cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of body temperature and LH secretion by hypothalamic KNDy (kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin) neurons: A novel hypothesis on the mechanism of hot flushes

Despite affecting millions of individuals, the etiology of hot flushes remains unknown. Here we review the physiology of hot flushes, CNS pathways regulating heat-dissipation effectors, and effects of estrogen on thermoregulation in animal models. Based on the marked changes in hypothalamic kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin (KNDy) neurons in postmenopausal women, we hypothesize that KNDy neurons play a role in the mechanism of flushes. In the rat, KNDy neurons project to preoptic thermoregulatory areas that express the neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R), the primary receptor for NKB. Furthermore, activation of NK₃R in the median preoptic nucleus, part of the heat-defense pathway, reduces body temperature. Finally, ablation of KNDy neurons reduces cutaneous vasodilatation and partially blocks the effects of estrogen on thermoregulation. These data suggest that arcuate KNDy neurons relay estrogen signals to preoptic structures regulating heat-dissipation effectors, supporting the hypothesis that KNDy neurons participate in the generation of flushes.
Above and below ground impacts of terrestrial mammals and birds in a tropical forest

Understanding the impact of losing trophic diversity has global significance for managing ecosystems as well as important theoretical implications for community and ecosystem ecology. In several tropical forest ecosystems, habitat fragmentation has resulted in declines and local extinctions of mammalian and avian terrestrial insectivores. To assess the ability of a tropical rainforest community in Ivory Coast to resist perturbation from such loss of trophic diversity, I traced feedbacks in above and below ground communities and measured changes in nutrient levels and herbivory rates in response to an experimental exclosure of avian and mammalian terrestrial insectivores. I present evidence that loss of this functional group may result in increased tree seedling herbivory and altered nutrient regimes through changes in the abundance and guild structure of invertebrates. Exclusion of top predators of the forest floor resulted in increased seedling herbivory rates and macro-invertebrate (>5 mm) densities with strongest effects on herbivorous taxa, spiders and earthworms. Densities of microbivores including Collembola, Acarina and Sciaridae showed the opposite trend as did levels of inorganic phosphorus in the soil. Results were evaluated using path analysis which supported the presence of a top down trophic cascade in the detrital web which ultimately affected turnover of phosphorus, a limiting nutrient in tropical soils. Results illustrate the potential importance of vertebrate predators in both above and belowground food webs despite the biotic diversity and structural heterogeneity of the rainforest floor.
Cloning of the human 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 24-hydroxylase gene promoter and identification of two vitamin D-responsive elements

A genomic DNA clone for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) 24-hydroxylase was isolated from a human chromosome 20 library. It spans 2.42 kb, containing the first two exons, the first and part of the second introns, and a 1.26 kb 5'-flanking region. Putative transcription cis-elements were revealed throughout the 5'-flanking region, including TATA box, CAAT box, GC boxes, vitamin D-responsive elements (VDRE), AP1, and AP2 sites. In a CAT reporter gene expression assay, the 24-hydroxylase promoter with its 1.2 kb 5'-flanking sequence elicits a 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced transactivation activity. Gel mobility shift assays of those putative DREs have identified that two different elements can form specific complexes with porcine intestinal nuclear extract (PINE). The specificity of VDRE-PINE complexes was verified by supershift assay with VDR-specific monoclonal antibody VXIE10B6. The proximal element VDREp (-172/-143) consists of three direct repeat half-sites, GAGTCAgcgAGGTGAgcgAGGGCG, in anti-sense orientation. The distal element VDREd (-293/-273) consists of two direct repeat half-sites, GCGTTCaccGGGTGT, also in anti-sense orientation. Both VDREs can direct a reporter gene expression using a heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) promoter in a 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent fashion. Further characterization of these VDREs in various constructs with either a native or TK promoter suggests that both VDREs are required for the optimal induction of 24-hydroxylase expression by 1,25-(OH)2D3.
Electromagnetic cloaking by using multilayer coating with ordinary dielectrics

A multi-layer transmission cloak formed from ordinary dielectrics for hiding cylindrical objects with diameters exceeding incident wavelengths is developed. The Helmholtz equation solution and the Genetic Algorithm have been used to find the optimal dielectric constants and thicknesses of the cloak layers. Full-wave simulations have demonstrated that the designed cloak can provide efficient wave front reconstruction and deep total scattering cross width (TSCW) reduction.
Microvascular function in younger adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome: role of oxidative stress

Older adults with cardiovascular disease exhibit microvascular dysfunction and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that microvascular impairments begin early in the d...
Classical and quantum diffusion of hydrogen atoms on Cu(1 1 1)

Abstract We measured diffusion constants of hydrogen adatoms on Cu(1 1 1) using a combination of enabling optical techniques. We observed a steep crossover from a strongly thermal activated hopping ( T > 130 K) to a weakly thermal activated ‘hopping’ ( T E diff ( 1 ) = 450 meV and a large pre-exponential factor D 0 ( 1 ) = 162 cm 2 / s , indicating that it is dominated by the kinetics of crossing step edges. The weakly activated diffusion at low temperatures is characterized by a much smaller ‘barrier’ of E diff ( 2 ) = 22 meV and a pre-exponential factor D 0 ( 2 ) = 6.8 × 10 - 14 cm 2 / s , characteristic of a quantum under-barrier tunneling.
Generation of singlet delta oxygen--a technology update

Abstract The rate of generation of O2(1L9) using the thlorine—basic hydrogen peroxide reactionis a key element to predict the performance of the chemical oxygen iodine laser. O2('L9) carries the energy in the laser, thus is one of the prime determinants of power in the flow.To predict the performance of O2('z9) generators requires the prediction of the utilizationof chlorine, the yield of excited oxygen, and the concentration of potential contaminants inthe chemical exhaust of the generator. This paper is an extension of a previous paper [1] onthis same topic. The reader is also refered to a companion paper [2] in this conference whichdiscusses the details of O2('z9) production and yield. 1 Types of Singlet Delta Generators There are four generic types of O2(1g) generators. They are the sparger, in which chlorine gas is "bubbled" through a solution of basic hydrogen peroxide (BHP) — actually few reactors I have run are actually operated in the distinct bubble regiem, most have veryhigh gas to liquid volume fraction ( on the order of 1:1). The second is the wetted wall, herechlorine gas is blown past a surface coated with BHP. The third and fourth, spray nozzlesand jets are two variations of liquid—in—gas contacting mechanisms, in which the BHPliquid is entrained in a gas flow.The common features in each device are that they:1. Provide a BHP-surface for chlorine to react on.2. Quench excited oxygen since:(a) The detachment yield of O2(1L9)
An implicitly-coupled solution approach for combined electromechanical and electromagnetic transients simulation

This paper presents a novel implicitly-coupled solution approach for the combined electromechanical and electromagnetic transients simulation. Unlike the existing hybrid simulators that use an explicit approach to interface separate transient stability (TS) and electromagnetic transients (EMT) programs, the authors propose combining the equations of the two simulators and solving them simultaneously by an implicit approach. To combine the two sets of equations with their different time steps, and ensure that the TS and EMT solutions are consistent, the equations for TS and coupled-in-time EMT equations are solved simultaneously, referred to as TSEMT simulation. The simulation results for the proposed implicitly-coupled solution approach on the WECC 9-bus system are discussed. Along with the implicitly-coupled solution approach, a novel strategy, referred to as TS3ph-TSEMT, based on difference between the phasor boundary bus voltages of the detailed and external systems is also proposed to terminate the implicitly-coupled TSEMT simulation and continue with only the TS simulation. The computational efficiency of the proposed TS3ph-TSEMT approach is presented for the 9-bus and 118-bus systems.
Characteristics of the amperometric oxygen sensor

Solid-state amperometric oxygen sensors have attracted great interest during the last two decades, mostly because of their potential use in lean-burn combustion engines. Some important characteristics of the amperometric oxygen sensor are examined in detail with particular emphasis on the influence of electrode polarization on sensor behavior. First, the authors briefly discuss the theoretical framework describing the operation of the amperometric sensor and then describe operational characteristics and observations of anomalous behavior in light of that framework. For the experimental work, a double-cell configuration with a drilled over was used; the second cell served both as the diffusion barrier and as a potentiometric sensor for monitoring the oxygen partial pressure inside the cavity. It was found that the oxygen partial pressure varied significantly from the cavity entrance to the pumping cell cathode surface. Oxygen depletion inside the cavity strongly influenced the cathode polarization and sensor behavior. Upon application of increasing applied voltage, the maximum pumping capacity of the cathode decreased with oxygen depletion until it became equal to the diffusion-limited current enforced by the diffusion barrier. Upon application of even higher voltages, oxygen could not be further depleted at the cathode surface; no further changes in the system occurred untilmore » the onset of electronic conduction in the cell electrolyte, where the current increased once again. Electronic conduction was shown to be the cause of anomalous behavior for the sensor where higher current was observed for lower oxygen concentration. A linear response for the amperometric sensor was realized only for oxygen concentrations in the range 0.1 to 25%.« less
Nutrient content in peas served to patients: vitamin C is degraded during four stages of foodservice processing at two hospitals

This investigation follows seminal work on nutrient degradation as the authors seek to quantify how much vitamin C, as a marker of nutrient quality, is retained at various stages of processing (frozen, steamed, trayline and delivery) of peas at two New Jersey hospitals. Healthcare providers use nutrient data standards provided by various national and international government and nongovernment agencies. Physicians, dietitians and menu planners rely on these values for nutritional therapy. We found that the current methodology for predicting nutritional outcomes of cooked foods in hospitals may not be reliable in assessing nutrients served to patients. Sampled peas were found to contain significantly ( P < 0.05 for both Hospitals A and B) less vitamin C compared with the published standard value (‘cooked’) for vitamin C. In Hospitals A and B, the nutrient quality of vitamin C was significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) as peas progressed to patients. As improved nutritional status has been shown to correlate with faster healing and recovery, thus reduced hospital stays, we recommend that hospitals use improved cooking methods to reduce the loss of nutrients in foods served to patients. Vegetables in particular should be cooked for the briefest period of time or at the lowest temperature that ensures safety.
The induction of a mutant prophage λ in Escherichia coli: A rapid screening test for carcinogens

Abstract The induction of prophage λ and its mutant, λcI ts 857, by a number of water-soluble substances, carcinogens and noncarcinogens, has been investigated with the object of developing a suitable screening test for carcinogens and of assessing the sensitivity of repressors to inducing agents. By the use of measurements of endolysin activity in place of plaque assays, induction may be estimated more simply and quickly. While prophage λ is inducible only by certain carcinogens, λcI ts 857 is inducible, without exceptions, by all the carcinogens tested. Some carcinogens require prior metabolic activation to be effective. Most noncarcinogens are noninducing toward both strains. The prophage λcI ts 857 induction test appears to be a simple, quick, and sensitive method for the screening of carcinogens. It can detect carcinogens that do not induce the wild-type prophage λ, and, in some cases, is even more sensitive than the Ames Salmonella /microsome test.
Myocardial effects of ventricular fibrillation in the isolated rat heart.

Objective: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is known to increase myocardial oxygen requirements and to alter coronary vascular physiology. However, the significance of these effects during cardiac arrest and resuscitation is not well understood. A model was developed in the isolated rat heart to investigate the myocardial effects of VF during a simulated episode of cardiac arrest and resuscltation. We hypothesized that VF would intensify the severity of myocardial ischemia and consequently accentuate postischemic myocardial dysfunction. Design: Prospective and randomized. Setting: Research laboratory. Subjects: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions: Hearts were harvested and perfused at a constant flow rate of 10 mL/min using a modified Krebs-Henseleit solution equilibrated with 95% oxygen and 5% CO 2 . In five hearts, VF was induced by a 0.05-mA current delivered to the right ventricular endocardium. The perfusate flow was then stopped for a 10-min interval and resumed at 20% of baseline flow for another 10 mins. After 20 mins of VF, the perfusate flow was returned to baseline and a sinus rhythm reestablished by epicardial electrical shocks. The studies were randomized and included three additional groups to control for the effects of ischemia without VF (n = 5), the effects of VF without ischemia (n = 5), and the stability of the preparation (n = 5). Measurements and Main Results: Isovolumic indices of left ventricular function were obtained using a latex balloon advanced through the mitral valve and distended to an end-diastolic pressure of 10 mm Hg. The coronary effluent was collected from the right ventricular cavity. VF during myocardial ischemia was associated with a higher coronary effluent PCO 2 , increased coronary vascular resistance, and development of ischemic contracture as indicated by increases in left ventricular pressure from 9 ± 3 to 33 ± 6 mm Hg (p <.05). After defibrillation, contractility and relaxation rapidly returned to baseline values, whereas the isovolumic end-diastolic pressure remained elevated for 20 mins. These changes were much less prominent when ischemia was not accompanied by VF. Conclusions: These findings indicate that VF may adversely affect myocardial ischemia by hastening the development of ischemic contracture, increasing coronary vascular resistance, and favoring the development of diastolic pump failure early after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
Floating-gate adaptation for focal-plane online nonuniformity correction

Stochastic adaptive algorithms are investigated for online correction of spatial nonuniformity in random-access addressable imaging systems. The adaptive architecture is implemented in analog VLSI, integrated with the photosensors on the focal plane. Random sequences of address locations selected with controlled statistics are used to adaptively equalize the intensity distribution at variable spatial scales. Through a logarithm transformation of system variables, adaptive gain correction is achieved through offset correction in the log-domain. This idea is particularly attractive for compact implementation using translinear floating-gate MOS circuits. Furthermore, the same architecture and random addressing provide for oversampled binary encoding of the image with equalized intensity histogram. The techniques apply to a variety of solid-state imagers, such as artificial retinas, active pixel sensors, and IR sensor arrays. Experimental results confirm gain correction and histogram equalization in a 64/spl times/64 pixel adaptive array integrated on a 2.2-mm/spl times/2.25-mm chip in 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Series elasticity for free free-space motion for free

Series elastic actuators are used to significant advantage in many robot designs but have not found their way into the design of haptic devices. We use a pneumatic circuit to realize both a flexible power transmission as well as the elastic element in a series elastic actuator. The pneumatic circuit effectively hides the impedance of a high friction, high mass ball-screw actuator, while a low friction, low mass pneumatic cylinder is used at the end-effector. We offer a comparative study of an impedance-control device, admittance-control device, and a device incorporating a series elastic actuator, investigating both the open-loop and the closed-loop impedance displayed to the user. While all hardware and control designs offer an ability to shape the impedance within their operational bandwidths, the series elastic design has the particular advantage of low impedance (a very compliant spring) outside of that bandwidth. Thus, a haptic device featuring series elastic actuation is capable of providing both the low impedances required in free-space and the high impedance required for rendering stiff virtual walls.
The medical treatment of Crohn's perianal fistulas

Perianal fistulas are a frequent manifestation of Crohn's disease. The correct application of the newer diagnostic and therapeutic agents for treating perianal Crohn's disease are beginning to be better defined. In general, a combined medical and surgical approach is preferred. The perianal disease process should first be fully delineated with endoscopy and either MRI or EUS before treatment is begun. Patients are then stratified into one of three groups: simple fistulas and no proctitis; simple fistulas and concomitant proctitis; and complex fistulas. Patients with simple fistulas and no proctitis can be treated medically with a combination of antibiotics and an immunosuppressive agent (azathioprine or mercaptopurine). Patients with simple fistulas and concomitant proctitis should have infliximab added to their treatment plan. Complex fistulas require surgical intervention first prior to medical treatment. A combination of antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy and infliximab are then initiated to facilitate fistula healing.
Reinvestigation of the effects of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on the sleep cycle of the unrestrained intact cat.

Abstract 1.1. The sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) was injected intravenously 30 times into ten intact, chronically implanted cats at a dose of 1.5 mM/kg. After a latency of 1–10 min hypersynchronous high voltage EEG appeared in the lateral geniculate nucleus, cortex and hippocampus. The animals showed pupilary dilatation and slight to exaggerated behavioral responsiveness to arousal stimuli. Slight to moderate generalized myoclonic twitches were often observed in phase with the EEG hypersynchrony. 2.2. After five of the injections, the hypersynchronous state SWS 1 (slow wave sleep) was, after a variable latency, replaced by a different state, characterized by complete behavioral and EEG unresponsiveness, pupilary constriction, silent periods in the hippocampus interrupted by high voltage spikes and disorganized high voltage activity in the cortex and lateral geniculate. Arousal stimuli applied during the end of this state, referred to as SWS 2 , consistently shifted the EEG into the SWS 1 state. The cats slowly returned to a normal sleep-wakefulness rhythm after spontaneously passing once more through SWS 1 . 3.3. Thirteen injections induced, after a variable latency, a state similar to paradoxical sleep (PS), but characterized by high voltage slow wave activity in cortex and lateral geniculate instead of the normal desynchronization. This pseudo-PS is here referred to as sws/PS. Regular short period alternation of SWS 1 with PS or sws/PS suggested some interaction between telencephalic areas and the brain-stem PS trigger zone during GHBA-induced PS or sws/PS. 4.4. Within 5 min, 7 injections induced sws/PS and 9 induced a pure PS. Injections of Tyrode solution (in which the GHBA was normally dissolved) were followed by PS within 5 min in 2 of the 30 trials. It was concluded that GHBA influences PS induction. Ten injections of GHBA at 0.3–0.7 mM/kg were made in four cats. These lower doses were no more effective in inducing PS than the standard dose of 1.5 mM/kg. 5.5. PS in the 20 min period before injection did not appear to influence the probability that GHBA injection would induce PS or sws/PS.
High Power RF Test Facility at the SNS

RF Test Facility (RFTF) has been constructed to support present and future needs in testing, processing and conditioning of various high power RF components of normal conducting and superconducting systems at the SNS. The facility is expected to have additional subsystems that are needed for complete superconducting RF (SRF) testing and processing. A full capacity high voltage converter modulator (HVCM) with 11 MW peak power at 8% duty cycle has been installed for driving one or two klystron RF amplifiers. The waveguides are completed in WR-2100 and WR-1150 for the 402.5 MHz and 805 MHz klystrons being used in the SNS. The 805 MHz system has been used for RF processing the coaxial fundamental power couplers (FPCs) for the SNS superconducting linac (SCL) [1]. The high power RF system can be reconfigured or modified for various tests and conditioning processes along with the neighboring cryo-plant.
Managing the Urethra at Transvaginal Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair: A Urodynamic Approach

Purpose: We evaluated the protocol that we use to determine whether a mid urethral synthetic sling will be placed at transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair.Materials and Methods: A total of 140 patients underwent transvaginal repair for stage 2 to 4 pelvic organ prolapse, of whom 105 were treated according to the protocol and had a minimum 3 months of followup or required earlier intervention. Urodynamics were performed without prolapse reduction. When stress urinary incontinence was not identified, a pessary was placed and the study was repeated. Patients were designated as having urodynamic, occult or no stress urinary incontinence. Patients with urodynamic or occult stress urinary incontinence underwent a simultaneous mid urethral synthetic sling procedure, while those without urodynamic or occult stress urinary incontinence did not. Charts were reviewed to determine whether further intervention was required for stress urinary incontinence or obstruction.Results: The risk of intervention due to obst...
Vulnerabilities and displacements: adaptation and mitigation to climate change as a new development mantra

The past decade has witnessed significant growth across the globe of domestic and international initiatives designed to ameliorate both existing and potential impacts of climate change. The threat of altered environments and possibility of mass migrations of people have spurred intensive planning as well as the commitment of considerable resources to addressing such threats. Indeed, the primacy of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and planning has become so pronounced that one might argue that this is a new and pre-eminent form of development in the international arena. As with previous developmental preoccupations such as progress, modernity, gender, microcredit, participation and good governance, climate change adaptation and mitigation is today a central part of the development mantra. In this paper I examine the ‘climate change turn’ in development work by focusing on the case of Bangladesh, a country often discussed in both scholarly literature and popular discourse as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the possible effects of climate change. Images of rising waters, flooded fields and displaced farmers in the region have become an iconic symbol deployed during debates on climate change both locally and globally. As a result Bangladesh has emerged as a laboratory of sorts in which a series of national-level strategic plans, projects, programmes, trust funds and financing schemes are being designed and tested in partnership with international donors and development agencies, all built around the idea of climate change and resilience. Looking specifically at some of the most marginalised communities in Bangladesh – such as char dwellers and slum populations – I question in this paper what impact these efforts to combat climate change may have, in particular the possibility of being displaced not by climate change but rather by development processes meant to ameliorate its effects.
Linearizing ecological models with time-varying parameters

Abstract An ecological model with time-varying parameters can be linearized about a point which is either a local equilibrium or fixed in time, but not in general both. Each choice has its advantages, but neither choice is anywhere near as useful as the linearization of a model with constant parameters. Linearizations of a model of annual plankton cycles can capture some qualitative behavior of the original nonlinear model.
Crown plasticity and competition for canopy space: a new spatially implicit model parameterized for 250 North American tree species.

Background. Canopy structure, which can be defined as the sum of the sizes, shapes and relative placements of the tree crowns in a forest stand, is central to all aspects of forest ecology. But there is no accepted method for deriving canopy structure from the sizes, species and biomechanical properties of the individual trees in a stand. Any such method must capture the fact that trees are highly plastic in their growth, forming tessellating crown shapes that fill all or most of the canopy space. Methodology/Principal Findings. We introduce a new, simple and rapidly-implemented model–the Ideal Tree Distribution, ITD–with tree form (height allometry and crown shape), growth plasticity, and space-filling, at its core. The ITD predicts the canopy status (in or out of canopy), crown depth, and total and exposed crown area of the trees in a stand, given their species, sizes and potential crown shapes. We use maximum likelihood methods, in conjunction with data from over 100,000 trees taken from forests across the coterminous US, to estimate ITD model parameters for 250 North American tree species. With only two free parameters per species–one aggregate parameter to describe crown shape, and one parameter to set the so-called depth bias–the model captures between-species patterns in average canopy status, crown radius, and crown depth, and within-species means of these metrics vs stem diameter. The model also predicts much of the variation in these metrics for a tree of a given species and size, resulting solely from deterministic responses to variation in stand structure. Conclusions/Significance. This new model, with parameters for US tree species, opens up new possibilities for understanding and modeling forest dynamics at local and regional scales, and may provide a new way to interpret remote sensing data of forest canopies, including LIDAR and aerial photography.
Voriconazole: A New Triazole Antifungal Agent

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, in vitro susceptibility, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of voriconazole, a triazole antifungal agent.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search, restricted to English language, was conducted from 1990 to June 2002. Supplementary sources included program abstracts from the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and the Infectious Diseases Society of America from 1996 to 2001 and manufacturer information available through the Food and Drug Administration's Web site.DATA EXTRACTION:All published and unpublished trials and abstracts citing voriconazole were selected.DATA SYNTHESIS:Voriconazole has shown in vitro activity against many yeasts and a variety of mold and dermatophyte isolates. Voriconazole can be administered either orally or parenterally. It exhibits good oral bioavailability, wide tissue distribution including distribution into the central nervous system, and hepatic metabolism. Drug interactions occur through inhibitio...
Stereochemical π-Facial Selectivity of the Diels−Alder Reaction of Benz[a]aceanthrylene and 1,4-Diphenylbenz[a]aceanthrylene

The Diels−Alder (D−A) reaction of the twisted hydrocarbon 1,4-diphenylbenz[a]aceanthrylene (4) with dienophiles maleic anhydride, bromomaleic anhydride, and N-phenylmaleimide and with benzyne is reported. The stereochemistry of the products derived from the D−A reaction of 4 is compared with the products derived from reaction of planar benz[a]aceanthrylene (5) with maleic anhydride as a model. The endo regiochemical π-facial selectivity of 4 appears to be the result of the steric effect of a phenyl substituent as the transition state is reached. Compound 5 produces both endo and exo D−A adducts when treated with maleic anhydride. X-ray crystallographic analysis verifies the topology of the bromomaleic anhydride adduct of 4 and the maleic anhydride adduct of 5.
A Parsimonious Instrument for Predicting Students’ Intent to Pursue a Sales Career Scale Development and Validation

Students’ desire and intention to pursue a career in sales continue to lag behind industry demand for sales professionals. This article develops and validates a reliable and parsimonious scale for measuring and predicting student intention to pursue a selling career. The instrument advances previous scales in three ways. The instrument is generalizable across academic settings and is shown to be sensitive to differences across varied course coverage and learning activities. The instrument is parsimonious and offers a high reliability coefficient. Finally, the instrument is validated both before and after exposure to a sales module, thus capturing perceptual and attitudinal changes as students become more familiar with this career option.
Precipitating Events in Adolescent Suicidal Crises: Exploring Stress-Reactive and Nonreactive Risk Profiles.

Factors distinguishing adolescents who experienced a precipitating event in the week preceding a suicidal crisis from those who did not were examined. Among 130 suicidal inpatients (mean age = 15.01 years), those who experienced a precipitating event reported significantly lower depressive symptom scores, better perceived problem solving, less suicidal intent, and a lower rate of prior suicide attempts than those without a precipitating event. Levels of trait impulsivity, suicidal ideation, and current attempt status did not differentiate groups. Findings provide preliminary evidence consistent with at least two possible pathways to a suicidal crisis. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Selective blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor impairs hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis expression of habituation.

The present study investigated the role of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the expression of habituation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stress. Male rats were restrained for 1 h per day for six consecutive days. On day 6, 1 h prior to restraint stress, both restraint-naive and repeatedly restrained rats were injected s.c. with either vehicle (propylene glycol) or one of three corticosteroid receptor antagonist treatments: selective MR antagonist (RU28318 or spironolactone), selective GR antagonist (RU40555), or both MR and GR antagonists combined (RU28318 + RU40555). Blood samples were collected for corticosterone measurement at the beginning of stress, during stress, and 1 h after stress termination. Repeated restraint stress produced significant habituation of corticosterone responses. Acute treatment with the combined MR and GR antagonists prevented the expression of habituation. When tested alone, the MR antagonist also blocked the expression of corticosterone-response habituation, whereas the GR antagonist had no effect. Neither the MR, nor the GR antagonists alone, significantly altered the corticosterone response to restraint in rats exposed to restraint for the first time. The final experiment examined the corticosterone response to a corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH, 3 microg/kg i.p.) challenge. Neither previous exposure to restraint or acute pretreatment with the combined MR and GR antagonists (RU28318 + RU40555) altered the corticosterone response to CRH challenge. This result indicates that the expression of habituation and its blockade by corticosteroid receptor antagonists is not a result of altered pituitary-adrenal response to CRH. Overall, this study suggests that MR plays an important role in constraining the HPA axis response to restraint stress in restraint-habituated rats. The dependence of the HPA axis on MR-mediated corticosteroid negative feedback during acute stress may be an important mechanism that helps maximize the expression of stress habituation and thereby minimize exposure of target tissues to corticosteroids in the context of repeated stress.
Plasma Chromogranin A or Urine Fractionated Metanephrines Follow-Up Testing Improves the Diagnostic Accuracy of Plasma Fractionated Metanephrines for Pheochromocytoma

Context: The initial diagnosis of pheochromocytoma relies on plasma fractionated metanephrines levels. Normal levels exclude pheochromocytoma, but positive tests have a low positive predictive value due to the disease’s rarity. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate three approaches to distinguish between true-positive and false-positive tests: 1) increased cutoff for plasma fractionated metanephrines, 2) measurement of serum/plasma chromogranin A (CGA), and 3) urine fractionated metanephrine testing. Design: We studied retrospectively all Mayo Clinic patients with positive plasma fractionated metanephrine tests over a 15-month period and determined their final diagnosis based on histology, imaging, additional biochemical tests, and more than 1 yr follow-up. For a subgroup, urine fractionated metanephrine results were available. All original plasma samples were retested for CGA. Results: Of 140 patients, 40 had a chromaffin tumor confirmed and 100 excluded, indicating a positive predictive value of plasma fractionated metanephrines of 28.6%. Increasing the threshold for a positive test improved specificity to 98% but missed eight cases (20%). Incorporation of urine fractionated metanephrine testing as follow-up test achieved 80% specificity and 91% sensitivity. The corresponding figures for CGA were 71 and 87% for all patients and 89 and 87% when patients taking proton pump inhibitors were excluded. Conclusions: Unless plasma fractionated metanephrines levels are elevated more than 4-fold above the upper limit of normal, patients with a positive plasma fractionated metanephrines test should be evaluated with urine fractionated metanephrines and serum/plasma CGA assays before being subjected to imaging or invasive diagnostic tests.
Screening program reduced melanoma mortality at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 1984 to 1996.

Background Worldwide incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has increased substantially, and no screening program has yet shown reduction in mortality. We evaluated results of an educational campaign designed to promote self-examination and targeted screening at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Methods Thickness and crude incidence of melanomas detected during 3 phases of increasing melanoma surveillance were studied. These periods were: (1) preawareness (1969-1975), (2) early awareness of increased melanoma risk (1976-1984); and (3) screening program (1984-1996). Melanoma mortality was derived from data recorded in the National Death Index search. The expected annual number of deaths from melanoma among LLNL employees was calculated by using California mortality data matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity and adjusted to exclude deaths from melanoma diagnosed before the program began or before employment at LLNL. Results Crude incidence of melanomas thicker than 0.75 mm decreased during the 3 periods from 22.1 to 15.13 to 4.62 cases per 100,000 person-years ( P = .001 by chi-square for trend) with the larger decrease from the active screening program. The crude incidence of melanoma measuring less than 0.75 mm in thickness increased and then decreased slightly without a significant linear trend, and crude incidence of in situ melanoma increased substantially. No eligible melanoma deaths occurred among LLNL employees during the screening period, whereas the expected number of deaths was calculated to be 3.39 deaths ( P = .034). Limitations The study design was not randomized or controlled. The methodology for adjusting expected mortality for the exclusion of employees diagnosed with melanoma before the screening period was devised for this study. Discussion Increasing community awareness of melanoma was associated with a progressive decreasing incidence of thicker melanoma. The education, self-examination, and selective program generated the larger reduction in incidence of melanoma thicker than 0.75 mm. This campaign decreased the melanoma-related mortality to zero. The statistically significant decrease in mortality persisted for at least 3 years after employees retired or otherwise left the laboratory.
DOUBLE-DEPTH SAMPLING FOR ALFALFA SNOUT BEETLE LARVAE, OTIORHYNCHUS LIGUSTICI (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

In the density sampling of Otiorhynchus ligustici (L.) in the soil, double-depth sampling provided equally precise estimates at lower total costs than conventional sampling in which all sampling units are processed to the same depth. In five test plots, double-depth sampling with 30 cm first sample depths and 60 cm second depths appeared the most efficient for estimating the number of O. ligustici larvae per 30 cm. These samplings average 72% of the total cost of conventional single-depth sampling.
Research Commentary---Sponsored Search and Market Efficiency

Sponsored search is the mechanism whereby advertisers pay a fee to Internet search engines to be displayed alongside organic (nonsponsored) web search results. Based on prior literature, we draw an analogy between these markets and financial markets. We use the analogy as well as the key differences to present a theoretical framework consisting of a set of research questions about the pricing of keywords and design choices available to firms in sponsored search markets. These questions define an agenda for future research in sponsored search markets. They also have practical implications for advertisers and online marketplaces such as search engines and social media sites that support advertising.
Left-Ventricular Structure in the Southall And Brent REvisited (SABRE) Study: Explaining Ethnic Differences

Cardiometabolic risk is elevated in South Asians and African Caribbeans compared with Europeans, yet whether this is associated with ethnic differences in left-ventricular structure is unclear. Conventional M-mode or 2-dimensional echocardiography may be misleading, because they calculate left-ventricular mass and remodeling using geometric assumptions. Left-ventricular structure was compared in a triethnic population-based cohort using conventional and 3-dimensional echocardiography on 895 individuals (aged 55-85 years; 427 European, 325 South Asian, 143 African Caribbean). Left-ventricular mass was indexed, and left-ventricle remodeling index and relative wall thickness were calculated. Anthropometry, blood pressure, and fasting bloods were measured. Three-dimensional left-ventricular mass index did not differ between Europeans (mean ± SE, 29.8 ± 0.3 g/m(2.7)) and African Caribbeans (29.9 ± 0.5 g/m(2.7); P=0.9), but it was significantly lower in South Asians (28.1 ± 0.4 g/m(2.7); P<0.0001) compared with Europeans. These findings persisted on multivariate adjustment. In contrast, conventional left-ventricle mass index was significantly higher in African Caribbeans (46.4 ± 0.9 g/m(2.7)) than in Europeans (41.9 ± 0.5 g/m(2.7); P<0.0001). Left-ventricle remodeling index was the highest in African Caribbeans and the lowest in South Asians. Relative wall thickness was also higher in African Caribbeans, but no different in South Asians, compared with Europeans. Differences in left-ventricle remodeling index were attenuated by adjustment for cardiometabolic factors between African Caribbeans and Europeans only. In conclusion, left-ventricular mass is lower in South Asians and equivalent in African Caribbeans compared with Europeans, even when cardiometabolic risk factors are accounted for. Left-ventricular remodeling rather than hypertrophy may explain the increased risk of heart failure in people of African Caribbean origin.
Verification of a subtractive radix-2 square root algorithm and implementation

Many modern microprocessors implement floating point square root hardware using subtractive algorithms. Such processors include the HP PA7200, the MIPS R4400, and the Intel Pentium. The Intel Pentium division bug highlights the importance of verifying such implementations. In this paper we discuss the verification of a radix-2 square root unit similar to that used in the MIPS R4400. The verification is done by theorem proving to bridge the gap between the algorithm and the implementation. At the top level, we verify that a subtractive, non-restoring algorithm correctly calculates the square root function. We then show a series of optimizing transformations that refine the top level algorithm into the hardware implementation. Each transformation can be verified. We show the transformation of the top level proof to a level that is closer to the hardware implementation. The implementation is at the RTL level, and consists of a structural description of the hardware including an adder/subtracter, simple combinational hardware and some registers.
An algorithm for the scheduling of setups and production to meet due dates

A closed-loop production control algorithm for a medical device manufacturing facility of an international healthcare conglomerate with due dates, significant setup times, and random disruptions is proposed. The algorithm is problem driven, exploits a hierarchical setup structure, and uses real-time control. The algorithm has been reduced to a set of simplistic rules with which floor management feels comfortable. The purpose of this research is to provide the theoretical underpinnings of those simple rules. >
Using simulation to support implementation of flexible manufacturing Cell

A simulation model was developed and tested using Taylor II to justify the implementation of a Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC). The current production capacity at the existing Continuous Flow (CF) assembly line must be increased and among other proposals, a FMC is highly recommended. Simulation models are developed, tested, verified, and the model sensitivity is evaluated. The simulation models provide valuable information about performance parameters, critical elements, and bottlenecks that may appear when the line capacities have been altered. Manufacturing line evaluation and assessment of the improvements from one layout to the other is accomplished by tracking performance parameters such as lead-time, throughput, work-in process, and resource utilization. The simulation models resulted in a more in-depth understanding of manufacturing parameters and clear understanding of the improvements achieved by switching to FMC. The FMC model showed a reduction in production lead-time, average WIP, the burn-in capacity, and the number of operators required.
Role of secretin in negative feedback regulation of postprandial pancreatic secretion in dogs

Abstract Background: A negative feedback regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion has been observed in fasting rats, pigs, and humans, but this phenomenon could not be found in fasting dogs. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether or not postprandial pancreatic secretion is regulated by a negative feedback mechanism and to determine if the mechanism is mediated by secretion and/or cholecystokinin (CCK) in dogs. Methods: In eight dogs prepared with gastric and Herrera's pancreatic cannulas, pancreatic juice was collected for 3 hours after feeding a mixed meal to measure volume, bicarbonate, and trypsin output. Peripheral venous blood was obtained to determine plasma immunoreactive secretin and CCK levels. Four groups of experiments were performed while pancreatic juice was diverted from the duodenum: (1) diversion of pancreatic juice alone, (2) intraduodenal infusion of fresh pancreatic juice while pancreatic juice was diverted, (3) intraduodenal infusion of 150 mg/h of trypsin and 300 mg/h of chymotrypsin, and (4) intraduodenal infusion of 0.1 mol/L NaHCO 3 . Results: Pancreatic secretion during diversion of pancreatic juice was significantly greater than that obtained while pancreatic juice was returned. Diversion-induced pancreatic hypersecretion was significantly suppressed by intraduodenal administration of pancreatic proteases, but it was not influenced significantly by 0.1 mol/L NaHCO 3 . The suppression by either pancreatic juice or proteases paralleled the decrease in plasma secretin response, whereas the CCK response remained unchanged. The inhibitory effect of pancreatic proteases on pancreatic secretion was blocked by a physiological dose of exogenous secretin, 0.06 clinical U · kg −1 · h −1 . Conclusions: In dogs, postprandial pancreatic secretion is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism mediated mainly by the release of secretin, but not by CCK.
Psychosocial sequelae of hematopoietic cell transplantation in survivors and caregivers.

Numerous cross-sectional and some longitudinal studies have described the health-related quality of life and psychosocial sequelae of survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The majority of HCT survivors seem to do well with regard to their overall physical, psychologic, social, and spiritual well-being. However, psychosocial recovery can take longer than physical recovery, and for many, significant residual difficulties remain, including fatigue, distress, sexual problems, and cognitive difficulties. Family caregivers also can experience long-lasting adverse effects from the transplant and caregiving experiences. This brief review will focus primarily on studies of long-term survivors and caregivers (at least 1 year post-HCT) conducted in the last decade (see Mosher et al. [1] for a detailed review of these issues). Although there are no data on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in long-term HCT survivors, interventions effective with survivors in the peritransplant period and with non-HCT cancer survivors will be noted, along with suggestions for the future.