cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Floral Lipid Chemistry of Byrsonima crassifolia (Malpigheaceae) and a Use of Floral Lipids by Centris Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Byrsonima crassifolia (L.), a Neotropical malpighiaceous tree or treelet, has flowers that produce abundant lipids instead of nectar. Several species of Centris bees collect this oil. The floral oil shows variation between trees and can be separated into two types. One type is most common (11 of 14 samples) and consists of mono- and di-glycerides, some free fatty acids, a small amount of tri-glycerides and a trace of carbohydrate. The composition of the glycerides is predominantly (53-63%) esters of unsaturated 18C-22C fatty acids with the rest made up of 14C-18C saturated fatty acids. The second type of floral oil is similar to type one except that the samples contain large amounts of an unknown lipid more polar than the standards. Oil collected from the scopae of two representative Centris species, C. adanae and C flavofasciata, was the same as the type one oil collected from B. crassifolia floral elaiophores. The liquid provisions from the cells of several groundnesting Centris species was also found to be identical to B. crassifolia type one floral elaiophore oil with the exception of several minor ninhydrin positive compounds which may have been derived from the pollen which makes up part of the larval food provisions.
Cholecystokinin satiety and orosensory feedback

Abstract Cholecystokinin octapeptide (1.5 μg/kg CCK) was effective in reducing the number of bar-press responses for food reward. However, during the extinction session when a food pellet did not follow the bar-press, CCK was not effective in reducing the number of responses. Since the number of bar-presses during extinction is known to be positively related to the duration of food deprivation we concluded that CCK by itself did not reduce the hunger drive or the state of arousal related to food deprivation. The orosensory feedback from food intake was regarded to be a crucial element in the effect of CCK to promote satiety. It might be that food intake was needed to test the new state of satiety induced by CCK and thus without food intake during the extinction session the effect of CCK was not shown. We think that CCK may be characterized as a satiety inducer but probably not a hunger reducer. An attempt to introduce a limited amount of orosensory feedback during the extinction session was not successful in restoring the effect of CCK to suppress the food related operant response probably due to lack of proper temporal relationship between the CCK injection and the limited orosensory stimulation introduced.
A Geometric Programming Framework for Optimal Multi-Level Tiling

Determining the optimal tile size-one that minimizes the execution time-is a classical problem in compilation and performance tuning of loop kernels. Designing a model of the overall execution time of a tiled loop nest is an important subproblem. Both problems become harder when tiling is applied at multiple levels. We present a framework for determining the optimal tile sizes for a fully permutable, perfectly nested, rectangular loop with uniform dependences. Our framework supports multiple levels of tiling and uses a BSP style high level model for estimating the overall execution time of a loop program. In our framework, the problem of determining the optimal tile sizes, subject to memory capacity and bandwidth constraints, is modeled as a geometric program and transformed into a convex optimization problem, which can be solved efficiently. The model is validated through experimental results obtained by running twenty loop programs for different levels of tiling and different program and tile parameters. Our framework is very general and can also be used to solve the optimal tile size problem with many other models of execution time.
The effects of multiple scattering in small-angle nuclear scattering experiments

Abstract The Moliere theory of multiple scattering by a screened Coulomb field is applied to typical data from varioys laboratories on p-nucleus scattering at small angles, and it is shown that in many cases the systematic errors due to multiple scattering are much larger than the published errors at the smallest scattering angles. A brief account of the Moliere theory is given, with an extension to take into account the effects of beam size, beam divergence and counter size, provided that, together, these can be represented by a Gaussian. The Moliere theory is extended to take into account deviations from the screened Coulomb field cross section caused by nuclear effects, provided that these deviations can be expressed as an additive correction to the screened Coulomb field cross section. Finally, a method is outlined for extracting single scattering cross sections from data containing contributions from multiple scattering, the method being based on the validity of the Moliere theory as a first approximation.
Research Preparation in Kinesiology

This article addresses research preparation for graduate students. A major assumption is that preparation needs to be differentiated based on a student's goals. Since this is a personal proposal for research preparation, based on experience and the literature, I begin the article providing my perspective since that frames what follows. The next section presents a framework for research preparation, with many facets that can be addressed through courses and other non-course-related methods. I pay particular emphasis to the introductory research methods course and suggest that it should focus on reading, understanding, and critiquing research, not on preparation to conduct research. The final major section of the paper focuses on the recommendations of the Spencer Foundation Task Force for Preparing Educational Researchers (2009), which provide a comprehensive lens for preparing aspiring researchers.
909-24 Intravascular Ultrasound Validation of a Semiquantitative Angiographic Classification of Coronary Artery Target Lesion Calcium

We used pre-intervention intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging to validate a semiquantitative coronary angiographic classification of target lesion calcium (Ca) in 1155 native vessel lesions (47LM, 487LAD, 180LCX, 441 RCA) in 1117 pts (862 males, 255 females, ages 61 ± 11 yrs). The are, length, distribution (superficial vs deep), and location (lesion vs reference) of IVUS Ca were compared to the following angiographic classification: “None/Mild” Ca, “Moderate” Ca (radiopacities only noted during the cardiac cycle prior to contrast injection), and “Severe” Ca (radiopacities noted without cardiac motion prior to contrast injection generally involving both sides of the arterial lumen). Coronary Angiographic Ca p None/Mild Moderate Severe N = 715 N = 306 N = 134 Intravascular Ultrasound Target lesion Ca # (%) 436 (61%) 274 (90%) 141 (98%) l0.0001 Arc of Ca(°) 71 ± 83 165 ± 106 238 ± 104 l0.0001 Length of Ca (mm) 2.5 ± 3.2 4.5 ± 3.5 6.2 ± 4.7 l0.0001 Superficial Ca # (%) 261(37%) 219(72%) 123(92%) l0.0001 Arc of superficial Ca (°) 44 ± 74 124 ± 110 215 ± 119 l0.0001 Length of superficial Ca (mm) 1.5 ± 2.6 3.2 ± 3.1 87 ± 98 l0.0001 Arc of reference Ca (°) 1.0 ± 2.6 6.1 ± 93 3.3 ± 4.1 l0.0001 Length of reference Ca (mm) 1.0 ± 2.6 2.6 ± 4.8 3.3 ± 4.1 l0.0001 Total length of Ca (mm) 3.6 ± 4.4 7.2 ± 6.4 9.7 ± 6.4 l0.0001 Using discriminant analysis (variables are listed in the Table), a predictive model of the angiographic classification of lesion Ca was constructed; this model included the arc of target lesion Ca, the arc of superficial Ca, the length of reference segment Ca, and the distribution of Ca within the lesion. It correctly predicted the angiographic classification of lesion-associated Ca in 62.8% of lesions. We Conclude Pre-intervention IVUS imaging validates a semiquantitative angiographic classification of target lesion Ca. Importantly, the presence of “Severe” angiographic Ca is a highly sensitive marker not only for target lesion Ca (sensitivity = 98% with a mean arc of 238°), but also for superficial lesion Ca (sensitivity = 92% with a mean arc of 215°)
Nitrogen release from a NOx storage and reduction catalyst

Abstract In a NO x storage and reduction (NSR) catalyst, the release and reduction of NO x occurs over a very short period. The speed of the NO x release and reduction creates difficulties in analyzing the chemistry using normal analytical techniques, which are typically better suited to slower, steady-state studies. We have investigated the time dependence of NO, NO 2 , NH 3 , N 2 O and N 2 released by an NSR catalyst using a combination of FT-IR and gas chromatographic techniques. Nitrogen was detected with the GC by using He rather than N 2 as the background gas. The FT-IR was used not only to monitor NO, NO 2 , NH 3 and N 2 O, but also to establish cycle-to-cycle reproducibility. Under these conditions we used the GC to sample the effluent at multiple times over many lean–rich cycles. To the extent that the chemistry was truly periodic and reproducible, we obtained the time dependence of the release of nitrogen after the lean-to-rich transition. Similar information was obtained for O 2 , H 2 and N 2 O. Combining the FT-IR and GC data, we obtained good cycle averaged nitrogen balances, indicating that all the major products were accounted for.
Pesticide drift: aerial applications comparing conventional flooding vs. raindrop nozzles.

Under identical meteorological and application parameters, 25% more spray is deposited on target, and off target drift is reduced to one-half when applied by aircraft utilizing the new Raindrop™ nozzles, compared with the type D flooding nozzles.
Regulation of activity and apical targeting of the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in rat hepatocytes.

Abstract To test the hypothesis that rat hepatocyte canalicular Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity might be regulated by HCO3- or protein kinase-induced changes in the apical targeting of vesicles, isolated rat hepatocytes were cultured in the presence or absence of HCO3-/CO2.Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity increased in cells cultured in the presence of HCO3-/CO2 or when stimulated by dibutyryl cAMP. Both of these effects were blocked by either colchicine or the protein kinase C agonist phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy, respectively, revealed increased pericanalicular-apical membrane localization of two canalicular markers, peanut agglutinin and a 110-kDa canalicular ecto-ATPase, when hepatocyte couplets were preincubated in HCO3-/CO2-containing medium, an effect that was again blocked by colchicine. Dibutyryl cAMP also stimulated canalicular localization of the 110-kDa protein. These findings suggest that hepatocyte Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity is regulated by HCO3-/CO2 and by protein kinase A and protein kinase C agonists through microtubule-dependent targeting of vesicles containing this exchanger to the canalicular domain.
Entropy production and heat flow in liquid He II

An analysis of the effect of mutual friction between normal fluid and superfluid in the flow of liquid He II through narrow channels under large temperature gradients was recently given by Craig, Keller, and Hammel. This analysis is based on the Gorter-Mellink thermodynamical equations. An alternative treatment of the problem is presented in which the conservation of entropy is introduced naturally into the theory at an early stage. The role played by entropy production in the processes involved in the thermohydrodynamics is thereby considerably clarified and a simple relation is given for an estimate of the relative importance of normal fluid dissipation and mutual friction dissipation. (auth)
MAP and cdc2 Kinase Activities at Germinal Vesicle Breakdown inChaetopterus

Abstract In frog oocytes, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, ERK) leads to activation of cdc2 and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). By contrast, in starfish, MAPK is activated after GVBD. Here we have examined the relative involvements of MAPK and cdc2 in GVBD of Chaetopterus oocytes. MAPK was rapidly tyrosine-phosphorylated and activated (within 1–2 min) in response to exposure of the oocytes either to natural seawater (the normal trigger of GVBD in this organism) or to the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), which can also elicit GVBD. This response preceded the tyrosine dephosphorylation and activation of cdc2 by several minutes. MAPK phosphorylation and activation were transient, lasting only until GVBD occurred and the spindle migrated to the cortex. The enzyme was not phosphorylated again as a result of egg activation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the activation of MAPK has a role in GVBD. However, PD 98059, a potent and selective inhibitor of MEK, the protein kinase that phosphorylates and activates MAPK, blocked the phosphorylation of MAPK but did not block GVBD, the dephosphorylation and activation of cdc2, or spindle formation and migration. Oocytes that underwent GVBD in PD 98059 could be fertilized and cleaved normally. Ionophore A23187, although it caused germinal vesicles to disappear and caused transient phosphorylation of MAPK, did not cause dephosphorylation of cdc2, and therefore this disappearance is artifactual. These results suggest that MAPK activation is neither obligatory nor sufficient for either GVBD or meiotic metaphase arrest in Chaetopterus and that activation of MAPK and cdc2 occur on independent, parallel pathways.
Multiple level nanochannels fabricated using reversal UV nanoimprint

There is a wide range of applications for three-dimensional (3D) nanochannels in biomedical systems and fluidic control. In this article, a simple and versatile technique to create 3D nanochannels with width from 200nm to 2μm is demonstrated using sequentially stacked reversal UV nanoimprint of SU-8. Its advantages include controllable channel profile, low pressure and temperature for imprints, and flexibility in designing 3D channels by stacking. In a typical reversal UV imprint, SU-8 is spin coated on a glass mold and then transferred onto Si substrates by an UV imprint process at low temperature of 55°C, low pressure of 2MPa, and UV exposure of 1–4s. While reversal UV imprinting top SU-8 layer onto bottom SU-8 layer, the UV exposure and imprint sequence of the top SU-8 layer and its effect on channel profile control are investigated. It has been found that initially UV-cured top SU-8 layer is preferred for good channel profile control because UV-cured SU-8 layer is prevented from flowing down into bott...
Failure qf phenobarbital to increase bilirubin production in the rat

Abstract Bilirubin production, as measured by bile bilirubin excretion in 16 untreated Sprague-Dawley rats, averaged 0.71 ± 0.05 (mean ± S.E.M.) mg/100 g/day in the 24 hr after surgical creation of an external biliary fistula. Despite the wide range (0.48 to 1.10 mg/ 100 g/day) in the group, values for each individual animal were highly consistent, averaging 101, 103, 93 and 92 per cent of the baseline value during the subsequent four 24-hr collection periods. Bile bilirubin excretion in 15 rats pretreated with phenobarbital (70 mg/kg) for 5 days prior to surgery averaged 0.86 ± 0.06 mg/100 g/day in the initial collection period, which did not represent a significant increase when compared to the untreated controls (0.1 > P > 0.05). Values in these animals likewise remained constant during the subsequent 3 days, during which phenobarbital therapy was continued. In an additional six animals, phenobarbital was begun 24 hr after surgery. During the 4 days of treatment, a period of time sufficient to produce a 2- to 3-fold increase in “early labeling” of bile bilirubin and a 3- to 4-fold increase in hepatic cytochrome P-450, bile bilirubin excretion averaged 105, 92, 80 and 100 per cent of the baseline pretreatment value. Hence phenobarbital-associated increases in “early labeling” of bile pigment and hepatic cytochrome P-450 content are not accompanied by an increase in total bilirubin excretion.
Demons and repentance

Abstract This paper presents a new explanation for the stability of cartels. For a large class of repeated Cournot duopoly games with discounting, strategies are constructed which have the property that cheating on the cartel is followed by repentance. It is shown than these repentance strategies are subgame perfect equilibrium strategies and that in the presence of demons (infrequently irrational behavior on the part of both players), they lead to Pareto superior expected discounted payoffs in comparison with either Friedman's trigger strategies or Abreu's “stick and carrot” strategies.
Production control of polyelectrolyte parenterals with a flame photometer.

The polyelectrolyte solutions which find wide application in parenteral therapy are composed of alkali and alkaline earth salts. The flame photometer has been found to be suitable for the analysis of such solutions. Using a minimum number of standard solutions, control analysis of several different polyelectrolyte parenterals can be performed if the interferences are investigated and eliminated. The method of assay, the types of interferences encountered, and the means used for their elimination are described.
Introduction: New Ways of Imagining the Caribbean

Silvio Torres-Saillant, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Latino-Latin American Studies Program at Syracuse University, specializes in Caribbean and Latino literature and culture, ...
Factor invariance of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory

Several factor analyses of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) have resulted in very similar solutions. Interpretation of this consistency is hampered by the fact that the 20 scales of the inventory share items. Overlapping items cause the scales to be linearly dependent and may create structure in the interscale correlation matrix which is separate from the subject response patterns. A factor analysis was performed on the matrix of item-overlap coefficients which describes the underlying artifactual structure of the instrument. Data from two new subject samples were factor analyzed and compared to previously published studies. Similarity coefficients among factors across studies were calculated.
Ablation of Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C Accelerates Contractile Kinetics in the Absence of Hypertrophic Remodeling in Engineered Cardiac Tissue

Truncation mutations in cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) are prevalent causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mounting evidence suggest that truncated cMyBP-C causes HCM through haploinsufficiency. Mouse models in which cMyBP-C is ablated (KO), or truncated, show varying degrees of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and alterations in contractile kinetics. Phenotypic variation observed in these models may, however, be related to secondary adaptations and hypertrophic remodeling, rather than the direct effect of cMyBP-C depletion.In order to study the effects of cMyBP-C ablation on contractility in the absence of hypertrophic remodeling, we produced engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) from wild type (WT) and (KO) neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes.Expression levels of several hypertrophic markers were similar in WT and KO ECT, indicating a lack of hypertrophic remodeling. Contraction (50.0±1.1ms vs. 42.9±1.9ms; p=0.002) and relaxation (41.3±0.8ms vs. 29.2±1.7; p<0.001) times were significantly shorter in KO than WT ECT. This difference was more pronounced during relaxation, indicating a possible disconnect in contraction-relaxation coupling. In order to investigate this possibility, we studied the 1st order derivative (dFdt) of the force tracings. We found no significant difference in +dFdMax/-dFdtMax ratios (0.38±0.02 vs. 0.43±0.03; p=0.178), indicating that cMyBP-C ablation does not directly affect contraction-relaxation coupling. Elapsed times between +dFdtMax and peak developed force (FMax) (27.3±0.8ms vs. 21.7±1.5ms; p=0.002), as well as between FMax and -dFdtMax (36.5±1.6 vs. 18.4±2.1ms; p<0.001) was, however, significantly shorter.These findings indicate that cMyBP-C is involved in regulation of contractile velocity and that its ablation shortens the period of sustained force production. Our data indicates that previous reports of impaired relaxation and diastolic dysfunction due to cMyBP-C KO depletion in mice and humans may be caused by hypertrophic remodeling, rather than directly by cMyBP-C ablation/haploinsufficiency.
Mechanism and computer simulation of the phototactic accumulation of Euglena in a beam of light.

Abstract— A mechanistic model is proposed which describes the phototactic behavior of Euglena during accumulation in an illuminated region. Measurements of the lag time occurring between illumination of the culture and net accumulation in the lighted zone as a function of culture density indicate that the relative strengths of the negative phototactic response inside and of the positive phototactic response outside this region are the prime factors controlling the lag phenomenon. Further evidence for this is provided by studies of the temperature dependence of the phototactic responses to polarized actinic light. It is shown that negative phototaxis as measured in the 7lsquo;phototaxigraph’ is not directed, but rather a shock-mediated response. A ‘FOCAL’ computer program for simulation of experiments in the phototaxigraph has been written on the basis of our model. It correctly predicts the observed results under a variety of simulated experimental conditions. Measurements of the lag time and of the rate of accumulation in different parts of the actinic zone allow the calculation of motilities of the organisms with illumination and in the dark, the latter value being 0.08 mm/sec. For a 2–3-weekold culture, the rate of negative phototaxis remained constant at light intensities above 40 ergs/cm2sec at 500 nm. At this wavelength, the threshold for the positive photophobic response was 100 ergs/cm2 sec.
Plasmas beyond MHD: two-fluids and symmetry breaking

Extended MHD effects are important in the nonlinear behavior of magnetically confined plasmas, even at the simplest level represented by the self-consistent diamagnetic (B × ∇p) drifts. Allowing the electrons and ions to move independently, even as fluids, breaks certain geometrical symmetries preserved by the MHD equations that can be important for toroidal fusion burning plasmas. These symmetries are also broken by certain experimental designs and high temperature plasma conditions. Results are shown from the two-fluid and hybrid particle/fluid models in the M3D MPP code, part of the SciDAC CEMM (Center for Extended Magnetohydrodynamic Modeling) project.
InSb nanowire field-effect transistors — Electrical characterization and material analysis

With the smallest band gap and effective mass of known bulk semiconductors and an electron mobility at room-temperature in excess of 50,000 cm2/Vs [1], Indium-Antimonide (InSb) holds the potential for low-power, high-speed device applications. At the same time there is a growing interest in improving scaling of devices employing ultra-thin body structures. A nanowire is the ultimate choice in this context allowing for unsurpassed control of the electrostatics inside the channel [2,3,4]. Exploring nanowires from InSb is thus an important task. Here we present the first electrical characterization of InSb nanowire field-effect transistors (NWFETs) including a careful analysis of the device characteristics in terms of the actual nanowire band gap.
Differential expression, distribution, and function of PPAR-γ in the proximal and distal colon

Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is likely due to some effect of PPAR-γ on normal colonic epithelial cells. However, our understanding of t...
Shock wave–boundary layer interactions in rectangular inlets: three-dimensional separation topology and critical points

The interaction between two separated flow regions was studied for the fundamental problem of a shock wave–boundary layer interaction (SBLI) within a rectangular inlet. One motivation is that the inlet of an engine on a supersonic aircraft may contain separation zones on the sidewalls and the bottom wall; if one region separates first it can alter the flow on the other wall and lead to engine unstart. In our work an oblique shock wave was generated by a wedge suspended from the upper wall of a Mach 2.75 wind tunnel. Stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were recorded in 25 planes that include all three possible orthogonal orientations. The lateral velocity and vorticity measurements help to explain the underlying flow structure and these quantities were not measured previously for this problem. It is concluded that the sidewall and bottom wall separation zones interact due to an underlying flow structure that is similar to the two types of 3-D separation patterns previously described by Tobak & Peake ( Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. , vol. 14, 1982, pp. 61–85). Separation first occurs at an upstream location where the shock interacts with the sidewall. Lateral velocities direct flow toward the centreline to cause separation on the bottom wall. This causes significant curvature of the shock wave, so that even the region near the tunnel centreline cannot be explained by conventional 2-D concepts. A number of critical points (saddle points, nodes, focus points) were identified. Results are consistent with the general ideas of Burton & Babinsky ( J. Fluid Mech. , vol. 707, 2012, pp. 287–306) and help to provide details of how the sidewalls redistribute the adverse pressure gradient in space.
Cyclic GMP regulation of myosin phosphatase: a new piece for the puzzle?

See related article, pages 712–722 The contractile state of smooth muscle (SM) reflects the ratio of activities of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP), which determines the extent of regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation and actin-activated myosin II activity and can be changed by modulating the activities of the calcium-calmodulin–dependent MLCK or of MLCP. Agonists through G protein–coupled receptors, which activate the small G protein RhoA and its effector, Rho-kinase (ROK), results in inhibitory phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit (MYPT1) of MLCP leading to an increase in RLC phosphorylation and force independent of a change in [Ca2+]i, a process termed Ca2+ sensitization (reviewed in1). The importance of regulation of MLCP activity has focused attention on potential phosphorylation sites2 on MYPT1 especially Thr-696, Thr-853, Ser-695, and Ser-852 (numbering for the human MW133 isoform) (Figure) but the physiologically relevant sites remain to be fully understood. CPI-17, found in some SMs is another potential mediator of Ca2+ sensitization, which on phosphorylation by a variety of kinases inhibits the MLCP catalytic subunit, PP1cδ resulting in Ca2+-sensitized force independent of phosphorylation of MYPT1.3 Conversely, cyclic nucleotides can relax Ca2+-sensitized force and reduce RLC phosphorylation through activation or disinhibition of MLCP activity leading to Ca2+ desensitization. Early studies showed that cyclic GMP decreased Ca2+ sensitivity4 and reversed agonist-induced Ca2+-sensitized force at constant Ca2+.5,6 Urocortin-induced Ca2+ desensitization through PKA activation leads to a decrease in both Thr-696 and Thr-853.7 Direct phosphorylation of MYPT1 has been shown for both PKA on Ser-6958 and by PKG on a C-terminal Ser residue.9 However, phosphorylation of these sites did not activate phosphatase activity raising the question as to the underlying mechanism. …
Quantum geometry with intrinsic local causality

The space of states and operators for a large class of background independent theories of quantum spacetime dynamics is defined. The SU(2) spin networks of quantum general relativity are replaced by labelled compact two-dimensional surfaces. The space of states of the theory is the direct sum of the spaces of invariant tensors of a quantum group ${G}_{q}$ over all compact (finite genus) oriented 2-surfaces. The dynamics is background independent and locally causal. The dynamics constructs histories with discrete features of spacetime geometry such as causal structure and multifingered time. For SU(2) the theory satisfies the Bekenstein bound and the holographic hypothesis is recast in this formalism.
Contributions of Sodium and Chloride to NaCl-Induced Hypertension

The recommendation to avoid high dietary “salt” intake for the prevention and treatment of hypertension is often expressed in terms of dietary sodium. However, a consistent body of evidence suggests that the chloride component of salt is an important contributor to NaCl-induced elevations of blood pressure.1 In several rat models of salt-sensitive hypertension (Dahl salt-sensitive [S] rat, DOCA-salt hypertension, stroke-prone SHR [SHRSP], angiotensin II-induced salt-sensitive hypertension), selective dietary sodium loading, in the absence of chloride, fails to produce hypertension. In various feeding protocols, anions provided with sodium included various combinations of bicarbonate, phosphate, aspartate, glutamate, and glycinate. Overall, the failure of selective dietary sodium loading to produce hypertension in these studies was not related to group differences of body weight, net sodium balance, blood pH, or serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, or chloride. Similarly, a limited number of clinical observations also indicate that blood pressure is not increased in humans by high dietary sodium intakes in the absence of chloride. In 1929, Berghoff et al reported that blood pressure increased in 7 hypertensive individuals on a high NaCl intake, but not on a high sodium bicarbonate intake.2 This observation was subsequently confirmed.3 Similarly, other investigators have also observed that in contrast to the increase of blood pressure induced by a high NaCl intake in hypertensive patients, blood pressure is not increased by a high sodium intake provided as sodium phosphate or sodium citrate.1 Further suggesting a modulating effect of dietary chloride on blood pressure, in hypertensive and normotensive subjects, substitution of dietary NaCl with equimolar sodium bicarbonate leads to a reduction of blood pressure.4,5 Additionally, in hypertensive humans, the reduction of blood pressure by dietary potassium is attenuated by potassium chloride compared with that of potassium citrate.6 Because the blood pressure increment in response …
Ab Initio Molecular Orbital Study on the Ge-, Sn-, Zr- and Si/Ge-Mixed Silsesquioxanes

For the purpose of designing new functional silsesquioxanes (POSS), the structure and stability of the analogous compounds of the heavier group 14 and 4 elements such as germanium (Ge-POSS), tin (Sn-POSS) and zirconium (Zr-POSS) analogues of POSS were investigated and compared with those of the parent POSS and the titanium analogue (Ti-POSS) with electronic structure theory calculations, including electron correlation effects. In order to obtain information about the metalloxane (−X−O−X−) linkage, the structures and properties of the building blocks of metallasilsesquioxanes, such as dimetalloxanes, H(OH)2XOX(OH)2H, X = Ge, Sn and Zr, and cyclometalloxanes, [H(OH)XO]n, n = 3−6, X = Ge, Sn and Zr, were examined. The stability of the Si/Ge-mixed POSS were also studied in comparison with POSS and the completely germanium-substituted POSS.
Linguistic Culture and Language Policy.

Linguistic Culture and Language Policy. Harold Schiffman. New York: Routledge, 1996. 351 pp.
Unveiling the Vasodilatory Actions and Mechanisms of Relaxin

Relaxin is a 6-kDa peptide hormone that is secreted from the corpus luteum of the ovary and circulates in the blood during pregnancy in several species, including humans, rats, and mice1 (see Appendix for relaxin ligand and receptor nomenclature). Hisaw and colleagues,2,3⇓ who discovered the hormone, provided the first evidence, albeit structural in nature, that the vasculature is a relaxin target. In ovariectomized monkeys administered relaxin, they noted marked morphological changes in the endothelial cells of endometrial blood vessels consistent with hypertrophy and hyperplasia, as well as enlargement of arterioles and capillaries.4,5⇓ Functional evidence for a vasodilatory role of the hormone was initially reported by St-Louis and Massicotte,6 who demonstrated that chronic infusion of purified rat or porcine relaxin decreased systolic blood pressure in female spontaneously hypertensive rats but not Wistar-Kyoto rats. In another study, the same group of investigators showed that short-term administration of purified rat relaxin decreased mean arterial pressure in female spontaneously hypertensive rats as early as 8 hours after initiating the infusion, and the vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine and arginine vasopressin were blunted in the mesenteric circulation of these animals perfused in situ.7 Subsequently, some doubt about the physiological importance of the vascular role of relaxin was raised, when Ahokas et al8 found that the gestational decline in systolic blood pressure and decrease in vascular reactivity to angiotensin II were comparable in gravid spontaneously hypertensive rats with and without ovaries and, thus, with and without circulating relaxin. Further supportive evidence for vascular effects of relaxin was garnered by Bani-Sacchi et al,9 who reported that, in the Langendorff preparation, relaxin acutely increased coronary blood flow in rat and guinea pig hearts. This group also showed that the vasodilatory action of relaxin in the coronary circulation was prevented by …
Fault diagnosis of electrical machines-a review

Recently, research has picked up a fervent pace in the area of fault diagnosis of electrical machines. Like adjustable speed drives, fault prognosis has become almost indispensable. The manufacturers of these drives are now keen to include diagnostic features in the software to decrease machine down time and improve salability. Prodigious improvement in signal processing hardware and software has made this possible. Primarily, these techniques depend upon locating specific harmonic components in the line current, also known as motor current signal analysis (MCSA). These harmonic components are usually different for different types of faults. However with multiple faults or different varieties of drive schemes, MCSA can become an onerous task as different types of faults and time harmonics may end up generating similar signatures. Thus other signals such as speed, torque, noise, vibration etc., are also explored for their frequency contents. Sometimes, altogether different techniques such as thermal measurements, chemical analysis, etc., are also employed to find out the nature and the degree of the fault. It is indeed evident that this area is vast in scope. Hence, keeping in mind the need for future research, a review paper describing the different types of fault and the signatures they generate and their diagnostics schemes, will not be entirely out of place. In particular, such a review helps to avoid repetition of past work and gives a bird's eye-view to a new researcher in this area.
Introducing a twitter discussion board to support learning in online and blended learning environments

In this research we present a new design component for online learning communities (OLC); one that integrates Twitter with an online discussion board (ODB). We introduce our design across two sections of upper-division information systems courses at a university located within the U.S. The first section consisted of full-time online learners, while the second section met face-to-face twice a week. Guided by a working theoretical model for how individuals learn and interact within OLCs, we measure student perceptions of learning, social interaction and course community before and after our intervention. Initial findings were largely positive and students across both sections experienced high levels of learning, interaction and community. Our results pave the way for more integrated learning environments that incorporate online social networking (OSN) technologies.
Pectin methylesterase activity and other factors affecting pH and titratable acidity in processing tomatoes

Abstract Pectin methylesterase (PME) rapidly hydrolyzes pectin methylesters in cold break tomato juice to form methanol and to increase titratable acidity (TA). Within 30 min, the juice methanol concentration increased from 35 to over 400 μg g−1 while the pH dropped from 4.45 to 4.20. On average, cold break juice pH values were 0.21 U lower and TAs 12.4 μeq g−1 higher than those for hot break juices prepared from the same tomatoes. The greater TA in the cold break juices equalled the amount of methanol formed, consistent with both resulting from PME activity in the cold break juice. For 16 cultivars evaluated, there was a correlation between the methanol content of the cold break juices and the consistency of hot break juices, which could be the result of different pectin contents in the different cultivars. Differences in the citric, glutamic, and malic acid contents between these cultivars were small.
Complement activation induces dysregulation of angiogenic factors and causes fetal rejection and growth restriction

Immune mechanisms have been implicated in placental dysfunction in patients with recurrent miscarriages and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the mediators are undefined. Here we show that complement activation, particularly C5a, is a required intermediary event in the pathogenesis of placental and fetal injury in an antibody-independent mouse model of spontaneous miscarriage and IUGR, and that complement activation causes dysregulation of the angiogenic factors required for normal placental development. Pregnancies complicated by miscarriage or growth restriction were characterized by inflammatory infiltrates in placentas, functional deficiency of free vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), elevated levels of soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1, also known as sFlt-1; a potent anti-angiogenic molecule), and defective placental development. Inhibition of complement activation in vivo blocked the increase in sVEGFR-1 and rescued pregnancies. In vitro stimulation of monocytes with products of the complement cascade directly triggered release of sVEGFR-1, which sequesters VEGF. These studies provide the first evidence linking the complement system to angiogenic factor imbalance associated with placental dysfunction, and identify a new effector of immune-triggered pregnancy complications.
Kinase‐dependent modification of dendritic excitability after long‐term potentiation

Patterns of presynaptic activity properly timed with postsynaptic action potential output can not only increase the strength of synaptic inputs but can also increase the excitability of dendritic branches of adult CA1 pyramidal neurons. Here, we examined the role of protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the enhancement of dendritic excitability that occurs during theta-burst pairing of presynaptic and postsynaptic firing activity. Using dendritic and somatic whole-cell recordings in rat hippocampal slices, we measured the increase in the amplitude of back-propagating action potentials in the apical dendrite that occurs in parallel with long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic inputs. We found that inhibition of the MAPK pathway prevents this enhancement of dendritic excitability using either a weak or strong LTP induction protocol, while synaptic LTP can still be induced by the strong protocol. Both forms of plasticity are blocked by inhibition of PKA and occluded by interfering with cAMP degradation, consistent with a PKA-mediated increase in MAPK activity following induction of LTP. This provides a signalling mechanism for plasticity of dendritic excitability that occurs during neuronal activity and demonstrates the necessity of MAPK activation. Furthermore, this study uncovers an additional contribution of kinase activation to plasticity that may occur during learning.
Protegrin-1: a broad-spectrum, rapidly microbicidal peptide with in vivo activity.

Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is a cysteine-rich, 18-residue beta-sheet peptide isolated from porcine leukocytes with antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms. The MICs of PG-1 against representative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria ranged from 0.12 to 2 microg/ml. At these levels, PG-1 was rapidly bactericidal in vitro, reducing the number of viable CFU of either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa by more than three log units in less than 15 min. Resistance to PG-1 did not develop after 11 subculturings of P. aeruginosa or 18 subcultures of MRSA in Mueller-Hinton broth containing PG-1 at one-half the MIC. Under similar conditions of serial passage, the MICs of norfloxacin and gentamicin against P. aeruginosa increased 10 and 190 times, respectively. Similarly, the MIC of norfloxacin against MRSA increased 85 times. Immunocompetent mice inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with P. aeruginosa or S. aureus exhibited 93 to 100% mortality in the vehicle control group compared with 0 to 27% mortality in animals that received a single i.p. injection of PG-1 (0.5 mg/kg of body weight). Mice inoculated with S. aureus by intravenous (i.v.) injection and dosed 0 to 60 min later with a single i.v. injection of PG-1 (5 mg/kg) had a mortality of 7 to 33%, compared to a mortality of 73 to 93% in the vehicle controls. In leukopenic mice inoculated i.v. with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, mortality was 87% in the vehicle control group and 33% in animals that received a single i.v. injection of PG-1 (2.5 mg/kg). Taken together, these data indicate that PG-1 has potential for use as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of local or systemic infections caused by clinically relevant pathogens.
ADOLESCENT WORK INTENSITY, SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, AND ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT

Teenagers working more than 20 hours per week perform worse in school than youth who work less. There are two competing explanations for this association: (1) that paid work takes time and effort away from activities that promote achievement, such as completing homework, preparing for examinations, getting help from parents and teachers, and participating in extracurricular activities, and (2) that the relationship between paid work and school performance is spurious, reflecting preexisting differences between students in academic ability, motivation, and school commitment. Using longitudinal data from the ongoing national Monitoring the Future project, this research examines the impact of teenage employment on school performance and academic engagement during the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. The authors address issues of spuriousness by using a two-level hierarchical model to estimate the relationships of within-individual changes in paid work to changes in school performance and other school-related meas...
A Method for Synthesizing the Waveform Generated by a Character, Printed in Magnetic Ink, in Passing Beneath a Magnetic Reading Head

When a character printed in magnetic ink passes beneath a magnetic reading head it generates a waveform. A method is described here to determine this waveform from the geometry of the printed character. The character shape is divided into elementary vertical units and the height of these units is then tabulated. A single set of experimental data is obtained in the laboratory by passing a magnetically printed bar beneath the same reading head which will be used to read the characters. Formulas are derived in this paper for combining the geometrical data obtained from the character with the experimental data obtained from the laboratory run with the head. A method is then described for programing a high-speed digital computer to derive the waveforms. The discussion explains why these waveforms are often superior to what might be obtained in an actual laboratory run of the printed characters.
Sensilla Density Corresponds to the Regions of the Horn Most Frequently Used During Combat in the Giant Rhinoceros Beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae)

ABSTRACT In the Japanese horned beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus (L.), males have a long forked head horn that they use in fights with other males over access to sap sites that attract females. Because of the high risk of injury from these contests, males should assess the fighting potential of their rivals before escalating to direct combat. Indeed, male rhinoceros beetles only escalate to intense fighting when matched with equal-sized rivals. Males often tap their opponents with their head horn before and during fights, so it is likely that beetles assess the size of their competitors via sensory input from their horns. Here, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the density and distribution of sensory hairs along the length of the males’ horn. To assess the potential functional significance of variation in hair density, we combined our microscopy observations with a behavioral analysis of how males use their horns during fights. We found a strong correlation between the density of sensory hairs ...
Implementation of a program for surgical education in laryngology.

Objectives: To describe the implementation of a program for surgical education in laryngology. Methods: Items necessary to modify a temporal bone lab for laryngeal dissection purposes were identified, and costs to do so were calculated. The prices and availability of human and canine laryngeal specimens to be used for teaching purposes were then compared. Endoscopic and open laryngeal surgery were performed on canine larynges to determine suitability as a teaching model. A laryngeal dissection course with teaching objectives was created and instituted in an Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residency training program. Results: Modifications to convert an existing temporal bone lab into a laryngeal dissection lab cost $7,425. Canine larynges were found to strongly resemble human larynges and were easily used in a teaching model. They were more easily acquired and less expensive than human larynges. A novel dissection approach was created to maximize utility of a single cadaveric laryngeal specimen. Development of a laryngeal dissection manual facilitated a laryngeal dissection course. Conclusions: A laryngeal dissection educational course can be instituted with simple and relatively inexpensive modifications to an existing temporal bone laboratory. Canine larynges can be substituted for human larynges for a substantial cost savings without educational compromise. The educational methods demonstrated can be easily duplicated at other training sites.
Lung adenocarcinoma biomarker incidence in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white patients.

Context.—Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and worldwide. Biomarker testing is critical to personalized therapy in lung adenocarcinoma and has been extensively investigated in non-Hispanic whites, Asians, and African Americans. However, little information addresses the underlying genetic changes in lung adenocarcinoma among Hispanic patients in the United States. Objective.—To identify targetable biomarkers other than EGFR and EML4-ALK in Hispanic patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Design.—We tested DNA extracted from 85 lung adenocarcinoma specimens collected from 40 Hispanic and 43 non-Hispanic white patients for previously reported mutations in KRAS, MET, BRAF, mTOR, STAT3, JAK2, PIK3CA, AKT1 through AKT3, and PTEN with a custom Sequenom massARRAY assay (Sequenom, San Diego, California). Results.—Mutations in KRAS were identified in 11 cases (13%; 6 Hispanic [7%], 5 non-Hispanic white [6%]) and had no correlation with sex, age, or smoking history. Mutations in PIK3C...