cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Projection patterns of single physiologically characterized optic tract fibres in cat

Because the axons of retinal ganglion cells are the sole channels carrying information from the eye, the organization of their central projections is important in visual processing. However, their detailed destinations and patterns of synaptic distribution at the level of single, functionally identified cells are not known. Most anatomical studies involve populations of cells or fibres and do not examine their physiological properties; physiological studies involving intraceliular recording and injection of marker substances into cell bodies1–3 of single cells do not reveal distant axon terminals because the markers stain the fibres for only a few millimetres from the perikarya. To examine the central projections of retinal ganglion cells we have impaled single optic tract fibres near their sites of termination4,5 and injected them iontophoretically with the marker enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We now report that this method has revealed the thalamic and midbrain ramifications of single physiologically characterized axons. The individual optic-tract fibres branch repeatedly, sending collaterals to the superior colliculus (SC), the medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN), and to one or more laminae within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd). In different nuclei the single axons form arborizations of characteristically different shapes and distribute their synaptic terminals in columns (LGNd), sheets (MIN) or widely spread patches (SC).
Effect of an Intravenous Sodium Chloride Load on Renal Hemodynamics and Electrolyte Excretion in Essential Hypertension

Excretion of infused sodium, chloride, and water increased proportionately in patients with progressively more severe grades of hypertension and of increased renal vascular resistance. These relationships held so long as renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were not greatly impaired. The abnormality was characterized by increased renal tubular rejection of sodium, chloride and water.
Component Models for Three-Way Data: An Alternating Least Squares Algorithm with Optimal Scaling Features.

A review of the existing techniques for the analysis of three-way data revealed that none were appropriate to the wide variety of data usually encountered in psychological research, and few were capable of both isolating common information and systematically describing individual differences. An alternating least squares algorithm was proposed to fit both an individual difference model and a replications component model to three-way data which may be defined at the nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio, or mixed measurement level; which may be discrete or continuous; and which may be unconditional, matrix conditional, or row conditional. This algorithm was evaluated by a Monte Carlo study. Recovery of the original information was excellent when the correct measurement characteristics were assumed. Furthermore, the algorithm was robust to the presence of random error. In addition, the algorithm was used to fit the individual difference model to a real, binary, subject conditional data set. The findings from this application were consistent with previous research in the area of implicit personality theory and uncovered interesting systematic individual differences in the perception of political figures and roles.
ZO-1 In Corneal Epithelium; Stratal Distribution and Synthesis Induction by Outer Cell Removal

The tight junctions (TJs) present exclusively in between the superficial cells (SC) are an important component for the barrier and ion secretory functions of the corneal epithelium. Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that digitonin-induced devitalization of overlying cells induces the de novo generation of a paracellular barrier between the intrastratal cells becoming exposed to the outer surface. It was also shown that the closer the exposed cells to the SC position the higher their competency for this activity. We have now examined the spatial and quantitative distribution of ZO-1, a protein closely associated with the cytosolic face of TJs in the rabbit. Immunohistology showed: (a) no detectable ZO-1 in basal cells; (b) incipient punctuate accumulations in the wing cells; (c) numerous foci and a diffuse cytosolic staining in the squamous (SQ) cells; and (d) strong staining at the apical TJ locations in the superficial SQ layer. Immunoblot analysis of separated layers showed a SQ:basal cell ZO-1 concentration ratio in excess of 100. Devitalization of the SQ layers induced strong ZO-1 synthesis in the newly exposed wing cells where electron microscopy showed time-dependent development of TJs. A similar ZO-1 increase was observed in the basal cells after removal of all suprabasal cells by a low [Ca2+] incubation method. These results provide a biochemical correlate to the previous electrophysiological findings and show that expression of ZO-1 in the corneal epithelium is intimately related to the development of the superficial cell phenotype.
Spontaneous closure of a coronary artery fistula in childhood

An infant with a symptomatic coronary artery fistula, documented by angiography, is presented. By age 5 years, clinical evidence of the fistula was no longer present. Repeat cardiac catheterization confirmed spontaneous closure of the coronary artery fistula. More information regarding the natural history of a coronary artery fistula is required before an elective surgical approach can be recommended in all asymptomatic children.
Barrier layer and grain boundary effects in Nd/Zr doped BaTiO3 ceramics

Abstract Gradient structures with barrier layer characteristics and core–shell morphology have been developed in BaTiO 3 ceramics with Nd 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 as co-dopants. Features include reduced Curie temperatures and anisotropic stress gradients, resulting from an oxidized surface layer and reduced interior, developed during air sintering. Co-doping was typically carried out through solution milling of the BaTiO 3 powders with nitrate precursors of the dopant oxides, spray drying and sintering of the pressed pellets in air ambient at 1300–1320 °C/60–90 min with furnace cooling. Structural characterization, as well as dielectric and d.c. resistance measurements of the pellets, as-sintered and after removing equal amounts of material from both surfaces, revealed the existence of an oxidized surface layer and barrier layer microstructures consisting of graded regions of oxidized insulating surfaces over partially oxidized or conducting grain interiors. In this complex structure, the ZrO 2 segregates to the grain boundary region, forming a core–shell structure, with Nd 2 O 3 partitioning between the BaTiO 3 and ZrO 2 phases. The overall system was modeled in terms of an equivalent circuit and the analysis indicates that the dielectric constant and the loss behavior are strongly impacted by both the surface and grain boundary barrier characteristics, with the surface barrier effects having the more dominant effect on the dielectric properties of the doped compositions. Indications are that fine-tuning of the system to optimize the grain boundary effect could lead to extraordinary dielectric constant effects which could potentially be utilized in high energy storage devices.
Reaction of Hydrogen with Uranium

An addendum is presented to report BMI-982, in which the kinetics of the reaction to produce constant compositions of UH/sub x/ is discussed. (J.E.D.)
Functional Results of the Darrach Procedure: A Long-Term Outcome Study

Purpose To assess long-term functional outcome after ulnar head excision for distal radioulnar joint dysfunction with prior or concomitant wrist trauma. We hypothesized that long-term outcomes would reflect good functional results with satisfactory pain relief. Methods A retrospective chart review identified patients who had undergone the Darrach procedure for traumatic or posttraumatic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) pathology. We assessed subjective outcomes using a visual analog scale questionnaire to assess pain, wrist stability, and overall satisfaction. We evaluated objective functional outcomes using the Quick Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation measures. Final radiographs were compared with preoperative x-rays to investigate the effect of possible ulnar impingement syndrome (convergent instability). Results A total of 98 patients with 99 wrists met our predetermined inclusion criteria. Of these, 27 patients with a total of 27 wrists were available for final follow-up, 15 of whom were available for final in-office follow-up with radiographs (6–20 y). Patients displayed an average Quick Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand score of 17 and a Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score of 14. Final average visual analog scale scores for pain (0–4), pain with activity (0–4), overall satisfaction (0–4), and wrist stability (0–10) were 0.1, 0.6, 3.7, and 1.5, respectively. Final average wrist range of motion was 85°/78° and 41°/45° for pronation-supination and flexion-extension, respectively. A total of 7 patients displayed radioulnar impingement based on dynamic radiography. This ulnar impingement was not associated with clinical reports of pain and did not affect outcome measures in a statistically significant manner. Conclusions The Darrach procedure provides reliably good long-term subjective and objective results for the treatment of a symptomatic DRUJ after a distal radius fracture. Patients can expect to have excellent forearm range of motion at long-term follow-up. Nearly one-half of patients had dynamic convergence of the DRUJ when stressed radiographically; however, the presence of radiographic dynamic convergence did not influence clinical outcomes. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Titanium (IV) oxide, an efficient and structure-sensitive heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of azoxybenzenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

The titanium (IV) oxide is used as the catalyst in the heterogeneous liquid phase reaction for the oxidation of aniline and substituted anilines using dilute hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent with different solvent conditions. Titanium (IV) oxide samples have been prepared under different experimental conditions by the sol–gel method. Experimental data showed that anatase form was an efficient catalyst for the title reaction and exhibited excellent selectivity (100%) and good yield (>90%) for the oxidation of aniline and substituted anilines, whereas the rutile form was found to be totally inactive. A high percentage of selectivity and good yields were achieved under mild reaction conditions. The recovered catalyst was used several times for the oxidation reaction with virtually no loss of activity. Overall a good catalytic activity and structure relationship was observed.
Hepatitis-associated knowledge is low and risks are high among HIV-aware injection drug users in three US cities

Aims Injection drug use is a major risk factor for HIV and hepatitis infections. Whereas programs to prevent new infections have focused on HIV, they have generally neglected hepatitis B and C. This study was designed to examine the interrelationships among HIV and hepatitis knowledge, risky drug preparation and injection practices, and participation in syringe exchange programs (SEPs). Design Surveys of injection drug users (IDUs) collected data on socio-demographics, medical history, drug use and injection practices, and HIV- and hepatitis-related knowledge. Setting Inner-city US neighborhoods in Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT and Oakland, CA. Participants The study population was a convenience sample of 493 IDUs recruited using street outreach and snowball sampling strategies. Measurements HIV and hepatitis knowledge, injection-related risks for virus transmission, associations between the two, and with SEP use. Findings HIV knowledge was significantly higher than hepatitis knowledge among SEP customers and non-customers alike. Elevated hepatitis knowledge was associated with a history of substance abuse treatment, hepatitis infection, hepatitis B vaccination and injection practices that reduced contact with contaminated blood or water but not with SEP use. SEP customers were consistently less likely to engage in risk behaviors, with the notable exception of safely staunching blood postinjection. Conclusion Increased hepatitis awareness among IDUs is necessary for reducing hepatitis transmissions. Although SEPs continue to effectively disseminate HIV prevention messages—as evidenced by lowered risk behaviors among their customers—they must do more to prevent hepatitis transmissions.
Induction of parturition in swine with prostaglandin F2α, estradiol benzoate and oxytocin☆

Pregnant sows and gilts were administered either 0, 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 mg prostaglandin F(2)alpha (PGF(2)alpha) intramuscularly on Day 112 or 113 of gestation at 0800 h in an effort to induce parturition. The average interval from PGF(2)alpha injection to farrowing was 55.1 +/- 5.7, 29.4 +/- 3.1, 32.1 +/- 4.6, 27.8 +/- 1.8 and 26.9 +/- 1.1 h for 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg, respectively. All PGF(2)alpha treatments increased (P < 0.01) over controls the number of sows farrowing 23 to 33 h after injection. The average gestation length was significantly shorter in treated gilts; however, no detrimental effect on pig performance or pig survivability was observed. A second trial evaluated the effect of a 10-mg dose of PGF(2)alpha on the induction of parturition in sows in order to obtain a majority of sows farrowing within normal working hours (0700 to 1700 h). The interval from injection to farrowing was decreased (P < 0.05) by PGF(2)alpha treatment (66.2 +/- 5.3 vs 28.1 +/- 2.2 h). Fifty-seven percent (P < 0.05) of PGF(2)alpha-treated sows farrowed between 0700 and 1700 h as compared to 13.6% for control sows. A third trial was conducted to examine a sequential treatment of PGF(2)alpha and oxytocin to control the time of parturition more precisely. Sows receiving only 10 mg of PGF(2)alpha farrowed on an average 31.1 +/- 1.4 h after injection. The injection of 40 IU oxytocin 24 to 28 h after PGF(2)alpha decreased (P < 0.05) the interval from PGF(2)alpha to farrowing (28.1 +/- 0.9 h). The addition of oxytocin increased (P < 0.05) the number of sows farrowing within 3 h of injection (33 vs 86% for PGF(2)alpha and PGF(2)alpha + oxytocin treatments, respectively). A fourth trial was designed to determine if the addition of exogenous estradiol benzoate (EB) to a sequential treatment of PGF(2)alpha and oxytocin would improve the predictability and synchronization of the induced parturition. Sows were assigned to receive either saline, 10 mg PGF(2)alpha + 40 IU oxytocin or 10 mg PGF(2)alpha + 5 mg EB + 40 IU oxytocin. The addition of EB reduced (P < 0.01) the variance in the interval from oxytocin to farrowing and added precision to the predicted time of induced parturition.
Atomistic study of Eshelby's inclusion and inhomogeneity problems in a model bcc crystal

Finnis?Sinclair N-body potentials for alloy systems comprised of W and generic materials having various degrees of lattice misfit or modulus misfit to W are developed for subsequent studies of the influence of these precipitate?matrix property misfits on the interaction between precipitates and lattice defects or dislocations. In this work, molecular statics simulations employing the constructed potentials are carried out to investigate elastic states of the isotropic media containing the coherent misfit spherical precipitates. The results obtained are juxtaposed with equivalent Eshelby's inclusion and inhomogeneity solutions derived from elasticity theory to evaluate agreements between the two methods and the performance of the potentials. The results show that atomistic simulations yield good agreement with continuum models. For the case of precipitate with lattice misfit, agreement between the two approaches can be improved by taking into account the precipitate?matrix interface effect. Deviation between the two methods is also observed when the elastic modulus misfit precipitate becomes small in size.
Electrolyte analysis of biological fluids with the electron microprobe

Abstract When a method of ultramicrochemical analysis is needed for nanoliter samples, conventional methods will not suffice. Electron microprobe analysis, however, is accurate, the sample preparation is simple, and the measurement can be executed rapidly. The probe also has a great advantage in that it is extremely versatile; its possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the user.
Evidence of predatory control of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) recruitment in Lake Erie, U.S.A.

Predation can be a major factor in recruitment success of yellow perch (Perca flavescens Mitchitl). Trawl catches of age-0 yellow perch in western Lake Erie declined from 870·3 per trawling h in June to 3·3 per trawling h in late July 1988. Coincident with the decline in relative abundance of age-0 yellow perch we found large numbers of age-0 yellow perch in the stomachs of small walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum Mitchill). From this evidence we hypothesized that predation by walleyes may have caused the demise of the 1988 year-class of yellow perch. We used a population and bioenergetics modelling approach to estimate the impact of walleye predation on the abundance of age-0 yellow perch. Modelling showed that 6·8 × 109 age-0 yellow perch that had attained 18 mm total length (t.l.), were eaten by small (age-2 and younger) walleye from June through July 1988. We estimated that walleye ate 28·4–89·7% of the yellow perch reaching 18 mm t.l. during 1988. The majority of this predation (77% of total) was by the abundant age-2 cohort of walleyes. We concluded that, even in a large system such as Lake Erie, predation can play a major role in structuring year-class strength of yellow perch and, thus, management of percid fisheries should be conducted on a fish-community basis.
Expression of mRNA for vasoactive intestinal peptide in normal human colon and during inflammation.

The availability of colon provides a ready source of human neurons. Among the products of nerve cell bodies, vasoactive intestinal peptide is a neuropeptide that serves as a marker of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves in colon. These nerves have been proposed to be involved in regulation of immune function, secretion, and smooth muscle function. In previous work, we identified decreased tissue levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide in a disorder of chronic colonic mucosal inflammation, ulcerative colitis. We hypothesized that diminished gene expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide could result in decreased tissue levels of this neuropeptide. Sigmoid colon was obtained at surgery from controls (n = 6) and patients with ulcerative colitis (n = 6). Vasoactive intestinal peptide mRNA was quantified by Northern blot hybridization and tissue levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide were determined by radioimmunoassay. Tissue vasoactive intestinal peptide was decreased only in the mucosal-submucosal layer of ulcerative colitis (p = .02). There was a single 1.7 kbase vasoactive intestinal peptide transcript identified in both control colon and ulcerative colitis. Normalized vasoactive intestinal peptide mRNA levels were increased by 260% in ulcerative colitis compared to controls (p < .01). These observations suggest that decreased vasoactive intestinal peptide gene expression or abnormal post-transcriptional processing are not primary defects in this disorder of chronic inflammation. The findings support the alternative hypothesis that axonal degeneration in ulcerative colitis could result in increased expression of neuronal vasoactive intestinal peptide mRNA.
Endothelial DNA synthesis in themicrovasculature of rat skin during the hair growth cycle

Earlier studies of the vascular patterns around hair follicles revealed that actively growing follicles have an extensive microvasculature relative to that around quiescent follicles. In order to determine whether the establishment of the active perifollicular vascular pattern involves replication of endothelial and perivascular cells, we studied the 3H-thymidine labeling indices of these cells in autoradiographs of rat skin from regions containing either actively growing follicles or recently inactive follicles. In skin containing inactive follicles, the endothelial labeling index was 0.22%, a figure similar to those reported for the endothelium of small blood vessels in several other non-stimulated adult tissues. However, skin containing actively growing follicles displayed an endothelial labeling index of 2.35%. The labeling indices of perivascular cells paralleled those of the endothelial cells. Thus, endothelial and perivascular cells in vessels associated with actively growing follicles undergo significantly more DNA synthesis than those in vessels associated with inactive follicles. Replication of these cells apparently contributes to the extension of the microvascular network around growing follicles.
Phorbol ester induction of Ia and a shared B-cell/T-cell phenotype in normal but not autoimmune (lpr) mice.

Tumour-promoting phorbol diesters are mitogenic for lymphocytes und induce differentiation of B and T cell lines as well as promyelocytic leukaemia cells. This paper demonstrates that l2-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (PMA), when cocultured with normal murine bone marrow-cells (BMC), significantly augments an antigenic cell-surface determinant called 14D10. This antigen is present constitutively in the majority of bone-marrow lymphocytes of autoimmune lpr mice. PMA has little enhancing effect when cocultured with lpr BMC. In addition. Ia antigenic determinants are increased by PMA in normal but not lpr BMC. Retinoic acid (RA) and PMA act synergistically both to increase 14D10 and to enhance the stimulatory ability of larger lymphocytes as measured by proliferation in an autologous mixed lyniphocyte reaction (AMLR). We suggest that lpr mice have persistent expression of gene products like 14D10 that are usually repressed in normal adult mice. These gene products can be activated in normal mouse bone marrow by PMA which acts through a CV2+ -dependent phospholipid-dependent C protein kinase. The in vivo enhanced expression of 14D10 in lpr mice suggests activation by some mechanism or factors yet to be described.
Signaling takes shape in the immune system.

We thank Jerri Smith for preparation of the manuscript and Daved Fremont for help with the graphics. We also thank the reviewers and editor for their suggestions on improving the manuscript. We apologize to colleagues whose work could not be directly cited due to length constraints.
The narcs' game

D ramaturgical communication, by selectively presenting and concealing messages, maintains our sense of what is significant and important about our selves and identities and also produces these effects for organizations as symbolic entities. Most persons have learned, as a result of socialization to the conventional meanings attached to government, policing, and the law, to view policing and especially drug policing as a series of dramatic confrontations between good and evil, in which the police possess the preponderance of resources, skill, and virtue. We expect that they will emerge victorious, given adequate resources, if they display sufficient courage and determination. We focus attention, therefore, upon successes, are given little information on failures, and naively view police action as exclusively creating solutions to the drug problem. When the organizations that produce these meanings, as well as public fronts and rhetorics, are closely examined backstage or by actual workings, it is quite clear that they rarely achieve success, even defined in their own terms, that they often produce unanticipated negative effects, and much of what is done is determined by individual agents' practically determined decisions. For a variety of reasons we expect too much of the police and of drug police and understand too few of their limitations. The constraints on a police attempt to eradicate drug markets have been simplistically cast, and the public has been credulous; willing to assume that these problems are easily surmountable if more resources are provided and to believe in the ultimate efficacy of the effort. As a result of the legal, organizational, socialpsychological, occupational, and at a less abstract level, informational and budgetary constraints, as well as the fundamentally overdetermined and highly gratifying nature of drug use itself, policing is a marginal activity with a limited impact on drug markets. It is, on the one hand, a game that occupies some police officers who by and large enjoy the challenge, and on the other hand, from a social point of view, a ceremony that celebrates what the powerful segments of the society consider appropriate levels
Surgical Evolution: Development of Minimally Invasive Surgery

nnovation in surgery has a long and hallowed history. The development of modern surgical techniques required the introduction and eventual acceptance of methods and ap- proaches, which were first considered revolutionary, fool- hardy, and even dangerous. Of course, surgical history also is littered with procedures abandoned for their lack of utility or general applicability. More specifically, total joint replace- ment has demonstrated a continuous evolution. The rela- tively great complication rates associated with early implants and techniques eventually led to the improvement of im- plants and refinement of the specifics of the surgical proce- dure. Gradual adoption of these improvements and their eventual diffusion into the surgical community led to im- proved success and increased rates of implantation. 1 As sur-
Migration and Human Rights on the Mexico‐Guatemala Border

This paper identifies the protections in place for irregular migrants on the Mexico-Guatemala border and analyzes Mexican government immigration enforcement policies and levels of compliance with international standards and national law. The history of the Mexico-Guatemala border region and different types of migration flows into and through the area are also explored, as well as the linkages between migration, trade, security, and US immigration policy. It is argued that the Mexican government has partially complied with international conventions and national laws to protect the human rights of transmigrants in the Guatemalan border region, but that compliance is not complete and that an international response is required to ensure that human rights standards are upheld.
The effect of heating rate upon the coupling of complex reactions. I. Independent and competitive reactions

Theoretical curves of the rate of conversion vs. temperature at constant heating rate for first-order reactions with activation energies of 80, 160, 240 and 320 kJ mole−1 are compared over a range of heating rates from 10−9 to 105 K s−1 for independent and competitive reactions. Independent reactions with different activation energies may be separated from one another by either increasing or decreasing the rate of heating. The spectrum of derivative peaks for two competing reactions at various heating rates has a dispersion effect in the region of change from low to high activation energy reactions. The practical range of heating rates in thermal analytical experiments and the application of these model cases to the understanding of the kinetics of complex systems at high and low temperatures are discussed.
Disaggregating a social-psychological model of educational attainment

Abstract This paper gives an extended empirical treatment of the estimation and interpretation of a block-recursive social-psychological model of socio-economic achievement which is applied to a cohort of male Wisconsin high school graduates. We draw attention to the substantive distinction between the interpretation of measures as causes and effects of the concepts which they represent and illustrate the advantages of disaggregating the components of composite variables. New empirical insights are obtained in the course of the analysis.
A Problem in Optimal Search and Stop

We are told that an object is hidden in one of mm < ∞ boxes and we are given prior probabilities pi0 that the object is in the ith box. A search of box i costs ci and finds the object with probability α, if the object is in the box. Also, we suppose that a reward Ri is earned if the object is found in the ith box. A strategy is any rule for determining when to search, and, if so, which box. The major result is that an optimal strategy either searches a box with maximal value of αipi/ci or else it never searches such boxes. Also, if rewards are equal, then an optimal strategy either searches a box with maximal αipi/ci or else it stops.
Effectiveness and cost benefits of computer-based decision aids for equipment maintenance

Data were summarized from assessments of three computer-based problem solving decision aids for equipment maintenance. All three were shown to increase accuracy and reduce errors and time required to solve maintenance problems. Cost benefits were reported for one and suggested net savings of about $20 million per year in F-16 avionics maintenance. These assessments suggest that (1) a strong cost-effectiveness case can be made for these computer-based aids, (2) their development and implementation should consider the full range of options available for ensuring competent human performance, (3) both descriptive and prescriptive approaches should be employed in their design, (4) they will benefit from capabilities developed for intelligent tutoring systems, and (5) their absence from routine use despite their demonstrated promise suggests that more effort is needed to ensure that the state of practice advances along with the state of the art.
Inhaled epoprostenol vs inhaled nitric oxide for refractory hypoxemia in critically ill patients

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this is to compare efficacy, safety, and cost outcomes in patients who have received either inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for hypoxic respiratory failure. Materials and methods This is a retrospective, single-center analysis of adult, mechanically ventilated patients receiving iNO or iEPO for improvement in oxygenation. Results We evaluated 105 mechanically ventilated patients who received iEPO (52 patients) or iNO (53 patients) between January 2009 and October 2010. Most patients received therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (iNO 58.5% vs iEPO 61.5%; P = .84). There was no difference in the change in the partial pressure of arterial O 2 /fraction of inspired O 2 ratio after 1 hour of therapy (20.58 ± 91.54 vs 33.04 ± 36.19 [ P = .36]) in the iNO and iEPO groups, respectively. No difference was observed in duration of therapy ( P = .63), mechanical ventilation ( P = .07), intensive care unit ( P = .67), and hospital lengths of stay ( P = .26) comparing the iNO and iEPO groups. No adverse events were attributed to either therapy. Inhaled nitric oxide was 4.5 to 17 times more expensive than iEPO depending on contract pricing. Conclusions We found no difference in efficacy and safety outcomes when comparing iNO and iEPO in hypoxic, critically ill patients. Inhaled epoprostenol is associated with less drug expenditure than iNO.
Normal perivascular sensory dilator nerve function in arteries of Zucker diabetic fatty rats.

Abstract Background Type II diabetes in humans is associated with pathology of both the cardiovascular and peripheral sensory nervous systems. Because abnormal vasodilator responses have been reported in animals of type II diabetes and perivascular sensory nerves are a source of vasodilator substances, we tested the hypothesis that sensory nerve-dependent relaxation is abnormal in arteries of the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat model of type II diabetes. Methods The ZDF rats and genetic controls were studied at 26 weeks of age. Tail-cuff systolic blood pressure (BP) was measured, serum was obtained for chemical determinations, and mesenteric branch arteries were isolated for wire myograph analysis and confocal-based measurement of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive nerve density. Results No differences in BP were detected. Serum glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly elevated in ZDF. Sensory nerve-dependent vasodilation was assessed by measuring relaxation of phenylephrine preconstricted arterial segments to cumulative addition of divalent calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) or capsaicin. Neither Ca 2+ - nor capsaicin-induced relaxation were different in ZDF versus control (maximal ZDF response to Ca 2+ = 64% ± 2% v 59% ± 4%; ED 50 for Ca 2+ = 3.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L v 3.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L; n = 5, P = not significant [NS]; maximal ZDF response to capsaicin = 68% ± 9% v 74% ± 4%; ZDF ED 50 = 3.8 ± 0.5 nmol/L v 9.8 ± 7 nmol/L; n = 5, P = NS). In contrast, the maximal relaxation response to acetylcholine was impaired in ZDF (maximal ZDF response = 83% ± 5% v 94% ± 2%, n = 4, P = .039; ED 50 for acetylcholine = 8.1 ± 2.9 nmol/L for ZDF v 33.5 ± 18.2; n = 4 per group, P = .086). The CGRP positive nerve density was not different between groups. Conclusions Blood pressure, perivascular sensory nerve CGRP content, and dilator function is normal in the ZDF model of type II diabetes, whereas endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired.
Mobile phone based drifting lagrangian flow sensors

Mobile phone based drifters offer distinct advantages over those using custom electronic circuit boards. They leverage the inexpensive and modern hardware provided by the mobile phone market to supply water resource scientists with a new solution to sensing water resources. Mobile phone based drifters strategically address in situ sensing applications in order to focus on the large scale use of mobile phones dealing with communications, software, hardware, and system reliability. We have demonstrated that a simple design of a drifter built around an Android phone robustly survives many hours of experimental usage. In addition to the positioning capabilities of the phone via GPS, we also use the accelerometer of the phone to filter out samples when the drifter is in storage. The success of these drifters as passive mobile phone sensors has also led us to develop motorized mobile phone drifters.
SEED: A Suite of Instructional Laboratories for Computer Security Education

The security and assurance of our computing infrastructure has become a national priority. To address this priority, higher education has gradually incorporated the principles of computer and information security into the mainstream undergraduate and graduate computer science curricula. To achieve effective education, learning security principles must be grounded in experience. This calls for effective laboratory exercises (or course projects). Although a number of laboratories have been designed for security education, they only cover a small portion of the fundamental security principles. Moreover, their underlying lab environments are different, making integration of these laboratories infeasible for a semester-long course. Currently, security laboratories that can be widely adopted are still lacking, and they are in great demand in security education.We have developed a novel laboratory environment (referred to as SEED). The SEED environment consists of Minix, an instructional operating system (OS), and Linux, a production OS; it takes advantage of the simplicity of Minix and the completeness of Linux, and provides a unified platform to support a rich set of laboratories for computer security education. Based on the SEED environment, we have developed a list of laboratories that cover a wide spectrum of security principles. These labs provide opportunities for students to develop essential skills for secure computing practice. We have been using these labs in our courses during the last five years. This article presents our SEED environment, laboratories, and evaluation results.
Effect of anisotropy on the coefficient of sliding friction in Schistose rocks

Abstract Foliated schist samples were sawcut at 45° to th cylinder axis and tested at 500 bars confining pressure, 25°C, and 10−4sec−1 shortening rate, to examine the effect of anisotropy on the coefficient of sliding friction (μ). Cylinders were cored from sample blocks in a variety of orientations to produce sawcut-to-foliation (STF) angles ranging from 0° to 180° in 15° increments. The variation of μ with foliation orientation is sinusoidal. Maximum values of μ occur when the foliation is parallel to principal stress planes ( STF = 30°−45° and 105°−120°; τ = 0 ), and minimum values of μ correspond to planes of maximum resolved shear stress ( STF = 75° and 165°, τ = τ ). Sliding-surface damage and gouge development vary inversely with μ. Surface damage results from the interaction of asperities with the sawcut surface, and failure and cataclasis of asperities produces gouge. Precursor events visible on force-time records, and partial loading tests terminated before megascopic sliding, indicate that surface damage and gouge are generated before megascopic sliding on the sawcut. Apparently, high resolved shear stress produces slip along the foliation prior to sliding on the sawcut. Foliation slip generates gouge at the sawcut interface; and the effect of the gouge is to lower μ.
Species-specific subcellular localization of RPGR and RPGRIP isoforms: implications for the phenotypic variability of congenital retinopathies among species

The retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) is encoded by the X-linked RP3 locus, which upon genetic lesions leads to neurodegeneration of photoreceptors and blindness. The findings that RPGR specifically and directly interacts in vivo and in vitro with retina-specific RPGR-interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP) and that human mutations in RPGR uncouple its interaction with RPGRIP provided the first clue for the retina-specific pathogenesis of X-linked RP3. Recently, mutations in RPGRIP were found to lead to the retinal dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis. However, mouse models null for RPGR had, surprisingly, a very mild phenotype compared with those observed in XIRP3-affected humans and dogs. Moreover, recent reports are seemingly in disagreement on the localization of RPGR and RPGRIP in photoreceptors. These discrepancies were compounded with the finding of RPGR mutations leading exclusively to X-linked cone dystrophy. To resolve these discrepancies and to gain further insight into the pathology associated with RPGR- and RPGRIP-allied retinopathies, we now show, using several isoform-specific antibodies, that RPGR and RPGRIP isoforms are distributed and co-localized at restricted foci throughout the outer segments of human and bovine, but not mice rod photoreceptors. In humans, they also localize in cone outer segments. RPGRIP is also expressed in other neurons such as amacrine cells. Thus, the data lend support to the existence of species-specific subcellular processes governing the function and/or organization of the photoreceptor outer segment as reflected by the species-specific localization of RPGR and RPGRIP protein isoforms in this compartment, and provide a rationale for the disparity of phenotypes among species and in the human.
Optimal and efficient path planning for partially-known environments

The task of planning trajectories for a mobile robot has received considerable attention in the research literature. Most of the work assumes the robot has a complete and accurate model of its environment before it begins to move; less attention has been paid to the problem of partially known environments. This situation occurs for an exploratory robot or one that must move to a goal location without the benefit of a floorplan or terrain map. Existing approaches plan an initial path based on known information and then modify the plan locally or replan the entire path as the robot discovers obstacles with its sensors, sacrificing optimality or computational efficiency respectively. This paper introduces a new algorithm, D*, capable of planning paths in unknown, partially known, and changing environments in an efficient, optimal, and complete manner. >
Targeting the C-type lectins-mediated host-pathogen interactions with dextran.

Dextran, the α-1,6-linked glucose polymer widely used in biology and medicine, promises new applications. Linear dextran applied as a blood plasma substitute demonstrates a high rate of biocompatibility. Dextran is present in foods, drugs, and vaccines and in most cases is applied as a biologically inert substance. In this review we analyze dextran's cellular uptake principles, receptor specificity and, therefore, its ability to interfere with pathogen–lectin interactions: a promising basis for new antimicrobial strategies. Dextran-binding receptors in humans include the DC-SIGN (dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin) family receptors: DC-SIGN (CD209) and L-SIGN (the liver and lymphatic endothelium homologue of DC-SIGN), the mannose receptor (CD206), and langerin. These receptors take part in the uptake of pathogens by dendritic cells and macrophages and may also participate in the modulation of immune responses, mostly shown to be beneficial for pathogens per se rather than host(s). It is logical to predict that owing to receptor-specific interactions, dextran or its derivatives can interfere with these immune responses and improve infection outcome. Recent data support this hypothesis. We consider dextran a promising molecule for the development of lectin–glycan interaction-blocking molecules (such as DC-SIGN inhibitors) that could be applied in the treatment of diseases including tuberculosis, influenza, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus infection and AIDS, etc. Dextran derivatives indeed change the pathology of infections dependent on DC-SIGN and mannose receptors. Complete knowledge of specific dextran–lectin interactions may also be important for development of future dextran applications in biological research and medicine. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Managing Scientific Data: New Challenges for Database Research

The database research community's appetite for new applications has led to increased interest in the data management needs of scientists. This area encompasses a huge range of applications, extending from public repositories of observational data such as the popular Sloan Digital Sky Survey to one-of-a-kind runs of simulation codes crafted by individual scientists. In this talk, we will survey the most common data management needs found in the hard sciences, describe the new database research challenges that arise from these needs, and outline ways to address some of these challenges.
Parallel self-diagnosis of large multiprocessor systems under the generalized comparison model

This paper deals with the problem of self-diagnosis of multiprocessor and multicomputer systems. We consider the generalized comparison model in which jobs are assigned to pairs of nodes (processors) and the results are compared by the system's nodes themselves (self-diagnosis). The agreements and disagreements among the nodes are the basis for identifying faulty nodes. Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been successfully used for identifying the set of faulty nodes in t-diagnosable systems, where the number of faulty nodes is bounded by t. The major drawback of such a technique is that it is time-consuming specially for large systems. In this paper, we describe a new parallel version of the existing evolutionary diagnosis method, which exploits competing sub-populations to speed up the diagnosis algorithm. Experimental results showed that the new parallel version considerably improved the response time of the diagnosis algorithm, hence, allowing faster identification of faulty nodes.
RELIGION IN SIN CITY

Religion is an important, yet overlooked, aspect of local life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many residents attend worship services and practice faith in an environment that often promotes the opposite of ...
An interactive display environment, or knitting sheep's clothing for a wolf

AIDE, An Interactive Display Environment, attempts to improve the usability of a traditional timesharing system by exploiting the use of a powerful personal computer with a large, high-resolution all-points-addressable (APA) display as a terminal. No changes to the timesharing system are required, and existing application programs dependent on alphanumeric display terminals run unchanged. A sample terminal session illustrates AIDE in use. Ways in which the timesharing system might be modified to further exploit the display are suggested.
Ion-pairing between lithium and the residual acceptors in GaSb☆

Abstract The electrical properties of p -type GaSb containing lithium have been measured over the temperature range 20–400°K. It is found that introduction of lithium by diffusion at temperatures below 500°C results in reduced hole concentrations and increased Hall mobilities. In addition, the residual acceptor level at approximately 0.03 eV characteristic of pure material, apparently disappears and is replaced by a shallow acceptor level. This behavior is taken as evidence for the formation of ion pairs between lithium donors and doubly charged residual acceptors. Introduction of lithium by diffusion at 600°C and subsequent heat treatment at lower temperature results in the formation of a large density of holes (> 1 × 10 18 cm −3 ) associated with a shallow level, suggesting the presence of substitutional lithium.
Natural amino acids do not require their native tRNAs for efficient selection by the ribosome

The involvement of tRNA structural elements beyond the anticodon in aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) selection by the ribosome has revealed that substrate recognition is considerably more complex than originally envisioned in the adaptor hypothesis. By combining recent breakthroughs in aa-tRNA synthesis and mechanistic and structural studies of protein synthesis, we have investigated whether aa-tRNA recognition further extends to the amino acid, which would explain various translation disorders exhibited by misacylated tRNAs. Contrary to expectation, we find that natural amino acids misacylated onto natural but non-native tRNAs are selected with efficiencies very similar to those of their correctly acylated counterparts. Despite this, small but reproducible differences in selection indeed demonstrate that the translational machinery is sensitive to the amino acid–tRNA pairing. These results suggest either that the ribosome is an exquisite sensor of natural versus unnatural amino acid–tRNA pairings and/or that aa-tRNA selection is not the primary step governing the amino acid specificity of the ribosome.