute as if the B field effect is minimal. The sheath structure and the electric field around the sphere tend to be spherical. A finite rise-time of the applied voltage reduces the oscillatory activities and delays the ion acceleration. However, the effect of the rise-time depands on both the duration of the rise-time and the ion plasma period.
Growth Characteristics of Fibroblasts Isolated From the Trunk and Distal Aspect of the Limb of Horses and Ponies

Objective— To determine if there is a difference in in vitro growth of fibroblasts isolated from the trunk and distal aspect of the limb of horses and ponies. To determine the effects of a corticosteroid and monokine on in vitro growth of fibroblasts isolated from the trunk and distal aspect of the limb of horses and ponies. Study Design— Growth of fibroblasts from tissues harvested from the trunk and limb were compared from horse and pony samples grown in control media and control media with triamcinolone or monokine added. Animals or Sample Population— Dermal and subcutaneous tissue from 22 horses and 17 ponies of various ages and breeds. Methods— Fibroblast growth was assessed by tritiated thymidine uptake using standard cell culture techniques. The effect of a monokine or triamcinolone plus control media were compared with control media for fibroblast growth. Results— Fibroblast growth from tissues isolated from the horse limb was significantly less than growth from the horse trunk and the limb and trunk of ponies. Monokine was more effective than triamcinolone in suppressing fibroblast growth from tissues isolated from the trunk and limb in both horses and ponies. Conclusions— There are growth differences in fibroblasts isolated from the limb of horses compared with those isolated from the trunk and from the limb and trunk of ponies. Clinical Relevance— The difference in fibroblast growth from tissues isolated from the trunk and limb of horses and ponies may provide evidence for the difference reported in the healing characteristics of limb wounds in horses and ponies. Influencing fibroblast growth may provide a key to controlling the development of exuberant granulation tissue in horses and ponies.