cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focal intra-colon cooling reduces organ injury and systemic inflammation after REBOA management of lethal hemorrhage in rats.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a lifesaving maneuver for the management of lethal torso hemorrhage. However, its prolonged use leads to distal organ ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The objective of this study is to investigate the blood-based biomarkers of IRI and SIRS and the efficacy of direct intestinal cooling in the prevention of IRI and SIRS. A rat lethal hemorrhage model was produced by bleeding 50% of the total blood volume. A balloon catheter was inserted into the aorta for the implementation of REBOA. A novel TransRectal Intra-Colon (TRIC) device was placed in the descending colon and activated from 10 min after the bleeding to maintain the intra-colon temperature at 37 °C (TRIC37°C group) or 12 °C (TRIC12°C group) for 270 min. The upper body temperature was maintained at as close to 37 °C as possible in both groups. Blood samples were collected before hemorrhage and after REBOA. The organ injury biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA method. Blood based organ injury biomarkers (endotoxin, creatinine, AST, FABP1/L-FABP, cardiac troponin I, and FABP2/I-FABP) were all drastically increased in TRIC37°C group after REBOA. TRIC12°C significantly downregulated these increased organ injury biomarkers. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-17F were also drastically increased in TRIC37°C group after REBOA. TRIC12°C significantly downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, TRIC12°C significantly upregulated the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 after REBOA. Amazingly, the mortality rate was 100% in TRIC37°C group whereas 0% in TRIC12°C group after REBOA. Directly cooling the intestine offered exceptional protection of the abdominal organs from IRI and SIRS, switched from a harmful pro-inflammatory to a reparative anti-inflammatory response, and mitigated mortality in the rat model of REBOA management of lethal hemorrhage.
The role of immunomodulatory medications in the treatment of COVID-19.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the role of inflammation in severe forms of COVID-19, glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been assessed as potential COVID-19 therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that glucocorticoids reduce mortality in severe COVID-19. RCTs of DMARDs have shown mixed results varying on intervention and inclusion criteria. DMARDs, including colchicine or biologic agents, may improve COVID-19 outcomes in specific patient populations. SUMMARY: Glucocorticoids are an effective treatment for the management of severe COVID-19. Further studies are needed to better define the patient populations who could benefit from DMARD use, as well as provide guidance regarding the timing of these interventions.
Changes in the Centurion on Paul’s Last Journey to Rome in Acts 27:

This article argues that Luke intends to delineate the changes of social distance between the character “centurion” and Paul throughout the voyage in Acts 27. The social location of the centurion c...
Effect of 10.5 M Aqueous Urea on Helicobacter pylori Urease: A Molecular Dynamics Study

The effects of a 10.5 M solution of aqueous urea on Helicobacter pylori urease were investigated over the course of a 500 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The enzyme was solvated by 25321 water molecules, and additionally, 4788 urea molecules were added to the solution. Although concentrated urea solutions are known laboratory denaturants, the protein secondary structure is retained throughout the simulation largely because of the short simulation time (urea denaturation occurs on the millisecond time scale). The relatively constant solvent accessible surface area over the last 400 ns of the simulation further confirms the overall lack of denaturation. The wide-open flap state observed previously in Klebsiella areogenes urease [Roberts, B. P., et al. (2012) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134, 9934] and H. pylori [Minkara, M. S., et al. (2014) J. Chem. Theory Comput. 10, 1852–1862] was also identified in this aqueous urea simulation. Over the course of the trajectory, we were able to observe urea molecules enteri...
The effect of diet on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and coronary heart disease.

The role that diet plays in the management of plasma lipid levels is discussed in this review. It has long been recognized that saturated fatty acids and cholesterol raise the plasma cholesterol level whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids lower it. Recently, the effects of other dietary constituents in the management of plasma lipid levels have been established. In particular, monounsaturated fatty acids, soluble fiber, and vegetarian diets favorably affect plasma lipid levels. Overweight and obesity adversely affect plasma lipid levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are hypotriglyceridemic, and high carbohydrate diets low in saturated fatty acids are hypocholesterolemic. Further work is required to establish the long-term consequences of alcohol and coffee consumption on the plasma lipid response. A variety of alternative dietary strategies can be employed in conjunction with traditional dietary recommendations (i.e., reduce total fat, especially saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol) for the management of plasma lipid levels. The expected plasma total cholesterol (specifically low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol) reduction is approximately 10% to 20% when dietary saturated fatty acids and cholesterol are decreased to less than or equal to 7% of calories and less than or equal to 200 mg of cholesterol per day. Further dietary modifications, such as increasing soluble fiber, may lead to additional reductions of 1% to 10% in plasma total cholesterol.
Therapy of Staphylococcal Infections in Monkeys. IV. Further Comparison of Triacetyloleandomycin and Erythromycins

Intravenous inoculation of a penicillin-resistant, phage type 80/81 staphylococcus caused lethal infection in 8 of 15 untreated monkeys. Daily intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg of triacetyloleandomycin, erythromycin estolate, and erythromycin ethylsuccinate was followed by mortalities of 0 of 16, 3 of 16, and 3 of 10, respectively. At dose levels of 25 and 12.5 mg/kg, none of 7 and 4 of 7 receiving triacetyloleandomycin and erythromycin estolate, respectively, died, as compared to 3 of 4 deaths in controls. In vitro sensitivity data and serum antibacterial levels would suggest that triacetyloleandomycin would be the least effective therapeutically. However, this prediction was not fulfilled in these studies of experimental infections in monkeys wherein triacetyloleandomycin was a very effective antimicrobial agent.
Exporting and Importing Domestic Partnerships: Some Conflicts-of-Law Questions and Concerns

This article is about conflicts of laws questions relating to domestic partnerships. The article points out that since there will be states that recognize domestic partnerships because the American Law Institute has expressed approval of domestic partnerships, there will be conflict of laws problems if not all states recognize it. The purpose of this article is to describe some of the conflicts issues that arise when parties to domestic partnerships have, or develop, contacts with more than one state. The article does so by explaining the two broad areas in which these conflicts will arise and by showing that there is even more uncertainty when the issue involves both opposite sex and same sex domestic partnerships.
Superluminal Radio Sources

Several compact radio sources studied with VLBI show apparent transverse velocities much greater than the speed of light. This review is a summary of VLBI observations of these “superluminal” sources as of August 1981. The physical models proposed to explain this phenomenon are also discussed.
Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) Analysis

The detection of DNA sequence variation is important for the identification of disease-causing mutations, as well as for the detection of clinically silent DNA polymorphisms. Among the techniques capable of detecting a single base change, the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis is most commonly used due to its simplicity and effectiveness (Orita et al. 1989a, 1989b; Sheffield et al. 1993). SSCP analysis permits the detection of mutations in very small amounts of genomic DNA or cDNA. This technique is rapid and inexpensive. It is based on the principle that a single-stranded DNA molecule adopts a sequence-specific conformation. A change in conformation resultung from a single base substitution can be detected as an alteration of its migration rate in a nondenaturing Polyacrylamide gel (Figure 1).
Factors Affecting Immunogenic Activity of Mycobacterial Ribosomal and Ribonucleic Acid Preparations

By following careful procedures, mycobacterial ribosomal fractions and ribonucleic acid (RNA) prepared by ethyl alcohol precipitation were obtained which have immunogenic activities similar to the viable attenuated H37Ra cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from which they were obtained. This comparison was based on the amount of ribonucleic acid (RNA) present. These preparations consisted of approximately 63% RNA and 37% protein; no deoxyribonucleic acid or polysaccharide was detected by chemical tests. A high correlation was found between the immunogenic activity of a preparation and the per cent increase in hyperchromicity at 260 nm of a ribonuclease-hydrolyzed portion. Final concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate higher than 0.25% when used for the preparation of the ribosomal fractions and RNA resulted in significantly lower immune responses and greater variation between experiments. This was not related to the amount of protein present. The stability of the ribosomal and RNA preparations was tested under a variety of conditions. The need for a good protective adjuvant again was shown since mouse serum readily hydrolyzed the RNA. Equal immunity was obtained after immunization by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes; however, no immune response was obtained when the intravenous route was used. Preliminary results with RNA prepared with phenol showed that it was more easily degraded during preparation. This resulted in a lower immune response than was obtained with the RNA prepared with ethyl alcohol.
Students' understanding of the transfer of charge between conductors

This paper describes an investigation into students' understanding of the transfer of charge between two charged conductors. The research is based on interviews conducted with students in an algebra and trigonometry based physics course and on written tests administered both before and after instruction. Results from two tasks are reported, both of which involve a pair of identical conductors that are given an initial charge, are made to touch each other and are then separated. The test was also administered as a post test to other populations at the pre-college and college levels. It was found that a considerable number of students from the eighth grader to the college student in an advanced physics course were unable to predict the transfer of charge correctly from one conductor to another. Implications for instruction are also discussed.
Lead binding to metal oxide and organic phases of natural aquatic biofilms

The role of the composition of surface-coating materials in controlling trace metal adsorption in aquatic environments was investigated using natural biofilms that developed on glass slides in three New York State lakes and a water𠄃supply well. Adsorption isotherms were obtained for Pb binding to each of the biofilms in solutions with defined Pb speciation at 25°C and pH 6.0, with Pb concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 μM. Adsorption isotherms for Pb binding to laboratory-derived metal oxides and surrogate organic materials were determined under the same conditions. These isotherms, combined with characterization of natural biofilm composition, were used to estimate the relative contributions of the organic and metal oxide surface-coating constituents by assuming additivity of adsorption to discrete adsorbing phases. Cells of a diatom (Navicula peliculosa), a green alga (Chlorella vulgaris), the bacterium Leptothrix discophora, and extracellular polymer of the bacterium Burkholdaria cepacia were tested as laboratory analogs for the organic phase of the biofilms. Amorphous Fe oxyhydroxide, γAl2O3, and a laboratory-derived biogenic Mn oxyhydroxide were used as laboratory surrogates for biofilm minerals. The sum total of predicted Pb binding to the defined surrogates accounted for at least 90% of the total observed Pb binding in the three lake biofilms and 60% of that observed for the well biofilms. For the lake biofilms, Pb adsorption to Fe and Mn oxides was significantly greater than that estimated for organic materials. The use of biogenic Mn oxide as a model component resulted in an estimated Pb adsorption to Mn oxyhydroxides in the lake biofilms up to four times greater than that estimated for Fe oxyhydroxide. Estimated Pb binding by Al oxide was negligible for all four biofilms. These results suggest that Fe and biogenic Mn oxides exert the greatest influence on Pb adsorption in oxic freshwater environments at pH 6.0.
Computer communications in the eighties — time to put it all together

Abstract This paper provides some broad views on the applications environment of the eighties for computer/communications systems, and some of the technical challenges it represents. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be to make these systems easier to install, service and, especially, to use. The growth of distributed computing will underscore the importance of flexibly layered system architectures that can grow with the times, and the role of gateways in allowing different networks to exchange information. For communications within an establishment, two philosophies have emerged: the intelligent, digital PABX and the broadband, shared network. Outside the establishment, there are also many approaches which will continue to coexist. The options available have become so numerous that improved simulation and modeling tools represent a major technical challenge for the decade. And as networks grow increasingly complex and indispensible to their owners, the need for network management tools will become even more critical. How well the computer and communications communities handle these challenges will determine both the future growth of these industries and whether the newly emerging information services of the eighties will realize their true potential.
Human Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging Visualization With Virtual Reality

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to the anisotropic diffusion of water exerted by its macromolecular environment and has been shown useful in characterizing structures of ordered tissues such as the brain white matter, myocardium, and cartilage. The water diffusivity inside of biological tissues is characterized by the diffusion tensor, a rank-2 symmetrical 3×3 matrix, which consists of six independent variables. The diffusion tensor contains much information of diffusion anisotropy. However, it is difficult to perceive the characteristics of diffusion tensors by looking at the tensor elements even with the aid of traditional three dimensional visualization techniques. There is a need to fully explore the important characteristics of diffusion tensors in a straightforward and quantitative way. In this study, a virtual reality (VR) based MR DTI visualization with high resolution anatomical image segmentation and registration, ROI definition and neuronal white matter fiber tractography visualization and fMRI activation map integration is proposed. The VR application will utilize brain image visualization techniques including surface, volume, streamline and streamtube rendering, and use head tracking and wand for navigation and interaction, the application will allow the user to switch between different modalities and visualization techniques, as well making point and choose queries. The main purpose of the application is for basic research and clinical applications with quantitative and accurate measurements to depict the diffusivity or the degree of anisotropy derived from the diffusion tensor.© 2010 ASME
Sun-Earth connection coronal and heliospheric investigation (SECCHI)

The Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) on the NASA Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission is a suite of remote sensing instruments consisting of two white light coronagraphs, an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imager, and a heliospheric imager. SECCHI will observe coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from their birth at the sun, through the corona to their impact at earth. SECCHI includes a coordinated effort to provide magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models and visualization tools to interpret the images that will be obtained from two viewpoints and to extrapolate those imagery to in situ and radio emission measurements obtained from STE-REO. The resulting 3- dimensional analysis of CMEs will resolve some of the fundamental questions in solar physics.
Nonverbal medical symptom validity test: try faking now!

The Nonverbal Medical Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT; Green, 2008) is a brief computerized nonverbal memory-screening test and effort measure. It consists of four primary effort subtests and two me...
“Ah: runs. Runs”: The Principal Theme Symbolized in a Minor Character in RABBIT, RUN

One of the most important twentieth-century American novels, John Updike's Rabbit, Run is the story of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom running away from his wife, children, responsibility, conventional soc...
High-pressure studies of the neutral-to-ionic transition in some organic charge-transfer solids

Abstract High-pressure infrared spectra of tetrathiafulvalene-chloranil (TTF-CA) indicate that the neutral-to-ionic transition occurs abruptly at a pressure of 7.8 ± 0.5 kbar. High-pressure visible and infrared spectra on perylene-tetracyanoethylene (perylene-TCNE) showed no changes which could be attributed to a neutral-to-ionic transition up to a pressure of 52 kbar.
Barriers to diffusion of plasma membrane proteins form early during guinea pig spermiogenesis

The plasma membrane of the mature guinea pig sperm is segregated into at least four domains of different composition. Previous studies have shown that some proteins localized within these domains are free to diffuse laterally, suggesting that barriers to protein diffusion are responsible for maintaining the nonuniform distribution of at least some surface proteins in mature sperm. The different membrane domains appear sequentially during sperm morphogenesis in the testis and during later passage through the epididymis. To determine when diffusion barriers become functional during sperm development, we examined the diffusion of two proteins that are expressed on the cell surface of developing spermatids and become segregated to different plasma membrane domains during the course of spermiogenesis. Both proteins exhibited rapid lateral diffusion throughout spermiogenesis, even after they become localized to specific regions of the surface membrane. These results suggest that barriers to membrane diffusion form concomitantly with membrane domains during spermiogenesis.
Synergistic Regulation of m2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Desensitization and Sequestration by G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase-2 and β-Arrestin-1

The m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (m2 mAChR) belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and is regulated by many processes that attenuate signaling following prolonged stimulation by agonist. We used a heterologous expression system to examine the ability of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin-1 to regulate the phosphorylation state and to promote desensitization and sequestration of the m2 mAChR. Treatment of JEG-3 cells transiently expressing the m2 mAChR with a muscarinic agonist induced an ∼4- or 8-fold increase in receptor phosphorylation in the absence or presence of cotransfected GRK2, respectively, compared with untreated cells transfected with receptor alone. Using the expression of a cAMP-regulated reporter gene to measure receptor function, we found that transiently transfected m2 mAChRs underwent functional desensitization following exposure to agonist. Transfected GRK2 enhanced agonist-induced functional desensitization in a manner that was synergistically enhanced by cotransfection of β-arrestin-1, which had no effect on m2 mAChR function when coexpressed in the absence of GRK2. Finally, GRK2 and β-arrestin-1 synergistically enhanced both the rate and extent of agonist-induced m2 mAChR sequestration. These results are the first to demonstrate that agonist-induced desensitization and sequestration of the m2 mAChR in the intact cell can be enhanced by the presence of GRK2 and β-arrestin-1 and show that these molecules have multiple actions on the m2 mAChR.
Obesity, diabetes, and risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly.

There is an age-related increase in total body fat and visceral adiposity until age 65 years that often is accompanied by diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases progressively with age, peaking at 16.5% in men and 12.8% in women at age 75-84 years. Over age 65, diabetes or glucose intolerance was present in 30%-40% of Framingham Study subjects. There has been an alarming increase, of epidemic proportions, in both obesity and diabetes in the general population. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are both associated with a clustering of atherogenic risk factors, and when three or more are present it generally signifies an insulin resistance syndrome. This is promoted by weight gain and visceral adiposity. The risk of macrovascular disease is increased before glucose levels reach the diagnostic threshold for "diabetes," and 25% of newly diagnosed diabetics already have overt cardiovascular disease. In the Framingham Study, increased risk of cardiovascular disease was two-fold in men and three-fold in women, eliminating the female advantage over men for all outcomes except stroke. Coronary disease is the most common and lethal sequela, and unrecognized myocardial infarctions are three times more common in diabetic than nondiabetic men. Following a myocardial infarction, diabetes imposes a high rate of recurrence, heart failure, and death, more so in women than men. The risk of cardiovascular sequelae in diabetics is variable, the majority of events occurring in those with two or more additional risk factors. Because of the variable risk of cardiovascular disease in either the diabetic or obese person, risk stratification is necessary to determine the hazard of impending cardiovascular disease. This is readily accomplished with Framingham cardiovascular risk formulations. For persons with diabetes or obesity, the chief goal is to avoid the common cardiovascular sequelae. Comprehensive care should include not only normalization of the blood sugar, but also weight reduction, dietary fat restriction, strict blood pressure and lipid control, exercise, and avoidance of tobacco. Trial data indicate that preventive measures benefit obese diabetics even more than nondiabetics.
Violent reinjury and mortality among youth seeking emergency department care for assault-related injury: a 2-year prospective cohort study

Importance Violence is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among youth, with more than 700000 emergency department (ED) visits annually for assault-related injuries. The risk for violent reinjury among high-risk, assault-injured youth is poorly understood. Objective To compare recidivism for violent injury and mortality outcomes among drug-using, assault-injured youth (AI group) and drug-using, non-assault-injured control participants (non-AI group) presenting to an urban ED for care. Design, setting, and participants Participants were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from December 2, 2009, through September 30, 2011, at an urban level I ED and followed up for 24 months. We administered validated measures of violence and substance use and mental health diagnostic interviews and reviewed medical records at baseline and at each point of follow-up (6, 12, 18, and 24 months). Exposure Follow-up over 24 months. Main outcomes and measures Use of ED services for assault or mortality measured from medical record abstraction supplemented with self-report. Results We followed 349 AI and 250 non-AI youth for 24 months. Youth in the AI group had almost twice the risk for a violent injury requiring ED care within 2 years compared with the non-AI group (36.7% vs 22.4%; relative risk [RR], 1.65 [95% CI, 1.25-2.14]; P Conclusions and relevance Violent injury is a reoccurring disease, with one-third of our AI group experiencing another violent injury requiring ED care within 2 years of the index visit, almost twice the rate of a non-AI comparison group. Secondary violence prevention measures addressing substance use and mental health needs are needed to decrease subsequent morbidity and mortality due to violence in the first 6 months after an assault injury.
Palliative care consultation, quality-of-life measurements, and bereavement for end-of-life care in patients with lung cancer: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition).

Objective To develop clinical practice guidelines for application of palliative care consultation, quality-of-life measurements, and appropriate bereavement activities for patients with lung cancer. Methods To review the pertinent medical literature on palliative care consultation, quality-of-life measurements, and bereavement for patients with lung cancer, developing multidisciplinary discussions with authorities in these areas, and evolving written guidelines for end-of-life care of these patients. Results Palliative care consultation has developed into a new specialty with credentialing of experts in this field based on extensive experience with patients in end-of-life circumstances including those with lung cancer. Bereavement studies of the physical and emotional morbidity of family members and caregivers before, during, and after the death of a cancer patient have supported truthful communication, consideration of psychological problems, effective palliative care, understanding of the patient's spiritual and cultural background, and sufficient forewarning of impending death. Conclusion Multidisciplinary investigations and experiences, with emphasis on consultation and delivery of palliative care, timely use of quality-of-life measurements for morbidities of treatment modalities and prognosis, and an understanding of the multifaceted complexities of the bereavement process, have clarified additional responsibilities of the attending physician.
Colour, class and identity on the eve of the Haitian revolution: Saint‐Domingue's free coloured elite as colons américains

(1996). Colour, class and identity on the eve of the Haitian revolution: Saint‐Domingue's free coloured elite as colons americains. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 17, Against the Odds: Free Blacks in the Slave Societies of the Americas, pp. 20-43.
Discussion of “Sensitivity of a molecular marker based positive matrix factorization model to the number of receptor observations” by YuanXun Zhang, Rebecca J. Sheesley, Min-Suk Bae and James J. Schauer

Abstract There is no specific number of samples that ensure a satisfactory PMF analysis. The statement made in this paper with respect to a specific number of samples is only applicable to this data set and should not be applied to any other data set.
Disaster Recovery Without the Disaster

Abstract More and more libraries today are writing disaster preparedness plans. A major fire at Illinois State University's Milner Library showed the written plan was helpful, but trained personnel would have made the recovery more efficient. The Milner Library Preservation Committee organized and presented a disaster recovery workshop for its own disaster recovery team and those from other area libraries. Participants received information on organization for disaster recovery, learned to select appropriate treatments, and practiced various recovery techniques.
Understanding the Modern Russian Police

Considering that the last comprehensive, serious and analytically meaningful English-language study of Russian policing was that by Louise Shelley in 1996, there is an urgent need for one that brin...
Robustness of the spin-Chern number

The spin Chern $({C}_{s})$ was originally introduced on finite samples by imposing spin boundary conditions at the edges. This definition leads to confusing and contradictory statements. On one hand, the original paper by Sheng et al. revealed robust properties of ${C}_{s}$ against disorder and certain deformations of the model and, on the other hand, several people pointed out that ${C}_{s}$ can change sign under special deformations that keep the bulk Hamiltonian gap open. Because of the later findings, the spin-Chern number was dismissed as a true bulk topological invariant and now is viewed as something that describes the edge where the spin boundary conditions are imposed. In this paper, we define the spin-Chern number directly in the thermodynamic limit, without using any boundary conditions. We demonstrate its quantization in the presence of strong disorder and we argue that ${C}_{s}$ is a true bulk topological invariant whose robustness against disorder and smooth deformations of the Hamiltonian have important physical consequences. The properties of the spin-Chern number remain valid even when the time reversal invariance is broken.
Continuum thermodynamics of ferroelectric domain evolution: Theory, finite element implementation, and application to domain wall pinning

Abstract A continuum thermodynamics framework is devised to model the evolution of ferroelectric domain structures. The theory falls into the class of phase-field or diffuse-interface modeling approaches. Here a set of micro-forces and governing balance laws are postulated and applied within the second law of thermodynamics to identify the appropriate material constitutive relationships. The approach is shown to yield the commonly accepted Ginzburg–Landau equation for the evolution of the polarization order parameter. Within the theory a form for the free energy is postulated that can be applied to fit the general elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of a ferroelectric material near its spontaneously polarized state. Thereafter, a principle of virtual work is specified for the theory and is implemented to devise a finite element formulation. The theory and numerical methods are used to investigate the fields near straight 180° and 90° domain walls and to determine the electromechanical pinning strength of an array of line charges on 180° and 90° domain walls.
Distinctly regulated tandem upstream activation sites mediate catabolite repression of the CYC1 gene of S. cerevisiae

The upstream activation site (UAS) of the yeast CYC1 gene is shown to contain two homologous subsites, UAS1 and UAS2. Each site, when placed upstream of the transcriptional initiation region of the yeast LEU2 gene, activates LEU2 transcription which is regulated by catabolite repression. UAS1 is responsible for most of the transcription under glucose repressed conditions, while UAS1 and UAS2 contribute equally to lactate derepressed transcription. A single point mutation in UAS2 increases its activity in glucose 10- to 20-fold. Several experiments indicate that UAS1 and UAS2 are regulated distinctly at the molecular level. First, UAS1 but not UAS2 is fully depressed in glucose by increasing the levels of intracellular heme. Second, trans-acting regulatory mutations, hap1-1 and hap2-1, selectively abolish the activity of UAS1 or UAS2. HAP1 appears to encode a protein that mediates catabolite repression of UAS1 by responding to intracellular heme levels.
Failure of Rifampin to Inhibit Frog Polyhedral Cytoplasmic Deoxyribovirus Multiplication

Resistance of frog virus multiplication to rifampin suggests that components peculiar to cytoplasmic deoxyribonucleic acid replicating viruses (e.g., poxvirus) are not equally sensitive to rifampin.
Closed-loop adaptive-optics system with a liquid-crystal television as a phase retarder

We present a closed-loop adaptive-optics system that uses a liquid-crystal television (LCTV) as a phase retarder. The system consists of a LCTV inserted into one leg of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer so that one measures the wave-front function by analyzing the interferogram using a video CCD camera and a computer and corrects the wave-front distortion by placing the conjugate function on the LCTV. Experimental results are presented.
Effects of flooding on decomposition and nutrient cycling in a louisiana swamp forest

A field and laboratory study was conducted to determine decomposition rates and nutrient flux in an impounded, managed swamp forest in the headwater swamp forests of the Barataria Basin. The role of redox potential and heterotrophic immobilization in determining floodwater nutrient concentrations were examined in the field and in laboratory microcosms. Twenty-six percent of the nitrogen and 40 percent of the phosphorus introduced into the system were retained in teh swamp impoundment, mainly as a result of the settlement of particulate matter. Weight loss of leaf litter in the microcosms closely followed field samples, but decomposition was more rapid and complete in the field. This greater efficiency of breakdown in the field may be the result of the exclusion of macrofauna in the microcosms and greater turbulence under field conditions. Overall results indicate that the area is a long-term sink for both nitrogen and phosphorus via the burial of partially decomposed organic matter under reduced conditions and denitrification.
Global asymptotic stability of Lotka-Volterra competition systems with diffusion and time delays

Abstract In the Lotka–Volterra competition system with N -competing species if the effect of dispersion and time-delays are both taken into consideration, then the densities of the competing species are governed by a coupled system of reaction–diffusion equations with time-delays. The aim of this paper is to investigate the asymptotic behavior of the time-dependent solution in relation to a positive uniform solution of the corresponding steady-state problem in a bounded domain with Neumann boundary condition, including the existence and uniqueness of a positive steady-state solution. A simple and easily verifiable condition is given to the competing rate constants to ensure the global asymptotic stability of the positive steady-state solution. This result leads to the permanence of the competing system, the instability of the trivial and all forms of semitrivial solutions, and the nonexistence of nonuniform steady-state solution. The condition for the global asymptotic stability is independent of diffusion and time-delays, and the conclusions for the reaction–diffusion system are directly applicable to the corresponding ordinary differential system.
Interindustry Analysis with Social Accounting Methods

This paper evaluates the role of income-expenditure linkages in interindustry analysis. Using matrix decomposition methods and a social accounting matrix of the USA, it is shown that multiplier estimates which omit such linkages are not reliable measures of the effects of exogenous shocks upon industrial output and income. The paper further applies the decomposition method to study relative income determination between sectors, i.e. how the composition of national product changes in response to exogenous shocks.
Couples in Great Marriages Who Considered Divorcing

This study used a strengths-based perspective to examine the experiences of 25 couples who self-identified as having great marriages yet had considered divorcing at some point during their marriage. Data for this study came from a larger qualitative study examining the multiple aspects of what makes marriages great. Various reasons were cited for considering divorce, including difficulties with communication, spending time apart for work or other reasons, stressors from other family members, and infidelity. Participants discussed multiple reasons for overcoming thoughts of divorce, including resolving conflicts in communication, turning to and relying on each other, seeking professional help, and religion. A detailed case study examination of one couple's experience is included as well as discussion and implications for family life educators and practitioners.
Recurrent, persistent, or late, new-onset hematologic abnormalities in Crotaline snakebite

BACKGROUND. Hematologic effects from rattlesnake envenomation exhibit a phenomenon of recurrent, persistent or late, new onset (late) abnormalities in some Fab antivenom-treated patients 4 or more days post-envenomation. Indicators that reliably identify or exclude those patients at risk of late hematologic effects have not been developed. METHODS. This was a retrospective, observational case series of rattlesnake bite records at two US poison centers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelets, platelet count trend, INR and PTT associated with late hematologic abnormalities, were determined. RESULTS. Three hundred seventy six cases were reviewed. Sixty cases met inclusion criteria. Overall, 17 of 60 patients (28%) had a hematologic abnormality as a result of envenomation. Eleven of 60 patients (65% of those with a hematologic abnormality; 18% overall) developed late hematologic abnormalities 4 or more days post-envenomation. Four patients had late, new onset hypofibrinogenemia and/or thrombocytopenia. All were associated with early D-dimer elevation and/or platelet rise in response to FabAV treatment, respectively. Normal hematologic parameters in the first 48 h post-envenomation and the lack of a greater than 20% rise in platelets within 4 h post-antivenom administration had a 100% NPV for late hematologic effects. CONCLUSIONS. Patients with early onset hypofibrinogenemia, a positive D-dimer, thrombocytopenia, or a 20% increase in platelet count within 4 h post-treatment had a significant likelihood of late hematologic effects. Patients in whom fibrinogen, D-dimer, INR, PTT, and platelet counts remained normal throughout the first 48 h post-envenomation, and who did not exhibit a >20% increase in platelet count within 4 h post-antivenom administration, did not develop late hematologic effects.
Spatially multiplexed swept source optical coherence tomography

A spatially-multiplexed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SM-SS-OCT) system for rapid acquisition of B-scans of tissue microstructure is described, we believe, for the first time. SM-SS-OCT instrumentation is similar to that of traditional Swept Source OCT (SS-OCT), which uses a widely tunable (~100 nm) laser source to obtain high-resolution images of biological tissue. However, SM-SS- OCT may be considered an improvement over SS-OCT in terms of efficient usage of the wide spectral bandwidth afforded by the frequency-tunable lasers in SS-OCT systems. Commercially available swept-source lasers regularly achieve extremely narrow line widths (~150 KHz), allowing for SS-OCT A-scan depths on the order of meters. Since imaging tissue to such depths is infeasible, the meters-long depth ranging capability of SS-OCT may be utilized for spatially multiplexing many A-scans, each to lesser depth. We achieve this spatial multiplexing by rapidly scanning all lateral positions of the tissue repetitively while simultaneously scanning the laser wavelength continuously, and using appropriate signal processing to reconstruct a B-scan image from acquired data. Our fiber-based design lends itself towards use in endoscopic applications, and our results suggest that SM-SS-OCT can provide rapid acquisition of B-scans, with potential for depth-resolved visualization of transient processes in biological tissue.
Use of a clinical MR scanner for imaging the rat brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are established techniques that enable noninvasive anatomic and functional tissue characterization in vivo. These tools have been employed to probe experimental models of neoplasia, cerebrovascular disease, brain injury, and neurotransplantation in small animals. To date, these studies have been executed primarily on research-dedicated instruments of limited availability or resolution. Using relatively straightforward software and hardware modifications of a widely used clinical MRI unit, we were able to image numerous structures within the living rat brain including the neostriatum, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, and the ventricular system. Illustrative applications of this imaging technique in two intracerebral infusion models involving rats are presented. Such adaptation of clinical MRI scanners has the potential to significantly expand the availability of high resolution in vivo imaging of small animals for a variety of experimental protocols.
Examination of the possible pathophysiology of the central nervous system during botulinal poisoning.

Abstract The effects of α and β components of type A botulinum toxin were tested for their ability to affect the central nervous system of cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Components α and β, when administered in lethal doses into the circulatory system of cats and rabbits, do not alter the ongoing electroencephalographic activity. Furthermore, α intoxication of guinea pigs does not result in changes in the brain concentration of acetylcholine or norepinephrine. Ingestion by mice of organs from intoxicated rats causes death only in those instances of organs that are well perfused with blood. The diaphragm and brain, both cholinergic sites, proved not to be toxic.
Plasmid-associated effects on test gene expression and Marek's disease virus plaque formation during recombination trials.

Abstract Marek's disease virus (MDV), a herpesvirus of avian origin, is being examined for suitability as a vector for expressing foreign genes. We observed that plasmids encoding the LacZ gene of E. coli under the control of either the herpes simplex virus α4 immediate-early promoter or the cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter inhibited MDV plaque formation. Plaque numbers were decreased by one-third, and transient expression of the β-galactosidase reporter gene was increased by up to 6-fold, when the plasmids were linearized. Sequences associated with the heterologous promoter were identified as being responsible for inhibiting MDV replication.
Tibial tuberosity fracture with a proximal triplane extension--a case report.

We document a tibial tuberosity fracture which extends into the knee in a similar manner to a triplane injury of the distal tibial metaphysis. This injury pattern has not previously been described and we believe it constitutes a distinct fracture type that warrants an extension of the existing modified Ogden classification [1]. The value of computed tomography (CT) for defining the injury pattern and preoperative planning in these rare and technically demanding cases is highlighted.
REACTIONS OF LIMULUS TO ILLUMINATED FIELDS OF DIFFERENT AREA AND FLICKER FREQUENCY

In phototropic tests with young Limulus, the phototropic reactions to flickering fields were studied. If the two fields are equal in area and brightness but different in flicker frequency, the number of animals going to the two fields is proportional to their flicker frequencies. Equal stimulating effects of two fields differing in flicker frequency are obtained by reduction of the area of the faster flickering field. The areas for equal effect must be inversely proportional to their flicker frequencies. It seems that equal effects are dependent upon equality of the number of active excitation elements per unit of time.
Measurement and application of incoherent terahertz scattering using time-domain spectroscopy

Measurement of incoherent rough surface scattering powers in terahertz frequency regime by means of time-domain spectroscopy has been for the first time demonstrated. Furthermore, applications of such incoherent measurements in spectroscopy and detection of chemicals are presented.
Use of a flexible cast for the indirect fabrication of provisional restorations

Abstract Efficient fabrication of a clinically acceptable provisional restoration for a fixed partial denture is an important part of treatment success. Fabrication of provisional restorations that uses the indirect technique produces accurate fitting provisional restorations without the chemical and thermal irritation associated with direct fabrication. With a typodont model, an indirect method is presented that uses an elastic cast for fabrication of multiple unit provisional restorations for fixed partial dentures. The cast is available within 6 minutes of impression making, can be trimmed with a sharp scalpel, and provides flexibility that allows easy separation of the acrylic provisional from the cast. The cast can also be used to evaluate the clinical acceptability of the preparations before impression making. This method has also been successfully used for the fabrication of acrylic provisional restorations for onlay preparations. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:90-3.)
Inverses of Boolean matrices

Abstract For a Boolean matrix A, a g-inverse of A is a Boolean matrix G satisfying AGA=A, and a Vagner inverse is a g-inverse which in addition satisfies GAG=G. We give algorithms for finding all g-inverses, all Vagner inverses, and all of several other types of inverses including Moore-Penrose inverses. We give a criterion for a Boolean matrix to be regular, and criteria for the various types of inverse to exist. We count the numbers of Boolean matrices having Moore-Penrose and related types of inverses.
Myogenic and neurogenic contributions to the development of fast and slow twitch muscles in rat.

Abstract The histochemical ATPase activity and the myosin light chains of a rat fast muscle (extensor digitorum longus, EDL) and a rat slow muscle (soleus) during development have been investigated. Both muscles initially synthesize fast myosin light chains and show the intense histochemical ATPase activity characteristic of adult fast muscle fibers. After birth, the soleus begins to accumulate slow fibers with their characteristic low histochemical ATPase activity, and slow myosin light chains begin to appear. Sciatic neurectomy prevents the development of slow fibers and the synthesis of slow myosin light chains in the soleus, while the EDL is unaffected. Similarly, cordotomy of an adult rat results, in the soleus, in the appearance of fibers with more intense staining for ATPase and an increase in fast myosin light chains. The EDL is unchanged by cordotomy. As a result, we suggest that slow muscle development, but not fast muscle development, is dependent upon the functional activity of the nervous system.
Edna Heidbreder: Systematic and Cognitive Psychologist

After completing her undergraduate degree at Knox College in 1911, Edna Heidbreder was a high school teacher of history for several years. She began her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin...
Cardiopulmonary Function following Post-cardiac Surgical Mediastinitis

Eleven survivors of bacterial mediastinitis, which followed cardiac surgery through a median sternotomy approach, underwent noninvasive cardiopulmonary evaluation to determine whether clinically apparent mediastinal fibrosis had developed. Compared to preoperative values, forced vital capacity was reduced by 9.75 percent of predicted; the greatest reduction occurred in those patients with Gram-negative mediastinitis. In one patient, an abnormal jugular venous wave form and apex cardiogram were consistent with constrictive cardiac physiology, but this was not associated with an abnormal echocardiogram or impaired functional status. In this small series, no serious abnormalities in cardiopulmonary function were detected which could be attributed to prior mediastinal infection.
Electrical Instruments Used in the Measurement of Flow

This paper outlines some important flow-measurement problems and points out the character of electrical apparatus that may be used with other equipment for measuring flow.