cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of microtubules on vascular smooth muscle contraction.

Microtubules are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and play key roles in many cellular activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of microtubules on vascular smooth muscle contraction. Quantitative immunocytochemical analysis of rat aortic tissue revealed that, relative to the control group, colchicine (15 μM, 90 min) and nocodazole (15 μM, 90 min) decreased the microtubule density by 40–50% while taxol (10 μM, 90 min) increased the microtubule density by 33%. Isometric contraction studies demonstrated that both colchicine and nocodazole caused an upward shift in the phenylephrine (10−8 to 10−5 M) dose–response curve while taxol caused no significant change when compared to the control group. Potassium chloride (30 mM) induced 55 ± 5% P0 contraction in DMSO treated vessel rings. The active tension increased to 73 ± 5% P0 and 71 ± 6% P0 after pretreatment of the aortic rings with colchicine or nocodazole, respectively. Taxol did not cause a significant change in the active tension (56 ± 7% P0). These results indicate that microtubule depolymerization enhances isometric contraction of vascular smooth muscle and this enhanced contraction is not receptor dependent. Pretreatment of the aortic rings with an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (Nω-nitro-L-arginine) did not change the increased contractile response to phenylephrine due to microtubule depolymerization suggesting that this phenomenon is not mediated by endothelium dependent relaxation.
Extension Theorems for Linear Codes over Finite Rings

Various forms of the extension problem are discussed for linear codes defined over finite rings. The extension theorem for symmetrized weight compositions over finite Frobenius rings is proved. As a consequence, an extension theorem for weight functions over certain finite commutative rings is also proved. The proofs make use of the linear independence of characters as well as the linear independence of characters averaged over the orbits of a group action.
Optimal Triangulations by Retriangulating

Given a set S of n points in the plane, a triangulations that minimizes the maximum angle can be contracted in polynomial time by repeatedly deleting all edges that intersect some line segment and retriangulating the thus created polygonal regions. The same method can be used to compute a triangulation that maximizes the minimum triangle height. The currently most efficient implementation of this paradigm runs in time O(n2log n) and storage O(n).
Biological Information Processing Using the Concept of Interpenetrating Domains

In any meaningful discussion of information processing in the nervous system there will inevitably be aspects of theory, of experimental data or experiment and of ultimate application. Almost invariably, however, we will, without conscious plan, adjust the informational system in which we discuss the problem to be stationary in all aspects except that which we are exercising in our discussion. We may, for example, take a particular set of experimental facts and try to fit them into an existing theoretical framework or we may plan a new set of experiments to test an established or newly formulated theoretical idea. Alternatively we may use a body of experimental knowledge formulated in terms of available theoretical formulations to design a new laboratory technique or to achieve a “useful” social or economic purpose.
Deposition and Surface Treatment of Microparticles to Produce Lotus-Effect Surface

A simple approach has been developed to produce microstructured inorganic surfaces, which can be prepared by a number of procedures. Microstructure can first be created and then converted from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic by simple SAM treatment. These materials can also be created by dropcasting microparticles capped with hydrophobic groups directly onto treated surfaces. The advantage to the first approach is increased surface stability when exposed to various conditions.
Benchmarking SAT solvers for bounded model checking

Modern SAT solvers are highly dependent on heuristics. Therefore, benchmarking is of prime importance in evaluating the performances of different solvers. However, relevant benchmarking is not necessarily straightforward. We present our experiments using the IBM CNF Benchmark on several SAT solvers. Using the results, we attempt to define guidelines for a relevant benchmarking methodology, using SAT solvers for real life BMC applications.
Is there a benefit to postoperative fluid restriction following infant surgery

Objective Fluid restriction is often employed immediately following cardiac surgery in children. The goal of this approach is to achieve an early negative fluid balance, which theoretically should lead to less interstitial edema and earlier extubation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether time to negative fluid balance in infants after undergoing systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt palliation impacts duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. Design This is a retrospective study of neonates who underwent a modified systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt at a single institution. Setting University hospital pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Patients Neonates who underwent a modified systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt between January 1, 2009 and June 1, 2011. Outcome Measures Information collected included time to negative fluid balance (in hours), CICU and hospital length of stay (in days), and the number of patients who had delayed sternal closure and/or underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Results Data were available for 65 subjects. Median fluid administration in the 24 hours postoperatively was 43.9 cc/kg/day (interquartile range: 32.9–61.0). Mean time to negative fluid balance was 25.0 ± 12.8 hours. Time to negative fluid balance was not associated with time to extubation, CICU and hospital length of stay, or change in weight-for-age z-score at intensive care unit discharge. Conclusion Time to negative fluid balance is not associated with duration of mechanical ventilation, CICU, and hospital length of stay in patients after undergoing systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt palliation. The utility of a restricted fluid strategy immediately following infant heart surgery is questionable.
Reovirus Capsid Proteins σ3 and µ1: Interactions That Influence Viral Entry, Assembly, and Translational Control

Mammalian reoviruses are prototypical members of the Reoviridae family. Characteristics shared by members of this family include a segmented dsRNA genome and a nonenveloped particle consisting of two or three concentric proteinaceous capsids. The ten genome segments of mammalian reoviruses together encode only 11 unique proteins. These proteins execute the reovirus replication program in a variety of cell types within diverse animal hosts.
Notes on anelastic effects and thermal noise in suspensions of test masses in interferometric gravitational-wave detectors

The thermal noise is expected to be one of the main limiting factors on the sensitivity of interferometric gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO and VIRGO. Thermal fluctuations of internal modes of the interferometer's test masses and of suspension modes will dominate the noise spectrum at the important frequency range between 50 and 200 Hz. It is assumed that losses in the test masses and suspensions will occur mainly due to internal friction in their materials, which is related to anelasticity effects in solids. The present notes comprise some basic results on the theory of anelasticity and thermal noise in pendulum suspensions. This collection is by no means complete and focus on aspects which are of interest for the author.
Cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) associated with different host plants has different facultative endosymbionts

Maternally inherited facultative endosymbiotic bacteria are common among insects, including many polyphagous insect herbivores. To investigate whether symbiont infection is structured by host plant in the polyphagous aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, pyrosequencing and diagnostic PCR were performed on 26 populations from two different host plants, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Results indicated that Aphis craccivora harbours distinctly different microbial communities in alfalfa versus locust. The facultative symbiont Hamiltonella was found only in aphids collected from alfalfa, and the facultative symbiont Arsenophonus was found only in aphids from locust. Hamiltonella is known to protect aphids against hymenopteran parasitoids, whereas the phenotypic effects of Arsenophonus in aphids are unknown. Correspondingly, a screen of the aphid samples for hymenopteran DNA indicated that Hamiltonella-bearing alfalfa populations of A. craccivora experienced lower parasitism than Arsenophonus-bearing locust populations. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that correlative associations between bacterial endosymbionts and host plants may be a common phenomenon in polyphagous herbivores, and suggests that microbial symbionts have the potential to act as drivers for observed ecological differences among host-associated populations of polyphagous insects.
Object-oriented implementation of a graphical-programming system

Object-oriented (OO) analysis, design, and programming is a powerful paradigm for creating software that is easily understood, modified, and maintained. In this paper we demonstrate how the OO concepts of abstraction, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and dynamic binding have aided in the design of a graphical-programming tool. The tool that we have developed allows a user to build radiographic system models for computing simulated radiographic data. It will eventually be used to perform Bayesion reconstructions of objects given radiographic data. The models are built by connecting icons that represent physical transformations, such as line integrals, exponentiation, and convolution, on a canvas. We will also briefly discuss ParcPlace's application development environment, VisualWorks, which we have found to be as helpful as the OO paradigm.
Solvolyses of cytosine and cytidine.

It has been confirmed by UV spectrophotometry and TLC that cytosine and cytidine deaminate to uracil and uridine, respectively, at all pH values. These products slowly degrade further in strongly alkaline solutions. Cytidine also undergoes a parallel degradation in strongly alkaline solutions to a nonchromophoric compound, which can be assigned to a product of pyrimidine ring cleavage. The kinetic expression for the apparent first-order rate constant for the deamination of cytosine and its derivatives is: k1 = (kH2o + koH[OH−])fH2C+ + (koH)1[OH−]fHC, where fH2C+ and fHC are the fractions of substrate protonated and nonprotonated, respectively; and log k-pH profiles were prepared for several temperatures. The microscopic rate constants for deamination and their Arrhenius parameters were obtained. Cytosine showed a pK 'a2 assignable to a dissociation in highly alkaline solutions, and this anionic form appeared resistant to deamination. No such kinetic pK 'a2 was assignable to cytidine. Buffer catalytic constants for deamination were obtained for acetate and carbonate buffer species.
A Corrected Map of Whitman's Washington Boarding Houses and Work Places

Offers a corrected version of a map specifying the locations of Whitman's residences and offices in Washington, D.C.; the original flawed map was printed on the back cover of the summer 2004 issue of the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review.
Vitamin E reduces plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL oxidation, and early aortic atherosclerosis compared with black tea in hypercholesterolemic hamsters

Abstract Dietary intakes of tea polyphenols have been reported to be inversely associated with the development of coronary heart disease via decreased LDL oxidation. Eighty male F 1 B Golden Syrian hamsters, 7 weeks of age, were divided into 4 groups of 20. The hamsters were fed a semi-purified hypercholesterolemic diet containing 12% coconut oil, 3% sunflower oil, and 0.2% cholesterol (w/w) (CONTROL), and either CONTROL + 0.625% brewed black tea (w/w) (LOW TEA), CONTROL + 1.25% brewed black tea (w/w) (HIGH TEA), or CONTROL + 0.044% tocopherol acetate (w/w) (VITAMIN E) for 10 weeks. The hamsters fed the VITAMIN E diet compared to the CONTROL, LOW TEA, and HIGH TEA diets had significantly lower plasma LDL-C concentrations (−18%, p
Influences on Student Intention and Behavior Toward Environmental Sustainability

As organizations place greater emphasis on environmental objectives, business educators must produce the next set of leaders who can champion corporate environmental sustainability initiatives. However, environmental sustainability represents a polarizing topic with some students dismissing its importance and legitimacy. Limited research exists to understand student behavioral influences on sustainability education, especially as it translates to environmental sustainability behavior in the workplace. This gap challenges our ability as educators to understand how to best teach environmental sustainability in order to reach diverse student mindsets. We apply the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to address this gap, investigating the influence of student attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on environmental sustainability intention and behavior. A structural model tested with student survey data finds that student attitude represents the strongest influence on environmental sustainability intention. The model also validates that subjective norm affects sustainability intention with students considering professors along with business leaders and politicians as valid references for sustainability knowledge. To tie the results to effective educational interventions, we use the TPB to organize an extensive review of the sustainability pedagogy literature and identify specific teaching recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of environmental sustainability education.
Raman studies of sulfur in borosilicate waste glasses: sulfate environments

Abstract Raman spectroscopy has been used to characterize sulfur environments in a variety of borosilicate glass formulations developed for long-term radioactive waste storage. The spectra of these glasses all have S–O symmetrical stretch modes (ν1) near 1000 cm −1 from tetrahedral SO4 (sulfate) environments. The Raman data indicate that the sulfate environments are independent of the borosilicate network; in particular, isolated SO4 tetrahedra in the glass are surrounded by network modifying cations, such as Na. By changing the type of network modifying cations in the borosilicate glass, the ν1 peak shifts, in such a way that larger cation charge densities correlate to higher ν1 frequencies. The ν1 peak for Li, Ca, Na, K, and Cs borosilicate glasses is broadened and shifted to lower frequencies with respect to ν1 for Li, Ca, Na, K, and Cs sulfate crystals, respectively; this indicates that sulfate tetrahedra in borosilicate glass are more disordered and more weakly bonded to their surrounding environments than sulfate tetrahedra in the corresponding sulfate crystals.
On quantum groups

In the first part we show that to a quantum group one can associate in a natural way a Hecke algebra. In the second part we formulate a conjecture relating the representation theory of a quantum group at a fixed root of 1 to the representation theory of an affine Lie algebra at a fixed negative level
Diver-operated piston corer for nearshore use

A diver-operated piston corer suitable for collecting cores of >3 m length from fine-grained nearshore sediment has been developed. The corer uses a platform that rests on the sediment surface supporting both the operators and a derrick that maintains the piston at the sediment-water interface. The core is insected into and recovered from the sediment manually. The technique offers several advantages; low cost, minimal disruption of the sediment-water interface, little compaction of the sediment, the ability to collect longer length cores than is possible with gravity corers, and the ability to be deployed from relatively small boats. Dissolved ammonium and inorganic carbon data are presented from a 3.3-m core collected by this technique from Tomales Bay, California.
NSF considers recommendations for marine seismic reflection

As marine seismic reflection programs have become more complex, the number of active investigators has diminished because of the extensive technical expertise required. Establishing national facilities for at-sea seismic acquisition is one way to shift much of the operational burden from individual scientists, enabling more scientists to use modern seismic methods and data. In addition, creating a seismic reflection data center would relieve accessibility issues and impediments to efficient multidisciplinary research and education. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funded a workshop to address marine seismic capabilities in the academic fleet, and the recommendations described above were part of the result. If implemented, the recommendations—which are now before NSF—would engage a broader segment of the scientific community in seismic acquisition and interpretive activities by simplifying fieldwork and access to data collected by other investigators. There are currently no official national facilities for seismic acquisition. The establishment of one or more NSF facilities would be a significant step, since many shortcomings could be addressed by consolidating management and incorporating coherent communitybased input at facilities operations.
Institutional effects on project arrangement: high‐speed rail projects in China and Taiwan

Previous studies recognize institutional impacts on the arrangement of large infrastructure projects but they have not analysed the process by which a host country’s institutions shape infrastructure projects. Institutional theory was applied as an analytical lens to identify different effects of regulatory, normative and cultural institutions on project arrangements. A cross‐case comparative study of high‐speed rail projects in China and Taiwan was conducted to investigate the processes through which political cultures and industrial structures determined the decisions for project arrangements, including delivery method, financing, participants’ roles, the degree of private and foreign participation, and organization. Longitudinal archival methods combined with exploratory case studies were employed to examine project decisions by analysing government regulations, official publications, news articles, project documents and 20 interviews. A conceptual model was presented to integrate the findings. The pol...
Detection of circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells by flow cytometry

The finding of angiogenic and vasculogenic cells in the peripheral circulation may have profound effects on the course of a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease. These cells are ascribed to be endothelial in nature and are generally referred to as circulating endothelial cells if mature or as endothelial progenitor cells if immature. Different approaches have been used to detect these cells, including in vitro culture, magnetic bead isolation, and flow cytometry. We review flow cytometric methods for the detection and enumeration of these cells and provide technical suggestions to promote the accurate enumeration of circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells.
Reaction of epoxides with diethylaminosulfur triflouride

Abstract Diethylaminosulfur triflouride (DAST) reacts with epoxides (oxiranes) to form geminal diflourides, vicinal diflourides, and bis(2-fluoroalkyl) ethers. Thus cyclopentene oxide gave cis -1,2-difluorocyclopentane and bis(2-fluorocyclopentyl) ether; cyclohexene oxide gave cis -1,1-difluorocyclohexane and bis(2-fluorocylohexyl) ether; styrene oxide gave 1,1-difluoroethylbenzene and 1,2-difluoroethylbenzene; and cis - and trans -stilbene oxides gave mixtures of meso - and racemic 1,2-difluoro-1,2-diphenylethanes together with 1,1-difluoro-2,2-diphenylethane resulting from a rearrangement. Cyclooctene oxide and cyclohexene sulfide do not react appreciably under the same conditions.
Investigation of pegloticase-associated adverse events from a nationwide reporting system database

Purpose Pegloticase-associated adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database in the United States were evaluated. Methods Retrospective data-mining analysis of FAERS case reports listing Krystexxa or pegloticase as the suspect drug and specific adverse events (cardiovascular events, infusion-related reactions, gout flares, and anaphylaxis) was conducted from the drug’s approval date (September 14, 2010) through August 27, 2012. Initial and follow-up reports with the same primary linked identification number were identified as unique to each patient case. When multiple reports for the same patient were identified with a common case number, the report with the most recent date was used to eliminate duplicate reports. Bayesian confidence propagation neural network methodology was used to identify signals of drug-associated adverse events. A potential signal for drug–adverse event reports is generated when the lower limit of the 95% two-sided confidence interval of the information component is greater than 0. Results A total of 118 unique cases of adverse events involving pegloticase in the United States were identified during the study period. Fourteen reports were related to pegloticase-associated cardiovascular events, and 35 were related to pegloticase-associated infusion-related reactions. Twenty-six reports were related to pegloticase-associated gout, and 11 were reports of pegloticase-associated anaphylaxis. Bayesian statistics identified potential signals for all pegloticase-associated adverse events (cardiovascular events, infusion reactions, gout flares, and anaphylaxis). Conclusion Analysis of pegloticase-associated adverse events submitted to the FAERS database found that cardiovascular events, infusion-related reactions, gout flares, and anaphylaxis occurred more frequently than was statistically expected.
Critical survey of the present stand of the production of perfect stage of organs of fructification in dermatophytes

Very little progress had been made on the question whether organs of higher fructification occur in dermatophytes. Only two significant studies can be noted. One was the elaboration of the hypothesis byMatruchot &Dassonville that “dermatophytes” because of morphological similarities with certain fungi (Myxotrichum, Gymnoascus, Arachniotus) belong with them to the Gymnoascaceae. However, this generalization was unwarranted, since their hypothesis was based on a single strain of a dermatophyte, designated by them as “Trichophyton, sp.” without the species having been more closely determined. Moreover, they did not produce any evidence for their generalization that all dermatophytes should, or necessarily must belong to the Gymnoascaceae. Finally,Matruchot &Dassonville had never seen either pycnidia or perithecia in their cultures. To say the least, their hypothesis, whether right or wrong, must await further demonstrations that pycnidia and/or perithecia do exist in the dermatophytes.
Heat capacity of naturally layered SrO ( La 1 − x Sr x MnO 3 ) 2 single crystals

We measured the heat capacity of $\mathrm{SrO}{({\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3})}_{2}$ single crystals $(0.32\ensuremath{\leqslant}x\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.64)$ in the temperature range of $3--300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ and in magnetic fields to $9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{T}$. In order to evaluate the magnetic entropy of the system, we compare data for samples of different composition to decompose the lattice and magnetic contributions. We extract the magnetic contribution by using a sample with no long-range magnetic ordering transition to serve as a reference. We find that the magnetic entropy below room temperature is significantly reduced compared to expectations based on localized moments. But a recent model that invokes a Griffith's singularity indicates that the missing entropy can reside at elevated temperatures due to short-range ordered clusters of effective spin 8.
Differences in participation based on self-esteem in power and manual wheelchair users on a university campus: a pilot study

AbstractObjectives: To examine the relationship of self-esteem and wheelchair type with participation of young adult manual and power wheelchair users with diverse physical disabilities. Design: Cross-sectional survey study. Setting: Large University Campus. Participants: A convenience sample of college students (N = 39) with self-reported physical disabilities who are full time wheelchair users (>40 per week) and are two or more years post illness or injury. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique was used to measure participation. Results: Self-esteem correlated highly with cognitive independence (CI) (r = 0.58), mobility (r = 0.67) and social integration (SI) (r = 0.52). Use of manual wheelchair was significantly related to higher levels of CI and mobility while longer use of any wheelchair (power or manual) was significantly associated with higher levels of mobility ...
Techniques for minimizing the effects of PCR inhibitors in the chytridiomycosis assay.

Chytridiomycosis is an amphibian disease of global conservation concern that is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Since the discovery of Bd in 1998, several methods have been used for detection of Bd; among these polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from skin swabs is accepted as the best method due to its noninvasiveness, high sensitivity and ease of use. However, PCR is not without problems – to be successful, this technique is dependent upon the presence of nondegraded DNA template and reaction contents that are free from inhibitors. Here, we report on an investigation of several techniques aimed at improving the reliability of the Bd PCR assay by minimizing the effects of humic acid (HA), a potent PCR inhibitor. We compared the effectiveness of four DNA extraction kits (DNeasy, QIAamp DNA Stool, PowerLyzer Power Soil and PrepMan Ultra) and four PCR methods (Amplitaq Gold, bovine serum albumin, PowerClean DNA Clean-up and inhibitor resistant Taq Polymerase). The results of this and previous studies indicate that chytridiomycosis studies that use PCR methods for disease detection may be significantly underestimating the occurrence of Bd. Our results suggest that to minimize the inhibitory effects of HA, DNeasy should be used for sample DNA extraction and Amplitaq Gold with bovine serum albumin should be used for the Bd PCR assay. We also outline protocols tested, show the results of our methods comparisons and discuss the pros and cons of each method.
News of the outside world in the post-revolutionary Iranian press

** The author wishes to express special thanks to the staff of the Middle East Section of University of Chicago Library, especially to Dr. Mohammad Tavakoli, for facilitating the data collection fo...
Wave propagation and cavitation in metals

Abstract The theory of materials with internal state variables is advanced as an especially convenient means of representing certain microstructural features in a way that not only appeals to both the continuum theoretician and the materials scientist but also lends itself to numerical solution of problems. The important points are illustrated by the example of a theory for viscoplastic flow and cavitation of ductile metals.
Civil-Military Relations And Argentine Democracy

In the twentieth century, Argentina has been beset with the problem of praetorianism-a condition in which military officers play a principal or predominant role in the political system. For the last 30 years, civilian governments have followed various strategies for establishing civilian control, with uniformly disastrous results. Since 1983, the Alfonsfn government has instituted a new approach, a strategy of "doctrinal change" within the armed forces; the strategy aims at incorporating the norms of Western military professionalism and respect for democracy. Although the present government has done better than its predecessors, the final prognosis is still guarded.
Random integral equation formulation of a generalized Langevin equation

In this paper, the generalized Langevin equation introduced by Kubo and Mori is formulated as a random integral equation. We consider (1) the existence and uniqueness of the solution, (2) moments of the solution process, (3) a comparison theorem for solution processes, and (4) the Cauchy polygonal approximation to the solution.
The Selfish Hero: A Study of the Individual Benefits of Self-Sacrificial Prosocial Behavior:

Twenty-four same-sex, three-person groups (a confederate plus two naive participants) completed a "group decision-making study" in which the success of the group depended upon the willingness of one of its members (the confederate) to endure pain and inconvenience. The ordeal that the altruistic confederate endured was judged to be more difficult and costly than the experience of other group members, and the altruists were ultimately awarded more money and accorded higher status. In a second study, 334 undergraduates read a description of the procedures used in Study 1 and made judgments and monetary allocations to the hypothetical people described in the scenario. The concordance of the data in the two studies support a costly signaling, rather than a reciprocal altruism explanation for such "heroic" behavior.
Orphenadrine citrate (Norflex) mediated inhibition of thyroid function in the adult male rat.

The hydrochloride salt of orphenadrine (Disipal® ) in man is known to cause an increase in total serum thyroxine (T4) as measured by competitive binding technique (CPB) but not by RIA. The latter implies a direct in vitro competition between T4 and orphenadrine metabolites for T4 binding sites on TBG. The present study was designed to evaluate whether orphenadrine citrate (Norflex® ) has a direct effect on the thyroid gland in male rats. In contrast with the studies reported in humans, the chronic administration (32 days) of orphenadrine citrate to rats led to a gradual depression of serum thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), and triiodothyronine (T3) without affecting the serum rat thyrotropin (rTSH) levels in these animals. Orphenadrine citrate administration was accompanied by important ultrastructural changes in the thyroid gland characterized by the absence of colloid droplet formation 15 min following TRH-induced TSH release and the preservation of numerous exocytotic vesicles. These ultrastructural findings are consistent with the blocking effect of orphenadrine citrate on the endocytotic and possibly exocytotic process. The above findings could not be attributed to a difference in rTSH response of control groups and orphenadrine citrate treated rats following TRH administration. The fact that the orphenadrine citrate treated rats, despite their very low FT4 levels, did not develop an elevated serum TSH level suggested that a central mechanism was involved as well. Although the serum rTSH and rat prolactin (rPRL) responses following TRH administration were similar in both control and experimental groups, the mean serum rPRL level was significantly lower in the orphenadrine citrate-treated group when compared with the saline control group on day 26 of the study [orphenadrine citrate = 36.0 ±4.3 ng/ml (SE), n = 9, vs control = 51.9 ±4.7, n = 11 (p >0.01)]. No significant differences in the pituitary rTSH content of orphenadrine citrate-treated rats and control rats were observed. In contrast, the pituitary rPRL was significantly depressed in the orphenadrine citrate treated rats when compared with the control group [orphenadrine citrate = 5.9 ± 0.63 /ig/ml pituitary protein, n=8,vs saline control = 11.43 ± 1.58 /ig/ml pituitary protein, n = 10 (p>0.01)]. The fall in the biochemical parameters of thyroid function in orphenadrine citrate treated rats in conjunction with the ultrastructural findings suggests a direct effect of orphenadrine citrate or one of its metabolites on the thyroid itself. Additional studies suggest a central effect of orphenadrine citrate as well. The exact mechanism by which orphenadrine citrate produces these findings remains to be elucidated.
The use of transgenic and knock-out mice in the investigation of ocular surface cell biology.

Abstract The transgenic and knock-out mice created by transgenesis and gene targeting techniques are very useful for elucidating the pathophysiology of human diseases caused by altered genetic functions. Many of the experimental mouse lines exhibit ocular surface disorders. However, embryonic lethality and congenital defects found in many of the transgenic and knock-out mice preclude their use for studying the consequences of altered genetic functions in adult animals. To circumvent these difficulties, we have established binary inducible mouse models, using the corneal keratocyte-specific keratocan promoter, and the tetracycline-inducible gene expression system (reverse tetracycline transcription activator -rtTA). In these models, the animals function normally until they are fed doxycycline, thus inducing the overexpression of inserted transgenes by keratocytes. We have also developed inserted rtTA and Cre reporter gene constructs to create genetically modified mouse lines that have tissue-specific gene alterations to study acquired conditions, e.g., wound healing and irregular hormone and cytokine signaling that offsets homeostasis in adults. Furthermore, the genes that are ubiquitously expressed in many tissues can be specifically ablated solely in ocular surface tissues to examine their function, since the loss of such a gene in ocular surface tissues will not be life-threatening. It is noteworthy that these altered mouse lines can also be used as models for the development of therapeutic treatment regimens of diseases using gene therapy and stem cell strategies.
Surgical treatment of posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to critically examine the outcomes of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed. Two reviewers assessed and confirmed the methodologic and patient data from the included studies. Frequency-weighted means were calculated for outcomes that were present in multiple studies. Results Eight studies fulfilled our criteria, and they included 130 patients. The mean age was 38.1 years, and the mean follow-up period was 44.5 months. Traumatic dislocation was the most common cause of PLRI. Of the studies that reported the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 91% of patients had good or excellent results, with a frequency-weighted mean of 91. Improvement in elbow range of motion was noted (133° to 138° of flexion [ P P = .005]). A complication rate of 11% was noted, with recurrent instability noted to occur in 8% of patients. Conclusions PLRI of the elbow remains to be fully understood. Treatment strategies vary and should be performed based on surgeon experience and evidence available. Most patients will have good or excellent results after surgery; however, up to 11% of patients may have complications. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level II through IV studies.
Treatment planning for neutron radiation therapy

Abstract Treatment-planning techniques developed for photon therapy have been freely borrowed for fast-neutron beam therapy, including methods of storing the measured data and subsequent manipulation to correct for patient contour, inhomogeneities, oblique incidence of the beam, and the presence of beam-modifying devices. These corrections account for discontinuities in density in the path of the ray from source to volume of interest, but not for their location along that ray, discontinuities in adjacent rays, or the finite size of the patients. Given appropriate choice of effective density and attenuation for the discontinuity, resulting errors are minimal for the photon energies in common use and in most clinically realistic geometries. In fast-neutron beam therapy, however, experiment shows that for accurate prediction of dose in the irradiated volume, corrections must be made for the finite size and shape of the irradiated volume and the location of discontinuities along the ray from the source to the volume of interest. Corrections must also be made for discontinuities present along adjacent rays, though absent along the ray through the volume of interest. Corrections are influenced by both density and hydrogen content, being greatest for lung, then bone, and least for fat. Methods will be discussed. The problem of incorporating the biological data to provide biologically effective dose will be considered.
Effective protection and investment incentives in Egypt and Jordan during the transition to free trade With Europe

Abstract This paper assesses the possible impact of a Euro-Mediterranean Agreement (EMA) on Egypt and Jordan and identifies policy options that will increase the benefits of free trade with Europe. The extent to which these countries will benefit from an EMA depends greatly on the investment response and thus on improvements in the investment climate. The latter will be determined by many factors. This paper focuses on three such factors: the modalities of the tariff reduction strategy that will be pursued, the extent to which transaction costs may be reduced, and upgrading the quality and lowering the costs of intermediate service inputs through greater competition. Many of the policy and institutional changes that are required are not or are only in part covered by the EMA.
Pierre Fatumbi Verger Negotiating Connections Between Brazil and the Bight of Benin

Este artigo estuda os aspectos particulares que caracterizaram as relacoes de Pierre Verger (1902-1996) com seus informantes da comunidade Aguda do Daome (atual Republica do Benin). Atraves do estudo de suas notas de pesquisa e da correspondencia mantida com estes informantes, o artigo mostra como tais relacoes foram cruciais para seu trabalho e em que medida exerceram um impacto no desenvolvimento dos contatos entre as duas regioes, historicamente interligadas pelo trafico atlântico de escravos. O artigo mostra que apesar da influencia de sua posicao economica e social e dos questionamentos suscitados por suas intervencoes, Verger mostrava um zelo incansavel por seus informantes que por sua vez acabou tambem se tornando um informante crucial para os descendentes de africanos na Bahia e para os descendentes de brasileiros no Benim.
Blockade of sensory neuron action potentials by a static magnetic field in the 10 mT range

To characterize the inhibitory effect of a static magnetic field, action potentials (AP) were elicited by intracellular application of 1 ms depolarizing current pulses of constant amplitude to the somata of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons in monolayer dissociated cell culture. During the control period, < 5% of stimuli failed to elicit AP. During exposure to an approximately 11 mT static magnetic field at the cell position produced by an array of four permanent center-charged neodymium magnets of alternating polarity (MAG-4A), 66% of stimuli failed to elicit AP. The number of failures was maximal after about 200-250 s in the field and returned gradually to baseline over 400-600 s. A direct or indirect effect on the conformation of AP generating sodium channels could account for these results because 1) failure was preceded often by reduction of maximal rate of rise, an indirect measure of sodium current; 2) recovery was significantly prolonged in more than one-half of neurons that were not stimulated during exposure to the MAG-4A field; and 3) resting membrane potential, input resistance, and chronaxie were unaffected by the field. The effect was diminished or prevented by moving the MAG-4A array along the X or Z axis away from the neuron under study and by increasing the distance between magnets in the XY plane. Reduction of AP firing during exposure to the approximately 0.1 mT field produced by a MAG-4A array of micromagnets was about the same as that produced by a MAG-4A array of the large magnets above. The approximately 28 mT field produced at cell position by two magnets of alternating polarity and the approximately 88 mT field produced by a single magnet had no significant effect on AP firing. These findings suggest that field strength alone cannot account for AP blockade.
Localization of the gene encoding RκB (NFRKB), a tissue-specific DNA binding protein, to chromosome 11q24–q25

Although NF (nuclear factor)-κB binds in vitro to several of the κB regulatory elements found in cellular and viral genes, another DNA binding protein, RκB, also binds to a related variant of the κB site that regulates interleukin-2 receptor α-chain gene expression, a critical event in T cell activation. Southern blot analysis of a human-mouse somatic cell hybrid panel and in situ hybridization using a fluorescent genomic RκB probe have allowed assignment of the RκB gene (NFRKB) to 11q24–q25. The NFRKB locus is in close proximity to the chromosomal breakpoint implicated in Ewing sarcoma, but it does not appear to span this region. Nonetheless, NFRKB may be particularly useful as the most telomeric marker thus far assigned to 11q.
Sulfur removal from Texas lignite using steam and air

Abstract The objective of this work was to develop a method to remove sulfur from Texas lignite using steam and air. Batch experiments were performed in small 80cc reactors using lignite from the Wilcox formation. The experiments were conducted at temperatures from 300 to 450°C, at pressures from 0.67 atm to about 35 atm and for several lignite/water/air ratios. The results showed that sulfur reduction in the range of 45 to 50% can be obtained at reactor conditions of about 450°C, 1.7 atm and residence times of about 15 to 20 minutes. Analytical tests showed that the sulfur reduction was primarily of the organic form. This process could be combined with a prewash for minerial matter and partial pyrite removal to give total sulfur removals of from 60 to 70%.
Concurrent Chemoradiation in the Routine Management of Patients with Cervical Cancer: How Does the Experience Compare with Treatment on a Prospective Randomized Trial?

RT, and transfusion during RT) and three descriptive tumor variables (clinical tumor diameter, clinical lymph node status, and FIGO stage) were recorded. Tumor diameters were recorded in 94% of patients and were categorized as 4 cm (1035 pts; 38%), 4–4.9 cm (549 pts; 14%), 5–5.9 cm (499, 18%), 6–6.9 cm (301; 11%), or 7 cm (360 pts; 13%). The median follow-up of surviving patients was 163 months. Comparisons between actuarial curves were made using the log-rank method. A proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the relative importance of predictive factors.
Para-anal larva migrans.

Larva migrans may produce para-anal pyogenic infection and symptoms referable to the anal region. The epidemiology and pathology of the disease have been outlined and the most recent advances in treatment presented.
Molecular dissection of the functional domains of a unique, tartrate-resistant, surface membrane acid phosphatase in the primitive human pathogen Leishmania donovani

The primitive trypanosomatid pathogen of humans, Leishmania donovani, constitutively expresses a unique externally oriented, tartrate-resistant, acid phosphatase on its surface membrane. This is of interest because these organisms are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that reside and multiply within the hydrolytic milieu of mammalian macrophage phago-lysosomes. Here we report the identification of the gene encoding this novel L. donovani enzyme. In addition, we characterized its structure, demonstrated its constitutive expression in both parasite developmental forms, and determined the cell surface membrane localization of its translated protein product. Further, we used a variety of green fluorescent protein chimeric constructs as reporters in a homologous leishmanial expression system to dissect the functional domains of this unique, tartrate-resistant, surface membrane enzyme.
In Vitro Sensitivity of Fusobacteria to Various Antibiotics

TN THE recent past, antibiotics have been utilized in the treatment of Vincent's infection or ulcerative gingivitis. Penicillin, topically applied in the form of pastes, lozenges, or mouthwashes, was first used in the treating of infections with remarkable efficacy according to the reports by Atkinson,' Stewart," Webster and Frey,'2 Glickman,4 and Wihr." Aureomycin and streptomycin have also been used as medicament by Goldman and Bloom' and Rosenthal and Winters (1950).10 Previous workers (Lemierre, Reilly, Morin, and Rathery 7 Prevot and Ferly,8 and Lahelle6) have shown that the fusiform bacilli are sensitive, in vitro, to penicillin. The most complete work was that of Lahelle who titrated the drug against 17 strains of Fusobacteria in glucose broth, incubated anaerobically, and found all strains to be sensitive to penicillin, in vitro. The inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.00125 to 0.005 units per milliliter of medium. Rivett and Peterson9 found the growth of fusiform bacilli, at pH 7.2, in a medium containing 0.75 per cent peptone and 0.25 per cent yeast extract, to be inhibited by streptolin, streptothrycin, and streptomycin in the coneentrations of 0.1, 0.06 and 10.0 units per milliliter, respectively. The purpose of this work is to present findings on the in vitro sensitivity of the Fusobacteria, known to be prevalent in the lesions of ulcerative gingivitis, to various antibiotics now available and being used in the therapy of fusospirochetal infections.
Electrocatalytic Activities of La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 and La0.6Ca0.4CoO3-Carbon Composites Toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Concentrated Alkaline Electrolytes

Perovskites exhibit high activities toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media, which are the promising candidates for air-cathode in zinc-air rechargeable batteries. Among them, La 0.6 Ca 0.4 CoO 3 -C was reported with high ORR activities in alkaline solutions. However, the functioning of carbon support towards ORR was rare studied. In this study, La 0.6 Ca 0.4 CoO 3 powder was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer Emmett Teller gas adsorption technique. The electrocatalytic properties of La 0.6 Ca 0.4 CoO 3 (LCCO) and La 0.6 Ca 0.4 CoO 3 -carbon composite (LCCO-C) layers towards the ORR were comparatively studied using the rotating ring-disk electrode technique in 1, 4, and 6 M KOH electrolytes to reveal the functioning of carbon. The Koutecky-Levich theory and Tafel slope analysis were applied to acquire the overall electron transfer number and kinetic parameters, such as kinetic currents, rate constants, and exchange current densities. The overall electron transfer number was measured to be almost 4 for both LCCO and LCCO-C. A synergetic effect toward the ORR was observed when carbon was present in the LCCO layer, explained by an assumed 2+2-electron transfer pathway. The ORR activities and kinetics of LCCO-C were better than LCCO, and the synergetic effect (2+2-electron transfer pathway) is proposed as one possible reason.