cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (type IV collagenases) and their inhibitors in the virgin, timed pregnant, and postpartum rat uterus and cervix by prostaglandin E2-cyclic adenosine monophosphate ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to examine whether the type IV collagenases (metalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) are regulated by a prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 )-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mechanism in nonpregnant virgin, preterm and term pregnant and postpartum rats. Study Design: Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with either saline solution or PGE 2 over 24 hours or were noninfused. Plasma and tissue were analyzed for cAMP, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Results: PGE 2 evoked elevations in plasma and tissue levels of cAMP and MMP-2 in the preterm and term pregnant rats. MMP-9 levels were elevated in the preterm plasma and uterus, whereas in the term pregnant and postpartum rats, MMP-9 levels were increased in the cervix. Conclusions: MMP levels in the pregnant and postpartum rat uterus and cervix are regulated in part by a PGE 2 -cAMP mechanism. Specifically, MMP-9 may be involved in preterm labor, cervical maturity, and involution of the postpartum uterus. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:202-8.)
Association with mature plants protects seedlings from predation in an arid grassland shrub, Gutierrezia microcephala.

Survivorship of Gutierrezia microcephala (Compositae) seedlings was studied in an undisturbed arid grassland and in experimental plots where various components of the natural vegetation were removed following seed germination. The major causes of seedling mortality were herbivore damage from the specialist grasshopper, Hesperotettix viridis, and drought stress associated with competition from established plants. The relative intensity of these mortality factors varied strongly with seedling size. Large seedlings had higher overall survivorship but were most likely to be killed by defoliation; most small seedlings died of drought stress. In plots where all perennial grasses were removed (leaving established G. microcephala plants), seedling survivorship was 5 times greater than in undisturbed vegetation. Surviorship in plots where both grasses and mature G. microcephala were removed was slightly poorer than in undisturbed vegetation due to a large increase in mortality from defoliation. From May–August, when the herbivore H. viridis was abundant, seedling survivorship was better in the immediate vicinity of mature conspecific plants than in plots lacking mature G. microcephala, both in the presence and absence of perennial grasses. These results provide a counter example to theories predicting that the impact of specialist herbivores on seedling recruitment is greatest in the vicinity of parent plants.
Relationships between neuropsychological and psychopathological dimensions in male alcoholics.

Abstract A study was conducted of the relationships between psychopathology and neuropsychological deficit in chronic alcoholic patients who had received the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Classification of the MMPIs by code type resulted in the formation of groups of 10 subjects with normal MMPIs, 19 subjects with MMPI profiles suggestive of depression, and 10 subjects with profiles suggestive of psychosis. Analysis of covariance was performed for various Halstead-Reitan scores: the only significant findings emerged for several of the verbal subtests of the WAIS. The group with psychotic MMPIs did substantially more poorly on these measures than the other groups. It was concluded that depressed alcoholics do not show greater neuropsychological deficit than do individuals with no significant psychopathology other than alcoholism. However, alcoholics with MMPI profiles that suggest psychosis differ from the other groups studied with regard to certain verbal abilities.
Early life stress is associated with default system integrity and emotionality during infancy.

Background Extensive animal research has demonstrated the vulnerability of the brain to early life stress (ELS) with consequences for emotional development and mental health. However, the influence of moderate and common forms of stress on early human brain development is less well-understood and precisely characterized. To date, most work has focused on severe forms of stress, and/or on brain functioning years after stress exposure. Methods In this report we focused on conflict between parents (interparental conflict), a common and relatively moderate form of ELS that is highly relevant for children's mental health outcomes. We used resting state functional connectivity MRI to examine the coordinated functioning of the infant brain (N = 23; 6–12-months-of-age) in the context of interparental conflict. We focused on the default mode network (DMN) due to its well-characterized developmental trajectory and implications for mental health. We further examined DMN strength as a mediator between conflict and infants’ negative emotionality. Results Higher interparental conflict since birth was associated with infants showing stronger connectivity between two core DMN regions, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (aMPFC). PCC to amygdala connectivity was also increased. Stronger PCC-aMPFC connectivity mediated between higher conflict and higher negative infant emotionality. Conclusions The developing DMN may be an important marker for effects of ELS with relevance for emotional development and subsequent mental health. Increasing understanding of the associations between common forms of family stress and emerging functional brain networks has potential to inform intervention efforts to improve mental health outcomes.
Constructing transitive permutation groups

This paper presents a new algorithm to classify all transitive subgroups of the symmetric group up to conjugacy. It has been used to determine the transitive groups of degree up to 30.
Ergonomics of Colonoscopy: Wrist Postures of Gastroenterologists Performing Routine Colonoscopy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bilateral wrist postures of gastroenterologists who perform routine colonoscopy. Gastroenterologists are exposed to upper extremity musculoskeletal risk factors such as high pinch forces, sustained muscle loading, and awkward postures; however, to date, no studies have specifically quantified the wrist postures associated with routine colonoscopy. Four experienced gastroenterologists performed 3 to 5 routine colonoscopy procedures while bilateral wrist extension/flexion and radial/ulnar deviation postures were measured using biaxial electrogoniometers. Peak (90th percentile) wrist extension angles in both wrists (42.6° left; 36.0° right), radial deviation for the left wrist (23.0°) and ulnar deviation for the right wrist (17.83°) across all 4 phases of the colonoscopy procedures exceeded the injury threshold limit values of 26.6°, 17.8°, and 12.1°, respectively, based on carpal tunnel pressure (Keir et al., 2007). The findings suggest that the wrist posture...
Purification and resolution of NADH diaphorase activity from NADPH diaphorase-linked: O2 oxidoreductase activity of human neutrophils

Abstract Intrinsic NADPH diaphorase activity is a component of the membrane-bound NAD(P)H:O 2 oxidoreductase of human neutrophils. NADH-specific diaphorase activity is also present in membrane fractions rich in oxidoreductase activity. Studies were undertaken to determine whether the NADH diaphorase might also be intrinsic to the oxidoreductase. The latter diaphorase was freed from the membrane by detergent extraction and partially purified approximately 80-fold. Its apparent molecular weight following solubilization in deoxycholate and Tween-20 was 204 000 ± 10 000. The specific activity of the partially purified diaphorase with ferricyanide as electron acceptor was 7.6 · 10 3 mU/mg protein, its pH optimum was 7.0, and its K m for NADH was 13 μM. It is completely devoid of NADPH diaphorase activity, lacks the capacity to reduce molecular oxygen, yet readily reduces ferricyanide, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol and ferricytochrome c . Whereas the NADH diaphorase was freed from the particulate fraction of cell lysates by extraction in 10 mM Tris-HCI buffer (pH 8.6) made up in 15% glycerol and 0.5% Tween-20, NADPH-dependent diaphorase and superoxide-generating activities also present in the membrane were not. These observations make it unlikely that the principal membrane-bound NADH diaphorase found in human neutrophils is a component of the NAD(P)H:O 2 oxidoreductase, despite its common association in the same particulate fraction of cell lysates.
The bible and the death penalty: Implications for criminal justice education

The death penalty remains a controversial issue. Since many practitioners and students base their opinions of capital punishment on their religious beliefs and/or the Bible, knowledge of the Bible's content on these issues is of value for teachers of criminal justice. People often cite specific verses of the Bible to justify a particular position on capital punishment, but these passages are freuqently acontextual, failing to consider the significance of the passages containing these verses or the Bible as an entire document. The purpose of this paper is a review of the Bible on the subject of the death penalty.
Refusing Middle Age

(2002). Refusing Middle Age. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 46-60.
Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium vinckei: phagocytic activity of mouse reticuloendothelial system.

Abstract The rate of nonspecific phagocytosis was measured by carbon clearance in mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi and P. vinckei as well as in normal mice. Phagocytosis was found to be normal until parasitemia was greater than 10%, and then was increased in both infections at the same time and to the same extent. When P. chabaudi-infected animals developed a chronic infection, with a low grade parasitemia, phagocytosis was also decreased, even though these animals were suppressing the infection and were resistant to superinfection by P. vinckei. These data indicate that nonspecific phagocytosis does not have a major role in resistance to rodent malaria.
Preparation of Quantum Dot−Biotin Conjugates and Their Use in Immunochromatography Assays

Biotinylated, highly luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dot (QD) conjugates were prepared and used in immunofiltration assays. Water-soluble quantum dot surfaces having a homogeneous negative charge density at basic pH were initially coated with a two-domain recombinant maltose-binding protein appended with a positively charged leucine zipper. Biotin functionalization of these electrostatically stabilized QD-protein complexes was then carried out using amine-reactive NHS biotin. These protein-coated biotin-functionalized quantum dot conjugates were incorporated into flow immunofiltration/displacement assays employing Affi-gel agarose resin for antibody immobilization, analyte capture, and immune complex formation with a second biotinylated antibody. A key component of the assay was the use of tetranitromethane-modified NeutrAvidin, used to link the biotinylated QDs to the immune complexes and facilitate their release at basic pH for subsequent quantification. This assay methodology was used to detect as little as 10 ng/mL staphylococcal enterotoxin type-B.
Effects of Reduced Nocturnal Temperature on Performance and Behavior of Nursery Pigs

Abstract Previous studies suggested that pigs prefer lower environmental temperatures during nighttime compared to daytime. So reducing nocturnal temperature in nursery barns may not jeopardize performance or welfare of pigs, but can save energy for heating the barn. A study was conducted to investigate growth performance and behavioral response of nursery pigs to reduced nocturnal temperature. This study was conducted in four replicates, each utilizing 270 newly weaned pigs and lasting for 5 wk. Temperature setpoint in the control room (CON) was started at 30°C and decreased by 2°C per week. In the treatment room (RNT), temperature setpoint was maintained same as in CON between 7:00 h and 19:00 h, and reduced by 8°C between 19:00 h and 7:00 h starting from d 5. Growth performance (15 pens/room, 9 pigs/pen, BW=(6.30.61) kg) was monitored for 5 wk, and behaviors in 6 pens in each room were video-recorded for 24 h 3 d after being exposed to the experimental temperature. Instantaneous scan sampling was performed to determine time budgets for standing, sitting, eating, drinking, belly nosing, three postures of lying, and huddling. Two focal pigs were continuously viewed to record duration and occurrence of eating and drinking. Reduced nocturnal temperature did not affect the growth performance of the pigs, time spent standing, sitting, total lying and eating or duration and frequencies of eating and drinking (all P >0.10). However, RNT increased time spent lying sternal (83 vs. 72%, P P P P P =0.01) during nighttime. These results indicate that nursery pigs adopted the posture of lying sternal and huddled together to reduce heat loss from their body surface to maintain thermal balance and growth performance in RNT. Such mild reduction in nocturnal temperature in the nursery barn can save energy for heating the barn without negative effects on performance and behavior of nursery pigs.
RESPONSE TO TRANSFUSION OF PLATELETS POOLED FROM MULTIPLE DONORS AND THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS TECHNICS OF CONCENTRATING PLATELETS.

In order to determine the effect of concentration and pooling of platelet rich plasma (PRP) from multiple donors on response to platelet transfusion, the results of investigations with various preparations of fresh platelets for transfusion were analyzed. Transfusions of multiple donor, pooled PRP and platelet concentrates (PC) were compared by study of response to 385 transfusions in 55 patients with thrombocytopenia. The mean platelet increment an hour after PRP transfusion was 55,000/5 units/sq. meter surface area of the recipient. The mean fraction of platelets surviving in the circulation on the second day was 36 per cent of the increment. The results of the multiple donor pools were similar to PRP transfused from single donors. On the other hand, concentration of platelets reduced the effectiveness of platelet transfusion by over 50 per cent. Several methods of preparation of platelet concentrates were compared. The effects of age of the concentrate, resuspending medium, anticoagulant, and centrifugation are enumerated. However, a controlled clinical transfusion study showed that the decreased response to PC transfusions was due mainly to the deleterious effects of high speed centrifugation (1,500 to 5,000 × g) employed in the process of concentrating platelets from PRP. No method of preparing platelet concentrates was shown to be superior. Although inferior to PRP in terms of response to transfusion, concentrates are valuable because of their ease of handling and clinical utility when large quantities of platelets in a small volume of fluid are indicated.
Superfluid 3HeB: The dependence of the susceptibility and energy gap on magnetic field☆

Abstract Measurements at zero pressure of the nuclear susceptibility of 3HeB agree quite well with a weak-coupling theory of the field-dependence of the energy gap.
Notions of rationality and value production in ecotourism: examples from a Mexican biosphere reserve

In this paper, two unique ecotourism projects in the Sierra of Manantlan Biosphere Reserve in west central Mexico are analyzed in terms of the economic and ideological discourses they reflect. In this region, ecotourism is promoted as (1) a sustainable development platform that is purportedly (2) different from traditional tourism in terms of the socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Economic programs and initiatives with explicit goals of sustainable development and conservation can directly influence local productions of value of forest resources and ethnicity. Weber's ideas on formal and substantive rationalizations are used as points on a continuum, and taken together with Kapp's Theory of Social Costs, the economic and ideological values of ecotourism projects can be compared and analyzed. Using anthropological methods, the two examples illustrate distinct types of ecotourism projects found within a single biosphere reserve. The discourse of ecotourism and integration into global markets through e...
Purified EGF receptor–kinase interacts specifically with antibodies to Rous sarcoma virus transforming protein

Transformation by several RNA tumour viruses seems to be mediated by virally coded protein kinases which specifically phosphorylate tyrosine1–7. A tyrosine-specific protein kinase also seems to be involved in the mitogenic action of epidermal growth factor (EGF)8. This EGF-stimulated kinase activity is closely associated with the EGF receptor, with which it co-purifies during EGF-affinity chromatography9. Because both the virus- and EGF-stimulated tyrosine kinases may be involved in stimulation of cell growth, and because the viral kinases may be antigenically related to normal cell proteins5,10–12, we examined the interaction of antibodies to viral tyrosine kinases with the affinity-purified EGF receptor–kinase preparation. We report here that the receptor–kinase specifically phosphorylates antibodies directed against the transforming protein kinase pp60src of Rous sarcoma virus. However, none of these antibodies, including those which cross-react with the normal cellular homologue of pp60src (pp60sarc), precipitate the receptor–kinase. These results suggest that the EGF receptor–kinase is related to, but probably not identical with, pp60sarc.
Family History in Developmental Expressive Language Delay

Familial aggregation of language deficits has been demonstrated in previous studies. However, researchers have typically failed to differentiate subgroups of language-impaired children. The present...
Anisomycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, perturbs the phase of a mammalian circadian pacemaker

Administration of the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin, induced both advance and delay phase-shifts in the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in hamsters maintained in constant darkness. The magnitude and direction of the phase shift was dependent on the circadian time of drug treatment. A second protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, also induced phase-shifts in the circadian rhythm of activity, while two drugs which mimic some of the side effects of protein synthesis inhibitors had no significant effect on the activity rhythm. The phase-response curve generated by anisomycin injections in the hamster is similar to the response curves that have been measured for protein synthesis inhibitors in micro-organisms and invertebrates. Thus, the biochemical mechanisms generating circadian oscillations in mammals may share common features with those found in very distantly related phylogenetic groups.
The Counselor's Role in the Development of Staff Competence

This article describes competence assessment as a method by which counselors can relate staff development directly to success on the job.
vv pumping in H2: estimate of induced dissociation at 300°K

By means of the stimulated Raman effect one may produce in H2, D2, and in several other gases, a substantial population in the ν = 1 state. Subsequent to the pulse excitation vv energy transfers rapidly generate a vibrational distribution which is approximately equivalent to (3–4) × 103°K. Then, in H2 + D2 mixtures metathetic reactions occur. Here we report on a computer simulation of an experiment described elsewhere, designed to estimate whether a measurable fraction of the hydrogen molecules reach the upper vibrational level and dissociate. Solutions of the coupled differential equations show that the anticipated hydrogen atom concentrations are too low by a factor of 107-108 to account for the observed H/D exchanges. These calculations also show that the conventional phenomenological rate equation for dissociation does not apply to this highly non-thermal distribution.
Long-term Silastic Catheters and Chest Pain

There are multiple reports in the literature of vascular erosion in the innominate vein or superior vena cava from the use of temporary central venous catheters. Catheter malposition is likely to precede the development of superior vena cava perforations, a catastrophic complication of central venous catheters. Catheter malposition after initial adequate placement is a very unusual long-term complication and delayed recognition of this complication may have disastrous consequences. Should the catheter change position so the tip is angled toward the sidewall, the repetitive movement of the catheter tip that occurs with respiratory excursion and the cardiac cycle may lead to endothelial injury and eventual erosion of the vein. These problems are thought to be alleviated in the patient receiving long-term intravenous therapy by using a soft Silastic catheter, which may not cause as much damage to the endothelium of the vein. We report three patients with left-sided long-term indwelling Silastic catheters that had changed position over time who presented with chest pain upon infusion of their total parenteral nutrition solutions. In each case, chest x-ray revealed that the tip of the catheter had migrated and was directed against the sidewall of the superior vena cava. In each case, catheter removal and replacement with a new catheter into the right side (subclavian and jugular systems) led to prompt relief of the patient's symptoms.
Innate factors in imprinting

Even though inanimate and unresponsive, a duck decoy produced much stronger imprinting of ducklings than a human being, indicating specific innate knowledge of the visual characteristics of the species as the parental object to be learned. While simultaneous imprinting of ducklings has been avoided by researchers because of possible imprinting to siblings, it was found to be just as effective as individual exposure in producing an attachment to the decoy. These findings indicate the importance of examining factors present in the natural situation in order to understand imprinting as an innately programmed process.
Commentary: Ideas that will govern America

As a US presidential debate on science becomes increasingly possible, it's time to look at what such a debate can accomplish, says Lawrence Krauss
Positron emission tomography for detecting clinically occult surgically resectable metastatic ovarian cancer.

Abstract Background. The specific indications for PET imaging in patients with ovarian cancer have yet to be precisely defined. While PET has limited sensitivity for detecting small-volume ( Cases. The cases of two patients with suspected recurrent Stage IIIC serous ovarian cancer based solely on elevated CA125 levels and one patient with an apparent Stage IC poorly differentiated ovarian sex cord–stromal tumor who had macroscopic surgically resectable disease (>1 cm) identified by PET after negative or equivocal computed tomography are presented. Conclusion. PET imaging may be a useful technique for identifying potentially surgically resectable, macroscopic metastatic ovarian cancer when computed tomography findings are negative or equivocal.
Examining Racial Disparity of Male Property Offenders in the Missouri Juvenile Justice System

Using juvenile court data of 4,284 cases, this study examined to what extent racial disparity and discrimination existed for male property offenders within six counties in Missouri. Logistic regression analyses tested probabilities of juveniles being processed in the system at four decision-making points: referral, detention, adjudication, and disposition when available legal factors and county type were controlled. The authors found evidence of contextual racial discrimination in some jurisdictions during selected decision points in the juvenile justice system. In all counties combined, Black youths were more likely to be formally referred and detained before adjudication, whereas White youths were more likely to be adjudicated.
A Model for Ferricyanide-Inhibited Sulfite Oxidase.

Sulfite:cytochrome c activity in the pyranopterin molybdenum enzyme sulfite oxidase is inhibited by ferricyanide. Our model studies provide strong evidence supporting the stabilization of Mo(IV), a...
Site-controlled single photon emitters based on InGaN/GaN quantum dots

Site-controlled single photon emitters with emission wavelengths matched to the peak efficiency of silicon single photon detectors were demonstrated using lithographically defined InGaN/GaN quantum dots. A drastic strain-relaxation-induced enhancement of radiative efficiency was observed.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α: a Neuromodulator in the CNS

In the central nervous system (CNS), the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) is produced by both neurons and glial cells, participates in developmental modeling, and is involved in many pathophysiological conditions. There are activity-dependent expressions of TNF alpha as well as low levels of secretion in the resting state. In contrast to the conventional view of a cytotoxic effect of TNF alpha, accumulating evidence suggests a beneficial effect when TNF alpha is applied at optimal doses and at specific periods of time. The bimodal effect is related to subtypes of receptors, activation of different signal transduction pathways, and the presence of other molecules that alter the intracellular response elements such as immediate-early genes. TNF alpha may be an important neuromodulator in development of the CNS, diseases of demyelination and degeneration, and in the process of regeneration. It could induce growth-promoting cytokines and neurotrophins, or it could increase the production of antiproliferative cytokines, nitric oxide, and free radicals, thereby contributing to apoptosis.
Computerized Assessment of Cognitive Late Effects among Adolescent Brain Tumor Survivors

Advantages of computerized assessment of neuropsychological functions include improved standardization and increased reliability of response time variables. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a computerized battery developed for monitoring recovery following mild brain injuries that assesses attention, memory and processing speed. Despite evidence that core areas of deficit among cancer survivors are those assessed by ImPACT, it has not previously been used with this population. Twenty four childhood brain tumor (BT) survivors treated with conformal radiation therapy (mean age = 15.7 ± 1.6; mean age at irradiation = 9.8 ± 2.5), twenty solid tumor (ST) survivors treated without CNS-directed therapy (mean age = 16.2 ± 1.8) and twenty healthy siblings (mean age = 15.1 ± 1.6 years) were administered an age modified version of ImPACT. Additional computerized measures of working memory and recognition memory were administered. Univariate ANOVAs revealed group differences (p < 0.05) on measures of recognition memory, spatial working memory, processing speed and reaction time, with BT survivors performing significantly worse than ST survivors and siblings. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed significant associations between ImPACT memory tasks and computerized forced choice recognition tasks (rs = 0.30−0.33, p < 0.05). Multiple surgical resections, hydrocephalus and CSF shunt placement most consistently predicted worse ImPACT performance using linear mixed models (p < 0.05). The ImPACT test battery demonstrated sensitivity to cognitive late effects experienced by some BT survivors with clinical predictors of performance consistent with the pediatric oncology literature. Correlations with measures of similar constructs provide evidence for convergent validity. Findings offer initial support for the utility of ImPACT for monitoring of cognitive late effects.
In situ subterranean gamma-ray spectroscopy☆

Abstract The adaptation of Ge(Li) and intrinsic germanium diodes and small NaI(Tl) and plastic phosphor crystal to the in situ determination of subterranean gamma-ray emitting radionuclides is discussed. Techniques are described for the quantitative measurement of-radionuclides in sediments through concentration variations over eight orders of magnitude. Methods are outlined for determining the source of entry of radionuclides into sediments, their direction of travel, their migration rate, and their distance from the point of measurement. Application of the technology to the in situ measurement of radionuclides leaked from underground nuclear fuel waste storage tanks is discussed.
Review of pyroelectric thermal energy harvesting and new MEMs-based resonant energy conversion techniques

ABSTRACT Harvesting electrical energy from thermal energy sources using pyroelectric conversion techniques has been under investigation for over 50 years, but it has not received the attention that thermoelectric energy harvesting techniques have during this time period. This lack of interest stems from early studies which found that the energy conversion efficiencies achievable using pyroelectric materials were several times less than those potentially achievable with thermoelectrics. More recent modeling and experimental studies have shown that pyroelectric techniques can be cost compe titive with thermoelectrics and, using new temperature cycling techniques, has the potential to be several times as efficient as thermoelectrics under comparable operating conditions. This paper will review the recent history in this field and describe the techniques that are being developed to increase the opportunities for pyroelectric energy harvesting. The development of a new thermal energy harvester concept, based on temperature cycled pyroelectric thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, are also outlined. The approach uses a resonantly driven, pyroelectric capacitive bimorph cantilever structure that can be used to rapidly cycle the temperature in the energy harvester. The device has been modeled using a finite element multi-physics based method, where the effect of the structure material properties and system parameters on the frequency and magnitude of temperature cycling, and the efficiency of energy recyc ling using the proposed structure, have been modeled. Results show that thermal contact conductance and heat source temperature differences play key roles in dominating the cantilever resonant frequency and efficien cy of the energy conversion technique. This paper outlines the modeling, fabrication and testing of cantilever and pyroelectric structures and single element devices that demonstrate the potential of this technology for the development of high efficiency thermal-to-electrical energy conversion devices. Key Words: Energy harvesting, pyroelectric, bimorph cantilever, MEMS, surface micromachining
Morphological observations of Synurophycean algae from some acidic habitats, including the description of a sub‐specific taxon

Morphological observations of the siliceous cell coverings of five taxa of Synurophyceae are made based on specimens collected from acidic, seepage lakes situated in either the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. or the Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts, U.S.A. All but one of the lakes, Lake Dorr, were clearwater in nature. A new taxon, Mallomonas corymbosa var. poseidonii var. nov., is described based on differences in bristle structure. New morphological features of four additional taxa, Synura echinulata, Mallomonas mangofera f. foveata, M. acaroides var. muskokana, and M. duerrschmidtiae are presented and discussed in relation to their existing taxonomic descriptions. Other taxa of Synurophyceae, Dinobryon spp., Aulacoseira spp., Asterionella ralfsii, and dinofiagellates were common constituents of the phytoplankton from the seven study lakes at the times of collection.
Preclinical Evaluation Of Photosensitizing Agents

Methods for the pre-clinical evaluation of new photosensitizing dyes are described. The resulting information can provide useful leads concerning likely modes and sites of localization. But correlations between results obtained in cell culture and in animal tumor models are sufficiently weak to indicate the need for caution in extrapolation of any in vitro result.
Magnetic resonance imaging of chondrocytes labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in tissue-engineered cartilage.

The distribution of cells within tissue-engineered constructs is difficult to study through nondestructive means, such as would be required after implantation. However, cell labeling with iron-containing particles may prove to be a useful approach to this problem, because regions containing such labeled cells have been shown to be readily detectable using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we used the Food and Drug Administration–approved superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agent Feridex in combination with transfection agents to label chondrocytes and visualize them with MRI in two different tissue-engineered cartilage constructs. Correspondence between labeled cell spatial location as determined using MRI and histology was established. The SPIO-labeling process was found not to affect the phenotype or viability of the chondrocytes or the production of major cartilage matrix constituents. We believe that this method of visualizing and tracking chondrocytes may be useful in the further development of tissue engineered cartilage therapeutics.
Erosion of Kapton ® H by Hyperthermal Atomic Oxygen

Organic polymers are subject to erosion from ambient atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit. The linearity of the O-atom fluence dependence of Kapton ® H erosion and the dependence of Kapton H erosion yield on surface temperature have been investigated. Sample exposures were performed with a pulsed beam containing hyperthermal O atoms that were generated with a laser detonation source. After exposure, samples were removed from the chamber in which the exposures were performed, and postexposure analyses were performed: etch depth (profilometry) and surface topography (atomic force microscopy). A systematic set of exposures, which eroded room-temperature Kapton H from 1.4 to 25 μm, showed that the erosion yield of Kapton H is linearly dependent on O-atom fluence. This result helps validate the use of Kapton H mass loss (or erosion depth) as a linear measure of the O-atom fluence of a materials exposure. The erosion of Kapton H was strongly temperature dependent. At lower temperatures (<100◦C), the erosion yield appeared to be independent of sample temperature. However, above 100◦C, the erosion yield exhibited an Arrhenius-like temperature dependence, with an apparent activation energy of 0.31 eV. These observations suggest that O-atom-induced erosion of Kapton H proceeds through direct, nonthermal, gas-surface reactions and through reactions that depend on surface temperature.
Insulin resistance in HIV-related lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophy (LD) associated with HIV infection is a syndrome of abnormal fat distribution observed in HIV-infected patients treated with various antiretroviral agents. In addition, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia can occur in HIV-infected patients with or without LD. The demonstration of the latter metabolic disorders in normal subjects using protease inhibitors suggests that these agents could play a causative role in their development independently of HIV status. Possible mechanisms whereby protease inhibitors can hinder insulin actions include inhibition of glucose transporter isoform Glut 4, and altered expression of leptin and tumor necrosis factor-α in adipose tissue. The presence of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia can potentially increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death. However, short-term data in this regard are inconsistent. Treatment of HIV-related LD with metformin may ameliorate insulin resistance, but its impact on fat redistribution requires additional studies. Temporary cessation of antiretroviral therapy does not appear to reverse body fat changes or insulin resistance, but may partially improve the lipid profile. Further investigations are urgently needed to define the mechanisms and cardiovascular consequences of insulin resistance in HIV-related LD, and to find an effective treatment for this complex syndrome.
Tracing sources of organic matter in adjacent urban streams having different degrees of channel modification

Abstract Urbanization and stream-channel modifications affect organic matter concentrations and quality in streams, by altering allochthonous organic matter input and in-stream transformation. This study uses multiple tracers (δ 13 C, δ 15 N, C/N ratio, and chlorophyll-a) to track sources of organic matter in two highly urbanized bayous in Houston (Texas, USA). Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are located in headwaters of both bayous and contribute more than 75% to water flow. Low isotopic relatedness to natural end-members and enriched δ 15 N values suggest the influence of WWTPs on the composition of all organic matter fractions. The two bayous differ in degree of channel improvement resulting in different responses to hydrological conditions. During high flow conditions, the influence of terrestrial organic matter and sediment resuspension was much more pronounced in the Buffalo Bayou than in the concrete-lined White Oak Bayou. Particulate organic matter (POM) in White Oak Bayou had similar values of enriched δ 15 N in all subsegments, whereas in Buffalo Bayou, the degree of δ 15 N enrichment was less in the subsegments of the lower watershed. The difference in riparian zone contributions and interactions with sediments/soils was likely responsible for the compositional differences between the two bayous. Phytoplankton inputs were significantly higher in the bayous, especially in slow-flowing sections, relative to the reference sites, and elevated phytoplankton inputs accounted for the observed stable C isotope differences between FPOM and high molecular weight dissolved organic matter (HMW DOM). Relative to POM, HMW DOM in the bayous was similar to WWTP effluents and showed minor longitudinal variability in both streams suggesting that WWTPs contribute much of the DOM in the systems. Urbanization has a major influence on organic matter sources and quality in these urban water bodies and these changes seem further enhanced by stream channel modifications.
Photoacoustic probe using a microring resonator ultrasonic sensor for endoscopic applications

We designed an all-optical photoacoustic (PA) probe for endoscopic applications by employing an optically transparent, coverslip-type, polymeric microring resonator ultrasonic sensor. We experimentally quantified the axial, tangential, and radial resolutions and angular sensitive stability of this probe. Using this probe, we achieved volumetric imaging of several phantoms. Our all-optical probe design offers clear benefit in integrating PA endoscope with other optical endoscopic imaging modalities to facilitate the transformation from bench to bedside.
Influence of sucrose preexposure on acquisition of a conditioned aversion.

Forty-eight female rats were given either 0, 4, or 32% sucrose solution for 15 min/day for 7 days. On the eighth day, an equal number of rats from each preexposure sucrose concentration group was administered methyl scopolamine nitrate following access for 15 min to either 4 or 32% sucrose. When the preexposure sucrose level was different from that associated with illness, acquisition of a conditioned aversion to sucrose was as rapid as was observed in animals not receiving familiarization with sucrose. Generalization tests revealed that rats discriminated the sucrose level associated with illness and preferred other sucrose concentrations or water over the illness paired concentration.
JPF Verification of Habanero Java Programs using Gradual Type Permission Regions

The Habanero Java Library (HJ-lib) is a Java 8 library implementation of the Habanero Java (HJ) programming model. Calls into this pure Java library provide support for all HJ primitives, including async, finish, and phasers. In previous work, we presented VR, a custom verification run-time designed to be used within Java Pathfinder (JPF) to verify a subset of HJ programs. In this work, we present VR-lib, a library implementation of HJ, which supports verification of a larger subset of programs than VR. Additionally, we present the implementation of gradually typed permission regions (GPRs). PRs provide a building block for dynamically detecting violations of conditions sufficient to guarantee race-freedom. Lastly, we present results for benchmarks using PRs in combination with VR-lib to verify HJ programs.
Effects of Intravenous Physostigmine and Lecithin on Memory Loss in Multiple Sclerosis: Report of a Pilot Study:

This paper reports the results of a pilot study designed to assess the efficacy of intravenous physostigmine and dietary lecithin for treating memory loss in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Four patients with definite MS participated in a two-phase (dose-finding and crossover), double-blind clinical trial. In the dose-finding phase, all patients exhibited an improvement in verbal memory (as assessed by the Selective Reminding Test) at the highest of four doses (1.0 mg). In the double-blind, crossover phase, patients were administered placebo or physostigmine (1.0 mg). A significant improvement in verbal memory was observed in three of four patients during the drug condition. None of the patients reported significant medication side effects. This study provides preliminary evidence that cholinergic pharmacotherapy may be useful in treating memory disturbance in MS.
Nonuniqueness of the “physical” acceleration for the Lorentz-Dirac equation

The Lorentz-Dirac equation is analyzed for the case of a charged particle injected into a step-function electric field of finite extent. It is shown that for small exit velocities, the relation between entrance and exit velocities is “inverted” in the sense that the larger the entrance velocity, the smaller the exit velocity. As a consequence, some entrance velocities can yield at least two distinct exit velocities. Numerical evidence bearing on the possibility of experimentally detecting this dichotomy is presented.
The ABC's of germanium

THE FIELD OF the semiconductors embraces that broad category of solid materials whose characteristics lie between those of the conductors and the insulators. The mechanisms governing their behavior are not well known. They can be broadly divided into two categories, the compounds and the elements. Among the elemental semiconductors exhibiting rectifying properties are silicon, gray tin, and germanium. Of these, germanium has been studied most intensively because its physical properties are best suited for industrial application, although silicon crystals were in use long before the rectifying properties of germanium were recognized. Thus, the following discussion presents, in engineering language but in a simplified manner, some of the mechanisms governing the behavior of germanium. However, it must be understood that because of the complexity of the subject and the lack of understanding of many of the phenomena, the explanations given are, in many cases, not rigorous and in the light of future developments may even be erroneous. However, they provide a working understanding of the behavior and limitations of germanium as applied to industrial devices, and permit following future developments of the devices with some comprehension.
Hydroxyurea-sensitive mutants of bacteriophage T4.

Abstract Mutagenized T4 was screened for hydroxyurea sensitivity on mutant strain Escherichia coli OK305, which was growing slowly on a synthetic medium. Most of the hydroxyurea-sensitive mutants of T4 isolated in this manner are different from those previously described by Warner et al. (1970) and Hercules et al. (1971), and several may be in new cistrons. Most of them produce fewer progeny per infected cell than wild-type T4, even in the absence of hydroxyurea. The first seven mutants studied map at seven distinct sites and affect at least five different cistrons which are scattered throughout the major early region of the T4 genetic map (between gene 38 and rI). At least one of these mutants is defective in the ability to degrade E. coli DNA.
Adenosine Activates A2b Receptors and Enhances Chloride Secretion in Kidney Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

In the kidney, defects in the regulation of urine salt excretion can result in extracellular fluid volume expansion, leading to salt-sensitive hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated that, when rats are maintained on a high sodium chloride (NaCl) diet, adenosine production increases in the renal medulla with parallel changes in adenosine receptor expression. These studies suggest that adenosine signaling in the kidney can respond to high NaCl loading; however, the functional consequences of these changes in adenosine signaling are not clear. We used the immortalized cell line mIMCD-K2, a murine model system for the renal inner medullary collecting duct, to study the direct effects of adenosine on NaCl transport across the inner medullary collecting duct epithelium with an Ussing chamber system. When epithelial Na(+) channels were inhibited, the addition of adenosine to the apical side of mIMCD-K2 cell sheets stimulated short-circuit current in a dose-dependent manner. This increase in short-circuit current was inhibited by a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel inhibitor. Pharmacological studies with a panel of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists demonstrated that adenosine activates apical A2b adenosine receptors to enhance the short-circuit current. Furthermore, adenosine application to mIMCD-K2 cell sheets increased intracellular cAMP, whereas inhibition of protein kinase A completely blocked the adenosine response. Together, our findings indicate that adenosine stimulates Cl(-) secretion through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in mIMCD-K2 cells by activating apical A2b receptors and signaling through cAMP/protein kinase A. We propose that this adenosine receptor pathway may provide one mechanism for enhancing urine NaCl excretion in the setting of high dietary NaCl intake.
Quasi-Linear Pulses in Multiple Channels

The evolution of quasilinear optical pulses in multiple channels, with strong dispersion-management, is studied analytically. The nonlinear terms of the Gabitov-Turitsyn equations are analysed asymptotically. The total spectral intensity, for a lossless system, is found to be an invariant of propagation, while for a lossy system it is dependent on the relative position of the amplifier in the dispersion map.
HO x production due to radon decay in air

The HO x (OH and HO2) production rate in indoor air caused by radon decay was measured by the chemical amplification technique. The average HO x production rate was found to be (4.31±0.07)×105 HO x per Rn decay per second (Bq) within the range of relative humidity from 3.4 to 55.0 percent at 22 °C. This work providedG(HO x )-value, 7.86±0.13 #/100 eV in air by directly measuring [HO x ] from radiolysis of water vapor. It is also found that there is no obvious relationship between the HO x production rate and the relative humidity in this range. Therefore, this work provides both the basic data for the evaluation of radioactive pollution in indoor air as well as a potentially useful way to produce HO x concentrations in air.
Process influence on product CDM ESD sensitivity

Effective ESD protection circuit design has become challenging due to rapid advances in process technology. This study was launched to address those concerns and to look for the process windows that preserve CDM ESD robustness for given ESD protection designs in deep sub micron technologies. Experimental results for 0.18 µm integrated CPU's together with process window effects on CDM robustness are presented and discussed. New fault models that assumed process and design dependent TDSB event in a parasitic NPN transistor are proposed to explain unexpected CDM sensitivity.