cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlled release of human growth hormone in rats following parenteral administration of poloxamer gels

Abstract The use of poloxamer-407 to develop a sustained release formulation of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was evaluated. Since poloxamer 407 undergoes reverse thermal gelation, it can be injected as a solution but then it forms a gel matrix at body temperature. In vitro release studies were conducted at 37°C for 72 h. An approximate zero order release profile was observed as measured by HPLC assay. Iodination of rhGH was then performed for the release of 125I-rhGH from poloxamer gel. In vivo studies in rats were then conducted using the poloxamer gel formulation for controlled release of rhGH following administration by intramuscular and subcutaneous routes. The controlled release formulation continued to release rhGH in vitro for 60–72 h and for a week in vivo following intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. Controlled release of rhGH was observed following administration by either route, but no significant difference (P
Earliest Childhood Memories: Four Theoretical Perspectives

Four separate lines of thought relevant to a theory of early memories (EMs) have appeared in the literature—Freud's, Adler's, an ego psychology view and one adapted from memory theory, Each view was presented in turn and discussed in terms of its implications for assessment and treatment. It was pointed out that none of these four theories addresses several issues relevant to the individual who plans to do research with EMs.
Esterase activity of rabbit pulmonary angiotensin converting enzyme

Abstract A series of depsipeptides have been synthesized and used to demonstrate the esterase activity of rabbit pulmonary angiotensin converting enzyme. Among the esters studied, Bz-Phe-OPhe-Ala was found to have the highest k cat K m which is about 1 5 that of its exact peptide analog, Bz-Phe-Phe-Ala. Esters such as Bz-Gly-OGly-Phe, Bz-Gly-OPhe-Phe and Bz-Gly-OLeu-Ala were also hydrolyzed but at much lower rates. Normal Michaelis-Menten behavior is observed and the kinetic parameters obtained indicate that the esters and their peptide analogs bind to the enzyme equally well, but that peptides are hydrolyzed at much higher rates. Studies on the pH-rate profiles, chloride ion effect, inhibition and chemical modifications detect no mechanistic differences between ester and peptide hydrolysis.
Example application of the cognitive design procedure for an order pick system: Case study☆

We present a numerical case study to illustrate a cognitive design procedure for an order pick system (OPS), which has been established through a series of interviews with and presentations to OPS experts and literature review. The design procedure and related issues are discussed in the order of input, selection, and evaluation stages along with iterative aspects of top-down decomposition and bottom-up modification. Included are managerial considerations; transaction data description; replenishment fulfillment; overall structure and detailed subsystem specification in reserve, picking, and sorting areas; and subsystem reconciliation and evaluation.
Estimates of Climatic Air Quality Potential at Shreveport, Louisiana

Abstract Air quality potential at Shreveport, Louisiana is evaluated using synoptic weather types, mixing heights, and dispersion. Mixing height and dispersion data for ten years are segregated by synoptic weather types twice a day for the months of January, April, July and October. It is found that both mixing heights and dispersion vary by weather type, season, and time of day. Graphical representations of typical wind directions and air quality properties for the Shreveport area are used to illustrate the potential for air quality resource application.
Chronic Ethanol Administration Alters Immunoreactivity for GABAA Receptor Subunits in Rat Cortex in a Region‐Specific Manner

BACKGROUND Chronic ethanol administration has a plethora of physiological effects. Among the most consistently observed findings is a change in the expression pattern of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor subunits in the rat brain cortex. These findings led to the hypothesis of "subunit substitution" to account for changes in receptor function without changes in receptor number. METHODS We used subunit (alpha1 and alpha4) specific antibodies and a combination of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting to examine subregions of cortex (prefrontal, cingulate, motor, parietal, and piriform) for their response to 2 weeks of forced ethanol administration. RESULTS Overall, cortical immunoreactivity for the alpha1 subunit was decreased and for the alpha4 subunit increased whether measured immunohistochemically or by immunoblotting. Piriform cortex exhibited a bidirectional change in GABA(A) receptor alpha1 and alpha4 immunoreactivity, similar to that previously observed in preparations of whole cortex. However, in parietal cortex, declines in alpha1 immunoreactivity (55 +/- 12% control value [CV] and 88.3 +/- 4.3% CV; immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, respectively) were not accompanied by concomitant increases in alpha4 immunoreactivity (104 +/- 8% CV and 116 +/- 9.3% CV; immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, respectively). Conversely, alpha4 immunoreactivity increased in cingulate cortex (210 +/- 30% CV and 134 +/- 9.5% CV; immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, respectively) without a decline in alpha1 immunoreactivity (90 +/- 4% CV and 91.3 +/- 3.9% CV; immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, respectively). Prefrontal and motor cortex exhibited GABA(A) receptor subunit peptide alterations, but these changes varied with the method of analysis. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that ethanol dependence results in nonuniform changes in GABA(A) receptor subunit peptide levels across the rat brain cortex and suggest that mechanisms which subserve functional changes in receptor activity may vary in accordance with anatomic or cellular differences within the cortex.
Growth and fruiting of tomato as influenced by elevated carbon dioxide and ozone

'Tiny Tim' tomato plants were exposed to five CO 2 treatments (375 (ambient), 450, 525, 600 or 675 μmol mol -1 ) in combination with O 3 (0 or 80 nmol mol -1 ). Biomass was evaluated following 3, 5, 7 and 13 wk exposure. Biomass following 13 wk exposure also included weekly harvests of mature tomato fruit beginning week 8. Carbon dioxide enrichment significantly enhanced total vegetative plant d. wt at each harvest, as well as cumulative yield of mature fruit, whereas O 3 significantly suppressed total vegetative plant d. wt at each harvest and reduced total cumulative fruit yield. The magnitude of these changes varied with the development of tomato from early growth to mature fruit yield. Carbon dioxide enrichment reduced the detrimental effects of O 3 on total vegetative plant d. wt of tomato following 3, 5, 7 and 13 wk exposure. Final mature fruit yield was 24 % higher under enriched CO 2 treatments than in ambient CO 2 . Ozone suppressed final yield by 31 % following exposure to 80 nmol mol -1 O 3 when compared with exposure to charcoal-filtered (CF) air. The impacts of both CO 2 and O 3 on yield were, however, dependent upon the presence or absence of the other gas. In the absence of O 3 , yields were very similar for the ambient and elevated CO 2 treatments, but in the presence of O 3 , yields under ambient CO 2 were greatly suppressed whereas yields under elevated CO 2 were similar to those in the absence of O 3 . Thus, enriched CO 2 ameliorated most of the suppressive effect of O 3 on yield of mature fruit.
Detecting Bridging and Stuck-At Faults at Input and Output Pins of Standard Digital Components

Due to the advances in the integrated circuit technology, there is an increasing importance in testing bridging (short circuit) failures in digital networks. Unfortunately, very little work has been done in this area. This paper presents the schemes for the detection of feedback bridgings between the inputs and outputs through the observation of oscillation and asynchronous behavior of sequential networks created by bridging faults. The lower and upper bounds on the number of tests for detecting all feedback bridging faults are given. Conditions for the undetectability of input bridgings are given and a method for testing input bridgings is presented. The results are generalized to detect bridging and stuck-at faults in the input and output lines of a multiple-output network. Finally, the complete test sets are given for detecting input, output and feedback bridgings as well as stuck-at faults at the input and output pins of the standard integrated circuit chips including shift registers, counters, decoders, multiplexers, adders/subtracters, multipliers, dividers and RAM. Future unsolved problems in this area are also given.
Enzyme patterns and protein synthesis during synchronous conidiation in Neurospora crassa

Abstract Both the growth of aerial hyphae and the differentiation of conidia from existing aerials were inhibited by cycloheximide or ethionine. These results suggest a requirement for protein synthesis throughout conidiogenesis. Several results are presented which suggest NADase may be required for the processes culminating in the differentiation of macroconidia. In particular, using a new technique to isolate aerial hyphae and conidia, I discovered that the increase in NADase activity during conidiogenesis was confined to the newly formed aerial hyphae and conidia. No NADase was detected in the old mycelium. In sharp contrast, aryl-β-glucosidase and cellobiase activities increased in both the mycelium and the aerials and conidia. The increases in all three enzyme activities during conidiogenesis were inhibited by cycloheximide and ethionine, a result suggesting the de novo synthesis of these enzymes. Other results show that aryl-β-glucosidase, cellobiase, and a fourth enzyme, trehalase, were not required to form normal numbers of conidia.
Theory and application of array coils in MR spectroscopy

The theory and application of array coils are reviewed in the context of phased array spectroscopy. The optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio from an array of coils is developed by considering the efficiency of a phased array transmit coil. This approach avoids the need to consider noise correlation, and should be useful in future considerations of transmit phased array coils for MR spectroscopy. Methods to characterize array coil performance, including fields and coupling are briefly summarized, along with methods to minimize the effects of mutual inductance. The signal-to-noise advantages of array coils over single coils are examined for both planar and cylindrical arrays. Numerical simulations of planar arrays of 2×2, 4×4 and 8×8 elements and constant overall dimension are compared to a single coil of the same size. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in sensitivity near the array coil. Although the benefits of the array decrease as a function of distance from the array, the array sensitivity never drops below that of a single coil with the same overall dimensions, or that of a single element of the array. Similar results are obtained for a sixteen element cylindrical array, which is compared to a standard quadrature birdcage coil using both computational methods and phantom measurements. The phased array techniques reviewed are demonstrated with proton spectroscopic images of the brain. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation of the markings on wear and fatigue fracture surfaces

Abstract The worn surfaces of three polymers sliding against a lapped steel disk were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy. The surfaces of polymethylmethacrylate and high density polyethylene were covered with bands of arced ripples stretched along the transverse direction. The shape of these ripples is consistent with the distribution of tensile principal stress in the contact zone for a hemispherical indenter sliding on a plane surface. The Polyvinylchloride surface suffered severe plastic deformation during sliding as discerned by the dimples on it. The fatigue fracture surfaces of these materials were also examined by SEM. The polymethylmethacrylate surface exhibited a series of striations whose spacing increased in the direction of crack propagation. The striations on high density polyethylene and Polyvinylchloride surfaces were not observed because fracture was accompanied by considerable plastic deformation. This study shows that the mechanism of the separation of a wear particle from the sliding surface is cumulative damage as encountered in fatigue.
17O NMR spectroscopy: unusual substituent effects in para-substituted benzyl alcohols and acetates

Abstract The 17 O chemical shifts for para -substituted benzyl alcohols and acetates were measured: electron donating substituents resulted in deshielding and electron withdrawing groups resulted in shielding of the chemical shift; the data are correlated by DSP treatment.
Geographical disparity in access to organ transplant in the United States and other western countries: a prolegomenon to a solution.

Background: Disparities in access to and in outcome of organ transplantation are widely discussed topics among transplant researchers in many Western countries. Among various types of disparities examined in existing studies, “geographic disparity,” i.e., disparity due to a recipient's location, is most common. Despite a number of articles that acknowledge the existence of geographic disparities, the literature has been relatively silent about the historical and international efforts to address these issues. Literature discussing remedies or proposing analytical tools to identify remedies is even rarer. This paper investigates potential causes of geographic disparity and advocates possible methodological approaches to analyze and address the disparity. Methods: The paper conducts an in-depth review of geographic disparity and the policy efforts to reduce the disparity in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The current organ allocation systems in these countries are also reviewed and compared. Possible causes of the disparity and future analytical approaches are discussed based on the findings of these reviews. Findings: Geographic disparity in organ transplant service is ubiquitous in all countries studied. Many Western countries have a similar organ allocation system with some difference in the degree of interregional and national-level sharing enforced by the government. The organ allocation system in these countries tends to have some inherent mechanism to favor a “home region” where organs are harvested, implying that the locations of candidates matter in accessing a transplant. Geographic allocation boundaries prevalent in the United States were found to be another potential source of geographic disparity. Conclusions: Developing an equitable organ allocation system is a multifaceted problem. The allocation procedure needs to reflect priorities of urgent cases and some geographic areas, patient's severity level, waiting time, cold ischemia time (CIT) and associated travel distance, condition of and compatibility between organ and recipient, etc. Failing to reflect these factors adequately results in disparity of some sort. The implications of geographic boundaries in organ allocation need to be studied further. Utilization of relatively new methodological approaches, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and system dynamic modeling, would help develop a system that allocates organs more equitably.
Methylmercury effects in rat, hamster, and squirrel monkey.

Abstract The LD50 24 hours of methylmercury chloride was estimated as 11.9 mg/kg in the rat, 22.4 mg/kg in the hamster, and more than 17 mg/kg in the squirrel monkey. At 30 days, the LD50 was 10.1 mg/kg in the rat and 15.2 mg/kg in the hamster and was estimated as 4.7–6.4 mg/kg in the monkey. Motor symptoms such as hind-leg tucking when lifted by the tail were induced in the rat by five daily doses of 2 mg each, resulting in brain mercury levels above 8 μg/g of cerebral hemisphere or cerebellum, and more than 6 μ/g of pons and medulla. Levels of glycine, glutamate, aspartate, and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) were unchanged from control levels. In monkeys, single doses of more than 3 mg/animal and five doses of 0.75 mg or more produced a neurological degenerative pattern at mercury levels greater than 8 μg/g of tissue. GABA was increased and glycine, glutamate, and aspartate were decreased in the brain tissue. Neither single nor repeated doses produced motor responses in the hamster prior to death.
Problems and Challenges in Teaching Business History in Professional Education for Business

Business history as a differentiated subject is of comparatively recent origin in the American academic scene. It has naturally been most closely associated with collegiate schools of business, and particularly with those offering graduate or semi-graduate programs of instruction. It now seems appropriate to inquire what role it plays in such programs, what should be its content, how it should be presented, and what relationship it has to the closely associated fields of economic history, economics, business administration, and public administration
Biomimetic design and fabrication of a hexapedal running robot

The design of legged robots has long drawn on nature for inspiration. However, few of these robots exhibit the speed and robustness seen in even the simplest of animals. The paper presents the design and fabrication of a class of six-legged running robots based on biologically inspired functional principles. We first describe findings in biological research that motivate our robots' design, leg configuration, and control structure. We then describe an emerging layered-manufacturing technology that allows us to fabricate the robots with passive mechanical properties like those found in nature. Finally, we present preliminary tests over different terrains and conditions which show speed and robustness approaching the performance of small animals.
The Mechanical Blackboard

A device has been constructed to aid in solving problems of optimum distribution the assignment problem, the transportation problem, the traveling-salesman problem, etc. It does not mechanize the algorithm, and therefore, is not a computer, rather, it mechanizes the tedious operations that one is forced to perform in manipulating such problems on a blackboard. While it may be used to solve certain problems, and to demonstrate methods of solution, its primary value is as an aid in the development of new algorithms. It is suggested that building special-purpose mechanical blackboards rather than special-purpose computers may prove a valuable approach in the solution of many comparable problems.
Collimated Beam Wave Pulse Propagation and Scattering in Vegetation Using Scalar Transport Theory

This investigation develops a theoretical model for microwave and mm-wave propagation and scattering in vegetation that is based on radiative transfer theory (transport theory). The time-dependent, three dimensional, scalar radiative transport equation is solved (to a high degree analytically and then numerically) for strong forward scattering of a pulsed collimated beam wave in a strong forward scattering environment such as a forest at mm-wave frequencies. The problem analyzed is that of a periodic sequence of Gaussian pulses incident from free space onto a forest region. The forest is modeled as a half-space of randomly distributed particles that scatter and absorb electromagnetic energy. The incident pulse train is taken to be a collimated (cylindrical) beam wave. The theory allows for a comprehensive characterization of the influence of vegetation on the propagation of pulsed beam waves, which includes a description of the attenuation of these beams, their angular spread, their distortion due to pulse broadening, and the determination of out-of-the-beam scattering which was not previously available. The model should be useful for frequencies above 3 GHz.
Adaptive fuzzy system for transform image coding

An adaptive fuzzy associative memory (AFAM) system is described. It can efficiently classify subimages in adaptive transform image coding. The AFAM system, trained with differential competitive learning for product-space clustering, demonstrated good compressed-image quality at a less than 1-bit-per-pixel rate. It achieved 16-to-1 image compression with only five fuzzy rules. The AFAM system encodes different images without modification and reduces side information when multiple images are encoded. The bank of fuzzy rules estimates the sampled transform-coding process without a mathematical model of how outputs depend on inputs, without mathematical transform techniques, and without rules articulated by experts. The AFAM system provides modular model-free estimation of the transform-coding process. >
An overview of the high power electric propulsion (HiPEP) project

Practical implementation of the proposed Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission, within NASA’s Project Prometheus, will require the development of a high specific impulse propulsion system. High power, gridded ion thrusters should be able to satisfy the proposed JIMO mission specific impulse requirement. Perhaps the most critical requirement that the propulsion system must satisfy is that of thruster lifetime. The projected thruster operating time is unprecedented at upwards of fourteen years. A NASA GRC-led team, which also includes members from academia and industry, has been assembled to design, fabricate and test a thruster capable of satisfying the stringent JIMO propulsion requirements. The focal points of the HiPEP team efforts are life, performance and demonstration of growth to higher powers. Reported herein is a general overview of the HiPEP project detailing the approach and the present status of ongoing activities aimed at developing a long life, high performance ion thruster.
A Moraxella catarrhalis Two-Component Signal Transduction System Necessary for Growth in Liquid Media Affects Production of Two Lysozyme Inhibitors

There are a paucity of data concerning gene products that could contribute to the ability of Moraxella catarrhalis to colonize the human nasopharynx. Inactivation of a gene (mesR) encoding a predicted response regulator of a two-component signal transduction system in M. catarrhalis yielded a mutant unable to grow in liquid media. This mesR mutant also exhibited increased sensitivity to certain stressors, including polymyxin B, SDS, and hydrogen peroxide. Inactivation of the gene (mesS) encoding the predicted cognate sensor (histidine) kinase yielded a mutant with the same inability to grow in liquid media as the mesR mutant. DNA microarray and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses indicated that several genes previously shown to be involved in the ability of M. catarrhalis to persist in the chinchilla nasopharynx were upregulated in the mesR mutant. Two other open reading frames upregulated in the mesR mutant were shown to encode small proteins (LipA and LipB) that had amino acid sequence homology to bacterial adhesins and structural homology to bacterial lysozyme inhibitors. Inactivation of both lipA and lipB did not affect the ability of M. catarrhalis O35E to attach to a human bronchial epithelial cell line in vitro. Purified recombinant LipA and LipB fusion proteins were each shown to inhibit human lysozyme activity in vitro and in saliva. A lipA lipB deletion mutant was more sensitive than the wild-type parent strain to killing by human lysozyme in the presence of human apolactoferrin. This is the first report of the production of lysozyme inhibitors by M. catarrhalis.
Compatibilization of the PBA/PMMA Core/Shell Latex Interphase. II. Effect of PMMA Macromonomer

In this work poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macromonomer is used as a compatibilizing agent in a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA)/PMMA core/shell latex system. The incorporation of the PMMA macromonomer was achieved by copolymerizing it with BA monomer using miniemulsion polymerization. PBA seed latex was also synthesized without the macromonomer present to compare the compatibilizing effects with the PMMA macromonomer. The second stage methyl methacrylate monomer was added semi-continuously to the PBA seed latexes under monomer-starved conditions. Solid-state 13C-NMR [H]T1ρ relaxation studies were used to determine the effect of PMMA compatibilizer on these PBA/PMMA core/shell latex interphase regions. The thickness of the interphase of the core/shell particles prepared with and without the PMMA macromonomer compatibilizing agent are calculated to be in the range of 15–16 nm and 10–12 nm, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed that the seed latex prepared with the PMMA macromonomer achieved a more uniform coverage with the second stage PMMA polymer as compared to the latex synthesized without the compatibilizing agent present. It is concluded that the PMMA macromonomer is effective in increasing the thickness of the interphase region and also the amount of interfacial PMMA. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Convexification method for bilinear transmission expansion problem

SUMMARY This research presents a method for convexifying the non-linear constraints and the objective function for the Transmission Network Expansion Planning Problem (TNEP). The TNEP seeks to identify the best set of transmission capacity additions to meet a future electric power demand. The TNEP is a non-convex Mixed Integer Non-linear Programming problem for which a variety of primal solution methods have been designed. In this paper, the TNEP is formulated as a bilinear programming problem subject to bilinear constraints. This allows resolving the non-linearities through convexification of the non-linear objective function and the constraints for a relaxation of the TNEP in which integrality requirements are removed. The final solution for the original TNEP problem is obtained by using a branch and bound strategy. It was found by using a two-node test case that the convexification method presented in this paper in conjunction with a brand and bound strategy identifies the optimal solution. Successfully solving a small-scale test problem through convexification presents a promising scenario to solve larger scale problems. This primal-dual method allows identifying the duality gap which is a limitation of primal methods. Further multidisciplinary research is needed to extend the method presented here to larger cases and real life networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Block oriented processing of relational database operations in modern computer architectures

Database systems are not well-tuned to take advantage of modern superscalar processor architectures. In particular, the clocks per instruction (CPI) for rather simple database queries are quite poor compared to scientific kernels or SPEC benchmarks. The lack of performance of database systems has been attributed to poor utilization of caches and processor function units as well as higher branching penalties. In this paper, we argue that a block-oriented processing strategy for database operations can lead to better utilization of the processors and caches, generating significantly higher performance. We have implemented the block-oriented processing technique for aggregation expression evaluation and sorting operations as a feature in the DB2 Universal Database (UDB) system. We present results from representative queries on a 30-GB TPC-H (Transaction Processing Council Benchmark H) database to show the value of this technique.
Spontaneous Channel Activity of the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate (InsP3) Receptor (InsP3R). Application of Allosteric Modeling to Calcium and InsP3 Regulation of InsP3R Single-channel Gating

The InsP3R Ca2+ release channel has a biphasic dependence on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). InsP3 activates gating primarily by reducing the sensitivity of the channel to inhibition by high [Ca2+]i. To determine if relieving Ca2+ inhibition is sufficient for channel activation, we examined single-channel activities in low [Ca2+]i in the absence of InsP3, by patch clamping isolated Xenopus oocyte nuclei. For both endogenous Xenopus type 1 and recombinant rat type 3 InsP3R channels, spontaneous InsP3-independent channel activities with low open probability P o (∼0.03) were observed in [Ca2+]i < 5 nM with the same frequency as in the presence of InsP3, whereas no activities were observed in 25 nM Ca2+. These results establish the half-maximal inhibitory [Ca2+]i of the channel to be 1.2–4.0 nM in the absence of InsP3, and demonstrate that the channel can be active when all of its ligand-binding sites (including InsP3) are unoccupied. In the simplest allosteric model that fits all observations in nuclear patch-clamp studies of [Ca2+]i and InsP3 regulation of steady-state channel gating behavior of types 1 and 3 InsP3R isoforms, including spontaneous InsP3-independent channel activities, the tetrameric channel can adopt six different conformations, the equilibria among which are controlled by two inhibitory and one activating Ca2+-binding and one InsP3-binding sites in a manner outlined in the Monod-Wyman-Changeux model. InsP3 binding activates gating by affecting the Ca2+ affinities of the high-affinity inhibitory sites in different conformations, transforming it into an activating site. Ca2+ inhibition of InsP3-liganded channels is mediated by an InsP3-independent low-affinity inhibitory site. The model also suggests that besides the ligand-regulated gating mechanism, the channel has a ligand-independent gating mechanism responsible for maximum channel P o being less than unity. The validity of this model was established by its successful quantitative prediction of channel behavior after it had been exposed to ultra-low bath [Ca2+].
Skeletal muscle fiber atrophy: altered thin filament density changes slow fiber force and shortening velocity.

Single skinned fibers from soleus and adductor longus (AL) muscles of weight-bearing control rats and rats after 14-day hindlimb suspension unloading (HSU) were studied physiologically and ultrastr...
A new 65.8 topology and a distorted 65.8 CdSO4 topology: two new supramolecular isomers of [M2(bdc)2(L)2]n coordination polymers

We report the crystal structures of two new coordination polymers that have similar composition but, despite having the same circuit symbol and Schlafli notation, different topologies: a novel 3D topology (USF-1) and a CdSO4-like topology.
Specialized Conducting Fibers in the Interatrial Band

The interatrial band (Bachmann's bundle) was studied both in situ, in the adult dog, and in vitro, using excised canine atria. Electrograms recorded from this structure in the intact animal had a double intrinsic deflection during sinus rhythm, and responded to rapid rates of atrial stimulation with alternation in both configuration and cycle length. Potassium infusions which produced atrial arrest with a sinoventricular rhythm did not abolish electrical activity in the interatrial band. Single fibers of the interatrial band, studied in vitro with microelectrodes, had distinctive transmembrane potentials different from those of ordinary atrial muscle fibers. Action potentials were characterized particularly by a high rising velocity (maximum dv/dt), of the same magnitude as that recorded from Purkinje fibers, and a prominent plateau. These fibers were sensitive to acetylcholine and more resistant to potassium arrest than ordinary atrial fibers. Conduction velocity in the interatrial band was consistently ...
Prediagnostic plasma vitamin C levels and the subsequent risk of prostate cancer.

Abstract Objective Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are hypothesized to prevent prostate carcinogenesis by protecting the DNA from oxidative damage. We assessed whether higher prediagnostic plasma concentrations of vitamin C were associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in a well-nourished cohort of men. Methods Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) were previously determined in blood specimens collected between 1984 and 1990 in men participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Total plasma ascorbic acid ( l -ascorbic acid plus dehydro- l -ascorbic acid) levels were measured by using a modification of the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method. Among the 498 male participants with measured plasma vitamin C levels, 62 men were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for prostate cancer. Results The median plasma concentration of vitamin C for the cohort was 1.17 mg/dL, which is in the normal to high range for older men. The age-adjusted relative risk of prostate cancer for the highest quartile (median = 1.47 mg/dL, range = 1.36–2.58) compared with the lowest quartile (median = 0.83 mg/dL, range = 0.15–0.98) of plasma vitamin C concentration was 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.63 to 2.70, P for trend = 0.29). Adjustment for cigarette smoking status, body mass index, or plasma cholesterol concentration did not attenuate the results. Conclusions This small but prospective study suggests that higher plasma vitamin C concentrations within the normal physiologic range are not associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in well-nourished men.
Stereotype threat in India: Gender and leadership choices

Stereotype threat is a psychosocial dilemma experienced by members of a negatively stereotyped group in situations where they fear they may confirm the stereotype. This study examined the phenomenon in India, thereby extending previous research to another culture. In addition, with participation by students preparing to be professionals, the results are applicable to organizational settings. Ninety graduate students from a professional training institute viewed common Indian advertisements under three conditions: gender stereotypic (women depicted as homemakers), counter stereotypic (women represented as professionally employed individuals) and neutral (no reference to any gender identity). It was hypothesized that females in the stereotypic condition would be susceptible to stereotype threat effect and thus opt for problem solver over leadership role on a subsequent task, while females in the counter stereotypic condition were expected to choose leadership roles. ANOVA was employed to test for differences across the three conditions. The study also hypothesized mediation of the stereotype threat performance deficits by self-efficacy, evaluation apprehension, anxiety, role conflict, stereotype activation, father's and mother's education levels. Hierarchical multiple regression procedures as recommended by Baron and Kenny (1986) were conducted for mediational analysis. Data analysis provided partial support for the two hypotheses. In support of the stereotype threat theory, condition emerged as a significant variable influencing selection of role choice. In line with previous research, no evidence for mediation by any of the variables studied as potential mediators was found. However role conflict and evaluation apprehension may have functioned as suppressor variables that enhanced the variance in the condition-role choice relationship. The results of the study and their implications, in context of the Indian scenario, are discussed. Certain limitations are identified and suggestions made for future research.
Unframing Immigration: Looking Through the Educational Space of Contemporary Art

This article uses the lens of contemporary visual art as a counternarrative to explore the racialization of immigration in the United States and its relationship to education. Drawing on critical race theory, I argue that today several artists use their artistic practice to intervene strategically in the immigration debates. These artistic interventions are pedagogical because they open spaces for students to address the topic of immigration in both secondary schools and universities. As pedagogical sites, these art practices precipitate debate, dissent, and dialogue about immigration in the United States, generating another avenue for civic engagement, which is a crucial component of democracy.
Compile-time disambiguation of MATLAB types through concrete interpretation with automatic run-time fallback

While the popularity of MATLAB for scientific and engineering applications is unabated, its poor performance compared to traditional languages, such as Fortran or even C, for a general class of problems continues to impede its deployment in full-scale simulations and data analysis. To ameliorate performance, we have been developing a MATLAB and Octave compiler that leverages the interpreter to implement some of the optimizations as concrete partial evaluations. Specifically, this paper describes constant propagation and type inference, using a high-level tree-transformation tool that has built-in support for solving dataflow problems. The approach allows propagation and folding of constants in cases that would be impractically difficult otherwise. The idea, when extended to infer variable types, provides a natural way to disambiguate types at compile time while leaving the fallback code in place for run-time evaluation. Experimental evaluation on pieces of real MATLAB code demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach.
Effects of dexamethasone on Muc5ac mucin production by primary airway goblet cells

Mucus hypersecretion associated with airway inflammation is reduced by glucocorticoids. Two mechanisms of glucocorticoid-mediated inhibition of mucus production have been proposed, direct inhibitio...
Ovine abortion due to Coxiella burnetii infection

9The organism is an obligate intracytoplasmic parasite in the family Rickettsiaceae. It causes Q fever in man and occasionally outbreaks of abortions in food animals such as sheep, goats, and dairy cows. The purpose of this report is to describe the pathology and microbiologic findings of a recent outbreak of abortion in sheep from northcentral California. Four aborted near-term lambs and 2 placentas were submitted for diagnostic examination to the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory of South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, in January 1987. They were submitted from a north-central California flock that had abortions occurring since October of the previous year. The disease appeared to be highly contagious, with the abortion rate varying from 10 to 60% within groups of the flock. Lambs were either aborted near term or born weak. Standard diagnostic procedures for ovine abortions were employed, including gross examination and collection of lung, liver, myocardium, brain, and placenta for histopathology in 10% neutral buffered formalin. For electron microscopy, formalin-fixed tissue was rinsed and postfixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and 1% osmium tetroxide and processed by standard procedures. Lung, placenta, and stomach contents were cultured by standard aerobic and microaerophilic methods. Impression smears were prepared from placental cotyledons and stained with Gimenez stain. Fluorescent antibody tests were done on frozen placental sections using Chlamydia groupspecific conjugate” and conjugate specific for C. burnetii.
Preventing stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation

Published and ongoing studies of drug therapy for preventing stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF) are discussed, and updated recommendations are provided. Stroke is the most common complication of nonrheumatic AF; there are more than 75,000 such strokes each year in North America. Nonrheumatic AF increases the risk of stroke almost sixfold. Emboli from clots that form in the left atrium because of ineffective atrial contraction and turbulent blood flow may cause most of these strokes. The results of six randomized trials of antithrombotic therapy in patients with nonrheumatic AF are now available. In almost all of these trials, warfarin therapy significantly reduced the risk of stroke. One trial showed that aspirin significantly reduced the risk of stroke, but another trial did not support that finding. Ongoing trials are addressing the efficacy and risks of aspirin plus low-dose warfarin and very low intensity anticoagulation. Overall, the data suggest that patients who are younger than 75 years of age and who lack risk factors can be adequately protected against stroke with aspirin. Patients younger than 75 years who have risk factors but no contraindications to warfarin should receive warfarin. Patients older than 75 years appear to benefit from anticoagulation therapy, but this benefit is offset by the higher risk of bleeding complications. Lone AF is best managed with aspirin. Warfarin is superior to aspirin as a secondary intervention in patients with a recent thromboembolic event. Strategies for preventing stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation continue to be refined.
Negative Feedbacks by Isoprenoids on a Mevalonate Kinase Expressed in the Corpora Allata of Mosquitoes.

Background Juvenile hormones (JH) regulate development and reproductive maturation in insects. JHs are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway (MVAP), an ancient metabolic pathway present in the three domains of life. Mevalonate kinase (MVK) is a key enzyme in the MVAP. MVK catalyzes the synthesis of phosphomevalonate (PM) by transferring the γ-phosphoryl group from ATP to the C5 hydroxyl oxygen of mevalonic acid (MA). Despite the importance of MVKs, these enzymes have been poorly characterized in insects. Results We functionally characterized an Aedes aegypti MVK (AaMVK) expressed in the corpora allata (CA) of the mosquito. AaMVK displayed its activity in the presence of metal cofactors. Different nucleotides were used by AaMVK as phosphoryl donors. In the presence of Mg2+, the enzyme has higher affinity for MA than ATP. The activity of AaMVK was regulated by feedback inhibition from long-chain isoprenoids, such as geranyl diphosphate (GPP) and farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Conclusions AaMVK exhibited efficient inhibition by GPP and FPP (Ki less than 1 μM), and none by isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate (DPPM). These results suggest that GPP and FPP might act as physiological inhibitors in the synthesis of isoprenoids in the CA of mosquitoes. Changing MVK activity can alter the flux of precursors and therefore regulate juvenile hormone biosynthesis.
Pulmonary-Artery Catheterization

Pulmonary-artery catheterization aids the diagnosis and management of numerous cardiovascular illnesses. This video demonstrates the insertion of a pulmonary-artery catheter.
Generation of Three-Dimensional Structures by Crystal/Crystal Coalescence of Poly-Para-Xylylene in Solution

Among the two basic poly-para-xylylene (PPX) crystal habits corresponding to the well known alpha and beta polymorphs, various forms of crystal/crystal associations have been observed and explained in term of three-dimensional structures. High resolution imaging and electron diffraction experiments of lamellar crystals grown from a 0.01% wt solution in 1-methylnaphthalene using the self seeding technique show strong evidence for a threedimensional “roof-like” model for the alpha/alpha twinned crystals. This model is based on the presence of tilted chains in the alpha lamellar crystals. Furthermore, observation of various forms of alpha/alpha, alpha/beta and beta/beta lamellar crystals allows a generalization of this model and a more fundamental explanation for their origin: crystal coalescence during growth in solution.
On the Central Limit Theorem for the Prime Divisor Function

(1969). On the Central Limit Theorem for the Prime Divisor Function. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 132-139.
Nonrecurring Income Taxes: Do Analysts and Investors Identify and Adjust for Transitory Tax Expense Items?

This study examines whether analysts identify transitory tax items and the effect of transitory tax items on the information content of earnings. Compustat identifies nonrecurring income taxes, with data relatively well populated beginning in 2005. Based on a hand-collected sample, nonrecurring income taxes arise from the most complex elements of tax expense such as valuation allowance changes, tax law changes, foreign earnings repatriations, and tax audits. Nonrecurring income taxes lack strong predictive power for future earnings, confirming their transitory nature. In contrast to prior literature, analysts and investors appear to recognize transitory tax items, as analysts exclude nonrecurring income taxes from Street earnings and the earnings response coefficient is lower for firms with material nonrecurring income taxes compared to firms without material nonrecurring income taxes. This finding suggests that analysts and investors identify and adjust for transitory components of tax expense in the form of nonrecurring income taxes.
Church, Sect, and Scripture: The Protestant Bible and Mormon Sectarian Retrenchment

In light of (a) recent work by Stark and Bainbridge on new religions, (b) some socialpsychological theories, and (c) recent changes in the Mormon religion, this essay proposes a modification in the traditional sect-church model of unidirectional change in the natural history of new sects. The twentieth century history of the Mormon religion is then reviewed briefly to illustrate the need for this theoretical modification to fit cases like that of the Mormon retrenchment and retrogression on the sect-church continuum. Finally, the changing Mormon uses of the Protestant Bible are reviewed to demonstrate the kinds of markers or indicators available for tracing the changing positions of religious groups along that continuum.
Genetic tools for advancement of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 as a cyanobacterial chassis

Successful implementation of modified cyanobacteria as hosts for industrial applications requires the development of a cyanobacterial chassis. The cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 embodies key attributes for an industrial host, including a fast growth rate and high salt, light, and temperature tolerances. This study addresses key limitations in the advancement of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 as an industrial chassis. Tools for genome integration were developed and characterized, including several putative neutral sites for genome integration. The minimum homology arm length for genome integration in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 was determined to be approximately 250 bp. Three fluorescent protein reporters (hGFP, Ypet, and mOrange) were characterized for gene expression, microscopy, and flow cytometry applications in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Of these three proteins, the yellow fluorescent protein (Ypet) had the best optical properties for minimal interference with the native photosynthetic pigments and for detection using standard microscopy and flow cytometry optics. Twenty-five native promoters were characterized as tools for recombinant gene expression in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 based on previous RNA-seq results. This characterization included comparisons of protein and mRNA levels as well as expression under both continuous and diurnal light conditions. Promoters A2520 and A2579 were found to have strong expression in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 while promoters A1930, A1961, A2531, and A2813 had moderate expression. Promoters A2520 and A2813 showed more than twofold increases in gene expression under light conditions compared to dark, suggesting these promoters may be useful tools for engineering diurnal regulation. The genome integration, fluorescent protein, and promoter tools developed in this study will help to advance Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 as a cyanobacterial chassis. The long minimum homology arm length for Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 genome integration indicates native exonuclease activity or a low efficiency of homologous recombination. Low correlation between transcript and protein levels in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 suggests that transcriptomic data are poor selection criteria for promoter tool development. Lastly, the conventional strategy of using promoters from photosynthetic operons as strong promoter tools is debunked, as promoters from hypothetical proteins (A2520 and A2579) were found to have much higher expression levels.