cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of the alternative pathway of complement by grain. I. C3PA conversion and quantification of complement consumption by rye.

Summary Ground whole rye and airborne rye dust of comparable size distribution were tested for their ability to activate the complement cascade via the alternative pathway. Precipitin-negative pooled normal human serum was incubated with increasing amounts of the two rye dusts. Electrophoresis of the resultant supernatant fluids demonstrated the conversion of the proactivator of the third component of complement to the gamma-migrating activator of the third component. This activation was completely prevented by pre-treating the serum with the chelator EDTA, while pre-treatment with EGTA allowed suboptimal arc conversion, strongly implying that complement was activated via the alternative pathway. Quantification of the supernatant fluids showed dose-dependent complement consumption as defined by both CH100 immunoditfusion and CH50 tube haemolytic techniques. Airborne rye dust showed a greater quantitative potential than ground whole rye for activating the alternative pathway. These results indicate the possibility of the direct action of airborne organic dusts on the induction of inflammatory sequelae in the lungs of both sensitized and unsensitized individuals.
Powered toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes are generally equally effective in plaque removal.

Original Article Deery C, Heanue M, Deacon S, Robinson PG, Walmsley AD, Worthington H, et al. The effectiveness of manual versus powered toothbrushes for dental health: a systematic review. J Dent 2004;32(3):197-211. Level of Evidence 1b Purpose To compare manual toothbrushes to powered toothbrushes in everyday use with regard to their effectiveness in plaque removal and maintenance of gingival health Source of Funding No information was presented about funding for this review. However, 3 of the authors have been involved previously in research in this area funded by a manufacturer (Braun) and thus have a potential conflict of interest. Type of Study/Design Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
An empirical study of ethical predispositions

Using a two-part instrument consisting of eight vignettes and twenty character traits, the study sampled 141 employees of a mid-west financial firm regarding their predispositions to prefer utilitarian or formalist forms of ethical reasoning. In contrast with earlier studies, we found that these respondents did not prefer utilitarian reasoning. Several other hypotheses were tested involving the relationship between (1) people's preferences for certain types of solutions to issues and (2) the forms of reasoning they use to arrive at those solutions; the nature of the relationship between utilitarian and formalist categories; and the possibility of measuring ethical predispositions using different methods.
Hormone binding and transcription activation by estrogen receptors: Analyses using mammalian and yeast systems

We have used affinity labeling, site-directed mutagenesis and regional chemical mutagenesis in order to determine regions of the human estrogen receptor (ER) important in hormone binding, ligand discrimination between estrogens and antiestrogens, and transcriptional activation. Affinity labeling studies with the antiestrogen, tamoxifen aziridine and the estrogen, ketononestrol aziridine have identified cysteine 530 in the ER hormone binding domain as the primary site of labeling. In the absence of a cysteine at 530 (i.e. C530 mutant), C381 becomes the site of estrogen-compatible tamoxifen aziridine labeling. Hence these two residues, although far apart in the primary linear sequence of the ER protein, must be close in the three-dimensional structure of the protein, in the ER ligand binding pocket, so that the ligand can reach either site. Site-directed mutagenesis of selected residues in the ER and region-specific chemical mutagenesis of the ER hormone binding domain with initial phenotypic screening in yeast have enabled the identification of a region near C530 important in discrimination between estrogens and antiestrogens and of other residues important in hormone-dependent transcriptional activation. Some ER mutants with alterations in the carboxy-terminal portion of the hormone binding domain are transcriptionally inactive yet bind hormone and also function as potent dominant negative ERs, suppressing the activity of wild-type ER at low concentrations. These studies reveal a separation of the hormone binding and transcription activation functions of the ER. They are also beginning to provide a more detailed picture of the ER hormone binding domain and amino acids important in ligand binding and discrimination between different categories of agonist and antagonist ligands. Such information will be important in the design of maximally effective antiestrogens. In addition, since there is now substantial evidence for a mixture of wild-type and variant ERs in breast cancers, our studies should provide insight about the bioactivities of these variant receptors and their roles in modulating the activity of wild type ER, and should lead to a better understanding of the possible role of variant receptors in altered response or resistance to antiestrogen and endocrine therapy in breast cancer. In addition, some dominant negative receptors may prove useful in examining ER mechanisms of action and in suppressing the estrogen-dependent growth of breast cancer cells.
Chromogranin A dopamine -hydroxylase and secretion from the adrenal medulla.

Studies of the biosynthesis, storage and secretion of catecholamines by the adrenal medulla have served as models for similar studies of the adrenergic neuron. For example, the synthesis of noradrenaline and the intracellular distribution of the biosynthetic enzymes was first described in the adrenal medulla and subsequently shown to be the same in sympathetic nerves (Blaschko 1939; Kirshner 1957, 1959; Levin, Levenberg & Kaufman i960; Potter & Axelrod 1963; Nagatsu, Levitt & Udenfriend 1964; Stjarne & Lishajko 1966; Oka et al. 1967; Musacchio 1968; Laduron & Belpaire 1968). The storage vesicles of the adrenal medulla have counterparts in the synaptic vesicles (Blaschko & Welch 1953; Hillarp, Lagerstedt & Nilson 1953; von Euler & Hillarp 1956; Schumann 1958) and the incorporation of catecholamines into the storage vesicles, and the storage complex itself, seems to be similar in both tissues, (Kirshner 1962; Carlsson, Hillarp & Waldeck 1963; von Euler & Lishajko 1963; von Euler, Lishajko & Stjarne 1963; Stjarne 1964). Recently it has been demonstrated that proteins specifically localized in the storage vesicles of the adrenal medulla are also present in the storage vesicles of sympathetic nerve endings (Hopwood 1967, 1968; Geffen, Livett & Rush 1969; Banks, Helle & Major 1969; de Potter, de Schaepdryver, Moerman & Smith 1969). There are obvious differences between the two types of vesicles (Stjarne 1964; Potter 1967), but the similarities are such as to suggest that the vesicles from both tissues serve the same physiological functions—to synthesize and store adrenaline or noradrenaline and to release these compounds in response to neural stimulation. Secretion from the adrenal medulla appears to be a good model for release of neurotransmitters at synapses in the sense that it provides and suggests experimental approaches to the problem (Geffen et al. 1969; de Potter et al. 1969). In general, the secretion of substances which are synthesized in cells and stored in subcellular organelles have many features in common (Douglas 1968; Stormorken 1969) and release of neurotransmitters at synapses may be another example of this generalized biological process. During the past few years, evidence has been presented from several laboratories that secretion from the adrenal medulla occurs by exocytosis. The simultaneous release of catecholamines, adenine nucleotides, chromogranins and soluble dopamine β-hydroxylase contained within the storage vesicles and the retention of dopamine-β- hydroxylase firmly bound to the vesicle membrane have provided critical information on this secretory process.
Public housing and gender: Contextualizing the “We Call These Projects Home” report

Abstract The “We Call These Projects Home” (WCTPH) report draws attention to the ways in which US public housing policy has disregarded the input and preferences of public housing residents, a population largely composed of women of color. In this article, I examine the findings from the WCTPH report in the context of past and recent research on poverty, housing, race, and gender. I explain how breaking up communities and social networks in the shift from housing projects to housing vouchers destroys social support networks, which are essential to the survival of poor women and single-mother headed families. I discuss challenges women may face in the shift to housing vouchers in light of recent research on continued rental discrimination and sexual harassment in the private housing market. Overall, I emphasize how the findings from the WCTPH report have important implications for women of color, and argue that a gender analysis of public housing is central to understanding and remedying the multitude of challenges public housing policy presents.
Predictors of cure of hypertension in fibromuscular renovascular disease

Patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and hypertension are frequently treated with percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). Because the goal of this procedure is the cure of hypertension, we reviewed the outcomes of 23 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure to determine factors associated with cure. Twelve (52.2%) of the patients were taking no antihypertensive medications at 6 months and were classified as cured. Using logistic regression, we found three variables to be independently associated with cure: level of systolic blood pressure before intervention (P = 0.02), duration of hypertension (P = 0.03), and age (P = 0.03). Younger patients with milder hypertension of a shorter duration were most likely to be cured. Analysis of the regression equation predicts that some patients with an extremely low chance of cure might be managed with a trial of medical therapy, because FMD is unlikely to progress to renal failure.
Electrophysiological activity of tetrodotoxin on the resting membrane of the squid giant axon

Abstract 1. 1. In normal artificial sea water 3 × 10 −7 molar tetrodotoxin (TTX) hyperpolarizes the resting membrane of the squid giant axon by about 5m V. 2. 2. Lowering the potassium level of the medium does not result in increased hyperpolarizing capability. 3. 3. TTX shows no activity in high potassium salines. 4. 4. TTX does not measurably alter the resting membrane resistance. 5. 5. The effect of TTX in normal, high and low potassium media resembles that of complete sodium removal.
Transfer fork and locking device.

lhf -b e ace ow is the most commonly used means of transferring interarch relationships from the patient to the articulator. The transfer fork described in this article has the advantage of transferring interarch relationships in a manner that they may be recorded, retrieved, and, if necessary, duplicated. In addition, to reduce the margin of error during the transfer, the transfer fork is locked to the instrument with a single screw.
Three dimensional reconstruction of Pangea

The three dimensional seismic velocity structure from the surface of the Earth to a depth of about 900 km was determined from fundamental and higher mode surface waves. Velocity anomalies near the surface correlate well with the age of the surface rocks. Reconstruction of the ancient continent Pangea connects all fast velocity anomalies near the center of Pangea. Fast velocity anomalies extend to 200-400 km. Considering the resolving power of long period surface waves, this indicates that Pangea was a continent with a lithospheric thickness of about 200 (±100) km or larger, which broke up right in the middle (Central Atlantic). Examinations of seismic velocity sections with respect to depth show different depth penetration of fast velocity anomalies under various continents such as North America, South America, Eurasia and Africa. We speculate that continents possessed different thicknesses before Pangea was formed and had moved over the surface of the Earth independently.
Neonatal herpes infection: a review

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a devastating infection in the neonatal patient. The incidence of maternal HSV infection and consequent neonatal infection has increased significantly over the last several decades due to changing sexual practices. Despite the improvements in outcome with the use of high dose acyclovir, a delay in the diagnosis of HSV has been associated with progression of the disease and increased mortality and morbidity. Even with adequate treatment, permanent sequalae, such as developmental delay, cerebral palsy, blindness, and persistent seizures may occur. Since the onset of symptoms can occur up to four weeks of age, clinicians caring for infants in any setting including the neonatal intensive care unit, the well baby nursery, pediatric floors, emergency rooms, and outpatient clinics must be fully aware of the clinical presentation, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of neonatal HSV infection to facilitate successful diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease.
Hot and cold granites? Implications of zircon saturation temperatures and preservation of inheritance

Zircon saturation temperatures ( T Zr) calculated from bulk-rock compositions provide minimum estimates of temperature if the magma was undersaturated, but maxima if it was saturated. For plutons with abundant inherited zircon, T Zr provides a useful estimate of initial magma temperature at the source, an important parameter that is otherwise inaccessible. Among 54 investigated plutons, there is a clear distinction between T Zr for inheritance-rich (mean 766 °C) and inheritance-poor (mean 837 °C) granitoids. The latter were probably undersaturated in zircon at the source, and hence the calculated T Zr is likely to be an underestimate of their initial temperature. These data suggest fundamentally different mechanisms of magma generation, transport, and emplacement. “Hot” felsic magmas with minimal inheritance probably require advective heat input into the crust, are crystal poor, and readily erupt, whereas “cold,” inheritance-rich magmas require fluid influx, are richer in crystals, and are unlikely to erupt.
Thermo-mechanical properties of nano-scale freestanding aluminum films

Nano-structured thin films are shown to possess superior mechanical properties when compared to their bulk counterpart. However, reduction of length scale also makes them sensitive to thermal field. Elevated temperatures due to heat dissipation may change the mechanical properties and hence affect the reliability of nano-scale thin films in micro/nano-scale devices. Thermo-mechanical properties of thin films are typically studied on substrates, which makes isolation of the substrate effect difficult. To avoid this problem, we have performed temperature controlled tensile experiments on freestanding 150 nm thick (average grain size 65 nm) aluminum films using micro-electromechanical systems based testing platform. Experimental results for temperatures from 17 °C to 162 °C show expected decreases on yield and ultimate strengths and increase in ductility. An unexpected pronounced reduction in the Young's modulus and strength at or above 75 °C (bulk aluminum starts to show such behavior only at or above 200 °C) was also observed, which could be due to combined effect of length-scale and time dependence of anelastic relaxation in the material.
Extracting the density profile of an electronic wave function in a quantum dot

We use a model of a one-dimensional nanowire quantum dot to demonstrate the feasibility of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) imaging technique that can extract both the energy of an electron state and the amplitude of its wave function using a single instrument. This imaging technique can probe electrons that are buried beneath the surface of a low-dimensional semiconductor structure and provide valuable information for the design of quantum devices. A conducting SPM tip, acting as a movable gate, measures the energy of an electron state using Coulomb blockade spectroscopy. When the tip is close to the nanowire dot, it dents the wave function \ensuremath{\Psi}($x$) of the quantum state, changing the electron's energy by an amount proportional to $|{\ensuremath{\Psi}(x)|}^{2}$. By recording the change in energy as the SPM tip is moved along the length of the dot, the density profile of the electronic wave function can be found along the length of the quantum dot.
Refractive Indexes of Single Synthetic Zinc Sulfide and Cadmium Sulfide Crystals

A new method has been devised for measuring refractive indexes of crystals in the visible and infrared region. In this method thermocouples with CaF2 or KBr windows have been used to detect the chopped (10 c/s) refracted beam. Single synthetic crystals of CdS and ZnS grown by the vapor phase method have been examined from their absorption cutoffs to 1.4μ. In comparing the results obtained, in the visible region, to the visual method of determining refractive indexes, the thermocouple detector method has duplicated these to within an index of refraction of ±0.001. For data extended to the infrared region it is found that the calculated results compare very closely with the experimental data. Index of refraction measurements may now be extended considerably into the infrared region being limited only by the sensitivity of the detector and the intensity of the transmitted monochromatic beam.
Smoothly Combining Steady State Predictions With PI Control

Two first order nonlinear controllers are introduced: partial state setting and error modulated state setting. Both controllers smoothly combine feedforward steady state predictions with integral control. In both controllers the mixing is controlled though the use of a single gain that determines how aggressively the steady state predictions are used. Steady state error bounds are presented for each controller. For error modulated state setting control steady state errors can be eliminated if the maximum expected error in the steady state predictions is known. Both controllers are demonstrated to improve the transient response of a simulated nonlinear second order variable gain plant when compared to a well tuned proportional plus integral controller.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Genetic and Phytochemical Diversity Assessment Among Eleven Hypericum Accessions via AFLP and HPLC Analyses

ABSTRACT Phytochemical profiles and DNA fingerprints were obtained from 11 species and cultivars of Hypericum (H. androsaemum, H. calycinum, H. frondosum var. “Sunbrust”, H. grandiflorum, H. inodorum, H. moseranum, H. olympicum, H. patulum var. “Sungold”, H. perforatum, H. perforatum var. “Anthos”, and H. perforatum var. “Topas”). Accessions were identified using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and DNA fingerprints. Although each accession had a distinctive DNA fingerprint, correlations between structurally similar plants and their DNA profiles were apparent. DNA banding patterns between each accession genetic distances were analyzed and quantified using a dendogram software program. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the content of chlorogenic acid, hyperforin, hypericin, pseudohypericin, and rutin in methanolic extracts of each Hypericum accession. Hypericum perforatum accessions and H. inodorum contained the highest concentration of marker phytochemicals, w...
Macular pseudohypopyon from secondary syphilis

Purpose/Methods Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis causes visual loss in patients with secondary syphilis. The condition is characterized by vitreitis and large, yellow placoid lesions in the macula. We examined a patient with syphilis who had a serous retinal detachment and an exudative fluid meniscus (pseudohypopyon). Results/Conclusions Visual recovery and complete resolution of the chorioretinal lesion occurred after intravenous penicillin therapy. Secondary syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with a macular pseudohypopyon.
937-1Color Doppler M-Mode Assessment of Flow Velocity Propagation During Early Filling; A Useful Adjunct to Wall Motion Analysis During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Flow velocity propagation (FVP) during early left ventricular (LV) filling correlates with LV relaxation and has been shown to be a sensitive index of ischemia during angioplasty. To test the ability of color Doppler M-mode to detect ischemia during dobutamine (Db) stress echo we prospectively evaluated 26 pts (13 females. age 61 ± 13 y). Methods FVP was evaluated in digitally acquired recordings of color Doppler M-mode as the slope of the color/non-color (black to red) transition of transmitral flow during early filling, at rest and with each increment of Db. An abnormal FVP response was defined by reduction of the slope with increase of Db dose. Digitized echo images were compared at rest and during stress to identify the presence of new or worsening wall motion abnormalities (WMA). Nine pts (group A) were designated as having coronary disease on the basis of WMA. typical angina and ST depression. and abnormal coronary anatomy. Seventeen pts (group B) without WMA in the presence of normal coronary anatomy or low ( l 10%) pretest probability of disease were designated as having no curonary disease. Results All pts in group A developed an abnormal FVP response to Db stress (sensitivity 100%). In group B, 7 of 17 pts without coronary disease presented an abnormal response as evaluated by FVP (specificity 59%). Of the false positive group. 86% had echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy, with a strain pattern by EKG. compared with only 30% in the true negative group (p l 0001). Conclusions i) Color Doppler M-mode is very sensitive to ischemia during dobutamine stress echo, ii) Other conditions as left ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern can produce the same response, iii) Color Doppler M-mode evaluation of diastolic function may be a useful tool during dobutamine stress echo.
Thermodynamic analysis to assess the environmental impact of end-of-life recovery processing for nanotechnology products

The objective of this study is to use thermodynamic analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of nanotechnology products during the end-of-life (EOL) material recovery stage. A case study of the high-temperature metal recovery (HTMR) process used to recycle lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is presented. Previous research has shown that the melting behavior of nanomaterials may deviate from their corresponding bulk materials. The melting temperature of superheated nanomaterials in Li-ion batteries may exceed the process smelting temperature and result in nanomaterials contaminating the recovered material streams. Therefore, the smelting process must be operated at higher temperatures to ensure the full melting of the nanomaterials, resulting in higher energy consumption and process emissions. The environmental impact from the existing HTMR process is examined as well as the impact associated with operations at the higher smelting temperatures. Thermodynamic analysis, consisting of energy and exergy analyses, provides quantitative information on the resulting environmental impacts and the corresponding overall exergy loss, which may occur when recycling nanomaterial-containing Li-ion batteries.
Screening for colorectal cancer with the fecal occult blood test: a background paper. American College of Physicians.

Purpose: Screening for colorectal cancer with fecal occult blood tests or sigmoidoscopy can reduce mortality rates. If occult blood testing is done, clinicians must decide how to interpret the resu...
Influence of management practices on soil organic matter, microbial biomass and cotton yield in Alabama's “Old Rotation”

The “Old Rotation” cotton experiment was designed to aid farm managers in implementing rotation schemes that not only increase yield, but also improve soil quality. Six different crop rotation treatments were imposed since 1896. Rotations were: IA, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown every year without a winter legume and without N fertilization; IB, cotton grown every year with a winter legume and without N fertilization; IC, cotton grown every year without a winter legume and with 134 kg N as NH4NO3 ha-1 year-1; IIA, 2-year cotton-corn (Zea mays L.) rotation with a winter legume and without N fertilization; IIB, 2-year cotton-corn rotation with a winter legume and with 134 kg N ha-1 year-1 as NH4NO3; and III, 3-year cotton-corn- alternating soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] or rye (Secale cereale L.) rotation with a winter legume and with 134 g N as NH4NO3 ha-1 year-1. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) was the winter legume cover crop. The 2-year cotton-corn rotation with a winter legume and with 134 kg N ha-1 year-1 (IIB) and the 3-year cotton-corn soybean/rye rotation with a winter legume and with 134 kg N ha-1 year-1 (III) had higher amounts of soil organic matter, soil microbial biomass C and crop yield than the other four treatments. The cotton grown every year without a winter legume or N fertilizer (IA) had a lower amount of soil organic matter, soil microbial biomass C and N and cotton seed yield than all other rotations. In 1988 and 1992 cotton seed and legume yield were correlated in positive, curvilinear relationships with soil organic matter (r 2 ranged from 0.72 to 0.87). In most months, soil microbial biomass C and N was lower in the cotton grown every year without winter legumes or fertilizer (IA) than the other five rotations. In 1994, microbial biomass C and the Cmic:Corg ratio correlated in positive, curvilinear relationships with seed cotton yield (r 2=0.87 and 0.98, respectively). After 99 years of management the “Old Rotation” cotton experiment indicates that winter legumes increase amounts of both C and N in soil, which ultimately contribute to higher cotton yields. Microbial biomass C and the Cmic:Corg ratio are poor predictors of annual crop yield but may be an accurate indicator of soil health and a good predictor of long-term crop yield.
Effect of pH on the reaction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with formaldehyde and acetaldehyde

Le but de l'etude est de determiner si une derivatisation quantitative peut etre obtenue a une vitesse raisonnable et sous des conditions douces. Influence du pH
A Sponge‐Eating Worm from Bermuda: Branchiosyllis oculata (Polychaeta, Syllidae)*,†

Abstract. Branchiosyllis oculata is a small, errant polychaete that lives only on the surface of sponges: among inshore Bermudian sponges, 9 out of 16 species surveyed were infested. All of these sponges were conspicuously colored, but the bodies and gut contents of associated polychaetes matched the sponge color only for Tedania ignis (red), Cinachyra alloclada (yellow) and Sphecio-spongia othella (brownish-black). For the remaining 6 sponge species, the polychaete bodies were uncolored and the polychaete gut contents were inconspicuously brown or grey. Uncolored polychaetes with grey gut contents were removed from a dark green Tethya actinia and placed on a red Tedania ignis: 2 days later, the polychaete gut contents were red, although the tissues were still uncolored. Acetone extractions of Tedania ignis and Cinachyra alloclada were prepared from sponge tissue and from the gut-free tissue of their respective polychaetes: absorption spectra matched for each sponge/polychaete pair. To test the influence of ingested sponge pigments on polychaete body color, red polychaetes from Tedania ignis were induced to autotomize their posterior ends, transplanted to other sponge species and allowed to regenerate new posterior segments for 20 days. At the end of the experiment the original segments were still red, but the regenerated ones were either yellow (for polychaetes transplanted onto Cinachyra alloclada, on which resident worms are yellow) or colorless (for polychaetes transplanted onto Chondrilla nucula or Tethya actinia, on which resident worms are uncolored). The foregoing observations suggest that (1) the polychaetes consume the soft parts of the sponges on which they live and (2) the pigments vary among sponge species: pigments from some sponges are stored in the polychaete body, while pigments from other sponges are not. Additional information on the morphology, distribution and natural history of Branchiosyllis oculata is presented and discussed.
Harmonic-oscillator structure of classically unstable motion.

A quantal description of classically unstable motion which employs the intergration of the Schroedinger equation along a path in the complex-coordinate plane is described. It is shown that a region in the complex-coordinate plane exists where the Schroedinger wave function is well described in a harmonic-oscillator approximation. The breakup of the hydrogen molecule ion H[sub 2][sup +] is used as a prototype to illustrate the method.
Quantitative orientation-independent DIC microscope with fast switching shear direction and bias modulation

New orientation-independent DIC microscope allows rapid modulating the bias retardation and shear directions. The shear direction is switched by regular liquid crystal cell between two standard DIC prisms. Another liquid crystal cell modulates the bias.
Arm length is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese-Americans

The aim of the study was to examine the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus with arm length as a marker for early life environment and development. This was a cross-sectional analysis of 658 second- and third-generation Japanese-Americans (349 men and 309 women). Different arm length (total, upper and forearm length) and leg length (total and lower leg length) measurements were performed. Type 2 diabetes was defined by the use of hypoglycaemic medication, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7 mmol/l or glucose at 2 h ≥11.1 mmol/l during an OGTT. Persons meeting the criteria for impaired glucose tolerance were excluded from these analyses (FPG <7 mmol/l and 2 h glucose during an OGGT <11.1 but ≥7.8 mmol/l). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between prevalence of diabetes and limb length while adjusting for possible confounders. A total of 145 individuals had diabetes. On univariate analysis, arm and leg length were not associated with diabetes. After adjustment for age, sex, computed tomography-measured intra-abdominal fat area, height, weight, smoking status and family history of diabetes, total arm length and upper arm length were inversely related to diabetes (OR for a 1 SD increase 0.49, 95% CI 0.29, 0.84 for total arm length, and OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36, 0.87 for upper arm length). Forearm length, height and leg length were not associated with diabetes after adjustment for confounding variables. Our findings of associations between arm lengths and prevalence of type 2 diabetes supports a role for factors that determine bone growth or their correlates in the development of this condition.
Investigations of donor and acceptor removal and long term annealing in silicon with different boron/phosphorus ratios

Abstract Studies of radiation damage of silicon detectors have shown that in most elementary particle physics applications, the major problem caused by non-ionizing interactions in silicon will be the change in the concentration of the electrically active impurity states. For many silicon applications in high radiation environments, the increase in the relative acceptor concentration during long term room temperature annealing is the limiting factor. The first step in developing radiation hardened silicon is to identify the defects which are responsible for this effect. In earlier work, we developed a model which describes the experimentally observed fast neutron induced changes in the net electrically active impurity concentration and provides a method to determine the phosphorus and boron concentration of the starting material. Our previous work has been extended with experiments using silicon with different original boron/phosphorus ratios, larger neutron fluences and to long term room temperature annealing. The donor removal rate of phosphorus was measured and the acceptor removal rate of boron evaluated. Extending our model, we propose that slow restoration of the damage induced boron interstitial back to its original substitutional state is responsible for the acceptor increase observed during long term annealing. This model, which involves only the behavior of the known shallow donors and acceptors present in the starting material, fits our data and the data of other experimenters without the need to invoke unidentified deep levels.
Opioids at low concentration decrease openings of K+ channels in sensory ganglion neurons.

Abstract Previous studies showed that low concentrations of opioids prolong the calcium-dependent component of the action potential duration (APD) of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, whereas higher concentrations shorten the APD. In the present study whole-cell voltage-clamp, as well as cell-attached membrane-patch voltage-clamp, recordings demonstrate that application of picomolar to nanomolar concentrations of μ, δ or κ opioid agonists (DAGO, DPDPE or dynorphin) to DRG neurons in dissociated cell cultures reversibly decreased the activities of voltage-sensitive K + channels. Pretreatment of DRG neurons with the opioid receptor antagonists, naloxone (30 nM) or diprenorphine (1 nM) prevented μ/δ or κ opioid-induced decreases in K + channel activities, respectively. Since opioids added to the bath solution decreased the activities of K + channels in the membrane patch sealed off by the pipette tip, our results provide strong evidence that some modes of excitatory modulation of the action potential of DRG neurons are mediated by diffusible second messengers. The data are consonant with our previous studies indicating that opioids can elicit excitatory effects on sensory neurons via cholera toxin-sensitive G s -linked excitatory opioid receptors coupled to cyclic AMP-dependent ionic channels.
PROSTATE DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES SONIC HEDGEHOG EXPRESSED BY THE UROGENITAL SINUS EPITHELIUM

Abstract The prostate gland develops from the urogenital sinus by a testosterone-dependent process of ductal morphogenesis.Sonic hedgehog(Shh) is expressed in the urogenital sinus epithelium and the time course of expression coincides with the formation of the main prostatic ducts. Expression is most abundant in the lumen of the urogenital sinus and in the contiguous proximal duct segments. The initial upregulation ofShhexpression in the male urogenital sinus depends on the presence of testosterone. The function of Shh was examined in the male urogenital sinus which was transplanted under the renal capsule of an adult male host mouse. Blockade of Shh function by a neutralizing antibody interferes with Shh signaling and abrogates growth and ductal morphogenesis in the transplanted tissue. These observations show that testosterone-dependentShhexpression in the urogenital sinus is necessary for the initiation of prostate development.
The solution of circuits subjected to traveling waves

The major purpose of this paper is to illustrate how accurately the physical assumptions made in applying conventional traveling wave theory are substantiated by test results. Analytical solutions for traveling waves at a transition point, as given in ``Traveling Waves on Transmission Systems,'' A.I.E.E. TRANS., 1931 (L. V. Bewley) are used in this analysis. These derivations involve the solution of circuits that may be used to represent equivalent terminal conditions of transmission systems, when simplifying assumptions are made, and when the free traveling wave can be expressed in exponential form. Discussion of types and specifications of such waves, attenuation and distortion, and the reflection and refraction operators, is limited to that essential for an understanding of the procedure. A method of calculating successive reflections on a short line, and a step-by-step solution involving a variable parameter at a transition point are included.
Symmetrical close packing of cylindrical objects

Optimal regular close packing of cylindrical objects has many applications in diverse fields of study. Close-packed cylindrical objects are placed tangent to one another in such a way as to minimize the area of the circumscribing circle. Beginning with an initial ring of P objects additional cylinders are added in concentric rings of A ∗ P cylinders outside prior rings. The study of close packing will provide effective methods for geometric placement for self-organizing systems in order to minimize the area used for a given number of units, as well as the logistical task of populating a circuit board with a large number of cylindrical components. The focus of this research is to establish a framework for analyzing concentric close packing geometry for large systems. An algorithm for computing the arrangement of large systems has been developed and initial inquiries into the behavior of the A multiplier at each step have been made.
Comparison of approaches to modulation spectroscopy with GaAlAs semiconductor lasers: application to water vapor

Four different forms of modulation spectroscopy were used to study water vapor absorption around 816 nm using GaAIAs semiconductor lasers. They are wavelength modulation at 1 kHz and 100 MHz, single-tone frequency modulation (FM) at 1 GHz, and two-tone FM at I GHz +/- 10 MHz. Extrapolating from measurements on a 1.4% absorption we find that two-tone frequency modulation is sensitive to an absorption of 2.4 x 10(-6). This is at least an order of magnitude more sensitive than single-tone FM and wavelength modulation.
Supplementary list of Ichneumonid references, No. 3

Abstract Extract References on the family Ichneumonidae that have come to our attention since the publication of the previous two supplements (Oriental Insects, 26: 335–365, 1992; 27: 385–402, 1993) are listed below. This list has been compiled from the reprints received from the authors and after searching the various biological databases, like Agricola, Biological Abstracts, CAB Abstracts and Zoological Record. As noted previously, we could not rely on anyone database and not all papers published in 1993 may be listed in this supplement because references to them were not available at the present time.
Shape Memory Alloy Cables for Civil Infrastructure Systems

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have attracted a great deal of attention as a smart material that can be used in various civil engineering applications due to their favorable mechanical properties such as ability to undergo large deformations, high corrosion and fatigue resistance, good energy dissipating capacity, and excellent re-centering ability. In contrast to the use of SMAs in the biomedical, mechanical and aerospace applications, which requires mostly small diameter of material, the larger size bars are usually needed in a civil engineering application. It is well known that properties of large-section SMA bars are generally poorer than those of wires due to difficulties in material processing. Furthermore, large diameter SMA bars are more expensive than thin SMA wires.Shape memory alloy cables have been recently developed as an alternative and new structural element. They leverage the superior mechanical characteristics of small diameter SMAs into large-size structural tension elements and possess several advantages over SMA bars. This study explores the performance of NiTi SMA cables and their potential use in civil engineering. The SMA cable, which has a diameter of 8 mm, is composed of 7 strands and each strand has 7 wires with a diameter of 0.885 mm. The uniaxial tensile tests are conducted at various loading rates and strain amplitudes to characterize the superelastic properties of the SMA cable and study the rate-dependent mechanical response of the SMA cable under dynamic loads. An optical digital image correlation measurement system and an infrared thermal imaging camera are employed to obtain the full-field strain and temperature fields. Potential applications of SMA cables in civil infrastructure applications are discussed and illustrated.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
K(+)-evoked dopamine release depends on a cytosolic Ca2+ pool regulated by N-type Ca2+ channels.

Abstract Membrane depolarization evoked by 25–40 mM K + elicited an immediate increase of somatic and neuritic [Ca 2+ ] i in cultured dopaminergic neurons as measured by digital fluorescence microscope imaging. The rise of neuritic [Ca 2+ ] i was inhibited by N-type but not L-type Ca 2+ channel blockers, while the rise of somatic [Ca 2+ ] i was prevented by both L- and N-type Ca 2+ channel blockers. Similarly, depolarization-induced [ 3 H]dopamine release was selectively attenuated by N-type Ca 2+ channel blockers. The present results suggest that [ 3 H]dopamine release from mesencephalic neuronal cell cultures relates to a Ca 2+ -dependent mechanism regulated by N-type channels located in the vicinity of the exocytotic sites within neuritic processes.
Phytohormones in soil after atrazine application

The herbicide atrazine influences the content of phytohormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins) in maize-cultivated soils. The effect is probably related to variations in the metabolism of hormones in soil microorganisms.
993-42 Detailed Analysis of Low Amplitude Signals During the PR Segment of the High Resolution Electrocardiogram

Analysis of the continuity of low amplitude signals during the PR segment (LASPR) of the high resolution ECG may provide insight into the nature of normal and abnormal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. Methods We compared LASPR in 47 patients with normal PR interval to 20 patients with first degree PR interval prolongation. The continuity of the LASPR was analyzed using the vector magnitude plot combining the contribution of cardiac signals from all vector directions (frequency range, 40–250 Hz). The absence of an isoelectric intervalg 10 ms without visually distinguishable spikes from noise was defined as continuous electrical activity. The duration of the P wave and PR segment and the duration ratio of the PR segment to the PR interval were calculated from the unfiltered individual XYZ leads. The root mean square (RMS) voltages of the P wave, of the PR segment. of noise, and the voltage ratio of the PR segment to noise were calculated from the filtered XYZ leads with finite impulse response filter (frequency range, 48–250 Hz). Results Forty-one (87%) of the normal PR interval group and 9 (45%) of the prolonged PR group showed continuous LASPR (p l 0.001). The P wave and PR segment durations were shorter, the duration ratio was lower, and the PR segment RMS voltage and voltage ratio were higher in the normal PR versus prolonged PR interval group. Shown are mean ± SD from lead X. Normal PR Normal PR Prolonged PR p value P Wave Duration (ms) 99 ± 16 117 ± 20 l0001 PR Segment Duration (ms) 55 ± 16 99 ± 22 l0.001 Duration Ratio 0.35 ± 0.8 0.44 ± 0.8 l0.001 P wave RMS (μV) 3.4 ± 1.0 2.9 ± 1.1 0.143 PR Segment RMS (μV) 2.1 ± 1.0 1.5 ± 0.8 0.022 Noise RMS (μV) 0.31 ± 0.1 0.35 ± 0.2 0.280 Voltage Ratio 7.6 ± 4.6 48 ± 3.3 0.016 Conclusions Low amplitude PR segment signals during normal PR conduction are more continuous, shorter in duration and have higher RMS voltage than those during prolonged PR conduction. These data suggest that normal AV conduction is associated with rapid. uniform propagation in contiguous structures, whereas abnormal AV conduction is associated with slower, fractionated, discontinuous conduction.
Minimally invasive mechanism design: Distributed covering with carefully chosen advice

Mechanism design for distributed systems is fundamentally concerned with aligning individual incentives with social welfare to avoid socially inefficient outcomes that can arise from agents acting autonomously. One simple and natural approach is to centrally broadcast non-binding advice intended to guide the system to a socially near-optimal state while still harnessing the incentives of individual agents. The analytical challenge is proving fast convergence to near optimal states, and in this paper we give the first results showing that carefully constructed advice vectors could yield stronger guarantees. We apply this approach to a broad family of potential games modeling vertex cover and set cover optimization problems in a distributed setting. This class of problems is interesting because finding exact solutions to their optimization problems is NP-hard yet highly inefficient equilibria exist, so a solution in which agents simply locally optimize is not satisfactory. We show that with an arbitrary advice vector, a set cover game quickly converges to an equilibrium with cost of the same order as the square of the social cost of the advice vector. More interestingly, we show how to efficiently construct an advice vector with a particular structure with cost O(log n) times the optimal social cost, and we prove that the system quickly converges to an equilibrium with social cost of this same order.
Effect of pressure on the dielectric constant of arsenic trisulfide glass

Abstract Audio frequency complex impedance measurements have been carried out at room temperature at pressures up to 0.3 GPa on samples of arsenic trisulfide glass from which the pressure derivative of the low frequency dielectric constant is found to be +1.01 GPa−1. Using the values for the effect of pressure on the optical dielectric constant (refractive index) it is shown that while the pressure derivative of the infrared contribution to the dielectric constant is positive, the infrared polarizability decreases with pressure.
Knowledge-intensive, causal reasoning for analog circuit topology synthesis in emergent and innovative applications

Analog circuit topology design has been difficult to automate. Topology synthesis involves searching an open-ended, widely extensible, and strongly discontinuous solution space. Existing algorithms cannot generate topologies beyond a constrained set of structures, or experience difficulties in evolving performance-effective yet minimal circuits. This paper proposes a new topology synthesis method that implements a design knowledge-intensive reasoning process to create novel circuit structures with all their features justified by the problem requirements. Two synthesis experiments demonstrate the capability of the method to generate circuits beyond the capabilities of existing topology synthesis algorithms.
A Comparison of Exposure Control Procedures in CATs Using the 3PL Model

This study compares the progressive-restricted standard error (PR-SE) exposure control procedure to three commonly used procedures in computerized adaptive testing, the randomesque, Sympson–Hetter (SH), and no exposure control methods. The performance of these four procedures is evaluated using the three-parameter logistic model under the manipulated conditions of item pool size (small vs. large) and stopping rules (fixed-length vs. variable-length). PR-SE provides the advantage of similar constraints to SH, without the need for a preceding simulation study to execute it. Overall for the large and small item banks, the PR-SE method administered almost all of the items from the item pool, whereas the other procedures administered about 52% or less of the large item bank and 80% or less of the small item bank. The PR-SE yielded the smallest amount of item overlap between tests across conditions and administered fewer items on average than SH. PR-SE obtained these results with similar, and acceptable, measur...