cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of muscarinic receptors in cultured human pancreatic carcinoma cells

Five human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were screened for the presence of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs), using [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS). T3M4 and COLO-357 cells exhibited specific, high-affinity binding to mAChRs. A small amount of [3H]NMS also bound in PANCI and ASPC-I cells, but not in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Atropine, pirenzepine (PZ), and 11-[[2-[(diethylamino) methyly]-1-piperidinyl] acetyl]-5, 11-dihydro-6H-pyrido-[2, 3-b] [1, 4] benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-DX 116) inhibited [3H]NMS binding and carbachol-mediated [3H]inositol monophosphate formation in both T3M4 and COLO-357 cells. The order of inhibition was: atropine greater than PZ greater than AF-DX 116. Carbachol did not alter [3H]inositol monophosphate formation in the other cell lines. These findings suggest that the mAChRs expressed in some human pancreatic cancer cells exhibit the pharmacologic characteristics of a muscarinic receptor subtype with an intermediate affinity for PZ and a lower affinity for AF-DX 116 and are functionally coupled to activation of phospholipid hydrolysis.
Proactive detection of inadequate diagnostic messages for software configuration errors

This paper presents a technique to detect inadequate (i.e., missing or ambiguous) diagnostic messages for configuration errors issued by a configurable software system. The technique injects configuration errors into the software under test, monitors the software outcomes under the injected configuration errors, and uses natural language processing to analyze the output diagnostic message caused by each configuration error. The technique reports diagnostic messages that may be unhelpful in diagnosing a configuration error. We implemented the technique for Java in a tool, ConfDiagDetector. In an evaluation on 4 real-world, mature configurable systems, ConfDiagDetector reported 43 distinct inadequate diagnostic messages (25 missing and 18 ambiguous). 30 of the detected messages have been confirmed by their developers, and 12 more have been identified as inadequate by users in a user study. On average, Conf- DiagDetector required 5 minutes of programmer time and 3 minutes of compute time to detect each inadequate diagnostic message.
Enhancement of 3-methylcholanthrene-mediated induction of cytochrome P-450 by 17α-ethynylestradiol: immunochemical studies

A l'aide d'une technique immunologique, on compare les 2 formes de cytochrome P-450 induits dans des cultures d'hepatocytes de poulet, induction provoquee soit par l'association de 3-methylcholanthrene et de 17α-ethynylœstradiol soit par le 3-methylcholanthrene seul. Des anticorps de lapin inhibent l'activite de l'enzyme ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase
Functional aspects of strepsirrhine lumbar vertebral bodies and spinous processes.

The relationship between form and function in the lumbar vertebral column has been well documented among platyrrhines and especially catarrhines, while functional studies of postcranial morphology among strepsirrhines have concentrated predominantly on the limbs. This morphometric study investigates biomechanically relevant attributes of the lumbar vertebral morphology of 20 species of extant strepsirrhines. With this extensive sample, our goal is to address the influence of positional behavior on lumbar vertebral form while also assessing the effects of body size and phylogenetic history. The results reveal distinctions in lumbar vertebral morphology among strepsirrhines in functional association with their habitual postures and primary locomotor behaviors. In general, strepsirrhines that emphasize pronograde posture and quadrupedal locomotion combined with leaping (from a pronograde position) have the relatively longest lumbar regions and lumbar vertebral bodies, features promoting sagittal spinal flexibility. Indrids and galagonids that rely primarily on vertical clinging and leaping with orthograde posture share a relatively short (i.e., stable and resistant to bending) lumbar region, although the length of individual lumbar vertebral bodies varies phylogenetically and possibly allometrically. The other two vertical clingers and leapers, Hapalemur and Lepilemur, more closely resemble the pronograde, quadrupedal taxa. The specialized, suspensory lorids have relatively short lumbar regions as well, but the lengths of their lumbar regions are influenced by body size, and Arctocebus has dramatically longer vertebral bodies than do the other lorids. Lumbar morphology among galagonids appears to reflect a strong phylogenetic signal superimposed on a functional one. In general, relative length of the spinous processes follows a positively allometric trend, although lorids (especially the larger-bodied forms) have relatively short spinous processes for their body size, in accordance with their positional repertoire. The results of the study broaden our understanding of postcranial adaptation in primates, while providing an extensive comparative database for interpreting vertebral morphology in fossil primates.
Generations of permutations with non-unique elements

We wish to generate all unique permutations of a list of elements with possibly repeated items. We develop four algorithms to generate permutations, two from Knuth's Art of Computer Programming and two of our own devising. The last one developed also gives a numbering scheme for permutations that can be inverted to regenerate original permutations.
Infrared spectroscopic analysis of an ordered Si/SiO2 interface

Infrared spectroscopy is used to compare the Si/SiO2 interfaces created by thermal oxidation of a standard Si(100) substrate and of an ordered, (1×1) Si(100) substrate. The thermal oxides (approximately 25 A) examined in this study are etched in dilute hydrofluoric acid and the resulting films analyzed spectroscopically. The behavior of the dominant optical phonon modes as a function of film thickness provides strong evidence that the ordered Si(100) substrate provides a template for an Si/SiO2 interface with a higher degree of homogeneity in the Si–O bonding environment of the intervening substoichiometric SiOx layer than does the standard Si(100) substrate.
Multiple Tasks' and Multiple Goals' Effect on Creativity: Forced Incubation or Just a Distraction?

The authors examine the effects of multiple goals on three different tasks (i.e., two creativity tasks and one intervening task) and the discretion to switch back and forth between tasks on creative performance. They propose that individuals' focus of attention and cognitive exhaustion may explain the hypothesized effects on incubation and subsequent creativity. Results demonstrate the highest creativity when individuals have goals for all tasks and discretion to switch between them. The results in part are explained by focus of attention and cognitive exhaustion. The authors discuss how multiple tasks'and goals' effect on creativity can lead to forced incubation.
Validation of a low cost computer-based method for quantification of immunohistochemistry-stained sections.

The aim of the present study was to determine if the Alpha DigiDoc RT system would be an effective method of quantifying immunohistochemical staining as compared with a manual counting method, which is considered the gold standard. Two readers were used to count 31 samples by both methods. The resul
Interval Estimation After Sequential Testing Based on the Total Time on Test

Industrial life testing experiments often select m items at random to put on test. The items operate independently and are not replaced upon failure. Assume that the lifetime of each item has a probability distribution depending on an unknown parameter I¸, where lifetimes with parameter I¸1 tend to be smaller than lifetimes with parameter I¸2 whenever I¸1 is less than I¸2. For example, the lifetime distribution can be exponential with mean I¸. We develop a time truncated sequential procedure for testing the null hypothesis that I¸ is at least as large as a specified value I¸0 against the alternative hypothesis that I¸ is less than I¸0. The procedure allows quick rejection of the null hypothesis when the alternative is true and provides an accurate confidence interval for I¸ when the null hypothesis is accepted at the conclusion of the test. After deriving this procedure, we discuss the exponential case and illustrate our results with an example.
III. Morphometry of Myelinated Fibers of Rami Communicantes

The myelinated fiber (MF) composition of T6-T8 Rami Communicantes were obtained in 9 healthy persons of various ages. The textbook picture that distal rami (DR) contain all of the myelinated fibers and therefore are white, while proximal rami (PR) contain none of them and therefore are grey must be modified. We found that DR usually contained abundant MFs and that PR concordance was found between segmental numbers of intermediolateral nuclei cytons, ventral root small myelinated fibers (SMFs), and rami total small MFs to suggest that both rami probably contain the distal myelinated axons of preganglionic autonomic fibers. Finally, there was an attrition of total MFs of rami with age, similar to what we had previously found for ILC cytons and for root SMFs. The decrease in number of pre-ganglionic autonomic neurons with age is thought to be of sufficient magnitude to account for the dysautonomia of the elderly.
Isomerization of the UL region of varicella-zoster virus DNA.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA exists principally as two isomers. Despite the presence of inverted repeats bounding the long sequence region, the unique long sequence, UL, is found in one (prototype) orientation in 95–98% of VZV DNA molecules and in the inverted orientation in only 2–5% of the molecules. In searching for an explanation for this disparity, we superinfected VZV-infected cells with herpes simplex virus type 1 or pseudorabies virus. Neither superinfecting virus produced a measurable change in the frequency of isomerization of the VZV DNA long sequence region.
Mechanistic Basis for High Reactivity of (salen)Co–OTs in the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Terminal Epoxides

The (salen)Co(III)-catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of terminal epoxides is a bimetallic process with a rate controlled by partitioning between a nucleophilic (salen)Co–OH catalyst and a Lewis acidic (salen)Co–X catalyst. The commonly used (salen)Co–OAc and (salen)Co–Cl precatalysts undergo complete and irreversible counterion addition to epoxide during the course of the epoxide hydrolysis reaction, resulting in quantitative formation of weakly Lewis acidic (salen)Co–OH and severely diminished reaction rates in the late stages of HKR reactions. In contrast, (salen)Co–OTs maintains high reactivity over the entire course of HKR reactions. We describe here an investigation of catalyst partitioning with different (salen)Co–X precatalysts and demonstrate that counterion addition to epoxide is reversible in the case of the (salen)Co–OTs. This reversible counterion addition results in stable partitioning between nucleophilic and Lewis acidic catalyst species, allowing highly efficient catalysis thro...
Thermal stability and renaturation of DNA in dimethyl sulfoxide solutions: acceleration of the renaturation rate.

The thermal stability and renaturation kinetics of DNA have been studied as a function of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration. Increasing the concentration of DMSO lowers the melting temperature of DNA but results in an increased second-order renaturation rate. For example, in a DNA solution containing 0.20M NaCl, 0.01M Tris (pH 8.0), and 0.001M EDTA, the addition of 40% DMSO lowers the melting temperature of the DNA by 27°C and approximately doubles the optimal renaturation rate. The effect of DMSO on the renaturation rate is shown to be at least partially due to its effect on the solution dielectric constant and to be consistent with the polyelectrolyte counterion condensation theory of Manning [(1976) Biopolymers15, 1333–1343].
The relative density of forests in the United States

A relative stand density assessment technique, using the mean specific gravity of all trees in a stand to predict its maximum stand density index (SDI) and subsequently its relative stand density (current SDI divided by maximum SDI), was used to estimate the relative density of forests across the United States using a national-scale forest inventory. Live tree biomass (dry metric tons) varies widely across the US with the largest amounts in the Pacific Northwest region followed by the hardwood forests of the eastern US. In contrast, the range of relative density appears to be less disparate with numerous forests across the US having densities as high as areas in the Pacific Northwest. Overall, the large-scale assessment of relative density indicates that the majority of forests in the US are fully occupied in a rather contiguous pattern except for areas of the western US.
Efficient Axonal Localization of Alphaherpesvirus Structural Proteins in Cultured Sympathetic Neurons Requires Viral Glycoprotein E

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein E (gE) is a type I viral membrane protein that facilitates the anterograde spread of viral infection from the peripheral nervous system to the brain. In animal models, a gE-null mutant infection spreads inefficiently from presynaptic neurons to postsynaptic neurons (anterograde spread of infection). However, the retrograde spread of infection from post- to presynaptic neurons remains unaffected. Here we show that gE is required for wild-type localization of viral structural proteins in axons of infected neurons. During a gE-null PRV infection, a subset of viral glycoproteins, capsids, and tegument proteins enter and localize to the axon inefficiently. This defect is most obvious in the distal axon and growth cones. However, axonal entry and localization of other viral membrane proteins and endogenous cellular proteins remains unaffected. Neurons infected with gE-null mutants produce wild-type levels of viral structural proteins and infectious virions in the cell body. Our results indicate that reduced axonal targeting of viral structural proteins is a compelling explanation for the lack of anterograde spread in neural circuits following infection by a gE-null mutant.
Symposium on post-polio syndrome

(1996). Symposium on post-polio syndrome. Disability and Rehabilitation: Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 305-306.
Excision of Ununited Fractures of the Posterior Process of the Talus: A Treatment for Chronic Posterior Ankle Pain

The cases of nine patients with ununited fracture of the posterior process of the talus were reviewed. The most common mechanism of injury was forced plantarflexion. All patients had pain in the posterior ankle region. Common physical findings included tenderness between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon and pain on forced plantarflexion. Of the radiographic imaging modalities used, 99Tc bone scan was found to be the most helpful in diagnosis. All nine patients eventually underwent surgical excision at a mean period of 9.4 months post injury. At average follow-up of 27 months after surgery (range 7-69 months), six of nine patients had good or excellent results with respect to pain relief and return to function. There were two complications of sural neuroma formation, one of which resulted in severe persistent pain after surgery. Based on these findings, we believe the differential diagnosis of chronic posttraumatic ankle pain should include fracture of the posterior process of the talus. Furthermore, excision of an ununited fragment through a lateral approach, taking care to preserve and protect the sural nerve, should lead to the return of painless function in the majority of cases.
Electronic vs. Face-to-Face Review: The Effects of Alternative Forms of Review on Auditors' Performance

Due to recent technological advancements such as online workpapers and e-mail, audit firms have alternative methods of workpaper review that they did not have in the past. While audit workpaper preparers typically know they will be reviewed, and the form their review will take, prior research has focused on comparing the judgments of auditors who expect to be reviewed and auditors who expect to remain anonymous. This study examines the effects on preparers of using two different methods of review: face-to-face and electronic review. The study also compares both review groups to a no-review control group. Consistent with the Heuristic-Systematic Model, we find that the method of review affects preparer effectiveness and efficiency. Specifically, preparers anticipating a face-to-face review were more concerned with audit effectiveness, were less efficient at their task, were less likely to be inappropriately influenced by prior year workpapers, and felt more accountable than preparers in both the electronic review and no-review conditions. Interestingly, electronic review preparers generally did not differ from the no-review group. These results may suggest that it is how a review is to be conducted, and not merely the expectation that a review will occur, that affects the decision maker's judgments and perceptions.
Introduction to the Biomedical Session on the Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century

(2000). Introduction to the Biomedical Session on the Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century. International Information & Library Review: Vol. 32, No. 3-4, pp. 305.
A simple electrocardiograph monitor for routine use in electroencephalography.

Abstract A simple monitor for heart rate, utilizing a modified phase-shift acceptor amplifier, is described. This device records the QRS component of the electrocardiogram as a single pip, written out by means of a modified relay, and permits constant monitoring of EKG-related artifacts without the loss of an EEG channel.
Autonomous Self-Control is Less Depleting.

Abstract Autonomously motivated self-control may be less depleting than extrinsically motivated self-control. Participants were asked to not eat cookies and their motivation orientation for resisting that temptation was assessed. Their self-control performance was assessed immediately before and after fighting the temptation. As compared to their baseline performance, participants who avoided eating the cookies for more autonomous reasons performed better at the second measure relative to participants who did not eat for more extrinsic reasons. Mood, arousal, and demographic factors were not related to self-control performance and feelings of autonomy. Overall, it appears that feeling compelled to exert self-control may deplete more strength than having more freedom when exerting self-control. The results may increase our understanding of how self-control strength and feelings of autonomy interact.
The Internet scout project

Outlines the problem of using the Internet as an information source. Profiles the Internet Scout project, which attempts to provide current, selective pointers to the best resources on the Internet, particularly for those in higher education. Discusses the background, aims, accessibility, design and construction, organization content and future direction of the project.
A computerized system for the digital image processing of ion microscope images

Abstract A general program for the digital image processing of ion microscope images is described. The program IONPIX and the accompanying aggregate of related subprograms comprise a basis for the process of extracting the large amount of compositional morphological information contained in ion images. Previous practical applications of the IONPIX software system are also described.
Interstate Variation in Modifiable Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Mortality in the United States

Objective We investigated the role of state-level differences in modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in contributing to state disparities in cardiovascular mortality rates in the US. Methods Adults aged 45–74 in 2010 were examined. We constructed a CV risk index summarizing state-level exposure to current smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol abstinence, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Outcomes were cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, and stroke mortality. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between the CV risk index and mortality outcomes. Models accounted for state-level socioeconomic characteristics and other potential confounders. Results Risk factors were highly correlated at the state-level (Cronbach's alpha 0.85 (men) and 0.92 (women). Each +1SD difference in the cardiovascular risk index was associated with higher adjusted cardiovascular mortality rates by 41.0 (95%CI = 26.3, 55.7) and 33.3 (95%CI = 24.4, 42.2) deaths per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. The index accounted for 8% (men) and 11% (women) of the variation in state-level cardiovascular mortality. Comparable associations were also observed for coronary heart disease and stroke mortality. Conclusions CV risk factors were highly correlated at the state-level and were independently associated with state CV mortality, suggesting the utility of generalized CV risk reduction.
Studies on succinic dehydrogenase. V. Isolation and properties of the dehydrogenase from baker's yeast

Abstract 1. 1. The succinic dehydrogenase of baker's yeast has been solubilized and isolated from the particulate fraction of the cell wherein the enzyme is localized. The best preparations obtained were 65 % pure by ultracentrifugal analysis. 2. 2. The enzyme is an amber-brown protein, containing 4 atoms of iron and 1 mole of flavine per mole of protein. No method has been found to remove either the iron or the flavine without denaturation of the protein. The iron was readily liberated in the inorganic form by acid or thermal denaturation, but separation of the flavine from the protein required extensive proteolytic digestion of the latter. The flavine, set free in this manner, was not free FAD but, like that from the beef heart enzyme, appeared to be in bound form, possibly as peptide derivatives. 3. 3. The action of the enzyme is readily reversible. Inactivation on aging usually entailed a much greater loss of succinic dehydrogenase than of fumaric reductase activity. 4. 4. The following aspects of the action of the enzyme have been studied: effects of pH and temperature; specificity for electron carriers; inhibition by sulfhydryl reagents and iron complexors; kinetic constants for succinate, malonate, and fumarate; and turnover number. 5. 5. In most respects the yeast enzyme resembles closely its counterpart in beef heart mitochondria.
RECIPROCAL EFFECTS OF CONCOMITANT INFECTIONS : I. THE INFLUENCE OF VACCINIA ON THE REACTION TO INFECTION WITH EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS.

Experiments are reported in which was studied the effect of a concomitant infection, vaccinia, upon the syphilitic reaction of rabbits. Vaccine virus was inoculated intracutaneously on the side of the body at the time of intratesticular inoculation with Treponema pallidum. The results showed clearly that the vaccination caused a profound disturbance in the syphilitic reaction, the ensuing syphilis being extremely severe. From an analysis of various features of the reaction, it appeared that the factor of host resistance was primarily concerned in the effects observed.
Evaluation of protein and energy quality of rendered spent hen meals

This study evaluated three spent hen meals (SHM) that were produced in commercial rendering plants. The levels (percentage) of selected nutrients (mean and range) in the meals were: CP, 64 (56 to 71); ash, 16 (12 to 18); lysine, 4.0 (3.6 to 4.3); methionine, 1.3 (1.2 to 1.4); cystine, 1.1 (0.8 to 1.5). Protein efficiency ratios (PER; weight gain per unit of protein intake) were determined in chicks fed 10% CP diets containing a SHM as the only source of dietary protein. The PER values for the SHM averaged 1.6 but varied from 1.1 to 2.2. An experiment was conducted using New Hampshire x Columbian chicks during the 7 to 20 d age period to determine the effect of substitution with either 7.5 or 15% of a SHM to a 21.5% CP corn-soybean meal diet. When substituted at 7.5%, growth performance was not affected by two of the SHM but was depressed by the other one. Growth performance was decreased by all SHM when substituted at 15% of the diet. True amino acid digestibility and TMEn of the SHM were determined using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay in which four roosters were crop-intubated with 30 g of a SHM and excreta were collected for 48 h. True amino acid digestibility varied among SHM (P < or = 0.05) and digestibility of cystine was substantially lower than digestibility of the other amino acids. Mean TMEn (kilocalories per gram of DM) of the SHM was 3.003 but varied by 44% among samples. The results of this study indicated that SHM has substantial nutritional value for poultry but the nutritional quality may vary greatly among samples.
Conditioning of the allogeneic cytotoxic lymphocyte response.

Abstract Allogeneic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response can be obtained following immunization of BALB/ c mice with C57BL/6 spleen cells. We investigated the possibility of behaviorally conditioning this response by associating the C57BL/6 spleen cell immunization [unconditioned stimulus (US)] with camphor odor [conditioned stimulus (CS)]. We reported the possible mechanisms involved in the conditioning of natural killer cell activity. Similar approaches were used to investigate the mechanisms that participate in the conditioned CTL activity. The first mechanism of investigation utilized opioid receptor blockers naltrexone and quaternary naltrexone. Naltrexone, which blocks both the central and peripheral opioid receptors, blocked the recall of the conditioned response, whereas quaternary naltrexone, which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, was unable to block the conditioned response, demonstrating that centrally located opioid receptors play a role in the recall of the conditioned response. The studies are of interest because they indicate that resistance or susceptibility to various diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases might be influenced by the regulatory network of the CNS.
Contributions of muscle forces and toe-off kinematics to peak knee flexion during the swing phase of normal gait: an induced position analysis

A three-dimensional dynamic simulation of walking was used together with induced position analysis to determine how kinematic conditions at toe-off and muscle forces following toe-off affect peak knee flexion during the swing phase of normal gait. The flexion velocity of the swing-limb knee at toe-off contributed 30 degrees to the peak knee flexion angle; this was larger than any contribution from an individual muscle or joint moment. Swing-limb muscles individually made large contributions to knee angle (i.e., as large as 22 degrees), but their actions tended to balance one another, so that the combined contribution from all swing-limb muscles was small (i.e., less than 3 degrees of flexion). The uniarticular muscles of the swing limb made contributions to knee flexion that were an order of magnitude larger than the biarticular muscles of the swing limb. The results of the induced position analysis make clear the importance of knee flexion velocity at toe-off relative to the effects of muscle forces exerted after toe-off in generating peak knee flexion angle. In addition to improving our understanding of normal gait, this study provides a basis for analyzing stiff-knee gait, a movement abnormality in which knee flexion in swing is diminished.
General description of polarization in lidar using Stokes vectors and polar decomposition of Mueller matrices.

Polarization measurements have become nearly indispensible in lidar cloud and aerosol studies. Despite polarization’s widespread use in lidar, its theoretical description has been widely varying in accuracy and completeness. Incomplete polarization lidar descriptions invariably result in poor accountability for scatterer properties and instrument effects, reducing data accuracy and disallowing the intercomparison of polarization lidar data between different systems. We introduce here the Stokes vector lidar equation, which is a full description of polarization in lidar from laser output to detector. We then interpret this theoretical description in the context of forward polar decomposition of Mueller matrices where distinct polarization attributes of diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization are elucidated. This decomposition can be applied to scattering matrices, where volumes consisting of randomly oriented particles are strictly depolarizing, while oriented ice crystals can be diattenuating, retarding, and depolarizing. For instrument effects we provide a description of how different polarization attributes will impact lidar measurements. This includes coupling effects due to retarding and depolarization attributes of the receiver, which have no description in scalar representations of polarization lidar. We also describe how the effects of polarizance in the receiver can result in nonorthogonal polarization detection channels. This violates one of the most common assumptions in polarization lidar operation.
Synergy of interleukin 1 (IL-1) with arachidonic acid and A23187 in stimulating PGE synthesis in human fibroblasts: IL-1 stimulates fibroblast cyclooxygenase.

Abstract The stimulation of prostaglandin E (PGE) synthesis by interleukin 1 (IL-1) has important physiologic effects in many target tissues. The mechanisms(s) whereby IL-1 stimulates PGE synthesis is not well understood. Two alternative mechanisms have been postulated: hydrolysis of membrane phospholipid with release of arachidonic acid substrate and induction of cyclooxygenase activity. We examined these mechanisms in IL-1 stimulation of human dermal fibroblast PGE synthesis. IL-1 failed to induce release of previously incorporated radiolabeled arachidonic acid from fibroblasts under conditions where there was a 30-fold or greater stimulation of PGE synthesis. The calcium ionophore, A23187, gave much less stimulation of PGE synthesis while inducing 30–100% release of incorporated [14C]arachidonic acid. There was marked synergy between IL-1 and agents which increased availability of arachidonic acid. For example, the combination of IL-1 and A23187, used at concentrations where neither agent alone stimulated PGE synthesis, increased PGE synthesis from 3.1 to 22.5 ng/ml; similar synergy was seen between IL-1 and exogenous arachidonic acid. To examine a possible effect of IL-1 on cyclooxygenase synthesis, fibroblast cyclooxygenase was measured by radioimmunoassay. Following treatment with IL-1, fibroblasts demonstrated a two- to threefold increase in content of immunoreactive cyclooxygenase. These results suggest that IL-1 increases fibroblast PGE synthesis by a mechanism(s) other than making available increased membrane arachidonic acid, and that at least part of its effect may be mediated by induction of cyclooxygenase. Furthermore, the effect of IL-1 on fibroblast PGE synthesis is markedly potentiated by agents which increase available substrate.
Futurism, Aging, and Health Education.

Gerontology, the interdisciplinary study of aging, requires increasingly more attention to the future. While the task of prognosticating is extremely difficult, it is nonetheless vital if we are to begin bridging the gap between the theory, policy statement, and actual practice in the field of aging. There is an urgent need to prepare competent individuals for direct service, and there is equally as important a mission in providing increased exposure to gerontology throughout the curricula. The combined Health Education: Gerontology Program at the University of Oregon has begun to address these critical areas.
An approach to functionalizing key environmental factors: Forage production in rocky mountain aspen stands

Abstract An approach is discussed for developing production functions which exhibit logical interrelationships between growth factors in a biological system. Functional relationships are hypothesized for growth factors involving available moisture and energy. These growth factors are, in turn, related to site variables which influence their availability. Both linear and non-linear regression techniques are used to identify key site variables and appropriate functional forms. These models involving growth factors are then synthesized into one equation to estimate forage production. The production equation illustrates the implied relationship between topographic variables such as elevation and aspect, soil variables such as water holding capacity, and timber stand density on the moisture and energy growth factors.
Sound-deadening and vibration-absorbing β'-martensite type aluminum-bronze alloy

The present invention relates to a sound-deadening and vibration-absorbing beta '- martensite type aluminum-bronze alloy and provides a Cu-Al alloy containing Al in an amount of 8 to 14% by weight and having a beta '-martensite type structure at a normal temperature or a sound-deadening and vibration-absorbing beta '-martensite type aluminum-bronze alloy having superior characteristics as vibration- and sound-insulation materials, containing Al in an amout of 8 to 14% by weight and at least one member selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Mn and B as a second ingredient in an amount of 4% by weight or less, and having a beta '-martensite type structure at a normal temperature.
Susceptibility of the ocular lens to nitric oxide: implications in cataractogenesis.

Oxides of nitrogen, such as nitric oxide (NO), are now biologically referred to as reactive nitrogen species. The generation of NO gives rise to several other reactive species, such as NO+, NO−, NO2 , N2O3 , and ONOO− and so forth, which are all capable of inflicting tissue damage. Indeed, NO generation is known to be associated with retinal degeneration and glaucoma. Its level has also been found to increase in the aqueous and vitreous humors in diabetes. We hypothesize that such an increase would have a detrimental effect on the biochemistry and metabolism of tissues, including the lens, bathed by the aqueous containing elevated levels of NO. The primary aim of our investigations was, therefore, to examine the susceptibility of the lens to damage by NO in vitro in the presence of nitroaspirin, a novel NO donating agent. The extent of physiologic damage to the lens was initially assessed by determining the integrity of its active transport mechanism. The overall status of tissue metabolism was determined...
Interferon beta results in immediate reduction of contrast‐enhanced MRI lesions in multiple sclerosis patients followed by weekly MRI

Interferon beta-1a and -1b reduce the frequency and severity of clinical exacerbations, and reduce both T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced MRI activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Several recent reports suggest that at the initiation of treatment there may be transient worsening of symptoms associated with the induction of interferon gamma-secreting cells. We studied eight MS patients with weekly brain MRI's after starting interferon beta treatment, and found immediate reduction in the number of contrast-enhancing lesions. Several patients did experience recurrence of previous symptoms without concomitant opening of the blood brain barrier on contrast-enhanced MRI. These data suggest that the symptoms described after the initiation of interferon beta are not associated with new disease activity, but rather may be related to preexisting lesions. This has implications for both understanding the immunopathogenesis of the disease and for its treatment.
Energy intake and obesity: Ingestive frequency outweighs portion size

Abstract Energy intake is a function of the quantity of energy consumed per ingestive event and the number of these events. The marked increase of energy intake and body weight over the past 35 years indicates that there has been poor precision in the reciprocity of these two facets of intake. With recent study of the associations between gut “satiation” peptides and energy intake, there has been an emphasis on the contribution of portion size to positive energy balance. However, this orientation may not appropriately weight the contribution of ingestive frequency. Gut peptides are not purely satiation factors and metabolic and environmental cues may more strongly guide the onset and number of ingestive events. Evidence is presented that while both portion size and ingestive frequency have increased in the population, the latter may be more problematic for weight gain. The magnitude and time course of increments in ingestive frequency map better onto energy intake and BMI trends than changes of portion size. This may occur, in part, because dietary compensation and thermogenic effects are weaker for increases in ingestive frequency than portion size. Though not to the exclusion of consideration of portion size effects, improved weight management may be achieved with greater attention to the drivers of eating and drinking frequency.
Electronic life and synthetic intelligent systems

Abstract This paper examines the need for complex, adaptive solutions to certain types of complex situations recently typified by the strategic defense system but more aptly represented by systems proposed to manufacture complex biomolecules for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Since natural systems have evolved with capabilities of intelligent behavior in complex, dynamic situations, it is proposed that biological principles be identified and abstracted for application to certain problems now facing industry and defense. Two classes of artificial neural networks are presented—a non-adaptive network used as a genetically determined retina, and a frequency-coded network as an adaptive brain. The role of a specific environment coupled with the system of artificial neural networks having simulated sensors and effectors is shown to form a closed ecosystem. Evolution of synthetic organisms within the ecosystem provides a powerful optimization methodology for creating intelligent systems able to function successfully in any desired environment. The programmer/engineer interacts with the evolving system on a policy level, not at the level of programming details. This method ensures that fallible programmers are not creating brittle systems when issues of programming details and complexity would prove overwhelming. The resulting systems are expected to show adaptability to complex and changing situations as well as genetic improvement over time. Adaptive, intelligent software will replace brittle algorithmic programs in future applications to complex problems.
Prevalence, Total and Excess Costs of Diabetes and Related Complications in Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Diabetes costing studies often do not identify the marginal costs directly attributable to the disease. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence, total and excess costs attributable to diabetes and its complications in Ontario over 11 years (1995 to 2005). METHODS Incident type 1 and type 2 diabetes cases, with and without the following complications, were identified from the Ontario Diabetes Database: myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, heart failure, blindness in 1 eye, amputation, nephropathy and cataracts. Patients were matched 2:1 with controls. Excess costs of diabetes were estimated as the difference between costs attributed to patients with diabetes vs. those attributed to patients without diabetes. Another control group consisting of all patients in Ontario older than 35 years was used to compare the cost of complications for patients with and without diabetes. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes rose drastically, from 6.5 to 10.5%. Excess costs were $2930 in the year of diabetes diagnosis and $1240 in subsequent years. In the year of the event, cost differences were greatest for patients with diabetes who had an amputation ($5133), followed closely by nephropathy ($4117) and stroke cases ($3965). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study illustrate that the prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled between 1995 and 2005; that researchers can overestimate total costs if excess costs directly attributable to diabetes are not considered; and that they can underestimate total costs if disease-specific complication costs are not considered.
Cosmic-ray composition measurements with high-energy ionization spectrometers

Element abundances of cosmic rays for elements Li through Si with energy above 0.8 GeV/amu were measured on a balloon-borne instrument containing a total absorption ionization spectrometer. Statistical techniques were used to analyze the five measurements of each particle to determine its charge and energy. The technique allows a determination of systematic errors to be made. Corrections for Landau fluctuations, spark-chamber inefficiency, and background particles were included. Comparison with other published results is made. There are differences in the shapes of the differential spectra determined from measurements using different techniques, and our intensities still lie somewhat below those of other workers.
Bacterial Chemotaxis in an Optical Trap

An optical trapping technique is implemented to investigate the chemotactic behavior of a marine bacterial strain Vibrio alginolyticus. The technique takes the advantage that the bacterium has only a single polar flagellum, which can rotate either in the counter-clock-wise or clock-wise direction. The two rotation states of the motor can be readily and instantaneously resolved in the optical trap, allowing the flagellar motor switching rate to be measured under different chemical stimulations. In this paper the focus will be on the bacterial response to an impulsive change of chemoattractant serine. Despite different propulsion apparati and motility patterns, cells of V. alginolyticus apparently use a similar response as Escherichia coli to regulate their chemotactic behavior. Specifically, we found that the switching rate of the bacterial motor exhibits a biphasic behavior, showing a fast initial response followed by a slow relaxation to the steady-state switching rate . The measured can be mimicked by a model that has been recently proposed for chemotaxis in E. coli. The similarity in the response to the brief chemical stimulation in these two different bacteria is striking, suggesting that the biphasic response may be evolutionarily conserved. This study also demonstrated that optical tweezers can be a useful tool for chemotaxis studies and should be applicable to other polarly flagellated bacteria.
A new compounding method for exfoliated graphite–polypropylene nanocomposites with enhanced flexural properties and lower percolation threshold

Nanocomposites made of polypropylene reinforced with exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP™), are fabricated by melt mixing, polymer solution and coating. Coating is a new compounding method proposed in this research, where xGnP and PP powder are premixed in isopropyl alcohol using sonication to disperse the xGnP by coating individual PP powder particles. It is found that the coating method is more effective than the polymer solution method widely used, in terms of lowering the percolation threshold of thermoplastic nanocomposites, and enhancing the probability that the large platelet morphology of xGnP can be preserved in the final composite. The research reported here provides an understanding on how the compounding method used during the fabrication of nanocomposites is important to achieving the optimal flexural properties, electrical conductivity and percolation threshold. This method should have wide applicability to all thermoplastic matrix nanocomposite systems.
Risperidone augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment of pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder.

ABSTRACT In this case series, risperidone augmentation of treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) is described in four pediatric patients diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). An improved treatment response was observed in all cases, albeit in different ways. All four of the patients had failed prior SRI monotherapy. Comorbid tics were observed in two cases and aggressive behavior or violent images were seen in three. Possible predictors of response to risperidone in patients with OCD and future research avenues are explored.
Dislocation structures around vickers indents in 9·4 mol% Y2O3-stabilized cubic ZrO2 single crystals

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy and dislocation etch pit techniques were used to examine the dislocation structure around elevated-temperature indentations on {111} and {001} surfaces of 9·4 mol% Y2O3-stabilized cubic ZrO2 single crystals. The activated slip systems were identified and the geometry of the plastic zone characterized. The effect of the plastic zone on radial crack formation was also examined.
The triboluminescence of aniline hydrochloride. Emission from adsorbed molecular nitrogen

Abstract The triboluminescence of aniline hydrochloride is the 3 Π u → 3 Π g fluorescence of adsorbed molecular nitrogen, a new origin for the triboluminescence of aromatic crystals. The lower limit of the triboexcitation energy which can be obtained from organic crystals is 89 kK.
The laboratory generation of test aerosols with well defined morphologies

Abstract There is a need for particles with well defined characteristics for the calibration and assessment of aerosol instrumentation. Currently the only well characterised particles that are readily available are spheres. The responses of instruments to non-spherical particles are usually unquantified. A number of techniques for the production of particles with a variety of shapes have been investigated. This paper outlines some of these techniques and in particular examines the growth of caffeine needles and a number of inorganic salt crystals with specific shapes.
Rear-surface laser damage on 355-nm silica optics owing to Fresnel diffraction on front-surface contamination particles

Light intensity modulations caused by opaque obstacles (e.g., dust) on silica lenses in high-power lasers often enhance the potential for laser-induced damage. To study this effect, particles (10-250 mum) with various shapes were sputter deposited on the input surface and irradiated with a 3-ns laser beam at 355 nm. Although a clean silica surface damages at fluences above 15 J/cm(2), a surface contaminated with particles can damage below 11.5 J/cm(2). A pattern that conforms to the shape of the input surface particle is printed on the output surface. Repetitive illumination resulted in catastrophic drilling of the optic. The damage pattern correlated with an interference image of the particle before irradiation. The image shows that the incident beam undergoes phase (and amplitude) modulations after it passes around the particle. We modeled the experiments by calculating the light intensity distribution behind an obscuration by use of Fresnel diffraction theory. The comparison between calculated light intensity distribution and the output surface damage pattern showed good agreement. The model was then used to predict the increased damage vulnerability that results from intensity modulations as a function of particle size, shape, and lens thickness. The predictions provide the basis for optics cleanliness specifications on the National Ignition Facility to reduce the likelihood of optical damage.